- WEATHER Jan 19: Temperature Spike Predicted Ahead of Saraswati Puja Amid AQI Concerns
Kolkata is bracing for a 4–5°C temperature rise following misty mornings, just in time for Saraswati Puja. The Met office has issued air quality alerts due to fluctuating AQI. In environmental news, a new feature highlights the critical ecological role of the East Kolkata Wetlands. Citizens should monitor daily pollution advisories as the festive season approaches.
- BUSINESS Jan 19: IT Sector and Real Estate See Massive Growth; UCO Bank Profits Rise
West Bengal’s IT sector is set for a ₹30,000 crore expansion, while institutional real estate investment leaped 400%, driven by telecom and media demand. UCO Bank posted a 15.8% Q3 profit increase. Additionally, the Odisha CM secured ₹1 lakh crore in commitments during his city visit. Experts are now pushing for the MSME route to revive the chemical sector. Watch for upcoming announcements on specific IT park locations.
- INFRA Jan 19: SBI Lease Dispute Escalates; IHCL to Redevelop Historic Ghat
The closure of SBI’s Kolkata GMU has intensified, with the civic body terminating the lease and seeking RBI intervention. In development news, IHCL has signed an MoU to redevelop Chotelal Ki Ghat, promising a boost to riverfront tourism. The outcome of the SBI-RBI dialogue will be critical for local banking infrastructure stability in the coming week.
- CULTURE Jan 19: Heritage Walks, Biographies, and Jain Architecture Highlight City Culture
Cultural enthusiasts are celebrating Sahar Zaman’s new biography of Talat Mahmood and exploring Art Deco heritage in south Kolkata. The city has identified seven new serene outdoor reading spots, while a Jain community hall is drawing attention for its Banarasi brocade decor. Additionally, the Asiatic Society is preparing to mark its foundation day. Look out for scheduled heritage walks this weekend.
- LIFESTYLE Jan 19: Comic Con Returns in 2026; Poland Focus at Film Festival
Kolkata’s entertainment calendar is buzzing: Comic Con is confirmed for April 2026, and Poland will be the focus country at the 2025 International Film Festival. The Ajanta Circus is reinventing itself for Gen Alpha, while local eateries are spotlighting pepperoni pizzas and nolen gur desserts. Film buffs should anticipate the premiere of ‘Meghnad Badh’ at IFFR.
- SOCIETY Jan 19: Chinatown School Seeks Restoration; NUJS Students Protest
A Chinatown school has moved the High Court for building restoration, aiming to preserve the dwindling community's legacy. Meanwhile, NUJS students are protesting over sexual harassment allegations against the administration. On a medical note, a Howrah hospital successfully cured three Nigerian children of heart ailments. Legal rulings on the heritage restoration are expected soon.
- SPORTS Jan 19: Messi Visit Prep, Durand Cup Fixtures, and ISPL Records Set
The IFA has summoned referees regarding unauthorized matches ahead of Lionel Messi’s visit. Durand Cup 2025 quarter-finals may feature a Kolkata derby. In cricket, Saif Ali powered the Tiigers of Kolkata to a record ISPL total. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police Half Marathon and Tata Steel 25K saw strong turnouts, and junior tennis players are gathering for the ITF J200. Fans await the final Messi itinerary.
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