A huge controversy has erupted&nbsp;in Indian football. The All India Federation of Football (AIFF) on Thursday (June 30) took strict action and provisionally&nbsp;suspended an 'individual' (i.e.&nbsp;assistant coach)&nbsp;after the U-17 women's team accused the coaching official&nbsp;of misconduct. As an initial action, the Federation has provisionally suspended the individual pending further investigation.

The individual is now in a huge spot of bother as the&nbsp;AIFF has asked the coach&nbsp;to put all contact with the team at halt for now, return to India as soon as possible, and be physically present for further investigations. In this regard, the AIFF carried out&nbsp;in a statement, "An event of misconduct has been reported in the U17 women`s team currently on an exposure tour to Europe. The AIFF follows a zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline."

"As an initial action, the Federation has provisionally suspended the individual pending further investigation. The AIFF has asked the concerned individual to stop all contact with the team, return to India immediately, and be physically present for further investigations upon his arrival," the statement added.

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Speaking about the young Tigresses, the team recently took part&nbsp;in the sixth edition of the Torneo Female Football Tournament in Italy, held from June 22 to 26. They didn't have a fruiftul campaign as they lost to superior teams such as&nbsp;Italy and Chile. The Indian U-17 women's team were hammered by the Italians, losing 0-7. In their face-off&nbsp;against Chile, the Indian women conceded the game 1-3.

Following their disappointing run, the U-17 team has now shifted focus towards preparing for the Open Nordic Tournament WU16 in Norway. It will take place from&nbsp;July 1 (Friday) to July 7. Before the tournament, they have been effected by some outside noise, with the assistant coach returning home due to alleged misconduct, however, the team will be eager to shine in the forthcoming tournament. For the unversed, this will also&nbsp;be the first time that the Indian team will be participating in the NORDIC Tournament, as per&nbsp;an AIFF release.

A huge controversy has erupted in Indian football. The All India Federation of Football (AIFF) on Thursday (June 30) took strict action and provisionally suspended an 'individual' (i.

A huge controversy has erupted in Indian football. The All India Federation of Football (AIFF) on Thursday (June 30) took strict action and provisionally suspended an 'individual' (i.e. assistant coach) after the U-17 women's team accused the coaching official of misconduct. As an initial action, the Federation has provisionally suspended the individual pending further investigation. The individual is now in a huge spot of bother as the AIFF has asked the coach to put all contact with the team at halt for now, return to India as soon as possible, and be physically present for further investigations. In this regard, the AIFF carried out in a statement, "An event of misconduct has been reported in the U17 women`s team currently on an exposure tour to Europe. The AIFF follows a zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline." "As an initial action, the Federation has provisionally suspended the individual pending further investigation. The AIFF has asked the concerned individual to stop all contact with the team, return to India immediately, and be physically present for further investigations upon his arrival," the statement added. ALSO READ | Neeraj Chopra Javelin throw, live streaming: When and where to watch Stockholm Diamond League 2022 in India? Speaking about the young Tigresses, the team recently took part in the sixth edition of the Torneo Female Football Tournament in Italy, held from June 22 to 26. They didn't have a fruiftul campaign as they lost to superior teams such as Italy and Chile. The Indian U-17 women's team were hammered by the Italians, losing 0-7. In their face-off against Chile, the Indian women conceded the game 1-3. Following their disappointing run, the U-17 team has now shifted focus towards preparing for the Open Nordic Tournament WU16 in Norway. It will take place from July 1 (Friday) to July 7. Before the tournament, they have been effected by some outside noise, with the assistant coach returning home due to alleged misconduct, however, the team will be eager to shine in the forthcoming tournament. For the unversed, this will also be the first time that the Indian team will be participating in the NORDIC Tournament, as per an AIFF release.

AIFF suspends coaching official after misconduct charges reported by India U-17 women's football team

Meanwhile, a computer glitch in the air traffic control system for Switzerland to close its airspace today for several hours prompting chaos as flights were either grounded or diverted.

Swiss Airspace re-opens: Flights resume after hours of suspension

South African test cricketer Zubayr Hamza has been provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) under its anti-doping code after testing positive for a prohibited substance, the cricket governing body said on Friday.

Cricket South Africa said earlier this week that Hamza, who was left out of the squad for the series against Bangladesh, did not dispute the positive test and agreed to a voluntary suspension.

"Hamza has been charged with the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance following the detection of Furosemide in a sample collected out-of-competition on 17 January 2022," the ICC said.

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Furosemide, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and a build-up of fluid in the body, is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List as a diuretic or masking agent.

Cricket South Africa said Furosemide is not a performance-enhancing substance.

The 26-year-old batter, who has played six tests for South Africa, is suspended pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.

South Africa host Bangladesh in a two-test series starting March 31.

South African test cricketer Zubayr Hamza has been provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) under its anti-doping code after testing positive for a prohibited substance, the cricket governing body said on Friday.

South African test cricketer Zubayr Hamza has been provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) under its anti-doping code after testing positive for a prohibited substance, the cricket governing body said on Friday. Cricket South Africa said earlier this week that Hamza, who was left out of the squad for the series against Bangladesh, did not dispute the positive test and agreed to a voluntary suspension. "Hamza has been charged with the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance following the detection of Furosemide in a sample collected out-of-competition on 17 January 2022," the ICC said. ALSO READ: Nathan Lyon spins Australia to historic Test series win over Pakistan in Lahore Furosemide, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and a build-up of fluid in the body, is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List as a diuretic or masking agent. Cricket South Africa said Furosemide is not a performance-enhancing substance. The 26-year-old batter, who has played six tests for South Africa, is suspended pending the outcome of the disciplinary process. South Africa host Bangladesh in a two-test series starting March 31.

ICC suspend South African batter Zubayr Hamza for failing dope test

England opener Jason Roy has been fined 2,500 pounds and handed a suspended two-match ban from international cricket, ECB announced.

Roy's ban is for the next two England matches for which he is eligible for selection, but has been "suspended for 12 months dependent on good behaviour".

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the sanctions in a statement on Tuesday but did not disclose the reasons behind the hearing and penalties.

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The ECB statement said, "A disciplinary panel of the Cricket Discipline Commission has announced its sanction on Jason Roy after he admitted a charge of conducting himself in a manner which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket, the ECB and himself into disrepute, in breach of ECB Directive 3.3."

The 31-year-old is a white-ball specialist who has averaged 40.19 in 98 ODIs batting at the top of the order.

Roy last played for England in the T20I series against the West Indies in January and will hope to be selected for the ODI series against the Netherlands in June this year.

England opener Jason Roy has been fined 2,500 pounds and handed a suspended two-match ban from international cricket, ECB announced. Roy's ban is for the next two England matches for which he is eligible for selection, but has been "suspended for 12 months dependent on good behaviour".

England opener Jason Roy has been fined 2,500 pounds and handed a suspended two-match ban from international cricket, ECB announced. Roy's ban is for the next two England matches for which he is eligible for selection, but has been "suspended for 12 months dependent on good behaviour". The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the sanctions in a statement on Tuesday but did not disclose the reasons behind the hearing and penalties. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Shane Watson lauds Shane Warne, explains how he was a stand-out RR captain The ECB statement said, "A disciplinary panel of the Cricket Discipline Commission has announced its sanction on Jason Roy after he admitted a charge of conducting himself in a manner which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket, the ECB and himself into disrepute, in breach of ECB Directive 3.3." The 31-year-old is a white-ball specialist who has averaged 40.19 in 98 ODIs batting at the top of the order. Roy last played for England in the T20I series against the West Indies in January and will hope to be selected for the ODI series against the Netherlands in June this year.

England opener Jason Roy handed two-match ban from international cricket

India's top gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been dealt with a huge blow as the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique -- the international governing body -- has&nbsp;marked her suspended with no reason provided whatsoever. Thus, the 28-year-old, who created a huge storm in the&nbsp;2016 Rio Olympics&nbsp;by finishing fourth in the vault event,&nbsp;is shocked and puzzled by the sudden turn of&nbsp;events.&nbsp;

Karmakar, who is currently in Agartala, was not available to react to&nbsp;the matter. However, the young athlete's coach Bishweshwar Nandi opened up in this regard during a conversation with Zee News English.

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Nandi --&nbsp;who is currently part of the Gymnastics Federation of India national camp -- informed that his protege was aware of her status on the international Gymnastics website and was left absolutely in a state of shock. On Monday (February 28), he told, “Dipa is currently in Agartala as she is not part of the national camp. She is as shocked and puzzled about this as all of us. We are all trying to find out, why international federation have marked her as ‘suspended’ when there is no such communication from the GFI. As soon as we find out more about this issue, we’ll inform everyone."

Last year, Dipa had not featured in the Tokyo 2020 Games&nbsp;due to the suspension of the qualification tournaments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. After being hit by injury concerns to missing out on Tokyo Games, Dipa will be desperate to get answers regarding her recent 'suspension' status and strive hard to make a strong comeback.

India's top gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been dealt with a huge blow as the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique -- the international governing body -- has marked her suspended with no reason provided whatsoever.

India's top gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been dealt with a huge blow as the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique -- the international governing body -- has marked her suspended with no reason provided whatsoever. Thus, the 28-year-old, who created a huge storm in the 2016 Rio Olympics by finishing fourth in the vault event, is shocked and puzzled by the sudden turn of events. Karmakar, who is currently in Agartala, was not available to react to the matter. However, the young athlete's coach Bishweshwar Nandi opened up in this regard during a conversation with Zee News English. ALSO READ | Badminton World Federation cancels events in Russia, Belarus amid Ukraine crisis Nandi -- who is currently part of the Gymnastics Federation of India national camp -- informed that his protege was aware of her status on the international Gymnastics website and was left absolutely in a state of shock. On Monday (February 28), he told, “Dipa is currently in Agartala as she is not part of the national camp. She is as shocked and puzzled about this as all of us. We are all trying to find out, why international federation have marked her as ‘suspended’ when there is no such communication from the GFI. As soon as we find out more about this issue, we’ll inform everyone." Last year, Dipa had not featured in the Tokyo 2020 Games due to the suspension of the qualification tournaments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. After being hit by injury concerns to missing out on Tokyo Games, Dipa will be desperate to get answers regarding her recent 'suspension' status and strive hard to make a strong comeback.

Dipa Karmakar 'shocked' after being suspended by international gymnastics federation, reveals coach

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.&nbsp;

In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” &nbsp;

On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.”&nbsp;

Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. &nbsp;

Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact.&nbsp;

Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2.&nbsp;

"We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions.

The suspension of flights from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to UAE has been extended till August 7 and may get further extended, depending on the government’s directions. In a statement, Etihad said, “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the UAE and Etihad's network has been suspended until August 7, 2021.” On its website, Abu Dhabi-based airline said, “This is an evolving situation, and this date may have to be extended in line with government mandates.” Although official delegations, diplomatic missions, UAE nationals and Golden residence holders are exempted from the UAE entry restriction, these passengers may have to quarantine themselves. Currently, Etihad is operating normal commercial flights to all four countries. The airline said cargo will continue to operate in both directions without any impact. Earlier, national carrier Etihad Airways informed that flights from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will remain suspended till August 2. "We've just received confirmation that flights from India are suspended till the 2nd August, and we are not entirely sure if this will be extended as it depends on the authorities," Etihad Airways Guest Relations said in a tweet. (With inputs from agencies)

Flights’ suspension from India, Pak, Bangladesh and Lanka to UAE extended till Aug 7 

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government.&nbsp;

In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules."&nbsp;

Indian Government had sent two orders--one on January 31 and another on February 4 for blocking 257 and 1,178 accounts respectively in the backdrop of farmers' protests. The orders pointed out that these accounts were trying to trend genocide and many of them were backed by the Pakistan-Khalistani combo that could play mischief amid the protests.&nbsp;

Other than suspending accounts, Twitter took 'steps to reduce the visibility of the hashtags containing harmful content' and withheld accounts under 'country withheld content policy', which means these accounts will be available outside of India.&nbsp;

Twitter had informed the Indian government about its actions on Wednesday itself even as engagement between the two continues. The action comes even as the tiff between the two sides has been escalating, with the Indian govt willing to exercises penal provisions under section 69A of the Indian IT act. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Twitter said it has not taken any actions on accounts of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians since, "we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law." Elaborating, "We will continue to advocate for the right of free expression on behalf of the people we serve."&nbsp;

Twitter, which had in the past blocked 500 accounts, has suspended 500 accounts that were engaged in 'clear examples of platform manipulation and spam'.

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government. In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules.

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government. In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules." Indian Government had sent two orders--one on January 31 and another on February 4 for blocking 257 and 1,178 accounts respectively in the backdrop of farmers' protests. The orders pointed out that these accounts were trying to trend genocide and many of them were backed by the Pakistan-Khalistani combo that could play mischief amid the protests. Other than suspending accounts, Twitter took 'steps to reduce the visibility of the hashtags containing harmful content' and withheld accounts under 'country withheld content policy', which means these accounts will be available outside of India. Twitter had informed the Indian government about its actions on Wednesday itself even as engagement between the two continues. The action comes even as the tiff between the two sides has been escalating, with the Indian govt willing to exercises penal provisions under section 69A of the Indian IT act. Meanwhile, Twitter said it has not taken any actions on accounts of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians since, "we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law." Elaborating, "We will continue to advocate for the right of free expression on behalf of the people we serve." Twitter, which had in the past blocked 500 accounts, has suspended 500 accounts that were engaged in 'clear examples of platform manipulation and spam'.

Twitter suspends 500 accounts in response to Indian govt orders

West Indies' Nicholas Pooran on Wednesday was slapped with a four-match suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching level 3 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

"Pooran was charged with violating Article 2.14 of the code, which relates to "changing the condition of the ball" after video footage showed him scratching the surface of the ball with his thumbnail. He will now miss the next four T20I games for the West Indies and will have five demerit points added to his record," ICC said in a statement.

The incident took place during the third ODI against Afghanistan played on Monday. West Indies won the match by five wickets and by doing so, they white-washed Afghanistan in the three-match series.

After the suspension, Pooran issued a 'sincere apology' to his teammates, supporters and the Afghanistan team.

"I want to issue a sincere apology to my teammates, supporters and the Afghanistan team for what transpired on the field of play on Monday in Lucknow. I recognise that I made an extreme error in judgement and I fully accept the ICC penalty. I want to assure everyone that this is an isolated incident and it will not be repeated. I promise to learn from this and come back stronger and wiser," he said.

No formal hearing was conducted as Pooran admitted the offence on Tuesday and accepted the sanction proposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Bismillah Shinwari and Ahmed Durrani and third umpire Ahmed Pakteen as well as fourth umpire Izatullah Safi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

West Indies' Nicholas Pooran on Wednesday was slapped with a four-match suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching level 3 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

West Indies' Nicholas Pooran on Wednesday was slapped with a four-match suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching level 3 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. "Pooran was charged with violating Article 2.14 of the code, which relates to "changing the condition of the ball" after video footage showed him scratching the surface of the ball with his thumbnail. He will now miss the next four T20I games for the West Indies and will have five demerit points added to his record," ICC said in a statement. The incident took place during the third ODI against Afghanistan played on Monday. West Indies won the match by five wickets and by doing so, they white-washed Afghanistan in the three-match series. After the suspension, Pooran issued a 'sincere apology' to his teammates, supporters and the Afghanistan team. "I want to issue a sincere apology to my teammates, supporters and the Afghanistan team for what transpired on the field of play on Monday in Lucknow. I recognise that I made an extreme error in judgement and I fully accept the ICC penalty. I want to assure everyone that this is an isolated incident and it will not be repeated. I promise to learn from this and come back stronger and wiser," he said. No formal hearing was conducted as Pooran admitted the offence on Tuesday and accepted the sanction proposed by Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Bismillah Shinwari and Ahmed Durrani and third umpire Ahmed Pakteen as well as fourth umpire Izatullah Safi.

West Indies' Nicholas Pooran faces four match suspension for ball tampering

The month-long suspension of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-tries-to-save-job-and-hardline-brexit-248603">British parliament</a>&nbsp;ordered by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in an apparent bid to stop MPs blocking his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-vows-to-fight-on-despite-brexit-blows-248502">Brexit strategy</a> will begin late Monday, his spokesman said.

"Parliament will be prorogued at close of business today," the spokesman said, using the parliamentary term for the suspension.

He added it would take place regardless of the outcome of a government-led vote on holding a snap election next month.

Johnson last month asked Queen Elizabeth II to close the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-foreign-minister-dominic-raab-says-pm-boris-johnson-will-not-break-law-over-brexit-248457">Houses of Parliament</a> until October 14, claiming it was needed to allow him to introduce a new domestic agenda.

But the suspension's timing and longer than unusual duration sparked uproar across the political spectrum, with critics calling it a "constitutional outrage" and a coup.&nbsp;

Lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit said it was clearly aimed at hobbling their efforts to prevent such a scenario, while it also prompted several so far unsuccessful court challenges.

Watch: Both houses of UK parliament passed a law to stop 'No Deal Brexit' on 31st October

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However, the move appeared to backfire on Johnson by galvanising opposition MPs and Conservative rebels into passing legislation forcing him to seek a Brexit delay next month if he has not reached a deal with the EU.

That law is expected to receive royal assent on Monday.

Johnson responded to the Tory rebellion by kicking 21 MPs out of the party -- including Winston Churchill's grandson -- and barring them from standing as Conservatives in the next election.

The hardline response prompted a fresh revolt, with several ministers -- including Works and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd -- quitting the government and the party.

The month-long suspension of the British parliament ordered by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in an apparent bid to stop MPs blocking his Brexit strategy will begin late Monday, his spokesman said.

The month-long suspension of the British parliament ordered by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in an apparent bid to stop MPs blocking his Brexit strategy will begin late Monday, his spokesman said. "Parliament will be prorogued at close of business today," the spokesman said, using the parliamentary term for the suspension. He added it would take place regardless of the outcome of a government-led vote on holding a snap election next month. Johnson last month asked Queen Elizabeth II to close the Houses of Parliament until October 14, claiming it was needed to allow him to introduce a new domestic agenda. But the suspension's timing and longer than unusual duration sparked uproar across the political spectrum, with critics calling it a "constitutional outrage" and a coup. Lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit said it was clearly aimed at hobbling their efforts to prevent such a scenario, while it also prompted several so far unsuccessful court challenges. Watch: Both houses of UK parliament passed a law to stop 'No Deal Brexit' on 31st October × However, the move appeared to backfire on Johnson by galvanising opposition MPs and Conservative rebels into passing legislation forcing him to seek a Brexit delay next month if he has not reached a deal with the EU. That law is expected to receive royal assent on Monday. Johnson responded to the Tory rebellion by kicking 21 MPs out of the party -- including Winston Churchill's grandson -- and barring them from standing as Conservatives in the next election. The hardline response prompted a fresh revolt, with several ministers -- including Works and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd -- quitting the government and the party.

UK parliament to be suspended on Monday until October: PM Johnson's spokesman

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday suspended the contract of Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period stating that the wicket-keeper batsman breached ACB's Code of Conduct.

"As per ACB's policies, any player travelling out of the country is required to seek the permission of ACB. Shahzad has not adhered to this, repetitively," ACB said in a statement.

Earlier, Shahzad was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-keeper-mohammad-shahzad-ruled-out-of-world-cup-2019-225176"> ruled out of the World Cup </a>on June 7 due to a knee injury.

However, Shahzad said that his injury was not severe and it is the board which needed to be blamed for his withdrawal from the team.

The cricketing body also said that the 31-year old has also breached the ACB Code of Conduct previously and was also called for questioning by the ACB Discipline Committee in relation to a disciplinary matter during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

"Mohammad Shahzad did not attend meetings scheduled with the Discipline Committee on 20th and 25th of the last month.

The Discipline Committee will meet after Eid-ul Adha holidays to assess the breaches by Mohammad Shahzad and make a decision to be publicized soon," the statement added.&nbsp;

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday suspended the contract of Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period stating that the wicket-keeper batsman breached ACB's Code of Conduct.

Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Saturday suspended the contract of Mohammad Shahzad for an indefinite period stating that the wicket-keeper batsman breached ACB's Code of Conduct. "As per ACB's policies, any player travelling out of the country is required to seek the permission of ACB. Shahzad has not adhered to this, repetitively," ACB said in a statement. Earlier, Shahzad was ruled out of the World Cup on June 7 due to a knee injury. However, Shahzad said that his injury was not severe and it is the board which needed to be blamed for his withdrawal from the team. The cricketing body also said that the 31-year old has also breached the ACB Code of Conduct previously and was also called for questioning by the ACB Discipline Committee in relation to a disciplinary matter during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. "Mohammad Shahzad did not attend meetings scheduled with the Discipline Committee on 20th and 25th of the last month. The Discipline Committee will meet after Eid-ul Adha holidays to assess the breaches by Mohammad Shahzad and make a decision to be publicized soon," the statement added.

Afghanistan Cricket Board suspends Mohammad Shahzad

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair. 
 
The panel’s recommendation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/schools-run-better-than-our-parliament-are-we-worse-than-school-kids-asks-sumitra-mahajan-185223">Speaker Sumitra Mahajan</a> comes at a time regular disruptions of the House have become the norm. The recommendation, to suspend five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less, was made in a draft report placed before the committee in its meeting chaired by the speaker. Miffed over MPs holding placards inside the Lok Sabha and creating a ruckus, Mahajan called a meeting of the committee on Thursday. 
 
According to the draft report placed before the committee, an amendment of&nbsp; Rule 374A (1) of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which deals with suspension of the member, has been recommended. Those members repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their own seats and warned shall be automatically suspended rather than being named by the speaker, it was proposed.

At present, the rules state that such members will only be suspended after they are named by the Speaker. 
 
“…in the event of a grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the house or abusing the rules of the house persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, despite being repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their seats and warned, such member shall stand automatically suspended from the service of the house for five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less,” the Rules Committee said in its draft report.

Once the warning has been issued by the speaker, the house would have to be adjourned for a reasonable period of time to enable the secretary general to enlist the names of members, the report adds. 
 
There were differences among members of the committee over the period of suspension. TMC MP Saugata Roy’s suggestion that the suspension should be for one day, was backed by MPs from other parties as well.

The Rules Committee functions as an advisory body to the speaker. It considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and makes recommendations for any amendment or addition to the rules. A proposal for an amendment to the rules can be made by any member of the House or by the presiding officer or committee. 
 
The proposals after being examined by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and approved by the chairperson (the speaker) are placed before the Committee for consideration in the form of memoranda.

Article 118(1) of the Constitution provides that each House of Parliament may make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business.

On April 1, 1950, the speaker made an announcement in the House regarding the appointment of a committee to examine suggestions that might be received from members from time to time for amendment of the Rules.

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair.

The Lok Sabha’s Rules Committee on Friday recommended: “automatic suspension” of members who enter the well of the house or willfully obstruct its business by shouting slogans despite being repeatedly warned by the Chair. The panel’s recommendation to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan comes at a time regular disruptions of the House have become the norm. The recommendation, to suspend five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less, was made in a draft report placed before the committee in its meeting chaired by the speaker. Miffed over MPs holding placards inside the Lok Sabha and creating a ruckus, Mahajan called a meeting of the committee on Thursday. According to the draft report placed before the committee, an amendment of Rule 374A (1) of the Lok Sabha’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, which deals with suspension of the member, has been recommended. Those members repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their own seats and warned shall be automatically suspended rather than being named by the speaker, it was proposed. At present, the rules state that such members will only be suspended after they are named by the Speaker. “…in the event of a grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of the house or abusing the rules of the house persistently and willfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, despite being repeatedly asked by the Speaker to go to their seats and warned, such member shall stand automatically suspended from the service of the house for five consecutive sittings or remainder of the session whichever is less,” the Rules Committee said in its draft report. Once the warning has been issued by the speaker, the house would have to be adjourned for a reasonable period of time to enable the secretary general to enlist the names of members, the report adds. There were differences among members of the committee over the period of suspension. TMC MP Saugata Roy’s suggestion that the suspension should be for one day, was backed by MPs from other parties as well. The Rules Committee functions as an advisory body to the speaker. It considers matters of procedure and conduct of business and makes recommendations for any amendment or addition to the rules. A proposal for an amendment to the rules can be made by any member of the House or by the presiding officer or committee. The proposals after being examined by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and approved by the chairperson (the speaker) are placed before the Committee for consideration in the form of memoranda. Article 118(1) of the Constitution provides that each House of Parliament may make rules to regulate the procedure and conduct of its business. On April 1, 1950, the speaker made an announcement in the House regarding the appointment of a committee to examine suggestions that might be received from members from time to time for amendment of the Rules.

Automatically suspend members who enter well of house, panel tells speaker Sumitra Mahajan

Taking a first step to deal with the rising menace of fake news, the Indian government has amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists proposing penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”.

While these guidelines, for the time being, will only apply to journalists accredited with the Government of India, there are indications that the government was going to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in fake news through other departments of the Information & Broadcasting ministry.

While the Indian government is trying to put a deterrent mechanism in place through this latest move, it is expected to ignite a major controversy with apprehensions that the new&nbsp;guidelines could be misused to muzzle the freedom of press.

The government said that once complaints of instances of fake news are received, those related to print media will be referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) while those pertaining to the electronic media will be referred to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA). These two bodies will then have to determine within a period of 15 days whether the news-item referred to in the complaint was fake or not.

As soon as the complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to PCI or NBA, the accreditation of the journalist in question will get suspended and will remain suspended during the period of inquiry.

In case the PCI or the NBA confirm the publication or telecast of fake news, the accreditation of the journalist in question will be “suspended for a period of 6 months in the first violation and for one year in the case of 2nd violation and in the event of 3rd violation it would be cancelled permanently”.

The government also said that the Accreditation Committee of the Press Information Bureau, which consists of representative of both PCI and NBA, shall invariably be reached out to for validating any accreditation request of any news media agency.

“While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said.

Significantly, the Indian government’s move came on a day when Malaysia pushed a law through its Parliament making fake news punishable with a maximum six-year jail term.

Instances of fake news have become commonplace in India, particularly on the social media and in vernacular press. Even the national media has often fallen prey to this menace. Sources in the Indian government said that the problem appears to be assuming alarming proportions and that was why some action needed to be taken and that is what has led to these latest amendment in guidelines.

The penalties range from the suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting 'fake news'

Taking a first step to deal with the rising menace of fake news, the Indian government has amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists proposing penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”. While these guidelines, for the time being, will only apply to journalists accredited with the Government of India, there are indications that the government was going to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in fake news through other departments of the Information & Broadcasting ministry. While the Indian government is trying to put a deterrent mechanism in place through this latest move, it is expected to ignite a major controversy with apprehensions that the new guidelines could be misused to muzzle the freedom of press. The government said that once complaints of instances of fake news are received, those related to print media will be referred to the Press Council of India (PCI) while those pertaining to the electronic media will be referred to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA). These two bodies will then have to determine within a period of 15 days whether the news-item referred to in the complaint was fake or not. As soon as the complaint is registered and sent for inquiry to PCI or NBA, the accreditation of the journalist in question will get suspended and will remain suspended during the period of inquiry. In case the PCI or the NBA confirm the publication or telecast of fake news, the accreditation of the journalist in question will be “suspended for a period of 6 months in the first violation and for one year in the case of 2nd violation and in the event of 3rd violation it would be cancelled permanently”. The government also said that the Accreditation Committee of the Press Information Bureau, which consists of representative of both PCI and NBA, shall invariably be reached out to for validating any accreditation request of any news media agency. “While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said. Significantly, the Indian government’s move came on a day when Malaysia pushed a law through its Parliament making fake news punishable with a maximum six-year jail term. Instances of fake news have become commonplace in India, particularly on the social media and in vernacular press. Even the national media has often fallen prey to this menace. Sources in the Indian government said that the problem appears to be assuming alarming proportions and that was why some action needed to be taken and that is what has led to these latest amendment in guidelines.

Government proposes penalties for journalists reporting 'fake news'

Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series. Australia currently lead the highly controversial and dramatic series by 1-0.

After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">David Warner and Quinton de Kock</a> row, now Kagiso Rabada has faced a level two charge by the match referee&nbsp;Jeff Crowe and&nbsp;now might miss the last two Tests of the ongoing series.

The level 2 charge&nbsp;has been implied due to&nbsp;the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off&nbsp;on the first day of the opening Test.

Watch the video here:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> This nudge between Rabada and Smith will no doubt be reviewed by the match referee <a href="https://t.co/2ln0tmTOln">pic.twitter.com/2ln0tmTOln</a>
&mdash; Michael Sherman (@Golfhackno1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Golfhackno1/status/972089842237607936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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An aggressive send off to steven smith by kagiso rabada. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvsAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvsAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/F9gHKVGTOQ">pic.twitter.com/F9gHKVGTOQ</a>
&mdash; Alauddin Khilji (@AlauddinKhilj10) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlauddinKhilj10/status/972088511703625728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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If a player receives four or more demerit points within a two-year period, these are converted into suspension points. A suspension point amounts to a ban from one test or two ODIs, or two T20s, whichever come first.

Though, Rabada said that he will contest all the allegations as the charges related to the incident is false. The contact was accidental not deliberated.

In just one game, a lot of things has happened already and the ugly side of cricket is visible. Recently, Australian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bowler-nathan-lyon-fined-for-disrespecting-ab-de-villiers-34801">off-spinner Nathan Lyon</a> was booked by ICC for disrespecting former South African skipper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bowler-nathan-lyon-fined-for-disrespecting-ab-de-villiers-34801">AB de Villiers</a>.

Also, ICC has charged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">David Warner</a> with 75 per cent of match fee from the first test and given three demerit points for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">level two charge</a> of bringing the game into disrepute because of an ugly verbal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">confrontation with De Kock</a>.

Quinton de Kock was fined 25 percent of his match fee and given one demerit point for the heated off-field exchange.

&nbsp;

Kagiso Rabada has faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe on the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off on the first day of the opening Test

Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series. Australia currently lead the highly controversial and dramatic series by 1-0. After David Warner and Quinton de Kock row, now Kagiso Rabada has faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe and now might miss the last two Tests of the ongoing series. The level 2 charge has been implied due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off on the first day of the opening Test. Watch the video here: #SAvAUS This nudge between Rabada and Smith will no doubt be reviewed by the match referee pic.twitter.com/2ln0tmTOln — Michael Sherman (@Golfhackno1) March 9, 2018 × An aggressive send off to steven smith by kagiso rabada. #SAvAUS #SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/F9gHKVGTOQ — Alauddin Khilji (@AlauddinKhilj10) March 9, 2018 × If a player receives four or more demerit points within a two-year period, these are converted into suspension points. A suspension point amounts to a ban from one test or two ODIs, or two T20s, whichever come first. Though, Rabada said that he will contest all the allegations as the charges related to the incident is false. The contact was accidental not deliberated. In just one game, a lot of things has happened already and the ugly side of cricket is visible. Recently, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon was booked by ICC for disrespecting former South African skipper AB de Villiers. Also, ICC has charged David Warner with 75 per cent of match fee from the first test and given three demerit points for a level two charge of bringing the game into disrepute because of an ugly verbal confrontation with De Kock. Quinton de Kock was fined 25 percent of his match fee and given one demerit point for the heated off-field exchange.

Kagiso Rabada faces suspension for disrespecting Steve Smith

Twitter has revised its rules on hate speech after the platform was criticised continually throughout the year for not doing enough to protect those targeted by abuse and hate speech.

In a first, it has suspended the accounts of two leaders of a British far-right group -- Paul Golding, Britain&#39;s First leader and deputy Jayda Fransen, as they allegedly posted anti-Muslim videos.

The suspension came on Monday after the social network&rsquo;s new rules came into effect.

Paul and Jayda can no longer tweet and their past posts no longer appear. Their organisation&#39;s official&nbsp;Twitter page has also been suspended with no access to previous tweets to users.&nbsp;

Twitter suspended their accounts after their posts feature anti-Islam videos that created a furore on the internet.

It came to the knowledge of people more when US President Donald Trump shared these tweets in November.&nbsp;

The strict action comes after Twitter announced in October that it planned on taking a tougher stance against hate symbols as well as those who posted messages that glorified or condoned violence.

It is also stated that those&nbsp;who express an affiliation with groups that use or celebrate violence to achieve their aims will be permanently suspended.

According to the guidelines, hateful imagery such as the Nazi swastika&nbsp;can still be posted, but will initially be hidden behind a &quot;sensitive media&quot; warning, that visitors must disable to proceed. However, such content will no longer be allowed on a person&#39;s profile page. Those who feature these on their profile will be asked to remove and repeat violators will be banned.&nbsp;

In a statement, Twitter said, &quot;The&nbsp;move would reduce the amount of abusive behaviour and hateful conduct&nbsp;on the network. If an account&#39;s profile information includes a violent threat or multiple slurs, epithets, racist or sexist tropes, incites fear, or reduces someone to less than human, it will be permanently suspended. We plan to develop internal tools to help us identify violating accounts to supplement user reports.&quot;

The two leaders were arrested before Twitter suspended their accounts -- on order of stirring up hatred on a separate incident

Twitter has revised its rules on hate speech after the platform was criticised continually throughout the year for not doing enough to protect those targeted by abuse and hate speech. In a first, it has suspended the accounts of two leaders of a British far-right group -- Paul Golding, Britain's First leader and deputy Jayda Fransen, as they allegedly posted anti-Muslim videos. The suspension came on Monday after the social network’s new rules came into effect. Paul and Jayda can no longer tweet and their past posts no longer appear. Their organisation's official Twitter page has also been suspended with no access to previous tweets to users. Twitter suspended their accounts after their posts feature anti-Islam videos that created a furore on the internet. It came to the knowledge of people more when US President Donald Trump shared these tweets in November. The strict action comes after Twitter announced in October that it planned on taking a tougher stance against hate symbols as well as those who posted messages that glorified or condoned violence. It is also stated that those who express an affiliation with groups that use or celebrate violence to achieve their aims will be permanently suspended. According to the guidelines, hateful imagery such as the Nazi swastika can still be posted, but will initially be hidden behind a "sensitive media" warning, that visitors must disable to proceed. However, such content will no longer be allowed on a person's profile page. Those who feature these on their profile will be asked to remove and repeat violators will be banned. In a statement, Twitter said, "The move would reduce the amount of abusive behaviour and hateful conduct on the network. If an account's profile information includes a violent threat or multiple slurs, epithets, racist or sexist tropes, incites fear, or reduces someone to less than human, it will be permanently suspended. We plan to develop internal tools to help us identify violating accounts to supplement user reports."

Twitter suspends Britain First leaders' accounts as it enforces new anti-abuse rules

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, back in Beirut after a mysterious odyssey that saw him announce his resignation in Saudi Arabia, told cheering supporters on Wednesday that he was staying.

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<h5>&quot;I`m staying with you... we`re continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability,&quot; said Hariri</h5>
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&quot;I&#39;m staying with you... we&#39;re continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability,&quot; he told a large crowd gathered in front of his home.

Saad Hariri said he had agreed to suspend his surprise decision to resign, at the request of President Michel Aoun, pending talks on the political situation.

The new decision came hours after the premier landed back in Lebanon for the first time since announcing his resignation in a statement from Saudi Arabia on November 4.

&quot;I discussed my resignation with the president of the republic who asked me to wait before submitting it... and allow for more consultations,&quot; Hariri told reporters after meeting Aoun.&nbsp;&quot;I agreed to this request.&quot;

Lebanon has been gripped by the political crisis precipitated by Hariri&#39;s resignation, including the question of whether the premier was being detained in Saudi Arabia, where he remained for two weeks after stepping down.

Aoun had refused to accept Hariri&#39;s resignation while the premier was still abroad, and even accused Riyadh of having &quot;detained&quot; the prime minister.

Hariri holds dual Saudi-Lebanese citizenship, and denied he was being held against his will by Riyadh, a close political ally, but accepted a French invitation to visit Paris, leaving the kingdom on November 18.

After stops in Egypt and Cyprus on Tuesday, he landed in Beirut close to midnight, and on Wednesday appeared at the country&#39;s Independence Day celebrations marking 74 years since the end of France&#39;s mandate in Lebanon.

He appeared relaxed, at times smiling and appearing to joke with those alongside him during the military parade to mark the national holiday.

In announcing his resignation, Hariri had said he feared for his life, invoking the 2005 assassination in Beirut of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri.

He also harshly criticised Saudi Arabia&#39;s arch-rival Iran, and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, saying they had taken over Lebanon and destabilised the region.

The resignation of the Sunni leader was seen as raising the temperature in a long-running rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran that has played out across the region.

In Lebanon, the political scene is deeply divided between Hariri&#39;s Saudi-backed bloc, and that led by the powerful Shiite Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran.

Hariri&#39;s decision to suspend his resignation now opens the way for discussions on a possible resolution to the crisis.

He had already signalled that he could consider rescinding his resignation altogether if Hezbollah pledged to respect Lebanon&#39;s policy of &quot;disassociation&quot; from regional conflicts.

Hariri and his allies say the group, with Iranian support, has violated this policy by fighting in neighbouring Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s government, as well as providing assistance to Huthi rebels battling Saudi Arabia in Yemen.

Hezbollah&#39;s chief Hassan Nasrallah has said the group still considers Hariri the country&#39;s prime minister and suggested it was open to talks, though whether any real compromise could be reached remained unclear.

&quot;When he comes, we will see. We&#39;re open to all dialogue and discussion,&quot; Nasrallah said on Monday.

If no deal is reached and Hariri&#39;s resignation stands, Aoun has two options - rename him premier or choose another prominent Sunni figure to lead a new cabinet. Under Lebanon`s power-sharing arrangement, the country&#39;s top political posts are reserved for different sects, with the presidency set aside for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister&#39;s office for a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker for a Shiite Muslim.

Hariri&#39;s resignation comes less than a year after he took office, as part of a deal with Aoun, whose party belongs to the bloc led by Hezbollah.

The agreement ended a two-and-a-half year stalemate that left the post of president empty and put Hariri back in the office of prime minister for the second time.

His first term as prime minister ended abruptly.

In January 2011, as he was meeting then-US president Barack Obama in Washington, Hezbollah and its allies withdrew their ministers and brought down Hariri`s government.

Hariri&#39;s resignation has been seen as part of a broader pattern of escalating tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia. On the day he resigned, the kingdom said it intercepted a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh airport by Shiite rebels in Yemen.

The announcement also coincided with a purge of more than 200 Saudi princes, ministers, and businessmen.

Saad Hariri said he had agreed to suspend his surprise decision to resign, at the request of President Michel Aoun, pending talks on the political situation

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, back in Beirut after a mysterious odyssey that saw him announce his resignation in Saudi Arabia, told cheering supporters on Wednesday that he was staying. "I`m staying with you... we`re continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability," said Hariri × "I'm staying with you... we're continuing together, to be the first line of defence for Lebanon and its stability," he told a large crowd gathered in front of his home. Saad Hariri said he had agreed to suspend his surprise decision to resign, at the request of President Michel Aoun, pending talks on the political situation. The new decision came hours after the premier landed back in Lebanon for the first time since announcing his resignation in a statement from Saudi Arabia on November 4. "I discussed my resignation with the president of the republic who asked me to wait before submitting it... and allow for more consultations," Hariri told reporters after meeting Aoun. "I agreed to this request." Lebanon has been gripped by the political crisis precipitated by Hariri's resignation, including the question of whether the premier was being detained in Saudi Arabia, where he remained for two weeks after stepping down. Aoun had refused to accept Hariri's resignation while the premier was still abroad, and even accused Riyadh of having "detained" the prime minister. Hariri holds dual Saudi-Lebanese citizenship, and denied he was being held against his will by Riyadh, a close political ally, but accepted a French invitation to visit Paris, leaving the kingdom on November 18. After stops in Egypt and Cyprus on Tuesday, he landed in Beirut close to midnight, and on Wednesday appeared at the country's Independence Day celebrations marking 74 years since the end of France's mandate in Lebanon. He appeared relaxed, at times smiling and appearing to joke with those alongside him during the military parade to mark the national holiday. In announcing his resignation, Hariri had said he feared for his life, invoking the 2005 assassination in Beirut of his father, former prime minister Rafik Hariri. He also harshly criticised Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran, and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, saying they had taken over Lebanon and destabilised the region. The resignation of the Sunni leader was seen as raising the temperature in a long-running rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran that has played out across the region. In Lebanon, the political scene is deeply divided between Hariri's Saudi-backed bloc, and that led by the powerful Shiite Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran. Hariri's decision to suspend his resignation now opens the way for discussions on a possible resolution to the crisis. He had already signalled that he could consider rescinding his resignation altogether if Hezbollah pledged to respect Lebanon's policy of "disassociation" from regional conflicts. Hariri and his allies say the group, with Iranian support, has violated this policy by fighting in neighbouring Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad's government, as well as providing assistance to Huthi rebels battling Saudi Arabia in Yemen. Hezbollah's chief Hassan Nasrallah has said the group still considers Hariri the country's prime minister and suggested it was open to talks, though whether any real compromise could be reached remained unclear. "When he comes, we will see. We're open to all dialogue and discussion," Nasrallah said on Monday. If no deal is reached and Hariri's resignation stands, Aoun has two options - rename him premier or choose another prominent Sunni figure to lead a new cabinet. Under Lebanon`s power-sharing arrangement, the country's top political posts are reserved for different sects, with the presidency set aside for a Maronite Christian, the prime minister's office for a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker for a Shiite Muslim. Hariri's resignation comes less than a year after he took office, as part of a deal with Aoun, whose party belongs to the bloc led by Hezbollah. The agreement ended a two-and-a-half year stalemate that left the post of president empty and put Hariri back in the office of prime minister for the second time. His first term as prime minister ended abruptly. In January 2011, as he was meeting then-US president Barack Obama in Washington, Hezbollah and its allies withdrew their ministers and brought down Hariri`s government. Hariri's resignation has been seen as part of a broader pattern of escalating tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia. On the day he resigned, the kingdom said it intercepted a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh airport by Shiite rebels in Yemen. The announcement also coincided with a purge of more than 200 Saudi princes, ministers, and businessmen.

Lebanon's PM Hariri says resignation on hold pending talks

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/five-match-ban-seems-exaggerated-and-ridiculous-cristiano-ronaldo-19093">Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;will have to serve his five-match ban</a> for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid&#39;s appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials.

The Portuguese<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/real-madrid-to-appeal-ronaldo-card-zidane-18952"> forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea</a> after being sent off during Real&#39;s 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August&nbsp;13.

As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;with a $3,543.20&nbsp;fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card.

&quot;Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me,&quot; Ronaldo&nbsp;posted on Instagram.

The ban ruled&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid&#39;s first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches.

The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September&nbsp;20.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials. The Portuguese forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea after being sent off during Real's 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 13. As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued Ronaldo with a $3,543.20 fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card. "Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me," Ronaldo posted on Instagram. The ban ruled Ronaldo out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid's first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches. The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September 20.

From injustice to injustice: Ronaldo blasts Spanish football federation over suspension

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said today the suspension of long jumper Darya Klishina at the Rio Games may not be the &quot;last provocation&quot; against Russian sportsmen, TASS news agency reported. 
 
The announcement about Klishina, the 25-year-old with an exemption to compete while the rest of Russia&#39;s track and field team was banned from the Games by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), came three days before she was due to compete. 
 
The IAAF did not explain its decision. A source familiar with the issue said the ban related to new evidence uncovered by an anti-doping probe into allegations Russia ran a systematic state-backed cheating programme. 
 
&quot;I can say that this may not be the last provocation. I have no words - they allowed her (to the Games) themselves ... These are some provocation moments which are being done on purpose. Its goal now is Russian sport,&quot; Mutko told TASS. 
 
Klishina defended herself, saying she was clean and was appealing against the decision to sport&#39;s highest tribunal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said it expected to rule on it by Monday, the eve of women&#39;s long jump qualifying round. 
 
The IAAF barred the entire Russian athletics team from the Rio Games in response to the doping allegations. Klishina was among 136 Russian athletes to appeal the ban and was the only one given the green light to compete in Rio. 
 
Earlier this month, Russia was also barred from taking part in next month&#39;s Rio Paralympics, after International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said Russia&#39;s Paralympians were part of a doping system overseen by the Russian government. 
 
Vladimir Lukin, president of the Russian Paralympic Committee, told TASS news agency that the appeal against the ban is likely to be filed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, sport&#39;s highest court, by the end of Sunday. 
 
 
(Reuters)

Long jumper Darya Klishina has appealed to the Court of Arbitration which will rule on her suspension by tomorrow

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said today the suspension of long jumper Darya Klishina at the Rio Games may not be the "last provocation" against Russian sportsmen, TASS news agency reported. The announcement about Klishina, the 25-year-old with an exemption to compete while the rest of Russia's track and field team was banned from the Games by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), came three days before she was due to compete. The IAAF did not explain its decision. A source familiar with the issue said the ban related to new evidence uncovered by an anti-doping probe into allegations Russia ran a systematic state-backed cheating programme. "I can say that this may not be the last provocation. I have no words - they allowed her (to the Games) themselves ... These are some provocation moments which are being done on purpose. Its goal now is Russian sport," Mutko told TASS. Klishina defended herself, saying she was clean and was appealing against the decision to sport's highest tribunal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said it expected to rule on it by Monday, the eve of women's long jump qualifying round. The IAAF barred the entire Russian athletics team from the Rio Games in response to the doping allegations. Klishina was among 136 Russian athletes to appeal the ban and was the only one given the green light to compete in Rio. Earlier this month, Russia was also barred from taking part in next month's Rio Paralympics, after International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said Russia's Paralympians were part of a doping system overseen by the Russian government. Vladimir Lukin, president of the Russian Paralympic Committee, told TASS news agency that the appeal against the ban is likely to be filed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, sport's highest court, by the end of Sunday. (Reuters)

Rio Olympics 2016: Russia says 'provocation' against Klishina may not be the last

Russia insisted today that it expects to avoid a blanket ban from the IOC on its competitors at the Rio Olympics despite its track and field squad losing an appeal over a suspension for state-sponsored doping. 
 
&quot;All sportsmen who have not been convicted or are not under suspicion of doping should have the right to compete. That is the decision we are counting on,&quot; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. 
 
The International Olympic Committee&#39;s executive board are to hold a conference call on Sunday to discuss banning Russia from the Rio Games starting on August 5. 
 
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday ruled against Russia&#39;s athletes in a decision seen as a key indicator as the IOC debates whether to kick out the whole Russian team. 
 
The IOC is facing international pressure to act tough on Russia and ban the entire team over bombshell revelations of a state-run doping system that has seen the country cheat its way to victory. 
 
Fourteen national anti-doping agencies including the United States, Canada and Germany sent a joint letter to IOC President Thomas Bach on Thursday urging him to ban Russia from Rio. 
 
Officials in Moscow have slammed the decision by CAS to reject its appeal against a ban from the world athletics body IAAF, calling it part of a broader political campaign by the West against Russia. 
 
The suspension of the track and field team already means that star athletes like pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and hurdler Sergey Shubenkov will not be in Rio. 
 
Isinbayeva who has threatened to call time on her career over the ban slammed the CAS ruling as a &quot;funeral for athletics.&quot; 
 
Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko who has clung on despite the scandal said Moscow now hopes the IOC will defer to individual international sporting federations to decide whether other Russian squads can compete. 
 
Cold War 
 
The CAS ruling has been the focus of Olympic attention since an independent WADA report this week said Russia ran a &quot;state-dictated failsafe system&quot; of drug cheating in 30 sports at the 2014 Sochi Games and other major events. 
 
But Russia has found support from some international sports bodies, with the International Judo Federation (IJF) insisting all clean athletes should be allowed to take part in Rio. 
 
&quot;We hope that by allowing participation of Russian athletes in Rio 2016, we will send out a positive message to all the young people who deserve to be given examples of friendship instead of examples of Cold War,&quot; said IJF president Marius Vizer. 
 
Individual Russian federations said they were now looking nervously ahead for the IOC to make its next move. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re all in suspense waiting for the IOC decision,&quot; wrestling federation president Mikhail Mamiashvili told AFP. 
 
&quot;I hope that the common sense and personal responsibility of those who will take the decision will prevail.&quot; 
 
The IAAF banned all of the Russian track and field team over allegations of state-sponsored doping but said athletes who prove they were not tainted by their country&#39;s corrupt system could be cleared. 
 
The IAAF has only gave permission for one Russian team member to compete as a neutral is US-based long jumper Darya Klishina to compete in Rio. 
 
The IOC has appeared to back the principle that international sporting federations could clear individual athletes in case of a blanket ban but with just two weeks to go until Rio time is slipping away. 
 
The Russian press had widely predicted that CAS would decide against Moscow and reaction was a mixture of soul-searching and criticism over systemic failings. 
 
&quot;They accused us of setting up a system in the country based on doping and we didn&#39;t react at all to these accusations,&quot; wrote daily Sovietsky Sport. &quot;That&#39;s why they&#39;re banning us.&quot; 
 
&quot;Alas, everything that is happening with our sports is the fruit of our own errors,&quot; a column in usually pro-Kremlin tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda said, citing years of mismanagement. 
 
&quot;It is far from certain that even the current apocalyptic storm will force us to change our sport. Maybe only if the IOC buries our team on Sunday.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

International Olympic Committee's executive board are to hold a conference call on Sunday to discuss banning Russia from the Rio Games

Russia insisted today that it expects to avoid a blanket ban from the IOC on its competitors at the Rio Olympics despite its track and field squad losing an appeal over a suspension for state-sponsored doping. "All sportsmen who have not been convicted or are not under suspicion of doping should have the right to compete. That is the decision we are counting on," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The International Olympic Committee's executive board are to hold a conference call on Sunday to discuss banning Russia from the Rio Games starting on August 5. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday ruled against Russia's athletes in a decision seen as a key indicator as the IOC debates whether to kick out the whole Russian team. The IOC is facing international pressure to act tough on Russia and ban the entire team over bombshell revelations of a state-run doping system that has seen the country cheat its way to victory. Fourteen national anti-doping agencies including the United States, Canada and Germany sent a joint letter to IOC President Thomas Bach on Thursday urging him to ban Russia from Rio. Officials in Moscow have slammed the decision by CAS to reject its appeal against a ban from the world athletics body IAAF, calling it part of a broader political campaign by the West against Russia. The suspension of the track and field team already means that star athletes like pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and hurdler Sergey Shubenkov will not be in Rio. Isinbayeva who has threatened to call time on her career over the ban slammed the CAS ruling as a "funeral for athletics." Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko who has clung on despite the scandal said Moscow now hopes the IOC will defer to individual international sporting federations to decide whether other Russian squads can compete. Cold War The CAS ruling has been the focus of Olympic attention since an independent WADA report this week said Russia ran a "state-dictated failsafe system" of drug cheating in 30 sports at the 2014 Sochi Games and other major events. But Russia has found support from some international sports bodies, with the International Judo Federation (IJF) insisting all clean athletes should be allowed to take part in Rio. "We hope that by allowing participation of Russian athletes in Rio 2016, we will send out a positive message to all the young people who deserve to be given examples of friendship instead of examples of Cold War," said IJF president Marius Vizer. Individual Russian federations said they were now looking nervously ahead for the IOC to make its next move. "We're all in suspense waiting for the IOC decision," wrestling federation president Mikhail Mamiashvili told AFP. "I hope that the common sense and personal responsibility of those who will take the decision will prevail." The IAAF banned all of the Russian track and field team over allegations of state-sponsored doping but said athletes who prove they were not tainted by their country's corrupt system could be cleared. The IAAF has only gave permission for one Russian team member to compete as a neutral is US-based long jumper Darya Klishina to compete in Rio. The IOC has appeared to back the principle that international sporting federations could clear individual athletes in case of a blanket ban but with just two weeks to go until Rio time is slipping away. The Russian press had widely predicted that CAS would decide against Moscow and reaction was a mixture of soul-searching and criticism over systemic failings. "They accused us of setting up a system in the country based on doping and we didn't react at all to these accusations," wrote daily Sovietsky Sport. "That's why they're banning us." "Alas, everything that is happening with our sports is the fruit of our own errors," a column in usually pro-Kremlin tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda said, citing years of mismanagement. "It is far from certain that even the current apocalyptic storm will force us to change our sport. Maybe only if the IOC buries our team on Sunday." (AFP)

Russia braces for IOC ruling after CAS bans athletics squad

Russian breastroke swimmer Vitalina Simonova has been suspended for four years after testing positive for a banned substance, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has announced. 
 
The test result related to an out of competition sample the 23-year-old gave on June 29, 2015 during a training camp in Naoussa, Greece, where testosterone was found. 
 
The ban is backdated and runs until June 28, 2019, FINA said in a statement on its official website.&nbsp; 
 
The Russian won bronze at the 2014 European Championships in the medley relay and claimed silver at the 2013 European short course championships in the 200 metres breaststroke.&nbsp; 
 
Simonova, who was not selected to compete at this year&#39;s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, intends to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the suspension. 
 
&quot;The banned substance was in a dietary supplement, but it was not indicated on the packaging,&quot; Simonova told the R-Sport news agency.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I am upset that our arguments have not been listened to, but I intend to carry on and will look to defend myself at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. I have no intention of retiring,&quot; she added. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Vitalina Simonova, who was not selected to compete at this year's Rio Olympics, intends to appeal to CAS against the suspension

Russian breastroke swimmer Vitalina Simonova has been suspended for four years after testing positive for a banned substance, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has announced. The test result related to an out of competition sample the 23-year-old gave on June 29, 2015 during a training camp in Naoussa, Greece, where testosterone was found. The ban is backdated and runs until June 28, 2019, FINA said in a statement on its official website. The Russian won bronze at the 2014 European Championships in the medley relay and claimed silver at the 2013 European short course championships in the 200 metres breaststroke. Simonova, who was not selected to compete at this year's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, intends to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the suspension. "The banned substance was in a dietary supplement, but it was not indicated on the packaging," Simonova told the R-Sport news agency. "I am upset that our arguments have not been listened to, but I intend to carry on and will look to defend myself at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. I have no intention of retiring," she added. (Reuters)

Russian swimmer Simonova gets four-year doping ban

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