West Bengal

The death toll is now eight, after Bikaner-Guwahati Express derailed in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on January 13, at around 5:15pm. Sources confirmed that the train had 12 coaches carrying about 1,200 passengers. An ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh has been announced for relatives of deceased and injured, respectively. Meanwhile, an inquiry has been ordered to probe the cause of the accident.

On January 13, at least 12 coaches of Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed near Domohani, Jailpaiguri region, West Bengal. According to ANI, many people from Assam were traveling in the train, which derailed at 5:00 pm. Indian Railways informed and said, "DRM and ADRM rushed to the site along with accident relief train and medical van". Furthermore, a high level railway commissioner safety inquiry has been ordered in the accident. 

West Bengal reported 15,421 new COVID-19 cases, while 19 people lost their lives to the virus, during the last twenty-four hours. The data of the state health department, released on January 6, stated that 7,343 people recovered from the infection, taking the total recoveries to 16,32,797. The death toll due to the virus stands at 19,846, and the state has currently 41,101 active cases. 

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) organised a medical camp for players. The free medical check up camp will begin from January 3-5. All players (men's, women's), scorers, staff, committee members and others will get 5 important tests done at the camp. The tests include; bone mineral density test, pulmonary function test, Haemoglobin test, body mass index test and ECG. Registration to begin from 9:30 am, from January 3.

West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC,) announced municipal elections dates for four corporations. Siliguri, Chandannagar, Bidhannagar and Asansol civic body elections are scheduled on January 22. "The counting of votes will be held on January 25," said SEC commissioner Sourav Das. The SEC will issue election notification on December 28 and the security arrangements to begin from January 3. Moreover, due to ongoing issues, Howrah… read-more