AU to Host Interfaith Youth Dialogue on International Youth Day

Visakhapatnam: As part of its centenary celebrations, Andhra University will host the International Youth Day 2025–Interfaith Dialogue and Youth Engagement Programme on August 12 at the Seminar Hall, School of Economics. The event is jointly organised by the department of economics, centre for agro-economic research (GoI), Yes We Can Youth Organisation, We The People India Trust, and King’s College London alumni community. H.E. Darrin Farrant, director of the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan, will be the chief guest and keynote speaker.

The programme begins with an NCC guard of honour and inaugural ceremony led by Prof. B. Lilly Grace Eunice and Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.P. Raja Sekhar. Highlights include documentaries, greetings from government officials, the launch of SDGs in Telugu, and youth-led presentations. The day will conclude with a cultural exchange and discussions on future-ready youth engagement.

Srikakulam gears up for 75th district formation celebrations

Visakhapatnam: Srikakulam district collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar has directed officials to work in close coordination for the 75th district formation diamond jubilee celebrations, scheduled from August 13 to 15 at the district headquarters. After inspecting arrangements at Kodi Ramamurthy Stadium on Monday, he emphasised the timely completion of departmental responsibilities and instructed the electricity department to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

The three-day celebrations will feature cultural performances, sports events, and exhibitions at the Arts College Ground and K.R. Stadium. Highlights include the “Run for Srikakulam” on the morning of August 13, an Investors’ Meet at the corporate hotel, and the Swarna Srikakulam Fair held each evening.

Competitions in essay writing, quizzes, and drawing will be held on August 14, in conjunction with sports events. A felicitation ceremony and cultural programmes will follow Independence Day celebrations on August 15. The Ccollector released the full schedule and urged public participation.

GVMC intensifies “Operation LUNGS” to protect public lands

Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has intensified its "Operation LUNGS" initiative, which aims to protect government lands, parks, and public assets from encroachments. GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg announced a special action plan on Monday, urging the public to cooperate in safeguarding civic spaces that are essential for urban planning and amenities. As part of this expanded programme, strict measures will be enforced against unauthorised entry and occupation of GVMC lands. Owners and operators of JCBs, trucks, and heavy machinery are prohibited from accessing public properties without written permission from the GVMC estate officer. Violators may face seizure of their vehicles, cancellation of registration, and criminal prosecution under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.

The estate officer from the town planning department has been assigned to oversee the enforcement of these measures. The commissioner has appealed to citizens and machinery unions to support this initiative, highlighting the importance of preserving open spaces throughout Visakhapatnam.

Vizag Film Society to screen Hitchcock films

Visakhapatnam: Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary British filmmaker born on August 13, 1899, will be honoured in Visakhapatnam on his 126th birth anniversary. Renowned as the “Master of Suspense”, Hitchcock revolutionised cinema with his psychological thrillers and iconic visual storytelling. To celebrate his legacy, the Vizag Film Society is hosting a free screening of “North by Northwest” on August 13 at 3:00 pm at the Visakhapatnam Public Library Hall.

Released in 1959, “North by Northwest” stars Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason. The film is celebrated for its gripping plot, witty dialogue, and unforgettable sequences, including the crop-duster chase and Mount Rushmore climax, which exemplify Hitchcock’s cinematic brilliance.

The Society hopes the event will spark renewed interest in classic filmmaking and Hitchcock’s enduring influence. Local residents are invited to attend and experience one of cinema’s most acclaimed thrillers in this special tribute to a master storyteller.

Rs.45 cr sanctioned for upgrading 373 tribal schools: Minister

Visakhapatnam: Tribal welfare minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani on Monday announced that education minister Lokesh has sanctioned Rs.45 crore for upgrading 373 tribal schools.

Addressing the media, the minister outlined several initiatives taken up by the NDA government, including a monthly pension of Rs.10,000 for 1,500 sickle cell disease patients and a deposit of Rs.1,400 crore into the accounts of five lakh mothers. She said `50 crore has been sanctioned for tribal areas, including Seethampet and Rampachodavaram.

She added that Rs.482 crore has been earmarked for the construction of 76 birth waiting halls, provision of 122 ambulances, and setting up of five multi-speciality hospitals. Coffee cultivation, which currently covers 2.5 lakh acres, will be expanded by an additional 1 lakh acres. The government has also allocated Rs.1,300 crore for road development and Rs.10 crore for tourism promotion in Araku, Lambasingi, and Maredumilli.

On the occasion of Tribal Day, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth Rs.10 lakh crore were signed. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing the long-pending Tribal University.

Criticising former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s governance, Sandhya Rani questioned his legacy despite serving 18 years as an MLA. She also noted that the Adani Power Project, approved in 2021, was cancelled by the coalition Cabinet in 2025.

Swarna Vahana Seva held at Mantralayam

Kurnool: The Mantralayam Mutt grandly organised the Swarna Vahana Seva of Raghavendra Swamy under the leadership of Peethadhipathi Subudhendra Tirthulu. The Peethadhipathi performed the Maha Panchamritabhishekam for the Nija Brindavanam here on Monday.

On the fourth day of Sapta Rathotsavam, the golden idol of Raghavendra Swamy was placed on a golden chariot and special pujas were performed as per Sri Mutt tradition. The Golden Chariot moved around the Sri Mutt Prakaram amid the beats of traditional drums and devotional music. The event was witnessed by a huge number of devotees who had the darshan of Lord Raghavendra Swamy and Goddess Manchalamma as priests performed Pada Puja to Nija Brindavanam and clay Brindavanam in Oonjal Mandapam. On Monday morning, the clay Brindavanam was placed on a silver throne and special pujas with Harathi were performed. Then, devotees were blessed with Phala Mantra Akshathas.

DSP Bhargavi, Circle Inspector Ramanujulu and Sub Inspector Shivanjal monitored the security arrangements for the event. Around 1,200 volunteers from different parts of the country assisted devotees in queue lines, Annapurna Bhojanashala, Seeghra darshan counters, VIP darshan areas and other locations.

Further, the grand ceremonial worship of Guru Raghavendra Swamy was also held on Monday at Kota Mangaraya Anjaneyaswamy temple on the outskirts of Adoni. The deity was decorated with special flowers and pujas were performed. A Pallaki Seva and Rathotsavam were held. followed by food service to devotees. Temple manager Bhimarao also took part in the rituals.

Credai women's session held on liveable cities

Visakhapatnam: The Credai Andhra Pradesh women’s wing on Monday organised a technical session on “The Architecture of Liveable Cities—Aligning Real Estate with Evolving Urban Lifestyles,” with architect and AP Credai women’s wing coordinator N. Mridula as keynote speaker.

Addressing builders, developers, and architects, Mridula stressed the need for holistic urban design to create functional, socially connected, and environmentally sustainable cities. She cited global examples of sustainable planning, urged adoption of climate-resilient architecture, and highlighted the role of smart technologies in urban growth.

In another session, a meditation workshop on Sushumna Kriya Yoga, led by foundation secretary N. Sirisha, introduced mindfulness and breathing techniques for stress reduction and holistic well-being.

Credai AP president Bayana Srinivas Rao, Visakhapatnam chairman V. Dharmender, national convener (emerging cities) B. Raja Srinivas and AP secretary T. Sravanthi were among those present.