Kolkata has earned the distinction of being the most vegan-friendly city in India for 2025, according to PETA India. The recognition comes in light of the city’s increasing number of vegan restaurants, cafes, and plant-based food options, alongside community initiatives promoting ethical eating and cruelty-free living.
The award reflects not just the culinary landscape but also the efforts of local residents and businesses to embrace veganism and promote awareness about animal welfare. PETA India highlighted Kolkata’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for vegans and the growing popularity of plant-based diets among its population. The announcement also aims to inspire other cities across India to adopt more vegan-friendly practices and support sustainable, compassionate food choices.
A towering 70-foot iron statue of football legend Lionel Messi has been completed in Kolkata, with organisers calling it the largest statue of the Argentine superstar in the world. Created by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the massive installation depicts Messi proudly lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy — an image etched permanently into football history. The final finishing touches are currently underway, led by Monty Paul and his team, as the surrounding area is also being readied for the grand reveal.
West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose confirmed that the statue, despite its size and complexity, was completed in an astonishing forty days. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This is a very big statue, 70 foot in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world. Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi.” Bose recalled the legacy of world football icons who have visited Kolkata over the years, noting that Maradona, Emiliano Martinez and Ronaldinho had all graced the city, making Messi’s arrival feel even more historic for fans.
He shared that the idea for the statue grew naturally from local expectations. “People were saying we have a statue of Maradona, so why won’t there be one of Messi,” Bose explained. The timing of the tribute has generated added excitement, with Bose emphasising its significance ahead of the 2026 World Cup: “Messi will like this statue. Inauguration will be on the 13th virtually from Kolkata.”
Organisers stated that while Messi’s security concerns prevent him from being physically present, he will inaugurate the statue virtually on December 13. They assured that the finishing work would be completed within the next couple of days. Bose also acknowledged the strong support of state authorities, saying, “The Government has helped us a lot.”
The installation has already captured the imagination of football fans across West Bengal, with many expressing anticipation for the official unveiling. According to the organisers, the massive tribute celebrates not only Messi’s unparalleled legacy but also the deep emotional connection the people of Kolkata share with the sport. The city, known for its passionate football culture, now prepares to honour one of the most celebrated athletes of all time with a monument befitting his global stature.
The end of an era is near for one of India’s oldest financial landmarks. The Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE), established in 1908, is preparing to voluntarily exit its role as a stock exchange after years of operational dormancy and prolonged legal battles.
A century ago, CSE was a powerhouse of trade in the eastern region of India, standing toe-to-toe with the Bombay Stock Exchange. Its building on Lyons Range in Kolkata symbolized prosperity, enterprise, and financial ambition for decades. However, over time, the momentum slowed. After a massive settlement crisis tied to the Ketan Parekh scam in the early 2000s, CSE’s influence began to wane. Trading was officially suspended by SEBI in April 2013 due to regulatory non-compliance and failure to adopt modern trading frameworks.
In February 2025, the exchange submitted a formal application for voluntary exit to SEBI. The decision followed a shareholder vote held in April 2025, where the majority approved a transition plan that would see CSE shift from an exchange to a holding company. Its broking subsidiary, CSE Capital Markets Pvt Ltd (CCMPL), will continue operations through affiliations with the BSE and NSE.
SEBI has appointed Rajvanshi & Associates as the valuation agency to oversee the financial assessment of the exchange, and the exchange has already offered a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to employees. The move is expected to save ₹10 crore annually, with ₹20.95 crore allocated for staff exit packages.
Part of the transformation also involves the sale of CSE’s prized 3-acre property on EM Bypass to real estate group Srijan for ₹253 crore — another indicator of the exchange’s shift from traditional market functions to asset management.
The 2025 Diwali season is likely to be its last as a functioning entity — a poignant and symbolic farewell. Kolkata’s iconic financial monument, which has stood tall for 117 years, will cease to operate as a stock exchange, representing the larger story of how India’s capital markets have consolidated over the last two decades.
This voluntary exit is more than a regulatory process. It is the final chapter of a historic institution that once played a pivotal role in India’s financial growth — and a reflection of how regional exchanges have given way to national and global trading platforms in an increasingly digital, centralized world.
Kolkata | July 16, 2025: The Indian Navy has achieved yet another significant milestone in its ongoing naval modernisation drive with the launch of ‘Ajay’, the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The ship, Yard 3034, is part of a series of ASW vessels that have been indigenously designed and constructed to meet the evolving maritime security needs of India, with an emphasis on underwater domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, and mine-laying capabilities.
The launch ceremony was graced by the presence of Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of Materiel (COM), underscoring the Navy’s continued commitment to strengthening its fleet with advanced, locally-built platforms.
The first vessel of the class, ‘Arnala’, was commissioned on 18th June 2025, while the second ship is scheduled for delivery in August 2025. The completion of all eight vessels marks a significant achievement in the Indian Navy’s vision to ensure coastal security and deep-water readiness.
This initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) mission, promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign platforms.
The ASW SWC ships are designed to operate in shallow waters and are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and weaponry suited for countering underwater threats, including enemy submarines and mines.
With ‘Ajay’ now launched, India moves a step closer to a more secure and technologically advanced naval force — proudly Made in India.
