tadepalligudem l tuesday l september 08, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l city EDITION LPG refill booking gap cut to 25 days for domestic consumers The Centre has directed oil marketing companies to revise inter-refill booking interval for domestic LPG consumers in rural areas to 25 days Move follows dip in refill backlog U.S. now largest supplier of lpg imports The earlier interval for refill booking for rural consumers was 45 days. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said on Monday that the decision follows an improvement in LPG supply situation and a reduction in refill backlog. He shared a copy of the letter issued by Petroleum Ministry to OMCs to immediately implement the decision ■ ■ Owing to the West Asia situation, LPG was the worst-hit fuel as India imports nearly 60% of its domestic requirement, with around 90% of those imports sourced from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait Recently, India significantly diversified its LPG imports, with the United States emerging as the country’s largest supplier 63,810 tonnes a day is india’s daily lpg production CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Defence ministry Avoid Social Media war: NDA panel to TDP, JSP clears purchases worth `1.1 lakh cr E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Vijayawada Forces to get advanced choppers, radars; Su-30MKI fighter jets to get major upgrades J AVARIA RA N A @ New Delhi THE defence ministry on Monday cleared military hardware purchases worth `1.1 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Approximately 98% of the procurement by value will come from Indian industry . The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), or inprinciple administrative approvals, for the defence acquisitions. For the Air Force, the DAC cleared “various proposals to enhance the war-fighting capability of fighters, transports and helicopters”. Sources said these include the overhaul of 40 Su-30MKIs by Hindustan Aeronautics, twice the number the PSU had earlier proposed. IAF operates around 260 Su-30MKIs, its mainstay fighter fleet. The DAC had earlier cleared the overhaul of Su-30 aero-engine aggregates. The approval seeks to address a gap in the IAF’s long-range beyond-visual-range capability with Operation Sindoor underscoring the , requirement. The overhaul covers modifications to allow the Sukhois to fire the RVV-BD, the export version of Russia’s R-37M missile. Weighing 510 kg and carrying a 60-kg warhead, the missile has a range of 200 km and is designed to engage AWACS aircraft, aerial refuellers and other high-value airborne assets. For the Navy, the DAC cleared the design, development and subsequent procurement of a marine gas turbine in the 24-28 MW class, with the ministry saying the propulsion system “will reduce dependency on foreign vendors”. India currently imports turbines for several frontline destroyers and frigates. The Navy will also get Arudhra radars, which “will replace the existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various Naval Air Stations”. Developed by the DRDO, Arudhra is a four-dimensional active phased-array radar with an instrumented range of 400 km whichis able to detect a two-square-metre target at up to 300 km. The Army stands to get more HAL-built advanced light helicopters, or Dhruv, to “execute complex missions across all terrains and operational situations”. A `8,073 crore deal for 34 ALH Mk-III was signed with HAL in March 2024. DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity to various acquisition proposals at an estimated cost of `1,10,000 cr Defence ministry CBRN recce vehicles The Army is set to get Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear recce vehicles, high mobility vehicles, self-propelled mechanical mine layers, advanced light helicopters, and trawl tanks Acceptance of Necessity AoN is the first step in defence acquisition. The process involves tech evaluation, trials as well as negotiations. Big acquisitions will require more govt approvals The NDA Social Media Coordination Committee has appealed to TDP social media activists and Jana Sena workers to refrain from making abusive, insulting or provocative comments against leaders and supporters of either party. It stressed the need to protect the unity of the ruling alliance ahead of the local body elections. In an appeal to TDP social media warriors and Janasainiks, the committee said some people were using the names of Jana Sena activists to make objectionable remarks against Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Vijayawada: CM Naidu asked TDP leaders and cadre to intensify grassroots work and secure a decisive win in the local body elections. He stressed unity among alliance partners and countering alleged misinformation campaign by YSRCP | P4 Naidu, Education Minister Nara Lokesh, their family members and TDP sympathisers. Similarly, some individuals were allegedly using the TDP’s name to target Jana Sena leaders and activists. CM Chandrababu Naidu at the TDP Leadership Conclave on Monday | Express The committee cautioned activists of both parties against posting social media content on the YSR Congress Party’s alleged ‘fake propaganda’ relating to the Mega DSC, government policies and administrative issues in a man- Moving From co-operation to co-creation US market open for Indian space startups, says Sergio Gor PA D MI N I D H R U VARA J & B O S K Y K H A N N A @ Bengaluru US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Monday said that the American market is open for Indian space startups as the two countries move towards ‘co-creation’ from ‘cooperation’ and data-sharing. Stressing that NASA and ISRO will work together on the Moon Base Programme, he said: “Make no mistake: we are going back to the Moon, and we want India by our side.” Gor said the US-India space relationship is moving towards joint technology development, investment in startups and future space missions. “We are no longer just sharing data; we are co-designing instruments, co-funding startups, and co-authoring the future of human discovery he ,” said, referring to discussions between the two countries on expanding their civil space partnership. Pixxel raises $100 mn Bengaluru-based planetaryinfrastructure company Pixxel on Monday announced the close of its $100-million Series C funding round, marking the single-largest funding round organised by a spacetechnology company in India. The round brings Pixxel’s total funding to $195 million “The American market is open to you. Our investors are watching. Our ecosystems welcome you. We are here to help you make that leap,” he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Bengaluru Space Expo. India’s space sector reforms have ignited a commercial awakening. Innovators like Pixxel and GalaxEye are redefin- ing Earth observation. Digantara is leading the way in space situational awareness. Bellatrix is propelling space forward. Pioneers like Skyroot and Agnikul are building next-generation launch capabilities, he said. He said the US wants to build a direct commercial corridor between American industry and Indian innovators. “The US and India are working together on multiple sectors and at unthinkable working levels.” Gor’s remarks come as India seeks to expand the role of private firms in its space programme. The government opened the sector to greater private participation in 2020, and companies have since increasingly entered rocket manufacturing, satellite development and spaceb a s e d services. ner that could damage the government’s image. The letter said some activists were posting content out of personal anger and emotion while ignoring party directives. Such posts could send wrong signals to the public El Niño deepens AP’s rain and heat woes Vijayawada: AP’s monsoon crisis deepens as El Niño strengthens, with the State recording a 46% rainfall deficit. Twenty-three districts face deficient rain, while heat spikes add to water worries. As September is forecast to be hot, reservoirs and drinking-water supplies face stress | P3 I f r a h Mu f t i & U d aya n K i s ho r e @ New Delhi in a first National film awards in gujarat Candle light vigil People light candles and pray during a day of mourning for those killed in the August 26 floods in Kathmandu, Nepal on Monday. The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal surged to 1,356 on Monday as more bodies were recovered from the affected areas. At least 4,994 people remain missing | AP/PTI A day after seven persons were killed when a multi-storey paying guest accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan, its alleged owner Hariram Gupta was arrested in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, on Monday. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court ordered a one-week audit of PGs and hostels across the city . Gupta, the 81-year-old retired Indian Air Force Sergeant, was apprehended by Delhi Police teams following a case registered against him for culpable homicide and negligence in maintaining the structure and endangering the safety of others. A lookout notice had also been issued against Gupta. PG-owner Hariram Gupta (left) with his son after their arrest on Monday | X Gupta, a long-time resident of Gurugram, allegedly owns several properties and a hardware shop. Police said the collapsed property was registered in the name of his 75-year-old wife, Ur mila Gupta, while E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Amalapuram The Andhra Pradesh State Aqua Farmers’ Association has warned that aqua farmers across the State will observe a crop holiday if the government fails to resolve their long-standing problems by September 30. The association announced the decision at a meeting held in Amalapuram of Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district on Monday . The State Aqua Farmers’ Association and the Konaseema Aqua Farmers’ Association jointly organised the meeting, titled ‘Aqua farmers’ struggle for livelihood’, which was attended by farmers from several districts. Before the meeting, the farmers took out a rally from Peruru Y-Junction to the Kshatriya Marriage Function Hall. Association State chairman G Gandhi Bhagavan Raju, who presided over the meeting, said farmers were being pushed into a severe financial crisis Gupta and their 52-year-old son, Mahesh Gupta, were managing and running the premises. Gupta reportedly had electricity connections for two floors of the building in his name, police said. Police also arrested his son and his wife. Police are now searching for the PG operators and the labour contractor. Their roles in the construction and operation of the premises will be examined and action taken accordingly . Meanwhile, the MCD suspended five officials of its South Zone, including Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar and four building department officials, with immediate effect, with disciplinary proceedings pending against them. SC judge shoots off 4th letter to CJI against Rajasthan HC’s Justice Sharma S U C H ITRA K ALYA N M O H A N TY @ New Delhi THE internal war in higher judiciary has intensified with Supreme Court’s Justice Sandeep Mehta writing his fourth consecutive letter to Chief Justice Surya Kant against Rajasthan High Court’s acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, levelling fresh charges of interfering in an internal judicial enquiry and misconducts. Quoting CJI Surya Kant’s earlier remark that judges should not try to “hit sixes” before retirement, Justice Mehta in his fourth letter on August 30 wrote in a reference, “Justice Sharma seems to be possessed of a licence to hit sixes ever since he took over as Acting Chief Justice.” According to sources in the Supreme Court registry, the said internal judicial enquiry relates to allegations that a Judicial corruption at HC In his fourth letter dated August 30, Justice Mehta said he has “material” against Justice Sharma regarding arbitrary rule changes, judicial interference and corruption and administrative breakdown at Rajasthan HC High Court judicial officer displayed indecent photographs of a lady judicial officer on his phone. A committee was formed, but Justice Sharma allegedly interfered and leaked confidential proceedings. “Justice Sharma has made direct intervention in the enquiry proceedings, hampering the independence of the c o m m i t t e e. . . ” Justice Mehta wrote. He alleged Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma that the committee, comprising three female judges of the Rajasthan High Court, recorded the minutes and refused to proceed with the enquiry . Justice Mehta had earlier also written similar letters on August 2, 10 and 17 accusing Justice Shar ma Justice Sandeep Mehta and provide political advantage to the YSRCP it said. , The committee called upon TDP and Jana Sena activists to avoid daily exchanges of criticism and abuse and instead focus on taking the government’s welfare and development programmes to the people. “At present, we are a united alliance and have to work together for the upcoming local body elections,” the letter said, stressing that the focus should be on the common political opponent, the YSRCP rather than , on fighting among alliance partners. The committee also referred to instances involving remarks against NTR by some Janasainiks and retaliatory comments against Chiranjeevi P4 by some TDP workers.  Aqua ryots threaten crop holiday over rising costs Owner of deadly Delhi hostel held from Rajasthan; 5 officials suspended E x p r e s s Re a d For the first time in its 72year history, the National Film Awards ceremony will be held outside New Delhi, in Kevadia in Gujarat on September 22 | P 7 ‘Strive for decisive win in local polls’ of serious misconduct and of “maladministration, malpractices, nepotism and favouritism.” Justice Sharma, however, termed the allegations as baseless and proceeded on leave. Justice Mehta said he received several complaints on Sharma’s integrity . On August 31, the Supreme Court collegium had recommended Justice Sanjay K Agrawal as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. due to the steep rise in shrimp feed prices, medicines and other operational costs. He said the association had resolved to observe a crop holiday from April to June if the government failed to address their concerns. The decision was taken in view of the rising cost of feed and other inputs, coupled with a sharp fall in shrimp prices, he said. The association demanded that the Centre announce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for shrimp to protect farmers from volatile market prices. Bhagavan Raju said farmers were suffering heavy losses due to declining shrimp prices and the supply of poor-quality seed. He urged the government to intervene immediately to bring down cultivation costs and direct aqua feed companies to reduce their prices. The association also sought the early filling of vacancies for Vice-Chancellor, Dean and other posts at Andhra Pradesh State Fisheries University  P4 . Vizag teenager races towards F 1 dream N ee l i m a E at y @ Visakhapatnam Sixteen-year-old Visakhapatnam racer Bhuvan Bonu is competing in the 2026 Indian Formula 4 Championship with Hyderabad Blackbirds, taking a step closer to his goal of making it to Formula 1. One of the youngest racers from the Telugu states, Bhuvan has already made his mark in national-level single-seater racing. He enters F4 after securing multiple podium finishes in the JK Tyre and MRF championships, including a victory in the Formula LGB 1300 class. He won both MRF Formula 1600 races in the opening round of the MRF Indian National Racing Challenge at the Madras International Circuit in August. For Bhuvan’s mother, Radhika Bonu, his entry into racing began as just an interest. When he was nine, Bhuvan went to a friend’s birthday party in Dallas, where he took part in a fun karting race at K1 Speed in RiP4 chardson, Texas.