The commission was initially set to submit its report by December 31, but it is in the process of completing the process of cross examination. As a result, its term was extended till February 28, 2025.
The church’s serene interior features pristine white walls, polished pews, and brass plaques honouring British soldiers. A marble baptismal font is a basin or receptacle made of marble carved from a single block, stands as a symbol of enduring conviction
Updated On – 23 December 2024, 10:26 AM
1. St. John’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest church edifices in twin cities stands strong even after 211 years without a blemish to its original structure [Photo Copyright N.Shiva Kumar]
By N.Shiva Kumar
Hyderabad: Nestled in East Marredpally, the Church of St. John the Baptist is a 211-year-old architectural marvel and a cornerstone of history in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Established in 1813 to serve the resident British troops, it became the region’s first organized Christian place of worship, witnessing historical milestones and embodying resilience for generations.
Architectural Legacy Designed in the Tuscan style construction which is a type of architecture that originated in Tuscany region of Italy in the 1600s. It’s characterized by a combination of rustic, natural elements and elegant simplicity, and is known for its Old-World European charm. The cruciform shaped church boasts two-foot-thick walls made of Surkhi mortar and a roof of Rangoon teak. This durable wood has stood the test of time, requiring minimal restoration. The church’s serene interior features pristine white walls, polished pews, and brass plaques honouring British soldiers. A marble baptismal font is a basin or receptacle made of marble carved from a single block, stands as a symbol of enduring conviction. Equally interesting is a metallic eagle shaped podium for holding large tomes for reading or reciting.
Massive pillars support the wooden Rangoon teak girders and roof even after a 200 year-old life span, is getting ready for the Christmas celebrations [Photo Copyright N.Shiva Kumar]The Pipe Organ: A Musical Treasure Installed in 1916, the 108-year-old pipe organ stands as one of India’s oldest fully functional specimens. With 758 pipes and intricate mechanisms, it continues to captivate congregants every Sunday morning and still is sparkling and blending heritage with spirituality. Standing 16 feet high it’s a marvel that needs to be not heard, Says Sibghat Khan of Deccan Archives Foundation who was fortunate to record its melodious tunes.
Role in 1857 Uprising During India’s first war of independence, the church adapted to turbulent times. Initially, soldiers left their weapons outside during services, but after the rebellion began, a rule allowed them to carry arms inside—a poignant reflection of the era’s pressures. While retaining its 19th-century essence, the church has embraced modernity. Electrified in 1914 and expanded with a belfry in 1923, the church reflects both its colonial roots and evolving role in the community. The striking blue cross atop the belfry, donated by industrialist Dewan Bahadur Ramgopal, is a local landmark.
3. The colourful stain glass door top windows and sill glitter with the outside sun poring inside the church. [Photo Copyright N.Shiva Kumar]A Diverse Congregation Today, a large 500 odd members from across India gather here, with services conducted in English also, fostering inclusivity. The church’s rich heritage complements nearby landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica and Wesley Church, enriching the cultural tapestry of the city. The church is more than a sanctuary—it’s a living museum of faith and history. Its meticulously preserved features, from the Rangoon teak roof to the melodious pipe organ, offer visitors a profound connection to the past. Step inside this historic gem to experience the harmonious blend of history, resilience, and heritage.
The Collector who recently visited Mahila Shakti canteens in Khammam city interacted with a physically challenged street vendor, D Kamala, who was selling fried groundnuts by the side of a road at Zaheerpura circle
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 06:25 PM
Collector Muzammil Khan speaking with a street vendor D Kamala in Khammam
Khammam: District Collector Muzammil Khan, who has been reaching out to common people, helped a person with disability (PwD) in Khammam to begin a new journey.
The Collector, who has been connecting with the sections that were usually uncared for by officials in higher positions, has on several occasions visited auto-rickshaw addas (spots) and interacted with auto rickshaw drivers to learn about their problems.
In continuation of his efforts, Khan arranged a special health camp for auto-rickshaw drivers and their families in the second week of December to address their health issues. He also took steps to conduct yoga classes for auto rickshaw drivers.
The Collector who recently visited Mahila Shakti canteens in Khammam city interacted with a physically challenged street vendor, D Kamala, who was selling fried groundnuts by the side of a road at Zaheerpura circle.
On seeing the Collector, Kamala, who did not know who he was, asked him whether he wants to buy some groundnuts. Khan enquired about the conditions of her family. She explained to the official that she lives with her mother and has no one to look after them.
Then the Collector told the woman he would extend financial assistance on behalf of the government to support them. Later, he contacted municipal commissioner Abhishek Agastya suggesting that arrangements should be made to provide a loan to Kamala.
Following the Collector’s directions, Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) district mission coordinator Savala Sujatha, town mission coordinator G Sujatha and community organiser B Roja approached a local bank and provided Kamala with a business loan of Rs 1 lakh.
The loan cheque was handed over to Kamala on Thursday and soon she would start a vegetable business, informed MEPMA officials. Kamala, who was overjoyed at how quickly her life took a positive turn, thanked Collector Khan for his support to her family.
Allu Arjun said it was an unfortunate accident and that nobody was at fault. He expressed his deep regret over the loss of life but stressed that he never intended to harm anyone
Updated On – 21 December 2024, 08:54 PM
Hyderabad: Actor Allu Arjun on Saturday broke his silence over the tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre earlier this month in which a woman died and her son was grievously injured in a stampede when he visited the theatre for a benefit show of his recent release ‘Pushpa- 2: The Rule’.
Offering an apology and clarifying multiple misconceptions surrounding the death of the 35-year-old woman, Revathi, and her 8-year-old son Sritej being grievously injured in a stampede-like situation at the theatre, Allu Arjun said it was an unfortunate accident and that nobody was at fault. He expressed his deep regret over the loss of life but stressed that he never intended to harm anyone.
“The primary reason for this press conference is to make it clear that I do not blame anyone, neither the government nor the officials. The incident was purely unfortunate,” he said, adding that he had remained silent so far in order to avoid further speculation and misinformation.
In the press conference, which came a few hours after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy squarely blamed the actor for the mishap and accused him of going to the theatre without permission and also of refusing to leave without watching the movie, Allu Arjun denied any involvement in a “roadshow” or “procession”.
“I followed all police instructions and did not go anywhere without permission,” he clarified, stating that he had come out of his car to wave at fans in an attempt to clear the crowd and ensure safe access to the theatre. He also confirmed that he left the theatre when requested by the police and theater management due to the overwhelming crowd.
Contradicting the Chief Minister’s claim that he had not left the theatre till threatened with an arrest and that he waved at his fans even after knowing about the death of a woman, Allu Arjun revealed that he was unaware of the tragic death until the following morning. Upon learning about the incident, he immediately instructed his team to reach out to the family. He added that due to legal restrictions, he was currently unable to meet the bereaved family in person but was providing support through his team. He was also getting hourly updates on the condition of the child, he said.
The actor also conveyed his gratitude towards the government and expressed his disappointment over the damage to his character. “Please do not assassinate my character. I have always aimed to entertain, not harm,” he said, before concluding without taking questions citing legal restrictions.
Even after the death of a woman in a stampede, the actor did not leave the cinema hall, prompting the police to force him out, CM alleged.
Making a special mention on the issue in the legislative council on Saturday, Kavitha said during BRS regime civil rights day was conducted on last Sunday of every month, wherein all the district, village and mandal level officers used to create awareness about the ill effects of caste discrimination and untouchability to the people
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 06:34 PM
BRS MLC K Kavitha
Hyderabad: BRS MLC K Kavitha urged the State government to resume “civil rights day” initiative implemented by the previous BRS government to create awareness about eradication of caste discrimination and untouchability in villages and towns in the State.
Making a special mention on the issue in the legislative council on Saturday, Kavitha said during BRS regime civil rights day was conducted on last Sunday of every month, wherein all the district, village and mandal level officers used to create awareness about the ill effects of caste discrimination and untouchability to the people.
The officials used to spread awareness among various communities regarding SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Civil Rights Act, she informed.
However, after Congress came to power, the civil rights day was not being conducted in the State, she said, adding that there was a rise in crime against women in the rural areas, especially against the weaker section women.
She urged the government to resume the civil rights day initiative to instill confidence among the weaker sections.
“In some parts of rural areas still caste discrimination and untouchability continue to persist. There are still two class systems in many villages. To address such issues and create awareness among the people about its ill effects, there is a need to resume the civil rights day,”she observed.
The BRS leader condemned the Congress government for making empty promises during elections and failing to fulfill them after coming to power. He accused the Congress of deceiving farmers with assurances of loan waivers, only to fall short in implementing them effectively.
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 09:02 PM
Revanth Reddy Has Confessed Inability To Deliver On Promises Says Ktr
Hyderabad: Launching a scathing attack on the Congress government for the yawning gap between its words and deeds in the implementation of the loan waiver, BRS working president KT Rama Rao said Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was misleading the public and the Assembly with false statements on the extent of debt relief extended to the farmers. Stating that Revanth Reddy had come out with a confession statement admitting his inability to implement the Six Guarantees promised by the Congress Party to win the polls, he pointed out that Revanth Reddy was unable to explain how the promised Rs 49,500 crore loan waiver was reduced to Rs. 26,000 crore. Despite this, Revanth Reddy had shamelessly claimed that 100% of the loan waiver had been implemented.
The BRS leader criticized the Congress government for making false promises during elections and failing to deliver once in power. He accused the Congress of misleading farmers with promises of loan waivers and then failing to implement them effectively. He pointed out that the previous BRS government had significantly reduced farmer suicides in Telangana through initiatives like Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima. Citing the National Crime Records Bureau data, which showed a decrease in farmer suicides from 1,348 in 2014 to 178 in 2022, he attributed the drop to the BRS government’s support for the agricultural sector.He also pointed out that the Congress government had failed to provide a clear explanation for the discrepancies in the loan waiver figures. He stated that while one Congress leader claimed that 70% of the loan waiver had been implemented, the Chief Minister claimed that 100% had been achieved. He asserted that no village in the state had received a complete loan waiver and that even the Chief Minister’s own village, Kondareddipalle, was no exception.
Rama Rao also said the Congress government had diverted funds from schemes like Rythu Bandhu to cover the loan waiver and vowed to continue holding the Congress accountable and to ensure that the promises made to farmers were fulfilled.
The announcement was made by Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy in the Assembly on Saturday. The Minister said the State government would not permit any benefit shows and special privileges like ticket hikes anymore.
Updated On – 21 December 2024, 07:19 PM
Hyderabad: The State government has decided to do away with benefit shows and special privileges like ticket hikes for Telugu movies. The decision comes in the wake of the Sandhya Theatre stampede during a benefit show of Allu Arjun‘s ‘Pushpa 2 – The Rule’ recently. The stampede claimed the life of a woman, Revathi, while her son Sri Tej is still battling for life in hospital.
The announcement was made by Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy in the Assembly on Saturday. The Minister said the State government would not permit any benefit shows and special privileges like ticket hikes anymore.
At the same time, the Minister also announced a financial assistance of Rs.25 lakh to the victim’s family from his personal account. The State government was bearing the medical treatment expenditure of Sri Tej, he added.
While discussing the Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Bill, 2024, in the Legislative Council on Saturday, Kavitha expressed concerns that the bill would create confusion across the State, causing difficulties for people in resolving land-related issues. Defending the BRS government’s initiative to introduce the Dharani portal for land registration, she emphasized that Dharani serves as a protective shield for farmers, effectively curbing land scams in the State.
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 09:03 PM
Hyderabad: Terming the move of the Congress government to replace Dharani with Bhu Bharati portal as a retrograde move, BRS MLC K Kavitha warned that the Bhumata portal would lead to land grabbing and other issues creating problem for people of the State.
Speaking on Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Bill, 2024 in the Legislative Council on Saturday, Kavitha said the Bhu Bharathi would create chaos in the State and that people would face problems in resolving land issues. Defending the BRS government initiative to introduce Dharani portal to register lands, she said the Dharani was a protective shield for farmers of the State and that it helped in arresting land scam in the State.
In the past, if tenant farmers filed cases, farmers used to go around the courts for 20-25 years, hence the then Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao brought reforms and through which he made sure that only the farmer had the right to own the land, she said, adding that Chandrashekhar Rao provided land security to farmers, and many land problems were resolved through the Dharani.
About 35,749 employees cleared the revenue records in 100 days, after which the land details were uploaded in the Dharani, she said, adding that the BRS government saved government lands with the Dharani, and after it came into existence, not a single inch of government land was alienated.
She reminded that the BRS government had brought the land registration system closer to the people, and that the work could be completed in 42 minutes by doing registration and mutation at the same time, and that all land-related work was completed in a matter of minutes.
Due to the correctness of land records, land rates had increased and the wealth of the State had increased, she said, adding that many disputes used to arise in the State due to manual land records, which Dharani solved.
“Due to the clarity of land records and the names of the owners, farmers were provided with Rythu Bandhu. The BRS government provided Rythu Bandhu to about 66 lakh farmers due to Dharani. Earlier crop loans were not even available.
But after Dharani came, banks started giving crop loans. Thus, farmers were freed from private moneylenders,”she said. If land titles were written with 32 columns again, the old system would come back and disputes would arise between farmers, which would result in registration of cases and financial burden, she cautioned.
The Congress promise in its youth declaration during the Assembly elections generated hope among the unemployed. However, as months passed by, reality dawned for the unemployed youth that the promises were mere bait to garner votes
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 07:18 PM
Congress
Hyderabad: Broken promises and shattered aspirations. It has been a bitter ‘Year 2024’ for the unemployed youth of Telangana with the Congress government led by A Revanth Reddy failing to deliver the poll promise of filling up 2 lakh vacancies in a year.
The Congress promise in its youth declaration during the Assembly elections generated hope among the unemployed. However, as months passed by, reality dawned for the unemployed youth that the promises were mere bait to garner votes.
As part of the youth declaration, the Congress party assured to release the mega district selection committee (DSC) notification for filling up teacher vacancies. However, it had added 5,973 vacancies to the DSC notification, which was already notified with 5,089 posts by the previous BRS government in 2023. This left thousands of teacher job aspirants betrayed.
Further, the State government did not approve a single recruitment to the Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC), the largest recruiting body to the government, resulting in no new notification from the Commission this calendar year. The only notification has been of the Group – I for 563 vacancies out of which 503 posts were already notified by the BRS government in 2022.
Of the 2 lakh promised jobs, only 5,000 vacancies in the health department materialized with the majority of vacancies in different departments remaining unfilled.
During the previous BRS government, the TGPSC had alone consistently issued 135 notifications for over 52,500 vacancies in the last one decade. These notifications had become a reliable job calendar for unemployed youth.
Now, lack of job notifications not just dashed hopes of the unemployed youth but has left them with a sense of betrayal. “The Congress promise during assembly elections was nothing but cheating unemployed youth in the name of jobs. As per our estimates there are 2.67 lakh vacancies in government departments yet recruitment were not approved for the same,” lamented A Janardhan, an unemployed youth and Groups job aspirant.
While the Congress government is making claims of filling up 55,143 vacancies in one year, notifications for all these vacancies were issued during the previous BRS government. The present government handed over the appointment letters to candidates selected in the examinations conducted by the previous government.
Further, the Congress government’s job calendar released in the Assembly in August, giving time-line for 14 different job notifications, remained confined to paper.
As per the calendar, the government scheduled Group – I notification in October with the preliminary test in February 2025. However, even after two months the government did not approve Group – I vacancies for recruitment, leave aside Group – I notification. In fact, the current Group – I services recruitment notification has been facing legal hurdles for different issues, including reservation violation.
“The job calendar is another drama by the Congress government, which is delaying the notifications citing SC sub categorisation issue. If the government wants it can issue a GO on the reservation issue and take up new recruitments,” said Indra Nayak, a Group job aspirant.
A 37-year-old man fell victim to cyber fraud when scammers contacted him with promises of high returns in stock trading. The fraudsters convinced him to transfer a total of ₹7,25,000 in installments to bank accounts they provided.
Published Date – 21 December 2024, 09:03 PM
Representational Image
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Cybercrime unit refunded an amount of Rs 5.2 lakh belonging to a businessman from the city, who was duped by cyber fraudsters to the tune of Rs 7.2 lakh on pretext of stock trading, promising substantial profits.
The 37-year-old complainant was contacted by the cyber crooks claiming good profits in stock trading. They made him transfer an amount of Rs 7, 25,000 in installments to the bank accounts provided by the suspects.
Police said initially to gain the complainant’s trust, the crooks showed him profits and shared the profits. Eventually, they stopped paying him and stopped responding.
Based on a complaint, the cybercrime police booked a case and sent notices to the bank officials. They followed it up with them and ensured the fraudulent amount was frozen. Further, they guided the complainant to file a petition in court for the refund of the amount held in the fraudulent accounts into the complainant’s bank account.
Cybercrime officials said there was a possibility to get refund of at least part of the lost and ‘Put on Hold’ amount, if it is reported immediately. Victims of cyberfraud can call and lodge complaints on 1930 or report on www. cybercrime.gov.in.
