West Bengal

A political storm is brewing over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) latest electoral roll revision directives, which West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims are a covert attempt to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Backed by Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, Banerjee has accused the ECI of acting in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) interest by targeting young voters in opposition-ruled states—particularly Bengal.

By-elections to five legislative assembly constituencies in Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab commenced on Thursday, June 19, with polling underway from 7 a.m. under tight security and logistical arrangements. Though limited in number, these contests are being closely watched for their implications on the broader power balance between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc.

In a significant judicial development, the Calcutta High Court has imposed a temporary halt on the West Bengal government’s initiative to compile a revised list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), including the addition of new castes. The interim order, issued by a division bench comprising Justices Rajasekhar Mantha and Tapabrata Chakraborty, also suspends the launch of a digital portal intended to process caste certificate applications for inclusion in the proposed list.

ICL Fincorp Ltd, a prominent non-banking financial company (NBFC) based in South India, has announced plans to open 50 new branches across West Bengal as part of its strategic expansion into the eastern region. The company, known for its focus on gold loans, inaugurated its first branch in Kolkata's Chinar Park. This expansion initiative will also see ICL Fincorp extend its footprint to Jharkhand and Bihar later this financial year.

According to the latest 'Roti Rice Rate' report by Crisil, home-cooked meal prices have seen a slight decline due to lower vegetable costs. The report reveals that the price of a vegetarian thali fell marginally, while non-vegetarian thalis saw a more significant drop in May 2025 compared to April 2025 and the same period last year. The decrease is largely attributed to a sharp fall in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, as well as a drop in broiler prices. However, certain costs like vegetable oil and LPG saw a rise, partially offsetting the overall decline.

In a significant enforcement action aimed at recouping public funds, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will auction 30 properties belonging to the Rose Valley Group on June 27, with a total reserve price set at Rs 409.02 crore. The assets, spread across multiple states including West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, include hotels, resorts, flats, and land parcels. This initiative follows a 2015 Calcutta High Court directive and is part of SEBI’s broader crackdown on illicit collective investment schemes.

A transformative initiative is underway in India’s Northeast and West Bengal to revolutionize rubber farming through the iSPEED program, a vital component of the Rs. 1,100-crore INROAD project. Backed by major tyre manufacturers like Apollo Tyres, CEAT, JK Tyre, and MRF, this project aims to enhance the quality and yield of rubber crops. Over the next five years, the iSPEED program will provide over two lakh smallholder farmers with access to cutting-edge infrastructure, training, and resources.