vijayawada l monday l august 18, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l late city EDITION shux returns to India to a rousing welcome A posse of people waving the Tricolour and beating drums welcomed astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla at New Delhi airport minister jitendra singh at delhi airport Shukla, who became the second Indian to undertake a spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 mission, and his back-up astronaut-designate Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair were welcomed at the airport by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. Shukla’s wife Kamna and son Kiash were present too pic: pti/X special discussion in lok sabha today ■ The government has proposed a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday to mark Shukla’s return to India after ISS stay ■ Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission that lifted off from Florida on June 25 and docked at the International Space Station on June 26. He returned to Earth on July 15 18 days shukla spent over 2 weeks in the ISS conducting around 60 experiments 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 Maha guv Radhakrishnan is BJP’s pick for next V-P GST: Why Small Can Be Big for Economy I T may be pure chance that the next round of big-bang reforms directed towards India’s internal economy has come at a time of turbulence on the external front. But it’s a happy coincidence all the same that GST is getting pruned and simplified, offering a new impetus to consumption, at a time of very erratic weather for exports. The vexed Goods and Services Tax, which has completed eight years with a complex ziggurat-like architecture, is finally getting rationalised into a slimmer, neater structure. Three Groups of Ministers will be meeting next week, on Wednesday and Thursday, to finalise its blueprint. That will be submitted to the GST Council for a final round of consultations. If all goes well, come Diwali, our domestic bazaars will have an extra bounce to their step, freed from the knotted mass of reins imposed by multiple rates of taxation, which were often seen to be irrational in their very design. The new plan is to account for most items under two slabs — a lightweight 5% for mass goods and the higher one capped at 18%. Only ‘sin goods’ santwana like tobacco etc bhattacharya will cop the special rate of 40%. Editor The benefits are intended to devolve to all sides of the base of India’s pyramid. Compliance should become much easier for businesses. Farmers can hope for input costs to be reduced on vital items like fertilisers and seeds, which should create a vital surplus for millions of small Indians. That will enable them to join the class of ordinary consumers all around who can look forward to items of mass consumption getting cheaper. On both sides, hopefully small will get more , beautiful. On one side, small and medium-sized businesses, the muscles that keep the economic backbone straight and help the body stay bouncy On the other, the non-premium, budget . segment of goods that crores of Indians buy . The best-case scenario will see volumes offsetting revenue loss on account of lower taxes, which is the core doubt that states like Kerala may bring up at the GST Council deliberations. If that happens, it would be an echo of what happened in previous instances of global turbulence, like in 2008, when the buoyancy of our domestic market created a healthy shock absorber. Ganja smuggler rams car, police return fire E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Nellore Nellore police opened fire on a notorious ganja smuggler who attempted to escape after ramming his car into police personnel during a vehicle check near SVGS college on NH-16 in the early hours of Sunday. The incident created tension in the area. According to police, acting on a tip-off about illegal contraband transportation, a special team intercepted a car. The accused, identified as Beeraka Prakash alias Surya Prakash (51), a resident of Krishna Nagar, Rajahmundry, East Godavari district, was transporting 22 kilograms of ganja from Alluri Sitarama Raju district to Nellore. When police tried to stop him, Prakash sped up and rammed his car into the officers, injuring constable Firoz, who suffered a broken tooth and hand P4 injuries. NDA will reach out to Oppn parties to seek their support: Nadda PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Haryana CM Nayab Saini also seen | PTI Need states’ cooperation to implement reforms: Modi Highways inaugurated PM Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Delhi section of Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II worth `11,000 crore to reduce traffic congestion in the capital For us, reform signifies the advancement of good governance... In the near future, we are set to implement reforms aimed at making life and business operations smoother and more convenient An u p Ve r m a @ New Delhi prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Centre has circulated the draft of next-generation GST reforms among states and sought their cooperation to implement the proposal before Diwali. He said the move would benefit the poor, the middle class, and businesses of all sizes. Addressing an event after inaugurating two expressways, Modi said the Centre intends to make the GST law simpler and revise tax rates. The GST Council is expected to meet next month to deliberate on the proposal. “For us, reform means the expansion of good governance,” Modi said, adding that continuous focus was being placed on reforms. “This Diwali, citizens will receive a double bonus through the GST reform.” He expressed hope that states would swiftly support the initiative, ensuring the new structure could be rolled out before the festive season. Under the plan, the existing four GST slabs—5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—will be re- placed with just two: 5% and 18%, along with a special 40% bracket for demerit or ‘sin’ goods such as tobacco and online gaming. Items currently taxed at 12%, like butter, fruit juices, and dry fruits, would move to 5%, while electronics, cement, and other goods from the 28% slab would shift to 18%, as per the proposal. The reform aims to prevent accumulation of input tax credit and reduce demands for further tweaks. While the changes may initially cause revenue loss, the Centre expects increased consumption to offset the impact. Nearly 99% of goods in the 12% category and 90% of goods in the 28% slab are expected to move to lower rates, easing the burden on households and businesses. Alongside GST reforms, the prime minister reiterated his call for “vocal for local.” “To make India stronger, we must take inspiration from Chakradhari Mohan (Lord Shri Krishna) to make India self-reliant, we must follow the path of Charkhadhari Mohan (Mahatma Gandhi),” Modi said. State to get World Class Athletics stadium in Tirupati Nethaji Kumaramangalam @ Tirupati Andhra Pradesh is poised to make its mark on the global sports map with the construction of a world-standard international athletics stadium at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati. For the first time in the state, a 400-meter, 8-lane synthetic athletics track will be laid, built strictly in line with World Athletics (for merly IAAF) standards and FIFA guidelines. The project, estimated at `9.39 crores, is being funded by the Ministry of Sports and Cultural Affairs, Government of India. The prestigious project is expected to be completed within one year, paving the way for Andhra Pradesh to have its first international-standard track and field facility by 2026. Cutting Edge Track and Field Facility Track Events 400m Standard Track: Eight-lane track, occasionally expandable to nine lanes, with lane width of 1.22m. Equal Straights & Bends: Designed to maintain uniform rhythm for athletes, avoiding strain at curves. Kerb Safety: Track edges equipped with kerbs (0.05m-0.065m high, 0.05m-0.25m wide). Obstacle-Free Zone: Minimum 1m clearance on both inner & outer sides. Markings: All start lines, finish lines, & hurdle zones precisely measured and painted with 0.05m wide white lines Jumping Events Long Jump & Triple Jump: Runway length: 40m minimum. Take-off board: 1.22m x 0.20m, placed flush with runway surface. Landing pit: 2.75m wide, 7m-9m long, with drainage system. High Jump: Semi-circular runway (20m radius minimum) with landing area of 6m x 4m. Pole Vault: 40m runway with vault box and 6m x 6m landing zone (extendable) The stadium will provide world-class infrastructure not only for the 8-lane track but also for field events such as Throwing Events Javelin Throw: 30m x 4m runway, landing area with 100m radius sector. Discus Throw: 2.50m circle, protective cage, landing sector (80m radius). Hammer Throw: 2.135m circle, cage, landing area (90m radius). Shot Put: 2.135m circle with stop board, 25m landing sector long jump, triple jump, pole vault, high jump, javelin throw, shot put, discus, hammer throw, P4 and steeplechase.  RAJ E SH K UMAR THA K UR & T M u r u g a n a nd h a m @ New Delhi / Chennai THE BJP on Sunday named Maharashtra Governor Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan (67) as the NDA’s consensus candidate for the Vice President’s post. BJP president J P Nadda made the announcement following a meeting of the party’s parliamentary board. Apart from Radhakrishnan, the governors of Gujarat, Karnataka, and Sikkim were also in the shortlist, sources said. After thorough consultation with the core members of the parliamentary board, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his final approval. “The NDA will speak to Opposition parties on getting their support to ensure the election for this second highest constitutional post goes unopposed. We have been, through our senior leaders, contacting the Opposition leaders and we will remain in touch with them,” C P Radhakrishnan Milestones  Joined Bharatiya Jan Sangh in 1974 at age 17  President of TN unit of BJP between 2004 and 2007  Chairman of the Coir Board, Kochi in 2016  Sabha MP in Lok 1998 and 1999  Governor of Jharkhand on February 18, 2023  Maharashtra governor on July 31, 2024 said Nadda. With the nomination of Radhakrishnan, a seasoned leader from Tamil Nadu who belongs to the influential Gounder caste, an OBC community, the BJP hopes to bolster its strength in the southern state. Tamil Nadu, currently governed by the DMK, is scheduled to hold Assembly elections in 2026. If elected, Radhakrishan will be the third leader from Tamil Nadu to reach the second-highest constitutional position in the country—after Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan (1952-1962) and R Venkataraman (1984-87). Both later became President. Born in Tiruppur on October 20, 1957, Radhakrishnan took interest in the activities of the RSS at a very young age and joined the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the political wing of the RSS, in 1974 at the age of 17. Radhakrishnan’s nomination will be officially filed on August 21, with all NDA leaders including the chiefs of the TDP and JDU, accompanying the nominee, sources said. ECI terms vote theft charges ‘baseless’, says SC fiat complied with Rahul begins ‘Vote Adhikar yatra’ from Bihar’s Sasaram MU K E SH RA N JA N @ New Delhi R a m a s h a nk a r @ Patna THE Election Commission of India on Sunday made public the list of 65 lakh omitted voters from the draft electoral roll of Bihar, following a Supreme Court directive on August 14. “Within 56 hours of the SC directive, the names of voters that were not included in the draft electoral roll have been posted on district magistrates’ websites,” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said at a press conference. Asserting that the ECI is making all efforts to turn Bihar’s poll roll revision into a success, Kumar said those levelling allegations of ‘vote theft’ should either give proof under oath within the next seven days or their insinuations would be considered ‘baseless’. Addressing a press conference for the first time since the ‘vote theft’ controversy erupted, the CEC said if anybody wants to file a complaint without being a voter of that constituency, “he/she can do the same only as a witness under oath”. On July 31, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held a press conference and accused ECI of indulging in ‘vote chori’. Gandhi cited data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and claimed that over 1 lakh votes were “stolen” in Mahadevapura assembly in Karnataka through manipulation, duplicate voters, fake addresses LEADER of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched 1,300-km long ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram in Bihar’s Rohtas district and claimed that ‘vote theft’ was happening across the country . Amid presence of top-notch leaders of INDIA bloc, including RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Vikassheel Insaan Party’s Mukesh Sahani and CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, Rahul said people of Bihar would not allow ‘vote theft’. in their state. “Strength of the poor is their vote. Today, that very strength is being snatched away— a conspiracy to steal votes is underway through SIR. We will stop vote theft at all costs,” he said. RJD leader Lalu Prasad said that a united INDIA bloc would throw out those stealing votes. “I urge you people to stand united, drive out the BJP-RSS combine,” Lalu said. The yatra will pass through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra and Ara. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addresses a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday | Express and others. He alleged that similar irregularities had occurred in other states. Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, CEC Kumar said, “A lie, if repeated time and again, does not become truth.” The CEC said instances of a person holding multiple voter identity cards arise due to migration or administrative lapses and the poll authority is working to rectify such mistakes. While addressing a rally in Bihar’s Sasaram during the launch of his 1,300-km ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ on Sunday Gan, dhi had asked for a response from the ECI. He said he was asked to submit an affidavit after his press conference, but no such demand was made from BJP leaders, who had made similar claims in their press conference. The CEC said ECI’s doors are always open to everyone and ECI is working together with everyone in a “transparent manner” as part of SIR. NTR District tops list of black spots on National Highways in the State weather red alert to 10 U s h a Pe r i @ Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh has identified 1,247 black spots on National Highways (NH) across 26 districts, according to data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Among the districts, NTR district reported the highest number of black spots with 197, followed by Visakhapatnam with 131 and East Godavari with 109. Out of these, only 472 longterm corrective measures have been completed. In response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari stated that the Union Government has initiated both short-term and long-term measures to address black spots on national highways. According to the Ministry’s data, NTR district tops the list with 197 black spots, followed by Visakhapatnam with 131, East Godavari with 109, Anantapur with 87, and Nellore with 75. On the other end of the spectrum, districts with the least number of black spots include Alluri Sitharama Raju with 2, Palnadu and Parvathipuram Manyam with 5, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema with 11, and Bapatla and Nandyal with 12 each. Regarding short-term measures such as road markings, signages, crash barriers, and traffic calming works, NTR district leads with 194 completed works, followed by Visakhapatnam with 130, East Godavari with 85, Anantapur with 75, and Krishna with 73. As for long-term rectifications, such as road widening, junction improvements, and the construction of underpasses or overpasses, the NTR district has completed 60 works, followed by Krishna with 58, Visakhapatnam with 30, West Godavari with 30, and Chittoor with 26. Gadkari explained that shortterm measures focus on quick safety fixes, including road markings, signage, crash barriers, studs, and traffic calming tools such as rumble strips. Additionally, unauthorized median openings are closed to prevent collisions. These measures are simple, low-cost, and provide immediate relief to commuters in terms of accident prevention. In contrast, long-term measures, he noted, involve permanent solutions such as streamlining junctions, widening congested stretches, and building flyovers, underpasses, and P4 service roads.  coastal districts IMD issued a Red Alert for Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anakapalle, Kakinada, East Godavari, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru, West Godavari, NTR, and Guntur districts on Monday, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places | P3