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Moroccan Para-Athletes Primed for Success at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Morocco

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Morocco is gearing up to participate in the 17th Paralympic Games, set to be held from August 28 to September 8 in Paris. The country’s delegation will feature 38 athletes competing across a wide array of sports, in their 10th participation in the Summer Paralympic Games.

The Paralympic Games, which shortly follow the Olympic Games every year, is the premier international sporting event involving athletes with a range of disabilities.

This marks an important moment for Moroccan para-athletes as they prepare to display their skills on the most prestigious global stage for athletes with disabilities.

Moroccan para-athletes with various motor and visual impairments will strive to bring home medals to make their country proud.

The athletes in the motor impairment category include Ayoub Sadni, Abdallah Kani, Azzeddine Nouiri, Zakari Darham, Zakaria Zouhri, Aymane Al Haddaoui, Yousra Karim, Hayat El Garaa, Saida Amoudi, Fouzia Lakssioui, Amina Oubraim, and Nour Al Houda Al Kaoui.

Moroccan competitors with visual impairments include Amine Chentouf, Moncef Bouja, Abdessalam Hili, Fatima Zahra al Idrissi, and Meryem Nouri.

In the para powerlifting category, Morocco will be represented by Najate El Garra, competing in the -61 kg weight class, and Ouafae Al Azzab in the -45 kg weight class.

The sport of wheelchair tennis will see competitors Najwa Awane, Samira Benichi, Lhaj Boukartacha, and Said Himam participating in both singles and doubles events.

The Moroccan team will also include athletes in para-taekwondo, with Rajae Akermache, Rachid Ismaili Alaoui, Ayoub Adouich, and Naoual Al Arif representing the country.

Meanwhile, in para-cycling, Haytam Amraoui will be the sole representative, aiming to make a mark in the road cycling events.

Morocco will also compete in goalball, a team sport for athletes with visual impairments. The goalball team includes Abderazzak Hattab, Zouhir Snisla, Ayoub Hadimi, Houssam Ghili, Aït Baja Lahbib, Saïd Al Maslak, Hicham Lamlas, Mohammed Al Hamouchi, Samir Bara, and Khalid Kirmadi.

With a well-rounded delegation across multiple sports, Morocco’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games highlights the country’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the achievements of athletes with disabilities in the international arena.

At the 2023 Para-Athletics World Championships, also held in Paris, Morocco secured multiple medals: three gold, two silver, and two bronze.

During these games, Moroccan athlete Ayoub Sadni, who triumphed in the 400-meter T47 race, set a new world record with a time of 46.78 seconds.

As Moroccan fans look to watch these para-athletes make their mark, there is an eager hope that they will bring forth a more impressive performance than their counterparts in the previously completed Olympics, who brought home a disappointing medal count of two.

ABC News Appoints Almin Karamehmedovic as New President, Overseeing Flagship Programs

Almin Karamehmedovic will now oversee day-to-day operations across the news division, including the network’s flagship programmes, World News Tonight and Good Morning America. ABC has appointed Almin Karamehmedovic, executive producer of the top-rated World News Tonight, as the new president of its news division. The decision comes after a three-month period of uncertainty following the resignation of former ABC News president Kim Godwin in May.

The announcement was made by Debra OConnell, president of ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment. Karamehmedovic’s appointment ends weeks of speculation about whether the network would hire from within its ranks. While some have praised the decision, citing his ability to drive ratings, others have expressed concerns about his reportedly polarizing reputation.

Despite some mixed opinions, insiders are relieved by the decision as it puts an end to the impatience for a successor to Godwin. Karamehmedovic, who has led World News Tonight since 2014, has a proven track record of success in the industry. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for his new role and the colleagues he works alongside.

OConnell has expressed confidence in Karamehmedovic’s ability to lead ABC News to new heights. The timing of the decision is crucial as ABC gears up to host its first presidential debate next month, putting added pressure on Karamehmedovic’s leadership. ABC News has not made any additional comments on the appointment beyond the internal announcement.

Overall, Karamehmedovic’s appointment as the new president of the news division marks a significant change for ABC News. His experience and track record suggest that he may bring a fresh perspective to the network’s flagship programs, setting the stage for potential growth and innovation in the future.

Rookie Adrian Del Castillo’s Grand Slam Powers Diamondbacks to Victory over Marlins in Miami, US

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Adrian Del Castillo was the engine behind the Arizona Diamondbacks’ offense once again on Monday night, powering his team to a comfortable win over the Miami Marlins.

Del Castillo, who was born in Miami and attended the University of Miami, enjoyed quite the homecoming at loanDepot Park by going 2-for-4 at the plate. The rookie catcher drove in six runs in the contest, four of which came via a third-inning grand slam.

The two-RBI single Del Castillo added in the seventh put Arizona up 7-4, setting the stage for a 9-6 series-opening victory.

Del Castillo is now batting .333 with three home runs, 14 RBI and a 1.072 OPS in the nine games he’s played since joining the Diamondbacks’ active roster on Aug. 6. Before getting called up to make his MLB debut earlier this month, Del Castillo was ranked as the No. 14 prospect in Arizona’s farm system.

According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, Del Castillo’s 14 RBI are tied for the second-most through nine career games since the stat became official in 1920.

The record still belongs to Mitchell Page, who had 15 RBI across his first nine MLB appearances back in 1977. Dale Alexander is tied with Del Castillo in second place, having initially set the record in 1929.

Del Castillo has been filling in for reigning Gold Glove winner Gabriel Moreno, who is on the injured list with a left adductor strain. Moreno is expected to miss at least the rest of August, giving Del Castillo an even longer runway to leave an impression and make more history at the MLB level.

The Diamondbacks are set to face the Marlins again on Tuesday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.

Australian Central Bank Maintains Rates, Signaling Extended Policy Restraint

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SYDNEY, Aug 20 – Australia’s central bank judged a near-term rate cut was unlikely and policy might need to stay restrictive for an extended period to ensure inflation can be tamed, after debating whether or not to hike at its August policy meeting.

Minutes of its Aug 5-6 board meeting out on Tuesday showed the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) considered raising its 4.35% cash rate as underlying inflation remained too high at 3.9% and financial conditions appeared to have eased, with a pickup in credit growth and house prices.

However, it decided the case to hold steady was the stronger one as it would best balance the risks to both inflation and the labour market, given prevailing uncertainty about staff forecasts, market volatility and expectations for rate cuts.

In particular, the board judged market pricing for rate cuts in the coming year, including a first easing by December, was incompatible with a return of inflation to the mid-point of the target band of 2-3% in 2026.

As a result, the RBA felt the need to push back against talk of a near-term reduction in rates and might possibly keep rates steady for an extended period.

Members also observed that holding the cash rate target steady at its current level for a longer period than currently implied by market pricing may be sufficient to return inflation to target in a reasonable timeframe, but that the board will need to reassess this probability at future meetings, the minutes showed.

The board also stressed that it was appropriate to continue placing somewhat grater-than-usual weight on the flow of data given the degree of uncertainty about the staff’s forecasts for spare capacity, unemployment and consumer demand.

The RBA has held interest rates steady for six straight meetings now, having raised them by 425 basis points to a 12-year high since May 2022.

Markets are wagering there is an 84% probability that the RBA could cut by the year-end, and a cut in February is more than fully priced in.

Gold Price Surges Above $3,000 in Global Market Shakeup, US

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Today, Michael Oliver, the man renowned for his accurate forecasts on stocks, bonds, and major markets, shared his prediction that the current crisis will propel the price of gold significantly above $3,000. According to Oliver, the momentum charts indicate a breakout in the gold market, solidifying the end of a three-year pause in the bull trend and marking the beginning of an acceleration phase. The resistance faced at the $2450+ level has been overcome, paving the way for a potential surge beyond $3000. With historical trends suggesting significant upward movement in gold prices following extended bull trends, Oliver emphasizes that the current crisis, exacerbated by unprecedented monetary and asset class dynamics, will drive gold to new heights, surpassing previous patterns. Expectations are high for gold, miners, and silver as global monetary authorities navigate uncharted waters, ensuring dramatic outcomes in various sectors, notably monetary metals. While uncertainties loom, Oliver’s insights shed light on the potential for a significant upward trajectory in the price of gold in the near future, offering valuable guidance to investors seeking stability and growth amid turbulent times.

Harnessing Player Data: Secrets of Game Analytics Unveiled

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Data is collected through various methods, including in-game analytics tools, user surveys, and social media monitoring. The data is then stored in databases or data warehouses, where it can be accessed and analyzed by data scientists.

Once the data is collected, data scientists apply various analysis techniques to extract valuable insights. These techniques include:

Descriptive Analytics: Descriptive analytics involves summarizing and interpreting historical data to understand past player behavior and game performance. This technique is used to generate reports and dashboards that provide an overview of key metrics, such as player retention rates, average session duration, and in-game purchases.

Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics uses statistical models and machine learning algorithms to predict future outcomes based on historical data. In online gaming, this technique is used to forecast player behavior, such as predicting which players are likely to churn or which in-game items will be popular.

Prescriptive Analytics: Prescriptive analytics involves recommending actions based on the insights gained from data analysis. For example, if predictive analytics indicates that a group of players is at risk of churning, prescriptive analytics can suggest targeted interventions, such as personalized offers or content updates, to retain those players.

Sentiment Analysis: Sentiment analysis uses natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze player feedback, reviews, and social media interactions. This analysis helps developers understand player sentiment and identify areas for improvement in the game.

Cluster Analysis: Cluster analysis groups players into segments based on their behavior and preferences. This technique is used to create personalized experiences and targeted marketing campaigns, ensuring that each player receives content that resonates with their interests.

American Airlines Suspends Israel Flights: Middle East Regional Instability Concerns Grow

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American Airlines announced the suspension of all flights to and from Israel until April 2025, citing heightened fears of regional instability, according to a report by the official Israeli Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday.

The decision reflected broader concerns over potential escalation in the Middle East, which have led several international airlines to either halt flights to Tel Aviv or reroute to avoid affected airspace. Among the airlines that have suspended flights are Delta Air Lines, EasyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa Group, United Airlines, Aegean Airlines, airBaltic, Air India, Air France-KLM, Cathay Pacific, Tarom, Vueling, and ITA Airways.

In contrast, El Al Israel Airlines, which has maintained its operations, reported a nearly 150% increase in profits on Thursday, benefiting from its near-monopoly status as foreign carriers pull out. The Israeli national airline has faced criticism from customers both domestically and internationally, who accuse it of price-gouging amid the ongoing crisis.

Electric 2-Wheeler Market Shift: Legacy Companies Gain as Startups Slow, India

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Legacy companies are making significant strides in the electric two-wheeler market, outpacing their startup counterparts in the first quarter. The market share of leading electric two-wheeler startups such as Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Greaves Electric saw a decline from 59% to 48.8% compared to the previous year. On the other hand, traditional manufacturers like Bajaj Auto and Hero MotoCorp have seen an increase in market presence, capturing around 30% of the market share. In terms of sales, electric two-wheeler numbers grew by 1.4% to 221,548 units, with Ola Electric leading the pack at 107,911 units. Legacy companies are ramping up efforts to expand their portfolios and networks, with Hero MotoCorp focusing on growth and Bajaj Auto emphasizing long-term market presence. Additionally, TVS Motor Company is gearing up for multiple electric vehicle launches, intensifying competition in the sector. The industry landscape is witnessing a shift as traditional players carve out a larger market share in the electric two-wheeler segment, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and industry trends.

CSIRO Launches India-Australia Agritech Accelerator for Climate-Smart Solutions

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Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is seeking global agritech startups and SMEs for the India Australia Rapid Innovation Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. The program aims to support businesses looking to expand between the two countries, focusing on innovative agritech solutions. The Climate Smart Agritech cohort will specifically target technologies enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate variability and food insecurity. Startups prioritizing farmer needs and practices are encouraged to apply for this nine-month program, which includes online learning, in-country travel, and mentorship opportunities. The deadline for applications is September 15, with no participation fees and potential grants up to A$75,000 available for selected startups.

Art and Grind: Guildford’s Unique Coffee Shop and Art Gallery Hub, UK

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Guildford has a lot of coffee shops. But one of the newest is Art and Grind – which I found to also be one of Guildford’s most unique and welcoming. And with a very unique concept tat keeps people coming back.

Opening up in March, the owner Trish set out with the specific aim to provide the best locally sourced coffee and to provide local artists and creatives with a space that they can display their art. I visited Art and Grind on Friday August 12th, and to say it was a lovely experience would be an understatement.

Our purpose is to put more art out into the world, whether its customers or local artists, who never thought of selling their art, we provide an establishment which allows them to display and sell their art in our shop. Trish, 55, the owner of Art and Grind, told SurreyLive.

Trish is an American-born lady with a warm smile and a kind heart. She moved to Surrey around six years ago and decided to put her passion for art to good use, opening Art and Grind in March of 2024.

The lovely staff at Art and Grind suggested that I indulge in a slice of banana cake, a white chocolate and hazelnut cookie and a flat white coffee. And who am I to disagree. I must say, the food and coffee available, which is all locally sourced, was delicious.

As I entered, I was greeted with a vast array of different forms of art created by talented local artists, from oil paintings to acrylics, realism to abstract, all forms of art are encouraged and sold.

In many ways Art and Grind is an art gallery just as much as it is a coffee shop. And it is not only local artists who are encouraged to create and display their art, every table has free access to oil paints, colouring pens and colouring cards, which have been commissioned by local artists. This makes Art and Grind the perfect place to bring family and friends alike to sit and get creative, while you spoil yourself in coffee and bites to eat.

We hear everyday about what a great concept it is and how much it is needed. I often hear that people feel they can be themselves here, it’s a very safe space for all people. Trish added.

And I would say this is very much true, the atmosphere which Trish and her staff create is one of the most warm and welcoming I have experienced in Guildford. With an atmosphere like this, it’s hard not to have a smile on your face when you visit. As I sat there eating my banana cake, I could see children painting, art fanatics discussing the beautiful art on display and staff chatting away with customers. A lovely environment to have a coffee and a snack.

In the next week, Art and Grind is set to open up the upstairs to visitors as an art gallery and also as an office space for corporate events, these events will include art and creativity based ‘team-building’ exercises, where corporate staff will be encouraged to grow closer to one another through creating art.

For your visit: Address: 165 High St, Guildford GU1 3AJ How they describe themselves: Art & Grind is not merely a gallery or a coffee shop — it is a sanctuary for art enthusiasts, a place where everyone is welcome to immerse themselves in the arts. Opening hours; Tuesday — Thursday : 8am — 6pm, Friday – Saturday : 8am – 7pm, Sunday : 9am – 5pm Evening events will be announced, check the website here.

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