Editors Pick
In a major revision to military recruitment rules, the Union Cabinet has lengthened the service period of Agniveers from four to six years, offering the 75% cohort previously slated for civilian discharge an additional two-year engagement and a subsequent route to regular military enrollment. Announced by CDS General N.S. Raja Subramani just ahead of the first batch’s retirement dates, the overhaul also reverses recruitment stages by putting written tests ahead of physical trials.
Celebrated British actor Sir Patrick Stewart has passed away at the age of 86. Rising from a childhood marked by domestic hardship and going completely bald by age 19, Stewart built a formidable career with the Royal Shakespeare Company before capturing global stardom as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor X in the X-Men franchise. Knighted in 2010, the Yorkshire-born legend proved that classical discipline and character can redefine modern popular culture.
Septuagenarian CPI(M) whole-timer Bipul Dasgupta has emerged as the face of peaceful resistance in West Bengal after standing ground with folded hands against a mob attempting to tear down a Left book stall in Nagerbazar during Durga Puja. The incident, set against a broader ideological row over the festival’s nomenclature, drew widespread condemnation from civil society as well as senior saffron figures including State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta and the RSS, prompting a large solidarity march from Kolkata’s College Street on October 29.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that citizenship certificates issued under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be accepted as valid documents for voter registration, a move that may have political ramifications in West Bengal.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma amid concerns over the security of Bangladeshi Missions in India.
Meanwhile, Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir, who was suspended by the Trinamool Congress after he announced plans to construct Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, on Sunday (December 21, 2025) announced his plans to launch a new political party on Monday (December 22, 2025).
Aimed at mobilising ₹600 crore, the Railways has increased train ticket fare by one paisa per km for journeys in ordinary class beyond 215 km, and two paise per km for non-Air Conditioned classes of mail or express trains and AC classes of all trains.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday introduced in the Lok Sabha the Securities Market Code Bill that proposes to expand capital market watchdog Sebi’s regulatory power and board strength but tighten provisions of the conflict of interest and accountability for its top functionaries.
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