AP To Get 5 New Food Testing Labs Soon

Vijayawada:Health minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced on Friday that five state-level food labs are being established soon in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of ₹86 crore. The new labs will be located in Tirumala, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Tirupati, and Kurnool. The minister said labs in Tirumala and Visakhapatnam are expected to be operational next month to facilitate localised food sample testing.

Regarding the Tirumala lab, the minister stated its purpose is to safeguard the health and sentiments of devotees visiting Lord Venkateswara Swamy. He alleged that devotees suffered from the supply of adulterated ghee during the previous YSR Congress government. Satya Kumar Yadav further informed that the progress of works was at various stages for setting up a food lab at the government hospital in Guntur and another one in Tirupati. Similarly, steps are being taken to upgrade the regional lab in Kurnool, as well as public health labs in Ongole and Eluru, at a cost of ₹13 crore, he said.

YSRC seeks transparency, accountability in elections

Vijayawada:On the occasion of Independence Day, YSR Congress state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy emphasised the collective responsibility to preserve the nation's culture, heritage, and history. Speaking to party members at the central office in Tadepalli on Friday, Sajjala addressed the growing public perception that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) can be manipulated, noting that these doubts remain unaddressed. He cited significant discrepancies during the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections, highlighting a 12.5% difference between the initial polling day percentage and the final vote count. This amounted to a disparity of over 50 lakh votes, for which, he claimed, no transparent or accountable system was in place to answer public queries.

"The people deserve transparency, yet the existing mechanisms consistently fail to provide it," Sajjala stated. He also referenced the recent Pulivendula ZPTC by-election, where 2,000 police personnel were deployed for just 10,000 votes across 15 booths, while YSRC agents were denied entry.

"Despite these circumstances, Y.S. Jagan advised restraint to prioritise public safety and peace, even as law enforcement officials stood by as passive spectators," he said. Sajjala urged civil society to act as an impartial referee, extending an invitation to senior journalists, retired bureaucrats, and neutral, socially conscious individuals to directly investigate the Pulivendula case. Citing the unavailability of CCTV footage, he proposed that they visit the villages to verify voter ink marks.

Kadapa MLA protests at I-Day celebrations

Anantapur:Kadapa MLA Madhavi Reddy walked out midway during the Independence Day celebrations held at the Police Parade Grounds in Kadapa on Friday morning. The TD legislator stood up till the flag-hoisting ceremony concluded before exiting.

When the MLA arrived for the district-level I-Day celebrations along with her husband and TD politburo member R. Sreenivasulu, she found that all the front row seats arranged for the guests had already been occupied by several officers.

Following this, Madhavi Reddy registered her anger with joint collector Aditi Singh that no seats had been earmarked for her. The joint collector and other officials immediately arranged chairs for the MLA.

However, the Kadapa legislator chose to remain standing till the unfurling of the Tricolour. She then walked away without participating in the rest of the programme.

Ramprasad Reddy launches ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme

Anantapur:Transport minister M.Ramprasad Reddy launched the ‘Stree Shakti’ free bus travel scheme for women at Rayachoti bus station in Annamayya district on Friday. He said a total of 8,458 RTC buses are arranged to provide the free travel facility for women across the state, and women can travel free on the RTC buses by showing any ID card. After conducting the puja and other rituals, the minister issued zero tickets to women passengers at Rayachoti bus station. Meanwhile, Finance minister Payyavula Kesav also launched the Stree Shakti scheme at Anantapur bus station.

Vijayawada rail division ranks 10th in freight loading

Vijayawada:South Central Railway’s Vijayawada Division celebrated the 79th Independence Day with grandeur and patriotic spirit at the Railway Mini Stadium here on Friday.

Divisional railway manager Mohit Sonakiya hoisted the flag and extended his greetings to all officers, staff members, trade union representatives, and their families.

He said the division ranked 10th nationally in freight loading and continued to demonstrate exceptional growth.

“Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 24 stations—including Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, and Nellore—are undergoing comprehensive upgrades. Safety remains paramount, with zero consequential accidents reported this year.”

Despite ongoing infrastructure works, train punctuality stands at an impressive 87 per cent. Freight loading in July 2025 reached 3.114 million tonnes, marking a 21.45 per cent increase over the previous year. Gross revenue for FY 2024–25 stood at `5,841 crore, with freight revenue contributing `4,239.74 crore.

Infrastructure enhancements include the development of new sidings, installation of CCTV cameras, and integration of private weighbridges, he said.

The mechanical and electrical departments have achieved record wagon overhauls, introduced new train services, and expanded solar capacity to 3,422 kWp—resulting in annual savings of `6.1 crore.

The DRM presented medals and certificates to 41 meritorious children from Jack & Jill School, ICON Public High School, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and Kendriya Vidyalaya (Vijayawada) for their achievements and participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2025.

I-Day celebrated in Anantapur

Anantapur:Finance minister Payyavula Kesav said the government is firm on making Anantapur a top district in all aspects, including irrigation, industrial, agriculture, railways and tourism sectors. Addressing a gathering after hoisting the National Flag at the Independence Day celebrations organised at the Police Parade Grounds in Anantapur on Friday, he said the widening of the Handri Neeva Sujala Shravanthi main canal has helped Anantapur and Satya Sai districts get additional water for irrigation.

The Finance minister said “We are firm on providing irrigation facilities to 1.52 lakh acres in Anantapur district alone in coming months, so that farmers can get two crops every year,” he declared. He assured that BTP, Perur and Upper Pennar projects will also be filled with Krishna and Tungabhadra waters.” He announced that the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub in Anantapur, which will turn out to be the Silicon Valley of Anantapur, will be inaugurated soon. Those present on the occasion included district in-charge collector Shiv Narayana Sharma, ZP chairperson B. Girijamma, SP P. Jagadish and MLAs D. Prasad and B. Sravani.

₹50K cash reward to help identify deceased woman

Visakhapatnam:The Anakapalle district police announced a ₹50,000 cash reward for information leading to the identity of a woman found dead under suspicious circumstances. The victim's partially burned body was discovered on Thursday near Batajangalapalem under the jurisdiction of the Sabbavaram police station. She is believed to be between 25 and 30 years old. Police released a sketch of the victim on social media and are urging anyone who can help identify her to come forward to claim the reward.