Latest news with #TDT
Daily Tribune
2 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Paul Doyle in court after crash injures 79 at Liverpool parade
TDT | Manama Chaos Mars Liverpool's Title Celebrations A joyous day turned to tragedy in Liverpool as Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old from West Derby, faced court on Friday over a devastating incident at the city's Premier League title parade. Charged with seven offences, including dangerous driving and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, Doyle is accused of deliberately driving his car into a crowd, injuring 79 people. The shocking event unfolded on Water Street last Monday evening, casting a shadow over Liverpool FC's celebration of their 20th top-flight title. Appearing at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, Doyle confirmed his name, address, and date of birth in a brief, sombre hearing. He was later fast-tracked to Liverpool Crown Court, where a provisional trial date was set for 24 November, with a plea hearing scheduled for 14 August. He remains in custody, with no plea entered yet. A City's Joy Turns to Sorrow The incident occurred around 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, as hundreds of thousands of fans lined Liverpool's streets to cheer their team's open-top bus parade. The mood was electric until a Ford Galaxy, driven by Doyle, ploughed into pedestrians, leaving a trail of devastation. Among the 79 injured were four children, the youngest just nine, with seven people still in hospital as of Thursday. Prosecutor Philip Astbury told the court the Crown alleges Doyle 'drove deliberately at people' as they dispersed from the waterfront. The charges, which also include two counts of wounding with intent and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm, relate to six victims, including two children aged 11 and 17. Reporting restrictions protect the identities of those named in the charges. Investigation in Full Swing Merseyside Police have stressed the incident was isolated and not terror-related, but the investigation remains complex. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said detectives are sifting through 'huge volumes' of CCTV, dashcam, and body-worn camera footage, urging the public to avoid speculation that could hinder justice. Chief Crown Prosecutor Sarah Hammond echoed this, noting the charges are under review as evidence mounts. 'This was a day meant for celebration,' she said. 'We're determined to ensure every victim gets the justice they deserve.' The community response has been heartfelt, with a fundraising campaign raising over £30,000, including a £10,000 donation from former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher's charity. Awaiting Justice Doyle, a former Royal Marine and father of three, appeared emotional in court, speaking quietly and facing a packed gallery of reporters. With a trial looming, Liverpool is left grappling with the aftermath of an incident that turned a moment of celebration into one of trauma. As the city rallies around those affected, the focus remains on the long road to recovery and accountability.
Daily Tribune
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
World Boxing Acts, Gender Testing Mandated
TDT | Manama New Rules Shake Up Boxing World Boxing, the sport's emerging global authority, announced a major policy shift on Friday, mandating gender testing for all boxers in its competitions. The decision, set to impact the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has immediate consequences, with Paris 2024 women's welterweight champion Imane Khelif barred from competing until she completes the required genetic screening. With over 100 national federations backing World Boxing, the organisation is focused on ensuring a fair and safe competitive environment in a sport defined by its physical demands. Khelif, whose gold-medal triumph in Paris sparked a global gender-eligibility debate, is at the heart of this new policy's implementation. Khelif in the Spotlight The Algerian Boxing Federation, a World Boxing member since September, was notified that Khelif cannot compete in the female category at events like the upcoming Eindhoven Box Cup (5-10 June) without passing the mandated test. World Boxing's statement was unequivocal: 'Imane Khelif may not participate… until she undergoes genetic gender screening in accordance with World Boxing's rules.' The policy, enacted swiftly by the organisation's executive board under emergency authority, requires all boxers over 18 to undergo a PCR genetic test. Conducted via swab or blood sample, the test identifies the Y chromosome to determine eligibility for male or female categories based on biological gender or differences in sexual development (DSD). Khelif, unreachable for comment, has previously stated she is not transgender and plans to defend her title in 2028. A Response to Controversy The decision follows a stormy year for boxing. Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting, both Paris gold medallists, faced intense scrutiny after the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Khelif from the 2023 World Championships over a gender-related test. With the IBA stripped of Olympic recognition, the International Olympic Committee cleared Khelif for Paris, but World Boxing's new rules signal a tougher stance. 'This is about protecting athletes in a combat sport,' World Boxing stated, highlighting the physical risks in Olympic-style boxing. The policy navigates a complex issue, intensified by recent moves like a US executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports. What's Next for Boxing? As the Eindhoven Box Cup approaches, attention turns to Khelif and the Algerian federation's response. World Boxing's rapid rise since 2023 and its IOC recognition for 2028 lend the policy significant clout. The introduction of mandatory gender testing is a defining moment for the sport, likely to fuel ongoing debates about fairness and inclusion as boxing charts its future.
Daily Tribune
2 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Faith and comfort converge on Mecca's new eco-friendly roads
TDT | Manama A spiritual journey rooted in centuries of tradition is now treading a path of innovation, as Saudi Arabia unveils a climate-controlled pedestrian corridor in Mecca just ahead of this year's Hajj. The expanded walkway, built using recycled car tyres and heat-reflective technology, aims to ease the journey for millions of pilgrims heading to Arafat, especially the elderly and those with disabilities. Cooler steps, cleaner future Authorities say the project is part of a broader commitment to sustainable infrastructure in sacred spaces. Since its launch in 2023, the cooled roads initiative has grown by 82 percent, resurfacing more than 84,000 square metres of walkway using specialised asphalt that reflects up to 40 percent more sunlight and reduces surface temperatures by approximately 12°C. A critical feature is the use of rubberised asphalt made from locally sourced, recycled tyres. Saudi Arabia discards more than 23 million tyres annually, many of which previously ended up in landfills. Repurposing them for pilgrim roads helps cut toxic leachates and carbon emissions, offering both environmental and public health benefits. Designing for dignity The upgraded stretch now includes 16,000 square metres of flexible rubber surfacing, a 33 percent increase over the past year. The newest corridor connects the Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, offering a softer surface for safer, more comfortable walking, particularly for the elderly. Officials have also completed a 4,000-metre path to Mount Arafat designed with low-vibration paving to aid those with mobility challenges and their companions. Shade and solace To counter Mecca's extreme summer heat, the corridor features a green belt planted with trees, air-cooling mist dispensers, and water fountains installed with the support of local charities. The 1,200-metre green stretch is designed to improve air quality and provide moments of calm for pilgrims en route to one of the most profound moments of Hajj.
Daily Tribune
2 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
India hosts aviation power meet
TDT | Manama India's emergence as a global aviation force is taking centre stage this weekend as it plays host to one of the airline industry's most significant events— the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).. Scheduled from June 1st to 3rd in New Delhi, the event marks the return of IATA's flagship summit to Indian soil after a 42-year gap, last held in India in 1983. Record attendance More than 1,700 delegates, including top airline CEOs, government officials, and global media, are attending the AGM, which is being hosted by India's leading carrier, IndiGo. India's Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, signalling high-level national endorsement of the gathering. 'We are excited to bring the IATA AGM to India after a 42-year gap,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General. 'India's place in global aviation has changed dramatically. The country has seen record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments.' IndiGo in the lead IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, who also chairs the IATA Board of Governors, noted that the summit reflects India's growing influence in global aviation. He said aviation is a powerful force for good worldwide and that this is particularly evident in India. IndiGo, he added, is proud to invite the IATA AGM back to India and showcase the country's rapid progress in the sector. India's aviation industry directly employs over 369,000 people and contributes $5.6 billion to the economy. When factoring in indirect, induced, and tourism impacts, the sector supports 7.7 million jobs and adds $53.6 billion to GDP—roughly 1.5 percent of the national total. Summit agenda The AGM will be followed by the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), where major global themes will be discussed, including the financial outlook for airlines, India's strategic use of aviation for development, and the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Discussions will also focus on financing the journey to net zero and innovations in payment systems. CNN's Richard Quest will moderate the summit's CEO Panel featuring Pieter Elbers of IndiGo, Joanna Geraghty of JetBlue, Adrian Neuhauser of Abra Group, and Richard Smith of FedEx. Progress and inclusion A highlight of the event will be the sixth edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, which honour efforts to advance gender balance in the industry as part of the 25by2025 initiative. Willie Walsh said the AGM is always a moment for the industry to reflect and regroup in the face of enormous economic, geopolitical, and technological forces. He expressed confidence that the gathering would deliver value to stakeholders and strengthen global collaboration. As global attention turns to India's aviation trajectory, the AGM in New Delhi signals not just a return, but a recognition of the country's new role as a global aviation hub.
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Al Najma dig deep to lift the trophy
TDT | Manama Al Najma dig deep to lift the trophy Second-half surge sees Al Najma crowned Khalid bin Hamad Handball League champions Hussain Almaskati TDT | Manama Al Najma clinched the K h a l i d b i n H a m a d Handball League title with a 25–19 win over Al Dair in an absorbing final yesterday, pulling away after a tense, evenly-matched first half. The two sides were locked at 10–10 at the break in front of a passionate crowd, but Al Najma's experience told in the second half as they found another gear. With their defence tightening and the goals flowing at the other end, they outscored AlDair 15–9 to seal the win and reclaim domestic bragging rights. AlSayyad leads the charge The difference came down to key moments—and key players. National team captain Husain AlSayyad was instrumental in Al Najma's second-half turnaround, bringing calm and composure when it mattered most. Alongside him, Mohammed Habib AlNasser was ruthless in front of goal, finding gaps in the Al Dair defence as the game opened up. Both players are part of Bahrain's preliminary squad for the 2025 World Handball Championship, and their performance here only underlines why they're likely to feature heavily when that tournament kicks off in January. For Al Najma, this win is nothing new. The Manama-based club has a long-standing reputation in Bahraini handball, regularly producing talent for the national side and contending for silverware. Their success this season cements their status at the top of the domestic game. It came just a day after Al Ahli wrapped up third place with a high-scoring 41–31 win over Barbar—another reminder of how competitive this season has been. Al Dair came out of the blocks with energy and belief, matching Al Najma blow for blow in the opening 30 minutes. But as the match wore on, the gulf in experience began to show. They struggled to keep pace with Najma's more seasoned players and ultimately ran out of answers in the final stretch. Their performance in the first half suggests there's more to come from this side in the seasons ahead.
