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Month: February 2025

ED Attaches Assets Worth Rs 8 Crore in Hyderabad Illegal Drug Export Case

In a significant crackdown on illegal drug exports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 8 crore linked to an illicit internet pharmacy operation in Hyderabad. The case, which has been under investigation since May 2022, has exposed a web of financial irregularities and illegal drug trade disguised as a legitimate business.

The Investigation Unfolds

The probe began after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) registered an FIR against Aashish Jain, the alleged mastermind behind the operation. Jain operated JR Infinity Private Limited, which was purportedly engaged in telemarketing and search engine optimization services. However, authorities discovered that the firm was covertly exporting psychotropic substances, including Alprazolam, Zolpidem, Lorazepam, Clonazepam, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone.

NCB’s searches led to the seizure of Rs 3.7 crore in cash, along with crucial evidence pointing to large-scale drug trafficking. As the case progressed, the ED stepped in to investigate the financial trail linked to the illegal business.

Attached Assets and Money Trail

The Enforcement Directorate’s probe revealed that before establishing JR Infinity Private Limited, Jain and his family members received over Rs 4.5 crore in foreign remittances through their personal bank accounts without any legitimate business transactions. These funds, along with proceeds from drug sales, were allegedly laundered into real estate investments and fixed deposits.

In its latest action, the ED has attached 22 immovable properties, including land parcels in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, valued at Rs 6.5 crore. Additionally, 8 movable assets, including bank balances and fixed deposits amounting to Rs 1.46 crore, have been seized. The total proceeds of crime in the case are estimated at Rs 12.7 crore.

Crackdown on Illegal Internet Pharmacies

The case sheds light on the growing threat posed by illegal internet pharmacies, which exploit digital platforms to distribute controlled substances across borders. By masquerading as legitimate businesses, these networks not only fuel drug abuse but also engage in money laundering and financial fraud.

The ED’s swift action underscores the agency’s commitment to dismantling such illicit operations and bringing offenders to justice. With increasing scrutiny on online pharmaceutical businesses, authorities are expected to tighten regulations and enhance monitoring mechanisms to prevent the misuse of e-commerce platforms for drug trafficking.

Final Analysis

The Hyderabad illegal drug export case is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in tackling modern-day financial crimes and drug trafficking. The attachment of assets worth Rs 8 crore is a crucial step in holding perpetrators accountable and recovering illicit proceeds. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in curbing illegal activities that threaten public health and national security.

Amgen Opens $200 Million Tech & Innovation Centre in Hyderabad

Global biotech leader Amgen has inaugurated its $200 million technology and innovation centre in Hyderabad, reinforcing the city’s position as a growing hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, create new opportunities for local talent, and contribute to the region’s thriving biotech ecosystem.

Expanding Workforce: 300 Hired, More to Come

The Amgen India facility, spanning 5,24,000 square feet, has already onboarded 300 employees, with plans to hire an additional 300 soon. The company is targeting a total workforce of 2,000 by the end of the year.

Telangana CM Highlights Hyderabad’s Global Appeal

Inaugurating the facility, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized the significance of Amgen’s investment, calling it a collaboration of two global leaders—Amgen and Hyderabad. He underscored Hyderabad’s leadership in the pharma and life sciences sectors, which makes it an attractive destination for innovation hubs like Amgen’s.

Mr. Reddy reiterated the state government’s commitment to industrial growth as part of its ambitious $1 trillion economy goal by 2030. Recalling his discussions with Amgen leadership during his U.S. visit, he urged the company to expand its investment in Hyderabad, broaden its research initiatives, and contribute to the state’s skill development programs.

Amgen’s Long-Term Commitment to India

Amgen Chairman Robert A. Bradway expressed the company’s long-standing interest in expanding to India. He praised Hyderabad’s innovation ecosystem and confirmed Amgen’s plan to invest $200 million by the end of the year, with additional investments in the pipeline. Founded in 1980, Amgen operates in over 100 countries and employs 28,000 people worldwide.

A Boost for Hyderabad’s Life Sciences Sector

Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu highlighted the rapid setup of Amgen’s facility, following discussions between the Telangana government and Amgen’s leadership last year. He described the center as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Hyderabad’s life sciences journey, further cementing its status as a key player in the global healthcare and GCC space.

Photo Credit: By Arrangement

Polls to a Graduates’ and two Teachers’ seats of Telangana Legislative Council, MLC, on February 27, counting on March 3

Polls to a Graduates’ and two Teachers’ seats of Telangana Legislative Council, MLC, on February 27, counting on March 3

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) has announced the schedule for conduct of elections to two Teachers’ and one Graduates’ constituencies of the Telangana Legislative Council (MLC).

  1. Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates’ constituency, 

BJP : ANJI REDDY CHINNAMILE

Congress : VOOTUKURI NARENDER REDDY

  1. Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teachers’ constituency

BJP : MALKA KOMARAIAH

Congress : https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML 

  1. Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers’ constituency 

BJP : PULI SAROTHAM REDDY

Congress : https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML

The election would be held on February 27 from 8 am to 4 pm and counting of votes would take place on March 3. 

After the last day of withdrawal of nominations, a total of 90 candidates remain in the fray for three MLC seats.

Among the total candidates, 56 are contesting from the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar graduates’ constituency, 15 the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar teachers’ segment and 19 in the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers’ constituency.

The term of the three sitting MLCs — T Jeevan Reddy (graduates’ constituency), Kura Raghotham Reddy (teachers’ constituency) and A Narsi Reddy (teachers’ constituency)—will end on March 29.

Candidates details & affidavits –

https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML

India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Kohli’s Century Guides India to a Six-Wicket Win

In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Virat Kohli led India to a resounding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Group Stage of the Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli’s scintillating knock, which included his 51st ODI century, helped India successfully chase down Pakistan’s total of 241.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite a solid start from openers Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, the dismissal of both openers in quick succession put Pakistan on the backfoot. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel combined for a brilliant century partnership, steadying the ship. The middle order, including Khushdil Shah’s late cameo, helped Pakistan reach 241 all out in 49.5 overs.

India’s chase began confidently with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looking fluent at the crease. However, the early dismissal of Rohit (31) by Shaheen Shah Afridi brought Kohli to the middle. Kohli and Gill put on 69 runs for the second wicket before Gill was dismissed for 46.

Kohli then partnered with Shreyas Iyer, who played a vital knock of 56, as the duo took control of the chase, rotating strike and finding boundaries with ease. It was left to Kohli to finish the job, and he did so in style, bringing up his 51st century in the process, sealing India’s victory with 6 wickets to spare.

This match also marked Kohli’s first-ever century in an ICC Champions Trophy, making it a milestone performance in his illustrious career.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba-The winners of Government High School competitions.

Om Sri Sai Ram

With the divine blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, an event has been organized where prizes will be distributed to the winners of Government High School competitions.

On 22-02-2025 (Thursday) at 10:30 AM, the event will take place at Prashanthi Nagar Hall with grandeur.

At 10:30 AM, Jyoti (lamp) worship will be performed.

Chief Guest:

  • Sri Krishna Reddy Garu

Presiding Officer:

  • Sri Suresh Garu

Bal Vikas Coordinator:

  • Srimati Nalini Jyothi Garu

Participants:

  • Sri Ashok Kumar Garu

We humbly Thanks to all Sai devotees and well-wishers to participate in this divine occasion.

Prizes will be distributed to the winners of the competitions.

We warmly welcome students and parents to attend and make this event successful.

With loving regards,
Tarakaka Samithi

Microsoft opens new campus in Hyderabad, partners with Telangana government to impart AI training to 1.2 lakh people

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized that “the future belongs to Artificial Intelligence” during the inauguration of Microsoft’s new campus in Hyderabad on Thursday. Joined by Minister for IT & Industries D. Sridhar Babu, the event marked Microsoft’s 25th anniversary in the city.

The new campus, located in Gachibowli, spans 1.1 million sq. ft. and is LEED-certified. It will accommodate 2,500 additional employees, contributing to Microsoft’s workforce of over 20,000 professionals in India, with more than half based in Hyderabad. The company also plans to hire an additional 4,800 employees, as the city remains its largest R&D hub outside the US.

Microsoft announced a series of initiatives in partnership with the Telangana Government, aiming to train over 1.2 lakh individuals in AI. As part of the ADVANTA(I)GE TELANGANA program, Microsoft will launch an AI Foundations Academy in 500 government schools, benefitting 50,000 students. The AI-Industry Pro program will upskill 20,000 professionals, and the AI-Govern initiative will train 50,000 government officials in areas like digital productivity, generative AI, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, Microsoft will set up an AI Centre of Excellence (AICoE) in collaboration with the Telangana Government and other stakeholders. This centre will feature a cloud-based infrastructure for AI development, including a central AI Knowledge Hub containing research, case studies, and best practices.

Microsoft also revealed plans to double its investment in hyperscale AI data centres in Telangana, with an additional Rs 15,000 crore planned for the coming years.

Speaking at the event, Revanth Reddy stated, “Hyderabad and Microsoft have grown together, and as a proud representative of this state, I can confidently say that this is just the beginning. Hyderabad is now recognized as a technology powerhouse, attracting global talent. With partners like Microsoft, the future is even brighter.”

He also underscored the importance of AI, adding, “The future belongs to Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration will strengthen our startup ecosystem, offering mentorship, AI tools, and access to a global network.”

An MoU outlining these initiatives was signed between Microsoft and the ITE&C department, following a meeting between the CM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in January 2025, where they discussed modernizing government IT, cloud infrastructure, and accelerating AI adoption.

IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu praised the new campus and AI initiatives, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in the state.

Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director and President of Microsoft India Development Centre, also spoke at the event, stating, “The new building reflects our commitment to Telangana’s innovation ecosystem and India’s vision of becoming an AI-first nation. This expansion will provide cutting-edge infrastructure to enable innovation and accelerate AI development.”

Telangana's Mucherla village is the leader in organ donation, having received more than 70 eye donations

Telangana’s Mucherla village is the leader in organ donation, having received more than 70 eye donations

In a country where organ donation rates are among the lowest globally, Mucherla stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Despite India having fewer than one organ donation per million people, the village’s 500 residents have all pledged to donate their eyes after death, creating a powerful tradition.

This movement, which began several years ago, has gained significant momentum. About 70 villagers have already donated their eyes, thanks to the efforts of Mandala Ravinder, a divisional engineer in the irrigation department and a native of Mucherla. Ravinder initiated the cause over a decade ago by vowing to donate his mother’s eyes, believing firmly that organs should not be wasted after death. In 2019, Ravinder donated his father’s organs and has since been inspiring others in the village to follow suit.

“I believe that organs should not go to waste after death. I pledged to donate my organs and donated my father’s organs in 2019. I encouraged others to do the same, hoping to help those in need and foster positive change,” Ravinder said in an interview with TOI.

His efforts have had a ripple effect. Villager Malla Reddy explained, “We contact Ravinder sir when a death occurs in the family. He coordinates with the doctors to ensure the necessary steps are taken. He’s our go-to person.”

The initiative has brought the community closer, as many families share the belief that they can continue contributing even after death. What began as a few individual pledges has evolved into a widespread movement. The impact has extended to neighboring villages, with at least 20 individuals from surrounding areas committing to donate their eyes to the LV Prasad Eye Institute.

Mucherla has also put in place a well-organized system to handle these donations. Detailed records are kept, and coordination with hospitals in the district ensures a swift response when donations are needed. B Sujatha, a villager who donated her mother’s eyes, shared her pride in contributing to reducing visual impairment.

“We donated my mother’s eyes, and I feel immense pride in knowing that we’ve helped reduce visual impairment in society,” Sujatha said. “Our village’s commitment to organ donation has become a model that continues to inspire change.”

The village’s efforts were recently recognized when Mucherla was awarded the ‘Excellence in Eye Donation’ award by the Governor. This honor acknowledges their dedication and the impact they’ve had in raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.

Hyderabad airport upgrades primary runway with Category II ILS for safer landings in low visibility

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has successfully upgraded its primary runway with a Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS), enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. This upgrade, which transitions from the previous Category I system, enables aircraft to land safely even in low visibility conditions, such as fog, significantly improving reliability during adverse weather.

The Category II ILS provides pilots with precise landing guidance through highly accurate radio signals and advanced runway lighting, allowing landings with visibility as low as 300 meters of Runway Visual Range (RVR). This improvement ensures fewer disruptions and smoother flight schedules, especially in foggy conditions, according to airport authorities.

VMYF organised Balala Vivekotsav-2025 on 2nd February, 2025

Vande Mataram! VMYF organised Balala Vivekotsav-2025 on 2nd February, 2025, Sunday, at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka. Around 300 students of 8th & 9th classes from various schools participated in the event.

Elocution Competition on “Swami Vivekananda’s Life”, Skit Competition on ‘Any Social Message” and Quiz Competition on “Balala Ramayanam” were conducted on the occasion.

It was an outstanding display of talent by the Children. Prizes were given away to the Winners in the Prize Distribution Ceremony.

Sri Yagna Narayana, Sri Sita Rama Somayajulu & Sri V.Ramachander Rao acted as the judges for the Program.

The event was co-sponsored by CSR Foundation & Srikara Foundation.