Gurukul Tender Row Intensifies in Telangana; BJP Accuses Congress and BRS of Diverting Public Attention Hyderabad: The controversy surrounding the Gurukul school tenders has further intensified political tensions in Telangana, with the ruling Congress, the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engaging in a fresh political confrontation. The latest developments began after Telangana ministers Adluri Laxman, Ponnam Prabhakar, and Azharuddin announced that they were ready for a public discussion on the allegations of corruption in the Gurukul tender process. The ministers reached the Amaraveerula Stupam at Gun Park and invited BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and former minister Harish Rao to participate in the debate. Meanwhile, former minister Harish Rao attempted to march from Telangana Bhavan to Gun Park, claiming that he was carrying documentary evidence related to the alleged irregularities in the Gurukul tenders. He requested police permission to proceed to the venue for the discussion. Also Read: BRS Leader Harish Rao Detained by Hyderabad Police  However, Hyderabad Police denied permission, citing law and order concerns, and took Harish Rao into preventive custody. Several BRS leaders and party workers accompanying him were also detained. Heavy police deployment was witnessed around Gun Park to prevent any untoward incidents as leaders and supporters of both political parties gathered at the location. The Gurukul tender issue has become one of the major political flashpoints in Telangana, with both Congress and BRS continuing to exchange allegations and counter-allegations. Political activity surrounding the issue has increased over the past few days, prompting police to strengthen security arrangements in several parts of Hyderabad. Reacting to the developments, BJP leaders criticized both the Congress and the BRS. Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar alleged that the two parties were staging political drama to divert public attention from more pressing public issues. According to BJP leaders, the ongoing political confrontation is intended to shift focus away from matters affecting the people of Telangana. BJP leaders also stated that if both parties were genuinely interested in a public debate over the Gurukul tender allegations, they would be willing to facilitate a common platform for such a discussion. The political developments have also triggered public debate over whether such issues should be discussed on the streets or within the Legislative Assembly. Some observers believe that allegations and counter-allegations relating to governance should primarily be debated in the Assembly rather than through public confrontations that may affect law and order. With nearly two and a half years remaining before the next Assembly elections, political analysts believe the latest confrontation signals an early intensification of the political rivalry between the Congress and the BRS. The Gurukul tender controversy is expected to remain a key issue in Telangana politics in the coming weeks. The statements made by BJP leaders reflect their political position on the matter. Congress and BRS have continued to maintain their respective positions regarding the Gurukul tender controversy, while the issue remains a subject of ongoing political debate in the state.  Also Read: BJP's New Strategy: Win Hyderabad First, Then Target the Assembly
Gurukul Tender Row Intensifies Political Tensions in Telangana Hyderabad: The controversy surrounding the Gurukul school tenders has intensified political tensions in Telangana, with leaders from the ruling Congress government and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) engaging in a fresh exchange of allegations and counter-allegations. State ministers Adluri Laxman, Ponnam Prabhakar, and Azharuddin announced that they were prepared for a public discussion on the allegations of corruption in the Gurukul tender process. The ministers gathered at the Amaraveerula Stupam (Martyrs' Memorial) at Gun Park and invited BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and former minister Harish Rao to participate in the discussion. Also Read:Â BRS Leader Harish Rao Detained by Hyderabad Police Meanwhile, former minister Harish Rao, who was preparing to march from Telangana Bhavan to Gun Park, was stopped and detained by Hyderabad Police. Rao stated that he was carrying documentary evidence related to the alleged irregularities in the Gurukul tenders and requested police permission to proceed to Gun Park for the discussion. However, citing law and order concerns, the police denied permission and took him into preventive custody. Heavy police deployment was witnessed in and around the Gun Park area as a precautionary measure. Leaders and supporters of both the Congress and the BRS gathered at the location, leading to a brief period of heightened tension. Police strengthened security arrangements to ensure that no untoward incidents occurred. As both political parties continued to trade accusations over the Gurukul tender issue, the controversy has emerged as one of the major political topics in Telangana, drawing significant public and media attention. Also Read:Â BJP's New Strategy: Win Hyderabad First, Then Target the Assembly
BRS Leader Harish Rao Detained by Hyderabad Police During March to Gun Park Over Gurukul Tender Allegations Hyderabad: Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Harish Rao was detained by Hyderabad Police near Telangana Bhavan on Wednesday after he attempted to march toward Gun Park to raise concerns over the alleged irregularities in Gurukul school tender allocations. The incident triggered political reactions, with BRS leaders accusing the state government of suppressing democratic protests, while police maintained that the action was taken to prevent any law and order issues. According to party leaders, Harish Rao intended to reach Gun Park to demand a public discussion regarding the alleged corruption in the Gurukul tender process. Before beginning his march, Rao clarified that his objective was not to organize a protest but to initiate a public debate on what he described as serious allegations involving government contracts. Addressing the media outside Telangana Bhavan, Harish Rao stated that he had informed the authorities about his intention to proceed peacefully. He requested the police to allow him to travel to Gun Park, insisting that he wished to discuss issues concerning transparency and accountability in the awarding of Gurukul tenders. During his interaction with journalists, Rao also attempted to contact Telangana ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Azharuddin, and Adluri Laxman over the phone. He made the calls in the presence of media representatives, inviting the ministers to participate in an open discussion on the allegations. However, according to Rao, none of the ministers answered his calls.  Also Read : Harish Rao Detained Amid Gurukul Tender Row as Political Tensions Escalate in Telangana  Claiming that he had received no response from the ministers, Harish Rao decided to continue his journey on foot toward Gun Park. As he walked from Telangana Bhavan, a large contingent of Hyderabad Police personnel intercepted him before he could proceed further. Police officials requested the BRS leader not to continue the march, citing security concerns and the possibility of disturbance to public order. When Rao insisted on proceeding, officers stopped him and subsequently took him into preventive custody. The detention led to tense moments outside Telangana Bhavan as BRS supporters raised slogans against the state government and accused the police of acting under political pressure. Several party workers gathered at the location and demanded that Harish Rao be allowed to continue his peaceful march. In protest against his detention, Harish Rao staged a sit-in on the road, refusing to move voluntarily. Visuals from the scene showed the senior BRS leader sitting on the road while party workers surrounded him, chanting slogans against the Congress-led Telangana government. After several rounds of discussions failed to resolve the situation, police personnel escorted Harish Rao into a police vehicle and shifted him from the spot. The detention was carried out amid tight security arrangements to prevent any escalation of tensions. The incident has once again intensified the political atmosphere in Telangana, with both the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS engaging in a war of words over the Gurukul tender issue. BRS leaders alleged that the government was avoiding accountability and preventing opposition leaders from raising public concerns. Meanwhile, the police stated that preventive measures were taken only to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Officials maintained that no individual would be allowed to organize unauthorized gatherings or marches that could potentially disrupt traffic or public peace. The allegations surrounding the Gurukul tenders have become a major political issue in recent weeks, with the opposition demanding greater transparency in the awarding of contracts. BRS leaders have repeatedly sought detailed explanations from the government, alleging procedural irregularities and calling for an independent inquiry into the matter. On the other hand, the ruling establishment has rejected the allegations, asserting that the tender process followed established procedures and complied with applicable regulations. Government representatives have maintained that the accusations are politically motivated and intended to create unnecessary controversy. Political analysts believe that the latest confrontation highlights the continuing rivalry between the ruling Congress government and the BRS, especially on issues involving governance, public spending, and administrative transparency. With both parties preparing for future political battles, such confrontations are expected to remain a prominent feature of Telangana politics. The detention of Harish Rao has attracted significant public attention, with videos and photographs from the scene circulating widely across social media platforms. The incident has sparked debates over the rights of opposition leaders to hold peaceful demonstrations and the role of law enforcement in balancing democratic freedoms with public order. As political reactions continue to emerge, the Gurukul tender controversy is expected to remain at the center of political discussions in Telangana. Further statements from both the state government and BRS leadership are anticipated in the coming days as the issue develops. Also Read: BJP's New Strategy: Win Hyderabad First, Then Target the Assembly
Hyderabad: With the aim of strengthening its presence in Telangana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its organizational efforts under the guidance of the central leadership. The party is treating the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections as a crucial political battle, believing that establishing a strong base in Hyderabad will pave the way for success in the next Telangana Assembly elections. As part of this strategy, BJP National President Nitin Nabin is scheduled to visit Telangana for a three-day tour. During his visit, Nitin Nabin will hold a special meeting with GHMC booth-level committee leaders this evening. He is expected to provide guidance on key aspects of election management, booth-level organization, campaign strategy, and candidate selection. Party leaders will also review the shortcomings observed in recent local elections and discuss measures to strengthen the BJP's grassroots network ahead of the upcoming polls. The BJP's immediate objective is to secure victories in the three municipal corporations. The party has already decided to contest the elections independently, without entering into any alliance. Nitin Nabin is expected to advise state leaders to establish a dedicated selection committee to identify strong candidates and ensure that the party fields capable contenders in every division. In addition, the BJP leadership is likely to emphasize the importance of voter list verification, new voter enrollment, booth-level management, and continuous engagement with voters. The party believes that a strong performance in the GHMC elections will significantly enhance its political influence in Telangana and strengthen its prospects of achieving success in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Hyderabad: The Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI), Mulugu, Siddipet district, has started the application process for admissions into the B.Sc (Hons) Forestry programme for the 2026â27 academic year. College Dean Praveen announced that applications will be accepted from July 1 to July 25. Students who have qualified in TG EAPCET 2026 and passed Intermediate or its equivalent with BiPC, MBiPC, or MPC streams are eligible to apply for the four-year undergraduate programme. The B.Sc (Hons) Forestry course offers comprehensive academic and practical training in areas such as forest conservation, biodiversity, wildlife management, environmental protection, agroforestry, and natural resource conservation. Students will also receive extensive field training and hands-on practical exposure as part of the curriculum. The Dean stated that graduates of the programme will have promising career opportunities in forest departments, environmental organizations, research institutions, government agencies, and private sector companies. Eligible candidates are advised to submit their applications on or before July 25. For detailed admission guidelines and the application process, students can visit the official FCRI website. They may also contact the institute at 63038 271100, 08454-211939, or 08454-211930 for further information. Also Read:Â AP EAPCET 2026 Results to Be Released on July 2 Instead of Scheduled Date Â
Tollywood has received one of its biggest announcements of the year as  NTR and acclaimed filmmaker Trivikram Srinivas officially reunite for a grand mythological action epic. The prestigious project will be produced under the Haarika & Hassine Creations banner by S. Radha Krishna (Chinababu) and Suryadevara Naga Vamsi. The makers unveiled the project's official announcement along with a striking concept poster carrying the powerful tagline, "The Son of Shiva. The Pride of Parvathi. The Eternal Commander." The poster has gone viral across social media, fueling speculation about the film's storyline and NTR's character. According to industry reports, NTR is expected to portray a powerful divine warrior inspired by Lord Kumaraswamy (Kartikeya/Skanda), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, and the commander of the celestial army. The film is said to blend mythology with high-octane action, rich storytelling, and modern commercial elements, making it one of the most ambitious projects in Trivikram's career. Reports also suggest that the makers are considering the title "God of War" for the film, although an official confirmation is still awaited. At present, NTR is busy shooting for his upcoming film Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel. Once that project is completed, this mythological spectacle is expected to go on floors. The production house is likely to reveal more details, including the first glimpse, cast, and technical crew, in the coming weeks. Â
Low Water, High Profits: Top Crops Farmers Can Grow in Water-Scarce Areas Across India Water Shortage No Longer Means Low Income: Experts Recommend Climate-Resilient Crops for Better Returns New Delhi: Water scarcity has emerged as one of the biggest challenges facing Indian agriculture. With irregular monsoons, declining groundwater levels, rising temperatures, and increasing climate variability, farmers across several states are being encouraged to shift from water-intensive crops to drought-tolerant and climate-resilient alternatives. Agricultural experts believe that choosing the right crop based on water availability and soil type can help farmers reduce production costs while maintaining stable yields. Traditionally, crops such as paddy and sugarcane require significant amounts of irrigation. However, in areas where water availability is limited, these crops often become economically risky. Experts recommend adopting crops that require less water, mature quickly, and are capable of withstanding dry weather conditions. Why Water-Efficient Crops Are Becoming Essential Climate experts warn that rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Delayed monsoons and prolonged dry spells have affected sowing in many parts of the country, prompting governments and agricultural departments to encourage farmers to diversify toward water-efficient farming systems. Low-water crops offer several advantages: Lower irrigation costs Reduced dependence on groundwater Better drought tolerance Lower cultivation expenses Stable yields during erratic rainfall Improved soil sustainability Best Crops for Low-Water Farming 1. Millets Millets are among the most drought-resistant crops and are gaining popularity due to increasing consumer demand for healthy foods. Popular varieties include: Pearl Millet (Bajra) Sorghum (Jowar) Finger Millet (Ragi) Foxtail Millet Little Millet Barnyard Millet These crops require substantially less water than rice and perform well under rain-fed conditions. 2. Pulses Pulse crops consume relatively less water while improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Recommended pulses include: Red Gram (Pigeon Pea) Green Gram (Moong) Black Gram (Urad) Chickpea Cowpea Horse Gram Apart from offering good market prices, pulses also enhance soil health for future crops. 3. Oilseed Crops Oilseeds remain a profitable option in dryland farming. Suitable crops include: Groundnut Sesame Sunflower Castor Safflower Many of these crops require moderate irrigation only during critical growth stages. 4. Horticulture Crops With drip irrigation, several fruit crops can provide long-term income. Popular choices include: Pomegranate Guava Custard Apple Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Drumstick (Moringa) Several state governments have also promoted drumstick cultivation in drought-prone regions because of its low water requirement and export potential. 5. Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Farmers seeking diversification may consider: Aloe Vera Ashwagandha Lemongrass Vetiver Senna These crops generally require less irrigation and have growing demand from pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Crop Selection Based on Soil Type Sandy Soil Suitable crops include: Groundnut Sesame Watermelon Muskmelon Guava Cashew Black Cotton Soil Recommended crops: Cotton Pigeon Pea Sorghum Chickpea Sunflower Red Soil Suitable options include: Groundnut Millets Pulses Mango Guava Drumstick Choosing crops according to soil characteristics significantly improves productivity and reduces cultivation risks. Modern Water-Saving Techniques Agricultural scientists recommend integrating crop selection with efficient water management. Key practices include: Drip irrigation Mulching Rainwater harvesting Soil moisture conservation Organic matter incorporation Micro-irrigation systems Scientific nutrient management These techniques can substantially reduce water consumption while maintaining crop productivity. Climate Change Driving New Farming Practices Experts note that climate change is making traditional farming methods increasingly difficult. Several states have already started promoting drought-resistant crops, natural farming, and water-efficient cultivation practices to improve farmers' resilience against uncertain rainfall. Experts' Advice Agricultural experts recommend that farmers should not choose crops solely based on market prices. Instead, they should consider: Annual rainfall Groundwater availability Soil type Local climate Market demand Production cost Water availability throughout the season A scientific crop selection strategy can significantly improve profitability while reducing cultivation risks. Conclusion Water scarcity is expected to remain one of the biggest agricultural challenges in the coming years. However, adopting climate-resilient crops, efficient irrigation methods, and scientific farming practices can help farmers sustain productivity and increase profitability. As climate conditions continue to evolve, experts believe that water-efficient agriculture will play a crucial role in ensuring food security and long-term farm sustainability across India. Disclaimer This article is intended for informational purposes only. Crop suitability may vary depending on local climate, soil characteristics, water availability, and market conditions. Farmers are advised to consult their nearest agricultural extension office or qualified agriculture experts before making cultivation decisions.
Iranâs Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said âthe face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemyâs point of view.â WASHINGTON : The US on Thursday (Jun 18) lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel, as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance announced that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. The visit might have helped start talks on the next, potentially even more critical, round of negotiations between the two sides.
Colombia next face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara after Uzbekistan play Portugal in Houston. MEXICO CITY: Colombia winger Luis Diaz dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday (Jun 17). Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.
