In a recent turn of events, Former Telangana Chief Minister KCR has been admitted to Yasodha Hospital after suffering a bone injury. The incident occurred at his farm house in Erravalli late last night, where he reportedly fell, resulting in a hip fracture.
The hospital, in a Health Bulletin released today, disclosed that KCR was brought to Yasodha Somajiguda, Hyderabad, around 1 am. The fracture, identified as an intracapsular neck of femur fracture, necessitates a left hip replacement surgery. Sources mention that the injury was sustained while he was tying his pancha.
The expected recovery time for such cases is six to eight weeks, according to medical experts. KCR’s health is under constant monitoring by a multidisciplinary team comprising Orthopaedic, Anesthesia, General Medicine, and Pan Medicine specialists. As per the latest update, his general condition is stable.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story
New Delhi : A startling revelation unfolded in Parliament on Thursday, painting a grim picture of the demise of 397 lions, including 182 cubs, in Gujarat between 2019 and 2021. Minister of State for Environment, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, laid bare these alarming statistics in a written reply to a question posed in the Rajya Sabha.
Breaking down the numbers by year, the somber figures are as follows: In 2019, 66 adult lions and 60 cubs succumbed to death, followed by 73 adult lions and 76 cubs in 2020, and 76 adult lions and 46 cubs in 2021. The gravest concern arises as around 10.53 percent of these deaths, including 3.82 percent of cub fatalities, were attributed to unnatural causes.
Responding to the alarming figures, Minister Choubey underscored the Central government’s commitment to lion conservation in Gujarat. The state receives financial aid under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, focusing on initiatives like Asiatic lion conservation, public awareness about wildlife conservation, and habitat management.
Furthermore, the Minister shed light on the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the translocation of lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, currently under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court. The decision to relocate is considered a crucial step towards ensuring the survival and genetic diversity of Asiatic lions.
This revelation raises important questions about the conservation efforts and the need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard the majestic Asiatic lion population.
Hyderabad, December 7, 2023 : In a groundbreaking move, Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy wasted no time in translating Congress’s electoral promises into swift action after assuming office on Thursday. Addressing the public at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad immediately after taking the oath as the third Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy termed the demolition of barricades at Pragathi Bhavan, the official residence, as the liberation of the people.
In his maiden address to the people of the state, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced the initiation of a ‘Praja Darbar’ scheduled for 10 am on Friday. He passionately recalled the sacrifices made by people from different sections of society during the formation of the separate state.
Congress’s Six Guarantees – “Mahalakshmi,” “Rythu Bharosa,” “Gruha Jyothi,” “Indiramma Indlu,” “Yuva Vikasam,” and “Cheyutha”
Under the guidance of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress outlined six guarantees, each aiming at transforming Telangana and benefiting diverse sections of the population.
Mahalakshmi: Monthly financial aid of ₹2,500, ₹500 for gas cylinders, and complimentary RTC bus travel.
Rythu Bharosa: Annual financial support of ₹15,000 per acre for farmers, ₹12,000 for agricultural labor, and a ₹500 bonus for paddy crop.
Gruha Jyothi: Commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity to every household.
Indiramma Indlu: Allocation of 250 sq yards plots for Telangana movement fighters, a house site, and ₹5 lakh for those without homes.
Yuva Vikasam: Vidya Bharosa cards worth ₹5 lakh for students and the establishment of Telangana International Schools in every mandal.
Cheyutha: Monthly pension of ₹4,000 for senior citizens and ₹10 lakh under the Rajiv Arogyasri insurance.
“Watch: After a long time, a grand reception and arrangements for Sonia Gandhi at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.”
Challenges and Financial Commitments
Notable commitments include free travel for women in TSRTC buses, akin to Karnataka’s initiative, potentially impacting the corporation’s revenue, necessitating compensation for the losses. The promise of waiving farm loans up to Rs 2 lakh poses a substantial financial challenge, estimated at Rs 35,000 lakh crore over the next five years.
The Rythu Bharosa scheme’s enhancement to ₹15,000 per acre annually, compared to the previous ₹10,000, raises financial implications, with the outgoing government disbursing Rs 72,000 crore in the last five and a half years.
Congress’s Electoral Triumph
The Congress secured victory in the Telangana Assembly Election on November 30, capturing 64 out of 119 seats. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accompanied by 11 MLAs, took the oath of office at L B Stadium in Hyderabad, with Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administering the oath. Distinguished guests included AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, expressing assurance of full support for the progress and welfare of Telangana. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Congratulations to Shri Revanth Reddy on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana. I assure all possible support to further the progress of the state and the welfare of its citizens.”
Fencing at Pragathi Bhavan being removed – official residence of #Telangana CM
In a bold move, CM A Revanth Reddy’s administration is dismantling the fortress-like appearance of Pragathi Bhavan, constructed during K Chandrashekhar Rao’s tenure. The restrictive high-rise barricades are being removed, signaling a departure from the previous security-heavy approach. This decision follows Congress’s “Prajala Telangana” promise, with the government aiming to foster openness by renaming Pragati Bhavan as DR. BR Ambedkar Samman Bhavan. The daily Praja Darbar initiative is set to address citizen grievances, marking a significant shift in accessibility. Police are actively executing the government’s directive to complete the removal within the next two days.
New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has officially recognized 1,14,902 entities as startups as of October 31, 2023. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that these eligible firms are entitled to seek fiscal incentives under the Startup India Action Plan, launched in January 2016.
Startup India Action Plan Incentives: The action plan encompasses 19 items, including Income-Tax exemption for three years, simplification and handholding, funding support, incentives, and industry-academia partnership and incubation. Minister Piyush Goyal addressed questions in the Lok Sabha, shedding light on the comprehensive support framework for startups.
Challenges Faced by Gems and Jewellery Export Industry: In response to a separate inquiry, Minister of State Anupriya Patel acknowledged challenges in the gems and jewellery export industry. Subdued demand in major export destinations like the US, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and China, coupled with raw material availability concerns, were cited as hurdles faced by the industry.
These developments underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for startups while acknowledging and addressing challenges in key export sectors.
The U.K. Government has appointed Samir Shah, a 71-year-old British-Indian media executive, to lead the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as its new chair. Shah, a former BBC non-executive director, brings over four decades of media experience to the role.
Born in Aurangabad, Shah migrated to the U.K. in 1960. Known for his connections to the Conservative Party, he currently owns Juniper TV, a media company. Shah’s appointment follows the departure of Richard Sharp, who resigned in June amid controversy related to a loan arrangement with former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Shah faces challenges as the BBC grapples with financial constraints, including a £500 million cost-cutting initiative and a two-year freeze on its licensing fee. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has supported the need for the broadcaster to make prudent financial decisions.
Additionally, the BBC has come under scrutiny for its documentary ‘India: The Modi Question,’ which criticized the Indian government’s treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims. The film, banned in India, disclosed a British government report attributing responsibility for the 2002 Gujarat riots to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the documentary, tax authorities raided BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai, although the government denies any connection between the raids and the film.
Shah’s role as BBC chair includes overseeing the broadcaster’s independence, a crucial responsibility as it navigates financial challenges and international controversies.
Hyderabad : December 7, 2023: As Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief Revanth Reddy gears up to take oath as the first Congress Chief Minister, a distinguished guest list has been unveiled for the ceremony scheduled on Thursday at 1:04 pm. The swearing-in was initially slated for 10:28 am, but the muhurat was later shifted to the afternoon.
The Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad is abuzz with preparations for the momentous event, with Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari and DGP Ravi Gupta conducting inspections earlier in the day to ensure all arrangements are in order.
Revanth Reddy personally extended invitations to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasizing the significance of their presence. AICC leaders, including DK Shivakumar, and prominent Congress figures such as Chidambaram, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Digivijay Singh, Veerappa Moily, and Manickam Tagore, have also received invitations.
In an effort to foster a spirit of unity, Revanth Reddy has invited chief ministers from various states, including YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (Andhra Pradesh), Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), and MK Stalin (Tamil Nadu). Former chief ministers, including KCR (Telangana), Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan), Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh), and Ashok Chavan (Maharashtra), are also on the guest list.
Beyond political circles, invitations have been extended to the families of Telangana martyrs, Telangana High Court Chief Justice, leaders from other political parties, and notable personalities like Prof Kodandaram, Kancha Ilaiah, and film stars. The diverse guest list reflects an inclusive approach to the landmark event, emphasizing a sense of unity and collaboration.
Bhopal : Amidst speculations within political circles in Madhya Pradesh regarding a potential change in leadership, Shivraj Singh Chouhan continues to assert his strength. Reports suggest that the BJP’s central leadership may be considering a new Chief Minister, but Chouhan, backed by his supporters, attributes the party’s recent landslide victory to his flagship scheme, ‘Ladli Behna Yojana.’
The four-time Chief Minister, who wasn’t projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate during the election campaign, seems to have garnered even more strength with the BJP’s resounding triumph. Chouhan and his supporters credit the success to the Ladli Behna Yojana, highlighting its impact on the electorate and solidifying his position within the party.
As political dynamics unfold in Madhya Pradesh, the show of strength by Shivraj Singh Chouhan amidst leadership speculations adds an intriguing layer to the post-election scenario. The narrative around Ladli Behna Yojana as a key factor in the BJP’s win underscores the significance of social welfare schemes in influencing political outcomes.
Hyderabad : With the anticipation building ahead of Revanth Reddy’s swearing-in as Chief Minister on Thursday, Bandla Ganesh made a notable announcement on Wednesday. The renowned personality affirmed his commitment to sleeping at the LB Stadium tonight, standing by his earlier claim of giving “200 per cent” for the occasion.
Having diligently overseen all the necessary arrangements for the event, Ganesh acknowledged the time-consuming nature of the preparations. Expressing his joy over the Congress’s triumph in Telangana and Revanth Reddy’s elevation to the position of Chief Minister, Shadnagar Ganesh revealed his prior knowledge of the matter. He clarified that he had no aspirations for the position but was content with the party’s success under Revanth Reddy’s leadership.
Kolkata : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a resounding call for unity, has urged the minority community of the state to stay united, cautioning against division that may bolster the BJP’s strength. Banerjee, addressing a meeting of the Trinamool Congress’s minority cell in Kolkata, emphasized the consequences of division, stating that it would ultimately benefit the BJP.
In a mobile message played during the meeting, the Chief Minister addressed the ongoing negative propaganda, urging the community not to fall prey to it. “If you get divided, then ultimately BJP will benefit out of that division. So today is the day to take the oath of remaining united,” she declared, underlining the importance of unity in the current political landscape.
During her address, Banerjee also invoked the popular slogan ‘Khela Hobe’ (There will be a game), which gained significant traction during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. “You remain united, and there will be a game again,” she reassured the gathered members of the minority cell, urging them to stand together.
Blaming the Congress for the BJP’s recent landslide victories in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, Banerjee highlighted the electoral consequences of opposition vote division in these states. She squarely held the saffron camp’s electoral success accountable to the fragmented opposition, urging a united front to counter such outcomes in the future.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, Mamata Banerjee’s call for unity within the minority community takes center stage, emphasizing the strategic importance of remaining cohesive in the face of political challenges.