Dr. Mendu Vishnu Vardhana Rao Appointed Vice Chancellor of PHFI University

Dr. Mendu Vishnu Vardhana Rao has been appointed as the officiating Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Public Health Sciences, which recently gained deemed university status under the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). This significant appointment was announced in Hyderabad, marking a new chapter for the institution. Dr. Rao’s extensive background includes holding the position of ICMR Chair in Medical Statistics and previously serving as the director of the National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS) in New Delhi.

Dr. Rao is an alumnus of Osmania University and boasts a career spanning over three decades. His expertise covers a diverse array of fields, including biomedical informatics, clinical trials, nutrition, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. During his tenure at NIMS, he was instrumental in establishing the Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI) and led the artificial intelligence cell at the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), where he spearheaded several key national initiatives.

New Research Centre to Advance Geothermal Energy

In another development in Hyderabad, the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) inaugurated the Centre for Geothermal Energy Research (CGER) on Wednesday. The facility was inaugurated by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and aims to harness India’s geothermal potential through cutting-edge scientific research and innovation.

CGER will unify geological, geochemical, and geophysical expertise under one roof, facilitating advancements in exploration techniques and the development of indigenous technologies for sustainable geothermal exploitation. The centre also aims to cultivate a skilled workforce to support these initiatives.

Government Initiatives for Nomadic Tribes

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced a substantial allocation of ₹400 crore for the development of nomadic tribes in the region, with ₹100 crore already released. At the Nomadic Tribes Day celebrations held at Ravindra Bharati, the minister emphasized that education and employment would be central to improving the livelihoods of these communities.

He highlighted government efforts to provide 42 percent reservations for nomadic tribes and called for additional measures to enhance their welfare. Prabhakar stated that initiatives are underway to train 100 unemployed youths from the most backward classes (MBCs) to help them secure employment, alongside plans for housing solutions for nomadic tribes.

Surveys are also being conducted to better understand the conditions faced by these communities, which will inform the development of targeted welfare schemes. The minister urged community members to unite, pursue higher education, and elevate their political and social standing.

Statue of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam to be Installed

In a gesture to honor the late playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, the Telangana government has approved the installation of a statue at Ravindra Bharathi. The Department of Language and Culture will oversee the placement of the statue, which will be positioned next to that of the celebrated singer Ghantasala Venkateshwara Rao.

According to official communications, the department is responsible for funding the pedestal and associated construction. This decision follows a series of correspondences between the department and government officials, culminating in the latest directive that facilitates the installation of Balasubrahmanyam’s statue in a designated area within Ravindra Bharathi.

These developments reflect ongoing efforts within Telangana to promote health, education, and cultural recognition, while addressing the needs of diverse communities across the state.