Situated in southeastern India along the banks of the Musi River, Hyderabad is the capital and the largest city of Telangana. One of the most populous cities, Hyderabad is the major urban centre for all of south-central interior India and is often called the 'City of Pearls'.
Founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591, Hyderabad exudes an old-world charm with the Old City and Charminar and is famous for old mosques, vibrant bazaars, Iranian tea and its rich glorious past. The city's central location between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats has helped flourish industrialisation and attracted major Indian research, manufacturing, educational and financial institutions.
According to a survey, Hyderabad was ranked the best city to live and work in India in 2020. The city has seen tremendous growth over the past few years and has emerged as an Indian hub of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and Information Technology (IT). The establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and HITEC city prompted many leading tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon and Google to establish their headquarters in Hyderabad.
Telugu and Urdu are the official languages of Hyderabad and English is a secondary official language. The authentic dum style Hyderabadi Biryani defines the city's culinary landscape.The iconic Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Hussain Sagar, Birla Temple, Chowmahalla Palace and Durgam Cheruvu are the most sought-after tourist hotspots in the city. Hyderabad also boasts of the world's largest integrated film studio complex Ramoji Film city.
In an exclusive conversation on India Today, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran discussed their film Dhaira and its exploration of uncomfortable societal questions surrounding crimes against women, judicial delays, and extrajudicial encounter killings. Reflecting on public outrage and the growing demand for instant justice, Meghna Gulzar noted, "Hesitating to talk about it is not going to make it go away." Addressing the dilemma between the rule of law and vigilante justice, she clarified that her intent was not to advocate encounter culture, stating, "I don't believe that we need to become a banana republic and that our police should become trigger-happy." Prithviraj Sukumaran explained his character Raman as an argument reflecting societal frustration with an overburdened judicial system facing millions of pending cases. Gulzar highlighted how the narrative confronts moral gray zones, juvenile justice laws post-Nirbhaya, and the complex reality of justice delivery in India today.
In this India Today Special conversation, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran discuss their film Daayra, addressing thematic complexities surrounding sexual assault cases, extrajudicial encounter killings, and growing public disillusionment with the criminal justice system. The discussion explores how systemic bottlenecks and an overburdened judiciary with millions of pending cases lead to public frustration, often driving societal support for immediate retribution and police encounters over constitutional due process. Reflecting on landmark events such as the 2012 Nirbhaya case and the 2019 Hyderabad police encounter, the creators dissect the moral conflicts faced by law enforcement and citizens alike. Prithviraj Sukumaran elaborates on his role as DCP Raman, explaining how the narrative juxtaposes violent crimes against women with retaliatory police actions to prompt societal dialogue without validating vigilantism or offering simplistic moral conclusions. Additionally, Meghna Gulzar highlights the civic function of cinema in confronting uncomfortable social realities rather than relying on standard commercial tropes. The panel also covers casting decisions, the shifting dynamics between theatrical exhibition and digital streaming platforms, and the increasing convergence between regional and mainstream Indian film industries.
Massive protests led by the Indian Youth Congress and Congress state units broke out across multiple cities, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Patna, and Hyderabad, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Chandigarh, police used water cannons against protesters, while youth workers marched towards the Election Commission office in Delhi before being stopped by barricades and paramilitary personnel. The demonstrations follow allegations raised by Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders concerning the functioning of the Election Commission of India and alleged centralization and manipulation of electoral rolls. While the opposition prepares strategy for street demonstrations and explores parliamentary steps including a potential impeachment motion, the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the poll body and dismissed allegations, asserting that electoral rolls are decentralized and accusing the opposition of making excuses for electoral setbacks.
A major political row has erupted in Telangana after a woman advertising entrepreneur, K Shobha Reddy, alleged that an individual claiming to be a close associate of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy asked her to visit a guest house for an official meeting, which made her uncomfortable. In a recorded message and social media posts, the entrepreneur stated that she had been struggling to secure lawful advertising business opportunities without resorting to corruption or seeking unfair favours. Demanding dignity and equal opportunities, she urged Chief Minister Reddy to grant her an audience. The allegations triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi challenged the Chief Minister to address her grievances, while the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded a transparent inquiry and strict legal action against anyone found exploiting women entrepreneurs.
AIMIM has proposed forming an alliance with like-minded parties ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections to prevent the BJP from securing a third term in the state. The party has set an alliance deadline of October 2nd while reaching out to the Congress and Samajwadi Party to unite votes. In response, Congress leader Imran Masood questioned the proposal, stating that Uttar Pradesh's political landscape differs from Hyderabad and arguing that Muslims alone cannot defeat the BJP. The debate highlights ongoing questions over opposition unity and voting patterns ahead of the upcoming polls.
A major political controversy has broken out in Telangana after a woman advertising entrepreneur, K. Shobha Reddy, alleged that an individual claiming to be a close aide of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy invited her to a guest house for a meeting regarding business opportunities. The entrepreneur stated that she faced multiple hurdles without influence or funds and felt extremely uncomfortable during the interaction. Expressing fear of harassment after sharing her ordeal, she sought an appointment with the Chief Minister and stated she possessed evidence to substantiate her claims. The allegations triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, including the BRS and BJP, who demanded a transparent investigation and strict legal action against the individual involved. BJP leader N. Ramchandra Rao termed the matter a serious issue concerning the security and safety of women entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the state government is yet to provide official clarity on the identity of the person involved.
A dispute over ten rupees in fare change turned fatal in Hyderabad after a forty-two-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, Mohammed Mukarram, was brutally assaulted by passengers. According to preliminary reports, an altercation broke out after the driver allegedly lacked change for a two-hundred-rupee note. The suspects later summoned him back to a location in Vattepally, where they severely attacked him in front of his wife and daughter. The victim succumbed to his injuries after being shifted to a hospital. Police have registered a case and identified two key suspects, Azeem and Shoaib, as investigations continue.
A political controversy has broken out in Telangana after Hyderabad-based advertising entrepreneur K. Shobha Reddy levelled serious allegations against a close aide of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The businesswoman claimed that she was invited to a guest house for an official discussion regarding outdoor advertising opportunities, where she was made to feel deeply uncomfortable during the meeting. Clarifying that she holds no affiliation with any political party, she emphasised that she was merely seeking fair business opportunities rather than special favours. The allegations have triggered strong political reactions, with both the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Bharatiya Janata Party demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the matter. Speaking on the issue, BJP leader N. Ramchandra Rao termed it a serious case of alleged quid pro quo and exploitation of women entrepreneurs, urging stringent legal action. An FIR has reportedly been filed at the Banjara Hills Police Station as opposition parties mount pressure on the state government.
Tension erupted in Hyderabad after meat and bones were allegedly thrown from the seventh floor of an apartment during Ganesh immersion food preparations in the Madannapet area. Police promptly intervened, dispersed the crowd, and brought the situation under control. Three residents, identified as Imran Qureshi, Arshia Begum, and Sabina, have been detained in connection with the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain their motives and have appealed to the public for peace, warning against rumor-mongering and the circulation of unverified claims on social media.
A three-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run road accident in Hyderabad after being hit by a speeding vehicle. Following the collision, the vehicle fled the spot. The child was rushed to Shalini Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. The entire incident was caught on camera, showing the vehicle hitting the child as he was running. Police have noted the registration number of the vehicle and launched an investigation and a search operation to track down the vehicle and nab the accused driver.
The Bharatiya Janata Party celebrated the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's victory in the Delhi University Students' Union elections, with Union leaders congratulating the winning candidates. ABVP secured the presidential post in the university polls by two thousand votes, building on previous campus victories such as Chandigarh, while planning upcoming contests in institutions like the University of Hyderabad. The results were analysed alongside challenges faced by the National Students' Union of India, where internal rebellion significantly impacted key posts. NSUI cadres who were denied official tickets contested as independent candidates for the vice president and joint secretary positions, dividing the opposition votes. The discussion also highlighted how student politics and youth voting patterns have shaped recent university elections across northern India despite controversies surrounding paper leaks and campus protests.
A young man from Hyderabad residing in Massachusetts in the United States was found dead under suspicious circumstances. His parents in India were informed of the death on 14 September, though the exact cause and circumstances remain unknown to the family. The Member of Parliament from Hyderabad and president of AIMIM has written a letter requesting the Indian Consulate to urgently intervene and extend assistance. The communication urges officials to facilitate the return of the mortal remains to Hyderabad for the final rites, while raising concerns regarding the safety and challenges faced by Indian immigrants in the United States.
Visuals from Hyderabad House in the national capital show the Prime Minister holding bilateral talks with the Egyptian President on the second day of the ongoing BRICS summit. A total of seven bilateral meetings are scheduled to take place during the day. The summit proceedings remain underway, with the closing remarks scheduled to be delivered later in the day.
At Hyderabad House in New Delhi, bilateral discussions were held between India and visiting leaders ahead of the BRICS summit. Engagements with delegations from the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Malaysia focused on expanding trade, energy cooperation, defence procurement, and personnel training. Ethiopia welcomed investments from Indian mining companies, while discussions with Malaysia highlighted cooperation in the semiconductor sector. These bilateral meetings form part of the broader diplomatic outreach to strengthen partnerships across the Global South. Additionally, the upcoming bilateral engagement with the Chinese leadership is anticipated to focus on trade and areas of convergence following border tensions and diplomatic discussions between national security representatives. The summit brings global leaders together in New Delhi, highlighting economic resilience, trade routes, and strategic cooperation across multiple multilateral forums.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Hyderabad House ahead of the BRICS Summit. Ethiopia, which joined the BRICS grouping in 2024, is engaging in talks aimed at boosting modern economic cooperation and strengthening traditional ties with India. Discussions highlight trade and investment opportunities, with 675 Indian companies registered in Ethiopia. The meeting reflects India's consistent push for greater representation of African nations and the Global South on international platforms. The official sessions of the BRICS Summit, scheduled to begin later in the day, focus on multilateralism, resilience, and an inclusive world order.
All opposition legislators have been suspended from the state legislative assembly for the remainder of the monsoon session following intense political confrontations and protests. The suspension came after demonstrations outside the assembly premises escalated into scuffles with law enforcement officials. Allegations of disrespect towards the presiding officer, abusive remarks, and the manhandling of elected representatives have triggered sharp clashes between the treasury benches and the opposition. The opposition maintains that the mass suspension is a tactic by the ruling administration to evade debates and accountability on critical public issues, including student agitations, government recruitment timelines, pending poll guarantees, and land classification disputes. Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling government defended the disciplinary action, condemning the alleged disrespect shown towards the chair of the house and constitutional authorities, asserting that such conduct undermines legislative decorum and democratic conventions.
High tension erupted outside the Telangana Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the session as a protest by opposition legislators led to a confrontation with the police. Opposition members alleged police high-handedness and mistreatment during the demonstration and approached the High Court seeking action. Meanwhile, the ruling party staged counter-protests and burned effigies, alleging that an opposition legislator made derogatory remarks and caste slurs against the Assembly Speaker. The Chief Minister demanded an apology and sought the disqualification of the legislator. In response, the legislator clarified that the contentious remarks were directed at police personnel and not at the Assembly Speaker.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP government following a building collapse in Delhi's Satyaniketan, stating that the administration follows a pattern of no preventive measures before tragedies and only rhetoric afterwards. He highlighted that accountability is placed on low-level officials while real culprits avoid scrutiny, citing similar incidents in Hyderabad and Hosranni. Rahul Gandhi also alleged that critics asking questions are labelled with insulting terms by the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, ground reports from Satyaniketan reveal severe distress among students, pointing to adjacent congested areas and a vacated five-storey leaning building that poses an ongoing threat despite having received demolition notices.
In an interview with India Today, Hyderabad District Congress Committee President Motha Rohit criticized Leader of Opposition K. Chandrashekar Rao for skipping Assembly proceedings. Rohit stated that while Chief Minister Revanth Reddy works continuously for the state, KCR remains absent, wasting taxpayer funds allocated for his salary and security. Rohit remarked, "When you are not willing to come and talk on behalf of the people, you have no right to continue in office." He demanded that KCR attend the legislative session or tender his resignation, dismissing BRS criticism of Congress governance.
A political war of words erupted in Telangana between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KTR as the Congress administration marked a milestone in office. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a direct attack on KTR, alleging a lack of family values and referencing internal property disputes concerning his sister. In response, KTR mounted a scathing counter-offensive against the Congress party during a youth rally in Karimnagar, labelling Congress an 'old fox' that stalled the creation of Telangana and failed multiple generations. KTR cited historical events from 1956, 1968, 1971, and 2004, accusing Congress of unfulfilled electoral guarantees and delayed statehood. Meanwhile, Congress leaders defended welfare programmes and governance achievements, countering that the previous regime mismanaged public resources. The high-pitched political exchange highlights escalating friction between the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi across Telangana.
