featured News

Ukraine to Receive US LNG via Greece as Winter Energy Pressures Mount

By 58 0

Ukraine will begin importing US liquefied natural gas through Greece this winter, using the Trans-Balkan pipeline to help stabilise its energy supply amidst ongoing Russian attacks. The announcement followed a meeting in Athens between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who emphasised Greece’s growing role in supplying American LNG to reduce regional dependence on Russian gas.

Zelensky said the first deliveries are expected in January, noting that Ukraine urgently needs external supplies to offset the damage inflicted on its domestic gas infrastructure. Kyiv has allocated close to €2bn—backed by European Commission guarantees and bank financing—to secure gas imports through March. The deal comes as the EU pushes toward a complete halt of Russian gas imports by 2027.

During his European tour, Zelensky also met French President Emmanuel Macron and signed a letter of intent for Ukraine to potentially acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, along with air defence and radar systems. The visit highlighted Ukraine’s dual battlefronts—strengthening its military capabilities while preparing for a harsh winter as Russia intensifies attacks on energy facilities and multiple regions report continued casualties.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Poland Confirms Railway Explosion as Sabotage on Key Warsaw–Lublin Route

By 62 0

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Monday that the explosion that destroyed part of the Warsaw–Lublin railway line was the result of sabotage. Writing on X, Tusk confirmed that an explosive device caused the damage reported on Sunday, prompting emergency services and prosecutors to launch a full investigation. Additional damage was also found further along the same route, intensifying concerns about deliberate interference.

Local police had been alerted earlier when a train driver noticed structural damage on the track, leading to an immediate response and suspension of travel through the area. The incident highlights mounting security pressures in Poland, particularly as the country continues to serve as a major logistics hub for international aid flowing into Ukraine amid its war with Russia.

Warsaw has previously warned that its strategic role could make it vulnerable to hostile activities, though Moscow has consistently denied any involvement in sabotage efforts. The investigation into the railway explosion is ongoing.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Abramovich Calls Jersey Investigation “Baseless and Unlawful”

By 46 0

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has said that the ongoing criminal investigation launched by Jersey authorities in 2022 is “baseless and unlawful”, according to a statement from his spokesperson. Jersey had frozen $7 billion in assets linked to Abramovich as part of the probe, but his team now says no charges have been brought in more than three years, nor has any substantial progress been made in the case.

Abramovich’s spokesperson added that he has been permitted to file “claims of conspiracy” against the Jersey government. These claims allegedly stem from the government admitting to deleting data related to the investigation and failing to provide full disclosure regarding records connected to Abramovich. Jersey officials have not yet commented on these allegations.

A powerful figure who rose to wealth after the Soviet Union’s collapse and also holds Israeli citizenship, Abramovich remains a central figure in global financial circles. With Forbes estimating his net worth at $9.2 billion, the dispute with Jersey adds yet another layer to the legal and political scrutiny he has faced in recent years.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Zelenskyy Set to Seal Major Air Defence and Warplane Deals in France

By 57 0

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Paris to finalise major defence agreements with France, aiming to boost Ukraine’s long-term air defence and aviation capabilities amid intensified Russian attacks. Speaking ahead of the visit, Zelenskyy said a “historic agreement” would be signed on Monday, covering combat aviation, air defence systems and other military support. The visit comes as Russia increases drone and missile strikes while reporting ground advances in the Zaporizhzhia region.

According to sources, France is preparing a 10-year strategic aviation agreement that could include the provision of Rafale multi-role fighter jets, supplementing Ukraine’s future fleet alongside U.S. F-16s and Sweden’s Gripen aircraft. Paris is also expected to announce additional SAMP/T air-defence systems and Aster 30 missiles, with some deliveries drawn from French stocks and others through long-term orders. Macron had already pledged more Mirage jets and new missile batches, though questions remain over how the expanded assistance will be financed.

Zelenskyy is set to meet defence manufacturers including Dassault before signing letters of intent and contracts. A separate forum will bring together Ukrainian and French drone-sector companies to deepen cooperation. French officials say the goal is to align the country’s defence industry with Ukraine’s needs and strengthen its capacity to counter Russian aggression. France and Britain continue to push for forming a coalition of nations prepared to deploy troops and assets to Ukraine or its borders once a peace deal is reached.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

German Auction of Nazi Camp Artefacts Cancelled After Global Outcry

By 57 0

A controversial auction in Germany featuring more than 600 artefacts from Nazi concentration camps has been cancelled following intense backlash from Holocaust survivors, politicians and the public. Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed the decision on Sunday, thanking his German counterpart Johann Wadephul for stepping in and insisting that “such a scandal must be prevented”. Items reportedly included a prisoner’s letter from Auschwitz and documents related to forced sterilisation at Dachau.

The planned sale by auction house Auktionshaus Felzmann had prompted strong condemnation, with critics arguing that these items were not suitable for private collections and should instead be preserved in museums or memorial institutions. Christoph Heubner of the International Auschwitz Committee said the sale was “cynical and shameless”, deeply hurting survivors and families of victims. Germany’s State Minister for Culture echoed the concerns, stating that such documents must remain out of private hands.

Poland’s culture ministry has now launched a probe into how these artefacts surfaced and whether any should be repatriated. Many of the items were believed to originate from Auschwitz and Buchenwald, two of the most infamous Nazi concentration camps where millions of Jews, Poles, Roma and Soviet prisoners lost their lives. Advocates insist that the objects belong to victims’ families or public remembrance spaces, not commercial auctions.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Apple Ramps Up Succession Planning as Tim Cook Considers Exit

By 95 0

Apple is accelerating its succession planning as CEO Tim Cook prepares to potentially step down as early as next year, according to a report. Discussions within the company have intensified in recent months, signaling that the transition at the top of the world’s most valuable tech firm may be approaching sooner than expected.

John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, has emerged as the leading contender to take over the role. People familiar with internal conversations say the board and senior leadership have been closely evaluating candidates, though Apple is unlikely to announce a successor before its January earnings report, which covers the crucial holiday season.

Cook, who took charge in 2011 after Steve Jobs stepped down, has led Apple through more than 14 years of major product launches and record financial growth. While Apple has not commented publicly on the report, the renewed focus on succession marks a significant moment for the company as it prepares for leadership beyond Cook’s tenure.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Berkshire Unveils $4.3 Billion Alphabet Stake, Trims Apple Holdings Ahead of Buffett’s Exit

By 82 0

Berkshire Hathaway has disclosed a new $4.3 billion investment in Alphabet while continuing to reduce its long-time Apple holdings, according to its latest SEC filing. The conglomerate revealed ownership of 17.85 million Alphabet shares as of September 30, making it Berkshire’s tenth-largest U.S. stock holding. The move is notable given Warren Buffett’s long-time hesitance toward tech companies, although Apple — which he views as a consumer products business — still remains Berkshire’s biggest investment at $60.7 billion.

The filing also confirmed that Berkshire slashed its Apple stake from 280 million to 238.2 million shares during the third quarter, meaning it has now sold roughly three-quarters of the more than 900 million Apple shares it once held. The company was again a net seller of stocks, selling $12.5 billion and buying $6.4 billion between July and September, while cash reserves climbed to a record $381.7 billion. Berkshire also trimmed its Bank of America position by 6%, exited homebuilder DR Horton, and increased holdings in firms such as Chubb and Domino’s Pizza.

This disclosure marks the last major portfolio update before Buffett hands over the CEO role to Greg Abel on January 1, closing out his 60-year leadership. Buffett and the late Charlie Munger had previously expressed regret about not investing in Google earlier, even noting similarities between its ad business and Berkshire-owned Geico’s model. The new stake sent Alphabet shares up 1.7% in after-hours trading, as markets often interpret Berkshire’s moves as a sign of confidence.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Auger-Aliassime Beats Zverev to Enter ATP Finals Semis Against Alcaraz

By 63 0

Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime secured a place in the ATP Finals semi-finals for the first time after defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in a must-win group match. Despite both players struggling with unforced errors, Auger-Aliassime held his nerve at crucial moments, saving all four break points he faced. The victory ensured he finished second in the Bjorn Borg Group behind defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Auger-Aliassime enters the semi-finals on strong indoor form, with 19 wins in 24 indoor matches this season, including titles in Brussels and Montpellier. His next challenge, however, is world number one Carlos Alcaraz — a player Felix has not beaten since 2022. Meanwhile, Sinner continued his flawless run in Turin, advancing without dropping a set after a clinical win over Ben Shelton to extend his winning streak to 13 matches.

In the other semi-final, Sinner will face Alex de Minaur, who defeated Taylor Fritz to secure his spot despite a 0–12 head-to-head record against the Italian. On the doubles side, British tennis celebrated a historic moment as five British players reached the semi-finals — the most since 1992 — with Joe Salisbury, Neal Skupski, Julian Cash, Lloyd Glasspool, Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara all progressing.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Fatal Bus Crash in Central Stockholm Leaves Multiple Casualties

By 86 0

Several people were killed and injured on Friday when a bus crashed into a bus stop in central Stockholm, according to Swedish police. Authorities emphasised that there is currently no indication of the incident being an attack. Rescue services confirmed six casualties but did not disclose how many were fatalities or injuries, and noted that the bus had no passengers at the time of the crash.

Police have opened an investigation into involuntary manslaughter and said the bus driver has been arrested as part of standard procedure in such cases. Emergency services, including police, ambulances and rescue teams, responded swiftly to the scene near the Royal Institute of Technology. Images from local media showed a blue double-decker bus surrounded by debris as responders worked around it.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reacted to the incident on X, expressing condolences to the victims and their families while noting that the cause of the crash remains unclear. Authorities continue to withhold details regarding the identities or ages of those affected as the investigation progresses.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Nexperia Assures Continued Chip Supply Through Alternative Routes Amid Europe–China Standoff

By 72 0

Dutch chipmaker Nexperia has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining wafer deliveries despite the ongoing dispute between its Europe-based unit and packaging plant in China. In a statement, the company clarified that shipments have not been halted entirely and that it is actively offering alternative supply chain routes to minimise disruption for customers.

The standoff, triggered by the Dutch government’s seizure of Nexperia over concerns of technology transfer, has led to significant strain on global automotive manufacturing. While Europe has paused wafer shipments to the Dongguan facility, the Chinese arm is believed to have enough wafers and finished products to operate for several months. Nexperia said any interruption in shipments from China is the responsibility of its Chinese units, adding that it continues to work closely with customers to reduce pressure on the auto sector.

In response to the supply bottleneck, China temporarily eased export controls on chips produced at the Dongguan plant, offering short-term relief to carmakers. Meanwhile, a Dutch delegation is scheduled to visit China next week to advance discussions aimed at resolving the impasse and restoring smooth supply chain operations.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright