Digest for 19 July, 2025
EU Sanctions Indian Refinery in New Measures Against Russia, India Protests 'Double Standards'
The European Union imposed its 18th sanctions package against Russia, for the first time targeting an Indian entity—the Rosneft-owned Nayara Energy refinery in Gujarat. The measures also lower the price cap on Russian oil. India's Ministry of External Affairs responded sharply, stating it does not subscribe to unilateral sanctions and that there should be no "double standards" in energy trade. The move escalates pressure on India over its significant imports of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war began.
ED Arrests Son of Former Chhattisgarh CM in Liquor Scam Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with a multi-crore liquor scam-linked money laundering case. The arrest followed raids at the family's residence in Bhilai. The ED alleges a criminal syndicate operated between 2019-2022, during the Congress government's tenure, illegally generating over ₹2,100 crore. The Congress party has condemned the action as political vendetta, noting it occurred on Chaitanya's birthday.
India and US Conclude Fifth Round of Talks for Bilateral Trade Pact
Indian and US negotiators have completed the fifth round of talks for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in Washington. The discussions are aimed at finalizing an interim deal before an August 1 deadline related to US tariffs. Key issues include agriculture, dairy products, and automobiles, with India seeking concessions for its labor-intensive sectors like textiles and the US pushing for market access for its farm goods and electric vehicles. Both nations aim to conclude the first tranche of the BTA by fall 2025.
First 'Made in India' Semiconductor Chip Set for 2025 Launch
India is set to unveil its first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip in 2025, according to Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking in Hyderabad, he confirmed that construction is underway at six approved semiconductor plants, marking a major milestone in India's ambition to become a global hub for chip manufacturing. This development is a key part of the government's strategy to bolster its high-tech industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign-made electronic components.
Bihar Approves 125 Units of Free Monthly Electricity for 1.67 Crore Households
The Bihar state cabinet has approved a plan to provide 125 units of free electricity per month to approximately 1.67 crore domestic consumers, a day after the policy was announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The scheme, effective August 1, will apply a 100% subsidy on consumption up to 125 units, waiving all fixed and other charges. The move is expected to cost the state exchequer an additional ₹3,797 crore annually, bringing the total power subsidy to nearly ₹20,000 crore.