FIFA World Cup: Luis Suarez left out of Uruguay World Cup squad by Marcelo Bisla as Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez are ruled out.

Marcelo Bielsa has made the biggest selection decision of Uruguay’s FIFA World Cup campaign by leaving out veteran striker Luis Suarez from his final 26-man squad. The former Barcelona and Liverpool forward, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, was one of the notable omissions when Bielsa unveiled his squad on Sunday.

While Suarez missed out on a place in the tournament, midfield star Federico Valverde and striker Darwin Nunez are leading a young team that reflects Bielsa’s long-term vision for the national team.

39-year-old Suarez had not completely closed the chapter of his international career Despite announcing his retirement from Uruguayan duty. The experienced forward recently suggested that he would be open to a comeback if the national team requires his services during the World Cup.

However, Bielsa opted to recall the striker, who has been absent from the international setup for almost 20 months. The decision comes months after Suarez publicly criticized the Argentina coach’s management style, which he claimed had created divisions within the dressing room.

Suárez said earlier this year, “I retired from the national team to make room for other players, and because I felt the moment had come when I could no longer be useful to the team. But if they need me, I will never refuse the national team. As long as I’m playing, as long as I’m active, that’s impossible.”

Relations between player and coach appeared strained after Suárez accused Bielsa of creating a difficult atmosphere within the team. Although the former striker later said he had apologized for those comments, it was not enough to convince Bielsa to include him in his World Cup plans.

Suarez’s omission was not the only major talking point From the squad announcement. Nahitan Nandez, another experienced international who featured regularly during the qualification campaign, was also ruled out as Bielsa continued his transition towards a young core.

Bielsa backs youth for World Cup

The team selection underlines Bielsa’s commitment to building a team around players rather than relying on experienced veterans. Uruguay’s defensive foundation will be led by Ronald Araújo, José María Jiménez and Mathias Oliveira, who will provide a mix of leadership and physicality at the back.

Bielsa has in midfield Put their trust in a dynamic group featuring Federico ValverdeRodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte and Nicolás de la Cruz. This quartet epitomizes the high-intensity pressing style and tireless work rate that has become the hallmark of Bielsa’s teams throughout his managerial career.

The attack will be led by Darwin Núñez, who remains the primary goal-scoring threat for Uruguay despite a difficult club season. The striker has not featured for Al-Hilal since February after the Saudi Pro League side shuffled their foreign player registration following the arrival of Karim Benzema.

Despite concerns over his lack of recent game time, Bielsa remains confident in Núñez’s ability to lead on football’s biggest stage.

Uruguay have been drawn in Group H and will open their World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 15. They will then face Cape Verde in what is expected to be their toughest test before concluding the group stage against Spain.

With Suarez absent and a new generation taking center stage, Bielsa’s Uruguay are heading into the tournament hoping their youthful energy can compensate for the loss of one of the country’s greatest footballers.

Uruguay announces its World Cup squad (Photo: Screen grab from X)

Uruguay squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Santiago Mele

Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araújo, Jose Maria Jimenez, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Casares, Mathias Oliveira, Joaquin Piquerrez, Matias Viana.

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Agustín Canobbio, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Giorgio de Arrascaeta, Nicolás de la Cruz, Rodrigo Zalazar, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araújo, Brian Rodriguez

Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Darwin Nunez

– ends

Published on:

June 1, 2026 11:54 IST

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Russell T Davies tells about ‘Tip Toe’; Says, ‘I wish television could change the world’

Russell T Davies tells about 'Tip Toe'; Says, 'I wish television could change the world'

Russell T Davis’ new show on TV is the talk of the town these days. ‘Tip Toe’ is a brand new series featuring two lesbian neighbors whose boundaries and relationships are tested throughout the show. Davis recently took a look at what goes on behind the scenes with all the actors and crew members and what he wants from the show.

Russell T Davies on making ‘Tip Toe’

Speaking to the BBC, Davies explained how he addresses serious topics in a humorous manner in most of his shows. Elaborating on his process, he said, “Honestly, I see the world going from bad to worse these days. I am very worried about the future of my nieces and nephews.”When asked if he wanted the show to shed light on the issues, Davis only said that he wanted us to live in that reality. He further commented, “I wish television could change the world. If I could I would write more and change it faster. However, I feel compelled to comment on the world.”Speaking further about the show, Davis said that one of the highlights of ‘Tip Toe’ was the fact that alan cumming Was leading it. He told that he had been trying to cast the famous actor in one of his projects for the last 20 years.

Alan Cumming and david morrissey Consider their roles on the show

Alan Cumming and David Morrissey, who are leading the show, also opened up about their roles and working together. Talking about some of the challenging scenes, Morrissey said, “We had to do some difficult things, but the best thing about being with an actor who’s a friend is you can really push it.”Cumming also said, “As the series goes on and we all start liking everybody, and start worrying about them, you almost forget [I’m dead]. But we don’t know how it happened, or when in the story it happened. It’s really clever, it’s mysterious.”

What is the story of ‘Tip Toe’?

The TV series is based on Alan Cumming, who plays Leo Struthers, a 59-year-old man who owns a bar in Manchester’s Gay Village. David Morrissey plays Clive, an electrician and his neighbor in the area. Set in modern Britain, the show deals with the themes of a violent, homophobic feud as the surrounding social strata begins to change.

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10 Darkest Areas on Earth Where You Can Get the Clearest Views of Planets, Stars and the Galaxy world News

10 darkest areas on Earth where you can get the clearest views of planets, stars and the galaxy

In a world increasingly illuminated by artificial light, truly dark skies have become a rare treasure. According to researchers, more than 80% of the global population now lives under light-polluted skies, making it difficult to see anything but the brightest stars in many urban areas. Yet a handful of remote deserts, mountains, forests and protected reserves offer exceptional night-sky conditions. These locations provide some of the clearest views of the planets, constellations, meteor showers, and the galaxy, and also serve as important sites for scientific research. From Chile’s Atacama Desert to the vast landscapes of Namibia and Australia, these are among the darkest areas on Earth to see the stars.

10 darkest areas around the world

1. Atacama Desert, ChileThe Atacama Desert in northern Chile is often considered the gold standard for astronomical observations. It is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving almost no rainfall. Combined with its high altitude and exceptionally clear atmosphere, these conditions make it ideal for studying the universe. The desert hosts world-renowned observatories, including ALMA and the European Southern Observatory’s Paranal Observatory. On moonlit nights, the Milky Way appears so bright that it can cast hazy shadows on the ground.

​ 1. Atacama Desert, Chile

Atacama Desert, Chile

2. Namib Desert, NamibiaThe Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world and one of Africa’s premier stargazing destinations. Its low population density, dry climate and lack of urban development create remarkably dark skies. Visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the southern celestial hemisphere including the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two dwarf galaxies visible to the naked eye.3. Mauna Kea, Hawaii, United StatesStanding 4,207 meters above sea level, Mauna Kea offers the clearest astronomical viewing conditions anywhere on the planet. The mountain rises above most of Earth’s atmospheric water vapor and cloud cover, giving astronomers a stable and transparent window into space. Several major international observatories are located near its summit.4. Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New ZealandLocated on New Zealand’s South Island, the Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve covers more than 4,300 square kilometres. Strict controls on outdoor lighting help preserve the area’s pristine night skies. Tourists can easily see the Milky Way, star clusters and many constellations of the Southern Hemisphere that are not visible from northern latitudes.

Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

5. Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, CanadaLocated within Jasper National Park in Alberta, the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve is one of the largest accessible dark-sky preserves in the world. The combination of mountainous scenery and minimal light pollution creates excellent conditions for observing stars and planets. This preserve is especially popular during meteor showers and annual astronomy festivals.6. Galloway Forest Park, ScotlandDespite being located in the United Kingdom, Galloway Forest Park remains one of the darkest places in Europe. Named as Dark Sky Park, it offers remarkably clear views of the night sky. On favorable nights, visitors can see more than 7,000 stars, while in heavily light-polluted cities one may see only a few hundred stars.7. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, IrelandLocated on the southwest coast of Ireland, the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve is recognized as one of the world’s premier dark-sky destinations. Its remote location, rugged landscape and low levels of artificial light provide excellent conditions for viewing planets, galaxies and the Milky Way throughout the year.8. Tibetan PlateauThe Tibetan Plateau, often called the “Roof of the World”, offers high altitude viewing conditions that rival those of many professional observatories. Thin air, low humidity and limited growth contribute to exceptionally dark skies. Many remote parts of the plateau provide breathtaking views of the Milky Way stretching beyond the horizon.9. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, United StatesCherry Springs State Park has become one of North America’s most famous locations for amateur astronomy. Surrounded by forests and away from major cities, it has extremely low levels of light pollution. Stargazers regularly gather here to observe deep sky objects, including nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, United States

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, United States

10. Australian Outback, AustraliaMuch of the Australian Outback is sparsely populated, making it one of the darkest inhabited regions on Earth. The combination of vast open landscapes and minimal artificial lighting creates ideal conditions for stargazing. The area around Uluru and remote parts of Western Australia offer extraordinary views of the southern night sky, including the center of the Milky Way.

Why are dark skies becoming rare?

Light pollution is increasing around the world as cities expand and artificial lighting becomes more widespread. Scientists have found that excessive light at night can affect wildlife behavior, disrupt ecosystems and reduce people’s ability to connect with the natural world. For astronomers, dark skies are essential for observing faint celestial objects and making new discoveries about the universe.

Preserving humanity’s window to the universe

Many of the world’s darkest regions are now protected through dark-sky reserves, national parks, and conservation initiatives. These efforts help ensure that future generations can continue to experience awe-inspiring views of the planets, stars, and galaxy. As light pollution continues to spread, these rare patches of darkness are becoming increasingly valuable, providing scientists with vital observing conditions and helping people maintain a direct connection with the night sky and the wider universe.

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AIU chief exposes athlete certification scam affecting university players in India | india news

Brilliant athletes sidelined: AIU chief

New Delhi: The Union of Indian Universities, already under the scanner over alleged financial and administrative irregularities, is now facing allegations of a potentially much bigger scam related to the certification of players, with AIU president Vinay Kumar Pathak alleging that deserving university athletes have been denied recognition and opportunities for years through systemic manipulation within the administration.Pathak, who initiated disciplinary action following the controversy over India’s participation in the 2025 Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games in Germany, claimed that vested interests were opposing efforts to clean up the system. “This action has shaken up the corrupt practices. There is a need for further investigation into the certification scam, which has kept meritorious sportspersons away from Indian universities for a long time,” Pathak told TOI.Immediate disciplinary proceedings were initiated against AIU Joint Secretary Baljit Singh Sekhon, who was suspended for lapses related to the World University Games. In a memorandum dated 13 April, the AIU had said that the selected athletes, “including six badminton players and some athletics participants” were not included in the official entry list within the stipulated deadline, leading to denial of recognition despite traveling to the venue and being excluded from the competition.The memorandum described the episode as reflecting “gross negligence, lack of due diligence and failure to discharge assigned responsibilities”. An investigative committee later concluded that Sekhon “is responsible for most aspects of the mismanagement reported at FISU WUG 2025” and cited “negligence in duties, failure to discharge duties, breach of responsibility, irresponsibility, carelessness, failure to act, lapse in judgment”.The scope of the investigation extended beyond procedural flaws in the games. The committee recommended vigilance investigation into “suspicious financial credit transactions” and investigation into foreign travel undertaken by officials in the last two years. Pathak said the investigation has exposed deep institutional irregularities.In a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana in connection with a PIL alleging serious violations of bylaws and challenging his continuation as AIU president, Pathak said he launched a clean-up drive soon after assuming office and constituted high-level committees to probe “deep institutional irregularities”.According to the letter, disciplinary action was taken following the findings of these committees, including dismissal of Gaurav Rai, sending Binu George Varghese back to his parent institution and suspending Sekhon pending investigation. Pathak alleged that the PIL was part of a vindictive attempt to derail the disciplinary proceedings. He argued that the Education Ministry’s status quo order applied not only to the post of the President but also to the General Council and other AIU bodies during the restructuring phase, yet only the continuity of the President was targeted.The panel also recommended professionalization of youth affairs and sports administration, structured collaboration with the Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India and promotion of inter-university leagues and international participation programmes. “If the certification and selection over the past few years is properly examined, many shocking facts may emerge,” Pathak said.

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Weak ceasefire faces new test as missiles keep flying as Iran, US face new blow to trade: Key details

Weak ceasefire faces new test as missiles keep flying as Iran, US face new blow to trade: Key details

Tensions in West Asia rose sharply on Monday as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted a US military base, while Washington also announced new attacks on Iranian military facilities.The location of the base was not specified in the Guards’ statement, which was broadcast by IRIB and other Iranian state media.The development came as Kuwait’s military said its air defense system was responding to drone and missile attacks. “Kuwaiti air defenses are currently facing hostile missile and drone attacks,” the military said in a post on Twitter. It said any explosion sounds heard by residents were the result of air defense systems intercepting incoming threats and advised people to follow safety and security instructions.

Latest US attacks in Iran

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it conducted self-defense strikes against Iranian radar and command-and-control sites used for drones in what it described as “aggressive Iranian actions.”According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted radar and drone control facilities on Goruk, Iran, and Qeshm Island. The operation was carried out on Saturday and Sunday (local time) after it was reported that an American MQ-1 drone operating in international waters was shot down.CENTCOM said U.S. warplanes responded “swiftly” to the incident, destroying “Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two unilateral attack drones”, which it said posed a “clear threat” to ships transiting territorial waters.The command described the operation as “measured and deliberate” and insisted that it was carried out in self-defense.“No U.S. service members were harmed,” CENTCOM said. He said he would “continue to protect U.S. assets and interests in response to unjustified Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.”

Iran details on drone incident

Iran has disputed the US account of events. The IRGC said its air defense units shot down a US MQ-1 drone early Sunday after it reportedly entered Iranian territorial airspace, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.The drone was detected by Iranian surveillance and air defense systems and subsequently targeted by advanced air defense missiles, the statement said. Iranian officials claimed that the aircraft was successfully destroyed.The IRGC identified the drone as US military and said it was shot down because it had entered Iranian airspace “with the intention of carrying out hostile operations.”

exchange of first strikes

The latest development comes days after another exchange of attacks between the two sides. The IRGC had earlier said it had targeted a US air base in the region following fresh US attacks on southern Iran.The Iranian missile launch came after the US shot down an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz and attacked a military site in Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city in southern Iran.The IRGC said the attack on the US airport occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning and targeted “the source” of earlier US attacks on Iran, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

Diplomacy continues amid tension

The renewed military exchanges have raised concerns about the sustainability of a fragile ceasefire, even as Washington and Tehran continue indirect talks on a potential deal to end the three-month-long conflict.US War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that military action could resume if an agreement fails to meet Washington’s requirements.“Our reserves are well suited for this,” Hegseth declared during an address in Singapore.President Donald Trump has reportedly sent back a separate proposed deal with Iran for further amendments. The US President also said he was in “no hurry” to finalize a deal. According to Axios, as cited by CBS News, Trump sought several amendments during Friday’s meeting and sought additional amendments afterward.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged caution on reports related to the talks, saying, “Until there is a conclusion… everything that is being said now is speculation.”Iranian media reported that diplomatic talks were ongoing, with both sides continuing to propose changes to the draft agreement.

Missile infrastructure restored

Meanwhile, Iran has restored access to a significant portion of its underground missile infrastructure after months of excavation and repair work, according to a CNN report. The report said the development highlighted “the limitations of the American bombing strategy”, which had focused on sealing tunnel entrances.The latest military action has raised fears that the ceasefire could collapse despite ongoing diplomatic efforts with Qatar and other regional players.

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‘My son was very happy’: Hours after saying ‘I do’, Indian-origin newlywed pilot dies in helicopter crash in US

'My son was very happy': Hours after saying 'I do', Indian-origin newlywed pilot dies in helicopter crash in US
Dave Fiji and his wife Jessani (Image/X@ATLNewsFirst)

An Indian-origin pilot has died in a helicopter crash just hours after marrying his long-time partner in the US, turning a joyous wedding celebration into a tragedy. The helicopter pilot also lost his life in the accident, while the bride survived and is recovering in hospital.Dave Fizzy and his wife Jessani boarded a Robinson R66 helicopter after their wedding ceremony in Dawsonville, Georgia on Friday night. According to Atlanta News First, the helicopter was headed to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport as part of a special farewell held after the wedding. However, shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed in a densely forested area near the wedding venue.About 400 guests attended the couple’s wedding at The Revere in Dawsonville.Recalling the celebration, Dave’s father George Fiji said that his son was very happy on his wedding day.He said, “My son was very happy. I was standing there looking at my son and admiring him. He was looking very handsome.”According to family members, Dave and Jason met through church connections in South Carolina and Georgia before their friendship eventually blossomed into a relationship. George described the couple as, “Friends who decided to become life partners.”The helicopter crashed before reaching its destination, following which a major search operation was launched in the forested area.George Fiji said it took several hours for rescue teams to locate the wreckage. “It took them a while to locate the helicopter,” he said.According to the family, Jessani was trapped inside the debris for nearly six hours before emergency responders found her.Describing the heartbreaking scene narrated by his daughter-in-law, George said Jessie realized her husband had died next to her.He said, “When she woke up she saw my son Dave resting on her chest. She saw blood on him and by then his body was completely cold. She’s a nurse, so she knew he was gone.”George said Jason was hit and bruised but survived without any broken bones. “She’s broken, but she’s recovering,” he said.Dave Fiji dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood and later fulfilled that ambition by joining Delta Air Lines as a first officer, according to his father.Before the helicopter took off, George said his son had expressed concerns about deteriorating weather conditions and poor visibility.“Since my son was the pilot, he told the pilot there was zero visibility and when there’s zero visibility like this, we never fly,” George said.According to George, Jesse later told him that the helicopter pilot responded by saying they would fly at a higher altitude.The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident and has not yet determined the cause of the accident.As the family mourns the passing of Dave Fiji, George said his Christian faith is helping him cope with the tragedy.He said, “Without God there would be many questions – why? God gave us a perfect marriage, and in a matter of hours everything turned into tragedy. The only place we can find answers and peace is in God.”

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Supreme Court: Appointment of five new judges in the Supreme Court, number of posts increased to 37. india news

Center appoints five new judges in Supreme Court, number increases to 37

Supreme Court Five new judges are set to be appointed after the Central government approved the names recommended by the SC collegium, taking the apex court closer to its newly expanded sanctioned strength of 38.Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced on Friday that the President has approved the appointment of four high court chief justices and senior advocate V. Mohana as judges of the Supreme Court under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.The persons appointed are:Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High CourtJustice Shri Chandrashekhar, Chief Justice of Bombay High CourtJustice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High CourtJustice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High CourtSenior Advocate Venkita Subramani MohanaThe appointments come days after the SC collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recommended his elevation on May 27. This is the first major set of collegium appointments under CJI Surya Kant, who took charge in November 2025.This development follows the Centre’s decision to increase the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026. With these five appointments, the number of judges in the Supreme Court will increase to 37, leaving only one vacancy.The purpose of this expansion is to address the increasing number of cases pending in the apex court and enable the formation of more regular constitution benches. The latest appointments are expected to strengthen the capacity of the court, reflecting considerations of seniority, merit, regional representation and gender diversity.Based on inputs from ANI

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RCB skipper Rajat Patidar’s four-word post after winning back-to-back IPL titles with MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma | cricket news

RCB captain Rajat Patidar's four-word post after winning back-to-back IPL titles with MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma
Rajat Patidar (BCCI/IPL Photo)

New Delhi: When emotions, cheers and roars echoed around the Narendra Modi Stadium Rajat Patidar The move was stepped up for the post-match presentation after Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched their second consecutive IPL title with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.RCB, which won its maiden IPL title in Ahmedabad in 2025, successfully defended the title a year later, becoming only the third franchise after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to achieve the feat. The victory also extended the streak of Qualifier 1 winners lifting the trophy to nine consecutive seasons. The win put Patidar in elite company, making him the third captain in IPL history to win two consecutive titles.MS Dhoni achieved the feat with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011, while Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to glory in 2019 and 2020.The moment he won the title, Patidar took to social media and expressed the achievement in four words.Patidar wrote, “Ee Saala Cup Namdu”.Reflecting on the campaign, Patidar admitted that the pressure this season was very different from what the team experienced a year ago.“Last year was a lot of pressure, this year was more calm because the way we played throughout the tournament, we dominated this year,” Patidar said after the match.“So we were confident that if we play like this we will definitely win the second title for RCB.”Speaking about his captaincy style, Patidar said that his calm nature should not be confused with lack of awareness.“I am not expressive but at the same time I am aware of the playing situation. Of course you need support, which as I said was a lot of support by the management and the players as well.”

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Patidar also gave special praise Virat KohliHe said that the former captain’s influence on and off the field continues to inspire the team.Kohli played an unbeaten inning of 75 runs while chasing RCB’s target of 156 runs against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad and led the team to victory with two overs to spare.The star batsman finished the season with 675 runs, which included one century and five half-centuries.“If I speak about Virat Kohli, I don’t have words to explain him. He is used to doing great things,” Patidar told reporters.“He is a great player, everyone knows him – the way he bats. We all get a chance to learn from him on and off the field. We spend a lot of time with him and try to learn everything he says about cricket or anything else,” the RCB skipper said.

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‘Another propaganda ploy’: Kiev denies Russian claim of drone attack on nuclear plant

Zaporizhia nuclear panic: Russia gave explosive warning, panic in Kyiv; 'All limits have been crossed'

Photo Credit: AP

Ukraine on Sunday rejected Russian claims that it had carried out a drone strike on the Russian-held Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, as both sides accused each other after fresh attacks amid the ongoing war.The denial came after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said a drone attacked the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, citing information from the facility’s Russian-established operator. On Saturday, a drone hit the turbine building, “reportedly leaving a hole in its wall”, according to the operator.Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhia, was seized by Russian forces in the early weeks of the 2022 invasion and remains near the front line in southern Ukraine.Russia’s government nuclear energy company Rosatom has accused Ukraine of deliberately attacking. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev said, “This afternoon, a Ukrainian kamikaze combat drone attacked the turbine hall building of power unit No. 6, resulting in an explosion.” He said the main equipment of the plant was not damaged.Kyiv immediately denied the allegation, with Ukraine’s military calling it “another propaganda ploy”. It said it neither attacked nor targeted the facility and stressed that it understood “the consequences of any action targeting nuclear facilities” and adhered to international humanitarian law.“In the relevant part of the front line, there was no active fighting at the time of the incident, and no weapons were used,” the army said.Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry also rejected the allegation, saying it lacked “logic”.“It is not clear why Ukraine would attack its own nuclear power plant located on its own territory, which it itself wants to acquire under its sovereign control,” the ministry said.IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi expressed “grave concern” over the reported attack and reiterated the need to protect nuclear facilities during conflict.“There should be no attacks of any kind on behalf of or against the plant,” Grossi said. “Attacking nuclear sites is like playing with fire,” he said.Ukraine’s state nuclear supervisory agency said the reported damage should be independently verified by IAEA experts deployed to the plant as part of the agency’s long-term monitoring mission.The Zaporizhia facility has remained a focal point of concern throughout the war, with both Moscow and Kiev repeatedly accusing each other of attacks around the site, raising fears of a possible nuclear accident.The incident came as Ukraine and Russia reported fresh attacks overnight.Russian officials said drone debris caused a fire at a fuel storage facility in the Rostov region, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Damage to civilian infrastructure was also reported in the Saratov region. Independent Russian outlet Astra reported that a fire broke out at an oil refinery in the regional capital, according to the AP.Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 212 of the 299 drones launched by Russia overnight. It said 14 drones reached their targets, while debris fell at five locations.Russian drone strikes also hit the city of Dnipro and an oil refinery in Ukraine’s Rivne region, causing fires. Rivne regional governor Oleksandr Koval said no injuries were reported at the refinery.

How should the international community respond to incidents at nuclear facilities during conflicts?

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Government plans to cut toll exemption for officials’ vehicles. india news

The list of vehicles exempted from NH toll may soon be reduced.

New Delhi: The government is considering cutting the list of vehicles exempted from toll payment on national highways, and vehicles belonging to senior central and state government officials are likely to be taken out of the “exempted category”, TOI has learned.A high-level committee constituted by the Central Government has recommended the Road Transport Ministry to amend the National Highway Fee Rules to “eliminate the exempted category”. Officials said the proposal is under discussion with various stakeholders and there is a possibility of reducing the exempted category of vehicles in a systematic manner.“The proposal to start this exercise is under active consideration with the government authorities. The focus is on ending VIP culture as it does not appeal to common citizens,” said a person aware of the development. The Road Transport Ministry has written to various government institutions and states to motivate their employees to purchase Fastag annual passes instead of asking for discounts. “They can work out a mechanism to reimburse the amount of Fastag annual pass, which is much less than reimbursement of mobile phone bills,” he said. Discussions are also going on with the defense forces,” said an officer.At present, vehicles transporting people working in 25 public offices and accompanying them are exempted from paying toll. Vehicles used for official purposes by central and state armed forces in uniform, including defense personnel, paramilitary forces, executive magistrates, fire departments, inspection of highway projects and emergency purposes (ambulances, funeral vans) are also exempted from paying toll.‘Exempt FASTags’ are issued by IHMCL under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to vehicles legally exempted from paying toll charges. Even if these vehicles do not pay toll, they must still have a valid exempted FASTag.People involved in the discussions said that with the implementation of the Fastag annual pass, people can now buy it online and get reimbursement of the amount from their respective department. With an annual pass of Rs 3,075, a vehicle can cross 200 toll plazas, costing a little more than Rs 15 per plaza, and can be renewed multiple times in a year.

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