Hyderabad

Heavy police deployment continued at Puranapul Darwaza following vandalism at a place of worship and subsequent violence. Police detained suspects, registered five cases and ruled out a conspiracy, saying the crowd swelled after social media messages triggered protests.

A series of chain-snatching incidents were reported across three areas under the Malkajgiri Commissionerate, with women losing gold chains while walking on roads. Police have formed special teams and are analysing CCTV footage to identify and catch the suspects.

More than 70 bird species have been recorded during the Asian Waterbird Census 2026 in and around Kawal Tiger Reserve. The findings highlight the importance of Telangana’s freshwater wetlands as key habitats for resident and migratory birds.

The Hyderabad Traffic Police have announced road closures and traffic diversions around Charminar on Saturday due to a Ghazal programme at Chowmahalla Palace. Restrictions will be in place from 2 pm to 11 pm, affecting all vehicles and RTC buses.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised the Congress government and police over repeated disturbances in Puranapul, alleging weak intelligence and failure to catch culprits. He urged the government to study incidents carefully and ensure public safety.

A hot air balloon carrying three passengers made a safe emergency landing near Ibrahim Bagh Lake in Hyderabad on Saturday after a technical glitch caused a loss of air pressure. The incident occurred during the State government-organised hot air balloon festival.

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao accused the Congress government of erratic governance, likening Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s decisions to Tughlaq’s rule. He condemned the cancellation of a Secunderabad rally, alleged identity erosion, and demanded accountability from Rahul Gandhi.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has warned the public against fraudulent lucky draw schemes promoted by social media influencers, promising costly prizes. He said strict legal action would be taken under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes Act against those cheating citizens.

Only those who registered online will be allowed to attend the drone show at Gachibowli Stadium on Saturday, Telangana Tourism Department said, citing capacity constraints. The event drew overwhelming response, while hot air balloon rides continued elsewhere in the city.

Police prevented BRS leaders and workers from leaving Telangana Bhavan and stopped Legislative Council Opposition leader V. Madhusudhana Chary from proceeding to a hospital, allowing him to leave only after a delay and under police escort, triggering protests and slogans.

Sanathnagar MLA T. Srinivas Yadav accused the Congress government of deliberately obstructing a BRS-backed rally demanding a separate Secunderabad Municipal Corporation, alleging misuse of police powers and vowing to approach the court to secure permission legally.

A 30-year-old man is battling for life after being hit and dragged by a speeding car in Saidabad. The driver fled the scene, while police registered a case and launched a search to trace the vehicle and the accused.

Tension prevailed at Secunderabad Railway Station as police arrested BRS leaders and supporters while preventing a rally demanding the establishment of a separate Secunderabad Municipal Corporation, leading to closures of shops and heated arguments amid slogans against the Congress government.

Hyderabad City Police denied permission to a BRS-backed rally seeking a separate municipal corporation for Secunderabad, prompting former minister T. Harish Rao to accuse the Congress government of stifling democratic rights through preventive arrests and police obstruction.

Wildlife and nature story-teller Faizan Hussain has won the second prize in the 100 Weekend Wonders of Telangana contest for his short film Greens & Blues of Telangana. The film captures the state’s lesser-known natural landscapes, wetlands, forests, and wildlife, aiming to raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation.

Lakshya Sen lost to Lin Chun-Yi in the India Open 2026 quarterfinals after a close three-game battle. Sen won the opening game but Lin fought back to seal victory 17-21, 21-13, 21-18 in Delhi

Nizamabad defeated Adilabad by seven wickets in the Telangana Inter-district T20 semi-final, with Y Srikar Reddy scoring 99. Khammam beat Nalgonda by six wickets, thanks to Bunny, Teja Naidu and Mohammed Rizwan, setting up a final clash

The HCA Under-14 probables matches in Hyderabad saw centuries from Shreyas Ande, Sai Vaibhav and Yuvan Raj, while T Umesh and P Vivaan Reddy impressed with five-wicket hauls, highlighting both batting and bowling talent

Indian shooting legend Jitu Rai said the Shooting League of India will expand the sport’s reach and raise competitive standards. Speaking at the UP Prometheans launch, he praised the facilities and predicted the league will produce world-class champions

The second edition of the Chief Minister’s Cup begins January 17 in Telangana, spanning five stages from village to state level. Officials said the initiative aims to nurture rural talent and strengthen Telangana’s representation in the 2036 Olympic Games

Hyderabad were bowled out for 123 in the BCCI Women’s Under-15 One-Day pre-quarterfinal at Puducherry, with Shaik Aisha scoring 31 not out. Maharashtra chased down the target in 24.4 overs, led by Niheera Sharma’s fluent 51

TGTDC inaugurated the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Secunderabad’s Parade Grounds on Friday evening, with Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao presiding. The festival will continue through the weekend, featuring balloon flights and glow shows to attract more visitors.

TGSRTC has arranged 1,200 special bus services to manage the heavy return traffic of passengers heading back to Hyderabad after Sankranti celebrations. With schools reopening on January 17, officials anticipate peak travel on Sunday, continuing into Monday.

Koppert Sustainable Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between AgriLife India and Koppert BV of the Netherlands, is set to inaugurate its expanded Mycorrhiza Production Facility at IDA Bollaram, Hyderabad.