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Education

Hyderabad Police ‘Arrive Alive’ Road Safety Program Draws Over 600 Participants

The Hyderabad City Police on Wednesday, January 28, organised ‘Arrive Alive’, a road safety awareness programme, at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium in Ibrahim Bagh. The event was held in collaboration with Vasavi Engineering College and was attended by over 600 students and faculty members.

Addressing the gathering, Joint Commissioner of Police Joel Davis said the Arrive Alive movement was launched by Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy with the aim of ensuring that road safety awareness reaches every household and institution across the State.

Highlighting the alarming rise in road accidents, Davis said nearly 8,000 people lost their lives in road accidents in Telangana last year, adding that 70–80 per cent of these fatalities were preventable had basic safety precautions been followed. He also underlined the severe socio-economic impact road accidents have on families.

Speaking about the Good Samaritan Act, Davis explained that bystanders who assist accident victims are not required to disclose personal details or phone numbers and will not be compelled by police to act as witnesses. He added that private hospitals are legally mandated to provide immediate treatment during the ‘golden hour’, and noted that the government is exploring reward mechanisms through the Transport Department for individuals who help save lives.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rahul Hegde said roads are shared public spaces and traffic rules are designed to ensure safety and equal access for all citizens. He urged students to behave responsibly on roads and to act as ambassadors of road safety in society.

National Open Kung-Fu, Karate & Taekwondo Championship – 2026

Successfully Held at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, Hyderabad

The National Open Kung-Fu, Karate & Taekwondo Championship – 2026, organized by New Shaolin Kung-Fu Hyderabad, was successfully conducted at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, Hyderabad with great enthusiasm and discipline.

The championship witnessed active participation from martial artists representing various states, academies, and associations across the country. Competitions were held in Kung-Fu, Karate, and Taekwondo across multiple age and weight categories, showcasing high standards of skill, strength, and sportsmanship.

The event was graced by the presence of senior martial arts masters, referees, officials, and distinguished guests, whose encouragement motivated the athletes to perform at their best. The well-organized matches, fair officiating, and smooth event management were widely appreciated by participants and spectators.

At the conclusion of the championship, medals and certificates were awarded to the winners and participants, recognizing their dedication and achievements. The event served as a strong platform to promote martial arts culture, discipline, and unity at the national level.

The National Open Kung-Fu, Karate & Taekwondo Championship – 2026 concluded on a successful note, and New Shaolin Kung-Fu Hyderabad extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants, coaches, officials, and organizers for making the event a grand success.

Conference on Air Quality Index to Be Held in Hyderabad on January 29-2026

Hyderabad:
The State Planning Department will organise a conference on Air Quality Index (AQI) and air quality management at the Dr. MCRHRD Institute of Telangana in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 29, with technical support from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board.

According to an official press note, the conference aims to bring together experts, stakeholder departments, non-governmental organisations, universities and civil society groups to discuss effective strategies for improving air quality across the State. Specialists in the field will share best practices for regulating various sources of air pollution and strengthening coordinated action among stakeholders.

The session will be chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with other Ministers, senior officials and subject experts.

Key topics to be discussed during the technical sessions include the adoption of best available techniques, increased use of cleaner fuels to minimise emissions, and strategies for reducing road transport emissions towards net-zero targets. The discussions are expected to focus on practical solutions and policy-level interventions for sustainable air quality management.

The conference is part of the State government’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and promote cleaner, healthier urban environments in Telangana.

Hyderabad’s Iconic ‘Fish Building’ Swims Into Global Spotlight as One of the World’s Strangest Structures

Hyderabad: January 26, 2026
In a city celebrated for its cutting-edge IT corridors and centuries-old heritage monuments, an unconventional government building has quietly captured international attention. The headquarters of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad has been named among the world’s strangest-looking buildings, placing the city on global lists of architectural curiosities.

Constructed in 2012, the four-storey structure is designed entirely in the shape of a giant fish, complete with a metallic exterior, sweeping fins and two large circular windows that resemble eyes when viewed from a distance. The building is a striking example of mimicry architecture, a design philosophy in which a structure’s form directly reflects its function. In this case, a fisheries body operates from a building that quite literally looks like a fish.

The visual impact of the structure becomes even more dramatic after sunset. Bathed in blue spotlights, the building appears like a massive fish gliding through water, creating a surreal illusion that stands out sharply against Hyderabad’s urban skyline.

While the bold design initially received mixed reactions during its construction, the Fish Building has since evolved into a recognisable city landmark. Today, it attracts tourists and architecture enthusiasts as much as government officials, with passersby frequently stopping to photograph the unusual façade and admire its departure from conventional government office design.

On the global stage, the Hyderabad landmark now finds itself in the company of other famously eccentric buildings, including the basket-shaped former headquarters of an office supplies company in the United States, Poland’s twisted Crooked House, and Florida’s guitar-shaped hotel. Its inclusion among these structures has offered India a rare moment of international recognition for experimental public architecture.

Beyond its visual novelty, the Fish Building symbolises a broader shift in how civic spaces are imagined. It serves as a reminder that government buildings need not be anonymous concrete blocks, but can instead be creative, expressive and capable of capturing public imagination—even in the heart of a fast-growing modern city.

From Hyderabad to the USA: A Father’s Unfulfilled Dream and a Son’s Historic Cricketing Rise

When Vikram Reddy Sudini left Hyderabad for the United States in 1999, he wasn’t just moving countries — he was leaving behind a dream that had defined his youth. A passionate cricketer who had grown up playing the game with dedication and ambition, Vikram had once hoped to make a name for himself on the cricket field. However, like countless others, life took a different turn.

Armed with an engineering degree and aspirations of building a stable future, Vikram relocated to the U.S. to work as a software engineer. The move brought opportunity, security, and success — but it also meant stepping away from competitive cricket. The bat and ball were replaced by keyboards and code, yet the love for the game never faded.

A Dream That Refused to Die

Although Vikram’s personal cricketing journey ended prematurely, the dream itself remained alive. When his son Nitish Reddy Sudini was born, Vikram saw not pressure, but possibility. Rather than forcing ambition, he gently introduced Nitish to the game that had shaped his own childhood.

What began as playful tennis-ball cricket soon turned into structured practice. Vikram noticed his son’s natural timing, discipline, and hunger to improve. Living in the U.S. — a country where cricket still fights for mainstream attention — posed challenges. Facilities were limited, competition was sparse, and opportunities were far fewer compared to cricket-mad nations like India.

Yet, Vikram refused to let geography become an excuse.

Hyderabad: The Classroom That Built a Cricketer

Every year, Vikram brought Nitish back to Hyderabad, ensuring his son trained in proper Indian cricketing conditions. From turf wickets to quality coaching, Nitish experienced the grind of competitive cricket early on. He practised against spin bowlers, learned footwork on slower pitches, and developed the temperament needed for long innings.

These trips were more than just training stints — they were lessons in discipline, humility, and resilience. While other children enjoyed holidays, Nitish spent countless hours in the nets, absorbing advice from coaches and guidance from a father who understood both the joy and heartbreak of the sport.

Rising Through the Ranks in the USA

Back in the U.S., Nitish continued playing league cricket, gradually gaining attention for his consistency and maturity beyond his years. His technique — clearly influenced by Indian conditions — stood out in American cricket circles. Soon, he earned selection for the USA Under-19 team, a major milestone not only for him but for his family.

The real breakthrough came on the global stage.

A Historic World Cup Moment

At the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, Nitish Reddy Sudini delivered a performance that rewrote American cricket history. Facing New Zealand, one of the tournament’s strongest sides, Nitish played a composed, fearless innings — scoring an unbeaten 117.

With that knock, he became the first cricketer from the United States to score a century at any ICC World Cup event.

As Nitish raised his bat, acknowledging applause from around the ground, his parents watched from the stands — emotional, proud, and overwhelmed. For Vikram, it was a moment decades in the making. The dream he once carried as a young boy in Hyderabad had finally found its destination.

More Than Just a Century

Nitish’s achievement was not just about runs on a scoreboard. It symbolised:

  • The growing footprint of cricket in non-traditional nations
  • The sacrifices immigrant families make for their children
  • The power of perseverance across generations

Nitish credits his father for everything — from early morning practices to annual trips across continents. He has often spoken about drawing inspiration from Chris Gayle, admiring his confidence and match-winning ability, while striving to build his own identity.

Eyes on the Future

With the Under-19 World Cup now behind him, Nitish Reddy Sudini has set his sights on bigger goals:

  • Representing the USA senior national team
  • Playing in Major League Cricket (MLC)
  • Competing against the world’s best cricketers

For Vikram, the journey has come full circle. What began as an unfulfilled dream transformed into a guiding force — one that helped his son achieve something historic.

A Story Beyond Cricket

This is not just a sports story. It is a reminder that dreams don’t always end — sometimes, they evolve. Vikram Reddy Sudini didn’t get to live his cricketing ambition on the field, but through patience, sacrifice, and belief, he helped his son do something even greater.

From the streets of Hyderabad to the world stage, the Sudini family’s story is proof that passion, when nurtured across generations, can cross borders — and make history.

IIIT Hyderabad takes a step forward in inclusive education, expanding learning opportunities for visually impaired learners.

IIIT Hyderabad takes a step forward in inclusive education, expanding learning opportunities for visually impaired learners.

Hyderabad: Researchers at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Hyderabad have launched Drishti Library, an AI-powered initiative under the Bhashini mission aimed at improving access to higher-education resources for visually impaired students.

For years, visually impaired learners have faced significant challenges due to the lack of accessible study materials in higher education. Drishti Library seeks to bridge this gap by converting textbooks into Braille and audiobook formats across multiple Indian languages.

The initiative will begin with Punjabi and gradually expand to cover more languages and academic disciplines. Drishti Library was officially unveiled at a recent Language AI for Accessibility symposium, marking a key step toward more inclusive education in India.

Developed at IIIT Hyderabad by researcher Krishna Tulsiyan under the guidance of Prof C.V. Jawahar and Prof Gurpreet Singh Lehal, Drishti Library is part of the Central government–led Bhashini initiative, a national mission focused on building AI-driven language technologies for all Indian languages.

Bhashini’s core mandate—to strengthen optical character recognition (OCR), speech synthesis, and other language tools for Indian languages—forms the technological backbone of Drishti. The library is built on OCR systems developed by a national consortium and aligns with Bhashini’s broader vision of creating inclusive, language-first digital public infrastructure.

“Any book in an Indian language can be scanned, proofread, converted, and finally made ready for Braille embossers or audio delivery,” said Prof Lehal.

The generated audio content is delivered through an audiobook reader application developed by the Product Lab at IIIT Hyderabad, led by Prakash Yalla and Satish Kathirisetti, along with Meghana Tatavolu, Afrin Sayed, Sairam Bonu, Akhila Vennigalla, and Vidushi Garg.

Key features of the application include adjustable playback speed, intuitive audio-based navigation controls, and other accessibility-focused interface enhancements.

Despite significant progress, challenges remain—particularly in achieving natural-sounding speech across all languages. “For some languages, we have very good text-to-speech systems. However, for Punjabi, high-quality TTS is still lacking. That will improve with time,” Prof Lehal noted.

While the initial focus was on generating content for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, the scope has since expanded to support visually impaired students preparing for competitive examinations, including UPSC, with IIIT Hyderabad researchers actively working in this direction.

17 Hyderabad Students Build Payload For Upcoming ISRO Launch

17 Hyderabad Students Build Payload For Upcoming ISRO Launch

17 Hyderabad Students Build Payload for Upcoming ISRO Launch

The students of Blue Blocks Montessori School have named their payload Project SBB-1 (Satellite Blue Blocks-1), which has now received official clearance from ISRO for launch aboard the PSLV-C62 mission.


Hyderabad: A team of 17 students aged between 12 and 15 from Hyderabad has achieved a remarkable milestone by designing and building a flight-ready CubeSat payload, scheduled for launch aboard an ISRO mission on January 12 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.

The students of Blue Blocks Montessori School have named their payload Project SBB-1 (Satellite Blue Blocks-1). The project has received official clearance from ISRO and will fly on the PSLV-C62 mission.

    Setting their work apart from conventional school-level STEM projects, the students independently designed, assembled, and programmed the CubeSat payload. They used commercial off-the-shelf sensors, soldered electronic components, and developed firmware capable of transmitting real-time telemetry. While experts from Take Me 2 Space offered mentorship and technical guidance, the entire engineering effort—from hardware integration to coding—was carried out by the students themselves..

    Debugging the code when the sensors failed to communicate was the most challenging part. We didn’t want to just witness a launch—we wanted our work to fly on the rocket,” said one of the students.

    The project was developed at the Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute using a learning framework known as ‘Structural Autonomy,’ which promotes independent problem-solving with minimal adult supervision. Emphasising the achievement, co-founder Pavan Goyal said, “They are not engineers of the future; they are flight-ready engineers today.

    The Blue Blocks initiative has earned international recognition, with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo inviting co-founder Pavan Goyal to present the programme’s methodology. In addition, the students are set to deliver a technical review at the AMI Conference in Mexico, showcasing their work on a global stage.

    About the PSLV-C62 Mission 

    The PSLV-C62 mission will carry the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite, along with 15 co-passenger satellites from India and international partners. The mission will also feature a technology demonstration of the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID), a compact prototype re-entry vehicle developed by a Spanish startup.

    ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is regarded as the organisation’s most reliable launch system, having completed 63 successful missions. Its legacy includes landmark launches such as Chandrayaan-1, the Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1, and Astrosat, and it holds a global record for deploying 104 satellites in a single mission in 2017.

    With Swami’s Blessings, New Skill Development Batch Commences on 05 January 2026

    Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Center, Khairatabad

    Pranaams to the Divine Feet of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba varu. 🙏

    With Swami’s boundless grace, the Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Center continues its mission of empowering unemployed youth through value-based, industry-relevant education.

    After the successful completion of two batches of the Data Engineer course, where 220 unemployed youth were trained and 70 candidates secured placements in reputed organizations, we had planned to launch yet another Data Engineer batch. However, as always, Swami had other divine plans.

    Recently, IBM Senior Management approached us with a special request—to design a focused training program for unemployed MBA Finance and Commerce graduates. Their requirement was clear: equip youth with strong foundations in

    • Financial Mathematics
    • Economics
    • Data Literacy (Excel)
    • Communication Skills
    • Positive Attitude and Professional Mindset

    In response, our team has thoughtfully designed an intensive 3-week training program tailored specifically to meet IBM’s expectations and industry standards.

    📅 Program Details

    • Course Start Date: 05 January (Monday)
    • Time: 10:00 AM
    • Venue: Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Center, Khairatabad
    • Batch Strength: 25 unemployed youth

    From this batch, 10–15 eligible and well-performing candidates are expected to be considered for opportunities aligned with IBM’s requirements.

    We extend our heartfelt wishes to all the students embarking on this new journey of learning and transformation. May this program open doors to meaningful employment and a brighter future.

    May Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba bless these students with knowledge, confidence, and success, and guide us always in our efforts to serve more youth.

    Jai Sairam 🙏

    21-Year-Old IIT Hyderabad Student Gets ₹2.5 Crore Job Offer, Highest Ever for the Institute 2-Jan-2026

    Defying a challenging hiring environment, a 21-year-old Computer Science and Engineering student from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad has secured a staggering ₹2.5 crore annual job offer from a Netherlands-based firm during this year’s campus placements.

    According to IIT Hyderabad officials, this is the highest package ever offered to a student since the institute was established in 2008.

    The student, Edward Nathan Varghese, converted a two-month summer internship into a pre-placement offer (PPO). Notably, he emerged as the sole PPO recipient among the two interns shortlisted by the company.

    ‘First and only interview’

    Speaking to The Times of India (TOI), Varghese described the moment he received the offer as unforgettable.
    “This was the first and only company I interviewed for. I was ecstatic when my mentor indicated that the firm would be extending me an offer. So were my parents,” he said.

    Born and raised in Hyderabad, Varghese completed his schooling in Bengaluru from Class 7 to Class 12. Despite the broader slowdown in the job market, he said he remained confident about securing a top offer, crediting consistent preparation and focus on core technical skills.

    His achievement has drawn widespread attention and is being seen as a testament to IIT Hyderabad’s growing reputation in producing globally competitive talent.

    NMDC–The Hindu FIC Chess Tournament to Be Held in Hyderabad on January 3

    The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), in association with The Hindu, will organise the FIC Chess Tournament in Hyderabad on Saturday, January 3. The one-day tournament will take place at the State Art Gallery, Madhapur.

    The competition will feature multiple age categories — Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 — for both boys and girls. Matches will be conducted on a Swiss League format and played under the latest FIDE Rapid Rules.

    Players born on or after January 1, 2011, are eligible to participate. The tournament is being organised under the aegis of the Telangana Chess Association.

    Registration Details

    • Registration is free of cost
    • Online registration only (no spot registrations)
    • Participants must carry a photocopy of their Aadhaar card, which is mandatory and must be produced on demand
    • Registered players are required to report at the venue by 9.30 a.m.

    Prizes

    The top three finishers in each category will receive prizes, certificates, and a shield.
    The prize distribution ceremony will be held at the NMDC Office, Masab Tank, on January 26, 2026. Winners will be informed separately about the ceremony timings.

    For further information, participants may contact the organisers at 9989912645.