NEW DELHI: A viral nets video has thrust Sanju Samson back into the spotlight as India step into the final stretch of preparations for the T20 World Cup. The clip, widely shared across social media platforms, shows the wicketkeeper-batter receiving batting tips from former India star Yuvraj Singh, immediately fuelling chatter around the World Cup winner’s growing influence as a mentor to the next generation.Over the past few years, Yuvraj has quietly carved a niche as a guiding figure for young Indian cricketers. His inputs have already played a part in the rise of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom have gone on to establish themselves at the highest level. Gill now leads India in Tests and ODIs, while Abhishek has emerged as a first-choice opener in T20Is, earning a reputation for his fearless powerplay hitting.

Samson now appears to be the latest batter to benefit from Yuvraj’s experience. The former India all-rounder was recently spotted working closely with the Kerala batter in the nets as Samson gears up for a crucial phase of his career. With the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, every training session carries added significance.The video surfaced just days before India’s T20I series against New Zealand, underlining the timing of the interaction. Samson, who has been named in the squad for the five-match series and is also part of India’s plans for the World Cup at home, looked keen to fine-tune his batting approach under Yuvraj’s watchful eye.India squad for T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

India and the European Union moved their proposed Free Trade Agreement discussions forward during Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal’s two-day visit to Brussels, which ended on January 9.Goyal was in the Belgian capital on January 8 and 9, where he held multiple high-level meetings with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic. The discussions focused on moving the long-running India–EU FTA talks forward, with both leaders offering clear guidance to their negotiating teams to resolve outstanding matters and speed up the process.The talks placed strong emphasis on balancing trade ambitions with domestic priorities. Both sides underlined that the agreement must protect farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while also helping Indian industries strengthen their participation in global supply chains.“In continuation of our efforts to secure a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), I held high-level talks with the EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner, Mr. Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels. During this dialogue, we deliberated across key areas of the proposed agreement. We reaffirmed our commitment to a rules-based trading framework and a modern economic partnership that safeguards the interests of farmers and MSMEs while integrating Indian industries into global supply chains,” Goyal said in a post on X.According to the Ministry of Commerce, the ministerial talks covered several critical aspects of the agreement. Progress across negotiating tracks such as Market Access for Goods, Rules of Origin and Services was reviewed, with both sides acknowledging steady movement on these fronts.The ministry said the discussions reflected strong political will in both India and the EU to resolve remaining issues through constructive engagement. The two sides also reiterated the need to finalise a fair, balanced and ambitious agreement that aligns with shared values, economic priorities and a rules-based trading framework.The ministerial engagement was built on earlier discussions held on 6 and 7 January 2026 between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and European Commission Director-General for Trade Sabine Weyand. These meetings focused on taking stock of progress across negotiating areas, with officials working to “narrow divergences” and bring clarity to unresolved issues ahead of the minister-level talks.Before arriving in Brussels, Goyal visited Liechtenstein, where he led a business roundtable with senior executives from leading local companies. The discussions centred on the implementation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The visit marked the first-ever trip by an Indian Cabinet Minister to Liechtenstein and underscored the strengthening economic relationship following the operationalisation of the trade pact.During the interactions, Goyal said the India–EFTA TEPA extends beyond trade liberalisation, offering a broader framework for investment, technology collaboration, skill development and the creation of resilient value chains. He encouraged Liechtenstein companies to explore opportunities in India, particularly in the context of the $100 billion investment commitment made by EFTA countries.As part of the visit, the minister toured the headquarters of the Hilti Group and met its chief executive, Jahangir Doongaji. Talks focused on expanding localisation efforts, increasing value addition and scaling up global shipments from India. With Hilti operating in India’s construction sector for over 25 years, discussions also covered technology collaboration aimed at supporting safer and smarter infrastructure in line with India’s manufacturing and export objectives.Goyal also met Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas to discuss ways to deepen economic and investment cooperation under the India–EFTA TEPA. The leaders explored collaboration in skill development, vocational training and industry-academia partnerships, bringing together India’s young workforce and Liechtenstein’s advanced industrial expertise.

India’s office real estate market posted its strongest performance on record in 2025, with annual gross leasing touching an all-time high of 86.4 million square feet, according to Knight Frank India’s latest India Real Estate – Office and Residential Market (H2 2025) report.Leasing activity rose 20% year-on-year, surpassing the previous peak achieved in 2024 and marking a 43% increase over pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. The surge underscores sustained occupier confidence and India’s growing prominence as a global business destination.Bengaluru continued its dominance as the largest office market grossing 28 mn sq ft, a historic best for this market. Hyderabad (11.4 mn sq ft), National Capital Region (NCR) (11.3 mn sq ft), Pune (10.8 mn sq ft) and Chennai (10.1 mn sq ft) all crossed a 10 mn sq ft benchmark, with Mumbai (9.8 mn sq ft) narrowly missing the line. GCCs drove demand commanding 38% of the total absorption, the report highlighted.Global Capability Centres (GCCs) emerged as the dominant demand driver, accounting for 38% of total office absorption during the year. Bengaluru alone captured nearly half of GCC-related leasing, reinforcing its status as India’s primary hub for research, technology, and global operations. Flexible workspace operators and third-party IT services also posted their highest-ever annual leasing volumes, reflecting renewed confidence among technology-led occupiers.Despite robust demand, new office supply lagged behind leasing activity. Office completions increased 9% year-on-year to 54.8 million sq ft in 2025, with Bengaluru and Pune accounting for the bulk of new additions. The supply-demand imbalance led to firm rental growth across all major markets, with NCR and Hyderabad witnessing annual rental appreciation of 10%, followed by Mumbai and Bengaluru at 6% each, the report mentioned. Knight Frank noted that Grade A office space continued to dominate occupier preferences, accounting for over 90% of total leasing during the year, as companies increasingly prioritised modern infrastructure, sustainability, and long-term operational efficiency.With demand momentum expected to carry into 2026, and limited near-term supply additions, the Indian office market is poised to remain one of the strongest performers globally despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted that the government’s long-term energy planning is translating into tangible benefits for citizens, stating that the real test of policy lies in how seamlessly it supports daily life rather than in announcements alone.In a post on the social media platform X, the minister noted that India’s energy planning is being tested every day in real-world conditions, in homes, on roads, and across workplaces, where forecasts meet lived reality.He pointed to the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) connections, noting that around 1.58 crore kitchens across the country now receive PNG without the need for booking refills, reflecting a shift towards convenience and cleaner fuel.“India’s energy systems are built to be ready before pressure peaks. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, planning is measured by how smoothly daily life runs,” he wrote on X, hinting at how important planning is in a fast-growing economy.Minister Puri also emphasised the growth of compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure as a key indicator of planning that keeps pace with demand. Currently, 8,428 CNG stations are operational nationwide, with the number targeted to more than double to 18,336 by 2030.This expansion, he said, is enabling wider access to cleaner transportation fuel for motorists.Another major focus stressed by the minister was the expansion of the national gas pipeline network. According to him, the pipeline length has grown from about 15,000 kilometres in 2014 to 25,429 kilometres today. The government plans to extend this further to 33,475 kilometres by 2030, strengthening energy connectivity and preparedness.“Energy systems cannot wait for pressure to appear. They must be ready before demand peaks. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s energy planning is increasingly defined not by announcements, but by how smoothly daily life runs. Because the true test of planning is not what is promised, but what quietly works,” a video shared along with the Minister’s post on X noted. (ANI)

Oil is called black gold – and for a reason – it’s the fuel that drives economic growth and oil security is increasingly becoming crucial in a world fraught with geopolitical uncertainties and possibilities of supply shocks. India imports over 85% of its crude oil needs – and a rise in crude oil prices or uncertainty in supply chains can feed negatively into the economic growth engine. Recent geopolitical tensions – possible blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, US moves in Venezuela which has the highest proven oil reserves in the world, and the Donald Trump administration’s tariffs on India for its crude imports from Russia all highlight the need for India to step up focus on its energy security.

An SBI Research report last year – at the time of the Iran-Israel conflict – estimated that every $10 per bbl increase in crude oil prices can lead to 25-35 bps increase in CPI inflation and 20-30 bps decline in real GDP growth. However, SBI expects oil prices to soften this year, which will boost growth. Trump has been pressuring India to stop procuring crude from Russia and has even sanctioned two major Russian firms. A bill proposing 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil has also got a nod from the American President and will be put up for a vote in the Senate soon.India’s crude oil import basket has undergone a clear and measurable shift over the past five years, according to data from Kpler, a global real-time data and analytics provider. In 2021, India’s sourcing was still heavily dominated by the Middle East. By 2023, the transformation was clearly visible in the data. Russia became India’s largest crude supplier, accounting for over 38% of total imports.By 2025, data shows early signs of marginal rebalancing. Russia’s share eased to around 35%, while Iraq (19%) and Saudi Arabia (13%) remained steady. Notably, US crude regained visibility with a share of about 6.5%, highlighting India’s continued effort to keep procurement diversified and flexible, especially amid periodic logistical and compliance-related uncertainties in global trade.Post the latest EU sanctions in August, and US tariff and sanction actions linked to Russian entities such as Rosneft and Lukoil, India’s oil procurement strategy has remained pragmatic and interest-driven. “While India continues to acknowledge and factor in global sanctions frameworks, energy security and supply stability remain the primary considerations. Russian crude has continued to form a key part of India’s import basket, although volumes have eased since around December 2025 amid tighter compliance scrutiny, logistical challenges and a conscious effort by refiners to limit concentration risk,” says Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst, Refining and Modelling, Kpler.

Where Does India’s Energy Security Stand?

With India importing almost over 85% of its crude oil requirements, the dependency on the world is very high. Experts say that energy security is not only vital to India’s economic growth, it is a strategic necessity. Is India insulated from possible global supply shocks? Sumit Ritolia of Kpler cautions that India remains structurally vulnerable to external energy shocks, as nearly nine-tenths of its crude oil requirements are met through imports.“However, the country’s overall energy security framework is stronger today than it was a few years ago,” he tells TOI.How has that been achieved? Diversification of crude procurement sources has been key to India energy security strategy.Sumit Ritolia explains: India has significantly diversified its crude oil sourcing base across geographies, reducing over-reliance and improving its ability to respond to supply disruptions.“Indian refiners have also enhanced operational flexibility, enabling them to process a wider range of crude grades and swiftly adjust procurement strategies in response to changing market or geopolitical conditions,” he says.Pranav Master, Senior Practice Leader and Director at Crisil Intelligence tells TOI, “As India enters 2026, global energy markets remain volatile. With over 85% dependence on crude oil imports, energy security has become a strategic necessity rather than a policy choice. In response, India has strengthened resilience by diversifying crude sourcing from fewer than 30 countries to around 40, spanning the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.”“This diversification, supported by robust refining capacity (around 258 MMTPA), and proactive steps taken by the government, has significantly reduced exposure to supply disruptions and price volatility for domestic consumers. While geopolitical risks persist, India has moved beyond being a passive price-taker and now exercises greater flexibility through procurement diversification and consistent diplomatic engagements,” he adds.Upgraded refinery capabilities now allow Indian refiners to rapidly switch among diverse Russian, American, and Middle Eastern crude oil grades based on price and compliance considerations.This transition has been driven by a move towards spot-market sourcing, supported by advanced refining infrastructure and strict compliance systems.India is also navigating the US pressure on Russian crude oil procurement by stepping up imports from the US. In fact, India’s crude oil imports from the US rose 92% in the first eight months of the current financial year! However, Russia remained the biggest supplier between April and November 2025.

Sourav Mitra, Partner – Oil & Gas at Grant Thornton Bharat says, “India has made its stand clear that it will prioritise supply security and affordability for its 1.4 billion people. India did not deter from purchasing oil from Russia despite the US imposing 50% tariffs on India.”“India is tactfully navigating the situation by ramping up oil imports from the US even as Russian oil imports stay significant in FY26. India is maintaining a diverse sourcing mix in its crude basket amidst rising geopolitical uncertainty and Trump backing the Russia sanctions bill which proposes a 500% tariff on India,” he tells TOI.Manas Majumdar, Partner and Leader – Oil & Gas, Fuels & Resources at PwC India says that despite escalating sanctions and geopolitical turbulence, India remains relatively stable in terms of energy security as it has had a diversified set of suppliers – with close to 40 countries in the basket.“This broader supply pool enhances bargaining power, allows for various crude quality grades and insulates against geo-political disruptions. At one point, discounted Russian crude had grown to nearly 40% of our imports. This significantly eased cost pressures, and reduced dependence on other sources for e.g. Venezuela which helped in the short-term shocks. In the long-term if US sanctions on Venezuela go away and more oil flows, it can be a positive for India,” he tells TOI.Gaurav Moda, Partner and Energy Leader at EY-Parthenon India points out that given geopolitical dynamics especially in the past few years, the government and OMCs have diversified their sources of oil across several countries and providers. “Further, the OMCs have built up practice to keep 3-6 months stocks to iron out short term supply volatilities that have become inherent in the energy business. Such initiatives may help minimize impact on product supplies and end consumers in the near term,” he tells TOI.Sumit Ritolia of Kpler notes one small but important movement on the domestic front: India continues to focus on strengthening its domestic supply base. “While crude oil production has not seen large step-change increases in recent years, upstream companies – led by national oil firms – have been steadily investing in enhanced oil recovery, redevelopment of mature fields and exploration of new sedimentary basins to stabilise output and slow natural declines,” he tells TOI. These efforts are aimed at creating incremental, durable gains rather than rapid spikes in production. Although domestic output cannot materially reduce import dependence, consistent upstream investment supports long-term resilience and helps improve energy security at the margin. “Collectively, diversified sourcing, strategic and commercial stockpiles, despite being below global benchmarks, and sustained efforts to strengthen domestic production place India in a relatively stronger position to navigate an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape,” he says.

What happens if India’s access to discounted crude takes a hit?

The biggest lure of the Russian crude oil, and the reason for its rising share in India’s crude oil basket has been the lucrative discounts. But what if under pressure from sanctions and tariffs, Indian refiners stop procuring discounted Russian crude?The answer isn’t straightforward, though the cost would be in billions: the impact on India’s crude import bill would depend on prevailing global market conditions, including supply–demand balances, benchmark prices, freight rates and the availability of alternative barrels.

According to Sumit Ritolia, in 2025, India imported around 1.7 million barrels per day of such discounted crude from Russia, typically priced about $4–6 per barrel below other crudes in its import basket. At this differential, the cost advantage works out to roughly $3-4 billion per year. “If these volumes were replaced with alternative supplies at prevailing market prices, India’s crude import bill would rise by a similar order of magnitude, although the actual impact would ultimately depend on price movements, substitution costs and India’s ability to further optimise sourcing through diversification and refinery flexibility,” he explains.India currently imports over 85% of its crude requirement and this import bill is around $150 billion. Given Russian crude is a few dollars discounted to Brent (at peak this discount was more than $10-15+/ bbl), losing access to discounted Russian barrels could raise India’s annual crude bill by around $10 billion, says PwC’s Manas Majumdar. This estimate is based on a loss of roughly a $5‑per‑barrel discount across 1.85mbpd that India used to take earlier – however this quantum has reduced in recent times.

Refinery margins may also be impacted, as discounted Russian crude is reduced, mostly for private refiners, he says. “We believe that losing these cheaper barrels would raise feedstock costs, and could shave around 1-2 percentage points off refining margins,” Majumdar tells TOI.

India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves: How Much Is The Cover?

In times of geopolitical uncertainties, supply shock possibilities, strategic oil reserves play a vital role. In the last few years India has been moving to shore up its strategic oil reserves to a 9–day cover which is what is standard maintained by OECD countries. However, there is still a long way to go.According to Sumit Ritolia, India’s strategic petroleum reserves currently stand at about 5.33 million metric tonnes. These are spread across underground caverns in Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru and Padur. This is around 39 million barrels, or around 9–10 days of national crude consumption.

“While this is a meaningful safety net, it remains well below the 90-day cover maintained by most OECD economies when combining strategic and commercial stocks,” Ritolia points out.The government has announced Phase-II plans to add around 6.5 million tonnes of additional storage, but progress has been slow due to land acquisition and execution challenges, he adds.Manas Majumdar of PwC points to India’s planned expansion of strategic oil reserves at Chandikhol and Padur. In addition new sites are being planned in Bikaner, Bina. There is a capex allocation of around Rs 5000 crore plus for these expansions, and these plans need to be expedited, he tells TOI.“In addition, India can diversify strategic petroleum reserves storage types, and in addition to existing underground caverns blend with above-ground and commercial storage to enhance capacity. Also, bolster pipeline and trans-national supply chain resilience for crude flow and also to mitigate potential logistics chokepoints at areas like Strait of Hormuz,” he says.In addition to government-held strategic reserves, Indian refiners and oil marketing companies maintain their own inventories in the form of crude oil and refined petroleum products across refineries, pipelines and storage terminals. Experts differ on the number of days the stocks with oil marketing companies can cover.Ritolia says that these operational and commercial stocks can typically cater to domestic demand for an additional 10–20 days, depending on market conditions and throughput.“When combined with strategic petroleum reserves, these inventories provide India with a more meaningful buffer against supply shocks, even though overall emergency cover still falls short of global benchmarks and will need to expand in line with the country’s rising oil demand,” he says.However, Pranav Master of Crisil Intelligence says that combined with storage held by oil marketing companies, the total coverage stands at around 70–75 days.“Budgetary allocation for oil purchases reflects a shift toward proactive stockpiling during favorable price cycles, strengthening India’s ability to absorb future supply shocks. Apart from conventional coastal caverns, the exploration of salt-cavern-based storage should also be considered to enhance storage capacities,” he says.

What’s The Road Ahead For India’s Energy Security?

As India builds capacity to store more strategic petroleum reserves, it is important for it to speed up the process amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainty that add to chances of supply shocks.“To better protect against global supply shocks, India needs to accelerate the completion of Phase-II strategic petroleum reserve capacity and ensure that existing and new caverns are consistently filled, well-maintained and operationally ready for timely release during emergencies,” says Sumit Ritolia.He is of the view that as demand continues to rise, expanding strategic petroleum reserves capacity in line with consumption growth will be critical to prevent a dilution of strategic cover over time.Experts also say that India needs to continue looking beyond crude to meet energy needs of the future.Sourav Mitra of Grant Thornton Bharat notes that India is doubling down on alternate sources of energy such as LNG, renewables, biofuels etc. to reduce oil dependency while ensuring reliability.According to a reply in Lok Sabha by MoS Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi, to counter the reliance on fossil fuels, the government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to promote clean energy – It is stepping up natural gas usage, improving refinery efficiency, and boosting domestic oil and gas production.In the meantime, it is also accelerating the adoption of biofuels and clean alternatives such as ethanol blends, bio-CNG, biodiesel, green hydrogen and EVs.Kpler’s Ritolia says that India would benefit from creating limited strategic reserves of refined products such as gasoline, diesel and aviation turbine fuel near major demand centres, which would help manage short-duration disruptions and logistical bottlenecks more effectively.“In parallel, strengthening domestic crude oil production should remain a key pillar of resilience. While large and rapid increases in output are unlikely, continued investment in enhanced oil recovery, redevelopment of mature fields and timely monetisation of discoveries can help stabilise production and deliver gradual gains. Alongside diversified imports and stronger stockholding, even incremental improvements in domestic output can reduce vulnerability at the margin and improve India’s ability to withstand external supply shocks,” he concludes.To sum it up: In a world of rising tensions, India has done well to diversify its crude basket so that temporary disruptions and choking of supply channels don’t have a long-term negative impact on the economy. Russia has only recently become a major oil supplier for India, and if it has to diversify away from it, the hit will not be too significant, though experts say Russian oil will not completely disappear. As it looks to build strategic oil reserves, there is a need to expedite the process, while also looking at non-fossil fuel based alternatives.

Iran’s former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi on Saturday said that he is preparing to return home. He linked the possible move to the ongoing mass protests against the country’s clerical leadership.Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the United States for five decades, announced the move in a video message and a post on X, as demonstrations continued across Tehran and other cities.

“I, too, am preparing to return to the homeland so that at the time of our national revolution’s victory, I can be beside you, the great nation of Iran. I believe that day is very near,” he wrote.His remarks came amid widespread unrest that has disrupted daily life in parts of Iran and posed one of the most serious challenges to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in years. Many demonstrators have openly called for the return of Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Call for strikes and street mobilisation

In his message, Pahlavi urged Iranians to intensify pressure on the state by targeting the economy and reclaiming public spaces. He called on workers in key sectors to stop work and join the protests.“I call upon the workers and employees of key economic sectors—especially transportation, oil, gas, and energy—to begin the process of nationwide strikes,” he said. He also appealed for coordinated street action over the weekend, asking people to gather from 6 pm with national symbols and move towards the central areas of cities.“Our goal is no longer merely to be present in the streets; the goal is to prepare for the capture and holding of city centres,” Pahlavi said.

Message to protesters and security forces

Pahlavi praised those who have continued to demonstrate despite threats and crackdowns, describing recent protests as a major blow to the leadership. “My dear compatriots, through your courage and resilience, you have earned the admiration of the world,” he said. Pahlavi added that the protests were “a crushing response to the threats of the treacherous and criminal leader of the Islamic Republic.”He also addressed members of Iran’s armed and security forces who have expressed sympathy with protesters. “To the youth of Iran’s Immortal Guard, and all armed and security forces who have joined the national cooperation platform, I say: Slow down and disrupt the repression machine even more so that on the appointed day, we can completely disable it,” he said.

Who is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi was groomed from birth to inherit Iran’s Peacock Throne and was undergoing fighter pilot training in the United States when the 1979 revolution ended his father Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s rule. Forced into exile, he has since lived mainly in the US, becoming a symbolic figure for monarchists and some opposition groups, according to BBC. Now 65, Pahlavi said he does not seek to restore the monarchy by force, insisting instead on a peaceful transition and a national referendum to decide Iran’s future system of governance.“This is not about restoring the past. It’s about securing a democratic future for all Iranians,” he has said previously.

Protests grip Iran

Iran has been witnessing widespread protests for nearly two weeks, initially triggered by rising living costs but rapidly expanding into broader demonstrations against the clerical establishment. Large crowds have taken to the streets in Tehran and several other cities, chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Several human rights groups said that dozens of protesters have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes with security forces. Authorities have responded with a sweeping internet shutdown, which activists say is aimed at limiting the spread of protest footage and masking the scale of the crackdown.The unrest has drawn international attention, with Iran accusing the United States and Israel of inciting instability. Tehran has approached the United Nations Security Council, blaming foreign interference for the escalation of protests into violent acts.

US President Donald Trump on Friday played down the possibility of abducting his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, just as he captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a week ago.Asked whether he would ever order a mission to capture Putin, Trump said, “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary.”

“I think we’re going to have and have always had a great relationship with him. I am very disappointed. I settled eight wars. I thought this would be in the middle of the pack or maybe one of the easier ones,” Trump said while talking to reporters at the White House.This comes days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that the US president could be planning a similar plan for Putin as Maduro.Trump disagreed with Zelenskyy, saying such a sanction was “not necessary,” though he said he was “very disappointed” with Putin.Trump also claimed that Ukraine and Russia are close to a settlement and said, “Last month, they lost 31,000 people. Many of them were Russian soldiers. The Russian economy is doing poorly. I think we are going to end up getting it settled. I wish we could have done it quicker because a lot of people are dying, mostly soldiers.”Earlier, Zelenskyy, in a veiled reference to Putin, had said that if this is how a “dictator” must be treated, then the “United States knows what to do next.”Meanwhile, the Russian president is facing several arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.This comes after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement.According to Venezuela’s interior minister Diosdado Cabello, Maduro was wounded in the leg, while his wife, Cilia Flores—who was detained alongside him—suffered a head injury during the raid.Maduro’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has now assumed the presidency of Venezuela.

‘Jana Nayagan,’ helmed by H. Vinoth and starring Vijay, and ‘Parasakthi,’ directed by Sudha Kongara and featuring Sivakarthikeyan, have run into trouble with the censors at the same time and are creating ripples in the entertainment world.

Sivakarthikeyan speaks out on unexpected censor cuts

Amid this situation, Sivakarthikeyan’s comments on the censor issues surrounding both films have drawn significant attention. Stating at the promotions of ‘Parasakthi’ promotions, he could not comment on ‘Jana Nayagan’ as the matter is sub judice, the actor opened up about the experience of taking ‘Parasakthi’ to the censor board. He disclosed how there were cuts in the film at places where he least expected them, adding that one cannot predict how the censoring would proceed. “It all depends on individual views of the jury who are going to watch the film,” he said. In order to prevent such hassle at the last minute, he emphasized the need for films to be submitted for certification at least two months in advance, which has to be regularly practiced by producers and film crews.

‘Parasakthi’ faces heightened scrutiny

Directed by Sudha Kongara, ‘Parasakthi’ is set in the backdrop of anti-Hindi imposition riots in the ’60s in Tamil Nadu. Featuring actors Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, ‘Parasakthi’ had already created a sensation with its trailer that alluded to the prevailing dialogues around language discrimination. The dialogues had created a huge stir on social media and finally, when the film released, it was worth the wait. Owing to the subject of the film, it must have been surrounded by strict certification hurdles leading to deferments and tom-boying its release in the international circuit.

Film’s core emotion remains intact

‘Parasakthi’ has a U/A 16+ certification with 25 cuts forwarded by the censor board. Responding to these cuts, Sivakarthikeyan said, “We have ensured that the cuts do not affect the plot. The core emotion of this film exists within everyone. When it comes to language and identity, I don’t need to overstate it through dialogues. And if that emotion is conveyed to the audience, it’s a success,” he said. He further expressed, ‘Parasakthi’ is a student protest film that is not supporting any specific student groups or political parties.” Although the censor board has made numerous cuts, the team believes that the film will resonate with the audience.