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Worker Killed in Drone Strike at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

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An employee at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was killed following a drone strike, according to Russian-installed management at the site. The incident reportedly occurred when a drone hit the plant’s transport department, resulting in the death of a driver.

The facility, located in Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine, has remained a focal point of concern due to ongoing conflict in the region. Authorities said the attack was carried out by Ukrainian forces, though the situation remains tense and under close international scrutiny.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that its team stationed at the plant will investigate the incident and continue monitoring safety conditions. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that any military action near nuclear facilities poses serious risks and should be strictly avoided.

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Switzerland Seeks Reimbursement from Italy Over Fire Victims’ Treatment

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Switzerland has sparked diplomatic tension with Italy after announcing plans to recover medical costs for treating Italian nationals घायल in the deadly New Year’s Eve fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort, which killed 41 people. The Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office confirmed that the expenses would be billed under existing cross-border healthcare agreements.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticised the move, calling it “disgraceful” and stating that Italy would reject any formal request for payment. Swiss authorities clarified that the charges would not be directed at victims’ families but instead billed to the relevant foreign health insurer, which in Italy’s case would involve the government.

The dispute has further strained relations between the two countries, with Italian officials highlighting their own support during the tragedy, including medical treatment for Swiss victims and emergency rescue assistance. Switzerland is reportedly seeking over 100,000 Swiss francs for treating a small number of Italian patients, intensifying the diplomatic disagreement.

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AfD Hits Record 28% in Germany, Expands Lead in Latest Poll

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a record 28% in the latest INSA opinion poll, marking its highest level to date. The party gained one percentage point from the previous week, further strengthening its position as the leading political force in the survey.

The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, remained steady at 24%, trailing the AfD by four points. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party held at 14%, the Alliance 90/The Greens slipped to 12%, and The Left stayed at 11%.

The poll also highlighted challenges in forming a government, as around 11% of votes went to smaller parties unlikely to enter parliament. With most parties ruling out cooperation with AfD, potential governing coalitions would likely require three-party alliances. Combinations such as CDU, SPD, and Greens could secure a majority, according to the survey conducted among 1,203 respondents between April 20 and April 24.

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French Teen Faces Jail in Singapore Over Vending Machine Prank

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An 18-year-old French student, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, has been charged in Singapore after allegedly licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and placing it back into the dispenser. The act, which was recorded and shared on Instagram, quickly went viral and sparked widespread backlash online due to hygiene concerns.

The vending machine company, iJooz, responded by replacing all 500 straws in the affected machine and filing a police report. Authorities have charged Maximilien with committing mischief and public nuisance, offences that could result in a jail term of over two years along with substantial fines if he is found guilty.

The incident reportedly occurred on 12 March at a shopping centre in Singapore. Maximilien, who studies at the Singapore campus of Essec Business School, is currently out on bail, with his parents travelling to Singapore to support him. His case is scheduled to be heard again in court on 22 May.

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Italy Approves Extradition of Suspected Chinese Hacker to US

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Italy has decided to extradite a Chinese national, Xu Zewei, to the United States over allegations of cybercrime, according to a source familiar with the matter. The decision follows a recent Italian court ruling that cleared the way for extradition. Xu was arrested in Milan last year at the request of US authorities, who accuse him of involvement in hacking activities.

US prosecutors allege that Xu engaged in cyber espionage between 2020 and 2021, including attempts to steal sensitive COVID-19 research. The US Justice Department claims he targeted universities, immunologists, and virologists working on vaccines, treatments, and testing during the pandemic. Xu’s lawyer has argued that he is a victim of mistaken identity and stated that no official communication on the extradition has yet been received.

Authorities also link Xu to the hacking group “Hafnium,” which allegedly infiltrated thousands of computer systems globally in 2021. The case underscores growing international cooperation on cybercrime enforcement, as well as rising concerns over cyber espionage targeting critical scientific research.

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Turkish Grand Prix to Return to Formula 1 Calendar in 2027

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Formula 1 will return to Turkey in 2027, marking the comeback of the Turkish Grand Prix after a six-year absence. The race will be held at the Istanbul Park circuit under a deal that runs until at least 2031, bringing back one of the sport’s most challenging and popular tracks.

Turkey previously hosted races from 2005 to 2011 and briefly returned during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 race was particularly memorable, with Lewis Hamilton securing his seventh world championship title in wet conditions. The event’s reintroduction will not expand the current 24-race calendar but will instead rotate with other venues.

Officials highlighted Turkey’s strong fan base and infrastructure as key factors in the decision. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the return, while F1 chief Stefano Domenicali praised Istanbul as a unique global city that blends history with modern sporting appeal, making it an exciting destination for fans worldwide.

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Italy Rejects Equal Parental Leave as Fathers Challenge Norms Online

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Italy’s parliament has voted down a proposal to introduce equal parental leave for mothers and fathers, rejecting a plan that aimed to balance caregiving responsibilities. The measure, which would have provided equal, fully paid and non-transferable leave, was defeated by the ruling coalition citing financial constraints, drawing criticism from opposition leaders who called it a missed opportunity for social change.

Despite the policy setback, a growing number of Italian fathers are reshaping traditional roles through social media. Influencers like Diego Di Franco share daily caregiving routines, highlighting a more involved and equal approach to parenting. Experts say these “dad influencers” are helping shift cultural perceptions of fatherhood in a country where women still bear most childcare responsibilities.

Italy continues to face one of the widest gender employment gaps in the European Union, with many women leaving jobs after childbirth. Analysts argue that unequal parental leave policies reinforce this imbalance, affecting economic growth and demographic trends. While change at the policy level remains slow, evolving social attitudes suggest a gradual transformation in how parenting roles are shared.

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Ukraine’s Animal Rescuers Risk Lives to Save Pets Traumatized by War

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Animal rescue groups in Ukraine are working under constant danger to save pets and stray animals affected by the ongoing war. In the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone strike destroyed part of a shelter, killing more than a dozen animals and leaving others injured or scattered. Despite the risks, volunteers and local residents quickly came together to rebuild and continue caring for displaced animals.

Thousands of pets have been abandoned as civilians flee bombardment zones, while others are left behind after their owners are killed. Rescue organisations like “12 Guardians” have evacuated tens of thousands of animals from dangerous areas, often under shelling. These efforts not only save animals but also help people who refuse to leave without their pets or struggle with the emotional toll of abandonment.

Rescuers say animals suffer trauma similar to humans, making their work even more urgent despite the dangers. With frontline areas becoming increasingly unsafe, volunteers now use protective measures like drone detectors while continuing operations. Many believe saving animals also brings hope to people affected by war, reinforcing the idea that humanitarian efforts extend beyond just human lives.

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Ukraine and Russia Exchange 193 Prisoners Each in US- and UAE-Brokered Swap

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Ukraine and Russia exchanged 193 prisoners of war each on Friday in a swap facilitated with assistance from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The exchange is part of ongoing efforts to repatriate captured personnel amid the prolonged conflict, now in its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the return of the captives, calling the exchanges “important” for bringing people home. Both Ukrainian and Russian officials acknowledged the role of the US and UAE in helping coordinate the operation.

The released individuals included soldiers, border guards, and police officers. Many of the Ukrainian returnees were reported to have injuries or had faced legal charges while in Russian custody. Emotional reunions were reported as freed captives arrived back in Ukraine, with some describing years of captivity before returning home.

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China Restricts Dual-Use Exports to 7 European Firms Over Taiwan Arms Links

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China has announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to seven European entities, accusing them of involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. The affected companies include Germany’s Hensoldt AG, Belgium’s FN Browning, and several Czech defence firms, with Beijing placing them on its export control list. China said the move targets organisations that “colluded with Taiwan,” which it considers part of its territory.

The restrictions apply to goods, software, and technologies with both civilian and military uses, such as components used in drones and semiconductors. Beijing stated that all related transfers must stop immediately, though it may grant case-by-case approvals in exceptional situations. China also said it had informed the European Union through its export control dialogue mechanism before announcing the measures.

European and Czech officials have sought clarification, with some companies saying they do not expect major business impacts. The Czech government has instructed its embassy in Beijing to seek explanations, while firms like Excalibur Army said they do not directly rely on Chinese dual-use imports. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its own but which Taiwan’s government rejects.

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