Page 22 - Andhra Pradesh

Centre ready to help Andhra Pradesh's red chilli farmers under MIS

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the Centre will provide financial support to red chilli farmers of Andhra Pradesh and a decision will be taken soon in this regard. He said the ministry is likely to provide help to farmers of the state under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). On Thursday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Centre to help red chilli farmers under the MIS in view of a fall in prices. Naidu held a discussion with Chouhan through video conference. In a press conference on Friday here, Chouhan assured that the Centre will be providing financial assistance under the MIS and modalities are being worked out. That apart, he said the Centre is also making efforts to boost exports of red chilli. According to a statement, the agriculture minister on Friday held a meeting to look into the problems of chilli farmers of Andhra Pradesh. Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu was also present in the meeting. Ch

Andhra-origin scientist leads US team to historic black hole breakthroughs

Largest samples of intermediate-mass black holes and dwarf galaxies hosting active black holes have been discovered by a team of scientists led by Indian-origin astrophysicist Raga Deepika Pucha

Andhra electricity regulator approves power purchase from Seci for FY26

The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has approved the purchase of over 4000 million units of power from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) during the next fiscal, after the state DISCOMS have approached the regulator seeking its nod. The SECI Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with Andhra DISCOMs became controversial after Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani was charged by the US Department of Justice over his role in a years-long scheme to allegedly pay USD 250 million bribe to Indian officials including from AP, in exchange for favourable solar power contracts of 7000 MW in 2021 when YSRCP was in power, an allegation refuted by the Indian conglomerate and also the AP opposition party separately. According to an order by APERC on Tariff for Retail Sale of Electricity during FY 2025-26', issued on Friday, the Commission consented to the PSA with detailed reasoning subject to the outcome in the AP High Court in the pending PILs with regard to the agreement. The .

After Telangana, Andhra permits Muslim staff to leave early for Ramzan

Following Telangana's lead, Andhra Pradesh has permitted Muslim employees to leave work an hour early during Ramzan, triggering a political dispute as the BJP criticizes it as 'appeasement politics'

Temple economy worth Rs 6 trillion is largest economic activity, says AP CM

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that the temple economy "valued at Rs 6 lakh crore" is the largest economic activity in the country. Addressing the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX), Naidu said that the temple economy is an area where activities take place throughout the year. "With India's temple economy valued around Rs 6 lakh crore, I can say that compared to any other economic activity, this is the biggest. It happens 365 days a yeartemple darshan (visits) or temple town activities. That is the biggest activity. We are all involved in it," said Naidu. Noting that devotees are donating money for a particular cause, Naidu said that the money must be spent by their aspirations. "There is no doubt about it; any government has to abide by and do justice to this," he said, adding that fulfilling the aspirations of devotees is a must. Appreciating ITCX, the TDP supremo said the platform emphasises Artificial Intelligence integration, ...

Bird flu outbreak: Teams deployed, control room set up in Andhra's Eluru

A toll-free number and a command control center have been set up for reporting poultry deaths, and 20 Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to address the situation

Remote work can empower businesses and women: Andhra CM Naidu's WFH push

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu looks to expand WFH opportunities to encourage greater workforce participation, calling it integral to modern employment structures

SIT led by CBI arrests 4 people in Tirupati laddu case, say officials

A special investigation team led by the CBI has arrested four people in connection with the alleged adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddus offered as prasad to devotees at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, officials said. Those arrested have been identified as Vipin Jain, Pomil Jain, Apoorva Chawda and Raju Rajasekharan, they said. On the orders of the Supreme Court, the CBI set up a five-member SIT in November last year to investigate the allegations of the use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus. The team comprised two officers from the central agency, two from Andhra Pradesh Police and one from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), they said. In its October 4 order, the apex court, after hearing the petitions by BJP leader Subramaniya Swamy and YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP YV Subba Reddy, among others, said the probe into the allegation of using animal fat in making the laddu would be conducted by the SIT and will be supervised by the CBI director. Andhra Prade

Govt says 339 foreign companies registered in India in last 5 years

The government on Tuesday said 339 foreign companies have been registered in the country in the last five years and the registration of such firms has been on the decline since 2020. This year, five foreign companies have been registered -- 1 each in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and two in Tamil Nadu, official data shared by Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra with the Rajya Sabha showed. Under Section 2 (42) of the Companies Act, 2013, a foreign company means any company or body corporate incorporated outside India, which has a place of business in India whether by itself or through an agent, physically or through electronic mode. "Thus, foreign companies are incorporated outside India and they have a place of business in India. These companies are set up with foreign capital," he said. While 90 foreign companies were set up in 2020, the number came down to 75 in 2021 and 64 in 2022. The count reduced to 57 in 2023 and 53 in 2024. On whether certain foreign ..

JNU prof suspended in bribery scandal: What's the NAAC accreditation case?

JNU professor Rajeev Sijariya has been suspended following his arrest in a bribery case linked to NAAC. The CBI has arrested 10 people for allegedly taking bribes to grant a higher rating

Chandrababu Naidu backs Union Budget, emphasises development over politics

Telugu Desam Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday strongly endorsed the Union Budget 2025, saying it reflects the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, while drawing attention to the growing role of technology and state-center cooperation. Speaking to reporters in the national capital, where he was attending the 16th Finance Commission meeting, Naidu articulated a vision that transcended political divisions. "Regarding Andhra Pradesh, we are working with the central government. Some people ask what we have got. We have got everything and I am confident in that (our collaboration with the central government). Always, one should be in the right time, right place, and with right people - then things happen automatically," he said. The veteran politician highlighted four key growth engines - agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports - as crucial elements of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Drawing from his experience in implementing reforms in And

HMPL to invest Rs 2,500 crore in 500 MW solar project in Andhra Pradesh

Infra-to-energy player Hazoor Multi Projects Limited (HMPL) has plans to set up a 500 megawatt solar project in Andhra Pradesh at an investment of Rs 2,500 crore. It has already submitted a proposal with the state government to set up the project in Prakasam district over an area of 2,000 acres, as per information shared by the company. The AP government in a communication said New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation (NREDCAP) will facilitate for successful execution of proposed solar park project. The state government has also asked the company to submit its detailed project report (DPR) for the project. HMPL is into renewable energy and building road projects on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. Last week, the company made a foray into the domestic renewable energy sector with the development of 1.2 GW of clean energy projects spread across 4,200 acres land in Maharashtra.

YSRCP slams Andhra CM for failing to secure state's share in Union Budget

YSRCP's Karthik attributed the failure to a lack of effective political leadership in the state, particularly from the TDP-Jana Sena coalition government and the BJP at the Centre

Bihar appears to have got bonanza, why was Andhra ignored: Cong on Budget

Taking a swipe at the Modi government over its budget announcements, the Congress on Saturday said Bihar appears to have got a bonanza and asked why the other pillar of the NDA, Andhra Pradesh, has been so "cruelly ignored". Bihar remained in focus in the presentation of the Union Budget for the fiscal 2025-26 with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman making several announcements for the state, including setting up of a Makhana Board, financial support for western Kosi canal and support for enhancing capacity of IIT Patna. Presenting her record eighth Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, the finance minister also announced that the Centre will establish a National Institute of Food Technology, entrepreneurship and management in Bihar and also facilitate greenfield airports there to meet the future needs of the state. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said Bihar appears to have got a bonanza of announcements. "It is natural since elections are due there late

NHPC, Andhra Pradesh govt partner for 6-8 Gw pumped storage projects

The JV, named ANGEL, has been assigned two PSPs by the Andhra Pradesh government with a total capacity of 2 Gw

Andhra to roll out 'WhatsApp governance' on Jan 30, offering 161 services

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to introduce 'WhatsApp governance' starting Thursday, enabling people to avail themselves of 161 services through the messaging app, obviating the need to make multiple visits to government offices for procuring documents. Officials gave Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu a demonstration on this new programme during a review meeting held at the secretariat on Wednesday. "In the first phase, the government makes 161 services available in this. Officials explained to the CM during the presentation, on how people availing these services will choose their options," said an official press release. Services pertaining to the Endowments, Energy, APSRTC, Revenue, Anna Canteens, CM Relief Fund (CMRF) and Municipal Departments would be provided in the first phase and the second phase is expected to promise more services. Further, the CM directed officials to ensure that people's data doesn't fall into the hands of cyber criminals and called for the ...

AP techie murder verdict: 'I leave it to God', says woman's father

The father of a 23-year-old slained woman software engineer from Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday reacted to the Supreme Court acquitting his daughter's alleged killer, saying he will "leave it to God," and wondering what he can do. The apex court on Tuesday, acquitted Chandrabhan Sudam Sanap, citing "gaping holes" in the prosecution case and observed that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt. Esther Anuhya (23), who had just returned to Mumbai after a two-week Christmas and New Year holiday, was found dead near Kanjur Marg on January 16, 2014. She was employed with TCS in Mumbai and was last seen exiting the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus railway station. Later, the Mumbai Police arrested Sanap for allegedly raping and murdering Anuhya. Following the court trial and conviction, he was awarded a death sentence, which was also upheld by the Bombay High Court. However, on Tuesday, the apex court acquitted Sanap, citing "gaping holes" in the prosecution case. "Wh

Andhra Pradesh govt to develop Data City near Vizag, create 2 mn jobs

In line with the Telugu Desam Party's election promise to create 2 million jobs within five years, the state government has unveiled plans to develop the Data City in Madhurawada

Andhra to unveil 'Demographic Management' policy to tackle effects: Guv

Andhra Pradesh will come out with a policy on 'demographic management' to address the cascading effects of shrinking workforce, aging population, and changing family dynamics, Governor S Abdul Nazeer said on Sunday. After unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the Republic Day at Vijayawada, Nazeer said the state is undergoing significant demographic transitions which include a steep decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), a rapidly aging population, and the erosion of traditional joint family systems, each with far-reaching implications. "The Government is committed to handle the cascading effects of a shrinking workforce, aging population, and changing family dynamics by launching a policy on 'demographic management' to address the cascading effects of shrinking workforce, aging population, and changing family dynamics," he said. Several countries are facing a deleterious impact of declining TFR, and the state government is committed to overcome this crisis, by engagin

Odisha fiscally healthiest; Punjab, AP, WB laggards: NITI Aayog report

Serious concern on debt sustainability in West Bengal, Punjab, says report