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Begumpet Overflows as Wings India 2026 Exhibition Concludes

Begumpet Overflows as Wings India 2026 Exhibition Concludes

Hyderabad: The Begumpet airport witnessed an overwhelming turnout on the final day of the Wings India-2026 air show on Saturday, as aviation enthusiasts, students, families, and professionals flocked to the venue from early morning. By 10 AM, the airport and surrounding areas were packed, bringing traffic to a standstill along the access routes. Parking lots, the air cargo yard, and the area near the Meteorological Department headquarters, designated for visitor parking, were filled to capacity.

Record Visitor Turnout

The last two days of the exhibition were open to the general public, attracting nearly 70,000 visitors who experienced the excitement of India’s premier civil aviation event. During the first two days, the event hosted 7,500 traders and over 2,000 business delegates, with more than 500 business meetings conducted. Several key agreements were signed, strengthening India’s aviation and aerospace industry ties.

Exhibitions & Stalls

Over 150 stalls were set up by airlines, showcasing aircraft, vehicles, spare parts, training institutes, and airport operations. Visitors got an up-close look at the latest innovations in civil aviation, while business delegates explored collaboration opportunities across the sector.

Thrilling Aerial Displays

The grand finale featured spectacular aerial displays, thrilling the crowd. The Mark Jeffrey team performed two shows, while the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team delivered a breathtaking performance, leaving visitors in awe.

The event successfully combined business, education, and entertainment, making Wings India 2026 a landmark exhibition in India’s civil aviation calendar.

GHMC to Be Split Into Three Corporations, Polls Likely in April–May

Hyderabad:
The Telangana State government is considering restructuring the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) by splitting it into three separate municipal corporations, each comprising 100 wards. The proposal is expected to be finalised by the end of January, with elections likely to be held in April–May.

According to sources in the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department, authorities are evaluating multiple models, including forming either three corporations with 100 wards each or one corporation with 150 wards and two with 75 wards each.

GHMC officials have already submitted geographical data and maps for all 300 wards, whose boundaries are fixed. As per preliminary plans, the proposed civic bodies may be:

  • Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
  • Greater Secunderabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
  • Greater Cyberabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards

Each municipal corporation would have 20 circles and five zones, with four circles per zone. An IAS officer of secretary rank would be appointed as commissioner for each corporation, and the new setup would result in three mayors.

GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan stated that the move aligns with the recent formation of new police commissionerates and may be announced simultaneously, based on the existing 300 GHMC wards.

A final notification is expected by January-end, paving the way for civic elections in April–May.

Telangana Municipal and Corporation Elections Scheduled for February 11; Results on February 13

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC) has announced elections to seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities across the state, including newly formed urban local bodies (ULBs).

Polling for 2,996 wards—comprising 414 wards in seven municipal corporations and 2,582 wards in 116 municipalities—will be held on February 11, 2026, from 7 am to 5 pm. The results will be declared on February 13, 2026. A total of 52.43 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been excluded from this election cycle, as its term will expire on February 10, 2026.

According to TSEC Commissioner I Rani Kumudini, along with CDMA Commissioner T K Sreedevi and Additional DGP (L&O) Mahesh Bhagwat, the election schedule is as follows:

  • Nominations: January 28–30, 2026
  • Scrutiny of nominations: January 31, 2026
  • Last date for withdrawal: February 3, 2026
  • Final list of contesting candidates: February 3, 2026, after 3 pm
  • Counting of votes: February 13, 2026, from 8 am

The oath of office for elected ward members and corporators will be administered on February 16, followed by a special meeting for the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of municipalities, as well as mayors and deputy mayors of municipal corporations.

With the Model Code of Conduct now in force, officials will seize cash exceeding Rs 50,000 carried without valid documents. Each candidate is permitted to spend up to Rs 1.50 lakh during the campaign.

For the 2,996 ward elections:

  • 8,203 polling stations have been set up
  • 137 strong rooms earmarked for storing election material
  • 136 centres identified for vote counting
  • Live webcasting at all polling stations for monitoring

The election workforce includes 1,379 Returning Officers, 1,547 Assistant Returning Officers, 9,560 Polling Officers, and 31,428 other staff members.

Following the results, a notice in Form II will be issued by a government gazetted officer, calling for a special meeting on February 14 for elections to the offices of chairperson, vice-chairperson, mayor, and deputy mayor as per the Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019.

The seven municipal corporations going to polls are:

  • Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation
  • Nizamabad
  • Nalgonda
  • Karimnagar
  • Mahbubnagar
  • Mancherial
  • Kothagudem

Heavy Police Deployment to Ensure Peaceful Municipal Elections in Telangana

Telangana Police have intensified preparations to ensure peaceful and transparent municipal elections following the announcement of the poll schedule. Director General of Police B. Sivadhar Reddy said the police machinery is fully prepared, with strict security and surveillance measures now in force across all municipal corporations and municipalities under the election code of conduct.

As part of the arrangements, check posts and flying squads have been activated to prevent the distribution of illegal cash, liquor, drugs, and other inducements. Officials will verify the source of cash exceeding ₹50,000, ensure the deposit of licensed weapons, and conduct special searches to detect illegal arms. Recalling the recent Gram Panchayat elections, Mr. Reddy noted that 1,800 weapons were voluntarily surrendered at police stations during that exercise.

To boost voter confidence, armed flag marches will be conducted at over 1,000 sensitive and vulnerable locations across the State. In addition to local police, personnel from the Telangana State Special Police and other departments are being deployed, with around 2,000 staff from the Excise and Forest departments assigned to election duties.

The DGP appealed to citizens to exercise their franchise freely and resist inducements, assuring that police will remain on high alert to maintain calm and orderly elections.

Ex CM of AP – Dr. Marri Channa Reddy had survived massive air-crash on Dec-17th-1978

On This Day in History | December 17, 1978

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Marri Channa Reddy miraculously survived a massive Boeing aircraft crash at Hyderabad on December 17, 1978.

The ill-fated flight, carrying 126 passengers from Hyderabad to New Delhi, met with a major accident shortly after takeoff. Dr. Marri Channa Reddy was among the survivors—an incident widely described as a “new lease of life.”

At the time, Dr. Channa Reddy was serving as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (March 1978 – October 1980). After surviving the crash, he continued his dedicated service to the nation and public life with renewed strength.

This remarkable escape remains one of the most dramatic and inspiring moments in Indian political history.

Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara 2026: Telangana Gears Up for World’s Largest Tribal Festival

Medaram, Telangana | January 2026

The Telangana government has made extensive arrangements for the Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara 2026, one of the world’s largest tribal festivals, which is expected to attract crores of devotees from across the country. The biennial festival will be held from January 28 to January 31, 2026, in Medaram village of Mulugu district.

As part of the preparations, the state government has developed permanent infrastructure around the sacred gaddes (altars) of Sammakka and Saralamma, replacing temporary structures. Granite constructions reflecting tribal culture and traditions have been completed to provide a better and safer darshan experience for devotees.

To manage the massive footfall, authorities have upgraded and widened roads, created large parking spaces across multiple locations, and established scientific queue systems. More than 40,000 officials and staff from various departments have been deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the jatara.

The TSRTC is operating thousands of special buses, making lakhs of trips to facilitate transportation for pilgrims. Medical facilities, including a 24/7 hospital, emergency health camps, and ambulance services, have been arranged to handle any emergencies during the festival.

Security has been strengthened with police, fire services, SDRF teams, watchtowers, and surveillance measures in sensitive areas such as streams and crowd-prone locations. Drinking water, sanitation, lighting, and resting shelters have also been provided across the jatara grounds.

The Medaram Jatara, deeply rooted in tribal tradition and faith, is celebrated to honour Goddess Sammakka and Saralamma, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Telangana. With meticulous planning and large-scale arrangements, the state is set to host the mega religious congregation smoothly and safely.

HYDRAA Intensifies Fire Safety Inspections Across Hyderabad, Warns of Strict Action

Hyderabad:
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has stepped up enforcement of fire safety norms across the city, warning of strict action against establishments violating regulations.

HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has ordered intensified inspections across commercial zones following recent fire incidents. He directed officials to ensure strict compliance with fire safety regulations in both commercial establishments and residential areas.

A coordination meeting was held on Wednesday with officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the Fire Services Department, and the Electricity Department to streamline enforcement measures.

Inspection teams have been instructed to conduct checks at business complexes, furniture showrooms, textile shops, and other commercial premises. Establishments found violating mandatory fire safety norms will be sealed, the commissioner said.

Power Disconnection for Non-Compliance

Ranganath also ordered the immediate disconnection of electricity supply to non-compliant establishments. Officials were directed to paste notices declaring such premises as lacking mandatory fire safety measures. Inspections will be conducted across all parts of the city without exception.

Public Urged to Report Fire Hazards

The commissioner appealed to citizens to report potential fire hazards to the HYDRAA control room at 9000113667. Residents were asked to share the exact location along with photographs or videos of unsafe conditions. He assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.

HYDRAA emphasized that public cooperation is crucial to preventing fire accidents and ensuring public safety across Hyderabad.

Hyderabad Emerges as India’s Tallest City, Surpassing Gurugram, Bengaluru, Noida, Pune, and Kolkata Combined

Hyderabad, January 2026 – Hyderabad has quietly transformed into India’s tallest urban center, outpacing Gurugram, Bengaluru, Noida, Pune, and Kolkata in skyscraper development. Over the past decade, the city has witnessed an unprecedented surge in high-rise residential and commercial towers, reshaping its skyline and redefining urban density in India.

The rapid vertical expansion is largely concentrated along the IT corridor, stretching from Gachibowli to Kokapet and the Financial District. Factors driving this growth include liberal floor space index norms, faster approvals, large land parcels, and sustained demand from IT professionals and investors. Today, luxury towers soaring 40 to 50+ floors dominate the cityscape, a stark contrast to Hyderabad’s traditional image of old bazaars and sprawling low-rise neighborhoods.

Unlike other major metros, Hyderabad’s high-rises are built in cohesive clusters, creating a continuous skyline rather than scattered pockets of development. This approach has allowed the city to expand vertically without severe land fragmentation, giving it a modern, organized aesthetic.

In comparison, Gurugram and Noida, though known for high-rise living, face regulatory hurdles, infrastructure constraints, and disjointed planning, limiting the overall vertical scale of their skylines. Bengaluru, India’s tech capital, continues to grow horizontally due to airport restrictions, strict zoning rules, and civic resistance, resulting in a predominantly mid-rise cityscape. Pune and Kolkata also lag behind in terms of concentrated high-rise development.

Hyderabad’s rise as a vertical city signals a new era in urban planning, emphasizing denser living, modern infrastructure, and luxury real estate. With its towering glass-clad structures, the city now tells a story very different from its historical past — a story of ambition, growth, and the future of urban India.

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.

Sri Nityananda Trayodashi – 31st January 2026 (Saturday)

✨ Divine Appearance Day Celebration ✨

Bhaktivedanta Institute, Hyderabad
cordially invites all devotees and well-wishers to celebrate the auspicious Sri Nityananda Trayodashi, marking the divine appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the embodiment of mercy, compassion, and pure devotional love.

📍 Venue:
Marri Krishna Hall,
Near Dr. M. Channa Reddy Garu’s Residence &
St. Ann’s High School, Vijayapuri Colony,
Tarnaka, Secunderabad

🕉️ Program Schedule:
🕘 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Kirtan
🕤 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Abhishekam
🕥 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Sri Nityananda Mahaprabhu Katha
🕦 11:30 AM: Aarti
🍛 Followed by Mahaprasadam

🌼 Come and receive the blessings of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, the original spiritual master who bestows pure love of God.

📞 Contact:
+91 94901 38389 | +91 94414 91855

🙏 All are cordially invited.