Category: NATIONAL

Visakhapatnam/Dec 11 : The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) intensified its crackdown on unauthorized constructions by demolishing 16 illegal structures across several zones on Wednesday. Officials said the drive was initiated after noticing a sharp rise in violations following the announcement of the Building Penalisation Scheme (BPS-2025). The civic body has deployed special teams to inspect properties and identify structural deviations.

Authorities stated that regular enforcement is essential to maintain planned urban development and prevent haphazard growth in the rapidly expanding city. The demolition drive will continue till December 20, with a focus on defaulters who attempted to exploit the BPS window. GVMC appealed to residents and builders to follow approved layouts and building norms to avoid penalties and legal action.

Vijayawada,Dec 11 : The Andhra Pradesh State Veterinary Council has proposed a new regulation allowing only qualified veterinary graduates to use titles such as “Veterinary” and “Veterinarian.” The decision comes amid concerns over unapproved vocational courses and untrained practitioners offering animal healthcare services across the state. Council Chairman Dr. P.V. Lakshmaiah said the move aims to safeguard animal health and uphold professional standards.

The proposal also aligns with national guidelines to standardize veterinary practice and eliminate misuse of professional titles. Officials noted that the state has been witnessing increasing cases of unqualified individuals offering treatment, often leading to complications for livestock and pets. The new regulation, once approved, is expected to bring clarity, improve accountability, and enhance the overall quality of animal healthcare services in Andhra Pradesh.

New Delhi, December 10: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought assured and time-bound relief for affected passengers and directed airline IndiGo along with the Central government to act promptly in addressing grievances related to passenger inconvenience. The court observed that passengers should not be left helpless due to operational lapses and must be provided immediate assistance and clear communication.

During the hearing, the court stressed the need for better coordination between airlines and aviation authorities to ensure passenger rights are protected. It also asked the Centre to review existing mechanisms for handling such complaints effectively. The matter has been listed for further hearing after seeking detailed responses from both IndiGo and the concerned authorities.

New Delhi, December 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to veteran freedom fighter and statesman C. Rajagopalachari on his 147th birth anniversary. PM Modi lauded Rajagopalachari’s invaluable contributions to India’s independence movement, governance, and nation-building, highlighting his legacy as a visionary leader and reformist.

In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized Rajagopalachari’s commitment to democratic principles, social reform, and education, noting that his ideas continue to inspire generations of Indians. PM Modi called on citizens to remember his dedication to public service and urged the youth to draw inspiration from his life and work in contributing to the nation’s progress.

New Delhi, December 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Assam Movement on the occasion of Swahid Diwas. Remembering their sacrifices, the Prime Minister said their struggle played a vital role in protecting the identity, rights and cultural heritage of the people of Assam.

He said the nation will always remain grateful to those who laid down their lives in the cause of justice and democracy. The Prime Minister also appealed to the youth to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the martyrs and contribute positively to nation-building.

Mangalagiri, December 10: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday interacted with employees of the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments during a special review meeting. The Deputy CM discussed issues related to staff welfare, promotions, and working conditions, and assured employees that the government is committed to strengthening rural governance.

Pawan Kalyan urged officials to work with dedication at the grassroots level to ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes and development programmes. He said transparent administration and the active role of village-level staff are key to delivering good governance and improving public trust in the system.

Vijayawada, December 10: The Kanaka Durga Temple authorities have completed extensive preparations for the Bhavani Deeksha Viramana festival scheduled from December 11 to 15, with over seven lakh devotees expected to participate this year. Compared to previous years, the temple administration has scaled up facilities to manage the heavy crowd and ensure smooth darshan for pilgrims.

Officials said special queue systems, 19 prasadam distribution counters, deployment of nearly 3,000 police personnel, and installation of around 300 CCTV cameras have been arranged for security and crowd control. A dedicated mobile application has also been introduced to help devotees with darshan updates and prasadam information, while health and sanitation teams will remain on constant duty during the festival period.

Amaravati, December 10: Incidents of paddy residue and stubble burning have witnessed a sharp rise across several districts of Andhra Pradesh following the completion of the Kharif harvest, triggering environmental and health concerns. Agricultural officials said the practice is causing air pollution, loss of soil nutrients, and health issues among rural populations. Satellite monitoring and field inspections have indicated an increase in such cases during the past few weeks.

In response, the state government has intensified awareness programmes through Rythu Seva Kendras, urging farmers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives such as residue mulching, composting, and in-situ management of crop waste. Authorities have warned that repeated violations may attract strict penalties, while incentives are also being considered for farmers who follow sustainable farming practices.

Vijayawada, December 10: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed senior officials to speed up the development of horticulture hubs across key regions of the state, especially in Prakasam and Rayalaseema districts. The government aims to bring nearly 20 lakh acres under horticulture cultivation in a phased manner to improve farmers’ income and promote crop diversification. Officials told the Chief Minister that improved cold storage facilities, better transport connectivity, and marketing support will also be strengthened as part of this initiative.

During a separate review of irrigation projects, Naidu stressed the importance of expediting major works such as the Polavaram and Nallamala Sagar projects. The state is targeting irrigation for 7 lakh new acres and stabilisation of another 6 lakh acres, besides providing drinking water to lakhs of households. A massive ₹20,000 crore infrastructure package, including ₹5,000 crore for rural road development, is being planned to support agriculture-led growth and rural livelihoods.

Dehradun, December 9, 2025:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday distributed appointment letters to 142 newly selected assistants at a formal programme held in Dehradun. Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chief Minister congratulated them on their selection and said that their appointments reflect the government’s commitment to transparent and merit-based recruitment.

CM Dhami further stated that the state government is continuously working to provide employment opportunities to the youth and strengthen administrative efficiency. He urged the newly appointed assistants to work with dedication and honesty for the welfare of the people and the overall development of the state.