Amaravati, Dec 28 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao on Saturday claimed that the overall crime rate in the state declined by 5.7 per cent, while cybercrime had risen exponentially over the last 12 months. Addressing a press conference, Rao, the head of the police force in the southern state, stated that cybercrime, crimes against property, and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases were the three categories of crime that showed an upward trend. “In the last year, we have made commendable progress without compromising on police performance. Cybercrime has increased. Major sensational crimes were successfully detected, and criminals were arrested. We have extensively used technology,” said Rao. According to the top cop, 916 cybercrime cases were registered in 2024, marking a 34 per cent increase compared to 682 cases in 2023. “We are pleased that people are coming forward with complaints, even for the smallest offences, such as harassment,” he said. “However, there is no need to worry or be anxious, as cybercrime is rising globally, including in India.” Under the category of cybercrimes, people lost Rs 1,229 crore, a 610 per cent increase compared to Rs 173 crore in 2023. Similarly, Rs 225 crore was frozen under the cybercrime category in the current year. Rao also highlighted a 3 per cent rise in ganja (marijuana) cases under the NDPS category, from 1,761 cases in 2023 to 1,819 in 2024, while crimes against property rose slightly by 0.2 per cent. Police arrested 4,851 drug smugglers, seized 52,479 kg of ganja, and busted 15 inter-state gangs, among other breakthroughs. Crimes that showed a decline included crimes against women, and children, as well as crimes against SC/ST communities, road accidents, and cheating cases. A total of 7,863 people died in road accidents last year, compared to 8,136 in 2023, reflecting a decline of 3.35 per cent. In embracing technology for policing, Rao mentioned that police deployed 1,376 drones for crowd management and law-and-order operations, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As part of smart policing, AI-assisted investigation officers in determining whether a case was suitable for appeal, helped in chargesheet vetting, provided forensic tips, and more. AI also proved valuable in traffic management, issuing real-time alerts, and enabling predictive analysis. Police used traffic congestion analytics with AI and solved some highly elusive cases, such as the recent Bhimavaram parcel murder case. Further, the DGP noted that establishing an extensive CCTV network, utilising AI for smart policing, setting up cyber police stations, and expanding the use of drones are the way forward for Andhra Pradesh police. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)Luke Humphries bid for back-to-back World Championship titles on track after wingoldfish casino slots 。

Three people in hospital due to collision

Gap Inc. Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results, Raises Full Year OutlookCHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo’s game-ending 29-yard field goal, and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 on Sunday after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings (9-2), who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight and fell to 5-18 in one-possession games under coach Matt Eberflus, who is 14-31 in 2 1/2 seasons. Minnesota appeared to have the game in hand, leading 27-16 with 1:56 left after Romo kicked a 26-yard field goal. But the Bears weren’t finished. Deandre Carter made up for that led to a touchdown in the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return to the 40. Williams took it from there, capping an eight-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. A 2-point conversion pass to DJ Moore made it 27-24 with 22 seconds remaining. The Bears recovered the onside kick and Williams hit Moore over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the 30 before spiking the ball. Cairo Santos made a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Chicago won the coin toss, but Williams was sacked for a 12-yard loss on second down, leading to a three-and-out. The Vikings took over at the 21, and Darnold led a 10-play drive, overcoming a sack and two penalties. Darnold connected with Hockenson for a 29-yard completion that put the ball on the 9. He took a knee and then Romo nailed the winner. Darnold surpassed his previous season high of 19 touchdown passes with a 2-yarder to Addison on the first play of the second quarter, and he made it 14-7 with a 5-yard score to Jalen Nailor late in the first half. He completed 22 of 34 passes. Aaron Jones ran for 106 yards and a score for the VIkings. Williams was 32 of 47 with a 103.1 passer rating in his second straight solid performance since Thomas Brown replaced the fired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. Moore caught seven passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Allen added 86 yards receiving and the late TD. Injuries Vikings: LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) and LT Cam Robinson (foot) left in the first quarter. ... Darnold missed two plays after he was hit by Gervon Dexter Sr. on a pass play with about 6 1/2 minutes. Up next Vikings: Host Arizona next Sunday. Bears: Visit Detroit on Thanksgiving. ___ AP NFL:

Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office

With Senate recount canceled, Pennsylvania counties move to finalize election resultsUrgent search for missing 19-year-old from Lewisham