News Sports Trending

Spanish FA President’s Mother Initiates Hunger Strike Due to Controversial Kiss Dispute

By 165 0

Amidst the controversy surrounding the Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales, his mother has commenced a hunger strike as a protest against what she perceives as an unjust campaign targeting her son.

The controversy stemmed from Rubiales’ kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso during Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory. Angeles Bejar, Rubiales’ mother, has taken refuge in a church in Motril and has declared her hunger strike to be an indefinite, continuous effort.

Rubiales has been criticized and faced calls for his resignation due to the incident. Despite his refusal to step down, he was suspended by FIFA. The media has congregated outside the church in Motril, where Rubiales grew up, as Bejar expresses her frustration with the unwarranted scrutiny her son is facing.

The Spanish government has requested the suspension of Rubiales via the Spain’s Sports Tribunal, and the Spanish Football Federation has called for an urgent meeting to assess the situation. FIFA has also instructed Rubiales, the federation, and its members to refrain from contacting Hermoso, who had earlier been threatened with legal action by the federation.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

France to Prohibit Female Students from Wearing Abayas in Public Schools

By 176 0

The Education Minister of France has declared that students will not be allowed to wear abayas, loose-fitting full-length robes worn by some Muslim women, in the country’s state-run schools. This regulation will come into effect as the new school year commences on September 4.

France maintains a strict prohibition on religious symbols in public schools and government premises, citing their infringement of secular principles. The use of headscarves has been banned in state-run schools since 2004.

Education Minister Gabriel Attal stated that the intention is to prevent the identification of students’ religious affiliations solely through their appearance within classrooms. He emphasized that the abaya will no longer be permissible in educational institutions.

This decision follows extended debates surrounding the wearing of abayas within French schools. The prevalence of this garment in educational settings has fueled a political divide, with right-wing parties advocating for a ban, while left-leaning factions express concerns about the rights of Muslim women and girls.

Mr. Attal contended that secularism entails the freedom to advance through education and argued that the abaya represents a religious act aimed at challenging the republic’s dedication to the secular nature of education.

He pledged to provide comprehensive guidelines at the national level prior to the resumption of schools after the summer recess.

France had previously banned full face veils in public spaces in 2010, a move that elicited mixed reactions from the nation’s sizable Muslim community.

Since the 19th Century, France has enforced stringent regulations against religious symbols in schools, including Christian emblems like large crosses, to curtail any influence of Catholicism in public education. The nation has revised these laws over time to accommodate its evolving demographics, encompassing the Muslim headscarf and Jewish kippa. However, abayas had not been explicitly prohibited.

The discourse on Islamic symbols has intensified since a Chechen refugee beheaded Samuel Paty, a teacher who had shown caricatures of Prophet Mohammed to students near his school in a Paris suburb in 2020.

This announcement marks the inaugural significant policy decision of Mr. Attal, who was appointed as France’s education minister by President Emmanuel Macron in the summer of 2023 at the age of 34.

The CFCM, a national entity representing numerous Muslim associations, has asserted that articles of clothing alone do not inherently constitute religious symbols.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Spanish Football Federation to Pursue Legal Action Against Jennifer Hermoso for Alleged False Statements

By 248 0

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced its intention to pursue legal recourse in response to statements made by Jenni Hermoso concerning the federation’s president, Luis Rubiales. This follows a controversial incident where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory over England. While Hermoso claimed that she did not give consent for the kiss, the RFEF disputes her account and asserts that evidence supports Rubiales’ innocence.

Represented by the players’ union Futpro, Hermoso has stated that she did not attempt to lift President Rubiales during their embrace on the podium. In response, the RFEF has released images of the embrace along with a detailed analysis, asserting that Hermoso did indeed exert force to raise Rubiales off the ground.

The RFEF expressed its intent to initiate legal actions against Hermoso or any party involved in spreading what they deem to be false information. This move comes amidst larger tensions within Spanish football, as 81 female players have declared their refusal to represent Spain’s national team until Rubiales steps down. The controversy has even extended to the men’s team, with Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias also announcing his refusal to play under Rubiales’ leadership.

The RFEF’s decision to pursue legal action follows international criticism of Rubiales’ behavior at the Women’s World Cup final. Rubiales had faced calls for resignation from government ministers, and Fifa had initiated disciplinary proceedings against him. Despite mounting pressure, Rubiales remained defiant and vowed to continue his position as president, asserting that the kiss was consensual and mutual.

The situation has also spurred solidarity among players, as evidenced by wristbands worn during a National Women’s Soccer League game in the United States, which bore the message ‘Contigo Jenni’ (With you Jenni). Prominent players like Alex Morgan have expressed their support for Hermoso and the Spanish players, condemning the alleged assault, misogyny, and failures of the Spanish federation.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Denmark intends to impose prison sentence for publicly incinerating the Quran

By 196 0

In response to a series of Quran burnings that sparked outrage in Muslim countries, the Danish government has introduced a proposal to prohibit the public burning of religious texts, including the Quran. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized that such acts not only harmed Denmark’s reputation but also posed a risk to its citizens’ safety. The new legislation aims to classify improper treatment of the Quran or Bible as a criminal offense, carrying penalties of fines and potential imprisonment for up to two years.

The Danish government, which holds a center-right stance, aims to convey a message to the international community through this move. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen highlighted that recent weeks have witnessed around 170 demonstrations, some involving the burning of Quran copies near foreign embassies. Denmark’s intelligence agency, PET, has cautioned that these incidents have escalated the terrorist threat.

Denmark’s neighboring country, Sweden, has also experienced similar Quran burnings, leading to concerns about worsening security. However, both Denmark and Sweden had been cautious in their response due to their strong tradition of freedom of expression. Sweden abolished its blasphemy laws in the 1970s.

Denmark’s decision to address this issue gained momentum after further Quran burnings occurred in both countries in July. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urged its member nations to take appropriate action against countries where such desecration occurred.

The Danish justice minister clarified that the proposed change in the law wasn’t directed at verbal, written, or satirical expressions. Rather, the focus was on curbing actions that only fueled division and hatred. Deputy Prime Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen stressed the importance of responsible behavior even while exercising freedom of expression.

Denmark acknowledged that it couldn’t ignore the negative implications of these actions on its security. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, noted that his country wouldn’t follow Denmark’s approach, citing the need for potential constitutional amendments.

The Danish government plans to present the proposed legal changes on September 1st, with the aim of passing them in parliament by year-end. The prohibition is expected to be included within a section of the criminal code that addresses public insults toward foreign states, flags, or symbols.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Putin Speaks Out Regarding Reported Death of Prigozhin

By 201 0

Vladimir Putin has ended his silence concerning the reported demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, approximately 24 hours after the crash of Prigozhin’s private jet associated with the Wagner group.

The Russian president commented that the leader of the mercenary organization was a “gifted individual” who had “made significant errors in his life.” Putin also extended condolences to the families of the presumed 10 individuals on the plane that went down northwest of Moscow on Wednesday evening.

Nonetheless, he refrained from directly confirming Prigozhin’s death. Speculation about the cause of the fatal crash and Prigozhin’s presence on the plane has been rampant since the incident occurred.

During a briefing, a Pentagon spokesperson stated that the United States believed it likely that Prigozhin was killed in the crash. Nearby villagers reported hearing a loud noise before witnessing the aircraft plummet.

One theory under investigation suggests the possibility of a bomb being smuggled aboard, according to reports in Russian media. A US official informed CBS News that an explosion on the plane seemed the most plausible cause.

An alternative theory presented by a Telegram channel linked to Prigozhin suggested that the plane might have been shot down by Russian anti-aircraft forces. However, the Pentagon dismissed this, stating no evidence supported the claim.

Authorities are questioning ground staff at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport, where the plane took off, and reviewing CCTV footage. Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, was once considered a loyalist to Putin but fell out of favor after leading a short-lived rebellion in Russia in June.

The Kremlin initially remained silent after the crash. President Putin even participated in a Brics summit via video link the next morning without mentioning the crash that had attracted global attention.

However, Putin’s stance changed on Thursday evening when he conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and acknowledged initial data suggesting Wagner employees were on the ill-fated flight. He described Prigozhin as a person with a complex life, acknowledging both his achievements and mistakes.

Though Putin spoke in the past tense about Prigozhin and expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, he didn’t definitively confirm Prigozhin’s death. When Prigozhin and his armed group rebelled, Putin denounced their actions as betrayal and vowed retribution.

A subsequent arrangement allowed Wagner fighters a choice between joining the Russian army or relocating to Belarus with no penalties. This development puzzled experts and the public, given Prigozhin’s apparent freedom of movement.

Russian forensic specialists have initiated victim identification, while Putin noted that DNA tests would require time. Among those on the plane were Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin and the group’s financial manager, Valeriy Chekalov. All 10 individuals on the plane, including passengers and crew, are presumed deceased.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Spanish Football Federation President, Luis Rubiales, Declines to Resign from Position

By 270 0

Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, has declined to step down from his position despite controversy surrounding his behavior at the Women’s World Cup final.

After Spain’s 1-0 victory over England, Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips and made a crotch-grabbing gesture during celebrations. He addressed an extraordinary general assembly convened by the federation, stating that he would not resign and calling the situation a “social assassination.”

Rubiales apologized for the incidents and expressed his readiness to defend his ideals, asserting that he didn’t deserve the criticism he was facing. Despite calls for his resignation, Rubiales defended the kiss as a spontaneous, mutual, and consensual gesture, stating that he would fight against the backlash.

While some criticized his actions, including Spain’s Prime Minister and a union representing Hermoso, others, including Hermoso herself in a later statement, came to his defense.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Technology Trending

Nvidia, Leading AI Chip Manufacturer, Witnesses Over 100% Growth in Sales

By 205 0

Nvidia, a prominent technology company, has achieved record-breaking sales by more than doubling its revenue due to the surging demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) chips. The company reported revenue exceeding $13.5 billion (£10.6 billion) for the three months leading up to June. Furthermore, Nvidia anticipates a continued surge in sales during the present quarter and plans to repurchase $25 billion worth of its own stock.

In New York’s extended trading, Nvidia’s stock saw a boost of over 6.5%, adding to its substantial gains throughout the year. The company has also projected revenue of approximately $16 billion for the three months ending in September. This estimate significantly exceeds Wall Street’s predictions and translates to an impressive rise of about 170% in comparison to the same period last year.

Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, declared the dawn of a new computing era, emphasizing the global shift towards accelerated computing and generative AI among various companies. The standout performance was primarily driven by Nvidia’s data center division, which encompasses AI chips. The unit’s revenue exceeded $10.3 billion, marking a remarkable surge of over 170% from the previous year. This growth was attributed to the adoption of its next-generation processors by cloud computing service providers and major consumer internet companies.

Nvidia’s market value has soared to over $1 trillion this year, with its shares more than tripling in value. This accomplishment propelled Nvidia into the “Trillion Dollar Club,” joining the ranks of publicly traded US giants like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon.

The increasing fascination with Nvidia’s success has been noted by experts. The company, previously recognized for producing graphics processing units for computer games, has now become a foundational player in the AI domain. It is reported that Nvidia’s hardware underpins the majority of AI applications, with an estimated 95% share in the machine learning market. Notably, technologies like ChatGPT, which relies on Nvidia’s graphics processing units for its training, are anticipated to reshape how computers are used and their role in society.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Wagner Group Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Believed to Have Died Following Plane Crash in Russia

By 187 0

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was reportedly among the passengers aboard a Russian jet that crashed, resulting in the deaths of all 10 individuals on board. The crash occurred in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow. Social media linked to the Wagner mercenary group have suggested that Prigozhin’s private plane was shot down by Russian air defenses. The Grey Zone Telegram channel stated that Prigozhin died due to actions by traitors to Russia.

Prigozhin had previously led a failed mutiny against the Russian armed forces in June, though some experts believe the mutiny was staged, and he abandoned his “justice march” on Moscow after direct orders from President Vladimir Putin. The crash coincided with reports of the removal of senior Russian general Sergei Surovikin, who was known to have a connection with Prigozhin. The crashed aircraft, an Embraer-135, was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg with seven passengers and three crew members.

An investigation has been initiated into the crash, and all 10 bodies have been recovered. The Wagner mercenary group, which Prigozhin was associated with, has been involved in various conflicts including those in Ukraine, Syria, and West Africa, and is known for its brutality. Prigozhin’s mutiny had created tensions with Russian military commanders and President Putin.

President Putin’s initial response to Prigozhin’s challenge to Russia’s defense establishment was strongly negative. The circumstances surrounding Prigozhin’s death, if confirmed, have raised speculation, with some eyebrows being raised about the possibility of deliberate targeting. US President Joe Biden expressed that he was “not surprised” by the news of Prigozhin’s potential death.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Greek fires rage after migrant tragedy near border

By 195 0

Wildfires in Greece have tragically led to the loss of 20 lives and are still raging out of control near Athens and the Evros region close to the Turkish border. Among those killed, 18 are believed to be refugees and migrants who had recently crossed the border and sought refuge in forests north of Alexandroupolis. Greece has expressed deep condolences for the deaths occurring in the Dadia forest near the Turkish border. The fires have been ongoing for five days and have extended along the coast and near the city. Efforts to contain the fires are being hampered by strong winds and scorching temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F).

The victims’ bodies were discovered near a shack close to the village of Avantas, north of Alexandroupolis, by the fire service. The fire service and local authorities had issued evacuation warnings through emergency services. The victims are believed to have recently crossed the border from Turkey along the River Evros, which is a common route for migrants and refugees attempting to enter the European Union. The risk of wildfires adds to the many dangers migrants and refugees face in their journey, including violence, arrest, and drowning in the Mediterranean.

The victims are predominantly male, with two of them being minors. The bodies were found within a relatively small radius, and their identification is expected to be challenging, necessitating the involvement of their relatives. Some individuals had been attempting to follow a well-established path through the forest to avoid detection.

Tensions have arisen in the local communities as some residents blame migrants for causing the fires. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that migrants were responsible for starting the Dadia forest fire. A video showing a man “arresting” migrants and refugees and accusing them of arson provoked outrage in Greece, leading to the arrest of the man behind the video and others involved.

In response to the tragic events, the Supreme Court Prosecutor initiated inquiries into both the causes of the fires in the Evros region and incidents of alleged racist violence against migrants following the deaths in the Dadia forest.

As the fires continue to spread, evacuations have been conducted in various areas, including villages near Alexandroupolis and parts of the capital city, Athens. The situation remains challenging for firefighters, compounded by the evacuation of nursing homes and the destruction of homes in some areas.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending War

Three individuals die in Belgorod following drone attacks on Moscow

By 196 0

Following a drone attack on the Belgorod region of Russia, three people have lost their lives. This incident occurred shortly after another drone struck central Moscow. Russian authorities have attributed the attack on Belgorod to Kyiv and Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov implicated Ukrainian forces, alleging that they deployed an explosive device via a drone while people were present on the streets. However, Kyiv has not taken responsibility for either of the incidents, which is in line with its usual practice of refraining from commenting on attacks within Russia.

In response to the initial drone strike in Belgorod that resulted in three fatalities, the Russian Defence Ministry reported the destruction of a second drone in the region. Drones were also noted in Moscow, with one hitting a building under construction, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The Russian defence ministry stated that air defenses successfully downed two drones in the Mozhaisk and Khimki districts of the Moscow region, with no reported casualties.

In the wake of the drone attack in the capital, all flights to and from Moscow’s airports were temporarily suspended on Wednesday, although they were later resumed. This suspension marked a recurrent response to a series of recent drone attacks targeting the capital. Notably, this event represented the sixth consecutive night of aerial assaults on the Moscow region.

The drone responsible for striking the under-construction building in the Moscow city complex was reportedly neutralized by electronic warfare systems. Subsequently, it lost control and collided with the building, leading to damage. Emergency services were dispatched to assess the situation and address the damages caused.

The US State Department responded to reports of the downed drones, asserting that the US does not endorse drone attacks in Russia. American officials emphasized that it is Ukraine’s prerogative to determine its defense strategy and urged Russia to conclude the conflict by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine. Incidences of alleged drone strikes inside Russian territory have grown increasingly frequent in recent months.

The Russian defence ministry indicated that it had intercepted two drones over the Moscow region on Tuesday, and two additional drones were reportedly thwarted over the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border. Furthermore, Russian authorities claimed that a Ukrainian reconnaissance boat in the Black Sea was destroyed by a Russian warplane after approaching Russian gas production facilities. Although Ukraine did not claim responsibility for the drone incursions on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously characterized attacks on Russian territory as an “inevitable, natural, and entirely justifiable process.”

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright