The UN’s nuclear watchdog says the protective shield at the Chernobyl site can no longer safely contain radiation after a drone strike in February. The New Safe Confinement structure was badly damaged, losing its main safety functions. Ukraine blames Russia for the attack, but Moscow denies it. The strike caused a fire and broke parts of the outer cover. The IAEA says only small temporary repairs have been made and major work is needed soon. The steel shield was built to last 100 years and protect the site of the 1986 disaster. The agency says radiation levels remain under control. (PC: CNN)

A fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora killed at least 25 people after midnight on Sunday. Witnesses said the blaze spread fast and escape routes were narrow and confusing. Some people ran into the kitchen and were trapped. Police first said a cylinder blast caused the fire, but several eyewitnesses disagree. The club was allegedly built without proper permits and had a pending demolition notice. Fire trucks struggled to reach the site due to a narrow road. Goa’s chief minister has ordered an inquiry into construction, safety lapses, and the cause of the fire. (PC: HT)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had a “very constructive” call with US peace envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. They spoke about ways to make Russia follow any deal to end the war. Ukrainian officials are in Miami for a third day of talks on a US-backed peace plan. Russia has not made concessions and continues heavy strikes across Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron offered support and will join leaders from the UK and Germany for talks in London on Monday. US and Ukrainian teams say the next steps depend on Russia showing real intent to ease the conflict. (PC: BBC)

Russia launched a major overnight attack on Ukraine, firing 653 drones and 51 missiles. Most were shot down, but a strike destroyed a key railway station in Fastiv and hit energy sites in eight regions, causing blackouts. The attacks came as US and Ukrainian officials held peace talks in Florida. Both sides said the discussions were “constructive” and agreed on a basic security framework, but many issues remain. The talks will continue for a third day. France, the UK and Germany will meet Zelensky in London on Monday to increase pressure on Russia. Moscow says no compromise has been reached. (PC: BBC)

The DGCA on Saturday sent a show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers after the airline faced a week of major disruptions. Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled, causing distress to passengers. The regulator said the airline failed to prepare for the revised Flight Duty Time Limitations rules, leading to a shortage of crew and poor planning. The DGCA said this showed big lapses in management, oversight and resource use. It also formed a committee to study the disruptions. The CEO has been asked to explain within 24 hours why action should not be taken. (PC: X)

Russia carried out a major overnight attack on Ukraine, launching 653 drones and 51 missiles. Most were shot down, but a strike destroyed a railway station in Fastiv near Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack was “meaningless” from a military view. Russia also hit energy sites in eight regions, causing blackouts. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant briefly lost all external power again. In Florida, US and Ukrainian officials said talks on a security deal were “constructive”. They agreed on a basic framework but said peace depends on Russia taking real steps to stop the war. Talks will continue for a third day. (PC: Reuters)

At least 11 people were killed in a mass shooting at an illegal hostel bar in Saulsville township, west of Pretoria, early Saturday morning. Police said three armed men entered the crowded venue around 04:30 and opened fire on people who were drinking. A three-year-old child, a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were among the victims. Fourteen others were injured. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the motive remains unknown and no arrests have been made. She warned that many recent attacks happen at unlicensed liquor spots. South Africa continues to face very high murder and violent crime rates. (PC: BBC)

Fresh fighting broke out Friday night between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, reigniting fears after a fragile truce. According to Pakistani officials, the Taliban opened “unprovoked fire,” while Taliban spokespeople accused Pakistan of launching the attack near Spin Boldak in Kandahar, even using heavy artillery. Civilians were displaced, and both sides blamed each other for breaching a recent ceasefire brokered in October by Qatar and Turkey. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif government appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country's first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for five years, making him the most powerful military figure. The position grants Munir oversight of Pakistan's nuclear weapons through the National Strategic Command, control over all three service branches, and lifelong legal immunity equivalent to the president. He simultaneously holds Chief of Army Staff, becoming the first officer in Pakistan's 78-year history with both positions and Field Marshal rank. The 27th Constitutional Amendment centralized military command, reduced government oversight, and gave the CDF power to recommend Vice Chief appointments. Pakistan has historically alternated between civilian and military rule since 1947. (PC: Gulf News)

US President Donald Trump received FIFA's newly created peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, recognizing "individuals who unite people and bring hope." FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award, calling Trump a leader "who cares about the people." Trump, wearing a gold medal and holding a globe-shaped trophy, called it "one of the great honours of my life." He thanked family, including First Lady Melania, Canadian PM Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Infantino previously suggested Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for Gaza ceasefire brokering. This year's Nobel went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who partially dedicated it to Trump.