Vedic clinches chess title


On Wednesday, at Sapthapadi Gardens in Bachupally, Hyderabad, Vedic Tolwala clinched victory in the Under-15 boys category of the Prize Money Chess Tournament hosted by the Pragathi Chess Foundation.

Published Date – 3 April 2024, 10:33 PM


Vedic clinches chess title


Hyderabad: Vedic Tolwala emerged winner of the Under-15 boys category of the Prize Money Chess Tournament organised by Pragathi Chess Foundation at Sapthapadi Gardens, Bachupally, Hyderabad on Wednesday.

He recorded five points from as many rounds to seal the top spot ahead of Nihal Parvathaneni and A Santhosh Kumar in second and third places respectively.


Results: U-15 Boys : 1.Vedic Tolwala, 2. Nihal Parvathaneni 3.A Santhosh Kumar; Girls: 1. Abhirajshri Winsome, 2. Hasini Koppula, 3. S Mohathi; U-13 Boys: 1. S Jaideep Reddy, 2. E Sai Prudhvi, 3. T Nikshit; Girls : 1. C Nehasanvi, 2. Payyavula Lahari, 3. D Akshara Sreehitha; U-11 Boys: 1. Sathvik Gulakaram, 2. Advay Bharathram, 3. S Aasrithavathsala; Girls: 1. M Aaradhya Nissi , 2. Banothu Shashirekha, 3. Lakshmi Akshara; U-9 Boys: 1. A Shanmukha Vasudeva, 2. R Saathvik Chkaravarthy, 3. Tamoghna Suhas; Girls : 1. Dia Parthasarathy, 2. M Akshara Kalyani, 3. Banothu Humpy; U-7 Boys: 1. R Suhruth, 2. B Sai Mokshith, 3. Y Nivas Sai; Girls : 1. Sayyadh Raudah, 2. Rishika Janga, 3. Anaya Sharma.

Leakage is cause for the explosion: Sangareddy Collector

The Collector along with Tahsildar Fareen Sheik visited the factory on Wednesday night to verify the reasons behind the accident.

Published Date – 3 April 2024, 10:10 PM


Leakage is cause for the explosion: Sangareddy Collector

The Collector along with Tahsildar Fareen Sheik visited the factory on Wednesday night to verify the reasons behind the accident.

Sangareddy: Collector Valluru Kranthi said the explosion in SB Organics occurred due to a leakage in the reactor.

The Collector along with Tahsildar Fareen Sheik visited the factory on Wednesday night to verify the reasons behind the accident.


She said the four victims were identified as Company Director Ravi Sharma (45), Suresh Pal (50), a native of Madhya Pradesh, Dayananda (48) of Tamil Nadu and Subramanyam (36) of Andhra Pradesh.

More than 30 were injured in the mishap. The workers, whose condition was critical, were shifted to Care Hospital NIMS Hospitaland NIMS Hospital Punjagutta.

The remaining were undergoing treatment at the Government Hospital in Sangareddy and MNR Medical College, Sangareddy while one person was shifted to another private hospital.

The Collector has asked the Inspector of Factories to submit a report on the mishap soon after inspecting the sit

Afghan Muslims observe ‘Night of Destiny’

Rahmatullah Baghban

Press TV, Kabul

Across the world, Muslims observe Laylat al-Qadr, or the ‘Night of Destiny’, considered as the most sacred night in Islam.

In Afghanistan, people congregate in mosques and holy sites on this night to hold prayers and to seek divine blessings.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Water crisis in Telangana may worsen

Despite 5% excess rain, groundwater declines in 32 districts

Updated On – 3 April 2024, 09:59 PM


Water crisis in Telangana may worsen


Hyderabad: The State could be headed for an even worse situation with regard to water availability, if the groundwater levels across Telangana are any indication. According to the latest report of the Groundwater Department, despite an excess rainfall of over five per cent in the State till March this year, the groundwater table has indicated a declining trend in as many as 32 of the 33 districts. A net average fall of 1.67 metres was observed this March compared to March last year.

The report notes that during the water year 2023-24 (up to March 31 2024), the State received a rainfall of 920mm against a normal of 876 mm, which translated into a five per cent excess rainfall compared to the normal annual rainfall. Even then, the report compares the groundwater levels to the decadal average of March 2014-2023, and notes that the fall was in the range of 0.01 metres to 15.25 metres in as many as 201 of the 612 mandals in the State. The decline was in the range of 0.39 metre and 4.01 metres, with the the highest being in Mahabubnagar district.


A fall in the groundwater table up to 0.5 metres was observed in 51 revenue mandals, 0.5 to 1.0 metres in 38 mandals, 1 metre to 2 metres in 45 revenue mandals and more than 2 metres in 67 mandals. If the fall in the groundwater table is analyzed taking the district as a unit, it is ranging from 0.02 metres to 3.59 metres in as many as 26 districts, with Sangareddy accounting for the lowest.

The fall has its bearing in nearly 33 per cent of the total area in the State. The central and southern parts of Nizamabad, eastern parts of Nirmal, central parts of Adilabad, Jagityal, Mulugu, Medak, Medchal, Hyderabad, central and south eastern part of Nalgonda, Suryapet, Nagarkurnool and Jogulamba Gadwal, Vikarabad, northern parts of Bhadradri Kothagudem, western parts of Kamareddy and north eastern part of Narayanpet district were all impacted by the decline in groundwater.

A rise in the groundwater table was observed in 411 mandals, mostly negligible. The rise was observed up to 0.5 metres in 48 mandals, 0.5-1.0 metres in 65 mandals, 1-2 metres in 122 mandals and more than 2 metres in 176 mandals. The areas that registered a rise in the groundwater table are covering the central parts of Adilabad, south western parts of Nirmal, north western parts of Kumram Bhim Asifabad, west and eastern parts of Kamareddy, Nizamabad, parts of Sircilla, Siddipet, Yadadri, Medak, Jangaon, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Ranga Reddy, Nagarkurnool, Khammam and Suryapet.

Groundwater department officials said indiscriminate drilling of bore-wells reaching out to the depths of more than 1000 ft was observed in many of the urban pockets. Groundwater cannot be viewed as the main source of water supply. It can only be a supplementary source, they said, stressing on the need to confine to the dynamic and rechargeable groundwater sources and to discourage the trend of tapping the meager static groundwater resource. Mahabubnagar, being part of the high altitude zone, the scope for recharge of groundwater levels has been very less.

Capture

Who Is Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Former U-19 WC Star Setting IPL 2024 On Fire

Angkrish Raghuvanshi in action for KKR in IPL 2024© AFP

Kolkata Knight Riders found a new star in youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi as the 18-year-old slammed a half-century in just 25 deliveries during the IPL 2024 match against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. The young batter came out to bat at No. 3 for KKR and ended up hitting 5 boundaries and 3 sixes in an extremely impressive knock. He looked completely at ease against the DC bowlers and even stitched together a massive 104-run partnership with Sunil Narine. He made his IPL debut in KKR’s last match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru where he was the impact player for his side.

Raghuvanshi moved to Mumbai from Gurgaon at the age of 11 to pursue cricket and he had a tremendous campaign at the 2022 U-19 World Cup. He opened the innings and ended up scoring 278 runs in a campaign which ended with their side becoming champions under Yash Dhull‘s captaincy.

Raghuvanshi made his List A and T20 debut for Mumbai in 2023 and he was extremely impressive in the CK Nayudu Trophy where he ended up scoring 765 runs in just 9 matches. He was picked by KKR at base price in the 2024 auction and his childhood coach Abhishek Nayar is part of the team’s support staff.

Sunil Narine produced a six-hitting exhibition en route to a blistering 85 while young Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored a fifty on his IPL batting debut as Kolkata Knight Riders posted an imposing 272 for seven against Delhi Capitals.

Continuing his explosive run, Narine punished all Delhi bowlers alike, sending the ball over the boundary rope seven times. He also hit seven fours in his 39-ball stay.

The Capitals were guilty of dropping him on 53 and Narine made his opponents suffer as he notched his highest-ever score in T20 cricket.

Raghuvanshi (54 off 27 balls), who didn’t get to bat in his first IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also fired on all cylinders, complementing Narine as the pair shared an explosive 104-run stand off 48 balls.

Andre Russell (41 off 19 balls) and Rinku Singh (26 off 8 balls) provided the final flourish to KKR.

It was a forgettable performance by the Delhi bowlers as they conceded the highest total in the team’s history. KKR hit as many as 18 sixes and 28 fours.

(With PTI inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

Four dead, several injured in reactor blast in Sangareddy

The Collector said the injured were shifted to the Government Hospital in Sangareddy. Some of the injured have been shifted to a private hospital as well.

Updated On – 3 April 2024, 09:56 PM


Four dead, several injured in reactor blast in Sangareddy


Sangareddy: Four persons were killed in a reactor blast in a bulk drug manufacturing unit here on Wednesday. Over 25 persons were said to have been injured, with officials fearing that the death toll could go up.

The blast that ripped through SB Organics Limited at Chandapur village of Hathnoora mandal around 5 pm killed four employees including the firm director Ravi, on the spot, even as the fire triggered by the blast spread fast through the unit.


Sangareddy Collector Valluru Kranthi said about 50 employees were working in the factory at the time of the mishap, with at least 25 to 30 persons of them being injured in what could be one of the biggest industrial accidents in Sangareddy district in recent times.

The condition of eight to 10 persons was stated to be critical. With another reactor being operated very close to the reactor that exploded, Fire and Disaster Response Services personnel were working towards neutralising the second reactor before the fire, said to be chemical in nature, reached it.

The fire was brought under control by 8 pm. The Collector said the injured were shifted to the Government Hospital in Sangareddy. Some of the injured have been shifted to a private hospital as well.

DG of Fire Services Nagi Reddy and District Superintendent of Police Ch Rupesh apart from the Collector are supervising the rescue operation and making efforts to provide support to the victims.

Due to the high intensity of the blast, officials evacuated people living close to the industry to safer places. The Fire Services personnel also ensured that the fire did not spread to nearby factories.

Health Minister Damodara Raja Narasimha, former Minister T Harish Rao, Medak BRS candidate P Venkatrami Reddy and others expressed shock over the industrial mishap.

The worth of the property damaged was yet to be assessed. The Sangareddy police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the deadly explosion.

No pressure in facing FC Goa: HFC head coach Singto

HFC’s good run which included a hard-fought 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC and a 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC before the international break, came to a halt with a 0-3 loss to the Islanders at home to which head coach Thangboi Singto described ‘disheartening’.

Published Date – 3 April 2024, 09:53 PM


No pressure in facing FC Goa: HFC head coach Singto


Hyderabad: After being thrashed by Mumbai City FC in the last game on Monday, Hyderabad FC now shift their focus to facing FC Goa in the Indian Super League clash in Fatorda, Goa on Friday.

HFC’s good run which included a hard-fought 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC and a 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC before the international break, came to a halt with a 0-3 loss to the Islanders at home to which head coach Thangboi Singto described ‘disheartening’.


On the other hand, Manolo Marquez’s side with 36 points from 19 games, is currently in fourth position fighting for the top two places in the league standings. “We will face Goa without any pressure, on the flip side,the home team is feeling the heat to secure a win, considering their position in the league,” Singto asserted.

In their previous meeting between the two sides in February, Hyderabad lost 0-2 at home but were praised for their performance, especially in the second half. Despite starting the season strong, the Gaurs lost their track in the second leg of the ISL season, dropping from first position to fourth. With just two games left to be played this season, Hyderabad will look to end their campaign on high. “These two upcoming games will be crucial for determining the future of our players at HFC. Their performances in these matches will directly influence our decisions on who should stay with the team for the next season,” the head coach said.

On future with the club:

The former champions are facing financial trouble, while the head coach remains optimistic about the club’s fortune, but the duration of the club’s struggles remains uncertain.

Singto affirmed he will stay with the club beyond this season, “My attachment with the club has helped me keep going despite all the challenges and if the club wants me to continue as the head coach in the next season, I will abide by that.”

"Not A Joke": Botswana Threatens To Send Thousands Of Elephants To Germany

'Not A Joke': Botswana Threatens To Send Thousands Of Elephants To Germany

Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population. (Representative pic)

Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany amid a dispute over the import of hunting trophies. According to The Guardian, the dispute between the two countries began earlier this year when Germany’s environment ministry, citing concerns about poaching, suggested imposing stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies. Notably, Germany is the European Union’s (EU) chief importer of African elephant trophies, as per a 2021 report by the Humane Society International. A ban on the import of hunting trophies would only impoverish Botswana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi said on Tuesday. 

The African leader argued that conservation efforts have led to an explosion in the number of elephants and increased man-animal conflict. Hunting is an important means to keep them in check, Mr Masisi said, as per the outlet

Botswana, home to the world’s largest elephant population, banned trophy hunting in 2014 but lifted the restrictions in 2019 under pressure from local communities. Now, the country issues annual hunting quotas. 

On Tuesday, Mr Masisi said that in recent years elephant herds have been trampling people and destroying homes and crops. “It is very easy to sit in Berlin and have an opinion about our affairs in Botswana. We are paying the price for preserving these animals for the world,” he said.

Mr Maisi also said Germans should “live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to”. “This is not a joke,” he added. 

Also Read | Who Was Savannah Graziano? Kidnapped US Girl Shot Dead By Cops

Previously, Botswana had offered to send 8,000 elephants to Angola and 500 to Mozambique to deal with the “overpopulation”. Mr Masisi said he would “like to offer such a gift to Germany” and “not take no for an answer”.

The African leader went on to criticise the German government. “We want our elephants to roam freely. The German weather is bad enough for them,” he added. “If you like them so much, then please accept this gift from us,” he said. 

A spokesperson for the German environment ministry said Botswana had not raised any concerns with Germany on the matter. However, environment minister Steffi Lemke “signalled that she will accept Botswana’s invitation if an opportunity arises” to inspect wildlife protection, as per The Independent

Meanwhile, in March, Botswana had threatened to send 10,000 elephants to Hyde Park in London in protest against a potential UK ban on safari hunters importing trophies.

Telangana private colleges seek urgent release of student scholarships

The association highlighted issues being faced by managements due to non-release of fee reimbursement and scholarships of students on time.

Published Date – 3 April 2024, 09:55 PM


Telangana private colleges seek urgent release of student scholarships

The association highlighted issues being faced by managements due to non-release of fee reimbursement and scholarships of students on time.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Private Degree and PG Colleges Management Association urged the State government to immediately release the students’ scholarships and fee reimbursement arrears.

Towards this, association president Dr. Bojja Suryanarayana Reddy met Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and submitted a representation here on Wednesday. The association highlighted issues being faced by managements due to non-release of fee reimbursement and scholarships of students on time.