Hyderabad: Residents in several parts of Hyderabad are set to experience a two-day disruption in drinking water supply on January 6 and 7.
This disruption starting at 6 am on January 6 and lasting for 48 hours is due to pipeline repair works on the Kalabgur-Lingampalli stretch of the Manjeera water supply scheme phase-1.
Hyderabad areas affected by drinking water supply disruption
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has identified several areas that will be impacted by the interruption. These include:
Patancheru Industrial Area,
HCU
BHEL Township
BHEL Factory
SBI Training Center
Doyens Colony
Hafizpet
Madinaguda
Gangaram
Chandanagar
Lingampalli
Jyoti Nagar
Ashok Nagar
RC Puram
Patancheru
Residents in these areas are advised to store enough water to meet their needs during the repair period.
Restoration of Normal Supply
Hyderabad water board has assured the public that repair work is underway and efforts are being made to resolve the issue promptly. The normal drinking water supply is expected to resume by January 8 at 6am.
Second major disruption in 20 days
This is the second significant drinking water supply issue reported in Hyderabad within the past 20 days.
Earlier, residents in several parts of Hyderabad experienced a two-day disruption in water supply on December 15 and 16. The disruption was caused by damage to a crucial 33-inch pipeline that supplied water to the Red Hills reservoir from the Asifnagar filter beds.
Hyderabad: Nampally court on Friday, January 3 granted bail to Telugu film actor Allu Arjun in connection with the Sandhya theatre stampede case.
On December 13, the Telangana High Court granted interim bail to Allu Arjun for four weeks and directed him to approach the trial court for regular bail. Advocate Niranjan Reddy representing Allu Arjun argued that the charges of culpable homicide should not apply as the actor was not directly involved in the stampede at Sandhya Theater on RTC X Roads.
After considering the arguments, the Nampally court decided to deliver its verdict on January 3. The petition was heard on December 27, and the court adjourned the hearing to December 30 after the police requested additional time to file their counter to the bail petition.
Pushpa 2 stampede incident
The 35-year-old wife of Bhaskar died during the Pushpa 2 stampede at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad on December 4, while his eight-year-old son was hospitalised.
Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased woman’s family.
Allu Arjun, named as accused no 11, was arrested by the city police in connection with the death of the woman on December 13. The Telangana High Court granted him a four-week interim bail on the same day and he was released from a prison here December 14 morning.
Allu Arjun, Pushpa 2 team pledge Rs 2 crore aid for stampede victim’s family
Actor Allu Arjun have announced Rs 2 crore for the family of 35-year-old Revathi who was killed and her son who was critically injured during the premiere show of the movie.
Speaking to the media, Allu Arvind told media that the cheque was handed over to Dil Raju, chairman, of Telangana State Film Development Corporation. Allu Arvind said to support the boy and his family, the film unit decided to give financial assistance of Rs 2 crore.
While Allu Arjun has given Rs 1 crore, Mythri Movies, the producers of the movie have extended assistance of Rs 50 lakh. Film’s director Sukumar has also given Rs 50 lakh to the family.
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashrta Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) has been summoned by the Telangana Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) for questioning in the Formula E race case, on January 6, at 10 am.
Earlier on December 31, the Telangana High Court had extended the stay on his arrest in connection with the case, directing the ACB not to arrest KTR until a verdict is pronounced on his plea.
Nevertheless, The court has permitted the investigation to proceed.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also summoned KTR to appear for questioning on January 7 in connection with the Formula E case, over alleged money laundering charges over financial irregularities in the Formula E race.
The ED has also summoned special chief secretary Arvind Kumar and former chief engineer (CE) of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) BLN Reddy for questioning in the same case, directing them to appear on January 8 and January 9 respectively.
Formula E Race Case
The Formula E case was registered by the Telangana ACB, based on a complaint by Principal Secretary Dana Kishore. In his complaint, he alleged financial irregularities of over Rs 54.88 crore, in payments between HMDA and UK-based Formula-E Operations Limited (FEO).
The ACB registered the FIR under Sections 13(1)(A) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Sections 409 and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code.
Following the ACB case, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the PMLA, against KTR, Arvind Kumar and BLN Reddy.
As per the original tripartite agreement in the Formula E race in Hyderabad, signed in October 2022 between the Telangana government, FEO, and event sponsor Ace Nxt Gen Pvt Ltd, the government’s role was limited to providing infrastructure and civic amenities for the race.
However, there are allegations that HMDA transferred funds despite not being a direct party to the agreement.
Hyderabad: Haleem lovers, the wait is over! The much-anticipated 84th All India Industrial Exhibition, fondly known as Numaish, has officially kicked off in Hyderabad. The event, which began on January 3 and will run until February 15, is synonymous with festive shopping, vibrant vibes, and, most importantly, indulging in the city’s iconic Haleem.
Among all the food stalls at Numaish, Pista House always remains the crowd favorite, drawing locals and tourists alike for its delectable and authentic flavors. Just like ever season, this year too, the buzz around Haleem prices has been immense, and finally, the details are out.
In an exclusive chat with Siasat.com, Mohammed Abdul Mohsi, Managing Director of Pista House, revealed the price of their much-loved dish for 2025. A plate of Haleem will cost Rs 300, while a family pack is priced at Rs 1,200. This year, Pista House is also bringing back its premium Hotpot Haleem, which was first introduced last year. Known for its exquisite presentation, the Hotpot Haleem is priced at Rs 1,350.
“We have increased the cost only a little due to rising prices of spices and the hike in staff salaries. Considering these factors, the price will stand at Rs 300 per plate this year,” Mohsi said.
Though the exhibition has started today, Pista House’s iconic Haleem stall will begin serving from January 4. As always, the aroma and flavors of their Haleem are expected to draw massive crowds, with the dish often selling out before closing time.
Numaish, a hallmark of Hyderabad’s culture, not only offers a plethora of shopping and entertainment options but also marks the unofficial beginning of Haleem season before Ramzan. So, for all food lovers planning a visit, make sure to relish the much-awaited treat and grab your plate before it’s gone!
Hyderabad: As the Sankranti festival approaches, Hyderabad city police have launched a special drive to tackle the use of dangerous Chinese manja leading to the seizure of 987 charkha (bobbins) of the banned string on Friday, January 3 across various zones in the city.
The drive targets the sale and transportation of banned Chinese manja.
The south-east zone saw significant recoveries with Asif Nagar reporting 170 bobbins followed by Saidabad (12 bobbins), Bahadurpura (5 bobbins), Madannapet (10 bobbins), and Kachiguda (10 bobbins). In the south zone, Tappachabutra registered 162 bobbins, Mirchowk 30, and Moghalpura 10. The east zone’s Afzalgunj station led with 360 bobbins while Chilkalguda seized 80 bobbins and OU City 20.
The south-west zone’s Shahinayathgunj and Narayanaguda stations accounted for 102 and 16 bobbins, respectively.
Chinese manja (kite string) which is illegally sold in various parts of India including Hyderabad during Sankranti is harmful due to its composition, which often includes synthetic materials like nylon and coated with glass powder or metal. This makes it extremely sharp and capable of causing serious injuries to humans, animals, and birds. It is known to entangle or cut through the skin, leading to deep cuts and even fatalities.
Additionally, it poses a threat to wildlife as birds can get caught in it, leading to injury or death. Its non-biodegradable nature also contributes to environmental pollution.
Hyderabad: A huge fire erupted at an under-construction site in Kokapet, Hyderabad on Friday, January 3. The cause remains unknown, but locals swiftly notified fire officials. Firefighters are on the scene, working to contain the flames.
No casualties have been reported yet.
Fire erupts at under-construction site in Hyderabad's Kokapet
A fire erupted at an under-construction site in Kokapet, Hyderabad, on January 3. The cause remains unknown, but locals swiftly notified fire officials. Firefighters are on the scene, working to contain the flames. pic.twitter.com/iVhfmsxzNp
On the same day, a fire broke out at the Rishika chemical godown in Dhulapally, Jeedimetla industrial area, a suburb of Hyderabad causing thick smoke and widespread panic among locals.
Hyderabad records 2500 fire accidents in 2024, Rs 822 cr property loss
The city recorded approximately 2,500 fire accidents this year while Telangana saw a total of 7,600 accidents resulting in over 200 fatalities and property losses worth Rs 822 crore, an official of the fire department told Siasat.com.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) has issued a notice to Rush Care Hospital, located in LB Nagar, Hyderabad following allegations that the hospital promoted fake doctors.
The notice issued by TGMC chairman Dr Mahesh Kumar and registrar Dr Lalayya concerns the promotion and sponsorship of the 18th Annual Convention of the Sushruta Gramin Vaidya Sangha, an event held on December, 25 in Nalgonda district.
The notice revealed that the event was allegedly backed by the hospital in Hyderabad and accused the management of endorsing unqualified individuals as medical practitioners.
The vice chairman of TGMC Dr G Srinivas emphasized that it is unethical for hospital management to hire and promote such fake doctors and noted that many hospitals are hiring agents to market and offer commissions to these practitioners.
The chairman of the TGMC public relations committee warned that these individuals mostly in rural and urban areas lack the qualifications to treat patients and may cause harm by administering unverified treatments.
The hospital in Hyderabad has been given a 10-day window to respond, after which further action will be taken under the NMC and TGMC Act. The notice further states that if the hospital fails to comply with these requirements within the specified timeframe, the TGMC will assume there is no explanation, and the matter will be forwarded to the Ethics Committee for further action as per the law.
Hyderabad: The Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Hyderabad, which operates five Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and 14 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (PO PSKs) across Telangana, processed an average of 4,200 applications daily and handled approximately 9.02 lakh applications in 2024. These included issuing passports, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), and other related services.
The appointment cycle at PSKs for normal appointments has been reduced from 22 working days in 2023 to an average of 6-8 working days in 2024, with Tatkaal appointments now available within 1-5 working days.
At most PO PSKs, appointments are now available within a week, with Nizamabad and Karimnagar POPSKs offering appointments the next working day. Similarly, for most PO PSKs, normal appointments are now available within a week, making the services more accessible across Telangana.
Warangal, the largest PO PSK under the Regional Passport Office (RPO) Hyderabad, caters to 130 applicants daily, while PO PSKs in Warangal, Khammam, Vikarabad, Medchal, Mahbubnagar, and Nalgonda accommodate 90 applicants each day.
RPO Hyderabad plans to reduce appointment cycles to within 5 working days across PSKs and POPSKs by adding additional slots and expanding services in 2025.
The reduction in appointment cycles has significantly minimized the presence of touts, agents, and brokers, ensuring a transparent and efficient process for all citizens.
Tatkaal passports are now delivered within 1-3 working days, while normal passports are issued within 5-7 working days (excluding police verification time).
RPO Hyderabad ensures streamlined inquiry appointment system
With the revamped inquiry appointment system, last year over 30,000 applicants availed walk-in facility on Thursdays alone, with an average of 700-800 applicants availing of that facility weekly. A total of 250 online appointments are available every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, while walk-ins are facilitated every Thursday between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Grievance redressal mechanism
In 2023, over 10,000 emails have been responded to, and grievances were addressed within 1-3 working days, ensuring prompt and efficient resolution of public concerns. To enhance grievance redressal, RPO Hyderabad has a dedicated WhatsApp number, complementing existing channels such as emails, RTI, CPGRAMs, and Twitter.
Mobile passport services
A mobile van deployed at PO PSK Kamareddy has been effectively addressing disruptions caused by operational challenges, ensuring uninterrupted services for applicants in the region.
Special initiatives in 2024
Lok Adalats were organised to clear pending files, streamline operations, and reduce backlogs. Additionally, in collaboration with the Telangana State Haj Committee, RPO Hyderabad has processed numerous applications to facilitate religious pilgrimages. Special camps were also conducted to address other specific requirements.
Hyderabad: Irani chai, the essence of Hyderabad’s tea culture served at Cafe Niloufer is now available at Numaish in Hyderabad starting January 3.
During the inaugural event at Nampally, a representative from the exhibition society welcomed Niloufer Cafe to Numaish 2025 stating, “With 1200 stalls already registered, Cafe Niloufer joined the exhibition for the first time.”
Typically, Cafe Niloufer sells a cup of chai for Rs 35 at Lakdikapul while in Banjara Hills, the price is Rs 100 for one cup and Rs 120 for 1/2 cup of Irani chai.
What else is Hyderabad’s cafe Niloufer famous for?
Beyond its famed Irani chai, Hyderabad’s Cafe Niloufer is also known for its bakery items such as its soft and buttery bun maska and malai bun which is sold in huge quantities every day.
The owner of Cafe Niloufer, Babu Rao has an inspiring story. He came to Hyderabad in 1975 with no money and no place to stay. He then started working as a cleaner at the cafe, then became a waiter, and later learned to make tea. In 1993, after years of hard work, he became the owner. Now, Babu Rao runs multiple Niloufer outlets across Hyderabad.
Is Nilofer a competition to Pista House?
As Cafe Niloufer debuts its famous Irani chai at the Numaish exhibition in Hyderabad, the question arises: will Pista House, known for its Irani chai and legendary mutton haleem face stiff competition? Only time will tell.
Irani chai history
Irani chai, which has immense cultural significance in Hyderabad was created here by Iranian migrants who came to the about a century ago. While it is not known exactly which was the first one to be set up, the Grand Hotel is the oldest surviving cafe (established in 1935).
The migration by Iranians took place in the early 20th century. Those Iranians also went to Karachi (Pakistan), while some reached Bombay (by sea) and then to Hyderabad. It was easier for them to live in Hyderabad also, given its Persian roots and culture river shares with Iran historically.
The irony however is that Irani chai sold in Hyderabad is not what Iranians drink back home. It is simply called so because of the tea that was sold in these cafes run by Iranian owners. The slow-boiled (sweet) milk and decoction, which is mixed half and half, is served in these cafes. Both the liquids are in fact on slow boil all day long!
While drinking chai itself is not something new, the concept of drinking chai as a habit was introduced by the British to the masses. When the Iranians landed in India, they realised that people were by then used to having the beverage with milk. Post-independence, Irani cafés also became a hub for intellectuals and students, who would sit and discuss politics there.
Hyderabad: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case against three accused including two Inspectors of Customs and Central Excise, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) Hyderabad and an Officer of Canara Bank, Customs Duty Collection Counter and unknown others on allegations relating to bribery.
It was alleged that the Customs officials working at the Counters of the Customs Department, Hyderabad Airport, demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs 50,000 on 5 October 2024, for customs clearance of the complainant and his family who arrived at Hyderabad from Jeddah.
CBI also conducted searches at five places in Hyderabad, Muzaffarpur (Bihar) and Mansa (Punjab) which led to the recovery of Rs 4.76 lakh cash and incriminating documents.
Hyderabad: The Cyberabad police commissioner has issued revised guidelines for the registration and investigation of cybercrime cases.
Cases involving financial losses of up to Rs 1,50,000 will now be registered and investigated by the local police station within the respective jurisdiction, while cases with losses exceeding this amount will be handled by the Cybercrime Police Station, Cyberabad.
Cybercrimes that do not involve any financial loss will also be registered at the jurisdictional police station.
Hyderabad: A 45-year-old man died after falling from a building in Hyderabad’s Uppal on Friday morning, January 3.
The victim has been identified as Babjigoud from Shantinagar, Uppal.
According to reports, the victim who worked in the real estate business reportedly fainted due to high blood pressure while walking on the terrace of a building in Hyderabad. He then lost his balance and fell, leading to his death.
A case has been registered based on the complaint of the victim’s wife and the deceased body has been shifted to a government hospital in Hyderabad for postmortem.
Hyderabad: Only one-third of the total applications submitted at the Prajavani programmes in 2024 have been resolved, according to a Right To Information (RTI) petition filed by the Siddipet Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Harish Rao.
According to the Telangana government‘s reply to the RTI, as of December 9, 2024, a total of 82,955 petitions were received, out of which only 43,272 were classified as grievances and the rest were rejected by the government, amounting to more than half of the total petitions.
Out of the considered 43,272 grievances, 27,215 were resolved while 16,057 petitions remained unresolved from last year.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Harish Rao said that Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy participated in the program for just a single day in the calendar year, which is lower than normal.
The BRS MLA also accused ministers of a lack of commitment, over not showing up in the Prajavani programme as they were expected and failed to attend Prajavani on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, on Friday, January 3, the Prajavani programme was conducted at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad. According to the officials, a total of 359 applications were received, among which 103 applications were received for the panchayat raj and rural development department, 85 for the power department, 62 for revenue issues and 109 for other departments.
Friday’s Prajavani programme was attended by state planning commission vice chairman Dr Chinna Reddy, special officer for public administration Divya.
A Prajavani petition pertains to a citizen complaint or expression of dissatisfaction due to perceived injustice, unfair treatment, or violation of any rights, existing law, scheme, programme, policy, government order, job chart, citizen charter etc. often directed towards an authority with the expectation of resolution or redressal.
Hyderabad: BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B Mahesh Kumar Goud have appealed to the Exhibition Society to expand the non-profit educational institutions under its aegis to remote rural areas in Nizamabad, Adilabad, Mulugu and Karimnagar districts so that the students coming from the poor families could avail affordable education.
During the inauguration of the All India Industrial Exhibition (AIIE) Numaish 2025, at the Exhibition Grounds on Friday, January 3, Ponnam expressed hope that the exhibition society would set a target to expand its portfolio of educational institutions from 20 at present, to 30 in a year.
He assured the society that the state government would give all permissions, allot land, and other infrastructure if the exhibition society planned to expand its educational institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Kumar Goud said that the foundation stone for Kamala Nehru Polytechnic College for Women on Exhibition Grounds was laid by former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
He praised the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan for initiating the annual Numaish 85 years ago, which he said had become “the poor people’s most accessible entertainment.” It is pertinent to note that the ticket prices have been hiked to Rs 50 this year.
Former MP V Hanumantha Rao recalled the request of the exhibition society to transfer the exhibition grounds land from the roads and buildings department to the society, which has been a long-standing one.
“Every chief minister says they would ensure the transfer but nobody has done that. The ministers present here should give a representation to the chief minister and see that it is done this time around,” he hoped.
Institutions financed by exhibition society
1. Kamala Nehru Polytechnic for Women, Exhibition Grounds, Hyderabad 2. Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha Vidyalaya, Exhibition Grounds, Hyderabad 3. Sri Venkateswara Engineering College, Suryapet 4. Sardar Patel College, Secunderabad 5. Lal Bahadur College, Warangal 6. Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy College, Bhongir 7. Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha Vidyalaya College of B. Pharmacy, Exhibition Grounds, Hyderabad 8. Sri Venkateswara College, Suryapet 9. Kasturba Gandhi Degree College for Women, Secunderabad 10. Kasturba Gandhi Junior College for Women, Secunderabad 11. Sri Ramalingeswara Degree College, Kulekcharla, Ranga Reddy District 12. Central Institute of Commerce, Secunderabad 13. Rajiv Gandhi Industrial Central, Nirmal, Adilabad District 14. Shankarji Memorial Girls High School, Exhibition Grounds, Hyderabad 15. LN Gupta Memorial Dispensary, Exhibition, Hyderabad 16. Exhibition Society Osmania Graduates Association College of Education, Parigi 17. Lal Bahadur College of Education, Warangal 18. Sri Bramarambhika Mallikarjuna Swamy College of Education, Kalvakurthy 19. JV Nursing Rao Vidyaniketan School, Nirmal 20. Osmania Graduates Association 21. Economic Committee.
Hyderabad: The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has urged chief minister A Revanth Reddy to limit the disbursement of Rythu Bharosa crop input financial assistance for up to 5 acres of land that are under cultivation, and not to fallow lands as done in the past.
In a letter to the chief minister on Friday, January 3, M Padmanabha Reddy, president, FGG, reminded that the input assistance provided to the farmers as per the government order issued for Rythu Bharosa was to help the farmers in purchasing seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, which implied that only lands which are under cultivation would be eligible for the scheme.
“Farmers have to be assisted and protected, but at the same time, landlords and income taxpayers should be kept out of this scheme. Tenant farmers also need to be compensated,” he suggested.
Also reminding the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka which have stopped implementing certain promised schemes because they were putting an enormous burden on the state’s exchequer, Reddy opined that taking loans to repay loans has become the order of the day.
Also noting that less than 50 percent of the population was involved in agricultural activities, he wondered what could happen to the remaining if a major chunk of the budget went to the farming sector.
Citing the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) reports, he stated that a large chunk of the state’s budget was going to welfare schemes, leaving very little for the developmental works.
Hyderabad: A five-day-long International Arvind Memorial Seminar, conducted by the Arvind Institute of Marxist Studies concluded in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 2.
The international seminar on the topic ‘Fascism in the Twenty-First Century: Elements of Continuity and Change and the Question of the Contemporary Proletarian Strategy’ was marked by the participation of activists, intellectuals and scholars from around the country and some parts of the world.
Held at the Sundarayya Vignana Kendram, at Bagh Lingampally, Hyderabad, the seminar series aimed to understand the various aspects of fascism with the ultimate aim of formulating an effective strategy against it.
Participants from Telangana, Andhra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharastra, UP, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana etc. and countries such as the US, Australia and Nepal engaged in detailed discussions and debates on the question of fascism.
Day 1
On the first day of the seminar, a paper was presented by Marxist theorist and editor of a workers’ newspaper ‘Mazdoor Bigul‘, Abhinav Sinha, titled ‘Fascism in the Twenty-first Century: Elements of Continuity and Change.’
The research paper analysed the various aspects that distinguish fascism in the 21st century from that of the 20th century that Italy and Germany witnessed, through the essential characteristics of fascism throughout history.
The session in which Abhinav Sinha detailed his observations on the Modi-Shah regime in India as undoubtedly an example of a fascist regime, was followed by intense sessions of debates and questions and additions from the participants.
Eminent Supreme Court lawyer Colin Gonsalves gave the keynote on the second day of the seminar. Speaking about the rise of fascism and the question of law and judiciary, he described his long experience in being part of delivering justice to the downtrodden in the country.
Advocate Colin Gonsalves said that the country has been witnessing a steady decline in the Indian judiciary over safeguarding people’s rights, which peaked during the Modi-Amit Shah-led BJP regime. He held the capitalist system to be responsible for the destruction of life and livelihood in the country, he added.
On the same day, a paper written by Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Red Star leader PJ James was presented, titled ”On Global Neofascism including RSS Fascism in India and the Anti-Fascist Task.’
In the second session of the day, a Hyderabad-based political activist Anand Singh presented his paper titled ‘The Rise of Fascism in India: Origin, Evolution and Present Stage and the Question of Proletarian Strategy of Resistance.’
Anand Singh’s paper traced the origin and evolution of fascism in India which is being spearheaded by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and how it has permeated into state apparatus such as the army, bureaucracy, judiciary etc.
The third day of the seminar series in Hyderabad started with the continuation of discussions on Anand Singh’s paper, followed by a paper presentation and discussion on ‘Marxist Historiography of Fascism: A Critical Reassessment’ by Shivani Kaul, a political activist and president of Delhi state aganwadi workers and helpers union.
In her presentation, Shivani Kaul addressed the need to correctly theoretically grasp the phenomenon that is Fascism, to scientifically and objectively draw the connections between the existing politico-economic conditions and historical situation to combat it.
The third day of the event also featured the paper presentation by Nicolai Messerschmidt on ‘Postcolonial Fascism: An Analysis of Hindu Nationalism through Critical and Postcolonial Theory’.
The research paper analysed how fascism’s appeal to the masses is rooted in social alienation, authoritarian personalities, and mass psychology. It drew connections between the rise of fascism in 20th-century Europe and the contemporary political climate.
The fourth day started with the continuation of discussions on Nicolai Messerschmidt. It was followed by the paper presentation by Delhi-based activist Sunny Singh, titled ‘Understanding of Fascism and the Strategies for its Resistance within the Indian Communist Movement: A Critical Analysis’.
The paper explored the historical trajectory of anti-fascist strategies adopted by Indian communists, drawing from key moments in India’s freedom struggle and post-independence political struggles.
Jiselle Hannah, the secretary of Australia Asia Worker Links (AAWL) presented her paper on the topic ‘The Rise of the alt-right in Australia and How We’re Fighting Back’. It provided an in-depth analysis of the socio-political conditions enabling the growth of far-right movements.
Day four also saw a discussion critiquing the Indian Marxian economist Prabhat Patnaik.
The final day of the seventh edition of the International Arvind Memorial Seminar in Hyderabad saw intense debate on the characterisation of Fascism in India. The day was marked by the participation of a NewYork-based political activist Eric Schmidt. He said that Donald Trump is a product of the capitalist crisis, as he gave a presentation on the Trump phenomenon. He said that Trump represents a quasi-fascist reaction in the US which is an outcome of the crisis of capitalism.
The research paper titled ‘Fascism in Our Times and the Front of Art and Literature: Some Important Inquiries,’ was presented by Revolutionary Hindi poet and political activist Katyayani. The paper elaborated on how fascism uses art and literature in their favour and the cultural strategy of Hindutva forces.
Another paper was presented on the final day of the seminar series, by KG Ramachandar, which described the current regime as an open terrorist dictatorship.
In its concluding sessions, two papers were presented in the afternoon session; “Exploring the politics of performance through the ‘Social drama’ and ‘esthetic drama’ by a Kolkata-based researcher Dishari Chakraborty and “Resurgence of Fascist ideologies in the 21st century: analysing the impact of state aggression and human rights in the middle east by Adil Kadavath, a student from Kerala.
The Arvind Memorial Trust organizes an international seminar series, each year on some important aspect of the movement for social change, in memory of Arvind Singh, a left intellectual and political activist.
Hyderabad: Ahead of the Telangana cabinet meeting scheduled on January 4, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has demanded that the Congress government fulfill promises it made to the tenant farmers and agricultural workers in the state before the assembly elections.
Addressing the media at Basheerbagh Press Club on Friday, January 3, representatives of various farmers’ unions claimed that the cabinet sub-committee on Rythu Bharosa scheme took the decisions without holding a state-level meeting with farmers’ associations and agricultural worker unions.
The union leaders said that a large number of participants in the district-level meetings held on the issue had opined that tenant farmers also needed to be identified and offered input assistance and that almost everyone had said that a limit needed to be placed on the number of acres and Rythu Bharosa should not be given to land holdings exceeding 5 or 10 acres.
“While we welcome the government’s stand that only cultivated lands would get Rythu Bharosa support, how can the government ignore the actual cultivators? The process being proposed by the state government such as taking affidavits from the land owners that they are cultivating the land this season will make the situation even more difficult for the tenant farmers,” said Kiran Vissa, SKM representative.
“Even though the state government is claiming that it has spent a record amount of Rs 54,000 crore towards farmers in its first year, not even 1% has gone to the tenant cultivators who constitute 36% of Telangana’s farmers,” he noted.
Reminding that the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had also met tenant farmers during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, where he had promised that they would be included in all the government schemes, the SKM leaders cited chief minister A Revanth Reddy’s open letter to tenant farmers dated September 13, 2023, where he had mentioned that there were 22 lakh tenant farmers cultivating 40% of the land, but the BRS government had completely ignored them.
They demanded that the promised payment of Rs 12,000 per year should be given to all agricultural workers as well.
Hyderabad: Cab drivers in the city have declared a protest in response to a significant drop in ride charges, which have decreased from Rs 14 to Rs 10 per kilometre.
This reduction has created substantial financial strain on their livelihoods. The demonstration, spearheaded by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), aims to highlight the increasing difficulties that drivers face when working with major ride-hailing platforms.
Drivers argue that the fare cuts, coupled with rising fuel prices and escalating vehicle maintenance costs, are jeopardizing their ability to maintain their operations.
Shaik Salauddin, president of TGPWU, stated, “The current situation is untenable for our drivers. We’re demanding the creation of a government-operated aggregator app that would eliminate commission charges and ensure fair, standardized rates for rides.”
He emphasized that many drivers are struggling to cover basic expenses and loan repayments due to these unsustainable fare levels.
TGPWU is calling on the government to intervene by regulating ride charges and establishing a minimum fare per kilometre.
They contend that the existing pricing model primarily benefits aggregator companies while leaving drivers to bear the brunt of diminished earnings.
Tagging chief minister A Revanth Reddy and Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, TGPWU urged them to improve the situation.
“The condition of our cab drivers has become pathetic. Ola, Uber, Rapido companies are exploiting us. Even after working hard for 24 hours, we are not getting a fair price. CM @revanth_anumula sir, Transport Minister @Ponnam_INC sir, please pay attention to our problems,” TGPWU said on X.
Hyderabad: BJP MLA in Telangana Raja Singh on Friday urged Ayyappa devotees visiting Sabarimala in Kerala not to go to any mosques during their pilgrimage.
Singh told reporters here that the devotees must strictly follow the rules of ‘Ayyappa deeksha’ and they would become impure if they go to the mosque (Vavar).
The Goshamahal MLA said it is a conspiracy that the devotees are made to visit the mosque,.
He also urged Telangana and Andhra Pradesh chief ministers A Revanth Reddy and N Chandrababu Naidu to write to the Kerala government seeking 10 acres land for constructing accommodation for the devotees.
Hyderabad: Revealing that the state is running short on revenue and is in dire need to funds, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy on Friday, December 4, said his government has been getting Rs 18,500 crore revenue every month instead of the required Rs 30,000 crore. He added that the generated revenue is not enough to meet the requirements.
The Telangana chief minister said that the least Rs 22500 crores are need for “minimum needs” and that the state Government is earning Rs 4000 crore lesser than the minimum requirement of money. “The entire administrative system has been corrupted for the last 10 years. My government tried to restore the administrative system soon after coming to power,” he claimed, in reference to the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government led by K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).
He added that it will take some time to address the economic challenges and that the Telangana government will seek suggestions from the employees to spend the state’s revenues transparently. Revanth Reddy also said that revenue should be increased by another Rs. 4000 crores every month, and that steps will be taken to ensure that welfare schemes reach the “real” beneficiaries.
“This government is ours. It is in the employees hands whether to increase the revenues or distribute the money. Government is ready to address the problems, if any, facing the employees. No need to hold protests. Problems can be solved only through discussions. Some people are instigating protests for political reasons,” said the Telangana chief minister in reference to state employees holding protests in recent times.
He added that the state government also wants to regularize outsourcing and contract employees, but it is unable to due to the ongoing issue. “The employees’ cooperation is required to increase government revenue. We will solve the employees’ problems soon . The government will not take any harsh decisions which creates trouble and suffer by the employees,” said Revanth Reddy.
