"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 ...
Antarctica's Economic Jewel: Preserving a USD 180 Billion Ecosystem Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Economic Value of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean - Ecosystem Services Provided - Calculation of Economic Value 3. Importance of Conservation Efforts - Threats to Antarctic Region - Role of the Antarctic Treaty 4. Conclusion 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - What are ecosystem services? - How was the economic value of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean calculated? - What are the major threats to the Antarctic region? - How can the Antarctic Treaty address these threats? - Why is conservation of Antarctica important? Introduction Antarctica, a continent of immense beauty and ecological significance, plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. Recently, a study highlighted the substantial economic benefits the Antarctic and Southern Ocean provide to t...