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India Detains Three Sanctioned Tankers Linked to Iran

India has detained three oil tankers tied to Iran and already under U.S. sanctions, marking a notable escalation in its maritime enforcement efforts. The vessels were intercepted in Indian waters earlier this month after authorities identified irregularities in their operations and documentation. Officials familiar with the situation say the tankers were suspected of participating in ship‑to‑ship transfers designed to obscure the origin of their cargo. Such practices have drawn increasing scrutiny as India strengthens monitoring of its coastal zones and aligns more closely with global efforts to curb sanctions evasion. The detentions also come at a moment of deepening strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Washington. While India maintains an independent foreign policy, the move signals a firmer stance on illicit maritime activity and a willingness to enforce international compliance standards within its jurisdiction.

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Why Plant-Based Meat Failed to Satisfy Consumers and Investors

Plant-based meat was once hailed as a game-changer for the food industry, promising to deliver meat alternatives that are better for the environment, animal welfare, and human health. However, after a decade of hype and billions of dollars in funding, the sector is facing a harsh reality check.

According to Pitchbook, a venture-capital research firm, funding for food-technology startups has fallen to the lowest level in nearly a decade, and many plant-based meat companies have struggled to turn a profit or scale up production. The main reasons for this decline are the high price, mediocre taste, and questionable health benefits of plant-based meat products.

Despite the growing awareness of the environmental and ethical issues of animal agriculture, most consumers are not willing to pay a premium for plant-based meat that does not taste as good as the real thing. A recent survey by the International Food Information Council found that only 28% of Americans have tried plant-based meat, and only 10% eat it regularly. Moreover, many consumers are skeptical about the health claims of plant-based meat, which often contains high amounts of sodium, fat, and additives.

As a result, plant-based meat has failed to capture a significant market share or disrupt the meat industry, which has also responded by offering more sustainable and humane options. While plant-based meat may still have a niche appeal for some consumers, it is unlikely to become a mainstream choice anytime soon.

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