"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 ...
The State of Global Health: A Statistical Perspective Health is a fundamental aspect of human life, influencing everything from personal well-being to economic productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global life expectancy has risen significantly, reaching an average of 73.3 years in 2023. This increase is largely due to advancements in medical technology, improved living conditions, and better access to healthcare services. However, this progress is not evenly distributed. In low-income countries, life expectancy remains significantly lower, with some nations averaging just over 60 years. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are now responsible for over 70% of deaths worldwide. The prevalence of these conditions highlights the growing importance of lifestyle choices and preventative healthcare. For instance, the WHO reports that physical inactivity, poor diet, and tobacco use are major contributors to the global NCD burden. ...