The Ministry of External Affairs assures energy security amid a potential tariff threat from the United States. The Delhi High Court questions the police on their decision to impose a ban on protests at Jantar Mantar.
Following the passage of legislation by the United States House of Representatives that allows for tariffs of up to 100% on countries, including India, purchasing Russian oil and gas, New Delhi has assured its commitment to ensuring energy security for its citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, 'We will continue to do so through diversified sourcing and on the basis of evolving market dynamics'.
The draft law, enacted on Wednesday, stipulates that these tariffs could apply to the five countries with the largest volumes of Russian crude oil or natural gas imports in the preceding 12 months, if they persist in purchasing Russian crude oil 30 days after its implementation. It is worth noting that India has increased its purchase of Russian oil this year, while negotiations for a preliminary trade deal between New Delhi and Washington are ongoing.
In another development, the Delhi High Court has inquired about the police's decision to impose a 'blanket ban' on protests at Jantar Mantar against caste-based reservations and the University Grants Commission’s January regulations aimed at addressing discrimination in colleges. The police had initially granted permission for a demonstration by the Rajput group Karni Sena on September 20, but subsequently withdrew it due to anticipated large crowds.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma posed a question regarding how 'permission can be entirely denied just because you apprehend that some people will come'.
In response to speculation on social media about certain world leaders falling ill after attending the BRICS summit in Delhi, the external affairs ministry warned against misleading posts.
The South African government announced on Wednesday that President Cyril Ramaphosa would not participate in public events for a few days due to 'ill health'. Some posts and reports also hinted at Chinese President Xi Jinping's illness, as he skipped the leaders' dinner on Saturday and Prime Minister Modi paused during a session on Sunday to ask Xi, 'is it okay?'. These claims were based on these incidents.
At least 75 government schools in Delhi have been instructed to light diyas, or earthen lamps, on their premises to celebrate the prime minister's upcoming birthday.
Source:
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