ANDHRA PRADESH

A significant fire broke out at the illegal firecracker shop, Paras Fireworks, in Hyderabad's Abids area on Sunday, quickly spreading to a neighboring restaurant. The blaze resulted in minor injuries to a woman and destroyed at least eight parked vehicles. Emergency services, including three fire engines, responded swiftly, managing to extinguish the flames by 10:45 PM. Authorities confirmed the shop operated without a valid license, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future incidents. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing the Tirupati laddu controversy, emphasizing the importance of keeping God away from politics. Justice Bhushan R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan discussed concerns raised by Subramanian Swamy's lawyer about uninspected construction materials being sent to the kitchen. Petitions have called for a court-monitored investigation into allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who claims that animal fat and fish oil were used in the preparation of the laddu. Senior advocates represented both the Tirupati temple board and the state government, with the court highlighting the need for a clear separation between religious and political matters.

The recent controversy surrounding the use of beef tallow and fish oil in the sacred Tirupati Laddoo has shed light on ancient practices regarding the proper handling of ingredients to prevent adulteration in the holy prasadam. According to information, inscriptions on the walls of the Lord Venkateswara temple detail measures for managing essential ingredients like ghee.One inscription from 1019 CE outlines systematic ghee packaging and transport to Tirumala. It also mentions the appointment of a royal officer to oversee temple services and ensure the quality of offerings.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has formed a sensory panel to assess the quality of food offerings, including the famed laddu prasadam, amid allegations of ingredient adulteration. TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao announced the panel will evaluate samples based on aroma, taste, and texture to restore devotees' confidence. Concurrently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate procurement irregularities, following findings of sub-standard ghee and the presence of lard in recent tests. Both initiatives aim to uphold the temple's integrity and quality standards.

YSR Congress Party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging action against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu over accusations linking the YSRCP to adulteration of the prasad at the Tirupati temple. Jagan described Naidu’s statements as "reckless" and "politically motivated," claiming they hurt the sentiments of devotees and tarnished the TTD’s reputation. He emphasized the TTD's independence and highlighted the rigorous quality checks in place for temple offerings, criticizing Naidu for not acknowledging these safeguards.