India is examining US President Donald Trump’s decision to buy diesel from Russia while Washington threatens India with tariffs of up to 100% for purchasing Russian oil. According to *The Economic Times*, which cited government sources, New Delhi is assessing the implications of the deal for its energy ties with Moscow. Trump announced that Russia would supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by additional shipments. The US Treasury has issued a licence permitting Russian diesel imports until April 7. Washington has yet to make a final decision on granting India a waiver under the Russia and Iran Sanctions Act (SRIA).   

India’s U-17 women’s football team made history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian women’s side at any age level to qualify for consecutive editions of the Women’s Asian Cup. The Young Tigresses secured their place in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Malaysia in Selayang. Redima Devi Chingkhamayum opened the scoring in the 29th minute, while Pritika Barman, Anushka Kumari and Nidhi scored after the break. India finished Group E with 9 points from 3 matches, scoring 20 goals without conceding any.  

Crude oil prices fell by more than 1.5% after US President Donald Trump announced a proposed energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although uncertainty over implementation persisted. Brent crude traded at $102 per barrel at the time of reporting. Trump said both countries had agreed to halt attacks on each other’s energy facilities following a US diesel-supply deal with Moscow, raising expectations of increased Russian supplies. However, reports of fresh attacks cast doubt on the arrangement. For India, additional Russian fuel supplies could help moderate price volatility ahead of winter, when diesel demand typically rises. The potential benefit depends on supply volumes, freight and insurance costs, and disruptions elsewhere. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia has pledged to maintain reliable energy supplies despite continuing Houthi attacks. Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said the kingdom had demonstrated its ability to ensure dependable supplies and would continue investing and preparing for a range of challenges. Speaking at the 17th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh, he stressed that Saudi Arabia remained committed to fulfilling its obligations under all circumstances. He highlighted the East-West pipeline as evidence of the kingdom’s long-term energy planning and resilience. The pipeline provides an alternative route for transporting energy to global markets through Yanbu, the Red Sea port, helping strengthen the kingdom’s supply infrastructure. (PC: X)

The Indian rupee surged 94 paise to 95.77 against the US dollar at Monday’s opening, recovering from its previous close of 96.71 after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced measures to curb speculation and ease pressure on the currency. Announced Saturday, the measures prohibit rebooking cancelled rupee-linked foreign exchange derivative contracts, lower the threshold for forex transactions without underlying exposure and require a 20% cash reserve against certain contracts. The RBI also opened a special window allowing oil marketing companies to buy dollars directly from the central bank. While the steps may reduce market dollar demand, oil imports, trade payments and capital outflows could continue pressuring the rupee.

Iran has rejected the United States’ response to its seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying key demands remain unresolved. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s security chief and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, described Washington’s response as “insufficient,” according to Iranian state media on Sunday. He said the US must clarify its position on issues that remain unclear to Tehran before negotiations can make progress. The standoff places the strategic waterway at the centre of diplomatic tensions, with global energy shipments at stake. The impasse threatens to prolong one of the conflict’s most consequential flashpoints as both sides remain divided over reopening the passage. (PC: X)

India on Sunday condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region after two Indian seafarers went missing when a drone struck the MT Petro Dolphin. Nine of its 11 Indian crew members were rescued, while search-and-rescue operations continued. In a separate incident, the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera was hit by an unknown projectile, triggering a fire; all 11 Indian seafarers aboard were reported safe. The Indian embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities and ship managers to locate the missing crew and assist seafarers. The MEA called the attacks deeply concerning, demanding they cease and urging immediate de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy, and safe navigation under international law.

India has accused the UN human rights office of double standards and interference in its internal affairs after it raised concerns about mass detentions during protests in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva defended the police response, saying peaceful assembly is constitutionally protected, subject to reasonable restrictions, and authorities acted lawfully. The UN office urged India to respect peaceful assembly and immediately release anyone arbitrarily detained. The protests, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party and other groups, demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral-roll irregularities affecting minority voters, claims denied by the BJP and Election Commission.

Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a 46-year-old resident of Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, was killed when a projectile struck Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10. He was travelling with his wife and three children to Medina for Umrah when part of the airport roof reportedly fell on him. His family members were also injured, including two sons who required medical treatment. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi confirmed Ali’s death, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed condolences and assured assistance through the Indian Embassy. At least 11 other Indians were injured; three were in intensive care but stable, two were hospitalised in regular wards, and the remaining injured had been discharged. India condemned the attacks. (PC: X)

Opposition parties are scheduled to march to the Supreme Court on Monday over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Congress has named the demonstration “Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy”, with participants expected to gather at the Connaught Place–Barakhamba Road junction at 1:30 pm. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined a meeting requested by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who sought to submit a memorandum between 4 pm and 5 pm. Their demands include ending alleged “vote chori”, CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, halting SIR and restoring paper ballots. The CJI’s office cited the matter’s pending judicial proceedings and said the leaders could file a petition. (PC: X)