In a significant ruling, a court in Karnataka, India, has sentenced former MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment. The conviction stems from the rape of a domestic staff member, with the verdict delivered on Saturday. Revanna’s case gained national attention in 2023 due to the circulation of explicit videos implicating him, though he initially denied the accusations. Following his conviction on Friday, Revanna had pleaded for leniency.
India Will Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump’s Threats, Officials Say, and honestly, it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone with a grasp of global economics. The simple fact is, a dollar bill, or in this case a barrel of oil, doesn’t just sit around gathering dust. The underlying reality of the situation is that India is able to secure much needed oil at a lower market price, which essentially removes some demand from the overall global supply of oil.
The narrative around Russian oil has been pretty consistent. It’s always been available for sale, though sometimes at a lower price point.… Continue reading
Indian oil refiners continue to procure oil from Russian suppliers, prioritizing factors like price and logistics. Sources indicated that India’s strategy aligns with its role as a major energy consumer, ensuring access to affordable energy while adhering to international standards, even as the U.S. has voiced concerns. Historically, Russian oil has not been sanctioned, but rather subject to a price-cap mechanism, and India has maintained fully legitimate purchases within those established frameworks. India’s actions have contributed to global energy stability, ensuring that markets remain liquid and prices remain stable.
India has declined a U.S. offer to purchase F-35 fighter jets, preferring joint design and domestic manufacturing instead of direct acquisitions. This rejection comes amid increasing trade tensions, particularly due to the U.S.’s proposed tariffs on Indian goods, prompting India to seek ways to reduce its trade surplus with Washington. Despite the rejection of the F-35, a strategic shift towards self-reliance in defense, diplomatic channels remain open, with India still planning to host a Quad leaders’ summit. The government’s focus remains on its “Make in India” initiative, prioritizing technology sharing and production within India for future military collaborations.
Reports indicate that Indian state refiners have temporarily halted purchases of Russian crude oil. This pause follows the announcement of a 25% tariff on Russian oil by the Trump administration. Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd, have not sought Russian crude in the last week or so.
Former US President Donald Trump has criticized India’s economic relationship with Russia, labeling both economies as “dead.” He has also expressed dissatisfaction with India’s high tariffs, stating that this has limited trade between the two nations. Simultaneously, Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all Indian exports to the US, effective August 1st, as a penalty for India’s continued purchases of Russian military and energy equipment. Trump views these actions as undermining global efforts to isolate Russia.
President Trump announced the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on goods from India, citing India’s high tariffs on U.S. products. Additionally, India will face an added import tax for purchasing Russian oil, which Trump claims supports Moscow’s war in Ukraine. This move follows trade framework negotiations with various nations, with the administration viewing tariffs as a means to address the budget deficit and increase domestic jobs. While India studies the announcement and remains committed to a trade agreement, the tariffs may impede India’s goal to double bilateral trade with the U.S. by 2030.
In December, India sent $1.4 million worth of the high-explosive HMX to Russia, with the shipments received by Russian defense companies such as Promsintez. These transactions occurred despite US warnings about potential sanctions for engaging with Russia’s military-industrial complex, as India has maintained trade relations with Russia despite Western sanctions. The shipments, which mark the first reported sale of HMX to Russia, were conducted by Ideal Detonators Private Limited, and included consignments to Promsintez and High Technology Initiation Systems. While the US has expressed concern and cautioned allies, it has yet to impose sanctions, due to its strategic partnership with India.
India’s call for a full ceasefire in Gaza reflects a deeply considered position, recognizing that temporary pauses, while perhaps well-intentioned, are simply insufficient to address the immense humanitarian crisis unfolding. The situation, as India sees it, demands more than just brief lulls in the fighting. It necessitates a complete cessation of hostilities to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza who are enduring critical shortages of basic necessities.
India’s stance emphasizes that a full ceasefire must be coupled with the release of all hostages. The nation views dialogue and diplomacy as the only real paths to achieve the lasting peace needed in the region.… Continue reading
China has begun construction on the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, which is raising significant concerns in India and Bangladesh. The dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river is expected to generate three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam, potentially giving China control over water resources and impacting downstream communities. Indian officials have expressed fears of the dam causing rivers to “dry up” and acting as a “water bomb,” threatening livelihoods and the environment. Despite China’s claims of prioritizing ecological protection, the project has drawn criticism, with fears of exploitation, environmental damage, and the suppression of Tibetan protests.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood