"India's Efforts to Secure Affordable Russian Oil Amid Tightening Sanctions" India’s state-owned refiners are expediting payments for Russian crude oil to complete transactions before expanded US sanctions take effect. These refiners now settle payments within two days instead of the usual five, aiming to secure discounted Russian oil while navigating an increasingly restricted global trade environment. The urgency stems from Washington's announcement of stricter sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry, which are set to take effect next month. Refiners are keen to ensure transactions are completed during the “wind-down” period allowed for pre-sanctioned cargoes. At least 4.4 million barrels of Russian oil are en route to Indian ports like Jamnagar, Chennai, Paradip, and Visakhapatnam. Among these shipments is the tanker Mercury , carrying over 1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude, expected to arrive in Paradip soon. This vessel loaded its cargo in mid-December ...
"India's Middle Class Crisis: How Rising Inflation Is Crushing Dreams" Introduction: A Dwindling Dream Once seen as the driving force behind India’s economic growth, the middle class today stands on shaky ground, struggling under the weight of soaring costs. Since 2014, inflation has crept into the daily lives of ordinary people, from grocery bills to fuel expenses, robbing families of financial security and shrinking their dreams of a stable future. Rising costs and stagnant incomes have created a perfect storm, leaving the middle class with little choice but to brace for an uncertain tomorrow. This isn’t merely an economic issue; it’s a social and existential crisis, one that threatens to reshape India’s future. Inflation's Reach: Why Are Prices Rising? The Global Ripple Effect The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical conflicts have disrupted supply chains worldwide, and India has been no exception. Imports of essential goods and raw materials have become more...