Telangana

South Central Railway has announced eight additional special trains for the Sankranti festival. Trains will run between Kakinada, Vikarabad, Nanded, and Machilipatnam, stopping at major stations like Vijayawada, Secunderabad, and Rajahmundry. Passengers are advised to book tickets in advance.

Radiation oncologists at Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, successfully performed a rare surgery using precision radiotherapy on Siddipet resident Nimmala Suresh, diagnosed with neurocytoma, a rare low-grade brain tumour. The case underscores Yashoda Hospital’s advanced expertise in treating rare and complex brain tumours.

Retired employees in Kothagudem and Bhupalpally, under the banner of the Retired Employees Association and Telangana Government Pensioners JAC, staged a one-day fast demanding immediate clearance of pending retirement dues. Retired Police Officers Welfare Association president S Srinivasa Rao criticised the Congress government for failing to implement the promised cashless Employees Health Scheme even after two years.

A man lost nearly Rs 6 lakh after attempting to pay a Rs 500 traffic fine through a fake link sent via SMS. Cybercrime police warned citizens to avoid clicking unknown links and to remain alert to such scams.

Severe cold weather in Karimnagar has affected both mango orchards and paddy seedlings, with farmers reporting stunted growth despite the use of fertilisers and pesticides. Seedlings that usually grow within 25–35 days have failed to mature even after 45 days in the current Yasangi season.

Former Minister T Harish Rao extended support to Domadugu villagers in Sangareddy, who have been protesting against a pharmaceutical company accused of releasing effluents into Nallakunta lake and downstream agricultural fields. The villagers also staged a rally on the highway with cattle to highlight their plight.

Medak Cathedral Church, over 100 years old, has been decorated for Christmas celebrations. Devotees from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and other regions attended. Hotels are fully booked, traders have set up stalls, and children enjoy rides and festive activities.

Hyderabad leads India’s top seven cities in office vacancy rate, even as net absorption rises 10% year-on-year. Bengaluru leads new completions, while Pune, Chennai, and NCR see strong supply growth. Hyderabad and MMR witness slight declines in new office supply.

Two candidates were arrested at the University of Hyderabad for using AI and concealed Bluetooth devices to cheat in a Junior Office Assistant recruitment exam. The malpractice was discovered when a hidden scanner beeped during the test.

In 2025, Vikarabad district saw a 3.31% rise in crime, with murders, murder-for-gain cases, and daytime burglaries increasing. Road accidents and crimes against women declined. Cybercrime cases grew, and police conducted awareness programmes across the district.

National Consumer Day 2025 was observed by the Civil Supplies Department with awareness programmes, student competitions, and expert talks. The events focused on educating citizens and students about consumer rights and the role of digital justice.

The Congress government in Telangana plans to replace elected bodies of PACS and DCCBs with nominated committees, drawing criticism from farmer groups and opposition parties, who allege the move is aimed at avoiding electoral backlash and consolidating political control.

The HMDA’s proposed shift to Paigah Palace in Begumpet has been delayed due to complex restoration and conservation challenges. Extensive renovation is required to preserve the heritage structure, with costs estimated at Rs 2–3 crore and timelines likely to be revised.

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration raided an unlicensed medical device unit at Sultanpur in Sangareddy district and seized large stocks of dialysis kits and sterile products. The unit was operating without a mandatory manufacturing licence, officials said.

The Telangana Forest Development Corporation is organising an overnight nature camp and a Bird Walk at the Forest Trek Park in Manchirevula, Hyderabad. The eco-tourism initiative offers guided activities, trekking, camping, and birdwatching for nature enthusiasts.

BRS leader S. Niranjan Reddy alleged that the Congress government’s decision to scale down water allocation for the Palamuru irrigation project would severely impact southern Telangana, accusing it of sabotaging a project cleared under the previous BRS regime.

Hyderabad police conducted a pre-dawn raid at the Yakutpura house of history-sheeter Zafer Pahelwan and seized illegal weapons. The accused and his associates are absconding, while police continue efforts to curb criminal activities in the Old City.

Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender admitted that he had defected to the Congress, triggering political debate amid disqualification proceedings. He said he remained a Congress MLA and would campaign across GHMC divisions ahead of civic polls.

Hyderabad police arrested three people, including a software employee and an event manager, for allegedly selling drugs sourced via the dark web. MDMA, LSD, hydroponic ganja, and cash were seized. A customer was also detained.

Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao alleged that the Congress government failed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to farmers. After inspecting the Reddipalli substation, he said farmers were receiving only 12 to 13 hours of electricity during the Rabi season.

A Hyderabad-based study reveals a sharp rise in women delaying motherhood beyond 35 years in urban centres. While reflecting changing priorities such as education and careers, doctors warn that delayed pregnancies are linked to higher rates of diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Farmers in Adilabad district observed a day-long bandh at Bazarhathnoor mandal, demanding immediate government procurement of soy and maize. They said closure of procurement centres was forcing them to depend on private traders and incur heavy losses.

A transient tiger that briefly moved towards Ramagundam has returned to Mancherial and is now roaming near coal mines in Srirampur. Forest officials have stepped up surveillance as multiple tigers remain close to human settlements.

Hyderabad and surrounding districts continued to reel under cold wave conditions, with night temperatures dipping 3–4 degrees Celsius below normal. While daytime temperatures remain pleasant, IMD has warned of chilly nights through Christmas across parts of Telangana.