«We are not working against anyone; we are working in favor of our own interests and those of the member states,» the Russian leader emphasized

The head of state pointed out that ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said at some point that Ukraine «needs to keep fighting until the last Ukrainian»

The global market dynamics suggest that a player like Ukraine «will struggle to compete,» Egor Perelygin explained

The prime minister was asked about this during his speech to the Patriots for Europe faction of Members of the European Parliament, which took place before the EU leaders' meeting

Citizens' questions were mainly about price rises and social policies

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected an impeachment notice against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar filed by 60 opposition members. The notice, alleging bias, was deemed flawed, hasty, and designed to damage Dhankhar's reputation. Harivansh criticized the opposition's attempt to undermine constitutional institutions and personally target the Vice President with unfounded claims.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended Rahul Gandhi against BJP accusations of pushing an MP, calling it a diversionary tactic from home minister Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar. She alleged BJP staged the confrontation and that Congress President Kharge was pushed. Both leaders accused the BJP of disrespecting Ambedkar, while BJP MP Sarangi claimed Gandhi caused injuries during the scuffle.

The US government backs India's extradition request for Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Rana, fighting extradition, petitioned the Supreme Court, but the US Solicitor General urged the court to deny his plea.

In 2023, Bulgaria accounted for around 1.2 % of the EU's net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and achieved a net emissions reduction of 22.6 % compared with 2005. The country's total emissions decreased by 27.4 % between 2005 and 2023, while its net carbon removals in the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector declined by 41.3 % (Figure 1). Emissions from sectors covered by the effort-sharing legislation decreased by 3 % since 2005 and were higher than those from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which fell by 43.4 %. In 2023, Bulgaria still had the most carbon intensive economy in the EU; the European Commission considers that the country's green transition could be slowed significantly by the lack of long-term climate commitments, heavy dependence on coal, and the high energy intensity of its economy. Bulgaria submitted its draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in February 2024. The Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final plan, which was due in June 2024. In a 2023 survey, only 22 % of Bulgarians, compared with a 46 % EU average, identified climate change as of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (48 %) and/or the EU (39 %) to tackle climate change. Only 17 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Poland does not have a national climate law or a strategy to become climate-neutral. However, it is bound by the European Climate Law and other EU legislation that obliges Member States to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in some sectors. Poland accounts for 10.7 % of the EU's net GHG emissions, and achieved a net emissions reduction of 9.3 % in the years 2005 to 2023 – significantly lower than the EU average of 30.5 % over the same period (Figure 1). Emissions under the EU emissions trading system (ETS), covering mainly energy-intensive sectors, aviation and maritime transport, decreased by 30 %. Carbon removals in the LULUCF (land use, land-use change and forestry) sectors went down by 28.2 %. In the effort-sharing sectors (domestic transport without aviation, buildings, agriculture, small industry and waste) increased by 9 %. In August 2023, Poland updated its recovery and resilience plan and introduced a REPowerEU chapter. It submitted its draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) on 1 March 2024 (only the scenario with existing measures). The European Commission assessed the partially updated plan on 26 April 2024, and deemed the existing measures insufficient to meet the 2030 targets. In a 2023 Eurobarometer survey, 28 % of Poles, compared with a 46 % EU average, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Almost half expect national government (46 %) and/or the EU (43 %) to tackle climate change, while 17 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This briefing provides a summary of the recent economic developments in the EU Member States and gives an overview of relevant economic projections forecasted by major international and EU institutions. Annex 1 includes latest GDP data and forecasts for all EU Member States and Annex 2 the latest inflation data and developments. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Belgium aims to reach climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). In 2023, Belgium accounted for 3.5 % of the EU's net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduced its net emissions by 29.3 % between 2005 and 2023, just below the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Also during that period, the country reduced emissions covered by the EU emissions trading system (ETS) by 46.7 %. Belgium's land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector has consistently performed as a small carbon sink. In July 2023 Belgium updated its recovery and resilience plan and included a REPowerEU chapter. The plan dedicates 51 % of total funding to the green transition. Belgium submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in December 2023, to be assessed by the European Commission. In October 2024, the Commission launched an infringement procedure against Belgium and 12 other Member States that missed the June 2024 deadline for submitting the final updated NECP. A 2023 Eurobarometer survey showed that 49 % of Belgians, against an EU average of 46 %, find climate change to be one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect the EU (65 %) and/or business and industry (52 %) and national governments (49 %) to tackle climate change, while 40 % find it to be their personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Spain aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). In 2023, Spain accounted for 8.2 % of the EU's net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieved a net emissions reduction of 39.3 % in the years 2005 to 2023, above the EU average reduction of 30.5 %. During the same period, the country reduced emissions covered by the EU emissions trading system (ETS) by 57.5 %. Spain's land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector has consistently performed as a carbon sink, despite an increasing number of forest fires. In June 2023, Spain updated its recovery and resilience plan and included a REPowerEU chapter. The plan dedicates 39.9 % of total funding to the green transition. Spain submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) on 13 July 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was published on 26 September 2024. In a 2023 Eurobarometer survey, 48 % of Spaniards, compared with an EU average of 46 %, consider climate change to be one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect the EU (56 %), national governments (56 %) and business and industry (54 %) to tackle climate change, while 36 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

This handbook provides an illustrated overview of the main marine and freshwater species relevant to the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. For each species, the handbook shows its main biological characteristics, whether it is caught, farmed or both, and by which Member States, along with some significant EU conservation measures. In addition, it indicates the name of the species in Danish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The Israeli military reports that it conducted retaliatory strikes again Yemen’s Houthi militants Read Full Article at RT.com

Fashion model and TV host Svetlana Savitskaya has been fatally struck by a car in Paris, according to media reports Read Full Article at RT.com

Somaliland is hoping US President-elect Donald Trump will support the self-proclaimed republic’s statehood push when he takes office Read Full Article at RT.com

The US government is facing a shutdown after a spending bill was scrapped under pressure from Donald Trump and Elon Musk Read Full Article at RT.com

The Russian president has proposed testing Western defense systems against Moscow’s new hypersonic missile system Read Full Article at RT.com

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed concerns about live-in relationships, stating they clash with Indian societal values and could disrupt traditional structures. Citing European examples, he questioned the impact on children and societal norms. He also touched upon the sex ratio imbalance and its potential implications, while firmly condemning marital rape and advocating for consensual rights within marriage.

With US Republicans backing recognition of Somaliland, a top Chinese diplomat has visited Mogadishu to offer Beijing’s support

Hargeisa (HOL) – The bodies of Huda Ahmed Farah and Hamse Ahmed Yusuf were discovered Thursday morning inside a luxury car in Hargeisa’s Shabab neighbourhood.

Dhusamareb (HOL) – The Somali National Army (SNA), in coordination with Galmudug regional forces and local residents, intercepted two vehicles suspected of transporting fuel and other supplies to the al-Shabab militant group, officials confirmed Thursday.

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is facing a fierce backlash from citizens, businesses, and concerned industry players after its controversial decision to award a key fiscal tax stamps contract to SICPA, a Swiss company mired in a web of corruption allegations. Despite mounting concerns and undeniable evidence that MRA flouted its own procurement guidelines, the […] The post MRA still mum on allegations of procurement favors to corruption-tainted SICPA in fiscal marks contract appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Go Fresh, a leading butchery chain store, has announced the signing of Zeze and Dorothy Kingston as their official brand ambassadors in a vibrant launch event attended by representatives from major chain stores and notable influencers. The 12-month partnership seeks to emphasize the connection between family, trust, and premium quality meat products that Go Fresh […] The post Go Fresh Unveils the Kingstons as Brand Ambassadors in Star-Studded Event appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

To support those in need, FairPrice will be extending its daily discount schemes for Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation and Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Orange and Blue cardholders into 2025.  These cardholders can enjoy a three per cent discount on purchases on selected days of the week. The discount scheme will be available across all FairPrice stores and Unity outlets till Dec 31, 2025, FairPrice Group said on Thursday (Dec 19). Discount schemes at FairPrice will be extended till Dec 31, 2025.  PHOTO: FairPrice Group The CHAS Orange discount scheme, introduced in October, aims to help more Singaporeans afford daily essentials. It is available to individuals whose total gross household monthly income per family member living together ranges from $1,501 to $2,300. 

SINGAPORE — Travellers can expect very heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, and are advised to factor in additional waiting time. In a statement on Thursday (Dec 19), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said over 3.4 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints during the first week of year-end school holidays, between Dec 15 and 21. On Dec 13, a record of over 553,000 travellers crossed in a single day, with the figure surpassing the previous peak of more than 543,000 travellers on Sept 6. Car travellers leaving Singapore during peak periods had to wait up to three hours to clear immigration, due to traffic tailback from Malaysia, said ICA. «Travellers are advised to factor in additional waiting time, especially over the weekends,» said the agency. «Alternatively, travellers can consider taking the cross-border bus services.» Travellers are also advised to co-operate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules, and maintain lane discipline.

[New Times] President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, December 18, received a message from his Angolan counterpart Joao Laurenço, who is the facilitator of the Luanda process.

[New Times] Nine people including Theoneste Nsengimana, the creator of the YouTube channel Umubavu TV, are being prosecuted on charges of forming a criminal association and conspiring to commit offenses against the government or the president.

[VOA] Yaounde, Cameroon -- Chad's electoral commission has asked the central African state's military to help protect election officials and candidates amid a spike in attacks ahead of Dec. 29 elections.

Surveillance technology is increasingly visible along the U.S. border, and Canada says it wants to invest in it, too. But what are the consequences of an increasingly surveilled border?

Born in 1983 from community demands in the wake of internal troubles, Akwesasne's Indian Time newspaper published its final edition Thursday as tensions returned to this Indigenous territory that is severed by the Canada-U.S. border.