National
Supreme Court declines plea to ban social media use for children below 13, cites policy domain
“We are not inclined to entertain the current petition, as the relief sought falls within the realm of policy decisions,” the bench observed. While dismissing the plea, the court granted the petitioner the liberty to submit a representation to the appropriate authority. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking to impose a statutory prohibition on social media usage for children below 13 years. “It is a policy matter. You ask Parliament to enact the law,” a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih told the counsel appearing for the petitioner. “We are not inclined to entertain the present petition in as much as the relief sought is within the domain of policy,” the bench said. While disposing of the plea, it granted liberty to the petitioner to make a representation to the authority. The bench said if such a representation was…
National
BSNL has added 55 lakh customers in last seven months, says Jyotiraditya Scindia
He also highlighted that BSNL was carrying out the crucial project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country, which had been cleared by the Union Cabinet at a total cost of Rs 26,316 crore. New Delhi: Public Sector telecom major BSNL has added 55 lakh customers in the last seven months, taking the total number past the 9.1 crore mark, the Parliament was informed. Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that from June 2024 till February this year, BSNL customers have risen from 8.55 crore customers to 9.1 crore customers. The public sector company bounced back into profitability during the October-December quarter after 18 years due to the policies of the Narendra Modi government, he added. He also highlighted that BSNL was carrying out the crucial project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country, which had…
International
Namibia voices concern over US tariffs, warns of trade disruptions
“The Government of the Republic of Namibia has taken note of the US government’s recent reciprocal tariff imposed on African countries, which includes 21 per cent tariffs on Namibia,” the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said in a statement. Windhoek: The Namibian government expressed concern over newly imposed US tariffs, warning that the move has caused “turbulence in global trade” and could unfairly impact the country’s exports. “The Government of the Republic of Namibia has taken note of the US government’s recent reciprocal tariff imposed on African countries, which includes 21 per cent tariffs on Namibia,” the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said in a statement. “The move by the US administration has created turbulence in global trade, which undermines the commitment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),” the ministry said. “Unfortunately, this measure could result in unfair market conditions for Namibian products to compete fairly…
International
Editorial: Nepal in crisis
The current unrest in Nepal is not merely about nostalgia for a bygone era but a reflection of the deep-rooted frustration of ordinary Nepalis Nepal is once again in the grip of civil unrest. Nearly 17 years after the abolition of the monarchy and transition to a democratic republic, the Himalayan nation is witnessing massive demonstrations demanding a return to the monarchy and its Hindu identity. However, some see Hindu nationalism as a separate issue, while others equate it directly with restoring the monarchy. Driven by disillusionment with the government, thousands of people have hit the streets in Kathmandu and other towns and clashed with the police, leading to the death of two protestors in police firing. While reinstatement of the monarchy is not a solution to multiple problems facing the country, it must be understood that the current unrest is clearly a backlash against political instability plaguing Kathmandu. In…
International
A bizarre-looking dinosaur gives new insights into evolution
New habitat, environs, and food sources made some of the dinosaurs to start using their arms for a whole new purpose Oviraptorosaurs are weird dinosaurs, which look a bit like flightless birds. But these ancient animals aren’t just funny looking fossils. As a new research shows, they can help us understand how our own forelimbs evolved and challenge what scientists think about the T rex. Covered in feathers and equipped with a strong, sharp beak, oviraptorosaurs ranged in size from a house cat to a giraffe. They could easily be mistaken for birds if not for the sharp claws on their hands. The oviraptorosaurs lived during the Cretaceous period (between 145 and 66 million years ago) and belonged to a group of dinosaurs called theropods. This is a group of mainly meat-eating dinosaurs with hollow bones that includes the T rex and velociraptor. Theropod dinosaurs and humans share a common…
HYDERABAD
Hyderabad: Mega job fair featuring over 70 companies on April 7
The job mela, which will be held in Madhapur, will offer IT jobs, non- IT jobs and work from home positions Hyderabad: A mega job fair ‘Hi-tech City Mega Job Fair 2025’ for the unemployed youth, featuring more than 70 companies with spot offer letters, is being organised by Mannan Khan in collaboration with Association Expert Trainers Academy from 8 am to 2 pm on April 7 at Sri Sai Garden Function Hall Madhapur, 100 feet Road, beside Meridian School. The mega job mela, which will be inaugurated by philanthropist Siddhu Reddy, will offer IT jobs, non- IT jobs and work from home (WFH) positions. Candidates who have completed class 10, degree, freshers and experienced individuals can participate in the job fair. “We welcome all job seekers whether they are freshers or experienced. Till now we have provided more than 21, 000 jobs from all over India without charging any…
HYDERABAD
Hyderabad: Drinking water supply to be disrupted in multiple areas
Repair works are being taken up to stop major leakage in Manjeera Water Supply Scheme at R C Puram and Old Mumbai Road Hyderabad: Supply of normal drinking water supply will be disrupted at multiple locations in Hyderabad due to repair works to stop a major leakage in the water pipeline (Manjeera Water Supply Scheme) at R C Puram, Father School (St Arnold’s School) and Old Mumbai Road. Repair works are underway to stop these major leakages and they will continue until 11 pm on Friday. Hyderabad: Supply of normal drinking water supply will be disrupted at multiple locations in Hyderabad due to repair works to stop a major leakage in the water pipeline (Manjeera Water Supply Scheme) at R C Puram, Father School (St Arnold’s School) and Old Mumbai Road. Repair works are underway to stop these major leakages and they will continue until 11 pm on Friday. Advertisement Powered by:…
HYDERABAD
Telangana: Doctor hit by speeding train, dies at Malakpet railway station
Incident occurred when victim Alisha was crossing the railway tracks to reach Kacheguda for work Hyderabad: In a tragic incident, a 26-year-old woman doctor died after being hit by the Sampark Kranti train at Malakpet railway station on Friday. According to Government Railway Police, Kacheguda, Inspector Yellappa, Alisha (26), daughter of Sheikh Mohammed Ali from Chanchalguda, was crossing the railway tracks between Platform No.1 and Platform No.2 to reach Kacheguda for work, when she was hit by the speeding train. Alisha suffered grievous bleeding injuries and died on the spot. On receiving information, the Kacheguda Railway Police personnel reached the spot and shifted the body to Osmania General Hospital. Case is under investigation.
HYDERABAD
Hyderabad: Engineering student dies of cardiac arrest while playing cricket in college at Medchal
The staff and students of CMR Engineering College in Medchal rushed the fourth-year student to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead Hyderabad: An engineering student died, reportedly of cardiac arrest while playing cricket at CMR Engineering College, Medchal, in the city suburbs here on Friday. The youth identified as Vinay Kumar (21), a native of Khammam district was studying fourth-year engineering. The incident occurred in the evening during a cricket tournament being organised on campus. Vinay, who was fielding, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the match. The college staff and students rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. Doctors suspect he died of a cardiac arrest. The family raised no suspicion over his death. The police were investigating.
HYDERABAD
Sri Ram Navami: Hyderabad Police plan special surveillance for Shobha Yatra
City Police Commissioner CV Anand suggests officials to deploy special additional forces in problematic areas around religious places Hyderabad: In view of the Sri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra to be held on April 6, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand held a video conference with officials. During the conference, the Commissioner suggested the officials that special surveillance be set up at the intersection where the main procession and smaller processions connect. It was also suggested that special additional forces be deployed in problematic areas around religious places and that continuous surveillance be maintained. Special attention must also be paid to pickpockets and chain snatchers, Anand told officials.
Telangana
Watch: ‘Rally for resistance’ on UoH campus seeks release of detained students
Led by the UoH students union, teaching and non-teaching staff organisations, the ‘rally for resistance’, ‘rally for triumph’ was organised from the north shopping complex to the university east campus Hyderabad: Demanding the release of all detained students under police custody, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) students organised a rally on the university campus here on Friday. Led by the UoH students union, teaching and non-teaching staff organisations, the ‘rally for resistance’, ‘rally for triumph’ was organised from the north shopping complex to the university east campus, where biodiversity-rich land in Kancha Gachibowli was cleared by the State government. Students also demanded the revoking of all FIRs on students, civil society groups, and various activists, and the removal of police camps from the campus. They wanted the UoH administration to file a petition in the High Court for the ownership of the 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli. It may be…
Telangana
Telangana: Uncertainty clouds completion of Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel project
Alternative plans are in consideration for the completion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel project Hyderabad: Alternative plans are in consideration for the completion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project, which was mired in uncertainties after the February 22 roof collapse. The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), with its cutter component still intact, has been reduced to wreckage following the collapse. Acquiring a new TBM to resume operations would involve time and financial costs. It would add up to the overall cost of the project. Experts have reportedly made it clear that continuing the project using the damaged TBM is no longer feasible. Efforts to remove the damaged TBM are in progress but remain complex. With the tunnel works initiated way back in 2005, the project suffered multiple setbacks. Its completion is now a major concern before the government. Work on only 6.01 kilometres of critical stretch…
Telangana
BRS opposes Waqf Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha, terms it ‘deceptive’, ‘anti-Muslim’
The party says it will continue to oppose policies that harm the interests of minorities and marginalised sections Hyderabad: BRS Parliamentary Party leader K R Suresh Reddy and deputy leader Vaddiraju Ravichandra declared their party’s strong opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the BJP-led Central government in the Rajya Sabha, terming it “anti-Muslim” and “deceptive.” They said the BRS would continue to oppose policies that harm the interests of minorities and marginalised sections. Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan in Delhi on Friday, the BRS leaders accused the Congress of coming to power in Telangana through false promises and continuing to govern based on deceit.Telangana tourism “From the beginning, the BRS has respected the sentiments of Muslims and will continue to do so,” Suresh Reddy said. The MPs said despite having limited strength in the Rajya Sabha, the BRS has consistently taken a stand against both BJP and Congress…
Telangana
KCR holds preparatory meeting with BRS leaders from Hyderabad, Rangareddy districts
This is the third consecutive day of strategy sessions ahead of the party’s silver jubilee public meeting scheduled at Elkathurthy on April 27 Hyderabad: BRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao on Friday held a key preparatory meeting with party leaders from Hyderabad and the erstwhile Ranga Reddy districts at his Erravelli residence, marking the third consecutive day of strategy sessions ahead of the party’s silver jubilee public meeting scheduled at Elkathurthy on April 27. The high-level meeting, part of a series of deliberations leading up to the landmark event, was attended by the party working president K T Rama Rao, along with former Ministers P Sabitha Indra Reddy and Talasani Srinivas Yadav, MLCs Shambhipur Raju, Vani Devi, Dasoju Sravan, and MLAs Maganti Gopinath, D Sudheer Reddy, Kaleru Venkatesh, and Mutha Gopal among others. During the meeting, the BRS chief is learnt to have reviewed the preparedness, arrangements, and mobilisation plans for the…
Telangana
Telangana’s record land bank contrasts with Revanth Reddy’s obsession with fresh land acquisitions
Despite vast unused parcels within the industrial land bank, the Congress government has been aggressively pursuing new acquisitions often targeting ecologically sensitive zones Hyderabad: Telangana boasts of having the country’s largest industrial land bank with over 77,941 acres available. But Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s aggressive push for more land acquisitions – often in ecologically fragile or agriculturally rich areas – raises uncomfortable questions about the government’s lack of foresight and policy. According to India Industrial Land Bank under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the industrial land available in Telangana is 77,941 acres, of which around 45,000 acres are available in and around the peripheral areas of Hyderabad and erstwhile Rangareddy district. This is almost 25 per cent of the entire nation’s land bank of 3,05,167 acres. After Telangana, the States of Maharashtra (43,077 acres), Gujarat (42,991 acres) and Tamil Nadu (39,181 acres) have huge land banks available…
Andhra Pradesh
Waqf Bill approval ‘historic step towards justice, accountability’: Pawan Kalyan
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties (assets permanently donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes) with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday said the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill through both the Houses of the Parliament is a “historic step towards justice, transparency and accountability”. The Janasena founder asserted that under the “visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA administration has once again proved its commitment to resolve long-standing concerns”. The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday and in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. “The Waqf Amendment Bill’s passage through both Houses of Parliament reflects more than merely a parliamentary achievement. It’s a historic step towards justice, transparency, and…
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh: Fire breaks out in secretariat block II
The fire started around 6:30 AM in the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) room of South Block Number Two, which houses offices of key ministers including that of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. “The batteries in the UPS room were damaged in the fire and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined Vijayawada: A minor fire broke out in the second block of the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat in the early hours of Friday, triggering concern among officials and staff, and no one was in or around the room at the time of the incident, an official said. The fire started around 6:30 AM in the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) room of South Block Number Two, which houses offices of key ministers including that of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. “The batteries in the UPS room were damaged in the fire and the cause of the fire is yet…
National
There is blood on your hands, Rahul Gandhi: KT Rama Rao
Holds the Congress leader responsible for not restraining his party’s government from causing the destruction in Kancha Gachibowli mini-forest Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Friday held the Congress government responsible for the death of a deer which was mauled by street dogs on the campus of University of Hyderabad (UoH). Following clearance of green cover in nearly 100 acres, the deer is learnt to have wandered into open areas on the university campus where street dogs attacked it, leading to its death. Sharing a video of the incident on X, Rama Rao said the deer’s habitat had been destroyed due to the Congress government’s push for destruction in the Kancha Gachibowli mini-forest, leading to ecological devastation. “There is blood on your hands, Rahul Gandhi,” he posted, holding the Congress leader responsible for not restraining his party’s government from causing the destruction. Lashing out at Chief Minister A Revanth…
National
Congress launches Dr Manmohan Singh fellowship programme
The Dr Manmohan Singh Fellows programme will choose 50 mid-career professionals from across the country every year and help them transition into politics New Delhi: The Congress on Friday launched a fellowship programme named after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh under which 50 mid-career professionals will be chosen every year and mentored by senior party leaders from professional backgrounds with an aim of building a modern and progressive India. Addressing a joint press conference with SC department national coordinator K Raju and AICC media and publicity department head Pawan Khera, Chairman of Professionals’ Congress and Data Analytics Praveen Chakravarty said, ‘The Dr Manmohan Singh Fellows’ programme will identify and choose 50 mid-career professionals from across the country every year. Chakravarty said those professionals would be chosen who are in the middle of their careers, not at the entry level, but who have spent close to ten years in the professional…
National
SC refuses review of decision against confiscating funds received via electoral bonds
A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra dismissed the review plea filed by Khem Singh Bhati against the top court’s decision of August 2, 2024. New Delhi: The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking the review of its decision against the petitions for confiscating Rs 16,518 crore received by political parties under the 2018 electoral bond scheme. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra dismissed the review plea filed by Khem Singh Bhati against the top court’s decision of August 2, 2024. The apex court had then rejected the petition seeking confiscation of money received under the scheme. The bench on March 26 held, “The review petition is dismissed in terms of the signed order. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.” The top court’s order, made available recently, also refused to accept…
National
Supreme Court declines plea to ban social media use for children below 13, cites policy domain
“We are not inclined to entertain the current petition, as the relief sought falls within the realm of policy decisions,” the bench observed. While dismissing the plea, the court granted the petitioner the liberty to submit a representation to the appropriate authority. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking to impose a statutory prohibition on social media usage for children below 13 years. “It is a policy matter. You ask Parliament to enact the law,” a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih told the counsel appearing for the petitioner. “We are not inclined to entertain the present petition in as much as the relief sought is within the domain of policy,” the bench said. While disposing of the plea, it granted liberty to the petitioner to make a representation to the authority. The bench said if such a representation was…
National
BSNL has added 55 lakh customers in last seven months, says Jyotiraditya Scindia
He also highlighted that BSNL was carrying out the crucial project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country, which had been cleared by the Union Cabinet at a total cost of Rs 26,316 crore. New Delhi: Public Sector telecom major BSNL has added 55 lakh customers in the last seven months, taking the total number past the 9.1 crore mark, the Parliament was informed. Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that from June 2024 till February this year, BSNL customers have risen from 8.55 crore customers to 9.1 crore customers. The public sector company bounced back into profitability during the October-December quarter after 18 years due to the policies of the Narendra Modi government, he added. He also highlighted that BSNL was carrying out the crucial project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country, which had…
International
Namibia voices concern over US tariffs, warns of trade disruptions
“The Government of the Republic of Namibia has taken note of the US government’s recent reciprocal tariff imposed on African countries, which includes 21 per cent tariffs on Namibia,” the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said in a statement. Windhoek: The Namibian government expressed concern over newly imposed US tariffs, warning that the move has caused “turbulence in global trade” and could unfairly impact the country’s exports. “The Government of the Republic of Namibia has taken note of the US government’s recent reciprocal tariff imposed on African countries, which includes 21 per cent tariffs on Namibia,” the Ministry of International Relations and Trade said in a statement. “The move by the US administration has created turbulence in global trade, which undermines the commitment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),” the ministry said. “Unfortunately, this measure could result in unfair market conditions for Namibian products to compete fairly…
International
Editorial: Nepal in crisis
The current unrest in Nepal is not merely about nostalgia for a bygone era but a reflection of the deep-rooted frustration of ordinary Nepalis Nepal is once again in the grip of civil unrest. Nearly 17 years after the abolition of the monarchy and transition to a democratic republic, the Himalayan nation is witnessing massive demonstrations demanding a return to the monarchy and its Hindu identity. However, some see Hindu nationalism as a separate issue, while others equate it directly with restoring the monarchy. Driven by disillusionment with the government, thousands of people have hit the streets in Kathmandu and other towns and clashed with the police, leading to the death of two protestors in police firing. While reinstatement of the monarchy is not a solution to multiple problems facing the country, it must be understood that the current unrest is clearly a backlash against political instability plaguing Kathmandu. In…
International
A bizarre-looking dinosaur gives new insights into evolution
New habitat, environs, and food sources made some of the dinosaurs to start using their arms for a whole new purpose Oviraptorosaurs are weird dinosaurs, which look a bit like flightless birds. But these ancient animals aren’t just funny looking fossils. As a new research shows, they can help us understand how our own forelimbs evolved and challenge what scientists think about the T rex. Covered in feathers and equipped with a strong, sharp beak, oviraptorosaurs ranged in size from a house cat to a giraffe. They could easily be mistaken for birds if not for the sharp claws on their hands. The oviraptorosaurs lived during the Cretaceous period (between 145 and 66 million years ago) and belonged to a group of dinosaurs called theropods. This is a group of mainly meat-eating dinosaurs with hollow bones that includes the T rex and velociraptor. Theropod dinosaurs and humans share a common…
HYDERABAD
Hyderabad: Mega job fair featuring over 70 companies on April 7
The job mela, which will be held in Madhapur, will offer IT jobs, non- IT jobs and work from home positions Hyderabad: A mega job fair ‘Hi-tech City Mega Job Fair 2025’ for the unemployed youth, featuring more than 70 companies with spot offer letters, is being organised by Mannan Khan in collaboration with Association Expert Trainers Academy from 8 am to 2 pm on April 7 at Sri Sai Garden Function Hall Madhapur, 100 feet Road, beside Meridian School. The mega job mela, which will be inaugurated by philanthropist Siddhu Reddy, will offer IT jobs, non- IT jobs and work from home (WFH) positions. Candidates who have completed class 10, degree, freshers and experienced individuals can participate in the job fair. “We welcome all job seekers whether they are freshers or experienced. Till now we have provided more than 21, 000 jobs from all over India without charging any…
HYDERABAD
Hyderabad: Drinking water supply to be disrupted in multiple areas
Repair works are being taken up to stop major leakage in Manjeera Water Supply Scheme at R C Puram and Old Mumbai Road Hyderabad: Supply of normal drinking water supply will be disrupted at multiple locations in Hyderabad due to repair works to stop a major leakage in the water pipeline (Manjeera Water Supply Scheme) at R C Puram, Father School (St Arnold’s School) and Old Mumbai Road. Repair works are underway to stop these major leakages and they will continue until 11 pm on Friday. Hyderabad: Supply of normal drinking water supply will be disrupted at multiple locations in Hyderabad due to repair works to stop a major leakage in the water pipeline (Manjeera Water Supply Scheme) at R C Puram, Father School (St Arnold’s School) and Old Mumbai Road. Repair works are underway to stop these major leakages and they will continue until 11 pm on Friday. Advertisement Powered by:…
HYDERABAD
Telangana: Doctor hit by speeding train, dies at Malakpet railway station
Incident occurred when victim Alisha was crossing the railway tracks to reach Kacheguda for work Hyderabad: In a tragic incident, a 26-year-old woman doctor died after being hit by the Sampark Kranti train at Malakpet railway station on Friday. According to Government Railway Police, Kacheguda, Inspector Yellappa, Alisha (26), daughter of Sheikh Mohammed Ali from Chanchalguda, was crossing the railway tracks between Platform No.1 and Platform No.2 to reach Kacheguda for work, when she was hit by the speeding train. Alisha suffered grievous bleeding injuries and died on the spot. On receiving information, the Kacheguda Railway Police personnel reached the spot and shifted the body to Osmania General Hospital. Case is under investigation.
HYDERABAD
Hyderabad: Engineering student dies of cardiac arrest while playing cricket in college at Medchal
The staff and students of CMR Engineering College in Medchal rushed the fourth-year student to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead Hyderabad: An engineering student died, reportedly of cardiac arrest while playing cricket at CMR Engineering College, Medchal, in the city suburbs here on Friday. The youth identified as Vinay Kumar (21), a native of Khammam district was studying fourth-year engineering. The incident occurred in the evening during a cricket tournament being organised on campus. Vinay, who was fielding, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the match. The college staff and students rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. Doctors suspect he died of a cardiac arrest. The family raised no suspicion over his death. The police were investigating.
HYDERABAD
Sri Ram Navami: Hyderabad Police plan special surveillance for Shobha Yatra
City Police Commissioner CV Anand suggests officials to deploy special additional forces in problematic areas around religious places Hyderabad: In view of the Sri Ram Navami Shobha Yatra to be held on April 6, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand held a video conference with officials. During the conference, the Commissioner suggested the officials that special surveillance be set up at the intersection where the main procession and smaller processions connect. It was also suggested that special additional forces be deployed in problematic areas around religious places and that continuous surveillance be maintained. Special attention must also be paid to pickpockets and chain snatchers, Anand told officials.
