Moldova braces for energy crisis as Russia halts gas supplies
On a cold morning in Chisinau, postal worker Petru Murzin expressed fears of a harsh winter, warning that many Moldovans will face "no heating, no light" amid an impending energy crisis.
International Sport News
Rangers goalkeeper Butland to miss Old Firm derby after internal bleeding in leg
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland is ruled out of Thursday's Old Firm clash with Celtic at the Ibrox Stadium after suffering internal bleeding in his leg, the Scottish Premiership club said.
Women's rights activists call for England to forfeit championship cricket match to Afghanistan
President-elect Donald Trump spoke to reporters at Mar-a-Lago amid meetings with tech moguls as he prepares for his second term.
India Chess Star R Vaishali Clinches Women's Bronze In World Blitz Championship
India's R Vaishali clinched a bronze in the women's section of the World Blitz Championship, capping another strong performance by the country's chess players after stalwart Koneru Humpy's title-winning show in the rapid event here. Vaishali defeated China's Zhu Jiner 2.5-1.5 in the quarter-finals before losing to another Chinese opponent Ju Wenjun 0.5-2.5 in the semi-final. In an event completely dominated by the Chinese, Ju Wenjun went on to snare the world title defeating compatriot Lei Tingjie 3.5-2.5.
Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi's Decision To Share World Blitz Title Sparks Controversy
Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi's decision to share the World Blitz Championship title for the first time in history has sent shockwaves through the chess community, sparking widespread criticism. World number one Carlsen and Russia's Nepomniachtchi shared the Blitz title after three sudden-death games failed to produce a winner. This was the first time that the title was awarded to two players after the Norwegian asked whether it could be shared given the deadlock. The move has drawn sharp criticism, with former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik slamming the international chess federation for not thinking of a rule for such scenario.
Yearender: Indian Legend Sunil Chhetri Bows Out To International Football After Iconic Career
The torchbearer of Indian football, Sunil Chhetri, announced his retirement in 2024, bidding farewell to a career that spanned over two decades. From a humble boy with dreams of representing India to becoming the country's all-time highest scorer and one of its most revered football icons, Chhetri's all-inclusive success is truly remarkable. Chhetri made his professional debut for Mohun Bagan in 2002, where he played until 2005, scoring eight goals in 18 matches. Though the early years were challenging, his talent quickly caught the attention of larger clubs across India. Over the years, Chhetri played for JCT (2005-08), East Bengal (2008-09), Dempo FC (2009-10), Chirag United (2011), Mohun Bagan (2011-12), Churchill Brothers (2013 on loan), Bengaluru FC (2013-15, 2016-present), and became a household name in Indian club football.
Chess Rankings: Arjun Erigaisi 4th, D Gukesh 5th As Nine Indians Ranked In Top-50 In Open Section
Arjun Erigaisi maintained his rating of 2801 and retained the fourth spot while newly-crowned World Classical World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju occupied the fifth position in the classical Open section in the first ranking list of 2025 released by International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Wednesday. Erigaisi, the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to cross the exalted 2800 rating in classical chess, has a rating of 2801 and is just one ELO behind American Hikaru Nakamura (2802). Another American Fabiano Caruana (2803) is a further one ELO ahead at No. 2 position in a hot chase for the second spot behind Magnus Carlsen, who leads the chart with a rating of 2831.
Cardiff City 1-1 Coventry City: 10-man Bluebirds cling on for point after Callum Robinson red card
Cardiff City began 2025 with a whirlwind clash against Coventry City which saw them reduced to 10 men and cling on for a point despite a second-half onslaught from the visitors.