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Telangana Government Reorganises GHMC into Three Municipal Corporations

Hyderabad:
In a major administrative restructuring, the Telangana government on Wednesday (February 11, 2026) announced the division of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) into three separate municipal corporations. The decision was formalised through a series of three government orders and came into immediate effect.

Three New Municipal Corporations

Under the reorganisation, areas within the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road will now be governed by three distinct civic bodies:

  • Cyberabad Municipal Corporation:
    Comprising the Serilingampally, Kukatpally, and Qutbullapur zones.
  • Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation:
    Covering the Malkajgiri, Uppal, and L.B. Nagar zones.
  • Restructured Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC):
    Encompassing the remaining areas, including Shamshabad, Rajendranagar, Charminar, Golconda, Khairatabad, and Secunderabad zones.

Appointment of Commissioners

Through a separate Government Order (G.O.), the state government announced the following appointments:

  • R.V. Karnan will continue as Commissioner of the restructured GHMC.
  • G. Srijana, Additional Commissioner, GHMC, has been transferred and appointed as Commissioner of the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation.
  • T. Vinay Krishna Reddy, Additional Commissioner, GHMC, has been transferred and appointed as Commissioner of the Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation.

Legal Framework and Administration

According to the official notification, each newly constituted municipal corporation will function independently with perpetual succession and a common seal. All three corporations will operate under the provisions of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act, 1955.

The reorganisation order was signed by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary to the Metropolitan Area & Urban Development Department. In a related development, Mr. Ranjan has also been appointed as Special Officer for all three municipal corporations, as per a separate government order signed by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao.

Telangana Municipal Polls 2026 Voting Underway Across 116 Municipalities, 7 Corporations

Hyderabad, February 11, 2026: Voting for the Telangana Municipal Polls-2026 commenced at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday across the State, marking a significant political event that is expected to shape the urban governance landscape for the coming years. The polling process is being conducted in 2,569 wards across 116 Municipalities and 412 wards in seven Municipal Corporations, covering urban local bodies across Telangana.

Voters are electing Councillors and Corporators, who will play a key role in municipal administration, development planning, and local governance. Polling will continue until 5:00 p.m. Officials have put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful voting, including deployment of adequate security personnel and monitoring teams.

In case of any disturbances or procedural issues, re-polling, if necessary, will be held on February 12. The counting of votes is scheduled for February 13, and results are expected to be declared soon after the counting process concludes.

High-Stakes Political Battle

The Telangana Municipal Polls-2026 are being closely watched as a crucial political test for all major parties in the State.

After registering a significant victory in the Gram Panchayat elections held in December last year, the ruling Congress party is aiming to consolidate its position as the dominant political force in Telangana. The party views these municipal elections as an opportunity to strengthen its urban support base and reaffirm public confidence in its governance.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on the other hand, is striving to emerge as a credible and strong alternative to both the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The party hopes to expand its footprint in urban Telangana and improve upon its past performances.

For the BRS, these elections carry added significance. After facing setbacks in the 2023 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the party managed a respectable performance in the recent Gram Panchayat elections. It is now keen to convert that momentum into substantial gains in the municipal elections to revive its political fortunes.

Political analysts believe the results of these urban local body polls will offer key insights into shifting voter preferences and party strengths in Telangana ahead of future electoral contests.

Administrative Timeline

The election process does not conclude with the declaration of results. The next phase involves the formal constitution of municipal bodies:

  • February 13: Counting of votes
  • Soon after counting: Declaration of results
  • February 16 at 11:00 a.m.: Oath-taking ceremony for newly elected Ward Members (Councillors/Corporators)
  • Following the oath ceremony, indirect elections will be conducted for the posts of Mayor/Chairperson and Deputy Mayor/Vice Chairperson.

These indirect elections will determine the leadership of municipal corporations and municipalities, further intensifying political negotiations and alliances where no party secures a clear majority.

Crucial Moment for Urban Governance

With thousands of candidates in the fray and lakhs of voters participating, the Telangana Municipal Polls-2026 represent a significant moment for grassroots democracy in urban areas. The elected representatives will be responsible for key civic issues such as infrastructure development, sanitation, drinking water supply, urban planning, and welfare implementation.

As voting continues across the State, attention now turns to voter turnout percentages and the eventual outcome, which could reshape Telangana’s urban political landscape.

Hyderabad to Face 40-Hour Drinking Water Supply Disruption

Hyderabad: Several parts of Hyderabad will experience a disruption in drinking water supply for nearly 40 hours, starting from 6:00 am on Wednesday, February 11, until 10:00 pm on Thursday, February 12.

According to officials, the interruption is due to ongoing repair works on the Manjeera Phase-II pumping main, specifically along the stretches between Patancheru and Hydernagar, and Club Gurr and Patancheru.

Areas Affected by Water Supply Disruption:

  • RC Puram
  • Ashok Nagar
  • Jyothi Nagar
  • Lingampally
  • Chandanagar
  • Gangaram
  • Madinaguda
  • Miyapur
  • Beeramguda
  • Ameenpur
  • Bhagyanagar Colony
  • Erragadda
  • SR Nagar
  • Ameerpet
  • KPHB Colony
  • Kukatpally
  • Bhagyanagar Colony (Pragathi Nagar)

Residents in the affected areas are advised to store water in advance and use it judiciously during the disruption period. Authorities have requested public cooperation while repair works are underway.

US–Hyderabad Symposium Highlights Shared Solutions for Innovation, Equity and Sustainability

Hyderabad:
Illinois State Senator Laura Murphy said governments across the world face similar challenges and stressed that real progress lies not in reinventing solutions, but in removing barriers that prevent proven ideas from being implemented. She was speaking at the USA–Hyderabad Symposium on “Bridges of Innovation: Technology and Interfaith Partnerships”, jointly organized by CMMA, WWMI, University of Florida, and Media Plus Foundation, held at the historic Nizam Club.

Calling her first visit to India a memorable and enriching experience, Senator Murphy praised the country’s warmth, culture, and hospitality, and said she was deeply honoured by the welcome extended to the US delegation. Emphasising people-centric governance, she highlighted equity in education and access to information as key foundations for effective policymaking.

Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller noted that the United States has grown stronger due to immigrants who brought ideas, ambition, and hard work. She said India has made immense contributions to the US, particularly through the South Asian community, and cautioned that restricting borders and limiting the exchange of ideas would hinder long-term progress.

Dr Tajammul Hussain, President of CMMA and Chief of Oncology, Chicago, called for deeper cross-border collaboration, urging professionals such as doctors, engineers, and technologists to move beyond narrow roles and embrace broader humanitarian responsibilities.

Speaking on urban resilience, John Mahyer, Vice President of Engineering Resources Associates, USA, shared effective stormwater management strategies currently used by US state governments and municipalities.

Indian-American AI healthcare specialist Dr Srikanth Mahankali spoke on artificial intelligence in healthcare, stressing the need for responsible innovation to maintain public trust. He cautioned against over-dependence on AI, stating that nearly 60% of people in the US prefer human involvement over AI in healthcare.

The symposium was attended by Prof. H. Sandhu (University of Florida), Engineer M.A. Nayeem (Chairman, Masah Construction), Sam Pappu (President, WWMI), Khaja Mohiuddin (Vice President, WWMI), senior architect Ameera Ashraf O’Neil, Syed Khaled Shahbaaz (CEO, Media Plus), and other dignitaries.

Priyanka Chopra Wraps Hyderabad Schedule of Rajamouli–Mahesh Babu’s Varanasi

Superstar Mahesh Babu and ace director SS Rajamouli are joining hands for the much-awaited magnum opus Varanasi, being made on a massive budget. Global icon Priyanka Chopra plays the female lead, while Prithviraj Sukumaran will be seen as the antagonist.

Priyanka Chopra has officially wrapped up her Hyderabad schedule for the month and shared the update on Instagram. She revealed that she is heading to Los Angeles to promote her upcoming English action thriller The Bluff, which is slated for release on February 25, 2026. The shooting of Varanasi will continue in her absence, and she is expected to rejoin the sets soon.

The film also stars Prakash Raj and a noted Tamil actor who recently appeared in a Bollywood blockbuster, playing key roles. KL Narayana and SS Karthikeya are producing the project, with MM Keeravaani composing the music.

Shot specially for IMAX, Varanasi promises a grand and immersive cinematic experience and is scheduled for a pan-Indian release on April 7, 2027, in multiple languages.

Wellgro Leaders Meet–2026 Held Successfully at Marri Krishna Reddy Hall-Tarnaka

The Wellgro Leaders Meet–2026, organised by Wellgro Commerce Private Limited, was held successfully at Marri Krishna Reddy Hall, Vijayapuri, Tarnaka, Secunderabad, on Saturday.

The event was organised with the theme “Learn, Earn, and Enjoy Working” and commenced at 9:30 a.m. Leaders, business partners, and participants from various sectors attended the meet in large numbers, making it a grand success.

Mr. Lohith, ATA Foundation candidate, attended the programme as a special guest and addressed the gathering. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of leadership, self-employment opportunities, and empowering youth to achieve sustainable growth. His inspiring address added great value to the event and motivated the participants.

During the Leaders Meet, Wellgro showcased its diverse range of products and business opportunities across sectors such as health, wellness, eco-friendly solutions, and innovative services. Informative sessions were conducted to create awareness about entrepreneurship and modern business practices.

Participants expressed satisfaction over the well-organised event and appreciated the positive learning environment. The programme concluded on a high note, with organisers stating that more such leadership and business development events will be conducted in the future.

India vs England U19 World Cup 2026 Final Highlights: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 175 Powers India to Record Sixth Title

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Storm Powers India to World Record Triumph

India vs England, U19 World Cup 2026 Final – Highlights:
India clinched the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 title in spectacular fashion, defeating England by 100 runs in the final at Harare on Friday. With this emphatic victory, India lifted the U19 World Cup trophy for a record-extending sixth time, further cementing their dominance in junior world cricket.

Led by captain Ayush Mhatre, India also created history by registering the largest margin of victory (by runs) in an U19 World Cup final, setting a new world record.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Historic Knock

The foundation of India’s triumph was laid by 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who produced one of the greatest knocks ever seen in U19 World Cup history. Displaying fearless stroke play and maturity beyond his years, Suryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls, propelling India to a mammoth total of 411/9 in 50 overs.

His innings was a perfect blend of power, timing, and composure, leaving the England bowlers with no answers.

England’s Fightback Falls Short

In reply, England showed brief resistance, thanks to a valiant knock from Caleb Falconer, who struck a brilliant 115 off 67 balls. Despite his efforts, England struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and were eventually bowled out well short of the target.

India’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured there were no late scares, sealing a dominant 100-run victory.

India Lift the Trophy

Captain Ayush Mhatre lifted the trophy amid celebrations, reflecting on the team’s achievement:

“We are happy that we’ve carried forward the legacy set by Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur.”

With this win, India now hold an incredible treble — reigning champions of the T20 World Cup, Women’s Cricket World Cup, and the U19 World Cup.

Tournament Stars for India

India’s success was built on consistent performances throughout the tournament:

  • Ayush Mhatre – Led from the front with both bat and ball
  • Aaron George – Match-winning century in the semi-final
  • Vihaan Malhotra – Star performer against Bangladesh
  • Kanishk Chouhan – Crucial cameos throughout, standout vs Pakistan
  • RS Ambrish & Henil Patel – Picked up 11 wickets each
  • Khilan Patel – Contributed with bat, ball, and in the field

India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning every single match on their way to the title.

Final Word

The U19 World Cup 2026 final will be remembered as a landmark moment in Indian cricket — a night of records, rising stars, and total dominance. With talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerging on the global stage, the future of Indian cricket looks brighter than ever.

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MNJ performs 250 free robotic-assisted cancer ops

MNJ Institute of Oncology, a government-run tertiary cancer centre with more than five decades of service, has conducted over 250 robotic-assisted cancer surgeries during the past 30 months, free of cost for patients from economically weaker and middle-income backgrounds.

A significant proportion of these procedures have been performed for gynaecological cancers, which account for a substantial share of the institute’s surgical workload.

Over 150 robotic-assisted gynaecological cancer surgeries have been carried out in the last two years, primarily for cancers of the cervix, uterus, and ovary — conditions that often require surgery in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces where precision is critical.

According to India’s National Cancer Registry Programme, cervical cancer continues to be among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Indian women, contributing to a considerable share of cancer-related morbidity and mortality.

While cervical cancer remains a major focus, uterine cancer is another condition where robotic-assisted surgery gives surgeons a clear advantage in delivering good outcomes.

Commenting on the institution’s approach, MNJ Cancer Hospital Surgical Oncology HOD Dr. Ramesh Maturi said,
“Our experience with the da Vinci surgical system has supported our ability to deliver complex gynaecological cancer surgeries within the public healthcare system. In gynaecological cancers, where surgery is often performed in anatomically narrow pelvic spaces, the robotic platform provides greater control and precision, including the ability to perform nerve-sparing procedures that can help reduce post-surgical sexual and urological complications.”

At MNJ Institute, robotic-assisted surgery has been adopted selectively for complex pelvic procedures, including radical hysterectomies and staging surgeries, especially in cases where standard laparoscopic approaches may be technically challenging.

MNJ Cancer Hospital Director Dr. Joseph Benjamen said,
“As a public institution providing specialised cancer care, the responsibility extends beyond introducing advanced technology to ensuring it is used in a manner that strengthens access, consistency, and accountability in patient care.

Lamakaan Marks 16 Years with Progressive Cultural Programming in Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s open cultural space Lamakaan will celebrate its 16th anniversary with a four-day programme from February 5 to February 8, 2026, featuring literature, theatre, dance, poetry and political dialogue in new and experimental formats.

The celebrations will open with a special reading by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who will present excerpts from the works of noted Urdu dramatist Imtiaz Ali Taj, best known for Anarkali, later adapted into the classic Hindi film Mughal-e-Azam.

Speaking about the anniversary programme, Ashhar Farhan, one of Lamakaan’s founders, said the focus this year marked a clear shift in approach. “This year is a move from being reflective to being progressive,” he said, adding that the programming would be more exploratory and experimental in nature.

Urdu literature forms a key strand of this year’s celebrations, with an emphasis on rediscovering dramatists such as Imtiaz Ali Taj. Telugu literature will also be in focus, with discussions examining how economic liberalisation has influenced literary themes and concerns.

Among the more unusual offerings is a Bharatanatyam adaptation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem Utho Ab Maati Se, which reflects on Palestine. According to Mr. Farhan, the idea is to place political and literary texts within new performative contexts.

Lamakaan’s engagement with poetry has also evolved over the years. “Earlier, we explored the lives of poets. Now we want to examine how poetics itself has evolved and changed over time,” he said.

Political discussions at the venue are also being reimagined. Moving away from what Mr. Farhan described as ‘hard talks’ with politicians, the focus is now on broader political processes. An upcoming session by Biju Mathew, who worked closely on Zohran Mamdani’s election campaign in New York, will offer insights into how minority candidates can succeed in highly capitalist urban environments.

The programme will also feature reinterpretations of established narratives, including ‘Du Saraswati’, which retells episodes from Indian epics through the perspective of a Dalit woman.