CM Siddaramaiah launches 'Digital Mobile Planetarium' initiative for schools
Bengaluru (PTI): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday launched the state’s 'Digital Mobile Planetarium' initiative at Vidhana Soudha, marking a renewed push to strengthen science learning in rural Karnataka.
The Planetarium brings an immersive astronomy experience directly to school campuses through custom-built vehicles equipped with a 5-metre dome, 360-degree fish-eye projection, air-conditioning, and advanced audio systems.
The initiative was conceived to bridge the rural–urban gap in access to planetarium learning, enabling students to explore the universe from their own school premises, a statement issued by the chief minister’s office said.
Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Siddaramaiah said the initiative had already reached over 17 lakh students, calling it "a significant achievement" in democratising access to astronomy.
"Our aim is to spark scientific curiosity in rural children and bring high-quality science education closer to them," he said.
State Minister for Science & Technology N S Boseraju said the programme has been infused with upgraded technology and an expanded delivery model.
He added that while the mobile planetarium currently operates in a limited number of districts, the government is preparing to scale the initiative across all districts in Karnataka in the coming months.
"We are committed to ensuring that every child, irrespective of geography, receives exposure to modern science," he said.
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ED raids Kolkata Police deputy commissioner, businessman in PMLA probe
Kolkata (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday conducted raids at the premises of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and a local businessman as part of a money laundering probe against an alleged criminal and his linked syndicate in the poll-bound state, officials said.
Two premises of Biswas, including his residence in Ballygunge area and one location of the businessman named Joy Kamdar, Managing Director of a company named Sun Enterprise, have been raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Kamdar has been taken by the officials to the local ED office for questioning. Biswas, chief coordinator and nodal officer of the West Bengal and Kolkata Police welfare committee, was not present at his premises, they said.
The action is linked to a money laundering case against an alleged local criminal named Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases on charges of attempted murder and extortion.
The federal probe agency had conducted the first round of searches in this case on April 1.
The ED had then seized cash of Rs 1.47 crore apart from gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh and a country-made revolver from some premises that were searched.
The probe stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against against Podder for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and Arms Act violations. The accused, including Podder, were engaged in organised criminal syndicate activities in the state of West Bengal and generated funds illegally by way of syndicate operations, the ED said in a statement on April 9.
Podder is also wanted by the police in a case of violence in Kankulia road near Golpark of Kolkata and is currently on the run.
The ED has issued summons to Podder but he has failed to join the investigation so far, according to the agency.
West Bengal will have a two phase poll on April 23 and April 29.
