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.
For a group of Hyderabad schoolchildren, the New Year began not with fireworks, but with microscopes and lab benches. Students from Classes 8, 9, and 10, representing both government and private schools, conducted gene cloning experiments at the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) for the first time as part of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP).
The five-day programme offered participants a rare opportunity to experience life as scientists. “Five of us from our school took the entrance exam. On the first day, we observed fruit flies and zebrafish. Later, we worked on bacterial cultures and polymerase chain reaction,” said Yash Ashwatha P, a Class 10 student from Telangana Model School, Suryapet.
Selected as the only government school student in this year’s cohort, Yash added that while he aspires to become a civil engineer, the programme has also encouraged him to seriously consider science-related courses in the future.
For many participants, the experience proved transformative. “We truly felt like scientists during these days. From observing bacterial growth to performing gene cloning, we gained microscopic insights into DNA and how these nearly invisible strands replicate,” said Nishka Joshi.
J. Nathan, a Class 9 student from St Andrews School, said the programme broadened his understanding of how artificial intelligence can support experiments in chemistry and biology. “I already use AI tools such as Gama AI,” he added.
Another participant, Bal Soham Banerjee, noted that the practical sessions covered topics typically taught in Classes 11 and 12, going far beyond the limited textbook exposure available at school.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Somdatta Karak, Senior Scientist and Head of Science Communication at CSIR-CCMB, said the 13th edition of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP) included 25 to 30 students. “This year, our focus was on hands-on training in molecular biology, including gene cloning. Due to laboratory capacity, participation is limited, but we hope to explore ways to include more students next year if adequate funding becomes available,” she said.
At the recent Sanghamitra Meet, hosted by Pragathi Welfare Society, the Sanghamitra Team proudly released the Handbook for Volunteer Engagement, published by Youth For Seva as part of the United Nations’ International Volunteer Year 2026 initiative.
This practical and insightful handbook serves as a valuable resource for NGOs and non-profit organizations, offering guidance on how to effectively engage volunteers in development and community-driven initiatives. It emphasizes building meaningful volunteer participation and integrating community engagement into the very fabric of organizational culture.
We encourage all NGOs, non-profits, and social sector organizations to explore this handbook and leverage its learnings to strengthen volunteer involvement and impact.
On 21st December 2025, I Can Volunteer proudly celebrates six years of compassion, consistency, and community.
Founded by Sheila ma’am, I Can Volunteer began with a simple yet powerful intention — to support children battling cancer and their families during one of the most difficult phases of their lives. What started as a heartfelt initiative has grown into an active and dedicated volunteer network.
Today, I Can Volunteer works across five pediatric cancer care centres in Hyderabad, including:
Ram Dev Rao Cancer Hospital
St. Jude India ChildCare Centres – Somajiguda
St. Jude India ChildCare Centres – Banjara Hills
Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital
Rainbow Children’s Hospital
Six years on, I Can Volunteer continues to stand for showing up where it matters most — with empathy, reliability, and heartfelt service.
As we come together on 21st December 2025 to mark this milestone, we celebrate every volunteer and supporter who has walked this journey with us. Your time, care, and commitment have made a lasting impact on countless young lives and families.
Your time and heart mean everything — come, let us celebrate YOU. ✨
Embade Ramesh Wins Pulimamidi Sarpanch Election with Thumping Majority
Embade Ramesh registered a resounding victory in the Pulimamidi village Sarpanch elections held under Kandukur mandal, winning with a clear majority of 154 votes and earning the strong trust and confidence of the people.
The elections, conducted on December 15, saw a large voter turnout, with villagers extending overwhelming support to Embade Ramesh. Soon after the results were announced, celebrations broke out across the village. Supporters, local leaders, and villagers congratulated the newly elected Sarpanch by garlanding him with flowers.
Speaking on the occasion, Embade Ramesh expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the voters for placing their faith in him. He assured that he would work tirelessly for the overall development of Pulimamidi village, focusing on strengthening basic infrastructure and ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes. He emphasized that progress would be achieved with the cooperation of all villagers.
Mr. Krishna Reddy of the CSR Memorial Foundation congratulated Embade Ramesh on his victory and wished him success in his efforts toward the development of Pulimamidi. He also conveyed his best wishes to the newly elected Sarpanch team, expressing confidence that they would work collectively for the welfare of the village, including the development of community halls and residential facilities.
Mr. Krishna Reddy further congratulated the newly elected 6th Ward Member, Mallesh Yadav, on his success.
Day 238 of the Sri Sathya Sai Prema Pravahini Rath Yatra was a vibrant and spiritually uplifting occasion for the devotees of Tarnaka Samithi.
The day began in the serene ambiance of Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, with the early morning Suprabhatam and Nagara Sankirtan, setting a deeply devotional tone. The hall resonated with melodious chants, invoking Swami’s blessings for the day ahead.
Devotees then gathered for the Pooja of Swami’s Rath, a sacred ritual that filled the atmosphere with divine energy and collective prayer. This was followed by Likhit Japa Sadhana and Sai Literature Reading, which further deepened the devotees’ connection with Swami’s teachings.
The Rath then embarked on its sacred journey from Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka, to Railway Degree College, Tarnaka. The sight of the beautifully decorated Rath moving through the village roads was a moment of joy, reverence, and spiritual inspiration for all who witnessed it.
A major highlight of the day was the grand rally from Marri Krishna Hall to Railway Degree College, Tarnaka. The procession, accompanied by the Sathya Sai Seva Organization – Tarnaka Samithi, was a vibrant display of faith and unity. Devotees participated enthusiastically in the Dindi, while placards displaying Swami’s divine messages added special meaning and inspiration for both participants and onlookers. The dedicated Seva Dal volunteers efficiently managed traffic on the busy roads, ensuring the procession proceeded smoothly and without inconvenience to the public.
The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, followed by melodious Bhajans and the Mangala Aarti, bringing the day’s spiritual journey to a blissful close.
As Swami’s Rath reached Railway Degree College, Tarnaka, the collective prayers, devotional music, and spirit of selfless service made Day 238 a truly memorable chapter in the Rath Yatra—strengthening the bonds of love, unity, and service within the Sai family.
The 58th edition of the Inter-IIT Sports Meet commenced at IIT Hyderabad, Kandi (Sangareddy district) on Sunday, bringing together athletic talent from across the country. The week-long event is witnessing the participation of nearly 2,500 students from 23 IITs, competing across a wide range of sporting disciplines.
The sports meet was inaugurated by Olympian and badminton star Saina Nehwal, who highlighted the importance of fitness and sports in nation-building. She remarked that India’s pride can be shaped not only through world-class research and innovation but also through healthy lifestyles, discipline, and a passion for sports.
“Sport is not just about competitions that last a week; it is about the habits we form every day. Regular workouts and staying active instil discipline, resilience, and focus — qualities as vital as academics and research,” she said.
Also present at the inauguration, India’s Chief Badminton Coach Pullela Gopichand emphasized the need to integrate sports into campus life. He stated that sports play a crucial role in building character, confidence, and discipline, helping shape well-rounded individuals.
The event will be followed by the Inter-IIT Sports Meet for staff, scheduled from December 24 to 29, with over 2,000 participants expected to compete in various categories.
The ceremony was attended by B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad, and Director B.S. Murty, among other dignitaries.
The second day of the Telangana Rising Global Summit–2047 witnessed the Telangana Olympic Gold Quest Conference, where State Sports Minister Vakati Srihari outlined the government’s ambitious roadmap to elevate Telangana’s sports ecosystem and boost India’s medal tally at the 2036 Olympics.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Srihari said that since the formation of the Congress government in the state, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has introduced significant reforms in the sports sector, including the launch of a new State Sports Policy. He emphasized that the policy is designed to increase Telangana’s representation at international sports events, especially the 2036 Olympics.
To strengthen the sports infrastructure, the state has established the Telangana Sports Hub, comprising athletes, industrialists, and senior government officials as committee members. Additionally, a Sports Development Fund has been created for resource mobilization and for enhancing the sports framework across the state.
The Minister announced the formation of the Young India Physical Education & Sports University and the Young India Sports Authority, aimed at nurturing future talent. Through the Sports Authority of Telangana, efforts are underway to bolster sports training from the school level. Special training centers are also being set up for girls and para-athletes.
To ensure that athletes receive world-class training, partnerships are being pursued with global institutions such as Loughborough University and Korea National Sport University.
As part of widespread infrastructure development, the government is establishing mini-stadiums in all 119 Assembly constituencies and creating sports grounds in villages. A major highlight is the plan to build a 1,000-acre Satellite Sports City near Hyderabad with the goal of transforming the city into a premier host for Olympic and international sports events.
The Minister noted that sports-tech startups and tourism initiatives are advancing with the support of T-Hub and TS-iPASS.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to athlete welfare, highlighting schemes such as graded incentives, insurance coverage, and Guru Vandana for coaches. Inviting collaborations, he encouraged stakeholders to partner with the state government in coaching, infrastructure, innovation, and athlete development.
The conference saw participation from several eminent personalities, including Minority Affairs Minister, former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin, Telangana Olympic Association President A.P. Jithender Reddy, Sports Authority of Telangana Chairman Shiva Sena Reddy, Special Chief Secretary for Sports Jayesh Ranjan, former cricketers Anil Kumble and Ambati Rayudu, badminton champions Pullela Gopichand, P.V. Sindhu, Jwala Gutta, senior sports journalist Bala Majumdar, and Sports Hub member Vita Dani, among others.
At the ARISE Thought Leadership Day held on November 11, the second session brought together school leaders and principals for an in-depth discussion on the future of schooling and the leadership skills needed to navigate rapid change.
The session, *“Leading Schools Through Change: Leadership Mindsets, School Culture, and Teacher Transformation in Times of Rapid Change,”* was led by Manit Jain, Co-founder of ARISE, I Am A Teacher, and Eduxa Ai. A Harvard alumnus and a noted advocate of progressive education in India, Jain guided participants through a reflective dialogue on how school leaders can respond to uncertainty with clarity and purpose.
He emphasised the importance of building resilient school cultures and empowering teachers to adapt and thrive amid evolving educational demands. Through open conversations and shared reflections, attendees examined how schools can create learning environments that remain flexible, innovative, and strongly student-centred.
The session highlighted the growing need for future-ready leadership as educational institutions prepare for continued transformation.
Mulam Santha: Celebrating Sustainable Living and Local Traditions
Hyderabad: Every second Saturday, Hyderabad comes alive with Mulam Santha — a monthly community market promoting sustainability and traditional lifestyles. Organized by the CSR Memorial Foundation and Gram Bharati at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.), the fair brings together farmers, artisans, khadi weavers, and eco-entrepreneurs from across Telangana.
Rooted in the idea of conscious consumption, Mulam Santha connects rural producers directly with urban consumers, offering organic produce, handmade crafts, millet foods, khadi garments, and eco-friendly products. It’s not just a market — it’s a platform that empowers self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led ventures.
Visitors can also enjoy workshops on natural farming, composting, and traditional crafts, along with organic food stalls serving millet snacks and herbal drinks. The fair’s earthy charm and community spirit make it a refreshing escape from city life.
Now a key part of Hyderabad’s green movement, Mulam Santha continues to grow each month — inspiring people to live sustainably and support local traditions. Entry is free; visitors are encouraged to carry reusable bags and choose eco-friendly products
