Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Traffic Police have launched a special drive to take action against traffic rule violators across the city.

Led by additional DCP of traffic, Ravinder Reddy, the enforcement team conducted an intensive drive in Malakpet to target those flouting traffic regulations.

Hyderabad traffic police take action against violators

During the drive, traffic police took action against motorists involved in various violations at Malakpet.

The violations include driving on the wrong side, tampering with number plates, and using unauthorized sirens and multi-tone horns.

Strict measures to ensure road safety

Speaking to media, DCP emphasized the need for stringent measures against wrong-side driving.

He said that it not only violates traffic laws but also poses a significant risk to other commuters.

He warned that violators will be fined, and further legal action will be taken as per the law.

In an unusual move, even ambulances were checked during the drive to ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

The Hyderabad Traffic Police have also encouraged citizens to report traffic violations via their official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

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Hyderabad: Playback singer Kalpana Raghavendar has been hospitalized following a suicide attempt. She was reportedly found unconscious in her Hyderabad residence after her home remained locked for two days, raising concerns among the security staff of her housing complex.

When attempts to contact her failed, the residents’ association reached out to her husband, who was in Chennai at the time and unable to assist. Subsequently, the police were informed and forced entry into her home, discovering her unconscious.

She was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where, as per reports, she is currently on ventilator support.

Kalpana’s husband has since returned to Hyderabad, and prominent members of the music community have visited her in the hospital, though they refrained from speaking to the media. Reports suggest she may have consumed sleeping pills, though the reasons behind the incident remain unknown.

Kalpana, a celebrated playback singer and daughter of renowned musician TS Raghavendra, began her career at the age of five.

Over the years, she has collaborated with legendary composers such as Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman and recorded over 1,500 songs across multiple languages.

She gained widespread recognition after winning Star Singer in 2010 and later participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1. Apart from singing, she has also judged music reality shows and appeared briefly in films like Punnagai Mannan. Some of her recent songs include “Kodi Parakura Kaalam,” “Penne Neeyum,” and “Thirupachi Arivaala.”

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Hyderabad: Around 80 percent of employees working in IT sector in Hyderabad’s Hitec City are overweight.

A doctor from AIG Hospital revealed that 60 percent of the Indian population is overweight.

Why are IT employees in Hitec City turning overweight?

As per doctors, anybody, including IT employees, can become overweight or even obese due to various factors, including eating fast food, processed food, or sugary drinks.

Moreover, not getting enough sleep or high-quality sleep is another reason. Stress also plays a significant role in overweight and obesity.

Tackling obesity not just personal concern but a national responsibility: Jitendra Singh

Addressing the ‘National Obesity Summit”, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the occasion of “World Obesity Day”, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh emphasised that obesity is not just a lifestyle issue but a major public health challenge that requires coordinated efforts from the government, industry, the medical fraternity and also the society.

“Obesity is a multifactorial challenge and needs multifactorial preventive strategies,” said Singh, a Professor of Medicine and a renowned Diabetologist.

“Obesity is not just a personal concern; it is a national responsibility. As we envision India in 2047, we must ensure that our young population remains healthy, productive, and free from preventable lifestyle diseases,” he added.

India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 1.4 crore children affected.

As it is being claimed that 60 percent of the IT employees working in Hitec City are overweight, it become major concern for techies.

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Hyderabad: It’s ‘Women’s Day’ and celebrations have begun in RBVRR Women’s College, Hyderabad, on Tuesday (March 4) according to a press release from the college.

Accredited with ‘A’ Grade in the NAAC Fifth Cycle, the institution conducted its Annual Day. K I Vara Prasad Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Shantha Biotechnics Private Limited was the Chief Guest. Reddy addressed the gathering on the role of women as leaders in contemporary times. He illustrated a future altered by innovation in science and technology, imagined and executed by women.

The event began by paying homage to Raja Bahadur Venkata Rama Reddy, the founder of the college.

The function was presided by Principal, Dr. J Achyutha Devi and Vice-Principal Dr K Sindhuri.

The Principal highlighted the history of the institution and its achievements in the academic year 2024-2025. Ms Prathibha Sphoorthi, MBTC III Year, President, Student Council, read the report on the activities and achievements of the students of the college.

The Chief Guest was felicitated by the Principal, Vice-Principal, Secretary-cum Correspondent, Prof. G. Sudarshan Reddy and Secretary, Hyderabad Mahila Vidhya Sangahm, Prof. K Muthyam Reddy.

Gold medals and cash prizes were awarded to the toppers of several disciplines such as English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Commerce, Languages, Bio-tech, MBA and others. The student achievers in NCC, NSS, Sports and other competitions were awarded with certificates of merit and trophies.

Swaroop Kanwar, Bachelor of Arts won the “Best Student Award” in Under Graduate Studies for the Academic Year 2023-2024. Other Gold medallists included K Sanjana, BZC, BSC and Pooja Chaudhury, BCOM. Z Manisha, won the “Best Student Award” in Master of Business Management Studies.

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Hyderabad: Real estate in Hyderabad is witnessing a surge in homebuyers for newly launched projects in the city.

According to a report by the real estate services company ANAROCK, the city saw a jump in demand for new projects.

Real estate in Hyderabad sees 43 pc share of new launch absorption

As per the report, 43 percent of the 58540 sold units in 2024 were launched in the same year.

It is significantly up from 28 percent of 16590 units sold in 2019.

It seems that investors are heading south as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai saw the highest new launch sales share last year.

42 pc of homes sold in top 7 cities were fresh launches

The report further mentioned that 42 percent of the 4.60 lakh homes sold in the top 7 cities in 2024 were part of new launches.

This marks a considerable increase from 2019, when only 26 percent of the 2.61 lakh homes sold were newly launched.

This shift has been consistent over the past five years. In 2020, 28 percent of the 1.38 lakh homes sold in the top seven cities were newly launched.

In 2021, the percentage rose to 34 percent with approximately 2.37 lakh homes sold. By 2022, 36 percent of the 3.65 lakh homes sold were new launches, and in 2023, the figure increased further to 40 percent of the 4.77 lakh units sold.

City-wise, the absorption of newly launched homes varies. Kolkata had the lowest share of fresh supply absorption, with only 31 percent of the 18330 units sold in 2024 being newly launched.

In NCR, approximately 44 percent of the 61902 units sold in 2024 were newly launched, a big jump from just 22 percent in 2019.

Following are city-wise absorption trends

From the data, it is clear that after NCR, real estate in Hyderabad has witnessed the highest percentage of new launch absorption.

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Hyderabad: Hyderabad restaurants have increased the prices of Haleem this Ramzan by 7-10 percent.

The rise in prices can be attributed to the increase in the prices of spices and mutton.

Hotel Nayab increased the price of Haleem from Rs 250 last year to Rs 270 this year. On the other hand, Subhan increased it from Rs 260 last year to Rs 270 this year.

This Ramzan, too, restaurants in Hyderabad are seeing more demand for Haleem offline compared to online platforms. However, they said there is also a significant demand from online platforms like Swiggy and Zomato.

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Hyderabad: A Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dhaka made an emergency landing at the Hyderabad airport on early Wednesday, March 5, due to a medical issue.

According to reports, flight QR 642 sought emergency clearance from air traffic control (ATC) at RGIA for medical assistance. After receiving the necessary approvals, the flight landed at 3:25 am.

Airport authorities had an ambulance on standby, but the woman was declared dead on arrival at the airport medical center.

The cause of death remains unknown. The flight later resumed its journey to Dhaka, departing at 3:42 am.

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Hyderabad: A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly selling banned e-cigarettes. Police seized e-cigarettes worth Rs 2.52 lakh, along with a Yamaha FZS bike and an iPhone 15.

The accused has been identified as Mohammed Waqaruddin from Kalapathar.

According to reports, the accused procured the banned Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) from a Delhi-based supplier named Rahul via an e-cart courier service.

Hyderabad police revealed that the accused was working with his classmate, Laksh Goel from Hussaini Alam, selling high-puff e-cigarettes brands like Elfbar and I-Moment at inflated prices.

Upon reaching information, police arrested the accused.

A case has been registered and further investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, a man was arrested by the Hyderabad police for sourcing banned e-cigarettes and selling on high margins, seizing e-cigarettes worth Rs 4 lakh from his possession.

The accused has been identified as 28-year-old Mohammed Arbaaz, a resident of Kishanbagh, Hyderabad.

In a similar case, the city police arrested a person for allegedly selling e-cigarettes and vapes to minor students in Kalapathar. E-cigarettes and vapes worth Rs 8 lakh were seized from his possession at his residence in Khaja Nagar.

The accused, Mohammed Jaffer, 25, works as a rider in Rapido. He came into contact with the supplier of e-cigarettes, Ahmed, and discovered that it was a lucrative business.

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Following reports over a suicide attempt, singer Kalpana Raghavendar’s daughter released a statement dismissing the claims.

She stated that her mother’s condition is due to a drug overdose stemming from insomnia medication, reported India Today.

The reports of suicide emerged after she was found unconscious in her Hyderabad residence after her home remained locked for two days, raising concerns among the security staff of her housing complex.

When attempts to contact her failed, the residents’ association reached out to her husband, who was in Chennai at the time and unable to assist. Subsequently, the police were informed and forced entry into her home, discovering her unconscious.

She was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where, as per reports, she is currently on ventilator support. In the meantime, her husband also rushed to the city.

Prominent members of the music community have visited her in the hospital, though they refrained from speaking to the media. Reports suggest she may have consumed sleeping pills, though the reasons behind the incident remain unknown.

Kalpana, a celebrated playback singer and daughter of renowned musician TS Raghavendra, began her career at the age of five.

Over the years, she has collaborated with legendary composers such as Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman and recorded over 1,500 songs across multiple languages.

She gained widespread recognition after winning Star Singer in 2010 and later participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1. Apart from singing, she has also judged music reality shows and appeared briefly in films like Punnagai Mannan. Some of her recent songs include “Kodi Parakura Kaalam,” “Penne Neeyum,” and “Thirupachi Arivaala.”

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Hyderabad: Two individuals have been arrested on Wednesday, March 5, for allegedly murdering 32-year-old nurse G Sirisha and attempting to stage it as a natural death.

The accused has been identified as the victim’s husband, G Vinay Kumar and his sister.

According to reports, on March 2, at Vinay’s apartment in Janumana Towers, Chaderghat, the accused allegedly drugged and smothered Sirisha, suspecting her fidelity. They then informed her sister, G Swathi, that she had died of a heart attack and arranged for an ambulance to transport her body to Dommerapeta, Nagarkurnool.

However, Sirisha’s cousin, L Madhukar, grew suspicious and alerted the Hyderabad police.

Upon receiving information, Chaderghat police intercepted the ambulance and directed the victim’s body to Osmania General Hospital for a postmortem, confirming she had been smothered.

Later, the accused confessed to the crime after interrogations.

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Madhapur, the bustling heart of Hyderabad’s IT corridor, is more than just a corporate hub. Beyond its towering office buildings and tech parks, the area is filled with exciting experiences, from cultural hotspots and lakeside retreats to vibrant nightlife and shopping destinations. Whether you’re a local looking to explore or a visitor seeking a mix of tradition and modernity, Madhapur has something for everyone.

With its perfect blend of work and play, Madhapur never runs out of things to do. Whether you want to dive into the city’s cultural scene, explore hidden gems, or simply unwind after a long day, this vibrant neighborhood has plenty to offer. From peaceful retreats to lively entertainment spots, here’s a guide by Siasat.com suggesting the top things to do in Madhapur.

Things To Do In Madhapur, Hyderabad

1. Explore culture and art at Shilparamam

Step into Shilparamam, a cultural village that showcases India’s rich heritage through handicrafts, folk performances, and art exhibitions. This vibrant space hosts seasonal fairs and workshops, making it a perfect spot to experience traditional artistry up close.

2. Shop at Inorbit Mall

One of Hyderabad’s most popular shopping destinations, Inorbit Mall at Madhapur offers a mix of high-end brands, local boutiques, and entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for fashion, electronics, or a place to relax with friends, this mall has something for everyone.

3. Enjoy gaming at Gamers Guild

For gaming enthusiasts, Gamers Guild is the ultimate spot to dive into console, PC, and board games. Whether you’re competing with friends or trying out the latest titles, the immersive gaming experience here is sure to keep you entertained.

4. Catch a stand-up comedy show at Shilpakala Vedika

Shilpakala Vedika, one of Hyderabad’s top cultural venues, regularly hosts stand-up comedy shows featuring both local and national comedians. The lively atmosphere and witty performances make it a great place to unwind and share a laugh. Apart from comedy, it also hosts plays and corporate events.

5. Kayak at Durgam Cheruvu lake

Escape the city’s hustle by paddling across the scenic Durgam Cheruvu Lake in Madhapur, often called the ‘Secret Lake’ of Hyderabad. With peaceful waters and lush surroundings, kayaking here offers a refreshing break and a chance to experience nature within the city.

6. Go cafe hopping

Madhapur is home to a thriving café culture, with a range of cozy spots offering artisanal coffee, delicious desserts, and trendy interiors. Whether you prefer a quiet reading nook or a lively atmosphere, hopping between these cafés is a great way to explore the area’s food scene. Some of the must visit cafes here are Ironhill Cafe, Echoes Living Room, Lush Cafe: By the Lake and Soukun Cafe: By the Lake. 

What activity do you suggest in Madhapur? Comment below.

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Hyderabad: Residents in several parts of Hyderabad are set to experience partial drinking water supply disruption on Saturday, March 8.

This disruption will start at 6 am on March 8 as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is set to construct a flyover near BHEL Junction, prompting the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) to shift its existing PSC pipeline in the area.

In response to NHAI’s request, the 1500 mm diameter pipeline at BHEL flyover will undergo junction works.

Hyderabad areas affected by drinking water supply disruption

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has identified few areas that will be impacted by the interruption. These include:

• Erragadda
• S.R. Nagar
• Ameerpet
• KPHB Colony
• Kukatpally
• Moosapet
• Jagadgirigutta
• RC Puram
• Ashok Nagar
• Jyoti Nagar

• Lingampalli
• Chandanagar
• Gangaram
• Madinaguda
• Miyapur
• Deepti Sri Nagar
• Biranguda
• Aminpur
• Nizampet

Restoration of normal supply

Hyderabad water board has assured the public that work is underway and efforts are being made to resolve the issue promptly. The normal drinking water supply is expected to be restored at 6:00 pm on the same day.

Second major disruption in 17 days

This is the second significant drinking water supply issue reported within the past 17 days.

On February 17, residents experienced a 24-hour drinking water supply disruption. The disruption began at 6 AM due to maintenance works under the Godavari Drinking Water Supply Phase-1. The Hyderabad Water Board installed 900 mm dia BF and NRV valves on the 3000 mm dia MS pumping main at the Kondapaka pumping station.

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Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Wednesday, March 5, cleared a long-pending road encroachment in Radha Colony, Sun City of Rangareddy district, following a grievance raised through Prajavani.

The issue arose when a 40-foot road was reduced to 20 feet due to illegal occupation by residents of an opposite plot. Despite multiple complaints and personal appeals to authorities, no action was taken.

A complainant, currently residing in Dubai, stated that their efforts to get the encroachment cleared during visits to Hyderabad had been unsuccessful. However, after raising the issue through HYDRAA Prajavani, the agency acted within 24 hours, restoring the road to its original width.

Speaking to the media, the complainant thanked the HYDRAA commissioner and staff for their swift action.

On March 4, HYDRAA carried out a demolition drive in Indiramma Colony (Balaji Hills), Ward 12, Nizampet Municipality, removing unauthorized roadside structures. Several illegal constructions, including apartment ramps encroaching on roads, fencing around plants, and iron-framed stairs leading to upper floors, were cleared.

Locals had reported severe traffic problems in colonies such as Venkatarayanagar, Balaji Colony, KNR Colony, and Kolanu Tulasi Reddy (KTR) Colony. Vehicles traveling between Nizampet and Miyapur Metro Station also faced frequent bottlenecks, causing difficulties for school buses and emergency vehicles, especially during peak hours.

On February 5, HYDRAA conducted a demolition drive against illegal land encroachments in various parts of Hyderabad including Dammaiguda, Kapra, and Medchal-Malkajgiri. This action follows numerous public complaints about residential colonies constructing unauthorised compound walls that obstruct public movement.

On February 3, the HYDRAA launched a demolition drive in Shamshabad, which is 24.5 kms from Hyderabad, following multiple complaints about illegal land encroachments. In response to the complaints, HYDRAA demolished the fencing and shed that was illegally occupying a 998-square-yard park in Southern Paradise, Sri Sampath Nagar.

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Hyderabad: Three foreign nationals were deported from Hyderabad over visa violations and involvement in alleged suspicious activities.

On a tip-off, Panjagutta police on February 20, apprehended the following three foreign nationals who were found to be overstaying in India after the expiry of their visas and were suspected to be involved in flesh trade.

All three foreign nationals were detained at the Basheerbagh CCS, Hyderabad, and deported to their home countries.

A Liberian national, Karmo Martin P, and a former student of Nizam College between 2020 and 2023, had arrived here in 2019. He kept extending his visa on false claims of having backlogs. He was detained in Basheerbagh and deported to his country on February 26.

P Kabatuku Mary from Uganda arrived in India on December 17, 2024, on a medical visa for treatment at the Apollo Hospital Jubilee Hills. On verification, it was found out that she never visited the hospital and was staying illegally in India, suspected to be involved in flesh trade. She was deported to her country on March 4.

Another Liberian national, Cole Johnson, had come to India in 2022 to study at the AV college. But, on verification, it was found that he had not taken any admission and extended his stay in the country despite visa expiration. He too was also suspected to have been involved in flesh trade. He was deported on March 5.

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Hyderabad: The Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) here has written to the state Cyber Crimes department to take action against the news portal Telugu Scribe for publishing an article alleging that TGPSC Group 1 posts were being sold for crores of rupees.

The TGPSC filed a police complaint and also decided to file a criminal defamation for the news article, which it said is, “spreading such misleading information and trying to tarnish the image” of the constitutional body. It stated that the news report had created “unrest among the Group 1 aspirants.”

In her complaint, TGPSC, secretary, R Sumathi, asked the deputy commissioner of police, cybercrimes department to take suitable action against the printer, publisher, editor and also the news reporter for publishing the news without ascertaining the facts.

According to the TGPSC, the information or allegation of posts being sold for money is false. “The Group-1 aspirants are hereby advised not to believe such false propaganda as it is always the endeavour of the Commission to conduct the recruitments in a fair and transparent manner. The candidates can be rest assured that no injustice will be done to any candidate and the results are being processed in a fair and transparent manner as per merit,” said the secretary in a statement.

She added that the Group 1 selection process is being expedited and that the TGPSC aims at “zero error result”. The Commission is contemplating releasing paper-wise marks in candidate login and also to publish provisional marks list on the Commission’s website very shortly,” added the statement.

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Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) conducted a workshop on Layout Regularization Scheme (LRS)-2020 for Licensed Technical Persons (LTPs) and architects at BRKR Bhavan on Wednesday, March 3.

The event, held from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, saw the participation of around 160 professionals along with HMDA planning officers and directors.

HMDA commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad explained provisions of government order issued by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department on February 20.

He mentioned a 25 percent rebate for applicants who pay regularization and pro-rata open space charges by March 31. Additionally, applicants with plots not falling under prohibited zones, including water bodies and restricted lands, will receive automatically generated provisional LRS fee notices to avail the rebate.

Ahmad also announced that 90 percent of the amount paid will be refunded for rejected LRS-2020 applications, with a 10 percent deduction for processing charges.

Plots located within 200 meters of lakes and water bodies will require clearance from the revenue and irrigation departments. Furthermore, an amendment has been issued allowing registration of unregistered plots in unauthorized layouts, provided at least 10 percent of plots were sold through registered sale deeds before August 26, 2020—irrespective of LRS-2020 application status.

The Centre for Good Governance (CGG) representatives briefed participants on the LRS application process flow in the software. HMDA urged LTPs and architects to spread awareness among applicants regarding the government’s LRS-2020 provisions.

For further clarifications, applicants can contact the HMDA call center at 1800 599 8838 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 pm.

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Hyderabad: A woman passenger was arrested at the international airport here on Wednesday, March 5, after she was allegedly found carrying hydroponic weed/ganja valued at approximately Rs 5.4 crore, customs officials said.

Based on specific intelligence, the passenger, who had arrived from Bangkok, was intercepted at the green channel of the International Arrival Hall at RGIA Hyderabad, Customs officials said in a release.

Upon questioning and examining her baggage, officials discovered hydroponic weed weighing 5,438 grams (gross weight), concealed in a check-in bag. The estimated value of the seized contraband is approximately Rs 5.4 crore, the release stated.

The passenger was arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985 and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway, it added.

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Hyderabad: The Special Court (PMLA), Hyderabad, has taken cognisance of the Prosecution Complaint (PC) filed against Prisha Pearls (India), its directors Nilesh Kumar Agarwal and Sailesh Kumar Agarwal, Ghanshyamdas Jewellers, Agravanshi Agro Farms LLP, and Gajanand Agarwal under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The court acknowledged the PC on March 1, 2025.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered by the CBI, ACB, Hyderabad, against officials of Humayunnagar sub-post office and unknown others, in connection with a criminal conspiracy involving Prisha Pearls Private Limited.

Following this, the CBI filed a chargesheet before the special judge for CBI cases, Hyderabad, against Prisha Pearls Pvt Ltd and its directors. According to the FIR and chargesheet, the accused fraudulently booked excess articles under the Value Payable Letter/Value Payable Post (VPL/VPP) system, causing a wrongful loss of Rs 7.66 crore to the postal department.

Postal fraud through fake franking impressions

To prevent misuse of postal stamps, the Department of Post introduced the ‘Remotely Managed Franking System’ and set up standard operating procedures for the use of Remotely Managed Franking Machines. These machines generated ‘Franking Impression Slips’ with unique item numbers in chronological order to track the number of franks used. Prisha Pearls purchased two such machines.

Bulk mailers were allotted barcodes by the Postal Department for tracking VPL/VPP articles. However, a discrepancy was noticed between the number of dispatched articles and the postal impressions franked by Prisha Pearls. The company allegedly affixed fake Franking Impression Slips created by them, without making actual payments for postage.

The ED investigation revealed that Prisha Pearls and its directors significantly under-reported the company’s sales and turnover to conceal the actual number of parcels dispatched. Fake coloured photocopies of original franked impressions were used, resulting in a Rs 7.66 crore loss to the Postal Department.

The proceeds of crime were allegedly withdrawn in cash to obscure the money trail. The withdrawn cash was then deposited into the personal bank accounts of the company’s directors and their family members. These funds were layered through multiple banking transactions and integrated into the accused persons’ family-run businesses.

Earlier, the ED had attached bank balances worth Rs 4.36 crore belonging to the directors and related entities of the company.

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Hyderabad: Scientists have discovered genes that could help withstand viruses and pests, as well as high heat, and inserted them into tomato varieties. These varieties will soon be made available to tomato farmers around the world.

An international workshop on unlocking advances and applications in global tomato breeding was organized at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) in Hyderabad on Wednesday, March 5.

The discussions focused on the development of new tomato varieties that are resistant to climate change, viruses and pests, and high-yielding varieties maintaining good quality.

In his keynote address, senior scientist of tomato breeding at the World Vegetable Center in Taiwan, Dr Asaf Eybishitz, said that farmers cultivating tomatoes in Telangana state are losing the yield and quality in tomatoes due to viral diseases, tomato pin worm, and early blight.

He said that the World Vegetable Research Institute has varieties that could withstand them, and will soon be made available to the farmers.

Vice chancellor of SKLTGHU, Dr Danda Rajireddy, said that there is a need to introduce varieties that are resistant to the pin worm, which damages tomatoes the most during the summer season, and the yellow leaf curl virus.

He felt the need for introducing varieties that give higher yields even when the day temperatures exceed 42 degrees Celsius.

“If tomato hybrid varieties that are suitable for processing industries are developed, the export opportunities will increase, thereby increasing the income of farmers,” he noted, adding that hybrids were the only option to achieve higher productivity in a lesser area of cultivation.

Reddy assured that tomato hybrid varieties will be made available to farmers within the next two years.

Associate professor Dr Pidigam Saidaiah presented the tomato varieties required for profitable cultivation in Telangana and across India, and explained the research outcomes achieved so far during the international workshop.

The delegates also made a visit to the tomato varieties cultivated in various mandals including Shamshabad in the vicinity of Hyderabad, and inquired about the problems being faced by tomato farmers there.

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Hyderabad: All India Majlis E Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) general secretary Ahmed Pasha Quadri, asked the Hyderabad traffic police not to stop the Muslims during ‘iftar time’ and avoid creating problems for the people.

“The police are forming groups and stopping people right during iftar time. It is being seen as an attempt to harass the Muslims. I had earlier pointed it out and the police had stopped it. Now again it has resumed,” alleged Pasha Quadri.

The general secretary said the police are stopping the motorcycles and forcing the pillion women to get down and stand on the road on pretext of checking vehicle documents. “A wrong precedent is being set. It needs to be stopped,” he demanded.

The former MLA said the police should also consider the hardship of poor traders and allow them to conduct business for a month during Ramzan. “During Ramzan month, the poor traders do business and earn some money. It should be done at least on humanitarian grounds,” he requested.

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