Hyderabad

KPHB police arrested five members of an interstate gang involved in temple thefts and recovered gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 26 lakh. The arrests are linked to a recent theft at the Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in KPHB Colony. Two suspects remain absconding.

Telangana’s EAGLE Force and Kukatpally police arrested two Pune residents on Wednesday, seizing 21 kilograms of ganja. The suspects procured the drug from Odisha and were caught at a Kukatpally bus stop. A case is registered, and investigation continues.

TGSRTC operated 5,500 special buses during Sankranti festival from January 9-13 to ensure safe travel. Key Hyderabad hubs were closely monitored, congestion eased, and return services are scheduled for January 18-19. Helplines and advance booking are available.

The Railway Protection Force of Secunderabad Division has intensified security measures during the festive season, deploying additional personnel at major stations and on crowded trains. Surveillance, crowd management and women safety measures have been strengthened to ensure safe travel

The Infection Control Academy of India has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to adopt a progressive GST on antibiotics. Access drugs would remain cheap, while Watch and Reserve antibiotics face higher taxes to prevent misuse and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

The Hyderabad Traffic Police have announced traffic diversions and road closures from January 15 for about 60 days due to elevated corridor construction between Malakpet and Saidabad. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid congestion.

A 55-year-old man died after a motorcycle accident at Hayathnagar on Wednesday afternoon. He was riding pillion with his son when another bike collided with them. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

The Narcotics Control Bureau seized 813 kg of ganja from a modified lorry on the city outskirts and arrested three persons. The contraband was being transported from Odisha to Maharashtra. Further investigation into the drug trafficking network is underway.

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.