Month: August 2025

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday slammed the Election Commission of India (ECI) and alleged that the elections are “choreographed”.

Presenting Congress’ research on voting in the Mahadevapura Assembly in Karnataka, Gandhi alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) of 1,00,250 votes.

Addressing a press conference, Rahul Gandhi said that Congress won other seats while Mahadevapura was swept by the BJP.

“Elections are choreographed… Our internal polling told us we would win 16 seats in Karnataka; we won nine. We then focused on seven unexpected losses. We chose one Lok Sabha, and our team decided we could only focus on one Vidhan Sabha (seat). So we focused on Mahadevapur. Here is the broad math. All data is 2024 data from the Election Commission. Total votes polled in the Lok Sabha were 6.26 lakhs. The BJP won with 6,58,915, securing a margin of 32,707. But then we look at Mahadevapura, where Congress polls 1,15,586 and BJP polls 2,29,632. Congress wins all Vidhan Sabhas but this one. This seat wins them the election.”

“We found 1,00,250 votes stolen. Stolen in five different ways. Duplicate voters, fake and invalid addresses, and bulk voters in a single address, on a building with 50-60 people living. But when we go there, no record of those people living there. One family living in that house,” Rahul Gandhi alleged.

“Invalid photos…Then the misuse of Form 6. Form 6 allows new people to become voters,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi said that anti-incumbency hit every party but the BJP, which was seen in the Haryana and Madhya Pradesh polls.

He said, “Anti-incumbency hits every single party in every democracy, but for some reason, the BJP is the only party that does not suffer from anti-incumbency in a democracy. Exit polls and opinion polls say one thing, but you saw in the Haryana and MP elections, and suddenly the results go in another direction with a massive swing. This also included our internal polling, which is sophisticated.”

Flagging polling in multiple phases, he added, “There was a time in India with no EVMs; people voted on one day. Now, UP has a different voting day, and Bihar has some other day. Voting goes on for a month. This made us suspicious. Suddenly, the dates of the Haryana and Karnataka elections were changed.”

Reiterating his claims on fake voters in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, he alleged that the number of voters added to the list in the five months ahead of the polls was more than the people added in the last five years.

“Maharashtra, we weren’t able to tell the logic behind it. In Maharashtra and Haryana, we saw it right in front of our faces. We said publicly and told EC, more voters were added in five months than in five years in Maharashtra. More voters than the entire population of Maharashtra. Huge jump in voter turnout after 5 pm. Our alliance got wiped out while the alliance swept in the Lok Sabha. At the state level, between Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, one crore voters came in,” he alleged.

Rahul Gandhi’s response comes after the Election Commission of India on Saturday claimed that Gandhi is yet to respond to its June letter regarding his allegations of “election rigging” in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The EC said the Congress leader has not responded to an official invitation extended to him nearly two months ago. “Why? Is it because his media statements were baseless?” ECI sources asked.

In a letter dated June 12, the Election Commission had invited the Leader of the Opposition for an interaction regarding “rigging” in Maharashtra Assembly elections, which he raised in a write-up that he wrote for a newspaper on June 7. He had claimed that the same would be repeated in the Bihar assembly polls due later this year.

The June 12 letter reads, “We presume that any issue regarding the conduct of elections would have already been raised through election petitions filed in the competent court of law by the INC candidates. However, if you still have any issues, you are welcome to write to us, and the Commission is also willing to meet you in person at a mutually convenient date and time to discuss all issues. A convenient date and time may be communicated in this regard at the email ID.” (ANI)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has urged Pakistan to halt the deportation of vulnerable Afghan refugees, warning that forced returns, particularly of women, girls, and individuals with medical conditions, could breach fundamental human rights protections, Khaama Press reported.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 6, the UN refugee agency expressed “serious concern” over Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghans holding temporary residence permits, calling on authorities to protect those in need of international protection.

According to Khaama Press, the agency specifically highlighted the heightened risks facing Afghan women and girls if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, stating that forced returns could expose them to “severe violations of their fundamental rights.”

UNHCR also appealed to Pakistan to exempt students and those with medical conditions from the deportation plan, noting their “particular vulnerability and need for continued support.”

While the agency welcomed Pakistan’s move to grant a one-month grace period before deportations begin, it urged the government to use this time to “assess individual cases and uphold humanitarian principles,” as reported by Khaama Press.

As per UN data cited by Khaama Press, over 2.1 million Afghans have returned or been deported to Afghanistan in 2025 alone, including at least 352,000 individuals expelled from Pakistan.

Pakistani authorities have announced that deportations of Afghan nationals holding expired or temporary documentation will commence from September 1, 2025, under a broader policy targeting irregular migration.

Khaama Press further reported that UNHCR has reiterated its call for Pakistan and other host countries to respect their international legal obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to countries where their lives or freedoms may be at risk.

With humanitarian conditions continuing to deteriorate in Afghanistan, the agency has emphasised the need for “a coordinated and rights-based approach” to ensure displaced Afghans — especially women, children, and the ill — are “treated with dignity and protected from further harm.” (ANI)

After the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) cleared the release of ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, the son of Kanhaiya Lal, Yash Sahu, has expressed his happiness and said that now the entire nation will come to know the truth.

He said, “..On 8 August, the whole country will see what happened to my father. The pain of our family will be seen in how my father was killed… The whole country should watch this story… We have won the battle we were fighting… What is shown in this movie is against terrorism and not against any religion… My father’s case remains the same today as it was three years ago. His killers have not been punished yet… We don’t know how long it will take for us to get justice…”

Earlier today, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) dismissed all revision petitions challenging the certification of the controversial film ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, thereby clearing the path for its public release. This decision follows weeks of legal disputes, multiple appeals, and widespread public attention stemming from the film’s alleged communal undertones and its depiction of matters still under judicial consideration.

In its final ruling issued on August 6, 2025, the Ministry affirmed several key findings. The Revisional Authority determined that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had followed due process and committed no procedural errors in granting certification. It noted that the filmmakers had complied with the 55 cuts required by the CBFC and had also carried out additional voluntary edits. Furthermore, the order highlighted that no new evidence or compelling arguments had been presented to warrant a reversal of the certification.

Invoking Section 6(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Ministry concluded that there was no legitimate basis to suspend or alter the classification of the film. It underscored that all concerned parties had been provided a fair chance to present their views during the proceedings.

According to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Section 6 allows the government to cancel the certification of a film by the Censor Board and suspend its exhibition.

On August 1, the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) informed the Delhi High Court that the Central Government has decided to withdraw its directive recommending six cuts in the film ‘Udaipur Files’. Noting the statement given by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG), the Delhi High Court disposed of two petitions seeking a stay on the release of the movie.

The film ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’ has been in headlines lately, since the Delhi High Court ordered a stay on its release on July 11. The film is based on the 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Rajasthan’s Udaipur who was brutally killed by two men in broad daylight. (ANI)

Indian security and disaster management forces on Thursday are continuing the rescue operation in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi after the cloudburst and mudslide incident. People trapped near Uttarkashi were brought to the Matli helipad.

The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Uttarakhand Police and local administration are carrying out a massive rescue operation in Uttarkashi’s Dharali.

Two seriously injured people were referred to AIIMS Rishikesh from the Health Camp Matli. They have been admitted to AIIMS.

Giving an update regarding the rescue operations, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said that two sorties with 9-10 evacuees have taken off from Harsil, and an IAF Chinook will soon take off from Jolly Grant Airport with NDRF personnel and essential materials.

Division Commissioner Pandey said, “Our heli operations have begun. Our first priority is to evacuate pilgrims from the Gangotri Dham. Two sorties with 9-10 evacuees have taken off from Harsil, and operations will go on all day. An IAF Chinook will soon take off from Jolly Grant Airport with NDRF personnel and essential materials, which will be taken to Harsil. The District Magistrate and SSP have established their offices in the field. Technical experts of all essential services have reached there.”

He said that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is also in Uttarkashi and is supervising the rescue operations.

“Currently, our search and rescue operation is in full swing, and we hope that within one or two days, the situation will come back to normal. The road from Uttarkashi to Harsil is extensively damaged, and it will take some time to rebuild. The CM is also camping in Uttarkashi and supervising all operations,” he added.

Anamika Mehra from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, who was rescued by the security forces, expressed gratitude towards the Indian Army, state police and government.

Mehra told ANI, “When the incident took place, we were near Dharali. We were on our way to Gangotri for darshan. The next day, the entire country was there to support us. All the teams reached there to rescue us. I want to thank the Indian Army and the Uttarakhand Police. Villagers in Bagori mentally supported us and also arranged for our stay for free. I want to salute the Uttarakhand Govt for providing us with heli service immediately and rescuing us.”

Her relative Rupesh Mehra said that the roads were blocked, but they were rescued with the help of the agencies deployed.

“Roads have been blocked there. We were rescued with helicopters. We got a lot of help from all the agencies deployed there, and we were taken out from there,” he said.

Arohi Mehra from Jalgaon said, “I was very scared when all of this happened. The villagers helped us a lot. We got a lot of strength when we saw our jawans of the Indian Army.”

Earlier, Jalgaon Collector Ayush Prasad said that 16 persons from Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district remain untraceable. Providing an update on the situation, he said, “It has been reported that 19 people from Jalgaon district are in Uttarkashi, of which contact has been established with three people. Contact has not yet been made with 16 people.”

He added that both the Maharashtra government and Jalgaon district administration are actively coordinating with the Uttarakhand government and Uttarkashi district authorities to trace the missing individuals.

He added, “The Maharashtra government and district administration have tried to contact the Uttarakhand government and the Uttarkashi district administration. We are receiving full support from the Uttarakhand government.” (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India and economist feel the move could dent the India’s GDP growth in FY26 by 0.4 per cent.

Sonal Badhan, Economics Specialist at Bank of Baroda, told ANI, “We had initially priced in approx. 0.2 per cent impact (on GDP growth) of 25-26 per cent tariffs imposed by the US on imports from India. The additional 25 per cent hike will come into effect after 21 days. During this time or in the coming months, there is a likelihood that lower rates may be negotiated.”

She added that depending on the final trade agreement, the total impact of these tariffs on GDP growth may range between 0.2-0.4 per cent. Sectors likely to be affected include garments, precious stones, electronics, pharma, auto parts, and MSMEs.

“There appears to be downside risk to our growth forecast of 6.4-6.6 per cent if lower rates are not negotiated,” she added.

The move has also triggered serious concerns among Indian exporters and trade experts. The fresh tariff has taken the total US import duty on Indian goods to 50 per cent, making Indian exports significantly more expensive in the American market.

The move, announced through an executive order on Wednesday (US time), is in response to India continuing its import of oil from Russia.

The executive order by Trump stated that, “I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent”.

Ajay Bagga, a Banking and Market Expert, told ANI that the steep tariff is a major blow. “India is now hit with 50 per cent tariffs, but frankly, once it crossed 25 per cent, it didn’t matter. It could be 1,000 per cent or 5,000 per cent, here’s no trade possible anymore,” he said.

Bagga pointed out that with Christmas orders ready and shipments already prepared, the move hits exporters hard. “If USD 1 billion worth of textile exports are halted, it directly impacts around 100,000 workers.”

Agneshwar Sen, Trade Policy Leader at EY India, called the additional tariff unnecessary.

He stated, “Political differences are best resolved through mutual dialogue and established forums, not through such measures. I remain hopeful that the Government of India will continue to engage and seek a balanced resolution with the U.S,” he said.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) also raised concerns.

FIEO President, S C Ralhan, said, “Nearly 55 per cent of our shipments to the US market are directly affected. The 50 per cent tariff puts Indian exporters at a 30-35 per cent competitive disadvantage.”

He added that many buyers are now putting export orders on hold due to the higher landed costs.

“For MSMEs, absorbing this cost is not viable. This could force many to lose long-standing clients,” he added.

While the executive order imposes tariffs on most Indian imports, some items have been excluded under Annex II of Executive Order 14257. These include certain mineral substances, metallurgical ores, fuels, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceutical precursors.

Meanwhile, India has clarified that it will continue to buy oil based on its own strategic interests.

Trade tensions between the two countries now appear to be escalating, and the coming weeks may be crucial as both sides look to negotiate possible relief. (ANI)

In view of widespread destruction caused by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has announced monsoon holidays in several areas, with over 300 educational institutions affected.

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur said the district administrations have been given the authority to declare local-level monsoon holidays wherever needed.

“In some places, the monsoon holiday will begin. Last year, we decided that our district administration can fully make decisions at their level…It is difficult for children to reach school, so at the local level, they can take their holidays, and many decisions have been made regarding this. Especially, several subdivisions of Mandi and Shimla have declared holidays…More than 300 of our educational institutions have been affected…” Thakur said.

The decision comes amid continuous rainfall across various districts, disrupting everyday life and affecting infrastructure, particularly in hilly and low-lying areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh alert, warning that monsoon rains are likely to persist across Himachal Pradesh until August 12. Several districts are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the combined impact of the active southwest monsoon and a western disturbance.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the IMD Centre in Shimla, stated that the state experienced widespread rainfall in the past 24 hours.

“The intensity of rain over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the past 24 hours was due to the convergence of an active monsoon system and a western disturbance. This combination led to strong winds and localised cloud formation, which resulted in heavy to hefty rainfall in the hilly regions,” Sharma said.

According to IMD data, heavy rainfall was recorded at isolated locations in districts including Solan, Mandi, Kangra, Bilaspur, Sirmaur and Chamba.

“Kasauli in Solan recorded the highest rainfall at 145 mm, followed by Gohar in Mandi with 120 mm. Several parts of Bilaspur also received significant rain,” Sharma added.

The IMD has issued yellow alerts for heavy rainfall in Bilaspur, Kangra and Solan on August 6. On August 7 and 8, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in districts including Sirmaur, Solan, Shimla and Kullu. Rainfall is forecast to continue across the state from August 9 to 12, though the intensity may decrease slightly after August 9.

“The monsoon will remain active in Himachal Pradesh till August 12, with scattered rainfall continuing in different regions. Rain intensity is likely to dip marginally after the 9th, but precipitation will persist statewide,” he further said.

Sharma also highlighted that visibility in areas like Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur remains low due to cloud cover and continuous rainfall.

“Visibility conditions in regions such as Shimla and Sirmaur have already been poor, and due to continuous rainfall and lookout cloud formation, these are expected to remain affected between August 6 and 12,” he added.

According to IMD data, rainfall recorded till August 6 in Himachal Pradesh has been 77% above normal for this time of the month.

“Districts like Bilaspur, Solan, Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi have received up to 1.5 times more rainfall than usual so far in August,” Sharma reported.

Only the Lahaul-Spiti district has recorded below-normal rainfall, whereas the rest of the state has either received normal or surplus precipitation. Since the beginning of the monsoon season on June 1, the state overall has received 18% more rainfall than the seasonal average.

The IMD has also issued flash flood warnings, particularly for parts of Mandi and surrounding regions, due to the ongoing heavy rain and increased risk of landslides and waterlogging in low-lying areas. (ANI)

Foreign affairs expert Subhash Goyal has criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil, warning that the move will damage trade ties and hurt both Indian and American consumers.

“Look, India and Russia have a very old relationship. And Russia is a trusted friend of ours. If we’re importing oil from Russia, the reason for that is that we have to look at our oil security in our agriculture sector and transport sector. And it is not that we are doing it only through Russia, but we are doing it from 10-15 countries. And the European Union is also doing it through Russia in a large number, but all the sanctions are being imposed on India,” Goyal told ANI.

“So, I don’t understand what the strategy is, but this will cause a lot of loss to our exports. Our exports are more than $100 billion, and our exports will be reduced by at least $30-40 billion. And the sectors like electronics or steel, which already account for 50% of our exports, will not be affected so much. Or if they are excluding pharmaceuticals, then it will not be affected so much. But still, our neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam will be subject to 10% tariffs. Singapore also has a 10% tariff. So, either our exporters will have to route through there. And more than us, the American industry and the American consumers will be more affected,” he added.

Goyal stressed that the US depends significantly on Indian goods and services, including in the technology sector. “Because, look, today there are medicines and other things which a lot of industry depends on Indian goods. Our software industry, all their technology, at this time, 30-50% are of Indian origin. Whether it is Microsoft, Google, Apple, or any big company, they have a lot of software development and manufacturing units in India. So, what will happen with this is that America is pushing India towards Russia and China,” he said.

Highlighting the geopolitical implications, he added, “Because, in Asia-Pacific, India was a partner of America, which was a balance, which was reducing China’s influence in Asia-Pacific. So, India was countering it. So, for so many years, American diplomacy has increased relations with India, joint military exercises have taken place. So, all those things will go on the back burner. And I think that American consumers will start protesting.”

Citing the impact on tourism and bilateral relations, Goyal said, “Because, look, now the tourists in America — first the tourists from Canada used to come. First they upset Canada, so the tourists from Canada stopped coming. They upset Europe a lot, so the tourists from the European Union stopped coming. And because of the war in Europe, the condition of America is a bit worse. So, the tourists from India will also stop coming. Because India’s visa is waiting for a year. And Indian tourists will also go there, because businessmen combine tourism and business.”

On the trade front, he said, “And if there is no business in America, they say that necessity is the mother of invention. So, we will have to find new markets. There are markets in South America, Africa, Japan, Australia, Asian countries. And we will have to increase our trade with China and Russia. So, we have just signed a favourable trade agreement with the UK. So, I think this geopolitical situation is changing the world. And in this, India will definitely lose exports. But more than us, America and America’s goodwill are losing.”

He added, “Look, there will be a short-term difference in tariffs. But in the long term, our products are good. We will get more markets. And there are more than 200 countries in the world. America is only one country. Okay, America’s economy is our largest importer, but this does not mean that we will be completely dependent on America.”

Criticising Washington’s trade policy, Goyal said, “America is kicking its feet because America’s influence in the world is decreasing with tariffs. Now, in retaliation, we will also impose tariffs on American products. So, this is a trade war. Trump is starting tariffs all over the world. And this is not good for international trade and peace in the world. So, I pray to God that good sense will prevail. And now, there is going to be a delegation from America for trade negotiations. And I hope that in those trade negotiations, mutually beneficial tariffs will be decided.”

Echoing criticism of the move, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday termed the United States’ decision to impose additional tariffs on India over its oil imports from Russia as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” asserting that New Delhi will take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”

In an official statement, the MEA said, “The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.”

“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement added.

“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA stressed.

This came after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India.

According to the order issued by the White House, Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase, claiming that India’s imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States.

After the order, the total tariff on Indian goods will be 50 per cent. While the initial duty becomes effective on August 7, the additional levy will come into effect after 21 days and will be imposed on all Indian goods imported into the US, except for goods already in transit or those meeting specific exemptions.

The Executive Order also allows for modifications based on changing circumstances, including potential retaliation by other countries or steps taken by Russia or India to address the national emergency.

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” the order stated.

“This rate of duty shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 21 days after the date of this order, except for goods that (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 21 days after the date of this order,” the order added. (ANI)

Terming the United States’ move to impose additional tariffs on India over its oil imports from Russia as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday declared that New Delhi will take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”

In an official statement, the MEA said, “The United States has in recent days targeted India’s oil imports from Russia. We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.”

“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the statement added.

“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” the MEA stressed.

This came after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India.

According to the order issued by the White House, Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase, claiming that India’s imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States.

After the order, the total tariff on Indian goods will be 50 per cent. While the initial duty becomes effective on August 7, the additional levy will come into effect after 21 days and will be imposed on all Indian goods imported into the US, except for goods already in transit or those meeting specific exemptions.

The Executive Order also allows for modifications based on changing circumstances, including potential retaliation by other countries or steps taken by Russia or India to address the national emergency.

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” the order stated.

“This rate of duty shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 21 days after the date of this order, except for goods that (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 21 days after the date of this order,” the order added. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on Wednesday imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India in response to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

According to the order issued by the White House, Trump cited matters of national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, for the increase, claiming that India’s imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States.

After the order, the total tariff on Indian goods will be 50 per cent. While the initial duty becomes effective on August 7, the additional levy will come into effect after 21 days and will be imposed on all Indian goods imported into the US, except for goods already in transit or those meeting specific exemptions.

The Executive Order also allows for modifications based on changing circumstances, including potential retaliation by other countries or steps taken by Russia or India to address the national emergency.

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” the order stated.

“This rate of duty shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 21 days after the date of this order, except for goods that (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time 21 days after the date of this order,” the order added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump, hours after he mentioned raising tariffs on India, said he would increase the tariff charged on imports from India from the current rate of 25 per cent “very substantially” over the next 24 hours due to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil, Reuters reported.

“They’re fuelling the war machine, and if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy,” Trump told CNBC in an interview, as cited by Reuters.

According to the report, he added that the main sticking point with India was that its tariffs were too high but did not provide a new tariff rate.

Trump had said on Monday that the United States will “substantially raise” the tariff paid by India for buying “massive amounts of Russian Oil”, stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market “for big profits”.

Trump’s announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, came days after he announced a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on India and an unspecified penalty for importing oil from Russia.

“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!” the US President said in the post.

Soon after the US President’s remark, India said that “the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable”.

A statement by the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that the government will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

The spokesperson said that India has been targeted by the United States and the European Union for importing oil from Russia after the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.

“In fact, India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict. The United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability. India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation. However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the statement noted.

MEA spokesperson said that the European Union in 2024 had a bilateral trade of Euro 67.5 billion in goods with Russia. In addition, it had trade in services estimated at Euro 17.2 billion in 2023.”This is significantly more than India’s total trade with Russia that year or subsequently. European imports of LNG in 2024 reached a record 16.5 million tonnes, surpassing the last record of 15.21 million tonnes in 2022.

“The spokesperson said that Europe-Russia trade includes not just energy, but also fertilisers, mining products, chemicals, iron and steel and machinery and transport equipment.

“Where the United States is concerned, it continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers, as well as chemicals. In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” the statement said.

India has, earlier too, defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest.

The government had clarified that market dynamics and national interests guide India’s energy purchases. “You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, which looks at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation. We are not aware of any specifics,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week, answering queries on Trump’s announcement of a penalty for purchasing Russian oil.

Answering another query, Jaiswal said India’s relations with any country are based on their own merit and shouldn’t be viewed through the lens of third countries.”Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership,” he added.

Answering a query on Friday, Trump indicated that if India stops buying Russian, it will be a good step.

Trump announced the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and a penalty for importing Russian oil in the last week of July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs.

There are apprehensions that global crude prices could jump to USD 200 a barrel if India were to stop buying Russian oil, which will severely harm consumers. (ANI)

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, commemorates the connection of love and friendship between siblings. No matter how much you fight with your sibling, the purest bond you’ll ever have with someone, without any filters, is with your sibling.

The festival of Raksha Bandhan, which usually falls in August, is observed on the last day of the month of Shravan. The markets are decorated to their fullest with people thronging to buy rakhis and gifts for their siblings.

Things are no different in Bollywood, where B-town superstars often set major sibling goals as they celebrate the special day in all its glory. As the country is all set to celebrate this beautiful bond between brothers and sisters, let us take a look at some of our favourite Bollywood siblings.

Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan

Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan are among the most popular siblings of Bollywood. They share a close bond of friendship and are often seen setting major sibling goals. Whether it’s their heartwarming social media photos or appearances at star-studded parties, the brother-sister duo never fails to steal the limelight with their strong camaraderie. Sara has always supported her brother and stood by his side amid the criticism surrounding his film Nadaaniyan.

Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan

Shah Rukh Khan’s children, Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan, share a special bond. They both have an unshakeable bond marked by intense love, understanding, and support. Their friendship exemplifies the actual essence of siblinghood, from sharing happy memories to providing unwavering support during difficult times. They also have a very loving and caring bond with little brother AbRam.

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor

Even though for many years Raksha Bandhan was about celebrating the love between brothers and sisters, the bond between sisters can be equally special and full of warmth, as B-town’s Bebo and Lola, aka Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor. They both stand for each other like strong pillars. This year has been challenging for both of them. Kareena’s husband and actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked on January 16 when the accused, Shehzad, allegedly attempting a robbery, broke into his Bandra residence. During the incident, Khan was severely injured, suffering damage to his thoracic spine and other body parts. Actor Karisma Kapoor also suffered an emotional setback with the demise of her ex-husband and industrialist Sunjay Kapur. The businessman died after he suffered a heart attack while playing polo in London, United Kingdom, on June 12. Since then, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan have been making sure to be with Karisma and her children, Samaira and Kiaan.

Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor

Born to actress Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor, the Kapoor sisters are setting major sibling goals. From their photoshoots to hanging out together, they have time and again proved that they have got each other’s backs.

Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan

Born to legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, the siblings share an adorable bond that often delights their followers.

Another adorable brother-sister bond is between the Pataudi siblings, Soha Ali Khan and Saif Ali Khan, who share many similarities in addition to their love for acting. With their phenomenal acting skills and their stylish photoshoots, Huma and Saqib also share major sibling goals. (ANI)