Hyderabad: Gold rates in Hyderabad and other cities in India have reached an all-time high by crossing the Rs 80,000 mark for 24-carat gold.
The jump in prices is due to multiple reasons, with one of the prominent factors being the concerns surrounding US President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
Gold rates in Hyderabad at all-time high
As of today, the price of 10 grams of 22-carat gold in Hyderabad stands at Rs 75,250, while 24-carat gold has surged to Rs 82,090.
These figures reflect a 5.24 percent increase in gold prices for both 22-carat and 24-carat gold compared to the beginning of the month.
At the start of January, 22-carat gold was priced at Rs 71,500, and 24-carat gold was at Rs 78,000.
Hyderabad’s spike in gold prices is not an isolated event. Other major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, have also experienced significant increases in gold rates.
With gold traditionally viewed as a safe-haven investment, the market has seen a surge in consumer interest across the country.
Key factors driving prices
Several global and domestic factors are contributing to the rising gold rates in Hyderabad and other cities.
Some of these factors include Trump’s plans for tariffs on imports from China and the European Union. Further volatility is expected due to Trump’s tariff plans on imports from Mexico and Canada.
The skyrocketing gold rates in Hyderabad raise concerns about a potential drop in domestic demand.
The future of gold prices in Hyderabad will largely depend on several factors, including Trump’s trade policy, decisions by the US Federal Reserve, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and global market trends. Any significant developments in these areas could lead to further fluctuations in gold prices.
Hyderabad: Hyderabad airport which is officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has heightened security measures and barred the entry of visitors ahead of Republic Day in response to a general intelligence alert.
The enhanced security protocols will remain in effect until January 30 to ensure the safety of passengers and airport operations.
‘Plan trips,’ urges Hyderabad airport
The airport authorities have urged travelers to plan their trips accordingly and cooperate with security personnel to avoid any inconvenience.
RGIA has advised passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance to account for the additional time required for security checks.
The airport’s management has emphasized that these measures are crucial for maintaining safety and security during a time of heightened vigilance.
Routine security measures
Every year, Hyderabad airport increases its security protocols ahead of national celebrations such as Independence Day and Republic Day.
These measures are part of standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of travelers and staff during times of potential threat.
As per data from GMR Airports Limited, the airport witnessed record-breaking monthly passenger traffic of 27.05 lakh in December 2024 which is 20 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase.
Monthly trends show steady growth throughout the year. In January, 21.81 lakh passengers were recorded. In February, there was a slight dip to 20.77 lakh.
In March, passenger numbers climbed to 22.16 lakh. There was a marginal decline to 21.96 lakh in April. However, May saw a sharp rise to 23.91 lakh.
The upward trend continued with 22.23 lakh passengers in June, 22.66 lakh in July, and 23.30 lakh in August.
Although September witnessed a slight dip to 22.61 lakh, October saw a surge in passenger traffic to 24.95 lakh. Growth continued in November and December, with passenger numbers increasing to 25.32 lakh and 27.05 lakh, respectively.
In view of the huge footfall at Hyderabad Airport, it is even more important to enhance security measures ahead of Republic Day.
Hyderabad: A centuries-old graveyard located at Aliabad in Hyderabad’s Old City is facing threat from encroachers who are constructing shops in the burial ground with the support of a few local leaders.
The Koudi Shah Graveyard located beside the ACP Chatrinaka office at Aliabad Road is spread over more than two acres of land. The land mafia constructed a malgi on the graveyard land recently and it is awaiting final work before the business starts in the shop.
Inside the graveyard, wild thick vegetation has come up leading to problems for Hyderabad residents who frequent the place on Fridays and special occasions in the Islamic year.
Local people complain that anti-social elements visit the graveyard at night and indulge in unlawful activities, unmindful of the existence of a police station nearby.
A resident of Alinagar, Aliabad, Shaik Dawood, said sometimes they find empty liquor bottles on the graves and also game cards strewn around. “What does it mean?” he asked.
A year and a half ago, a boundary wall was constructed around the graveyard. However, the local public representatives in the Hyderabad locality were apathetic towards the large-scale encroachments of the Muslim graveyard.
Police quarters on graveyard land in Hyderabad
Ironically, due to neglect of the Telangana Waqf Board, the land was allegedly encroached upon by various people including the police department decades ago and police quarters were constructed.
The TS Waqf Board officials maintained that the police quarters and the new police station were constructed on Waqf Board land.
On Thursday, following the complaint Chairman of TG Waqf Board, Azmathullah Hussain, along with the board’s task force visited the graveyard and inspected the place. The local waqf police official accompanied him.
Azmathullah was surprised to find police quarters constructed in the Hyderabad graveyard. He asked the officials to verify the Waqf Board gazette to know the exact extent of the graveyard land and list out the encroachments.
Hyderabad: Blackstone, a global leader in investment and infrastructure announced it will invest Rs 4,500 crore by setting up a 150MW data center facility in Hyderabad.
An MoU was signed between Blackstone and the government of Telangana along with JCK Infra, on the margins of the World Economic Forum2025 in Davos on January 22.
The proposed data center will focus on energy efficiency, advanced cooling systems, and robust cybersecurity protocols. It will be designed to cater to hyperscale clients, the facility will support AI-driven applications, cloud services, and large-scale data processing, fostering innovation in the global digital ecosystem.
Blackstone (Lumina (Data Centre arm of Blackstone) + JCK Group) will collaborate with one of the world’s leading cloud infrastructure providers, bringing significant foreign investment to the state and positioning Telangana as a preferred destination for global enterprises.
Known for its smoky chapli kebabs, fragrant Kabuli pulao, and hearty mutton curries, Afghani food is indeed a treat for the senses. And Hyderabad, with its diverse culinary influences, is filled with gems serving these bold flavours. One such gem is Afghani Kabab Express, a beloved spot that’s been known for serving some of the most authentic Afghani dishes. Located at NMDC Road, Masab Tank, this restaurant serves up hearty meals that transport you straight to Afghanistan with every bite.
A taste of Afghanistan in Hyderabad
Run by Afghan natives, the restaurant brings an authentic feel with recipes passed down through generations. The menu is a true reflection of Afghan cuisine, featuring an array of mouthwatering dishes prepared with aromatic spices and tender meats. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the Sheek Kebab, Mutton Chops and Malai Kebab. Their Chapli Kebab, which recently went viral on Instagram, is another crowd favourite.
For those craving a wholesome meal, their Kabuli Pulao is a must-try, offering a rich combination of spiced rice, meat, and dried fruits. Pair it with the Chainaki Buff or the Chicken Kadai for a complete Afghani feast. The restaurant also offers Kheema Samosas as a tasty snack to complement your meal.
So whether you are a long-time fan or trying Afghani cuisine for the first time, the restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience to all.
Hyderabad: A meeting will be held by representatives of various Urdu organisations on January 25 in the city to discuss the challenges and ‘future of the Urdu language in Telangana’ as concerns over its neglect and marginalisation are growing.
The Mohibban-e-Urdu (Urdu Lovers) will organise a meeting on January 25 which will be presided over by Tahreek Muslim Shabban president Mohammed Mushtaq Mallik. The session aims to address critical issues threatening the survival of Urdu and its institutions in the state, said a press release from his office.
“The acute shortage of Urdu teachers has left many Urdu-medium schools on the verge of closure. Despite a seven-year wait since the last teacher recruitment notification in 2017, the latest DSC-2024 process filled only 517 of the 1,183 posts reserved for Urdu medium, leaving 666 positions vacant due to reserved category constraints,” stated the release.
Mushtaq Mallik added that the state government’s “inability” to fill these posts has dealt a “severe blow” to Urdu-medium institutions in the state. He added that it has endangered their “very existence” and that it has also betrayed the hopes of aspiring teachers and students.
“Equally troubling is the government’s failure to implement Urdu as the second official language, despite the Telangana Official Languages (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Bill, passed in recognition of the state’s 12.69 percent Urdu-speaking population, has been reduced to little more than lip service. Official signboards are missing Urdu signage, press releases and communication are rarely issued in the language, and the recruitment of only 66 Urdu translators since the bill’s passage underscores the lack of commitment to this cause,” the release added.
Mushtaq Mallik said that the neglect of Urdu institutions and their assets has also “compounded the crisis”. At the meeting on January 25, prominent personalities, including leaders of religious and social organisations, writers, poets and journalists will address the meeting to deliberate on these issues.
Mallik added that institutions such as the Urdu Arts College in Himayatnagar and Urdu Ghar at Moghalpura in Hyderabad also face similar issues due to inadequate funding and “official indifference”, which he said undermines their ability to serve as custodians of Urdu’s cultural and educational heritage.
Hyderabad: Congress Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender felt the removal of encroachments should begin from Old City.
Speaking with media in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 23, officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)should start removing encroachments from Old City instead of demolitions in Chintal Basti that were recently held.
“It is unfair on GHMC’s part to demolish small and micro businesses of street vendors in Khairatabad and Chintal Basti in the name of ‘Operation Rope’ (Removal of Obstructive Parking and Encroachments). These demolitions are destroying the livelihood of the poor,” he said.
“It has become difficult for people’s representatives like me to go to my constituency as they keep questioning the actions of the authorities,” he told reporters.
Questioning how the GHMC could carry on demolitions without even serving prior notices to those affected, he warned that if officials were given a free hand, it would become a threat to the very existence of the government.
While welcoming chief minister A Revanth Reddy’s goal to rejuvenate the Musi River, he said that if injustice was being meted out towards the poor, it was his duty to stand in support of those people.
Pointing out how the chief minister had earlier supported Kumari Aunty, a street vendor who was harassed by officials, Nagender expressed hope that CM Revanth would issue similar orders concerning the ongoing demolition of footpaths.
He clarified that the sole intent of his remarks was to ensure the state government maintained a positive reputation.
If #Kumari Aunty’s stall was allowed, same should be applicable for other vendors in city – #Congress MLA Danam #Nagender, If you want to start demolitions, you start from #old city and then come to us This is not good and will bring bad name to government. pic.twitter.com/MmE5SMWk4S
Hyderabad: The Nizamia Tibbi Hospital in Hyderabad continues to remain in disarray despite funds being sanctioned for its renovation a few months ago.
Post-graduate students at the Nizamia Tibbi Hospital alleged that the decaying infrastructure of the facility has become a cause of concern for them as well as patients. Parts of the false ceiling in the maternity ward were seen lying on the floor in a video released on social media.
The issues seem to be persistent since November 2024. Narrating her ordeal to Siasat.com, Dr Afiya Ahmed said, “A few days ago, I had to use the common sink for brushing my teeth, and while I was doing so, a part of the plaster from the roof fell and bruised my shoulder.”
On the condition of anonymity, a pregnant woman who had arrived at the Nizamia Tibbi Hospital on Thursday said, “One block of the ceiling, fell right in front of me while I was entering the ward. Thank God it didn’t hit me.”
Dr Juveriya Saud* raised issues with the hygiene in the hospital in general and the hostel rooms in particular. “The hospital is in need of repair and the progress is really slow, a while ago I suffered an electric shock in my dorm. Such incidents are common and pose a major risk to our safety.”
Dr Naziya Siddiqui* also raised concerns over hostel dorms being infected with fungus. She further said that the authorities have been neglecting concerns.
“When we raised concerns with the hospital authorities, they refuse to acknowledge the issues, saying, Aisa toh patients ke saath bhi hora (Similar incidents are happening with patients), yet they don’t complain, then why are you complaining?,” said Dr Humera*.
Contrary to the concerns raised by the doctors, an official from the hospital said, “There is no major issue at any of the wards or hostels here. Rs 82 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the hospital and a tender has been released for the restoration of wards. It will take some time for the work to begin.”
False Ceiling at Nizamia Tibbi Hospital in Hyderabad falling apart. Despite the budget being sanctioned for renovation. There is not much progress #Hyderabad#Telanganapic.twitter.com/7z05N3FONt
The official further said that the management is yet to decide on the new location of the girls’ hostel.
In September 2024, an amount of Rs 82 crore was sanctioned for the renovation of the hospital. Five months on the hospital’s condition has deteriorated further. Initially, the budget for restoration was Rs 52 crore, which increased by 30 crore following a representation to the Telangana government
A few students raised concerns over the delay in the restoration of the hospital. The Nizamia Tibbi Hospital, also known as the Unani Hospital, was built in the 1920s during the reign of Osman Ali Khan, Hyderabad’s last Nizam, during the modernisation of Hyderabad after the 19008 Musir river floods. Built in Indo-scenic architecture, it was designed by Jerome Vincet Esch, who also designed the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta.
*(The names used are pseudonyms to maintain confidentiality.)
Every year, Hyderabad’s Numaish unfolds as a cherished tradition for many with its vibrant stalls, delicious food, thrilling rides and melodies that perfectly tie it all together. These melodies, often borrowed from the golden era of Bollywood, set the stage for an experience steeped in nostalgia, celebration and connection.
As visitors stroll through the bustling grounds, they are greeted by the soulful voices of Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey and more. For older generations, these timeless tunes create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a memory. “These songs remind me of my childhood when I used to come here with my parents. Now, even though I have aged and have children of my own, every time I come here, it feels like nothing has changed,” says 50-year-old Parveen Sheikh, a regular attendee.
The radio station at Numaish (Image Source: Bushra Khan/ Siasat.com)
The old playlist isn’t just background noise- it’s the heartbeat of Numaish. Its melodies resonate with older visitors while introducing younger generations to the magic of the bygone era.
Speaking to Siasat.com, Parveen’s young daughter says, “My parents would often narrate their childhood experiences of Numaish. While I cannot go back in time to see their childhoods, the playlist here helps me share the same memories they have had. It allows me to experience a piece of their past, even though I wasn’t there.”
The golden playlist of Hyderabad’s Numaish
The playlist isn’t just put together mindlessly but has been carefully curated over the years by Numaish’s famous radio station which has been managed by Ajay Kumar Jaiswal for the past four decades. “I believe, it is since the 1960s that these songs became a tradition of Numaish and I am trying to uphold it by not making new additions. The collection of songs I have cannot even be counted, it amounts to thousands,” Ajay says, proudly displaying the innumerable CDs strewn over his desk, “Rafi Saheb and Lataji’s songs make up most of my collection.”
At 5 pm sharp, the grounds boom with a prayer song and what follows is an evening full of melodious nostalgia. Songs like Lata Mangeshkar’s Lag Ja Gale, Asha Bhosle’s Jhumka Gira Re, Hemlata’s Ankhiyo Ke Jharoke Se and Lataji’s Jab Tak Hain Jaan are perennial favourites. The romantic charm of Kishore Kumar’s Yeh Shaam Mastani perfectly complements the glowing fairgrounds, while the playful energy of Mohammed Rafi’s Aaj Mausam Bada Beiman Hai captures the lively essence of the event. Listen closely and you will find people humming along to Mohammed Rafi’s Yeh Reshmi Zulfen or Asha Bhosle’s Aaiye Meherban, turning every stroll through the bustling stalls into a journey through cinematic history.
When it is time to close the curtain on this long serenade, Lata Mangeshkar’s Chalte Chalte Yun Hi Koi takes centre stage as the final track every day. This iconic song is thoughtfully played as the Numaish nears its end, with the lyrics “Chiragh bujh rahe hain” (the lamps are dimming) perfectly capturing the moment.
“For me, this is what makes Numaish so special,” says a visitor named Zahida Begum, “Where else in Hyderabad, or even the world, do you find these old classics still being played in public?”
Will new-age songs come to Numaish?
“Humare paas koi chichore gaane nai bajaate,” says Ajay dismissively, “People do come with requests for new songs but we never take those requests. The latest songs we play here are from the early 2000s.”
He reveals that it is only during the off-peak hours that songs like Alka Yagnik’s Tere Naam, Tumse Milna, Bole Chudiyan or Sonu Nigam’s Mere Haath Mein make a rare appearance. When the crowd starts to increase, the evergreen classic comes back to serenade the visitors.
Ajay Kumar’s radio desk (Image Source: Bushra Khan/ Siasat.com)
However, it is to be noted that the Maut Ka Kuan in the rides section keeps its playlist updated with all the trending songs, distancing itself from the radio station.
When asked if he is open to ever bringing new songs to Numaish’s radio, Ajay firmly says, “Kabhi nai….“
Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has reported receiving 10.71 lakh applications for the Indiramma housing scheme.
As of Thursday, January 23, officials have completed the review of 7.50 lakh applications, with plans to finalize the remaining 3.21 lakh applications within the next week.
The housing department has stated that ward meetings in GHMC will be conducted only after the survey is completed.
Currently, 2,249 staff members are engaged in the application review process. Officials have indicated that individuals who did not apply previously will have the opportunity to submit new applications during the ward meetings.
The government has decided to construct 3,500 houses in the first phase for each constituency, which translates to a total of 84,000 houses across 24 constituencies in GHMC.
The overall response to the housing initiative has been substantial, with 10.71 lakh applications received for public housing.
Hyderabad: The city police have identified 8 individuals for illegally running a kidney racket operating out of Alakananda Hospital in Saroor Nagar, Hyderabad, which has come to light following a police investigation.
Authorities raided the hospital after receiving information that kidney transplantations were being conducted without proper authorization.
During the raid, officials discovered that the hospital, which had only been operational for six months and was licensed to treat minor ailments, was involved in unauthorized kidney surgeries.
The investigation reportedly revealed that the hospital was charging approximately Rs 50 lakh for each kidney transplant, allegedly targeting impoverished individuals from Tamil Nadu to donate their kidneys.
Reportedly, these donors were promised around Rs 4 lakh but were often left unpaid.
Health and police authorities in Hyderabad on Tuesday sealed the hospital. According to police, the hospital was inaugurated only six months ago and it had permission to perform minor surgeries by two doctors.
Police said to avoid any health complications for the two kidney recipients, they were shifted to Gandhi Hospital.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Saroornagar) Krishnaiah and Rangareddy District Medical and Health Officer B Venkateshwar Rao along with other officials carried out the raid.
MD of the private hospital in Hyderabad Sumant Chary and other members of the staff were arrested.
According to DM & HO Venkateshwar Rao, Alkananda is a nine-bedded facility. Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Damodar Raja Narasimha has reacted to the busting of a kidney racket.
He said stringent action would be taken against those indulging in illegal activities. The minister asked a Task Force constituted for checks at hospitals to work effectively.
Hyderabad: The Telangana delegation, led by chief minister A Revanth Anumula concluded a successful trip to Davos securing investments worth Rs 1.78 lakh crore expected to create 49,550 jobs in the state.
A press release on Thursday, January 23, stated major highlights of the trip focussed on establishing data centers, green energy, food processing units, more electric vehicles and semiconductors in various districts of the state.
Biggest individual investments
Among the numerous investments, Amazon Web Series invested the highest with Rs 60,000 crore, followed by Sun Petrochemicals at Rs 45,500 crore, Tillman Global Holdings at Rs 15,000 crore and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd at Rs 15,000 crore.
The delegation was able to win high-end job opportunities for the people of Telangana with Infosys promising 17,00 jobs followed by HCLTech and Wipro at 5,000 each respectively. These jobs will be based in Hyderabad.
New facilities and manufacturing units
Data centres emerged as a key focus area with global giants like Amazon, Tillman, URSA, CtrlS, and Sify announcing plans for new facilities and expansions in Telangana.
Apart from this, the state will be home to cutting edge industries such as solar cell manufacturing, rocket production, aircraft interior design, and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) manufacturing.
Jindal Group’s major defence sector investment was another major victory to Telangana’s growing appeal as a hub for advanced industries.
Industry giant Ramky Group announced to invest majorly in private industrial parks, integrated industrial parks and dry ports and townships in the state.
The state achieved significant achievements in the agriculture-related industry, securing Unilever’s approval for two new manufacturing units along with commitments from several other companies.
Green energy and pump storage emerged as promising sectors, highlighting Telangana’s potential for rapid growth in sustainable and innovative industries.
Core hub for industries around the world: Telangana CM
While speaking at three prominent events on Urban Mobility, Regenerative and Circular Spaces, and Nation Strategies, chief minister Revanth Reddy in a statement reaffirmed that Telangana government’s commitment to infrastructure, mobility, opportunities, and sustainability remains a high priority.
He emphasized key projects, including Metro Rail expansion, the Regional Ring Railway, radial roads, new airports, the rejuvenation of the Musi River, promotion of electric vehicles, and the establishment of a Skills University, among others.
Chief minister said that the government is committed to building Telangana and Hyderabad as a major industrial hub, aiming at a USD 1 trillion Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) economic growth goal.
“The vision of making Telangana a USD 1 trillion economy would involve aggressive clustering approach. For the global investor, the message is simple – Telangana Means Business. But at a deeper level, we are a growing economy. We will strive towards creating jobs, increase income and business opportunities, and provide more and better welfare to the people of the state,” read the CM’s statement.
Hyderabad: The Meerpet police have formed special teams to trace the parts of the body of Madhavi, a woman who was allegedly killed by her husband – a former Army jawan at their residence – and was chopped into pieces.
On January 15, Gurumurthy, the ex-army jawan, who now works as a security guard, killed his wife but informed his in-laws that their daughter went missing. The incident came to light after Madhavi’s parents filed a missing person complaint at the Meerpet police station on January 18.
During the investigation, Gurumurthy was taken as the prime suspect. On interrogation, he confessed to killing his wife brutally at their house. Sources said Gurumurthy had allegedly dismembered Madhavi’s body in their bathroom, used a pressure cooker to boil her remains and ground her bones using a pestle.
Over the course of three days, he is said to have packed the remains in a bag and dumped them in a nearby lake at Meerpet. Special teams and a dog squad have been deployed to search for Madhavi’s remains. SDRF and fire department have also been called in to trace the remains.
Gurumurthy and Madhavi, married for 13 years, lived in Hyderabad’s Jillelaguda with their two children. At the time of the alleged crime, the children were visiting Gurumurthy’s sister.
Gurumurthy who took voluntary retirement from the Indian Army was working as a security guard on an outsourcing basis at the DRDO in Kanchanbagh.
Following the incident, Gurumurthy reportedly fabricated a story about Madhavi’s disappearance to mislead her family.
Hyderabad: Officials of the Excise department here arrested a man at Adarshnagar for allegedly smuggling Ganja in Hyderabad on Thursday.
The Excise sleuths seized two kilograms of Ganja from him. After receiving information of the drug being peddled at Adarsh Cafe in Adarshnagar, officials laid a trap and caught one person named Yogesh Jadhav – the accused.
Yogesh reportedly came to deliver the Ganja to some people of Dhoolpet. He had purchased ganja from some persons and struck a deal with local Ganja traders of Dhoolpet.
The police arrested Yogesh and seized a car, mobile phones and 2 kg ganja. A case has ben booked against four people in this connection, said officials.
Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) standing committee has placed before the GHMC to accord approval of the Road Development Plan (RDP) from MJ Market to Bhoolaxmi temple (Muslim Jung Bridge) via Malakunta, Begum Bazar road, for the proposed 30-metre-wide road for the upcoming new Osmania General Hospital (OGH).
The state government had proposed the construction of Osmania General Hospital at the Goshamahal Stadium and develop the surrounding roads, as well as approach roads to the proposed hospital.
Based on the review meeting conducted by the MA&UD principal secretary and after a representation was submitted by BJP MLA T Raja Singh requesting the same, it was found that the road connecting to the proposed Osmania General Hospital from MJ Market, Muslim Jung Bridge, and Darussalam required widening for the free flow of traffic and better connectivity to surrounding roads joining markets.
Around 218 properties are expected to be affected by the move.
Accordingly, the agencies have been allotted for the survey and preparation of RDPs for the following points as mentioned below:
1) An 18-metre-wide road at the southern border of the OGH.
2) The existing road from Ajanta Gate to Malakunta road including NALA for which alignment has been fixed for the proposed 18-metre-wide road.
3) Existing road from Ajanta Gate to Nampally for which alignment has been fixed for the 18-metre-wide road.
4) Existing road passing through Housing Board Society to Malakunta Road for which alignment has been fixed at the 9-metre-wide road.
5) Road from Begum Bazar Police Station to Malakunta Road via HMWS&SB along the Exhibition Ground compound wall for which alignment has been fixed for an 18-metre-wide road.
6) The L-shaped road from the southwest corner of the Traffic Training Institute towards the southern border of the main area of the proposed new Osmania General Hospital for which alignment has been proposed for a 12-metre-wide road.
7) The road between the newly proposed Osmania General Hospital and the police department up to Malakunta for which alignment has been fixed at an 18-metre-wide road.
Hyderabad: In this year’s Haj pilgrimage, the number of seats under the Azizia category of Rubaath has increased from 543 to 710, thanks to Congress MLC Amer Ali Khan’s representation to Hussain Al Shareef, the Nazir of Rubaath in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the Rubaath’s objectives, pilgrims will be provided free accommodation in Makkah al-Mukarramah for the Haj season 2025.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Amer Ali Khan engaged with the authorities overseeing the ‘Rubaath’, the buildings where free accommodation is provided to the Haj pilgrims from territories formerly part of the Nizam-ruled Hyderabad State. He participated in the deliberations aimed at increasing the number of seats available to pilgrims.
Of these 710 seats, 45 seats have been allocated specifically for pilgrims from the territories of the erstwhile Nizam-ruled state, which include parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
“I am grateful to Hussain al Shareef, the Nazir of Rubaath. He was instrumental in increasing the number of seats for the hajis. Last year the number of seats was 543. This has been increased to 710. In general, hajis stand to save a substantial amount of money through the Rubaat. This will help each pilgrim save approximately Rs 50,000,” Amer Ali Khan told Siasat.com.
Hyderabad: Unable to bear the insult of her husband being taken away by police in connection with a theft case, a woman hanged both her daughters before hanging herself to death.
The incident happened in Nidanapuram village of Madhira mandal in Khammam mandal on Thursday morning.
Shaikh Baji and his wife had a love marriage a few years ago and they were blessed with two children. Five months ago, Baji went to Khammam along with his family to work as a bike mechanic.
In the past, he was reportedly booked in bike theft and chain snatching cases, for which he was questioned multiple times.
On Wednesday evening, two policemen came to Baji’s house, took the keys to a bike, and left. On Thursday morning they returned and searched his house before taking him away for questioning. The police also questioned Baji’s wife and his father.
When Baji’s father went out on some work, the former’s wife hanged her two children inside the house before hanging herself to death. The neighbours informed the police about the incident after which Wyra ACP Ram Mohan reached the spot and inquired about what had happened.
Baji’s relatives alleged that it was because of policemen coming to their house twice and questioning the family members that his wife resorted to the extreme step. Baji’s family members complained to Madhira rural police station.
Further investigation was on.
(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health professional or contact Roshni, suicide prevention helpline, 040–66202000)
Hyderabad: Serious differences between two groups of Congress leaders in the Patancheru assembly constituency were out in the open on Thursday, January 23, as one of the groups held a flash protest blocking the Patancheru bus stand area and also going to the extent of laying siege to Patancheru MLA Gudem Mahipal Reddy’s camp office.
The differences have been simmering ever since Mahipal Reddy who had won on a BRS ticket, had joined the Congress, though Patancheru Congress in-charge Kata Srinivas Goud was against the idea of inducting him into the party.
Goud’s followers who have been the original Congress workers, have been alleging that Reddy was using his followers to attack the Congress leaders in the constituency. The Congress workers alleged that Reddy was not giving any information about his official programmes to Congress workers and leaders, and has been working as if he was above the party in the constituency.
Couple of days ago, during one of the official programmes in IDA Bollarum, Mahipal Reddy was known to have hurled abuses against the original Congress leaders, which only added fuel to the fire. Even in an official programme in Tellapur, Congress workers protested against Mahipal Reddy’s indifference towards the party’s cadres.
Though the Congress workers have been urging the party high command to resolve the issues between the leaders in the constituency, nothing was done, which spurred the Congress workers to take the matter in their own hands with the slogan “Save Congress, Save Patancheru,” demanding the suspension of Mahipal Reddy from the Congress.
On Thursday, Congress workers assembled in large numbers outside Reddy’s camp office and tried to break into the office, but were prevented by the police stationed there from doing so. A few Congress workers held chief minister Revanth Reddy’s portrait and made their way into the MLA’s office.
The Congress workers alleged that Mahipal Reddy was not even putting Revanth Reddy’s portrait in his office, though he had a photo of BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) on the wall. They broke the pin coloured plastic chairs that were inside the MLA’s office and raised slogans against Mahipal Reddy.
Later in the evening, Mahipal Reddy held a press meet, where he said that it was foolishness of those who were complaining about his picture with KCR mounted on the wall of his office.
“That picture was from the time when I was the mandal president. As a chief minister who developed the state for 10 years, what’s wrong with having his photo in my camp office? In the government offices people are required to have the portraits of the chief minister, Dr BR Ambedkar and also the prime minister. But this is my official residence where I can stay with my family. It’s my wish whose portrait I want to have and whose I don’t want to have,” he said.
When being questioned why he was not wearing the tri-coloured khanduva (scarf) around his neck if he now belonged to the Congress, he said that there would be many scarves and that he has been in touch with 6-7 chief ministers since the time of former chief minister T Anjaiah.
Presently there are three factions of Congress leaders in Patancheru constituency- Mahipal Reddy, Kata Srinivas and Neelam Madhu. Unless the party high command intervenes and takes steps to set the things right, the party could end up further disintegrating in the constituency, feel Congress workers.
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has permitted the Endocrine Society of India, the nation’s largest professional body of endocrinologists, to join a legal case initiated by Dr. M. Sivaranjani Santhosh against companies promoting unsafe energy drinks as oral rehydration solutions (ORS).
The bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice G. Radha Rani, has instructed various authorities—including those in food safety and health—to submit their responses by February 28.
Dr. Santhosh’s public interest litigation (PIL) claims that private companies are misusing the term “ORS,” which is recognized as an effective treatment for dehydration.
She highlighted that there is a World Health Organization (WHO)-approved formula for ORS powder, yet many companies are marketing energy drinks under misleading names such as ORSL, ORSL Plus, and ORS FIT.
These products, she argues, pose serious health risks, particularly to infants and children, leading to complications and even fatalities due to their misleading branding.
Senior counsel MV Durga Prasad, representing Dr. Santhosh, emphasized that the sale of these deceptive ORS products violates multiple laws, including the Indian Penal Code and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
He pointed out that despite directives from food safety authorities to address this issue, no significant action has been taken.
Dr. KVS Hari Kumar from the Endocrine Society echoed concerns over the dangers posed by these energy drinks, particularly for diabetic patients.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 6 to further discuss this critical public health issue.
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has issued notices to Dr. Ghanta Chakrapani, the Vice-Chancellor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), along with several government officials, in response to a writ petition challenging his appointment.
The petition was filed by Dr. B Kumara Swamy, a retired Associate Professor, who raised significant concerns regarding the adherence of Dr. Chakrapani’s appointment to the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and other statutory requirements.
Chakrapani’s appointment contravenes UGC regulations: Petitioner
Dr. Kumara Swamy argues that Dr. Chakrapani’s appointment contravenes UGC regulations, which mandate that candidates for the Vice-Chancellor position must be distinguished academicians with a minimum of ten years of experience as a Professor at a university.
According to the petitioner’s counsel, Mahesh Mamindla, Dr. Chakrapani has only approximately eight years of experience since his promotion to Professor in 2009.
Additionally, the petitioner highlighted that Dr. Chakrapani exceeded the statutory age limit of 60 years for the Vice-Chancellor role, as UGC regulations prohibit individuals over this age from being appointed to such leadership positions in universities.
Notably, Dr. Chakrapani previously served as the Chairman of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TGPSC) from December 2014 to December 2020, during which time he was not actively engaged in his academic role.
The court also reviewed a request from the petitioner for a Writ of Quo Warranto against the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Telangana, who had approved Dr. Chakrapani’s appointment.
However, Justice K Lakshman rejected this request and instructed the petitioner to amend the petition by removing the Principal Secretary as a respondent.
The court has mandated that various officials, including the Telangana Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of Higher Education, provide justifications for Dr. Chakrapani’s appointment, especially in light of allegations that it violates the University Act of 1982 and other relevant rules governing academic appointments in the state
