Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and sharing its international border with Bangladesh to the west, Kolkata is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It was previously known as Calcutta (official name until 2001) and was ruled by the Nawab of Bengal under Mughal suzerainty in the late 17th century. It also served as the capital of British-led territories in India until 1911, following which the capital was moved to New Delhi.
Being the primary business, commercial and financial hub of Eastern India, the former capital of India is home to the Calcutta Stock Exchange (second oldest Indian govt. stock exchange in South Asia). The city also has the main port of communication for north-east India. Interestingly, the port of Kolkata is India’s oldest operating port.
Kolkata’s most important and largest festival, the Durga Puja festival depicts the artistic decorations and glamorous celebrations in the city. Given the title of ‘the cultural capital of India’ and often called the "City of Furious, Creative Energy", Kolkata is also known for its artistic, literary and revolutionary heritage and has a number of tourist sites to offer. Many prominent buildings of Kolkata are embellished with Indo-Islamic and Indo-Saracenic architectural themes. The famous Marble Palace is one such classic example of a European Mansion built-in the city.
Another prominent spot is the Victoria Memorial which has a museum documenting the city’s history. Apart from these, the city has the leading public library in the country, the National Library of India while the Science City is the largest Science centre in the Indian subcontinent.
Passionate football fans gathered outside the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata ahead of the historic international friendly between India and Brazil. The atmosphere remained electric as supporters arrived donning both Indian and Brazilian colours, reflecting divided loyalties. Several supporters expressed admiration for Brazil stemming from the 2002 World Cup, while maintaining love for Indian football and hoping the national side would score. Fans referenced India's previous one-all draw against Panama to express confidence in a strong performance. Visiting supporters and international fans voiced expectations to see players such as Vinicius Junior and Endrick in action, anticipating a competitive match. Additionally, student supporters who travelled from Bhopal shared their enthusiasm, stating they hoped for an Indian victory to encourage the overall growth of football across the nation.
India vs Brazil: The five-time World Champions are in town and Kolkata has already given a sensational welcome to the city. But will the fans actually turn up to the Salt Lake stadium for the clash? With the high ticket prices being a major talking point, we preview how the city is ready for the exciting clash on Sunday.
Vinicius Junior and Gabriel walked onto the pitch together to loud cheers, setting the tone for a Brazil training session that felt less like the eve of a friendly and more like a 'World Cup occasion' at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium here on Friday.
Kolkata is making extensive preparations to host five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil for a historic friendly match against the Indian football team at Swami Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on 3 October. The stadium pitch and locker rooms have been prepared to welcome international stars including Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimarães, and Raphinha. The All India Football Federation alongside the West Bengal government has implemented robust security and organizational measures to ensure smooth conduct following past event issues. The fixture marks a historic moment where the Blue Tigers face world-ranked fifth Brazil, followed by a match against Uruguay.
Nationwide protests by opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls lead the day's political developments, with the BJP defending the exercise. Former judges Justice Sanjiv Banerjee and Justice Gupta examine the constitutional validity of the electoral revision and the burden of proof placed on voters. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of five rape cases reported in Delhi over five weeks and directed authorities to conduct safety audits of public spaces. The court also addressed concerns over street lighting and police patrolling. Reports from Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata and Bengaluru highlight women's concerns over safety. In Punjab, Lovely Professional University suspended classes and examinations following student protests over sexual assault allegations. In corporate news, Noel Tata has proposed merging operating entities with Tata Sons to address non-banking financial company regulations. In sports, Indian shooter Esha Singh secured a silver medal at the Asian Games.
The Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of recent rape cases in Delhi, noting that five rape cases took place within five weeks in the national capital. The court issued observations addressing failures in law enforcement and civic administration, stating that living without fear is a fundamental right and public spaces cannot become high-risk zones. Pointing out lax police patrolling and poorly lit roads, the court drew a parallel to the Nirbhaya case and sought a status report on safety schemes while ordering an audit of vulnerable areas. The developments follow incidents reported from Kalkaji in Delhi to Jamui in Bihar. An India Today ground reality check across public spaces and parks in Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Bengaluru highlighted issues regarding non-functional streetlights, lack of CCTV camera surveillance, and absent police patrolling after dark.
Opposition parties are uniting to seek the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee reaching out to long-time political rival CPI(M) and holding discussions with Rahul Gandhi to convene an all-opposition meeting in Delhi. CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby wrote to INDIA bloc constituents on 23 September, drawing a swift response from Banerjee, whose party MPs are reportedly in touch with left leaders at the Centre. TMC asserts that rivalries must be set aside to save democracy. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an attack, stating that neither the Trinamool Congress nor the CPI(M) holds significant presence in West Bengal following recent assembly elections. Calling the unity a survival tactic and optics, the BJP stated that the opposition must take their proof to court rather than protesting on the streets. Congress members have staged nationwide street protests, including demonstrations in Kolkata, as opposition parties amplify their agitation against the CEC.
Congress workers staged protests across several states on Friday, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid the political row over the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Congress party has launched nationwide protests across multiple cities, including Jammu, Dehradun, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Delhi, seeking the resignation, removal, and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party workers hit the streets, burnt effigies, and planned protest marches towards local Election Commission offices amid heavy security deployments and water cannons. The demonstrations follow reports of alleged internal rifts among election commissioners concerning the Special Summary Revision exercise across several states. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, have reiterated allegations of election rigging against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming the Election Commission is operating at the behest of political masters. In Jammu, National General Secretary Nasir Hussain joined demonstrators demanding immediate action and accountability from the poll body. Meanwhile, political reactions also emerged, with Union Minister Chirag Paswan stating that the Election Commission should leave no stone unturned to clarify voter doubts, even as the ruling party dismissed the opposition's claims as repeated electoral frustration.
Congress workers took to the streets in Kolkata to stage a protest against the Election Commission, demanding the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Led by West Bengal Pradesh Congress President Shubhankar Sarkar and AICC observer Prakash Joshi, workers initiated a march from outside Kolkata University towards the chief electoral officer's office. The demonstration follows a press conference by Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi questioning the electoral process. Amid heightened security, protesters displayed flags and placards, raising allegations regarding voter lists and the election system.
Congress workers gathered outside Calcutta University in Kolkata, launching a protest march towards the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office. Led by West Bengal Pradesh Congress President Subhankar Sarkar, party workers held placards demanding the immediate arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations follow Rahul Gandhi's press conference and nationwide protest calls amid escalating scrutiny and questions regarding reported dissent by two election commissioners over the conduct of elections. Heightened security, heavy barricading, and increased police deployment were put in place in both Delhi and Kolkata to maintain order and prevent disruptions.
Chennai Airport has come under scrutiny following concerns regarding persistent underperformance, inadequate maintenance, and a decline in national passenger traffic rankings behind Kolkata. Issues highlighted include poor hygiene, poorly maintained restrooms, long waiting queues, baggage handling delays, and landside infrastructure challenges, with aircraft movements remaining below pre-pandemic levels. A communication addressed to the Prime Minister urges a time-bound decision to entrust the operations, management, and future development of the airport to a competitive operator rather than the Airports Authority of India. The demand seeks to improve maintenance, upgrade facilities to international standards, and address persistent passenger grievances.
This news broadcast covers key national and corporate developments, starting with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiating legal adjudication against Nestle India over promotional claims for infant formulas such as NAN EXELA Pro Stage 1 and Lactogen Pro 1 under the Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act.
On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju reflected on Modi's leadership style, work ethic, and national security governance.
Grand celebrations are underway on the banks of the River Hooghly in Kolkata to mark the 76th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. West Bengal government departments have organised events featuring illuminated barges, traditional boats, laser light shows, a fire show, and the lighting of approximately one lakh electric diyas despite heavy rains in the city. The event also highlights the Prime Minister completing 25 years in public service on October 7, while emphasising double-engine growth and public expectations from the administration.
The Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 madarsas and served show-cause notices to 100 institutions following a statewide verification drive across 22 districts, including Kolkata. A survey revealed that while 2,132 madarsas possess valid approval, 2,396 are operating without the required authorisation. Malda recorded the highest closures at 45, followed by Uttar Dinajpur with 37. State Minority Affairs Minister Shudhiram Tudu clarified that recognised institutions will remain operational and noticed institutions will receive an opportunity to respond. While Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh defended the decision citing unregulated functioning and security concerns, TMC MLA Pirzada Qasim Siddiqui accused the authorities of deliberately targeting the Muslim community.
A controversy over food and faith has erupted in West Bengal ahead of the Durga Puja festive season following remarks by Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Shastri during his Hanuman Katha in Howrah's Liluah. The preacher questioned the practice of eating non-vegetarian food near Durga idols and pandals during Navratri, calling on devotees to boycott such practices. West Bengal BJP leaders pushed back against the remarks, asserting that the state's traditional food habits cannot be dictated and noting that non-vegetarian offerings and mutton consumption remain part of traditional rituals like Navami and Ma Kali worship. Meanwhile, fresh directives for this year's Durga Puja celebrations have been announced in the state, which include a ban on liquor sales on Maha Ashtami, prohibiting DJ music during idol immersion processions, and scrapping the Durga Puja carnival on Kolkata's Red Road. Eligible Durga Puja committees are also set to receive a financial grant of one lakh rupees alongside free electricity.
A controversy has erupted at a missionary school in Kolkata after a teacher allegedly forced a student to repeatedly wipe off a sandalwood tilak from their forehead. Following a complaint filed by the student's father, an FIR was registered at the Alipore police station against the accused teacher. The school management has suspended the teacher and constituted an internal committee to investigate the matter. The incident has triggered a political debate on religious freedom, with questions raised regarding religious symbols in educational institutions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed the action taken, while police continue questioning both the teacher and the student's parents.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and non-teaching staff took out a rally inside the Jadavpur University campus, chanting 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. The protest follows allegations made by the BJP and ABVP regarding anti-national graffiti and activities taking place within the university premises. The demonstration comes days after Shubendu Adhikari issued a stern message directed at the university students and Left Front unions over the issue.
Former India cricket captain and football fan Sourav Ganguly said that Lionel Messi's legacy will be one that is hard to match as the Argentina star announced his retirement from international football. Ganguly also commented on the upcoming India vs Brazil friendly in Kolkata.
