TOI Kolkata

• new'I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi': CM Mamata Banerjee after fan create chaos at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium

  

  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock and distress over the chaotic mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's visit. She extended sincere apologies to the football icon, fans, and sports lovers for the unfortunate incident.
  - 2 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 1:30pm -
• new'Only politicians, actors were surrounding Messi': Frustrated fans create chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium; watch

  

  Hundreds of fans erupted in anger at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi's brief appearance at a ticketed event. Spectators threw bottles and chairs, with some breaking barricades, frustrated by their inability to see the football star after paying high ticket prices. The event was marred by poor crowd management and unmet expectations.
  - 3 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:41pm -
• newLionel Messi meets Shah Rukh Khan, unveils 70-ft statue in Kolkata

  

  Football legend Lionel Messi virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue at Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan were present for the ceremony. Messi is in Kolkata as part of his India tour, with a stadium visit and departure for Hyderabad scheduled.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 10:48am -
• newLionel Messi gives thumbs up: West Bengal minister Sujit Bose says football icon happy with 70-foot statue; what he said

  

  West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose on Saturday said that football icon Lionel Messi and his team are happy with the 70-foot statue installed at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata. Messi, who is in the city to kick off his GOAT Tour India 2025, is scheduled to virtually unveil the statue today.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:43am -
• newWatch: Shah Rukh Khan reaches Kolkata ahead of Lionel Messi event; joined by son AbRam

  

  Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has landed in Kolkata for a highly anticipated meeting with football legend Lionel Messi. Khan, accompanied by his son AbRam, arrived late at night, exuding his signature charm. He confirmed his attendance at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13th for Messi's GOAT Tour, promising a day filled with engagements and interactions.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:17am -
• new‘Mohabbat hai’: Messi mania grips Kolkata; couple cancel honeymoon to see football icon

  

  A newlywed couple postponed their honeymoon to witness Lionel Messi's arrival in Kolkata, highlighting the immense excitement for his GOAT India Tour 2025. Thousands of fans braved the cold, lining up outside Salt Lake Stadium to greet the football superstar, who arrived early Saturday morning amidst tight security.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:05am -
• newKolkata traffic advisory ahead of Lionel Messi’s visit: Check full road closures, diversions and alternate routes

  

  Kolkata Police have implemented a traffic advisory for Lionel Messi's event at Yuba Bharati Stadium, anticipating a large fan turnout. Diversions for goods vehicles on the EM Bypass are in effect from 6 am to manage congestion and ensure public safety. Commuters are urged to plan ahead and follow traffic personnel's guidance.
  - 8 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 7:39am -
• newWatch: Kolkata erupts as Lionel Messi touches down at 2.26am

  

  Football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Kolkata to a massive reception, with thousands of fans braving the cold to welcome him. Despite tight security, "Messi mania" gripped the city as he began his GOAT India Tour 2025, which includes meetings with dignitaries and football events across four cities.
  - 8 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 7:10am -
• newMathematicians inspire young minds at IISER Kolkata, tell students to use AI as tool but use own judgment

  

  Renowned mathematicians Prof M Ram Murty and Prof V Kumar Murty inspired students at IISER Kolkata with talks on research and AI. They highlighted India's rich scientific tradition, exemplified by Srinivasa Ramanujan. The event aimed to popularize science and foster interest in mathematics among young minds.
  - 8 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 7:06am -
• newKolkata weather: Sunny skies, pleasant temperatures; AQI remains ppor

  

  Kolkata wakes to a sunny, pleasant day with temperatures around 28°C, ideal for outdoor activities. However, yesterday's severe AQI of 384, driven by high PM2.5 levels, indicates lingering pollution. Residents are advised to take precautions like wearing masks in congested areas.
  - 9 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 6:09am -

• newBengal goes global: How Durga Puja redrew the map of international attention

  

  West Bengal's tourism surge is driven by the global life of Durga Puja, transforming Kolkata into a citywide art movement and civic ritual. This UNESCO-recognized festival, deeply rooted in local culture and collaboration, now attracts international visitors seeking authentic, participatory experiences, reshaping Bengal's global narrative.
  - 10 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 5:53am -
• new74th Kol music conference to feature legends, young talents & Bolly star

  

  
  - 10 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 5:47am -
• newPatty sellers protest assault on vendors, vow to help duo resume trade

  

  
  - 10 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 5:46am -
• new1.5% of voters became parents when they were 15, show EC data

  

  
  - 10 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 5:19am -
• newKol wakes up to smog & ‘very poor’ air, sees season’s worst pollution

  

  
  - 10 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 5:01am -
• newConstitution row rages between JU student, prof

  

  
  - 11 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 4:02am -
• newUp to 2 crore voters may have to appear in hearing

  

  
  - 12 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 3:19am -
• newHola, La Pulga: Messi mania peaks as Kol decks up for reunion with legend after 14 yrs

  

  
  - 12 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 3:14am -
• newModi to hold rally in Nadia on Dec 20, may address Matua jitters

  

  
  - 12 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 3:06am -
• newLargest notes, currencies for lepers, prisoners at Kolkata show

  

  
  - 12 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 3:04am -