Welcome to Wion Dispatch. Here are the biggest stories making headlines from India and around the world.

The government has responded to Rahul Gandhi's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the student protest crackdown. Union Minister Jitendra Singh rejected the claims, saying only authorised officials such as magistrates can issue such orders.

Meanwhile, tensions continue in West Asia as Israel accuses Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire after an alleged drone attack on an Israeli vehicle in southern Lebanon. Iran's Parliament Deputy Speaker has also warned that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous status, stressing Iran's control over the strategic waterway.

In Washington, the US Senate advances legislation targeting Russia's energy revenues, including tougher sanctions and measures against countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Spain continues battling a major wildfire near Madrid, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying the next few hours will be crucial.

In sports, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed financial incentives for member associations backing a controversial plan involving stakes in major competitions.

Rahul Gandhi vs Government Over Student Protest Row | Hezbollah Ceasefire Clash |Iran Hormuz Warning

Washington is gearing up to isolate Russia again. The US Senate just moved to cut the proposed tariff cap on Russian goods from 500% down to 100%, as part of a new sanctions push aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. It’s tough, but not as extreme as first pitched. The twist? There’s a waiver clause baked in that gives Trump the final say on whether any of these sanctions actually go into effect. 


US preps new Russia sanctions: Tariffs slashed to 100%

Indian refiners are planning to curtail their purchases of Russian crude due to the US pressure in the coming weeks, media reports claimed. India, which is the second-largest buyer of discounted Russian crude oil, will bear from tomorrow Donald Trump's tariff on Indian exports to the United States.

Are Indian refiners planning to lower the volume of Russian crude imports?

Tensions are escalating as Beijing close ties with Russia come under scrutiny, with potential retaliatory actions against European firms and reliance on cybersecurity laws suggested.

China retaliates after EU sanctions its banks for aiding Russia

Smaller enterprises suffer most due to limited resources. Neighboring countries report energy supply strains, while manufacturing declines persist. 

Cost of conflict: Who is paying for Europe's Russian gas gamble

A super yacht which was seized from a sanctioned Russian oligarch has cost the American taxpayers a total of $20 million and nearly $1 million per month to maintain, recent court filings showed.

Sanctions against Moscow backfire? US spent $20mn to maintain superyacht seized from Russian oligarch

Russia on Friday (August 18) announced sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor who has sought arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sanctions have also been announced against British ministers who have fiercely opposed Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Russia announces sanctions on ICC prosecutor, UK ministers

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild.

Explained | The West announces billions in aid for Ukraine's recovery. Will it be enough?

On the anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine, Western nations have announced rest sanctions against Moscow and have pledged more military support to Ukraine. This comes after G7 leaders and a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

West announces new sanctions against Russia, more military aid to UN announced | World News | WION

Even as Ukraine seeks India’s backing in a draft resolution against Russia at the upcoming UN General Assembly meet, New Delhi has been taking great efforts to avoid discussion on additional sanctions against Moscow at the G20 bloc’s finance chiefs gathering scheduled to take place on Thursday in India's southern Bengaluru city.

Host India avoids discussion on more Russia sanctions at G20 meet: Report

Russia and Iran are reportedly drawing out plans for a new shipping corridor with India in order to bypass the European sanctions, Nikkei Asia has reported. The plan is being formulated as a countermeasure to the US-led push for "friendshoring," an effort to relocate supply chains to allies and friendly countries.

Iran, Russia working on new trade route with India to bypass Western sanctions: Report

Despite US attempts to strangle the Russian economy, Moscow has successfully found new markets for its biggest exports, including energy products. However, the United States has also continued to buy Russian goods, even increasing its imports in recent months.

US imports from Russia increases from September to October: Report

The United States imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Russia following its annexation of occupied regions of Ukraine. The sanctions target hundreds of people and companies, including those in Russia's military-industrial complex and lawmakers.

US imposes new sanctions on Russia following annexation of Ukraine regions

The long-awaited evacuation of civilians from a besieged steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, began, with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating that she had spoken with Ukraine's president to emphasise unflinching US support for the country's defence against Russia's invasion.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Evacuations under way at steel plant in Mariupol

The European Union is going to phase out Russian oil imports due to its invasions of Ukraine, sources told the news agency AFP. One official told AFP on condition of anonymity, "We must be very attentive to market reactions.

In new wave of sanctions, European Union to phase out Russian oil: Report

Russia on Saturday (April 16) announced a ban on the entry of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson along with some other top British officials. These include UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, former Prime Minister Theresa May, and the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon.

Russia announces ban on entry of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar hit out at concerns being raised over India buying Russian oil, saying that “it’s like a campaign on this issue”. Jaishankar was speaking at the first India-UK Strategic Futures Forum (IUSFF), which also saw the attendance of UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Foreign minister Jaishankar hits out at 'campaign' against India for buying Russian oil

United States' Deputy National Security Advisor for international economics Daleep Singh is likely to visit India in the next few days. The visit by the US official comes amid a flurry of high-profile visitors, including UK's foreign secretary Elizabeth Truss and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, to New Delhi.

Daleep Singh, the key architect of Washington's sanction on Russia, to visit Delhi

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the Putin regime is preparing restrictions on entry from "unfriendly" states amid the Ukraine war. "A draft presidential decree is being developed on retaliatory visa measures in response to the "unfriendly" actions of a number of foreign states," Lavrov said, adding, "This act will introduce a number of restrictions on entry into Russia.

'Retaliatory visa measures': Russia set to restrict entry of nationals from 'unfriendly' countries

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia seizes premium Swiss watches amid sanctions: Report

China's Sinopec suspends talks with Russian companies amid sanctions row

In pics: List of foreign companies pulling out of Russia keeps on growing

Battered with sanctions for initiating war against Ukraine, Russia is now mulling to accept Bitcoins as a payment for oil and gas exports. In a news conference on Thursday, Russian lawmaker Pavel Zavalny reportedly said that it is willing to be flexible with payments when it comes to “friendly” countries such as China or Turkey.

Russian lawmaker says considering Bitcoin payments for oil exports from ‘friendly’ nations

Amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russians are facing the pinch of sanctions. In the Russian town of Pokrov, people are running out of sugar and expecting food prices to go up soon.

Western sanctions on Russia take hold, Residents expect food prices to go up soon