CBI Raids 30 Premises of Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik in Corruption Probe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently conducting searches at 30 locations associated with former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik as part of an investigation into alleged corruption involving the Kiru Hydropower project. The agency’s operation, which began in the morning, involves approximately 100 officers deployed to various cities across the country.

The case revolves around suspected corruption in the awarding of civil contracts for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP), valued at ₹2,200 crore. The CBI had initiated a case in April 2022 against five individuals, including Mr. Malik, over alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts for the projects.

During his tenure as governor from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019, Mr. Malik claimed he was offered a bribe of ₹300 crore to expedite the approval of two files, including one related to the aforementioned project. In response to the ongoing searches, Mr. Malik, who is currently hospitalized, asserted, “Despite my illness, my residence is being raided by authoritarian forces. My driver and assistant are being needlessly harassed through these searches. I am not afraid of these raids; I stand with the farmers. These actions won’t deter me.”

The CBI has also filed charges against former chairman of the Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd, Navin Kumar Chaudhary, along with other former officials MS Babu, M K Mittal, and Arun Kumar Mishra, as well as Patel Engineering Ltd.

According to the FIR, despite a decision to re-tender through e-tendering with reverse auction after canceling the ongoing tendering process, the awarding of the tender to Patel Engineering Ltd was not implemented as per the decision taken in the 48th board meeting.

Previously, the agency had conducted searches at the premises of five individuals in January in connection with the same case.

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Shadow of Rain Looms Over IND vs ENG Fourth Match in Ranchi! Learn What Weather Experts Say

The JSCA Stadium in Ranchi is set to host the Test match between India and England from February 23rd to 27th. However, the weather might disrupt the players’ practice sessions as thunderclouds with partial clouds are expected today and tomorrow. Consequently, the possibility of rain remains. There’s also concern about thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in some parts of the state.

Ranchi – The Test match between India and England is scheduled at JSCA Stadium from February 23 to 27. Players from both teams have already arrived in Ranchi via chartered flights on Tuesday. There is concern that the weather might disrupt the players’ net practice sessions.

Chance of Rain in the City – According to the meteorological department’s forecast, Ranchi and its surrounding areas could witness partly cloudy skies with thunderclouds on Wednesday and Thursday. There is a possibility of light rainfall in some places in the southeastern part of the state on February 22. However, the sky will remain clear on February 23 and 24, with fog in the morning of February 25. The sky will remain clear during the day. There is a possibility of partly cloudy skies on February 26.

According to the meteorological department’s forecast, there is a possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in some places in the northern part of the state on Wednesday. There is also a possibility of light rainfall in some places in the western part of the state on February 26.

Weather Changing due to Western Disturbance – According to the meteorological department, there is a cyclonic circulation effect over a 1.5-kilometer area above northwest Rajasthan and the bordering areas of Pakistan.

Furthermore, there is a possibility of weather changes due to a western disturbance in the western Himalayan region from the night of February 24.

In the last 24 hours, Ranchi recorded a maximum temperature of 30.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 18.0 degrees Celsius. The maximum humidity recorded in Ranchi was 78 percent, and the  minimum was 40 percent.

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Lok Sabha Election: Congress and AAP Close to Striking a Deal, Agreement Reached in Delhi

Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have reached an agreement to form an alliance in Delhi ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Currently, all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This time, Congress and AAP are in the mood to challenge the BJP.

According to sources, AAP may contest on 4 seats, while Congress may field its candidates on 3 seats.

Sources revealed that Congress may contest in East Delhi, North East Delhi, and Chandni Chowk constituencies, while AAP may contest in New Delhi, North-West Delhi, West Delhi, and South Delhi constituencies.

Under the alliance agreement, the Bharuch seat in Gujarat may be given to the Aam Aadmi Party by Congress.

Earlier, AAP’s National Convener Arvind Kejriwal had stated on Wednesday that there was a delay in talks between AAP and Congress regarding seat sharing for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi.Congress Alliance in UP – The agreement between the two parties comes at a time when both the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress officially announced an alliance in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. Congress will contest on 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, while SP will contest on one seat in Madhya Pradesh.

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Napoli vs Barcelona: Champions League First Leg Ends in 1-1 Draw

Barcelona kicked off their Champions League knockout stage journey with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. Despite a dominant performance for most of the match, Barça couldn’t secure the win, leaving the tie wide open for the second leg in three weeks.

First Half: Barça asserted their dominance early on, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Lamine Yamal and Ilkay Gündogan threatened Napoli’s defense, but goalkeeper Alex Meret made crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay. Despite their efforts, the first half ended goalless, with Barça showcasing strong attacking play and solid defense.

Second Half: Barça continued to dictate the game in the second half, eventually breaking the deadlock with a superb goal from Robert Lewandowski, assisted by Pedri. However, Napoli struck back against the run of play, leveling the score with a goal from Victor Osimhen. Despite late attempts to find a winner, Barça had to settle for a draw.

Overall Performance: Barcelona’s performance was commendable, with dominant spells and numerous chances created. While the result may be disappointing, especially considering Napoli’s limited opportunities, a draw away from home in the Champions League is a respectable outcome.

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Amrita Hospital Faridabad Collaborates with IIT Hyderabad for Advanced Radiation Therapy Technology

Dr. Bhaskar Viswanathan, Head of the Radiation Oncology Department at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, is set to lead a groundbreaking collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, Eranki Labs, and the Amrita Centre for Advanced Robotics to develop innovative technology in radiation therapy.

Faridabad: Dr. Bhaskar Viswanathan, renowned for his expertise in radiation oncology, has been chosen to spearhead a pioneering research initiative aimed at creating a state-of-the-art robotic ultrasound system for tumor motion tracking and radiation hyperthermia in cancer treatment. This ambitious project will be undertaken in partnership with Dr. Avinash Eranki, an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Medical Ultrasound Research Laboratory of the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, along with Eranki Labs Private Limited and the Amrita Centre for Advanced Robotics.

Expressing his excitement about the project, Dr. Bhaskar Viswanathan stated, “We are thrilled and honored to have received this research grant, which will enable us to develop an indigenous robot-assisted ultrasound system for image-guided therapies and hyperthermia in cancer care. This cutting-edge technology promises significant advancements in tumor ablation, hyperthermia-assisted radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and precise motion management during radiation treatment.”

He further elaborated on the importance of the technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by facilitating precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The robotic ultrasound system will play a crucial role in guiding hyperthermia delivery, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes through real-time monitoring and tumor localization.

Dr. Viswanathan highlighted the significance of addressing tumor motion during radiation therapy, underscoring the role of robotic ultrasound systems in enhancing treatment accuracy by continuously tracking tumor movement. Additionally, he explained the benefits of hyperthermia in sensitizing cancer cells to radiation while improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tumor site.

Dr. Avinash Eranki, CEO of Eranki Labs Pvt. Ltd. and an expert in biomedical engineering, emphasized the importance of precision in delivering radiation and ultrasound energy for improved patient outcomes. He stressed the collaborative nature of the project, which brings together expertise from medical and engineering domains to drive innovation in cancer care.

The interdisciplinary collaboration, supported by a grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), underscores the commitment to advancing technology in cancer treatment. With a projected timeline of three years, the collaborative effort aims to revolutionize radiation therapy and enhance patient care.

 

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UP SP Forms Alliance with Congress for Lok Sabha Elections, Official Announcement Expected Today Evening

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the challenges for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh seem to be easing to some extent. According to sources, discussions have resumed between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) regarding seat sharing in Uttar Pradesh. It is almost finalized between the two parties, and an official announcement could be made anytime soon. Sources claim that Priyanka has initiated talks and reached an agreement on the negotiation with SP. She has spoken with Rahul Gandhi and then with Akhilesh Yadav. It is said that during these discussions, Congress has agreed to leave the demand for the Muradabad seat under the seat-sharing arrangement. The official announcement of seat distribution could be made today or tomorrow. Akhilesh Yadav is currently in Muradabad and may return to Lucknow by evening. It is also being speculated that the SP may withdraw its candidate from Varanasi.

Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has stated that the alliance between the SP and the Congress will happen, and there are no disputes between us. Soon, all matters will be clear.

On the other hand, the Congress is seeking changes in the seats given by Akhilesh. Congress wants to exchange the Hathras seat with SP and receive Sitapur in return. SP is showing signs of agreement on this demand. Secondly, either Bulandshahr or Mathura seat can be taken by SP, and Congress can be given Shravasti. SP is considering this option.

It was reported on Tuesday that for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Samajwadi Party is trying to create pressure on Congress by issuing another list of its candidates. It was said that under this strategy, the Samajwadi Party had announced the names of its candidates for 5 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. In this list, Surendra Singh Patel was announced from Varanasi. It was seen as a strategy to put pressure on Congress by Akhilesh Yadav. Meanwhile, the party has made Shivpal Singh Yadav a candidate instead of Dharmendra Yadav from Badaun. In this way, the party has announced the names of 32 candidates so far.
The Samajwadi Party has announced candidates like Ikra Hasan from Kairana, Praveen Singh Aron from Bareilly, Ajendra Singh Rajput from Hamirpur, and Surendra Singh Patel from Varanasi. Along with this, the party has made Mahboob Ali and Ramavatar Saini in charge of Amroha, Dharmendra Yadav for Kannauj, and Azamgarh respectively. Additionally, Manoj Chaudhary has been appointed as the in-charge of Baghpat.

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Ameen Sayani, Iconic Radio Presenter and Voice of Geetmala, Passes Away at 91

Ameen Sayani, the voice that echoed through radios for 42 years with his iconic style, has bid farewell. At the age of 91, Ameen Sayani passed away in Mumbai due to a heart attack.

Ameen Sayani’s son, Rajil, revealed that his father suffered a heart attack on Tuesday evening, after which he was rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts, he could not be saved. Rajil mentioned that the final rites of his father will be conducted on Thursday, with some relatives awaiting arrival.

From 1952 to 1994, Ameen Sayani hosted the immensely popular radio show “Geetmala”. It was through Ameen Sayani’s voice that this radio show gained popularity nationwide.

PM Modi expressed grief at Ameen Sayani’s demise, acknowledging his contribution to Indian broadcasting. He wrote on social media, “Ameen Sayani Ji’s golden voice carried such beauty and enthusiasm that connected him with people across generations. Through his work, he revolutionized Indian broadcasting, creating a special bond with his audience. I am saddened by his departure. Condolences to his family, admirers, and all radio lovers. May his soul rest in peace.”

Ameen Sayani commenced his career as an English broadcaster. Born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, Sayani began his career with All India Radio, Mumbai. Introduced by his brother Hamid Sayani, he initially worked for English programs. After independence, he shifted towards Hindi. Sayani’s true recognition came with the start of the radio show “Geetmala” in December 1952.

The show, initially named Binaca Geetmala, was broadcasted on Radio Ceylon. Its 30-minute program became a sensation in 1952. Renamed “Cibaca Geetmala“, then “Hit Parade”, the show continued to be broadcasted, garnering immense popularity across South Asia. Due to its success, “Geetmala” ran for 42 years. Later, it was revived with minor changes in 2000-2001 and 2001-2003.

Ameen Sayani set records as a voice-over artist. He hosted over 54,000 radio programs, lending his voice to many. His name is listed in the Limca Book of World Records for the most voice-overs and jingles, totaling over 19,000.

Sayani also appeared as a radio announcer in several films, including “Bhoot Bangla”, “Teen Deviyan”, “Boxer”, and “Kaatil”. His interviews with personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Raj Kapoor significantly increased his fan following.

During his struggling days, Ameen Sayani once declined to meet Amitabh Bachchan, who visited Mumbai’s radio studio for an audition without an appointment. Sayani rejected Bachchan without even hearing his voice, saying, “People will be scared hearing your voice.”

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Posters in Kanpur Depict Rahul Gandhi as ‘Lord Krishna’ and Ajay Rai as ‘Arjun’

KANPUR –  The Posters featuring Congress MP Rahul Gandhi have sparked discussion, portraying him as Lord Krishna riding a chariot, with Pradesh Unit President Ajay Rai depicted as Arjuna. Rahul Gandhi, who commenced the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ from Manipur on January 14, is scheduled to arrive in Kanpur via Unnao on Wednesday. He will also address a public meeting in Kanpur. These posters have been put up near the Chawani and Ghantaghar areas along Mall Road.

The posters, arranged by Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee member Sandeep Shukla, prominently display his image below. Attempts were made to contact Sandeep for further clarification, but were unsuccessful. Additionally, the posters feature a verse from the Bhagavad Gita – “Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself.” Alongside this inscription, there is also a photograph of Sandeep Shukla. Sandeep, a lawyer by profession, is also a member of the UPCC.
It is note worthy that Rahul Gandhi is arriving in Kanpur today (February 21) as part of his ‘Nyay Yatra’. He will enter the city via Unnao. Thousands of Congress supporters are gathered at the Kanpur-Unnao border to welcome him. The entire city has been adorned with banners and posters. A gathering is scheduled at the Ghantaghar intersection, with a billboard attracting the attention of passersby amid the preparations

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Drugs Worth ₹1,000 Crore Seized in Haus Khas Delhi, ₹3,000 Crore Narcotics Confiscated in Pune-Delhi Combined

Pune police’s recent crackdown marks a historic milestone with the seizure of drugs worth over ₹1,000 crore. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar revealed in a press conference that the Crime Branch team confiscated 600 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at ₹1,100 crore within two days.

New Delhi: Pune police, in a major operation, seized drugs worth over ₹1,000 crore in the Haus Khas area of Delhi. Pune police have been actively conducting raids on drug-related activities. Previously, Pune police, with the assistance of the Crime Branch, seized drugs worth over ₹100 crore from Pune’s Vishrantwadi area.

Following this success, Pune police conducted raids in the Haus Khas area of Delhi. Pune has now seized drugs worth ₹1,100 crore, while Delhi also recorded a haul of ₹1,000 crore. Police have seized approximately ₹3,000 crore worth of drugs from Delhi and Pune.

It is reported that this is the largest operation in the history of Pune police. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar revealed in a press conference that the Crime Branch team confiscated 600 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at ₹1,100 crore within two days. In this case, a factory owner named Anil Sable was arrested from Dombivali, Maharashtra.
Earlier, on February 19, Pune police’s Crime Branch seized 55 kilograms of methamphetamine (MD) in a late-night operation. Subsequently, a chemical company in Kurukshetra was raided, leading to the seizure of MD drugs. Police are investigating whether there is a connection between this drug racket and drug lord Lalit Patil. This operation conducted by the Crime Branch raises concerns about the expansion of the drug trade.

It is worth mentioning that on Monday, the Crime Branch arrested three drug traffickers in Pune and seized 3.5 crore worth of methamphetamine (MD) from their possession. This drug trafficking racket was being operated from a godown in Gorakhdham, and police suspect the involvement of international traffickers.

Drugs Worth ₹1,000 Crore Seized in Haus Khas Delhi, ₹3,000 Crore Narcotics Confiscated in Pune-Delhi Combined Read More