Case registered against Virat Kohli’s pub in Bengaluru for smoking zone violation
Bengaluru: The Cubbon Park police have filed a case against Virat Kohli’s co-owned bar and restaurant, One8 Commune, for allegedly violating public smoking regulations on May 31.
After the approval of a local court the case was registered under Sections 4 and 21 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The FIR names the manager and staff of the establishment located near Kasturba Road on MG Road in central Bengaluru.
According to the police, during a special enforcement drive that began on May 29 to check smoking-related violations, it was found that the premises lacked a designated smoking zone, a clear breach of the COTPA provisions.
This is not the first time One8 Commune has faced regulatory scrutiny. Earlier in December 2024, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had issued a second notice to the pub’s management over alleged non-compliance with fire safety norms. In July 2024, the Bengaluru City Police had booked the manager for operating beyond the permitted hours, with reports indicating that the pub served customers until 1.30 am, exceeding the 1 am closing time then in effect.
Police said further action would be taken based on the investigation.
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Unjustified, says Russia on US pressure on India for buying Russian crude oil
New Delhi, (PTI): The US pressure on India for its procurement of Russian crude oil is "unjustified", a senior Russian diplomat said on Wednesday.
We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said.
It is a "challenging" situation for India, he said at a media briefing and added that, we have "trust" in our ties with New Delhi.
In the context of Western punitive measures against Russia, Babushkin said the sanctions are hitting those who are imposing them.
To a question, he said the role of BRICS as a stabilising force will increase amid the ongoing global turbulence.
His remarks came against the backdrop of strain in India's ties with the US following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent that included an additional penalty of 25 percent for purchasing Russian crude oil.
US President Trump this month issued an executive order slapping an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods as a penalty for New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil.
Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022.
Consequently, from a mere 1.7 percent share in total oil imports in 2019-20, Russia's share increased to 35.1 percent in 2024-25, and it is now the biggest oil supplier to India.
