Becoming a chef might sound cool to some. Whipping up fancy dishes at fancy restaurants and rubbing shoulders with the who’s who will surely sound glamourous. But behind all the glitz and glamour, there is much hard work in the kitchen. Everything needs to be perfect, from picking the right ingredients to cooking the right dish to plating it and serving it. And helping aspiring chefs to upskill and groom themselves is Gopi Byluppala.Once a techie, Gopi Byluppala is now the founder-CEO of The Culinary Lounge in Jubilee Hills. After organizing some food events, Gopi progressed into bringing together aspiring and well-known chefs onto a common platform to promote healthy cooking culture. Today, his culinary studio attracts many interested in taking up cooking as a full-time profession, both from across the country and at times from other countries.After experimenting with his pet project, Gopi now plans to extend his area of operations to grooming chefs-to-be. His immediate plan is to take 100 chefs so that they are taught the tricks and skills of becoming full-fledged chefs and food entrepreneurs.Gopi feels that chefs are akin to artists and must be given due credit for making eating food a memorable experience. Therefore, equipping working and aspiring chefs with managing finances, management skills, and people skills is the main objective of his latest initiative. Accepting applications is on, and the actual course will begin in December. As for the course, Gopi and his team have yet to develop an appropriate name. But he is confident that his new initiative will kick-start a culinary revolution in Telangana.

Whipping Up a Culinary Revolution in Telangana

Last weekend, the guests at the Terrassen Cafe got to see the performance of Akram Ul Haq, a fingerstyle guitarist known for his solo performances. When he first picked up the guitar, Akram was not sure about how far his passion would take him. But today, he is awaiting the release of his first music album called The Cat Master, which will hit the stands on June 12.It has been a long wait for Akram as the album was supposed to release in 2019. But he has no regrets as he loves telling stories through his music. All stories come from his life, says Akram, who is a one-man band of sorts. Instead of strumming the guitar, he learned it fingerstyle, and today he has made music his profession.He reminisces that he took to guitar when he first heard its sound and got mesmerized by it. He says he immediately decided to learn the instrument. But as days went by, he was spending more and more time with the guitar, which is when he decided to learn it professionally. He has also done a four-year course in western classical music.He not only brings out a melody through his guitar, but he also uses it to play drums while adding harmony. He says his performance has a lot going on as he is a one-man band of sorts. After ten years of teaching and learning, Akram is inspired by Porcupine Tree and musician Gustavo when it comes to music. He adds that his friends have inspired him and supported him emotionally.As for his moment of pride, he says during one of his performances in Bengaluru, some people came up to him and told him his music was like healing to them.

Telling Stories Through His Guitar

The mercury has been soaring, and there seems to be no respite from the sun's intense heat this summer. While people do have refrigerators, many these days are preferring to have earthen pots for drinking water.Call it a need or people’s urge to reconnect with nature and natural things, the demand for earthenware has increased manifold. In fact, many are buying earthen pots to store water as the pots cool water naturally. The porous nature of the earthen pots and their ability to keep water cool has increased demand.The potters from places like Monda Market, Kummarwadi Road in Asif Nagar, and Sultan Bazaar are having huge stocks as the demand is high. With temperatures hovering around 41 to 46 degrees, they are hopeful that the sales will continue throughout summer, which is till the end of May.The pots with taps attached to them are in great demand as they are functional, and that’s what many look for. Depending on the size, they are priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300. On the other hand, the water bottles cost Rs 150.Many are also buying earthen utensils to make curd and store curries, etc., during the season, while some buy decorated earthen pots for home and office. Go natural and stay cool for the rest of summer.

Mercury Shoots Up Pushing the Demand For Earthen Pots

Last mile connectivity is a huge issue in Hyderabad, and many commuters suffer due to a lack of reliable, affordable commute. Those who use the Metro as a mode of transport on a daily basis have to struggle to make it to the station and back home. Seeing this problem, Kaaman Agarwal and his former roommate Girish Nagpal came up with a start-up called MetroRide, to make the last mile of commuting hassle-free.Kaaman Agarwal, CTO and co-founder of MetroRide, reveals that several non-Metro users have commute problems. They don’t use the Metro, which is a cheap, reliable, and safe way to travel in cities like Hyderabad that have heavy traffic through the day. That’s the reason why both Kaaman and Girish brainstormed to create MetroRide.That’s how they came up with what people wanted – a first and last-mile ride-hailing service that connects metro stations with high-request destinations. They operate through an AI-powered cloud-based application to provide 100 percent green travel solutions to customers.In their system, the commuters are willing to walk 100 meters to reach the pickup points so that there is no waste of time, and the drivers get to benefit from 50-60 rides per day. Their start-up launched its electric auto and bike service along with Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRI), L&amp;T Metro Rail Limited, and support from WRI India and UK charity Shell Foundation. Their first rides were from Parade Grounds and Raidurg Metro stations. Soon, they plan to add 10 more stations to their itinerary.The start-up uses a tech platform that controls all operations, including identifying fraud rides and revenue leakages. And for those who fear EVs going up in flames, the founder duo say they have partnered with the likes of Piaggio, Mahindra, and a couple of other original equipment manufacturers or OEMs.

Hyd Start-up MetroRide is All About Last Mile Connectivity

Been a die-hard party animal all your life? Cannot think of a Saturday night beyond pub-hopping, then think again. Today, the world is obsessed with fitness, and Indians and Hyderabadis have become health and fitness conscious extremely.So, the latest... well, not so latest, but most happening trend in Hyderabad these days is to attend a fitness party. Yes, that's right. An early morning fitness party on Sundays is the 'in' thing for now. However, the fitness parties began way back in 2018 though it's now that they are gaining popularity.Usually, the fitness 'parties' are held at roof-top pubs or fitness studios, and those gather to groove to the music, exercise, dance, and then grab some healthy food for breakfast. One of the earliest clubs or groups to start this trend in the city happens to be The Morning Risers Party. This group began throwing fitness parties in 2018, and they are still going strong.The organizer of the group Amitesh Sharma of N Coldpressed shares that this type of party is also done for a cause. In their case, it is to educate the underprivileged children. Sharma says that organizing a fundraiser is so passe. Through a fitness party, people can groove to Zumba, eat some healthy food and network with like-minded people, and do some charity – all at one go.Another person joining the 'party' is Dinaz Vervatwala, a known name among celebrity fitness freaks in the city. She says she once used to teach exercises with English music. But things changed when she once started moving to some Bollywood moves, and she has embraced the dhink chak music for good.Usually, 70-80 people turn up for the party. But of late, the numbers have increased to 100. Those interested can network and join these fitness parties. Also, those who want to showcase their art like dance or yoga can initiate a fitness party.

One, Two... Cha Cha Cha... Here's The Fitness Party

Health Minister T. Harish Rao held a monthly review meeting with the Food Safety Department officials on Sunday. They were instructed to hold surprise checks apart from spreading awareness on food adulteration. The minister also urged people to take an active part in curbing the menace of adulteration.&nbsp;"To lodge complaints regarding food adulteration or sub-standard food, one can dial 040-21111111, or tag @AFCGHMC on Twitter. Task Force teams have to conduct surprise checks in districts. The department was provided with four mobile safety vans worth ₹2.4 crores. An upgraded food testing lab too is available. Put them to use," the minister instructed.Telangana Food Safety officials said a FSO will take the calls and tweets round the clock.The minister directed the officials to ensure there is no pendency in cases against food adulteration or sub-standard food. “Adulterated food leads to gastrointestinal tract disease and even cancer. The health of people would be impacted. Do not spare those who mess with the health of people," he told the officials.

Phone And Twitter Helpline To Fight Food Adulteration!

Hyderabad is becoming a hub for diabetes and BP diseases. A recent study found that only 19% of people in the city are healthy without BP. Unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle have been linked to the condition. Health Minister Harish Rao on Tuesday released a study report by the Cardiological Society of India, Global Hospital, and the National Institute of Nutrition.&nbsp;He said the situation was due to people neglecting their health, work stress, and reduced physical activity. Harish warns that BP and sugar can be fatal if care is not taken. Everyone over the age of 30 is advised to undergo BP and sugar tests and to take regular medication if diagnosed. He congratulated the doctors who conducted the survey.The survey was conducted on 9,000 people aged 26 to 50 in Greater Hyderabad. Of these, 5,000 were analyzed and the report was released. Of these 5,000, 40.7 percent were diagnosed with BP and 39.8 percent were diagnosed with BP (pre-hypertension). Pre-hypertension is when the systolic pressure is between 120–139 and the diastolic pressure is between 80–89.&nbsp;BP was found to be normal only in 19.5% of people. Dr. Sai Sudhakar, Joint Secretary, Telangana Division, Cardiological Society of India, said that while only 25 percent of the people in the study before Corona had BP, now it has reached 40 percent. Corona is causing people to suffer from stress and illness due to lifestyle changes, not being able to leave home in the name of work from home, bad eating habits, obesity, overwork hours, financial hardship, and job loss. He revealed that 70 percent of the people in the city are overweight.

Survey: 40% Of City Folks Suffering From BP

A summer camp for children has been inaugurated a summer camp on Monday at the arts and crafts village, Shilparamam located in Madhapur. The camp will be held for a fortnight and will be held from 10 AM to 1 PM. Artisans at Shilparamam will be conducting the cases on various topics.The camp will cover interesting topics such as training in pottery making, clay toys, Madhubani painting, Nirmal painting, acrylic painting, tribal painting, Sanskrit speaking, and Bhagwat Gita shlokas. Those interested in enrolling their children in this camp can contact Shilparamam’s office.Shilparamam has been one of Hyderabad’s major attractions. Craftsmen and women from different states come and display their work ranging from traditional jewelry, hand-woven saris, shawls, dresses, bedsheets, etc; as well as hand-crafted wooden and metal wares. The place has lost its sheen during the pandemic but is slowly getting back on to its feet.

Summer Camp For Children Begins At Shilparamam

The check dam on Balkapur Nala has been a nightmare for the inhabitants around the area ever since rains have been flooding the city. The downpours impact nearly 10,000 families in Tolichowki, Nadeem Nagar, Nizam Colony, and Al Hasnath Colony.An amicable solution has been reached between Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the Local Military Authority (LMA) for the removal of the check dam as the Nala flows through some military areas.Following talks with MA&amp;UD minister KT Rama Rao and army officials, including General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Dakshin Bharat Area, Lt Gen A Arun, the LMA has decided to cooperate with the state government for the removal of the check dam.While the military officials inspected the Nala flowing through their area, the GHMC has written a letter to the GOC, seeking formal permission for the removal of the check dam and to construct an Interception and Diversion (I&amp;D) structure and 1000 mn dia RCC NP3 sewerage pipeline from Balkapur Nala check dam in Military premises to Military outlet at Syed Nagar Ek Minar Masjid (Chainage: 2760 meters to 4470 mm).The works will be taken up with GHMC funds. With the I&amp;D structure, the sewerage flow will pass through the pipeline proposed to be laid within the existing Nala (below the bed level), and during rains, this pipeline will be closed by operating sluice gates and all water will flow through the Balkapur Nala. This will give relief to all areas that have been inundated during the rainy season.The Balkapur Nala starts at Malkam Cheruvu and passes through Kotha Cheruvu at Virat Nagar, Hakeempet, Military area (Mehdipatnam Garrison), Ahmed Nagar, Pension office, and Chintal Basti and joins Hussainsagar Lake.

Woes of 10,000 Families Near Balkapur Nala to End

The realty scene in Hyderabad is robust and positive. There are a lot of media stories around it. However, the stability and success of the real estate sector are usually gauged by the fact of how much of the demand and/ or sale is for self-use and not if a property is being purchased for investment purposes.Given this scenario, the price range of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh segment plays a pivotal role in determining the continuity of the real estate market of a particular city. Particularly in Hyderabad, where the prices are lower than in other metros, more than half of the residential sales happen in the range of Rs 25 lakh and Rs 50 lakh. According to a report by Knight Frank Research, this percentage has seen a jump of almost 20 percent in the last year, which is again based on the information from the Telangana Registration and Stamps Department.Real estate experts feel this increase is due to an increase in disposable incomes and also the need for homes from genuine buyers. As of now, most sales in Hyderabad are towards the higher end of the Rs 25 to 50 lakh segment. Of course, there are 2BHK properties that are being sold for Rs 70 to Rs 80 lakh. Going forward, they feel most sales will be happening between the Rs 50 to Rs 80 lakh segment.JLL India Hyderabad MD Sandip Patnaik feels this can be attributed to salary hikes and a ‘talent war.’ For the first time in 20 years, IT companies are vying to retain talent, and they are paying huge salaries to retain the ones they already have. This has led to a salary hike of almost 50 percent to 300 percent. In the past year, the disposable incomes of people have gone up, and they are investing in realty. Though the beginning of the year was a FOMO situation for realtors, there have been extensive launches, and this, in turn, has given many options for buyers leading to stability in the market.&nbsp;

Demand for Properties Between Rs 25 to Rs 50 Lakh High

Telangana Health Department has announced that the third wave in the state is more or less over. Director of Public Health, G Srinivasa Rao says since the wave is on the decline, it's time to do away with all the COVID restrictions. "The third wave began on December 28th and peaked on 28th January, the wave is on the decline," he said."It's time to remove Work from home in offices and online education from school as it is leading to mental health problems. It is also affecting the livelihood opportunities for allied services. Online education is leading to serious damage to the mental health and education of our children. If this continues we would have a literacy issue," he told."We are expecting the cases to fall around 100 in the next one week or so," Srinivasa Rao who himself infected in this wave told. Interestingly, Telangana had the least COVID restrictions in place even at the peak of the wave and it will be the first state to completely do away with the restrictions.