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  • Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier Stars as PSG Clinch French Champions Trophy in Penalty Shootout

    Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier Stars as PSG Clinch French Champions Trophy in Penalty Shootout

    Paris, January 9:
    Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier emerged as the hero as Paris Saint-Germain secured the French Champions Trophy after edging past their opponents in a dramatic penalty shootout. After a tightly contested match ended level at full time, the final was decided from the spot, where Chevalier produced crucial saves to tilt the contest in PSG’s favour and seal the title.

    The shootout victory capped an intense encounter marked by disciplined defending and missed chances at both ends. Chevalier’s composure under pressure drew praise from teammates and fans alike, with his performance proving decisive in PSG’s triumph. The win adds another trophy to the club’s cabinet and provides an early boost of confidence as PSG look ahead to domestic and European challenges this season.

  • AC Milan Hold On as Genoa Miss Late Penalty in Dramatic 1-1 Serie A Draw

    AC Milan Hold On as Genoa Miss Late Penalty in Dramatic 1-1 Serie A Draw

    Milan, January 9:
    AC Milan survived a late scare to secure a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Genoa after the visitors missed a decisive penalty in the closing moments of their Serie A clash. Genoa had pushed hard for a late winner and were handed a golden opportunity from the spot, but failed to convert, allowing Milan to escape with a point at home.

    The match saw both sides trade goals in an evenly contested encounter, with Milan struggling to assert full control despite enjoying periods of possession. Genoa’s spirited performance underlined their fight to move away from the relegation zone, while Milan were left to reflect on a nervy finish as they continue their pursuit of consistency in the league.

  • Madras High Court to Hear Contempt Case Over Deepam Scheme Orders Today

    Madras High Court to Hear Contempt Case Over Deepam Scheme Orders Today

    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.

  • Liquor Price Hike Sparks Public Concern

    Liquor Price Hike Sparks Public Concern

    Amaravati, January 9:
    The Andhra Pradesh government has amended retail liquor pricing, leading to an increase of ₹10 on most bottle sizes and a 1 per cent increase in retailer margins. While some exempted categories — including certain 180 ml bottles and specific brands — remain unchanged, the broader price rise has sparked concern among consumers who say the changes may impact household expenses and demand adjustments in spending habits.

    Officials defended the revision as part of fiscal policy adjustments, but residents warned of the inflationary effect on non-essential spending, particularly as the Sankranti festival approaches. Observers believe the move could also affect social dynamics around festive purchases and consumption patterns this season.

  • Political Row: Former CM Jagan Accuses Naidu of Betraying Rayalaseema Region

    Political Row: Former CM Jagan Accuses Naidu of Betraying Rayalaseema Region

    Vijayawada, January 9:
    Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of “betraying” the Rayalaseema region, alleging that key lifeline infrastructure projects critical to the region’s development have been sabotaged under the current government’s watch. Jagan claimed that the neglect of these projects reflects a political bias against Rayalaseema, intensifying regional tensions and threatening balanced development across the state.

    The criticism has fuelled a fresh political debate in Andhra Pradesh, with Jagan asserting that Naidu’s decisions will be recorded unfavourably in history for undermining the state’s cohesion. Political analysts noted that such charges are likely to resonate with Rayalaseema residents and could shape political narratives ahead of future elections, highlighting longstanding regional sensitivities within Andhra Pradesh politics.

  • CM Naidu Launches 13-Day National SARAS Mela in Guntur

    CM Naidu Launches 13-Day National SARAS Mela in Guntur

    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.

  • Avakai-Amaravati Festival Showcases Telugu Culture as Global Dignitaries Attend

    Avakai-Amaravati Festival Showcases Telugu Culture as Global Dignitaries Attend

    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.

  • Supreme Court Revives 13 ACB FIRs Against Former AP Officials

    Supreme Court Revives 13 ACB FIRs Against Former AP Officials

    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.

  • Chief Minister Naidu Inks Major Solar & Semiconductor Investment in Nellore

    Chief Minister Naidu Inks Major Solar & Semiconductor Investment in Nellore

    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.

  • Tamil Film Industry Calls Vijay’s Jana Nayagan Censor Row a Tough Time for Cinema

    Tamil Film Industry Calls Vijay’s Jana Nayagan Censor Row a Tough Time for Cinema

    Chennai, January 8:
    The Tamil film industry has expressed concern over the ongoing censor issues surrounding superstar Vijay’s upcoming film Jana Nayagan, calling it a “tough time for cinema.” Industry leaders and filmmakers noted that delays in granting a censor certificate are affecting not only the film’s release schedule but also marketing plans, audience engagement, and box office prospects. They stressed that such hurdles could create uncertainty for producers and distributors, particularly for high-profile releases with massive expectations.

    Several industry insiders pointed out that Jana Nayagan has already generated significant anticipation among fans, and any further delay could dampen the momentum built through trailers, promotions, and media coverage. Filmmakers urged the authorities to ensure a timely and transparent review process, emphasizing that clarity on certification is critical to maintaining the vibrancy and stability of Tamil cinema. Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to voice their support for the film and urge prompt resolution of the censor-related issues.