Saudi Arabia unearths 56 million year old marine fossils
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Geological Survey (SGS) has made a groundbreaking discovery of 56-million-year-old marine fossils in the Ras Al-Ru’us sedimentary formation in the Kingdom's northern border region. The fossils, embedded within limestone layers, date back to the early Eocene period and include bony fish, notably extinct catfish species.
Tariq Aba Al Khail, SGS spokesperson, emphasized the significance of this as the first discovery of vertebrate fossils from the early Eocene in Saudi Arabia. The find provides crucial insights into the region's paleogeographic history and ancient ecosystems.
This discovery joins a series of notable fossil finds in the Kingdom, including extinct mammals in the Nefud region and parts of a 37-million-year-old whale in Al-Qurayyat. Together, these finds enrich understanding of Earth's prehistoric environments.
The SGS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, plans to establish a geological museum to showcase these fossils and other geological treasures from Saudi Arabia.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
