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Drop in food exports due to Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports
A Ukrainian farmer's association said that the Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports have already harmed food exports. This could result in a significant drop?in trade, despite attempts to divert shipments by rail. Ukraine is the largest exporter of corn and wheat in the world, as well as sunflower oil. Early in the nearly four-year war, a de facto Russian blocade worsened global food shortages. Since 2023, the majority of Ukrainian food exports has resumed. This month, Russian drones and missiles have been attacking the Odesa region's ports almost daily. Export capacity has decreased. The UAC union reported that some wheat exporters have already failed to deliver on their contracts for?delivery shipments this month. UAC estimates that at least one of three major export ports is idle or only operating at 20% capacity. The union also stated that logistics routes connecting the rest Ukraine to Danube River port have been damaged. Since the beginning of the war, river ports have compensated for the loss major seaports. "Russia is attacking our ports and reducing our export capacity .... UAC stated in a report that without deep water and river waters, our exports would decline dramatically. The article added that "some large traders have already begun to sort out quotas on railway terminals. This means that some grain from our country may be sent across the border." Exports of wheat, corn, and vegoil are declining. UAC reports that as of December 22 only 375,000 tons of wheat have been shipped out of the 1 million tons contracted to be shipped during the month. In the case of?corn 1.5 million tons out of 2 million tons contracted have been shipped. Sunoil: 275,000 tons of the 410,000 tons contracted had already been shipped. Exports for the entire month are not expected to exceed 350,000 tonnes. UAC reported that "some traders have defaulted on wheat, and some contracts are being rescheduled to January due insufficient capacity at the ports." In December of last year, Ukraine export 800,000 tons wheat, 2.6 million tons corn, and 378,000 tonnes of sunflower oil. According to the Ukrainian Economy Ministry, grain exports fell to 1.82 millions tons from 2.88million tons between December 1-27, last year. This was mainly due to lower shipments of wheat and corn. (Reporting and editing by Peter Graff.)
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India approves two new airlines to start operations after IndiGo's crisis
India has given initial approval to two airlines for them to start?operations. This comes after IndiGo, the largest airline in India, cancelled a large number of flights. These cancellations brought to light the lack of competition on the fastest-growing aviation markets. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced?on X late Tuesday that the civil aviation ministry had granted a 'no objection certificate' to regional airline alHind Air, and FlyExpress. He added that?the Government is working hard to encourage more competition on the domestic market. IndiGo's dominance was highlighted by the cancellation of 4,500 flights earlier this month due to poor staff planning. Tens of thousands were left stranded in airports across India as a result. Some analysts have called on the government to provide incentives to encourage more companies to operate. IndiGo's market share is?of approximately 65%. Air India Group, the rival airline, has about 27%. The rest is made up by smaller carriers. AlHind's website states that it aims to "begin operations" in southern India using a fleet ATR Turboprops. It is currently acquiring an Air Operator Certificate. FlyExpress also had a banner that said "coming soon." The government informed lawmakers in July that India had granted six air operators permits for operations to begin by 2020, including regional carriers. (Reporting and editing by Barbara Lewis; Abhijith Gaapavaram)
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Turkish official: Libyan army chief of staff died in plane crash near Ankara, after fault reported by Turkish official
An official in Turkey said that a private 'jet' which crashed overnight and killed the chief of staff for Libyan army and seven other people on board had reported an electrical problem and requested an emergency land shortly before losing contact. Burhanettin Duran, head of the communications department, told reporters that the Dassault Falcon 50 jet informed air traffic controllers at?1733 GMT about an emergency due to an electrical failure. The black box was found early Wednesday morning, according to the Turkish interior minister. The internationally recognized government of Libya said that the dead included Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad - army chief of Staff - and four members of his entourage. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah described it as a "great national loss." Turkish officials confirmed that three crew members also died. A JET DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR WHILE LANDING Duran stated that air traffic control redirected the plane back to Esenboga Airport, and emergency measures had been initiated. However, the jet vanished?from radar around 1736 GMT, while it was descending towards landing, and there was no contact. The voice recorder and flight data recorder were found at 0245 and 0320 respectively. The analysis and examination of these devices has 'begun,' Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said to reporters at the crash scene near Ankara’s Haymana District. Yerlikaya said earlier that the?aircraft requested an emergency landing when flying over Haymana.?Additionally, its wreckage has been found near Kesikkavak Village. Duran stated that all authorities were continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. Libyan officials said that the jet had been leased and registered on Malta. They also stated that the ownership and technical history of the aircraft would be investigated as part the investigation. (Reporting and editing by Thomas Derpinghaus, Bernadettebaum and Ece Toksabay)
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France condemns the US visa ban on Breton, former EU commissioner
The French government has condemned the visa ban imposed on Thierry Breton by the 'Trump Administration on Wednesday. He is a former European Union Commissioner who was instrumental in drafting?the EU Digital Services Act. This act recently targeted top -U.S. ?tech companies. The Trump administration imposed visa restrictions on Breton, and other anti-disinformation activists who were accused of censoring U.S. platforms on social media. This is the latest in a series of actions aimed at European regulations that U.S. officials claim go beyond legitimate regulation. Jean-Noel Barrot, French Foreign Minister, wrote on X Wednesday that "France strongly condemned the 'visa restriction' imposed by the United States against Thierry Breton - former minister and European commissioner - and four other European figures". ELON MUSK'S X FINED OFF BY? Breton was the most prominent target. He is a former French Finance Minister and European Commissioner for the Internal Market from 2019-2024. Breton has been replaced as the EU's internal market representative by Stephane Sejourne. He is also the executive vice president of the EU Commission. Sejourne also criticized the U.S. Visa Ban and defended EU's Digital Services Act. "No sanction can silence the sovereignty and the peoples of Europe." Sejourne wrote on X: "Total solidarity with him and the Europeans affected by this." U.S. When describing the bans Tuesday, Under Secretary of?Public diplomacy Sarah Rogers described Breton, as a "mastermind", of the Digital Services Act. This was defended again by?Barrot, on Wednesday. The EU fined Elon Musk’s X Platform 120 million Euros for violating the rules governing online content. The Digital Services Act has been democratically adopted by Europe in order to ensure that what's illegal offline is illegal online. Barrot wrote on X that the Digital Services Act has no extraterritorial impact and does not affect the United States. Breton condemned himself the visa ban against him. "Is McCarthy’s witch-hunt back?" Remember: 90% of our democratically-elected European Parliament and all 27 Member States voted unanimously for the DSA. Breton wrote on X: "Censorship doesn't exist where you think it does." Reporting by Sudip K. Gupta, Editing by Michael Perry & Alex Richardson
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Bangladeshi leader expected to be next Prime Minister returning from exile before polls
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party wants to gather 5 million supporters on Thursday to welcome Tarique Rahman, its leader who has spent nearly 17 years in exile. This is a sign of strength for him as he becomes a strong contender for the position of 'prime minister' at the February elections. Rahman, 60 years old, is the son ailing former prime minister Khaleda zia. He is also the acting chairman of the political party widely expected to win the parliamentary election set for February 12th. He returns from London as the BNP, his arch-foe, is on the rise following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina last year in a student led uprising. Since 1991, Khaleda zia and Sheikh Hasina alternated as Prime Ministers. According to a December survey conducted by the U.S.-based International Republican Institute, the BNP is on track to win the most parliamentary seats. The islamist Jamaat-e-Islami Party also has a chance of winning. Hasina's Awami league party, which has been banned from the elections, has threatened unrest, which some fear will jeopardize voting. Rahman's return to his homeland is a result of both personal and political circumstances. His mother has been seriously ill since months. This prompted what party insiders call an urgent return home. BNP: 'DEFINING a political moment' BNP leaders have said they are preparing what 'they call an 'unprecedented' gathering in the capital. They aim to attract more than 5 million supporters from the airport along the route to the reception venue. Ruhulkabir Rizvi, a senior BNP leader, said that this will be a momentous political moment. He added that the security arrangements were closely coordinated with the authorities to maintain order. Rahman, who was convicted of multiple crimes in his home country including money laundering and a plot against Hasina in 2008, has been living in London ever since. After Hasina was removed, he was acquitted from all charges, which cleared the legal obstacles that had prevented his return. BNP officials confirmed that he would travel directly from airport to reception venue, before visiting his mother. THE YOUTH PARTY WELCOMES HER RETURN Rahman's return coincides with the?sensitive electoral period that South Asia, a nation of 175 million people dominated by Muslims, is entering under an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This vote is seen as vital to restore political stability following nearly two years' turmoil. The country is at a crossroads. Rahman's return will test the BNP's capacity to mobilise in a peaceful manner, and the interim administration's commitment to deliver a credible power transfer. The government has promised a peaceful and free election. However, recent attacks against media outlets and other sporadic violence raises concerns about law enforcement. The National Citizen Party, which was formed by the youth protesters who toppled Hasina's government, has said that it is pleased with Rahman's return. Khan Muhammad Mursalin is a spokesperson for the NCP. He said that "Tarique was forced to exile due to severe pressures and threats. His homecoming has symbolic value." His arrival will undoubtedly energize the party leaders and supporters... On his path to democracy, he will have our support. Ruma Paul, YPrajesh, and Peter Graff edited the article.
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Turkey claims electrical failure was reported before Libyan military plane crash
Turkey's director of communications said that the private jet carrying Libya's chief of staff requested an emergency landing before it crashed near Ankara. Burhanettin Duran said that the Dassault Falcon 50 jet left Ankara’s Esenboga Airport on Tuesday at 1717 GMT en route for Tripoli. At 1733 GMT, it notified air traffic control about an?emergency due to an electrical malfunction'. According to Libyan and Turkish officials, eight people, including three members of the crew, died in the crash. The aircraft was redirected back to Esenboga Airport and emergency measures were taken. However, the jet vanished?from radar? at 1736 GMT while it was descending for landing, he stated. Ali Yerlikaya, Turkish Interior Minister, said earlier that the aircraft requested a landing emergency while flying over Ankara’s Haymana District. He added that the wreckage later was found near Kesikkavak Village in the area. Duran stated that search and rescue teams had reached the crash scene after operations launched by the Turkish Interior Ministry. Investigations into the cause of the crash were ongoing with all relevant authorities. The internationally recognized?government of Libya has confirmed that the dead include the country's 'army chief of Staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad', as well as four members of the 'entourage'. Libyan officials said that the jet had been leased and registered on Malta. They added that the ownership and technical history of the aircraft would be investigated as part the investigation. (Reporting and editing by Thomas Derpinghaus; Ece Toksabay)
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Wall Street Journal, December 24,
These are the most popular stories from the Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal has not confirmed these stories and does not guarantee their accuracy. BP is close to selling a majority of its Castrol lubricants division to Stonepeak, valuing the entire business at $10 billion (including debt). ServiceNow, a leading enterprise software company, has announced that it will buy cybersecurity startup Armis for $7.75 billion cash. The move is part of an effort to attract new customers in the face of increasing cyberattack risks. General?Motors, the federal auto safety regulators and other agencies are investigating an airbag that exploded on a pickup truck that was recalled but not repaired. Alphabet’s Waymo unit said it would expand?first responder involvement, improve its emergency responses protocols, and roll out updated to allow its vehicles to navigate more decisively at intersections,?following instances of stalled Waymo roboticaxis following a San Francisco?power?outage. The estate of Texas billionaire Robert Brockman, a Texas-based tech executive who is regarded as the most successful tax evader in U.S. History, has agreed to settle a lawsuit by paying $750 million in back taxes and penalty to settle what federal prosecutors have called the biggest tax evasion case ever in U.S.history. (Compiled by Bengaluru Newsroom)
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Malaysia's Petronas signs a LNG supply agreement with China's CNOOC
Petroliam Nasional, the Malaysian state-owned energy company On Wednesday,?it said that it would supply Chinese offshore oil company CNOOC 1 million metric tonnes of?liquefied gas (LNG) per year. Petronas stated in a press release that the agreement between Petronas 'LNG and CNOOC Gas and Power Singapore 'Trading & Marketing' builds on existing cooperation between both?companies. Petronas will sign a 10-year contract for LNG supply with a CNOOC subsidiary in?2021. The deal is valued at $7 billion. CNOOC and Petronas have not responded to our requests for details, including the duration of the deal. Petronas and Canadian oil company Pembina Pipeline signed a similar agreement in November to supply 1,000,000 tons of LNG per year for the next 20 years. The deal was a result of its Cedar LNG Project. (Reporting by Sneha Kumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)
Turkey builds a submarine as it increases its home-made defence industry
The Turkish defence ministry announced on Thursday that construction had begun on the first submarine built in Turkey (MILDEN). Ankara also said it had completed its first sale to NATO of a corvette-class warship by signing an agreement with Romania.
Last week, NATO member Turkey announced that contractors have begun building its indigenous TF 2000 naval air defence destroyer. The TF-2000 will be included in the multi-layered "Steel Dome", air defence system.
The ministry announced at its weekly briefing that the ASFAT firm operating under its jurisdiction signed a deal to export a light corvette to Romania's Ministry of Defence. This was the first time Turkey had sold a vehicle to an ally in NATO.
The first test block for our National Submarine, the Milden (as it is known in Turkey), has been built at the Golcuk Shipyard Command. Tuvan Gumrukcu, Jonathan Spicer and Jonathan Spicer edited the article.
(source: Reuters)