Category: NATIONAL

Visakhapatnam, Dec 17: Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a sharp rise in scrub typhus cases in recent weeks, prompting health authorities to issue an alert across districts. Officials confirmed over 1,600 reported cases, with multiple fatalities, especially from rural and tribal regions.

The Health Department has instructed hospitals to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment, while awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate people on preventive measures. Medical teams have also been deployed in affected areas to monitor symptoms and contain the spread.

Amaravati, Dec 17: The Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board has reported a significant increase in its land holdings, with the total land bank expanding to nearly 81,000 acres across the state. Officials stated that the growth was due to improved surveys, updated records, and recovery of previously unaccounted properties.

The expanded land bank is expected to enhance revenue generation for welfare and development activities of minority communities. Authorities said steps are being taken to protect Waqf properties and ensure transparent management through digitisation and legal safeguards.

Vijayawada, Dec 17: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday inducted 5,757 newly recruited trainee constables into the state police force, marking a significant step towards strengthening law enforcement across the state. Addressing the recruits, the Chief Minister emphasized discipline, public service, and professionalism in policing.

Naidu also announced a substantial increase in the monthly stipend for trainee constables, raising it from ₹4,500 to ₹12,500. He said the decision was taken to provide better financial support during training, which is scheduled to commence from December 22, and to boost morale among the new recruits.

New Delhi, December 16: Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were significantly disrupted on Monday as dense fog and low visibility conditions affected air traffic, leading to delays and diversions of over 100 flights, officials said. Several inbound and outbound services were impacted during the early morning hours.

Airport authorities advised passengers to check flight status with airlines before heading to the airport. Airlines and air traffic control are working to normalise operations as weather conditions improve, while safety remains the top priority.

Geneva, December 16: An international human rights group has strongly denounced the conviction of a prominent figure, calling it “politically motivated” and a serious blow to democratic values and the rule of law. The organisation said the case reflects increasing misuse of legal processes to silence dissent and target opposition voices.

The group urged authorities to uphold judicial independence and ensure fair trial standards in line with international human rights obligations. It also called on the global community to closely monitor the situation and press for accountability, warning that such convictions could have a chilling effect on civil liberties and political freedom.

New Delhi, December 16: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday paid tribute to India’s 1971 victory, calling it a “timeless inspiration” that continues to guide the nation’s strategic thinking and national resolve. He said the historic win showcased India’s courage, leadership and commitment to justice, while reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Jaishankar highlighted the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the vision of the political leadership during the 1971 war. He noted that the legacy of the victory remains relevant today, reminding the country of the importance of preparedness, unity and principled diplomacy in safeguarding national interests.

Mumbai, December 16: Mumbai continues to attract significant attention from domestic and international investors, emerging as a key investment hub in Maharashtra. Recent data and reports indicate a surge in investments across sectors such as real estate, technology, finance, and infrastructure, reinforcing the city’s status as an economic powerhouse.

Officials said favorable government policies, improved ease of doing business, and robust infrastructure have contributed to investor confidence. Analysts noted that Mumbai’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and strong commercial ecosystem make it a preferred destination for companies seeking growth and expansion in India.

Delhi, December 16: A massive road accident involving seven buses and three cars occurred on the Delhi-Agra Expressway early Monday morning amid dense fog, resulting in the death of four people and several injuries, officials said. Emergency services rushed to the site to assist the victims and clear the wreckage.

Police and highway authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision, with preliminary reports citing low visibility due to fog as a major factor. Injured passengers were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, and traffic was temporarily diverted to ensure smooth movement on the expressway.

Indore, December 16: A lavish wedding video of BJP MLA Golu Shukla’s son has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention for its grand decorations and fireworks display reportedly worth Rs 70 lakh. The visuals show an extravagant celebration with high-end lighting, elaborate stage setups and a large fireworks show, sparking discussions online.

The viral video has triggered mixed reactions, with some netizens praising the grandeur while others questioned the scale of spending amid ongoing economic concerns. Neither the MLA nor his family has issued an official statement on the matter so far, even as the clip continues to circulate widely across social media platforms.

Panaji, December 16: In the wake of the recent deadly nightclub fire in Goa, state authorities on Monday sealed another restaurant for allegedly violating fire safety and building norms. Officials said the action was taken during an intensified inspection drive launched across the coastal state to prevent a repeat of such tragic incidents.

Authorities stated that the restaurant was found operating without mandatory safety clearances, including adequate fire-fighting equipment and proper evacuation measures. The Goa government has warned that strict action will be taken against all establishments flouting safety regulations, while inspections and audits of nightlife venues, restaurants and commercial establishments continue across the state.