Month: August 2025

Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers, sources told ANI.

Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics and other economic factors, the sources revealed.

Providing context for India’s decision to continue sourcing oil from Russian suppliers, sources said that Russia, the world’s second-largest crude oil producer with an output of around 9.5 mb/d (nearly 10% of global demand), is also the second-largest exporter, shipping about 4.5 mb/d of crude and 2.3 mb/d of refined products. Fears of Russian oil being pushed out of the market and the consequent dislocation of traditional trade flows drove dated Brent crude prices to soar to US $137 per barrel in March 2022.

“In this challenging environment, India, as the world’s third-largest energy consumer with 85% crude oil import dependence, strategically adapted its sourcing to secure affordable energy while fully adhering to international norms,” added sources.

Earlier, United States President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) claimed that India may cease purchasing Russian oil, calling it “a good step” if confirmed, while India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. 

Earlier on July 31st, Reuters reported, citing its sources, that Indian state-owned refineries suspended Russian oil purchases last week amid threats of tariffs from US President Donald Trump and narrowing price discounts. 

Providing further historical context to its decision of sourcing Russian Oil, sources told ANI that Russian oil has never been sanctioned ; instead, it was subjected to a G7/EU price-cap mechanism designed to limit revenue while ensuring global supplies continued to flow. India acted as a responsible global energy actor, ensuring markets remain liquid and prices stable. India’s purchases have remained fully legitimate and within the framework of international norms.

“Had India not absorbed discounted Russian crude combined with OPEC+ production cuts of 5.86 mb/d, global oil prices could have surged well beyond the March 2022 peak of US$137/bbl, intensifying inflationary pressures worldwide,” added sources to ANI.

It is also pertinent to note that Russian oil has never been sanctioned and it is still not sanctioned by either US or EU. Indian OMCs have not been buying Iranian or Venezuelan crude which is actually sanctioned by US. OMCs have always complied with the price cap of $60 for Russian oil recommended by the US. Recently EU has recommended a price cap of $47.6 dollars for Russian crude which will be enforced from September.

Commenting on European Union’s import of Russian origin liquified natural gas (LNG) during this period, sources added, “EU was the largest importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) during this period, buying 51% of Russia’s LNG exports, followed by China at 21% and Japan at 18%. Similarly, for pipeline gas, the EU remained the top buyer with a 37% share, followed by China (30%) and Turkey (27%).”

Sources speaking to ANI rebutted media reports of India halting purchase of Russian Oil and after US President’s latest comment echoing the claim in the media report.

US President Trump made remarks while answering an ANI question, on whether he had a number in mind for the penalties on India and if he was going to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi., “I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That’s what I heard, I don’t know if that’s right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens…”

Backing their decision to continue sourcing Russian Oil, Sources added that India’s energy decisions have been guided by national interest but have also contributed positively to global energy stability. India’s pragmatic approach kept oil flowing, prices stable, and markets balanced, while fully respecting international frameworks. (ANI)

Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that there has been no formal discussion on F-35 fighter jets with the United States (US).

Singh was responding to questions posed by Congress MP Balwant Baswant Wankhade, who enquired about the relationship with the US on military assistance.

“During PM Modi’s US visit, the joint statement issued after the meeting with Trump mentioned that the US will review its policy on releasing F-35 and underwater systems to India. However, no formal discussion has taken place on this issue so far,” the junior minister said in his written reply.

On the role of American diplomats to stop hostilities between India and Pakistan, MoS Singh said that there were a number of diplomatic conversations with various countries, including the US. He asserted that the discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan, and it was initiated at Pakistan’s request.

“With specific reference to the United States, it was conveyed to Vice President JD Vance on May 9 that India would appropriately respond if Pakistan launched a major attack. The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan’s request,” the reply read.

When asked about whether India has evaluated the impact of receiving US military assistance on the autonomy of its foreign policy, considering strategic implications, especially in a conflict scenario involving third-party mediation, Singh said that the outstanding issues with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally.

“Our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally. This has been made clear to all nations, including by the Prime Minister to the US President,” the reply read.

“The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement between our citizens. The partnership has also benefited from growing strategic convergence and cooperation. The Government of India closely evaluates all its external partnerships, including those in the defence and strategic domains, through the prism of India’s national interest and commitment to strategic autonomy,” it added. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi.

On his 51st visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi, PM Modi inaugurated the widening and strengthening of the Varanasi-Bhadohi road and Chhitauni-Shool Tankeshwar road, as well as the Railway Overbridge at Hardattpur, to ease congestion on the Mohan Sarai-Adalpura Road.

He laid the foundation stone for comprehensive road widening and strengthening across multiple rural and urban corridors, including Dalmandi, Lahartara-Kotwa, Gangapur, Babatpur, among others and Railway Overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard.

Strengthening the power infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of various works under the Smart Distribution Project and the undergrounding of electrical infrastructure worth over Rs 880 crore.

In a major boost to tourism, the Prime Minister inaugurated the redevelopment of eight riverfront Kuccha Ghats, development works at Kalika Dham, beautification of the pond and ghat at Rangildas Kutiya, Shivpur, and the restoration and water purification of Durgakund. He laid the foundation stone for restoration work at Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, development of Karkhiyaon, the birthplace of several freedom fighters, City Facility Centres at Sarnath, Rishi Mandvi, and Ramnagar Zones, redevelopment of Munshi Premchand’s ancestral house in Lamahi and upgradation of the museum, among others. He also laid the foundation stone for the development of an Urban Miyawaki Forest at Kanchanpur and the redevelopment and beautification of Shaheed Udyan and 21 other parks.

In addition to preserving culturally significant water bodies, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for water purification and maintenance works at various kunds, including Ramkund, Mandakini, Shankuldhara and others, along with the installation of four floating pujan platforms. To ensure access to potable water in rural areas, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate 47 Rural Drinking Water Schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Furthering his vision of quality education for all, the Prime Minister inaugurated the upgradation of 53 school buildings within the municipal boundary. He also laid the foundation stone for several educational projects, including the construction of a new district library and rejuvenation of Government High Schools at Jakhini, Lalpur, among others.

In a major boost to health infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated advanced medical equipment installations, including robotic surgery and CT scan facilities, at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital. He also laid the foundation stone of a Homoeopathic College and Hospital. Further, he will inaugurate an Animal Birth Control Centre and an associated Dog Care Centre. (ANI)

“Itni shiddat se maine tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai, ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saazish ki hai.” The famous dialogue from Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ feels more real than ever. After over 30 years in the film industry, King Khan has finally received his first National Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Jawan.’

The 71st National Film Awards, announced on Friday evening, honoured Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan with the Best Actor award for his intense and power-packed performance in ‘Jawan.’ For his “diehard fans,” it’s a moment of joy, pride, and, for some, a touch of bittersweet reflection.

In a career that began with ‘Deewana’ in 1992, Shah Rukh Khan quickly rose from a charming newcomer to the most loved face of Indian cinema. With an unmatched screen presence and a knack for slipping effortlessly into every kind of role, from romantic hero to misunderstood anti-hero, SRK has left a mark that only a few can match. However, despite delivering several iconic and emotionally rich performances, the prestigious National Film Award had long remained overdue.

Several fans were thrilled to finally see King Khan receive the recognition they felt he deserved years ago. Social media, especially X, was flooded with excitement as soon as the news broke. However, social media seemed to be divided after his big win. Some fans felt ‘Jawan’ was just an “average film” and that SRK getting the National Award for it, rather than ‘Swades’ (2004), was unfair to his legacy.

“As a Shah Rukh Khan fan, I’m saying this, Jawan did not deserve a National Award, Not even close,” a user wrote on X, adding, “Shah Rukh deserved an Oscar for Chak De! India, but didn’t even deserve a Kamla Pasand award for Jawan.”

One fan wrote, “Yes, #SRK definitely deserved a National Award, but not for #Jawan. He truly deserved it during Swades or My Name Is Khan. This one just doesn’t feel deserving.”

Another post read, “Being an ardent #ShahRukhKhan fan, the national award win for #SRK for #Jawan is not particularly exciting. Yes, it is an achievement–but I would have been happy if he won it for Chak De or Swades or even My Name Is Khan… But #Jawan seriously!!”

In ‘Swades’ (2004), SRK moved away from his usual romantic image to play Mohan Bhargava, a NASA scientist who returns to India to bring change to a rural village. The performance was raw, moving, and deeply human. The film received praise from movie buffs and critics alike, yet the National Award that year went to Saif Ali Khan for the film Hum Tum.

Later in 2007 came Chak De! India, where Shah Rukh stunned fans as Kabir Khan, a disgraced hockey coach fighting for redemption. The film itself won the National Award for Best Popular Film, but once again, King Khan’s stellar performance was left unrecognised. The Best Actor award that year was given to Hrithik Roshan for Dhoom 2.

Perhaps the most talked-about miss came in 2010, when SRK delivered a career-defining role in ‘My Name Is Khan.’ Playing Rizwan Khan, a man with Asperger’s Syndrome navigating a world shaped by post-9/11 fear and bias, SRK’s performance earned global acclaim. He won international awards and fans’ hearts alike; however, the National Award went to Amitabh Bachchan for ‘Paa.’

With ‘Jawan,’ Shah Rukh returned in full force in 2023, taking on a dual role with action, emotion, and intensity. The film became one of the biggest blockbusters of the year, and his performance struck a chord with the masses. This time, the jury finally agreed with what his fans have always known: SRK’s talent is undeniable and deserves top honours.

While some may debate whether ‘Jawan’ was his best work, there is no denying that this award is a nod not just to a single performance, but to a lifetime of commitment to cinema. (ANI)

Filmmaker Karan Johar’s happiness knows no bounds as his movie ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ bagged the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Expressing gratitude to the jury, Karan said, “I am ecstatic and overwhelmed to win the national award for a film exceptionally close to my heart….. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani…. I am grateful to the jury and continue to be humbled by the enormous love the film continues to receive.”

Karan also took to Instagram and penned a heartfelt note over his film’s recognition at National Awards.

“It feels surreal, 2 years on… to receive so much love for a film that we put so much love in. To have everyone across the world resonate so deeply, that they choose to call the story, the music, the characters, the dance and everything – their OWN! My deepest gratitude once again to the #NationalFilmAwards for having #RockAurRaniKiiPremKahaani receive this honour for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. And my biggest love & hugs to @vaibhavi.merchant and her team for giving us the Best Choreography for Dhindhora Baje Re! I’m a happy man today, and I will remain forever grateful for this. Fun fact – it feels magical to win the same award as you did for your first film, again,” he posted.

‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ starred Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles. It hit the theatres on July 28, 2023, garnering much love from the audience and critics.

The movie also featured veteran actors Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi, alongside Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly, Aamir Bashir, and Kshitee Jog.

The film marked Karan’s return to direction after 7 years. Not only for the actors’ performances and beautiful storyline, the film’s songs were also quite popular and received a lot of love from the audience. The music, composed by Pritam, featured a mix of romantic tracks, dance numbers, and emotional songs, and contributed significantly to the film’s appeal.

Be it ‘Ve Kamleya’ or ‘Tum Kya Mile’ or ‘Kudmayi’, all songs of ‘Rocky Aur Rani…’ weaved magic.

The 71st National Awards, which were announced on Friday, have also recognized several other films and artists. Best Cinematography was awarded to The Kerala Story. Best Choreography went to Vaibhavi Merchant for ‘Dhindhora Baje’ in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. ‘Kathal’ bagged the Best Hindi Film award, while the Best Female Playback Singer award went to Shilpa Rao. (ANI)

Rani Mukerji, who bagged her first-ever National Film Award nearly 30 years after entering the film industry, says she feels “overwhelmed” to have received the honour.

The award, for Best Actress, was announced for her powerful role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,’ where she played a mother fighting to bring her children back home.

Her first National Award feels like a full-circle moment, one that her fans and the film industry will remember for a long time.

Calling it a big moment in her long journey in cinema, the ‘Mardaani’ actress shared her feelings in her statement, where she reflected on the “incredible films” she has done and thanked the jury for recognizing her work. Rani also shared the joy of the win with the team behind the film, calling it a “truly special project.”

“I’m overwhelmed to have won the National Award for my performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Incidentally, this is the first-ever National Award in my 30-year career. As an actor, I have been fortunate to have some incredible films in my body of work and have received so much love for them. I thank the National Award jury for honoring my work in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. I share this moment with the entire team of the film–my producers Nikkhil Advani, Monisha, and Madhu, my director Ashima Chibber, and everyone who worked on this truly special project that celebrated the resilience of motherhood,” she said.

Rani also added that for her, this award means more than just recognition for a single film and shared that the honor is very “emotional and personal” for her, as the film’s message is close to her heart.

“I dedicate my National Award to all the incredible mothers of this world. There is nothing like a mother’s love and her ferocity to protect her own. The story of this Indian immigrant mother, who went all out for her child and took on a nation, shook me deeply… a mother’s love for her child is unconditional,” she said.

“I realised this when I had my own. So, this win, this film, feels deeply emotional and personal. A mother can move mountains for her children and also make the world a better place. This film tried to show this,” Rani added.

Rani’s role in ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’ is based on the real-life case of Sagarika Chakraborty, whose children were taken by the Norwegian government in 2011. Rani plays Debika, the mother who fights the foreign legal system to bring her kids back.

Since her debut in ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat’ in 1996, Rani has built a strong career. From winning hearts with ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ in 1998 to playing bold and fearless women in many films, she has always chosen roles that show strength and emotion. (ANI)

Actor Vikrant Massey has come a long way in his career. And now, on August 1, he achieved a milestone moment with the National Award win for his heart-touching performance in ’12th Fail’.

On Friday, the winners of the 71st National Film Awards were announced at the National Media Centre in New Delhi. Announcing the names of the awardees, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker declared Vikrant the ‘Best Actor’.

Vikrant shares this special honour with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who won the award for ‘Jawan’.

A few hours after the announcement, Vikrant, in a press statement, expressed his happiness, dedicating the award to “marginalised people.”

“…I dedicate this award to all the marginalised people in our society — those who are often looked through, and those who are fighting the socio-economic paradigm of our country every single day,” he shared.

He described it as a “privilege” to receive the award alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

“I want to thank the Honourable Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the NFDC, and all the esteemed jury members of the 71st National Film Awards for considering my performance worthy of this recognition. I also want to thank Shri Vidhu Vinod Chopra ji for giving me this opportunity. Today, if I may say so, a 20-year-old boy’s dream has come true.

I am eternally grateful to the audiences for honouring my performances and for recommending this film with such love. It is a privilege to be sharing my first National Award with an icon like Shah Rukh Khan,” Vikrant expressed.

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, ’12 Fail’ was released in October 2023. The film chronicles the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an IPS officer. It film puts the spotlight on his journey and how his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi, was instrumental in his rise.

The news of Vikrant bagging the National Award also garnered a beautiful response from Manoj Kumar Sharma.

“Winning the National Award for Best Film and Best Actor by 12th Fail simply proves that our society truly values integrity and truth, and it holds the hope that our youth will continue to stand by these values,” he posted on Instagram.

The 71st National Film Awards honour the best of Indian cinema from films released in 2023. (ANI)

Slamming Rahul Gandhi for backing US President Donald Trump’s Indian economy “dead” remark, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday stated that the Congress leader was not just anti-BJP, but “anti-India” too.

“The last 7 days have exposed Rahul Gandhi badly. People now understand that he is not anti-BJP; he is anti-India. When PM Modi is doing everything gracefully, talking to different nations, Rahul Gandhi is defaming the country… ” Sarma said while addressing a press conference.

This comes after Rahul Gandhi agreed to Trump’s claims on the Indian economy and said that he was “glad” that the US President stated a “fact.”

“Yes, he (Trump) is right, Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact… The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. BJP has finished the economy to help Adani,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Congress MP further questioned PM Modi over a number of Trump’s statements, such as his claims of mediating a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan, loss of Indian jets and the recent announcement of 25 per cent tariffs.

“The main question is, Trump has claimed 30-32 times that he did a ceasefire. He also said that 5 Indian jets have fallen. Trump now says that he will impose 25% tariffs. Why is PM Modi not able to give an answer? What is the actual reason? Who has the control in his hands?” the former Congress chief said.

Later, the Congress leader also posted on ‘X’ that “Indian economy is dead.”

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday made a shocking statement on his social media platform Truth Social after the announcement of 25 per cent tariffs against India and threatened an additional “penalty” for importing Russian oil.

“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India; their tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world.” Trump said. (ANI)

In a significant step towards fostering mutual understanding and national unity, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) held a historic meeting with prominent Muslim journalists at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi.

The meeting, themed “Dialogue for Solutions,” aimed to bridge differences and build a stronger, united India.

The gathering was organised by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), an RSS-affiliated platform, and was presided over by senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar.

The dialogue brought together nearly 50 esteemed Muslim journalists from major media outlets, including ANI, PTI, India TV, and Urdu publications like Inquilab and Sahafat.

The meeting offered a serious platform for introspection and discussion on the role of media in shaping national discourse. Shahid Sayeed, National Media In-charge, urged journalists to guide society and pave a path for the people, rather than just delivering information.

Shahid Sayeed said, “While a large part of the world is caught in war, violence, and unrest, India stands unique, holding aloft the torch of peace, dialogue, and coexistence. That is the true strength of our civilisation and culture.”

He urged journalists to go beyond just reporting the news and to become “a bridge that connects society, culture, and ideologies.”

He added, “Journalism is not just about delivering information–it is about paving a path for the people. Our pen must become a bridge, not a weapon.” Sayeed called upon the media to take responsibility in guiding society and contributing to national growth.

RSS senior leader Indresh Kumar emphasised that dialogue is the foundation for India’s future, resolving conflicts and building the nation.”Dialogue not only resolves conflicts but also builds the nation. We are not a news agency–we are workers of national reconstruction,” he said.

He also referred to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent outreach to Islamic scholars as “an effort to connect with India’s soul.”

“Only through true journalism, open dialogue, and collective efforts can we build a peaceful, inclusive, and powerful India.” He warned against sensationalism and said, “Let your pen be a voice for development and unity, not a weapon for conflict,” Indresh added.

Prof Shahid Akhtar linked the progress of the Muslim community with India’s overall development, stressing the need for social, educational, and economic empowerment. “Empowering the Muslim community socially, educationally, and economically will only strengthen India,” he said.

He said, “The media must become the true voice of society, not just exposing pain and neglect, but also creating a path of hope and confidence.”

Ruman Hashmi from Lok Swami said, “We are journalists first, then Muslims. If we don’t show ground realities, how will the government find solutions?”

Aashique Hussain from ANI said, “This RSS initiative is commendable, but must reach every village.”

Other journalists like Hasan Shuja, Khalid Raza, Maroof Raza, and A.U. Asif called for more support for Urdu media and greater representation of Muslim voices on national platforms.

Anjum Jafri from Qaumi Bharat said, “Muslim media must become technically advanced to connect with the younger generation.”

The discussion also included sensitive domestic and international issues such as mob lynching, temple-mosque conflicts, Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, Pakistan-Afghanistan, and Iran-Syria situations.

Indresh Kumar also responded to the NIA Court’s acquittal of all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. He said, “After a long battle, the NIA Court has shown the mirror to those political leaders who hatched the conspiracy of ‘saffron and Hindu terrorism.’ The court has clarified that they committed unconstitutional, inhumane, and torturous acts.”

He added, “Saffron and Hinduism have never been symbols of terror… Across the world, we hear that terrorism has no religion. Yet, Congress committed a punishable crime by labelling terrorism with a religious name.”

The RSS has been actively engaging with Muslim intellectuals and leaders to strengthen communal harmony. A recent meeting between RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Muslim leaders discussed issues like the usage of the word “kafir” for Hindus and “jihadi” for Muslims, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding. (ANI)

Actor Shahid Kapoor seems to be having a great time in London, as he spent a day playing cricket at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The actor, known for his fitness and love for sports, seemed thrilled to take the field in a friendly match and had a special cheerleader in the stands, his wife, Mira Rajput.

The ‘Jab We Met’ actor took to his Instagram account on Wednesday to share pictures from his cricket outing. Dressed in full cricket gear, including a white jersey and proper shoes, Shahid looked ready for the pitch. His excitement was clearly visible in the photos.

One of the images showed Shahid standing proudly with Mira, who was dressed in white and cheered for her husband from the stands.

Shahid captioned his post with a short but happy message: “What a day!”

Take a look

On the work front, Shahid was last seen in ‘Deva.’ In the film, Shahid plays ACP Dev Ambre, a police officer who loses his memory while investigating his best friend’s murder. The film also starred Pooja Hegde, who played the female lead, a reporter and Dev’s love interest. Deva hit theatres on January 31. (ANI)