Latest news with #Kazakhstani
India Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Halle Open: Jannik Sinner's title defence over after shocking loss to Bublik
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner's title defence at the Halle Open came to an abrupt end on Thursday, as he suffered a shock 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Alexander Bublik in the round of 16. The Kazakhstani, ranked 45th in the world, produced one of the finest performances of his career to upset the top seed and book his place in the who was aiming to become the first player since Roger Federer to win consecutive titles in Halle, looked in control early on, breaking Bublik twice to race to a 3-0 lead and sealing the opening set with authority. But the match quickly shifted as Bublik responded with his trademark flair, firing 36 winners, including 15 aces, to disrupt the rhythm of the usually composed marked Sinner's first defeat to a player outside the Top 20 since his loss to Dusan Lajovic in Cincinnati last year. Ironically, Bublik had also beaten Sinner en route to winning the title in Halle in 2023, now making it two wins in as many appearances against the Italian at this grass-court event. "I don't know. I kept serving. I tried to get back whatever I can," Bublik said after the win. "He's an unbelievable player. I was not thinking I could beat him."advertisementBublik saved three break points early in the second set and broke at 4-2 before levelling the match. In the decider, a crucial break in the seventh game gave him a 4-3 lead, which he consolidated with three more aces to close out the contest in just under two 26-year-old will now face Czech seventh seed Tomas Machac, who cruised past Fabian Marozsan 6-2, in Halle, German second seed Alexander Zverev battled back from a set down to defeat Lorenzo Sonego 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(2), maintaining his perfect record against the Italian. Zverev, a two-time finalist in Halle still searching for his maiden grass-court crown, will next meet Flavio Cobolli, who edged past Denis Shapovalov in a tense three-setter, 7-6(2), 4-6, 7-6(5).Meanwhile, fourth seed Andrey Rublev became the latest high-profile casualty, losing to Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(6) in a gripping three-hour contest. Etcheverry saved two match points in the final-set tiebreak to advance and will face Russia's Karen Khachanov, who overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
Canada News.Net
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
Officials: Russia strategy group disbanded amid Trump frustration
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A quiet shift inside the Trump administration has stalled a key diplomatic initiative aimed at pushing Russia toward peace talks with Ukraine. According to three U.S. officials, a working group formed earlier this year to explore ways to increase pressure on Moscow has been quietly shelved — a casualty of dwindling presidential interest and sweeping staff changes. Set up by high-ranking members of the White House National Security Council (NSC), the group included officials from the State Department, Pentagon, Treasury, and intelligence community. Its mission was to craft strategies for tightening the screws on Moscow and boosting U.S. leverage in negotiations. However, the group lost momentum by May, as President Donald Trump grew increasingly disillusioned with the pace of progress. "It lost steam toward the end because the president wasn't there," said one U.S. official familiar with the matter. "Instead of doing more, maybe he wanted to do less." The group's demise, which has not been previously reported, adds to growing concern in Europe about Trump's approach to Russia, particularly ahead of a key NATO summit this month. On June 16, speaking at the G7 in Canada, Trump repeated that removing Russia from the old G8 alliance had been a mistake. The final blow came about three weeks ago when most of the NSC's Ukraine team was dismissed in a broader White House shake-up. Among those removed was Andrew Peek, the top NSC official for Europe and Russia. Though it's unclear who ordered the effort to halt, officials say the scale of NSC personnel cuts made its continuation impractical. While the group never finalized its recommendations, officials say ideas on the table included economic deals to loosen post-Soviet countries' ties to Moscow, covert operations, and incentives for Kazakhstan to enforce sanctions better. The Kazakhstani embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. The working group had emerged in March or April as some of Trump's advisers began questioning Putin's willingness to deal and hoped Trump might shift to a tougher stance. In late March, Trump told NBC News he was "furious" and "pissed off" at Putin's comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. An April 1 NSC statement to Reuters cited "deep frustration with the Russian government over negotiations." But frustration eventually gave way to fatigue. Despite campaign promises to end the war on "day one," Trump has grown increasingly doubtful about his ability to deliver. Officials say he has recently floated abandoning U.S. mediation efforts altogether. Meanwhile, Trump has seen little success in other peace efforts, including in the Middle East, where tensions have escalated sharply between Iran and Israel. A March Reuters report also revealed that parts of the U.S. government had suspended work on countering Russian disinformation and sabotage.
Canada Standard
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Trump admin quietly shutters Russia pressure group, sources say
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A quiet shift inside the Trump administration has stalled a key diplomatic initiative aimed at pushing Russia toward peace talks with Ukraine. According to three U.S. officials, a working group formed earlier this year to explore ways to increase pressure on Moscow has been quietly shelved — a casualty of dwindling presidential interest and sweeping staff changes. Set up by high-ranking members of the White House National Security Council (NSC), the group included officials from the State Department, Pentagon, Treasury, and intelligence community. Its mission was to craft strategies for tightening the screws on Moscow and boosting U.S. leverage in negotiations. However, the group lost momentum by May, as President Donald Trump grew increasingly disillusioned with the pace of progress. "It lost steam toward the end because the president wasn't there," said one U.S. official familiar with the matter. "Instead of doing more, maybe he wanted to do less." The group's demise, which has not been previously reported, adds to growing concern in Europe about Trump's approach to Russia, particularly ahead of a key NATO summit this month. On June 16, speaking at the G7 in Canada, Trump repeated that removing Russia from the old G8 alliance had been a mistake. The final blow came about three weeks ago when most of the NSC's Ukraine team was dismissed in a broader White House shake-up. Among those removed was Andrew Peek, the top NSC official for Europe and Russia. Though it's unclear who ordered the effort to halt, officials say the scale of NSC personnel cuts made its continuation impractical. While the group never finalized its recommendations, officials say ideas on the table included economic deals to loosen post-Soviet countries' ties to Moscow, covert operations, and incentives for Kazakhstan to enforce sanctions better. The Kazakhstani embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. The working group had emerged in March or April as some of Trump's advisers began questioning Putin's willingness to deal and hoped Trump might shift to a tougher stance. In late March, Trump told NBC News he was "furious" and "pissed off" at Putin's comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. An April 1 NSC statement to Reuters cited "deep frustration with the Russian government over negotiations." But frustration eventually gave way to fatigue. Despite campaign promises to end the war on "day one," Trump has grown increasingly doubtful about his ability to deliver. Officials say he has recently floated abandoning U.S. mediation efforts altogether. Meanwhile, Trump has seen little success in other peace efforts, including in the Middle East, where tensions have escalated sharply between Iran and Israel. A March Reuters report also revealed that parts of the U.S. government had suspended work on countering Russian disinformation and sabotage. The White House, Treasury, Pentagon, State Department, and the embassies of Russia and Ukraine all declined to comment.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Bybit Kazakhstan and Bank CenterCredit Launch Direct Fiat Channel to Boost Local Crypto Accessibility
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- Bybit Kazakhstan, the authorized entity of Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has officially launched a fiat deposit and withdrawal channel in partnership with Bank CenterCredit, one of the country's leading financial institutions. This initiative marks a major step in building a secure and regulated crypto-fiat channel tailored for local users. The partnership enables users of Bybit Kazakhstan to deposit and withdraw fiat funds in Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) directly through their bank accounts at Bank CenterCredit, providing a smoother on-ramp and off-ramp to the crypto market via both Bybit Kazakhstan and Bank CenterCredit platforms. The integration was designed to ensure speed, transparency, and full compliance with local regulations. A Partnership Built for Growth This collaboration between Bybit Kazakhstan and Bank CenterCredit (BCC) is founded on a shared commitment to advancing digital finance in Kazakhstan. BCC's track record in fintech innovation and strong position within the local banking ecosystem make it an ideal partner for expanding Bybit's local service offering. Michelle D., Head of Regulated Regions at Bybit, stated: "Our aim is to make digital asset access as straightforward and secure as possible for users in Kazakhstan. Partnering with Bank CenterCredit allows us to bridge the gap between traditional finance and crypto, while operating within a fully regulated framework. This is a meaningful step in supporting Kazakhstan's growing interest in blockchain technology." Regulated, Local, and User-First The new fiat channel further positions Bybit Kazakhstan as a key player in the region's evolving fintech landscape. With AFSA licensing in place and local partnerships strengthening, the platform is focused on delivering products that are not only globally competitive but also tailored to the needs of Kazakhstani users. This launch follows the recent rollout of Bybit Kazakhstan's local platform, signaling the company's long-term commitment to building within the region. The fiat channel is now live, and users can access it through their Bybit Kazakhstan and Bank CenterCredit accounts. Additional local features and payment integrations are in development, with further announcements expected in the near future. To explore the regulated offerings by Bybit Kazakhstan, licensed under the financial regulator Astana Financial Services Authority, users may explore #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at About Bybit Kazakhstan Bybit Kazakhstan is authorised firm by the financial regulator of the AIFC, AFSA, to conduct the Regulated Activity of Operating a Digital Asset Trading Facility, Providing Custody, Dealing in Investments as Principal, Dealing in Investments as Agent and Managing Investments in relation to Digital Assets under Licence Number AFSA-A-LA-2024-0027. Status of the licence and its validity may be verified at the AFSA website ( This financial promotion is offered to all types of clients: retail, accredited and professional investors. Please note that investment in digital assets involves the risk of the possibility of partial and/ or full loss of investment capital.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Why Chernobyl's elephant's foot still raises alarms decades later
In a time when the world is focused on emerging technologies and geopolitical shifts, there are still stories from the past that haven't faded away. One of them lies deep beneath an abandoned structure in northern Ukraine– inside the crippled remains of Chernobyl's Reactor 4. Nearly four decades after the catastrophic nuclear accident of 1986, a hardened mass of radioactive material known as the 'Elephant's Foot' continues to quietly sit underground, monitored by scientists but largely out of public view. Once capable of killing within minutes, this dense radioactive formation remains a haunting reminder of the consequences of human and technical failure. While much has changed since that explosion, the material legacy it left behind still demands caution and respect. The formation that should never have existed When the Chernobyl reactor exploded, the heat inside the core reached temperatures high enough to melt nuclear fuel rods, steel, and concrete. This mixture created a kind of radioactive lava that moved through the building's structure. As it cooled, it solidified into strange and sometimes massive shapes. One of the most well-known of these formations is the Elephant's Foot– a name given because of its rough, wrinkled appearance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It was eventually identified as corium, a material formed during a nuclear meltdown. It's not a natural substance. It's the result of extreme conditions– temperatures, pressure, and radiation– combining to create a new and dangerous compound. At its peak, a silent killer When it was first discovered, the Elephant's Foot was emitting over 10,000 roentgens of radiation per hour, as per a report presented by the Economic Times. To put it simply, that level of exposure could kill a human being within minutes. Scientists who approached it at the time had to rely on remote cameras, protective barriers, and extremely limited contact. The intensity of the radiation also interfered with electronics. Footage taken near the site showed visible static and distortion. One viewer later commented: 'The white specks on screen are not the camera quality, but in fact the radiation messing with the film/camera itself.' Symptoms of even brief exposure included nausea, vomiting, and dizziness– early signs of radiation poisoning. For anyone who stayed near it too long, the effects could be fatal within days. Scientists who faced the danger up close Despite the extreme risks, a few individuals made direct contact with the Elephant's Foot to document and study it. Among them was Artur Korneyev, a Kazakhstani radiation expert who visited the site multiple times and helped capture some of the earliest images of the mass. 'We had to use a Kalashnikov to chip pieces off,' a scientist involved in the investigation said, referring to the density of the material, as quoted by the Economic Times. Korneyev, known for his dark sense of humour, once told The New York Times, 'Soviet radiation is the best radiation in the world.' He continued his work for years after his exposure and is believed to have passed away in 2022 at the age of 73. Camera footage that told a radioactive story Other professionals, such as physicist Alexander Kupny, also played a key role in documenting the post-disaster environment. In 1989, he entered the structure with protective gear and used remote cameras to study the interior. By taking careful steps and limiting his exposure, he managed to avoid serious health effects. His recordings, now archived and viewed globally, show the eerie silence and decay inside the damaged reactor. Early Soviet footage taken just days after the accident by filmmaker Vladimir Shevchenko showed similar interference caused by radiation. Unaware at first, Shevchenko had captured the impact of radiation on film itself– a rare occurrence and one that underlined the gravity of the situation. A hazard that still exists, though muted While the Elephant's Foot is no longer as dangerous as it once was, it has not become harmless. Over time, the surface of the mass has begun to crack and degrade. As quoted by the Economic Times, according to Maxim Saveliev from the Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, the material now 'more or less has the consistency of sand.' Though the radiation levels have dropped, the site remains closed to the public, and specialists continue to monitor it. The risk of contamination, collapse, or radioactive dust spreading remains a concern for experts managing the remnants of the reactor. The broader fallout: Human and environmental impact The explosion at Chernobyl did not just create radioactive debris. According to the Economic Times report, it forced over 400,000 people to relocate. Cleanup operations involved nearly half a million workers, many of whom were exposed to high radiation. While 31 deaths were officially reported in the immediate aftermath, broader estimates of long-term health impacts range from 4,000 to as high as 60,000 deaths due to related illnesses. Many cases of thyroid cancer, particularly among children, have been linked to exposure in the years following the explosion. The Elephant's Foot is a symbol of this larger, far-reaching legacy. A renewed risk during wartime In 2022, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone made global headlines again, not due to a new accident, but because of military conflict. During the early stages of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops occupied the site, raising concerns over nuclear safety. Reports indicated that soldiers may have dug trenches in contaminated areas, exposing themselves to unsafe levels of radiation. Ukrainian officials warned of the potential for another crisis if power were cut to essential systems that stabilise the plant. One official noted that the soldiers could have received 'significant doses' of radiation.
