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Russian gas era in Europe ends as Ukraine stops transit, Here are why

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Russian gas era in Europe ends as Ukraine stops transit, Here are why

The five-year gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expired on Wednesday, with Kyiv declining to renew it due to the ongoing war

MOSCOW/KYIV (DT) – Russian gas exports through Ukraine’s Soviet-era pipelines officially ceased on New Year’s Day, ending Moscow’s decades-long dominance over Europe’s energy markets. The move marks a significant shift in geopolitical energy dynamics, with far-reaching implications for both Russia and the European Union.

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The shutdown was confirmed at 0500 GMT, as Russia’s state energy company Gazprom stated that Ukraine had refused to renew a transit agreement that expired on Wednesday. “Due to the repeated and clearly expressed refusal of the Ukrainian side to renew these agreements, Gazprom was deprived of the technical and legal ability to supply gas for transit through the territory of Ukraine from January 1, 2025,” the company said via Telegram.

Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko hailed the move as a historic milestone. “We stopped the transit of Russian gas. This is a historic event. Russia is losing its markets; it will suffer financial losses. Europe has already made the decision to abandon Russian gas,” Galushchenko declared in a statement.

Despite nearly three years of war, gas flows had continued uninterrupted until this decisive halt. Ukraine has been a critical transit hub, delivering Russian natural gas to several European countries, including Slovakia, Moldova, and Hungary. However, Kyiv had previously warned it would not renew the five-year transit agreement, citing the ongoing military conflict with Russia as a key factor in its decision.

Unlike the energy crisis of 2022, when reduced Russian gas supplies drove record-high prices, this anticipated stoppage is not expected to significantly impact European Union consumers. The bloc has largely diversified its energy supplies, reducing its dependence on Russian gas in response to the war in Ukraine.

This development marks the end of an era for Europe’s reliance on Russian energy and reinforces its commitment to alternative energy sources. For Russia, the loss of key European markets underscores the broader economic repercussions of its actions in Ukraine, potentially accelerating its financial struggles in the face of international sanctions.

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India’s Mahindra logs 18% jump in Dec car sales to dealers on strong SUV demand

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India’s Mahindra logs 18% jump in Dec car sales to dealers on strong SUV demand

New Delhi, India (DT) – Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra opens new tab said on Wednesday it clocked an 18% jump in sport utility vehicle sales to dealers in December due to strong demand.
Mahindra, India’s second-biggest SUV maker by market share, has remained resilient amid a broader slowdown in car sales that pressed manufacturers and dealers into offering hefty discounts.


The company’s shares climbed 1.5% following the announcement. It was also the top-performing auto stock in 2024, with gains of around 74%.

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Automobile sales in December are usually sluggish as customers often wait for the next year’s models, with carmakers scaling back production and augmenting discounts to clear unsold vehicles.

However, analysts attribute Mahindra’s December growth, as well as its industry-leading growth for fiscal 2025, to demand for newer SUV models such as the ‘Thar ROXX’ and the ‘XUV 3X0’ outpacing supply. Mahindra’s SUV sales to dealers grew 16% year-on-year in November.

SOURCE : REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Israeli strikes kill 12 in Gaza as war grinds into the new year with no end in sight

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Israeli strikes kill 12 in Gaza as war grinds into the new year with no end in sight

Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli strikes killed at least 12 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, officials said Wednesday, as the nearly 15-month war ground on into the new year with no end in sight.

One strike hit a home in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the most isolated and heavily destroyed part of the territory, where Israel has been waging a major operation since early October. Gaza’s Health Ministry said seven people were killed, including a woman and four children, and at least a dozen other people were wounded.

RELATED NEWS : 5 Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli strike, Gaza Health Ministry says

Another strike overnight in the built-up Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza killed a woman and a child, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. The military ordered people to evacuate an area near Bureij overnight, saying it would strike there in response to recent rocket fire by Palestinian militants.

A third strike early Wednesday in the southern city of Khan Younis killed three people, according to the nearby Nasser Hospital and the European Hospital, which received the bodies.

The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel’s air and ground offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. It says women and children make up more than half the fatalities but does not say how many of those killed were militants.

The Israeli military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas. The army says it has killed 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

The war has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times.

Israel sees net departure of citizens for a second year

More than 82,000 Israelis moved abroad in 2024 and only 33,000 people immigrated to the country, Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics said. Another 23,000 Israelis returned after long periods abroad.

It was the second year in a row of net departures, a rare occurrence in the history of the country, which was founded by immigrants from Europe and actively encourages Jewish immigration. Many Israelis, looking for a break from the war, have moved abroad, leading to concern about whether it will drive a “brain drain” in sectors like medicine and technology.

Last year, 15,000 fewer people immigrated to Israel than in 2023. The Bureau of Statistics changed its reporting methods in mid-2022 to better track the number of Israelis moving abroad.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Slovenian President Offers Condolences on Jimmy Carter’s Passing

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Slovenian President Offers Condolences on Jimmy Carter’s Passing

Ljubljana, Slovenia(DT) — Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar extended her heartfelt condolences following the passing of former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter.

In a statement, President Pirc Musar praised Carter’s lifelong commitment to peace and humanitarian causes, emphasizing that his legacy would endure as an inspiration to the world. “His unwavering dedication to peace and humanitarian values remains a lasting legacy. My thoughts are with the Carter family and the American people during this difficult time,” she said.

RELATED NEWS : Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Carter, celebrated for his global efforts in promoting human rights and conflict resolution, leaves behind a profound impact on international peacebuilding and diplomacy.

Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, was renowned for his post-presidency activism, including his work with The Carter Center to advance human rights, eradicate diseases, and mediate international conflicts. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, his efforts extended far beyond politics, reflecting a lifelong commitment to building a better world.

President Pirc Musar also acknowledged Carter’s legacy as a reminder of the critical role leaders play in fostering dialogue and understanding in an increasingly divided world. “His vision of a fairer and more just global community is one we must strive to uphold.”

Carter’s passing has elicited tributes from leaders and citizens worldwide, underscoring his enduring influence on the global stage.

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Thousands suspects have been arrested in South Africa since December 16

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Thousands suspects have been arrested in South Africa since December 16

Johannesburg, South Africa (DT) –Deputy Police Minister, Cassel Mathale has announced that more than 34,000 suspects have been arrested across the country since December 16. Amongst those arrested were more than 4,000 suspects wanted for various crimes including murder and rape.

Mathale was speaking during a festive season operation at the Mall of Africa in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.

RELATED NEWS : South Africa’s petrol, diesel pump prices to rise in January

“Since the 16th of December to the 29th of December police have arrested more than 34,000 suspects countrywide for various crimes ranging from murder to rape. 4,200 of these suspects were wanted criminals for various crimes including rape, murder and business robberies,” says Mathale. Police in the Northern Cape have arrested some 429 suspects during the weekly Safer Festive Season operations – a continuation of Operation Shanela.

According to a police statement, SA Police Service members arrested the suspects on a range of charges, including illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale is leading a walkabout at the Mall of Africa as police continue to ensure that people in Gauteng are and feel safe this festive season. Photo : @SAPoliceService

Furthermore, a zero-tolerance approach will be taken this New Year’s Eve.

“The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond.

“She reiterated that a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted and the abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated.  Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts,” the statement said.

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South Africa’s petrol, diesel pump prices to rise in January

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South Africa’s petrol, diesel pump prices to rise in January

Johannesburg, South Africa (DT) – South Africa’s government said that the petrol pump price would increase by up to 19 cents a liter and the diesel price would rise by up to 10.50 cents a liter from January 1.
South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly due to factors including global oil prices and the rand exchange rate. Motorists will face higher fuel costs at the pumps starting January, as South Africa implements its first fuel price adjustments of the New Year.

These changes, effective from January 1, reflect a combination of global market trends and domestic economic factors.

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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed that the price of 93-octane petrol will increase by 19 cents per litre, while the price of 95-octane unleaded petrol will rise by 12 cents per litre. Additionally, diesel prices will see a hike of up to 10.50 cents per litre, further impacting transport and logistics sectors.

The monthly fuel price adjustments, influenced by global oil prices and the rand’s exchange rate, are a standard measure to align domestic prices with international market conditions. These increases come at a time when motorists are already grappling with rising costs, adding further strain to household budgets.

SOURCE : REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

South Korea investigators request arrest warrant for Yoon over martial law

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South Korea investigators request arrest warrant for Yoon over martial law

Seoul, South Korea (DT) — South Korean law enforcement authorities have requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of an investigation into whether his brief martial law declaration on December 3 constituted an act of rebellion.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, spearheading a joint probe with police and military agencies into the short-lived power seizure, confirmed filing the warrant request with the Seoul Western District Court. Investigators plan to question Yoon on allegations of abuse of power and orchestrating a rebellion.

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Yoon Kap-keun, the president’s lawyer, denounced the detention attempt and filed a challenge with the same court, arguing that the warrant request was invalid. He also claimed the anti-corruption agency lacked the legal authority to investigate rebellion charges. Still, he evaded answering how the legal team would respond if the court approved the warrant for the president’s detainment.

Police have tried but failed to successfully raid the presidential office as part of the investigation. A Seoul court will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant following the request.
Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity.
Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the suspended president, said the arrest request was “unfair” and the anti-corruption agency has no authority to do so.

On Friday, the court conducted its first preparatory hearing, rejecting a request from Yoon’s legal team to postpone the proceedings for additional preparation. Emphasizing the need for efficiency, the court stated it would proceed without delay. The next hearing is scheduled for January 3.

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

Atlanta, US (DT) – Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served in the Navy until 1953. He later managed his family’s peanut farming business before entering politics. Carter served as a Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967 and as the state’s governor from 1971 to 1975. In 1976, he was elected President, serving a single term until 1981.

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The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, roughly 22 months after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said.

Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in New York, July 15, 1976. (AP Photo, File)

“Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and house the homeless as an example for others.

“To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement.

Biden spoke later Sunday evening about Carter, calling it a “sad day” but one that “brings back an incredible amount of good memories.”

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, June 10, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

“I’ve been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years,” Biden said in his remarks.

He recalled the former president being a comfort to him and his wife Jill when their son Beau died in 2015 of cancer. The president remarked how cancer was a common bond between their families, with Carter himself having cancer later in his life.

“Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease too well,” said Biden, who scheduled a state funeral in Washington, D.C., for Carter on Jan. 9.

Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the nation and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday.

Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s.

“My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said.

SOURCE : APNEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Azerbaijani president demands public apology for plane crash from Russia

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Azerbaijani president demands public apology for plane crash from Russia

The President of Azerbaijan has stated that the plane crash in Kazakhstan on Wednesday was likely caused by “fire” from Russian territory, with evidence indicating it may have been struck by a Russian anti-aircraft missile.

Baku, Azerbaijan (DT) – In an interview with state media on Sunday, Aliyev demanded that Moscow admit responsibility for the disaster and cease attempts to cover up the cause.

“We have clearly expressed our demands to the Russian side,” said President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with AZERTAC news agency.

“These demands were officially communicated to them on December 27. What do they consist of? First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished, brought to criminal responsibility, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, as well as to the injured passengers and crew members.

RELATED NEWS : Russian air-defense system downed Azerbaijan plane, sources say

These are our conditions. The first of these was fulfilled yesterday.

I hope the other conditions will also be accepted. All these demands are fair. There are no extraordinary requests or issues here; all of this is based on international experience and normal human conduct,” the head of state emphasized.

The AZAL flight, which was attempting to land in Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region, is believed to have been hit by a Russian air defense system.

Aliyev claimed that the plane was damaged by fire from the ground and electronic warfare systems, which caused it to almost lose control.

He criticized Russia for initially suggesting theories, including a bird strike, to explain the crash—describing them as “absurd” and out of touch with reality, given the damage to the plane’s fuselage.

Azerbaijani President claimed that the passenger plane had been damaged by accidental gunfire from the ground in Russia.

Aliyev stated, “Our plane was shot down by accident,” and added that the aircraft had been subjected to electronic jamming before coming under fire while approaching the southern Russian city of Grozny.

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Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn in as President of Georgia Amidst Strong Criticism of the West

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Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn in as President of Georgia Amidst Strong Criticism of the West

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has rejected Mikheil Kavelashvili’s legitimacy as Georgia’s new president, citing alleged irregularities in the election process

Tbilisi, Georgia (DT) – Mikheil Kavelashvili has been sworn in as the new president of Georgia amidst political turmoil and accusations of election fraud. A staunch critic of the West, Kavelashvili was elected by lawmakers following the October parliamentary elections.

His inauguration comes during a political crisis after the government froze European Union application talks, triggering widespread protests.

Georgia’s new president Mikheil Kavelashvili looks on during his swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia December 29, 2024. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze/Pool

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU opponent of the ruling party, has rejected Kavelashvili’s legitimacy, citing alleged irregularities in the election process. In a defiant speech to her supporters outside the presidential palace, Zourabichvili declared that while she would leave the residence, she still held the legitimacy of her office.

“I will come out of here and be with you,” she said. “I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me.” Zourabichvili, who remains popular among opposition parties, maintains that Kavelashvili’s election was flawed due to fraud in the parliamentary vote.

The opposition has rallied behind Zourabichvili, asserting that she is the legitimate president until new elections are held. Kavelashvili’s election, however, is backed by the Georgian Dream ruling party, which secured nearly 54 percent of the vote in the October elections. Both the ruling party and the country’s election commission have maintained that the election was free and fair.

International observers have raised concerns about the electoral process, with both local and international monitors pointing to violations that may have affected the results. Western nations have called for an investigation into the allegations.

Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player who briefly played for Manchester City, has expressed strong anti-Western views, accusing Western intelligence agencies of trying to provoke conflict between Georgia and Russia. “The Georgian people have always understood that peace is the main prerequisite for survival and development,” he said following his swearing-in.

This standoff between Kavelashvili and Zourabichvili marks a significant moment in Georgia’s political trajectory. Once seen as one of the most democratic and pro-Western states in the former Soviet Union, Georgia is now deeply divided over its future direction.

The situation also comes amid growing criticism of the Georgian ruling party for its perceived shift away from the West and closer ties with Russia. In response, the United States imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party, accusing him of pushing Georgia towards an anti-Western stance.

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