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Rising Maintenance Costs Push Thousands of Hyderabad Residents Into GST Net

Hyderabad: Thousands of residents living in gated communities across the city are facing increased financial pressure in FY 2026–27, as rising maintenance charges have pushed many households into the 18% GST bracket.

Monthly maintenance costs, which previously ranged between ₹6,000 and ₹7,000, have now surged to ₹8,000–₹10,000. This increase has taken many households beyond the ₹7,500 threshold, above which an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable.

📈 What’s driving the increase?

Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) attribute the hike to a steady rise in operational expenses, including:

  • Security staff salaries
  • Electricity charges
  • Maintenance of clubhouses and common amenities
  • Water supply and infrastructure systems

“These are essential services, and costs have gone up significantly over the past year,” said an RWA representative.

📊 Growing number of affected households

According to estimates:

  • Hyderabad has nearly 200 gated communities and hundreds of high-rise complexes
  • These house over 5 lakh families
  • Around 2 lakh households are already paying 18% GST
  • An additional 50,000 households are expected to fall under the GST bracket due to the latest increase

💸 Impact on household budgets

The financial impact has been immediate. Residents who were earlier paying around ₹7,000 per month—without GST—are now paying significantly more.

For instance:

  • Earlier: ₹7,000 (no GST)
  • Now: ₹9,000 + 18% GST = ₹10,620

This sharp increase is straining monthly budgets, especially for middle-class families.

⚠️ Residents voice concerns

Many residents have expressed concern over the “double burden” of rising maintenance charges and taxation. Some are urging authorities to reconsider the GST threshold or provide relief to urban households.

🧾 Conclusion

With operational costs continuing to rise, more households in Hyderabad are likely to be impacted in the coming months, making this a growing urban affordability issue.

Hyderabad Sets New Record in Office Market in Q1 2026, GCCs Power Growth

Hyderabad, India – Q1 2026: Hyderabad’s commercial real estate sector witnessed an all-time high in the first quarter of 2026, with office space transactions reaching a record 5.86 million square feet. This marks a significant 48% increase year-on-year from 4 million sq ft recorded in Q1 2025, according to Knight Frank India.

The strong performance places Hyderabad as the second-largest office market in India for the quarter, following Bengaluru, which led with 9.2 million sq ft of office absorption.

Rising Rents and Fresh Supply

Driven by robust demand, office rental values increased by 8% year-on-year, averaging ₹77.5 per sq ft per month. Additionally, the market saw the completion of 2.3 million sq ft of new office space, further strengthening supply.

GCCs Continue to Dominate Demand

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) remained the backbone of Hyderabad’s office market, contributing 43% of total leasing activity. These firms leased 2.5 million sq ft, reflecting a 53% growth compared to the previous year.

Despite global uncertainties, GCCs have maintained steady expansion, reinforcing Hyderabad’s appeal as a key global business destination.

IT Firms and Flexible Workspaces Surge

Third-party IT services companies ranked as the second-largest contributors, accounting for 29% of total leasing, or 1.7 million sq ft—the highest among major Indian cities for this segment.

Flexible workspaces also saw explosive growth, with leasing activity rising 457% year-on-year to 1.42 million sq ft, up from 0.26 million sq ft in Q1 2025. Large corporates, especially GCCs, played a major role in driving this trend.

Industry expert Joseph Thilak of Knight Frank India highlighted that Hyderabad’s growth is broad-based, with multiple sectors contributing rather than reliance on a single industry. He also noted that strong demand has pushed rental values upward.

Residential Market Shows Stability

On the residential front, Hyderabad maintained steady performance during the quarter:

  • Total sales: 9,541 units (up 1% year-on-year)
  • New launches: 9,975 units
  • Average price: ₹8,211 per sq ft (up 9% year-on-year)

Premium Housing Drives Growth

The ₹1–2 crore segment led the market with 4,061 units sold, accounting for 43% of total sales.

However, premium housing segments recorded the fastest growth:

  • ₹2–5 crore segment: 2,192 units (36% growth)
  • ₹5–10 crore segment: 415 units (46% growth)

Meanwhile, the affordable housing segment (below ₹50 lakh) saw a decline, with sales dropping 29% to 335 units, reflecting a nationwide trend.

Changing Buyer Preferences

Hyderabad continues to show resilience compared to other major housing markets in India, supported by consistent end-user demand. However, there is a noticeable shift toward premium housing, which has reduced demand in the affordable segment.

Conclusion

Hyderabad’s real estate market has demonstrated strong momentum in Q1 2026, with record-breaking office leasing and steady housing demand. The continued expansion of GCCs, rising rental values, and growing preference for premium housing underscore the city’s evolution into a leading real estate and business hub in India.

Hans India Lensmen Shine at Best Photo Journalist Awards 2025 in Hyderabad

Hyderabad witnessed a proud moment for photojournalism as The Hans India’s lensmen earned recognition at the Best Photo Journalist Awards 2025. The awards were organized by the Telangana State Photo Journalist Association at the Telangana Media Academy office in Nampally.

Chief Photo Journalist Adula Krishna secured the second prize for his outstanding work, while Mucharla Srinivas received a consolation prize, highlighting the team’s dedication and excellence in visual storytelling.

The awards were presented by former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who appreciated the role of photojournalists in capturing impactful moments. The event was also attended by former Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Telangana Media Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy, and several other prominent personalities from the media fraternity.

The recognition reflects The Hans India’s continued commitment to high-quality journalism and the remarkable efforts of its photojournalists in bringing stories to life through powerful imagery.

SRH vs LSG IPL 2026: Shami’s Magic & Pant’s Ice-Cool Finish Steal Thriller in Hyderabad

First, a confession

I was this close to turning off the TV when SRH were 35/4 inside 10 overs.
Abhishek Sharma – golden duck. Travis Head – gone. Ishan Kishan – bowled first ball. Liam Livingstone – struggling like a fish out of water.

It felt like a funeral at Uppal Stadium.

But then… Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy happened.

The Recovery That Gave Us Hope

These two didn’t just bat. They fought.
116 runs together. Seven sixes. Eight fours. And just like that, SRH went from “dead and buried” to 156/9 – a total that suddenly looked defendable.

Klaasen’s 62 off 41? Pure class.
Reddy’s 56 off 33? Future star written all over it.

But cricket is a cruel mistress. Just when we thought SRH would cross 180, Avesh Khan pulled off a double-wicket over, and Prince Yadav bowled a tight final over. Game on.

Then Came Shami’s Masterclass

Chasing 157, LSG needed a solid start. But the real story was Mohammed Shami’s opening spell:

  • 4 overs
  • 9 runs
  • 2 wickets
  • 18 dot balls

That’s not bowling. That’s suffocation.
He sent Abhishek and Head back to the pavilion like they were his personal guests. The man was on a hat-trick at one point. Vintage Shami. 🐐

But Pant Had Other Plans

Rishabh Pant walked in at No. 3, and for a while, he looked rusty. Struggled. Pushed and prodded. But that’s the thing about Pant – he never panics.

Wickets fell around him: Marsh (14), Markram (45), Pooran (1), Badoni (12), Samad (16).
But Pant? Cool as a cucumber.

And then… the final over.

Needing a few runs, Pant smashed three boundaries in the last over, finishing with a winning four that sent the LSG dugout into a frenzy. 160/5 in 19.5 overs. Five-wicket win. First victory of the season for LSG.

My Favorite Moment (Not Just the Finish)

Honestly? It was that run-out of Nicholas Pooran for 1 run.
Ishan Kishan, behind the stumps, reacted like a cobra – broke the stumps in a flash. For a moment, SRH fans (including me) thought: this is our game.

But Pant said: Nahi, aaj nahi.

🔥 Three Things That Won LSG the Match

  1. Shami’s powerplay dominance – 18 dots is illegal. Someone check his bowling arm.
  2. Pant’s composure – Didn’t try to be a hero until the very end.
  3. Death bowling – Avesh & Prince Yadav pulled SRH back from 140/4 to 156/9.

💔 Three Things That Hurt SRH

  1. Top-order collapse – 35/4 at home is unforgivable.
  2. Missed run-out chances – Pant survived a close call early.
  3. No Pat Cummins – His presence in crunch overs was missed.

🧠Final Verdict

This wasn’t just a match. It was a masterclass in two halves:

  • First half: Shami’s swing and seam.
  • Second half: Pant’s ice-cool veins.

SRH fans, don’t lose heart. Klaasen and Reddy showed you have the middle order. Just fix that top order fast.

LSG fans? You just found your season’s template. Shami + Pant = wins.

And me? I’m just grateful for Sunday evening cricket like this.

📢 Over to You, Reader

  • Were you cheering for Pant or crying with SRH?
  • Is Shami still India’s best T20 pacer?
  • Should Ishan Kishan open or come at No. 3?

Comment below – let’s fight like cricket fans do. 👇

Little Hero Wins Best Volunteer at ASWA Blood Donation Camp Hyderabad – 57th Camp Story

Some days, the internet throws you a news story about a gold medal.
Other days, someone sends you photos from a blood donation camp that make you stop scrolling.

Today was the second kind.

I came across ASWA’s 57th Blood Donation Camp in SR Nagar, Hyderabad. And honestly? I wasn’t ready for the one photo that stole my heart.

A Little Hero of Compassion

There’s a picture of a young boy – probably not even a teenager – standing proudly with a “Best Volunteer of the Day” paper in his hands. No stethoscope. No uniform. Just a smile that says:

“I helped. And that matters.”

The caption on the image says it perfectly:
“Not all heroes donate blood… Some serve with love, care, and a smile.”

And that hit me.
Because we spend so much time talking about big achievements – gold medals, rankings, trophies – that we forget:
Compassion is also a skill. And this kid just won gold in it.

What ASWA Did Right

ASWA (Love all – Serve all) organized their 57th Blood Donation Camp on 5th April 2026. Fifty-seven camps. Let that sink in. That’s not an event – that’s a movement.

The other image shows a beautiful, simple line:
“Selfless heroes turning compassion into life.”

That’s not a tagline. That’s a truth.

Every person who rolled up their sleeve that day – and every young volunteer who handed out water, guided donors, or simply smiled at someone nervous – they turned compassion into life.

Why This Matters for You & Me

You don’t have to wait for a big stage like IndiaSkills to be a hero.
You don’t need a medal from the government.

You just need to show up.
At a local camp. In your colony. With a glass of water and a kind word.

That boy in the photo? He’ll remember this day longer than any video game win.
And so will the person whose life gets saved because someone donated – because someone served.

A Small Request to You, Reader

Next time you see a blood donation camp near you:

  • Donate if you can
  • Volunteer if you can’t
  • Clap for the little heroes if nothing else

And if you’re from Hyderabad – especially SR Nagar – keep an eye on ASWA.
Fifty-seven camps mean they’re not stopping anytime soon. ❤️

Hyderabad woman wins gold in logistics at IndiaSkills Competition 2026

Title idea inside: She packed more than boxes – she packed a punch.

You know those stories that just make you nod and smile? This is one of them.

Meet Mehrunisha Begum – a regular Hyderabad woman with an extraordinary spark. While most of us are still figuring out Monday mornings, she just went and won GOLD at the IndiaSkills Competition 2026. And not in something fluffy – in Logistics & Freight Forwarding.

Yeah, logistics. The backbone of everything you order online. The thing that makes sure your packages don’t end up in Timbuktu.

So who is she?
Mehrunisha works at Cargoman Logistics and studied at Begumpet Degree College. Nothing flashy. Just a woman who decided to be really, really good at her job.

The competition wasn’t a cakewalk. She fought through district → state → regional → national rounds. That’s like climbing four mountains, each one steeper than the last. Organized by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Skill Development Ministry, this event is no joke.

And here’s the cool part – this win isn’t just a gold medal. It’s a ticket to represent India at WorldSkills. Imagine that: a Hyderabadi girl on the global stage, showing the world how to move goods smarter, faster, cleaner.

For anyone under 22 (that’s the age limit), IndiaSkills is basically the Olympics of hands-on trades. And Mehrunisha just proved that women in logistics are not just participants – they’re champions.

So next time you track a parcel and see “out for delivery”, remember: somewhere, a woman like Mehrunisha made sure it got there.

High five to all the behind-the-scenes heroes. And to this gold winner – go break some world records now.

Hyderabad-Somasila-Srisailam Helicopter: Telangana Tourism’s New Aerial Circuit

Telangana introduces helicopter tours on Hyderabad–Somasila–Srisailam route from April 2026.
Floating above the Krishna River will soon be possible thanks to new plans revealed by Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao. Soaring views of the dense Nallamala forests are now within reach. A fresh way to see one of Telangana’s holiest destinations begins to take shape. The journey there shifts, quietly, into something different.
The Route and Itinerary
The Helicopter Flies This Scenic Route

Hyderabad to Somasila Over Backwaters. Somasila to Srisailam Through Nallamala Forest. Srisailam to Hyderabad Same Day Return
On-ground activities included:
Boating on Somasila’s quiet backwaters
Darshan at Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple among the twelve jyotirlingas
Forest and river views along the Krishna
This could happen all in one day, turning a weekend or short visit into something smooth. A single stretch of hours might hold everything, shaping a trip without rush.
Project Implementation
A team is working alongside private air service groups to get things running. Just last week, official Jupally Krishna Rao stopped by Somasila, taking a close look at the helipad build still underway – checking progress before operations begin.
What Sets This Apart?

Soaring above gives a fresh look at the Krishna River beneath, tangled green forests stretching beyond sight. Back in Hyderabad before evening light fades, no need to wait overnight somewhere else. Skip the tiresome drive through heat and dust – roads that chew up half your day each direction. Prayer stops blend quietly with boat rides along quiet waterways, both feel part of the same journey.
Government Plans More Helicopter Tours
One reason this route works? It opens doors. Helicopter tours to more places across Telangana could start soon – officials are moving ahead. Locations like temples, lakes, and hill towns may be next. Progress here shapes what comes after

Nagarjuna Sagar Largest masonry dam with vast reservoir. Ramappa Temple Ancient stone temple recognized by UNESCO. Nizam Sagar Old dam set in quiet natural landscape.
Why Srisailam?
A temple called Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy sits in Srisailam, counted among twelve sacred Jyotirlingas as well eighteen powerful Shakti Peethas – this draws many who walk long paths for faith. Tucked within the Nallamala hills, the place rests beside flowing waters of the Krishna River like something whispered by earth itself.
Five to six hours by car right now from Hyderabad
Helicopter Travel Time Approximately 1 to 1.5 Hours
Quick Facts

Hyderabad to Somasila to Srisailam round trip. Starts April 9 2026. Run by Telangana Tourism and private air services. See Krishna River from above. Fly over Nallamala forests. Boat ride at Somasila. Visit Mallikarjuna temple. Later may include Nagarjuna Sagar. Ramappa Temple and Nizam Sagar on future list.

Telangana tourism’s heritage walk aims to spotlight Hyderabad’s cultural legacy

The Telangana Department of Tourism organized a special heritage walk on Saturday, tracing the historic stretch from the iconic Charminar to the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace. The walk drew participation from 60 women delegates of the Global Shapers Community, highlighting Hyderabad’s rich cultural legacy on an international stage.

A Walk Through History

The heritage walk covered one of Hyderabad’s most historically significant corridors, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the city’s architectural grandeur and storied past.

LandmarkSignificance
CharminarIconic 16th-century monument and symbol of Hyderabad
Chowmahalla PalaceFormer seat of the Nizams, known for its stunning courtyard and clock tower

International & National Participation

The delegates represented a diverse mix of global and Indian cities:

🌍 International Hubs:

CountryCity
United StatesChicago
MaldivesMalé
BhutanThimphu
Sri LankaKandy

🇮🇳 Indian Cities:

RegionCities
North/WestAjmer, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune
SouthBengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Puducherry
East/CentralAmaravati

Why This Heritage Walk Matters

The initiative by Telangana Tourism serves multiple purposes:

  • ✅ Showcasing Hyderabad’s cultural legacy to international visitors
  • ✅ Promoting heritage tourism as a key driver of economic growth
  • ✅ Building global connections through platforms like the Global Shapers Community
  • ✅ Encouraging local participation in preserving historical landmarks

The Global Shapers Community Connection

The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, comprising young leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities. The participation of delegates from multiple countries underscores Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a destination for cultural and diplomatic exchanges.

A Growing Trend: Heritage Walks in Hyderabad

Telangana Tourism has been actively promoting heritage walks across the city, including routes covering:

Walk RouteHighlights
Charminar to ChowmahallaQutb Shahi and Nizam architecture
Secunderabad CantonmentColonial-era buildings
Purana Pul areaOld bridges and markets

These walks are designed to educate both residents and tourists about the city’s layered history, from the Qutb Shahi dynasty to the Asaf Jahi Nizams and beyond.

What Participants Said

While specific quotes were not available in the source, delegates reportedly expressed appreciation for the well-preserved heritage and the opportunity to experience Hyderabad’s culture firsthand. The walk concluded with a sense of shared admiration for the city’s ability to blend tradition with modernity.

Looking Ahead

Telangana Tourism plans to organize more such heritage walks, targeting both domestic and international travelers. The department is also working on:

🏛️ Restoration projects for key heritage sites

🚶 Self-guided walking tour maps

📱 Mobile apps with audio guides

Amala Akkineni Says Handloom Holds Unique Prestigious Place in Indian Culture

Actress and Blue Cross of Hyderabad co-founder Amala Akkineni inaugurated the Evwaah – Weavers Hub exhibition, a two-day handloom extravaganza at Firewater Neo Bar & Kitchen in the Financial District, Nanakramguda. The exhibition, organized by socialite Alekhya Reddy, aims to promote traditional weaves and connect weavers directly with customers.

A Grand Showcase of Indian Handloom

The exhibition features an exclusive collection of traditional and handcrafted textiles, with more than 1,000 varieties of handloom sarees on display. Visitors can explore renowned weaves including:

WeaveOrigin
PochampallyTelangana – Known for intricate ikat patterns
PaithaniMaharashtra – Famous for vibrant colors and zari work
Patan PatolaGujarat – Double ikat weave with geometric designs

Amala Akkineni’s Address

Speaking on the occasion, Amala Akkineni emphasized the cultural significance of handloom:

“Handloom and silk hold a unique and prestigious place in Indian culture.”

Her presence at the event drew attention to the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich textile heritage.

The Social Mission Behind Evwaah

Organizer Alekhya Reddy explained the core objective of the handloom exhibition:

“The main social objective is to promote weavers and provide a market for the handloom industry. Through these exhibitions, an effort is made to create a good market for the weavers and their handloom-woven ware.”

Key Mission Highlights:

  • ✅ Direct from weavers to customers – No merchants or middlemen
  • ✅ Pure silk and cotton products – Authentic and high-quality
  • ✅ Fair prices for weavers – Eliminating exploitation
  • ✅ Preservation of traditional crafts – Supporting age-old techniques

Event Details at a Glance

DetailInformation
EventEvwaah – Weavers Hub Exhibition
Inaugurated byAmala Akkineni
Organized byAlekhya Reddy
VenueFirewater Neo Bar & Kitchen, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad
Duration2 days (April 4 – April 5, 2026)
Featured Items1,000+ handloom sarees including Pochampally, Paithani, Patan Patola

Why Handloom Exhibitions Matter

Events like Evwaah play a crucial role in:

  • 🧵 Empowering weavers with direct market access
  • 🧵 Preserving traditional Indian crafts for future generations
  • 🧵 Educating urban customers about handloom heritage
  • 🧵 Promoting sustainable fashion over mass-produced textiles

Visit Before It Ends!

The Evwaah Weavers Hub exhibition is open until April 5, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to own authentic handloom sarees while supporting the weavers directly.

Christians in Hyderabad Observe Good Friday with Multilingual Services

Christians across the city solemnly observed Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with special services, prayers, passion plays, and reflective gatherings. Major churches hosted multilingual congregations, drawing thousands of devotees.

Services at Major Churches in Hyderabad

ChurchLocationKey Activities
St. Mary’s BasilicaSecunderabadPassion play at 7 am, Holy Mass & veneration at 6 pm
CSI Wesley ChurchClock Tower, SecunderabadDay-long prayer sessions & reflections
St. Joseph’s CathedralGunfoundryDay-long prayer sessions & reflections
St. George’s ChurchAbid RoadDay-long prayer sessions & reflections

All services were conducted in multiple languages, including English, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, catering to the diverse congregation.

Passion Plays & Way of the Cross

Earlier in the day, many churches organized passion plays and the Way of the Cross, enacted by church youth. These powerful dramatizations depict the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, from his condemnation to his crucifixion.

The prayer services saw large numbers of people in attendance, with devotees filling the churches for solemn masses and veneration of the cross.

Significance of Good Friday

Good Friday is observed in honor and remembrance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. It follows Maundy Thursday, which recalls the Last Supper, and precedes Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection.

📖 The most important symbol of this day is the crucifix, or cross, which represents the way Jesus died.

A Day of Reflection and Community

Across Hyderabad, Christians spent the day in:

  • 🙏 Reflective sessions and silent prayers
  • ⛪ Community gatherings at local churches
  • 🎭 Passion plays depicting Christ’s suffering
  • ✝️ Veneration of the cross as a symbol of sacrifice

Looking Ahead

As the solemn observances of Good Friday conclude, the Christian community in Hyderabad now looks forward to Easter Sunday – a celebration of resurrection, hope, and new life.