July 6, 2024 - My Circle Story - Stories of Business, Fashion, Destination and Trends

July 6, 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Championship Dreams End in Penalty Shootout Heartbreak

Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious career with Portugal at the European Championship reached a poignant end as the team faced a heartbreaking exit in the quarterfinals against France. In a dramatic penalty shootout early on Saturday, France emerged victorious with a 5-3 win, ending Ronaldo’s bid for a final European Championship title. The 39-year-old Ronaldo, who had announced that this would be his sixth and last appearance at the European Championship, faced the end of an era in what has been a storied international career. Despite scoring Portugal’s first penalty in the shootout, the team was unable to advance, with Joao Felix missing a crucial spot-kick that hit the upright. Ahead of the tournament, Ronaldo expressed his sentiments to the Portuguese public broadcaster RTP, stating, “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship. But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.” His words came after Portugal’s victory over Slovenia in the quarterfinals, where they triumphed 3-0 in penalties. The match against France was a tense affair, culminating in a penalty shootout that saw all of France’s spot-kick takers successfully convert their attempts. The decisive moment came when Felix’s shot failed to find the back of the net, sealing Portugal’s fate. Ronaldo’s emotions were palpable as he stood alone after the shootout, reflecting on the end of his European Championship journey. His longtime teammate Pepe, overwhelmed with emotion, sobbed into Ronaldo’s jersey. Ronaldo took a moment to console the defender before they both made their way down the tunnel. For France, the result was a significant relief. They had substituted their own talisman, Kylian Mbappe, before the shootout after he appeared to suffer a knock on his face. Mbappe, already competing in the tournament with a face mask due to a previous injury, had to watch from the sidelines as his team secured the win. This victory marked a turning point for France, who had previously experienced penalty shootout heartbreak in their last two major tournaments — the 2021 Euros and the 2022 World Cup final. Now, with this win, France moves on to face Spain in the semifinals, following Spain’s extra-time victory over Germany in Stuttgart. As Ronaldo’s European Championship chapter closes, the football world reflects on his remarkable contributions and the passion he brought to every match. His legacy will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.

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Bengaluru’s Auto and Cab Drivers Protest Leads to Crackdown on Illegal Bike Taxis

The bustling city of Bengaluru witnessed a significant development in its transport sector following a massive protest by auto and cab drivers on Thursday. The drivers demanded stringent action against illegal bike taxis operating in the city and called for the immediate implementation of the ‘one city, one cab fare’ policy by the state transport department. This movement was a clear indication of the growing frustration among licensed drivers who felt their livelihoods were being threatened by unregulated bike taxi services. In response to these protests, a rigorous enforcement operation was launched by the state transport department. C Mallikarjun, Additional Commissioner of Transport (Enforcement, South), provided insights into the operation, revealing that 29 of the confiscated vehicles were electric bike taxis. The crackdown involved 10 Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and one assistant RTO, demonstrating the department’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the auto-rickshaw drivers. The impetus for this enforcement action stemmed from the state government’s decision to abolish the Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme, 2021, due to widespread misuse. This scheme had initially been introduced to promote eco-friendly transportation options but had instead seen significant deviations from its intended purpose. The department’s decision to take action was further bolstered by a growing outcry from the local transport community. Despite a previous court order that had restrained such actions, the department moved forward with the crackdown. OLA (ANI Technologies) was identified as the only legitimate provider of electric bike services in Bengaluru, while other services from companies like Rapido, OLA, and Uber were found operating illegally using personal vehicles with white registration plates. Violators caught in this enforcement drive face penalties starting at ₹5,000, along with the impoundment of their vehicles. However, detailed information on the exact penalties collected during this operation remains undisclosed. The enforcement efforts reflect a serious attempt to regulate the transport sector and ensure that all operators adhere to the established legal framework. Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Bike Taxi Welfare Association in Karnataka has argued that their operations are protected under court orders. This stance suggests that there may be further legal battles ahead as both sides strive to protect their interests. The recent actions by Bengaluru’s transport department underscore the ongoing challenges in balancing innovation and regulation in the city’s transport sector. While electric bike taxis represent a step towards sustainable urban mobility, the need for a well-regulated environment that ensures fair competition and protects the livelihoods of traditional transport operators remains crucial. The outcome of these enforcement actions and the subsequent legal developments will be closely watched by all stakeholders involved.

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Zimbabwe’s Enthusiastic Bowling Effort Stuns India in First T20I

In a thrilling encounter at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday, Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 13-run victory against India in the first T20I. The match, which was full of unexpected twists and turns, saw Zimbabwe capitalize on their bowling prowess to overturn India’s seemingly secure position. India, having won the toss, decided to bowl first and managed to restrict Zimbabwe to a modest total of 115 for 9 in 20 overs. Ravi Bishnoi was the standout performer with the ball for India, delivering his career-best figures of 4 wickets for just 13 runs in his four-over spell. His impressive performance put India in the driver’s seat early in the game. However, Zimbabwe had other plans. Despite being restricted to a low total, they bounced back with a remarkable bowling display. Leveraging the extra bounce of the Harare surface, Zimbabwean bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Tendai Chatara and Sikandar Raza were particularly effective, with Chatara claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs and Raza taking 3 wickets for 25 runs. Their disciplined and aggressive bowling left the Indian batting lineup in tatters. India’s chase began on a shaky note, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Washington Sundar tried to anchor the innings and keep India’s hopes alive with a fighting knock of 27 runs. Despite his efforts, the Indian team fell short of the target, getting bowled out for 102 runs in 19.5 overs. The Zimbabwean bowlers maintained relentless pressure, and their fielders supported them with sharp catches and quick run-outs. This unexpected victory for Zimbabwe showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. It also highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even a low total can be defended with a spirited bowling effort.

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