ra tsunami warning issued briefly 90,000 ‘still in golden hour of our rescue’ The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology briefly issued a tsunami warning and advised people to stay away from the coastlines of Cebu and nearby provinces of Leyte and Biliran due to possible waves of up to 3 feet. The tsunami warning was lifted three hours later, but traumatised residents chose to stay in open grassy fields and parks. The toll may rise from the 6.9 magnitude quake that trapped an unspecified number of people in Bogo city & outlying rural towns in Cebu province Das Our offices and press will remain closed today and there will be no issue of the paper on Friday hyderabad l thursday l october 02, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 32 l late city EDITION 69 killed, more than 200 injured as earthquake hits the Philippines py a Hap The New Indian Express Wishes its readers a Defence deputy administrator said in Manila as officials said sporadic rain, damaged bridges and roads hampered the race to save lives ■ The Philippine govt is considering whether to seek help from foreign governments based on an ongoing rapid damage assessment | P9 ■ “We’re still in the golden hour of our search and rescue,” Office of Civil live in quake epicentre bogo, a coastal city in Cebu province 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 RBI holds rates for now, hints at cut in Dec Monetary Policy Committee unanimously votes to take more time to assess impact of the 50% tariffs on the economy Be n n K o c h u v ee d a n @ Mumbai Though the RBI-led rate-setting panel has decided to leave both the benchmark interest rates as well as the neutral monetary stance unchanged, Governor Sanjay Malhotra has given enough hints at another round of easing. After three successive reductions since February— taking the repo down by 100 bps to 5.5%—the monetary policy committee (MPC) on Wednesday unanimously voted to take more time to assess the impact of the 50% tariffs on the economy as well as other fastemerging domestic and external factors. Though the panel retained the neutral stance too, it was with dissent, with two exter- EoI invited for KLIS barrage restoration designs E x p r e s s Ne w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad The Irrigation department has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for the empanelment of design agencies to prepare rehabilitation and restoration designs and drawings for the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundila barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS). The move follows the final report of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), which recommended rehabilitation works. Interested agencies have been asked to submit proposals in sealed covers superscribed “Expression of Interest for Rehabilitation / Restoration Design of Medigadda, Annaram and Sundila Barrages of Kaleshwaram Project at Office of the Chief Engineer, Central Designs Organisation, 6th Floor, Jalasoudha Building” before 3 pm on October 15, 2025. The bids will be opened the same day at 5 pm at Jalasoudha by the Chief Engineer, Central Designs Organisation (CDO), or by an authorised officer. Further details are available on the Irrigation department’s website: https://irrigation.telangana.gov.in/icad/notifications, the de par tment said in a statement. Whenturns The weather rogue | P2 major push on reform for ease of doing biz 100 bps repo rate cut since Feb this year 6.8% revised GDP estimate for FY26, up from 6.5% earlier 2.6% inflation forecast for FY26, down from 3.1% 20 bps likely GDP growth due to rate cut nal members—Ram Singh and Nagesh Kumar— wanting to change it to accommodative, the governor told reporters later. Given these, the governor has admitted that there is room for more action on the rates front, may be in December, by which time he expects more clarity on whether tariff uncertainties can be dismissed. Also, festive de- 22 regulatory changes announced to increase credit flow, ease of doing business and support rupee mand trends will provide a clearer view of growth potential amid external demand volatilities. On how far the GST rate cuts can cushion the impact of the 50% tariffs on the broader economy, Malhotra said, not all of it, but may be 20 bps cushioning from the likely increased domestic demand. However, he admitted that domestic demand remains weak and the growth outlook is clouded due to elevated global policy uncertainties, and tariffs will moderate already weak exports. On growth, the MPC has revised the FY26 estimates upwards to 6.8% from 6.5% earlier. Malhotra noted that Q1 saw an unexpected growth upside at 7.8% due to a low deflator, frontloaded exports to the US, and higher government spending. Further, high- frequency indicators suggest that domestic economic activity sustained momentum even in Q2. However, Q3 and Q4 must tough it out on their own, with the official projection being 6.4% and 6.2%, respectively, while Q1 of FY27 is pegged at 6.4%. On inflation, the governor said prices are expected to remain benign, and an above-normal monsoon is expected to keep food prices in check. Inflation forecasts for FY26 have been revised downwards to 2.6%, while Q3 and Q4 are pegged at 1.8% and 4%, respectively, and at 4.5% for first quarter of next fiscal. The retail inflation has been printing below 4% since February and has eased to a six-year low of 2.07% in August up from 1.8% in the previous month. P10 3% DA hike for Central govt staff okayed M U K ESH RAN JAN @ New Delhi The government on Wednesday decided to give a 3% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for 49.2 lakh Central government employees and 68.7 lakh pensioners, as the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission. The decision to hike the rates of DA and DR was taken by the Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, noting that it would provide the desired relief to employees and pensioners ahead of Dussehra on Thursday and Diwali later this month. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), also chaired by the PM, approved the opening of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the country aimed at expanding access to , quality education. The minister stated that the increase in the DA and DR would take effect from July 1 and would cost the government exchequer approximately `10,000 crore. This Cabinet decisions DA and DRA Total: 58% of basic pay Crops MSP (2026-27) Wheat Barley Gram Masur Rapeseed/Mustard Safflower No of employees to benefit: 49.2 Lakh Cost of Production Margin `2,585 `2,150 `5,875 `7,000 `6,200 `6,540 `1,239 `1,361 `3,699 `3,705 `3,210 `4,360 109% 58% 59% 89% 93% 50% Kendriya Vidyalayas Total number: 57 Bihar: 19; AP: 4; TG: 4 Naxal-hit areas: 4 NE and hilly regions: 5 Total cost: `5,862.55 Cr 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ The ‘Vande Mataram’ song that played a crucial role in the freedom struggle, its 150th year will be celebrated. The celebrations will be done among students and youths,” I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Pensioners: 68.7 Lakh To cost: `10,000 Cr is the second hike this year, as a 2% increase was announced in March, taking DA payouts from 53% of basic pay to 55% . That was after a 3% hike in October last year. The DA and DR are given to employees and pensioners to insulate them from the impact of inflation. The minister stated that the total estimated requirement of funds for establishing the 57 new KVs is `5,862.55 crore, and they will be opened over a period of nine years, starting from 2026-27. The plan includes capital expenditure of approximately `2,585.52 crore and operational expenditure of around `3,277.03 crore. Twenty new KVs will be established in districts that currently have no KVs despite a significant population of Central government employees. Additionally 14 , KVs are planned for aspirational districts, four in Maoist-affected areas and five in the Northeast and hilly regions, Vaishnaw said, adding that, out of these KVs, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will sponsor seven. In another major decision, the CCEA increased by 6.59% the MSP for wheat to `2,585 per quintal for 2026-27 marketing year. There is also a hike in MSP per quintal for rapeseed and mustard of `6,200. For lentil (masur), the MSP is `7,000 per quintal, an increase of `275 per quintal. The MSP per quintal of gram stands at `5,875, safflower `6,540, and barley `2,150, the minister said. The decision aligns with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production. “This increased MSP of rabi crops will ensure remunerative prices to the farmers and incentivise crop diversification,” the government said. express read Tribunal hears ‘turncoat’ MLAs Hyderabad: “Turncoat” legislators T Prakash Goud and Kale Yadaiah, two of the 10 MLAs against whom the BRS filed the disqualification petitions, appeared before the Tribunal chaired by Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, on Wednesday | p4 Putin may visit India in Dec amid Trump tariffs Jaya n t h Jaco b @ New Delhi Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5–6 for the 23rd annual India-Russia bilateral summit, according to sources. While there has been no official confirmation from either New Delhi or Moscow, sources involved said that both sides are working to finalise the “broad agenda” for the visit. This will be Putin’s first visit to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. He last visited the country in 2021. The summit comes at a time of deepening strategic ties between India and Russia following the imposition of punitive US tariffs on India for its imports of Russian crude oil. The planned visit aims to provide an opportunity for both nations to assess their evolving bilateral relationship, which has been shaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics. “The summit will provide an opportunity to zero in on ways to enhance economic engagement and bolster the strategic partnership,” said a source. Private colleges announce strike from Oct 13 over fee reimbursement dues E x p r e s s Ne w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad The protector Goddess Bhadrakali decorated as Mahishasura Mardini as part of Dasara Navaratri in Warangal on Wednesday | Express WITH THIS ISSUE A 16-PAGE DASARA SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FOR OUR READERS Private colleges have announced a fresh strike from October 13, alleging that the state government has failed to release promised fee reimbursement funds. The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI), which represents professional colleges, held a meeting in Hyderabad on Wednesday and said the government had released only `200 crore so far, despite assurances. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu had earlier promised to release `600 crore on Dasara and another `600 crore on Diwali. Money Matters  Dues claimed by colleges: `10,000 crore  Government assurance: `600 crore by Dasara and another `600 crore by Diwali  Released by the government so far: `200 crore FA T H I l e a d e r s said the dues under the fee reimbursement scheme stood at nearly `10,000 crore. FATHI chairman N Ramesh Babu alleged that the government was not giving priority to the education sector. He said: “The government assured us on September 21 and 22 that `600 crore would be released, but only `200 crore has been cleared. Unless the remaining dues are settled by October 12, we will go on strike from the next day .” He added that the managements would hereafter hold discussions only with the Chief Minister’s Office, and warned that if necessary, they would call a “Chalo Hyderabad” protest with students. Earlier, on September 15, college managements had announced a class boycott demanding clearance of arrears, which some institutions observed. Following talks with Vikramarka, they withdrew the protest after assurances that `1,200 crore would be released before Diwali and that a special committee would be formed to prevent such disputes in future. New DGP Shivadhar swears by ‘khaki book’, gives tip for social media behaviour E x p r e s s Ne w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad Senior IPS officer Battula Shivadhar Reddy, who assumed charge as the Head of Police Force on Wednesday, said citizens were free to criticise but must not indulge in “character assassination” or spread fake news. “People can criticise on social media but not target family members or spread false information. If they do, they will face action. Criticism is welcome within the four walls of the Constitution,” the new DGP told reporters at his office here. On political references to the so-called pink book, he said: “There is no pink or blue. We follow only the khaki book, which means the law. We know only khaki, not any other colour.” Stating that the first challenge for the police would be the upcoming local body elections, he said the department was committed to conducting them peacefully “There is no bar on . protests. We only request that they are carried out in democratic and constitutional ways. We will support peaceful protests,” he said. Pointing out that over 17,000 posts were vacant in the police, he said proposals had been sent to the government. The DGP stressed on “basic policing” through vehicle and foot patrolling, intelligence collection and the use of technology such as CCTV surveillance. “We will not neglect either traditional policing or technology . The fusion of both is policing,” Shivadhar Reddy stated. On Maoist activity, he referred to the August 15 statement of politburo member Mallojula Venugopal, noting that it reflected an earlier decision by the CPI (Maoist) to consider laying down arms. “We appeal to Maoists to lay down their arms. At present, there is no Maoist issue in Telangana; they are only on the borders,” he said. DGP B Shivadhar Reddy meets Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday Zubeen’s manager, fest organiser held e x p r e ss n e ws s e r v i c e @ Guwahati/New Delhi In a dramatic turn in the investigation into the mysterious death of music icon Zubeen Garg, Assam Police on Wednesday brought his long-time manager Siddharth Sharma and North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta to Guwahati after arresting them in Gurugram and Delhi. Given the wave of public anger, both were whisked away from the airport under heavy security and produced before the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate, who sent them to a 14-day police remand. With courts closed for Durga Puja, the hearing was conducted at the judge’s residence. Sharma and Mahanta face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, and causing death by negligence. Munna Prasad Gupta, Special DGP (CID) and head of the ninemember SIT, told reporters that, acting on an Interpol alert, immigration officials at IGIA detained Mahanta soon after his return from Singapore.