tirupati l friday l october 24, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l late city EDITION Digital payments made up 99.7% transactions by volume in 2024 Digital payments accounted for 99.7% of total transactions by volume and 97.5% by value in 2024, the RBI said in a report on Thursday Trend continues in first half of 2025 UPI accounts for 85% of transactions There were 20,849 crore digital transactions in 2024, up from 3,248 crore in 2019, the RBI said in its half-yearly Payment System Report. In terms of value, `2,830 lakh crore was transacted through digital payment systems in 2024, up from `1,775 lakh crore in 2019. The transaction volume for the first half of 2025 stood at 12,549 crore, amounting to `1,572 lakh crore ■ ■ In terms of volume, UPI accounted for the largest share at 85% during the first half of 2025. Digital payments include NEFT, IMPS, RTGS, NACH, debit and credit cards, prepaid instruments and UPI Payments using debit cards have declined since 2019. In contrast, the value of credit card transactions have surged nearly 200% `143.3 lakh cr the value of all UPI transactions made in the first half of 2025 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 AI faces 250 seat faults each month S L a l i t h a @ New Delhi AN average of 250 passenger seats on Air India flights develop faults every month, posing persistent challenge for the Tata group as it works to modernise the ageing fleet it acquired from the government in January 2022. According to airline insiders, the main hurdle lies in the non-availability of spare parts for older aircraft, many of which are 15-20 years old. In several cases, even the original manufacturers of seat components have shut down. “Seat maintenance was never a priority earlier,” said a senior Air India source. “A seat includes not just the cushion but also trays, in-flight entertainment screens, and fittings. Sometimes, passengers themselves cause damage during travel, and immediate repairs aren’t possible if the aircraft is due for a quick turnaround.” While travellers have long voiced concerns over poor cabin conditions, a recent social media outcry by a business class passenger Retrofitting work on Air India sources say complaints about broken and malfunctioning seats will stop once the retrofit project is complete. Till then, however, passengers may have to live with uncomfortable seats brought renewed scrutiny The . passenger, flying AI 187 from Delhi to Toronto laimed he was asked to sign a consent form acknowledging his seat’s broken tray before boarding. Air India sources admitted such incidents are “not isolated”, add- ing multiple solutions are offered to affected passengers. “At check-in, travellers are informed about seat issues and asked if they wish to continue with that seat. If not, they can opt for the next available flight,” the source explained. The airline, however, insists that a large-scale retrofit and modernisation plan is already in motion. All 26 A320 aircraft have been upgraded, featuring new seats and interiors. The first Boeing 787 is currently being retrofitted in the US. Once completed, work will begin on the Boeing 777 fleet. Tejashwi is INDIA bloc’s CM face, Sahani deputy Announcement after Gehlot-Lalu meet; no word yet on seat-sharing RA M ASHA N K AR @ Patna Focus on rain loss mitigation: CM to officials E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Vijayawada Andhra Pradesh continues to receive widespread moderate to heavy rainfall. A low-pressure area over south interior Karnataka, and a developing system in the Bay of Bengal have triggered intense downpours across the State. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) have issued alerts for gusty winds (30–50 kmph), thunderstorms, and potential flooding in several districts. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, currently on an official visit to the UAE, held an emergency video conference with ministers, the Chief Secretary, district collectors, and senior officials to assess the situation in the worst-hit Nellore, Prakasam, Kadapa, Tirupati and Annamayya districts. Stressing the need for swift and coordinated action, he announced the immediate release of `2 crore each for Nellore, Chittoor and Prakasam districts, and `1 crore each for other affected regions. He directed officials to ensure there is no loss of life or property P4 . Prasant Madugula After weeks of hectic parleys, the opposition INDIA bloc on Thursday declared Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav its chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar elections. Cong ress leader Ashok Gehlot announced the decision at a press meet in Patna, a day after he and party’s state incharge Krishna Allavaru met RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi to end the stalemate over seat-sharing and ‘friendly fight’ in a few seats. However, in the press meet, there was no announcement of any seat-sharing deal. Gehlot, who has been camping in Patna since Wednesday, said Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani will be the alliance’s deputy CM face. He said more deputy CMs would be appointed if INDIA bloc comes to power. Tejashwi, Sahani, CPI-ML (Liberation)’s Dipankar Bhattacharya, and state Congress president Rajesh Ram addressed the press meet along with Gehlot. “Tejashwi is a young and dynamic leader. We are also declaring Mukesh Sahani, an EBC lead- Vikassheel Insan Party chief Mukesh Sahani, CPI-ML leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav during a press conference in Patna on Thursday | PTI People won’t forget ‘jungle raj’ for 100 yrs: Modi Referring to the RJD rule in the past as ‘jungle raj’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people won’t forget it for another 100 years. Modi said the opposition alliance is not a ‘gathbandhan’ but a ‘lathbandhan’ (coalition of criminals) as its leaders are out on bail er, who has struggled to rise to this position, as the deputy CM face. Sahani is a messiah of his (Mallah) community After we . win the elections, some people from other sections of society could also be made deputy CMs,” Gehlot said. Tejashwi thanked his father Lalu, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge for reposing faith in him. “I alone will not become CM but everyone from Bihar will become Change Makers (CMs),” he remarked. He claimed if a government is formed un- der his leadership, he would do all the development works the NDA could not do in 20 years, in just 20 months. Taking a dig at the NDA for not announcing its CM face, Tejashwi said, “Why did the NDA not declare Nitish the CM face? We have been saying that the BJP will not make Nitish the CM. Ami Shah has also clearly said it the elected MLAs will take a decision on this… You (the BJP) have always declared a CM face. Why not this time?” Gehlot also targeted Shah, saying: “Your contention that Nitish will lead the NDA in the P8 polls has no meaning.”  express read DLDO offices to Aus tie-ups for AP’s Rape case accused come up in State growth on anvil jumps to death Vijayawada: Deputy Chief Minister (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to ensure that the results of the government’s Panchayat reforms reach the people effectively. Divisional Level Development Officer (DLDO) offices will start functioning across the State from November 1, he said | P4 Vijayawada: On the fifth day of his visit to Australia on Thursday, Minister for HRD and IT Nara Lokesh secured significant commitments across multiple sectors critical to development of Andhra Pradesh. The day was marked by meetings with academic leaders at University of Melbourne and University of Tasmania (UTAS) | P4 Kakinada: Tatika Narayana Rao, 62, accused of raping a 13-yearold Class 8 student at Jagannadhagiri Social Welfare Residential School in Tuni, committed suicide on Wednesday night, police said. Police had registered a POCSO case, and arrested him on Wednesday evening near underpass of Tuni Railway Station | P3 How it works 1 2 First, calcium carbide goes into the hole Next, water added, produces acyteline gas ‘Cannon’ Bore Cannon Drum Igniter 3 Igniter burns gas, creates a big bang ‘Carbide gun’ partially blinds at least 14 in MP Anu r a a g S i n g h @ Bhopal A ‘desi firecracker gun’ landed as many as 122 Deepawali revelers in hospitals across Madhya Pradesh, at least 14 of whom have partially lost their eyesight. Better known as a ‘carbide gun’, the contraption got humongous traction on social media and became a must have ‘equipment’ for children and teenagers looking for a big bang. Priced at `150–200, they were sold as toys despite the possibility of misfire. By the time the state government banned it on October 18, they had already entered many homes. Vidisha, which neighbours Bhopal, is the worst-hit among all districts. The Vidisha district police have arrested six persons for the illegal sale of the guns. “I can’t see anything since the carbide gun we bought on Deepawali exploded. One of my eyes has burnt completely,” recounted 17year-old Neha, who is currently recuperating at the state government’s Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. Of the 122 patients, 26 are under treatment at Hamidia Hospital. Some teenagers attempted to make them at home using plastic or tin pipes, filling them with gunpowder, matchstick heads and calcium carbide. One such teen Raj Vishwakarma said, “I attempted to make it at home. That was when it went off on my face, resulting in loss of sight in one of the eyes.” Retina to danger Its explosion results in emission of metal fragments and carbide vapour, both dangerous to the retina Patients have ruptured their pupils, in many cases leading to permanent blindness — Dr Manish Sharma, Bhopal district chief medical and health officer Modi speaks to Malaysian PM, to virtually address meet J aya n t h J a c o b @ New Delhi India and Malaysia announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the ASEAN-India summit on October 26 virtually after a telephonic conversation between the two leaders. “I had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of the upcoming Summits. Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually and to further deepening the ASEANIndia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Modi said on X. Ibrahim said he respected Modi’s decision and extended Deepavali greetings to him and the people of India and added that Malaysia remained committed to advancing bilateral and ASEAN-India cooperation for a “more peaceful and prosperous region”. While the Indian statement did not cite reasons for Modi’s decision to skip the regional gathering, it is learnt that the upcoming Bihar assembly elections and the absence of immediate breakthroughs in trade talks with the US were among the factors influencing the move. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Malaysia for the summit on October 26. This newspaper had reported that Modi is unlikely to attend the summit and will address the event virtually . Investment opportunities aplenty in AP petrochemical & oil sectors: CM E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Vijayawada On the second day of his visit to the UAE, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met ADNOC global trading representative Ahmad Bin Thalith at Al Maryah Island of Abu Dhabi, and explained to him about the available investment opportunities in petrochemical, oil, LNG, gas processing, port logistics and green energy sectors in Andhra Pradesh. The surrounding places of Krishnapatnam, Machilipatnam, Ramayapatnam and Kakinada ports are more suitable for investments in petroleum products. Both the parties decided to prepare a roadmap for technical cooperation between ADNOC and AP he said. , Later, Naidu met Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, G42 International CEO Mansoor Al Mansoori, and high- Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu during a meeting with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi on Thursday | Express lighted the ease of doing business and speed of doing business in Andhra Pradesh. The services of quantum computers will be available in Amaravati from January 2026, he said, and invited them to the CII Partnership Summit to be held in Visakhapatnam on November 14 and 15. Participating in a luncheon meeting with industrialists in Abu Dhabi, Naidu explained his aim to make Andhra Pradesh a technology destina- tion. He also highlighted the investment opportunities in data centres, artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, health tech, cloud computing and digital governance in Andhra Pradesh. The innovation eco system will be further strengthened in Andhra Pradesh with the help of Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, he said, proposing a working group for coordination between technology companies in the UAE and Andhra Pradesh.  P4 agonising wait Centre, State intensify efforts to rescue 8 fishermen from detention in Bangladesh U s h a Pe r i @ Visakhapatnam The distressed family members of eight Vizianagaraam fishermen | Express Families of eight fishermen from Vizianagaram district, who were detained by Bangladesh authorities, are anxiously awaiting their safe return. The detained fishermen have been identified as Marupilli Chinna Appanna, M Ramesh, S u r a d a Ap p a l a ko n d a , M Praveen, S Ramu, M Chinna, N Ramana and V Seethaiah. The fishermen were aboard a mechanised fishing vessel (IND-AP-V5-MM-735), owned by Vaddadi Satyanarayana of Relli Veedhi, Visakhapatnam. The fishermen, who set out from Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on October 13, were intercepted by the Bangladesh Navy on October 22. Speaking to TNIE at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour on Thursday, Appalakonda’s wife shared her distress. “I want my husband and everyone else on the boat to come back safely. This is the first time that he went fishing in distant waters. My mother-in-law, and I only have him, and I am pregnant with our first child. I request the government to help us bring all of them back safely she said. ,” The families have appealed to both the State and Central governments to take urgent action. “We request the authorities to ensure our fishermen return safely. We hope they are not subjected to any harm as they are the main support of our families,” said the family members of the detained fishermen. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who is currently in Delhi, has been actively monitoring the situation. I want my husband & everyone else on the boat to come back safely. My mother-in-law, and I only have him, and I am pregnant with our first child. I urge the government to help us bring all of them back Appalakonda’s wife He has held discussions with Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar, and instructed officials to take all possible measures to ensure the fishermen’s safe return. Ram Mohan Naidu also confirmed that communication with the Bangladesh Embassy, and the Coast Guard is ongoing, with continuous monitoring of the case. Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh Government has accelerated its efforts to secure the fishermen’s release.  P4