Bengal Insight

Author: Anik Dutta

  • Trump’s Board of Peace plans $2.45 billion Gaza recovery plan

    Trump’s Board of Peace plans $2.45 billion Gaza recovery plan

    US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is set to present a six-month, $2.45 billion recovery plan for Gaza at a meeting of its members on Wednesday, according to a report by Axios. The proposal covers emergency housing, debris removal, hospital repairs, economic recovery and security arrangements.

    The plan contains 66 projects and is being presented as a framework for the initial phase of Gaza’s post-war recovery and governance. It has reportedly been prepared over the past year by members of the Board of Peace and a Palestinian technocratic government. The board has 28 member countries.

    Gaza Reconstruction Plan: What Does It Include?

    According to the reported plan, infrastructure would receive about $1 billion. The proposed spending includes around $400 million for temporary shelters, $275 million for clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, $50 million for hospital rehabilitation and $30 million for road repairs.

    The proposal also covers electricity and water infrastructure, border crossings and solar power. Around $400 million is reportedly earmarked for insulated caravans to provide temporary accommodation for displaced Palestinians currently living in tents.

    An aerial view shows widespread destruction in Gaza, with sprawling camps of makeshift tents set up among collapsed concrete buildings and rubble.
    An aerial view shows widespread destruction in Gaza, with sprawling camps of makeshift tents set up among collapsed concrete buildings and rubble. Credit: X/ANI

    Security-related projects account for another major portion of the proposed budget. The plan reportedly sets aside about $885 million for security projects, including facilities and deployment related to a multinational security force. It also includes funding for Palestinian police and a weapons buy-back programme.

    A Board of Peace official was quoted as saying: “The plan shows how to stand up a government from nothing, an economy from shambles and a territory from disaster.”

    Gaza Recovery Could Cost $71.4 Billion

    The proposed six-month programme is only an initial step compared with the estimated cost of rebuilding Gaza.

    The plan puts the physical damage in Gaza at about $35.2 billion and estimates that full recovery and reconstruction could require approximately $71.4 billion over the next 10 years.

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    Beyond immediate relief, the proposal reportedly includes plans for digital services, economic support, healthcare and education. The broader objective is to establish the foundations of a functioning Palestinian administration and restart private-sector activity.

    Israel, Hamas Cooperation Key to Gaza Plan

    Implementation remains dependent on political and security conditions involving Israel and Hamas.

    According to Axios, Israel’s government has agreed in principle to parts of the proposal previously discussed but has not begun implementation, citing domestic political considerations ahead of its October 27 election. Hamas has also agreed in principle to disarm, although that commitment has yet to be tested.

    Funding is another challenge as the Board officials said the entire $2.45 billion does not have to be available immediately, while donor countries would be expected to support individual projects once political obstacles are addressed.

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    The proposal therefore combines short-term humanitarian needs with longer-term reconstruction and governance plans, but its implementation will depend on funding and cooperation among the parties involved.

  • Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari promises major investments in Bengal; Adani hospital project set to begin 

    Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari promises major investments in Bengal; Adani hospital project set to begin 

    West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said the state could see major investments from leading industrial groups, while indicating that the government was working to bring more big businesses to Bengal.

    Speaking to reporters in Cooch Behar, Adhikari referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of “talk less and work more” while discussing his government’s efforts to attract investment. His remarks came a day after he met industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his son Anant Ambani in Mumbai. Recent reports said investment opportunities and the expansion of Reliance’s presence in West Bengal were discussed during the meeting. 

    Suvendu Adhikari hints at Ambani development

    Adhikari suggested that his meeting with the Ambanis could lead to a development in Bengal, although he did not disclose details.

    “I received an invitation from Anant Ambani to attend their Ganpati festival. I couldn’t make it last week, but yesterday I visited their home, performed Aarti at their temple, and had dinner with Mukesh ji and Anant ji. You will have to wait and watch what happens,” Adhikari told reporters in Cooch Behar.

    The meeting was part of the state government’s efforts to attract fresh industrial investment. Reports said discussions included opportunities for Reliance to expand its business activities in Bengal. 

    West Bengal Cm Suvendu Adhikari with Mukhesh and Anant Ambani
    West Bengal Cm Suvendu Adhikari with Mukhesh and Anant Ambani. Credit: X/Suvendu Adhikari

    ‘There will be huge investments in Bengal’

    Adhikari said major investors would be brought to the state and claimed that Bengal would receive substantial investment.

    “There will be huge investments in Bengal. All major investors will be here. The Communists and previous chief minister Mamata (Banerjee) have caused massive damage to the state. The entire country is ready to support the BJP government to get Bengal back on its feet. I have got this commitment from everybody,” Adhikari said.

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    His comments form part of the state government’s broader push to attract large industrial projects and position West Bengal as an investment destination. The government has also announced plans to provide land to 33 industries before Durga Puja. 

    Adani hospital project in New Town

    Adhikari also said the groundbreaking ceremony for the Adani Group’s proposed hospital in Kolkata’s New Town would take place soon, with Gautam Adani expected to attend.

    The proposed facility is a 2,000-bed hospital, with the foundation stone ceremony scheduled for September 24, according to recent reports. 

    Also Read | West Bengal 933 schools with no students under government review; might hand buildings to other depts

    The developments involving the Ambani and Adani groups come as the Bengal government steps up its outreach to major corporate groups. The focus remains on attracting investment and expanding industrial activity across the state.

    This version targets Suvendu Adhikari, Bengal investment, Mukesh Ambani, Anant Ambani, Adani Group and New Town hospital as the main SEO keywords while keeping the political claims clearly attributed.

  • President Droupadi Murmu urges film stars to avoid harmful products; calls for more women on award juries

    President Droupadi Murmu urges film stars to avoid harmful products; calls for more women on award juries

    President Droupadi Murmu has urged popular film personalities to be careful about the products they promote, particularly those that could harm public health. Speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, Murmu said celebrities have a strong influence on children and young people and should use that reach responsibly.

    The President presented the National Film Awards for 2024 across various categories at a ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity. Several prominent names from the Indian film industry attended the event.

    Droupadi Murmu’s message to film stars

    Addressing the gathering, Murmu highlighted how the public often follows the lifestyle choices of successful actors and other popular artists.

    “When successful artists speak about the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle, millions of children and young people emulate them. I urge popular artists not to endorse products that are harmful to people’s health. A true star is the one who spreads light, not darkness,” Murmu said.

    Her remarks focused on the wider influence of film personalities beyond their work on screen. She pointed out that the words and actions of well-known artists can have a strong effect on younger audiences.

    President calls for more women on award juries

    Murmu also spoke about the representation of women in the committees responsible for selecting films for the National Film Awards.

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    She called for greater participation of women in the regional juries and said their perspectives could contribute to a broader approach to decision-making.

    “I would like to see women’s participation ensured in every regional jury,” she said. The President noted that several women were among the award recipients at the ceremony. She also stressed the importance of including women’s viewpoints across different fields.

    “incorporating the female perspective in any field makes it possible to form a holistic human outlook”.

    Murmu highlights welfare of film workers

    The President also appealed to the film industry to pay greater attention to the people working behind the scenes.

    She called for respect and social security for workers, small-scale artists, assistants and others who contribute to India’s creative economy.

    Many of these professionals work to establish themselves in the industry, making their contribution an important part of the larger film ecosystem.

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    The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony brought together leading figures from Indian cinema, with Murmu using the occasion to highlight responsible endorsements, wider representation of women and better support for workers across the creative sector.

  • West Bengal 933 schools with no students under government review; might hand buildings to other depts

    West Bengal 933 schools with no students under government review; might hand buildings to other depts

    The West Bengal government has formed a committee to decide the future of 933 primary and high schools that have reported no students for several years. School Education Minister Dipak Burman said the government is examining what can be done with the buildings, land, playgrounds and other assets of these institutions.

    The move comes amid a wider review of zero-enrolment schools across the state. According to the latest UDISE+ data, 4,133 schools in West Bengal reported zero enrolment during the 2025-26 academic year, with 19,502 teachers listed against them. The state has ordered physical verification to establish the actual status of these schools and assess their infrastructure.

    What Will Happen To 933 Schools?

    Speaking to reporters at his residence in Falakata, Alipurduar district, Burman said several of the 933 schools had effectively stopped functioning because they had remained without students for years.

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    Their unused infrastructure has now become part of the government’s discussion. One proposal is to allow other government departments to use the properties where appropriate.

    “The thought is whether there can be an interdepartmental exchange. We will give it to the government and they will decide next,” Burman said, adding that the education department would examine the proposal.

    The plan does not mean that every zero-enrolment school will automatically be closed or converted. The government is also carrying out physical verification because UDISE+ records may not always reflect the situation on the ground.

    Picture of an empty classroom
    Picture of an empty classroom | Representational Image

    West Bengal Zero-Enrolment Schools Under Review

    The 933 schools are part of a much larger group of institutions listed with zero enrolment. The latest UDISE+ figures put the number in West Bengal at 4,133.

    The government has directed district administrations to inspect these schools and prepare details about their land, buildings and other facilities. The exercise is also intended to determine whether unused infrastructure could serve other public purposes.

    The issue is closely linked to the uneven distribution of teachers across schools. Government data shows that 6,769 schools have only one teacher, serving around 2.3 lakh students. A teacher deployment policy allows staff and sanctioned posts from zero or very low-enrolment schools to be shifted to institutions facing shortages.

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    Remote Schools In West Bengal To Continue

    Burman said the government would not apply the same approach to schools in remote locations where there are few students and no nearby alternatives.

    “Even if there are schools in remote areas where students are less, population is less and no other school nearby, that school will continue to function. But, if we see that there are a number of schools nearby, we will have to think about these,” he said.

    On teacher shortages, Burman said the ongoing recruitment process was expected to improve staffing levels.

    “The process is going on and hopefully … by 2027 academic year, every school will have the required teachers,” he said.

    Teacher Recruitment And School Staffing

    The staffing issue comes after the Supreme Court’s April 2025 judgment cancelled the appointments of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff recruited through the 2016 process. A fresh recruitment exercise has since been initiated, including more than 35,000 assistant-teacher vacancies for Classes 9 to 12, according to the information provided.

    For now, the committee’s review of the 933 schools will determine how their unused properties are handled, while remote schools and institutions serving communities without nearby alternatives remain under consideration for continued operation.

    FAQs

    Why is West Bengal reviewing 933 schools?

    The schools have had no students for several years, leaving their buildings, land and other assets largely unused.

    Will remote-area schools be closed?

    No. Minister Dipak Burman said remote schools with few students and no nearby alternatives will continue to function.

  • Ethiopian armed groups ally against Abiy; alliance wants to uproot the Government

    Ethiopian armed groups ally against Abiy; alliance wants to uproot the Government

    Seven armed groups in Ethiopia, including former enemies from the country’s 2020-2022 civil war, have announced a new alliance seeking to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

    The coalition, named the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival, brings together groups from several parts of Ethiopia. Its members include organisations from Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Afar, Somali Region and Benishangul-Gumuz. The announcement comes as tensions between the federal government and several regional armed groups remain high. 

    TPLF And Fano Join Forces

    One of the most notable aspects of the new alliance is the presence of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Amhara Fano National Movement.

    The two groups were on opposing sides during the Tigray war between 2020 and 2022. Fano forces fought alongside Ethiopia’s federal government against the TPLF during that conflict, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and was accompanied by reports of ethnically driven atrocities. 

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    Fano later became involved in an armed conflict with the federal government in Amhara. That fighting has continued since 2023 and has resulted in thousands of deaths. 

    The new grouping therefore brings together organisations that have previously been in direct conflict with one another, while some members continue to have disputes over territory and other issues.

    Alliance Says It Wants To Overthrow Government

    The alliance announced its formation late on Sunday. Its statement accused the federal government of concentrating power and marginalising Ethiopia’s regions.

    The statement was read by Fano leader Zemene Kassie and broadcast on Tigrayan television.

    “We, the peoples’ forces concerned with the survival of Ethiopia’s peoples, bear the historic responsibility of overthrowing this regime,” the statement said.

    The Ethiopian government had not immediately responded to requests for comment when Reuters reported the announcement. Last month, an adviser to Abiy said a possible armed coalition would seek to cause disruption but would not be capable of removing the federal government.

    The government has also said it is pursuing a national dialogue aimed at addressing long-running political divisions and internal conflicts.

    Tensions Rise In Tigray

    The formation of the alliance comes after renewed tensions between federal forces and the TPLF.

    In May, the TPLF reasserted control over Tigray’s political administration. The move was described as a violation of the 2022 peace agreement by Reuters and followed accusations from the TPLF that the federal government had failed to implement the deal fully.

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    The Ethiopian military has also carried out several reported drone strikes against Tigrayan forces in recent months, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project.

    The federal government has not commented on those reported strikes. However, Ethiopia’s military said last week that nearly 300 Tigrayan fighters had surrendered.

    Ethiopia And Eritrea Dispute

    Ethiopia has also accused neighbouring Eritrea of backing insurgent groups, including the TPLF and Fano. Eritrea has rejected those allegations.

    The new Alliance for Survival now adds another layer to Ethiopia’s complicated security situation, bringing together armed groups from different regions and backgrounds. While the groups have declared a common objective, Reuters noted that some members remain divided over territorial and other disputes. 

    FAQs

    Which groups joined the Ethiopian alliance?

    The alliance includes the TPLF, Amhara Fano National Movement and groups from Oromia, Afar and Benishangul-Gumuz.

    Why did the groups ally?

    The groups accuse Abiy Ahmed’s government of centralising power and marginalising Ethiopia’s regions.