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A new IRCTC fast food unit has been established at Kharagpur Railway Station to enhance dining options and passenger facilities. This initiative is part of a broader push to modernize station amenities and offer hygienic, varied, and quality meal options, often in collaboration with leading food chains, improving the overall travel experience for commuters.  Improved Passenger Experience: The initiative focuses on providing diverse, hygienic, and quick-service meals, similar to popular brands like McDonald’s or KFC, rather than just traditional catering options.

IIT Kharagpur temporarily suspended a controversial March 2026 notification that banned feeding and restricted the entry of stray dogs on campus following protests. The administration is revising the policy to balance animal welfare with public safety after the issue was raised with the Director. Key Aspects of the Situation:

A special Passport Mela will be organized on April 18, 2026, across West Bengal, including a center in Kharagpur (POPSK), to expedite passport services. Over 2,400 appointments will be available across 11 locations, including Kolkata PSK and several POPSKs like Kharagpur, to speed up processing. Key Details for the April 18, 2026, Passport Mela: Applicants should use the official Passport Seva website to secure their slots and ensure all required documents are ready for processing. 

Dilip Ghosh Dilip Ghosh is an Indian politician associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal. A long-time Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh pracharak, he served as BJP’s state president from 2015 to 2021 and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2019. Ghosh is known for his combative political style and for expanding BJP’s footprint in Bengal politics. Key facts Political career and leadership An RSS volunteer “loaned” to the BJP in 2014, Ghosh became state president a year later. Under his leadership, the BJP emerged as the main opposition in West Bengal, securing 18 of 42 parliamentary seats in the 2019 general election. His tenure was marked by aggressive grassroots mobilization and sharp attacks on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government. Recent developments After being replaced by Sukanta Majumdar in 2021, Ghosh was appointed national vice-president but has since distanced himself from key party events. In 2024, he hinted at stepping back from active politics if not given organizational responsibilities, though he remains publicly loyal to the BJP . Public statements and controversies Ghosh frequently attracts attention for blunt or provocative remarks. In April 2025, a purported speech urging Hindus to “keep weapons” drew criticism for allegedly inciting discord . In July 2025, he made headlines for walking through Durgapur with a “damru” drum to “awaken people,” symbolizing cultural revival amid internal party shifts . Role in Bengal politics Ghosh remains an influential voice within Bengal’s BJP, credited with energizing the party’s rural base and challenging Trinamool dominance. Even with a diminished formal role, his statements and appearances continue to shape the state’s polarized political landscape.

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) is a premier public technical and research university in Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. Established in 1951, it was the first of the IITs and is recognized as an Institute of National Importance. It is renowned globally for excellence in engineering, science, management, and interdisciplinary education. Key facts History and foundation IIT Kharagpur originated on the site of the former Hijli Detention Camp, transforming a symbol of colonial oppression into a center of learning. Formally inaugurated by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in August 1951, it began with 224 students and 42 teachers under the leadership of its first director, Sir Jnan Ghosh. In 1956, the Parliament of India declared it an Institute of National Importance, making it India’s first autonomous university of technology.  Academic and research excellence The institute comprises 20 departments, 11 schools, and 17 centers, including specialized units in law, management, biosciences, and medical technology. It pioneered dual-degree programs and research initiatives such as the Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy cell and the first Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Park in the IIT system. Major centers include the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence and the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing Technology.  Campus and student life Spanning over 2,100 acres, the IIT Kharagpur campus functions as a self-contained township with academic, residential, and recreational facilities. It hosts over 15,000 students, 700 faculty members, and a vibrant ecosystem supporting innovation through bodies like the Entrepreneurship Cell, which has incubated hundreds of startups.  Impact and recognition IIT Kharagpur has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s higher technical education and industrial research landscape. It was designated an Institute of Eminence in 2019 by the Government of India and consistently ranks among the nation’s top engineering institutions. Its alumni, exceeding 70,000 worldwide, have made significant contributions in academia, industry, public policy, and entrepreneurship.