New Delhi, Feb 4 – The high-stakes campaign for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 officially concluded on Monday evening. With just a day left for the polls, the national capital is set to witness a three-way contest among the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress.
Polling Details
Voting for all 70 assembly seats will take place in a single phase on February 5. The Election Commission has set up 13,766 polling stations across the city for 1.56 crore eligible voters. Among them, 83.76 lakh are men, 72.36 lakh women, and 1,267 are third-gender voters.
Delhi’s Political Landscape
The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has been in power since 2015, securing landslide victories in the past two elections. In 2020, AAP won 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed to secure just 8 seats. The Congress, which once dominated Delhi politics, failed to win a single seat in both 2015 and 2020.
The BJP, which last governed Delhi in 1998, has been out of power in the capital for 27 years. The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 years, is aiming to make a comeback in this election.
Counting & Results
The votes will be counted on February 8, with results expected by the evening.
Exit Poll Restrictions
The Election Commission has banned the publication of exit polls before 6:30 PM on February 5. A notification issued on February 3 stated:
“The Commission notifies the period between 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM on February 5, 2025, as the period during which conducting and publishing or publicizing exit polls through print, electronic media, or any other means shall be prohibited.”
Other Elections on February 5
Along with the Delhi Assembly Elections, bypolls will also be held for the Milkipur assembly seat in Uttar Pradesh and the Erode (East) assembly seat in Tamil Nadu on the same day.
Washington, D.C. – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 7,400 individuals across multiple states in just nine days, marking an aggressive push in the Biden administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.
The wave of arrests, which began shortly after the administration took office, has targeted individuals in the country illegally, with a particular focus on violent offenders. According to ICE, nearly 6,000 detainers have been placed on individuals to prevent their release.
Major Raids Across Sanctuary Cities
ICE has carried out raids on homes, workplaces, and other establishments, particularly in sanctuary cities like New York City, Chicago, and Boston. Federal authorities have taken into custody individuals accused of sex crimes against minors, rapes, gun offenses, and drug-related crimes. Among those arrested were violent gang members linked to Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
One of the most high-profile arrests occurred in New York City, where Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, participated in an enforcement raid. Officers apprehended Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, 26, an alleged ringleader of Tren de Aragua. He was previously caught on camera in a viral video last summer, showing heavily armed men kicking down an apartment door in Aurora, Colorado.
In Massachusetts, ICE arrested Luis Adolfo Guerra Perez, 19, a Guatemalan citizen and MS-13 gang member. He was facing state gun charges and had already been ordered deported, but was released by a Boston court.
Federal Agencies Join Forces
Many of these operations have been coordinated efforts involving multiple federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The White House’s official X account has posted details of at least 20 cases, while ICE has published more than 60.
Tougher Stance on Violent Offenders
Border czar Tom Homan stated that ICE is currently focused on violent illegal aliens, while Noem reaffirmed that immigration authorities are working to arrest the “worst of the worst”. She emphasized that streets across the country are now safer due to these enforcement actions.
In a controversial move, the administration has also pledged to send the most violent migrants to Guantánamo Bay, signaling a hardline approach to illegal immigration.
ICE continues to update daily arrest totals on X, reflecting the scale and intensity of the ongoing crackdown.
“Two Decades of Excellence: Press Wings Club Celebrates Journalism, Integrity, and Impact”
Photo Aleem Style
Hyderabad, January 30: The Press Wings Club, a distinguished media entity affiliated with the Journalists Federation of India (JFI), New Delhi, celebrated its Silver Jubilee and Foundation Day with grandeur at the Media Plus Auditorium, Abids. The event highlighted the club’s pivotal role in journalism and its ongoing commitment to amplifying public voices.
The occasion was graced by notable figures from the media and other sectors, including Dr. Sajida Khan, President Awardee and India’s first female audio engineer; Dr. Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez, Managing Partner of Gawah Urdu Weekly; Daniel, Telangana State Chief Bureau; Shiva Nagaraju, Associate Editor of TV9; Suresh Kumar, Chairman of V10; Andruise, Senior Journalist; Venkata Shiva Krishna, KPHB Yuva Congress Leader; Katkam Bhaskar; V. Subba Reddy, MD of Pragati Pvt Ltd; and Mohammed Ilyas Khan, MD of Pigeon Ideal Pvt Ltd.
Ameen Alam, Founder and President of Press Wings Club, addressed the gathering, reflecting on the club’s 40-year journey in the media industry. “It has been an incredible journey filled with challenges and achievements. We take pride in our unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and professionalism,” he remarked.
Mohammed Abid Ali, Joint Editor of the Club, expressed gratitude to the attendees, reaffirming the club’s dedication to innovation and impactful journalism. “On this joyous occasion, we renew our commitment to fostering meaningful media initiatives and upholding journalistic excellence,” he stated.
Emphasizing the club’s contributions, Aftab Hussain, Secretary of the Club, underscored its role in shaping media narratives and serving as a voice for the people. The event, he noted, was not only a celebration of past accomplishments but also a recommitment to future endeavors.
The Silver Jubilee event brought together media professionals who have played a significant role in informing and empowering society. Guests shared insights on the evolution of journalism and the industry’s future, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The milestone reaffirms the Press Wings Club’s commitment to journalistic excellence, as it looks forward to continuing its impactful service for years to come.
A Premier Platform for Business Growth and Networking
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Hyderabad, January 28: The highly anticipated Hyderabad Business Expo 2025 is set to take place from January 31 to February 2 at Kings Crown, Kohinoor Convention, Gudimalkapur (Pillar No. 68). The three-day event, running from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, aims to bring together over 100 businesses across 12 industries, providing a valuable platform for entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors to network and explore growth opportunities.
A Gateway to Business Expansion
Speaking at a press conference at Media Plus Auditorium, event organizer Mr. Aijaz Ahmed highlighted the expo’s role in supporting both new and established businesses. “The expo will feature stalls offering crucial services such as accounting, IT support, marketing, HR, legal consultancy, and business development guidance—key resources for any business striving for success,” he stated.
He further emphasized the networking potential, noting that participants will have the chance to showcase their brands, forge collaborations, and discover new business avenues.
Industry-Wide Participation & Expert Insights
The expo will cover 12 key industries, including technology, retail, hospitality, real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, finance, jewelry & fashion, agriculture, energy, NGOs, and social enterprises. In addition to the exhibition, keynote sessions by industry experts will provide attendees with valuable business insights and strategies.
Strong Industry Backing
The event is supported by Serene Vistas as the lead sponsor, with Karishma Wedding Mall, The Legend, Full Stack Academy, and Origin Tours and Travels as co-sponsors. Hyderabad Business Expo 2025 follows the successful organization of past events such as the Franchise Dealership Expo, Investors Expo, and Hyderabad Education Expo.
With participation expected from entrepreneurs across Hyderabad, Telangana, and beyond, the expo is poised to be a landmark event for business networking and growth.
Hyderabad: A road safety awareness session organized by Young Indians (YI), the youth wing of CII, in association with Ghulam Ahmed College of Education, took place today. The session, aimed at educating future educators on the importance of road safety, was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Rahul Hegde IPS, DCP Traffic, and Mr. Khaleeq ur Raheman, who delivered a compelling address on road safety.
Mr. Khaleeq ur Raheman shared the heart-wrenching story behind the initiative, Youth Against Speed, which was born from a personal tragedy—the loss of his 16-year-old son, Ajmal, and his 19-year-old nephew, Ayaz, in a road accident. This tragedy fueled his mission to raise awareness about responsible driving and the urgent need for road safety. “The untimely demise of my loved ones was a wake-up call. Every day, lives are lost due to speeding, reckless driving, and lack of awareness. It is crucial that we educate not just drivers but also pedestrians and passengers on the importance of safety on our roads,” he stated.
Rahul Hegde IPS emphasized the role of law enforcement and public cooperation in ensuring safer roads. He explained that effective enforcement of traffic regulations, alongside public awareness, is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.
Reinforcing the session’s significance, Poornima Saraf, Chair of YI Road Safety, and Smt. Vibha Asthana, Director of Ghulam Ahmed College of Education, addressed the attendees. Smt. Vibha Asthana warmly welcomed the Young Indians team and dignitaries to the event, commending their dedication to promoting road safety. She also highlighted the importance of integrating road safety education into the curriculum for future educators. As a symbol of commitment to road safety and environmental consciousness, she presented plant pots to the guests, marking the event’s green initiative.
The session concluded with a Road Safety Rally, flagged off by the dignitaries. The enthusiasm of young educators participating in the rally was inspiring, as they will play a pivotal role in educating society on the significance of road safety.
The event served as a powerful reminder that road safety is not solely the responsibility of authorities but of every individual on the road. Simple actions such as wearing seat belts, following traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and respecting speed limits can significantly reduce accidents and save lives.
Let’s pledge to make our roads safer and work collectively to prevent avoidable tragedies. Every life saved is a victory for society.
Hyderabad, January 26, 2025 – Neo Rosary School celebrated the 76th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor. The event commenced with the unfurling of the national flag by Chief Guest Sahibzada Col. Kulich Khan and Guest of Honour Dr. Kausar Fatima Gilani, a distinguished educationist from the USA.
In her keynote address, Principal Ms. Nasreen Fatima highlighted the significance of Republic Day and urged students to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution. Chief Guest Col. Kulich Khan inspired students with a motivational speech, encouraging them to safeguard the Constitution and consider careers in the armed forces.
Guest of Honour Dr. Kausar Fatima Gilani emphasized the importance of discipline, limiting gadget use, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. She spoke about the spiritual and physical benefits of waking early and performing Fajr Salah, concluding with the timeless adage, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
The event featured a vibrant cultural program showcasing India’s rich heritage. Neo Rosary students also excelled in an inter-school competition organized by Ridgewood School, winning cash prizes for their outstanding performances.
Recognizing excellence, the Best Teacher Award was presented to Ms. Shafia Salma for her outstanding contributions to primary education. Mr. Abdul Rehman was also honored for his dedication and vigilance as part of the non-teaching staff. Students excelling in foundational literacy, 21st-century skills, school cinema activities, and moral education (Deeniyat) were felicitated.
The ceremony was elegantly anchored by Ms. Sami Fatima, with a welcome speech by Ms. Asiya and a vote of thanks by Ms. Sarita. The event was successfully conducted under the guidance of Vice Principal Ms. Aqeela Sultana.
Hyderabad, January 26, 2025: The Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society (SUES) campus in Banjara Hills celebrated Republic Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and patriotism. The event began with the ceremonial unfurling of the national flag by Mr. Waliullah, Chairman of SUES, and Mr. Zafar Javeed, Honorary Secretary. The program was attended by the Board Members, students, staff, and Principals and Directors of various constituent institutions under SUES.
A highlight of the ceremony was the spirited Guard of Honour presented by the NCC cadets of Sultan-ul-Uloom Public School, showcasing their discipline and dedication.
Mr. Zafar Javeed’s Address on the Indian Constitution
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Zafar Javeed, Honorary Secretary of SUES, shed light on the importance of the Indian Constitution and its role in shaping the country’s democracy. He paid tribute to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, and elaborated on how it guarantees justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens.
He emphasized the values of inclusivity and equality that are fundamental to India’s progress and called upon the students to imbibe these principles in their lives. “The Constitution is not just a legal framework but a beacon of hope and guidance for our diverse nation. Let us uphold its values and work towards the betterment of society with integrity and dedication,” he stated.
International Guests Enhanced the Celebration
The Republic Day celebrations were graced by the presence of four distinguished international dignitaries from the field of pharmacy and education:
Prof. Ruth Edwards – Professor of Pharmacy Education and Head of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wolverhampton, UK
Ms. Beth Ward – Strategic Lead for Workforce Capability Building and Head of Education at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Great Britain
Ms. Victoria Rutter – CEO of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA)
Mr. Raymond Anderson– Past President of CPA and Trustee, Director of Northern Pharmacies Ltd.
Their participation added a global dimension to the event, highlighting SUES’s dedication to fostering international collaborations and academic excellence.
The Republic Day celebration at SUES concluded with an atmosphere of patriotism and a renewed commitment to the ideals of the nation, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
Hyderabad, January 26, 2025: The Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was officially inaugurated by Orhan Yalman Okan, consul general of Türkiye, along with M. A. Faiz Khan, chairman of ITFA, in the presence of Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, special chief secretary, IT & I&C, Government of Telangana.
The inauguration also marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between ITFA and T-Hub, aimed at fostering stronger trade, investment, and technological collaboration between India and Türkiye.
Strengthening Economic and Business Ties
The Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association is designed to enhance trade relations, open new business opportunities, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. It has already been recognized by the Turkish Consulate General and introduced to major Turkish business organizations, including key stakeholders in the country’s innovation ecosystem such as science and technology parks, incubators, and universities.
India and Türkiye are both emerging economic powerhouses, playing influential roles in global markets. As of 2024, Türkiye ranks as the world’s 11th largest economy and the 4th largest in Europe in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), with a GDP of approximately $1 trillion. Meanwhile, India holds the position of the world’s 5th largest economy. The bilateral trade between India and Türkiye has already reached $13 billion, with a mid-term target of $20 billion set by both governments.
Key industries with high potential for collaboration include IT, software, pharmaceuticals, defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and critical minerals. Additionally, sectors such as healthcare, food security, logistics, and supply chains are expected to witness increased engagement. Opportunities also exist in trade sectors including food and agriculture, machinery, vehicles and auto parts, textiles, electronics, furniture, and semi-precious stones.
Consul General’s Vision for Hyderabad-Türkiye Relations
Speaking at the event, Orhan Yalman Okan highlighted Hyderabad’s special connection with Türkiye, rooted in historical and cultural ties dating back to the Nizam era.
“Hyderabad is a dynamic city with a strong economic structure, striving to establish itself as a global hub. Strengthening economic and trade relations between Türkiye and Hyderabad is a key priority, and ITFA will serve as a bridge for sustained business engagement,” he said.
He also praised T-Hub, describing it as a globally recognized innovation center that plays a crucial role in fostering trade and investment through its vast network. “It was only natural for T-Hub and ITFA to collaborate, and I am delighted to witness the signing of the MoU. I sincerely hope this partnership will lead to the establishment of a Türkiye-India Technology Transfer Office within T-Hub,” he added.
ITFA Chairman Emphasizes Shared Aspirations
M. A. Faiz Khan, chairman of ITFA, underscored the longstanding cultural and economic ties between Hyderabad and Türkiye, which reflect the broader relationship between the two nations.
“India and Türkiye complement each other in various sectors, including healthcare, education, film and entertainment, and tourism. This partnership will pave the way for new business collaborations, allowing companies from both countries to explore markets, develop innovative solutions, and establish impactful ties,” he said.
He further emphasized that ITFA and T-Hub’s collaboration will empower businesses in emerging fields such as renewable energy, technology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. By providing networking opportunities, facilitating access to resources, and organizing knowledge-sharing events, the association aims to foster innovation and economic growth.
“Beyond economic ties, this initiative is about strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the people of India and Türkiye,” he added.
Upcoming ITFA Events
Several key events have been scheduled under the Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association to promote cultural and business ties:
Türkiye Tourism Roadshow – February 26, Taj Krishna Hotel
Iftar Dinner – During Ramadan
Business Trip to Türkiye – April
Türkiye Food Festival – May 3-18, Trident Hotel
Türkiye Education Fair – June, Trident Hotel
Zoom Meeting with Turkish-Indian Business Council Members in Istanbul – First half of 2025
ITFA Board Members
The leadership of ITFA includes representatives from both Indian and Turkish business communities:
Orhan Yalman Okan, consul general of Türkiye
M. A. Faiz Khan, chairman
Syed Rafi Ishaq, first vice chairman
Srividya Reddy Gunampalli, second vice chairman
Rahmani Farooqui, secretary-general
Vibhuti Jain, joint secretary
Anika Khara, treasurer
Irfan Aziz, executive member
G. S. Farooqui, executive member
With the establishment of ITFA, both India and Türkiye are set to witness deeper business collaborations, paving the way for stronger bilateral ties and shared prosperity.
Hyderabad, January 26: The Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) jointly organized a two-day workshop on “Clinical Consultation Skills for Pharmacists” at Sultan-ul-Uloom College of Pharmacy. The workshop aimed to enhance the communication and consultation skills of pharmacy students, faculty, and community pharmacists.
The event commenced on January 24 with sessions for pharmacy students and faculty, followed by training for community pharmacists on January 25. The workshop was initiated by Dr. T.V. Narayana, former President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association.
A distinguished team of four resource persons from the United Kingdom—Prof. Ruth Edwards, Ms. Beth Ward, Ms. Victoria Rutter, and Mr. Raymond Anderson—represented the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association. Prof. Ruth Edwards led the training, while the others facilitated sessions focused on effective patient communication and empathetic consultation practices.
Participants gained valuable insights into patient-centered consultation methods, reinforcing the role of pharmacists in building patient trust and enhancing business practices.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mr. Zafar Javeed, Honorary Secretary of Sultan-ul-Uloom Education Society, along with other esteemed dignitaries including Dr. B. Prabha Shankar (President, IPA-Telangana State), Dr. Vinay Kumar Gupta (Additional Drug Controller, CDSCO), Dr. Adepu Ramesh (Chairman, Hospital Pharmacy Division – IPA), Mr. Raj Vaidya (Chairman, Clinical Pharmacy Division – IPA), Dr. G. Sumalatha (Chairperson, Educational Division – IPA), and Dr. Bharat Vikas (Secretary, IPA Central).
Mr. Zafar Javeed, in a traditional gesture, honored all the distinguished guests with shawls and presented mementos as a token of appreciation.
Dr. Anupama Koneru, Principal of Sultan-ul-Uloom College of Pharmacy, welcomed the guests and emphasized the significance of such training programs in professional pharmacy education.
Hyderabad, January 21, 2025: Prominent environment and social activist Mohammed Abid Ali from Hyderabad has made a heartfelt appeal to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, urging the government to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of social activists.
In an open letter addressed to the CM, Abid Ali highlighted the persistent struggles faced by social activists, who dedicate their lives to community welfare yet remain financially insecure, burdened by family responsibilities and health issues. He pointed out that despite their significant role in social progress, activists are often overlooked by organizations, political parties, and governments across India.
As Republic Day approaches, Abid Ali has proposed concrete measures to provide much-needed support to social activists, including:
Social Activist Health Card – Ensuring medical assistance for those engaged in social service.
Social Activist Monthly Pension – A financial aid system for activists who dedicate their lives to public welfare.
Social Activist Ration Card – To guarantee access to basic necessities.
Additionally, he suggested the creation of job opportunities for activists, even on a contractual basis, to help them sustain their livelihoods while continuing their social work.
Abid Ali emphasized that just as ex-military officers and retired legislators are honored and supported, social activists also deserve similar recognition. Their selfless service plays a crucial role in bridging societal gaps and uplifting communities.
He called upon CM Revanth Reddy and other political leaders to make this Republic Day a turning point in acknowledging and empowering social activists, asserting that investing in their welfare is an investment in the progress of the state and the nation.
