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Trump Rules Out Tariff Talks With India As 50% Hike Set For August 27

By
The Commune
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trump tariffs king india us russian oil

US President Donald Trump has ruled out negotiations with India on the tariffs that will rise to 50 per cent later this month. “No, not until we get it resolved”, he said when a reporter asked him if he expected more negotiations following the announcement of the 50 per cent tariff that is to take effect on August 27.

It was not clear from the curt reply if he meant the resolution of the Ukraine War, since the additional 25 per cent punitive tariff he announced on Wednesday for buying Russian oil is linked to it, or a settlement of issues underlying the 25 per cent tariff he imposed on India last week in his general trade war.

The punitive tariff appeared to aim at bringing economic pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, as India is the second-biggest customer for its oil. He was also ambiguous on Wednesday when a reporter asked him if he would end the 25 per cent punitive tariff if there was an agreement with Moscow on ending the war.

He said, “We’ll determine that later, but right now, they’re paying a 50 per cent tariff”. Trump had put a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or get hit with more sanctions, at which time the punitive measures known as secondary tariffs would be imposed on all its oil customers.

He later shortened it to 12 days, ending Friday, but came out with the 25 per cent punitive tariff singling out India on Wednesday, although it won’t take effect till August 27. India said it was “extremely unfortunate” that the US was imposing “additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest”.

It vowed to “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests”. Trump and Indian officials had been very optimistic about reaching a trade deal, as recently as last month, saying it was imminent. However, the negotiations apparently collapsed, according to reports, over US demands for access to agriculture and dairy markets in India.

About Friday’s deadline for Russia sanctions and the secondary tariffs, Trump said, “It’s going to be up to him (Putin). We’re going to see what he has to say”. He added that he was “very disappointed” with Putin, who has defied Trump’s attempts to end the Ukraine War.

But Trump and the Kremlin have indicated that there was progress in their negotiations. Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witcoff held three hours of talks with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. “We had some very good talks with President Putin”, Trump said, adding that there was “a very good chance” that they were nearing the end of the road to peace.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Putin and Trump planned to meet soon, and media reported quoting, US officials, that it could take place next week. Trump did not confirm the timing, but said, “They (Russian leaders) would like to meet with me, and I’ll do whatever I can to stop the killing” in the Ukraine War.

-IANS

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PM Modi To Hold Emergency Cabinet Meet On US Tariff Hike Today

By
The Commune
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Union Cabinet Clears ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill To Streamline Electoral Process.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a crucial high-level Cabinet meeting on Friday at 1 PM to assess the impact of the steep tariff hike recently imposed by the US on Indian exports.

The move comes amid escalating trade tensions between the two nations, following the US decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to a total of 50 per cent.

The meeting is expected to discuss India’s strategic response to the US action. The latest round of tariffs, an additional 25 per cent hike, was announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, citing India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil as the primary reason.

This comes on top of a previous 25 per cent tariff that came into effect on July 20. Responding sharply to the US move, the Ministry of External Affairs called the decision “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable”, stating that India’s energy needs and strategic autonomy must be respected.

In a public statement shortly after the new tariffs took effect, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his government’s unwavering support for India’s farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi on Thursday, he said, “The interest of farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise with the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen. And I know that I will have to pay a huge price for this personally, but I am ready. India is ready, for the sake of the country’s farmers, fishermen and livestock holders.”

Trump ruled out negotiations with India on the tariffs on Thursday. “No, not until we get it resolved”, he said when a reporter asked him if he expected more negotiations following the announcement of the 50 per cent tariff that is to take effect on 27 August 2025.

-IANS

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“One Day We’ll Come To Power, You See What We Do To You”: Congress Dynast Rahul Gandhi Threatens Polling Officials Like A Gunda

By
The Commune
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rahul gandhi eci threat

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi courted controversy on Wednesday with an aggressive warning to the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying, “See what we will do to you” if the Commission fails to release crucial electoral data. The comment, widely seen as a veiled threat, has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and political observers alike.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Gandhi demanded access to electronic voter records and CCTV footage from the last 15 years. He claimed that withholding this data would make the Commission a participant in a larger crime against Indian democracy.

Gandhi accused the ECI of withholding voter turnout data and warned of “consequences” for every official involved, once the opposition comes to power.

Rahul Gandhi openly threatened polling officers saying “There are going to be consequences for every single polling officer who is doing this. Doesn’t matter how senior you are how junior you are. One day the Opposition is coming to power and then you see what we do to you.”

Reacting strongly, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra slammed Gandhi for his “election rage,” calling his remarks a dangerous precedent. “Rahul Gandhi’s language is not just undemocratic but deeply threatening. Is this how a Leader of the Opposition is expected to behave?” Patra asked, adding that BJP, despite being in the opposition for years, never stooped to such intimidation.

Critics say Gandhi’s statement reflects a growing pattern of hostility and entitlement, with even neutral institutions now being targeted. Observers warn that such rhetoric undermines democratic norms and could erode public trust in India’s electoral process.

In response to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of voter list manipulation, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka has formally requested that the Congress leader provide specific names of individuals he claims were wrongly added or removed from the state’s electoral rolls.

In an official letter sent shortly after Gandhi’s press conference in New Delhi, the state election official referenced his claims about irregularities. The letter stated, “You had alleged the inclusion of ineligible voters and the exclusion of eligible ones from the rolls… Kindly submit the names of such electors along with a signed declaration under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, so that appropriate action may be taken.”

Sources in the Election Commission said the Karnataka CEO is expecting Gandhi’s signed response by the end of the day.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle took a veiled jab at Gandhi, posting the required form along with a pointed remark: “If Mr. Rahul Gandhi does not stand by his own statements, he should refrain from making baseless claims and confusing the public.”

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Russian President Vladimir Putin Likely To Visit India In Late August

By
The Commune
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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India is expected at the end of August, a leading news agency of the country reported on 7 August 2025, citing comments made by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during his ongoing visit to Moscow.

“We have now established very good relations, which we value very much, a strategic partnership between our countries. We interact at a high level… We were pleased to learn about President Putin’s visit to our country, scheduled for late August,” the Interfax news agency quoted NSA Doval as saying at a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on 7 August .

Earlier, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov had confirmed that Putin is expected to visit India following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. The visit is being planned as part of the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between the two leaders. “Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn,” Ushakov had said during a press briefing. The last visit by the Russian President to India took place on 6 December 2021, during the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi.

PM Modi, meanwhile, held two high-profile visits to Russia last year, attending the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and later participated in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October. Citing that the political dialogue between India and Russia is “developing dynamically” and is facilitated by the fact that Moscow and New Delhi “have close or even coinciding views on the objectively emerging multipolar world order”, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had also indicated that preparations are being made for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India.

“Relations between our countries have a long history. It can be said that they have stood the test of time more than once. Today, Russia and India are developing equal cooperation based on sincere, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests,” Lavrov told the participants of the first international conference ‘Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations’ which was also addressed by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in March, this year. “It is difficult to overestimate the contribution of our leaders to this process. It is symbolic that Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first bilateral foreign visit after his re-election last year to Russia. Now it is our turn. Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the invitation of the head of the Indian government. The visit of the head of the Russian state to the Republic of India is being prepared,” he added.

In June, the Russian President sent a message of condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe,” said Putin In May, President Putin also called Prime Minister Modi and “strongly condemned” the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, offering “full support” to India in its ongoing fight against terrorism. A statement issued by the Kremlin said that Putin expressed sincere condolences to PM Modi over the death of Indian citizens as a result of the barbaric terrorist attack on 22 April and emphasised the need for an “uncompromising fight” against terrorism in any form.

“During the conversation, the strategic nature of Russian-Indian relations of a special privileged partnership was emphasised. These relations are not subject to external influence and continue to develop dynamically in all directions,” read the statement issued by the Russian President’s office. “The Indian leader reiterated his invitation to the Russian President to visit India for the traditional annual bilateral summit. The invitation was accepted with gratitude,” it added. PM Modi, who had also been invited by Putin for the participation in the Victory Day celebrations, however could not travel to Russia. The Russian President had earlier extended his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

-IANS

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Trump’s 50% Tariff On Indian Goods Over Russian Oil Imports Sparks Diplomatic Rift, Exposes Double Standards In US Policy

By
The Commune
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russian oil trump tariffs india

US President Donald Trump’s policy towards India, particularly the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s ongoing imports of Russian crude oil while showing leniency to China, has strained the bilateral relationship that was carefully cultivated over past two decades through bipartisan effort, a report cited on 7 August 2025.

With Russian oil contributing to nearly one-third of India’s imports, the India Narrative report stated that New Delhi has made it clear that it won’t let the energy needs of 1.4 billion people be dictated by Washington’s “coercive diplomacy”. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) minced no words, calling out US duplicity and exposing the West’s continued trade with Russia. India’s message was clear: it will chart its own path, not as a subordinate ally but as an autonomous power. Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy, now his go-to playbook for forcing negotiations, has met a red line, the report mentioned.

“The US, having quietly accepted China’s continued energy dealings with Russia, has decided to single out India for punitive action. This selective outrage has not gone unnoticed in the South Block,” it stated. For years, the US described India as a “strategic partner”, and many believed that the shared economic growth and India’s vital role in the Indo-Pacific region would shield it from the hardline approach that Trump adopted with other countries.

However, the report mentioned, the illusion finally shattered when Trump slapped a cumulative 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods and threatened secondary sanctions on India’s energy sector, pressuring New Delhi to stop buying Russian crude oil, while the US and European Union engaged in trade relations with Moscow. Moreover Washington’s public overtures towards Islamabad, offering preferential tariff rates of 19 per cent, joint oil exploration agreements signed merely weeks after India highlighted Pakistan’s role in the 22  April Pahalgam terrorist attack and additionally Trump’s threat to US companies manufacturing in India with penalties unless they “brought jobs back home”, dealt a heavy blow to the India-US relations.

The report stated that this is not how a nation committed to preserving a “strategic partnership” behaves but reflects the mindset of a “populist power broker” who views alliances not as long-term investments, but as negotiating chips in a perpetual game of leverage. “The US-India relationship was once seen as a linchpin of the 21st-century global order. But in an age where populist transactionalism masquerades as foreign policy, even linchpins are expendable. The world is beginning to understand that with Trump, no relationship is special: only situational. And when alliances are treated as disposable, the global order itself becomes dangerously brittle,” the report noted.

-IANS

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Top Maoist Commander Shrikant Punem Arrested After Gunfight In Chhattisgarh Forest; ₹8 Lakh Bounty Militant Captured Alive

By
The Commune
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Security forces in Chhattisgarh have scored a major breakthrough with the arrest of a top Maoist commander following a prolonged gun-battle in the dense forests of Khursekala, under Madanwada police station in the newly formed Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, an official said.

The arrested Maoist, identified as Shrikant Punem, is a senior member of the DVC (Divisional Committee) and commander of the Aundhi-Mohla Joint Area Committee. He carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh on his head and was wanted in multiple cases of armed insurgency and violence across Rajnandgaon division. According to Superintendent of Police Yashpal Singh, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs about Maoist presence in the Khursekala forest.

A joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG), ITBP’s 44th and 27th battalions, and local police units moved in swiftly and engaged the insurgents in a firefight that lasted several hours. During the encounter, Punem was captured while other Maoists managed to escape under cover of darkness. From the site, security personnel recovered a 9 mm pistol, four live cartridges, two empty shells, a mobile phone, ₹11,000 in cash, and other tactical materials used by the insurgents.

This marks one of the most significant arrests in the region in recent years, especially in the backdrop of heightened Maoist activity in the Rajnandgaon belt. The SP confirmed that no casualties were reported among security personnel, and the operation was conducted with caution to avoid harm to local villagers.

The encounter comes amid renewed efforts by Chhattisgarh Police to dismantle Maoist networks in the state’s northern districts. Officials noted that the insurgents had been planning a major strike, and the timely intervention prevented a possible escalation. The captured commander is now being questioned for further leads on Maoist movements and hideouts in the region. Authorities have intensified combing operations in surrounding forested areas to track down fleeing cadres. This successful operation underscores the growing effectiveness of coordinated anti-Maoist strategies and the importance of actionable intelligence in counterinsurgency efforts.

-IANS

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Madras High Court Orders Police Protection For ‘Kingdom’ Screenings Amid NTK Protests Over Eelam Portrayal

By
The Commune
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The Madras High Court on 7 August 2025, directed the Tamil Nadu police to ensure adequate protection for theatres screening the Vijay Deverakonda-starrer Kingdom, in response to threats and disruptions reportedly orchestrated by members of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).

Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy issued the directive while disposing of a writ petition filed by SSI Production, which holds the theatrical distribution rights for the film in Tamil Nadu. The petitioner alleged that NTK cadres had threatened theatre owners and disrupted screenings across the state, following a social media post by NTK’s chief coordinator Seeman, who criticised the film for allegedly misrepresenting the Tamil Eelam issue.

Counsel for SSI Production presented video footage showing vandalised posters and flex boards of the film in various locations. It was also alleged that protesters had entered some theatres, disrupting shows and attempting to dissuade audiences from watching the film. Letters reportedly written by NTK members to theatre owners warning against screening ‘Kingdom’ were also submitted to the court.

The government’s counsel informed the court that 16 NTK cadres had been arrested in connection with the incidents, and multiple protests had been held by the party. However, Seeman’s legal counsel argued that the protests were peaceful and democratic. He maintained that Seeman had merely voiced his opposition to the film’s content and had not incited violence or disruption. He further criticised the filmmakers for allegedly depicting Sri Lankan Tamils as “illegal immigrants” involved in smuggling activities.

Responding to the arguments, Justice Chakravarthy stressed the importance of artistic freedom in a democratic society. “You and I may not agree with the content of the movie if it is very, very abhorrent, as you say… But the artistic freedom in a democracy must always be protected,” he said. While acknowledging the right of political parties to protest, he clarified that such protests must be peaceful, conducted with police permission, and held in designated areas. Emphasising that ‘Kingdom’ is a work of fiction cleared by the Censor Board, the judge ruled that no individual or group has the right to prevent its screening or threaten theatre owners, regardless of objections to its content.

-IANS

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Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Seeks Signed Declaration From Rahul Gandhi Over Election Fraud Allegations In Mahadevapura

By
The Commune
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rahul gandhi vote chori eci

In a major development related to the election fraud allegations, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka on 7 August, sought a signed declaration from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the issue.

The letter has been sent to Rahul Gandhi in this regard, following a meeting between Indian National Congress (INC) leaders and the CEO, as well as the press conference addressed by Rahul Gandhi in Delhi regarding the alleged election fraud.

The CEO stated in the letter, “As far as the conduct of elections is concerned, election results can be questioned only by way of Election Petition before the High Court. It is understood that during the press conference held today (August 7), you (Rahul Gandhi) mentioned the inclusion of ineligible electors and exclusion of eligible electors in the Electoral Rolls.” “You are kindly requested to sign and submit the declaration/oath under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, along with the name(s) of such electors so that necessary proceedings can be initiated,” the CEO stated.

The declaration/Oath provided by the State Chief Electoral Officer reads, “I, Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament, do here by solemnly affirm and state on oath that the statement I am to make under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, concerning name of persons whose name is proposed for inclusion/exclusion and other details are true to the best of my knowledge.” The format states, “I am aware that making a false declaration in connection with electoral rolls is a punishable offence under Section 31 of the RP Act, 1950. I also understand that giving false evidence is punishable under Section 227 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.” The format further requires Rahul Gandhi to declare that he is not an elector of the said constituency. Rahul Gandhi should declare that he has personal knowledge relevant to this case and is making this statement voluntarily, the Karnataka EC said.

The CEO also stated in the letter, “Time had been sought for the delegation of the INC to meet the CEO of Karnataka to submit a memorandum. Accordingly, a time between 1 pm and 3 pm on August 8 (Friday) is confirmed.” He said the electoral rolls are prepared transparently, as per the Representation of the People’s Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time. The latest electoral rolls were shared with the representatives of the INC, such as ‘Draft Electoral Rolls, 2025 ‘ Final Electoral Rolls, 2025. After final publication, the number of 1st appeals filed by INC with concerned DMs is ‘Nil’. Number of 2nd level appeals filed by INC with the CEO, Karnataka are ‘Nil’,” the CEO said. Rahul Gandhi held a press conference in Delhi on Thursday, explaining how the alleged election fraud occurred in the Mahadevapura Assembly seat in Bengaluru during the Lok Sabha election.

-IANS

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ED Files Chargesheet Against Bengal Minister Chandranath Sinha In Primary Teachers Recruitment Scam

By
The Commune
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on 7 August, filed a charge sheet against West Bengal Minister in-charge of the micro, small and medium enterprises and textiles department, Chandranath Sinha, in the case regarding irregularities in the recruitment of primary teachers in state-run schools in the state.

Sinha is the second Minister in the Bengal government against whom ED had filed a charge sheet in this case, the first being the former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee. The ED filed the charge sheet against Minister Sinha in a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata on 6 August, said an insider from the central investigation agency.

Sinha is a two-time Trinamool MLA from Bolpur Assembly constituency in Birbhum district. He twice avoided appearing before the ED officers. On Thursday, Sinha suddenly appeared at the ED office. However, it was not clear whether he had been questioned or not. Responding to the development that the ED has filed a charge sheet against him in the primary recruitment case, the Minister said he had heard about it. “However, I do not know about the matter completely. We will look into it,” Sinha said on 7 August afternoon.

On 31 July, ED investigators had sent a request for property documents from Sinha. At the same time, documents related to all the movable and immovable properties of the Minister and his family were sought. However, Sinha did not appear before ED officers at its CGO Complex office in Kolkata’s Salt Lake. He had reportedly asked the ED for more time. He told the ED officers that although he could appear before them, he was preparing all the documents. In a surprising move, he went to the ED office on Thursday, a day after the central probe agency submitted a charge sheet in his name before a special court. The ED officials first secured the name of the Minister from the diary of the middleman and now suspended Trinamool Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh, who was later arrested by the central agency officials.

In March last year, the ED officials conducted raid and search operations at the Minister’s residence at Bolpur in Birbhum district. After the raid, the ED officials seized cash worth Rs 41 lakh and a mobile phone from Sinha’s residence. Sinha is known to be close to Trinamool Congress strongman and former Trinamool Congress district president in Birbhum, Anubrata Mondal. In March last year, Sinha was also summoned by the ED for questioning in connection with the multi-crore cattle-smuggling case in West Bengal.

-IANS

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DMK Patriarch Karunanidhi’s Photo Placed At Swamimalai Temple Sparks Outrage; DMK Removes It After Protests

By
The Commune
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karunanidhi swamimalai dmk

Following widespread criticism from devotees, local residents, and the BJP, a photograph of the late former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was removed from the entrance of the Swaminadha Swami Temple in Swamimalai, located in Thanjavur district.

The controversy erupted when DMK members marked Karunanidhi’s seventh death anniversary by placing his image on the temple gate. This gesture sparked outrage among devotees and locals, who questioned why DMK cadres chose a sacred temple entrance to pay tribute, arguing that it disrespected the religious sanctity of the space.

Adding to the criticism, SG Suryah, the BJP’s state youth wing president condemned the act on social media platform X, stating, “Did the shameless DMK choose only the holy entrance of Swamimalai temple to pay homage to Karunanidhi? The abuses under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, a tool of the DMK government, won’t continue forever. The government will change and so will these scenes.”

In response to the growing protests and public outcry, DMK members eventually took down Karunanidhi’s photo from the temple gate.

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