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Russia stopped nearly 600 spies last year: Putin
Moscow, March 7 (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that the country’s security services stopped nearly 600 foreign agents and intelligence personnel last year, declaring that adversaries were trying to interfere in Russia’s domestic affairs.
“Counterintelligence agencies acted effectively and offensively last year. Thanks to successful special operations, 129 staff officers and 465 agents of foreign special services were stopped,” Putin said, speaking at a board meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB) — the agency that he led before becoming President.
Putin added that foreign intelligence agencies “are striving to increase their activity” across Russia, seeking access to information on the country’s economy, scientific research and technology, CNN reported.
“As in the old days, now, perhaps, they are also trying to influence the relevant (political) processes in our country,” he said. “Therefore, (intelligence) work must be efficient, conducted daily and based on modern methods of work.”
Late last year, the FSB arrested US citizen Paul Whelan, a Michigan resident and former Marine, on suspicion of espionage. His state-appointed lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov, told CNN in January that he was found in possession of classified material when he was arrested in Moscow.
Whelan was denied bail at a pre-trial hearing in January and remains in Lefortovo detention center in Moscow. His family has dismissed the accusation of espionage, saying he has been wrongfully detained.
And, in a case unrelated to espionage, American investor Michael Calvey was recently charged in connection with a large-scale fraud investigation.
The formal charges against Calvey came one day after Putin called on law enforcement agencies to limit the practice of initiating criminal proceedings to pursue business disputes.
Calvey has denied the charges and his firm says it operated in full compliance with Russian law.
In Wednesday’s address, Putin nevertheless called on security personnel to protect entrepreneurs from overzealous law enforcement.
“It is also necessary to promptly respond to violations of the rights of entrepreneurs by individual representatives of law enforcement agencies, control and supervisory authorities,” he said.
“I expect that within your authority you will also contribute to the solution of the most important task — to ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of entrepreneurs, and indeed of all citizens of Russia.”
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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