First-ever AC Local Train in Bengal on the Sealdah Ranaghat route

Inaugural run of the Sealdah–Ranaghat AC EMU local was flagged off by Sukanta Majumdar, Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Shantanu Thakur, Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Jagannath Sarkar, Member of Parliament, BJP RS MP Samik Bhattacharya at Sealdah station today (10.08.2025). General Manager/Eastern Railway, DRM/Sealdah and other dignitaries were also present in the occasion.

Virtual mental health programme gaining popularity

Virtual mental health programme Tele MANAS was launched by the central government with the support of Nimhans and IIIT-B. The programme, offers free services, is supposed to have centres across India. The pilot program launched last year. The Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele Manas) helpline has now seen a surge in calls for such problems, with over 21 lakh calls received so far.

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is running this helpline and free consultation is being provided for various mental health issues. The International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-B) is providing technical support to this helpline.

In Karnataka Tele Manas unit is functioning in the centers of Bangalore and Dharwad, and the Tele Manas helpline is helping in resolving mental health issues. The video consultation has also received a good response, and there is a proposal to expand this service said, Prof. T.K. Srikanth, Head of e-Health Research Department, IIIT-B.

Vaani Kapoor features in SSBeauty & Shoppers Stop's new campaign video

Bollywood actor Vaani Kapoor features in the ShowStoppers’25 campaign video, bringing her signature blend of modern glamour and individuality to the screen. Her presence adds a bold new energy to this year’s narrative—one that celebrates personal expression, high-octane glam, and the power of feeling like a showstopper in your own right.

The festival will also offer an exciting blend of interactive sessions. Think makeover marathons, masterclasses, personalised skincare consultations, try-ons and a chance to discover fresh fragrances. Beauty enthusiasts can look forward to exclusive offers from beauty brands like Lancôme, Giordano, Shiseido, LOVETC, Joyology Beauty, Clarins, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, and NARS, among others. They can discover curated looks, limited-time beauty kits, and trendy products online on ssbeauty.in and shoppersstop.com.

PNB customers can now open Demat and Trading accounts on PNB One mobile app

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, offers digital Integrated Demat & Trading account opening functionality. This enables customers to open both Demat and Trading accounts simultaneously through the PNB One mobile application without requiring additional KYC documentation.

The digital facility represents a significant milestone in PNB's digital transformation journey, offering customers convenience in Demat & Trading account opening. Through strategic partnership with the trading channel partners, PNB has created a unified platform that eliminates traditional barriers in Demat & Trading account opening.

Key Highlights

Single application process: Investors can now open Demat and trading accounts using a single application, eliminating paperwork and save time.

Seamless integration: The functionality ensures smooth integration between demat and trading accounts.

Status Updates: Clients can manage both accounts through a unified dashboard of the trading partner, providing real-time updates and enhanced visibility.

Comprehensive support: Dedicated customer service team available to assist clients throughout the account opening process.

Shri Binay Kumar Gupta, CGM, PNB said “We are committed to innovating and improving the overall investment experience. Our integrated demat account and trading account opening facility in collaboration with Bank’s trading partners, Aditya Birla Money Ltd. and SMC Global Securities Ltd. aims to empower investors to achieve their financial goals.”

How to Open an Account?

To open an integrated demat and trading account, customer can navigate to the ‘Popular’ section of the Bank’s mobile banking app, PNB One, and click on Demat & Trading. The service is available also on the internet banking platform

Foodtech 2025 begins in #Kolkata

22nd International Kolkata Foodtech 2025, Eastern India’s premier business to business (B2B) Exhibition for food processing, bakery, mithai & namkeen, dairy, ice-cream and hospitality industry, will be held at the Biswa Bangla Milan Mela Complex in Kolkata from 2nd to 4th August, from 10 am to 6 pm. More than 200 major foreign and Indian companies and leading brands from the food and hospitality sector would be participating at the three-day mega Exhibition which is open to the public for free. 

The International Foodtech Kolkata 2025 is organized by N K Kapur & Co (P) Ltd and supported by Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India, West Bengal Bakery Association, All India Food Processors Association, West Bengal Bakers Coordination Committee, Paschimbanga Misti Udyog, Fragrances & Flavours Association of India, National Restaurant Association of India, Eastern India Culinary Association and others.

“The Foodtech Fair is a significant catalyst for modernization, skill development, partnership-building, product innovation and market expansion in the local food industry, with particular benefits for up-and-coming businesses and those adopting sustainable technologies. With India signing up new Free Trade Agreements with different countries and organisation, has immensely brightened the scope for overall growth of the food sector and infusion of smart food processing, preserving and packaging technologies in the country,” said Mr Zakir Hossain, Chief Convenor, 22nd International Foodtech Kolkata, 2025.

This Foodtech Fair provides opportunities to explore industry trends, connect with influential buyers and suppliers, discover innovative technologies, and expand into new markets. India’s food processing sector, one of the largest in the world, lies at the heart of the Government of India’s Make in India initiative. Foodtech Fair lays emphasis on eco-friendly technologies, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing, which can encourage local industry to adopt greener methods.

“The International Food Technology Fair in Kolkata introduces local businesses to new processing, packaging, and automation technologies, helping them modernize their operations and improve efficiency. Exposure to cutting-edge machinery and digital solutions enables even small and medium enterprises to compete more effectively and adopt best practices. The event serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers to network with national and international players, facilitating business deals, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These connections can result in technology transfers, distribution deals, and even exports.,” Mr Hossain said.

Event Highlights

► Focus Areas: Food processing technology, packaging, bakery and confectionery, dairy (including a Dairy and Ice Cream Expo), snacks, ready foods, beverages, cold storage systems, pollution control equipment, and kitchen appliances

► Audience: Primarily business professionals, including caterers, restaurant chains, hoteliers, food processors, consultants, entrepreneurs, and industry decision-makers

► Exhibitor Profile: Food & beverage companies, machinery and equipment suppliers, packaging and ingredient suppliers, hospitality solutions, and related service providers

► Support for Startups and MSMEs: Fairs often showcase products and services from micro food enterprises and startups, giving them a valuable platform to connect with buyers and investors. Government support schemes are also promoted, improving access to resources.

► Special Events: Seminars for the bakery and confectionery industry, panel discussions on culinary topics, business networking sessions and live demonstration of technologies-in-use.

CII holds Purbo Bharat Big Picture Summit in #Kolkata

CII holds Purbo Bharat Big Picture Summit 2025 in #Kolkata to unlock the media & entertainment potential of Eastern and North-Eastern India.

In his address at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Purbo Bharat Big Picture Summit in Kolkata today, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, underscored the Indian government's commitment to human capital development. He emphasised the importance of India's rich cultural heritage and called for initiatives aimed at promoting it on the global stage. He spoke about the contributions of iconic film figures from West Bengal, including Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, and Ritwik Ghatak, and underscored the immense potential East and North-East India holds for the growth of the creative economy sector in the country.

"Creativity has always been central to India’s identity. From the sculptors of Konark and Mahabalipuram to the weavers of Varanasi and Shantiniketan, creativity has defined India’s ethos. Through the ages, Indian art, literature, cinema, and music have found resonance across the world," Dr. Bose said.

The CII Purbo Bharat Big Picture Summit, themed 'Culturally Rooted, Creatively Global', brings together the brightest minds in cinema, television, streaming, and digital media to chart the next phase of the creative economy in East and North-East India. This summit will serve as a catalyst for the Media and Entertainment industry's growth, foster cross-sector collaboration, and promote innovative strategies designed to reshape the region’s creative landscape.

The Summit also celebrates 100 years of cinematic brilliance of five legendary pioneers whose work shaped the landscape of Indian cinema—Ritwik Ghatak, Salil Chowdhury, Tapan Sinha, Guru Dutt, and Raj Kapoor. CII paid a momentous tribute to honor their lasting legacy in Indian and global cinema with commemorative mementos given to their family members.

A key highlight of the Summit was the launch of the CII Media & Entertainment Sector Report 2025, titled "A New Vision for the Creative Economy." The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges present in the creative economy, focussing on the effects of digital transformation, the necessity for robust infrastructure, and critical policy interventions required to promote growth in the cinema, music, performing arts, and digital content sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shashwat Goenka, Vice-Chair of RPSG Group and Chair of the CII Purbo Bharat Big Picture Summit 2025, highlighted the sector's recent growth of 10-12 per cent CAGR, asserting that the creative economy is a crucial pillar of economic growth, facilitating employment generation and attracting investment. He emphasised that cultivating a vibrant startup ecosystem within the creative economy is essential at this time. 

"The future belongs to our young visionaries—the entrepreneurs and startups who will redefine creativity and innovation. Let us support and uplift these changemakers, ensuring they have the mentorship, funding, and platforms needed to succeed. By fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, we pave the way for groundbreaking ideas and transformative growth," Mr Goenka said.

Goutam Ghose, filmmaker and Co-Chair of the CII Purbo Bharat Big Picture Summit 2025, stated that measuring the creative economy is highly challenging and emphasised the importance of nurturing the cultural ecology in the region.

Mr Gaurav Banerjee, MD and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India, and Co-Chair of the Summit, highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative economy sector. He emphasised the extensive opportunities presented by AI, arguing that the power of creators should not be exploited and, if needed, must be protected.

At the Summit, Mr Prosenjit Chatterjee, Actor and Producer, addressed various challenges facing the regional film industry. He discussed the responsibilities associated with star power and emphasised the necessity of restructuring the industry's value chain. He remarked that, given the plethora of entertainment options available to audiences today, the film industry must prioritise content to remain relevant.

The media and entertainment sector has emerged as a significant contributor to India's growth, not only because of its soft power but also for its potential contributions to the job creation and cultural landscape. The Summit emphasised that dubbing regional films into multiple languages can be a vital strategy for broadening market reach and enhancing audience engagement. It also pointed out that the absence of a single theatre in the state has been a significant infrastructure issue.

India successfully tests hypersonic missile with 1500 km range

New missile can hit speeds of upto Mach 9

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha late on November 16, 2024. This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 kms for the Armed Forces.

The missile was tracked by various range systems, deployed in multiple domains. The flight data obtained from down range ship stations confirmed the successful terminal maneuvers and impact with high degree of accuracy.

This missile has been indigenously developed by the laboratories of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile complex, Hyderabad along with various other DRDO laboratories and Industry Partners. The flight-trial was carried out in the presence of senior scientists of DRDO and officers of the Armed Forces.

Bibek Debroy, top economic advisor to PM Modi, dies at the age of 69

AIIMS Delhi confirmed that Dr.Debroy passed away today 7 am due to intestinal obstruction.

Dr. Bibek Debroy served as the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. He is known for his significant contributions to economic policy, game theory, and was involved in various governmental and academic capacities.

"Dr. Bibek Debroy Ji was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth" said PM Modi on twitter on demise of Dr. Bibek Debroy.

Dr. Debroy's efforts have been recognized with several awards, including the Padma Shri in 2015 and the Sir Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar Memorial Award in 2023 ¹. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and young minds alike, cementing his place as a leading intellectual in India. Dr. Bibek Debroy was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Dr. Bibek Debroy was a prominent intellectual figure in India, known for his extensive knowledge across various fields such as economics, history, culture, politics, and spirituality. His scholarship contributed significantly to India's understanding of its historical and cultural heritage. Debroy's work in public policy and economics has influenced numerous discussions and decisions, while his efforts to make ancient texts more accessible have inspired many young people to engage with India's rich literary and philosophical traditions. His ability to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance has left a lasting impact on India's intellectual landscape.His passing is a significant loss to the academic community and those who valued his insights and contributions.

Commercial #LPG cylinders get more costlier

The state-owned oil marketing companies have increased the price of commercial LPG cylinders. The price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder in Delhi has now risen from Rs 1,740 to Rs 1,802, which is a hike of Rs 62 per cylinder. With the increased prices, the price of commercial LPG in Hyderabad has reached Rs.2,028.

The price of 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders has also been hiked by Rs 15. However, the rate of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders remains unchanged.

Commercial LPG Cylinder Price from November 1, 2024 in 4 metros:-

Delhi: Rs 1,802

Mumbai: Rs 1,754.50

Kolkata: Rs 1,911.50

Chennai: Rs 1,964.50.

3-day long APAC Carbon Black Conference in #Kolkata begins tomorrow

The 15th edition of APAC Carbon Black Conference in Kolkata is likely to promote thought leadership, driving growth, and enhance collaboration in the global carbon black ecosystem. Different stake holders in the carbon black value chain, including tyre manufacturers, moulded rubber goods, auto components makers, plastic and conductive carbon black manufacturers, recycled black, refractory, carbon black equipment manufacturers, packing machinery manufacturers, bags and water chemical suppliers, special grades of pipes & valve manufacturers, lab equipment manufacturers are likely to participate in the Carbon Black Conference in Kolkata tomorrow.

India’s carbon black market, valued at $84.179 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.57 percent through 2029, driven by increased demand for automotive tyres and specialty black applications in various industries.

Carbon black, a crucial material in tyres production, is seeing increased demand, especially in India's rapidly growing automotive industry. The country's vehicle manufacturing capacity, combined with its economic growth, makes it a major market for automotive tyres, where carbon black plays a critical role in enhancing abrasion resistance and tyre strength. Tyre manufacturers are increasingly adopting carbon black mixtures in their production processes to meet growing demands for durable, high-performance tyres.

Another key driver of growth in the carbon black market is the increasing penetration of speciality carbon black, a material known for its high surface area, tinting strength, and conductivity. Speciality black is widely used in products requiring specific properties such as UV protection and viscosity, making it a popular choice in the plastics, coatings, and ink industries. 

Speciality carbon black is also finding applications in a wide array of industries, including printing, construction, insulation, and fireproofing, as well as in high-end products like fibres, metal carbides, and consumer electronics. As India's economic activities continue to expand, the demand for these specialised carbon black products is expected to rise, providing a further boost to the overall market. 

The versatility of carbon black is a significant factor in its rising demand across various industries. Its use as a pigment in newspaper inks, printing inks, and paints continues to grow. Additionally, carbon black's electric conductivity makes it valuable as a conductive filler in products like plastics, elastomers, paints, adhesives, and films, where it helps prevent static electricity. 

As a result, industries such as electronics and automotive are increasingly relying on carbon black to meet performance requirements, further driving demand in the coming years. The growing need for carbon black in both conventional and specialised applications is positioning India's carbon black market for sustained growth through 2029. 

Dr. Manoj Pant, Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal will address the gathering and will highlight the opportunities available for investment in the State and the steps taken by the Government of West Bengal to attract investment in the carbon black sector. Anurag Choudhary CMD & CEO of Kolkata headquartered Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd will also address the participants.