<p>Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina announced she was a lesbian and revealed she has a girlfriend. In the coming-out video published on Monday (July 18), Kasatkina also slammed Russia for its stance on homosexuality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a conversation with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko, the world number 12 spoke for the first time about her orientation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian tennis star's comments came after a new law was proposed by Russian deputies on Monday. As per the law, there would be a ban on information on all non-traditional sexual relationships in the public sphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketing-schedule-is-absolutely-crazy-ex-england-skipper-nasser-hussain-dejected-as-ben-stokes-quits-odis-498634">'Cricketing schedule is absolutely crazy': Ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain dejected as Ben Stokes quits ODIs</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"There are many subjects that are even more important than it that are banned, so it's no surprise. Living in the closet, as they say, is pointless," she told Kravchenko's YouTube channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Until you choose to come out. Of course, it's up to you how to do it and how much to tell. Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;She also praised Russian footballer Nadya Karpova, who recently spoke publicly about her sexuality and came out as gay.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-will-miss-sterling-jessus-a-lot-sergio-aguero-issues-warning-to-man-city-over-erling-haaland-498592">'They will miss Sterling, Jesus a lot': Sergio Aguero issues warning to Man City over Erling Haaland</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Kasatkina said, "My respect. I was happy for her, but also other people, especially girls needed to know that. It is important for young people who have a hard time with society and need support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I believe it's important that influential people from sports, and any other sphere speak about it. It really helps," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Daria. ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/yhtze36Nl2">pic.twitter.com/yhtze36Nl2</a></p>
— Ashley says abolish countries. 🫵🏾 (@littlegnome16) <a href="https://twitter.com/littlegnome16/status/1549059214127075328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Without mentioning anything or tagging anyone, Kasatkina shared a photo of herself hugging another woman.&nbsp;</p>

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Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina announced she was a lesbian and revealed she has a girlfriend. In the coming-out video published on Monday (July 18), Kasatkina also slammed Russia for its stance on homosexuality.

Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina announced she was a lesbian and revealed she has a girlfriend. In the coming-out video published on Monday (July 18), Kasatkina also slammed Russia for its stance on homosexuality. During a conversation with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko, the world number 12 spoke for the first time about her orientation. The Russian tennis star's comments came after a new law was proposed by Russian deputies on Monday. As per the law, there would be a ban on information on all non-traditional sexual relationships in the public sphere. ALSO READ | 'Cricketing schedule is absolutely crazy': Ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain dejected as Ben Stokes quits ODIs "There are many subjects that are even more important than it that are banned, so it's no surprise. Living in the closet, as they say, is pointless," she told Kravchenko's YouTube channel. "Until you choose to come out. Of course, it's up to you how to do it and how much to tell. Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters," she added. She also praised Russian footballer Nadya Karpova, who recently spoke publicly about her sexuality and came out as gay. ALSO READ | 'They will miss Sterling, Jesus a lot': Sergio Aguero issues warning to Man City over Erling Haaland Kasatkina said, "My respect. I was happy for her, but also other people, especially girls needed to know that. It is important for young people who have a hard time with society and need support. "I believe it's important that influential people from sports, and any other sphere speak about it. It really helps," she added. Daria. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yhtze36Nl2 — Ashley says abolish countries. 🫵🏾 (@littlegnome16) July 18, 2022 × Without mentioning anything or tagging anyone, Kasatkina shared a photo of herself hugging another woman. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daria Kasatkina🐬 (@kasatkina) × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay, slams Russian stance on homosexuality

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<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Russian independent TV station Dozhd (TV Rain), which was banned in March, resumed its operations from abroad on Monday (July 18). The TV station was blocked and was forced to shut its Moscow studio after Russian authorities started a cracked down on independent media outlets following the invasion of Ukraine -&nbsp;what it calls the "special military operation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TV station started broadcasting at 1700 GMT via its YouTube channel. Tikhon Dzyadko, who is the editor and chief and top presenter, hosted a news programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dozhd began the broadcast after it decided to base itself in Latvia. News agencies have reported that the TV station is believed to have a licence to broadcast in the European Union. The news channel also has its studios in Amsterdam, Paris and Tbilisi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-people-killed-in-donbas-town-toretsk-due-to-russian-shelling-ukraine-says-498479">Six people killed in Donbas town Toretsk due to Russian shelling, Ukraine says</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The TV station said in a statement: "During the four and a half months that Dozhd wasn't operating a bloody and senseless war waged by Russian leaders against Ukraine has continued and people died and lives were destroyed."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement added: "Today, more than ever, Russian citizens should have access to independent information."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The TV station further said that the conflict "destroys Ukrainian cities and the future of Russia."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Russia's invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin gave orders for the invasion of neighbouring country Ukraine on February 24, terming it a "special military operation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities later began cracking down on media by blocking some news channels, alleging that they published false information about the invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath, Dozhd suspended operations after authorities blocked its broadcasts. The coverage was said to be critical of the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-signs-new-gas-deal-with-azerbaijan-amid-fears-over-russian-supplies-cutoff-498572">EU signs new gas deal with Azerbaijan amid fears over Russian supplies cutoff</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Across the country, other independent media outlets also faced similar bans. There were reports of several journalists going into exile to avoid the possibility of being prisoned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Russia, a person can be charged under a new law. The law states that the accused can be sent to 15 years of jail time for publishing false information about the Russian military.&nbsp;</p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian independent TV station Dozhd (TV Rain), which was banned in March, resumed its operations from abroad on Monday (July 18). The TV station was blocked and was forced to shut its Moscow studio after Russian authorities started a cracked down on independent media outlets following the invasion of Ukraine - what it calls the "special military operation". The TV station started broadcasting at 1700 GMT via its YouTube channel. Tikhon Dzyadko, who is the editor and chief and top presenter, hosted a news programme. Dozhd began the broadcast after it decided to base itself in Latvia. News agencies have reported that the TV station is believed to have a licence to broadcast in the European Union. The news channel also has its studios in Amsterdam, Paris and Tbilisi. ALSO READ | Six people killed in Donbas town Toretsk due to Russian shelling, Ukraine says The TV station said in a statement: "During the four and a half months that Dozhd wasn't operating a bloody and senseless war waged by Russian leaders against Ukraine has continued and people died and lives were destroyed." The statement added: "Today, more than ever, Russian citizens should have access to independent information." The TV station further said that the conflict "destroys Ukrainian cities and the future of Russia." Russia's invasion of Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin gave orders for the invasion of neighbouring country Ukraine on February 24, terming it a "special military operation". The authorities later began cracking down on media by blocking some news channels, alleging that they published false information about the invasion. In the aftermath, Dozhd suspended operations after authorities blocked its broadcasts. The coverage was said to be critical of the conflict. ALSO READ | EU signs new gas deal with Azerbaijan amid fears over Russian supplies cutoff Across the country, other independent media outlets also faced similar bans. There were reports of several journalists going into exile to avoid the possibility of being prisoned. In Russia, a person can be charged under a new law. The law states that the accused can be sent to 15 years of jail time for publishing false information about the Russian military. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Banned Russian TV channel Dozhd broadcasts from Latvia

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidUMLzjm5GTMiP" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's term will end on July 24 this year and polling for the election for the next President of India will be held on July 19. The counting of votes will take place on July 21 and the new president will take oath on July 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notification for the presidential election was issued on June 15 and the last day of filing a nomination was June 29. The last day to withdraw the nomination papers was July 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, appoints the Secretary General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, by rotation, as the Returning Officer," the EC said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Accordingly, the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha will be appointed as the Returning Officer for the present election to the Office of the President," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's the process of electing a President</strong></p>

<p>According to Article 55 of the Constitution, the President of India is elected by members of the Electoral College consisting of elected Members of Parliament and that of all the state assemblies including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry. It follows the system of proportional representation utilising a single transferable vote system and secret ballots.</p>

<p>Nominated members of Parliament, state assembly and members of legislative council are not eligible to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Importantly, the members who are nominated to either House of Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of State including NCT of Delhi and UT of Puducherry are not eligible to be included in the Electoral College.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, a total of 776 Members of Parliament and 4,033 MLAs will vote in the Presidential elections. The total value of votes is 10,86,431. The value of votes of MLAs is 5,43,231 and MPs are 5,43,200.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Who is eligible?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>To be eligible for the election, the person: must be a citizen of India; have completed the age of 35 years; and is qualified for election as a member of the House of the People (Article 58).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The person will not be eligible if he/she holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority that is controlled by any of the state governments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What's the process?</strong></p>

<p>The process starts with the nomination. The Presidential candidate should get his nomination paper subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and at least 50 electors as seconders. Importantly, the elector should not subscribe to more than one nomination paper either as a proposer or as a seconder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The candidate is required to deposit security, which is ₹15,000. It is supposed to be made along with the nomination paper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than four nomination papers can not be filed by or on behalf of a candidate or received by the Returning Officer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Where does the voting take place?</strong></p>

<p>Voting for the Presidential election will take place in Parliament and the premises of state assemblies, while Rajya Sabha Secretary-General will be the returning officer. MPs cast their vote in Parliament and MLAs in their respective state assemblies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Process of voting?</strong></p>

<p>The election follows proportional voting which means that the value of each vote varies as it based on the post. The value of each vote based on the population is also predetermined for an MLA vote. This year, the total number of electors for the election will be 4,809 - 776 MPs and 4,033 MLAs.&nbsp;</p>

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Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's term will end on July 24 this year and polling for the election for the next President of India will be held on July 19. The counting of votes will take place on July 21 and the new president will take oath on July 25.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's term will end on July 24 this year and polling for the election for the next President of India will be held on July 19. The counting of votes will take place on July 21 and the new president will take oath on July 25. Notification for the presidential election was issued on June 15 and the last day of filing a nomination was June 29. The last day to withdraw the nomination papers was July 2. "The Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, appoints the Secretary General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, by rotation, as the Returning Officer," the EC said. "Accordingly, the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha will be appointed as the Returning Officer for the present election to the Office of the President," it added. Here's the process of electing a President According to Article 55 of the Constitution, the President of India is elected by members of the Electoral College consisting of elected Members of Parliament and that of all the state assemblies including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry. It follows the system of proportional representation utilising a single transferable vote system and secret ballots. Nominated members of Parliament, state assembly and members of legislative council are not eligible to vote. Importantly, the members who are nominated to either House of Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of State including NCT of Delhi and UT of Puducherry are not eligible to be included in the Electoral College. This year, a total of 776 Members of Parliament and 4,033 MLAs will vote in the Presidential elections. The total value of votes is 10,86,431. The value of votes of MLAs is 5,43,231 and MPs are 5,43,200. Who is eligible? To be eligible for the election, the person: must be a citizen of India; have completed the age of 35 years; and is qualified for election as a member of the House of the People (Article 58). The person will not be eligible if he/she holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority that is controlled by any of the state governments. What's the process? The process starts with the nomination. The Presidential candidate should get his nomination paper subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and at least 50 electors as seconders. Importantly, the elector should not subscribe to more than one nomination paper either as a proposer or as a seconder. The candidate is required to deposit security, which is ₹15,000. It is supposed to be made along with the nomination paper. More than four nomination papers can not be filed by or on behalf of a candidate or received by the Returning Officer. Where does the voting take place? Voting for the Presidential election will take place in Parliament and the premises of state assemblies, while Rajya Sabha Secretary-General will be the returning officer. MPs cast their vote in Parliament and MLAs in their respective state assemblies. Process of voting? The election follows proportional voting which means that the value of each vote varies as it based on the post. The value of each vote based on the population is also predetermined for an MLA vote. This year, the total number of electors for the election will be 4,809 - 776 MPs and 4,033 MLAs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian Presidential Election 2022: Here's how India elects its President

Droupadi Murmu or Yashwant Sinha, who will be the next President of India?

<p>United States President Joe Biden reportedly raised the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying that&nbsp;the latter is to be blamed for the murder of the Washington Post journalist, according to media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After meeting Prince Mohammed on Friday (July 15), Biden said: "What happened to Khashoggi was outrageous... I just made it clear if anything occurs like that again they will get that response and much more."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was straightforward and direct in discussing it. I made my view crystal clear. I said very straightforwardly, for an American president to be silent on an issue of human rights is inconsistent with who we are and who I am," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he later clarified while responding to media, saying that the Saudi leader told him he was not "personally responsible" for Khashoggi's murder.</p>

<p>"I indicated I thought he was...He said he was not personally responsible for it, and he took action against those who were responsible," Biden said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-gives-fist-bump-to-saudi-crown-prince-as-he-begin-crucial-meeting-497781">US President Biden gives fist bump to Saudi crown prince as he begin crucial meeting</a></strong></p>

<p>US intelligence officials believe that Prince Mohammed ordered the operation that led to Washington Post journalist Khashoggi's death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While mentioning the response of the Crown Prince, Biden said, "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it. I indicated that I thought he was."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three years ago, Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a pariah state over the assassination of Khashoggi and alleged human rights abuses. Now, Biden landed in the same country with oil, human rights, Iran and Israel on his agenda.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-70-of-russian-missile-strikes-target-civilian-objects-ukraine-claims-497801">Around 70% of Russian missile strikes deliberately targetted civilian objects, Ukraine claims</a></strong></p>

<p>Footage by the state television Al-Ekhbariya showed Biden was greeted by Prince Mohammed with a fist bump. The US President was then escorted into Al-Salam palace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the meeting, they discussed energy among other topics. He said that he expected to see "further steps" from Saudi on energy in the coming weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khashoggi's fiancee said that Biden had enabled Saudi Arabia's crown prince to take more victims after the meeting. Hatice Cengiz wrote to Biden: "Is this the accountability you promised for my murder? The blood of MBS's next victim is on your hands."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post was in the form of what she imagined as a tweet by Khashoggi.&nbsp;</p>

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United States President Joe Biden reportedly raised the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying that the latter is to be blamed for the murder of the Washington Post journalist, according to media reports.

United States President Joe Biden reportedly raised the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying that the latter is to be blamed for the murder of the Washington Post journalist, according to media reports. After meeting Prince Mohammed on Friday (July 15), Biden said: "What happened to Khashoggi was outrageous... I just made it clear if anything occurs like that again they will get that response and much more." "I was straightforward and direct in discussing it. I made my view crystal clear. I said very straightforwardly, for an American president to be silent on an issue of human rights is inconsistent with who we are and who I am," he added. However, he later clarified while responding to media, saying that the Saudi leader told him he was not "personally responsible" for Khashoggi's murder. "I indicated I thought he was...He said he was not personally responsible for it, and he took action against those who were responsible," Biden said. ALSO READ | US President Biden gives fist bump to Saudi crown prince as he begin crucial meeting US intelligence officials believe that Prince Mohammed ordered the operation that led to Washington Post journalist Khashoggi's death. While mentioning the response of the Crown Prince, Biden said, "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it. I indicated that I thought he was." Three years ago, Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a pariah state over the assassination of Khashoggi and alleged human rights abuses. Now, Biden landed in the same country with oil, human rights, Iran and Israel on his agenda. ALSO READ | Around 70% of Russian missile strikes deliberately targetted civilian objects, Ukraine claims Footage by the state television Al-Ekhbariya showed Biden was greeted by Prince Mohammed with a fist bump. The US President was then escorted into Al-Salam palace. During the meeting, they discussed energy among other topics. He said that he expected to see "further steps" from Saudi on energy in the coming weeks. Khashoggi's fiancee said that Biden had enabled Saudi Arabia's crown prince to take more victims after the meeting. Hatice Cengiz wrote to Biden: "Is this the accountability you promised for my murder? The blood of MBS's next victim is on your hands." The post was in the form of what she imagined as a tweet by Khashoggi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Joe Biden tells Saudi Crown Prince he is responsible for Khashoggi's Murder: Report

<p>SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk filed a motion on Friday (July 15) to oppose Twitter's request to fast-track a trial. Twitter sued Musk for breaching the $44 billion contract he had signed to buy the tech firm. Twitter has asked a Delaware court to order Musk to complete the merger at the agreed $54.20 per Twitter share.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest development, Musk's lawyers have said that the trial should be rejected in Twitter's "unjustifiable request" to rush the merger case to trial in two months, the papers filed with the Delaware Chancery Court showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Twitter deal, which was once appearing to be a historic business deal, is now expected to be a major legal showdown between Twitter and Musk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk's filing said: "Twitter's sudden request for warp speed after two months of foot-dragging and obfuscation is its latest tactic to shroud the truth about spam accounts long enough to railroad defendants into closing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The San Francisco-based company argued that no financial damages could repair the damage he has caused after Musk said he would not complete the deal. Recently, Twitter attorneys in a letter told Musk's lawyers that the micro-blogging site has breached none of its obligations under the agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All of this started when Musk sent a letter to Twitter saying he was pulling out of the controversial deal he made in April to buy the platform for $54.20 per share, or $44 billion in total.&nbsp;</p>

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SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk filed a motion on Friday (July 15) to oppose Twitter's request to fast-track a trial. Twitter sued Musk for breaching the $44 billion contract he had signed to buy the tech firm.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk filed a motion on Friday (July 15) to oppose Twitter's request to fast-track a trial. Twitter sued Musk for breaching the $44 billion contract he had signed to buy the tech firm. Twitter has asked a Delaware court to order Musk to complete the merger at the agreed $54.20 per Twitter share. In the latest development, Musk's lawyers have said that the trial should be rejected in Twitter's "unjustifiable request" to rush the merger case to trial in two months, the papers filed with the Delaware Chancery Court showed. The Twitter deal, which was once appearing to be a historic business deal, is now expected to be a major legal showdown between Twitter and Musk. Musk's filing said: "Twitter's sudden request for warp speed after two months of foot-dragging and obfuscation is its latest tactic to shroud the truth about spam accounts long enough to railroad defendants into closing." The San Francisco-based company argued that no financial damages could repair the damage he has caused after Musk said he would not complete the deal. Recently, Twitter attorneys in a letter told Musk's lawyers that the micro-blogging site has breached none of its obligations under the agreement. All of this started when Musk sent a letter to Twitter saying he was pulling out of the controversial deal he made in April to buy the platform for $54.20 per share, or $44 billion in total. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Tactic to shroud the truth': Elon Musk seeks to delay the start of Twitter court battle

<p>Ons&nbsp;Jabeur&nbsp;may have missed out on the Wimbledon title but the trailblazing Tunisian was accorded a champion's reception on Friday as a crowd of hundreds celebrated the country's sporting pioneer.</p>

<p>While she ultimately succumbed in three sets to Elena Rybakina, her achievement at becoming the first Arab and African woman to reach a Grand Slam final has seen her popularity soar.</p>

<p>The 27-year-old is visibly enjoying the affection she is getting from her fellow Tunisians.</p>

<p>"Tunisians' love is more important than no matter which title. I hope this is the start of lots more wins. I'm proud to be a Tunisian," she said as women and children carried the national flag, with music played at maximum volume on loud speakers adorned with photos of&nbsp;Jabeur&nbsp;and tennis racquets.</p>

<p>After spotting a banner in favour of a 'yes' vote on the upcoming referendum on the constitution she nodded: "Yes, everything is possible".</p>

<p>And from a big grandstand in front of the capital's national theatre she spelled out her next career objective "to be world number one and win (the French Open) at Roland Garros".</p>

<p>Autographed tennis balls were being thrown into the crowd for those fans lucky enough to get their hands on them.</p>

<p>One of those in the happy throng was Mongia Zaag, who told AFP: "We've come here to experience the joy with&nbsp;Ons&nbsp;Jabeur".</p>

<p>"She's made us happy. I'm very emotional, with everything that's going on (in the country), the morale of the Tunisian people is not at its highest," Zaag added, alluding to the political crisis in the country and global economic difficulties.</p>

<p>The teacher by profession suggested&nbsp;Jabeur&nbsp;"is an example not only for Tunisian girls but also the boys".</p>

<p>Friday's reception followed Thursday's presentation to&nbsp;Jabeur&nbsp;by President Kais Saied of the prestigious Grand Medal of the National Order of Merit.</p>

<p>She said she wanted to "give more hope" to the country's youngsters.</p>

<p>Since she began her climb up the WTA rankings to her present fifth in the world her club's membership has doubled to 700.</p>


Ons Jabeur may have missed out on the Wimbledon title but the trailblazing Tunisian was accorded a champion's reception on Friday as a crowd of hundreds celebrated the country's sporting pioneer.

Ons Jabeur may have missed out on the Wimbledon title but the trailblazing Tunisian was accorded a champion's reception on Friday as a crowd of hundreds celebrated the country's sporting pioneer. While she ultimately succumbed in three sets to Elena Rybakina, her achievement at becoming the first Arab and African woman to reach a Grand Slam final has seen her popularity soar. The 27-year-old is visibly enjoying the affection she is getting from her fellow Tunisians. "Tunisians' love is more important than no matter which title. I hope this is the start of lots more wins. I'm proud to be a Tunisian," she said as women and children carried the national flag, with music played at maximum volume on loud speakers adorned with photos of Jabeur and tennis racquets. After spotting a banner in favour of a 'yes' vote on the upcoming referendum on the constitution she nodded: "Yes, everything is possible". And from a big grandstand in front of the capital's national theatre she spelled out her next career objective "to be world number one and win (the French Open) at Roland Garros". Autographed tennis balls were being thrown into the crowd for those fans lucky enough to get their hands on them. One of those in the happy throng was Mongia Zaag, who told AFP: "We've come here to experience the joy with Ons Jabeur". "She's made us happy. I'm very emotional, with everything that's going on (in the country), the morale of the Tunisian people is not at its highest," Zaag added, alluding to the political crisis in the country and global economic difficulties. The teacher by profession suggested Jabeur "is an example not only for Tunisian girls but also the boys". Friday's reception followed Thursday's presentation to Jabeur by President Kais Saied of the prestigious Grand Medal of the National Order of Merit. She said she wanted to "give more hope" to the country's youngsters. Since she began her climb up the WTA rankings to her present fifth in the world her club's membership has doubled to 700.

Fans turn out to celebrate Tunisian trailblazer Ons Jabeur

<p>Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, some farmers in Crimea are marking their fields with 'Z' and 'V', news agency Reuters reported. The alphabets are basically their way to show their support to Russia and its invasion of Ukraine, what Moscow calls a "special military operation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that at the start of harvesting, they marked the letters 'Z' and 'V' onto the wheat field. Each letter measure 100 by 100 metres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Z', 'V' and 'O' commonly decorate Russian armour and trucks taking part in the operation. These were seen often painted on military vehicles of the Russian Armed Forces involved in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports mentioned that the Z helps task forces to distinguish themselves from other forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Reuters, combine harvester driver Alexey Matis said he volunteered to mark the letters on the field because the idea appealed to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Farmer Nikolai Pyanykh, said that grain is currently a major world issue. He even said that the wheat from his field, which is marked, would be "even tastier". Pyanykh said as if the letters "absorbed the sweat of farm workers, combine drivers and truckers."&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year on February 24, Russia launched its "special military operation" in neighbouring Ukraine. Moscow claimed that its armed forces are "demilitarisation", "denazification" and "liberation of Donbas in the country's east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hundred are dead and millions are displaced in the aftermath of the Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When we talk about Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014 after the Revolution of Dignity, also known as Maidan. It had forced Ukraine's now-former pro-Russian President Victor Yanukovich in exile.</p>

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Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, some farmers in Crimea are marking their fields with 'Z' and 'V', news agency Reuters reported. The alphabets are basically their way to show their support to Russia and its invasion of Ukraine, what Moscow calls a "special military operation".

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, some farmers in Crimea are marking their fields with 'Z' and 'V', news agency Reuters reported. The alphabets are basically their way to show their support to Russia and its invasion of Ukraine, what Moscow calls a "special military operation". The report mentioned that at the start of harvesting, they marked the letters 'Z' and 'V' onto the wheat field. Each letter measure 100 by 100 metres. 'Z', 'V' and 'O' commonly decorate Russian armour and trucks taking part in the operation. These were seen often painted on military vehicles of the Russian Armed Forces involved in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reports mentioned that the Z helps task forces to distinguish themselves from other forces. As quoted by Reuters, combine harvester driver Alexey Matis said he volunteered to mark the letters on the field because the idea appealed to him. Farmer Nikolai Pyanykh, said that grain is currently a major world issue. He even said that the wheat from his field, which is marked, would be "even tastier". Pyanykh said as if the letters "absorbed the sweat of farm workers, combine drivers and truckers." This year on February 24, Russia launched its "special military operation" in neighbouring Ukraine. Moscow claimed that its armed forces are "demilitarisation", "denazification" and "liberation of Donbas in the country's east. Hundred are dead and millions are displaced in the aftermath of the Ukraine war. When we talk about Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014 after the Revolution of Dignity, also known as Maidan. It had forced Ukraine's now-former pro-Russian President Victor Yanukovich in exile. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Here's why Crimean farmers mark field with 'Z' and 'V'

<p>Congratulations are in order as the former world number one, Maria Sharapova, announced on Friday (July 15) that she has given birth to a baby boy. His name is Theodore, Sharapova revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova and the 42-year-old British businessman Alexander Gilkes announced their engagement in December 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to her official Twitter handle, the tennis star wrote: "The most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding gift our little family could ask for." In the post, she indicated in Roman numerals that Theodore was born on July 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Maria Sharapova" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb592b5d-037d-4b4a-9c51-3e398eedb0ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maria%20Sharapova%20%282%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>(Image Credit:&nbsp;mariasharapova/Instagram).</em></p>

<p>In April, the tennis star revealed that she was pregnant. When we talk about her illustrious career, she is among only 10 women, who completed their career Grand Slam by capturing all four major singles crowns at least once.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When she was 17-year-old, she won her first major title at Wimbledon in 2004. She then followed capturing the 2006 US Open, 2008 Australian Open and the 2012 and 2014 French Open crowns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also captured a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, losing to American Serena Williams in the final.</p>

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Congratulations are in order as the former world number one, Maria Sharapova, announced on Friday (July 15) that she has given birth to a baby boy. His name is Theodore, Sharapova revealed.

Congratulations are in order as the former world number one, Maria Sharapova, announced on Friday (July 15) that she has given birth to a baby boy. His name is Theodore, Sharapova revealed. The five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova and the 42-year-old British businessman Alexander Gilkes announced their engagement in December 2020. Taking to her official Twitter handle, the tennis star wrote: "The most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding gift our little family could ask for." In the post, she indicated in Roman numerals that Theodore was born on July 1. (Image Credit: mariasharapova/Instagram). In April, the tennis star revealed that she was pregnant. When we talk about her illustrious career, she is among only 10 women, who completed their career Grand Slam by capturing all four major singles crowns at least once. When she was 17-year-old, she won her first major title at Wimbledon in 2004. She then followed capturing the 2006 US Open, 2008 Australian Open and the 2012 and 2014 French Open crowns. She also captured a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, losing to American Serena Williams in the final. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Maria Sharapova and fiance welcome their first baby, tennis star shares adorable photo

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<p>In the United Kingdom, the five remaining Conservative candidates to become the prime minister of the country faced off in the first TV debate of the contest. They discussed trust, tax policy, the NHS, transexual rights, building a green economy, and energy bills.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Tom Tugendhat</strong>, who gained the least votes in the second round of the leadership contest, was the winner of the debate as per a snap poll of 1,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former finance minister&nbsp;<strong>Rishi Sunak</strong>, who is one of the frontrunners, clashed over tax policy with British foreign minister&nbsp;<strong>Liz Truss</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But when they did erupt, it came largely over taxation, with former finance minister Rishi Sunak, forced to defend plans to keep rates at some of the highest levels in decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former equalities minister&nbsp;<strong>Kemi Badenoch</strong>&nbsp;and Tom Tugendhat, chair of parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, also remain in the running. Junior trade minister&nbsp;<strong>Penny Mordaunt</strong>&nbsp;is also a popular candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mordaunt told television viewers: "I'm very aware that while my party chooses a new leader, you are watching us pick your next prime minister... I hope you like at least one of us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The economic policy remained the topic of discussion between Sunak and Truss as they tussled over in the debate, hosted by broadcaster Channel 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Truss has proposed scrapping increases in payroll tax and corporation tax proposed by Sunak, at a cost of over $36 billion a year, to be funded by a slower reduction in government debt built up during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunak told Truss: "We have to be honest, borrowing your way out of inflation isn't a plan, it's a fairy tale."&nbsp;</p>

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In the United Kingdom, the five remaining Conservative candidates to become the prime minister of the country faced off in the first TV debate of the contest. They discussed trust, tax policy, the NHS, transexual rights, building a green economy, and energy bills.

In the United Kingdom, the five remaining Conservative candidates to become the prime minister of the country faced off in the first TV debate of the contest. They discussed trust, tax policy, the NHS, transexual rights, building a green economy, and energy bills. Tom Tugendhat, who gained the least votes in the second round of the leadership contest, was the winner of the debate as per a snap poll of 1,000 people. Former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who is one of the frontrunners, clashed over tax policy with British foreign minister Liz Truss. But when they did erupt, it came largely over taxation, with former finance minister Rishi Sunak, forced to defend plans to keep rates at some of the highest levels in decades. Former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat, chair of parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, also remain in the running. Junior trade minister Penny Mordaunt is also a popular candidate. Mordaunt told television viewers: "I'm very aware that while my party chooses a new leader, you are watching us pick your next prime minister... I hope you like at least one of us." The economic policy remained the topic of discussion between Sunak and Truss as they tussled over in the debate, hosted by broadcaster Channel 4. Truss has proposed scrapping increases in payroll tax and corporation tax proposed by Sunak, at a cost of over $36 billion a year, to be funded by a slower reduction in government debt built up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunak told Truss: "We have to be honest, borrowing your way out of inflation isn't a plan, it's a fairy tale." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK Politics: Remaining Tory leadership candidates clash over tax policy and economic plan

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<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p>In the aftermath of the deadly missile attack on Vinnytsia, the Ukrainian defence ministry has said up to 70 per cent of Russian missile attacks are specifically targetting civilian objects. As per the defence ministry, the attacks are inflicted on "peaceful" Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (July 14), a missile strike in Vinnytsia killed at least 23 people, including three children. Search and rescue operations are still on as some are missing. More than 60 people are wounded, getting treatment in hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-issues-national-emergency-as-europe-swelters-due-to-wildfires-497782">Britain issues national emergency as Europe swelters due to wildfires</a></strong></p>

<p>As quoted by Ukrinform, Oleksandr Motuzianyk, a spokesperson for Ukraine's ministry of defence, said: "Yesterday’s insidious criminal missile attack on the centre of a peaceful city in Ukraine is yet another fact of Russia's absolutely proven genocide against Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Motuzianyk added, "This is the extermination of Ukrainians as a nation, this is an attempt to break the spirit of Ukrainians and lower the level of their resistance."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further added that only 30 per cent of the total attacks by Russian forces engaged military targets. He claimed that the remaining were targeted at peaceful cities such as Mariupol, Zaporizhia and Mykolaiv. He also urged that Russia must be recognised as a "terrorist state".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-court-sentences-ex-soldier-five-and-a-half-years-prison-for-posing-as-syrian-refugee-497768">Germany: Court sentences ex-soldier five and a half years prison for posing as Syrian refugee</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>However, there's no official confirmation of&nbsp;Motuzianyk's claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Russian&nbsp;defence ministry said that the strike on Vinnytsia was a military target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry claimed that the strike was directed at a building where top officials from Ukraine's armed forces were meeting foreign arms suppliers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Zelensky slammed Russia for the attack</strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Russia for the attack and&nbsp;termed it "an open act of terrorism".&nbsp;The Ukraine president said in a statement on social media: "Every day, Russia kills civilians, kills Ukrainian children, carries out missile attacks on civilian facilities where there is no military target. What is this if not an open act of terrorism?"&nbsp;</p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In the aftermath of the deadly missile attack on Vinnytsia, the Ukrainian defence ministry has said up to 70 per cent of Russian missile attacks are specifically targetting civilian objects. As per the defence ministry, the attacks are inflicted on "peaceful" Ukrainian cities. On Thursday (July 14), a missile strike in Vinnytsia killed at least 23 people, including three children. Search and rescue operations are still on as some are missing. More than 60 people are wounded, getting treatment in hospital. ALSO READ | Britain issues national emergency as Europe swelters due to wildfires As quoted by Ukrinform, Oleksandr Motuzianyk, a spokesperson for Ukraine's ministry of defence, said: "Yesterday’s insidious criminal missile attack on the centre of a peaceful city in Ukraine is yet another fact of Russia's absolutely proven genocide against Ukraine." Motuzianyk added, "This is the extermination of Ukrainians as a nation, this is an attempt to break the spirit of Ukrainians and lower the level of their resistance." He further added that only 30 per cent of the total attacks by Russian forces engaged military targets. He claimed that the remaining were targeted at peaceful cities such as Mariupol, Zaporizhia and Mykolaiv. He also urged that Russia must be recognised as a "terrorist state". ALSO READ | Germany: Court sentences ex-soldier five and a half years prison for posing as Syrian refugee However, there's no official confirmation of Motuzianyk's claims. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said that the strike on Vinnytsia was a military target. The ministry claimed that the strike was directed at a building where top officials from Ukraine's armed forces were meeting foreign arms suppliers. Zelensky slammed Russia for the attack Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Russia for the attack and termed it "an open act of terrorism". The Ukraine president said in a statement on social media: "Every day, Russia kills civilians, kills Ukrainian children, carries out missile attacks on civilian facilities where there is no military target. What is this if not an open act of terrorism?" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Around 70% of Russian missile strikes deliberately targetted civilian objects, Ukraine claims

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