HYDERABAD � MONDAY � JULY 14, 2025 � `9.

00 � PAGES 12 � LATE CITY EDITION

CCTV CAMERAS IN TRAINS TO

74,000
‘WILL DETER MISCREANTS, ORGANISED GANGS’ VAISHNAV ASKS OFFICIALS TO MAKE USE OF AI
Officials said each locomotive will be equipped with six CCTVs.
ENHANCE PASSENGER SAFETY The decision follows positive outcomes from experimental ■
installations of CCTVs in Northern Railway. Railway officials said the Additionally, each cab of a loco will be fitted with one dome-type
In a first, the Ministry of Railways has move is expected to bolster passenger safety and help deter CCTV camera and two desk-mounted microphones, they added
decided to install CCTV cameras in all miscreants and gangs who exploit travellers. To preserve privacy, ■ Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav has encouraged officials to COACHES AND 15,000 LOCOMOTIVES
passenger train coaches and locomotives CCTVs will be installed in the common area near the doors | P7 explore the use of AI on the data captured by the CCTV cameras WILL BE FITTED WITH CCTV CAMERAS

CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI

Khalistani terrorist Batala, 7 others arrested in US

H A R P R E E T B A J W A @ Chandigarh torture case. During the raid, a been charged with various of- SWAT and FBI SWAT—execut-
Now, EC mulls pan-India
revision of electoral rolls
cache of arms including a fully fences including kidnapping, ed five coordinated search war-
IN a major crackdown on inter- automatic Glock, hundreds of torture, unlawful confinement, rants across San Joaquin Coun-
national terror network, the rounds of ammuni- witness intimidation, ty as part of a gang-related
Federal Bureau of Investiga- tion, several high-ca- assault with a semi- kidnapping and torture investi-
tion (FBI) has arrested eight pacity magazines, and automatic firearm, is- gation,” the San Joaquin Coun-
Khalistani terrorists across the over $15,000 in cash suing criminal ty Sheriff ’s Office said. Move follows SC view that SIR is a ‘constitutional mandate’
US, including Pavittar Singh were seized. threats, and gang-re- NIA sources said they are in
Batala—a gangster from Pun- Batala had an Inter- lated enhancements. touch with their US counter-
jab wanted by the National In-
vestigation Agency for terror
pol Red Corner Notice
against him. The oth-
“On July 11, the San
Joaquin County Sher-
parts for Batala’s extradition.
The accused used virtual
M U K E S H R A N J A N @ New Delhi matter is before the Supreme
Court.” On the opposition ‘People from
Nepal, B’desh,
activities linked to the banned er arrested men are iff ’s Office AGNET numbers and encrypted apps to UNDETERRED by the con- calling it a shadow CAA-NRC,
Babbar Khalsa International. Amritpal Singh, Dil- Pavittar Singh Batala Unit—alongside the promote a pro-Khalistan net- troversy over the Special In- Shah had said, “They op-
The eight men were picked preet Singh, Arsh- Stockton Police De- work. The module was report- tensive Revision (SIR) of elec- posed everything the EC does.
up from San Joaquin County
during an investigation into a
gang-related kidnapping and
preet Singh, Manpreet Rand- partment SWAT, Manteca Po-
hawa, Gurtaj Singh, Sarabjit lice Department SWAT, Stanis-
Singh, and Vishal. They have laus County Sheriff ’s Office
edly operating under the in-
structions of terrorist
Harwinder Singh Rinda.
toral rolls in poll-bound
Bihar, it is learnt that the
Election Commission of In-
They need to justify their poll
defeats, so they present fake
narratives.”
in Bihar list’
dia (ECI) has sent a commu- In the communication to EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
nication to chief electoral of- the CEOs, the ECI asked them @ New Delhi

TG restricts 25% ficers (CEOs) of all states to

activate poll machinery for a
to prepare for conducting SIR
in their respective jurisdic- BOOTH-level officers of Elec-

quota under RTE possible rollout of the exer-

cise on a pan-India basis.
tions with January 1, 2026 as
the qualifying date, which
tion Commission of India
(ECI) conducting the Special

to areas without
The ECI’s decision comes means that above 18 years on Intensive Revision (SIR) of
in the backdrop of the Su- electoral rolls in Bihar have
preme Court’s observation found a number of individu-
govt schools last week that SIR is a “con-
stitutional mandate” and that
Sibal says SIR is
unconstitutional
als from Nepal, Bangladesh,
and Myanmar possessing In-
ECI can go ahead with the re- Election Commission has dian documents such as Aad-
M E G H N A N AT H @ Hyderabad vision exercise in Bihar. always been a “puppet” haar, domicile certificates,
Several opposition parties in the hands of the BJP and ration cards, sources said
THE Director of School Educa- and civil society organisa- government, Rajya Sabha on Sunday.
tion, Telangana, has issued tions had moved the Supreme MP Kapil Sibal alleged, According to ECI officials,
fresh guidelines restricting the Court challenging the inten- adding that the poll ground-level officials have so
blanket implementation of Sec- sive revision, saying it de- body’s Special Intensive far established direct contact
tion 12(1)(C) of the Right to Ed- prived eligible citizens of Revision of electoral with nearly all voters in the
ucation (RTE) Act. The provi- their right to vote for want of rolls in Bihar is state as part of the exercise.
sion, which mandates private documents specified by the “unconstitutional” “During house-to-house
unaided non-minority schools poll panel for inclusion in the visits, a large number of peo-
to reserve 25% of entry-level voters’ list. ple from Nepal, Bangladesh
seats for children from disad- Union Home Minister Amit that date would be included and Myanmar have been
vantaged groups (DG) and eco- Shah in an interview with in the voters’ list. found. They have got Aad-
nomically weaker sections this newspaper on Saturday According to sources, a few haar, domicile certificates,
(EWS), will now be implement- had said, “I believe that if CEOs have already started ration card,” said an official.
ed only in specific areas where anyone has any concerns putting out voters’ list pub- Sources said a thorough
no government or local body
school exists within a one-km
LEADING WITH FAITH about the process, he/she
should approach the Election
lished after the last SIR held
in their states. The website of
verification will be carried
out between August 1 and 30,
radius. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy arrives at Ujjaini Mahankali temple for Lashkar Bonalu on Sunday | SRI LOGANATHAN VELMURUGAN | P3 Commission. Not with pre- Delhi CEO has the 2008 vot- and names found not eligible
According to the new provi- sumptions, but with exam- ers’ list when the last revi- will be excluded from the fi-

Shringla, Nikam among 4 nominated to RS

sions, the RTE quota will be en- ples of the outcomes of the sion took place. nal voter list to be released on
forced in 50 rural habitations process. Roll revision is not According to sources, ECI September 30.
and 46 urban colonies or wards happening for the first time. will take a final call on na- The ECI had said SIR was
where only private schools are It happened in 1991, too. Also, tionwide exercise after July necessary in Bihar due to a
available. The implementation EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE cessitated by the retirement of edly carried out by CPM work- it’s not being done only in Bi- 28 when the Bihar SIR case number of reasons, includ-
is conditional and depends on @ New Delhi nominated members. ers in 1994. har. I think it will be done will come up again for hear- ing inclusion of foreigners in
the availability and capacity of A 1984 batch Indian Foreign Historian and author Jain across India. Anyway, the ing in the top court. the current list.
government schools. Admis- PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu Service officer, Shringla had served as a lecturer at Delhi
sions to private schools under has nominated former for- served as India’s Ambassa- University’s Gargi College. In
this provision will be allowed
only if nearby government
schools are either unavailable
eign secretary Harsh
Vardhan Shringla, law-
yer Ujjwal Nikam,
dor to the US and Thai-
land and as high com-
missioner to
2020, she was awarded the Pad-
ma Shri in recognition of her
contributions to the fileds of lit-
EXPRESS READ

3 techies caught buying

None hurt from shots fired
or have no vacant seats for eli-
gible children.
An official, speaking on con-
Kerala BJP leader C
Sadanandan Master,
and historian Meenak-
Bangladesh. He was for-
eign secretary from
2020 to 2022.
erature and education.
The President of India can
nominate 12 people to the Rajya
ganja in Gachibowli
Hyderabad: In just a span of two
as mob storms MLC’s office
dition of anonymity, said the shi Jain. Maharashtra lawyer Sabha. These are well-known hours, 14 persons, including three
move reaffirms that private In a notification issued Nikam was the special pub- individuals from diverse back- techies, attempting to buy ganja C H I T H A L U R I R E V A N T H @ Hyderabad
school admissions under Sec- late Saturday night, the Minis- lic prosecutor in the 26/11 Mum- grounds including art, litera- were caught by EAGLE sleuths
tion 12(1)(C) are a supplemen- try of Home Affairs said that bai terror attacks case. ture, and public service. Four of during a decoy operation in TENSION erupted at the
tary measure, not a replace- the President has nominated Sadanandan Master, a retired the 12 nominated seats were va- Gachibowli on Sunday. All tested Q News office of MLC Chinta-
ment for government schooling. the four eminent persons to the school teacher from Kerala, lost cant; the latest nomination fills positive for cannabis in on-the- pandu Naveen, alias Teenmar
CONTINUED ON P3 Rajya Sabha to fill vacancies ne- both his legs in an attack alleg- those vacancies. P5 spot urine tests | P2 Mallanna, in Peerzadiguda,
Medipally, on Sunday, after ac-
tivists belonging to BRS MLC K

Shoulder nudge, fiery

Monsoon in TG falls Kavitha’s Telangana Jagruthi
short of IMD forecast allegedly barged in and vandal-
ised the premises over his de- A gunman attempts to prevent

spells set up final day

Hyderabad: In contrast to IMD’s
rogatory remarks against the Telangana Jagruthi members from
prediction that the state would
BRS leader. In response, Mal- entering MLC Teenmar Mallanna’s
experience excess rains, the
rainfall has been on the lower side
lanna’s government-appointed chamber in Hyderabad on Sunday
gunman fired six rounds in the
in Telangana since the beginning
for lunch, it was ironic because air to disperse the mob. Police suspended by the Congress,
of the southwest monsoon
what could on the menu that confirmed to TNIE that none said the protesters were en-
season this year | P2
was going to better two hours of of the injuries reported in the raged over a comment he made,
cricket in excelsis? incident were from the shots which he claimed was a “com-
In short, sparks flew when the Israeli strikes kill at fired by the gunman. mon dialogue”, not a personal
visitors resumed the morning Mallanna alleged that the at- attack on Kavitha.
session with vigour and pur-
least 30 people in Gaza tack was an attempt to murder Durgam Maruthi, Asifabad
pose. It all seemed like a spillo- Deir al-Balah: Israeli strikes in the him. Several people, including district president of the Teen-
ver of the one-over drama on Gaza Strip killed at least 30 the MLC, were injured, and mar Mallanna team and an eye-
Mohammed Siraj celebrates Ben Saturday evening. And it had people on Sunday, including six blood was found on the office witness, told TNIE that around
Duckett’s wicket on Sunday | AFP nothing to do with the heat
that’s engulfed the island nation
CONTEST FOR AGES children at a water collection
point, local health officials said,
floor. Furniture was damaged,
and CCTV cameras were also
40 people stormed the office at
around 11.20 am, when only 15
F I R O Z M I R Z A @ London this summer. Like always, Jas- Carlos Alcaraz took the first set while Jannik Sinner came back to win the next as despite attempts by mediators to destroyed in the incident. people were inside.
prit Bumrah was unplayable. the top two players in world battle for the coveted Wimbledon crown | AFP bring about a ceasefire | P9 Mallanna, who was recently CONTINUED ON P4
THE atmosphere was crackling, Siraj was all fire and brimstone.
like a heavy discharge of indus- And, together, they made the
trial grade current. The hosts hosts’ batters look rather ordi- OBITUARY
were under the pump and the nary, some of it because the sur-

Kota Srinivasa Rao: Complete actor, unforgettable friend

visitors, who had begun the series face belatedly came to life. Post
with a loss, knew they had rare lunch, Washington Sundar, a
chance of back to back Test wins contentious choice, played with
outside Asia and West Indies. the angles, created a few doubts
The feisty Mohammed Siraj and ran through England’s artist — in more than 700 films. Our professional association
Anguished by the passing of Shri
had made contact with Ben spine to pick up 4/22 across 73 He was, in every sense, an ac- spanned over four decades. Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be
Duckett’s shoulder after a mis- legal balls. complished and complete actor. There was a decade when Kota remembered for his cinematic
timed pull didn’t clear mid on. The last 12 minutes after In- BRAHMANANDAM Beyond cinema, he also served Srinivasa Rao, Babu Mohan and brilliance and versatility. He
Nitish Reddy screamed in the dia captain Shubman Gill was Legendary Telugu Actor the public as an MLA represent- I were part of nearly every film. enthralled audiences across
general direction of Zak Craw- caught plumb infront was al- ing the BJP. We would often work 18 to 20 generations
ley after the opener found one most a repeat of England’s sec- His passing is not just a per- hours a day. He was known for

U
Narendra Modi, prime minister
of the two gullies. Siraj was in ond innings late evening drama NDOUBTEDLY, Padma sonal loss for me but a profound his fearless honesty — always
happy rage after finding Ollie on Saturday. Late Akash Deep’s Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao loss for Indian cinema, especial- straightforward, never hesitant
Pope plumb and Akash Deep, wicket made the contest more was a towering figure in ly for the Telugu-speaking audi- to speak his mind. Our friend- Though Kota garu is no longer
who opened up about his sister’s gripping. On Monday, India re- the world of acting, as ence across the globe. Though Kota Srinivasa Rao (1942–2025) ship was deep and genuine, so with us physically, he will remain
fight with cancer, had let out a quire 135 to secure a one of their widely acknowledged by many. he is no longer with us physi- much so that we affectionately forever in the hearts of Telugu
visceral scream after spread- great overseas wins. England, A truly versatile performer, cally, he will continue to live on dure. ‘Natana Unnantha Kalam, addressed each other in the people through the diverse roles
eagling Harry Brook’s middle- on other hand, need six wickets Srinivasa Rao seamlessly por- through the unforgettable char- Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu un- most endearing ways. he portrayed
stump. to take lead. Over to Lord’s, with trayed a wide range of roles — acters he brought to life — as taru’. (Kota Srinivasa Rao will be (As told to Shreya Veronica) A Revanth Reddy, chief minister
When the players walked off great expectation. P11 comedian, villain and character long as cinema and acting en- there as long as acting is there) RELATED STORIES: P5
 ALMANAC TODAY MIN MAX Sunrise 05.49 am
Monday : 14/07/2025 Year: Sri Viswavasu Aayanam: Uttarayanam
Rutuvu: Greeshma Masam: Ashada Paksham: Bahula Tithi: Chaturthi 11.59 pm
24 C 32 C
0 0 Sunset 06.54 pm

Nakshatram: Dhanishta 06.49 am Durmuhurtham: 12.48 pm - 01.41 pm Moonrise 09.41 pm

WEATHER FORECAST
Varjyam: 01.54 pm - 03.28 pm Rahukaalam: 07.30 am - 09.00 am WATCH Mostly Cloudy Moonset 08.49 am

02 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

20% LESS RAIN THIS Three techies among 14 held for buying ganja at Gachibowli
MONSOON TILL NOW
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE suspect would transport around neering student Nikhil (29), ganja. “We let off the woman eration. Technical teams are
@ Hyderabad 5 kg ganja at a time, packed into architect Sindura (26), prop- and the child. The husband currently analyzing WhatsApp
100 sachets of 50 grams each. erty manager Hasan (34), IT tested positive. Only God messages and other digital evi-
IN a span of just two hours, 14 He would sell each packet for employee Kranti (28), dental knows whether the woman is dence recovered from the con-
individuals, trying to buy gan- `3,000 and maintained a data- technician Akhil (28), business also consuming drugs,” the sumers’ mobile phones to map
As per the TGDPS report, the state has recorded ja, were apprehended by the base of over 100 regular con- relationship manager Shi- note remarked. In another the supply network.
cumulative rainfall of 175 mm against 219.3 mm Elite Action Group for Drug sumers, including their mobile va (32), freelancer at an instance, a different cou- Officials said the database of
Law Enforcement (EAGLE) numbers. Communication was ad agency Sandesh (34), ple was caught attempt- more than 100 consumers is be-
during a decoy operation at primarily done via WhatsApp real estate sales execu- ing to purchase ganja. ing scrutinized to bust the wid-
A A R T I K A S H YA P @ Hyderabad cient rain, 232 mandals with Gachibowli on Sunday. All of using coded messages such as tive Sai Raj (31), travel The woman initially er distribution and demand
normal rainfall, 29 mandals them tested positive for canna- “Bhai, baccha aa gaya bhai” to agency owner Akhil tried to bluff her way system. “It’s better for the re-
IN contrast to the earlier pre- with excess rain and only five bis consumption after they signal arrival and availability (26), driver Swamy (27), out, but both tested pos- maining 86 consumers to opt
diction of the IMD that the mandals recorded large excess were subjected to on-the-spot of the drug. and IT employees Thush- itive and were found to be for de-addiction, rather than be
state would experience excess rainfall since June 1. urine tests for drug use. They ar (24) and another individ- addicted. picked up by EAGLE,” officials
rainfall, the rainfall has been Adilabad district recorded have been referred to certified
Man, wife come with ual aged 24. Efforts are ongoing to trace warned. The EAGLE team add-
4-yr-old to buy cannabis
on the lower side in the state the highest cumulative rain- drug de-addiction centres for In a press release, EAGLE and apprehend the main ped- ed that the operation had suc-
since the beginning of the fall of 382.7 mm with 24 rainy treatment and rehabilitation. Those detained include an on- stated that a couple had ar- dler, who is believed to be based cessfully disrupted a critical
Southwest monsoon season days, whereas Kumaram According to police, intelli- line trader Naveen (31), stu- rived at the location with their in Maharashtra and managed local ganja distribution point
this year. Bheem had 25 rainy days, the gence revealed that the prime dent Ayush (22), racing engi- four-year-old son to purchase to evade capture during the op- in Gachibowli.
Although the southwest highest in the state.
monsoon had entered the state Medchal-Malkajgiri was the
in the last week of May, almost
two weeks ahead of the expect-
ed date, the rainfall in the
most rainfall deficient district
in the state with an actual
rainfall of merely 74 mm
Palair project not repaired
state has been less
than expected
and predicted.
against normal rainfall of
173.4 mm with a -57%
deviation.
yet, farmers worried
As per the Te- Hyderabad E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Khammam
langana Devel- stood as the
opment Plan- second most FARMERS are growing anxious over delays in irrigation water
ning Society rain deficient supply this agricultural season, owing to the slow pace of recon-
report, the state district with struction of the collapsed under-tunnel of the Nagarjunasagar
has recorded a cu- 83.6 mm of project left canal. The collapse occurred in September 2024 be-
mulative rainfall rainfall against neath the lower Palair reservoir due to severe flooding.
of 175 mm against the nor mal of Though temporary repairs allowed limited wa-
the normal rainfall of 174 mm, with a ter flow to the Nagarjunasagar regulator, irriga-
219.3 mm, with a deviation of 52% deviation. tion supply from Nagarjuna Sagar was stopped on
-20% between June 1 and July Both Medchal-Malkajgiri 15 April. Yet, tenders for the full reconstruction of
13. and Hyderabad have had sev- the under tunnel have not been issued.
It is to be noted that the rain- en rainy days in the season, Bontu Rambabu, district secretary of the Telan-
fall deviation last year in the the lowest in the state in this gana farmers’ association, Khammam, held three
month of June was 34% and monsoon season. ministers responsible and criticised the govern-
July was 10%, against the de- The long range forecast by ment for starting reconstruction only in June 2025 after the crop-
viation of 20% in both June the IMD has predicted that the ping season had begun and amid heavy rains and flooding in
and July this year, resulting in state will experience normal Krishna areas upstream. He demanded that the tunnel work be
deficient rainfall across the and above normal rainfall in completed on a war footing.
state. July. While the association appreciated efforts to activate Sitarama
As many as 20 districts re- However, more rains are project pump house supplying water to parts of Khammam, they HARD DAY
corded deficient rainfall, with likely to be experienced in the warned that if linking works between the project and Palair are
Workers toiling at a brick kiln at Bommakal in Karimnagar district | EXPRESS
322 mandals recording defi- last week of July. not resumed immediately, farmers will launch a protest.

Weathering 40 floods, Godavari bridge Woman left

behind by bus Another fire in Pashamylaram
in Bhadrachalam completes 60 yrs driver; probe on industrial area, no casualties
B S AT YA N A R AYA N A R E D D Y EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Khammam @ Nizamabad EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@Sangareddy FACT FINDING COMMITTEE DEMANDS CRIMINAL
THE iconic bridge over the Go- A woman passenger was left CASE AGAINST SIGACHI MANAGEMENT
davari river in Bhadrachalam stranded by a TGSRTC Super EVEN before the memory of
Sangareddy: A fact-
completed 60 years on Sunday. Luxury bus en route Armoor the Sigachi fire tragedy fades,
finding committee
It has played an important role from JBS Secunderabad on another fire broke out in the
representing various
in transporting people between Thursday night. Her parents Pashamylaram industrial area
public organisations has
Bhadrachalam’s agency areas lodged a formal complaint on Sunday morning, causing
demanded that the state
and the neighbouring states of with officials on Friday, and panic among locals. However,
government register a
Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and an investig ation is now no casualties were reported,
criminal case against the
Andhra Pradesh. underway. bringing a sigh of relief.
management of Sigachi
Until the recent construction According to sources, the According to officials, the
chemical industry, holding
of a new bridge, it was the only woman, a BTech student, had re- fire erupted at Enviro Waste
it responsible for the blast
way to cross the river. Inaugu- peatedly requested the driver to Management Services Private
that claimed 44 lives, left
rated by the former President stop at a location with a wash- Limited around 7:30 am. Fire
eight missing, and injured many others. The committee comprising
of India Sarve palli Rad- room facility, but her pleas were personnel immediately de-
High Court senior lawyer Vasudha Nagaraj, TPJAC co-convener
hakrishnan on 13 July 1965, the ignored for nearly three hours. ployed five fire engines, two
Kanneganti Ravi, APCR state convener Dr Osman, NAPM’s Meera
bridge stands 80 feet tall and The student boarded the bus from Patancheru and three
Sanghamitra, and others visited the site, met hospitalised victims,
has withstood 40 major floods at 6.30 pm and requested a re- from IDA Bollaram and man-
and interacted with their families. They alleged gross negligence
without structural damage. stroom break soon after. How- aged to douse the flames. A lor-
by the management, stating no proper safety measures or
Before its construction, peo- ever, the driver reportedly did ry and a JCB were completely
employee awareness were ensured. Co-workers were made to
ple including devotees heading A file photo of Godavari bridge in Bhadrachalam not stop until 9.30 pm at the In- gutted.
handle hospital duties, and even two weeks after the tragedy, the
to the Sri Rama temple crossed dalwai Toll Plaza. The company was engaged
management failed to disclose how many were present during the
the river using country boats. Since its opening, the bridge BV Ramana Reddy, a senior After using the washroom in recycling expired syrups
blast or provide full casualty figures. They also criticised the
A tragic boat collision in 1953, has transformed regional con- citizen, said, “Though 60 years there, the student returned and tablets to be sold as raw
government for not filing a criminal case or making any arrests.
which claimed around 150 nectivity. It facilitated easier old, the bridge has served only to find that the bus had materials for various indus-
lives, led to a nationwide de- access for lakhs of pilgrims crores of people and its value left without her. She immedi- tries. The fire began in a sec-
bate and led to the decision to and travellers to reach Mad- is beyond words.” Another lo- ately informed her parents tion storing empty face wash
build the bridge. The founda- hya Pradesh (now Chhattis- cal, Y Suryanarayana, praised over the phone. tins and tubes. It is suspected The exact cause of the fire is same location, which claimed
tion stone was laid by the garh), Odisha, and Andhra the engineering quality, saying Her parents rushed to the the parked lorry and JCB, not known. 44 lives and left eight workers
former Chief Minister Neelam Pradesh. Devotee numbers that the structure has required spot in a car and brought her which was there for loading The incident shocked the missing. BDL Bhanur police
Sanjeeva Reddy on 16 Decem- during festivals soared from n o m a j o r re p a i r s i n i t s home around midnight. On the material, caught fire dur- public, still reeling from the re- have registered a case and are
ber 1959. thousands to lakhs. lifetime. Friday, they filed a complaint. ing the incident. cent Sigachi industry fire at the investigating the matter.

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES
(Mar 21 - Apr. 20) (Apr. 21 - May 21) (May 22 - June 21) (June 22 - July 23) (July 24 - Aug. 23) (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23) (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) (Nov. 23 - Dec. 22) (Dec. 23 - Jan. 20) (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) (Feb. 20 - Mar 20)
There’s no Your daily Venus, the Even delays, The time for Although as a You must A build-up of You’re bound It would be a Your personal, Not for the first
P E T E R V I DA L need to schedule over the planetary difficulties and making Virgo you thrive be aware by planets in lively to feel a little gross emotional and time the planets
14TH July : Recently I was asked about the remind you next few weeks ruler of obstructions important on love and now of regions of your more understatement romantic trends have taken up a
famous number thirteen. Some people think just how necessary it is will be profoundly affected partnerships, is still will have their place in the decisions is fast affection, there’s strong undercurrents chart indicates that you’ve secretive, especially as to say that as far as are looking decidedly configuration which holds
to guarantee that other by the fact that you’re encouraging you to tell scheme of things over the running out. There’s no something in you that in your family life, or every reason to celebrate. friends will be pestering several of your major lively. But the last thing out superb possibilities as
it’s unlucky. But not many people know the people are happy with entering a new and distinctly others how you really coming period. Your skills, need to panic just yet, resists being the centre of at least of the This is traditionally a time you over matters which ambitions are concerned, you should be doing right far as all your long-range
origin of this superstition - so let me remind your progress. Right serious phase of your life. feel, but it is up to you to experience and confidence but you should gather attention for too long. As a possibility that certain when you show off all your are really none of their this is a make-or-break now is ignoring the vital goals are concerned. Try to
you. It dates back to the time in the Middle East, now you need some Like anyone else, you need take their wishes into will all benefit as a result whatever additional result you may find current people have big plans natural skills and advantages business. You’ll be on period of your life. Press necessity of hard work if plan as far ahead as
two thousand years ago, when there was a clash reassurance that family the chance to lead a more account much more than of coping with challenging information is emotional opportunities for your future. Don’t to their best. A word for those safe ground just as long ahead with all the you want to advance in possible. Everything
members are content orderly routine. But the next in the past. You’ll also circumstances. That necessary to make the slightly hard to handle. And worry if there are of you pursuing professional as you are discreet determination for which your career. If you’re on depends on your ability to
between supporters of the year of twelve solar with your plans, couple of weeks will give you soon have a welcome suggests that you’ll turn best choices. Yet again, that’s why you might be delays now, as the ambitions: make the most of when necessary. Also, you are renowned - and the brink of a major combine a grasp of detail
months and the alternative of thirteen lunar especially if an upheaval the opportunity to find out if chance to settle an difficulties to your your greatest asset is tempted to cut yourself off end of the week will all social offerings and how about occupying set your sights on victory breakthrough, one last with a grand, sweeping
months. Twelve won and unlucky thirteen lost. is in the pipeline. that’s really what you want. outstanding dispute. advantage. your irresistible charm. from a number of contacts. bring swift solutions. openings. the moral high ground? at the end of the week. push may be needed. vision of the future.

CROSS WORD JUMBLE UNSCRAMBLE THESE JUMBLES, ONE LETTER TO

EACH SQUARE, TO FORM FOUR ORDINARY WORDS.
ACROSS DOWN BY DAVID L. HOYT
AND JEFF KNUREK
1 Smooth patch of oil - too smooth? (5) 2 Noose o�ering escape? (8)
8 In lawyer’s work a deed 3 Many claim it is changeable
is included in the cost (8) like the weather (8)
9 Funny business with 4 Conclude it’s how to
blind victims detailed (5) treat the present (4,2)
10 A metaphor is mixed 5 Current rock player (5)
but its content is pithy (8) 6 A wee drop in the bar (5)
11 Spiteful woman traps 7 When students must
Solutions to Saturday’s puzzle

the man with deception (5) attend to specific names (5)

12 Spring in South Pennsylvania (3) 12 There’s not much
16 Last month from my money in a
own fault I’m overdrawn (6) soup kitchen (3)
17 It may be pointed 13 A church is one (3)
out in the desert (6) 14 Being bitter
18 American gets a point advantage (3) little Catherine
23 Rocky way round New York (5) enters to confess all (8)
24 Amount of business 15 How hip is hinged (6,2)
produced by a cook (8) 19 Set out to marry drunk! (6)
25 In these classes children 20 Room for mental
take a point to heart (5) improvement perhaps (5)

SU DO KU HARD
26 Diana’s bloomer will 21 Angry indication that
result in catastrophe (8) the answer isn’t right (5)
27 A male representative (5) 22 Low quarters of the elk (5)
TEST YOUR NUMBER
CRUNCHING SKILL WITH OUR SATURDAY’S SOLUTIONS
UNIQUE PUZZLE Across: 1 Lie in state, 6 Golf, 10 Appal, Down: 1 Lead, 2 Esperanto, 3 Nylon,
11 Placatory, 12 Bran mash, 13 Laden, 4 Top hats, 5 Teacher, 7 Ovoid, 8 Flying leap,
� Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner 15 Lingers, 17 Refusal, 19 Chowder, 21 Hosanna, 9 Bailiffs, 14 Clock tower, 16 Endymion,
that every row, every column and every 3X3 box Saturday’s
22 Totem, 24 Sensible, 27 Well-oiled, 18 Singleton, 20 Rustler, 21 Hangdog,
accommodates the digits 1 to 9, without repeating any. 28 Satyr, 29 Rung, 30 Brightened. 23 Talon, 25 Inset, 26 Prod.
 MONDAY PRAJAVANI CANCELLED IN SURYAPET
Suryapet Collector Tejas Nand Lal Pawar said that the Prajavani programme
scheduled for Monday has been cancelled. This is due to Chief Minister A Revanth
Reddy’s visit to Tirumalagiri in the district for a ration card distribution programme

03 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

Environmentalists slam ‘institutional

silence’ as lakes turn toxic in city
K H YAT I S H A H @ Hyderabad lakes recharge borewells or lie
DEMANDS OF close to residential zones, they
WITH recent reports exposing GREEN ACTIVISTS could pose a silent but severe
the poor state of city lakes, en- � Real-time water quality health threat. “Children and
vironmental experts and activ- data for all lakes the elderly are particularly vul-
ists have raised serious con- nerable,” she said.
cerns over the government’s � Public alerts when water Even indirect exposure to E-
failure to disclose critical wa- falls to Grade C or below grade water — via contaminat-
ter quality data. ed groundwater or airborne
On July 8, TNIE published a � A forensic audit of all pollutants — can lead to skin
report — Asanikunta is ‘dead’, urban lakes diseases, respiratory issues
pollution off the charts — high- � Independent, city-wide and long-term toxicity, accord-
lighting the poor water quality monitoring ing to health experts.
of the Asanikunta lake. Ex-
perts noted that both Asan-
Call for city-wide audit
ikunta and Sunnam Cheruvu, condition continued As pressure mounts, en-
major urban lakes in the city, for six months with- vironmentalists and civ-
have been classified as Grade E, out any public alert il society groups are now
the worst possible water quali- is not negligence; it urging the Telangana
ty, since January. Yet, no public borders on environ- High Court to take suo
alert was issued. mental misconduct. motu cognisance of the is-
Activists said the six-month “Water with a biochemical sue. Their demands include
delay in disclosure endangered oxygen demand (BOD) above real-time water quality data for
public health and ecological six and dissolved oxygen level all lakes, a complete forensic
balance. Grade E signifies wa- below three is not just polluted. audit of Hyderabad’s urban
ter unfit for drinking, bathing, It’s dead water. It cannot sup- lakes and public advisories
irrigation or industrial use, es- port aquatic life,” she added. when water quality falls to C, D
sentially biologically dead. An environmental lawyer, re- or E grade.
questing anonymity, said with- With more lakes reportedly
‘Not negligence, holding such information may showing signs of degradation,
environmental misconduct’
violate the Water (Prevention they call for a city-wide lake
“This isn’t just pollution, it’s and Control of Pollution) Act. health review, involving an in-

SECUNDERABAD
institutional silence,” said Lub- “The public has a legal right to dependent monitoring system.
na Sarwath, lake conservation- know the state of local water “This city is losing its lakes;
ist and environmental activist. bodies. This lack of disclosure not just to pollution, but to se-
“Communities around these breaches both legal and ethical crecy,” said an environmental-
lakes were exposed to health duties.” ist. “If we don’t treat this as an

STREETS SOAK IN
and ecological risks without Urban health expert Dr emergency, there will be noth-
any warning. The fact that this Meera warned that if such ing left to protect.”

Model, medical Nehru Zoo gets Serval cats,

BONALU SPIRIT
Two-day festival begins at Ujjaini Mahakali
distributor held
with 423 drug vials
fossil park to be revamped
E X P R E SS N E WS S E R V I C E @ Hyderabad sure. The species, native to Afri-
E N S @ Hyderabad ca, is about two years old and can
Temple; thousands offer prayers despite heat SENIOR forest officials — led by live up to 16 years in captivity.
A woman lights the lamp on top of a bonam before offering prayers at Shri IN a crackdown on illegal drug Dr C Suvarna, IFS, PCCF (HoFF) Later, the newly renovated
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE their emotional connection to Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam Temple (top); women carrying bonams wait in distribution, the South East — visited the Nehru Zoological Fossil Park Garden, shaped like
@ Hyderabad the festival. Rupa Sarath, from queues to offer prayers in Secunderabad on Sunday| SRI LOGANATHAN VELMURUGAN Zone Task Force apprehended Park and launched a mega plan- the map of Telangana and
Uppal, said, “I have been com- two persons on Saturday and tation drive on Sunday. This showcasing a range of plant
THE lanes of Secunderabad ing here for 15 years. No matter seized 423 vials of Mephenter- comes as part of the ongoing species, was inaugurated.
transformed into a vibrant can- how hot it gets, offering a Bon- companying him were Minis- ranged for women carrying mine Sulphate Injection. The Vana Mahotsavam programme. Dr Suvarna highlighted the
vas of devotion and tradition am gives me peace.” Ruthika, a ters Ponnam Prabhakar, Pon- Bonams. GHMC, Water Board, duo was allegedly selling the vi- Fruit-bearing and shade-giv- zoo’s expanding collection,
on Sunday as the two-day grand young woman from Bholakpur, guleti Srinivasa Reddy, Konda Health, Fire, and Electricity de- als at inflated prices without a ing saplings, including varie- which now includes 195 species,
Lashkar Bonalu celebrations said, “It’s part of my life since Surekha, Danasari Anasuya, partments coordinated to en- valid licence or doctor’s ties of ficus, were planted near and praised its successful breed-
began at the historic Sri Ujjaini childhood. We’ve grown up a n d C M ’s A dv i s o r Ve m sure there were no problems prescription. the reptile house area to boost ing programmes. She also urged
Mahakali Temple. With the sun coming to Bonalu. Even the Narender Reddy. for devotees, a police official The accused have been iden- the park’s greenery. people to take part in plantation
beating down harshly, thou- heat can’t stop us.” Haryana Governor Bandaru stationed near the temple said. tified as Mohammed Zuber ali- A pair of Serval cats was also efforts under the theme “Ek
sands of devotees — young and Eventually, as the sun set, the Dattatreya, Union Coal Mines Temple authorities estimate as Zubair, a model by profes- released into the small cat enclo- Ped Maa Ke Naam”.
old — braved the heat to offer streets grew busier and livelier. Minister G Kishan Reddy, and that over 3 lakh devotees will sion, and Veludandi Vinay
prayers and take part in one of Potharajus, the traditional their families also visited the visit during the two-day festi- Kumar, who operates a medical
Telangana’s most significant guardians of the goddess, temple. val. Monday’s programme will distribution business. Along
folk festivals. danced to drumbeats, covered To ensure smooth conduct, feature the traditional Rangam with the vials, police also seized
From early morning at 3 am, in turmeric and striking their the Hyderabad Police made ritual, where a maiden — Math- two motorcycles, two mobile
hundreds of women, draped in whips, creating energy in the elaborate arrangements. Over angi Swarnalatha — enters phones, and cash amounting to
bright traditional sarees and crowd. 1,500 police officers and volun- into a trance to forecast what `9,430 — collectively valued at
adorned with flowers, made Chief Minister A Revanth teers from colleges and NGOs the future holds for the state. around `5 lakh. Serval cat
their way through the crowded Reddy visited the temple to of- were deployed. More than 40 This will be followed by the According to police, the ac-
streets carrying Bonams — fer pattu vastralu (silk clothes) surveillance cameras were in- Ghatam procession, where the cused procured the injections
decorated clay pots filled with to the goddess and participated stalled, all linked to a central temple’s sacred pot is carried illegally and sold them at high-
rice, jaggery, curd, turmeric, in special pujas. He was wel- monitoring system at the Ma- on a caparisoned elephant — er prices to unsuspecting cus-
and neem leaves, with a small comed with a traditional Poor- hakali police station, police of- Lakshmi from Karnataka — tomers, mostly without pre-
lit lamp on top of their heads. nakumbham by temple priests ficials said. amid beats of drums and scriptions or necessary
Local devotees expressed and greeted by devotees. Ac- Special queue lines were ar- chants. permissions.

GHMC to soon hand CHANGES IN RTE

‘Enforcement
over 23 FoBs to pvt likely from next
agencies for upkeep academic year’
F R O M PA G E 1
S B A C H A N J E E T S I N G H @ Hyderabad bad), Neredmet X Road, Budvel
Railway Station, Deepthisrina- Sources said that modalities for implement-
IN a bid to make Foot Over gar, Airport Road beside AG ing the Act are being finalised. The enforce-
Bridges (FoBs) across the city College Gate, Kattedan, Baba ment is likely to begin next academic year, as
more pedestrian-friendly and Nagar, Hassan Nagar, National most schools have already completed admis-
ensure their optimal use, the Police Academy, AS Rao Nagar, sions for the cur rent session, they
Greater Hyderabad Municipal
Corporation (GHMC) has de-
Rangareddy Court (Kothapet),
Ramanthapur, NTR Gardens,
mentioned.
In June, the Education de- YOUR
GUIDE
cided to hand over the mainte- Dilsukhnagar near Chandana partment issued an order to
nance of 23 FoBs to private Brothers, and J P Cinemas in establish primary schools in
agencies under the Public-Pri- Chanda Nagar. The MOAT pro- 212 rural habitations and 359
vate Partnership (PPP) model.
The selected private developer
posal was approved by the
GHMC Standing Committee on
urban colonies.
It also proposed forming a TO THE
will operate on a Maintain,
Operate, Advertise and Trans-
fer (MOAT) basis for five
Thursday evening.
Under the agreement, the
agency must provide essential
child
committee to determine per-
expenditure and transport allow-
ances in areas where neither government nor
WORLD
years. amenities such as adequate private schools exist within the one-km neigh-
These 23 FoBs were construct- lighting inside the FoB, at stair- bourhood limit. A separate committee, as per
ed to enhance pedestrian safety cases, elevators, escalators and Rule 10(3) of the RTE Rules, 2010, is also being
in busy commercial areas and to the areas beneath. A QR code- planned.
ensure smooth vehicular move- based complaint redressal sys- Of the identified habitations, around 28 ru-
ment. However, GHMC officials tem will be introduced to enable ral and 33 urban areas have already been
noted that only a tiny percent- citizens to lodge complaints eas- shortlisted for implementation. Expert opinions | In-depth analysis
age of pedestrians currently use ily, with updates provided once Comprehensive coverage
them, mainly due to poor main- the issue is resolved. Each FoB
tenance and non-functional ele- will also be equipped with a EXPRESS READ
vators, escalators and lighting. minimum of five CCTV camer- THE GAZA GENOCIDE:
To address these issues, as, including one inside each el- 528 booked for drunk driving
GHMC will hand over the FoBs
to private agencies on an “as-
evator. The live feed will be ac-
cessible to both the GHMC and
Hyderabad: As part of a weekend enforcement IS ISRAEL REMAKING
is” basis. The city’s existing
FoBs will be divided into indi-
the Traffic police control
rooms.
drive, Cyberabad traffic police booked 528
persons for drunk driving. The special inspection THE MIDDLE EAST?
led to the seizure of 391 two-wheelers, 22 three- Scan to watch
vidual packages, with each Lifts and escalators will re-
wheelers, 113 four-wheelers, and two heavy DECODED BY
package comprising one FoB. main operational from 6 am to
vehicles. Of the total offenders, 484 were found
Locations include Moosapet,
Shapur Nagar, IDPL Colony,
Banjara Hills Road No. 1, Pun-
midnight. The agency will also
be responsible for maintaining
all structural components and
with Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels
between 35 mg/100 ml and 200 mg/100 ml.
NEENA GOPAL
Another 27 registered BAC levels between 201 IN CONVERSATION
jagutta traffic signal, ESI Hos- supporting infrastructure, such WITH EXPERTS
and 300 mg/100 ml, while 17 were above 300
pital, NMDC Masab Tank, as staircases, lighting systems
mg/100 ml. All violators will be presented before
Khairatabad, Malkam Cheru- (preferably solar-powered), and SUBSCRIBE NOW TO STAY UPDATED
the court, the police said.
vu, St Anna School (Secundera- elevators and escalators.
 REVANTH TO LAUNCH NEW RATION CARD DISTRIBUTION TODAY
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is all set to launch the distribution of new ration
cards at Tirumalagiri on Monday. This initiative is being started after the successful
launch of the “sannabiyyam” (superfine rice) distribution through PDS in the state

04 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

SCHEME REJUVENATION
Special devpt plan in works for Adilabad: Bhatti
`818 cr released for VLR E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Adilabad

VIVEK’S ABSENCE
payments since Dec 2023
DEPUTY Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday
said the state government is considering a special development
programme for Adilabad district and will soon take up the long-
pending Babasaheb Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella project.
Speaking after inaugurating a 30-bed community health cen-
RAISES EYEBROWS
tre at Luxettipet along with ministers C Damodar Rajanar- S R A J A R E D D Y @ Adilabad absence raised eyebrows as
DISBURSEMENT UNDER VADDI LENI RUNALU, WHICH SLOWED simha, D Sridhar Babu and Jupally Krishna Rao, Vikramarka his constituency too falls un-
DOWN AFTER 2019, HAS NOW PICKED UP MOMENTUM said the Congress government is prioritising health and educa- THE ruling Congress has der Mancherial district.
tion. Built at a cost of `8.5 crore, with a `1 crore contribution long witnessed group politics It may be mentioned here
B K A R T H E E K @ Hyderabad 2014–15 and 2023–24, the cumu- the VLR district-wise data for from SCCL, the hospital aims to provide better medical care to with certain leaders refusing that Premsagar Rao too as-
lative demand for VLR pay- the current FY 2024–25 paints a the poor. Government colleges and high schools in all mandals to forget the differences they pired for a ministerial berth
SINCE the Congress formed ments stood at `6,105.73 crore. clear picture of renewed efforts will be upgraded with CSR and DMFT funds, he added. have with their party col- but the party leadership de-
the government in December Of this, `3,030.43 crore was dis- of the government. Of the total The deputy CM also laid the foun- leagues. The recent state Cab- cided against accommodat-
2023, the implementation of the bursed, leaving outstanding `818.04 crore released under dation stone for the Indira Mahila inet expansion has brought ing him in the Cabinet. It,
Vaddi Leni Runalu (VLR) dues of `3,075.31 crore. The the VLR scheme, `298.04 crore Shakti Solar Plant at Rebenapalli to the fore one such rivalry — however, allotted a berth to
scheme — interest subvention payments were consistent and was paid between December and announced another plant in An- between Mancherial MLA Vivek.
on loans taken by Self-Help timely until 2018–19, but from 2023 and March 2024 and `220.65 dugulapeta at `3 crore, to be devel- Premsagar Rao and Chennur Premsagar Rao has been is-
Groups (SHGs) — has wit- 2019–20 onwards, there was a crore between April 2024 and oped with 90% bank loan and 10% l e g i s l a t o r G Vive k suing some statements, both
nessed a resurgence. steep decline in releases. January 2025. community share. These plants are Venkatswamy. before and after the Cabinet
Data reveals that in FY For instance, while `602.74 expected to generate 4,500–5,000 On Sunday, when a host of expansion, targeting Vivek.
2024–25, the government crore was required in
Govt to allocate more funds units per day and earn `51 lakh key leaders, including Depu- Post-Cabinet expansion, he
for women empowerment
has so far released 2019–20, only `386.99 annually. ty Chief Minister Mallu proudly declared: “In Man-
`818.04 crore towards crore was paid. The sit- The government also released The government is promoting Bhatti Vikramarka, Health cherial, nene raju and nene
VLR payments, indi- uation deteriorated `299.35 crore through the Inte- micro-industries for women in eve- Minister Damodar Rajanar- mantri (I’m the king, I’m the
cating a renewed poli- further in subsequent grated Management System ry Assembly segment and encour- simha, Excise & Prohibition minister).”
cy thrust to clear long- years, with minimal or (IMS), suggesting that the pay- aging solar power production by women’s SHGs. In Manche- and district in-charge minis- Since then Vivek has not
pending dues. no releases, particularly ments were not only timely but rial, `80 crore in bank linkage loans was distributed to 863 ter Jupally Krishna Rao and taken par t in any pro-
For several years, espe- between 2021–22 and 2023– also systematised. Speaking to SHGs. Eight members also received insurance payouts of `10 IT & Industries Minister D grammes in Mancherial seg-
cially after 2019, disbursement 24, when the demand peaked at TNIE, Seethakka said: “The lakh each. An industrial park is coming up on 212 acres in Haz- Sridhar Babu as well as local ment. The Labour minister,
under this scheme had slowed `943.9 crore in 2021–22 alone. state government under the ipur mandal to create jobs for 2,000 youths. minister Premsagar Rao par- however, participated in a
down, resulting in massive un- This prolonged inaction ap- leadership of Chief Minister A Vikramarka criticised the BRS government for ignoring in- ticipated in stone-laying cer- programme presided over by
paid dues. However, the year- pears to have been reversed af- Revanth Reddy is striving to terest-free loans to women. “When we said we’d make one crore emony for various develop- Endowments Minister Konda
wise data showed that the pro- ter the Congress administra- make women billionaires, and women crorepatis, some mocked us. But in the first year, we’ve mental activities in Surekha in Nirmal district.
gramme has gained momentum tion took charge as Chief we have not confined ourselves already distributed `21,600 crore in loans,” he said. Under the Mancherial, Vivek was con- On Sunday too, he visited
once again, with the new ad- Minister A Revanth Reddy and to words but actions.” Aam Aadmi Bima Scheme, women’s groups leased 150 buses to spicuous by his absence. Nar noor and Talmadugu
ministration making consider- Women & Child Welfare Minis- “Our government intends to RTC, with 450 more to follow. Though it was not clear as mandals in Adilabad district
able payments within a short ter Danasari Anasuya alias allocate more funds for women He said the Congress is delivering on its promises and reaf- to whether or not he was in- to participate in some devel-
span. Seethakka took women empow- empowerment in the coming firmed the government’s commitment to developing Adilabad vited for the programme, his opment programmes.
Between the financial years erment as a challenge. A look at days,” she added. and Mancherial districts.

Gunman opened fire as women tried to snatch weapon: ACP Panel formed
to review staff
F R O M PA G E 1 pally police confirmed these Sukhender Reddy, seeking Mal-

“They came with wooden sticks

figures and said a case was be-
ing registered. Malkajgiri ACP TPCC CHIEF CONDEMNS lanna’s expulsion and asking
that the matter be referred to the position in
and stones, shouted slogans
and destroyed CCTV cameras,”
he said.
S Chakrapani, in a press note,
said members of both groups
sustained bleeding injuries in
MALLANNA’S REMARKS Ethics Committee.
Based on Mallanna’s com-
plaint, Medipally police regis-
departments
Hyderabad: TPCC working president B Mahesh Kumar Goud on Sunday
Maruthi claimed the attack- the scuffle. condemned the remarks made by MLC Chintapandu Naveen alias
tered a case under Sections
ers tried to enter Mallanna’s 191(2), 191(3), 333, 109, 324(4), A S E S H A C H A R Y U L U @ Nalgonda
chamber, but were blocked by
Two cases registered Teenmaar Mallanna against BRS MLC K Kavitha as “inappropriate”
351(3), 132 read with 190 and 49
and “unacceptable”. In a statement issued here, Mahesh Goud said
the gunmen — Balakrishna There are two doors leading to that respecting women is an integral part of Indian tradition, and any
of the BNS, relating to trespass, THE state government recently
and Srinivas — and staff. “They the MLC chamber from the derogatory comments against them must be unequivocally
rioting, attempt to commit an formed a committee to review
broke glass doors, chairs and main hall, but one of them condemned. On the attack on Mallanna’s office and reports of gunfire
offence and causing wrongful the staff position in various
tables. In the scuffle, some got lacks a latch. The attackers ini- by his security personnel, the TPCC chief noted that violence has no
loss. Kavitha has been named government offices across the
injured by the broken furni- tially tried to force their way in place in a democratic society. He emphasised that all individuals must
in the case. state. The Finance department
ture. All the blood on the floor through the closed door, alleg- act within the bounds of law, and assured that the complaints filed
Meanwhile, a counter-com- issued an order to this effect on
belonged to Jagruthi activists edly threatening those inside BRS MLC K Kavitha submits a regarding the incident would be thoroughly investigated by the
plaint was filed by Kavitha’s July 8.
only,” he added. by showing a gun. When that representation to Legislative Council concerned authorities. Speaking on the issue of BC reservations, he
follower, Lingamaiah alias The newly formed committee
Ravi, Mallanna’s personal as- failed, they attempted to enter chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy asserted that the credit for these legislative measures goes to the
Ashok Yadav, who alleged that is tasked with reviewing all
sistant, alleged that some wom- through the second door. The Congress. He said it was the Congress that had consistently worked for
Mallanna and others attacked posts and temporary services
en among the intruders as- gunmen and Mallanna’s sup- Kavitha’ and ‘Down Down BC’. the upliftment of Backward Classes. He further added that it is
them with knives and firearms, across various government de-
saulted a gunman and porters tried to block them, “They attacked staff and visi- inappropriate for others to seek political mileage or benefits for the
outraged the modesty of wom- partments and institutions.
attempted to snatch his weap- but in the scuffle, two individu- tors. Though the gunmen were efforts and policies introduced by the Congress.
en and attempted to murder Recognising the substantial
on. At that point, another gun- als managed to enter the cham- protecting me, one person, them. A separate FIR was reg- changes in the roles, primary
man opened fire in the air out- ber and attempted to assault identified as Sujith Rao, a rela- istered under Sections 191(2), functions and priorities of gov-
side Mallanna’s chamber to the MLC. tive of Kavitha, entered the porters she had filed a com- murder should be registered 191(3), 76, 127(2), 109, 351(3) read ernment departments, the state
deter the crowd. Addressing the media after room, tried to grab the gun and plaint with the DGP, accusing against Mallanna, and the gun- with 190 of the BNS and Sec- has decided to conduct a thor-
Eyewitness Vinod said five the incident, Mallanna alleged planned to shoot me. My gun- Mallanna of ordering his gun- men dismissed from service,” tions 25 and 27 of the Arms Act. ough review of the staffing sit-
persons sustained bleeding in- that about 30 persons from a man fired in the air to stop man to fire on Telangana Jag- she said. In this FIR, Mallanna has been uation in all government de-
juries, and around 20 others particular caste stormed his of- them, and they fled,” he ruthi members. The BRS legislator also sub- named as an accused. partments, corporations, public
had minor injuries due to push- fice, chanting ‘Down Down claimed. “They were peacefully pro- mitted a representation to Leg- Investigations into both cas- sector undertakings (PSUs), lo-
ing and broken furniture. Medi- Teenmar Mallanna’, ‘Jai In response, Kavitha told re- testing. A case of attempted islative Council Chairman Gutta es are underway. cal bodies, societies, universi-
ties and other institutions, in-
cluding contract and outsourced

LITE Leaders’ disconnect with cadre may Leaders from rival

Cong camps attend
recruitments.
The committee will be head-
ed by retired IAS officer and

BYTE prove costly for BRS in local polls Warangal meeting former state chief secretary A
Santhi Kumari. The panel will
Hyderabad: SC Welfare and also comprise another retired
district in-charge minister IAS officer N Sivashankar, San-

Kapil bats for Azhar,

I R E D DY S R I N I VAS R E D DY terattacks against rival parties. are also unsure about how they Adluri Laxman held a local deep Kumar Sultania, Principal
@Hyderabad According to sources, a ma- will receive financial backing body elections preparatory Secretary of the Finance de-
jority of ex-MLAs have stayed for their campaigns. meeting with the Warangal partment and M Raghunandan
on political turf SECOND-rung leaders and
grassroots cadre of the Bharat
disconnected from the cadre
since their defeat in the last As-
A key topic of discussion
within district party circles is
Congress leaders at Gandhi
Bhavan on Sunday.
Rao, Secretary of the General
Administration Department.
The recent meeting between Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Rashtra Samiti (BRS) are grow- sembly polls. Dedicated work- the strategy of BRS supremo K Interestingly, Konda Surekha The committee is expected to
former India cricket captain Kapil Dev in the national capital was not ing anxious about the upcom- ers and local leaders are eagerly Chandrasekhar Rao. Cadre and and Kadiyam Srihari as well as conduct a comprehensive study
all about sports development in the state. If sources are to be believed, ing local body elections, as waiting for meetings with leaders alike are waiting for a the leaders from their camps in consultation with secretar-
the 1983 ODI World Cup winning skipper also urged the CM to allot the former ministers and MLAs of former legislators and constitu- motivating message and a con- also participated in the ies and heads of various de-
Congress ticket to another former India captain Mohammed the party are reportedly dis- ency in-charges to chart a strat- crete plan from KCR. meeting, suggesting signs of partments and submit its re-
Azharuddin to contest in the Jubilee Hills bypoll, which in turn led to tancing themselves from their egy for the crucial polls. If the party fails to shake off internal rapprochement. The port covering the key aspects,
speculation that Azhar, provided he wins the election, will be constituencies. In the absence of active en- its inertia and respond to calls discussions primarily revolved including those related to
accommodated in the state Cabinet under the ‘minority quota’. This is Many have not even been ac- gagement at the constituency from district leaders to appoint around the process of filling number of posts sanctioned,
not the first time that the legendary all-rounder has come in support cessible to their followers, let and district levels, the party is former ministers as local elec- nominated posts and vacant regular posts in depart-
of the stylish stroke-maker from Hyderabad. At the height of the alone taken steps to boost their struggling to assess its strengths tion in-charges, disillusionment finalising candidates for the ments, corporations, PSUs, lo-
match fixing saga too, Kapil had backed Azhar saying: “To me, he is morale. Barring a handful of ex- and weaknesses. Due to this, may grow. There is growing Zilla Parishad Territorial cal bodies, societies, universi-
innocent”. As they say, once a teammate, always a teammate. ceptions, most senior leaders the BRS risks falling short in speculation that several key Constituency (ZPTC) ties and other institutions.
remain confined to Hyderabad, the elections. Adding to the con- leaders could defect to either elections. Panchayat Raj & The panel will also assess the
Rural Development Minister
Stoic silence of BRS
where they routinely address fusion, the party is yet to ap- the Congress or the BJP — both necessity for their continua-
press conferences at Telangana point election in-charges or un- of which are actively working Danasari Anasuya also took tion, new sanctions or modifi-
Bhavan — the party headquar- veil a clear roadmap for the to consolidate their presence in part in the meeting. cations based on current pri-
Even after Teenmar Mallanna’s derogatory remarks about BRS MLC ters — mainly to launch coun- elections. Aspiring candidates traditional BRS strongholds. orities and requirements.
Kavitha led to a dramatic clash, with her Telangana Jagruthi workers
storming his office and gunshots being fired, many senior leaders of
her own party chose to remain silent. While even the TPCC chief ASST PROF RECRUITMENT
condemned Mallanna’s comments as inappropriate, BRS bigwigs had

PG doctors find it difficult to obtain experience certificates

nothing to say. On the bone of contention, the BC quota, the
BRS has made its displeasure with the government’s methods clear.
Yet Kavitha even celebrated the ordinance ensuring 42 per cent
reservation for BCs in the upcoming local body elections.
A A R T I K A S H YA P @ Hyderabad ess of submitting online appli- months, thus making it five themselves struggling to get plight of frequent travel.

Snubbed again, but

cations will start on July 20 and points for one year SR ship, their service letters from the Speaking to TNIE, Dr P
WITH just a few days left for end on July 27, while the appli- whereas for areas other than colleges where they completed Karthik, an aspirant, said:

not sulking just yet

submission of application for cation edit option will be avail- tribal areas, the candidates will their senior residency as the “Many of my colleagues are
assistant professor posts, sev- able from July 28. be awarded two points for superintendents and prin- travelling from different dis-
eral PG doctors who are aspir- As per the notification, the six-month service, con- cipals are showing a tricts to Hyderabad and vice
A senior party MLA, once again left out of the Cabinet despite ing for these positions under applicants will be selected tributing to four points lackadaisical ap- versa, to get their experience
assurances from the top brass, is not giving up just yet. While the the director of medical educa- based on 100 points, out of for one year service. The proach in signing the letters, but are meeting with
latest reshuffle saw his hopes dashed, the leader hasn’t gone tion (DME) are facing challeng- which 80 points will be award- one-year senior residen- certificates, putting disappointment as they are be-
into hiding. Instead, he’s doubling down on his constituency, es in obtaining their senior ed for percentage of marks ob- cy has to be undertaken the candidates in ing asked to visit later. The
spending four to five days a week in the segment, mingling with residency experience certifi- tained in the qualifying exam by all the PG medical stu- distress. authorities are showing reluc-
voters and keeping a close eye on development works in the run- cates, also called SR-ship cer- and maximum 20 points will be dents as a part of the Many of the candi- tance to sign the experience
up to the local body elections. Interestingly, he has told party tificates, from various govern- awarded for service in state curriculum. dates are now working in certificates even after the veri-
workers, local leaders, and even well-wishers to stay away from ment medical colleges. government hospitals, institu- The experience certificate cities, different from their sen- fication is completed. Aspir-
his Hyderabad residence. The message is loud and clear: if you The Medical & Health Serv- tions, programmes on contract for the service is a mandatory ior residency place, and thus ants are afraid that they might
want to meet him, you’ll have to head to the constituency. Hope, ices Recruitment Board (MH- or outsourced basis. document to be submitted along need to travel to get the docu- lose the opportunity to apply
after all, is a seasoned politician’s best friend. SRB) had issued a notification For services rendered in trib- with the application form. ment signed. However, the re- for the post due to delay in
for recruitment of 607 assistant al areas, the candidates will be Candidates aspiring to apply luctance from authorities to obtaining the experience
Inputs: Ireddy Srinivas Reddy, A Seshacharyulu professors on June 28. The proc- awarded 2.5 points for six for the position have found sign the letter is adding to their certificates.”
 WITHOUT ROAD ACCESS, TRIBAL WOMAN GIVES BIRTH UNDER TREE IN AP
A 22-year-old pregnant woman, Pangi Sai was forced to give birth under a tamarind
tree in AP due to the absence of road connectivity. The woman had to be carried in
makeshift stretcher for 4kms to reach medical help from a remote hilltop village

05 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

Kota Srinivasa Rao, Tollywood icon, dies at 83

The man who made
every scene matter
A D I T YA D E V U L A PA L LY @ Hyderabad “Style South, operation com-
plete North” with a chill so
HE never needed a monologue. cool, it could freeze lava. His
Never needed a backstory. All villainy didn’t shout. It smirked
Kota Srinivasa Rao needed was in ways that a man truly be-
a minute, sometimes just a line, came sinister.
and he’d turn a routine scene
into something bordering on
Everyday man of extremes
the divine. He didn’t just act. Kota Srinivasa Rao had this
He inhabited. Like water tak- rare talent of taking extremes,
ing the shape of every vessel, greed, lust, anger, delusion, and
Kota morphed into whatever shrinking them into something
the story demanded, bringing heartbreakingly human. In
(From left to right) Actors Chiranjeevi, Babu Mohan and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy pay with him a weight of experi- Aha Naa Pellanta (1987), as the
tributes to actor Kota Srinivasa Rao on Sunday ence, a smile lined with irony, a iconic miser Lakshmipati, he
glare laced with secrets, and made you laugh with him, not
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE (2010) too are fondly pauses that let the silence at him. Petty, yes. But never
@Hyderabad remembered.
He won nine Nandi awards ‘Film industry’s Kota has collapsed’ throb.
Over 750 films. Four languag-
shallow.
And let’s not forget Money

T
VETERAN actor Kota Sriniva- given by the united AP govern- HE passing of veteran actor Kota Srinivasa Rao on Sunday es. Every emotion in the book. (1993), where he played a role
sa Rao passed away in the early ment. The actor also received prompted an outpouring of grief from across the country, with But Kota Srinivasa Rao’s gift dipped in black humour and
hours of Sunday at his home in the Padma Shri in 2015. His tributes flowing in from political leaders, filmmakers, and wasn’t just volume. It was pre- portrayed with such joie de
Hyderabad following age-relat- hunger strike in support of co-stars. From PM Narendra Modi to megastar Chiranjeevi, cision. Where other vivre that it made cynicism
ed ailments. He was 83. shifting the Telugu film indus- many shared their memories and condolences. Prime Minister actors acted at you, Kota act- seem like Greek epic. It was as
Srinivasa Rao, popularly try from Chennai to Hyderabad Narendra Modi wrote on X: “Anguished by the passing of Kota Srinivas ed with you, turning even the though Kota knew the tragic
known as Kota, was born on is also widely remembered. Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and most transactional roles into clown inside every villain. He
July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu vil- In his career that spanned versatility.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his studies of human nature. found it. Nourished it. And
lage, a suburb of Vijayawada in more than four decades, Kota condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the demise of illustrious The father, the fraud, the brought it to the screen.
Andhra Pradesh. Kota, son of a also acted in Tamil, Kannada, film personality Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu. Admired for his philosopher Even when death visited his
doctor, Seetha Rama Anjaneyu- Malayalam and Hindi films. phenomenal acting talent, he made his place in people’s hearts and To see Kota play a father was characters, as in Athadu or Ju-
lu, initially planned to follow in Kota and Babu Mohan (from won honors for his devotion to uplifting the poor.” Telangana chief to understand that parenting laayi (2012), Kota didn’t just
the footsteps of his father, but in united Andhra Pradesh in Andole) were a hit comedy duo minister Revanth Reddy called Kota Srinivasa Rao’s death a huge loss isn’t always loud. In Bommar- cough blood and collapse. He
realised acting was his passion. 1999. in the Telugu film industry, to the film industry. AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu also condoled his illu (2006), he was a gentle patri- performed the death.
He began his acting career as a At the outset of his film ca- much like Goundamani and death, calling it an “irreparable loss” to the Telugu film industry. Calling arch who knew when to yield. With grace, with finality,
theatre artist during his college reer, he courted controversy Senthil in Tamil. In the dubbed his passing a deep loss, veteran actor and writer Tanikella Bharani said, In Aadavari Matalaku Arthale with a practicality that made
years. He then joined a public with his role in Manda- Telugu version of the Tamil “The film industry’s ‘Kota’ has collapsed.” He spoke of Kota’s inspiring Verule (2007), he brought a prac- even his character’s demise feel
sector bank and quit before en- ladeesudu, a character many film Gentleman, Kota provided journey from humble beginnings to legendary status in Telugu cinema. tically tender authority that like a parting wisdom.
tering the film industry. believed mirrored NT Rama the voice for Goundamani, Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who directed Kota in several landmark felt lived-in, never theatrical. In With him gone, we don’t just
Kota made his film debut in Rao, drawing the ire of loyal while Babu Mohan lent his films, wrote: “He is undoubtedly one of the greatest actors cinema has Idiot (2002), his annoyance as lose an actor, we lose the punc-
1978 with Pranam Khareedu. fans of the actor. Kota, however, voice to Senthil. ever seen. The effect of his contribution to my films Shiva, Gaayam, Ravi Teja’s father crackled with tuation marks between our
He got a major break in the box said that NTR appreciated his The actor made his powerful Money, Sarkar and Rakht Charitra is immeasurable. Sir, you might have bemused affection. highs and lows.
office-hit, Pratighatana, play- performance. Tamil debut in the Vikram- gone, but your characters will live forever.” He didn’t act fatherhood, he He is irreplaceable not be-
ing the role of a politician Ka- His iconic portrayal of the starrer Saamy (2003), in which understood it, sculpted it scene cause there will be no one as
saiah. His dialogues in Telan- miser Lakshmipati in Aha Naa he portrayed the antagonist Pe- by scene. talented, but because no one
g ana dialect in the film, Pellanta (1987) won him many rumal Pichai. He went on to Now pivot to his villains, Ko- else can play the exact emotion-
particularly, ‘tam’m� namas- accolades. He is also known for star in films like Thirupaachi A master of his craft, a legend Whether as a comic villain, ta’s baddies were never generic. al grammar Kota architected
who breathed life into every antagonist, or a supporting character,
tene... gadaite nenu khandistan- his roles in Repati Pourulu (2005), Ko (2010), Saguni (2012), character he portrayed. Kota every role he played was done with
They were philosophical. See into every performance.
na.. ... and Kali... gidi pogu- (1986), Siva (1986), Hello Brother All in All Azhagu Raja (2017) Srinivasa Rao presence on such excellence that it felt as if only Athadu (2005), where as a cor- Goodbye, Kota gaaru. You
utanda tidatanda’ became very (1993), Anaganaga Oka Roju and Maragadha Naanayam screen was truly irreplaceable. he could have done justice to it... The rupt politician, his end feels didn’t steal scenes. You became
popular. (1997), Rakta Charitra (2010), (2017). My heartfelt condolences to absence of an actor like him is an less like a punishment and them.And in doing so, you
He later entered politics and and S/O Satyamurthy (2015). His funeral was held at Mah- his family. Om Shanti irreplaceable loss to the film industry more like karma catching its made a generation of us believe
joined the BJP. The actor was His negative characters in films aprasthanam in Hyderabad on breath. Or in Sarkar (2005), that even the smallest moments
SS Rajamouli, Director Megastar Chiranjeevi
elected Vijayawada East MLA like Athadu (2005) and Leader Sunday afternoon. where he delivered the line could contain universes.

Sadanandan’s AP HC relief for FMG student raises hope

elevation K K A LYA N K R I S H N A K U M A R @ Vijayawada placed candidates.

reflects BJP’s THE Andhra Pradesh High Court judg-

Though the APMC has agreed to imple-
ment the court’s direction in Vamsi’s

posturing ment in favour of Foreign Medical

Graduate (FMG) Mitta Vamsi has
sparked cautious optimism among
case, it has refrained from clarifying
its stance on hundreds of pending
applications, triggering frustra-
M A N O J V I S W A N AT H A N @Kochi hundreds of FMGs awaiting per- tion among medical graduates and
manent registration. stakeholders.
BY elevating C Sadanandan While the ruling marks a signifi- FMGs have been staging protests
Master, a senior RSS leader cant step, uncertainty looms large as since June 30, asserting that their
who lost both his legs in the the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council agitation will continue until all eligible
violent political feud of Kan- (APMC) remains non-committal on extend- graduates are granted registration with-
nur, as a Rajya Sabha member, ing the same relief to other similarly out further delay.
the BJP has given a strong po-
litical message to its opponents
in Kerala. The move, which
came shortly after Home Min-
ister Amit Shah declared in
Thiruvananthapuram that the
BJP will form government in
2026, has taken both the ruling
LDF and opposition UDF by
surprise.
BJP state president Rajiv
Chandrasekhar has unequivo-

FLAMES ON TRACK
cally clarified the aggressive
posturing of the BJP in his
statement on Sunday.
“We are not the victims of Travel plans were thrown into chaos While no casualties were reported, A railway official said, “Exact cause
CPM’s politics of violence. We after a diesel-laden freight train nearly 150 families were evacuated will be determined after an
are the fearless warriors of the derailed and caught fire near from the area fearing explosions and investigation. Efforts are on to restore
public movement to defeat it, “ Tiruvallur early Sunday morning. suffocation. train services.”
he said quoting an early state-

Srisailam turns tourist hub

ment of Sadanandan
Master.
The nomina-
Godavari floods damage
tion of Sadan- crops in Konaseema
andan master
has boosted
the morale of
after dam floodgates open EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
@ Amalapuram
RSS cadre who
risk their lives in EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE Prasad Rao said congestion be- FLOODWATERS from the rising Godavari
building the organisation in @ Kurnool gan on Saturday morning and river have begun to submerge vegetable
party villages where the CPM persisted late into Sunday fields in parts of Konaseema district, caus-
does not allow any other politi- THOUSANDS of tourists and night. “We deployed 25 person- ing damage to crops in low-lying areas.
cal party to function. While the devotees thronged Srisailam nel, including two sub-inspec- In Pedapatnam Lanka village, Godavari
LDF and UDF are holding pro- over the weekend to witness the tors, to control traffic, but many water has entered agricultural fields. Farm-
tests against the saffronisation dramatic release of floodwa- vehicles failed to follow instruc- er Mutyala Suribabu, who has been culti-
of constitutional institutions, ters through the Srisailam res- tions,” he said. vating vegetables for several years, said his
the BJP is serving a message ervoir’s open gates, turning the The Sri Bramarambha Mal- crop is now submerged. “I have lost my
that it will not compromise on temple town into a major likarjuna Swamy temple re- crops to the floodwaters,” he lamented.
its Hindutwa ideology. attraction. corded over two lakh dar- According to district authorities, 7 of the
“The call given by Amit Shah Officials released wa- shans in 48 hours, with 22 mandals in Konaseema have been af-
to raise the slogan loud and the ter into the Krishna estimates reaching fected by the floods.
elevation of Sadanandan master River by lifting the res- three lakh by Monday. Both agricultural and horticultural
should be read together. The BJP ervoir’s radial gates fol- General darshans took crops in these areas are reportedly at risk
wants to project itself as the real lowing steady inflows, 6 to 7 hours, while spe- due to continued waterlogging. Farmers
opposition party in Kerala. Oth- creating a spectacular cial darshans averaged have urged the government to assess the
erwise, the message is only the sight. Visitors also enjoyed 4–5 hours. situation urgently and provide relief.
BJP can take on the CPM. I don’t mist-covered hills and lush Temple Executive Officer M
think it will make any change in greenery in the Nallamala for- Srinivasa Rao said the Dev-
Kerala’s political sphere in the est region, further enhancing asthanam made arrangements
present situation. The BJP is a the scenic appeal. for accommodation, food, wa-
marginal force in Kerala and However, the influx of vehi- ter, and annaprasadam in
they grow only if one of the ma- cles from Andhra Pradesh and queue lines. He said staff en-
jor parties weaken. the BJP can Telangana triggered massive sured smooth operations de-
grow only if the CPM loses its traffic jams along the ghat spite the rush, offering devo-
support base, “ said political ob- roads. tees a spiritually rewarding
server J Prabhash. Srisailam Circle Inspector G and scenic visit to Srisailam.
 A body of men holding themselves
accountable to nobody ought not Thomas
to be trusted by anybody Paine

06 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

I
T is true that Indian social media The obsession of influencers with sensationalism, whether To pretend India can go it alone or that it
influencers have come of age. has out-manoeuvred the US is to ignore the
INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN They probably have more views it’s predicting the collapse of the US dollar or hyping up reality of our interdependence.
INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. and clicks than mainstream me- India’s supposed geopolitical victories, is misplaced If the Indian public begins to believe that
— Ramnath Goenka dia practitioners and influence all the other powers are in steep or sudden

THE AVERTIBLE
millions more. decline but only India is rising, we not only
However, here’s the danger. risk antagonising some of our friends, but
First of all, their titles and headlines are also make strategic miscalculations.

T’GANA QUOTA POLITICS: misleading. Mere clickbait. They include,

often misleadingly, if not mischievously, the INFLUENCE OF For instance, the narrative of “dedol-
larisation” is a favourite among influenc-

CONG STAKES CLAIM ON name of some important political bigwig or

another. US President Donald J. Trump and
ANTI-U.S. BLUSTER
ers, but the reality is far less dramatic. The
US dollar still accounts for nearly 60% of

BACKWARD CLASS MANDATE Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in

reverse order, are their favourites.
global foreign exchange reserves and is
used in 88% of international transactions,

I
They also claim, week after week, video according to SWIFT data from 2024. India’s
NCREASED reservations for Other Backward Classes after video, that some “big action” is being trade, particularly in key sectors such as
(OBCs) have been a significant issue for the Congress, planned. Or some big crash, when it comes energy and technology, relies heavily on
to finfluencers, is in the offing. “Modi check- dollar-based systems. To cheer for dedol-
with its leader, Rahul Gandhi, frequently citing the Telan- mates Trump” or “Dedollarisation Under- MAKARAND R Author and a commentator larisation without understanding its im-
gana government’s approach and vowing to challenge the way” are examples of the kind of headlines PARANJAPE plications is shortsighted.
Supreme Court’s 50 percent quota ceiling. The Telangana I am talking about. Of course, few, if any, of Moreover, the anti-US rhetoric often ig-
government passed bills in March to ensure 42 percent res- their dire warnings or hopeful predictions nores the tangible benefits of India-US co-
ervation for OBCs in education, employment, and local bod- pan out as promised. Instead, the viewer is RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE operation. The Quad, comprising India,
ies. However, while awaiting the President’s nod, the State taken for a ride through more dangerous the US, Japan, and Australia, has become
Cabinet last week also approved an amendment to the Tel- drivel or speculative slosh. Worse, many a cornerstone of India’s Indo-Pacific strat-
content creators and handles are faking im- egy, countering China’s growing influence
angana Panchayat Raj Act, providing 42 percent reserva-
ages and voices of famous personalities, in the region. The US is India’s largest
tions for OBCs in local bodies. There are reasons for it. such as Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, or trading partner, with bilateral trade ex-
Obvious, of course, is the Congress policy. The other is the Jordan Peterson, to post content that has ceeding $190 billion. American companies,
recent high court directive to the State government to com- nothing to do with these worthies. such as Apple and Tesla, are increasingly
plete local polls within three months. The question now is Some of this material is disinformation, investing in India, creating jobs and boost-
whether enforcing the quota, most likely through an ordi- plain and simple, weaponised and deployed ing manufacturing. Mocking the US or its
nance, will get the Governor’s approval. Constitutional ex- for not-so-innocent and outright sinister leaders risks jeopardising this partner-
perts believe otherwise, given the apex court verdicts in the ends. However, a lot of it is only boasting ship, which is critical for India’s security
Krishna Murthy vs. Union of India and the Indra Sawhney and bluster, good for business and profits. and economic growth.
For, I am told, many of these channels are The influencers’ selective patriotism
& Others vs. Union of India cases. The Cabinet’s likely push
raking in huge bucks, some in stratospheric also glosses over India’s own challenges.
for an ordinance before the local elections signals urgency numbers exceeding `50 lakh or even `1 While they celebrate India’s rise, they
and a clear political play. At the same time, the state has crore a month. With very little investment. rarely discuss the structural issues—edu-
demonstrated due diligence by establishing a commission to Even among the best of these influ- cation gaps, infrastructure bottlenecks, or
study political backwardness and conducting a survey. encers—whom I won’t name, as some unemployment—that still hold us back.
Still, legal viability may be secondary in the Congress’s are friends—the content is variable and Peddling a simplistic narrative of India’s
calculations. If the Governor stalls or rejects the ordinance, not always reliable. However, one clear rise as an unstoppable force is not just mis-
the party could exploit it, likely portraying it as central in- trend among all the pro-government leading, it is, arguably, a disservice to their
terference in a state-led effort to empower the backward channels is a mocking of US President millions of followers, who deserve better
classes. The party would expect the campaign to resonate Trump and an exaltation of our own SOURAV ROY than half-truths and hyperbole.
great leader. No harm in old-style patri- The deeper issue, of course, is the in-
electorally, especially among Telangana’s numerically sig- otism, you say? alignment with the US on several key and partner at a time when India’s global am- fluencers’ lack of accountability. Social
nificant BC population, and sharpen the Congress’s position- But there is a downside to this, which I shared interests—economic, military, bitions demand pragmatic alliances. The media influencers are often lone wolves,
ing as a pro-OBC force. must spell out. Instead of speaking softly technological, political, and cultural—is, influencers’ obsession with sensational- driven by views and ad revenue. The al-
The BJP, meanwhile, is caught in a difficult bind. Despite and carrying a big stick, we may end up therefore, in India’s interests. ism, whether it’s predicting the collapse gorithms reward sensationalism, not ac-
its national OBC outreach, its recent choice of a Brahmin as talking, even shouting and screaming too I have said this earlier, and I will repeat— of the US dollar or hyping up India’s sup- curacy. A video claiming “Trump Begs
state party chief—over expectations of a BC leader—may loudly, while holding a little one. This the arc of Democracy is the world’s best bet posed geopolitical victories, is misplaced. Modi for Help” might get a million views,
hurt its grassroots strategy. Inclusion of Muslims in the doesn’t augur well for a rising power like against chaos and disintegration, not to This barrage of boasting creates a but it contributes nothing to informed
OBC category could be a tactical pivot, but it comes with India. Why? Self-delusion is sure to land us mention authoritarianism and totalitari- distorted worldview. discourse. This isn’t just a problem for
political and legal risks. On the other hand, when the Bharat in a hole which we have dug for ourselves. anism. And both the US and India, as the Much of the propaganda is not just mis- India. It is a global challenge. However,
I am going to stick my neck out here: India, world’s oldest and largest democracies, leading but dangerous. The US remains the Indian influencers, with their massive
Rashtra Samithi was in power, it tried increasing the quota
to go on doing well, probably needs the US form a natural alliance. Instead of mocking world’s largest economy, with a GDP of audiences, have a special responsibility
to 37 percent but ended up reducing it in local bodies. Al- more than the US needs us. Trump’s bid for a Nobel Prize, India could nearly $30 trillion, compared to India’s $3.5 to act with integrity.
though it is now batting for 42 percent and threatening agita- Strategic autonomy, another name for have backed it. What do we have to lose? In trillion, which is already being projected to Finally—and let us get this right—super-
tion, the Congress appears prepared to take it head-on. Ulti- non-alignment and another one of India’s fact, we should have edged ahead of Paki- exceed $4 trillion by 2025. US military powers play all sides, have fingers in all pies.
mately, persistent efforts to hike quotas will yield fruit only proven past failures, isn’t our best bet stan in this game. In exchange for trade and spending dwarfs India’s, and its technologi- If we expect unwavering loyalty or simplis-
through a Constitutional amendment. when it comes to global geopolitics. Stra- tech benefits, of course. cal edge, from AI to semiconductors, is hard tic solidarity, we would only be foolish.
tegic alignment, I can understand, but Our anti-US bluster, often cloaked in to beat. It has bases all over the world and (Views are personal)

NIPAH REALITY: VIGILANCE

strategic autonomy means little. And an nationalist fervour, risks alienating a key unmatched abilities on land, sea, or space. (Tweets @MakrandParanspe)

MUST OUTLAST OUTBREAK

A COURTESAN’S AWAKENING
R
ECURRING outbreaks of the Nipah virus pose an unset-

AND VYASA’S SUBTLE GENIUS

tling challenge to Kerala’s healthcare system. More than
the scale, the frequency is worrying. In the eighth out- Bleeding taxpayers
break since 2018, a teen girl from Malappuram died on Ref: Bridges & potholes: India’s monsoon
July 1, and a woman from Palakkad is battling for life. economy stimulus (Jul 13). Our crumbling
roads and bridges reflect the administration’s

L
Earlier in May, a Malappuram woman tested positive. As
many as 499 people have been identified as contacts of those AST Thursday was Guru Purni- deep-rooted apathy. Taxpayers bleed twice:
who have been infected. Seventeen people had died in the most ma. It has become a beautiful shoddy projects and recurring repairs. India
occasion to honour personal gu- urgently needs independent quality audits,
severe outbreak in 2018, and since then, Kerala has reported
rus. But its core reason remains RENUKA NARAYANAN penalty clauses for contractors and citizen
Nipah infections every year, except in 2020 and 2022. Alarm- paying tribute to Veda Vyasa, oversight to ensure accountability. Without
ingly, there were two outbreaks in 2024, and two again this the vyasa (sorter) and compiler systemic reform, monsoon tragedies will
year so far. This increased frequency could be the new normal of the Vedas. He was also the au- FAITHLINE keep repeating.
in Kerala’s battle against Nipah. thor of the Mahabharata , the Srimad Jenifer Joseph, Chennai
The question that remains unanswered is why only Kerala Bhagavatam and several Puranas. Guru daughter). To take Sita’s name in their She worried about it that evening in the
appears so vulnerable to Nipah. One hypothesis is that the Purnima thus honours the most prolific own weddings was their way of trying to soft purple twilight of Mithila as she stood Grande dame
virus may have become endemic to the state. While the exact Indian author of all time, whose work con- make it up to her forevermore. at her door, and went on worrying until Ref: Tulsi to titan: Performance politics (Jul
mechanism that leads to human infections and localised out- tinues to influence millions even after Pingala often thought of Sita, whose midnight, when she suddenly had a star- 13). Smriti Irani has presented herself as a
millennia. This master storyteller de- good character had not saved her from tling revelation. “Just what am I doing calculated and crafty personality, executing
breaks remains poorly understood, experts say that deforesta-
lights in suspenseful chiaroscuro, in heartbreak. She had been born into a re- making myself unhappy, selling myself to precision planning to remain in the limelight.
tion has deprived fruit bats, said to be the natural reservoir ‘light-and-dark’ shades. Characters that spectable family and had been taught her men who are lamentable themselves, and As rightly stated by the author, that image
of the virus, of their traditional habitats, leading to their shift he casually describes as ‘among the most prayers. But her parents had died of an ill- desperately hoping that someone will love is ideology in India, her renaissance with
to urban areas. A similar situation played out in Malaysia in learned’ experience catastrophic falls me and look after me? resilience will certainly be celebrated as a
1998 when bats migrated to orchards following El Niño and soon after. Utanga’s story from last Mon- “Am I so unintelligent that I can’t see queen of persuasive passion!
deforestation in Kalimantan and Sumatra, leading to an out- day is but one example. how pointless this is? This body is but a Nicholas Francis, Madurai
break. Factors like food scarcity, overcrowding, and the stress Vyasa’s mastery of irony is evident in cage of bones that will burn one day.
of habitat loss can also increase viral shedding, experts con- other ways, too. Perhaps you would re- Somehow, detachment has risen in my Cricketing testament
tend. It could also be a case of improved detection due to member the story of Pingala that I retold heart and set me free of my body. Ref: The lords who flock to Lord’s (Jul 13).
heightened surveillance and awareness; in Kerala, all acute in 2022? Let us briefly revisit it to savour “The best way to be happy is to be una- With Lord’s rich history and meticulously
maintained turf, it is indeed a special
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Vyasa’s subtle sarcasms. The case of Pin- fraid and live my life confidently with the
encephalitis cases are also checked for Nipah. gala, the public woman, is mentioned in faith that I’ll cope; that ‘someone’ is with place where cricket is revered like nowhere
Infectious diseases such as H1N1, Hepatitis A, and lept- Vyasa’s Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 11, me already,” she found herself thinking, else. The ground’s ability to transcend
ospirosis already infect thousands, killing dozens every year Chapter 8. King Yadu, who is Sri Krish- amazed at her own clarity of thought. With generations beyond geographical
in Kerala. This underscores the need to strengthen disease na’s ancestor, happens to meet a young that resolve, Pingala shut the door and sat boundaries is a testament to the game’s
monitoring systems, invest in early-warning infrastructure, ascetic whose face and manners shine down on her bed. No more would she look enduring appeal.
and promote behavioural changes at the community level. with lustrous composure. Retelling Pingala’s story, I realised for affirmation outside when true happi- Sridevi Tejaswani K, email
Eradicating Nipah may not be realistic, but minimising its Yadu is so impressed that he wants to it could belong to any kingdom, ness lay in self-possession and faith in God.
know how the ascetic achieved it. The as- Serene in her newfound realisation, she Crash possibilities
transmission is. Nipah cannot be seen as a consequence of yet Vyasa set it in Videha, the
cetic humbly replies that he had many went to sleep happy. “And so, I learnt from Ref: Whodunit: Fuel cut after 3 secs in air (Jul
man-animal conflict, but it does emphasise the need for a bet-
teachers, including a serpent, and the five ‘bodiless’ land of Vaidehi Sita, Pingala that people can always remake 13). While the pilots’ responsibility cannot be
ter understanding of the human-animal-environment rela- adding layered irony and depth.
elements, and explains what he learned their lives with independent reasoning,” ruled out, we must wait for the final report.
tionship. The WHO’s ‘One Health’ approach, which links hu- Only a detailed and fair inquiry can reveal the
man, animal, and environmental health, offers a roadmap for
from them. He then shocks King Yadu by That realisation brought me close says the young ascetic to the fascinated
saying, “In the city of Mithila, there used King Yadu. Retelling the story of Pingala, exact causes—whether it was likely a pilot
long-term preparedness. Kerala must integrate this approach to be a public woman called Pingala. Now
to Vyasa’s subversive brilliance. it struck me that it could have been set in or cabin crew mistake, or a plausible lapse in
more systematically into its health governance. Nipah is here hear, O king, what I learnt from her.” It was a Vyasa moment—one of any kingdom. But not only does Videha ground maintenance.
to stay. Kerala needs to learn to live with the virus safely. “I can readily accept that the natural many across the ages mean ‘bodiless’, but also, when set in the T Kailash Ditya, Hyderabad
world holds many lessons. But really, a realm of Vaidehi Sita, Pingala’s story is
public woman…I don’t see how,” says the ness, and there was no one left to care for textured with superb ironic depth. Realis- Fertiliser ordeal
Q U I C K TA K E startled king. The ascetic smiles serene- her. She had been put to work as a maid in ing the significance of that location made Ref: Fields of despair (Jul 13). The author,
ly. “She told me herself one day at the a merchant’s kitchen and was seduced by me feel close to the subversive mind of in his explanation, overlooked the fact that
SEMANTICS OF ADDRESS temple,” he says: Pingala stood at her
doorway as usual that evening in her
the son of the house. Thrown out on the
street when discovered, Pingala had lost all
Vyasa. It was a ‘Vyasa moment’, as hun-
dreds of thousands of people must have
excessive amounts of chemical and poisonous
fertilisers and insecticides are also used in

B
ANGLADESH has annulled a decree of ex-PM Sheikh Hasi- hometown, Mithila city, displaying her reputation and had nowhere to go. Mithi- had before me, and always will. agricultural fields, often applied without any
na that she be called Sir. They’re looking for a replacement beautiful form to attract customers. la’s richest bawd had picked her up and Moreover, what shines through poign- protective measures.
title. Sir universally represents the patriarchal dynamic. Mithila was the capital of Videha, re- taught her the tricks of the trade. Pingala antly is that Vyasa, whom we honour on Komala Brunschwig, email
Searches for female honorifics have narrowed down to Miss, nowned as a seat of learning. Above all, had done reasonably well for herself. She Guru Purnima, himself did not claim that
it had been Sita’s home. Sita was deeply had a little house of her own and could em- crown but instead tells us very clearly that Aadhaar’s validity
Madam, or Ma’am, depending on the context and women’s pref-
erences. The matter doesn’t end there. In India, the traditional loved across the Indic world. Nobody ploy a maid to cook and clean while she we should learn from the whole world. The Ref: Democracy is not a privilege for
could think of her without feeling utterly devoted herself to looking her best. profound humility of Vyasa’s intent can- those with the right paperwork (Jul 13).
habit is to address bosses in the security forces and bureauc- wretched that she had been punished and But Pingala was acutely lonely and not but melt the stoniest of hearts. What a The electoral roll revision in Bihar seems
racy as Sir. The warped logic is that Sir, or Shriman, is gender- sent away for no fault of hers. People longed for a secure life. She fantasised eve- worthwhile person he is to celebrate. No nothing but a cruel joke on the rural poor.
neutral because it’s a non-discriminatory default title for men took her fate very personally, and when a ry day about a man who would fall in love wonder a stage of honour is called a ‘vyas- Aadhar remains the basis on which all other
or women in authority. Those who prefer that gender identities daughter was married, they would use with her and look after her for good with apeeth’ or Vyasa’s seat even today. government documents are issued. It can’t be
remain disassociated but equal should read IPS officer Manjari Sita’s father’s words in the core rituals, affection and respect. She prayed every day Views are personal suddenly deemed invalid.
Jaruhar’s book, ironically titled Madam Sir. “Iyam Sita, mama suta” (This is Sita, my for this and worried about it constantly. [email protected] Arun Barik, Bargarh

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

Chairman of the Board: Manoj Kumar Sonthalia Editor: Santwana Bhattacharya
Resident Editor (Telangana) : T Kalyan Chakravarthy* Printed and Published by R K Jhunjhunwala on behalf of Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd., at H.No.6-3-1113/1, B.S.Makta Lane, Somajiguda, Near Grand Kakatiya Hotel, Punjagutta, Hyderabad – 500 016 and printed by him at Sakshi Press, Plot No.D-75 & E-52, Industrial Estate (APIE),
Balanagar, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Hyderabad: Vol. 49, No. 165 RNI Reg. No. 32179/77. Phone: 040-23413908. * Responsible to decide the matter under the PRP Act. Copyright: Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd., All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited.
 Mamata Banerjee @Mamataofficial Yogi Adityanath @Myogiadityanath Akhilesh Yadav @Yadavakhilesh
POSTS
OF THE I offer my homage to the legendary poet Bhanubhak- Heartfelt congratulations to distinguished personas The government is requested to take the rain in all its
ta Acharya on his birth anniversary. He holds a place of on being nominated to Rajya Sabha. I have full confi- seriousness. With proper governance and administra-
DAY immense reverence among Nepali-speaking people. dence in your knowledge, experience, and patriotism. tive efforts, accidents can be prevented.

07 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

RS shake-up on cards to Ahead of Jaishankar visit,

China says Dalai Lama ‘Marathi meinbolunya Hindi mein’
INSIDER TRACK

fill 75 vacancies next yr issue a ‘thorn’ in relations

What’s in a language? Lots, if we are talking about
the linguistic fencing in Maharashtra over Marathi and
Hindi. A day before eminent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam was
nominated to the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi
called him. He made an unusual request: Which
Tenures of NCP chief Pawar, Kharge and Deve Gowda set to be over JAYA N T H JACO B @ New Delhi language should he speak with the lawyer? Hindi or
Marathi? Here is Nikam, in his own words, “The PM
R A J E S H K U M A R T H A K U R @ New Delhi AHEAD of External Affairs called me in the morning and the first thing he asked
Minister S Jaishankar’s first was—’Marathi meinboluya Hindi mein’? And then he
THE Rajya Sabha is poised for visit to China since the 2020 spoke with me in Marathi and switched to Hindi. First, I
a significant shake-up with border clashes, Beijing has laughed, then requested him to speak in whichever
over 70 vacancies expected be- termed the issue of the Dalai language he prefers, as he knows both Hindi and
tween April and November 2026 Lama’s succession a “thorn” in Marathi.” B.L. Santhosh, BJP general secretary
due to the scheduled retirement bilateral ties and a “burden” (organisation) termed this the “perfect antidote”. He
of several senior members for India. placed the PM’s question in perspective: “The PM by
from across the political lines. Jaishankar is scheduled to this gave a befitting slap to those who are creating a row and trouble in
Among the prominent MPs travel to China on July 14–15 to the name of the local language by allegedly targeting non-Marathi
whose terms will end during attend the Shanghai Coopera- speaking people, as well as honoured the language of Maharashtra—
this period are: NCP chief tion Organisation (SCO) for- Marathi—by speaking first in Marathi. That is called a political antidote
Sharad Pawar, Congress chief eign ministers’ meeting. On the against those who are fermenting animosity in the name of language.”
Upper House strength 240 after four new nominations
Mallikarjun Kharge, senior sidelines, he is expected to hold voices must not interfere. She
BJP leader Hardeep Puri, Currently, the strength of the Rajya Sabha stands at 236. With the addition talks with his Chinese counter- warned that Indian experts and
former PM HD Deve Gowda,
Vice Chairman of the House
of the four new nominated members, it will rise to 240 in the 245-member
House. However, following the retirement of six members on 24 July, the
part Wang Yi to discuss steps
toward normalising ties and
strategic thinkers should be
“fully cognisant of the sensitiv-
One wife only: DoPT sets LTC rule
and JDU MP Harivansh, SP MP strength is expected to drop again to 235. measures that could help re- ity” surrounding the issue. The Babudom just got its moment of comic relief, straight from the
Ram Gopal Yadav, Congress’s solve the border dispute. remarks follow similar com- Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). Its new circular aimed at
Digvijaya Singh, Union Minis- just three days after the com- retirement of six members on The Chinese Embassy in ments by Chinese Ambassador clarifying Leave Travel Concession (LTC) rules for central government
ter Ramdas Athawale, Shiv mencement of this year’s Mon- 24 July, the strength is expected New Delhi issued a strongly Xu Feihong, who accused the employees, declared: “Not more than one wife” is eligible to avail the LTC
Sena (Uddhav faction) MP Pri- soon Session and retire on July to drop again to 235. worded statement on X aimed Dalai Lama of “anti-China sep- facility. What! Yes, that line is now part of official government
yanka Chaturvedi, TMC MP 24. This will result in six addi- Kharge’s term in the House at Indian academics and former aratist activities” and insisted documentation. The circular defines who is “family” to qualify for LTC
Saket Gokhale, RLP MP Upen- tional vacancies. is scheduled to end on June 25, officials for making “improper that the reincarnation process benefits. It lists the ineligible categories before dropping the punchline.
dra Kushwaha, BJP national This comes shortly after 2026, while Deve Gowda will re- remarks” on the Dalai Lama’s must be approved by the Chi- Guffaws echoed through the power corridors after reading it. Some
general secretary and MP Arun President Droupadi Murmu tire on April 9, 2026, so will RS succession. “Xizang-related is- nese government. “The Chi- wondered aloud if David Dhawan — of ‘Biwi No. 1’ fame — was on a secret
Singh, DMK MP P Wilson, and nominated four eminent per- Vice Chairman Harivansh. sues are a thorn in China-India nese government opposes any sabbatical, moonlighting as a government typist. Humour aside, the
several others. sonalities – including a former Sharad Pawar’s term ends in relations and have become a attempts by overseas organisa- DoPT insists the clarification was necessary. “This department receives
In total, the House will face diplomat and a noted historian April as well. burden for India,” said embas- tions or individuals to interfere so many references, RTI applications, and grievances from employees
as many as 75 vacancies during – to the Rajya Sabha on Satur- Notably, Maharashtra alone sy spokesperson Yu Jing, using in or dictate the reincarnation across different offices regarding LTC rules,” the circular notes.
this window, prompting fresh day evening, filling four of the will see the retirement of seven China’s official term for Tibet. process,” Xu said on social
elections across the states to fill vacant nominated seats. members in 2026, including “Playing the ‘Xizang card’ will media.
the seats.
Prior to those retiring in
Currently, the strength of the
Rajya Sabha stands at 236. With
Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturve-
di, and Union Minister Ramdas
definitely end up shooting one-
self in the foot.”
The Indian government has
taken a stand that it doesn’t in-
Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V: Monthly probity reports
2026, six members, including the addition of the four new Athawale. JMM MP and former Yu reiterated Beijing’s posi- terfere in matters of faith. Ex- The CPWD seems to have stumbled upon a somewhat ironic twist to its
DMK’s Wilson and PMK’s Dr nominated members, it will Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren, tion that the Dalai Lama’s rein- ternal Affairs Ministry spokes- “Monthly Report of Probity”. The report is designed to uphold integrity
Anbumani Ramadoss, are set to rise to 240 in the 245-member and Congress’s Shaktisinh carnation is “an internal affair person Randhir Jaiswal had among government personnel. It turns out that the probity exercise
complete their six-year terms House. However, following the Gohil also retire in 2026. of China” and that external conveyed this earlier. didn’t extend to how the report is compiled. Some officers were found to
be taking creative liberties in writing the monthly report, using just four
keys on the keyboard: Control+C (copy) and Control+V (paste). The

Rlys plans CCTVs in all Adopt Centre’s rules for tree

bosses suddenly realised the reports, month after month, looked and
read the same — a kind of déjà vu with a timestamp. What caught their
goat was that the reports weren’t destined to gather dust in cabinets

coaches, locomotives to
but went straight up the DoPT ladder and were uploaded to the no-

felling on farmland, states told

nonsense Probity Portal, which Big Brother Bureaucracy watched like a
hawk. The CPWD wasn’t amused at all. It sent out a note warning the

boost passengers’ safety

sloppy report producers to desist from such “repetitive reporting”.

R A J E S H K U M A R T H A K U R @ New Delhi als have already been conduct-

J I T E N D R A C H O U B E Y @ New Delhi a KML file, species, plantation
period, etc.
Aam for American aadmi & beyond
ed in coaches of the Northern THE Union Ministry of Envi- “I find the model rules do not The mango season isn’t just about sticky fingers and sweet cravings
IN a first-of-its-kind move, the Railway. He further said that ronment, Forest and Climate help the farmers but further anymore. Welcome to the delicious world of mango diplomacy, where
railway ministry has decided to each railway coach will be fit- Change (MoEFCC) has urged complicate the process by al- India showcases its soft power overseas, one juicy Aam at a time. The
install high-resolution CCTV ted with four dome-type CCTV all states and union territories lowing forest officers to keep Modi government is upping the mango game with full fanfare. It’s all
cameras in all passenger train c a m e r a s – t wo a t e a c h to adopt the model rules for checking the plantation to about mango festivals, mango tastings, and mango lassi pop-ups -
coaches and locomotives, aim- entranceway. “Felling of Trees on Agricul- maintain records,” said Ashish basically, a mango season makeover for Indian diplomacy. This
ing to provide foolproof safety Each locomotive will be tural Land.” Mondal, an Agroforestry ex- summer, the Indian Consulate in Seattle hosted a mango festival that
for passenger after the experi- equipped with six CCTV cam- On June 29, the MoEFCC re- pert engaged in making the na- attracted quite the guest list like — Washington State Attorney
mental installations of CCTVs eras for round-the-clock moni- leased the model rules related tional agroforestry policy. General Nick Brown, Senator Manka Dhingra, and Seattle Port
in some passenger coaches. toring. Additionally, one dome- to agroforestry to encourage “Our effort should be to re- Commissioner Sam Cho. In Moscow’s Manezhnaya Square, Bharat
Minister for Railways Ash- type CCTV camera and two tree plantation on agricultural move the role of forest officer Utsav showcased India’s juiciest mangoes, along with mango lassi, in
wini Vaishnaw, along with desk-mounted micro - land and to reduce bureaucrat- in the whole process, as agri- early July. Next stop: Jeddah. The Indian consulate in Saudi Arabia is
minister Ravneet Singh phones will also be ic hurdles in trading trees Based on their inputs, the mod- cultural land doesn’t fall in prepping for its mango extravaganza. Qatar, Malaysia and Bhutan,
Bittu, reviewed the fitted. planted on such land. The min- el rules were created. their mandate. The model poli- among others, have already had their mango moments.
progress of the initia- He said that the istry aims to set up an enabling However, experts believe that cy fails to reverse the process
tive on Saturday, ac- CCTV cameras will ad- framework where growers can the introduction of technology where forest officials should be
companied by senior
officials from the Rail-
here to the latest speci-
fications and will be
do seamless agroforestry busi-
ness across the country.
in the model rules complicates
the existing regulations even
made to prove that wood doesn’t
belong to their forest,”
Catch ’em young to understand India
way Board. STQC certified. Tewari Currently, farmers can grow further. There is also a possibil- said Mondal. If you want the world to understand India, start with the youngest readers.
Dharmendra Tewari, ADG said the Union Minister had trees on their land but face ity that some states may object Meanwhile, the letter said That’s what the MEA is doing, with a simple idea: stories. Indian missions
PIB Railway, said that install- stressed the importance of de- challenges in conducting busi- to these rules. that states and UTs shall exam- and posts are translating classic Indian children’s stories into foreign
ing CCTV cameras in all coach- ploying best-in-class equipment ness smoothly. They must ob- According to the model rules, ine the model rules to consider languages. So far, five Amar Chitra Katha comics are available in nine
es would significantly bolster and instructed officials to en- tain a proper licence from for- applicants are required to reg- their adoption and notification languages, and six more are awaiting release in Norwegian. The MEA is
passenger safety and help deter sure high-quality footage even est officials to relocate their ister their plantations on the for felling of trees in agricul- also quietly building cultural outposts around the globe. They are called
miscreants from exploiting in low light in all trains run- agroforestry woods to other lo- National Timber Management tural land.“MoEFCC will ex- India Corners, cosy nooks in schools, colleges, universities, and libraries
passengers. “To preserve pri- ning above 100 kmph. cations, it read. System (NTMS) portal, which tend necessary technical sup- stocked with books on India. In the past year alone, Indian missions in
vacy of passengers, CCTV cam- He has also encouraged the To harmonise the state’s is currently under develop- port to states and UTs for Munich, Moscow, Seattle, Kandy, and Ho Chi Minh City have helped set up
eras will be installed in the use of artificial intelligence rules for the transit of agrofor- ment. This involves submitting adoption and implementation, over 50 such India Corners. That means in classrooms from Brasilia to
common areas only,” Tewari (AI) on the data captured by the estry harvest wood, the MoE- basic plantation data, includ- and capacity building required Belgrade, students are discovering India beyond what textbooks or
clarified. CCTVs, in collaboration with FCC conducted two consulta- ing land ownership informa- for integration of agroforest- headlines can offer. The best way to introduce India to the next generation
He noted that successful tri- the India-AI mission. tions on April 24 and May 19. tion, location of the farm with ry,” the letter said. is through a tale well told in a language they understand.

ICMR to roll out multidisciplinary 1,50,000 MILLIONAIRE 80 ESTIMATED WEALTH wealth, the UAE, US, Saudi

care model for gynaec disorder

1,00,000 MIGRATION IN 60 OF MIGRATING Arabia, and Italy are seeing
50,000 HUNDREDS 40 MILLIONAIRES ($ BN) huge inflows. The trend re-
0 20 flects a shift as nations com-
-50,000 0 pete to attract wealthy individ-
K AV I TA BA J E L I - DAT T @ New Delhi years. About 37% experienced -1,00,000 -20 uals through tax advantages,
ENDOMETRIOSIS symptoms during adolescence, streamlined residency
-1,50,000 -40
INDIA may have more than 40 1 ECGRI study showed women and 77% before 30 years of age. schemes, and quality-of-life.
-2,00,000 -60
million women accounting for The five-year study, which in- The outflow of wealthy indi-
UAE
US
Italy
Switzerland
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Portugal
Greece
Canada
Australia
Hong Kong
Spain
France
Brazil
Russia
S Korea
India
China
UK

UAE
US
Italy
Switzerland
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Portugal
Greece
Canada
Australia
Hong Kong
Spain
France
Brazil
Russia
S Korea
India
China
UK

suffering endometriosis saw -2,50,000 -80

nearly one-sixth of global delay in treatment of nearly cluded 1,775 women suffering viduals and their capital from
cases suffering from endome- from the condition and 1,775 -3,00,000 -100 India has deep economic impli-
nine years
triosis, a major gynaecological women without it, was con- cations. It reduces domestic in-
37% experienced

TAX REGIME, QUALITY

condition affecting women of 2 ducted at 18 sites in nine states, vestment potential, affecting
reproductive age. However, due symptoms during including Kerala, Maharash- areas such as urban redevelop-
to lack of data, there is no evi- adolescence, and 77% tra, UP, and Karnataka It found ment, startup funding, and

OF LIFE DRIVE INDIANS

dence-based national guideline before 30 years of age that most women were from ur- jobs. This capital, if retained,
for early diagnosis and proper 5-year long study ban areas (66%), married could have contributed to In-
3

TO SETTLE ABROAD
treatment, especially for wom- conducted at 18 sites in (88%), and unemployed (60%). dia’s infra, social services, and
en living in rural areas. nine Indian states The study found strong links innovation sectors. The contin-
There is some good news between endometriosis and ued migration of wealth also
now. The Indian Council of 4 Pain (73%) and infertility heavy bleeding, irregular cy- reflects a loss of confidence in
Medical Research-National In- (46%) were the most cles, short cycle lengths, and V I S M AY BA S U @ New Delhi aires this year alone, making it the policy, tax structure, and
stitute for Research in Repro- frequently reported hormonal use. Women who one of the top countries expe- socio-economic predictability.
ductive and Child Health (IC- symptoms have endometriosis also suffer INDIA is witnessing a growing riencing outflows of wealthy The UAE, US, and the UK
MR-NIRRCH), Mumbai, has from over 50% of gynaecologi- trend of capital flight as high- individuals. Affluent investors have become magnets for Indi-
developed a framework for an 5 Strong links between cal disorders, autoimmune net-worth individuals (HNWIs) from tier-2 and tier-3 cities are an millionaires due to their fa-
integrated, multidisciplinary endometriosis and heavy conditions (18.6%), muscu- increasingly invest in overseas also buying real estate abroad, vourable tax regimes. The
care model - the Endometrio- bleeding, irregular cycles, loskeletal disorders (13.5%) assets and seek residency or especially in Dubai, often for UAE, in particular, offers zero
sis Multidisciplinary Care short cycle lengths, and and psychiatric conditions citizenship abroad. According rental yields of 7%–11%. personal income tax, adminis-
Model (EndoCare India) - to hormonal use (11.6%), the study found. to the Henley Private Wealth The migration of million- trative ease, and a welcoming
improve the diagnosis, treat- Dr Rahul Gajbhiye, Scientist Migration Report 2025, India is aires is part of a global realign- Golden Visa scheme—making
ment, and overall management genetic risks associated with E (Deputy Director), ICMR- expected to lose 3,500 million- ment of wealth and residency. it the most preferred destina-
of endometriosis in Indian endometriosis in the Indian NIRRCH, Mumbai, who led the A record 142,000 HNWIs world- tion with 9,800 millionaire mi-
public tertiary hospitals. population. study, said, “The integrated DUBAI OFFERS wide may acquire new residen- grants in 2025. The US draws
The model is based on the The Endometriosis Clinical model is designed to address LIBERAL TAX REGIME cies or citizenship in 2025, ris- wealthy Indians via its EB-5
findings of India’s first nation- and Genetic Research in India the complex medical, psycho- India is seeing a silent exodus 9 ing to 165,000 by 2026. While the Immigrant Investor Program,
al study, which was conducted (ECGRI) study, whose findings logical, and social needs of RENTAL YIELD 3.5 UK, China, India, and Russia while the UK continues to ap-
of wealth, as thousands of 2.5
to identify the clinical, epide- were shared exclusively with women with endometriosis millionaires move assets and lives PROPERTY 0 5 are among the biggest losers of peal for historical, cultural,
TAX 6
miological, environmental, this newspaper, showed that across different life stages, en- abroad, lured by better tax regimes, 20
and educational reasons. Lux-
CAPITAL
and lifestyle factors associated most women suffering from en- suring coordinated and holis- stability, and higher returns on (AVG 5 YRS) 6 ury real estate purchases by
5
with different endometriosis dometriosis underwent a delay tic care within the public global real estate investments STAMP 4 Indian billionaires underscore
6
subtypes and to investigate the in treatment of nearly nine healthcare system.” DUTY 6 Dubai Mumbai Delhi NCR this preference.
 INDIA Max Min Max Min

5
Ahmedabad 30 26 Mumbai 29 28
CROC ATTACK Bhopal 26 22 Panaji 29 26
A forest labourer was injured when a crocodile attacked Jaipur 27 24 Patna 32 27
Amritsar 32 27 Lucknow 32 27
him while it was being rescued at the Sanjay Gandhi Chennai 35 29 Port Blair 31 27
National Park in Mumbai, an official from the forest FOR THRASHING DALIT Kolkata 28 27 Imphal 29 23
department said on Saturday. HELD TEEN IN MUZAFFARNAGAR Srinagar 27 18 Chandigarh 33 27

08 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

Nitish promises 1 cr jobs, skill varsity Martyrs’ Day: Politicians

under house detention;
Ahead of polls, CM says employment avenues to be created in pvt sector; Oppn says ‘gimmick’
R A M A S H A N K A R @ Patna Decision follows Cabinet
nod for youth panel Patna lawyer shot Omar sees red over move
dead hours after
AHEAD of Bihar assembly
elections, Chief Minister Nit- Assembly polls in Bihar are to be
held in October-November and
FAYA Z WA N I @ Srinagar BHOPAL
ish Kumar on Sunday promised
DIARY
one crore government jobs em-
ployment opportunities for the
NDA allies have already declared
that the election would be BJP man killed EMINENT leaders, including
members of the ruling Nation-
youth, and setting up a skill contested under Nitish’s al Conference (NC) and the Op- ANURAAG SINGH
university, to be named after leadership. Nitish’s position, were placed under
R A M A S H A N K A R @ Patna Our correspondent in
former CM and socialist leader announcement for one crore jobs house arrest on Sunday to Madhya Pradesh
Karpoori Thakur, in the next and employment opportunities CRIMINALS shot dead a law- prevent them from visiting
came barely days after state [email protected]
five years. yer in Bihar’s capital on Sun- the martyrs’ graveyard in
Assembly polls in Bihar are cabinet approved a proposal to day, close on the heels of the downtown Srinag ar on
to be held in October-November set up Bihar Youth Commission, killing of a BJP functionary in “Martyrs’ Day” and pay hom- Caracal spotted in
apparently to target young voters.
and NDA allies have already de- rural Patna. age to the 22 Kashmiris killed cheetahs’ new abode
clared that the election would be Parichay Kumar, Patna East by troops of Maharaja Hari
Caracal, the elusive and critically
contested under Nitish’s leader- over 50 lakh youth will certain- a skill university will be estab- SP, said lawyer Jitendra Kumar Singh on July 13, 1931. Din Soz and CPI(M) leader and
endangered “flying cat”, has
ship. Nitish’s announcement for l y b e a c h i eve d . I n t h i s lished, which will be named was fired at while he was re- Nasir Aslam Wani, an advisor MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tari-
recently been spotted at the Gandhi
one crore jobs and employment context, for the next five years Jan Nayak Karpuri Thakur turning home after having tea. to CM Omar Abdullah, told this gami, were also placed under
Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary of western
opportunities came barely days (2025 to 2030), we are setting a Skill University in honour of Police from nearby Sultanganj newspaper that the elected gov- house detention.
Madhya Pradesh, which became the
after state cabinet approved a target to double the goal fixed Bihar’s pride, Bharat Ratna police station reached the site ernment was being detained by These political leaders were
second habitat of African cheetahs
proposal to set up Bihar Youth for 2020-2025 by providing gov- Jananayak Karpuri Thakur ji, after getting information about the nominated government. “I scheduled to visit martyrs
in April 2025. Also known as
Commission, apparently to tar- ernment jobs and employment so that the youth of the state the incident. The assailants was placed under house deten- graveyard at Naqashband sa-
‘syahghosh’, the adult male caracal
get young voters. opportunities to one crore can find a new direction in skill had fled the scene by then. tion and so were our ministers hib. However, on Saturday, the
was seen in a camera trap installed
“It has been our vision to en- youths,” he said. development,” he said. “We are collecting CCTV foot- Javed Dar and Sakina Itoo,” he district administration Srina-
in the Mandsaur forest division. The
sure that more and more youths “To achieve this, new job and JD (U) leader Neeraj Kumar age from the area to ascertain said. He lamented that the CM’s gar denied permission for the
sighting of a shy, swift and generally
in the state receive government employment opportunities will said, “It is not a promise, but a the identity of the assailants. Gupkar residence was also leaders to visit the graveyard
nocturnal carnivorous animal is
jobs and employment opportuni- also be created in the private resolve”. Congress spokesper- Statements of local residents locked while he was not in Sri- or hold gatherings.
significant. Its presence shows
ties. Between 2005 and 2020, over sector, particularly in in- son Asit Nath Tiwari and shopkeepers, who were eye- nagar. “Similarly, Deputy CM “Any violation of these or-
that Gandhi Sagar’s dry and semi-
eight lakh youths in the state dustrial areas. For this claimed that the Nitish witnesses, are being recorded. Surinder Choudhary’s official ders shall invite strict legal ac-
arid ecosystem is intact and
were provided with government purpose, a high-level government could give A forensic team has collected residence at Gupkar was locked tion under relevant provisions
balanced. The caracal is also
jobs. We resolved to provide gov- committee is being con- only four lakh govern- samples,” the SP said. while he was in Jammu”. of law,” the police warned.
described as a flying cat, for its
ernment jobs to 10 lakh youth stituted. Currently, the ment jobs from 2005 to Sub-divisional police officer It was for the first time an Before Article 370 abroga-
impressive jumping ability to catch
and employment to 10 lakh peo- youth of the state are 2020 while five lakh (SDPO), Patna City, Atul Jha, elected CM did not visit the tion, July 13 was observed as
birds in their mid-air flight.
ple in 2020 under the good gov- being provided with skill posts were still vacant said, “The reason behind the martyrs’ graveyard on July 13. ‘Martyrs Day’ in erstwhile J&K
ernance programme, ‘Saat Nis- development training to in gover nment depart- murder is yet to be ascertained. Senior leaders and MLAs from state and a customary wreath-
chay-2’. Later, this target was connect them with self-employ- ments. “He is making tall prom- The statement of the deceased’s the NC were also prevented laying ceremony by the head of
increased to provide jobs to 12 ment opportunities under the ises ahead of elections family members will be record- from leaving their homes. the government was held at the
lakh youths and employment to Saat Nischay programme,” the apparently for political gains,” ed to ascertain the reason.” Opposition leaders, includ- graveyard.
38 lakh people by August 2025, CM added. he added. The incident took place with- ing PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, In 2020, the Lt Governor ad-
setting a total target of 50 lakh He announced that in the RJD spokesperson Mritunjay in 24 hours after the killing of a Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari, ministration dropped July 13
jobs/employment opportuni- next five years, the programme Tiwari said, “Nitish’s promises BJP functionary in rural Patna. Peoples Conference chairman from list of gazette holidays
ties,” Nitish wrote on ‘X’. under Saat Nischay for the are mere political gimmickry, Surendra Kewat, 52, was at- and MLA Sajjad Gani Lone, and prohibited leaders from
“The target of providing gov- youth skill development will be intended at wooing voters be- tacked by criminals while re- senior Congress leader and visiting the martyrs graveyard
ernment jobs/employment to expanded. “In the coming time, fore the assembly election.” turning home late on Saturday. former Union minister Saif-ud- on that day.

ULFA-I vows revenge as ASSAM

1 held for making SIT to probe ‘rape’ at IIM-C;
3 top commanders killed
woman refuses medical test
Minister slams forest dept
fake profile, AI over ‘lack of support’

in ‘drone, missile’ attacks pics of influencer

K AU S H I K P R A D H A N @ Kolkata
Kailash Vijayvargiya, a senior cabinet
ministers of Madhya Pradesh, has
publicly expressed unhappiness with
the forest department. Addressing
P R A SA N TA M A Z U M DA R @ Guwahati Not aware, says Himanta P R A SA N TA M A Z U M DA R @ Guwahati an event in Indore (graced by CM
THE Kolkata Police formed a Mohan Yadav) recently, the local
THE Paresh Baruah faction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa ASSAM police arrested a man in nine-member special investiga- MLA and the state’s urban
United Liberation Front of As- Sarma told the media that he was Tinsukia district Saturday for tion team (SIT) on Sunday to development and housing minister,
sam-Independent (ULFA-I) on aware of the statement issued by allegedly creating a fake social investigate the alleged rape in- Vijayvargiya said the forest
Sunday said it lost three of its ULFA-I. “The Assam Police are not media account of an influencer, cident involving a second-year department wasn’t cooperating with
top commanders in drone and involved. No attack was carried Archita Phukan, and uploading student of the Indian Institute them in supplying saplings for the
missile attacks carried out by out from Assam’s soil. Defence morphed photos and AI-generat- of Management-Calcutta (IIM- ambitious tree plantation exercise in
“colonial occupational forces.” authorities usually issue a ed videos of her online. C) on its campus. Indore. “We’ve planted seven lakh
The banned insurgent group statement after such incidents. Dibrugarh Senior Superin- The West Bengal Commis- trees so far, and our target is to plant
in a statement said one of its They have not yet issued any. I tendent of Police (in-charge) sion for Women (WBCW) has 51 lakh trees, but we’re not receiving
senior-most leaders, “lieuten- think we will have some clarity by Sizal Agarwal said a complaint also taken suo motu cognisance the expected support from the
ant general” Nayan Asom, had the evening,” he said. was received from the victim’s of the incident. Meanwhile, the forest department. I request the CM
died in a drone attack and when brother Friday, and a case was survivor has refused to under- to give proper instructions to the
his last rites were being per- ment issued by ULFA-I. subsequently registered the fol- go a medical test even after 48 Police personnel deployed on the IIM-Calcutta campus on Sunday | PTI department before going abroad.”
formed, the missile attack was “The Assam Police are not lowing day. “The complainant hours of the incident, police
carried out, killing “brigadier” involved. No attack was carried shared the link to an Instagram sources said. WBCW Chairper- Meanwhile, the SIT is being other items, for laboratory ex-
Ganesh Asom and “colonel” out from Assam’s soil. Defence page. We traced its credentials son Leena Gangopadhyay said led by an assistant commis- amination. The clothes of the Protest outside BJP
Pradip Asom. The ULFA-I fur- authorities usually issue a and found the phone number of that they had filed a suo motu sioner from the South West Di- accused have been confiscated.
ther stated that its several other statement after such incidents. the man behind it,” she said. case on Friday in the incident. vision of the Kolkata Police. A medico-legal test of the ar- office over Sihora dist
members as well as some civil- They have not yet issued any. I The accused, Pratim Bora, “We are trying to talk to the According to sources, the rested person will also be con- Residents of Sihora town recently
ians were injured in the “cruel think we will have some clarity was nabbed from the upper As- survivor and her family. We are survivor, a young psychologist, ducted. On Sunday, the family staged a protest reiterating their
and inhuman” missile attack. by the evening,” he said. sam district on Saturday also in touch with Haridevpur was seen entering the campus members of the accused were long-standing demand for the
“The occupational forces have The ULFA-I refers to Indian evening and produced in court police station.” Though the on Friday in the CC camera in- called to the Haridevpur police establishment of a separate district,
continued the attack in the are- security forces as “occupational on Sunday. He has been remand- WBCW has filed a suo motu stalled on the road. station. carved out from Jabalpur. The
as using fighter jets. We would forces” and India as a “colonial ed to five-day police custody. case, the National Commission CCTV camera footage of the Based on the survivor’s com- protest was held outside the ruling
like to tell the indigenous people nation.” It operates out of the The victim told the police she for Wo m e n (NCW) entire campus has been sought plaint, Paramananda Top- BJP divisional office in Sihora, with
of Assam that we are deter- soil of Myanmar where several and Bora studied at the same member Archana Majumdar by the police from the authori- paunawar, a second-year stu- the people carrying placards that
mined to avenge this brutal at- insurgent groups from India’s college and that she knew the has expressed her doubts ties as part of the probe. dent of IIM-C, was arrested on read, “Who are Shivraj Singh
tack carried out by the colonial Northeast have their camps. accused personally. about the incident. Efforts are also being made Saturday. The Alipore court Chouhan, Uma Bharti, Late Babulal
nation,” the ULFA-I warned. The ULFA-I has continued to The accused had created a Expressing concern about to determine where the woman has remanded him to police Gaur and Smriti Irani?” Amid the
Guwahati-based defence wield the gun when Assam’s all web page where he uploaded AI- the allegations, she claimed went that day and who took her. custody till July 19. sounds of conch, bells and cymbals,
spokesman Lt Col Mahendra other insurgent groups signed generated pornographic con- that the information received The room in the Lake View The survivor’s father, how- the protestors recounted that
Rawat said, “There are no in- peace accords with the govern- tent and made around `10 lakh so far shows it was just a Hostel where the alleged as- ever, claimed that his daughter prominent BJP leaders, including the
puts with the Indian Army on ment. The ULFA-I said it ump- off it by charging users a sub- case of sexual harassment, sault took place has already was neither raped nor tortured. three former chief ministers of MP
the operation.” teen times that it would sit scription fee to access it. and not of rape. been sealed by the police. Asked if he had spoken to his and an ex-union minister, had
Chief Minister Himanta across the talks table only if “Bora did it to harass her,” The NCW also wants to talk Forensic experts have col- daughter, he replied, “Yes, I did. promised to create Sihora a new
Biswa Sarma told the media the issue of Assam’s sovereign- the SSP said, adding that the to the woman to understand the lected samples from the scene, She said no one tortured or district. However, these promises
that he was aware of the state- ty is on the agenda. victim would need counselling. case better, she added. including food remains and mistreated her.” remain unfulfilled.

Amid doctors’ crunch in govt hospitals, AIIMS study links sleep disorders to road accidents
Punjab set to rope in retired specialists N A R E N D R A S E T H I @ Dehradun

FORGET drunken driving for a

Multifactorial origins
Sleep disorders stem from
Poor sleep habits Inconsistent bedtimes
and other detrimental sleep routines can
Most incidents happened be-
tween 6 PM and midnight, a
period often associated with
a diverse range of factors, directly impair sleep quality
H A R P R E E T BA J WA @ Chandigarh Only for 58–64-yr-olds moment. A groundbreaking
not just one cause
fatigue. The medical experts

Factors
study by the All India Institute are now calling for a paradigm
Only retired specialist doctors Lifestyle choices
THE Punjab government has of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mental health link shift in driver evaluation. “We
between 58 and 64 years of age Excessive caffeine
decided to hire 100 retired med- R i s h i k e s h , r e ve a l s t h a t Conditions like anxiety believe that screening for sleep
affecting
will be eligible to apply. The or alcohol
ical specialists as consultants sleep-related disorders are and depression are disorders should be a crucial
contract will initially last a year consumption are
through walk-in interviews in emerging as the single largest significant contributors to part of the driving licence is-
and may be extended annually. factors that can
sleep
district hospitals, sub-division- cause of road accidents in disrupted sleep suance process,” urged Prof.
The selected doctors will get disrupt healthy
al hospitals and community Uttarakhand. Ravi Gupta. “It would be ben-
remuneration equivalent to the Medical condition sleep patterns
health centres (CHCs). This isn’t just about long- eficial if sleep health was in-
last salary (minus their pension) impact Chronic pain,
According to sources, the de- haul trucks; even small vehi- cluded in the medical exami-
with DA as admissible at the time heart disease, and sleep
cision has been made in re- cles on daily city commutes are nations during the licensing
of their appointment. apnea are common
sponse to the severe shortage falling victim to drowsy driv- procedure, alongside regular
of medical specialists in gov- ing. The research, conducted medical causes of sleep checks for drivers.” He also
ernment hospitals across the medicine, 20 in gynaecology, 15 with dearness allowance (DA) by the Sleep Division of AIIMS disturbances suggested the implementation
state. Approximately 47% posts in general surgery, 13 in anaes- as admissible at the time of ap- Psychiatry Department, has of in-vehicle sensors to alert
of sanctioned specialists are ly- thesia, seven in radiology, and pointment, says the notifica- been published in the prestig- and April 2022. They concluded tion from overwork accounted drowsy drivers.
ing vacant across the state, they four in psychiatry. tion. Additionally, the doctors ious American medical journal that 75 per cent of these 575 for another 26% of crashes. “Most drivers know they are
added. Out of 2,098 of sanc- Only retired specialist doc- must be free of disciplinary ‘Cureus’. While authorities fre- drivers were operating two- or While alcohol was a factor in sleepy but continue to drive.”
tioned specialist posts, 990 re- tors between 58 and 64 years of proceedings. quently launch campaigns three-wheelers. “Our findings 32 per cent of crashes, the Dr Madhur Uniyal, a senior
main vacant. Additionally, age will be eligible to apply. During their contract period, against drunk driving, the indicate that a significant 21 study noted that many of these trauma surgeon at AIIMS and
there are vacancies among gen- The contract will initially last the doctors will not be allowed study suggests the reality on per cent of accidents were di- drivers also suffered from un- a member of the Road Safety
eral medical officers. Around for one year and may be extend- to engage in private practice. Uttarakhand’s roads is far rectly caused by drivers falling derlying sleep issues, with al- Council of India, told this news-
1,962 posts are yet to be filled ed annually based on perform- Their responsibilities will be more complex. asleep or experiencing sleep- cohol consumption exacerbat- paper. “They must be educated
out of the 3,847 posts. ance and subject to approval of limited to clinical duties (outpa- Researchers examined ap- related issues while at the ing their condition. Strikingly, to pull over, take a nap, and
As per the notification issued finance department. The select- tient, inpatient, and emergency proximately 1,200 individuals wheel,” stated Professor Ravi about 68 per cent of sleep-relat- resume driving when refreshed.
by the state health department, ed doctors will get remunera- care) and will be exempted from injured in various road acci- Gupta and Dr. Vishal Dhiman, ed accidents occurred on Commercial vehicle owners,
the available posts include: 21 tion equivalent to the last sala- medico-legal, administrative, or dents who were admitted to directors of the study. They fur- straight, everyday roads, not too, must ensure that their driv-
in paediatrics, 20 in general ry (minus their pension) along post-mortem responsibilities. AIIMS between October 2021 ther highlighted that exhaus- just winding mountain passes. ers get adequate rest.”
 $800 million
Beijing 26 11 LC Los Angeles 17 10 SNY
Colombo 32 25 TDS Melbourne 18 13 LC
Dhaka 34 27 LC Moscow 5 0 LC
GLOBAL
$ port deal signed by Syria with
WEATHER
LR: Light Rain HR: Heavy Rain LS: Light Snow
Dubai
Houston
42
30
31
22
SNY
LC
New York
Singapore
14
31
6
25
LR
TDS
Istanbul 17 12 LR Toronto 8 1 LC
UAE-based company TDS: Thundershower LC: Light Cloud SNY: Sunny London 17 8 SNY Washington 23 8 TDS

09 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� � newindianexpress com

Israeli strikes kill at least 30 people in Gaza

Netanyahu’s Washington visit overshadowed by dispute over Israeli troop deployment, casting doubt on truce deal

DEIR AL-BALAH Funeral conducted for

Palestinian-American
ISRAELI strikes in the Gaza killed in the West Bank
Strip killed at least 30 people on In the West Bank, funerals were
Sunday, including six children held for a Palestinian-American and
at a water collection point, lo- a Palestinian friend. The Palestinian
cal health officials said, despite Health Ministry said Musallet, from
attempts by mediators to bring European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic,
Florida, had been beaten by Israeli right, speaks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen| AP
about a ceasefire.

EU DELAYS
settlers. Diana Halum, a cousin, said
Israel and Hamas appeared no the attack occurred on his family’s
closer to a breakthrough in talks land. The ministry initially identified
meant to pause the 21-month

TARIFFS, HOPES
him as Seifeddine Musalat, 23.
war and free some Israeli hos- Musallet’s friend, Mohammed
tages. Israeli Prime Minister al-Shalabi, was shot in the chest,
Benjamin Netanyahu was in

FOR AUG 1 DEAL

the ministry said. Israel’s military
Washington last week to discuss has said Palestinians hurled rocks at
the deal with the Trump admin- Israelis in the area on Friday, lightly
istration, but a new sticking wounding two people and setting
point has emerged over the de- off a larger confrontation.
ployment of Israeli troops dur-
ing the truce, raising questions BRUSSELS We have always been clear
over the feasibility of a new that we prefer a negotiated
deal. Israel says it will only end THE European Union will solution, she said. If they
the war once Hamas surrenders, suspend retaliatory tariffs can’t reach a deal, she said
disarms and goes into exile, on US goods scheduled to that we will continue to pre-
something it refuses to do. Ha- take effect Monday in hopes pare countermeasures so we
mas says it is willing to free all of reaching a trade deal with are fully prepared.
the remaining 50 hostages, less ISRAEL-GAZA: DAY 647 the Trump administration Europe’s biggest exports
than half said to be alive, in ex- Smoke from an explosion rises in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from a southern Israel location on Sunday | AP by the end of the month. to the US are pharmaceuti-
change for an end to the war and This is now the time for cals, cars, aircraft, chemi-
the full withdrawal of Israeli 10 bodies after an Israeli strike miles) to fetch water from the killed, the Gaza Health Ministry ne gotiations, European cals, medical instruments
forces. on a water collection point in area. The Israeli military said it said in a statement. One of the Commission President Ur- and wine and spirits.
Throughout the war in Gaza, nearby Nuseirat. Among the was targeting a militant but that ministry’s spokespeople, Zaher sula von der Leyen told re- Italian Foreign Minister
Tel Aviv WEST BANK
violence has also surged in the dead were six children, the hos- a technical error made its muni- al-Wahidi, told the AP that porters in Brussels on Sun- Antonio Tajani was heading

JORDAN
Israeli-occupied West Bank, pital said. tion fall “dozens of meters from Qandil was on his way to Al- day, after President Donald to Washington for talks Mon-
where funerals were held Sun- Ramadan Nassar, a witness the target.” It said the incident Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital when Jerusalem Trump sent a letter an- day with the US administra-
day for two Palestinians, includ- who lives in the area, told The was being examined. the strike happened. All bodies GA Z A nouncing new tariffs of 30% tion and Congress. In a state-
ing Palestinian-American Say- Associated Press that around 20 Additionally, health officials and those wounded were taken STRIP on goods from the EU and ment, Tajani’s office said
follah Musallet, 20, who was children and 14 adults were said an Israeli strike hit a group to Al-Ahli hospital, according to Mexico starting August 1. that in his talks with EU al-
killed in an attack by Israeli set- lined up Sunday morning to fill of citizens walking in the street al-Wahidi. ISR A EL The EU — America’s big- lies before the meetings, he
tlers, according to the Palestin- up water. When the strike oc- on Sunday afternoon, killing 11 In the central town of Zawa- gest trading partner and the stressed the need to “negoti-
i a n H e a l t h M i n i s t r y. curred, everyone ran and some, people and injuring around 30 ida, an Israeli strike on a home world’s largest trading bloc ate with one’s head held
TOLL SO FAR
Children killed at a water collec- including those who were se- others in central Gaza City. killed nine, including two — had been scheduled to im- high.” The right-wing gov-

57,831
tion point verely injured, fell to the ground, Dr. Ahmed Qandil, who spe- women and three children, offi- pose countermeasures start- ernment of Premier Giorgia
In central Gaza, officials at Al- he said. He said Palestinians cializes in general surgery and cials at Al-Aqsa Mar tyrs ing Monday at midnight Meloni, the only EU leader
Awda Hospital said it received walk some 2 kilometers (1.2 laparoscopic, was among those Hospital said. AP Brussels time (6pm EDT; to attend Trump’s inaugura-
22.00 GMT). The EU negoti- tion, has sought to position
ates trade deals on behalf of itself as a “ bridge” between
HIGH-LEVEL TALK
Ukraine says it killed Russian agents behind officer’s death
its 27 member countries. Brussels and Washington.
Von der Leyen said those Trump has said his global
Oz PM Anthony countermeasures would be
delayed until Aug. 1, and
tariffs would set the founda-
tion for reviving a US econo-

Albanese visits KYIV

UKRAINE’s security agency

RUSSIA SAYS TOOK
DONETSK REGION
ert operations in Russia-occu-
pied territories of Ukraine
and reportedly helped organ-
that Trump’s letter shows
�that we have until the first
of August to negotiate.
my that he claims has been
ripped off by other nations
for decades.
China to boost
AP
said Sunday it tracked down MOSCOW: Russia said it ize Ukraine’s surprise incur-
and killed Russian agents sus- took another village in the sion into Russia’s Kursk re-
trade alliance pected of shooting one of its
senior officers to death in the
west of Ukraine’s Donetsk
region, as its troops advance
gion last year.
After a series of massive at- EU needs ‘decisive’ plan if no ‘fair’
BEIJING
Ukrainian capital.
The Security Service of
Ukraine, or SBU, said in a
towards the Dnipropetrovsk
region. Moscow’s offensive
tacks across Ukraine involv-
ing hundreds of exploding
drones, Russia launched 60
tariff deal: German finance min
on Ukraine has lasted for
AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister statement that the suspected more than three years, drones overnight, Ukraine’s Berlin: The European Union will need to take “decisive” action to
Anthony Albanese kicked off a Russian agents were killed in with attacks intensifying air force said. counter US tariffs if no “fair” deal is reached with Washington to
visit this weekend to China the Kyiv region after they of- this summer and US-led It said 20 of them were shot avert threatened levies, Germany’s finance minister said on
meant to shore up trade rela- fered resistance to arrest. A Emergency services personnel work to negotiations so far down and 20 others were Sunday. Lars Klingbeil told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper
tions between the two video released by the agency extinguish a fire following a Russian yielding no results to end jammed. that “serious and solution-oriented negotiations” with the US
countries. showed two bodies lying on attack in Odesa, Ukraine, | AP the fighting. The Ukrainian authorities were still necessary, but added that if they fail, the EU would
Albanese met with Shanghai the ground. reported that four civilians need “decisive counter-measures to protect jobs and businesses
Party Secretary Chen Jining on The agency said earlier that were killed and 13 others in- in Europe”. On Saturday US President Donald Trump announced
Sunday, the first in a series of a man and a woman were sus- Voronych, an SBU colonel, in cameras. jured in Russian attacks on that the EU and Mexico would be targeted with steep 30 per cent
high-level exchanges that will pected to be involved in Thurs- a bold daylight attack that was Media reports claimed that the Donetsk and Kherson re- tariffs as of August 1. AP
include meetings with Chinese day’s assassination of Ivan c a u g h t o n s u r ve i l l a n c e Voronych was involved in cov- gions since Saturday.
President Xi Jinping, Premier
Li Qiang
and Chair-
man Zhao Kim hosts Lavrov, offers A S I A M AT T E R S Liberation War
protest site in
INDONESIA THAILAND
Leji of the

DPR’s support to Russia

National
FOREST USE NEW COVID-19
B’desh razed
People’s
Congress. TO BOOST XFG STRAIN
T h e
prime min- SEOUL Moscow said Lavrov’s talks GDP IN 2026 INFECTS 23 DHAKA
ister is with Kim were held in a “warm Indonesia plans to expand Thailand has reported 23
Anthony Albanese leading “a NORTH Korean leader Kim comradely atmosphere.” forest land use in 2026 to cases of the new Covid-19 A structure that came into
very large Jong Un offered Moscow his Lavrov expressed “sincere support food, energy, XFG strain, according to prominence during the 2013
business delegation” to China, full support for its war in gratitude to Pyongyang” for its water security, and boost the Department of Shahbagh protests, symbolis-
which speaks to the importance Ukraine during talks with Rus- role in Kursk and support of regional development, Medical Sciences. The ing the spirit of the Bangladesh
of the economic relations be- sian Foreign Minister Sergei Russia’s operation, the Rus- says Forestry Minister Raja World Health Organization Liberation War and the demand
tween Australia and China, he Lavrov, Pyongyang sian foreign ministry Juli Antoni. The initiative designated XFG as a for justice against war crimi-
told Chinese state broadcaster s t at e m e d i a s a i d said in a statement. aims to reduce forestry- “variant under nals, has been demolished here.
CGTN upon his arrival in Shang- Sunday. Moscow also said the sector greenhouse gas monitoring” on June 25
The ‘Projonmo Chattar’ struc-
hai on Saturday.During a week- Lavrov’s visit to two sides “agreed” MALAYSIA ture at Shahbagh here was de-
emissions by 15% and due to its high
long trip, Albanese was set to North Korea was the that the West was to molished in the early hours of
improve village transmissibility and ability
meet business, tourism and
sport representatives in Shang-
latest in a series of
high-profile trips by
blame for “the grow-
ing tension” on the
development in 600 COUPLE ARRESTED, to evade immunity. XFG, a
Saturday, The Dhaka Tribune
newspaper said on Sunday.
hai and Chengdu, including a top Moscow officials Korean peninsula.
villages. The sector’s GDP
contribution is targeted at
RM3.1M DRUGS SEIZED sub-lineage of Omicron,
was first detected in
Shahbagh police station Of-
CEO roundtable on Tuesday in as both countries The ministry ear- ficer-in-Charge (OC) Khalid
Rp65.23 trillion (US$3.9 Kelantan police arrested a local January and has
Beijing, his office said. He over- deepen military and lier posted a video on Mansur confirmed that the
billion). The government couple trafficking ganja and yaba pills additional spike protein
saw the signing of an agreement political ties amid Telegram of the two structure was demolished by
allocated Rp372 billion for hidden in cashew nut packages, mutations. Despite
between Chinese online travel Russia’s offensive Kim Jong Un men shaking hands the Ministry of Housing and
community forestry and seizing drugs worth RM3.1 million. The spreading quickly, there is
giant Trip.com and the govern- against Kyiv. and greeting each Public Works. A section of the
seeks an additional Rp9.94 suspects were caught driving no evidence it causes
ment agency Tourism Australia Pyong yang sent other with a hug. Projonmo Chattar structure
trillion for rehabilitation, suspiciously, with 67.75 kg of ganja more severe symptoms.
aimed at attracting more Chi- thousands of troops to Rus- It said the talks were held in had been completely disman-
nese tourists to the continent. sia’s Kursk region to oust Wonsan, a city on North Ko- agroforestry, fire and 15 grams of yaba found. Their The variant was first tled. The newspaper quoted
It is Albanese’s second visit to Ukrainian forces and has also rea’s east coast where a mas- prevention, digital home raid uncovered more drugs and found in Thailand in April, several local tea vendors in the
China since his center-left Labor provided the Russian army sive resort was opened earlier governance, and forest valuables. Both have prior drug and cases are steadily area as saying that the demoli-
Party government was first with artillery shells and this month — one of leader management. records and are remanded for probing. increasing. tion began after midnight on
elected in 2022. AP missiles. Kim’s pet projects. Saturday using a bulldozer.
OC Khalid Mansur said as
the structure was under the au-

Small plane crashes at London

R E A L L I F E PA G E - T U R N E R thority of the Ministry of
Housing and Public Works, he
does not know why it was

Hungary’s oldest library battles beetle bookworms! Southend airport, explodes demolished.
“They carried it out around
midnight after informing me,
LONDON tion aircraft. Images posted on so that no public unrest would
PANNONHALMA World Heritage site. starch-based adhesives found social media show a plume of occur. No resistance or crowd
Restoration workers are re- in books. EMERGENCY services raced fire and black smoke emanat- formation was reported,” he
TENS of thousands of centu- moving about 100,000 hand- They have been found in a Sunday to the scene of a small ing from the crash site. Witness said. Mansur said that the min-
ries-old books are being pulled bound books from their shelves section of the library housing plane crash at London John Johnson said the istry informed him that a new
from the shelves of a medieval and carefully placing them in around a quarter of the abbey’s Southend Airport. plane banked left and installation related to the July
abbey in Hungary in an effort crates, the start of a disinfec- 400,000 volumes. “This is an ad- No details on where flipped shortly after protest will be constructed at
to save them from a beetle infes- tion process that aims to kill vanced insect infestation which the plane was heading takeoff before crashing the site.
tation that could wipe out cen- the tiny beetles burrowed into has been detected in several or how many people head-first, creating a A massive student-led protest
turies of history. them. The drugstore beetle, parts of the library, so the en- were on board were “big fireball.” Johnson in July last year, in which up to
The 1,000-year-old Pannon- also known as the bread beetle, tire collection is classified as immediately disclosed. said the airport’s fire 1,400 people were killed as per
halma Archabbey is a sprawl- is often found among dried infected and must be treated all In a statement on social service responded imme- a UN rights office report, led to
A restorer shows an old book with holes ing Benedictine monastery that foodstuffs like grains, flour and at the same time,” said Zsófia media, the airport confirmed a diately, with two fire engines, the ouster of then prime minis-
in its pages due to a drugstore beetle is one of Hungary’s oldest cent- spices. But they also are at- Edit Hajdu, the chief restorer ‘serious incident’ involving followed by police, ambulance, ter Sheikh Hasina who fled the
infestation | AP ers of learning and a UNESCO tracted to the gelatin and on the project. AP what it termed a general avia- and local fire crews. AP country on August 5. PTI
 `36.65 CR
DLF’s Chairman Rajiv
Singh’s remuneration rose
34% annually in last fiscal

10 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� �

Income tax refunds up manifold in 10 years IN CONVERSATION

The time taken to process I-T refunds has come down drastically from 93 days in 2013 to 17 days in 2024
D I PA K M O N D A L @ New Delhi sion of the taxpayer base over ogy to expedite the verification metric, this growth in refunds
the same period, signalling and disbursal of refunds. as a proportion of gross tax
INDIA’S income tax refund drastic improvements in tax Real-time TDS adjust- collected is seen as a proxy for
landscape has undergone a administration and compli- ments: Ensuring accurate and the increased formalisation
dramatic transformation over ance. According to data from timely reflection of Tax De- and voluntary participation
the past decade. The most re- the PrCCA, CBDT, refunds is- ducted at Source. within the tax payment sys-
markable change for individu- sued by the tax department Online grievance redress tem. As India’s taxpayer base
al taxpayers has been the dras- soared from `83,008 crore in mechanisms: Providing effi- expands and mechanisms like
tic reduction in the time taken 2013-14 (during the UPA govt’s cient channels for taxpayers to advance tax payments and TDS
to process refunds. tenure) to a massive `4,76,743 address issues. These meas- deepen, excess remittances be- DHIRAJ RELLI
The average number of days crore in 2024-25 (under the ures have collectively led come more common, natu- CEO and MD, HDFC Securities
to issue income tax refunds NDA government). During the to reduced delays and a rally leading to a higher

‘There is no genuine
has plummeted by 81%, from a same time, gross direct tax col- significantly im- volume of refunds. The
lengthy 93 days in 2013 to just lected grew from `7,21,604 proved taxpayer expe- growing volume and
17 days in 2024, according to crore to `27,02,974 crore. ing process, making it more ac- r i e n c e, f o s t e r i n g share of refunds are

customer demand
sources. This rapid accelera- cessible and less prone to greater trust and vol- therefore not merely
tion in processing is a testa-
Systemic improvement errors. untary participation in statistical trends but a
ment to the government’s ag- The significant increase in tax Faceless assessment: Re- the tax system. meaningful signal of the
gressive push towards digital refunds and the decrease in moving physical interactions, systemic maturity of India’s

for T+0 settlement’

infrastructure and administra- processing time are primarily enhancing objectivity, and
Refunds a signal of a tax ecosystem. It demonstrates
matured tax system
tive reforms. Refunds issued to attributed to a series of tech- speeding up evaluations. a tax environment fir mly
taxpayers have surged by a nological advancements and Pre-filled returns: Simplify- The proportion of refunds is- aligned with principles of ef-
massive 474% between 2013-14 systemic improvements with- ing the filing process for tax- sued relative to gross direct ficiency, transparency, and tax-

D
and 2024-25. This significant in the tax administration. payers by populating forms taxes collected has also risen, payer facilitation, ultimately HIRAJ Relli, the chief executive and managing director of
increase far outpaces the 274% These include: with pre-existing data. from 11.5% in FY 2013-14 to contributing to a more robust leading full-service brokerage HDFC Securities, tells
growth in gross direct tax col- End-to-end online filing: Automation in refund 17.6% in FY 2024-25. While not and compliant financial Benn Kochuveedan that the new Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta
lections and the 133% expan- Streamlining the entire tax fil- processing: Utilising technol- a traditional macroeconomic system. Pandey is adopting a more pragmatic approach and is
focused on optimal, rather than maximum, regulation.
Edited excerpts:
MONEY-WISE MONEY MATTERS
How is life under the new Sebi chairman? Has the cost of

KNOW INVESTING & WHY NIFTY 50, SENSEX ARE

compliance come down for the industry? The previous
chair Madhabi Puri Buch was known for co-creating
regulations. What’s your view on her approach?

MEASURED RISKS YOUR GUIDING LIGHTS

Cost of compliance is always hard to quantify, but under the new
Sebi chairman, regulatory changes so far have been pragmatic.
The focus has been on optimal regulation, not excessive regula-
tion, which is positive for the entire stockbroking industry.

I
based on risk tolerance. F you are in a finan- nuances if you choose to learn The former chair also did commendable work. She co-created
For example: cial position to invest about where to deploy your thoughtful reforms. However, there were challenges that industry
Conservative: 60% bonds, every month, you have monthly surplus. A simple di- participants faced with the pace at which she pushed through a
30% stocks, 10% cash. already mastered the versification plan is to buy an slew of reforms. For instance, the implementation of T+0 settle-
Moderate: 50% stocks, 40% art of budgeting. Cre- exchange-traded fund or an ment — for which there is really no business case at all.
bonds, 10% cash. ating a monthly sur- index fund that tracks the per-
Aggressive: 80% stocks, 15% plus for investment is formance of the Nifty 50 or Doesn’t a customer have the right to get her money
bonds, 5% cash. the first challenge in your fi- the Sensex. An analysis of the instantly, at least for delivery stocks?
FINANCIAL ADVICE Rebalance regularly: Periodi-
cally adjust your portfolio to
nancial life. Your expenses
tend to supersede your in- FINANCIAL past three decades shows that
the worst-performing decade
The concept of T+0 to achieve an even quicker settlement cycle is
ambitious, but not necessary. Is there really a need for T+0? In fact,
PV SUBRAMANYAM m a i n t a i n yo u r d e s i re d come all the time, as the mon- KNOWLEDGE clocked a compounded annual there’s no genuine customer demand for instant money. Though
writes at allocation. ey you spend is based on a RAJAS KELKAR growth rate of 10.2% while brokers like Zerodha may offer it for select stocks, the overall
www.subramoney.com and has Research & Due diligence confluence of your needs and (The author is editor-in-chief at the best-performing decade system still runs on T+1. In our case, thanks to our integrated
authored the best seller ‘Retire Understand investments: wants. If you are confused www.moneyminute.in) scored a CAGR of over 13%. ‘three-in-one’ relationship structure, the proceeds are directly
Learn about each asset before about where to invest, you The two numbers are well transferred to the customer’s bank ac-
Rich - Invest C40 a day’
investing. For stocks, analyze have already covered a signif- over the average inflation of count, often by early morning. Even in
company fundamentals (earn- icant step in your life. Set all nies, stockbrokers, consult- 6-7% in the economy. other asset classes like MFs or FDs, re-

W
The former chair
HILE investing, you ings, debt, growth). For funds, your confusion aside and fo- ing firms, and other entities If you are not able to deter- demptions take time. Moreover, there is
need to take some check expense ratios and his- cus on the most important en- tracking financial services. mine the direction you wish no ‘holding back’ of client money, as you also did
risk. Measured risk torical performance. emy of your money. Inflation In that case, you will notice to give your financial savings, put it; it is about system processing. T+0 commendable work.
– what does it mean? Stay informed: Follow market is the biggest enemy of your that despite the noise about you need to follow the trend in settlements involve different pricing. Se- She co-created
Taking measured happenings. investments. financial assets surging in In- the Nifty and Sensex. The two lect stocks available for T+0 are usually thoughtful reforms.
risks while investing Use reliable sources: Rely on You need to put your hard- dia, the penetration of most benchmark indices have gen- priced slightly lower, leading to possible However, there
involves balancing financial statements, reputable fought surplus into an invest- financial products has scope erated an average 11 to 12% confusion.So, the key question is -- in a were challenges
potential rewards with the like- news, or platforms. ment that will not only beat for further growth. It assures return over the past 30 years. T+0 settlement environment, is there re- that industry
lihood of losses, aligning your Rupee -cost averaging: Invest the consumer price inflation them of a market that can Your long-term savings, ally a genuine need for instant access to participants faced
decisions with your financial fixed amounts regularly to but will also generate a steady register secure growth over which are put towards your funds immediately after a trade? If funds
goals, risk tolerance, and time spread out risk over time. return. You may rely on pro- the next several years. That financial goals like retire- are available within a short, predictable
horizon: Limit high-risk bets: Allocate fessional advisors, or you means companies that sell fi- ment and your child’s educa- timeframe, the urgency for instant settle-
Understand your risk tol- only a small portion (e.g., may want to research on your nancial services to us can tion, need just about that sup- ment diminishes. The focus remains on ensuring smooth opera-
erance and goals 5-10%) of your portfolio to spec- own. With technology at your continue to grow their busi- port. While there is a risk of tions and robust risk management.
Assess risk tolerance: Evalu- ulative investments, if at all. disposal, you can dive into an ness and generate profits. equity prices turning volatile,
ate how much loss you can han- Use risk management ocean of data and make sense It is little of a surprise that the long-term prospects for How has the F&O clampdown from last November impact-
dle emotionally and financially. tools of it in little or no time. The financial services sectors oc- India’s economy and sectors ed your volumes?
Younger investors or those with Stop-loss orders: Set automat- critical factor here is your cupy more than a third of the like financial services are Overall volumes have dropped by around 30%. But we are less
stable income might tolerate ic sell orders to limit losses if ability to know the purpose value of benchmark indices bright. The two indices best impacted because almost 75% of our brokerage revenue comes
more risk, while retirees may an investment drops below a of your data search. like the NSE 50 or the S&P represent those prospects. It from the cash segment, unlike other brokerages that are heavily
prefer safety. certain price. A lot of households have al- BSE Sensex. Shares of banks is not a hypothesis of this reliant on derivatives.
Define goals: Clarify your Position sizing: Avoid putting located more money to equity are trading at a price that is writer. Experts around the
objectives (e.g., retirement, too much capital into one in- assets than ever before. Over multiple times their funda- world are betting on that. What about the impact of the true-to-label compliance
buying a home, wealth growth) vestment. A common rule is to the past decade, financial as- mental worth in terms of norms?
and time horizon. Short-term limit any single stock to 5% of sets in households have book value. The expectation No impact at all, since we’ve always been compliant. The Sebi ac-
goals (1-3 years) require lower your portfolio. grown three times. During of a superlative financial per- tion affected only those brokers who mismatched customer charg-
risk, while long-term goals can Even better, stick to mutual the same period, direct equity formance in the next few es with what they reported to the exchanges.
handle more volatility. funds! investment grew five times, years is already reflected in
Risk capacity: Consider I nve s t i n wh a t yo u and through mutual funds the current share price. You are one of the largest in terms of offering margin
your income, savings, and lia- understand grew nine times. Despite that, You can understand these funding. How big is your MTF book?
bilities. Ensure you have an Stick to industries or assets the overall allocation to eq- HDFC Securities is the second largest in offering margin funding,
emergency fund (3-6 months you’re familiar with to make uity assets is less than 20% of after ICICI Securities. Currently, the industry-wide MTF (Margin
of expenses) to avoid liquidat- informed decisions. the total assets. One analysis Trading Facility) book stands at about `90,000 crore, though it
MANDAR PARDIKAR

i n g i nve s t m e n t s d u r i n g Avoid complex products (e.g., by Anand Rathi Wealth, pub- fluctuates daily. Of this, we hold a market share of over 10%,
emergencies. crypto, derivatives) unless you lished in a presentation to in- which underscores our strong position. Additionally, I am highly
Diversify your portfolio fully grasp their risks. vestors, shows that average optimistic about the growth potential of MTF on ETFs. Combin-
Spread investments: Diversi- Focus on the long term households’ current asset al- ing ETFs with MTF offers a smarter pathway for investors, ena-
fy across asset classes (stocks, Ignore short-term noise: Mar- location yields an average re- bling them to benefit from diversification and cost efficiency.
bonds, real estate, cash) and kets fluctuate, but long-term turn of 7%. That barely cov-
within them (e.g., different sec- trends often smooth out ers inflation. You are more than 25 years old and profitable. Why not
tors, geographies). This reduc- volatility. Suppose you drill down into take the company public?
es the impact of a single asset’s Compound growth: Reinvest the data and analyse the in- No such plans for now. Last year, we posted `3,265 crore in revenue
poor performance. dividends and profits to benefit for mation from mutual and `1,125 crore in profit after tax. This year, too, we expect both
Asset allocation: Adjust from compounding over time. funds, insurance compa- top- and bottom-line growth in the range of 15% year-on-year.

‘Shutting down start-up ‘125CC+ segment critical Gold may trade firm this
Blip was a tough choice’ growth driver for Bajaj Auto’ week on weak dollar
E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ Bengaluru tions that took share bit of time P T I @ New Delhi and continued weakness in the
to convince stakeholders, E N S E CO N O M I C B U R E AU @ New Delhi clear and targeted actions to dollar index are amplifying glo-
BENGALURU-based fast fash- which indeed affected a lot our regain momentum,” he added. GOLD prices are likely to trade bal risk aversion, prompting a
ion delivery start-up Blip has gtm strategies and slowed BAJAJ Auto places significant The chairman also reposed firm in the coming week sup- shift away from risky assets to-
been shut down within a year things considerably down for importance to 125CC+ motor- faith in the game-changing ported by global risk aversion, ward safe-haven instruments
of its launch. The start-up’s co- us. The result of limited work- cycle segment for maintaining Freedom CNG motorcycle to persistent weakness in the US like bullion,” Trivedi noted,
founder Ansh Agarwal in a ing capital and failure to imple- future growth momentum accelerate its push to convert dollar index, and a flurry of adding that a weak rupee could
LinkedIn post said Blip was fac- ment our gtm in an efficient even as it plans to expand pres- budget-conscious 100-110cc rid- trade-related developments, further aid upside momentum
ing funding challenges. manner, it didn’t make sense ence in the electric vehicle seg- ers, leveraging its 50% opera- analysts said. in the gold prices.
Blip offered 30-minute for us to continue, and ment. In the letter to share- tional cost savings. Investors will closely Last week, the yellow
doorstep delivery of the hence we had to make a holders published in the “Freedom isn’t just a bike; monitor the release of metal futures for Au-
latest fashion apparel difficult choice to shut company’s annual report, it’s a blueprint for sustainable, US Consumer Price In- gust delivery climbed
and accessories in Ben-
galuru. “After building
blip down,” he added
in the post.
Chairman Niraj Bajaj says the
company remains committed
affordable performance,” Ba-
jaj noted. The chairman em-
flation (CPI) and retail
sale data, which could $ `842, or 0.86%, on the
Multi Commodity Ex-
for over a year, we have Agarwal added that to driving competitiveness in phasised that the electric revo- in turn provide more change (MCX).
finally called it a day. he personally continues the strategically relevant and lution remained central to direction for the bullion Hareesh V, Head of
while we continue to be- to believe in the space and important 125cc+ motorcycle Bajaj’s future course of action. prices, they added. Commodity Research, Geo-
lieve in this space, bootstrap- understands the need for verti- segment. Having seized the No. 1 electric Jateen Trivedi, VP Research jit Investments, said the yellow
ping the business with limited calisation of quick-commerce Bajaj said that the compa- the strength of its proposition. scooter spot with its iconic Analyst, Commodity and Cur- metal started the week on a
capital made it extremely dif- in general. “Being first in the ny’s annual revenues from Pul- “While the overall domestic Chetak scooters, the focus rency at LKP Securities, said weaker note as easing tensions
ficult for us to participate in market and changing the sar brand at nearly `15,000 motorcycles performance was shifts to scaling up Chetak gold is expected to trade strong between Israel and Iran
the market,” he said. narratives with the resources crore, of which, `10,000 crore subdued by a relatively weak even further with a view in the coming week as long as it and better-than-expected
“With our model being differ- we had kept me awake at night, domestically, on the back of second half that saw a loss of growing volumes, market sustains above `97,000 per 10 U S n o n - f a r m p ay ro l l s
ent from the rest, we did a lot of but it was all worth it,” he the highest-ever retails in market share, we view this as share leadership and improv- grams on the MCX. data dampened safe-haven
first-in-market implementa- further said. 125cc+ segment reinforcing a critical area and are taking ing unit economics. “Renewed trade tariff jitters demand.
 I still want to play Test
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane is no longer in the selectors’
scheme of things but the 37-year-old will has not given up the hopes
of donning the national whites one more time. “I still want to play
cricket: Rahane Test cricket. Our domestic season is starting so the preparation has
just begun,” Rahane told Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports Cricket.

11 HYDERABAD MONDAY 14 07 2025

� � newindianexpress com

Absolute Sinnema: Jannik cruises past Carlos, lifts 1st Wimbledon title
HOWARD FENDRICH This victory also allowed Sin- that featured moments of ter- telling anyone who asked: No, his right palm on the grass.
ner, a 23-year-old Italian, to put rific play by both men, but also there would be no carryover Sinner put the French Open
JANNIK Sinner defeated two- an end to several streaks for Al- the occasional lapses. from his heartbreak in Paris. behind him and demonstrated
time defending champion Car- caraz, a 22-year-old Spaniard. Alcaraz stepped into the sun- Hard to imagine, though, that that his matchups with Alcaraz
los Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Alcaraz had won the past five light bathing Centre Court as that collapse wasn’t on his mind could delight tennis fans. They
Sunday to win his first Wimble- head-to-head matches between the owner of a career-best at least a little on Sunday, espe- have divvied up the past seven
don championship and reverse the pair, most recently across 24-match unbeaten run. He had cially when he faced two break Grand Slam trophies, and nine
the result of their epic French five sets and nearly 5 1/2 hours won 20 matches in a row at the points while serving at 4-3, 15-40 of the last 12.
Open final five weeks ago. at Roland-Garros on June 8. Sin- All England Club, including vic- in the fourth set. But he took the Fittingly, this marked the first
The No. 1-ranked Sinner ner took a two-set lead in that tories against Novak Djokovic next four points to hold, and time the same two men faced off
earned his fourth Grand Slam one, then held a trio of match in the 2023 and 2024 finals. soon was serving out the win. in the title matches on the clay
title overall, moving him one points, but couldn’t close the The last man to beat Alcaraz When it ended, Sinner put both at Roland-Garros and the grass
away from No. 2 Alcaraz’s total deal. That made Alcaraz 5-0 in at Wimbledon? Sinner, in the hands on his white hat. After at the All England Club in the
as the two young rivals separate major finals. In addition to end- fourth round in 2022. So this embracing Alcaraz at the net, same year since Roger Federer
themselves from the rest of the ing that piece of perfection, Sin- served as a bookend win for Sin- Sinner crouched on court with and Rafael Nadal did it in 2006,
pack in men’s tennis. ner asserted himself in a match ner, who proved what he kept Jannik Sinner reacts after beating Carlos Alacaraz in the final on Sunday | AP his head bowed, then pounded 2007 and 2008.

MOVING DAY AT LORD’S GAME ON!

UNEVEN BOUNCE BATTING INTENT GONE WRONG
After three days of the When it comes off, Bazball is a million bucks. Harry Brook
surface being Dr Jekyll, it India put the Test on fast looked a million bucks. But the bowlers know they are
went all Mr Hyde on the forward mode in the always in the game and that’s what happened. Three of the
fourth morning. Balls morning session as they four dismissals were attacking shots gone wrong. England,
14 wickets fall on Sunday as hosts England make early inroads after setting a target of 193 started hitting the
gloves — one hit Ollie
claimed four English though, will argue that survival was going to be hard so it
wickets for 98 runs. was better to put runs on the board. When they weren’t
Pope before ballooning A look... getting out, they were getting repeatedly beaten outside off.
over the cordon for a
Express in England four — from
Shubman Gill was proactive with his field placings
length. Others GILL
FIROZ MIRZA kept low from a
similar length as
EARNS
HIS
and bowling changes on Sunday. He had two gullies,
brought the keeper up to the stumps for both Akash
Deep and Nitish Reddy and these changes clearly
@LONDON batters were STRIPES discomfited the hosts. Zak Crawley lived a charmed
routinely

I
life before he was pocketed in the gully.
T was supposed to be felled. With
a one hard-fought day ample seam
of cricket and Day 4 movement SPICY CELEBRATIONS: Both Mohammed Siraj and Nitish
of the third Test be- thanks to the Reddy were within handshaking distance after removing Ben Duckett and
tween India and Eng- newness of the ball, the Crawley, respectively. The former’s shoulder even connected with Duckett
land here at the Lord’s top-order were second whose mis-timed pull failed to clear wide mid on. The visitors were clearly
Cricket Ground lived guessing. pumped up after last night and it carried on.
up to its billing. If the last over

Sore point again: Over rates

bowled by India pace spear-
head Jasprit Bumrah on Satur-
day was a precursor to what’s
in the store in the day to follow,

unusually slow in England

what finally panned out in
front of a jam-packed stadium
t h e n e x t d ay e x c e e d e d
expectations.
With the pitch offering une-
ven bounce, India did well to F I R O Z M I R Z A @ London DRS takes its time... But yeah,
OVERS BOWLED SO FAR

O
bowl out England for 192 in to lose that much, it’s probably
their second innings. But that England players celebrate the dismissal of India captain Shubman Gill on Day Four of the third Test at Lord’s | AP VER the last decade or so, 1st TEST OVERS at the extreme level.”
was just the beginning as chas- Test cricket has had to Day 1 85 It’s extreme, like Southree
ing a tricky 193 target on such the hosts crossed the 150-run address several issues at says. But there are multiple fac-
England 1st innings: 387; India (Ist Innings): 387; England 2nd Innings: Crawley c Day 2 77 rain curtailed day
a surface was never going to be mark. once. First, there is the tors at play. The biggest factor to
easy and that was what exactly Jaiswal b Reddy 22, Duckett c Bumrah b Siraj 12, Pope lbw b Siraj 4, Root b Washington When it looked like things never-ending debate Day 3 78.2 consider is that Tests have nev-
happened. 40, Brook b Akash Deep 23, Stokes b Washington 33, Smith b Washington 8, Woakes b had started settling down, Root about its perceived health, or Day 4 78.1 er been more exciting and more
Bumrah 10, Carse b Bumrah 1, Archer not out 5, Bashir b
The visitors lost four wickets SCOREBOARD Washington 2; Extras: (B-25, LB-6, NB-1) 32; Total: (10 wkts, attempted a sweep only to re- the lack thereof. Second, the Day 5 76 (England won) result-oriented than they are
for just 58 in their pursuit for a 62.1 ovs) 192; FoW: 22-1, 42-2, 50-3, 87-4, 154-5, 164-6, 181-7 ,
gret it later as Washington Sun- problem of slow over-rate. now. Despite slow over-rates
remarkable win as the match dar castled him behind the The International Cricket 2nd TEST OVERS 3rd TEST OVERS there have been results. If any-
182-8, 185-9; Bowling: Bumrah 16-3-38-2, Siraj 13-2-31-2, Reddy 5-1-20-1, Akash Deep
headed to an exciting finish on 8-2-30-1, Jadeja 8-1-20-0, Washington 12.1-2-22-4; India 2nd Innings: Jaiswal c Smith b pads. That wicket changed the Council (ICC) have time and Day 1 85 Day 1 83 thing, teams are prioritising the
the final day. Previous innings Archer 0, Rahul batting 32, Nair lbw Carse 14, Gill lbw Carse 6, Akash Deep b Stokes 1; course of the match for Stokes again tried to govern the prob- match situation and continuing
Day 2 86 Day 2 72.3
centurion KL Rahul was un- Extras: (LB-3, NB-1) 4; Total: (4 wkts, 17.4 ovs) 58; FoW: 5-1, 41-2, 53-3, 58-4; Bowling: and Co as they lost the remain- lem — captains being banned with their best bowlers — pac-
beaten on 33 when the bails Woakes 5-2-11-0, Archer 4-0-18-1, Stokes 44.-0-15-1, Carse 4-1-11-2. ing five wickets for only 38 runs seemed to work but they lifted Day 3 82.3 ers, in this context — rather
Day 3 77.2
were drawn. to get bowled out for 192 in 62.1 that in 2019 — without a suita- Day 4 86 than spinners to get through
Earlier, a fired-up Indian overs. The Tamil Nadu spinner ble solution. In the World Test Day 4 78.5 overs quickly. There is a corela-
Day 5 52.1
team descended on the hal- 12 off 12 providing some res- good length spot from where scalped four while Bumrah and Championship (WTC) era, they Ongoing Test tion because a lot of these in-
India won
lowed turf on Sunday morning pite to the English supporters. the balls were either rising Siraj walked away with two have resorted to docking crucial fringements tend to happen in
with Bumrah firing on all cyl- That joy, however, was short- wickedly onto the handle of the wickets each. points but this also hasn’t break to counter the heat of countries where spin is not a
inders. The wearing down day lived as Siraj got him out giv- bat or just keeping low and Having watched and later ex- helped. In fact, England, if any- London and various stoppages dominant bowling type.
four surface with uneven ing a send-off while having skidding. His first spell of 5-0- perienced Bumrah’s spell from thing, have doubled down. New for ball, it’s a touch too much. With a lot of pace at both ends
bounce made him almost un- shoulder contact with the bat- 21-0 might suggest otherwise the Nursery End, Stokes em- Zealand were docked points for And add to that the money fans in hot conditions, slow over-rate
playable as he racked up the ter. Umpires even had a word but it was that spectacular ployed the same tactics to ex- the same thing at the end of are paying to watch a full day’s becomes an automatic byprod-
pace to unsettle English bat- with the Hyderabad pacer after bowling that eventually helped tract the uneven bounce from 2024. play of 90 overs. This, of course, uct. Stokes’ argument (the cap-
ters. With Mohammed Siraj India’s huddle. Nitish Kumar Reddy in getting the deteriorating Lord’s strip. The issue of slow overrate is a problem across teams and tain has refused to sign over-
complementing him well, the The new batter, Ollie Pope, the wicket of now an indecisive And who else than Jofra Arch- has reared its head in the heat continents. On the first day of rate sheets for well over a year
first session became almost un- didn’t survive long as India Crawley for the second time in er can fetch him the desired re- of England over the course of the ongoing D/N Test against but it’s not yet known if he’s
bearable for the home team. successfully reviewed an LBW the match. Akash Deep joined sults. Agree it was not the best the first three Tests. At the on- West Indies and Australia on signing on the dotted line this
Zak Crawley, who was at the appeal giving Siraj his second the party soon, as he had coun- of the balls but was enough to going one at Lord’s 32 overs Saturday, 10 overs were lost in series) is they are producing re-
centre of the time-wasting duel wicket of the day. While his ter-attacking Harry Brook to cramp India opener Yashasvi were lost in the first three days Jamaica. sults so slow over-rates are re-
only a few hours ago, was un- partner was racking up wick- break the back of England’s Jaiswal. Soon, Brydon Carse alone. Day One only after 83 England’s bowling coach, dundant in the larger scheme of
derstandably at the receiving ets, Bumrah was at his best batting by lunch. All hopes and Stokes chipped in, leaving overs were bowled. The next Tim Southee, said: “It’s never things. At some level, that’s also
end with Bumrah again hitting from the other end even as his rested on their most experi- India reeling at 58/4. An in- two days turned out to be even ideal, I don’t think, but it’s obvi- missing the point because Eng-
his top hand in the second over wicket column was empty. The enced batter Joe Root and cap- tense contest awaits with Eng- shorter (Day 2 72.3 overs; Day 3: ously been hot so there’s been land have been responsible for
of the day. Even as he was look- uneven bounce on the offer was tain Ben Stokes and they saw land having upper hand. India 77.2 overs). Even taking into probably more drinks than usu- over a quarter of all over-rate
ing out of place, his opening utilised to the fullest by the off a difficult period to add 67 have a mountain to climb. context various stoppages for al. There’s been a number of penalties in the WTC era.
partner Ben Duckett raced to pacer. He kept targeting the runs for the fourth wicket as Full story: newindianexpress.com injuries, unscheduled drinks stoppages with the ball also, and Full story: newindianexpress.com

HOCKEY EXPRESS READ

Pakistan to not Scottish Open: McIlroy shares Chennai-based 24-year-old Indian mixed teams miss medal
travel to India for lead with Gotterup Harikrishnan becomes 87th GM at shooting World Cup
NORTH BERWICK: Masters champion Rory NEW DELHI: Harikrishnan, 24, on Friday LONATO: Lakshay Sheoran (22,19,25) and
tourney: Officials McIlroy took another step toward emerging
out of the doldrums with two big shots at the
earned his third GM-norm at the La Plagne
International Chess Festival in France to
Neeru Dhanda (25,24,25) missed out on
making the medal round in the trap mixed
end of his round Saturday that led to a become the country’s 87th Grandmaster. The team event despite a perfect third series as
A G E N C I E S @ Karachi
4-under 66 and gave him a share of the lead Chennai-based Harikrishnan earned his first India’s campaign folded at the ISSF Lonato
with Chris Gotterup in the Scottish Open at GM norm some years back. He then gained his World Cup. They totaled 140 out of a possible
PAKISTAN will not travel to In-
The Renaissance Club. second one at Andujar Open in Spain. 150 in the qualifying round to finish 10th.
dia for upcoming hockey tour-
naments over “security” con-
cerns, government sources told
AFP on Saturday, potentially
jeopardising their place in next
year’s World Cup.
Min wants early BFI polls, IOA forms panel India players celebrate winning the T20I series against England on Saturday | PTI

The nuclear-armed neigh-

bours traded the worst violence
in decades during a four-day I N D R A N E E L D A S @ Chennai Usha forming an ad hoc com- the earliest. mandated that the BFI elections
Shafali’s 75 in vain, but
India win T20 series 3-2
conflict in May that killed 70 mittee when BFI tenure was The Interim Committee was be held before August 31, and as
people. Pakistan was due to IN a new twist to Indian boxing over in February. not amused. The WB had earlier the Interim Committee, we are
participate in the Men’s Asia saga, the Indian Olympic Asso- This comes just a few days af- formed this committee after fully committed to delivering
Cup for hockey to be hosted by ciation formed a three-member ter the World Boxing had sent a elections were delayed and the free and fair polls within that
India in August and September, committee to examine the delay letter to the Interim Committee matter landed in the court. The timeline. At the same time, it is A G E N C I E S @ Birmingham per Harmanpreet Kaur (15)
for which the federation had in election of Boxing Federation that is running the day to day af- IC in a statement said that they important to reaffirm that the who stitched 66 runs off 43 balls
sought the gover nment’s of India. According to a letter fairs of the sport to hold elec- would ensure the elections are autonomy of the National Fed- INDIA failed to end the T20I se- for the third wicket to take In-
clearance. signed by IOA president PT tions by August 31. Usha in held within the stipulated eration is governed by the ries against England on a high, dia forward before the latter
“After the recent war the se- Usha, the committee was formed the letter said that the deadline of August 31. framework laid down by the after losing to the hosts by five was cleaned up by off-spinner
curity and safety of our hockey after sports ministry sent a let- committee would ascer- The IC in a statement world body. While we respect the wickets in a last-ball thriller in Charlie Dean (3/23).
players will be at risk,” said a ter asking them to find ways to tain the reasons for the said that the world body, intent behind the IOA’s forma- an inconsequential fifth and fi- Shafali, on the other hand,
sports ministry source to AFP, resolve the impasse after the delay in elections and after reviewing the tion of a three-member fact- nal match on Saturday. India, was going great guns by deal-
who asked not to be identified. tenure of BFI elected body got the current legal and ad- roadmap and delibera- finding committee, the process however, won the series 3-2. In- ing in boundaries to notch up
Pakistan will also not partici- over on February 2. ministrative status of the tions held with IOA Pres- under way is already transpar- dia rode on Shafali Verma’s her score in just 41 balls. She
pate in the Junior World Cup in The three members commit- BFI. The panel also would ident during discussions ent, accountable, and well-docu- quick-fire 75 to score 167 for 7, a hit 13 boundaries and a six.
India in November, the source tee will be headed by IOA’s treas- assess the implications of the in Lausanne, has recently ex- mented. All key action points target which England chased Dean finally got the prized
said. Not featuring in the Asia urer Sahdev Yadav, with execu- delay on the governance and tended its tenure. “At no point and developments have been down with five wickets to spare scalp of Shafali in the 14th.
Cup will likely cost Pakistan a t ive c o m m i t t e e m e m b e r functioning of boxing in India. was the objective of ensuring a formally communicated to both on the last ball. Batting first, Chasing, openers Sophia
place in next year’s senior Bhupinder Singh Bajwa and The sports ministry in a letter smooth and timely transition the IOA and the Ministry, ensur- Smriti Mandhana started on an Dunkley (46 off 30) and Dan-
World Cup to be held in the lawyer Payal Kakra as the other dated July 5 had requested the overlooked by the Interim Com- ing complete institutional clar- aggressive note in the opening ielle Wyatt-Hodge (56 off 37)
Netherlands and Belgium. A two. What seems interesting is IOA to provide a way forward in mittee including the conduct of ity,” said Arun Malik, the Execu- over before perishing on the gave England a flying start,
second government source also that Yadav and Bajwa had ear- consultation with World Boxing the Elections,” said the panel. tive Director of the BFI. last delivery. sharing a 101-run stand in just
confirmed the decision to AFP. lier objected to IOA president to ensure elections are held at “World Boxing has clearly Full story: newindianexpress.com It was Shafali (75) and skip- 10.4 overs.
 EDUCATION EXPRESS NICL AO UPSC CMS MAT
PHASE 1

12
Date: Date:
Date: July 20, 2025 July 20, 2025 July 20, 2025
YOUR
HYDERABAD, MONDAY LIFE
COACH
UPCOMING newindianexpress com
14 07 2025
� � EXAMINATIONS

ICONIC EVENTS & TRADITIONS FROM BOARDROOMS TO DANCE FLOORS, CODING BATTLES TO
CULTURAL WARS — THIS IS WHERE THE BRIGHTEST COME TO PLAY

Kashiyatra – Annual Cultural Fest

Kashiyatra,
commonly known as
KY, is the annual
cultural festival of
IIT (BHU) under
Cultural Council since
1981. It is one of the
largest college fests
More than just fests Spardha – Annual sports fest
in North India. With Technex – Annual techno-management fest
IIT (BHU) celebrates a rich legacy of student-led festivals Spardha is the annual inter-collegiate sports festival of IIT (BHU) events spanning
and events that reflect the vibrant, diverse, and evolving under the Games and Sports Council and a major sporting event in music, dance, Technex, under the Science and Technology Council, is one of
culture of the institute. It brings the community together. the region with a glorious history of over 30 years. With participation theatre, fashion, Asia’s oldest technical festivals dating back to 1939. It is a
From grand celebrations of culture and technology to socially from premier institutes, it celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship and literature, fine arts, platform where innovation meets execution. The festival
impactful initiatives, these events form the pulse of campus competitive zeal. Spardha celebrates sportsmanship through an and quizzes, it draws participation from over features coding, robotics, AI, finance, and entrepreneurship
life. Among the most anticipated annual events at IIT (BHU), array of sports like Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, 300 colleges across India and witnesses a events, along with exhibitions, expert talks, and immersive
Varanasi, are Spardha, Kashiyatra and Technex. Football, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Lawn Tennis, footfall of over 60,000 students. workshops. Students from across India converge to compete,
Squash, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Volleyball, and Weightlifting. collaborate, and showcase ideas that can shape the future.

IIT (BHU) has been working

REDIFINING EXCELLENCE AT Innovation in labs, success in careers, excellence in culture, and voices

IIT BHU
on a mission mode to develop that matter — Saumya Solanki traces their story of academic leadership
cutting-edge technologies
through research & innovation
vital for the advancement of the
country in the new tech era

Research &
innovation
hub
Pursuit of excellence
To fulfill their commitment, the
following Centres of Excellences/
Labs have been established in the
institute with each one dedicated
to its specific purpose:
Centre of Excellence in Machine
Tool Design Malaviya Centre of
Excellence for Defence Corridor
DRDO Industry Academia-
Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE)
ISRO Regional Academic Centre
for Space Precision Engineering
Hub National Battery Research
Facility Coforge Data and AI Lab
I-DAPT- Hub Foundation I3F

What’s
Best dish on the
campus: Ask any
Lingo typical to IIT
(BHU): The campus has
Best time to be on
campus: The best time to
Best spot to hang
out for students on
Placement trends & challenges
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
student and they’ll tell its own lingo too — terms be on campus is around campus: For hangouts,

fun on you that

Chole
like HG
(Hyderabad
October to
November —
students
often chill Placement growth statistics (2020-21 to 2024-25)

campus
Samosa Gate) and that sweet at the
from LC LC (Limbdi spot between, Cafeteria or Students placed Average package Highest domestic Nikesh Arora
and Cold Coffee from VT Corner) are part of “So hot I’m gonna die” and take peaceful walks to increased from rose from packages surged from (EEE, 1989)

780 `17.64 `40

are campus favourites. everyday conversations. “So cold my toes are frozen”. VT (Vishwanath Temple). CEO and
For a greener tomorrow Chairman,
Apart from this, the institute has Most Instagram-worthy spot on campus: If you’re Most competitive club or society: Science Palo Alto
secured a prestigious `55 crore looking for a picture-perfect moment, the garden in front of and Technology Council (SNTC) is seen as the (2020-21) to over LPA (2020-21) to lakh (2020-21) to Networks USA
research grant to establish a the Electrical Building offers a serene and photogenic backdrop. most competitive — it houses several elite clubs. 1,239 (2024-25) `22.80 LPA (2024-25) `2.2 crore (2024-25)
National Facility for Battery
Research under MAHA-EV ANRF CURRENT PLACEMENT SEASON Jay Choudhary

‘WE NURTURE RESPONSIBLE AND

mission. (EEE, 1980)
PRE-PLACEMENT
OFFERS (PPOS) 289 CEO and
Founder,
Zscaler, USA

SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS TECHNOCRATS’ 460

INTERNSHIP
OFFERS

PARTICIPATING More than Ramesh

Prof Amit Patra, Director of
IIT (BHU) talks about holistic
What are your top
priorities or goals for the
COMPANIES
300+ Srinivasan
(META, 1982)
President and
next five years?
growth, campus start-ups, and CEO, Agilysis
Our goal is to expand industry
how a legacy institution is driv- Inc, USA
outreach, forging partnerships
Foraying into nanomedicine ing India’s EV revolution and with leading companies to in-
Prof Pradip Paik leads innovation ecosystem crease placement opportuni-
ties and internships across di- Dr Raj Yavatkar
Laboratory for Materials for (ECE, 1980)
Healthcare: Translational verse sectors. We aim to
Nanomedicine How does the unique modernise our placement prep- CTO, Juniper
integration with Banaras aration framework, integrating Networks, USA
Research: Cancer therapy, Hindu University influence advanced technical skills, soft Senior
inflammation, regenerative IIT (BHU)'s academic and skills and mock interviews to executive
medicine, infectious diseases - 18 cultural environment? equip students for global ca- positions at Intel, VMware,
patents Bharat Ratna Pt Madan Mohan ties of BHU and IIT (BHU) Var- reers. We plan to establish and Google
TRIPHAN HEALTHCARE, a
Malaviya had envisioned a fu- anasi offering several benefits stronger alumni network too.
start-up: Nanoantibiotics against
ture India and founded the pre-
antibiotic-resistant pathogens
mier centre of multidiscipli- Do tell us about IIT (BHU) Where do you see India in Dev Goswami
nary education — Banaras being selected as the nodal 2050 and what role do you GET SET, GO: A glimpse of one of the sports activities during Spardha 2024 (Mechanical,
Low-cost, scalable Hindu University (BHU). centre for national EV see IIT (BHU) playing 1974)
manufacturing; immune During the years 1919-1924, battery research. towards it? Executive
modulatory nanomedicines ready the university started various IIT (BHU) has been entrust- By 2050, I envision India STUDENTS’ VOICES Chair, IPS
for clinical trials engineering departments, ed to develop a national- as a technology and in- Board
which were later integrated level facility in the in- novation leader driv- ABHINANDAN GAIKWAD, 3rd year, PHE
from 1969 to 1971 into the Insti- s t i t u t e o n b at t e r y ing sustainable devel- IIT (BHU), Varanasi, is more than just an institute for me, it’s
tute of Technology (BHU). research. The facility opment and digital Naresh C Jain
a place that’s helping me grow every day. I’ve learned so (MEC, 1967)
In 2012, it was converted into will develop cutting- change. much, not just from books, but also from the people around
Indian Institute of Technology edge technologies for IIT (BHU) will play a me. Whether it’s late-night study sessions, talking to Founder,
(BHU) Varanasi with the vision mitigating battery degra- pivotal role by produc- professors who truly guide us, or just sitting quietly near the Diamond
of imparting world class engi- dation and improving its reli- ing world-class engineers, Vishwanath Temple, this place has taught me discipline, Express Car
neering education, research ability and performance in fostering cutting-edge research, confidence, and balance. Wash Inc
and innovation. tropical conditions for EV ap- and nurturing entrepreneurs
Unique integration of IIT plications. Leading automotive through stronger industry-
(BHU) with BHU benefits: industries and research labora- academia collaboration. ABHISHEK KUMAR SINGH, 4th year, CHE
Artificial Intelligence (a) Access to a broader academ- tories of the country and a few Through improvements in In the heart of Banaras, where Maa Ganga flows with Manoj Sinha
Coforge Data & AI Lab: ic spectrum (b) Interdiscipli- overseas universities and or- placement processes, outreach timeless grace, IIT (BHU) stands as a blend of heritage and (Civil Engg,
Computing infrastructure, real- nary research (c) Development ganisations are partnering initiatives, and the curriculum, innovation. Life here is vibrant — with tech fests, student- 1979)
world projects, mentorship of a holistic skillset with IIT (BHU) in this initia- we will prepare graduates to led clubs, and events that keep the campus buzzing year- Lieutenant
(d) Integrated medical facili- tive of the institute. address India’s challenges. round. The seniors and faculty are not just mentors but Governor
Saras AI Institute partnership: guiding lights who are always ready to help. It’s a place of Jammu and
AI education, fundamental courses, where you grow, explore, and truly discover your potential. Kashmir
AI Evaluator for assessment
Current projects: AI reader for ARUSHI GUPTA, 4th year, CER
visually impaired, sustainable
Three years at IIT (BHU), and it’s been a journey I wouldn’t
Dr Kota
farming, vulnerability detection,
trade for anything. Like many, I chose this place for its
Harinarayana
math education for school children
strong academics and solid placement stats — on paper, it
(Mechanical
Engg, 1964)
Future: UG/PG programmes in had everything. But once I actually got here, I fell in love
AI & robotics, interdisciplinary with something even more valuable: the culture. What Chairman,
PhD support, EdTech collabs for WELCOME, WELCOME: Former Cricketer stands out is the spirit of community learning. You’re BOG IIT (BHU)
underprivileged areas Munaf Patel at Spardha 2024 constantly learning from peers, seniors.