Latest news with #WIA
India Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Batting cage and tennis balls: Steve Smith fast tracks recovery before 2nd Test
Senior Australia batter Steve Smith is desperate to make his return from a finger injury. Smith, who dislocated his finger in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa, is looking to make a comeback in the 2nd Test match against West to ESPNcricinfo, Smith revealed that he could not sit in his apartment, waiting for his injury to heal and instead got to training in a baseball cage in New injury forced him to miss the opening game of the three-Test series against the Caribbean in Barbados from June 25 to 27, which Australia won by 159 runs. In New York, he began by facing tennis balls and other soft balls in the nets before facing the hard cricket ball. "My mate actually told me about it, which was ideal because it was pretty warm there (in New York)," Smith said in an interview."Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage, and he was able to throw me a few balls there, so it was good to be in the shade. It was pretty hot there," he in Running for 2nd Test vs WIA baseball cage is a netted enclosure, quite similar to the cricket nets, used by baseball players to practice hitting. It provides a contained area where batters can safely swing and hit baseballs without the risk of stray balls leaving the hitting sent the footage of his batting to the Australian medical staff in the Caribbean, who were happy with his it is not clear if he will play the second Test at St George's from July 3 or not, Smith has shown clear signs of recovery."For me, it'll just feel like training as normal, I think. I don't really feel any pain or anything. (I'm) just getting used to the splint on and the slight limited movement."It's not too bad, I've got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine," said Smith."Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing for me. I don't think I've ever done that in a Test match. Fielding at either probably mid-on or mid-off or fine leg is a bit different to standing at the second or first slip,' he meanwhile, backed the new players in the Australian side, including opener Sam Konstas, to come good in the second Test."These guys are good players, there's been a lot of talk around it but... we just need to give them an opportunity," said Smith."It doesn't always come around straight away. We've just got to give them an opportunity and let them get used to playing in these conditions and in international cricket. These guys have some really good talent and I think they have bright futures,' he added.- Ends
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
WIA's Ian Fletcher is back - and he's no longer the BBC's Head of Values
As Hugh Bonnevilee brings back the much-loved mockumentary character at the 2026 World Cup, writer John Morton says this is Ian's 'biggest opportunity yet to get things right' He spent many years as the BBC's Head of Values but WIA's Ian Fletcher has now found himself a new role - at the heart of global football. In time for next year's World Cup the character, played by Hugh Bonneville, is to become Director of Integrity, building on the skills he developed at the London Olympics. His move to join the Twenty Twenty Six Oversight Team, based in Miami, is the basis of a new six-part series for BBC1 and iPlayer, from the team behind W1A and Twenty Twelve. Next year's FIFA World Cup tournament, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will see 48 countries taking part at 16 venues spread across North America. Announcing the new project, Ian Fletcher said: "I'm thrilled at the prospect of joining the Oversight Team in Miami for this unique event. And in terms of the Integrity role, to borrow a soccer analogy, this is a rare opportunity to set out your own goals and then score them on the global stage.' As Paddington and Downton Abbey star Bonneville, 61, reprises his role as the jargon-obsessed boss, he will be joined by a new cast of characters including The Day of the Jackal's Nick Blood and The Inbetweeners' Belinda Stewart-Wilson. The show's writer and director John Morton said he was delighted that Ian was on his way back to the screen. 'I wasn't sure what Ian Fletcher had been up to recently. The last I heard he was still recovering from a serious Mindfulness Course in Somerset. So, it's great to hear that he's made it back and has re-emerged in his natural habitat at the centre of a well-known institution, but now on the world stage and facing his biggest opportunity yet to get things right. 'I'm thrilled and hugely grateful to the BBC for giving me the chance to follow him again, this time all the way to Miami, and I literally can't wait to see what happens.' BBC comedy boss Jon Petrie said: 'We'll miss Ian's invaluable contribution to the BBC as Head of Values but how could he resist getting the call-up to be a part of one of the most expansive and ambitious sporting events in the world? We wish him, and the team, all the best.' Executive producer Paul Schlesinger added: 'It's 15 years since Ian Fletcher's journey started with the run-up to the London Olympics and we are delighted the BBC has given John another chance to capture the universal comedy of people trying to organise something really big in a room, but this time with an outstanding international cast.' The rockumentary W1A was last seen in 2017, with the series revolving around Fletcher - formerly the Head of the Olympic Deliverance Commission in his role as the BBC's Head of Values. His task at the Corporation was to clarify and re-define the core purpose of the BBC across all its functions and to position it confidently for the future. He was previously flanked by Jessica Hynes, who won a Bafta for her role as BBC Brand Consultant Siobhan Sharpe - Head of Perfect Curve. Other stars to feature regularly included Monica Dolan (senior communications officer Tracey Pritchard) and Jason Watkins as director of strategic governance Simon Harwood and Sarah Parish as Director of Better Anna Rampton.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Doctors raise the importance of HPV vaccination to prevent cervical and a few other cancers
Vaccinating girls aged nine to 14 years against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is crucial for prevention of cervical cancers and a few other cancers. But equally important is vaccinating boys against HPV for a number of reasons, according to doctors. There are three reasons why boys should also be vaccinated against HPV, Jayashree N., gynaecologic oncologist and associate professor, Cancer Institute (WIA), said. 'First, it can cause cancers in men too. Secondly, they could transmit the virus to women, and thirdly, there is no screening test for men.' Somu Sivabalan, consultant Paediatrician and Pulmonologist, Rainbow Children's Hospital, explained that HPV being a sexually transmitted infection, it could spread from men. It could cause genital warts and precancerous changes. 'The primary target for HPV vaccination are girls aged nine to 14. Boys of the same age group are the secondary target for the vaccination,' he said. The doctors, who spoke at 'Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025', stressed that HPV was not limited to cervical cancer alone. It was associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus in women and cancers of the penis, anus and oropharynx in men. The conclave was organised in Chennai on Tuesday as a part of a nationwide public health initiative led by Serum Institute of India. Dr. Jayashree said that vaccination and screening are the two pillars to prevent cervical cancers. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States of America as well as European countries had an HPV vaccination programme as a result of which the incidence of cervical cancers has reduced, she said. Discussing the safety of the vaccine, Dr. Jayashree noted that Cancer Institute had administered 3,500 doses of the vaccine so far, and there had been no side effects. B. Sarath Balaji, senior Paediatric Pulmonologist and associate professor, Institute of Child Health, said that except for mild pain, redness in the site and mild fever, there had been no major side effects. He added that there was greater awareness among parents in cities about the vaccine. S. Vijaya, head of department and professor, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, stressed the importance of taking time to counsel parents about the importance of the vaccine. Members of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India were involved in creating awareness and training for doctors. Kavitha Sukumar, associate professor, Surgical Oncology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, said screening for cervical cancer is simple. 'We have HPV DNA testing and pap smear. Now, self testing kits are also available,' she said.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
89% schools and 87% colleges declared tobacco-free: DPH
In Tamil Nadu, 89% of schools and 87% of colleges have been declared as tobacco-free educational institutions, according to the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Issuing a press release in line with the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) observed on May 31, T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, said that Tamil Nadu has implemented comprehensive interventions focussed on enforcement, awareness, capacity building, cessation services and safeguarding institutions from tobacco exposure. This year, WNTD is observed on the theme 'Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products' underscoring the urgent need to counter deceptive marketing strategies targeting children, adolescents and vulnerable communities, the release said. Listing out key achievements in tobacco control (up to May 2025) in the State, the directorate said on strict enforcement of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), a total of 4,60,486 persons were fined and a fine amount of ₹7,97,13,387 was collected. A total of 45,865 out of 51,477 schools and 2,173 out of 2,484 colleges were declared tobacco-free. To enforce Section 6 of COTPA and to protect the young, the directorate has asked district officials to ensure that all educational institutions mark the 100-yard tobacco-free zones by implementing the 'Yellow Line Campaign'. 'This year's theme reminds us that the battle against tobacco is not just about controlling consumption — it is about exposing the industries that profit by endangering lives,' he said. Dr. Selvavinagayam added that Tamil Nadu leads by example with widespread enforcement, education, and community engagement. 'Through initiatives like the Yellow Line Campaign, we are drawing a visible boundary between our children and the threat of tobacco.' In line with this year's theme, Cancer Institute (WIA) organised a series of events that included an awareness rally, sand sculpture, open mic and announcement of awareness messages in Chennai Metro Rail stations, according to a press release. The department of Psycho-Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA) along with HCL Foundation organised the awareness rally at Elliot's Beach, Besant Nagar on May 31. Nearly 1,000 participants including school and college students took part. R. Murugan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police, Adyar Range and T. G. Sagar, Governing Body Member and former director, Cancer Institute (WIA) were present. A social media campaign aligned with World Health Organisation's (WHO) WNTD was also held. It highlighted tobacco's harmful effects, debunked myths, and exposed industry tactics targeting youth, and promoted the health benefits of quitting tobacco to encourage informed choices. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research conducted an awareness rally to mark WNTD. Students, faculty members and healthcare professionals participated in the rally. Sri Ramachandra Hospital has opened a cessation clinic as per WHO guidelines to overcome addiction of tobacco usage through counselling and supportive medication, a release said.
Trade Arabia
08-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
WIA ME conference charts path toward full empowerment
The Women in Aviation – Middle East (WIA ME) conference at Airport Show 2025 showcased the future of aviation as more inclusive and diverse, with women ascending to cockpits and boardrooms. The event attracted regional and international participation, serving as a platform to share experiences and celebrate female achievements in a competitive and rapidly evolving global industry. In his keynote speech, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, praised the UAE's leadership for placing women's empowerment at the heart of national development strategies. 'Today, Emirati women hold senior positions, contribute to aircraft engineering and operations management, and represent 42% of the aviation workforce—an unprecedented achievement in the region,' he said. Sultan: From Representation to Real Influence Mervat Sultan, Founder and President of the Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation International, delivered an engaging address that moved the audience beyond recognition and into vision-building: 'Today's celebration is not only about what has been achieved, but about what lies ahead—ambitions, challenges, and new paths. We're not just asking for representation; we're demanding meaningful participation—in innovation, in decision-making, in labs, cockpits, and boardrooms.' She stressed that progress is not measured solely by numbers, but by community depth and impact: 'Slow progress is sometimes the most enduring. Last year, we had about 250 participants. This year, attendance has more than doubled—not just in the hall, but throughout the professional ecosystem. Government and private sector support confirms we're on the right track.' Training Opportunities and Targeted Support Sultan announced the launch of a fully funded EASA ATPL scholarship, along with free aviation fundamentals training and a specialised program on emotional intelligence for pilots, in collaboration with Airman Ground. 'These initiatives respond to real market needs and aspirations that can no longer be postponed,' she said. When asked about this year's award winners, Sultan noted: 'We maintain the same award categories every year, but 2025 was especially inspiring. Captain Samran Omran, the first Arab woman to fly transatlantic routes from Jordan to the US in the 1980s, is a symbol of persistence. We also honored figures like Dr Nadine Itani, a trusted aviation expert for global media, and institutions such as the International Aviation Academy and Al Jazeera Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah—clear signs that meaningful change is happening.' Her message to aspiring women in the industry emphasised professionalism above all: 'In aviation, dreams alone are not enough. Success relies on respecting time and structure. A two-minute delay doesn't just affect your flight—it affects dozens behind you. Aviation teaches you that safety and discipline are everything.' Honoring Women Who Leave a Lasting Impact The conference concluded with a celebration honoring Dr Suaad Al Shamsi with the Women in Aviation Leadership Award, Aya Sader with the Innovation Award, and Dr Nadine Itani with the title of "Most Influential Woman in Aviation." Khalifa University and Al Jazeera Aviation Club were also recognised for their significant contributions to training and institutional empowerment. In her final remarks, Mervat Sultan delivered a powerful call to action:
