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.
335 Liquor Shops To Be Allotted to Geetha Kulalus Soon
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan welcomed the government's move to waive farm loans and demanded that the administration write off loans taken by farmers from nationalised banks also. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan welcomed the government's move to waive farm loans and demanded that the administration write off loans taken by farmers from nationalised banks also. Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an order for disposal of 335 liquor shops reserved for toddy tapping communities (Geetha Kulalu) under the excise policy for 2024-26. The aim is to allot these shops to such communities based on certain norms. Revenue (excise) principal secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena issued the order on Tuesday. The toddy-tapping communities are: Yata, Goud, Edina, Gouda (Gamalla), Kalalee, Goundia, Srisayana (Segidi) and Settibalija of erstwhile Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and West Godavari and Krishna districts. The norms say that the population of toddy tapping communities (Geetha Kulalu) will be based on the Smart Pulse Survey, 2016 for 13 erstwhile districts. Their population will be mapped for 26 new districts. No shops will be reserved for them in the Scheduled Areas in the districts. The reserved shops for each district will be distributed among the constituent units of the district based on the shop-to-population ratio (including bars) for each unit in the district where the ratio is high. The allotment will be restricted to one shop per unit as far as possible. The district prohibition and excise officer will submit a proposal to the commissioner of prohibition and excise, proposing unit-wise number of reserved shops. The commissioner, after making necessary inquiry, will approve the unit-wise number of reserved shops. Then, the district collector, by draw of lots, will make allocation of reserved shops, sub-caste wise, in different units in the district. After some procedure, the district prohibition and excise officer/licensing authority will invite applications for grant of licence for the reserved shops through issue of a notification. Applications can be submitted through online, offline or hybrid model. The non-refundable application fee is fixed at `2 lakh per application. The applicant may file applications for any number of shops. The applicant will be eligible to file applications for the reserved shops notified only in a particular district that is recorded in his caste and nativity certificate. One person will be allowed to hold one shop licence only and in case of he/she is selected for more than one shop, it will be the responsibility of the selected applicant to inform the authorities of his/her choice of shop for grant of licence. The licence period for the reserved shops will n end by September 30, 2026. Allocation of shops district-wise include: Anantapur-14, Sri Sathya Sai-9, Annamayya-11, Chittoor-10, Tirupati-23, East Godavari-13, Kakinada-16, Konaseema-13, Bapatla-12, Guntur-13, Palnadu-13, YSR Kadapa-14, Krishna-12, NTR-11, Kurnool-10, Nandyal-11, Nellore-18, Prakasam-17, Manyam-3, Srikakulam-16, Anakapalli-15, Alluri Sitarama Raju-0, Visakhapatnam-14, Vizianagaram-15, Eluru-14 and West Godavari-18.
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.
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.
Coromandel International opens soil and leaf testing lab at Kakinada
Facility to provide soil and plant nutrient analysis, helping farmers across the country understand their soil and its nutrient composition better
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.
Bhogi festival celebrated grandly
Kakinada: Bhogi, the first day of the three-day Sankranthi festival, was celebrated with great gaiety and enthusiasm in Godavari districts like Kakinada, Eluru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East and West Godavari districts on Monday. Deputy Speaker and Undi MLA K. Raghu Ramakrihsnam Raju and Bhimili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao celebrated the festival at Peda Amiram village near Bhimavaram of West Godavari by dropping prize cocks without tying knives, as a mark of traditional sport. The people of rural areas, as well as cities and towns, woke up early in the morning and lit the Bhogi fires. The people have celebrated the festival with their relatives, and different types of dishes were served. At Amalapuram, a family served 460 varieties of food items to their son-in-law as the new bridegrooms arrived at the festival at their in-laws house. The elders and children gathered at the Bhogi fires, warming themselves up for the festival. People disposed of their waste items in the Bhogi fires. The children threw cow dung cakes into the fires. The devotees thronged to the temples. In Vyshnava Temples, Goda Devi Kalyanam was performed in a great manner. At Vadapalli, more than 2,000 youths participated in the Goda Kalyanam programme, seeking the blessings of the God for their marriage. Anaparthi MLA Nallamalli Ramakrishna Reddy participated in Sankranti sambrarlu programmes and distributed prizes to the winners of Rangoli, kabaddi, and other games at Illapalli, Rangapuram, Konkuduru, Kuthukuluru, Komaripalem, and other villages. The cities like Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram, and Eluru and towns have worn a rural look to mark the Bhogi festival.
Son-in-laws first Sankranti in Hyderabad celebrated with a feast of 130 dishes
It is a routine custom in India for son-in-laws to get pampered like no other when visiting their in-laws. Mallikarjun, a resident of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh witnessed his share of the royal treatment when he visited his in-laws, Kantri and Kalpana, for the first time since his marriage with their daughter to celebrate Sankranti 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 .
Andhra Son-in-Law Amazed by 130 Dishes Prepared by In-Laws for Sankranti Feast
Hyderabad: An Andhra son-in-law, visiting Hyderabad for the first time after his marriage to celebrate the Sankranti festival, was left astounded by the hospitality of his in-laws. Kantri and Kalpana, a couple from Shardanagar near Saroor Nagar, prepared a grand feast with 130 varieties of dishes to delight their son-in-law from Kakinada. The spread included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, along with pulihora, bagara, and various food items, offering him a true taste of Telangana cuisine. Kranti and Kalpana's elder daughter married Mallikarjun from Kakinada just four months ago, and this feast was a special gesture to celebrate his first Sankranti with them.
NDA govt failed to bring festive cheer to people, alleges Kurasala Kannababu
VIJAYAWADA: Former minister and YSRCP Kakinada district president Kurasala Kannababu criticised the NDA government for failing to bring festive cheer to the people during Sankranti. Speaking to the media here on Sunday, he highlighted the soaring prices of essential goods, increased electricity tariff, and the lack of welfare schemes, leaving the poor unable to celebrate the festival. He alleged that rural families, once supported by the YSRCP welfare initiatives, now face financial distress and despair. Kurasala accused the ruling coalition of celebrating Sankranti only within its leadership, ignoring the common people. He pointed out that the flagship programmes like Amma Vodi and Rythu Bharosa were neglected, while schemes like Thalliki Vandanam were delayed. During the YSRCP regime, welfare funds were disbursed before Sankranti, ensuring celebrations even in the poorest households. The former minister also questioned the transparency of TTD operations, raising concerns about the involvement of unqualified individuals in reviews, and the misuse of visitor data. Refuting IT Minister Nara Lokeshs claims of industrial stagnation, he highlighted the YSRCP regimes achievements, including the Greenko Renewable Energy project and multiple industrial clusters, despite Covid-19 pandemic.
Kakinada Police Dismantle Arrangements at Cockfight Grounds
Kakinada: Kakinada district police officials on Sunday dismantled arrangements made at several grounds in various villages that had been prepared for staging cockfights. They went on to warn owners of these grounds that legal action will be taken against them if the grounds are allowed to be used for any activities that have been banned by the authorities. Following reports of grounds being prepared for cockfights, Kakinada superintendent of police Vikrant Patil ordered dismantling of structures put up ahead of the cockfights at Thimmapuram, Sarpavaram, Karapa, Pedapudi, Gollapalem, Koringa, Indrapalem, Pithapuram Town, Pithapuram Rural, U. Kothapalli and Gollaprolu, Peddapuram, Samalkot, Jaggampeta, Gandepalli, Kirlampudi, Prathipadu, Annavaram, Rowhtulapudi, Yeleswaram, Tuni Rural, Thondangi, Kotananduru mandals. After dismantling of the structures, police served notices to the land owners, cautioning them against allowing their properties to be used for cockfights. Police have also bound over those who fabricate knives that are tied to the feet of roosters ahead of the cockfights. Vikrant Patil said they are using drones to trace grounds that are being prepared for cockfights. Nuzvid circle inspector Satya Srinivas said they are organising campaigns in various villages against the organising of any gambling activities. Nidamarru circle inspector M. Subhash arrested M. Brahmanandam of China Ramachandrapuram village in Ganapavaram mandal and seized 1,300 cockfight knives from him.
No Festive Cheer for Poor, Says Kannababu
Kakinada : Former Kakinada Rural MLA and YSRC Kakinada district president Kurasala Kannababu criticised the alliance government in the state for failing to bring festive cheer to the people, particularly the poor, during this Sankranti season. He pointed to skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, increased electricity tariffs, and the lack of welfare schemes, which have left the poor unable to celebrate the festival. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Kannababu accused the ruling coalition of celebrating Sankranti only among its leaders while ignoring the common people. He alleged that flagship programs like Ammavodi and Rythu Bharosa have been neglected, and schemes like Talliki Vandanam delayed. He contrasted this with the YSRC tenure, during which welfare funds were disbursed before Sankranti, enabling even the poorest households to celebrate the festival. Kannababu also raised concerns about transparency in TTD operations, questioning the involvement of unqualified individuals and the misuse of visitor data. He demanded accountability and explanations from the government. Refuting the claims of Human Resources Minister N. Lokesh regarding industrial stagnation, Kannababu highlighted YSRC's achievements, including the Greenko Renewable Energy Project and the establishment of multiple industrial clusters despite pandemic challenges. He dismissed Lokeshs allegations that industrialists fear investing in the state as baseless and unsubstantiated. Kannababu expressed concern that rural families, once supported by YSRCs welfare initiatives, are now facing financial distress and despair under the current government.
Kakinada police to deploy drones to prevent rooster fights
Andhra Pradesh: Stolen Gold and Silver Ornaments Handed Over to 23 Victims
Kakinada: Eluru superintendent of police K. Pratap Shiva Kishore took an initiative to hand over the recovered gold and silver ornaments to 23 victims under various police station limits. In this process, the victims need not go to courts. Previously, the victims should be presented before court, and they have to claim the ornaments themselves. Now, under 106, Bharat Nyaya Samhitha, the victim needs to go to the court to take their stolen properties. The police will get the permission from the court for handing over their stolen property and then they will give it to the victims. Kishore told the media at Eluru on Sunday that on the end of December, a gang of thieves was apprehended. Nearly 55 theft cases were registered in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The police recovered 2,206.6 gram of gold and 9.40 kg of silver ornaments and Rs 1 lakh in cash from the thieves. However, he said that it is often challenging and expensive for victims to approach the courts to reclaim the recovered gold and silver ornaments and cash. Due to lack of proper awareness, in many cases, the recovered property remains stuck in the court proceedings or at police stations. He said that to address the issue and ensure swift and cost-free justice for the victims by leveraging the amendments in the new laws, a programme was launched in the district by the police department. In the aforementioned cases, the gold and silver ornaments and cash recovered in connection with the 23 cases were handed over to the victims on Sunday without any cost or delay.
Andhra to use drones, AI to prevent cockfights
VIJAYAWADA : Andhra Pradesh State police will use the advanced technology such as drones and artificial intelligence to control the organisers from conducting banned rooster fights and other illegal activities in the name of Sankranthi festivities. Director general of police (DGP) Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao held a video conference meeting with all the district superintendent of police (SPs) and inspector general of police (IG) rank officers and instructed them to intensify the checkings to ensure the festival of harvest Sankranti celebrated with fervor. According to officials, Andhra Pradesh state police have 130 high quality drones and necessary instructions were given to all the ground level officers to carry out periodical drone based patrolling in all the identified problematic locations. The banned bloodsport is famous in Krishna, NTR, Eluru and Godavari districts, particularly during Sankranti. Despite there being a ban, rooster fights and gambling are conducted in a big way every year in Coastal Andhra districts. Special focus is on eight districts - NTR, Krishna, Eluru, West Godavari, East Godavari, Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram and Dr BR Ambedkar Konamseema districts and additional forces were deployed at all districts to avoid untoward incidents during the festival. Recently, the state high court also expressed their displeasure on police for not implementing the orders issued 2016 banning the blood sport, strict enforcement during the three days of the festival.
Police turn to drones & AI to prevent rooster fights and anti-social activities in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh police have decided to use the advanced technology such as drones and artificial intelligence to prevent the banned rooster fights and anti-social activities during Sankranti festivities. Director General of Police Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao held a video conference with all the district SPs and IG rank officers, and directed them to intensify the raids against rooster fights to ensure that the festival of harvest Sankranti is celebrated with gaiety and traditional fervour. Necessary instructions have been given to all the ground level officials to carry out periodical drone-based patrolling with the available 130 devices in all the problematic locations in the State. The banned blood sport is famous in the erstwhile united Krishna and twin Godavari district during Sankranti. Despite ban, rooster fights and gambling used to be conducted on a large scale every year in the Coastal Andhra districts. Focusing more on NTR, Krishna, Eluru, West Godavari, East Godavari, Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram and BR Ambedkar Konamseema districts, additional forces have been deployed to thwart any untoward incidents during the festival. Recently, the AP High Court also expressed displeasure over police for not implementing the orders issued in 2016 banning the blood sport during Sankranti. Use high-end technology to identify the places where rooster fights and gambling activities are organising. Implement zero tolerance policy towards illegal activities in the name of festivities, the DGP said.
Sankranti rush spikes RTC, flight fares, rush at railway stations
Hyderabad: Airlines, RTC and private travels companies and taxis hiked fares ahead of people leaving for their homes for Sankranti. The TGSRTC, operating 6,432 special buses, is charging one-and-a-half times the usual fare on it specials. Private operators are charging up to Rs 2,000 for AC sleeper buses to Vijayawada from Hyderabad, against the norm of about 900. Tickets on private non-AC services were being sold at 1,500 apiece. TGSRTC officials said the revised fares for special services during festivals were in line with Government Order (GO) No. 16 (2003), which permits higher ticket prices based on minimum diesel costs and additional maintenance needs. Buses often travel back empty or with fewer passengers, TGSRTC officials reasoned. A total of 59 special trains are being operated from Hyderabad city to destinations such as Narsapur, Kakinada, and Srikakulam. Special fares being charged on many services is higher than normal. The price of flight ticket to AP went through the roof, as passengers headed to Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and the temple town of Tirupati. A flight ticket to Visakhapatnam on Sunday was priced at 12,357, compared to 5,741 on January 13 and 3,934 on January 14. On another airline, a flight to Vijayawada would set the passenger back by 9,773 on January 12, a sharp contrast to 7,610 on January 13 and 2,598 on January 14. Non-stop flights from Hyderabad to Tirupati on January 12 were priced at 6,686, while one airline charged 7,484. Prices for the same journey drop significantly in the following days, starting from 4,585. On January 11, flights from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam were priced at 13,536 on one airline, while tickets to Vijayawada were listed at 8,367 on another.
AP to Witness Multiple Rooster Gladiators in Same Arena This Sankranti
Vijayawada: During Sankranti 2025, several parts of Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to witness the fiercest cockfights for three days from January 13 to January 15, wherein crores of rupees are going to be bet despite efforts of authorities to control them. In a unique Jodu Pandalu attempt, organisers intend to release 10 pairs of prized cocks with knives attached to their feet into a single arena, unlike just a pair fighting it, possibly till death, during the previous years. Gamblers are expected to bet nearly Rs 25 lakh on each winning cock, while punters will raise the stakes at least three fold to Rs 75 lakh depending on the trend of the fight. Organisers are making elaborate arrangements for the conduct of cockfights by erecting huge pandals, installing flood lights, arranging chairs and other amenities, mainly in the erstwhile Godavari districts, Krishna, north Andhra and part of Rayalaseema region. Liquor will be on sale to enthuse the crowds into raising stakes. However, police are doing their best in preventing cockfights, which are legally prohibited. They are booking cases, seizing roosters and their special knives, and binding over organisers. They are also using drones to identify areas where arrangements are being made for cockfights, so that they can intervene. Said West Godavari SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi, We have identified some areas in the district where cockfights are likely to be held during the three days of the Sankranti festival. We are advising people against indulging in illegal activities. They can celebrate the festival by organising traditional games, even cockfights without knives and money, without causing any law and order problems. However, festival enthusiasts are finding fault with the authorities, as section 144 has been promulgated in various districts to prevent assembly of people in large numbers. Kakinada-based Animal Rescue Agency founder member Gopal R. Surabathula said, We have been fighting against conduct of cockfights involving knives and money for long. We got a stay order on this from the AP High Court way back in 2017 itself. But many policemen, including officers, will go on leave to celebrate the festival. In some cases, there will be no one even to receive complaints on cockfights and take action. There are reports that political leaders promise enthusiasts that they will prevail upon the government or officials to allow such fights for Sankranti festival. As a result, the government too goes soft on the matter. The dead roosters after the fights are either taken by their owners for self-consumption or given away to their close friends and kin. The meat of these roosters is expected to be very tasty, as they are fed dry fruits and kept fit and strong, so that they can battle it out. VIP guests, especially from the tinsel world, are not expected to turn up for the fights this season.
Power is a responsibility, not fashion to me: Dy CM Pawan Kalyan
KAKINADA: Deputy Chief Minister (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Pawan Kalyan has made it clear that power is a responsibility, and not a fashion to him. Officials should be careful while discharging their duties. Everyone should feel the minimum responsibility for the development of the State, he said. He formally launched 12,500 mini-Gokulam sheds built across the State, and inaugurated the Gokulam built at Sri Krishna temple in his Pithapuram Assembly constituency on Friday. The Gokulam, with four cows, was handed over to Yatam Nageswara Rao. It was built for Rs 1.85 lakh under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Later, he went round the exhibition organised on the facilities provided to dairy farmers under the auspices of the Animal Husbandry Department. The exhibition displayed exhibits on fodder, livestock and other details. A poster containing details of the development works completed so far in the Pithapuram constituency was examined in coordination with the Panchayat Raj and other departments. Earlier, he visited the Vadisaleru accident place in Rajanagaram where two youngsters died in a road accident while returning from the Game Changer movie pre-release event. He also inspected the ADB Road construction works at Ramaswamypeta. After launching Gokulams, he attended a public meeting at Kumarapuram village. He also participated in the early Sankranti celebrations organised in Pithapuram constituency under the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department. He visited the stalls set up by different departments on the services provided to the people. Pawan Kalyan enquired about the details of the fodder cutting machine provided to dairy farmers at a subsidy at the stall set up by the Animal Husbandry Department. He also asked the authorities about the reasons for the death of Olive Ridley turtles and steps to be taken to protect wildlife in Coringa Sanctuary.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams chairman says sorry for stampede
TIRUMALA: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman BR Naidu issued an unconditional apology on Friday for the stampede in Tirupati that resulted in six deaths and left dozens injured. This development followed his earlier statement in which he remarked that while offering an apology might be appropriate, it would not bring the deceased back. His comments sparked significant backlash, with some accusing him of responding to Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyans directive, instructing senior TTD officials to apologise to the families of the deceased and the injured. Addressing a gathering at the Pithapuram Assembly constituency during the Sankranti celebrations in Kakinada district, Pawan said, TTD Trust Board Chairman BR Naidu, Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao, and other officials should say sorry to the victims of the stampede and the people of the State for their failure in tackling the large congregation of devotees. You (Naidu and Shyamala Rao) have no option but to say sorry by holding a press conference. Clarifying on his remarks, BR Naidu said his comments were not aimed at Pawan Kalyan. He emphasised that he had already expressed condolences and apologised to the families of the deceased as soon as he was informed of the incident. Free education for children of deceased Meanwhile, TTD held an emergency board meeting at Annamaiah Bhavan in Tirumala on Friday. The board members expressed their condolences for the six devotees who died in the stampede in Tirupati on January 8. They also decided to provide free education to the children of the deceased at TTD-run educational institutions. In a subsequent press conference, TTD Chairman BR Naidu announced that, following instructions from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the board had decided to grant Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia to the families of the deceased. Several VIPs cancel visit to Srivari temple Additionally, TTD board members Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy and Suchitra Ella pledged Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, while MS Raju promised to extend Rs 3 lakh to each of the family. TTD EO J Syamala Rao, Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, and other important officials participated in the meeting. Special darshan for injured As per the Chief Minister's instructions, TTD authorities made special darshan arrangements for devotees who were injured in the stampede. Following their darshan, the devotees thanked Naidu and the TTD officials for providing them the auspicious Mukkoti Darshanam. After this, CMs of Telangana and Puducherry, at least six Union Ministers, four State Ministers and 20 MLAs cancelled their trip to Tirumala for offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara on Ekadasi.
50 people died in stampede in past one decade, but no remedial action
Kakinada: Nearly 50 persons lost their lives during the past 12 years in several stampede events on festive occasions, including the six devotees killed in the Tirupati incident, records show. More surprisingly, successive governments so far took no serious note, and there were no remedial actions or preventive steps. With the authorities adopting a casual approach when huge crowds are gathered, innocent people are losing their lives. The meetings of prime minister, chief minister etc are however well-guarded with maximum police cover. Yet, during the first day of the Godavari Pushkaralu on July 15, 2015, as many as 30 persons died. This was when chief minister Chandrababu Naidu took a holy dip in Pushkar Ghat, after leaving the VIP Ghat. In the Pushkar Ghat, thousands of people waited to take a bath. Meanwhile there was a huge stampede and fatalities. The government appointed the Justice Somayajulu Commission to probe the incident. But, the commission messed up the probe and avoided fixing the blame on any government official including the district collector and the police authorities. The commission simply said that the spiritual speakers and almanac writers misguided the devotees vis--vis the timing of the holy dip. After this report, the government closed the issue in a huff. Prior to this incident, in 2012, three persons died at Srisailam. They were in the queue line for darshan of the Lord, experienced suffocation and dehydration and died. In December 2022, during the YSRC rule, the opposition Telugu Desam launched a campaign, the ''Idemi Kharma''. Chandababu Naidu as TD chief attended the meeting at Kandukuru in Prakasam district. There was a stampede and eight persons died. The party announced ex-gratia to the families of the deceased, but no action was taken against the errant persons. On January 2, 2023, Telugu Desam held a Saree distribution programme in Gunturu. Four persons including some women experienced suffocation and fell into a drainage line and died. The Vykunta Ekadasi Maha Festival is celebrated across the two Telugu states and all Vyshnava temples are making the arrangments. In Tirupati, huge crowds of devotees are coming to Tirumala to take the holy ''Uttara Dwara Darshan''. Though the officials know there will be huge crowd formation, they took things easy. On January 8 this year, six devotees lost their lives at the ticket counters following a stampede. Retired ASP, G Visweswara Rao, said crowd management is the job of the police; and law and order should be the concern of the district magistrate or divisional magistrate. A strong plan should have been drawn by the cops to avoid such stampedes, he felt.
Making waves at 52: Syamala Goli on her 150 kilometres swim from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada
Syamala Goli achieved the extraordinary feat of swimming in the Bay of Bengal from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada coast in a test of endurance
Tirupati police seize ganja worth Rs25.5 lakh
Tirupati: Tirupati district police arrested six individuals and seized 100 kilograms of ganja worth Rs 25.5 lakh in two separate operations conducted on Wednesday. In the first operation, Tada police acted on a tip-off and intercepted a car near Sri City Zero Point early in the morning. The team, led by CI Murali Krishna and SI Kondappa Naidu, arrested two suspects, K. Shahrukh Khan, 24, and G. Arul, 24, both from Gummadipudi. They were attempting to transport 28 kilograms of ganja to Chennai. The seized contraband and vehicle were valued at Rs 9.5 lakh. In the second operation, Chillakur police apprehended four suspects at Kota Cross Road, Kadivedu village, recovering 72 kilograms of ganja and two vehicles worth Rs 16 lakh. The arrested individuals were P. Giri Babu, 41, from Puttur, Mohan Madan Kumar, 30, from Tiruvallur, P. Ajay, 24, and M. Kirubakaran, 18, both from Gummadipudi. During questioning, the suspects admitted to procuring the ganja from Tuni in Kakinada district, planning to sell it in Tamil Nadu for profit. Sharing the details of the actions carried out by teams from the Tada and Chillakur police stations, SP L. Subba Rayudu revealed that Shahrukh Khan had a criminal history, including involvement in murder and NDPS cases. He reiterated the departments commitment to combating drug smuggling and appealed to the public to report illegal activities through the police helpline.
VISAKAPATNAM: Emphasizing that Andhra Pradesh is full of possibilities and opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the State, and by extension, the nation, will only develop when these possibilities are realized. Addressing a public gathering at the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds on Wednesday, Modi stressed the importance of the State's growth in achieving national progress. The development of Andhra Pradesh is our vision, and serving the people of the State is our commitment, he asserted. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the States ambitious goal of becoming a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047 under the 'Swarna Andhra Vision,' led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. During the event, Modi launched several development projects worth over 2 lakh crore, aimed at improving connectivity and driving industrial growth in the State. Highlighting India's push for renewable energy, Modi laid the foundation stone for the NTPC Green Energy Limited's (NGEL) Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka in Anakapalle district. This state-of-the-art project, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, involves an investment of approximately 1.85 lakh crore. The hub will include 20 GW of renewable energy capacity, making it one of the largest integrated green hydrogen production facilities globally. It will produce 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of green hydrogen and 7,500 TPD of green derivatives such as methanol, urea, and sustainable aviation fuel, primarily targeting export markets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan during a roadshow in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Emphasizing the project's potential, Modi said, Visakhapatnam will become one of the few cities globally with large-scale green hydrogen production facilities. He also pointed out that the project will generate significant job opportunities and foster a manufacturing ecosystem in the State. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a bulk drug park in Nakkapalli, Anakapalle district. The park, one of only three in the country, aims to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing and research capabilities. It is strategically located near the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) and the Visakhapatnam-Kakinada Petrochemical Investment Region. Another major project announced was the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City) in Tirupati district. This smart city project, part of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, is expected to attract investments of around 10,500 crore and create one lakh jobs. Stating that the NDA government views urbanization as an opportunity, Modi said, Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a model of new-age urbanization with initiatives like KRIS City. In response to a long-standing demand, he laid the foundation stone for the South Coast Railway Zone headquarters in Visakhapatnam. This development is expected to enhance agricultural and trade activities in the region while boosting tourism and the local economy. The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation for connectivity projects worth over 19,500 crore, including railway electrification and station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Additionally, he launched a series of road-widening projects. Recognizing Visakhapatnam's maritime heritage, Modi reiterated his government's commitment to promoting the blue economy. He announced the modernization of the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour to boost income for fishermen and enhance maritime opportunities. During the event, Modi lauded Andhra Pradesh's innovative spirit and its role as a hub for IT and technology. It is now time for Andhra Pradesh to become a center for futuristic technologies, he said, emphasizing the State's potential in sectors like green energy. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and other ministers and officials were present. Prior to the public meeting, the Prime Minister participated in a roadshow that drew large crowds. Accompanied by Naidu and Kalyan, Modi greeted supporters during the one-kilometer-long procession to the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds. People gathered in large numbers, showered flowers on the leaders as they traveled atop an open vehicle, waving back.
PM Modi to launch projects worth Rs 2L crore in Andhra
VISAKHAPATNAM/VIJAYAWADA: In his first visit to Andhra Pradesh after the TDP-led NDA formed the government in the State, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch several major projects aimed at driving sustainable growth and infrastructure development, with a particular focus on North Andhra Pradesh. During his tour of Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will also arrive in the Port City on Wednesday afternoon to take part in the programme. As part of his commitment to green energy and sustainability, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for NTPC Green Energy Limiteds (NGEL) Green Hydrogen Hub at Pudimadaka in Atchutapuram mandal of Anakapalle district. Rs 1,438-crore bulk drug park in Apalle to create thousands of jobs in Andhra Developed under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, this landmark project involves an investment of Rs 1.85 lakh crore and 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity to produce 1,500 tonnes per day of green hydrogen. Additionally, the project will produce 7,500 tonnes of green hydrogen derivatives, including green methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel, primarily targeting export markets. The initiative aligns with Indias goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. The Prime Minister will also launch a series of road and railway projects in Andhra Pradesh, collectively valued at Rs 19,500 crore. This includes laying the foundation stone for the South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR) headquarters in Visakhapatnam, a long-pending demand under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The project, with an investment of Rs 149 crore, is expected to boost regional connect ivi ty and economi c growth. Modi will also lay the foundation stone for a bulk drug park at Nakkapalli in Anakapalle district. With an investment of Rs 1,438.89 crore, the park is strategically located near the Visakhapatnam- Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) and the Visakhapatnam- Kakinada Petrochemical and Investment Region, promising thousands of jobs and enhanced industrial activity in the region. Further, he will virtually lay the foundation stone for the Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City) in Tirupati district under the Chennai- Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. Envisioned as a greenfield smart industrial city, the project is expected to attract investments of Rs 10,500 crore and create nearly one lakh direct and indirect jobs. Over 1.8 lakh expected to attend PMs public meeting During a virtual meeting with Chief Secretary K Vijayanand on Tuesday to review the arrangements for Prime Minister Modis visit, Visakhapatnam District Collector MN Harendhira Prasad said 80,000 people are expected to take part in the road show, while 1.8 lakh people will participate in the public meeting, scheduled to be held at the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds. Vijayanand revealed that the Prime Minister will arrive at INS Dega at 4:15 pm on Wednesday. His road show will commence at 4:45 pm from the Venkatadri Vantillu restaurant area in Siripuram to the AU grounds. After laying the foundation stone and inaugurating various projects, Modi will address the gathering from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. He will leave the venue at 6:50 pm and return to the air station around 7:15 pm to leave for Bhubaneswar. The CS instructed officials from the departments concerned to complete all the arrangements for the PMs visit by Tuesday night. He directed the District Collector, Police Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, and other officials to take steps to ensure proper parking facilities for public representatives and attendees. DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao explained that tight security arrangements have been made in coordination with the SPG (Special Protection Group). Meanwhile, Ministers Vangalapudi Anitha (Home) and Nadendla Manohar (Civil Supplies) reviewed the arrangements at the AU Engineering Grounds on Tuesday.
PM Modi to launch development projects in Andhra Pradesh
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday as he embarks on a two-day tour of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The projects are a part of the government's major push for sustainable development, industrial growth and infrastructure enhancement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. He will also inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Modi said in a post on X, I look forward to being among the people of Visakhapatnam to inaugurate key works linked to green energy, renewable energy, infrastructure and more. It is a matter of great joy that the foundation stone for the NTPC Green Energy Limited Green Hydrogen Hub Project will be laid, making it the first such hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The projects will include investment in 20 GW renewable energy capacities, making it one of India's largest integrated green hydrogen production facility with a capacity of producing 1,500 TPD (tonnes per day) green hydrogen and 7,500 TPD green hydrogen derivatives, including green methanol, green urea and sustainable aviation fuel primarily targeting the export market, the PMO said. The project will contribute substantially in achieving India's non-fossil energy capacity target of 500 GW by 2030. Other initiatives include foundation stone laying of the South Coast Railway headquarters in Visakhapatnam and the bulk drug park at Nakkapalli in Anakapalli district. The park will create thousands of jobs while helping accelerate economic growth due to its proximity to the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor and the Visakhapatnam-Kakinada Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region, the PMO said. Modi will also lay the foundation stone of Krishnapatnam Industrial Area (KRIS City) under the Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. A flagship project under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, it is envisioned as a greenfield industrial smart city. The project is set to attract significant manufacturing investment of approximately Rs 10,500 crore and is projected to create around a lakh direct and indirect jobs, significantly enhancing livelihoods and driving regional progress, the PMO statement said. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is the flagship event of the Union government that provides an important platform to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora and enable them to interact with each other, it said. The 18th convention is being organised in partnership with the Odisha government from Wednesday to Friday in Bhubaneswar. Its theme is Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat. A large number of Indian diaspora members from more than 50 countries have registered to participate in the convention, the PMO said. Modi will remotely flag-off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora, which will depart from Nizamuddin in Delhi and travel to multiple destinations of tourism and religious importance for a period of three weeks. It is part of the 'Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana', the statement said.
Pawan Kalyan announces 5 lakh ex gratia for two youths killed in road mishap in Kakinada
The two youths died in a road mishap while returning from the pre-release event of the movie Game Changer
Vijaysai Reddy appears before ED on Kakinada sea ports issue
Hyderabad: The YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP, V Vijaysai Reddy, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Kakinada SeaPorts irregularities on Monday. Reddy claimed he was not involved in the case in any way, and that a fake complaint was lodged with ED against him. ED officials questioned him for six hours at its office in Basheerbagh. After the ED questioning, Vijaysai Reddy told the media that the ED asked him at least 25 questions in connection with the irregularities. I have nothing to do with these issues and no knowledge about the case. Even as I am a YSRCP MP, I was not related to the government body and not taking decisions. It was a false complaint. I asked ED officials to cross-examine the details with complainant Karnati Venkateswara Rao to ascertain facts, the Rajya Sabha MP said. AP CID officials registered the case based on a complaint lodged by Venkateswara Rao. Based onthe FIR, ED officials initiated a probe. I asked the ED officials to establish call data records to check the call data of me. I will also take a pledge on the Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Swamy to prove my innocence. I have no knowledge about the Chartered accounts company Santhanam that was in touch with the state government and I explained the same to the ED officials, Vijaysai Reddy said. Vijaysai Reddy also stated that his daughter was married to Sarath Chandra Reddy, a businessman, and that he has no business-related transactions with the family of Chandra Reddy.
Solar power plant proposals in Nandyal, YSR and Kurnool districts also get the nod
Two Ram Charan Fans die in road mishap after Game Changer Rajahmundry event
Tragedy struck after the pre-release event of Game Changer in Rajahmundry on Saturday, as two diehard fans of Ram Charan lost their lives while returning home. The event, attended by Ram Charan and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, was meant to be a celebration but ended in sorrow. The victims, Arava Manikanta and Thokada Charan from Gaigolupadu in Kakinada were riding home on a bike with friends when a van traveling in the opposite direction collided with them. Despite immediate medical attention, both succumbed to their injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation and registered a case regarding the accident. Producer Dil Raju expressed deep grief over the unfortunate incident, stating that such losses during moments of joy are truly heartbreaking. He assured full support to the victims' families, announcing a financial aid of 5 lakh for each family. As per reports, Pawan Kalyan will also contribute Rs 5 lakh to each bereaved family, extending his heartfelt condolences. Earlier, Pawan Kalyan at the pre-release event said that he was a bit anxious after witnessing such a massive turnout. He urged mega fans to be safe and take care of themselves. I am a bit tense these days and I want all our fans to be safe. I urge you all to take care of yourselves, return home safely, and avoid any kind of jostling and stampedes. You have come here for some fun, so it shouldnt turn untoward, he cautioned his cheering fans.
Game Changer event attendees killed in ADB Road crash, Pawan announces ex gratia
Kakinada : Two young men, Arav Mani Kanth and Tokada Charan, residents of Gaigolupadu in Kakinada district, tragically lost their lives in a road accident on the ADB road between Kakinada and Rajahmundry on Saturday night. The accident occurred when their motorcycle was struck by a speeding vehicle while they were returning home. Expressing deep sorrow, AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The ADB road, a crucial artery connecting Kakinada and Rajahmundry, has been in a state of disrepair for the past five years due to neglect by the previous government. The lack of proper maintenance and inadequate street lighting has significantly increased the risk of accidents on this vital route, posted Kalyan on X. While the current government has initiated repair work on the road, this tragic incident highlights the urgency of addressing the safety concerns of road users. The victims, who were returning from the pre-release event of Game Changer movie, were repeatedly advised to exercise caution during their journey. On behalf of the Jana Sena, Kalyan announced that financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh each will be provided to the bereaved families. Furthermore, the deputy CM pledged to further help the families.
SCR Will Run 52 Additional Special Trains for Sankranti Festival Season
Hyderabad : South Central Railway said it would run 52 additional special trains between various destinations from January 6 to 19 for the Sankranti festival season. These services would be operated on the Cherlapalli-Tirupati, Vikarabad-Kakinada Town, Kakinada Town-Cherlapalli, Kacheguda-Tirupati, Cherlapalli-Narsapur, Secunderabad-Kakinada Town, Charlapalli-Srikakulam Rd and Kacheguda-Srikakulam Rd routes.
3 of Family Killed in Gruesome Medchal Road Accident
Hyderabad: Three members of a family were killed, while a fourth is battling for life after a lorry rammed into their bike near Medchal check post at 3.30 pm on Sunday. According to Medchal station house officer A. Satyanarayana, the deceased have been identified as Bullabbai, 37, Lavanya, 30, and a seven-year-old girl. The couple's four-year-old son is in critical condition in a private hospital. A native of Kakinada, Bullabbai worked as a street-side breakfast vendor. On Sunday morning, Lavanya and her husband were travelling to meet her friend, who resides in Yellampet. While they were near the Medchal checkpost, when the bike was moving towards the left, a Nagaland-registered container truck suddenly swerved left and ran over the two-wheeler. Bullabbai, Lavanya and their daughter died on the spot. Medchal police, who were informed through a dial 100 call, rushed to the spot and shifted the boy to a hospital. His condition remains critical. Police said they are going through CCTV footage at the location, and conducting further investigation. Meanwhile, bodies of the three deceased were shifted to the Gandhi Hospital mortuary for postmortem.
Lokesh to Unveil Ratan Tata Statue at West Godavari Today
Kakinada: Education minister Nara Lokesh will unveil a bronze statue of Ratan Tata at Peda Amiram village near Bhimavaram in West Godavari District on Monday. The statue has been installed by Undi MLA and Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju. Before this event, Lokesh will inaugurate the renovated building of the historic Zilla Parishad High School at Undi village, which was renovated at a cost of Rs. 80 lakh. He will also lay the foundation stone for the Undi-Bhimavaram link road. Later, he will attend the Sankranthi Sambaralu programme at SRKR Engineering Colleges open grounds. In the afternoon, Lokesh will visit Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, who recently lost his father, to offer his condolences. During British rule, there was a school named Taylor in Narsapuram, and later, the Vijayanagaram Maharajas established a high school in Undi named the illa Board High School. Many renowned scholars, politicians, and academicians from the delta region studied there. However, the school had fallen into disrepair. After being elected as MLA, Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju initiated plans to renovate the school, and the renovated infrastructure will be inaugurated by Lokesh on Monday.
Two youths die after attending Game Changer movie event
Kakinada: Two youths, Arava Manikanta and Thokada Charan from Gygolupadu area in Kakinada, died late on Saturday night after attending the pre-release event of the movie Game Changer , held at Rajamahendravaram. According to Rangampeta Sub-Inspector T. Krishna Sai, a group of youths from Kakinada attended the event, which was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Cine Hero Ram Charan. While returning to Kakinada on their bike, the youths were struck by a van travelling in the opposite direction. Manikanta was taken to the Area Hospital in Peddapuram by 108 Ambulance, where doctors declared him dead. Charan was shifted to a corporate hospital in Kakinada, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of Saturday. Rangampeta police have registered a case.
Despite ban, preparations on for cockfights in AP
Vijayawada : With Sankranthi round the corner, organisers of cock fights are making the arrangements to conduct the betting shows involving crores of rupees at several places in the state. This is despite the ban imposed by the AP High Court in 2016. Areas like Ampapuram near here in Krishna district, Gudivada, Bhimavaram, Konaseema etc are popular for cockfights. The state DGP issued an order in November last, directing the unit officers to take necessary action against the organisers of cockfights. The Animal Welfare Board of India too addressed a letter to its state unit, citing the complaints against cockfights during the Sankranti festival. It sought appropriate action to stop such activities. The state directorate of animal husbandry has also issued a memo to officials, seeking formation of teams to stop the cockfights by acting in coordination with the district collector, the SP and the revenue authorities. Animal husbandry officials formed mandal- level teams comprising an SI, an assistant veterinary surgeon and MPDO to keep a check on plans being made for cockfights and invoke legal provisions to control their activities. West Godavari animal husbandry joint director Govinda Raju said, We have started forming mandal teams. Officials would visit places where cockfights are planned and attempt to stop them. Political patronage for such gangs has been a constraint in the officials attempt to stop cockfights. Based on a recent direction from the DGP, officials started checks on cockfights and bound over people and seized cocks rserved for the shows. They realised a sum of `7 lakh from them in the last few days. Narasapuram DSP Sri Veda said, We are on the job to avoid conduct of cockfights by binding over suspects and seizing the cocks. Despite all these efforts, the organisers are bent on conducting cockfights, saying that the Sankranti festival is the ideal period for the show. Andhra settlers from all over the world come back to their homes in the villages and towns to celebrate the Sankranti festival. Pithapuram former MLA SVSN Varma kick-started the cockfights in the assembly segment represented by deputy CM Pawan Kalyan on Thursday. However, the cocks were not tied with knives. Animal rights activists stress the need for political will to stop cockfights. Founder of the Animal Rescue Agency based in Kakinada, Gopal R Surabathula, said, We have been pleading for booking cases under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act against the organisers, land owners and those who provide infrastructure to conduct the cockfights. Activists say the Godavari islands are also being readied for conducting the cockfights this time.
Haryana Governor applauds 52-yr-old Goli Shyamala for remarkable 150-Km swim in Bay of Bengal
Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shrimati Goli Shyamala, 52, a native of Samarlakota in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, who currently resides in Hyderabad, for her extraordinary achievement of ...
AP: Kadiam to Emerge as Tourism Hub
Kakinada: Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh is spearheading efforts to transform Kadiam into a tourism hub, leveraging its famed nurseries and natural resources. Rajamahendravaram Rural MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary revealed this while laying the foundation stone for a 1.85 crore, one-kilometre road from Kaidyapulanka to Yetigattu on Saturday. Chowdary attributed this development to the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, highlighting their focus on rural development. He also announced the implementation of the fees reimbursement scheme from June 2025. Minister Durgesh noted the states progress under the alliance government, with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Snake Causes Stir at Collectorates Meeting Hall
Kakinada : A snake created panic in the Godavari Bhavan meeting hall at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district collectorate on Saturday. Employees spotted the snake in the hall, used for meetings and public grievance redressal. The incident caused alarm among staff, who quickly summoned snake catcher Ganesh Varma. The snake was found stuck in a corner of the hall. Varma took two hours to safely capture the snake, which he identified as a Jerrycan. The reptile was later released into a nearby forest. Collector Office Administrative Officer Visweswara Rao thanked Varma for his efforts, which brought relief to the employees.
Woman overcomes depression, swims in sea from Vizag to Kakinada
Kakinada: Once in the deepest pits of depression, 52-year-old Goli Shyamala took to swimming to regain her sanity. She has now recovered so much that she swam in the Bay of Bengal from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada, covering 30 kilometres. Shyamala started on December 28 from Vizag and reached Kakinada Beach on the afternoon of January 3. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the swimmer said she had been a successful artist who sketched animation films which became a hit after being telecast by a media channel. However, after 26 episodes, she started suffering losses and went into a deep depression. She started recovering from depression after she took to swimming. On the path to successful recovery, Shyamala has swum 30 km from Ramasethu to Sri Lanka in 2021 in 13 hours 43 minutes. The same year, I swam from Santa Catalina Island to Los Angeles in 12-degree cold water covering 36 kilometres in 19 hours. In February 2024, I swam 50 km to Kiltan Island in Lakshadweep in hot waters. I am now happy that I have successfully swam in the Bay of Bengal from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada, she stated. While swimming in the Bay of Bengal, Shyamala had been accompanied by three boats with a crew of 14 members. When a whale came to a distance of within 10 metres from her, the crew pulled her into the boat for safety. When she resumed swimming, a turtle accompanied her for a long distance, she recalled recounting her experiences. Shyamalas husband Mohan is happy that not only has she recovered but is now making achievements at sea. Syamala and Mohan have a son Pawan Vihari who is doing his B. Tech. in Hyderabad.
AP ministers distribute compensation of Rs 148 cr to fisherfolk
Kakinada: Ministers K. Achannaidu, Kollu Ravindra and Vasamsetti Subhash along with Peddapuram MLA Nimmakayala China Rajappa, government whip and Mummidivaram MLA Datla Subba Raju, MLC Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, distributed cheques to fisherfolk, provided by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) as compensation of `148.37 crores to 23,450 beneficiaries, at `63,250 each, on Friday at Tallarevu in Kakinada District. Achannaidu said that during the previous government, former chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy could not even identify land for establishing the Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam. He noted that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, had prepared a document for the integrated development of Andhra Pradesh by 2047, named Swarnandhra, with many industries now coming forward to the state, offering 20 lakh jobs to unemployed youth in the next five years. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stones for several industries, including the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone, during his visit on January 8. Achannaidu also mentioned that Andhra Pradesh has 950 kilometres of coastline, and the government plans to construct jetties, archers, landing centres, and other infrastructure for the convenience of fishermen. He added that compensation for fishermen during the conservation period has been increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 each. He criticised the YSRC government, claiming it pushed the state into a Rs. 12.50 lakh crore debt trap, with Rs. 2.50 lakh crore distributed to beneficiaries through various schemes. He questioned where the remaining funds had gone, asserting that no development occurred under the previous administration, and emphasised that the current alliance government is making efforts to fulfil all election promises. Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra highlighted that during the Telugu Desam regime, fishermen were provided with nets, boats, and other subsidies of 70 percent, but the previous government failed to implement these provisions. He assured that the alliance government would soon implement the scheme, adding that fishermen are the only community that has consistently supported Telugu Desam. Yanamala Ramakrishnudu mentioned that the alliance government is drawing up plans to introduce additional schemes for the development of the fisheries sector. Amalapuram MP G. Harish Mathur, along with MLAs A. Ananda Rao, Bandaru Satyananda Rao, Vegulla Jogeswara Rao, Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao (Kondababu), and others were present.
Four members of Uttar Pradesh gang arrested for bid to mow down constables in Kakinada district
The accused ran over their car on two constables who tried to stop it at a toll plaza on December 31, Kakinada SP says, adding that 68kg of ganja was found in the vehicle
SCR to operate additional special trains for Maha Kumbh
HYDERABAD : The South Central Railway will operate 26 additional special trains connecting various destinations to cater to the extra rush of passengers during the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025. Train No. 07081 will leave Guntur at 11 pm on February 14, and reach Azamgarh at 5.15 pm the next day. Train No. 07082 will leave Azamgarh at 7.45 pm on February 16 and reach Vijayawada at 7.30 am two days later. Train No. 07083 will leave Machilipatnam at 10 pm on February 5 and reach Azamgarh at 5.15 pm the next day. Train No. 07084 will leave Azamgarh at 7.45 pm on February 7, 2025, and reach Machilipatnam at 9 am two days later. Kakinada Town to Azamgarh Train No. 07085 will leave at 8.10 pm on February 20 and arrive at 5.15 pm two days later. Train No. 07086 will leave Azamgarh at 7.45 pm on February 22, and terminate at Vijayawada at 7.30 am two days later. Moula Ali to Banaras Train No. 07087 will leave at 11.55 pm on February 17, 2025, arriving at 11.30 am two days later. Train No. 07088 will leave Banaras at 7.15 pm on February 19, 2025, reaching Moula Ali at 7 am two days later. Moula Ali to Gaya Train No. 07089 will leave at 5.50 pm on February 15, and arrive in Gaya at 9 am two days later. Train No. 07090 will leave Gaya at 7.45 pm on February 17, 2025, and reach Moula Ali at 7.30 am two days later. Vikarabad to Gaya Train No. 07091 will leave at 3.45 pm on February 18 and reach Gaya at 9 am two days later. Train No. 07092 will leave Gaya at 7.45 pm on February 20 and reach Vikarabad at 8.30 am two days later. Vijayawada to Gaya Train No. 07093 will leave at 7.20 pm on February 5 and arrive in Gaya at 10 am two days later. Train No. 07094 will return from Gaya at 7. 45 pm on February 7, 2025, and reach Vijayawada at 8 am two days later. Kakinada Town to Gaya Train No. 07095 will at 2.30 pm on February 8, and reach Gaya at 10 am two days later. Train No. 07096 will return from Gaya at 2.15 pm on February 10 and terminate at Vijayawada at 4 am two days later. Nanded to Patna Train No. 07099 will leave at 11 pm on February 13 and arrive in Patna at 10.30 am two days later. Train No. 07100 will return from Patna at 3.30 pm on February 15 and reach Nanded at 4.30 am two days later. Aurangabad to Patna Train No. 07101 will leave Aurangabad at 7 pm on February 19 and 25 and reach Patna at 10.30 am two days later. Train No. 07102 will return from Patna at 3.30 pm on February 21 and 27, 2025, and arrive in Aurangabad at 7.45 am two days later. Kacheguda to Patna Train No. 07103 will leave at 4.45 pm on February 22 and arrive at Patna at 10.30 am two days later. Train No. 07104 will return from Patna at 11.30 am on February 24 and reach Kacheguda at 7 am two days later. Secunderabad to Patna Train No. 07105 will leave at 5 pm on February 7 and arrive at 10.30 am two days later. Train No. 07106 will return from Patna at 3.30 pm on February 9 and reach Secunderabad at 11.30 am two days later. Trains will stop at Vijayawada, Warangal, Ramagundam, Nagpur, Jabalpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi. Other trains will halt at Patna, Danapur, and Buxar, among many others. Coaches include 2A, 3A, Sleeper, and General Second Class categories.
Two constables suffer minor injuries in hit and run case in Kakinada district
Divi's Labs Starts Commercial Operations At Kakinada Greenfield Project
The first phase of 'Export Oriented Unit' is being implemented on 200 acres of 500 acres Unit III site, with an estimated investment between Rs 1,200 crores to Rs 1,500 crore.
AP Cabinet Approves Projects Worth Rs 2,733 Cr for Amaravati
Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu sanctioned projects worth 2,733 crore for Amaravati, along with two works approved in the 44th meeting of the CRDA. It also approved the Municipal Act Amendment Ordinance, transferring the authority for issuing building permits and layouts to municipalities through an amendment to the law. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the creation of 19 new posts in the Pithapuram Area Development Authority. It also sanctioned the expansion of the ESI hospital in Tirupati to 100 beds and the construction of another 100-bed ESI hospital in Prathipadu mandal, Guntur district. The State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) investment proposals amounting to 1,82,162 crore were also approved. Discussions were held regarding the establishment of a BPCL refinery in Ramayapatnam and a green ammonia plant in Kakinada. The Cabinet gave its nod to set up wind and solar power plants in Nandyal, YSR, and Kurnool districts. The meeting also deliberated on allocating land for establishing a Home Ministry IR battalion in Chittoor district.
AP: Ganja smugglers run over cops after their vehicle gets stopped for inspection
In a shocking occurrence in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada, ganja smugglers ran over cops on New Year's eve after their vehicle was stopped for inspection. A CCTV clip of the incident was going viral on social media platforms sparking debates. The incident happened in Krishnavaram village of Kirlampudi mandal here in the district when two police constables stopped a vehicle on New Year's eve (Tuesday) for a routine check. The driver, who initially pretended to co-operate, swiftly accelerated his vehicle, injuring both the constables. A constable identified as Lovaraju fell unconscious with the hit and the other was seriously injured. Both the cops are currently getting treated at a hospital. Moreover, the clever smugglers abandoned the car on canal road near Rajanagaram and fled the area. However, the police caught them in West Godavari and confiscated the vehicle reportedly transporting Ganja. More details awaited.
Video: Suspected ganja smugglers run car over cops in Andhra
Hyderabad: CCTV footage has emerged showing a shocking incident in Krishnavaram village, Kirlampudi mandal, Kakinada district where suspected ganja smugglers reportedly ran over two police constables during a routine vehicle inspection on New Years Eve. The incident took place around 1:30 am when police stopped a car travelling from Visakhapatnam to Rajamahendravaram at a toll 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-Rajahmundry and Vice Versa Commute Turns Difficult
Kakinada: Passengers travelling by APSRTC buses between Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram and vice versa are facing great difficulties to reach their destinations, in particular during the morning and evening hours. RTC has started non-stop services between the two cities every 10 minutes, especially from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. These services are mostly taken by commuters going to schools and offices. However, the Rajamahendravaram non-stop services halt at Rajanagaram, Diwan Cheruvu (request stops), GSL Hospital and Lala Cheruvu, while Kakinada non-stop services stop at Samalkot bridge, Madhavapatnam and Pratap Nagar. During these morning and evening hours, there are also more than 500 buses belonging to various colleges and schools passing through the same route, apart from heavy vehicles. Such volume of vehicles is leading to frequent traffic jams at Madhavapatnam and railway over bridge at Samalkot. This is leading to abnormal delays in RTC buses reaching their destinations. As a result, many school going students and employees are facing enormous difficulties, particularly during the morning times, when they have to reach schools or work. To avoid such delay, RTC Kakinada depot manager Manohar said there are plans to divert the buses from Sarpavaram and Achampet junctions in the morning and evening hours, so that traffic jams at Madhavapatnam could be curtailed. But many of the passengers are not agreeable to this proposal. They feel that police officials could instead stop heavy vehicles, including school buses but excluding RTC buses, from getting on to the Madhavapatnam-Sarpavaram road. These vehicles should be diverted at Achampet junction, they feel. In view of such differences, the matter needs consideration by district superintendent of police Vikrant Patil and district collector S. Shan Mohan before a decision could be taken in overall interests.
SCR to Run Six Sankranti Specials to Kakinada
Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) in anticipation of the extra rush during Sankranti is to run six special trains across destinations from January 9 to 12. SCR authorities informed on Wednesday the trains include four services of Train No.s 07653 and 07654 Kacheguda to Kakinada. They will stop at Malkajgiri, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Nidadavolu, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations in both directions. Train No.s 07023 and 07024 Hyderabad to Kakinada will have special trains with two services. They will stop at Secunderabad, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Vijayawada, Gudivada, Kaikaluru, Akividu, Bhimavaram, Tanuku, Nidadavolu, Rajahmundry, Anaparti and Samalkot stations in both directions. These special trains will have 2AC, 3AC, sleeper class and general second sitting coaches. Bookings for the special trains will start at 10 am on Thursday.
Nuzvid police recover 2 kg of gold, arrest 5 thieves
Kakinada: Nuzvid police arrested five members of an inter-district gang and recovered 2 kg of gold ornaments worth Rs. 1.5 crore and 13 kg of silver ornaments worth Rs. 12 lakh. The total value of the recovered items is Rs. 1.62 crore. The gang, led by Thella Yesu from Eluru, had been involved in a series of burglaries across Eluru and surrounding areas over the past three years. The police used advanced surveillance to track the criminals' movements, leading to the arrest of the gang members. The gang, active between 2007 and 2016, targeted 43 houses across three districts. The arrested individuals were involved in 28 cases, including 11 each in Nuzvid and Pedavegi Circles, five in Eluru Sub-Division, and one in Polavaram Sub-Division. SP K. Prathap Shiva Kishore praised the police teams for their swift action.
West Godavari secures several awards for outstanding performance
Kakinada: West Godavari district has earned several awards for its performance in various sectors. The district was recognised for its efforts in Ayushman Bharat Digitalisation, with the medical and health department excelling in electronic health records digitisation. The Area Hospital at Tadepalligudem won the first prize of Rs. 10 lakh and the Kayakalpa award for sanitation and cleanliness. The district received five awards from the state government, including recognition for the Area Hospital and three Best Primary Health Centres. Hybrid vegetable cultivation on 24 hectares under Krishi Vikas Yojana and Oil-Palm plantation on 84 hectares were also highlighted. The district animal husbandry department succeeded in producing the first country-made Ongole breed via IVF. West Godavari secured second place in good governance and fifth in evaluation. The Panchayat Department won the Swachh Lakshit Ekai Award in 2024. Roads under Panchayat Raj and R&B departments are being developed with significant funding. District Joint Collector T. Rahul Kumar Reddy, District Revenue Officer M. Venkateswarlu, and others were present.
Cybercrime Losses in Kakinada Surge to Rs 26.57 Crore in 2024
Kakinada: The Kakinada district police headquarter would provide one drone to every police station under it as part of the efforts to bring down the crime rate in 2025. There is a significant increase in cyber crimes as well as general crimes like murders, house breakings etc in the present year. People lost `26.57 crore in total in various fraudulent deals, as against `8.32 crores in 2023. A total of `3.55 crore was frozen in this year against `2.24 crore last year. The police registered 55 Cyber Crime cases this year. The police received 2672 phone calls regarding such crimes. SP Vikrant Patil told the media here on Monday that an awareness campaign would be started in the district against cyber crime. Student fraternity and the public in the district would be enlightened on the subjects like digital arrest, stock market investment fraud, job frauds and KYC frauds. There has been a campaign on social media whatsapp groups and other platforms in this connection. He said women police would visit colleges, schools, villages, government and private offices and hold meetings to spread awareness about cyber safety and security in 2025. He quoted the records of 2024 to say that there were 28 murders in 2024. These were over issues like family disputes (6), sexual jealousy (8), petty disputes (6), apart from money dispute, previous dispute and property dispute. The cause of one murder was not known. The previous year, 21 murder cases were registered. This year, there were 56 attempted murder incidents as against 37 in 2023 and 642 simple hurt incidents against 492 in 2023. Patil said that there were 710 property offences this year, against 686 in 2023. However, he said the police achieved 65 per cent recovery rate and 71 per cent detection rate against 60 per cent and 66 per cent in 2023. There was an abnormal increase in crime against women. The district police registered 149 cases including 67 rape, 2 dowry death, 379 dowry harassment and 194 'outraging the modesty' cases. Patil said that there were notable detections in respect of one bank burglary. The police recovered 2.4 kilos of gold along with `4.5 lakh in cash and arrested 7 persons from other states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Sarpavaram police detected 21 house burglaries and recovered 12 gram of gold and 11kg of silver this year. Meanwhile, there was a mild decline in fatal road accidents. The accident deaths reported this year were 295 against 326 deaths in 2023. Some 601 non-fatal injuries were registered this year, against 635 in 2023. Patil said Tuni, Kirlampudi and Gandepalli have been identified as the hotspots for accidents in the district.
Clean Energy Projects in AP to Create 2.5 Lakh Jobs
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh would see the start of nine new projects with total investments of Rs 1.82 lakh crore and a job potential for 2,63,411 persons. The projects were approved at the state investment promotion board meeting chaired on Monday by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu at the Secretariat. Naidu directed the officials to ensure allotment of lands for new projects. A large number of investors are coming to AP, he claimed and stressed that the execution of the projects should be completed within the stipulated period. We shall attract more investments by providing incentives and subsidies to the industries sector, he said. It was informed at the meeting that Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) would set up a huge refinery with an investment of Rs 96,862 crore in 6,000 acres of land at Ramayapatnam in Nellore district. It has a job potential of 2,400 persons. In the next 20 years, the project will help generate an income of Rs 88,847 crore to AP, it is estimated. Tata Consultancy Services would set up a unit in a 2.08 lakh square feet area in Millenium Towers with an investment of `80 crore. This will have a job potential for 2,000 persons. Azad Mobility India Ltd would invest Rs 1,046 crore with a job potential for 2,381 persons. It would set up a unit in a 70.71 acre land at Gudipalli of Sri Satyasai district in a phased manner over the next six years. Balaji Action Buildwell Pvt Ltd would invest Rs 1,174 crore in a project that would offer employment opportunities to 1,500 persons at Rambilli in Anakapalli district. On clean energy, five new agencies would set up projects with a total investment of Rs 83,000 crore in AP. The clean energy sector would generate employment to nearly 2.5 lakh persons, the meeting was told. The AM Green Ammonia would invest Rs 12,000 crore with employment opportunities to 2,600 persons. Its unit would come up on a 592 acres site in Kakinada. The John Cockeril Green Hydrogen Solutions would invest Rs 2,000 crore by setting up its electrolyser manufacturing unit with two GW capacity in Kakinada. Tata Power Renewable Energy would invest Rs 2,00 crore with an offer of employment to 1,380 persons. The Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three would invest Rs 2,000 crore with employment to 650 persons. Reliance Industries would invest Rs 65,000 crore by setting up a set of 11,000 metric tonne capacity compressed biogas plants, some 500 of them, in five lakh acres spread over in the state. This is hoped to generate employment for 2.5 lakh persons. The project could generate an income of Rs 4,095 crore for AP, it is claimed.
Events, DJ Shows To Spice Up New Year Fete
Kakinada: Many hotels and resorts are making arrangements to celebrate the arrival of the New Year fete in a grand fashion. Though some of the hotels are campaigning to arrange DJ shows in the celebrations, it is said that they don't have qualified DJ shows. They are only engaging event organisers and selling tickets in the name of DJ Shows. A resort in Gollaprolu mandal has announced three ticket categories for its celebration. For Rs 1,500, unlimited meals will be provided, while Rs 2,500 tickets include food and liquor. The premium Rs 4,000 tickets offer private rooms and tables for an exclusive experience. In Kakinada, five hotels are organizing similar events, with DJ shows as their main attraction. However, professional DJs like Syam, a seasoned performer with over a decade of experience and training from a Mumbai institute, expressed dissatisfaction. Qualified DJs understand crowd management and safety measures. Unfortunately, many event managers are hiring untrained performers and falsely marketing their events as DJ shows, he said. Syam highlighted that some event organizers resort to using two or three live dancers or singers, who lack the skills and knowledge required to ensure a safe and engaging experience for attendees. This affects the reputation of genuine DJs. In tier-two cities like Kakinada, we see fewer crowds and less interest due to such mismanagement, he added. Despite these challenges, Syam is performing at a Kakinada hotel this New Year and notes how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the DJ scene. Gone are the days of lugging heavy sound equipment. With just an iPad or laptop, we can now create exceptional experiences, he explained. While the celeb
Beach Tourism to be Developed in AP
Kakinada: Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu has said the state government is keen on developing the states tourism sector. He along with labour minister Vasamsetti Subhash participated in a Volleyball championship held at the S Yanam beach in Uppalaguptam mandal on Sunday. Rama Naidu said the YSRC government had neglected sports and many talented youths could not get the right opportunities in the last five years. We planned to promote sports and tourism and will develop the beaches to attract more people to such places. Vasamsetti Subhash said that the previous government looted `150 crore in the name of Adudam Andhra. Amalapuram MLA Ananda Rao, P Gannavaram MLA Giddi Satyanarayana and others participated in the sports event.
AP: Fishermen Seeks Formation of Welfare Board
Kakinada : The Fishermen Welfare Association has urged the state government to set up the State Fisheries Development Board and protect the interests of the fishermen community. The community is residing in 555 villages across the coastal stretch spanning 975km in AP. Barring Rayalaseema, all other districts of AP abutting the sea coast. The association suggested diversion of the budgeted amount for fisheries welfare to the board. It also sought issuing of orders to the industrial units in the coastal districts to allocate to the board some 10 per cent of their funds earmarked for fisheries sector development. Convener of the Fishermen Parirakshana Samithi, Pesangi Adinarayana, said deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan was keen on helping the fishermen community. The oranisation requested PK to chart a programme for the welfare of the fishermen community. He said, Fishermen are spread over the areas of Krishna, Godavari, Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Penna, Tungabhadra, the lakes like Kolleru, Pulicat and the mangroves at Koringa, Visakhapatnam,Machilipatnam and Nellore. There are 14 sub-sects among the fishermen community like Vadabalija, Agnikula Kshatriya, Jalari, Bestha, Vanya Kula Kshatriya, Vanne Kapu, Vannereddy, Pallikapu, Vallireddy, Gangaputra, Goondla, Neyyapattapu, Vaddi, Palle etc. To develop these communities, a Welfare Board is a must. He proposed allocation of 10 per cent of the outlay of industries to the fisheries welfare board, and compensation to the fishermen from ONGC, Reliance, GSPC, the aquaculture and fisheries processing units, seafood factories etc and a 10 per cent cess towards funding for the board. Adinarayana said a law should be enacted to provide rights to fishermen on the sea and training given to them on new technology in fishing. Fishermen, he said, should also be provided education and medical facilities free of cost. He wants recognition of the fishermen community as a coastal tribe on the lines of the Schedule Tribes. Special educational institutions should be set up for the children of the fishermen community. He also requested the government to provide fishermen cold storage facilities to store the fish.
Physical fitness tests to fill constable posts from today till Jan 9
Kakinada: Physical fitness tests will be conducted for recruitment of constables at the Eluru District Police Armed Reserve Parade Grounds from December 30 to January 9. Special arrangements have been made for female candidates on January 3 and 4-2025. Announcing this, West Godavari SP Pratap Shiva Kishore has said these are as part of the recruitment process by the state government-level recruitment board. Some 4976 candidates including 979 women and 3997 men passed the physical fitness test out of those who have qualified in the written examination. The SP convened a meeting at Eluru on Sunday with his officers on the execution of systematic and efficient execution of the Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) as part of the recruitment process. He said the tests must be conducted in compliance with the instructions and regulations of the State Recruitment Board. The SP advised the officers to maintain proper queues for candidates entering the grounds and treat them with respect and patience. All personnel involved in the recruitment process must report to the ground ahead at the scheduled time every day. He highlighted the use of advanced technology and CCT surveillance to ensure transparency during the physical fitness tests. Kishore said candidates should bring tall the original certificates as mentioned in the notification. A failure to bring the required documents will result in disqualification from the tests. Along with the original certificates, candidates must also submit one set of attested photocopies. They should report at the specified time. Latecomers will not be allowed entry into the ground. Only the candidates will be allowed entry. The SP advised the candidates not to believe in promises from middlemen about placements. If there are such instances, please report the matter to the police. Strict action would be taken against them. Inform us by phone on 9550351100.
Participants unplug their talent at Kriya Childrens Festival in Kakinada
The JNTU-Kakinada campus is a beehive of activity as 8,500 students drawn from schools across the State participate in an array of activities during the two-day carnival organised by Kriya Society
1,320 tonnes of PDS rice unloaded from Stella L Ship
Kakinada: A total of 1320 tonnes of PDS rice unloaded from the Stella Ship on Sunday. Earlier on November 29, authorities found 640 tonnes of PDS rice in the ship. However, the inspection carried out by the multi-disciplinary committee confirmed the presence of another 680 tonnes of rice meant for the poor. While the Collector had inspected the ship on November 27 and found 640 tonnes of PDS rice, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan had visited the Kakinada anchorage port two days later on November 29, and ordered that the ship be seized. There was almost 4000 tonnes of white rice on the ship. We took 12 samples, and after testing and verifying them, we found that the ship had 1320 tonnes of PDS rice in total. The bags were from Satyam Balaji Rice Industries Pvt Ltd. We are tracking which mills they sourced the rice from, and which godowns they had stored it in, the Collector said. On November 29, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan made a visit to Kakinada Port and expressed anger over the port authorities and the local MLA for failing to check the smuggling of PDS rice. He had visited the port along with Civil Supplies Minister and Jana Sena Party leader Nandendla Manohar.
Three arrested in dead-body in parcel incident
Kakinada: The West Godavari police arrested three persons in connection with the bizarre incident where a dead body was sent in a parcel to a family last week. The case centred around a demand for family property. The three arrested persons were Tirumani Sridhar alias Sridhar Varma of Mallampudi in Bantumilli mandal of Krishna district; Penmatsa Sushma of Kesavaram in Ganapavaram mandal of West Godavari district; and Tirumani Revathi of Yendagandi village in Undi mandal. Police said the trio murdered Barre Parlayya of Sasali village, who was not connected with the case, and sent the body in a parcel. Based on a complaint from Mudunuru Hymavathi, who received the parcel, the Undi police registered a case. Police said Varma had married two women by using different names, and was in a relationship with Penmatsa Sushma. Varma managed to keep his illicit relations a secret till recently. Police said Hymavathi, the complainant, and Rangaraju had two daughters, Tulasi and Revathi, one of the secret wives of Varma. The parents had given both the daughters 0.5 acres of land, and kept 1.4 acres for themselves. Varma was trying to grab the property of Tulasi and her parents, according to West Godavari SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi. Tulasi had separated from her husband after 11 years of marriage, and was living with her daughter after quarrelling with her parents. Varma and Revathi told Hymavathi that black magic was involved in Tulasis marriage breaking down and for her being in debt. Revathi threatened her mother Hymavathi and sister Tulasi that creditors would kill the former husband of Tulasi and deliver a dead body to them. As part of the plan, Varma and Sushma, his girlfriend, lured Parlayya with liquor and murdered him. Varma purchased a coffin, placed Parlayyas coffin in it and mailed it to Tulasi, along with a letter demanding `1.3 crore on December 13. Varma then went to Tulasi and her parents and offered to dispose of the body. In exchange, they should give him their property. SP Asmi said special teams led by Bhimavaram DSP R.G. Jaya Surya, Akiveedu CI Jagadeeswara Rao and other officials unraveled the case.
Drone Surveillance at JNTUK Campus
Kakinada: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada has undertaken three prestigious projects to create an atmosphere conducive to research and innovation. Firstly, a drone purchased at a cost of Rs.10 lakh will be deployed in the air for an hour every day. Its cameras will scan every nook and corner to detect anti-social activities, if any, on the campus. JNTUK vice chancellor-incharge, Muralikrishna said that the drone flight service will detect those who openly drink alcohol, use cigarettes or do any other anti-social activity. Besides, a drone manufacturing organisation will send its personnel to teach the students how drones are manufactured and deployed. Secondly, a Humanoid will be deployed on the University campus to greet visitors with a Hello. It would perform simple tasks like picking garbage and providing drinking water to the visitors. It will be bought for Rs.10 lakh and such equipment would also be manufactured at the university. A third project is for generation of Wealth from Waste. For the past four decades, four rooms of the electrical department have been filled with electrical waste. The University would set up a museum on the campus for these outdated products.
Officials told to take action against SC, ST Atrocity accused
Kakinada :Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district collector R. Mahesh Kumar stressed the need for stringent action against the accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Prevention Act. Addressing the SC/ST Vigilance and Monitoring Committee district-level meeting held at Amalapuram on Thursday, he urged revenue and police officials to conduct thorough field-level investigations and expedite inquiries. He advised committee members to ensure justice for victims and reiterated that SC and ST individuals should not face injustice in these cases. Tahsildars were directed to issue caste certificates without causing hindrances. The collector noted that 95 cases were registered in the district, with 49 cases in the charge sheet phase and two in the post-mortem stage. A total compensation of 30 lakh has been paid out of 81.25 lakh sanctioned. He also announced the sanctioning of an SC/ST court for Konaseema District, which is expected to expedite justice for victims. Officials were instructed to provide loans, government schemes, and 100 days of employment under NREGS to victims. Joint Collector T. Nishanthi, Admin Superintendent of Police Prasad, DRO in-charge K. Madhavi, and others were present.
Eluru Range DIG inspects police stations
Kakinada: Eluru Range DIG G.V.G. Ashok Kumar inspected the Peddapuram Division Police Office, Kakinada Rural Circle Office, and Karapa Police Station on Thursday. Speaking to the media, he stated that the police are employing drone technology to identify anti-social elements and ganja smugglers. He clarified that there is no ganja cultivation in the Peddapuram Division, despite its proximity to some border villages of the agency area. Measures have been taken to curb the transport of ganja from the agency area. He noted that two murders occurred in the Peddapuram and Kakinada Divisions, each stemming from disputes. He instructed police officials to expedite investigations to ensure justice for the victims and convictions for the accused. The District Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil, Kakinada Rural Circle Inspector D. Chaitanya Krishna, and others were present.
Low-Pressure weakens, squally winds hit Coastal AP
Visakhapatnam :A low-pressure area that formed over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has weakened but continues to influence the region. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 1.5 km above mean sea level, with squally winds expected to reach speeds of 3040 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, over Coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP). The temperature in several locations has risen, with reports indicating the following maximum temperatures over the past 24 hours: Visakhapatnam (28.2C), Amaravati (30.0C), Kalingapatnam (26.5C), Bapatla (28.1C), Kadapa (27.2C), and Kakinada (28.9C).
Notable Increase in APs Mangrove Cover
Visakhapatnam: The mangrove cover in Andhra Pradesh shows a substantial increase, reflecting effective conservation efforts and a commitment to environmental sustainability. As per the latest raster-based assessment, the mangrove area in the state a year ago was 421.43sq-km, an increase from 408.42sq-km in 2021. This growth of 13.01sq-km can be attributed to natural regeneration, plantation initiatives, conservation activities and the identification of previously unaccounted mangrove patches. The district-wise assessment is as follows: Bapatla: In 2021, the mangrove composition included 35.25 km of Moderately Dense Mangrove and 35.82 km of Open Mangrove, totalling 71.07 km. By 2023, these figures reflect 35.26 km of Moderately Dense Mangrove and 37.66 km of Open Mangrove, resulting in a total of 72.92 km -- a net increase of 1.85 km. Eluru: The mangrove cover remains unchanged from 2021 to 2023, with an indication of 0.02 km of Open Mangrove in both assessments. Kakinada: The 2021 data show 79.17 km of moderately dense mangrove and 33.60 km of Open Mangrove, equating to a total of 112.77 km. In 2023, the figures were consistent for moderately dense mangroves and show an increase in Open Mangrove to 34.62 km, resulting in a total of 113.79 km, signifying an increase of 1.02 km. Konaseema: The assessment indicates a decrease in mangrove cover, with a decline from 75.09 km in 2021 (47.08 km moderately dense and 28.01 km Open) to 74.42 km in 2023 (46.95 km moderately dense and 27.47 km Open), reflecting a decrease of 0.67 km. Krishna: The data from 2021 shows 49.43km of moderately dense mangrove and 89.14km of Open Mangrove, totalling 138.57 km. By 2023, these figures had improved to 50.74km of moderately dense mangrove and 97.71 km of Open Mangrove, resulting in a total of 148.45 km, indicating a significant increase of 9.88 km. Prakasam: The mangrove cover reported in 2021 was 0.69 km, comprising 0.09 km of moderately dense mangrove and 0.60 km of Open Mangrove. The 2023 assessment shows a slight increase to 0.75 km, with 0.09 km of moderately dense mangrove and 0.66 km of Open Mangrove. Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore: In 2021, the district reported 8.65km (1.61km Moderately Dense and 7.04km Open). In 2023, the total slightly increased to 8.66km, with 1.59km of Moderately Dense Mangrove and 7.07km of Open Mangrove. Srikakulam: The assessment shows an increase from 0.28 km of Moderately Dense Mangrove in 2021 to 0.82km of Open Mangrove in 2023, reflecting a notable increase of 0.54km. Tirupati: In 2021, the reported mangrove cover was 1.23km (0.10km Moderately Dense and 1.13km Open). The 2023 data indicate a total of 1.29km, with 0.10km of Moderately Dense Mangrove and 1.19km of Open Mangrove, an increase by 0.06 km. Visakhapatnam: The assessment reveals an increase in Open Mangrove from 0.05km in 2021 to 0.31km in 2023, marking a rise of 0.26km. The notable increase of 13km in Andhra Pradesh underscores the success of targeted conservation strategies, particularly within the districts of Krishna, Bapatla and Kakinada. These initiatives foster local biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and safeguard coastal communities, an official release here on Thursday noted.
Flags of 194 Countries Unfurled at JNTUK
Kakinada: Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK), K.V.S.G. Muralikrishna, unfurled the flags of 194 countries recognised by the United Nations at the university on Wednesday. The initiative, titled Walk with Nations, aimed to unite global diversity. Badam Sundara Rao, an alumnus, took the initiative for the UNO Flags Icon, inspired by Geneva, Switzerland. Muralikrishna highlighted that JNTUK is the sixth university globally, after Geneva, New York, Seoul, Shanghai, and Santo Domingo, to install these iconic flags. Each flag features a QR code, providing details about the countrys population, currency, and other information. Muralikrishna expressed that the installation would become a future tourism spot, allowing visitors and students to take selfies with the flags. The event was attended by University Rector K.V. Ramana, OSD D. Koteswara Rao, and former Vice Chancellors.
Christmas Celebrations Grandly Held in Godavari Districts
Kakinada: Christmas celebrations were held on a grand scale across the Godavari districts on Wednesday. Churches were filled with Christians, and the atmosphere was one of joy, love, and togetherness. Christians decorated their homes with handmade crafts, sparkling lights, and Santa Claus toys. The churches were adorned with vibrant lighting, and pastors led prayers, praising the Lord. Telugu Desam leader G. Chandra Mouli in Kakinada celebrated Christmas by distributing cakes to the people. Many churchgoers also distributed cakes to passersby, stopping vehicles along the way, while children were delighted by Santa Claus figures. District Collectors S. Shan Mohan (Kakinada), R. Mahesh Kumar (Konaseema), P. Prashanthi (East Godavari), Ch. Nagarani (West Godavari), K. Vetri Selvi (Eluru), and Ministers Kandula Durgesh and Vasamshetti Subhash participated in the Christmas celebrations and extended their greetings to Christians in their respective areas.
Auditor Aditya Sarma conferred with Chaganti Puraska
Kakinada: Eminent Chartered Accountant and Auditor Tadepalli Adithya Sarma was honoured with the Chaganti Puraskar by government advisor to Students, Ethics and Moral Values for Andhra Pradesh, Chaganti Koteswara Rao.Mr. Koteswara Rao introduced the award in the name of Dharmanusthanarishta and praised Adithya Sarma for his significant contributions to society, both philosophically and academically. He highlighted Sarmas efforts in supporting 120 students at Ananda Nilayam, providing them with books and other essential resources. Sarma has received numerous awards from the government and various organisations for his services.
Weather System Over Bay of Bengal Set to Weaken
A low-pressure area is likely to form over central parts of south Bay of Bengal during Monday. (Representional Image) A low-pressure area is likely to form over central parts of south Bay of Bengal during Monday. (Representional Image) Visakhapatnam: A well-marked low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, near the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu coasts, is expected to weaken within the next 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Departments (IMD) latest update. IMD Amaravati has forecast rainfall of varying intensities across different districts over the next week. In North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Vizianagaram districts are likely to witness isolated heavy rainfall, with diminishing intensity in the coming days. Meanwhile, the South Coastal region, particularly SPSR Nellore, is on alert for isolated heavy rainfall on December 26. Other districts, including Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam, are expected to remain largely dry. Recent meteorological data shows Kalingapatnam recording the highest rainfall at 3.0 mm over the past 24 hours, followed by Ongole at 1.0 mm. Amaravati and Kavali registered 0.3 mm each. Temperature variations were notable, with Kalingapatnam at 22.0C, Visakhapatnam at 23.7C, Kadapa at 24.4C, Tirupati at 25.2C, and Kakinada at 26.2C. The IMD continues to monitor the system closely and has advised caution in areas likely to experience heavy rainfall.
Online Markets Severely Impacting Rural, Semi-Urban Traders
Kakinada: Rise of online markets has significantly impacted local traders, particularly in rural areas. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous, even customers in villages are increasingly placing online orders for goods like readymade garments, saris, clothes and other products. This increasing trend has exacerbated the difficulties faced by rural traders. They are struggling to compete with the variety offered by online shopping platforms. As a result, many local businesses are facing severe financial challenges. Some have even shut due to a lack of customers. Says Y. Srinivas of Annavaram, Online delivery boys are going to rural areas 78 times daily. Previously, shoppers reached shops at the nearest mandal headquarters, towns or cities. But now they are using phones to view the products, examine various varieties and prices, place their orders, and are getting deliveries. This is causing a great loss to local traders, he explained. Srinivas said some of the traders in Tuni town have closed their shops. But many still have hopes whenever festivals arrive. A shop owner in Annavaram sold clothes worth Rs 12 lakhs during the Christmas season. But he could do business worth only Rs 7,000 this Christmas. If the Sankranthi festival does not bring him the expected sales, he will close his outlet, Srinivas remarked. However, some of the traders are attracting customers by offering them credit. It is said they are thus able to keep their business running. V.N. Raju of Rajanagaram mandal said he is working from home in his village. He is placing orders online for Kirana goods and clothes, as well as medicines for his family members. Observing him, many of his neighbours are adopting the same practice. The situation reflects the broader economic pressures caused by e-commerce, which has disrupted traditional retail businesses, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. Their customers are turning to online platforms for variety, and often lower prices. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to compete with the reach and flexibility of e-commerce. If the current trend continues, many traders will be left with no choice but to close their operations.
Moderate rainfall in AP for next three days
Vijayawada: A severe low pressure area continues to develop over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that this low pressure is gradually moving west-southwestwards and will weaken by Wednesday. Due to these weather conditions, rains and thunderstorms are expected to occur over the next three days, particularly in Nellore, Chittoor, Prakasam, and Sri Potti Sriramulu districts on Wednesday. The IMD has issued a warning for fishermen, advising them not to venture into the sea on December 25. Rainfall is expected to decrease after Saturday, December 28. On Tuesday, December 24, districts including East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Alluri Seetharamaraju, Vizianagaram, Krishna, Bapatla, and Eluru received light rain, accompanied by cold winds. Minimum temperatures across the state have fallen by 3 to 7 degrees, with areas such as Nandigama, Gannavaram, Lingapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Tuni, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Bapatla, Ongole, Kavali, Nellore, and Tirupati experiencing cold conditions. The temperatures in the Telugu states have remained at their lowest levels in the last 10 to 15 days due to the impact of the low pressure system.
26-year-old Brahma Samaj Mandir in pathetic condition
Kakinada: The 126-year-old Ome Building, built by the Brahma Samaj with inspiration from Raja Rammohan Roy, is in a state of decadence. The structure is variously known as Andhra Brahmopasana Mandir, Ome Building, and other names in the historical Kakinada city. The heritage building used to be filled with people, but it draws little attention now. The building started functioning in Kakinada in 1898. Brahmos believe in one God (Ekeshwar), who has no name. Hence, the Mandiram has no idol in it for worship. It was constructed by the Maharaja of the Pithapuram Sansthan, RVKM Surarao Bahadur, under the guidance of his mentor and father-figure Raghupathi Venkata Rantam Naidu, the first elected vice-chancellor of Madras University and later the principal of PR College, Kakinada. He built the Mandir with a combination of the architectural styles of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Atop the Mandir, the sacred universal letter OM is prominently displayed. The Mandir was built to emphasize the faith of universalism and brotherhood and to invite all irrespective of their caste, creed, and religion to come together to offer prayers. The renowned philanthropist from the Brahmo Samaj in Calcutta, Hemachandra Sircar, inaugurated the building. Brahmos and intellectuals from all over the country attended the opening ceremony. The Pithapuram Raja, Rao Bahadur Surya Rao, dedicated the building to the Kakinada people. After the demise of Raghupathi Venkata Ratnam Naidu in 1939, his mortal remains were preserved in a marble urn at the Memorial Pavilion built behind the Mandir. Prayers, public meetings, conferences, and inter-caste marriages used to be held in the Mandir, notes INTAC East Godavari district convener, VVVLN Murthy, the author of several books on Indian Architecture. Environmentalists T Rajya Lakshmi and her husband Sashibhushan used to look after the building until they died. In later years, the building underwent no maintenance. Notably, in 2010, the me building was handed over to the AP archaeological department. Its assistant director K Thimma Raju told the Deccan Chronicle that the building was in a dilapidated condition. The department has sent proposals to the government for an allotment of `1 crore for its renovation. A sum of `5.5 lakh is needed for temporary repairs to protect the structure to some extent, he said and added that the proposals were submitted to the district collector. Meanwhile, the People's World Commission for Drought and Flood, led by Jana Sena leader Bolisetty Satyanarayana took up the protection of the building to some extent and formed a committee. Rotarian L.V.V. Satyanarayan and Dr. Chitla Kiran took the initiative of removing the bushes and clearing the approach path to the Mandir for passage. They are taking up other activities too to preserve the monument. INTACH leader V.V.V.L.N. Murthy suggests that the worthies of Kakinada like poets, authors, and others should convene their meetings in the Mandir as it was conceived and established as the Balajicheruvuthe heart of the Kakinada City.
After Pawans raid, PDS rice now being diverted to poultry farms
Since PDS rice is filled in distinctive gunny bags, the cheats took the precaution of putting some of the rice in other gunny bags so that it would not be noticed during transportation. Since PDS rice is filled in distinctive gunny bags, the cheats took the precaution of putting some of the rice in other gunny bags so that it would not be noticed during transportation. Kakinada :Rice millers in Andhra Pradesh and exporters have stopped buying the rice supplied through the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the aftermath of raids on rice mills and warehouses, where it could be stored for exports. However, this has not led to ration shop dealers not purchasing PDS rice from beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh. They are continuing to buy the PDS rice, which they are now selling to poultry farms, though at lesser profits. According to sources, some of the poultry farms are buying PDS rice from ration dealers at 20 per kilo, as their feed cost. like that of maize purchased by farm owners, has increased abnormally. PDS rice thus purchased is being turned into flour or broken rice and fed to the birds, along with millets and rice bran. There are also some enterprising entrepreneurs, who are purchasing the PDS rice, mixing it with jowar, rice bran and cheap millets, which is being powdered. The same is being sold to poultry farm owners for 30,000 per tonne or 3035 per kilo. Civil supplies and police officials are not paying attention to poultry farms for detecting the PDS rice. Sources said ration dealers and rice traders have formed a network for purchasing the PDS from beneficiaries and selling the same to poultry farmers or intermediaries for making money. Of late, rice millers have started facing another problem of authorities raiding their units and questioning them about the broken rice they are storing. The millers are coming under pressure, with officers alleging that the millers have broken down the PDS rice and are exporting the same through intermediaries. This is not correct, millers say. Kakinada District Rice Millers Association president N. Ramakrishna said they also mill customised rice that the FCI authorities mix with protein kernels. These protein kennels can be found in the broken rice being exported to other countries. A rice miller pointed out that broken rice is cheaper than raw rice. No rice miller will turn raw rice into broken rice, he maintained.
Police should have Provided Security for Allu Arjun: Purandeswari
Kakinada: BJP state president and Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari criticised Hyderabad police for failing to provide security for actor Allu Arjun during his theatre visit, citing his celebrity status. She confirmed a probe into the security lapse and suggested discussions between the Telangana film industry and the state government to resolve ongoing issues. Speaking to reporters, Purandeswari accused the Congress of twice defeating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in elections and forcing his resignation from the Cabinet. She contrasted this with BJP-led NDA initiatives, including declaring Ambedkars residences as Pancha Teerthas, granting constitutional status to the BC Commission, and providing 33% reservations for women. Highlighting local development, she mentioned efforts to modernise Rajamahendravaram Railway Station and address Yerra Kalva flooding. Purandeswari also announced BJPs growth to 25 lakh members, with more joining to honour late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Steam rice as an alternative to arrest PDS rice sales
Kakinada: Rice millers and scientists have advised the Andhra Pradesh government to supply steam rice instead of the present raw rice to beneficiaries of White card holders under the Public Distribution System (PDS). They say the raw rice supplied now is not being consumed by the beneficiaries. According to sources, the farmers and others in rural areas used to consume the common variety of rice. Now, the consumption of superfine varieties is high in cities as well as in rural areas. Most of the beneficiaries in towns and villages are not consuming the PDS rice. Yet, however, the Food Corporation of India under the guidelines of the central government mixes the protein kennels in the rice. The PDS consumers are complaining that they are suffering from stomach pain and other problems due to this and that their children are not consuming it. In the present situation, many PDS beneficiaries are selling their quota of rice to the ration dealer or other rice traders at a low rate of `12 to `15 per kilo and buying a super fine variety of rice in the malls or kirana bazaars at a rate of more than `50 per kilo. Now, the state government is taking action against the PDS rice trade after the seizure of stocks for export, and this has caused a sensation. A rice mill marketing manager in Konaseema district said many people are buying rice from malls and rice shops at the rate of more than `50. In fact, the rice is not a superfine variety but a common variety that is supplied to the PDS. The rice miller milling the common variety of rice as steam (half-boiled) rice and sells it in the market. Consumers are buying it, mistaking it as a superfine variety. To curb the PDS circulation in the market as also its export, the government should immediately go for steam rice milling and supply it to the beneficiaries. 90 percent of beneficiaries wont sell it as they want it, it is proposed. According to a farmer of upland, previously, after the paddy harvest, farmers used to dry paddy for two or three months and later mill it and consume it, or sell the paddy to the rice mills. Now, fresh paddy is sold in the field itself as soon as harvesting is done. Kakinada district Rice Millers Association president Nunna Ramakrishna said if the government introduced the distribution of steam rice to the beneficiaries, it would be useful to them and hence they would not sell it. A proposal to this effect has been placed before the government. He said the custom milling price will also not be high. Only `30 per quintal has to be borne by the government additionally on the present payment of `120 per quintal to the rice millers. Principal scientist of the district agriculture advisory and transforming technology centre (DAATT) M Srinivas told Deccan Chronicle that even farmers are not also consuming their own rice. They are selling the entire crop and purchasing rice from the market. He said all varieties of paddy are not suitable for steam rice milling. MTU 1318, MTU 1064 (Amar), MTU 1061 (Indra), 1075 (Pushyami), and other varieties are suitable for steam milling.
West Godavari Police, Family Identify Body in Parcel; Probe Continuing
Kakinada : The West Godavari police has identified the body found in a parcel box recently as of Barre Parlayya (45) of Gandhnagar in Kalla Mandal of West Godavari district. The family members of the deceased identified the body on Monday. In the Postmortem report, it was found that Parlayya was strangled to death. SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi told Deccan Chronicle , on the basis of investigations, that the murder-accused is Sridhar Varma. He and his first wife Rani hired Parlayya and took him to their farmland of 1.71 acres to clean the area. Later, Varma took Parlayya by bike from the farmland. The police teams have begun the investigations on the identity of the body, after it was found in a parcel at a home at Yendagandi village of Undi mandal. The police would send DNA of the deceaseds wife and his two sons and also his brother, for tests, to get complete evidence. The SP said that the signature of the letter found in the parcel along with the body matched with the writing of Jayalakshmi, another living partner of the accused Sridhar Varma. He said that on the day the parcel came, Varma and Jayalakshmi suspected to have fled from the area in a red car, whose licence plate was a fake one. Police suspect that the accused planned the murder and escaped soon after the incident. Surprisingly, the parents of the accused did not know that their son Varma married Revathi. Police teams are gathering evidence and searching for the accused. Fifteen police teams have been formed to trace the accused. Meanwhile, according to sources, the police were interrogating the parents of Sridhar Varma, and the house owner Tulas and her parents to clues to the murder. .
15 Held in Dead Body Parcel Case in West Godavari
Kakinada: West Godavari district police are investigating the case of a dead body parcel sent to a woman in Yendagandi village, Undi mandal, West Godavari. Superintendent of Police Adnan Nayeem Asmi has formed 11 teams to trace the accused. Sources indicate that more than 15 individuals have been taken into custody, and police are currently interrogating them. Bhimavaram DSP R.G. Jaya Surya, Akiveedu Circle Inspector Jagadeeswara Rao, and other officials are closely overseeing the investigation. The incident occurred on October 20, when a woman in Yendagandi village received the parcel containing the dead body.
Rajamahendravaram to Become Sports Hub
Kakinada: The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A. Ravinaidu announced that Rajamahendravaram would soon become a sports hub, with infrastructure developments and multi-sports complexes planned to host the National Games. Ravinaidu, alongside Rajanagaram MLA Bathula Bala Ramakrishna, Rajamahendravaram MLA Adireddy Srinivas, and Rajamahendravaram Rural MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, visited and inspected sports complex grounds on Sunday. He revealed that a multipurpose indoor stadium, sports complexes, and arenas are being developed at a cost of 58.5 crore, funded by the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation, SAAP, and MLA funds. Ravinaidu praised the states sports policy, which he described as the best in the country. He also criticised the previous government for neglecting sports centres and infrastructure projects initiated by the TDP government. The Chairman urged officials to ensure that sports facilities under construction at Nannayya University are completed by March 2025. University Vice Chancellor Y. Srinivasa Rao was also present at the inspection.
350 Acres Identified at Kotipalli for Industries in AP: Minister Subhash
Kakinada: Labour minister Vasamsetti Subhash on Sunday said 350 acres have been identified near Kotipalli ferry to set up industries while six acres earmarked at Ramachandrapuram for setting up industrial units to be eventually allotted to 125 widows in the constituency. Participating as a chief guest in a Speed of Doing Business meeting in Konaseema at Ramachandrapuram on Sunday, Subhash said with the hectic efforts of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and human resources minister N. Lokesh, Rs 1.50 lakh crore investments has come to Andhra Pradesh and the government has recognised the tourism sector as Industry. He said that the government aimed at making one member of a family an industrialist to achieve the 2047 Swarnadhra Vision goal. He said a blood bank would be set up at Ramachandrapuram and one ``Eat Street and an orphan home would be set up in each mandal in the constituency. He called upon youths to come forward to establish industries by investing in skill development. He said the Speed of Doing Business meeting started from Ramachandrapuram constituency as Konaseema is the most convenient place for setting up of industries. He aimed at making young entrepreneurs in the district by encouraging people to set up industrial units in every constituency and providing bank linkages to them. He said youths should come forward and the government would take the responsibility of providing facilities to them. Konaseema district collector R. Mahesh Kumar said the government encourages youths to establish industries through MSME and many youths in the district are exhibiting enthusiasm to set up the industrial units. Kothapeta MLA Bandaru Satyananda Rao, revenue divisional officer Akhila, Ramachandrapuram tahsildar M. Savitri, medical officer Ashlesha and others were present at the meeting.
