Latest news with #NaveenKumar
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Solo Boy: A heartfelt middle-class saga that strikes an emotional chord
Solo Boy, directed by Naveen Kumar and produced by Satish under the Seven Hills Productions banner, brings a slice-of-life drama that explores the trials of a middle-class youth. With Bigg Boss fame Goutham Krishna in the lead, and Ramya Pasupuleti and Shweta Avasthi as the female leads, the film offers a mix of romance, heartbreak, resilience, and redemption. Story: The film follows Krishnamurthy, a young man from a modest background whose relationship with his college lover crumbles under the weight of financial instability. Just as he rebuilds his life, lands a job, and finds new love, fate throws him another curveball — a divorce triggered once again by economic hardship. What follows is a layered journey of perseverance, self-reflection, and growth. As Krishnamurthy confronts betrayal, setbacks, and rediscovery, Solo Boy answers deeper questions about whether financial struggle alone can break relationships or if deeper emotional fractures are at play. Performances: Goutham Krishna delivers a sincere and emotionally resonant performance as Krishnamurthy. His portrayal is natural and grounded, making the character relatable. Shweta Avasthi is impressive, portraying her character with maturity and conviction. Ramya Pasupuleti makes the most of her limited screen time, leaving a strong impression. Posani Murali and Anita Chowdary shine as the protagonist's parents, capturing the ethos of middle-class life. The supporting cast — including Bhadram, Shafi, and Chakrapani — add credibility and depth. Technicalities: Director Naveen Kumar handles the sensitive storyline with emotional intelligence and clarity. Cinematographer Trilok Suddha brings a realistic texture to the visuals, while Praveen Poodi's editing keeps the narrative crisp. The songs and background score enhance the film's emotional gravity, and lighting in both day and night sequences is carefully executed. Satish's production values elevate the film's overall quality, ensuring a polished final product. Analysis: Solo Boy thrives on its emotional core and relatability. It doesn't rely on gimmicks but instead focuses on storytelling, strong performances, and grounded execution. Though a few scenes and dialogues feel underwhelming, they don't significantly detract from the film's message and impact. Solo Boy is a genuine and touching film that speaks to anyone who's faced life's setbacks with hope and courage. Watch it with your family — it's a tale worth experiencing on the big screen. Rating: 3/5
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Hyderabad corruption trail: ED raids suspended HMDA official; Rs 250 crore assets, realtor links under probe
Enforcement Directorate HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Unit, on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations linked to suspended HMDA official Shiva Balakrishna. The searches follow an ongoing investigation into alleged disproportionate assets unearthed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Shiva Balakrishna, a former planning officer with Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) and in-charge Secretary of Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), was arrested by the ACB on January 25 in a case involving assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The ACB also arrested his brother, Naveen Kumar, in connection with the case. The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and seized documents during the searches at the residences of Shiva Balakrishna and his brother Naveen Kumar at Rajendranagar and Chaitanyanagar, respectively. The agency is also investigating the alleged quid pro quo deals of Shiva Balakrishna with the top realtors in Hyderabad for granting permission for apartments, villa projects, and layouts. According to sources, top realtors in the city may also be questioned as part of the probe. The ED's action was based on the ACB's FIR, which revealed that Balakrishna had amassed over 200 acres of agricultural land, multiple open plots, and a villa, with the total market value estimated at ₹250 crore. The assets are spread across different districts in the state. During the ACB raid earlier this year, investigators seized key documents from Balakrishna's lavish duplex villa located in Aditya Fort View, Puppalaguda. Lack of ACB documents slows ED's investigation Meanwhile, ED officials have expressed concern over limited cooperation from the ACB in securing essential documents for their probe. Sources within the agency said that despite multiple requests, several relevant documents have not been shared, slowing down the investigation into possible money laundering angles connected to the disproportionate assets. The ED's fresh round of searches is expected to focus on tracing financial transactions, benami holdings, and potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ED conducts searches on suspended HMDA official Shiva Balakrishna properties; Rs 250 crore assets flagged by ACB
Representative Image HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Unit, on Wednesday launched searches at multiple locations linked to suspended HMDA official Shiva Balakrishna. The searches come in the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into alleged disproportionate assets unearthed earlier by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Shiva Balakrishna, a former Planning Officer with Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) and in-charge Secretary of Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), was arrested by the ACB on January 25 in a case relating to assets disproportionate to known sources of income. He was 54 years old at the time of his arrest. The ACB also arrested his brother, Naveen Kumar , in connection with the same case. ED issued an ECIR based under PMLA. ED seized documents during the searches on the residences of Shiva Balakrishna and his brother Naveen Kumar at Rajendranagar and Chaitanyanagar. ED will be looking into the quid pro quo deals of Shiva Balakrishna with the top realtors in Hyderabad for granting permission for apartments, villa projects, and layouts. Investigations may lead to the questioning of the top realtors in the city, sources said. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The ED's current action is based on the ACB's FIR, which revealed that Balakrishna amassed over 200 acres of agricultural land, multiple open plots, and a villa. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'I couldn't hear my grandchildren anymore...' – Find out how she did it. Hearing Magazine Undo The total market value of these assets was estimated at ₹250 crore. During the ACB raid earlier this year, investigators seized key documents from Balakrishna's lavish duplex villa located in Aditya Fort View, Puppalaguda, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Lack of ACB Documents Slows ED Probe Officials from the ED expressed concern over limited cooperation from the ACB in securing essential documents for their probe. Sources within the agency said that despite multiple requests, several relevant documents have not been shared, slowing down the investigation into possible money laundering angles connected to the disproportionate assets. The ED's fresh round of searches is expected to focus on tracing financial transactions, benami holdings, and potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Indigenous rapid detection kit ready to detect Nipah virus with 100% accuracy: Director, ICMR-NIV
Pune: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed a portable test kit for detecting Nipah virus cases with 100 per cent accuracy, which can provide results within 1- 2 hours. According to Dr Naveen Kumar, Director, ICMR-NIV, Pune, "Based on amplification of viral gene without the need for a specialised machine at the field level. It's 100 per cent sensitive and specific." This test can provide results in "1-2 hours". The Nipah virus is a Zoonotic virus that primarily spreads through fruit bats, and the virus has a 50% mortality rate, making it one of the most dangerous viral diseases. The cost of the test is 250 rupees, and the name of this kit is Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Nipah virus. Meanwhile, Monoclonal antibody development is underway in collaboration with Zydus Health Sciences, Ahmedabad and Translational Health Sciences Technology Institute, Faridabad. The ICMR is also working on an indigenous vaccine for the Nipah virus. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) is the only lab in the country that cultures the Nipah virus. Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans) and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The symptoms of the Nipah virus are fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, altered consciousness, and Atypical pneumonia. Outbreaks of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) have been reported in Kerala, with the most recent one occurring in 2023 in the Kozhikode district.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
National Institute of Virology develops portable 'point-of-care' test kit for detecting Nipah virus
India will now be able to detect the Nipah virus within minutes as the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has developed a portable 'point-of-care' test kit for detecting the virus. This kit can provide instant results even outside laboratory settings and will be deployed soon in high-risk areas like Kerala and West Bengal, Naveen Kumar, the director of NIV, said. "We have developed a LAMP-based portable kit for quick and reliable detection of the Nipah virus. It provides results in just a few minutes without the need for a laboratory. The kit has also been patented," Dr Kumar said. The Nipah virus primarily spreads through fruit bats and has caused several outbreaks in India. With a mortality rate exceeding 50 per cent, it is one of the most lethal viral diseases. In India, the capability to culture the Nipah virus exists only at NIV Pune, where genomic analysis, vaccine development, and drug testing are also carried out, said Pragya Yadav, senior scientist at NIV. The NIV is working with a pharma company and research partners to develop monoclonal antibodies to treat Nipah. Additionally, the institute is also working on an indigenous vaccine for the Nipah virus, which is expected to enter trial phases in the coming years. According to data, the Nipah virus samples found in India so far belong to the 'Genotype B' category, seen in both Bangladesh and India, Dr Kumar said. This variant spreads rapidly and causes severe symptoms, whereas the Malaysian variant (Genotype M) is comparatively less infectious. Over the past decade, most Nipah virus cases in India have been reported from Kerala and West Bengal, he said. The NIV has set up specialised labs and monitoring systems in these states to enable early detection and containment, Dr Kumar added. From 1998 to 2018, more than 700 cases were reported across India, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The first case in India was recorded in West Bengal in 2001, with a 74 per cent fatality rate. The 2007 outbreak in the same region saw a 100 per cent fatality rate. Data shows that the first Nipah case in India emerged in 2001 in West Bengal. The state saw the second outbreak in 2007. The third major outbreak occurred in Kerala in 2018, resulting in 16 deaths. Since then, Kerala has seen many outbreaks, with 19 fatalities in total. Dr Yadav, who has led six to seven studies on Nipah infection in India, revealed that antibody surveys found Nipah virus antibodies in 20 per cent of bats across nine states and one Union Territory, indicating prior exposure to the virus.
