HYDERABAD l Thursday l April 09, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 16 l LATE CITY EDITION Union Cabinet approves schemes, projects worth `1.74 lakh crore The decisions include increasing the allocation for the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme on fertilisers for the 2026 Kharif season to `41,533.81 crore A view of the Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project, the first hydropower project in the Lohit Basin in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh | PTI `13,000 crore for Jaipur metro 2nd phase The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also cleared upward cost revision from `43,129 crore to `79,459 crore for the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery project at Pachpadra in Balotra district, two hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh worth `40,000 crore, and the second phase of Jaipur Metro (42 km) with an outlay of `13,000 crore ■ 12% Fertiliser subsidy increase in view of war ■ Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the `4,317 cr rise in fertiliser subsidy is in view of higher global prices Vaishnaw noted that the ongoing situation in West Asia has had a direct bearing on fertiliser supply chains, particularly with key inputs such as potash and sulphur-based fertilisers sourced from the region Increase in phosphate, potash subsidy compared to the year-ago period CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOgGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI Tenuous truce Both sides fire missiles despite ceasefire; U.S. claims it will work with Iran to ‘dig up’ enriched uranium External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with his Bangladesh counterpart Khalilur Rahman during a meet in Delhi | PTI a gen c i e s @ New Delhi Delhi, Dhaka dialogue signals measured thaw IRAN, the United States and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire in an 11th-hour deal brokered by Pakistan that headed off US President Donald Trump’s threat to unleash a bombing campaign to destroy Iranian civilization. But hours after the announcement, Iran and Gulf Arab countries re por ted new attacks Wednesday . It was not clear if the strikes would scuttle the deal, which US Vice President J D Vance called “fragile”. President Trump is sending a team led by Vance to Pakistan for talks with Iran following the ceasefire. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are also in that team. Iran said the deal would allow it to formalise its new practice of charging ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit lane for oil. The plan allows for both Iran and Oman to charge ships, according to a regional official directly involved in the truce talks. The official said Iran would use the money it raises from the toll for rebuilding its infrastructure. Israel backed the US ceasefire with Iran, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu day said the deal does not cover fighting against Hezbollah and attacks on Lebanon, l a r g e p a r t s o f wh i ch we re b o m b e d Wednesday . The fate of Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes, elimination of which were end goals for US and Israel in going to war, also remained unclear. Trump said the US would work with Iran to remove buried enriched uranium, though Iran didn’t confirm it. Shortly after the ceasefire announcement, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all issued warnings about incoming missiles from Iran. That fire stopped for a time, then hostilities appeared to restart. A short time later, the United Arab Emirates’ air defences fired at an incoming Iranian missile barrage. Kuwait’s military forces, meanwhile, responded to an “extensive wave” of drone attacks. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted nine drones. Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif urged restraint after reports of ceasefire violations. This came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised “ceasefire violations” by Israel with Pakistani mediators on Wednesday China, Russia, the UK, India and . all EU nations lauded the peace initiative. J aya nt h J a c o b @ New Delhi In a bid to reset ties after months of strain, India and Bangladesh on Wednesday signalled a measured thaw, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Bangladeshi counterpart Khalilur Rahman agreeing to explore new proposals to deepen bilateral cooperation through existing institutional mechanisms, even as the Bangladesh side reiterated its request to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. “Pleased to host FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh and his delegation this afternoon. We discussed strengthening our bilateral relationship in its various facets. Also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Agreed to remain in close touch,” Jaishankar said in a post after the meeting. An External Affairs Ministry statement highlighted India’s intent to rebuild engagement, and said “External Affairs Minister reiterated India’s desire to engage constructively with the new Government and further strengthen bilateral ties. The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms. Follow-on official meetings are expected to take place at an early date.” It added that both sides also “exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest” and agreed to undertake consultations on key bilateral issues. A statement issued by Bangladesh outlined the scope of the high-level engagement. “Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Oil and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi today with Prime Minister’s Ad,” viser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir and High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah also present. It added that the delegation also held talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval shortly after arriving in the capital. Dhaka also outlined its policy direction under the new leadership. Khera files plea for anticipatory bail in TG HC T G N a i d u @ Hyderabad Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera has approached the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a criminal case registered by the Assam Police over his recent remarks concerning Riniki Bhuyan, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In a petition filed on Tuesday , Khera sought protection from arrest in connection with Crime No. 4/2026, dated April 5, 2026, registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station. The FIR invokes multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including defamation, forgery, cheating, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy . Khera stated that he had not been furnished with a copy of the FIR and argued that the allegations do not make out a prima facie case warranting custodial interrogation. He requested the court to grant anticipatory bail in the event of arrest. The case stems from statements made by Khera during a press conference in New Delhi, where he alleged that Riniki Bhuyan held multiple passports issued by foreign jurisdictions.  CONTINUED ON P4 40 Assembly elections April 9, 2026 Counting date: May 4, 2026 Kerala 140 seats Single phase 2021 result (total seats: 126) 2.71 cr Non-aggression from the US 2 Acceptance of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme 3 Lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions against Iran 4 End of all resolutions against Iran at the IAEA 5 End of all resolutions against Iran by the UN Security Council 6 Full Iranian control over Strait of Hormuz via its armed forces 7 Hormuz toll to raise funds for compensation for damage suffered during the war 8 Withdrawal of US forces from all bases in the region 9 Release of all Iranian assets frozen abroad 10 UNSC resolution making any deal binding Smoke and mirrors A US official said Wednesday the 10-point ceasefire plan published by Iran is not the same set of conditions agreed to by the White House for pausing the war. “The document reported by media outlets is not the working framework,” the senior official said on condition of anonymity. The statement adds to concerns over the fragility of the truce declared late Tuesday. Trump had said in his declaration of a twoweek truce for further negotiations that “we received a 10-point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.” Iranian state media then published its own 10-point plan. These items would run contrary to Washington’s public statements about what it wants Iran to do. J aya nt h J a c o b @ New Delhi India on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the pause in hostilities would pave the way for lasting peace in West Asia and potentially reinvigorate diplomatic efforts to find peace in Ukraine conflict. The External Affairs Ministry said: “We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia. As we have continuously advocated earlier, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict.” Highlighting the broader consequences of the conflict, the statement added: “The conflict has already caused immense suffering to people and disrupted global energy supply and trade networks. We expect that unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce would prevail through the Strait of Hormuz.” India, which has long-standing economic and strategic stakes in the region, remains particularly concerned about disruptions to maritime trade routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, has been at the centre of escalating tensions, raising alarm in New Delhi over energy security and the safety of millions of Indian nationals living across West Asia. Despite sustained military attacks, Iran has demonstrated continued capability to strike regional targets using missiles and drones. Its leadership has also weathered both external attacks and internal unrest without visible signs of collapse. The truce itself was announced shortly before a planned escalation. US President Donald Trump said the agreement followed conversations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, a claim echoed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The ceasefire has raised cautious optimism globally . 30,495 Total voters Harish is spreading malicious lies about my family: Ponguleti Polling stations 883 E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad Candidates 2021 result (total seats: 140) LDF - 99 seats UDF - 41 seats 2021 turnout 77.9% 2.49 cr Total voters 126 seats Single phase 1 India urges lasting peace, pushes for Ukraine momentum RBi holds repo rate, governor hints at prolonged pause | p10 BATTLE ROYALE IN 2 STATES, 1 UT Today assam Iran’s reported charter of demands 1,100 Candidates NDA - 75 seats AJP - 1 seat Grand Alliance - 50 seats 9.44 lakh Puducherry 30 seats Single phase Total voters 2021 result (total seats: 30) NDA - 16 seats UPA - 8 seats Independents - 6 seats 2021 voter turnout 83.4% Making it emphatically clear that none of his family members were related to the companies which former minister T Harish Rao has accused of grabbing land, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Wednesday alleged that the BRS MLA was spreading malicious lies regarding land in Nadargul as “he did not receive a share”. Srinivasa Reddy challenged BRS leaders to prove that his family members were stakeholders in any of the companies linked to the land. “If they can show any such link, I will accept responsibility. Otherwise, they must stop spreading lies,” he said. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat along with ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), Srinivasa Reddy challenged the BRS leadership to prove wrongdoing. He said, “If they can substantiate their allegations, I am ready to rub my nose on the ground.” He accused the BRS of attempting to deflect attention from its own corruption between 2014 and 2023.  CONTINUED ON P4 state issues guidelines for census-2027 E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad The state government has appealed to all residents of Telangana to extend complete cooperation to the officials during the forthcoming census. Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao issued orders notifying the responsibilities and duties of the public during the census under the Census Act, 1948. As per the orders, every person occupying any house, en- closure, vessel or other place should allow officers “access thereto for the purpose of the census”. Residents should also allow officials to paint on, or affix to, the place such letters, marks or numbers as may be necessary for the purposes of the census. Every person to whom any question is asked by the census officer will be legally bound to answer such questions to the best of his knowledge or belief. The orders further stated that no person has the right to n  Telangana residents can register their details online from April 26 to May 10. Houselisting and house census 2027 will begin in Telangana from May 11 to June 9 n  will need to log in on the official You Census portal using a mobile number or email, fill in household and family details, and submit the form digitally n  submission, you will After receive a Self-Enumeration ID, which the census enumerator will later use to verify your information during the physical visit inspect any book, register or record made by a census officer. The orders added: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the BNS, 2023, no entry in any such book, register, record or schedule will be admissible as evidence in any civil proceeding or criminal proceeding.” Meanwhile, the period for houselisting and house census 2027 will begin in Telangana from May 11 to June 9. Residents can register their details online from April 26 to May 10. Time to act on women’s quota At the special sitting of Parliament commencing April 16, MPs must approach the bill to advance women’s reservation with a sense of responsibility and purpose, writes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding it is a moment to rise above differences and act with unity | P7 Sabarimala case Court can decide if a religious practice is superstition, says SC SUCHI T RA KALYA N MOHA N T Y @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it has the powers to strike down religious practices or superstitions—even if they are rooted in faith—if they violate public order, health and morality A nine-judge Constitu. tional bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, hearing a batch of review pleas challenging the Sabarimala judgment, rejected the Centre’s submission that a secular court can’t decide on superstitions. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that even if a practice is superstitious, it is not for the court to determine that. “Under Article 25(2)(b) of the Constitution, it is for the legislature to step in and Questions enact a reform law,” he said, while stress- on locus ing that ‘constitutional morality’ cannot The bench be a ground for judicial review to decide asked how essential religious practices and beliefs. persons who The bench categorically clarified that are not it doesn’t agree with the line that the leg- Ayyappa islature has the ‘last word’ in such mat- devotees could ters, stressing that courts cannot shy challenge a away from testing contentious practices temple custom. “Why should against constitutional principles. The bench also questioned how per- this court sons who are not devotees of Lord Ayyap- concern with a pa could challenge a centuries-old temple non-devotee?” custom in the top court. The Supreme asked Justice Court had in 2018 struck down the re- BV Nagarathna striction on the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 years to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, based on a public interest litigation filed by an organisation named Indian Young Lawyers Association. Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said two previous Supreme Court verdicts on decriminalisation of consensual gay sex and adultery provisions based on the doctrine of constitutional morality were “not a good law”. express read Defence ministry to build Adilabad airport Anganwadi teacher tied to tree, abused Hyderabad: The Centre has given in-principle approval for the construction of an airport at Adilabad, with the Ministry of Defence to build the core airport infrastructure and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to develop the civil enclave. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and attended by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy | P4 Sangareddy: A 61-year-old Anganwadi teacher was allegedly dragged, tied to a tree, verbally abused and humiliated by some residents of Rasool village in Kangti mandal of Sangareddy district. According to reports, the woman’s husband collected money on behalf of a financial firm but failed to return it. The matter came to light after the victim lodged a police complaint on Wednesday | P2