TEHRAN – An art exhibition in Tehran highlights global environmental challenges, focusing on climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. The exhibition, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Iran, features 18 artists and 36 works of art. Thought-provoking pieces aim to raise public awareness about the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the triple planetary crisis. The exhibit is open to the public until August 17 at Ech Art Gallery in Tehran, inviting visitors to reflect on their relationship with nature and join efforts for a healthier planet.
Air Force Officer Awarded Shaurya Chakra for Night Time Heroics, India
New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu conferred Shaurya Chakra on Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar for his act of exceptional gallantry and courage. Deepak Kumar, stationed at Air Force Station (AFS) Hakimpet, displayed remarkable bravery during a life-threatening situation on August 25, 2023. His quick thinking, exceptional flying skills, and composure led to the safe landing of a Kiran aircraft after an engine flameout caused by a bird hit. The Ministry of Defence recognized his courage, perseverance, and exceptional situational awareness, highlighting his role in ensuring the safety of valuable national assets and preventing potential loss of lives.
Study Shows Healthy Lifestyle Reduces Post-COVID Risks
The results of a recent study suggest that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of post-COVID complications. Led by Dr. Junqing Xie and based on the UK Biobank cohort, the study evaluated the impact of various lifestyle factors on individuals’ health outcomes after COVID-19. Published in Nature Communications, the study highlights the benefits of factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and dietary habits in lowering the risk of hospitalization, long-term health issues, and death following a COVID-19 infection. The research emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle not only for chronic disease prevention but also for resilience against unexpected health challenges like COVID-19. The findings underscore the significance of prioritizing preventive strategies focused on modifiable lifestyle factors for future pandemic preparedness.
Escalating Violence in West Bank: Israeli Forces Clash with Palestinian Militants in Tubas City, Palestinian Territory
Israeli forces clashed with Hamas in the occupied West Bank, resulting in fatalities on both sides. The violence erupted in Tamoun and Tubas, with the Israeli military conducting raids in response to Palestinian militant activities. Palestinian sources reported casualties, including a teenager, Mohammad Bani Odeh, in the conflict. The armed wing of Hamas confirmed the death of one of its fighters, Fayyaz Fawaz Daraghmeh, in Tubas. The situation remains tense as President Mahmoud Abbas prepares to address the Turkish parliament. The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, posing a risk of wider regional involvement. Peace talks are scheduled, but Hamas has stated its refusal to participate, prolonging the cycle of violence and uncertainty in the region.
Algerian Olympic Champion Imane Khelif Cyberbullying Investigation Launched in France
French authorities have launched an investigation into allegations of cyberbullying against Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif, who was embroiled in a gender controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the investigation, which began on Tuesday, is focused on cyberharassment following a complaint filed by Khelif, France 24 reported.
The controversy surrounding Khelif, who won the women’s 66kg boxing final against China’s Yang Liu, has sparked widespread debate, with prominent figures commenting on the case.
Her legal complaint alleges that the harassment was aggravated by high-profile individuals, including Elon Musk and British author J.K. Rowling, American magazine Variety reported.
Khelif’s lawyer, Nabil Boudi, described the complaint as a fight for justice, condemning the misogynist, racist, and sexist nature of the online harassment directed at the athlete. The investigation is being handled by France’s Central Office for Combating Crimes against Humanity and Hate Crimes.
Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, the 57kg women’s boxing champion, were previously disqualified from the 2023 World Championships due to failing gender eligibility tests but were later cleared to compete in the Paris Olympics.
The controversy began after Khelif’s swift victory in the round of 16 against Italy’s Angela Carini, who quit the match after 46 seconds. Soon after, questions about Khelif’s sex began to circulate, with some accusing her of being transgender.
The Algerian athlete was the victim of a brutal campaign of hate speech coming from the far-right in US and Europe. The bullying was so intense that Khelif’s father felt compelled to come forward with her birth certificate to prove she is a woman.
Yet the International Olympic Committee (IOC) defended the decision to allow Khelif to compete, dismissing claims made by critics and emphasizing the need for a scientifically sound approach to gender identification in sports.
Amid the intense bullying campaign, Khelif received widespread support as many rallied behind her and celebrated her achievements.
Paul Finebaum Picks Georgia as 2024 College Football National Title Winner, US
During his stop by the GetUp set on Wednesday morning, SEC Network host Paul Finebaum offered up his national title selection for the 2024 college football season.
Host Mike Greenberg posed the question to the SEC Network host: Georgia or the field for the national title? And if the field, then who from the field can unseat the recent two-time champion?
The expansion of the College Football Playoff adds an entirely new dynamic to the postseason. No longer are the days of one-loss (or zero-loss) teams being left out. Instead, the top seeds will have to battle through more rounds and a wider range of opponents, making it tougher than ever to win it all, even if you are the best team.
Despite all of the changes, with no Nick Saban or Jim Harbaugh, Paul Finebaum just went with the new king of the sport to secure another ring.
I like Georgia, Finebaum answered to Greenberg.
I’m not as sold on Georgia as I was last year, he added. But a reason I’m a little bit weary is Ohio State may have the best roster as we continue to say, but Georgia is still the pick to win it all.
Finebaum goes with the preseason No. 1 and has the Bulldogs over the field for the championship, which would make it three national titles in four seasons for Kirby Smart’s program.
Microsoft Outlook Vulnerability CVE-2024-38173 Exposed: Remote Code Execution Risk Revealed
Security researchers have revealed a significant vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook. According to Morphisec Threat Labs, which discovered the flaw, CVE-2024-38173 is a Form Injection Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability with a CVSS score of 6.7.
It is similar to CVE-2024-30103, which was patched in July 2024. The vulnerability CVE-2024-38173 is characterized by the weakness CWE-73: External Control of File Name or Path. While the attack vector is classified as local, the attacker can be remote. The exploitation occurs locally on the victim’s machine after the attacker has gained access to the victim’s Microsoft Outlook account, typically through compromised or stolen credentials.
The attack complexity is rated as high, which implies that an attacker must take several steps to exploit the vulnerability successfully. Specifically, they need to install a malicious form on the victim’s system. User interaction is also required; the victim must open a malicious email and perform specific actions to trigger the vulnerability. Notably, the Preview Pane in Outlook serves as an attack vector, making it easier for attackers to exploit this flaw without requiring extensive user engagement.
As was the case with CVE-2024-30103, this again is a zero-click vulnerability and does not require user interaction on systems with Microsoft’s auto-open email feature enabled, Morphisec explained. To address these vulnerabilities, users are advised to update their systems promptly.
Morphisec’s research involved the analysis of Outlook’s codebase through fuzzing and reverse engineering. Their findings were reported to Microsoft as part of the responsible disclosure process. Both issues were addressed by the tech giant in its August 2024 patch release. In addition to CVE-2024-38173, the August patch cycle also included fixes for other vulnerabilities that could potentially be chained together to provide complete control over affected systems.
Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixels to Revolutionize Smartphone Market
Google has launched its latest Pixel 9 phones amid a fierce competition in the field of artificial intelligence. The technology giant is aiming to showcase the practical applications of AI for consumers, following heightened interest in the technology since the release of ChatGPT in 2022. Despite facing skepticism due to unfulfilled promises in the past, Google’s senior vice president of devices emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering real-world benefits through AI. The new Pixel 9 lineup is seen as Google’s opportunity to demonstrate the tangible impact of AI on everyday tasks and user experiences.
Free Back-to-School Haircuts for Kids 5-17 in Wilmington, NC, US
WILMINGTON, NC – Cape Fear Community College’s (CFCC) Barbering School will
offer free back-to-school haircuts for children ages 5-17 on Saturday, August 17, and Saturday,
August 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Barbering students will provide haircuts under the
supervision of licensed instructors. The CFCC Barber School is located at 108 Walnut Street,
Wilmington, NC.
Our Barbering School is excited to offer this service to the community, said Jim
Morton, CFCC President. We understand that back-to-school season can be stressful and
expensive for families. We hope to alleviate some of that burden by offering free haircuts and
providing our barbering students with valuable hands-on training.
No appointments are necessary, and haircuts will be provided on a first-come, first-served
basis. An adult must accompany children under 16.
For more information about the CFCC Barber School, visit cfcc.edu/barberschool.
UK High Court Backs BP’s Gas Power Station Plans for Net Zero Goals
The high court in London has ruled that the UK government’s approval of a gas-fired power station in Teesside, northeast England, was lawful. The legal challenge against the project, led by climate campaigner Andrew Boswell, was dismissed on Wednesday. The power station, a joint venture between BP and Equinor, will be equipped with carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions. Judge Nathalie Lieven upheld the decision, stating that the development aligns with national policies on both planning and energy. BP welcomed the ruling, highlighting the plant’s contribution to the UK’s net zero targets and energy security.
