Russian military says it knocked out Ukraine air defences
Moscow(AP): The Russian military says it has knocked out Ukraine's air defence assets and airbases.
The Russian Defence Ministry said the Russian strikes have suppressed air defence means of the Ukrainian military, adding that the infrastructure of Ukraine's military bases has been incapacitated. It denied the claims that a Russian warplane was shot down over Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military, meanwhile, reported that it has shot down five Russian aircraft while fending off the Russian attack on the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he unleashed an attack on Ukraine in a televised address early Thursday, drawing international condemnation.
Beijing: China is advising its people in Ukraine to stay home because of ongoing military actions and chaos but made no mention of Russian forces.
The notice issued on its Kyiv embassy's social media account Thursday said: Social order is chaotic and out of control, especially in the cities where at times of serious unrest."
It said a person walking on the streets could be a target of attack and traffic could be stopped at any time. It added that people should remain calm and contact local authorities if they come into danger.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the military operation in eastern Ukraine early Thursday.
China has denounced sanctions against Russia, with which it has increasingly aligned its foreign policy to challenge the West, and blamed the US and its allies for provoking Moscow.
Brussels: The top European Union chiefs said the invasion of Ukraine will impose massive and severe consequences on Russia and that more sanction will be in the offing.
The 27-nation bloc already issued sanctions on Russia for its recognition of breakaway republics in Ukraine earlier this week, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will outline a further sanctions package .
The 27 EU leaders will discuss them later Thursday at a summit meeting and they could be imposed soon after.
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Deputy Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa conducts surprise inspections in Udupi, pulls up officials
Udupi: Deputy Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa carried out surprise inspections at multiple locations in Udupi early Friday morning and expressed dissatisfaction over shortcomings in maintenance and sanitation.
The inspection began at the wastewater treatment plant in Nittur, where Justice Veerappa observed what he described as serious lapses in its functioning. He questioned the concerned officials, including the Municipal Commissioner, over the alleged discharge of untreated wastewater into the sea.
“You, who receive Rs 3 lakh every month for the maintenance of the unit, are discharging the wastewater directly into the sea without treating it,” he said during the inspection. Officials from the Environment Department were also pulled up in connection with the matter.
The Deputy Lokayukta later visited Malpe Port to review sanitation conditions. He noted the presence of accumulated waste, sewage flow and foul smell in and around the port area, and directed the authorities to take immediate corrective steps to improve hygiene.
Justice Veerappa also inspected the KSRTC bus stand at Bannanje, including the cleanliness of the canteen premises. During the visit, women staff working at the canteen brought to his notice the absence of facilities such as ESI benefits. He directed the contractor to address the issue without delay and indicated that further action would be taken if compliance was not ensured.
