The Andhra Pradesh government has launched an elaborate programme titled 'Yogaandhra-2026' to mark International Yoga Day on June 21, setting a target of engaging one crore citizens across the state in yoga activities, from village level to the state capital.

The flagship event will be held in Amaravati, where 25,000 participants are expected to gather for a state-level yoga session. In the fortnight leading up to the day, awareness drives, walkathons, social media campaigns, and demonstration events will be conducted under the Yogaandhra banner from June 7 to June 20.

District-wise thematic approach

In what officials describe as a distinctive feature of this year's observance, each of the state's 28 districts has been assigned a specific community or occupational group as its theme. NTR district will conduct sessions with police personnel, while East Godavari will involve prison inmates. Visakhapatnam's programme is themed around serving and retired defence personnel, and Alluri Sitarama Raju district will focus on tribal communities.

Other notable pairings include Kurnool with sanitation workers, Tirupati with celebrities, Anantapur with persons with disabilities, and YSR Kadapa with multi-generational family participation. Guntur district's sessions will centre on engineering students, while Prakasam will engage DWACRA women's groups. Each district headquarters is required to ensure a minimum of 1,000 participants.

Infrastructure and digital outreach

Competitions in yoga will be held at village, mandal, district, and state levels, with participation open to students, athletes, women's self-help groups, health workers, and industrial labourers, among others. Venues including schools, parks, community halls, stadiums, and gram sachivalayams will be equipped with drinking water, seating, and temporary shelters.

Oversight of the programme at the district level has been entrusted to the respective Collectors. The Tourism Department has been directed to organise special yoga demonstrations at more than 100 tourist sites across the state.

To streamline participation, the government plans to develop a dedicated web portal and an AI-based registration and verification application. Digital certificates will be issued to all participants upon completion.

Hyderabad, May 19: The Telangana government has decided to organise the State Formation Day celebrations on June 2 on a grand scale, with the main official event scheduled to be held at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will pay tributes to Telangana martyrs at Gun Park before participating in the official celebrations, according to officials.

A high-level review meeting on the arrangements for the celebrations was held at the Secretariat on Tuesday. During the meeting, Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj issued directions to senior officials on various aspects related to the event management and coordination.

Officials were instructed to ensure coordination among all departments and appoint nodal officers for smooth execution of responsibilities. Directions were also issued for extensive security arrangements at the Parade Grounds and preparation of a traffic management plan to avoid congestion during the celebrations.

The administration has been asked to focus on vehicle parking arrangements, waterproof shamianas, barricading, drinking water facilities and sanitation measures at the venue.

Mr. Vikas Raj also directed officials to organise cultural programmes reflecting the festive spirit of the occasion. Iconic landmarks including the Assembly, Secretariat and Charminar will be illuminated as part of the celebrations.

The government has also planned live telecast arrangements for the State-level event. Joint rehearsals at the Parade Grounds are scheduled to commence from May 25.

Jaipur, May 19: Lucknow Super Giants posted a formidable 220 for 5 against Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League 2026 match at Jaipur on Tuesday.

Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Lucknow rode on aggressive knocks from Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis to register one of the highest totals of the season.

Marsh narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 96 off 57 deliveries with 11 fours and five sixes, while Inglis struck 60 off just 29 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.

The duo provided a blistering start, adding 109 runs for the opening wicket in only 50 balls and putting the Rajasthan bowlers under sustained pressure.

In the closing stages, captain Rishabh Pant contributed 35 off 23 balls with two fours and two sixes before both he and Marsh were run out in the final over bowled by Jofra Archer.

Nicholas Pooran managed 16 runs, while Ayush Badoni was dismissed for a duck. Abdul Samad remained unbeaten.

For Rajasthan Royals, Yash Raju Punja claimed two wickets, while Archer picked up one.

Rajasthan Royals now require 221 runs for victory.

Mumbai, May 19: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the Indian squads for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan, with Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar earning his maiden national call-up.

India are scheduled to host Afghanistan for a one-off Test beginning on June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series on June 14, 17 and 20.

Brar’s inclusion has drawn attention following his consistent performances in domestic cricket and impressive rise through the ranks despite not featuring in a match during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season for Gujarat Titans.

The Punjab fast bowler made his first-class debut in 2022, but it was the 2024-25 domestic season that proved to be a turning point in his career. He grabbed attention with a five-wicket haul against Bihar, conceding just 14 runs, and finished the season with 33 wickets from 12 matches.

Brar also impressed in the shorter format, emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League with 22 wickets in 11 matches.

His IPL journey began in 2019 when he worked as a net bowler for Mumbai Indians. He later made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings in 2023 before being signed by Gujarat Titans for ₹1.3 crore at the 2025 IPL auction.

Speaking earlier about his association with India captain Shubman Gill, Brar had said Gill recognised his bowling talent during their Under-19 cricket days and helped him secure opportunities at the district level.

The upcoming Afghanistan series will now provide the young pacer an opportunity to prove himself at the international level.

Washington, May 19: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a planned military strike on Iran has been temporarily postponed to allow more time for diplomatic negotiations.

According to Mr. Trump, leaders of Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had urged the United States to continue diplomatic engagement in order to prevent further escalation in the region.

In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Mr. Trump said the proposed military action scheduled for Tuesday had been deferred. He, however, warned that the United States remained prepared for a “full-scale” response if negotiations failed to produce a satisfactory agreement.

The U.S. President stated that the American military had been instructed to remain prepared for action at any time.

Media reports in the United States said a fresh peace proposal from Iran, along with mediation efforts by Pakistan, also contributed to the decision to delay the strike.

Discussions between Washington and Tehran are currently understood to be focused on nuclear negotiations, security in the Strait of Hormuz and possible easing of sanctions. However, the United States has continued to maintain a firm position against Iran developing nuclear weapons.

New York, May 19: Three persons were killed in a shooting incident at an Islamic centre in California after two teenagers allegedly opened fire at a mosque and school premises, according to international media reports.

The incident occurred on Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where two youths aged 17 and 18 reportedly entered the premises armed with firearms and began shooting near the mosque and school area.

A security guard who attempted to stop the attackers was killed in the firing. Two others also lost their lives in the incident, reports said.

Authorities stated that the two suspects later died by suicide using firearms after carrying out the attack.

Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and shifted the bodies for post-mortem examination. An investigation has been launched into the incident.

According to preliminary findings, one of the suspects had allegedly brought multiple weapons from his residence. Investigators also reportedly found anti-religious slogans written on the weapons. A suicide note believed to have been written by one of the suspects was recovered by police.

The Imam of the Islamic centre said teachers, students and staff members present at the school during the shooting escaped unharmed.

Reacting to the incident, Todd Gloria condemned the attack and said residents should never have to live in fear because of their identity, beliefs or place of worship. He asserted that there was no place for hatred in San Diego.

Zohran Mamdani also strongly condemned the incident.

Chennai, May 19: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has cautioned the Vijay-led TVK government against seeking the support of a faction of AIADMK legislators, stating that such a move would force the party to reconsider its backing to the government.

Addressing reporters at Tiruthuraipoondi on Tuesday, CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam said the people of Tamil Nadu had delivered a verdict against both the DMK and the AIADMK, and any attempt by the TVK government to rely on support from an AIADMK faction would go against the public mandate.

He said such a political arrangement would also contradict TVK’s promise of providing clean and transparent governance.

Mr. Shanmugam expressed hope that TVK would not enter into any alliance or understanding with the AIADMK. However, he said the CPI(M) would be compelled to review its support to the government if such a decision was taken.

Explaining the party’s decision to support the TVK government, the CPI(M) leader said Tamil Nadu was not prepared for another round of elections. He also stated that the party did not want the BJP to gain entry into the State through the imposition of Governor’s rule.

He said these considerations had prompted the CPI(M) to extend support to the TVK government.

Dhaka/Chittagong, May 19: A protocol officer working at the Indian mission in Bangladesh was found dead on Tuesday morning in Chittagong, according to local police officials.

The deceased was identified as Naren Dhar, who was serving as a protocol officer at the Assistant High Commission of India in Chittagong.

Police said the body was recovered from the premises following information received earlier in the day. The body was later shifted to the mortuary of Chittagong Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Aminur Rashid said the exact cause of death was yet to be determined and authorities were awaiting the post-mortem report.

Investigators are examining whether the death was due to natural causes or if there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between India and Bangladesh.

Hyderabad, May 19: The Telangana government has decided to establish a new Employee Health Care Trust aimed at strengthening healthcare services for government employees, pensioners and their dependent family members.

As part of the implementation of the proposed health scheme, the State Finance Department has issued instructions to all government departments to collect and upload comprehensive employee and pensioner data within the stipulated timeline.

According to official directions, all serving employees and retired pensioners are required to furnish details of their family members, including spouse, children and dependents. The information is to be uploaded on the IFMIS-HR portal by May 31.

Officials said the database would be used for extending healthcare benefits, including cashless medical treatment and other health-related services under the proposed scheme.

The government is understood to have initiated the move with the objective of making healthcare administration for employees more transparent and efficient through a dedicated trust mechanism. The new framework is also expected to address shortcomings in the existing medical reimbursement and healthcare support systems.

Sources indicated that the proposed scheme aims to ensure quicker access to emergency medical services and streamlined healthcare benefits for employees and pensioners across the State.

Officials cautioned that failure to submit the required details within the deadline could lead to difficulties in availing future healthcare benefits under the scheme.

Employee associations have reportedly welcomed the initiative, stating that the government was according priority to employee welfare and healthcare security.

Nellore, May 19: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday announced a series of welfare and infrastructure measures for fishermen communities, including financial assistance during the annual fishing ban period, subsidised mechanised boats and promotion of seaweed cultivation for coastal women.

Participating in the “Matsyakarula Sevalo” programme at Tummalapenta village in Kavali constituency of Nellore district, the Chief Minister released ₹261.50 crore as financial assistance to 1,30,796 fishermen families. Under the scheme, each eligible family received ₹20,000 directly into their bank accounts.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Naidu said the government was committed to safeguarding the livelihood interests of fishermen and ensuring their participation in coastal development. He asserted that the State would strengthen coastal surveillance and prevent intrusion by fishing boats from neighbouring States into Andhra Pradesh waters.

The Chief Minister announced that 200 mechanised fishing boats would be sanctioned with 60% subsidy support, while the remaining cost would be covered through bank loans. He said the government was already extending diesel subsidy assistance to mechanised and motorised fishing boats.

Highlighting infrastructure development in the fisheries sector, Mr. Naidu said the State was constructing nine fishing harbours and eight fish landing centres with an estimated investment of ₹3,256 crore.

He also announced a seaweed cultivation initiative aimed at generating additional livelihood opportunities for fisherwomen and women self-help groups. A training programme for seaweed cultivation was launched with support from Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute.

The Chief Minister said fishermen would continue to enjoy exclusive rights for fish cultivation and marketing in reservoirs and inland water bodies across the State. He also assured support for improving market access for fisheries products.

During his visit, Mr. Naidu inspected coastal surveillance systems, including drone-based monitoring and GPS-enabled tracking systems intended to improve fishermen safety and curb illegal intrusion into Andhra Pradesh coastal waters.

He further announced infrastructure works including road connectivity for 25 fishermen villages in the region and desilting works for the North Buckingham Canal.

Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Atchannaidu and Farooq, along with other public representatives, participated in the programme.

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh BJP president PVN Madhav expressed concern over the mounting financial burden on aqua farmers due to rising fuel prices triggered by global geopolitical tensions.

Participating in the “Cheruvula Parirakshana” and “Janata Varadhi” programmes, Mr. Madhav said international political developments, particularly tensions between Iran and the United States, had impacted the global economy and led to an increase in crude oil prices, thereby pushing up domestic fuel costs.

He observed that the aquaculture sector was heavily dependent on fuel for the operation of motors, aerators, transportation and feed supply, resulting in a sharp rise in operational expenditure for farmers. The increase in production costs, coupled with export slowdown and market instability, was placing severe pressure on the sector, he said.

Mr. Madhav stated that small and medium-scale aqua farmers were facing significant economic stress under the prevailing conditions. He assured that the Bharatiya Janata Party would take the concerns of aqua farmers to the attention of both the Union and State governments and seek measures such as diesel subsidy, electricity concessions, financial assistance and restructuring of loans.

Highlighting the importance of the aquaculture sector to Andhra Pradesh’s economy, he said the industry provided livelihoods to thousands of families and required sustained policy support from governments.

Mr. Madhav said aqua farmers need not lose confidence, adding that the BJP remained committed to supporting the sector and addressing the issues affecting farmers.

Kurnool, May 19: BJP State president PVN Madhav on Tuesday said party workers remained the principal strength behind the Bharatiya Janata Party’s organisational expansion and called upon cadre to work with the spirit of “nation first, politics later.”

Participating in the district-level training camp organised under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan in Kurnool, Mr. Madhav addressed party workers on ideological orientation, organisational responsibilities, leadership development and public outreach.

He said the BJP recognised and encouraged every worker who served the party with commitment and selflessness. Party cadre, he observed, were the true ambassadors responsible for taking the party’s ideology and welfare initiatives to the people.

Mr. Madhav underlined the need for continuous training to strengthen leadership qualities, social awareness and responsiveness to public issues among party workers. He urged cadre to uphold values such as patriotism, discipline, dedication to society and service-mindedness while remaining closely connected with people at the grassroots level.

Stressing the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion, he advised workers to remain vigilant against misinformation and effectively counter false propaganda with facts. He also called upon party cadre to maintain cordial relations with the public and safeguard the party’s credibility through responsible conduct.

Referring to national issues, Mr. Madhav said the country was passing through a phase that required citizens to remain alert on matters concerning national security, democratic values and social harmony. He pointed to global geopolitical developments and the spread of misinformation on digital platforms as areas of concern.

He said the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was taking firm measures to strengthen national security, economic stability and internal governance. Citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, should work collectively for the protection of the Constitution and national integrity, he said.

Mr. Madhav also urged youth not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media platforms and instead trust official sources of information. He criticised certain Opposition parties for allegedly placing political interests above national priorities.

Calling for responsible use of resources, he said people should reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and limit avoidable foreign travel, while drawing inspiration from what he described as the Prime Minister’s own efforts towards austerity.

He concluded by urging citizens to unite with the spirit of “nation before politics” for the country’s development and security.