Hyderabad Oct -2-23 : Gold prices in Hyderabad experienced a substantial decline on Monday, reaching a six-month low. The price of 24-carat gold per 10 grams settled at a modest Rs 58,040, while its 22-carat counterpart reached an even lower Rs 53,200. This remarkable drop represents a sharp contrast to the high rates seen just a few months ago.
The last time Hyderabad observed such affordable gold prices was in April. On May 5, gold reached its peak for the past six months, with 24-carat gold surging to Rs 62,400 per 10 grams. However, it appears that the market has decided to take a breather from these elevated levels, at least for now.
Gopi Krishna Manepally, the Managing Director of Manepally Jewellers, shared his insights on this sudden downturn.
He stated, “This drop in prices was expected, especially when we look at the international level, where the gold rate has come down from $2,000 to $1,840. But, this should only be temporary. For sure, this is going to bounce back to higher figures. My suggestion would be that this is a good time for people to buy gold.”
Hyderabad Oct-2-23 : In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments regarding the BRS party’s poll symbol, IT Minister KT Rama Rao emphasized that the steering of the BRS car was under the capable control of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, in stark contrast to the BJP’s steering, which he claimed was influenced by Adani rather than the Pradhani.
Telangana leads the nation in terms of the highest Per Capita Income, yet, whenever prominent leaders visit Hyderabad, they fail to acknowledge its positive growth, said Rama Rao while laying the foundation stone for an IT tower in Malakpet.
The IT Minister pledged that the IT Tower, with a development budget of Rs. 700 crore, would be completed within 36 months. He also revealed plans to lead a delegation, along with Owaisi, to the United States and Middle East countries to encourage more IT companies to establish operations in Telangana. Additionally, Rama Rao expressed his intention to personally engage with leading companies like Microsoft and Adobe to persuade them to set up units in the IT tower in Malakpet.
Rama Rao asserted that the BRS party would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections, citing the state government’s exemplary performance and effective maintenance of law and order, which had been absent during previous administrations.
He highlighted that Hyderabad had become a shining example for the rest of the country, with no reports of mob lynching or other disturbances in the last nine years, in contrast to incidents in other states.
Rama Rao also praised the communal harmony in Telangana, exemplified by the cooperation between communities during simultaneous celebrations of Ganesh idol immersion and Milad-un-Nabi festival. He emphasized that this example should be propagated throughout India.
The IT Tower, spanning 11 acres, will provide 1.5 million square feet of space, with 5.5 lakh square feet allocated for IT activities. It is expected to generate employment for 20,000 to 25,000 young professionals.
The Minister also promised the construction of a skywalk connecting the nearby Metro station to the IT tower, similar to the one at the Raidurg station in the city. He mentioned that this project was just the beginning, with more development planned for the old city, including river Musi beautification, expressway expansion, and an extended Hyderabad Metro services network.
AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi appreciated the efforts of the IT Minister in developing the IT sector in Hyderabad and highlighted the role of T-Hub in nurturing youth skills and careers.
What’s particularly striking is the conspicuous absence of attention from mainstream media outlets.
In a startling turn of events, Ramlila Maidan in Delhi has become the epicenter of a rapidly expanding protest movement, as thousands of government employees from across the nation unite under one common demand – the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). The sheer scale of this gathering evokes memories of the historic Janlokpal Andolan, highlighting the profound discontent among these government workers, whose fervent chants and impassioned speeches echo through the air, emphasizing their unyielding determination.
What’s particularly striking is the conspicuous absence of attention from mainstream media outlets. Despite the substantial turnout and the gravity of the issue, this event has largely escaped headlines. To provide context, over 20 lakh government employees participated in the protest just yesterday, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the unity among government workers on this matter.
The media’s silence on this issue raises pertinent questions about their role and priorities in covering such critical events, especially in contrast to their extensive coverage of Ramlila Maidan in 2014 during the Anna Hazare movement, which was closely associated with the BJP-RSS.
The implications of this protest cannot be underestimated and may even cast shadows on the stability of the Modi government’s leadership as the demonstration gains momentum. The nation watches closely as Ramlila Maidan reverberates with the voices of government employees, making their demands known.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story as we delve into the reasons behind this massive protest and its potential impact on the political landscape.
In a surprising twist, while mainstream media remains relatively silent, viral video clips of the rally are circulating on social media platforms. Some YouTubers have also given this massive public gathering the attention it deserves on their YouTube channels. It’s disheartening that many in today’s mainstream media, who consider themselves journalists, have failed to cover this significant rally. Could this monumental rally be signaling a potential challenge to the Modi government’s leadership?
A Massive Gathering of Government Employees Unites at Ramlila Maidan, Demanding the Reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan has witnessed a historic gathering, with thousands of employees from the Central government, states, and PSUs converging to protest against the New Pension Scheme and call for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). This monumental ‘Pension Shankhanaad Rally’ has drawn government and PSU employees from over 20 states, organized by the National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS).
The Congress party has voiced its support for the protests against the New Pension Scheme, emphasizing that Congress-ruled states have already reinstated the old pension. Congress states firmly believe that old pension is the rightful entitlement of employees and that the Modi government should honor the workers who serve the nation by restoring the old pension.
Videos from Ramlila Maidan depict a sea of government employees chanting slogans against the Central government, demanding the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme.
Huge protest against Modi Govt at Ramlila Maidan Delhi to reinstate Old Pension Scheme !! This is huge 🔥🔥
In a show of solidarity, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed his support for the old pension scheme and has urged the Centre to implement it for Delhi government employees. He emphasized that NPS is an injustice against employees and highlighted that Delhi, under his leadership, has already implemented OPS.
Meanwhile, an article by RBI staffers raises concerns about states reverting to the old pension scheme, describing it as a “major step backward” that could lead to fiscal stress reaching “unsustainable levels” in the medium to long term. The article points out that the cumulative fiscal burden of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) could be as high as 4.5 times that of the New Pension Scheme.
The organizers of the protest claim that government employees from 20 states have joined the rally, and they insist that the party promising to restore the Old Pension Scheme should receive support in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Holding placards and flags, protesters chant slogans demanding change and unity.
National Movement For Old Pension Scheme leader Vijay Kumar Bandhu stated, “Our team believed that if the central government ratifies this (OPS), then the onus won’t be on the state government. This is why we had come to Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan to protest.”
VIDEO | “We had given a call to bring back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and we had successfully brought back the OPS in several states with our struggle. Our team believed that if the Central government ratifies this (OPS), then the onus won’t be on the state government. This is… pic.twitter.com/6PXDSNun9w
In recent developments, states like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have already announced their decision to revert to OPS from NPS.
The situation continues to evolve rapidly, and we will keep you updated with the latest developments. Stay informed with “Akai News India” on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with the latest news.
Hyderabad, Oct 1-23 : Senior ministers from Telangana did not mince words in their critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promises made during his recent visit to the state. Finance Minister T Harish Rao, Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy, and Panchayat Raj Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao expressed their discontent, labeling Modi’s assurances as mere words.
Finance Minister T Harish Rao was particularly vocal, describing the Prime Minister’s speech as empty rhetoric. He criticized the BJP for failing to translate promises into actions and questioned their role in hindering crucial projects like irrigation schemes in the Palamuru region and the resolution of the Krishna water dispute.
Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy expressed disappointment over the failure to grant national status to the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation project and the neglect of Telangana’s share of Krishna water. He also criticized the imposition of hefty toll collections on road users despite claims of significant spending on road development.
Panchayat Raj Minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao accused the Prime Minister of insulting the formation of Telangana and criticized the BJP’s response to paddy procurement from the state. He highlighted the skepticism regarding Modi’s promises, such as the tribal university and turmeric board, and pointed out the lack of response from the Centre despite the state government allocating land for the tribal university.
Hyderabad, Oct 1 -23 : In a remarkable stride towards sustainable urban transportation, India’s inaugural solar roof cycling track, known as “Healthway,” was inaugurated by Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Minister KT Rama Rao. This groundbreaking initiative, only the second of its kind worldwide, sets a new standard for eco-conscious urban mobility.
Situated alongside the Outer Ring Road (ORR) between the primary carriageway and service road, the Healthway cycling track will remain accessible 24/7, catering to the city’s avid cycling community. It marks a significant step towards establishing Hyderabad as the active mobility capital of the nation.
During the track’s inauguration, Minister KT Rama Rao announced plans to replicate this sustainable model around Gandipet Lake, as well as in the Financial District and Neopolis areas. Emphasizing the project’s self-sustainability, he underscored its mission to inspire youngsters to embrace cycling and active lifestyles, reducing the risk of lifestyle-related illnesses. Additionally, the Minister revealed intentions to enhance the track with sports facilities such as skating ramps and tennis courts.
The 23-kilometer track comprises two segments: an 8.5-kilometer pink line stretching from Nanakramguda to the Telangana State Police Academy and a 14.5-kilometer blue line running from Kollur to Narsingi, converging at Narsingi Junction with five access points. Spanning 4.5 meters in width, the three-lane track includes one meter of green space on either side.
The Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), a subsidiary of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), spearheaded the project. The Healthway track is expected to become a popular hangout spot, complete with ample parking, surveillance cameras, food courts, drinking water facilities, first aid stations, and restrooms. In a bid to enhance visitor convenience, bicycle repair shops, cycle docking and rental stations, and other essential services will also be available.
Besides shielding cyclists from adverse weather conditions, the track’s solar roof panels and dedicated infrastructure will ensure their safety by separating them from main road traffic.
A total of 16,000 solar panels were swiftly installed in a record time of just 18 days. These panels are set to generate 16 megawatts (MW) of power, illuminating the track at night and meeting some of the ORR’s energy demands.
The inception of this groundbreaking initiative was inspired by a tweet from renowned environmentalist Erik Solheim, highlighting a similar cycling track in South Korea, between Daejeon and Sejong.
Nalgonda, Oct 1-23 : After a 14-year wait, the town of Nalgonda in Telangana is on the cusp of realizing its long-anticipated dream—a fully-functional IT Tower. The promise of an IT Tower was first made by the Congress government in 2009, but it remained unfulfilled, despite then IT Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy hailing from Nalgonda.
During the previous government’s tenure, not even the foundation stone for the IT Tower was laid, and the promise seemed like a distant memory. However, with Telangana’s ambitious push in the IT sector, Nalgonda’s dream is now becoming a reality, as IT Minister KT Rama Rao is scheduled to inaugurate the IT Tower tomorrow, October 2
Following the formation of Telangana, the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (TSIIDC) took up the initiative to establish the IT tower in Nalgonda, at an estimated cost of Rs. 95 crore. The foundation stone was laid by Rama Rao in December 2021.
The IT Tower, strategically located on a three-acre plot adjacent to Government Polytechnic College, boasts a built-up area of 75,000 sqft. It follows a plug-and-play model, is a G plus 5 green building, and has the capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 employees. So far, 23 companies have expressed keen interest in setting up their units in the IT Tower, operating them in three shifts. Approximately 15 companies have already recruited 600 employees for their units during a recent mega job fair.
The eco-friendly building features a sewage plant with a capacity of 50,000 litres, internal gardens on the ground and second floors, and a rainwater harvesting pit. Solar panels are also planned for installation.
Kancherla Bhupal Reddy, the MLA of Nalgonda, highlighted that many engineering graduates from Nalgonda are currently employed in IT companies in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and other cities. The local IT Tower offers them an opportunity to work in their hometown. IT towers in tier-II locations like Nalgonda provide substantial advantages, including a lower cost of living, allowing employees to save up to 30 percent of their earnings.
The upcoming inauguration of the IT Tower in Nalgonda signifies a significant milestone for the town, as it steps onto the IT map, providing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth for the local community.
Day 8 Highlights: India’s Golden Run Continues at Hangzhou Asian Games 2023
In a remarkable turn of events at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, India achieved a significant milestone on Day 8 by surpassing the coveted 50-medal mark. The Indian contingent displayed exceptional prowess across various sports, contributing to the nation’s growing medal tally.
Track and Field Glory: Avinash Sable and Tajinder Toor Shine
Avinash Sable made history by clinching India’s first gold in track and field, triumphing in the men’s 3000m steeplechase event. Tajinder Toor added to the glory by securing a gold medal in the shot put competition.
Middle-Distance Dominance: Saroj and Johnson Secure Silver and Bronze
The middle-distance events also saw India’s dominance. Ajay Kumar Saroj and Jinson Johnson claimed silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the Men’s 1500m final. The women’s 1500m event witnessed a stellar performance by Harmilan Bains, who secured a silver medal.
Jumping to Success: Murali and Punia Shine
Sreeshankar Murali showcased his jumping prowess by earning a silver medal in the long jump event. Seema Punia contributed to India’s medal haul with a bronze in women’s shot put.
Heptathlon Brilliance: Agasara Secures Bronze
Nandini Agasara displayed her versatility and determination by winning a bronze medal in the women’s heptathlon 800m event.
Drama and Upgrades: Yarraji’s Silver and Badminton Heartbreak
In a dramatic turn of events, Jyothi Yarraji was upgraded to a silver medal despite initially finishing third in the 100m hurdles race, as home favorite Yanni Wu was disqualified for a false start. However, there was heartbreak in badminton as the Indian men’s team settled for a silver medal after a hard-fought battle, ultimately losing 3-2 to hosts China.
Shooting Excellence: Gold in Men’s Trap Shooting
The Indian trap shooting team, comprised of Zoravar Singh Sandhu, Kynan Chenai, and Prithviraj Tondaiman, showcased their shooting prowess by clinching the gold medal in the men’s trap shooting event.
India’s Aditi Ashok started the day’s medal rush by securing a silver medal in golf.
Boxing Brilliance: Zareen and Aldrin’s Medal Journey
In boxing, Nikhat Zareen displayed her skill and determination, ultimately earning a bronze medal in the semifinals. Unfortunately, Jeswin Aldrin could not secure a podium finish.
India’s remarkable performance on Day 8 of the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 underscores the nation’s sporting excellence and determination to shine on the international stage. With the medal tally now exceeding 50, India’s athletes continue to inspire and make the nation proud.
The Government Girls Junior College Nampally has plunged into darkness, leaving students, parents, and faculty members outraged, as the electricity department abruptly suspended power supply to the institution.
The crisis unfolded last Monday when the college found itself shrouded in darkness, with the power supply abruptly cut off due to unpaid bills totaling Rs 36,000, as reported by the Nampally division assistant engineer. Principal Pitambar Durga expressed her dismay, highlighting the chaos caused by this unexpected power disruption, forcing students to attend classes in the dark.
Principal Durga placed blame on the education department, alleging that the college had received only Rs 20,000 out of their requested budget of Rs 60,000 for the quarter. She emphasized the dire consequences of this budget shortfall, revealing her long-standing requests for adequate funding to maintain essential services.
Durga further highlighted the challenges posed by the college’s 70-year-old building, which lacks proper ventilation. The absence of power has rendered biometric systems non-functional, making it difficult for teachers to mark attendance. Additionally, students are unable to sit comfortably, use washrooms, and face a growing threat of mosquitoes amid concerns about dengue.
One student shared her frustration, stating that some classmates had skipped school due to the futility of attending classes in the dark. A teacher also expressed the difficulties of teaching solely from textbooks using the light of a mobile phone, with the situation exacerbated during rainy days, leaving both students and educators struggling to cope with the disruption.
Unfulfilled 2019 Turmeric Board Promise in Nizamabad Constituency
Hyderabad, Oct-1-23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled significant developments for Telangana during an official event, where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple projects worth over Rs 13,500 crore. Addressing the audience, he made two pivotal announcements that will impact the state’s future.
First, he declared the establishment of the National Turmeric Board in Telangana. This initiative aims to provide professional support to the entire turmeric value chain, benefiting farmers at every stage, from production to infrastructure. Modi acknowledged the increasing global demand for turmeric, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, which has raised awareness about the spice’s health benefits. This announcement comes after a long-standing demand and amid political discussions, as the BJP had faced criticism from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for not fulfilling its previous commitment regarding the Turmeric Board.
In 2019, BJP candidate D. Arvind, who won in the Nizamabad constituency, had pledged to establish the Turmeric Board within five days of winning the election. The BRS had criticized the BJP for not following through on this promise, and the Centre had informed the Parliament earlier this year that there was no proposal to establish a Turmeric Board or any other spice-specific board.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of a tribal university in Mulugu, which will be named after tribal deities Sammakka and Sarakka. The SammakkaSarakka Central Tribal University will receive an allocation of Rs 900 crore. This development fulfills one of the commitments made to Telangana in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, addressing the persistent demands from the BRS and other stakeholders.
During the event, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for various road projects within the Nagpur-Vijayawada economic corridor. He emphasized that this corridor would foster trade, tourism, and industry in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The economic corridor includes special economic zones, mega food parks, seafood clusters, pharma and medical clusters, and a textile park. This initiative is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and promote value addition for farmers in the region.
Modi emphasized the importance of road and rail connectivity for landlocked states like Telangana, which need efficient transport infrastructure to facilitate exports through sea ports. He noted that several corridors are passing through Telangana, connecting the east and west coasts, and highlighted the role of the Khammam-Suryapet section of the Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam corridor in reducing logistic costs for businesses and industries.
Hyderabad, Oct 1-23 : A group of retired All India Service officers, accompanied by their families, were invited to tour the BR Ambedkar Secretariat in Hyderabad at the request of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao. During their visit, they expressed admiration for the Secretariat’s architectural design and grandeur, particularly in the chambers of the Chief Minister, cabinet colleagues, and state officials.
Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari, who hosted a tea party on the occasion, shared insights into the rapid construction of the Secretariat and highlighted its unique features. The attendees were also presented with a coffee table book detailing the Secretariat’s development and welfare programs.
The gathering included retired IAS officers spanning from those who served as far back as 1970 to more recent retirees. Distinguished names among them included AK Kutty, Sujatha Rao, VP Jauhari, PC Parekh, KV Rao, Rajeev Sharma, SK Joshi, Jai Bharat Reddy, Rastogi, Minni Mathews, AK Goyal, Dinakar Babu, G Sudhir, TS Apparao, G Nagi Reddy, and Raymond Peter.
Following a group photo in front of the Secretariat, the retired officers also explored the newly constructed temple, mosque, and church within the Secretariat premises. They commended the State government for the remarkable construction and the effective implementation of various welfare programs.
The Chief Secretary, Santhi Kumari, conducted a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the accomplishments of Chandrashekhar Rao’s nine-year rule. The development initiatives and welfare measures were showcased in a video presentation by K Ashok Reddy, Special Commissioner of the Department of Information and Public Relations.
This event brought together senior IAS, IPS, and IFS officers of the state government, along with special chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, and heads of various departments. It served as a significant gathering in the state’s administrative landscape.
