Hyderabad: Environmental storyteller and conservation advocate Uday Krishna delivered a thought-provoking talk at TEDxHyderabad – Fire Up, urging people to rethink their relationship with nature through the extraordinary stories of India’s oldest and most remarkable trees.
In his inspiring presentation, titled around “The Big Tree Quest,” Uday shared fascinating stories of trees that have silently shaped history—a tree that saved 150 lives, a tree that once sheltered robbers, a tree valued at ₹100 crore, and another that united strangers from around the world to protect it.
Having travelled over 40,000 kilometres documenting more than 150 heritage trees across India, Uday discovered that the story of trees is ultimately the story of humanity itself. His journey highlights how these ancient giants have survived empires, nurtured communities, preserved biodiversity, and quietly protected generations for centuries.
As the Founder of the Vata Foundation, Uday Krishna has dedicated his work to conserving India’s natural heritage through community-led conservation, wildlife photography, jungle restoration, and immersive storytelling. His flagship initiative, The Big Tree Quest, documents India’s oldest and largest trees while raising awareness about their ecological, cultural, and historical significance.
During his TEDx talk, Uday emphasized that conservation begins with an emotional connection. Rather than admiring nature from a distance, he encouraged people to recognize what humanity stands to lose if these living monuments disappear.
Through powerful visual storytelling and grassroots conservation campaigns, he continues to inspire communities to protect heritage trees and reconnect with nature as an essential part of human survival.
His message at TEDxHyderabad served as a powerful reminder that protecting trees is not just about preserving the environment—it’s about safeguarding history, culture, biodiversity, and the future of generations to come.
“The story of trees is the story of us. Protecting them means protecting our own future.”
Hyderabad, June 19: In a significant step towards transforming healthcare through technology, the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have launched a joint research initiative aimed at developing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered healthcare solutions for the early detection and management of major diseases.
A team of IISc scientists visited NIMS on Thursday and held extensive discussions with medical experts and faculty members to chart out the roadmap for the collaborative project. The meeting was chaired by NIMS Dean Dr. P. Chandrasekhar, who emphasized the growing importance of AI in modern healthcare.
Dr. Chandrasekhar stated that AI-driven technologies have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as breast cancer, oral cancer, kidney disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity-related conditions. By enabling early detection and faster diagnosis, AI tools can significantly improve patient outcomes and support healthcare professionals in delivering more effective treatments.
As part of the collaboration, researchers from NIMS and IISc will jointly develop advanced AI models for disease diagnosis, risk prediction, disease progression analysis, and personalized treatment planning. These solutions are expected to assist clinicians in making data-driven medical decisions while enhancing access to quality healthcare for patients across India.
The initiative aims to create AI systems specifically designed to address the healthcare needs of the Indian population, ensuring greater accuracy and relevance in clinical applications.
Representing NIMS at the meeting were Dr. P. Chandrasekhar, Dr. Liza, Dr. Bhushan Raju, Dr. Anu Kapoor, Dr. Subbalakshmi, Dr. Sujata Patnaik, Dr. Ramakrishna, Dr. Annie, Dr. Raviteja, and Dr. Payal. The IISc delegation included Dr. Sriram, Dr. Hema, and Dr. Anagha, who discussed implementation strategies and key milestones for the project.
The first phase of the research programme is expected to be completed within six months, during which the teams will focus on clinical data analysis, AI algorithm development, and the creation of preliminary healthcare models.
This partnership marks a major milestone in integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence with medical science, reinforcing India’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved healthcare outcomes and disease prevention.
The excitement is building, and the streets of Khammam are proudly showcasing the spirit of ANVITA Khammam ACES as we gear up for the much-awaited TG20 League 2026. The massive team branding displayed across the city is more than just a visual—it’s a symbol of unity, passion, determination, and the unwavering love for cricket.
From every corner of the city, fans are eagerly waiting to witness thrilling matches, unforgettable performances, and moments that will create history. Every banner, every cheer, and every supporter adds energy to this incredible journey.
ANVITA Khammam ACES is ready to step onto the field with confidence, commitment, and a winning mindset. Our talented squad has prepared tirelessly to represent Khammam with pride, showcasing teamwork, discipline, and the true spirit of sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
📅 Tournament Dates: June 21 – July 12, 2026
This league is not just about cricket—it’s about bringing communities together, inspiring young talent, and celebrating the passion that unites thousands of fans across Telangana.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our title sponsor ANVITA, our valued partners, organizers, supporters, volunteers, and every cricket enthusiast who has stood beside us on this journey. Your encouragement motivates us to give our very best every time we step onto the field.
To every fan in Khammam and beyond—this is your team. Your cheers from the stands, your support on social media, and your belief in us make all the difference. Let’s fill the stadiums with excitement, celebrate every boundary, every wicket, and every victory together.
Khammam, are you ready? The countdown has begun, and the stage is set for an unforgettable season of cricket. Let’s unite, cheer louder than ever, and make TG20 League 2026 a grand celebration of talent, passion, and sportsmanship.
Together We Rise. Together We Play. Together We Win.
Nineteen-year-old IM P. Ajay Santhosh has kept his Grandmaster dream firmly on track with a stellar third-place finish at the 360 One Masters Chess Tournament, held at the World Trade Centre in Mumbai.
Competing in a 56-player field with an average rating of 2356, the Hyderabad-born IM scored 6 points from 9 rounds — finishing behind winner GM Iniyan P (7.5/9) and Russian GM Boris Savchenko (6.5/9). Seeded fourth with a FIDE rating of 2503, Ajay outsmarted several seasoned Grandmasters to claim his spot on the podium.
The Road to Grandmaster
The 19-year-old is now tantalizingly close to the GM title, having already:
Crossed the 2500 FIDE rating barrier
Secured his first GM norm at the Baku Open 2026 earlier this year
Two more norms stand between him and India’s most coveted chess distinction.
A Packed International Schedule
A grueling international circuit awaits as Ajay pursues his remaining norms:
Chola Chess GM Round Robin in Chennai (June 20–28)
Chess Festival Ceske Budejovice 2026 in the Czech Republic
Paris Masters in France
Dole Open in Aix-en-Provence, France
A Campaign Without Institutional Support
Backed by his family and travel sponsor Viyona Fintech, Hyderabad, Ajay is pursuing his title campaign largely without institutional support. The cost of competing across four tournaments on two continents is substantial, and his camp continues to seek corporate backing to sustain one of Indian chess’s most promising GM pursuits.
A Bright Future
Ajay’s performance at the 360 One Masters demonstrates his growing maturity and ability to compete against seasoned Grandmasters. As he embarks on this critical European and domestic circuit, the chess world will be watching closely to see if he can secure the final two norms and join the elite ranks of Indian Grandmasters.
Hyderabad, June 17, 2026: CtrlS Datacenters, one of India’s leading data center operators, has announced a strategic investment partnership with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), involving a total commitment of up to ₹7,000 crore (C$1 billion).
As part of the transaction, CPP Investments will invest ₹4,000 crore (C$588 million) to acquire an 8.2% stake in CtrlS Datacenters. In addition, the two organizations will establish a joint venture to develop hyperscale data center campuses across India. CPP Investments has committed up to ₹3,000 crore (C$441 million) to the venture and will hold a 48% equity stake, while CtrlS will retain 52%.
The partnership is aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation, AI-ready digital infrastructure to meet the growing demand from hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and enterprises across the country.
“The demand signals from hyperscalers, cloud service providers, and enterprises are clear and unmistakable. With CPP Investments, we are not merely expanding capacity but also establishing the benchmark for AI-ready infrastructure in one of the world’s most significant digital markets,” said Sridhar Pinnapureddy, Founder and CEO of CtrlS Datacenters.
Max Biagosch, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Real Assets at CPP Investments, highlighted India’s strategic importance in the company’s global data center investment portfolio.
“As one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets, India represents an important pillar of CPP Investments’ global data center strategy. This investment builds on more than a decade of investing in India and the strength of our local platform,” he said.
CPP Investments first invested in India in 2009 and established its Mumbai office in 2015. As of March 31, 2026, the organization held more than ₹1,850 billion (C$27 billion) in net assets in India, making it one of the country’s largest international institutional investors.
Founded in 2007, CtrlS Datacenters currently operates 19 data centers across nine major markets in India, with more than 370 MW of operational capacity and approximately 4.4 GW of projects under various stages of development.
Industry observers view the investment as a significant vote of confidence in India’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure sector, driven by increasing adoption of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-intensive technologies.
Hyderabad: In line with the directions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, an emergency review meeting was held on Tuesday at Malkampet to assess measures being implemented to prevent waterlogging, urban flooding, and traffic disruptions during the ongoing monsoon season.
The meeting was chaired by Government Advisor for Irrigation P. Sudarshan Reddy and attended by Director General of Police C. V. Anand, GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan, Cyberabad Municipal Commissioner G. Srijana, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Cyberabad Police Commissioner M. Ramesh.
During the review, DGP Anand stated that the police department remains on high alert to ensure citizens do not face difficulties due to heavy rains and waterlogging. He directed officials to take proactive measures in vulnerable areas to prevent traffic congestion and facilitate smooth vehicular movement across the city.
He emphasized the importance of identifying alternative traffic routes and providing timely information to the public whenever necessary. Anand also instructed police personnel to maintain continuous surveillance in low-lying areas, flood-prone localities, major traffic junctions, and other critical locations.
Officials informed the meeting that special engineering teams have been constituted to conduct field inspections around Malkam Cheruvu, Khajaguda Lake, Mandikunta, Gurunath Cheruvu, lakes in the Miyapur region, Biodiversity Junction, Kondapur, and other flood-prone areas.
The teams will carry out detailed assessments of water flow channels, drainage connectivity, encroachments, and other factors contributing to water stagnation and flooding. They have been tasked with submitting comprehensive reports recommending both immediate corrective measures and long-term sustainable solutions to address recurring waterlogging issues.
Anand stressed that close coordination among the Police, Irrigation Department, GHMC, HYDRAA, and other agencies is essential for effective flood management and public safety. He urged all departments to proactively identify problem areas and implement remedial measures without delay.
Warning against complacency, the DGP reiterated that public safety must remain the top priority throughout the monsoon season. He directed all police units across Telangana to remain vigilant and fully prepared until the end of the rainy season, ensuring prompt assistance to citizens whenever required.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all participating departments to strengthen coordination, improve drainage management, and safeguard residents from the adverse impacts of monsoon-related flooding and waterlogging across Hyderabad.
India Women made a strong statement in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan Women by a convincing 64-run margin at Edgbaston on Sunday. Powered by a magnificent half-century from Smriti Mandhana and a match-winning five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, India delivered a dominant all-round performance to kick off their campaign in style.
After winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose to bat first on a surface that looked ideal for batting. However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck early, removing Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues within the powerplay to put India under pressure. With the score at 38/2 after six overs, India needed a steady partnership to rebuild the innings.
Smriti Mandhana rose to the occasion with a classy knock of 68 runs from just 44 deliveries. The stylish left-hander timed the ball beautifully, finding boundaries with ease and anchoring the innings when her team needed stability. Alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, she stitched together a crucial partnership that shifted momentum back in India’s favor.
Pakistan had opportunities to contain India but costly dropped catches allowed Mandhana to continue her innings. She made the most of those chances, accelerating in the middle overs and putting pressure on the Pakistani bowlers. Harmanpreet also contributed valuable runs before falling while attempting to increase the scoring rate.
Despite regular wickets in the latter stages, India managed to post a competitive total of 170/6 in 20 overs, thanks to useful contributions from the middle order and a late flourish that ensured Pakistan faced a challenging target.
Pakistan’s chase began positively as openers Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali found boundaries early and moved confidently against the Indian pace attack. The opening partnership raised hopes for Pakistan supporters, but India’s experienced spin unit soon took control of the contest.
Veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma produced a masterclass in spin bowling. Mixing her pace and lengths intelligently, she repeatedly outfoxed the Pakistani batters. Her first breakthrough came when Gull Feroza miscued an attempted attacking shot, and from there Pakistan’s innings began to unravel.
Muneeba Ali fought hard with a determined 41 off 35 balls and tried to keep Pakistan in the hunt. However, the lack of support from the other end proved costly. As wickets continued to fall, the required run rate climbed steadily, placing immense pressure on the middle order.
Young spinner Shree Charani complemented Deepti brilliantly, picking up three important wickets and ensuring Pakistan never regained momentum. India’s fielding was equally impressive, highlighted by a sharp run-out involving Deepti Sharma that removed the dangerous Muneeba Ali at a crucial stage.
Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under sustained pressure from the Indian bowlers. Deepti Sharma completed a memorable five-wicket haul, wrapping up the innings as Pakistan were bowled out for 106 runs. Her spell proved to be the defining performance of the match and underlined her importance to India’s World Cup ambitions.
The victory further strengthened India’s dominance over Pakistan in Women’s T20 Internationals. India now holds a commanding advantage in head-to-head encounters and once again showcased their ability to deliver on the biggest stages against their traditional rivals.
With a balanced performance featuring quality batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, India has sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament contenders. The defending champions will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for another ICC title.
Match Summary: 🏏 India Women: 170/6 (20 overs) ⭐ Smriti Mandhana – 68 (44)
🏏 Pakistan Women: 106 all out ⭐ Muneeba Ali – 41 (35)
A typical office-goer in Hyderabad now spends 312 hours annually commuting between home and work—the equivalent of 39 working days, according to a report by MoveInSync.
The study highlights worsening congestion across Cyberabad, the city’s technology and employment hub. Average one-way commute times have increased to 60 minutes in 2026, up from 58 minutes in 2024, while average travel distances have grown to 22.7 km. Traffic congestion has also risen to 25%, with commuters spending over 123 hours a year stuck in traffic.
MoveInSync CEO Deepesh Agarwal said Hyderabad’s rapid growth, driven by expanding Global Capability Centres (GCCs), is putting increasing pressure on transport infrastructure. Despite the presence of the Metro in Hitec City, key employment hubs such as Gachibowli and the Financial District still lack direct metro connectivity, forcing many workers to rely on private vehicles and company transport.
The report suggests that improving last-mile connectivity, expanding feeder services, and encouraging carpooling and shared mobility could significantly ease congestion across the city.
Hyderabad cadet Nidhi has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing All India Rank (AIR) 6 in the Air Force, bringing pride to her family and the nation. Speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade in Hyderabad, her father, Sudheer Kumar Agarwal, expressed immense happiness and pride after Nidhi successfully completed her pre-commissioning training.
Agarwal revealed that Nidhi earned recommendations from all three armed services, highlighting her exceptional dedication, talent, and commitment to serving the country. He described her achievement as the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream and said that both his daughters have brought great honor to the family and the nation.
Nidhi’s accomplishment stands as an inspiring example for aspiring candidates across the country, showcasing the rewards of perseverance, discipline, and determination in pursuing a career in the armed forces.
A Journey of Community, Sustainability, and Traditional Wisdom
In a world increasingly driven by fast-paced lifestyles, processed food, and industrialized systems, many people are searching for healthier, more sustainable, and meaningful ways of living. It is from this need that Mulam Santha was born—a community-driven initiative that encourages people to reconnect with nature, traditional knowledge, local artisans, and sustainable living practices.
Organized jointly by CSR Memorial Foundation and Grama Bharathi, Mulam Santha has successfully completed two years of continuous service to the community. What began as a small effort to support farmers and traditional producers has now evolved into a vibrant platform that brings together farmers, artisans, natural farming practitioners, millet entrepreneurs, khadi makers, eco-conscious consumers, and nature lovers.
A Market with a Purpose
Unlike conventional marketplaces, Mulam Santha is more than a place to buy and sell products. It is a movement that promotes healthy living, sustainable consumption, and direct connections between producers and consumers.
One of the unique aspects of Mulam Santha is that it is held on the Second Saturday of every month, creating a consistent and reliable platform for both vendors and visitors. For the past two years, this monthly gathering has become a much-awaited event where people come together to learn, share, support local producers, and celebrate traditional ways of life.
Every Second Saturday, Marri Krishna Hall in Tarnaka transforms into a vibrant space filled with natural products, traditional foods, handmade crafts, educational conversations, and inspiring stories from people who are working towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
Supporting Farmers and Artisans
Over the last two years, Mulam Santha has provided opportunities for numerous farmers, artisans, self-help groups, and small-scale producers to directly reach consumers without intermediaries.
This direct interaction not only helps producers receive fair value for their products but also enables consumers to understand the story behind what they buy. Every product showcased at the Santha represents hard work, traditional knowledge, sustainability, and a commitment to quality.
Visitors can meet the people who grow their food, weave their clothes, create handmade products, and preserve age-old traditions.
Products that Reflect Nature and Tradition
Mulam Santha proudly showcases a wide variety of products rooted in sustainability and traditional wisdom, including:
✅ Bio Enzymes ✅ Healthy Cold-Pressed Oils ✅ Cow-Based Natural Products ✅ Panchagavya and Ayurvedic Herbs ✅ Clay Pots and Handmade Jewelry ✅ Jute Bags and Eco-Friendly Alternatives ✅ Khadi and Handloom Clothing ✅ Native Seed-Based Healthy Foods ✅ Traditional Millet Products ✅ Natural Farming Produce ✅ Literature, Handicrafts, and Rural Innovations
Each stall contributes to the larger vision of building a society that values health, sustainability, and local economies.
Building a Back-to-Roots Community
Over time, Mulam Santha has grown beyond a marketplace and developed into a strong community platform. Through interactions, discussions, workshops, and shared experiences, it has inspired many individuals and families to adopt more conscious and environmentally responsible lifestyles.
The initiative promotes:
🌿 Natural and Sustainable Living 🌾 Natural Farming Practices 🐄 Cow-Based Rural Economy 🏺 Traditional Crafts and Indigenous Knowledge 🧵 Khadi and Handloom Promotion 🍲 Healthy Food Habits and Millet Consumption ♻️ Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Everyday Life
The accompanying Mulam Community – Back to Roots network continues to connect people who believe in preserving traditional wisdom while creating sustainable solutions for the future.
Two Years of Impact
As Mulam Santha celebrates its second anniversary with the 24th edition, it reflects on an inspiring journey marked by:
🌱 24 successful monthly markets 🌱 Two years of uninterrupted community engagement 🌱 Hundreds of participating farmers, artisans, and producers 🌱 Thousands of visitors and supporters 🌱 Growing awareness about natural living and sustainable choices 🌱 Stronger connections between producers and consumers
These achievements have been possible because of the collective efforts of farmers, artisans, volunteers, organizers, visitors, supporters, and community members who have believed in the vision of Mulam Santha.
Looking Ahead
The completion of two years is not just a milestone—it is the beginning of a larger journey.
Mulam Santha aims to continue creating opportunities for farmers and artisans, promoting healthy lifestyles, preserving traditional knowledge, and encouraging communities to embrace sustainable living.
As we celebrate this special occasion, we invite everyone to be part of this growing movement and help build a future that is healthier, greener, and more connected to our roots.
🌿 24th Mulam Santha – 2 Years Celebration
📅 Date: 13 June 2026 (Second Saturday) 📍 Venue: Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
“Back to Roots is not a trend—it is a way of life.”
Thank you to every farmer, artisan, volunteer, supporter, and visitor who has been part of this incredible two-year journey.
Together, we are growing roots, building community, and creating a sustainable future.
