minakshi

Sakshi Chaudhary secured her place in the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth and Asian Games by defeating reigning world champion minakshi Hooda in the 51kg boxing selection trials. Representing Army, Chaudhary's dominant 5-0 victory showcased her precise punches and nimble footwork, marking a significant rise in Indian women's boxing.

Nikhat Zareen has opted out of the senior World Cup in China, prioritizing her 51kg Olympic qualification goals over the 48kg category. This decision has led the BFI to schedule a selection trial for the 48kg spot between Nitu Ghanghas and Jyoti Gulia. Meanwhile, Sakshi Chaudhary impressed at recent trials, defeating strong contenders in the competitive 51kg division.

From cafes and literacy festivals to doulas and yoga circles, people are finding newer, gentler spaces to tackle loss and end-of-life care

An evening of Rabindrasangeet was held recently to celebrate the birth anniversary of singer and teacher Mandira Mukhopadhyay. The event featured solo performances by Mukhopadhyay, along with renditions by her son and a student chorus, honoring her legacy as a disciple of Suchitra Mitra.

Political parties in Kolkata embraced Bengali New Year celebrations, shifting focus from typical election campaigns to cultural events. Candidates from Trinamool Congress, BJP, and Left parties participated in rallies and gatherings, incorporating traditional elements like music, dance, and symbols of Bengali identity to connect with voters.

India finished second at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 with 16 medals, just behind Kazakhstan. Vishvanath Suresh led the way with gold, while Sachin won silver. The women’s team topped the medal tally with 10 medals. Ajay Singh praised the squad’s depth, calling it a strong sign for the future of Indian boxing.

India’s women’s boxing team dominated the Asian Championships 2026, winning 10 medals, including four golds, with every boxer reaching the podium. Golds came from minakshi, Preeti, Priya, and Arundhati. The men’s team had mixed results, with Vishvanath Suresh and Sachin reaching finals, while others lost. India finished with the highest medal tally overall.

Four prominent Left leaders, including Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya and Dipsita Dhar, have been fielded for assembly elections, with their candidatures linked to their roles in the 2024 RG Kar rape and murder case protests. The party also announced Sabina Yasmin, mother of a bomb blast victim, as a candidate.

West Bengal's election campaign kicked off with vibrant displays. Candidates from TMC, BJP, and CPM engaged in unique tactics, from carrying fish to dispelling narratives, to using traditional music and distributing personal contact details. The diverse strategies aimed to connect with voters and highlight key issues, setting a colorful tone for the upcoming polls.