India's Russian oil imports rise in May as refiners boost purchases

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 14, 2026 | Business

India remained the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in May, importing an estimated 5.8 billion euros (USD 6.7 billion) worth of Russian hydrocarbons as refiners stepped up crude purchases from Moscow, European think tank Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said in a report.

Crude oil accounted for about 83 per cent of India’s imports from Russia during the month, valued at 4.8 billion euros, while oil products and coal imports stood at 550 million euros and 429 million euros, respectively.

“India’s total crude import volumes recorded an 8 per cent month-on-month increase in May. This is partially explained by a 21 per cent month-on-month increase in Russian imports,” CREA said.

Some of India’s largest refining hubs recorded notable increases in Russian crude arrivals. Unloaded volumes at the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat rose 36 per cent from April levels, while deliveries to the Jamnagar refining complex in the state increased 14 per cent.

According to CREA, state-run refiners also expanded purchases after resuming imports earlier this year. The New Mangalore and Visakhapatnam refineries, which had halted Russian crude imports at the end of November 2025, continued buying Russian oil after restarting purchases in March.

Russian crude deliveries to New Mangalore rose 13 per cent month-on-month in May, while imports at Visakhapatnam jumped 42 per cent, it said.

The Paradip refinery on Odisha’s east coast also unloaded its highest volume of Russian crude in two years, underscoring the continued attractiveness of discounted Russian barrels for Indian refiners despite evolving geopolitical and sanctions-related pressures.

India emerged as one of the largest buyers of Russian oil since Western sanctions and trade restrictions reshaped global energy flows following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Indian refiners have consistently increased purchases of discounted Russian crude, helping offset higher energy costs while boosting refining margins and exports of petroleum products.

The latest figures suggest Russian oil continues to account for a significant share of India’s crude import basket, even as the country diversifies supplies from the Middle East, Africa and the United States.

According to CREA, China bought 50 per cent of Russia’s crude exports in May, followed by India (36 per cent), Turkiye (6 per cent), and the EU (5 per cent).

“In May 2026, China remained the largest global buyer of Russian fossil fuels, accounting for 38 per cent (Euro 7.0 billion) of Russia’s export revenues from the top five importers. Crude oil made up 69 per cent (Euro 4.8 bn) of China’s purchases, followed by pipeline gas (Euro 618 million), then coal (Euro 525 million), and lastly LNG (Euro 510 million). Oil products (Euro 479 million) constituted the remainder of China’s imports,” it said.

CREA said despite the EU’s ban on imports of oil products made from Russian crude on January 21, 2026, 10 shipments of oil products from refineries using Russian crude were unloaded at EU ports in the month of May.

“Refineries using Russian crude in India, Turkiye, Brunei, and Georgia exported Euro 641 million of oil products to sanctioning countries in May 2026. The importers included the EU (Euro 174 million), Australia (Euro 275 million), the US (Euro 147 million) and New Zealand (Euro 45 million). An estimated Euro 214 million of these products were refined from Russian crude,” it said.

Exports to the US originated at Reliance Industries Ltd’s Jamnagar refinery, the SOCAR-owned STAR refinery in Turkiye, and the Tupras Izmit refinery as well. “In the prior three months, 39 per cent of the STAR refinery’s crude oil feedstock and 15 per cent of the Jamnagar refinery’s feedstock came from Russia,” it added.

Published on June 14, 2026

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India approves E100 fuel framework, paving way for ethanol-powered cars and bikes

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 14, 2026 | Business

India has approved a regulatory framework for 100% ethanol (E100) as a vehicular fuel, allowing automakers, fuel retailers and testing agencies to develop and deploy ethanol-powered vehicles. The move goes beyond the E20 blending programme and aims to reduce crude oil imports, promote biofuels and support farmers.

India has formally cleared the regulatory framework for the use of 100% ethanol (E100) as a vehicular fuel, a move that could accelerate the rollout of ethanol-powered cars and two-wheelers while deepening the country’s push to cut crude oil imports.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said he had signed the regulations authorising E100 fuel, creating a legal framework for automakers, fuel retailers and testing agencies to begin commercial deployment of pure ethanol-powered mobility solutions.

“I signed the file at 8 pm today,” Gadkari said while addressing the Sugar, Ethanol & Bio-Energy India Conference in Nagpur. The approval, he said, would help reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and expand the use of domestically produced biofuels.

Beyond E20

The decision marks a significant step beyond India’s ethanol-blending programme, which has focused on increasing ethanol content in petrol and is now nearing nationwide implementation of E20.

By creating a regulatory pathway for E100, the government is effectively enabling vehicles designed to run entirely on ethanol, opening a new technology route alongside electric, CNG, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered mobility.

Gadkari said flex-fuel vehicles are already entering the market. “Maruti Suzuki has launched the WagonR flex-fuel vehicle, and Hero has introduced motorcycles that can run on 100% ethanol,” he said.

The minister added that more automakers are preparing to enter the segment. “Toyota and Hyundai are also expected to launch vehicles that can run on 100% ethanol,” he said.

The regulatory clearance gives manufacturers the certainty needed to accelerate investments in flex-fuel engines and ethanol-compatible fuel systems after years of pilot projects and prototype showcases.

New opportunity for automakers

For the automotive industry, the move creates an additional decarbonisation pathway at a time when manufacturers are investing across multiple technologies.

Unlike conventional petrol-powered vehicles, E100-compatible vehicles require specialised engine calibration and fuel-system components because ethanol absorbs moisture more readily and can be more corrosive than petrol.

The approval could spur fresh investments in dedicated flex-fuel platforms, localisation of components and ethanol-compatible powertrains, particularly among manufacturers seeking alternatives to full electrification.

Farm economy boost

The government also views ethanol as a strategic tool for agricultural policy.

Describing the sugar and bio-energy sector as “the backbone of rural development,” Gadkari said expanding ethanol production could strengthen farm incomes by creating additional demand for sugarcane, maize and other feedstocks used in biofuel production.

Higher ethanol consumption could provide an outlet for surplus agricultural production while supporting investments in bio-refineries and rural industrial infrastructure.

The minister also urged the industry to focus on more water-efficient sugarcane cultivation as ethanol production scales up.

Import bill in focus

The move is also aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imported oil. The country imports more than 85% of its crude requirement, making fuel one of the largest contributors to the import bill.

By increasing the use of domestically produced ethanol, the government hopes to lower exposure to volatile global crude prices while creating additional demand for agricultural feedstocks and biofuel production.

Infrastructure challenge

While the regulatory approval removes a key hurdle, nationwide adoption will depend on fuel availability and supporting infrastructure.

Oil marketing companies are expected to gradually roll out dedicated E100 dispensing stations, while storage and transportation systems may require upgrades due to ethanol’s moisture-absorption properties and handling requirements.

Vehicle homologation standards, emission certification protocols and fuel-distribution systems will also need to align with the new framework before large-scale adoption becomes possible.

Saturday’s regulatory sign-off moves ethanol from a blending strategy to a standalone fuel option, potentially setting the stage for the country’s first large-scale market for ethanol-only vehicles.

Video Credit: Businessline

Published on June 14, 2026

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अचानक एक कान से सुनाई देना पड़ गया बंद, तुरंत कराएं इलाज नहीं तो हो जाएगा परमानेंट बहरापन

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 14, 2026 | Health

Sudden hearing loss Causes : हम अक्सर कान में हल्का भारीपन या कम सुनाई देने जैसी समस्याओं को मामूली समझकर नजरअंदाज कर देते हैं. कई लोग सोचते हैं कि कान में मैल जम गया होगा या सर्दी-जुकाम की वजह से ऐसा हो रहा होगा और कुछ दिनों में अपने आप ठीक हो जाएगा, लेकिन अगर अचानक एक कान से सुनाई देना कम हो जाए या पूरी तरह बंद हो जाए, तो इसे बिल्कुल भी हल्के में नहीं लेना चाहिए.

विशेषज्ञों के अनुसार, कई बार यह समस्या नॉर्मल कारणों से होती है, लेकिन कुछ मामलों में यह एसएसएचएल (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss) का संकेत हो सकती है. यह एक मेडिकल इमरजेंसी मानी जाती है. अगर इसका इलाज समय रहते शुरू न किया जाए, तो सुनने की क्षमता हमेशा के लिए प्रभावित हो सकती है. लेकिन समय पर पहचान और सही इलाज से कई मरीजों की सुनने की क्षमता दोबारा वापस आ सकती है. इसलिए जरूरी है कि इसके कारणों, लक्षणों और इलाज के बारे में सही जानकारी हो.

अचानक एक कान से कम सुनाई देने के क्या हो सकते हैं कारण?

1. कान में मैल जम जाना – कई बार कान में जरूरत से ज्यादा वैक्स जमा हो जाता है, जिससे आवाजा का रास्ता बंद हो जाता है और सुनने में परेशानी होने लगती है. इसके लक्षण कान में भारीपन महसूस होना, खुजली होना,आवाज का दबा-दबा सुनाई देना हो सकते हैं.ऐसी स्थिति में डॉक्टर ड्रॉप्स या सुरक्षित तरीके से मैल निकाल देते हैं और सुनने की क्षमता सामान्य हो सकती है.

2. कान में संक्रमण या तरल पदार्थ जमा होना – सर्दी, फ्लू, एलर्जी या गले के संक्रमण के बाद कान के पर्दे के पीछे तरल पदार्थ जमा हो सकता है. इससे आवाज का कंपन ठीक तरह से अंदर नहीं पहुंच पाता है. इसके लक्षण कान में दर्द, बुखार, कान बंद होने जैसा एहसास, सुनाई कम देना है. वायरल संक्रमण अक्सर कुछ दिनों में ठीक हो जाते हैं, जबकि बैक्टीरियल संक्रमण में एंटीबायोटिक की जरूरत पड़ सकती है.

3. यूस्टेशियन ट्यूब में रुकावट – यह ट्यूब कान के अंदर और गले के बीच दबाव को संतुलित करने का काम करती है. एलर्जी, साइनस या जुकाम की वजह से इसमें सूजन आ सकती है.

4. बैरोट्रॉमा यानी दबाव की वजह से चोट – हवाई यात्रा, पहाड़ों की यात्रा या स्कूबा डाइविंग के दौरान वातावरण का दबाव तेजी से बदलता है. इससे कान में पॉप जैसी आवाज आ सकती है और सुनाई देना प्रभावित हो सकता है. इस स्थिति में अक्सर बार-बार निगलना, जम्हाई लेना, च्युइंग गम चबाना मददगार हो सकता है,

5. तेज आवाज का असर – लंबे समय तक तेज संगीत, मशीनों या पटाखों जैसी तेज आवाजों के संपर्क में रहने से कान के अंदर मौजूद सेंसिटिव सेल्स पर असर पड़ सकता है.

6. एसएसएचएल – यह सबसे खतरनाक स्थिति है, जिसमें कुछ घंटों या अधिकतम तीन दिनों के अंदर अचानक सुनने की क्षमता कम हो जाती है. कई बार मरीज सुबह उठता है और उसे एक कान से आवाज बहुत कम सुनाई देती है. इसके साथ कान में बजने की आवाज, चक्कर आना, संतुलन बिगड़ना, कान में पॉप या क्लिक महसूस होना, बिना दर्द के सुनाई देना कम हो जाना जैसे लक्षण भी हो सकते हैं. डॉक्टरों के अनुसार, यह मेडिकल इमरजेंसी है और इसका इलाज 72 घंटे के अंदर शुरू हो जाना चाहिए.

यह भी पढ़ें – Delhi Health Report: दिल्ली में मोटापे के मामले घटे, लेकिन इन बीमारियों में इजाफा, NFHS-6 में खुलासा

कैसे होता है इसका इलाज?

1. अगर कान में वैक्स जमा होने की वजह से सुनाई कम दे रहा है, तो डॉक्टर वैक्स को नरम करने वाली ड्रॉप्स देते हैं. इसके बाद सुरक्षित तरीके से सफाई या माइक्रोसक्शन तकनीक से मैल निकालकर सुनने की क्षमता होती है.

2. कान में संक्रमण होने पर दर्द और बुखार कम करने की दवाएं दी जाती हैं. अगर संक्रमण बैक्टीरिया की वजह से हो या लंबे समय तक बना रहे, तो एंटीबायोटिक और डॉक्टर की निगरानी जरूरी होती है.

3. सर्दी, एलर्जी या साइनस के कारण कान का दबाव बिगड़ने पर नाक के स्टेरॉयड स्प्रे और डिकंजेस्टेंट दवाएं दी जा सकती हैं. वाल्साल्वा तकनीक की मदद से कान के अंदर का दबाव संतुलित करने की कोशिश की जाती है.

4, तेज आवाज के कारण सुनाई देने में दिक्कत होने पर कुछ दिनों तक शोर से दूर रहने और आराम की सलाह दी जाती है. नुकसान से बचने के लिए ईयरप्लग का इस्तेमाल और टिनिटस होने पर साउंड थेरेपी मददगार हो सकती है.

5. एसएसएचएल में डॉक्टर तुरंत स्टेरॉयड थेरेपी शुरू कर सकते हैं. स्टेरॉयड गोलियों या कान के अंदर इंजेक्शन के रूप में दिए जाते हैं जिससे सुनने की क्षमता वापस आने की संभावना बढ़ सके.

यह भी पढ़ें – Ghaziabad Polio Virus: गाजियाबाद के सीवेज के सैंपल में मिला पोलियो वायरस, जानें यह कंडीशन कितनी खतरनाक?

Disclaimer: यह जानकारी रिसर्च स्टडीज और विशेषज्ञों की राय पर आधारित है. इसे मेडिकल सलाह का विकल्प न मानें. किसी भी नई गतिविधि या व्यायाम को अपनाने से पहले अपने डॉक्टर या संबंधित विशेषज्ञ से सलाह जरूर लें.

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कोलेस्ट्रॉल नॉर्मल होने के बाद भी हार्ट अटैक का खतरा, जानिए LDL-C और ApoB का फर्क?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 14, 2026 | Health

अक्सर लोग सोचते हैं कि अगर LDL कोलेस्ट्रॉल, ट्राइग्लिसराइड्स और बाकी लिपिड प्रोफाइल की रिपोर्ट सामान्य है, तो उन्हें चिंता करने की जरूरत नहीं है, लेकिन विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि कुछ लोगों में रिपोर्ट सामान्य होने के बाद भी धमनियों में नुकसान पहुंचाने वाले कण ज्यादा हो सकते हैं. यही वजह है कि कुछ लोगों को बिना किसी चेतावनी के हार्ट अटैक आ जाता है.

LDL-C यानी लो-डेंसिटी लिपोप्रोटीन कोलेस्ट्रॉल यह बताता है कि खून में मौजूद LDL कणों के अंदर कुल कितना कोलेस्ट्रॉल है. वहीं ApoB टेस्ट यह बताता है कि खून में ऐसे हानिकारक कणों की कुल संख्या कितनी है, जो धमनियों में प्लाक जमा कर सकते हैं. इनमें LDL, VLDL और IDL जैसे कण शामिल होते हैं.

Published at : 14 Jun 2026 07:47 AM (IST)

हेल्थ फोटो गैलरी

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South Korea's world-beating stock market eyes long-awaited MSCI moment

by Hansraj Agrawal | Jun 14, 2026 | Share Market

By Youkyung Lee, Abhishek Vishnoi and Sangmi Cha

After one of its most volatile weeks in years, South Korea’s stock market is approaching a milestone it has long been chasing: a potential path into MSCI Inc.’s developed-market status.

The Kospi has become the world’s best-performing major equity benchmark this year, surging more than 90% as investors piled into artificial-intelligence winners. Yet the rally has also turned Korea into one of the world’s most volatile stock markets. The benchmark has repeatedly triggered exchange safeguards in recent days, while swings have surged to levels rarely seen among major global indexes.

Now investors are awaiting MSCI Inc.’s annual market-classification review on June 23, when the index provider will decide whether Korea finally earns a place on the watchlist for developed-market status, the first step toward an eventual upgrade.

Most of the 15 investors and strategists interviewed by Bloomberg expect MSCI to keep Korea in the emerging-market camp for now, arguing that recent reforms need more time to prove their durability. But few doubt the direction of travel.

“It’s more of a matter-of-time issue,” said Young Jae Lee, senior investment manager at Pictet Asset Management. “Korea will become a developed market at least in the next couple of years. That’s my base case.”

The bigger question may be how much the label matters anymore.

Korea’s market has become increasingly synonymous with the global AI trade, with Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. accounting for more than half of the Kospi’s weighting. As investors chase exposure to the semiconductor boom, some argue the forces driving Korean stocks are becoming larger than any benchmark classification.

“It doesn’t matter in a sense that Korea is now such a global play,” said Arjun Jayaraman, portfolio manager at Causeway Capital Management. “It’s not about investing in Korea. It’s about investing in AI plays.”

By most traditional measures, Korea already looks like a developed market. The nation’s equity market has nearly tripled in value over the past year to about $4.4 trillion, briefly overtaking India as the world’s sixth-largest. Its companies occupy critical positions in global semiconductor, battery and manufacturing supply chains.

A country with Korea’s massive footprint shifting classification is simply “unprecedented,” said Chetan Seth, Asia equity strategist at Nomura Holdings Inc. in Singapore. “No other country in recent times with Korea’s substantial weight in existing indices has moved from one market classification to another.”

South Korea currently commands a 23% weighting in the MSCI Emerging Markets index. By comparison, Greece and Israel, the two most recent nations to achieve developed-market status, boasted much smaller economies and index weights when they were promoted.

The sticking point has long been accessibility for foreign investors.

MSCI removed Korea from its developed-market watchlist in 2014, citing restrictions on currency trading and other market-access issues. Last year, the index provider again pointed to shortcomings in foreign-exchange reforms and compliance burdens.

Since then, Korea has resumed short selling and is preparing to launch extended won trading hours in July, two reforms long sought by global investors. President Lee Jae Myung has also made capital-market reform a key policy priority.

“There definitely is a higher chance of inclusion into the DM index, just because this administration has made it their policy to push for a shift from EM to DM,” said Yi Ping Liao, portfolio manager at Templeton Global Investments.

An MSCI promotion would carry tangible benefits. BNP Paribas Securities estimates it could attract roughly $30 billion of inflows as benchmark-tracking funds rebalance portfolios. It could also help narrow the so-called Korea Discount, the valuation gap that has long separated Korean stocks from developed-market peers.

“It shifts the narrative from ‘high-growth EM play’ to ‘core DM exposure to a strategic supply-chain pillar,’” said Wei Li, BNP’s head of multi-asset investments.

Such a broadening of the investor base would be a welcome catalyst during Korea’s current market volatility. The country has already seen record foreign outflows of more than $78 billion this year, driven largely by torrid rallies in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix that forced funds to sell after hitting single-stock allocation limits.

Those limits may rise if Korea joins the developed-market league, according to Park Jinho, head of equity investment at NH-Amundi Asset Management in Seoul.

Just as importantly, a change in investor mindset would also help restore calm. Developed-market investors have longer horizons, focusing on company sustainability, governance and shareholder returns, rather than short-term growth, according to Kieron Poon, investment director of Asian equities at Aberdeen Investments.

“So, a reclassification could improve governance standards in Korea and reduce market volatility over time,” Poon added.

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