Today's evening news wrap included updates in the world of politics, business and sports. External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted US and EU's hypocrisy and noted that India was not the largest buyer of Russian oil. Delhi Police commissioner was removed from post a day after attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta. Parliament passed the online gaming bill. GoM backed Centre’s two-slab plan and accepted scrapping 12% and 28% rates. The Sports ministry said that India won't engage in bilateral sports with Pakistan but will participate in international events where Pakistani teams are present.
EAM Jaishankar slams US, EU hypocrisy over Russia trade, says, 'India not biggest purchaser'
Jaishankar clarified that India was not the largest importer of Russian oil, adding that he was “perplexed” given New Delhi’s crude purchases from the US had actually gone up. His remarks followed pressure from Donald Trump, who had urged India to halt Russian oil imports, arguing they are financing Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine.
"We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG, that is the European Union. We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022; I think there are some countries to the South," he said. Read full story
Delhi Police commissioner removed after attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, replacement announced
A day after Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta was assaulted, government on Thursday appointed IPS Satish Golcha as the new Commissioner of Police.
The assault took place on Wednesday morning around 8.15 am during a Jan Sunvai at Gupta’s Civil Lines camp office. Her office described it as part of a “well-planned conspiracy to kill her.” Police officials said the attack was serious and could have been life-threatening. Read full story
GoM backs Centre’s two-slab plan, accepts scrapping GST 12% & 28% rates
The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation has accepted the Centre’s proposal to simplify the tax structure by reducing the existing four slabs to two. Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, who chaired the GoM, said the panel has endorsed scrapping the 12% and 28% rates, leaving only two standard slabs of 5% and 18%.
The Centre has argued that the move will streamline the indirect tax system while providing relief to households, farmers, the middle class, and MSMEs. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier told the GoM that the reform would pave the way for a more “transparent and growth-oriented” tax regime. Read full story
RS gives nod to gaming bill amid protests and sloganeering from Opposition
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill aims to promote and regulate the online gaming sector, to develop a regulatory framework to oversee the sector, and protect youth and vulnerable populations, from the adverse social, economic, psychological and privacy-related impacts of such games.
The bill, already approved by the Lok Sabha, was presented in the Upper House by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for debate and passage. Vaishnaw called it a crucial step to regulate the fast-growing sector, encourage innovation, and address risks associated with monetary gaming. Read full story
Sports ministry issues new policy on India-Pak matches
The Sports ministry has issued a clear policy on sporting ties with Pakistan, stating that India will not engage in any bilateral matches with its neighbour. While Indian teams will not play in Pakistan and Pakistani teams will not be allowed to compete in India, both nations will still feature in global or continental tournaments where multiple countries are involved.
According to the ministry of youth affairs & sports (MYAS), the stance ensures that direct sporting exchanges between the two countries remain suspended, but participation in broader international events will continue irrespective of Pakistan’s presence. Read full story
EAM Jaishankar slams US, EU hypocrisy over Russia trade, says, 'India not biggest purchaser'
Jaishankar clarified that India was not the largest importer of Russian oil, adding that he was “perplexed” given New Delhi’s crude purchases from the US had actually gone up. His remarks followed pressure from Donald Trump, who had urged India to halt Russian oil imports, arguing they are financing Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine.
"We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil, that is China. We are not the biggest purchasers of LNG, that is the European Union. We are not the country which has the biggest trade surge with Russia after 2022; I think there are some countries to the South," he said. Read full story
Delhi Police commissioner removed after attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, replacement announced
A day after Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta was assaulted, government on Thursday appointed IPS Satish Golcha as the new Commissioner of Police.
The assault took place on Wednesday morning around 8.15 am during a Jan Sunvai at Gupta’s Civil Lines camp office. Her office described it as part of a “well-planned conspiracy to kill her.” Police officials said the attack was serious and could have been life-threatening. Read full story
GoM backs Centre’s two-slab plan, accepts scrapping GST 12% & 28% rates
The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation has accepted the Centre’s proposal to simplify the tax structure by reducing the existing four slabs to two. Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, who chaired the GoM, said the panel has endorsed scrapping the 12% and 28% rates, leaving only two standard slabs of 5% and 18%.
The Centre has argued that the move will streamline the indirect tax system while providing relief to households, farmers, the middle class, and MSMEs. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier told the GoM that the reform would pave the way for a more “transparent and growth-oriented” tax regime. Read full story
RS gives nod to gaming bill amid protests and sloganeering from Opposition
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill aims to promote and regulate the online gaming sector, to develop a regulatory framework to oversee the sector, and protect youth and vulnerable populations, from the adverse social, economic, psychological and privacy-related impacts of such games.
The bill, already approved by the Lok Sabha, was presented in the Upper House by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for debate and passage. Vaishnaw called it a crucial step to regulate the fast-growing sector, encourage innovation, and address risks associated with monetary gaming. Read full story
Sports ministry issues new policy on India-Pak matches
The Sports ministry has issued a clear policy on sporting ties with Pakistan, stating that India will not engage in any bilateral matches with its neighbour. While Indian teams will not play in Pakistan and Pakistani teams will not be allowed to compete in India, both nations will still feature in global or continental tournaments where multiple countries are involved.
According to the ministry of youth affairs & sports (MYAS), the stance ensures that direct sporting exchanges between the two countries remain suspended, but participation in broader international events will continue irrespective of Pakistan’s presence. Read full story
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