Explosions echoed over Kyiv on Tuesday during a rare daytime Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s capital, after the two sides launched strikes that left six dead. A major oil refinery in southern Russia was also set ablaze, triggering a local state of emergency as thick black smoke billowed over the coastal town of Tuapse. Russia has pummelled Ukrainian cities, mainly by launching long-range aerial barrages at night since launching the war more than four years ago. Kyiv and Moscow have stepped up their aerial attacks over recent months, with both sides mainly targeting energy infrastructure.
Greece: 89-Year-Old Man Arrested After Shooting Spree
Police in Greece on Tuesday arrested an 89-year-old man who allegedly opened fire with a shotgun in a social security office and a courthouse in central Athens, wounding at least four people. According to law enforcement authorities, the suspect was arrested near the city of Patra, some 210 kilometers west of the Greek capital. The gunman initially opened fire at the social security office, wounding an employee. Police officers who arrived at the scene treated the man, but the gunman fled. Local media aired security camera footage showing a man walking calmly across the street carrying a short-barreled shotgun. The same man was suspected of later opening fire on the ground floor of a court building, wounding several people. Television footage showed ambulance crews transporting at least three people from the courthouse to waiting ambulances.
India Condemns Mali Terror Attacks
India on Tuesday strongly condemned a wave of terror attacks in Mali and condoled the death of the African country's defence minister, General Sadio Camara, who was killed in a bomb explosion near the capital Bamako. The Ministry of External Affairs extended deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Mali. India reiterated its firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and supports efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Gujarat CM Hails BJP’s Resounding Win in Local Body Polls
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday said the BJP has scored a big victory in local body elections, with results showing the ruling party is headed for a clean sweep. He expressed gratitude to the people of Gujarat for supporting PM Narendra Modi's development-focused politics. As per results available so far, the BJP has won 6,472 of more than 9,900 seats, while the Congress has secured 1,412 seats. Independents and other parties, including AAP and AIMIM, have bagged 597 seats.
Ukraine Claims Record Drone Interceptions in March
Ukraine used interceptor systems to shoot down more than 33,000 Russian drones of various types in March, a record monthly figure since Moscow launched its all-out invasion. Kyiv’s domestically developed long-range attack drones struck a Russian oil refinery and terminal on the Black Sea for the third time in less than two weeks, prompting local evacuations. Ukraine has developed cutting-edge drone technology that has proved essential in holding back Russia’s bigger army. Interceptor drones are now being sought by Middle East and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine is scaling up supplies of interceptor drones and has introduced a new command within the air force to boost capabilities.
