Category: NATIONAL

Andhra Pradesh, December 13: At least nine people were killed and more than 20 others injured after a private bus carrying pilgrims slipped off a ghat road and plunged into a gorge in Alluri Sitarama Raju district on Friday. The bus was reportedly heading to a temple when the driver lost control on a sharp curve.

Rescue operations were launched immediately with the help of local residents, police, and emergency teams. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, where some are undergoing treatment in critical condition. Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident and announced compensation for the victims’ families.

Colombo, December 11: The Indian Army on Wednesday highlighted its ongoing joint humanitarian initiatives in Sri Lanka, aimed at supporting local communities affected by natural disasters and socio-economic challenges. Officials said the efforts focus on providing medical assistance, food supplies, and infrastructure support in vulnerable regions, strengthening bilateral cooperation and goodwill between the two countries.

Army sources added that these initiatives are conducted in coordination with local authorities and community organisations to ensure timely and effective aid delivery. Defence analysts noted that such humanitarian missions not only address immediate needs but also build stronger people-to-people ties, enhancing regional stability and fostering mutual trust between India and Sri Lanka.

New Delhi, December 11: Prime Minister Modi paid homage to former President Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary today, calling him a “towering statesman and scholar of exceptional depth.” Modi praised Mukherjee’s decades-long service to the nation, highlighting his contributions to policymaking, governance, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in India.

In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized Mukherjee’s commitment to public service, education, and social development, noting that his legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders and citizens alike. Modi called on the nation to remember the values and principles upheld by Mukherjee, urging young people to draw inspiration from his dedication, integrity, and vision in building a stronger, more inclusive India.

New Delhi, December 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, during which he reaffirmed India’s support for a “just and durable peace” in West Asia. The leaders discussed ongoing efforts to promote regional stability, condemn terrorism, and advance a peace plan aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza.

Officials said the call emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between countries in addressing security, humanitarian, and economic challenges in the region. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to promoting peaceful solutions and highlighted the need for international collaboration to ensure stability. The conversation also reflected India’s proactive diplomatic engagement in West Asia and its efforts to balance regional interests with global security imperatives.

New Delhi, December 11: Prime Minister Modi today met Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to review the progress of the bilateral Strategic Action Plan for 2025–2029. During the high-level meeting, the leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, technology, and infrastructure, with the goal of deepening strategic ties between India and Italy.

Officials said the discussion focused on promoting joint investments, expanding market access, and leveraging technological partnerships for innovation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expressed optimism that collaborative projects under the Strategic Action Plan would benefit industries and citizens in both countries. Analysts highlighted the meeting as a sign of India’s growing global economic engagement and efforts to bolster international partnerships.

New Delhi, December 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host a special dinner at his official residence this evening for all MPs from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The gathering is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen coordination among NDA members and ensure smooth functioning in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Officials said the dinner will provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss legislative priorities, align on key bills, and reinforce party unity ahead of upcoming parliamentary proceedings.

Sources noted that the Prime Minister will also use the occasion to interact informally with MPs, understand regional issues firsthand, and encourage active participation in debates and discussions. Political analysts said such engagements often help build consensus and maintain cohesion among alliance partners, while also providing a platform to highlight government achievements and upcoming policy initiatives.

New Delhi,Dec 11 : With widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo leaving many travellers stranded, Indian Railways has announced a special Vande Bharat service between New Delhi and Udhampur. The special trains — numbered 02439 (New Delhi → Udhampur) and 02440 (Udhampur → New Delhi) — will operate three trips each way between December 12 and December 14. Train 02439 is scheduled to depart New Delhi at 6:00 a.m. and reach Udhampur at 2:00 p.m., while 02440 leaves Udhampur at 3:00 p.m. and arrives in Delhi at 11:00 p.m.

This 20-coach Vande Bharat special will stop at major stations including Ambala Cantt, Ludhiana, Pathankot Cantt and Jammu Tawi. The move aims to provide a safe and reliable alternative for air-travel-disrupted passengers, ensuring that travel plans are not derailed due to the ongoing IndiGo meltdown. Officials have urged affected travellers to check official train details via the Railways website or the NTES app before travelling.

Amaravati,Dec 11 : The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ordered the state’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) and Anti‑Corruption Bureau (ACB) to register FIRs and launch a full-scale investigation into the alleged donation-theft at the donation-counting unit (Parakamani) of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple at Tirumala. The case concerns theft of roughly USD 920 (around ₹72,000) by a TTD employee, followed by a controversial compromise settlement under a Lok Adalat — a settlement which the High Court has now deemed improper and ordered to be revisited.

The court also directed CID and ACB to probe the assets of the accused, C. V. Ravi Kumar, and examine whether those assets are disproportionate to his lawful income. The agencies must coordinate their investigation, share all collected material — including handing over relevant data to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department if required — and submit sealed-cover reports to the court for judicial review.

Vijayawada/Dec 11 : Health authorities in Andhra Pradesh have sounded an alert after scrub typhus cases crossed 1,500, with eight fatalities reported from multiple districts. The sudden rise in infections has prompted the state to strengthen disease surveillance, launch special medical camps, and intensify public awareness efforts. Officials said teams have been deployed in rural and semi-urban regions where most cases have been detected.

Doctors have urged the public to remain cautious and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like high fever, chills, headache, and rashes appear. The Health Department is also coordinating with district administrations to ensure availability of medicines and testing kits. With winter favouring the spread of the mite-borne infection, authorities warned that timely diagnosis is key to preventing complications and further deaths.