Latest news with #southAmerican
Mint
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
E20 petrol is safe, says govt, amid engine damage, mileage concerns
New Delhi: The government on Tuesday sought to allay concerns over the 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) hurting mileage and damaging vehicle engines, saying that the fuel in fact gave better acceleration and improved ride quality. In a statement, the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas said that vehicle owners do not find any issue related to drivability, metal compatibility and plastic compatibility while using E20 petrol. The ministry also rejected suggestions that E20 causes a 'drastic' reduction in fuel efficiency as "misplaced". "The use of E20 gives better acceleration, better ride quality and most importantly, lowered carbon emissions by approximately 30% as compared to E10 fuel. Ethanol's higher-octane number (108.5 compared to petrol's 84.4) makes Ethanol-blended fuels a valuable alternative for higher-octane requirements that is crucial for modern high-compression engines. Vehicles tuned for E20 deliver better acceleration, which is a very important factor in city driving conditions," the ministry said. Citing Brazil's experience with ethanol-blended fuel, it said that the south American nation has been successfully running on E27 for years with zero issues. The same automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai among others produce vehicles there too, the ministry said, adding that safety standards for E20 are well established through Bureau of Indian Standards specifications and Automotive Industry Standards. "In most parameters including drivability, startability, metal compatibility, plastic compatibility, there are no issues. Only in case of certain older vehicles, some rubber parts and gaskets may require replacement earlier than in case non-blended fuel was used. This replacement is inexpensive and can be easily managed during routine servicing. It may need to be done once in the lifetime of vehicle and is a simple process to be carried out at any authorized workshop," it said. Users have also complained, citing a NITI Aayog report, that ethanol-blended petrol should be cheaper than non-blended fuel, and that this cost advantage has not been passed on to the customers. The ministry said that in 2020-21, when the report of NITI Aayog was prepared, ethanol was cheaper than petrol. Over time, procurement price of ethanol has increased and now the weighted average price of ethanol is higher than the cost of refined petrol, the ministry said. "Currently, the average procurement cost of ethanol for Ethanol Supply Year 2024-25, as on 31.07.2025, is ₹ 71.32 per litre, inclusive of transportation and GST. For producing E20, OMCs (oil marketing companies) blend 20% of this procured ethanol with Motor Spirit (MS). Price of C-heavy molasses-based ethanol increased from ₹ 46.66 (ESY 2021-22) to ₹ 57.97 (ESY 2024-25)," the ministry said. "Price of Maize-based ethanol increased from ₹ 52.92 to ₹ 71.86 over the same period. Despite the increase in price of ethanol in comparison to petrol, the oil companies have not gone back on the ethanol blending mandate because the programme delivers on energy security, boosts farmers' incomes and environmental sustainability," it added. Describing the concerns as "totally baseless", the ministry said that usage of E20 fuel has no impact on the validity of insurance of vehicles in India. Automobile manufacturers continue to engage with vehicle owners to provide them any support that may be warranted to ensure optimum performance of vehicles, the ministry said. "For a vehicle owner, who believes that his/her vehicle may require further tuning or parts replacement, the entire network of authorized service stations are available to respond to such requests." Regarding moving beyond 20% ethanol blending, the ministry said that it would require careful calibration, for which extensive consultation are underway. This process has involved the same vehicle manufacturers that are already in Brazil as well as other manufacturers, entities involved in supply of feedstocks, R&D agencies, oil companies and ethanol producers. This process is yet to reach conclusion, it said. As per the current plan, the government is committed to using E20 petrol till October 2026. "Decisions for beyond 31.10.2026 will involve submission of the Report of the Inter Ministerial Committee, evaluation of its recommendations, stakeholder consultations and a considered decision of the government in this regard. That decision is yet to be taken," it said.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Indian shrimp exporters to see 2-3 pc uptick in revenues this fiscal
New Delhi: Indian shrimp exporters will see a marginal 2-3 per cent uptick in revenues this fiscal (FY26) on improved realisations stemming from rising prices and currency gains, a Crisil report said on Friday. Though the low-value-added shrimp exports will likely see increased pressures, Indian exporters have a competitive advantage in the value-added segment over other Asian peers, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, which face higher tariffs but enjoy over one-third market share in the US. However, export volumes will be flat because of higher tariffs expected to be imposed by the US and subdued demand in key importer nations as sluggish economic growth affects disposable incomes. India exports close to 48 per cent of its produce to the US. The reciprocal tariffs announced by the US, though paused for the time being, will benefit south American exporters such as Ecuador, the largest shrimp exporter in the world. Indian exporters will face higher competition from them in the raw frozen and peeled frozen categories, which have low value addition and are less remunerative. According to the report, operating margins will be under pressure because the tariff burden will be passed on only partially and gradually, as seen in the past, even as exporters scout for other markets and improve offerings through value addition. Credit profiles will continue to face challenges as elongated working capital cycles induce further recourse to credit lines that, in turn, would moderate debt protection metrics. Capital structures are expected to remain comfortable, however, the report mentioned. 'Last fiscal, the waters turned choppy for Indian shrimp exporters as prices and competition increased after a countervailing duty of 5.77 per cent was slapped by the US,' said Himank Sharma, Director, Crisil Ratings. This fiscal, with the US imposing reciprocal tariffs -- even as other major markets such as the European Union and China see sluggish economic activity -- exporters will likely see flattish demand. 'But as realisations tick up, overall growth in revenues should be in low single digit this fiscal,' Sharma added. Global shrimp demand has flatlined at 4 million tonne (MT) over the past few fiscals and will likely remain subdued this fiscal, too. Indian exporters have around a fifth of the global market share as of now, while domestic production is seen flat at 1.2 MT due to non-remunerative global prices impacting shrimp culture and growth, this fiscal. Nagarjun Alaparthi, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings, said that 'Despite rising debt, the capital structures of shrimp exporters will remain healthy'.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
Make a will if you travel to Venezuela: US issues strange travel advisory
US issues a stern and strange warning against travelling to South American country Venezuela. The US state department has issued a strange travel warning for those who want to visit Venezuela -- that they should prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/ or power of attorney. Venezuela is a south American country bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The alert was already in place but the government reissued it recently, heightening the warning. The advisory comes and the US and Venezuela are caught in a diplomatic tension. The US Treasury Department revoked Chevron's license to export Venezuelan oil, prompting Nicolás Maduro's government to suspend deportation flights on March 8. An agreement to restart repatriation flights carrying immigrants who were in the US illegally was reached later that same month. The US has not had a functioning embassy in Caracas since March 2019, leaving Americans in Venezuela without consular support or evacuation options. Venezuelans are also being deported in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. What does the new advisory say? The new advisory replaces an old one that was issued in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 드디어 전립선비대증 사라졌다! "특허물질" 먹자마자 잔뇨 야뇨 빈뇨 싹~ 전립선·남성기능 관리법 Undo Situation has worsened and now the new advisory says: "Do not travel to or remain in Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure." "If you decide to travel to a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney." The warning also advises against all forms of entry into Venezuela, including over land borders, and highlights additional safety risks like nighttime travel and the lack of medical care or pharmaceutical availability. Travel advisories for several countries have been reissued by the US government in May. the State Department updated its travel advisory for the United Kingdom on May 8 to Level 2, citing terrorism risks and advising travelers to exercise "increased caution." Several other countries' travel advisories are at a higher risk level, and were updated to reflect changes to risk indicators, such as Myanmar, also called Burma, which has a "do not travel" warning "due to armed conflict" amongst other reasons.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Viral Olympic star announces return to sport after being banished from athletes' village, retiring and starting OnlyFans
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE OLYMPIAN who was sent home from the Paris 2024 Olympics for alleged misconduct has announced her sporting return. Luana Alonso, the Paraguayan swimmer, was banished from the Olympic village last year for creating an "inappropriate atmosphere". 4 Alonso's posts caught the eye during the Paris Olympics Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 4 Alonso pivoted to OnlyFans after her retirement from swimming Credit: Instagram @luanalonsom Alonso, 21, announced her retirement after the incident, and she launched an OnlyFans account as a result, where a subscription to her page cost $35 per month. Alonso had also spoken of her intention to "study in the United States." She said: "I am going to continue my career in political science and, why not, be sports minister one day." However, in a shock turn of events, it appears that she could return to the pool after all. Alonso represented the south American nation in the women's 100m butterfly in the French capital, but did not reach the semi-finals in her event. She finished sixth in her heat and 29th overall, failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Alonso had gained traction on social media for sharing photos with fellow Olympians as well as herself out and about in Paris. Reports out of Paraguay claimed that Alonso was removed from the Olympic village after a visit to Disneyland Paris, while another report suggested that Alonso had previously said that she did not want to represent Paraguay before the Games began, instead wanting to compete under the United States flag. Other rumblings suggested that Paraguay team chiefs had an issue with Alonso distracting her compatriots, as well as arranging trips away from the village, and wearing her own clothes, rather than the Paraguayan team kit. Now, Alonso has shared her desire to come back, and she said so in a post on her Instagram story. Inside Olympics star Luana Alonso's glam life from selfies with Nadal to modelling gigs after 'inappropriate behaviour' Doing a Q&A, she was asked by one Instagram user: "Is there a chance you are back to swimming competitions? Especially Olympics?" To which Alonso replied: "Next year I'm coming back, but I don't know if I will be back to competitive swimming." 4 Luana Alonso's Instagram was a huge hit Credit: instagram/@luanalonsom
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Seattle Catholics react to new Pope Leo XIV: ‘A new sense of direction'
The Brief Robert Prevost's appointment as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has generated excitement globally and in Seattle, with church bells and prayers marking the occasion. Locals hope Pope Leo XIV will bring a new direction, focusing on social teachings and inclusivity, drawing from his American and South American experiences. Archbishop Paul D. Etienne praised the pope's humility and competence, anticipating positive changes and acknowledging the cardinals' careful selection process. SEATTLE - Reaction to the news of the new pope is pouring in around the world and here in Seattle. Outside of St. James Cathedral on Thursday, church bells rang out loud and proud. It was a sign; Robert Prevost had been named Pope Leo XIV. Inside the church, prayers and songs filled the cathedral. Everyone FOX 13 Seattle spoke with on Thursday said they were excited about the new pope, but also proud as he is the first-ever American pope. What they're saying "To me it means that we have a new leader, a new sense of direction," said Joseph Jackson, a senior at O'Dea High School. The announcement of the new pope happened just before the last mass. The seniors celebrated with the whole school. "I hope to see that he's someone who's kind, someone who is progressive yet honest and truthful with himself and the community," Jackson said. Father Michael Ryan told FOX 13 Seattle that Pope Leo XIV was one of the six cardinals he was looking at to take on the role, but said he was still surprised. "I don't think most of us expected that, but I think of him as being not only North American, but south American. He spent many of his years in Peru, he served as bishop down there, he was a priest and a pastor, so he's American in the full sense of the word, I would say," Ryan said. Shannon Burnett and Trevor Keezer are hoping a new pope means a new direction. "[Pope Francis] kind of opened the doors to some things that shouldn't have been opened, so we're hoping this one will reel it back to the actual faith, the word, the Bible the way they were intended to be," they said. Archbishop Paul D. Etienne released this statement: "We share the joy of people around the world as we welcome Pope Leo XIV as our new Holy Father. Let us pray the Lord fills him with the peace and consolation of the Holy Spirit in these first and early days of his pontificate. Since the Lord has chosen him as the Universal Shepherd of the whole People of God, may we now support him with our prayers and unity. "Pope Leo XIV is an amazing choice as the next successor of Peter. The name chosen tells us he will put the social teachings of the Church at the heart of this pontificate. I have found this man in my brief encounters to be humble, affable, confident and competent in carrying out his responsibilities. We have hopeful and bright days ahead! "We are also immensely grateful to the cardinals who so prayerfully entered the conclave process – a process that is both divine and human - to select the successor of St. Peter. By listening to the movement of the Holy Spirit and their own prayer and discernment, they elected Cardinal Robert Prevost and demonstrated for all of us how we are to live our baptismal calling, in the presence of God." Geraldine Carey is visiting from Hawaii and was also at Thursday's mass. She shared what she is looking forward to seeing from the new pope. "A continuity of some of the things of Pope Francis — bless his soul — and a continuation of inclusivity that I believe is what our church is supposed to be all about," Carey said. Father Ryan adds, by choosing Leo's name the new pope is making a statement. "Pope Leo the 13th was a remarkable figure," said Ryan. "He was a pope that loved the church and moved the church in new directions, he was a champion of social justice and a progressive voice." He went on to say while it's great that the new pope is American, that shouldn't be the entire focus. "I think he is someone who will understand our experience and embrace the world agenda of the church, not just a mere piece of it, and that's what we want, because we're a worldwide church, we're not just America," Ryan said. The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Shirah Matsuzawa. Dashcam footage shows shocking 'road rage' hit-and-run on motorcyclist Trump, Carney quibble over buying Canada: 'Never say never' Dozens arrested after protests escalate at University of Washington in Seattle Jury selection for Bryan Kohberger trial: What both sides will likely look out for Seattle police arrest suspect in fatal hit-and-run that killed mother Inmate escapes police at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Jamie Tompkins claims Seattle police scandal was a setup. Here's why 2 new trails connect Redmond transit station to King County park To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
