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L&T Exits Hyderabad Metro; Telangana Government Assumes Full Control

Hyderabad, September 26, 2025: In a major shift, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has divested its stake in Phase 1 of the Hyderabad Metro project, clearing the way for the Telangana government to take full control of operations and planning. 

With L&T’s exit, the state administration is now positioned to steer the project unilaterally, manage debt and equity settlements, and fast-track expansion plans under Phase 2, which envisages an additional 163 km of metro lines. 

What Changed & What’s Next

  • L&T’s divestment: The move signals L&T’s withdrawal from the original public-private partnership model for Metro operations in Hyderabad.
  • Government control: Telangana will now oversee all functions (operations, maintenance, expansion) previously managed under the PPP framework.
  • Phase 2 acceleration: With the government at the helm, authorities intend to push forward with the next expansion phase covering 163 km, potentially reducing delays caused by coordination or financial bottlenecks.
  • Debt & equity settlement: A key task ahead is reconciling the financial obligations from the initial contracts and ensuring smooth transition of assets and liabilities.

Implications & Challenges

  1. Greater control, but greater responsibility
     While the government will enjoy full decision-making power, it also bears the full burden of cost, risk, and execution challenges that come with large urban transit projects.
  2. Speed vs. capacity
     Fast-tracking expansion is positive for city mobility, but the government must ensure it has the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to sustain high standards in safety, service, and maintenance.
  3. Stakeholder coordination
     Transitioning from a PPP model to a fully government-run system means reworking contracts, staffing, equipment maintenance, and integration with existing systems.
  4. Public expectations
     Commuters and city planners will be watching closely: delays, operational glitches, or service quality dips could invite criticism and erode public trust.

Outlook

With L&T’s exit, Telangana has a unique opportunity to reshape Hyderabad’s metro future under its own vision and timetable. If it manages the financial transition and execution well, the city could see faster expansion and more integrated urban mobility. But missteps in execution or oversight could weigh heavily.

Would you like me to also write a short “citizen impact” version — how this affects daily commuters — or pull in expert voices (real or hypothetical) to enrich the blog?

Source:Deccan Herald

Hyderabad Police Launch New Drive to Protect Women in Public Transport

Hyderabad: In a significant step towards ensuring women’s safety, the Telangana Police Women Safety Wing has launched a Safe Mobility Initiative in collaboration with multiple transport agencies to curb harassment in public and private transport across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda.

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), Hyderabad Metro Rail, Transport Department, and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). It covers buses, metro trains, autos, and private transport vehicles.

How Women Can Report Harassment

The new drive makes it easier for women to seek immediate help in case of harassment.

  • Inform bus conductors or auto drivers – they will act as first responders.
  • Use the Metro alert system to report incidents.
  • Call Dial 100 or 112 directly for immediate assistance.

Conductors and drivers have been trained to alert emergency services right away, triggering a quick response by police patrol teams and She Teams.

Strong Coordination Between Agencies

Each participating organisation will appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the Women Safety Wing. The wing will monitor every complaint, investigation, and outcome to ensure accountability.

TGSRTC conductors will undergo special training to handle complaints and assist women in distress. Police patrolling units will respond promptly, and offenders will be handed over to She Teams for further action.

Officials noted that harassment in crowded public spaces often goes unreported because offenders are strangers and victims feel that lodging complaints will not bring results. This initiative seeks to break that pattern by enabling faster reporting, quicker police intervention, and stricter action against offenders.

The goal is to not only protect women but also shift public attitudes and discourage harassment that has often been normalised in public spaces.

Source :Siasat

Operation Sindoor on the Cricket Field: India’s Asia Cup 2025 Triumph Over Pakistan

The Asia Cup 2025 final was more than just a cricket match — it was a spectacle, a statement, and a moment of national pride. When India secured a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai, the celebrations weren’t limited to the stadium. Across the nation, fans rejoiced, and even the highest offices in the country joined in to salute the team’s heroic performance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a powerful message that immediately went viral:

“#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.”

His words perfectly captured the mood of the nation, framing this win as both a sporting and symbolic triumph, given the tense backdrop following the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Political Leaders Join the Applause

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was quick to hail the team’s performance, writing:

“A phenomenal victory. The fierce energy of our boys blew up the rivals again.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also celebrated the moment, tweeting:

“Congrats to Team India on winning the Asia Cup. New India delivers.”

Even ICC chairman Jay Shah chimed in, saying:

“Congratulations to Team India on lifting the Asia Cup 2025! A proud moment for Indian cricket as Team India showcases excellence, consistency, and character on the biggest stage. Kudos to the players and support staff for a stellar campaign.”

The Match That Had It All

The final was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Chasing 147, India stumbled early, finding themselves at 20/3 and later 77/4. But 21-year-old Tilak Varma rose to the occasion, playing with composure well beyond his years. His unbeaten 69 off 51 balls, studded with three fours and four sixes, was the anchor that held the innings together.

Varma’s crucial 60-run partnership with Shivam Dube (33) brought India back into the contest. The tension peaked in the final over with India needing 10 runs from six balls. Varma smashed a towering six, and Rinku Singh sealed the victory with a boundary, triggering wild celebrations from fans in the stadium and across the country.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Magic with the Ball

Earlier in the match, Pakistan looked set for a big total after racing to 84 without loss, thanks to Sahibzada Farhan’s 57 and Fakhar Zaman’s 46. But Kuldeep Yadav turned the game on its head with a sensational spell of 4/30.

His 17th over — a stunning burst of three wickets in four balls — dismantled Pakistan’s middle order, including the prized scalp of skipper Salman Agha. From 84/0, Pakistan collapsed to 146 all out in just 19.1 overs, losing nine wickets for a mere 33 runs.

More Than Just Cricket

This was India’s third win over Pakistan in the tournament, reaffirming their dominance and setting the tone for next year’s T20 World Cup. Yet, the match wasn’t without drama off the scoreboard.

There were no handshakes at the toss or after the game, reflecting the continuing political tension between the two nations. Jasprit Bumrah even mimicked Haris Rauf’s earlier crowd gesture after dismissing him, adding another layer of intensity to the rivalry.

#OperationSindoor – A Symbolic Victory

For fans, this was more than just a title. Modi’s words — “#OperationSindoor on the games field” — became the defining image of the night.

It was a reminder that even on the cricket field, India continues to rise to every challenge. Tilak Varma’s calm finish, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin brilliance, and the team’s unyielding spirit turned the Asia Cup 2025 final into a historic night.

India has now lifted a record-extending ninth Asia Cup trophy, and if this performance is any indication, the Men in Blue are ready to take on the world in the T20 World Cup next year.

Hyderabad Floods: Himayat Sagar Gates Opened; Musi River Overflows, Streets Submerged, Over 1,000 Rescued

Hyderabad, September 27, 2025: Heavy rainfall in Hyderabad led to the opening of the Himayat Sagar reservoir gates on Friday night, causing the Musi River to overflow near Chaderghat Bridge. As a precautionary measure, the road near the bridge was closed, resulting in severe traffic congestion. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated from low-lying areas to ensure their safety

The overflowing river also caused flooding in nearby houses and low-lying areas along the Musi. Parts of Mithila Nagar Colony in Meerpet Municipal Corporation, Rangareddy District, experienced significant waterlogging on Friday

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed officials to remain on high alert, monitor flood-prone areas, and relocate residents as necessary. Emergency teams were deployed to assist in rescue operations, and relief camps were set up for displaced families 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Saturday, forecasting continued heavy rainfall across Hyderabad and other districts in Telangana, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to remain indoors and prepare for further flooding

Authorities have opened the Himayatsagar and Osmansagar reservoirs to relieve water pressure, warning those near the Musi River banks. The situation remains critical, and residents are urged to stay informed and follow safety instructions from local authorities.

Source:The Times of India

VC Sajjanar Appointed as New Hyderabad Police Commissioner

Hyderabad, September 27: Senior IPS officer VC Sajjanar, widely known as an “encounter specialist,” has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad. A 1996-batch IPS officer, Sajjanar succeeds CV Anand, who has now been posted as Chief Secretary for the Telangana Home Department.

Sajjanar is best known for his tenure as Cyberabad Police Commissioner, where he hit national headlines for the 2019 Disha gang-rape and murder case. The brutal incident involved the gang-rape and killing of a 27-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad’s Shadnagar area. The victim’s charred body was discovered on November 28, 2019, sparking nationwide outrage and protests.

Under Sajjanar’s leadership, the police shot dead all four accused on December 6, 2019, near Chatanpally — close to the spot where the victim’s body was found. Police claimed the accused attempted to snatch weapons and escape during a crime scene reconstruction, prompting officers to open fire. The incident divided public opinion: many celebrated it as swift justice, while human rights groups criticized it as an extrajudicial execution.

In 2022, a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry commission concluded that the police narrative was not credible and termed the incident a “fake encounter,” recommending that the policemen involved face trial for murder.

Before this appointment, Sajjanar was serving as the Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC).

Major IPS Transfers in Telangana

Sajjanar’s appointment comes amid a major reshuffle of IPS officers in the state:

  • Battula Shivadhar Reddy has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP).
  • Ravi Gupta, Special Chief Secretary, Home, has been transferred as Executive Vice-Chairman and Director General, Centre for Good Governance.
  • Shikha Goel will be the new Director General, Vigilance & Enforcement and Ex-Officio Principal Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, in addition to her current role as Director, TG Cyber Security Bureau.
  • Swati Lakra, Additional Director General of Police, Organisation & Home Guards, is given full additional charge of Director General, Special Protection Force.
  • Charu Sinha, ADGP, CID, is given full additional charge as Director General, Anti-Corruption Bureau, replacing Vijay Kumar, who is now posted as ADGP, Intelligence.
  • Dr. Anil Kumar, ADGP (Personnel), is transferred and posted as ADGP (Operations), Greyhounds & OCTOPUS.
  • Y. Nagi Reddy, Director General, Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services, is posted as MD, TGSRTC.
  • Vikram Singh Mann, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Hyderabad, will be the new Director General, Telangana Disaster Response & Fire Services.

This reshuffle marks a significant reorganization of Telangana’s police leadership as the state government looks to strengthen law enforcement and administrative efficiency

Source:The News Minute

BJP Reshuffles Telangana State Committee Under Ramchander Rao, Brings in Fresh Faces

In a bid to infuse new energy and young leadership, the Telangana BJP unveiled its reconstituted State committee on Monday, under the leadership of State president N. Ramchander Rao. The reshuffle reflects the party’s effort to strike a balance between experience and youthful dynamism as it gears up for future political battles in the state.

✨ Key Appointments in the New Committee

🟢 Vice Presidents

Eight leaders have been appointed as Vice Presidents:

  • Banda Karthika Reddy (former GHMC Mayor)
  • Bura Narsaiah Goud (former MP)
  • Kasam Venkateswarlu Yadav
  • Bhandari Shanthi Kumar
  • M. Jayasree
  • Kolli Madhavi
  • Jaruplavath Gopi (Kalyan Naik)
  • Raghunath Rao

🟢 General Secretaries

The three General Secretaries include:

  • N. Goutham Rao
  • T. Veerender Goud
  • Sri Vemula Ashok

🟢 Other Key Positions

  • Chief Spokesperson: N.V. Subhash
  • Treasurer: Devki Vasudev
  • Joint Treasurer: Vijay Surana Jain

🟢 Secretaries

  • O. Srinivas Reddy
  • Koppu Bhasha
  • Bharat Prashad
  • Bandaru Vijayalakshmi
  • Sravanthi Reddy
  • Karanam Parinitha
  • Baddam Mahipal Reddy
  • Tutupalli Ravi Kumar

🌐 Morcha Presidents Announced

The party also revealed the leadership for its various Morchas (wings):

  • Mahila Morcha (Women’s Wing): Mekala Shilpa Reddy
  • Yuva Morcha (Youth Wing): Ganesh Kunde
  • Kisan Morcha (Farmers’ Wing): Baswapuram Laxminarasaiah
  • SC Morcha: Kanthi Kiran
  • ST Morcha: Nenavath Ravi Naik
  • OBC Morcha: Gandamalla Anand Goud
  • Minority Morcha: Sardar Jagmohan Singh

🔎 A Strategic Step Forward

By inducting seasoned politicians like Bura Narsaiah Goud and Banda Karthika Reddy alongside younger leaders, the BJP seems to be positioning itself as a broad-based, inclusive force in Telangana politics. Analysts suggest this move could strengthen the party’s organizational structure and widen its reach across different communities.

The reshuffle is being seen as a preparatory step as the party looks ahead to upcoming electoral battles in the state

GST Council Approves 2-Slab Structure: What Gets Cheaper, What Gets Costlier

In a landmark decision, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a major reform in India’s indirect tax system. The existing four-slab structure of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% has now been replaced by a simplified two-slab system of 5% and 18%, along with a special 40% slab for select luxury and sin goods.

The decision was taken at the 56th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, after a marathon 10.5-hour discussion. The reform will come into effect from September 22, 2025, coinciding with the start of Navaratri.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, calling it a “historic step” that will benefit farmers, MSMEs, traders, and the middle class, while giving a strong push to India’s economy.

What Gets Cheaper

The biggest winners of this rationalisation are consumers and small businesses. Here’s a look at the major items that will now cost less:

✅ Insurance & Healthcare

  • Life and health insurance policies are now GST-free (reduced from 18%).

✅ Food & Dairy

  • Exempt from GST: Ultra high temperature (UHT) milk, paneer, paratha, roti, pizza bread, khakra, and chena.
  • 5% GST (instead of 12–18%): Butter, ghee, condensed milk, cheese, dry fruits, jams, jellies, confectionery, ice cream, pastry, biscuits, corn flakes, and cereals.

✅ Agriculture & Fertilisers

  • Fertiliser inputs such as sulphuric acid, nitric acid, ammonia, biopesticides, and micronutrients are now at 5%.
  • Agricultural equipment like tractors, threshers, and soil-preparation machinery will also be taxed at 5%.

✅ Automobiles

  • Small cars (petrol <1200cc, diesel <1500cc) and motorcycles up to 350cc: GST reduced to 18% from 28%.
  • Small hybrid cars also benefit.
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) continue at 5%.

✅ Everyday Essentials

  • Reduced to 5%: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, talcum powder, face powder, soaps, hair oil, tooth powder, feeding bottles, utensils, bicycles, umbrellas, and bamboo furniture.

✅ Construction & Industry

  • Cement: Now at 18% (down from 28%).
  • Auto components: Reduced to 18%.

What Gets Costlier

While many essentials have become cheaper, some categories will now see a hike under the new structure:

  • Luxury goods and sin products such as premium cars, tobacco, pan masala, and aerated drinks will be taxed under the special 40% slab.
  • Certain high-end consumer durables may shift from lower rates to the 18% bracket, though detailed notifications will specify the list.

Why This Matters

  • Simplified compliance: Businesses will no longer struggle with four different GST rates.
  • Lower costs for consumers: Everyday goods, food items, and essential services will get cheaper.
  • Boost for agriculture & MSMEs: Reduced rates on inputs and machinery will help farmers and small businesses.
  • Infrastructure push: Cheaper cement and auto components will aid housing and manufacturing.

Final Word

This GST reform is being hailed as one of the biggest overhauls since the system was first rolled out in 2017. By cutting down the complexity of multiple slabs and lowering rates on essentials, the government aims to make compliance easier while ensuring consumers directly feel the benefits in their pockets.

As the new rates come into force from September 22, 2025, households, farmers, and small traders are set to enjoy significant savings — even as luxury and sin goods attract higher taxes.

Call for Applications – Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Seminar (2025–2026)

The United States–India Educational Foundation (USIEF) invites applications for the 2025–2026 Fulbright-Nehru International Education Administrators Seminar for Indian college and university administrators.

This two-week program in the U.S. (March/April 2026) offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Gain in-depth insights into U.S. higher education, including institutional types, accreditation, curriculum development, fundraising, and student services.
  • Explore international education initiatives on U.S. campuses.
  • Share best practices and knowledge on the Indian higher education landscape with U.S. counterparts.

🗓️ Application Deadline: October 6, 2025

🔗 Learn more and apply: Fulbright-Nehru IEA Seminar – USIEF

#FulbrightNehru #USIEF #HigherEducation #Internationalization #EducationExchange #LeadershipDevelopment #AcademicMobility

Peacock Restaurant Opens Its First International Branch in Riyadh

Riyadh – On Friday, August 8, 2025, Peacock Restaurant—a celebrated name in Hyderabadi cuisine from Karimnagar—unveiled its first overseas location in the Al-Malaz area of Saudi Arabia’s capital. The inauguration was officiated by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Khan, and witnessed by a vibrant gathering of Indian expatriates and Saudi guests The Siasat Daily.

Founded in 1996 by the late Mohammed Akthar Ali, Peacock has become synonymous with authentic Hyderabadi biryani, kebabs, and hospitality. Its Riyadh outlet is envisioned as a cultural and culinary bridge, serving a variety of cuisines including Indian, Indo-Chinese, tandoori, and continental, along with traditional sweets and snacks The Siasat Daily.

The venture is a collaboration involving:

  • Syed Wayez Ahmed, Group CEO of Wayez International Group
  • Mohammed Asghar Ali, Managing Director of Peacock Group of Hotels and Restaurants
  • Mohammad Ali Al Jaidi, CEO of MAJIC Investment Company
  • Zaki, Vice President of Wayez International Group The Hans IndiaTelangana TribuneThe Siasat Daily

Catering to families and social gatherings, the Riyadh outlet features a dining area for 100 guests and an adjoining banquet hall accommodating 120 guests The Siasat DailyThe Hans India. Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, the restaurant has partnered with Hyderabad-based BioReform to eliminate single-use plastics from its operations The Siasat Daily.

This expansion not only introduces rich regional flavors to a global stage but also strengthens cultural ties, offering Saudis and the Indian diaspora alike a taste of home.

TDF Silver Jubilee Celebrations Begin in USA

TDF Silver Jubilee Celebrations in USA

Milpitas, California, Aug 8: Telangana Development Forum (TDF), which played a key role in the Telangana statehood movement, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with “Pragathi Telangana” Silver Jubilee events at the Indian Community Center, Milpitas.

Led by TDF America Chairman Murali Chintalapani and President Manikonda Srinivas, the opening day honoured senior leaders T.R. Reddy, Gopal Reddy, Divesh Anireddy, and Challa Kavitha for their services. Special tribute videos were presented.

Guests from India include MLC Prof. M. Kodandaram, Telangana State Education Commission Chairman Akunuri Murali (Retd. IAS), former MP Atmacharan Reddy, and Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy.

The three-day event features business, political, startup, and leadership forums, a Telangana Folk Night, and will conclude with the TDF General Body Meeting on August 10.