Latest news with #Middle-Eastern
Mint
8 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
India can wean off Russian oil without heavy costs
India is caught between a rock and a hard place, navigating fresh US tariffs of up to 50% while maintaining long-standing ties with Russia. At the heart of the dilemma: India's oil purchases from Moscow. With the higher tariff posing a significant disadvantage, many experts suggest New Delhi could gradually pivot away from Russian oil. Such a shift would come at limited macroeconomic cost, though refiners could face reduced diesel yields, tighter margins, and higher procurement expenses. India imported crude oil worth $143 billion in FY25, of which $50.2 billion came from Russia. The switch may not be prohibitive. Historically, India wasn't a major importer of Russian crude. Before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, it made up just 1.5% of India's oil imports, with Iraq (21.6%) and Saudi Arabia (18.6%) as the top suppliers. But as sanctions drove Moscow to offer steep discounts, India ramped up purchases—reducing its reliance on these West Asian sources to help stabilise global crude prices. According to Nomura, the immediate impact of a shift away from Russia would be the loss of discounts, now about $2 per barrel, costing roughly $1.5 billion annually. The bigger risk would be a rise in global crude prices triggered by India's redirected demand. Every $1 increase in crude could add another $1.8 billion to India's import bill. The State Bank of India (SBI) estimates India's fuel import bill will rise by $9-12 billion if India stops oil imports from Russia. India can go back to its traditional oil import partners, with increased energy purchases from the US also on the cards. 'India may shift to the traditional Middle-Eastern (West Asian) producers under annual deals with the flexibility to request more supply every month," the SBI said in a report. However, Russian crude is well-suited for India's refinery infrastructure. According to global real-time data and analytics provider Kpler, a reversal will result in a mild yield shift and a small reduction in primary throughput rates, among others, the Press Trust of India reported. However, economists feel India is in a position to re-evaluate its reliance on Russian oil as discounts are not as attractive a proposition as they were two years ago, at around $12 per barrel. Since Indian oil refiners are purchasing Russian oil using the UAE dirham, a shift to oil from West Asia and the US, among others, and thereby dollars, could put some pressure on the Indian rupee, but its impact is also expected to be minimal, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be ready to cushion any volatility. 'The rupee looks oversold technically, (and) the impact on India's oil import bill may not be significant," Barclays said in a report. 'There is still scope for a trade deal, given the time gap to actual implementation of higher tariff rates, and last but not least, we would expect the RBI to cap rupee weakness." For Russia, losing the Indian market would mean some lost revenue, but with China as its top buyer and currently facing no penalties, Moscow's export flows may not be under severe strain.
News18
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Indian dance troupe mesmerises packed auditorium in Israel
Haifa (Israel), Aug 4 (PTI) India enthusiasts in Israel descended on the northern Israeli coastal city of Haifa on Monday evening to witness a rich and impressive dance performance that blended the traditional Indian dance form of Odissi with modern styles, including fusion, Bollywood, urban dance and even some shades of Middle-Eastern influences. Young dancers from the Indian dance troupe Amaiza, founded by dancer and choreographer Nitisha Nanda, known for her appearances in leading reality shows 'So You Think You Can Dance India" and 'India's Got Talent", gave a captivating performance in front of a packed Beit Aba Hushi auditorium, with the 500 people in the audience often cheering in delight. The Embassy of India in Israel, in collaboration with the Haifa Municipality, the Indian Cultural Centre and the Port of Haifa, hosted the vibrant cultural event, 'celebrating the deepening friendship between India and Israel". The northern Israeli coastal city of Haifa has a deep connection with India, having been liberated from the Ottomans in 1918 by Indian soldiers, and Major Dalpat Singh is known as the 'Hero of Haifa" for leading a successful cavalry charge that shocked military historians by its sheer audacity. 'We were taught in school that the British liberated Haifa, but I later learned that it was Indian soldiers who shed their blood to free the city," Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav told the audience. 'Once a year, we gather at the city's cemetery to honour the Indian soldiers who gave their lives to protect us," Yahav said, emphasising the city's strong bond with India. 'The relationship between India and Israel, especially with the city of Haifa, is built on trust, mutual respect and lasting friendship," India's Ambassador to Israel, J P Singh, said. 'This cultural performance is dedicated to the people of Haifa, a city with which India shares deep historical bonds. During World War I, Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in the Battle of the Liberation of Haifa," Singh stressed. Dalpat Singh made the ultimate sacrifice in that battle, which the Indian cavalry forces fought bravely under dire circumstances to inscribe their names in the last 'major cavalry charge in history". The performance in Haifa mesmerised the audience with its passion, precision and energy, showcasing both the traditional and contemporary spirit of Indian culture. It was an evening of colour, rhythm and movement — a powerful artistic experience that left a lasting impression on the Israeli audience. The event marked the festive launch of the troupe's Israel tour, with upcoming performances scheduled at Netanya on August 5, Or Akiva on August 6 and Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek on August 7. PTI HM RC view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 03:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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First Post
19-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
Saudi Arabia plan Earth-shattering €350 million bid for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior: Report
Saudi Arabia have set their sight on Real Madrid's star forward. Many football players have shifted their base to Saudi in the last few years, as the money pull Saudi Pro League clubs offers is second to none. read more Saudi Arabia are reportedly monitoring the situation of Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid and are ready to splurge a whopping €350 million on the Brazilian superstar. The Middle-Eastern nation has been after the Real Madrid star for quite some time, but the interest did not make much waves in recent months as Vini is in advanced talks of a possible renewal. As per a report that dropped back in April, Vinicius was set to sign a contract extension with Real Madrid before summer. However, both parties are still negotiating a new deal and have yet to reach the same page. Hence, the situation has brought the Saudi Pro League clubs back into the scene, as per a report by talkSPORT. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vinicius Junior wants to continue at Real Madrid The Los Blancos, however, are not concerned with the presence of Saudi clubs and the wherewithal they got. The 25-year-old winger is under contract with Real Madrid till 2027. Moreover, Vini has made it clear that he wants to remain at the Bernabeu. Though there is no inclination that a new Real Madrid contract will not be signed, there is nothing stopping Saudi officials to try and lure Vinicius Jr. They are ready to offer around €350 million – a world-record figure that would eclipse the €222 million PSG paid for Neymar in 2017. More from Football Also Read | Vinicius Jr. hasn't ruled out a potential move to Saudi Arabia Despite repeatedly conveying that he wants to stay at Real Madrid, the report states that Vinicius has not completely ruled out a future move to Saudi Arabia. The report further states that Vinicius has been seen as an ideal signing for Al-Ahli. The reigning Asian Champions League winners are seen by both the Saudi Ministry of Sport and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as next in line for a superstar signing. The longer Vinicius' contract negotiations drag on, the more hopeful Saudi officials become. A major offer can be put in front of Real Madrid this summer for the player. Even if Vinicius extends, Saudi is expected to remain in the picture and will persist with their objective of bringing the player to the Saudi Pro League in the near future.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Canned chickpeas are a 'superfood' full of fibre and protein. A chef explains the best way to cook with these versatile beans
Lauren Toyota doesn't exactly recall the first time she tasted a chickpea, but the bean is such a staple that it's hard for her to imagine her eating life without it: 'I have always been a little bit hippie-ish and into plant food. So, it was probably hummus,' she recalls, talking about the classic Middle-Eastern dip made by blending these legumes. 'Tofu is my go-to, but chickpeas are a close second for sure,' the two-time cookbook author and creator of vegan blog Hot for Food tells Yahoo Canada by phone. 'I definitely try to figure out ways to sort of transform them so that they're more interesting and appealing looking — and maybe you don't know what they are right away, because you eat with your eyes first.' This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. 'You can really transform them into whatever flavour you crave: So if you want barbecue, you can do something barbecue with them. If you want Mexican-style, you can add spices and seasonings that make them that flavour profile. So they could just be very versatile,' Toyota adds, explaining that chickpeas are a protein-and-fibre-rich food that also won't break the bank. That makes it something to consider when you're trying to balance your grocery bill and your eating goals. Toyota's website features dozens of different iterations on chickpeas, from a vegan spin on chopped salad to a chocolate mousse made from the liquid from canned chickpeas (it's called aquafaba and it behaves like egg whites, a boon for egg-free bakers everywhere). View this post on Instagram A post shared by hot for food by Lauren Toyota (vegan chef) (@hotforfood) Chickpeas, Toyota says, 'are a superfood in that they contain protein, fibre and they are a nutrient-dense food, which is what makes them a superfood.' On top of feeling full faster and aiding in digestion, these beans comes with a range of other benefits — and we'll get to those in a minute. Economical, good for you and versatile, chickpeas could be the overlooked pantry hero that keeps your grocery bill lower and your stomach happy. Here, Toyota shares all you need to know to make them your new favourite ingredient. Sometimes called garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a beige-coloured bean that can be purchased dried or canned. About the size of a green pea but with one end that's slightly conical, these little legumes are nutritional powerhouses: Half a cup of canned chickpeas boasts around 10 grams of protein, eight grams of fibre as well as high amounts of iron magnesium and B vitamins. Dried chickpeas need to be soaked in water overnight before cooking, and can be cooked in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for the most hands-off approach. However, you can also cook them in the oven or on the stovetop. Cooking any type of dried bean takes time, but chickpeas are a particular commitment, think between 30 minutes and two hours boiling on the stovetop. That's why canned chickpeas, which are already cooked and are ready to be drained and added to recipes, remain popular — even if they're marginally more expensive than their dried counterparts (about $2 for a 540-ml can versus $3 for a 900-gram bag). A 2015 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition echos Toyota's earlier point about making fibre a priority, sharing that less than 25 per cent of Canadians age 19 and older get enough fibre daily. Fibre is an important nutrient for a number of reasons: It aids digestion, helps you feel fuller for longer, can help keep you at a healthy weight and can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, according to the Mayo Clinic. 'Whenever you're eating a plant protein [like chickpeas], it's got the added benefit of fibre, which a lot of people who consume a lot of meat and dairy are actually lacking in, so that's a quick health point,' Toyota adds. 'Also, beans and legumes kind of have a prebiotic effect: They are good for your gut.' Beans and legumes kind of have a prebiotic effect: They are good for your Toyota, vegan cookbook author 'Dried beans, rice, legumes, even regular pasta is a pretty healthy food,' Toyota lists: 'I think the cheaper foods sometimes get demonized by the food industry and the influencer industry. And I would encourage, especially if you're trying to eat more plant based, to go straight for these sort of pantry staples, because they are the least expensive and they're going to stretch your budget and stretch the amount of meals you can make with them.' Toyota explains she understands that after opening a can of chickpeas, you might ask yourself, ''Oh, what do I do with these?'' But, she adds, making the most of a can of chickpeas is as simple as reaching for your favourite sauce. Toyota mentions chana masala, a traditional South Asian chickpea dish, noting that chickpeas are a staple of Indian cooking: Simmering the chickpeas in a tomato-based sauce with the proper spices until warmed through makes a simple meal that pairs with rice, naan or even quinoa. She adds you could use store-bought butter chicken sauce or even your favourite marinara sauce as riffs on the idea. Moreover, as Toyota notes, this is a faster and less-costly meal than using that same jar of sauce with chicken: There's no need to pre-cook or brown the chickpeas, and a can of these beans is a fraction of the $12- to $28-price tag often slapped onto a package of chicken breasts. While Toyota's recipes focus on plant-based eating, she's quick to add that chickpeas are an ingredient to consider regardless of your own dietary labels. 'Think about an extra layer of how can you add more nutrition and fibre to your meal, and chickpeas don't have to be the replacement — they can be the addition,' the former MuchMusic host says. 'Maybe putting them into a soup in addition to your animal protein. They're a nice, easy thing to throw into or on top of anything. So, I would just buy them and then make a conscious effort to use them, knowing that, again, you're only doing yourself good by adding nutrition to your meal.' If you throw them into a stew or soup, they're not an overpowering flavor. They're just kind of there as texture ... but they're not taking away anything from the Toyota Toyota adds that she likes to 'crisp up' chickpeas by draining a can, patting them dry and spreading them on a parchment lined baking tray to cook in an oven put on 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius) until crisp. Anywhere you'd use breadcrumbs, these chickpea bits would be welcomed as a more nutrient-filled alternative. Aside from swapping chickpeas in for meat in your favourite prepared sauces or making a batch of crispy chickpeas to use anywhere breadcrumbs are welcome, Toyota says that a great starting point for chickpeas is to make a tuna salad-style mixture, swapping in a can of chickpeas for the can of fish. View this post on Instagram A post shared by hot for food by Lauren Toyota (vegan chef) (@hotforfood) Recipe: Chickpea 'Tuna' Salad Sandwich A can of chickpeas Lemon One to two ribs of celery, thinly sliced Two to three pickles or two tbsp of capers, diced fine Half a red onion, diced Greek yogurt or mayonnaise Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas using a colander before placing the chickpeas into a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the chickpeas into a rough, rubbly consistency similar to that of flaked tuna. Add enough Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to coat, then fold in celery, red onion and pickles until evenly distributed. Add lemon juice and salt to taste. Serve on bread, in a wrap or as a dip for crackers. 'It really, actually does taste exactly like tuna, and it has the same sort of mouth feel,' Toyota adds. 'And of course, you added all the fun, flavourful things to really transform them. I would say that's a very good entry point, and something that's unique as well, that most people haven't tried.'
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK weather maps show 39C scorcher after heatwave warning issued
Extreme highs of 39C are forecast in the UK soon, according to new weather maps, as meteorologists say the nation is set to experience its third heatwave of the summer so far New weather forecasts show the mercury rising to a scorching 39C after meteorologists warned of a 'longer and wider' heatwave coming to Britain. Maps from WXCharts using MetDesk data show a period of very warm weather between Monday 21 July and Tuesday 22 July that couyld see the mercury surge even above Dubai, with the heat primarily concentrated in England and some inland parts of Wales. On the Monday, conditions in the low-to-mid 30s are forecast across the southeast, East Anglia and central England, reaching 28C-29C in the southwest and the north. Temperatures are meanwhile expected around the 23C-24C mark in Wales, 20C in Northern Ireland, and 17-18C in northern Scotland. But it's on the Tuesday that things will reach into more extreme territory, with the latest forecast showing highs of 39C in North Norfolk at 6pm that day. The highs appear set to smash maximums in Dubai on the same day, with two-metre temperature maps suggesting the Middle-Eastern nation could see temperatures in their mid-30s by 6pm. The mercury would fall just short of Britain's highest-ever temperature of 40.3C, which was recorded during the infamous heatwave of summer 2022. The 39C high would also smash Norfolk's current record of 37.1C, which came during the same summer. Warm conditions are also expected in the short-term, with Met Office saying it expects to declare a heatwave in multiple parts of the UK this weekend thanks to the arrival of a new high pressure system from the Atlantic. This would be the third heatwave of the summer so far, and is expected to last longer than the previous two, particularly in the southeast. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'High pressure from the Atlantic will gradually exert its influence over the UK this week. We'll see temperatures build day-on-day, with the potential for hot conditions to become quite widespread by the end of the week and into the weekend. 'On Wednesday, temperatures could reach up to 28°C in parts of England, climbing to 30°C on Thursday and 32°C by Friday. By this stage, heatwave criteria are likely to be met in parts of England and Wales, and in parts of Scotland over the weekend. 'High temperatures are likely to persist into the weekend, especially away from coasts with onshore winds, reaching the low 30s in portions of England and Wales, and accompanied by rising humidity and warmer nights. 'This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, with the focus for some of the highest temperatures displaced across more central and western areas at times. In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas.' Scientists recently warned that the chance of seeing temperatures above 40C in the UK is now more than 20 times greater than it was in the 1960s due to global warming.
