Category: NATIONAL

Amaravati, January 20:
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced that Andhra Pradesh will soon introduce drone taxi and drone ambulance services as part of its vision to adopt advanced technology in public transportation and emergency healthcare. The initiative is aimed at reducing travel time and improving access to critical medical services, especially in congested urban areas and hard-to-reach regions.

The Chief Minister said the state is working with technology partners to ensure safety, regulatory compliance and efficient operations. Officials added that pilot projects may be launched initially before expanding the services across major cities and key locations in the state.

Amaravati, January 20:
The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday credited thrift fund amounts into the accounts of weavers’ cooperative societies as part of its ongoing welfare initiatives. The financial assistance is intended to provide relief and economic support to handloom workers who continue to face challenges due to rising costs and market competition.

Officials said the release of funds would help weavers meet working capital requirements and sustain traditional handloom practices. The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the livelihood of weavers and strengthening the handloom sector through continuous financial and policy support.

Amaravati, January 20:
In a significant administrative move, the Andhra Pradesh government has made payment of property tax compulsory for the registration of immovable properties across the state. Officials said the decision aims to improve tax compliance and bring greater transparency into the property registration process.

The government believes the measure will help local bodies strengthen their financial position and improve civic services. Revenue department officials have been directed to strictly enforce the rule while facilitating smoother registration procedures for compliant property owners.

Amaravati, January 20:
The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday launched animal ambulance services across the state with the objective of providing timely veterinary care to livestock and supporting farmers in rural and remote areas. Officials said the initiative would ensure faster response during medical emergencies involving cattle, goats and other domestic animals, thereby reducing losses for farmers and improving animal health management.

The government stated that the service is part of a broader plan to strengthen the rural economy and enhance veterinary infrastructure. Dedicated helpline numbers and trained medical staff will be deployed to operate the animal ambulances, with special focus on districts having a high dependence on agriculture and dairy farming.

Mumbai, January 19: The process for selecting the next Mayor of Mumbai has garnered significant attention as political parties gear up to nominate candidates for the post. The Mayor, who serves as the head of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), plays a crucial role in overseeing the city’s civic administration, implementing policies, and representing Mumbai in official capacities.

The selection process begins after the results of the municipal corporation elections are finalized. The newly elected corporators from various political parties elect the Mayor from among themselves. Typically, the term of the Mayor lasts for 2.5 years, after which the process is repeated. The election involves nomination of candidates by political parties, followed by voting within the municipal house. The party with a majority in the corporation usually ensures its nominee is elected. This year, discussions around the Mayor’s selection have intensified amid political maneuvering, alliances, and talks of consensus candidates, highlighting the strategic importance of the post in Mumbai’s governance landscape.

New Delhi, January 19 : Delhi Police has put the national capital on high alert after posters of wanted terrorists were spotted across several busy markets in the city. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. The posters, reportedly aimed at spreading fear, have prompted increased patrolling in crowded areas, markets, and metro stations to ensure public safety.

Police officials stated that intelligence inputs indicate potential attempts to create panic, prompting immediate security reinforcements. Security measures include deployment of quick response teams, CCTV monitoring, and random checks across key locations. Law enforcement agencies are coordinating with central intelligence and anti-terror units to track down the perpetrators behind the posters. Citizens have been advised to cooperate with authorities and avoid sharing unverified information on social media that could escalate public concern.

Noida, January 19: The father of a young techie who tragically drowned in Noida has shared harrowing details of his son’s final moments, revealing that the victim struggled for nearly two hours before succumbing to the accident. Speaking to the media, he described the incident as a “painful and unimaginable loss” for the family, highlighting the dangers posed by poorly maintained water bodies in the city.

Authorities have confirmed that the incident occurred in an area prone to accidents due to inadequate safety measures. The father urged local officials to take urgent action to prevent similar tragedies, calling for stricter safety protocols and public awareness campaigns. The techie’s untimely death has prompted concern among residents and authorities, emphasizing the importance of safety around open water sources in urban areas.

New Delhi, January 19: A lifestyle and wellness expert has identified three common foods that can fuel inflammation in the body and should be limited or avoided to maintain long-term health. According to the expert, frequent consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and deep-fried items is closely linked to chronic inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of lifestyle-related disorders.

The expert explained that highly processed foods often contain preservatives and trans fats that disrupt the body’s natural inflammatory balance, while refined sugar can spike blood glucose levels and trigger inflammatory responses. Deep-fried foods, especially when cooked in reused oils, were also highlighted as harmful due to the formation of inflammatory compounds. Emphasising moderation, the expert recommended replacing these items with whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support overall well-being and reduce inflammation naturally.

New Delhi, January 19 : A woman from the United States has alleged that she was sexually harassed by a teenage boy while travelling on the Delhi Metro, an incident she says has deeply impacted her sense of safety in India. Sharing her experience publicly, the tourist claimed she was groped in a crowded coach, leaving her shocked and distressed.

According to the woman, the alleged incident occurred during peak travel hours, and she struggled to react immediately due to the crowd and the suddenness of the act. She later expressed disappointment over the experience, stating that it had altered her perception of safety and added, “I don’t think I will return to India after this.” The incident has sparked discussions online about women’s safety in public transport, with several users urging authorities to ensure stricter monitoring, quicker response mechanisms, and greater awareness to prevent such incidents.

New Delhi, January 19, 2026:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Gupt Navratri, a nine-day festival observed with spiritual discipline and devotion to Goddess Durga. In his message, Modi encouraged citizens to use the festival as an opportunity for inner reflection, self-improvement and harmony, highlighting the cultural significance of ancient traditions in modern society.

Modi said festivals like Gupt Navratri not only strengthen cultural identity but also promote values like peace, resilience and gratitude. He wished that the celebrations bring prosperity, good health and unity across communities, reaffirming the government’s respect for India’s diverse spiritual heritage.