visakhapatnam l friday l july 25, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l late city EDITION No plan to remove ‘secularism’, ‘socialism’ from Preamble: Govt The Centre told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday it has “no plan or intention” to remove the words ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ from the Preamble debates in public circles only: meghwal Dhankhar called them ‘festering wound’ In a written reply, law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said while there may be debates in public or political circles, “no formal decision has been announced by the government” regarding amendments to these terms. Last month, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called for a national debate on whether the two terms should remain in the Preamble ■ ■ Hosabale’s comments had kicked off a political row. Wading into the controversy created by Hosabale, then Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar had said the added words were a “festering wound” The Supreme Court last year had said “socialism” does not impede private sector growth, while “secularism” is integral to basic structure 42nd constitutional amendment in 1976 introduced socialism, secularism 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 7/11 Mumbai train blasts: SC stays Bombay HC verdict Landmark free trade deal with UK signed in the presence of PMs Modi and Starmer slashes most tariff lines to zilch the POWER OF ZERO 0% Duty on the following, down from 4-20% now Marine products Arms and ammunition Over Base metals Chemicals & Minerals Electrical machinery Plastic/Rubber Furniture/Sports goods Gems & jewellery Headgear/Glass/Ceramic Instruments/Clocks Leather/Footwear Wood/Paper Mechanical machinery Textile/Clothing Big boost for UK job creation as labourintensive sectors get competitive edge express read Govt to invite tenders for metro projs today Vijayawada: State government has decided to invite tenders for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam metro rail projects on Friday. Initially, tenders will be invited for 40% of the total project cost. The construction of the rail projects will be taken up under a 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement | P4 Lokesh for world-class jewellery park in AP Vijayawada: HRD, IT, and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh has directed officials to develop the Mangalagiri Gems and Jewellery Park into a model facility of national excellence. In a review meeting Lokesh emphasised the need to fast-track construction of Common Facility Centre | P3 Zero duty on major sectors Massive gain for rural India and exporters with zero duty on processed foods as against up to 70% earlier 75,000 Indian workers in UK will benefit from Double Contribution Convention, as it exempts workers from social security contribution for three years Professionals to get better mobility access to the UK. Up to 1,800 Indian chefs, yoga instructors and classical musicians can move temporarily to Britain to provide services Veggies, fruits, spices, cereals & oils India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London, sealing the most significant trade pact for Britain since Brexit and marking a major breakthrough in India’s global trade strategy . The deal, finalised after three years of stop-start negotiations, cuts tariffs on key goods like textiles, whisky, automobiles, and electronics, and is expected to double the current bilateral trade of 56 billion by 2030. Negotiated amid shifting global trade dynamics and rising protectionism, the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Ag reement (CETA) opens up one of the world’s fastest-growing markets to UK firms while giving Indian exporters critical access to one of the G7’s leading economies. The agreement is set to take effect after a formal ratification process in the UK, likely within a year or less. “This is a new chapter in the Sensitive Indian sectors like dairy, vegetables, apples, cooking oils, oats fully protected under the deal tariff lines down to zero duty for Transport/Auto J aya n t h J a c o b @ New Delhi Indian farmers to get preferential access to UK’s $37.5 billion agriculture market 99% Processed food India–UK economic partnership,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “CETA reflects our shared commitment to enhancing trade, driving inclusive growth, and creating opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, women, youth, and professionals,” Modi said at Chequers , his British counterpart Keir Starmer’s countryside residence 50 km northwest of London. For India, the deal delivers duty-free access on 99% of its exports, spanning labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, marine products, footwear, and engineering goods. High-growth sectors like electronics, chemicals, and auto components are poised for major export gains. In return, India will slash tariffs on 90% of UK goods. The average tariff on UK exports will drop from 15% to 3%. The UK, facing slower postBrexit trade momentum, has touted the deal as its biggest trade success since leaving the EU. “This is the biggest and most economically significant trade deal the UK has made since Brexit,” British PM Keir @ New Delhi BIG TAKEAWAYS Big catch for Indian fishermen as the $5.4 billion British market opens for marine exports with zero duty as against up to 20% now Animal products s u c h i t r a k a lya n m o h a n t y Starmer said. “Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain. It will create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses and drive growth in every corner of the country, delivering on our Plan for Change,” he said. Scotch whisky tariffs will be halved from 150% to 75%, and will fall further to 40% over 10 years. Auto tariffs will be phased down to 10%, while Indian EVs will gain access to the UK under a quota system. The deal enhances cooperation in services, clean energy, and finance. UK firms will gain locked-in access to insurance and financial sectors, while British clean energy companies will enter India’s public procurement market. While the economic gain for the UK of an estimated 6.51 billion USD boost by 2040 is modest relative to losses from exiting the EU, the deal signals Britain’s pivot toward the IndoPacific. The pact indicates India’s growing leverage in shaping fairer, balanced trade terms with developed economies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer | PTI Modi, Starmer rap democratic space abuse by Khalistanis J aya n t h J a c o b @ New Delhi India and the United Kingdom on Thursday sent a strong, united message against terrorism, with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Star mer agreeing that there can be no double standards in tackling extremism. Following a bilateral meeting at the Chequers Estate, Modi thanked Starmer for the UK’s strong condemnation of the April terrorist attack in J&K’s Pahalgam that had claimed 26 lives. “We are united in our view that there can be no place for double standards in the fight against terrorism,” Modi said. “We also agree that forces with extremist ideologies must not be allowed to misuse democratic freedoms. Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account.” The statement is also seen as a veiled reference to pro-Khalistani activities abroad, amid growing Indian concern over threats to Indian diplomats and missions in the UK. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later said that India had raised the issue during the bilateral talks. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to enhancing cooperation between their security agencies, including on extradition of economic offenders, a longstanding demand from India involving several high-profile fugitives residing in the UK. They also discussed regional and global challenges. Traffic mgmt: Govt to install CCTV cameras at every 50kms across State Express News Service @ Vijayawada Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to install CCTV cameras every 50 km along all roads to monitor vehicular movement. Chairing a review meeting with officials of the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department at the State Secretariat on Thursday, the Chief Minister instructed them to construct 2,000 kilometers of new state and district roads with an estimated budget of `1,000 crore. He said that cost estimations and the tender process must begin immediately An additional . `500 crore will be allocated for repairing damaged roads across the state, and the Chief Minister emphasised that these repairs must continue even during the monsoon and be completed at the earliest. Seeking updates on the condition of roads across the state, the Chief Minister pointed out that the previous government had grossly neglected road construction and maintenance over the past five years, leading to widespread deterioration. The Chief Minister directed officials to submit a comprehensive report within 15 days, outlining the roads that require repairs, the new roads that need to be laid, and those that require regular maintenance. The CM noted that traditional methods of road construction are not only financially burdensome but also comproP4 mise quality  . THE Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Bombay high court verdict of July 21 acquitting all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train bomb blasts case, but said they need not return to jail. A two-judge bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh issued notice to all the accused in the case and sought their responses on the appeal filed by Maharashtra challenging the Bombay HC judgment. During a brief hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Maharashtra, requested the court for a stay of the judgment, citing that some observations made by the high court in its verdict of July 21 can impact other pending trials under the MCOCA. Mehta also clarified that he File photo was not seeking an order from the court to direct the accused, who were released from prison fo l l ow i n g t h e r u l i n g , t o surrender. The bench said it had been informed that all respondents have been released and there was no question of bringing them back to the prison. “Taking note of submissions made by the SG on the question of law, we are inclined to hold that the impugned judgment shall not be treated as a precedent. Foot broken but not heart, Pant bats again F i r o z M i r z a @ Manchester To that extent, there is a stay of the judgment,” said the court. On July 21, a special bench of the Bombay high court of Justices Anil Kilor and Shyam Chandak acquitted all the 12 accused, saying the prosecution utterly failed to prove the case and it was “hard to believe the accused committed the crime”. The Maharashtra government on July 22 knocked the doors of the Supreme Court challenging the verdict. More than 180 people were killed when seven blasts ripped through Mumbai local trains at various locations on the western line on July 11, 2006. The Maharashtra government challenged the Bombay high court judgment on several grounds, including that the recovery of RDX from an accused was disbelieved on a “hypertechnical ground” that the seized explosives were not sealed with a lac seal. Investments Naidu’s 6-day Singapore tour from tomorrow Express News Service ON Wednesday, Rishabh Pant had to be driven off the field on a yellow ambulance (a makeshift buggy). His right foot, just below the small toe was swollen and blood was dripping from the wound. He was grimacing in pain both body and mind. On Thursay, what seemed inevitable trickled in, the news of Pant; he has broken his right foot and will be out of the England Test series. Later, pictures of him with moonboot on his right foot went viral and everyone thought he would no longer be a part of fourth Test. Pant was an embodiment of stoic human resistance. The entire Old Trafford stadium rose when he wobbled down the stairs of the pavilion to bat. For a man who has endured the most harrowing of life’s pain, a near-fatal car crash end of 2022, this injury seemed bearable. Pant the fighter would not have missed the opportunity to bat and add few more runs. Unbeaten on 37 off 48, Pant faced seven balls adding two runs to his overnight total and ran three for his partner Washington Sundar before @ Vijayawada Rishabh Pant bats with fractured foot in 4th Test on Thursday | AP light drizzle forced an early lunch. India, however, lost two quick wickets to be reduced to 337/8 when Pant decided to open his arms and collect as many boundaries as he can. Incidentally, Pant had injured his left index finger during the Lord’s match. India lost two wickets after lunch when Pant decided to open his ar ms. He first smashed Jofra Archer to over midwicket for a six to equal Virender Sehwag’s record of 91 sixes — the most by an Indian in Tests. Pant then drove England captain Ben Stokes’ full delivery to covers for a four completing his halfP11 century  . HISTORIC All-Indian women’s World Cup final Koneru Humpy takes out top-seed, will face Divya Deshmukh in two-match final Aimed at attracting investments to Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will embark on a sixday visit to Singapore from July 26 to 31. During the visit, he will engage with representatives of leading global companies, business leaders, prominent industrialists, and other notable personalities. According to a release issued on Thursday, this marks Naidu’s second foreign tour since the formation of the coalition government, following his earlier visit to Davos. T he Sing apore visit is expected to serve as a key platfor m to promote Brand AP and showcase the state’s new Chandrababu industrial policies and ease-ofdoing-business initiatives. The Chief Minister will highlight Andhra Pradesh’s robust infrastructure, including ports, airports, highways, harbours as well as its abundant water and land resources, a 1,053 km coastline, and a skilled talent pool. He will urge global investors to explore opportunities in the state. Throughout the six-day tour, Naidu will hold meetings with CEOs and senior executives of various companies. On the first day, the Chief Minister will attend a meeting with Telugu diaspora, which will include members of the Telugu community from Singapore and other neighbouring P4 countries.  orange & yellow alert issued State braces for heavy rain in next two days due to low pressure Rly Board approves revised DPR for SCoR Express News Service Visakhapatnam: The Railway Board has approved the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone, headquartered in Visakhapatnam. The approval, communicated through a notification issued on July 16, comes with a few observations and modifications | P3 Andhra Pradesh is bracing up for heavy rains, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a five-day weather warning for the state, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds due to a low-pressure system over the north Bay of Bengal. An orange and yel- @ Vijayawada G Satyanarayana low alert has been issued. As of 8:30am on Thursday, the low-pressure area, centered over the central parts of the north Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a wellmarked low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. The associated cyclonic circulation, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilting southwestwards, is likely to move west-northwest to- wards the coasts of West Bengal and north Odisha within 48 hours. For AP the IMD predicts sig, nificant weather impacts over the next five days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam, with heavy rain likely in South Coastal AP (SCAP) in the next two days. Thunderstorms accompa- nied by lightning and strong winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are also anticipated at isolated locations in NCAP, Ya n a m , S C A P, and Rayalaseema. On July 26 and 27, heavy rainfall will continue in isolated areas of NCAP and Yanam, with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds persisting across NCAP, Yanam, SCAP, and RayP4 alaseema.