Amaravati, December 18:
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed district collectors to ensure faster and more transparent governance across Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of efficient administration and timely delivery of public services.
The Chief Minister also announced that online public services will be fully rolled out from January 15. He urged officials to focus on investment promotion while improving citizen-centric governance systems.
Visakhapatnam, December 18:
Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), will launch an eco-friendly air heat pump pilot project in Araku Valley. The initiative is aimed at reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy costs in the eco-tourism destination.
Officials said the project is the first of its kind in the state and aligns with the government’s focus on sustainable tourism development. If successful, the model may be replicated in other tourist locations across Andhra Pradesh.
Vijayawada, December 18:
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of ₹1 lakh for each Haj pilgrim travelling in 2026 through the Vijayawada embarkation centre. The decision aims to reduce the financial burden on pilgrims from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.
Officials said the assistance reflects the government’s commitment to minority welfare and inclusive development. The measure is expected to benefit a large number of pilgrims by making the holy journey more affordable.
Amaravati, December 18:
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will lay foundation stones for the construction of ten new hotels across key tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh next month. The move is part of the state’s broader tourism development strategy to improve accommodation facilities and enhance visitor experience.
According to officials, the hotels will cater to different budget segments and are expected to attract private investment into the hospitality sector. The initiative is also projected to create direct and indirect employment while contributing to regional economic growth.
Amaravati, December 18:
The Andhra Pradesh government has accelerated its development agenda with a strong focus on tourism, infrastructure and governance reforms. As part of a major tourism and investment push, leading amusement park operators Wonderla and Imagicaa are set to establish large theme parks in the state, aiming to strengthen tourism infrastructure and attract visitors. In addition, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to lay foundation stones for the construction of ten new hotels next month, a move expected to improve accommodation facilities and boost employment in the hospitality sector.
At the infrastructure level, the state government has extended the deadline for the construction of the Machilipatnam Greenfield Port, allowing developers additional time to complete the strategically important project. The government has also announced ₹1 lakh financial assistance for each Haj pilgrim travelling in 2026 through the Vijayawada embarkation point, providing relief to pilgrims from coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. Further, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), will launch an eco-friendly air heat pump pilot project in Araku Valley to promote sustainable eco-tourism and reduce carbon emissions.
New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday alleged that there was total mismanagement and an attempt to cover up lapses following a recent incident, launching a sharp attack on the state administration. A BJP leader said that the handling of the situation exposed serious failures at multiple levels, claiming that authorities were unprepared and slow to respond. He alleged that instead of fixing accountability, efforts were made to deflect blame and suppress facts related to the incident.
The BJP demanded a thorough and impartial investigation, calling for strict action against officials responsible for negligence. The party said public safety cannot be compromised and accused the state government of prioritising political image over accountability. The state government, however, has rejected the allegations, stating that necessary steps were taken promptly and that an internal review is underway to assess the situation and prevent recurrence.
New Delhi, Dec 17: A BJP leader on Tuesday said that the G-RAM-G Bill is aimed at the rationalisation of an existing government scheme and does not introduce any new or arbitrary provisions, rejecting opposition criticism. Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said the Bill seeks to streamline implementation, remove duplication and improve efficiency, ensuring that the intended benefits reach people more effectively. He asserted that the proposed legislation is administrative in nature and focused on better governance.
Responding to demands from opposition parties to refer the Bill to a parliamentary panel, the BJP leader said adequate consultations have already been held and that the objectives of the legislation are transparent. He accused the opposition of spreading confusion and politicising a reform-oriented move, adding that the government remains committed to simplifying systems and improving delivery mechanisms. The BJP reiterated that the G-RAM-G Bill is in line with the government’s broader agenda of governance reforms and accountability.
New Delhi, Dec 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said that while the opposition has been making allegations and raising slogans, the law has continued to function independently and firmly. Responding to protests by Congress leaders over the National Herald case, a BJP spokesperson said the accusations levelled by the opposition were “floating in the air,” but investigative agencies and courts were proceeding strictly as per legal provisions. The BJP rejected claims of political vendetta, asserting that no individual or family is above the law.
The party further stated that repeated attempts by the Congress to portray legal action as political persecution were aimed at misleading the public and evading accountability. The BJP maintained that due process is being followed and that judicial scrutiny, not political pressure, will determine the outcome of the case. It added that democracy is strengthened when institutions function without interference, and urged the opposition to cooperate with the law instead of staging protests.
New Delhi, Dec 17: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh is set to introduce the Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025 in Parliament during the ongoing Winter Session. The proposed legislation aims to update and strengthen India’s nuclear energy framework, focusing on safety, regulation and the expansion of nuclear power as part of the country’s long-term clean energy strategy. The Bill is expected to outline provisions related to governance, operational oversight and the role of nuclear energy in meeting India’s growing power demands while reducing carbon emissions.
The introduction of the Bill has sparked political debate, with opposition parties seeking detailed scrutiny through a parliamentary panel, citing concerns over safety, transparency and public interest. The government, however, has maintained that the legislation is crucial for enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable development. The Nuclear Energy Bill, 2025, is seen as a key step in India’s efforts to modernise its nuclear sector and align it with global standards while ensuring strict regulatory safeguards.
Mumbai/New Delhi, Dec 17: Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday refused to apologise for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, asserting that his comments were being misinterpreted and taken out of context. Responding to criticism from the BJP, Chavan said his statement was made within the framework of constitutional values and democratic accountability, and not with the intent alleged by his political opponents. He maintained that raising questions or expressing opinions does not amount to disrespecting national security or the armed forces.
Chavan further accused the ruling party of attempting to create controversy by selectively projecting his remarks for political gain. He said the Congress has consistently respected the armed forces and national interest, and reiterated that debates and discussions are an essential part of a healthy democracy. The BJP, meanwhile, has continued to target Chavan over the remarks, demanding an apology and accusing the Congress of undermining sensitive national issues for political purposes.