Iran confirms launch of first nuclear power plant

Iran's atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi confirmed next week's launch of the Islamic republic's first nuclear power plant.

Iran’s atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi confirmed next week’s launch of the Islamic republic’s first nuclear power plant,as announced by Russia which has helped build the facility.

“We are preparing to transfer the fuel inside the plant next week… Then we will need seven to eight days to transfer it to the reactor,” said Salehi.

Ending years of delays,a spokesman for the Russian atomic agency said today that the plant in the southern Iranian city of Bushehr will formally launch on August 21.

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“The fuel will be charged in the reactor on August 21.

From this moment,Bushehr will be considered a nuclear installation,” Rosatom spokesman Sergei Novikov said. “This can be considered as the physical launch.”

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

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Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

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