Lucknow: Tragedy struck in Lucknow as a 34-year-old labourer met a fatal end in an explosion at a scrap warehouse in the Lakdi Mohal locality, under the Cantonment police station.
The blast, occurring late Tuesday evening, reverberated with such force that its sound was heard up to three kilometers away from the site.
Jammu, Jan 10 (IANS) The J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) said on Friday that it has started an investigation into a massive corruption racket involving two senior officers of the Srinagar Smart City Project (SSCP) for amassing huge wealth through unlawful means.
SSP, ACB, Waheed Ahmad Shah, in a virtual mode press conference, said that the ACB received numerous complaints about two accused officers of SSCP, Executive Engineer Zahoor Ahmed Dar, a resident of Ghalibabad, Shalteng in Srinagar, and Chief Financial Officer, Sajid Yousuf Bhat, a resident of Namlabal Pampore, presently living at Daulatabad, Khanyar in Srinagar.
The complainants had highlighted the lavish lifestyles of these accused officers, which far exceeded their known sources of income.
“Following an in-depth investigation, the ACB substantiated the allegations, registered FIRs against both officers, and launched search operations at various properties linked to them. Sajid Yousuf Bhat is accused of owning a commercial property in Ram Bagh, Srinagar with an actual value significantly higher than what was declared in the sale deed,” he said.
“The investigation also uncovered multiple bank accounts under his name showing suspicious transactions believed to be tied to corrupt practices. Executive Engineer, Zahoor Ahmad Dar was found to own a lavish multi-storey house in Ghalibabad, Shalteng. He also possesses a luxury sedan and is suspected of conducting dubious financial activities in both his and his spouse’s bank accounts,” the SSP added.
The ACB has also flagged illegal Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) associated with him.
The two officials had been exploiting their positions for personal enrichment, the SSP told the press conference.
He said the ACB’s searches are going on, with investigators examining properties and financial records to uncover the full extent of the corruption. Throughout the day, ACB sleuths carried out searches at 6 locations in Srinagar and Pulwama districts involving these two accused officers.
–IANS
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New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday met Jaggi Vasudev, famously known as Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Taking to microblogging site X, the Home Minister wrote, “Delighted to meet Shri @SadhguruJV Ji. Had a discussion about Indian spirituality and its role in transforming societies.”
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev reacted to HM Shah’s tweet, saying, “Pleasure meeting Hon’ble Home Minister of Bharat. His engagement and interest in the civilizational aspects of our Nation is admirable.”
Sadhguru, who has been advocating for protecting the environment against climate change, is leading many initiatives like Project GreenHands (PGH), Rally for Rivers, Cauvery Calling, and the Journey to Save Soil. In 2017, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to spirituality and humanitarian services.
In 2022, Sadhguru completed a 100-day motorcycle journey from London to India to bring attention to his ‘Journey to Save Soil’ campaign, which focuses on raising awareness about soil degradation issues and the benefits of using organic matter in farming
Earlier in the day, Home Minister Amit Shah also met Hindu spiritual guru, writer and philosopher Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj.
“Met Junapithadheeswar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj. Had a detailed discussion with him on various topics related to spirituality and national interest. Your role in spreading Indian knowledge tradition and philosophy in the world is commendable,” the Home Minister said in a post on X.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj is the current Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara. Juna Akhara is the largest Akhara for Naga Sadhus in India.
–IANS
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Jaipur, Feb 15 (IANS) The upcoming IIFA Awards 2025 will play a pivotal role in redefining Rajasthan’s tourism landscape, providing global recognition to new tourist destinations across the state, said Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari.
She added that this initiative will not only promote tourism beyond traditional hotspots but also generate employment opportunities and boost government revenue.
She emphasised that hosting major international events like IIFA annually will enhance Rajasthan’s appeal as a tourism hub, driving economic growth and attracting visitors from across the world.
Addressing journalists, she highlighted the crucial role of the media in effectively communicating government schemes to the public.
During the event, she engaged in discussions on various budget-related topics, sought suggestions from journalists, and attentively listened to their concerns, assuring them of constructive solutions.
The IIFA will be organised in Jaipur on March 8-9 this year.
Rajasthan has rolled out the red carpet for Indian cinema’s finest for IIFA’s historic silver jubilee celebration in Jaipur, scheduled to take place in March. Joining IIFA’s grand celebration of 25 years of cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, and global unity are Indian cinema’s stars, including R. Madhavan, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Boney Kapoor, Boman Irani, Rajat Kapoor, Madhur Bhandarkar, Priya Mani, Ravi Kishan, Bhushan Kumar, Gajraj Rao, Guneet Monga, Kiran Rao, Shilpa Rao, Jyoti Deshpande, Dia Mirza, Esha Gupta, Kanika Dhillon, Raghav Juyal, Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan, Ranvir Shorey and others.
Madhuri Dixit expressed her excitement about performing at the IIFA Weekend and Awards’ historic Silver Jubilee edition in Jaipur, saying: “IIFA has always been a special part of my journey, celebrating the magic of Indian cinema on a global platform. Over the years, IIFA has given me some of my most cherished moments whether through heartfelt performances or connecting with fans around the world.
“This year, as IIFA celebrates its historic Silver Jubilee edition, honouring 25 years of Indian cinema’s incredible global legacy, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. Performing in Jaipur, Rajasthan, a city so rich in culture and heritage, makes this milestone even more memorable. It’s truly an honour to be part of this iconic celebration that unites art, cinema, and audiences across the globe.”
Kriti Sanon also expressed excitement about performing at IIFA Weekend and Awards’ historic Silver Jubilee edition in Jaipur, saying: “The energy and grandeur of IIFA are truly unmatched, and I’m excited to bring something unforgettable to the stage! From receiving my debut award to now celebrating 25 years of IIFA, it has been an incredible ride. I’m deeply grateful for all the love and can’t wait to celebrate the magic of Indian cinema with my fans in the majestic city of Jaipur!”
–IANS
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