Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes in women's sports
Washington: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday banning transgender athletes from participating in women's sports, stating that it marks the end of the "war on women's sports."
Surrounded by female athletes and children at the White House, Trump declared, "We will not allow men to beat up, injure, and cheat our women and girls. From now on, women's sports will be only for women."
The order directs government agencies to withhold federal funds from schools that permit transgender athletes in women's sports. "It is the policy of the United States to rescind all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, endanger their safety, and violate their privacy," the executive order states.
Trump also announced plans to pressure the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to change its rules on transgender athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been directed to push the IOC for policy changes, while Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem has been instructed to deny visas to "men fraudulently identifying as women athletes" seeking to compete in the Games.
Since his return to office on January 20, Trump has aggressively targeted transgender rights through a series of executive orders. These include reversing policies on transgender military service and restricting gender transition procedures for individuals under 19.
During the 2024 election campaign, Trump repeatedly attacked Democrats on transgender rights, branding his opponent Kamala Harris as a supporter of "they/them ideology." The Republican-led House of Representatives had earlier passed a bill restricting transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports, aligning with conservative concerns over fairness in competition.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Wild fox falls into tank in Thane, rescued after one-hour operation
Thane (PTI): A wild fox was rescued on Sunday after it fell into an open water tank in Thane's Shil area, an official said.
The rescue operation, which started at noon, was a coordinated effort between the Fire Brigade, wildlife personnel that took one hour, Thane Municipal Corporation disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said.
"The fox fell into a tank located near Muktai residency on Kalyan-Shilphata road. The rescue proved challenging due to the confined space of the tank. However, through the combined efforts of the fire brigade and forest officials, the fox was safely pulled out after nearly an hour of careful manoeuvring," Tadvi said.
ALSO READ: 9 killed, 10 wounded in South African pub shooting
Following the rescue, the animal was checked for injuries and taken by the forest department for further observation before its eventual release, he said.
