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Tag: #Hyderabad

17 Hyderabad Students Build Payload For Upcoming ISRO Launch

17 Hyderabad Students Build Payload For Upcoming ISRO Launch

17 Hyderabad Students Build Payload for Upcoming ISRO Launch

The students of Blue Blocks Montessori School have named their payload Project SBB-1 (Satellite Blue Blocks-1), which has now received official clearance from ISRO for launch aboard the PSLV-C62 mission.


Hyderabad: A team of 17 students aged between 12 and 15 from Hyderabad has achieved a remarkable milestone by designing and building a flight-ready CubeSat payload, scheduled for launch aboard an ISRO mission on January 12 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.

The students of Blue Blocks Montessori School have named their payload Project SBB-1 (Satellite Blue Blocks-1). The project has received official clearance from ISRO and will fly on the PSLV-C62 mission.

    Setting their work apart from conventional school-level STEM projects, the students independently designed, assembled, and programmed the CubeSat payload. They used commercial off-the-shelf sensors, soldered electronic components, and developed firmware capable of transmitting real-time telemetry. While experts from Take Me 2 Space offered mentorship and technical guidance, the entire engineering effort—from hardware integration to coding—was carried out by the students themselves..

    “Debugging the code when the sensors failed to communicate was the most challenging part. We didn’t want to just witness a launch—we wanted our work to fly on the rocket,” said one of the students.

    The project was developed at the Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute using a learning framework known as ‘Structural Autonomy,’ which promotes independent problem-solving with minimal adult supervision. Emphasising the achievement, co-founder Pavan Goyal said, “They are not engineers of the future; they are flight-ready engineers today.”

    The Blue Blocks initiative has earned international recognition, with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo inviting co-founder Pavan Goyal to present the programme’s methodology. In addition, the students are set to deliver a technical review at the AMI Conference in Mexico, showcasing their work on a global stage.

    About the PSLV-C62 Mission 

    The PSLV-C62 mission will carry the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite, along with 15 co-passenger satellites from India and international partners. The mission will also feature a technology demonstration of the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID), a compact prototype re-entry vehicle developed by a Spanish startup.

    ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is regarded as the organisation’s most reliable launch system, having completed 63 successful missions. Its legacy includes landmark launches such as Chandrayaan-1, the Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1, and Astrosat, and it holds a global record for deploying 104 satellites in a single mission in 2017.

    Sai Anandham – Marri Savitradevi 101st Birth Anniversary | 4 Jan 2026

    Hyderabad, January 4, 2026:

    The 101st birth anniversary of Smt. Marri Savitradevi, wife of former united Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy, was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur under the banner of “Sai Anandham” at the Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Memorial Rock Garden, Indira Park, Hyderabad.

    As part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered to the statue of Savitradevi followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. Her life, values, and commitment to social welfare were fondly remembered, and heartfelt tributes were paid. The event was organized by the CSR Memorial Foundation.

    The program was coordinated by Sri K. Krishna Reddy, grandson of Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy and Smt. Savitradevi, and a Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba alumnus (MBA 1992–94 batch).

    Sai Anandham – A Celebration of Devotion and Service

    The “Sai Anandham” program stood as the highlight of the celebrations, bringing together devotees from various Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithis across Hyderabad, including Tarnaka, Kushaiguda, and Nagaram.

    A variety of recreational and cultural activities such as Lemon Spoon, Book on Head, Musical Chairs, Carroms, Chess, and Dadi were organized. Senior citizens enthusiastically participated and expressed immense joy. Winners were felicitated with prizes.

    Sai devotees shared their spiritual experiences and long association with Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. A photo exhibition depicting Sathya Sai service activities was arranged, and Annadanam was provided to devotees.

    The event was graced by distinguished guests including P. V. Subrahmanyam, Meenakshi Devi, I.G. Dora, and Vasudeva Rao.

    The Sai Anandham program concluded successfully in an atmosphere filled with devotion, service, and spiritual joy, reflecting the timeless message of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
    “Love All – Serve All; Help Ever – Hurt Never.”

    Jai Sai Ram 🙏

    Celebrating 6 Years of I Can Volunteer – 21st December 2025

    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. ✨

    Messi’s Hyderabad Visit: Minute-by-Minute Schedule Announced, Police Warn Against Misconduct-2025

    Hyderabad: With memories of violence during football legend Lionel Messi’s programme in Kolkata still fresh, the Hyderabad police have issued a stern warning of stringent action against any misconduct during Messi’s appearance at the city stadium. To ensure smooth conduct, officials have released a detailed minute-by-minute schedule of the evening’s events.

    Messi is scheduled to enter the stadium at 7.50 p.m., coinciding with the kick-off of the match. Shortly thereafter, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will enter the pitch, followed by Messi and football stars Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez. The dignitaries and players will take a parade walk around the stadium, acknowledging fans, before assembling on a specially erected stage for formal introductions.

    At 8.11 p.m., Messi and the Chief Minister will symbolically dribble the ball together, followed by a closely watched penalty shootout—three shots per team—to decide the winner of the specially instituted GOAT Cup.

    Rahul Gandhi will then join the dignitaries, players and children for a group photograph. The focus will subsequently shift to the Tiki-Taka Children’s Clinics, scheduled between 8.17 p.m. and 8.32 p.m. During this time, four designated zones will come alive with Messi, Suarez, De Paul, the Chief Minister and Rahul Gandhi interacting with children, passing the ball, offering encouragement and sharing moments on the field. The clinic will culminate in a special penalty shootout with Messi, with organiser Anuttam Reddy donning the goalkeeper’s gloves.

    During the felicitation ceremony, Messi will present the GOAT Cup to the winning team, while Rahul Gandhi will hand over the cup to the other participating team. The Chief Minister will honour Messi with a gift and shawl, and Parvathi Reddy along with others will felicitate Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.

    Messi is scheduled to leave the stadium at 9 p.m., bringing the tightly choreographed programme to a close. Officials said the detailed planning leaves no scope for disruptions, underscoring the administration’s focus on safety and order during the high-profile event.

    Inter-IIT Sports Meet Kicks Off at IIT Hyderabad | December 15, 2025

    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.

    Telangana to Deepen Strategic Ties with North-East for Tech and Development Push

    Telangana has announced plans to play a more active role in the growth and development of India’s North-Eastern States, with IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu unveiling the Telangana–North East Connect (Phase-2) initiative at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

    The State government is preparing a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen collaboration with the North-East in key sectors, including digital connectivity, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, skill development, life sciences, bio-innovation, and rural transformation. According to the Minister’s office, the plan aims to accelerate mutual growth by leveraging Telangana’s capabilities and the North-East’s emerging potential.

    Highlighting the inclusive ethos of Telangana, Mr. Sridhar Babu noted that the North-Eastern States have made remarkable progress in digital literacy, IT skilling, fintech, and public digital services, despite facing infrastructural and connectivity constraints.

    As part of Phase-2 of the initiative, Telangana and the North-East will work together on projects such as a North East–Telangana Tech Corridor, joint innovation labs, bio-incubators, creative technology studios, and green-energy collaborations. The Minister emphasised that Telangana’s development strategy is centred on preparing for future technologies, ensuring the State remains ahead of emerging global trends.

    Hyderabad Police Chief Condemns Drunk Driving as ‘Terrorism’ After Deadly Bus Fire in Kurnool

    HYDERABAD / KURNOOL — In the wake of a devastating bus fire in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, which claimed at least 20 lives, V.C. Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police in Hyderabad, has issued a sharp condemnation of drunk driving, calling those who drive under the influence “terrorists”.

    The incident involved a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, which collided with a motorcycle on the highway in the early hours of Friday. The bike, ridden by a man under the influence of alcohol, was reportedly dragged by the bus before his vehicle’s fuel tank ignited, setting off the fire that engulfed the bus and killed the passengers. 

    In a post on the social media platform X, Mr Sajjanar said: “Drunk drivers are terrorists. Period. Drunk drivers are terrorists and their actions are nothing short of acts of terror on our roads.” He described the Kurnool tragedy not as a mere accident but as “a criminal act of negligence that annihilated entire families within seconds.”

    He emphasised that under his jurisdiction there will be no leniency or exception for those caught driving while intoxicated. “Every single person caught driving under the influence will face the full force of law. There will be no mercy for those who endanger innocent lives,” he said.

    Investigators have since confirmed that the motorcyclist was driving while drunk and had earlier refuelled his bike just minutes before the crash. The bike’s headlight was found to be non-functional and the rider lost control before the fatal collision.

    The bus driver has been arrested in connection with the incident and further investigations are underway into the sequence of events that triggered the blaze

    This tragedy has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of laws against driving under the influence and stricter penalties for those who risk public safety on the roads.

    Source:Times of India India Times

    Mulam Santha Inspires Eco Living at Tarnaka Event

    🌿 Mulam Santha Inspires Eco Living at Tarnaka Event

    Tarnaka, Hyderabad – July 19, 2025:
    A powerful message of going back to our roots echoed at the Mulam Village Festival & Consumer Fair, organized at Marri Krishna Hall, Tarnaka. The event drew attention to sustainable lifestyle practices, organic living, and indigenous products.

    Renowned spiritual leader Swami Ramananda Prabhuji Maharaj, President of Sri Sai Dham, graced the occasion and urged the public to support Moolam Santha—a platform that promotes environmentally friendly practices through cow-based farming, traditional foods, and natural products.

    💡 Highlight of the Event:

    Mr. Krishna Reddy, the chief organizer, was instrumental in the successful execution of the program. His coordination ensured a well-curated experience for both exhibitors and visitors.

    “These markets not only revive our traditions but also serve as models for eco-conscious living,” said Mr. Krishna Reddy.

    🌱 What Made This Event Special:

    • Visitors experienced a variety of stalls:
      ✅ Organic fruits & vegetables
      ✅ Cow-based health products
      ✅ Handmade crafts and eco-goods
      ✅ Traditional games and cultural elements

    🤝 Key Participants:

    • Swami Ramananda Prabhuji Maharaj (Chief Guest)
    • Mr. Krishna Reddy – Chief Organizer

    Hyderabad Declared Over-Exploited District for Groundwater Use

    Hyderabad, June 2025 — In a concerning development for the future of water sustainability, Hyderabad has been officially categorized as an “over-exploited” (OE) district for groundwater use by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, according to its latest groundwater status report for 2023–24.

    Of the 16 mandals in Hyderabad district, 11 have been marked as over-exploited, four as ‘critical’, and one mandal as ‘semi-critical’. The findings indicate a growing imbalance between groundwater extraction and recharge—especially in the eastern parts of the city.

    Charminar Tops in Over-Exploitation

    Among the mandals, Charminar recorded the highest groundwater over-exploitation at 117.1%, while Tirumalagiri in Secunderabad reported the lowest at 75.5%. Here’s a snapshot of the exploitation rates in some key mandals:

    • Golconda – 135%
    • Ameerpet – 126.7%
    • Asifnagar – 127.8%
    • Saidabad – 129.7%
    • Himayatnagar – 116.6%
    • Khairatabad – 106.9%
    • Musheerabad – 100.6%
    • Amberpet – 106.8%
    • Shaikpet – 101%
    • Secunderabad – 101.9%
    • Nampally & Marredpally – 99.7%
    • Bandlaguda – 97.1%
    • Bahadurpura – 96%

    What’s Driving the Decline?

    The survey, conducted under the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) guidelines, revealed that unregulated drilling by private rigs and non-compliance with the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA) are major contributors to groundwater depletion. Additionally, uncontrolled urban construction continues to reduce recharge areas and increase demand.

    A senior official from the Ground Water Department (GWD) said, “The situation is alarming. We are now tasked with drafting a special action plan to preserve and augment groundwater sources.”

    Low Rainfall Worsens the Crisis

    The situation has been exacerbated by a 24.6% rainfall deficit. As of May 2025, Hyderabad received 828.4 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 1,099.6 mm. The shortfall is further straining the already-stressed groundwater table.

    Next Steps: Regulation and Sustainability

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti has also directed the implementation of Ground Water Extraction Rules across the district. This includes levying a cess and extraction charges on groundwater users to discourage excessive withdrawal and encourage sustainable usage.

    Efforts are now underway to enforce better regulation, improve public awareness, and shift toward sustainable water management practices before the crisis deepens further.

    Operation Abhyaas: Telangana Conducts Massive Mock Drill in Hyderabad After 50 Years to Boost Civil Defence Preparedness

    📅 Date: May 7, 2025
    📍 Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
    ⏰ Time: Sirens sounded at 4:00 PM

    For the first time in over five decades, Hyderabad conducted a large-scale civil defence mock drill under Operation Abhyaas, aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness across the city. Coordinated across multiple departments and involving active public participation, the operation was a landmark event in the region’s approach to crisis management and emergency response.

    🔔 When the Sirens Rang

    At precisely 4:00 PM, warning sirens echoed across Secunderabad, triggering the start of the operation. Within moments, emergency response units sprang into action. Fire engines blared, ambulances rushed in, and personnel in full gear moved into position, simulating a real-time disaster situation. Though the public had been informed, the drill’s scale and execution made the simulation feel intense and authentic.

    👥 Who Was Involved?

    The drill involved a coordinated response from various emergency and support agencies, including:

    • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
    • Telangana Fire and Emergency Services
    • Hyderabad Police
    • Civil Defence Units
    • Health Department
    • Municipal Workers and Traffic Police

    🧪 What the Mock Drill Included

    Operation Abhyaas was more than just a fire drill—it simulated a multi-dimensional urban disaster scenario. Here’s what was executed:

    🏢 Scenario: Residential Building Emergency

    • A mock situation was created where a residential building was “hit” by a sudden disaster—possibly an earthquake followed by a fire.
    • Residents were instructed to evacuate using stairwells while avoiding elevators, following real emergency protocol.

    🚒 Rescue Operations

    • Firefighters simulated extinguishing the blaze on multiple floors using high-pressure hoses and fire ladders.
    • NDRF personnel conducted search and rescue operations in smoke-filled areas using breathing apparatus and thermal imaging devices.

    🚑 Medical Response and Casualty Handling

    • On-site triage zones were established.
    • Medical staff treated “injured” volunteers with mock wounds.
    • First responders performed CPR, bandaging, and stretcher evacuations.

    🧯 Hazardous Material Containment

    • A leak simulation tested the response to chemical hazards.
    • Teams in hazmat suits demonstrated proper sealing, decontamination, and evacuation procedures.

    🚨 Crowd Management and Public Communication

    • Police controlled bystander crowds and managed traffic diversions.
    • Public announcements were made using megaphones and speakers, guiding people on where to go and how to stay safe.

    🎯 Why It Matters

    The primary goal was to evaluate Hyderabad’s preparedness for various emergency scenarios, including:

    • Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods)
    • Industrial and chemical accidents
    • Terrorist attacks or armed conflict
    • Fires and building collapses
    • Mass casualty events

    🏢 Local Highlight: Operation Sindoor at Evelon Apartment

    Running alongside Abhyaas was Operation Sindoor, a community-centric drill conducted at Evelon Apartment, Hyderabad. This drill emphasized public involvement and practical training for residents.

    🔧 Key Mock Drill Activities at Evelon Apartment:

    • Evacuation Drill: Residents were alerted and guided through timed evacuation procedures.
    • First Aid Training: Medical officers taught basic CPR, wound care, and how to assist injured neighbors.
    • Fire Safety Demonstration: Residents learned how to use fire extinguishers, break glass safely, and identify emergency exits.
    • Disaster Simulation: Simulated power cuts, blocked exits, and injured dummies made the situation feel real.
    • Coordination with Authorities: NCC and SDRF personnel worked side by side with residents and building security.

    👥 Agencies Involved in Operation Sindoor:

    • Fire Department
    • National Cadet Corps (NCC)
    • State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
    • Medical Services
    • Hyderabad Police
    • Electricity Board

    🧠 Key Lessons and Takeaways

    • Preparedness saves lives: Both drills highlighted the value of proactive training.
    • Community involvement is crucial: Residents are the first line of defence during any emergency.
    • Speed and coordination matter: The smoother the coordination among departments, the more effective the response.
    • Public awareness is power: Education on emergency tools, escape plans, and basic first aid is essential.

    🌐 A New Chapter in Civil Defence

    Operation Abhyaas and Operation Sindoor signal the beginning of a new era in India’s civil defence strategy—one that blends top-down planning with grassroots participation. Hyderabad has demonstrated that with the right preparation and people-focused training, a city can transform itself into a resilient, responsive, and resourceful urban community.

    Emergencies don’t come with a warning—but preparedness can make all the difference. Hyderabad just proved it.