LIVE: Russia's military ops in Ukraine a 'forced measure', says Putin

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday Ukrainian forces were fighting to prevent Russian troops from capturing the former nuclear power plant at Chernobyl.

9:25 AM

Russia's president just declared war: Ukraine envoy at UN

Russia's UN envoy justifies his country's Ukraine operation under Article 51 of the UN charter. Ukraine's UN ambassador says Russian envoy just confirmed his president declared 'a war on my country', reports Reuters.

9:14 AM

Joe Biden responds to Putin's announcement

US President Joe Biden says US and its allies will respond in a united and decisive way after Putin orders military operation.

9:13 AM

Explosions heard in Ukrainian capital Kyiv

Several more explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Thursday, after an initial series of sounds similar to artillery fire, a Reuters witness reported. The sounds were heard shortly after Russia announced a military operation in Ukraine.

9:12 AM

Putin says Russia faces threats from Ukraine

In a special televised address on Russian state TV, Putin said Russia has been left with no choice but to defend itself against what he said were threats emanating from modern Ukraine. The scope of the Russian military operation was not immediately clear. A Reuters reporter in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, heard explosions which sounded like artillery shelling in the distance.

9:04 AM

'Prayers of the world' are with Ukraine: Joe Biden

USA President Joe Biden says 'prayers of the world' are with Ukraine after Russia’s Putin orders military operation in rival nation.

8:42 AM

Putin says Russia's actions are self-defence

Putin says Russia's actions are self-defence from threats and "from bigger problems than those today”.

7:59 AM

Airlines should stop flying over all of Ukraine's airspace: Monitor

Airlines should stop flying over any part of Ukraine because of the risk of an unintended shootdown or a cyber attack targeting air traffic control amid tensions with Russia, a conflict zone monitor said on Wednesday. Safe Airspace, which was set up to provide safety and conflict zone information for airlines after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, said it had increased its risk level to "do not fly", Reuters reported.

7:31 AM

Jaishankar meets French president in Paris

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called on French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, amid escalating tension between Russia and Western powers over the Ukraine crisis. Jaishankar said he conveyed to Macron Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings and that the discussions reflected the "full spirit" of the strategic partnership between the two countries, PTI reported.

7:29 AM

Rajasthan govt gifts iPhones to all 200 MLAs, BJP returns them

The Rajasthan government Wednesday gifted the latest iPhone to all the 200 MLAs after presenting the state budget. BJP legislators decided to return the iPhones "keeping in view the financial burden" it entailed on the state exchequer, PTI reported. Last year, all the 200 MLAs were gifted i-pads, just after the tabling of the budget by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

5:29 AM

Rs 18,000 cr returned to banks from Mallya, Nirav and Choksi: Govt

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that Rs 18,000 crore has been returned to banks in the case of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi. 

 

5:27 AM

SC rejects plea seeking cancellation of Class 10, 12 exams

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a plea seeking cancellation of in-person exams for Class 10 and 12. The court scolded the petitioners and said they were "creating confusion".