Russian forces have captured Chernobyl nuclear power plant

News Today:

India may cut taxes on petrol diesel to help Oil cos.

India — the world’s third-largest consumer of fossil fuel — may slash taxes on petrol and diesel to save state-run energy firms from bleeding as international oil prices soared an eight-year high amid Russian military operations against Ukraine, and may prepare an incentive package to attract private investments in augmenting domestic production of oil and gas. HT

PM Modi talked with President Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and called for a cessation of violence and return to negotiation to resolve the conflict over Ukraine. Deccan Herald

1.9 million children in India lost a parent

Over 1.9 million children in India have lost a parent or a caregiver during the Covid-19 epidemic, an international study released on Thursday suggests, estimating a figure 12-fold higher than documented by the Centre and the states. Telegraph

Russian forces have captured Chernobyl nuclear power plant

Russian forces have captured Chernobyl nuclear power plant, north of Kyiv, the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office said on Thursday. Russian forces also destroyed over 70 Ukrainian military facilities, including 11 air bases, news agency AP reported. Indian Express

68 people have been killed in Ukraine

At least 68 people have been killed in the military operation launched by Russia on Ukraine. Ukrainian forces also claim they have killed “around 50 Russian occupiers”. As several fighter aircraft and helicopters are seen in parts of Ukraine, an adviser to the presidential office said they feared that Russian forces could be air dropped into the country and then try to penetrate the government district in Kyiv. Hindu

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Indian students trapped in Ukraine as Russian invasion unfold

Turkey in difficult position over Ukraine vs Russia

Ukraine has asked Turkey to close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to Russian ships, Kyiv’s ambassador to Ankara has said, as Russia launched air and ground assaults on its neighbour. The request on Thursday puts NATO member Turkey, which shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has good relations with both countries, in a difficult position.

Byju's Faces Drastic Valuation Cut Amid Financial Turmoil

Startup

24 February, 2024

Byju’s, once heralded as a flagship in India’s edtech sector, is grappling with severe financial and operational challenges, marked by a dramatic valuation drop. The company, which sought to stabilize its operations and finances, is now raising funds at a valuation significantly lower than its peak. This development comes amid efforts to address a substantial debt burden, with Byju’s proposing a repayment plan for its $1.2 billion loan. Investor confidence appears shaken, with some stakeholders pushing for drastic changes in leadership to navigate the crisis effectively. The turmoil reflects broader sectoral pressures and raises questions about the sustainability of high-growth trajectories in the edtech industry

Australia Accelerates Clean Energy Transition Amid Market Shifts and Investment Surge

Energy

10 February, 2024

Australia’s energy market is witnessing significant transitions and investments aimed at bolstering renewable energy infrastructure and securing gas supplies. Key developments include a $179 million investment by the Queensland Government for community battery projects, Santos’ $5.7 billion gas pipeline project following a legal battle win, and a $206 million energy savings package for NSW households. Additionally, the Australian government has secured new gas supply deals to support the east coast market, emphasizing the role of gas in transitioning to a renewable grid.

CVoter India Today: BJP Projected to Secure Clear Majority in 2024 Indian Elections

India 2024

9 February, 2024

The latest opinion polls, including the Mood of the Nation survey by India Today, predict a comfortable victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with a projected win of 335 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general elections. This forecast suggests a slight decrease from the 2019 elections but still ensures a majority. The survey, involving interviews with over 149,000 respondents, reflects Modi’s enduring popularity based on his nationalist policies and economic reforms. Other polls echo these findings, although seat projections vary slightly. The opposition INDIA alliance is expected to secure a significant number of seats, yet not enough to challenge the NDA’s majority. These predictions highlight a political landscape that remains largely favorable to Modi and the BJP as the election approaches

Russian forces have captured Chernobyl nuclear power plant

News Today:

India may cut taxes on petrol diesel to help Oil cos.

PM Modi talked with President Putin

1.9 million children in India lost a parent