News Trending

Czech Republic MPs vote to tighten gun laws

By 347 0

The Czech Republic has passed an amendment to its gun legislation, following the recent mass shooting at Charles University. The amendment, proposed prior to the incident, still needs approval from the senate and the president and won’t be effective until 2026. Despite being considered insufficiently transformative, the amendment aims to address loopholes that allowed the shooter, a licensed gun user, to amass eight legally-owned weapons, including an AR-10 semi-automatic assault rifle.

The shooter, a 24-year-old graduate student with a history of depression, killed 14 people on campus. The legal changes propose an updated online register of guns and owners accessible to doctors, including psychiatrists. Gun shops will be obligated to report suspicious purchases, and the system will flag individuals acquiring numerous weapons. Police will gain the authority to seize weapons preventatively, especially if the owners make threats on social media, a power currently unavailable to them.

However, mandatory psychological tests for gun licenses, common in other countries, will not be enforced. Czech doctors can request such tests but are not obligated to do so before signing license applications. The legislation may undergo further amendments in parliament, but the fundamental right to bear arms for self-defense, added to the constitution in 2021 amid EU attempts to restrict weapon possession, is unlikely to be altered. With over 300,000 licensed gun owners and a million guns in the country, the Czech Republic, known for hunting and biathlon, has a majority of licenses granted for personal protection rather than sports or hunting purposes. The necessity of such personal protection in cities like Prague and Brno remains unclear in one of Europe’s safest countries.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Luis Rubiales: Fifa uphold three-year ban against ex-Spanish football federation chief

By 306 0

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, has been unsuccessful in his appeal against a three-year ban from football-related activities imposed by FIFA. This decision follows an incident where Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory against England. Hermoso later filed a legal complaint, alleging that the kiss was not consensual.

FIFA stated that Rubiales violated the principles of fair play and displayed offensive behavior, citing Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code. The governing body’s appeal committee expressed satisfaction that Rubiales behaved contrary to these principles during and after the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The ban could potentially be contested before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

A Spanish judge has proposed that Rubiales should stand trial over the incident, describing the kiss as “not consensual and… a unilateral and surprising initiative.” Prosecutors had previously charged Rubiales with sexual assault and coercion. Despite Rubiales maintaining that the kiss was a “consensual peck,” the controversy led to his resignation as the president of the Spanish football federation, sparking a global conversation about sexism in women’s sports.

The incident also had repercussions in the coaching staff, as World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was sacked in September and is under investigation as part of the criminal case against Rubiales. Jenni Hermoso, who claimed her image was tarnished by the kiss, made a return to the national side in October, scoring a crucial 89th-minute winner against Italy.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Judge proposes Spain’s Luis Rubiales face trial over Hermoso World Cup kiss

By 317 0

A Spanish judge has proposed that former football federation president Luis Rubiales should stand trial for a non-consensual kiss involving captain Jenni Hermoso during the women’s World Cup celebration. The judge in Madrid described the kiss as “not consensual” and deemed it a “unilateral and surprising initiative,” finding enough evidence for the matter to proceed to trial. Rubiales, who denies any wrongdoing, faces charges of sexual assault and coercion, with potential penalties ranging from a fine to four years in prison.

In addition to Rubiales, other football executives are implicated in the case. Hermoso’s former coach, Jorge Vilda, former marketing manager Rubén Rivera, and the sports director of the men’s team, Albert Luque, have been ordered to stand trial. They are accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual. The judge’s decision implies that all involved parties will have to face legal proceedings to determine their culpability in the controversial incident.

The incident occurred during the medal ceremony in Sydney on August 20 last year, following Spain’s victory over England. Despite initially indicating in a statement that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso later complained of being pressured by officials from the Spanish football federation to endorse the statement. The conflicting narratives surrounding the incident have drawn attention to issues of consent and sexism in women’s sports, triggering a wave of global criticism and discussions on the treatment of female athletes at the highest levels of competition.

Luis Rubiales, who had maintained that the kiss was a “consensual peck,” was compelled to resign as president of the Spanish football federation in the aftermath of the incident. The judge’s decision to proceed with a trial indicates the legal ramifications that the individuals involved may face as the case unfolds.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

German train drivers stage longest strike on record

By 338 0

Train drivers across Germany have initiated a strike, set to endure six days, making it the longest stoppage in their history. The GDL rail drivers’ union called for the walkout, impacting both passenger and goods-train services starting at 02:00 on Wednesday. This move exacerbates an ongoing dispute with the state-owned Deutsche Bahn, leading to the fourth round of strikes since November.

The union’s demands include higher wages to counter inflation and a reduction in the working week from 38 to 35 hours without a salary decrease. Deutsche Bahn has implemented an emergency timetable until the strike concludes at 18:00 on Monday, affecting passenger trains for an unprecedented 136 hours, including a weekend for the first time. The strike has caused significant disruptions, with 80% of long-distance trains canceled and substantial delays in regional and suburban S-Bahn rail services.

The extended industrial action has prompted complaints from the rail company and ministers, asserting its adverse effects on both the German economy and the public. Tanja Gönner, head of the Federation of German Industries, estimated that the six-day strike could cost the economy up to €1bn. Transport Minister Volker Wissing urged the union to seek a compromise through mediation, acknowledging the current deadlock in negotiations.

Amid the strike, a YouGov survey revealed that only 34% of over 4,000 German adults understood the reasons behind the strike, while 59% expressed a lack of understanding. Talks between the GDL union and Deutsche Bahn have been ongoing since November, with the company rejecting the union’s proposal for a three-hour reduction in the working week. Instead, Deutsche Bahn suggested an optional model involving one hour less work with no pay cut or a 2.7% pay raise, an offer rejected by the GDL.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Russian jet crashes carrying Ukrainian PoWs – Moscow

By 362 0

A Russian Ilyushin-76 military transport plane crashed in the southern Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that the plane was carrying 65 captured Ukrainian military personnel for a prisoner exchange, but these details could not be independently verified. Reports initially suggested that the plane may have been downed by Ukrainian forces, but these were later deleted. Ukrainian authorities stated they did not have accurate information and were investigating.

Video footage showed the plane crashing and exploding near the village of Yablonovo. The regional governor confirmed all on board had died. Some Ukrainian media suggested the plane was transporting missiles for Russia’s S-300 air defense systems. The head of Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed a planned prisoner exchange had been canceled.

The Russian defence ministry alleged that Ukraine fired anti-aircraft missiles from the Lyptsi area, claiming two Ukrainian missiles targeted the plane. A prisoner exchange was scheduled at a border checkpoint near Belgorod. Russian officials mentioned a second plane carrying 80 Ukrainian prisoners, but it changed course.

Ukraine and Russia have engaged in several prisoner exchanges during the war. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with ongoing conflict. The war’s toll includes casualties and intensified air attacks. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted a shortage of ammunition for Ukrainian forces, while Russia reportedly used over 600 missiles and 1,000 drones in the past two months. Ukraine relies on drones in its defense strategy, and recent attacks caused explosions, including at a gas export terminal near St Petersburg.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Frank Farian: Boney M founder dies aged 82

By 340 0

German music producer Frank Farian, best known as the founder of the disco band Boney M, has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed the news through a statement released by Farian’s agency on Tuesday, revealing that he passed away at his residence in Miami.

Boney M, formed in 1976, rose to fame with a series of hit singles, including popular tracks like Daddy Cool, Rasputin, and Rivers of Babylon. Farian, born Franz Reuther in 1941 in Kirn, Germany, initially pursued a career as a singer before transitioning into the role of a successful producer.

In addition to Boney M, Frank Farian founded the duo Milli Vanilli, which gained notoriety in 1990 due to a lip-synching scandal. The revelation that Milli Vanilli did not sing on their records led to the revocation of their Grammy Award for best new artist. Farian’s career also included collaborations with artists such as Meat Loaf and Stevie Wonder, contributing to an estimated 800 million records sold worldwide.

In 2022, Frank Farian shared details about undergoing heart surgery, during which a pig heart valve was inserted. He credited this medical intervention with saving his life, reflecting on his health struggles in later years.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

‘Send back our husbands’ – Russian women in rare protest

By 338 0

In a Moscow function room, a group of women, known as The Way Home, publicly criticizes the Russian authorities for keeping their husbands, part of the 300,000 reservists mobilized for the war in Ukraine, away from home. The women, who met through social media, have different views on the war but share the belief that their husbands have fulfilled their military duty and should return.

The women express frustration with the government and its lack of consideration for the soldiers’ well-being. They meet with local councillor Boris Nadezhdin, a rare government critic who has been allowed on national television. Nadezhdin, critical of the military operation, believes the war has damaged Putin’s domestic popularity.

Critics of the war blame the mobilized men, while Kremlin supporters label the women as Western puppets. Russian MP Andrei Kartapolov suggests that calls for demobilization are orchestrated by Russia’s enemies, linking it to World War Two. The women find such comparisons insulting, emphasizing that the current conflict is different.

Maria Andreeva, a member of The Way Home, not only advocates for her family’s return but also aims to prevent further call-ups. The group stages peaceful protests by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Despite their efforts, the women feel a lack of support from society. Antonina, whose partner was drafted, shares her disappointment in the changing perception of her husband among friends. She emphasizes the desire for the return of husbands who did not volunteer for the front line, questioning Putin’s attitude towards citizens who once supported him. The women fear the possibility of a second wave of mobilization, despite Putin’s earlier assurances.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Fire destroys almost entire Abkhazia art collection of 4,000 works

By 292 0

A devastating fire has ravaged the majority of Abkhazia’s art collection in the National Art Gallery in Sukhumi, the capital of the breakaway region controlled by Russia. The blaze, which destroyed over 4,000 paintings, is suspected to have originated from an electrical short circuit in the early 20th-century wooden building that housed the valuable collection. Among the lost artworks were 300 pieces by the renowned artist and stage designer Alexander Chachba-Shervashidze. The gallery’s director, Suram Sakanya, lamented the irreparable loss, emphasizing that the collection had withstood Abkhazia’s civil war with Georgia in the 1990s.

Local artists had long advocated for a more suitable storage location, and a video before the fire revealed cramped rooms with insufficient protection for the paintings. Abkhazia, receiving support from Moscow, is situated in the north-western corner of Georgia and shares a border with Russia. Despite the region’s declaration of independence in 1999 after a war of secession with Georgia, it lacks widespread international recognition. Following the Georgian-Russian war in 2008, Moscow recognized Abkhazia as an independent state, while Georgia contends that Russia occupies the region.

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili expressed sorrow over the tragedy, attributing it to the neglect of cultural identity by both the de facto leadership and Russian occupants. Russia has pledged to dispatch specialists to Sukhumi to aid in the restoration of the surviving 150 paintings rescued from the fire.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Bellingham inspires Real comeback win over Almeria

By 315 0

Jude Bellingham played a crucial role in inspiring Real Madrid to a comeback victory against Almeria, who initially took a surprising 2-0 lead at the Bernabeu with goals from Largie Ramazani and Edgar Gonzalez. Bellingham scored a penalty in the 57th minute, and Vinicius Jr equalized 10 minutes later. In the ninth minute of added time, Bellingham’s header set up Dani Carvajal for the winning goal.

The dramatic win briefly put Real Madrid at the top of the table, but Girona reclaimed the summit with a 5-1 win over Sevilla. Both Bellingham and Artem Dovbyk of Girona now share the top scorer spot in La Liga with 14 goals each.

Almeria’s midfielder Gonzalo Melero expressed frustration, claiming his team was “robbed” due to several VAR decisions going against them. Goalscorer Gonzalez also emphasized the need for fairness in the competition. Despite Real Madrid being expected to dominate against Almeria, the visitors shocked the hosts with an early goal and extended their lead in the 43rd minute.

Real Madrid’s debatable penalty, awarded after VAR intervention, allowed Bellingham to score from the spot. Controversial goals, including one from Vinicius Jr initially ruled out for handball, further fueled Almeria’s discontent. Almeria boss Gaizka Garitano was sent off for dissent as Real secured the victory in the ninth minute of injury time.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Almeria’s frustration but defended the VAR decisions, describing the game as strange and citing fatigue in his team during the first half.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Ukraine drones hit St Petersburg gas terminal in Russia

By 342 0

An explosion at a significant gas export terminal near St Petersburg in Russia has reportedly been orchestrated by Ukrainian drones, as informed by sources to BBC News. The incident, which caused a large fire at the Ust-Luga terminal, resulted in no injuries according to Russian officials. Ukrainian sources from Kyiv claim that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted a “special operation” using targeted drones. Both Russia and Ukraine have utilized drones in the ongoing conflict.

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia began nearly two years ago, with limited progress reported in recent months. The explosion near St Petersburg occurred at the Ust-Luga terminal of gas producer Novatek, prompting a “high alert regime” in the region. Novatek suspended operations at the terminal, attributing the fire to “external influence” without providing specific details.

According to Ukrainian sources, the fuel processed at the attacked plant supplied Russian troops in the ongoing conflict, and this strike is said to significantly complicate military logistics. The attack is also characterized as an economic blow to Russia, a major fuel exporter from the terminal.

Reports from Russia’s Fontanka.ru include video footage of tankers near the fire, revealing that two drones were observed heading towards St Petersburg before altering their course towards the Ust-Luga port. Witnesses reported feeling the ground shake with explosions, and about 150 staff were evacuated from the terminal.

The Russian defence ministry stated it shot down three Ukrainian drones in the Smolensk Region near the Ukrainian border on Saturday night, following earlier reports of downed drones in Tula and Oryol in western Russia. No casualties were reported.

Additionally, on the same day, a shelling incident in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine resulted in at least 25 deaths and 20 injuries at a busy market. Russia and Ukraine have been targeting each other’s energy infrastructure, with a recent fire at an oil depot in Bryansk, southwest Russia, blamed on a Ukrainian drone strike. This follows an attack on a major oil loading terminal in St Petersburg and Russia’s claim of capturing a village near Bakhmut, which Kyiv has not confirmed. Ukraine, facing ammunition shortages, has expressed intentions to domestically produce a million drones this year.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright