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CV Anand Takes Charge as Hyderabad Police Commissioner for Second Term

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Hyderabad: Senior IPS officer CV Anand officially assumed the role of Hyderabad City Police Commissioner at the TGICCC in Banjara Hills on Monday. This marks Anand’s second term as the city’s top police officer, having previously held the position from December 2021 to October 2023.

Upon taking charge, Anand expressed his satisfaction with the reappointment, saying, “I am happy to take charge as police commissioner for the second time.” He further emphasized the state government’s focus on tackling the growing drug problem. “The state government is serious about eliminating drugs, and we will work towards eradicating this menace while dealing firmly with criminals,” he stated.

Anand, a 1991 batch IPS officer from the Telangana cadre, was promoted to the rank of Additional Director General of Police in 2017. He later took on central government assignments before returning to Telangana in 2021, where he resumed his role as Hyderabad’s Police Commissioner.

In August 2023, the state government elevated Anand’s status to Director General of Police (DGP). However, during the 2023 elections, he was removed from his position as Police Commissioner. Following the formation of the Congress government in Telangana, Anand was appointed as Director General, Anti-Corruption Bureau (DG, ACB). Now, once again, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of Hyderabad Police Commissioner.

Anand’s return to the post highlights the government’s confidence in his leadership to address the city’s key law enforcement challenges, particularly in combating drug-related issues and ensuring public safety.

India Confirms First Mpox Case: No Immediate Public Risk, Says Health Ministry

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India has confirmed its first case of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in a young male who recently returned from a country experiencing ongoing transmission of the virus. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a statement on Monday verifying that the suspected case, reported on Sunday, has been confirmed as a travel-related infection.

The patient, currently isolated at a designated tertiary care facility, tested positive for Mpox virus of the West African clade 2. According to health authorities, the patient is clinically stable and has no systemic illness or comorbidities.

“This case is isolated and similar to the 30 cases reported in India since July 2022. It is not linked to the current public health emergency reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which concerns clade 1 of Mpox,” the Ministry’s statement clarified.

The ministry also assured that public health protocols, including contact tracing and monitoring, are being actively implemented to prevent further spread. At present, there is no indication of widespread public risk, and the situation remains contained.

“This case aligns with earlier risk assessments and is being managed according to established protocols,” the Ministry added, stressing that there is no immediate cause for concern for the general public.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that public health measures remain in place.

Rahul Gandhi Speaks in the US: “An Atmosphere of Hatred in Indian Politics”

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“Diversity and Democracy Triumph: India’s Amalgamation of Ideas Will Prevail Globally”

Opposition leader and Member of Parliament from Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi, has arrived in the United States for a three-day visit. On Sunday, he first visited Texas, where he met with university students and discussed several pressing issues. During the conversation, Rahul Gandhi addressed rising unemployment in India, China’s growing manufacturing dominance, and the increasing politics of hatred.

Rahul Gandhi bluntly stated that “there is an atmosphere of hatred in Indian politics,” but emphasized that the politics of love and brotherhood has been reintroduced through the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Speaking about the Yatra, the Congress leader shared that it completely transformed his perspective on the country. He said, “The Bharat Jodo Yatra fundamentally changed the way I think about my work. It altered my view of politics, the way I see and interact with people, and how I listen to their concerns. This journey involved not just me but many others.”

He also highlighted the strength of India’s diversity and the resilience of its democratic principles: “The strength of our diversity, represented in our Union of States, was powerfully demonstrated in the Lok Sabha election. Our Constitution was safeguarded, and the fear propagated by the Prime Minister and the BJP was finally wiped away. India’s beautiful amalgamation of diverse ideas will always prevail—both within our nation and across the world.”

The Congress leader further added, “The most powerful thing that naturally occurred, something we hadn’t even planned, was the introduction of love into politics. It’s strange because if you observe political discourse in most countries, the word ‘love’ is rarely mentioned. You find words like hatred, anger, injustice, corruption, but rarely love. The Bharat Jodo Yatra actually introduced this idea into the Indian political landscape.”

In addition to speaking about the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi also addressed China’s growing influence. He remarked that China focused on its manufacturing sector at the right time, which is why it doesn’t face employment issues. “Even today, many products in India are made in China. This policy has made China so successful,” Gandhi noted.

AAP Releases First List of 20 Candidates for Haryana Assembly Elections Amid Stalled Talks with Congress

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has officially announced its first list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5. The announcement, made on Monday, signals a potential deadlock in the ongoing alliance discussions with the Congress.

The Haryana Assembly, consisting of 90 seats, will see nominations closing on September 12. As the race to file nominations heats up, the AAP has fielded notable candidates, including its Haryana unit vice president, Anurag Dhanda, from Kalayat, and Indu Sharma, who will contest from Bhiwani. Other prominent names include Vikas Nehra, contesting from Meham, and Bijender Hooda, representing Rohtak.

The AAP and Congress had been in talks for a possible alliance for the elections. However, the negotiations have hit a roadblock over the distribution of seats. According to insiders, the AAP is pushing for 10 seats, while Congress is offering only five. This impasse seems to be the driving factor behind AAP’s decision to move ahead with its candidate announcements.

Earlier in the day, AAP’s Haryana state president, Sushil Gupta, hinted at the possibility of releasing candidates for all 90 seats if an agreement with the Congress wasn’t reached by the evening. With time running out for both parties, the AAP appears to be preparing for a solo contest, unless a last-minute breakthrough occurs.

The upcoming elections will play a critical role in shaping Haryana’s political landscape, and AAP’s decision to field strong candidates in key constituencies highlights their ambition to make a mark in the state.

Further developments are expected as the election date draws near.

Suspected Mpox Case Under Investigation; Patient Isolated, Symptoms Under Watch

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New Delhi: A suspected case of Monkeypox (Mpox) has been identified in a young male patient, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare confirmed on Sunday. The patient, who recently traveled from a country experiencing active Mpox transmission, has been isolated in a designated hospital and is currently in stable condition.

Health officials revealed that the patient is exhibiting common symptoms of Mpox, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and painful rashes or boils on the skin, which are characteristic signs of the viral disease. These symptoms typically appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure, and patients may also experience swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue.

The Ministry emphasized there is no cause for alarm and reassured the public that the situation is being closely monitored. The patient’s samples are undergoing testing to confirm the presence of Mpox, while contact tracing is underway to identify potential exposure sources.

Mpox spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact and can be severe, especially in people with weakened immune systems. The Health Ministry urged anyone experiencing similar symptoms, especially those who have recently traveled, to seek medical advice immediately.

In 2022, the disease caused a global outbreak, affecting countries including India. The World Health Organization (WHO) has since reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths from 116 countries. India recorded a total of 30 confirmed cases, with the last detected in March 2024.

Despite the outbreak, the Ministry reiterated that the country is fully prepared to handle such isolated cases. “There is no reason for undue concern,” it stated, with established protocols in place to manage any potential risk.

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through direct physical contact with infectious rashes, body fluids, or contaminated materials. The global health community remains vigilant as the disease continues to spread across various countries, including Africa, where 24,851 suspected cases and 643 deaths have been reported since the start of 2024.

HYDRAA’s Impact Slows Down LRS Application Processing

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Hyderabad: The introduction of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is creating apprehension among Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) applicants, leading to a significant slowdown in the processing of applications. The state government’s recent announcement to extend HYDRAA’s model to other districts has added to these concerns, with applicants fearing future repercussions even after their layouts are regularized.

Many applicants are hesitant to approach authorities for processing their LRS applications, fearing that, despite obtaining approvals, the government may still take action against them in the future. This concern is heightened by the fact that officers who have approved such applications could also be held accountable. These fears have resulted in delays in the processing of applications, as officials are becoming increasingly cautious in handling these cases.

Last week, HYDRAA recommended disciplinary action against six officers from municipal, irrigation, and other departments for granting permissions for various structures. This action has made officials more vigilant, causing further delays in LRS application processing, according to a representative of the Telangana Tahsildars Association.

Additionally, the government has warned that any errors in the approval process could result in officials being held responsible if it is later discovered that the reports were incorrect. This has further contributed to officials exercising extreme caution, potentially impacting the government’s target of generating Rs. 2,000 crore to Rs. 3,000 crore from LRS applications.

The LRS initiative was launched in 2020, receiving 25.70 lakh applications between August 31 and October 31. Among these, 3.58 lakh applications were filed within Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits and one lakh within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. Some applications were rejected due to urban land ceiling violations, while many others remain unprocessed.

Further delays were caused by officials being engaged in rescue and relief efforts during recent floods in several districts. Despite Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy’s directives to expedite the processing and complete it within three months, progress has been slow. Special teams from the revenue, municipal administration, and irrigation departments were formed to accelerate the process, and help desks were promised at district offices for applicants’ convenience. However, few such desks have been set up, and inquiries from applicants about their application’s status remain sparse.

KTR Calls for Immediate Rehabilitation of Demolition Victims Amid Heavy Rains

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“Chhat chheen gayi, par aasman ka saaya baaqi hai,
Tatpatri ke neeche, phir bhi jeene ka jazba baqi hai.”

“Homeless after the demolition, seeking shelter under a plastic sheet in the pouring rain.”

Hyderabad: BRS Working President KT Rama Rao has strongly condemned the demolition of homes belonging to the poor in Hyderabad amid severe rainstorms, blaming the current Congress government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for showing a lack of empathy. The demolitions have left many residents homeless, standing drenched and vulnerable in the heavy rain, without shelter or proper aid. Rama Rao criticized the government for failing to consider the plight of these vulnerable families during extreme weather.

In a statement on Sunday, Rama Rao said, “The Congress government promised a people-centric administration but is instead robbing the poor of their homes. Videos of families standing in the rain, their homes destroyed, show the harsh reality of this government’s actions.” He further stated that the demolition drive was “merciless” and highlighted the Congress government’s disregard for the rights and dignity of the poor.

Rama Rao shared his concerns about the need for rehabilitation and urged immediate action. He called on Telangana’s Chief Secretary, A Santhi Kumari, to allocate the 40,000 double-bedroom houses built by the previous BRS administration to those displaced by the demolitions. “A humane rehabilitation policy is necessary. The government must follow due legal procedures and protect its citizens, especially in such harsh conditions,” he said.

Several BRS leaders, including RS Praveen Kumar, echoed Rama Rao’s sentiments. Expressing his sorrow, Kumar remarked, “These poor people are suffering. If they were living in illegal structures, the government should have provided them alternative housing before demolishing their homes. Justice should be the same for both the rich and the poor.” As someone who grew up in slums, Kumar warned the Congress government that its actions would have serious consequences.

BRS leader Dasoju Sravan also criticized the ongoing demolitions, describing them as “anarchy” and an example of “poor leadership.” He accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of employing bulldozer politics to intimidate and displace the poor without any proper legal framework. “The administration is implementing these demolitions without long-term planning or judicial backing, leaving the poor to fend for themselves,” Sravan added.

The growing criticism from BRS leaders highlights the escalating political tension around the issue of displacement and the Congress government’s handling of the crisis.

Telangana CM Reaffirms Support for Journalists, Addresses Housing Challenges

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Chief Minister Criticizes Media Integrity Issues and Pledges Support for Genuine Reporting

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the housing challenges faced by journalists during a land allotment program for the Jawaharlal Nehru Journalists Housing Society at Ravindra Bharathi on Sunday, September 8. The event marked a significant step towards providing permanent housing solutions for journalists, a long-standing issue in the state.

In his speech, CM Reddy praised the crucial role journalists play in society, comparing their work to that of doctors diagnosing societal issues. He credited former Chief Minister YS Rajashekhara Reddy for initiating the housing allotment scheme and emphasized that his government had successfully provided a lasting resolution to this matter.

However, the Chief Minister also raised concerns about the current state of journalism, criticizing some media outlets for spreading false propaganda instead of practicing responsible reporting. He expressed his disappointment over how these actions have tarnished the reputation of the media industry. Reddy called on professional journalists to work towards restoring the integrity of their profession.

Reddy further pledged his support for genuine reporters, while taking aim at certain publications that he accused of using objectionable language and politically motivated attacks, including criticisms directed at his own office. He urged journalists to maintain self-restraint and hold themselves to high ethical standards, particularly when addressing unethical practices within the media.

The Chief Minister’s address highlighted the government’s intention to support honest journalism while ensuring that housing and other welfare needs of journalists are addressed effectively.

HYDRA Chief Clarifies: No Demolition of Existing Homes on Lake Beds in Hyderabad

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HYDRA Confirms Focus on New Illegal Constructions, Existing Homes Safe

Hyderabad: AV Ranganath, the commissioner of Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA), has clarified that existing homes and habitations located in lake full tank levels (FTLs) and buffer zones in Hyderabad will not be demolished, ending days of confusion regarding the agency’s powers. His statement, made on Sunday, September 8, reassures residents that only new illegal constructions in these zones will face demolition.

In his address, Ranganath emphasized that ongoing demolition activities are targeting newly constructed or under-construction properties within FTLs and buffer zones. “We assure the people of Hyderabad that no occupied house will be demolished. However, we urge the public not to purchase any property—house, flat, or land—that falls within a lake’s FTL or buffer zone,” said the HYDRA commissioner.

Ranganath pointed to ongoing demolition work at Sunnam Cheruvu, where structures had previously been removed but resurfaced, necessitating a renewed operation on Sunday. He also cited a recent case involving seven villas under construction at Mallampeta Cheruvu in Dundigal, which were demolished as they were being built within the FTL without any construction permits.

“The builder, Vijay Lakshmi, locally known as the ‘Lady Don,’ has multiple criminal cases against her and connections with local political leaders,” Ranganath revealed. He further mentioned that criminal cases have been lodged against Vijay Lakshmi and former MLA Panyam Katasani Ram Bhoopal Reddy in local police stations.

Since HYDRA was established in July, the agency has conducted demolitions in multiple locations around Hyderabad, recovering at least 50 acres of encroached land. Ranganath reiterated that no residential property occupied by any person has been demolished, and the agency is focusing on illegal, unoccupied constructions.

For those purchasing properties, Ranganath advised conducting thorough checks regarding FTL and buffer zone regulations through the HMDA Lakes website or by consulting HYDRA directly to avoid buying properties in restricted areas.

Siasat reported.

Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Warnings in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

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Authorities Warn of Crop Damage and Traffic Disruptions Amid Heavy Rains

Hyderabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning for heavy rains and flash floods in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, following a depression over the Bay of Bengal that has intensified, affecting both states significantly. The depression, which is moving northward, has already caused widespread flooding in coastal regions, and more rain is expected in the coming days.

Coastal areas including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and the Godavari districts have been hit with up to 200 mm of rainfall, leading to localized flooding. Northern Andhra Pradesh and northeastern Telangana are also bearing the brunt of heavy rains, with more forecast until September 11. The IMD warns of ongoing risks of flash floods, particularly in urban areas, and waterlogging remains a significant concern in major cities like Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

Authorities have issued flood alerts and warned of squally winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h along the coast. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the seas, with rough conditions predicted in the Bay of Bengal until September 11. In addition, the system is expected to move toward the north Odisha-West Bengal coasts by the evening or night of September 9, continuing to impact nearby regions with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The recent heavy rains have already caused damage in several areas, with reports of crop losses, traffic disruptions, and landslides. In Telangana, Hyderabad has seen significant waterlogging in low-lying areas, with authorities working to clear affected roads. Farmers in the affected districts have been advised to drain excess water from fields and provide mechanical support to crops wherever possible to avoid further damage.

The IMD has also cautioned that heavy rainfall will extend to Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and north Chhattisgarh over the coming days as the weather system progresses. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as necessary.

Residents of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are advised to stay alert, follow local advisories, and take precautionary measures as the severe weather conditions continue.

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