https://stionicgeodist.com/itcjczROp2HgIzm/101939

What Vinesh Phogat Told Court On Reason Behind Increased Weight At Paris Olympics

by

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from women’s 50kg wrestling final© ANI Photo




Entire India awaits the Court of Arbitration (CAS) verdict on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s joint silver medal plea. Vinesh, who was disqualified before her final in the Women’s Freestyle 50k wrestling bout, was weighing 100 grams over the 50kg limit. As the arguments continue in front of the CAS, Vinesh has reportedly sighted the tight schedule between her bout as well as the distance between Athletes’ Village and the competition arena as the reason behind her failure to make the weight cut.

According to a report in the Indian Express, the counsel for Phogat highlighted the distance between Champ de Mars Arena, the venue for the wrestling competition, and the Athletes Village as a contributing factor to her failure in making the cut at the scheduled weigh-in. The Indian wrestler’s counsel also said that the tight schedule between bouts didn’t allow her enough time to reduce her weight, which had touched the 52.7 kg mark after the first day of her competition.

The counsel further argued that Vinesh didn’t get any competitive advantage with the extra 100g she had on the second morning gave her no competitive advantage.

‘The excess of 100g is extremely negligible (representing around 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the athlete’s weight) and can easily be caused by the bloating of a human body during summer weather, as the heat makes the human body retain more water, scientifically for survival purposes. It can also be due to muscle mass increase as the athlete competed three times on the same day. It can also be caused by the food consumption of the athlete after the competitions to sustain her health and integrity for the demanding competitions,” Phogat’s counsel asserted, as per the paper

An argument over the application of the principle of proportionality has also been made.

‘There would be a manifest disproportion between the level of excess (which excludes any attempt at fraud or manipulation of the athlete) and the irreversible consequences that would result from her non-participation in the finals in addition to the deprivation of her silver medal that was acquired by hard work,’ the report stated.

Vinesh’s counsel also called for the need to keep the athlete’s health over other considerations.

Topics mentioned in this article

Source link

Scientists Warn Of Potential Antarctic Vortex Split

by

'Something Unusual...': Scientists Warn Of Potential Antarctic Vortex Split

The implications of this event are far-reaching

The Antarctic polar vortex, a swirling mass of cold air above Antarctica, is showing unprecedented instability. After a series of dramatic temperature spikes in the stratosphere, there’s a growing risk of the vortex splitting for the first time in over two decades. This could trigger significant warming in Antarctica and unusually hot, dry summers in Australia and South America, the New Scientist reported. 

Normally a stable feature, the vortex has weakened dramatically this year. Wind speeds have plummeted, allowing cold air to escape and warm air to invade Antarctica. Consequently, the vortex has shifted from its usual position, bringing cold weather to parts of Australia, New Zealand, and South America.

Scientists warn that repeated wind slowdowns could lead to a sudden and dramatic change in the vortex’s direction, a phenomenon known as sudden stratospheric warming. This, combined with a potential split, could exacerbate the already extreme conditions. 

Simon Lee at the University of St Andrews in the UK says even relatively small disruptions to the vortex can have a cumulative effect. “Sometimes minor warmings can set the vortex up for something major later on,” he says. “Because Antarctic vortex variability is small, if something even slightly unusual happens it can very quickly grow to become an extreme event.”

Chantelle Blachut at the University of Adelaide, Australia, studies the behaviour of the southern polar vortex and says this year’s structure is very unusual, with competing wind patterns stretching and warping its shape. “What you can see is this kind of stretching of the polar vortex by two structures either side,” she says. “Something unusual is happening this year.”

While it’s still uncertain whether the vortex will indeed split, the current situation is highly unusual and raises concerns about the potential impacts on global weather patterns. Climate change, including record low sea ice and the effects of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, may be contributing factors to this instability.

The implications of this event are far-reaching. Not only could Antarctica experience record-breaking heat, but Australia and South America could face severe heatwaves and droughts. The scientific community is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to assess the potential consequences.

Source link

Ceasefire, prisoner swap deal with Hamas ‘grave mistake,’ says Israel’s security minister

by


TEL AVIV:

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Sunday called any cease-fire and prisoner exchange deal with Hamas a “grave mistake.”

Israel is set to send its negotiating team to Egypt on Thursday to resume the Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap talks with Hamas.

“We are crushing Hamas,” Ben-Gvir said. “I listen not only to the opinions of officials in the security cabinet but also to the field commanders.”

“Are we now going to strengthen Hamas by attending the talks [in Cairo]? It’s a grave mistake by the prime minister.”

The extremist minister claimed that the only way to release Israelis held captive by Hamas is through “increasing military pressure.”

“If we cut off their fuel, within a week they would be on their knees. And if we stop the [aid] trucks, within two weeks they would be on their knees. So why are we going to do a deal, especially such an irresponsible deal?” he said.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth said early Sunday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure from the US to proceed with a deal with Hamas, even if it means “the fall of his government.”

According to the daily, the upcoming round of talks in Cairo is seen as “the last absolute chance” to reach a cease-fire in Gaza and regionally.

For months, Egypt, Qatar, and the US have been leading indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, but no agreement has been reached due to Israel’s refusal to meet Hamas’ demands to end the war, withdraw troops from Gaza, and allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.

Israel has continued a devastating military offensive in the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Nearly 39,800 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 92,000 injured, according to local health authorities.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.

Source link

Chairperson Made Relevant Disclosures, SEBI Punctures Hindenburg Research Report

by

'Chairperson Made Relevant Disclosures': SEBI Punctures Hindenburg Report

SEBI said the report seeks to question its action in issuing a show cause notice to Hindenburg

New Delhi:

The capital markets regulator SEBI today asked investors to remain calm and exercise due diligence before reacting to reports such as that by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said the allegations made by Hindenburg against the Adani Group have been duly investigated by SEBI and 23 out of 24 investigations were completed in March 2024. One remaining investigation is close to completion.

“As a matter of policy, SEBI refrains from commenting on any investigation and ongoing enforcement matter,” SEBI said.

Chairperson Madhabi Buch made relevant disclosures from time to time and recused herself in matters involving potential conflicts of interest, SEBI said in the statement.

The Adani Group also refuted the latest allegations by Hindenburg Research as “malicious, mischievous and manipulative selections of publicly available information” to arrive at “predetermined conclusions for personal profiteering with wanton disregard for facts and the law”.

SEBI said the report seeks to question its action in issuing a show cause notice to Hindenburg Research in June. “The show cause notice in question, alleging violations of securities laws by Hindenburg Research, has been issued by following the due process of the law,” SEBI said.

“It is noted that Hindenburg Research has itself made the show cause notice issued to it available on its website. The show cause notice contains the reasons for its issuance. The proceedings in this matter are ongoing and the same is being dealt with in accordance with the established procedure and in compliance with the principles of natural justice,” SEBI said.

“Lastly, it is emphasised that SEBI has adequate internal mechanisms for addressing issues relating to conflict of interest, which include disclosure framework and provision for recusal. It is noted that relevant disclosures required in terms of holdings of securities and their transfers have been made by the Chairperson from time to time. Chairperson has also recused herself in matters involving potential conflicts of interest,” the regulator said.

Madhabi Puri Buch and husband Dhaval Buch called the allegations by Hindenburg baseless, and also said the short seller is attacking the credibility of SEBI and attempting a character assassination of the chairperson.

Madhabi Buch in a separate statement said her investment in offshore funds mentioned in the Hindenburg report predates her appointment at SEBI by two years.

The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) called the Hindenburg report an attempt to create sensation by connecting random events from the past. The AMFI asserted that India’s financial system is secure, transparent, designed to foster growth and innovation with high integrity.

Source link

“Never Stole A Single Penny…”: Arshad Nadeem’s Father’s Emotional Statement After Olympics Gold

by

File photo of Arshad Nadeem.© AFP




The men’s javelin throw final at Paris Olympics belonged to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem. The star was at his best on the day when Pakistan needed him to perform well. In his second attempt in the final, Arshad threw the javelin to a record distance of 92.97m. The throw not only helped the Pakistani athlete clinch a gold medal eventually but it also saw him set an Olympic record. The throw from Arshad was the best by any athlete in the history of Olympics. The record was previously held by Denmark’s Andreas Thorkildsen, who achieved the mark of 90.57 m at the 2008 Beijing Games.

When Pakistan’s national sports board was deciding who to finance among the seven athletes bound for Paris Olympics, only Arshad and his coach were deemed good enough for funds. Nadeem and his coach Salman Fayyaz Butt were the lucky ones to have their air tickets financed by Pakistan Sports Board.

Nadeem had seen a time when he didn’t have funds to even buy a javelin for himself. During his early days, he even took money from his fellow villagers and relatives so that he could travel to other cities for his training and events.

Nadeem’s father, who is a retired contruction worker, was over the moon when his son clinched the glory in Paris. Every emotion was justified as both the father-son duo went through tough times for the latter to reach to this stage.

“What will the government do? I am still alive. I will support my son as long as I am alive. I’ve been working as a labour for the past 36 years. Never stole a single penny. I have done everything with legitimate earnings, thanks to the almighty,” said Arshad’s father to a local news channel after his son’s Olympic gold.

Nadeem has been doing well for a long time. He won a silver medal at the World Championship last year and also a gold in the Commonwealth Games 2022 with a 90.18m throw.

On Tuesday he qualified for the finals with a throw of 86.59m, bested by Neeraj Chopra who produced a massive throw off 89.34 to qualify first.

(With PTI Inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article



Source link

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ surpasses $1 billion at global box office, set to become highest-grossing R-rated film

by

The superhero sequel Deadpool & Wolverine has officially joined the billion-dollar club, grossing $1.029 billion at the global box office. The film, starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, has earned $494.3 million in North America and $535.1 million internationally. This achievement makes Deadpool & Wolverine the second film of 2024, after Disney’s Inside Out 2 with $1.558 billion, to surpass the billion-dollar milestone.

The film is poised to overtake 2019’s Joker ($1.07 billion) as the highest-grossing R-rated film in history. Deadpool & Wolverine marks a much-needed victory for Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which has faced challenges with recent releases like Eternals, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and The Marvels. While post-pandemic MCU films such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ($956 million), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022, $859 million), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023, $846 million) approached the $1 billion mark, Deadpool & Wolverine is only the second MCU film to surpass the milestone since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine is the first MCU movie to feature comic book characters that were previously licensed to 20th Century Fox. The film brings together a notable cast of Fox-era heroes, including Jennifer Garner as Elektra, Chris Evans as the Human Torch from Fantastic Four, and Wesley Snipes as Blade, alongside Deadpool and Wolverine on a mission to save the universe.

Source link

Mob Lynches Tripura School Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

by

Mob Lynches Tripura School Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

Agartala:

Accusing a school teacher in Tripura’s Gomati district of sexually assaulting a minor girl student, a mob assaulted him leading to his death two days later, a police officer said on Sunday.

The police have registered an FIR in this connection, but no arrest was made.

It is alleged that the man, who was in his 40s, assaulted the girl during a private tuition session in Udaipur town.

Following this, local people severely beat up the government school teacher on Thursday.

“After a severe assault, local people took him to RK Pur police station on August 8 night in presence of his wife and lodged a molestation case against him. On doctor’s advice, the accused stayed the night at a local health centre,” Assistant Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Ananta Das said.

He was arrested and subsequently secured bail from a local court on Friday.

Das said the teacher fell ill after returning home and was admitted to the GBP Hospital in Agartala. He died during treatment on Saturday.

The police started an investigation into the case, the officer said.

Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, the local MLA, condemned the attack on the “reputed English teacher”.

“There may be allegations against anybody but taking the law into one’s hands is a crime. Chief Minister Manik Saha came to know about the brutal murder of the teacher. The police will take legal action against those involved in the crime,” he told reporters.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link

Paris Olympics Live Updates: “Have To Follow Rules” – United World Wrestling’s Clear Take On Vinesh Phogat Row

by

Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony, Live Updates© X (Twitter)




Paris Olympics 2024 Live, Vinesh Phogat’s Verdict Live Updates: The suspense on Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)’s decision on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal continues. Regarding the matter, United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic said, “I am so sorry for what happened, but no matter the size of your country, athletes are athletes. This weigh-in was public, everyone saw what happened. How can we allow someone to compete when we all saw what happened. We don’t have any other choice but to follow our rules.” Vinesh had filed to appeals after her disqualification from the Women’s 50kg event. Vinesh had appealed to be awarded a joint-silver, with the CAS accepting the appeeal. However, CAS said that the verdict would come by Saturday, 9:30PM IST. (Medals Tally)

Here are the Live Updates of Vinesh Phogat’s verdict and closing ceremony of Paris Olympics 2024: 







  • 20:08 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live, Basketball: France eye revenge!

    Fresh from the men’s team’s loss to USA in the gold medal match, France eye payback in the women’s gold medal match. They currently lead 38-33 with just over four minutes left in the 3rd quarter

  • 20:04 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live: Sebastian Coe eyeing IOC seat?

    World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has hinted that he might give “serious thought” about throwing his hat into the ring to succeed Thomas Bach as head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coe, whose third and final term as athletics chief ends in 2027, has long been suggested as a successor to Thomas Bach.

  • 20:02 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live: UWW’s take on Vinesh Phogat row!

    As India waits for the results of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s hearing at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS), the United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic shared an important insight as far as the entire weigh-in controversy is concerned. “I am so sorry for what happened, but no matter the size of your country, athletes are athletes. This weigh-in was public, everyone saw what happened. How can we allow someone to compete when we all saw what happened. We don’t have any other choice but to follow our rules,” Lalovic told NDTV.

  • 19:39 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live, Cycling: Lavreysen makes history!

    Harrie Lavreysen becomes the Netherlands’ most successful summer Olympian with a third Paris cycling gold in the men’s keirin, taking his tally to six. Meanwhile, Ellesse Andrews powered to the women’s sprint title to add to her keirin gold.

  • 19:33 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live, Water Polo: Serbia edge out Croatia!

    An outstanding performance in the men’s water polo final sees Serbia take home their third consecutive gold meda. They beat Croatia 13-11

  • 18:29 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live, Volleyball: Danes trump Germans!

    Denmark take the gold medal in men’s volleyball, beating Germany 39-26 in the final. Juri Knorr with six strikes for his team to set up a comfortable victory.

  • 18:21 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live: Dutch take gold in women’s marathon!

    Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands wins the bronze in women’s marathon, with Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa and Kenya’s Hellen Obiri taking silver and bronze, respectively.

  • 18:17 (IST)

    Paris Olympics 2024 Live: Hello!

    Good evening and welcome to our Paris Olympics final day blog. We will continue our build-up to the closing cermony with all the updates from the medals event on the final day. We will also have our focus on the latest developments in Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Topics mentioned in this article



Source link

‘Strings pulled by others,’ JUI-F chief questions govt’s sovereignty

by

Listen to article

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman launched a scathing critique of the government on Saturday, stating that while some may appear to be in control, the real power lies elsewhere.

Addressing a traders’ convention in Peshawar, Fazlur Rehman expressed concerns over the fragile economic situation in Pakistan, asserting that the country’s governance and sovereignty are being undermined.

“The front row is occupied by others, but the strings are pulled by someone else,” Fazlur Rehman remarked, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of genuine control by the current leadership. He emphasised that Pakistan’s economic foundation is crumbling, and it’s beyond the capacity of the current rulers to salvage it.

Fazl pointed to the deteriorating law and order situation and questioned whether the ideals for which Pakistan was created are being upheld. “Our homeland lacks both peace and economic stability,” he said, attributing these challenges to the country’s collective deviation from Islamic principles. He stressed that the disobedience of divine commands has led to the nation’s current plight.

Criticising the legitimacy of the current assemblies, he claimed that the representatives sitting in the parliament are not genuine. He also condemned the imposition of oppressive taxes and the government’s failure to use public funds effectively, stating, “People know that their taxes are being used to repay loans. First, take the nation into confidence that their money will be spent on them.”

Read also: JUI-F chief warns govt of public uprising

Fazl also questioned the involvement of foreign technocrats in Pakistan’s economic management, noting that even the finance ministers are not local. “Our rulers have made arrangements abroad to flee when the situation worsens,” he added, criticising the lack of long-term commitment to the country’s welfare.

He expressed dismay over the government’s agricultural policies, noting that despite the country having ample wheat, it was imported from abroad. “When we had wheat in the country, why was it imported?” he questioned.

The JUI-F chief also touched on international relations, expressing concern over Pakistan’s diminishing autonomy. He pointed out that the conflict between major powers like the US, Russia, and China has put Pakistan in a precarious position, particularly as China emerges as a significant economic force.

He concluded by addressing the issue of Israel and Palestine, reiterating Pakistan’s stance on not recognising Israel and supporting the Palestinian cause. “The issue is not about recognising Israel but recognising Palestine. The occupation is in Palestine, and we must work to free it,” he said, recalling the words of Pakistan’s founder, who called Israel the “illegitimate child of the West.”

Source link

Adani Group, SEBI Chief Madhavi Puri Buch, Industry Leaders Slam Discredited Hindenburg Research

by

Adani Group, SEBI Chief, Industry Leaders Slam 'Discredited' Hindenburg

The Adani Group today refuted the latest allegations by Hindenburg Research

New Delhi:

The Adani Group today refuted the latest allegations by Hindenburg Research as “malicious, mischievous and manipulative selections of publicly available information” to arrive at “predetermined conclusions for personal profiteering with wanton disregard for facts and the law”.

In a stock exchange filing, the Adani Group completely rejected these allegations “which are a recycling of discredited claims that have been thoroughly investigated, proven to be baseless and already dismissed by the Honourable Supreme Court in January 2024”.

“For a discredited short-seller under the scanner for several violations of Indian securities laws, Hindenburg’s allegations are no more than red herrings thrown by a desperate entity with total contempt for Indian laws,” the Adani Group said.

SEBI Chairperson’s Response

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch strongly denied the allegations levelled by Hindenburg against them, calling it a “character assassination attempt” because an enforcement action and show cause notice was issued to the Nate Anderson-led US-based short seller last month.

“It is unfortunate that Hindenburg Research against whom SEBI has taken an enforcement action and issued a show cause notice has chosen to attempt character assassination in response to the same,” Madhabi Buch and Dhaval Buch said in a joint statement.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

Show Cause Notice

The capital markets regulator last month had said Hindenburg and Nate Anderson violated regulations under SEBI’s prevention of fraudulent and unfair trade practices, and SEBI’s code of conduct for research analysts.

Short-sellers like Hindenburg could find themselves in hot water, as even the US market regulator, the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC), has been tightening its grip.

Mutual Funds Body Says SEBI Chief Being Targeted

The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) said Hindenburg is trying to create a trust deficit in the market ecosystem and undermine the good work done by Madhabi Buch. “Recent external comments on the regulator’s chairperson not only attempt to undermine Madhabi Buch’s contribution to the Indian capital market, but it also undermines our country’s economic progress, and creating a trust deficit in the market ecosystem must be seen for what they truly are – attempts to create sensation by connecting random events done in the past,” the industry having nearly Rs 65 lakh crore in asset under management said.

AMFI warned that if the allegations are left unchecked, they can create unnecessary hurdles in the path of the world’s fastest-growing economy. Hindenburg’s claims lack context and understanding of the Indian regulatory environment, it said, adding they also “seek to malign the hard-earned achievements of our nation”.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

Investment Referred To By Hindenburg Made Before Madhabi Buch Joined SEBI

The investment in the fund referred to in the Hindenburg report was made in 2015 when Madhabi Buch and Dhaval Buch were both private citizens living in Singapore and almost two years before Madhabi joined SEBI, even as a Whole Time Member, the couple said in a statement.

“The decision to invest in this fund was because the Chief Investment Officer, Anil Ahuja, is Dhaval’s childhood friend from school and IIT Delhi and, being an ex-employee of Citibank, J.P. Morgan and 3i Group plc, had many decades of a strong investing career. The fact that these were the drivers of the investment decision is borne out by the fact that when, in 2018, Ahuja, left his position as CIO of the fund, we redeemed the investment in that fund,” the statement said.

“As confirmed by Anil Ahuja, at no point in time did the fund invest in any bond, equity, or derivative of any Adani group company,” the statement said.

More Reactions

Senior lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani slammed Hindenburg’s latest claims as “pathetic damp squib”. “The announcement prior to its alleged big revelation itself reveals its motive: to destabilise India’s stock markets. The pre-publicity ill behoves a reputed ‘research analyst’,” he said. “There being nothing new against the Adani group,” the US short seller is targeting the SEBI chairperson, Mr Jethmalani added.

Politicians and financial experts have also rejected the report. While former union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged a global attempt at destabilising the Indian economy, IMF Executive Director KV Subramanian backed the SEBI chief’s integrity. Mr Chandrasekhar called the report an attack on the market regulator and accused the Congress of being in a “partnership” with Hindenburg.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

Former Infosys CEO Mohandas Pai said the allegations against the SEBI chief are rubbish and a “character assassination by a Vulture Fund.” “Rubbish allegations aimed at sensationalism. There was a Supreme Court-monitored investigation overseen by an eminent panel and when the Vulture Fund was fully exposed, it threw mud,” Mr Pai said.

Senior BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi too called the Hindenburg report a “conspiracy to create imbalance in India”.

Deepak Shenoy, the founder-CEO of Capitalmind, a portfolio management service, said the Hindenburg report has gone into “sensationalism” and there’s “hardly any substance”.

KV Subramanian, former chief economic adviser, vouched for the “unimpeachable integrity” of Madhabi Buch and said the report lacked intellectual rigour. “I’ve personally known SEBI chairperson Madhabi for about two decades. Given her unimpeachable integrity and her intellectual prowess, I’m sure she will shred to smithereens this Hindenburg hit job,” said Mr Subramanian, who is now an Executive Director with the International Monetary Fund.

Source link