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Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], April 7 (ANI): Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday congratulated scientists and engineers at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), and the Department of Atomic Energy for achieving a historic milestone in India's nuclear journey. Taking to X, he said, "Heartiest congratulations to our brilliant scientists and engineers at IGCAR, BHAVINI and the entire Department of Atomic Energy! Also Read | Sikkim State Lottery Result Today 6 PM Live: Dear Prestige Tuesday Lottery Result of April 7, 2026 Declared Online, Watch Lucky Draw Winners List. Your dedication has delivered a historic milestone for India. The indigenously built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has successfully attained first criticality, a giant leap in our nuclear journey. This 500 MW reactor marks a proud step towards clean, secure energy for generations and brings us closer to harnessing our vast thorium reserves for true energy self-reliance. Also Read | 'Found an Insect in Vande Bharat Train Food': IRCTC Slaps INR 10 Lakh Fine on Vande Bharat Caterer After Passenger Finds Insect in Meal (See Pics and Video). A proud moment for every Indian! Jai Hind!" He described the 500 MW reactor as a "giant leap" toward clean, secure energy for future generations and a key step in harnessing India's vast thorium reserves for energy self-reliance. Earlier on Monday, in a landmark achievement for India's nuclear energy programme, the 500 MWe PFBR successfully attained first criticality (start of controlled fission chain reaction) on 6th April 2026 at 08:25 PM, marking a historic step in providing long-term energy security and advancing indigenous nuclear technology capabilities, according to the Department of Atomic Energy. The criticality was achieved in the presence of Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman, AEC, Sreekumar G Pillai, Director, IGCAR, Allu Ananth, CMD-In-Charge, BHAVINI and KV Suresh Kumar, Former CMD, BHAVINI & Homi Sethna Chair, after meeting all the stipulations of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which had issued clearance after a rigorous review of the safety of the plant systems. The technology development & design of PFBR was indigenously done by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), an R&D Centre of the Department of Atomic Energy, and was built & commissioned by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), a PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy. Fast Breeder Reactors are a cornerstone of India's long-term nuclear strategy. Unlike conventional thermal reactors, the PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel. The core of PFBR is surrounded by a blanket of Uranium-238. Fast neutrons convert fertile Uranium-238 into fissile Plutonium-239, enabling the reactor to produce more fuel than it consumes. The reactor is designed to eventually use Thorium-232 in the blanket. Through transmutation, Thorium-232 will be converted into Uranium-233, which will fuel the third stage of India's nuclear power programme. This unique capability significantly enhances the utilisation of nuclear fuel resources and enables the country to extract far greater energy from its limited uranium reserves while also preparing for large-scale use of thorium in the future. With the achievement of first criticality, India moves closer to realising the full potential of its three-stage nuclear power programme. Fast breeder technology forms the vital bridge between the current fleet of pressurised heavy water reactors and the future deployment of thorium-based reactors, leveraging the country's abundant thorium resources for long-term clean energy generation. Achieving this milestone demonstrates the strength of India's indigenous design, engineering and manufacturing ecosystem. The reactor incorporates advanced safety systems, high-temperature liquid sodium coolant technology and a closed fuel cycle approach that enables recycling of nuclear materials, thereby improving sustainability and reducing waste. The project also reflects the dedication of a significant number of scientists, engineers, technicians and industry partners who have contributed to the design, fabrication and construction of the reactor using predominantly indigenous technologies and components. Their efforts highlight the nation's growing capability in advanced nuclear engineering and reinforce India's commitment to technological self-reliance, complying with Atmanirbhar Bharat. Beyond energy generation, the fast breeder programme strengthens strategic capabilities in nuclear fuel cycle technologies, advanced materials, reactor physics and large-scale engineering. The knowledge and infrastructure developed through this programme will support future reactor designs and next-generation nuclear technologies. As India continues to expand its clean energy portfolio, fast breeder reactors will play a crucial role in delivering reliable, low-carbon, base-load power with higher thermal efficiency. The attainment of first criticality represents not only a technological milestone but also a major step towards a sustainable and self-reliant energy future for Viksit Bharat. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The Central government has raised financial limits under the General Financial Rules (GFRs) for procurement of scientific equipment and consumables. The simplification of GFRs will reduce delays and enhance autonomy and flexibility for the research organisations. Under the new rules, the Finance Ministry said that Vice Chancelors, Dierectors and academic institutions under specified departments and ministries will be able to make non-Government e-Marketplace (GeM) procurement of scientific equipment and consumables. As per the notification of the Finance Min ...Read More >
BALASORE: In a heart-wrenching incident, a man was forced to carry his 17-year-old daughter's body on a trolley rickshaw for around 7 km to a community health centre in Balasore's Baliapal for postmortem after reportedly failing to afford an ambulance. Asha Bindhani, a minor girl suffering from mental illness, reportedly died by suicide on Thursday afternoon in Deula village under Baliapal police limits. After spotting her, locals informed her father Madhu Bindhani and the police. Madhu, a daily wage labourer, rushed to the spot and found his daughter dead. Shortly after, police arrived and ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: YSRCP MP P V Midhun Reddy was arrested by Andhra SIT late on Saturday after nearly seven hours of questioning in the alleged Rs 3,200 crore liquor scam. The arrest comes after the anticipatory bail petitions of Mithun Reddy were rejected by AP high court and Supreme Court, reports Madhu Rasala.He is the second politician to be arrested in the alleged scam that took place during the previous YSRCP rule. With the latest arrest, the number of accused arrested so far has increased to 12.E ...Read More >
Himachal Pradesh faced nature's fury. Bridges collapsed in Shimla, Lahaul, and Spiti. Cloudbursts and flash floods caused widespread damage. Over 300 roads closed, disrupting travel. A police post swept away, shops damaged. No casualties reported yet. Orange alert issued for more heavy rain. The state has suffered significant financial losses this monsoon. Many people have died in rain-related incidents. Several bridges were washed away in Shimla and Lahaul and Spiti districts, while over 300 roads, including two national highways, have been closed across Himachal Pradesh following fresh inci ...Read More >
Visakhapatnam: BJP national president JP Nadda on Sunday said that the saffron party has become the world's largest political party with 14 crore members, out of which two crore are active. The party has 240 Lok Sabha members, around 1,500 MLAs and more than 170 MLCs across the country, he said. Addressing a party rally here, Nadda termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA regime as "responsible and responsive". "We are the largest political party in the world with 14 crore members. In India, we have the NDA governments in 20 states and the BJP governments in 13 states. We are the largest ...Read More >
Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 16 (ANI): YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of "utter neglect and indifference" towards farmers amid falling crop prices in the state. In a series of posts on social media platform X, YS Jagan said, "Chandrababu Naidu has set unmatched records in pushing farmers into distress through the collapse of crop prices. In Kurnool, onions are being sold at just Rs. 3 per kg, and tomatoes at Rs. 1.50 per kg. Are these prices even imaginable? Should farmers not be allowed to ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): The Central government has raised financial limits under the General Financial Rules (GFRs) for procurement of scientific equipment and consumables. The simplification of GFRs will reduce delays and enhance autonomy and flexibility for the research organisations. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Visit Odisha on June 20 To Attend BJP Govt's First Anniversary Function, Says State Minister Suresh Pujari. Under the new rules, the Finance Ministry said that Vice Chancelors, Dierectors and academic institutions under specified departments and ministries will be abl ...Read More >
MUMBAI: ICICI Bank has rolled back its rule requiring new savings accounts opened after Aug 1 to maintain a monthly average balance (MAB) of Rs 50,000 and has revised the threshold to Rs 15,000. The move follows a social media backlash against the higher balance requirement, which was criticised for making banking exclusive.The bank said it has revised its schedule of charges and MAB requirements following customer feedback. The changes do not apply to salary accounts, senior citizens above 60 years, basic accounts/PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts, or those opened before July 31, 2025.Meanwhile, HD ...Read More >
JP Nadda stated that BJP is now the world's largest political party. It boasts 14 crore members. Nadda addressed a party rally in Visakhapatnam. He praised PM Modi's NDA regime. Nadda highlighted the government's performance and accountability. He contrasted it with previous governments. He mentioned the abrogation of Article 370. He also spoke about the construction of Ram Mandir. BJP national president JP Nadda on Sunday said that the saffron party has become the world's largest political part ...Read More >
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, a 2,800 MW nuclear plant developed by NPCIL-NTPC, with an investment of Rs 42,000 crore. This project, along with other energy initiatives exceeding Rs 51,000 crore, aims to supply reliable power, create employment, and boost economic growth in Rajasthan. The 2,800 MW Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, developed by a NPCIL-NTPC joint venture at an investment of around Rs 42,000 crore in Rajastha ...Read More >
Allu Arjun is one of the biggest names in the Telugu film industry. The mass hero enjoys a massive fan following because of his charismatic screen presence and engaging performances. He is currently in the limelight because of Pushpa 2, which hit the screens on December 5 and opened to an earth-shattering response at the box office. Amid this, a photo of Bunny from a wedding has become the talk of the town. Allu Arjun, the star of films such as DJ and Pushpa, recently attended a wedding in Hyder ...Read More >
Shimla: Heavy rains lashed Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, triggering landslides and flash floods and blocking more than 100 roads, even as the weather department issued a red alert.A landslide at Chakki Mod near Parwanoo blocked the Chandigarh-Shimla highway for hours, resulting in a massive traffic jam Sunday morning. The local administration had to divert traffic through the Jangeshu link road until the landslide debris was cleared at Chakki Mod.The traffic was first restored one-way and later two-way, but the traffic jam continued on both sides of the highway throughout the day due to slow veh ...Read More >
Tata Power is transitioning from a pure-play solar and wind company to become a force in the hybrid renewable energy market and is also ready to take part in nuclear power development in future, Chairman N Chandrasekaran said on Friday. He was addressing shareholders at the company's 106th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Sharing the future plans of the company, Chandrasekaran said, "The company is transitioning from being a pure-play solar and wind company to being a force in the hybrid renewable ...Read More >
Medak: Telangana State BJP President N. Ramchander Rao on Friday appealed to the people to give the committed party an opportunity to meet the aspirations of the poor and downtrodden. Addressing a large gathering of party workers in Medak, the BJP chief remarked that citizens have experienced the rule of the BRS and the Congress party and have had bitter experiences with the deceitful practices of both. He urged people to support the BJP wholeheartedly in the upcoming local body elections as a way to teach the ruling Congress party a lesson for its unfulfilled promises. Rao emphasized that t ...Read More >
India will be able to address the apprehensions of the private sector globally about investments in the civil nuclear sector, which was opened up to achieve the ambitious target of producing 100 GW of atomic power by 2047, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has asserted. Mr. Singh, who oversees the Department of Atomic Energy, said changes in relevant rules and legislations will have to be made to facilitate the entry of the private sector in the field of nuclear energy, which currently is under tigh ...Read More >
Imphal, June 29 (UNI) A series of successful operations carried out by Manipur Police and security forces during the last 24 hours led to the arrest of several individuals involved in vehicle theft, insurgent activity, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Police arrested a vehicle lifter identified as Syed Riyaj from his residence at Lilong Chaobok in Thoubal District. The arrest was made under Lilong Police Station. Authorities seized a blue two wheeler without registration number, along with a key and an Aadhaar card believed to be linked to the suspect. In a s ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu on Monday urged Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to reduce the GST on mango pulp from 12% to 5%, while seeking enhanced central support for the State's agriculture sector. Speaking after the meeting in New Delhi, Atchannaidu alleged that farmers suffered under the YSRCP regime due to poor policy decisions and a failure to utilise Central schemes. "The sector was paralysed under Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule," he said, accusing the previous government of completely ignoring farmers' needs. The Agriculture minister said that 64% of the ...Read More >
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Aug 26 (PTI) Refuting the allegations made by the YSRCP on land allocation to Oberoi Hotels here, TDP national spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagari on Tuesday said it was the previous regime which allotted land to the Hotels chain in 2021. Dismissing the charges made by senior YSRCP leader B Karunakar Reddy that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu "conspired" to hand over valuable TTD property to Oberoi Hotels, the TDP leader alleged that former CM Jagan Mohan Reddy is creating a "false narrative" to chase away investors from the state. According to Tirunagari, the YSRC ...Read More >
Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 16 (ANI): YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of "utter neglect and indifference" towards farmers amid falling crop prices in the state. In a series of posts on social media platform X, YS Jagan said, "Chandrababu Naidu has set unmatched records in pushing farmers into distress through the collapse of crop prices. In Kurnool, onions are being sold at just Rs. 3 per kg, and tomatoes at Rs. 1.50 per kg. Are these prices even imaginable? Should farmers not be allowed to ...Read More >
Over the course of the day, PM Modi logged nearly 4.5 hours of air travel, including 2 hours of chopper rides, to connect with people and projects across multiple states Prime Minister Narendra Modi's day on September 25th was marked by a hectic schedule and diverse engagements, reflecting both his pace of work and his outreach across multiple sectors, despite being on a 9-day fast during Navratri. Over the course of the day, PM Modi logged nearly 4.5 hours of air travel, including 2 hours of c ...Read More >
GUNTUR: In a major relief to thousands of small-scale contractors in Andhra Pradesh, the Central government has released Rs 180 crore to clear long-pending bills under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA). The payments relate to works executed between 2014 and 2019, which had remained unpaid during the previous YSRCP regime. Announcing the release on Thursday, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar said, "This is long-overdue justice. The previous government blocked payments, falsely claiming the works never occurred. But tru ...Read More >
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh police on Saturday arrested YSRCP Lok Sabha member PV Midhun Reddy in the alleged Rs 3,200-crore liquor scam during the previous YSRCP regime. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged liquor scam grilled Midhun Reddy for several hours today and followed it up with his arrest at around 7.30 pm in Vijayawada. "Yes (he has been arrested). The process (to produce him before a court) is going on," Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha told PTI over the phone. Midhun Reddy represents Rajampet constituency in Andhra Pradesh and is expected to be produced in a l ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 19 (ANI): A contingent of 23 athletes supported by Reliance Foundation look to compete at the World University Games across six cities in Germany, with events running until July 27. Representing athletics, archery, and judo, these young talents aim to improve international rankings, achieve personal bests, and bring home laurels. The athletics team forms the backbone of the foundation campaign, with 18 athletes competing in sprints, jumps, throws, hurdles, relay, long jump, decathlon, among other events, beginning July 21, a release said. James Hillier, Di ...Read More >
Vijayawada, July 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the multi-crore liquor scam during YSR Congress Party rule in Andhra Pradesh has summoned former excise minister K. Narayana Swamy. He has been issued notice under section 179 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), directing him to appear before SIT at its office here at 10 a.m. on Monday (July 21). The SIT conveyed to the former minister that since he appears to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case, his presence in person is very much necessary for the investigation and ascertaining certain in ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: India's new approach to treat any act of terror as an act of war has added a new dimension to the Navy's operational outlook after the conduct of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said Friday."We must be prepared for this new normal," the Navy chief said at an investiture ceremony here. Over 35 Indian warships and submarines led by aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, with its MiG-29K fighters, were forward deployed in a dissuasive deterrent posture against Pakistan in the northern Arabian Sea last month."Our ships, submarines and aircraft were operationally rea ...Read More >
BENGALURU: BBMP marshals deployed at lake security and supervision wing, ward monitoring and Indira Canteens are working without salaries since March. The situation has arisen after Bangalore Solid Waste Management Limited was carved out of BBMP for garbage management. Their salaries are usually given through the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Society and each marshal is paid Rs 17,500 monthly. "Supervisors say the delay is due to a set of procedures. Earlier, the amount was given to the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Society towards payments from BBMP. Now the files have to be cleared from BWSML to ward mars ...Read More >
Tirupati/Chittoor: After chilli and tobacco farmers, mango growers are now in focus as YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy looks to raise the political heat in the state. A bumper mango yield this year has brought little joy to farmers, who are struggling with falling prices. Despite the state government's swift action, announcing subsidies and deploying officials to assist distressed farmers, the issue has turned political. Looking to capitalise on the unrest, Jagan will visit Bangarupalem market yard on July 9 to console mango farmers. In fact, the government claims that Andhra Pradesh's pr ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 11 (ANI): Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday targeted the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), asking whether the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led party will have the courage to support the opposition's motion seeking the removal of the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. "Will Jagan party have the courage to support the opposition's motion on the Rajya Sabha Chairman issue, or will he stay loyal to Modi and Shah while making empty statements?" Manickam Tagore said in a post on X. Also Read | Myntra Refund Scam: How Fraudsters ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 18 (PTI) A three-storey chawl collapsed in the western suburb of Bandra here in the early hours of Friday, with at least 10 people feared trapped in the debris, civic officials said. As many as seven people have been rescued from the debris so far and admitted to the civic-run Bhabha Hospital, they said. According to preliminary information, chawl number 37 in the Bharat Nagar area of Bandra East collapsed around 5.56 am. Eight fire engines are at the spot along with teams from the Mumbai police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's local ward machinery, an official from ...Read More >
NEW DELHI - As India and Singapore explore newer areas of cooperation such as nuclear energy and green initiatives, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the two Asian partners needed to collaborate even more, given the increasingly "volatile landscape" globally. DPM Gan, who was on an official trip to India earlier this week, visited the financial capital Mumbai on Aug 12 to look at Singapore projects. He then led the Singapore delegation at the third edition of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) in the capital city New Delhi on Aug 13. The ISMR, which held its first meet ...Read More >