National

BRS MLC Kavitha Challenges Accuracy of Telangana Caste Census Data

Published

1 year ago

February 3, 2025

In anticipation of a brief discussion in the Telangana Assembly regarding the recently completed caste census report, BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha expressed skepticism about the accuracy of the survey findings. She called for the data to be made accessible for public examination and insisted that local elections in the state should only proceed after the government implements a 56.3 percent reservation for the Backward Classes.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar pointed out that among the Kalvakuntla family, only Kavitha took part in the caste census.

Kavitha contrasted the data from an earlier survey conducted by the BRS government shortly after assuming power with that of the caste census conducted in November-December of last year. However, she noted that the results from the BRS’s Samagra Kutumba Survey were never made publicly available.

The BRS MLC remarked that the number of Backward Classes (BCs) in the state should have been significantly higher than what the Caste Census, conducted under the Congress government, reflected. She also questioned the reported increase in the population of Other Castes (OCs), which currently stands at 15.3 percent, including Muslim minorities. Kavitha argued that if the OC population has risen, it naturally follows that the populations of BCs, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other minorities should have increased as well.

Kavitha stated that BC leaders and organizations advocating for BC reservations have voiced concerns regarding the census figures. “We firmly believe that the data is inaccurate. The number of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) should be much greater. The survey was conducted poorly, with inadequately trained enumerators and flawed questioning. There are numerous issues with the process,” she noted. Nonetheless, she stressed that the government must implement reservations based on the census results before local body elections take place.

“We unequivocally demand that prior to the local body elections, reservations should be allocated according to the 56.3 percent BC population. While there are many doubts surrounding the enumeration process and the figures provided by the Congress government, reservations should be granted in accordance with these numbers before the elections, as promised during the Assembly elections,” Kavitha stated.

She also urged the government to allow individuals who missed the survey to come forward and provide their information within the next 15 days.

The caste census report is set to be presented to the state Cabinet tomorrow and will then be brought before the state Legislative Assembly during a special one-day session.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.