Latest news with #Zaki
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is ‘Éclaircissement'? See how a Texas teen's perfect spelling sealed the Scripps National Spelling Bee!
See how a Texas teen's perfect spelling sealed the Scripps National Spelling Bee In a nail-biting final that showcased both linguistic mastery and emotional resilience, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki of Allen, Texas, emerged victorious at the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee, held on May 29, 2024. This remarkable win came just a year after Zaki's second-place finish in the 2023 Bee, positioning him among a rare group of comeback champions. The event, hosted just outside Washington, D.C., captivated viewers with unexpected turns, high-pressure moments, and a showcase of America's brightest young spellers. With a flawless rendering of the word 'éclaircissement' in the championship round, Zaki secured the coveted title and the $52,500 top prize. But the road to victory was far from straightforward. How a rare rule saved Faizan Zaki's chance at the championship The final round featured eight exceptional spellers, all of whom had advanced through rigorous rounds of competition. Among them were Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane, both of whom had built strong reputations throughout the preliminary rounds. During one of the pivotal rounds, Zaki was presented with the word 'commelina', a genus of flowering plants. In a moment of misstep, he began spelling it incorrectly, getting the first three letters wrong before halting himself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo According to the rules, prematurely attempting a word usually results in disqualification. However, head judge Mary Brooks determined that Zaki's answer was incomplete, and allowed the round to end without penalizing him fully. This rare decision reset the competition, bringing back Sarvadnya and Sarv for another attempt. Unfortunately, both were eliminated in subsequent rounds, while Zaki recovered with striking composure. His focus in the final stages proved unshakable, culminating in his championship-winning performance. How Faizan Zaki joined the elite club of Spelling Bee comeback winners Faizan Zaki now joins an elite circle of spelling bee participants who've managed to return from a near-win to ultimately take home the title. He is only the fifth contestant in the Bee's nearly century-long history to achieve this feat and the first since Sean Conley in 2001. In 2023, Zaki had narrowly lost to Bruhat Soma in a 'spell-off' lightning round — a format introduced to break ties with speed-based spelling. Despite the disappointment, Zaki continued to train rigorously, using his previous experience as motivation. His perseverance not only earned him the championship but brought his total spelling bee earnings to $77,500, including the $25,000 runner-up prize from the previous year. When asked how he used part of his previous winnings, Zaki shared that he had purchased a $1,500 Rubik's Cube with 21 squares per side, underscoring his fascination with intellectual challenges and puzzles. What is Éclaircissement Zaki's winning word — 'éclaircissement' — is a French-derived noun that means 'clarification' or 'an enlightening explanation.' Its use in the final round added an extra layer of difficulty, not only due to its French origin and spelling nuances but also because of its relatively rare usage in everyday English. Zaki's swift and confident delivery of the correct spelling demonstrated both his phonetic precision and his deep familiarity with language etymology. Honoring the past and looking ahead The 2024 competition also marked a significant milestone in the history of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year's event was the final one held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland — the Bee's home for the past 14 years. Beginning in 2026, the event will move to the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., a historic venue just blocks from the White House. This change in venue is part of the build-up to the 100th anniversary of the Bee, which will be celebrated in 2025. To commemorate the occasion, past champions were invited to this year's finals as special guests, highlighting the legacy and cultural impact of the competition. Inside the Scripps National Spelling Bee Founded in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is more than just a spelling contest — it's a high-pressure intellectual competition that demands months (if not years) of preparation. Participants, mostly between the ages of 11 and 14, must master word roots, language rules, etymology, pronunciation, and foreign-derived vocabulary. Winners often gain not just prize money, but national recognition, academic opportunities, and scholarships. The grand prize package, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company, includes: $50,000 cash An engraved championship trophy A $2,500 cash prize from Merriam-Webster A reference library and subscription package Airfare and accommodations for finalists and their families What makes a champion? Faizan Zaki's edge Zaki's victory is a reflection of more than raw talent — it showcases qualities like mental resilience, composure under pressure, and sustained dedication. Experts in education and cognition often point to spelling bee champions as models of how early intellectual challenges can shape young minds. Zaki's journey, especially his recovery from the 2023 loss, illustrates the value of persistence in the face of setbacks. With his Rubik's Cube collection and passion for wordplay, Zaki has proven that curiosity and commitment are at the heart of elite-level academic achievement. Also read | Can mushrooms really talk? Study suggests fungi have a vocabulary of 50 words
Egypt Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Senate to address proposed amendments to Natural Reserves Law
CAIRO – 31 May 2025: Egypt's Senate, the upper house of Parliament, is set to review proposed amendments to the law governing natural reserves during its sessions scheduled for next Monday. The discussion will focus on a comprehensive legislative update to Law No. 102 of 1983, prompted by a legislative impact study submitted by Representative Noha Ahmed Zaki, a member of the Coordination of Youth Parties and Politicians and Deputy Chair of the Senate's Energy and Environment Committee. According to Representative Zaki's study, the existing law—enacted over four decades ago—no longer meets the needs of the current environmental, economic, and social context. The law, she noted, primarily emphasized absolute environmental protection while failing to regulate the interaction with local communities or promote opportunities for sustainable development. The study highlighted several critical gaps in the current legislation, including the absence of legal frameworks for the safe and sustainable use of natural resources within reserves, inadequate penalties for environmental violations, and limited powers granted to the Environmental Affairs Agency, restricting its ability to effectively plan and manage protected areas. The report emphasized that protecting natural reserves must not come at the expense of local economic development. It recommended amending the law to allow for sustainable tourism and eco-friendly economic activities, ensure local community participation in reserve management, and introduce stricter penalties for environmental crimes. It also proposed the scientific classification of reserves, the definition of permitted uses for different species and ecosystems, and the development of flexible financing mechanisms to support long-term conservation goals. A central critique in the study was the lack of legal provisions enabling communities living within or near reserves to participate in or benefit from reserve resources. This exclusion, the study argued, has fueled tensions, led to environmentally harmful practices, and hindered prospects for local economic development. It called for a comprehensive shift in legal philosophy, moving from a model of strict environmental protection to a more integrated framework that balances environmental conservation with social and economic needs. On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on May 22, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad stated that Egypt is home to 30 natural reserves, covering approximately 15 percent of the country's land area. Thirteen of these reserves, she noted, have been developed for ecotourism, offering a variety of nature-based activities, including diving and mountaineering. In comments to Extra News, Minister Fouad highlighted Egypt's efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain the delicate balance between land, sea, flora, and fauna. She also noted that several Egyptian reserves, including Wadi El-Hitan and Ras Mohammed, have been recognized on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas—an international benchmark for effective, equitable, and enduring conservation.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet 13-year-old Indian-American genius who won Rs 4277590 for...., his name is...
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after he spelt 'éclaircissement' correctly, maintaining the dominance of the children from the community in the prestigious US competition. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation's largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. The first Spelling Bee competition was held in 1925 in Washington, DC, and only nine kids participated, according to Scripps. This year, more than 200 students competed. Zaki is only the fifth speller in Bee history to win after coming in second place the year before. He tied for 21st place in 2023 and 370th place in 2019. Zaki will take home USD 50,000, a medal and a trophy as he won the Spelling Bee in its 100th year. The 13-year-old took home the Scripps Cup outspelling more than 240 students from across the country, Scripps said in a post on X. According to the news agency PTI report, Zaki bested Sarvadnya Kadam to win the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night. A 7th-grade student at C M Rice Middle School, Zaki finished second in 2024 in a spell-off to another Indian-American Bruhat Soma. This was Zaki's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki earned the prestigious title in round 21 when he correctly spelt 'éclaircissement,' which is defined as 'the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment.' He outlasted eight other accomplished spellers to win the title. The culmination of the national championship came with a shock. Zaki had an earlier chance to win this year's bee, in the 18th round, after mistakes by two other finalists. In what could have been the last round, when there were three left, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane got their words wrong. It seemed to be Zaki's big chance. But he rushed to spell his word before a proper explanation and got the first letter wrong. #Speller207 Faizan Zaki left everything on stage. A four-time competitor, 2024 Runner-Up, and now, the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion! Summing up his journey, 'I was amazed when I won my first school bee. Then I just kept winning.'🐝 #TheBeeTurns100 #SpellingBee — Scripps National Spelling Bee (@ScrippsBee) May 30, 2025 Hardly before the word 'commelina' had left the pronouncer's mouth, Zaki jumped on it, saying, 'k-a-m ——' He recognised his mistake right away, but it was too late. As he spelt the winning word, Zaki fell on the stage in joy as confetti rained down. 'I don't know what to say. I'm just really happy,' he said. According to the official website, Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas will receive From Scripps: a $50,000 cash prize, commemorative medal and the Scripps Cup, the official championship trophy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee; From Merriam-Webster: a $2,500 cash prize and reference library from the Bee's dictionary partner; From Encyclopædia Britannica: $400 of reference works, including a 1768 Encyclopædia Britannica Replica Set and a three-year membership to Britannica Online Premium; From Scholastic: $1,000 Scholastic Dollars to be donated to the school of the champion's choice in their honor; From News-O-Matic: A five-year subscription to News-O-Matic's K-8 news platform awarded to the champion's school. Adam Symson, president and CEO of the E W Scripps Company, presented the championship trophy. 'Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion,' said Symson. His unwavering focus and preparation led to a well-earned victory tonight on the Bee's largest stage, he said. 'In this landmark 100th year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Scripps is honoured to celebrate Faizan's extraordinary achievement as well as the spellers throughout the Bee's history who continue to inspire millions,' he said. Nupur Lala was the first Indian-American to win the competition in 1999. As of May 30, 2025, the exchange rate for 1 US Dollar (USD) is approximately ₹85.52 Indian Rupees (INR). Therefore, USD 50,000 is equivalent to about ₹4,277,590.10. Please note that exchange rates fluctuate regularly, so the exact amount may vary depending on the time and platform used for the conversion. (With PTI Inputs)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Faizan Zaki and His Coaches Address Shocking Flub Before Scripps National Spelling Bee Win: 'I Was Stunned'
Faizan Zaki was already close to winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition on May 29 when he botched the spelling of a word Despite his fumble, the 13-year-old student was able to secure the win Now, he and his coaches are reflecting on that colorful momentFaizan Zaki and his coaches are sharing their perspective after the 13-year-old boy overcame a flub and ended up winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. 'I was stunned, but still cautiously optimistic,' Scott Remer, one of the boy's coaches, told The New York Times of the nerve-racking moment during the final round. 'But that's why it's critical to ask questions and collect oneself before spelling.' Zaki, who was last year's runner-up, was close to victory, with just two words to go, when he rushed into the spelling of 'commelina." Instead of asking standard clarifying questions about the word's origin and definition — derived from New Latin, 'commelina' is the name for a genus of creeping, flowering herbs — he rushed into spelling, the Associated Press reported. 'K-A-M,' said Zaki, before pausing, the outlet reported. 'OK, let me do this. Oh, shoot!' 'Just ring the bell,' the teen then told judge Mary Brooks. As the rules of the competition go, that resulted in two spellers returning to the competition. Fortunately, that didn't end up being the defining moment of Zaki's story as he ended up winning this year's competition during the 11th round of the finals with the word "éclaircissement." (The word means "a clearing up of something obscure," according to Merriam-Webster.) While standing next to his hard-won trophy that night, Zaki said the memory of the flub wasn't likely to go away quickly. 'I'm definitely going to be having nightmares about that tonight,' he said, according to the AP. The champion was avidly watched during the centennial competition, which included 243 students from across the U.S. and the globe. Securing the win involved practicing almost 40 hours a week, Zaki during an appearance on Good Morning America. At the end of his victorious final round, Zaki said he was so excited, he was breathless. "Those last couple of letters, I was gasping for air," he said on the show. "I was like hyperventilating with excitement." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Zaki also explained his more casual approach to the spelling competition. "I've been in this for seven years so at this point I'm not really that nervous," added the teen. "I'm definitely confident but not overconfident. I also have that casual style." Read the original article on People
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Indian-American Faizan Zaki wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after he spelt claircissement" correctly, maintaining the dominance of the children from the community in the prestigious US competition. Zaki bested Sarvadnya Kadam to win the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night. A 7th-grade student at C M Rice Middle School, Zaki finished second in 2024 in a spell-off to another Indian-American Bruhat Soma. This was Zaki's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. This was Zaki's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki earned the prestigious title in round 21 when he correctly spelt claircissement, which is defined as the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment. He outlasted eight other accomplished spellers to win the title on Thursday night. The culmination of the national championship came with a shock. Zaki had an earlier chance to win this year's bee, in the eighteenth round, after mistakes by two other finalists. In what could have been the last round, when there were three left, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane got their words wrong. It seemed to be Zaki's big chance. But he rushed to spell his word before a proper explanation and got the first letter wrong. Hardly before the word commelina had left the pronouncer's mouth, Zaki jumped on it, saying, k-a-m He recognised his mistake right away, but it was too late. As he spelt the winning word, Zaki fell on the stage in joy as confetti rained down. I don't know what to say. I'm just really happy, he said. Organisers congratulated Zaki's parents and his grandparents, who were watching the competition from their home in Hyderabad. I can't describe it, Zaki said minutes later. It's so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this. Adam Symson, president and CEO of the E W Scripps Company, presented the championship trophy. Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion, said Symson. His unwavering focus and preparation led to a well-earned victory tonight on the Bee's largest stage, he said. In this landmark 100th year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Scripps is honoured to celebrate Faizan's extraordinary achievement as well as the spellers throughout the Bee's history who continue to inspire millions," he said. "Their stories remind us of the shared joy in cheering for their success, reinforcing the Bee's legacy as a beloved tradition that, for a century, has championed connection, resilience and the limitless potential of young minds," Symson said. The first Spelling Bee competition was held in 1925 in Washington, DC, and only nine kids participated, according to Scripps. This year, more than 200 students competed. Zaki is only the fifth speller in Bee history to win after coming in second place the year before. He tied for 21st place in 2023 and 370th place in 2019. Zaki will take home USD 50,000, a medal and a trophy. He will receive a USD 2,500 prize and a reference library from the Bee's dictionary partner Merriam-Webster. Kadam of Visalia, California, placed second in the competition and will receive USD 25,000. Dharavane of Dunwoody, Georgia, will receive USD 15,000. Thirty of the past 36 champions, including Zaki, of the Scripps National Spelling Bee have been Indian American. Nupur Lala was the first Indian-American to win the competition in 1999.
