In a landmark energy agreement, Russia’s state oil company Rosneft has committed to supply 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day to India’s Reliance for the next 10 years, worth approximately $13 billion annually. This deal represents about 0.5% of global oil supply and strengthens energy relations between India and Russia, especially as Russia faces intense Western sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine. The deal is set to begin in January and will involve monthly deli

France's government collapsed on Wednesday after lawmakers from both left and right wings successfully passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, throwing the country into deeper political chaos. Barnier, who had served for just under three months, will now be required to resign and tender his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron. The collapse marks the shortest tenure of any Prime Minister in France's Fifth Republic. The no-confidence motion wa

Oil prices have shown remarkable stability, remaining in a narrow range since mid-October, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fluctuating around $70 per barrel. This rangebound trend has been characterized by a significant drop in volatility, with recent levels at their lowest since August. Despite ongoing geopolitical risks, such as the tensions between Iran and Israel and the potential impacts of a second Donald Trump presidency, traders have remained cautious. The market's curren

Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure overnight, using 90 missiles and 100 drones. The attack has left over one million people without electricity as temperatures drop, marking the 11th large-scale attack on Ukraine's power systems this year. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of "weaponizing winter," with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning the use of cluster munitions against civilians and infrastructure. At

The Finance Ministry is set to review the windfall tax on fuel exports, including petrol, diesel, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), following the stabilization of global crude oil prices. The tax, introduced in July 2022, was implemented to address the substantial profits earned by oil refiners exporting fuel, which had an impact on domestic supplies. The review will assess the tax’s effectiveness and the revenue it has generated, with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas already re

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tendered his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday following the results of the assembly elections. Despite a significant victory for the Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, the decision on who will succeed Shinde as the new CM remains uncertain. Accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde visited the Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation

A groundbreaking study using data from NASA and German satellites has revealed a concerning and persistent decline in Earth's freshwater reserves since May 2014. The findings, published in Surveys in Geophysics, highlight a significant reduction in the amount of freshwater stored on land, including in lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers. This shift, tracked by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, suggests a transition towards drier conditions across co

Introduction and Background: In Kolkata, junior doctors are continuing their protest over the horrific rape-murder of a fellow doctor. Their protest has brought significant attention to their demands for greater transparency in the investigation and meetings with state officials. Recently, these doctors received a "fifth and final" invitation from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss their concerns. This meeting is crucial given the recent develop

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), once a dominant force in Andhra Pradesh with 151 assembly seats and 22 MPs, is now facing an existential crisis. The party's dramatic loss in the 2024 elections, which saw its tally fall to just 11 MLAs and 4 MPs, has led to a wave of defections and internal strife. Many senior leaders, who had been staunch allies of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, are now leaving the party in frustration. Among the significant exits is Alla Nani, Mopidevi Venkataramana, an

In times of natural calamities, there is often an expectation for leaders from all political parties to come together and assist in relief and rescue operations. The recent floods in Krishna and Guntur districts have prompted an active response from leaders of the ruling NDA government, including Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who have been actively involved in supporting affected areas. However, a noticeable absence has been observed from leaders of the YSR Congress party, who were previo

Andhra Pradesh is grappling with severe flooding, particularly in the Vijayawada region, following excessive rainfall. The situation is dire, prompting Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to stay in Vijayawada and personally manage relief operations. Naidu’s presence on the ground underscores his commitment to addressing the crisis and supporting affected communities. In contrast, YS Jagan,

Chandrababu Naidu, the TDP supremo and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has once again demonstrated his crisis management prowess. While there may be criticisms regarding his party management, his responses to public crises are exemplary. Naidu’s dedication to alleviating public suffering is evident through his swift and effective actions during disasters, making him a standout leader in times of need. During the 2016 Hudhud cyclone that ravaged Vizag, Naidu's leadership