Stampede at Vijay’s TN rally, 31 lives lost, PM sends condolences

At least 31 people were killed in a stampede during actor-politician Vijay’s rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, according to reports. Several children were among the dead.

The incident took place after supporters of Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), had been waiting for over six hours as the actor-politician arrived late for the event.

The stampede occurred in an overcrowded section of the rally, where several TVK workers collapsed and were moved in ambulances. Death toll likely to rise.

Oracle to partner WB Govt. for IT education in schools

Oracle plans to partner WB Govt. for IT education in schools.

Speaking on the sidelines of ICT East 2025 in Kolkata , Sanjeev Chauhan, VP – Cloud Engineering, Oracle, highlighted the potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as emerging hubs of digital talent. He called for closer collaboration with governments to make IT and digital education a core part of school curriculums. The company currently has about 58000 employees in its 50 plus offices in India and about 600 employees in Kolkata.

Sankarshan Thakur a fearless voice in journalism has fallen silent

Sankarshan Thakur, the editor of the Telegraph news paper published from Kolkata died on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 63. The Press Club of India in its condolence message said, "We’ve lost a fearless voice in journalism."

BHEL signs 10-year exclusive pact with Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies

BHEL signs 10-year exclusive pact with Singapore-based Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies

Under this 10-year agreement, the two companies will collaborate on the development of hydrogen fuel cell-based rolling stock, with a focus on business sharing and joint operations. The partnership is aimed at enabling BHEL's entry into a new market segment. Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) is an integrated power plant equipment manufacturer engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing, erection, testing, commissioning, and servicing of a diverse range of products and systems. The company's consolidated net loss widened to Rs 445.50 crore in Q1 FY26 compared with a net loss of Rs 211.40 crore in Q1 FY25. Revenue from operations saw a marginal year-on-year (YoY) increase of 0.03%, reaching Rs 5,486.91 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2025.

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.