Jayatri Nag

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari initiated a new film centre project. This centre will feature two large cinema halls and post-production facilities. It will also include an auditorium and an open-air theatre for cultural events. The state government has allocated initial funding for this significant project. Construction is expected to commence after the monsoon season concludes.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari apologized for an advertisement error. The government's advertisement showed Goddess Durga with eleven arms. He announced that liquor shops will remain closed on Maha Ashtami. This measure aims to ensure peaceful and orderly Durga Puja celebrations. The state government will be more careful with future advertisements.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari apologized for an advertisement error. The government's advertisement showed Goddess Durga with eleven arms. He announced that liquor shops will remain closed on Maha Ashtami. This measure aims to ensure peaceful and orderly Durga Puja celebrations. The state government will be more careful with future advertisements.

West Bengal's Uniform Civil Code commission will start public hearings soon. Retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai leads this independent commission. The state government will take the report to the assembly after completion. West Bengal aims to be the fourth state to adopt UCC after other states. This move will replace religion-based personal laws with unified civil laws.

Controversy erupted in West Bengal over remarks by Bageshwar Dham priest Dhirendra Shastri, who allegedly called Bengalis “pakhandis” over non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Congress leaders filed police complaints seeking action, while BJP leaders defended Bengal's tradition of eating fish and meat, particularly goat meat, during the festival.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, voiced strong condemnation of Left Front backers within universities, asserting that any anti-national rhetoric would face government resistance. Furthermore, a new assembly bill passed permitting staff transfers within universities aims to strike a compromise between autonomy and accountability. Anyone displeased with the new directives has the option to resign from their positions.

Sumit Roy, aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was arrested by the CID. This arrest occurred after the Supreme Court denied his anticipatory bail plea. The case involves alleged multi-crore land grabbing in Salboni, West Midnapore district. Roy was taken for medical examination and is currently being interrogated by officials. He will be presented before the court on Friday for further proceedings.

The West Bengal government has formed a state-level advisory committee to examine proposals for naming and renaming roads, streets, bridges and public places. Headed by Swami Pradiptananda, also known as Kartik Maharaj, the panel will assess historical, cultural, heritage and public considerations before recommending proposed name changes.

West Bengal's Chief Minister plans to meet Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai soon. He will also attend a dinner hosted during the BRICS Summit in Delhi. CM Adhikari also said a defense project proposal from DRDO for East Midnapore has been approved. Meanwhile, Anant Ambani expressed Reliance's eagerness to invest in West Bengal.

Kolkata will host an Indo-Japan cultural festival and exchange in 2027 as India and Japan mark 75 years of friendship. A Japanese delegation led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu also discussed trade, direct air connectivity, renewable energy and a business-friendly environment with West Bengal officials during its Kolkata visit.