SAME DAY ENGLISH DAILY

Hyderabad (Same Day): As part of the ongoing redevelopment works at Secunderabad Railway Station, parking facilities on the Platform No. 1 side have been temporarily suspended with immediate effect. The restriction has been imposed to facilitate smooth execution of the redevelopment activities being carried out on a fast-track basis. Railway officials said the redevelopment project aims to enhance passenger amenities, strengthen station infrastructure, and improve overall operational efficiency. The works are being implemented in a phased and systematic manner, with an emphasis on safety within the station premises and long-term benefits for rail users. During this period, only brief pick-up and drop-off of passengers will be permitted on the Platform No. 1 side. Commuters have been advised to utilise the parking facilities available on the Platform No. 10 side, where adequate arrangements have been made for parking, pick-up and drop-off, as well as for boarding and alighting from tra...

Hyderabad (Same Day): In a significant administrative reshuffle aimed at improving policing efficiency and aligning jurisdictions with urban expansion, the Telangana government has revised the limits of the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate by adding and transferring several police stations. As part of the reorganisation, nine police stations have been brought under the Hyderabad Commissionerate. These include Sanath Nagar, Mailardevpally, Attapur, Rajendra Nagar, Adibatla, Balapur, Badangpet, Pahadi Shareef, and the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) Police Station. Officials said the inclusion of these stations reflects the rapid growth of the city towards the southern and south-western corridors and the need for streamlined law enforcement in high-density and strategic areas, including the airport zone. At the same time, eight police stations have been transferred out of the Hyderabad Commissionerate and placed under the Malkajgiri Commissionerate. These are Begumpet, Gopalpu...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Backward Classes (BC) organisations on Wednesday warned the Telangana government against conducting Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections without enhancing BC reservations, stating that any such move would be met with large-scale protests, including a siege of the State Assembly. Addressing a joint meeting of political parties and BC associations at the Press Club, Somajiguda, BC Joint Action Committee (JAC) chairman Jajula Srinivas Goud said the government should first implement the “Kamareddy Declaration” in a legally binding manner and take steps to increase BC reservations before announcing local body elections. He alleged that both the Centre and the State were evading responsibility on the issue, to the detriment of BC communities. Mr. Goud urged the State government to facilitate a discussion on BC reservations during the ongoing Assembly session and to lead an all-party delegation to N...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Following the expansion of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad has emerged as one of the largest cities in the country in terms of geographical spread. To strengthen law and order management across the rapidly expanding urban region, the Telangana government has put in place a police administrative structure comprising four commissionerates around Greater Hyderabad. Senior IPS officer C.V. Sajjanar continues as the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City. The Cyberabad Police Commissionerate remains under the leadership of M. Ramesh, while Avinash Mohanty has been appointed as the Commissioner of Police, Malkajgiri. In a significant move, the government has carved out the upcoming Future City — being developed as a prestigious and futuristic urban project — as a separate police commissionerate. IPS officer Sudheer Babu has been appointed as its Commissioner of Police. Officials said the creation of multiple commissionerates around Hyderab...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Telangana State vice-president Dr. Kasam Venkateshwarlu on Tuesday accused the Congress government of “gross neglect” of the higher education sector, alleging that universities in the State were facing an unprecedented crisis due to lack of funding, faculty recruitment and policy direction. Addressing a media conference in Hyderabad, Dr. Venkateshwarlu said that the recent conference of Vice-Chancellors, held alongside the Assembly session, had exposed the “grim realities” of Telangana’s universities. He said the Vice-Chancellors themselves had expressed deep concern over the deterioration in academic standards, research output and infrastructure, which he termed as clear evidence of the State government’s failure. He alleged that while the previous BRS government had weakened higher education, the present Congress government under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was “further dismantling” the system. “The fact that Vice-Chancellors ar...

Nalgonda (Same Day): The Jamiat Ulema-e-Telangana has called for an intensified, grassroots-level public awareness campaign on the SIR (SIR) process, warning that negligence in such critical matters could lead to serious problems in the future. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Jamiat Ulema-e-Telangana president Maulana Shah Syed Ahsanuddin Qasmi said there is a significant lack of awareness among the public regarding SIR, resulting in many people—particularly the poor, marginalised and illiterate—missing out on timely benefits. Stressing the need for organised and swift action across the State, Maulana Qasmi directed office-bearers in all districts to conduct SIR-related workshops and set up public facilitation counters to provide hands-on guidance. “Announcements alone are not sufficient. Reaching people at the grassroots and guiding them practically has become an urgent necessity,” he said. He underlined that Jamiat functionaries and volunteers must work in a structure...

Hyderabad (Same Day): In view of the heavy festive rush during Sankranti, Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has urged Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to waive toll charges on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada National Highway for a limited period. In a letter addressed to Mr. Gadkari, the Minister requested that toll-free passage be permitted from January 9 to 14 on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada stretch, and from January 16 to 18 on the return Vijayawada–Hyderabad route. He noted that traffic volumes during the Sankranti holidays typically increase by nearly 200%, leading to severe congestion at toll plazas. Mr. Venkat Reddy emphasised that a temporary suspension of toll collection would help ensure smoother vehicular movement, reduce travel time for commuters, and prevent bottlenecks along one of the busiest inter-State corridors during the festive season. He appealed to the Centre to consider the request in the interest of public convenie...

Hyderabad (Same Day): The Telangana State Working Journalists’ Union (TUWJ) has urged the State government to make amendments to G.O. No. 252, which lays down revised guidelines for the issuance of accreditation cards to journalists. A delegation of the Union, led by its State president K. Virahath Ali, met Revenue, Information & Public Relations and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy at the Secretariat on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum highlighting several concerns raised by journalists over the new norms. Mr. Virahath Ali said the Union had conducted a detailed review of the Government Order and identified certain shortcomings that could adversely affect sections of the journalistic community. He emphasised that welfare measures extended by the government, including bus pass facilities, should be made uniformly applicable to reporters and desk journalists without any discrimination. The delegation sought clarification and corrections regarding provisions related to c...

Nizamabad (Same Day): The first orientation and training camp for Haj-2026 pilgrims was organised in Nizamabad district on Monday, bringing together aspiring pilgrims from Nizamabad, Kamareddy and surrounding areas. The camp was attended by Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani Khusro Pasha, Chairman of the Telangana State Haj Committee, who addressed the gathering and briefed pilgrims on the religious rituals, administrative procedures and logistical arrangements for Haj-2026. He emphasised the importance of proper preparation, discipline and adherence to guidelines to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. Shabbir Ali, Adviser to the Telangana Government for SC, ST, BC and Minorities Welfare, highlighted the State government’s commitment to facilitating Haj pilgrims through systematic training, transparent processes and support services. Mohammed Ehsanuddin, President of Jamiat-ul-Ulama Telangana and Member of the Telangana Haj Committee, along with Hafiz Peer Khaleeq Ahmed, Ge...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Social activist and ecological economist Dr. Lubna Sarwath has alleged that the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has caused irreversible damage to the historic Bum Rukn-ud-Dowla Talab and Neher-e-Hussaini Bowli at Shivrampally, near Mir Alam Tank, under the guise of restoration and beautification. In a public note issued on Tuesday, Dr. Lubna Sarwath, who is also the petitioner in a case pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Chennai Bench, said that despite HYDRAA’s mandate being limited to the protection of government assets and removal of encroachments, the agency had “overstepped its ambit” by destroying heritage structures, altering the natural character of the water bodies, and undertaking large-scale concretisation. She alleged that HYDRAA has been repeatedly releasing videos claiming to be restoring the “glory” of the heritage lake, while, in reality, the original bund and associated water structures had been di...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Telangana Jagruti president K. Kavitha on Tuesday indicated that she was preparing for a larger political role, stating that she would be “in the fray for 2029”, even as she stopped short of formally announcing the launch of a new political party. Addressing a press interaction in Hyderabad, Ms. Kavitha said her political journey was entering a “decisive phase”, driven by what she described as the need for an alternative platform rooted in social justice, federalism and women’s empowerment. “I am in the fray for 2029. The nature of that role and the organisational form it will take will be made clear at the appropriate time,” she said. Ms. Kavitha, who heads Telangana Jagruti, a socio-cultural organisation that has been active on issues such as women’s rights, social equity and Telangana identity, said there was a growing demand from various sections of society for a new political force that would challenge “both the centralisation of power at the national level ...

New Delhi (Same Day): The deadline for linking Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar will expire on December 31, the Income Tax Department has said, urging taxpayers to complete the process to avoid deactivation of their PAN cards. Individuals who have not yet linked their PAN with Aadhaar can do so through the Income Tax Department’s e-filing portal. Taxpayers are required to visit the portal, select the ‘Link Aadhaar’ option, enter the required details and authenticate the request using an OTP. After paying the prescribed minimum fee, they must again verify the details and OTP under the ‘Link Aadhaar’ section to complete the process. Officials have cautioned that PAN cards not linked with Aadhaar by the deadline will be rendered inoperative. An inoperative PAN cannot be used for filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, conducting high-value financial transactions or availing of several government services. To reactivate a PAN after the deadline, individuals will have ...

Hyderabad (Same Day): The Telangana government has extended the validity of existing State and District Journalist Accreditation Cards by two months, from January 1, 2026 to February 28, 2026, to ensure that working journalists are not put to inconvenience. Orders to this effect were issued by the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department on Tuesday. The current accreditation cards are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2025. According to the I&PR Department, the extension has been granted as an interim measure until the process for issuance of fresh accreditation cards is completed. The decision aims to facilitate uninterrupted professional activities of journalists across the State. The extended validity will apply uniformly to all journalists holding valid State-level and District-level accreditation cards issued by the department. Officials said further instructions regarding the application process and issuance of new accreditation cards would be communicated se...

Amaravati (Same Day): AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said that Indians living abroad were economically outperforming the average citizens of even the most developed countries, reflecting the global competitiveness and talent of the Indian diaspora. Addressing a gathering, Mr. Naidu observed that in most developed nations, the per capita income of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is significantly higher than the national average of the host countries. Citing the example of the United States, he said the country’s per capita income stood at around $55,000, while the average income of Indians living there exceeded $100,000, nearly double the national figure. “This clearly shows the capability, skills and work ethic of Indians, who are excelling wherever they go,” the Chief Minister said. He noted that an estimated four to five crore Indians were currently living overseas, contributing substantially to the economies of their host countries while also supporting India through...

Hyderabad (Same Day): BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin will visit Telangana next month, State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao announced. Mr. Rao made the announcement after a courtesy meeting with Mr. Nabin in New Delhi. He said the proposed visit would give fresh momentum to the party’s organisational strengthening in Telangana. Briefing the media, Mr. Rao said detailed discussions were held on the current political situation in the State, measures required to strengthen the BJP, and the programmes planned in the coming months. He added that Mr. Nabin offered valuable suggestions on action plans and strategies aimed at expanding the party’s base and improving its prospects in the State. Raising concerns over the functioning of the State legislature, Mr. Rao demanded that the Telangana Assembly sessions be conducted for at least one month to allow detailed discussions on key issues and public grievances. He criticised the State government for, what he alleged, deliberately r...

Hyderabad (Same Day): The steep traffic fines imposed in Dubai for rule violations have triggered a debate in India on whether similar measures could help curb the alarming rise in road accidents across the country. In the UAE, particularly Dubai, traffic offences attract hefty penalties. Over speeding can invite a fine of around ₹73,500, jumping a red signal costs nearly ₹24,500, using a mobile phone while driving can lead to a fine of about ₹19,500, and not wearing a seat belt attracts a penalty of close to ₹9,800. Authorities there credit strict enforcement and surveillance for better road discipline and fewer fatal accidents. In India, where road accidents claim thousands of lives every year, several citizens and road safety experts feel that imposing such heavy fines could act as a strong deterrent against reckless driving. They argue that fear of substantial penalties may encourage motorists to follow traffic rules more strictly. However, others point out that fines alone may no...

Hyderabad (Same Day): A Fast Track Special Court for the trial of rape and POCSO Act cases in the Medchal–Malkajgiri district has convicted a 43-year-old man for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor girl, sentencing him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The accused, Bikash Kumar Naik alias Samir Babuna, was convicted in Crime No. 533 of 2022 registered at Medchal Police Station. The court awarded him 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000 under Section 5(l) read with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was also sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹2,000 under Section 366 of the Indian Penal Code. The sentences will run concurrently. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 20, 2022, when the paternal uncle of the 16-year-old victim lodged a complaint stating that the accused had kidnapped the minor from her residence in Medchal around 1 p.m. Efforts to contact the accused fail...

Kamareddy (Same Day): A Congress party worker was accused of sexually harassing a married woman for over a month in Banswada town of Kamareddy district, triggering a tense situation on Sunday that led to police intervention. According to the complaint, the accused, identified as Devender Reddy—said to be a close associate of Congress leader Enugu Ravinder Reddy—had allegedly been harassing the woman repeatedly. Unable to endure the alleged harassment any longer, the woman informed her husband, who confronted the accused. The situation escalated at a private hospital in Banswada, where the husband reportedly caught the accused while allegedly harassing the woman. Eyewitnesses said the husband assaulted the accused with footwear and handed him over to the police on the roadside, drawing public attention and causing a brief commotion. Both parties were subsequently taken to the Banswada police station, where discussions continued amid the presence of local leaders. Police officials said ...

Hyderabad (Same Day) : Former Andhra Pradesh Law Minister and senior advocate Asif Pasha passed away here on Sunday, three days after celebrating his 96th birthday. His death marks the end of a distinguished chapter in the State’s political and legal history. Known for his energy, optimism and dignified public conduct, Mr. Asif Pasha remained mentally alert and socially engaged well into his nineties. He was widely respected across communities for his affable nature and steadfast commitment to public service. Mr. Asif Pasha was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Vijayawada in 1972 on a Congress ticket, creating history as the first Muslim MLA from the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. His tenure in the Assembly extended from 1972 to 1978, following the imposition of the Emergency. During his ministerial career, he held key portfolios including Law, Prisons and Printing Press. Colleagues and contemporaries recall his tenure for administrative discipline, adherence to ...

Hyderabad (Same Day): AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the State government to retain the Society for Employment Promotion & Training in Twin Cities (SETWIN) office at Purani Haveli, citing concerns over accessibility and service delivery if it is relocated. In separate letters addressed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, Mr. Owaisi said SETWIN has been functioning from Purani Haveli since its inception and has evolved into a crucial institutional platform for skill development, employment promotion and welfare-oriented programmes, especially for economically weaker sections, minority communities, women and unemployed youth in the Old City. Any move to shift the office from its present location would adversely affect public access, participation and the effective delivery of services, thereby undermining the core objectives of the organisation, he cautioned. Mr. Owaisi also noted that the Purani Haveli premises enj...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the occasion of his first death anniversary, recalling his immense contribution to the nation as a distinguished statesman and an eminent economist. Describing Dr. Singh as a leader of rare integrity and foresight, the Chief Minister said his services to India’s development would remain unforgettable. He noted that Dr. Manmohan Singh’s vision, humane approach and landmark economic reforms laid a strong foundation for a modern and progressive India, and would continue to guide future generations. Mr. Revanth Reddy offered floral tributes at the portrait of the former Prime Minister. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Chief Minister’s Adviser Vem Narender Reddy, Legislative Council Chief Whip Patnam Mahender Reddy, and Nalgonda Member of Parliament Kunduru Raghuveer were present and joined the Chief Minister in paying homage. The Chief Minister sa...

Achampet (Same Day): Telangana Jagruti president K. Kavitha on Sunday urged the State government to take a comprehensive and humanitarian approach to resolve the long-pending problems of the Chenchu tribal community living in the Nallamala forest region. As part of the Jagruti Janambata programme, Ms. Kavitha visited the Appapur Chenchu Penta in the Achampet Assembly constituency. She personally interacted with Chenchu families at their habitations, enquiring about their living conditions, health, and day-to-day challenges. Ms. Kavitha sought details about the traditional lifestyle of the Chenchus in the Nallamala forests and the difficulties they face, particularly during medical emergencies and other critical situations. She also distributed new clothes to the community members and assured them of her continued efforts for their development and welfare. Highlighting a range of civic and livelihood-related issues, Ms. Kavitha said the Chenchus were being denied basic amenities despit...

Sangareddy (Same Day): Senior Congress leader Jagga Reddy on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of attempting to “erase the legacy” of Mahatma Gandhi and the Nehru–Gandhi family from public memory, including an alleged move to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from Indian currency notes. Addressing party workers after hoisting the Congress flag at the Sangareddy Congress office on the occasion of the party’s 141st foundation day, Mr. Reddy alleged that the BJP is pursuing a systematic campaign to undermine the contributions of leaders associated with India’s freedom struggle. He said Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru and several others had led the independence movement through peaceful means to secure freedom and democratic rights for the people. Referring to Jawaharlal Nehru’s role in the Constituent Assembly, Mr. Reddy said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as Law Minister in Nehru’s Cabinet, drafted the Constitution to ensure equality a...

Nellore (Same Day): Maulana Mufti Abdul Wahab Qasmi, a senior Islamic scholar of Andhra Pradesh and Sheikh-ul-Hadith, passed away on Sunday after a brief illness. He was the founder and rector of Jamia Noor-ul-Huda, Nellore, and was widely respected for his lifelong service to Islamic education, religious guidance and community reform. Known for his scholarship in Hadith, jurisprudence and Islamic jurisprudence (ifta), Maulana Qasmi played a key role in nurturing generations of students and strengthening religious institutions across Andhra Pradesh. Several madrasas, mosques and maktabs in the State functioned under his guidance and patronage. Scholars, students and members of the public have expressed deep grief over his demise, describing it as an irreparable loss to the religious and academic community. 

New Delhi (Same Day): The Centre on Sunday renewed its demand for the return of letters and documents related to India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, with Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat asserting that the papers were part of the nation’s heritage and not private family property. Mr. Shekhawat urged Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi to immediately hand over the documents to the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML), stating that the public had a right to access records that were crucial to understanding India’s history. The Minister said that nearly 26,000 documents and letters were taken away from the PMML in 2008. Despite repeated requests over the years, they had not been returned, he added. “These are invaluable historical records and belong to the nation. They should be available in public institutions for scholars, researchers and citizens,” he said. Emphasising the role of the PMML as a custodian of modern Indian history, Mr. S...

Hyderabad (Same Day):  TG Minister Azharuddin on Sunday alleged that the BJP is uncomfortable with the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, even as the rest of the world continued to acknowledge and celebrate his ideals and contributions. Speaking to the media after attending the death anniversary programme of P.G.R. here, the Minister said that Gandhi’s name itself appeared to be unacceptable to the BJP. “While the world recognises Mahatma Gandhi for his philosophy of non-violence and his role in shaping modern India, the BJP repeatedly displays hostility towards his legacy,” he remarked. Mr. Azharuddin accused the BJP of attempting to undermine values such as secularism, social justice and peaceful coexistence, which, he said, were central to Gandhi’s vision for the country.  Recalling the sacrifices towards the nation and Congress party made by the great leader Mahatma Gandhi, the Minister said their struggles were instrumental in strengthening democracy and ensuring linguistic and cu...

Hyderabad (Same Day): The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) marked the 141st Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress with a flag-hoisting ceremony and public meeting at Gandhi Bhavan here on Sunday, reiterating the party’s commitment to secularism, social justice and inclusive development. Speaking on the occasion, Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud said the Congress, with a legacy spanning over a century, had played a decisive role in India’s freedom struggle and in shaping the country’s democratic and constitutional values. He urged party workers to strengthen grassroots connect and work collectively to address people’s issues, particularly those related to employment, welfare and social harmony. Several senior leaders and office-bearers attended the programme, including Ministers Vivak, Azharuddin and P. Prabhakar. TPCC senior vice-president T. Kumar Rao, former Gouds Association president Laxman Goud, TPCC general secretary Allam Bhaskar, TPCC secretary Dr. Mohammed Aijaz Uz...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Ahead of the forthcoming sessions of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council beginning on Monday, a high-level meeting was held on Sunday to review administrative and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings. The meeting was chaired jointly by Telangana Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and Legislative Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar at the Assembly Committee Hall. Senior officials from various departments attended the review, during which issues relating to coordination, security, finance and floor management were discussed. Finance Department Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania and other senior officers briefed the presiding officers on preparedness for the session. Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao could not attend the meeting as he was in New Delhi. Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Banda Prakash, Chief Whip Patnam Mahender Reddy, Legislative Assembly Secretary Rendla Tirupati and Legislative Co...

Hyderabad (Same Day): World Spelling Bee champion Faizan Zaki, who lives in Texas, was felicitated at a special programme organised by the Media Plus Foundation in Hyderabad on Saturday during his first visit to the city after his historic win at the 2025 Scripts National Spelling Bee. The felicitation event, held at the Media Plus auditorium, opened with the screening of a video capturing Faizan’s winning moment at the prestigious global competition held in May. The young champion received an enthusiastic and emotional welcome from academicians, intellectuals and educationists present on the occasion. Speaking at the gathering, Faizan underlined the importance of consistency, sustained practice and strong parental support in achieving success at the international level. His parents, Indian-Americans originally from Hyderabad, shared that they had put their careers on hold for nearly six years to support their son’s preparation. His mother, Dr. Arshia, is a graduate of Gandhi Medical ...

Hyderabad (Same Day): South Central Railway General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava conducted a surprise night inspection of the Ghatkesar–Bibinagar section between December 26 and 27, focusing on level crossing gates and night patrol arrangements to review safety preparedness. As part of the inspection, the General Manager visited Level Crossing Gate Nos. 17 and 20E and also checked the working beat assigned to the night patrolman. He was accompanied by Secunderabad Division Divisional Railway Manager Dr. Gopalakrishnan and other senior officials. Interacting with gatekeepers at both locations, Mr. Srivastava reviewed their working practices and assessed the functioning of gate booms, maintenance of records, availability and condition of safety equipment, and adherence to prescribed safety procedures. He discussed with them their understanding of signalling rules, communication with station masters, and coordination of road and rail traffic to prevent accidents. During the inspection...

Hyderabad (Same Day): The Telangana government has annulled orders regularising the services of 16 temporary and contract employees of the Telangana Urdu Academy and decided to withhold the pensionary benefits of the former Secretary-Director of the Academy, Sajad Ali, pending disciplinary proceedings. According to official sources, Sajad Ali, while serving as Secretary-Director of the Urdu Academy, issued orders regularising the services of 16 temporary and contract employees shortly before his retirement. The government initiated an inquiry into the matter following complaints alleging large-scale financial irregularities. The government appointed B. Sabitha, Managing Director of the Christian Minority Finance Corporation, as the inquiry officer to conduct a detailed investigation. In her report submitted to the government on September 23, the inquiry officer stated that the regularisation orders were issued without obtaining mandatory approvals from the government and the Finance D...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Telangana Jagruti president Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Saturday accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy indulged in “diversionary and corrupt politics” and alleged large-scale financial irregularities in the Kodangal–Narayanpet lift irrigation project. Addressing the media, Ms. Kavitha claimed that despite not carrying out even basic earthwork at the project site, the State government had released ₹1,000 crore each to contractors Megha Krishna Reddy and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. She alleged that public funds were being misused without corresponding progress on the ground. The Telangana Jagruti leader said the Congress government had failed to prioritise farmers’ interests and irrigation development, instead focusing on political distractions. “There is no transparency or accountability in the execution of irrigation projects under the present government,” she alleged. Ms. Kavitha demanded that the State government make public all details related to payments, work ord...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday praised Nara Bhuvaneshwari for efficiently managing the NTR Trust and its educational institutions, highlighting her leadership and embrace of modern technology. Speaking at the anniversary celebrations of the NTR Educational Institutions in Hyderabad, Mr. Naidu remarked, in a lighter vein, that Ms. Bhuvaneshwari was ahead of him when it came to the use of technology. “While I still refer to paper while delivering speeches, she confidently uses a tablet,” he said, drawing applause from the audience. Emphasising the importance of technology in education, the Chief Minister said digital tools must be integrated effectively to improve learning outcomes and institutional governance. He noted that the NTR Trust had been playing a significant role in promoting education and healthcare, with a strong focus on quality and values-based learning. Recalling his early years, Mr. Naidu said many had encouraged him to pursue the ...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Congress leader and Adviser to the Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir said that meaningful empowerment of Muslims is possible only through adequate and sustained political representation, particularly in decision-making bodies. Speaking after releasing the New Year calendar of the All Minority Employees Welfare Association here, Mr. Shabbir Ali said Muslims constituted nearly 15% of Telangana’s population and therefore required representation across sectors, especially in politics. The calendar release ceremony was attended by Adil Shareef, president of the All Minority Employees Welfare Association, along with members of the organisation. Recalling past initiatives, Mr. Shabbir Ali said the 4% reservation for socially and educationally backward Muslims in education and employment was introduced in 2004 during the Congress government led by Dr. Y.S. Rajashekhar Reddy, when he was part of the Cabinet. He said the policy had benefited over 22 lakh poor Musli...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Senior Advocate of the Telangana High Court and president of the All India Inquilab-e-Millat Party, M.A. Qavi Abbasi, on Friday demanded strict action against BJP leader Raja Singh, alleging that his statements and activities posed a serious threat to communal harmony and national security. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Mr. Abbasi claimed that Raja Singh had attended and addressed a meeting in New Delhi where, he alleged, inflammatory remarks were made against the Muslim community, including references to a so-called “guerrilla war”. He described the alleged meeting and statements as “extremely dangerous” and said they went far beyond the limits of constitutional free speech. Mr. Abbasi said that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it does not permit hate speech, incitement to violence or conspiracies aimed at disturbing public peace. He added that public representatives are duty-bound to uphold the rule of law and promote commu...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Hyderabad is set to witness a first-of-its-kind urban infrastructure initiative with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) planning to install a remote-controlled retractable roof at Alawa-e-Bibi in the Old City. The project, estimated to cost around ₹1.20 crore, is aimed at providing relief to devotees who gather at the site during Muharram, particularly from harsh sunlight and inclement weather. Once completed, the structure will be the first such installation not only in the city but among the few of its kind in the country. According to officials, the retractable roof will cover an area of about 4,844 square feet and can be opened or closed within moments using a single remote-control button. The design allows flexibility to respond quickly to changing weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted religious observances and improved comfort for devotees. GHMC officials said the project reflects a growing emphasis on blending modern technology with ci...

Bhongir (Same Day): Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday launched a sharp counterattack against former minister T. Harish Rao, accusing him and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) of normalising abusive political discourse in Telangana. Addressing the media, Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy alleged that Mr. Harish Rao often speaks as if “ethical standards apply only to others and not to his own party.” He remarked that the style of political discourse adopted by the BRS leadership resembled “preaching morality while practising the opposite.” The Congress MP claimed that former Chief Minister KCR was the first to introduce what he described as a culture of verbal abuse in Telangana politics, particularly during the statehood movement. “If there is a patent for abusive language in politics, it belongs to KCR,” he said, adding that such language had continued even after the party’s electoral defeat. Referring to recent statements allegedly made by BRS leaders, Mr. Kiran Kum...

Hyderabad (Same Day): Hyderabad police have invoked the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against a rowdy-sheeter accused in multiple serious offences, officials said on Thursday. Acting on the orders of the City Commissioner of Police, the PD Act was enforced against Mohammed Tabrez alias Tabbu, a listed rowdy-sheeter of the Rein Bazar police station limits in old city. Police said the accused has a history of involvement in grave offences, including murder, attempt to murder and physical assault. Tabrez is a key accused in the Masihuddin murder case and is also facing several criminal cases registered in the limits of Domalguda and Adibatla police stations. Citing his repeated involvement in violent crimes and the threat posed to public order, the police proposed his detention under the PD Act. Following the approval, the accused was taken into custody and sent to Chanchalguda Central Prison, officials added.