News

Ukraine to move Christmas Day in symbolic split from Russia

Published

2 years ago

July 29, 2023

Ukraine has made a significant symbolic gesture by moving its official Christmas Day state holiday from 7 January to 25 December.

The move is seen as an attempt to distance the country from its historical ties with Russia and align itself more closely with the West. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law after it was passed by Ukrainian lawmakers, signaling the country’s ongoing efforts to abandon Russian cultural and religious influences.

The decision comes in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which further strained the already complex relationship between the two nations. For centuries, Ukraine has struggled against Russian attempts to control its religious and cultural identity, including the authority of the Russian Orthodox Church over Ukrainian churches. However, in 2019, the newly formed Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) was granted independence by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leading to tensions with the Russian Orthodox Church.

The OCU’s adoption of the Gregorian calendar, in contrast to the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church, marks a symbolic shift in religious practices. Many Ukrainian worshippers have been joining the OCU in recent years, and now, a majority of them are expected to celebrate Christmas on 25 December. Nevertheless, millions still follow the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), another established branch with a significant presence in the country.

Ukraine’s decision to move Christmas is just one of many measures taken to assert its independence from Russia. The country has renamed streets associated with Russian and Soviet historical figures, removed monuments, and banned Russian films produced after 2014. These actions reflect the ongoing tensions and the aftermath of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The move to celebrate Christmas on 25 December signifies Ukraine’s desire to carve out its unique identity and distance itself from Russia’s influence. By aligning with the Western calendar and adopting a more independent religious and cultural stance, Ukraine aims to assert its sovereignty and strengthen its ties with the international community.

News

Boeing 787 crashes in India, 242 on board

Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes in India en route to London, injuring passengers amidst safety and production challenges for Boeing.

Published

6 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes in India en route to London, injuring passengers amidst safety and production challenges for Boeing.

In Short:
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, while flying to London, injuring many passengers. This incident poses significant issues for Boeing, which is already dealing with safety concerns, and has prompted condolences from both Indian and U.K. leaders.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operated by Air India, crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, while en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.

The aircraft departed at 1:38 p.m. local time with 230 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.

Air India confirmed that injured passengers are being taken to nearby hospitals.

The 787 Dreamliner had operated for 14 years without a fatal incident before this crash.

Boeing response

Boeing expressed awareness of the situation and is gathering more information, although shares dropped drastically following the news.

This incident presents a significant challenge for Boeing, which has faced safety and production issues recently.

Local media reported smoke emanating from the crash site, and emergency responders were seen transporting individuals on stretchers.

The plane lost location data at 625 feet altitude and descending at 475 feet per minute before the crash.

The incident occurred in a residential area, prompting condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who stated his government will assist local authorities.

Air India, recently acquired by Tata Sons, has been navigating difficulties as the former state-run carrier.

The jet crash is part of a troubling year for aviation, following other serious incidents, including a 2018-2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash that resulted in over 300 fatalities.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern for affected families as the situation unfolds.

News

Pentagon reviews AUKUS deal to align with Trump’s agenda

Pentagon reassesses AUKUS deal to align with Trump’s America First policy amid concerns over alliance readiness and U.S. delivery capacity.

Published

18 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Pentagon reassesses AUKUS deal to align with Trump’s America First policy amid concerns over alliance readiness and U.S. delivery capacity.

Pentagon Reviews AUKUS Deal to Align With Trump’s Agenda.
The Pentagon is re-evaluating the landmark AUKUS security pact between Australia, the U.S., and the U.K., aiming to ensure it fits with Donald Trump’s America First policy.

With Australia set to receive nuclear submarines under the deal, the review raises questions about alliance readiness and shared responsibility. But concerns remain about the U.S.’s capacity to deliver its end of the bargain.

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News

Markets react as inflation cools and the Fed watches on

New US-China trade pact raises questions; cooler inflation hints at possible Fed rate cuts, while markets react to rising crude oil and a strong ASX outlook.

Published

18 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ahron Young

New US-China trade pact raises questions; cooler inflation hints at possible Fed rate cuts, while markets react to rising crude oil and a strong ASX outlook.

A new trade pact between the U.S. and China is raising eyebrows, but experts question whether it’s a game-changer or just more of the same.

Meanwhile, inflation comes in cooler than expected again, sending signals that the Fed may cut rates twice this year. All eyes are on markets, with crude oil surging and the ASX looking strong ahead of the open.

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