Modi’s charges ‘half-truths’, says Mamata

'I am with TMC': Satabdi Roy after meeting Abhishek Banerjee

TMC MP from Birbhum Satabdi Roy said there was no question of her leaving the party. Roy's statement came after a two-hour meeting with TMC's youth wing president and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee. Abhishek reached out to Roy as she voiced dissent against the leadership ahead of the assembly polls. Actor-turned-politician, Roy is a leading face in Mamata Banerjee's cultural brigade. Speculations started on Thursday over a post on Facebook page of Satabdi Roy fan club. Roy had claimed that she was not being informed about party events in her constituency. The 3-time MP had said she would inform the public on Saturday if she takes any 'decision'.

‘TMC should join Congress to defeat BJP in West Bengal’: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

The Congress proposed that the TMC should merge with it instead to put up a united fight against the BJP. The BJP, which has emerged as a potent force in the state, said the TMC's suggestion amounted to admission that it was not in a position to take on the saffron party on its own in the assembly polls in West Bengal due in April-May. "If the Left Front and the Congress are genuinely anti-BJP, they should rally behind Mamata Banerjee in her fight against the communal and divisive politics of the saffron party," senior TMC MP Sougata Roy said. Reacting to the TMC's proposal, state Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury blamed the West Bengal's ruling party for the growth of the BJP in the state. "We are not interested in aligning with the TMC. Why is the TMC now interested in an alliance with us after poaching our MLAs over the last 10 years. If Mamata Banerjee is in keen on fighting the BJP, then she should join the Congress as it is the only pan-India platform to fight against communalism," he said. Watch the full video for more details.

Watch: PM Modi announces Rs 1,000 cr ‘Startup India Seed Fund’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the launch of Rs 1,000-crore 'Startup India Seed Fund' to support startups and help budding entrepreneurs pursue innovative ideas. Addressing the 'Prarambh: Startup India International Summit', Modi exuded confidence that the growth of startups will help in generating jobs and improving lives of people in the region. He said India has taken several steps to ensure that the country's startups do not face shortage of capital. Watch the full video for more details.

India one of the biggest start-up ecosystems in world, claims PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed 'Prarambh: Startup India International Summit' on January 16. PM Modi interacted with the start-ups during the address. PM Modi said that India is one of the biggest start-up ecosystems in the world, and country's start-ups are changing the demographic character of business. He further informed that over 41,000 start-ups are currently engaged in work. "India is one of the biggest start-up ecosystems in the world. More than 41,000 start-ups including nearly 5,700 start-ups in IT sector, 3,600 in the health sector and 1,700 start-ups in agriculture are engaged in work. These start-ups are changing the demographic character of business. Earlier, on hearing about a start-up people used to ask 'why don't you do a job?'. But now people say why not create a start up instead of doing a job," said PM Modi during his virtual address.

Man dies after hospital in WB refuses treatment despite holding 'Swasthya Sathi' insurance scheme

A 65-year old man, Md Gaffar died after he suffered a brain stroke on January 12 in West Bengal's Matigara. Family of the deceased alleged that nursing homes in Siliguri refused to treat him. However, Gaffar has 'Swasthya Sathi' card, a state government health insurance scheme. "It's an unfortunate incident. We will look into the matter," Gautam Deb, Tourism Minister of WB.

‘Won’t meet SC committee’: Farmers after talks; Centre ready to meet members

Farmer union leader Rakesh Tikait, after meeting with Centre on Friday, said that they will only hold discussion on the government and will not meet the committee formed by the Supreme Court. The government on Friday asked protesting farmers to form an informal group to prepare a concrete proposal about their objections and suggestions on the three farm laws for further discussion at their next meeting on January 19 to end the long-running protest at various Delhi borders, but unions stuck to their main demand of a complete repeal of the three Acts. As nearly five hours of talks between 41 unions and three central ministers did not reach a decisive stage in the ninth round of talks at Vigyan Bhawan here, the two sides decided to meet again the next Tuesday. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told farmer leaders at the meeting that the government has been flexible in its approach and urged the same from them. Watch the full video for more details.

Farmers to hold 'Kisan parade' on Republic Day, BKU says 'will be historic'

Bharatiya Kisan Union said that protesting farmers will take out procession on Republic Day. Following the procession from Red Fort to India Gate, farmers will hoist the national flag. "Jawans will march from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. Farmers will take out a procession from Red Fort to India Gate. There will be a historic parade on Republic Day this year. Jawans and farmers will meet at India Gate's Amar Jawan Jyoti," BKU Spokesperson, Rakesh Tikait said. Tikait's remarks came after SC stayed the implementation of the Centre's three farm laws. Tikait had earlier said agitating farmers will not return home till farm laws are repealed. Both sides are scheduled to meet on Friday to take forward the ongoing talks that began in December.

Farmer protest: Day after SC order, police chief visits border to take stock

A day after the Supreme Court intervened in the ongoing stand-off between the Union government and farmers opposed to the recent agri-reform laws, Delhi police commissioner visited protest sites at the national capital's border. SN Shrivastava took stock of the situation and interacted with personnel deployed in the area. He said that morale of the force was very high. When asked about whether there are any special preparations planned for Republic Day celebrations on January 26, Shrivastava said that the police is preparing as it usually does. Watch the full video for more.