Category: NATIONAL

Chennai, January 9:
The Madras High Court is scheduled to hear a contempt petition today in connection with the alleged non-compliance of its earlier orders related to the Deepam scheme. The case pertains to accusations that authorities failed to implement directions issued by the court concerning the welfare scheme.

According to court sources, the petitioners have contended that despite clear instructions, the mandated steps were not carried out within the stipulated timeframe. The High Court is expected to examine the submissions and seek explanations from the concerned officials during the hearing.

Chennai, January 9:
The Madras High Court is scheduled to hear a contempt petition today in connection with the alleged non-compliance of its earlier orders related to the Deepam scheme. The case pertains to accusations that authorities failed to implement directions issued by the court concerning the welfare scheme.

According to court sources, the petitioners have contended that despite clear instructions, the mandated steps were not carried out within the stipulated timeframe. The High Court is expected to examine the submissions and seek explanations from the concerned officials during the hearing.

Guntur, January 9:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday inaugurated the national-level SARAS Mela 2026 in Guntur, a 13-day exhibition that highlights rural and women-led enterprises across India. The event brings together self-help groups (SHGs), artisans and producers to showcase handicrafts, food products and entrepreneurial innovations, fostering economic empowerment through market access and sales opportunities. The mela was described as a “Mini India,” reflecting its broad participation and diverse offerings.

At the launch, Naidu emphasised the economic impact of SHGs, which have collectively built significant savings and demonstrated financial resilience. He announced distribution of substantial loans and financial support through state schemes such as Sthree Nidhi and SERP, and spotlighted welfare programmes like Talli Ki Vandanam and Deepam 2.0, aimed at extending social benefits. The event also highlighted tech-enabled service delivery mechanisms and health coverage initiatives, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and women’s entrepreneurship.

Vijayawada, January 9:
The third edition of the Avakai-Amaravati festival was inaugurated today at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, attracting local participants as well as international dignitaries including the EU Ambassador to India. The event celebrates Telugu culture, cuisine, cinema and heritage, reflecting the state’s efforts to promote cultural vibrancy alongside tourism growth. Naidu highlighted Andhra cuisine’s global appeal and emphasised the importance of preserving cultural traditions as essential to the identity of the Telugu people.

The festival also served as a platform to announce upcoming tourism events such as the Flamingo, Araku, and Gandikota festivals, aimed at boosting regional tourism and cultural engagement. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh and MP Kesineni Sivanath joined the celebrations, underscoring government support for cultural industries and heritage promotion. Observers believe the festival enhances community pride and offers economic opportunities for local artisans, performers and food entrepreneurs.

Vijayawada / New Delhi, January 9:
In a major legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday revived 13 FIRs filed by the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against former state officials, setting aside an earlier Andhra Pradesh High Court order that had quashed them. The apex court described the High Court’s ruling as a “travesty” and emphasised the need for accountability, directing investigators to file final reports in the cases within six months as part of ongoing probes into alleged corruption and irregularities.

While reviving the FIRs, the Supreme Court also issued protective directions stating that the state government should not arrest the accused or take coercive action for the time being, allowing due legal processes to unfold. The bench barred the High Court from entertaining further challenges on the same grounds, reinforcing the legal robustness of anti-corruption investigations going forward. State authorities were instructed to cooperate with investigative agencies as required, signalling the judiciary’s intent to ensure that accountability mechanisms proceed without undue delays.

Vijayawada / Nellore, January 9:
The Andhra Pradesh government has sealed a major industrial breakthrough with Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) announcing a ₹6,675 crore investment to establish a 10 GW solar ingot and wafer manufacturing facility in Nellore district. This large-scale greenfield project, approved by the State Investment Promotion Board under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, is set to position Andhra Pradesh as a key hub for solar component manufacturing in India’s clean energy and semiconductor ambitions. The facility will manufacture critical solar cell components and support India’s broader goals of reducing import dependence in the renewable energy supply chain, while also driving employment generation and attracting further investment into the state’s industrial ecosystem.

Officials said the project will be located within the IFFCO Kisan special economic zone, with approximately 200 acres allocated for initial and future phases. Beyond manufacturing, the plan includes setting up a 200 MW captive renewable power plant to supply energy to the facility, emphasising sustainability. The investment is expected to create around 1,000 direct jobs and significantly more indirect opportunities, boosting regional economic activity and reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s reputation as an investor-friendly state with strong infrastructure and policy support.

New Delhi, January 8:
The Delhi Assembly witnessed heated scenes during the winter session on Wednesday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs demanded the resignation of Delhi minister Kapil Mishra. The legislators accused Mishra of making controversial remarks and alleged that his conduct was unbecoming of a minister, disrupting the proceedings of the House with slogans and protests.

AAP members insisted that accountability must be fixed and urged the government to take immediate action. The ruckus led to repeated adjournments, with the Speaker appealing for calm and order in the House. Meanwhile, the ruling side rejected the opposition’s allegations, calling them politically motivated. The standoff highlighted the growing political tension in the Delhi Assembly as the winter session continues.

New Delhi, January 8:
The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive citywide survey of government schools to assess compliance with the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The court observed that ensuring uniform implementation of RTE norms is essential to safeguard students’ rights and improve the quality of education in public schools across the national capital.

The bench instructed the concerned departments to evaluate infrastructure, teacher availability, student–teacher ratios, and basic facilities mandated under the RTE Act. It also sought a detailed status report within a stipulated timeframe. Legal experts said the directive could lead to corrective measures in schools found lacking, strengthening accountability and reinforcing the government’s obligation to provide free and compulsory education to children.

Andhra Pradesh, January 8:
Hire bus owners attached to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation have announced a statewide strike starting January 12, citing rising operational costs and inadequate compensation. The operators claimed that increased fuel prices, maintenance expenses, and staff wages have made operations financially unviable under the current reimbursement structure. They demanded a revision in payments to reflect actual operating costs and warned that services would be suspended if their concerns are not addressed.

Transport officials acknowledged the issue and said efforts are underway to hold discussions with the bus owners to resolve the dispute. The proposed strike could impact public transportation across the state, particularly affecting daily commuters, students, and rural passengers. Authorities have urged both sides to engage in dialogue to avoid inconvenience to the public and ensure continuity of transport services.

Andhra Pradesh, January 8:
The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rainfall across several districts of Andhra Pradesh over the next few days due to the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Weather officials indicated that the system could intensify, bringing intermittent showers ahead of the Sankranti festival. Coastal and interior regions are expected to experience cloudy conditions, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to issue timely advisories.

Officials urged farmers, fishermen, and residents in low-lying areas to remain alert, as sudden rainfall may affect harvesting activities and transportation. Disaster management teams have been placed on standby to respond to any weather-related emergencies. While the rainfall could benefit rabi crops in certain regions, authorities emphasised the need for caution to minimise disruptions during the festive season.