Hyderabad: The Telangana BJP has criticised the Congress government over its 1,000-day milestone, saying people deserve answers on the government’s election promises rather than celebrations.BJP state chief spokesperson and media in-charge NV Subhash questioned what the government had achieved during its tenure and asked how many of the six guarantees promised by Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections had been fully implemented.“After 1,000 days, the people of Telangana deserve answers, not celebrations,” Subhash said, according to ANI inputs. He also questioned the implementation of the party's broader set of election commitments.

BJP questions six guarantees

Subhash alleged that several promises remained incomplete, delayed or only partially implemented. He specifically raised questions over assistance promised to women, farmers and other sections of society.The BJP spokesperson also referred to the Congress' employment promise, questioning why the target of filling 1 lakh government vacancies by June 2026 had not been achieved. The state government has said around 70,000 government posts have been filled.On women's welfare, Subhash acknowledged the implementation of free travel for women in Telangana State Road Transport Corporation buses but questioned the financial impact on the transport corporation. He also asked why the promised ₹2,500 monthly assistance for eligible women had not been fully implemented.The BJP has also raised issues related to farmers' assistance and crop-loan support, arguing that announcements need to translate into benefits reaching every eligible beneficiary.

Congress highlights welfare and development record

The BJP's criticism comes as the Congress government led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy marks 1,000 days in office.The government has presented a different assessment of its tenure, highlighting measures covering farmers, women, students, employees and unemployed youth. The Chief Minister's Office has pointed to welfare programmes, infrastructure development and economic growth as key areas of its record.Telangana Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud said the government had spent around ₹1.75 lakh crore on agriculture and cited farm-loan waivers benefiting more than 25 lakh farmers, Rythu Bharosa payments and free agricultural power among its achievements. He also said more than 70,000 government appointments had been made.The Congress has also highlighted Gruha Jyothi, which provides up to 200 units of free electricity to eligible households, ₹500 LPG cylinders and the issuance of more than 16 lakh new ration cards.

Opposition steps up pressure

The BJP's attack is part of a wider political confrontation over the Congress government's first 1,000 days.The BRS has announced a separate statewide campaign from September 2 to highlight what it calls the Congress government's failures and alleged betrayal of election promises. The party is also preparing a charge sheet against the government.The BJP, meanwhile, has planned protests on several issues, including Section 22A, fee reimbursement dues and farmers' concerns. Party leaders have also announced programmes ahead of the Telangana Assembly session beginning September 7.Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has responded by challenging BRS president and Leader of Opposition K Chandrasekhar Rao to a debate in the Assembly comparing the Congress government's 1,000 days with the previous BRS government's 10-year tenure.With the Congress highlighting its welfare and development record and the BJP and BRS focusing on unfulfilled promises, the 1,000-day milestone has become a fresh battleground over the performance of the Telangana government.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s planned visit to the United States has been cancelled after the Centre did not grant the required clearance, the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Friday.

Reddy, who is currently in London as part of an official Telangana Rising delegation, was scheduled to travel from the UK to the US before returning to Hyderabad on August 30. He will now return to Telangana on August 23 instead.

The CMO alleged that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refused permission for the US leg of the trip on "political grounds". The Centre’s position on the allegation was not included in the statement issued by the Telangana government.

US Leg Of Tour Cancelled

According to the CMO, the official delegation led by Reddy had planned a series of engagements in the US after completing his UK programme.

The chief minister was scheduled to travel to Boston on August 24 and visit Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was also expected to interact with the Virginia Tech team in Boston on August 25.

The delegation had further planned engagements in New York, including a programme organised by the US chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress on August 26.

The cancellation means these planned engagements will no longer take place as scheduled.

Reddy Currently In London

Reddy arrived in London on August 20. His UK itinerary includes engagements at Oxford University, Cambridge University, the University of London and London Business School.

He was also scheduled to attend an English Premier League football event at Emirates Stadium as part of the London programme.

After completing his UK engagements, Reddy was expected to continue to the United States. Instead, the chief minister will now return directly to Hyderabad.

Telangana CMO Raises Political Allegation

The Telangana government has described the denial of clearance as a political decision.

In its statement, the CMO said the "official Telangana Rising delegation" had been forced to cancel its US visit because the MEA had refused clearance on political grounds.

The statement did not provide details of what the Telangana government believes were the political reasons behind the Centre's decision.

Clearance from the Union government is required for certain official visits by serving chief ministers and other public representatives abroad.

Planned US Engagements

The proposed US visit was intended to include academic and diaspora engagements.

Reddy's schedule included meetings at Harvard and MIT, along with an interaction with the Virginia Tech team. The New York programme was expected to provide an opportunity to engage with members of the Indian diaspora through the US chapter of the Indian Overseas Congress.

The Telangana government has been promoting its "Telangana Rising" initiative to attract investment, strengthen international partnerships and showcase the state's economic and development priorities.

Return To Hyderabad On August 23

With the US leg cancelled, Reddy is now expected to return to Hyderabad on August 23 instead of August 30.

The development comes as the Telangana government continues its overseas outreach and investment-promotion activities. The cancellation of the US programme is likely to trigger a political debate in the state, particularly over the CMO's allegation that the clearance was denied for political reasons.

The Centre's response will be significant in establishing the reasons behind the decision and whether the denial was related to the proposed itinerary, administrative considerations or other factors.

The franchise will begin with Shrimad Bhagavatam Part-1, which is currently in production. The project has been conceived by Amrit Sagar Chopra and Akash Sagar Chopra, grandsons of legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar. Amrit Sagar is directing the first installment, while the film is being produced under the banner of Sagar Pictures Entertainment. Spiritual teacher and author Sri M is serving as the research guide, and veteran producer Moti Sagar is mentoring the project.

Principal photography has commenced at Ramoji Film City. The inaugural muhurat ceremony was attended by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who formally launched the project and praised the effort to bring India's timeless epics to a new generation through cinema.

According to the filmmakers, the film series is based on the Bhagavata Mahapurana, one of Hinduism's most revered scriptures. The narrative will chronicle the life and teachings of Lord Krishna while also depicting several incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya, Varaha and Narasimha, alongside stories of Dhruva, King Prithu, Bharata and Sage Kapila. The makers say the films aim to combine scriptural authenticity with large-scale cinematic storytelling using modern filmmaking technology.

The technical team also brings international expertise to the production. Cinematographer Joel Schaefer has joined the project, while Academy Award-winning visual effects specialist Clyde Edwards is serving as executive producer. The visual effects work is being handled by Oscar-winning VFX company DNEG, which has collaborated on several major international productions.

Akash Sagar Chopra said the studio is entering a new phase by transforming itself from a traditional film and television production house into a global entertainment company driven by intellectual property, cinematic franchises and immersive experiences. He described Shrimad Bhagavatam as the foundation of that long-term vision, with plans to expand the mythology beyond films into gaming, music, consumer products and other entertainment formats.

Founded in 1954, Sagar Pictures has built a legacy spanning more than seven decades. The production house became a household name through television classics such as Ramayan and Shri Krishna, with its mythological programming reaching audiences across India and abroad. The company says its catalogue includes more than 55 television series and over 25 feature films.

The studio has dedicated the Shrimad Bhagavatam franchise to the memory of Ramanand Sagar and Leela Sagar. While casting details and a theatrical release schedule are yet to be announced, the makers have indicated that additional updates on Shrimad Bhagavatam Part-1 will be shared in the coming months as production progresses.

 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has said his government will soon move a resolution in the State Assembly seeking to reduce the minimum age for contesting elections to 21 years. The resolution will be forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consideration by the Centre.

Making the case for the proposed reform, Reddy questioned why young Indians who are eligible to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers at the age of 21 cannot also be allowed to contest elections for legislative bodies.

"If a 21-year-old can become an IAS officer, why should the same person not be eligible to become an MLA, MP or even a minister?" he said.

Greater Political Participation for Youth

Reddy argued that India's younger generation deserves greater representation in the country's democratic institutions.

Highlighting the demographic profile of the country, he said that Generation Z constitutes nearly 30 per cent of India's population, yet their representation in the Lok Sabha remains below one per cent. According to him, lowering the eligibility age would provide more opportunities for young people to participate directly in governance and policymaking.

Resolution to Be Sent to Centre

The Chief Minister said the Telangana Assembly would soon adopt a formal resolution supporting the proposal. Since the minimum age for contesting parliamentary and Assembly elections is governed by the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, any change would require action by Parliament.

The proposed resolution will therefore be sent to the Union Government for consideration.

Congress Cites Earlier Electoral Reform

Reddy also noted that the Congress has previously supported expanding youth participation in the democratic process.

He referred to the decision taken during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, when the voting age in India was reduced from 21 years to 18 years through the 61st Constitutional Amendment in 1988, enabling millions of young citizens to exercise their franchise.

The controversy began when a journalist asked Reddy how farmers would cope if drought-like conditions persisted and irrigation water remained unavailable for crops. In response, Reddy turned his answer into a direct attack on the BRS leadership, invoking violent imagery about the two leaders and suggesting they bore responsibility for the state's troubles, accusing them of lying to the public. He went on to say the two needed corrective treatment and joked about sending experts to examine them, saying the government would cover the cost.

The underlying dispute centers on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The BRS has argued that despite drought conditions, sufficient water is available and that the Congress government should release it from the Kannepalli pump house. The state government has countered that it is following recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority, which has advised against holding water in the barrages over safety concerns. Reddy, defending his government's handling of the issue, said efforts to restore the project were already underway.

BRS MLA T Harish Rao objected strongly to the Chief Minister's language, demanding an unconditional apology. He told reporters he had simply asked the government to release water for farmers' fields, and that Reddy had responded by talking about spilling his blood instead. He questioned whether such language was appropriate from someone holding a constitutional post, and said he was prepared to give his own blood if that was truly the price of getting water to farmers.

BRS working president KTR fired back on X, calling the Chief Minister bloodthirsty and accusing him of having tormented Telangana for six decades. He said his party was willing to make any sacrifice for farmers and repeated the demand that the government release water to the fields. He argued that the BRS was the party that had fought for the state until suffering real losses in the process, and said they remained ready to keep making sacrifices — but that the government needed to address farmers' actual water needs rather than trading accusations.

Neither side has signalled any de-escalation, and with drought conditions persisting and the dam safety recommendations still in place, the underlying irrigation dispute remains unresolved even as the political fallout from Reddy's remarks continues to dominate the conversation.

An Indian-origin software engineer has been arrested in the United States on charges of allegedly murdering his wife and sending a photograph of her body to his girlfriend in India. The arrest comes nearly nine months after the woman's death following an extensive investigation involving forensic evidence, digital records and witness statements.

The accused, identified as Avinash Narne, 30, originally from Telangana, has been charged with first-degree murder. A US court has ordered him to remain in custody and set his bail at USD 5 million (approximately ₹48 crore). If convicted, he could face life imprisonment under American law.

Investigators allege that Narne killed his wife, Rajitha Sabbineni, 27, just five months after their marriage. The couple had tied the knot on June 5, 2025, before relocating to the United States.

Emergency Call Triggered Investigation

According to investigators, the incident took place on October 27, 2025, when Narne contacted emergency services claiming his wife had locked herself inside the bathroom and was not responding.

Police officers forced open the bathroom door after arriving at the apartment and found Rajitha dead. Narne initially told investigators that he had stepped out of the apartment for nearly 40 minutes and discovered the bathroom locked upon returning home.

However, investigators examined electronic records from the apartment's smart lock and security system, which reportedly showed that no one had entered or exited the residence during the period Narne claimed to be away. The digital evidence led investigators to rule out the possibility of an intruder.

A postmortem examination conducted the following day concluded that Rajitha died due to asphyxia caused by strangulation, prompting authorities to officially classify the case as a homicide.

Digital Evidence Strengthened Case

During the investigation, detectives recovered mobile phone records, text messages and communication logs that allegedly contradicted Narne's statements.

Police claimed Narne had maintained a long-term relationship with a woman living in India before entering into an arranged marriage with Rajitha. Investigators further alleged that the woman attended the couple's wedding and that Narne remained in regular contact with her after the marriage.

Call records reportedly showed that Narne spoke to the woman multiple times on the day of Rajitha's death. Investigators also alleged that he admitted to sending her a photograph of his wife's body shortly after the incident.

Messages Raised Suspicion

Authorities said chats exchanged between the couple became a crucial part of the investigation.

According to police, Rajitha had repeatedly complained through text messages that beverages prepared by her husband tasted unusually bitter. On the day of her death, investigators said she messaged that a smoothie prepared by Narne tasted like medicine and cough syrup.

Police further alleged that when officers first arrived at the apartment, Narne claimed his wife had been unwell and suggested she may have collapsed after consuming cough syrup.

Investigators have included these messages among the evidence submitted in the case.

Nine-Month Probe Led to Arrest

Authorities spent several months analysing forensic evidence, digital communication, surveillance records and electronic security logs before questioning Narne again in July 2026.

Based on the evidence gathered, investigators arrested him and formally charged him with first-degree murder.

The accused remains in judicial custody after the court fixed his bail at USD 5 million. Prosecutors have indicated they will rely heavily on forensic findings and digital evidence during trial proceedings.

The case has drawn significant attention both in the United States and India due to the serious allegations and the role that digital evidence reportedly played in the investigation. The legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months.

A 32-year-old nurse in Telangana has been arrested for allegedly murdering her husband by injecting toilet cleaner into his intravenous (IV) drip after an earlier attempt to kill him by pushing him from a terrace reportedly failed. Police have described the case as a pre-planned conspiracy allegedly driven by an extramarital relationship.

The incident took place in Nyalakal village of Mopal mandal in Nizamabad district and came to light after an investigation into the death of 35-year-old Prashant, who had recently returned from a Gulf country.

Police arrested the victim's wife Sandhya, her alleged lover Anil, and his friend Venkat Sai. All three have been remanded to judicial custody, while the investigation continues.

Terrace Push Allegedly Failed

According to investigators, Prashant had recently returned to India and allegedly discovered Sandhya's extramarital affair, leading to frequent disputes between the couple.

Police allege that on June 30, the three accused made Prashant consume a large amount of alcohol before assaulting him and pushing him off the terrace of their house in an attempt to kill him. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he survived the fall.

The accused allegedly took him to a hospital, claiming that he had accidentally fallen while intoxicated.

Hospital Treatment Turned Fatal

Investigators said Sandhya, who had previously worked as a nurse at a private hospital, allegedly used her medical knowledge to carry out a second attempt.

According to police, while Prashant was undergoing treatment, she injected toilet cleaner and anaesthesia into the IV drip connected to his vein, leading to his death.

Authorities are relying on medical evidence and forensic findings to establish the exact cause of death.

Mother's Complaint Triggered Investigation

The case took a dramatic turn after Prashant's mother expressed suspicion over the circumstances surrounding her son's death and lodged a complaint with police on July 1.

During the investigation, police questioned Sandhya, Anil and Venkat Sai. Investigators said inconsistencies in their statements, coupled with post-mortem findings, pointed towards a criminal conspiracy.

Police claimed that Sandhya later confessed during interrogation, while Venkat Sai also admitted his alleged role in the first attempt to kill Prashant.

Police Continue Probe

Investigators are examining digital evidence, call records and other material to establish the sequence of events and determine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged conspiracy.

Police said further forensic reports will form part of the chargesheet, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Mumbai finally witnessed a spell of meaningful rainfall on Sunday morning as the southwest monsoon showed signs of regaining strength after remaining largely stagnant for nearly two weeks. The showers brought much-needed relief to residents who had been enduring high temperatures and persistent humidity over the past several days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), favourable atmospheric conditions are developing for the monsoon to advance further across parts of western, central and eastern India around June 23. The monsoon had reached South Konkan earlier this month but has remained stalled near Solapur since June 8, slowing its progress into several regions that typically receive seasonal rainfall by this time.

Weather experts attribute Mumbai's latest rainfall to increased cloud formation over the Western Ghats. Moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea rise along the mountain range, cool at higher altitudes and form dense rain-bearing clouds. These cloud systems are then pushed towards Mumbai by upper-level winds, resulting in rainfall across the city and adjoining areas.

The revival of monsoon activity comes at a time when large parts of the country continue to experience intense heat. Despite scattered pre-monsoon showers in several states, temperatures crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark in at least eight states on Saturday.

Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest location in the country, recording a maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi also continued to experience hot conditions, with the mercury touching 40 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists say the temporary slowdown in monsoon advancement had extended the wait for rain in several regions. While the western branch of the monsoon has remained stationary since June 8, the eastern branch has shown limited movement since June 12. This pause affected rainfall distribution across multiple states and raised concerns among farmers awaiting seasonal precipitation for sowing activities.

However, recent satellite observations and weather models indicate a gradual increase in cloud activity over central and eastern India. The IMD has noted that atmospheric conditions are becoming more favourable for monsoon progression, suggesting that the seasonal system could begin advancing once again over the coming days.

Around June 23, the monsoon is expected to move into additional parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. Increased rainfall activity is also likely to be observed in adjoining regions as the system strengthens.

For central India, the forecast offers encouraging signs. Between June 21 and June 26, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh are expected to receive rainfall under the influence of strengthening monsoon currents and associated weather systems. Cloud cover has already started increasing over many of these areas, pointing to a more active weather phase ahead.

The expected advancement of the monsoon is particularly significant for the agriculture sector, as several regions have been awaiting adequate rainfall to begin large-scale sowing operations. A timely revival could improve soil moisture levels and support the upcoming kharif season.

With weather conditions evolving rapidly, the IMD is continuing to monitor monsoon movement across the country. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the seasonal rainfall system resumes its northward and eastward advance.

Heatwave conditions intensified across large parts of India, with Telangana reporting 16 deaths linked to extreme heat while temperatures climbed above 47°C in several districts across northern, western and central states.

Telangana Reports Deaths

A prolonged spell of scorching weather has tightened its grip across the country, with Telangana emerging among the worst-hit states. State Revenue Minister Srinivas Reddy said 16 heat-related deaths have been reported so far as daytime temperatures continue to remain dangerously high.

The severe heatwave stretched across at least 11 states on Friday, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Haryana, where temperatures largely stayed between 40°C and 47°C.

According to weather officials, immediate relief is unlikely, with intense heat expected to persist for at least the next two days.

Mercury Crosses 47°C

Some of the highest readings came from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded around 47°C, while Naugaon and nearby areas in Madhya Pradesh touched nearly 46.8°C.

In Vidarbha’s Brahmapuri region, temperatures climbed further during the afternoon, touching 47.2°C, among the highest recorded in the country.

The extreme conditions produced a striking global snapshot on Friday morning, when Indian cities occupied all 50 positions on a list tracking the world’s hottest locations. Several cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Haryana had already crossed 42°C before noon.

MP, UP Under Alert

Madhya Pradesh remains firmly in the heatwave zone. Authorities have issued alerts for 42 districts, with Gwalior-Chambal, Sagar, Rewa and Ujjain divisions among the severely affected regions.

A red alert has been sounded for districts including Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur and Panna. Orange and yellow alerts remain in place across dozens of other districts as authorities monitor conditions.

In Uttar Pradesh, residents continue to struggle through relentless heat. Banda remained among the hottest locations in the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a red heatwave alert for Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi and Prayagraj, while 18 other districts remain under orange alert.

Weather Shift Expected

Even as heat dominates much of north and central India, changing weather systems could bring scattered relief to some regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation remains active over Pakistan while another weather system has formed near Bihar. A low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea is also influencing conditions.

Because of these systems, rainfall activity may increase in parts of Delhi, West Bengal, Goa, Maharashtra, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the weekend.

Heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Kerala and several northeastern states, while thunderstorms with gusty winds are possible in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Bihar Lightning Toll

Weather conditions turned volatile in parts of Bihar on Friday. Rainfall was reported from districts including Araria, Nalanda, Jehanabad and Supaul.

However, lightning strikes claimed four lives in the state, according to initial reports.

Farther north, snowfall and unstable weather were reported from Zojila in Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Uttarakhand including Chamoli and Pithoragarh, highlighting the sharp regional contrasts in India’s weather pattern.

No Immediate Relief

Forecasts for May 24 and May 25 suggest heatwave conditions will likely continue across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

Southern and northeastern states, meanwhile, are expected to see rain, thunderstorms and lightning activity.

With heatwave warnings remaining active and temperatures staying well above seasonal norms, health officials and disaster management agencies are urging people to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, stay hydrated and take precautions during peak afternoon hours.

Hyderabad Fire Tragedy: What Happened in Nampally?

The Hyderabad fire tragedy that unfolded in the early hours of Sunday has once again highlighted the deadly cost of ignoring fire safety rules. At least five people, including two children and an elderly woman, lost their lives after a massive fire broke out in a four-storey furniture shop building in Nampally, a busy commercial area of Hyderabad.

According to officials quoted by PTI, the fire began on Saturday and quickly spread through the building, trapping people inside the basement. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were rushed to the spot, but the operation faced serious challenges.

Victims Lived in a Basement Meant for Parking

In a shocking revelation, officials confirmed that the deceased were employees of the furniture shop who were being housed in the building’s basement. Telangana Fire and Disaster Response Director General Vikram Singh Mann stated that the basement was meant only for vehicle parking, not residential use.

“They were working here and were given accommodation in the basement. Two of them tried to rescue others but got trapped themselves,” Mann said.

This misuse of space turned fatal when the fire spread rapidly through the confined area filled with flammable materials.

Rescue Operations Delayed by Flammable Stock

Firefighters faced extreme difficulty as the basement was packed with highly combustible furniture and materials. Thick smoke, narrow access points, and lack of ventilation delayed rescue and firefighting efforts.

All five bodies were eventually recovered, but officials admitted that earlier compliance with fire safety norms could have saved lives. The Nampally fire incident is now being investigated as a clear case of fire safety negligence.

‘Clear Case of Criminal Negligence,’ Say Officials

Calling the incident a “clear case of criminal negligence,” DG Mann confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible. The matter has also been brought to the attention of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who has assured full support to the affected families.

The Chief Minister has urged citizens to report buildings that violate fire safety regulations, especially in commercial zones.

Why This Hyderabad Fire Tragedy Matters Now

This Telangana fire accident is not an isolated case. Across Indian cities, unsafe commercial buildings, illegal accommodations, and poor enforcement of fire norms continue to put lives at risk.

Key takeaways for authorities and citizens:

 Commercial basements must never be used for housing

 Regular fire safety audits should be mandatory

 Citizens must report unsafe buildings without fear

A Wake-Up Call for Urban Safety

The Hyderabad fire tragedy is a grim reminder that negligence, when ignored, turns into disaster. As cities expand rapidly, fire safety cannot remain an afterthought. Accountability, strict enforcement, and public awareness are the only ways to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.

This tragedy must lead to action — not just condolences.