After wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik won gold medals in their respective bouts, the focus was on Indian grappler Deepak Punia to complete the hattrick. And the sturdily built wrestler from the Indian state of Haryana didn't disappoint either.

Deepak won the gold medal in the Men's Freestyle 86kg category on the eighth day of the ongoing Birmingham&nbsp;Commonwealth Games 2022. He defeated Pakistan's Muhammad Inam at the Coventry Arena Wrestling Mat B. Punia won the gold medal match 3-0.

The Indian grappler took a 2-0 lead in the first period and all the pressure was on the Punia's opponent heading into the last three minutes. Punia was in good form in this match. In the final three minutes, he managed to hold his own and he kept his opponent at bay to walk away with the gold.

The Pakistani wrestler struggled to find a way through Punia's strong defence and went home without scoring a point.

Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia established his superiority in the men's freestyle 65kg division, winning the gold medal by beating Lachlan McNeil of Canada 9-2 in the final.&nbsp;

Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Punia, who won a gold medal four years ago in Gold Coast, Australia came out with aggressive intentions and did not allow his young Canadian opponent many chances, forcing two takedowns in the first period itself to go 4-0 up.

"I am very happy with my performance here. I had come here to win the gold medal and did that. It's nice to win the gold medal because I am participating in an event of this stature for the first time after coming back from an injury I suffered during the Tokyo Olympics," Punia said after his victory.

Read More<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cwg-2022-bajrang-punia-retains-gold-medal-with-aggressive-win-in-65kg-504134">:&nbsp;Commonwealth Games 2022: Bajrang Punia wins gold medal in the 65 kg category</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik turned back the clock to register a dominant victory to bag a gold medal in the women`s freestyle 65kg bout, beating Canada`s Ana Godinez Gonzalez by fall in the Commonwealth Games here on Friday.

All in all, it was an incredible day for the Indian wrestlers as well as the country. India now occupies the fifth spot on the table, having won nine gold medals and 25 medals in total.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cwg-2022-sakshi-malik-wins-gold-medal-in-womens-freestyle-62kg-category-504133">Commonwealth Games 2022: Sakshi Malik wins gold medal in women''s freestyle 62kg category</a>

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After wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik won gold medals in their respective bouts, the focus was on Indian grappler Deepak Punia to complete the hattrick.

After wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik won gold medals in their respective bouts, the focus was on Indian grappler Deepak Punia to complete the hattrick. And the sturdily built wrestler from the Indian state of Haryana didn't disappoint either. Deepak won the gold medal in the Men's Freestyle 86kg category on the eighth day of the ongoing Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. He defeated Pakistan's Muhammad Inam at the Coventry Arena Wrestling Mat B. Punia won the gold medal match 3-0. The Indian grappler took a 2-0 lead in the first period and all the pressure was on the Punia's opponent heading into the last three minutes. Punia was in good form in this match. In the final three minutes, he managed to hold his own and he kept his opponent at bay to walk away with the gold. The Pakistani wrestler struggled to find a way through Punia's strong defence and went home without scoring a point. Meanwhile, Bajrang Punia established his superiority in the men's freestyle 65kg division, winning the gold medal by beating Lachlan McNeil of Canada 9-2 in the final. Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Punia, who won a gold medal four years ago in Gold Coast, Australia came out with aggressive intentions and did not allow his young Canadian opponent many chances, forcing two takedowns in the first period itself to go 4-0 up. "I am very happy with my performance here. I had come here to win the gold medal and did that. It's nice to win the gold medal because I am participating in an event of this stature for the first time after coming back from an injury I suffered during the Tokyo Olympics," Punia said after his victory. Read More: Commonwealth Games 2022: Bajrang Punia wins gold medal in the 65 kg category Meanwhile, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik turned back the clock to register a dominant victory to bag a gold medal in the women`s freestyle 65kg bout, beating Canada`s Ana Godinez Gonzalez by fall in the Commonwealth Games here on Friday. All in all, it was an incredible day for the Indian wrestlers as well as the country. India now occupies the fifth spot on the table, having won nine gold medals and 25 medals in total. Read More: Commonwealth Games 2022: Sakshi Malik wins gold medal in women''s freestyle 62kg category WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

CWG 2022: Deepak Punia clinches gold in Men's Freestyle 86kg, defeats Pakistan's Muhammad Inam

A plethora of food items, particularly pre-packaged items are expected to get costlier&nbsp;as the new Goods and Service Tax (GST) rates come into effect from today (Monday). Reportedly, after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 47th GST council meeting last month, it was unanimously decided to review the GST rates on different items. Have a look at what has become expensive and cheaper now:

What has become expensive?

According to reports, pre-packed food items will invite&nbsp;five per cent GST. Curd, lassi, buttermilk. paneer (cottage cheese), honey, dried makhana, wheat, labelled meat and&nbsp;jaggery amongst other food-items is set to get expensive after the latest revision. Meanwhile, tetra packs will invite 18 per cent GST.&nbsp;

Central Board of Direct Taxes has also cleared the definition of what constitutes a pre-packed food item. According to the directive issued, a pre-packaged commodity will be one that is packed,&nbsp;sealed or not-sealed in a package of whatever nature, in the absence of a customer. Essentially, a product that has a pre-determined quantity.&nbsp;

Stationery set to be expensive

Reportedly, your stationery is also expected to get expensive as printing, writing or drawing ink; knives with cutting blades, drawing and out marking out instruments, LED lamps will have 18 per cent GST slapped on them. A hike of six per cent from the last revision. Meanwhile, a 12 per cent GST will be imposed on maps and charts, including atlases.

Similarly, your bank stationery is also set to get a tad expensive as the council has levied 18 per cent GST, up 6 per cent from the prior arrangement, on the fee charged by banks for the issue of cheques.&nbsp;

Hotel rooms expensive

Those booking hotels earlier under Rs 1,000 per day will have to shell out more as the government has got rid of the tax exemption in the category and levied a 12 per cent GST on it.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-finance-minister-hails-tax-payers-over-highest-ever-gst-collection-in-january-2022-449489">Indian finance minister hails tax-payers over highest-ever GST collection in January 2022</a>

What gets cheaper?

Your travel to the Northeastern states of India has become cheaper as the transport of passengers 'to and from' the region has been exempted from any GST.

Transport of goods and passengers via ropeway&nbsp;will get cheaper the GST council has slashed the rates of GST from 18 per cent to five&nbsp;per cent. Similarly, transportation by rail or a vessel of railway equipment and material has been exempted from any GST.&nbsp;

The application fee charged for entrance or for issuance of eligibility certificate for admission or issuance of migration certificate by universities is exempt from GST.

With an eye to increase the use of electric vehicles (EV) amongst the masses, the council has mandated that concessional GST of five per cent will be provided on EVs, whether or not fitted with a battery pack.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A plethora of food items, particularly pre-packaged items are expected to get costlier as the new Goods and Service Tax (GST) rates come into effect from today (Monday).

A plethora of food items, particularly pre-packaged items are expected to get costlier as the new Goods and Service Tax (GST) rates come into effect from today (Monday). Reportedly, after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 47th GST council meeting last month, it was unanimously decided to review the GST rates on different items. Have a look at what has become expensive and cheaper now: What has become expensive? According to reports, pre-packed food items will invite five per cent GST. Curd, lassi, buttermilk. paneer (cottage cheese), honey, dried makhana, wheat, labelled meat and jaggery amongst other food-items is set to get expensive after the latest revision. Meanwhile, tetra packs will invite 18 per cent GST. Central Board of Direct Taxes has also cleared the definition of what constitutes a pre-packed food item. According to the directive issued, a pre-packaged commodity will be one that is packed, sealed or not-sealed in a package of whatever nature, in the absence of a customer. Essentially, a product that has a pre-determined quantity. Stationery set to be expensive Reportedly, your stationery is also expected to get expensive as printing, writing or drawing ink; knives with cutting blades, drawing and out marking out instruments, LED lamps will have 18 per cent GST slapped on them. A hike of six per cent from the last revision. Meanwhile, a 12 per cent GST will be imposed on maps and charts, including atlases. Similarly, your bank stationery is also set to get a tad expensive as the council has levied 18 per cent GST, up 6 per cent from the prior arrangement, on the fee charged by banks for the issue of cheques. Hotel rooms expensive Those booking hotels earlier under Rs 1,000 per day will have to shell out more as the government has got rid of the tax exemption in the category and levied a 12 per cent GST on it. Read more: Indian finance minister hails tax-payers over highest-ever GST collection in January 2022 What gets cheaper? Your travel to the Northeastern states of India has become cheaper as the transport of passengers 'to and from' the region has been exempted from any GST. Transport of goods and passengers via ropeway will get cheaper the GST council has slashed the rates of GST from 18 per cent to five per cent. Similarly, transportation by rail or a vessel of railway equipment and material has been exempted from any GST. The application fee charged for entrance or for issuance of eligibility certificate for admission or issuance of migration certificate by universities is exempt from GST. With an eye to increase the use of electric vehicles (EV) amongst the masses, the council has mandated that concessional GST of five per cent will be provided on EVs, whether or not fitted with a battery pack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India's new GST rates come into effect from today. Understand what gets expensive and cheaper

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is on track for the launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for its inaugural flight test on Monday. Ahead of the liftoff,&nbsp;Jeff Spaulding, NASA&nbsp;test director stated,&nbsp;“So far, everything looks really good,”

The launch is expected to take place in a two-hour window on August 29 i.e Monday. NASA's most powerful rocket is scheduled to lift off at 8:33 AM EDT.

Should the countdown take longer than the two-hour window targeted for liftoff, NASA has set September&nbsp;2 and September&nbsp;5 as alternative launch dates.

What is the mission?

The SLS and the Orion crew capsule will go around&nbsp;Moon on a six-week test voyage called Artemis 1. It will be a test rehearsal for the manned mission that NASA is planning for in the year 2024.

Before it is certified suitable to carry passengers, the journey aims to put the SLS vehicle—which is thought to be the most complicated and potent rocketship in the world—through a rigorous stress test of its systems during an actual flight.

"This new deep space exploration system is going to take us back to the moon and to new scientific discoveries that we can't even imagine yet," said Randy Lycans, Vice President and General Manager of NASA's Enterprise Solutions.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/artemis-i-explained-nasas-first-mission-to-land-humans-on-the-moon-after-50-years-510343">Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years</a>

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The SLS-Orion spacecraft has so far cost NASA at least $37 billion, which includes design, construction, testing, and ground facilities. Its development has taken more than ten years and has been plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns.

It is pertinent to note that it is the first time since the famous Apollo 11 mission that humankind will be sending a rocket to the moon. The eventual goal is to set a permanent facility on Earth's satellite and prepare for a similar one on Mars, which is being dubbed the next frontier for the human race.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-all-set-to-create-history-with-artemis-moon-mission-precursor-to-first-crewed-orion-mission-510510">NASA all set to 'create history' with Artemis moon mission, precursor to first crewed Orion mission</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is on track for the launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for its inaugural flight test on Monday.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is on track for the launch of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for its inaugural flight test on Monday. Ahead of the liftoff, Jeff Spaulding, NASA test director stated, “So far, everything looks really good,” The launch is expected to take place in a two-hour window on August 29 i.e Monday. NASA's most powerful rocket is scheduled to lift off at 8:33 AM EDT. Should the countdown take longer than the two-hour window targeted for liftoff, NASA has set September 2 and September 5 as alternative launch dates. What is the mission? The SLS and the Orion crew capsule will go around Moon on a six-week test voyage called Artemis 1. It will be a test rehearsal for the manned mission that NASA is planning for in the year 2024. Before it is certified suitable to carry passengers, the journey aims to put the SLS vehicle—which is thought to be the most complicated and potent rocketship in the world—through a rigorous stress test of its systems during an actual flight. "This new deep space exploration system is going to take us back to the moon and to new scientific discoveries that we can't even imagine yet," said Randy Lycans, Vice President and General Manager of NASA's Enterprise Solutions. WATCH | Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years × The SLS-Orion spacecraft has so far cost NASA at least $37 billion, which includes design, construction, testing, and ground facilities. Its development has taken more than ten years and has been plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns. It is pertinent to note that it is the first time since the famous Apollo 11 mission that humankind will be sending a rocket to the moon. The eventual goal is to set a permanent facility on Earth's satellite and prepare for a similar one on Mars, which is being dubbed the next frontier for the human race. Read more: NASA all set to 'create history' with Artemis moon mission, precursor to first crewed Orion mission (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

"So far, everything looks really good", NASA ahead of the Artemis 1 launch

The death toll from an accident when a truck drove off a dike and slammed into a community barbecue in a village south of Rotterdam rose to six Sunday and police said a further seven people are in hospital, including one in critical condition.

According to Police, three men and three women were killed, ranging in age from 28 to 75. Police spokeswoman Mirjam Boers said the truck driver, a 46-year-old Spanish man, is suspected of causing the accident that happened early Saturday evening in the village of Nieuw-Beijerland. His identity was not released, in line with Dutch privacy laws.

The large truck the man was driving left a small rural road and careered down the bank of the dike and ploughed into the village gathering. Boers said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

“We are investigating what could have happened,” Boers said.

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima said in a tweet that they were shocked by the accident that they said caused “an unimaginable sadness in this close-knit community. The affected families are in our thoughts and we wish the injured strength on their way to as good a recovery as possible.”

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Reactie van Koning Willem-Alexander en Koningin Máxima n.a.v. het ongeluk in Nieuw-Beijerland: <a href="https://t.co/eZjnEit0lu">https://t.co/eZjnEit0lu</a> <a href="https://t.co/mHbEWn0z3O">pic.twitter.com/mHbEWn0z3O</a>
— Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) <a href="https://twitter.com/koninklijkhuis/status/1563838448720560128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Forensic investigators worked into the night Saturday around the truck where it stopped at the bottom of the dike. Later, a crane and a tow truck hauled it back onto the road.

Photos of the scene showed bunting hanging between trees and chairs scattered around trestle tables with plates still on them. 
Prime Minister Mark Rutte also expressed sorrow in a tweet, saying, “My thoughts go out to the victims and next of kin of this terrible drama. I wish them much strength.”

Local Mayor Charlie Aptroot visited the scene Saturday night. “My condolences go out to the victims, their families, eyewitnesses and first responders,” Aptroot said in a statement.

The mayor added that he had spoken to many of the people at the scene and expressed “appreciation for the way in which people are there for each other.”

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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The death toll from an accident when a truck drove off a dike and slammed into a community barbecue in a village south of Rotterdam rose to six Sunday and police said a further seven people are in hospital, including one in critical condition.

The death toll from an accident when a truck drove off a dike and slammed into a community barbecue in a village south of Rotterdam rose to six Sunday and police said a further seven people are in hospital, including one in critical condition. According to Police, three men and three women were killed, ranging in age from 28 to 75. Police spokeswoman Mirjam Boers said the truck driver, a 46-year-old Spanish man, is suspected of causing the accident that happened early Saturday evening in the village of Nieuw-Beijerland. His identity was not released, in line with Dutch privacy laws. The large truck the man was driving left a small rural road and careered down the bank of the dike and ploughed into the village gathering. Boers said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. “We are investigating what could have happened,” Boers said. Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima said in a tweet that they were shocked by the accident that they said caused “an unimaginable sadness in this close-knit community. The affected families are in our thoughts and we wish the injured strength on their way to as good a recovery as possible.” Reactie van Koning Willem-Alexander en Koningin Máxima n.a.v. het ongeluk in Nieuw-Beijerland: https://t.co/eZjnEit0lu pic.twitter.com/mHbEWn0z3O — Koninklijk Huis (@koninklijkhuis) August 28, 2022 × Forensic investigators worked into the night Saturday around the truck where it stopped at the bottom of the dike. Later, a crane and a tow truck hauled it back onto the road. Photos of the scene showed bunting hanging between trees and chairs scattered around trestle tables with plates still on them. Prime Minister Mark Rutte also expressed sorrow in a tweet, saying, “My thoughts go out to the victims and next of kin of this terrible drama. I wish them much strength.” Local Mayor Charlie Aptroot visited the scene Saturday night. “My condolences go out to the victims, their families, eyewitnesses and first responders,” Aptroot said in a statement. The mayor added that he had spoken to many of the people at the scene and expressed “appreciation for the way in which people are there for each other.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Netherlands: Six dead, seven injured after truck slams into a community barbecue in Rotterdam

Tomorrow is the first day of the last grand slam of the year. The prestigious US Open and its iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium will host one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the game. Perhaps for the last time or who knows, to set up a fairy tale finish that might conclude in the same stadium, a couple of weeks later. Whatever the result, it is time to doff our hats and acknowledge that one of the finest of the game is about to bow out.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

No prizes for guessing, the athlete in question is Serena Williams, the 23 times Grand Slam champion. Serena shocked the sporting world earlier this month by announcing her surprise retirement. True to her maverick style, Serena termed the process as ‘evolving away from tennis’ instead of the old, drab ‘retirement’ that most athletes prefer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me. I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.” said Serena.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-waorld-no-1-serena-williams-drops-a-bomb-announces-her-retirement-505245" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Former world No. 1 Serena Williams drops a bomb, announces her retirement</a>&nbsp;

Women's tennis has seen numerous giants. From Althea Gibson to Steffi Graf to Martina Navratilova, there have been plenty that showed extraordinary dexterity and climbed new highs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, none came close to the sheer dominance that Serena exhibited in her prime. Serena in her full flow whisked opponents effortlessly with her brute power, commanded fear in their hearts and most of all, played with an unbeatable tennis IQ that most purists desire so desperately in modern tennis players.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moreover, the emergence of the Williams sisters marked a change in the landscape of tennis. It is not as if children of colour had a dearth of examples to look up to but there was something different about Serena and Venus that transcended the man-made ideas of race and ethnicity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

People often talk about characters in tennis and how it makes the game fascinating. Serena epitomised what it meant to be a character. She took the centre stage of the play, made it her own canvas, and painted performances that even the most gifted ones would not have been able to conjure. She made women's tennis cool.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tennis can be a tad aristocratic at times. Not everyone has to be the perfect human being on the court. It is a competition and often situations get the better of players, especially when someone wears their emotions on their sleeve like Serena.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-and-venus-williams-get-us-open-doubles-wild-card-entry-510942">Serena and Venus Williams get US Open doubles wild-card entry</a>

Whether it be the 2018 US Open outburst at the referee or the repeated smashing of the racket against Kim Clijsters at the US Open semi-final in 2009, it all showed that besides a champion, Serena was a complicated human being with her rough edges and sharp sides, making her all the more human.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Often the role models in the sporting world are expected to model a god-like behaviour. For one, it is a very archaic notion that needs to be let go by the spectators and fans. Second, it is not a method to gauge the greatness of a player or in this case, belittle that of Serena.&nbsp;

Geniuses are often complicated but mavericks? They play to the gallery, they play to the rupture of the crowd, they play for their emotions and they play to win.&nbsp;And sometimes, their audacity&nbsp;gives them the tag of a flawed genius. Safe to say, Serena was one.&nbsp;

And if this tournament is the final hurrah of this genius, we ought to be glad that we got to witness her true human side, on and off the court. Her essay in the tennis world will forever be remembered and continue to inspire future generations, which perhaps is the biggest legacy of her career.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Tomorrow is the first day of the last grand slam of the year. The prestigious US Open and its iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium will host one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the game.

Tomorrow is the first day of the last grand slam of the year. The prestigious US Open and its iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium will host one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the game. Perhaps for the last time or who knows, to set up a fairy tale finish that might conclude in the same stadium, a couple of weeks later. Whatever the result, it is time to doff our hats and acknowledge that one of the finest of the game is about to bow out. No prizes for guessing, the athlete in question is Serena Williams, the 23 times Grand Slam champion. Serena shocked the sporting world earlier this month by announcing her surprise retirement. True to her maverick style, Serena termed the process as ‘evolving away from tennis’ instead of the old, drab ‘retirement’ that most athletes prefer. “I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me. I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.” said Serena. Read more: Former world No. 1 Serena Williams drops a bomb, announces her retirement Women's tennis has seen numerous giants. From Althea Gibson to Steffi Graf to Martina Navratilova, there have been plenty that showed extraordinary dexterity and climbed new highs. However, none came close to the sheer dominance that Serena exhibited in her prime. Serena in her full flow whisked opponents effortlessly with her brute power, commanded fear in their hearts and most of all, played with an unbeatable tennis IQ that most purists desire so desperately in modern tennis players. Moreover, the emergence of the Williams sisters marked a change in the landscape of tennis. It is not as if children of colour had a dearth of examples to look up to but there was something different about Serena and Venus that transcended the man-made ideas of race and ethnicity. People often talk about characters in tennis and how it makes the game fascinating. Serena epitomised what it meant to be a character. She took the centre stage of the play, made it her own canvas, and painted performances that even the most gifted ones would not have been able to conjure. She made women's tennis cool. Tennis can be a tad aristocratic at times. Not everyone has to be the perfect human being on the court. It is a competition and often situations get the better of players, especially when someone wears their emotions on their sleeve like Serena. Read more: Serena and Venus Williams get US Open doubles wild-card entry Whether it be the 2018 US Open outburst at the referee or the repeated smashing of the racket against Kim Clijsters at the US Open semi-final in 2009, it all showed that besides a champion, Serena was a complicated human being with her rough edges and sharp sides, making her all the more human. Often the role models in the sporting world are expected to model a god-like behaviour. For one, it is a very archaic notion that needs to be let go by the spectators and fans. Second, it is not a method to gauge the greatness of a player or in this case, belittle that of Serena. Geniuses are often complicated but mavericks? They play to the gallery, they play to the rupture of the crowd, they play for their emotions and they play to win. And sometimes, their audacity gives them the tag of a flawed genius. Safe to say, Serena was one. And if this tournament is the final hurrah of this genius, we ought to be glad that we got to witness her true human side, on and off the court. Her essay in the tennis world will forever be remembered and continue to inspire future generations, which perhaps is the biggest legacy of her career. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Serena Williams: A flawed genius but a perfectly humane human

A shooting incident between two groups at a Sikh Gurudwara (Temple) in California has caused injuries to three. Reportedly, the incident was reported on Saturday (August 27) outside the Stockton Gurudwara Sahib.

According to news wire agency ANI, the clash was between two groups of Sikh Referendum 2020. The Stockton police arrived at the shooting scene around 6:40 PM ET and found three Sikh men injured. They all were quickly transferred to a hospital by the emergency responders.&nbsp;

Public information officer Joe Silva in a statement remarked that the incident occurred at an event around Sikh Temple Street. However, the officer said the shooting incident was not linked to the Gurudwara and did not happen on the property of the Gurudwara.

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-probes-claims-that-sikh-migrants-turbans-confiscated-at-us-mexico-border-503631">:&nbsp;US probes claims that Sikh migrants' turbans confiscated at US-Mexico border</a>

It is pertinent to note that the Gurudwara had held a weightlifting competition on the property before the incident. No scuffle had been reported while the event inside the Gurudwara was in motion.

However, another event that was happening outside the Gurudwara is being dubbed as the spot where the skirmish happened. The Gurudwara, in a Facebook post, stated that they had no connection with the incident.&nbsp;

"The weightlifting competition was done successfully without any altercation and harm to the Sangat. The altercation during this event happened outside the Gurdwara and had no link to the powerlifting event and the Gurdwara Sahib." the Gurudwara said.&nbsp;

"Stockton Police Department is currently investigating the occurrence and Stockton Gurdwara Sahib Committee will update you as soon as the investigation is completed. Gurdwara Sahib Stockton is committed to the safety of the Sangat.” it further added.

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Some unsubstantiated claims that WION cannot independently confirm have suggested that the scuffle was between two groups associated with&nbsp;Sikh Referendum 2020.

The Referendum 2020 was organised by an outfit named Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).&nbsp;It is part of the Khalistani&nbsp;secessionist movement which seeks a separate homeland for the Sikhs in the state of Punjab in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The organisation has been banned in India since July 2019 under the stringent&nbsp;Unlawful Activities&nbsp;(Prevention) Act (UAPA).&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khalsa-tv-surrenders-broadcast-license-in-uk-over-khalistani-propaganda-490692">Khalsa TV surrenders broadcast license in UK over 'Khalistani propaganda'</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A shooting incident between two groups at a Sikh Gurudwara (Temple) in California has caused injuries to three. Reportedly, the incident was reported on Saturday (August 27) outside the Stockton Gurudwara Sahib.

A shooting incident between two groups at a Sikh Gurudwara (Temple) in California has caused injuries to three. Reportedly, the incident was reported on Saturday (August 27) outside the Stockton Gurudwara Sahib. According to news wire agency ANI, the clash was between two groups of Sikh Referendum 2020. The Stockton police arrived at the shooting scene around 6:40 PM ET and found three Sikh men injured. They all were quickly transferred to a hospital by the emergency responders. Public information officer Joe Silva in a statement remarked that the incident occurred at an event around Sikh Temple Street. However, the officer said the shooting incident was not linked to the Gurudwara and did not happen on the property of the Gurudwara. Read more: US probes claims that Sikh migrants' turbans confiscated at US-Mexico border It is pertinent to note that the Gurudwara had held a weightlifting competition on the property before the incident. No scuffle had been reported while the event inside the Gurudwara was in motion. However, another event that was happening outside the Gurudwara is being dubbed as the spot where the skirmish happened. The Gurudwara, in a Facebook post, stated that they had no connection with the incident. "The weightlifting competition was done successfully without any altercation and harm to the Sangat. The altercation during this event happened outside the Gurdwara and had no link to the powerlifting event and the Gurdwara Sahib." the Gurudwara said. "Stockton Police Department is currently investigating the occurrence and Stockton Gurdwara Sahib Committee will update you as soon as the investigation is completed. Gurdwara Sahib Stockton is committed to the safety of the Sangat.” it further added. × Some unsubstantiated claims that WION cannot independently confirm have suggested that the scuffle was between two groups associated with Sikh Referendum 2020. The Referendum 2020 was organised by an outfit named Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). It is part of the Khalistani secessionist movement which seeks a separate homeland for the Sikhs in the state of Punjab in India. The organisation has been banned in India since July 2019 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Read more: Khalsa TV surrenders broadcast license in UK over 'Khalistani propaganda' (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shooting incident reported outside a Gurudwara in California, three injured

It has been a year since the US forces haphazardly left their posts in Afghanistan, leaving the land in the hands of Talibani barbarians and terrorists. During the muddled exit, US troops, its allies and numerous other dependents were left in the lurch, fighting Talibanis.

It has been a year since the US forces haphazardly left their posts in Afghanistan, leaving the land in the hands of Talibani barbarians and terrorists. During the muddled exit, US troops, its allies and numerous other dependents were left in the lurch, fighting Talibanis. Now, a documentary has revealed that during the exit, a US Army colonel blocked the exit of several allies, effectively pushing them into the killing zones. IN PICS | What life in Afghanistan looks like after one year of Taliban rule? Reportedly, in a new documentary titled, “Send Me” directed by Nick Palmisciano, the members of a special operations volunteer team have revealed that an unnamed Colonel 'murdered' the passengers of five buses by not allowing them to board the planes that could have allowed them to leave Kabul. “There was a colonel who came out and wanted to show that essentially he was the one that could decide whether or not somebody could get on a plane or not," stated a witness, whose identity was concealed in the documentary. Meanwhile, MMA fighter turned-solider Tim Kennedy, who was part of the 13-member group tasked with the job of saving as many allies as possible added: "The colonel made the call to ‘put everybody back out'. I don’t care who they are, they get back on those buses and those buses go back into Kabul." Read more: Taliban restricts female students from leaving Kabul for studies: Report It is pertinent to note that passengers of the five buses had verified documents. They were carefully searched and vetted by the Marines and arrived at the US-controlled Black Gate on the fateful day of August 25, 2021 around 3 AM. However, the top-ranking Colonel from the 82nd Airborne division would not let them or the buses ferrying them get inside. The Colonel did not even allow the refugees that carried a US passport, stating the documents might have been forged. As a last-ditch attempt to save the lives of refugees on the buses, a call was made to North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis. The Republican leader further egged the army generals to intervene. However, by then, the situation outside the airport had turned dire and effectively the fate of the refugees was sealed. The documentary is streaming on Amazon Prime and in select theatres. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Colonel ‘murdered’ several allies, did not let them board planes from Kabul: Documentary

A day after China and the US signed a pact that will allow&nbsp;US authorities to inspect the accounting books of Chinese companies listed on the US stock exchange, Beijing's mouthpiece Global Times applauded the move.&nbsp;

Reportedly, in an editorial titled 'Audit oversight agreement of US-listed Chinese companies a symbolic case of China-US cooperation' the publication dubbed the signing of the pact as 'an important step forward.'

It further added that the signing of the pact should serve as a lesson on how to deal with potentially sensitive issues.

"The fact that China and the US reached a cooperation agreement on audit oversight provides a useful lesson for the current bilateral relationship — the two countries can reach a solution that addresses each other's concerns on some critical and sensitive issues, as long as they adhere to the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit," read the editorial.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jack-ma-owned-alibaba-added-to-the-delisting-watchlist-by-sec-502037">Jack Ma owned Alibaba added to the delisting watchlist by SEC</a>

As reported by WION, the signing of the pact came as a relief to hundreds of Chinese businesses, investors, as well as Wall Street. According to data, 61 Chinese companies are currently listed in the US, with a total market capitalisation of about $1.3 trillion.

Wall Street did not want to lose out on such a humongous piece of the money pie and thus lobbied hard with the government to reverse some of the strict Trump-era policies.

If the policy goes through as planned, China will have the opportunity to continue accessing the deepest capital markets in the world.

Why did&nbsp;Chinese companies not share their books?

It is pertinent to note that for a long time, experts believed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did not allow Chinese companies to share their account books with overseas audit agencies.&nbsp;

Access to books has been a major bone of contention between Washington and Beijing. When Donald Trump was in power and amidst a major trade war with China, he employed the strategy of opening 'books' to pin down China.&nbsp;

American regulatory watchdog Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has the power to audit such companies. However, if the watchdog is not able to access the books for a period of three years, the company stands to be de-listed from the stock market.

Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jack-ma-intends-to-give-up-control-of-the-ant-group-wall-street-journal-501439">&nbsp;Jack Ma intends to give up control of the Ant Group: Wall Street Journal</a>

The refusal to reveal the books threatened the future of big tech Chinese companies such as Alibaba,&nbsp;JD.Com Inc,&nbsp;and NIO INC among others.&nbsp;

However, SEC&nbsp;Chair Gary Gensler added a word of caution that the success of the policy will only depend on&nbsp;PCAOB receiving the books.

“Make no mistake though: The proof will be in the pudding. This agreement will be meaningful only if the PCAOB actually can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in China,” said Gensler.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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A day after China and the US signed a pact that will allow US authorities to inspect the accounting books of Chinese companies listed on the US stock exchange, Beijing's mouthpiece Global Times applauded the move.

A day after China and the US signed a pact that will allow US authorities to inspect the accounting books of Chinese companies listed on the US stock exchange, Beijing's mouthpiece Global Times applauded the move. Reportedly, in an editorial titled 'Audit oversight agreement of US-listed Chinese companies a symbolic case of China-US cooperation' the publication dubbed the signing of the pact as 'an important step forward.' It further added that the signing of the pact should serve as a lesson on how to deal with potentially sensitive issues. "The fact that China and the US reached a cooperation agreement on audit oversight provides a useful lesson for the current bilateral relationship — the two countries can reach a solution that addresses each other's concerns on some critical and sensitive issues, as long as they adhere to the principle of reciprocity and mutual benefit," read the editorial. Read more: Jack Ma owned Alibaba added to the delisting watchlist by SEC As reported by WION, the signing of the pact came as a relief to hundreds of Chinese businesses, investors, as well as Wall Street. According to data, 61 Chinese companies are currently listed in the US, with a total market capitalisation of about $1.3 trillion. Wall Street did not want to lose out on such a humongous piece of the money pie and thus lobbied hard with the government to reverse some of the strict Trump-era policies. If the policy goes through as planned, China will have the opportunity to continue accessing the deepest capital markets in the world. Why did Chinese companies not share their books? It is pertinent to note that for a long time, experts believed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) did not allow Chinese companies to share their account books with overseas audit agencies. Access to books has been a major bone of contention between Washington and Beijing. When Donald Trump was in power and amidst a major trade war with China, he employed the strategy of opening 'books' to pin down China. American regulatory watchdog Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has the power to audit such companies. However, if the watchdog is not able to access the books for a period of three years, the company stands to be de-listed from the stock market. Read More: Jack Ma intends to give up control of the Ant Group: Wall Street Journal The refusal to reveal the books threatened the future of big tech Chinese companies such as Alibaba, JD.Com Inc, and NIO INC among others. However, SEC Chair Gary Gensler added a word of caution that the success of the policy will only depend on PCAOB receiving the books. “Make no mistake though: The proof will be in the pudding. This agreement will be meaningful only if the PCAOB actually can inspect and investigate completely audit firms in China,” said Gensler. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese mouthpiece Global Times lauds the inking of US-China audit deal

Barely a month after starting its operations, India's newest aircraft carrier Akasa Air has run into trouble. Reportedly, earlier this week, the company suffered a major data breach which exposed the personal data of its passengers.

Barely a month after starting its operations, India's newest aircraft carrier Akasa Air has run into trouble. Reportedly, earlier this week, the company suffered a major data breach which exposed the personal data of its passengers. Reportedly, after getting to know about the data breach, Akasa Air promptly shared the information with Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a nodal agency working under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India. "This is to inform you that a temporary technical configuration error related to our login and sign-up service was reported on Thursday, August 25, 2022," said the airline in a mail to the government nodal agency. Details such as name, gender, phone number, and email id of the passengers have been leaked in the breach. However, according to the airline, confidential information such as travel records and payment information of the passengers had not been compromised. In addition to the mail sent to the agency, Akasa Air also dropped a mail to the passengers, informing them about the course of action it had taken so far. "We self-reported the incident to CERT-In (which is the government authorized nodal agency tasked to deal with incidents of this nature). Despite having extensive protocols in place to prevent incidents of such nature, we have undertaken additional reviews to ensure that the security of all our systems is enhanced further," Moreover, apologising for the incident, Akasa Air stated that it was reinforcing its systems. "We are continuously reinforcing our systems, including working with experts and the research community, to ensure that they are robust. We sincerely apologize to you for any inconvenience caused as a result of this incident," In Pics | India’s booming civil aviation sector sees a new entrant: Akasa Air What is Akasa Air? As reported extensively by WION, backed by recently deceased billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Akasa Air began flight operations between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on August 7. Akasa Air is a low-cost airline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was founded in December 2021 with the vision, "the Sky embraces everyone, and so air travel should be inclusive and affordable for all." Reportedly, late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala had partnered with IndiGo's Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube to launch the airline. Akasa Air plans to fly 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023 across domestic routes in the country. The airline plans to operate approximately 70 planes in the next four years Read more: Akasa Air: Why is everyone waiting for Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s airlines? (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Turbulence for Akasa Air as it reports a major data breach

After shutting its offices earlier in the month, US-based multinational technology giant Dell Technologies on Saturday (August 27) announced that it had completely ceased its operations in Russia.

After shutting its offices earlier in the month, US-based multinational technology giant Dell Technologies on Saturday (August 27) announced that it had completely ceased its operations in Russia. With the termination, Dell has joined the list of more than 300 global companies to have exited the Russian market, ever since it invaded Ukraine. Unlike other companies that acted on a whim and tried to wind up operations rather too quickly and suffered losses, Dell did it in phases. It halted the sales of its products and services in February, before closing the offices in mid-August. "Back in February, we made the decision to not sell, service, or support products in Russia, Belarus, and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, in addition to the already embargoed Crimea," Dell spokesman Mike Siemienas was quoted as saying by Reuters. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country × Meanwhile, according to state-run news agency TASS which quoted Russian deputy industry and trade minister Vasily Shpak, the majority of employees at Dell had been absorbed by Russian producers. "We are monitoring the development of the situation. According to our data, the vast majority of Dell's R&D centre specialists and support engineers in St. Petersburg and Moscow have already received job offers with competitive pay from Russian producers," said Shpak Read More: McDonald's to leave Russia after more than three decades over Ukraine conflict As reported extensively by WION, brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Zara, H&M, and Netflix have all suspended operations in Russia. Spotify and Amazon have also hit a pause on their services in the country. Meanwhile, Citi bank, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Intel, Snapchat and Twitter are few of the other banking and technological giants to turn their backs on Russia. On the contrary, in Ukraine, after months of upheaval, the companies are starting to open their shutters. Reportedly, global fast-food giant McDonald, earlier this month announced that it was gearing for a phased reopening of its outlets in the war-torn country. Read more: McDonald's to open in a phased manner in Ukraine for the first time since war began (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Few weeks after closing offices, Dell winds up its operations in Russia for good

India's premier opposition party Congress has announced the schedule for the election of the post of party's national president. The election for the top party post will be held on October 17 and the counting of votes to be done, if necessary, two days later on October 19.

India's premier opposition party Congress has announced the schedule for the election of the post of party's national president. The election for the top party post will be held on October 17 and the counting of votes to be done, if necessary, two days later on October 19. The announcement was made by the party's highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), which assembled for a meeting on Sunday. The CWC also said that the filing of nominations will start on September 24, with the deadline being September 30. The nominations will be scrutinised by October 1 with candidates allowed to withdraw their nominations till October 7. Reportedly, current Congress President Sonia Gandhi attended the meeting virtually as she is abroad for medical check-ups for some health problems. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, party’s central election authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry, KC Venugopal, former Union ministers Jairam Ramesh, Mukul Wasnik, P Chidambaram, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel also attended the meeting. Read more: Indian MP trolled for carrying a Louis Vuitton bag while addressing inflation & commodity price rise It is pertinent to note that the announcement of the party's presidential elections comes in the backdrop of several high-profile Congress leaders exiting the party, citing lack of leadership at the top. Notably, it was the recent resignation of Jammu & Kashmir Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad that created the most buzz as experts cast aspersions over the Gandhi family's ability to lead the party out of the rut it finds itself in currently. Calling Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his "immaturity" and for "demolishing the consultative mechanism" of the party, Azad in his letter to the Congress president Sonia wrote: "Unfortunately, after the entry of Rahul Gandhi into politics and particularly after January 2013, when he was appointed Vice President by you (Sonia Gandhi), the entire consultative mechanism which existed earlier was demolished by him." "The leadership in the past eight years has tried to foist a non-serious individual at the helm of the party. The entire organizational election process is a farce and a sham. Before starting Bharath Jodo Yatra, the leadership should have undertaken a Congress Jodo exercise across the country," he added. Read more: Ghulam Nabi Azad quits Congress: As it happened Akin to Azad, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, in his resignation letter, had also echoed similar sentiments. "In the past 8 years, I have not taken anything from Congress but only poured into the party. Today when I am being pushed to bow down before people because they are close to the top leadership. This is not acceptable to me," said Shergill in his letter. Read more: Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill quits, says sycophancy is eating the party like termites (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Congress to elect new president, announces election schedule

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a financial decree under which people who left Ukrainian territory to come to Russia after the latter's invasion will be provided financial benefits.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a financial decree under which people who left Ukrainian territory to come to Russia after the latter's invasion will be provided financial benefits. Reportedly, under the decree, published on a government portal, pensioners, disabled as well as pregnant women have been covered. Accordingly, a monthly pension of $170 (10,000 roubles) will be provided to people who have been forced to leave Ukraine since February 18. Disabled people will also be entitled to the same amount. Meanwhile, pregnant women will receive the sum as a one-off benefit. Read more: Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far? In February this year when Moscow invaded Kyiv, Putin ordered every person who arrived in Russia from Donetsk and Luhansk to be given a payment of 10,000 roubles. Not only that, Moscow has been providing Russian passports to the Ukrainians who have ventured into Russian soil. According to international experts, this is an illegal ploy by Moscow to annex territory in the occupied part. Read more: Putin signs decree to boost the size of Russian forces Moreover, this is the second decree signed by Putin in as many days. As reported by WION, Putin on Thursday authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces. Under the decree, Putin wants to boost army numbers by 137,000, or 13 per cent to 1.15 million by the end of the year. With the addition of the 1.15 million personnel, the move will increase Russia's total armed forces to 2.04 million. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Putin Orders Expansion of Russia’s Hard-Hit Armed Forces × However, Putin's order was vague as to whether the increase would be accomplished by expanding the draught, increasing volunteerism, or a combination of the two. According to estimates from the West, more Russians have lost their lives than what the Soviet Union lost in its ten-year war in Afghanistan. Up to 80,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed or wounded, according to the Pentagon's report from last week, which makes Moscow less effective in launching major offensives. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vladimir Putin signs a decree to provide financial benefits to Ukrainians arriving in Russia

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