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Australian Open 2024: Iga Swiatek stunned by Linda Noskova in third round

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Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the world number one, suffered a surprising defeat in the third round of the Australian Open to 19-year-old Czech player Linda Noskova. Despite initially appearing in control, Swiatek faltered against Noskova’s power, eventually losing 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena. Noskova, ranked 50th in the world, expressed her disbelief and joy at reaching the fourth round of a major for the first time.

Noskova, making her main draw debut in Melbourne, broke Swiatek in the deciding set and secured the victory on her first match point. This loss also ended Swiatek’s 18-match unbeaten streak. Other top seeds, including Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, and Ons Jabeur, had already been eliminated in earlier rounds.

Noskova will face either Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina or Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic in the next round. In other matches, China’s Zheng Qinwen, the 12th seed, won a third-set tie-break against compatriot Wang Yafan. Zheng will play French player Oceane Dodin in the fourth round. Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka advanced with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko.

Russian Anna Kalinskaya defeated American Sloane Stephens, setting up a clash with Italian Jasmine Paolini. This ensures a first-time major semi-finalist in Zheng’s section of the draw. Paolini will face Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska, who overcame American 27th seed Emma Navarro.

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Bay of Biscay: France temporarily bans fishing to protect dolphins

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France has implemented a temporary ban on nearly all commercial fishing activities in the Bay of Biscay, starting from Monday and extending until 20 February. The ban covers fishing grounds along the country’s Atlantic coast and is aimed at protecting dolphins. French marine experts estimate that around 9,000 dolphins die each year in the bay due to accidental entanglement in fishing gear.

Local fishermen have expressed discontent with the ban, labeling it as “absurd.” They are concerned about potential financial losses during the suspension period. The fishing ban is expected to significantly impact the industry, with reports suggesting that approximately 450 French vessels, longer than 8m (26.2ft), will be out of action. Fishermen argue that vessels between 9 to 11m (29.5ft to 36.1ft) are not typically engaged in dolphin fishing.

The French government has responded to the concerns of the fishing industry by promising compensation. Minister Christophe Béchu assured that up to 75% of the losses incurred during the ban will be covered, with payments to be made “as quickly as possible.” Despite the compensation offer, some in the industry feel that the financial support provided is insufficient.

Environmentalists and advocates for marine conservation have emphasized the importance of the fishing ban in preventing further dolphin deaths caused by entanglement. They argue that animals can become trapped in nets, ropes, and lines from fishing vessels, leading to immediate death for smaller species and prolonged suffering for larger animals. Philippe Garcia, head of the marine conservation group Défense des Milieux Aquatiques, stressed the need for fishermen to comply with the ban to avoid strengthening the case for environmentalists advocating for stricter protections.

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Russian dog-lovers fight to save strays from cull in Siberia’s Ulan-Ude

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Dog lovers in Russia’s Far East are rallying to save hundreds of stray dogs facing euthanasia by local authorities. Ulan-Ude, a town in Eastern Siberia near the Mongolian border, has already culled 18 dogs, prompting urgent efforts to relocate 600 dogs to new homes or shelters within Russia. Volunteers are traveling by train to cities like Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Khabarovsk, and Vladivostok to ensure these dogs escape the grim fate of being put down. The severe winter weather, with temperatures as low as -20°C, adds urgency to the rescue mission.

The decision to euthanize strays in Ulan-Ude reflects a broader issue in Russia’s republic of Buryatia. In 2020, a national law aimed to address the problem by implementing humane practices such as catching, sterilizing, vaccinating, and releasing stray dogs. However, concerns about potential attacks led to the rollback of the law in Buryatia, reviving the controversial practice of culling. The root cause, according to activists, lies in neglect, with dogs being abandoned or discarded by owners.

Local laws in Buryatia lack accountability for irresponsible pet ownership, contributing to an ongoing cycle of stray dogs. Activists argue that, despite the culling efforts, more dogs will continue to populate the streets due to this neglectful behavior. While hundreds of dogs have been saved, the financial burden of rescue efforts is significant, with each dog’s journey to safety costing approximately 5,000 roubles (£44; $55). Generous financial support and volunteers willing to cover the costs have played a crucial role in the success of the rescue mission.

Despite the successful relocation of many dogs, challenges persist, leaving some with uncertain fates. Animal welfare volunteer Stella Ovsoyan highlights the emotional toll of having to choose which dogs to send to safety, emphasizing the difficulty of the situation. However, the hope of providing a new and improved life for these dogs keeps volunteers committed to their mission, even in the face of adversity.

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Pope Francis says sexual pleasure is ‘a gift from God’

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Pope Francis delivered a Vatican address addressing sexual pleasure as a “gift from God” that requires discipline and patience. He cautioned against the dangers of pornography, describing it as providing satisfaction without genuine relationships and posing the risk of addiction. The sermon was part of a series on vices and virtues, particularly focusing on what the Pope referred to as “the demon of lust.”

The Pope’s remarks followed criticism by conservative Catholics regarding Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the newly appointed head of doctrine. Cardinal Fernández had faced backlash for a book he wrote in the late 1990s, titled Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality, which explored human sexuality and contained explicit descriptions of orgasm experiences. He defended the book, stating he wouldn’t write it now and explaining that it was written when he was younger.

Conservative commentators deemed the book “perverse,” with some questioning Cardinal Fernández’s suitability for his role. Pope Francis, in a separate instance, had addressed the vice of gluttony in the previous week, but there was no indication that his sermon on lust was connected to the criticism of Cardinal Fernández.

During the sermon, Pope Francis emphasized that lust can devastate relationships and pointed to real-life examples of toxic relationships. This incident was not the first time both Pope Francis and Cardinal Fernández faced opposition from conservative members of the Catholic community. In December, Cardinal Fernández introduced guidelines, approved by the Pope, allowing priests to bless same-sex relationships, leading to strong criticism from conservative figures within the Church, including Cardinal Gerhard Müller.

Cardinal Müller denounced the Vatican’s decision, stating that blessing a homosexual union would be a “sacrilegious and blasphemous act.” The tensions escalated, culminating in Pope Francis evicting outspoken critic US Cardinal Raymond Burke from his Vatican apartment and revoking his salary.

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Grzegorz Braun: Polish MP who doused Hanukkah candles loses immunity

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Members of Parliament in Poland have voted to remove the parliamentary immunity of far-right politician Grzegorz Braun after he extinguished candles lit for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah in a highly controversial act. The global condemnation of Braun’s actions resulted in a fine in December, but the recent decision to revoke his parliamentary immunity now exposes him to potential criminal charges. Braun, affiliated with the ultra-nationalist Confederation party, used a fire extinguisher to put out the Hanukkah candles and referred to the celebration as “satanic.”

Prosecutors are planning to bring several charges against Braun, including destruction of property, insulting an object of religious worship, and violation of bodily integrity. The unanimous support for revoking his immunity came from all political parties, except the Confederation party, highlighting the widespread agreement that Braun’s behavior was unacceptable. Lawmakers emphasized the need to hold him accountable for his actions.

Grzegorz Braun has a history of provocative stunts, further contributing to his controversial reputation. In addition to the Hanukkah incident, he gained notoriety for dumping a Christmas tree decorated in the colors of the EU and Ukraine into a bin and damaging a microphone during a talk by a Holocaust historian. Prosecutors also intend to charge him for separate incidents that occurred in 2022 and 2023.

The removal of Braun’s parliamentary immunity signifies a significant step in potential legal consequences for his actions, with prosecutors aiming to address various charges related to his behavior. The broader context of his controversial actions and statements adds to the ongoing debate about the boundaries of free speech and the consequences for those who engage in offensive or harmful behavior.

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Guinness World Records reviews ‘world’s oldest dog’ title

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In the recent past, a Portuguese dog named Bobi gained worldwide attention for being declared the oldest dog ever by Guinness World Records (GWR), surpassing a century-old record. However, doubts regarding the accuracy of Bobi’s age have emerged, leading GWR to suspend the title and initiate an investigation.

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, was officially recorded as living to 31 years and 165 days based on Portugal’s pet database managed by the National Union of Veterinarians. Skepticism arose as some experts questioned the evidence, including discrepancies in old photos and the absence of definitive registration confirming Bobi’s birth in 1992.

Wired magazine’s investigation revealed uncertainties about the accuracy of Bobi’s age claim, leading to growing skepticism among veterinarians. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons member, Danny Chambers, expressed doubt, stating that none of his veterinary colleagues believed Bobi was genuinely 31 years old.

In response, Guinness World Records has launched a formal investigation, temporarily halting applications for both the titles of the oldest living dog and the oldest dog ever until conclusive findings are communicated. Bobi, who lived with the Costa family in Portugal, reportedly faced backlash from some in the veterinary community, with owner Leonel Costa attributing the skepticism to Bobi’s unconventional diet, similar to that of humans, rather than traditional pet food.

Leonel Costa emphasized that all requirements set by GWR to validate Bobi’s age were met, defending Bobi’s unique diet choice against the recommendations of many veterinarians. The controversy arises after Bobi’s death, challenging the record previously held by Australia’s Bluey, who lived to the age of 29 and died in 1939.

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Karim Benzema files defamation suit against French interior minister

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French footballer Karim Benzema has taken legal action against France’s interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, by filing a defamation lawsuit. The minister had accused Benzema of having links with the Muslim Brotherhood in October, claiming that he had a “notorious link” with the Sunni Muslim Islamist group. Benzema, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia and is a practicing Muslim, refutes any association with the organization and argues that Darmanin’s comments have damaged his honor and reputation.

In response to the minister’s accusations, Benzema issued a strong denial and promptly threatened legal action for slander. His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, emphasized that the footballer has “never had the slightest link with the Muslim Brotherhood organization” and accused Darmanin of engaging in “political exploitation.” Benzema contends that, due to his high profile, he is being used in political games, particularly in light of significant events, and insists that such statements are inappropriate.

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded about 80 years ago in Egypt, is banned in several countries, including Egypt, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. However, it is not restricted in most of the European Union. Benzema’s legal complaint highlights the broader issue of political exploitation and the potential consequences of associating individuals with controversial groups based on their personal beliefs.

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Italian culture minister probed over stolen painting

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Italian Junior Culture Minister Vittorio Sgarbi is facing accusations of possessing and displaying a stolen 17th-century painting, “The Capture of Saint Peter,” which was reported stolen in 2013. Sgarbi, a well-known art critic and TV personality, is under investigation for laundering stolen goods as he included the painting in a 2021 exhibition. The artwork, by Rutilio Manetti, a follower of Caravaggio, used to be in a castle in Piedmont. Sgarbi is also accused of altering the painting by adding a candle to conceal its origin. He claims to have found the original while restoring a villa owned by his mother over 20 years ago, asserting that the stolen painting was a copy.

The allegations emerged in an investigation by Italian TV broadcaster Rai’s program ‘Report.’ The owner of the castle reported the theft, stating that the canvas was cut from the frame in 2013. It was revealed that a friend of Sgarbi had shown interest in buying the work before the theft. Another friend allegedly sent a damaged painting of “The Capture of Saint Peter” to a restorer, matching the cut piece from the stolen canvas. When displayed by Sgarbi in 2021, the painting had the added candle.

Sgarbi is also facing accusations related to another seized painting attributed to Valentin de Boulogne, valued at €5m (£4.3m), with investigations for illegal export. Sgarbi claims it’s a copy and not his property. Opposition parties are calling for his dismissal, and the Five Star Movement plans to present a motion in parliament. This comes as the second embarrassment for the Italian government this year, following an MP being investigated for taking a handgun to a New Year’s Eve party. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suspended the MP. As the European elections approach, political tensions may rise, and scandals could impact Italian politics.

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Josef Fritzl could be moved to care home – reports

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Austrian sex offender Josef Fritzl, notorious for imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering seven children with her, may be relocated from a high-security prison, as reported by local media. Now 88 and diagnosed with dementia, a recent psychiatric evaluation suggests that he no longer poses a threat to the public. This development opens the possibility for a court to decide whether he should be moved to a standard prison.

Fritzl is currently held in a high-security institution for mentally disturbed offenders, situated in Stein Prison in the town of Krems an der Donau. Having been sentenced to life in 2009, he becomes eligible for parole this year under Austrian law, which allows those with life sentences to apply for conditional release after serving 15 years. Legal experts speculate that conditional release or placement in a care home are potential outcomes for Fritzl, who has also changed his name.

Despite a regional court’s 2022 ruling that Fritzl was “no longer a danger” and could be transferred to a regular jail, the Higher Regional Court in Vienna had previously blocked a similar decision. The Fritzl case, which came to light in 2008 in Amstetten, is considered one of Austria’s most heinous criminal incidents. Fritzl was convicted of charges including murder, rape, incest, and enslavement of his daughter. In response to the traumatic events, Fritzl’s daughter and her children have assumed new identities for their protection.

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