Iran's President Calls for Ceasefire Amid Rising Global Energy Prices
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Trump's Comments on Iran's Leadership
Former President Donald Trump stated that Iran's new president has requested a ceasefire. It remains unclear who he was referring to, as the current Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has been in office since July 2024.
Trump characterized the Iranian leader as being 'less radicalized and more intelligent than previous leaders'. However, he mentioned that the US would only consider the ceasefire request once the Strait of Hormuz is 'open, free, and clear'.
He further warned that until that condition is met, the US would continue to 'blast Iran into oblivion, or back to the Stone Ages'.
In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is firmly under their control and will not be opened to US threats.
Increase in LPG Prices Amid Global Energy Crisis
The cost of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has risen by Rs 195.5 due to escalating global energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In Delhi, a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder is now priced at Rs 2,078.5.
The price for domestic cooking LPG, which saw an increase of Rs 60 for a 14.2-kg cylinder on March 7, remains unchanged at Rs 913 in the national capital.
State-owned oil companies adjust the prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel and LPG on the first day of each month based on international market trends and currency exchange rates.
Energy supplies to India have faced disruptions since the conflict in West Asia began on February 28, primarily due to Iran blocking the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Aviation Fuel Price Cap Amid Global Disruptions
The Union government has capped the increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic airlines at 25%. Airlines operating on international routes will face full price increases in line with global rates, according to the petroleum ministry.
This decision follows a notification of jet fuel price hikes earlier in the day, attributed to energy supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict.
Initially, the price list from Indian Oil indicated a staggering 115% increase for certain flight categories, but the ministry later clarified that only a partial increase of 25% would be implemented for domestic markets.
Amaravati Declared as Andhra Pradesh's Permanent Capital
The Lok Sabha has passed a bill designating Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. The bill received support from the Telugu Desam Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Congress, while the YSR Congress Party opposed it.
The Congress party expressed its support for Amaravati as the permanent capital but also called for special status for the state.
BJP MP Chief Minister Ramesh criticized a previous proposal by the YSR Congress to establish three capitals as 'illogical', asserting that the new bill would protect the integrity of Andhra Pradesh's capital.
The YSR Congress argued that promises made to land donors, such as providing developed plots and housing schemes, have not been fulfilled, and emphasized the need to safeguard farmers' interests.
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