AMARAVATI, Dec 20: The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a major greenfield National Highway connecting Kharagpur–Cuttack–Visakhapatnam with Amaravati, aiming to significantly improve road connectivity across key coastal and inland regions. Officials said the proposed corridor will reduce travel time, improve passenger movement, and enhance transportation of goods between major economic centres and the state capital.
The highway is expected to strengthen logistics infrastructure, support industrial corridors, and encourage growth in trade, tourism, and agriculture-linked sectors. Authorities added that the project will attract fresh investments, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to balanced and long-term regional development in Andhra Pradesh.
New Delhi, December 19: The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday issued an advisory warning that airport operations in some regions of the country may be impacted due to adverse weather conditions and technical factors. Authorities have asked airlines, passengers, and airport staff to stay alert for possible delays or schedule adjustments.
The ministry advised passengers to check flight status with airlines before traveling and to plan their journeys accordingly. Officials said contingency measures are being put in place to minimise inconvenience and ensure safety at all airports.
Airports across affected regions may experience temporary disruptions in take-offs and landings, and additional air traffic management measures have been deployed. The ministry emphasised that passenger safety remains the top priority while operations continue under monitoring conditions.
Agartala, December 19: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the third Foundation Day celebrations of Agartala Government College, highlighting the institution’s contributions to higher education in the state. The event marked an occasion to celebrate academic achievements and future development plans.
Speaking at the event, CM Saha emphasised the importance of quality education and encouraged students and faculty to continue pursuing excellence in academics and research. He also underlined the role of government institutions in shaping the future workforce and fostering innovation.
Officials said various cultural and academic programs were organised as part of the celebrations, with students and staff participating enthusiastically. The Chief Minister also interacted with students and faculty, appreciating their efforts in promoting a vibrant educational environment in Agartala.
New Delhi, December 19: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday expressed concern over what he described as an unfortunate atmosphere in the House, which disrupted the smooth conduct of proceedings during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. He highlighted that repeated interruptions and adjournments are affecting the discussion of critical bills and policy matters, delaying the government’s legislative agenda. The minister emphasised that such disruptions are a setback to parliamentary decorum and public trust in democratic institutions.
Shekhawat stated that Parliament is the primary platform for debating and deliberating issues that impact millions of citizens, and disruptions prevent meaningful discussions on key national concerns. He underlined that both ruling and opposition members have a responsibility to engage constructively, while respecting the rules and traditions that govern parliamentary proceedings. The minister further remarked that dialogue, debate, and consensus-building are essential to ensure that Parliament functions effectively, serving the larger interest of the nation.
The Union Minister also urged opposition members to cooperate and allow legislative business to proceed without obstruction, stressing that public expectations from Parliament are high. He added that the government remains committed to addressing genuine concerns raised by all parties, but such engagement must happen in an orderly manner within the established parliamentary framework. Shekhawat concluded by reaffirming that maintaining decorum and fostering a collaborative environment are vital for a healthy democracy and effective governance.
Visakhapatnam, December 19, 2025: The stage is set in Visakhapatnam to create a new chapter in the IT sector. Global technology giant Google has given the green signal for an unprecedented large-scale investment in Andhra Pradesh. With a massive investment of ₹87,520 crore, Google is set to establish a mega AI Data Center, marking one of the biggest technology investments ever in the state.
To fast-track the execution of this ambitious project and ensure there are no bureaucratic delays, the Andhra Pradesh government has moved swiftly. In a key decision, the government has issued orders constituting a special Executive Steering Committee, aimed at eliminating red tape and ensuring smooth and timely implementation.
1,000 MW Capacity, Partnership with Adani Group
The prestigious project will be undertaken by Raiden Infotech India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Google. The AI Data Center will be developed in Visakhapatnam with a massive 1,000 megawatt capacity. For this project, Google has partnered with select industry leaders, including Adani Infra, Adani Connex, and Nxtra (Airtel), which have been designated as “notified partners.”
To facilitate the project, approximately 480 acres of land have been identified across Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. Raiden Infotech has requested the state government to transfer these land parcels to Adani Infra and other project partners.
High-Powered Committee to Address Bottlenecks
Given the scale of the project, the government has entrusted oversight responsibilities to a high-level, multi-departmental committee to prevent any delays. The IT Department Secretary will serve as the Chairperson, while the Special Chief Secretary (IT) will act as the Convener.
The committee includes senior officials from key departments such as IT, Energy, Municipal Administration, Water Resources, Revenue, Commercial Taxes, and Finance. Representatives from the AP Pollution Control Board, AP FiberNet, APIIC, and APEDB are also part of the committee.
From the investors’ side, representatives of Raiden Infotech, Adani Group, and Airtel, along with a nominee from the Union Ministry of IT, will be members of the committee.
Role and Responsibilities of the Committee
The committee’s primary objective is to ensure the swift completion of the project. Its responsibilities include facilitating land allocation, environmental clearances, municipal permissions, and other approvals through a single-window mechanism.
The committee will identify inter-departmental coordination issues and resolve bottlenecks that could hinder progress. It will also monitor the timely release of government incentives. Issues that cannot be resolved at the committee level will be escalated to the Chief Secretary, who is mandated to resolve them within 14 days. The committee will meet twice every month to review project progress and address challenges.
Deadline Set Until 2026
The government has set a defined tenure for the Executive Steering Committee, which will remain operational until December 31, 2026. The tenure may be extended if required until the project is fully completed.
Experts believe the Google AI Data Center will be a game-changer in transforming Visakhapatnam into a major IT hub. The proactive steps taken by the state government are expected to boost investor confidence and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s position in the global technology ecosystem.
Bengaluru, December 19: The Karnataka government has announced that district-level programmes will be organised across five districts under the VGRC initiative, aimed at strengthening grassroots outreach and public participation.
Officials said the programmes will focus on reviewing implementation of government schemes, addressing local issues and engaging with beneficiaries directly. The initiative is expected to improve coordination between district administrations and the public while ensuring effective delivery of welfare measures.
Muscat, December 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the ‘Order of Oman’, the highest civilian honour of the Sultanate, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening India–Oman relations. This marks another significant international honour bestowed upon the Prime Minister.
The award reflects the growing diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Leaders from both sides reiterated their commitment to further enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
Vijayawada, December 19: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been selected for the prestigious ‘Business Reformer of the Year’ award in recognition of his efforts to promote industrial growth and attract investments to the state.
According to officials, the award acknowledges policy reforms, ease-of-doing-business initiatives, and infrastructure development undertaken by the state government. The leadership has positioned Andhra Pradesh as a preferred destination for domestic and global investors.
Amaravati, December 19: The Andhra Pradesh government has announced special relief measures for pension beneficiaries across the state, aiming to provide financial support to vulnerable sections. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu approved the inclusion of additional beneficiaries under the social security pension scheme.
As part of the decision, around 200 new pensions will be sanctioned, benefiting elderly citizens and other eligible groups. Officials said the move reflects the government’s commitment to welfare-oriented governance and ensuring social security for the needy.
New Delhi, December 18: The Government of India introduced the Securities Market Code Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to streamline regulations, enhance transparency, and consolidate provisions governing securities markets. The bill seeks to simplify compliance, improve investor protection, and strengthen the regulatory framework for capital market participants.
The government has proposed sending the bill to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for detailed scrutiny, allowing lawmakers to examine its provisions, suggest amendments, and ensure alignment with market realities. Experts noted that if passed, the bill could significantly impact market operations, corporate governance, and investor confidence, marking a key step in India’s financial regulatory reforms.
