hyderabad l thursday l october 23, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 16 l late city EDITION Gold records worst single-day plunge since 2013, falls over 6% After record rally of more than 70% so far this year, the yellow metal fell 6.3% on Tuesday, its biggest single-day fall in more than 12 years Profit booking, trade talks behind slump ANALYSTS WARN OF SHORT-TERM VOLATILITY The sharp fall in prices is attributed primarily to profit booking and a slew of positive news flows which have shaved the sheen off the safe-haven metal. A key factor is the upcoming meeting of US president Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping to iron out their trade differences. Other factors are a strong dollar and the likelihood of US shutdown ending | p10 ■ ■ Silver too registered a sharp fall of 7.8%—its worst since 2011—on Tuesday as the historic squeeze in the London market began to ease Analysts warn of more volatility in the short term as the market is likely to correct further. On whether the price of gold will fall below `1 lakh per 10 grams soon, one analyst said it is difficult to predict `1,32,294 per 10 grams—the record price peak gold touched last Friday 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 Trump nuances stance on India’s Russian oil buy Only joint secy, DGP can order removal of social media content DIPAK MO N DAL @ New Delhi US prez says Modi isn’t going to buy much Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing,” Trump US President Donald Trump said. has softened his earlier asserThe Diwali call, initiated by tion that India would complete- Trump, was their third publicly ly stop buying Russian crude known conversation since midoil, saying after a Diwali phone September and comes amid oncall with Prime Minister Naren- going tensions in US-India reladra Modi that India tions, particularly “is not going to buy over Washington’s much oil from Rusdecision to impose sia”. It reflects a nusteep tariffs on key anced shift from his Indian exports. This previous claim that includes a 25% levy Modi had promised a linked to India’s confull halt to oil imtinued purchase of Modi unlikely ports from Russia, Russian crude as to travel to which was not corTrump seeks to presMalaysia roborated by the Insure Moscow amid Prime Minister Modi is dian government. unlikely to participate the ongoing conflict Speaking to reportin Ukraine. in the ASEAN Summit ers after the call, In his Oval Office in Malaysia scheduled Trump added that he for Oct 26–28, which is remarks, Trump dialso spoke about expected to be attended aled back his earlier “let’s not have wars by US President Donald stance: “He’s not gowith Pakistan,” a ing to buy much oil Trump, according to claim sources refuted sources. While an official from Russia. He here in Delhi. Sourcwants to see that war word on the level of India’s participation es said “Pakistan was end as much as I do. is awaited, the prime not discussed during So they’ve cut it way the phone conversa- minister may address the back, and they’re tion” between the summit virtually. India is continuing to cut it two leaders. “I just typically represented at way back.” spoke to your prime the India-ASEAN Summit Modi, in a post on by the prime minister, X responded warmly minister today Had a . . but there have been great conversation. “Thank you, Presiexceptions We talked about dent Trump, for your trade... He’s very inphone call and warm terested in that. Although we Diwali greetings. On this festidid talk a little while ago about val of lights, may our two great let’s have no wars with Paki- democracies continue to illumistan. The fact that trade was in- nate the world with hope and volved, I was able to talk about stand united against terrorism that. And we have no war with in all its forms.” J aya n t h J a c o b @ New Delhi Steps of Faith President Droupadi Murmu climbs the 18 holy steps at Sabarimala temple on Wednesday—only the second Indian President to visit the hill shrine | pti | p5 Starting November 1, only senior officials of the rank of joint secretaries or directors general of police can issue orders to social media platforms to remove unlawful content. Besides, every such takedown order will be subject to a monthly review by a secretarylevel officer to ensure the actions remain lawful, necessary , and proportionate. These provisions are part of the amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, notified on Wednesday Under the amended rules, . all takedown requests must include clear legal basis, specific statutory provisions, and details such as URLs or identifi- m u k e s h r a nj a n @ New Delhi IN the first sign of a thaw, leaders of Ladakh, where four people died in police firing during the recent pro-statehood protests, met with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday for subcommittee level talks. A nine‑member Ladakh delegation comprising three members each from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), along with Ladakh MP Mohd Haneefa Jan, met MHA officials for over two hours. Jan said discussions primarily revolved around four major issues—statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, reservation, and the revocation of the National ‘issue can’t be resolved in one or two meetings’ KDA member Sajjad Hussain Kargili said their demand for the past six years has been democracy in Ladakh. “This issue cannot be resolved in one or two meetings. We discussed the implementation of a reservation policy in Ladakh. among other things” Security Act (NSA) invoked against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The activist is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail. The NSA empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner “prejudicial to the defence of India”. The maximum detention period under the stringent law is E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad Plastic waste and empty liquor bottles strewn around the Laknavaram lake in Govindaraopet mandal of Mulugu district Bogatha waterfall — where nature meets plastic The Bogatha waterfall and Laknavaram lake, nestled deep in the forests of Wazeedu and Govindaraopet mandals, were once known for their lush greenery, birdsong and calm waters. Today they boast a new attraction, , an ever-expanding carpet of singleAn awareness poster use plastic and empty liquor bottles. at Laknavaram lake Officially, plastic is “strictly in Mulugu district banned” here. Unofficially, it’s the area’s most loyal tourist. Forest and district officials occasionally remind visitors not to bring plastic, often by putting up a weatherOur dept has beaten board that no one reads. Eninstalled boards forcement, however, appears to be of caution, but it optional. is also up to the Stroll through any of these “ecottourists to take ourism” spots, and you’ll find naresponsibility for ture’s best features reimagined: stopping usage streams clogged with wrappers, trees of plastic to save adorned with plastic garlands, and the environment the discarded bottles underfoot. For B Chandramouli, Wazeedu the residents of nearby agency vilForest Range Officer lages, the growing mountain of waste To curb deepfakes, the IT ministry has proposed embedded markers and labelling to help social media users identify AI-generated content ers of the content. The new provisions, introduced through the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, aim to make the removal process more transparent, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said. First notified in February 2021 and amended in 2022 and 2023, the IT rules lay down obligations for intermediaries to ensure online safety and accountability. Under Rule 3(1) (d), they must remove unlawful information upon receiving a court order or a government notification. The ministry has also proposed new rules to regulate deepfakes and AI-generated content. The draft rules propose a new clause defining synthetically generated information as any content artificially created or modified in a manner that appears authentic. Such content could be treated as unlawful and taken down. Talks with govt constructive: Leh team File photo 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier. Jan described the atmosphere as “positive and constructive,” with both sides agreeing to sustain engagement to secure Ladakh’s identity and equitable representation. The delegation reiterated that statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards were vital to protect Cabinet to discuss quota, 2-child ordinance today U M a h e s h @ Mulugu Labels for deepfakes, AI-generated content is not a spectacle but a daily menace. The people here, who once depended on clean water and forest produce, now watch in despair as their environment turns into a landfill dressed as a weekend getaway . Yet, the crowds — students, techies and families — keep coming, all chasing monsoon selfies at Tadvai Huts, Bogatha waterfall, or Laknavaram lake. After all, what’s a “nature retreat” without a few plastic plates and cups floating downstream or a couple of beer bottles glinting from the rocks? When asked, Wazeedu Forest Range Officer B Chandramouli admitted that tourists continue to carry plastic. His department, he said, has installed “boards of caution” warning against it. As for enforcement, Chandramouli believes tourists must take “responsibility for stopping usa g e o f p l a s t i c t o s av e t h e environment.” The department’s faith in voluntary human conscience appears unshakeable.  continued on P5 The state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will , meet on Thursday to discuss key issues, including providing 42% reservations for BCs in local body elections. The discussion is expected to focus on the future course of action following the High Court and Supreme Court rulings on GO 9, which provided 42% BC reservations. The High Court had stayed GO 9 and directed that the elections be conducted under the previous reservation pattern. The state government later challenged the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court, which dismissed the petition. Following this, the Cabinet on October 16 resolved to act based on the advice of legal ex- perts and directed officials to submit a report within two days. According to sources, the Law department has submitted its report after consultations with senior advocates. The Cabinet is expected to consider this report before deciding on the next steps. The meeting is also likely to approve an ordinance to scrap the two-child policy in local body elections. The previous Cabinet had decided to repeal the rule disqualifying candidates with more than two children from contesting in local body polls in Telangana. In addition, the Cabinet is expected to review the ongoing works related to the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project and consider a proposal to name SLBC Phase-II after former minister Ramreddy Damodar Reddy . the region’s land, jobs, and cultural rights. On the reservation front, both sides decided to hold further deliberations to evolve a fair framework for all communities. KDA member Sajjad Hussain Kargili said another round of meetings would be held within two weeks. “Our demand for democracy in Ladakh continues. Statehood is the ultimate solution,” he said. Talks between the Centre, LAB and KDA had broken down after four protesters were killed and several injured in widespread violence in Leh on September 24. The invitation for the talks were made by the Centre on September 20. The last round of talks between the two sides was held in May . express read Assembly prorogued Hyderabad: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has prorogued the sixth session of the Legislative Assembly and Council. The state govt plans to issue an ordinance to amend the clause pertaining to the “two-child” policy for local body elections. GI tag for tribal masks An application has been filed for Geographical Indication (GI) registration of Naikpod masks. The tag will help in recognising and protecting the unique cultural heritage of the Naikpod tribal community | P2 Rizvi opts for VRS Syed Ali Murtaza Ali Rizvi, a 1999-batch IAS officer who is serving as Principal Secretary, Revenue (Commercial Taxes and Excise) department, has taken voluntary retirement from service. His request has been accepted | p4 Check posts across the state closed E N S @ Hyderabad The state government has ordered the closure of all Transport department check posts across Telangana from Wednesday, following directions from Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy . The Transport department issued orders directing officials to immediately halt check post operations. The Commissioner of Transport instructed that staff stationed at check posts be reassigned to other official duties. District Transport Officers have been told to remove signboards and barricades to ensure free movement of vehicles. All records, equipment and furniture from the check posts will be shifted to the respective DTO offices. Officials have been asked to verify and preserve all financial and administrative records. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar told reporters that the Cabinet’s decision followed a directive from the Union government to all states. He said the government would maintain strict enforcement even at the closed check post locations to prevent illegal transport activities. human vs machine 6 lakh Amazon jobs on the line as robots step in E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Chennai Amazon.com plans to replace more than 6,00,000 employees with robots over the next decade in the US, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing internal documents. The company is one of the largest employers in the US, with nearly 1.2 million hires. Referring to interviews with staff and internal documents, the NYT reported that the com- pany’s ultimate plan is to automate 75% of its operations and expects to increase sales by a factor of two by 2033 compared to now through automation. Automation would help Amazon avoid hiring 1,60,000 employees by the end of 2027, resulting in savings of $12.5 billion over the next two years, the report said. At the Amazon facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, which is built with automation in mind, a thousand robots already do much of the packing and shipping work, allowing Amazon to employ 25% fewer employees. In 2026, the Louisiana facility would employ only half of the staff compared to what it would have without the deployment of robots. The op- eration of the Shreveport facility will be replicated in nearly 40 facilities by the end of 2027. As for Amazon India, sources said there are no immediate plans to deploy robots in the country as the focus of automation is currently in the US. To avoid backlash, the company is planning for greater community involvement and changing Amazon’s corporate language from ‘automation’, ‘AI’, and ‘robot’ to a more acceptable ‘advanced technology’ and ‘cobot’ (robots collaborating with humans).