Author: Anusha Das
The government of West Bengal has made a crucial move towards streamlining the process for issuing Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates. In a recent assembly of the West Bengal Scheduled Castes Advisory Council, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, it was resolved to ease the requirements for applicants who cannot provide their parents’ caste certificates. Presently, applicants must present the caste certificates of two blood relatives, but the government plans to amend this to just one blood relative’s certificate.
In a major initiative to tackle the ethnic turmoil that has affected Manipur since May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to the state on September 13, 2025, where he interacted with individuals who have been displaced in Churachandpur and Imphal. During his time there, Modi urged for an end to hostilities, calling on all involved parties to “choose the path of peace.” This trip marks his first visit to the state since the outbreak of violence, which has led to over 250 fatalities and left thousands homeless.
The puja committee of the Dakshindari Youth Club in Kolkata has made a courageous move this year with their Durga Puja theme, ‘Dahan’, which means “being burned” or the aftermath of burn injuries. This theme honors survivors of acid attacks and seeks to increase awareness of this horrific crime.
French President Emmanuel Macron has chosen Sebastien Lecornu, his defense minister and trusted ally, as the new prime minister, contradicting predictions of a leftward shift. This decision follows Francois Bayrou’s resignation from the prime ministerial position after losing a confidence vote concerning his proposed budget reductions.
In a gesture of goodwill, the interim government of Bangladesh has declared its intention to supply 1,200 tonnes of hilsa fish to India in anticipation of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities this month. An official release, issued on Monday (September 8, 2025), stated that the decision had been made “in principle” and called for fish exporters to submit their applications by September 11.
Anuparna Roy, a gifted filmmaker hailing from Purulia, West Bengal, has made history by being the first Indian director to receive the Best Director Award in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice Film Festival.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed US President Donald Trump’s statement about being “always be friends,” indicating that he “fully echoes his sentiments” even though relations between their nations have been tense due to tariffs.
A Special CBI court in Alipore granted bail to former state education minister Partha Chatterjee on charges related to the School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment cases on Wednesday. The court released him on a personal bond of Rs 7,000. This is the first time a lower court has granted him bail in these specific cases. However, he remains in custody due to other ongoing cases against him.
The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, plans to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya on September 5, accompanied by his spouse,Tashi Doma and officials by a special plane. Bhutan’s Finance Secretary Dasho Leki Wangmo is also expected to accompany the PM.
The West Bengal Urdu Academy’s decision to postpone a literary event featuring renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar has sparked controversy.