A 39-year-old Indian-origin man was charged on Thursday for lighting fireworks in Singapore as part of Diwali celebrations, despite a ban on fireworks by the city-state, local media reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged new US sanctions on the energy sector are serious and will have consequences, but insisted they won’t significantly damage the economy. The “unfriendly act” targets Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Washington hopes the measures will encourage dialogue, while the Kremlin expresses concern over escalating pressure.

EU ministers meet hours after the EU and the US announced new sanctions against Russia’s oil industry. 

​EU ministers meet hours after the EU and the US announced new sanctions against Russia’s oil industry.