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Drugs in parcel fraud: Victims lost Rs 1 crore to scammers in Andhra

VIJAYAWADA: The Cybercrime wing of Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (APCID) detected a new style of scam where the fraudsters are found to have extorted huge amounts by threatening the victims in the name of Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials, claiming that they have found drugs in the parcels they have ordered. As many as four such cases were reported at various places across the State in which the victims lost around Rs 1 crore to the cyber criminals. Explaining the modus operandi of these criminals, APCID cybercrime superintendent of police (SP) V Harshavardhan Raju said that the gang members target a section of people and collect the details of a person such as Aadhar card, PAN card and mobile number. Once they have the sufficient information, one of the gang members will approach the victim through a phone call and intimate that a parcel was booked in his/her name from an unknown location and upon inspection they have found drugs or passports in the said parcel. The accused further threaten the victim of registering cases under NDPS Act and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA Act) and he alone creates a situation for the victim to negotiate with the officer by connecting to another person, who claims to be their superior officer. Taking advantage of the situation, they demand money ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh to close the case and stop further proceedings, he added. The SP further told the public to be aware of such gangs and asked them to report such incidents to cybercrime police through the toll-free number 1930.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 11:04 am

Evaluation of Inter exam answer sheets begins in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: The evaluation of answer scripts for the Intermediate examinations began at 25 centres across Andhra Pradesh. The evaluations, which are to be conducted by approximately 23,000 evaluators, will continue up to April 4, informed Principal Secretary (school education) Praveen Prakash and added that each evaluator at every centre is tasked with evaluating 30 answer scripts per day, contributing to the overall effort to assess around 60 lakh answer scripts. On the occasion, he also informed that the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations commenced at 3,473 examination centres across the State. The exam centres are being overseen by Chief Superintendents and Departmental Officers, ensuring a standardised and impartial examination process. The enhancements to the examination centres include 100% bench seating, RO plants for drinking water, high-end toilets, tube lights, and other facilities, the principal secretary said. Stating that a total of 30,234 rooms are made available to accommodate 7,25,618 students registered for the exam, he said around 35,119 invigilators are monitoring the proceedings besides 156 flying squads and 682 sitting squads are ensuring the integrity of the exam. He said, To protect the dignity and sanctity of the exams, every page of each question paper now includes a unique QR code on the top but also a water-marked code in Webding font, allowing for real-time tracking and identification of malpractice source. Mentioning the re-enrolled students, the Principal Secretary said the State has introduced a new policy where students who failed in the previous years exams have been re-enrolled as regular students, with 1,125 such students appearing for the this years exams. Their marks will be considered on a subject-wise basis, selecting the best of both years marks, a policy aimed at removing the distinction between students who failed and those who passed in the mark sheets, he concluded. Audio question papers for visually impaired Andhra Pradesh has taken an innovative step by providing audio question papers to visually impaired students appearing for the SSC exam, being the only State in the country to do so on a pilot basis. This year, 12 children with special needs are using this facility, with plans to extend it to all students with special needs in the future

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 10:53 am

Exporters led by AP Chambers visit Vizag Port, Visakha Container terminal

VIJAYAWADA: A delegation of exporters led by AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao and general secretary B Raja Sekhar visited the Visakhapatnam Port and Visakha Container Terminal. The visit was a follow-up to the Trade Meet held in Guntur in January where around 200 exporters and importers participated. The purpose of the delegations visit was to examine the viability of exporting goods via Visakhapatnam Port instead of the Chennai Port. As Vijayawada and Guntur regions are agri-based export clusters, AP Chambers has taken the initiative to work out a solution with the port authorities to exporting the agriculture products from Visakhapatnam Port instead of the Chennai Port. The delegation consisted of exporters from various sectors such as textiles, chillies, aqua, tobacco, granites, engineering, food processing, cashew, poultry and others. Visakhapatnam Port deputy chairman Subhash Dubey, Visakha Container Terminal CEO Sudeep Banerjee along with their officials, CFS agents, shipping lines officials, and others participated in the discussions. AP Chambers former presidents G Sambasiva Rao and KVS Prakash Rao along with other officials were among the delegation who visited the facilities in Visakhapatnam. Viability of port examined As Vijayawada and Guntur regions are agriculture based export clusters, AP Chambers has taken the initiative to work out a solution with the port authorities to exporting the agriculture products from Visakhapatnam Port instead of the Chennai Port

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 10:45 am

YSRC leader Sajjala mocks NDA alliance's Praja Galam meeting in Andhra

VIJAYAWADA: Mocking the Praja Galam public meeting organised by the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance, YSRC general secretary and government advisor (public affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy on Monday said, It would have been better if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and JSP president Pawan Kalyan would have explained as to why they failed to implement the promises they made 10 years ago. Speaking to reporters at the party central office, Sajjala wondered how Modi, Naidu and Pawan shared the dais after having abused each other in the past. Responding to the allegations of the TDP, JSP and BJP that the police failed to make proper arrangements for Sundays Praja Galam meeting, Sajjala questioned the role of police in a meeting organised by political parties. Modi might have taken serious view of the lapses in organising the meeting. That is why Naidu is putting the blame on the police, Sajjala alleged. Further, he criticised Naidu and Pawan for dedicating their entire speech to making false accusations on Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Instead they should have sought the Prime Minister to give an assurance on granting special category status to the State, he said. Terming Modis comments on the YSRC and the Congress being in cahoots in the State baseless, he said, The PM was making such comments and accusing our government of corruption because of the elections. He further quipped, On one hand, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee chief YS Sharmila alleges that YSRC and BJP are hand in glove and on the other, Modi says that YSRC and Congress are one. Stating that Jagan does not need to forge alliances, Sajjala said had the YSRC formed electoral alliances, it would have come to power in 2014 itself. Reacting to reports that Sharmila was likely to contest Kadapa Lok Sabha seat, Sajjala said it is her choice to contest from Kadapa or any other seat. She is the president of a party which secured less votes than NOTA in the previous election. It is for the people to decide who should win, he added.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 10:31 am

Will develop Amaravati as capital and adopt decentralisation policy: Nara Lokesh

VIJAYAWADA: Emphasising that the TDPs policy is to create assets and implement welfare programmes through the revenue generated from these assets, party general secretary Nara Lokesh said when party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu became the chief minister in 2014, the revenue was zero, but he implemented various welfare programmes after generating revenue through the assets that he had created in five years of the TDP rule. During the Breakfast with Lokesh programme organized at Atmakur Mid Valley City in Mangalagiri, the TDP leader accused Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of pushing the State back by 30 years in terms of development with his destructive rule. Stressing the need for intellectuals and educated people to join politics for the overall development of the State, Lokesh reiterated that the State has suffered heavy losses due to Jagans plan to develop three capitals. While we will develop one capital, Amaravati, we will also adopt the policy of decentralisation. Works in Amaravati, stalled for the past five years, will be resumed immediately after the alliance takes charge, he said. Urging the people not to worry, he has asserted that the TDP has a comprehensive plan to develop the State. We are firm on inviting industries to the State to provide employment to lakhs of youngsters, thus doubling the State revenue, Lokesh explained. Further, he said the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance will implement better welfare programme after coming to power. TDP leader from Guntur Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, JSP Mangalagiri Assembly segment in-charge Chillapalli Srinivasa Rao were among those present at the programme.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 10:22 am

Andhra Pradesh: YS Sharmila likely to enter poll fray from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila Reddy is likely to contest the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat in the coming elections. It has been learnt that the party high command wants Sharmila to contest the MP seat in the YSRCs bastion. Currently, Sharmilas cousin brother YS Avinash Reddy is the sitting Kadapa MP. While the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance has intensified efforts to wrest the segment from the YSRC, it is yet to announce its candidate. On the other hand, the YSRC will repeat Avinash Reddy. The TDP had earlier considered politburo member R Srinivasulu Reddy for the MP seat. However, with Srinivasulu Reddys wife Madhavi Reddy contesting the Kadapa Assembly constituency, the yellow party has now dropped the idea in line with its policy of one ticket for one family. The names of Srinivasulu Reddys brother Ramesh Kumar Reddy, who was denied a Rayachoti Assembly ticket, and former MLA G Veerasiva Reddy are also doing the rounds. Veerasiva is a three-time MLA from Kamalapur. He shot to fame when he defeated former home minister and Kadapa strongman MV Mysura Reddy in the 1994 elections. It has also been learnt that the TDP had sent feelers to the BJP, asking it to field a candidate from the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency instead of seeking tickets for Badvel and Jammalamadugu Assembly seats. The TDP reportedly told the BJP that it would extend full cooperation to the BJP if former minister and senior party leader C Adinarayana Reddy contests the segment. The TDP is of the view that it has a good chance of winning if family members of slain former minister YS Vivekananda Reddy campaign against Avinash Reddy and the YSRC.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 10:19 am

Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to take up Memantha Siddham bus yatra next week

VIJAYAWADA: YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will undertake a bus yatra on March 26 or 27 covering 21 Parliamentary constituencies in the State. The party has decided on having yatras instead of roadshows as planned earlier with the elections set to happen in May. Jagan will address one public meeting every day after meeting with the farmers, and other sections of people during the day. He will be interacting with the masses for almost 30 days. His campaign would be for 21 days and there will be a break in electioneering on Ugadi and Ramzan. A detailed route map for the yatra will be released on Tuesday. YSRC MLC and coordinator Talasila Raghuram said the bus yatra was named Memantha Siddham. During a meeting with the regional coordinators on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the roadmap of the yatra, manifesto, and other issues. He directed the candidates to take advantage of the time they have to campaign for the elections, which are scheduled in May. He instructed them to visit every village/ward secretariat and seek the blessings of the people. Stating that changes were made in 81 Assembly and 18 Lok Sabha constituencies while finalising the candidates, the YSRC chief directed the regional coordinators to take steps to establish good coordination between the party leaders and cadre in every constituency. Reiterating that the party aims to win all 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats, he told the coordinators, You should stand by the candidates and the cadre in all constituencies, assess the situation periodically and guide them. Further, he asked the coordinators to ensure that the bus yatra is as successful as the Siddham meetings. As the party had organised Siddham meetings in four Parliamentary constituencies in the State, the bus yatra will not cover these segments. The unprecedented crowds at the Siddham meetings is a sign that people have pledged their allegiance to Jagan, Raghuram remarked. Taking the campaign forward, the party is currently organising Memu Siddham, Maa Booth Siddham to mobilise party members and leaders at the grassroots level across every village in the State. Take advantage of time, CM tells candidates During a meeting with the regional coordinators on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the roadmap of the yatra, manifesto, and other issues. He directed the candidates to take advantage of the time they have to campaign for the elections, scheduled in May. He instructed them to visit every village/ward secretariat and seek the blessings of people Jagan to take feedback from people during poll campaign The bus yatra will continue with the objective of Memu Siddham, Maa booth Siddham, Yennikala Samaraniki (We are all prepared for the election campaign). Raghuram said the bus yatra will visit one district/parliamentary constituency daily. Jagan will interact with the public in the mornings where he will receive feedback to enhance government performance as part of the campaign. In the evenings, massive public meetings are scheduled in the respective district/parliamentary constituencies, Raghuram explained. The MLC assured that Jagan will remain amidst the crowds throughout the yatra, which is being conducted on par with his earlier political campaigns such as the Odarpu yatra and Praja Sankalpa Yatra.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 9:41 am

Three cellphone snatchers nabbed in Vijayawada

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) P. Bhaskar Rao and Patamata Circle Inspector D.K.N. Mohan Reddy said the accused V. Praveen Kumar alias Siddhu, S. Lakshminarayana alias Lachi and M. Prabhu alias Prabhu, followed the victim on a bike on Feeder Road and snatched his mobile phone.

The Hindu 19 Mar 2024 2:49 am

Alliance of BJP, TD, JS not New, Same Drama Started After Ten Years

Vijayawada: Government Adviser and YSRC general secretary, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has said the poll alliances between the Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and BJP is not new and the same drama has restarted after ten years. Speaking to the media here on Monday, he said all the promises made ten years ago by this alliance were forgotten and the three parties divorced and separated. Chandrababu had severely insulted Prime Minister Modi after the two parted company. Leaders of the three parties are now targeting chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy instead of telling the people what they will do. Ramakrishna Reddy said, A leader must have unwavering honesty. Some 87 per cent of the families have benefited under Jagan's government. That is why the people have owned him. He said state Congress chief YS Sharmila can contest the election from anywhere. We don't need to care about that because the Congress party got less votes than Nota last time. Ramakrishna Reddy objected to the criticism of the police for lack of proper security for the Praja Galam meeting. He said the leaders of the three parties were responsible for the failure in the crowd management there. People should also be told why these three parties broke up. They had made 600 promises and how many of these had been implemented? Why did they cheat people in the name of the farmer loan waiver and Dwacra loan waiver? The alliance parties are thinking that they can easily cheat the people of AP, he stated.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 12:59 am

Sharmila likely to contest for Lok Sabha from Kadapa

Vijayawada : Andhra Pradesh Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila Reddy is likely to contest as an MP candidate from the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency. After the Election Commission of India (ECI) notified the elections for the Lok Sabha and AP Legislative Assembly, the Congress partys central election committee has started the selection of nominees to contest Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in AP and could release a list of candidates on March 25. Based on a suggestion from senior AICC leaders, Sharmila Reddy is likely to contest from the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency. Apart from the PCC chief, several other senior Congress leaders are also expected to contest in the ensuing polls in AP. Reacting to speculations about Sharmila Reddy contesting from Kadapa, YSR Congress state general secretary and government advisor (public affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said the AP Congress chief has every right to contest the elections and it was up to her as to from which constituency she wants to contest. He, however, added that the Congress in AP has been getting fewer votes than NOTA and it could never compete with his party in the state.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 12:47 am

TD Leader, Wife Join YSRC

Vijayawada : Senior Telugu Desam (TD) leaders Gampala Venkata Ramachandra Rao and wife Sandhya Rani joined YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the latters camp office on Monday. Ramachandra Rao, who hails from the Vada Balija community, previously held the position of TD in-charge for the Visakhapatnam South and East constituencies, served as the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee joint secretary and the working president of the OBC wing. Besides, he also served as the director of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust and a member of the Censor Board. This apart, social activist Dr Kancharla Achyuta Rao, previously affiliated with the Praja Rajyam Party in Visakhapatnam, has joined the YSRC at the Chief Ministers camp office. The YSRC regional coordinator Y.V. Subba Reddy and the former chairman of Vizag Smart City Corporation, G. Venkateswara Rao, welcomed new joinees to YSRC fold.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Mar 2024 12:44 am

Indian Embassy in US talks with students after Abhijit's death

A view of the Indian Embassy in Washington. (Photo: AFP) A view of the Indian Embassy in Washington. (Photo: AFP) Vijayawada: The Indian Embassy in Washington on Monday conducted a virtual interaction with Indian students following a series of attacks on Indians and Indian origin persons/students, in the USA in recent times. Nearly 150 office-bearers and Indian Student Association members from 90 US universities took part in the interaction led by Charge daffaires, Ambassador Shripriya Ranganathan. Moreover, the Consul Generals of India in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Seattle attended it. It may be mentioned that, an Indian student in Boston, identified as Parchuri Abhijit, 20, died in a tragic incident recently and the initial investigation ruled out any foul play. His parents based in Connecticut are in direct touch with the detectives, according to a post on X by the Consulate General of India in New York. His body was cremated in his native village of Burripalem in Guntur district on March 16. Sources said that since beginning of 2024, at least half-a-dozen deaths of students hailing from India or Indian origin were reported and the alarming rise in the number of attacks had also become a cause of concern among the community. In March, Amarnath Ghosh, 34, a trained classical dancer from India and a student of Washington University was shot dead in Missouri. Sameer Kamath, 23, an Indian American student at Purdue University was found dead at nature preserve in Indiana on Feb. 5. On Feb. 2, Vivek Taneja, 41, Indian origin IT executive, suffered life-threatening injuries during an assault outside a restaurant in Washington. A week before, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Earlier, an Indian student, Vivek Saini, 25, was fatally attacked in Georgia States Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict. In January, Shreyas Reddy Beniger, 19, a student at Linder School of Business in Ohio State was found dead. Another Indian student Neel Acharya at Purdue University, Indiana was found dead days after he went missing on Jan. 28. An 18-year-old Akul B. Dhawan, studying at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was found dead with signs of hypothermia in February.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 11:42 pm

Evaluation of Answer Scripts for Intermediate Exam Begins Today

Vijayawada: Today marks an important day for the School Education Department as the evaluation of answer scripts for the Intermediate exam begins at 25 district centres. Involved in the work are approximately 23,000 evaluators, who will do this till April 4. Each evaluator would handle 30 answer scripts a day. The total number of answer scripts is around 60 lakh, principal secretary to school education, Praveen Prakash, said. In parallel, the 10th board exams started today. The exams are being conducted in 3,473 examination centres, overseen by an equal number of chief superintendents and departmental officers. Praveen Prakash said facilities at the centres include bench-seating, RO plants for drinking water, high-end toilets, tube lights, and fans. In a few centres, air coolers and air conditioners have been provided. Some 30,234 rooms are available to accommodate the 725,618 students registered for the SSC examinations. Some 35,119 invigilators are on duty. Additionally, 130 troublesome centres are closely watched, with the support of 156 Flying Squads and 682 Sitting Squads to ensure the exams are held in a normal manner, he said. There would be real-time monitoring of the examination centres, including the use of CC-TV cameras. Every page of each question paper now includes a unique QR code on the top and also a water-marked code in Webding font, allowing for real-time tracking and identification of any malpractice. AP has taken an innovative step by providing audio question papers to visually impaired students. We are the only state to do so on a pilot basis. This year, 12 special needs children are using this facility. Plans are to extend it to all students with special needs in the future, the official said. On re-enrolled students, Praveen Prakash said the state has introduced a new policy wherein students who failed in the previous year's exams have been re-enrolled as regular students. Some 1,125 such students are participating in this year's exams. Their marks will be considered on a subject-wise basis, selecting the best of both years' marks. This is aimed at removing the distinction between students who failed and those who passed, in the mark sheets, he stated.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 11:08 pm

Jagan to Go on Memantha Siddham Bus Yatra Across 21 Districts in AP

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will embark on 'Memantha Siddham' (We are all ready) bus yatra as part of the YSRC campaign for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The yatra, reminiscent of the earlier Odarpu Yatra and Praja Sankalpa Yatras, will feature interactions with the public apart from public meetings to be conducted daily. It will span 25 Parliamentary constituencies. Jagan Mohan Reddy is expected to start the Bus Yatra from March 26 or 27, from Idupulapaya and conclude the same at Ichapuram. The yatra over at least one month will cross 21 districts. In a meeting at the CM's camp office in Tadepalli on Monday, Jagan Mohan Reddy interacted with regional coordinators of the YSRC. Discussions revolved around the bus yatra, route mapping, manifesto, and other pertinent issues. Jagan Mohan Reddy provided directives to party leaders regarding strategies to confront the alliance of three parties. During the regional coordinators' meeting, Jagan Mohan Reddy told them that there was ample time for the candidates as the election schedule provided them nearly two months to campaign. He urged YSRC candidates to capitalise on this flexibility and sought to visit all secretariats and seek people's blessings. He stressed the importance of ensuring the success of the bus yatra like the Siddham meetings. The four Siddham meetings garnered significant success, with the sentiment of starting at Idupulapaya and concluding at Ichapuram proving fruitful for the YSRC. Based on the sentiment, the bus journey will follow suit from Idupulapaya to Ichhapuram. The party leaders have primarily planned interactions in the morning, followed by large public meetings in the afternoon and evening. CM Programmes party coordinator and MLC Talasila Raghuram confirmed that the YSRC chief is geared up for a massive campaign in the state for the elections. As part of this endeavour, a bus trip will be undertaken across the state under the banner of Memanta Siddham. Raghuram disclosed that apart from the four districts/Parliamentary constituencies where Siddham meetings were held, the bus yatra will cover the remaining 21 districts. He announced the start of the bus yatra on March 26 or 27, highlighting the significance of large public meetings in galvanising party workers and leadership in every village across the state, like the Odarpu Yatra and Praja Sankalpa Yatra organised in YSR political programmes

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 11:02 pm

NDA Seeks Action Against Police for Security Lapse at Public Meeting Addressed by PM

VIJAYAWADA: Leaders of the Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and BJP called on Chief Election Officer Mukesh Meena here on Monday and sought action against four senior police officers for their failure to ensure proper security at the public meeting addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Palnadu district on Sunday. The complaint was against the state DGP, the additional DG (intelligence), the Guntur range IG, and the Palnadu SP. The leaders demanded that these officials be kept away from election work. They submitted to the CEO a letter addressed to the chief election commissioner in which strong action was sought against the errant police officers. TD general secretary Varla Ramaiah, BJP media cell in-charge Pathuri Nagabhushanam and Jana Sena state handloom wing chairman Chillakallu Srinivasa Rao met the CEO. Despite prior intimation to the police about the public meeting at Boppudi village of Chilakaluripeta, no proper arrangements were made, the leaders of the three parties complained. Apart from PM Modi, the meeting had also been addressed by TD chief Chandrababu Naidu, JS chief Pawan Kalyan and state BJP president D Purandeswari. The leaders cited an instance of PM Modi himself rising from his seat on the dais to request the people to come down from towers and high-rise poles at the meeting venue. The PM faced difficulty during his address of the people as the mike-set repeatedly failed, the leaders complained. They alleged a breach of security in the D-Zone where people were seen freely moving around. The police failed to manage the crowd and did not regulate vehicular traffic. We suspect this kind of policing was done at the venue with malafide intention, the leaders said. In a related development, Jana Sena political affairs committee chairman Nadendla Manohar demanded a probe into the security lapse at the public meeting attended by PM Modi and others.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 9:50 pm

Guntur: IAF Conducts Trial Run at Emergency Landing Facility on NH16

Vijayawada: The Indian Air Force has successfully conducted an aircraft landing trial run at the 4.1-km Emergency Landing Facility, constructed at Pichikala Gudipadu in Korisapadu mandal on National Highway No.16. The Air Force officials later thanked the Bapatla district SP Vakul Jindal for the security arrangements. SP Vakul Jindal said that the aircraft landing facility was constructed at Pichikala Gudipadu for the purpose of landing planes in emergency situations such as floods, earthquakes and natural calamities. He said that the trial run was conducted with aircrafts like SU 30, HAWK, AN 32, Dornier etc from 9:00am to 01:00pm. The Air Force officials later thanked the district SP for the security arrangements as traffic was diverted for the smooth conduct of the trial run. Joint collector Ch. Sridhar, Air Force officers, Additional SP T.P. Vithaleshwar and other police officers participated.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 9:30 pm

YIFW Miss World International India Winner: Channagiri Nandhini

New Delhi (India) March 18: In the heart of bustling Hyderabad resides a young luminary whose journey epitomizes resilience and passion. Meet Nandhini, a 24-year-old dynamo, whose tale of triumph and compassion captivates hearts and inspires minds across the nation. Born in the scenic city of Vijayawada, Nandhinis early years were filled with dreams of []

edtimes 18 Mar 2024 8:59 pm

Assistant Engineer at Vijayawada Municipal Corporation lands in ACB net

He was allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe of 50,000

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 8:25 pm

Trial run for EFL to be conducted in Bapatla on March 18

GUNTUR: The officials of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Bapatla district administration made elaborate arrangements for the trial run for landing of aircrafts at the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF), scheduled to be held on Monday from 9 am to 1 pm. The officials have already set up radars and other technical equipment to conduct the trail run successfully. Additional police personnel were deployed for security measures and to prevent commuters and nearby villagers from entering the airstrip during the trial run. Traffic restrictions will be imposed from 7.30 am to 1 pm on NH 16, informed district SP Vakul Jindal. Vehicles arriving from Vijayawada will be diverted through Addanki, and vehicles heading to Visakhapatnam, Guntur, from Ongole will be diverted through Medarametla and Renangivaram. The officials also appealed to the commuters and the nearby villagers to cooperate and plan their journey accordingly. As part of strengthening strategic security of the country, the IAF conducted the trial run successfully. Bapatla ELR is the first-of-its kind emergency facility in the southern peninsula. The Government of India had planned around 20 (Emergency Landing Runway) ELR facilities across the country, which would come up in course of time. The facility would help in case of war, floods, during NDRFs rescue operations, air dropping of relief material, transportation of the stranded people and for other emergency needs. It can be recalled that, a 4.1-km long and 60 metre wide concrete airstrip was constructed on Bapatla National Highway 16 at Pichukalagudipadu village in Korisapadu mandal of Bapatla district. A trial run for the touchdown of air crafts was conducted successfully on 29 December 2022.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:07 am

APCC chief Sharmila denounces PM Modis YSRC & Congress same remark

VIJAYAWADA: APCC chief YS Sharmila took serious exception to the comments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the YSRC and the Congress are the same and headed by members of the same family. Taking to X soon after NDAs public meeting, she posted the BJP as a ringmaster making Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu play in their cages. Neglecting the State for a decade, BJP is now resorting to finger-pointing at the Congress and me. The BJP sailed with Jagan unofficially for five years and has turned a blind eye to all that was happening. Further, indirectly it has been helping YSRC. On its part, YSRC has obediently supported every bill of BJP in a shameful manner. It encouraged the YSRC government to borrow, only seeking its destruction, she observed. BJP and YSRC have a strong friendship. Congress gave assurances, but they were disregarded by the BJP, TDP, and YSRC. Now, to hide their ineptness, they started pointing fingers at Congress. Are they afraid of Congress? Sharmila questioned.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 11:06 am

Technical glitches, crowd control issues mar TDP-BJP-JSP rally with PM Modi in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Praja Galam, the much publicised first public meeting of the TDP-BJP-JSP combine held at Boppudi near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district on Sunday, was marred with several arrangement lapses, despite attracting huge crowds. Due to technical glitch in the public address system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to cut short his speech. Within a minute after the start of Modis speech, the microphones went mute. Even as Modi himself asked the technicians to rectify the snag, the same problem recurred twice. Even as the leaders from the dais repeatedly appealed to the people not to surge towards the console of public address system and cooperate to the successful conduct of the meeting, some people did not heed the suggestion and caused disturbance. Modi on his part, made light of the situation. At one point of time, Naidu appeared to have expressed his ire at Prathipati Pulla Rao, former minister and TDP candidate from Chilakaluripet Assembly constituency, for failing to ensure proper arrangements for the public meeting attended by the Prime Minister. With Modi not mentioning any specific issues related to the State and also not making any harsh remarks against the ruling YSRC government, a section of TDP leaders expressed disappointment. While Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan was addressing the meeting, Modi observed some youths climbing the lighting towers, and appealed to them to get down. Come down, you would create unwanted problems, he said. TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh, who welcomed Modi at the helipad, however, was not seen on the dais. Meanwhile, stampede like situation took place in some galleries of the public meeting, resulting in damage to hundreds of chairs. Barricades arranged to separate the galleries were also pulled down. Later, Pulla Rao found fault with police for failing to arrange rope party at the console of public address system to control the surging crowds.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:47 am

Its a flop, alliance fails to tell anything concrete to people: Former AP minister

VIJAYAWADA: Terming the Praja Galam meeting of the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance at Boppudi near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district a big flop, minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) said the tripartite alliance had failed to tell the people what they would offer them if they are voted to power in the State. Nani also found fault with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not mentioning any of the unfulfilled promises like completion of Polavaram project and others during his address. Speaking to mediapersons on Sunday, Nani asked as to why TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu was now supporting Modi, whom he had opposed and abused five years back. How is Naidu, who equalled Modi to a terrorist five years back, calling the same person a Viswaguru now? Nani sought to know. On the glitches in the public address system during Modis speech, Nani questioned as to how the alliance was going to take on Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy when they could not even organise a meeting properly. In our Siddham meetings, we have told the people what we have done and why the people of the State should vote for Jagan. The alliance partners, however, have failed to tell what they will do to the State and why people should support them, Nani said. Nani also wondered as to what the Double Engine Sarkar of the TDP-BJP had done to the State in the past and why they should be voted to power again. Nani further said neither Modi, Naidu or Pawan Kalyan could tell whether they would give Special Category Status or not. Nani also questioned Pawan Kalyan as to why he did not raise the issue of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation at the meeting. The former minister also made light of Modis comments that the YSRC and the Congress are one. Not just the BJP, even TDP activists would believe such remarks. In fact, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in AP and Telangana is nothing but All India Chandrababu Committee, he observed. Nani reminded that Modi himself had alleged that Naidu had used Polavaram project as an ATM and also announced that a probe would be ordered into the alleged scam in Amaravati and others. Why did not the BJP government order a probe into the alleged irregularities in construction of Polavaram. How did Naidu come out clean now on Polavaram issue? Nani questioned.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:43 am

Group-I exam registers 72.55 per cent attendance in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Around 72.55 per cent of candidates have attended for the Preliminary Examination (Screening Test) for Group-I, conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) across the State on Sunday. The test was passed off smoothly amid tight security at 301 examination centres. As against 1,48,881 candidates registered, 1,26,068 have downloaded the hall tickets for the exam. Around 90,777 appeared for the morning session, where as 91,463 attended for the afternoon session. Earlier, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy announced the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 at the exam centres. The government appointed one IAS officer per district as in-charge, along with district-level senior officials serving as liaison officers for each examination centre to oversee the proceedings. Measures were implemented to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, drinking water supply, and first aid provision at all examination centres. Monitoring of the examination process was facilitated through the APPSC command control room, which continuously supervised the conduct of the examinations at the state level via centre-wise CCTV cameras. In Tirupati, as many as 6,037 candidates appeared for the exam. District Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kanth Patel conducted inspections at the exam centres and reviewed arrangements. Security staff checking the candidates appearing for Group-I exam in Tirupati; Madhav K APPSC Chairman Gautam Sawang personally supervised the Group-I prelims exam at the APPSC Command Control Centre in Vijayawada. Speaking to reporters, he emphasised the exams were conducted transparently and peacefully under the surveillance of CCTV centres. Over 1.48 lakh to appear for Group-1 Prelims at 301 centres in Andhra Pradesh on March 17 Gautam Sawang said that the State governments intention to appeal to the High Court bench against the verdict regarding the Group-I 2018 exam. He emphasised that there were no irregularities in the 2018 Group-I examination and that the manual evaluation was conducted transparently only once. He assured jobholders that there was no cause for concern. Certain litigants have alleged attempts to obstruct the exam process, similar to incidents during the previous Group-II exam. Some individuals had unsuccessfully filed a house motion petition in the High Court to obstruct the ongoing Group-I exam. Sawang also stated that every stage of the examination process conducted by APPSC is monitored and recorded via CCTV cameras to enhance transparency. Sawang highlighted efforts to improve transparency over the past three years and refrained from responding to political criticisms directed at him. He emphasised APPSCs achievement of transparently completing the 2022 Group-I exam within 11 months under his chairmanship. APPSC likely to change Group 1 examination pattern

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:30 am

AP: NTR cops seize 112 vehicles without documents, 30 taken into custody

VIJAYAWADA: NTR district police have seized as many as 112 vehicles and have reportedly taken 30 persons into custody, for failing to provide necessary documents, during a surprise inspection carried out across the district on Saturday night hours. Under the directives of NTR district Police Commissioner Kanthi Rana Tata, surprise inspections were carried out by Deputy Commissioners (DCPs) of rural, west and east zone, in the wake of preparatory measures for the upcoming general elections to be held on May 13. During a meeting convened with all the DCPs, ACPs and station house officers of Vijayawada city, CP Kanthi Rana Tata instructed them to be on high alert ensuring round-the-clock monitoring the movements of rowdy sheeters and troublemakers in their respective jurisdiction. He also pointed out that regular counselling to rowdy sheeters and suspect sheeters must be conducted without fail. On the other hand, with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force from Saturday, the police personnel of all the stations along with central armed police forces conducted flag march at various places across the city on Sunday evening. During the flag march, police officials addressed the people and inspected the security issues in the identified problematic locations. Rana said initiatives are being taken by the police administration to complete the elections in a fair and peaceful manner and conducting flag marches surveillance across the district to ensure the safety of citizens. Police are keeping an eye on all the happenings in the district and interacting with public, said the CP Rana. CP Rana further instructed all the station house officers to keep a vigil on anti-social elements to prevent untoward incidents during the elections. During the flag march, the police personnel asked the public to exercise their vote in a free and fair manner.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 10:21 am

Incapable Naidu Trying to Win With Modis Help, Says Rajini

Vijayawada : Medical and health minister and YSRC Guntur West candidate Vidadala Rajini maintained that Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought alliances with other parties, as he will be unable to win on his own. Addressing a meeting of leaders belonging to various backward class organisations on Sunday, she pointed out that Naidu had realised that he cannot win alone, as he had done nothing for people despite serving as the chief minister for 14 years. Rajini said Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, a close ally of the former CM, also realised that Naidu cannot win even with his (Pawans) support. That is why the JS leader has roped in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, begging the PM that he somehow provide a win for Naidu this time, the minister remarked. She charged that the TDP chief has used BCs only as a vote bank. She claimed that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is the only one who recognised BCs as the backbone of the state and provided them full justice. Out CM has done true justice for the BCs, she underlined. Rajini pointed out that only after Jagan Mohan Reddy became the Chief Minister, he set up 56 corporations for various sections within the BCs. She assured the BC leaders of Guntur that as a BC woman herself, she will always stand by their side. She maintained that only YSR Congress party has done justice to BCs in the allocation of assembly seats for the 2024 elections. The minister forecast that the verdict of the people in the coming elections will be like a tsunami. All the opposition parties will be swept away in that tsunami, she declared.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 1:17 am

Traffic Curbs Today for Trial Landing of IAF jet on NH-16 in Bapatla District

Vijayawada: In view of the trial emergency landing of an IAF fighter jet on the national highway (NH) number 16 at Pichikala Gudipadu under Korishapadu mandal in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh, on Monday , the traffic curbs on vehicles and route diversion have been put in place between 9am and 1pm. Elaborating on traffic restrictions and route diversion, Bapatla SP Vakul Jindal said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) officials will conduct an aircraft landing exercise on trail basis on Monday (March 18), on the 4.1 km Emergency Landing Facility (stretch). The emergency landing strip has been constructed at Pichikala Gudipadu in Korishapadu mandal on the national highway number (NH-16) for facilitating landing of IAF fighter jets during emergency situation. A large contingent of police force comprising 528 policemen will be deputed on the highway on March 18 between 9:00am and 1:00pm for regulating the movement of vehicular traffic and route diversion. The vehicular traffic on the national highway (NH-16) will be diverted from 7:30am to 1:00pm. Vehicles going towards Ongole, Nellore and Chennai from Guntur side will be diverted from Renangivaram Junction. The vehicles will rejoin the highway (NH-16) at Medarametla via taking the route of Naam highway in Addanki town. Similarly, vehicles moving towards Chilakaluripet, Guntur, Visakhapatnam from Ongole side will be diverted from Medarametla and after taking the Naam highway, the vehicular traffic will rejoin the NH-16 at Renangivaram Junction in Addanki Town. Heavy commercial vehicles on way to Guntur and Visakhapatnam from Ongole side will be stopped at the Medarametla Holding Point on NH-16. The SP stated that the heavy commercial vehicles from Guntur and moving towards Ongole and Chennai, will be stopped at the Martur (Rajupalem) Holding Point on NH-16. The SP also appealed to the motorists and road users to follow traffic curbs on NH-16 and also cooperate with the traffic police in implementing the traffic regulations.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 9:12 pm

6.23 lakh AP Students to Write SSC Exams from Today

The Maharashtra Board conducts examination twice a year and the number of students appearing for the main examination 17 Lacs for SSC Class 10th (Photo: DC) The Maharashtra Board conducts examination twice a year and the number of students appearing for the main examination 17 Lacs for SSC Class 10th (Photo: DC) Vijayawada : All is set for 6,23,092 10th class students of Andhra Pradesh to start writing their 2024 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) public examinations from Monday 9:30 a.m. onwards. The SSC exams will conclude on March 30. Students will be allowed into their examination centres from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. They can write their exam for the day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., a duration of three hours and 15 minutes. Announcing this here on Sunday, AP School Education commissioner S. Suresh Kumar said they have hosted hall tickets of all students on their official website on March 4 itself. Students can either download the hall tickets by themselves or collect the same from the principal of the school concerned. Suresh Kumar said of the total 6,23,092 students who have registered for the SSC exams, 3,17,939 are boys and 3,05,153 girls. Students who have re-enrolled for the exams are 1,02,528, The total number of examination centres in the state are 3,473. 3,473 chief superintendents, 3,473 departmental officers, 35,119 invigilators and other staff have been appointed to ensure that the exams go on smoothly. The school education commissioner said examination centres are equipped with adequate infrastructure, such as benches, adequate lighting, fans, drinking water facilities and toilets. Total 156 flying squads and 682 sitting squads have been constituted all over the state to check malpractices at the examination centres. Total 130 examination centres have been identified across the state as troublesome, where CCTV cameras have been installed for surveillance. Suresh Kumar said 12/24-page answer booklets, graph sheets and other examination material have been already dispatched to the district headquarters and secured at storage points. Unique Confidential Coded Question Papers are being provided to the candidates to prevent paper leakages and malpractices. The commissioner said in case of malpractice or paper leaks, the exact district, mandal, exam centre, exam hall and the precise candidate can be identified within a short time because of the coded question papers. He warned that strict action will be taken against malpractice cases as per provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices and Unfair Means) Act, 1997. Suresh Kumar said a Control Room has been set up in the Directorate of Government Examinations, which will function round the clock. The Control Room can be contacted on number 0866-2974540 or website dir_govexams@yahoo.com in case of any inquiries, complaints or reporting of malpractices.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 8:29 pm

Key Andhra politician Kapu Ramachandra Reddy joins BJP amid allegations against YSRC govt

VIJAYAWADA: Rayadurgam MLA Kapu Ramachandra Reddy, who quit the YSRC after being denied ticket, joined the BJP in the presence of the partys State chief Daggubati Purandeswari and national general secretary Vinod Tawde here on Saturday. Former Tanuku municipal chairperson Mullapudi Renuka, along with her husband Harischandra Prasad, Tarun Kakani, CEO of Amaravati Boat Club and grandson of Kakani Venkata Ratnam, S Gangireddy of Kakinada, S Tejeswara Rao of Srikakulam and Pydi Raja Rao and Polepalle Prasad of Srikakulam also joined the saffron party. Purandeswari said all these people had joined the BJP to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People of the State have suffered a lot under the reign of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. They should be wary of the YSRC government, which may resort to commit electoral irregularities, she cautioned. The BJP will write to the Election Commission to reschedule the DSC exam as it has been scheduled to prevent the anti-establishment vote, she added.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:35 am

AP: Magunta returns to TDP-fold, son is likely to get Ongole MP seat

VIJAYAWADA: YSRC MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, along with his son Raghava Reddy, joined the TDP in the presence of party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday. After five years, Magunta returned to his home base -- TDP. With Magunta announcing his retirement from active politics, the TDP is expected to field his son from Ongole Lok Sabha constituency. After serving as an MLC till 2019, Magunta joined the YSRC and won from Ongole Lok Sabha constituency in the last elections. However, when his son was arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor scam case, the YSRC is said to have isolated the Magunta family, besides denying ticket to contest from Ongole Lok Sabha segment, despite former minister Balineni Srinivasulu Reddy mounting pressure on YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy seeking renomination of the MP. After turning approver in the Delhi liquor scam case, Raghava Reddy was released on bail, and he along with his father announced resignation to the YSRC. The joining of the Magunta family assumes significance as it took place a day after Kavitha Kalvakuntla, daughter of BRS head and former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case connected to the Delhi liquor scam. Speaking after inviting the Magunta family and other leaders into the party fold, Naidu said with the return of Magunta to the TDP, the political landscape of Prakasam district has changed and the party is poised to win Ongole MP seat.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:32 am

23-year-old Guntur youth found murdered in Boston

VIJAYAWADA: A 23-year-old engineering student from Burripalem village of Guntur district was allegedly found dead in his car in a forest in Boston, a city in Massachusetts. The incident, took place when he was reportedly on his way home from the college on March 11. The deceased was identified as Paruchuri Abhijit. According to local media reports, Abhijit joined Boston University last year and used to stay with his classmates in a rented house. Noticing Abhijit did not reach home after finishing his classwork, worried friends informed police and lodged a missing complaint. The police traced him and found his body in a car in the nearby forest. It is believed that Abhijit was allegedly killed by unidentified thugs on the the university campus and should have left his body in the forest and fled from the scene. The police launched an investigation to nab the accused. This is the ninth such incident where Indians and American-origin Indians were killed in the United States in separate cases. Among nine, two died of suicide, two died of overdose, two died after going missing, one died in a road accident and two were murdered.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:16 am

Count down began for YSRC govt, hope for better: TDP chief

VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that the countdown has begun for the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government with the Election Commission of India announcing the poll schedule, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu vowed that the coming TDP-JSP-BJP government will strive for the development of the State. The election results will block the mind of Jagan. The people have started feeling total freedom from the psycho rule soon after the announcement of poll schedule, he observed. Addressing the TDP Legal Cell meeting on Saturday, Naidu promised to pay a monthly stipend of Rs 7,000 to junior advocates in the name of Nyaya Mitra scheme soon after the tripartite alliance forms the government in the State. The number of beneficiaries will be increased to 3,500. A sum of Rs 100 crore will be allocated as corpus fund for advocates. The controversial land titling Act will be abolished, he said. Mentioning that till now his nomination used to be filed by advocates and TDP activists after taking his signature on the declaration form, Naidu regretted that the situation is so bad now that he has to take the details of the number cases filed against him from the DGP. If I do not ask for the details of the cases, I am not aware of how many illegal cases are filed against me and when, he remarked. Mentioning that the tripartite alliance is organising the Praja Galam public meeting near Chilakaluripet on Sunday, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the TDP chief exuded confidence that the NDA will form the government both at the Centre and in the State. Stating that the coming 57 days are very crucial, Naidu said advocates too will be partners in the coming golden era. Premium for medical claim and accidental insurance will be paid by the government for advocates, besides allotting house sites, he promised.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:09 am

Over 6L students likely to appear for SSC exams in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh School Education Department is gearing up for the smooth conduct of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) public examinations, which are slated to be held from March 18 to 30. With 6,23,092 candidates registered for the exams, including 3,17,939 boys and 3,05,153 girls, the government has been making elaborate arrangements in ensuring a conducive environment for the students. A total of 3,473 examination centres have been set up, equipped with adequate infrastructure. Beside appointing chief superintendents, departmental officers, invigilators and others to oversee the smooth conduct of the exams, the school education department would deploy 156 flying squads and 682 sitting squads to monitor the exam centres and prevent any malpractices. Elaborating on the arrangements made for the examination, Commissioner of School Education S Suresh Kumar said, In a proactive move to maintain surveillance, 130 troublesome examination centres have been identified and CCTV cameras were installed for close monitoring. Furthermore, unique coded question papers will be provided to candidates to prevent malpractice and any paper leakages. All examination centres will be declared as No Phone Zones and usage of electronic devices will be prohibited.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:08 am

Over 1.48 lakh to appear for Group-1 Prelims at 301 centres in Andhra Pradesh on March 17

VIJAYAWADA: Elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of Group-I screening test (Prelims) in the State on Sunday. Holding a virtual meeting with the District Collectors and SPs from his camp office on Saturday, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy took stock of the arrangements made at the examination centres. The Group-I prelims will be held at 301 centres across the State. In all, 1,48,881 candidates have applied for the test to be held in two phases on Sunday. Paper 1 will be held from 10 am to 12 pm and Paper 2 from 2 to 4 pm. He directed the Collectors and SPs to make foolproof security arrangements at the exam centres, besides enforcing Section 144 to avoid any untoward incidents. An IAS officer has been appointed as incharge for every district to monitor the smooth conduct of the examination. District level senior officials have also been deployed as liaison officers. The Collectors should ensure continuous power supply, besides arranging drinking water supply and other facilities at all the examination centres, the Chief Secretary said. Directing the APPSC officials to closely monitor the conduct of examination from the State-level control room, he said adequate security arrangements should be made for shifting the answers sheets and other material from the examination centres to the strong rooms.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:05 am

TDP-JSP-BJP Praja Galam on March 17, PM Modi to unveil development roadmap for Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to address the Praja Galam public meeting of the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance at Boppudi near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district on Sunday, make any concrete announcement related to Andhra Pradesh? As it is the first public meeting after striking an electoral alliance with the TDP, and also the first public meeting in the State after the announcement of election schedule, all eyes are on Modi whether he will give any specific assurances for the development of the State. Modi is expected to make some key announcements with regard to what the coming NDA government at the Centre, and also the coalition government of the three parties in the State, will do for the betterment of the State on all fronts, besides exposing the failures of the YSRC government. According to BJP leaders, besides highlighting the support extended to the State by the Centre in the last 10 years, Modi will elaborate on what the BJP-led NDA government will do for Andhra Pradesh after retaining power in the elections. Andhra Pradesh: Security arrangements made for PM Modis visit to Palnadu today Meanwhile, elaborate arrangements have been made for the successful conduct of the Praja Galam public meeting. After completing the works of dais, the venue has been handed over to NSG. Three helipads have been readied for the Prime Minister, and three more for TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan and other leaders. Apart from Modi, Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, 10 senior leaders from each of the three political parties will be allowed onto the dais. The three leaders are likely to announce the roadmap for rebuilding the State at the public meeting. Expecting a turnout of more than 10 lakh people for the public meeting, arrangements have been made at the venue to ensure that the participants do not face any inconvenience. The Prime Ministers security staff conducted a trial run by arriving at the meeting venue by choppers. Elaborate security arrangements have been made at the venue and more than 5,000 police personnel have been deployed to thwart any untoward incident.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 11:01 am

Andhra Pradesh: Security arrangements made for PM Modis visit to Palnadu today

GUNTUR: Elaborate security arrangements are made for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Palnadu district, said Guntur Range DIG Palaraju. The DIG along with Palnadu SP Ravishankar Reddy conducted a review meeting with police personnel on Saturday. The PM will take part in a public meeting at Boppudi in Chilakaluripet on March 17. Over 3,900 police personnel will be deployed for the duties. Action should be taken to ensure that the details of parking areas are easily available to the people and guests. He warned that stern action would be taken against those who fail to deliver their duties properly. Informing that the traffic diversions will be enforced from 9 am on March 17, he said that heavy vehicles on NH 36, NH 214-A, NH 16 will be diverted. Heavy vehicles heading to Visakhapatnam from Chennai and Kolkata NH 16 will be diverted to Ongole-Digamarru NH 214-A through Ongole, Chirala, Gudivada and Machilipatnam. Heavy vehicles heading to Hyderabad from Chennai on Marketpalli NH36 will be diverted to Addanki, Miryalaguda. Vehicles travelling from Hyderabad, Vijayawada to Kolkata on NH 9 will be diverted through Nuzvid, Hanuman Junction and Visakhapatnam and vehicles heading from Hyderabad to Chennai on Vijayawada NH 9 will be directed through Narketpally, Nalgonda, and Ongole. He said vehicles headed to Prajagalam meeting will be allowed to travel from Chilakaluripet to Medarametla on NH 16. Later, the officials conducted a convoy trail run from the helipad to the venue.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 10:59 am

Andhra Pradesh: Spreading the gift of wellness beyond borders through yoga

VIJAYAWADA: At a very young age, Balam Sirisha knew that yoga was her calling. Guided by the encouragement of her father, B Subbarao, she took up the mission of advocating the therapeutic benefits of yoga, emphasising its ability to heal both body and mind.In the last 15 years, more than 2 lakh people have benefited from her yoga classes. Her knowledge has extended beyond borders, as she also trains foreigners, currently teaching 500 foreigners online. She also visits 11 schools each year and teaches yoga to students. A native of Bhimavaram, she has pursued B.Sc, Ph.D., M.Sc, and M. Phil in yoga. In the initial stage, she practised yoga under the guidance of Bhupathi Raju Satyanarayanaraju. Yoga guru Garre Seetharamayya encouraged her to take part in yoga competitions. Under the mentorship of Malisetty Ankhamma Rao, she achieved several medals. She remarks that her journey is not just about personal achievement. She said it is about uplifting others and spreading the transformative power of yoga far and wide. Through her free yoga classes for the underprivileged and awareness campaigns, she has brought the gift of wellness to those who need it the most. Several of her students have gone on to win national championships, while some of them are taking her knowledge forward by conducting yoga classes. She told TNIE, Yoga is not just a physical practice. It is a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. I have witnessed the power of yoga firsthand, using it to overcome stress and cultivate inner peace in my own life. Through yoga, people can learn discipline, cure mental and physical illness. Yoga has helped me a lot to reduce stress. People of any age group can practise it. It also helps in dealing with negative emotions and thoughts within us and helps us focus on the goals we wish to achieve. She has represented Andhra Pradesh in many competitions in the 28 to 35 age category and bagged several international and national medals. She bagged a gold medal in the Asia Pacific Yoga Sports Championship held in Thailand in 2023, gold in the National Level Tournament conducted by Saptharishi Yogadhara Sports Academy, and three gold medals in Colombo, Sri Lanka at the International Yoga Championship. She even stood third in the Khelo India event held in Karnataka. She was also selected for the Vietnam Asian Competition and World Cup Competitions. Additionally, Sirisha also secured a bronze medal in a tournament conducted by the Yoga Federation of India in 2018, a gold medal in the National Level Tournament held in Andhra Pradesh. She stood fourth place in a competition held at Dharmasthali in Nepal in 2017. She is the recipient of the Champion Women Award, Pule National Award, Vishwambhara Jathiya Mahila Award, Ugadi Purashkar, special appreciation award from the Andhra Pradesh government, and the 2023 Uthama Prathibha Puraskar in Hyderabad. However, Sirisha lamented that she was unable to take part in several international championships due to the lack of sponsors and insufficient funds. My aim is to take part in international championships and establish my own yoga academy to help people understand its benefits, Balam Sirisha said.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 10:24 am

Ongole MP Magunta joins TDP

Vijayawada: Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy along with several other leaders joined the Telugu Desam party in the presence of party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu at a programme held here on Saturday. The leaders include: Magunta Srinivasulu Reddys son Raghava Reddy, former MLA Bachina Garataiah, Bachina Krishna Chaitanya, Kavali former MLA Vonteru Venugopal Reddy and their supporters. Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said that it was a good day as the election code of conduct had come into force with the announcement of election notification and nobody needed to fear anyone. He predicted that TD would come out triumphant from the Ongole Lok Sabha segment and said that they would also field a common candidate at Darsi assembly segment. He said that during the alliance talks with Jena Sena and BJP, the Pithapuram Assembly segment was given to JS where its chief Pawan Kalyan would be contesting for the polls. He asked the party aspirant and former MLA from Pitapuram SVSN Varma to work for the victory of Pawan Kalyan and assured him MLC ticket instead.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 7:45 am

Modis first meeting in AP today after alliance with TD, JS

VIJAYAWADA : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting at Boppudi village near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district at about 5 pm on Sunday, the first after BJP forged an alliance with Telugu Desam and Jana Sena to contest the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh scheduled on May 13. It is also the first time that the Prime Minister is going to address an election meeting after the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections in the country. PM Modi, Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan will be sharing the dais for the first time after the 2014 elections. There are high expectations on announcements that Narendra Modi is going to make at the public meeting, as TD-JS-BJP combo is firm on dethroning the ruling YSRC government in Andhra Pradesh in the forthcoming polls. According to the tour programme, the Prime Minister will arrive at Gannavaram Airport from Delhi at about 4:10 pm on Sunday. He will arrive at the helipad in Boppudi village at 4:50 pm and will reach the public meeting venue at about 5 pm. JS chief Pawan Kalyan, AP BJP president Daggubati Purandeswari and Telugu Desam supremo Chandrababu Naidu will address the meeting before Narendra Modi takes over. Earlier in the day, Guntur range IG Palaraju and Palnadu SP Y. Ravi Sankar Reddy beefed up security arrangements for the Prime Ministers visit. Meanwhile, police have issued an advisory diverting vehicles in view of the public meeting. No vehicles will be allowed on NH-16 from Chilakaluripeta to Medarametla, except for the vehicles proceeding to the public meeting. Purandeswari, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde and senior leaders from TD and JS held a meeting in Guntur and called upon people to turn up in large numbers for the public meeting. They underlined that the three parties have forged an alliance for ensuring a bright future for AP after the forthcoming elections. They sounded confident that Andhra Pradesh will make rapid strides with a double-engine government. The public meeting also gains significance as Narendra Modi will be addressing a meeting in AP for the first time after TD has re-joined the BJP-led NDA.

Deccan Chronicle 17 Mar 2024 1:43 am

APPSC Group-1 Prelims at 301 Centres Today

Vijayawada : All arrangements have been put in place for holding of the APPSC Group-1 preliminary screening examination on Sunday, March 17. In this regard, chief secretary Dr. K.S. Jawahar Reddy reviewed preparations for the exams with collectors and SPs of various districts. The exams are scheduled to be held at 301 centres across the state. Total 48,881 candidates are expected to appear for the examination, whose Paper 1 will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and Paper 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The CS ordered collectors and SPs to organise strict security arrangements and impose Section 144 in and around the examination centres to prevent any untoward incidents. He said one IAS officer must be in charge of supervising the exams in each district. Jawahar Reddy wanted officers to ensure basic facilities at the exam centres, like uninterrupted power supply and drinking water, apart from first-aid. The chief secretary directed that appropriate measures be taken to move the answer sheets and other materials to strong rooms in each district.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Mar 2024 11:53 pm

Naidu assures 7K honorarium to lawyers if elected to power

VIJAYAWADA : Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that he will pay an honorarium of 7,000 per head / month as Nyayamitra to junior lawyers, apart from setting up a corpus fund of 100 crore for them, once the TD-JS-BJP alliance is elected to power in the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Addressing lawyers at the general elections summit organised by the TD Legal Cell here on Saturday, Naidu assured to enhance the number of beneficiaries to 3,500 from the present 2,670. The former chief minister further assured that once the alliance forms the government, they will pay the premium for 5 lakh medical claim to lawyers as well as 15 lakh accident insurance for them. In addition, he said, house sites will be allotted to lawyers. He called upon lawyers to take up the responsibility of protecting Andhra Pradesh from YSRC. Chandrababu Naidu expressed confidence that the TD-JS-BJP alliance will win a majority of the seats in Andhra Pradesh. He predicted that the BJP-led NDA will win nearly 400 Lok Sabha seats.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Mar 2024 11:40 pm

Countdown has started for YSR Congress, says Chandrababu Naidu

Vijayawada: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday that with the announcement of the poll schedule, the countdown has started for the YSR Congress Party government in Andhra Pradesh. Reacting to the announcement of the poll schedule for the Andhra Pradesh Assembly along with the Lok Sabha, the former chief minister 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 .

The Siasat Daily 16 Mar 2024 11:25 pm

Venkateshs Younger Daughter Havyavahini Marries Dr Nishanth

Yesterday marked a joyous occasion for the household of renowned Telugu actor Venkatesh, as his second daughter, Hayavahini, exchanged vows in a splendid ceremony held in Hyderabad's Narsingi area. The groom, Nishanth, hails from Vijayawada and is a distinguished doctor in his own right. Following the wedding, reports indicate that an extravagant reception is slated to take place in just two days' time, promising to be a grand affair befitting the auspicious occasion. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Venkatesh himself hosted a lavish cocktail bash at Ramanaidu Studios the previous night. Although the event was an intimate affair, it was graced by the presence of some of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry, further enhancing the festivities. This joyous occasion comes after Venkatesh's elder daughter's marriage, signifying yet another milestone for the illustrious family. As preparations for the upcoming reception unfold and the revelries continue, Venkatesh has taken a temporary break from his busy shooting schedule to fully immerse himself in the celebrations of his daughter's wedding. Stay tuned for further updates on this heartwarming event.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Mar 2024 6:52 pm

YSRC announce list of candidates contesting for State Assembly, 2024 Lok Sabha elections

VIJAYAWADA: The YSRC on Saturday formally announced its list of candidates contesting for 24 MP seats and 175 Assembly constituencies. The announcement of a candidate for Anakapalle was put on hold. After offering prayers at YSR Ghat in Idupulapaya, the party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and others announced the names of the candidates and 50 percent of the candidates announced belonged to SC, ST, BC, and minorities. Social equilibrium was maintained while deciding on the candidate, as reflected in the list. We strictly adhered to social justice and 50 % of the seats were announced to reserved categories following the spirit of the legislation brought to give 50% reservation to SC, ST, BC, and minorities in public works and nominated posts. Seventy-seven percent of my party candidates are graduates and above, Jagan Mohan Reddy said. He said candidates for 81 Assembly Constituencies and 18 Lok Sabha constituencies have been changed. That is nearly 50 % seats. Perhaps our party is the only one which has dared to do it, he said while assuring those who did not get tickets to contest the elections this time to accommodate them in suitable government posts, once his government forms once again after the elections. YSRC manifesto likely to lay emphasis on growth in Andhra Pradesh Out of 175 MLA seats, 29 seats were allocated to scheduled castes, even to scheduled tribes, 48 to backward classes, and seven to minorities. A total of 91 seats were allocated to OCs. Out of a total of 175 MLA tickets, 19 were given to women. In the case of MP seats, out of 25, BCs were allocated 11, SC - 4, ST - 1, and OC - 9. Among the 25 MP candidates, five are women. Like in 2019, Dharmana Prasad Rao and Nandigama Suresh read the list of MLA and MP candidates sitting beside Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Dharman said that compared to 2019, SC, ST, and BC categories were given more seats. As against 77 in 2019, a total of 84 seats were given to these sections.Similarly, women and minorities were given more seats compared to previous elections. While minorities were given 7 seats compared to five in previous elections, women candidates were allocated 19 seats compared to 15 in previous elections. Similarly among 25 MP seats, SC, ST, BC, and Minorites were given four more seats compared to 2019 and in the case of women there was an increase of one more seat compared to previous elections. In 2019, SCs and STs were given four and one seats respectively and the same number was maintained this time also. Tripartite alliance shakes up Visakhapatnam politics, eyes victory in upcoming elections In the case of BCs, the number increased from 7 candidates in 2019 to 11 candidates in the 2024 elections. In 2019, women were allocated a total of 4 seats, and this time five candidates were given the opportunity to contest on the party ticket. When compared to 2019, the representation of women has increased and most importantly, Jagan Mohan Reddy, as announced earlier gives more opportunities to the party cadre from the grassroots level, who proved their mettle. Among the 200 candidates (175 MLA + 25 MPs), 77 % are graduates and above. There are as many as 58 post-graduates and six doctors. Among the candidates announced 17 are doctors by profession, 15 are lawyers, 34 are engineers, five are teachers, two are civil servants, one is defense personnel an done journalist. A total of 14 seats were given to leaders from local bodies (ZPTC, MPTC, Sarpanch and activist). Among the 25 MP candidates. four are doctors, four are lawyers, and one is a chartered accountant. AP Lok Sabha polls: Kakinada to witness keen contest between YSRC & JSP

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 3:08 pm

Road Safety Chief urges Andhra Pradesh to ramp up measures, target accident black spots

VIJAYAWADA: Road Safety Committee Chairman Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre directed the officials of the State government to take more effective measures to curb road accidents. Conducting a virtual meeting from Delhi on Friday, Sapre interacted with Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy, Director General of Police KV Rajendranath Reddy and other officials on the issues related to road safety audit. He expressed satisfaction over the road safety measures being taken up by the Andhra Pradesh government and suggested that the road safety committee meetings should be conducted at district and State levels from time-to-time. He directed the officials to identify black spots on national and State highways. Speaking on the occasion, Jawahar Reddy said that the State government is taking all measures in accordance with the orders of the Supreme Court committee. Besides setting up facilities for road safety with a cost of Rs 50 crore, he said an order 159 was released on Friday to credit 30% of penalties collected by police, transport, and enforcement agencies to the road safety fund.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 11:26 am

SEB officials inspect spas, massage centres in Andhra Pradesh

VIAYAWADA: Taking into account several complaints on the prevalence of flesh trade and cross massages, the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) officials have carried out raids at various spas and beauty parlours in the city. It can be noted that Director General of Police (DGP) Kasireddy Rajendranath Reddy had directed SEB officials to conduct raids as the Vijayawada police and commissioners task force had reportedly failed to act tough against the unabated prevalence of flesh trade in the city in the guise of spa and massage centres. Acting on the orders, about 60 SEB officials divided into 10 teams raided more than 10 places and busted prostitution rackets and other illegal activities at six places and arrested 30 persons, including five organisers, and rescued 27 women, including three Thailand nationals. The SEB officials also seized mobile phones and cash from the spa centres and handed them over to police stations concerned. DGP Rajendranath Reddy expressed anger on NTR District Commissioner of Police Kanthi Rana Tata and sought explanation for failure in performing their duties in curbing such illegal activities in the city. Following the incident, CP Rana instructed all the station house officers to carry out field inspections and collect the details of beauty parlours, spas and saloons in their jurisdictions. As a part of the surprise raids, west zone assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Murali Krishna Reddy and station house officers inspected all the beauty parlours and saloons in the zone and took stock of the situation.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 11:21 am

YSRC govt made APPSC a political rehab centre: TDP chief

VIJAYAWADA: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the YSRC government devastated the dreams of students by turning the prestigious Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) into a political rehabilitation center. Terming Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy the prime culprit for the irregularities that took place in the APPSC, he demanded a CBI inquiry into the Group-I (Mains) exam fiasco. Giving a PowerPoint presentation on the alleged irregularities in the APPSC at a press conference here on Friday, the TDP chief said not only the senior officials, including APPSC Chairman D Gautam Sawang, Secretary PSR Anjaneyulu and CMO official Dhanujaya Reddy, resorted to large scale irregularities, they also misled the High Court by submitting false affidavits. Making an appeal to the five crore people of the State to ponder over the abnormalities in the APPSC, Naidu said, This is a classic example of the atrocious YSRC rule. I am really pained at the injustice being done to the youth. If a mistake is committed without knowing anything one can be excused, but this is a deliberate attempt to ruin the future of the youth. Terming Gautam Sawang a tainted officer, Naidu said after he was removed as the DGP, the YSRC government had appointed him as the Chairman of APPSC, which he converted into a political rehabilitation centre. GV Sudhakar Reddy, a YSRC leader of Anantapur district, and closely related to Jagan, is the kingpin behind all these irregularities, he said. The actual results were suppressed only to appoint their own candidates to the Group-I posts cleared by Tadepalli Palace, and this amounted to total violation of the the APPSC norms, he said. The Opposition Leader sought the immediate intervention of the Governor in the matter and removal of all those, who illegally got selected for the Group-I posts. Accusing the government of tapping the phones of some top opposition party leaders, Naidu said, The YSRC is feeling insecure after the TDP, JSP and BJP have formed a tripartite alliance.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 11:10 am

Andhra CM Jagans letter delivered to households

VIJAYAWADA: To take the message that he has fulfilled 99% of the election promises, a letter Cheppadante Chestadanthe signed by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has been delivered to each beneficiary household in the State. The letter, addressed to the head of each household, includes a personalised certificate detailing the benefits received by the beneficiary in the last five years. Jagan has highlighted the fact that his government has fulfilled 128 out of 129 election promises, registering a remarkable 99% achievement rate. Volunteers under the GSWS system have been entrusted with the task of delivering the CMs letter to all the households in the State. The delivery of the letter, which began on March 11, concluded on March 15. Additionally, the letter serves as a written confirmation that over the last five years, Rs 2.55 lakh crore has been disbursed to 1.5 crore households in the State, benefiting a total of 2.6 crore people under the Direct Benefit Transfer schemes. According to officials, on an average, OC households in the State have received benefits worth Rs 1 lakh, BCs Rs 3 lakh, and SCs/STs Rs 5 lakh. The highest amount of Rs 7 lakh has been received by SC and ST households, they added.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 11:08 am

TDP-JSP-BJP to leave no stone unturned for success of PM Modi meet in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Elaborate arrangements are being made for the Praja Galam public meeting to be held at Boppudi near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district on Sunday. As it is the first meeting after the confirmation of the tripartite alliance among the TDP, BJP and JSP, the leaders are leaving no stone unturned for its success, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan. TDP State president K Atchannaidu, JSP Political Affairs Committee chairman Nadendla Manohar and senior BJP leader Pathuri Nagabhushanam inspected the arrangements at the public meeting venue on Friday evening. Reiterating that the three parties had decided to work under the leadership of Modi for the economic development of the State, Atchannaidu said, The meeting at Boppudi will be scripted in golden letters in the history. Manohar appealed to all sections of the people to attend the meeting in large numbers and make it a success. TDP to go all out to make PM Modi meet a huge success in Andhra Pradesh Asserting that the BJP-led NDA under the leadership of Modi is set to form the government at the Centre again, Nagabhushanam said in Andhra Pradesh too, the BJP-TDP-JSP combine will certainly come to power, repeating the results of 2014. Meanwhile, the State BJP held a preparatory meeting to ensure the success of Modis public meeting. Addressing the party leaders, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde said the BJP, TDP and JSP joined hands to realise Viksit Andhra Pradesh. Vinod Tawde said he will visit all the districts in the State in the coming days to interact with BJP activists and strengthen the party.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 11:03 am

YSRC manifesto likely to lay emphasis on growth in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: The YSRC manifesto for the ensuing elections is likely to be an upgraded version of Navaratnalu, the partys manifesto for the 2019 polls. While Navaratnalu laid emphasis on welfare, the election manifesto to be announced by YSRC president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, may prioritise development. The YSRC is likely to come up with more policy documents like Vision Visakha to promote rapid economic development of the State. According sources in the party, while the 2014 manifesto focussed on schemes like Amma Vodi, Gorumudda and others at the primary education level, the upcoming manifesto may prioritise higher education with emphasis on degree and professional courses. Attracting private universities and encouraging internship programmes are likely to be part of the manifesto. While it was the poor people who got several welfare schemes as part of Navaratnalu, the middle class is likely to hog the limelight this time. Plans for urban modernisation are likely to be included in the manifesto and they include primary and secondary infrastructure like water tap connections to households and provision of electricity. Meanwhile, the YSRC government, which prepared the ground for launch of several projects in hospitality sector, may give a boost to tourism sector in the State. As the State has a lot of tourism potential, which is left untapped, it may be a major source of employment to locals, besides generating more revenue for the State, if more emphasis is laid on it, sources said. Naidu & co made tall promises in 2014, failed: Andhra CM When it comes to women empowerment, the YSRC which implemented schemes like Cheyutha, may focus on skill development, and encourage MSMEs in a big way to provide more employment opportunities. Buoyed by the success of some of its outreach programmes, the YSRC is likely to announce that its flagship programmes like Jagananna Suraksha, Jagananna Arogya Suraksha and Aadudam Andhra may be implemented as government policies, and they are likely to be annual events, the sources added. Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan lays stone for National Law University in Kurnool

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 10:56 am

Will keep tab on paid news during polls: Chief Electoral Officer

VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that there will be a strict vigil on the paid articles published and broadcasted in print, electronic and digital media platforms, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena asked the media houses and representatives to be on alert on the issue. Addressing the mediapersons during a workshop conducted at the State Secretariat on Friday, the CEO explained about the terms of references to be followed by the media houses and representatives during the election time as prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He emphasised the role of media in conducting the elections in a free and fair manner. Earlier in the day, the CEO directed the bankers to submit the details of suspected bank transactions to the Income Tax department and Election Commission time-to-time in view of the ensuing elections. Addressing the State Level Bankers Committee meeting at the State Secretariat on Friday, Meena requested the nodal officers of banks to submit the details of those accounts carried more that Rs 10 lakh transactions a day from October 1, 2023 and also those accounts which held transactions more than Rs 50 lakh in a period of 30 days.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 10:51 am

AP unveils South India's longest retaining wall, bolstering flood defenses for Over 1 lakh residents

VIJAYAWADA: The recent inauguration of the 2.7 km-long retaining wall in Vijayawada, known for its rich cultural heritage and rapid urbanisation, has brought a sense of relief to residents of Ranigari Thota, Bhupesh Gupta Nagar, Taraka Rama Nagar, and Krishna Lanka regions, protecting them from flood threats. The retaining wall, constructed by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), designed to withstand the force of up to 12 lakh cusecs of floodwater, benefiting over one lakh residents along a 3.44-kilometer stretch. The `276-crore structure instils confidence among the locals, who have earlier lived with the constant fear of floods during the rainy season and faced challenges in shifting to flood-relief camps. According to the VMC officials, the retaining wall was constructed covering a total of six divisions, including 15,16,17,18, 20 and 21 divisions, benefitting the residents of adjacent 22nd division as well from floods. Speaking to TNIE, 18th Division Corporator and YSRC floor leader Venkata Satyanarayana and 17th Division Corporator Tangirala Ramireddy reflected on Vijayawadas flood history, noting over ten occurrences since 1995. They recalled the bitter challenges in relocating flood victims but praised government assistance in providing relief camp facilities. He also acknowledged the role of East Constituency YSRC in-charge Devineni Avinash in these efforts. Riverfront park Adjacent to the Krishna river, the Riverfront Park stands as a symbol of urban rejuvenation and environmental conservation. One of its striking features is the plaza structure, meticulously crafted from hollow cylindrical mild steel. Constructed manually without advanced machinery, the plaza structure reaches a height of 9 metres and a diameter of 10 metres, offering visitors a panoramic view of the river and its surroundings. The parks landscape is adorned with 15 different types of plant species, enhancing its ecological diversity and aesthetic appeal. A significant investment of Rs 4 crore was allocated for the construction of a compound wall, ensuring the parks security and integrity. Longest retaining wall in South India Spanning 2.7 km long, the structure is the longest in South India Rs 276 crore spent for phases 2 and 3 Designed to withstand 12 lakh cusecs of floodwater Protects low-lying areas, benefiting over one lakh residents Riverfront park Features a plaza structure manually constructed with mild steel Offers a panoramic view of the Krishna river Adorned with 15 plant species for ecological diversity Rs 4 crore invested in construction of compound wall and Rs 1 crore invested in construction of drainage Relocated 711 people and provided with new houses

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 10:47 am

Election Tsunami All Set to Lash AP

VIJAYAWADA : An Election Tsunami is all set to lash Andhra Pradesh with the Election Commission releasing poll schedules on Saturday. In the high-stakes battle, the YSRC led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would release the full list of his partys candidates for the 174 Assembly and 25 Parliament seats at Idupulapaya. Rival political formation, the three-party alliance of Telugu Desam, the Jana Sena and the BJP, is also girding up its loins for a no-holds barred electoral fight. Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu would release the third and final list of TD candidates on Saturday. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would launch the alliances election rally and address a mammoth public meeting at Chilakaluripeta. The Congress is roping in Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to start election meeting at Visakhapatnam on Saturday where he will adress a public meeting and announce support to Vizag Steel Plant protection. Jagan Mohan Reddy would leave for Idupulapaya at 10.45 am, participate in prayers at YSR Ghat and interact with his family members and YSRC cadres. He will announce the final and complete list of YSRC candidates there and return to Tadepalli. YSRC leaders said the Chief Minister follows the tradition of releasing the final list of his party candidates at the YSR Ghat, which also marks the launch of the partys election campaign, as had happened in 2019 too. The Chief Minister has already appointed incharges for 77 Assembly segments and for 23 Parliament constituencies through 12 lists. For the past two days, he was busy finalising the final lists by taking into consideration the emerging line-up of the 3-party alliance. Jagan Mohan Reddy would release the YSRC lists before the announcement of election schedule at 3 pm. The CM would release lists at 11 am on Saturday, they said. Chandrababu released a second list of 34 TD candidates on Thursday and conducted deliberations to finalise candidates for the final list on Friday. TD sources said he completed the selection of candidates for 16 Assembly seats and for a majority of LS seats out of the total 17. The sources said many aspirants had lined up for the TD tickets for Penamaluru, Narasaraopeta, Mylavaram, Darsi, Bheemli and Chirala Assembly seats. Naidu held extensive discussions with the aspirants so as to avoid internal conflicts. The discussions would be completed by Friday night or Saturday morning. Naidu is likely to announce the final list on Saturday. PM Modi is all set to blow the election conch by addressing the first election meeting of the BJP-TD-JS Praja Galam in Andhra Pradesh at Boppudi in Chilakaluripeta on Sunday. According to the tentative tour programme, PM Modi will depart from New Delhi at 1.50 pm on Sunday by IAF BBJ and arrive at Vijayawada airport by 4.10 pm. From there, he will go to Boppudi by helicopter. Modi will address the mammoth NDA rally and will return from Boppudi at 6.15 pm.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Mar 2024 12:19 am

Naidu says APPSC turned into place for political rehabilitation

Vijayawada : Sharply critical of the Group-1 Mains examination under the 2018 notification was conducted by the state PSC, Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu has blamed Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for the lapses. The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRC government has turned the PSC into a place for political rehabilitation, Naidu alleged. Addressing the media at his residence in Undavalli on Friday, Naidu cited the irregularities in the APPSC and said these were causing heartburns to the job aspirants. He targeted the IPS officers including PSC chairman Gautam Sawang and its former secretary P.S.R. Anjaneyulu and another official Dhanunjaya Reddy for their questionable roles in the messing up of the affairs in PSC. Naidu reiterated his demand for a CBI probe into the irregularities in the APPSC. He said that the Group-1 notification was issued in December 2018, notifying 162 jobs including 30 posts of deputy collectors and 28 DSPs. I was the CM then, but the preliminary exam was held during the term of the YSRC government. The TD chief expressed concern over the violation of norms in the evaluation of answer scripts of the Mains examination and blamed the officials for even misleading the AP High Court in such matters. Experts used to be working in the APPSC during the previous TD term and there was strict compliance of transparency in all the activities of the commission, he said, and wondered how it was undermined during the YSRC term. Referring to the criticism against the newly cobbled TD-JS-BJP alliance, Naidu justified the decision by saying this was done with a view to safeguarding the states and the peoples interests. Under the YSRC rule, ganja, liquor and rowdyism were having their ugly sway in the state while women lacked safety, Naidu said. He vowed to protect reservation for the Muslims. He called upon the supporters from the TD-JS-BJP alliance to discuss and resolve the issues of adjustment in the sharing of seats for the polls. The alliance will perform well in the 2024 polls, better than how we fared in the 2014 polls, the TD chief said and cited some opinion survey reports in the national media that predicted the ouster of the YSRC from power.

Deccan Chronicle 15 Mar 2024 11:42 pm

SpiceJet Expands Fleet with A340 Planes for Haj Operations

SpiceJet announced on Friday its plans to lease two A340 planes to facilitate Haj operations, with flights scheduled to operate from Srinagar and Guwahati. The first phase of these operations is set to begin on May 9th, heading to Medina. Each of these wide-body aircraft will accommodate up to 324 passengers. According to SpiceJet, the flights are scheduled to depart from seven cities across India, including Srinagar, Gaya, Guwahati, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada. Last year, SpiceJet's Haj operations generated revenues amounting to Rs 337 crore. Chandan Sand, Head of Leasing and Legal at SpiceJet, confirmed the finalization of the lease agreement for the induction of A340 aircraft. He further stated that the airline is actively seeking opportunities to expand its fleet through long-term lease agreements. The Haj operation comprises two phases: pilgrims journeying from India to Saudi Arabia (KSA) and then returning to India. The Ministry of Minority Affairs oversees the organization of the Haj pilgrimage in India. The Haj Committee of India (HCOI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, manages various aspects of the pilgrimage, including: Assessing past Haj arrangements Setting airfare rates Instructing pilgrims to pay airfare to the HCOI Finalizing flight schedules Allocating flights Informing pilgrims of their departure dates Advising pilgrims to arrive at the Embarkation Point two days before departure Operating Haj flights from 21 Embarkation Points. SpiceJet Secures Lease for 10 Aircraft Ahead of Busy Summer Travel Surge

News Track 15 Mar 2024 2:11 pm

PM Modi to attend NDA election meeting in Andhra Pradesh on Mar 17: BJP leader

Vijayawada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the NDA election meeting at Chilakaluripeta in Palnadu district on Sunday, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde said on Friday. Speaking to reporters at the party office here, he said TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan would participate in the meeting. Also ReadPM Modi 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 .

The Siasat Daily 15 Mar 2024 2:06 pm

Big wedding in Daggubati family today, photos and other details

Hyderabad: The air is filled with anticipation and joy as Tollywood actor Venkatesh Daggubati prepares to celebrate his second daughters wedding. His daughter Hayavahini is all set to tie the knot with a prominent doctor from Vijayawada. Their engagement ceremony took place in Vijayawada in October 2023 and was attended by Mahesh Babu and Chiranjeevi. 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 .

The Siasat Daily 15 Mar 2024 11:51 am

Andhra Pradesh handed over sites for 2.3k cell towers: Chief Secretary

VIJAYAWADA: The State government had handed over sites for setting up 2,316 cell towers after receiving applications from BSNL, Airtel and Jio networks for want of land for setting up 2,329 cell towers to provide 4G services to 5,423 villages in the State, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy has informed Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. The Cabinet Secretary conducted a virtual meeting with the Chief Secretaries of different States from Delhi on Thursday and took stock of the progress of the network towers and other works related to the 4G services through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Saying that around 27,000 mobile towers being established across the nation to provide 4G services in remote, bordering and inaccessible villages under USOF, Gauba while informing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reviewing on the issue time-to-time, wanted the Chief Secretaries to expedite the process for setting up network towers to provide 4G services in rural areas. Participating in the video conference from the State Secretariat, Jawahar Reddy said that he is reviewing the issue with the District Collectors once in fortnight. Saying that the BSNL had less number of field level staff, the Chief Secretary informed the Cabinet Secretary that there will be possibility for the early completion of the works if adequate staff was provided. Responding, the Cabinet Secretary directed the State level officials of BSNL to discuss with the Chief Secretary and take steps for arranging the required staff.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 11:07 am

SRM University-AP hosts International Conference on Environmental and Energy Sustainability

VIJAYAWADA: The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at SRM University-AP organised a three-day International Conference on Advances in Environmental Sustainability, Energy and Earth Sciences (AESEE 2024). Prof Prakasam Tata from the Centre for Transformation of Waste Technology, USA, was the keynote speaker and Prakash Chauhan, Director of National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, was the chief guest for the event. Speaking on the occasion, university vice-chancellor Prof Manoj K Arora implored the audience to work at ground level and not confine themselves to mere talks and conferences. Stating that the nation does not lack the intelligence or manpower to combat the alarming ecological crisis, but it is the lack of trained personnel, pollution control boards and corruption are what causing the lax, Prof Prakasam Tata said that universities like SRM-AP are knowledge centres and have the tenacity and wisdom to combat the growing threats to environment. In his speech, Prakash Chauhan cited Indians inherent way of living a sustainable lifestyle and went on to encourage the young participants in attendance to become true karma yogis by innovating and finding new ways to promote and work towards environmental sustainability. He encouraged the youth to brainstorm innovative ideas that could gradually lead to monetisation opportunities while also benefiting the environment. The inaugural day of the conference also marked the unveiling of the abstract book compiled by the department. The book consists of a total of 271 abstracts across 15 thematic areas. Rangabhasiyam Selvasembian, associate professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, highlighted the attributes of the department and lauded the efforts of the faculty and students who contributed to the publication of 165 articles, of which 106 were featured in Q1 Journals. Advisor Prof VS Rao, organising secretaries Javed Ahmad Dar, Pankaj Pathak and Subashree Kothandaraman participated in the event.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 11:02 am

AWARA takes up drive to clean Krishna bank in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Several citizens, swimmers and runners in association with AWARA (Amaravati Walkers And Runners Association) Swim & Rescue Academy took up a cleanliness drive on both the banks of the River Krishna in Vijayawada on Thursday. Massive heaps of single-use plastic, wrappers and organic waste had accumulated on the banks of the river following the Maha Shivaratri festivities. The passersby had lodged several complaints with the local civic agencies, but in vain. AWARA has been organising cleanliness drives to create awareness about clean environs. Representatives of the organisation remarked that the trash was polluting the river which is a source of drinking water for four cities. AWARA organises a cleanliness drive every Sunday at 6 am. Citizens who wish to partake in the drive can send a text on WhatsApp number 9494126812, the organisers said.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 11:00 am

In second list, TDP names candidates for 34 seats

VIJAYAWADA: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday released the second list of candidates for 34 Assembly seats that the party will be contesting in alliance with the BJP and JSP. Last month, the yellow party had announced names for 94 Assembly constituencies. Of the total 175 Assembly seats in the State, the TDP will contest 144. So far, it has announced candidates for 128 Assembly segments. It was anticipated that the party would also finalise candidates for a few of the 17 Lok Sabha seats that it will contest, but it did not for reasons unknown. Of the 34 candidates, one has a Ph.D, 11 are post-graduates and nine are graduates. Majority of the tickets have been given to leaders from the Reddy community in the Rayalaseema region. Later in the day, actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan also announced that he will contest the Pithapuram Assembly constituency in Kakinada district. The announcements did not go down well with a few party members of the TDP and the JSP who did not get a ticket to contest the Assembly elections. Several TDP seniors fail to find place in 2nd list The TDP cadres staged protests, denouncing the partys decision to allocate Pithapuram to the Jana Sena and also denying a ticket to Bode Prasad from Penamaluru. The Yellow party suffered a setback as Visakhapatnam South Assembly Constituency in-charge Gandi Babji, who aspired to contest from Vizag South or Madugula constituency, resigned from the TDP. Additionally, Tadepalligudem former MLA Eeli Nani joined the YSRC. Meanwhile, names of senior TDP leaders such as K Kala Venkata Rao, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Devineni Umamaheswara Rao and Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy were not mentioned in the second list, too. While Venkata Rao is vying to contest from Etcherla, Ganta is focusing on Bheemili, Somireddy on Sarvepalli and Devineni Uma on Mylavaram. AP: Dissidence erupts in TDP after 2nd list It may be pointed out that the constituencies that the candidates aspire to contest from are yet to be announced. It has been learnt that Naidu had advised Ganta to contest the Cheepurupalli constituency against senior YSRC leader and education minister Botcha Satyanarayana. Ganta was reluctant as he set his sights on the Bheemili seat. According to sources, Ganta went into a huddle with his followers after learning that his name was not mentioned in the second list. Similarly, Uma has been seeking for a ticket to contest the Mylavaram seat, but the party is planning to shift him to Penamaluru and give the Mylavaram seat to Vasantha Krishna Prasad, the sitting MLA who recently joined the TDP from the YSRC. The TDP supremo posted the second list on social media platform X and said candidates had been finalised based on public opinion. Each candidate has been carefully selected by considering the preferences and needs of the electorate, he added. Further, he urged the public to bless all TDP candidates in the elections. He emphasised the importance of public support in achieving the partys goals and reiterated the TDPs unwavering commitment to serving the interests of the people. TDP to announce second list of candidates today

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 10:42 am

AP: Dissidence erupts in TDP after 2nd list

VIJAYAWADA: Dissidence within the TDP has started brewing soon after the release of the second list of the party candidates for the Assembly elections on Thursday. With Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan announcing himself as the candidate from Pithapuram Assembly constituency in Kakinada district, followers of former TDP MLA SVSN Varma hit the streets and burnt the TDP flags and flexes denouncing the allotment of the seat to the JSP as part of electoral alliance. They demanded that Varma contest the Pithapuram seat as an independent candidate. However, Varma appealed to the TDP cadre to maintain restraint and desist from making objectionable remarks against TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan. The matter should be settled within the TDP, and Pawan Kalyan is no way connected to the issue, he asserted. Meanwhile, followers of Penamaluru former MLA Bode Prasad submitted their resignations to the TDP en masse resenting the denial of TDP ticket to Prasad. One of the former MLAs followers allegedly attempted suicide by dousing himself with kerosene to immolate self. However, Prasad maintained that he will continue in the TDP and contest the ensuing elections as Bhakta of Naidu. He made it clear that he will be in the election fray except in the case of Naidu or his family members contesting from Penamaluru. If anyone out of Penamaluru contests the election, I will not cooperate with such candidate and remain in the fray. Even if the TDP expels me, I will continue my election campaign with Naidus photo, he asserted. Meanwhile, another former MLA Gandi Babji also upped the ante against the TDP leadership as he could not get ticket either for Visakhapatnam South or Madugula constituencies. It is learnt that he has decided to quit the TDP. Former Tadepalligudem MLA Eli Nani quit the TDP, and joined the YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. In Kovvur of the erstwhile undivided West Godavari district, followers of former minister KS Jawahar tore the flexes of the party after he was denied the ticket. In Mantralayam of Kurnool district, TDP cadre denounced the allotment of the party ticket to Raghavendra Reddy, whom they said is known for changing his party affiliations frequently. They demanded that the TDP leadership allot the ticket to Palakurthi Tikka Reddy. On the other hand, senior TDP leaders are trying to pacify the disgruntled leaders. It is learnt that Naidu has already summoned Varma to his residence to convey the compulsions that led to the denial of ticket to him. Ex-MLA Eli Nani joins YSRC in Jagans presence TDP senior leader Eli Venkata Madhusudhan Rao (Eli Nani) of Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district joined the YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at the latters Camp Office in Tadepalli on Thursday. Nani, who was first elected to the State Assembly on Praja Rajyam ticket, lost the election as a TDP candidate in 2019. YSRC regional coordinator PV Mithun Reddy was present on the occasion.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 10:40 am

FiberNet case: Andhra govt issues orders to attach properties of accused

VIJAYAWADA: The State government on Thursday issued ad-interim orders to the Crime Investigation Department (APCID) for the attachment of immovable properties belonging to the accused in the alleged multicrore FiberNet scam . This move came after the CID urged the government to attach certain immovable properties of the accused and companies in the alleged scam in the FiberNet project Phase-I. This is the second attachment order issued by the government in the case, and the propert ies at tached are worth about Rs 17.75 crore of Vemuru Hari Krishna, Tummala Gopichand, Tummala Pavana Devi, Tummala Bapaiah Chowdary and Tera Software Pvt Ltd. Last year, the government attached seven properties belonging to Tera Software and others. Principal Secretary (Home) Harish Kumar Gupta issued GO Ms No 48 dated March 14, 20204, and instructed APCID chief N Sanjay to take necessary action duly following the procedures established by the law, and send the compliance report to the government. APCID files charge sheet in FiberNet case As per the GO, the CID has been authorised to file an application before the Court of Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases in Vijayawada to make the orders absolute. After examining the details, the government has issued ad-interim orders allowing the CID to attach properties, which include flats, plots and agriculture lands in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Medak districts in Telangana. The APCID listed former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu as the prime accused in the case and reported that he (Naidu) conspired with Vemuru Hari Krishna (A2), director of Tera Software, and Tummala Gopichand (A5), hatched a conspiracy, and awarded the FiberNet Phase-I works to Tera Software in a fraudulent manner by accepting false experience certificates. The APCID alleged that this was a case of criminal misconduct by means of cheating and forgery, designed criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust by public servant in connivance with private persons. This had led to misappropriation of Rs 114.53 crore, the APCID added. FiberNet Scam: Supreme Court asksChandrababuNaidu, AP to avoid public comments on case

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 10:24 am

TDP supremo demands CBI probe into Group-I exam

VIJAYAWADA: Suspecting the hand of some top people in the State government in the large scale irregularities that took place in the Group-I (Mains) exam, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Regretting that all the systems had totally collapsed during the YSRC government, Naidu said the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) was no exception. In a release issued on Thursday, Naidu accused Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of making the APPSC a platform for his political gains. Jagan had deceived lakhs of youth by resorting to massive irregularities in the valuation of Group-I (Mains) examination answer scripts, he said. Andhra Pradesh HC cancels Group-I (Mains) examination; govt to go for appeal The ruling YSRC has made the APPSC a political rehabilitation centre and resorted to large-scale irregularities, besides making efforts to divert the attention of the High Court on the valuation of Group-I (Mains) exam answer-sheets, which is really shocking, the TDP chief remarked.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 10:19 am

VSP issue: Andhra Pradesh HC directs Centre to file counter

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the Centre to file a counter with full details with regard to privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The court further directed the management of steel plant to submit the details of the current status of the privatisation, if any lands belonging to the steel plant were sold and if yes, for how much they were sold. At the same time, it asked the State government if it has any intention to procure the steel plant. Petitioner KA Paul, in view of his allegations that lands belonging to the steel plant were sold, was directed to submit the evidence to support his claim. He was further asked not to mention any other issues that are not related to the case. Further hearing in the case was adjourned to March 22. Paul, retired IPS officer VV Laskhminarayana and others had filed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in the High Court challenging the Centres decision to privatise the steel plant. Paul, arguing his own case, stressed the need for an independent inquiry into the matter by a committee headed by retired judge of High Court to ascertain if the steel plant is profit making or in losses. Appearing for the State government, Advocate General S Sriram said the government is against privatisation of the steel plant. Counsel for the Centre said there is no truth that lands of the steel plant were sold and a detailed counter will be filed in this regard. HC disposes of Narayanas anticipatory bail plea Former TDP minister P Narayana filed an anticipatory bail petition in the AP High Court after Nellore city police registered a case against him based on a complaint lodged by his sister-in-law P Krishna Priya. When the petition came up for hearing before Justice T Mallikarjuna Rao, the assistant public prosecutor appearing for the police department said notices would be served to the petitioner under Sec 41 (A) of CrPC. Stating that there was no need for further hearing, the court disposed of the plea.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 10:17 am

Jagan Accuses TD of Making False Promises Again

KURNOOL: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has alleged that Telugu Desam Chief Chandrababu and Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan lack credibility and values. Alleging that their alliance with the BJP posed a threat to the welfare of the poor, the Chief Minister urged people on Thursday to use their franchise wisely. Jagan Mohan Reddy addressed the public in Banganapalle in Nandyal after his disbursement of Rs 629.37 crore under the EBC Nestham scheme to 4,19,583 beneficiaries. Highlighting the benefits of the EBC Nestham scheme, the CM emphasised his government's commitment to women empowerment through various welfare schemes. The financial support has been extended to women without consideration of party or any social group affiliation. The scheme would benefit all poor women and ensure the progress of their families, he said. Drawing a comparison between the previous Telugu Desam rule and the present YSRC government, Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Naidu and Pawan Kalyan of lacking credibility and said that their recent alliance with the BJP was aimed at hindering the progress of the underprivileged class. The Chief Minister highlighted the unfulfilled assurances of Chandrababu Naidu to women in 2014 and said that his two-page manifesto then included nine promises exclusively for women, all of which were never implemented. These promises, he noted, were a Rs 10,000-support to poor pregnant women through Pandanti Bidda scheme, Maha Lakshmi, free smartphones for poor women, a Rs 100 subsidy on gas cylinders, Rs 2,000 as unemployment-dole to youth, bicycles for high school-going girls and the Kuteera Lakshmi scheme to make women entrepreneurs, and creation of a women protection force. Jagan Mohan Reddy said, the YSRC, on the other hand, treated its election manifesto with utmost reverence, and he has fulfilled 99 per cent of the promises. A mere mention of the name of three-time chief minister Chandrababu Naidu evokes memories of the deception and lies perpetrated against women in AP. Women recall Chandrababu's deceit towards savings groups. Naidus adopted son, Pawan Kalyan, held a reputation as a conman, tarnishing the sanctity of marriage, he said. The Chief Minister described Pawan Kalyan as a 'marriage star' who changed partners as frequently as one changed cars. Back in 2014, they presented an election manifesto and Chandrababu even signed and distributed it to every household. In it, he made promises, including that he would, as his first action, sign a loan waiver for farmers. He pledged to waive farm loans of `14,205 crore. This did not happen at all, the CM said. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the Opposition of neglecting women's safety and alleged that they were involved in running a call money sex racket in Vijayawada. He questioned the morality and fairness of making extravagant promises, such as offering a kilogram of gold to every household or providing a Benz car, to deceive the voters. He urged the people to think carefully before believing in such fraudulent schemes. Jagan Mohan Reddy urged the people to use their vote as a divine weapon, Divyaastra, against dishonest politicians. He asserted his commitment to honesty and integrity, affirming that he does not engage in deceit or cheating. The Chief Minister inaugurated the 100-bed hospital in Banaganapalle, constructed at a cost of Rs 22 crore. He pledged to fulfil the requests from local legislator Katasani Rami Reddy for a Rs 100 crore water project in his constituency. He urged the public to extend their support to Rami Reddy.

Deccan Chronicle 15 Mar 2024 1:14 am

AP Police Nab Two Key Suspects After Death of Geetanjali

Vijayawada : The police arrested two key suspects in Guntur district on Thursday in connection with the tragic death of a young mother of two children, Geetanjali, by suicide. She was unable to bear trolling on social media, resulting in the suicide, police said. Guntur SP Tushar Dudi said the two suspects were Rambabu and Venkata Durga Rao. They would be produced before the magistrate shortly for remand and questioning. The two used the open-source intelligence, cyber teams and other resources to compile the database of accounts, and these were used to harass the victim. Based on such a database, they identified 60 account holders. The SP said Geetanjali was a beneficiary of the government's land patta scheme and she gave an interview to a media channel with great excitement on how she benefited from the scheme. Her interview went viral on social media. Following this, she was being subjected to heavy trolling, including use of sexual innuendos, and raising questions about her marriage. The trolling even stooped to the level of abusing her parents. Unable to bear such harassment, she remained confined to her home for a few days and then resorted to the extreme step of suicide, police said.

Deccan Chronicle 15 Mar 2024 1:06 am

PK announces he will contest from Pithapuram assembly seat

VIJAYAWADA : Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan has announced his decision to contest from Pithapuram Assembly constituency during the upcoming elections in Andhra Pradesh. Addressing the Jana Sena Formation Day celebrations at the party headquarters in Mangalagiri on Thursday, he said, I have decided to contest from Pithapuram Assembly segment, as it is considered a sacred place due to the birth of Sri Pada Sri Vallabhudu; even though some have suggested that I contest as an MP. I will take a decision on this also soon. I call upon every party activist to work hard to ensure that Jana Sena comes up with a 100 per cent strike rate in all the 21 Assembly segments it is contesting from. I also want people to bless the TD-JS-BJP alliance and help it win the polls. The JS chief maintained that their party has withstood all difficulties in its10-year-long journey since its inception. He expressed confidence that they will overcome any situation and win the elections. The Jana Sena is waging a war for peace and stability, he said. Pawan Kalyan criticised Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for what he said subjecting people to trouble. He predicted that such a government will certainly lose power. The Jana Sena chief charged Jagan Mohan Reddy government with distributing funds to people in the name of welfare schemes. He said extending welfare by borrowing money cannot be considered as welfare, as the people will have to clear the debts raised. Pawan Kalyan went on to accuse the Chief Minister of knocking away 50 per cent of the funds raised for himself, while spending some money for holding public meetings and for publicity. The Jana Sena chief sought to predict that Jagan Mohan Reddy will face a fate similar to the President of Sri Lanka. With regard to sacrificing seats for the sake of forging an alliance with TD and BJP, he declared that he did so for the future of five crore people in the state. Pawan Kalyan said he could understand the anguish among party leaders and supporters, including women. He wished that they could understand the situation and support the party.

Deccan Chronicle 15 Mar 2024 12:08 am

FiberNet scam: AP Permits CID to move ACB Court and Attach Assets of Accused

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has authorised the state CID to move the ACB court for attachment of properties worth about Rs 17.75 crore from the accused in the AP FiberNet scam case. Former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu is the first accused in the case. Principal secretary, home, issued a government order based on the letter from the ADGP, CID, permitting it to approach the ACB court for attachment of properties of Vemuru Harikrishna, Thummala Gopichand, Thummala Pavana Devi, Thummala Balaiah Choudhary and Tera Software Pvt Ltd. Main accused Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who conspired with accused Vemuru Harikrishna Prasad (A2), Thummala Gopichand (A5) and director of Tera Software Ltd (A4), awarded the AP Fibernet project phase-1 in favour of Tera Software in a fraudulent manner by accepting false experience certificates, it was claimed. The Tera Software Ltd was ineligible to participate in the tender. Allowing it to participate in the tender caused a wrongful pecuniary loss of Rs 114,53,23,396 to the government exchequer. While executing the AP fibernet project phase-1, the accused, in pursuance of their conspiracy, even flouted the tender agreements and involved in the companies of the accused --Viplav Kumar VLS (A11), Vijay Kumar Ramamurthy (A13), Ram Kumar Murthy (A14) and Kanumuri Koteswara Rao (A18) with a malafide intention and utilised substandard materials and got the funds released to Tera Software Ltd in a fraudulent manner without supply of goods and services, officials claimed.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 11:50 pm

V.R. Siddhartha College of Engineering in Vijayawada gets Deemed to be University status

First year engineering admissions for 2024 to be made as per UGC regulations under the new status, says principal

The Hindu 14 Mar 2024 6:09 pm

Low key wedding for Venky's daughter

In October last, bigwigs like Megastar Chiru and Superstar Mahesh attended the engagement function in Vijayawada

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 4:54 pm

TDP Activist Allegedly Nabbed in Geethanjali Death Case

The case, which has gripped the region, took a new turn as Rambabu was taken into custody in Vijayawada, leading to a wave of controversy and allegations from both sides

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 12:43 pm

APSRTC MD complains against fake FB account

VIJAYAWADA: APSRTC managing director Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao lodged a complaint with cybercrime police after a fake Facebook account was created in his name and allegedly requesting money from the public. In an official release on Wednesday, Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said the issue had come to his notice through his friends and family that a fake Facebook account had been created in his name with his photo in uniform. A probe is underway.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 12:08 pm

Man tied and tortured over property issues

VIJAYAWADA: Veeravalli police registered a case against two persons for reportedly torturing a man by tying him with ropes despite him pleading for mercy in Malavalli village under Veeravalli police station limits on Wednesday. According to police, the victim, identified as Seelam Srinivasa Rao, reportedly took money agreeing to sell away his agricultural land to the accuseds father back in 1995, but did not register it. Later, the family members of the accused approached court and got the order in favour of them. When Srinivasa Rao called for a land survey on Wednesday, the accused family members objected to it and in a fit of rage tied Srinivasa Rao with ropes when he tried to attack them.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 12:02 pm

Prevalence of CKD in AP raises concern

VIJAYAWADA: As World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday in March, the spotlight turns to the concerning prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in hotspot regions such as Uddanam in Srikakulam. With more than 1 lakh cases reported every year, one in five men and one in four women above 65 years were diagnosed to be suffering from CKD in India. With more than 1 lakh cases reported every year, one in five men and one in four women above 65 years were diagnosed to be suffering from CKD in India. A study published in October 2020 underscored the alarming reality that CKD affects 32.2% of the population in the Uddanam area alone. This revelation raises concerns, especially considering the potential occupational exposures among farmers contributing to this epidemic. While the study mostly focused on Uddanam region, which has been bearing the brunt of this health crisis for decades, it did not mention other affected areas like G Konduru in Krishna district and Kanigiri constituency in Prakasam district, which also collectively constitute hotspots for CKD in Andhra Pradesh. The prevalence of CKD has underlined the need for greater investment in large longitudinal epidemiologic research studies to uncovering the root causes of this health crisis and implementing effective interventions to mitigate its impact. Throwing a light on the issue, Dr DLP Sai Kumar, consultant nephrologist in Guntur, revealed that systematic surveys and kidney biopsies conducted on patients from Uddanam during the late 1990s at King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam led to the identification of CKD. He highlighted the prevalence of CKD in the area, affecting 18.5% of the population, with 75% of cases having unknown causes based on another study. Despite suspicions of water or food contamination with heavy metals or agrochemicals, the exact cause of CKD remains elusive, despite investigations into factors like high silica levels in water, the expert added. In response to this pressing issue, the State government has initiated proactive measures. The setting up of a kidney research centre and nephrology department in Uddanam underscores a significant step towards addressing the healthcare needs of the local population. The decision to set up Nephrology and Neurology Departments in 11 government hospitals across the State is expected to provide essential medical services to those affected by kidney-related ailments. Meanwhile, Dr Ramesh Yelanati, consultant nephrologist in Vijayawada, pointed out that apart from socioeconomic factors and policy gaps, patient-related factors like delay in seeking care and clinician-related challenges such as inadequate CKD knowledge among physicians exacerbate the barriers to optimal kidney care. Poor socioeconomic status, for instance, can limit access to nutritious foods and essential treatments, while fragmented nephrology care and the absence of renal registries hamper disease management efforts, he maintained and added, Raising awareness among both physicians and patients about CKD and its risk factors is paramount. Equally important is ensuring affordability and quality of available medications.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:54 am

YSRC will not accept CAA: Kurnool MLA

VIJAYAWADA: Kurnool YSRC MLA Md Abdul Hafeez Khan has said the party will not accept the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as it is against the interests of Muslims. Speaking to mediapersons at Tadepalli on Wednesday, he said YSRC chief and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had made it clear several times that there should be no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, party lines, or even region with respect to the social welfare programmes, law and justice. Therefore, the YSRC doesnt accept the CAA in its current format because we, on the floor of Parliament, have sought amendments to it so that it is acceptable to each and everyone. We should amend it in a way that we give the same rights to Hindus, Parsis, Jains, Sikhs and Christians, as well as Muslims, the Kurnool MLA asserted.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:40 am

TDP-JSP-BJP launch Kalalaku Rekkalu

VIJAYAWADA: The TDP-JSP-BJP alliance on Wednesday launched the Kalalaku Rekkalu scheme, promising to pay interest for the loans taken by the women for pursuing professional courses. Launching the kalalakurekkalu.com website, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu pointed out that the three parties had launched the programme on March 8. Women registered for the scheme in the presence of Naidu. After the registration, a certificate was generated. Elaborating on the scheme, the former chief minister said women can show the certificate to the bank to apply for loan. He added that the alliance, after coming to power, will be the guarantor for the loans taken by women to pursue professional courses. Describing the scheme as an investment in the future of the women and the State, Naidu said Kalalaku Rekkalu is not limited to one sector. TDP 2nd list to be out today TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu is set to announce the second list of candidates for the ensuing elections on Thursday. Out of the total 175 Assembly constituencies in the State, the JSP and BJP have been allotted 31 Assembly and 8 Lok Sabha seats Dare to dream, strive to achieve: TDP chief It will extend help to women who want to pursue higher education, skill development and capacity-building courses. The TDP chief said, I have always said dare to dream and strive to achieve. Recognising the strength of women, today we are bringing a new scheme. Further, he highlighted that it was the TDP which introduced 33% reservations in educational institutions and employment opportunities for women for the first time in the country. Recalling that there were only 20 to 30 colleges back then, Naidu said he established an engineering college in every revenue division. The youth studied in those colleges and successfully secured jobs, he added. Further, he explained, Twenty years ago, some people didnt believe that there would be opportunities if they studied Information Technology. TDP visualised that there will be opportunities. To give them jobs, we first constructed Hitech City. We started backward and forward integration to give jobs to the youth who studied IT. I went to the US and met representatives of multi-national corporations for 14 days and made the world realise the strength of the youth here. With this, they agreed to establish companies. Elaborating on the schemes announced in the first part of the manifesto, he said, Under Thallaki Vandhanam, the coming government will extend Rs 15,000 to every school-going child every year. Through the Deepam scheme, we will provide three gas cylinders for free every year. Women will be able to travel for free in RTC buses. For women aged between 18 and 59, Rs 1,500 will be given every month. Further, he stated that a scheme is being chalked out to provide purified water to every house through taps.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:28 am

Jagan to release final YSRC list on Saturday

VIJAYAWADA: YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will release the final list of candidates for Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies at Idupulapaya in YSR district on March 16 after paying homage to his father and former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. In 2019, too, he had announced the candidates from Idupulapaya. It is pertinent to note that the ruling party took up the exercise of identifying the winning horses well before other parties. So far, it has announced coordinators for 77 Assembly and 22 Lok Sabha constituencies. According to sources, the party has to make a few more changes in the Assembly constituencies where coordinators have already been announced. It is unlikely to change candidates for Rajampet, Kadapa and Bapatla Lok Sabha seats. After announcing in-charges for certain constituencies, the party had to make changes in several segments owing to various factors, including caste equations, dissidence within the party against the chosen candidates, and even reluctance of some leaders to contest from an alternate seat. The party leadership has intensified its efforts to pacify warring factions in some Assembly constituencies. MLAs and ministers, including Ambati Rambabu, RK Roja, Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy, were reportedly summoned to the Chief Ministers camp office at Tadepalli and asked to resolve differences with leaders in their constituencies so that the partys winning chances are not hit. YSRC against CAA: MLA The YSRC will not accept the CAA in its current format as it is against the interests of Muslims, Kurnool MLA Md Abdul Hafeez said. He added that CM Jagan had made it clear that there should be no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, or even region, he added Jagan to kick off his election campaign from Ichchapuram In Nagari, Roja is facing an open rebellion with at least two groups, who have made it clear that they will work against her, if she is given another chance to contest the seat. According to sources, Ambati Rambabu is also facing a strong internal dissent his Sattenapalle segment. Similarly, YSRC leaders have been protesting against Narasaraopet MLA Srinivasa Reddy. The party leadership has reportedly tried to pacify the rival group, but in vain. It has now put the onus on the MLA himself to set things right as elections are fast approaching. Meanwhile, Jagan will kick off his first election rally from Ichchapuram Assembly constituency in North Andhra on March 18. He will also hold campaigns in Vijayawada East and Nellore Rural constituencies the same day, party leaders said. Through the course of his campaign the YSRC chief will address three public meetings a day.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:24 am

Tripartite alliance to make elaborate arrangements for PM meet

VIJAYAWADA: TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh on Wednesday performed Bhoomi Puja at the venue of the tripartite alliance public meeting to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, at Boppudi near Chilakaluripet. Since it is the first meeting being organised after the announcement of tripartite alliance, the TDP, JSP and BJP have taken it as a prestigious one and leaving no stone unturned to ensure its success. TDP leaders recalled that even in 2014 too the then alliance partners launched the election campaign in Guntur district, which turned out to be a grand success. The alliance partners are moving ahead with the same sentiment for 2024 polls. Lokesh and leaders of other two parties discussed in detail the arrangements to be made for the public meeting being organised in a spacious 200 acres. He asked the organisers to ensure that people attending the meeting do not face any inconvenience. TDP State president K Atchannaidu, former ministers Prathipati Pulla Rao and Kanna Lakshminarayana, BJP and JSP leaders were present.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:17 am

TDP to announce second list of candidates today

VIJAYAWADA: As the seat sharing with the JSP and BJP has come to a conclusion, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu is set to announce the second list of party candidates for the ensuing elections on Thursday. Out of the total 175 Assembly constituencies in the State, the JSP and BJP have been allotted 31 seats. The TDP has already named candidates for 94 Assembly constituencies in the first list. In the second list, the TDP is expected to announce candidates for 30 Assembly and some Lok Sabha segments. Both the JSP and the BJP have clarity on the seats they will contest, and announce their candidates soon, Naidu revealed. Asserting that the TDP, JSP and BJP joined hands in the larger interests of the State, Naidu said, The three parties have compromised for the people and entered into an alliance. Speaking to mediapersons at his residence in Undavalli on Wednesday, Naidu said, The victory of the people and the development of the State are the agenda of the tripartite alliance. The Centres assistance is needed to rebuild the State, which has been totally destroyed during the YSRC regime. The people, who follow destructive policies are not eligible for politics. Reiterating that he had no differences with the BJP, but differed with the saffron party on the issue of the Special Category Status to the State, he recalled that several development projects were executed during the previous TDP regime with the support of the Centre. Alleging that the State had suffered more due to the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government rather than bifurcation, the TDP chief said, The YSRC leaders who are feeling insecure now, are trying to create differences among the TDP, JSP and BJP. They are simply instigating the JSP that it has accepted less number of Assembly seats, and even asking the BJP as to why as a national party it has agreed to a few seats. Admitting the fact that some aspirants could not get the TDP ticket due to the alliance, he promised to ensure justice to them after the tripartite alliance comes to power in the State. Exuding confidence that the tripartite alliance is going to create a sort history in the State, he said the change of guard is certain.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:13 am

Andhra Pradesh HC cancels Group-I (Mains) examination; govt to go for appeal

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday delivered a verdict cancelling the Group-I (Mains) exam held in December 2020, stating that conducting valuation of the answer scripts multiple times was illegal. Meanwhile, the State government has decided to go for an appeal against the High Court verdict. In his 85-page verdict, Justice Venkateswarlu Nimmagadda stated that conducting the second and third valuation of Group-I (Mains) exam is illegal, irregular, arbitrary and violative of Rule 3(ix) of the APPSC Rules. The impugned list of eligible candidates dated May 26, 2022 is hereby set aside. The court directed the APPSC to conduct Group-1 (Mains) exam afresh for notification No 27/2018 and value the papers strictly in accordance with the APPSC rules, giving at least two months time to candidates for preparation and complete the process and selection within six weeks from the date of receipt of copy of court order. Eight candidates, who appeared for Group-I exam and successful in digital valuation, qualified for oral interview, but unsuccessful in manual valuation and disqualified for interview after the second round of valuation, filed a writ petition in the High Court highlighting the bad reputation of APPSC in the process of recruitment for conducting written and oral tests for various posts. According to the petitioners, after the examination results were declared on April 24, 2021 and the results were questioned in a batch of writ petitions filed before the High Court, on the ground that the digital valuation of answer scripts was illegal and arbitrary. Subsequently, an interim order was issued staying the oral interviews. Later, disposing of the petitions, the single judge bench directed the APPSC to evaluate the scripts of the exam manually, within the stipulated time of three months. Petitioners, however did not challenge the court order. In pursuance to the directions issued by the single judge, the APPSC had undertaken the valuation of answer scripts by conventional mode and prepared a list of candidates eligible for earlier interview. It released the revised result notification of candidates short listed for oral interview based on the revaluation. However, the hall-ticket numbers of the petitioners, who were earlier selected for the interview, were not found. The same was challenged by the petitioners in the High Court. The contention of the petitioners was that the variation between the digital valuation and revaluation of answer scripts in conventional mode should not be more than 62% and that the revaluation was definitely not correct. It was also contended that the candidates who wrote the examination in Telugu medium, their scripts were valued by non-Telugu medium valuers. This was clear from the fact that in the original/earlier final list of candidates qualified for interview, there were 42% of Telugu medium candidates out of 326. Whereas in the fresh list of eligible candidates for interview, there were only 7% of Telugu medium candidates. Speaking to TNIE, APPSC Chairman Gautam Sawang said, The commission will file an appeal regarding the High Courts verdict on Group-I (Mains) exam. We are shocked by the judgement nullifying the entire examination process, as the main issue was the evaluation of the papers. The commission has conducted all examinations so far efficiently, transparently, and within a predictable time frame. Welcoming the HC verdict, TDP general secretary Lokesh said it was a tight slap for Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who corrupted the APPSC.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:12 am

Andhra Pradesh HC dismisses plea for common capital extension

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition of P Anil Kumar of Ibrahimpatnam in NTR district seeking directions to extend Hyderabad as the common capital of AP and Telangana for another 10 years. The division bench of Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice R Raghunandan Rao said the court has its own limitations and it cannot direct Parliament to make certain laws or amend them. Meanwhile, the High Court dismissed the public interest litigation seeking inclusion of senior IAS officer Ajay Jain and former energy secretary, who gave witness testimony in the FiberNet scam case, as an accused in it. Petitioner N Chakravarthy contended that Ajay Jain while deposing before the court, stated he had followed the directions of the CM, and signed the file, which amounts to agreeing that he did wrong. A division bench of Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice R Raghunandan Rao said the court could not direct that certain person be made accused in the case. Plea for custody of Sharath dismissed The HC dismissed the petition seeking police custody of Prathipati Sharath, son of ex-minister Pulla Rao, who was arrested on charges of GST evasion and diversion of funds using fake invoices. It upheld the verdict of the lower court refusing to give the accused to police custody.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:04 am

Vijayawada: 628 lost phones traced, handed over to its owners

VIJAYAWADA: Vijayawada city police on Wednesday traced and recovered as many as 628 lost mobile phones worth around Rs 1 crore using Chat Bot helpline. Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) Adhiraj Singh Rana and Kanchi Srinivasa Rao handed over the mobile phones to the owners. Addressing the media, DCP Adhiraj Singh Rana informed that after the initiation of the helpline in June last year, the police had recovered around 1,000 lost mobile phones so far and were handed over to the respective owners. He appealed the people to make use of the helpline and dedicated mobile application to trace missing or lost phones. Following verification of details, the recovered phones will be promptly handed over to their owners, he said. The ChatBot helpline was launched to simplify the process for residents to report lost mobile phones without physically visiting a police station, a move directed by DGP Kasireddy Rajendranath Reddy. To report a lost mobile, complainants need to send a Hi message to the ChatBot number 9440627057 via WhatsApp. Immediately, the user will receive a link which redirects them to a web portal where they need to provide details such as name, address, IMEI number of the lost mobile, and its last known location. These details are then forwarded to the Cybercrime police, where a specialised team uses the provided IMEI number to trace the location and other particulars of the lost phones.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 11:01 am

Andhra Pradesh: Dissidence brewing in State BJP even before finalisation of tickets?

VIJAYAWADA: Murmurs of dissidence seem to be brewing in the State BJP even as the party is yet to finalise tickets. For the Lok Sabha seats it is going to contest, the party has sent names of two leaders from each segment to the central leadership, which has led to disgruntlement among those, who have been left out. Similarly, leaders from the parliamentary constituencies from where the BJP is unlikely to contest, are also unhappy with the leadership for conceding the seats to the alliance partners. The BJP will be contesting 10 MLA and six MP seats in the coming elections in alliance with the TDP and JSP. For Eluru MP seat, senior BJP leader Garapati Sitaramanjaneya Chowdary, popularly known as Tapana Chowdary, has been aspiring ticket for the past one decade. He has been actively involved in various development and welfare activities in the Lok Sabha segment and his activities have reached as far as Polavaram ST reserved constituency. However, former MP Y Satyanarayana Chowdary (Sujana Chowdary) is said to be trying to get the seat. Sujana Chowdary, who joined the BJP from the TDP, aspired to contest from the Vijayawada Lok Sabha seat, could not get it, sources said. Unhappy over the development, Tapana Chowdary has reportedly called for a meeting of his followers on March 15 as a show of strength. Meanwhile, the State BJP leadership is said to have sent the names of Y Satya Kumar and seer Swami Paripoornananda Swamy for Hindupur Lok Sabha seat much to the chagrin of State vice-president S Vishnuvardhan Reddy. Rajya Sabha MP GVL Narasimha Rao too made efforts to get the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat, but the party was forced to concede the seat to its alliance partner TDP, and this has left GVL fuming, sources added. Meanwhile, senior leader and State vice-president PNV Madhav was among the contenders for Anakapalle Lok Sabha seat, but the name of Rajya Sabha MP CM Ramesh suddenly cropped up. Ramesh, a former TDP leader, wanted to contest from Visakhapatnam, but is now eyeing Anakapalle Lok Sabha seat, sources said.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 10:57 am

Vijayawada: DGP entrusts SEB to carry out raids on spa centres

VIJAYAWADA: With the Vijayawada city police failing to act tough against prostitution rackets which are being operated unabated in the guise of beauty parlours and massage centres in residential areas in posh localities under Machavaram, Patamata and Penamaluru police station limits, Director General of Police (DGP) Kasireddy Rajendranath Reddy entrusted and instructed the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) to carry out raids on the massage centres. On Tuesday, as many as 10 teams of 67 SEB officials raided as many as six massage and spa centres located under the three police station limits and took 25 men into custody and rescued 27 women including three Thailand nationals. The SEB officials later handed over the arrested to police concerned and asked to register cases against them under the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, 1956. Speaking to TNIE, the DGP said necessary action would be initiated against the officials concerned for their impassive behaviour towards the illegal business activities happening in their jurisdiction. The SEB officials will be submitting a detailed report on the local police failure to control such anti-social activities in their jurisdiction and measures taken by them. During the primary investigation, the SEB officials observed that local police colluded with the organisers of these massage parlour and spa owners and turned a blind eye over the illegal business. This is the second time where Vijayawada city police failed to act tough despite many complaints received from the public, said DGP Rajendranath Reddy. Earlier, there were allegations that Patamata police colluded with a spa owner and protected him from taking action against him though an Additional Commissioner of Police (ADCP) rank officer recommended to register cases against him as he is notorious in such activities. According to sources, it is also learnt that DGP Rajendranath Reddy reportedly instructed officials to seek an explanation from NTR District Commissioner of Police Kanthi Rana Tata as to why the concerned police unit failed to prevent and control such activities despite repeated instructions.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 10:50 am

Empanelled Hospitals to Stop Aarogyasri Beyond March 18

Vijayawada : Several Aarogyasri-empanelled hospitals have expressed their inability to continue healthcare for patients under Dr. YSR Aarogyasri scheme beyond March 18 in Andhra Pradesh unless the state government releases minimum dues of 1,000 crore out of an outstanding 1,400 crore. In a letter addressed to Aarogyasri Health Care Trust chief executive officer, the Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospital Association said dues from state government to the Aarogyasri network hospitals have accumulated to 1,400 crore over past six-and-a-half months. The association maintained that this has put their hospitals under serious financial stress, as working capital is unavailable to them. They have no support from the state government, vendors, professionals and employees. There is also the risk of not getting dues from the government until the completion of upcoming elections. Despite the submission of several representations and meetings with successive CEOs and special chief secretary (Health), the Aarogyasri network hospitals have received no relief. The association said there are nearly 750 private hospitals empanelled under the Aarogyasri scheme in the state. About 93 per cent of the population avails the scheme in both private and government hospitals. Private hospitals undertake over 3,000 medical procedures for beneficiaries under the scheme without charging them anything. This amount is expected to be reimbursed by the Aarogyasri Health Care Trust in a stipulated period. In the letter, the association said their hospitals will not accept new cases from March 18 but continue to treat the existing patients. The association ruled out any politics in raising the demand for clearance of dues.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 1:07 am

PK Asked JS Leaders To Work in Tandem With TD, BJP

Vijayawada: Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday called upon his party leaders to work in coordination with TD and BJP, as they are all contesting the election in alliance with the common objective of winning the elections and developing the state. On the day, Pawan Kalyan had been interacting with Jana Sena party candidates, including Kandula Durgesh from Nidadavole, Pantham Nanaji from Kakinada Rural, Bathula Bala Ramakrishna from Rajanagaram, Lokam Madhavi from Nellimarla and others at the party office in Vijayawada on Wednesday. The JS chief explained to party leaders how they must prepare for contesting the polls in a strategic manner. He laid stress on party candidates to remain in touch with party cadre at all times. Pawan Kalyan wished that 2024 polls will change the fate of Andhra Pradesh.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 12:36 am

AP HC nullifies Group-1 Mains exam (2018)

Vijayawada : The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the APPSC to conduct the Group-1 (Mains) examination afresh, value the answer scripts as per norms and complete the selection process within six months. A single judge bench headed by Justice Nimmagadda Venkateswarlu delivered the verdict here on Wednesday. He ruled that the conduct of second and third valuation of Group-1 (Mains) examination for the notification No.27/2018 was illegal, irregular, arbitrary and violative of Rule 3(IX) of the APPSC Rules. The court set aside the impugned list of eligible candidates dated May 26, 2022. The court directed APPSC to conduct Group-1 (Mains) examinations afresh for notification No. 27/2018, value the papers strictly in accordance with the APPSC rules, give at least two months time to the candidates and complete the process and selection within six months. However, the APPSC said it would appeal against the HC order. There is no need for cancellation of the Mains examination and the list of selected candidates when the issue in dispute was evaluation of answer scripts, it claimed. APPSC chairman Gautam Sawang said, We are going with an appeal in the High Court against the single judge bench order. Meanwhile, the AP government in a statement advised the selected candidates not to get worried over the HC order. It assured them that efforts to safeguard their interests would be made, as they were employed in various capacities. The APPSC issued a notification for conduct of Group-I (Mains) exams in 2018. After conducting the preliminary exams in May 2019, it held the Mains in December 2020. In the wake of the prevalence of Covid-19, it carried out digital evaluation of Group-I (Mains) answer scripts to avoid manual evaluation by running a camp and appointing several professors, associate/ assistant professors and lecturers to do this. It declared the results. However, some candidates moved the HC, claiming that the APPSC did not mention in its notification about digital evaluation of the answer scripts and did so in violation of norms. Accordingly, the HC directed the APPSC to conduct manual evaluation of the answer scripts in October 2021. Though there was an attempt to conduct the manual evaluation by holding a camp near Haailand in Guntur district, it was not held for some reasons. Subsequently, the APPSC held the manual evaluation by holding the camps mainly in the office complex accommodating the APPSC itself by roping in nearly 162 faculty members in March, 2022 and declared the results in May, 2022 and conducted the interviews. As many as 167 posts were filled by issuing appointment orders. The candidates joined the service in various capacities and started working. Though the court completed hearing the arguments in the case in August 2022 itself, it delivered the verdict after seven months and also nullified the entire process of conduct of examination when the dispute was related to evaluation of answer scripts. This, at a time when the elections are just a call away in AP. Moreover, the APPSC successfully conducted one more Group-1 exam notified on September 2022; and for another Group-1 exam notified in December 2023, the preliminary exam is to be held on March 17.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 12:35 am

YSRC Opposes CAA, Party Says CAA in Its Current Form Is Unacceptable

Vijayawada: The YSRC says it opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act in its present form. Party MLA Hafeez Khan said, Our party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in the last 5 years, mentioned hundreds of times that there will be no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, party, or region with respect to the social welfare programmes, law and order or justice. Therefore, the YSRC doesn't accept the CAA rules in its current format. We, on the floor of the Parliament, have sought amendments to the law so that it is acceptable to each and every one. We should amend it in a way that we give the same rights to Hindus, Parsis, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians, as well as Muslims. Hafeez Khan said the CAA later can lead to the NRC (National Register for Citizens) and NPR (National Population Register). In NRC or NPR, if an Indian Muslim is not able to prove his citizenship, the CAA provisions of support will not apply to him. He pointed out that, however, if anyone from any other religion faces a similar situation, then CAA will be applicable and he or she will be provided protection. Hafeez Khan said, Today, there is a lot of distress within the Muslim community that they might be targeted through NRC/NPR, and that CAA will not shield them. So we request the central government to rethink and take everyone into confidence.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 12:31 am

Chatbot 94406 27057 To Take Complaints of Missing Mobiles

These apps in most cases match two completely unknown people and prompt as potential date, travel or hobby partners. Also, cab booking apps, book sharing apps etc. require permission to use GPRS on mobile phones. (Photo: DC/File) These apps in most cases match two completely unknown people and prompt as potential date, travel or hobby partners. Also, cab booking apps, book sharing apps etc. require permission to use GPRS on mobile phones. (Photo: DC/File) Vijayawada: People losing their mobile phones can now contact Chatbot WhatsApp number 94406 27057 immediately. Soon after a person does that, s/he will receive a Google link. On clicking this link, there will be a form that must be filled and submitted. This will help police in tracing the whereabouts of that mobile, NTR Police Commissionerate DCPs Adhiraj Singh and K. Srinivasa Rao explained at a Mobile Recovery Mela organised at the Police Command Control Centre in Vijayawada on Wednesday. On the occasion, police officials handed over 1 crore worth mobiles to 628 persons who had lost their mobile phones during the past year. Scores of victims reached the Police Command Control Centre, as Cybercrime police officials had informed them about their missing phones having been traced. Adhiraj Singh and Srinivasa Rao recalled that earlier, police had recovered 300-odd mobile phones worth Rs 50 lakh and handed them over to their owners. They said Chatbot service is more useful in locating the missing mobiles. The officers asked people to use this service in case they lose their mobiles. Cyber Cell ACP S.D. Tejeswara Rao and inspectors K. Sivaji and P. Satyanandam were among those present at the recovery mela.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Mar 2024 12:09 am