HYDERABAD l saturday l august 02, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 18 l late cITY EDITION Vice Presidential election to be held on September 9 election commission issues schedule As per the schedule announced by the ECI, a notification calling the election to the post of the Vice President of India would be announced on August 7 and the last date of making nomination would be August 21, with the scrutiny of the nominations scheduled to take place on August 22. The ECI said the last date for withdrawal of nominations is August 25 Election to the office of the Vice President was necessitated following a surprise resignation by Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21 citing ill health ■ 293 how does the electoral college look like ■ The Electoral College consists of 788 MPs, including 233 elected and 12 nominated members of Rajya Sabha and 543 Lok Sabha lawmakers; 5 vacancies in RS and 1 in LS means 782 MPs can vote The election is conducted through proportional representation through single transferable vote; each vote carries equal value | P9 with 293 lok sabha mps and 133 in rajya sabha, bjp has clear edge 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 `1,000 cr sheep scam Start date of the levies pushed to August 7 41% Syria New Reciprocal Tariff Laos, Myanmar (Burma) Switzerland 40% 39% Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Libya and South Africa Brunei, India, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tunisia Bangladesh, Taiwan, Sri Lanka , Vietnam Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Costa Rica, Côte d`Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia. Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe Brazil, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom 35% Iraq, Serbia, Canada 30% 25% 20% India bunched with small nations in high US duty rates D i pa k M o n d a l @ New Delhi With the US embarking on a massive ‘protectionism’ era, India stands to be the biggest collateral damage of this exercise. The newly modified tariffs announced by the US government on Friday placed India among the major economies facing the highest duty rates — 25% or more. Other countries in this bracket are mostly smaller or geopolitically isolated nations such as Syria, Laos and Iraq. However, he pushed its start date to August 7, injecting a little more uncertainty . What is particularly concerning is that most ASEAN and South Asian countries — key competitors in labourintensive exports such as textiles and leather — have been spared the steep hikes. Vietnam, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia now fall in the 19–20% tariff range. While China has been excluded from the latest tariff list, an earlier executive order on May 12 mandated a 34% tariff on its goods. The current executive order says the May 12 order remains in force. This means India still technically enjoys a lower tariff than China. However, the margin has narrowed, and given China’s well-known strength in low-cost manufacturing, that slight rate difference could easily be offset by sheer scale and pricing efficiency . ED assessment based on CAG audit of records from 7 districts E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad The Hyderabad Zonal Unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has assessed that the financial i r re g u l a r i t i e s i n t h e S h e e p Re a r i n g Development Scheme (SRDS) implemented during the BRS regime caused a loss of over `1,000 crore to the exchequer. This assessment is based on findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) audit, which examined records from only seven of the 33 districts in the state. On July 30, the ED conducted searches at eight locations in Hyderabad under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, focusing on the role of officials and beneficiaries associated with the scheme. One of the key individuals under investigation is G Kalyan Kumar, officer on special duty (OSD) to former Animal Husbandry minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav. The agency has termed him the kingpin in the alleged diversion of funds. The ED’s investigation is based on multiple FIRs registered by the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). One complaint alleged that Kalyan Kumar had unlawfully removed departmental records by breaking into the office after the formation of the new government. In another case, a sheep merchant claimed that `2.1 crore owed to him was misappropriated by assistant directors in the department and diverted to unrelated accounts. The CAG’s report for the period ending March 2021 highlighted several procedural lapses, including: n Non-maintenance of beneficiary-wise data n Improper recording of transport invoices and payments n Use of fake or non-commercial vehicle registration numbers n Duplicate ear tags assigned to sheep units n Allotments made to deceased or fictitious individuals While the audit report pegged losses at `253.93 crore from just seven districts, the ED stated that a proportionate extrapolation points to total losses exceeding `1,000 crore across the state. Further probe revealed that many recipients of funds under the SRDS had no previous history in the sale or supply of livestock, and in several cases, no actual sheep transactions had taken place.  CONTINUED ON P4 What has baffled many trade experts is that Vietnam, with which the US had a trade deficit of $113 billion in 2024—the largest in Asia after China—has managed to stay within the 20% bracket. That said, the order clarifies that any trans-shipments through third countries like Vietnam will attract a 40% duty . Bangladesh, another direct competitor to India in textiles, has also been placed in the 20% tariff slab. The textile sector has already sought financial help to prevent massive job losses. Pakistan, which doesn’t pose significant competition in most export sectors, has received a 19% tariff rate — a development that is seen as more of a diplomatic win for India’s western neighbour than a commercial threat. Negotiations are on, but India is unlikely to yield on issues such as GM foods and dairy products. For now, India is staring at a 25% tariff wall, unless it chooses to bend over backwards to accommodate Trump’s whims and fancies. Economists hope that developed markets like the EU and UK would help India absorb some of the shock from US tariffs. “I remain hopeful that FTAs with other large economies will help offset some of the losses... Together, the UK and Eurozone account for over 18% of India’s export value,” says Debopam Chaudhari, chief economist, Piramal Group. 19% 18% Nicaragua 15% 10% Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson Arunish Chawla, DIPAM Secretary Rakesh Mehra, CITI Chairman Debopam Chaudhari, Piramal Group India and Russia have a time-tested partnership. Ties with various countries should not be seen from the prism of a third country We are doing capital review of all PSUs each week and working on strategies to insulate our economy from geopolitical risks US substantially reduce tariffs for competing nations like B’desh will compound the difficulties for India’s textile and apparel exporters FTAs with large economies such as UK and EU will hopefully help offset some of the losses arising from a slowdown in trade with the US Prajwal Revanna Videos did him in The case came to light after pen drives containing explicit videos of Prajwal were circulated in Hassan, ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2024 A special court on Friday found former Member of Parliament from Hassan Lok Sabha constituency Prajwal Revanna guilty in a rape case filed by a domestic worker. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Saturday . Prajwal, grandson of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and nephew of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy was ac, cused of raping the 47-year-old woman from KR Nagar in Mysuru, while she was working as a domestic help at his farmhouse in Holenarasipura in Hassan. The woman, who filed her complaint with the cyber crime police of CID on May 5, 2024, had alleged that Prajwal raped her multiple times at his Gannigada farmhouse in Holenarasipura and at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru. She had also alleged that he video-recorded the act. The state gover nment had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe this and three other cases registered against Prajwal and others, including his parents: former minister and Holenarasipura MLA HD Re v a n n a a n d B h av a n i Revanna. The SIT filed a 1,632-page chargesheet in September 2024, listing 113 witnesses. Judge Who’s the black sheep? 2017 SRDS launched by BRS government December 2021 January 2024 `700 cr June 2024 3.88 lakh units of sheep supplied; subsidy outlay at `3,385.32 crore (as per TSSGDCFL) December 2023 `2.1 crore misappropriated, say Gachibowli police, register cheating case against two contractors and two assistant directors E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad Santhosh Gajanan Bhat of the special court for trial of criminal cases against MPs/MLAs, concluded the trial on July 18 and held Prajwal guilty of the charges. The minimum punishment for the offences committed by Prajwal is 10 years. Soon after the judge pronounced the verdict, Prajwal bowed his head and broke down. He was later escorted back to the prison under tight security His father HD Revan. na refused to react. Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak said the prosecution examined 26 witnesses. “The most crucial evidence came from the victim herself that was compelling ... This is a victory against abuse of power and privilege.” Expressing his strong disapproval of the actions of some social media content creators, including YouTubers, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday said that they proclaim themselves as journalists and expect recognition from political leaders. This, he said, makes him feel like “slapping them”. Speaking at an event organised by a local daily, Revanth recalled that earlier, junior reporters used to give up their seats for seniors at press conferences. “These self-proclaimed social media journalists, often without assigned work, arrive early and occupy front-row seats. They stare at leaders on the dais as if asking why they are not being acknowledged,” he said. Revanth criticised the lack of respect shown to senior journalists and said that individuals roaming the streets and speaking in crude language were now claiming journalistic status. Estimated worth of the irregularities uncovered by the ACB which took up the investigation ED registers money laundering case against officials and private parties July 30, 2025 ED conducts searches in Hyderabad, names G Kalyan Kumar as the key player n Audit (up to March 2021): CAG Loss of `253.93 crore flagged in only seven of the 33 districts in the state n Investigation: No evidence of ED sheep being actually supplied, funds paid to non-suppliers n Other recoveries: Over 200 suspected mule accounts, 31 mobile phones, and illegal betting app links probe agency likely to summon Talasani I r e d d y S r i n i v a s Re d d y @ Hyderabad The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to summon former Animal Husbandry minister and current Sanathnagar MLA Talasani Srinivas Yadav in connection with the sheep distribution scheme scam. According to sources, the ED’s probe has identified several irregularities allegedly involving G Kalyan Kumar, who served as officer on special duty (OSD) to Srinivas Yadav during the previous BRS government. Kalyan Kumar has CM explains difference between journalists and pretenders Ex-MP Prajwal convicted for rape R a k s h i t h G o w d a @ Bengaluru Many recipients of funds were never involved in livestock sale or supply Revanth voiced concern about the decline in journalistic standards and the growing misuse of social media in the name of journalism. He warned that political parties were launching their own media platforms to further their agendas and protect financial interests, rather than upholding journalistic principles. “Earlier, some political parties published newspapers to communicate their ideology Such out. lets now operate with the intention of concealing errors and securing financial gains,” Revanth said. He added that seminars were now being held just to reassert the definition of journalism. Revanth urged the public to scrutinise the motives behind party-affiliated media outlets and alleged that some social media actors, lacking journalistic training, were seeking to destabilise the system. “Just like political parties, even journalists are losing their integrity he ,” said, calling for a clearly defined ethical boundary in media practice. been described as a key accused and one of the alleged ringleaders of the scam. The agency suspects that fake vendors were created to siphon off subsidy funds meant for the scheme, with fraudulent accounts set up to claim payments. Sources said the ED is examining why the then minister appeared to remain silent or failed to act despite these activities taking place under his watch. Investigators are reportedly raising questions about the nature of the oversight and whether there was wilful neglect or complicity . CONTINUED ON P4 express read Chief minister to unveil Sports Policy today Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will on Saturday unveil the state’s Sports Policy during the first edition of the Telangana Sports Conclave. The Telangana Sports Policy has been in the making for over a year and outlines a comprehensive vision for sports development across the state. It will focus on expanding infrastructure and creating career pathways | P4 Nat’l Film Awards: Baby, Hanu-Man score big Hyderabad: At the National Film Awards that were announced earlier today, Baby and Hanu-Man won some of the major honours. The National Film Awards, announced on Friday, were for the films certified by the Censor Board in 2023. Directed by Sai Rajesh Neelam, Baby won the award for Best Screenplay, sharing the honours with Tamil film Parking | P5 Bihar draft electoral rolls published; poll panel pans Rahul’s vote theft slur P r ee t h a N a i r & m u k e s h r a n j a n @ New Delhi 800 MW UNIT OF Yadadri Thermal Power Plant INAUGRATED|P4 THE Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday published the draft electoral rolls of Bihar after completing the first phase of collecting enumeration forms as part of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. There were 7.93 crore regis- tered voters in Bihar before the roll revision process began last month. More than 7.24 crore electors filled up the enumeration forms; and all were included in the draft roll. As per SIR orders, no name can be deleted from the draft electoral roll without giving a hearing to the elector. In the next one month, any elector or any political party can file claims and objections to the draft roll. Earlier, speaking to reporters outside the Parliament House, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged “vote theft by the ECI for the BJP .” “I have said vote chori is happening and now we have proof ‘Got our probe done, found an atom bomb’ New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi said the Congress has proof that vote theft took place in Maharashtra and MP, and is expected in Bihar too. “We got our own investigation done. What we have found is an atom bomb,” he said that the Election Commission is involved in it. I am saying this with 100 per cent proof. As soon as we release it, the whole country would know that EC is indulging in vote chori. It is doing it for the BJP,” Rahul alleged. Gandhi’s remarks evoked a sharp response from the poll panel that termed his allegations as “baseless and wild allegations”. Responding to the allegations, the EC said its primary focus remains ensuring free and fair elections. “The EC ignores such baseless allegations being made on a daily basis and, despite daily threats being given, urges all election officials to disregard such irresponsible statements and continue to work impartially .”