Andhra launches deep-tech skilling push, targets 10 lakh learners in five years
Amaravati (PTI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced a statewide deep-tech skilling initiative in collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild.
The programme will cover quantum technologies, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship.
IBM SkillsBuild will partner with the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), and Amaravati Quantum Valley in this initiative.
“Today, I am delighted to announce a large-scale statewide deep-tech skilling initiative in collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild, APSCHE, APSSDC, and Amaravati Quantum Valley,” Naidu said in a post on X.
The initiative aims to reach two lakh learners in 2026–27 and scale up to 10 lakh learners over five years through digital learning platforms, industry-linked training, and globally recognised credentials, the CM said.
Further strengthening this ecosystem, Naidu noted that the proposed National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) innovation and skilling centre at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, will focus on quantum computing, AI, quantum communication, and semiconductor technologies.
The centre is planned to begin operations this academic year itself, empowering thousands of students, researchers, and innovators with world-class infrastructure, advanced laboratories, and industry-driven learning opportunities, he said.
“On this National Technology Day, Andhra Pradesh also proudly celebrates our students for securing four gold medals and 14 silver medals in the prestigious NPTEL national examinations. These achievements reflect the talent, hard work, and growing technology ecosystem of our state,” he said.
Naidu also encouraged more students across the state to participate in advanced learning platforms, emerging technology programmes, and national-level competitions, as the government continues building a future-ready state under its Quantum Valley vision.
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Private bus operators in Karnataka to hike fares by 20-30 pc after fuel price rise
Bengaluru (PTI): In the wake of the hike in fuel prices, private bus operators have decided to increase fares by 20-30 per cent, depending on the route, effective from Friday midnight.
They have also called for government subsidies, a reduction in cess, and lower road taxes to improve the situation.
"The situation for bus owners in the state is already distressing due to high road tax and the impact of the Shakti scheme (free bus travel for women in government buses). On top of this, fuel prices have increased," Karnataka State Bus Owners’ Association President S Nataraj Sharma said.
"This will impose a burden of Rs 15,000 per vehicle per month on bus owners. If an owner has three buses, the burden will be Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000 per month," he added.
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Speaking to reporters, he said the situation has made it inevitable for owners to increase fares by 20-30 per cent, depending on the route, under current conditions.
The increase may be roughly Rs 200 per seat, he added.
"For example, the current bus fare from Bengaluru to Belagavi is around Rs 1,000–Rs 1,200, which is likely to rise to Rs 1,350–Rs 1,400. Similarly, fares from Bengaluru to Mangaluru or Udupi currently range from Rs 900–Rs 1,000 and are expected to go up to Rs 1,100–Rs 1,200," he said.
Petrol and diesel prices were each hiked by Rs 3 per litre on Friday, the first rate increase in more than four years, amid mounting losses for fuel retailers due to surging global crude prices in the wake of the West Asia conflict.
The increase comes a couple of weeks after the Assembly elections concluded in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry.
