Severe heatwave likely to affect 47 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on March 27
VISAKHAPATNAM: As many as 47 mandals across Andhra Pradesh are expected to experience severe heatwaves on Wednesday, with the highest impact in Srikakulam (13 mandals), Vizianagaram (14), Parvathipuram Manyam (11), Anakapalle (2), Kakinada (4), East Godavari (2), and NTR (1). On Thursday, the heatwave is likely to intensify, affecting 199 mandals across multiple districts, according to AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath. On Tuesday, several areas recorded extreme temperatures, with Rudravaram in Nandyal district reaching 41.6C, followed by Darimadugu in Prakasam at 41.1C, and Somasila in Nellore at 40.9C. Other hotspots included Puthanavaripalli (Annamayya), Pipalli (Chittoor), and Atlur (YSR) at 40.1C, while Renigunta (Tirupati) touched 40C. Kurmanath advised senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with health conditions to stay indoors and avoid exposure to hot winds. Residents should take precautions, avoid strenuous activities, and stay hydrated. Additionally, with unseasonal rain and thunderstorms expected, people are urged to remain cautious and avoid standing under trees during lightning strikes.
Andhra Pradesh government unveils startup policy 2024-29
VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh government has launched the Innovation and Startup Policy (4.0) for 2024-2029, aiming to foster entrepreneurship, create 20,000 startups, and generate one lakh jobs over the next five years. The policy replaces the AP Information Technology Policy (2021-2024), which ended on September 30, 2024. Secretary (IT, Electronics, and Communications) Katamneni Bhaskar issued a government order formalising the new framework on Monday. The policy seeks to promote 20 Soonicorns and 10 Unicorns while establishing 10 new Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in AI, blockchain, quantum computing, health tech, EVs, and advanced manufacturing. AP, categorised as a Leader in the 2022 State Startup Ranking by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aims to enhance its innovation ecosystem across Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Kurnool, Anantapur, and Kakinada. Currently, 6,658 startups operate in the State, with 2,400 recognised by DPIIT, including 1,159 women-led enterprises. The AP Innovation Society (APIS), under the IT, Electronics, and Communications Department, is spearheading efforts to promote innovation through 46 incubators and six CoEs focused on IoT, AI, rural innovation, maritime shipping, biotech, and medical devices. The government has designated 15 key departments, including IT, agriculture, health, environment, and transport, to allocate an annual budget of Rs 10-20 crore to support startups through innovation challenges, hackathons, and proof-of-concept projects. A key highlight of the policy is the establishment of the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH) in Amaravati, which will serve as the states central innovation hub. It will be supported by five regional centres in Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Vizag, Tirupati, and Anantapur. The governance structure will include a Board of Governors, led by a promoter and comprising regional presidents, independent experts, and government, academia, with others. To support the RTIH and regional centres, the government will provide Rs 50 crore in seed capital to the RTIH and Rs 30 crore to each regional centre. Over five years, funding of up to Rs 250 crore for the RTIH and Rs 100 crore for each regional centre will be allocated based on performance.
7K acres of ayacut needs water to survive paddy
More than 7,000 acres of ayacut, particularly in tail-end areas of Konaseema, Kakinada, West Godavari and Eluru districts, have suffered from water shortages this Rabi season as water levels in the Godavari River continue to deplete.
Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada elated as Satyanarayana Raju makes IPL debut for Mumbai Indians - MSN
Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada elated as Satyanarayana Raju makes IPL debut for Mumbai Indians MSN
23 patients are undergoing medical treatment for cancer; doctors from the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram GGH, Kakinada Rangarayana Medical College and G.S.L. Hospital are studying the high incidence of cancer in Bhalabadrapuram village
Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada elated as Satyanarayana Raju makes IPL debut for Mumbai Indians
KAKINADA: Cricket enthusiasts in Kakinada were elated as local player Penumatsa Venkata Satyanarayana Raju made his debut for Mumbai Indians in an IPL match on Sunday. He scored one run and took a catch. The pacer bowled one over and gave 13 runs. Having recently impressed in the Ranji Trophy by taking 17 wickets, his selection has generated excitement among fans, particularly in the Godavari district, who are eagerly following his progress. He honed his skills under the guidance of Rafhi Ahmad Kidvai and Pasupuleti Satyanarayana, who played key roles in shaping his career. Senior sportsman and sports proprietor T Harish expressed confidence in Rajus performance. He is a talented fast bowler with rigorous training and a childhood ambition to play professionally. His dedication will reflect in his game, he said. His parents, Ramesh and Rakhi, shared their joy, expressing pride in their sons achievement. Kakinadas cricket lovers await his future performances.
Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Body Warns Against Heat Waves In 49 Sub-Districts
APSDMA Managing Director R Kurmanadh said that one mandal in Alluri Sitaramaraju district, two in Kakinada, and five in East Godavari are also expected to be affected.
IPL Fan Parks 2025: 'Stadium-Like' Experience In 50 Cities; Check Dates, Full List Of Host Cities
This will be the first time IPL Fan Parks are held in Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Dimapur (Nagaland), Karaikal (Puducherry), Manbhum, Purulia (West Bengal), Rohtak and Tinsukia, the BCCI said.
Andhra Pradesh reels under mid-March heatwave
VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh continues to experience severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring past 40C in several regions. Since mid-March, multiple mandals have been facing daily heatwaves, with the highest temperatures recorded at 42.7C on March 18 and 42.3C on March 19. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned that heatwave conditions will affect 49 mandals on Friday, particularly in Srikakulam (12), Vizianagaram (16), Parvathipuram Manyam (13), Alluri Sitarama Raju (1), Kakinada (2), and East Godavari (5). On Saturday, severe heatwaves are likely in Chintoor (ASR) and Seethampeta (Manyam), with 29 other mandals also at risk. Several locations recorded high temperatures on Thursday, including Dornipadu (40.3C), Ontimitta (40.2C), Laddagiri (40.1C), Gadelu (40C), and Vizianagaram (40C). APSDMA Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath confirmed heatwave conditions in 30 mandals. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has urged residents to remain vigilant over the next three months. In a video conference with officials on Thursday, he emphasised the need for preparedness across departments, including disaster management, health, education, labour, panchayati raj, and electricity. He directed them to create awareness on heatwave precautions and ensure the availability of essential services, such as drinking water, buttermilk, tents, and first aid, particularly for outdoor workers. Special provisions are also being made at examination centres. A nodal officer will be appointed at the district level to oversee response measures and implement action plans. Authorities will issue early warnings via SMS and media channels in high-risk areas. The Medical, Education, Rural Development, and Safe Drinking Water Supply departments have been instructed to take precautionary steps to safeguard public health. The TRANSCO department has been tasked with ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during peak summer months. Residents have been advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 5 pm. Vijayanand explained that a heatwave occurs when temperatures rise 4 to 5.4C above normal, while a severe heatwave is declared if temperatures exceed 6.4C above normal. He warned that excessive heat exposure could disrupt body temperature regulation. He recommended staying hydrated, consuming light meals, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. Kurmanath reiterated that the highest temperatures recorded this season were 42.7C on March 18 and 42.3C on March 19. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to release daily temperature updates at 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, forecasting more heatwaves in coming months.
Andhra Pradesh government targets maritime growth under Vision 47
VIJAYAWADA: In line with the Central governments Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is leading efforts to transform the State into a USD 1 trillion economy and a maritime hub under the Swarna Andhra @ 2047 initiative, Minister for Roads, Buildings, Investments, and Infrastructure BC Janardhan Reddy announced on Wednesday. Speaking at the fourth National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi, he highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the States port sector. Reddy revealed that the State is developing four greenfield ports, Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, Kakinada Gateway, and Mulapeta, with an investment of Rs 17,000 crore. Additionally, 10 fishing harbours are being upgraded at a cost of Rs 3,520 crore. The meeting, chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, was attended by Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Shantanu Thakur, along with chief ministers, ministers, and senior officials from coastal States.
Rayalaseema Dalit groups oppose SC classification in Andhra Pradesh
TIRUPATI/ KAKINADA: Rayalaseema Mala Joint Action Committee (JAC) and other Dalit organisations have accused the Central and State governments of conspiring to abolish reservations for weaker sections by misleading the Mala community on Scheduled Caste (SC) classification. Speaking at Ambedkar Bhavan in Balaji Colony on Wednesday, Rayalaseema Mala JAC Honorary President Ashokaratna criticised the coalition governments efforts to approve SC classification based on the 2011 census, alleging it underrepresents the Mala population while favouring the Madiga community. He called the move unconstitutional and condemned elected MPs and MLAs for their silence. JAC leaders announced a large-scale protest, Mala Simha Garjana, on March 23 at Nehru Municipal Grounds, Tirupati, urging Dalit intellectuals and employees to unite. Meanwhile, Roar Against Categorisation Conspiracy of SCs and STs (ROCS) and Mala Mahanadu in Kakinada opposed the decision, with ROCS national president Dr RS Ratnakar warning that the move could spark caste-based state divisions. He criticised the inaction of public representatives and called for nationwide resistance against what he termed a Central-level conspiracy.
Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan thanks supporters for successful JSP Formation Day
VIJAYAWADA: JSP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed gratitude to all individuals and organisations involved in making the partys 12th Formation Day a success. The event, held on March 14 in Chitrada village, Pithapuram Constituency, saw enthusiastic participation from party members and supporters. Taking to social media platform X, Pawan thanked JSP leaders, Jana Sainiks, and Veeramahilas for their efforts in organising the Jaya Ketanam public meeting. He acknowledged the dedication of those who worked behind the scenes, emphasising their role in the events success. 12 @JanaSenaParty , , . 11 12 pic.twitter.com/1ujCm1GjgT Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) March 19, 2025 He extended special appreciation to the AP Police Department for ensuring a smooth and secure gathering. Thanking DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, Kakinada District SP Bindu Madhav, and local police officers, he credited their support for maintaining law and order. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Kakinada District Collector Shanmohan and the district administration. He recognised key JSP leaders, including Party Affairs Committee (PAC) Chairman Nadendla Manohar and other leaders.
The 33-year-old accused was suspended by the bank for stealing 900 grams of gold from West Godavari branch and 2.3 lakh in cash from the banks ATM before procuring pistols from Bihar to rob an ATM
The 33-year-old accused was suspended by the bank for stealing 900 grams of gold from West Godavari branch and 2.3 lakh in cash from the banks ATM before procuring pistols from Bihar to rob an ATM
Red sanders smuggler among two held in theft cases in Kakinada district
Police recover 66.25 grams gold from their possession
CISF Cyclothon team brings Safe coast, prosperous India message to Vizag
Team to set off to the Kakinada coast on March 18
Test centres 1K km away, railway job aspirants from Tamil Nadu at wits end
CHENNAI: Hundreds of job aspirants from Tamil Nadu, appearing for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) examination on March 19, have been assigned test centres 600 to 1,000 km away, in cities like Tirupati, Guntur, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, and Karimnagar, Hyderabad, Warangal and Secunderabad in Telangana. Widespread confusion ensued among the candidates due to the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) decision to prioritise assigning venues within the same city for candidates appearing for both the ALP exam and RPF constable exam, the latter is scheduled a day before on March 18. A few candidates also flagged that the issue is not limited to Tamil Nadu, as aspirants from Patna have been assigned centres in Dehradun, and those from Kannur in Kerala have been assigned venues in Karnataka and Telangana. A total of 6,315 candidates qualified for CBT 2 under RRB Chennai, which is recruiting for 493 ALP positions. The RRB in Thiruvananthapuram, which is filling 233 posts, has also assigned centres in other states for the candidates. In total, Indian Railways aims to fill 18,799 ALP positions through this recruitment drive. Although OBC, SC and ST candidates were provided free sleeper-class travel passes from their nearest railway station, the candidates said they would have to bear additional travel expenses of Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 which is a huge financial burden given their distressing condition. Some applicants said that women candidates, who are often accompanied by a friend or family member, are particularly more affected by the additional expenses. Speaking on behalf of the RRB, a Southern Railway spokesperson said only 20% of Tamil Nadu candidates were assigned examination centres in other states, unlike claims on social media alleging it was 80-90%. However, the official remained tight-lipped on the exact number of students redirected to other states and the capacity of CBT exam centres in the state. A few candidates from Vriddachalam and Salem who were assigned centres in Guntur and Karimnagar expressed concerns over the difficulty of securing confirmed train tickets at the last minute and potential train delays. Railway officials said about 15,000 candidates, who had qualified for the ALP CBT 1 exam on March 19, are also appearing for the RPF constable exam on March 18. To facilitate smooth travel, they were assigned centres in the same city, which resulted in others, especially those from Tamil Nadu, being assigned test centres in neighbouring states. As CBT 2 does not follow a normalisation process, all candidates must take the exam in the same shift, leading to the current allocation challenges, added the official. An aspirant from Salem said, If there werent enough exam centres in Tamil Nadu, the RRB should have rescheduled either the RPF or the ALP examination. Now, candidates will have to take whatever train available, arrive at odd hours, and, if they cannot afford lodging, many will be forced to sleep at the station or outside the examination centre.
Water-Based Activity Opens as Part of Kakinada Beachfront Development
The society plans to start a Wave Pool within the premises, wherein visitors can experience the intensity of sea waves.
Kakinada Father Son Incident | Father Kills His Son Due To Poor Marks In Exam | Andhra Pradesh |N18S
Father Kills His Son Due To Poor Marks In Exam | Kakinada Father Son Incident | Andhra Pradesh |N18S n18oc_shorts News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Severe heatwave alert issued in 45 mandals of Andhra on March 16
VISAKHAPATNAM: As many as 45 mandals across the State are likely to experience severe heatwaves on Sunday. Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath stated that districts including Srikakulam (11 mandals), Vizianagaram (16 mandals), Parvathipuram Manyam (13 mandals), Alluri Sitarama Raju (3 mandals), Kakinada (1 mandal), and East Godavari (1 mandal) are expected to experience intense heatwave conditions. Also, heatwave conditions are likely to extend to 185 mandals. The affected regions include Srikakulam (15 mandals), Vizianagaram (10 mandals), Parvathipuram Manyam (2 mandals), Alluri Sitarama Raju (11 mandals), Visakhapatnam (3 mandals), Anakapalli (16 mandals), Kakinada (16 mandals), Konaseema (11 mandals), East Godavari (17 mandals), West Godavari (6 mandals), Eluru (16 mandals), Krishna (12 mandals), NTR (9 mandals), Guntur (14 mandals), Bapatla (3 mandals), Palnadu (22 mandals), and Prakasam (2 mandals). Severe heatwave conditions are expected in 34 mandals on Monday, while 171 mandals will experience heatwave conditions. The highest temperatures recorded on Saturday, March 15, indicate rising heat levels across the State. Gospadu in the Nandyal district and Ulindakonda in Kurnool district recorded the highest temperature at 41.8C. Darimadugu in Prakasam district and Thummikapalli in Vizianagaram district followed with 41.7C. Madduru and Khajipeta in YSR district registered temperatures of 41C. A total of 19 mandals experienced severe heatwave conditions, while 54 mandals reported heatwave conditions on Saturday. Officials have advised the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related health issues. People are urged to wear hats and use umbrellas, towels, and cotton clothing to minimise heat exposure.
Kakinada Zilla Parishad introduces 70 lakh surplus budget
Kakinada Zilla Parishad members approved a Rs 70 lakh surplus budget for ZPTC, with a total budget of Rs 1,014 crore, showing revenue of Rs 1,013.80 crore and expenses of Rs 1,013.10 crore for the year 2025-26.
AP man dies by suicide after drowning 2 sons over poor academics
Kakinada: A 37-year-old ONGC employee has allegedly killed his two sons for poor academic performance and then died by suicide in this district, a police official said on Saturday, March 15. The accused has been identified as V Chandra Kishore According to police, the boys were allegedly drowned by their father in a bucket of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
KAKINADA: A 37-year-old ONGC employee has allegedly killed his two minor sons for poor academic performance and died by suicide in this district, a police official said on Saturday. The boys were allegedly drowned by their father V Chandra Kishore in a bucket of water around 10 am on Friday as he was disappointed with their academic performance, police said. Kishore killed his sons due to their poor academic performance, fearing they would struggle and suffer in a competitive world if they did not excel in their studies. Unable to bear this thought, he took the extreme step, the official told PTI. A suicide note was recovered, and its contents are being examined, said the official, adding that forensic teams have been deployed while an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances which led to this tragedy. In a complaint, Kishore's wife, Rani, stated that her husband was found hanging in the bedroom while their children were lifeless in a bucket. Police registered a case and an investigation is on. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Andhra Man Drowns 2 Kids In Bucket Before Taking His Own Life: 'Can't Cope With...'
A man reportedly took the lives of his two children before ending his own in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The incident took place in Thota Subbarao Nagar at Bhu Devi Apartments, where 35-year-old ...
Andhra Man Kills Sons For 'Poor Academic Performance', Dies By Suicide
A 37-year-old ONGC employee has allegedly killed his two minor sons for poor academic performance and died by suicide in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada, a police official said on Saturday.
ONGC employee kills his two minor sons, later dies by suicide
An ONGC employee named V Chandra Kishore allegedly drowned his two minor sons in a bucket and later died by suicide in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Dissatisfied with their academic performance, he feared they would struggle in a competitive world. The police recovered a suicide note and have begun an investigation.
Man kills his two sons; ends his life in Andhra Pradeshs Kakinada
The public sector unit employee has taken the extreme step after celebrating Holi with his family and colleagues
Father Kills Children, Dies by Suicide in Kakinada
Police arrived at the scene and registered a case. An investigation is currently underway.
Will groom 100 young changemakers to lead India: Pawan Kalyans Vision 2047
VIJAYAWADA/ KAKINADA: Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modis slogan Viksit Bharat by 2047, and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidus vision of Swarna Andhra by 2047, Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan set his own goal. I aim to nurture 100 youths from each village in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, ensuring that at least 100 capable leaders guide the country in the right direction by 2047, said Pawan Kalyan during his powerful speech at the 12th JSP Foundation Day celebrations at Chitrada in Pithapuram Assembly constituency on Friday. Addressing the huge gathering of the grand event Jaya Ketanam, he asserted that the party had taken crucial steps toward success after electoral losses in the past. The meeting drew over five lakh Janasainiks and JSP supporters from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. We stood firm. We stood by the party. We stood by the TDP. When we lost in 2019, they grew arrogant. The previous rulers insulted our women, harassed the people, and sentenced those who questioned them. Brave women who demanded justice were jailed. Even a leader with four decades of experience was imprisoned. Many conspiracies were hatched to suppress me. They tried to keep me away, even from the Assembly gates. But we did not back down. Today, we have entered the Assembly with 21 MLAs, and Parliament with 2 MPs, achieving a 100% strike rate because we are fearless, he declared. My political ideology is clear, not confused Reflecting on his journey, Pawan Kalyan credited his political entry to cinema, but stressed that films are only a tool for a larger mission. He revealed that revolutionary singer Gaddar encouraged him after watching his movie Khushi, while Central University Professor Sripati Ramulu influenced his ideology. My aspiration is always to live like an average middle-class man. I was raised like Meena in Chanti film. No one expected my transition to politics from films. My father wanted me to complete my degree, and become an SI. Our family was always cautious about stepping outside, fearing the unknown, he said. Pawan Kalyan attributed the JSPs political success to its seven guiding principles, which he formulated after deep contemplation. Running the party for a decade is a sacrifice. But this victory is fulfilling. I entered politics not for votes, but for a societal change. My ideology is about unity among diverse people, he asserted. Mentioning misconceptions about his political ideology, Pawan Kalyan said, Some say I am confused regarding my ideology. I was inspired by Che Guevara for his humanitarian values, but I have followed Sanatana Dharma since childhood. My home used to echoe with the chant of Lord Sri Ram. The JSP chief explained that his partys ideology was shaped by the speeches of seven influential leaders from around the world. Urging young leaders to rise, Pawan Kalyan warned against the corrupt political practices of using power for personal gain. We cannot ignore history, where 450 people sacrificed their lives for their beliefs, power should be used to uplift people, not for violence and looting. We will not divide castes or exploit communities for personal gain. We have struggled hard to reach this stage, and that should be understood. If we want a strong nation, we need strong individuals. The country will only change when young leaders stand for its future. This is the time to lead. Sanatana Dharma is in my blood, I dont need to prove it, he averred. On Tamil Nadu leaders stiff opposition to the three-language formula of the National Education Policy, Pawan Kalyan asked them not to dub Tamil films into Hindi merely to earn revenue from Hindi-speaking States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, when they are raising a hue and cry over imposition of Hindi. You need money and workforce from Hindi-speaking States, but oppose Hindi itself. That is not acceptable. All languages are essential for communication and fostering brotherhood, he observed. Not just for Tamil Nadu but for the entire country, we need multiple languages. Not just for the integrity of the country, but also to understand one another and share love, multiple languages are good for India, he said. Pawan Kalyan reaffirmed his deep connection to both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, calling Telangana the birthplace of JSP, and Andhra Pradesh his Karmabhoomi, and stressed the power of linguistic and cultural unity. He questioned pseudo secularism and asked the people to follow true secularism. True secularism should be applied with the true spirit, not for dam convenient vote bank politics. Jana Sena is not for that, he asserted. He thanked the TDP and BJP leaders, including Chandrababu Naidu and Lokesh for their greetings on the occasion of the 12th Formation Day of the JSP. (With inputs from S Trimurthulu)
We won in Pithapuram on our own, asserts MLC Nagababu
VIJAYAWADA/KAKINADA: Jana Sena MLC Nagababu stressed the importance of responsible leadership, urging politicians to be mindful of their words. Speaking at the Jaya Ketanam, marking Jana Senas 12th Formation Day, he took a veiled dig at opposition leaders. Leaders must be cautious when they speak. Weve seen the consequences of reckless remarks a leader with a foul mouth couldnt even secure opposition status, Nagababu said. Pawan Kalyan always advises that words should be chosen wisely in politics. Some leaders, like comedians, dream of regaining power in five years. My advice to them keep dreaming for 20 years or more. Praising the JSP chiefs dedication to public welfare, Nagababu lauded his forward-thinking leadership. One must either be as great as Pawan or follow him. If anyone believes they are solely responsible for Pawans victory in Pithapuram, they are mistaken. His success belongs to him and the people, he added. PAC Chairman and Minister Nadendla Manohar reiterated the partys unwavering dedication to public service despite facing challenges and insults. In 2019, we stood by construction workers and faced many difficulties. Even those struggling financially stood with us. Pawan Kalyan respects everyone and has always encouraged youth leadership, Manohar said. Former minister and party leader Balineni Srinivas Reddy alleged that the previous government targeted him. Jagan harassed my family, seized my properties, and made life difficult for us. He must remember no one escapes the consequences of their actions, he warned.
Kakinada: Traffic diversions today in view of Jana Sena meeting
Vehicles going to Chennai through Kakinada district from Visakhapatnam and vice versa should travel over national highway 16 as usual, Kakinada police said
No future to Jagan if he doesnt break free from coterie: Vijayasai
VIJAYAWADA: In a surprising disclosure, former MP V Vijayasai Reddy revealed that he parted ways with the YSRCP after its president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed a lack of trust in him, accusing him of succumbing to temptations. I was deeply hurt, and left the YSRCP, conveying to Jagan that if he no longer valued me, there was no reason for me to stay in the party. Despite his request for me to remain, I declined. Theres no going back, no chance of Ghar Vapsi, Vijayasai Reddy told the press outside the CID office in Vijayawada on Wednesday. The former MP was summoned for questioning with regard to the alleged illegal transfer of shares of Kakinada Seaports Limited (KSPL) and Kakinada SEZ (KSEZ). Vijayasai accused the coterie surrounding Jagan of leading him astray, warning that the YSRCP chiefs future could be grim unless he broke free from its influence. He said Vikranth Reddy, son of YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy, was the mastermind behind the KSPL deal, asserting that he was not involved in the matter. He described his link with KV Rao as a mere acquaintance, denying any social, economic or political ties. Vijayasai cautioned that Jagans political survival depends on how he deals with this influential circle. I did not yield to any allurement: Vijayasai Former MP: Kasireddy Rajasekhar is mastermind behind liquor scam The day he escapes them, hell have a future. Otherwise, its grim, he observed, alleging that the coterie filters information reaching Jagan, allowing only what suits them. He claimed that meeting Jagan requires navigating this group, often through dubious means like bribery. Without naming individuals, he urged Jagan to discern truth from deception. Listen, but dont be misled. Decide wisely after identifying whos honest only then you can function effectively, he advised. The former YSRCP MP accused this clique of driving a wedge between him and Jagan. For three-and-a-half years, I endured insults. My decline lifted others it benefited them, he said. Despite his exit, Vijayasai asserted that he suffered no personal loss, stating, I served with integrity and dedication while I was there. He wished Jagan well but flagged concerns about the lower-rung leaders surrounding the YSRCP chief. A leader swayed by rumours harms himself, the people, and the party thats whats unfolding now, he remarked. On the Rs 500 crore deal between Aurobindo Group and Rao, Vijayasai claimed ignorance, stressing that his only connection was giving his daughter in marriage to the family (Aurobindo Group), with no business involvement beyond that. He dismissed claims of colluding with Vikranth to shield Jagan in the KSPL case, saying, I knew him as Subba Reddys son transaction claims are baseless. Vijayasai said he came to know that a senior officer implicated him, noting Subba Reddys close bond with Rao, including stays at Raos California home. Of the audit firms involved Sridhar and Santhanam, Manohar Chowdhry and Associates, and a Mumbai firm he only knew Chowdhry, linked to IAS officer Karikal Vallavan. Named Accused Number 2 (A2), Vijayasai quipped it echoes past CBI and ED cases under JD Lakshminarayana. On the liquor scam, he pointed to Kasireddy Rajasekhar Reddy as the mastermind, distancing himself from it.
Vijayasai Reddy says Jagan Reddy surrounded by coterie
On Wednesday, Vijaysai came to the CID office and faced questions relating to the Kakinada port case
It was Vikranth Reddy who brokered the entire deal, the former MP tells CID, while insisting that former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy was neither a party to the transaction nor benefited from it
Engineering student fleeing checkpoint on two-wheeler dies in lorry collision in Kakinada district
Locals stage protest at the Prohibition and Excise Department checkpoint on the Yanam-Kakinada border, blame officials for the 19-year-olds death
Public and private bodies hold grand Womens Day celebrations
Public and private institutions celebrated the International Womens Day in a grand manner in the districts of Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, and East and West Godavari on Saturday.
Planning to resume boating operations to Hope Island, says Kakinada Collector
Boating services were suspended after the island became a safe breeding ground for Vulnerable Olive Ridley Turtles sometime back.
Notices served to 7 companies to clear 87 cr. water charge dues in Kakinada
Kakinada Deep Sea Port, Nagarjuna Fertilizers, and GMR Energy Limited are among the entities that have dues pending for long time
Four die, 21 hurt as a private bus hits lorry
Four persons, including the private bus driver, died while 21 passengers were injured when a private travels bus going towards Kakinada from Hyderabad hit a parked lorry near Chodimella village in Eluru district on Thursday.
Three Killed, Eight Injured in Bus-Lorry Collision in Eluru
The bus was traveling from Hyderabad to Kakinada.
3 Dead, 20 Injured in Bus-Lorry Collision Near Eluru
Private bus overturns after crash on Hyderabad-Kakinada route in Andhra Pradesh
Three killed, 22 injured in road accident in A.P.s Eluru
The private travels bus was proceeding from Hyderabad to Kakinada when the accident occurred
Five injured in onion bombs blast at transport office in Kakinada city
One of the three bags containing onion bombs exploded while porters were unloading it from the vehicle that arrived from Hyderabad city; The consignee is under police custody.
Civil Supplies authorities seize 92 tonnes of PDS rice at Kakinada Anchorage Port
Four lorryloads of the consignment have been seized before being loaded into a barge for export; Odisha-based firm has procured it from Anakapalli district, says official
Andhra woman Shyamala Goli proves great feats can be achieved with determination
In a display of extraordinary courage and determination, 52-year-old Shyamala Goli, a native of Samalkot, swam in the sea covering a distance of 150 km from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada. Swimming long distances in the sea is a far more hazardous and challenging task than swimming in an indoor pool. In the sea, there are water Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Candidate contests MLC elections in village name
Gadde Veera Venkata Satyanarayana (Sathibabu) fights elections under the name of his village ''Rajapudi, in Jaggampeta constituency of Kakinada district.
New Vice-Chancellor for JNTU-Kakinada
Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh shine at All India Civil Services Hockey tournament in Kakinada
Crown LNG and Indian Gas Exchange will set up terminal at Kakinada Deepsea Port, says MP
The CEOs of both the companies entered into an MoU on February 14 on the sidelines of the India Energy Week-2025 held in New Delhi, says Uday Srinivas
Andhra Pradesh: Efforts on to check rising deaths of Olive Ridley turtles
Key nesting locations in AP include beaches near Sullurpeta, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam and Bapatla, as well as the estuaries of the Krishna and Godavari rivers, Kakinada, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam
Kakinada: Rangaraya Medical College student dies by suicide
Sairam hanged himself to the ceiling in the RMC Boys Hostel after early on Tuesday morning
Search begins for land for Reliance Groups proposed Compressed Biogas Plant in Kakinada District
At least 50 acre needed for the plant, the size of which depends on the availability of land, says District Collector
Andhra Pradesh: Railways to run special trains for Maha Kumbh Mela on February 8, 20 from Kakinada
The Railways has announced that it will operate special trains for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj from Kakinada on February 8 and 20.
Talks will be heldsoon with the higher authorities and company management on demands of 16 fisherfolk villages affected by the project, says Kakinada Collector
Kakinada: Differently-Abled Woman Slips from Bus, Dies
Joint Collector T. Nishanthi visited Yandagandi and consoled the bereaved family, calling it an unfortunate incident and assuring them of government support
AP Govt removes Jagans images from survey stones
Andhra Pradesh govt erases YS Jagans images from land survey stones and launches resurvey in Kakinada, East Godavari
Locals rescue man at Eluru railway station
Kakinada: Onlookers on Thursday saved the life of a 30-year-old when he was trying to commit suicide near Eluru Railway Station and informed the police. Narra Gopi of Nagendra Colony at Eluru reportedly planned to fall under a running train. As he was walking on the track with a distressed mood, locals near a Masjid noticed him and they dragged him from the track. They dialed 112 for the police control room and informed the police. Eluru Two town sub-inspector Y. Krupa Danam and head constable Sundar Raju rushed to the spot. The police took him to the police station and counseled him. Danam said the youth works in an oil shop and ran debts of over Rs 3 lakh. Due to his failure to clear the mounting debts, he wanted to end his life. Later, he was handed over to his family members.
Collector reviews prep for Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy fest
Kakinada: The famous Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Kalyana Mahotsavams (celestial marriage celebrations) at Antarvedi in Sakhinetipalli mandal of Dr B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district will be observed from February 6 to 13. Antarvedi Teertham will be held on February 8 on the auspicious Bhishma Ekadasi'. District collector R. Mahesh Kumar directed officials to conduct the festival in a grand but peaceful manner. He inspected the areas surrounding the Antarvedi temple like beach ferry points and others. Reviewing the arrangements, Mahesh Kumar said panchayat officials should install signboards for devotees to guide them to the temple, beach, boats, parking and other areas. He said the main command and control room should be set up at the main temple area while a mini command control room will be set up at the beach. He said that as many 21 govt departments would monitor the arrangements round the clock for 10 days and CC cameras be installed at all junctions and parking areas linking them with command control rooms. Officials of various departments including police should coordinate with one another. The RWS and panchayat raj officials should supervise the sanitation and drinking water facilities. The AP Transco officials should supply power round the clock without interruption. The weights and measurements and FSSA officials should ensure there are no unusual rise in prices of commodities and zero adulteration. He said that Amalapuram RDO will act as in-charge at Kalyana Vedika and the personnel on duties would be given passes before the date. He said that the APS RTC would run 105 buses to Antarvedi from various places. He instructed control room officials to keep updating the district collector every hour. District joint collector T. Nishanthi, Utsava committee members Balaji, admin S. P. Prasad and others were present at the meeting.
Rs 1,217 cr to be invested in 8 tourism projects: Kandula Durgesh
Kakinada: The state government has accorded permission to keep the hotels open till 12 in midnight. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, addressing the executive committee meeting of the Andhra Pradesh Hotels Association in Kakinada, said that the guidelines for the operation of hotels would be released soon. He said that the tourism sector would be developed as an industry. As part of it, hotels would be given discount on power and various other areas. Several investors have come forward to invest over Rs 1,217 crore in the hospitality sector on eight projects and MoUs relating to the new projects had already been signed, he said. These projects will provide employment to nearly 2,567 people. A cruise hub would be established with Vizag as the Centre. Vizag will emerge as an entertainment and tourism hub. Criticising the previous government, he said that the TD coalition government would not build palatial buildings for personal interests. He said that the government was losing revenue after the resorts at Rushikonda were demolished to give space to a palace, which is now lying vacant. If tourism industry has to flourish, the hotel industry has to be promoted, he said, adding that the government was ready to resolve the issues of the managements of hotels.
Dalits in AP Unsafe, Says YSRCs Kanakaraju
The number of Dalits who have attempted to kill themselves in the wake of the thrashing of seven youths by a vigilante group for allegedly slaughtering a cow has gone up to 17. (Photo: PTI) The number of Dalits who have attempted to kill themselves in the wake of the thrashing of seven youths by a vigilante group for allegedly slaughtering a cow has gone up to 17. (Photo: PTI) Vijayawada: Former SC corporation chairman and YSRC leader Kommuri Kanakaraju on Wednesday sought to underline that Dalits are unsafe under the administration of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He informed media that there have been continuous incidents of caste-based discrimination and violence targeting Dalits across the state. In particular, the attacks on people of scheduled caste communities in Adoni and Pathikonda are unforgettable, he remarked. The YSR Congress leader went on to point out that a Dalit lecturer had been attacked by a Jana Sena MLA in Kakinada. In this regard, he questioned the effectiveness of AP home minister Vangalapudi Anitha. He charged that despite herself being a Dalit, she has been unable to protect SCs from persecution and violence. Kanakaraju asked the Dalit community to unite and resist the oppression unleashed against SCs. He maintained that AP is not Swarnandhra but a place unsafe for Dalits.
Husband, mother-in-law held for forcing woman into flesh trade in Andhra Pradeshs Kakinada district
The incident comes to light after her admission to the Government Hospital for Mental Care in Visakhapatnam, where she is battling for life
Andhra Pradesh: Efforts On to Convert Non-Aqua Zone Ponds to Aqua Zone List
This means aqua farmers having tanks in less than five acres' land located in aqua zone will get power tariff concession of 5.39 per unit. Those having tanks in more than five acres' land located in aqua and non-aqua zones will get power tariff concession of 3.04 per unit. Representational image/DC This means aqua farmers having tanks in less than five acres' land located in aqua zone will get power tariff concession of 5.39 per unit. Those having tanks in more than five acres' land located in aqua and non-aqua zones will get power tariff concession of 3.04 per unit. Representational image/DC Kakinada: Efforts are under way to convert aqua ponds from non-aqua zone to aqua zone. The government would hold Grama Sabhas at village level to get a formal nod, as this will enable aqua farmers to avail power subsidy and other incentives. Reports from the Grama Sabhas are to be sent to the district collectors before February 15 and these would be forwarded to the state government. According to sources, ponds are spread over 2,15,000 acres under aqua zone in Kakinada, Eluru, BR Ambedkar Konaseema and the East and West Godavari districts. More than 26,000 aqua ponds under non-aqua zones are proposed to be converted into aqua zone ponds. However, the villagers cant decide on whether one or another aqua pond should or should not be shut down. In West Godavari and BR Ambedkar Konaseema districts, people of many villages are agitating against aqua ponds, but the government is not in a position to heed their voice. For, the aqua sector is one of the highest earners of foreign exchange. The government is providing subsidies on power tariff to aqua ponds that are under aqua zone at the rate of `1.50 per unit. But the non-aqua zone farmers are not getting this. If these ponds are converted into aqua zone, they will also be entitled to these subsidies. According to officials, if the villagers express themselves against cultivating aqua ponds in non-aqua zones, the government will not heed their plea. These Grama Sabhas are being held to ascertain whether the villagers are ready to convert aqua ponds from non-aqua zone to aqua zone. The remaining issues will not be considered, said a fisheries department official. According to officials, aquaculture is prevalent in 2.15 lakhs acres including 25,000 acres in Konaseema, 5,000 acres in East Godavari, 22,500 acres in Kakinada, 1.12 lakhs acres in West Godavari and 1.50 lakh acres in Eluru district under the aqua zone. More than 26,000 acres are being cultivated under a non-aqua zone. Konaseema collector Mahesh Kumar has asked officials at a meeting in Amalapuram to gather information on aqua ponds by conducting a detailed survey based on the geo-coordinate maps, and identify brackish water, freshwater and other sources of aquaculture. As per the guidelines of the coastal region zone, coastal management, green tribunal, ground water department, the pollution control board and the Coastal Aqua Authority, aqua ponds can be permitted, he said. He said, Although the survey was conducted twice in the past, the governments instruction is to conduct it again with a team of officials consisting of fisheries, revenue, water resources, agriculture and PCB personnel. The survey should be completed within a week. The details should be compiled and submitted to the state- The collector cautioned the officials that before taking the employees into the survey, it should be ensured that this would not affect the Antarvedi sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy celestial marriage celebrations in February.
Rama Naidu praises CM for taking AP brand image to world
Kakinada: Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu has praised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for the great boost he gave to the image of Andhra Pradesh, through the World Economic Forum summit in Davos. He told the media at Palakollu on Monday, Several multinational companies have agreed to set up their industrial units in the state and the CM has promised them to create the infrastructure facilities to suit their plans. The initiatives of several companies like Lulu, Jockey, Amar Raja, Kia etc had suffered in the state during the YSRC rule, due to unfavourable responses from the government. In this context, Chandrababu Naidu was asked by the industrialists at Davos whether there was any guarantee that Jagan Reddy will not come back to power, he said. Rama Naidu also praised IT minister Nara Lokesh for the return of Telugu Desam to power in AP by undertaking the Yuvagalam padayatra.
35-year-old who swallowed feature phone dies in Kakinada
Bindu Madhav takes charges as Kakinada SP
AP Approves Green Ammonia Plant and 2GG Electrolyser Project
Kakinada: Kakinada District Collector S. Shan Mohan announced that the state government has granted approval for the establishment of a Green Ammonia Plant, costing Rs. 13,000 crores, under the Clean Energy Policy. Additionally, a 2 Gigawatt Electrolyser Project, costing Rs. 2,800 crores, will also be developed in Kakinada. These initiatives aim to provide green energy and create employment opportunities for the youth. Mohan further highlighted the ongoing development in the district, including the construction of a Flatted Factory Complex in Peddapuram, covering 2.24 acres at a cost of Rs 13.30 crores, funded by the central government. He also noted that three industrial clusters have been set up under the MSC-CDP programme, with a total investment of Rs 55.53 crores. A printing cluster has been established in Kakinada at Rs 14.76 crores. Additionally, responding to the needs of students and villagers, APSRTC has introduced new services in 13 villages and purchased 40 buses for long-distance routes. Digital payment services have also been introduced for the convenience of passengers.
Will not become approver in any cases, says Vijayasai Reddy
VIJAYAWADA : V. Vijayasai Reddy on Saturday met Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and handed over his resignation letter as MP. On Friday, Vijayasai Reddy, once a confidante of former chief minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, had announced his decision to quit active politics. Addressing media in Delhi after submitting his resignation to the RS chairman, which has been accepted, Vijayasai Reddy declared, No matter how much I am forced to become an approver in the cases (against Jagan Mohan Reddy), I will not. I believe in God, I do not know about betrayal and cheating, he declared. Vijayasai Reddy, however, did not say who tried to force him to be an approver. He maintained that he has resigned as the member of the Rajya Sabha due to personal reasons. YSRC had nominated him as a member of the Rajya Sabha a couple of years ago. I have resigned even though my term would have continued for another three-and-a-half years. I have also decided to quit politics, he reiterated. Vijayasai Reddy recalled that YSRC had won 151 seats in 2019. Even in 2024 elections, the party got 40 per cent of the vote. Jagan is a very popular leader. Even if a thousand people like me leave, support for Jagan will not decrease. I have explained over phone my reasons for resigning to Jagan, who is on a trip to London, he stated. Vijayasai Reddy went on to say that during his long political career, he has never lied. As a person who believes in Hinduism and Lord Venkateswara, I do not lie. I have been associated with the YS family for four decades. I have had close relations with Raja Reddy, Rajasekhar Reddy and Jagan for three generations, he pointed out to emphasise his association with the YS family. Vijayasai Reddy spoke about the case related to Kakinada seaport against him. He maintained that he is in no way related to the seaport case. Responding to assumptions regarding his resignation in lieu of settlement of cases, Vijayasai Reddy said as he has left politics, he will become even weaker. Then, why will the cases be waived, he asked. I will face anything bravely, Vijayasai Reddy added.
Rallies mark Voters Day observance
Kakinada: Voters Day celebrations were observed across the Godavari Districts, with rallies and 3k runs organised in Eluru, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East and West Godavari Districts on Saturday. In Eluru, a rally from the Indoor Stadium to the Collector's office was flagged off by District Collector K. Vetri Selvi. She highlighted that 16,37,55 voters, including 7,99,283 men, 8,38,146 women, and 126 third-gender individuals, were enrolled, and she encouraged people to register through Anganwadi centres, helplines, or online platforms. In Kakinada, the 15th Voters Day was celebrated under the leadership of Joint Collector Rahul Meena. A rally from Zilla Parishad Centre to Vivekananda Park was conducted, with over 16 lakh voters enrolled. Meena urged citizens to exercise their voting rights at all levels of governance. East Godavari District Collector P. Prashanthi flagged off an awareness rally at Y Junction, concluding at Sri Venkateswara Anam Kala Kendram. In Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, a 3k run was organised from the Collectors office to Clock Tower Centre in Amalapuram, led by Joint Collector T. Nishanthi. In West Godavari, District Revenue Officer Mogili Venkateswara Rao administered a pledge for voters to use their vote responsibly.
Andhra Pradesh: 12 arrested with 23 kg of ganja
Vijayawada: The Vijayawada City Task Force and Law & Order teams arrested 12 individuals and seized 23 kilograms of ganja. Task Force ADCP A. Srinivasa Rao stated that nine arrests were made under Governorpet Police Station cases, two under Gunadala Police Station, and one under Satyanarayanapuram Police Station. The accused had prior arrests and continued their illegal activities, procuring ganja from tribal areas near the Andhra-Odisha border and reselling it in Vijayawada. A major seizure of 21 kg was made near Hanumanpet Park, with smaller quantities confiscated from other locations. ADCP Rao urged citizens to report illegal ganja activities to the Narcotic Cell at 9121162475 or antinarcoticcell@vza.appolice.gov.in, assuring confidentiality for informants. Sri Lankan delegation to study APCNF natural farming Vijayawada: A Sri Lankan team from the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement will visit Andhra Pradesh from January 27 to February 7 to study the globally recognised Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) model. RySS officials revealed that the delegation aims to implement the APCNF model in two Sri Lankan villages, promoting sustainable agriculture. The 10-day visit includes field tours in Ananthapur, Kakinada, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Visakhapatnam districts, where delegates will interact with local farmers. This visit underscores Andhra Pradeshs leadership in ecological farming, offering solutions for food security, farmer empowerment, and environmental sustainability. YSR Congress to oppose privatisation of medical colleges Vijayawada: YSR Congress leader Dr Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy has vowed to fight the privatisation of medical colleges, arguing it denies poor students access to affordable medical education. Speaking to the media, Dr Srinivasa Reddy criticised Chandrababu Naidu for privatising colleges under the PPP model, claiming it has cost the state 2,400 government medical seats. He praised Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for establishing five new medical colleges, contrasting it with Naidus record of zero additions during his tenure. Dr Srinivasa Reddy called for legal action to stop privatisation, stressing the need for government investment in medical education to benefit underprivileged students. MLC demands white paper on Davos visits Vijayawada: YSR Congress MLC Mondithoka Arun Kumar criticised former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidus Davos visits as wasteful and unproductive, accusing him of failing to secure investments for Andhra Pradesh. Arun Kumar demanded a white paper detailing expenses, meetings, and outcomes of the visits. He alleged that Naidu prioritised publicity over economic growth, citing past failures such as the FinTech Valley project and skill development initiatives. The MLC challenged Naidu to explain why no significant MoUs were signed during his trips and accused him of neglecting the states industrial potential. NTR collector honoured for electoral practices Vijayawada: NTR District Collector Dr G. Lakshmisha received the Best Electoral Practices Award-2024 during the 15th National Voters Day celebrations in Vijayawada. The award recognises her efforts in transparent voter list formulation, innovative registration programmes, and voter awareness initiatives. Chief secretary K. Vijayanand and other officials congratulated Lakshmisha for her exemplary contribution to enhancing the electoral process.
Road construction top priority: Minister
Kurnool: Roads and buildings minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy underscored the coalition governments commitment to prioritising the construction of cement concrete (CC) roads in rural areas. On Saturday, he inaugurated a newly constructed CC road in Owk town, built with an allocation of 32 lakh from MGNREGS and DMF funds.The Minister criticised the previous government for neglecting rural development, leaving villages with dilapidated roads. He stated that under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's directive, a state-wide road repair programme was initiated, allocating 861 crore to repair pothole-ridden roads. He assured that the government is focusing on improving internal CC roads, especially in rural areas, to enhance infrastructure and development. Mini Sports Stadiums in every assembly constituency DC Correspondent Kakinada: Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh announced the establishment of mini sports stadiums in every assembly constituency across Andhra Pradesh to encourage sports and foster young talent. While inaugurating the Legends Cup-2025 cricket tournament at SP Grounds in Rajamahendravaram on Saturday, the Minister played cricket and shared plans for a sports stadium in the city to benefit local communities and nearby villages. Durgesh highlighted Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyans efforts to promote sports and instil sportsmanship among the youth. He emphasised that sports teach discipline, time management, and problem-solving skills, alongside boosting confidence in students. He assured that funding is not an obstacle, and detailed plans are being formulated for the mini-stadiums. Rajamahendravaram, renowned for its cultural and sporting heritage, has produced many nationally and internationally recognised sportspeople. The event was attended by former MLC Adireddy Appa Rao, Aryapuram Cooperative Bank Chairman Challa Sankara Rao, Additional Superintendent of Police Balaji, former Ranji Trophy player Ramana Kishore, and others. Minister Reddy also announced large-scale construction of CC and bitumen-topped (BT) roads to improve connectivity and boost development in villages and towns. His visit to Owk town was celebrated with a traditional Poornakumbham welcome by temple priests, as local leaders and residents expressed their gratitude for the development initiative. Kids must learn value of voting: Judge DC Correspondent Vizianagaram: District judge B. Sai Kalyana Chakravarthy on Saturday urged parents and teachers to teach students from the school level the importance of voting in a democracy and the greatness of our country. Participating as the chief guest at the celebration of the National Voters Day here, Chakravarthy said freedom is necessary for every human being and if children are taught that freedom was won with the struggle by many people, they would know the value of voting. He said along with Mathematics and Science in schools, parents and teachers should teach children patriotism. The National Voters' Day was celebrated with the slogan Vote for Sure and participants at the meeting took the pledge on the Voters' Day. After the assembly, senior citizen Vidya Sagar Jain, Divyang voter Kondababu and transgender Pranitha were honored. Later, prizes were given away to students who had won in various competitions organised on the occasion. Young voters and students participated in the program.
Davos meet: CM invites major corporations to AP
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, in the last lap of his Davos visit, invited major corporations to explore investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. On the fourth and last day of the World Economic Forum meet on Thursday, Naidu held a fresh round of meetings showcasing AP to the world, on the sidelines of the summit. The four-day visit by an AP team led by Naidu to Davos aimed at creating an 'AP Brand' image and setting up a network to invite massive investments to the state. The CM held discussions with the managing director of the DP World Central Asia and Africa, Rizwan Sumoor. He told Sumoor that though DP World has five container terminals in India, none of these exists in Andhra Pradesh. Kakinada, Krishnapatnam and Mulapeta are the most suitable places for setting up the container terminals, he told the MD, and invited investments in seaports that are being constructed and also in integrated logistics. During the four day Davos visit, Naidu gheld fruitful discussions with CEOs and heads of various globally-renowned companies and representatives of different nations, an official release here said. The chief minister invited the CEOs to visit the state to have first-hand information on the opportunities available in AP. Various companies have evinced keen interest to set up their units in AP. On day one of the summit, he discussed the possibilities of inviting investments from Switzerland. Naidu also addressed a meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on green industrialization, while in Davos, during which he said only Indians have the capacity to grow as global-level entrepreneurs. The CMs discussions with the CEO of Maersk Company, Vincent Clerc, was fruitful as the company expressed its readiness to invest in AP, the official release said. The CM invited the chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Chuck Robbins, to invest either in Visakhapatnam or in Tirupati, and he responded in a positive manner. Discussions also were held with Google Cloud CEO, Thomas Kurian, during which Naidu urged him to make Andhra Pradesh its headquarters.
Woman Dies, 18 Others Injured in Road Accident
Visakhapatnam: A 21-year-old woman died and 18 others sustained injured as a private bus overturned on the Gaman Bridge near Rajamahendravaram. The accident occurred around 1.30 am on Thursday when a private bus en route from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad lost control and overturned between Komthamuru and Katheeru. The deceased has been identified as Homini Kalyani, a resident of Visakhapatnam who was traveling to Hyderabad for a job interview. She was accompanied by her sister. Of the 18 injured passengers, 10 sustained serious injuries, with five patients reported to be in critical condition. Preliminary police investigations suggest that the bus driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving negligently at the time of the accident. Rajahmundry Three Town police have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragic incident. Most of the passengers were from Visakhapatnam, Tuni, and Annavaram, with a significant number being students. Among the five critically injured CH. Koteswara Rao, Dhanalakshmi and Renuka are undergoing treatment at the Kakinada Government Hospital, while Tejaswini and Deekshata have been shifted to KIMS Hospital. The bus was carrying 40 passengers when the accident occurred. Local authorities, including SP Narasimha Kishore, supervised the rescue operations. The SP, while having a conversation with the Deccan Chronicle , said that the overturned bus was removed at 1 a.m. with the help of a crane, and rescue personnel worked to free trapped passengers and confirmed that only one fatality was reported.
Vizag woman heading to exam dies, 18 others injured
Visakhapatnam: A private bus overturned on the Gaman Bridge near Rajamahendravaram, resulting in the death of a young woman and leaving 18 others injured. The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday when a Kaveri Travels bus en route from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad lost control and overturned between Komthamuru and Katheeru. The deceased has been identified as Homini Kalyani (21), a resident of Visakhapatnam who was traveling to Hyderabad for a job interview. She was accompanied by her sister Dhanalakshmi and tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Of the 18 injured passengers, 10 sustained serious injuries, with five patients reported to be in critical condition. Preliminary police investigations suggest that the bus driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving negligently at the time of the accident. Rajahmundry Three Town police have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragic incident. Emergency response teams quickly mobilized, dispatching six ambulances from Rajamahendravaram to transport the injured to the government hospital. Most of the passengers were from Visakhapatnam, Tuni, and Annavaram, with a significant number being students. Among the five critically injured CH Koteswara Rao, Dhanalakshmi and Renuka are undergoing treatment at the Kakinada Government Hospital, while Tejaswini and Deekshata have been shifted to KIMS Hospital. The bus was carrying 40 passengers when the accident occurred. Local authorities, including SP Narasimha Kishore, supervised the rescue operations. The SP, while having a conversation with the Deccan Chronicle, said that the overturned bus was removed at 1 a.m. with the help of a crane, and rescue personnel worked to free trapped passengers and confirmed that only one fatality was reported.
CM seeks Google Cloud manufacturing unit in AP
VIJAYAWADA: In continuing efforts in Davos, visiting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held talks with top executives of renowned companies, Google Cloud, Petronas and PepsiCo, seeking investment in Andhra Pradesh. In a meeting with Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, Naidu proposed the start of its design centre in Visakhapatnam. He urged Kurian to set up a manufacturing unit in the state that would link with Google Cloud's server supply chain. An official release here said, The Chief Minister urged the Google Cloud CEO to set up a manufacturing unit in AP to integrate its server supply chain, so as to make the state its hub for services in server maintenance. This was the third day of the World Economic Forum meet in Davos. During his third-day visit Naidu, on Wednesday Naidu highlighted the states strategic advantages for global investments. He has been meeting heads/ representatives of top multinational corporations from across the globe and showcasing AP as an ideal destination for cutting-edge technology, green energy, and infrastructure projects, the official release said. Google Cloud, the third-largest cloud provider globally, has established two cloud regions in Delhi and Mumbai. It recently signed an MoU with the AP government to set up its 'Data City' in Visakhapatnam and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications while fostering skill development opportunities for local youth. Naidu held discussions with Muhammad Taufik, president and the Group CEO of Petronas, a leading Malaysian oil and gas company. Petronas has plans to invest in India spanning fields like green hydrogen, green molicylous and green ammonia. Its target is to generate five million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030. The company is exploring the possibility of investing around `15,000 crore in green hydrogen and ammonia plants in Kakinada. Naidu invited Petronas to expand further by investing in Mulapeta, which is emerging as a petrochemical hub, and the proposed Global Capability Centre in the state. During a meeting with the CEO of PepsiCo International Beverages, Eugene Willemsen, and the PepsiCo Foundation chairman Stephen Kehoe, Naidu proposed making Visakhapatnam its Global Delivery Centre and the city its Digital Hub. He also told them to expand their Global Business Services Centre to Visakhapatnam. The Chief Minister proposed PepsiCo to be a partner with the Andhra Pradesh Community Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative to benefit local farmers through its supply chain. He suggested setting up a Kurkure manufacturing unit in the state to enhance industrial growth and provide employment opportunities to the youth. Naidu also met a representative from the Bahrain Prime Ministers office, Hamad Al Mahmeed, and the CEO of Mumtalakat, Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Informing them about the progressive industrial policies brought in by the AP government, he sought investments by emphasizing the states efficiency in facilitating businesses. Andhra Pradesh continues to attract global attention as a hub for innovation, sustainability and economic growth, Naidu told the Bahrain officials. The states proactive governance and investor-friendly policies ensure seamless integration for businesses aiming at growing globally, he said and invited them to the state to be partners in the Speed of Doing Business, the release added.
Sub-Classification of SCs, a Threat to National Unity: Ex-Union Minister
Kakinada: Raising the concerns over the division of Schedule Caste (SC) people, former union minister Chinta Mohan said that the classification to SCs will become a major threat to National Unity. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday he said that if the classification occurs to Schedule Castes reservations, the country will be divided in two like North India and South India in the next 20 years because North India has a major population of the Madiga community and South India is Mala community. The former union minister said that due to the classification of SCs in united Andhra Pradesh, the state had been divided into two states (AP and Telangana). Mohan demanded Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan should reveal his stand on division of SC reservations. He said that its since inception, Telugu Desam has been against the Schedule Castes and it always thinks of dividing Mala and Madiga communities. He said that the Supreme Court decision, consisting of seven judges on classification of SC reservations is not an order, but it is a disorder. Mohan said that Bahujan Samaj Party founder late Kanshi Ram toured 1700 mandals in combined Andhra Pradesh in 1994, aimed at uniting Schedule Castes and OBCs and implementing Uttar Pradesh formula. Then some of the political parties hatched a conspiracy to ruin the Kanshi Rams policy and encouraged the classification of SC reservations, creating rift between Malas and Madigas. The former union minister found fault with the state government for appointing the single-man commission on classification of reservations to SCs. Speaking about Visakha Steel Plant, Mohan said that the central government financial assistance of Rs 11,000 crore is not sufficient to improve the plants progress as the TD government pushed the plant to ICU with huge losses. He demanded that Chandrababu Naidu should pull out of Visakha Steel Plant from the losses. He said that the banks wrote off Rs 45,000 crore of loans of an industrialist in the country by collecting only Rs 450 crore and also provided a loan of Rs 10,000 crore. But the banks are not able to provide even 1 per cent of loans to SCs and STs, which have a 25 per cent population in the country.
Minister says CM will distribute 1 lakh houses in March
Kakinada :Housing minister K. Pardha Saradhi said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will distribute one lakh houses to the poor in NTR layouts throughout the state by March. Our CM is committed to providing a house or house site to every poor person in the state, he underlined. The minister, along with Eluru district collector K. Vetri Selvi and Eluru MLA Badeti Radhakrishna (Chanti), inspected the NTR Gruha Layout at Ponangi and Komadavole on Tuesday. He asked the beneficiaries about their opinion on the layouts. The beneficiaries requested Pardha Saradhi to provide basic amenities in the layouts, like drainage, drinking water and roads. The minister instructed officials to take up all these works immediately, so that keys of the houses could be handed over to the beneficiaries by March. Pardha Saradhi warned officials and contractors that stringent action will be taken against them if any lapses are found in the constructions. He pointed out that the loan amount for self-help groups will be increased to 1 lakh from 35,000. For SCs and STs, the amount for house construction will be increased to 75,000 from Rs.50,000. The minister said beneficiaries who have been given plots should complete construction of their houses by December 2026.
Centre aims to double income of farmers, says Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma
Kakinada: The central government aims to double the income of farmers through steps like value-addition, encouraging farming on a commercial scale and reducing reliance on imports. This was stated here on Tuesday by the Union minister of state for heavy industries and steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma. He said farmers will greatly benefit from raising crops like turmeric, chilli, Aswagandha and castor as also tobacco, based on innovative research in these by scientists of the national institute for research in commercial agriculture (NIRCA), formerly known as the central tobacco research institute (CTRI). He was participating as chief guest at the ICAR-NIRCA formation day celebrations at the CTRI premises. The minister along with the NIRCA director MS Madhav unveiled the NIRCA logo and plaque on Tuesday. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted research to help find ways to double the income of the farmers through value-addition to farm produce. Deputy director general (crop sciences-ICAR), TR Sharma, said seven decades of research for excellence in tobacco cultivation helped the farmers improve yield. Cloning, characterization and mapping of genes to suit the impact of climate change have been advised. He urged the scientists to identify novel genes in plant genetic resources that would help to mitigate the effects of climate change. Sharma inaugurated the Genome Editing Laboratory at the Crop Improvement Division of NIRCA and at the sales point. Tobacco board chairman Chidipothu Yashwanth Kumar said NIRCA was in close touch with researchers, farmers and industry. Director of ATARI, Shaik N Meera, former MLC Somu Veerraju, former director TGK Murthy, scientist U Sreedhar and others were present.
K.V. Rao trying to get back his KSEZ shares
Kakinada: K.V. Rao, once a major shareholder in Kakinada Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), is trying to get back his shares from Aurobindo Infra. Rao had recently succeeded in getting back his shares in Kakinada Sea Ports Limited (KSEL). During the YSRC regime, Aurobindo Infra got both KSPL and KSEZ. After the NDA alliance government took over power in AP, K.V. Rao lodged a complaint with CID that Aurobindo had forcibly taken his shares in KSEZ and KSPL. Sources said following this, Aurobindo Infra retransferred the KSPL shares to Rao. Enthused by this, K.V. Rao is making efforts to get back his shares in KSEZ. It is said Rao is exerting pressure on Aurobindo Infra either to retransfer his shares or pay money as per the share value. It is said that he wants nearly 2,000 crore from Aurobindo Infra. When this reporter tried to contact K.V. Rao, the latter responded saying he would speak later.
Vijayawada :In a major reshuffle in the police department, the Andhra Pradesh government issued an order transferring 27 IPS officers on Monday. Rajiv Kumar Meena working as additional DGP (operations), greyhounds, was transferred and posted as chairman of state police recruitment board. N Madhusudhana Reddy, additional DGP, was posted as additional DGP, Law and Order. Ch Srikanth, IGP, Law and Order, was transferred and posted as IGP, Operations and as IGP, technical services (FAC). G Palla Raju was posted as director, FSL.R Jayalakshmi was posted as IGP/Director, ACB. B Raja Kumari was posted as IGP, APSP Battalion. B Satya Yesu Babu, DIG, was posted as DIG, PTO. KKN Anburajan, DIG, was posted as DIG, Welfare and Sports. Babujee Attada was posted as DIG, Greyhounds. Fakeerappa Kaginelli, DIG, Intelligence, was transferred and posted as DIG, APSP Battalion. Vikrant Patil, SP, Kakinada, was transferred and posted as SP, Kurnool. V Harshavardhan Raju, SP, was posted as SP, Tirupati. L Subbarayudu was posted as SP, Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force, Tirupati. M Deepika, commandant 3rd Battalion, APSP, Kakinada, was transferred and posted as commandant of the 2nd Battalion, APSP, Kurnool. KSSV Subba Reddy, SP, PTO, was transferred and posted as SP, Coordination, Human Rights and Legal. P Parameswara Reddy, SP, was posted as SP, SCRB, CID. Bindu Madhav was posted as SP, Kakinada. S Sreedharan, SP, was posted as SP, CID. Krishna Kanth Patel, SP, was posted as DCP, Administration, Visakhapatnam. Dheeraj Kunubilli ASP, Rampachodavaram, was transferred and posted as additional SP, Administration, Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Jagadeesh Adahalli, ASP, Paderu, was transferred and posted as ASP, Operations, Alluri Sitarama Raju district. J Rama Mohan Rao, SP, Intelligence, is retained in the same position. N Sridevi Rao, SP, CID, is retained in the same position. EG Ashok Kumar, SP, Intelligence, was transferred and posted as SP, Kadapa. A Rama Devi, SP, Intelligence, was retained in the same position. KGV Saritha, SP, CID, was transferred and posted as DCP (Administration), Vijayawada; and K Chakravarthi, SP, CID, was retained in the same position.
Kakinada: Coromandel International Limited, Indias leading agri-inputs company, has inaugurated an advanced Soil and Leaf Testing Laboratory at its plant in Kakinada. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, this facility is designed to provide precise soil and plant nutrient analysis, helping farmers across India better understand their soil and its nutrient composition. This empowers them to make informed decisions on agri-input usage, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while safeguarding soil health for future generations. The hi-tech laboratory was inaugurated by Mr. Arun Alagappan, Executive Chairman of Coromandel International Limited, along with Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, in the presence of other senior leadership team. The laboratory features advanced equipment such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), which provides precise detection of essential soil and plant nutrients; Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) which enables detailed leaf nutrient analysis. Other advanced technologies present at the lab include spectrophotometers, microwave digesters, and near-infrared spectrometers, ensure comprehensive and precise testing capabilities. These tools provide farmers with valuable insights into soil health and nutrient availability, allowing them to adopt precise agricultural practices that optimize fertilizer usage. By addressing nutrient deficiencies, improving crop yields, and minimizing unnecessary input costs, the laboratory supports long-term soil health and sustainable agriculture. Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Coromandel International Ltd., emphasized Coromandels commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. He said, We are focused on empowering farmers with the tools to optimize productivity and sustainability. By offering soil and leaf test-based fertilizer recommendations, we help farmers make informed, tailored decisions for specific crops, regions, and seasons. This first-of-its-kind laboratory will change the game for farmers in being able to predict better outcomes through the precise nutrient insights. To boost engagement with farmers, this laboratory has automated soil testing service requests and the delivery of detailed test reports using Salesforce CRM. Farmers receive timely, data-driven recommendations directly on their mobile phones. Additionally, the laboratorys services are integrated with the Gromor Nutri Advisory Portal, which offers stage-wise fertilizer recommendations tailored to soil data and crop needs. This initiative reflects Coromandels ongoing commitment to equipping farmers with the resources and knowledge required to achieve long-term agricultural sustainability and productivity.
Farmers in distress due to water scarcity, non-release of state funds
Kakinada : Farmers under the Venkata Nagaram Lift Irrigation Scheme are in distress during the present Rabi season as the Irrigation department has not released water to the fields. Due to water availability following the digging of the LIS canals, the farmers of the region have been cultivating the lands for both the Kharif and Rabi seasons. This season, the officials could not release the water due to lack of funds. Officials say the state government did not release the funds for the LIS operational and maintenance costs. Nearly `4 crore is required for these purposes per annum. The contractor handling the maintenance has left the canal in June last due to non-release of the funds. That was the time when the government changed. The staff of the LIS is working on contract basis. They got no salary for the past few months. Meanwhile, a pipeline leakage occurred. The engineers detected a breach to the pipeline but repair would cost around Rs 5 lakh. The Rajamahendravaram Rural MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary exerted pressure on the irrigation department officials and helped the farmers get some water. According to the irrigation authorities, there exist some 10,561 acres of ayacut under the LIS in the three mandals --Rajamahendravram Rural, Rajanagaram and Rangampeta spread over three assembly constituencies. Executive engineer of the Venkata Nagaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, NP Rajeswara Rao, told Deccan Chronicle that there generally is no sharing of the water to Venkata Nagaram LIS for the Rabi season. But, if there is availability, water can be released to the ayacut to save the crop. Proposals have been sent to the government for release of the funds to meet the operational and maintenance costs of the LIS, he said. The farmers under the Ayacut submitted a representation to district collector Prashanthi, seeking release of water to the ayacut. They said less than 1tmc of water is enough to save their crops. Our lands have been acquired for the LIS, they pointed out and demanded that the government include their ayacut under the Godavari command area ayacut. Anaparti MLA Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy said huge amounts of sand got struck in the pipelines and this should be removed. He had brought the issue to the notice of the government, he said, adding, The pipelines and the pumps would be repaired and water will be supplied to the ayacut soon with NABARD funds. Reddy said he would make efforts to provide water to farmers on a permanent basis under the Venkatanagaram Ayacut.
Hyderabad, Vijayawada NH-65 expansion works to commence in 3 months
Hyderabad: The works related to expansion of NH-65 into a six-lane from Hyderabad to Vijayawada would commence in three months and necessary steps would be taken to complete them at the earliest, said Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy here on Monday. He said plans have also been drawn to make the NH-65 into an accident free highway and reach Vijayawada in two hours, he said. The Minister further stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited tenders for the construction of the northern part of Regional Ring Road (RRR) from Sangareddy to Choutuppal covering 161.518 kms, with a total estimated cost of Rs.7104.06 crore. Tenders would be opened on February 14. The Minister said a letter was written to the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting to accord priority for construction of a port at Veliminedu in Nalgonda connecting Bandar and Kakinada ports in Andhra Pradesh from Gundrampally, which is nearer to RRR. Venkatreddy slammed the Opposition parties for misleading farmers that they would lose their lands as part of acquisition process for construction of a flyover between Tirumalagiri Village and Suryapet. The Opposition parties did not mend its ways and continued to spread false information in spite of losing deposits in the Assembly elections, he said. He found fault with these parties for creating unnecessary confusion among farmers that they would lose their land as part of acquisition like earlier for construction of the flyover between Arvapalli and Damacharla road. The Minister clarified that a survey was taken up as part of junction improvement to prevent accidents at Arvapalli and not for the construction of a flyover. He categorically said that no one would lose their land for the junction improvement works.
Andhra Pradesh: Big Fish in Cockfight Net Escape, Though Police Book 2,050 Cases
The organisers of cockfights suggested that it should be developed as tourism sport as nearly Rs 600 crore business would take place at the venues. The organisers of cockfights suggested that it should be developed as tourism sport as nearly Rs 600 crore business would take place at the venues. Kakinada: Police belonging to Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Konaseema, Eluru and West Godavari districts registered 2,050 cases against nearly 3,000 people on charges of organising and participating in gambling, including cockfights, gundata and playing cards. The general impression these arrests have created is that big fish always get away, while police catch hold of the small fish to show that they are active. There have been many organisers who spent crores on organising the cockfights and recovered five to six times of their investment. None of them have been booked. When questioned, police maintained that they had no information about locations where betting stakes had been high. A gambler in Tadepalligudem took the largest bet of Rs 1.25 crore, which went viral on social media and live telecast in some television and YouTube channels. No case has been filed against either the organiser, the bettor or prized cock owners in the Tadepalligudem rooster fight. Tadepalligudem circle inspector Subrahmanyam said they have booked seven cases related to cockfight. However, he said, no case has been booked against those who could be seen betting on the TVs, as these locations could not be identified. In Karapa mandal of Kakinada district, an organiser announced a Jeep as a gift to the prize cock that defeats the maximum number of cocks. He went on to present the jeep to the cock owner. In the same mandal, another organiser presented three Bullet bikes to owners of winning roosters. None of the organisers in Karapa mandal have been booked. Similarly, no cases have been booked against the major organisers in Undi, Bhimavaram, Chintalapudi, Denduluru, Unguturu and other areas, where MLAs, MPs and other political leaders attended the cockfights.
Betting frenzy in Tadepalligudem; 1.25 crore wagered on cockfight
A view of Cock fight den at Edupugallu village on the occasion of Pongal celebrations in Krishna district on Sunday.(Image:DC) A view of Cock fight den at Edupugallu village on the occasion of Pongal celebrations in Krishna district on Sunday.(Image:DC) Kakinada : The four-day cockfight season during this Sankranthi concluded on Thursday. While cockfights traditionally end on Kanuma, the third day of the festival, some organisers extended the events to the fourth day this year. Cockfights were conducted at Mokkala Thippa and other villages in Katrenikona mandal on Thursday, attracting large crowds as people rushed to the grounds upon hearing the news. During this season, some organisers rewarded prize-winning rooster owners with gifts such as Jeeps, Bullet bikes, and other items. The Tadepalligudem ground gained a reputation as the largest single betting ground. On Wednesday, a cockfight was organised at the P.V. Ramaiah ground in Tadepalligudem. G. Prabhakar and R. Rathayya placed bets of `1.25 crore each on their prize cocks. Many others also placed bets on the match. Ultimately, Prabhakar's cock emerged victorious. The organisers even employed lady bouncers at the cockfight grounds to manage the crowd, making it a special attraction. In addition to cockfights, gambling games like Gundata, Kothata, and playing cards brought in significant earnings this year, with betting amounts running into hundreds of crores. In some villages, banned recording dances were conducted without any interference from law enforcement. In Ponnamanda, Pasarlapudi, Mamidikuduru, Magatapalli, and other villages, recording dances entertained and energized the youth and local residents. Many people from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai participated in the betting, with some losing lakhs of rupees. Several individuals returned to their homes empty-handed, having lost their savings in the betting frenzy.
Eluru District Secures PM Award for Excellence in Public Administration
Kakinada: Eluru district has won the prestigious Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Public Administration for 2023. This award, instituted by the Government of India, recognises and rewards extraordinary and innovative initiatives by districts of the central and state governments. It acknowledges the performance of district collectors in implementing priority programmes, driving innovations, and fostering development in aspirational districts. The Central government evaluated the districts integrated development in 2021, and Eluru was selected for its exemplary achievements. Following its designation as a new district, the then District Collector, V. Prasanna Venkatesh, served for two years and focused on delivering citizen services and implementing government schemes. As part of sustainable development, he introduced the Akshaja scheme, which prioritised the health of pregnant and lactating women, addressing issues like haemoglobin deficiency. This initiative was instrumental in advancing good governance in the district. Eluru is among the 16 districts across the country to receive this prestigious award.
1600 Acres of Land Identified for Industrialisation in Eluru District
KAKINADA: Some 1600 acres of land has been identified in Eluru district for various entrepreneurs and Industrial parks, covering every constituency. This was stated on Thursday by civil supplies minister and district-incharge minister Nadendla Manohar, after he participated in the district development review meeting in Eluru. The minister told the media that the Land Bank was being created for the industrialists. A team would be headed by the district collector to help those intending to set up their units in the district. Guidelines would be laid down for this by March 15. He said the new industrial units would provide thousands of employment opportunities to the people in the district. Officials would conduct Grama Sabhas in the villages under Kolleru lake to look into their problems. Basic infrastructure facilities should be created in those villages. A coordination committee would be appointed to fix the borders for Kolleru lake with the forest and revenue officials at the fifth contour. The committee would draw a map for it. He said the Eluru Government General Hospital would be reformed completely. On R&R package issues of Polavaram Irrigation project victims, Manohar said this would be given to every victim without fail. Grama Sabhas would be held at Kukkunuru and Velerupadu mandals for this purpose. Housing minister Parthasaradhi said thatthe land acquisition process should be completed soon for Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Scheme and steps must be taken to remove the weed in the canals and drains. Eluru MP, Mahesh Kumar, said the Eluru district is having favourable conditions to establish food processing units and the officials should encourage such industrialists to set up their units there. MLC Venkata Ramana complained that ponds in 14,000 acres were lost in the Kolleru operation time, but the farmers did not get any compensation for this. Denduluru MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar said polluted water from Krishna Canal is being distributed to the Denduluru constituency and this should be rectified immediately. He said a pollution-free project should be taken up in 350 acres in Krishna Canal.
Three die as vehicle falls into dry canal in Andhra Pradesh
Kakinada: Three persons died and a few more were injured when the vehicle they were travelling in fell into a dry canal in Kakinada district on Thursday, a police official said. The accident occurred at Gopal Cheruvu area in Vommangi village of Prathipadu mandal when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was on its way to Darapalli waterfalls from Kakinada and was carrying 20 people, said the official in a release. The injured persons were shifted to Prathipadu government hospital for treatment, the official added.
Sankranti affects air quality in parts of AP
Vijayawada: Ambient air quality had been a cause of concern in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram during the last four days owing to the Sankranti festivities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has mentioned that the air quality has been moderate in Visakhapatnam. It registered an AQI of 203 (PM2.5) on January 12, 195 (PM2.5) on January 13; 111 (PM2.5) on January 14 and 110 (PM2.5) on January 15. Vijayawada recorded 119 (NO2) at its Kanuru station on January 12 and 135 (NO2) on January 13 while the AQI had been satisfactory in the remaining two days. In Rajamahendravaram, it had been 172 (PM2.5) on January 12 and 170 (PM2.5) on January 13, which can be considered as moderate to poor. On January 15, the AQI recorded at Kakinada had been 102 (PM10), which is considered as moderate, while Anantapur, Bobbili, Chittoor, Eluru, Guntur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Nellore, Ongole, Pydibheemavaram, Rajamahendravaram, Srikakulam, Tirumala, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Vizianagaram, Yerraguntla and Velagapudi recorded the AQI as satisfactory. Anantapur (Court Road) and Tirupati recorded the AQI to be good. According to the CPCBs health statement for AQI, if the code is good, it causes minimal impact on health. If it is satisfactory, it causes minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people. If it is moderate, it causes breathing discomfort to people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases. AP Pollution Control Board senior environmental scientist Sree Rajani said, With a lot of activity all around due to Sankranti festival, the air quality has witnessed a drastic change in some parts of the state. Fog further polluting the air, she added.
Cock fights: Betting of Rs 700 crore in Godavari districts
During Sankranti time the banned cock fights and Jallikattu resurface too. During Sankranti time the banned cock fights and Jallikattu resurface too. Kakinada :The gambling in traditional sports like cockfight, Gundata, playing of cards etc were held in a grand manner this time despite the high court ban on these games. The police conducted a series of raids on the cockfight dens but remained silent on Monday, the first day of Bhogi. The cockfights started early in the morning in erstwhile Godavari districts like Eluru, Kakinada, BR Ambedkar Konaseema, East and West in a grand manner. Last year, under the YSRC rule, the police did not allow cockfights till the afternoon of Bhogi Day. It was after exertion of strong pressure that the police allowed the game at the last minute. However, then the police did not allow Gundata tables, a pure gambling game. This year, doors have opened for all gambling games and also for dances in several places. On the first day, it is said that betting of nearly `700 crore was held, including Gundata and playing of cards amid the serving of food and liquor. This time, the police were conspicuous by their absence. The cockfights were organised in all the villages this time. Large numbers of professionals, techies, businessmen and others thronged the major cockfight grounds. Surprisingly, this year, hundreds of people came in from districts like Kurnool, Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa, Khammam and other parts of Telangana to the cockfight grounds. They came by cars and other vehicles. The women, in particular, enjoyed the sight at the cockfight grounds and tasted various food items with enthusiasm. Several MLAs and MPs participated in the cockfight evens. Kakinada Lok Sabha member Uday Srinivas was at an event in Pithapuram and U Kothapalli areas, Mummidivaram MLA Datla Subba Raju in Mummidivaram, and Kakinada Rural MLA Pantham Venkateswara Rao (Nanaji) in Karapa. According to sources, in Kakinada Rural, there was betting of `100 crore, West Godavari, East Godavari and Konaseema districts had nearly `600 crore. The big cockfight grounds were at Peda Amiram, Karapa, Gollavanithippa, Unguturu, Veeravasaram, Kamavarapukota, Kalarayinigudem, Chintalapudi, Tanuku, Muramalla, Mummidivaram, Yedurlanka and other villages. Cockfights were organised in small villages too. Notably, in some of the cockfight grounds, there was no betting. The organisers said they spent nearly `10 lakh to prepare the grounds. According to sources, there were no betting gamblers at 30 grounds. These wore a deserted look. Some of the grounds were closed by afternoon. There were clashes in some areas. The Gundata organisers did not allow betting in `100 and `200. They allowed betting beyond `500. This led to clashes between Gundata organisers and the betting lot. Clashes erupted in the cockfight grounds at Bayyannagudem in Koyyalagudem mandal. The participants and some of the organisers created flutter and beat each other with wooden logs. Some 12 persons were injured. On the second day on Tuesday, marking Sankranti, betting can be held in a grand manner.
AP transfers five IPS officers
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has transferred five IPS officers and posted them at new stations. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand issued a GO here on Monday. Navjyoti Mishra, assault commander, Greyhounds, is transferred and posted as ASP at Chintapalli. Manda Javali Alfons, assault commander, Greyhounds, is transferred and posted as ASP at Nandyal. Manoj Ramanatha Hegde, assault commander, Greyhounds, is transferred and posted as ASP at Rajampet. Patil Devraj Manish, assault commander, Greyhounds, is transferred and posted as ASP at Kakinada, and Rohit Kumar Chaudhary, assault commander, Greyhounds, is transferred and posted as ASP at Tadipatri.
