Human rights organizations file federal lawsuit challenging Trump administration sanctions on ICC

NEW DELHI: India’s Independence Day celebrations were met with protests, shutdowns and boycott calls in several regions on Saturday, including Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and parts of the country’s northeast. Several political, community and regional groups called for strikes and non-participation in official celebrations, with some organisations observing the day as a “Black Day”. In IIOJK, boycott and shutdown calls were reported ahead of the celebrations. Security was significantly increased in Srinagar, with additional personnel deployed around key locations and routes leading to the main Independence Day venue. The protests and boycott calls were also reported in several northeastern states, including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. In Nagaland, Naga nationalist groups observed August 14 as their own Independence Day, recalling the Naga National Council’s declaration of independence in 1947. The groups continue to emphasise their separate political identity and longstanding demand for self-determination. Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah reiterated that his group would not compromise on its demands concerning sovereignty, a separate flag and constitution. The Naga Students’ Federation also opposed the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram, citing concerns related to religious freedom and freedom of conscience. In Manipur, several organisations called a 12-hour general strike and shutdown. Black flags were reportedly displayed in parts of the state as groups urged people to stay away from official celebrations. Similar boycott calls were issued in Assam and neighbouring areas. Security forces were placed on alert around sensitive locations and border regions amid concerns over possible disruptions. The developments came as India held nationwide celebrations marking its Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the main ceremony in New Delhi. Meanwhile, India’s opposition also remained divided over the official celebrations. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not attend Modi’s ceremony. Their absence was linked to continuing political differences, including disagreements over seating arrangements and protocol.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs has confirmed that restrictions on bottled water purchases will remain in place as part of efforts to discourage panic buying and ensure supplies remain available for everyone. Under the current rules, shoppers can buy no more than five cartons of bottled water per invoice at central markets and cooperative society branches across the country. The ministry said all cooperative societies are required to enforce the purchase limit without exception. Officials have instructed the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies to make sure every branch follows the directive and prevents customers from making unusually large purchases. Authorities believe the measure will help stop unnecessary stockpiling that could leave other shoppers without access to essential supplies. According to officials, the restriction is purely a precaution and should not be seen as a sign of a shortage. The ministry stressed that bottled water production remains stable and factories continue to operate at full capacity. Regular deliveries are being made to markets and cooperative stores, ensuring that supplies remain sufficient to meet consumer demand. Officials explained that the temporary limit is designed to promote fair distribution and prevent panic buying during the current situation. They said excessive purchasing by a small number of customers can quickly create empty shelves, increase crowding at stores and trigger unnecessary public concern even when supplies remain adequate. The ministry also confirmed that it is closely monitoring the implementation of the policy. Cooperative societies that fail to follow the instructions or violate the regulations could face action from the authorities. Officials urged retailers to strictly apply the purchase limit so that bottled water remains available to all consumers. Residents have been encouraged to buy only the amount they genuinely need and avoid hoarding. The ministry also warned against spreading unverified information or rumors that could create unnecessary fear and encourage panic buying among the public. Officials emphasized that responsible purchasing will help maintain steady supplies and prevent disruption in the market. In a separate development, Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced a new legal framework for e-commerce platforms to improve consumer protection and regulate the country’s rapidly growing online marketplace. The regulations were introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 109 of 2026 and officially came into force on July 8. They apply to all digital platforms involved in selling, ordering and delivering products within Kuwait. The new rules clearly define the responsibilities of online platforms, merchants, delivery companies and consumers. Officials said the regulations are intended to create a more transparent business environment while encouraging fair competition and supporting future investment in the digital economy. Under the updated framework, companies operating electronic platforms must obtain the required licences and comply with existing laws. They are also required to strengthen cybersecurity measures and protect their digital systems and customer information from cyberattacks, data breaches and misuse. Authorities believe the updated regulations will help build greater public confidence in online shopping while ensuring higher standards of safety and accountability across Kuwait’s expanding e-commerce sector.