The 20th edition of Alai Balai was celebrated on Friday at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad, bringing together political leaders, film personalities, and social figures. Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu lauded the event, initiated by late former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, for promoting unity among people. Stressing the need to rise above caste, religion, and community divisions, he remarked that national unity is essential to avoid destabilising situations like those seen in Nepal. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma echoed the sentiment, stating that serving the common man is akin to serving God, while Bandaru Dattatreya’s daughter Bandaru Vijayalakshmi, chairperson of the Alai Balai Foundation, organised the event this year.
Marking two decades since its inception during the Telangana movement, Alai Balai continues to stand as a symbol of cultural pride, social bonding, and political harmony. The gathering was attended by a host of dignitaries including Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, retired CJI NV Ramana, former Governor Vidyasagar Rao, BJP MP Dr K Laxman, MRPS founder Manda Krishna Madiga, actor Brahmanandam, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud, CPI leaders Narayana and Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao, and TJS chief Kodandaram.
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
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.
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.
Stakeholder coordination Transitioning from a PPP model to a fully government-run system means reworking contracts, staffing, equipment maintenance, and integration with existing systems.
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?
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.
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, 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.
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
హెల్ప్ ఏజ్ ఇండియా ఆధ్వర్యంలో ప్రత్యేక కార్యక్రమం – at Marri Krishna Hall
నిన్న, హెల్ప్ ఏజ్ ఇండియా, తెలంగాణ మరియు ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ రాష్ట్రాల ఆధ్వర్యంలో అంతర్జాతీయ వృద్ధుల దినోత్సవం జరుపుకోబడింది. ఈ సంవత్సరానికి నినాదం “అడ్వాంటేజ్ 60”, దీని ముఖ్య ఉద్దేశ్యం: 60 ఏళ్ల తర్వాత కూడా వృద్ధులు కుటుంబానికి మరియు సమాజానికి భారం కాదని, వారు ఇంకా శక్తి, సామర్థ్యంతో చురుకుగా ఉన్నారని గుర్తు చేసుకోవడం.
ప్రధాన అతిథిగా రావూరి మనోరమ గారు పాల్గొన్నారు. గాంధీ గారి పుత్రిక మరియు స్వతంత్ర సమరయోధురాలు గల ఆమె, క్విట్ ఇండియా ఉద్యమంలో భాగంగా పాల్గొని, బళ్లారి జైలులో 9 నెలల జైలు శిక్షణను అనుభవించారు. ప్రసంగంలో, వృద్ధులు తీసివేయబడినవారు కాదని, దేశ అభివృద్ధిలో వారి భాగస్వామ్యం ముఖ్యమని చెప్పారు. ఆమె గుర్తుచేసినట్లు, స్వతంత్ర పోరాటంలో గాంధీ, పటేల్, నెహ్రూ వంటి నేతలు వయసుకు పరిమితం కాకుండా యువతను మార్గనిర్దేశకులుగా ముందుకు నడిపించారు, అలాగే వృద్ధుల అనుభవం మరియు మనోధైర్యం నేటి యువతకు మార్గదర్శకం అని తెలియజేశారు.
హెల్ప్ ఏజ్ ఇండియా రాష్ట్రాధిపతి శ్రీ యతేంద్ర యాదవ్ గారు మాట్లాడుతూ:
“60 ఏళ్లు దాటిన వృద్ధులు నిరుత్సాహపడాల్సిన అవసరం లేదు. వృద్ధులు వ్యర్ధులు కాదని, వారు దేశానికి గొప్ప సంపద. ప్రతి వృద్ధుడు 60 ఏళ్ల తర్వాత కూడా తన అసలు జీవితాన్ని సంపూర్ణంగా జీవించడానికి అవకాశాలు పొందుతారు. ప్రభుత్వాలు, సంస్థలు, సమాజం వృద్ధుల అనుభవాన్ని సద్వినియోగం చేసుకొని, ఎల్డర్స్ ఫ్రెండ్లీ పరిసరాలను కల్పించాలి.”
కార్యక్రమంలో పాల్గొన్న ప్రముఖులు:
శ్రీ డాక్టర్ సత్యనారాయణ రాజు, NIMS
శ్రీమతి కొండా నిర్మల, భూమిక ఫౌండేషన్
ప్రిన్సిపల్, రోడా మిస్ట్రీ కాలేజ్ ఆఫ్ సోషల్ వర్క్, శ్రీ పార్థసారథి
నెంబర్ ఇన్ స్టేట్ సీనియర్ సిటిజన్స్ కమిటీ
ఫిట్నెస్ ట్రైనర్, విజయ్ కుమార్
ఈ కార్యక్రమం వృద్ధుల ముఖ్యత, వారి అనుభవం, మరియు సమాజంలో వారి పాత్రను గుర్తిస్తూ, హెల్ప్ ఏజ్ ఇండియా యొక్క ప్రముఖ మరియు గొప్ప ప్రయత్నాన్ని ప్రతిబింబించింది.
Special Event Organized by HelpAge India – at Marri Krishna Hall
Yesterday, HelpAge India, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, organized a celebration for International Day of Older Persons. This year’s theme is “Advantage 60”, highlighting that people above 60 are not a burden to their families or society and continue to possess strength, energy, and capability.
The chief guest, Ravuri Manorama, a freedom fighter and granddaughter of Gandhi, participated in the event. She actively took part in the Quit India Movement and spent nine months in Bellary Jail as part of her imprisonment during the freedom struggle. In her speech, she emphasized that older persons are not sidelined but play a vital role in nation-building. She recalled how leaders like Gandhi, Patel, and Nehru guided the youth regardless of age, showing that age does not limit one’s contribution. The experience and courage of older persons serve as a guiding light for today’s youth.
Mr. Yatendra Yadav, State Head of HelpAge India, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, stated:
“People above 60 need not feel discouraged. Older adults are a valuable asset to the nation, not a burden. Every senior citizen has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life even after 60. It is the responsibility of governments, organizations, and society to fully utilize their experience and create an elder-friendly environment.”
Prominent participants at the event included:
Dr. Satyanarayana Raju, NIMS
Smt. Konda Nirmala, Bhoomika Foundation
Principal, Roda Mistry College of Social Work, Mr. Parthasarathi
State Senior Citizens Committee representatives
Fitness Trainer, Vijay Kumar
The event celebrated the importance of older persons, recognized their contributions, and highlighted HelpAge India’s commitment to creating a society where seniors are respected, empowered, and valued.
With the divine grace of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the auspicious celebrations of Bhagawan’s Centenary and Bhadrapada Masa Shivaratri, held on 20-09-2025 at Sri Marri Krishna Reddy Function Hall, Tarnaka, were conducted in a most sacred and blissful manner. 🙏✨
The program commenced with Omkaram chanting and Pallaki Seva, followed by the main offerings — Maha Nyasa Poorvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam, Sahasra Lingarchana with Rudra Laksha Rudraksha Pooja, Kumkuma Pooja, and Mangala Harathi. Devotees were immersed in an atmosphere of devotion, vibrations of Vedic chants, and the bliss of collective prayers. 🌺🕉️
A large number of Sai family members, relatives, and friends participated with devotion, received Teertha & Maha Prasadam, and felt the boundless blessings of our beloved Bhagawan. 🌟
We express our heartfelt gratitude to all devotees, volunteers, and participants who contributed to the grand success of this divine event. 🙏
The ‘Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Plantation’ programme was recently held at the PV Narasimha Rao Medicinal Garden in Tolkata, Moinabad, shining a spotlight on the crucial role medicinal plants play in human health, biodiversity conservation, and ecological balance.
The event emphasized the value of everyday plants like Neem, Tulsi, and Ginger, which have long been pillars of traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda and Siddha. Beyond their therapeutic uses, these plants offer farmers a sustainable income opportunity through cultivation, boosting rural livelihoods.
Commitment to Growth & Heritage
Government representatives reiterated their commitment to promoting such initiatives as part of Telangana’s growth plans, encouraging wider adoption of medicinal plant farming.
The programme also served as a tribute to Telangana’s rich history, recalling the sacrifices made during the fight against the Nizam’s rule. Leaders such as Swami Ramananda Tirtha and P.V. Narasimha Rao garu were remembered for their vision and contribution to India’s progress, inspiring participants to continue the work of building a healthier, more sustainable future
