Ukraine war: Kharkiv blackouts caused by targeted Russian attacks - Zelensky
Russia aims to "deprive people of light and heat" by causing power cuts across eastern Ukraine in revenge for a Ukrainian counter-offensive, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, BBC reported.
The blackouts have reportedly affected around nine million people in eastern regions including Kharkiv and Donetsk.
It comes after Ukraine said it had retaken over 3,000 sq km (1,158 sq miles) during a rapid counter-offensive in the east.
The BBC cannot verify these figures.
Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure left much of his city without power or water.
He called it a vile and cynical attempt at revenge for the Ukrainian army's recent successes.
Mr Terekhov and the region's governor called for calm, saying the emergency services were working to repair damage and put out fires.
The governor of the neighbouring Sumy region said over 130 settlements in one district alone were without power.
Similar problems have been reported in Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions.
"Cold, hunger, darkness and thirst are not as terrible and deadly for us as your 'friendship and brotherhood'," he wrote on Telegram.
President Zelensky said 1,000 sq km had been retaken on Thursday evening. That figure rose to 2,000 sq km on Saturday evening, then to 3,000 on Sunday, according to BBC.
Journalists have been denied access to the front lines but several videos on social media show Ukrainian troops present in towns and villages that were until recently held by Russia.
Ukrainian forces entered the key town of Balaklyia on Friday. Russia later confirmed the withdrawal of troops, to "bolster efforts" on the Donetsk front.
The vital Russian-held supply towns of Izyum and Kupiansk were taken by Ukraine on Saturday. Russia confirmed its forces' retreat from both towns, which it said would allow them to "regroup".
Valerii Marchenko, mayor of Izyum, said residents should be able to return to the town in about 10 days for the first time since it was captured by Russia in March.
Izyum was probably the biggest logistical hub for the Russian army, he said, as it is a gateway to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in the Donbas region, where Russia wanted to advance.
But Russia still holds around a fifth of the country, and few imagine a swift end to the war.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov warned of the potential for a Russian counter-attack, BBC reported.
"A counter-offensive liberates territory and after that you have to control it and be ready to defend it," Mr Reznikov said.
Sorha Shraddha begins
Sorha Shraddha also known as Pitri Paksha, a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar when people pay homage to their ancestors, has begun today. Sorha Shraddha falls in the lunar month of Bhadra (September–October), beginning with the full moon day and ending with the new moon day. According to Hindu mythology, Shraddha rites are performed and tarpan offered to deceased family members across three generations, both patriarchal and matriarchal. Shraddha is performed on premises of temples, riverbanks and houses with the help of priests. Dashain regarded as the biggest festival in Nepal starts after Sorha Shraddha is over.
England hold slim advantage over South Africa
England hold a narrow advantage over South Africa in the third and final Test after 17 wickets fell on a day that began with cricket paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, BBC reported.
A minute's silence was observed at The Oval and was followed by the crowd joining in the singing of God Save The King.
Sustained applause had barely ended when Ollie Robinson bowled Dean Elgar, setting the seamer on the way to 5-49.
With Stuart Broad also claiming 4-41, South Africa were bowled out for 118 in only 36.2 overs, something of a recovery from their earlier 36-6.
At 84-2 and with Ollie Pope en route to 67, England had the opportunity to take a firm grip on the contest, but a number of rash shots caused the hosts to slide to 133-6.
They had reached 154-7, a lead of 36, when bad light stopped play an hour early, according to BBC.
Even though this third day was the first of the match to contain any play, the clatter of wickets has ensured a positive result is likely.
The series is level at 1-1 after an innings victory apiece in the opening two Tests.
Charles praises Queen's reign as he is formally confirmed as king
King Charles III has praised the Queen's "unequalled reign" after being proclaimed king at a ceremony at St James's Palace, BBC reported.
The King became the monarch after the death of his mother, but a meeting formally confirmed it on Saturday.
He also approved the day of the Queen's funeral, Monday, 19 September, being a bank holiday.
Speaking before the Accession Council, the King said his mother's death had been an "irreparable loss".
Meanwhile, senior MPs in the House of Commons, including Prime Minister Liz Truss, swore allegiance to the new monarch.
Making his address in the State Apartments of St James's Palace in London, King Charles said: "It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss."
He later spoke of the Queen's "selfless service", saying: "My mother's reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion.
"Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."
The King added he would "strive to follow the inspiring example" he was set by his mother in taking on the "heavy responsibilities of sovereignty".
It is the first time the historic ceremony, which dates back centuries, has been televised. The King himself was not present for the first part of the meeting when he was proclaimed monarch by the Accession Council, made up of senior politicians, judges, and officials, according
Clerk of the Privy Council Richard Tilbrook proclaimed Charles "King, head of the Commonwealth, defender of the faith", before declaring "God Save the King".
The packed room, including all of the six living former British prime ministers, repeated the phrase. The proclamation was then read out on a balcony above Friary Court in St James's Palace.
