tirupati l saturday l may 30, 2026 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l late city EDITION Faced with high costs, U.S. firms look to cut back on AI spending Faced with steep IT costs, many US tech firms including Microsoft are ditching expensive AI agents like Claude Code, Axios reported U.s. Company gets $500 million claude shock Poor return on investment is the pain point Microsoft has reportedly cancelled most of its Claude Code licenses partly due to high costs, according to the Axios report. The tool had become highly popular inside the company since its introduction in December. As per the report, an unnamed US company spent half a billion dollars in a month after failing to put usage limits on Claude licenses for its employees ■ ■ While AI costs keep piling up, companies using the technology have yet to see meaningful returns on their investment, the report said But corporations are not ditching AI altogether, the report noted. Instead, they are looking for cheaper alternatives that can deliver similar results without draining their IT budgets 70% of fortune 100 companies use claude, as per reports 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 Guv accepts resignation, CLP set to PM supervising elect DKS as Siddu successor today retest, says govt N E E T - U G p a p e r le a k Siddaramaiah lobbies for loyalists as DCMs, ministers; oath-taking not later than June 6 10-member initial cabinet Preetha Nair, Bala Chauhan a n d D eva ra j B H i r e h a l l i Sources said DKS will be sworn in with nine others — including picks by Siddaramaiah — in the initial cabinet that will be expanded after the June 18 RS polls. Plans are on for the ceremony on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha @ New Delhi/Bengaluru Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Friday accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation as Chief Minister, paving the way for the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru to elect D K Shivakumar as the successor — scheduled for 4 pm on Saturday — amid hectic negotiations in New Delhi over ministerial berths. Shivakumar’s oath-taking date is yet to be decided. Governor Gehlot dissolved the council of ministers under Siddaramaiah — who was yet to arrive in Bengaluru at the time — but will continue to function as the caretaker CM until “alternative arrangements are made”. After the CLP meet elects Shivakumar as its leader, he will visit Lok Bhavan to stake his claim to form the new government. Shivakumar is likely to be sworn in no later than June 6, his mentor, spiritual guru and astrologer Rajguru Bellur Sankaranarayanan Action plan to cleanse Godavari for Pushkarams Express News Service @ Vijayawada Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development and Environment) has unveiled an action plan titled “Swachh Godavari - Pavitra Pushkaralu” aimed at ensuring pollutionfree Godavari Pushkarams. As part of the initiative, the government has identified 262 Pushkar Panchayats in the erstwhile twin Godavari districts, and directed officials to transform them into sewage-free villages before Pushkarams. The Deputy Chief Minister directed the departments concerned to prevent flow of unt re at e d s ew a g e i n t o t h e Godavari river and establish a real-time monitoring mechanism on the lines of the RTGS control room. During a review meeting with officials of the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Forest, Environment and Pollution Control Board on Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed the need for coordinated efforts to curb Godavari river polluP4 tion. E x p r e s s Re a d Op Dandayana launched for women’s safety Vijayawada: In a major initiative aimed at curbing crimes against women and children, and ensuring speedy justice to victims of atrocities, the Andhra Pradesh police launched a statewide special drive titled ‘Operation Dandayana’ on Friday | P3 NTRUHS to hold two convocations on June 2 Vijayawada: NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS) ViceChancellor P Chandrasekhar has said the 29th and 30th convocations of the university for the academic years 2024 and 2025 will be held in Vijayawada on June 2 | P3 Jarkiholi on short list Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi being greeted by Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, in New Delhi on Friday | Express Dwarakanath told this newspaper. “I have told him to consider any of the three dates (May 31, June 5 or June 6) for oath-taking as they are auspicious for him. The time will, however, be 4 pm,” he said. In New Delhi, hectic parleys were on with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar lobbying with the high command, which is keen on having two deputy CM (DCMs), although there are discussions on having four. It is learnt that the high command assured Siddaramaiah that his son and MLC Dr Yathindra will be inducted into the cabinet, besides former ministers G Parameshwara and Priyank Kharge. Sources said Siddaramaiah suggested to senior leader Rahul Gandhi that Yathindra and former ministers K J George and M B Patil be appointed as DCMs. However, names of Priyank Kharge and G Parameshwara The names of former ministers Ramalinga Reddy, George, Satish Jarkiholi and Byrathi Suresh are likely to be on the list on nine probables. Both Siddaramaiah and DKS have given their lists of MLAs for ministerial berths are also doing the rounds. One of them could also be appointed DCM, sources said. Siddarmaiah has also insisted on retaining his trusted aide Zameer Ahmed as minister and on inducting his legal advisor, A S Ponnanna, in the new ministry . Speaking to reporters after the daylong meetings, Shivakumar said, “Everything is happening as requested by the high command. Nothing has been decided.” AP proposes Green Energy Corridor Phase-III with `22,000 crore outlay Express News Service @ Vijayawada The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated significant steps to strengthen the State’s power infrastructure by establishing a Green Energy Corridor and expanding the electricity transmission network.   As part of Green Energy Corridor Phase-III, proposals worth nearly `22,000 crore have been prepared to integrate 18 GW of green energy into the main power grid. Reviewing the power sec- tor at the State Secretariat on Friday Chief Minister N Chan, drababu Naidu enquired about measures being taken to expand the transmission network under the Green Energy Corridor. Officials informed him that steps are being taken to connect approximately 18 GW of green energy to the main grid under Green Energy Corridor PhaseIII. The proposed integration in- cludes 11 GW of solar power and around 7 GW generated through pumped stora g e projects. To support this, the government plans to lay 2,261 km of new transmission lines and establish five major pooling stations with a combined capacity of 9,500 MW. The pooling stations have been proposed at Mudigubba, Talupula, Ramayapatnam, Porumamilla and KopP4 paka. Wunderkind Vaibhav rises to occasion As Sooryavanshi scored a crucial 96 which took RR to 214/6, a look at the tie and some talking points from IPL... BCCI bans smart sunglasses in PMOA Sooryavanshi steals the show The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit has barred the usage of smart sunglasses by players and match officials in the ongoing IPL, citing its advanced communication features which allow live streaming and video calling through mobile data or Wi-Fi networks. In an advisory to the league’s franchises, the BCCI ACSU has stated that it has been noticed that some companies are marketing and selling smart sunglasses to players and support staff. If the 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad made the world stand up and watch Sooryavanshi, the teenager on Friday rose to the occasion and played a crucial knock for Rajasthan Royals. Despite losing regular wickets at the other end, the 15-year-old soaked in all the pressure to smash 96 from 47 balls, helping RR post 214/6 against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2. Pant resigns, Pandya and other on radar While Rishabh Pant stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants captain, he may not be the only one to lose the job after this season. Following a poor show, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, Delhi Capitals Axar Patel and even Kolkata Knight Riders’ Ajinkya Rahane might not be leading their respective teams next season. as SC raps NTA S U CHITRA KALYA N MOHA N TY @ New Delhi The Supreme Court on Friday advised the National Testing Agency (NTA) to learn from bodies like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) that conduct largescale competitive exams without paper leaks. The court made the observation while hearing a batch of pleas filed by the United Doctors Front and the Federation of All India Medical Associations seeking the disbanding of the NTA over the NEETUG paper leak and the upcoming retest. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, assured the court that the government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness. “The Prime Minister is personally supervising the situation,” he said, adding the government plans to eventually shift NEET-UG to computer-based testing. “UPSC has never been in such a situation. You need to learn. General liability clauses were not enough. The real problem won’t stop till actual accountability arises. Unless you identify the specific duty bearers, it will be difficult,” the bench said. “The problem is that most institutions are ad hoc. It’s a phenomenon that is everywhere in the country. It’s not the individual who has the capability but the institution,” Justice Narasimha observed. He asked the Centre to file an affidavit specifying how an “institutional memory of continuity” could be built by employing specialised personnel, enabling the NTA to conduct exams reliably in future. Dr K Radhakrishnan, the head of the monitoring committee to suggest recommendations to strengthen NEET, described the structural deficiencies within the NTA in 2024, including the lack of sufficient domain experts. He added that major reforms had been undertaken in the transport of question papers as well, which had previously been vulnerable. The court suggested a permanent, small monitoring mechanism with top universities and IITs to continuously assess and strengthen the system, especially with new technologies like AI. AI-based tools shall be used for at least 85% of translation work to minimise human intervention... Randomisation, rotation is being institutionalised for engagement of paper setters, moderators, vetters, translators for exams NTA affidavit Systemic gaps ‘fixed’ for retest Radhakrishnan, who headed the monitoring committee in 2024 to strengthen NEET, said the panel had submitted 35 long-term and 60 short-term suggestions, most of which had been implemented. He assured the court that the vulnerabilities exposed this year had been addressed for the retest next month Guv sore over partial Vande Mataram in Kerala House S o v i V i d ya d h a r a n @ T’puram Vande Mataram once again emerged as the centrepiece of a tussle between the UDF government in Kerala and the Lok Bhavan after the Union government’s directive to render the national song in its entirety was not followed at the inaugural session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly . Instead, the Kerala Police band played only the opening stanza. While it marked the first time that Vande Mataram was rendered in the assembly, the omission of the remaining stanzas drew strong objections from Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who delivered the UDF gover nment’s maiden policy address in the House. Arlekar told reporters that the Lok Bhavan had, a day earlier, insisted that the national song be sung or played in full in accordance with protocol. He said he had raised the matter with Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan. “Let us see how things develop,” he said. Chief Minister V D Satheesan defended the decision to play only the opening portion of Vande Mataram. “We all function based on the decision the (Congress) party has taken. Besides, it is not mandatory. Parliament has not passed any legislation on it. It is only a guideline,” he told reporters. The BJP termed the truncated rendition an “affront” to the governor and the Lok Bhavan. Interestingly, the UDF found support from an unlikely quarter, with the Opposition LDF backing its stand. State likely to witness above-normal heatwave days & higher temp in June U s h a P e r i @ Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh is likely to experience above-normal heatwave days and higher-thannormal maximum temperatures during June 2026, according to the seasonal forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The southwest monsoon season (June to September) is likely to remain below normal in the State along with others in the South Peninsular India, with rainfall projected at less than 94 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). During the upcoming southwest monsoon season, several districts in Andhra Pradesh are expected to receive normal rainfall, including Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapat- Monsoon rainfall Nearly 60% of Andhra Pradesh is expected to get normal rainfall, while around 40% may witness deficit rainfall during the monsoon season, predicted weathermen. Rainfall variation may fluctuate by around 4% on either side nam, Anakapalle, Alluri Sitarama Raju, BR Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, Krishna and Kakinada. Deficit rainfall is likely in Polavaram, Eluru and West Godavari districts, while Bapatla, Guntur, Palnadu and Prakasam may receive above-normal rainfall. In Rayalaseema region, parts of Annamayya and Anantapur are likely to record normal rainfall, while the remaining districts may experience deficit rainfall. Scientists at the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam noted that rainfall variation may fluctuate by around 4 per cent on either side. “Overall, nearly 60 per cent of the State is expected to receive normal rainfall, while around 40 per cent may witness deficit rainfall during the monsoon season,” the experts stated. The IMD cautioned that prolonged heatwave conditions could significantly impact public health, water availability, power consumption and essential services. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and outdoor workers are likely to face increased health risks during P4 periods of extreme heat. HCs now have 24 hours after hearing to decide on bail petitions S U CHITRA KALYA N MOHA N TY @ New Delhi The Supreme Court on Friday imposed tight timelines on all high courts to issue orders on bail applications and reserved verdicts. It said bail application must be disposed of after hearing within 24 hours. As for reserved judgments, it directed that the verdict be pronounced within three months from the date of reservation. A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joym- If judgment is not pronounced within three months from the date of reserving, parties can file an application for release of the judgment. The application should be listed within 2 days If the judgment is not pronounced within 3+1 months from the date of reserving, parties can file an application to withdraw the said case alya Bagchi issued a set of binding directions while hearing a petition challenging the Jharkhand High Court’s delay in pronouncing judgments in New timelines and move it over to another bench for fresh arguments Reasoned judgment pronounced in open courts should be uploaded on the high court website within 24 hours High courts should update their website. The date of reserving judgment shall be reflected in the case status If only the operative portion of judgment is delivered, the case status must record it. When the reasoned judgment is uploaded, the parties/ advocates shall be informed by email The certified copy of the judgments shall mention the date of reserving the judgment, the date of pronouncing the judgment, and the date of uploading it criminal appeals reserved as far back as in 2022. The court directed that the order of bail or sentence suspension be communicated to the jail authorities as soon as it is pronounced, and that the undertrial or convict should be released, preferably the same day or at most the next day . If a bail order is reserved, it must be pronounced and uploaded the next day . If a reserved judgment is not delivered within three months, the Registrar shall place the matter before the chief justice. “The chief justice shall bring it to the notice of the bench within 2 weeks thereafter. If it is still not delivered, the chief justice may assign the case to another bench.” If a reasoned judgment is withheld, the operative part may be pronounced in the court, and the reasoned verdict uploaded within 15 days. RBI upbeat about economy despite war Outlook for 2026-27 remains positive, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the RBI said in its annual report