Ukraine shelled area of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant three times: Russia

Russia’s defence ministry on Saturday accused Ukrainian forces of shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant complex three times in the last 24 hours. Read: For first time, India votes against Russia during ‘procedural vote’ at UNSC on Ukraine Russia and Ukraine have traded blame for shelling near the plant, which on Thursday sparked fires in the ash pits of a nearby coal power station that disconnected the plant from the power grid.

33 million affected, 982 dead, 6.8 lakh houses destroyed amid Pak floods: Report

Around 33 million people have been affected – 1,456 have been injured and 982 killed – as floods ravage parts of Pakistan, prompting the Shahbaz Sharif government to turn to the Pak Army for help in rescue and relief operations. The floods have also badly damaged houses and infrastructure; Pakistan’s disaster management agency said over 3,000 km of roads, around 150 bridges and nearly seven lakh houses have been washed away or destroyed.

75,000 study permit applications submitted from India in processing stage: Canada

As tens of thousands of applications for study permits remain pending, the Canadian government has said it is “currently prioritising those applications for clients whose studies are starting in September”, while extending the remote learning option by another year. International students studying online from abroad or who submit a study permit application no later than August 31, 2022, will continue to be able to complete up to 100% of their programmes online.

Canada committed to interim trade pact with India; next round of negotiations in September

The Canadian government has reaffirmed its commitment to an interim trade pact with India, even as the next round of negotiations will be held in India next month. These talks are for securing an Early Progress Trade Agreement, a transitory step towards deal till a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement can be worked out. According to an Indian official close to the discussions, a “working text” may be available by October.

Taliban refuses female students to leave Kabul for studies: Report

The Taliban (under UN sanctions for terrorism) has refused to allow female students to leave the Afghan capital to go to study in Kazakhstan and Qatar, reported Sputnik citing sources. Both female and male students were planning to leave Kabul, but only male students were permitted to fly out of Afghanistan for studies, the sources said on Friday. Girls are not allowed to receive education beyond sixth grade.