Title defence thesis

(Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has defended its position that it is up to each international sports body to set their own rules for transgender athletes' inclusion, despite criticism from tennis great Martina Navratilova. Navratilova, a gay rights trailblazer, had slammed the IOC earlier this week for what she said was a lack of leadership on the … [Read more...] about Olympics-Each sport must set transgender rules says IOC despite criticism

Russia has intensified its offensive in the northern city of Kharkiv in the past days. KYIV (UKRAINE) - Ukraine said it came under "massive bombardment" Saturday from neighbouring Belarus, a Russian ally not officially involved in the conflict, the day after announcing a retreat from the strategic city of Severodonetsk. Twenty rockets targeted the village of Desna in the … [Read more...] about Ukraine reports ‘massive’ attack from Belarus

Thai officials are continuing to clamp down on the ‘happy plant’ in various institutions across the country. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has now ordered a ban against all uses of cannabis and hemp on military premises. So if any soldiers out there were hoping for any chance of bonding with their pals over a joint, those dreams have now been dashed. Prayut has now ordered all units … [Read more...] about Thai PM bans cannabis and hemp use on military premises

OSLO: The Norwegian security service PST has raised its terror alert to the highest level after a mass shooting left two people dead and many wounded during Pride week in Oslo. Acting PST chief Roger Berg called the shootings an "extreme Islamist terror act." He said the gunman, who was arrested shortly after the shootings, had a "long history of violence and threats." … [Read more...] about Norway terror alert raised after deadly mass shooting

BUDAPEST (Reuters) -American Justin Ress won gold in the 50m backstroke in dramatic circumstances at the world championships in Budapest on Saturday after officials overturned his initial disqualification following a lengthy review. Victory was earlier awarded to compatriot Hunter Armstrong after it was ruled that no part of Ress's body was above the water as he reached first … [Read more...] about Swimming-American Ress wins 50m backstroke gold after review, McIntosh takes 400m medley