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International

Fact-Checking the Viral Story of an Indian Migrant and Maisie Williams on a German Metro

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KalimNews with inputs from Agencies, December 7, 2025 : A viral story claiming that an undocumented Indian migrant was photographed sitting next to actress Maisie Williams on a German metro, later offered a job by the German magazine Der Spiegel, and eventually secured legal residence, has spread widely across social media. This narrative, filled with emotional appeal, has captured the attention of many, with users sharing it as a compelling tale of rags-to-redemption. However, upon detailed investigation and fact-checking, it has been exposed as entirely fabricated. This report aims to present an analytical breakdown of the viral claim, using fact-checking methods, historical data, and visual analysis to deconstruct the story and highlight the key elements that misled users.

1. The Viral Narrative: Origins and Spread

The narrative first gained traction when a photograph showing a young man sitting next to a woman who was purported to be Maisie Williams went viral. In the image, the young man appears distant and troubled, a sharp contrast to the calm and relaxed expression of the actress beside him. This contrast led many viewers to speculate about the migrant’s background and prompted a dramatic story of his struggles as an undocumented person in Germany. The viral post was shared with captions like “two different worlds in the same seat.”

As the photo spread, a backstory emerged claiming that Der Spiegel, a prominent German magazine, tracked down the young man and offered him a job, which led to him acquiring legal residence in Germany.

2. Fact-Checking and Verification Process

A. The Photograph: Location and Person

The most critical element of the story lies in the photograph, which was assumed to have been taken in a German metro. However, a thorough analysis of the image’s metadata and visual clues indicated that the photograph was actually taken in the London Underground.

Key Indicators:

  • Carriage Design: The interior design of the metro carriage, including seating arrangement and lighting, aligns with that of the London Underground, not German metro systems.

  • Image Metadata: A reverse image search revealed the photograph’s earliest known appearance in 2019, contradicting the claim that it was taken in 2025 in Germany.

B. The Woman: Not Maisie Williams

The woman in the image was initially identified as actress Maisie Williams, famous for her role in Game of Thrones. However, facial recognition software and expert analysis confirmed that the woman in question was not Williams. The claims regarding the identity of the woman were part of a broader effort to sensationalize the image and enhance its emotional impact.

C. Der Spiegel and Job Offer Claims

The core of the viral narrative claimed that Der Spiegel had discovered the man in Munich, where they offered him a postal job. A search of Der Spiegel‘s archives and online presence revealed no such article or report. No evidence exists to suggest that the publication had conducted an investigation into the incident or offered the migrant a job.

Key Findings:

  • No article on this topic appears on Der Spiegel‘s website or in its archives.

  • The supposed job offer and subsequent legal status change were fabricated.

3. Timeline of Events and Fact-Check Summary

Claim   Fact-Check Findings    Evidence
The photograph was taken in Germany.   The photo was taken in the   London Underground.    Visual analysis of carriage    design and metadata search.
The woman in the photo is Maisie Williams.   The woman is not Maisie   Williams.    Facial recognition software and    expert analysis.
Der Spiegel investigated the story.   Der Spiegel did not   investigate this incident.    No records or articles from Der    Spiegel regarding this story.
The migrant was offered a job and residence.   No job offer or legal status   change occurred.    Fact-checking tools and archive    searches from Grok.

4. Implications of Misinformation

A. Emotional Appeal and Viral Spread

The viral story gained traction because of its emotional appeal. The narrative, framing the young migrant as a symbol of hope and redemption, resonated with many, especially in light of current global migration issues. The dramatic contrast between the “struggling migrant” and the “famous actress” intensified the emotional charge, making the story more shareable.

B. The Role of Social Media in Misinformation

Social media platforms, where users are often motivated to share content that elicits strong emotional responses, played a central role in the viral spread of the story. The lack of verification and fact-checking on these platforms allowed the narrative to circulate without scrutiny, demonstrating the ease with which misinformation can be amplified.

C. Consequences of Fake News

While the story may have offered some comfort or inspiration to its readers, the fact that it was based on false premises has broader consequences. It perpetuates a false narrative about the challenges faced by migrants, and misrepresents the role of media outlets like Der Spiegel. It also highlights the dangers of accepting sensational stories without verification, particularly when they fit into a pre-existing narrative about immigration or celebrity culture.

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

This viral tale, despite its initial emotional resonance, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation. The widespread sharing of this fabricated story underscores the need for more rigorous fact-checking in the age of social media, particularly when it comes to stories involving sensitive subjects like migration.

Recommendations for Future Media Consumption:

  1. Always Verify Sources: Before sharing viral content, check the origins and sources of the story. Tools like reverse image search and metadata analysis can be useful in uncovering the truth.

  2. Look for Credible Reporting: Rely on reputable news sources and fact-checking websites to confirm the authenticity of a story.

  3. Question Emotional Narratives: Stories that appeal strongly to emotion can often mask a lack of evidence or truth.

Ultimately, while the viral narrative of the “migrant’s redemption” may have inspired many, it is important to remember that the story was crafted from a blend of half-truths and embellishments. The true nature of this incident lies not in an extraordinary turn of fate, but in the simple reality that misinformation spreads quickly, often faster than the truth itself.

This research-based analysis, focusing on fact-checking and the consequences of viral misinformation, provides a comprehensive breakdown of the fabricated story surrounding the image of an Indian migrant and Maisie Williams. By dissecting the elements of the viral tale and cross-referencing with verified sources, this report offers a clear understanding of the event and highlights the importance of critical media consumption.

National

Goa Nightclub Fire: 25 Dead in Arpora Blaze; Authorities Investigating Safety Lapses

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KalimNews, December 7, 2025 : A tragic fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killing 25 people, including four tourists and 14 staff members. The blaze, which was caused by a gas cylinder explosion, left six others injured, some of whom are receiving treatment for burn injuries and smoke inhalation. The identity of the remaining seven victims is still being verified.

The fire started around 1 am on Sunday when a gas cylinder exploded inside the popular nightclub, a well-known party venue located about 25 kilometres from Goa’s state capital, Panaji. According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted on the first floor of the venue, where tourists were dancing, triggering chaos. Many panicked and rushed toward the basement, where they became trapped, unable to escape the rising flames and suffocating smoke. Officials said that most of the victims died due to suffocation, while three people succumbed to severe burn injuries.

In a statement issued by Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, he confirmed that an FIR had been lodged against the nightclub’s owner and general manager, who will face arrest. Sawant, who visited the site, also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident to determine the cause and fix responsibility. The Chief Minister announced that action would be taken against the officials responsible for allowing the nightclub to operate despite violations of safety norms. “We will take action against the club management and also against the officials who allowed it to operate despite flouting safety norms,” Sawant told reporters after his visit to the scene.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences, stating that the local administration is conducting rescue and relief operations. “The tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in Arpora, Goa, is deeply painful. My sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, offering his condolences to the victims’ families. “The fire mishap in Arpora, Goa, is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” he posted on X. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive ₹50,000 each.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the fire spread rapidly through the venue. Fatima Shaikh, a tourist from Hyderabad, said, “There was a sudden commotion as the flames started erupting. We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames.” Local police stated that over 100 people were on the dance floor when the fire broke out.

In response to the devastating incident, Goa’s BJP MLA Michael Lobo called for a thorough safety audit of all clubs in the state. “I am disturbed because of the incident. The safety of tourists and workers in these establishments is extremely important. Most people died due to suffocation as they ran toward the basement,” he said. Lobo emphasised that such incidents should never be allowed to occur again, stressing the need for stringent safety measures.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire. While initial reports suggest the explosion of a gas cylinder triggered the blaze, further inquiry is ongoing to identify any lapses in the venue’s fire safety systems. The local police and fire department are reviewing all aspects of the club’s operations, including its compliance with safety standards.

The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols at nightclubs and other entertainment venues in Goa, particularly with regard to fire hazards and evacuation procedures. With tourism being a major industry in the state, ensuring the safety of both locals and tourists has become an urgent priority for the government.

As the investigation progresses, authorities have pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy and ensure that such an incident is prevented in the future.

Northeast

Nagaland Must Not Be Seen Only Through the Lens of Hornbill Festival: Scindia

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PTI DIMAPUR, DEC 6, 2025: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said Nagaland’s cultural depth, craftsmanship, and emerging economic strength deserve far greater national and global attention. Speaking to reporters at Dimapur Airport before wrapping up his three-day visit to the northeastern state, Scindia emphasised that Nagaland must not be viewed solely through the lens of the Hornbill Festival.

The Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region said his engagements in Nagaland—from witnessing the traditional stone-pulling ceremony to interacting with handloom, handicraft, and blacksmith artisans—revealed “an amazing experience” and showcased the immense potential embedded in the people, culture, and heritage of the state.


“It is not only a festival. The potential that Nagaland has in its people, its rich culture, and heritage is something the world must be aware of and must come and experience. Please don’t limit Nagaland only to the Hornbill Festival,” he said.

Scindia also highlighted the promise of Nagaland’s coffee sector after visiting Arabica and Robusta plantations. He hailed the state’s bean quality, branding, and packaging, describing them as “nothing short of world-class”.

The minister said the Commerce and DoNER ministries were actively examining ways to strengthen Nagaland’s coffee, which Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has identified as one of the state’s key unique selling propositions.

“We’ve got about 11,000 hectares under cultivation. We want to look at a common processing centre, value addition, and getting more income into the hands of our coffee growers,” Scindia said.

Earlier on Friday, Scindia took part in the traditional Angami Naga stone-pulling ceremony at Tuophema village, the home of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima district, as part of the 26th Hornbill Festival. Scindia, dressed in traditional Angami attire, joined Rio, Deputy Chief Ministers Y. Patton and T.R. Zeliang, and thousands of people in the traditional stone-pulling ceremony.

The stone, weighing more than 30 tonnes, was pulled for almost 2 km with traditional yodelling by the Naga communities. Scindia, the Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, described the ceremony as “a very important day for all, not only for Tuophema village but for the people of Nagaland and the entire country”.

After the ceremony, the minister toured the village and also unveiled an extensive development package focused on strengthening connectivity, infrastructure, and public services across the state. He inaugurated five completed projects worth over Rs 202 crore and also laid the foundation stones for 11 new projects worth more than Rs 443 crore, covering healthcare, sports, innovation, energy, and major road development.

National

IndiGo Crisis Day 5: Over 800 Flights Cancelled; Govt Orders Airfare Cap, Ticket Refunds by Sunday Evening

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PTI, 

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, DEC 6, 2025 :  Domestic carrier IndiGo cancelled over 800 flights on Saturday, the fifth day of the ongoing crisis, even as the government imposed a cap on airfares and directed the airline to process all refunds by Sunday evening.

The airline’s on-time performance from six metro airports plunged to 3.7 per cent on Friday, according to the civil aviation ministry website. The government said regulatory action would be initiated against the airline in case of any non-compliance.

With IndiGo flight disruptions impacting thousands of passengers, the civil aviation ministry on Saturday directed the airline to complete the ticket refund process for cancelled flights by Sunday evening and ensure that baggage separated from the travellers is delivered within the next two days.

The airline had cancelled over 1,000 flights on Friday. IndiGo said its teams are focused on stabilising schedules, reducing delays, and supporting customers during this period. IndiGo, in a statement, also said it is addressing all customer refund issues on a “priority” basis.


The refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be completed by 8 pm on Sunday, the civil aviation ministry said in a statement. “Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations,” it said.

IndiGo has also been instructed to set up a dedicated passenger support and refund facilitation cell. “These cells have been tasked to proactively contact affected passengers and ensure that refunds and alternative travel arrangements are processed without the need for multiple follow-ups. The system of automatic refunds will remain active until operations stabilise completely,” the statement said.

Further, the ministry said the airline should ensure that baggage separated from passengers due to flight cancellations or delays should be traced and delivered to them within the next 48 hours.

“The number of cancellations on Saturday dropped below 850 flights, much lower compared to Friday. We are continuing to work towards reducing this number progressively over the next few days,” IndiGo said. The airline’s teams are focused on stabilising schedules, reducing delays, and supporting customers through this period, it said, adding, “We are also working closely with all airports and partners to ensure timely updates are provided to customers at terminals, on our website, and via direct notifications.”

In the two-page order on capping the airfares, the ministry said disruptions in flight operations of one of the scheduled airlines had resulted in flight cancellations, leading to capacity constraints and unreasonable surges in fares on a number of sectors.

The fare limits, excluding applicable charges, are not applicable for business class and UDAN flights, the civil aviation ministry said in an order. However, the order did not provide clarity on whether the caps are applicable for economy class tickets or both economy and premium economy class tickets.

Under the limits, for a flight flying up to 500 kilometres, the fares are capped at Rs 7,500, and for 500-1,000 kilometres, the ticket price cap is Rs 12,000. For flights operating 1,000-1,500 kilometres, the fares are limited to Rs 15,000, and for flights above 1,500 kilometres, the cap is Rs 18,000. This means that for a Delhi-Mumbai flight, which covers a distance of over 1,300 kilometres, the fare for at least the economy class is capped at Rs 18,000. The limits will remain in place until the situation stabilises, the ministry said in a statement.

It excludes User Development Fee (UDF), Passenger Service Fee (PSF), and taxes on air tickets.

The ministry, in the statement, said it will continue to closely monitor fare levels through real-time data and active coordination with airlines and online travel platforms, adding that any deviation from the prescribed norms will attract immediate corrective action in the larger public interest.

“These fare limits shall be applicable for all forms of bookings, regardless of whether the purchase is made directly through the airline’s official website or through various online travel agents’ platforms,” it said.

The ministry has also asked airlines to avoid steep or unusual upward fare revisions on sectors affected by the cancellations.

An analysis of fares on airlines’ websites on Friday showed that a one-way, one-stop economy-class SpiceJet Kolkata-Mumbai flight ticket for December 6 was priced up to Rs 90,000, and a similar ticket for Air India for Mumbai-Bhubaneswar went up to Rs 84,485.

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) President Ravi Gosain said unpredictable spikes damage consumer confidence and create chaos for tour operators. “A temporary fare cap may provide immediate relief, but the durable solution is better contingency planning, rapid capacity deployment, and transparent fare monitoring,” he noted.

Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) Board Member Anil Kalsi said the fare cap is essential to protect flyer rights in India, and there is a need for a permanent policy in this regard.

Crime, Regional

Dhupguri Murder Case: 4 of a Family Get Lifer in murder case of 2022

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MP, Jalpaiguri, 5 Dec 2025: Three years after a violent land dispute led to the death of a 52-year-old man, a Jalpaiguri court on Friday sentenced four members of the same family to rigorous imprisonment for life. Another family member was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Judge Biplab Roy of the Third Court of the Jalpaiguri Additional District and Sessions Court delivered the verdict in the 2022 murder case, which had shocked the Jhar Shalbaria area of Dhupguri block. Those awarded life imprisonment are Nikhil Sarkar, his wife Basanti Sarkar, their son Bishwanath Sarkar, and Basanti’s brother Buddheshwar Mondal. Shambhu Mondal, another relative, received a 10-year jail term.

The case dates back to a dispute over nearly 0.53 acres of ancestral land owned by the victim, Gobinda Mondal, who was overseeing the construction of a house on the plot on the day of the attack. Around 2:30 pm, Nikhil, Basanti, Bishwanath, Buddheshwar, and Shambhu allegedly arrived at the site with sticks and iron rods, confronting Gobinda’s wife, Sandhya Mondal, and other family members. An argument broke out, and the accused allegedly assaulted Sandhya and her relatives.

Hearing the commotion, Gobinda rushed to the spot. When he tried to intervene, he was struck on the head with a construction shovel, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to multiple hospitals, including a private nursing home in Siliguri, where he later died. Following a written complaint from the family, police arrested the accused.

State prosecutor Prasenjit Deb said 12 witnesses testified during the trial, IO was S.I.Bhoyesh Subba. 

Politics, Regional

BGPM to Contest 2026 Elections Alone, Says Anit Thapa; Inspects Landslide-hit Mirik

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 4 Dec 2025, Darjeeling: Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) president Anit Thapa, on his return from Kolkata, announced that the party would contest the 2026 elections independently, fielding its own candidates in the three Hill constituencies. Thapa made the announcement after visiting several landslide-affected villages in the Thorbu-Duptin region of Mirik. However, he also clarified that BGPM’s alliance with the TMC would continue.

Speaking to the media, Thapa stated, “We will field candidates in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong on our own symbol. We have alliances, but just like the past Assembly, GTA, and Panchayat elections, we will contest alone this time as well.”

Thapa justified the decision by stating that it was crucial to safeguard regional politics, which in turn supports regional demands. He emphasized, “We have an alliance with the TMC, but we have been contesting the Assembly elections, GTA, and Panchayat elections in our own symbol. We have fought Parliamentary elections using the TMC symbol, but the candidate was of our choice.”

The BGPM president also criticized the BJP, accusing them of eroding regionalism under the guise of alliances. He highlighted that despite the BJP’s lack of support in the Hills, the party continues to field candidates under the BJP banner, calling this an “expansion move” that aims to end regionalism. “The BJP has no support base in the Hills and relies on alliance partners for elections,” Thapa said, labeling the party’s actions as a direct attack on regional identity.

When questioned about his recent trip to Kolkata, Thapa clarified that it was an administrative visit. He had meetings with senior state department officials and the Chief Secretary to expedite pending projects in the region. “A follow-up meeting with GTA officials was also held in Kolkata to accelerate administrative processes,” Thapa added.

Thapa also visited Namsu, Deurali, and Chaalise to assess the damage caused by the October flash floods in the Marma Khola area. During the visit, he met with affected families, inspected damaged sites, and reviewed the status of relief distribution and compensation. He assured that most victims had already received compensation from the state government, noting, “Such a quick release of compensation has never happened before. We have also initiated additional support measures through the Block Development Office and the panchayats.”

p style=”text-align: justify;”>However, Thapa expressed concern about the altered course of the Marma Khola following the floods. He warned that if the river is not redirected soon, it could pose further risks to the area. 

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/centre-wouldve-imposed-president-rule-if-sir-was-refused-says-mamata-638379

Northeast

Manipur Naga Tribes Urge PM to Act Against ‘Unchecked’ Illegal Migration

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PTI, IMPHAL, DEC 4, 2025 : The Joint Tribes Council Manipur, representing four Naga tribes, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take “urgent action” to curb what it termed unchecked illegal migration into the state, warning that the influx threatens the demographic balance and cultural identity of indigenous communities.

In a memorandum submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Rongmei Naga Council, Liangmai Naga Council, Zeme Naga Council, and Inpui Naga Union said Manipur has in recent years witnessed a “growing influx of illegal migrants” from Myanmar as well as from neighbouring Indian states where the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise is underway. Rongmei, Liangmai, Zeme, and Inpui tribes are concentrated in Tamenglong, Noney, and Kangpokpi districts.

“The continuous inflow has strained local resources and now poses a serious threat to the cultural identity, economic stability, and traditional livelihoods of native indigenous communities in Manipur,” the memorandum stated.

It said the situation was “particularly critical” along major highways where “new settlements have mushroomed without check.” They alleged that several of these settlements are linked to large-scale deforestation for illicit poppy cultivation and are “protected by well-armed militant groups.”

“These groups survive through illegal taxation of commercial vehicles on national highways and by engaging in widespread poppy plantation on land belonging to the indigenous Naga people,” the organisations claimed.

They further alleged that such groups are now “claiming ancestral Naga lands as their own and demanding a separate administration.” Roads were being built without community consent to connect these settlements through inter-village routes that pass through Naga areas, the memorandum said.

National, Techno/ Science

Govt Drops Order for Mandatory Cybersecurity App on Smartphones Amid Privacy Concerns

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PTI, NEW DELHI, DEC 4, 2025 : The government on Wednesday withdrew its directive requiring smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run cybersecurity application on all new devices, as it moved to quell rising concerns that the measure could have compromised user privacy or enabled surveillance.

The Sanchar Saathi app, which the government says only helps track and block stolen phones and prevents them from being misused, will, however, continue to be available on app stores for voluntary downloads.

“The government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers,” the communications ministry said in a press statement.

The move follows protests from opposition parties and privacy advocates who felt the app could listen to calls as well as read messages. Some manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung were said to have voiced reservations over the November 28 order.

“The number of users has been increasing rapidly, and the mandate to install the app was meant to accelerate this process and make the app available to less aware citizens easily. Just in the last one day, 6 lakh citizens have registered for downloading the app, which is a 10x increase in its uptake,” the ministry said in the statement.

Globally, hardly any country has mandated pre-loading of a cybersecurity app on all smartphones. The only reported exception is Russia, which in August ordered that MAX – a state-backed messaging service viewed by critics as a potential surveillance tool – be installed by default on all phones and tablets.

International

Russian President Putin Arrives in Delhi for Key Summit in 2025

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Russian President Putin arrives in Delhi to a red carpet welcome. Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure, and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit between Modi and Putin. 

PTI, NEW DELHI, DEC 4: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night kick-started a nearly 27-hour visit to India to further shore up a nearly eight-decade bilateral partnership that remained in firm footing notwithstanding fractious geopolitical environment and tensions.

In reflection of the importance India attached to the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Putin at New Delhi’s Palam airport with a hug and accorded him a warm welcome to India after a gap of four years. The two leaders left the airport in the same car, nearly three months after they travelled together on a vehicle in the Chinese city of Tianjin following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Modi is hosting a private dinner for Putin this evening, in a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended to the Indian prime minister by the Russian leader during his visit to Moscow in July last year.

The conversation between the two leaders this evening is expected to set the tone for the 23rd India-Russia summit talks on Friday that is expected to produce a number of key outcomes. Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure, and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit meeting between the two leaders that is expected to be closely watched by Western capitals. The Russian leader’s visit to New Delhi has assumed greater significance as it is taking place against the backdrop of a rapid downturn in India-US relations.

Following the summit, the two sides are expected to seal several agreements, including in areas of trade. On Friday morning, Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan before the summit. Modi will also host a working lunch for the Russian leader and his delegation at Hyderabad House, the venue for the summit. Putin will also visit Rajghat in the morning, according to people familiar with the matter.

After the summit, Putin is set to launch the new India channel of Russian state-run broadcaster, following which he will attend a state banquet to be hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu. The Russian leader is expected to leave India around 9 pm on Friday.

In the summit talks, New Delhi is expected to press for addressing the increasing trade deficit caused by India’s procurement of large volumes of Russian crude oil. The Russian president’s trip to India is taking place at a time when India-US relations are going through possibly the worst phase in the last two decades after Washington imposed a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including 25 per cent levies for New Delhi’s procurement of Russian crude oil. The impact of American sanctions on India’s procurement of Russian crude oil is likely to be discussed at the summit.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said New Delhi’s purchase of crude oil from Russia may decline for “a brief period” in view of Western sanctions, but, at the same time, he said Moscow is taking steps to enhance the supplies. At the summit, Putin is expected to apprise Modi about the latest US efforts to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict. India has been consistently maintaining that dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward to end the war.

Following the Modi-Putin talks, the two sides are expected to ink a plethora of agreements, including one on facilitating the movement of Indian workers to Russia, and another on logistical support under a broader framework of defence cooperation. It is learnt that under the trade basket, Indian exports to Russia are expected to significantly increase in areas of pharma, agriculture, food products and consumer goods. The move comes amid concerns in New Delhi over a ballooning trade deficit in favour of Russia.

India’s annual procurement of goods and services from Russia amounts to around USD 65 billion, while Russia’s imports from India stand at around USD 5 billion. Officials said India is also looking at boosting cooperation in the fertiliser sector. Russia supplies three to four million tonnes of fertilisers to India annually. The Indian and Russian sides are also likely to discuss New Delhi’s proposed free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

Ahead of the summit, the defence ministers of the two countries held wide-ranging talks on Thursday, with a focus on India’s plan to procure additional batches of S-400 missile systems and other critical military hardware from Russia. The S-400 missile systems proved to be very effective during Operation Sindoor. In October 2018, India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding a warning by the US that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions under the provisions of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Peskov said there may be a discussion on the possibility of Russia supplying Su-57 fighter jets to India. India is in the process of procuring a batch of fifth-generation fighter jets. Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, Lockheed Martin’s F-21, Boeing’s F/A-18, and the Eurofighter Typhoon are the main contenders. Ways to bolster bilateral energy ties are also expected to figure prominently in the summit. It is learnt that Russia has offered India additional discounts for its procurement of crude oil. The offer came after the volume of India’s purchase of Russian crude oil registered a decline in the last few weeks following the latest wave of US sanctions on two Russian oil producers.

India and Russia have a mechanism under which India’s prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties. So far, 22 annual summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia. The Russian president had last visited New Delhi in 2021. In July last year, Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit.

Career / Jobs, Games & Sports, Regional

Richa Ghosh Joins Bengal Police as Assistant Commissioner After World Cup Win

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KalimNews, December 3, 2025, Siliguri : Richa Ghosh, the wicketkeeper-batter from Siliguri, who played a key role in India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup victory, has officially joined the West Bengal Police in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). On Wednesday, Ghosh reported for duty at the Siliguri Police Commissionerate, where she met senior officers and other members of the force, marking the beginning of her new role as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

This landmark appointment follows a public felicitation ceremony held by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last month, where Ghosh was honored for her contribution to India’s maiden World Cup win. At the ceremony, the Chief Minister praised Ghosh for her exemplary performance and dedication, which led to India’s historic victory. Banerjee also announced the cricketer’s appointment as an honorary DSP in the state police.


On November 8, Ghosh had visited the state police headquarters in Kolkata to meet senior officials and complete the necessary formalities before formally joining the force.

The West Bengal Police took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce her appointment: “Richa Ghosh, a crucial member of the Indian team that won the Women’s Cricket World Cup, joined the State Police today in the rank of DSP. She has been appointed as ACP in the Siliguri Commissionerate,” the post said. It added, “Welcome, Richa, to the West Bengal Police family. With many best wishes and congratulations.”

Known for her powerful batting and sharp wicketkeeping, Ghosh emerged as a key performer in the World Cup. Her match-winning knocks, including a crucial 34 off 24 balls in the final, played a pivotal role in India’s historic title win. Her consistency, composure under pressure, and ability to shift the momentum in critical moments earned her widespread acclaim from cricket critics, fans, and former players alike.

Ghosh’s appointment as Assistant Commissioner of Police is not only a significant personal achievement but also a moment of immense pride for her hometown of Siliguri and the entire state of Bengal. The recognition highlights the growing importance of women’s sports in India and the evolving role of athletes in various sectors, including law enforcement.

Officials from the West Bengal Police Directorate described the title as an honor for Ghosh’s achievements and a recognition of her role as an inspiration to the next generation of sportspersons in the state.

India’s triumph in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has been hailed as a milestone in the country’s sports history, particularly for women’s cricket. With her success both on and off the field, Richa Ghosh’s appointment as an honorary DSP serves as a testament to the growing prominence of women in sports and their potential to make significant contributions in various spheres of life.

This marks yet another step in the recognition of athletes, with Ghosh joining other distinguished sportspersons who have been honored for their contribution to national pride. The West Bengal government’s gesture, along with her role as an ACP, is seen as both a reward for her achievements and a message of encouragement to young athletes across the state.

Education, West Bengal

Calcutta High Court’s Division Bench Overturns Order Terminating the Appointment of 32,000 Primary Teachers

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Verdict a Great “Humanitarian” Relief for Thousands of Families: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

PTI, KOLKATA/MALDA, DEC 3, 2025: A division bench of Calcutta High Court on Wednesday set aside a single bench order that annulled the appointments of 32,000 primary school teachers in West Bengal, observing that “a group of unsuccessful candidates should not be allowed to damage the entire system”. These teachers were recruited in 2016 through the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) by the West Bengal Board of Primary Education, and their appointments were challenged by a group of unsuccessful candidates who alleged recruitment fraud.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s order, calling the verdict a “humanitarian” relief for thousands of families. “We are happy with the court’s order. It is a great relief that the jobs of these teachers are saved. We want to generate jobs and not take them away,” she said. The Chief Minister added, “The judges have viewed the matter from a humanitarian angle. The families of these teachers have been protected. I am happy. It is not right to run to court every time to take away someone’s job.”

Responding to Banerjee’s remarks, BJP spokesperson and one of the petitioners in the case, Tarunjyoti Tewari, said he has full respect for the court order, but the verdict has raised new doubts among job aspirants who have been alleging corruption in the recruitment process for years. “What needs to be said about the Calcutta High Court order will be said in the Supreme Court,” Tewari, a lawyer and one of the petitioners in the case, said in a post on X.

The bench, comprising Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Reetabrata Kumar Mitra, said it is not inclined to uphold the single bench order as irregularities have not been proven in all the recruitments. The court maintained that the termination of employment after nine years would have a huge impact on the primary teachers and their families and ruled that “innocent teachers would also suffer great ignominy and stigma”. The services of appointees cannot be terminated only on the basis of an ongoing criminal proceeding, the bench further observed.

The verdict brought joy and relief to the in-service teachers who, after the Supreme Court judgment which terminated appointments of nearly 26,000 teachers and non-teaching staff from the SLST 2016 panel earlier this year on grounds of large-scale recruitment corruption, waited for the High Court judgment. Calling the judgment a “triumph of truth”, the teachers expressed gratitude at the court having “removed the taint that was smeared on them for the past two-and-a-half years” and allowing them to continue in service “with their heads held high”.

The judgment, passed barely months ahead of the upcoming state polls, was clearly a shot in the arm for the TMC-led West Bengal government, which is fighting perceptions of large-scale corruption. “The verdict has proved that our Chief Minister has always stood by our teachers and will continue doing so,” state education minister Bratya Basu said. “For the past five years, the education board had been plagued by certain attacks and subjected to motivated campaigns. As the clock is showing signs of turning full cycle, we are hopeful the slur will go away, and we will face the next assembly polls with our heads held high,” he added.

A section of aggrieved candidates, who had originally moved court alleging recruitment irregularities, expressed their intentions to move the Supreme Court, challenging the division bench order.

The High Court on Wednesday said the CBI, which was directed to investigate the matter, had initially identified 264 appointments in which irregularities took place in the form of granting an additional mark. The court observed that the probe agency has so far found no evidence that the mark was granted under instructions of external entities. Besides the identified candidates, the names of another 96 teachers came under the agency’s scanner, whose jobs were subsequently reinstated under a Supreme Court order. The court maintained that the above evidence does not constitute sufficient grounds to cancel the entire selection process.

A group of aggrieved candidates had moved the single bench, challenging the recruitment process over alleged irregularities. A single bench of then Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay had terminated the appointments of these 32,000 primary teachers on May 12, 2023, after petitioners had alleged that the primary education board had committed fraud in the selection process and did not follow the rules for recruitment of primary teachers in state government-run and aided primary schools. In its order, the single bench had pointed towards the possibility of recruitment of a section of teachers without holding their mandatory aptitude test, which the division bench maintained, the probe agency is yet to back up with concrete evidence.

International

Trump Administration Pauses Green Card, US Citizenship Applications from 19 ‘Countries of Concern’

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PTI, NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, DEC 3, 2025: The Trump administration has paused, with immediate effect, Green Card, US citizenship, and other immigration applications from 19 “countries of concern”. The directive came amid an intensified crackdown on immigration following the shooting of National Guard soldiers by an Afghan national last month.

A policy memorandum on Tuesday directed the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to “place on hold,” effective immediately, all asylum applications, regardless of the immigrant’s country of nationality, pending a comprehensive review. The directive also places on hold all applications for Green Cards, US citizenship requests, and other immigration applications for immigrants from the 19 countries on which the Trump administration had placed a travel ban and are considered “countries of concern” by the White House.

These countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen. The applications will be on hold “pending a comprehensive review, regardless of entry date,” the directive said. These are the same countries that were subject to a travel ban announced by US President Donald Trump in a proclamation issued in June this year.

The new guidance came in the wake of the tragic shooting of US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

National, Techno/ Science

Pune Researchers Discover Massive, Grand-Design Spiral Galaxy Existing Since Universe’s Infancy

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PTI, PUNE, DEC 3, 2025: Two researchers from an astrophysics institute in Pune have discovered one of the most distant spiral galaxies ever observed — a massive, well-formed system that existed when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old. The finding adds to growing evidence that the early universe was more evolved than previously assumed, they said.

Named ‘Alaknanda’ after a Himalayan river, the grand-design spiral galaxy challenges existing theories on how early complex galactic structures formed, the researchers said. “Finding such a well-formed spiral galaxy at this early epoch is quite unexpected. It shows that sophisticated structures were being built much earlier than we thought possible,” one of the researchers said.

Despite being present when the universe was only 10% of its current age, Alaknanda appears strikingly similar to the Milky Way. The findings have been published in the European journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), researchers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar from the Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA-TIFR) identified the galaxy. “Alaknanda lies at a redshift of about 4, meaning its light has travelled more than 12 billion years to reach Earth,” Jain said. “We are seeing this galaxy as it appeared just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. Finding such a well-formed spiral galaxy at this early epoch is quite unexpected. It shows that sophisticated structures were being built much earlier than we thought possible,” she added.

Using JWST’s infrared sensitivity and resolution, the team found that Alaknanda contains roughly “10 billion times the mass of the Sun in stars” and is forming new stars at about 63 solar masses per year, nearly 20 to 30 times the Milky Way’s current rate, the researchers said in a release. Before JWST, astronomers believed early galaxies were chaotic and clumpy, with stable spiral structures emerging only after several billion years, they said. Dominant models suggested that early galaxies were too “hot” and turbulent to form ordered disks capable of sustaining spiral arms, the release stated.

“Alaknanda tells a different story,” Wadadekar said. “This galaxy had to assemble 10 billion solar masses of stars and build a large disk with spiral arms in just a few hundred million years. That’s incredibly rapid by cosmic standards,” he added.

The discovery adds to growing JWST evidence that the early universe was more evolved than previously assumed. “While other disk galaxies have been spotted at similar distances, Alaknanda is among the clearest examples of a spiral galaxy with well-defined arms at such a high redshift,” the release said. Jain said the team chose the name Alaknanda — one of the two main headstreams of the river Ganga — because of its connection to the Milky Way. “Just as the Alaknanda is the sister river of the Mandakini, which is the Hindi name for our own Milky Way, we thought it fitting to name this distant spiral galaxy after the Alaknanda river,” she explained.

Although Alaknanda’s photometric redshift is well-established, follow-up observations with JWST’s NIRSpec instrument or the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) are needed to measure its disk rotation, the researchers said. “These measurements will reveal whether the galaxy’s disk is ‘cold’ and orderly or ‘hot’ and turbulent, helping scientists understand how its spiral arms formed,” they added.

National

Manipur militants asks Sangai Festival participants to issue public apology

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PTI, December 03, 2025,  Imphal :  A coalition of five proscribed groups in Manipur on Wednesday asked all individuals and organisations which participated in the recently concluded Sangai Festival to issue a public apology before December 10, calling the event a betrayal of the suffering of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Sangai festival was held from November 21 to 30 amid protests by IDPs demanding that they be allowed to return to their homes.

At least 260 people were killed and thousands homeless in ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur since May 2023.

In a joint statement, leaders of the Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, PREPAK (Progressive), and United National Liberation Front alleged that displaced people are struggling to survive in relief camps.

The outfits also alleged the government was not doing anything to resolve the conflict.

They said that all artists, business enterprises, professionals and stall owners who participated in the festival should issue a public apology by December 10.

The groups also announced a one-year ban on any performance on four major drama troupes which participated in the event, allegedly for going against the wishes of the people.

West Bengal

Primary teacher recruitment jobs scrapped after 9 years to cause insurmountable inconvenience says Cal HC

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PTI, December 03, 2025, Kolkata : Setting aside a single bench order cancelling the appointment of 32,000 primary school teachers in West Bengal, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday said jobs terminated after nine years of service would doubtless cause “insurmountable inconvenience” to the appellants.

The court, referring to petitioners who challenged the 2016 state primary education board recruitments, also said that a group of unsuccessful candidates should not be allowed to damage the entire system and that the possibility of innocent teachers suffering great ignominy and stigma cannot be ruled out.

“A job taken away after about nine years of service would indisputably cause insurmountable inconvenience to the appellants and their survival along with their family members would be at stake,” a division bench presided by Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty observed.

“In such circumstances and considering the enormity of the impact, we are not inclined to uphold the cancellation of appointment of the 32,000 teachers, who have worked in the post for a long period,” the division bench held.

The services of appointees cannot also be terminated only on the basis of an ongoing criminal proceeding, the bench said with regard to the ongoing investigations into the alleged recruitment irregularities in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) conducted in 2014.

“Findings arrived at by the investigating authorities would not reveal that the appointed candidates were involved in any corrupt practices,” the bench, also comprising Justice Reetobroto Kumar Mitra, said.

The court said that upon investigation, it was ascertained by CBI that irregularities exist in respect of 264 candidates who were given grace marks and identified.

It said that the agency additionally identified 96 candidates who failed to secure qualifying marks but were nonetheless appointed.

The appointments of these candidates were subsequently terminated but they continue to remain in service on the strength of an order passed by the Supreme Court.

“In view of such identification, the allegation of fraud and corruption pertaining to the entire recruitment process is not sustainable and the appointment of the 32,000 teachers cannot be interfered with,” the division bench said.

The court held that a direction for job termination and re-examination at this stage would have dissimilar impact upon the appointees, observing that any such order would fail to secure fair play for the deserving teachers.

Referring to the investigation progress so far, the bench stated that unless “widespread or systematic irregularities” are established, a case for cancellation of all appointments cannot be made.

“Assessment of data does not reveal systemic cheating,” the bench said, while observing that during the period of service rendered by the appellants, there were no allegations regarding the integrity or efficiency of those teachers.

The division bench said that the single bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay had in the judgment of May 12, 2023, gone beyond the pleadings, and cancelled the appointments made upon a purported finding that no aptitude test was held.

“In the dispensation of justice, courts are prevented from innovating at pleasure,” the division bench stated in its 141-page judgment.

“Neither can they don the helmet of a knight errant roaming at will in pursuit of their own ideal of beauty or of goodness,” it added in reference to the single bench order.

The division bench maintained that that courts should emphasise fairness, transparency and accountability in public service and will support wholesale cancellation of examinations if systemic irregularities undermine the process.

“However, a court is not expected to indulge in roving enquiry to rule out all possible explanations and alternative scenarios justifying such irregularities,” the bench said.

Insisting that there is a “difference between a proven case of mass cheating” in a board examination and “unproven imputed charge of corruption”, the court observed, “When services are terminated on the ground that the incumbent aided and abetted corruption, the court must satisfy itself that condition for this exists.”

Prayers for a stay of operation of the judgment were rejected by the division bench.

Some lawyers representing the petitioners said they were of the opinion that the judgment should be challenged before the Supreme Court.

West Bengal

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Former Residence in Uttar Barasat Left in Ruin: A Silent Testimony to Neglect

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews,December 3, 2025, Kolkata : Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the iconic literary figure whose anthem Vande Mataram resonated through the very soul of India’s independence movement, is often remembered as a beacon of hope, inspiring generations with his contributions to literature and patriotism. His work, especially the stirring hymn Vande Mataram, continues to evoke the spirit of unity and independence. Yet, the place where he once lived and worked, his residence in Uttar Barasat, has fallen into a state of utter neglect, serving as a painful reminder of how history can be forgotten by those who inherit it.

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s house, located a mere ten-minute walk from Uttar Barasat Station, was once the place where the great writer lived and worked as Deputy Collector from 1874 to 1882. A man whose words were instrumental in awakening the spirit of nationalism and who penned the verses of Vande Mataram in 1875, the house he called home has now become a neglected ruin, consumed by neglect and apathy. Once a symbol of intellectual and cultural significance, the house has transformed into an unsafe and unsightly location, abandoned to the ravages of time and human disregard.

The once-respected residence now stands in disrepair, overrun with weeds, and infested with insects. The deteriorating structure is a stark contrast to its former glory, with crumbling walls and scattered debris surrounding it. Disturbingly, locals report that the area has become a hotspot for antisocial activities, with people using the vicinity as a place for open defecation, drinking alcohol, and disposing of waste. The very space that once housed a figure of such monumental cultural importance has descended into a state of lawlessness and decay.

For those familiar with Bankim Chandra’s legacy, this transformation of his home into an area rife with neglect is heartbreaking. The house, once a beacon of cultural history, now serves as a ghostly reminder of the failure to preserve the legacies of national heroes. The eerie silence surrounding the house today seems to cast a shadow over its storied past, with locals lamenting the lack of government intervention at both the state and central levels to restore the heritage site.

For a country that reveres its history and the contributions of figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the neglect of his residence is a glaring oversight. Local residents have voiced their concerns anonymously, urging both state and central governments to step in and preserve this historical landmark. Without such intervention, they fear the area could become a breeding ground for further anti-social activities and a blight on the community.

As we reflect on the importance of Vande Mataram, the song that transcends religious and political boundaries, it is essential to remember the man behind it. Vande Mataram, which was first published in Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875, has long been regarded as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle. The song’s importance cannot be overstated; it became an anthem of national pride and a rallying cry for the independence movement. Despite some controversies regarding the religious symbolism and the presentation of the goddess, Vande Mataram remains a cultural and historical asset, a memory of India’s freedom struggle.

After India’s independence, Vande Mataram was officially recognised as the national song in 1950, complementing Jana Gana Mana as an anthem of unity. It is enshrined in the national consciousness, and its status as a national symbol is unwavering. The song’s journey, from the undercurrents of the Bengali Renaissance to its place in the national struggle, remains a significant cultural memory—far beyond any political or religious connotations.

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s literary journey also took him through several other towns, such as Baruipur, Baharampur, and Chunchura in Hooghly district. Ultimately, he retired in Uttar Barasat, where he served as Deputy Collector until 1882. His time here was marked by intellectual growth and his immersion in the literary and political currents of the time. Sadly, the house that once echoed with the ideas of a great mind now serves as a decaying relic, marred by years of neglect.

While Vande Mataram continues to evoke pride and unity across India, the state of Bankim Chandra’s residence calls into question the nation’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage. It is a sad irony that the birthplace of a national symbol is allowed to fall into ruin while the significance of his work endures.

Today, the house stands as a tragic symbol of neglect. Its walls, once steeped in intellectual history, are now covered with grass and towering banyan trees. The bricks of the house crumble under the weight of time, with little effort from local, state, or central authorities to preserve it. This brings into focus the question of why a place of such historical and cultural importance has been allowed to deteriorate to this point. Shouldn’t it be the responsibility of the government and heritage bodies to safeguard such valuable landmarks?

The fate of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s residence in Uttar Barasat serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s broader challenge: the preservation of its cultural heritage. As the birthplace of Vande Mataram, a song that ignited the flames of freedom, this house deserves better. The question remains: will it be allowed to fade away in the shadows, or will the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay be revived, as it should be, with the respect and reverence it so rightfully deserves?

Health, Techno/ Science, West Bengal

Bengali Scientist Dr. Debanjan Banerjee Recognised as One of the World’s Top 2% Researchers

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Dr. Debanjan Banerjee Named Among the World’s Top 2% Scientists: A Landmark Achievement for Indian Psychiatry

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews,December 3, 2025, Kolkata :  Dr. Debanjan Banerjee, a distinguished Consultant Geriatric Psychiatrist at Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata, has earned a prestigious place in the Stanford University and Elsevier global list of the world’s top 2% scientists. This recognition, based on his pioneering research, clinical excellence, and significant impact on psychiatry, adds to his growing reputation as a leading figure in the field, especially in geriatric psychiatry.

Stanford University’s annual list, compiled in collaboration with the Elsevier Data Repository, provides a detailed ranking of the top 100,000 scientists based on multiple criteria such as citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted h-index, and a composite score (c-score). This year, 15 Indian psychiatrists made it to the esteemed list, with Dr. Banerjee standing out for his contributions to social psychiatry and geriatrics. His inclusion in this select group reflects the increasing global recognition of India’s contributions to the mental health field.

Dr. Banerjee’s research focuses on critical areas including the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychology of misinformation, the media’s portrayal of suicides, and the marginalisation of ageing populations. His work in geriatric psychiatry addresses a largely overlooked but vitally important field, especially as the global population continues to age at an unprecedented rate.

An accomplished academic, Dr. Banerjee’s career began with an MBBS from Calcutta National Medical College, where he was awarded a gold medal for his academic excellence. He then went on to complete his M.D. in Psychiatry from the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore. His post-doctoral work in Geriatric Psychiatry further cemented his expertise in this field. With 139 publications to his name, over 56,578 reads, and 5,668 citations, Dr. Banerjee has made a lasting impact on academic literature, particularly in social psychiatry and the mental health of the elderly.

Dr. Banerjee is an advocate for mental health awareness and actively participates in various community initiatives. He has worked to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and has played a significant role in training general physicians to better handle mental health cases. His academic contributions span diverse research methodologies, including Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), Cognitive Grounded Theory (CGT), and Focus Group Discussions (FGD).

He is also an editor for two local magazines in Kolkata and continues to lead research projects in social psychology. According to the Stanford-Elsevier database, Dr. Banerjee is ranked 20,414 in the global list, based on his composite score excluding self-citations, and 23,538 when self-citations are included. His h-index (a measure of research productivity and citation impact) stands at 11 as of 2024, with a total of 485 citations for the year. These numbers further reflect the increasing influence of his work on the global psychiatric community.

Dr. Banerjee’s extensive clinical experience is reflected in his work at Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, where he diagnoses and treats a wide range of psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on neuro-psychiatry, dementia, mood disorders, and psychosexual health. His patient-centred approach, combined with his deep expertise in the mental health needs of the elderly, has earned him the respect of both patients and peers.

Beyond his clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Banerjee’s commitment to improving mental health in India is also evident in his leadership roles within prominent psychiatric associations. He is an active member of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), the Indian Association of Geriatric Mental Health (IAGMH), the Indian Association of Social Psychiatry (IASP), the SAARC Psychiatric Federation, and the World Psychiatric Association (WPA).

Dr. Banerjee’s academic credentials are extensive. In addition to his gold medal in MBBS, he holds a DNB in Psychiatry, a DM in Geriatric Psychiatry from NIMHANS, and a Fellowship in Sexual Medicine from JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru. His academic contributions, including over 100 indexed publications in national and international journals, have been widely cited and have earned him multiple awards, including the WASP Asia Pacific Best Research Award in 2021 and the Early Career Fellowship Award from the World Psychiatric Association in 2022.

His work continues to inspire not only his colleagues but also a new generation of researchers, especially those working in underexplored areas of mental health such as geriatrics and the social aspects of psychiatry. Dr. Banerjee has stated that his recognition in the Stanford list will help open new directions for mental health research in India and hopes it will serve as an inspiration to young researchers across the country.

The inclusion of Dr. Banerjee in this prestigious list of the world’s top 2% scientists underscores India’s growing prominence in global mental health research. It highlights the significant strides being made in fields like geriatrics, neuro-psychiatry, and social psychiatry, and calls for more attention to mental health research in a rapidly ageing global population. As a leading figure in these fields, Dr. Banerjee continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of mental health care in India and beyond.