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.

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a leading State in the country in the digitisation of patient health records under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), outpacing neighbouring States across multiple key parameters of the Next Generation e-Hospital Hospital Management Information System (HMIS), according to senior officials of the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

VIJAYAWADA, May 12: Andhra Pradesh BJP State president PVN Madhav on Monday extended warm birthday greetings to Telugu Desam Party State president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, commending his unwavering commitment to public welfare and effective leadership.

In a message conveying his wishes, Mr. Madhav praised Mr. Srinivasa Rao for his dedicated service to the people and his ability to lead with purpose and vision. He noted that Mr. Srinivasa Rao had distinguished himself in public life by remaining closely connected with the people, serving as a source of inspiration to party workers and grassroots functionaries alike.

Mr. Madhav expressed his hope that Mr. Srinivasa Rao would go on to achieve greater milestones in public service, and offered prayers for his good health, happiness, and long life.

The BJP State president also conveyed his wish that Mr. Srinivasa Rao play an increasingly pivotal role in the development of Andhra Pradesh and in addressing the problems faced by the people of the State.

The birthday greetings from the BJP chief are being seen as a reflection of the cordial ties between the two NDA alliance partners in the State.

VIJAYAWADA, May 12: BJP State spokesperson Sadineni Yamini Sharma on Monday issued a sharp warning to the YSR Congress Party, cautioning that remarks crossing the line of decency against Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Reacting strongly to comments made by YSRCP leader Perni Nani, Ms. Sharma demanded an immediate and unconditional retraction, urging the opposition leader to exercise restraint in his public utterances.

"A party whose leadership spent years governing from behind curtains and staged elaborate sets in place of functional secretariats has no moral authority to level criticism against the Prime Minister," she said, describing such attacks as both ironic and laughable.

Ms. Sharma contended that Mr. Modi had dedicated the past eleven years to tireless public service without drawing upon government funds for personal expenditure, and that YSRCP, with its record in office, was in no position to question his integrity.

Turning her attack on the previous YSRCP dispensation in Andhra Pradesh, she alleged that its leadership had routinely deployed dedicated helicopters even for distances of a kilometre, squandering public money, while simultaneously constructing palatial residences worth hundreds of crores in multiple cities. "Those who built palaces with public money ought to answer for their own conduct before speaking of public service," she said.

The BJP spokesperson further alleged that during the YSRCP government's tenure, citizens were subjected to prolonged hardships, hundreds of trees were felled, and State funds were diverted to paint party offices — transgressions that, she asserted, the people of Andhra Pradesh had not forgotten.

Concluding her remarks, Ms. Sharma said the Prime Minister's life stood as a testament to selfless service, and that it was this quality which had endeared him to the people of the country. She cautioned that YSRCP leaders were making reckless statements without even a basic understanding of the security protocols surrounding the office of the Prime Minister.

Former India head coach and batting legend Rahul Dravid has made his entry into franchise cricket ownership, acquiring the Dublin Guardians in the inaugural European T20 Premier League. Dravid made the announcement on Monday, marking his first foray into cricket administration beyond the coaching role he relinquished after India's T20 World Cup triumph.

The European T20 Premier League, comprising six franchises, is scheduled to get underway on August 26 and is expected to attract several international stars, with the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell among those set to feature in the competition.

Dravid's acquisition of the Dublin-based franchise signals growing interest from prominent cricket figures in emerging T20 leagues across Europe, as the format continues to expand its global footprint beyond traditional cricket strongholds.

DUBAI, May 12:India maintained their supremacy in the International Cricket Council's men's One-Day International team rankings, holding on to the top position with 118 points in the revised annual rankings released on Monday.

New Zealand and Australia occupied the second and third positions with 113 and 109 points respectively, continuing to trail the defending champions by a comfortable margin.

In a notable shift in the middle order of the standings, South Africa climbed to fourth place with 102 points, displacing Pakistan, who slipped to fifth with 98 points. Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and England followed in sixth, seventh and eighth positions with 96, 93 and 89 points respectively.

India's retention of the top ranking reflects their consistent performances across bilateral ODI series over the past year and reinforces their standing as the dominant force in the fifty-over format ahead of the upcoming ICC events.

At least 51 people, including two medical workers, were killed in Lebanon in the past 24 hours as Israeli strikes continued to pound the country in what the Lebanese Health Ministry described as a brazen violation of international law and humanitarian norms. The ministry said Israeli forces had targeted primary healthcare centres in Khalaouiyeh and Tibnin in the Bint Jbeil district on two separate occasions, killing two health workers in the attacks.

The Israeli military, the ministry said, continues to commit what it called crimes against paramedics and medical personnel, in contravention of established conventions protecting healthcare workers in conflict zones.

Ceasefire Violated Repeatedly

The strikes come even as a three-week ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel — brokered and announced by the United States — remains technically in force. Now in its third week, the truce has been repeatedly violated by Israeli forces, which have continued to carry out attacks across Lebanese territory despite the accord.

Toll Since March

Since Israeli strikes resumed on March 2 this year, the Lebanese Health Ministry has recorded 2,846 deaths. Israeli forces have conducted more than 130 strikes during this period. According to the United Nations, 103 medical workers have been killed and 230 others wounded in these attacks — a toll that has drawn widespread international concern over the targeting of healthcare infrastructure.

'We Face the Threat Every Moment'

The human cost of the relentless bombardment was starkly articulated by Ali Safiyyuddin, head of the Lebanese Civil Defence in Tyre in southern Lebanon. Speaking to the media, he said: "We face the Israeli threat every moment, every day. We ask ourselves whether we will survive these strikes or not. But we know that by continuing to work here, we have already given up our lives. We have lost so many. It feels as though we, too, are already gone."

His words offered a grim testament to the conditions faced by first responders and emergency workers operating under constant threat of aerial attack in one of the most heavily struck regions of the country.

The United Nations and several humanitarian organisations have repeatedly called on Israel to halt attacks on medical facilities and personnel, warning that the systematic targeting of healthcare infrastructure constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Those calls have so far gone unheeded, with strikes continuing to claim the lives of civilians and health workers alike.

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday rejected Iran's latest proposal to end the West Asia conflict, declaring it entirely unacceptable, even as oil prices surged nearly three per cent on Monday amid fears that the diplomatic impasse could escalate into open confrontation.

Without elaborating on the specifics of Tehran's offer, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: "I just read the response from those who purport to represent Iran. I don't like it — it is not acceptable in any way." The blunt dismissal came shortly after Iranian state media outlined the broad contours of what Tehran had proposed.

What Iran Sought

According to Iran's state-run news agency Tasnim, Tehran's proposals included compensation for damages suffered during the conflict, a lifting of the naval blockade on its ports, a binding American assurance against further strikes, removal of sanctions, and an end to the embargo on Iranian oil sales. Iran also demanded the release of Iranian assets frozen in international banks under American pressure, and sought guarantees for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as security arrangements in Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei defended the proposals as reasonable and responsible. "Our demands are legitimate. We called for an end to the war, the lifting of the blockade, a halt to maritime piracy, and the release of frozen Iranian assets," he said, adding that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security arrangements were also among Tehran's conditions.

Hormuz Tensions and Oil Markets

With negotiations deadlocked following Trump's rejection, the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes — came under renewed strain. Iran has warned that it would retaliate if the United States launches strikes, and has signalled that foreign warships may no longer be permitted to enter the strait. The resulting uncertainty sent crude oil prices sharply higher on Monday, with markets registering a rise of approximately three per cent.

Trump's China Visit from Wednesday

Against this backdrop of West Asian tensions, Trump is scheduled to travel to China on Wednesday for a three-day visit — his first trip to the country since 2017. He is expected to hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday and Friday, with the agenda likely to include discussions on Iran, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and nuclear weapons.

American officials indicated that the two leaders may also take up the extension of an existing critical minerals agreement between the two countries. The visit marks the first face-to-face talks between the leaders of the world's two largest economies in six months, and comes at a time when both nations are seeking to recalibrate trade ties strained by tariff disputes.

Americans Billed for Unbuilt Power Projects

In a separate development, millions of American consumers are being charged for electricity grid upgrades that have not yet been completed — and whose benefits remain years away. As ageing grid infrastructure prompts policymakers to accelerate modernisation, utilities across the United States are being permitted to bill customers in advance of the construction of new power plants and transmission lines, according to a Reuters report.

The move is being justified on the grounds that upfront financing will yield long-term savings, but households and businesses already grappling with elevated energy costs are set to see their bills rise further. Demand for grid upgrades has intensified amid the rapid expansion of data centres driven by artificial intelligence, adding urgency to the overhaul. Critics, however, argue that utilities should recover construction costs only after projects are completed, rather than passing financial risk on to consumers during the building phase. Individual household bills could rise by several dollars per month as a result of the pre-construction charges.

GUWAHATI, May 12: Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as Chief Minister of Assam for the second consecutive term on Tuesday, following a decisive victory by the National Democratic Alliance in the recently concluded state assembly elections. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Veterinary College Field in Guwahati.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Nara Lokesh, several senior Union Ministers, and NDA chief ministers and deputy chief ministers from across the country attended the ceremony.

Along with Sarma, four cabinet ministers were also administered the oath of office on Tuesday. The ministerial berths were distributed among NDA constituent parties — the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People's Front. Atul Bora of the Asom Gana Parishad, Charan Boro of the Bodoland People's Front, and Rameshwar Teli and Ajanta Neog of the BJP took oath as ministers in the new cabinet.

The NDA's emphatic performance in the Assam assembly elections, winning 81 of the 126 seats, paved the way for the alliance to return to power in the northeastern state for a third consecutive term — a feat that underscores the consolidation of the ruling coalition's political base in the region.

Sarma, who first assumed office as Chief Minister in 2021, has been the dominant face of BJP's political expansion in the northeast. His return to power with a strengthened mandate is widely seen as an endorsement of his administration's governance record over the past term.

The swearing-in ceremony witnessed a significant gathering of NDA leadership from across the country, reflecting the alliance's solidarity and the national importance accorded to the BJP's continued hold over Assam, one of the key states in India's northeastern corridor.

AMARAVATI, May 12:The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday strongly condemned former minister and YSRCP leader Perni Nani for making what it described as derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the party's Andhra Pradesh state chief spokesperson Valluru Jayaprakash Narayana demanding an unconditional public apology.

Addressing the media , Jayaprakash Narayana said it was deeply unfortunate that the YSRCP leadership had chosen to respond to the Prime Minister's counsel on financial discipline, savings, and responsible living with personal attacks. "The Prime Minister's advice to citizens on building economic security for the future reflects a national leader's sense of responsibility. Reducing such guidance to political ridicule is both unwarranted and unbecoming," he said.

The BJP spokesperson cited India's rise as the world's fifth largest economy under Modi's leadership, pointing to the digital revolution, transparent governance, infrastructural growth, and enhanced global economic credibility as evidence of the government's track record. "These are not claims — these are realities that every Indian citizen is witnessing firsthand," he added.

Turning his attention to the YSRCP, Jayaprakash Narayana said the party had a consistent pattern of viewing every issue through a narrow political lens. "Perni Nani's remarks reflect political bankruptcy, not responsible engagement with public concerns. This is the hallmark of a party driven by frustration and irrelevance," he said.

The BJP leader made it clear that making disparaging remarks against the office of the Prime Minister was contrary to the norms of democratic culture and called upon Perni Nani to immediately withdraw his comments and exercise greater restraint. He warned that should the apology not be forthcoming, BJP cadres would stage protests outside Perni Nani's residence.

Jayaprakash Narayana also reminded voters that the people of Andhra Pradesh had already delivered a decisive democratic verdict against the YSRCP's "anarchic, destructive and corrupt politics," which he said had caused lasting damage to the state. "The people have spoken clearly. They rejected a political culture that set back Andhra Pradesh's development," he observed.

Concluding his remarks, the BJP spokesperson said that what ultimately matters is not who offers an idea, but how much it benefits the nation. "The politics of cynical criticism has run its course. People today are rallying behind leadership that offers vision, development and national purpose," he said.

VIJAYAWADA, May 12: Bharatiya Janata Party SC Morcha state president Panatala Suresh on Tuesday strongly condemned remarks made by former minister Perni Nani against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an unconditional public apology from YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and warning that the party's continued resort to ridicule politics would cost it dearly in future elections.

Speaking to the media, Suresh said that Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Telangana had been devoted to launching development schemes worth thousands of crores of rupees, carrying a clear message of inclusive national progress. He noted that the Prime Minister's counsel to citizens on reducing cooking oil consumption, conserving petrol and controlling pollution had struck a chord with the public.

"Sarcasm Politics" Condemned

Suresh accused YSRCP leaders of deliberately sidestepping substantive development discourse in favour of mockery and personal attacks. He specifically took strong exception to the remarks directed at the Prime Minister by Perni Nani, alleging that leaders who had lost public standing were resorting to such statements purely for publicity.

He challenged Jagan Mohan Reddy to hold a press conference and criticise the Prime Minister's policies directly, rather than doing so through proxies. "If you have the conviction, face the media and make your case," he said.

From Chaiwala to National Leader

Suresh drew a pointed contrast between Prime Minister Modi, who he described as a leader who rose from humble origins as a tea seller to understand the struggles of ordinary citizens, and those who entered politics through dynastic privilege. Perni Nani, he said, must immediately retract his remarks and tender an apology or face the consequences of public opinion.

Centre's Largesse to AP Cited

Suresh also highlighted the central government's allocation of lakhs of crores of rupees for the development of Andhra Pradesh and Amaravati, arguing that YSRCP's sarcastic posturing was a disservice to a state that stood to benefit enormously from the BJP-led government at the Centre. He warned that if the party persisted with such an approach, it risked failing to win even 11 seats in the forthcoming elections.

CHANDIGARH: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted late-night raids at the Punjab Vigilance Bureau office in Mohali on Monday, arresting several alleged middlemen on charges of collecting bribes on behalf of a senior official, authorities said on Tuesday.

According to an official statement, the raids were carried out past midnight as part of an ongoing investigation into bribery transactions estimated at approximately ₹20 lakh. The middlemen were found to be operating from within the premises of the state's own anti-corruption body, lending the case a particularly pointed irony.

Official Absconding, Not Responding to Calls

While the arrested middlemen have been provided police protection by the Punjab government, the senior Vigilance Bureau official on whose behalf the bribes were allegedly being collected remains at large. Authorities confirmed that the officer has been unreachable and is not responding to phone calls, raising concerns about a possible attempt to evade investigators.

AAP Minister Already in ED Custody

The fresh arrests come at a time of mounting legal pressure on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. AAP Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora is already in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with separate money laundering allegations, compounding the political difficulties confronting the state administration.

The CBI is expected to intensify its probe in the days ahead, with sources indicating that the arrested middlemen are being questioned to establish the full chain of the alleged bribery network.

CHENNAI: The principal opposition party in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK, suffered a significant split on Tuesday as Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament C.V. Shanmugam, along with a group of senior leaders, broke away from the party and extended their support to Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay's newly formed government.

The development came in the wake of the assembly election results and marks one of the more dramatic political realignments in the state since the new government assumed office.

A Fracture Long in the Making

Political observers noted that the split had been anticipated for some time, with speculation of disaffection within AIADMK ranks having been in circulation for several days. The formal defection of Shanmugam — a prominent face of the party in the Upper House of Parliament — lends the rupture a significance that goes beyond mere numbers, striking at the credibility and organisational cohesion of the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-led outfit.

Post-Poll Turbulence

Tamil Nadu's political landscape has been in a state of flux since the declaration of assembly election results, with the formation of the Vijay-led government having set off a series of realignments and recalibrations across party lines. The latest development is widely seen as a reflection of the gravitational pull that the new dispensation is beginning to exert on opposition legislators and leaders disillusioned with their respective parties.

Further defections from the AIADMK are not being ruled out by analysts tracking the fast-evolving situation in the state.

CHENNAI: In one of his first and most consequential decisions as Chief Minister, Thalapathy Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops operating in violation of regulations across Tamil Nadu, directing that all such outlets be shut down within a fortnight. The order came on just the third day of his assuming office, signalling the new government's intent to prioritise public health and social welfare.

The directive covers shops run under the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which currently operates 4,765 liquor outlets across the state. Of these, 717 have been identified by officials as functioning in contravention of established norms and are to be shuttered within 14 days.

Proximity to Sensitive Locations Cited

The closures are primarily targeted at outlets situated within 500 metres of schools, colleges, places of worship including temples, churches and mosques, as well as areas with heavy pedestrian and commuter traffic. The Chief Minister underscored that the decision was taken out of respect for public health, the future of students and the sentiments of pilgrims and devotees.

A Statement of Intent

Political observers noted that the swiftness of the decision — coming within 72 hours of the oath-taking ceremony — was a deliberate signal from the Vijay-led administration of its priorities. The move is expected to resonate strongly among voters in semi-urban and rural constituencies where liquor shops in the vicinity of educational institutions and religious centres have long been a source of public grievance.

Further policy measures on the liquor trade are widely anticipated as the new government consolidates its footing in the weeks ahead.

NEW DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026, conducted on May 3, following a massive controversy over the alleged leakage of the question paper in Rajasthan. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been directed to probe the paper leak, as protests erupted across the country with students and parents demanding accountability.

The NTA said fresh examination dates would be announced shortly, assuring candidates that re-registration and payment of fees would not be required. Admit cards, it added, would be re-issued once the new schedule is finalised.

Practice Paper Matches Original by 600 Marks

The controversy was triggered by allegations that a coaching centre in Rajasthan had provided students a practice paper nearly 48 hours before the examination, questions from which reportedly matched those in the original NEET paper to the tune of 600 marks. Rajasthan Additional Director General of Police Vishal Bansal and Special Operations Group (SOG) officials confirmed the recovery of a practice paper containing over 120 Chemistry questions that bore a striking resemblance to those in the actual examination. Notably, the sequence of answers in several questions was found to be identical, deepening suspicions of a pre-meditated leak.

WhatsApp Trail Leads to Kerala

Investigators found that the material had surfaced on WhatsApp in Sikar, Rajasthan, approximately 42 hours before the examination. The practice paper was traced to an MBBS student enrolled at a medical college in Kerala, who allegedly shared it with a friend in Sikar on May 1. From there, the material spread rapidly through a network of paying guest accommodations, coaching institutes, career counsellors and aspirants.

The leaked material reportedly contained over 300 handwritten questions covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Police officials said the material was sold to students for amounts ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹2 lakh, with some candidates having paid upwards of ₹30,000 in advance. Several suspects have already been taken into custody in connection with the case.

NTA Cites Integrity of Examination System

Defending the decision to cancel the examination, the NTA stated that the move was necessitated by the need to protect the interests of students and preserve public confidence in the national examination framework. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent re-examination at the earliest.

Over 73,000 Aspirants from Telangana Affected

The cancellation has left over 73,000 students from Telangana alone in a state of uncertainty, having applied for the examination that serves as the sole gateway to admissions into MBBS and BDS programmes across the country. The development has renewed demands for a thorough overhaul of the examination conduct and oversight mechanisms.

TULLLUR (GUNTUR): Construction of the long-awaited capital city of Amaravati is progressing at a brisk pace, with the MLA and MLC residential-cum-office complexes being built at Rayapudi nearing completion, Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana said on Tuesday.

The Minister inspected the under-construction MLA and MLC bhavan complexes at Rayapudi in Amaravati and spoke to the media thereafter, expressing confidence that the capital city project was firmly back on track.

Neighbouring States Taking Note

Mr. Narayana said the scale and speed of construction activity in Amaravati had begun to attract attention and admiration even in neighbouring states. "People across state boundaries are talking about what is happening here," he said, underlining the project's growing visibility as a symbol of the government's development agenda.

Land Pooling: Near-Complete Allocation

Providing a detailed account of the land pooling exercise, the Minister stated that 30,753 farmers had contributed 35,017 acres of land for the capital's development. Of these, plots had already been allotted against 34,525 acres, with allotments pending for only 674 farmers — translating to a completion rate of 98.06 per cent.

He attributed the pending cases to court proceedings initiated by certain farmers and to unresolved family disputes over land ownership, clarifying that the delay was not on account of any administrative failure. All allotments, he added, had been carried out transparently through a lottery system.

Political Conspiracy Alleged

Taking strong exception to what he described as a disinformation campaign, Mr. Narayana alleged that a section of people were deliberately spreading falsehoods about the capital project for political ends. "Those who claim that the government has not allotted plots despite farmers giving their lands must acquaint themselves with the facts," he said, accusing them of orchestrating a political conspiracy against Amaravati.

Handover to GAD

The Minister further stated that completed structures would be formally handed over to the General Administration Department (GAD) upon the conclusion of construction work, paving the way for their operationalisation.

The inspection was seen as part of the state government's efforts to underscore progress on the capital front ahead of the legislature session.

HYDERABAD: A 24-year-old air-conditioning technician was allegedly killed by a group of ten persons over a paltry sum of ₹700 in what police described as a drug-related dispute in the Attapur area of the city, with eight of the accused being taken into custody on Monday following a swift investigation by the Rajendranagar Task Force and Attapur police.

The deceased, Mohammad Hussain, a resident of Langarhouse, was engaged in the illegal sale of cannabis to acquaintances in the surrounding neighbourhoods. According to Rajendranagar Deputy Commissioner of Police Srinivas, the prime accused, K. Prashant, had paid ₹700 as an advance to Hussain for a consignment of cannabis. When Hussain failed to deliver either the contraband or a refund over the following days, Prashant nursed a grievance against him.

Ambushed Near Metro Pillar

On the night of the 9th of this month, the accused spotted Hussain near Pillar No. 223 on the Attapur Road and intercepted him. The victim was then taken to a nearby function hall, where a group of ten persons assaulted him with knives. Hussain, who sustained grievous injuries, was shifted to Osmania General Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds on Sunday.

Attapur police registered a case and launched an investigation. Sleuths utilised footage from closed-circuit television cameras in the vicinity to identify and zero in on the accused, leading to the arrest of eight persons: K. Prashant, M. Jagadeesh, Ram Roshan Yadav, Tarun Kumar, A. Nikhil, G. Rajkumar, Vengalarao, and M. Prashant. A search is currently under way for two other accused who remain at large. Two two-wheelers and several mobile phones were seized from those arrested.

Police Commended

The arrests were carried out under the supervision of Rajendranagar ACP T. Srinivas, with Attapur Inspector K. Nageswara Rao and Task Force personnel conducting the operation. City Commissioner of Police Sajjanar commended the team for the prompt resolution of the case.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the unchecked proliferation of petty drug networks in the city's outer localities, with police sources indicating that the victim himself had a prior involvement in the sale of cannabis.

AMARAVATI, May 10: Andhra Pradesh has secured second place nationally in two prestigious Union government awards recognising excellence in rural development, BJP State President PVN Madhav announced on Sunday, describing the achievement as a matter of pride for every resident of the State.

The awards — the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satatva Vikas Puraskar–2025 and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satatva Puraskar–2025 — are conferred by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to honour outstanding contributions to sustainable village development, sanitation, and the realisation of Gram Swaraj ideals.

Mr. Madhav attributed the recognition to the sustained efforts of the NDA alliance government in the State, saying it vindicated the administration's commitment to strengthening the Panchayati Raj system at the grassroots level. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for charting a new course in rural development across the country.

The BJP State president extended his congratulations to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his visionary stewardship of the State's development agenda, and to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for his effective management of the Panchayati Raj portfolio.

Special felicitations were conveyed to the sarpanches, elected representatives, administrative officials, and residents of the four gram panchayats that earned the awards — Shringavaram, Bokkasampalem, Chemullappalli, and Gundamala. Mr. Madhav expressed hope that the State would continue to advance further in achieving the goals of rural development, sanitation, and sustainable growth.

"This national recognition is a testament to what the NDA government has been able to accomplish in a short span of time by keeping villages and their people at the centre of governance," he said.