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ITC Nimyle Launches ‘Clean Equal Mission’ to Foster Equality Through Shared Responsibility

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Pic, Aleem Style

Hyderabad, December 13, 2024: ITC Nimyle, a trusted name in home hygiene products, has unveiled its transformative initiative, the Clean Equal Mission, aimed at promoting equality and shared responsibility in household chores, especially cleaning. The program aspires to inculcate values of independence, teamwork, and cleanliness among children, laying the foundation for a more responsible and equitable society.

The initiative addresses the longstanding societal expectation that cleaning and other household chores are predominantly women’s responsibilities. With its innovative and educative module designed for children, the mission seeks to transform cleaning from being a duty into a shared, life-enriching activity, fostering empathy, independence, and equality.

Prominent Figures Support the Launch

The launch event in Hyderabad featured prominent personalities, including former World No. 1 in Women’s Doubles (Tennis) Sania Mirza, who actively endorsed the mission. She participated in an engaging panel discussion alongside Mr. Sanjay Srinivas, Vice President – Marketing, Personal Care Products Business, ITC Limited, Ms. Madhavi Chandra, Principal of Gitanjali Devshala, and Ms. Kiranmai Choudary, a renowned educator and parenting mentor. 

Ms. Choudary also conducted an interactive workshop with parents, highlighting practical ways to integrate the principles of the Clean Equal Mission into everyday life. 

Speaking at the event, Sania Mirza remarked, “This initiative deeply resonates with my values of equality and responsible parenting. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about shaping young minds to embrace shared responsibility and equality from a young age. I applaud ITC Nimyle for championing this cause and inspiring collective action.”*

A Mission with a Purpose

The Clean Equal Mission is designed to empower children with life skills through age-appropriate educational content, delivered in collaboration with schools and parents. By introducing cleaning as a shared activity, the program aspires to foster values like teamwork, self-worth, and independence in children. 

Sameer Satpathy, Divisional Chief Executive, Personal Care Products Business, ITC Limited, said, “Cleaning is one of the first chores children undertake, teaching them ownership, pride, and responsibility. With the *Clean Equal Mission, we aim to instill these values early, nurturing a generation that values equality and hygiene.”

Expanding Horizons

In its first phase, the mission will reach over 1 lakh students in Hyderabad, with plans to expand to more than 8 lakh students across India in the coming months. Schools, parents, and children will be engaged through interactive activities and educational content to internalize these values.

About ITC Nimyle

ITC Nimyle, made with neem, is a 100% natural, eco-friendly floor cleaner certified by GreenPro as a “Green Product.” It is endorsed by the World Neem Organization and formulated to leave no chemical residue, ensuring safe and hygienic environments for families. 

The Clean Equal Mission aligns with ITC Nimyle’s commitment to sustainability and its mission to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and equality through innovative products and impactful social initiatives.  This initiative is set to redefine household cleaning, not as a duty but as an opportunity to shape the values of the next generation.

“SUES and WASSAN Collaborate to Revolutionize Campus Sustainability Practices”

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“A Partnership to Drive Sustainability Through Campus Management and Environmental Practices”

Video Available

Hyderabad, Dec 12: Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society (SUES) and Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN) have announced a landmark partnership to set new benchmarks in environmental conservation. The collaboration will be formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

The MoU will be signed by Mr. Zafar Javeed, Honorary Secretary of SUES, and Mr. M.V. Rama Chandrudu, Director of WASSAN, signaling the beginning of a transformative journey toward a sustainable future.

Pioneering Sustainability Goals

The partnership outlines several ambitious objectives to turn SUES into a model of environmental responsibility:

  1. Water-Positive Campus: Cutting-edge water management systems will be introduced to optimize conservation and usage.
  2. Zero-Waste Campus: Advanced waste management practices will aim to minimize the institution’s ecological footprint.
  3. Rainwater Harvesting: A detailed project report will be developed to ensure effective utilization of rainwater resources.

Leaders Speak on the Collaboration

Addressing the media, Mr. Zafar Javeed described the MoU as a turning point in SUES’s sustainability journey. “We aim to lead by example, creating a campus that embodies environmental responsibility. This partnership with WASSAN is the first step toward achieving our vision of a water-positive and zero-waste campus. Rainwater harvesting will serve as the cornerstone of our initiatives,” he stated.

Mr. M.V. Rama Chandrudu, Director of WASSAN, highlighted the technical expertise his organization will bring to the table. “This collaboration underscores the importance of educational institutions in promoting sustainable development. Together, we aim to set a precedent for others to follow,” he said.

A Unified Commitment

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by principals, dean, and director of SUES’s constituent colleges, reflecting the institution’s unified commitment to the cause.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in integrating sustainability into education, demonstrating that collective efforts can address critical environmental challenges.

Global Outage Hits Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram

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Hyderabad, December 11, 2024: A widespread technical outage disrupted services on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram on Monday, leaving millions of users unable to access the platforms. The error message, “Sorry, something went wrong. We’re working on getting this fixed as soon as we can,” appeared on Facebook, while WhatsApp and Instagram users reported issues with sending messages and loading feeds.

Details of the Outage

The problem began around 3:00 PM IST, with users across India and globally facing difficulties in accessing the platforms. On WhatsApp, messages remained unsent or undelivered, while Instagram users reported blank feeds and failed uploads. Many users took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration and seek updates on the situation.

Meta’s Official Response

Meta, the parent company of all three platforms, acknowledged the issue in a statement. “We are aware that some users are experiencing problems with Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Our technical teams are working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible,” said a spokesperson.

Impact on Users

The outage disrupted personal communication, business operations, and content sharing, highlighting the dependency on these platforms for daily activities. Businesses relying on WhatsApp for customer interaction and Instagram influencers promoting campaigns were particularly affected.

Previous Similar Outages

This is not the first time the trio of Meta-owned platforms has faced technical issues.

  • October 2021: A global outage lasting nearly six hours left all three platforms inaccessible, impacting billions of users.
  • March 2019: A similar incident caused partial disruptions to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram for over 24 hours.

Current Status

As of now, Meta has not provided a clear timeline for the restoration of services. Users are advised to stay updated through Meta’s official communication channels.

The outage has once again raised questions about the reliability of centralized digital platforms, with calls for decentralized alternatives gaining momentum.

Facebook Experiences Global Outage: Users Report Errors

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Hyderabad, December 11, 2024: Users across the globe, including those in India, reported issues while accessing Facebook on Monday. Many were greeted with the message, “Sorry, something went wrong. We’re working on getting this fixed as soon as we can.”

The outage caused inconvenience to millions of users, as the platform displayed errors in loading feeds, profiles, and other features. Reports indicate that the problem began around 3:00 PM IST, with users taking to other social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences and frustration.

Facebook’s Response

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, acknowledged the issue and stated that their technical teams were actively working to resolve it. “We are aware that some people are having trouble accessing Facebook. We are working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible,” said a spokesperson for Meta in a brief statement.

Impact on Users

The outage not only disrupted personal communication but also affected businesses, influencers, and organizations relying on Facebook for marketing and outreach. Many users expressed their concern over the downtime, highlighting how dependent they are on the platform for daily activities.

Previous Instances

This is not the first time Facebook has faced such issues.

  • October 2021: A six-hour-long outage affected Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, leaving users offline worldwide.
  • March 2019: A partial outage lasted for nearly 24 hours, marking one of the longest downtimes in the platform’s history.

Current Status

As of now, Meta has not provided a specific timeline for the restoration of services. Users are advised to stay patient as engineers work to address the issue.

Updates on the progress of the situation are expected to be shared on Meta’s official communication channels.

Report by Syed Iftikhar Ali, Press Photographer

Freezing Temperatures Grip Adilabad, Asifabad: Villages Experience Cold Wave at 8.5°C

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Adilabad, December 11: Bone-chilling weather continues to dominate Adilabad and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts, as temperatures plummeted further on Wednesday. Villages in the region are battling severe cold conditions, with the mercury dipping to as low as 8.5 degrees Celsius in some areas.

The lowest temperature was recorded in Arli (T) village of Bheempur mandal at 8.5 degrees Celsius, marking one of the coldest nights of the season. Adilabad Rural mandal followed closely with a minimum temperature of 9.1 degrees Celsius. Other mandals, including Talamadugu, Bela, Neradigonda, Mavala, Jainad, Boath, Bazarhathnoor, Tamsi, and Gadiguda, reported temperatures ranging from 9°C to 11°C.

In Kumram Bheem Asifabad district, Sirpur (U) mandal recorded a low of 9.7°C, while Kerameri mandal shivered at 10.5°C. Several other mandals, including Tiryani, Asifabad, Jainoor, Wankidi, Chintalamanepalli, Rebbena, Lingapur, and Bejjur, reported temperatures between 11°C and 13°C.

Impact on Daily Life

The severe cold has made life particularly challenging for the elderly and children, who are most vulnerable to such harsh weather conditions. Residents across these districts have resorted to lighting bonfires and wrapping themselves in woolen clothes to combat the freezing temperatures. Farmers and laborers, who start their day early, are bearing the brunt of the cold as they work in the open fields.

Weather Forecast and Advisory

Meteorologists attribute the current cold wave to the northeasterly winds and dry conditions prevalent in the region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cold spell is likely to persist for the next few days, urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay warm.

Officials have also advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, especially during early mornings and late evenings, to prevent health issues such as hypothermia and respiratory problems. Local health centers are on alert to handle an increase in cases related to cold-related illnesses.

Previous Instances of Cold Waves in the Region

This is not the first time the districts have witnessed such severe cold conditions.

  • December 2023: Similar weather patterns saw temperatures dipping to 7.9°C in Adilabad, disrupting normal life and affecting agricultural activities.
  • January 2022: Kumram Bheem Asifabad experienced an unprecedented low of 6.5°C, which led to crop damage and increased cases of flu among the residents.

Community Resilience Amid Harsh Weather

Despite the freezing temperatures, residents have shown resilience. Community efforts such as gathering around bonfires, distributing warm clothing to the needy, and increased family bonding indoors are helping people endure the cold spell. Government officials are also distributing blankets and organizing awareness drives on protecting oneself from extreme cold.

As the cold wave tightens its grip, the region braces for yet another frosty night, with hopes that the temperatures will rise soon to bring relief.

Parked Fuel Tanker Catches Fire at Nampally Petrol Station, Major Disaster Averted

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Video // Heroic Act Saves Nampally: Fuel Tanker Fire Averted Near Petrol Pump

Hyderabad, December 11: A serious accident was narrowly avoided on Wednesday afternoon when a fire erupted in a fuel tanker parked at an HP petrol pump near Ek Minar Masjid, Nampally. Timely action by a courageous elderly individual and a swift response from the fire department ensured public safety, preventing a potentially catastrophic explosion.

The incident unfolded around 2:30 PM, causing widespread panic among residents and commuters in the bustling area. Witnesses recounted that the fire began in the rear section of the tanker, which was stationed dangerously close to the petrol pump. The flames, fed by residual fuel, quickly intensified, raising fears of an explosion that could have caused immense damage.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, an elderly man on the scene sprang into action. Displaying remarkable bravery, he managed to move the tanker a safe distance from the petrol pump before firefighters arrived. His timely intervention significantly reduced the risk of the fire spreading or causing casualties.

Within minutes, two fire brigades reached the site and brought the flames under control. Their swift action averted a major disaster, as the petrol station was located in a densely populated area with heavy vehicular movement.

Traffic Disruption and Emergency Management

The fire caused temporary disruptions to traffic near Ek Minar Masjid as emergency services cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. ACP Goshamahal Traffic, Smt. Dhanalakshmi, was praised for her exemplary coordination efforts, which ensured the smooth flow of vehicles and prevented chaos during the crisis.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest that the tanker may have had faulty wiring or inadequate maintenance. Officials are also probing whether the petrol pump complied with standard safety protocols.

Past Incidents Highlight Ongoing Safety Concerns

This is not the first time Hyderabad has witnessed such alarming incidents. Here are some notable past occurrences:

  • July 2024, Malakpet Petrol Pump Fire: A fuel tanker caught fire while unloading fuel at a petrol station in Malakpet. Although no casualties were reported, the blaze disrupted local traffic for hours. Investigations revealed negligence in following safety procedures during fuel transfer.
  • March 2023, Secunderabad Fuel Tanker Explosion: A tragic explosion occurred near Paradise Circle when a tanker developed a fuel leak. The blast caused injuries to two bystanders and extensive damage to nearby shops and vehicles. It was later found that the tanker was overdue for a safety inspection.
  • December 2021, Bowenpally Petrol Station Fire: A fire broke out at a petrol pump in Bowenpally due to a short circuit in the tanker’s electrical system. Firefighters managed to contain the fire, but the incident highlighted serious gaps in vehicle maintenance and emergency preparedness.
  • October 2020, Uppal Fuel Depot Blaze: In a more devastating incident, a fuel depot in Uppal witnessed a massive fire that took over 12 hours to control. This incident resulted in the loss of property worth crores and raised questions about the enforcement of safety regulations in storage facilities.

Need for Enhanced Safety Protocols

These incidents underscore the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety measures across petrol stations and fuel tankers. Authorities must ensure that vehicles transporting flammable materials undergo regular inspections, and petrol pumps are equipped with adequate fire safety tools. Public awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in educating citizens about the importance of vigilance and quick action during such emergencies.

By averting a major disaster in Nampally, this incident serves as a stark reminder of how collective effort and timely intervention can save lives. The bravery of the elderly bystander and the efficiency of Hyderabad’s fire department deserve special recognition.

Report by Mir Mehdi Ali Baquri SNS

A Call for Compassion: Learning from the Resilience of a 91-Year-Old Vendor

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By Syed Hyder Ali

In a world brimming with technological advancements and unprecedented opportunities, the sight of a 91-year-old man, Taj Uddin, sitting by the roadside selling guavas serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many. His frail hands, weathered by time, are still at work because his needs compel him to do so. His simple words, “Needs don’t let a person rest, and children don’t let them grow old,” echo a reality that is all too common but often ignored.

At his age, Taj Uddin should be resting, enjoying the fruits of a life well-lived. Instead, he is compelled to labor, highlighting a systemic failure to provide dignity and security to our elderly. This situation also mirrors the plight of today’s youth. Despite educational qualifications and aspirations, unemployment continues to plague a significant portion of the younger generation.

The Role of Governance: Time for Action, Not Just Politics

While it’s easy to criticize governments for their shortcomings, it is imperative to recognize the pressing need for reforms. Instead of indulging in divisive politics, it is high time for political leaders to prioritize the well-being of the common man. Whether it’s debates over statues or exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gains, these distractions divert attention from real issues such as unemployment, poverty, and the lack of social security.

Governments need to invest in creating sustainable job opportunities for the youth while ensuring safety nets for the elderly. The focus must shift from short-term political victories to long-term strategies that foster development and inclusivity. Policies that bridge the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged can lay the foundation for a progressive society.

Entrepreneurs and Investors: A Call to Action

The private sector, especially investors and entrepreneurs, must also rise to the occasion. Their involvement can catalyze job creation and economic stability. Startups and industries should explore ways to tap into local talent, thereby addressing unemployment while boosting regional development.

A Message to the Youth: Take Inspiration and Lead the Change

Taj Uddin’s resilience should serve as an inspiration for the younger generation. While circumstances might be challenging, his unwavering spirit reminds us that perseverance is key. At the same time, young people should channel their energy not just toward personal success but also toward uplifting their communities.

From Hate to Hope: The Need for Unity

In an era where politics of hatred seem to dominate the narrative, it is crucial to spread the message of love and unity. Divisions based on religion, caste, or cultural differences do nothing but weaken the fabric of society. Instead, we must build bridges of understanding and work collectively to address the challenges we face as a nation.

It is time to put an end to divisive rhetoric and focus on issues that truly matter. The youth, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and citizens alike must unite to create a society where every individual—young or old—can live with dignity, purpose, and hope.

Let Taj Uddin’s story remind us of the value of hard work and resilience, and let it propel us toward building a world where no one has to struggle alone.

HIESET-25 Online Test: Opportunity for Two-Year Scholarship Announced

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Photo Aleem Style

Hyderabad: The Ghiasuddin Babukhan Charitable Trust has announced the HIESET-25 online test, providing a two-year full scholarship for talented and underprivileged students. The test will be conducted from 15th December 2024 to 15th January 2025. Successful candidates will gain admission to the Intermediate program with integrated coaching for MPC, BIPC, and MEC streams at the Hyderabad Institute of Excellence (HIE) campus in Vikarabad.

Program Highlights

The program offers integrated coaching for competitive exams such as JEE-Mains, NEET, EAMCET, and MEC with options for CA, CPT, LAWCET, CLAT, Mass Communication, and NDA preparation. In addition to academics, HIE focuses on personality development and provides state-of-the-art sports facilities, including swimming, cricket, football, tennis, horse riding, and indoor sports, all on international-sized grounds.

Over the past decade, HIE students have achieved stellar results, securing free seats in top universities and colleges across disciplines like Medical, Engineering, Dental, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and Chartered Accountancy. Notably, some students have also earned admission to prestigious institutions like the Delhi College of Architecture.

Eligibility Criteria

Students scoring above 9.3 GPA in their 10th Board Exams and securing a merit rank in the HIESET-25 test and personal interview, assessed based on economic criteria and trust norms, will be eligible for one of the 125 scholarship seats.

Event Launch and Registration

The brochure for the test was unveiled by Chief Guest Mr. B. Shafiullah, IFS, encouraging students from rural areas to take this opportunity to transform their lives. Eligible students currently in the 10th grade can register for the HIESET-25 test at hieset.in. The Trust emphasized that the test is free, and no individual is authorized to collect fees.

Test Schedule and Contact Information

The test will be held on the following dates:

  • 15th December 2024 – Khammam (Contact: Mr. Malik – 9866556876)
  • 22nd December 2024 – Vijayawada (Contact: Mr. Baba Fakruddin – 9866556841)
  • 29th December 2024 – Kurnool (Contact: Mr. Nihal Ahmed – 7032699281)

For further assistance, contact Mr. Shahbaz at 9866556857 or via email at [email protected].

A Message of Gratitude

Mr. Mansoor Babukhan, while releasing the HIESET-25 notification, expressed gratitude to Allah SWT for the exceptional results of past students and urged eligible candidates to seize this life-changing opportunity.

Online Registration Link: hieset.in

Telangana Schools Ordered to Display Teachers’ Photos to Tackle Proxy Teaching and Absenteeism

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Hyderabad: In a bid to curb proxy teaching and ensure accountability, the Telangana School Education Department has directed all government-run schools to display photographs of their teachers in a common area on the school premises. The directive applies to government, local body, KGBV, Model, and TGREIS schools, with immediate effect.

Official Directive Issued

School Education Director EV Narasimha Reddy recently issued an order instructing school authorities to prominently showcase teachers’ photographs, with provisions to update them in case of transfers or retirements. “All District Educational Officers (DEOs) are requested to ensure compliance by instructing headmasters, special officers, and principals of respective schools under various managements to display teachers’ photographs in a common area, preferably in the teacher civil list,” the order stated.

The directive also mandates district coordinators, Mandal Educational Officers (MEOs), and other officials to monitor the implementation of the rule during their visits to schools. This initiative aims to achieve 100 percent compliance across the state.

Nationwide Concern Over Proxy Teachers

The issue of proxy teachers has been a persistent problem in government schools across the country. To address this, the Ministry of Education recently instructed all states to adopt the practice of displaying teachers’ photographs. The decision was highlighted as a priority during the third Chief Secretaries’ Conference held by the Ministry.

In Telangana, cases of proxy teaching have surfaced in remote areas, particularly in Khammam district. Reports suggest that some senior teachers have hired individuals from villages to work on their behalf for payments of up to ₹10,000. Additionally, allegations have emerged about certain teacher union leaders skipping work without proper authorization.

A Move Toward Transparency

The new initiative is not only expected to tackle proxy teaching but also to address absenteeism among teachers. By making the identity of teachers publicly visible, students and parents will be able to report any discrepancies, such as missing or unassigned teachers.

Officials believe this measure will help restore accountability in the education system and improve the learning environment for students.

BRS Protests Against Redesigned Telangana Thalli Statue, Questions Raised Over Political Motives

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Public Questions: Is the Statue Redesign Beneficial or a Burden on State Finances?

Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Monday staged widespread protests across Telangana, opposing the redesign of the Telangana Thalli statue by the Congress-led state government. The move has sparked debates over its necessity, with critics calling it a politically motivated decision that undermines the identity and legacy of Telangana.

State-Wide Demonstrations

BRS leaders and supporters responded to a call by the party’s working president, KT Rama Rao, by cleansing existing Telangana Thalli statues with milk, performing Palabhishekam rituals, and garlanding the statues while raising slogans of “Jai Telangana.”

At Telangana Bhavan, MLC K Kavitha led a protest accompanied by GHMC corporators and other local leaders. In a symbolic act, Kavitha offered milk to the original Telangana Thalli statue installed by the BRS during KCR’s tenure, opposing the Congress government’s decision to replace it with a redesigned version.

Political Intentions Questioned

Kavitha accused the Congress of using the statue redesign for political gain. “The new statue no longer represents the spirit of Telangana but instead serves as a political tool for the Congress. Removing Bathukamma and replacing it with the Congress election symbol of a hand disrespects the sacrifices made during the statehood movement,” she remarked.

The controversy also raises broader questions about the necessity of the redesign. Observers and citizens alike are questioning whether this decision is driven by political ego rather than genuine need. “Is there a significant purpose behind altering these statues, or is it merely a political move? If it’s the latter, it amounts to wasting public money on unnecessary changes,” critics argue.

The original statue of Telangana Thalli was commissioned under the leadership of KCR during the BRS government. However, with the Congress now in power, the decision to alter the statue has been met with widespread skepticism. Citizens are asking whether this change is truly in the public interest or simply a display of political rivalry.

Demands for Reinstatement

Senior BRS leaders, including MLAs and MLCs, joined the protests across the state, cleansing existing Telangana Thalli statues and demanding that the Congress government reinstate the original design. They emphasized that the new statue does not reflect the true identity of Telangana and accused the government of playing politics with cultural symbols.

Kavitha also questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s decision, pointing out the inconsistency in advocating for a change in the state’s abbreviation from TS to TG, while simultaneously altering the very symbol that represents the statehood movement.

Conclusion

The redesign of the Telangana Thalli statue has ignited a political firestorm, with the BRS accusing the Congress of disrespecting the cultural and historical legacy of Telangana. As protests continue, the public awaits clarity on whether this decision was genuinely necessary or simply a costly political maneuver.

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