Indian teenager becomes the first Asian to swim across Ocean Seven
Wellington: India's Rohan More on Sunday became the first Asian swimmer and the youngest ever to swim across the Cook Strait between North and South Islands of New Zealand.
The Pune teenager completed the feat in eight hours and 37 minutes.
Starting from the North Island in temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius, More battled inclement weather and a sudden drop in temperature to complete the task.
With this feat, More became the ninth person in the world to complete the Ocean's Seven marathon.
The Ocean's Seven consists of seven long-distance open-water swims, which includes the North Channel, the Cook Strait, the Molokai Channel, the English Channel, the Catalina Channel, the Tsugaru Strait and the Strait of Gibraltar.
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Will you be ok if I visit Ayodhya Temple? Kharge slams Centre on its anti-SC/ST stance
New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge has criticised the BJP government, alleging discrimination against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and accusing them of disrespecting President Draupadi Murmu and former President Ram Nath Kovind regarding SC/ST issues.
Kharge mentioned that Murmu was not invited to the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the new Parliament House. He also claimed that Kovind was not allowed to lay the foundation stone of the new Parliament House.
Speaking at the 'Idea Exchange' program organised by Indian Express, Kharge responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation that Congress stayed away from laying the foundation stone of the Ram Mandir due to political pressure.
Kharge questioned, "My people are still not allowed to enter many temples. Will it be tolerated if I go to Ayodhya then?"
Regarding PM Modi's statement about NDA getting 400 seats, Kharge said, "People are yearning for change. So, the dream of the third time will not be fulfilled." He warned against the BJP forming the government again, stating, "They are already talking about changing the constitution."
Responding to whether Congress should have participated in the inauguration of Ram Mandir, Kharge said, "That is a personal belief. Anyone can go there whenever they want. Modi is not a priest. Why should he take the lead in installing the Rama idol? They did it only for political purposes."
He questioned the timing, stating, "One third of the temple is not yet completed. Is it a political act or a religious act? Why are you mixing religion with politics?"
Kharge highlighted issues faced by SCs, such as restrictions in temples, water sources, educational institutions, and instances of discrimination. He asked, "If I had gone to Ram Mandir, would they (Modi-BJP) have tolerated it?"
