Hyderabad, April 15 – In a significant move to highlight India’s growing biotech and health innovation ecosystem, three prestigious CSIR institutes — IICT, CCMB, and NGRI — will host a major start-up conclave on April 22 and 23 at the Zahir Memorial School in Habsiguda, Hyderabad. The two-day event, titled CSIR Start-Up Conclave, will witness participation from over 200 start-ups showcasing cutting-edge products and technologies across life sciences and public health.
These start-ups, nurtured by the CSIR labs, are transforming innovation into impact by addressing real-world healthcare challenges. Dr. Sudarshan Reddy, founder of Oncosimis and former CCMB scientist, emphasized the importance of institutional support for early-stage companies: “CCMB and IICT are nurturing places for new-born companies like ours. These institutes supported us right from the beginning.”
Oncosimis Biotech is developing low-cost pharmaceutical platforms, including novel monoclonal antibodies used in cancer therapy and mRNA-based vaccines. Meanwhile, innovations in animal health are also being promoted, with a focus on enhancing meat production in livestock using biologics.
Another notable start-up, Alithon, incubated at CCMB and IICT, is working on ultra-pure water solutions for dialysis, a sector currently lacking stringent regulations in India. Alithon has also expanded into international markets, including the US.
Pheezee, a med-tech venture by Startoon Labs, is another shining example of CSIR’s impact. Their portable devices for muscle and joint assessment have found applications in rehabilitation and physiotherapy. “It’s all about good people and a good network,” said Suresh Susurla, co-founder of Alithon.
This conclave will not only offer a platform for start-ups to connect with potential investors and partners but also serve as a testament to the success of public research institutions in fostering entrepreneurship.
With support from the Atal Incubation Centre and CSIR’s research prowess, the event is expected to catalyze further innovation and inspire a new generation of health-tech entrepreneurs.
In a remarkable international accomplishment, two bright students from The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet—Suhrudi Dyavanapalli (Grade 12) and PDV Sahruda (Grade 9)—proudly represented their school and country at the India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) Conference held in Belgium from March 27 to April 2, 2025.
The prestigious conference brought together young changemakers from schools across India and Europe, including delegates from Belgium, Poland, and Germany, to deliberate on global issues and practice the art of diplomacy and debate.
A Grand Opening at the Heart of Europe
The IIMUN Conference commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the European Parliament Headquarters in Brussels, a venue symbolic of unity and collaboration. The atmosphere was charged with purpose and promise as dignitaries like Krišjānis Kariņš (former Prime Minister of Latvia), Ms. Hamisha Ahooja (Indian-Canadian filmmaker), and Mr. Bhaskar Bhushan (senior diplomat and education advocate) addressed the young delegates, encouraging them to become the voice of change in a rapidly evolving world.
Diplomacy in Action
Following the opening, committee sessions were hosted at the International School of Belgium, where students engaged in in-depth discussions on international issues. They honed essential skills such as public speaking, negotiation, resolution drafting, and collaborative problem-solving, all within the structured environment of the United Nations simulation.
Among the many accolades presented, PDV Sahruda stood out, receiving the High Commendation Award, a prestigious honor that recognizes both intellect and leadership in committee proceedings. Her ability to articulate perspectives and propose actionable resolutions earned her acclaim from peers and mentors alike.
A Cultural Journey Beyond the Conference
The IIMUN experience extended beyond debate rooms. As part of a carefully curated cultural immersion program, the students explored iconic landmarks such as the Atomium, the stunning city of Antwerp, the medieval charm of Ghent, and even the historic remnants of the Berlin Wall—each stop offering insights into Europe’s rich cultural and political heritage.
A Proud Moment for HPS Begumpet
Participation in such a globally significant event reflects the emphasis HPS Begumpet places on global exposure, leadership, and holistic education. The school continues to foster opportunities that allow its students to thrive on international platforms, preparing them to lead with empathy, awareness, and a global outlook.
Congratulations to Suhrudi Dyavanapalli and PDV Sahruda on this inspiring achievement. Your efforts have not only brought pride to your school but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for fellow students.
Hyderabad: In a bold push toward becoming a tech-forward state, the Telangana government has announced plans to train two lakh Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineers, according to State IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit by a Singaporean delegation led by Consul General Edgar Pang to the Minister at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat on Monday. Highlighting Telangana’s vision for the future, Sridhar Babu outlined several key initiatives aimed at making the state a hub for cutting-edge technologies.
Central to this vision is the development of a ‘Future City’ designed to meet global standards, which will also house an AI University. The Minister revealed that multiple international organizations have shown keen interest in collaborating on the Future City project.
“Hyderabad is rapidly emerging as a key center for Global Capability Centers (GCCs),” he noted, pointing out that in the past year alone, around 70 GCCs in sectors like IT and hospitality have set up operations in the city.
In addition to boosting the tech ecosystem, the Minister stressed the government’s focus on balanced industrial development. He shared that efforts are underway to promote industrial growth beyond Hyderabad, with cities like Warangal and Karimnagar identified as promising hubs.
Calling for stronger international cooperation, Sridhar Babu encouraged the visiting delegation to help spread awareness among industrialists about the investment potential in Telangana. He reaffirmed the state’s readiness to collaborate with the Singapore government in areas such as technology, skill development, and more.
The Singapore delegation included Consul Vaishnavi Vasudevan, First Secretary (Economic) Vivek Raghu Raman, and Denis Tam, Regional Director (India – South) of Enterprise Singapore.
Hyderabad: In a major step towards digital empowerment, Telangana’s Gurukul schools will begin offering coding classes to students from Class VI through Intermediate starting in the 2025-26 academic year. The initiative will be rolled out across all 238 schools under the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS), which announced the decision on Monday.
Following a successful pilot program at a school in Moinabad, TGSWREIS decided to expand the initiative statewide. The United Kingdom-based Raspberry Pi Foundation will support the five-year rollout, and a memorandum of understanding has been signed to formalize the partnership.
Under this initiative, students will be introduced to computing as a core subject, receiving two hours of classroom instruction and two hours of project-based work each week. In its first year, approximately 1.5 lakh students are expected to participate.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation will assist in designing the curriculum, training educators, and evaluating the program’s progress. The syllabus will align with international standards, covering areas such as coding, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and digital tools. Printed textbooks will be provided, and students will undergo regular assessments. Certificates will be awarded based on their performance.
Students showing exceptional interest and aptitude will be given opportunities for advanced learning. Each year, around 250 students will be selected to work on practical tech projects, which will be showcased online to attract the attention of companies seeking young talent. Promising students may be offered job placements.
Additionally, each school will designate five student mentors to support peer learning, creating a network of over 1,000 student mentors reaching nearly 90,000 learners.
To facilitate the program, TGSWREIS is upgrading school infrastructure, including the development of computer labs and installation of digital classroom equipment.
Dr. V.S. Alagu Varshini, Secretary of TGSWREIS, said the program aims to equip students with essential digital skills and prepare them for future career opportunities in the tech-driven world.
On the occasion of Telugu New Year Ugadi, Mulam.in and HelloHyderabad.org jointly organized the grand celebration of “Ugadi Utsavam 2025.”
The event featured several traditional rituals and activities, including Agnihotra, Gau Pooja, Ugadi Pachadi preparation, Panchanga Shravanam, Telugu Calendar unveiling, and community feast (Banthi Bhojanam). Additionally, various special programs such as art, literature, music, and dance performances, a young poets’ meet, traditional games, and a lucky draw made the celebration even more memorable.
Participants enthusiastically joined in the festivities, embracing Telugu culture and traditions with joy!
Global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is strengthening its presence in India with a brand-new technology center in Hyderabad. Expected to be operational by mid-2025, the Hyderabad hub will be the company’s second capability center in the country, following the successful launch of its Bengaluru hub in 2016.
Hiring in Full Swing for Hyderabad Tech Hub
Eli Lilly’s CEO, David Ricks, recently spoke to CNBC-TV18, confirming that recruitment is already underway for the Lilly Capability Center India (LCCI) in Hyderabad. “We also have a tech hub in Bengaluru, but we’re expanding that in Hyderabad with a new tech center. We’re out hiring now,” Ricks stated, encouraging skilled professionals—especially technology engineers and data scientists—to apply.
In January, Eli Lilly announced its ambitious hiring plans, aiming to recruit between 1,000 and 1,500 professionals. India has been a key player in the company’s global research and development (R&D) operations, particularly through its Bengaluru center, which operates on a “follow the sun” model. This approach allows Indian teams to seamlessly take over projects from their US counterparts overnight, ensuring continuous progress in research and accelerating drug development.
Manufacturing Plans for Blockbuster Drug Mounjaro?
Beyond technology and R&D, speculation is growing about Eli Lilly’s manufacturing plans for its highly sought-after diabetes and weight-loss drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide). When asked about the possibility of local production, Ricks remained open to the idea. “There’s a lot of discussion about localizing or regionalizing supply chains, and as India grows as a market for us—Mounjaro may change that. We’re open-minded about possibilities here,” he said.
Eli Lilly officially launched Mounjaro in India on March 21, after its initial introduction in the US in December 2023. The drug, already available in the UK and Europe under the same name, is marketed as Zepbound in the US for obesity treatment. Touted as a game-changer in the fight against diabetes and obesity, Mounjaro’s entry into the Indian market could significantly impact healthcare accessibility and treatment options.
Opportunities Await in Hyderabad
With Eli Lilly’s Hyderabad tech hub on track for a mid-2025 launch and hiring in full swing, this is an exciting time for job seekers in the tech and pharma sectors. The company’s investment in India highlights its commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and cutting-edge research.
Hyderabad: Telangana BJP chief and Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to immediately withdraw the auction process for 400 acres of government land in Kancha Gachibowli village, Serilingampally mandal.
The Telangana government, through the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TIIC), plans to auction these land parcels as part of its resource mobilization strategy. However, Kishan Reddy has strongly opposed this move, citing serious environmental concerns.
Call for National Park Declaration
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Kishan Reddy demanded that both the 400 acres earmarked for auction and the adjacent 800 acres be considered for declaration as a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This, he argued, would help preserve the area’s rich ecological diversity and prevent further urbanization.
Ecological and Wildlife Concerns
The minister highlighted the severe threat posed to Indian star tortoises, a species protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. He also pointed out that the area is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 734 plant species and 220 bird species, including peacocks, migratory birds, spotted deer, four-horned antelopes, wild boars, pythons, and Indian star tortoises.
Moreover, the region features unique geological formations such as the Mushroom Rock, which has been studied and documented by experts.
Environmental Impact of Urbanization
Kishan Reddy strongly criticized the government’s plan, stating that transforming ecologically sensitive land into urban developments under the guise of resource mobilization is unacceptable. He warned that such actions could:
Deplete groundwater resources
Destroy natural habitats
Threaten local wildlife
Severely impact the city’s environment
He emphasized that although the 400-acre plot does not officially fall under the forest department’s jurisdiction, it is surrounded by dense greenery and serves as a crucial oxygen source for Hyderabad. Converting it into a concrete jungle, he warned, would result in irreparable environmental damage.
The demand to halt the auction has garnered support from local residents, environmental activists, and students of the University of Hyderabad, who have expressed concerns over the potential ecological disaster.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the state’s annual budget for 2025-26 in the Assembly today. The budget has a total outlay of Rs 3,04,965 crore, with Rs 2,26,982 crore allocated for revenue expenditure and Rs 36,504 crore for capital expenditure.
Key Announcements:
One of the major highlights of the budget is the introduction of the Mega Master Plan 2050 for industrial development. As part of this initiative, greenfield industrial clusters will be established in Ranga Reddy and Mahbubnagar districts. To alleviate urban congestion, the government has allocated Rs 7,032 crore for the construction of 31 flyovers and 17 underpasses under the HICITI (Hyderabad Integrated Connectivity and Infrastructure Transformation Initiative) project.
Sector-Wise Allocations:
The budget makes significant allocations across various sectors:
Education: Rs 23,108 crore
Agriculture: Rs 24,439 crore
Panchayati Raj and Rural Development: Rs 31,605 crore
Health, Medical & Family Welfare: Rs 12,393 crore
Energy: Rs 21,221 crore
Welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs): Rs 40,232 crore
Welfare of Scheduled Tribes (STs): Rs 17,169 crore
Economic Outlook:
On the economic front, Telangana’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices has registered a growth of 10.1%, reaching Rs 16,12,579 crore in 2024-25. The budget reflects the state government’s commitment to industrial expansion, urban and rural infrastructure development, and comprehensive social welfare programs, aiming for holistic economic progress.
Officials have faced a challenging balancing act—ensuring adequate funding for immediate commitments while securing resources for major welfare initiatives. The budget aims to propel Telangana towards sustained economic growth and inclusive development.
The Telangana government has unveiled a budget of Rs 17,677 crore for urban development in the fiscal year 2025-26, focusing on infrastructure enhancement, traffic management, and sustainable development. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka during the Assembly session on March 19.
Major Allocations for Urban Development
The budget includes key investments across multiple sectors:
Rs 7,032 crore for flyovers, road expansions, and underpasses in Hyderabad.
Rs 5,942 crore for an Integrated Stormwater Drainage Project to address urban flooding.
Rs 150 crore allocated for beautification efforts across the city.
The Telangana government is actively working on the H-CITI initiative, aimed at improving urban infrastructure and alleviating traffic congestion. Under this plan, the city will see the construction of 31 new flyovers, 17 underpasses, and 10 road expansion projects with an investment of Rs 7,032 crore.
Integrated Stormwater Drainage Project
In a move to combat urban flooding, the government has sanctioned Rs 5,942 crore for an integrated stormwater drainage system. This initiative includes the development of sewage treatment plants at Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs, with a combined capacity of 20 million litres per day (MLD). Additionally, these reservoirs will be replenished using Godavari waters as part of the Musi Riverfront Development Project.
Future City Project: India’s First Net-Zero City
A landmark announcement in the budget is the Future City Project, which will be developed under the newly established Future City Development Authority (FCDA). This visionary project aims to create India’s first net-zero city, integrating sustainable urban planning and multimodal connectivity.
Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted that the Future City will feature an electric public transport network, green buildings, and specialized zones such as:
AI City
Pharma Hub
Sports City
Clean Energy Innovation Zone
This project is expected to position Hyderabad as a global center for technology and sustainable development.
SPEED Initiative to Fast-Track Urban Development
The government has also launched the SPEED initiative to accelerate 19 key urban development projects, including:
Musi Riverfront Development
Metro Rail Expansion
Construction of new public infrastructure, including Osmania General Hospital
Breakdown of Budget Allocations
The Telangana government has structured its urban development budget as follows:
Establishment expenditure: Rs 7,639.96 crore
Water supply and sanitation: Rs 3,085 crore
Urban development: Rs 1,200 crore
Scheme expenditure: Rs 10,037 crore
Capital outlay for municipal administration and urban development: Rs 5,213.67 crore
Assistance to local bodies, corporations, and urban development authorities: Rs 4,701.92 crore
With these ambitious plans, the Telangana government is set to transform Hyderabad into a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive city in the coming years.
NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return to Earth After Extended Space Mission
NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have successfully returned to Earth after spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially slated for a short eight-day mission, their stay was significantly prolonged due to technical challenges with their return spacecraft. Their safe arrival marks the conclusion of a historic mission that tested their endurance and the resilience of NASA’s spaceflight operations.
Extended Stay Due to Technical Issues
Williams and Wilmore originally launched on June 5, 2024, as part of Boeing’s Starliner crewed test mission, intended to evaluate the spacecraft’s capabilities. However, a series of propulsion system anomalies and docking complications meant that Starliner could not safely return them to Earth. As a result, NASA decided to extend their mission and integrate them into the ISS crew until an alternative plan was put in place.
During their time on the ISS, Williams and Wilmore adapted to the prolonged mission by taking on additional responsibilities. They assisted in multiple scientific experiments, routine maintenance, and spacewalks, contributing to ongoing research on long-duration spaceflight.
Return to Earth Aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom
After months of delay and extensive planning, the astronauts finally departed the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Dragon Freedom capsule. Their journey back to Earth was completed on March 18, 2025, with a successful splashdown off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee at 5:57 p.m. ET. The re-entry process, which lasted approximately 17 hours, was closely monitored by NASA and SpaceX ground teams to ensure the astronauts’ safety.
Upon landing, Williams and Wilmore were extracted from the capsule and taken for immediate medical evaluations, as prolonged exposure to microgravity can lead to muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and other physiological changes.
Achievements and Contributions Aboard the ISS
During their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore played a critical role in advancing space research. Some of their key contributions include:
Conducting over 150 scientific experiments related to microgravity’s effects on human health, plant growth, and material sciences.
Performing spacewalks for maintenance and upgrades to the ISS, ensuring the continued functionality of critical systems.
Testing new technologies for upcoming deep-space missions, including tools that could be used for future Moon and Mars explorations.
Assisting in spacecraft operations and training new astronauts joining the ISS crew over the course of their mission.
Williams, a veteran astronaut, accumulated a total of 608 days in space over her three missions, making her one of the most experienced female astronauts in NASA’s history. Wilmore also set new records, strengthening his expertise in piloting and operations.
Health and Rehabilitation Post-Return
After their return, both astronauts were transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for extensive medical evaluations. The rehabilitation process for astronauts after extended missions typically includes:
Physical therapy and strength training to counteract muscle weakening caused by prolonged exposure to microgravity.
Nutritional assessments and bone density tests to monitor long-term health effects.
Neurological evaluations to analyze spatial orientation and balance readjustment.
NASA scientists are particularly interested in studying the effects of prolonged space travel on Williams and Wilmore, as these findings will be crucial for future deep-space missions, including NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.
Public and Political Reactions
The delay in their return drew significant public attention, with many closely following NASA’s plans for their safe retrieval. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NASA’s previous handling of the situation, suggesting that the delays were due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. However, NASA officials maintained that the astronauts were never in danger and that every precaution was taken to ensure their safe return.
The successful completion of this mission highlights the importance of collaboration between NASA and private aerospace companies, such as SpaceX and Boeing, in shaping the future of space exploration. As commercial spaceflight becomes more prominent, lessons from missions like this will help refine spacecraft technology and mission planning.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Human Spaceflight
With Williams and Wilmore safely back on Earth, NASA now shifts its focus to future missions. The Artemis program continues preparations for its next crewed Moon landing, and Boeing’s Starliner program will undergo further testing and redesigns to address the technical failures encountered during this mission.
For Williams and Wilmore, their journey does not end here. They will continue working with NASA in training and mission development roles, helping to prepare the next generation of astronauts for even more ambitious space explorations.
The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by these astronauts serve as a testament to the human spirit of exploration, paving the way for a new era of space travel.
