Category: NATIONAL

New Delhi, December 15:
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday accused the opposition Congress of attempting to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi through controversial slogans raised during a political gathering in Delhi. BJP leaders condemned the remarks and described them as irresponsible and divisive.

The party stated that such actions reflect the opposition’s political frustration and warned against lowering the level of political discourse. The incident has intensified political tensions, with leaders from both sides exchanging sharp reactions.

New Delhi, December 15:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, expressing deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Modi conveyed India’s solidarity with the people and government of Australia during the tragic incident.

Reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, the Prime Minister said such acts of violence pose a serious threat to global peace. He called for united international efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms.

New Delhi, December 15:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian squash team on winning their maiden Squash World Cup title. Modi said the historic victory has made the entire nation proud and reflects the growing strength of Indian athletes on the global stage.

The Prime Minister praised the dedication and hard work of the players and support staff, noting that such achievements inspire young sportspersons across the country. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent at all levels.

New Delhi, December 15:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled departure for an official foreign visit was delayed on Monday due to dense fog conditions in the national capital. Poor visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport led to disruptions in flight operations, affecting the Prime Minister’s travel plans.

Officials said weather conditions were closely monitored before rescheduling the departure. The visit is aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic engagement and cooperation with partner nations across key sectors, including trade, security and regional development.

Amaravati, December 15:
The long-standing dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over river water projects continues, with both states reiterating their claims on Krishna and Godavari river allocations. Recent developments indicate that differences remain unresolved, despite discussions at various administrative and political levels.

Officials noted that the issue involves concerns over water sharing, project approvals and resource utilisation. The continued disagreement has brought renewed attention to inter-state water management challenges, with stakeholders calling for a mutually acceptable and legally sound resolution.

Amaravati, December 15:
Andhra Pradesh has won the National Energy Conservation Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognising the state’s consistent performance in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The award was given for the successful implementation of energy-saving initiatives across various sectors, including industry, power distribution and public infrastructure.

Officials said the achievement reflects the state government’s long-term focus on reducing energy consumption and promoting renewable energy solutions. The recognition further strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development and responsible energy management at the national level.

Vijayawada, December 15:
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the establishment of India’s first autonomous maritime shipyard at Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in SPSR Nellore district. The project will focus on the manufacturing of autonomous surface and underwater vessels, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence and maritime technology capabilities.

According to officials, the shipyard will be developed by a private defence manufacturing firm and is expected to generate nearly 750 direct and indirect jobs. The project is also expected to attract further investments in advanced manufacturing, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a key hub for defence and maritime innovation.

Amaravati, December 15:
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for eligible tenant farmers to support agricultural activities during the current farming season. The assistance will be extended through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) at subsidised interest rates, aimed at ensuring timely availability of credit for cultivation needs such as seeds, fertilisers and farm inputs.

Officials said the initiative is intended to reduce the dependence of farmers on private moneylenders and prevent debt-related stress in rural areas. The scheme is expected to benefit a large number of small and marginal farmers, while also strengthening the cooperative credit system and improving overall agricultural productivity across the state.

New Delhi, December 13: The joint military exercise Harimau Shakti between India and Malaysia concluded successfully, highlighting the growing defence cooperation between the two countries. The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability, tactical skills, and mutual understanding among the armed forces of both nations.

Officials said the drill included advanced combat simulations, counter-terrorism operations, and coordination in jungle warfare scenarios. Defence analysts noted that such exercises not only bolster bilateral military ties but also contribute to regional security and strategic collaboration in Southeast Asia.

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), December 13: Temperatures in the Kashmir Valley remained below zero on Friday as a severe cold wave continues to grip the region. Meteorological officials reported frost in several areas and advised residents to take precautions, especially the elderly and children, against the harsh winter conditions.

Authorities said transportation and essential services are functioning normally, but citizens are urged to stay warm and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. Experts noted that the cold wave is likely to persist for the next few days, with night temperatures expected to dip further, affecting daily life and agricultural activities in the valley.