Category: NATIONAL

New Delhi, December 27:
The national capital on Saturday recorded ‘Very Poor’ air quality, with dense fog and stagnant atmospheric conditions expected to continue over the next few days, affecting visibility and respiratory health, officials said.

According to the latest air quality data, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels remained well above safe limits in several parts of Delhi, posing risks to children, elderly people and individuals with respiratory ailments. The Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued health advisories urging citizens to minimise outdoor activities and use masks when stepping outside.

Meteorological departments forecast that foggy weather and cold temperatures will persist through the weekend, which could further trap pollutants near the ground and worsen air quality. Visibility was reported to be low at major traffic points and roadways early in the morning, disrupting mobility and raising concerns among commuters.

Authorities have urged residents to stay updated on air quality health alerts, avoid burning firecrackers or biomass, and reduce vehicular emissions where possible. Air quality experts said long-term structural measures, including promoting clean energy and reducing industrial emissions, are crucial for sustained improvement in Delhi’s air quality.

Mumbai, December 27:
More than 300 local trains in the Mumbai suburban network were cancelled on Saturday, causing significant disruption for daily commuters, railway officials said. The cancellations were implemented following a major technical failure in signalling systems at key junctions in the Western and Central Railway zones.

Railway sources explained that the signal breakdown occurred early in the morning, forcing authorities to prioritise safety and halt numerous services while technicians worked to restore operations. Passengers experienced long waits at stations, and substitute services were arranged where possible to mitigate inconvenience.

Officials added that several trains were also rerouted or short-terminated to manage the pressure on affected routes. Commuters expressed frustration but many acknowledged the necessity of safety protocols, urging the railways to expedite repairs and communication.

The Western and Central Railway divisions said swift action was underway to fix the technical fault and resume normal services. A detailed inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the malfunction and to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

Tirupati, December 27:
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday vowed to take strict action against rowdyism and anti-social elements in Andhra Pradesh, emphasising that no individual will be spared regardless of political affiliation. He made the remarks while inaugurating the Tirupati District Police Office in advance of the upcoming Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.

Naidu directed police to adopt both visible and invisible policing strategies, including increased surveillance to ensure the safety of devotees at Tirumala and surrounding temples. He warned that those engaged in anti-social activities, including mudslinging and fear-mongering for political gain, would face strict enforcement measures.

During the event, Naidu appreciated the Tirupati police for their efforts in controlling illegal activities like drug trafficking and smuggling, and reiterated that peace and security are vital for attracting investment and preserving Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage.

Officials stated that the state government will continue supporting law enforcement with modern tools and community cooperation to ensure public safety during high-traffic periods, especially religious festivals that draw large crowds.

Vijayawada, December 27:
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Saturday invoked the governance model associated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asserting that those fuelling caste-based conflicts in the state would face stern action. He said strong administration and decisive governance are essential to maintaining peace and harmony, echoing the so-called ‘Yogi model’ of law enforcement and social order.

Kalyan stressed that the government remains committed to preventing social tensions and divisive politics that could disrupt public order, urging political leaders and community representatives to promote unity and cohesion. He added that Andhra Pradesh’s administrative approach would prioritise security and inclusive development.

Political observers noted that the Deputy CM’s remarks signal firm intent to uphold law and order ahead of key political events, reflecting the government’s broader focus on stability and governance. Supporters lauded the message as bold and proactive in addressing social challenges.

Vijayawada, December 27:
As 2025 draws to a close, Amaravati’s real estate market is showing signs of revival, boosted by accelerated infrastructure development and renewed investor interest.

Policy clarity and improvements in project execution have reversed stagnation seen in recent years, with key initiatives such as second-phase land pooling and the central approval of the 190-km Outer Ring Road driving up land prices, especially along strategic corridors.

However, experts said affordability continues to be a major concern, as premium developments dominate the landscape while budget housing options remain limited, restricting access for middle-class buyers.

Developers and stakeholders have called for faster approval systems and regulatory support to attract sustained investment and ensure inclusive growth in the region.

Visakhapatnam, December 27:
City police on Friday arrested a man posing as a doctor at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam for allegedly cheating a father seeking a kidney transplant for his child.

The accused, identified as Immandhi Jyothi Sivasri, allegedly demanded money under the pretext of arranging the transplant and then disappeared after receiving an advance payment of ₹1 lakh. Further investigation revealed his involvement in at least 33 similar fraud cases across the state.

Police recovered cash, a white apron and a stethoscope from the suspect, who had been impersonating medical professionals to exploit vulnerable patients. Authorities are questioning him to identify additional victims and gather more details.

Officials said strict action will be taken against anyone found indulging in such fraudulent activities, and urged the public to verify credentials before engaging medical services.

Amaravati, December 27:
The Andhra Pradesh Revenue Department has intensified efforts to address widespread issues arising from the ongoing land resurvey project, following a strict deadline set by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Farmers and landowners had raised complaints over mismatched records, boundary discrepancies and classification errors, prompting the government to deploy advanced survey tools and geo-referencing technologies to improve accuracy.

Special Chief Secretary (Revenue) G Sai Prasad has instructed officials to prioritise genuine grievances and engage directly with citizens to expedite resolutions. Field staff are being directed to correct errors transparently and prevent unnecessary legal disputes.

The government said that once current issues are resolved, the resurvey will provide more reliable and digitised land records, benefiting all stakeholders and reducing future conflicts over titles and boundaries.

Vijayawada, December 27:
NTR district has emerged as the top performer in Andhra Pradesh’s Key Performance Index (KPI) rankings, driven by robust economic indicators and projected growth. Officials said the district’s Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) is expected to rise significantly in 2025–26, reflecting effective governance and development efforts.

The Chief Minister’s office highlighted improvements in infrastructure, industrial output and social development outcomes as key contributors to the district’s performance. Officials added that similar strategies will be replicated across other districts to ensure balanced state-wide growth.

Analysts noted that leadership, coordinated planning and public engagement have helped NTR district achieve this milestone, reinforcing confidence among investors and local communities.

Srikakulam, December 23:
A severe whitefly infestation has caused extensive damage to coconut plantations in Andhra Pradesh’s Uddanam region, leading to a sharp decline in production. Farmers reported that coconut yields have dropped significantly, affecting livelihoods and causing financial stress across the farming community.

Agriculture officials said the infestation has spread rapidly due to favourable climatic conditions, impacting thousands of acres of farmland. Farmers expressed concern over rising input costs and falling output, stating that immediate intervention is required to control the pest and prevent further losses.

The state government has instructed agriculture and horticulture departments to intensify field inspections and promote integrated pest management practices. Officials assured farmers that technical support, awareness programmes and possible compensation measures are being examined to mitigate the crisis and restore crop productivity.

Andhra Pradesh, December 23:
The Andhra Pradesh Bar Council has approved financial assistance and welfare measures for lawyers, including support for medical emergencies, death benefits and retirement-related aid. The decision was taken during a welfare committee meeting aimed at strengthening social security for legal professionals.

Bar Council members said the initiative would provide much-needed relief to advocates facing financial difficulties, especially during medical emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. The move is expected to benefit lawyers across districts, particularly those practicing in lower courts.

The council reiterated its commitment to improving welfare schemes and ensuring that the legal fraternity receives adequate institutional support.