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Time of India
30-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From 0.2% to 35-40%: India's imports of Russian oil under spotlight after Trump tariffs
From just 0.2 per cent before the Russia-Ukraine war to now accounting for 35-40 per cent of total crude imports, India's reliance on Russian oil has surged -- drawing fresh scrutiny with US President Donald Trump announcing a penalty on top of a 25 per cent tariff, or tax, on all goods going to the US. India historically bought most of its oil from the Middle East, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia. However, things changed when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. 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This month, Russia supplied 36 per cent of all crude oil, which is converted into fuels like petrol and diesel, that India imported. Live Events Announcing imposition of 25 per cent tariff or tax on all Indian goods going to the US, Trump said New Delhi "always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE." "India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25 per cent, plus a penalty for the above (Russian purchases), starting on August First," he said in a post on social media. India bought 68,000 barrels per day of crude oil from Russia in January 2022, according to global real-time data and analytics provider Kpler. That month, Indian imports from Iraq were 1.23 million bpd and 883,000 bpd from Saudi Arabia. In June 2022, Russia overtook Iraq to become India's largest oil supplier. That month it supplied 1.12 million bpd as compared to 993,000 bpd that came from Iraq and 695,000 bpd from Saudi Arabia. Russian imports peaked to 2.15 million bpd in May 2023 and have varied --depending upon the discount at which the oil was available. But the volumes never slipped below 1.4 million bpd, which is more than what India was buying from its top supplier Iraq before the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This month, imports from Russia have averaged 1.78 million bpd, almost double of 900,000 bpd imports from Iraq. Saudi imports stood at 702,000 bpd, according to Kpler. After the Ukraine war, western energy sanctions against Russia pushed it to cut prices for those buyers still willing to purchase its crude. The discounts on Russia's flagship Urals crude to Brent -- the world's most known benchmark -- was as high as USD 40 per barrel at one point but have been trimmed since to less than USD 3. G7 countries in December 2022 imposed a USD 60 per barrel price cap on Russian crude. Under the mechanism, European companies were permitted to transport and insure shipments of Russian oil to third countries as long as it is sold below the capped price -- an effort to limit the impact of the sanctions on global oil flows but ensure Russia earns less from the trade. This month, the European Union decided to lower the price cap to USD 47.6 and introduced an automatic and dynamic mechanism for its review in the future. The idea being to keep the cap at 15 per cent lower than the average market price. In addition to stoking India's economy, cheap Russian oil gave refiners lucrative business -- refining that crude and exporting the products to deficit countries. These included the European Union, which had banned direct crude oil purchases from Russia. The bulk of the crude that goes to India from Russia arrives at ports in Gujarat, where Reliance Industries Ltd 's Jamnagar refinery, the largest in the world, and Nayara Energy-owned India's second-largest refinery less than 10 miles away at Vadinar turned them into fuel. The Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, a research group based in Finland, in a recent report highlighted the role of "laundromat" countries like India, China, and Turkey, which buy Russian oil, refine it into other products and sell it on to buyers in Europe, the United States and other jurisdictions that have halted direct purchases from Russia. This month, the European Union decided to ban import of refined oil produced from Russian crude. All through the Russia-Ukraine war, India has taken a neutral stance, balancing its economic and energy needs with diplomacy. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has repeatedly stated that global oil prices would have shot up sharply if India had not bought Russian oil. The logic being, if oil from a large supplier like Russia went off the shelf, it would have created pressure on other supplies and led to spike in prices. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, too, has stated that it is a sensible policy to go where the best deals are available in the interest of the Indian people. "If it is your contention that our position has been in putting the interests of the Indian public first, I plead guilty," he had said in the past.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Downpour disrupts normal life; road, rail & air traffic hit; rivers in full spate
1 2 3 4 Kochi/Thrissur/Kottayam: Heavy rain since Friday night caused widespread damage across several parts of Kerala, raising water levels in rivers and dams and sending normal life into disarray. Road traffic was disrupted and even some flights to Kochi were diverted due to bad weather. IMD said Southwest monsoon would remain intense across Kerala until July 29 due to the influence of a low-pressure area extending from Maharashtra coast to Kerala coast. Heavy rain is also caused by a depression over the Bay of Bengal. IMD issued a yellow alert for districts from Ernakulam to Kasargod for Sunday. Fishers should not venture into the sea off the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts until July 30. Incois has warned of possible sea surges and high waves reaching 2.8 to 3.4 metres along the Kasaragod and Alappuzha coasts until 8.30pm on Sunday. Traffic on highways and roads in hill districts and cities, especially Kochi, was disrupted. Kochi-bound flights — Akash Air from Mumbai, Alliance Air flight from Agati and Indigo flight from Mumbai, scheduled to land at 11.15am, 11.45am and 12.20pm in that order — were diverted to nearby airports. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo In Kozhikode, rain and strong winds uprooted trees and damaged houses and vehicles. Electric poles were brought down, disrupting supply. Similar incidents were reported from Palakkad and Kannur districts. Shutters of Banasura Sagar dam in Wayanad and Aliyar dam in Palakkad were raised. Residents living downstream have been advised to stay vigilant. Irrigation Design and Research Board and Central Water Commission have issued alerts after several water levels in rivers including Manimala, Achankovil and Pamba rivers in Pathanamthitta; Vamanapuram in Thiruvananthapuram; Pallikkal in Kollam; and Thodupuzha in Idukki, have "risen dangerously". People residing along riverbanks have been urged to exercise caution. In Kottayam district, around 175 houses were partially damaged on Friday and Saturday, taking the number to 534 since monsoon's onset on May 24. Two houses were completely damaged. Fifty-four villages in the district have been affected by the rain. Two relief camps were opened in the district — in Kottayam and Changanassery taluks — to which 19 people from four families were shifted. In Alappuzha district, six relief camps were opened — three in Chengannur and one each in Kuttanad, Karthikapally and Cherthala — and around 73 people from 20 families have been shifted there. Rail traffic was disrupted on the Alappuzha-Ernakulam route for one-and-a-half hours after a coconut tree fell on power cable above the track near Pathirappally around 8.15am on Saturday. Jan Shatabdi Express, Ernakulam-Alappuzha passenger and Alappuzha-Ernakulam Memu were delayed. At Kalladikode in Palakkad, a family escaped narrowly after a coconut tree fell on their house on Friday. Many houses were damaged in the district due to the uprooting of trees. Shutters of Parambikulam dam, Sholayar dam and Aaliyar dam were raised. Water levels in the Chalakudy and Chittur rivers are expected to go up. In Thrissur, many low-lying areas were inundated. The second sluice valve of Peringalkuthu dam was opened. The shutters of the Peechi reservoir are likely to be raised further on Sunday morning. Three relief camps have been opened in Thrissur district and 132 people from 33 families have been shifted there. Padiyoor near Irinjalakuda experienced strong winds on Saturday afternoon, causing widespread destruction. Uprooted trees fell on nearby houses at Varavoor, Chelakode, Edathirinji, Chavakkad, Kurumbilavu and Pulimuttam near Kodungallur.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nintendo Switch 2 Pokemon Bundle: Launch date, Price and new characters
Nintendo has unveiled a new hardware-software bundle, bringing together the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console and the next evolution of its famed franchise: Pokémon Legends: Z-A . The bundle will launch globally on October 16, 2025, with a retail price set at $499.99, according to an announcement during the Pokémon Presents broadcast streamed by The Pokémon Company group. This strategic reveal, part of Nintendo's aggressive holiday season campaign, places a spotlight on a game designed to bridge two console generations while reinvigorating gameplay with new mechanics, characters, and narrative depth. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Project Management PGDM Product Management Healthcare Leadership Degree MCA Public Policy Others others Design Thinking Operations Management Technology Data Science healthcare Management Data Science Data Analytics Cybersecurity MBA Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence CXO Finance Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management Project Planning & Risk Analysis Strategic Project/Portfolio Selection Adaptive & Agile Project Management Duration: 6 Months IIT Delhi Certificate Programme in Project Management Starts on May 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Project Planning & Governance Agile Software Development Practices Project Management Tools & Software Techniques Scrum Framework Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Programme in IT Project Management Starts on Jun 20, 2024 Get Details A Glimpse at Nintendo's Next-Gen Strategy Nintendo's decision to release a Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundle reflects the company's broader ambition to deliver seamless inter-generational gameplay. The console itself boasts backward compatibility, ensuring the title is playable on both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch models. The pricing structure places the Switch 2 bundle as a premium-tier offering, aligning with expectations around improved hardware specifications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo Pre-orders for the bundle are now live through the My Nintendo Store and select major retailers, signaling a clear intent to drive early adoption ahead of the holiday shopping surge. Also Read | Pokemon Z-A release date: Mega Dragonite, pre-order perks, styles, features, side-quests revealed Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Lumiose City Reimagined Set in the futuristic yet nostalgic setting of Lumiose City, the game marks a thematic return to the Kalos region, but with several narrative twists. A central gameplay feature includes time-sensitive mechanics – the city shifts between distinct day and night gameplay modes. Live Events By day, players traverse the city's wild areas, battling and capturing alpha Pokémon – larger, more aggressive beasts that serve as mini-bosses. As dusk falls, the Z-A Royale emerges – a tournament-style gauntlet where trainers face off in high-stakes battles, culminating in encounters with notable adversaries like Corbeau, leader of the Rust Syndicate, a new antagonist group with roots in the city's underworld. Side Quests, Mega Evolutions, and New Characters Beyond the central story arc, Pokémon Legends: Z-A offers a host of side missions and supporting characters. Emma, a streetwise detective, brings investigative storylines to the forefront, tasking players with solving the mystery of missing Pokémon and stolen items. Another pivotal figure is Mable, head of the Pokémon Research Lab, who encourages players to assist in fieldwork studies in exchange for in-game rewards and lore expansion. Of particular interest is the return and expansion of the Mega Evolution mechanic. A newly introduced Mega Dragonite , blending the ethereal appearance of Dragonair with enhanced battle stats, is expected to become a fan-favorite. Developers revealed that its sleek design and upgraded speed will introduce fresh competitive dynamics. Furthermore, the game explores the emergence of 'Rogue Mega Evolutions', where wild Pokémon are seen transforming spontaneously, becoming volatile. These battles serve as major narrative checkpoints, with players required to calm and capture these feral forms using Mega Stones, working alongside the newly formed group Team MZ. Bundle Aimed at Core and New Audiences Nintendo's bundle strategy is clearly aimed at long-time fans as well as new adopters. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A designed to take advantage of the enhanced specs of the Switch 2, early impressions from developers hint at more fluid animations, sharper textures, and reduced load times. At the same time, cross-compatibility with the original Switch ensures players aren't left behind. This mirrors previous Nintendo transitions—similar to when Zelda: Breath of the Wild straddled the Wii U and the original Switch—providing continuity in player experience across platforms. Pricing and Market Expectations Priced at $499.99, the Switch 2 bundle is positioned at the high end of Nintendo's console offerings, yet competitive compared to other current-gen hardware on the market. Analysts expect strong uptake, especially given the enduring popularity of Pokémon and the historic success of bundled game releases. Retailers have already begun promoting the bundle aggressively, and some industry insiders predict stock shortages during the launch window—similar to what occurred with earlier Nintendo launches, including the original Switch. A Calculated Leap for Nintendo's Hardware Ecosystem This bundle signals Nintendo's transition to its next hardware era, and the company appears intent on using its most powerful IP, Pokémon, to make that shift as smooth and commercially potent as possible. With this rollout, Nintendo blends nostalgia, narrative innovation, and technical evolution. As the release date of October 16 approaches, fans and industry watchers alike will be monitoring how the game performs across both hardware generations and what it portends for the Switch 2's long-term adoption curve. FAQs What has Nintendo announced recently? Nintendo has announced a hardware-software bundle featuring the Nintendo Switch 2 console and its flagship title Pokémon Legends: Z-A. This bundle marks a major next-gen shift in Nintendo's gaming strategy. When will the Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A bundle be released? The bundle is scheduled to launch globally on October 16, 2025, aligning with the holiday shopping season.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Over 67,000 cases of power stick deodorant recalled nationwide
Over 67,000 cases of Power Stick antiperspirant deodorants have been pulled from shelves across the United States in a sweeping voluntary recall announced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 10, 2025. The recall covers products sold at major retailers such as Dollar Tree, Amazon, and previously, Walmart (though later corrections indicate Walmart was not actually involved in this recall). What's the stink? Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Cybersecurity others Design Thinking Technology healthcare Operations Management MBA MCA Leadership Management PGDM Public Policy Others Data Science Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Project Management Digital Marketing Product Management Data Science CXO Degree Data Analytics Finance Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details The recall involves several varieties of Power Stick Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant made by A.P. Deauville , a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer. The affected products include: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo 'Power Fresh' Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant 'Spring Fresh' Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Why the recall? The FDA reports the recall was prompted by 'cGMP deviations,' which means the manufacturing process did not fully comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations designed to ensure product quality and safety. No details have been released about any specific hazards, but the deviation was serious enough for a full nationwide recall. FDA regulations are in place to prevent contamination, formulation errors, and other issues that could pose risks to consumers. The numbers Each deodorant group affected breaks down to: Live Events Over 20,000 cases of Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant About 22,400 cases of Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On More than 23,400 cases of Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On How to know if yours is recalled Consumers should check the lot numbers, which include but are not limited to: Power Stick for Her: 032026B011, 032226B031, 051626C241, 061526C882, 071226D371, 071226D381, 082526E341, 082826E402 Power Stick Invisible Protection: 031726A991, 041226B561, 062026C901, 062026C911, 071026D351, 071026D361, 071326D391, 111626G231 Power Stick Original Nourishing: 101225D781, 032926B281, 032826B221, 041126B531, 062226D011, 070626D301, 070626D333, 111026G051, 111326G091, 111626G221 What sould you do? Stop using the affected products immediately. Contact A.P. Deauville for further instructions on returns or refunds. The recall is voluntary and precautionary—no injuries or illnesses have been reported, but the company and FDA urge consumers to act out of an abundance of caution. A.P. Deauville stated on its website that its products are manufactured in an FDA-regulated facility in Easton, Pennsylvania, and stressed their commitment to quality and consumer company is working alongside the FDA to manage the recall efficiently. The affected deodorants were distributed nationwide, with prominent availability at Dollar Tree and Amazon. Packaged deals included three-packs at $21 (previously on Walmart) and 24-packs for $30 at Dollar Tree, showing the vast reach of the recall across American households.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of exercise or a high-calorie diet -- What causes obesity? Major new study offers surprising insight
Couch potatoes have always had bad press. But turns out, the over-the-top foodies are equally guilty – if not more. Obesity, now a global public health crisis, has long been blamed on sedentary lifestyles and high‑calorie diets. In 2025, global obesity rates are projected to continue rising, with estimates suggesting that one in five adults worldwide will have obesity. This trend indicates that countries are significantly off track to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2025 targets to halt the rise of obesity. What's more? The World Obesity Federation's 2025 Atlas highlights that many countries lack sufficient policies and plans to address the escalating obesity crisis. Amidst that, a major new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds surprising light on the root causes. Is it the sedentary lifestyle alone? Or is the high-calorie diet to be blamed for it? Read on to know more. The study The new study, led by Dr. Herman Pontzer at Duke University, has flipped traditional ideas about the origins of obesity on their head, highlighting that our diets might hold more weight, literally and figuratively, than the amount of physical activity we engage in. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo Published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the research challenges the long-held belief that individuals in developed countries like the United States of America lead relatively inactive lifestyles and consequently burn fewer calories. Surprisingly, it reveals that calorie-burning rates among people in developed nations are comparable to those of individuals in less industrialized regions, including farmers, herders, and hunter-gatherers who enjoy more active routines. More specifically – the researchers calculated total energy expenditures for 4,213 men and women from 34 countries or cultural groups, and found they were similar, regardless of whether someone was an American office worker or a hunter-gatherer. This groundbreaking research work, examining the energy expenditure and metabolic rates of those individuals from diverse nations, proposes that inactivity might not be a significant contributor to obesity in the US or beyond. Instead, the study emphasizes that dietary choices play a much larger role than the decrease in energy expenditure associated with economic progress. As per the study, what people eat 'plays a far greater role than reduced expenditure in the elevated prevalence of obesity associated with economic development.' The experts' take Herman Pontzer, a professor and senior author of the study, shared with the Washington Post that these findings are pivotal in helping health officials pinpoint the true causes of obesity, paving the way for more effective treatments. Alongside more than 80 co-authors, Pontzer collected data from laboratories worldwide utilizing doubly labeled water in metabolism studies, a method that precisely measures energy expenditure. Contrary to the notion that increasing exercise would lower obesity rates, the study reveals that 'increased energy intake has been roughly 10 times more important than declining total energy expenditure in driving the modern obesity crisis,' according to the authors. In simpler terms, populations grappling with higher obesity rates are consuming excessive amounts of food, often the wrong types, as Pontzer explained. Barry Popkin, a professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a recognized obesity expert, told the Post, 'This study confirms what I've been saying, which is that diet is the key culprit in our current [obesity] epidemic.' He added that 'this is a well-done study,' a sentiment echoed by other professionals in the field. Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University in Boston, stated, 'It's clear from this important new research and other studies that changes to our food, not our activity, are the dominant drivers of obesity.' What's ahead, then? As the study reveals, obesity's roots are multifaceted. The latest evidence confirms that while you can't outrun a bad diet, you can transform your health by choosing what and how much you eat. It is now a proven fact that proper diet plays a tad bit more important role in managing weight and keeping obesity in check than a laid-back lifestyle. Should we go back to our couches then, instead of picking up the dumbbells? That doesn't sound wise. This landmark study rather revolutionizes our understanding of obesity: metabolic adaptation buffers against exercise-driven calorie deficits, while poor diet remains the primary villain. To tackle the obesity epidemic, public health must realign – from 'move more' to 'eat smart.' Coupling smart eating habits with regular exercise provides the best defense. In fact, Pontzer stressed that these findings do not diminish the importance of exercise for our overall health. 'We know that exercise is essential for health. This study doesn't change that,' he affirmed. However, he advocated that to tackle obesity effectively, 'public health efforts need to focus on diet,' particularly concerning ultra-processed foods, as Pontzer highlighted. Exercise during pregnancy may save kids from health problems as adults, says study
