hyderabad l thursday l july 31, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 18 l LATE CITY EDITION 8.8 quake hits Russia’s far east, Tsunami waves reach U.S. shores Russia Japan 8.8 Magnitude earthquake An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka coast on Wednesday sent tsunami waves into Japan, Hawaii and the US West Coast Photo: Sakhalin regional administration No casualties, Several injured in Russia The epicentre was at a shallow depth of 19.3 km, sending shock waves at a range of 300 km. The quake damaged buildings and injured several people in the remote Russian region. Russia said there were no casualties, crediting solid building construction and the smooth working of alert systems. Later, Japan, Hawaii and Russia downgraded tsunami warnings ■ 16 ft People across pacific nations evacuated ■ ■ Russian scientists said Wednesday’s earthquake in Kamchatka was the most powerful to hit the region since 1952 | P13 Thousands of people in nations across the Pacific were evacuated The Klyuchevskoy volcano on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula began erupting hours after the quake, a geological monitoring service said Tsunami waves rose nearly 5 metres in Russia’s Severo-Kurilsk region 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 U.S. share of India’s total exports Current US tariff apart from 10% baseline levy Electrical, smartphone and electronics products 35.8% TRUMP drops THE TARIFF HAMMER Unspecified penalty for doing business with Russia 0.4% Pharmaceuticals 54.5% 0% Diamonds, gold and products 40% 2.1% Machinery and mechanical appliances 21.8% RECIPROCAL LEVIES TO KICK IN FROM AUGUST 1 1.3% Organic chemicals 17.3% 4% Petroleum products 4.3% 6.9% Textiles, made up 51.3% 9% Iron or steel articles 28.1% 1.7% Vehicles and parts 12.7% 1% Apparel; not knitted or crocheted 30.7% 10.3% Apparel; knitted or crocheted 32.1% 13.9% Fish and crustaceans 32.6% D i pa k M on d a l @ New Delhi After failing to clinch an interim trade deal, the US on Wednesday imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff (plus a penalty for doing business with Russia) on India—much to the latter’s chagrin as it was expecting it would be less than 20%. While the 25% levy which will kick in from August 1, is lower , than 26% announced earlier, the ‘Russia penalty’ means a major rise in overall levies on goods exported to the US. India was hoping for a lower tariff of 15-20%, which could have given it an edge over many other Asian economies. But now, the country stands to lose the competitive edge over Vietnam (20% tariff), Indonesia (19%), and Japan (15%). China attracts an additional tariff of 30%. While announcing the tariff, US President Donald Trump made no bones about his displeasure at ‘friend’ India’s high tariff regime and its close business ties with Russia. In his Truth Social post, Trump said India’s tariffs are among the highest in the world, and its non-monetary trade barriers are the most strenuous. He was equally scathing in pointing out that India has ‘always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy’ at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop killings in Ukraine. Later, Trump said the talks with India for a trade deal were still on. “We are talking to India now. We will see what happens. It doesn’t matter too much whether we have a deal or we charge them a certain tariff. But you will know at the end of this week,” he told reporters. A White House official said Trump slapped the 25% tariff on India because he was ‘frustrated’ with the lack of progress on trade talks. The Indian government said that it has taken note of Trump’s statement and is studying it. It added that India attaches the utmost importance to protecting the welfare of farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, and that it will take all steps necessary to secure the national interest. India had differences with the US during trade negotiations that went on for several months, over tariff-free imports of agricultural goods and dairy products. It also had differences with the US over tariff on automobiles, auto components, steel, etc. The government has taken note of a statement by the US President on bilateral trade. The government is studying its implications. India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective - Commerce ministry 0% Furniture; bedding, mattresses 54.8% 2.3% Plastics and articles 16.8% 4.4% Carpets 2.9% Source: GTRI 62.8% President Trump has slapped a tariff of 25 per cent plus penalty on imports from India. All that ‘taarif’ between him and ‘Howdy Modi’ has meant little Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh The tariff (and penalty) now proposed by the US is higher than what we had anticipated, and is therefore likely to pose a headwind to India’s GDP growth. The extent of the downside will depend on the size of the penalties imposed. Aditi Nayar, chief economist, ICRA The US decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian exports could create shortterm challenges for the electronics and manufacturing sectors Kunal Chaudhary, tax partner, EY India Sectors brace for big impact, seek clarity on ‘Russia penalty’ Rakesh Kumar AND D i pa k M on d a l @ New Delhi the US tariff on Indian exports could impact several key sectors, including agriculture, energy, textiles, electronics, and gems & jewellery Electron. ics, pharmaceuticals, and gems & jewellery are among the top Indian exports to the US. If the pharmaceutical sector, which had so far remained exempt, is brought under the ambit of the tariff, it could deal a severe blow to the industry . The lack of clarity on the ‘Russia penalty’ leaves Indian exporters and US importers unable to calculate landed costs or plan supply chains effectively . India has recently emerged as a major supplier of Apple iPhones to the US, accounting for 44% of all smartphones imported into the country. The tariff could, therefore, be a major setback for India’s fastgrowing mobile manufacturing sector. “This likely means iPhones will become more expensive for Americans. Even if India gains more production volume, the cost gap between China and India is narrowing,” said Tarun Pathak, research director, Counterpoint. Also, the US president’s disapproval of purchase of discounted Russian oil places India’s energy security in a difficult position. “A significant spike in crude prices could increase India’s import bill and lead to under-recoveries for oil marketing companies,” said Prashant Vasisht, senior vicepresident at ICRA. “A $10 per barrel rise in crude oil prices would raise the oil import bill by $13–14 billion,” he added. India had ramped up purchases of Russian crude after the start of the Ukraine war, drawn by steep discounts. Earlier available at $10-16 per barrel below market rates, it is now discounted by just $2.5–4. The tariff shock is expected to weigh on India’s GDP growth in the short to medium term. express read Organ donation cells in all state-run hospitals on anvil Complete ban on single-use plastic in GHMC limits soon TN train accident was an act of sabotage, finds probe Nalgonda: The state govt has decided to set up dedicated organ donation cells in all state-run hospitals and medical colleges, as well as raise awareness and improve coordination during donation procedures | P2 Hyderabad: The GHMC is moving towards a complete ban on single-use plastics within its limits. The government is set to amend the GHMC Act to empower the civic body to enforce the ban effectively | P3 New Delhi: The cause of the accident involving the Mysore–Darbhanga Bagmati Express at Kavaraipettai on October 11, 2024 has been confirmed by investigators as an act of sabotage | P7 Talasani OSD questioned in `700 crore sheep scam C h i t h a l u r i Re v a n t h @ Hyderabad Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Wednesday carried out searches at eight locations in connection with the alleged `700 crore sheep distribution scam, first flagged by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The ED questioned G Kalyan Kumar, who was then Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former animal husbandry minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, and is named as Accused No. 10 (A-10) in the ACB’s case. Eight ED teams comprising around 50 officials, with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) security searched , the residences and offices of key individuals, including Kalyan Kumar and Telangana State Sheep and Goat Development Cooperative Federation (TSSGDCF) CEO Sabavath Ramchander. Several documents were seized, and large sums of unaccounted cash were reportedly found during the raids. Later in the day Kalyan Kumar was summoned to the , ED office, where his statement was recorded. Sources said he was questioned regarding financial allocations made under the sheep distribution scheme during the BRS regime.  continued on P4 PRAKASH RAJ questioned by ED officials in connection with promotion of betting apps for five hours. Actor says he will never promote such apps ever again | P5 CM orders third DISCOM solely for sops E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday directed officials to establish a third power distribution company (DISCOM) in the state, in addition to the existing Telangana Northern Power Distribution Company Ltd (TGNPDCL) and Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (TGSPDCL). At a review meeting with Energy department officials, also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, the chief minister said the new DISCOM would function as a state-wide entity and would handle all free electricity At a glance Salient features of the Raviryal–Amangal Radial Road Total length: 41.5 km Phase I: 19.2 km (Raviryal to Meerkhanpet) Phase II: 22.3 km (Meerkhanpet to Amangal) Width: 100 metres Main Carriageway: 3+3 lanes (future provision for 4+4) Median: 20-metrewide corridor for metro/ rail with greenery On either side: n  3-lane service roads n  wide greenbelt 2m n  cycle track 3m n  footpath 2m n  utility corridor 2m Land details: Total required: 1,003.61 acres TGIIC land: 202 acres Forest land: 231.72 acres schemes — including power to agriculture, 200 units of free domestic supply and free electricity to govern, ment schools and colleges. The chief minister said the restructuring was aimed at improving the performance of the existing DISCOMs and their national rankings. He asked officials to reduce the loan burden on power utilities, particu- larly those facing interest rates as high as 10%. He called for an immediate plan to restructure outstanding loans and cut interest obligations. The chief minister also proposed a shift to solar energy for all government schools, colleges and offices across the state. District collectors were directed to identify suitable government buildings for setting up rooftop solar plants. Additionally, the chief minister instructed officials to install solar panels and solar fencing at the state Secretariat. He asked for detailed implementation plans to be prepared at the earliest. Radial road boost for south Hyd M a n d a R a v i n d e r Re d d y @ Hyderabad A new greenfield radial road stretching from Raviryal Interchange on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to the proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR) near Amangal is poised to reshape the landscape of southern Hyderabad’s development corridor. Conceived as a key connector between existing and emerging economic zones, the 41.5 km arterial road will provide a vital link to the proposed Bharat Future City, easing traffic congestion on overloaded highways and integrating remote regions into the capital’s infrastructure grid. The road, designed as a partially access-controlled expressway with 3+3 lanes (expandable to 4+4 in future), aims to streamline mobility while incorporating a dedicated central median for a metro or railway corridor, green buffers, cycle tracks and pedestrian pathways.  continued on P5 BJP govt will get back PoK: Shah RA J E SH KU M AR THAKUR @ New Delhi Amit Shah I proudly declare to the world... Hindus can never be terrorists Amit Shah, home minister Operation Mahadev “When Shivaji Maharaj fought against the Mughals, his war slogan was Har Har Mahadev,” Shah said, responding to Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan’s query on naming of the encounter as Op Mahadev Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress for ceding Pakistanoccupied Kashmir (PoK), pandering to vote-bank politics and letting terrorism flourish, while wrapping up a debate on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha. “Congress gave away the PoK to Pakistan, but the BJP-led government will get it back. The Congress has no right to question BJP on terror because terrorism flourished during the Congress regime due to its politics of appeasement,” he charged. Shah’s assertion came a day after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that one day the people of PoK would be happy to be part of India’s governance system. He said the families of the victims of the Pahalgam massacre wanted the terrorists “to be shot in their heads”, a fate they met in the recent Operation Mahadev in J&K. Responding to Opposition queries on the timing of the operation to take out the terrorists, Shah said the CRPF, Army and J&K Police, operating in the challenging terrain and receiving food via drones, relentlessly pursued and eliminated the the killers. As Shah began his speech, the Congress-led Opposition walked out of the House demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence and response. Continuing his address, Shah accused senior Congress leader P Chidambaram of challenging the justification of Operation Sindoor. UNSC report sees TRF role in Pahalgam attack J aya n t h J a c o b @ New Delhi In a boost to India’s case against Pakistan-backed terrorism, a UN Security Council report identified The Resistance Front(TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy as responsible , for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The latest report by the UNSC’s Monitoring Team (MT), under the 1267 Sanctions Committee, cites multiple unnamed member states to assert that the Pahalgam attack “could not have happened without Lashkar-e-Taiba’s support” and confirms that TRF operates in close coordination with the banned Pakistan-based terror group. All decisions and reports under the 1267 Sanctions Committee are adopted by consensus, making TRF’s inclusion diplomatically significant. Despite prior attempts by Pakistan to distance itself from the attack and sanitise references to TRF, its mention in the MT report is a signal of growing global scepticism toward Islamabad’s narrative. The report recalled that TRF initially claimed responsibility for the massacre, even releasing photographs of the site. It reiterated its claim the next day before retracting it on April 26, a move many analysts , view as damage control amid international scrutiny No . other group stepped forward to claim responsibility . The report highlights divergent views among member states. While one asserted that TRF is essentially synonymous with LeT, another — widely believed to be Pakistan — claimed that LeT was “defunct”, a statement countered by evidence in the report. The MT concluded that five terrorists were involved in the Pahalgam assault. “This is a clear indictment of Pakistan’s strategy of plausible deniability said a person familiar with the matter. ,”