tirupati l monday l december 15, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l anantapur EDITION Global airlines body warns of rising GPS interference Rising incidents of flights experiencing GPS spoofing and jamming is a safety concern, warns International Air Transport Association (IATA) pilots need to be more vigilant: IATA chief IATA Director General Willie Walsh said incidents of GPS spoofing and jamming require pilots to be more vigilant in terms of operation, because the increase has been very significant. Data from IATA showed the GPS loss rate measured as the number of GPS loss events per 1,000 flights is estimated to be at 59 in 2025 compared to 31 in 2022 navigation system with false signals, potentially causing it to be misrouted and come dangerously close to other aircraft ■ There has been a rise in instances of GPS spoofing and interference at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai airports 1,951 rise in cases at major Indian airports ■ GPS spoofing and jamming involves manipulating an aircraft’s cases of GPS interference reported in India since November 2023 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 12 killed, 29 injured as two gunmen Nitin Nabin named SOPs issued open fire at Jewish event in Sydney BJP’s new national for counting Hundi offerings Temple thefts Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese terms it an act of antisemitism and terrorism A G E NCI E S High alert in India AT least 12 people were shot dead and 29 others, including two police officers, were injured as two gunmen opened fire at a crowd during a Jewish festival in Sydney Australia on , Sunday evening. One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was in a critical condition, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters. He added that police were looking into whether a third gunman was involved in the shooting. Police said the incident happened when over 1,000 people gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach for a Menorah lighting, which marks the beginning of the Jewish festival Hanukkah. As gunfire erupted, crowds fled from the beach. Video footage showed two gunmen with long guns firing from a footbridge leading to the beach. One clip broadcast on Australian television showed a civilian tackle one gunman by snatching his rifle. Police said investigators were examining a number of suspicious items recovered from the premises, including several improvised explosive devices found in one of the suspect’s cars. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack an act of antisemitism and terrorism. “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith,” he said. Prime Minister Narendra ‘Adventure Thrill City’ on Bhavani Island Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s comments Y B r a h m a j i @ Vijayawada J aya n t h j a c o b @ New Delhi Bhavani Island, one of the prominent riverfront recreational spaces in the capital region Amaravati, is set to undergo a major facelift with the development of ‘Adventure Thrill City’. The proposed Adventure Thrill City includes a wide range of recreational and adventure facilities such as water-based amusement pools, adventure spor ts zones, go-karting, zipline and rope courses, children’s play areas, a miniature world, a snow world, landscaped parks, hotel and restaurant facilities, cafés, parking areas and spectator galleries. ‘’The project is expected to boost tourism by offering a consolidated recreational destination catering to families, youth and tourists. With adventure, leisure and hospitality facilities proposed at a single location, Bhavani Island is likely to attract visitors from across the capital region, and neighbouring districts, thereby increasing footfall and visitor stay along the Krishna riverfront,” said Bhavani Island Tourism Corporation Executive Director G Umamaheswara Rao. The project, being developed under the PPP mode, involves a proposed investment of `51.48 crore, and has the potential to generate around 250 direct employment opportunities. The project was already approved by the State Investment PromoP4 tion Board (SIPB).  Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, on Saturday to convey its concerns over what it described as “incendiary statements” by fugitive political figures, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who are currently in India. The interim government expressed “serious concern” over Hasina’s continued public statements, alleging that these were encouraging her supporters to engage in violent acts aimed at disrupting the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for February next year. It also urged India to take immediate steps to stop such activities and extradite those allegedly involved. It also sought India’s cooperation in preventing suspects linked to the recent attempted assassination of Sharif Osman Survivor in actor assault case breaks silence A week after a Kerala trial court acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 abduction and sexual assault case, the survivor in the case broke her silence on Sunday expressing anguish and questioning whether law delivers equal justice Emergency workers evacuate a victim at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Inset: Videograb of a civilian tackling and disarming a gunman | AP Modi condemned the attack. In a post on X, Modi said, “Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.” Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, in Australia for The Ashes, wrote on X that he was “locked in a restaurant” at the Bondi beach when the gunmen started firP9 ing. He escaped unhurt.  Student leader critical The Indian envoy was summoned two days after Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the student leaders from the July-August 2024 protests, was shot in the head. He is critical. Hadi leads the right-wing Inquilab Mancha Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency from fleeing to Indian ter, ritory. Dhaka requested that, should any of the suspects enter India, they be apprehended and extradited without delay . Stating that India is a close In view of the terror attack in Sydney, security agencies in India have sounded high alert across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other metro cities warning of imminent threat during the festival period of Hanukkah. Sources said agencies have beefed up security and deployed additional manpower to Jewish establishments antisemitic attacks on rise Mass shootings are rare in Australia, considered one of the world’s safest countries. Sunday’s attack was the worst such incident since 1996, when 35 people were shot dead in the state of Tasmania. The Bondi shootout is the most serious in a string of attacks in Australia since the beginning of Israel’s war in Gaza in October 2023 neighbour, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry said it expected New Delhi to support the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and protecting democratic processes. New Delhi rejected the allegations and reiterated that India has never permitted its territory to be used for anti-Bangladesh activities. “We have consistently reiterated our position in favour of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere,” the Ministry of External Affairs said. “India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” it added. Verma conveyed India’s expectation that the elections in Bangladesh would be conducted peacefully and expressed New Delhi’s willingness to cooperate in that regard. working president Patna West), defeating Rekha Kumari of the RJD by over 51,000 votes. FOLLOWING NDA’s landslide Born on May 23, 1980, Nabin win in the Bihar assembly elec- entered politics in 2006 through tion, the BJP on Sunday ap- a bypoll after his father, veteran pointed five-term Bihar MLA BJP leader late Navin Kishore and minister Nitin Nabin (45) Prasad Sinha died of a heart atas its National Executack. Starting with tive (Working) presithe Bharatiya Janata dent, elevating a lowYuva Morcha (BJYM) key, next-generation as national general leader amid preparasecretary and Bihar tions for elections in p re s i d e n t , N ab i n key states. built a reputation as a BJP national gentop strategist with eral secretary Arun strong RSS roots, foSingh issued the noticusing on outreach fication which said among the youth. who is nitin Nabin’s elevation was Prime Minister nabin? approved by the parNarendra Modi con45-year-old BJP ty’s Parliamentary gratulated him on X, Board, and is effec- MLA from Patna’s praising Nabin as a tive immediately The Bankipur, Nabin is “hardworking kar. known as a lowdecision, announced yakarta” with “rich hours after Pankaj profile strategist. Is o r g a n i s a t i o n a l a five-term MLA, Chaudhary’s election experience.” as Uttar Pradesh BJP Nitish Kumar’s road Party sources see minister, BJYM president, underNabin’s elevation as veteran, scores the party’s something more bigChhattisgarh thrust on young, disger than what meets in-charge who c i p l i n e d wo rke r s the eye, potentially scripted a victory from Bihar. Nabin, paving Nabin’s path who belongs to the to full national presiKayastha caste, currently dent by mid-2026Nabin’s rise serves as Bihar’s road construc- stresses on BJP’s onus on its tion minister and BJP in-charge trust in silent performers over for Chhattisgarh, where his mass appeal. booth-level strategies fueled a Incumbent national presivictory Nabin won the Assem- dent J P Nadda’s term had end. bly election from Patna’s Bank- ed in 2024, but BJP extended his ipur constituency (previously tennure for the Bihar poll. RAJ E SH KUMAR THAKUR & R a m a s h a n k a r @ New Delhi/Patna P h a n i n d r a Pa pa s a n i @ Vijayawada In a strategic move to avoid thefts and other irregularities in handling the temple properties, the State government has issued a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), governing the opening of Hundis (offering boxes), and the enumeration of cash and valuables. In the wake of recent controversies, including an alleged theft from the Parakamani of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), theft in Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam, and irregularities in preservation of 5 kg of silver ornaments and other valuables of a temple in Kadiri of Sri Sathya Sai district, Endowments Commissioner K Ramachandra Mohan has issued SOPs. The new SOPs will apply to all temples categorised under Sections 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) of the Endowments Act, which fall under the administrative control of Regional Joint Commissioners (RJCs), Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District Endowments Officers (DEOs). The SOPs specify that Hundis in eight major temples in Simhachalam, Annavaram, Vadapalli, Dwaraka Tirumala, Vijayawada, Srikalahasti, Kanipakam and Srisailam should be opened once a fortnight.  P4 meeting of gods Football legend Lionel Messi along with Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar during an event at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Tendulkar presented Messi with his signed ODI jersey on the occasion in front of packed stands | Pti With `14.70L cr GSVA, AP ranks 8th in India In their first-ever final appearance, India went on to win the Squash World Cup in Chennai on Sunday. A look... Dominant run to the final In their route to the final, India saw off Switzerland, Brazil in the group stages, South Africa in the quarterfinals — all without a scratch. Their semi-final tie against Egypt, was the most gruelling tie for the hosts but once they reached the final there was no stopping them Fulfilling destiny In the summit clash against Hong Kong, veteran Joshna Chinappa stunned world No. 37 Lee Ka Yi 3-1 (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1) to give India a perfect start. Abhay Singh outplayed Alex Lau 3-0 (7-1, 7-4, 7-4) before Anahat Singh blanked Tomato Ho 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5) to seal the title. Third time is the charm Since 2011, Chennai has hosted this event twice and on both occasions Egypt won (2011 and 2023). India’s best finish, before Sunday’s victory, was a shared third-place finish with Japan in 2023. In 2011, India finished outside the podium positions. (All values at current prices) Year-on-Year Growth `13.16 lakh cr World Champions at home Andhra Pradesh’s economy has entered 2024-25 with renewed momentum. According to the latest RBI Handbook of Statistics, its Gross State Value Added (GSVA) has risen to `14.70 lakh crore, up from `13.16 lakh crore in 2023-24, a robust 11.7% yearon-year expansion, well above the national nominal GDP growth of around 8.9%. The medium-term trajectory is even more striking. AP’s GSVA has increased from `7.25 lakh crore in 2017-18 to `14.70 lakh crore in 2024-25, effectively doubling the size of the economy in eight years, a 103% expansion at current prices. The compound annual growth rate over this period is approximately 10.7%, comfortably ab ove t h e n at i o n a l average. A comparison between the last full year of the previous regime (2023-24) and the first year of the current regime (2024-25) shows a clear ANDHRA PRADESH ECONOMY 2024-25 `14.70 lakh cr S G u r u S r i k a n t h @ Vijayawada 11.7% National Nominal GDP Growth ~8.9% 24–25 23–24 AP vs India GSVA AP grows faster Medium Term Performance 2017-18 — 2024-25 major Rankings Growth rate: Top 7 among major States Manufacturing output: 7th Construction output: 5th Industry output: 7th Financial Services Growth (constant prices): Top 3 AP tops the country in fish production with 51.58 lakh tonnes State GSDP for 2024-25 stands at `15.93 lakh crore Per capita GSDP recorded at `2.66 lakh GSVA `7.25 lakh cr — `14.70 lakh cr (+103%) AP ranks 14th in electricity availability with 1,481 units per capita CAGR (2017-18 to 2024-25) ~10.7% Average life expectancy in AP is 70 years (Men - 68, Women - 73) Status: Economy has doubled in eight years AP ranks 10th in India in SDG performance with a score of 74 acceleration. Andhra Pradesh added `1.54 lakh crore to its economic output in a single year, a sharper increase than previously esti- mated, supported by stronger performance in manufacturing, construction, industry and , financial services. Manufacturing has shown a steady improvement, even if its growth remains more moderate than in high-performing States such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The broader industry sector, comprising manufacturing, mining, electricity and construction, expanded from `3.19 lakh crore to `3.40 lakh crore, registering 6.4% growth at current prices. This indicates that AP’s industrial recovery is gaining firmness, supported by a stabilising manufacturing base, and improving activity across allied sectors. Construction continues to be one of AP’s strongest growth engines. The sector’s GSVA increased from `1.10 lakh crore in 2023-24 to `1.21 lakh crore in 2024-25, a solid 10.2% expansion. This mirrors the State’s sustained focus on infrastructure, housing, irrigation, and public works, areas that have historically acted as stabilisers during periods of economic unP4 certainty  .