Telangana

Factional politics in Warangal (East) Assembly constituency escalated as Endowments Minister Konda Surekha faced desertion by senior leaders, including TPCC member Nalgonda Ramesh, who joined Baswaraj Saraiah’s faction. While Surekha dismissed the dissidents’ meeting as a publicity stunt, her remarks branding senior leaders as “petty” drew sharp criticism.

Former government whip and BRS leader Balka Suman staged a sit-in protest at Mittapalli village in Jaipur mandal, Mancherial district, alleging that Congress was involved in illegal vote casting with the support of polling staff.

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar dismissed BRS petitions seeking disqualification of defected MLAs, citing lack of evidence. The decision, delivered ahead of a Supreme Court deadline, has reignited debate over constitutional propriety and legislative neutrality

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar urged strict enforcement of the ‘Zero Delay’ policy, calling for immediate action by the nearest police units. Joint coordination among Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda police will target habitual offenders, traffic enforcement, and prompt crime response.

The third phase of gram panchayat elections in Telangana witnessed impressive voter participation, with Khammam district recording 88.84 per cent turnout and Kothagudem registering 86.47 per cent. Polling across multiple mandals in both districts remained peaceful, according to officials.

The third and final phase of gram panchayat elections across Adilabad, Mancherial, Nirmal and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts concluded peacefully with an impressive overall turnout of 84.66 per cent. A total of 575 candidates contested for sarpanch posts and over 8,000 for ward member positions.

The final phase of gram panchayat elections in the erstwhile Karimnagar district concluded peacefully on Wednesday, with voters braving cold weather to cast their ballots. Karimnagar district registered the highest turnout at 86.42 per cent, followed closely by Peddapalli at 85.66 per cent.

Several Hyderabad students, including Mihika Aggarwal with all-India rank 61, secured top 100 positions in CLAT 2026 UG and PG. Abhyaas Law Prep students excelled, with scorecards available online. Counselling registration ends December 27; first seat allotment on January 7, 2026.

Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Telangana after Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar dismissed petitions against five MLAs accused of defecting. Rao alleged that the ruling party had trampled constitutional provisions on anti-defection, exposing Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Save the Constitution’ campaign as hollow.

The whereabouts of veteran Maoist leader Ganapathy remain unknown years after he stepped down as CPI (Maoist) chief. Party documents suggest he was moved out of conflict zones due to health reasons and may now be living discreetly in an urban area under strict secrecy

South Central Railway has won four National Energy Conservation Awards–2025 for its energy-efficient and sustainable practices. The Diesel Traction Training Centre, Guntakal, won the Best Performing Unit award, while three railway stations received Certificates of Merit for exemplary energy management.

A woman voter who returned from Hyderabad to cast her vote in gram panchayat election was shocked to learn that her ballot had already been recorded

Jubilee Hills Traffic Inspector Narsing Rao has been transferred following allegations of accepting bribes to clear drunk-and-drive challans. City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar has ordered a full-scale inquiry, and multiple officers, including Sub-Inspector Ashok, have also been transferred.

IIIT Hyderabad’s Division of Flexible Learning has launched a 12-week online certificate programme on agentic AI systems. Led by Prof Karthik Vaidhyanathan, the hands-on course teaches learners to design, build, and deploy AI systems. Applications close on December 29.

Oasis Fertility has partnered with Project Nanhi Kali to support the education of 100 underprivileged girls. Each beneficiary will receive full academic-year sponsorship and a kit of essential items, enabling them to study with dignity, consistency, and confidence.

A techie travelling on the Ajanta Express had Rs 7,000 and his debit and credit cards stolen near Medchal railway station. Kacheguda Railway Police registered a case, which has now been transferred to Secunderabad Railway Police for further investigation.

RGIA Outpost Police arrested a 58-year-old passenger for allegedly misbehaving with an air hostess on a flight from Dubai. Under the influence of alcohol, the suspect was remanded to judicial custody following a complaint by airline authorities.

A three-year-old boy in Hyderabad sustained an eye injury when an air gun pellet entered his face. Doctors at Sankara Eye Hospital successfully removed the 7–8 mm pellet through an anterior orbitotomy, preventing potential complications and ensuring a full recovery.

Hyderabad Cybercrime police arrested a Mumbai man in a Rs 32 lakh online trading scam linked to a Chinese national. Victims were lured via fake social media ads and trading apps. Authorities warn the public against fraudulent investment schemes and cryptocurrency traps.

Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar rejected BRS petitions seeking disqualification of MLAs who defected to the Congress, citing lack of evidence. The BRS said it would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the matter on Thursday.

The National Medical Commission has asked medical colleges to form committees to monitor prescription practices and ensure legible handwriting. Doctors have been advised to write generic drug names clearly, while experts stress transparency to improve patient safety.

Hyderabad police have arrested a self-styled YouTube reporter for allegedly extorting money by claiming influence over police cases. Officials warned against people misusing media identity and urged the public to report threats or extortion attempts.

Doctors warn that blood pressure often rises during winter due to cold-induced stress, reduced activity and hormonal changes. Experts advise regular monitoring, medication adherence and lifestyle adjustments, especially for elderly people and those with existing health conditions.

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have issued a festive season advisory warning people against rising online scams linked to shopping, travel and events. Citizens are urged to avoid suspicious links, verify offers carefully and report fraud immediately.