The West Bengal government has approved the creation of a new Forest Conservation Reserve in the Kotshila-Jhalda range of Purulia, marking the district’s second protected reserve after Garh Panchakot.

The project aims to strengthen wildlife conservation while promoting eco-tourism and generating livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The proposal, submitted to Aranya Bhawan last month by the Purulia Forest Division, received approval within a month.

The reserve will cover around 4,500 hectares across the Kotshila-Simani and Jhalda forest areas, which serve as an important wildlife corridor linking forests in West Bengal and neighbouring Jharkhand.

Speaking to The Statesman, Joypur MLA Biswajit Mahato said, “The state government has given the green signal to develop this forest area by combining the sectors into a conservation reserve. This will be the second such reserve in the district after Garh Panchakot, and we are confident it will significantly boost wildlife and nature tourism.”

The reserve has been proposed under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, which provides legal protection to ecologically significant government-owned forests that function as buffer zones and wildlife corridors.

Forest officials said the Kotshila-Jhalda forests support a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants migrating from the Dalma forest range in Jharkhand, along with leopards, sloth bears, grey wolves, Indian striped hyenas, pangolins, barking deer, chital, wild boar, nilgai, golden jackals and rock pythons.

Camera traps have also recorded rare species such as honey badgers and rusty-spotted cats.

Baghmundi MLA Rahidas Mahato said the forests have long remained a safe habitat for wildlife.

“Kotshila-Jhalda is now all set to become a protected forest. It has remained a safe haven for rare wildlife, including tigers and leopards,” Mahato said.

Forest officials said the area’s ecological importance came into focus after a Royal Bengal tiger from Jharkhand’s Palamau forests entered the region a few years ago, reinforcing its significance as a wildlife corridor.

Divisional Forest Officer Anjan Guha said work has begun with the district Land and Land Reforms Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

“The project will focus on habitat improvement, wildlife protection and conservation of the forest ecosystem.” Guha said.

Officials said the DPR will include plans for watchtowers, trap cameras, control rooms, thermal and night-vision drones, medicinal plantations and improved wildlife monitoring.

The project also proposes solar lighting, community infrastructure, road improvements and livelihood initiatives to support local residents.

Assistant Divisional Forest Officer Sayani Nandi said awareness programmes over the years had significantly reduced human-wildlife conflict in the region.

“With local communities now actively participating in wildlife conservation, the government plans to promote homestays, birdwatching, medicinal gardens and skill development programmes, including lac cultivation and forest-based farming, to strengthen eco-tourism and create sustainable employment opportunities,” she said.

Amid increasing attacks on ships in the Ukraine conflict, the government on Sunday asked Indian nationals intending to undertake employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments.

Those who choose to undertake such employment should exercise the utmost caution and observe certain precautions, it said in a travel advisory.

The advisory said the Indian nationals undertaking employment must obtain comprehensive information from employers/ recruitment agencies and ship operators regarding the vessel’s intended route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage, and emergency response procedures.

They must ensure that the terms of employment comply with applicable international maritime standards and provide adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation, and compensation in the event of an emergency.

The advisory said the Indian nationals must keep family members informed of their itinerary and maintain regular contact. They should regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, and other relevant Government of India authorities, as well as safety instructions issued by vessel operators and the competent maritime authorities.

The advisory said the security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict. Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks.

Since April 2026, there has been an increase in the number of such incidents on commercial vessels, which has also resulted in the tragic loss of five Indian lives.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Ukraine on Sunday said it is monitoring the situation after the vessel MV AGN Ragnar was struck at the Port of Odesa on Saturday.

In a social media post on X, the Embassy said, “Four Indian nationals were on board the vessel. As per the latest information, two have been confirmed safe, and information is awaited regarding the other two nationals. Search and rescue operations are underway.’’

It said the embassy is in constant touch with the concerned authorities.

One person was killed and several others were injured when a private limited-stop bus overturned on National Highway 66 at Kuttippuram in Kerala’s Malappuram district on Sunday morning.

The injured were rushed to Kuttippuram Taluk Hospital and Healfort Hospital in Kuttippuram. Three of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially released. Local residents said the victim died on the spot after being thrown from the bus onto the road.

The private bus, carrying passengers from Kozhikode to Thrissur, lost control while negotiating a rain-soaked stretch of the highway.

It crashed into a concrete road divider and overturned onto a car parked on the opposite side of the highway. The impact of the crash was so severe that the middle portion of the bus ripped apart, splitting it into two pieces.

Eyewitnesses alleged that overspeeding caused the accident. Local residents, emergency personnel, and highway police immediately launched rescue operations and pulled trapped passengers out of the mangled wreckage.

The Lok Sabha is set for a politically charged debate on Monday as the Centre introduces and seeks passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, its flagship legislative response to the examination crisis that has convulsed the country and culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday.

The proposed law, aimed at significantly tightening India’s legal framework against examination paper leaks and organised examination fraud, comes amid continuing outrage over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and other examination-related controversies that sparked an unprecedented nationwide student movement, weeks of Opposition protests and repeated disruptions in Parliament.

The Bill will be taken up barely two days after the Union Cabinet approved a package of stringent anti-paper leak measures and less than 48 hours after Pradhan stepped down following sustained political pressure and nationwide student protests demanding accountability.

His resignation, accepted by President Droupadi Murmu on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was welcomed by Opposition parties and student organisations as a “victory of the youth”, while the government projected it as part of a broader effort to restore public confidence in the examination system and shift the focus towards structural reforms.

According to the Lok Sabha List of Business, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh will move for leave to introduce the Bill and seek its consideration and passage.

The legislation proposes amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, enacted to curb unfair means in public examinations conducted by the Union government and its agencies.

The amendment Bill follows the Union Cabinet’s approval on Friday of a package of tougher anti-paper leak measures intended to significantly strengthen the existing law. The Centre has projected the legislation as its strongest response yet to recurring examination fraud, arguing that harsher punishments, speedier trials and stricter enforcement are necessary to dismantle organised paper leak syndicates and restore faith in India’s public examination system.

According to reports, the Bill proposes raising the maximum punishment for paper leak offences to 10 years’ imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs 10 crore. It also seeks to increase the minimum imprisonment for convicted offenders from the existing three years to five years. In addition, the proposed amendments envisage fast-track courts for the expeditious trial of paper leak cases, quicker investigations and stronger legal mechanisms to ensure timely convictions.

The Cabinet’s approval came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would further strengthen the legal framework against examination fraud during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

In a post on X on Thursday, the Prime Minister said: “More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!”

In another message, Modi described paper leaks as a matter of grave concern and reiterated that safeguarding students remained the government’s highest priority.

“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students.”

He also warned those involved in examination fraud, saying: “Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.”

The proposed amendments come against the backdrop of one of the gravest crises faced by India’s public examination system in recent years. The alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which affected more than 22 lakh aspirants and ultimately led to the cancellation of the examination, triggered nationwide protests by students demanding accountability and comprehensive reforms. The controversy was compounded by allegations of irregularities in the CBSE’s On Screen Marking (OSM) system, fuelling widespread criticism of the administration of public examinations.

The issue dominated the first week of the Monsoon Session, with Opposition parties led by the Congress repeatedly stalling proceedings in both Houses while demanding the resignation of Pradhan and a discussion on the examination crisis. The protests inside Parliament mirrored a wider agitation outside, where students and youth organisations held demonstrations in several parts of the country, culminating in sustained protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Following Pradhan’s resignation, the Opposition described the development as only the “first step”, asserting that the government must now fix institutional accountability, overhaul examination agencies and ensure justice for affected students.

For the government, Monday’s debate offers an opportunity to regain the political initiative after a week dominated by the examination controversy and the Education Minister’s exit. It is expected to argue that the resignation, coupled with the proposed legislative overhaul, demonstrates its commitment to protecting students’ interests and eliminating organised paper leak networks through stronger laws and faster prosecution. Opposition parties, however, are likely to maintain that legislative amendments cannot by themselves address systemic failures in examination governance and are expected to press for broader administrative and institutional reforms.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, enacted after earlier incidents of examination fraud, criminalised paper leaks, impersonation, unauthorised access to confidential examination material and organised cheating in public examinations conducted by the Union government and its agencies. It prescribed imprisonment ranging from three to five years and fines extending to ₹10 lakh for individuals, while organised crime syndicates and service providers facilitating examination fraud faced even stricter penalties.

The 2026 amendment seeks to substantially strengthen these provisions in light of the scale and sophistication of recent paper leak rackets. Besides prescribing tougher punishments, it aims to create a stronger deterrent through faster prosecution, improved coordination among investigative agencies and dedicated fast-track courts to ensure that cases do not remain pending for years.

With political tempers still running high despite the resignation of the Education Minister, Monday’s debate is expected to be one of the most closely watched discussions of the Monsoon Session. While the government will seek to present the Bill as a decisive corrective measure to restore the credibility of India’s examination system, the Opposition is expected to use the debate to underscore what it calls the deeper governance failures that precipitated the crisis. The proceedings will be closely followed by millions of students, parents and educators as Parliament considers what could become India’s toughest anti-paper leak legislation to date.

A viral social media post from Archita Sachin Rahar, daughter of BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, allegedly regarding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Union Education Minister has sparked resentment in the party.

According to reports, Rahar, in a post on Instagram that had a photograph of Pradhan in the backdrop of the national flag, wrote, “Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid massive student protests over NEET leak fiasco.”

Pradhan resigned on Saturday, July 25, in the wake of the students’ protest at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital over paper leaks.

In another social media post, Rahar wrote that she would not remove her previous post. Some time later, her account on Instagram was reportedly deactivated.

“Also, to DP’s PA who is sure to text my mother asking me to delete my previous story (it has happened before) — Don’t bother. I won’t delete. Jai Jagannath! Jai Hind,” she wrote.

On the other hand, several Odisha BJP leaders, including her mother, expressed sympathy to Pradhan.

In a post on X, Aparajita Sarangi on Saturday night wrote, “Sri @dpradhanbjp ji has tendered his resignation today. Resigning after owning moral responsibility calls for a lot of courage. I stand by him in this very difficult time. I wish for him the best for the days to come. May Lord Jagannath shower HIS Blessings upon him.”

Sri @dpradhanbjp ji has tendered his resignation today.
Resigning after owning moral responsibility calls for a lot of courage.
I stand by him in this very difficult time.
I wish for him the best for the days to come.
May Lord Jagannath shower HIS Blessings upon him.

— Aparajita Sarangi, MP,( Lok Sabha) Bhubaneswar (@AprajitaSarangi) July 25, 2026

Talking about the matter, the MP’s office assistant Dhaneswar Barik told PTI, “Everyone has the right to express their views. Her daughter, who is from Gen Z, said she stands by her statement. She has the right to speak her mind”.

On being asked whether Rahar’s social media post had put her mother in trouble, Barik added, “Only time will tell.”

BJP leaders from Odisha were quick to criticise Rahar over her post.

Jagannath Pradhan, who unsuccessfully contested the 2024 Assembly polls from Bhubaneswar Central seat on a BJP ticket, said, “Pradhan is son of the soil. His resignation has hurt us. Odias have welcomed the daughter of Bihar (Aparajita) and made her MP twice.”

“Sarangi should have control over her family members. She should tender an apology to Odisha for her daughter making adverse remarks against Pradhan. As an educated person, the MP’s daughter should not make such statements against Pradhan, who had immense contributions to Odisha and India,” he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday declared that India would hold talks with Pakistan only on Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), asserting that the region is an integral part of India under their illegal occupation.

Speaking at the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras in Ladakh, the Defence Minister said any challenge to India’s sovereignty would invite a decisive military response.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC 14 Corps Lt General Madanraj Pande and GOC 8 Mountain Division Maj General AP Singh also joined Rajnath Singh in paying homage to the Kargil War heroes.

Singh said the success of Operation Sindoor established India’s capability to respond to Pakistan’s “misadventures” with a severity far beyond its imagination. He maintained that India had made it clear it would no longer differentiate between terrorists and the governments that harbour and support them.

The Defence Minister accused Pakistan of making terrorism an instrument of state policy, alleging that its military works in tandem with terror groups. He said India, on the other hand, was focused on innovation, economic growth and technological advancement while remaining fully prepared to counter any cross-border threat.

He said the trajectories of India and Pakistan had diverged sharply over the past 27 years after the Kargil war, with India emerging as a centre of innovation and technological progress while Pakistan remained preoccupied with terrorism, infiltration and radicalisation. “India is manufacturing semiconductors; Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers. India is building a start-up ecosystem, while Pakistan is constructing a terror ecosystem,” he added.

“The success of Operation Sindoor is proof that India possesses the capability to respond to Pakistan’s every misadventure with a severity far beyond its imagination,” said Singh, reiterating that there would be no talks with Pakistan, and any dialogue would focus solely on PoK, which, he described, as an integral part of India illegally occupied by Pakistan.
Singh asserted that, in Pakistan, the distinction between the military and militants has vanished, with the country making terrorism a part of its state policy. “Pakistan’s military not only shelters terrorist organisations but also works with them. That is why, during Op Sindoor, we made it clear that India no longer views terrorists and the governments that nurture them as separate entities,” he said.

Singh asserted that the Central government possesses the political will to give the defence forces a free hand to respond decisively to threats, exuding confidence that no adversary would dare cast a hostile eye on India while its soldiers guard the nation’s borders.
The Defence Minister paid glowing tributes to India’s gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defend the motherland during the 1999 Kargil War. He remembered the countless bravehearts, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, who continue to inspire the nation, especially the youth. He termed Kargil Vijay Diwas as a day of inspiration for every young person who seeks to understand the distinction between personal success and national duty. “This day teaches us that the spirit of ‘sacrifice’ and ‘service’ forms the backbone of any nation,” he said.

He highlighted that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is according highest priority to national security and the welfare of soldiers. “Kargil War has taught us that we must remain ever-vigilant at our borders in every season and under all circumstances”, he said, pointing out that border infrastructure is being continuously strengthened, with equal emphasis being laid on modernising the military capabilities in sync with the changing times to enhance their operational efficiency.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals to carefully assess the security risks before accepting employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected Black Sea region, citing a sharp rise in missile and drone attacks that has claimed the lives of five Indian seafarers since April this year.

The advisory comes against the backdrop of the continuing conflict in and around the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under attack, posing serious risks to merchant vessels and their crews.
“The security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict,” the MEA said. “Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks.”

The Ministry noted that attacks on commercial vessels had increased since April 2026 and said these incidents had “resulted in the tragic loss of 5 Indian lives.”
Advising Indian nationals to exercise extreme caution, the MEA said those considering employment on ships operating in the conflict-affected region should first obtain comprehensive information from employers, recruitment agencies and ship operators about the vessel’s intended route, ports of call, security arrangements, insurance coverage and emergency response procedures.

The Ministry also stressed that seafarers should ensure their employment contracts comply with applicable international maritime standards and include adequate provisions for medical care, evacuation, repatriation and compensation in the event of emergencies.
In addition, the advisory urged Indian nationals to keep their family members informed of their travel itinerary and maintain regular contact throughout their voyage.
The MEA further advised seafarers to regularly monitor and comply with advisories issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration and other relevant Government of India authorities, as well as safety instructions issued by vessel operators and competent maritime authorities.

“In particular, Indian nationals are advised to refer to the recent Security Advisory issued by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on 23 July 2026,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry also appealed to Indian nationals requiring assistance to remain in touch with Indian diplomatic missions in the region. It advised those needing consular support to contact the Embassy of India in Russia or the Embassy of India in Ukraine through the emergency numbers provided in the advisory.

India has one of the world’s largest pools of merchant navy personnel, with thousands of Indian seafarers serving on international commercial vessels across global shipping routes. The latest advisory underscores the growing risks faced by civilian shipping in conflict zones and reiterates the government’s appeal for Indian nationals to make informed decisions before accepting assignments in high-risk maritime areas.

A day after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called off its 36-day-long protest following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as the Union education minister on Saturday, the iconic Jantar Mantar, a prominent site for agitations, wore a deserted look on Sunday.

Following this development, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) declared that the 18-odd metro stations, which had shut their entry and exit gates due to the unprecedented crowd during the protest, were open to the public. “All stations of the Delhi Metro network are open (both entry and exit) for passenger services,” the DMRC said in a social media post on the handle X.

For a couple of days, when the protest at Jantar Mantar peaked, around 18 metro stations had been shut, citing security reasons.

Meanwhile, the lanes around Jantar Mantar on Sunday appeared very different compared to the previous couple of days, as they had been full of protestors and people who had come in support of the CJP protest.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) began a massive cleanliness drive at Jantar Mantar and the adjoining lanes, including restoration and beautification work in the wee hours. Officers and staff, along with equipment, started the cleaning process, while NDMC Vice- Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal personally monitored the work.

Jantar Mantar, Tolstoy Marg, Sansad Marg, Jai Singh Marg, and the adjoining areas of Connaught Place underwent this cleanliness drive with the sanitation teams working to restore the streets after the protests.

According to the council, Chahal, had reached Jantar Mantar after the protest concluded and remained present at the site throughout the night, personally supervising the cleanliness, waste removal, repair and restoration work.

He directed the officers to complete all work promptly while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Chahal visited again during the day to review the completed work and ensure the entire area was clean, safe, well-maintained and fully ready for public use.

In an appeal to the people, he said that transforming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat mission into a true people’s movement is the collective responsibility of every citizen, urging them to maintain cleanliness in public places, and protect public property.

According to officials, approximately 60 metric tonnes of waste were removed through the special overnight sanitation drive by Sunday evening.

All eyes are on Monday when the two Houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha—reconvene for the first time after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Education Minister. While the Opposition INDIA bloc is expected to finalise its strategy for the remainder of the Monsoon Session at a meeting of its floor leaders on Monday morning, sources claim Parliament may face disruptions if the government does not agree to two new demands.

Following Pradhan’s resignation on Saturday, Opposition leaders indicated they are open to allowing regular legislative business and debate, provided Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes an official statement on the floor of the House detailing the scale of the NEET-UG examination leaks.

The Congress is also demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on police crackdowns and the alleged brutality against protesting students.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Shah, seeking accountability for the “barbaric assault” on peacefully protesting students and asking whether he authorised the use of “lethal force”, including pellet guns. Gandhi said peaceful protest is integral to democracy and that it is the government’s responsibility to protect protesters and address their grievances through dialogue.

Observers say the Opposition knows the government is somewhat cornered and seems to have shifted its focus from demanding accountability from a minister to holding Shah directly responsible for authorising police action and the alleged use of pellet guns against students.
Notably, the Union Cabinet has cleared a tougher anti-paper leak Bill to strengthen the Public Examinations Act, and the government plans to table it on Monday.

If the government proceeds with introducing the Bill without addressing these demands, it may provide scope for renewed disruptions.

While chairing the Cabinet meeting that cleared the Bill, the PM said that the legislation should be accorded top priority and directed that it be brought before Parliament at the earliest.

However, opposition leaders argue that legislative changes cannot be used to sidestep systemic accountability.

There seems to be another point of view.

As the Narendra Modi government seeks the two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha required for constitutional amendments, the Opposition sees this as an opportunity to stall any move to introduce legislation linked to delimitation.

A constitutional amendment requires passage in both Houses by a special majority—more than half of the total membership of each House and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. Importantly, the House must be in order at the time of voting.

The Opposition’s arithmetic has also changed since the last session, with parties such as the Trinamool Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) weakened by defections.

If INDIA bloc parties such as the NCP (SP) or the DMK support or abstain during voting, it would change the entire number game. Since constitutional amendments require the support of two-thirds of members present and voting, abstentions, absences, or walkouts by Opposition parties would improve the government’s chance of securing the passage.

Stressing the need to encourage the culture of entrepreneurship and risk-taking in West Bengal, state Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said that the government will formulate a dedicated startup policy after tabling its new industrial policy by August 15.

“The industrial policy will be tabled within August 15. The startup policy will be done later,” Dasgupta said at the inauguration of AIC Techno, West Bengal’s first Atal Incubation Centre.

Dasgupta said the traditional preference for secure government jobs in Bengal had, over the years, discouraged people from taking entrepreneurial risks.

“People do not want to take risks in Bengal because government jobs are lucrative,” he said, adding that incubation centres such as AIC Techno could help create an alternative mindset among the younger generation.

“These incubation centres will give the younger generation the courage to take risks and create something new. These will help turn youngsters to job creators from job seekers,” he said.

Dasgupta said the West Bengal government would support such initiatives in every possible way and expressed hope that more incubation centres would emerge and compete with one another, helping strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem.

He also said Bengal had managed to catch up with and incorporate some of the more advanced developments witnessed in other parts of the country.

The AIC Techno centre was inaugurated at Techno India University in the presence of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri, Dasgupta, IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty and Techno India Group Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer Meghdut Roychowdhury, among others.

The centre has been established with the support of NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a government initiative aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

Lahiri said technology could not remain confined to inventions and that innovations must also become commercially viable and succeed in the market.

He referred to institutions such as Bengal Chemicals and Bengal Lamps, which he said had once symbolised the state’s industrial development, and stressed the need to revive that entrepreneurial legacy.

He said incubation centres should not merely provide office space and infrastructure but should function as platforms for creating successful entrepreneurs.

AIC Techno has already received nearly 200 startup applications and aims to incubate more than 500 startups over the next five years.

The centre will provide entrepreneurs with mentorship, business advisory services, access to funding and investors, product validation, market linkages, legal and intellectual property support, industry partnerships, workshops and networking opportunities.

IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty said world-class products could not be developed through “jugaad” technology alone and stressed the importance of design engineering, quality, testing and reliable manufacturing alongside innovation.

He suggested a step-by-step roadmap, from “Inspire Bengal” to “Scale Bengal”, to strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem and help innovations grow into successful enterprises.

Roychowdhury said the centre aimed to create an ecosystem where innovative ideas could be transformed into scalable businesses by providing entrepreneurs with mentorship, infrastructure, industry partnerships and access to capital.

AIC Techno is expected to support startups at various stages, from idea validation and prototype development to market entry and business expansion, while bringing together academia, industry, investors, policymakers and innovators.

The initiative is aimed at promoting innovation-led entrepreneurship, generating employment and helping position West Bengal as one of India’s leading startup hubs.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payoff case, moving to summon former Kerala Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, for formal questioning.

The Central agency is tightening its noose around the senior CPM leader following a breakthrough report submitted to the Adjudicating Authority. The ED report submitted to the Adjudicating Authority in Delhi ahead of the confiscation of assets including those of Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter and the accused in the case, T. Veena (Veena Vijayan) is said to contain an indication to summon the former Kerala Chief Minister for interrogation.

Reports surfaced the other day that Sasidharan Kartha, former Managing Director of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) told the ED that the payments made to Veena and her firm were based entirely on his personal relationship with Pinarayi Vijayan.

According to the statement, recorded from Sasidharan Kartha under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and reportedly submitted by the ED before the PMLA Adjudicating Authority, payments of Rs. 2.78 crore were made to Veena Vijayan and Exalogic Solutions between 2017 and 2020.

Furthermore, he explicitly stated that neither Veena nor her IT company, Exalogic Solutions, ever rendered any actual services to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL).

Enforcement Directorate Special Director Prashant Kumar arrived in Kochi last week to review the cases. It is reported that there was a discussion about questioning Pinarayi Vijayan at that time. The instructions given to the officials were that they should proceed with the proceedings after taking permission from Director Rahul Naveen. It is indicated that permission has been given for the questioning at present. If so, Pinarayi Vijayan will be questioned on the basis of Kartha’s statement.

Meanwhile, The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly uncovered new evidence in the ongoing money laundering investigation against Veena T.(Veena Vijayan) ,daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan) and her IT firm, Exalogic Solutions Pvt Ltd.

According to reports filed by the ED before the Adjudicating Authority, Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) transferred Rs.45 lakh in advance to Veena between January 2017 and October 2017, long before any invoices were actually generated or submitted

The ED’s examination of bank records shows that CMRL initiated direct payments to Veena’s personal account well before any invoices were formally issued for software or marketing services

The ED alleges that a total of Rs.2.78 crore was funnelled as bogus software service expenses to Veena and Exalogic without any corresponding services being rendered.

In this connection, the ED claims that it has received more evidence of CMRL money laundering. Sasidharan Kartha’s method of circular payment is to invoice the clients, show the expenses and then collect them back in cash from them. The clients will be paid a commission. The ED says that in this way, irregularities of Rs 182 crore took place over 15 years and Kartha also transferred money to his own company. The ED clarified that it has received evidence of money being transferred from CMRL to the family firm Nipuna and that the transfer was made without the knowledge of the shareholders.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been awarded the first prize for its Outstanding Contribution to Urban Civic Services and Public Welfare at the Delhi Government Achievements & Schemes Expo 2026, held here at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.

The Expo featured 71 stalls representing various government departments, public sector enterprises, and other organisations.

Among all the participating exhibitors, the MCD secured the first prize for its outstanding efforts in delivering citizen-centric civic services, public welfare initiatives, and innovative urban governance.

The civic body showcased its citizen-centric initiatives and public service innovations through its dedicated stall.

The stall received an overwhelming response from students, citizens, and representatives of various institutions, who visited to learn about the MCD’s flagship initiatives and public welfare programmes.

The MCD stall featured the participation of several key departments, including the Property Tax Department, Department of Environment Management Services (DEMS), Veterinary Services Department, and Public Health Department.

Through interactive displays, working models, informative panels, and awareness material, these departments showcased their ongoing projects, digital initiatives, and citizen-oriented services.

The MCD thanked the organisers for the honour and reaffirmed its commitment to providing efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly services.

India’s sporting fraternity celebrated Anahat Singh’s historic World Junior Squash Championship triumph, with Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and squash great Saurav Ghosal leading the tributes after the teenager became the first Indian to win the prestigious junior world title.

‘This is only the beginning’: PV Sindhu

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu congratulated Anahat and expressed confidence that the 18-year-old’s breakthrough triumph would be the first of many on the international stage.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this young champion, Anahat Singh, for winning the World Junior Squash Championships!” Sindhu wrote on X.

I couldn’t be prouder of this young champion, Anahat Singh, on winning the World Junior Squash Championships! 🇮🇳🏆

One of my favorite memories of Anahat goes back to 2022, when I had the opportunity to speak with her through OGQ. Even at that age, what stood out wasn’t just her… pic.twitter.com/R8RxUEcSR8

— PV Sindhu (@Pvsindhu1) July 26, 2026

Recalling their first interaction through Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) in 2022, Sindhu said Anahat’s maturity stood out as much as her talent.

“Even at that age, what stood out wasn’t just her extraordinary talent, but also the remarkable maturity, composure and clarity with which she carried herself. It left a lasting impression on me.

“I know this is only the beginning. This is the first of many, many big victories to come.”

Shikhar Dhawan calls it an achievement that will inspire generations

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan also hailed Anahat’s feat, describing it as a landmark moment for Indian sport.

“History created! Congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. A phenomenal achievement that will inspire generations. Keep shining!” he posted on X.

History created! 🇮🇳 Congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. A phenomenal achievement that will inspire generations. Keep shining! 👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/wPwEThsOiH

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 26, 2026

Saurav Ghosal: ‘You’ve done something special for Indian squash’

Former India No. 1 and Anahat’s mentor, Saurav Ghosal, praised the youngster’s perseverance and hard work, saying the title was only another milestone in what promises to be a remarkable career.

“The world will see what you produced on the day… You finally put it all together when it mattered the most. But the real fight was won before you stepped on court. The work you’ve put in made the difference,” Ghosal wrote.

In his trademark humorous style, he added, “All the hammering and making fun to get your brain cells working finally paid off.”

“The best thing is there’s hope of so much more to come. Let this be another milestone on the journey to something much, much bigger.”

Anahat scripted history in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final to become the first Indian and the first non-Egyptian champion since Amanda Sobhy in 2010. The victory also ended Egypt’s 15-year dominance of the event and marked a watershed moment for Indian squash.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inaugurated the Union Territory’s first special school for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) in Kargil, marking a historic milestone in the administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable, inclusive and quality education for every child.

Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, and Member of Parliament from Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan were present at the inauguration.

The special school has been established to provide a dedicated learning environment equipped to address the educational, developmental and therapeutic needs of children with special needs, ensuring that every child receives opportunities to learn, grow and lead a life of dignity and independence.

The school features barrier-free infrastructure with ramps, accessible classrooms and child-friendly facilities, along with assistive technologies to support diverse learning needs. It is equipped with dedicated resource rooms, therapy and rehabilitation support, and specialised learning aids to ensure holistic development. The school is backed by trained special educators and support staff.

Addressing the gathering, Saxena said that the inauguration of the special school is not merely the opening of a new educational institution but the beginning of a new chapter in Kargil’s journey towards inclusive education. He observed that the school reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, irrespective of physical, intellectual, sensory or developmental challenges.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the success of inclusive education cannot be achieved by the government alone and requires active participation from society. He appealed to parents, local communities, School Management Committees, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and volunteers to work together to create a compassionate environment where children with special needs are respected for their abilities, welcomed without discrimination and empowered to realise their full potential.

Saxena said that the administration is continuously upgrading educational infrastructure in accordance with CBSE norms and national standards through investments in modern classrooms, science laboratories, ICT facilities, libraries, sports infrastructure and safe learning environments. Referring specifically to the needs of Children with Special Needs, he said that the administration will continue to strengthen barrier-free infrastructure, assistive technologies, accessible classrooms, therapeutic support, resource rooms and trained special educators to ensure that every learner can participate in education with dignity and confidence.

Saxena expressed confidence that the special school would emerge as a centre of excellence for inclusive education and serve as a model institution for empowering Children with Special Needs in Ladakh. Calling for a collective commitment towards inclusive development, the Lieutenant Governor urged all stakeholders to work together to build a Ladakh where every child matters, every learner is valued, and every dream has the opportunity to flourish.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, paying rich tribute to the Kargil Martyrs at a blood donation camp held in North West Delhi’s Rohini on Sunday, said, “Blood shed in defence of the motherland secures our freedom and blood donated in service of humanity preserves life. Both represent the highest forms of selfless sacrifice for the nation.”

Addressing a gathering of locals at the annual blood donation camp organized at the Maharaja Agrasen Bhawan in Rohini, commemorating the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, he offered floral tributes to the martyrs while appreciated the efforts of the organizers in linking the sacred memory of Indian soldiers with a noble humanitarian initiative.

Addressing office bearers, military veterans, and the donors on the occasion, the speaker recounted the heroic achievements of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

He noted that 27 years ago, country’s brave soldiers secured the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country under extreme weather conditions and daunting terrain. By scaling rugged heights to evict intruders, the heroes of Kargil ensured that the Tricolour flew high, and with proud over the mountains of Ladakh.

Sharing personal reflections from his visit to Ladakh and the battlefields of Kargil, the Speaker recalled standing on the historic grounds where the fierce battle was fought.

He detailed his interactions with local residents in border village such as Thang, highlighting the historic valor displayed during earlier conflicts, including the 1971 war when Indian troops reclaimed nearly 800 square kilometers of territory in sub-zero temperatures.

He emphasized that the unwavering morale and strength of the Indian armed forces continue to serve as a deep source of national inspiration.

Expressing deep gratitude to the military veterans present at the event, Gupta emphasized that the spirit of sacrifice exhibited by the defence forces remains the bedrock of India’s peace, stability, and progress.

He stated that victory in Kargil was not merely a military accomplishment but a testament to the indomitable resolve of the Indian nation which refuses to concede an inch of its sacred land.

He remarked that voluntary blood donation is among the highest acts of public service, transforming memory into meaningful civic duty, and urged citizens, especially youth, to honor the legacy of India’s armed forces through active participation in nation-building and selfless service to society.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya issued a stern warning against raising “Kashmir Mange Azadi” slogans during protests, reminding that those indulging in such cries would face serious consequences.

Bhattacharya was speaking at a programme organised to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas at BT Road in north Kolkata. After paying floral tributes to Kargil martyr Kanad Bhattacharya on Sunday, the BJP leader alleged that anti-national elements were once again attempting to create unrest in the country.

Kanad Bhattacharya, a resident of north Kolkata, was among the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

Paying homage to the martyr, Bhattacharya said the sacrifices of Indian soldiers must never be forgotten and reiterated the need to remain vigilant against forces seeking to undermine the country’s unity and sovereignty.

Referring to the Kashmir issue and India’s partition, the BJP leader said Pakistan has consistently attempted to destabilise India by exploiting the Kashmir question.

“Any conspiracy against the country would be dealt with firmly,” he said.

Without naming any particular organisation, Bhattacharya also targeted Left parties, alleging that “Communists had once sought to fragment the country into multiple parts” and claimed that “anti-national forces have again become active.”

His remarks came in the backdrop of recent protests over the NEET controversy.

Referring to demonstrations held in Delhi and Kolkata, Bhattacharya alleged that violence had erupted during a student rally in central Kolkata on Friday and claimed that journalists were assaulted during the protest.

He further alleged that “Azadi” slogans had been raised during the march.

“There will be no leniency towards those who raise slogans such as ‘Kashmir Mange Azadi’ while standing in Kolkata,” Bhattacharya said.

In a controversial remark, he added that those shouting such slogans “should not be able to return home directly” and should instead have to “visit the outpatient department of a government hospital.”

He further said that the police would be asked to ensure that the law is enforced strictly against individuals raising slogans that, according to him, challenge the country’s integrity.

“We are telling the police that the law must take its own course,” Bhattacharya said, while reiterating that the BJP would not tolerate activities it considers anti-national.

On the eve of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s visit to north Bengal, the prolonged agitation by workers of the crisis-ridden Longview Tea Estate in Darjeeling district gathered fresh momentum on Sunday as tea workers and rights activists launched a unique “Long March to Longview” from Darjeeling’s Chowrasta (The Mall) in solidarity with workers whose relay hunger strike will enter its 95th day on Monday.

Organised by the Hill Plantation Employees’ Union (HPEU), the march has brought together members of the Longview Paribartan Movement, Laliguras, a social welfare organisation, Gorkha activists, and a few rights groups. The marchers are expected to reach the hunger strike venue at Longview Tea Estate on Pankhabari Road on Monday.

The renewed mobilisation comes at a time when Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to visit Jalpaiguri for official engagements, placing the spotlight once again on the unresolved crisis at the tea estate.

Breaking nearly a decade of silence, the workers revived their movement in 2024 through a series of phased agitations to press for payment of long-pending statutory and financial dues. As part of the ongoing protest, workers and their supporters have been observing relay hunger strikes in rotating batches of 72 hours.

According to the HPEU, the agitation has already yielded partial results. Since the hunger strike began, Rs 1.28 crore in pending wages and salaries has been released, while Rs 3.07 lakh has been deposited towards employees’ Provident Fund (PF) dues. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is continuing the process of recovering the remaining PF arrears. The EPFO has also sealed the tea estate’s office and factory for non-payment of PF contributions.

The workers, however, have refused to withdraw their agitation, demanding clearance of all outstanding dues, including nearly Rs 12 crore in PF contributions, Rs 84 lakh in gratuity, Rs 20 lakh in Leave Travel Allowance (LTA), besides pending wages and salaries.

HPEU senior leader Samik Chakraborty claimed that tea estate owner Govinda Garg was arrested on 25 July, adding that the arrest marked a significant development in the workers’ prolonged struggle. However, there was no immediate official confirmation available from the authorities.

Meanwhile, Longview Tea Estate owner Govind Garg was arrested by police under the Kurseong Police station from Salt Lake, Kolkata, on Saturday. He was brought to Sukna Block Hospital for a medical examination on Sunday before being produced before the Kurseong court, which rejected his bail plea and remanded him to five days of police custody for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the administration has convened a meeting at the tea estate on Monday and has invited all trade unions.

The Longview agitation had earlier drawn the attention of Minister of State for Labour Bhaskar Bhattacharya, who visited the estate and appealed to the workers to withdraw the hunger strike. The workers, however, decided to continue their protest, maintaining that their demands remain only partially fulfilled.

With the relay hunger strike entering its 95th day on Monday and hundreds of marchers expected to converge at the estate, the agitation is likely to intensify even as the Chief Minister tours from Siliguri to Jalpaiguri.