The rumours of a nationwide lockdown in India have been strongly dismissed by the Union government, which termed them entirely false, amid speculation rife on the internet. Hardeep Singh Puri debunked rumors of any such restriction being imposed and called on citizens not to spread false information amid a sensitive global situation.
On social media, Puri stated that, even though the international environment is unpredictable regarding ongoing geopolitical disputes, especially the Iran-US conflict, the government is keeping track of energy, supply chains, and the development of key commodities in real time. He promised that, with Narendra Modi as the new leader, everything possible is being done to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel, energy, and other important resources in the country.
This explanation is given soon after the government announced a decrease in excise duties on petrol and diesel to temper the effects of rising global oil prices. The governments also emphasized that it is irresponsible to share unverified news about lockdowns, as it would cause panic among citizens.
Conjecture about a potential lockdown had only increased after the Prime Minister made recent comments in Parliament about the global crisis and how it may affect India. It caused a burst in internet research and social media debates about another COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
Calming the masses, the government once again reminded the people that India is still ready to meet emerging challenges and will always respond proactively and in a coordinated manner, without resorting to lockdowns.
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