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Bibliophiles Unite in KBR Park

Grab a mat or bedspread, and head to Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park (KBR) in Hyderabad on Saturdays (4.30 pm to 7 pm). Join a quiet reading community behind the Ganesha statue in the garden area for all age groups. No chatting, just enjoy your book.

• A Quiet Reading Community: The Hyderabad Reads community, formed in June this year, promotes reading without book exchange or promotion. The first edition at KBR Park had 45 readers. Inspired by Cubbon Reads, this voluntary community is now in over 30 cities. No registration, entry fee, reminders, mailing lists, or WhatsApp groups. Just bring a mat and enjoy reading in public.

• No Barriers for Age: Priyanka Peeramsetty and Sloka Chandra started Hyderabad Reads, connecting with Bangalore's Cubbon Reads community. No age limit; anyone reading a book is welcome. Any book you want, any genre you prefer, it's all welcome!

Read the full story HERE

Return of A Curing Grace

After a three-year hiatus, the fish 'prasadam' distribution resumed at Exhibition Grounds on Friday morning and is expected to continue till Saturday morning. The 'prasad' consists of murrel fish and herbal paste and attracts thousands of people from across the country to Hyderabad for its renowned asthma-curing tendency. 

• A Triumphant Resurgence: Owing to the pandemic situation, the annual fish prasadam distribution, known for its large crowds, hadn't taken place for the past three years, until now. Many people seeking relief from respiratory ailments flocked to Nampally Grounds on Mrigasira Karthi day, believing in the power of the yellow paste stuffed inside a live Murrel fish, a closely kept recipe of the Bathini family which is to be swallowed without water to cure Asthma.

• Bathini Fish Prasadam: Families from states like Bihar and Maharashtra arrived at the venue to partake in the prasadam distribution. The city administration made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth event and address any issues faced by the attendees. Volunteer groups also joined forces to cater to the food and water needs of the people in the venue.

Read the full story HERE

Microplastic Menace on the Loose

The Jawaharnagar legacy dump, a source of distress for nearby families for decades, is proving to be a larger problem than expected. Recent research reveals high levels of microplastics in the leachate from the yard.

• Leaky Landfill Poses: Microplastics, tiny plastic particles 5mm and smaller, can enter the food chain, soil, and water, leading to health disorders. A study by NIT Andhra Pradesh researchers found an average of 15 microplastic items per liter of water collected near the dump. The findings were published in the Science Direct journal by Vijaykumar Sekar and Baranidharan Sundaram, who sampled leachate pools at four nearby locations.

• Severe Risk: "It's alarming that plastic 'weathering' occurred rapidly," said by climate change expert. "Typically, plastic weathering takes years due to sun, heat, and wind. Previous studies show that most plastic wastes arrived in the dump within the past decade, driven by increased plastic consumption. He mentioned that the legacy dump's chemical compositions accelerate plastic weathering into microplastics,".

Read the full story HERE

Equity for Educators

Teachers at residential schools in Telangana State demanded uniform administration and revised class timings from 9 am to 4:30 pm to match other schools, as only residential teachers have night duty.

• Huge Demand from Teachers: Chava Rava, general secretary of the United Teachers Federation, stated that the demand must be met. Teachers at the Residential School Teachers State Convention warned of organizing protests, including a maha dharna in Hyderabad on August 5th, if their demands are not fulfilled.

• Over Workload and Fair Wages: Teachers will submit notices to secretaries and ministers from June 13th to June 17th, wearing black badges on June 26th and 27th. They demand immediate release of promotions and transfer schedules for residential school teachers, as well as reduced workload and fair wages.

Read the full story HERE

Air Fares Go Through the Roof

The city's ticket prices have skyrocketed due to limited availability as packed flights bring vacationers home before schools reopen on Monday. However, those departing from Hyderabad have been spared the price hike, while last-minute flyers to the city are already feeling the heat.

• Tickets At A Premium: Due to high demand as vacationers return to Hyderabad, there are very few seats available for airlines, being sold at a premium, according to the Travel Agents Association of India, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh chapter. On 9th June, the cheapest flight from Hyderabad to Delhi is approximately Rs. 6,000, but the return flight on the same day costs over Rs. 15,000.

• Burning Holes in Flyer’s Pockets: Regular flyers have pointed out the fare is extraordinarily high only for flights coming into Hyderabad. A ticket to Hyderabad is costing almost twice the fare compared to a ticket from Hyderabad. A quick internet scan has revealed the trend is consistent across various destinations including Vijayawada, Chennai, Tirupati, and Bengaluru.
  

Read the full story HERE

Morning Chai Daily Picks

• 50 Years And Counting: Hyderabad on Wheels showcased a Tiger Photo exhibition to celebrate Project Tiger's golden jubilee. Click for more on the story and a few of Dr. Jitendra Govindani's breathtaking photographs!

• Good Food, Good Music, Good Vibe: The newly opened Mirai Bar and Kitchen is bringing together everything you need for the perfect weekend out; regional live bands, fine culinary skills, and a theatrical experience like no other!

• Feed Your Soul, Fuel Your Adrenaline: Backpackers and City Freaks (BCF) is organizing a 4-day-long trip that will take you along landscapes across Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram that will surely be etched into your mind. Click for a detailed overview of the tour, and to book your ticket!

• Traditional Thalis = Comfort Food: Revel in the comfort only a traditional Andhra thali can provide. We've made you a list of 5 places in Hyderabad where Andhra delicacies are served best!

• Big Day for Literature Fanatics!: Hyderabad-based poet Dr. T Ashok Chakravarthy had his poem 'With Speedy Actions' chosen by a Canada-based radio for its episode on World Environment Day.