HYDERABAD  FRIDAY  JULY 25, 2025  `9.00  PAGES 38  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 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 ■ 42nd DHANKHAR CALLED THEM ‘FESTERING WOUND’ ■ 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 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 Rahul hails caste survey, says it will disrupt BJP’s politics 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 File Photo S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the July 21 Bombay high court verdict 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 MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh issued notice to all the accused and sought their responses on the appeal filed by Maharashtra challenging the Bombay HC judgment. 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 @ Hyderabad 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 M A N DA RAV I N D E R R E D DY 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. 7/11 Mumbai train blasts: SC stays Bombay HC verdict 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 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. To that extent, there is a stay of the judgment,” said the court. On July 21, a special bench of the Bombay high court 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”. 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. HAILING the Socio-Economic, Employment, Education, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) survey conducted by the state gover nment, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that the Centre would not conduct a caste census in the right way . Speaking at Indira Bhavan in Delhi on Thursday where Telangana Congress leaders gave a presentation to party MPs on the state’s caste survey, Rahul said the BJP feared the implications of breaking the 50% ceiling on reservations. “Enhancing reservations in education, politics and employment has the potential to disrupt the politics of Hindutva. The BJP knows it, and so do we. That is why, when we exerted pressure, the BJP had no choice but to listen. But they still can- Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge listen as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy speaks in New Delhi on Thursday not conduct a proper caste census. They cannot tell the truth about the condition of OBCs, Dalits, tribals, or even general castes in this country. If they do, their entire ideological foundation will collapse,” he said. Rahul revealed that he had initial doubts about whether the chief minister would be able to push the caste survey. “When I started raising the issue in Telangana, I was con- FOOT BROKEN BUT NOT HEART, PANT BATS AGAIN F I R O Z M I R Z A @ Manchester 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 BJP state chief N Ramchander Rao calls on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday Shah calls for unity among BJP leaders EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE 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 halfP13 century . HISTORIC ALL-INDIAN WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL Koneru Humpy takes out top-seed, will face Divya Deshmukh in two-match final ONE-MAN SHOW Accused officer shall investigate himself, says memo from higher ups A S E S H A C H A R Y U L U @ Nalgonda A memo (ROC. No. 1631/RDMA/ A2/2025, dated July 17, 2025) issued by the Regional Director of Municipal Administration has created more confusion than it could have intended — it’s being mistaken for satire as it elevates bureaucratic indifference almost to an art form. After a formal complaint was lodged against Musab Ahmad Syed, the Nalgonda Municipal Commissioner, the response from higher-ups was swift, though not exactly reassuring. Instead of appointing an independent official to probe the allegations, they handed the task to none other than the accused himself. The question whether there is a shortage of competent officials in the district is best left hanging. The memo itself reads like a laundry list of bureaucratic trivia disguised as investigation. While it does address several points raised by complainant and former municipal councillor K S a t ya n a r aya n a , i t seems less focused on actually probing corruption and more on gathering operational data. Among the questions posed to the accused officer: Justify every property tax revision over `50,000 during your tenure; explain the diesel policy for your official vehicle; list the sanitation workers you’ve replaced and why; and ... clarify whether the family of a deceased outsourcing worker was denied replacement. It goes on to ask for auction details of the newly built mut- scious that it might be difficult for Revanth Reddy as his community may not approve. But they exceeded my expectations,” he said. Revanth also said he saw the caste survey as a personal mission. “Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to me appreciating the caste survey That letter is like a life. time achievement award for me. It is like a Nobel or an Oscar,” he said. CONTINUED ON P4 ton market, payment protocols for outsourced workers and trade licence records over three years. The memo asks the municipal commissioner to sort through and report within ten days. Unsurprisingly, Satyanarayana is unimpressed. The State Co-Option Members convenor describes the memo as an RTI questionnaire rather than a serious probe into his corruption complaint. Satyanarayana insists that the allegations he raised against the very man now leading the “inquiry” merit an actual investigation, obviously led by someone other than the accused. As things stand, Nalgonda municipality now has a commissioner who must judge himself and prepare a point-wise rebuttal and presumably, declare himself innocent. @ Hyderabad AMID growing friction between two of the BJP’s prominent MPs—Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar and MP Eatala Rajender— Telang ana BJP president N Ramchander Rao met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Thursday . Sources said the discussion centred around de-escalating tensions within the state unit and strengthening the party in the s t a t e. A m i t Shah reportedly instructed Ramchander Rao to promote unity, tour the state, and meet all active party workers, second-level leaders, and Assembly-level leaders to prevent further discord. Reassuring the state BJP chief of the party’s promising future in Telangana, Shah noted the party’s steadily improving public image. He also urged Ramchander Rao to focus on the upcoming local body and GHMC elections and to concentrate on efforts on consolidating the party’s position in the state. EXPRESS READ NBW against Bandi for ignoring court summons Hyderabad: Two non-bailable warrants (NBWs) were on Thursday issued by the Special Judicial First Class Magistrate for Excise cases in Hyderabad against Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay for failing to appear in poll related cases. Sanjay had been summoned to appear in court for cases registered in Huzurabad in 2021 and in Miryalaguda. The court found that the accused repeatedly ignored summons to attend the hearings | P4