The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which aims to punish Russia and its major petroleum product buyers, including China and India. The legislation allows the US President to impose 100 per cent tariffs on goods from the top five importers of Russian oil and gas, and also extends sanctions on Iran's energy sector. The bill, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, now moves to the House of Representatives for further approval.
A bipartisan group of US Senators has agreed to fast-track a bill allowing the President to impose sanctions on major purchasers of oil from Russia and Iran. This legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to restrict funding for Russia's war efforts and Iran's energy and weapons sectors, potentially impacting countries like China and India through tariffs and other restrictions.
A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a comprehensive bill imposing extensive sanctions on Russia, with India identified as one of five countries that could incur tariffs for its continued purchase of Russian oil.
US Vice President JD Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call to discuss expanding the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership, focusing on trade, defence, energy security, emerging technologies, and critical minerals. The discussion comes amidst rising tensions in West Asia and recent regional realignments, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation.
The bill, introduced on Thursday, was conceived by Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and has the support of over 60 lawmakers.
Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla escalated her feud with French footballer Kylian Mbappe, calling him a "son of a b****" during a Senate speech. This follows an incident where Mbappe allegedly refused to shake goalkeeper Orlando Gill's hand after a FIFA World Cup match. Amarilla also claimed Mbappe called her "despicable," while France coach Didier Deschamps stated the controversy hasn't affected Mbappe's focus.
France striker Kylian Mbappe hit back at a Paraguayan senator, describing her as a "despicable woman" on Monday after she launched a racist attack on him following Paraguay's elimination from the World Cup.
The US Senate passed a resolution directing then-President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from the conflict with Iran. This bipartisan vote, though largely symbolic as a concurrent resolution, highlighted congressional concerns over potential escalation and a desire to limit presidential military authority without legislative approval.
The US senate last week passed a bill that would allow Washington to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.
The US push for clearer crypto rules is putting pressure on India to fill its own regulatory gap for virtual digital assets.
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is eager to make a deal and predicted a sharp decline in oil prices due to abundant supply, amidst a Senate resolution to limit his war powers in Iran.
It is plain to see that the US senate bill's real objective is to derail India's time-tested strategic partnership with Russia, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
The US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the conflict with Iran, representing a quarter of its fleet and a significant financial blow. These losses, some due to communication failures, raise questions as India recently signed an agreement to procure 31 of these drones.
President Donald Trump has advocated for stricter electoral laws in the US, praising India's election system and its requirement for photo identification. He highlighted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's questioning of the lack of voter ID in American polls and used India's high voter turnout with minimal postal ballots as an example. Trump is pushing for the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of citizenship and nationwide voter ID, though the bill faces division in Congress.
US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away of a cardiac arrest a few hours after these photographs were taken.
US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump and an influential voice on American foreign policy, has passed away at 71 following a 'brief and sudden illness', leaving a significant void in Washington's political landscape.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's planned visit to the United States has been denied political clearance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), citing non-conformity with laid down norms, forcing him to cancel the US leg of his 'TelanganaRising' delegation tour and return to Hyderabad earlier than planned.
The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.
Celebrations marking India's 80th Independence Day in the New York tri-state area culminated in a world record, with more than 1,300 US flags surrounded by Indian tricolours arranged to form the number "250", in a tribute to America's semiquincentennial anniversary.
'All these reports and announcements by the US seem like attempts to gain a lever in trade deal negotiations with India.'
Donald Trump has strongly refuted claims of a munitions shortage and denied any confrontation with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, labelling the reports as "fake news" and asserting the nation's robust military production capabilities.
Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as Italy's head coach is facing significant political opposition due to his commercial ties as a global ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet, with Italian parliamentarians and football federation figures expressing concerns.
A shooting at a newly opened fast-food outlet in Twin Falls, Idaho, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The gunman is confirmed deceased, and authorities are investigating the motive and identity of the suspect. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of public shootings in the United States.
Argentina's President Javier Milei's government has issued a decree allowing the deportation of foreigners who incite hatred or violence against the country and its citizens, a move that comes amid criticism of the national football team's behaviour and political messaging during the recent FIFA World Cup.
A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal securities-fraud case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, closing nearly two years of prosecution without a trial. Gautam Adani stated, "Truth has prevailed," in response to the ruling.
Former US President Donald Trump posted a digitally altered image on Truth Social depicting Barack and Michelle Obama on Air Force One covered in graffiti. This incident follows a previous controversy where Trump's account shared and later deleted a 'racist' video portraying the Obamas as apes, leading to widespread bipartisan backlash.
The US Central Command announced a new wave of strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels. This comes as US President Donald Trump described the situation as a 'skirmish' and suggested Iran wants to 'make a deal,' while Iran's Foreign Minister warned of a 'decisive response' to any aggression.
Indian-American lawmakers are encouraging the diaspora to actively participate in US politics and run for public office at all levels. This call comes amidst increasing incidents of anti-India and anti-Hindu hate, with leaders emphasising that political representation is crucial to address community concerns and ensure their voices are heard.
US President Donald Trump's proposed peace deal with Iran has drawn significant criticism from both Republican and Democrat senators, who express deep concerns that it would legitimise Tehran as a 'dominant force' and potentially allow it to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and uranium enrichment capabilities.
China on Monday successfully test-fired a long-range strategic missile from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific Ocean, drawing sharp reactions from Japan and Australia.
India too can rise to the top if the 1.4 billion Indians back home are given better opportunities to use their innate talent and capacity to work hard, with right incentives in a more meritocratic rules-based system, asserts Ajay Chhibber.
Police in Pune have registered a case of abetment to suicide against three individuals, including two Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees, following the death of a 48-year-old IT staffer. The deceased, Amit Brahme, left a suicide note accusing colleagues of humiliation and a friend of defamation. TCS has acknowledged the allegations and stated it is investigating the matter while extending support to the family.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is on a state visit to Pakistan to discuss the full implementation of an agreement signed between Iran and the US, alongside regional and international developments. The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, following recent high-level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland regarding regional security.
The US Treasury Department is exploring the possibility of featuring Donald Trump's portrait on a new $250 note, pending congressional approval to amend the law that prohibits living individuals from being depicted on US currency.
Police in Pimpri-Chinchwad have registered an abetment to suicide case against three individuals, including two Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees, following the death of a 48-year-old IT staffer. The deceased's suicide note accused colleagues of humiliation and a friend of sending defamatory emails, prompting an investigation and a call for inquiry by an IT workers' association.
Police in Pimpri-Chinchwad have registered an abetment to suicide case against three individuals, including two Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees, following the death of a 48-year-old IT staffer. The deceased's suicide note accused colleagues of humiliation and a friend of sending defamatory emails, prompting an investigation and a call for inquiry by an IT workers' association.
A new report alleges Pakistan shielded Iranian military aircraft from potential US airstrikes, raising questions about its role as a neutral mediator in the ongoing US-Iran tensions.
The White House on Sunday is witnessing a "fight night" in an octagon-shaped cage as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters slug it out in the marquee event on the South Lawn on a day President Donald Trump turned 80.
United States Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday claimed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra spoke to him last month about India buying less Russian oil and asked him to tell President Donald Trump to relieve the 25 per cent tariff.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said the United States would prefer to end its extension of waivers on Russian oil "as soon as possible", while noting that such decisions ultimately rest with the US Treasury Department.
