Latest news from Hyderabad City, Hitech city, Charminar

Formula E scam: KTR will come out as pearl, says Harish Rao

Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Siddipet MLA T Harish Rao on Tuesday, January 7, criticised the Telangana High Court’s verdict on the anti-corruption bureau’s (ACB) corruption case against the party’s working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) saying the latter would come out of controversy clean.

Addressing the media at KTR’s residence, the former minister reminded how the current Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy was caught red-handed with bundles of cash and sent to jail while his nephew, KTR, worked tirelessly to enhance Hyderabad’s brand image by bringing the prestigious Formula E race to Hyderabad.

Harish Rao accused CM Revanth of framing KTR in “illegal cases,” asserting that the High Court verdict did not confirm any wrongdoing but merely called for an investigation.

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Formula E case: Telangana HC dismisses KTR’s plea to quash ACB FIR

“Our legal cell will review the High Court judgement and we will decide on further legal action if needed. KTR has done nothing wrong, and we will face these investigations with confidence,” he told reporters.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned KTR for questioning in the Formula E race case on January 16.

Ponguleti questions why KTR went to court if he was clean

In response to KTR’s post on X after the court’s ruling on Tuesday, Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy questioned why he went to court to begin with, if he had nothing to do with the alleged Formula-E scam.

“Showing their strength in front of the courts and institutions is not right. Courts will judge if a person is guilty. If any wrongdoing was done, it will come out one day,” he said.

Reminding that it was only after the BRS asked for a probe into Kaleshwaram project, power purchases during the BRS rule, and Formula-E allegations, Srinivas Reddy said that neither the chief minister nor the state government was targeting the family members of BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao.

“The mistakes they have made in the system are getting exposed now. If KTR thinks that by going to jail he will become the chief minister, he should remember that Kavitha went to jail before him. Once Arvind Kumar starts speaking more skeletons will start rolling out of the closet,” he said.

Telangana HC dismisses KTR’s plea against ACB case in Formula E scam

Harish Rao’s reaction comes after the Telangana High Court on Tuesday dismissed KTR’s quash petition against the case registered by the ACB in the alleged Formula E scam. The High Court also turned down a request by KTR’s lawyers who sought protection from arrest for 10 days.

The court, which reserved its orders on the quash petition on December 31, pronounced the same on Tuesday, paving the way for an investigation into the high-profile case. During the hearing of the quash petition, the High Court had barred the ACB from arresting KTR.

During the arguments, Advocate General A Sudershan Reddy, representing the state government, informed the court that Rs 46 crore in British Pounds were paid to Formula E Operations Limited (FEO), citing clear violations of rules.

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Formula E case: Telangana HC dismisses KTR’s plea to quash ACB FIR

The government counsel submitted to the court that HMDA required permission from the finance department for payment of more than Rs 10 crore but in this case, it made a total payment of Rs 54 crore without any approval. The court was told that Secretariat Business Rules were not followed and that the then minister KTR signed the note file.

KTR’s counsel Siddhartha Dave argued that the sections invoked by the ACB in the FIR are not valid. He submitted to the bench that it was not proper to name KTR as an accused in the case. He also mentioned that the Secretary, Municipal Administration signed the agreement for the Formula E race.

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Hyderabad: The Telangana government is implementing measures to strengthen the Nagarjuna Sagar dam while expanding its ayacut, said state irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy. He instructed officials to prioritise the repair works of the Nagarjuna Sagar Project and its canal network and urged the Nalgonda District Collector to expedite land acquisition for various irrigation projects in the district.

Stressing the importance of timely completion, Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that land acquisition in Nalgonda must not hinder project progress and should be treated as a top priority. His comments were made during a review meeting on the Nagarjuna Sagar project held at Jala Soudha on Tuesday. The irrigation minister also highlighted that there are approximately 334 lift irrigation schemes, either fully operational or partially functional, with a combined ayacut of 469,138 acres.

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Formula E case: ED summons KTR for questioning on January 16

He directed officials in Nalgonda to prioritise the restoration of all these projects to their full capacity, with a special focus on small lift irrigation schemes in terms of fund allocation and implementation, said a press release from his office. The Telangana irrigation minister emphasised that while major irrigation schemes require significant capital investment and recurring costs, smaller schemes demand comparatively lower funds and maintenance costs while offering a better cost-benefit ratio.

The minister also directed officials in Nalgonda to expedite the works on the Nellikal Lift Irrigation Scheme, which sources water from the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, said the release. The scheme, estimated at Rs 664.80 crore, aims to provide irrigation to approximately 24,624 acres. Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to divide the project into two phases and ensure the completion of Phase-I to irrigate 7,600 acres by the upcoming Kharif season.

“It was also decided to proceed with the construction of a link canal between the High Level Canal and the Low Level Canal, passing through tanks such as Medawarm, Pothunur, Sangaram, Peddavoora, and Thungathurthy in Nalgonda district. The project, spanning 0–15,000 km and estimated to cost Rs 62.26 crore, has acquired 43.31 acres of the required 65.02 acres of land. The minister directed officials to issue tenders and ensure the timely completion of the project,” added the release.

Hyderabad's Cherlapally Railway Station introduces sleeping pods

Hyderabad: Sleeping pods have been introduced at Hyderabad’s new Cherlapally railway station providing passengers with a modern, comfortable space.

However, other new facilities at railway station include an executive lounge, separate waiting areas for men and women, cafeterias, dining options, elevators, escalators, foot-over bridges, EV charging stations, and other modern amenities similar to those in airports.

Recently, the Hyderabad airport has introduced innovative sleeping pods, designed to provide a private environment for weary passengers.

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https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-gets-its-first-j-pods-at-rgia-all-you-need-to-know-3114113/

Starting at Rs 500, these launched sleeping pods in Hyderabad offer a perfect solution for passengers seeking comfort and privacy without the high cost of lounges.

The POD Hotel includes separate locker areas for footwear and luggage, ensuring that personal belongings are secure while guests rest. Although the washrooms are not attached, they are conveniently located just a few meters away and include shower rooms for added comfort.

Origin to sleeping pods dates back to 1979

A sleep pod, also known as nap pod, napping pod, or nap capsule, is a special type of structure or chair that allows Hyderabad residents to nap.

Nap pods are commonly used for private sleep breaks and are often enhanced with technology and ambient features. These pods have gained popularity in various settings including corporate offices, hospitals, universities, airports, and other public spaces.

Various researchers from around the world including Hyderabad support the effectiveness of sleeping pod as it allows 20-minute naps in reducing fatigue, boosting energy, improving focus, increasing productivity, enhancing mood, facilitating learning, lowering stress, and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The rise of nap pods is linked to a growing understanding of the health benefits of sleep and napping, particularly in terms of cognitive function and productivity. The first sleep pod was designed by Kisho Kurokawa in 1979 as part of his Capsule Inn Osaka, Japan project.

227 deaths due to accidents in Hyderabad in 2024: report

Hyderabad: Applications are invited from ex-servicemen, ex-paramilitary personnel, and retired police officers for enrollment as special police officers in 191 vacant positions with Hyderabad city police.

A monthly honorarium of Rs 26,000 is being offered for these temporary positions without any entitlement to paid leave.

The age limit for ex-servicemen, ex-paramilitary forces, and retired police personnel should be 58 years as of January 1, 2025.

Those who have retired from service within the last two years are also eligible to apply. For them, the upper age limit is 61 years.

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All interested candidates can apply in person by visiting the SPO’s office, CAR Headquarters, Petlaburj, Hyderabad by 5 pm on January 25.

The applicants should bring along with them their discharge book/discharge certificate/retirement order, Aadhar card, PAN card, technical trade proficiency certificate (if applicable), valid driving license for LMV/HMV (for driver positions), and three passport-size photos.

Hyderabad Mayor

Hyderabad: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi emphasized the importance of addressing local issues and enhancing city development as she visited the Miyapur, Chandanagar, and Serilingampalli areas on Tuesday, January 7.

Accompanied by MLA Arikapudi Gandhi and ward members, she inspected several key areas including Makta Pedakudi tank, Patel tank outlet, and Gopi tank, urging officials to resolve pressing issues.

The Hyderabad Mayor expressed dissatisfaction with sanitation management especially at Makta Pedakudi tank, where garbage and construction waste were improperly managed. She directed immediate action for cleaning and improving sanitation. Additionally, she called for swift repairs at Vishweshwara Colony and Lingampalli vegetable market and instructed officials to expedite the beautification of GHMC Memory Garden Park.

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Mayor Vijayalakshmi also assessed the steps required to ensure the improvement of water management at Gopi Cheruvu and other local areas. She encouraged residents to directly report issues for faster resolutions, assuring them of her personal involvement in addressing local concerns.

Telangana Govt issues orders to set up HYDRAA police station

Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Tuesday, January 7 issued orders to establish a dedicated police station under the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA) department.

The police station will be established at B-block, Buddha Bhavan at Secunderabad.

According to the order, HYDRAA will function under a unified framework to address issues such as land encroachments, damage to public property, and other asset protection challenges. The agency chaired by the Telangana chief minister, Revanth Reddy comprises various wings including assets protection, disaster response, administration, legal, IT, and more.

The main wing of the HYDRAA is an ‘asset protection wing’, that will be responsible for protecting and rejuvenating the natural assets of the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR) including lakes, nalas, parks, layout open spaces, playgrounds, government lands among other things.

The police station will also handle cases related to land grabbing, defacement of public property, and HYDRAA-related activities. It will be supervised by an officer of the rank of assistant commissioner of police (ACP) who will act as the station house officer (SHO).

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HYDRAA chief inspects encroachments in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills

The jurisdiction of the HYDRAA police station spans the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and its adjoining areas.

The citizens can now directly file cases against land grabbers, encroachers, public property damages, and defacement of public properties.

About HYDRAA

The disaster management department in Hyderabad was officially renamed HYDRAA on July 19.

The disaster management wing of HYDRAA will be responsible for disaster response and relief, this wing will work with national and state agencies, issue timely warnings, coordinate emergency efforts, and maintain a database for risk assessment and predictions. It will also issue fire NOCs under the Telangana Fire Services Act.

HYDRAA will also oversee traffic management during disasters, coordinate with various departments, and maintain a structured organization with the necessary resources.

Whereas, the logistics support wing will manage staff recruitment, office administration, procurements, and IT services. It will support disaster response operations and community training.

Later, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officially gave its nod to enable the commissioner of HYDRAA to protect public assets like roads, drains, public streets, water bodies, open spaces and public parks.

Assaduddin Praises Indian muslims over higher sex ratio while BJP states score low

Hyderabad: The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised PM Narendra Modi and BJP’s ‘nationalist’ spokespersons for accusing Muslims of India of ‘sexism’, while the sex ratio in BJP-ruled states remain poor.

The Hyderabad MP took to X (former Twitter) to cite a new report showing how Haryana, a state ruled by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) for over a decade, recorded the country’s lowest sex ratio in the past 8 years.

Asaduddin Owaisi deplored the mindset of people, who would “kill their unborn daughters.”

“Men are k*lling people over meat, but feel nothing for our daughters,” the AIMIM chief added.

According to the report by the Indian Express, Haryana has yet again recorded the lowest sex ratio of 910 girls per 1,000 boys born in the state in 2024 — the lowest in the past eight years, including 2023 (916).

Muslims have a high sex ratio: Owaisi

Asaduddin Owaisi, in his X post, asserted that the Muslim Community in India has one of the highest sex ratios, as Islam prohibits female foeticide.

According to the latest PEW research on female foeticide in India, based on Union government data indicates foeticide of at least 9 million females in the years 2000–2019. The research shows that 86.7% of these foeticides were by Hindus, followed by Sikhs with 4.9%, and Muslims with 6.6%.

Meanwhile, the AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi highlighted the Islamophobic narrative building in the prime-time shows on TV news channels, which call for the ‘modernisation of the Muslims.’

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Do Justice: Asaduddin Owaisi to police on lynching in UP

Owaisi reacts to lynching case in UP

Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday, criticised the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government for its inaction against the accused in the latest case of lynching in the state.

Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised the police, urging them to ensure justice in such cases and not protect the accused. Attacking UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Owaisi said, “Killing a person is still a crime in India, even if the person is a Muslim, and Uttar Pradesh is still a part of India.”

The Hyderabad MP’s reaction came after a Muslim man was beaten to death in UP’s Moradabad for allegedly slaughtering a cow.

In a post on X, the AIMIM supremo said, “Uttar Pradesh police, just a reminder—you are the police, not a gang of unemployed criminals disguised as cow protectors. Do justice.”

Prajavani recieves 450 applications on Tuesday

Hyderabad: The Prajavani programme was held at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) headquarters in Lower Tank Bund, Adarsh Nagar, Hyderabad on Tuesday, January 7.

The officials received a total of 450 applications on Tuesday. Among them, the Panchayati Raj & Rural Development Department received 150 applications, the Energy Department received 119 applications, and the Revenue Department received 68 applications.

Other departments together received 113 grievances, while no applications were received through the Pravasi programme.

On 2025’s first Prajavani programme held at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad on January 3, 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.

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37.11 pc of Prajavani grievances in 2024 unresolved: RTI

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 regularly.

Forensic audit of land records will be done after Sankranthi festival, says revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.

Hyderabad: Announcing that a forensic audit of land records will be done after the Sankranti festival, Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that the land ‘scams’ in Bhoodan, Endowment, and assigned lands will be exposed by that audit.

Also alleging that 2,000 acres of government land in the Rajanna-Sircilla district have been registered in the names of private individuals, he said that these land ‘scams’ in Rangareddy, Medak, and Medchal districts will also get exposed after the forensic audit soon.

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Formula E scam: Lies won’t shatter me, says KTR

Talking about the Bhu Bharati Act, he said that once the Governor gives his nod, the gazette notification will be issued, and it would take two months for the rules of the Act to be framed.

He also said that the report of the commission on power purchases during the BRS government has submitted its report and the state government was taking legal opinion on it.

He also said that the probe was on the infamous phone-tapping case and the Kaleshwaram project.

High Court dismisses BRS leader's claim that Bathukamma Kunta land in Amberpet belonged to him.

Hyderabad: In a major victory for Hyderabad Disaster Response Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA), the High Court has dismissed the petition of BRS leader Edla Sudhakar Reddy, who claimed that Bathuklamma Kunta land in Amberpet was his private property.

The High Court’s order delivered on Tuesday, January 7, gives the liberty to HYDRAA to carry on with its efforts to rejuvenate and beautify the Bathukamma Kunta, which has shrunk from 16.13 acres (including the buffer zone) in 1962 to a mere 5.15 acres presently.

Bathukamma Kunta, which was originally Errakunta, shrunk due to large-scale dumping of waste and construction debris dumped inside it over the years.

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No demolitions near Bathukamma Kunta, to be restored soon: HYDRAA chief

It can be recalled that acting upon former MP V Hanumantha Rao’s complaint to HYDRAA that Bathukamma Kunta was largely encroached upon, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath visited the water body on November 13, and announced HYDRAA’s plans for rejuvenating Bathukamma Kunta.

However, on November 14, BRS leader and the party’s candidate from the Amberpet assembly constituency in the 2014 elections Edla Sudhakar Reddy obtained a stay from the High Court.

HYDRAA, Revenue, and Irrigation officials filed a counter in the High Court, and after listening to both sides, the bench comprising Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy dismissed Sudhakar Reddy’s petition, stating that he didn’t enjoy any rights for that land.

AV Ranganath felicitated the team of officials who collaborated and gathered evidence to prove that the land belonged to Bathukamma Kunta.

Presently, HYDRAA is only going to restore the water body and beautify the area around it to only an extent of 5.15 acres.

Ranganath directed his officials to ensure that lake restoration was done without causing inconvenience to the people living around it.

Mufeed ul Anam school in Hyderabad to lose area for Old City metro development

Hyderabad: The Mufeed ul Anam Boys High School in Hyderabad’s Alijah Kotla is set to lose a part of its land for the development of the Old City metro rail project.

Established in 1880, the government-aided private school is a prominent landmark in Hyderabad’s Old City.

Some of the notable personalities from the city including Teegala Krishna Reddy, the former mayor of Hyderabad, Dr Girish Narayan, the former superintendent of the Osmania General Hyderabad (OGH) and barrister Akbar Ali Khan, the former governor of Odisha are alumni of Mufeed-ul- Anam.

Despite the school in Hyderabad losing a significant area, the management is confident that the change in boundaries wouldn’t affect its functioning.

Speaking to Siasat.com, Dharmendra, the secretary of the school said, “The school is spread over 1000 square yards, only a part of it will be demolished for the Metro rail project. Hence, the school will function on the remaining land as usual.”

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“Only the front portion of the school including the front wall, two washrooms and two Malgis (Shops) will be demolished for the development purpose. After the demolition approximately 778 square yards of area will be intact.” Dharmendra explained.

Rs 1.54 cr compensation recieved

The management of Mufeed-ul-Anam Boys High School has received Rs 1.54 crore as compensation for the loss of its land.

According to Hyderabad collector Anudeep Durishetty, 175 people have given up their properties for the development of the Old City. Out of 175, 40 oustees were given cheques worth Rs 20 crore.

It is to be noted that 1100 properties in Hyderabad’s Old City will be affected due to the metro rail development project. Out of these, the HMRL has issued notices to 800 properties.

Apart from the management of Mufeed ul Anam Boys High School, oustees from parts of the Old City also received compensation.

Speaking to Siasat.com, Ahmed Riyaz, a resident of Alijah Kotla said, “I have a two-storeyed house at Alijah Kotla, on the ground floor there is a shop and I live on the first floor. 8.1 square yards of my land is being used for the Metro project. I received Rs 14 lakh as compensation.”

Shankar, a resident of Moghalpura, in Hyderabad, said, “Three of my repositories will be demolished and 9 square yards of my land will be used for the project.”

KTR to approach the Supreme Court on Formula-E case.

Hyderabad: Criticising the Congress for celebrating the quashing of his petition in connection with the Formula-E case, BRS working president KTR said that he would approach the Supreme Court for justice and that he was confident of a fair trial there.

Terming the corruption allegations leveled against him as baseless and politically motivated, KTR has accused the opposition parties of attempting to divert public attention through “false propaganda.”

“This Formula E case against me is politically driven and lacks substance. Despite knowing the baseless nature of the accusations, I appeared for the ACB inquiry as a law-abiding citizen. I will fight these cases legally and constitutionally,” KTR said, addressing the media on Tuesday, January 7.

“The High Court only dismissed the quash petition, yet Congress leaders are rejoicing as if I’ve been sentenced or proven guilty of a crime. We will approach the Supreme Court, and I am confident of a fair trial there. I will continue my legal fight,” KTR said.

On why he had to return without being questioned by the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) on Monday, KTR said that he had informed the ACB that he would appear for questioning with his lawyer, but despite being made to wait for half an hour, the ACB officials hesitated to question him.

“I will approach the High Court tomorrow to ensure that my inquiry takes place in the presence of my lawyers. I am also seeking legal protection from these malicious actions,” KTR stated.

KTR said that he was willing to cooperate with investigations, including appearing before the ACB and ED.

“I have nothing to hide and will answer all questions. My integrity is my strength,” he said.

“Congress’s interest lies in Formula E, while our interest lies in farmers. We talk about Rythu Bharosa (farmer support) while Revanth Reddy is busy with diversions. We know the kind of mischief he’s up to,” KTR remarked.

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Refutes allegations against BRS on electoral bonds

Also refuting the allegations regarding electoral bonds being used as tools for quid pro quo deals, KTR raised questions about political donations through electoral bonds, alleging Congress’s hypocrisy on the issue.

“Greenko has donated to multiple parties, including BRS, Congress, BJP, TDP, and YSRCP. Why is Congress singling out BRS? Can Congress or Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy prove that Greenko received any special favors from BRS in return for their donations,” he asked.

Meanwhile, he directed BRS leaders to expose Congress’s alleged diversionary tactics and focus on developmental issues like farmers’ welfare and pension disbursements.

“Truth will prevail, and we will continue to fight for the people of Telangana,” he concluded.

Why KTR knocked on the court’s door if he was clean: Ponguleti

Responding to KTR’s tweet after the High Court’s ruling, revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy questioned why KTR had to run to court if he was clean on Formula-E allegations.

Speaking with the media on Tuesday, he said that showing strength before the courts and institutions was not right and that the truth would certainly come out one day.

Reminding that it was only after BRS leaders sought a probe on the Kaleshwaram project, power purchases during the BRS government, and the Formula-E case, that the state government ordered the probe, Ponguleti said that neither the chief minister nor the Congress party had any intention to take revenge by implicating the family members of BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao in any of these cases.

“Because they perpetrated wrongdoings in the system, things are getting exposed now. If KTR thinks that by going to jail he will become the chief minister, he has to remember that Kavitha went to jail much before him. Once Arvind Kumar starts speaking on the Formula-E scam, more skeletons will start falling out of the closet,” he said.

Alleging that 2,000 acres of government land in the Rajanna-Sircilla district have been registered in the names of private individuals, he said that these land ‘scams’ in Rangareddy, Medak, and Medchal districts will also get exposed after the forensic audit of land records which will be done after the Sankranthi festival.

Ponguleti responds on electoral bonds issue

Responding to KTR’s remarks on electoral bonds, revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that only BRS which was in power at the time should have known better, why people gave electoral bonds to the Congress.

“Not just the electoral bonds, there are many other things that need to be exposed. To which account the money transferred to a foreign company in the Formula-E case was credited should also be exposed. BRS is the richest regional party. How did all that money come,” he asked.

Vizag woman jumps into water sump with two kids

Hyderabad: A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7, in Malakpet village, located under the jurisdiction of the Genome Valley police station in Medchal, where a two-year-old boy named Aryan Kumar drowned in a sump.

Aryan lived with his three siblings and parents, who were daily wage workers.

On that tragic afternoon, after returning home, Aryan’s parents opened the lid of the sump to wash their hands but forgot to close it afterwards.

Following lunch, they realized Aryan was missing and began searching for him. Unfortunately, they later discovered that he had fallen into the sump.

Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead by the attending doctors.

The police have registered a case regarding this incident.

Hyderabad: Police seize 470kg ganja worth Rs 1.2 Cr, arrest 10

Hyderabad: The efforts of the Prohibition and Excise Department, Telangana to put an end to ganja trade at Dhoolpet and Nanakramguda are yielding results but gradually.

Around three hundred individuals were arrested, 71 cases booked, and more than 300 kilograms of ganja were seized in 2024 in Dhoolpet.

To weed out the local supply market in the city, the Prohibition and Excise Department started ‘Operation Dhoolpet’ in mid-2024.

As part of the strategy to control the sale of ganja at Dhoolpet and Nanakramguda, the department launched the operation to cut the supply to local peddlers and hotspots.

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The operation has already led to the seizure of 321 kilograms of dry ganja and 4 kilograms of hashish oil, along with the confiscation of 44 two-wheelers and 2 four-wheelers. In addition, authorities have destroyed 561 kilograms of dry ganja and 3 kilograms of opium.

The operation is focused on eradicating the trafficking of ganja in key hotspots such as Dhoolpet, Nanakramguda, and Kukatpally.

Dhoolpet infamous for gudumba

Dhoolpet was infamous for its illicitly distilled liquor unit – gudumba – as known locally. After the massive crackdown, the ID liquor units were shut down and the families turned to the ganja trade.

In 2023, the state government took serious note of the drug problem and concentrated on Dhoolpet, and Nanakramguda was considered the hotbed for the supply of ganja locally.

The police conducted its operations and the Prohibition and Excise followed it up. More than 1000 arrests have been made in the past two years and the cat-and-mouse game between local communities and the law enforcement agencies continues.

Cordon and search, nakabandi, surprise raids based on specific inputs and court trial monitoring helped in control the illicit trade to a certain extent, the police say.

Non-Governmental and social organizations don’t foresee an immediate end to the problem.

“People are not willing to leave the trade due to high stakes, alternative jobs provided by the government bring little money and it is not of much help to the families. A big financial assistance package might help to some extent,” they suggest.

CM Revanth Reddy condemns attacks on the residences of film personalities.

Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to complete the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Shamirpet, Medchal, and Future City metro expansions by the end of March.

He emphasized the importance of obtaining approval from the central government and suggested that tenders should be invited by the end of April.

This directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held at his residence, focusing on the expansion of the metro system and the construction of elevated corridors in Hyderabad.

The proposed metro routes include significant stretches: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to Future City (40 km), JBS to Shamirpet (22 km), and Parade Ground to Medchal (23 km).

Land acquisition

During the meeting, the chief minister insisted on the immediate completion of land acquisition for these projects.

He stressed that future needs must be taken into account when designing elevated corridors and highlighted the necessity of conducting thorough field-level assessments during the alignment design process.

Notably, he pointed out that the metro line on the Medchal route should consider three existing flyovers.

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Reddy also urged that all three metro lines—Shamirpet, Medchal, and Future City—should be inaugurated simultaneously.

He called for the establishment of a large junction equipped with modern facilities to meet future requirements, ensuring that residents would not need to travel into the city for basic amenities.

A comprehensive plan for this junction is to be developed under Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), which will also oversee the construction of radial roads.

The review meeting was attended by key officials, including the chief minister’s advisor Vennarender Reddy, state government advisor for Infrastructure Srinivasaraju, special secretary Ajith Reddy, Municipal chief secretary Danakishore, managing director of Hyderabad Metro Rail NVS Reddy, HMDA commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, and commissioner for Priority Programs Shashank.

No dead body decayed at Gandhi morgue so far: Telangana govt to HC

Hyderabad: In response to the rising cases of the HMPV virus in the country, Gandhi Hospital has taken proactive measures, readying itself for any patient inflow.

The hospital has established isolation wards on the third and fourth floors of its main building, equipped with a total of 40 beds—15 for men, 5 for women, and 20 for children.

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The hospital has 600 oxygen beds, over 450 ventilators, 400 monitors, approximately 40,000 litres of liquid oxygen storage, and numerous oxygen cylinders, including pediatric ventilators.

The hospital’s oxygen plant set up by the central government is also ready for operation.

In case patients infected with the virus arrive at the hospital, plans are in place to reactivate the COVID-19 wards for their care, hospital authorities said.

Telangana govt fully prepared: Health min

Telangana’s Health Minister, Damodara Raja Narasimha addressed concerns surrounding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), clarifying that it is not a new virus but has been circulating globally since 2001.

He said that HMPV primarily affects the respiratory system, typically resulting in mild symptoms.

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making awareness of hygiene practices crucial for prevention.

The minister noted a significant increase in HMPV cases reported in China this year, which has raised alarm among health officials.

However, he assured the public that health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation both internationally and within various states in India.

Telangana govt fully prepared: Health min

In terms of health preparedness, minister Narasimha stated that the Telangana government is fully equipped to handle any potential outbreaks, with all necessary medical facilities readily available.

He added that the health department is coordinating closely with central health authorities to ensure a robust response to any developments regarding HMPV.

The minister also urged the public not to panic but to remain cautious.

Health minister warns against misinformation

He highlighted the importance of combating misinformation on social media that could incite unnecessary fear among citizens.

“Accurate information is essential for public awareness and helps mitigate anxiety related to health issues,” he said.

Finally, Narasimha called for enhanced disease surveillance systems and preparedness measures among higher authorities and district officials.

Woman raped by pvt bus driver on moving bus in Telangana

Hyderabad: In yet another crime against girls, a private school principal allegedly touched students inappropriately.

The incident occurred in the school located in AS Rao Nagar, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kushaiguda police.

Girls of Hyderabad school faced ordeal during extra classes

It is alleged that the incident took place during the extra classes, which were held after regular school hours.

After facing the ordeal, four class 10 students lodged a case against the principal of the private school.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case.

Legal action

The accused has been booked under Section 74 of the BNS Act, which deals with outraging modesty, and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.

Police are investigating the allegation of the Hyderabad school principal inappropriately touching the girls.

The incident has sparked outrage among parents and members of student organizations.

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In a heated protest at the school premises, they confronted the 45-year-old principal and accused him of inappropriate conduct during evening extra classes.

The situation escalated as the crowd vandalized school property and physically assaulted the principal.

Police were alerted by local residents about the unrest. Upon reaching the scene, they managed to bring the situation under control. The accused principal, who sustained injuries during the assault, was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

A Gurukul School Telangana

Hyderabad: The Telangana Social Welfare department has announced that applications will be accepted until January 10 for filling 65 IT Instructor positions and two Public Relations Officer (PRO) posts in its Gurukul schools.

Candidates applying for the IT Instructor posts must have completed a computer course in B.Tech, M.Tech, or MCA, while those applying for the PRO positions should hold a degree in journalism with at least ten years of experience.

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Applications must be submitted by 4 pm on Friday, January 10 at the Telangana Social Welfare department’s Gurukul Schools head office located at Masab Tank, Deshodharaka Bhavan.

Recruitment at Telangana HC

The Telangana High Court has announced a significant recruitment drive to fill 1,673 vacancies across various positions.

The application process will commence on January 8, and interested candidates can submit their applications until January 31.

This recruitment initiative aims to strengthen the workforce within the High Court for the State of Telangana as well as the Telangana Judicial Ministerial and Subordinate Service.

Vacancies

The vacancies are divided into several categories, including 1,277 non-technical posts, 184 technical posts, and 212 roles within the Judicial Ministerial and Subordinate Service.

The available positions encompass a wide range of roles such as Computer Operators, Assistants, Court Masters, Stenographer Grade III, Junior Assistants, and various clerical positions like Typists and Copyists.

Application process

To apply for these positions, candidates should follow a straightforward application process. First, they need to visit the official website at tshc.gov.in.

Once on the site, they should click on the recruitment registration link, register using the required credentials, and fill out the application form.

After completing the form, candidates must pay the application fee before submitting it. It is advisable to download a copy of the submitted form for future reference.

Key dates to remember include the start of the application period on January 8 and its conclusion on January 31.

The examinations are tentatively scheduled for April 2025. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, which stipulates that applicants should be between 18 and 34 years of age.

It is essential for candidates to review the detailed eligibility requirements outlined in the official notification before applying.

Salary range

Selected candidates will be offered a competitive salary ranging from Rs 19,000 to Rs 1,33,630 per month, depending on their specific roles within the organization.

The High Court reserves the right to modify the number of vacancies or cancel the notification at any time without prior notice, a release informed.

Therefore, candidates are encouraged to stay informed through the official website for any updates or changes regarding this recruitment process.

Hyderabad sees surge in registration of properties

Hyderabad: The residential real estate market saw a decline in prices in South Hyderabad in 2024. However, a huge jump is seen in eastern and northern Hyderabad.

On average, the residential prices in Hyderabad have grown by 8 percent to Rs 5,974 per sq ft. However, the growth is not uniform in the city.

Hyderabad residential real estate sees jump in prices in LB Nagar

According to a report by the real estate services company Knight Frank Research, LB Nagar, which is located in eastern Hyderabad, saw an increase in prices by 11 percent in one year.

Closely trailing is Kompally with a 10 percent Year-on-Year (YoY) growth in prices.

In 2024, the segment prices between Rs 10-20 mn remained predominant.

Following is the ticket size split of sales:

Ticket size	<5 mn	5-10 mn	10-20 mn	20-50 mn	50-100 mn	100-200 mn	200-500 mn	Total
2024	2650	11231	16459	5205	1080	314	35	36974
YoY change (in percent)	-28	-14	36	72	39	51	217	-12

Source: Knight Frank Research

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South

In South Hyderabad’s Rajendra Nagar, the residential real estate saw a decline in prices by 6 percent YoY. In the past six months, it declined by 11 percent.

However, in Bandlaguda, it did not decline. Rather, it increased by 3 percent YoY.

Following are the residential price movements in various locations in Hyderabad.

Location	Micro-market	Price range in H2 2024 (in Rs/sqft)	12-month change	6-month change
Banjara Hills	Central	14,400 – 16,020	8	5
Jubilee Hills	Central	13,400 – 14,034	0	0
LB Nagar	East	6,450 – 7,307	11	0
Nacharam	East	5,900 – 6,200	5	2
Kompally	North	5,758 – 6,220	10	2
Sainikpuri	North	4,800 – 5,145	5	0
Rajendra Nagar	South	6,950 – 7,909	-6	-11
Bandlaguda	South	7,789 – 8,789	3	2
Kokapet	West	10,045 – 12,500	7	0
Manikonda	West	8,500 – 9,220	6	0

Source: Knight Frank Research

Hyderabad Mayor

Hyderabad: GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi stressed the need to address local issues and improve city development during her visit to Miyapur, Chandanagar, and Serilingampally on Tuesday. She was accompanied by MLA Arikapudi Gandhi and GHMC officials.

The team inspected various sites, including Makta Pedakudi Tank, Patel Tank outlet, and Gopi Tank. The mayor expressed dissatisfaction with poor sanitation at Makta Pedakudi Tank, where garbage and construction waste were not properly managed. She ordered immediate cleaning and better waste management.

She also directed officials to speed up repairs in Vishweshwara Colony and Lingampalli vegetable market. Additionally, she instructed them to accelerate beautification work at GHMC Memory Garden Park.

Vijayalakshmi reviewed water management at Gopi Cheruvu and nearby areas, stressing the need for improvements. She urged residents to report issues directly for quicker solutions and assured them of her personal involvement in resolving problems.