Latest news with #Kalashnikov
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Toyota's new Land Cruiser: Still apocalypse-ready but now Instagram-approved
The Toyota Land Cruiser, the Motorola radio, the Kalashnikov, and the Ambu bag – the eye-spy staples of disaster bingo. If you spot three, you're in a humanitarian crisis. All four? You're in the news and can expect to see Orla Guerin any minute. In every war zone, every failed state, every biblical catastrophe, as the news cameras pan across the devastation, there'll be a Land Cruiser – likely in white – with its engine ticking gently, the workhorse of a troubled world. It's a link that hasn't been created by marketing hype, influencers, or product placements. This is forged by necessity, not style. These vehicles are there because their occupants must be, and those same occupants want to be sure of getting away again when their job is done. The Land Cruiser has garnered a reputation that's the envy of its rivals. Which is why every new generation is greeted warily by its fan base. READ MORE First up, it's worth noting that not all Land Cruisers across the world are the same. There are three global iterations of this 'car'. In many ways, what distinguishes the different variants is the level of tech and complexity on board, and the engines/emissions. There is the 70, which is pure hard-core, used by various military outfits and the mining industry, boasting all the muscle you need to venture into uncharted territory. The 300 is the big-grilled daddy favoured by the most well-heeled in Asia and the Middle East, a mix of luxury touches and off-road endurance. Then there is the all-rounder 250, which in some markets also carries the Prado name. It's the 250 that represents Land Cruiser in markets like Ireland, and it's the one that has received the latest update. Toyota Land Cruiser: The new 250 is more than just a tool And as we're not in the midst of an emergency or invasion just yet, we get the added creature comforts layered on top of the standard issue off-road capabilities. The most striking detail of the new 250 is the styling. Now, style is not a noun normally associated with Land Cruiser. Past generations had all the charisma of a filing cabinet. They were bought by people who had places to be, not Instagram posts to publish. Don't fret: the new Land Cruiser hasn't become stylish – that would be blasphemy. But it's now more than just a tool. It has acquired a trace of savoir-faire. There's a whiff of nostalgia, a nod towards the motoring world's retro obsession right now, with links back to the classic 1984 LJ70. It hints at a history stretching back to the Toyota BJ Series Jeep it inherited from US occupation after the second World War. But it's subtle: you can completely ignore it if you want. Of more importance to the wary fan is that the latest generation of 250 retains its off-road prowess. While I spent most of my time on tarmac, it did get into the mud during my test and on a previous drive in the Scottish Highlands I got to throw it into muddy dykes, up stony inclines that were unsafe under foot and basically into and out from a stinky bog hole. Toyota Land Cruiser: The latest generation of 250 retains its off-road prowess I'm not going to list the myriad off-road functions on this car, an alphabet soup of abbreviations for titles that don't really reflect the extent of the car's capabilities. Crawl Control sounds like a handy feature in traffic, but in fact this is an amazing bit of tech where this behemoth seems to pause, think about the best approach, and then steadily tackle the most ridiculous off-road challenges, one wheel at a time. Combined with this is a fancy new system that improves wheel articulation – basically, how far the axle can move up and down relative to the chassis. Christened the Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, this allows for up to 10 per cent more articulation when off-roading, yet can deliver a more comfortable ride on standard roads. [ Toyota favours slow and steady approach in electric vehicle market Opens in new window ] Then there is the suite of safety features, from your usual suite of traction and stability controls to trailer sway control (the Platinum version comes with a towing hitch), and of course Multi-Terrain Select, though you don't actually have to tell it the conditions under tyre as the car's system will have already figured that out. The last time I tested this car was over a weekend in the Scottish highlands, where 80 per cent of my driving time was over terrain that would challenge tractors, never mind leather-seated SUVs. This time, I stayed out of the effluent and drove it like an affluent buyer. In this terrain, this new generation of Land Cruiser is certainly sharper than it ever was before, and far more refined on a long motorway trip than we've come to expect of Land Cruiser, whose natural habitat is across sand, shale or mud. Toyota Land Cruiser: If you do all your driving on regular roads, then there are better buys out there On the black stuff, its honest and rugged traits remain, which means it can roll quite a bit in the bends, and understeers quite a bit if you take a turn too quickly. But you expect nothing less from a car this size, and these issues are nought when you judge it against its other accolades. In the age of quiet electric power, the 2.8-litre 204hp diesel seems gruff. There is a meaty 500Nm of torque available, and the engine is married to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission that neatly flicks through the gears to keep the power supply available at the slightest tap of your right toe. But kick down, particularly if you need to overtake, and the cabin – and surrounding countryside – echoes to the Land Cruiser's agrarian heritage. Perhaps the biggest difference in the 250 version is the in-car tech and creature comforts. Toyota Land Cruiser: In-car tech includes a smart 12.3in touchscreen digital display with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity For the seven-seat passenger version (Land Cruiser is on sale here in this format or else a commercial variant), you get a lot more leather than one might expect. There's also more soft-touch surfacing, a smart 12.3in touchscreen digital display with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity, and even a panoramic roof. There are some nice practical touches, like the rear window on the tailgate that opens independently, so you can drop stuff in without completely opening the boot, and air-conditioned front seats that can heat and cool. Toyota Land Cruiser: The rear window on the tailgate opens independently, so you can drop items into the boot without fully opening it Fancy it as a family car? Well, you certainly have a big enough cabin, though for small children availing of the third row, they might need a step ladder to get in and out. I have to admit a long-standing love for the Land Cruiser – and for the first time since I got a driving licence, there's now one that looks good as well, approved for the Instagram generation. In my Lotto garage, it will always have a parking spot. Yet, buyers need to consider their real needs. Just like you probably don't need a Motorola radio – or a Kalashnikov for that matter – so you might not require a car that could climb a rock-face. When it comes to off-roading, it puts the dozens of soft-roader SUVs to shame. When the going gets tough, nothing else comes close. But on the road, there are sharper cars to drive. It's also very pricey for the seven-seat passenger version, starting at €140,830, a big leap from the two-seat commercial variant (at €57,192 excluding VAT). Opting for the Platinum version also means you face the hefty annual motor tax bill of €2,400 based on the car's 280g/km emissions rating. It's also relatively thirsty, delivering an average fuel consumption during our test driving of 10.9l/100km (26mpg in old money). That's all hard to justify unless you buy into the premise that disaster is just around the corner, in which case we'll all want one of these. If you're more of an optimist and do all your driving on regular roads, then there are better buys out there. Lowdown: Toyota Land Cruiser Platinum Power: A 2,755cc 205hp 500Nm diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 0-100km/h: 12 secs. Emissions (motor tax): 280g/km (€2,400). Fuel consumption: 10.7l/100km (WLTP); (10.9l/100km as tested) Price: €71,005 as tested. Tayron from €57,546. Our rating: 3/5. Verdict: The car you want – but unless you need it, hard to justify at this price. Price: €140,830 for seven-seat passenger version (€57,192 excluding VAT for commercial).
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Why Chernobyl's elephant's foot still raises alarms decades later
In a time when the world is focused on emerging technologies and geopolitical shifts, there are still stories from the past that haven't faded away. One of them lies deep beneath an abandoned structure in northern Ukraine– inside the crippled remains of Chernobyl's Reactor 4. Nearly four decades after the catastrophic nuclear accident of 1986, a hardened mass of radioactive material known as the 'Elephant's Foot' continues to quietly sit underground, monitored by scientists but largely out of public view. Once capable of killing within minutes, this dense radioactive formation remains a haunting reminder of the consequences of human and technical failure. While much has changed since that explosion, the material legacy it left behind still demands caution and respect. The formation that should never have existed When the Chernobyl reactor exploded, the heat inside the core reached temperatures high enough to melt nuclear fuel rods, steel, and concrete. This mixture created a kind of radioactive lava that moved through the building's structure. As it cooled, it solidified into strange and sometimes massive shapes. One of the most well-known of these formations is the Elephant's Foot– a name given because of its rough, wrinkled appearance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It was eventually identified as corium, a material formed during a nuclear meltdown. It's not a natural substance. It's the result of extreme conditions– temperatures, pressure, and radiation– combining to create a new and dangerous compound. At its peak, a silent killer When it was first discovered, the Elephant's Foot was emitting over 10,000 roentgens of radiation per hour, as per a report presented by the Economic Times. To put it simply, that level of exposure could kill a human being within minutes. Scientists who approached it at the time had to rely on remote cameras, protective barriers, and extremely limited contact. The intensity of the radiation also interfered with electronics. Footage taken near the site showed visible static and distortion. One viewer later commented: 'The white specks on screen are not the camera quality, but in fact the radiation messing with the film/camera itself.' Symptoms of even brief exposure included nausea, vomiting, and dizziness– early signs of radiation poisoning. For anyone who stayed near it too long, the effects could be fatal within days. Scientists who faced the danger up close Despite the extreme risks, a few individuals made direct contact with the Elephant's Foot to document and study it. Among them was Artur Korneyev, a Kazakhstani radiation expert who visited the site multiple times and helped capture some of the earliest images of the mass. 'We had to use a Kalashnikov to chip pieces off,' a scientist involved in the investigation said, referring to the density of the material, as quoted by the Economic Times. Korneyev, known for his dark sense of humour, once told The New York Times, 'Soviet radiation is the best radiation in the world.' He continued his work for years after his exposure and is believed to have passed away in 2022 at the age of 73. Camera footage that told a radioactive story Other professionals, such as physicist Alexander Kupny, also played a key role in documenting the post-disaster environment. In 1989, he entered the structure with protective gear and used remote cameras to study the interior. By taking careful steps and limiting his exposure, he managed to avoid serious health effects. His recordings, now archived and viewed globally, show the eerie silence and decay inside the damaged reactor. Early Soviet footage taken just days after the accident by filmmaker Vladimir Shevchenko showed similar interference caused by radiation. Unaware at first, Shevchenko had captured the impact of radiation on film itself– a rare occurrence and one that underlined the gravity of the situation. A hazard that still exists, though muted While the Elephant's Foot is no longer as dangerous as it once was, it has not become harmless. Over time, the surface of the mass has begun to crack and degrade. As quoted by the Economic Times, according to Maxim Saveliev from the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, the material now 'more or less has the consistency of sand.' Though the radiation levels have dropped, the site remains closed to the public, and specialists continue to monitor it. The risk of contamination, collapse, or radioactive dust spreading remains a concern for experts managing the remnants of the reactor. The broader fallout: Human and environmental impact The explosion at Chernobyl did not just create radioactive debris. According to the Economic Times report, it forced over 400,000 people to relocate. Cleanup operations involved nearly half a million workers, many of whom were exposed to high radiation. While 31 deaths were officially reported in the immediate aftermath, broader estimates of long-term health impacts range from 4,000 to as high as 60,000 deaths due to related illnesses. Many cases of thyroid cancer, particularly among children, have been linked to exposure in the years following the explosion. The Elephant's Foot is a symbol of this larger, far-reaching legacy. A renewed risk during wartime In 2022, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone made global headlines again, not due to a new accident, but because of military conflict. During the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops occupied the site, raising concerns over nuclear safety. Reports indicated that soldiers may have dug trenches in contaminated areas, exposing themselves to unsafe levels of radiation. Ukrainian officials warned of the potential for another crisis if power were cut to essential systems that stabilise the plant. One official noted that the soldiers could have received 'significant doses' of radiation.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel accused of arming Palestinian gang who allegedly looted aid in Gaza
Israel's government has been accused of arming a Palestinian criminal gang whose members have allegedly looted humanitarian aid, in an apparent attempt to counter Hamas in Gaza. Satellite images and videos verified by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz showed on Thursday that a new Palestinian militia has expanded its presence in southern Gaza, and is operating inside an area under the direct control of the Israel Defense Forces. The group, which has also been accused of ties to jihadist groups, is reportedly led by a man known as Yasser abu Shabab, a Rafah resident from a Bedouin family, known locally for his involvement in criminal activity and the looting of humanitarian aid. According to media reports, Abu Shabab's group, which calls itself the 'Anti-Terror Service', consists of about 100 armed men who operate in eastern Rafah with the tacit approval of the Israeli armed forces. It has variously been described as a militia and a criminal gang. The Times of Israel cited defence sources who said that Israel provided members of Abu Shabab's faction with Kalashnikov assault rifles, including some weapons seized from Hamas. The operation was approved by Israel's security cabinet and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the newspaper reported, noting that its article had been approved for publication by Israel's military censor. In a video posted on social media late on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel had 'activated' some Palestinian clans in Gaza, on the advice of 'security officials,' in order to save lives of Israeli soldiers. The prime minister's office had earlier said that 'Israel is working to defeat Hamas in various ways, on the recommendation of all heads of the security establishment.' The former defence minister and opposition lawmaker Avigdor Lieberman repeated the allegations and alleged that Abu Shabab's group was affiliated with the Islamic State terror group. 'The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with Islamic State, at the direction of the prime minister,' Lieberman, who heads the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, told Kan Bet public radio. 'To my knowledge, this did not go through approval by the cabinet.' The basis for Lieberman's allegation of ties to IS was not clear. Abu Shabab's group has previously been accused of involvement in smuggling operations linked to Egyptian jihadi groups. A security official told Israeli news outlet Ynet that the arming of Abu Shabab was approved and led by the Shin Bet internal security service, and described the operation as 'planned and managed', with the goal of 'reducing Israeli military casualties while systematically undermining Hamas through targeted strikes, infrastructure destruction and the promotion of rival local forces.' The IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In recent weeks, Abu Shabab has published anti-Hamas and anti-Palestinian Authority messages while promoting his militia's efforts on Facebook. Abu Shabab's links with Israeli forces were confirmed by his family, which issued a statement last week formally disowning him. 'We, like everyone else, were surprised by video footage broadcast by the resistance showing the involvement of Yasser's groups within a dangerous security framework, reaching the point of operating within undercover units and supporting the Zionist occupation forces, who are brutally killing our people,' the statement said. 'We affirm that we will not accept Yasser's return to the family. We have no objection to those around him liquidating him immediately, and we tell you that his blood is forfeit.' Abu Shabab has reportedly claimed his group were protecting aid convoys, while Hamas has accused him of looting the aid trucks. On 28 May, Jonathan Whittall, the head of United Nations office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs in occupied Palestinian territories said: 'Israel has publicly claimed that the UN and NGO aid is being diverted by Hamas. But this doesn't hold up to scrutiny. The real theft of aid since the beginning of the war has been carried out by criminal gangs, under the watch of Israeli forces, and they were allowed to operate in proximity to the Kerem Shalom crossing point into Gaza.' When contacted by the Guardian, Whittall confirmed he was 'referring to gangs such as Abu Shabab.' On Wednesday, a labour union representing truck drivers in Gaza said it was halting transport of aid deliveries within the strip after an incident in which several truckers were shot dead by gunmen. The Private Transport Association said it was calling the strike in response to an incident a day ago in which a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian aid was attacked by gunmen in the central Gaza. 'This crime is not the first of its kind, but it is by far the most serious in a series of recurring assaults aimed at obstructing relief operations and preventing vital aid from reaching hundreds of thousands of civilians facing dire humanitarian conditions,' the statement said. Jihad Sleem, vice-president of the Special Transportation Association, who lost his relative, Mohammed al-Assar, in the attack, said he did not know who the gunmen were. Asked if he suspected Abu Shabab was behind the killings, he said: 'It wouldn't surprise me if he was involved in these attacks. He's a gangster.' Jamal Risheq contributed to this report
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Netanyahu defends arming Palestinian clans accused of ties with jihadist groups
The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has admitted arming clans in Gaza that he says are opposed to Hamas, after allegations that members of these criminal gangs looted humanitarian aid and have ties to jihadist groups. The admission came after Israeli media reports quoted defence sources as saying Netanyahu had authorised giving weapons to a clan reportedly led by a man known as Yasser Abu Shabab, a Rafah resident from a Bedouin family, known locally for his involvement in criminal activity. Israel allegedly provided Abu Shabab's group, which calls itself the 'Anti-Terror Service', with Kalashnikov assault rifles, including weapons seized from Hamas. 'On the advice of security officials, we activated clans in Gaza that oppose Hamas. What's wrong with that?' Netanyahu said in a short video he posted on social media. 'It only saves the lives of Israeli solders, and publicising this only benefits Hamas.' Strong criticism of the initiative has come from opposition parties in Israel. In a social media post on X, Yair Golan, the leader of the Democrats in the Knesset, said: 'Netanyahu is a threat to Israel's national security. Instead of bringing about a deal … bringing the hostages home and providing security for Israeli citizens, he is creating a new ticking timebomb in Gaza.' Related: Israel accused of arming Palestinian gang who allegedly looted aid in Gaza Palestinians in Gaza marked the start of Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's most important holidays, on Friday with prayers outside destroyed mosques and homes and food supplies dwindling. Food distribution points run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation reopened on Friday before closing a few hours later. Work at the sites was previously halted this week in response to a series of deadly shootings by Israeli soldiers that on Tuesday killed 27 Palestinians and injured hundreds as they were waiting for food. The UN says more than 2,700 children in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition. Israeli jets meanwhile continued to pound the territory and, according to Gaza's civil defence agency, 38 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli military on Friday, including 11 in a single strike in the north. Israel said four soldiers were killed in combat. On Thursday, after the allegations on arming Hamas-opposed clans in Gaza circulated in the media, Netanyahu's office said Israel 'was working to defeat Hamas through various means, based on the recommendations of all the heads of the security establishment'. The former defence minister and opposition lawmaker Avigdor Lieberman alleged that Abu Shabab's group was affiliated with Islamic State. 'The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with Islamic State, at the direction of the prime minister,' Lieberman, who heads the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, told Kan Bet public radio. The basis for Lieberman's allegation of ties to IS was unclear. Abu Shabab's group has previously been accused of involvement in smuggling operations linked to Egyptian jihadi groups. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Abu Shabab's involvement with Israeli troops was confirmed last week through several videos circulating on social media in Gaza, showing him operating alongside Israeli soldiers in IDF-controlled areas. Last week, Abu Shabab's family issued a statement disowning him, accusing him of collaborating with Israeli forces. 'We, like everyone else, were surprised by video footage broadcast by the resistance showing the involvement of Yasser's groups within a dangerous security framework, reaching the point of operating within undercover units and supporting the Zionist occupation forces, who are brutally killing our people,' the statement said. 'We affirm that we will not accept Yasser's return to the family. We have no objection to those around him liquidating him immediately, and we tell you that his blood is forfeit.' On 28 May, Jonathan Whittall, the head of United Nations office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs in occupied Palestinian territories, said: 'The real theft of aid since the beginning of the war has been carried out by criminal gangs, under the watch of Israeli forces, and they were allowed to operate in proximity to the Kerem Shalom crossing point into Gaza.' When contacted by the Guardian, Whittall confirmed he was 'referring to gangs such as Abu Shabab'. On several posts on Facebook, reported by local media, Abu Shabab denied the allegations of looting, saying he was taking the goods only to feed himself and his family. Coverage of the war in Gaza is constrained by Israeli attacks on Palestinian journalists and a bar on international reporters entering the Gaza Strip to report independently on the war. Israel has not allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza since 7 October 2023, unless they are under Israeli military escort. Reporters who join these trips have no control over where they go, and other restrictions include a bar on speaking to Palestinians in Gaza. Palestinian journalists and media workers inside Gaza have paid a heavy price for their work reporting on the war, with over 180 killed since the conflict began. The committee to protect journalists has determined that at least 19 of them 'were directly targeted by Israeli forces in killings which CPJ classifies as murders'. Foreign reporters based in Israel filed a legal petition seeking access to Gaza, but it was rejected by the supreme court on security grounds. Private lobbying by diplomats and public appeals by prominent journalists and media outlets have been ignored by the Israeli government. To ensure accurate reporting from Gaza given these restrictions, the Guardian works with trusted journalists on the ground; our visual teams verify photo and videos from third parties; and we use clearly sourced data from organisations that have a track record of providing accurate information in Gaza during past conflicts, or during other conflicts or humanitarian crises. Emma Graham-Harrison, chief Middle East correspondent Despite nationwide protests demanding a ceasefire deal and the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza after Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack, Netanyahu's coalition remains solid, buoyed up by the steadfast support of far-right parties. That unity may soon be tested, however, after the ultra-Orthodox Shas party in Netanyahu's coalition announced it would support dissolving the Knesset. The Shas party's decision comes after no significant progress in advancing a law in effect exempting ultra-Orthodox citizens from the military draft. Israel has mandatory army service but for decades made an exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews, also known as Haredi, who are allowed to continue full-time Torah study. But an alternative plan seeks to extend the duration of military service for conscripts and raise the age for reservists, while also urging an end to the customary exemptions granted to yeshiva students. Due to the war in Gaza, the IDF is saying yeshiva students must be drafted, as it urgently needs an additional 10,000 combat soldiers and about 3,000 soldiers for other roles. .
Middle East Eye
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Hamas killed 50 members of Gaza gang armed by Israel, militia says
Hamas has killed at least 50 members of a Palestinian gang in Gaza armed by Israel, according to a statement by the militia group. The gang, which is helmed by Yasser Abu Shabab, a clan leader known for criminal activity, said in a press statement that Hamas killed 'over 50 of our volunteers' while they 'guarded aid convoys and redistributed supplies that were otherwise destined for corrupt entities linked to Hamas'. The announcement comes amid Israeli news reports this week of Israeli soldiers intervening in clashes between Hamas fighters and members of the militia group in order to protect Abu Shabab. Israeli news channel i24 reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted Hamas fighters while they were clashing with members of Abu Shabab's militia, describing it as 'the first Israeli strike on Gaza whose sole objective was to assist the Abu Shabab militia'. Meanwhile, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that Abu Shabab's militia had killed six members of Hamas' 'Arrow' unit, which is responsible for targeting collaborators with Israel. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to arming powerful local clans in Gaza, which aid groups have accused of stealing humanitarian aid, in a bid to counter Hamas. The admission came after defence officials quoted in Israeli media said Netanyahu had authorised the transfer of Kalashnikov assault rifles to Abu Shabab's gang. Abu Shabab, who was imprisoned by Hamas on drug trafficking charges, managed to flee prison with the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023. His militia, which operates in southern Gaza, is believed to consist of around 100 men. Hamas officials told Reuters that Abu Shabab was wanted for 'collaborating with the occupation against his people'. The officials said Hamas fighters had killed at least two dozen of Abu Shabab's men before January, after they allegedly looted aid trucks.
