Hundreds of youth marched to Kenya’s Laikipia Air Base on Monday to protest against plans to set up an Ebola quarantine center for US citizens exposed to the virus.The demonstration took place in the central city of Nanyuki, two days after Kenya’s High Court suspended the establishment of the facility and barred the arrival of any foreign patients pending the hearing of a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog, the AP reported.The petitioners argued that Kenya’s healthcare system remains too fragile to accommodate foreign Ebola patients. The court order comes after reports that the United States planned to send Americans exposed to Ebola abroad to a new quarantine facility in Kenya rather than sending them back to the US.According to US officials, the facility was to be located at Laikipia Air Base and was expected to be operational with 50 quarantine beds. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity discussing the administration’s plans.On Monday, protesters marched to the airport gates, chanting anti-Ebola slogans and opposing the proposed facility.Kenya’s health minister, Adan Duale, said on Sunday that the quarantine center was for “everyone” and was not being set up specifically for US citizens.Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington planned to contribute $13.5 million to Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.This proposal has also faced opposition from local leaders. Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu said he opposed the establishment of the quarantine centre, warning that it could expose local residents to the virus.“This will expose our people to Ebola,” he said. He said many residents work inside the air base and may face potential exposure.There have been no reported cases of Ebola in Kenya. However, neighboring Uganda has recorded nine cases and closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.According to reports, there have been at least 282 confirmed cases of Ebola in Congo and more than 1,000 suspected cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. There is no approved treatment or vaccine for the current strain.

Russia on Monday strongly condemned France’s detention of a Russian-owned oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, calling the action illegal and warning that Moscow would take steps to protect its shipping operations.According to Reuters, reacting to France’s seizure of the tanker Tagore, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia considered the move illegal.“We consider such actions illegal,” Peskov said. He said detaining the ship “borders on international terrorism”.The Kremlin also said Russia is taking measures to ensure the safety of maritime cargo transportation and will continue to do so in light of the latest incident.

Tanker on suspected sanctions violation

The sharp reaction came after France announced the detention of a tanker, the Tagore, on suspicion of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war.French President Emmanuel Macron said the ship had been intercepted in international waters in the Atlantic with the support of Britain and other partners.According to French officials, the tanker had departed from Murmansk in northwestern Russia and was heading towards Cameroon when it was stopped 400 nautical miles west of Brittany.Authorities said the ship was sailing under a suspected false Cameroonian flag and was being escorted by the French Navy pending further investigation.The detention has also triggered a criminal investigation in France. The Brest prosecutor’s office said it had opened an investigation into the ship’s failure to prove its nationality, the absence of a flag and its refusal to follow authorities’ orders, according to news agency AFP.The prosecutor’s office said the tanker’s Russian captain refused to follow French Navy instructions during the interception, adding that “it proved necessary to take control of the ship”.“It is unacceptable for the ships to circumvent international sanctions, violate the law of the sea and finance the war that Russia has waged against Ukraine for more than 4 years,” Macron said.

Comprehensive action against Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’

The detention is the latest in a series of actions taken by France against ships allegedly linked to Russia’s sanctions-evasion network.According to AFP, French maritime authorities said Tagore was already under EU and US sanctions and had changed flags several times before, a practice known as “flawing the flag”.Since September France boarded several other suspected Russian-linked tankers, some of whom were later released after paying fines.Western countries have imposed sanctions on hundreds of ships believed to be helping Moscow continue oil exports despite sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.About 600 ships belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” are currently subject to EU sanctions.Russia has repeatedly criticized such actions. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously described the detention of ships belonging to Russia by Western countries as “theft”.

Commuters face uncertainty as London Tube strike deadline approaches / Image: File

The clock on London’s transport network is ticking.With thousands of passengers preparing for another working week, a new round of London Underground strikes will continue after union leaders warned a planned walkout would continue unless emergency talks with Transport for London (TfL) are successful.The dispute involving members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) raises the possibility of widespread disruption to the capital’s transport system. While the two sides returned to the negotiating table on Monday, they did not reach an agreement, leaving millions of commuters waiting to see if Tube services will be seriously affected in the coming days.

London underground strike controversy

The dispute involves members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), one of Britain’s largest transport unions.Union officials argue that workers have faced increasing pressure amid concerns over wage settlements, work arrangements and staffing levels. They say workers deserve fair compensation and stronger protections as the cost of living continues to strain household finances.The RMT has accused management of failing to address key concerns raised by staff, while union leaders have insisted that industrial action remains a last resort rather than the preferred outcome.Meanwhile, Transport for London (TfL) says it is committed to finding a negotiated solution and has continued discussions with union representatives.TfL officials have stressed that they want to avoid disruption for passengers and maintain reliable services across the network. He also encouraged both sides to continue constructive dialogue.The disagreement reflects wider tensions affecting parts of the UK transport sector in recent years, with workers demanding better conditions while operators face financial pressures and budget shortfalls.

TfL and RMT talks

As the strike deadline approaches, the talks have entered a critical phase.Representatives from TfL and RMT are expected to continue discussions to reach an agreement. If an agreement is secured, planned industrial action may be suspended or cancelled.However, union officials have made it clear that members remain prepared to take strike action if talks fail to yield a satisfactory offer.Both sides have publicly expressed their desire to resolve the dispute through dialogue, but significant differences reportedly remain on key issues.Transport experts say last-minute agreements are not unusual in industrial disputes involving London’s transport network. Previous strike threats have sometimes been withdrawn after overnight negotiations achieved success.Still, until a formal agreement is reached, there will be uncertainty for travelers planning to travel across the capital.

London travel disruption

If the strike goes ahead, London Underground services could face widespread disruption, affecting passengers traveling across the city.The Tube network carries millions of passengers every week and acts as the backbone of London’s public transport system. Any significant cuts to service are likely to place additional pressure on buses, roads, taxis, cycle routes and alternative rail services.Businesses, particularly those in central London, may also feel the impact as staff face longer journeys and travel difficulties.Tourists visiting the capital may face delays while traveling between major attractions, airports and transport hubs.TfL has advised passengers to monitor official updates and check journey planners before travelling. Contingency plans are expected to be activated if industrial action goes ahead, although officials acknowledge that replacement services may not fully match the capacity of the underground network.At present everyone’s attention is focused on the negotiation table. The outcome of the final discussions will determine whether London avoids another major transport disruption or prepares for fresh Tube strikes in the coming days.

The world’s richest people have become richer than ever due to the continuous emergence and development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and infrastructure technologies. The total wealth of the world’s richest people has increased to approximately $2.9 trillion. The rise mainly occurred over the past month, when tech stocks surged as investments in artificial intelligence surged. Despite the usual suspects dominating the list, there have been some changes in status and fortunes that have escalated at a rate rarely seen in business history.Check out the list of top 10 richest people in the world, according to the latest Forbes report (June 2026), below.

List of richest people in the world

Source: Forbes

The richest people in the world in 2026

1. Elon Musk

Estimated net worth: $835 billionElon Musk is still in the position of being the richest person in the world, there is a huge difference between him and any other person in terms of wealth. The sources of his personal wealth are primarily SpaceX and Tesla Inc., although he has also shown interest in some artificial intelligence ventures. SpaceX has grown from merely a private aerospace corporation to one of the world’s most valuable companies, while Tesla continues to dominate the electric car sector. Elon Musk is the closest person to reaching $1 trillion net worth.

2. Larry Page

Estimated net worth: $309 billionLarry Page is considered to be the second richest man in the world and is one of the few people who has crossed the $300 billion mark. Larry Page co-founded the Google search engine with Sergey Brin in 1998 during his studies at Stanford University. The huge investments made by the company in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services have been the main reason for the skyrocketing of Google’s market cap.

3. Sergey Brin

Estimated net worth: $285 billionSecond place goes to Sergey Brin, Larry Page’s lifelong business partner. These two men have been instrumental in transforming a scientific enterprise into one of the largest commercial enterprises in human history. Sergey Brin has been working quietly for a few years; However, as recently reported, Sergey Brin has been more actively involved in Google’s initiatives related to artificial intelligence. The main source of Sergey Brin’s wealth is represented by shares of the Alphabet company, which is closely related to AI.

4. Jeff Bezos

Estimated net worth: $277 billionJeff Bezos built Amazon from an online bookstore into a company that transformed shopping, logistics and cloud computing. More than thirty years after starting the business, he remains one of the richest men in history. While Amazon accounts for the majority of his wealth, Bezos has expanded his interest in space exploration through Blue Origin and a growing collection of technology investments. Their fortunes are also continuously rising along with the massive growth of digital commerce and cloud services.

5. Larry Ellison

Estimated net worth: $276 billionOracle co-founder, Larry Ellison, managed to register the biggest gain in wealth among the world’s wealthiest individuals last month. Oracle’s expansion into the development of infrastructure for artificial intelligence has helped increase investor confidence and boost its value. Ellison’s massive stake in Oracle stock has been instrumental in building his fortune.

6. Michael Dell

Estimated net worth: $244 billionMichael Dell started building computers in his university dorm room in Texas before creating one of the world’s most recognized technology companies. What started as a small operation eventually grew into Dell Technologies, a leading supplier of business hardware, servers, and infrastructure solutions. The recent surge in demand for AI-related computing devices has significantly boosted Dell’s assets.

7. Mark Zuckerberg

Estimated net worth: $217 billionMark Zuckerberg founded Facebook while studying at Harvard University, which became the world’s largest social networking platform. The company later evolved into Meta, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp. At 41, Zuckerberg is one of the youngest people in the global top ten. His wealth mainly comes from his ownership stake in Meta, which continues to generate billions in advertising revenue every year.

8. Jensen Huang

Estimated net worth: $182 billionThe rise of Jensen Huang has been one of the most impressive stories of the AI ​​age. The Nvidia co-founder spent decades building a company known primarily for gaming graphics cards before becoming a center for artificial intelligence development. Nvidia’s chips are now used in data centers and AI systems around the world. As demand for those processors increased, so did the value of the company.

9. Bernard Arnault

Estimated net worth: $148 billionBernard Arnault is the only non-American in the list of the top ten richest people globally. The businessman is the owner of LVMH, a luxury conglomerate that controls various companies including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co. and Sephora. The source of her wealth revolves around luxury fashion products, jewelery and beauty products. Despite changes in spending on luxury goods, LVMH has dominated the industry, which has helped Arnault remain wealthy.

10. Steve Ballmer

Estimated net worth: $141 billionAfter the formation of Microsoft in 1980, Steve Ballmer joined it and later became the CEO of the company. Although his tenure as a leader was quite controversial, he took a wise decision to retain his majority stake in the firm upon his retirement. With Microsoft’s growth in the fields of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the firm’s shares have become much more valuable. Additionally, Steve Ballmer also owns the basketball team Los Angeles Clippers, which has gained considerable value over time.

FAQ: Richest People in the World

Elon Musk holds the title of the richest person in the world with a net worth of $835 billion as of June 2026.

The richest non-American on the list is France’s Bernard Arnault.

These ultra-rich individuals largely belong to the technology industry. Most of his net worth comes from companies operating in the software, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and semiconductor sectors.

At the age of 41, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest among the world’s 10 richest people.

Most robots are made to look like something. Engineers designing machines to navigate in the real world have, for decades, reached for the same reference points: the human skeleton, the quadrupedal gait of a dog, the crawling of insects. These biological templates have produced impressive machines, but they have an underlying assumption that a robot needs forward, backward, and a preferred direction of travel. A team from Duke University’s General Robotics Lab has now directly challenged that notion, and the result is a machine that looks unlike anything in the robotics catalog and, more importantly, moves unlike anything that’s come before.

Duke’s omnidirectional robot with no front or back

The robot is named Argus after the all-seeing giant from Greek mythology, and the name fits. It has 20 modular, telescoping legs that extend outward from a central core, each fitted with a depth camera, giving it an almost perfect circular field of view. There is neither front, nor back, nor above, nor below. It can move, roll, climb, freeze and manipulate objects in any direction, without needing to turn or redirect itself first. The work, led by engineering professor Boyuan Chen with doctoral student Jiaxun Liu and postdoctoral researcher Boxie Xia, is published in the journal Nature. science robotics.

The design principles behind Argus and what it actually measures

The conceptual foundation of Argus is a design principle the team calls Dynamic Isotropy. Instead of asking what the robot should look like, the theory asks how evenly it can move in every direction in space. The team quantified this as a score from 0 to 1, where 1 represents a theoretically perfect machine that can move in any direction with exactly the same force. According to the published study, most advanced robots in use today, including state-of-the-art quadrupeds, humanoid robots, and traditional drones, score below 0.6 on this measure. Argus’s score is 0.91, which is close to the theoretical limit. As Chen said: “When a robot can accelerate equally in every direction, it no longer needs to face the world in any particular way. Back and forth become the same. Left and right become equal. The character of the whole problem of robot control changes.”

Why the dodecahedron geometry of Argus produces almost perfect motion symmetry

To reach that score of 0.91 it was necessary to solve the geometry problem first. The team ran more than 1,500 simulated robot configurations to identify which arrangement of legs came closest to their theoretical maximum. The winning design placed 20 identical cable-driven legs on top of a regular dodecahedron, a three-dimensional geometric solid with 12 pentagonal faces. This arrangement produces almost exactly uniform distribution of both force and visual coverage in all directions. Each leg is telescoping and cable-driven, meaning it can extend and retract to push against surfaces, and each has its own depth camera so that the robot’s perception simultaneously matches its physical reach in every direction. The result looks less like a machine and more like a sea urchin, which is not a coincidence. The study clearly notes the similarity, and the geometry behind it is the same principle that gives sea urchins their remarkable mechanical stability.

Argus detected forests, sand and wet surfaces in real-world tests

It’s one thing to build a robot that performs well in simulation; The Duke team tested Argus extensively in the real world, running it on the Duke campus and surrounding area. According to the study, the Argus rolled on concrete, grass, dense foliage, soft sand, wet surfaces and tree bark without losing stability regardless of its orientation. It cleared obstacles up to five inches high. It climbed vertically between two closely parallel walls by alternately grasping and pushing with different subsets of its legs. It carried a ten-pound payload at almost full speed and pushed a large cube around a location while rolling continuously. Doctoral student Jiaxun Liu, co-first author of the paper, said: “The first time we saw it navigate through trees and rough terrain, even through heavy collisions, we knew it was something different.”

How does Argus keep going even when his legs are broken or his motors are damaged?

One of the more practically important findings from the research concerns the robot’s resilience to damage. Because its 20 legs each contribute only a fraction of the total movement, and because the design distributes force evenly rather than relying on a small number of vital limbs, the Argus continues to function even if one or more motors fail, or a leg breaks. This is no small advantage. Most robots with reduced limbs suffer significant degradation in capability or complete failure if a vital joint is lost. Argus’s architecture makes it structurally tolerant of partial failure in a way that reflects the same mathematics that makes it ubiquitous: Nothing is so impactful that losing it will break the system.

The future of robotics beyond biological design templates

The team is clear that Argus is a proof of concept rather than a finished product, but the implications for robotics design are substantial. Postdoctoral researcher Boxee Xia said the robot proves that dynamic symmetry is not just a theoretical exercise; This produces a deployable machine capable of handling real-world challenges. Chen described Argus as the first member of what he envisions as a broader family of dynamically symmetrical machines: “robots that don’t need to mimic dogs or humans to be agile, tough, and useful.“Researchers have also produced designs with up to 40 legs that score even higher on dynamic isotropy, although these are impractical as prototypes right now given the added mechanical complexity. However, Argus’s dodecahedral architecture sits at a useful inflection point complex to reach the theoretical ideal, which is actually quite simple to build and test in the field.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Sunday said the country’s border issues with India will be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic efforts, while also proposing the United Kingdom’s participation in talks, citing Britain’s role in shaping the region’s modern boundaries during the colonial era.Addressing Nepal’s House of Representatives for the first time since taking office following elections in March, Shah stressed the need for dialogue to resolve long-standing territorial disputes.He said the border issue with India would be resolved “through table talks and diplomatic efforts”. Calling for Britain’s involvement in the process, Shah said Britain should also be concerned about the issue as the present-day borders date back to colonial times.“When they were leaving British India, the problem was passed down through the generations, which is why we believe England also needs to be concerned about it,” he said.“All these issues will be resolved through table talk and diplomatic channels,” news agency ANI reported.According to Shah, Nepal has already exchanged diplomatic notes with India and agreed on a roadmap involving historians, surveyors and regional experts from both sides to examine geographical and historical records related to the disputed areas.His comments come amid ongoing differences over areas including Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. Nepal published a revised political map in 2020 laying claim to the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region, while India rejected the move and said the map included parts of Indian territory.Earlier this month, India reiterated its willingness to engage with Nepal on all bilateral issues, including unresolved border issues, through dialogue and diplomacy.Responding to questions regarding Nepal’s claims regarding the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Lipulekh Pass has been a long-term route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development.”On Nepal’s territorial claims, he said, “With regard to territorial claims, India has consistently stated that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial expansion of territorial claims is unsustainable.”India had similarly rejected Nepal’s revised map in 2020 under the KP Sharma Oli-led government, saying the move was contrary to the bilateral understanding that pending border issues should be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.