AMARAVATI, Dec 20: The Andhra Pradesh government has cancelled more than 18 lakh MGNREGA job cards following a detailed verification and data-cleaning exercise conducted across districts. Officials said the move was aimed at removing inactive, duplicate, and ineligible beneficiaries from the rural employment database.
Authorities clarified that eligible and active workers will continue to receive employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The exercise is expected to improve transparency, prevent misuse of public funds, and ensure timely benefits for genuine rural households.
AMARAVATI, Dec 20: The Andhra Pradesh government has renamed the Jal Jeevan Mission Water Grid Scheme as ‘Amarajeevi Jaladhara’, honouring the legacy of freedom fighter Potti Sreeramulu. Officials said the renaming reflects the government’s intent to blend historical respect with development-oriented governance.
The scheme focuses on providing safe, reliable, and continuous drinking water to households across rural and urban areas. Authorities reiterated that strengthening water infrastructure remains a priority, as access to clean drinking water plays a vital role in public health, sanitation, and overall living standards.
AMARAVATI, Dec 20: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is set to establish a ₹96,000-crore petroleum refinery project in Andhra Pradesh, marking one of the largest industrial investments in the state. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has invited Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to participate in the foundation-laying ceremony of the project.
Officials said the refinery will strengthen fuel production capacity and enhance energy security while placing Andhra Pradesh among major petroleum hubs in the country. The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost ancillary industries, and significantly contribute to the state’s economy and revenue.
AMARAVATI, Dec 20: The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a major greenfield National Highway connecting Kharagpur–Cuttack–Visakhapatnam with Amaravati, aiming to significantly improve road connectivity across key coastal and inland regions. Officials said the proposed corridor will reduce travel time, improve passenger movement, and enhance transportation of goods between major economic centres and the state capital.
The highway is expected to strengthen logistics infrastructure, support industrial corridors, and encourage growth in trade, tourism, and agriculture-linked sectors. Authorities added that the project will attract fresh investments, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to balanced and long-term regional development in Andhra Pradesh.
New Delhi, December 19: India’s healthcare sector is emerging as a strong destination for long-term investment, with analysts highlighting four key themes that could shape growth over the next decade. Experts say the sector is poised to benefit from rising demand, technological innovation, and policy support.
The themes include expansion of primary healthcare services, growth of health insurance penetration, adoption of digital health and telemedicine, and increasing domestic pharmaceutical and medical device production. Each area presents opportunities for investors and companies to cater to evolving healthcare needs.
Analysts emphasised that India’s demographic trends, increasing lifestyle-related diseases, and government initiatives to improve healthcare accessibility make the sector a promising long-term play. They also highlighted the potential for technological integration, particularly AI and analytics, to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Investors are advised to consider sector fundamentals, regulatory policies, and emerging business models while planning investments in healthcare. The growing focus on preventive care, infrastructure, and innovation is expected to drive sustainable growth in the coming decade.
Bucharest, December 19: American rapper Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months in prison by a Romanian court for possession of cannabis, the Constanța Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday. The sentence stems from an incident in July 2024 when Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was stopped by police during the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinești after allegedly smoking cannabis on stage and found with more than 18 grams of the drug.
Initially, a lower court had fined Khalifa around 3,600 lei (about $830) in April 2025 for possession of dangerous drugs, but prosecutors appealed the decision seeking a harsher penalty. The appeals court agreed and replaced the fine with a custodial sentence, stressing Romania’s strict laws against illegal drug possession even for personal use.
Romanian drug laws criminalise cannabis possession and allow for prison sentences ranging from three months to two years or fines, making the nine‑month term legally permissible. It is currently unclear whether Romanian authorities will pursue extradition, since Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania.
New Delhi, December 19: Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy on Thursday spoke about the importance of self-motivation and maintaining focus while preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He emphasised that putting pressure on oneself is crucial to perform consistently at the international level.
Chakravarthy said that rigorous practice sessions, strategic planning, and mental conditioning help players stay ready for high-pressure situations. He added that every cricketer must challenge themselves to improve and adapt to evolving game scenarios.
The spinner also highlighted the significance of team cohesion and learning from senior players to handle critical match moments. Chakravarthy’s remarks reflect his commitment to contributing effectively to the Indian squad’s World Cup campaign.
New Delhi, December 19: Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav on Thursday received a signed Argentina football jersey from football legend Lionel Messi, marking a special moment for the left-arm spinner. Yadav shared the gesture on social media, expressing his excitement and gratitude.
The signed jersey, featuring Messi’s autograph, is seen as a token of admiration and encouragement from one of football’s greatest players. Kuldeep Yadav thanked Messi for the thoughtful gift and said it will inspire him both on and off the field.
Fans and sports enthusiasts have lauded the interaction, highlighting the camaraderie between athletes across different sports. Yadav’s gesture of sharing the gift online has further delighted cricket and football fans alike
Kabul, December 19: An earthquake measuring magnitude 4.1 struck Afghanistan on Thursday, according to seismological authorities. The tremor was felt across several provinces, causing minor tremors but no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
Officials said the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth, which led to noticeable shaking in nearby settlements. Emergency services have been alerted to monitor the situation and provide assistance if required.
Seismologists reminded residents in earthquake-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. Authorities continue to assess the impact and are on standby to respond to any reports of damage or injuries.
New Delhi, December 19: Authorities on Thursday deported several Pakistani nationals after intercepting them over suspected illegal travel into India. Officials said the individuals were stopped during routine immigration checks and were found to be in violation of visa and travel regulations.
The deported nationals were handed over to Pakistani authorities following verification of their identities and completion of due legal procedures. Officials emphasised that such actions are part of ongoing efforts to maintain border security and curb illegal migration.
Authorities also cautioned that strict measures will continue to be enforced to prevent unlawful entry into the country. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to legal travel protocols and bilateral cooperation in managing cross-border movements.
