Shameful Treatment of Hanuma Vihari: Chandrababu Naidu and Sharmila Speak Out

Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Sharmila Reddy, representing the Andhra Pradesh Congress, have strongly criticized the alleged mistreatment of cricketer Hanuma Vihari. They described the incident as shameful and indicative of the deteriorating state of affairs under the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

Naidu expressed his dismay over the Andhra Cricket Association’s perceived capitulation to what he termed as vindictive politics by the YSRCP. He stood in solidarity with Vihari, applauding the cricketer’s integrity and commitment to the game while condemning the actions that led to his decision to sever ties with Andhra Pradesh cricket.

Sharmila Reddy echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the YSRCP government’s interference in sports and calling for an impartial investigation into the matter. She criticized the YSRCP’s track record, suggesting that their actions were tarnishing the state’s reputation across various domains.

The incident unfolded after Andhra Pradesh’s narrow loss to Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final, prompting Vihari to reveal on social media that he was forced to step down as captain following a dispute with a player, whose father holds a political position and allegedly complained to the cricket association. This episode has sparked outrage and raised concerns about political interference in sports, with both Naidu and Sharmila demanding accountability and justice for Hanuma Vihari.

Naidu Bail: Naidu Family Accused of Intimidating Officials: Supreme Court to Review Bail Conditions

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Andhra Pradesh Government Urges Supreme Court to Cancel Naidu Bail

The Andhra Pradesh government has petitioned the Supreme Court to revoke the bail granted to TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development corporation scam, citing alleged attempts by his family members to intimidate public servants.

Allegations of Intimidation by Naidu’s Family

In a plea against the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s bail order, the state contends that Naidu’s family members have publicly threatened to take action against officers involved in the probe once they come to power, prompting concerns of obstruction of justice.

Additional Documents Sought

The state has requested permission to submit transcripts of interviews given by Naidu’s son, Nara Lokesh, alleging that both Nara Lokesh and Naidu have made statements intended to intimidate government officials and impede the investigation.

Bail Conditions Under Scrutiny

While Naidu’s legal team prepares to respond to the application, the Supreme Court has indicated a review of bail conditions, particularly given the alleged threats posed by Naidu’s family members ahead of elections.

Background and Allegations

Naidu faces charges of misappropriating funds from the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation during his tenure as chief minister, with accusations of causing significant financial losses to the state. Despite his denials, the case has drawn widespread attention and legal scrutiny.

Telangana Development Promises: BRS Leader Slams BJP

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BRS leader Manne Krishank accused the BJP of playing politics ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections, criticizing them for neglecting Telangana development promises over the past decade. He slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to fulfill commitments made to the state, despite numerous announcements and campaigns.

Krishank expressed disappointment with Modi’s frequent visits to Telangana for election purposes, highlighting the lack of substantial progress. Despite promising initiatives during his visits, Krishank noted that no concrete steps have been taken to fulfill them, leaving Telangana behind in development allocations compared to other states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

Krishank dubbed the BJP as the “Big Jhoota Party,” criticizing their delay in fulfilling promises such as establishing the Turmeric Board. He also criticized the Congress for not holding the BJP accountable in Parliament and questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s effectiveness in representing Telangana’s interests at the national level.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Takes a Spiritual Turn: Rahul Gandhi to Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is taking a short break from his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to attend important meetings in Delhi and deliver lectures at his alma mater, Cambridge University. However, before resuming the march on March 2nd, Gandhi will make a significant stop at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on March 5th.

This marks Gandhi’s second visit to the temple during the Yatra, which aims to cover 6,700 kilometers across 15 states in the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Interestingly, the Yatra will also see a boost with the addition of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who will join her brother in Moradabad on Saturday.

The five-day break offers a glimpse into the multi-faceted nature of the Yatra, which balances political campaigning with personal commitments and a focus on religious inclusivity. While Gandhi addresses key issues in Delhi, his visit to the Mahakaleshwar temple strengthens the Yatra’s message of national unity and cultural understanding.

Telangana MLA Lasya Nanditha Dies in Road Accident, Political Leaders Offer Condolences

Telangana was struck by a wave of grief today with the sudden demise of Secunderabad Cantonment MLA G Lasya Nanditha, who passed away in a road accident on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The 37-year-old legislator, who had just begun her first term in the Assembly, succumbed to injuries sustained after her car lost control and collided with a divider on the Outer Ring Road.

Leaders across the political spectrum expressed their shock and condolences:

  • Former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao: Visited the residence of Lasya’s father, the late MLA G Sayanna, to pay respects and offered support to the family. He praised Lasya’s accomplishments as a young leader and pledged the BRS party’s support during this difficult time.
  • Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy: Recalled his association with Lasya’s father and offered his deepest condolences to the family. He stated that Telangana has lost a promising legislator.
  • BRS Working President KT Rama Rao: Shared his shock and sorrow, recalling Lasya as a promising leader in the making. He offered prayers for strength to the family and shared his memories of their recent meeting, where Lasya had a narrow escape in a previous road accident.
  • Telangana BJP President and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy: Expressed sadness at the loss of Lasya, who had a bright future ahead. He recalled her active participation in politics and extended condolences to the family.
  • Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National President and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu: Offered his condolences and stated that Lasya had a bright future cut short.

Others who expressed their condolences include:

  • BRS MLC K Kavitha
  • Former Ministers T Harish Rao, Talasani Srinivas Yadav, S Niranjan Reddy, A Indrakaran Reddy
  • Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad
  • Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy
  • Ministers D Sridhar Babu, Konda Surekha, Ponnam Prabhakar
  • BJP State president Bandi Sanjay Kumar
  • Congress leaders Manickam Tagore, S Jaipal Reddy

Lasya’s journey in politics:

The daughter of former MLA G Sayanna, Lasya carved her own path in politics. Elected as a corporator from Kavadiguda in 2016, she rose to become an MLA in the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections, representing the Secunderabad Cantonment constituency. Her untimely demise comes as a shock to the state’s political landscape, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.

Tributes and final respects:

Lasya’s body was brought to her father’s residence in Karkhana, where senior BRS party leaders, well-wishers, and family members paid their final respects. The mortal remains are expected to be kept there till Friday afternoon before the last rites are performed.

This tragic accident has left a deep impact on Telangana, with leaders and citizens alike mourning the loss of a young and promising politician. Lasya Nanditha’s contributions to public service will be remembered, and her memory will continue to inspire others.

Chalo Secretariat Clash: Police Detain Opposition Leader Sharmila in AP

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Tension boiled over in Andhra Pradesh as police virtually detained YS Sharmila Reddy, sister of the Chief Minister and head of the opposition Congress party, to prevent a protest against unemployment. The dramatic scene unfolded when Sharmila, who spent the night at the party office to avoid house arrest, was confined within along with other leaders.

The protest, dubbed “Chalo Secretariat,” aimed to pressure the ruling YSRCP government to address the plight of unemployed youth and students. They demanded filling vacant teacher positions through a Mega District Selection Committee (DSC) and criticized the government for issuing notifications for only 6,000 posts, despite promising 23,000.

Police deployed in large numbers and arrested key Congress figures like Rudra Raju and Mastan Vali, creating chaos and heated arguments. The action sparked outrage, with Sharmila calling it a “shameful” attack on democracy and demanding the release of detained leaders.

Despite the hurdles, Sharmila vowed to continue the protest within the party office, highlighting the party’s resolve to fight for the unemployed despite facing government roadblocks.

This incident adds another layer to the already tense political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh, raising questions about freedom of expression and the government’s approach to dissent. It remains to be seen how this saga unfolds and what impact it has on the upcoming elections.

Condoms, Campaigns, and Controversy: A Look at the Latest Twist in AP Elections

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Forget wall clocks, sarees, and electronics! Election season in India is getting spicy with a new twist: candidates handing out branded condoms!

Yes, you read that right. As polls for India’s parliament and the Andhra Pradesh state assembly heat up, two major parties are making waves with their unique campaign gifts.

YSRCP, one of the parties, shared a video showing condoms with the logo of their rival, TDP. They called it “publicity madness” and joked about the other party handing out Viagra next!

TDP fired back with a video of their own, showing condoms branded with YSRCP’s logo. They questioned the other party’s “election preparedness” with a playful jab.

This unusual campaign strategy has sparked online discussions. Some find it funny, while others raise concerns about ethics and respect.

One thing’s for sure: these branded condoms are definitely grabbing attention! Whether it’s a good or bad kind of attention is up for debate, but it’s certainly unique.

So, what do you think? Is this a clever campaign tactic or a step too far? Let us know in the comments!

TDP Chief Condemns Attack on Eenadu Office: Alleges YSRCP Involvement

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N Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), strongly condemned the violent attack on the Eenadu office, attributing it to alleged YSRCP activists. He accused Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, of instigating violence as the state heads into elections.

The incident occurred shortly after an article exposing purported land grabbing by a local MLA was published, leading to clashes between YSRCP supporters and journalists. This brazen attack on press freedom has raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the integrity of democratic institutions in the region.

Furthermore, TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh joined the chorus of condemnation, denouncing the alleged attack on ABN Andhrajyothy photographer Srikrishna at a public meeting in Anantapur. He criticized Jagan Reddy’s administration for fostering an environment of fear and intimidation, particularly towards the media.

The escalating violence against journalists and media outlets underscores the urgent need for safeguarding press freedom and upholding democratic values in Andhra Pradesh. As tensions continue to simmer, stakeholders across the political spectrum are calling for accountability and measures to ensure the safety of journalists and the integrity of the media.

https://twitter.com/JaiTDP/status/1759953982292689306/video/1

Chief Minister Revanth Vision for Telangana Economic Development

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Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to the telangana economic development progress and pledged to continue the innovative initiatives of his predecessors. Speaking at a conference on ‘Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities’, he emphasized the government’s focus on positioning Telangana as a global investment hub.

Revanth Reddy highlighted the importance of skill development in today’s competitive job market and announced plans to upgrade industrial training institutes into advanced skill development centers in collaboration with the Tata Group. He stressed the need for continuous upskilling to meet international standards and discussed initiatives to establish skill universities for practical education.

The Chief Minister underscored the significance of infrastructure development for economic growth and outlined various initiatives, including the Mega Master Plan 2050 and the development of pharma clusters and a dry port. He emphasized the transformative role of projects like the Outer Ring Road in driving Hyderabad’s growth.

BJP Delay in Candidate Selection for Telangana Lok Sabha Elections

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The BJP leadership’s delay in finalizing candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Telangana has pushed the release of the first list to early March. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is reportedly conducting a separate assessment of potential candidates, aiming to secure maximum seats for the party in the state after the miscalculations in the previous assembly polls.

While some names like G Kishan Reddy and Arvind Dharmapuri are finalized, others like Soyam Bapu Rao’s candidacy are on hold. There’s a scramble for key seats like Mahabubnagar and Malkajgiri, highlighting the party’s efforts to bolster its presence, especially in constituencies like Hyderabad, currently held by AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi.

Urgent Appeal for Environmental Protection: KT Rama Rao’s Plea

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KT Rama Rao Urges Reconsideration of Decision to Hand Over Forest Lands

BRS working president KT Rama Rao has called upon the State government to review its decision regarding the allocation of Damagundam forest lands near Ananthagiri Hills to the Indian Navy. Expressing concern over the potential environmental impact, he emphasized the need to safeguard the interests of future generations in Telangana.

Environmental Concerns Raised Over Allocation of Damagundam Forest Lands

In response to reports regarding the allocation of Damagundam forest lands for the establishment of a Very Low Frequency (VLF) radar station by the Indian Navy, KT Rama Rao highlighted the detrimental effects on the region’s biodiversity and ecological balance. He stressed the importance of reconsidering the decision to prevent irreversible damage to the environment.

Opposition Mounts Against Handover of Damagundam Forest Lands

Former Minister KT Rama Rao voiced opposition to the State government’s decision to allocate Damagundam forest lands for the VLF radar station project. Expressing dismay over the potential loss of 12 lakh trees and destruction of the region’s biodiversity, he urged authorities to rethink their approach in order to protect the interests of future generations.

Concerns Raised Over Environmental Impact of Radar Station Project

KT Rama Rao expressed concerns over the environmental repercussions of allocating Damagundam forest lands for the establishment of a VLF radar station. Calling attention to the adverse effects on the ecosystem and River Musi’s origins, he urged the State government to reconsider its decision and prioritize environmental conservation.

Political Planning in Uttarandhra: Pawan Kalyan Meets Konatala Ramakrishna

Pawan Kalyan Meets Former Minister Konatala Ramakrishna in Visakhapatnam

Jana Sena Party (JSP) president Pawan Kalyan convened a meeting with former minister and MP Konatala Ramakrishna to discuss the latest political developments in Uttarandhra.

Discussion on Political Strategy and Uttarandhra Development

Following the hour-long meeting, Pawan Kalyan revealed that they deliberated on current political affairs and focused on the progress of Uttarandhra, emphasizing the importance of informed stakeholders.

Konatala Ramakrishna’s Proposal for Pawan Kalyan

Konatala Ramakrishna suggested that Pawan Kalyan should adopt North Andhra and offered insights on potential constituencies for contesting, with further details to be disclosed in due course.

Recent Developments in TDP-JSP Alliance

The meeting comes in the wake of recent discussions between Pawan Kalyan and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu regarding seat sharing and candidate announcements, potentially affecting the TDP-JSP alliance ahead of the upcoming Andhra Pradesh polls.

BRS MLC K Kavitha Urges Telangana Government to Reconsider Removal of Roster Points

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha has called upon the Telangana government to revoke its decision to eliminate roster points from job opportunities, sparking widespread debate.

Kavitha Writes to Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge on the Issue

As the daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Kavitha penned letters to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking their intervention in the matter.

The controversy arose from the Telangana government’s implementation of 33.33% horizontal reservations for women in job recruitments, without corresponding roster points for different candidate categories.

Kavitha underscored the historical significance of horizontal reservations for women, citing a milestone achieved in 1996 and a recent Supreme Court ruling from 2022 regarding the Rajasthan Public Service Commission.

Concerns Raised Over Potential Impact on Women’s Job Opportunities

Expressing concern, Kavitha criticized the government’s decision to honor the Supreme Court ruling without incorporating roster points, warning that it could adversely affect women’s job prospects in the state.

Kavitha pointed out the government’s earlier legal stance against the Supreme Court ruling, which has now been reversed by the current administration, raising questions among BRS leaders.

The disparity between the Congress-led governments in Karnataka and Telangana regarding their response to the Supreme Court’s order was also highlighted, with Karnataka opting to challenge the ruling while Telangana complied.

Appeal for Uniform Policy Across the Nation, Call for Telangana Government to Roll Back Decision

In response to the discrepancies, Kavitha urged Congress leadership, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, to address the issue uniformly across the nation to safeguard women’s interests and job opportunities.

Kavitha emphasized the importance of ensuring a consistent policy stance to protect women’s interests and demanded that the Telangana Congress government roll back the decision to remove roster points from job opportunities.

Social Media Betrayal: Minor Girl Rape in Hyderabad Telangana

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The arrest came after Naveen Kumar, a 19-year-old bike mechanic from Ameerpet, allegedly befriended a 16-year-old girl from Patancheru on social media. He gained her trust and convinced her to meet him, under the pretext of marriage. However, instead of fulfilling his promises, he took advantage of her vulnerability and sexually assaulted her in a secluded area.

The girl’s deteriorating health prompted her admission to Gandhi Hospital, where medical examinations confirmed her pregnancy. Subsequently, authorities intervened, leading to Naveen’s arrest on charges of kidnapping, Minor Girl Rape, and violations of the POCSO Act.

Following legal proceedings, Naveen was remanded into judicial custody. Meanwhile, the victim continues to receive medical care, while law enforcement continues their investigation to ensure justice is served.

Nellore District on High Alert: Bird Flu Outbreak Sparks Urgent Response

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In the wake of avian deaths in two villages of Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district, health authorities have officially declared a bird flu outbreak. Samples of deceased chickens were analyzed at a laboratory in Bhopal, confirming the presence of the avian influenza virus.

Responding swiftly, District Collector Hari Narayan called for an emergency meeting with animal husbandry officials, emphasizing the importance of containment measures. He mandated the closure of all chicken shops within a one-kilometer radius of the affected areas and directed the proper burial of the deceased birds.

To raise awareness and mitigate panic, Narayan instructed officials to conduct gram sabhas (village meetings) and educate residents about the outbreak. Despite the gravity of the situation, he reassured the public of the administration’s proactive monitoring and preventative efforts.

In his appeal to the community, Narayan urged individuals to refrain from direct contact with poultry and promptly report any symptoms indicative of avian flu, such as fever, cough, or sore throat, to nearby health facilities.

Tragedy at Sri Venkateswara Zoo: Man Enters Lion Enclosure, Mauled to Death

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A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday at the Sri Venkateswara Zoo in Tirupati, where a 38-year-old man from Rajasthan was mauled to death by an eight-year-old lion.

Ignoring Warnings, Entering Danger:

Identified as Prahlad Gujjar, the man reportedly entered the restricted area of the lion enclosure around 4pm. Despite warnings from an animal keeper, he tragically scaled the fence and jumped in.

Deadly Encounter:

The male lion, currently on display, unfortunately attacked Gujjar, resulting in his death. Though the man’s body remained intact, neck injuries confirmed the cause of death.

Efforts to Help, Investigation Underway:

Zoo staff attempted to intervene but were unable to prevent the attack. The lion was secured in the night house while police arrived to investigate.

Identifying the Victim:

Gujjar’s belongings, including his Aadhaar card, were found within the enclosure, facilitating contacting his family. However, his phone remains missing.

Authorities Taking Action:

The zoo informed the police, and a case was registered regarding the incident. The man’s body will undergo a post-mortem examination.

A Reminder of Importance of Safety:

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety regulations at zoos and respecting restricted areas. It also highlights the potential dangers of interacting with wild animals, even at seemingly safe distances.

Telangana Makes History: Historic Caste Census Approved

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Telangana Takes a Bold Step: Historic Caste Census Approved

In a landmark decision, the Telangana government, led by the Congress party, has approved a comprehensive caste census across the entire state. This “unprecedented moment,” as Minister Ponnam Prabhakar declared, marks a significant step towards understanding and addressing the social and economic realities of different communities in the state.

Caste Census: A First for Telangana

  • The census, the first of its kind in Telangana since its formation in 2014, aims to gather precise data on various castes, enabling targeted welfare schemes and equitable resource distribution.
  • This move fulfills a key promise made by the Congress party during the elections, reflecting their commitment to social justice.

More Than Just Counting Numbers:

  • The census will not just record caste data; it will also capture information on socio-economic factors like education, employment, and political participation.
  • Minister Prabhakar emphasized the crucial role this data will play in uplifting marginalized communities, particularly Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.
  • Despite the central government’s jurisdiction over such surveys, Telangana is taking the initiative due to specific state-level requirements.

A Potential Game-Changer:

  • This census has the potential to be a game-changer for Telangana’s social landscape.
  • By providing accurate data, it can inform effective policy decisions and ensure fair allocation of resources, promoting social justice and equality.
  • The success of this initiative will be closely watched, potentially paving the way for similar actions in other Indian states.

Congress Fulfills Promise, Eyes Change:

  • This move comes after the Congress party’s decisive victory in the Telangana elections, highlighting their commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.
  • The census is expected to provide crucial insights into the state’s social fabric and pave the way for targeted development initiatives.

Stay tuned for further updates as this historic initiative unfolds!

This rewrite incorporates the headlines within the content, providing a more concise and impactful presentation of the information. It also emphasizes the key points and potential impact of the caste census.

BRS Leader Harish Rao Alleges Congress Suppressing Dissent in Assembly

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BRS Leader Harish Rao Criticizes Denial of Speaking Opportunity in Assembly

Former Minister and BRS leader T Harish Rao expressed dissatisfaction with the proceedings in the Assembly on Tuesday. He highlighted that the main opposition party, BRS, was denied an opportunity to speak, and even when they attempted to voice their concerns, they were not given access to the microphone.

Opposition Denied Chance to Speak

After the session, Harish Rao spoke to reporters, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Opposition to have their say in a democratic setup. He noted that this fundamental principle was overlooked during the session.

Shortened Session and Lack of Opportunity

The House convened at 10 am and adjourned in less than an hour to take legislators to the Medigadda Barrage. Despite several attempts, Harish Rao was not granted an opportunity to speak.

Unequal Representation in Speaking Time

During the brief session, only Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu addressed the need for the legislators’ visit to the barrage. Harish Rao criticized this as a serious violation of House traditions, stressing that the Opposition should have been given a chance whenever the ruling party was allowed to speak.

Concerns Over Infrastructure and Project Management

He pointed out that while the Medigadda barrage was significant, it was just one component of the larger Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). He highlighted the extensive infrastructure and facilities included in the KLIP, emphasizing its comprehensive nature.

Political Motivations Alleged

Harish Rao accused the Congress government of using the Medigadda issue for political gain. He suggested that if the visit had genuine intentions, the Chief Minister should have facilitated a visit to other major reservoirs like Ranganayaka Sagar.

Call for Attention to Infrastructure Issues

In conclusion, Harish Rao urged the government to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Medigadda barrage before the monsoon season. He suggested that the MLAs’ visit was intended to divert attention from an upcoming public meeting where BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao would address the surrender of Krishna projects to the KRMB.

Skill Development Corporation Scam Case: SC Fixes Hearing Date for AP Government Plea Against Naidu Bail

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Supreme Court’s Hearing Date Set: The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing for February 26th regarding the Andhra Pradesh government’s plea against a high court decision granting regular bail to TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in the Skill Development Corporation scam case.

Bench Adjourns Hearing: A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal adjourned the hearing after being informed by senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing Naidu, that senior advocate Harish Salve would argue the matter, but he was unavailable that day.

Andhra Pradesh Government’s Request: Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar and advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, urged the bench to fix an early date for hearing the appeal against the high court order.

Hearing Date Confirmed: The bench agreed to hear the matter on February 26th, listing it for two weeks later.

Background on Previous Verdict: On January 16th, the Supreme Court had delivered a split verdict on Naidu’s plea challenging the high court order, with Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi differing on the interpretation and applicability of section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

Section 17A Interpretation: While Justice Bose opined that prior approval for probing the alleged offenses under the PC Act against Naidu was necessary, Justice Trivedi held that section 17A couldn’t be applied retrospectively.

Allegations Against Naidu: Naidu was arrested on September 9th last year for allegedly misappropriating funds from the Skill Development Corporation during his tenure as chief minister in 2015, causing a purported loss of Rs 371 crore to the state exchequer.

Bail Conditions: On November 20th, 2023, the Andhra Pradesh High Court converted Naidu’s interim medical bail into absolute bail, citing his age, old age-related ailments, and other reasons.

Government’s Appeal: The state government, seeking to overturn the high court’s decision, highlighted Naidu’s influence and alleged flight risks posed by his associates who fled the country.

Legal Battle Continues: Naidu’s legal saga continues, with the Supreme Court yet to decide on the Andhra Pradesh government’s plea against his bail in the skill development corporation scam case.

Telangana Legislative Assembly Takes Swift Action to Ban Hookah Parlours

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Telangana Assembly Unanimously Passes Bill to Ban Hookah Parlours

In a decisive move, the Telangana Legislative Assembly has approved a bill aimed at prohibiting hookah parlours throughout the state. The amendment to the existing Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 received unanimous support through a voice vote, with legislators endorsing the measure without any deliberation.

Immediate Action to Safeguard Public Health

Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu, representing Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, introduced the Telangana Amendment Bill 2024 at the start of the assembly session. The bill seeks to regulate the trade and commerce, production, supply, and distribution of tobacco products, with a specific focus on curbing the proliferation of hookah parlours.

Rationale Behind the Ban

Minister Babu elucidated the urgent need for the ban, emphasizing the detrimental impact of hookah parlours on the youth. Concerns have been raised regarding the rising prevalence of hookah addiction among college students, exploited by parlour organisers for financial gain.

Health Risks Associated with Hookah Smoking

Highlighting the health risks associated with hookah consumption, Minister Babu underscored its greater harm compared to traditional cigarette smoking. He explained that the use of charcoal in hookahs generates smoke containing carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogenic chemicals, posing significant dangers to both smokers and passive inhalers. The proliferation of hookah parlours in public spaces further exacerbates these health hazards.

Government’s Commitment to Public Well-being

The swift passage of the bill reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and curtailing the spread of harmful practices. By enacting measures to regulate hookah parlours, the government aims to protect the well-being of citizens, particularly the younger generation, from the adverse effects of tobacco consumption.