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RAHUL MEETS
HATHRAS VICTIMS,
POINTS TO LAPSES
Hathras/Aligarh, July
5: Leader of Opposition
Rahul Gandhi on Friday
met victims of the
Hathras stampede and
said lapses on part of the
administration led to the
death of over 100 people,
He urged UP CM Yogi
Adityanath to release
“maximum compensa-
tion” for the victims with-
out any delay.
■ Full report on Page 9
LANDSLIDE WIN
FOR STRAMER,
SUNAK RESIGNS
London, July 5: Keir
Starmer became UK’s
new prime minister on
Friday and vowed to
rebuild Britain, hours
after his Labour Party
secured a landslide victo-
ry in a general election
which saw voters inflict a
“sobering verdict” on
Rishi Sunak-led
Conservatives.
■ Full coverage on Page 12
PM gung-ho on hosting Olympics
New Delhi, July 5:
Confident that India’s bid
to host the 2036 Olympics
will be successful, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
has urged athletes bound
for this month’s Paris
Games to share their views
on the arrangements in the
French capital to help his
government’s ambitious
plan to bring the quadren-
nial showpiece here.
In an interaction with
Paris-bound athletes, con-
10-year-old disputes
face Revanth, Naidu
Revanth to seek share in AP’s coastline, ports
L. VENKAT RAM
REDDY I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
All eyes are on the first-
ever meeting between
Telangana Chief Minister
A. Revanth Reddy and
Andhra Pradesh Chief
Minister N. Chandrababu
Naidu to be held on
Saturday at Praja Bhavan,
for finding a solution to
unresolved issues between
two Telugu states after the
bifurcation of the compos-
ite state
Pradesh.
of Andhra
Apart from addressing
legacy issues born out of
the bifurcation, sources
said Revanth Reddy is
expected to seek a share in
Andhra Pradesh’s 1,000-km
coastline for the land-
locked Telangana.
Similarly, the Telangana
government could desire to
have a share in the
PG 5 | HALF OF CITY BRS MLAs SKIP PREP FOR GHMC COUNCIL MEET
ducted both in person and
online on Thursday, Modi
said those travelling to the
French capital would do
the country a huge service
by providing inputs from
their experience.
“We are hoping to host
the Olympics in 2036, it will
help in creating a sporting
atmosphere. Work is in on
to prepare for it,” he said.
■ Page 9: Athletes receive
PM’s motivation
Revanth Chandrababu
Reddy Naidu
K r i s h n a p a t n a m ,
Machilipatnam, and
Gangavaram ports.
Revanth Reddy is also
likely to demand the
restoration of seven man-
dals of Khammam district,
which the Centre merged
with Andhra Pradesh days
before the bifurcation
came into effect on
June 2, 2014.
Revanth Reddy, who
recently visited the temple
of Lord Venkateswara at
Tirumala, is likely to press
for a role for Telangana in
the administration of the
PM Narendra Modi interacts with the Indian contingent
for the Olympic Games, in New Delhi on Friday.
cmyk
HYDERABAD I SATURDAY I 6 JULY 2024
Vol. 87 No. 187 Established 1938 | 24 PAGES | `6.00
Tirumala Tirupati
Devasthanams (TTD).
Revanth Reddy could also
demand division of
Krishna waters in propor-
tion to the catchment area,
which will allow
Telangana to lay claim for
558 TMC of water.
He is also expected to
demand Andhra Pradesh
power companies pay their
`24,000-crore dues to
Telangana power compa-
nies immediately and
promised to pay AP if
Telangana owed anything
to it. The AP government
claims that Telangana dis-
coms owe it `7,000 crore.
The meeting between the
Chief Ministers of the two
Telugu states is being held
after a gap of four-and-a-
half years. Last one was in
January 2020.
■ Page 5: Dispute over
distribution of 30 institutes
— PTI
 POLITICS
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
WEATHER
Max: 33.5OC
Min: 25.6OC
RH: 51%
Rainfall: 8.7 mm
Forecast: Genarally cloudy
sky. Max/Min
temp. 33/23 ºC
ASTROGUIDE
Krodhi; Uttarayana
Tithi: Ashada Shukla Padyami till
4.26 am (Sunday)
Star: Punarvasu till 4.47 am
(Sunday)
Varjyam: 4.27 pm to 6.05 pm
Durmuhurtam: 5.51 am to 7.35 am
Rahukalam: 9 am to 10.30 am
HIJRI CALENDAR
Zil Hijjah 29,1445 H
PRAYERS
Fajar: 4.38 am
Zohar: 12.30 pm
Asar: 4.56 pm
Maghrib: 7.00 pm
Isha: 8.17 pm
SUNRISE TOMORROW 05.47 AM
SUNSET TODAY 06.54 PM
MOONRISE 05.49 PM
MOONSET 7.32 PM
POINT
COUNTER
SHORT TAKES
Danasari Anasuya Seethakka
SEETHAKKA
SENDS LEGAL
NOTICE TO KCR
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Minister Danasari Anasuya
Seethakka has sent a legal
notice to former chief minis-
ter K. Chandrasekhar Rao for
defaming her through a aroty
video titled “Indramma
Rajyam Isukasurula
Rajayam”, which alleges that
illegal mining by the sand
mafia was running under the
directions of ministers of the
Congress government.
Advocate Naguluri Krishna
Kumar sent the notice to Rao
on behalf of the minister. The
notice mentions that the said
video was made with false
material only to tarnish the
minister’s image. The advo-
cate wanted to know how the
BRS official page is showing
the link of this video, which
has images of the Chief
Minister and his Cabinet col-
leagues.
The notice says that this
video had led to severe dis-
tress and anxiety causing
incalculable damage to
Seethakka, estimated conser-
vatively at `100 crore. She
sought an unconditional apol-
ogy from Rao.
HC TELLS POLICE
NOT TO ARREST
MLA GOPINATH
VUJJINI VAMSHIDHAR I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Justice K. Lakshman of the
Telangana High Court on
Friday directed the orabanda
police not to arrest BRS
Jubilee Hills legislator
Maganti Gopinath till further
orders in a criminal case reg-
istered against him in regard
to violation of the model code
of conduct during the recent
Lok Sabha polls. Two FIRs
were registered against
Gopinath on charges of creat-
ing public nuisance and
ignoring orders. The judge
found fault with the police for
registering two FIRs for the
same offence. Gopinath had
participated in an election
campaign on May 9 for the
party’s Secunderabad candi-
date. A bike rally of 200 per-
sons was taken out near a
mosque in Borabanda, which
disturbed those who were
offering prayers.
HCA president on sticky Telangana to launch new
wicket, likely to lose post power policy soon: Bhatti
Plea on disqualification to come up in court on July 23
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Hyderabad Cricket Asso-
ciation (HCA) former sec-
retary Seshu Narayana
said the election of A. Jag-
an Mohan Rao as HCA
president was invalid as
the ombudsman appointed
by the cricket body had
not recognised the Sri
Chakra Cricket Club, from
where he was elected, as a
member of the associa-
tion.
Since Jagan Mohan Rao
got into the HCA through
an unrecognised cricket
club, he had not attended a
single general body meet-
ing of the HCA. As per the
old constitution of the
HCA, his election was
invalid. A number of peti-
tions were coming up
before the Supreme Court
on July 23 challenging the
election of Jagan Mohan
Rao as HCA chief.
The Gowlipura Cricket
Club, which has been a
member of HCA for a long
period, requested the HCA
to recognise Sri Chakra
FRAME NORMS
FOR TENANT
FARMERS: DY CM
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The Cabinet sub-com-
mittee on Rythu
Bharosa, led by Deputy
Chief Minister Mallu
Bhatti Vikramarka, on
Friday discussed modal-
ities to be adopted to
identify tenant farmers
who are being brought
into the scheme for the
first time.
The committee asked
revenue and agriculture
officials to make appro-
priate recommendations
on how to identify ten-
ant farmers. The Rythu
Bandhu, which is to be
phased out, covered only
landowners.
The undivided AP gov-
ernments used to issue
identity cards for tenant
farmers but the previous
BRS government abol-
ished the system. It also
removed the tenant
farmers column from
the pattadar passbooks.
The government has
asked the sub-committee
to submit its report on
Rythu Bharosa by July
15. The report will be
tabled in the Assembly
session. After receiving
feedback, the governm-
ent will finalise the gui-
delines for the scheme.
PONGULETI SEEKS
PROPER REVISION
OF LAND RATES
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Revenue minister Pong-
uleti Srinivas Reddy has
directed stamps and reg-
istrations officials to
revise market value of
land in a scientific man-
ner, in accordance with
market rates, while
ensuring that there is no
burden on middle-class
property buyers.
Srinivas Reddy asked
officials to identify areas
with more variation of
land values to determine
a rational increase. In
some areas, the govern-
ment price is higher
than the market value
and it should be reduced
accordingly.
He was speaking at a
review meeting with
principal secretary, rev-
enue, Naveen Mittal, IG,
stamps and registratio-
ns, Jyoti Buddha Prak-
ash, and senior officials.
Officials were directed
to take steps for a com-
plete overhaul of the
stamps and registra-
tions department,
including plugging legal
loopholes.
The minister
announced plans to con-
struct permanent sub-
registrar offices with
state-of-the-art facilities.
Officials were instructed
to identify suitable sites
for the purpose.
● Srinivas Reddy asked
officials to identify areas
with more variation of
land values to determine
a rational increase.
● AS PER the old constitution
of HCA, if anybody has to
contest the election for any
office-bearer’s post, he must
have either served as
office-bearer of the
association or attended the
general body meeting. Jagan
Mohan Rao did not fulfil any
of these conditions.
Cricket Club by claiming
that it had changed the
name of the club.
As the players of the
Gowlipura Cricket Club,
who were playing for the
club for over a decade, co-
ntested the change of na-
me plea made by Rajender
Yadav, Justice Narasimha
Reddy (retired), the ombu-
dsman, rejected the plea.
However, returning offi-
cer for the HCA election,
Sampat Kumar, accepted
the nominations of Sri
Chakra Cricket Club —
without looking into the
objections of other mem-
bers — and allowed its
representatives to contest
the polls. A petition was
GO 317 victims seek priority
in transfers, call on minister
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Employees affected by GO
317 on Friday demanded
that their case be priori-
tised ahead of the general
transfers that the state
government recently
cleared.
These employees appro-
ached minister Damodar
Rajanarasimha, chair-
man of the three-member
committee set up to
address the issues of GO
317 victims, with the dem-
and.
The employees, led by
state representative
Harshavardhan Reddy,
said that general transfers
Nallamala forests set to
emerge as ecotourism hub
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The Nallamala forests
with its many natural
wonders, and the Amra-
bad tiger reserve nestled
in the Nallamala ranges,
will be developed as an
international ecotourism
destination, tourism min-
ister Jupally Krishna Rao
said on Friday.
Krishna Rao, who along
with health minister
Damodar Rajanarasimha,
and MLAs from the erst-
while unified Mahbubn-
agar district, went on a
safari drive in the
Amrabad reserve, as part
of a study tour to assess
tourism potential and dis-
cuss with officials the way
forward on improving
tourism infrastructure,
plans, and creation of
employment for locals
through these activities.
The ministers said the
government plans to
develop tourism infra-
structure in a way that
will make the Nallamala
forests a destination for
international tourists,
and an ecotourism hub, as
per the directions of Chief
Minister A. Revanth
Reddy.
LEGAL | ISSUE Legislative Council has fewer than mandated MLCs, says BRS leader Vinod Kumar
BRS says TG council faces existential crisis
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The Telangana Legislative
Council has become
unconstitutional and
unless urgent steps are
taken its continuation
could be at stake, the BRS
warned on Friday.
Senior BRS leader
Boinapalli Vinod Kumar, a
former MP, said at a press
conference that the
Constitution mandated a
minimum of 40 members
in a Legislative Council,
but this number must be a
minimum of one third of
MLAs in a state.
“Telangana has 119
already filed in the
Telangana High Court
against this decision.
Seshu Narayana, howev-
er, argued that allowing
Jagan Mohan Rao — rep-
resenting Sri Chakra
Cricket Club as its treas-
urer — to contest the HCA
elections was a grave vio-
lation of the law.
As per the old constitu-
tion of HCA, if anybody
has to contest the election
for any office-bearer’s
post, he must have either
served as office-bearer of
the association or attend-
ed the general body meet-
ing. Jagan Mohan Rao did
not fulfil any of these con-
ditions. Yet, returning
Health minister Damodar
Rajanarasimha gives
assurances to staff affect-
ed by GO 317 on Friday.
should only proceed after
GO 317 victims are trans-
ferred to their local dis-
tricts. Alternatively, they
suggested, that during the
general transfers, the GO
317 victims should be
Tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao and health minis-
ter Damodar Rajanarasimha at the Farhabad View Point
in Amrabad Tiger Reserve on Friday.
“These forests are home
to tigers, temples, water-
falls, and many other nat-
ural wonders. I will be vis-
iting one district every
month to assess tourism
potential and developing
it with all facilities. One of
our aims is to generate
employment for local
youth through tourism
activities, as well as rev-
enue for the state,”
Krishna Rao said.
“Some countries, which
do not have natural
resources like we do, give
a lot of importance to the
tourism sector. We, with
our resources, should be
doing better. The study
MLAs, and if the one third
rule is applied then the
number is less than 40
(MLCs). This makes the
existence of the Council
invalid as per Constitu-
tional provisions,” he said.
The problem arose from
the BJP government at the
Centre doing away with
nominated MLA and MP
positions for the Anglo-
Indian community. “Had
this provision continued,
Telangana would have 120
MLAs. With it no longer
available, Telangana is
stuck with 119 MLAs, and
one third of this number
will be less than 40.”
He added: “If someone
officer Sampath Kumar in
connivance with Jagan
Mohan Rao intentionally
ignored this condition.
The newly elected body
also failed to follow the
guidelines of the single
man committee to pursue
the matter of pending
cases. The single member
committee through CEO
had registered four FIRs
in Uppal police station
about the several allega-
tions of huge and multiple
corrupted activities of the
earlier president and the
committee. The apex cou-
ncil had not yet acted in
this regard in the last six
months, said Seshu Nara-
yana. The grave charges
levelled by former secre-
tary Seshu Narayana aga-
inst Jagan Mohan Rao are
also in tune with the obj-
ections raised by the cur-
rent joint secretary T Bas-
wa Raju, in his open letter
to HCA president. Roma
Singh, Women’s Rep-
resentative of BCCI in the
Apex Council of HCA also
made similar charges
against the president.
identified and transferred
based on local criteria.
The association's state
branch, represented by
Sandeep and other lead-
ers, emphasised the urge-
ncy of their situation and
requested immediate act-
ion. Sandeep told Deccan
Chronicle, “Our demand
is simple – transfer us to
our local districts before
proceeding with general
transfers, or include us in
the general transfers
based on local criteria.”
Rajanarasimha assured
them that the matter
would be considered and
suggested a meeting again
in two days to discuss
the issue.
tour is part of these
efforts.”
Rajanarasimha said the
Farhabad View Point, and
the Bourapur temple
inside the tiger reserve
would attract nature
lovers.
Prior to the jungle safari
during which the visiting
ministers saw some
dholes (Indian wild dogs),
sambar and other species
of deer, they, along with
the MLAs, visited the
Umamaheshwaram
temple near Achampet,
and the Niranjan Shavali
dargah. On Saturday, they
are scheduled to visit the
Srisailam temple.
Boinapalli Vinod Kumar
goes to court, the Council
can be declared unconsti-
tutional.”
Vinod Kumar said that
Chief Minister A Revanth
Reddy should press for a
simple Constitutional
B. KRISHNA MOHAN I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Telangana will shortly
announce a new energy
policy focusing on
largescale use of clean
energy. The state also has
plans to set up a skill uni-
versity near Hyderabad
and multiple industrial
clusters along the Outer
Ring Road (ORR) and the
proposed Regional Ring
Road (RRR), three minis-
ters said on Friday.
Deputy Chief Minister
Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka
noted that about 35 per
cent of pharma exports
were from Telangana, and
added that the state will
continue to adopt indus-
try-friendly measures.
The pharma industry is
the backbone of health-
care and the pharma sec-
tor plays a vital role in
promoting patient safety
and health, Bhatti said.
Stressing on making
health accessible to all, he
said the government will
not let any industry face
any problem. He assured
industry representatives
that there was no shortage
of power and water.
IT and industries minis-
ter D. Sridhar Babu said
the government was keen
on creating about 10 phar-
ma clusters to geographi-
cally decentralise the
industry’s growth. This
was among the policies
and initiatives announced
by the Congress govern-
ment within a few months
of coming to power.
“We aim to provide
world-class infrastruc-
ture, regulatory support
and a conducive ecosys-
tem for the growth of the
pharma industry. We want
to encourage production
and foster innovation at
the grassroots,” Sridhar
Babu said
The government was
committed to the growth
Govt committed to filling up
vacant posts soon: Revanth
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Chief Minister
Revanth Reddy reaffirmed
A.
the Congress state govern-
ment’s commitment to
addressing unemploy-
ment by filling vacancies
as promised during elec-
tions. He said the state
government would soon
issue a job calendar and
urged students and unem-
ployed persons not to be
swayed by political con-
spiracies of rival parties
and selfish interests.
Revanth Reddy was
speaking at a meeting at
his residence following
protests by students
unions at the TGSPSC
office earlier in the day,
demanding addition of
few more posts in groups
notifications that were
already issued, reschedul-
ing of exams and other
issues.
Revanth Reddy stated
that the Congress govern-
ment had filled 28,942 job
vacancies in 100 days as
promised. He assured the
students that the state
government was navigat-
ing legal complexities to
ensure fair and timely
recruitment. “The govern-
ment has overcome all the
complications of Group 1,
Group 2, and Group 3
appointments which have
been pending for years,”
he stated.
He stated that a job cal-
endar outlining the sched-
ule for competitive exams
will be released after dis-
cussing it in the Assembly.
amendment to the word-
ing in Section 26 of the AP
Reorganisation Act deal-
ing with provisions relat-
ed to delimitation of
Assembly constituencies
in Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh.
“The section says the
increase of MLA seats will
be subject to the provi-
sions of Article 170 which
states delimitation will be
done after the first census
conducted after 2026. All
that needs to be added are
two words ‘not withstand-
ing’ to Section 26 of the
Reorganisation Act which
will allow the state to
increase its MLA seats,
IT minister D. Sridhar Babu and MP Mallu Ravi take part
in FTCCI excellence awards on Friday.
Govt planning new
industrial policy
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The government will
announce a robust indus-
trial policy in three to
four weeks. It will look
into the issue of clearing
pending industry incen-
tives announced in the
past, said IT and indus-
tries minister D. Sridhar
Babu
Speaking at the industry
body FTCCI’s Annual
Excellence Awards 2023
presentation ceremony
here on Friday, he agreed
to look into the pending
industrial incentives of
of all industry verticals. It
would continue the good
policies of the previous
governments and enhance
industrial growth with
new policies, Sridhar
Babu said. The govern-
ment planned to offer skill
training to about 50,000
graduates over the next
five years, ensuring a
steady pipeline of indus-
try-ready candidates.
Roads and buildings
Police lift members of JAC for unemployed who joined
student organisations to protest at TGPSC demanding
creation of jobs on Friday.
POLICE THWART MARCH BY JOBLESS
TO TGPSC OFFICE FOR CREATING POSTS
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The joint action commit-
tee (JAC) for the unem-
ployed, alongside various
student organisations and
political factions, called
for a large-scale ‘Unem-
ployed March’ towards
the Telangana Public
Service Commission
(TGPSC) office on Friday.
The protest was organ-
ised to demand an
increase in Group 2 and 3
posts, timely job notifica-
tions, and postponement
of the DSC exam.
The police set up barri-
cades around the TGPSC
office and across
Hyderabad, preventing
protesters from reaching
their destination. Reports
and thus save the
Council,” Vinod
explained.
The senior BRS leader
said the same process was
applied when Article 370
was abrogated in Jammu
and Kashmir and the BJP
government included the
very phrase of ‘not with-
standing’ and increased
the seats in the Union
Territory.
“Tomorrow, Revanth
Reddy and Chandrababu
Naidu are meeting to dis-
cuss inter-state issues
related to the
Reorganisation Act. I urge
Revanth Reddy to discuss
pressing for a
pg 2
— DEEPAK DESHPANDE
`3,700 crore. The minister
further said that the gov-
ernment will also bring
out a policy for micro,
small and medium enter-
prises.
Dr Mallu Ravi,
Nagarkurnool MP, lauded
the efforts of FTCCI. No
development is possible
without industrial devel-
opment. Many govern-
ments are competing with
each other on industrial
growth, he said.
FTCCI president Meela
Jayadev stressed on the
issues relating to trade
licence fees based on area
and electricity bills.
minister Komatireddy
Venkat Reddy said the
government had in princi-
ple decided to establish
Rajiv Gandhi Skill
University in consultation
with the National
Academy of Construction
in Madhapur. The RRR
will give an impetus to the
economy. The government
is building new hospitals
in Warangal and
Hyderabad, he said.
— DC
indicated that several
vehicles from various dis-
tricts were thoroughly
checked, and suspected to
detain protesters.
Prominent figures,
including leaders from
the All India Students
Federation (AISF), the All
India Youth Federation
(AIYF), the Bharatiya
Janata Yuva Morcha
(BJYM) and the BRS stu-
dent wing were detained.
Police were also said to
have placed many under
house arrest to prevent
their participation.
A young couple was
caught in the melee and
detained by the police.
The incident, captured on
video and posted online,
sparked outrage and con-
demnation.
Constitutional amend-
ment to allow the two
states to increase their
MLA seats,” Vinod said.
“Naidu is now believed
to have a lot of pull at the
Centre and Revanth must
impress upon him to use
that clout. If the amend-
ment to Section 26 of the
Reorganisation Act is
made possible, then
Telangana can increase its
MLA seats from 119 to 153,
while AP can increase its
numbers from 175 to 225,”
he said. If this happens,
then more MLCs can be
elected, saving the
Council, Vinod added.
cmyk cmyk

DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024 pg 3

 CRIME
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
IN
Kavitha custody
BRIEF
extended till July 18
New Delhi: Special Judge
Kaveri Baweja on Friday
extended till July 18 the judi-
cial custody of BRS leader K.
Kavitha in a corruption case
linked to the Delhi liquor
policy scam. The CBI had
arrested Kavitha, daughter of
former chief minister K.
Chandrashekar Rao, in April
from Tihar Jail, where she
was lodged after her arrest
by the Enforcement
Directorate (ED).
Magistrate to probe
death of prisoner
Hyderabad: Special execu-
tive magistrate K Jyothi, will
conduct an inquiry into the
death of a remand prisoner
Mudavath Raju, 36, while in
custody of the Central
Prison. Raju died while
undergoing treatment at the
Osmania General Hospital.
The inquiry was ordered by
Hyderabad collector
Anudeep Durishetty.
2 medicos, drug
peddler arrested
Hyderabad: The Sultan
Bazaar police and the
Telangana Narcotics Bureau
(TGNAB), arrested a drug
peddler, Suresh Singh, with
80 grams of ganja, along
with two junior doctors from
the Osmania Medical College
who had consumed the nar-
cotic, in Koti. The two doc-
tors tested positive for
ganja. Singh had been selling
ganja since 2016, police said.
The police have identified
four medical students who
were involved in drug use
and are working to identify
others.
NIMS OFFICIAL
LOSES `50,000 TO
CYBER FRAUDSTER
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
A Nizam’s Institute of Medical
Sciencs (Nims) Hospital offi-
cial reportedly lost `50,000 to a
cyberfraudster, who posed as
the hospital's director, Dr N.
Bheerappa Nagari, and sought
money.
According to reports, the
official was responding to a
WhatsApp message from an
account that displayed Dr
Nagari’s photograph as the
display picture. Believing the
message to be genuine, the
official allegedly transferred
`50,000 as requested. The
fraudster requested an addi-
tional `1 lakh, which is when
the official realised that some-
thing was amiss.
ELECTION OF
RAMDAS MALOTH
CHALLENGED
L. RAVICHANDER
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Justice Surepalli Nanda of the
Telangana High Court ordered
notice to Wyra MLA Ramdas
Maloth. The judge was hearing
an election petition filed by the
unsuccessful candidate
Banothv Madanlal from
Khammam district.
The petitioner alleged that
Maloth had concealed infor-
mation at the time of filing his
nomination papers. The peti-
tioner alleged that the respon-
dent furnished false informa-
tion in the Form 26 affidavit.
The petitioner complained
that Maloth had flouted Rule
4A of the Conduct of Election
Rules, prescribing the authen-
ticity of Form 26, which is to
be sworn before and signed by
the oath commissioner or
magistrate of first class or
before a notary public.
pg 4
28% surge in rapes YOUTH ATTACKED
IN MIDDLE OF ROAD Cops catch Parthi
on minors this year
BY SABITHA’S AIDE
DC CORRESPONDENT
gang after chase
HYDERABAD, JULY 5 DC CORRESPONDENT ● THE GANG attempted to
HYDERABAD JULY 5 speed away when the
Traffic came to a standstill Nalgonda Central Crime
Many go unreported due to fear of taboo, reprisals when a 23-year-old was
attacked in broad daylight
In cinematic style, Nalgonda
police on Friday chased a gang
Station (CCS) police tried to
stop them. The chase contin-
GEETA VALABOJU I DC MINOR GIRLS VULNERABLE Dr Shravan Kumar by a fully drunk person, of thieves, known as the
HYDERABAD, JULY 5 Gandhi, a senior doctor, said to be the son of a close Parthi gang, involved in a ued till Hayathnagar,
10
people in ● A 10-year old girl said: “As a society, we aide of former minister series of robberies, on the Abdullapurmet. The suspects
Even as there is a 28 per Neredmet were was kidnapped by two have the responsibility Sabitha Indra Reddy, in a Outer Ring Road (ORR) near were taken to custody.
cent surge in cases of recently arrested for men who befriended to protect our children case of road rage. Pedda Amberpet.
rape of minors over last allegedly raping a her in Kacheguda and from sexual abuse. We The accused was identi- The gang attempted to speed which appeared to unnerve
year, many cases go minor girl after offering gangraped her. need to support chil- fied as Yashwant Reddy away when the Nalgonda them and immediately the
dren who have been vic-
unreported because of her a drug-laced drink. ● A driver with a ride- from Balapur, son of Pedda Central Crime Station (CCS) police took them into custody.
societal taboos and fear tims of sexual abuse. Narasimha Reddy, director police tried to stop them. The Nalgonda police had been
of reprisal. Recently, ● Victims hailing app was We need to make them of a cooperative society and chase continued till tracking the gang for some
police nabbed 10 people
in Neredmet for alleged-
confronted accused of the rape of
with hostile a 16-year old girl in
understand that we
believe them, support
follower of MLA Sabitha
Indra Reddy. The accused
Hayathnagar, Abdullapurmet.
When the police tried to arrest
time and finally traced them
to the ORR.
them, and help them
ly raping a minor girl
after offering her a
conditions at Secunderabad. heal and ensure that
was driving a vehicle with
an ‘MLA’ sticker.
the gang members, the rob-
bers, armed with knives,
The suspects have since been
taken into custody for investi-
drug-laced drink. She police stations ● A minor girl was they receive counseling, According to locals, the attempted to attack the cops. gation. The police seized mul-
became pregnant as a and forced to raped by five minors therapy, and care they incident took place on The group of 10 policemen tiple weapons and stolen
result of the rape. In withdraw and an 18-year old in need to recover from Thursday afternoon after then fired at the robbers, goods from their possession.
another case, a 10-year cases. Hyderabad in May. their trauma.” the victim’s vehicle acci-
old girl was kidnapped Educational institu- dentally touched the SUV of
by two men who cases. Once a case goes and the courage it takes tions should incorpo- Yashwant Reddy. The 4th Death Anniversary
befriended her in to trial, it can take to speak out against the rate special lectures accused stopped his vehicle I am the resurrection, and the life. He
Kacheguda and gang- decades before it is abuse,” she said. and create awareness and attacked the victim, Sai that believeth in me, though he were
dead, yet shall he live. (John 11:25)
raped her. resolved. Parents often leave on minor rapes to pre- Kumar, in the middle of the
In another case, a Meanwhile, the victim their children in the vent girl children from road. Meerpet inspector K.
driver with a ride-hail- and her family goes care of neighbours being vulnerable to Nagaraju told
Deccan
ing app was accused of through hell. Because which can lead to vul- those conditions. Chronicle that a case had
the rape of a 16-year old the process is arduous, nerable situations Educational system been registered under the
girl in Secunderabad. In
yet another case, a
the victims often buckle
under pressure from
where children can be
lured by predators and
brings light in many
lives bringing the
BNS, and investigation was
underway.
minor girl was raped by their families that of subjected to rape. importance of mental
five minors and an 18-
year old in Hyderabad
the perpetrators.
“Sexual abuse leaves
It is important to edu-
cate parents and care-
resilience. By prepar-
ing students mentally, FIGHT AT TEA STALL
in May. A rape victim deep scars on the vic- givers to recognise the we can empower them
not only experiences
social stigma, her fight
tims and their families.
But it is our responsi-
signs of child sexual
abuse and to report any
to protect themselves,
Dr Gandhi added.
TURNS FATAL FOR Late. Eluka John Wesley
S/o. Eluka John
for justice is never-end-
ing and the system
bility to change that
narrative. We need to
suspicious behaviour,
said psychologist
Drugs and alcohol
play a pivotal role in
34-YEAR-OLD MAN (Retd. Inspector of Police, A.P.)
FIBA, Basketball Referee.
DOB: 23-05-1938 DOD: 06-07-2020
often finds fault with create a society where Bharath. The culture of increasing the vulnera- We all love you and miss you, Dad.
her, said senior advo- our children feel safe reporting sexual abuse bility to rape cases. DC CORRESPONDENT Inserted by Son's: E.J. Ravi Kumar & Family.
“Whether they are E.J. Anil Devanand & Family.
cate Abdul Samad. and supported, where without hesitation is HYDERABAD, JULY 5 Daughter: A. Chandraleela & Family.
“Our society still treats they can speak out key to strengthen vigi- minors or adults, under Bandela Prakash Rao & Family,
it as a taboo and doesn't without fear of judg- lance. “We should teach the influence of drugs, A fight at a tea stall in OBITUARY Friends and Relatives.
...And in the shadow of your wings I will
report it. We need to ment or reprisal,” said young children about individuals often fail to Miyapur at about 4.30 am take refuge... Psalms 57:1 (S/2425/D00343)
create a safe and sup- V. Sandhya Rani, appropriate bound- understand the com- on Friday led to the killing
portive environment for national convener of aries, healthy relation- plexity of the crime and of a 34-year-old labourer
children to speak out the Progressive Organ- ships, good touch and may act according to Chakali Sailu. According
and report such isation for Women. bad touch and consent. their wishes. It is to Miyapur police, the inci-
crimes,” Samad said. “As a social worker, We need to teach them important for parents to dent occurred when Sailu
Victims are confront- I've seen the devastat- that it's okay to say no monitor their children's got into an argument with
ed with hostile condi- ing impact of sexual and that they have the behaviour closely,” said tea stall owner Satish, over
tions at police stations abuse on victims and right to control their an official with the drinking water.
and have been pres- their families. Besides, own bodies,” Bharath woman safety wing In a complaint given by
sured to withdraw the strength, resilience explained. police. Mavuram Sailu, a friend of
the victim, Satish and two
of his accomplices, Lucky Mr. DOMA ALLEN RUPENDER
KIDNAPPED GIRL
RESCUED FROM
Woman accuses actor of and Bhanu, allegedly tied
Sailu’s legs with a towel,
kicked and beat him severe-
ly and dragged him to the
6-6-1963 - 4-7-2024
Called to Glory on 4th July 2024
Funeral Service at CSI Wesley Church,
Ramkote on Sunday 7th July from
12 noon onwards followed by Burial at
Narayanguda Christian Cemetery at 3pm.
WARANGAL
M. SRINIVAS | DC
cheating, Tarun denies tea stall and left him there.
Inspector V. Durga Rama
Linga Prasad said the trio
had been arrested and an
Inserted by: FAMILY MEMBERS
SAD DEMISE
HYDERABAD, JULY 5 DC CORRESPONDENT after the investigation. investigation was under-
HYDERABAD, JULY 5 Speaking to media way.
The Railway Protection persons, Tarun said: IN LOVING MEMORY
26th ANNIVERSARY
Force rescued a minor
girl, who was found with
A woman has filed a
complaint against Tel-
“It was shocking and
disappointing to hear TWIN RALLIES IN
the false allegations
a person at Warangal
r a i l w a y
station on Friday morn-
ugu actor Raj Tarun at
the Narsingi police sta-
tion, levelling various
levelled against me. We
had been in a relation-
CITY CAUSE TRAFFIC
ing.
Women constables
allegations, including
cheating, against him. Raj Tarun
ship for 11 years, and
we decided to part
CONGESTION
noticed a minor girl and In her complaint, the ways according to a DC CORRESPONDENT
P. SWAROOPA RANI (Matron)
another person moving woman alleged that time, she alleges that mutual understanding. HYDERABAD, JULY 5 W/o Vakeel Surender Reddy
in a suspicious manner despite being in a rela- Tarun showed no con- I have never cheated or DOD 28-06-2024 Sri R.A. SOLAIAPPAN
Retd. Nursing Superintendent Ex.Service Man/ Retd. Govt. Employee
in Simhapuri Express tionship with her for cern for her situation. misled her, and I never Two victory rallies held on (Govt Fever Hospital) DOB: 1929 DOD: 6th July 1998
and took them to the 11 years and marrying Sources said that tried to defame her in very busy thoroughfares at Ex-Telangana State Government Nurses Inserted by:
President, Ex Medical T-JAC Co-Convenor. Sons: R.A. Vinod Kumar,
RPF post in Warangal. her in secret, Tarun Tarun was in a rela- the drug case. All the peak traffic hours caused R.A. Rajeshwar - Sarala,
Memorial service on 6th July 2024 /
Upon inquiry, the duo
told the RPF that they
had refused to marry
her in public. She
tionship with the com-
plainant from 2012 to
allegations are base-
less.” “The allegations
massive traffic jams in dif-
ferent parts of the city on
6:30PM @ CSI Centenary Wesley Church
Ramkote, Hyderabad.
+91 91 82120 461, 77949 74598
Smt. R.A.Sarala Devi (Wife)
Daughters: S. Kalpana Ravi,
Nalini Tejender & Hitesh,
had eloped. claimed that Tarun has 2017 but ended it due to are totally false. In her Friday evening. A large Sonali, Grand Childrens.
The family members distanced himself her involvement in complaint, she men- number of police personnel (S/2425/D00342) BHL Book & Courier Center
4-5-332/1, Sultanbazar, Hyd (TS)
had lodged a missing from her due to his drugs and other rea- tioned that I had inten- was posted to regulate the Ph: 9290563075
complaint with the Mills relationship with a sons surrounding it. It tionally involved her traffic. The first rally was
Colony police in Mumbai-based actress. was reported that he in a drugs case, which held to welcome AP Chief
Warangal. The complainant also was blackmailed for is not true. We did not Minister N. Chandrababu
The Mills Colony stated that she had money and that the get married. She Naidu, on his first visit to
police registered a kid- received threatening complainant was liv- claims we had a temple the city after taking office,
napping case and calls from unknown ing with her boyfriend marriage, and to oth- from the Begumpet airport
approached the RPF. The numbers, to leave in his own house. ers, she claims I aban- to Jubilee Hills.
minor and her friend Tarun alone. The com- Narsingi inspector G. doned her after prom- Thousands of TD workers
were handed over to the plainant was earlier Hari Krishna Reddy ising marriage. I am thronged the streets for the
police. Inquiries arrested in a drug case, said that the investiga- going to file a counter rally that began at 6 pm and
revealed that the boy spending approximate- tion is underway and complaint, and then ended at 9 pm. A separate
had allegedly kidnapped ly 45 days in police will take the appropri- the factual reasons will rally which was held to wel-
the minor girl. custody. During this ate actions as per law come out,” he said. comecricketer Mohammed
Siraj.
Nightmare for 5-year-old collecting pebbles
The rally started at 5.30
CANINE | FEAR pm at Sarojini Devi Eye
Hospital and proceeded to
Boy recalls stray dog attack
Idgah Maidan in Masab
Tank, causing traffic con-
gestion till it concluded at
10 pm.
MOULI MAREEDU I DC
SANGAREDDY, JULY 5 WE HAVE VAX TO
It was a nightmare for
f i v e - y e a r - o l d
TREAT DOG BITES:
Harshavardhan, who
was collecting pebbles HOSPITAL CHIEF
in front of his aunt's
residence at Srinagar DC CORRESPONDENT
colony in Sangareddy SANGAREDDY, JULY 5
town, when a pack of
stray dogs cornered and Dr G. Anil Kumar,
attacked him. Within superintendent of the
seconds, the neighbour S a n g a r e d d y
and jail department Government Hospital,
employee Srinivas said that the hospital
Reddy rescued the boy has stock of vaccina-
from the dogs. A boy who was bitten by tions to treat victims of
Speaking to Deccan strays at Sangareddy is afraid dog bites,
Chronicle, the boy said as strays still roam. addressing
that he was scared — K. DURGA RAO a recent
when dogs came nearer increase in
when he was collecting “ We my son in the nick of such cases.
pebbles to play with his were time. Harshavardhan is In an inter-
sisters. a l l now stable and has been view with
“I came to my aunt’s inside the house and suffering from fever for D e c c a n Dr G. Anil
residence from did not notice the two days,” Kanishka Chronicle, Kumar
Mominpet of attack,” she said. said. Dr Kumar
Vikarabad district to The boy’s mother Meanwhile, a resident confirmed that the hos-
attend a cousin’s birth- Kaniska said that they of Srinagar Colony, pital is well-equipped
day celebrations. Uncle had come from Mangali Krishna said with Rabipur vaccines
(Srinivas Reddy) Mekavanipally of that the stray dogs men- and Immunoglobulin
rushed to the place and Mominpet in Vikarabad ace has increased in the injections. “We admin-
pelted stoned on the district to attend a locality and they had ister these vaccines to
dogs,” Harshavardhan birthday party slated lodged complaints with dog bite patients free of
said. for June 1. On the same the municipal officials. cost. The state govern-
A. Sangeetha, the day, the stray dogs He said after the latest ment has ensured
boy’s aunt, said that attacked her son and he incident, some munici- stocks are available in
Harshavardhan was suffered injuries. pal employees turned all government hospi-
playing inside, and he “It was a divine bless- up and shifted some tals due to the rising
suddenly went out to ing that the neighbour stray dogs from the number of dog bite
collect small stones. Srinivas Reddy saved place. incidents,” he stated.
 CITY
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
SHORT
POWER BILLS TO
TAKES
HAVE QR CODE
FOR PAYMENTS
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The Telangana Southern
Power Distribution Company
Limited (TGSPDCL) is all set
to print QR codes on the elec-
tricity bills from next month
for the convenience of cus-
tomers. This comes after
reports of consumers facing
issues with bill payments via
the government website.
Consumers will be able to
pay their electricity bills by
scanning the QR code with
their mobile phones. Curre-
ntly, bills can be paid through
the company’s website, mobile
app, Billdesk, Paytm, TA
Wallet, TG/AP Online and
MeeSeva. To further facilitate
consumer convenience, the
company arranged a meeting
with bankers, officials said.
Ever since TGSPDCL decla-
red that power bills cannot be
paid through UPI apps, many
people have complained about
them not being able to pay
their electricity bills online.
A user on X said “TGSPDCL,
the sleeping company, didn't
register itself with BBPS
which is based on NPCI plat-
form so that anyone can pay
any bill from anywhere in
India. Its been years since the
platform is live and almost
90% of India's electricity
boards are registered with it.”
Power officials said that due
to RBI regulations, some third-
party apps may not support
direct bill payment, but this
has not affected the current
bill collections. Officials stated
that nearly 1.2 lakh consumers
paid their bills by 10 am on
Friday.
WITH KK QUITTING
BRS, CONG. MAY
WREST 3RD MP
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
A fresh vacancy was created in
the Rajya Sabha on Friday
with chairman Jagdeep
Dhankhar accepting the resig-
nation of K. Keshava Rao, who
had quit as BRS MP after join-
ing the Congress.
It will be a cakewalk for the
Congress to wrest this seat
from the BRS. In the 119-mem-
ber Assembly, the Congress
has 65 MLAs. Six MLAs from
the BRS joined Congress in the
past six months, increasing its
tally to 71. The BRS, which
won 39 seats, has been reduced
to 32, after its six MLAs defect-
ed and after it lost the
Secunderabad Cantonment
Assembly seat to the Congress.
Telangana has seven mem-
bers in Rajya Sabha. After
Keshava Rao’s departure, the
BRS is left with four and the
Congress two.
The Congress did not have
any Rajya Sabha members
from Telangana since 2018. It
was only after the party won
the 2023 polls that it could get
the numbers to elect Renuka
Chowdhury and M. Anil
Kumar Yadav to the Upper
House.
Keshava Rao was a BRS
member of the Rajya Sabha
from Telangana from 2014. He
was elected from the BRS for a
second term in April 2020. His
six-year tenure was supposed
to end in April 2026. It is spec-
ulated in the Congress circles
that Keshava Rao will be sent
to the Rajya Sabha again.
On Friday, Dhankhar accept-
ed his resignation, following
which his seat in the Rajya
Sabha became vacant, official
sources said.
LOW | ATTENDANCE
MLAs keep off BRS meeting
BALU PULIPAKA I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Friday’s preparatory meet-
ing of BRS for its corpora-
tors ahead of Saturday’s
GHMC council meeting, yet
again highlighted the stark
uncertainty facing the main
Opposition party, with more
than half of its MLAs from
the city skipping the event.
BRS working president
K.T. Rama Rao was expected
to attend the meeting but he
went to Delhi to meet his
sister and BRS MLC K.
Kavitha at Tihar jail.
The BRS, which was left
with 14 MLAs in the GHMC
limits after its Khairatabad
MLA D. Nagender’s depar-
ture to the Congress and the
victory of the Congress can-
didate in the Secunderabad
Cantonment bypoll, saw
only seven of its legislators
– including two MLCs –
attending Friday’s meeting.
The five MLAs who attend-
pg 5
Naidu gets rousing welcome STOP PAYING I-T OF CM, MINISTERS: FGG
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
led a PIL against the govern-
ment paying the income-tax
Supporters brave rain to welcome Naidu; AP CM to meet TG CM today The Forum for Good Govern-
of the CM, Deputy CM, min-
isters and presiding officers
ance (FGG), an NGO, has fi- of the Legislature.
NABINDER
BOMMALA I DC
HYDERABAD JULY 5
DISPUTE OVER
As Andhra Pradesh Chief
DISTRIBUTION OF
Minister N. Chandrababu
Naidu came to Hyderabad
30 INSTITUTIONS
once again as the Chief FROM PAGE 1
Minister of Andhra
Pradesh, the supporters The last meeting was held
of the Telugu Desam (TD) in January 2020 between
dotted the roads, braving previous Telangana CM
rain, from the Begumpet K. Chandrashekar Rao
airport to his residence and previous AP CM Y.S.
in Jubilee Hills. Jagan Mohan Reddy at
Several parts of the same venue on the
Hyderabad were decked same subject. Major
up with yellow flags and bifurcation issues could
flex banners featuring not be resolved in the last
Naidu, Lokesh and also 10 years due to the politi-
Pawan Kalyan, ahead of cal confrontationist
Naidu’s visit. stance adopted by the pre-
In spite of his visit get- vious BRS regime with
ting delayed for over an neighbouring AP as well
hour, people lined up at as with the BJP-led gov-
the Begumpet Airport to ernment at the Centre.
give a rousing welcome to The agenda includes the
him by taking out a rally division of assets and lia-
on bikes and cars. All bilities, particularly those
along the rally, his admir- listed under Schedule 9
ers showered flowers on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu waves to TD activists during and Schedule 10 of the AP
him and raised slogans a procession on his first visit to Hyderabad after taking office. Several parts of Reorganisation Act, 2014.
praising him and his son Hyderabad were decked up with yellow flags and flex banners. Naidu’s admirers Revanth Reddy has pri-
and TD general secretary, showered flowers on him and raised slogans all along the rally from the Begumpet oritised addressing the
Nara Lokesh. airport to the party office at Banjara Hills on Friday. — R. PAVAN pending bifurcation-relat-
Overwhelmed by the ed issues since assuming
enthusiasm of people, office in December 2023.
Naidu waved at his sup-
porters from his vehicle’s ON THE OFFICIAL SOURCES RELEASED SOME POINTS
THE TG GOVERNMENT WANTS TO RAISE IN
SATURDAY'S MEETING WITH AP CHIEF
In March this year, the
bifurcation dispute con-
AGENDA
sunroof in the rain, forc- cerning the AP Bhavan in
ing his security person- MINISTER N. CHANDRABABU NAIDU Delhi was successfully
nel to provide shade for resolved under his leader-
him with an umbrella. ship. Additionally, the di-
An IT employee at the THE SEVEN ANDHRA TELANGANA has no ports. sbursement of funds rela-
Begumpet airport said MANDALS in PRADESH Therefore, Telangana should be ted to the Mining Corpo-
that he just came to see Khammam that has a vast coastal given a share in the ration was settled recent-
Chandrababu Naidu and were included in corridor of Krishnapatnam, Machilipatnam, ly. To date, around 30
has no political affilia- Andhra Pradesh 1,000 km. and Gangavaram meetings have taken place
tions. through an Telangana ports in between officials from
“The AP Chief ordinance should wants a share Andhra both states to address var-
Minister’s visit to be added back to of this coastline. ious bifurcation disputes.
Hyderabad is a positive
Pradesh. The Union home min-
trend. It is an indication Telangana. istry has established the
that the governments of
both the Telugu states TIRUPATI
VENKATESWARA
THERE ARE 811 TMC ft of ANDHRA PRADESH
POWER companies
Sheela Bhide Committee
to oversee the distribu-
will not resort to divisive
politics on the basis of SWAMY is the
water available in the
Krishna River. According to should pay
tion of assets, liabilities,
and cash balances of all 91
God of the the international water dis- `24,000 crore in
region,” said T. Ramana, companies listed in Sche-
a techie at the Begumpet Telugu people. tribution formula, water allo- dues to Telangana dule 9. While 68 of these
Airport. Telangana cation should be done in pro- power companies companies have no objec-
also immediately. If tions to distribution, a co-
portion to the catchment nsensus has not been rea-
● AN IT employee at wants a area. Therefore, 558 anything is owed to
the Begumpet airport ched on the remaining 23
share in tmc ft of Krishna water Andhra Pradesh as institutions. Out of the
said that he just came TTD. should be allocated to part of this, they will 142 institutions, there are
to see Naidu and has Telangana. be paid. disputes over distribution
no political affiliations. of 30 institutions.
Cong. targets majority,
to ‘akarsh’ more MLCs
L. VENKAT
RAM REDDY I DC IN SEARCH OF DEFECTORS
HYDERABAD, JULY 5 ● CONGRESS PLANS to introduce a few key
Bills in the upcoming session of Legislature
After the surprise mid-
night acquisition of six and needs a majority in the Upper House to
BRS MLCs, the Congress pass them.
leadership is keen to con-
tinue ‘Operation Akarsh’ ● IN THE 40- ● IF THE Governor
to take a few more BRS member Council, approves TJAC chairman
MLCs to achieve majori- the Congress’ Prof. M. Kodandaram
ty in the Legislative strength and newspaper editor
Council before the com- increased to 12. It Amer Ali Khan as MLCs
mencement of the still needs nine under the vacant
Monsoon Session of the MLCs to cross Governor’s quota. the
Legislature in the last the halfway mark Congress strength will
week of the month. increase to 14.
The ruling Congress
of 21.
plans to introduce a few
key Bills in the upcom- vacant Governor’s quota. ahead with the
ing session of Legislatu- If the Governor appro- Operation Akarsh to
re and needs a majority ves, the Congress stren- take five to six more BRS
in the Upper House to gth will increase to 14. MLCs into its fold by the
pass them. In the 40- There are two Indepe- last week of this month.
member Council, the ndent MLCs and two In the 40-member
Congress’ strength incr- from the AIMIM whose Legislative Council, the
eased to 12. It still needs support the Congress effective strength is 38
nine MLCs to cross the hopes to get whenever it with two MLCs under
halfway mark of 21. introduces Bills. Even if Governor's quota lying
The government has it acquires their support, vacant. Of these 38
nominated TJAC chair- the government will MLCs, the BRS currently
man Prof. M. need three more MLCs. has 21 MLCs, Congress
Kodandaram and news- To overcome this chal- 12, AIMIM two, inde-
paper editor Amer Ali lenge, the Congress lead- pendents two and the
Khan as MLCs under the ership wants to proceed BJP one.
Seven MLAs skipping viewed as diktat failure
Saturday’s GHMC meet-
PEOPLE ARE facing multiple problems in the city
ing, the first after mayor
because of the government not paying attention to Gadwal Vijayalakshmi joi-
the GHMC. The present government also cancelled many ned the Congress, is expect-
development works sanctioned by the BRS government. ed to see some political fire-
There are problems related to cleanliness and hygiene in works with BRS councillors
the city, and many nalas are choked with garbage. All of targeting the mayor and the
these issues must be taken up. Congress government.
At Friday’s preparatory
— TALASANI SRINIVAS YADAV, meeting, Srinivas said that
Sanathnagar BRS MLA the BRS corporators must
question the absence of any
ed the meeting were were Sabitha Indra Reddy development works in the
former minister and (Maheswaram), Madhav- city ever since the Congress
Sanathnagar MLA Talasani aram Krishna Rao (Kukatp- came to power.
Srinivas Yadav, who led the ally), Arekapudi Gandhi “People are facing multi-
meeting, Maganti Gopinath (Serilingampally), K.P. Vive- ple problems in the city
(Jubilee Hills), D. Padma kanand (Quthbullapur), because of the government
Rao Goud (Secunderabad), Marri Rajasekhar Reddy not paying attention to the
Muta Gopal (Musheerabad), (Malkajgiri) and Bandaru GHMC. The present govern-
D. Sudheer Reddy (LB Laxma Reddy (Uppal). ment also cancelled many
Nagar), T. Prakash Goud The absence of seven of development works sanc-
(Rajendranagar) and Kal- its MLAs at the meeting is tioned by the BRS govern-
eru Venkatesh (Amberpet), being viewed as an indica- ment. There are problems
along with former minister tion that the party diktat is related to cleanliness and
Md Mahmood Ali and MLC no longer working, and that hygiene in the city, and
Surabhi Vani Devi. more MLAs, who won on many nalas are choked with
The MLAs who did not the BRS ticket, are making garbage. All of these issues
attend were Gudem Mahi- serious plans to join the must be taken up,” Srinivas
pal Reddy (Patancheru), P. Congress. said.
 EDIT
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
pg 6

Subhani

6 JULY 2024

Britain votes for a change as

Starmer wins huge mandate
A
landslide win for the UK Labour Party had already been etched in writ-
ing on the wall. As Keir Starmer comes storming into 10 Downing
Street like the red knight on a charger, it is the margin of victory that
will be seen as stupendous as it goes down in red letters in history
books.
It was a classic case of anti-incumbency that saw the rout of the Tories in their
worst performance in decades, but it could be said that they had brought about
this disenchantment on themselves in 14 years, gradually to begin with and
then with a wrecking ball velocity in the last four years since the Covid pan-
demic.
All the signs pointed to a decline that can be paraphrased in one simple sen-
tence — “It’s the economy, stupid.” And the Tories did not tend to it well enough
as the standard of living plateaued even as cost-of-living threatened to mow
down everyone in its path. It was up to a son of immigrants and Britain’s first
Indian-origin Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to take the blame while bowing to
circumstances as the fall guy.
Among economic and social indicators that worsened during Tory rule are
hospital waiting lists, homelessness, net migration, productivity, asylum wait-
ing lists and graduate debt. Having restructured

Collapsing bridges, airports

Among economic Britain since 2010 and promoted Brexit after slash-
and social ing spending on welfare and public services in LETTERS
indicators that unpopular austerity moves, Tory rule left most
worsened during Britons off.
with the impression that they were worse BIKE RACING
Tory rule are Data show the economy, along with productivity, The fear of police and con-
hospital wait lists, has been stagnant since 2008 and growth did not
homelessness, net recover after the pandemic slump. Since wages
migration, have been stagnant (after adjusting for inflation)
throughout their reign, the electoral calamity was
productivity, foreseen long before the voting day of July 4. And
asylum waiting lists whatever three Tory Prime Ministers since David
no promo for ‘Viksit Bharat’ stant checks are important
to discipline mischief mon-
gers (Bike racers turn roads
in speed zones as night
Disasters are notes a report by the Int-
and graduate debt Cameron and his EU referendum misadventure of ernational Civil Aviation falls, June 5).
2016 attempted was insufficient to change the Patralekha weaponised in
political battles in
Organisation.
Wasim Ahmed Khan
Chatterjee
course of this ultimate poll disaster. Many airports around the
The expectation is that things will change dramatically in this swing to the hyper-polarised world have begun adapting Secunderabad
left, quite apart from pressing the exit button on the promised Rwanda haven India. Discussions to wild weather swings.
for migrants and such measures that had a Tory stamp on it. The rich will be
taxed more even as private school fees will have VAT imposed on them. What Dev 360 pivot around who Amsterdam’s Schiphol Air-
port, for example, has ins-
GHMC PANEL
remains to be seen is how far the metrics will change under a pragmatic Labour inaugurated a talled a special hydraulic Kudos to the new GHMC commis-
leader and whether he will be a transformative PM as Labour would like to structure, and not model developed to calcu- sioner Amrapali Kata for surprise
believe. when the last late a variety of climatic sce- visits (GHMC panel fails to stem

I
As far as India’s ties with the new Labour government goes, it may be time for n times of war, bridges
a reset on the old question of the party having supported self-determination for make attractive tar-
the people of J&K. But that was under the radical leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. gets. They are at-
It is believed that Mr Starmer, who needs no propping up by fringe elements of tacked. Their collapse
any religion in multicultural UK, will take a more realistic stand. disrupts the enemy’s
Improved strategic relations with India, now far more of an economic power lines of communication. It is
than in 2010, are on Mr Starmer’s radar, so too the Free Trade Agreement that called “bridge busting”. But
has been waiting to take off for long. Britain’s place and prominence in global
geopolitics may have changed over time, even declined, but this political twist
what explains the collapse
of not one, but ten bridges,
with Labour romping home might prove historic in a positive way after years in just over a fortnight, in
of chaos under a soap operatic Tory leadership. Bihar?
Bridges have been collaps-
ing with monotonous regu-
lapsed in recent days. As I
write comes the news of a
portion of the four-lane Gur-
gaon-Sohna elevated flyover
caving in again, within
eight months, and a slab of
another flyover collapsing
on a moving car in Mum-
bai's Andheri area. The list
goes on.
A common thread em-
erges from all the talk about
investigations and compen-
safety audit was
done.
culture of impunity. Errant
parties know they will get
away,” she adds.
The government routinely
outsources many projects to
private firms but, as Dr
Savla points out, “the over-
all oversight remains with
narios and established new
standards for drainage.
What about India?
“The country's urban
infrastructure is not devel-
oped with climate resilience
in mind. We need to prepare
our infrastructure for int-
ense storms and floods that
climate change will churn
out in the next 50 years,”
says Dr Roxy Koll, climate
scientist at the Indian Insti-
graft, July 5). She must focus on
complaints lodged online and form
a panel to review the closure of
complaints.
K. Naveen
Hyderabad
OPPN WALKOUT
The Opposition walkout when
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
was speaking in the Rajya Sabha
was unfortunate (Oppn Walkout a

Hemant back: Questions for ED larity in Bihar, catapulting

the state to the status of a
top headline-grabber amid
sation. It knits the recent
disasters, and should force
us to turn our gaze to the
the government”. When lap-
ses are detected after a dis-
aster, government officials
tute of Tropical Meteoro-
logy and lead author of IPCC
(Intergovernmental Panel
dangerous precendent: V-P, July 4).
The Opposition has not only insult-
ed the PM and the President but

J
harkhand Mukti Morcha chief Hemant Soren was sworn in as Chief all the turbulent national other side of India’s infra- are merely transferred. But on Climate Change) reports. also the voters.
Minister of Jharkhand after being in prison for five months, putting him and international news. The structure story, beyond rib- as she says: “A transfer is Niranjan Sahoo, a senior Amul Mulgundkar
in a small league of CMs who have taken oath of office after a stint in jail. state government, headed bon-cutting and inaugura- not a punishment… There fellow at the Observer Hyderabad
Mr Soren was incarcerated over corruption charges. The Enforcement by JD(U) chief Nitish Ku- tions. Why is the govern- is tremendous lethargy in Research Foundation, also
Directorate arrested him under the provisions of the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act in connection with a case of allegedly illegal sale and purchase
mar, a nine-time chief min-
ister and an engineer by
ment at the Centre, and in
affected states, so quiet on
the system. It is critical that
a tender is drafted in a lan-
notes that “extreme weath-
er events are becoming a TRAFFIC POLICE
of 4.55 acres of land in Ranchi that reportedly belongs to the Indian Army. training, has responded in maintenance and regular guage that does not leave regular phenomenon. Our Only 2,956 traffic cops are there to
Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay, judge of the Jharkhand High Court, while predictable ways — it has structural and safety au- loopholes. There should be a infrastructure planning, as control 90 lakh vehicles (Rapid rise
granting bail to Hemant Soren, made scathing remarks on the maintainability set up a high-level commit- dits? What is being done to strict monitoring system to evident from recent inci- in vehicles worsens Hyd traffic, July
of the ED’s charges, and observed that there were reasons for the court to tee to probe the recent equip critical infrastructure prevent disasters. Finally, it dents, is clearly out of sync 5). Why doesn’t the government
believe that Mr Soren was perhaps not guilty of the PMLA offence. bridge collapses; it is talking for climate-change fuelled is very important to look at with requirements”. recruit more personnel?
The judge also said in his order that the present case was based on circum- about stern action against extreme weather? what happens after a disas- Worryingly, disasters are Dr O. Prasada Rao
stantial evidence, which is insufficient to prove someone guilty under estab- anyone found guilty of laps- “Every structure is meant ter.” If a bridge collapses, weaponised in political bat- Hyderabad
lished norms of Indian and global jurisprudence. However, the ED appears to es. The Bihar Engineering to last for a certain number people can get injured. Post- tles in hyper-polarised Ind-
have gone ahead with the arrest of Mr Hemant Soren armed with special pro-
visions of the PMLA, the judge observed. Mr Soren was duly elected as the rep-
Services Association (BE-
SA) has warned that there
of years. It comes with an
‘expiry date’. That works if
disaster, it is medical help
that determines the fate of a
ia. Discussions pivot ar-
ound who inaugurated a TURNCOATS’ TIME
resentative of the people of Jharkhand, the court also noted in its observations. could be more such collaps- there is regular mainte- person, whether she or he structure, and not when the Indian politicians jump to parties
This begs the question: If the ED could not prove charges levelled against him, es in the monsoon season, nance. Every structure will survive or die, as Dr last safety audit was done. where there is security, like frogs
how would the Central investigative agency make good his loss of reputation when rivers are in spate. must be maintained. It must Savla points out. “We Despite all the brouhaha, leap into ponds for survival (BRS
and time? This was exactly what the court wondered and sought to know. The BESA has demanded be subjected to a rigorous should talk about the rights even today, an ordinary citi- MLCs join Congress in surprise mid-
If an investigative agency could arrest an elected Chief Minister merely on a structural audit of all re- structural audit. This of survivors if they are zen does not know when night operation, June 5).
circumstantial evidence, it amounts to violation of the federal spirit of the cently completed and under- means paying attention and injured — which means Delhi’s Terminal 1 had its N.S.K. Prasad
Constitution, too, and is a subversion of the people’s mandate. It is akin to the construction bridges in the prompt response to recom- access to required medical last safety audit and whe- Hyderabad
Central government hijacking the people’s choice, especially of an Opposition state. Familiar questions mendations and strengthen- care which should not only ther it was overseen by a
party, through its investigating agency. are being asked about the ing the structure when nec- save life, but also ensure government agency.
It is, therefore, high time that the Supreme Court intervenes to introduce nec- possible use of substandard essary. That is key to avoid- early recovery, prevent dis- “Sharpening polarisation Email your letters to
essary safeguards in the PMLA. materials by contractors, ing a disaster. But unfortu- ability along with financial around infrastructure is ve- info@deccanmail.com,
Mr Soren’s return to the CM’s chair is a victory of democracy, but it has poor maintenance, carrying nately, in India, often there compensation.” ry unfortunate. Instead of editor@deccanmail.com.
raised yet another question on the credibility of the Enforcement Directorate. capacity and lack of resi- is a silo approach to devel- One common refrain in owning up and investing in

lience in extreme weather.
While Bihar’s record of
DECCAN CHRONICLE collapsing bridges may be
hard to match, this is not a
KAUSHIK MITTER K. SUDHAKAR new story, nor is it only
Editor Printer & Publisher about Bihar. A suspension
bridge over Machchhu river
DECCAN CHRONICLE offices are located at: in Morbi city, Gujarat, col-
Hyderabad: 36, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad - 500 003, Ph: 040-27803930-4; Fax : 040-27805256 lapsed in October 2022. Scan
Vijayawada: No.C-3 & 4 Patamata, Industrial Estate, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada (A.P.), Ph: 0866-2555284. the headlines in recent
Visakhapatnam: Survey No.1/3A Beach Road, Near Kailasagiri Ropeway, Sector-9 MVP Colony, days, and disasters leap out,
Visakhapatnam - 530 017 (A.P), Ph: 0891-2552333/2552334; Fax: 0891-2755285 from different corners of the
Rajahmundry: Vemagiri, Dhawaleswaram Rd, Rajahmundry, Ph: 0883-2417618/2417208; Telefax: 0883- country. Not just bridges.
2417208 On June 28, in Delhi Air-
Anantapur: Thapovan colony, Bangalore By-Pass Road, Anantapur - 515004, Ph: 08554-276903; Fax: port’s Terminal 1, a canopy
08554-276904 collapsed after heavy rain,
Karimnagar: H. No. 1-21-12/1, Cheralabhutkur Road, Mugudhumpur Village, Karimnagar-505186, PH.
NO. 9121181123.
leading to the death of a 45-
Nellore: Survey No.527/2, Burranpur Village, Venkatachalam (M), Chemmudugunta Panchayat, Nellore, Ph: year-old taxi driver, the sole
0861-2348581/82; Telefax: 0861-2348580 breadwinner for his family,
Chennai: SP-3 Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032, Ph: 044-22254747/ 48/50/51; and injuries to many more.
Advt Fax: 22254765/22254766/42305325 Canopies of two other air-
Coimbatore: Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, No. 2/22 Sengalipalayam Road, N.G.G.O Colony Post, ports — at Jabalpur and
Kurudampalayam village - 641 022 Rajkot — have also col-
opment which hampers col-
laboration of every stake-
holder. Whether in const-
ruction or maintenance or
audit, one must look at who
is doing the job and whether
they are qualified for it,”
says Dr Rita Savla, a physi-
cian and founder-director of
RADHEE Disaster and Edu-
cation Foundation, a Mum-
bai-based NGO working in
post-disaster trauma man-
agement and road safety.
“This also means scrutin-
ising how tenders are draft-
ed, how companies are
selected when it comes to
construction and mainte-
nance. There have been
many disasters in the past.
We have not learnt too ma-
ny lessons. This leads to a
the wake of the recent infra-
structure-related disasters
pivots around intense rain-
fall. But it should surprise
no one that it rains during
the rainy season. And in
times of climate change,
erratic and extreme weath-
er are the new normal. The
discussion should be
around what is being done.
“Climate change will like-
ly lead to more extreme wea-
ther events, exacerbating
the effect on airports that
are already affected and put-
ting at risk those that have
not yet experienced climate-
related effects. Airports face
numerous climate challeng-
es which may impact their
operations, infrastructure,
and business continuity,”
their upkeep, it has become
a blame game between the
two principal (political) par-
ties. In the process of scor-
ing points, the moot issues
of climate resilient infra-
structure are lost,” says Mr
Sahoo.
The new coalition govern-
ment, headed by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi,
promises a “Viksit Bharat”
(Developed India) by 2047.
Collapsing bridges and air-
ports are not good promos.
The writer focuses on
development issues in
India and emerging
economies. She can be
reached at
patralekha.chatterjee
@gmail.com.
50
YEARS AGO IN
We have not wasted
resources on N-test: Swaran
NEW DELHI, July 5.
External Affairs Minister
Swaran Singh told the delegates to
the conference of the committee
on disarmament in Geneva that
by conducting a peaceful under-
ground nuclear explosion, India
'had not wasted its resources nor
had it lost sight of its economic
priorities'.
Mr. Swaran Singh was speaking
at a lunch hosted in his honour by
Indian Ambassador B. C. Mishra.

“Who has not felt in love some pain -- home, yaar — fd). the running to replace Hedgie as leader of the Tories ness of all sorts. D.H. Lawrence once wrote to E.M.
Farrukh Some thought of love’s betrayal? OK, so a majority of 170 and a disastrous fall for after his party’s certain defeat and his resignation Forster saying “business is no good!”, but Ms

Dhondy
Or was it just some jealous, vain
Fantasy which so many dreams assail?
O Bachchoo, keep some basic faith
Cabbages & Fantasies may be a lie —
A ghost, a spectre or a wraith
Kings That betrays the love between you and I?”
— From Poems Posted on Theek-Thaak, by
Bachchoo
Hedgie Sunak’s (This column clairvoyantly called
him Hedgie Soongone!) Tory Party but… a very
strange BUT: While Labour won the highest num-
ber of seats in its history, it did so with the lowest
percentage of votes — even five per cent down from
its disastrous loss to the Tories in 2019. How? The
vicissitudes of the first-past-the-post system. I know
the maths but, gentle reader, needn’t bore you with
them.
Instead, let me enumerate my personal feelings of
from the post.
The other loss which prompts celebration is the
defeat of Pomposity-in-human-form, a fellow called
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former minister for Brexit. If
this were a photographic column, gentle reader,
you’d be able to judge for yourself — but there’s
always the Internet for the curious.
What happens now -— as certain as the Pope…
err… OK... OK... the furniture and wardrobe mov-
ing trucks arrive through the security gates of
Reeves and Mr Starmer probably don’t read DH’s
letters or if they do, disagree with him. Their eco-
nomic mantra is that they will fund reforms in the
National Health Service and education, etc, by
growth in the economy rather than raising the taxes
of the general public.
Yes, they will tax those who escape taxation by
being “non-doms” — such as Mrs Hedgie, though
when she was named and shamed she did agree to
pay tax on her foreign income — declaring them-

Starmer in No. 10,

T
hat the Labour Party was going to be the schadenfreude and disappointment when the re- Downing Street and cart Hedgie’s family’s ample selves as resident outside the UK.
UK’s next government from July 5 was as sults were declared. I was happy to learn that while possessions away. Perhaps a couple of more modest “Only visiting, Guv!”
predictable as the Pope not converting to the ultra-right bigoted, racist party called Reform, trucks instal the Starmer family in No. 10 and Ms Reeves may abolish such status absolutely.

as Tories bite the Protestantism or bears not using public

lavatories and continuing to defecate in the jungle.
The opinion polls have been predicting it for
months. On election night after the July 4 single-day
predicted by the exit polls to win 13 seats, only end-
ed up with four. Four too many perhaps for the good
of a civilised nation, but it should stop its leader Ni-
gel Farage from cultivating his ambition to “unite
Rachel Reeves, now certainly the chancellor of the
exchequer (finance minister, yaaron), in No. 11.
Long before that, of course, Sir Keir Starmer would
have gone to the Palace to be formally appointed the
That may, as Rustom Immoralearningswalla, my
second cousin thrice removed (each time by the
immigration authorities) maintains, lead to a flight
of the rich from the country, taking their invest-

dust, but don’t wait election, the exit polls predicted that Labour would
get 410 seats in the House of Commons — and so it
came almost precisely to pass. A 170-173 majority
the right” and, perhaps, even worm himself into the
leadership of the depleted Tory party. This possibil-
ity was endorsed by none other than Ms send-them-
Prime Minister by King Charles III.
But that’s just protocol. What happens to Britain?
According to very many commentators and
ments with them. Which will, of course, affect the
plan to grow Britain’s economy.
One Cabinet appointment that I shall be watching

for any major shift over the Opposition.

No secret ballot, I voted Labour. As Martin Luther
said: “I can do no other!” I would have said so to exit
pollsters but there weren’t any outside the rock-
solid Labour constituency polling booths in South
London. Why deploy paid personnel to find out if
the Pope is still a Catholic? (This clichéd analogy is
getting tedious — Ed. Sorry, but getting the point
to-Rwanda Cruella Braverman. Incidentally, she
retained her seat, as did Hedgie and the other Ms
pander-to-Rwanda, Priti Patel. Triple Yuck!
The balancing schadenfreude to these disappoint-
ments is the fact that eleven Tory ministers and for-
mer ministers lost their seats — among them for-
mer PM Liz Truss, defence minister Grant Shapps
and Penny Mordaunt, who was self-appointedly in
“experts”, including pro-Labour ones, “nothing
very much in the immediate future”.
This landslide or tsunamic victory for Labour has
been labelled a lurch to the Left. That’s only in con-
trast with the movements to the Right in Europe,
such as the triumph of Marine Le Pen’s party in
France. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have, over
the past year, cultivated good relations with busi-
out for is that of the foreign secretary. The shadow
post was held by David Lammy, who didn’t oppose
the Tory pro-Israeli stance even as the slaughter of
civilians in Gaza proceeded.
Labour later retracted. Will he be confirmed as
foreign secretary and will that, with Labour ‘s huge
majority, result in suspension of arms sales to
Israel? There will be so many watching this space.
 CITY
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
IN
UoH prof. to be part
BRIEF
of UNESCO project
Hyderabad: Pramod K. Nayar, a
senior professor in the depart-
ment of English, School of
Humanities, University of
Hyderabad (UoH) and Unesco
Chair in Vulnerability Studies,
has been invited
to join a project,
‘Greening with
science, innova-
tion and technol-
ogy,’ being
organised by the
Unesco Pramod K.
International Nayar
Institute for
Higher Education in Latin
America and the Caribbean in
collaboration with the UN
Office for South-South
Cooperation. The pilot project,
running for 16 weeks from
August to November, seeks to
provide mentorship and guid-
ance to young people and stu-
dents as they navigate various
challenges and opportunities.
2-SHIFT NEET-PG
PLAN STARTLES
STUDENTS
SHRIMANSI KAUSHIK I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The National Board of
Examinations of Medical
Sciences (NBEMS) has
announced that the National
Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test
for postgraduate courses will
be held on August 11, in two
shifts.
The cut-off for purpose of
eligibility for NEET-PG will
still be August 15.
The exams were postponed
on June 22, eight hours before
they were scheduled to be
held.
The new date has shifted the
exam by another month.
Further information about
the shifts will be announced
on www.natboard.edu.in.
The students who have been
preparing for the exam since
November, say the exam cal-
endar has been stretched far
too long.
“The exam will be held in
two shifts for the first time.
This means that there will be
two question papers and we
are concerned about error in
marks allocation. Norm-
alisation will be there but
given the discrepancies in
NEET-UG, trust in entrance
exams is lost,” said Dr S.
Pushpraj, an aspirant.
Dr Gadapa Sriram, another
aspirant, said students had
more time to revise. However
the exam pattern and marks
allocation will also be differ-
ent this time. “The paper’s dif-
ficulty level might be
increased,” he said.
Woman delivers
baby on RTC bus
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
A woman delivered a baby
girl in an TGSRTC bus on
Friday. Shweta Ratnam
boarded the 1Z route bus at
Musheerabad.
As the bus was about to
reach Bahadurpura, she
developed labour pains.
Bus conductor R. Saroja
noticed her and alerted the
driver and women passen-
gers. The women passen-
gers played midwife and
helped her deliver the baby
in the bus.
The mother and the child
were shifted to the nearby
Government Maternity
Hospital where they were
reported to be healthy.
This is second such inci-
dent after the launch of
Mahalakshmi scheme of
Flexi falls, biker
narrowly escapes
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
A flexi board erected
at the Jubilee Hills
checkpost fell on the
busy road, endanger-
ing the safety of com-
muters.
CCTV footage
released by the police
showed a large banner
welcoming Andhra
Pradesh Chief
M i n i s t e r
Chandrababu Naidu at
Jubilee Hills falling on
to the road. A motorcy- CCTV footage released by the
clist narrowly escaped police showed a large banner
from the falling board. erected for Andhra Pradesh
Traffic police were
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu
later seen removing
the board. There were Naidu at Jubilee Hills falling on
no casualties. to the road.
Golconda dons Bonalu Minor rape victim gets
look, fete from Sunday permission for MTP
Festival begins with celebrations at Sri Jagadamba temple
NABINDER BOMMALA I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
With Ashada Masam set-
ting in on Saturday, the
temples in Hyderabad
will be soaked in the fes-
tive fervour of Bonalu.
The festival that marks
the start of the rainy sea-
son begins with the cele-
brations at Sri
Jagadamba temple atop
the historic Golconda
Fort on July 7.
Every village or town
celebrates the festival
locally on a particular
date as per tradition.
Every year, Bonalu is cel-
ebrated at the temple in
the Golconda Fort on the
first Sunday of Ashada
Masam.
Similarly, Bonalu is cel-
ebrated in areas that
come under Secunde-
rabad, including Ujjaini
Mahankali temple, on
the third Sunday of
Ashada. On the last
Sunday of Ashada, Ak-
kanna Madanna temple
in Old City hogs the
limelight.
On the eve of Bonalu at
Golconda, officials of
various departments
including city police
commissioner K. Sreen-
ivasa Reddy Hyderabad
collector Anudeep Duris-
hetty inspected the fort.
The deity inside the
fort temple is known as
Jagadambika Yellamma
Talli, while some locals
Cops’ new tactics to end drug abuse
SYED OMAR
FAROOQ I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
In a bid to ensure that
the younger generations
do not become addicts
and destroy their lives,
the Telangana Anti-
Narcotics Bureau (TGN-
AB) has changed its
investigation strategy
completely as an effec-
tive measure to eradicate
the NDPS drug menace
from the state.
Rather than go about
its usual practice of tar-
geting peddlers and sup-
pliers and seizing
banned substances from
their possession, the
bureau will henceforth
keep track of the move-
ments of all habitual
Women passengers played
midwife and helped Shweta
deliver the baby girl.
free bus travel for women.
Earlier, a women delivered
a baby at the bus depot
where the women staff
turned the waiting hall
into a labour room.
TOP COP TAKES
STOCK OF SECURITY
AT GOLCONDA
Hyderabad CP K. Sreenivasa Reddy, along with dis-
trict collector and others, reviews security arrange-
ments at Golconda Fort on Friday.
also call her Origanti
Yellamma. The Golconda
Bonalu will be followed
by the celebrations in
Secunderabad, popularly
known as Lashkar Bon-
alu at Sri Ujjaini Maha-
nkali temple in Secun-
derabad on July 21. The
festivities in addition to
colourful procession will
also include Rangam
where the oracle will
predict the future.
Following the celebra-
tions at Secunderabad,
the festivities will start
in Hyderabad the follow-
ing Sunday and the
Akkanna Madanna Tem-
ple in Old City is one of
the temples where the
festival is celebrated on a
grand scale. After
Hyderabad, Bonalu is
NDPS, synthetic and
non-synthetic 'con-
sumers', which will help
in catching the main
suppliers red-handed,
sources in TGNAB said.
The decision follows the
recent meeting Chief
Minister A. Revanth
Reddy had with TGNAB
chief Sandeep Shandilya
in the presence of DGP
Ravi Gupta.
Reddy gave a free hand,
along with logistic, tech-
nical and financial sup-
port by way of `40 crore
to TGNAB asking them
to improve the convic-
tion rate in NDPS cases
so that it emerges as
India's top performing
agency in this regard.
"We have formed anti-
drug committees (ATCs),
— DC
celebrated in areas of
Ranga Reddy district on
the subsequent Sunday,
As a part of the festi-
val, special pujas are per-
formed early Sunday fol-
lowed by offering of
‘bonam’ prepared with
cooked rice and jaggery
in an earthen pot, deco-
rated with vermillion,
turmeric and neem
leaves.
According to officials,
elaborate arrangements
are being made for the
smooth conduct of festi-
vals. “On the occasion of
Bonalu, Chief Minister
A. Revanth Reddy has
decided to extend finan-
cial aid to major temples
in the city, ” said an offi-
cial from Hyderabad col-
lectorate.
which will essentially
target schools, residen-
tial institutions and
commercial establish-
ments where drug con-
sumption is rampant.
Our teams will take
stern stringent action
against all such institu-
tions. We have been
legally empowered to
seize those institutions
and also prosecute them
if they refuse to cooper-
ate with our officers or
continue to allow drug
consumption in their
premises", Shandilya
told Deccan Chronicle.
The bureau will soon
start working full-
fledged from its four
units at Cyberabad,
Hyderabad, Rachakonda
and Warangal.
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Ahead of Golconda
Bonalu, city police com-
missioner Kothakota
Sreenivasa Reddy said
strong security measures
would be put in place for
the festival, especially as
women from remote vil-
lages are expected to
attend the celebrations.
He was speaking at a
coordination meeting
with officials from vari-
ous departments after
inspecting arrangements
at Golconda Fort and its
surroundings, along
with officials.
municipal department
The
was instructed to deploy
staff to manage waste
accumulation. RTC driv-
ers were instructed to
park buses only at desig-
nated spaces. Apart from
CCTV cameras at strate-
gic locations, in order to
tackle pick-pockets and
chain snatchers, special
surveillance teams will
be deployed, especially in
places where the footfall
would be high. Special
SHE teams will address
incidents of harassment
of women.
"The new police sta-
tions will be dealing
with bulk synthetic
NDPS dealers, who are
involved in national and
international drug
smuggling. We are coor-
dinating with our coun-
terparts from other
countries to firm up
efforts to trap smugglers
running the racket", he
said.
The teams have collect-
ed records of regular
consumers, and
statewide peddlers and
suppliers, whose move-
ments will be closely
monitored.
He said that convicts
and ex-convicts related
to NDPS cases will be
under constant surveil-
lance.
L. RAVICHANDER
HYDERABAD. JULY 5
Justice B. Vijayasen Reddy
after a detailed hearing
required medical supervi-
sion for the termination of
the pregnancy of a 12-year-
old girl. The child’s mother,
a domestic help, moved the
court when the bureaucracy
blocked the route to the
MTP. The child is a victim of
repeated gang-rape. Her sin-
gle parent-mother came to
know of it when the child
was 25 weeks pregnant. The
petitioner sought, success-
fully, constitution of a med-
ical board to examine the
child and arrange for the
termination of the pregnan-
cy in accordance with the
MTP Act. Counsel for the
petitioner relied on the ver-
dict of the apex court in this
regard, which held that ter-
mination of pregnancy can
be preceded subject to the
consent of the victim. The
child was taken to a private
hospital last month where
her pregnancy was detected
and a zero FIR under the
Pocso Act was registered
with the Kacheguda police.
HC MODIFIES ORDER ON
A.W.A.R.E. WRIT
The Telangana High Court
disposed of a writ appeal
qua alleged illegal construc-
tions on plots sold by Action
for Welfare and Awakening
in Rural Environment
(AWARE) at Sowbagya-
puram, Karmanghat village.
LEGAL STORIES
A panel, comprising Chief
Justice Alok Aradhe and
Justice J. Anil Kumar, was
dealing with a writ appeal
filed by Aella Kishore Reddy.
Earlier a writ petition was
filed by AWARE challenging
the GHMC action in sanc-
tioning permission for con-
struction of a residential
building. AWARE said the
respondent, while applying
for building permission,
had suppressed facts
regarding a civil dispute.
The single judge while
allowing the AWARE peti-
tion observed that the
action of appellant in
obtaining building permis-
sion by approaching the
respondent authority was in
contravention of the order
of status quo granted by the
court. The appellant in the
present appeal said the
observations prejudiced
their case. The dispute was
with regard to payment of
balance of sale considera-
tion. The panel without
expressing any opinion on
merits directed the authori-
ties to dispose the represen-
tation without being influ-
enced by the single judge’s
observations.
pg 7
NOTICE IN CONTEMPT
CASE ON DG, SPF
Justice T. Madhavi Devi
ordered a contempt notice
against Anil Kumar, DG of
the Special Protection Force
(SPF), Secunderabad. The
judge was dealing with a
contempt case filed by
Modala Upendraiah, who
had earlier filed a writ peti-
tion challenging the action
of the police in rejecting his
request to attend the induc-
tion training programme
despite showing medical
reasons. The judge had
directed the DG to reconsid-
er Upendraiah’s request.
The petitioner in the pres-
ent contempt petition stated
that the authority failed to
comply with the order.
CONTEMPT PLEA ON
POLICE JOBS CHIEF
Justice Pulla Karthik
ordered notice to the chair-
man of Telangana State
Level Police Recruitment
Board (TGLPRB) in a con-
tempt case. The judge was
hearing a contempt case
filed by Sulluru Harsha
Vardhan, an advocate, who
alleged that the authority
had violated court orders.
Earlier the judge had direct-
ed the authorities to consid-
er the representation of the
petitioner for the post of
assistant public prosecutor
(APP).
Full report on
deccanchronicle.com
CITY
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
Docs worry
as dengue
cases rise
Advise citizens to drink
boiled water, stay hydrated
SHRIMANSI KAUSHIK I DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Doctors have sounded
caution as, with the onset
of the monsoon season,
viral diseases including
dengue and non-viral dis-
eases are spreading in the
city. Doctors are particu-
larly vigilant about
dengue which follows a
cyclical pattern, as
reflected in a study by
WHO recently, showing
alternate years of
increase and decrease.
Given that the past two
years have seen a decline
in dengue cases, an
uptick is anticipated this
year. Mentioning this
trend, Dr K. Shankar, SP
of Government Fever
Hospital, said they have
begun to note a slight
increase in dengue cases.
“In the past week, we
have seen four dengue
cases, and we are provid-
ing them with sympto-
matic treatment,” he said.
The hospital is also treat-
ing patients with vomit-
ing, stomach flu, typhoid,
and upper respiratory
diseases. Currently, the
hospital has 80-90 in-
patients and around 700
out-patients.
Among viral infections,
the hospital has reported
cases of chikungunya,
viral hepatitis, and respi-
ratory diseases with
swine-flu-like symptoms,
though the numbers
remain low. “There is no
need to panic, but we need
to observe caution,” said
Dr Shankar.
He advised citizens to
drink boiled water, stay
hydrated and see a nearby
hospital immediately if
they have a fever over
101ºF for more than three
days with joint pains,
body ache and body rash-
es.
“The patients who
report dengue symptoms
are tested with dengue
kits and if they are found
to be positive, they are
provided fluids and symp-
tomatic relief. Platelet
count is observed. It
should not fall below
20,000,” Dr Shankar
added. Doctors run-
ning private clinics in
Attapur, Nallakunta
and Nacharam have
seen a spike in dengue
cases. “Seven out of 10
patients in my clinic are
dengue cases. A similar
increase is being seen by
EESL pulled up for
defunct streetlights
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD JULY 5
GHMC commissioner
Amrapali Kata directed
Energy Efficiency
Services Limited ( EESL)
representatives and addi-
tional commissioners to
immediately replace non-
functioning streetlights.
Addressing a review
meeting, she said actions
NTPC donates kits
to leprosy patients
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The NTPC southern
region headquarters dis-
tributed self-care kits to
leprosy patients through
its arrangement with
Lepra Care Society, an
NGO working in the areas
of leprosy and lymphatic
filariasis.
S.N. Panigrahi, general
manager, human resour-
ces, handed over the kits
to about 60 patients as
HYGIENE VIOLATIONS AT 2 EATERIES
Hyderabad: The food
safety task force teams
conducted inspections at
Hotel Rumaan and 4
Seasons multi-cuisine
restaurant in Tolichowki
area. Both food business
operators had not dis-
played true copy of their
FSSAI licences at the
premises. Food handlers
at both restaurants were
pg 8
SCHOOLS JOIN
BATTLE AGAINST
MOSQUITOES
DC CORRESPONDENT
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
The GHMC organised
awareness programmes
in many schools on
Friday to educate chil-
dren about ways to pre-
vent the spread of mos-
quitoes.
The programmes were
held on a directive of
GHMC commissioner
Amrapali Kata.
Besides, the GHMC has
deployed entomology
workers to go from house
to house to identify the
places where water is
stagnant, remove them
and create awareness
among the household
members.
On Thursday, awareness
programmes were held
for 30,000 students in 150
schools across the city,
said GHMC chief ento-
mologist Dr A. Rambabu.
Stalls were set up and the
students briefed on the
lifecycle of the mosquito.
my co-workers in other
areas. However, the symp-
toms are typical of
dengue: high fever with
joint pains and muscle
pain,” said Dr Prashanth
Reddy, who runs a clinic
in Attapur. Tracking
fevers is important as
“One patient of mine who
had no symptom other
than high fever reported
dengue later,” said Dr
Prashanth. Doctors have
not reported any serious
cases where hospitalisa-
tion is required, so far.
At PHCs, most cases
being reported are of
viral fever and stomach
flu. “With eight viral
fever cases today, the
number of patients with
common cold and cough,
upper respiratory infec-
tions is increasing. For
dengue, we saw only one
patient in the past week,”
said a PHC official in
Kushaiguda.
should be taken to ensure
that there is no dark spot
in the city, especially dur-
ing the rainy season. The
agency has been directed
to take steps to maintain
a buffer stock of street-
light equipment.
For the Bonalu festival
season, she said, steps
should be taken to
arrange additional street-
lights at temples.
part of NTPC’s corporate
social responsibility.
These self-care kits aim to
enhance mobility, empow-
er individuals, and foster
proactive health manage-
ment for the affected.
Leprosy Society than-
ked the NTPC manage-
ment for the initiative.
The NTPC southern
region will altogether
provide 2,000 such kits
which will be distributed
across six camps in the
city.
found without head gear,
aprons and gloves. Stored
food articles inside the
refrigerator were not cov-
ered or labeled properly.
The kitchens were
exposed to insects and
flies in lack of insect-
proof screens and close-
fitted doors. Dustbins
were found uncovered,
the task force reported.
 NATION
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
SHORT TAKES
TMC MLAs Rayat Hossain
Sarkar and Sayantika Banerjee
come out from the Assembly.
TWO TMC MLAs
SWORN IN AFTER
MONTH’S WAIT
RAJIB CHOWDHURI | DC
Kolkata, July 5
Two newly-elected Trinamul
Congress MLAs— Sayantika
Banerjee and Rayat Hossain
Sarkar— took their oath from
Assembly Speaker Biman
Banerjee at a special session in
the House on Friday after a
month-long dilemma over
their swearing-in ceremony at
Raj Bhavan following their vic-
tory in the West Bengal
bypolls.
After becoming the member
of the House, Banerjee, the
Baranagar legislator, said, “I
am very happy. I can sleep
peacefully,” while Sarkar, the
Bhagwangola legislator, said,
“What should have happened
earlier happened a bit late. We
gained some experience.”
Governor CV Ananda Bose,
who had on Thursday autho-
rised Deputy Speaker Ashish
Banerjee to administer the
oath to the two TMC MLAs,
however expressed his dis-
pleasure at the conduct of the
Speaker and spoke about a
report being sent to President
Droupadi Murmu for not fol-
lowing his order.
CHUGH, AGARWAL
TO CONTINUE AS
BJP IN CHARGES
DC CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, JULY 5
The BJP on Friday named its
in-charges and co-incharges in
several states, retaining the
incumbent office-bearers in
most of its state units.
BJP national general secre-
taries Vinod Tawde, Tarun Ch-
ugh and Radha Mohan Das A-
garwal continue as the inch-
arge in Bihar, Jammu and Ka-
shmir and Karnataka respec-
tively, while Prakash Java-
dekar and Satish Poonia will
be the in-charges of Kerala
and Haryana. MP Aparajita
Sarangi has been appointed as
the co-incharge of Kerala.
Bihar MLA Nitin Nabin will
be in-charge of Chhattisgarh,
Ashish Sood of Goa, Shrikant
Sharma of Himachal Pradesh,
Laxmikant Bajpai of Jharkh-
and, Mahendra Singh of Mad-
hya Pradesh and Vijaypal
Singh Tomar of Odisha.
ED CHARGESHEETS
CHIDAMBARAM’S
WIFE UNDER PMLA
RAJIB CHOWDHURI | DC
KOLKATA, JULY 5
The Enforcement Directorate
(ED) has chargesheeted Cong-
ress veteran and former union
minister P. Chidambaram's wi-
fe, Nalini Chidambaram, und-
er the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA) in the
multi-crore Saradha chit fund
scam. It submitted a charg-
esheet of 65 pages with 1000
pages of evidence against her
at a PMLA Court in Kolkata on
Friday.
The ED chargesheet alleged,
“Between 11.06.2010 to 17.06.-
2012, a total of `1.489 crores
was paid by Saradha Group to
Nalini Chidambaram. Out of
this, after deducting `15 lakh
as TDS, `1.349 crores reached
Nalini’s account.”
HC ASKS CBI TO
RESPOND TO
KEJRIWAL’S PLEA
New Delhi, July 5: The Delhi
High Court on Friday asked
the CBI to respond to Chief
Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s
bail plea in the corruption
case registered by the CBI in
connection with the alleged
excise policy scam.
Justice Neena Bansal Kris-
hna issued a notice to the CBI
on the bail plea and listed it for
further hearing on July 17.
Kejriwal sought bail claiming
that there was no necessity to
arrest him in the CBI case and
that his custody was illegal.
Senior advocate Abhishek
Singhvi, representing Kejri-
wal, said the AAP leader is not
a flight risk and not a terror-
ist, and the CBI arrested him
after he got bail in the ED's
money laundering case.
He said Kejriwal has deep
roots in society and added he
was pressing for an interim
relief in the matter.
Rahul visits Hathras, NEET-PG to be held
flags lapses at event in 2 shifts on Aug. 11
UP special investigation team submits its report to CM
BHASKAR HARI
SHARMA | DC
with agency inputs
NEW DELHI/HATHRAS, JULY 5
“There were lapses on the
part of the administrati-
on,” said Leader of the Op-
position in Lok Sabha Ra-
hul Gandhi after meeting
the victims and the kin of
the Hathras stampede.
The former Congress pres-
ident, though, said that he
does not want to make it a
"political issue". The BJP,
however, dubbed his visit
“selective politics”.
In a related developme-
nt, the Uttar Pradesh spe-
cial investigation team,
probing the incident, sub-
mitted a preliminary rep-
ort to Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath after record-
ing the statements of 90
people.
On Friday, Gandhi met
the Hathras stampede vic-
tims and their kin. He
assured them that he will
raise the issue in Par-
SC TO CONSIDER
PLEAS ON SAME
SEX MARRIAGE
New Delhi, July 5: The
Supreme Court is sched-
uled to consider on July
10 a batch of pleas seek-
ing review of its last
year's judgement which
refused to accord legal
recognition to same-sex
marriage.
According to the cause
list of July 10 uploaded
on the apex court web-
site, a five-judge bench
headed by Chief Justice
D.Y. Chandrachud would
consider in chambers
the pleas seeking review
of the October 17 last
year verdict.
As per the practice, the
review pleas are consid-
ered in chambers by
judges.
Besides the CJI, the
other members of the
bench will be Justices
Sanjiv Khanna, Hima
Kohli, B.V. Nagarathna
and P.S. Narasimha.
In a setback to gay rig-
hts activists, the apex co-
urt had on October 17 la-
st year refused to accord
legal recognition to sam-
e-sex marriage, saying
there was “no unquali-
fied right” to marriage
with the exception of
those that are recog-
nised by law.
The apex court, howev-
er, had made a strong
pitch for the rights of
queer people so they
don’t face discrimina-
tion in accessing goods
and services that are
available to others.
Lalu Prasad Yadav
MODI GOVT
COULD FALL IN
AUGUST: LALU
Patna, July 5: RJD pre-
sident Lalu Prasad Yadav
on Friday claimed the Na-
rendra Modi government
at the Centre was “weak”
and could “fall” as early
as within a month.
The remark was pro-
mptly dismissed by the
BJP, which said the ail-
ing septuagenarian was
“hallucinating” and that
the recent general elec-
tions were a reaffirma-
tion of the people's faith
in Modi’s leadership.
Lalu made these predi-
ctions at an event organ-
ised to commemorate 28
years of the formation of
his party, which he fou-
nded by splitting the
Janata Dal.
He spoke in a weak vo-
ice for less than 10 minu-
tes, with younger son
and heir apparent Te-
jashwi Yadav by his side:
“The Modi government
is weak (kamzor). It can
fall any time. It can fall
in August”. He urged
party workers to be pre-
pared for such a sce-
nario. He said in LS
polls, the RJD increased
its seat count. — PTI
Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi interacts with the fam-
ilies of the victims of Hathras stampede incident at
Green Park on Friday.
liament and urged the
Uttar Pradesh Chief Mi-
nister to release maximum
compensation for the vic-
tims without any delay.
“They are poor people
and they need it (compen-
sation) now. If you give
them after six months,
after a year or delay it,
then it will not benefit any-
Rain causes havoc in NE;
21 lakh affected in Assam
MANOJ ANAND | DC
GUWAHATI, JULY 5
Heavy rainfall has caused
havoc in northeastern sta-
tes. Pointing out that over
21 lakh people were affect-
ed in Assam, officials said
at least seven districts of
Arunachal Pradesh in the
central and eastern parts
of the state were cut off
due to landslides caused
by flash floods.
The affected districts
include Lohit, Changlang,
Anjaw, and East Siang. In
the last 48 hours, eight
persons, including two
children, were killed in
rain-induced landslides
and floods in Manipur,
Mizoram and Tripura.
Assam Chief Minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma on
Friday said the flood situ-
Puri temple key decision today
AKSHAYA KUMAR
SAHOO I DC
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 5
The 16-member commit-
tee formed on Wednesday
under the chairmanship
of former judge Justice
Biswanath Rath will meet
today to take a decision on
the opening of Ratna Bha-
ndar of Lord Jagannath’s
Srimandir. Law minister
Prithwiraj Harichandan
said the government had
formed the committee as
per the High Court of
Odisha directions.
“The committee will sit
on July 6 to decide the mo-
dalities on how the work
will progress. It will also
fix a day, when there will
be no deities in the tem-
ple, for the opening of
Delhi BJP makes cow services a must
SHASHI BHUSHAN | DC
NEW DELHI, JULY 5
In a move to align more
closely with its Hindutva
ideology, the Delhi BJP has
introduced a new mandate
requiring all its senior
leaders and functionaries
to engage in cow service.
Under the new directive,
Delhi BJP leaders and
functionaries must upload
photographs and videos of
“serving the mother cow”
on the BJP’s “Saral” app.
NUMBERS | RISE
Cheetah cubs enjoy first rain in Kuno park
RABINDRA NATH
CHOUDHURY | DC
BHOPAL, JULY 5
A thrilling sight of five
cheetah cubs romancing
with monsoon rains under
watchful eyes of their
mother, Gamini, in Kuno
National Park (KNP) in
Madhya Pradesh was cap-
tured on camera by the for-
est officials on Friday.
A video of the rare sight
was soon posted by Union
minister for environment,
forest and climate change
Bhupendra Yadav on
social media platform X
— PTI
one. Compensation should
be given as soon as possi-
ble,” Gandhi said. The gov-
ernment has announced a
compensation of `2 lakhs
for those killed and `50,000
for the injured.
On his way to Hathras,
Gandhi made a stop at
Aligarh and met the kin of
the stampede victims from
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma interacts
with officials at a flood-affected area in Dibrugarh dis-
trict on Friday.
ation was improving as
the water flowing above
the danger mark in
Brahmaputra river and its
tributaries continued to
recede.
Lord Jagannath temple at Puri in Odisha
Ratna Bhandar, the repair
of the inner treasure
trove and the beginning of
the inventory of orna-
ments and jewels. It will
also decide how the inven-
This latest measure, whi-
ch mandates cow-related
media uploads, has also
been made a prerequisite
for participation in the
state executive com-
mittee meeting to be
held on July 7. Fa-
ilure to comply will
result in their absen-
ce being officially reco-
rded, regardless of their
actual attendance.
A senior party leader
revealed that “Gau Sewa”
(cow service) will be one
Union minister posts video on ‘X’; says tally of Indian-born cubs rose to 13
which attracted 3,77,000
viewers and 1,032 likes
within a few hours.
In the video clip, the cubs
were seen in a playful
mood, pushing, kicking
and climbing on each
other under the watchful
eyes of their mother
Gamini, the South African
cheetah brought along
with eleven others to KNP
in a cheetah reintroduc-
tion project a couple of
years ago.
While narrating how the
cheetah cubs were enjoy-
ing the monsoon rains in
Kuno National Park on
the district. Speaking to
the media in Hathras, he
said, “It is a matter of
grief that so many fami-
lies have suffered and so
many people lost their
lives… I don't want to
speak from a political
prism, but there have been
some lapses on the part of
the administration. There
have been mistakes, which
should be identified.”
The BJP, however, acc-
used him of indulging in
selective politics. Remi-
nding the Congress and
Gandhi that they are yet to
react or visit victims of
the Tamil Nadu hooch tra-
gedy, which claimed more
than 60 lives, the BJP chid-
ed Gandhi to not look at
“heart wrenching inci-
dents” like the Hathras
tragedy with “vulture eyes
for political benefits”.
They alleged Gandhi has
been doing the politics of
fear and confusion ever
since he became the Lea-
der of the Opposition.
— PTI
Sarma, who was inspect-
ing areas facing water-log-
ging problems in Dibrug-
arh, said power had been
shut off due to the area
inundated with water.
— DC
tory will be done and what
external agencies will be
included for testing the
quality of the orna-
ments,” he told reporters
on Friday.
of the main election
planks for the Delhi BJP.
Delhi is set to go to polls in
February next year.
The Delhi BJP has
asked its national
office-bearers,
national council
members from the
city, and members of
the state core group
to perform “Gau Sewa”
and arrange sanitation
facilities at Gaushalas
(shelter homes for cows)
before the meeting on July
Friday morning, a caption
tagged with the video in
Yadav’s post read,
“Together, they weave a
timeless tale of familial
harmony amidst nature’s
seasonal embrace”.
Gamini had given birth
to five cubs in Kuno on
March 10 this year.
“High Five, Kuno! Fe-
male cheetah Gamini, age
about five years, brought
from Tswalu Kalahari
Reserve, South Africa, has
given birth to five cubs
today. This takes the tally
of Indian-born cubs to 13.
This is the fourth cheetah
AVINASH PRABHAKAR
JHA | DC
NEW DELHI, JULY 5
The National Board of Ex-
aminations in Medical Sc-
iences (NBEMS) on Fri-
day announced that the
Neet-PG medical entrance
exam will now be conduct-
ed in two shifts on August
11.
The Neet-PG exam was
earlier scheduled to be
held on June 23. However,
it was postponed just 12
hours before the examina-
tion as a “precautionary
measure”.
In a notification issued
on Friday, the board said,
“In continuation of NB-
EMS notice dated June 22,
the conduct of Neet-PG
2024 examination has be-
en rescheduled. It will
now be conducted on
August 11 in two shifts.
The cut-off date for the
purpose of eligibility to
appear in the Neet-PG
2024 shall continue to be
August 15.”
The Union health min-
istry had on June 22 post-
poned the Neet-PG entr-
ance examination, sched-
uled to be held on June 23,
as a “precautionary meas-
ure” in the wake of allega-
tions about the integrity
of Neet-UG exams.
The health ministry had
decided to undertake a
thorough assessment of
the robustness of the
processes of the Neet-PG
entrance examination.
DEF. OUTPUT
HITS RECORD AT
`1.26 L CRORE
PAWAN BALI | DC
NEW DELHI, JULY 5
India’s indigenous def-
ence production achie-
ved the highest-ever gro-
wth in value terms dur-
ing Financial Year (FY)
2023-24 on back of Modi
government's ‘Aatmanir-
bharta’ campaign.
The value of defence
production in the coun-
try has gone up to a
record-high figure of
`1,26,887 crore, reflect-
ing a year on year
growth of 16.7 per cent.
The value of defence
production in FY 2022-23
was `1,08,684 crore.
Prime Minister Nare-
ndra Modi said that gov-
ernment is committed to
establish India as a lead-
ing global defence manu-
facturing hub.
“Very encouraging de-
velopment. Complimen-
ts to all those who have
contributed to this feat.
We are fully committed
to nurturing a support-
ive environment to fur-
ther enhance our capa-
bilities and establish
India as a leading global
defence manufacturing
hub. This will enhance
our security apparatus
and make us Aatm-
anirbhar,” said the
Prime Minister.
7. It is understood that the
state leadership has alrea-
dy prepared a detailed list
of tasks assigned to differ-
ent levels of office bearers.
Besides their visit to
Gaushalas for cow service,
the senior leaders are also
asked to reach out to the
heads of ‘Sewa Basti’
(service colonies), discuss
party expansion, and visit
and provide services at
orphanages, old age
homes, and homes for lep-
rosy patients.
litter on Indian soil and
first litter of cheetahs
brought from South
Africa”, the Union minis-
ter had proudly ann-
ounced in a post in X on
March 10.
Eight cheetahs were
brought from Namibia to
KNP in the first ever inter-
continental translocation
of carnivores in
September 2022 in the
maiden cheetah reintro-
duction project in India.
Three months later, 12
cheetahs were trans-locat-
ed from South Africa to
KNP.
NTA IN SUPREME COURT
The cancellation of the
entire examination would
be hugely counterpro-
ductive and harmful,
especially to the
career prospects of
the qualified
candidates.
NTA rejects mass
malpractice claim
New Delhi, July 5: The
National Testing Agency
(NTA) told the Supreme
Court on Friday cancellati-
on of the NEET-UG 2024 e-
xam would be hugely coun-
terproductive and signifi-
cantly harmful to larger
public interest, especially
to the career prospects of
those who cleared it.
In its affidavit filed in re-
sponse to one of the peti-
tions, the NTA, which con-
ducts the NEET-UG exami-
nation, said the alleged in-
cident of leak does not se-
em to have any bearing on
the conduct of the entire
exam, as the number of
candidates found to be
involved by the investigat-
ing agencies is minuscule
compared to number of
candidates who appeared.
“The cancellation of the
entire examination on the
Athletes receive
PM’s motivation
FROM PAGE 1
The Prime Minister's
interaction with athletes
was attended by the
national men’s hockey
team, the shooting contin-
gent, boxers and track-
and-field stars such as
Neeraj Chopra among
others.
The complete video of
the PM’s light-hearted
conversation with the
athletes was shared by his
office on Friday. The
meeting with the contin-
gent was also attended by
sports minister Mansukh
Mandaviya and Indian
Olympic Association
(IAO) president P.T. Usha.
“I won’t ask you to do
anything in the middle of
your events but when you
are free, I would urge you
to observe the arrange-
ments. Your inputs will
help our bid for 2036. We
will have an understand-
ing on how to make sure
that we are better-pre-
pared,” he added in his
closing remarks to the
athletes.
The upcoming Games
will be held from July 26
to August 11 and India
would be hoping to better
its best-ever tally of seven
medals, including
Chopra's historic javelin
8 NEWBORNS IN W. BENGAL DIE DUE
TO ALLEGED MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE
PRANMOY
BRAHMACHARI | DC
BERHAMPORE, JULY 5
Eight newborns have died
due to alleged medical ne-
gligence at Murshidabad
Medical College and Hos-
pital in West Bengal in
the last 24 hours.
Five of them died at the
special newborn critical
care unit while three othe-
rs died at the paediatric
intensive critical care unit
Five cubs of female cheetah Gamini enjoy monsoon rains
in Kuno National Park.
pg 9
THE EXAM was
carried out
fairly and with
due confiden-
tiality in entire-
ty without any
illegal
prac-
tices.
basis of the aforesaid fac-
tor, would be hugely coun-
terproductive and signifi-
cantly harmful to the larg-
er public interest, especi-
ally to the career prospe-
cts of the qualified candi-
dates,” it said.
The agency said the
exam was carried out fair-
ly and with due confiden-
tiality in entirety without
any illegal practices and
the claim of “mass malpr-
actice” is “completely unf-
ounded, misleading, and
lacks any basis”.
Scrapping the exam in
entirety would “seriously
jeopardise” lakhs of hon-
est candidates and not be
rational in the absence of
any proof of large-scale
breach of confidentiality,
the Centre also told the
apex court on Friday in a
separate affidavit. — PTI
Narendra Modi
throw gold, achieved in
the Tokyo Games.
Over 100 Indian spo-
rtspersons have qualified
for the Games, including
an unprecedented 21
shooters, who would be
aiming to end the medal
drought of last two edi-
tions.
India has repeatedly
asserted its desire to host
the Games and found sup-
port from International
Olympic Committee (IOC)
chief Thomas Bach.
However, it would be no
walk in the park to secure
the rights as several other
strong contenders such as
Qatar and Saudi Arabia
are also expected to throw
their hats in the ring.
A decision on the 2036
Games host is not expect-
ed before next year’s IOC
elections where a new
president is expected to
take charge.
from Thursday to Friday.
Families of the deceased
complained about medical
negligence and the pathet-
ic attitude of the hospital
behind the deaths.
Hospital principal Dr.
Amit Dawn said, “90 mal-
nourished, underweight
and premature newborns
from different hospitals
were referred here in crit-
ical stage. The doctors did
their best but could not
save them.”
— BY ARRANGEMENT
 SOUTH
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
SHORT
IMD PREDICTS
TAKES
HEAVY RAIN IN AP
FOR TWO DAYS
DC CORRESPONDENT
VISAKHAPATNAM, JULY 5
Heavy rainfall is expected
across isolated areas of north
and south coastal Andhra
Pradesh, Yanam, and
Rayalaseema on July 7 and 8,
said a report released by IMD,
Amaravati on Friday.
The report also forecasts
strong winds, reaching speeds
of 30 kmph to 40 kmph, in
these regions during the peri-
od of heavy rainfall.
Thunderstorms are predicted
for July 6 and 9 in the same
areas. In the past 24 hours
until 8.30 am on Friday, signif-
icant rainfall was recorded in
several places- Narsapuram in
West Godavari district
received 54 mm, Bhimavaram
in West Godavari district
received 50.6 mm, Polavaram
near Eluru received 50.4 mm
and Kunavaram received 42.4
mm of rainfall.
AFRICAN SWINE
FEVER OUTBREAK
IN KERALA
Thrissur, July 5: An out-
break of African Swine Fever,
a highly contagious and dead-
ly swine disease that can
affect both farm-raised and
feral pigs, has been reported
from a farm in a village in
Kerala’s Thrissur district,
officials said on Friday.
“The disease was confirmed
in the pigs owned by
Kuttalapuzha Babu of
Veliyanthara in the 14th
ward,” they added.
According to the officials,
due to the outbreak of swine
fever, the Thrissur district col-
lector has ordered the culling
of 310 pigs at a private farm in
Thrissur district’s Mad-
akkathara panchayat.
The area within a one-kilo-
metre radius of the affected
farm has been declared a dis-
ease-affected area, and the
area within a 10-km radius
has been declared a disease
surveillance area, the officials
informed.
WORLD
SHORT TAKES
INDIA LAUNCHES
UPI PAYMENTS AT
GALERIES IN PARIS
London/Paris, July 5: India
has launched the Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) at
Paris’ historic department
store Galeries Lafayette after a
successful launch at the iconic
Eiffel Tower. “On July 3, 2024,
the UPI became live at the flag-
ship store of the world-reno-
wned Galeries Lafayette in Ha-
ussmann, Paris. This expands
the acceptance of UPI in Paris
after a successful launch at the
iconic Eiffel Tower,” the Indi-
an Embassy in France said.
OVER 36 CHINESE
WARPLANES SEEN
AROUND TAIWAN
Taipei, July 5: Taiwan’s def-
ence ministry said on Friday it
had detected 36 Chinese mili-
tary aircraft around the island
in the previous 24 hours. A fur-
ther 26 aircraft — including
fighters, transport planes and
drones — were detected after
6:55 am (2255 GMT) Friday, the
ministry said.
China claims self-ruled dem-
ocratic Taiwan as part of its
territory. It has stepped up
pressure on Taipei in recent
years and held war games
around the island following
the May 20 inauguration of
new Taiwanese leader Lai
Ching-te, who Beijing regards
as a “dangerous separatist”.
FRENCH DIRECTOR
CHARGED WITH
RAPE OF ACTORS
Paris, July 5: A prominent
French film director has been
handed preliminary charges of
rape, sexual assault and vio-
lence by a French judge inves-
tigating a case involving
female actors, the Paris prose-
cutor’s office said Thursday.
Benoit Jacquot, who has
more than 50 director credits
in film and television, has
become one of the most promi-
nent figures in a belated reck-
oning within the French
movie industry and beyond
over sexual violence and phys-
ical abuse.
HC questions `10 lakh
aid to TN hooch victims
PIL says victims not freedom fighters to get compensation
N. RAVIKUMAR I DC
CHENNAI, JULY 5
The Madras high court on
Friday questioned the
Tamil Nadu government
on the payment of `10
lakh as compensation to
each of the families of 65
persons who died in the
Kallakurichi spurious
liquor tragedy and asked
it to reconsider the deci-
sion.
A division bench, com-
prising acting Chief
Justice R. Mahadevan and
Justice Mohammed
Shaffiq, asked why should
the families of a spurious
liquor tragedy be encour-
aged.
“You are paying `10
lakh. That is encourage-
ment. If a person dies of
an accident, you can give
compensation. But, not in
this case. Ten lakh rupees
is too much”, the judges
said and told the govern-
ment to reconsider the
Doc dupes patient in organ scam
K.M.P. PATNAIK | DC
VISAKHAPATNAM, JULY 5
The Visakhapatnam
police booked a nephrolo-
gist and a transplant coor-
dinator for allegedly dup-
ing a patient after collect-
ing advance money for an
organ transplant.
Police commissioner
Shanka Bagchi recently
formed a special team to
investigate the kidney
racket involving gangs of
criminals. Following this,
the Dwaraka police regis-
tered a case against
nephrologist Dr Vani and
an agent of a private hos-
pital, Anil. They allegedly
duped a local, Moola
Venkata Satyanarayana
Gopi, by promising to
Struggling Biden faces
big test with interview
Insists he is staying in the race despite pressure to step out
Washington, July 5:
President Joe Biden,
scrambling to defuse a
political crisis over his
shaky debate perform-
ance, will participate in a
television interview on
Friday that will be closely
watched for signs of
whether his mental acuity
is failing.
Biden will travel to
Madison, Wisconsin, to
rally Democratic voters.
During the trip he will be
interviewed by ABC News,
part of a flurry of events
over the next week aimed
at showing Americans he
still has the stamina to
run against Republican
candidate Donald Trump
in the November 5 elec-
tion.
While Biden insists he is
staying in the race and
that his health is not fal-
tering, he is under enor-
mous pressure to step
aside and open a path for
his 59-year-old vice presi-
dent, Kamala Harris.
Some donors are making
their displeasure known
loudly, halting funding or
looking at possible
Democratic alternatives.
Even some of Biden’s clo-
sest political allies, like
FAITH | MATTERS First leg of 4-nation trip to emphasise on interreligious harmony in Indonesia
Pope to preside over interfaith meet in Mosque
Rome, July 5: Pope
Francis will preside over
an interfaith meeting in a
mosque in the world’s
largest predominantly
Muslim country during a
four-nation Asian visit in
September that will be the
longest and most compli-
cated foreign trip of his
pontificate.
The Vatican on Friday
released the itinerary for
Francis’ September 2-13
trip to Indonesia, East
Timor, Papua New Guinea
and Singapore. The packed
schedule makes clear that
the 87-year-old pontiff,
who has battled health
HC SEES AID AS ENCOURAGEMENT
THE JUDGES SAID
“You are paying `10
lakh. That is encour-
agement. If a person
dies of an accident,
you can give
compensation. But,
not in this case. Ten
lakh is too much”.
Relatives of hooch tragedy
mourn their loss.
decision and find other
mechanisms. The court
directed the government
counsel to take instruc-
tions within two weeks on
reconsidering the com-
pensation announced by
the state. The observa-
tions were made when the
court was hearing a PIL
filed by A. Mohamed
Gouse, secretary of the
Welfare Party. The peti-
tioner said the state gov-
ernment need not take
pity on those who had con-
sumed the illicit liquor
and consequently suc-
KIDNEY SCANDAL
DR VANI AND AN AGENT of a
private hospital, Anil allegedly
duped a local, Moola Venkata
Satyanarayana Gopi, by
promising to arrange a kid-
ney donor for his wife.
arrange a kidney donor
for his wife, Sarada
Lakshmi. The case was
registered under Section
420 r/w 34 of the IPC.
The 37-year-old Lakshmi
was in need of a kidney
transplant. Gopi’s blood
group and that of her
other relatives did not
match. Gopi registered
with AP Jeevandan for a
kidney transplant for his
US President Joe Biden and Vice- President Kamala
Harris greet supporters as they arrive to watch the
Independence Day fireworks display from the Truman
Balcony of the White House in Washington.
former Speaker Nancy
Pelosi, have raised ques-
tions about his health.
Several public opinion
polls have shown Trump
establishing a sizeable
lead over the Democratic
president since the debate.
The White House has
blamed a cold for Biden’s
shaky performance and
Biden himself cited jet lag
from back-to-back trips to
Europe.
The ABC interview
offers the likelihood of
problems and is increas-
ingly reliant on a wheel-
chair, has no plans to slow
down. After a day of rest
upon arrival in Jakarta on
September 3, Francis
launches into a typically
rigorous round of protocol
visits to heads of state and
government, speeches to
diplomats and meetings
with clergy and public
Masses. Francis will be
the third pope to visit
Indonesia, after Pope Paul
VI in 1970 and Pope John
Paul II in 1989. About 87
per cent of Indonesia’s 277
million people are
Muslim, but the country
— File
cumbed to it. He said that,
those who had died in
Kallakurichi were neither
freedom fighters nor those
who had died for a social
cause, whose families to
be awarded with such a
huge sum as compensa-
tion from public funds.
They had committed an
illegal act by consuming
spurious liquor, the peti-
tioner said. The order of
compensation to all the
hooch tragedy victims was
unreasonable and arbi-
trary and the consumers
of illicit liquor must be
● Anil assured
Gopi that organ
donors were
available and
the entire
procedure
would cost
`27 lakh.
wife in September 2022.
As his wife’s health con-
dition worsened, a desper-
ate Gopi consulted ne-
phrologist Dr Vani from a
private hospital in Vizag
city. She asked Gopi to
contact Anil, the trans-
plant coordinator. Anil
assured Gopi that organ
donors were available and
the entire procedure
would cost `27 lakh.
— AFP
unscripted comments
from Biden, who relies
heavily on the use of a
Teleprompter for his pub-
lic remarks.
At Fourth of July holi-
day ceremonies on the
White House South Lawn
on Thursday night, Biden
responded quickly when
someone shouted at him to
“keep up the fight.”
“You got me, man,”
Biden responded. “I’m not
going anywhere.”
Harris is a strong con-
also has Southeast Asia’s
second-largest Christian
population, after the
Philippines, and the third-
largest in Asia after the
Philippines and China.
In Jakarta, he’ll preside
over an interfaith meeting
at the capital’s Istiqlal Mo-
sque, expected to be atten-
ded by leaders of the six
religions in Indonesia that
are officially recognised
and protected: Islam, Prot-
estant, Catholic, Buddhi-
sm, Hinduism and Conf-
ucianism. Francis is also
expected to walk through a
tunnel, called the Tunnel
of Friendship, connecting
denied the compensation
and they must not be treat-
ed as victims, he said.
He added that it was not
clear on what basis the
state government was
granting a lesser solatium
to victims of fire or any
other accidents and at the
same time granting a huge
amount to hooch tragedy
victims.
When the matter was
taken up on Friday, the
state government request-
ed the court to attach the
petition along with other
petitions seeking a CBI
enquiry into the spurious
liquor tragedy. However,
the court did not heed the
request saying that the
prayer and petition was
different from those filed
earlier. On June 18, a total
of 229 people belonging to
Karunapuram were
admitted to hospital after
consuming spurious
liquor and 65 of them
were dead.
Gopi paid `10 lakh in
advance in two instal-
ments in March and April
2024, after borrowing the
money from his friend.
Without issuing a receipt,
Anil scooted from the
scene. Fortunately, Laks-
hmi could get a kidney
through Jeevandan, whi-
ch gave her a new lease of
life. Gopi asked the
nephrologist and the coor-
dinator to return the
advance money. Dr Vani
said that, she took no
money. Anil said that the
money was with another
doctor. He warned Gopi
against visiting the hospi-
tal again. Realising that he
was cheated, Gopi lodged
a complaint with the
Dwaraka police station.
tender to take his place if
Biden were to drop out,
sources have said, though
his allies believe he can
still assuage the concerns
of voters and donors.
Trump’s campaign and
some of his allies have
launched a pre-emptive
political strike on Harris,
moving swiftly to try to
discredit her amid talk
that she could eventually
replace Biden as the
Democrats’ nominee.
The Biden campaign
showed no signs of slow-
ing down, although the
Trump team has overtak-
en it on fundraising.
The campaign announ-
ced it would spend $50 mil-
lion on a media blitz for
the month of July, “includ-
ing strategic investments
around key events that
draw in large and politi-
cally diverse audiences
like the 2024 Olympic
Games and the Republican
National Convention.”
Trump, 78, who made
multiple false statements
from the debate stage in
Atlanta, falsely claimed in
a video that was circulat-
ed on social media that he
had driven Biden out of
the race. — Reuters
the grand mosque to the
neo-Gothic Our Lady of
The Assumption
Cathedral, which was con-
structed by Indonesian
authorities in 2020.
As a result, the first leg
of Francis’ four-nation
trip is likely to heavily
emphasise interreligious
harmony and tolerance, a
theme he has hammered
home on many of his for-
eign visits, especially to
the Gulf and other Muslim
majority nations.
The trip was originally
planned for 2020 but was
called off because of the
Covid-19 pandemic. — AP
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu
meets Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman dur-
ing a meeting, in New Delhi.
Naidu seeks aid
for AP projects
MD ILYAS | DC
VIJAYAWADA, JULY 5
Chief Minister N.
Chandrababu Naidu met
Union finance minister
Nirmala Sitharaman and
appealed to her to support
the “debt-burdened” state
and provide financial
support for its major proj-
ects.
Naidu, on a visit to the
national capital, urged
the Central government
to allocate funds for
Polavaram and Am-
aravati as well as special
funds for the backward
areas.
Ahead of the Union
Budget presentation, the
CM met Sitharaman to
seek enhanced financial
support to the state.
Naidu also met defence
minister Rajnath Singh
and health minister J.P.
Nadda.
Sources said Naidu, dur-
ing the meeting in North
Block, highlighted vari-
ous ongoing projects in
Andhra Pradesh that
required central assis-
tance.
The Telugu Desam min-
isters at the Centre were
present in the meeting.
Naidu explained that
according to the state gov-
ernment data, the public
debt of AP has increased
from 31.02 per cent of the
GSDP in 2019-20 to 33.32
per cent in the 2023-24 fis-
People and rescue workers assess the damage inflict-
ed on a house during an Israeli raid in the occupied
West Bank city of Jenin on Friday.
7 killed in Israeli
West Bank raid
Jenin, Palestinian
Territories, July 5:
Israeli troops killed seven
Palestinians —with
Hamas claiming five as
members — in a raid on
Jenin in the occupied
West Bank on Friday, offi-
cials said.
At least 14 Palestinians
have now been killed in
Israeli operations this
week in the West Bank,
where the Gaza war has
fuelled tensions October.
The Israeli military said
the raid was carried out
to find militants behind
an attack last week in
which an Israeli captain
was killed. Hamas said
one of the latest seven
dead was a “commander”
in the group.
VATICAN EXCOMMUNICATES ARCHBISHOP
VIGANO, CRITIC OF POPE FOR ‘SCHISM’
Vatican, July 5: The Vati-
can has excommunicated
Archbishop Carlo Maria
Vigano, one of Pope
Francis’ most virulent
critics, after judging him
guilty of splitting the
Church, the dicastery in
charge of doctrine said
Friday.
The 83-year-old ultra con-
servative, who has called
in the past for Francis to
resign as pope, has
been on trial since last
—PTI
cal. Key among the CM’s
requests were funds for
the Polavaram irrigation
project, special assistance
for backward regions,
and financial support for
development of the new
capital, Amaravati.
The CM also sought res-
olution of the pending
issues stemming from the
2014 bifurcation. Sith-
araman gave a patient
hearing to Naidu’s con-
cerns and promised the
CM that she would look
into the proposals but
within the broader fiscal
constraints.
Meanwhile, after com-
pletion of the two-day
Delhi tour, the Chief
Minister said, “For five
years, we will work with
the aim of restructuring
the state as there was
irreparable damage to AP
in the last five years. The
main objective of our gov-
ernment is to restore the
capital to its former glory
by establishing 135 gov-
ernment offices in
Amaravati,” he added.
Naidu made it clear that
the TD did not expect
more posts from the
Centre. He recalled that
A.B. Vajpayee had offered
seven posts but “we did
not accept seven ministe-
rial posts. We took the
post of Speaker and even
now we are happy with
the two ministerial posts
given by the NDA.”
— AFP
An Israeli military
statement said there was
a gun battle in the Jenin
refugee camp and then
troops surrounded a
building in which “terror-
ists barricaded them-
selves”.
The Wafa official
Palestinian news agency
said military vehicles
surrounded a house and
demands were made by
loudspeaker for one occu-
pant to surrender.
Shoulder-launched mis-
siles were fired and a
drone used in the four-
hour raid, it added.
According to the mili-
tary, two militants who
took part in a bomb
attack in which the cap-
tain died were killed.
month after being
accused by the Dicastery
for the Doctrine of the
Faith of the crime of
schism.
“At the conclusion of the
penal process, the Most
Reverend Carlo Maria
Vigano was found guilty of
the reserved delict of sch-
ism,” wrote the dicastery,
adding that his punish-
ment was “excommunica-
tion” in accordance with
canon law. — AFP
pg 10
‘CM ASPIRANT’
BEHIND MUDA
LEAKS, SAYS HDK
M.B. GIRISH | DC
BENGALURU, JULY 5
Over the ongoing plot
allotment row by MUDA
to the Chief Minister’s
wife as compensation for
sacrificing her land in
Mysuru city, State presi-
dent of Janata Dal
Secular and union min-
ister H.D. Kumaraswa-
my on Friday, in an
oblique reference to Dy
Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar, alleged a
leader
become
aspiring
the
to
Chief
Minister of Karnataka
is behind the exposure of
plot allotment to the
CM's wife.
In reaction, D.K. Shiv-
akumar termed Kum-
araswamy of being a
person of unsound mind
and has been making
baseless allegations
owing to his mental ill-
ness.
K’TAKA SHIFTS
MUDA OFFICIAL
AFTER LAND ROW
Bengaluru, July 5:
Amid a controversy over
an alleged land scam in
the Mysuru Urban
Development Authority,
the Karnataka govern-
ment on Friday trans-
ferred Mysuru Deputy
Commissioner K. V.
Rajendra.
Senior BJP leader R
Ashoka had earlier
alleged that Rajendra
had written several let-
ters to MUDA stating
that the allotment of
alternative sites to land
losers in lieu of land
acquired from them to
form residential layouts
under a “50:50 ratio”
scheme was improper.
He has been posted as
the Director of Tourism
in Bengaluru. Rajendra
was replaced by G.
Lakshmikanth Reddy,
who is presently the
manging director of
KUIDFC. — PTI
MOB RANSACKS
POWER STATION
IN PAKISTAN
Quetta, July 5: Hundr-
eds of people in one of
Pakistan’s hottest cities
stormed a power station
in protest against cuts
lasting up to 20 hours a
day, police said Friday.
The protesters also
ransacked the station’s
neighbouring adminis-
trative office in
Thursday night’s inci-
dent in rural Sibi, in
southern Balochistan
province, where temper-
atures peaked at 45
degrees Celsius (113
degrees Fahrenheit).
“People stormed the el-
ectricity supply office
and ransacked it last ni-
ght and a case has been
lodged against them,”
police official Anayatul-
lah Bungulzai told AFP,
adding that the group
numbered up to 800 peo-
ple. Planned power cuts,
also known as loadshed-
ding, happen frequently
in Pakistan due to fuel
shortages, varying in
length in different areas.
Meanwhile, the gov-
ernment in Pakistan’s
Punjab province is now
set to ban all social
media platforms —You-
Tube, WhatsApp, Face-
book, Instagram and
TikTok — for six days
between July 13 and 18,
citing the need to control
“hate material” during
the Islamic month of
Muharram.
Punjab Chief Minister
Maryam Nawaz’s cabi-
net committee on law
and order has recom-
mended banning all
social media platforms
in Punjab, a province of
over 120 million people,
to “control hate materi-
al, misinformation to
avoid sectarian vio-
lence”, according to a
notification issued here
late Thursday night.
Muharram — the peri-
od of recalling and
mourning the martyr-
dom of Hazrat Imam
Hussain by the commu-
nity of Shia Muslims —
marks the first month of
the Islamic Calendar. A
greater amount of
importance is placed on
the first ten days of the
festival. On the tenth
day, Shia Muslims take
out processions via
streets. — Agencies
cmyk cmyk

DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024 pg 11

 WORLD
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
pg 12

Headaches await
London, July
Labour on Friday
5:

secured a huge majori-

years up against a
demoralised
opposition.
main
Starmer sworn in as UK’s 58th PM
ty in the UK’s general
election, giving it a
“The main advan-
tages are clarity. It
Labour sweeps 412 seats in landslide win, Sunak’s Tories reduced to 121 in 650-member House
massive mandate but means the government London, July 5: Keir
also a few headaches
once celebrations die
down.
of the day can get on
with its programme,
unhindered and encu-
Starmer became UK’s new
prime minister on Friday
and vowed to rebuild
Before the vote, the
Conservatives warned
voters not to hand
Labour party leader
mbered,” Tony McNu-
lty, lecturer at Queen
Mary University of
London and a Labour
Britain, hours after his
Labour Party secured a
landslide victory in a gen-
eral election in which the
Keir Starmer
“blank cheque” of a
“supermajority”, but
the minister under Tony
Blair said. The thump-
ing win also gives Lab-
weary voters inflicted a
“sobering verdict” on
Rishi Sunak-led Conserva-
as prime minister he our “a nice reservoir of tives, who suffered their
will now have a majori- talent” to fill govern- worst electoral drubbing.
ty of over 170 and five ment roles. — AFP Starmer, 61, assumed
charge as the 58th Prime
Minister after his custom-
ary audience with King
Charles III at Buckingham
Palace, following Sunak's
meeting with the British
monarch.
The Labour Party
secured 412 seats in the
650-member House of
Commons, up 211 from the
last election in 2019.
Sunak's Conservatives
won just 121 seats, down
250 seats from the previ-
ous election. While the
Labour had a vote share of
33.7 per cent the
Conservatives had 23.7 per
cent.
“Our country has voted
decisively for change, for
national renewal and a
return of politics for pub-
lic service, said Starmer
in his inaugural address
from a lectern outside 10
Downing Street,” the offi-
cial residence of the
British Prime Minister.
As leader of a new
Labour Party-led govern-
ment, Starmer said that
the work ahead is urgent
and we begin it today.
However, he said this
would not be as simple as
“flicking a switch”.
When the gap between
the sacrifices made by peo-
ple and the service they
receive from politicians
grows this big, it leads to
the weariness in the heart
of a nation, a draining
away of the hope, the spir-
it, the belief in a better
future. But we need to
move forward together, he
said.
Starmer acknowledged
that the lack of trust could
only be healed by actions,
not words and pledged that
his government would tre-
at every single person in
the country with respect.
He noted: If you voted
Labour yesterday, we will
carry the responsibility of
your trust as we rebuild
our country. But whether
you voted Labour or not,
in fact, especially if you
did not, I say to you direct-
ly: my government will
serve you’.
Politics can be a force for
good, we will show. We've
changed the Labour Party,
returned it to service, and
that is how we will govern.
Country first, party sec-
ond.
Citing the need for
schools and affordable
homes, Starmer vowed to
“rebuild” the country's
“infrastructure of oppor-
tunity”, doing so “brick by
brick”. He vowed a “gov-
ernment of service” and
spoke of the need for a
national “reset”. — PTI
LABOUR WIN
VOWS SYNERGY
WITH ROYALS
London, July 5: King
Charles III showed little
sympathy to Conserv-
ative Prime Minister Liz
Truss when they met
during her ill-fated pre-
miership in October
2022, saying to her:
“Back again? Dear oh
dear. Anyway.”
Truss resigned eight
days later, just seven
weeks into Charles’s
reign, after her radical
tax-cutting proposals
spooked the financial
markets.
She was followed into
office by Rishi Sunak,
who resigned on Friday
after the Conservative
Party’s crushing defeat
India-UK ties:
FTA in focus
under Starmer
SRIDHAR KUMARASWAMI | DC
NEW DELHI, JULY 5
Britain’s ex-PM Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty,
are greeted by Clive Alderton, principal private secre- With the electoral defeat on Friday of
tary to The King and Queen (R), and Equerry to The Indian-origin erstwhile British PM
Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives, India is
King, Commander William Thornton, as they arrive at
now looking for-
Buckingham Palace, in London, on Friday. — AFP ward to dealing
with Labour
Britain’s King Charles III (R) welcomes incoming Prime I have given this job my all, but you have sent a Party leader Keir
Minister Keir Starmer during an audience at clear signal that the government of the United Starmer who took
Buckingham Palace in London on Friday. — AFP Kingdom must change. —RISHI SUNAK, UK ex-PM over as Britain’s
new Prime
FIVE KEY TAKEWAYS FROM UK GENERAL ELECTION Minister. To New
Delhi’s relief,
THE UK GENERAL ELECTION MARKS A TURNING POINT FOR THE
STARMER SAID TO Starmer has made
efforts to reverse
COUNTRY WITH LABOUR RETURNING TO POWER AFTER 14
YEARS OF CONSERVATIVES IN DOWNING STREET.
BE METHODICAL, the perceived anti-
India image of his Narendra Modi
PRAGMATIST centre-left party
that has now swept the polls in Britain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said
LABOUR LANDSLIDE, London, July 5: Britain’s on X on Friday: “Heartiest congratula-
BUT NOT HISTORIC 1 new Prime Minister Keir tions and best wishes to Keir Starmer
Labour won 412 seats Starmer is an ex-human on the remarkable victory in the UK
in the 650-seat parlia- rights lawyer and public general election. I look forward to our
ment with only three prosecutor who will have positive and constructive collaboration
seats left to declare, to focus his relentless wo- to further strengthen the India-UK
rk ethic and methodical Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
guaranteeing the cen- in all areas, fostering mutual growth
mind on fixing the count-
tre-left party a whop- ry. At 61, Starmer is the ol- and prosperity.”
ping majority after 14 dest person to take the ro- In a separate message to Sunak, Modi
years in opposition. le in almost half a century, wrote: “Thank you for your admirable
but was only elected to leadership of the UK, and your active
HARD-RIGHT Political satire artist Kaya Mar holds a new paint-
BREAKTHROUGH 2 ing depicting Britains incoming Prime Minister
parliament nine years ago.
The married father-of-
contribution to deepen the ties between
India and the UK during your term in
The anti-immigration Keir Starmer holding an “L” next to another painti- two is unlike most modern office. Best wishes to you and your fam-
Reform UK, led by ng depicting (L-R) Britains outgoing prime minis- politicians: he had a long ily for the future.”
Brexit talisman Nigel ter Rishi Sunak along with former premiers. — AFP and distinguished career Starmer is seen to have reversed the
Farage, fired a shot before becoming an MP anti-India policies of previous Labour
and his views are rooted Party leader Jeremy Corbyn who had
across the bows of the CONSERVATIVE CATASTROPHE
establishment by win-
3 "Massacre, catastrophe, Waterloo..." there
in pragmatism rather taken a hawkish pro-Pakistan stand on
than ideology. Kashmir. He also reportedly visited
ning more than four mil- was no shortage of words to describe the “We must return politics Hindu temples too during his campaign
lion votes, the third depths of the defeat for the Tories, who won a to service,” Starmer said and reportedly emphasised repeatedly
highest vote share of landslide only five years ago but looked set to repeatedly during the that there is “no place for Hindu-phobia
any party. be reduced to around 120 seats. campaign, promising to in Britain”.
put “country first, party Starmer reportedly wants to establish
second” following 14 chao- a new strategic partnership with New
SCOTTISH NATIONALISTS LIB DEM ● Rachel
4 IN CRISIS
5 COMEBACK Reeves as
tic years of Conservative
rule under five different
Delhi based on “global, climate and eco-
nomic security” and a relationship
The Scottish nationalists suf- The return of the pro-EU finance prime ministers. based on the “shared values of democ-
fered a terrible evening, with Lib Dems as the third minister is That mantra chimes racy and aspiration”. Starmer is also in
former first minister and inde- largest party and a major the first with supporters’ lauding favour of a free trade pact with India
force in Westminster is woman to of him as a safe pair of and has reportedly said that the
pendence figurehead Nicola hands who will approach Kashmir issue is a bilateral one
Sturgeon admitting that "it's not one of the election's more hold the
life in Downing Street the between India and Pakistan.
a good night" for the Scottish unlikely stories following position in same way he did his legal “What my Labour government will
National Party (SNP). its dismal showing in 2019. the country’s career: seriously and seek with India is a relationship based
history. forensically. — AFP on our shared values of democracy and
aspiration. We will seek a free trade
agreement (FTA), we share that ambi-
PROFILE tion, but also a new strategic partner-
ship for global security, climate securi-
KEIR RODNEY STARMER ty, economic security,” Starmer was
September 2, 1962 quoted as having said earlier.
He was also quoted as having said:
● IS AN ex-human rights lawyer “Any constitutional issues in India are
and public prosecutor a matter for the Indian Parliament, and
Kashmir is a bilateral issue for India
● AT 61, he is the oldest and Pakistan to resolve peacefully.”
person to take the role in It may be noted that India and the UK
LARRY—PERMANENT RESIDENT almost half a century. share a “warm and thriving” relation-
Larry the cat, Chief Mouser to ship. The India-UK Comprehensive
● HAD A long and Strategic Partnership was launched in
the Cabinet Office poses for the distinguished career before 2021 along with the “India-UK Roadmap
cameras outside 10 Downing becoming an MP 2030”. The “roadmap is a commitment
Street in London. The cat has to a partnership that delivers for both
been a fixture of the residence ● HIS VIEWS are rooted in the countries”.
for more than 13 years, pragmatism rather than
outlasting five prime ministers. ideology.
The work of change begins immediately. But have no doubt, we will rebuild Britain. Changing a coun-
Record no. of
try is not like flicking a switch. The world is now a more volatile place. This will take a while. But
have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately. — KEIR STARMER, UK Prime Minister Indian-origin
Sunak says sorry as he leaves office MPs elected
London, July 5: A record number of
around 28 Indian-origin members of
London, July 5: Rishi ● OUTGOING PM Rishi nation as prime minister would stay on in the role Parliament have been elected to the
Sunak on Friday apolo- Sunak wished his to King Charles III. until the arrangements House of Commons in the UK’s general
gised to the public after successor Keir Starmer “I have given this job my were made for an internal election as results were announced on
his Conservatives were well, calling him “a all, but you have sent a leadership contest. Friday, with several Conservatives sur-
trounced by Labour in the decent, public-spirited clear signal that the gov- Sunak — an observant viving an overall brutal outcome for
UK general election, and ernment of the United Hindu who is Britain’s their party.
said he would step down man who I respect”. Kingdom must change. first prime minister of Outgoing PM Rishi Sunak leads the
as party leader. And yours is the only colour — wished his suc- Tory charge of British Indians holding
The 44-year-old former out of power after 14 years judgement that matters.” cessor Keir Starmer well, on to their seats, with a decisive win in
financier gambled on of economic hardships, “I have heard your anger, calling him “a decent, his Richmond and Northallerton con-
going to the country six Brexit upheaval and Tory your disappointment, and public-spirited man who I stituency in Yorkshire. It would have
months before he had to, infighting. I take responsibility for respect”. come as small consolation for the Tory
hoping that better eco- “To the country, I would this loss.” The scale of the “One of the most remar- leader, who saw his party haemorrhage
nomic data would swing like to say first and fore- defeat made it inevitable kable things about Britain over 200 seats as the Labour Party’s
public support back most, I am sorry,” he said that Sunak — the conser- is just how unremarkable landslide victory unfolded. Other pro-
towards the Tories. outside the Prime vative party’s fifth leader it is that two generations minent British Indian Tories holding
But Thursday’s vote ind- Minister’s residence at since 2010 —would have to after my grandparents on to their seats included former home
icated that Britons wanted Downing Street, before step down as Tory head as came here with little, I secretaries, Suella Braverman and
to send a clear message to heading to Buckingham well. could become prime min- Priti Patel, as did Sunak’s Goan-origin
the party by kicking them Palace to tender his resig- But he said that he ister,” he added. — PTI Cabinet ally Claire Coutinho. — PTI
GOOD | WISHES Lots of work ahead to build a more progressive, fair future: Trudeau

World leaders congratulate Starmer on win

in the general election.
Keir Starmer, the 61-
year-old leader of the
Labour Party, will now
become the third Prime
Minister in two years
after Charles tasked him
with forming a new gov-
ernment during a meet-
ing at Buckingham
Palace.
As a constitutional
monarch, Charles is not
supposed express any
political opinion in pub-
lic and does not vote.
Experts have suggest-
ed Charles has some ide-
ological affinity with
Starmer — a one-time
anti-monarchist — and
will likely greet his arr-
ival with some relief, ho-
ping he can restore polit-
ical stability. — AFP
London, July 5: Several
world leaders on Friday con-
gratulated Britain’s new
prime minister Keir Starmer
after his Labour Party
stormed to power after 14
years.
Australian Prime Minister
Anthony Albanese congratu-
lated Starmer on his
resounding election victory.
Albanese added that he was
looking forward to working
constructively with the
incoming Labour govern-
ment.
Italian Prime Minister
Giorgia Meloni congratulat-
ed Starmer on his election
victory. “The state of rela-
great Nations, in the inter-
ests of our citizens and
in line with common strate-
gic objectives,” she posted
on X.
Prime Minister of Norway
Jonas Gahr Stre offered his
congratulations to Starmer
and the Labour Party on the
historic election win. I'm
looking forward to continu-
ing our close cooperation
between the UK and Norway,
Labour party supporters line the sides of Downing Street including on the energy tran-
before Britain’s incoming Prime Minister Keir Starmer sition, our common security
addressed the nation. — AFP and trade, he said further.
Canadian Prime Minister
tions between Italy and the continue to cultivate a strong Justin Trudeau posted a
United Kingdom is excellent and reliable collaborative photo of himself and
and I am sure that we will relationship between our Starmer on X as he congratu-
lated him on a historic elec-
tion victory. Lots of work
ahead to build a more pro-
gressive, fair future for peo-
ple on both sides of the
Atlantic. Let’s get to it, my
friend, Trudeau wrote.
Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy con-
gratulated Starmer and the
Labour Party in a post on X.
Ukraine and the United
Kingdom have been and will
continue to be reliable allies
through thick and thin. We
will continue to defend and
advance our common values
of life, freedom, and a rules-
based international order, he
said. — PTI
 HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
quick Steel demand to rise on
BITES govt’s infra push: Report
INDICATORS %
Sensex 79,996.60 -0.07
Nifty 50 24,323.85 0.09
S&P 500* 5,545.41 0.15
Dollar (`) 83.48 0.03
Pound Sterling (`) 106.77 0.29
Euro (`) 90.39 0.25
Gold (10gm)* (`) 72,675▼308 0.43
Brent crude ($/bbl)* 87.70 0.31
IN 10-Yr bond yield 6.993 -0.005
US 10-Yr T-bill yield* 4.333 -0.014
* As of 8:30 PM IST
KPI inks deal
to supply 50MW
hybrid power
KPI Green Energy has inked a
pact to supply power from a
50MW solar-wind hybrid proj-
ect with Gujarat Urja Vikas
Nigam. This project, compris-
ing 50 MW solar and 16.80 MW
wind, was awarded through a
competitive bidding process on
Nov.1, 2023, and secured
through a reverse e-auction on
Jan.22, 2024. This achievement
speeds up the efforts to reach
the company’s goal of 1,000
MWp capacity by 2025, it said.
Coforge buys 17%
stake in Cigniti for
`645 crore
IT company Coforge on Friday
bought a 17 per cent stake in
Cigniti Technologies for `645
crore through open market
transactions. According to the
block deal data available with
the BSE, Coforge purchased a
total of 46.18 lakh shares or
16.9 per cent stake in Cigniti.
The 46.18 lakh shares of Cigniti
were sold by Kukunuru
Madhava Lakshmi, Kukunuru
Kumar Bapuji, Sapna and
Chakkilam at the same price.
QMS Medical
acquires 51%
stake in Saarathi
QMS Medical Allied Services
has acquired a 51 per cent
stake in Saarathi Healthcare for
`450 crore. “The acquisition of
Saarathi is extension of our
services and another step of
our expansion plan. Saarathi
specialises in disease manage-
ment leading to better disease
outcomes essentially enabling
us to provide a comprehensive
portfolio to our clients,” QMS
Medical Allied Services CMD
Mahesh Makhija said.
Experion acquires
7.8 acre land in
Gurugram
Realty firm Experion Develo-
pers has acquired a 7.81-acre
land in Gurugram for `400
crore to develop a real estate
project. The company, wholly-
owned subsidiary of Experion
Holdings, Singapore, has
acquired the land parcel. In
April, the company had said it
would invest about `1,500
crore to develop a luxury hous-
ing project ‘Experion Elements’
in Noida as part of its expan-
sion plans.
Printed & Published by
K. Sudhakar on behalf of Deccan
Chronicle Holdings Limited, Printed at
Deccan Chronicle Press at Deccan
Chronicle Holdings Ltd. #563/9/D&9/E,
Behind Andhra Bank Pet Basheerbagh,
Kompally, Ranga Reddy Dist. Editor:
Kaushik Mitter, RNI Reg
No.APENG/2008/24282. © All rights
reserved. Reproduction in whole or in
part without written permission of The
Editor, Financial Chronicle ® is
prohibited.
Robust industrial activity positions Telangana as key driver
FC CORRESPONDENT
WITH AGENCY INPUTS
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
With a sustained momen-
tum of investment across
different sectors, overall
steel demand in India is
projected to grow at a com-
pound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 5 per cent to 7.3
per cent over the next
decade leading to a steel
demand of 221-275 million
tonnes by FY 34 (under dif-
ferent scenarios), accord-
ing to a report by Deloitte.
The report, released at
the Steel InfraBuild
Summit, organised by the
Indian Steel Association
(ISA) in Hyderabad on
Friday, said the steel
industry plays a crucial
role in Telangana’s eco-
nomic landscape as dur-
ing the last fiscal, the
state’s steel consumption
grew by 15.75 per cent
year-on-year from 4.73 mil-
lion tonne (MT) in FY22 to
5.48 MT in FY23, outpac-
ing the national average,
it said.
“Telangana’s steel con-
sumption in financial
year 2023 was 5.48 MT for a
population of 3.5 crore
which translates to a per
capita steel consumption
of 156.43 kg, significantly
higher than the national
per capita steel consump-
tion of 93.4 kg. This under-
scores the state's robust
industrial activity but
also positions Telangana
as a key driver of future
economic growth,” the
report said.
The rising growth of
electric vehicles in Tamil
Nadu will lead to an
increased demand for
electrical steel, while the
RAJIV BAJAJ: REVISE
GST OF VEHICLES RUN
ON CLEAN FUELS
Pune, July 5: Bajaj Auto
managing director Rajiv
Bajaj on Friday suggested
that the government
should review GST rates
on vehicles powered by
clean fuels.
At the launch of the first
integrated motorcycle
Freedom 125 here, Bajaj
also voiced concerns
about the use of “unsus-
tainable subsidies” to pro-
mote electric vehicles.
Earlier, he along with
union minister for road
transport and highways
Nitin Gadkari launched
the world’s first CNG-run
bike in three variants at a
starting price of `95,000
(ex-showroom).
“I would call it a sugges-
tion that the government
should seriously review
GST rates. Just as they’ve
done the right thing with
the five per cent GST for
electric vehicles,” he said.
Calling the subsidies
paradoxically unsustain-
able and the ongoing push
for electrification in the
automobile industry
across the world chaos, he
said, “How can sustain-
able technologies be pro-
moted by unsustainable
subsidies, not only in Ind-
ia but worldwide.” — PTI
HANDY | TOOLS Company focus remains on winning more business in AI memory
Samsung sales rise 23%, highest since Covid
Suwon-si (South Korea),
July 5: Samsung
Electronics posted its
fastest pace of sales and
profit growth in years,
reflecting a recovery in
memory chip demand as
artificial intelligence (AI)
development accelerates
globally.
The world’s largest
maker of memory chips
and smartphones posted a
15-fold surge in operating
profit to 10.4 trillion won
($7.5 billion) in the June
quarter, outstripping ana-
lysts’ projections.
Sales grew around 23 per
cent, the biggest rise since
ISA president Naveen Jindal, steel secretary Nagendra Nath
Sinha at Steel Infrabuild Summit in Hyderabad.
SAIL plans capex
of `6,500 cr: CMD
Hyderabad, July 5: Steel
Authority of India Ltd
(SAIL) will be investing
`6,500 crore towards
capex during the current
financial year as part of
its `1 lakh crore invest-
ment plan over the next
few years, SAIL CMD
Amarendu Prakash said
on Friday.
He said the industry
approached the govern-
ment seeking measures to
control the dumping of
cheap metal by China
into India and hoped that
steps will be taken to
address the menace.
“We also have regular
growth of food processing
industries will drive the
demand for stainless steel,
the report further said.
Maharashtra, Uttar
Financial inclusion
key for GDP growth
Mumbai, July 5: Reserve
Bank’s executive director
Neeraj Nigam on Friday
said low labour force par-
ticipation among women
is a barrier to financial
inclusion efforts and also
to economic growth.
He said there is also a
need to up the credit sup-
ply to women, pointing
out that only 7 per cent of
the overall outstanding
loans to micro, small and
medium enterprises
(MSMEs) are to women-
led businesses.
“One significant barrier
for financial inclusion
and indeed to economic
growth and development
is more participation of
females in economic activ-
ities,” he said, pointing
out that official data sug-
gested female labour force
participation at 32.8 per
US Fed committed to tame inflation, says CEO Realme, Sony announce
FALAKNAAZ SYED
MUMBAI JULY 5
While the US Fed has
made significant progress
in bringing down inflation
to around 2.5 percent, it
still has a long way to go to
reach 2 percent target on a
sustained basis
remains committed to get-
but
ting the job done,” said
John C. Williams, presi-
dent and CEO, Federal
Reserve Bank of New
Covid-era highs clocked in
2021.
The results underscore
how the $160 billion mem-
ory market is bouncing
back this year from a
severe post-Covid down-
turn, driven by a boom in
— R. Pavan
capex on maintaining our
facilities, as well as debot-
tlenecking exercises.
Most of the capex expan-
sion (`1 lakh crore by
2030) will start flowing
from FY26. In the first
phase from (the capacity)
20 million tonnes (MT),
we go to 35 MT per annum
by 2031. In the next phase,
we will make 50 MT,” the
SAIL CMD said.
On the steel outlook, he
said the world is growing
at 0.5 per cent while India
grew at 13 per cent last
year and will continue to
grow at 8 per cent CAGR
in next 10 years. — PTI
Pradesh, Gujarat,
Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu have established
themselves as leaders in
steel consumption, lead-
● THERE IS also a need
to up the credit supply
to women, pointing out
that only 7 per cent of
the overall outstanding
loans to MSMEs are to
women-led businesses.
cent in FY22, as against
over 77 per cent in men.
Speaking at the
‘Financing Women Collab-
orative’ conference organ-
ised by Niti Aayog and
Transunion Cibil, Nigam
expressed satisfaction on
access to financial servic-
es front, pointing out that
the Pradhan Mantri Jan-
Dhan Yojana and social
security transfers have
helped. With the challen-
ges on supply taken care
of, he said there are issues
on demand side which
warrant attention. — PTI
York on Friday.
deal for 5G smartphones
Williams was delivering
the fourth Suresh Tendul-
kar memorial lecture at
the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) titled ‘Managing the
known unknowns.’
Williams, who is also a
member of rate-setting
panel of US Fed, said
uncertainty will continue
to be the defining charac-
teristic of monetary poli-
cy for the future.
He said that the central
● SOUTH KOREA’S
government said this
week the country
exported the most
semiconductors on
record in June, driving
its trade surplus to $8
billion - the largest
since 2020.
data centers and AI devel-
opment. That demand
pushed average memory
chip prices 15 per cent
higher from the previous
quarter, CLSA estimates,
helping Samsung’s largest
division reverse losses
ing to 41 per cent of the
total consumption in
FY23, the report said.
“Government spending
on infrastructure projects
will drive the initial
growth phase in the next
decade. The development
of 11 industrial corridors
comprising 32 projects, to
be developed in four phas-
es under the PM
Gatishakti national mas-
ter plan, will be a key driv-
er for steel consumption,”
the report explained.
From FY14 to FY24,
India’s finished steel con-
sumption posted a CAGR
of 5.67 per cent. In FY24,
domestic finished steel
consumption reached 136
million tonnes, marking
more than 14 per cent
year-on-year growth driv-
en by sustained momen-
tum across developmental
projects and increased
government spending in
various end-use indus-
tries.
Infrastructure is crucial,
and the steel industry
must step up significantly.
Steel's benefits go beyond
self-interest: it can reduce
construction time by 20
per cent and by 32 per cent
with composites.”
Nagendra Nath Sinha,
steel secretary.
“When constructing
houses and high-rise
buildings, we can achieve
much more. Passion, good
planning, and proper on-
site implementation are
critical. For faster build-
ing, steel is the way to
go,!” Naveen Jindal, chair-
man, Jindal Steel and
Power and president of
ISA posted on social
media platform X, during
the Hyderabad event.
RBI LAUNCHES
SURVEY OF ORDERS
IN MANUFACTURING
Mumbai, July 5: The
Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) on Friday
announced the launch of
quarterly “order books,
inventories and capacity
utilisation” survey of
companies in the manu-
facturing sector - a key
input it uses to formulate
the monetary policy.
The RBI has been con-
ducting the order books,
inventories and capacity
utilisation survey (OBI-
CUS) of the manufactur-
ing sector on a quarterly
basis since 2008.
The information collect-
ed in the survey includes
quantitative data on new
orders received during
the reference quarter
(April-June), backlog of
orders at the beginning of
quarter, pending orders at
the end of quarter. — PTI
banks must own up for
delivering on price stabili-
ty and must be given the
independence to act for
achieving it. History has
taught us that central
banks can be more suc-
cessful at delivering sus-
tainably low inflation
rates, he added.
He said in the 1970s,
many central bankers
believed monetary policy
could only play a minor
role in reducing inflation,
last year.
Both Dram and Nand
prices were lifted by
demand for AI servers and
enterprise data storage,
helping to reverse invento-
ry valuation losses, said
Sanjeev Rana, an analyst
at CLSA Securities Korea.
Samsung’s foundry, or
contract chipmaking,
operations also got a boost
from improved IT
demand, he said.
South Korea’s govern-
ment said this week the
country exported the most
semiconductors on record
in June, driving its trade
surplus to $8 billion - the
REAL ESTATE SEES
$4.8 BILLION
FUNDING SO FAR
THIS FISCAL YEAR
SANGEETHA G
CHENNAI, JULY 5
Real estate sector saw
record funding in the
first half of FY2025 at
around $4.8 billion.
During the Jan.-June
period of 2024, the real-
ty sector saw investme-
nts amounting to $4.7
billion. This was 62 per
cent higher than $2.9
billion received in same
period of last year.
The investments
secured so far are 81 per
cent of the $5.8 billion
funding attracted in
2023. The 40 deals
reported in H12024 are
twice the number
recorded in the same
period last year.
Foreign institutional
investors dominated
investments at $3.1 bn,
which is a 65 per cent
share of total invest-
ments in H1 2024. Dome-
stic investors made up
for 35 per cent share of
investments against 37
per cent in 2023.
Warehousing sector
with 34 per cent share
of investments was fol-
lowed closely by resi-
dential with 33 per cent
share and office sector
with 27 per cent.
The residential sector
has experienced a sig-
nificant revival, achiev-
ing an all-time high
half-year investment of
$1.6 billion and this can
be attributed to regula-
tory reforms and impr-
oved transparency in
the segment in the last
5-7 years. With a total of
25 deals, residential
investments surpassed
the office sector by 25
per cent in terms of
transaction volume.
Investment avenues widen
RAVI RANJAN PRASAD
MUMBAI, JULY 5
Investment managers are
identifying and investing
in transformative trends
of 5,000 companies beyond
the 800 most profitable
companies in India as
these profitable compa-
nies are growing the
fastest, said a presenta-
tion by Marcellus
Investment Managers on
Friday.
“While the large 800
companies are aggregat-
ing 60 per cent of corpo-
rate India’s profit, these
5,000 small-cap companies
with $5 million to $50 mil-
lion profit are the chal-
lengers class company
that are growing,” said
Saurabh Mukherjea,
founder and chief invest-
ment officer, Marcellus
Investment Managers.
The transformation in
India’s corporate land-
scape is being brought
while some also thought
lowering inflation was
completely outside of
their control. This led to
persistent high inflation
rates and economic stag-
nation, Williams added.
“Today, regardless of
economic shocks, changes
in fiscal policy, globalisa-
tion and deglobalisation
swings, central banks rea-
lise that attaining and ma-
intaining price stability is
their job to do,” he said.
largest since 2020.
The company is benefit-
ing from a broader indus-
try recovery, investors
remain concerned about
its market position in the
newer field of AI chips
against SK Hynix Inc.
Longer term, Samsung’s
focus remains on winning
more business in AI mem-
ory, while at the same time
allaying fears of oversup-
ply.
South Korea’s biggest
company is holding a
Galaxy unpacked event in
Paris next week in a bid to
sustain momentum for its
phones. — Bloomberg
Angel tax to be
focus in Budget
FC CORRESPONDEN
NEW DELHI, JULY 5
Ahead of the Union
Budget, the department
for promotion of industry
and internal trade
(DPIIT) has mooted the
removal of angel tax on
start-ups, but the final
view in this matter will be
taken by the finance min-
istry, a source privy to
development said on
Friday.
While previously the
angel tax, a tax levied on
capital received on the
sale of shares of a start-
up above the fair market
value, applied only to
local investors, the Budget
for 2023-24 fiscal (April
2023 to March 2024)
widened its ambit to incl-
ude foreign investments.
In September last year,
the income tax depart-
ment notified new angel
tax rules that comprise a
mechanism to evaluate
the shares issued by the
unlisted start-ups to
investors.
Replying to a query on
industry demand for
removal of angel tax,
department for promotion
of industry and internal
trade secretary Rajesh
Kumar Singh said: “Based
on the consultation with
the start-up ecosystem
that we have here we have
recommended that in the
past as well and I think we
have recommended it this
time also but ultimately
an integrated view will be
taken by the ministry of
finance.”
As per the Budget, the
excess premium will be
considered as ‘income
from sources’ and taxed at
the rate of up to over 30
per cent. However, start-
ups registered by the
DPIIT are exempt from
the new norms.
about by the shrinking
working capital cycle, rise
of the internet which has
given a platform to reach
out to the whole country.
The rulers (the 800 large
companies) are headed for
colossal change as small
and mid-caps are doing
well and are reflective of
changes in the country,
Saurabh Mukherjea said.
The empowerment of
Indian women is a power-
ful narrative in India’s
growth story as urban
Indian women are accu-
mulating more wealth, as
evidenced by larger bank
Bangkok, July 5: Mobile
phone-maker realme has
announced a partnership
with Japanese consumer
electronics giant Sony for
its upcoming 5G smartph-
one, with which the com-
pany will foray into a new
segment of device having
AI-imaging feature.
“This collaboration
between realme and Sony
will see the debut of the
world's first Sony’s LYT-
701 camera sensor in the
realme 13 Pro Series 5G,”
company officials said.
Addressing the media,
Francis Wong, head of
Product Marketing at
realme, said that for
years, the smartphone
industry has been locked
in a megapixel, sensor
size, and lens technology
arms race.
While advancements in
smartphone cameras have
given users more flexibili-
ty and control, purely
hardware-based improve-
ments are reaching a ceil-
ing, he said.
The company will later
announce the dates for
official launch of the
device in India and other
markets, a statement said.
The AI-imaging enabled
device comes with indus-
pg 13
● IN SEPTEMBER last
year, the income tax
department notified
new angel tax rules
that comprise a
mechanism to evaluate
the shares issued by
the unlisted start-ups
to investors.
To a query on Tesla,
Singh said “the last we
have heard from them”
was in the week the
results of general election
was announced.
“Let’s see. But the
process of finalising the
guidelines (for EVs) is on
by the ministry of heavy
industries. They have
more than one enquiry I
understand,” he said. On
June 7, days after the dec-
laration of the results of
the general election,
American tech billionaire
Elon Musk in a post on X
said he is looking forward
to his companies doing
“exciting work” in India.
The congratulatory mes-
sage came two months
after the chief executive
official of the electric car-
maker Tesla and
microblogging platform X
in April postponed his
proposed visit to India
due to “very heavy Tesla
obligations”.
Musk later wrote on X
that he is looking forward
to coming to India later
this year.
● LARGE 800 compa-
nies are aggregating
60% of corporate
India’s profit, these
5,000 small-cap compa-
nies with $5 million to
$50 million profit are
challengers class com-
pany that are
growing.
deposits and higher earn-
ings in sectors like the
booming tech industry.
These transformative
themes are creating new
investment opportunities
across various sectors.
Investors are now able to
tap into the burgeoning
entrepreneurial land-
scape in smaller towns,
capitalise on the diversifi-
cation of global supply
chains with the China
plus one opportunity, and
explore the rising women-
centric consumption and
investment trends, Saura-
bh Mukherjea said.
try first Hyperimage+
technology which includ-
es multiple lenses, perisc-
ope lenses, and sensors,
which provide the essen-
tial building blocks for
capturing high-quality
images, realme said.
Besides, it provides the
user on-device artificial
intelligence (AI) imaging
algorithms and cloud-
based AI image editing.
The LYT-701 camera sen-
sor and a 50MP periscope
telephoto camera with the
Sony LYT-600 enables the
phones to deliver quality
image.
“This collaboration is
about more than just tech-
nology, it’s about empow-
ering everyone to capture
and share their world in
ways never before imag-
ined,” said Toshimitsu
Kurosaka, vice president
of Sony Semiconductor
Solutions (Shanghai)
Limited. — PTI
 GAMES
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
TAKES
SHORT
Advani in final,
eyes hat-trick
Riyadh: Ace Indian cueist
Pankaj Advani is one step away
from registering a hat-trick of
Asian Billiards titles as he
advanced to the final after reg-
istering a comprehensive 5-0
win over compatriot Sourav
Kothari here.
Advani’s mastery of the billiards
table was evident as he scored
100 in each frame.
The match began with Advani
quickly taking control, as he
scored 100, while Kothari,
despite his best efforts, man-
aged to score 29.
Advani continued in the same
momentum in the second
frame, breaking another 100
while Kothari scored 33.
Advani’s prowess was on full
display in the next three frames
as he scored 101, 100 and 100
as compared to his rival’s 38, 21
and 0.
Earlier in the quarterfinal,
Advani got the better of anoth-
er Indian Shrikrishna
Suryanarayanan in identical 5-0
margin. Advani scored 100 but
Shrikrishna put up a strong
fight, managing a break of 78.
However, Advani’s superior
break-building ability gave him
the edge. — PTI
Abhay leads India
at Asian squash
New Delhi: Asian Games medal-
list Abhay Singh led India’s
charge on the opening day of
the Asian Doubles Squash
Championships by registering
comfortable wins in both his
events along side his respective
partners in Johor, Malaysia.
The Indian contingent regis-
tered four wins in five outings
on the opening day of the
event on Thursday.
Abhay and Velavan
Senthilkumar beat David Pelino
and Reymark Begornia of
Philippines 2-0 (11-4, 11-6) in
the men’s doubles group stage
round.
Abhay then teamed up with
experienced Joshna Chinappa
in the mixed doubles, with the
Indian pair starting with a bang,
winning both their Pool ‘C’
matches on Thursday.
Abhay and Joshna first
accounted for Philippines pair
of Yvonne Dalida and Reymark
Begornia 11-4, 11-3 and then
returned to the court to beat
Naisha Singh and Anders Ong
Wee Jun of Singapore 11-3, 11-6.
The women’s doubles pair of
Rathika Suthanthira Seelan and
Pooja Arthi R won one and lost
one. — PTI
Diksha up to tied
fourth in London
London: Indian golfer Diksha
Dagar shot an impressive
bogey-free 5-under 68, best
round of the second day, to rise
45 places to tied fourth spot at
the Aramco Series London here.
Another Indian Tvesa Malik (73-
77) was 4-over and T-41st, as
top 60 and ties made the cut at
the Par-73 Centurion Golf Club.
Pranavi Urs, who had a disap-
pointing 80 in the first round,
retired with an injury.
Diksha, who was way down in
T-49th place when the first
round finally ended, made big
amends in the second round as
she carded 68 to get to 8-under
for 36 holes to climb up the
leaderboard.
Diksha, who started her second
round late in the afternoon
from the 10th tee, had two
birdies on the back nine on 11th
and 16th. She added three more
birdies on the first, seventh and
ninth.
Another Indian making the cut
was Tvesa. She was T-24 after
the first round but fell dramati-
cally on the back nine. Even par
for the first round, she parred
the entire front nine but
dropped shots on 10th and 11th.
— PTI
Thomas top Indian
at Morocco golf
Rabat, Morocco: Dubai-based
Rayhan Thomas was the top
Indian at tied-11th after the first
round of the International
Series golf tournament here.
The youngster, who graduated
from Oklahoma and is looking
at some starts in Asia, shot 4-
under 69 to be Tied-11th at the
par-73 Red Course at Royal
Golf Dar Es Salam here.
At joint top was the Order of
Merit leader John Catlin of USA
who carded seven-under-par 66
and New Zealand’s rising star
Kazuma Kobori who also shot
67. Filipino Miguel Tabuena was
next best placed with a 67.
Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent,
playing with borrowed clubs
and penalised two shots after
arriving late on the first tee
(just 30 seconds away from a
DQ), shot a remarkable 68,
along with Hong Kong’s Taichi
Kho, Ben Campbell of New
Zealand, Frenchman Sebastien
Gros, Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra,
Yanwei Liu of China and Japan’s
Jinichiro Kozuma. — PTI
TARGET
PARIS
CITY SHOOTER ESHA TAKES
AIM AT OLYMPIC PODIUM
Swiss up against time & England
Dusseldorf, July 5: Swit-
zerland have never
reached the last four of a
major international tour-
nament but have shown
that they can battle with
the big boys ahead of their
Euro 2024 clash with
England on Saturday.
Murat Yakin’s side were
ruthless in dumping hap-
less holders Italy out of
the tournament last week-
end and went within sec-
onds of beating hosts
Germany and topping
Group ‘A’.
The Swiss are also one of
two so-called “dark hors-
es” who are left in the
tournament alongside
Turkey, with the other six
either previous champi-
ons or, in England’s case,
heavily tipped to break
their Euros duck.
“We sent out an impor-
tant signal tonight with
the game we played. We
did not only club together
and defend as a unit and
sit back, we showed we
could attack and dominate
proceedings,” said Yakin.
Gayatri Gopichand (left) plays a shot as her partner Treesa Jolly looks on during their
women's doubles pre-quarterfinal against Natasja Anthonisen of Denmark and
Netherland's Alyssa Tirtosentono at the Canada Open in Calgary. — Badminton Photo
England’s Harry Kane (centre) during a training session on Friday the eve of their
quarterfinal match against Switzerland in Dusseldorf.
Switzerland have
reached their second
straight Euros quarterfi-
nal with a squad which
contains very few stars,
with Bayer Lever-kusen
midfielder Granit Xhaka
MOSES KONDETY | DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
A
Hyderabad
teen is aiming
to become the
s h o o t i n g
queen. She’s giving it
her best shot by putting
in hours of practice.
Meet Esha Singh who
is training her pistol at
the podium of the
upcoming Olympics.
Set to compete in the
Women’s 25 metre pis-
tol category, the 19-
year-old has been firing
shots for four to six
hours a day in prepara-
tion for the Games that
run from July 26 to
August 11. She will be
at a four-day training
camp in Bhopal from
July 14, followed by
another camp in
Luxembourg, after
which she will head to
the Games Village in
Paris.
I have been waiting The training has not
for this for long. been very different for
I was nine when the big event. “I have
kept it the same,” she
I started and to be says.
at the world’s “We were in France
biggest stage 10 for a camp at a range
years later is an that was identical to
the one at the
opportunity I am Olympics. I have not
grateful for. I am tried to do anything dif-
just focussing on ferently and kept my
the excitement of focus on the basics.
Usually athletes do it
competing at the
Olympic Games.
whenever they take
part in big competi-
tions,” the 2023 Arjuna
— ESHA SINGH awardee elaborated.
India’s 25 metre The only pistol shoot-
er from south India on
pistol shooter the national team is
unfazed by the big
stage. “I’m not going
into the competition
with a rigid bent of
mind. I will take guard
as if I am at any other
competition. I will just
go out there and do my
best,” says the two-time
Shooter Esha Singh is felicitated by Telangana
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy after winning the
Arjuna Award in this file photo.
— AFP
and Manuel Akanji of reach a historic semi-final
Manchester City their by eliminating England,
biggest names.
Instead Switzerland have
who would already be out
of the tournament were it
a team unit which is more
than the sum of its parts
not for the last-gasp hero-
ics of Jude Bellingham
and has a great chance to against Slovakia.
Rajawat enters quarters,
Gayatri-Treesa also win
Calgary (Canada), July
5: Rising Indian shuttler
Priyanshu Rajawat con-
tinued his fine form and
advanced to the men’s sin-
gles quarterfinal of the
Canada Open with a
straight games win over
Japan’s Takuma
Obayashi here.
Rajawat, world no. 39,
defeated 33rd ranked
Obayashi 21-19, 21-11 in 38
minutes on Thursday
night to progress to the
Last Eight round, where
he will be up against top
seed Anders Antonsen of
Denmark.
Besides Rajawat, the
third-seeded Indian
world champion, who
is also referred to as
the golden finger in
shooting circles.
“I have been waiting
for this for long. I was
nine when I started and
to be at the world’s
biggest stage 10 years
later is an opportunity
I am grateful for. I am
just focussing on the
excitement of compet-
ing at the Olympic
Games,” she adds.
Her parents Sachin
Singh, a former rally
driver, mother Srilatha
and a host of coaches at
different levels of her
career have
instrumental in Esha
been
getting to where she is
now, not to forget the
support from Chief
Minister A. Revanth
Reddy and the
Telangana govern-
ment.
Ask her about the
competition and she
says: “India in itself is
a big one. We are on par
with the World Cup.”
In Paris, Esha will
take to the ranges
towards the end of the
shooting competition -
she will be in action on
August 1 and 2. “That
should give me time to
settle down,” she
smiles.
The women’s individ-
ual 25m pistol has been
Esha’s favourite event
— she competes in the
10m pistol too and has a
tally of 40 internation-
al and 45 national
medals in her overflow-
ing cabinet. She also
has four medals from
Asian Games, the only
shooter to achieve the
feat.
That should provide
her all the confidence
when she raises her
pistol towards the tar-
get in Paris.
Driving the Swiss for-
ward are Bologna team-
mates Dan Ndoye, Michel
Aebischer and Remo
Freuler, who are making
an impression in Germ-
any after pushing their
unfancied Serie ‘A’ club to
the Champions League.
GAKPO, GULER LEAD
DUTCH CHARGE
Cody Gakpo and Arda
Guler endured frustrating
seasons but both have
established themselves as
their teams' vital players
as the Netherlands face
Turkey in a Euro 2024
quarter-final clash on
Saturday in Berlin.
Netherlands won the
competition for the first
and only time in 1988, with
Ronald Koeman, Ruud
Gullit, Frank Rijkaard
and Marco van Basten
among a talented squad.
The current roster is less
illustrious but Gakpo, 25,
is successfully staking his
claim to be their leading
light, with three goals.
— AFP
women’s doubles duo of
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri
Gopichand also pro-
gressed to the quarterfi-
nals.
Treesa and Gayatri
fought back from a game
down to beat Natasja
Anthonisen of Denmark
and Netherland’s Alyssa
Tirtosentono 17-21, 21-7,
21-8 in a Round of 16
match that lasted 48 min-
utes. The Indian pair will
next be up against Pei
Shan Hsieh and En-Tzu
Hung of Chinese Taipei.
But it was curtains for
all other Indians in action
here in the second round.
— PTI
pg 14
Alcaraz downs
friend Tiafoe
London, July 5: Carlos
Carlos Alcaraz came back THE RESULTS
from the brink in a five-
■ Men’s singles third round (num-
set thriller against close ber in brackets denotes seeding):
friend Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul (USA x12) bt
winning 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 Alexander Bublik (KAZ x23) 6-3,
(7/2), 6-2 to keep his 6-4, 6-2. Second round: Novak
Djokovic (SRB x2) bt Jacob
Wimbledon title defence Fearnley (GBR) 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5;
on track here on Friday, . Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x10) bt
The Spanish third seed Shang Juncheng (CHN) 5-7, 6-7
(4/7), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4; Gael Monfils
was out-hit and out- (FRA) bt Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 7-6
fought for large periods of (7/5), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3); Emil
the match on Centre
Court by his US opponent
but found an extra gear
Ruusuvuori (FIN) bt Stefanos
Tsitsipas (GRE x11) 7-6 (8/6), 7-6
(12/10), 3-6, 6-3; Alexander Zverev
(GER x4) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 6-
when he needed to in a
match lasting nearly four
hours.
2, 6-1, 6-4.
■ Women’s singles third round
(number in brackets denotes
seeding): Jasmine Paolini (ITA x7)
The two men were meet- bt Bianca Andreescu (CAN) 7-6
ing for the first time since (7/4), 6-1. Second round: Iga
Swiatek (POL x1) bt Petra Martic
Alcaraz came out on top (CRO) 6-4, 6-3; Jelena Ostapenko
in an epic five-set match (LAT x13) bt Daria Snigur (UKR) 6-
in the semifinals of the 3, 6-0; Elena Rybakina (KAZ x4) bt
Laura Siegemund (GER) 6-3, 3-6,
2022 US Open on the way 6-3; Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) bt
to his first Grand Slam Leylah Fernandez (CAN x30) 6-3,
title. 2-6, 7-5; Danielle Collins (USA x11)
bt Dalma Glfi (HUN) 6-3, 6-4;
He will face America’s Barbora Krejckova (CZE x31) bt
Brandon Nakashima or
16th seed Ugo Humbert of
Katie Volynets (USA) 7-6 (8/6), 7-
6 (7/5); J. Bouzas Maneiro (ESP) bt
France in the fourth Cristina Bucsa (ESP) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3.
round.
Tiafoe, seeded 29th, put The champion was in
Alcaraz’s serve under deep trouble at 0-30 in the
intense pressure in the ninth game of the fourth
opening set, carving out set but won four straight
six break points and tak- points to stay on serve.
ing two of them to win it
7-5. Alcaraz fended off
An energised Alcaraz
stepped up a level in the
another clutch of break
points from Tiafoe in the
tie-break, powering his
way to a 5-0 lead and cup-
third set but cracked in ping his ear to the crowd
the seventh game and the as he pulled level at two
American, combining sets apiece. An early
brutal power with finesse, break in the decider for
made the crucial break- Alcaraz emphatically
through, whipping up the underlined the change in
crowd as he sealed the set. momentum. — AFP
Bikram, Ritika
& Mohit shine
DC CORRESPONDENT won the first and third
HYDERABAD, JULY 5 races of the day, while
Neki Ram of INWTC (M)
Amidst rains and thun- club won the second race.
derous clouds, the third NSS club dominated the
day of 38th Hyderabad ILCA 4 girls category
Sailing Week saw three races for the day, with
exhilarating races in Shagun Jha winning the
Hussainsagar on Friday. second and third races as
Despite harsh weather, Somya Singh Patel took
gusty winds and rains, the first race.
sailors gave out their NSS club also swept the
best. ILCA 4 boys category.
In the ILCA 6 open cate- Akshat Kumar Dohare
gory, Bikram Mohapatra won the first race,
of the EMESA club won Eklavya Batham won the
the first and second races, second while Ankit Singh
while Ritika Dangi of Sisodiya won the third
INWTC (M) wom the race.
third race.
Along with the open cat-
The 470 mixed category,
however, was captured by
egory, Ritika white-
washed the ILCA 6 wom-
the INWTC (M) club.
Sudhanshu Shekar and
ens section, winning all Uma Chouhan won the
three races in the catego- first race, while Shraddha
ry. Verma and RK Sharma
In ILCA 7 category,
Mohit Saini of AYN club
won the second and third
races.
CITY CLIPS
Veteran table tennis players from Telangana who
will represent India at the World Masters
Championships pose for a photo before leaving for
Rome, Italy, for the event that begins on Monday.
Supervek hoopsters edge out Hawks
S upervek defeated Young Hawks 69-63 in the
Annual League Championship conducted by The
Hyderabad District Basketball Association for G. M.
Sampath Kumar Trophy at the YMCA
Secunderabad court. Samuel (17), Ajju (16), Sunder
(16) and Nithish (11) were the performers for the
winners while Haneesh (18), Tulsi (16) and Sandeep
(14) did their best for Hawks.
THE RESULTS
■ V3 B-team 61 (Rasheed 10, Sudhakar 10, Chandu 10)
bt Rare Virus 59 (Ashu 21, Shanmukh 15, Dhanush 11).
Half-time: 24-25.
■ Supervek 69 (Samuel 17, Ajju 16, Sunder 16, Nithish 11)
bt Young Hawks 63 (Haneesh 18, Tulsi 16, Sandeep 14).
Half-time: 34-29.
■ De Fence 62 (Nikhesh 23, Sandeep 13, Revanth 9) bt
Gymkhana Club 46 (Naveen 19, Tagore 7, Aditya 6).
Half-time: 28-21.
Nipun Reddy Ritvik Nihaal
3 in Vengsarkar’s team for England
T hree cricketers from Hyderabad are part of for-
mer Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar’s Elf
Academy Under 19 team that will tour Lancashire
for a series of 10 matches against different teams in
England. Shaava Nipun Reddy, Ritvik Eravathri and
Nihaal Eravathri are the Hyderabad players on the
tour, which has polished crickters like Ruturaj
Gaikwad in the past. All three are trainees at the
Ramanaidu Cricket Academy in Madhapur.
 GAMES
DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024
SHORT TAKES
Pragg, Gukesh
held in Round 8
Bucharest: Indian Grandmaster
R. Praggnanandhaa played out
a draw with Fabiano Caruana of
the United States, while world
championship challenger D.
Gukesh also split points with
Dutchman Anish Giri in the
eighth and penultimate round
of the Superbet Classic chess
tournament here.
For the fourth time, the day did
not produce a single decisive
game and draws on all five
boards meant that Caruana
kept his slender half point lead
going in to the final round in
the 10-player round-robin tour-
nament. With 5 points in his
kitty from eight games, the
American continued to be fol-
lowed by Praggnanandhaa,
Gukesh and Alireza Firouzja of
France, who all are a half point
behind. Russian Ian
Nepomniachtchi and Maxime
Vachier-Lagrave of France
share the fifth spot on four
points each ahead of Wesley So
of the United States, Nodirbek
Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan
and Giri on 3.5 points each.
Deac Bogdan-Daniel of
Romania remains on the bot-
tom of the standings on three
points in the tournament. — PTI
Bangla’s top GM
dies during match
Dhaka: Bangladesh’s top-
ranked chess grandmaster Ziaur
Rahman died Friday at the age
of 50 after suffering a stroke
and collapsing on his board in
the middle of a national cham-
pionship match, an official said.
Bangladesh Chess Federation
general secretary Shahab Uddin
Shamim told AFP that Ziaur
collapsed during his 12th round
match of the championship
against fellow grandmaster
Enamul Hossain before he was
declared dead at a hospital in
the capital Dhaka.
“Players and officials present in
the hall room took him to the
hospital quickly after he col-
lapsed. Upon reaching there,
doctors said he had already
died,” Shamim said.
Enamul said it took them a few
seconds to realise that he had
suffered a massive stroke.
When he was playing, it never
felt like he was sick. It was my
move. So, when he was falling
down, I thought he was leaning
down to pick up a water bottle.
But then he collapsed, and we
rushed him to the hospital. His
son was playing at the next
table,” said Enamul.
Ziaur is the highest ranked of
Bangladesh’s five chess grand-
masters. He won the national
title several times. — PTI
Football referee
Uvena retires
New Delhi: India’s Uvena
Fernandes, who officiated as an
assistant referee at the 2016
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup,
has announced retirement, the
All India Football Federation
(AIFF) said on Friday.
Uvena became the only Indian
assistant referee in a FIFA
World Cup final, having officiat-
ed at the FIFA U-17 Women’s
World Cup 2016 in Jordan.
The 43-year-old Uvena, who
hails from Goa, will continue to
serve as a referee assessor and
instructor. “I have been a refer-
ee for almost 20 years, and I
think I have already done jus-
tice to my badge, achieving
several milestones in the
process. Now, I thought, it is
time to make way for the
youngsters,” she said in a
release by AIFF.
“Since I have already done my
bit, I thought the youngsters
should also get a chance, and I
can contribute as an instructor
or an assessor so that I can do
justice to Indian football,”
Uvena, a senior officer in the
Indian Air Force, said. Uvena
was a member of the elite FIFA
panel and officiated in four
matches, including the final at
the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
She received the prestigious
AFC Referees Award. — PTI
Pak to host Eng,
Windies, Bangla
Karachi: Deviating from its tra-
dition of announcing interna-
tional series at the last minute,
the Pakistan Cricket Board con-
firmed on Friday that the men’s
team will play nine Tests, 14
ODIs and nine T20Is in the
2024/25 season, including a
high-profile series against
England. Pakistan will host
England in a three-match Test
series in October this year.
— PTI
Regd. No. HQ/SD/509/2024-26
Printed and Published by
K. Sudhakar on behalf of
Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited.
Printed at Deccan Chronicle Press
situated at Plot No. 9 Alwal Village,
Vallabh Nagar Taluk, Medchal
Malkajgiri Dist. Telangana and
Published at 36, S.D. Road,
Secunderabad-3.
RNI Registration No. 3081/1957.
Editor: Kaushik Mitter
SIRAJ IN SWING ON
HIS RETURN HOME
PRATHYUSH NALLELLA | DC
HYDERABAD, JULY 5
Hyderabad extended a
grand welcome to Indian
cricket player and home-
boy Mohammed Siraj
after the monumental
victory in the T20 World
Cup in USA & the West
Indies.
Siraj, after landing at
Rajiv Gandhi
International Airport,
greeted fans who arrived
at the airport, the atmos-
phere at which was filled
with chants of ‘India,’ as
the fast bowler began his
journey back to the city.
Thousands of fans gath-
ered at Mehdipatnam’s
Sarojini Devi Eye
Hospital (SDEH) and
took out a victory proces-
sion for the World Cup
winner. Siraj climbed on
top of his car and showed
his gratitude to the fans.
The procession took off
from SDEH and amidst
cheers of fans and fellow
Hyderabadis, went on to
Siraj’s home at Masab
Tank Eidgah.
Siraj showed his World
Cup medal to supporters
at the procession which
was live streamed. Fans
also celebrated Siraj’s
return with firecrackers,
band music and DJ lights
and sounds.
“Our warrior is here,
and we will celebrate his
return in a grand man-
ner. Our boy held the
Indian flag high by win-
ning the World Cup, and
he did it in style,” said
Md Shakeel, a fan, of
Young guns take aim
Harare, July 5: A new-
look Indian T20 team
would embark on a jour-
ney of self-discovery
without their constant
talismans, Rohit Sharma
and Virat Kohli, hoping
to unearth their main-
stays for the future in a
five-match series against
Zimbabwe starting here
on Saturday.
Even as the euphoria of
T20 World Cup triumph
sweeps through the
length and breadth of
India, Shubman Gill,
who was a reserve in that
squad, will hit a refresh
button along with a
bunch of IPL perform-
ers.
All the fresh faces are
expected to make their
international debut dur-
ing the series scheduled
to be played entirely in
the Zimbabwean capital.
Two young men, who
are lined for debut could
be Punjab’s Abhishek
Sharma, who had a stu-
pendous IPL for
Sunrisers Hyderabad
and the young Assamese
lad Riyan Parag, who has
given ample demonstra-
tion of his capabilities as
a competent T20 batter.
Both of them tick all the
boxes for this format.
While over the past few
years, Rohit and Kohli
have skipped a lot of
bilateral series, especial-
ly in shortest format,
their international
retirement from the for-
mat is bound to be felt
more strongly. The skills
and quality that the two
modern greats brought
to the table will be hard
to replicate but as it is
the order of nature, the
old guard has to make
way for the new one.
Zimbabwe certainly
isn’t the most formidable
opposition but in T20 for-
mat, the gulf between
sides is comparatively
lesser than the other two
traditional forms of the
ROHIT, THREE MORE T20 WC MEMBERS
FELICITATED IN MAHA VIDHAN BHAVAN
Mumbai, July 5: Four
Mumbai cricketers who were
part of India’s T20 World Cup
winning team, including
skipper Rohit Sharma, were
felicitated on Friday by the
Maharashtra government in
the Vidhan Bhavan complex
here, a day after the victori-
ous squad was accorded a
grand welcome in the city.
Besides Sharma, batters
Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi
Jaiswal and all-rounder
Shivam Dubey were hon-
oured in what was the first
Mohammed Siraj greets the crowd during a victory parade conducted in the city on Friday.
Siraj who took one wick- along with Siraj to his
et while conceding 57 home.
runs in the three matches Police maintained law
he played at the T20 and order throughout the
World Cup. procession. Speaking to
The procession went Deccan
ahead even in heavy rain Inspector Srinivas said:
and undeterred fans went “We will make sure
EVERY PLAYER
has his own goal,
where he wants
to reach. That is the
pressure. If you want to
reach where other peo-
ple have reached, then
you have more pressure.
— SHUBMAN GILL,
India skipper
game. The hosts, led by
the gutsy Sikandar Raza,
who played for Punjab
Kings in the IPL recently,
could prove to be a hand-
ful on nippy afternoons
at the Harare Sports
Club where the ball will
jag around during the
afternoon starts.
Some solid perform-
ances in this series will
keep these youngsters in
contention for future
when the first team play-
ers of the world champi-
on side are back on
national duty.
Shivam Dube, Sanju
Samson, and Yashasvi
Jaiswal will be available
from the third match
onwards and some of the
young men would only
get a couple of games to India’s stand-in coach VVS Laxman interacts with
prove their mettle. captain Shubman Gill on the eve of T20I series
In future, the likes of against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday.
T20 captain-in-waiting
Hardik Pandya, his like-
ly deputy Suryakumar
Yadav, Rishabh Pant,
Axar Patel, Arshdeep
Singh, and Kuldeep
Yadav will also be back
playing the format and
there won’t be too many
vacancies in the playing
eleven. From now till the
2026 T20 World Cup in
India, the national team
will play 34 games in the
shortest format. While
skipper Gill is expected
to open, one needs to see
whether his friend
Abhishek gets his maid-
en India cap or the sea-
soned CSK captain
Ruturaj Gaikwad ends
up being the chosen one.
— PTI
such felicitation function for
cricketers organised in the
state legislature in south
Mumbai. CM Eknath Shinde
felicitated the four cricketers
from Mumbai in the presence
of his deputies Ajit Pawar
and Devendra Fadnavis.
The deputy CM, who han-
dles the home portfolio,
praised the city police for
their efficient crowd manage-
ment when thousands of
cricket fans gathered in south
Mumbai to greet Team India
during their parade. — PTI
pg 15
SA women defeat
India in first T20
Chennai, July 5: Havi-ng South Africa held nerves to
lost the Test and ODI series, restrict them to 177/4.
South Africa bounced back Earlier, Brits and Kapp
to defeat India by 12 runs in helped South Africa post
the first women’s T20I to their highest total in T20Is
secure their first win of the against India.
multi-format tour, here on Brits, whose innings came
Friday. off 56 balls with 10 fours and
Opener Tazmin Brits (81; three sixes, and skipper
56b) and Marizanne Kapp Laura Wolvaardt (33) were
(57; 33b) struck belligerent off to a watchful start, man-
fifties as South Africa posted aging 50 in 43 balls.
an imposing 189/4 after Pooja and Radha grabbed
India opted to bowl. two wickets each for India,
In reply, Smriti Mandhana whereas the former was also
(46; 30b) and Shafali Verma decently economical.
(18; 14b) gave India a brisk — PTI
start before South Africa Brief Scores: South Africa 189/4 in
triggered the collapse. 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 81, Mariz-an-
Jemimah Rodrigues raised ne Kapp 57; Pooja Vastrakar 2/23,
India’s hopes with 53 not out Radha Yadav 2/40) beat India 177/4
from 30 balls, while Harman- in 20 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues
preet Kaur made 35. But 53, Smriti Mandhana 47) by 12 runs.
— P. SURENDRA
everything goes smooth- ble background, he stood
ly, and everybody can by his passion for cricket.
have a good time.” His perseverance,
Raheel, a childhood dedication and pure pas-
friend of Siraj, said “His sion took him to the
Chronicle journey is nothing short Indian team, where his is
of inspirational. Coming now now proving his
from an extremely hum- worth.”
SAMMONS WANTS
SIKANDAR TO
LEAD FROM FRONT
New Delhi, July 5:
Sikandar Raza’s vast
experience of playing in
various T20 leagues
would certainly come in
handy for an inexperi-
enced Zimbabwe outfit,
which would like to
punch above its weight
against a talented Indian
side full of IPL perform-
ers, head coach Justin
Sammons said ahead of
five-match series, start-
ing Saturday.
“I think we’re very for-
tunate to have a player
like Sikandar Raza lead-
ing the side. He brings
great experience, We
want him to lead from
the front. He’s been
superb in the changing
room and taking the
players under his wing.
We want his bat to do the
talking. as well as his
bowling,” Sammons
said. Over the years,
Indian selectors have
always rested its top
players during the sum-
mer months when the
team tours the African
nation where a five-
match T20I series’
broadcast rights helps in
keeping the host coun-
try’s cricket board in
— BCCI good health.
Even then three play-
ers from the T20 World
Cup winning squad —
Shivam Dube, Yashasvi
Jaiswal and Sanju
Samson are expected to
be available from the
third game of the series
and all four stand bys,
including skipper
Shubman Gill are part of
the set-up, taking the
count up to seven.
This is an opportunity
for this team to do that
and to showcase their
skills against the best
and obviously to get an
understanding of where
they're at, said
Sammons, who was
South Africa's batting
consultant between 2021
to 2023. — PTI
cmyk cmyk

DECCAN CHRONICLE | HYDERABAD | SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024 pg 16

 spotlight
Fashion
Meets Sports
hyderabad
At The Paris
Olympics

2 >>
CHRONICLE SATURDAY | 6 JULY 2024

LOOK WHO
PG 5 | IN THE NEWS

TUMULT
DESIGNED MY OVER
JEWELLERY! NEBULISER
News world over is the Ambani wedding and the
jewels they are wearing. The bride-to-be Radhika’s
jewels are designed by American designer Lorraine
Schwartz. What is it that makes overseas jewellery
designers a favourite among the elite? Are western-
ers better at crafts than Indians?
SWATI SHARMA
DECCAN CHRONICLE

W
hen Radhika Merchant got
all dressed up for her pre-
wedding festivities recently,
all eyes were on the exquis-
ite pieces of jewellery adorning
her. Soon enough, the world
learned that it was designed by
American designer Lorraine
Schwartz, who has designed
jewellery for no less than American jewellery designer
Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian. Lorraine Schwartz made cus-
While Radhika Merchant will tom pieces for Radhika
undoubtedly dazzle with even Merchant. On Instagram, she
more exquisite pieces at her shared stunning pictures of
wedding to Anant Ambani on the necklaces and earrings
that she customised for
July 12, the big question is why Radhika. This included an opal
people prefer “Made in US” over and diamond necklace
“Made in India.”
What can overseas jew-
ellery designers do that IT’S NOT THAT THE INDIAN
Indian designers cannot? DESIGNERS DON’T HAVE
While it’s undeniable that GOOD DESIGNS; WE HAVE AMAZ-
it’s a personal choice, it rais- ING DESIGNS AND EXQUISITE
es the question of whether CRAFTSMANSHIP, AND IN FACT,
Indian jewellery designers INDIAN DESIGNERS ARE SELLING
can compete with overseas ABROAD.”
designers in terms of skill. FARAH ALI KHAN, Jewellery
designer and gemologist
A PERSONAL CHOICE

Farah Ali Khan, a renowned jewellery
designer and gemologist, says, “It’s not
that the Indian designers don’t have good
designs; we have amazing designs and
exquisite craftsmanship, and in fact,
Indian designers are selling abroad.”
Farah says she is one of the designers
who sells not only in India but also inter-
nationally. “I’m also known internation-
ally, but I guess maybe they (Ambanis)
wanted to work with an international
designer. Maybe they believed that their
expenditures would remain undisclosed.
Choosing an Indian designer for their
jewellery exposes them to the risk of
financial disclosure, she argues, noting
that most designers maintain confiden-
tiality,” says Farah.
Ironically, says Farah, international
stars are wearing Indian designers. Her
pieces have graced the red carpet at the
Oscars, Grammys, and the Golden Globes
with celebrities ranging from Priyanka
Chopra and Kareena Kapoor to Beyonce
and Serena Williams wearing them. “I’ve
had people on the red carpet internation-
ally wear my jewellery. Manish Malhotra
and Sabir Sachi both have it. Several
Indian designers have garnered interna-
tional recognition for their jewellery
designs. So it’s strange when people in
India choose international designers ver-
sus Indian houses,” she says. However,
the designer claims that the jewellery
Ambanis chose was stunning, particular-
ly the gemstones like paraibas, which
most Indians would not experiment with.
This is because people here tend to stick
to the safer choices of diamonds, emer-
alds, and rubies.
TURN TO PAGE 3
 Saturday 6 July 2024 2

spotlight Deccan Chronicle

FASHION MEETS SPORTS

AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS

PHOTO: RALF LAUREN

Armed with the world’s top fashion houses and designers,
countries unveil their 2024 Olympic ceremonial uniforms
ANUSHREE CHAURASIA
trousers to
Paris is known as the wear and
fashion capital of the women are
world. As the countdown given their usual
to the Paris 2024 Olympics and sarees or salwars.
Paralympic Games continues, I want the uniforms
PHOTO: STEPHANE ASHPOOL

the excitement and fervour to be like that around

around ‘fashion meets sports’ this time too because it
has reached its crescendo. All represents India and
eyes are on the international Indian culture. I also
fashion labels and ace designers expect to see some tribal
like Ralph Lauren, Stephane art in the uniform. To rep-
Ashpool, Adidas, Puma, Asics, resent even our tribal com-
and Tasva with designer Tarun munity would be such a
Tahiliani to name a few who proud moment for the coun-
have packed a sporty punch in try.”
the opening and closing ceremo- The unveiling of Olympic uni-
ny uniform kits. While uniform forms is always a highly antici-
kits of some nations are still pated event, offering a first-time
under wraps, most countries glimpse into the national pride
have proudly displayed their and cultural heritage each coun-
2024 Summer Olympics attire. try will showcase. Japan’s uni-
Host country France was forms, designed by ASICS, draw
the first to make a splash inspiration from traditional
with their wavey uni- Japanese motifs, while
forms. Young designer Australia’s uniforms, by
Stephane Ashpool clever- Spain Olympics uniform Sportscraft and Volley, highlight
ly integrated the French their green and gold colours,
flag’s red-white-and- DESI-GLOBAL TOUCH monial dress code. Tahiliani has embodying the nation’s vibrant
blue colours in the uni- brilliantly incorporated India’s and sunny disposition. These
form in the casual, yet Given India’s growing tricolour in Banarasi brocade. designs not only reflect the
chic Parisian style. prominence in the inter- The ceremonial dress is a blend unique identities of each nation
This year, the designs national sports arena, the of traditional aesthetics and con- but also incorporate the latest
are particularly signifi- ceremonial outfits by temporary comfort. advancements in sportswear to
cant as the focus is on Tasva, designed by ace “We worked closely enhance athlete perfor-
‘inclusivity’, ‘diversi- designer Tarun Tahilani with the IOA to cre- mance. Samant
ty’, ‘sustainability’, met everybody’s expecta- ate an attire that tells Chauhan, an Indian
modern aesthetics, tions. From the textile to a story about India. Fashion Designer and
and each nation's texture everything was This is our dream — to Fashion House opines
unique identity. kept top-notch. The see our traditions cele- that it would be amazing
Legendary American kurta bundi set was craft- brated and honoured to have unique Indian
fashion designer Ralph ed from lightweight moss around the world,” textiles represented
Lauren for the ninth time cotton and the saree fea- explains Tahiliani, because many Indian
designed stylish Olympic tures a viscose crepe for a chief design officer, trends are going global
ceremony outfits for Team natural drape and maxi- Tasva at the unveiling now. Samant adds,
USA in the characteristic mum comfort. The revela- ceremony. “And what would
PHOTO: TASVA INSTAGRAM

red-white-and-blue colours. tion of these designs has be a better chance

The fashion brand even somehow caused an FASHION & SPORTS than this to high-
issued a statement saying: uproar amongst fans to see light our vari-
“The looks embrace a what the track and field Olympian, Arjuna ous textiles?
patriotic spirit reflected uniforms will look like and Awardee and world Something that
in a signature palette of whether they will also gold medallist, Dutee shows our rich
red, white and blue.” cater for style and comfort Chand, a professional heritage.” While
Lauren introduced out- the same way the ceremo- sprinter and current designers and fashion
fits that emphasise sus- nial outfits do. Indian national champion critics niff and naff
tainability, with recy- Olympics Association in the women's about the uniforms, the
cled materials and President, Dr PT Usha 100-meter says, world can’t wait to see
advanced cooling unveiled the details of “During Olympics South Korea’s the most fashionable
technology. Team India’s official cere- men are given Olympics uniform Olympics ever!

People who dance are more open and less neurotic

According to People who cut up the and Individual Differences. cians share high openness, —something they hope to do
dance floor tend to be “Both dancers and singers neuroticism differentiates by “extend[ing] their
new research, more agreeable and more show a high degree of extra- them, the study concluded. research into dancers’ per-
dancers are open than wallflowers,
according to an analysis at
version in their personality
—which may be due to the
However, the research
found evidence of personal-
sonalities to many other
cultures and dance styles.”
more German research institute fact that their means of ity differences between “Dance school entrepre-
agreeable, Max-Planck-Gesellchaft
which studied professional
expression when dancing
and singing is their body —
dancers of different styles,
with swing dancers seem-
neurs, a special group of
people that are both entre-
which may and amateur dancers in and this is a very socially ingly even less neurotic preneurs and dancers, were
Germany and Sweden. exposed situation, more than Latin and Standard generally even more open
indicate People who dance were musicians who aren't the than if you express through dancers. and agreeable and less neu-
neurotic levels found to be more extrovert- dancing kind, according to an instrument,” lead author The researchers said these rotic than dancers and non-
ed and less neurotic than the study, published in the Julia F. Christensen said. differences between dance dancers,” the team said.
others, including even science journal Personality While dancers and musi- styles need more research — dpa
 Saturday 6 July 2024 3

glam sham Deccan Chronicle

LOOK, WHO DESIGNED A HUG FOR OLD

TIMES’ SAKE
MY JEWELLERY!
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 elite customers who value uniqueness
Virat Kohli acknowledges
first coach
Virat Kohli, who ended his sojourn in the
T201 format of cricket on a high, scoring a
and individuality. The choice between spectacular 76 off 59 balls in the final of the T20
“The Indian designers could do as Indian and foreign designers primari- World Cup finals against South Africa at
well or even better, and they should ly comes down to personal taste, style Barbados, managed to catch up with his child-
try Indian designers too,” says Farah, preferences, and individual motiva- hood coach,
pointing out that Ambanis did wear tion,” adds Archana. Rajkumar Sharma,
jewellery designed by Indian jew- in the midst of the
ellery houses for the pre-wedding cel- WEST IS BRILLIANT team’s insanely
ebrations in Jamnagar, though they busy victory sched-
chose western designers for the event Disha Shah, founder of DiAi ule on their return
in Portofino (Italy). Designs, says India has been known to India.
for its intricate craftsmanship, an The former skip-
THE BUZZ array of various diamonds and gem- per of Team India
stones, and stunning designs. “In fact, and Coach Sharma
Another jewellery designer, it has also been and still is a major shared a hug, and
Archana Aggarwal feels that when hub for manufacturing fine jewellery, memories of their
celebrities like Radhika Merchant whether everyday wear or designer early days together.
wear jewellery by foreign designers, it pieces,” she says. “From your first
can create a buzz and garner atten- Disha feels the West is brilliant with Lorraine Schwartz designed 70 carat practice to your
tion. their design curations, branding, and diamond earrings for Beyonce at incredible success,
Archana’s jewellery has graced the marketing strategies, and Hollywood Grammys in 2021. you’ve always made
likes of celebrities such as Shraddha has also been a great inspiration for me proud
Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Sara Ali many. carefully and thoughtfully crafted, @virat.kohli . Keep going strong beta
Khan, Suzzane Khan, Athiya Shetty, “India does lack a ‘global’ fine jew- but the only difference is in the way it #viratkohli #proud #indiancricketteam #indi-
Yami Gautam, Neha Kakkar, ellery brand, but the jewels that are is translated into the thoughts of the ancricket,” Sharma posted on Instagram.
Rakulpreet, Esha Gupta and more. available here are nothing less than artist and the artisan,” says Drashty On returning to India, the team had breakfast
“Celebrity endorsements may influ- exceptional either. Despite having Bhandari, director of Design & Sales with Prime Minister Narendra Modi almost as
ence elite individuals, inspiring them excellent resources and craftsman- Gems and Jewels Palace( Jodhpur). soon as their flight landed in Delhi, and left for
to emulate their style choices. While ship, Indian jewellery brands In contrast to India, the foreign Mumbai immediately thereafter, to participate
Indian jewellery designers also offer receive little recognition world values artists and recog- in an exhilarating bus parade and felicitation
exquisite craftsmanship and stunning due to a lack of market- “IF nises their talent. programme.
designs, the preference for foreign ing investment,” feels WE CLOSELY “If we closely observe
designers among the elite may stem Disha. OBSERVE THE the jewellery worn by

GET QUIRKY
from a desire for international flair, She says these JEWELLERY WORN BY THE the Ambani family, it
brand prestige, and the allure of own- brands focus heavi- AMBANI FAMILY, IT becomes evident that
ing a piece created by a renowned ly on their long- BECOMES EVIDENT THAT many pieces were

WITH ELTON!
global name,” she says. established, cus- sourced from various
tomer-centric rela-
MANY PIECES WERE SOURCED auction houses with
AESTHETICS tionships. Disha FROM VARIOUS AUCTION origins in India,
adds, “In contrast, HOUSES WITH ORIGINS IN including pieces from
INDIA, INCLUDING PIECES
The design aesthetics offered by for- wearing foreign
eign designers may differ from the brands often serves FROM MUGAL AND
Mugal and Nizam.
Therefore, I believe that Elton John is getting rid of
typical offerings in the Indian market. as a status symbol, NIZAM,” SAYS Indian designers have clothes from his wardrobe to
“Their innovative and trendsetting reflecting one's position DRASHTY. also received recognition
designs can appeal to those seeking in society and adherence and an equal opportunity to collect money for the Elton
something unique and cutting-edge in to the latest trends and
jewellery,” says Archana. designs.”
showcase their jewellery within
the family, not just Western or inter- John AIDS Foundation
Especially well-known foreign national designers,” says Elton John is recognised globally not only
designers often have established THE ART OF Drashty adding, “It’s not only the for his music but also for his distinctive
brand names that carry prestige CRAFTSMANSHIP Indian media that neglects to feature fashion sense.
and reputation, she says. Indian designers, but also those who Currently, the rock star is offering his fans the
According to Archana, the sta- Indians have always work with designers abroad, despite opportunity to purchase some of his dazzling
tus and recognition of these inspired the world with conducting more thorough research. attire.
brands in the global fashion their heritage of We’d know that The 77-year-old musician is auctioning off
industry may attract elite architecture, jew- foreign design- numerous belongings from his wardrobe on
individuals. ellery, and textiles. ers procure their eBay, with all profits from the transaction going
Some international “But over the evolu- major loose pre- to his Elton John AIDS
designers create limited- tionary years, cious stones and Foundation.
edition pieces or bespoke things started diamonds from Gucci jackets, Versace
jewellery, adding an ele- changing; the India.” robes, and person-
ment of exclusivity and exchange of art alised Prada loafers
rarity to their collec- across the seas ATTENTION TO are some of the luxu-
tions. “This exclusivity became a com- DETAIL ry items currently
can be appealing to mon prac- available for bidding
tice, which “I really don’t on the internet auc-
brought think that they tion platform.
diversifica- care about who Cheaper options are
tion of art is making the available such as base-
globally. Drashty Bhandari product or ball caps and vintage
If we whether it comes concert t-shirts.
observe how under what brand name; they are As stated in an online press
d e s i g n e r s really more conscious of the whole release, the minimum bid for items is set at
work over- look, design, sensibility, and making $26.60, about the address of Elton’s former
seas, we will of the product. So the whole idea of Atlanta residence on Peachtree Road.
understand picking up a piece depends on the During an interview with auction house
that it is not client’s appearance and mood at that Christie’s earlier this year, John mentioned
significant- point in time,” says Drashty adding, that he had resided at the same location for
(Above) Archana ly different “Foreign jewellers can easily produce three decades and it was there that he devel-
Aggarwal from our own. many pieces from reputable Indian oped a passion for collecting art and objects.
(R) Madhuri Dixit in Every art manufacturers, but the majority of Some additional items will be offered for sale
Archana Aggarwal’s piece is Indian pieces are not exportable.” immediately with no bidding required.
Timeless Jewellery
 C M Y K
C M Y K

Saturday 6 July 2024 5

YOU ASK WE ANSWER
tarot speak Navigating through daily life problems Deccan Chronicle
ARIES | MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Q Q CAPRICORN | DEC. 22 TO JAN. 20
IN THE NEWS
My future employment, healthy diet, and stress management I would like to know if I would
wealth, and health intrigue techniques, will benefit you. With marry Dr Vidya Kiran

Tumult over
careful management and a positive Bammidi, who was born on July
D ear Aries, This week’s cards advise you to take a bold step
and seize the opportunity that presents itself. Lady Tarot
urges you to act on your ideas and embrace them. Coming up
By MAANYA KOHLI
me. Will I be able to live my way?
— Anonymous outlook, you can achieve well-being 14th, 1990. If yes, when?
Dear Anonymous, cards have spoken! and good health. God Bless! — Addu Kiraannmayye
D e a
Capricor n,
This week, you
r

with outstanding ideas is one thing, but it takes effort, dedica- Your future in employment will Dear Kiran,The cards are painting a might face some
Q
tion, and hard work to bring them to fruition. The fire within MAANYA, shine with resilience and inner When will I start working? I beautiful picture for your relation- tension or con-
A RENOWNED TAROT have many work challenges ship with Dr Vidya Kiran Bammidi!

nebuliser
you is inspiring, but it needs to be controlled to be useful. strength. You have the courage and flicts. The cards
Prepare yourself for the work that lies ahead, knowing that the CARD READER, determination to tackle any chal- every other year. Will this end? It seems your bond is built on mutual indicate chal-
result will be worth it. Allow your idea to warm you and enter lenges that come your way. Stay com- — Aarti respect, love, and understanding, lenges in commu-
BELIEVES THAT
your life. An excellent time to build new relationships. mitted to your goals. Your hard work Hi Aarti! The Tarot cards have some which is a fantastic foundation. nication or dis-
TAROT IS A TOOL FOR will lead to a fulfilling career. exciting news in terms of your pro- There’s a promising hint that mar- agreements.
LUCKY NUMBER: 1 | LUCKY COLOR: FIERY RED DIVINITY AND THE Though you might feel dissatisfied fession. Within the next six months, riage could be on the horizon within However, it’s also
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS TAROT: I SEED MY BRILLIANT FUTURE WITH ROOTS OF CARDS CAN BE A with your current financial situa- you’re set to land a job. Both hospi- six months. Lady of Tarot advises a reminder to
INSPIRATION AND CREATIVITY tion, the cards encourage you to look tals and clinics are promising you to follow your heart, communi- choose your bat-
SPIRITUAL GUIDE IN beyond the surface. Take a moment options, but hospitals might offer you cate openly, and nurture the special tles wisely. In case you face a heated
TAURUS | APRIL 21 TO MAY 21 VARIOUS LIFE to reassess your goals and consider more exciting opportunities, espe- connection you share. Trust in the debate at work, instead of escalat-
SITUATIONS new paths for growth. While juggling cially with international patients love you have, and it looks like your ing, take a step back, listen, and find
multiple responsibilities, it’s crucial and healthcare practices. Plus, con- journey will lead to a wonderful and
D Dear Taurus, This week, your environment seems to be
working against you. There is total chaos; everyone is oper-
ating against one another. It takes patience and perseverance to
to find time for self-care. sidering a job in an overseas hospital committed partnership. Stay posi-
Incorporating routines that promote could bring you luck and good for- tive, cherish every moment, and let
a compromise. By doing so, you shall
earn respect and foster a collabora-
tive environment. Approach situa-
achieve something. Rest assured, there are no major blockages, balance, like regular exercise, a tune. God Bless! love guide your way! God Bless! tions with a calm mindset and avoid
just many small, irritating ones. Professionally, your produc- unnecessary confrontations. Focus
tivity has decreased due to conflict caused by a mismatch on finding peaceful resolutions.
between personality and work style. You’ll have to fight harder
for your goals and stand out in the workplace. Avoid getting too VIRGO | AUGUST 24 TO SEP 23 LIBRA | SEP 24 TO OCT 23 SCORPIO | OCT. 24 TO NOV. 22 SAGITTARIUS | NOV. 23 TO DEC. 21 LUCKY NUMBER: 5
caught up in the drama; instead, concentrate on your responsi- LUCKY COLOR: PASTEL BLUE
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS
bilities, and you will triumph eventually.

LUCKY NUMBER: 5, LUCKY COLOR: LIFHT GREY

D ear Virgo,
This week
might feel like
D ear Libra, This
week might feel
a bit chaotic and
D ear Scorpio,
The cards sig-
nal a challenging
D ear Sagitt-
arius, This
is a week filled
TAROT: MY LESSONS MOVE ME AHEAD
ALWAYS
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS TAROT: WE RISE TOGETHER IN ACCELERATED HARMONY you’re carrying unstructured, as the week ahead, sug- with clarity and
the weight of cards signal a dis- gesting the end of a decisive action. AQUARIUS | JAN 21 TO FEB 19
the world on ruption in authori- difficult situation. You’ll approach
GEMINI | MAY 22 TO JUNE 21 your shoulders. ty and control. While this may challenges with

D ear Gemini, This week is about love and relationships. It

brings a relationship in which the two parties involved
Responsibilities
and tasks may
pile up, leaving
Imagine a king sud-
denly losing his
crown; things can
seem daunting, it’s
also a powerful
moment of release
a sharp mind
and clear com-
munication.
D ear Aquarius,
This week
promises exciting
appreciate one another, a blossoming romance with someone you feeling bur- get disorganised and renewal. Imagine your- new beginnings,
compatible, or a new partnership with great promise. True dened. However, the cards also quickly! You might encounter chal- Imagine a phoenix rising from the self as a wise judge, cutting experiences, and
love is something that is built by two people. It also requires remind you that persistence pays lenges with authority figures or ashes-this symbolizes your journey. through confusion with your choices! Think of
time. So, if you discover that you are compatible with some- off. Think of it like the time you feel a lack of direction. However, Just like the time Karina, my keen insight. Just like when a it as the first steps
one, give the relationship time to develop without worrying helped a friend move house — this can be an opportunity to client, thought she lost everything friend relied on your advice along a new path
about the next step. Some of you shall embark on a journey to exhausting, but incredibly embrace flexibility and creativity. when her business failed, only to and it transformed their dilem- or the first words
connect with yourself, accept yourself as you are. rewarding once done. Prioritise Think of it as a chance to rewrite find a new, more fulfilling path, you ma into a clear path, your intel- on a blank page.
and delegate where you can. your own rules. Remember, even in too will find clarity and strength lect will guide you. Expect to Embrace the pre-
LUCKY NUMBER: 2 | LUCKY COLOR: PEARL GREY Remember, it’s okay to ask for the midst of disorder, there’s poten- through these trials. Embrace this tackle projects efficiently, mak- sent and trust in
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS TAROT: I LIVE IN A STATE OF ONENESS BY BRINGING help. By the end of the week, tial for growth. Take a deep breath, transformation, knowing that ing strong, logical decisions. your abilities-success is on the
HARMONY AND LOVE TO MY RELATIONSHIPS you’ll find a sense of accomplish- trust your instincts, and navigate brighter days lie ahead. Remember, This is your week to shine as a horizon! Don’t hesitate to take
ment. Remember to take care of the week with an open mind. After there’s a silver lining in every leader. Embrace this energy chances. Just like we learn to walk
yourself. all, sometimes the best stories cloud, and next week is your turn- and watch as your foresight by taking those first steps, we learn
CANCER | JUNE 22 TO JULY 23 come from unexpected twists and ing point toward something better. and wisdom pave the way for to live harmoniously through
LUCKY NUMBER: 10 turns! success. embracing change. So, dive into the
LUCKY COLOR: CRIMSON LUCKY NUMBER: 10
D ear Cancer, The cards advise you to face a fear this week,
which will empower you. Take a moment to reflect on any
unnecessary boundaries you may be creating around your-
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS
TAROT: I RELEASE MY BURDENS TO
LUCKY NUMBER: 4
LUCKY COLOR: DARK BROWN
LUCKY COLOR: SUNSHINE YELLOW
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS
LUCKY NUMBER: 3
LUCKY COLOR: RUSTY ORANGE
unknown with enthusiasm!
Children will bring joy to your life.
Enjoy the happiness they bring!
self. Are you holding back out of fear or self-doubt? Are you
saying, “I can’t...” when you really want to try? Don’t worry,
THE ETHERS AND TRUST THE UNI-
VERSE TO TEND TO THE ESSENTIALS
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS
TAROT: I LEAD MY EVOLUTION WITH
TAROT: I AM HEALING EVERYDAY AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS
TAROT: I AM DEVOTED TO CON- LUCKY NUMBER: 0 A doctor calls Samantha a ‘health & science
we all do it sometimes! However, it’s important to challenge
yourself to overcome your fears and take on new challenges.
CONFIDENCE, AUTHORITY &
GENEROSITY
NECTEDNESS LUCKY COLOR: SKY BLUE
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS illiterate’, slamming her over her medical advice
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other TAROT: I AWAKEN MY SOUL PATH AND
mental health issues, it’s crucial to seek out supportive and I AM READY FOR ADVENTURE Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently
healing practices. Remember that you hold the key to your talked about an alternate way to
own healing, and the journey begins with making positive choices. Tarot Tip For Marriage: On Fridays, offer red or pink roses to a goddess idol or in a treat common viral infections on her
PISCES | FEB 20 TO MARCH 20 Instagram story. She shared a photo of
LUCKY NUMBER: 8, LUCKY COLOR: DARK BLUE templeto attract love and marriage in your life. her using a nebuliser with a mixture of
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS TAROT: I AM FREE TO CHOOSE MY HEALING AND MY
LIGHTTENCE WITH STEADY DESIRE AND LOVE D ear
This
Pisces,
week
marks the end of
hydrogen peroxide and distilled water
— not medicines that are usually pre-
scribed by doctors.

‘Life’s challenges often help us grow’

LEO | JULY 24 TO AUGUST 23 a significant This caught the attention of Dr
phase in your life, Cyriac Abby Philips, aka The Liver

M y Dear Leo, This week you are feeling hurt. Your heart
has been pierced by the arrows of others’ hurtful words,
actions, or intentions, and they have inflicted intense emo-
inviting you to
reflect and grow.
Take time to self-
Doc, who called out Samantha — said
she’s a “health and science illiterate.”
He explained nebulising with hydrogen

H
tions of pain, grief, and heartbreak. The good news is that ello, my dear readers! I’m
this painful season will pass. It is time for these pain points Maanya Kohli, founder of
to expand your perspective and see the bigger picture of what Lady of Tarot, and your
is happening around you. As Khalil Gibran says, “The deep- guide on this mystical journey
er that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can through the Tarot. Last week, we
contain.” The hurt is temporary. The clouds will dissipate, delved into the life lessons up to the
and soon you will have a better perspective on what you can Hanged Man card. This week, let’s
learn from the experience. explore the profound insights from
the Major Arcana cards from Death
LUCKY NUMBER: 3, LUCKY COLOR: MAUVE to the Tower. These cards may seem
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS TAROT: MY HEART REMAINS TENDER AND OPEN daunting, but they hold the keys to
transformation, renewal, and
resilience.
The Death card often evokes fear,
“TAROT CARDS ILLUMINATE THE KARMIC LESSONS WOVEN INTO OUR but it symbolises transformation
LIFE'S JOURNEY, GUIDING US TO UNDERSTAND THE PAST, EMBRACE and new beginnings. Just as the
phoenix rises from its ashes, this
THE PRESENT, AND TRANSFORM OUR FUTURE WITH WISDOM AND card urges us to let go of the old to
COMPASSION.” — MAANYA KOHLI make way for the new. I once read
for a client who felt stuck in a dead-
end job. The Death card appeared,
prompting her to pursue a passion
she had long neglected. She left her
job, retrained, and now thrives in a
career she loves. Temperance
teaches us the value of moderation
and harmony. It’s about blending
different aspects of our lives into a
cohesive whole. Think of it as mix-
ing the perfect cocktail—each
ingredient must be balanced for the
drink to taste just right. In our fast-
paced lives, Temperance reminds
us to find time for work, rest, and
play. During a particularly hectic
period, I pulled this card and
realised I needed to slow down and
realign my priorities. The results
were transformative. The Devil rep-
resents the chains that bind us —
addictions, negative thoughts, or
unhealthy relationships.
Recognising these chains is the
first step to breaking free. A friend
once confided in me about feeling
trapped in a toxic relationship. The
Devil card appeared in her reading,
encouraging her to confront and
ultimately free herself from this
toxic situation. It was challenging,
but it led to her regaining her inde-
pendence and self-worth.
The Tower card signifies sudden
upheaval and revelation. While it
can be unsettling, it also clears the
way for new structures to be built. I
recall a time when my client faced
an unexpected job loss. The Tower
card surfaced, mirroring his sense
of chaos. However, this disruption
led him to start a new business and
today, he is a famous entrepreneur.
When your world feels like it’s
falling apart, remember that it
might be paving the way for some-
thing even greater.
My dear readers, these cards,
from Death to the Tower, teach us
that life’s challenges are often the
catalysts for profound personal
growth. By embracing transforma-
tion, seeking balance, breaking free
from limitations, and welcoming
change, we can navigate life's jour-
ney with grace and resilience. Stay
tuned for next week’s exploration of
the Star, the Moon, and the Sun.
Until then, let the wisdom of the
Tarot guide you towards your high-
est potential.
examine and
process the
lessons you’ve
learned. Think of
it as upgrading yourself, not becom-
ing someone entirely new. You might
feel a spiritual calling or a nudge to
live more in line with your ideals.
Expect epiphanies and awakenings,
as your karmic slate is resetting.
Embrace the opportunity to close
this chapter with joy and step into a
better version of yourself.
LUCKY NUMBER: 20
LUCKY COLOUR: YELLOW
AFFIRMATION FROM LIGHT SEERS
TAROT: HELLO ESSENCE, I AM HERE TO
SHARE MY VOICE
peroxide could be harmful — there are
no proven benefits. Celebs or individu-
als promoting such treatments should
be fined and face legal action, he said.
Samantha responded, “My post and
intentions were strongly criticised by a
particular individual. The gentleman
also works as a doctor. I am certain that
he possesses more knowledge than me.
He could have shown kindness and
compassion by not being so provocative
in his words.” Evidently Sam was hurt
by the doctor’s criticism but when it
comes to medication, health and well-
being, isn’t it best left to the experts.
Actors often promote a certain way
without adequete knowledge. Netizens
too reacted and said spreading ill-
informed advice is dangerous.

coffee-break
Your day today
By Dr C.V.B. Subrahmanyam
Aries: Relationships will improve.
Don’t reveal your plans to
anyone. Someone may try to
trick you. There will be duties
and responsibilities to be met on priority.
Taurus: There might be limita-
tions of time and money. There
could be mental tension. You
may seem to enjoy the life with
the people around you.
Gemini: You should be careful in
monetary dealings. Let go of
negativity. You don’t need to
feel threatened. Wearing pearl
jewellery can bring calmness.
Cancer: Maintain your mental
equilibrium amidst chaos. You
are likely to feel better by the
end of the day. Lovely things are
bound to be attracted towards you.
Leo: You may sense a change of
atmosphere. A new mood of
optimism may boost your
confidence. Don’t involve yourself in
trivial problems. Physical exercises will
help you gain great strength.
Virgo: Ease out all tensions from
your mind. Talk to someone
about your problems. There are
chances of becoming an
important person and attain material
gains. Things depend upon your energy.
You share your b’day with
The 14th Dalai Lama
was born to a farming
family in Taktser, a
traditional Tibetan
region of Amdo. He was
selected as the tulku of
the 13th Dalai Lama in
1937 and formally
recognised as the 14th
one in 1939. He heads
Tibetan Buddhism.
Libra: Old age does not show
retirement. Over ambitiousness
will cause you strain. Money
can be made. Even if you’re
rich, take care of expenses. A property
could be for sale or out for rent.
Scorpio: You will have
headaches. Be dynamic and
practical with work. Emotions
are high. Dishonesty could
stimulate legal tensions.
Sagittarius: There might be con-
fusions or misunderstandings at
work. You should try to be real-
istic and avoid self-indulgence. A strong
sense of mind will help you out.
Capricorn: If an associate’s atti-
tude is indifferent or unhelpful,
it should be tacked in a matter-
or-fact manner. Employees will
get an opportunity to advance their pro-
fessional career.
Aquarius: Hepatitis patients
should be careful. Keep a check
on your expenses. Seniors in the
family might suffer from
occasional headaches, joint pains, chest
congestion or cough and cold.
Pisces: Make the optimum use
of your capital. Restructure
your productivity. Happiness
and peace at home are on the
cards. Your sincere efforts are going to
bless you with favourable results.
QUICK CROSSWORD
bridge
PHILLIP ALDER
F ootball coach Vince
Lombardi said, "A dic-
tionary is the only place
that success comes before
work. Hard work is the
price we must pay for suc-
cess. I think you can
accomplish anything if
you're willing to pay the
price."
In this deal, there are two
plays for the price of one --
the cost of the newspaper.
The contract is four
spades. After West leads
the diamond queen, how
should South play? How
can the defenders triumph
if West gets in with his
spade queen?
I agree strongly with
South's three-club rebid.
The alternatives (two
spades with only five and
two no-trump with no
heart stopper) are much
worse.
South has a lot of win-
ners: five clubs, two dia-
SU◆DO◆KU
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER
WHAT
TO DO
Fill in the grid
so that every
row, every
column, and
every 3x3 box
contains the
digits 1 to 9.
Every puzzle
has only one
correct
solution.
TWO PLAYS FOR THE
PRICE OF ONE
monds and at least four
spades. He can go down
only if he loses one spade
and three hearts. And for
that to happen, East must
have the heart ace, West
must get back on lead, and
he must push a high heart
through dummy's king.
So, to keep West off lead,
South should take the first
trick with his diamond
king and run the spade
jack through West.
When the finesse wins,
he takes a second spade
finesse, cashes the spade
ace, plays a club to his ace,
draws West's last trump,
and runs the clubs for two
overtricks. Note that even
if the spade finesse had
lost, the contract would
have made.
However, suppose declar-
er takes the normal per-
centage play in spades,
first cashing dummy's ace.
When West gets in with a
SU DO KU 2 ◆
Did you think the
SU◆DO◆KU
on the left was easy?
Try this. Check the
solution tomorrow.
Tips available at
www.sudoku-xls.com
DC-AGE SU DO KU
FORUM: Discuss the
SU DO KU puzzles
printed and con-
tribute mind teasers
of your own at
www.sudexel.com/
forum
Saturday 6 July 2024 6
Deccan Chronicle
Across (5)
3. Tuneful bird (4)
1.Throw down the 4. Obtain by intimida-
gauntlet (9)
tion (6)
6. Reduce in pitch (5) 5. Fine wire mesh (5)
7. Armistice (5) 6. Case (7)
9. Broad (4) 8. Overshadow (7)
10.Trying experience
11.Imaginary (6)
(6) 13.Adviser (5)
12.Pressing (6) 15.Mechanism (5)
14.Exchange (4) 16.Dilute (4)
17.Banal (5)
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER
18.Throng (5)
Across: 1. Sombrero, 7. Roger, 8. Merge,
19.Top up (9) 9. Biting, 10. Fled, 12. Safe, 14. Lining, 17.
Usage, 18. Fungi, 19. Thriller.
Down Down: 1. Sight, 2. Marine, 3. Ramp, 4.
Rural, 5. Arabesque, 6. Verdigris, 11.
2. Axed into shape Wilful, 13. Flash, 15. Inner, 16. Deli.
Word Mine
P
E E I
TAV O D
TODAY’S RATINGS: 21 AVERAGE; 23 GOOD; 25 OUTSTANDING
How many words of four or more letters
can you make from the letters shown in
today’s puzzle? In making a word, each
letter may be used once only. Each word
must contain the letter at the top of the
pyramid. There should be at least one
nine letter word. Plurals, foreign words
and proper names are not allowed.
trump, if he anticipates
that his side needs three
heart tricks to defeat the
contract, he will lead the
heart queen, hoping his
partner has the A-J-10.
Copyright
United Feature Syndicate VIDEOTAPE
pate, patio, pave, paved, peat, pied, pivot, poet, tape, taped, tepid, tope, vapid,
(Asia Features) ANSWERS: adept, adopt, adoptive, atop, deep, depot, dope, epode, opiate, opted, paid,
scrabble brand | G2 R1 As Ms S1
◆
DIRECTIONS: Make a 2 to 7-letter word from
the letters in each row. Add points of each
word, using scoring directions at right. 7-
letter words get 50-point bonus. “Blanks”
used as any letter have no point value. All
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER Judd’s words are in the Official Scrabble
Players Dictionary (Merriam-Webster) and
OSW Official Scrabble words (Chambers).
JUDD’S Solution on Monday
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER
 Saturday 6 July 2024 25
7

coffee-break Deccan Chronicle

CALVIN AND HOBBES|Bill Watterson Dennis the Menace

THE WIZARD OF ID|Parker and Hartsd

ARCHIE|Bill Henry Scarpelli & craig boldman hocus focus

BLONDIE|Dean Young and John Marshall

ANDY CAPP |Reg Smythe

jumble

POPEYE | Bud Sagendorf


matinee
Alia, Sharvari to
play superagents
Actors join YRF’s Spy Universe
Billed as the first
female-led YRF Spy
Universe film, the
movie will be directed by
Shiv Rawail, who previously
helmed the banner’s Netflix
series The Railway Men.
Alpha will see the actors
join the spyverse, which
already boasts of blockbuster
titles such as Pathaan as well
as the Tiger and War fran-
chises. There were reports
that Alia and Sharvari will
front the female-led espi-
onage movie, produced by
YRF’s Aditya Chopra.
In the title
Saturday 6 July 2024 8
Deccan Chronicle
reveal video, Alia can be
heard saying, “Greek alpha-
bet ka sabse pehla akshar. Aur
humare programme ka motto..
sabse pehle, sabse tezz, sabse
veer. Dhyaan se dekho toh har
sheher mein ek jungle hai. Aur
jungle mein hamesha Raj
karega.. ALPHA! It’s the
time of the #ALPHA
girls,” Alia wrote on
Cameras start
Instagram. According
to the 51-second clip
shared by YRF on its
X page, the filming
rolling for ‘Coolie’
on Alpha has begun.
— PTI
RAJINIKANTH’S NEW PROJECT GETS
UNDERWAY IN HYDERABAD
ANUPAMA SUBRAMANIAN meanwhile
DECCAN CHRONICLE
Filming of Coolie, the high-
ly-anticipated collaboration
between Superstar
Rajinikanth and director Lokesh
Kanagaraj, has officially begun in
Hyderabad. Sun Pictures made the
announcement on Friday, and
Alia Bhatt released a retro-style poster fea-
turing Rajinikanth seated on a
throne-like chair, on their X
account. “Superstar-Loki
Sambhavam begins! #Coolie
shooting starts today,” the
post declared.
A mammoth set has been
constructed at
Hyderabad’s Film City for A fan captured a heartwarming meet-
the month-long first up between Rajinikanth and his close
shooting schedule. friend, veteran Telugu actor Mohan
Hina Khan shares emo- Though details of the Babu on the same flight from Chennai
tional video of getting to Hyderabad on July 4.
her hair chopped plot remain tightly
under wraps, Coolie is
‘I choose
rumoured to be an action drama centred on gold smuggling,
with Rajinikanth portraying a morally ambiguous charac-
ter. Although the complete cast has yet to be officially
to win’
revealed, an earlier title teaser offered glimpses of
Ayyappa Sharma, brother of acclaimed actor Sai Kumar.
Actor Sathyaraj also confirmed his participation in an
interaction with DC. Speculation is rife that actors
Fahadh Faasil and Shobana will
play pivotal roles in the film.
MEANWHILE Shruti Haasan, who pre-
Hina Khan chops her hair as she undergoes viously collaborated
with Lokesh on a
chemotherapy; celebs send ‘positivity’
Hina Khan, who recently shared her breast cancer diag-
‘Our prayers music video, is
also thought to
be part of the
nosis with fans, cut her hair short after the first
chemotherapy session and said she is giving herself
every chance to “win this battle.”
& a big hug’ cast –
impression
bolstered by
an
The 36-year-old, best known for her role in TV show Yeh Bollywood celebrities, including Shilpa Shetty, the fact that
Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, shared the video on her Instagram Bhumi Pednekar, Mrunal Thakur, and others, sent her Lokesh had
where her mother is seen weeping as the actor chops off her positivity and good wishes amidst her tough time. hinted at
hair. Shilpa expressed, “Sending you prayers and positivi- the possibil-
“To all the beautiful people out there, especially women ty.. You WILL overcome this. Stay strong.” Bhumi ity of work-
who are fighting the same battle, I know it’s hard, I know for also joined in stating, “Sending you all the positivi- ing with
most of us, our hair is the crown we never take off. But what ty.”Mrunal Thakur said, “Sending you and aunty a Shruti on a
if you’re facing a battle so tough that you have to lose your biggest hug,” while Shreya Ghoshal wrote, future direc-
hair—your pride, your crown? If you want to win you’ve got to “Sending prayers of healing and positivity to torial project
take some tough decisions. And I choose to win,” the actor post- and that Shruti
ed. She thanked her boyfriend, mother and others for supporting
you.. @realhinakhan get well soonest herself had
her through this journey, calling them ‘MY PEOPLE’ and asked Love you.” shared a picture
her fans to pray for her. captioned “Day 1
— PTI #Coolie.”