The Supreme Court has agreed to consider a petition for the safe return of 26 Indian citizens allegedly detained in Russia and forced to fight in the Ukraine war. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M.

Pancholi, ordered Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take instructions from the central government, given the seriousness of the matter. The petitioners' lawyer informed the court that these Indian citizens are trapped in extremely unsafe conditions on the battlefield and are being compelled to participate in military activities against their will. The petition filed in court seeks directions to the central government to take immediate diplomatic and consular steps through the Indian embassy in Russia.

It mentions providing consular access to these Indians under the Vienna Convention (1963) and bilateral agreements to accurately ascertain their current legal status and safety. The Solicitor General assured the bench that he would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and inform the court with the government's instructions. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for the end of this month.

The petition emphasizes that the Indian government should make all necessary efforts for the dignity, safety, and return of these citizens within the framework of international laws. This case has emerged amid ongoing reports of several Indians being stranded due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Following the Supreme Court's intervention, there is now hope that the central government will expedite the process of locating these youths and bringing them home safely. All eyes are on the response to be presented by the government in the upcoming hearing.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 32-hour ceasefire on the occasion of Orthodox Easter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed this peace initiative.

Following the Iran-America ceasefire, another piece of good news has emerged globally with the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, this measure is not permanent but is implemented for a limited duration. According to a statement from the Kremlin, the decision has been made to halt all military activities from 4 PM on April 11 until the end of April 12, resulting in a total ceasefire of approximately 32 hours.

Russia has expressed hope that Ukraine will also adhere to this initiative and cooperate in maintaining peace. Orthodox Easter is an important festival for the Christian community, celebrated according to the Julian calendar in Russia and Ukraine, and this year it falls on April 12. The ceasefire has been announced with this religious occasion in mind, allowing people some relief during the festival.

On the other hand, President Zelensky has responded to this announcement, stating that Ukraine has previously proposed a ceasefire during Easter and is ready to take similar steps now. He emphasized that ordinary people should have a safe and peaceful Easter, and this ceasefire could be an opportunity in that direction. He also indicated that Russia has the chance to refrain from resuming attacks after Easter.

Putin's move comes at a time when Zelensky recently proposed halting attacks on energy infrastructure, with reports indicating that the United States has played a mediating role in the negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. This war has now entered its fifth year, affecting both countries and global stability.

The Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing since 2022, resulting in significant loss of life and property. While this temporary ceasefire may be a small step, it is seen as a positive signal towards peace.

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Palm Beach, December 29. US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to reaching a peace agreement. The President made these remarks while hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his resort in Florida, although he acknowledged that the negotiations remain complex. He admitted that the possibility of the talks failing cannot be ruled out, which could result in the war continuing for years.

These statements were made following discussions between the two leaders. As per agency report, Trump mentioned that prior to this meeting, he had a very good telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that lasted for two and a half hours. The US President expressed his belief that Putin still desires peace, even though Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukraine while Zelenskyy was departing for the United States to participate in the talks.

During a press conference, Trump and Zelenskyy noted that several complicated issues remain unresolved, including the question of what will happen to Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russia and how to ensure security assurances for Ukraine to prevent future aggression. Following their discussion, the two leaders spoke via telephone with several European leaders, including the President of the European Commission as well as the leaders of Finland, France, Germany, Britain, and Poland.

Zelenskyy stated that Trump has agreed to host another meeting of European leaders in January, which will likely take place at the White House, although Trump suggested the meeting could be held in Washington or elsewhere. Expressing gratitude for Trump's efforts, Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine is ready for peace. Trump indicated that he plans to speak with Putin again following his meeting with Zelenskyy.

Earlier on Sunday, Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that the initiative for the phone conversation between Trump and Putin came from the United States and described the interaction as friendly, constructive, and business-like. According to Ushakov, Trump and Putin agreed to speak again shortly after the meeting with the Ukrainian President. Trump reiterated that Russia and Ukraine are gradually moving closer to an agreement, describing the matter as a very complex issue but expressing confidence that a solution will be found.

New Delhi, 04 December: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in the Russian language to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to India.

As per agency report, the Prime Minister shared that the teachings of the Gita continue to inspire millions of people across the world. The gesture was made during a dinner hosted for President Putin at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1996791969503498468

President Putin arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day for a two-day visit, during which the two leaders engaged in discussions and participated in official engagements.

New Delhi, December 3. The agenda for the upcoming talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on Thursday will include the procurement of the S-400 missile system, the upgrade of Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, and India's interest in purchasing other critical military hardware from Russia. Top military officials have indicated that the overall focus will be on further expanding the already close defence and security ties between the two nations.

The discussions are expected to pay special attention to ensuring the early supply of military equipment from Russia to India. As per agency report, Belousov will be part of the delegation accompanying Russian President Vladimir Putin on his visit to India. This dialogue between Rajnath Singh and Andrei Belousov is scheduled to take place one day prior to the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin. During the meeting with Belousov, the Indian side is likely to emphasize the supply of military hardware within stipulated timeframes.

There has been a long-standing grievance from the armed forces that the supply of critical spare parts and equipment from Russia takes a considerable amount of time, which subsequently affects the maintenance of military systems purchased from that country. It is believed that India is considering purchasing additional batches of surface-to-air S-400 missile systems from Russia, as these weapons proved to be extremely effective during Operation Sindoor. An official stated that this issue could be discussed during the defence talks.

In October 2018, India signed a five billion US dollar agreement with Russia to purchase five units of the S-400 air defence missile system, despite warnings from the United States that proceeding with the contract could invite American sanctions under the provisions of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. Three squadrons have already been supplied, and the S-400 systems played a significant role during Operation Sindoor. India may also consider purchasing the S-500 missile system from Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that the possibility of supplying Su-57 fighter jets by Russia to India could be discussed. India is currently in the process of procuring a batch of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, with Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Lockheed Martin's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18, and the Eurofighter Typhoon being the main contenders. The Modi-Putin summit is also likely to review the overall defence relations between India and Russia.

An annual summit is held between the Prime Minister of India and the Russian President to review the entire spectrum of relations between the two countries. So far, 22 annual summits have taken place alternately in India and Russia. The Russian President last visited New Delhi in 2021, while Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow for the annual summit in July last year.

San Francisco, Oct 24 – Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sparked widespread discussion on social media after posting a striking message on X, warning that China and Russia are allegedly targeting Silicon Valley employees through espionage tactics involving attractive women. Musk shared a screenshot of a report claiming that these countries are using “honey traps” to steal technological secrets from engineers and scientists. His post was captioned, “If she’s a 10 out of 10, you’re an asset,” a satirical yet serious reference to potential intelligence threats disguised as romance.

As per agency report, Musk’s post quickly went viral, garnering over 300,000 likes and 28,000 reposts within hours. The viral screenshot cited intelligence sources suggesting that Chinese and Russian spy networks are deploying women to approach employees in tech companies, in what experts have described as “sex warfare.” These agents reportedly build relationships, even going as far as marriage or pretending to have children, to gain the targets’ trust and extract classified information.

An insider quoted in the report described the situation as the “Wild West,” where unsuspecting tech professionals are unknowingly putting national security at risk. Investigations have already revealed multiple cases where intimate relationships led to data leaks involving sensitive technology. Musk’s post reignited debate across social media, with thousands of users humorously yet seriously discussing the implications. Some referenced the case of former U.S. congressman Eric Swalwell, who was previously accused of associating with a Chinese spy. Others joked about political figures like Kash Patel allegedly being caught in similar traps. With more than 16,000 comments, users widely praised Musk’s sharp humor while also calling for greater vigilance on national security concerns.

Trump advisor claims plans underway for his third presidential term in 2028

Washington, Oct 24 – A close advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that preparations are being made for Trump to seek a third presidential term in 2028, despite constitutional restrictions. The advisor, a strategist from Trump’s first administration and a long-time supporter of the “Make America Great Again” movement, stated that Trump’s allies are serious about pursuing a third term and that “people should accept it.”

As per agency report, when asked about the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms, the advisor responded that there were “several options,” though he declined to elaborate, saying the plan would be revealed at the appropriate time. He argued that the country still needs Trump’s leadership, claiming that although Trump’s victories in 2016 and 2024 were challenging, his chances in 2028 would be stronger. He described Trump as part of a divine plan, suggesting that despite his flaws, he was chosen for a special purpose.

Earlier this year, Trump himself hinted at the possibility of a third term, claiming that “many people are asking for it” and that “there are ways to make it happen,” though he clarified that no legal steps had been taken. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, explicitly restricts any individual from being elected president more than twice. The only exception applies to a vice president who assumes the presidency for less than two years and is subsequently elected for two full terms—allowing a maximum of 10 years in office.

A third term would only be possible if the 22nd Amendment were repealed, which would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures—a process considered highly improbable under current U.S. political conditions.

Moscow, October 3. Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his government to explore measures such as purchasing more agricultural and pharmaceutical products from India to reduce the trade imbalance caused by India’s large-scale imports of Russian crude oil. The announcement comes ahead of his scheduled visit to India in early December for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As per agency report, Putin made these remarks on Thursday evening while addressing the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, a forum that brought together security and geopolitical experts from 140 countries, including India. He referred to the additional 25 percent tariff imposed by former US President Donald Trump on India, which pushed the total tariff to 50 percent. Putin said the losses India incurred due to American punitive duties could be offset through Russian oil imports, while also strengthening India’s global stature as a sovereign nation.

Putin stated that Russia could address the trade imbalance by increasing imports of Indian agricultural produce and pharmaceutical products. According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, he has instructed the Russian government to engage with Indian counterparts to identify the most promising areas of cooperation and devise ways to balance trade and expand collaboration in various sectors.

Highlighting the untapped potential of economic cooperation between the two countries, Putin noted that bilateral trade currently stands at around 63 billion US dollars, which is comparable to Russia’s trade with Belarus at 50 billion US dollars despite India’s population being 1.5 billion compared to Belarus’s 10 million. He emphasized the need to resolve specific issues such as financing, equipment supply, and payment mechanisms to fully realize the potential of bilateral ties.

Putin underscored that Russia and India have never experienced mutual problems or tensions and referred to the historic depth of their relationship dating back to the Soviet era, when India was fighting for its independence. He appreciated that India continues to value that legacy and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend with whom he shares a relationship based on trust. Praising Modi’s leadership, he called him a balanced, intelligent, and national interest–oriented leader, noting that Indians understand the reasoning behind India’s decision to ignore US pressure to stop importing Russian oil.

Putin also recalled that the declaration of the special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India will soon mark its 15th anniversary. He said the two countries consistently coordinate on political matters, listen to each other’s positions, and maintain close cooperation between their foreign ministries. Additionally, he welcomed the idea of creating a joint fund to develop artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, a proposal made at the Sochi forum by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director General of the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi.

Tianjin, September 1 – In a rare and symbolic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine on Monday as the two leaders traveled together to the venue of their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. According to Russia’s national radio station Vesti FM, the two leaders continued their discussions inside the car while on their way to the hotel, where they were scheduled to meet with their respective delegations.

Upon arrival at the hotel, instead of immediately joining their teams, Modi and Putin remained inside the limousine and spoke privately for nearly 50 minutes. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the leaders held a face-to-face conversation in the car lasting close to an hour. Modi also shared a photograph of himself with the Russian President from inside the limousine on social media, describing their exchanges as always meaningful.

As per agency report, observers in Moscow suggested that this could have been one of the most significant private conversations between the two leaders, possibly touching upon issues not disclosed to others. During their bilateral dialogue, Modi reiterated to Putin that bringing the Ukraine conflict to an end at the earliest is a call of humanity and emphasized the need to find pathways to lasting peace in the region.

Modi also mentioned that India looks forward to welcoming Putin in December for the annual summit talks, underlining the importance of continued engagement between New Delhi and Moscow. The limousine ride and extended conversation highlighted the personal rapport between the two leaders amid ongoing global challenges.

Kyiv, August 26 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending greetings on Ukraine’s Independence Day. He also underlined Kyiv’s confidence in India’s role in efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a social media post, Zelensky acknowledged India’s commitment to “peace and dialogue” and said that New Delhi’s contribution could play a vital role in achieving a dignified and lasting resolution to the war. He noted that each diplomatic step taken to strengthen dialogue not only improves security in Europe but also has wider implications for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

As per agency report, Prime Minister Modi on August 16 had wished the people of Ukraine a future filled with peace and progress, while also thanking Zelensky for his Independence Day greetings to India a day earlier. Zelensky, in his message on August 15, had expressed hope that India would contribute to ongoing international efforts aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The exchange of messages underscores the growing importance of India’s diplomatic positioning as a nation balancing relations with both Russia and the West, while continuing to advocate for peace and stability in global conflicts.

London, July 29 – In a sharp escalation of diplomatic pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump has significantly shortened the timeline given to Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters during his visit to Scotland, Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin now has just 10 to 12 days to make substantial progress towards a peace agreement—considerably less than the previously stated 50-day deadline.

Trump emphasized that he expects clear progress between August 7 and 9. Earlier on July 14, he had warned that if the war did not end by September, the U.S. would impose heavy tariffs on Russia and its trade partners. With the revised timeline, there are growing concerns that additional sanctions may soon be imposed on countries continuing trade with Russia.

“There is no valid reason to wait anymore. We are not seeing any meaningful progress. Putin must come to the table because too many lives are being lost,” Trump said. When asked whether he would meet with Putin, Trump firmly stated, “I’m not very interested in further discussions now.”

The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response to this latest ultimatum. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched over 300 drones, along with four cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles overnight, further escalating hostilities.

Trump once again condemned Putin for attacks on civilians and indicated that if Russia fails to respond diplomatically, the U.S. would move forward with harsh economic measures aimed at forcing compliance. Despite earlier attempts led by the U.S. to broker peace, there has been limited success, and this latest warning signals a more aggressive stance from Washington.

Moscow, July 21 – In a significant development aimed at halting the war that has gripped Eastern Europe for over three years, Russia has announced its readiness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine. On Sunday, July 20, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin is willing to enter negotiations to reach a peaceful resolution with Ukraine. However, he emphasized that Russia remains firmly committed to achieving its core objectives in the conflict.

Peskov stated that President Putin has repeatedly expressed his desire for an early and peaceful settlement with Ukraine. He acknowledged that while a peaceful resolution is desirable, the process is complex and requires substantial effort. He added that the goals of the Russian Federation are clearly defined and non-negotiable, making their achievement the country’s top priority.

As per agency report, the Kremlin spokesperson also commented on U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance regarding the ongoing conflict. Peskov remarked that the global community has grown accustomed to Trump’s occasionally harsh and provocative statements. Nevertheless, he noted that Trump has made it clear he is fully committed to facilitating a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

This announcement from Russia comes at a critical juncture, just weeks after peace talks stalled in early June. Reports indicate that a new round of negotiations has been proposed for next week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office confirmed through Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov that preliminary arrangements are being made for the next phase of discussions with the Russian side, and Ukraine is eager to accelerate the process.

The diplomatic efforts follow heightened tensions earlier this month. On July 14, U.S. President Trump initiated the dispatch of additional weapons to Ukraine and issued a stern warning to Moscow. He declared that if Russia does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine within the next 50 days, the United States would impose sanctions on countries continuing to purchase Russian exports.

As both sides prepare for another round of dialogue, the international community watches closely, hoping that sustained diplomatic engagement may finally bring an end to one of the most prolonged conflicts in recent history.

Washington, May 28 – Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that he is “playing with fire” amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. As per agency report, Trump’s remarks come at a time when there is little indication of the war de-escalating or reaching a resolution soon.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump wrote that Putin does not realize the severity of the situation. “If it weren’t for me, very bad things would have already happened with Russia — and I mean really bad things. He is playing with fire,” Trump stated, hinting at his perceived role in averting further escalation during his presidency.

According to Xinhua news agency, Trump had earlier launched scathing remarks against both President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday. Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Putin’s recent actions, stating, “I’m not happy with what Putin is doing. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”

Later that evening, Trump intensified his criticism through another Truth Social post, claiming that Putin had gone “completely crazy.” He didn’t spare Zelensky either, commenting that the Ukrainian leader was “not doing his country any good” and criticizing the tone of his recent statements. These remarks were in response to Zelensky’s public frustration over the perceived silence of the United States regarding recent Russian attacks.

The Trump camp has also signaled a potential withdrawal from the faltering diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, citing frustration with the lack of progress.

Reacting to Trump’s fiery statements, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, responded on social media Tuesday, warning that Trump’s rhetoric about “really bad things” and “playing with fire” could point to a catastrophic outcome. “There’s only one truly bad thing I know — World War III. I hope Trump understands that,” Medvedev posted.

The exchange underscores rising global tensions as the Russia-Ukraine war drags on with no end in sight, and as political leaders continue to trade barbs on international platforms.