Hyderabad

Hyderabad police have warned users about ‘GhostPairing’, a new WhatsApp scam that exploits the app’s device-linking feature to hijack accounts through fake links. The scam relies on social engineering rather than hacking WhatsApp’s security systems.

The IMD has issued a cold wave alert for Telangana till December 24, warning that minimum temperatures may fall 3°C to 4°C below normal. Several districts and parts of Hyderabad recorded single-digit temperatures over the weekend.

The personal security officer of the HYDRAA Commissioner allegedly attempted suicide by shooting himself with his service pistol at his Hayathnagar residence in Hyderabad. Police said the officer was depressed due to financial losses linked to betting and gaming apps.

BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao is set to return to active political mobilisation at a joint party meeting in Hyderabad, with focus on irrigation, water rights and farmers’ issues, while launching a sharp offensive against the Congress government and targeting BJP’s role in Telangana

A couple running a cloth shop in Bejjanki, Siddipet district, allegedly died by suicide due to family disputes and financial difficulties. Found unconscious at home on Sunday. Police await further details

A fire triggered by a suspected short circuit broke out at a cotton mill in Turkawadagaon village of Kangti mandal early Sunday, destroying nearly 30 tonnes of cotton and machinery. Firefighters rushed to control the blaze, while losses are yet to be assessed

Telangana swimmer Mittapalli Rithvika won a gold medal in the 50 meters breaststroke at the All India University Aquatics National Championship 2025–26 in Chennai, representing KIIT University and bringing laurels to the state and her institution

The Airport Authority of India warned of flight delays and operational changes as dense fog reduced visibility across north India. IMD issued orange alerts, while airlines advised passengers to check flight updates amid worsening weather and air pollution conditions

Temples in Lonar Lake are getting submerged and it is a cause of concern. The IIT Bombay has been roped in to study causes and suggested ways to check the submergence

Telangana continues to grapple with a rising dog bite crisis, with Hyderabad and surrounding districts reporting 3,500-3,800 new cases every month. While anti-rabies vaccines are available, a severe shortage of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) has left victims vulnerable, especially those with severe Category-III bites.

Hyderabad’s Aditya Vardhan and Ram Charan hit centuries but their efforts went in vain as Haryana won by nine wickets in the Vijay Merchant Trophy under-16 league match at Mulapadu, powered by Abhiraj Vashisht’s 175

Deccan Wanderers defeated Balaaji CC by 16 runs, while East Marredpally posted a massive 286/6 to beat Combined District in the HCA A-Division T20 league. In women’s U-15 selection matches, Team A and Team D registered victories

Hyderabad water board has announced its summer action plan for 2026 to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply across GHMC and ORR areas. Managing Director K Ashok Reddy directed officials to prepare micro-level plans, monitor allocations, and arrange adjustments in low-supply zones.

Osmania University’s Vritti Agarwal won silver in the All India Inter-University Swimming Championship in Chennai with a timing of 4:32.24. Jain University’s Bhavya Sachdeva clinched gold, while teammate Ashmitha Chandra secured bronze in the same event

Grassroots Rovers, Pune defeated GHMC Amberpet 3-0 in the boys’ final, while GHMC Amberpet girls won 3-1 against Grassroots Rovers in the All India Hockey Tournament at Amberpet Playground. Special prizes were awarded to schools and standout players

Hyderabad’s Y Sai Dedeepya won silver in women’s singles at the 71st All India Railway Tennis Championship in Chennai, while Ram Kumar Prasad of South Eastern Railway bagged silver in veterans’ singles, highlighting strong performances from SER players

Indian Railways has revised the timeline for preparing reservation charts across South Central Railway to reduce uncertainty for passengers. Officials said the move will help passengers plan better and reduce last-minute stress, improving overall travel convenience.

Former HCA Secretary S Venkateswaran has questioned the Hyderabad Cricket Association after being removed from the bye-laws amendment panel without reason. He wrote to Justice P Naveen Rao, highlighting lack of transparency as HCA now seeks suggestions for amendments

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy stirred controversy by claiming that Christmas celebrations in the State were possible only due to the sacrifices of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. His remarks quickly went viral, with many recalling his earlier criticism of Sonia Gandhi during his tenure in the Telugu Desam Party.

Following High Court directions, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) uploaded details of two wards, Shah Ali Banda and Langer Houz, covering population figures, boundary descriptions, and proposed maps. The data forms part of the preliminary Gazette notification for 300 wards issued on December 9.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced that the state government will introduce a Bill on hate speech in the upcoming Budget session of the Assembly. Speaking at Christmas celebrations in Hyderabad, he assured complete religious freedom and pledged strict action against derogatory remarks targeting communities.

A newly married couple allegedly jumped to death from a running train near Aleru in Yadadri-Bhongir district on Saturday. The Government Railway Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident.

Several private buses operating from Hyderabad are allegedly transporting commercial goods in violation of motor vehicle rules, raising safety concerns. The Transport Department has intensified enforcement ahead of upcoming festivals to curb overloading, overspeeding and other illegal practices.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao announced an intensified people-focused movement under K Chandrashekhar Rao, condemning Congress governance failures, political defections, industrial slowdown, BC reservation betrayals, and alleged Congress-BJP collusion, while vowing to regain power in 2028