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Amgen Opens $200 Million Tech & Innovation Centre in Hyderabad

Global biotech leader Amgen has inaugurated its $200 million technology and innovation centre in Hyderabad, reinforcing the city’s position as a growing hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, create new opportunities for local talent, and contribute to the region’s thriving biotech ecosystem.

Expanding Workforce: 300 Hired, More to Come

The Amgen India facility, spanning 5,24,000 square feet, has already onboarded 300 employees, with plans to hire an additional 300 soon. The company is targeting a total workforce of 2,000 by the end of the year.

Telangana CM Highlights Hyderabad’s Global Appeal

Inaugurating the facility, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized the significance of Amgen’s investment, calling it a collaboration of two global leaders—Amgen and Hyderabad. He underscored Hyderabad’s leadership in the pharma and life sciences sectors, which makes it an attractive destination for innovation hubs like Amgen’s.

Mr. Reddy reiterated the state government’s commitment to industrial growth as part of its ambitious $1 trillion economy goal by 2030. Recalling his discussions with Amgen leadership during his U.S. visit, he urged the company to expand its investment in Hyderabad, broaden its research initiatives, and contribute to the state’s skill development programs.

Amgen’s Long-Term Commitment to India

Amgen Chairman Robert A. Bradway expressed the company’s long-standing interest in expanding to India. He praised Hyderabad’s innovation ecosystem and confirmed Amgen’s plan to invest $200 million by the end of the year, with additional investments in the pipeline. Founded in 1980, Amgen operates in over 100 countries and employs 28,000 people worldwide.

A Boost for Hyderabad’s Life Sciences Sector

Industries and IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu highlighted the rapid setup of Amgen’s facility, following discussions between the Telangana government and Amgen’s leadership last year. He described the center as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Hyderabad’s life sciences journey, further cementing its status as a key player in the global healthcare and GCC space.

Photo Credit: By Arrangement

Polls to a Graduates’ and two Teachers’ seats of Telangana Legislative Council, MLC, on February 27, counting on March 3

Polls to a Graduates’ and two Teachers’ seats of Telangana Legislative Council, MLC, on February 27, counting on March 3

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) has announced the schedule for conduct of elections to two Teachers’ and one Graduates’ constituencies of the Telangana Legislative Council (MLC).

  1. Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates’ constituency, 

BJP : ANJI REDDY CHINNAMILE

Congress : VOOTUKURI NARENDER REDDY

  1. Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teachers’ constituency

BJP : MALKA KOMARAIAH

Congress : https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML 

  1. Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers’ constituency 

BJP : PULI SAROTHAM REDDY

Congress : https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML

The election would be held on February 27 from 8 am to 4 pm and counting of votes would take place on March 3. 

After the last day of withdrawal of nominations, a total of 90 candidates remain in the fray for three MLC seats.

Among the total candidates, 56 are contesting from the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar graduates’ constituency, 15 the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar teachers’ segment and 19 in the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers’ constituency.

The term of the three sitting MLCs — T Jeevan Reddy (graduates’ constituency), Kura Raghotham Reddy (teachers’ constituency) and A Narsi Reddy (teachers’ constituency)—will end on March 29.

Candidates details & affidavits –

https://ceotelangana.nic.in/Mlc2025.HTML

India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Kohli’s Century Guides India to a Six-Wicket Win

In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, Virat Kohli led India to a resounding six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Group Stage of the Champions Trophy 2025. Kohli’s scintillating knock, which included his 51st ODI century, helped India successfully chase down Pakistan’s total of 241.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite a solid start from openers Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, the dismissal of both openers in quick succession put Pakistan on the backfoot. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel combined for a brilliant century partnership, steadying the ship. The middle order, including Khushdil Shah’s late cameo, helped Pakistan reach 241 all out in 49.5 overs.

India’s chase began confidently with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looking fluent at the crease. However, the early dismissal of Rohit (31) by Shaheen Shah Afridi brought Kohli to the middle. Kohli and Gill put on 69 runs for the second wicket before Gill was dismissed for 46.

Kohli then partnered with Shreyas Iyer, who played a vital knock of 56, as the duo took control of the chase, rotating strike and finding boundaries with ease. It was left to Kohli to finish the job, and he did so in style, bringing up his 51st century in the process, sealing India’s victory with 6 wickets to spare.

This match also marked Kohli’s first-ever century in an ICC Champions Trophy, making it a milestone performance in his illustrious career.

Microsoft opens new campus in Hyderabad, partners with Telangana government to impart AI training to 1.2 lakh people

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized that “the future belongs to Artificial Intelligence” during the inauguration of Microsoft’s new campus in Hyderabad on Thursday. Joined by Minister for IT & Industries D. Sridhar Babu, the event marked Microsoft’s 25th anniversary in the city.

The new campus, located in Gachibowli, spans 1.1 million sq. ft. and is LEED-certified. It will accommodate 2,500 additional employees, contributing to Microsoft’s workforce of over 20,000 professionals in India, with more than half based in Hyderabad. The company also plans to hire an additional 4,800 employees, as the city remains its largest R&D hub outside the US.

Microsoft announced a series of initiatives in partnership with the Telangana Government, aiming to train over 1.2 lakh individuals in AI. As part of the ADVANTA(I)GE TELANGANA program, Microsoft will launch an AI Foundations Academy in 500 government schools, benefitting 50,000 students. The AI-Industry Pro program will upskill 20,000 professionals, and the AI-Govern initiative will train 50,000 government officials in areas like digital productivity, generative AI, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, Microsoft will set up an AI Centre of Excellence (AICoE) in collaboration with the Telangana Government and other stakeholders. This centre will feature a cloud-based infrastructure for AI development, including a central AI Knowledge Hub containing research, case studies, and best practices.

Microsoft also revealed plans to double its investment in hyperscale AI data centres in Telangana, with an additional Rs 15,000 crore planned for the coming years.

Speaking at the event, Revanth Reddy stated, “Hyderabad and Microsoft have grown together, and as a proud representative of this state, I can confidently say that this is just the beginning. Hyderabad is now recognized as a technology powerhouse, attracting global talent. With partners like Microsoft, the future is even brighter.”

He also underscored the importance of AI, adding, “The future belongs to Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration will strengthen our startup ecosystem, offering mentorship, AI tools, and access to a global network.”

An MoU outlining these initiatives was signed between Microsoft and the ITE&C department, following a meeting between the CM and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in January 2025, where they discussed modernizing government IT, cloud infrastructure, and accelerating AI adoption.

IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu praised the new campus and AI initiatives, highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in the state.

Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director and President of Microsoft India Development Centre, also spoke at the event, stating, “The new building reflects our commitment to Telangana’s innovation ecosystem and India’s vision of becoming an AI-first nation. This expansion will provide cutting-edge infrastructure to enable innovation and accelerate AI development.”

Telangana's Mucherla village is the leader in organ donation, having received more than 70 eye donations

Telangana’s Mucherla village is the leader in organ donation, having received more than 70 eye donations

In a country where organ donation rates are among the lowest globally, Mucherla stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Despite India having fewer than one organ donation per million people, the village’s 500 residents have all pledged to donate their eyes after death, creating a powerful tradition.

This movement, which began several years ago, has gained significant momentum. About 70 villagers have already donated their eyes, thanks to the efforts of Mandala Ravinder, a divisional engineer in the irrigation department and a native of Mucherla. Ravinder initiated the cause over a decade ago by vowing to donate his mother’s eyes, believing firmly that organs should not be wasted after death. In 2019, Ravinder donated his father’s organs and has since been inspiring others in the village to follow suit.

“I believe that organs should not go to waste after death. I pledged to donate my organs and donated my father’s organs in 2019. I encouraged others to do the same, hoping to help those in need and foster positive change,” Ravinder said in an interview with TOI.

His efforts have had a ripple effect. Villager Malla Reddy explained, “We contact Ravinder sir when a death occurs in the family. He coordinates with the doctors to ensure the necessary steps are taken. He’s our go-to person.”

The initiative has brought the community closer, as many families share the belief that they can continue contributing even after death. What began as a few individual pledges has evolved into a widespread movement. The impact has extended to neighboring villages, with at least 20 individuals from surrounding areas committing to donate their eyes to the LV Prasad Eye Institute.

Mucherla has also put in place a well-organized system to handle these donations. Detailed records are kept, and coordination with hospitals in the district ensures a swift response when donations are needed. B Sujatha, a villager who donated her mother’s eyes, shared her pride in contributing to reducing visual impairment.

“We donated my mother’s eyes, and I feel immense pride in knowing that we’ve helped reduce visual impairment in society,” Sujatha said. “Our village’s commitment to organ donation has become a model that continues to inspire change.”

The village’s efforts were recently recognized when Mucherla was awarded the ‘Excellence in Eye Donation’ award by the Governor. This honor acknowledges their dedication and the impact they’ve had in raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.

Hyderabad airport upgrades primary runway with Category II ILS for safer landings in low visibility

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has successfully upgraded its primary runway with a Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS), enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. This upgrade, which transitions from the previous Category I system, enables aircraft to land safely even in low visibility conditions, such as fog, significantly improving reliability during adverse weather.

The Category II ILS provides pilots with precise landing guidance through highly accurate radio signals and advanced runway lighting, allowing landings with visibility as low as 300 meters of Runway Visual Range (RVR). This improvement ensures fewer disruptions and smoother flight schedules, especially in foggy conditions, according to airport authorities.

ITFA and T-Hub Join Forces to Strengthen India-Turkiye Trade Ties

Strengthening Economic Ties: ITFA and T-Hub Collaborate to Boost India-Türkiye Trade and Investment

In a significant move to enhance economic collaboration between India and Türkiye, the Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) and Telangana’s premier startup incubator, T-Hub, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement, formalized at the Turkish Consulate General in Hyderabad on January 24, 2025, represents a pivotal step toward fostering bilateral trade, investment, and innovation.

The MoU signing ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Orhan Yalman Okan, Consul General of Türkiye, M.A. Faiz Khan, Chairman of ITFA, and Sujit Jagirdar, interim CEO of T-Hub. Hosted at the Turkish Consulate, the event underscored the commitment of both nations to deepen economic cooperation and leverage mutual strengths for shared prosperity.

A Vision for Economic Growth

India and Türkiye have long recognized the potential for robust trade and investment partnerships. In 2024, trade between the two nations reached an impressive $13 billion, underscoring their dynamic economic synergy. With an ambitious mid-term target of $20 billion set by both governments, this new collaboration aims to unlock avenues for growth and diversification.

Key Objectives of the MoU

The partnership between ITFA and T-Hub seeks to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Foster Innovation and Collaboration: Facilitate joint initiatives, exchange programs, and partnerships between startups, innovators, and businesses in both countries.
  2. Enhance Trade Opportunities: Establish a structured framework to identify and capitalize on untapped trade opportunities in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
  3. Boost Investment: Encourage investments from Turkish businesses in Indian startups and vice versa, leveraging T-Hub’s ecosystem to nurture cross-border entrepreneurship.
  4. Promote Cultural and Economic Understanding: Strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges to build trust and mutual respect, which are vital for sustained economic partnerships.

The Role of T-Hub

As one of India’s leading startup incubators, T-Hub has played a transformative role in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship. Its robust network of startups, investors, and mentors positions it uniquely to bridge the gap between Indian and Turkish businesses. The MoU empowers T-Hub to:

  • Provide mentorship and resources to Turkish startups entering the Indian market.
  • Facilitate Indian startups in exploring business opportunities in Türkiye.
  • Organize trade missions, startup expos, and networking events to connect entrepreneurs from both nations.

Türkiye: A Strategic Partner for India

Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Türkiye serves as a gateway for Indian businesses to access European and Central Asian markets. With a robust manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and pro-business policies, Türkiye presents an attractive destination for Indian investors. Conversely, India’s vast market, diverse economy, and technological expertise offer significant opportunities for Turkish enterprises.

Strengthening the Bilateral Agenda

The MoU aligns with the broader vision of India and Türkiye to enhance their bilateral agenda. Both nations have identified key sectors for collaboration, including:

  • Technology and Digital Innovation: Building partnerships in artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-commerce.
  • Renewable Energy: Collaborating on green energy projects to address global sustainability challenges.
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Expanding trade in medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services.
  • Infrastructure Development: Pursuing joint ventures in infrastructure projects, including smart cities and transportation.

The Path Ahead

The ITFA-T-Hub collaboration is expected to catalyze a new era of economic engagement between India and Türkiye. By fostering innovation, enhancing trade, and encouraging cross-border investments, this partnership holds the potential to create a win-win scenario for both nations. As governments and private sectors join forces to achieve the $20 billion trade target, the future of India-Türkiye economic relations appears brighter than ever.

M.A. Faiz Khan, Chairman of ITFA, aptly remarked, “This MoU is not just a document but a commitment to unlock the true potential of our partnership. Together, we can achieve unprecedented growth and build a legacy of innovation and collaboration.”

As the world witnesses this transformative partnership, the ITFA and T-Hub collaboration stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in driving economic progress and innovation. The MoU signing on January 24, 2025, at the Turkish Consulate General in Hyderabad marks the beginning of a promising journey toward stronger economic ties between India and Turkiye.

Telangana and Singapore institute sign deal on skill development cooperation

Telangana and Singapore institute sign deal on skill development cooperation

The Telangana government and the Singapore Institute of Technical Education (ITE) signed a deal on skill development collaboration during Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s visit to the city-state.

In Short

  • Revanth Reddy on 3-day Singapore visit to attract investments to Telangana
  • He got firsthand knowledge about skill development courses at Singapore ITE
  • He met Singapore’s Foreign Minister over issues like tourism and infrastructure development

The Telangana government and the Singapore Institute of Technical Education (ITE) signed an agreement to work together on skill development and support efforts to set up the Young India Skill University. The deal was signed during Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s visit to Singapore.

The agreement was signed by the Skill University vice chancellor, VLVSS Subbarao and the Singapore ITE delegation led by Parvender Singh, Deputy Director of Academic and Administration Services. Fabian Chiang, Deputy Director of IT Education Services, ITE, was also present.

On the first day of his visit, Reddy and his delegation went to the ITE, where they enquired about the skill development courses offered by the institute and the facilities provided on the campus. The delegation also spoke to the experts from about 20 sectors and college staff of the institution.

The Chief Minister and his team held discussions with the top officials of ITE and requested support for the prestigious Young India Skill University in Hyderabad’s Fourth City.

During the meeting, state minister Sridhar Babu briefed the ITE management about the skill development courses offered by the Young India Skill University to meet the growing market demand for a skilled workforce and provide employment to the youth in different sectors.

The minister also proposed exchanging skills development training modules with mutual cooperation. The ITE delegation responded positively and came forward to work together with the Young India Skill University. Following the meeting, the ITE and Skill University officials signed an MoU to collaborate in skill development.

An ITE delegation is expected to visit Hyderabad soon.

REVANTH REDDY MEETS SINGAPOREAN FOREIGN MINISTER

Earlier, Reddy met Singapore’s foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan. Both held extensive discussions on infrastructure development, rejuvenation of rivers, water resource management, green energy, tourism, education, skill development and development of IT parks.

The Chief Minister focused on long-term partnerships in various sectors along with extensive cooperation between Telangana and Singapore.

Following the three-day visit to Singapore, Reddy’s team will attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20-24.

Mulam Santha-2024

On Monday, 23rd December 2024, from 10 AM to 7 PM, the Mulam Santha will be held at Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Memorial Rock Garden, Beside Indira Park, Hyderabad. This local fair will showcase traditional crafts and regional food, offering a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage.

For more details: Seva Mala – 2024