Hyderabad: In response to the ongoing third-line work between Kazipet and Warangal, South Central Railway officials have announced the cancellation of several trains for a week. The affected period is from the 10th to the 18th of December.
The canceled trains include the Guntur-Secunderabad Inter City and Lingampally to Kakinada Gautami Express, both operating between Kazipet and Vijayawada. Additionally, the Satavahana Express will not run on the 7th and will be canceled from the 10th to the 18th.
Railway officials detailed further cancellations, stating that the Kakatiya Express between Secunderabad and Bhadrachalam Road will be canceled on the 6th and from the 10th to the 18th. The Adilabad-Tirupati Krishna Express is canceled from the 5th to the 19th.
Trains running between Kazipet-Dornakal and Dornakal-Vijayawada, specifically the Push full trains, are canceled from the 10th to the 18th. Golconda Express will operate only till Kazipet from the 11th to the 19th.
Officials also noted the cancellation of Singareni Express from Bhadrachalam Road to Ballarsha on the 6th to 8th and again from the 10th to the 19th. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly during this temporary disruption.
Hyderabad: In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has formally issued a gazette notification, providing details of the newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to establish the third Legislative Assembly of Telangana.
Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj and ECI Principal Secretary Avinash Kumar met with Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan at Raj Bhavan on Monday to submit the notification. The document includes comprehensive information about the newly elected MLAs, including their party affiliations and the constituencies they represent.
Following the submission, Governor Soundarajan exercised her powers under 174(2)(b) of the Constitution of India to dissolve the state’s second Assembly. The official release from Raj Bhavan mentioned that, in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers, the Second Legislative Assembly was dissolved with effect from the afternoon of December 3.
Hyderabad: In a devastating incident, a Pilatus PC 7 Mk II trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a routine training sortie, resulting in the loss of two lives. The unfortunate incident occurred near Toopran town in the Medak district, close to the Air Force Academy at Dundigal in Telangana.
The aircraft, which had taken off from Dundigal Air Force station in the morning, was found completely charred in the Ravelli area. The IAF has not yet released the names of the pilots.
Rohini Priyadarshini, Superintendent of Police, Medak, confirmed that the incident took place at 8:34 am at a site belonging to a small real estate venture under the Toopran police station limits. “There are no civilian casualties, but we fear the trainer and a trainee, both males, who were aboard are no more. The IAF team from Dundigal is conducting an inquiry,” Priyadarshini stated.
In an official statement, the IAF confirmed that both pilots—an instructor and a cadet—sustained fatal injuries in the accident. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident, according to the statement. Fortunately, there was no damage to civilian life or property.
This marks the first accident involving a Pilatus PC 7 Mk II trainer aircraft, part of the 75 planes procured by the IAF from Switzerland under a contract signed in 2012. The procurement aimed to address the critical shortfall in basic pilots’ training, with all aircraft delivered by 2015.
Unfortunately, two pilots of #IndianAirForce (an instructor and a student) lost their lives in crash of a Pilatus PC-7 Mark II training aircraft belonging to the #India Air Force Academy at Dundigal AFS near #Hyderabad today. pic.twitter.com/lMC4yvGKp2
— Babak Taghvaee – The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) December 4, 2023
Notably, the IAF had the option to place a follow-on order for an additional 38 aircraft, but this contract wasn’t signed after the Swiss firm faced a one-year blacklist by the defence ministry over allegations of corrupt practices in securing the deal.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence inked a contract with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to acquire 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft for the IAF. Designed and developed indigenously by HAL’s Aircraft Research & Design Centre, the HTT-40 is powered by a four-bladed turboprop engine.
A Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from AFA, Hyderabad. It is with deep regret that the IAF confirms both pilots onboard the aircraft sustained fatal injuries. No damage to any civil life or property has been…
Hyderabad: In a significant development, BRS President and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao urged party members to gracefully accept the people’s mandate and step down from power. Despite the party’s entitlement to continue in power until January 16, as per the Constitution, Rao emphasized the need for party leaders to extend support for the formation of the new government in the state.
In a meeting with newly elected BRS MLAs at his farm house in Erravelli, Rao outlined the plan for a party general body meeting at Telangana Bhavan to review the election results. He informed them that the BRS Legislative Party leader would be elected soon, advising patience to give the Congress sufficient time to form a new government and settle down.
Rao congratulated the newly elected MLAs, appreciating the hard work of all party leaders during the Assembly polls. The MLAs, in turn, thanked him for the opportunity to serve the people of Telangana and pledged to strengthen the party further.
Earlier in the day, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao held a meeting with the newly elected BRS MLAs at the party headquarters in Telangana Bhavan. He congratulated them on their victory and urged them to remain accessible to the people. Rama Rao announced plans for an extended meeting of BRS elected representatives, including MLAs, MLCs, and MPs, to analyze the factors leading to the party’s defeat and determine the future course of action.
Addressing the gathering, Rama Rao emphasized the need for responsible opposition and highlighted the positive response from the people in support of the BRS leadership after the elections. He encouraged all MLAs to be available at the party headquarters, echoing the accessibility demonstrated over the past decade at the Secretariat and Pragathi Bhavan.
Amidst the proceedings, confusion arose over the absence of Medchal MLA Ch Malla Reddy, Malkajgiri MLA Marri Rajasekhar Reddy, and LB Nagar MLA D Sudheer Reddy at the legislators’ meeting. Malla Reddy cited a communication gap as the reason for their absence but later joined the meeting with Rao at Erravelli.
In a significant development on Monday, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) passed a concise resolution authorizing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to select the next Chief Minister of Telangana. This decision comes just a day after the Congress ousted the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) from power in the southern state.
The CLP meeting, held at a Hyderabad hotel and supervised by Congress observer and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, lasted over three hours. During the meeting, Telangana Congress chief A Revanth Reddy, who played a pivotal role in the party’s victory with an assertive campaign, emerged as the frontrunner for the state’s top elected post.
“We will get to know the high command’s decision in a couple of hours,” stated an anonymous Congress leader after the meeting.
Revanth Reddy proposed the resolution in accordance with the party’s tradition, and Bhatti Vikramarka, the CLP leader in the outgoing assembly, seconded it. The sources indicated that Reddy, enjoying the support of the majority of the newly elected lawmakers, has the backing of the party’s central leadership for the top post. Once the new CLP leader is named, a Congress delegation is expected to submit a letter to Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.
A separate delegation, including Congress leaders like N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Vikramarka, and Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, met with Soundararajan on Sunday night. They explained the procedural aspects the Congress would follow and committed to returning once the CLP leader was elected.
The Governor’s office announced it would inform the media on Monday if there is any request from Congress for an oath-taking ceremony. Vikramarka, Congress’s Dalit face, was anticipated to take the oath as deputy chief minister.
Before the CLP meeting, Shivakumar held individual discussions with potential candidates, including Uttam Kumar Reddy, Vikramarka, and Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, at another hotel.
Revanth Reddy, credited with leading a robust local campaign focused on alleged corruption, successfully ended BRS’s 10-year rule by securing 64 of the 119 seats, while the BRS managed to secure 39 seats.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for areas in Telangana in anticipation of the impact of Cyclone Michaung. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds to many districts in the state. The forecast indicates that East Telangana will witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, while the rest of the state, including Hyderabad, can expect moderate to light rainfall.
On December 5, 2023, heavy to very heavy rainfall, including extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 204.4 mm), is anticipated in isolated parts of Telangana. Specifically, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Khammam districts are highly likely to experience such intense rainfall on that day. An Orange alert has been issued for December 6, 2023, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in isolated locations in Suryapet, Mahabubabad, Warangal, and Hanmakonda.
Contrarily, Hyderabad is expected to receive light to moderate rains on both December 5 and 6, 2023. The minimum temperatures in Telangana are projected to be 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal this week due to easterly winds and cloudy conditions.
As of 8:30 am on December 4, 2023, Cyclonic storm Michaung, located over the west central and adjoining southwestern Bay of Bengal, intensified into a severe cyclone. It was situated at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 81.0°E, approximately 90 km east-northeast of Chennai, 170 km southeast of Nellore, 200 km northeast of Puducherry, 300 km south-southeast of Bapatla, and 320 km south of Machilipatnam. The cyclone is expected to gradually intensify and move northwards, almost parallel to the coast of South Andhra Pradesh. The forecast indicates that the cyclonic storm will make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, near Bapatla, on the morning of December 5 as a severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.
Date: Monday, 11th December 2023 Time: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Venue: Khaja Mansion Function Hall, Masab Tank
Deccan Blasters, in association with Hussain & Son Builders & Developers, presents the City Mega Job Fair, a remarkable opportunity for job seekers from various educational backgrounds. The event will take place at Khaja Mansion Function Hall in Masab Tank on Monday, 11th December 2023, from 8 am to 2 pm.
Qualifications: Open for candidates with a minimum qualification of 10th grade up to any graduate level, with or without prior work experience.
Attendees stand a chance to receive on-the-spot offer letters if selected, adding a dynamic element to this career-centric event.
The event is organized by Mannan Khan Engineer, Chairman of Deccan Blasters, and will be inaugurated by Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain, Managing Director of Hussain & Son Builders and Developers.
Grand Success Stories: Deccan Blasters boasts a grand success record, with over 13,000 job placements and counting to date. This job fair is another step towards connecting deserving candidates with exciting opportunities.
Walk-ins Welcome: Candidates are encouraged to walk in directly without prior information. Additionally, attendees are welcome to refer their friends, family, and acquaintances to join the Job Mela. For more details, please contact 8374315052.
Don’t miss this chance to explore promising career prospects and connect with potential employers at the Deccan Blasters City Mega Job Fair.
In a tragic incident on Sunday, Mount Marapi, one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes, erupted, claiming the lives of 11 people and leaving several others injured. The volcano, standing at 9,485 ft., spewed plumes of ash 9,800 ft. into the air, creating a hazardous situation for the 75 hikers in the vicinity at the time.
Video footage captured the ominous eruption, prompting the evacuation of 49 people to safety. However, three hikers had to be rescued, and 11 lifeless bodies were discovered near the crater on Monday. The rescued hikers suffered burns from the intense heat, necessitating medical attention.
Rudy Rinaldi, head of the West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency, explained that those who sustained injuries were the ones who ventured too close to the erupting crater. Disturbingly, the psychological impact on survivors is evident, with reports of “tremendous trauma” among the victims, including burns and enduring pain throughout the night.
Efforts to locate the remaining 12 missing hikers were temporarily halted due to a smaller eruption. Jodi Haryawan, a spokesman for the search and rescue team, emphasized the danger, stating, “It’s too dangerous if we continue searching now.” Local residents are prohibited from approaching within 3 km (1.86 mi.) of the crater, and climbing routes have been officially closed.
Mount Marapi has been under heightened alert since 2011, with the alert level raised to the second-highest following Sunday’s eruption. Despite the prohibition on attempting to reach the peak, some hikers reportedly defied the rules to satisfy their desire for further exploration.
Climate change has brought the earth to its knees. There is no denying it, especially with proof like this volcano in Indonesia.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, where Indonesia is located. Sumatra, part of the archipelago, witnesses frequent tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions. The region is known for its geological instability, with around 90% of earthquakes and 75% of active volcanoes occurring along the Ring of Fire, according to National Geographic.
Marapi’s deadliest eruption dates back to April 1979 when it claimed the lives of 60 people. The recent eruption underscores the need for strict adherence to safety regulations and the recognition of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity in the area.
Cyclone Michaung Updates: Landfall Expected on December 5, Andhra Pradesh on High Alert
Andhra Pradesh: As Severe Cyclone Michaung approaches, the latest updates indicate that it is likely to make landfall along the Bapatla coast on Tuesday. Anticipating the impact, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has issued directives to officials, urging them to maintain a high alert status for the swift implementation of relief measures.
In response to the heavy rain already affecting Andhra Pradesh due to the severe cyclonic storm, the state government has issued alerts for eight districts. These districts include Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada. The Chief Minister has initiated various relief efforts to address potential challenges arising from the cyclone. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.
The expected landfall of Cyclone ‘Michaung’ in Southern Andhra Pradesh tomorrow noon is causing continuous heavy rainfall and strong winds in various parts of Chennai. The substantial precipitation has led to significant waterlogging in specific areas. Several areas in the city, including Maduravoyal, Porur, Saligaramam, and Valasaravakkam, are facing waterlogging issues. The strong winds have uprooted trees in various locations.
Due to heavy rains and waterlogging, suburban train services in all Chennai Suburban sections were temporarily halted until 8 am on Monday morning. In its statement, the Southern Railways announced the suspension and stated that only Passenger Specials would operate in these sections until further advice. Additionally, due to the rising water level at Bridge No. 14 between Vyasarpadi and Basin Bridge, eleven express trains departing from Chennai Central were canceled on Monday.
NDRF Engaged in Rescue Operations
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were seen rowing boats through flooded streets, conducting rescue operations to help trapped civilians following heavy rainfall in Chennai on December 4, 2023. The situation prompted Chief Minister MK Stalin to urge people to stay indoors until the storm abates. He personally inspected the Control room to assess the readiness for dealing with the cyclone.
Indian Railways Takes Precautionary Measures
As the cyclone threat looms, Indian Railways has mobilized its resources to ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains in regions anticipated to be impacted by Cyclone ‘Michaung.’ An emergency control center has been established at Divisional and Headquarters levels, with officers from various departments working in shifts to ensure continuous monitoring and prompt action in managing train operations round the clock.
Public Advisory and Emergency Contact Details Issued
In view of the cyclonic storm, Southern Railways and related zones have provided a set of general guidelines and emergency contact details for the public. These include phone numbers for Railway officials, Medical teams, Emergency vehicles, commercial control for public inquiries, tower wagon drivers, as well as a list of available DG sets, pumps, submersible sewage pumps, etc., stationed across various stations.
The Indian Railways has taken comprehensive measures as part of its preparedness for managing cyclone-related disasters, ensuring the establishment of emergency control centers at Divisional and HQ levels. Stay tuned for live updates on the cyclone’s developments and relevant information for public safety.
Indian Army🇮🇳 steps in, deploys more than 120 personnel of '12 Madras' with boats, heavy equipments for 'Rescue & Evacuation Ops' to assist during #ChennaiFloods .
Wath the video // In the press conference, Revanth Reddy stated that the State Secretariat will remain open for the general public, and the Pragathi Bhawan (CM Camp Office) will be transformed into Praja Bhawan. He emphasized that starting today, it is no longer Pragathi Bhawan; it is now Praja Bhawan, and its doors will always remain open for the common people.
Hyderabad, December 3, 2023: In a historic turn of events, the Congress party emerged victorious in the Telangana Assembly elections, securing a whopping 64 seats and effectively putting an end to the almost decade-long rule of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) government.
The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee’s leader, Revanth Reddy, along with Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, took the initiative to meet the governor in the evening. Their purpose was to officially stake a claim to form the government in the state, presenting a formidable support base of 64 elected members in the newly constituted assembly.
The Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), which had a significant presence with 101 members in the outgoing Assembly, faced a setback in this election, securing only 39 seats. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to secure eight seats, and the All India Majlis-e-Muslimeen (AIMIM) won seven seats. The Communist Party of India (CPI) also made its mark with one seat.
This decisive outcome marks a significant political shift in Telangana, setting the stage for the Congress party to form the government without the need for any coalition support. The BRS, despite its considerable presence in the previous Assembly, fell short in the face of Congress’s resounding victory. The coming days will unfold the next steps as Telangana prepares for a new era under the leadership of the Congress party.
Telangana Congress Chief @revanth_anumula Garu and Karnataka Dy CM @DKShivakumar sir met the Governor in Hyderabad and made the claim to form the government.
Tomorrow, Revanth Reddy Garu is likely to take oath as the Chied Minister of Telangana. The event will be simple.
Telangana Congress President @revanth_anumula Garu addressed a Press Conference.
He welcomed the KTR’s welcome tweet regarding people’s mandate and asked BRS, AIMIM and BJP to play the role of constructive opposition. pic.twitter.com/HMIpUWzy8d
Mr. Revanth Reddy welcomed the positive gesture from KTR, who extended a welcome tweet acknowledging the people’s mandate. In response, he urged the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), All India Majlis-e-Muslimeen (AIMIM), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to assume the role of a constructive opposition.
Wath the video // In the press conference, Revanth Reddy stated that the State Secretariat will remain open for the general public, and the Pragathi Bhawan (CM Camp Office) will be transformed into Praja Bhawan. He emphasized that starting today, it is no longer Pragathi Bhawan; it is now Praja Bhawan, and its doors will always remain open for the common people.
