Telangana Auto Drivers Demand Welfare Board, Fare Hike
Their key demands include an annual honorarium of Rs 12,000, the establishment of a welfare board, action against illegally operating two-wheelers for commercial purposes
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Auto Drivers Association (JAC) staged protests across the state, demanding measures for the their welfare. Their key demands include an annual honorarium of Rs 12,000, the establishment of a welfare board, action against illegally operating two-wheelers for commercial purposes, a ban on autorickshaws from other districts entering local territories, an increase in auto meter fares and the issuance of new auto permits. On Saturday, a rally was held from the Aituc office in Hyderabad to Narayanguda, with leaders from various trade organisations participating in the protest.
HPV vaccination drive launched
Telangana must become a cancer-free state, said A. Nirmala Kanthi Wesley, director of women development and child welfare, addressing an event conducted on International Childhood Cancer Day on Saturday.
During the event, an MoU was signed to launch an HPV vaccination drive. Under this agreement, Infosys Foundation will support Grace Cancer Foundation in providing vaccinations to 500 beneficiaries. Since the vaccination requires two doses within six months, a total of 1,000 doses will be administered.
Baba Ramdev backs TIHN’s initiative
The TConsult Integrated Health Network (TIHN) has received the endorsement of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who hailed the initiative as a significant step toward establishing India as a global leader in holistic healthcare.
Speaking about TIHN’s impact, Baba Ramdev said, “India has always been a land of holistic wellness, but initiatives like TIHN are taking it to the world.” He emphasised the importance of integrating modern medicine with Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, stating, “This movement will redefine global healthcare. The combination of tradition and innovation is the future, and I wholeheartedly support this mission.
Metro expansion DPRs by March end: Metro chief
Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) will finalise and submit the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for new metro corridors on the Medchal, Shamirpet and Future City routes by March end. HMR managing director N.V.S. Reddy announced that once approved by the State Government, these DPRs will be forwarded to the Government of India for further processing.
Speaking at the "Green Telangana" Summit 2025 on Saturday, Reddy emphasised that the metro expansion aligns with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s vision to transform Hyderabad into a global city. He stated that the new metro corridors would redefine the city’s infrastructure, making it more sustainable, eco-friendly, and accessible. "The expansion will boost connectivity in all directions, positioning Hyderabad as a modern green city with an improved quality of life," he said.
At the event, HMR also handed over registration certificates to IGBC Green Crusaders, a part of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), recognising their contribution to sustainable urban development. Reddy reiterated Hyderabad Metro Rail’s commitment to building an environmentally responsible and people-friendly transport system.
