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.
Melbourne, IISER-Tirupati Offer Dual Science Degree
The University of Melbourne and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati have launched a new 2+2 Bachelor of Science Integrated (Honours) dual degree. This programme offers Indian students a globally connected, research-intensive science education, allowing them to study two years at IISER-Tirupati and two years in Melbourne, graduating with two honours degrees.
Vijay Deverakonda holds Rashmika Mandanna close as they visit Tirupati temple
After meeting Tamil Nadu CM Vijay on Monday, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna were seen seeking blessings at the Tirupati temple ahead of the release of their upcoming film Ranabaali
CM Chandrababu Naidu Launches Rs 3,222-Crore Mega Project For Tirupati Pilgrim Infrastructure
After Meeting Vijay, Rashmika Mandanna And Vijay Deverakonda Seek Blessings At Tirupati
On Monday evening, the power couple visited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay in Chennai.
After Meeting Vijay, Rashmika And Vijay Seek Blessings At Tirupati
On Monday evening, the power couple visited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay in Chennai.
Visakh Refinery to get six new reactors
MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy Refutes JNTU VC Wifes Allegations Of Verbal Abuse
I called the JNTU Vice Chancellor and asked for the reasons behind the verbal abuse directed at senior female professors. Acknowledging the wrongdoing, the Vice-Chancellor apologised and stated that he would provide a written response after returning from Tirupati. If there is any grievance against me, I can be questioned. Why did he verbally abuse the female professors, Rajeshwar Reddy said
SPMVV partners with NIELIT Tirupati to boost digital learning, industry-ready skills development
A.P. Congress leader seeks resignation of CEC, PM Modi and HM Shah over SIR
Police Step Up Security For Tirumala Navaratri Brahmotsavams
Tirupati police have intensified security on Tirumala ghat roads, deploying bomb detection teams and dog squads to ensure devotees safety during Navaratri Brahmotsavams.
Tirupati to get 3,222-crore makeover as spiritual hub
Chief Minister launches projects to improve pilgrim amenities, road connectivity and eco-friendly infrastructure, with an integrated township featuring 2,700 rooms as the centrepiece
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
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.
CM Lays Stone For Works Worth Rs 3,222 Crore In Tirupati
The CM directed the officials to begin the works with a target to complete the Integrated Pilgrim Township at a cost of Rs 2,750 crore within the next two years. He also suggested that the works should be assigned to agencies that have an intention to work as God's messengers rather than for profits
Tirupati: Lorry Plunges Into 20-Foot Gorge Near Bhakarapet Ghat Road
The lorry driver, cleaner and passengers in the auto-rickshaw sustained minor injuries in the accident.
Gujarat: Ambaji temple's Mohanthal prasad gets GI tag, securing protection for temple offering
Digital Desk | Ambaji (Gujarat), Oct 11 (IANS) Ambaji temples traditional 'Mohanthal' prasad has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, providing legal protection for its name and helping preserve its traditional identity and preparation. The official certificate was presented to the Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust at a ceremony held at Chachar Chowk in Ambaji on the first day of Navratri. The certificate was issued on October 1, following an application by the temple trust and completion of the prescribed statutory procedures. The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Dr Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks and Registrar of Geographical Indications, in the presence of Banaskantha District Collector Mihir Patel and other officials. Speaking at the event, Pandit stressed the importance of preserving the original identity and quality of traditional products. The GI tag would help ensure that devotees visiting Ambaji receive authentic Mohanthal prasad, he said. He also highlighted the role of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, which has established a dedicated GI store to promote and sell GI-tagged products. The store displays products from different parts of the country, helping preserve their traditional identities while improving their marketability. Pandit said the recognition honoured not only the distinctive identity of Ambajis Mohanthal but also the faith of millions of devotees in Ma Jagdamba and the regions spiritual heritage. The GI tag would provide legal protection against unauthorised use and duplication of the name, while supporting the preservation of the prasads traditional preparation, he said. With the recognition, Ambajis Mohanthal joins other well-known Indian religious offerings that have received GI tags, including Tirupati Laddu and Palani Panchamirtham. Kaushik Modi, administrator of the Ambaji temple and additional collector, delivered the address, outlining the significance of the GI tag and the efforts made by the temple trust to secure the recognition. The ceremony was attended by officials of the Confederation of Indian Industrys (CII) Gujarat Task Force on Intellectual Property, representatives of collaborating organisations, members of the temple trust, trust officials and employees, and devotees. The GI recognition gives Ambajis traditional offering a distinct geographical identity and a framework for protecting its name from unauthorised use, while reinforcing its association with the temple and its established traditions.
Visakhapatnam police conduct checks at Dwaraka bus station, Maddilapalem RTC depot
Man held for possessing 4.5 kg MDMA in Vizag
Chittoor And Tirupati Districts Gear Up For Local Body Polls
Chittoor and Tirupati administrations are preparing polling stations, ballot boxes, staff and security arrangements ahead of the expected local body election notification.
BJP-led folk artistes embark on beating Dappu for 75 hours, with an eye on Guinness
Around 2,000 artistes began a 75-hour non-stop drum-beating event in Tirupati to mark PM Modis 75th birthday, as part of the BJPs month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Overspeeding kills 2 youths in Vizags Bheemunipatnam
The two were travelling on a motorcycle to fetch drinking water when their vehicle allegedly hit a road divider
TUDA accelerating development to meet future needs, says Chairman
Addressing the media, Divakar Reddy says comprehensive plans are being implemented to position Tirupati as top district in the State
Awareness safety drive held for fishing boat owners
Eggs an affordable source of nutrition, says MP on World Egg Day
MLA, officials review public grievances in Visakhapatnam
Sribharat urges Gadkari to take up Visakhapatnam Beach Road development
YSRCP seeks transparency in GVMC ward delimitation, electoral rolls
Left parties stage protests across Visakhapatnam, demand removal of CEC
Care Hospitals strengthens stroke, cardiac care
The first-of-its-kind Artis zee Bi-Plane Cath Lab allows doctors to see blood vessels from two different angles during a procedure and provides advanced 3D and CT-like imaging ensuring greater precision
Six arrested for stabbing youth in Tirupati
Sai Tirupati University Organises Seminar on Financial Literacy and Cybersecurity
Udaipur, October 9 (Udaipur Kiran): Sai Tirupati University organised an awareness seminar on Financial Literacy, Cybersecurity and Fraud Awareness in collaboration with PIMS Institute of Computer Sciences, VIMS, VIFT and Venkateshwar College of Nursing. SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) expert speaker Rizwana addressed students and explained financial literacy, safe digital transactions, cybercrime and ... Read more Sai Tirupati University Organises Seminar on Financial Literacy and Cybersecurity
CPI(M) seeks registration documents for Mulagada residents
ISCCM to hold critical care awareness walkathon on Friday
Andhra University extends deadline for special drive examination
Electoral-roll revision reviewed in Visakhapatnam, ASR
Woman dies after falling off high-rise building in Vizag
The 24-year-old woman reportedly slipped while drying clothes on her balcony and fell off the 24th floor of the building
A.P. positions north Andhra as a hub for AI, data centres, fintech and semiconductors
At the CII regional summit in Visakhapatnam, the State government focuses on future-ready sectors to drive economic growth in six districts with 31 MoUs worth 21,495 crore signed at the event
Tirupati: Govt Issues Notices to 11 Engineers Over Alleged Irregularities
State government has issued notices to 11 Roads and Buildings (R&B) engineers over alleged violations in road widening and high-level bridge works undertaken across the erstwhile Chittoor district between 2019 and 2024.
Speakers call for stronger R&D push, innovation at CII A.P. conclave in Tirupati
Run more trains and longer ones from Visakhapatnam, DRUCC member tells South Coast Railway
DRUCC member Chalasani Gandhi seeks special trains and 24-coach rakes for festival rush, overnight services to Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata and more trains on the Ichchapuram and Rajamahendravaram sections
The former MP says his proposed party would hand over Tirumalas security to Central agencies and accuses Jagan Mohan Reddy of playing caste and religion politics
TNSTC To Run 150 Special Buses To Tirupathi For Brahmotsavam
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) will run 150 special buses every day for the Tirupati Brahmotsavam from October 8 to 21.
The State has built a pipeline of 714 projects worth 22.6 lakh crore, with a potential to create 19.3 lakh jobs, says Industries and Commerce Minister
Pfizer partners with GITAM to train rural women for pharmaceutical careers
Orientation held for first-year B.Tech. students at Bullayya College
Contract health employees strike enters second day in Visakhapatnam
Contract health employees strike enters second day in Visakhapatnam
AU inaugurates test and validation centre; defends revised estimates for centenary projects
AU inaugurates test and validation centre; defends revised estimates for centenary projects
Unsafe arecanuts seized in Kolar, legal action initiated
Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) officers intercepted a vehicle, which was transporting the consignment from Assam via Kolkata to destinations including Kolar, Bengaluru, Palakkad, Tirupati, Chittoor, Punganur and parts of Tamil Nadu.
Tighter Checks Make Illegal Sand Traders Shift Routes, Tactics
Intensified checks have pushed illegal sand traders in Tirupati and Chittoor to adopt new routes and use pilot vehicles to evade enforcement.
Tirupati street plays highlight heritage preservation, development
Street plays performed by IGNCA to create public awareness on the need to preserve Indias rich cultural, historical and heritage wealth
BJP Youth Wing Holds Seva Jyothi Yatra In Tirupati
BJYM organised a Seva Jyothi Yatra in Tirupati as part of the BJPs Seva Sankalpa Abhiyan, urging youth to contribute to public service and nation building.
Fishermans death on Jalaripeta beach not murder: SIT
Bhoomi puja performed for 30 projects worth 4,249 crore at CII regional conference in Visakhapatnam
The projects across four north Andhra districts are expected to create 23,256 direct jobs, according to the investors
Pakistani Operatives posing as women on Facebook moved servicemen to WhatsApp and sought ship and submarine movements; 18 suspects including 13 naval personnel are under probe and two are in custody
TTD To Release Rs 300 Special Entry Darshan Quota Tickets Today
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board released the Rs 300 special entry darshan tickets on Wednesday.
Modis 75-ft tall cutout marks Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Tirupati
The event also marks the launch of the beating of folk drums non-stop for 75 hours from October 7 to 10; organisers eye entry in the Guinness Book of Records
Eicher Motors Gets Environmental Clearance for Royal Enfield Plant in Tirupati District
The company has to obtain Consent to Establish from the AP Pollution Control Board and other statutory permissions before commencing construction.
Shree Cement plans 6,700 crore investments in A.P.: Minister
The company plans to expand its operations in Andhra Pradesh, with proposed investments in Kadapa, Palnadu and Anakapalli districts, it is expected to create employment and livelihood opportunities for around 3,000 people, says Industries and Commerce Minister
Minister lauds Sankar Foundations eye-care services
Minister inspects Bheemunipatnam-Narsipatnam road widening works
Official apathy and civic indifference blamed for garbage-filled drains in Tirupati
Visakhapatnam Port Authority marks 93rd foundation day with record cargo throughput
TRIFED workshop focuses on branding for tribal products
MP inaugurates development works worth 2.37 crore in Visakhapatnam West constituency
Inaugurating the works, M. Sribharat says development of basic infrastructure in every ward is being undertaken in accordance with the requirements of local residents
A civilian driver for naval officers and a sailor posted at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base are in judicial custody till October 14
Indian shipyards must win foreign orders and deliver ships on time, says Rajnath Singh
The Defence Minister calls for Visakhapatnam to be built into an integrated maritime industrial hub around Hindustan Shipyard
Minister calls for efficient power use
Maa Nava Puranam book released
Rajaka community stages protest in Visakhapatnam seeking SC status
CREDAI Visakhapatnam unveils brochure for 12th Property Expo
Free 20-day civil defence training in Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh government assures financial help, jobs to kin of pharma unit blast victims
Tirupati District Collector S. Venkateswar says TIL Healthcare, the company where the boiler blast occurred, will directly transfer 50 lakh to each victim's nominee within two days
Trupti Canteen opened at Aganampudi
GHMC, Visakha Psychiatric Society launch week-long awareness drive to mark Mental Health Day
Kolkata Warriors Clinch Title in Def Indian Premier League with Victory Over Bangalore Badshah
Kolkata Warriors won the Def Indian Premier League 2026 by defeating Bangalore Badshah by 14 runs in Tirupati. Kolkata Warriors Clinch Title in Def Indian Premier League with Victory Over Bangalore Badshah
CPI(M) seeks house pattas, plots for poor in Visakhapatnam
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to launch Navys FSS-1 at Vizags HSL on October 6
TTD Guest Faculty Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Recruitment 2026 for 9 posts of Guest Faculty. The Walk-in on 08-10-2026. For detailed information please visit TTD official website.
Shikhar Dhawan Offers Prayers at Tirumala Temple, Praises Darshan Arrangements
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan offered prayers at the Tirumala temple in Tirupati and expressed gratitude for the arrangements made for devotees. After his darshan, Dhawan praised the temple administration for ensuring a smooth experience and said he was grateful for the opportunity to have a good darshan of Lord Tirupati. I had such a [] The post Shikhar Dhawan Offers Prayers at Tirumala Temple, Praises Darshan Arrangements appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Chaddi Gang Member Held by Locals in Tirupati
The police are also gathering further information about the groups activities and their alleged movements in the area.
Shikhar Dhawan pays visit to Tirumala temple with wife Sophie Shine
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and his wife, Sophie Shine, visited the Tirumala temple on Monday. In visuals captured by ANI, Dhawan was seen all smiles as he arrived at the temple with Sophie to offer prayers. The couple was dressed in traditional attire, with Dhawan donning a kurta and dhoti, while Sophie looked elegant in a graceful white suit. Dhawan happily met devotees and also obliged fans by posing for photographs with them. After seeking Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy's blessings, Dhawan briefly spoke to the media. He said, I had such a wonderful 'darshan'. The administration here made such great arrangements. I am very grateful to have had such a good 'darshan' of Lord Tirupati. Notably, Dhawan and Sophie tied the knot on February 21, 2026. Earlier, Dhawan was married to Aesha Mukerji, with whom he shares a son, Zoravar. The couple parted ways in October 2023 after eight years of marriage, with a Delhi family court granting Dhawan a divorce decree on October 5, 2023. D...
Shikhar Dhawan Offers Prayers at Tirumala Temple
Dhawan also expressed his gratitude to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration for making arrangements for his visit.
MLA helps father return to Vizag from Abu Dhabi after son drowns
31-year-old techie killed as lorry rams bike at PM Palem
Welfare Secretary booked for allegedly misappropriating 2.17 lakh meant for pensioners
Temple Elephant Attacks Mahout At Tiruchanoor
A temple elephant attacked its mahout at Tiruchanoor near Tirupati, leaving him seriously injured and hospitalised in the ICU.
Sailor met female Pakistani operative on social media a few months ago and shared sensitive information with her; police found suspicious digital activity, placed him under surveillance before arrest in Coimbatore on October 3
