In a development that is raising eyebrows across the nation, several accounts on the social media platform X have been suppressed in India following a legal directive. These accounts, many of which have been critical of the Indian government, were blocked starting Wednesday, although the specific reasons behind this decision remain shrouded in mystery.

The social media giant, X, confirmed that the action was taken in compliance with a legal demand, yet it has not provided any further clarification regarding the nature of the legal request. This lack of transparency has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Congress party, which has labeled the move as “unacceptable”. The Internet Freedom Foundation, an advocacy group dedicated to protecting digital rights, also voiced its concerns about the implications of such actions for free speech and the democratic discourse in the country.

Meanwhile, on the global stage, Europe is grappling with a significant surge in gas prices, which have spiked by a staggering 35%. This dramatic increase is primarily attributed to escalating concerns over energy supplies following Iranian missile strikes on key energy facilities across the Gulf. Among the affected sites is Qatar’s main liquefied natural gas complex, which has suffered extensive damage, igniting fears of further disruptions in energy supplies.

The Iranian strikes, which also targeted the Habshan gas facility and the Bab oil field in the UAE, have prompted a strong response from the international community. On Thursday, foreign ministers from twelve Arab and Islamic nations condemned Iran’s aggressive actions, insisting that there is no justification for such attacks and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

In the midst of these geopolitical tensions, Ukraine has also made headlines in India, where its embassy reported the arrest of six Ukrainian nationals under circumstances that remain unclear. This incident adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic dynamics in the region, further highlighting the intricate web of international relations that India navigates.