AP CURRENT AFFAIRS 04-09-2025

KRMB Chairman Inspects Srisailam Project

Context

  • Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) chairman B.P. Pandey, along with member K.K. Jangid, inspected the Srisailam project in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Objective: To review infrastructure and interact with officials

Key Highlights

·       Inspected Srisailam Dam and associated infrastructure:

o   Gallery

o   Dewatering system

o   Cylinders

o   Plunge pool

o   Other key structures.

·       Irrigation chief engineer Shaik Kabir Basha briefed the team on technical and structural aspects.

·       Officials highlighted maintenance requirements and operational issues.

Background

  • Srisailam Dam: A major multipurpose project across the Krishna River, serving irrigation, power generation, and drinking water supply for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  • KRMB: Set up under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 to manage Krishna River water distribution between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Significance

  • Ensures safety and efficiency of one of South India’s key irrigation and hydroelectric projects.
  • Facilitates coordination between AP and Telangana over shared water resources.
  • Highlights the importance of infrastructure upkeep in large multipurpose river projects.

 

 

Sustainable Cities Project Reviewed

Context

  • A four-member UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) team evaluated the Sustainable Cities – Integrated Approach Pilot (SC-IAP) project in Vijayawada.
  • The project is implemented by Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) programme.

Key Highlights

  • Project Cost: ₹16.70 crore.
  • Funding:
    • UNIDO: ₹11.77 crore (~$1.42 million).
    • General funds: ₹4.93 crore.
  • Site Visit: 20 MLD (Million Litres per Day) sewage treatment plant at Ramalingswara Nagar.
    • Features: Rejuvenation of plant, integration with biogas energy plants.

Objectives

  • Reduction of 5.72 million metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions.
  • Project focuses on three components:
    1. Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies.
    2. Technology Demonstration.
    3. Capacity Building for municipal staff.

Significance

  • Promotes climate-resilient urban development in India.
  • Integrates waste management with renewable energy generation (biogas).
  • Strengthens urban governance and planning in mid-sized cities like Vijayawada.
  • Contributes to India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Evaluation Outcome

  • The UNIDO team, led by Roland Wong (International Evaluator) and Dr. Srinivas Shroff (National Evaluator), expressed satisfaction with the project execution.
  • Positive feedback given on overall progress and implementation.

 

 

 

Speed up Energy Project Works – Minister’s Review

Context

  • Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar directed Axis Energy and Suzlon to expedite grounding of their allocated capacities.
  • Objective: Align projects with Central Transmission Utility (CTU) timelines and strengthen renewable energy infrastructure in AP.

Key Highlightsxis Energy Projects

    • Grounded 3,000 MW renewable capacity in AP.
    • Joint venture: Axis Energy + Brookfield–Evren.
    • Investment: ₹30,500 crore.
    • Employment: 3,500 jobs planned.
  • Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants
    • Locations: Prakasam, Nellore, Palnadu (Phase 1).
    • Expansion planned to Annamayya & Kadapa districts.
    • Aim: Generate additional 500 jobs annually.
    • 1,357 MLD capacity already commissioned.
    • Investment: ₹1,200 crore.
  • Suzlon Energy Projects
    • Restarted wind equipment manufacturing at Kuderu, Anantapur.
    • Capacity: 0.15 MW wind turbine components.
    • Current employment: 1,200 workers.
  • Minister’s Directives
    • Emphasized local employment, skill development, CSR activities, and transparency in execution.
    • Urged completion within stipulated timelines.
    • Highlighted CBG projects as key for rural employment and farmer income (through lease value of land).

Significance

  • Strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s renewable energy hub status.
  • Boosts local employment generation and skill development.
  • Encourages green energy transition (wind + biogas).
  • Promotes public-private partnerships in energy sector.
  • Supports India’s National Green Hydrogen & Renewable Energy targets.

Challenges

  • Need for strict adherence to quality & safety standards.
  • Timely completion amid land acquisition, transmission, and financial hurdles.
  • Ensuring farmer participation and benefit-sharing in CBG projects.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen policy support and single-window clearances for RE projects.
  • Encourage local MSMEs in supply chain of wind/biogas equipment.
  • Promote export potential of renewable energy equipment from AP.
  • Ensure community participation for sustainable rural employment.

 

AP Exporters Eye New International Markets

 

Context

  • Andhra Pradesh’s exports rose significantly in 2024–25, but exporters fear a dent due to 50% import duty imposed by the US on Indian products (continuation of Trump-era measures).
  • Exporters and trade bodies are exploring diversification to new markets to mitigate risks.

Key Highlights

  • Total AP Exports (2024–25): ₹1.75 lakh crore.
  • Exports to the US: ₹42,946 crore.
    • In 2022–23, US exports stood at ₹33,479 crore.
  • Export Federation urged:
    • Optimisation of Free Trade Regimes (FTAs) with Europe, UAE, and other countries.
    • Diversification of products & destinations beyond the US.

Significance

  • Economic Growth: Exports are a major driver for Andhra Pradesh’s economy.
  • Risk Management: Heavy dependence on the US makes AP vulnerable to trade barriers.
  • Employment & Industry: Sustaining exports ensures livelihood for workers in shrimp, pharma, automobile, and textile industries.

Challenges

  • Tariff barriers imposed by the US.
  • Shrimp industry exposure – US and EU are major buyers, but demand fluctuations affect farmers.
  • High logistics cost in AP compared to competitors like Vietnam & Thailand.

Way Forward

  • Diversify markets: Target EU, UAE, Japan, and African markets.
  • Product diversification: Move beyond shrimp & pharma to value-added sectors.
  • FTA Negotiations: Push for quicker agreements with EU & UK.
  • Export infrastructure: Invest in ports, cold storage, and logistics to reduce costs.
  • Promotion of local consumption (e.g., shrimp domestically) to reduce export dependency.

 

Promote Shrimp Locally: Exporters

Context

  • Andhra Pradesh (AP) is India’s leading exporter of marine products (especially shrimp), contributing significantly to the state’s and India’s export basket.
  • Exporters are urging promotion of shrimp consumption in domestic markets to reduce dependency on international demand shocks.

Key Highlights

  • Export Data (2023–24)
    • Total exports from AP: ₹1.63 lakh crore.
    • Exports to the US: ₹35,912 crore (22%).
    • In 2022–23: Total exports ₹1.59 lakh crore; US share ₹33,479 crore (21%).
    • Top 10 exports: Marine & pharma products, insecticides, automobile components, cement, garments, accessories, etc.
  • Shrimp Export Concerns
    • 20,000 crore worth shrimp exports annually from AP.
    • Shrimp size exported: 300–400 gm, needs to be increased to 1 kg.
    • Per capita shrimp consumption:
      • India: Barely 400 gm.
      • US/Europe: 4–5 kg.
  • Export Challenges
    • US tariffs and global trade fluctuations.
    • High production costs for farmers due to feed and infrastructure.
    • Price fluctuations impacting farmer income.

 

Significance

  • Shrimp is a high-value export with potential to increase India’s share in the global seafood market.
  • Domestic promotion ensures market stability, reducing reliance on volatile global markets.
  • Rich source of protein, can address nutritional needs in India.

Policy & Industry Suggestions

  • Promotion in local markets through awareness campaigns.
  • Export incentives:
    • Lower interest rates on working capital.
    • Interest subvention.
    • Relief to producers and exporters during adverse price cycles.
  • Free trade agreements (FTAs) being worked out with UK, EU, UAE for better access.
  • Engagement with US tariffs issue → withdrawal of import duty on cotton is a positive sign.

Way Forward

  • Enhance domestic shrimp consumption through campaigns and value-added products (processed, packaged shrimp).
  • Invest in cold storage facilities and supply chain infrastructure.
  • Negotiate favorable trade deals to secure export markets.
  • Ensure farmer protection through price stabilization funds and insurance mechanisms.
  • Leverage shrimp’s nutritional profile in national food and health programs.

 

AP to Support Centre’s GST Reforms

Context

  • Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav announced that AP will support the Centre’s proposed GST reforms.
  • CM N. Chandrababu Naidu backs these next-generation reforms aimed at making the GST regime more beneficial for the poor and boosting economic revival.

Key Highlights

  • Statement made at the 56th GST Council Meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

·  Sectors covered: Education, health, steel, cement, textiles.

·  Reforms focus on:

·       Rationalising tax rates on items of mass consumption.

·       Reducing household costs.

·       Providing relief to millions of consumers.

·  AP govt’s position aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s Independence Day vision for economic reforms.

Significance

·       Shows Centre–State cooperation in implementing fiscal reforms.

·       Expected to improve ease of doing business and reduce compliance burden.

·       Aims to boost consumption-led growth by reducing indirect tax burden.

·       Strengthens federal fiscal governance through GST Council consensus.

 

 

 

 CM Pushes for Global-Standard Homestays in Temple Towns

Context

  • As part of tourism revival, AP CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the promotion of homestays in temple towns to meet global standards.
  • Coverage: Homestays to be developed in all 175 Assembly constituencies.
  • Temple Tourism: Focus on pilgrim convenience & boosting economy.
  • Major Projects Proposed:
    • Disney World city in Anantapur.
    • Kondapalli Khilla with private sector cooperation.
    • Eco-tourism projects: Undavalli caves, Elephant Safari (Kuppam), Dolphin Show Visakhapatnam).
  • Branding local products: Araku coffee, Kondapalli toys, Kuchipudi dance, handlooms.

·  Seaplane tourism planned: Connecting Vijayawada–Srisailam, Gandikota–Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam–Araku.

·  Beach tourism: Projects at Surya Lanka Suryalanka Beach is located in the Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh, India. (₹97 crore).

Significance

·       Positions AP as a global tourism hub.

·       Creates employment opportunities in hospitality sector.

·       Promotes local handicrafts, coffee, handlooms via branding.

·       Strengthens cultural diplomacy and attracts NRIs.

 

 

Lokesh Plans Research Chair on Potti Sriramulu

Context

·       Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh announced plans to establish a research chair on Potti Sriramulu at the proposed Smritivanam (memorial garden).

·       Aim: To document, research, and preserve Sriramulu’s contributions for future generations.

Key Highlights

·       Research Chair Proposal

o   Memorial garden will not just showcase exhibits but also serve as a research hub.

o   Aim: Encourage youth to learn about qualities of persistence, courage, and sacrifice exemplified by Sriramulu.

·       Global Engagement

o   Lokesh met Prof. Michael Kremer, Nobel laureate and economist, who praised AP’s Personalised Adaptive Learning programme in education.

Significance

  • Honors Potti Sriramulu’s supreme sacrifice, which led to the creation of linguistic states in India.
  • Preserves historical legacy and inspires youth with values of courage & commitment.
  • Integrates academia with cultural history by setting up a research chair.
  • Boosts AP’s educational and cultural reputation globally through collaborations.

Way Forward

  • Establish the research chair in partnership with universities for long-term academic work.
  • Digitize archives and create a digital repository on Sriramulu’s contributions.
  • Integrate Sriramulu’s story in school and college curricula.
  • Encourage scholarly publications, seminars, and fellowships on linguistic reorganization of states.

What Is the PAL Programme?

·       Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) is a tech-enabled, government‑run educational initiative implemented by the Department of Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in partnership with Central Square Foundation (strategic partner) and ConveGenius (technology provider). It was launched in 2018, starting with 60 government schools

·  The idea is to move away from a one-size-fits-all model and instead tailor learning to each student’s current level, pace, and needs by continuously analyzing performance data and curating content accordingly.

·  The programme offers a complete remedial learning cycle:

·       Diagnostic assessments to identify learning gaps.

·       Personalized content ranging from foundational to advanced levels.

·       Practice questions, video lessons, and interactive remediation.

·       Real-time reports for teachers, enabling focused interventions.

 

 

 

Naidu Aims to Boost Local Body Revenues

Context

  • Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the need to strengthen local bodies’ revenue generation to reduce dependence on state/central funds.
  • He addressed the 5th State Finance Commission meeting in Amaravati.

 

Key Highlights

  • Financial Independence
    • Local self-governments must enhance own revenue sources.
    • Backward panchayats with low per capita income should get special support.
  • Categorisation of Panchayats
    • Based on income levels and backwardness.
    • Targeted assistance for weaker panchayats.
  • Revenue Measures Suggested
    • Strengthening MGNREGA linkages with panchayat finances.
    • Enhancing house tax collection (from 2019–24 data, digitisation & online payments).
    • Increasing local body revenue mobilisation.
    • Boosting poultry industry as a revenue source.
  • Financial Position (2023–24)
    • Employees’ salaries, pensions, and interest payments consumed 111% of total revenue.
    • Resource gap (2025–29):
      • Panchayat Raj bodies: ₹27,033 crore.
      • Urban development bodies: ₹2,016 crore.
  • Expenditure Trends
    • Power bill for panchayats till June 2024: ₹5,851.58 crore.
    • Different formats of sanction: ₹2,617.62 crore.
    • Panchayats spent ₹393.77 crore towards staff salaries.

Significance

  • Strengthens grassroots governance and reduces fiscal dependence.
  • Promotes equitable development by targeting weaker and backward panchayats.
  • Ensures better delivery of welfare schemes (education, health, MGNREGA).
  • Encourages digitisation of tax systems for transparency and efficiency.

Challenges

  • Heavy salary & pension burden eating into revenues.
  • Weak tax compliance and low house tax collection rates.
  • Inefficiency in revenue mobilisation by rural and urban local bodies.

Way Forward

  • Implement tax reforms at panchayat level (digitised systems, property tax mapping).
  • Provide special grants to backward panchayats.
  • Strengthen financial autonomy of urban local bodies.
  • Encourage public-private partnerships in local infrastructure.
  • Periodic capacity-building programmes for panchayat staff.

 

Lokesh Sets Foundation for 58-ft Potti Sriramulu Statue

Context

·       Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh laid the foundation stone for a 58-foot bronze statue of freedom fighter Potti Sriramulu at Amarajevi Smritivanam, Amaravati.

·       The project also includes a memorial garden, auditorium, and museum to honour Sriramulu’s legacy.

Key Highlights

·       Tribute to Potti Sriramulu

o   Remembered for his 58-day fast demanding a separate Andhra State.

o   His martyrdom not only led to the formation of Andhra Pradesh but also influenced the Fazal Ali Commission to recommend linguistic states.

o   Lokesh hailed Sriramulu as the guiding light of Telugu people who gave them a unique identity.

·       Project Details

o   Statue height: 58 ft (symbolising his 58-day hunger strike).

o   Location: Amarajevi Potti Sriramulu Smritivanam, Thullur (Guntur district).

o   Memorial Trust: Built on 6.8 acres of government land between Thullur and Pedaparimi.

o   Joint initiative of AP Government and Amarajevi Potti Sriramulu Memorial Trust.

 

 

 

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