AP Cabinet Clears Mega Irrigation, Tourism & Green Energy Plans

Oct 04, 2025 | 499 Views

Amaravati, October 3, 2025: Hon’ble Minister for Information, Public Relations & Housing, Sri Kolusu Parthasarathi, briefed the media at the Publicity Cell in the AP Secretariat on the decisions taken during the 31st e-Cabinet meeting chaired by Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu. The Cabinet approved several major proposals in the Water Resources sector, including amendments to the AP Farmers Management of Irrigation System Act, 1997 by removing the two-child norm for committee members, reflecting the state’s declining fertility rate (1.6). Administrative approvals worth over ₹200 crores were cleared for irrigation projects such as the HNSS lift schemes, flood damage repairs, strengthening of dams, and drinking water supply works to Tirupati and Tirumala. In the Transport sector, the government ratified the scheme to provide ₹15,000 annual financial assistance to nearly 2.9 lakh auto, taxi, and cab drivers, amounting to ₹436 crores, to be implemented immediately. In Tourism, the Cabinet endorsed the inclusion of Caravan Tourism and Homestays/B&Bs in the AP Tourism Policy (2024–29) to promote alternative travel experiences, especially in temple towns lacking large hotels. Urban development received a major push with approval of ₹10,319.93 crores for 281 AMRUT 2.0 projects and formation of an SPV for Amaravati’s capital region development. The Cabinet also cleared proposals related to land management, endowment reforms, and support for cooperative marketing federations to clear farmer dues. In the Energy sector, decisions included promotion of Green Hydrogen initiatives, exemptions for green ammonia projects in Kakinada, and amendments to strengthen renewable energy policies. Overall, the 31st e-Cabinet outlined a comprehensive roadmap spanning irrigation, infrastructure, tourism, welfare, energy, and agriculture, aimed at accelerating Andhra Pradesh’s growth, welfare delivery, and sustainable development goals.

Vijayawada Utsav: 3,000 Artists Carnival Aims for Guinness Record

Oct 03, 2025 | 480 Views

Vijayawada, October 2: In a spectacular celebration of art, culture, and devotion, the city of Vijayawada is set to witness a historic moment during the “Vijayawada Utsav”, organized by the Society for Vibrant Vijayawada with support from the Andhra Pradesh government. Marking the spirit of Dussehra, Member of Parliament Kesineni Sivanath has initiated a special carnival aimed at securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The carnival will feature over 3,000 artists dressed in traditional Dussehra attire, presenting a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity. From Nasik drums, Pothurajus, Kalika dances, Lambadi folk, Gusssadi performances, Kerala drums, Veeranatyam, Kathakali, Puliveshalu (Tiger Dance), Kolatam, Garadi, Yaksha performances, and tribal arts—the event promises to mesmerize spectators with a colorful and grand procession. Starting from Vijayawada Municipal Stadium and culminating at Benz Circle, the carnival will run between 5 PM and 7 PM. The highlight of the evening will be the grand chariot procession carrying Goddess Kanaka Durga, accompanied by traditional music, dance troupes, and devotional pageantry. This spiritual centerpiece is expected to elevate the cultural richness of Vijayawada’s Dussehra celebrations, blending devotion with festivity. Adding further prestige to the event, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will attend as chief guests. Their presence, along with the massive participation of artists and citizens, is expected to make Vijayawada Utsav a memorable cultural milestone, placing the city prominently on the global cultural map.

CM Chandrababu Naidu Heads to Delhi for CII Summit, to Serve Poor in Gajapathinagaram

Sep 30, 2025 | 486 Views

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to visit Delhi tomorrow. He will depart from Vijayawada Airport at 10:15 AM and is expected to arrive in Delhi at 12:50 PM. The visit is part of preparations for the CII Partnership Summit to be held in Visakhapatnam on November 14–15, where industrialists from across India and abroad will be invited to explore investment opportunities in the state. During his Delhi visit, the CM will participate in a session with industrialists organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). In the evening at 4:45 PM, he will attend the CII Partnership Summit Curtain Raiser at ITC Maurya. The itinerary also includes meetings with Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighting AP’s investment prospects and development initiatives. Chandrababu Naidu will stay overnight in Delhi. On October 1, the CM will travel directly from Delhi to Visakhapatnam and then proceed to Dathi village in Gajapathinagaram constituency, Vizianagaram district. He will participate in a welfare program under the NTR Bharosa pension scheme, serving the poor and distributing pensions. At 2:40 PM, he will hold a meeting with party workers before returning to Amaravati in the evening. This visit underscores the state government’s dual focus on attracting investments and promoting welfare initiatives, aiming to boost economic development while supporting vulnerable communities across Andhra Pradesh.

AP Ministers Promote Investments in Seoul, Invite Firms to Visakhapatnam Summit

Sep 30, 2025 | 482 Views

Andhra Pradesh Ministers Narayana and BC Janardhan Reddy are on a visit to Seoul, South Korea, to promote investment opportunities in the state. The ministers are engaging with high-level officials under the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) and participating in the AP-South Korea Business Forum Partnership Summit Road Show, ahead of the CII Partnership Summit scheduled in Visakhapatnam in November. During their second day in Seoul, the ministers held meetings with representatives of major international firms, including LG Chem, the world’s 9th largest chemical company, and LS Group, a leading electronics, energy, and cable manufacturer. They discussed AP’s business-friendly environment, ease of doing business, single-window clearance system, and investment opportunities, highlighting the state’s commitment to creating sustainable urban infrastructure and economic growth under CM Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership. The ministers also met with ShoeallS, a global leader in medical and smart footwear, and SK Hynix, one of the largest DRAM and NAND flash memory suppliers. They invited these firms to participate in the November 14–15 CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, emphasizing Andhra Pradesh’s strategic advantages such as port connectivity, industrial corridors, land banks, and international air connectivity. In addition to business discussions, the ministers visited N Tower, one of Seoul’s prominent tourist landmarks, to understand urban infrastructure and tourism development. The delegation’s visit aims to strengthen AP-South Korea business ties, attract international investments, and position Andhra Pradesh as a global investment destination.

US Immigration Experts Clarify H-1B Fee Rules for Students & OPT Applicants

Sep 29, 2025 | 493 Views

At an H-1B awareness seminar organized by CM Pravasii Prajavani at Praja Bhavan, Hyderabad, US immigration experts clarified key doubts regarding the new $1 lakh H-1B visa fee rule. They stated that the fee does not apply to students already in the US on F1 visas, candidates on OPT (Optional Practical Training), or dependents on H-4 visas transitioning to H-1B. Experts explained that the additional fee is applicable only for fresh H-1B visa applications filed from outside the US, including India and other countries. Those already employed in the US and changing employers are exempt from this fee. The interactive session addressed queries from participants, with clarifications offered by immigration attorney Josh Dalrymple, NRI Advisory Committee Chairman Ambassador Vinod Kumar, and immigration specialists Harikrishna and Boja Amarender Reddy. Joining virtually from the US were Virginia State Census Commissioner Sridhar Nagireddy and Republican leader Bangaru Reddy. State Coordinator Boja Amarender Reddy assured that anyone with doubts on H-1B applications can reach out through CM Pravasii Prajavani for expert guidance. The seminar witnessed the participation of legal experts, NRIs, and community leaders, making it a valuable platform for aspiring H-1B applicants.