Hyderabad

India’s passport has climbed five places to rank 80th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, offering access to 55 destinations. The report highlights widening global mobility gaps, with Singapore retaining the top spot and Europe dominating the top 10.

The International Kite and Sweet Festival at Parade Ground, Secunderabad, dazzled visitors with giant kites flown by international and national experts. A sweet festival, handicraft stalls, hot air balloons and drone shows are adding to the celebrations.

The Telangana Progressive Teachers’ Federation has urged the Congress government to immediately announce and implement the Pay Revision Committee. The federation also demanded the release of pending dearness allowances, salaries, and other dues, citing growing anxiety among teachers and employees.

A major fire broke out at an automobile showroom near Alwal on Wednesday afternoon, causing panic in the area. Firefighters rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control. No casualties were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Amazon India’s Great Republic Day Sale 2026 will begin on January 16, offering deals across smartphones, fashion, appliances and more. Customers can shop festive collections, curated deals and new launches, with Prime members enjoying additional savings.

TiE Hyderabad hosted an exclusive session featuring TiE co-founder Kanwal Rekhi, marking the launch of his book The Groundbreaker. Rekhi also spoke about entrepreneurship, leadership and the newly inaugurated rural startup centre in Nizamabad.

Maulana Azad National Urdu University has launched AI-based audio-visual lessons for its distance learners, becoming the first Indian university to develop such content in Urdu. A national workshop was held to train learner support centre coordinators.

The National AIDS Control Organisation is rolling out an AI-based early warning system nationwide to predict HIV infections before diagnosis. The initiative under NACP Phase-V aims to enable early testing, prevention and reduced transmission among high-risk groups.

Ahead of local body elections, the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education has sought exemption from election duties for government junior college staff, citing their engagement in practical and theory examinations scheduled between January and March.

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration seized counterfeit ‘Levipil 500’ tablets falsely claiming to be manufactured by Sun Pharma during raids in Hyderabad. Officials warned that spurious medicines pose serious public health risks and urged citizens to report violations.

The Union government has approved the release of Rs 2,500 crore in 15th Finance Commission funds for Telangana’s gram panchayats after a two-year gap. However, uncertainty persists over whether the money will fund new works or clear long-pending dues.

Senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao condemned the midnight arrest of three journalists, accusing the Congress government of vindictive and undemocratic actions. He demanded their immediate release and questioned the use of late-night raids against media personnel.

The Sanathnagar police arrested a woman for allegedly snatching a gold chain from an elderly resident at an apartment complex. Police said financial stress and mounting debts led the BTech graduate to commit the crime. CCTV footage helped nab her.

Telugu actress Karate Kalyani has lodged a complaint with the Punjagutta police against YouTuber Anvesh, alleging that his remarks on the Indian passport were offensive and hurt national sentiment. Police said the complaint is under examination.

The son of a noted Telugu film director was allegedly cheated of nearly Rs 63 lakh by a Hyderabad-based couple who promised high retu

The Seventh International Kite and Sweet Festival began at Parade Grounds, Hyderabad, on Tuesday as part of Sankranti celebrations. Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao and Transport Minister Ponnam Over 60 sweet stalls and 100 handloom and handicraft stalls were set up.

A 40-year-old traffic home guard was injured on Bahadurpura Road in Hyderabad on Tuesday when a speeding biker rammed into him while he was placing barricades to set up a check post.

Despite its misleading name, it is not necessarily imported from China. In India, the term broadly refers to any synthetic or glass-coated manja, including locally manufactured varieties

A major fire broke out at a building in Prashanthnagar, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, on Tuesday evening. Fire tenders from neighbouring stations rushed to the spot, and senior officials supervised firefighting operations.

BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan criticised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s proposal to auto-debit traffic challans directly from vehicle owners’ bank accounts, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Commander Y. Hemanth Kumar from Hyderabad is part of the crew aboard INSV Kaundinya, a stitched sailing vessel built using a 1,500-year-old technique, on a historic voyage retracing ancient trade routes between India and Oman.

Osmania University has suspended senior faculty member and OUTA outgoing president Prof B Manohar, accusing him of running a parallel administration and ethical violations linked to CAS promotions. The teachers’ association has termed the move arbitrary and unilateral.

Hyderabad and Secunderabad witnessed heavy passenger and vehicular traffic as residents traveled for Sankranti. Special trains and buses were deployed, but poor connectivity to Charlapalli and delays caused financial and travel stress. The city appears quieter as festival travel continues.

Raunaq Yar Khan, the 9th Nizam of Hyderabad, organised traditional Sankranti celebrations promoting Hindu–Muslim unity. Festivities included rangoli, Bhogi campfire, folk dances, devotional songs, kite flying, and a grand feast, highlighting gratitude, brotherhood, and cultural harmony.