Rising rice prices spur anxiety in Visakhapatnam
Naveen Condemns BJP Over Satyabadi Block Office Vandalism, Warns Odisha
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday strongly condemned an alleged incident of violence at the Satyabadi block government office in Puri district, accusing BJP workers of entering the premises and creating chaos. In a post on X, Patnaik said the incident had disturbed the people of Odisha and [] The post Naveen Condemns BJP Over Satyabadi Block Office Vandalism, Warns Odishas Peace Is Under Threat appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Development of party its main agenda: Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik targets BJP govt
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (IANS) Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday targeted the BJP-led Odisha government, alleging that the previous BJD government had prioritised the development of Odisha, while the present government was concerned only with the development of the ruling party. The BJD supremo made the remarks while addressing a gathering during the Jana Samparka Padyatra organised by the regional party in the Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering during the programme, LoP Patnaik said, During the BJD government, Odishas development was our number one agenda, but under this double-engine government, their partys development is their main agenda, not Odishas. Patnaik further stated that people from all sections of society were facing difficulties under the present government. Farmers, women, elderly people, the poor and the middle class were all suffering, while the future of Gen Z was uncertain, he alleged. Prices of essential commodities were rising continuously, causing hardship to people, but the government remained indifferent to their problems, Patnaik alleged. Taking a dig at the state government, he said Odisha under the current BJP-led government is ranked number one in the country in terms of incompetence. Patnaik urged party workers to stay connected with the people and expose what he described as the failures of the state government. He advised the party workers to take the failures of the double-engine government to every household and create awareness among the people. Former minister Ashok Panda, MLAs Sushant Rout and Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das and Manmath Routray also addressed the gathering and strongly criticised the state government. MP Shubhashish Khuntia and Begunia MLA Pradip Sahu were among those present. Local corporator Bharat Lenka delivered the vote of thanks. The programme also witnessed a large gathering of people. It is worth noting that the public outreach march by BJD, which began on October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, will continue until November 2.
Schedule for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh announced
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 14 (IANS) Elections for 100 Urban Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh will be held on October 28, while Gram Panchayat elections will be conducted in three phases in November-December. The State Election Commission on Wednesday announced the poll schedule for the Urban and Rural Local Bodies. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha announced that the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect. The announcement of the schedule came after the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department furnished the Gazette Notifications containing the particulars of reservations to the seats and offices in Urban Local Bodies to the State Election Commission, along with readiness for the conduct of the elections. Out of 123 Urban Local Bodies, the Commission has issued notifications for conduct of elections to 100 Urban Local Bodies (13 Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats). Elections have not been notified yet for the remaining 23 Urban Local Bodies (4 Municipal Corporations and 19 Municipalities/ Nagar Panchayats) as the pre-election activities for them are underway. Polling will be held for Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), Vizianagaram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapuram Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats. The Commission also announced that elections to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) will be held on November 3. The Gram Panchayat elections will be conducted in 3 phases November 26, November 29 and December 2. The State Election Commission issued the notification for elections to 100 ULBs. The nominations will be accepted till October 18, while scrutiny of nominations will be undertaken on October 19. According to the schedule, October 21 will be the last date for withdrawal of candidates. Polling will be held on October 28, while counting of votes will be taken up on October 30. For MPTC and ZPTC elections, the notification will be issued on October 19. Nominations will be received till October 23, while scrutiny of nominations will be taken up the next day. October 27 is the last date for withdrawal of candidates. Polling will be held on November 3, while results will be declared on November 5. Counting of votes for Gram Panchayats will be taken up immediately after completion of polling in all three phases.
Chausa Ramleela row ends after officials intervene
Criminal shot in leg during exchange of fire with police in Fatuha
BJD Holds Massive Padayatra in Bhubaneswar, Targets Govt over Inflation
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday organised a high-intensity Janasamparka Padayatra (Mass Contact Rally) in the Bhubaneswar Middle Assembly constituency, drawing a massive gathering of party workers and local citizens. Addressing the large assembly, BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the ruling government, accusing it of utter [] The post BJD Holds Massive Padayatra in Bhubaneswar, Targets Govt over Inflation appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
India must seek UNESCO tag for ports to mark oceanic journeys of girmitiyas: Fiji envoy
Fiji's High Commissioner to India, Jagnnath Sami, has urged the Centre to consider seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition for Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Madras ports to commemorate the historic journeys of Indian indentured labourers, known as girmitiyas. He also called for India and Fiji to collaborate on preserving archives and documenting their shared heritage.
HC Overturns Attempted Rape Conviction
The Patna High Court has set aside a man's conviction for attempted rape of a widow due to insufficient evidence, but upheld his conviction for assaulting her with intent to outrage her modesty and house trespass. The court directed him to pay a Rs 25,000 fine to the victim as compensation.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 14
Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special For Diwali, Chhath: Route, Stops And Fare
Indian Railways has announced a 16-coach Vande Bharat Festival Special train equipped with modern amenities between the national capital Delhi and Bihar's capital, Patna.
Govt to roll out data centre policy as concerns grow over power use
The move follows protests by residents in cities such as Mumbai and Visakhapatnam against data centres planned by Amazon and Google over concerns including water and electricity use
AI skills redraw entry-level jobs map
Indias IT-BPM sector is set to revive fresher hiring after a sharp contraction, but the recovery is rewiring the skills companies seek in graduates.Fresher hiring in the sector is projected to rise to up to 2.1 lakh in FY27, after falling to an estimated 1.75 lakh in FY26 from 4 lakh in FY22, according to technology consulting and talent advisory firm HAN Digitals IT-BPM Graduate Hiring Outlook 2027.However, demand is increasingly shifting towards artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data engineering, cybersecurity and other specialised technology roles, away from conventional entry-level coding and business process outsourcing jobs.IT Services players will remain the largest employers of the sectors freshers, accounting for about 60% of hires, though growth now will be concentrated in AI-adjacent and specialised roles.GCCs are the fastest-growing channel, expected to recruit 28% of talent as they expand intake into Tier II/III cities. Pure-play BPOs share keeps shrinking, mirroring the shift from routine execution to specialised, AI-adjacent work.The rise in fresher hiring reflects a structural reset in how IT services firms are building their talent pyramid, said Saravanan Balasundaram, CEO, HAN Digital Solution.As system integrators and IT Service providers sign more AI, data engineering and AI-enabled deals with existing and new clients, the bench capacity reduced by layoffs over the last few years can no longer absorb the demand, he said. At the same time, new AI roles in data engineering, AI testing, annotation and model operations are opening up at the base of the pyramid, where AI-ready graduates can be skilled and deployed at scale, while mid-level hiring in the four+ years band remains under cost and productivity pressure.The shift is changing expectations from new recruits. As AI tools take over parts of routine coding, testing and repetitive tasks, employers increasingly want graduates who can work with AI systems, validate their outputs and apply technology to business problems.The skillsets that companies are hiring for are definitely changing, said Sangeeta Gupta, senior VP, Nasscom. Its much more focused on AI capabilities there are new jobs that are also opening up with data centres coming up.The traditional model of bulk hiring, six months of training and deployment is also changing. The new kind of freshers companies need are AI-native, she said.This change is also visible in salaries. Freshers with AI-allied skills can command significantly higher pay, indicating that employers are increasingly paying for specialised skills rather than graduate headcount alone.Indias Tier-1 IT Services players 2027 fresher model offers Rs 1222 lakh for select specialised engineers in AI, data engineering, cybersecurity and enterprise tech as the premium shifts toward specialised technology capability, found the report.This would never happen in the past, said Gupta, citing Infosys plan to offer up to Rs 21 lakh for certain specialised tech roles. Entry-level salaries across ITeS meanwhile have largely stagnated at Rs 3-4 lakh for years.Recruitment geography is widening too. Bengaluru remains the leading fresher destination, accounting for an estimated 25% of onboarding, followed by Delhi-NCR at 17%, Hyderabad at 16%, Chennai at 15% and Mumbai and Pune at 10% each. Yet, Tier 2/3 corridors are outpacing metro growth, albeit on a smaller base, at 35% year-on-year.Coimbatore, Jaipur, Kochi, Indore, Ahmedabad, and Visakhapatnam are attracting freshers via local GCC centres and IT services players seeking lower-cost talent pools beyond major metros.
CtrlS to invest 10,000 crore in Bihar to strengthen digital infrastructure
The companys 400-crore AI and cloud-ready data centre in Patna was formally inaugurated on Tuesday and currently offers an IT load of 12 MW with the potential to expand per-future demand.
Lying atop woman, sans backing proof, can't be held as rape: Patna high court
Visakhapatnam: Three Arrested in Woman's Death Over Dowry Harassment
According to reports, Srivani, daughter of Gudu Sadhu Rao, a resident of the BHPV area, married Malla Mukunda Vijay in 2022. The couple have a two-year-old daughter.
Lekka porani kamna CMLEAD Fellowship-ko sorkari a
SHILLONG: Adoko lekka porako namdapatna gita Chief Ministers Leadership in Education & Development (CMLEAD) Fellowship-ko adok sorkari abachengataha aro ia program-na seoka mangipa chadamberangko kamo rimnapna gita Mongolbar salo, Induction Ceremony-ko Shillong-o Chief Minister-ni dongchakgipa noko ongatangaha. Ia program-ko ongatanio adokni Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, seoka mangipa chadamberangna agan-kupattianirangkoba onangjolaha. Ia program-ko ongatanio adokni []
Eight children among 11 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga River in Bihar
Eight children among 11 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga River in Bihars Vaishali Patna: At least 11 people, including eight children, died after a boat carrying passengers capsized in the Ganga River in Bihars Vaishali district on Tuesday. The accident occurred near Rampur Shyamchand village under the Raghopur police station area while the passengers [] The post Eight children among 11 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga River in Bihars Vaishali appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
GK correspondent among 24 journalists complete DCC 2026
Jammu, Oct 13:Greater Kashmir correspondent Sumit Bhargav is among 24 journalists from across the country, who have successfully completed the Defence Correspondents Course (DCC 2026), conducted by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, under its Directorate of Public Relations from September 21 to October 10. The Defence Correspondents Course concluded at Tezpur. Its Navy leg was conducted at Vizag (Visakhapatnam), followed by the Air Force leg at Tezpur and the Indian Army leg at Tezpur, Tenga and Tawang. The three-weeks course provided participating journalists with an understanding of the roles, capabilities and operational environments of the three Services, the Ministry of Defence said. The valedictory function was chaired by Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps. Vijay Kumar, Additional Director General (Media and Communication), Ministry of Defence, along with officials of the Directorate of Public Relations, also attended the event. The course is conducted annually by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India through the Directorate of Public Relations. After receiving applications from journalists from across the country, a strict screening-criteria is followed that includes in-depth analysis of professional working, experience and reporting intellect of aspirants followed by an interaction which is conducted by a team of officers of concerned authority. Greater Kashmir correspondent Sumit Bhargav was selected for DCC 2026 after he successfully fulfilled all the prerequisites of the Ministry of Defence. The course started on September 21 from Vizag (Visakhapatnam) where its Navy leg was conducted wherein twenty four journalists from across the country attended the proceedings at Eastern Naval Command. Beside going through presentations and allied aspects, the journalists also got a rare opportunity to see submariners beside taking a sea sortie in a Destroyer ship wherein they (journalists) understood the circumstances in which Navy personnel carry out their professional assignments despite multiple challenges that primarily include difficult sea states. Navy Leg was followed by Indian Air Force leg that was held at Air Force Station Tezpur wherein beside all other important aspects of studying the working of Air Force, the Journalists got a thrilling opportunity to witness a real time mock drill of response of pilots towards an emergency situation from adversaries beside a night time sortie of SU-30 MKI fighter plane. Under the umbrella of 4 Corps of Indian Army, referred to as Gajraj Corps under Eastern Army Command, the Army leg of DCC 2026 was conducted in areas of Arunachal Pradesh focussing on Indo-China LAC. The Army keg started from Gajraj Corps HQ after which journalists were taken to Tenga where they not only studied the working mode of army troops on LAC but also joined army troops in their day to day working schedule that especially included firing practices. The journalists on DCC 2026 were taken to Tawang which is a high-altitude area in Arunachal Pradesh and is strategically very important as it is located on Indo-China LAC. At Tawang, the journalists visited a number of strategic LAC locations including Bumla LAC point where cross border meetings are held while army personnel of both Indian and Chinese armies standing next to each other followed by visits to holy waterfall, holy tree, Border Brew cafe and other LAC locations. The Journalists got a rare opportunity to understand the situation on LAC and the way troops of the Indian Army are guarding LAC despite tough weather conditions and other multiple challenges. At the high altitude area of Tawang, Journalists also joined army troops in night patrolling and alongside a Bada Khana (social evening) to spend time with troops together. Defence Correspondents Course 2026 concluded at Corps Headquarters Tezpur wherein General Officer Commanding (GOC), Gajraj Corps ( 4 Corps ), Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla interacted with DCC Journalists and both sides shared experiences with each other on a range of issues. The Journalists also shared their experiences of entire DCC proceedings that especially included visits to forward LAC locations. During this event, Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla felicitated Greater Kashmir Correspondent Sumit Bhargav who has successfully completed Defence Correspondents Course and has been empanelled with Ministry of Defence as a Defence Journalist. Through a series of briefings, field visits and interactions with military personnel, the participants gained insights into the functioning of the defence forces and the responsibilities associated with defence reporting, a statement of the Ministry of Defence read. The engagement also strengthened mutual understanding between the defence forces and the media, underscoring their shared commitment to enhancing public awareness while maintaining due regard for operational sensitivities and national security considerations, the Ministry further stated. Sharing his perspective, Sumit Bhargav said, Defence Correspondents Course is a vital step by MoD's Directorate of Public Relations which is mainly aimed to ensure that both reporting on defence aspects of country and national security do not clash with each other. He stated, Many a time, Fastest Fingers First and Breaking News syndrome on issues related to the defence sector prove detrimental to national security and can even prove handy for adversaries for which journalists also need to maintain a constructive approach. He further said that during DCC, all the journalists attending the course came to know about the country's fast progress in the defence sector and steps being taken to strengthen the security and defence apparatus especially under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Patna High Court acquits 13 accused in 1996 Jehanabad quadruple murder case
A Division Bench comprising Justice Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Justice Kumar Manish delivered the ruling, citing grave lapses in the police investigation
13 drown, 4 missing as boat carrying feast-goers capsizes in Ganga in Bihar
Traffic violations fetch Rs 15 cr in fines in 10 days
Four arrested with gold, cash in Gaya dacoity case
Two road accidents claim four lives in Patna district
Workshop begins to standardise Maithili terms in political science
Darbhanga teachers constituency sees multi-cornered fight for MLC post
HC acquits 13 in Karpi murder case, slams police
Where is the evidence? Indian envoy asks Canada over Nijjar case
Digital Desk | Ottawa, Oct 13 (IANS) Indias High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik has challenged Canada to produce evidence of Indian government involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying it should have come out by now. Its been almost three years since Prime Minister Trudeau spoke in parliament. Where is the evidence? Patnaik said in an interview with CPACs Open Question, hosted by Marc-Andre Cossette. If you have evidence which implicates anybody in India on this issue, we are willing to take action. We are ready to take action. Show us the evidence, he said. The interview was posted on October 9. Then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament in September 2023 that Canadian agencies were pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing. India rejected the charge as absurd. Patnaik declined to discuss the case of four people on trial in Surrey. There are four individuals who are being tried and so its now in the court. So Im not going to comment on it, he said. If the case brings out any evidence that there are people in India involved in it, we will take action against them, he said. He cited Operation Hardball, a US-led investigation that he said made arrests in the US and Canada about two months earlier. He said it identified the Bishnoi gang, but they were very clear on both the American side the Canadian side there though no involvement of the Indian government in this. Any suggestion that a government is involved with criminal gangs is just preposterous, he said. Patnaik called the rupture a blip and said: We do not have any geopolitical problems between us. And yet all it took was one politician for whatever reason to spoil it. He did not name the politician. He also pushed back on reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney had told The New York Times he could not guarantee India would not commit crimes in Canada. He said, I cannot guarantee no crime will be committed in Canada, Patnaik said. On Canadas spy agency, CSIS, which listed India among the main sources of foreign interference in its 2025 public report, he said: We are very clear. We do not do such things. He said the same report described Canada-based Khalistan extremists as the biggest threat to both countries. It puts India in the list which I hope by next year when they produce their report, India will be removed from the list, he said. Khalistan is not an issue in India. Its in Canada, Patnaik said, noting that a pro-Khalistan party once held seats in Punjab but now has none. Asked about a public inquirys finding that India does not distinguish between lawful advocacy and violent extremists, he said Canadians had the right to peacefully advocate for whatever they believe in. Politically, we have absolutely zero problem, he said. What we say is dont bring the negativity, the filth, the terrorist element, the gun running, the drug smuggling, the organised crime, extortion, he said. He urged people not to equate Khalistan extremists with the Sikh community, pointing to 45,000 fans at a Diljit Dosanjh concert in Toronto and 15 protesters outside. Patnaik said the Canadian government had taken a lot of action over the past year to dismantle extortion, drug smuggling and human trafficking networks.
PM Modi visit to Canada by year-end almost confirmed: Indian envoy
Digital Desk | Ottawa, Oct 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada towards the end of the year, Indias High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik has said, describing the trip as almost confirmed. Prime Minister (Mark) Carney has confirmed it. Prime Minister Modi will be visiting Canada towards the end of the year, Patnaik said in an interview with CPACs Open Question, hosted by Marc-Andre Cossette. This just shows the shift that has taken place in the relationship and its today a very vibrant strong relationship, he said. The interview, posted on October 9, comes as Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu leads a Team Canada Trade Mission to India from October 12 to 17, with nearly 300 delegates and stops in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Ottawa has called it the largest trade delegation Canada has sent to India in over 30 years. Patnaik referred to that trip in the interview, saying Sidhu would be going with a huge team Canada next month. The envoy said he was confident that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would be finalised before the first anniversary of its launch, which he dated to November 21, when the two Prime Ministers met in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20. I can tell you very confidently discussion has reached a very high level of uh collaboration, he said. I think before the one year is complete well be able to uh finalize the agreement. This would be one of the fastest we have done with any country, he said, adding that 10 years of earlier talks with Canada had helped. Negotiations move at the speed of trust. And because the trust factor is much higher today, our negotiations are much faster, Patnaik said. The two sides aim to double bilateral trade to $70 billion within five years. Patnaik said India wanted a zero tariff regime under the deal. In certain sectors like in textiles, leather, chemicals, and other things in pharmaceuticals etc. there are tariffs which other countries do not have, he said. We want to buy stuff from Canada. We want to buy oil and gas agri foods, he said, adding that India was already buying uranium. He also pointed to non-tariff barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary rules, rules of origin and customs documentation, which he said were being discussed. On energy, he said: We want to buy more crude from you. India also wanted more LNG and More LPG which is butane and propane, he said. Patnaik said his earlier doubts about Canadas reliability were about its ability to deliver energy on time, given gaps in pipelines, ports and liquefaction terminals. I can sign something today but can I rely on you to be able to supply to me on time? he said. He said he now saw a new Canada under Prime Minister Mark Carney, citing the major projects office and the pace of legislation. Patnaik said Canada was important to India as the lead into North America, given its close links with the US. India, he said, is a nearly $4 trillion economy expected to reach about $25 trillion by 2047. Canada is an energy superpower, he said. He said Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand had met more than 12 times in the past year. Relations between the two countries plunged in 2023 after then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the allegation as absurd.
CtrlS announces 10,000-crore AI factory in Bodh Gaya, opens 400-crore Patna data centre
The expansion will strengthen the companys presence in eastern India, with facilities aimed at meeting rising demand for digital infrastructure.
AM/NS India signs pact to upgrade four ITIs in Visakhapatnam cluster
AM/NS India signs pact to upgrade four ITIs in Visakhapatnam cluster
Balangir Police Seizes 321 kg Ganja Worth Rs 22 Lakh in Patnagarh
The Patnagarh police in Bolangir district intercepted a major consignment, seizing 3 quintals and 21 kg of ganja along with a Mahindra Xylo vehicle on Monday night. The estimated market value of the seized contraband is pegged at over Rs 22 lakh, according to local police officials. Acting on strict directives from the Superintendent of [] The post Balangir Police Seizes 321 kg Ganja Worth Rs 22 Lakh in Patnagarh appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Andhra SEC to announce local body polls schedule after gazette notifications
Digital Desk | Vijayawada, Oct 13 (IANS) The schedule for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh will be announced after the departments concerned issue gazette notifications, State Election Commissioner (SEC) Anil Chandra Punetha said on Tuesday. The SEC added that the poll schedule will be announced once the state government communicates its readiness for the elections. Punetha said the elections would be conducted in an effective manner. He assured all security measures in the sensitive and hyper sensitive areas. He held a meeting with representatives of 20 political parties here on Tuesday. He told media after the meeting that the political parties sought security for the contesting candidates. They also submitted various suggestions to the SEC, including timely issuance of caste certificates. The state government on Monday announced reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Backward Classes (BCs) and women for the posts of Mayors in 17 municipal corporations and chairpersons in 106 municipalities and nagar panchayats. The state government has earmarked one Mayoral seat for STs (Mangalagiri Tadepalli), two seats for SCs (Kurnool Women and Rajamahendravaram General), five seats for BCs (Kakinada Women, Machilipatnam Women, Eluru General, Anantapuram General, and Chittoor General). Five Mayoral seats have been reserved under Women (General) for Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Guntur, Kadapa, and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). Mayor seats in Tirupati, Vijayawada, Ongole, and Nellore remained unreserved. Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration, P. Sampath Kumar, issued an official notification determining and finalising the ward-wise reservation of seats for STs, SCs, BCs and women across 13 major municipal corporations in the state. The state government has capped overall reservation for all categories at 50 per cent after the High Court struck down its order for 34 per cent reservation for BCs. The Supreme Court on October 9 dismissed its plea challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The apex court questioned the legal basis of the data relied upon by the state government to justify the enhanced BC quota, particularly the findings of a Unified Family Survey. On October 1, the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down two government orders providing 34 per cent reservation for BCs in local body elections, saying that the quota breached the 50 per cent ceiling on total reservations. The High Court said that the aggregate reservation for all categories in local bodies should not exceed 50 per cent in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines. The court judgment came as a setback to the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government, as increasing BC reservation in local bodies from 20 per cent to 34 per cent was one of its key promises during the 2024 Assembly elections. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had announced the enhanced quota on August 18, saying that BCs would get 34 per cent reservation in rural local bodies and 33.33 per cent in urban local bodies.
Womens quota for GVMC Mayor post sets off lobbying; senior leaders push spouses and daughters
The TDP cites its hold on Visakhapatnams core constituencies to claim the post; the BJP, the Jana Sena and the YSRCP have aspirants too
NLMC generates Rs 366.33 crore on Day 1 of RINL land e-auction, 150 plots sold
The National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC) recorded Rs 366.33 crore in successful bids on the first day of its maiden end-to-end e-auction of land parcels belonging to Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), according to the Ministry of Finance. A total of 150 plots were sold during the initial phase against an aggregate reserve price of Rs 312.48 crore, representing an average premium of 17.23 per cent over the baseline valuation. The transaction involved land owned by RINL, the corporate entity that operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The Ministry stated that the outcome marked an operational milestone for the corporation. The first phase marks a significant milestone for NLMC, as it is the Corporation
10 IIT Patna Professors Named Among World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford
RINL Land E-Auction in Visakhapatnam Sees Strong Response, Government Raises
The e-auction of RINL lands in Visakhapatnam garnered 366 crore, reflecting strong investor interest and market participation. RINL Land E-Auction in Visakhapatnam Sees Strong Response, Government Raises 366 Crore on Day One
Protest Erupts in Patna as Students Demand Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner
Students staged a protest in Patna, clashing with police while demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Protest Erupts in Patna as Students Demand Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across other cities on October 13
Jantar Mantar to Azad Maidan, Indias protest map is steeped in history
Many urban centers in India have designated protest sites that reflect their historical significance and role during the freedom struggle. Notable examples include Azad Maidan in Mumbai and Gandhi Maidan in Patna, both with rich protest histories. Jantar Mantar in New Delhi has been a prominent protest site before recent changes in its status. The article highlights various cities and their notable protest locations that recall their pasts.
Improve civic infrastructure along Vizianagaram routes to Bhogapuram and Visakhapatnam: CREDAI
CREDAI Andhra Pradesh vice-president K.S.C. Bose asks the State government to prioritise civic infrastructure amid development along the two routes
Basudha Scheme Failure: Women Protest Dry Taps Outside Patnagarh Sub-Collector
Frustrated by three years of chronic water scarcity, local women took to the streets carrying empty pitchers and pots to protest outside the Patnagarh Sub-Collectors office in Odishas Balangir district, demanding immediate intervention to fix the failing Basudha scheme. On Tuesday, a large group of women gathered at the administrative office to voice their grievances. [] The post Basudha Scheme Failure: Women Protest Dry Taps Outside Patnagarh Sub-Collectors Office appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Around 100 YSRCP leaders and workers join TDP in Visakhapatnam ahead of local body polls
Ganta Srinivasa Rao welcomes leaders and workers from GVMC Ward 6 into the TDP
Man killed as e-rickshaw, motorcycle collide in Bihar's Katihar
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 13 (IANS) One person was killed, and four others were injured when a Toto (electric rickshaw) collided with a motorcycle near Dumariya Mahanth Sthan on State Highway-77 in Bihar's Katihar district. The accident happened on Monday night and triggered panic at the scene. After receiving information, a Dial 112 police team reached the spot and took the injured to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kursela. Doctors declared one of them dead during a medical examination. The deceased is believed to be the Toto driver, but his identity had not been established when this report was filed. The injured were identified as Mahtab Ansari of Devipur, Dinesh Prasad Yadav of Baghwa, Pujan Mahto of Rajjiganj and Ambika Mandal. Mahtab, who sustained serious injuries, was referred to a higher medical centre for further treatment. The other injured individuals are being treated at CHC Kursela. According to preliminary investigation, the Toto was travelling from Kursela towards Rupauli with around six passengers on board when the collision occurred. The circumstances leading to the accident, including the direction from which the motorcycle was approaching, remain unclear. Station House Officer Rakesh Kumar said police were working to establish the deceaseds identity and determine the cause of the collision. Earlier in a separate accident, two youths were killed on the spot after a tractor overturned near Kushiyari Mor on the Pothia-Dumar road in Katihar district on Monday morning. According to an official, five people, including the driver, were travelling on the tractor when it suddenly went out of control and overturned. Three others sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment. The deceased were identified as Safikul Ansari and Mohammad Manir, both residents of Jira Patti under the Barari police station area. The accident drew a crowd to the scene and left the victims families devastated. Family members were reportedly inconsolable after receiving news of the deaths. Further probes in both cases are underway.
Youthful Jharkhand aim higher in Ranji Trophy with a bunch of confident youngsters
Kosi graduates poll tests BJPs hold as Jan Suraaj eyes youth
Cabinet vows to help achieve Viksit Bharat goal by 2047
Dial 112 to launch Track Me feature
Dhananjaya to carry howdah at Srirangapatna Dasara
HC: Issue appointment letters for history, geography asst professors
Minister: Education must be linked with culture, moral values
Gayas Durga Bari Samiti to celebrate 95 years of Puja
Chirag, Saraogi slam Cong for march to Supreme Court
Follow SC guidelines for Covid death relief: HC
PMCH to provide treatment on 2,500 beds with modern facilities: Samrat
Man thrown into boiling oil over wage row, dies
Expedite construction of emporium at Bodh Gaya: Minister
Driver, helper die as trailer rams stationary vehicle on NH-922 in Buxar
Parents protest proposed merger of Rohtas primary school
ECR beefs up security at 300 locations with focus on passenger safety
Protests across Buxar over PMAY-G beneficiary list
AIIMS Patna Announces Job Openings for Senior Plumber and Other Positions
AIIMS Patna is hiring for six positions, including Senior Plumber. Applications are open until 45 days after the official announcement. AIIMS Patna Announces Job Openings for Senior Plumber and Other Positions
Buxar DM orders salary cut for absent officials
Bihar CM inaugurates new OPD tower at PMCH, registration counters increased to 15
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 12 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the new OPD tower at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Monday in the presence of Health Minister Nishant Kumar. An OPD registration facility was also launched in the building to improve convenience for patients visiting the states premier government medical institution. The new facility is part of PMCHs ongoing redevelopment programme, which aims to modernise hospital infrastructure, expand patient capacity and improve healthcare services. Patients from Patna and other districts of Bihar regularly visit the hospital for treatment. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Choudhary said the new OPD tower marked an important milestone in PMCHs redevelopment. He said the growing number of patients had made it necessary to expand the hospitals infrastructure and upgrade its medical facilities. He added that the NDA government had undertaken the redevelopment project with the aim of transforming PMCH into the countrys largest hospital and the second-largest in Asia. Choudhary said the new registration system would make obtaining OPD slips easier, particularly for patients travelling from remote areas, women and elderly people. The new OPD registration counters have been established on the first floor of the building. The number of counters has been increased from 10 to 15 to manage patient flow more efficiently and reduce waiting times. Health Minister Nishant Kumar said three counters had been reserved specifically for women, while a separate counter had been provided for elderly patients and persons with disabilities. The registration area is air-conditioned and equipped with seating arrangements for patients waiting for their turn. Kumar also reviewed the arrangements with the PMCH superintendent. He said the new facility would offer relief to patients waiting for registration slips, particularly during hot or rainy weather. He added that the government was focused on improving healthcare facilities for the public. PMCH Superintendent Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh said patients would be able to consult the relevant doctors at the OPD on the third floor after completing registration on the first floor. The arrangement is intended to streamline registration and consultation services within the same building, making the process more convenient for patients and their attendants. According to the PMCH superintendent, the newly inaugurated Tower 3 was completed under Phase 1 of the hospitals redevelopment project. The building includes escalators, a modern waiting lounge, a surgical ward with 150 air-conditioned beds, four modular operation theatres and a rooftop helipad intended for air ambulance services.
Bihar: 5 arrested for smuggling over 403.20 grams brown sugar
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 12 (IANS) Police have arrested three people in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation near Sabour Railway Station in Bihars Bhagalpur district, an official said on Monday. During the operation, officers seized 403.20 grams of brown sugar, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1 crore, along with three mobile phones. Police are investigating the source of the suspected narcotics and attempting to identify the alleged suppliers, intended recipients and other people connected to the network. According to police, the Sabour police station received information on Sunday that some individuals were planning to transport narcotics after leaving the railway station. Acting on the tip-off, a special team was formed on the instructions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramod Kumar Yadav. The operation was conducted under the supervision of City SP Atulesh Jha and led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Law and Order) and the Sabour Station House Officer (SHO). During surveillance near the station, some individuals allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the police. With assistance from armed personnel, officers pursued and apprehended two suspects. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 403.20 grams of brown sugar and three mobile phones. The two initially arrested suspects have been identified as Jaynandan Kumar, son of Gopi Yadav, a resident of Manikpur under Babarganj police station limits, and Sangam Priya, son of Naresh Mandal, a resident of Mirjanhat Mrityunja Chowk under Mujahidpur police station limits. According to police, information obtained during the interrogation of the two suspects led to the arrest of a third accused, Krishna Kumar, alias Bhim, a resident of Chaudhary Dih under Lodipur police station limits. An FIR has been registered against the three accused, and further legal proceedings have been initiated. Police are examining the seized mobile phones to gather information about the suspects contacts and identify others who may be connected to the alleged drug supply network. Investigators are also working to establish where the narcotics originated and where the consignment was intended to be delivered. Further raids may follow as the investigation progresses. The police said the operation was conducted as part of the Healthy Youth, Healthy Bhagalpur campaign aimed at curbing the illegal narcotics trade. The investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered and the roles established during the probe.
Armed gang loots jewellery, cash worth Rs 65L from contractors house in Supaul
Bihar: BPSC postpones 72nd preliminary exam scheduled for Oct 25
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 12 (IANS) The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has postponed the 72nd Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) preliminary test, which was scheduled to be held on October 25, 2026. In an important notice, the Commission cited unavoidable reasons for the postponement but did not provide a detailed explanation. The BPSC said the revised examination date would be announced later. Candidates preparing for the examination have been advised to monitor notifications on the Commissions official website, bpsc.bihar.gov.in, for further updates. The 72nd Combined Competitive Examination is being conducted to recruit candidates for 1,186 posts across various Bihar government departments. The recruitment notification initially covered 1,230 posts. However, 44 Sugarcane Officer posts were subsequently removed from the combined examination. Revisions were also made to the vacancies for Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and other positions. The advertised vacancies include several administrative, police and departmental posts. The vacancies listed in the supplied recruitment details include 100 Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO/SDM) posts, 20 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) posts, 76 Assistant Commissioner (State Tax) posts, 65 Rural Development Officer posts, 70 Block Panchayat Raj Officer posts, 54 Municipal Executive Officer posts, 365 Revenue Officer and equivalent posts, 130 Cooperative Extension Officer posts, and 56 Labour Enforcement Officer posts. These positions form part of the recruitment drive for administrative and other government services in Bihar. The postponement means candidates will have to wait for the Commission to announce a fresh date before finalising their examination plans. The revised schedule and any further instructions will be issued through official notifications. The preliminary examination had earlier been scheduled for July 26, 2026, but that date was subsequently cancelled. The BPSC had announced the cancellation of the July 26 examination on July 18. The October 25 schedule has now also been postponed. Candidates are advised to rely on official BPSC announcements for confirmation of the new examination date and other details.
Nine ITIs in Surat, Visakhapatnam to be upgraded with 440 cr investment
The Centre, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have partnered AM/NS India to modernise nine government ITIs under PM-SETU, with a focus on industry-linked training and infrastructure
Bihar govt transfers Rs 112.14 crore to 1.60 lakh flood-hit families
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 12 (IANS) The Bihar government has disbursed Rs 112.14 crore in financial assistance to flood-affected families across the state. On Monday, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary transferred an ex gratia amount of Rs 7,000 each to the bank accounts of 1.60 lakh beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). During a programme at the Chief Ministers Secretariat, Samrat Choudhary directed all District Magistrates (DMs) to promptly submit details of flood-affected families who have not yet received the assistance so that eligible beneficiaries can also be provided relief. He announced that the agricultural input subsidy for farmers affected by the floods would be transferred to their accounts on October 14. The assistance is intended to provide relief to farmers whose crops were damaged by the flooding. The Chief Minister also directed officials to complete repairs to flood-damaged infrastructure before Diwali. He stressed the need to accelerate relief and rehabilitation work to restore normalcy in affected areas as quickly as possible. Recent flooding in the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati and Kamla Balan rivers has affected approximately 55 lakh people in Bihar. Many families have suffered damage to their homes, crops and other property. The impact remains visible in Bhagalpur, Patna, Munger, Bhojpur and Buxar districts, where erosion along the Ganga continues despite a decline in the rivers water level. In Naugachia, several multi-storey houses have reportedly been swept into the river because of severe erosion. Besides the Ganga basin, soil erosion also happened in the Gandak, Bagmati, Kosi, Burhi Gandak, and Kamla Balan basins and several districts like West Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, and Madhunai are affected by it. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to speed up relief and rehabilitation measures in flood-hit areas. Priority has been given to repairing damaged roads, restoring essential infrastructure and ensuring the timely provision of necessary services. The Bihar government aims to provide financial relief to affected families while completing restoration work within the stipulated timeline.
Deepak Kumar Mishras The Vvaan Force of the Forrest is a fantasy thriller inspired by tales of the Van Devi Temple near Bihta, Patna. Set in Central Indias forests, the film blends folklore with supernatural mystery.
The last direct election was in 2000, when Rajana Ramani won under the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation; TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao says water supply would be the alliances priority
BY AJAY MALLAREDDY On 6 October, five women escaped from a womens welfare hostel in Aarilova, Visakhapatnam, after cutting through a window grille. They had reportedly been placed there after being rescued in trafficking cases. This was hardly unusual. In October 2024, six women escaped from a Swadhar Home in Pendurthi, also in Visakhapatnam. Police 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 .
Telangana minister urges NHAI to expedite expansion of Hyderabad-Vijayawada Highway
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 12 (IANS) Telangana's Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Monday urged National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav to expedite the expansion of the Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Machilipatnam National Highway-65 and commence the work as soon as possible. The minister met the NHAI Chairman and Member, Projects, Vipnesh Sharma, in New Delhi to discuss this critical project. Responding to the minister's request, NHAI Chairman Yadav announced that November 11 has been set as the deadline for submitting tenders for the project and assured that the work would begin by January 2027. According to an official release, the minister expressed concern over the ever-increasing traffic congestion and frequent road accidents on this national highway, which is vital for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He urged NHAI officials to accelerate the tender process for the highway's expansionprioritising commuter safetyand to ensure that construction work begins without delay. The proposed project entails expanding the existing four-lane highway to six lanes and developing service roads on both sides, along with controlled-access facilities. The minister stated that upon completion, this expansion would facilitate smoother vehicular movement, reduce traffic congestion, and save travel time. He emphasised that the project would play a significant role in preventing accidents and enhancing road safety. The minister noted that the HyderabadVijayawada National Highway serves as a vital transportation route for thousands of travellers and motorists daily, as he sought that the expansion work must be undertaken with the utmost priority, aiming to reduce accidents on this route and ensure a safe and comfortable journey for the public. Venkat Reddy stated that road development goes beyond merely enhancing travel facilities; it also involves saving lives, boosting commercial activities, and strengthening transport connectivity between the Telugu states. He affirmed that they would maintain continuous coordination with central agencies to ensure the timely completion of the NH-65 expansion works.
Mayor Reservations for 17 Municipal Corporations Finalised Ahead of Civic Polls
AP Civic Polls 2026: Visakhapatnam and Guntur mayoral posts are reserved for women, while Vijayawada and Tirupati are left unreserved.
Tamannaah Bhatia celebrates Navratri with 'Mata Ki Chowki': Music, prayer and surrender
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 12 (IANS) Actress Tamannaah Bhatia marked the first day of Navratri by attending a 'Mata Ki Chowki'. She even treated the netizens to some glimpses from the devotional evening, where she was seen fully immersed in the music and stories about Maa. The photos and videos showed Tamannaah participating in the aarti and enjoying the bhajans. One of the clips published by Tamannaah also shows actress Mrunal Thakur. Tamannaah's parents were also present at the 'Mata Ki Chowki'. Tamannaah wrote on her IG, Through soaring bhajans, stories of Maa and a vivid journey through the mountains to Vaishno Devi, @preetypathania15 makes you experience devotion, not just hear it. With every song, every story and every beat, you can almost feel the climb, the sacred paths unfolding and the pilgrimage carrying you deeper within (sic). Talking about her experience, she added that being immersed in music and prayer made her introspect, along with creating a sense of calm. Theres something beautiful about this duality. The music rises, the energy moves through the room and the atmosphere pulses with devotion - yet, somewhere within, a deep stillness begins to unfold. All that sound and movement draw you inward, guiding you back to your centre, back to yourself. Five hours of music, prayer and surrender that felt like a single, timeless moment. Jai Mata Di, the post further read. Earlier, Tamannaah revealed how she had a spiritual experience while shooting for the Chhath song from her movie, 'The Vvaan'. I have always held a deep reverence for Chhath Puja. Before we started shooting for the song, I spent time studying and understanding the significance of the ritual and how it is performed in Bihar and Patna. Honestly, I was stunned to learn the power it holds. The strong connection I felt with Chhathi Maiyya is something I cannot put in words. I found myself feeling deeply connected to her, she shared.
Visakhapatnam ITI cluter to get a 200 crore facelift
The Visakhapatnam clusters Strategic Investment Plan is the first in the country to be approved by PM-SETUs National Steering Committee
Govt, Centre, ArcelorMittal Sign Pact To Upgrade 4 ITIs In Vizag Cluster
The Andhra Pradesh government, the Centre and AM/NS India on Monday signed a shareholders' agreement to upgrade four ITIs in the Visakhapatnam cluster at an investment of Rs 200 crore.
Google defends $15 billion Vizag AI hub amid water concerns, protests
A top Google executive has addressed concerns over the tech giant's $15 billion AI data centre in Visakhapatnam, which has faced massive protests from locals. Here's what he said
One killed, six injured after a fatal bus-truck collision in Bihar's Supaul
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 12 (IANS) At least one person was killed and several others were injured when a passenger bus travelling from Patna to Jogbani in Araria district collided with a stationary truck near Jhajha village under the Bhaptiyahi police station limits in Bihars Supaul district around 3 a.m. on Monday, officials said. The buss helper, Bhagirath Jha, lost his life in the accident, while more than six passengers sustained injuries. Jha was a resident of Motipur village in the Raghopur police station area of Supaul district. The collision left the bus, which belongs to Dev Travels, badly damaged and triggered chaos at the scene. The injured passengers were taken to the Community Health Centre in Saraigarh-Bhaptiyahi, where they received first aid. According to an official, the victims were discharged after the first aid. According to preliminary investigation, the truck driver parked the vehicle on the roadside near Jhajha village after its brakes reportedly failed. The driver had planned to get the vehicle repaired in the morning. At around 3 a.m., the Dev Travels bus, travelling from Patna towards Jogbani, crashed into the stationary truck. The impact caused extensive damage to the left side of the bus where the helper was sitting. After receiving information about the accident, Bhaptiyahi police seized both the damaged bus and the truck. Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the collision, including the reported brake failure and the vehicles positions on the highway. According to police, the preliminary investigation suggests that the bus was travelling at high speed and that the driver may have dozed off for a few seconds, potentially leading to the fatal collision. However, the exact cause of the accident is yet to be established. The district police have informed the deceased's family members, and the body has been sent for a postmortem examination. Police are also recording statements from the injured victims to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the accident. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Steel Exchange India Revenue Rises 45% YoY to 340 Crore in Q2 FY27
VISAKHAPATNAM (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 12: Steel Exchange India Limited (NSE: STEELXIND | BSE: 534748), one of South Indias leading integrated steel manufacturers and the company behind the SIMHADRI TMT
Sand sculpture of Modi, Naidu and Pawan at Visakhapatnams RK Beach marks PMs 25 years in public life
Party workers also take out a rally on Beach Road as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Petrol crosses Rs 111 in Mumbai; diesel prices jump in Patna- know today's latest price.
How much is petrol and diesel available per liter today, Monday, October 12th? Here you can find out the prices of petrol and diesel separately. CNG rates are also listed here.Petrol-Diesel Price Today: How much are petrol-diesel and CNG worth in rupees per liter today?Oil companies update new...
Police Didi act against 790 alleged eve-teasers in first month
Adilabad Police Arrest Two Crypto Fraudsters
Police arrested two accused, Polamarashetti Rathna Raju, 47, founder of ITC Global of Visakhapatnam, and Dondapati Laxman Rao, 46, co-founder of ITC Global of West Godavari district.
Litera Valley School celebrate German language and culture
No major flood threat to Bihar: WRD
23 cadets of Sainik School Nalanda clear NDA written exam
Tirhut graduates poll to test appeal of independent, party candidates
Two minors die as flag touches live wire in Champaran
