Category: NATIONAL

Andhra Pradesh, January 12:
With the Sankranti festival approaching, travel rush intensified across Andhra Pradesh on Monday as thousands of people began returning to their native places. Major bus stations, including Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Tirupati, witnessed heavy crowds, while national highways reported slow-moving traffic due to increased vehicular movement.

The APSRTC operated special bus services to manage the surge in passenger demand, particularly on long-distance and inter-district routes. Traffic police and transport officials were deployed at key junctions to regulate traffic and ensure passenger safety. Authorities advised travellers to plan their journeys in advance and follow safety guidelines during the festive season.

Vijayawada, January 12:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting with ministers, senior bureaucrats and district collectors to assess the progress of the state’s Vision 2047 roadmap and governance reforms. The meeting, held at the Secretariat, focused on improving administrative efficiency, accelerating economic growth and ensuring timely implementation of welfare and infrastructure projects across districts.

During the review, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of digital governance, revenue mobilisation and public-private partnerships. He directed officials to adopt technology-driven solutions, including WhatsApp-based citizen services, to reduce delays and improve transparency. Naidu also emphasised outcome-based governance and asked departments to submit district-wise performance reports to ensure accountability at all levels.

New Delhi, January 10:
Delhi Police on Saturday arrested three additional individuals in connection with the stone-pelting incident that occurred at Turkman Gate, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 16. The police said the newly apprehended accused were involved in instigating the violence during the protest, which disrupted local traffic and caused minor injuries to some residents. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that all 16 accused are being questioned and further investigations are underway to identify other participants and understand the sequence of events that led to the clash.

Officials added that CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence are being used to build a strong case against the culprits. Delhi Police emphasized that maintaining law and order remains a top priority, especially in densely populated urban areas prone to communal tension. Senior officers also assured the public that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of creating unrest or endangering citizens, sending a strong message that violence during protests will not be tolerated. The authorities continue to monitor the area to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

New Delhi, January 10:
Delhi experienced its coldest morning of the season on Friday as the minimum temperature dropped to 4.2 degrees Celsius, significantly below the normal average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A dense layer of cold air gripped the national capital, leading to shivering conditions across several parts of the city during the early hours.

The IMD said cold wave conditions prevailed in many areas, with fog also reducing visibility in some pockets. The sharp dip in temperature affected daily life, prompting people to stay indoors during the morning hours, while homeless shelters in the city reported increased occupancy. The weather department has forecast that cold conditions are likely to continue over the next few days, advising residents to take necessary precautions.

New Delhi, January 10:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also engaging with India’s youth leadership as part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) 2.0, scheduled from January 10 to 12. Modi expressed his eagerness to interact with emerging young leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across the country, focusing on topics such as ethical leadership, innovation, governance, and nation-building. Organisers said the event aims to motivate youth participation in public service and to encourage innovative solutions for societal challenges.

The dialogue aligns with National Youth Day celebrations and underscores the government’s emphasis on empowering the next generation. Modi’s engagement highlights the role of youth in shaping India’s future, including support for start-ups, skill development, and leadership opportunities in diverse sectors. Authorities expect the discussions to result in actionable ideas that contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable progress nationwide.

Ahmedabad / Somnath, January 10:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a three-day official visit to Gujarat, where he participated in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations, highlighting India’s spiritual heritage and national unity. Modi took part in the Omkar Mantra chanting at the Somnath Temple on the evening of January 10, followed by a special drone show at the temple premises. The event, being observed from January 8 to 11, marks 1,000 years since the first attack on the historic shrine and celebrates its resilience and cultural significance across centuries. Modi reiterated the sacred site’s role in awakening the collective consciousness of the nation and emphasised its enduring symbolism of faith and courage.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the Shaurya Yatra and perform darshan and pooja at Somnath Temple on January 11, honouring warriors and citizens who defended the shrine through history. During this visit, he will also attend a public function in Somnath before proceeding to Rajkot and Ahmedabad, where he is expected to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region and meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on January 12. The itinerary reflects a blend of cultural, regional development, and international diplomacy initiatives under Modi’s leadership.

Visakhapatnam, January 10:
The third edition of the Indian Lighthouse Festival commenced on Friday at MGM Park in Visakhapatnam, drawing thousands of visitors and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage and coastal traditions. Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the two-day event, which features a variety of cultural performances, traditional cuisine stalls, theatre shows, and exhibitions aimed at promoting lighthouse tourism and community development. The festival highlighted folk art, regional dances, and craft displays, attracting over 3,500 attendees on the opening day and emphasising the role of lighthouses as socio-economic and cultural hubs under the Maritime India Vision 2030.

Organisers noted the event also included stalls by more than 40 self-help groups (SHGs), promoting women-led enterprises and local products, helping strengthen livelihoods in coastal communities. Cultural performers from across the region, including a special Kuchipudi recital by Guru Sannidha Rajasagi, entertained audiences, while talks by dignitaries highlighted the strategic importance of lighthouse tourism in boosting local economies. Union Minister Sonowal and Naidu both underscored the festival’s contribution to sustainable coastal development and its alignment with broader efforts to make lighthouses focal points for cultural tourism and regional growth.

Vijayawada, January 10:
In a relief to commuters across Andhra Pradesh ahead of the busy Sankranti festival season, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and hire bus owners’ associations successfully resolved differences on Friday, leading to the withdrawal of a proposed strike that was set to begin on January 12. Representatives of the hire bus operators had raised concerns over reimbursement rates and operational issues with APSRTC officials during talks held at the RTC House in Vijayawada. After discussions led by APSRTC Vice-Chairman and MD Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, the associations agreed to call off the strike, with both sides committing to address their concerns by January 20 and ensure uninterrupted bus services during the festival rush.

Officials confirmed that hire buses will operate as usual during the Sankranti period, avoiding travel disruptions for passengers and festivalgoers. APSRTC management assured that issues such as cost adjustments and service improvements will be monitored closely, with follow-up meetings planned to finalise solutions. Senior transport executives, including KS Brahmananda Reddy and A Appalaraju, were present for the talks. The development has brought reassurance to residents and travellers, many of whom depend on hire buses for long-distance and inter-district travel during the festive season.

New Delhi, January 9:
The North-West District police in Delhi have successfully solved a theft case with the arrest of one accused, officials said on Thursday. Acting on specific inputs and technical surveillance, the police team traced and apprehended the suspect in connection with the theft.

According to police, stolen property has been recovered from the possession of the accused, and further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the individual was involved in other similar cases. Officials said sustained efforts by the district staff led to a quick breakthrough, helping bring relief to the complainant.

New Delhi, January 9:
The team of Nand Nagri Police Station in Delhi has successfully solved a burglary case with the arrest of two accused, officials said on Thursday. The arrests were made following sustained investigation and analysis of clues collected from the crime scene.

Police said stolen articles were recovered from the possession of the accused, and further questioning is underway to determine their involvement in other burglary cases in the area. Officials praised the prompt action of the police team, stating that such operations help strengthen public confidence and curb crime in the district.