The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sought an urgent appointment with President Droupadi Murmu and the Governor of West Bengal following an alleged attack and vandalism at the party's office on Camac Street in Kolkata on Thursday morning.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that BJP workers were behind the incident, claiming that the attackers entered the party office in the early hours, damaged equipment and took away electronic items. He also questioned the response of the Kolkata Police and demanded action against those responsible. 

TMC Seeks Intervention

The party's decision to approach the President and the West Bengal Governor comes amid heightened political tensions in the state. The TMC has sought an opportunity to present its concerns regarding the alleged attack and the law-and-order situation.

The incident took place at the TMC office on Camac Street, a prominent location in central Kolkata. Visuals circulated after the incident showed damage inside the premises, while separate footage purportedly showed masked and helmeted men leaving the office with items including television sets and a printer. 

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges BJP Role

Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP workers of carrying out the alleged attack and described the incident as a serious law-and-order concern. He claimed that party workers were assaulted and that mobile phones and office equipment were taken or damaged.

Banerjee also alleged that the police were informed about the incident but did not respond promptly. He demanded that those involved in the alleged attack be identified and arrested.

The allegations have not been treated as established facts, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation.

BJP Rejects Allegations

The BJP has rejected the TMC's allegations. BJP leader Sajal Ghosh described the incident as staged, according to reports, and questioned the TMC's version of events. 

The competing claims have added to an already tense political atmosphere in West Bengal, with both parties trading allegations over the incident.

Police Investigation Underway

The incident has drawn the attention of Kolkata Police, with reports stating that six people have been detained in connection with the alleged vandalism. Authorities are expected to examine CCTV footage and other evidence to establish what happened at the party office and identify those responsible.

The police investigation will be significant in determining whether the allegations made by the political parties are supported by evidence.

Earlier Dispute at Same Office

The latest incident comes days after another controversy involving the same Camac Street premises. On August 27, a confrontation reportedly broke out when Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, accompanied by police personnel, attempted to remove an allegedly unauthorised hoarding from the building.

TMC leaders Derek O'Brien and Abhishek Banerjee were subsequently questioned by police in connection with that episode. Multiple cases were registered and several people were arrested in the earlier matter. 

Political Tensions Escalate

The latest confrontation is likely to intensify the political exchanges between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal. The TMC has sought intervention from constitutional authorities, while the BJP has disputed the party's account of the incident.

The investigation and any subsequent action by law-enforcement authorities will determine the next course of the matter.

The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has alleged that a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative arrested in East Bardhaman district was part of a larger conspiracy to infiltrate and disrupt a student protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

According to STF officials, Hameem Mandal was acting on instructions from handlers based in Pakistan and had allegedly planned to enter the protest disguised as a police officer to create unrest. The allegations are part of the agency's ongoing investigation and have not yet been tested in court.

STF Claims Pakistan-Based Handlers Directed Operation

Addressing a press briefing, STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said investigators believe Mandal was assigned multiple tasks by Pakistan-based operatives.

Besides the alleged plan to infiltrate the protest, the STF claimed Mandal had also been instructed to monitor the movements of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and gather information related to his security arrangements.

Mandal was arrested earlier this week in East Bardhaman and has been remanded to 14 days of STF custody for further interrogation.

Girlfriend Arrested From Jharkhand

The STF has also arrested Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj, Jharkhand, alleging that she was involved in the conspiracy.

A court has remanded her to 13 days of police custody.

Investigators claim both accused were working under the directions of a Pakistan-linked network allegedly associated with gangster Shahzad Bhatti.

Honey-Trap and Extortion Plot Under Investigation

According to the STF, Mandal and Sarkar allegedly conspired to honey-trap the son of a West Bengal state minister.

Officials claim the plan involved developing a personal relationship with the minister's son, kidnapping him and demanding ransom from the family.

The agency said it is investigating the individual roles of both accused and examining whether additional people were involved in the alleged conspiracy.

Radicalisation Through Social Media

Investigators allege Mandal became radicalised through social media before establishing contact with Pakistan-based operatives.

The STF said international SIM cards linked to the United Kingdom and Mexico were recovered during the investigation and suspects they were used for encrypted communication with handlers and sleeper cells.

According to investigators, Mandal and Sarkar first connected through Instagram around four years ago before meeting in person. The agency claims they were instructed to cultivate relationships with influential individuals to gather sensitive information.

Investigation Began After Minister's Complaint

The STF said the probe began following information about an alleged conspiracy to extort money from a state minister and kidnap his son using a honey-trap.

During the investigation, officers reportedly tracked a social media account operated by Arpita Sarkar, which eventually led them to Mandal.

Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying possible links to a wider network and verifying the extent of the alleged terror module's activities.

The allegations made by the STF are currently under investigation, and the accused have not been convicted of the offences alleged.

Five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil will play India in Kolkata on October 3, marking the first-ever meeting between the two countries' men's senior national football teams. The historic international friendly will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirming the fixture on Thursday evening. Brazil, currently ranked fifth in the world according to the information provided, will also become the highest-ranked opponent India, placed 138th, have ever faced. The fixture could bring some of world football's biggest names to Kolkata. While Neymar Jr is no longer part of Brazil's plans, players such as Vinicius Jr and captain Marquinhos could potentially feature, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to be in charge from the dugout. Final squad selection, however, will determine which Brazilian stars actually travel to India.

The CBF described the October 3 fixture as a special occasion, noting India's enormous support for the Brazilian national team across generations. For Kolkata in particular, Brazil and Brazilian football have a deep connection. The city's most famous encounter with a Brazilian football icon came in 1977, when Pele and New York Cosmos played Mohun Bagan in a 2-2 draw. Pele returned to Kolkata decades later in 2015, but Brazil's senior national team has never previously played on Indian soil. Salt Lake Stadium has hosted other major international football moments as well, including Argentina's match against Venezuela in 2011, when Lionel Messi captained his country for the first time. AIFF called the upcoming India-Brazil match a “date for the history books”. The fixture comes after months of negotiations led by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey. An AIFF official said convincing a team of Brazil's stature to travel to India and play the national side was not an easy task. The federation is also exploring whether at least one or possibly two Brazil training sessions can be opened to the public, giving supporters another chance to watch the visitors.

Brazil are scheduled to arrive in Kolkata after playing Australia on September 25 and 29. India, meanwhile, face a scheduling challenge because the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia runs from September 24 to October 3. AIFF has therefore decided to send a separate squad for that competition, while another group prepares for the Brazil friendly. Training plans will be worked out in consultation with ISL clubs. According to an AIFF official cited in the information provided, the Indian Super League, currently scheduled to begin on September 4, could potentially be deferred until after the international window ends on October 6. AIFF deputy secretary-general Satyanarayan Muthyalu described Brazil's visit as a landmark chapter for Indian football, while national team director and former India goalkeeper Subrata Paul said playing such opponents can challenge players to grow. India's women's team has previously faced Brazil, playing them in a four-nation tournament in Manaus in 2021, where Manisha Kalyan scored for India. For the men's team, though, October 3 will be entirely new territory. Facing the five-time world champions at one of India's most iconic football venues will provide the Blue Tigers with a rare test and give Kolkata's passionate football supporters a first chance to watch the Brazilian senior national team play in India.

According to a report by ESPN Brazil, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is in the final stages of talks with local organisers to stage the match. Brazil have already confirmed two friendlies against Australia in September — the first in Townsville on September 25, the second in Brisbane on September 29 — and are now looking at a third fixture in India in early October as a follow-on from that trip. An opponent for the proposed India match hasn't been finalised yet.

Discussions between the CBF and Indian organisers reportedly began during this year's FIFA World Cup in the United States, and only a few formalities and a signed contract are said to be remaining before the fixture is confirmed. If it goes through, it would mark Brazil's first appearance on Indian soil in years and a landmark moment for Indian football.

Kolkata's pitch for the match rests heavily on the city's football culture. During the 2026 World Cup, the city turned unmistakably Brazilian — yellow and green jerseys filled its streets and markets, with thousands of fans turning out in support and their photos going viral internationally. North Kolkata's "FIFA Gully" in the Beniatola area became a talking point once again, with locals decorating the entire lane in World Cup themes, including wall paintings of Neymar and Vinicius Junior, Brazilian flags and football-themed artwork that turned the street into something resembling a mini football museum. The tradition dates back to the 2014 World Cup, when residents first decorated the lane using newspaper cuttings and photographs — it has since become a fixture of Kolkata's football identity, drawing thousands of visitors every World Cup cycle.

Kolkata is often called India's football capital, home to historic clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting. Even though India has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, the city has maintained a generations-deep passion for teams like Brazil and Argentina, with the entire city taking on their colours every tournament cycle.

The proposed fixture may fall under FIFA's newly introduced "Super FIFA Window," which gives national teams a 16-day period in which they can play up to four international matches — the structure that's allowing Brazil to schedule both the Australia leg and a potential India stop in the same window.

If confirmed, the match would be more than just a friendly for Indian football — it would represent a rare opportunity to host one of the sport's most successful national teams on home soil, bringing international broadcast attention and a packed stadium that could give Indian football a meaningful moment on the global stage.

West Bengal's political landscape witnessed another dramatic chapter on Martyrs' Day as Mamata Banerjee issued a stern warning to party leaders and workers against joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), declaring that anyone leaving for the BJP would not be welcomed back into her faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The annual political observance assumed greater significance this year as it marked the first Martyrs' Day since the BJP formed the government in West Bengal, amid a deeply altered political landscape following the split in the Trinamool Congress.

Mamata Sends Strong Message to Party Workers

Addressing a large gathering, Mamata Banerjee urged party leaders to remain loyal during challenging political times. She warned that those switching allegiance to the BJP should not expect to return to her party in the future.

The remarks were seen as a direct attempt to prevent further defections amid heightened political competition in the state.

The rally witnessed a massive turnout of supporters despite restrictions imposed on attendance, with party workers gathering to reaffirm support for Mamata's leadership.

Split TMC Holds Separate Martyrs' Day Rallies

For the first time, both factions of the Trinamool Congress observed Martyrs' Day separately following the party's split.

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction organised its rally near Birla Planetarium in Kolkata's Nandan area, while the faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritobrato Banerjee held its programme on Mayo Road near the Gandhi statue.

Meanwhile, the Congress also organised its own Martyrs' Day programme at Shahid Minar, making the day one of the busiest political events in the state.

High Court Alters Traditional Venue

Unlike previous years, the traditional venue at Dorina Crossing in Esplanade was not used for the event.

Following directions from the Calcutta High Court, separate locations were allocated for the rival Trinamool factions to maintain law and order.

The court also imposed attendance limits, permitting a maximum of 2,500 participants at the Mamata Banerjee-led rally and 750 participants at the Ritobrato Banerjee faction's gathering.

Authorities deployed security personnel across central Kolkata to ensure peaceful conduct of all political programmes.

TMC Alleges Stage Vandalism

Ahead of the rally, the Mamata Banerjee faction alleged that the stage prepared for the event was vandalised late Sunday night.

According to senior TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee, around 25 to 30 unidentified motorcycle-borne individuals damaged parts of the stage. The party accused "BJP-backed goons" of carrying out the incident.

Kalyan Banerjee further alleged that despite the High Court's permission for the programme, police personnel were not present near the venue when the alleged vandalism occurred.

Mamata Inspects Venue

After receiving information about the alleged incident, Mamata Banerjee reportedly returned to the rally venue late Sunday night to inspect the stage preparations personally.

The incident added to the already tense political atmosphere surrounding this year's Martyrs' Day observance.

Political Significance

This year's Martyrs' Day carried exceptional political significance due to the changing equations in West Bengal.

The split within the Trinamool Congress, the BJP's rise to power in the state, and the emergence of new political alignments have reshaped Bengal's political landscape.

Political observers believe Mamata Banerjee's remarks against defectors signal an effort to consolidate her support base as the state heads into another phase of intense political competition.

With rival political camps mobilising supporters across Kolkata, Martyrs' Day once again served as a major show of political strength in West Bengal.

Her remarks came shortly after Rajya Sabha MP and Bengali actor-turned-politician Koel Mallick resigned from the Upper House, adding to the series of setbacks for the TMC following the party's defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.

Addressing party workers, Banerjee said those who wished to leave the Trinamool Congress should do so before the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, one of the party's biggest annual political events. She alleged that several leaders were facing political pressure to switch sides but maintained that the party would move forward regardless of individual departures.

"Those who want to go may leave before July 21," Banerjee said, adding that the party would chart a new course after the commemorative rally. The TMC observes July 21 every year to remember the 13 people killed during a Youth Congress protest in Kolkata in 1993, an event that has become central to the party's political identity.

The latest controversy erupted after Koel Mallick resigned from the Rajya Sabha only a few months after taking oath as a Member of Parliament. Although she has not publicly disclosed the reason behind her resignation, her subsequent meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav fuelled speculation about her future political plans.

Koel's resignation has intensified concerns within the Trinamool Congress, which has witnessed multiple high-profile departures in recent weeks. Reports indicate that several former TMC MPs and leaders have either resigned or shifted political allegiance, reducing the party's strength in Parliament and triggering debate over internal unity.

Banerjee, however, attempted to project confidence despite the developments. She suggested that leaders leaving the party were doing so under external pressure and asserted that the organisation remained focused on rebuilding after its electoral setback. According to party sources, preparations for the July 21 rally are continuing as scheduled despite the political turbulence.

The developments have also prompted sharp political reactions. Opposition leaders have claimed the resignations reflect growing dissatisfaction within the TMC, while Banerjee's camp has rejected those allegations, insisting the party remains united and capable of overcoming the current phase.

Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial for West Bengal politics. Any further resignations before July 21 could influence the political narrative ahead of the rally, which is expected to serve as a platform for Banerjee to outline the party's strategy after the Assembly election defeat.

For now, attention remains firmly on whether more TMC legislators or parliamentarians decide to quit before the deadline set by the party chief, or whether the July 21 gathering succeeds in restoring confidence among the party's rank and file.

The death toll in the Bay of Bengal fishing trawler tragedy rose to nine after rescue teams recovered multiple bodies from a sunken vessel off the coast of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, eight days after it went missing. Authorities said six fishermen remain untraceable, with search operations continuing in the region.

The trawler, Jai Maa Kali, had left Shankarpur fishing harbour in East Midnapore district on July 2 with 15 fishermen on board. Contact with the vessel was lost after July 6, prompting a large-scale search involving the Indian Coast Guard, police and local fishing communities.

Bodies Recovered From Sunken Vessel

After an extensive eight-day search, the sunken trawler was located near Bagher Char, around 35 kilometres off the Bakkhali coast, on Saturday.

Officials said the vessel was brought to the Sitarampur coast in Patharpratima on Sunday with assistance from several fishing boats. Rescue personnel then carried out an overnight operation, recovering nine bodies trapped inside the trawler.

Authorities said the bodies had remained underwater for several days and were in an advanced state of decomposition, making visual identification impossible.

DNA Testing To Confirm Identity

Officials confirmed that the identities of the deceased will be established through DNA testing.

Family members of the missing fishermen have gathered outside the Kakdwip Sub-divisional Hospital mortuary, awaiting confirmation of the victims' identities.

The prolonged exposure to seawater has complicated forensic identification, officials said.

Six Fishermen Still Missing

Rescue teams continue to search for the remaining six missing fishermen, with support from the Indian Coast Guard and local authorities.

Among those yet to be traced are three brothers from Odisha's Balasore district—Ravindra Majhi (52), Jayaram Majhi (49) and Jagannath Majhi (45).

According to a family member, the three brothers had regularly travelled to Shankarpur for fishing assignments over the years.

Officials also revealed that although 16 fishermen were initially scheduled to board the trawler, one individual did not join the voyage, reducing the final crew strength to 15.

The remaining missing and deceased fishermen belong to East Midnapore, Howrah and Nadia districts of West Bengal.

Bad Weather Suspected

Preliminary findings suggest the trawler may have capsized due to adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal.

However, authorities have said the exact cause of the accident will only be determined after the completion of a detailed investigation into the sinking.

PM Announces Ex-Gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives.

Search and recovery operations remain underway as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing fishermen and complete the investigation into the incident.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal, will organise a special commemorative programme in Kolkata on Monday to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, launching a series of events as part of the Centre's two-year nationwide celebration dedicated to the eminent nationalist leader.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will attend the event as the chief guest. The programme will also be attended by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, senior state leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.

The day's events will begin with Amit Shah paying floral tributes at Dr Mookerjee's ancestral residence in Bhowanipore, Kolkata. He will later visit Eco Park, where he will perform the ground-breaking and foundation stone laying ceremony for a proposed 125-foot statue of Dr Mookerjee, envisioned as a tribute to his enduring contribution to the nation.

A major attraction of the event will be a special exhibition showcasing Dr Mookerjee's life and legacy. Featuring rare photographs, archival documents and multimedia presentations, the exhibition will highlight his role as a statesman, educationist, parliamentarian and nationalist leader, while tracing his contributions to India's political, educational, cultural and industrial development.

The commemorative programme at Milan Mela Grounds will begin with a collective rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by a grand musical tribute titled "Sur, Sanskriti Evam Rashtra", presented by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT).

The performance will feature 57 accomplished artists representing Indian classical, folk and traditional music traditions. Directed by Padma Shri Tarun Bhattacharya, the musical presentation aims to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage while reflecting Dr Mookerjee's ideals of cultural nationalism, national integration, education and civilisational values.

The Ministry of Culture will also screen a short documentary on Dr Mookerjee's life and achievements. In addition, a special video highlighting the proposed 125-foot memorial statue will be released during the programme.

The Union Government had announced the two-year nationwide celebration in 2025 to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The initiative seeks to honour his lasting legacy and inspire future generations through his contributions to nation-building, public service and national unity.

Officials said the commemorative programme reflects the Government of India's commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of one of the country's prominent nation-builders, whose vision continues to influence India's democratic and developmental journey.

The West Bengal government on Thursday announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening women's safety and tackling cybercrime, including the launch of the 'Durga Squad', Women's Help Desks in every police station and dedicated Cyber Crime Help Desks across the state.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, while unveiling the new initiatives from Nabanna, said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and directed police to take prompt action on every complaint without any interference.

The Chief Minister said police personnel have been given complete operational freedom to register First Information Reports (FIRs), conduct investigations and proceed against offenders in accordance with the law. He stressed that no complaint related to women's safety should be ignored or suppressed.

As part of the initiative, Women's Help Desks will be established in every police station to provide easier access and support for women seeking assistance. The government said the move is intended to improve complaint registration, counselling and immediate police response.

To enhance security in public places, the state has also launched the 'Durga Squad', a dedicated women-led patrol unit. A total of 213 uniformed personnel riding Royal Enfield Bullet 350 motorcycles will patrol cities and towns across West Bengal, responding quickly to incidents involving women in distress.

The government has also focused on the growing threat of cybercrime by announcing Cyber Crime Help Desks in all police stations. Officials said the specialised units will assist victims of online fraud and ensure faster registration and processing of complaints.

According to the government, every cybercrime complaint received at a police station will be uploaded immediately to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Cases will also be processed through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, enabling authorities to freeze fraudulent transactions at the earliest and improve the chances of recovering lost money.

Describing cybercrime as an increasing challenge, Chief Minister Adhikari urged people to report incidents without delay, noting that quick reporting significantly improves the effectiveness of financial fraud investigations.

During the event, the Chief Minister also praised Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta for implementing Women's Help Desks across the state within a short period. He said the police leadership had acted swiftly to strengthen citizen services and improve public safety.

Addressing senior police officers, Adhikari instructed them to ensure that every complaint is registered and investigated strictly according to legal procedures. He emphasised that police stations should function without external influence and that officers would be held accountable for any negligence in handling complaints.

The new measures form part of the state government's broader efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve women's safety and enhance cybercrime response through better infrastructure and quicker police intervention.

Kolkata’s historic Red Road roared with the energy of 35,000 yoga practitioners on Sunday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined them for the 12th International Day of Yoga. The Prime Minister moved among participants, corrected postures, and performed Tadasana, Ardha Chakrasana, Bhadrasana and Trikonasana as the crowd followed the Common Yoga Protocol.

Modi said yoga has become the world’s largest community movement and is uniting people, nations and cultures. “The entire nation, world, seems connected. This is the power of yoga. Yoga connects everyone, brings everyone together,” he said. He also praised West Bengal for carrying forward yoga through saints like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda and Lahiri Mahasaya, calling collective practice on Bengal’s sacred land a unique spiritual experience.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”. Modi explained the theme in personal terms: “We should strive to remain as flexible at 40 as we were at 20, stay as energetic at 50 as we were at 30, and look and remain healthy at 70 as we were at 50.” He said the message is not for the elderly only — it applies to people of all ages.

Before the main session, Modi performed Sukshma Vyayam, a yoga warm-up, and during Sheetali Pranayama he gestured to participants to stick out their tongues while practising the breathing technique. He spent time at different locations across the venue, guiding people on how to perform asanas correctly and interacting with them.

The day’s celebrations were spread across India. In Visakhapatnam, Baba Ramdev led an event where young men and women practised yoga on poles and ropes. In Vadodara, women performed aqua yoga in a swimming pool at the Sama Sports Complex. Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel of the 47th Battalion performed yoga on the banks of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,862 feet.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said yoga is India’s heritage and a gift to the world. “When the world was searching for peace, India gave Lord Buddha, and when the world sought ways to maintain health, Indian sages gifted yoga to humanity,” he said. He urged all Indians to make yoga part of their daily routine.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking after a Mumbai event, highlighted massive participation in West Bengal and said residents of North Mumbai practised yoga on the seashore alongside spiritual leaders. He recalled Modi encouraging him to practise yoga and pranayama during the COVID-19 period and linked good rainfall to better crops, food security and growth.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan extended Yoga Day greetings from Bhopal, saying yoga unites humanity and reflects “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh performed yoga in Shillong. Home Minister Amit Shah practised yoga in Ahmedabad, while Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi also joined celebrations.

June 21 was chosen for International Yoga Day because it is the summer solstice — the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Yogic tradition says on this day Lord Shiva, regarded as the first yogi, began teaching yoga to the Saptarishis. The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21 June 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi, with 35,985 participants including Modi and representatives from 84 countries; the event set two Guinness World Records.

Why it matters: Yoga Day is now a global ritual that crosses borders, age groups and communities. The Prime Minister’s personal participation and public message — “be 50 at 70” — puts healthy ageing in the spotlight, while the scale of participation signals yoga’s cultural reach in India.

West Bengal has officially revised its Bakrid holiday schedule for 2026, putting an end to days of confusion surrounding the festival break across government offices, schools, and public institutions.

According to the latest administrative directive issued by the state government, May 28, 2026 (Thursday), has been declared the sole public holiday for Bakrid, also known as Eid-ul-Adha. The holiday has been notified under the Negotiable Instruments Act, making it applicable for government establishments and notified institutions across the state.

The revised order also confirmed that the previously announced holidays on May 26 and May 27 have been cancelled. Both days will now function as regular working days for government departments, educational institutions, and other state-run offices.

The clarification comes after widespread public discussion and uncertainty over whether the state would observe multiple holidays linked to Bakrid celebrations. Students, government employees, and private sector workers had been awaiting an official confirmation regarding the final holiday calendar.

Administrative officials stated that the updated directive was issued to streamline the official holiday schedule and avoid further confusion. Authorities also advised citizens and institutions to rely only on verified government notifications for information related to public holidays and festival schedules.

Bakrid is one of the major Islamic festivals celebrated across India and is observed with prayers, gatherings, and charitable activities. Since the festival date depends on moon sighting, state governments often review and finalize holiday schedules closer to the occasion.

In Kolkata and several other districts, educational institutions and offices are now expected to follow the revised government order without any additional holiday extension unless a fresh notification is issued later.

Officials clarified that no further changes to the Bakrid holiday calendar have been announced as of now. The updated schedule effectively limits the official Eid-ul-Adha break in the state to a single day on May 28, 2026.

Marco Rubio arrives in India for four-day diplomatic tour; meets Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins visit in Kolkata, to meet PM Modi and attend Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Delhi

Marco Rubio landed in Kolkata on Saturday morning, launching a four-day official visit to India that will include meetings with top Indian leaders and regional engagements tied to the Quad, officials and local sources said.

Initial stop in Kolkata
Rubio — accompanied by his wife Jeanette D. Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor — visited the Mother Teresa House of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata shortly after arrival, according to on-the-ground reports and photographs released by the Missionaries. The short visit included a tour of the facility and interactions with residents, agency staff and volunteers, sources familiar with the itinerary said.

Delhi meetings scheduled
After an overnight stay in Kolkata, Rubio is travelling to New Delhi where he is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today. The White House and India’s external affairs ministry confirmed the meeting in separate briefings, describing it as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties on trade, technology and regional security.

Talks with Jaishankar and embassy events
On Sunday, Rubio will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi for talks that officials said will focus on the Indo-Pacific, supply-chain resilience and defence cooperation. The U.S. diplomat is also slated to attend the U.S. Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations in Delhi, a customary engagement during visits by senior American officials that also serves as a platform for public diplomacy.

Quad agenda in focus
A major element of Rubio’s trip is his attendance at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday, hosted by India in New Delhi. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will join the meeting at the invitation of EAM Jaishankar, the ministry said. The gathering will, according to the External Affairs Ministry, review progress on ongoing Quad projects and discuss regional and global issues of shared interest consistent with the Quad’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Agra and Jaipur on itinerary
Between the Delhi engagements, Rubio is scheduled to visit Agra and Jaipur on Monday, sources said. Those stops reflect a common diplomatic practice of including cultural and regional site visits alongside high-level talks; they also present opportunities for bilateral outreach in states outside the national capital.

What officials say
India’s External Affairs Ministry issued a brief statement noting the Quad meeting will “review progress on ongoing projects and discuss regional and global issues,” while a U.S. State Department spokesperson framed Rubio’s trip as a “chance to advance cooperation on economic and security issues, and to strengthen people-to-people ties.” Neither side provided a full public list of discussion items, citing the usual practice of bilateral consultations on sensitive issues.

Local reaction and ground cues
At the Missionaries of Charity facility in north Kolkata, staff described the Rubio visit as low-key and focused on welfare concerns rather than political messaging. A volunteer at the house said the family spent time with residents in the late morning and observed daily routines, declining to be named. Early-morning arrivals and a modest motorcade contrasted with higher-security visits seen during other high-profile foreign delegations.

Why the trip matters
Rubio’s visit comes as Washington and New Delhi seek to broaden cooperation beyond defence—into semiconductors, clean energy and supply-chain links—while coordinating on regional diplomacy. The Quad meeting will be watched for concrete project updates and possible statements on maritime security and climate resilience, areas where the four partners have sought practical cooperation.

Next steps and outlook
After the Quad meeting, Rubio’s delegation is expected to hold follow-up sessions with Indian officials and U.S. Embassy staff before concluding the visit late Tuesday. Officials on both sides signalled that outcomes would likely be framed as incremental steps in an expanding strategic partnership rather than sweeping policy shifts.