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Indian Express
41 minutes ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bengal Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal orders probe into Form 6 disposals; Suvendu calls it ‘scandalous betrayal of democracy'
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal Manoj Agarwal has written to all district administrations directing District Election Officers to form teams of senior officers and conduct sample checking of all Form 6 disposals – which are used to add names to voters' lists – made in the last year. The report is to be submitted to the CEO's office by August 14. In the letter, Agarwal stated: 'It has been revealed during sample checking of disposal of forms received during continuous updation that in some cases provisions of the Registration of Electors' Act, 1960 are not being followed.' The letter further noted: 'Sample checking of less than 1% Form 6 disposals by EROs during continuous updation has revealed that two (2) of them had accepted a considerable number of Form 6 for fictitious voters. In all these cases BLOs verification was dispensed with, without any apparent urgency/requirement and similar documents were captured for a large number of application forms and their verification reports. Both the EROs have since admitted that they had provided user access to the ERO next to the AERO/OC Election in BDO Office/ Casual Data Entry Operators who had thereafter disposed of the Form 6 applications.' The CEO has also directed DEOs to ensure that OC Election staff in BDO offices and casual or daily-wage contractual data entry operators are not involved in the disposal of Forms 6, 7, or 8, or in carrying out any functions in ERONet. Reacting to the letter, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari posted on X: 'This latest memo from the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal to all the District Election Officers (DMs) exposes a scandalous betrayal of democracy.' He said: 'Fictitious Voters added to the rolls and unauthorized meddling by Casual Data Entry Operators IS THE DEPTH OF CORRUPTION UNDER MAMATA BANERJEE'S RULE. Booth Level Officers pressured to fudge records, Electoral Registration Officers handing over Voter Lists related jobs to unqualified hands is an assault on every citizen's right to participate in a fair elections.' Adhikari demanded an 'immediate investigation and appropriate action against those responsible.' Meanwhile, CEO Manoj Agarwal left for Delhi on Tuesday evening to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. According to Commission sources, he will discuss when the special electoral roll revision in West Bengal should begin and what steps need to be taken before it starts. The CEO's office has already published data from the 2002 Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengal, sparking speculation that the SIR may begin this August. Training for BLOs also began last Saturday. Agarwal said the ECI will conduct SIR training in this session. 'SIR may be held in future. Training will not happen again and again. The vote will be 6-8 months later. We will not be able to do these training [sessions] again,' he said. Atri Mitra is a Special Correspondent of The Indian Express with more than 20 years of experience in reporting from West Bengal, Bihar and the North-East. He has been covering administration and political news for more than ten years and has a keen interest in political development in West Bengal. Atri holds a Master degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University and Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. He is also an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. He started his career with leading vernacular daily the Anandabazar Patrika, and worked there for more than fifteen years. He worked as Bihar correspondent for more than three years for Anandabazar Patrika. He covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections. He also worked with News18-Bangla and covered the Bihar Lok Sabha election in 2019. ... Read More
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Why Luke Littler is still not world No1 despite best darts player on the planet completing Triple Crown within 15 months
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER is the best darts player in the world at present – but why is he not the world No.1 according to the PDC? Midway through his second year as a professional player, The Nuke completed the Triple Crown set when he lifted the Betfred World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Luke Littler beat James Wade to win the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday night Credit: Getty 6 Littler shared a warm embrace and kiss with his parents on stage at the Winter Gardens Credit: Getty 6 Littler celebrated the triumph with his girlfriend Faith Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Within a 15-month period, the 18-year-old has taken possession of the Premier League Darts crown, the World Championship and now the Matchplay title – the three most prestigious and richest tournaments in the sport. Littler is Box Office material and his 18-13 victory in the final over James Wade was secured with a three-dart average of 107.24. That was the highest seen in the final since Phil Taylor was victorious in 2014 – the year he won his 15th of a record 16 crowns – with 107.19. The £200,000 winner's cheque means the Warrington teen has earned £1,500,500 in ranking money since the start of January 2024. That total does not include the HALF A MILLION pounds he has earned from competing in two editions of the Premier League. READ MORE DARTS NEWS LUKE AT THAT Littler is youngest EVER triple crown winner after winning World Matchplay Luke Humphries is top of the standings with £1,797,750 but the gap is only £297,250 and there is a fair chance Littler will become the official world No.1 come the end of the year. In fact it might come sooner than that when the packed autumn schedule begins and there is a run of four major TV titles that carry lucrative cash sums. The PDC Order of Merit is based on prize money won over a two-year period by players in ranking tournaments. 6 Luke Littler became the youngest world darts champion, aged 18, when he won the title in January Credit: Reuters BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS List of all-time Darts World Champions BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year. The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions. That means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is only listed once - Barney also won four BDO titles - and none of Eric Bristow's five BDO titles are included. 1994 - Dennis Priestley 1995 - Phil Taylor 1996 - Phil Taylor (2) 1997 - Phil Taylor (3) 1998 - Phil Taylor (4) 1999 - Phil Taylor (5) 2000 - Phil Taylor (6) 2001 - Phil Taylor (7) 2002 - Phil Taylor (8) 2003 - John Part 2004 - Phil Taylor (9) 2005 - Phil Taylor (10) 2006 - Phil Taylor (11) 2007 - Raymond van Barneveld 2008 - John Part (2) 2009 - Phil Taylor (12) 2010 - Phil Taylor (13) 2011 - Adrian Lewis 2012 - Adrian Lewis (2) 2013 - Phil Taylor (14) 2014 - Michael van Gerwen 2015 - Gary Anderson 2016 - Gary Anderson (2) 2017 - Michael van Gerwen (2) 2018 - Rob Cross 2019 - Michael van Gerwen (3) 2020 - Peter Wright 2021 - Gerwyn Price 2022 - Peter Wright (2) 2023 - Michael Smith 2024 - Luke Humphries 2025 - Luke Littler Most World Titles 14 - Phil Taylor 3 - Michael van Gerwen 2 - John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright 1 - Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler In the latter half of 2023, Humphries, 30, announced himself as the dominant figure, winning the World Grand Prix (£120,000), Grand Slam of Darts (£150,000) and Players Championship Finals (£120,000) – before lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy (£500,000) for the first time. In total, Cool Hand Luke has to defend £890,000 prize money between October 6, 2025 and January 3, 2026. Luke Littler, 18, plants kiss on girlfriend Faith, 19, during walk-on for World Matchplay Darts quarter-final In contrast, Littler is defending NOTHING right now because he is yet to complete a full second term in the pro ranks. Everything he gets is a free hit and will only boost his chances of being the top oche thrower. If Humphries were to keep losing in the early rounds – his Matchplay defence ended in round one in a 10-8 loss to Gian van Veen – and Littler continues to win, then the switch between the two Lukes will take place sooner than possible. It might happen in November at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, that is assuming Humphries is knocked out early at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. 6 The Nuke bagged £315,000 in prize money as he lifted the Premier League Darts trophy in May 2024 Credit: Getty There is a strong chance come the start of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championships, which begins on December 11 and is now a 20-day event, then Littler will return to Ally Pally, where he was victorious in January, as the undisputed best player on the planet. Do not forget, of course, that the prize money for the Worlds has doubled from £500,000 to £1million this time, which completely skewers the world ranking standings even more for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money." Luke Littler after winning the World Matchplay Littler has long said that his main ambitions in the sport are to win every major at least once and become world No.1. That might happen sooner than he wants – indeed this time next year he may tick off all those targets. Speaking on Sunday night with the Phil Taylor Trophy in his hands, Littler said that he had looked at the PDC website and had done the maths. He said: 'The start of my career I wanted to win one of every major. There's not that many to go. 'I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money. 'Obviously I don't want him to. But we'll just have to find out and try and add more money to my rankings.' Asked if he would still have the hunger to win after potentially lifting every major title at least once, Littler replied: 'That's what everybody is probably thinking once I've won one of everything. 'But for myself, I have to build on it and get multiple of everything, triple of everything. Once I win one of everything, I won't pack it in just yet.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Why Luke Littler is still not world No1 despite best darts player on the planet completing Triple Crown within 15 months
LUKE LITTLER is the best darts player in the world at present – but why is he not the world No.1 according to the PDC? Midway through his second year as a professional player, Betfred World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday night. 6 Luke Littler beat James Wade to win the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Sunday night Credit: Getty 6 Littler shared a warm embrace and kiss with his parents on stage at the Winter Gardens Credit: Getty 6 Littler celebrated the triumph with his girlfriend Faith Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Within a 15-month period, the 18-year-old has taken possession of the Premier League Darts crown, the World Championship and now the Matchplay title – the three most prestigious and richest tournaments in the sport. Littler is Box Office material and his 18-13 victory in the final over James Wade was secured with a three-dart average of 107.24. That was the highest seen in the final since Phil Taylor was victorious in 2014 – the year he won his 15th of a record 16 crowns – with 107.19. The £200,000 winner's cheque means the Warrington teen has earned £1,500,500 in ranking money since the start of January 2024. That total does not include the HALF A MILLION pounds he has earned from competing in two editions of the Premier League. READ MORE DARTS NEWS Luke Humphries is In fact it might come sooner than that when the packed autumn schedule begins and there is a run of four major TV titles that carry lucrative cash sums. The PDC Order of Merit is based on prize money won over a two-year period by players in ranking tournaments. 6 Luke Littler became the youngest world darts champion, aged 18, when he won the title in January Credit: Reuters BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Most read in Sport List of all-time Darts World Champions BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year. The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions. That means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is only listed once - Barney also won four BDO titles - and none of Eric Bristow's five BDO titles are included. 1994 - Dennis Priestley 1995 - Phil Taylor 1996 - Phil Taylor (2) 1997 - Phil Taylor (3) 1998 - Phil Taylor (4) 1999 - Phil Taylor (5) 2000 - Phil Taylor (6) 2001 - Phil Taylor (7) 2002 - Phil Taylor (8) 2003 - John Part 2004 - Phil Taylor (9) 2005 - Phil Taylor (10) 2006 - Phil Taylor (11) 2007 - Raymond van Barneveld 2008 - John Part (2) 2009 - Phil Taylor (12) 2010 - Phil Taylor (13) 2011 - Adrian Lewis 2012 - Adrian Lewis (2) 2013 - Phil Taylor (14) 2014 - Michael van Gerwen 2015 - Gary Anderson 2016 - Gary Anderson (2) 2017 - Michael van Gerwen (2) 2018 - Rob Cross 2019 - Michael van Gerwen (3) 2020 - Peter Wright 2021 - Gerwyn Price 2022 - Peter Wright (2) 2023 - Michael Smith 2024 - Luke Humphries 2025 - Luke Littler Most World Titles 14 - Phil Taylor 3 - Michael van Gerwen 2 - John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright 1 - Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler In the latter half of 2023, Humphries, 30, announced himself as the dominant figure, winning the World Grand Prix (£120,000), Grand Slam of Darts (£150,000) and Players Championship Finals (£120,000) – before lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy (£500,000) for the first time. In total, Luke Littler, 18, plants kiss on girlfriend Faith, 19, during walk-on for World Matchplay Darts quarter-final In contrast, Littler is defending NOTHING right now because he is yet to complete a full second term in the pro ranks. Everything he gets is a free hit and will only boost his chances of being the top oche thrower. If Humphries were to keep losing in the early rounds – his Matchplay defence ended in round one in a 10-8 loss to Gian van Veen – and Littler continues to win, then the switch between the two Lukes will take place sooner than possible. It might happen in November at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, that is assuming Humphries is knocked out early at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. 6 The Nuke bagged £315,000 in prize money as he lifted the Premier League Darts trophy in May 2024 Credit: Getty There is a strong chance come the start of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championships, which begins on December 11 and is now a 20-day event, then Littler will return to Ally Pally, where he was victorious in January, as the undisputed best player on the planet. Do not forget, of course, that the prize money for the Worlds has doubled from £500,000 to £1million this time, which completely skewers the world ranking standings even more for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money." Luke Littler after winning the World Matchplay Littler has long said that his main ambitions in the sport are to win every major at least once and become world No.1. That might happen sooner than he wants – indeed this time next year he may tick off all those targets. Speaking on Sunday night with the Phil Taylor Trophy in his hands, Littler said that he had looked at the PDC website and had done the maths. He said: 'The start of my career I wanted to win one of every major. There's not that many to go. 'I've looked at the rankings provisionally. I'm No.1 for the Worlds if Luke doesn't defend all that prize money. 'Obviously I don't want him to. But we'll just have to find out and try and add more money to my rankings.' Asked if he would still have the hunger to win after potentially lifting every major title at least once, Littler replied: 'That's what everybody is probably thinking once I've won one of everything. 'But for myself, I have to build on it and get multiple of everything, triple of everything. Once I win one of everything, I won't pack it in just yet.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
BDO nets P40.6B in H1 2025, up 3%
Sy family's banking giant BDO Unibank Inc. posted a net income of P40.6 billion in the first six months of 2025 on the back of strong performance of its core businesses. In a statement on Monday, BDO said its first half net income grew by 3% from P39.4 billion in the same period last year. The bank said its bottom line growth was tempered by the continuing investments in market coverage and IT spending for operational efficiency. BDO reported its net interest income rose by 7% as gross customer loans climbed by 14% to P3.4 trillion, 'with broad-based growth across all market segments.' Meanwhile, deposits widened by 8% to hit P4 trillion, with a Current Account/Savings Account (CASA) ratio of 69%. The bank added its non-interest income, likewise, grew by 15%, driven by the significant contributions from fee-based income and income from insurance operations. The Sy-led lender said it is set to issue its fourth ASEAN Sustainability Bonds on July 29, 2025 with a minimum aggregate issue size of P5 billion. 'Originally set to run from July 9 to 22, 2025, the strong demand from both retail and institutional investors prompted the early closing of the offer on July 14, 2025,' it said. 'The net proceeds will be used to finance and/or refinance eligible projects and further support the growth of the Bank's sustainable portfolio,' it added. Amid global uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions and the imposition of US tariffs, BDO said that the Philippines is expected to remain resilient, supported by its consumer-driven economy and sustained domestic demand. 'Likewise, the bank remains well-positioned to manage emerging risks and capitalize on opportunities given its robust capital base and diversified business franchise,' the lender said. —VAL GMA Integrated News
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bangladesh's BNP functionary lived in Bengal for 30 years, wife held: Police
Kolkata: A functionary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was living in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district for the past 30 years as an enrolled voter, police said on Sunday, a day after his wife — who claims to be an Indian national — was arrested. At least 300 Bangladeshis have been apprehended from various districts of West Bengal since December last year. (Representative photo) 'Sherful Mondal, a resident of the district's Bagdah area, said that she married Rezaul Mondal around 30 years ago but came to know later that he was a BNP leader and had entered India illegally,' a police officer, requesting anonymity, said. Sherful said that Rezaul returned to Bangladesh months before a mass uprising forced Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina to resign as Prime Minister and leave the country in July last year. 'Rezaul came under scanner after police started looking for his son, Firoz, for allegedly eloping with a minor girl three months ago. A case was registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The probe indicated that Firoz is a Bangladeshi national,' the officer said. Also Read: Bengal launch helpline amid migrant worker harassment row; BJP floats counter helpline The officer said that Rezaul presented Sherful's mother, Cherbanu Mondal, as his mother while procuring an Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC). 'Sherful was arrested for helping an illegal immigrant,' the officer added. Prasun Pramaik, the block development officer (BDO) of Bagdah, said that Rezaul's nationality was exposed when Election Commission officials were doing field work. 'EC officials went to the area to update the electoral roll when the man and his son could not be found,' the BDO said. Also Read: '52 migrant workers detained in Gurugram': Bengal CM raps govt North 24 Parganas is one of the districts in West Bengal that share an international border with Bangladesh. The Border Security Force (BSF) and other agencies have intensified vigil along the border since 2024 in view of the political unrest in Bangladesh. At least 300 Bangladeshis have been apprehended from various districts of West Bengal since December last year.
