Smart Ration Card Distribution Launched in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The QR code-based smart ration card distribution programme in the district was launched in Visakhapatnam on Monday in the presence of Visakhapatnam East MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishnababu and district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad.

Later, the collector told the media that, as per the orders of the state government, new QR code-based smart ration cards would be provided to the beneficiaries in a manner that will be useful for them. He said that this card would have the photo of the head of the family along with all the details of the family members, and all the details will be known immediately after scanning it at the dealer at the ration depot. He said that in accordance with the government's orders, the secretariat staff will go door to door and distribute the cards till August 31. He said that new smart ration cards will be distributed to those who applied till June 30. After August 31, the beneficiaries can get new smart cards at the respective ration depots. He said that the secretariat staff would again distribute them door-to-door from September 15.

Sakura Science Programme: 4 AP govt school students visit Japan

Vijayawada: Four meritorious government school students from Andhra Pradesh visited Japan under the Sakura Science Programme from August 17 to 23 and have now returned to India, said Samagra Shiksha state project director B. Srinivasa Rao on Monday.

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been organising the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science, popularly known as the Sakura Science Programme, since 2014. This year, 34 students from across India took part, including four from AP.

The students from the state include T. Pushpanjali (ZPHS, Gollaprolu, Kakinada), K. Harish (AP Model School, Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram), M. Aishwarya (KGBV, Bitragunta, Prakasam) and P. Varun Sai (MPL High School, Weavers Colony, Mangalagiri, Guntur).

After their successful returning, the students visited the Samagra Shiksha State Office and shared their experiences with Srinivasa Rao. He enquired about their experience and learnings and described their trip to Japan as a golden opportunity, urging them to aim higher in their studies and inspire other students of government schools.

Inflows dip at Srisailam

Kurnool: Inflows into the Srisailam reservoir are gradually decreasing as Sunkesula continues to receive poor inflows from the upper catchment areas. On Monday, the reservoir recorded an inflow of 3,80,415 cusecs, while 3,35,654 cusecs were released downstream to Nagarjunasagar. The reservoir currently holds 198.36 tmc ft of water against its full capacity of 215 tmc ft.

At Sunkesula barrage, the inflow stood at 12,000 cusecs with an outflow of 11,665 cusecs. Meanwhile, the Jurala project continues to receive heavy inflows of 3,75,594 cusecs and is discharging 3,67,562 cusecs into Srisailam.

Bheemunipatnam headmistress wins national award

Visakhapatnam: Madabathula Thirumala Sridevi, the headmistress of Pandit Nehru GVMC High School, Bheemunipatnam, has been selected for the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025, representing Andhra Pradesh among 45 awardees nationwide.

The ministry of education’s department of school education and literacy announced that the awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 5 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Each recipient will receive a certificate of merit, ₹50,000 cash prize and a silver medal.

Since beginning her career in 2001, Sridevi has transformed her school by promoting technology integration and project-based learning over rote methods.

"Our school is a place with deep community roots, supported by alumni and local partners,” the headmistrees said.

On receiving the national recognition, Sridevi expressed both gratitude and determination to continue her mission. "To receive this award is an immense honor and very humbling. But my true reward is seeing students embrace our motto: Come to learn, go to serve the nation,” she said, adding that her mission is to further strengthen public education.

Sirimanotsavam schedule announced

Visakhapatnam: The dates for the Sirimanotsavam, a festival honouring Goddess Pydimamba, the deity of North Andhra and symbol of prosperity, have been finalised. Temple executive officer K. Sirisha, along with temple priest Bantupalli Venkata Rao and other officials, announced the schedule and released a pamphlet detailing the events.

The initiation ceremonies for the Pydimamba Mandapam will begin on September 12, followed by a temple procession on the same day. This marks the beginning of the Sirimanotsavam, which will conclude with the Chandi Homam on October 22.

Other key events include the Theppotsavam at Pedda Cheruvu on October 14, the Kalasha Jyothi rally on October 19, and the Uyyala Kambala on October 22.

Collector launches Eye Donation Fortnight in Prakasam

Nellore: To spread awareness about the importance of eye donation and bridge the shortage of corneas for transplantation, Prakasam district collector Tamimm Ansariya launched the 40th National Eye Donation Fortnight on Monday. The programme will be observed from August 25 to September 8 across the district. District medical and health officer Dr T. Venkateswarlu, blindness control officer Dr Nalini and other officials were present.

The campaign is being held under the slogan “Donate Eyes – Gift Sight to Two People.”

Experts explained that eyes donated within 6 to 8 hours of death can give vision to two blind individuals through corneal transplantation.

Corneal blindness, caused by injuries, infections, nutritional deficiencies, hereditary conditions, chemical accidents or surgical complications, is one of the major preventable forms of blindness.

Unlike other organ donations, there are no age restrictions for donating eyes, they said.

Officials appealed to citizens to make eye donation a family tradition and to motivate relatives and neighbours in times of bereavement to come forward for donation.

Community groups and welfare societies were also urged to spread awareness among people and to support local eye banks.

The collector called upon the public to actively participate in the fortnight and uphold eye donation as a sacred responsibility and social duty.

21-day Kanipakam Brahmotsavams from Aug. 27

Tirupati: Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Swamy Devasthanam at Kanipakam in Chittoor district is set to hold its annual 21-day Brahmotsavams, scheduled from August 27 to September 16. The temple administration, in coordination with district authorities, has made elaborate arrangements for the religious event.

MLA K. Murali Mohan, collector Sumit Kumar, superintendent of police V.N. Manikanta Chandolu and temple executive officer K. Penchala Kishore conducted a series of meetings on security, logistics and crowd management strategies.

The police department has deployed a strong security team with two DSPs, 16 CIs, 35 SIs, and a large contingent of constables and home guards. CCTV cameras, three drones and a 24/7 command control room have been set up to ensure round-the-clock surveillance. Liquor ban will be strictly enforced and shops must be close by 8 pm in the temple town, said the SP.

To streamline darshan, separate queues have been arranged for devotees with ₹150 and ₹100 tickets, free darshan seekers and VIPs. Officials expect daily footfalls of 30,000–40,000, with peaks of up to 60,000 and 50,000 to 60,000 on peak days. All Arjitha Sevas will be suspended during Brahmotsavams and darshan timings will be from 3 am to 10 pm.

The newly-built Annadanam complex will be inaugurated on August 27 to serve 4,000 devotees daily, up from 2,500. Drinking water points and milk will be provided for children in queue lines. Despite the absence of a trust board for the second consecutive year, officials assured smooth conduct of the festival.