Hyderabad

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced that Ramzan will begin from Thursday after sighting the new moon. Following the declaration, Hyderabad witnessed brisk activity as people prepared for taraweeh prayers and sehar arrangements across mosques and markets

BRS women leaders filed complaints with the State Election Commission and Women’s Commission, alleging assault and intimidation during the Kyathanapally municipal chairperson election. They sought action against officials, protection for councillors and early rescheduling of the poll under strict supervision

The all-India Coordinated Research Project annual vegetable crops meeting will be held at SKLTHU’s Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, from February 20–22. Farmers and scientists will discuss hybrid varieties, seed practices, pest management, and innovations for stress-resistant crops.

The Telangana Council of Higher Education organised a workshop on NIRF rankings to help government degree colleges improve performance, funding, and accreditation. Experts discussed methodology, best practices, and strategies to boost Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR) and research scores.

Ramavath Nandi, senior kabaddi player, made a successful comeback at the 72nd Senior National Women’s Kabaddi Championship after overcoming ACL and meniscus injuries. Surgeries and rehabilitation at KIMS Sunshine Hospitals helped her return to competitive play within months.

BRSLP deputy leader T. Harish Rao condemned the arrest of former BRS MLA Balka Suman, accusing the Congress government of undermining democracy in Kyathanpally. He demanded SEC intervention to ensure Suman’s release and a free, fair municipal chairman election.

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao condemned the arrest of former MLA Balka Suman, calling it illegal and politically motivated, and accused the Congress of misusing police and officials to manipulate municipal elections across Telangana.

ProteinX, an AI-powered CAD copilot developed by BV Raju Institute of Technology students, won second runner-up at the OpenAI Academy x NxtWave Buildathon during the India AI Impact Summit. The team received Rs 2 lakh and recognition for innovation using LLMs.

The Maturi Sports Foundation will organise a seminar on sports medicine and sports psychology at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on February 20, bringing together experts from academia and elite sport to discuss performance, mental health and competitive preparedness.

A 30-year-old software professional was allegedly killed by her former husband in Vanasthalipuram. Police suspect personal disputes following their divorce may have led to the attack. The accused has been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway.

The arrival time of the Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express has been revised by five minutes. From February 20, 2026, Train No. 20707 will reach Visakhapatnam at 1.50 pm to help reduce congestion and improve platform management.

A 35-year-old auto driver was allegedly strangled to death by his wife at their residence in Bhavani Nagar on Tuesday night. Family members revealed frequent quarrels between the couple, reportedly over the victim's alcohol consumption.

The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Hyderabad will meet this evening to confirm the sighting of the crescent moon, which will determine the start of Ramzan. While Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries began observing Ramzan on Wednesday, Hyderabad is expected to follow from Thursday, subject to the committee’s announcement.

The University of Hyderabad’s Department of Theatre Arts participated in the silver jubilee Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026. Its student production, Ek Khoon Sau Baatein 2, was staged in Hyderabad and Delhi, earning appreciation from audiences and theatre practitioners.

Secunderabad Cantonment Congress MLA N Sri Ganesh staged a boycott of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board’s general meeting, criticising the Central government for delaying elections for five years.

The extended SSC Class X exam schedule, with three- to five-day gaps between papers, has drawn objections from teachers who fear students may lose focus. The government has introduced an action plan to ensure students use the break days for revision and practice.

The Telangana government’s Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernisation Policy (VVMP), aimed at phasing out ageing and polluting vehicles, has seen limited success in Hyderabad. Despite incentives such as tax concessions and waiver of penalties, only about 30 vehicles are scrapped monthly.

Businessmen in Hyderabad are organising month-long Ramzan shopping fairs featuring celebrities and influencers. Religious scholars, however, argue that such events dilute the sanctity of the holy month, urging the community to avoid them.

Hospital sewage containing antibiotic residues is fuelling the spread of drug-resistant bacteria in Hyderabad’s drains and the Musi river, a study by CCMB and TIGS has found, warning of serious public health risks if sewage management systems are not improved.

A spate of bomb threat emails sent to courts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh caused widespread panic on Wednesday. The CBI court in Nampally, Hyderabad, was evacuated after receiving a hoax email, while similar threats were reported in Rajamahendravaram and Karimnagar.

A 27-year-old software engineer was robbed of her gold chain by two scooter-borne assailants, including a woman, near Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s residence in Jubilee Hills on Tuesday.

The Hyderabad water board replaced the damaged Manjeera pipeline on a war-footing and restored supply to Manikonda locality by Wednesday morning.

Christians in Hyderabad observed Ash Wednesday with special prayers and masses, marking the start of Lent, a 40-day period of repentance and fasting leading up to Easter.

As the holy month of Ramzan approaches, the GHMC has launched a focused cleanliness drive at key religious and heritage sites, including Mecca Masjid, Madina, and Charminar.