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.
Hyderabad, March 12 — Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry by enhancing efficiency, cutting costs, and significantly improving patient care, according to Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals.
Speaking at the 12th Dr. Manohar V.N. Shirodkar Memorial Lecture on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare’ at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) on Wednesday, Dr. Reddy introduced Mira, AIG Hospital’s AI-powered Medical Information Robot. He highlighted that patients prefer interacting with Mira as it provides faster responses to their queries compared to human doctors.
“AI will transform agriculture, education, and healthcare. It is already reducing drug discovery timelines from 20 years to just two years, and vaccines can now be developed within a month,” Dr. Reddy noted.
AI is also playing a crucial role in detecting cancerous lesions and predicting drug responses, making it indispensable in modern medicine. The technology is expected to make inroads into other areas of medical science, such as AI-enabled ECG machines that can diagnose liver and heart diseases with greater accuracy.
Dr. Reddy emphasized the importance of ethical AI implementation and patient data protection, referencing the AIIMS Delhi data breach incident from two years ago. “As AI continues to advance, we must prioritize ethical considerations and safeguard patient data to prevent breaches. The adoption of AI will bring tremendous benefits but may also lead to job displacement in some sectors,” he cautioned.
During the event, Dr. Reddy was felicitated by Dr. Ch. Mohan Rao, President of the Telangana Academy of Sciences (TAS), alongside TAS Vice-President Prof. Ch. Sanjeeva Reddy, General Secretary Prof. S. Satyanarayana, and other dignitaries
Hyderabad, March 12 — Syneriq Global has inaugurated its AI-First Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in the city’s evolution as a hub for AI-driven innovation. Telangana IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu lauded the initiative, emphasizing its role in propelling Hyderabad towards becoming a global leader in AI product development.
“Artificial Intelligence is embedding itself deeply in every industry and aspect of life. Hyderabad has the talent, and we must transition from merely coding to developing and exporting AI products worldwide. The city should establish itself as a Global Value Centre,” Sridhar Babu stated at the launch event.
The ₹50-crore investment in the new GCC will accelerate Syneriq Global’s expansion, with plans to double its workforce to 1,500 employees and target $150 million in revenue. The 40,000-square-foot facility will serve as an AI innovation hub, focusing on product engineering, research, and incubation for AI-driven startups.
Syneriq Global’s founder, Sudhakar Pennam, highlighted the company’s AI-powered platforms, including Zyrix, KITAP, and DQ Gateway, which were developed at its Hyderabad innovation lab. The facility aims to foster cutting-edge advancements in AI and deep-tech solutions.
Telangana has witnessed a surge in Global Capability Centres across various industries, a trend actively supported by the state government. Sridhar Babu noted that Hyderabad already hosts over 300 GCCs, collectively employing more than two lakh professionals.
Madan Mohan Rao, MLA from Nizamabad, emphasized Hyderabad’s growing prominence in AI and deep-tech sectors, predicting a strong economic future for the city. “GCCs like this are setting the stage for Hyderabad to surpass other major tech cities. The state government is proactively securing investments and strengthening infrastructure to support this transformation,” he added.
As part of broader AI-focused initiatives, Telangana is planning a 200-acre AI city, further reinforcing Hyderabad’s reputation as a global technology powerhouse.
IPL 2025: Full List of Matches to Be Played in Hyderabad
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to bring another thrilling season of cricket, with fans eagerly awaiting the high-octane clashes. Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will once again be a key venue, hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) home games and crucial playoff matches.
The following matches will be played at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad:
Date
Time (IST)
Match
March 23
3:30 PM
SRH vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)
March 27
7:30 PM
SRH vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
April 6
7:30 PM
SRH vs Gujarat Titans (GT)
April 12
7:30 PM
SRH vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)
April 23
7:30 PM
SRH vs Mumbai Indians (MI)
May 5
7:30 PM
SRH vs Delhi Capitals (DC)
May 10
7:30 PM
SRH vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
May 20
7:30 PM
Qualifier 1
May 21
7:30 PM
Eliminator
Exciting Matches and Playoffs
Hyderabad will be the battleground for some intense encounters, including the high-stakes playoff matches. The Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will be played on May 20 and May 21, respectively. These matches will determine the finalists and will be crucial for teams aiming for the IPL trophy.
SRH’s Home Advantage
Sunrisers Hyderabad, the city’s home team, will look to capitalize on the familiar pitch conditions and the support of their passionate fans. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, SRH will aim to put up a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
Stay Updated
With IPL known for its unpredictable and action-packed matches, fans should keep an eye on any potential schedule changes. For the latest updates, visit the official IPL website or follow credible sports news platforms.
Get ready, Hyderabad! The cricketing fever is about to take over the city as IPL 2025 promises unforgettable moments at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
India clinched back-to-back global cricket titles with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Chasing a target of 252, India reached 254-6 in 49 overs, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge with a composed 76 off 83 balls. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, guiding India to victory and securing their third Champions Trophy title.
Earlier, New Zealand, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted 251-7 in 50 overs on a challenging, two-paced Dubai wicket. Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell both scored half-centuries to anchor their team’s innings.
Sharma’s explosive start, which included seven fours and three sixes, laid the foundation for the chase. Hardik Pandya contributed with a crucial 18, adding 38 runs off 36 balls for the sixth wicket alongside Rahul.
In the post-match press conference, Sharma addressed retirement rumors, especially after he and Virat Kohli had announced their retirement from T20 internationals following last year’s T20 World Cup win. When asked about his future in ODIs, the 37-year-old captain clarified, “I’m not going to retire from this format, just to make sure no rumors are spread moving forward.” This suggests Sharma is set to continue leading India, potentially through to the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
This win marks India’s 23rd victory in 24 matches across the last three ICC men’s events, with their only loss coming against Australia in the 2023 World Cup final. India had previously won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and were runners-up in 2017, losing to Pakistan. The 2002 tournament was shared with Sri Lanka after a rain-affected final.
New Zealand’s only limited-overs ICC trophy remains their 2000 Champions Trophy (then known as the ICC Knockout), which they won by defeating India in the final in Nairobi.
All of India’s matches in this Champions Trophy were held in Dubai, after the Indian government denied permission for the team to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.
India went unbeaten throughout the tournament, defeating Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage before overcoming Australia in the semifinal. New Zealand, after victories over Pakistan in Karachi and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, traveled to Dubai to face India in the final. The Blackcaps then returned to Pakistan to defeat South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore.
For a yellow colour, you can combine gramme flour and turmeric in a 1:2 ratio. To ensure an even mixing of the ingredients, make sure to rub the mixture between your palms. To get a fine texture, you can then sieve the mixture through a strainer two or three times.
To create wet yellow colours, you can either add turmeric or boil marigolds in water. To achieve better colouring, make sure the turmeric is organic.
Option 2
For Holi, you will need the following ingredients to make yellow colour:
Turmeric
Water
Rose water
Cornflour
Steps:
Add two tablespoons of turmeric powder to a cup of boiling water.
Transfer the blend onto a sizable plate and allow it to cool down.
Three cups of cornflour and two tablespoons of rose water should be added after it has cooled.
Give it a thorough mixing to eliminate any lumps, then give it a single grind.
Food colouring combined with talcum powder or cornflour can be used to create a blue colour. But here’s a natural way to make it if you do not want to use food colouring.
To create a vivid blue hue at home, gather the following materials:
Neeli gulmohar flower
Cornflour or talcum powder
Steps:
Neeli gulmohar has bright blue blooms in the summer and can be used to create blue hues for Holi.
Let the neeli gulmohar flowers dry first.
Give it a good grinding and combine it with talc or cornflour.
