It said such measures would also be taken in line with protecting Yemen’s sovereignty, under customary international humanitarian law.

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Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al Maliki, cited by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), said recent Houthi statements against the Kingdom were aimed at diverting attention from what he described as “grave violations” against the Yemeni people.

He added that the remarks reflected continued escalation and hostile behaviour by the group, undermining regional and international security.

Accusations of escalation and regional threats

Al Maliki accused the Houthis of attempting to export Yemen’s economic crisis beyond its borders while intensifying military and political escalation.

He said Saudi Arabia, alongside Coalition partners and international allies, has worked to ease humanitarian suffering and support a political roadmap endorsed by Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

Maritime attacks and infrastructure damage cited

The spokesperson also alleged Houthi attacks on sea lines of communication and international trade routes in the southern Red Sea and Bab Al Mandab Strait.

He said these actions had exposed Yemen’s infrastructure to destruction, citing damage to key facilities including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif, as well as Sana’a International Airport, power stations, and industrial sites.

Coalition reaffirms security commitment

Al Maliki reiterated that the Coalition remains committed to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s security while supporting efforts to restore stability in Yemen.

He stressed that any further targeting attempts would be met with a strong response consistent with international law.

Etihad Rail launched its first passenger service connecting Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. The journey takes one hour and 45 minutes, with trains travelling at speeds of up to 200kph. It marks the first phase of Etihad Rail's passenger network, which will eventually connect 11 cities and regions across the UAE.

If you are planning to travel with a pet, here's what you need to know.

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Pets allowed on Etihad Rail passenger trains

Etihad Rail permits domestic pets, including dogs and falcons, to travel on board as long as they are transported in an approved pet carrier.

The carrier must not exceed 55cm × 40cm × 23cm and must remain with the passenger throughout the journey.

Passengers should also note that:

• The pet must remain inside the carrier at all times.

• The pet carrier counts as the passenger's standard carry-on luggage allowance.

• Passengers cannot bring both a pet carrier and a separate carry-on cabin bag.

• Only one pet carrier is permitted per passenger.

• Pets must remain under the owner's control throughout the journey.

Trained and certified assistance dogs are also permitted but must be booked in advance through Etihad Rail's Contact Centre.

Pushchairs and mobility aids

Families travelling with children can bring one pushchair free of charge for each child, provided it is folded before boarding. Etihad Rail also recommends wrapping pushchairs to help protect them during travel.

Passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids are also accommodated. However, only electric wheelchairs fitted with integrated manufacturer-installed batteries are accepted, and dedicated wheelchair spaces must be reserved when booking.

Items you cannot bring on board

Etihad Rail has strict rules on items that are not permitted on its passenger services to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board.

The following items are strictly prohibited:

• Weapons of any kind.

• Explosives and explosive materials.

• Flammable or hazardous substances.

• Narcotics and illegal drugs.

• Alcoholic beverages.

• Smoking devices and electronic cigarettes.

Bicycles and e-scooters

Passengers are also not permitted to bring:

• Bicycles.

• Scooters.

• E-scooters.

• E-bikes.

Oversized items that obstruct aisles or luggage storage areas are also prohibited. In addition, passengers may not carry any item that could pose a safety risk, cause inconvenience to others or produce strong odours that may affect fellow travellers.

Travellers are advised to review Etihad Rail's full list of restricted and prohibited items before their journey to help ensure a smooth boarding process.

Galgotias University has been expanding its international engagement and this programme forms a part of its broader strategy to create structured global learning experiences that complement classroom education with international academic exposure. During their immersion at the Girton College, University of Cambridge, students will participate in interdisciplinary sessions on Frugal Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation and entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, and leadership communication within a global business context.

The programme has been designed to help students understand how emerging technologies such as AI can be applied in resource efficient environments, how ventures are conceived and scaled in rapidly evolving markets, and how leaders communicate effectively across cultures. The curriculum also introduces participants to organisational behaviour, competitive strategy, business modelling, and executive storytelling, culminating in a capstone venture pitch where students develop solution oriented ideas to address contemporary global challenges.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said: “International academic immersion broadens perspectives and enables students to navigate different cultures, technologies and ways of thinking with confidence. Learning alongside global faculty and peers helps develop the multidisciplinary problem solving mindset needed to lead in an increasingly interconnected world. Such experiences prepare our students to become innovators and leaders capable of creating solutions with global relevance.”

Beyond academics, the programme offers students the opportunity to experience life at one of the world’s most respected universities while learning within one of the world’s leading innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. The initiative reflects Galgotias University’s continuing focus on creating meaningful international learning experiences that expose students to global faculty, research, industry, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Aradhana Galgotia, Chief Operating Officer, Galgotias University, and an alumna of Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, said:

“My time at Cambridge Judge Business School gave me first-hand exposure to an academic ecosystem that encourages intellectual curiosity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global thinking. Having experienced the transformative impact of that environment myself, I felt strongly that our students should have the opportunity to learn from and engage with the same ecosystem. This programme is a reflection of that vision, to enable our students to experience world-class learning, interact with global faculty and peers, and gain perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom. We hope this exposure inspires them to think bigger, innovate boldly, and build solutions that can create meaningful impact in the world.”

The summer programme builds on Galgotias University’s expanding record of global student achievements and international engagement. Earlier this year, student teams earned international recognition at EDVentures 2026 in Hong Kong, where a student led startup Project TACTO received the AWS Championship Award. The University’s iOS Student Developer ecosystem has emerged as one of India’s strongest, with more than 65 student developed applications now live on the Apple App Store. In Apple’s Swift Student Challenge 2026, 18 Galgotias students were recognised among 350 winners worldwide, while two students from the B.Tech CSE Class of 2027 earned the opportunity to attend WWDC 2026 at Apple Park, Cupertino.

The ordinary quest of a crush suddenly turned into a tale of two lovers ripping apart the space-time continuum and fate, to be with each other.

And now, My Royal Nemesis, another time-travelling tale has nabbed the spotlight, and perhaps for good reason. Starring a delightful Heo Nam-jun as the  cold chaebol heir Cha Se-gye and mesmerising Lim J-yeon as Kang Dan-Shim as well as Shin Seo-ri, the K-Drama turns all the K-Drama tropes that you would expect, on its head. Kang Dan-shim, a cunning, powerful and manipulative woman from the Joseon era is sentenced to the present day, and finds herself in the body of Shin Seo-ri, a struggling actress.

Dan-shim can’t quite come to terms with being a nobody in the 21^st century. As she mutters darkly, she was one of the most feared women back in her day. Nobody is bothered by her archaic orders; no one rushes to her beck and call. Lim Ji-yeon, who has already shown her acting prowess as a demonic bully in The Glory, is thoroughly entertaining to watch here, with her cocked eyebrows, commanding, booming voice and sneer at the men around her.

Ji-yeon delves into the acidic, biting personality of Kang Dan-shim, a refreshing change from the usual K-Drama leads, who are often well-written but slowly lose their verve along the course of the story. But not Dan Shim. She confuses, as well as impresses everyone around her with her antics. The struggle to fit into present-day Korea is exhaustive: She catches up on the latest K-Dramas, brushes up on her Korean history, and celebrates the Independence Day, and even attempts to slap a man back to life during cardiac arrest, convinced it counts as medical expertise.

But more than anything else, Dan Shim is also bitterly human, in the best and the worst ways, possible. In a rather rare turn for a K-Drama lead, Kang Dan-shim is aware of her own power games, and self-preservation. The rise towards the top is defined by complicated choices, and she hasn’t been afraid to make them in her past,-though unfortunately, this fact is more of a ‘tell, don’t show’ in the flashback scenes. We don't quite know exactly about her ascent, and the nature of the punishment that led her to be trapped in the 21st century

And this batty, nervy lead will fall for one of the best K-Drama male leads ever written: Cha Se-gye. At first, he does seem like the stock cliché of a cold, calculating businessman, but truly that man has out-yearned the rest of the K-Drama leads without even being problematic as they normally are. That’s minimal of course, but remember the world we live in: The distant and emotionally unavailable male leads are usually so grating with unresolved nastiness, yelling, from Boys over Flowers to the troubling When The Phone Rings, where the show worked overtime to justify the lead’s cold and abusive nature to his mute wife.

Well, thank goodness for a change. Cha Se-gye is just gruff and rough around the edges; the cold thaws as soon as he sets sights on Dan-shim,

Cha Se-gye, much to his own amazement, is entranced by this strange specimen of a woman. He is attracted to her wily, hard words, while also equally repelled. Yet, he rewrites the unwritten K-Drama laws of ‘cold, uncaring’ leads; he cares so much that it physically hurts him.

One of the most heartwarming love confessions, is a moment on the beach, a day after he has almost lost his nerve trying to track her down in a forest. She demands an apology for his scolding, but he responds that he would. “Even if I could go back in time, I would still search for you like a lunatic. And after searching in vain alone, I would still lose my temper. Even if it disappoints you, I would feel better as long as you were okay.”

At the same time, he cannot move on, despite numerous rejections. But the romance that follows is endearing and worth the wait, and the good news is, the two leads never lose their frenemy-like banter, even when they’re deeply in love.

It’s this kooky, whimsical, comedic yet consuming romance that is the heart of the show: The story does tie itself into pretzels and tries to serve too many storytelling elements, business propositions, soul-swapping, dopplegangers of the past and present.

It's confusing enough for the audience to rewind and play again, to understand who exactly has swapped souls with who, why, and moreover what are all the various web-like connections between the past and the present. The same evil people are present, of course and it’s up to our leads to traverse between the fluid timelines and right the wrongs that have been done.

Nevertheless, despite all its flaws and glitches, My Royal Nemesis has been one of the most fun, entertaining K-Dramas of late. It serves the romantics the taste of the K-Dramas of yore, but fresh, new, without stumbling into problematic territory.

No tenant came for more than two years.

Now, his property agent came up with a piece of good news: a long-term renter signed a contract for his 27-sqm (290.63 sqft) unit for ₱17,000/ month.

The new tenant had asked for furnishings, and got them. It's a sign of the times.

Buyers' market

The condominium market here remains firmly in buyers' territory in 2026, with elevated vacancy rates, tens of thousands of unsold units and aggressive promotional offers continuing to define the sector even as demand begins to recover.

Industry trackers point to current data showing the Manila condominium market remains a "buyer's market", with developers expected to continue offering promotional pricing and flexible financing.

Leechiu Property Consultants says that while the market is emerging from its deepest post-pandemic slump, a full recovery is likely to be gradual.

A recent report shows developers work through a large inventory of completed units while navigating higher financing costs and changing buyer preferences.

Key factors driving oversupply

The oversupply stems from a combination of factors, including:

• the pandemic-era slowdown

• the departure of many Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs)

• elevated interest rates in recent years

• surge in condominium completions that outpaced demand.

According to Colliers Philippines, Metro Manila is expected to post a record residential vacancy rate of 25.6% by the end of 2026, up from 24.7% in 2025, as nearly 13,000 condominium units are scheduled for completion this year.

While sales have begun to improve, supply continues to outstrip demand.

Despite the challenges, there are early indications that the market is stabilising.

Colliers reported that net condominium take-up in the first quarter of 2026 climbed to about 2,000 units, a tenfold increase from the same period a year earlier.

Unsold inventory has also begun to decline from its peak, suggesting developers' aggressive discounts, flexible payment schemes and rent-to-own offers are attracting buyers back into the market.

The consultancy estimates Metro Manila still has roughly 79,000 to 81,000 unsold condominium units, including about 30,000 ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units, making competition among developers particularly intense.

Bay Area: high vacancy rates

Not all parts of Metro Manila face the same conditions.

The Bay Area in Pasay City — covering developments near the Mall of Asia complex and Entertainment City — continues to experience the highest vacancy rates in the capital, with vacancies projected to approach 60% as additional towers are completed.

The area expanded rapidly during the POGO boom but has struggled to replace demand after many offshore gaming firms exited the Philippines.

By contrast, established business districts such as Makati Central Business District, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Rockwell Center, and parts of Ortigas Center have remained comparatively resilient supported by stronger demand from professionals, expatriates and higher-income buyers.

Vacancy levels in these prime locations remain significantly lower than the metropolitan average.

QC, C5, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Alabang

Other active residential markets include Quezon City (QC), particularly the Cubao-New Manila and Katipunan areas.

Also on the active markets list is the C5 Corridor, where a substantial portion of new supply is scheduled for completion; Pasig, Mandaluyong, Alabang, and Las Piñas, where developers continue to launch projects targeting mid-income buyers.

Buyers hold the advantage

The current market has shifted negotiating power toward buyers.

Developers are offering discounts, extended payment terms, waived fees, furnished units and rent-to-own packages to reduce inventories.

Some ready-for-occupancy projects are also being marketed with free appliances and lower reservation fees as companies compete for a limited pool of qualified buyers.

Industry analysts note that affordability remains the biggest challenge.

While mortgage rates have eased slightly following monetary policy adjustments, financing costs remain relatively high, limiting demand among first-time homebuyers.

At the same time, rental yields have compressed in several oversupplied districts, prompting investors to become more selective.

Gradual recovery

Looking ahead, property consultants expect Metro Manila's condominium market to recover gradually rather than rebound sharply.

Developers have become more cautious about launching new projects and are increasingly focusing on locations with stronger end-user demand instead of speculative investment.

Future supply is also expected to moderate significantly compared with pre-pandemic levels, which should eventually help absorb excess inventory.

Fringe growth corridors such as the C5 corridor are also expected to benefit from continued infrastructure investments and improved connectivity.

For now, analysts say Metro Manila remains a buyer's market.

Homebuyers enjoy greater negotiating power than at any point in years, while developers face the challenge of balancing new construction with the need to clear existing inventory before the condominium sector can return to sustained growth.

Highlights: Metro Manila's Condo Market in 1Q 2026

• Condo glut remains significant: Metro Manila has about 81,000 unsold condominium units across 621 active projects, equivalent to roughly 31 months' worth of supply at current sales rates.

• Oversupply isn't uniform: While the metro-wide inventory remains high, the excess supply is concentrated in specific areas rather than spread evenly across all central business districts.

• 40% of inventory is ready for occupancy: About 32,400 units are completed but remain unsold, while 48,600 units (60%) are still under construction with turnover dates extending through 2032.

• RFO units favor buyers: Developers holding completed units are more likely to offer discounts, flexible payment terms and other incentives to move inventory.

• Demand shows early improvement: Sales reached 7,732 units in the first quarter of 2026, up 19% year-on-year, although analysts caution it is too early to call it a sustained market recovery.

• End-users, not investors, are driving sales: Most buyers are purchasing homes to live in rather than as investments, as lower rental yields have dampened investor appetite.

• Rental yields remain compressed: Average rental returns stand at around 3.8% in the primary market and 4.6% in the secondary market, making many new condominium investments less attractive.

• Prime CBDs remain relatively tight: Contrary to popular perception, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati have among the lowest levels of unsold inventory in Metro Manila.

• Quezon City carries the largest inventory: The city has approximately 19,300 unsold units, several times more than Makati or BGC, making it the biggest contributor to Metro Manila's condo overhang.

• Affordability gap is emerging: Demand for lower-middle-priced condominiums (around ₱1.8 million to ₱2.3 million) surged in early 2026, but developers launched virtually no new projects in that segment due to rising land and construction costs.

• Supply shifting upscale: Developers continue to prioritise higher-priced projects, leaving limited new inventory for first-time and budget-conscious homebuyers.

• Growth is shifting outside Metro Manila: Residential markets in nearby infrastructure-driven growth corridors continue to outperform the capital, supported by new transport projects and attractive financing packages.

Market outlook

• Analysts expect the recovery to be gradual rather than rapid, with sustained improvement dependent on lower borrowing costs, stronger buyer confidence, improving rental yields and continued economic stability.

• For prospective buyers, property industry experts say 2026 remains one of the most favourable periods in years to negotiate prices and payment terms, particularly for ready-for-occupancy units.

Iran officially began Saturday morning six days of public funeral ceremonies for late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, state television reported, with processions due to continue in Iraq before his burial.

Thousands of mourners carrying red banners, a symbol associated with calls for revenge, gathered in the courtyard of Tehran's Grand Mosalla ahead of the arrival of Khamenei's coffin, according to an AFP journalist at the venue.

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Crowds enter Khamenei's funeral venue ahead of processions

Thousands of mourners entered Tehran's Grand Mosalla on Saturday for the funeral ceremonies of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, AFP journalists witnessed, ahead of its official start.

The main courtyard of the vast complex was filled with people as authorities imposed extensive traffic restrictions across the capital. Another AFP journalist saw mourners walking several kilometres to reach the venue.

'Fake news': Israeli PMO rejects report on alleged threat to Iranian negotiators

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office has dismissed a news report alleging that US officials feared that Israel might have targeted senior Iranian negotiators during Islamabad talks earlier this year.

In a post on X on Friday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said, "As usual, The New York Times' latest story about Israel and the Iranian negotiators is fake news. A complete fabrication of reality."

According to the NYT news report as cited by the Times of Israel, US officials had allegedly conveyed indirect warnings to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during negotiations earlier this year that Israel might attempt to assassinate them.

The US media report, citing current and former US officials, further alleged that some US officials believed Israel may have been planning to target the two senior Iranian negotiators in the weeks following the April 8 ceasefire that halted fighting in the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

It also claimed that, due to those concerns, US officials asked counterparts in other countries across the region to warn Tehran that Israel might seek to target Araghchi and Ghalibaf.

In response, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office categorically rejected the report on Friday.

Saudi-led Coalition issues stern warning to Houthis

The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition has warned that it will respond with “unprecedented determination and force” to any attempt targeting Saudi Arabia, its citizens, residents, or national assets.

It said such measures would also be taken in line with protecting Yemen’s sovereignty, under customary international humanitarian law.

Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, cited by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), said recent Houthi statements against the Kingdom were aimed at diverting attention from what he described as “grave violations” against the Yemeni people.

He added that the remarks reflected continued escalation and hostile behaviour by the group, undermining regional and international security.

Saudi delegation joins Khamenei's funeral in Tehran

The funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday was attended by senior Iranian officials and foreign delegations, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. Officials paid respects before his coffin at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, four months after he was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes that triggered a wider Middle East war.

The six-day funeral procession began with an official Iranian delegation led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Military commanders also paid tribute, including Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, who had not appeared publicly since the start of the US-Israeli war in February, according to footage carried by Iranian media. A Saudi Foreign Ministry delegation joined representatives from Qatar, Egypt and Oman in paying respects.

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Omani delegation attends Khamenei's funeral in Tehran

Omani delegation attends Khamenei's funeral in Tehran, sent by the Sultan to convey his condolences to Iran's leadership, Oman News Agency shared on X.

Over 600,000 displaced Lebanese return home amid ceasefire

More than 640,000 displaced people in Lebanon have returned home, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have wound down following a deal to end the Middle East war.

Lebanon was drawn into the regional war on March 2 when Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.

Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and an invasion of southern Lebanon, where its troops still occupy swathes of territory.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks have killed around 4,300 people and displaced over one million, particularly from southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs.

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US‑Israel war on Iran: Recent developments

Day 126: Netanyahu, Trump agree to meet in US 'soon'

Day 125: Iran denounces US-led security summit of 12 nations

Day 124: Iran says Qatar talks with US on war MoU concluded

Day 123: Iran says US blockade stopped oil exports completely

Day 122: IRGC Navy spokesperson Akbarzadeh dies in car 'mishap'

Day 121: Iran warns against attacks from regional territory

Day 120: US–Iran ceasefire under strain as drones target Bahrain

Day 119: Lebanon, Israel, US sign trilateral deal in Washington

Day 118: Oil price spikes after IRGC strike on ship in Hormuz

Day 117: Iran-Gulf reconciliation talks expected in Saudi Arabia

Day 125: Iran denounces US-led security summit of 12 nations

Day 124: Iran says Qatar talks with US on war MoU concluded

Day 123: Iran says US blockade stopped oil exports completely

Day 122: IRGC Navy spokesperson Akbarzadeh dies in car 'mishap'

Day 121: Iran warns against attacks from regional territory

Day 120: US–Iran ceasefire under strain as drones target Bahrain

Day 119: Lebanon, Israel, US sign trilateral deal in Washington

Day 118: Oil price spikes after IRGC strike on ship in Hormuz

Day 117: Iran-Gulf reconciliation talks expected in Saudi Arabia

Iran president: Supreme Leader’s ‘martyrdom’ unites grieving nation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing his death as a "martyrdom" that has plunged the nation into grief while vowing that the Islamic Republic would remain steadfast in the face of adversity.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said Khamenei's killing had deeply saddened the Iranian people but insisted it would strengthen national unity rather than weaken the country.

"His martyrdom is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new chapter of unity, resilience," Pezeshkian wrote.

Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on February 28, the opening day of the US-Israeli war against Iran, dealing the Islamic Republic its most significant leadership loss since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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Pezeshkian urges mass turnout for Khamenei funeral

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian called on Iranians to attend the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene’s funeral in “large numbers.”

Iranian army general then warned the US and Israel against launching attacks during the procession.

Iran announces multi-day funeral ceremonies to honour Khamenei

Iranian authorities have announced an extensive series of funeral ceremonies to honour Khamenei, with commemorations scheduled from July 4 through July 9 across both Iran and Iraq.

The multi-day procession is expected to pass through Tehran, Qom and Mashhad in Iran before continuing to the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala in neighboring Iraq, underscoring Khamenei's religious and political influence across the Shiite Muslim world.

The ceremonies are expected to draw senior Iranian officials, religious leaders and supporters from across the region, with heightened security anticipated throughout the events.

Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, shaped the country's domestic politics, nuclear policy and regional alliances, including its backing of armed groups across the Middle East. His death has added uncertainty to an already volatile region following months of conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.

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India, Japan, China back free navigation in Hormuz

India, Japan and China have renewed calls to safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring growing international concern over the security of one of the world's most important energy chokepoints.

Officials from the three trading heavyweights, speaking separately, stressed that safe and uninterrupted passage through the strategic waterway is essential to global trade, energy security and the stability of international supply chains.

In a joint statement released on Thursday following the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi highlighted the strategic necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to guarantee uninterrupted global commerce and resilient energy corridors.

As two of the world's premier energy-consuming economies, India and Japan are acutely vulnerable to supply disruptions in the Middle East.

The prime ministers explicitly warned against any geopolitical manoeuvres that could restrict maritime trade.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed that message during talks with Pakistan's foreign minister, saying normal shipping through the strait should resume quickly to protect global industrial and supply chains following months of conflict in the Gulf.

Japan has reiterated that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law.

In statements issued through its Foreign Ministry and at the United Nations, Tokyo said commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must remain safe and open in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Japanese officials also welcomed international efforts to establish protected maritime corridors and urged all parties to respect international law.

Tehran denounces US-led Bahrain security summit

The US Central Command (CentCom) has convened a landmark regional security conference in Bahrain, bringing together military leaders from 12 nations, including unprecedented participation from Syria and Lebanon.

The high-level summit, hosted by the Bahrain Defence Force, aimed to fortify the Middle East's unified air defence umbrella and secure vital maritime shipping lanes.

However, the American-led initiative immediately drew fierce condemnation from Tehran, exposing deep geopolitical fault lines over who should police the volatile region.

Responding sharply to the military gathering in Manama, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi firmly rejected the notion that Western intervention brings stability to the Middle East.

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Hormuz oil traffic climbs above 10 million barrels per day

Oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has climbed above 10 million barrels per day, as Bloomberg reported.

According to TankerTrackers, Iran has exported around 50 million barrels of crude oil since the US-imposed blockade was lifted two weeks ago, averaging 1.66 million barrels per day in June 2026. However, most regional producers still remain well below their pre-war export levels.

Crude oil prices went down in early morning trade on Friday, with WTI easing further to $68.41, down $0.28 or 0.41%; Brent slid to $71.54 or $0.26 (0.36%) lower, while Murban Crude lost $0.42 to $65.22.

Iran attacks ‘not incidental’: Bahrain to UN Security Council

Bahraini officials told the UN Security Council on Thursday that Iranian missile and drone strikes on Gulf states are deliberate and part of a systematic pattern of aggression, not random or isolated incidents.

Bahrain's representative made the remarks during an emergency Security Council session convened at its request to address recent Iranian attacks on Bahrain and other countries in the region amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and broader Middle East conflicts.

"Iranian attacks [are] never random nor incidental," the Bahraini delegation stated, according to reports from the meeting.

Officials described the strikes as "meticulously pre-planned" and evidence of Tehran's "aggressive intentions" toward its neighbours.

Images show casket holding Khamenei’s body

The first images have emerged of the casket carrying the body of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Posted on his official X account, the image shows the coffin placed in a small room decorated with Iranian flags.

A red flag with white script — described as the sacred banner of the shrine of Imam Hussein — is draped over the casket, according to the post.

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Pakistani interior minister arrives in Iran ahead of funeral

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Seyyed Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in Iran ahead of the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling the country Pakistan’s “second home”.

Iran says representatives from over 100 countries will attend the ceremony, which begins on Saturday.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to attend the proceedings.

US deploys second Marine Expeditionary Unit to Middle East

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that ships carrying a second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), typically comprising more than 2,000 Marines, are currently operating in the Middle East.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 11th MEU are deployed in the region as part of a scheduled mission.

The ARG includes the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, the amphibious transport dock USS Portland—which has recently arrived in the region—and the dock landing ship USS Comstock, which has been operating in the area since May.

The deployment joins the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, along with its escorts and embarked Marines, which have been stationed in the Middle East since late March, further strengthening US naval posture in the region.

Supreme leader's body arrives at Tehran religious complex for funeral

The body of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes, arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla religious complex ahead of his funeral, state media reported Friday.

"The body of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution has arrived at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla," IRNA wrote on Telegram, using the complex's official name.

Powerful general in Iran emerges from hiding

A powerful general who leads Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard emerged from hiding as Tehran prepared Friday for the dayslong funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Photos published online by Iranian state media showed Gen. Ahmad Vahidi attending a meeting about the funeral of Khamenei, 86, then sitting alongside his casket as Iran's theocracy held a smaller service for him Thursday night near the supreme leader's former home in downtown Tehran.

Vahidi has become a major player in formulating Iran's tough stance in negotiating a possible permanent end to the war with the United States, experts say. He is believed to be part of a small clique in direct contact with Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains in hiding after being reportedly wounded in the Feb. 28 Israeli strikes that killed his father, the elder Khamenei.

Vahidi himself hasn't been seen publicly since Feb. 8, weeks before the Iran war began.

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Trump says 'ridiculous' for US to maintain current support for NATO

Trump said it is "ridiculous" for the United States to continue its "one sided" relationship to NATO, less than a week before a NATO summit in Ankara.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "They were not there for us!!!" and Washington's relationship with NATO "is not reciprocal."

Trump has repeatedly lashed out at European allies over their response to the war in Iran.

Khamenei’s coffin arrives at Tehran mosque ahead of funeral

The coffin carrying the body of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has arrived at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla ahead of the funeral, state-affiliated Fars News Agency reported on Friday.

Footage shared by Fars shows the flag-draped coffin being carried through a large crowd into the mosque, as mourners gathered for the upcoming ceremonies.

Tight security in Tehran ahead of Khamenei’s funeral

Security has been tightened across Tehran ahead of the funeral processions for slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Security personnel are patrolling key areas as authorities enforce sweeping restrictions, including closures of public and private offices from Saturday to Monday, traffic curbs in central districts, and partial airspace closure from Friday followed by a full shutdown on Monday.

Coffins of Khamenei and family members were placed at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla on Friday. Funeral ceremonies are expected across Iran and Iraq from July 4 to 9, drawing an estimated 15–20 million mourners.

Tehran, Qom and Mashhad will observe public holidays during the events. Following Tehran ceremonies, the body will be taken to Najaf and Karbala before burial at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad on July 9. Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend.

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Iran warns US and Israel over deal compliance: Speaker

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that Tehran will respond if the United States and Israel fail to meet their commitments under an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

“We strongly demand full implementation of the agreements, and if the US and the Zionist regime fail to fulfil their commitments, Iran will resume proportionate actions,” Ghalibaf was quoted as saying by ISNA.

He said Washington cannot confront Iran militarily and dismissed Israeli threats as “baseless propaganda”.

Ghalibaf also claimed that the US and Israel failed to achieve their objectives in the conflict, adding that they ultimately sought a ceasefire after realising military action had not succeeded.

Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir arrives in Tehran

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has arrived in Iran’s capital Tehran to attend the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He was received by Iran’s Defence Minister Majid Ibn Reza and Interior Minister Eskander Momeni, according to reports.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also travelled to Tehran directly after an official visit to Saudi Arabia to join the funeral proceedings.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Tehran on a one-day visit, leading a high-level delegation that includes senior government officials to attend the ceremony.

Iran president pays respects at Khamenei's remains

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday paid his respects at the remains of slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei, alongside other officials including the country's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

State television showed Pezeshkian praying at Khamenei's coffin, where a black turban had been placed, which is worn by clerics to signify descent from the Prophet Mohammed. 

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Iranian leaders pay respects ahead of funeral

Iranian leaders began paying their respects on Friday before the coffin of the country's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, killed in the US-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East war, as Tehran prepared for a vast funeral.

Khamenei's body arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of ceremonies which are expected to draw millions.

A coterie of foreign dignitaries is also due to attend Saturday's official ceremony, with Tehran's chief negotiator calling for a massive turnout to avenge his death.

Pakistani PM pays respects at Khamenei coffin

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid his respects at the coffin of late Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei on Friday, state TV footage showed.

Sharif, whose country has been mediating US-Iran talks to permanently end their conflict, was accompanied by army chief Asim Munir and a delegation as they visited the coffin.

Afghan FM pays respects to Khamenei

Afghanistan's foreign minister in the Taliban government paid his respects on Friday at the coffin of Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iranian state television showed.

Amir Khan Muttaqi's tribute came just hours after that of Ahmad Massoud, the head of a key anti-Taliban group, whose father was backed by Iran in the 1990s.

In Photos

Iran leaders pay last respects to Khamenei as mourners gather

Top Iranian officials on Friday paid their final respects to the country's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the start of a week of funeral ceremonies, with allies and mourners converging on Tehran where his body is lying in state.

Authorities expect public mourning and grand processions to attract millions before Khamenei's burial next week, four months after he was killed aged 86 at his compound in the opening US-Israeli salvo of the Middle East war. 

AFP images showed mourners carrying his coffin aloft at the vast Grand Mosalla religious complex in the Iranian capital, with the casket draped in the colours of the Islamic republic that he led for more than three decades.

State TV broadcast footage of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paying his respects at Khamenei's coffin on Friday afternoon, alongside parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, also made his first appearance since the start of the war in February. 

Israel military says struck Hezbollah positions in south Lebanon

Israel's military said Friday it had struck several Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon a day earlier in response to attacks on its troops in the area.

Israel and Lebanon signed a US-sponsored framework agreement last week to pave the way for peace between the two countries and disarm Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Israeli officials have repeatedly ruled out withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon, maintaining that any withdrawal would happen only after Hezbollah has been disarmed across Lebanon.

"The IDF struck approximately 10 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and a truck used to transfer weapons in southern Lebanon," the military said in a statement.

Yemen's Houthis threaten Saudi after alleged airspace intrusion: spokesman

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on Friday threatened Saudi Arabia's airports and vital assets should Riyadh violate its airspace or attempt to attack it, as the rebels accused the kingdom of an earlier airspace intrusion.

"We warn the criminal Saudi enemy against repeating any attempt to violate our airspace or any aggression targeting our country," military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a video statement.

"Such actions will be met with a comprehensive response targeting its airports and vital interests on land and sea."

Saree said the rebels had thwarted an attempt by Saudi warplanes to infiltrate their airspace at 5:20 am (0220 GMT) in a bid "to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft carrying more than 200 stranded, wounded, and sick citizens from landing at Sanaa International Airport".

India pays respects at Khamenei's funeral

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retired), paid their tributes representing India at the funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

"Governor of Bihar Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain and I represented India at the funeral ceremony for Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, former Supreme Leader of Iran, in Tehran. Conveyed our respects on behalf of the government and the people of India," MoS Margherita wrote on social media platform X.

Netanyahu, Trump agree to meet in US 'soon'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump spoke on Friday and agreed to meet "soon" in the United States, the premier's office said.

The conversation comes after the United States and Israel fought alongside each other in their military campaign against Iran, and also follows reports of tensions between the two leaders over efforts to end the war.

"The Prime Minister said in their conversation that the US is a guarantor of global freedom, and Israel greatly appreciates the close ties between nations," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.

Hundreds gather at Khamenei funeral site

Several hundred people were already waiting on Friday evening outside the venue for the funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei ahead of its opening to the public the next morning, according to AFP journalists.

Khamenei will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla religious complex in Tehran until Monday, with doors scheduled to open at 6:00 am local time (0230 GMT). AFP journalists at the scene also saw a significant security presence and roadblocks on surrounding streets.

Over 600,000 displaced Lebanese return home amid ceasefire

More than 640,000 displaced people in Lebanon have returned home, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have wound down following a deal to end the Middle East war.

Lebanon was drawn into the regional war on March 2 when Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.

Israel responded with heavy airstrikes and an invasion of southern Lebanon, where its troops still occupy swathes of territory.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks have killed around 4,300 people and displaced over one million, particularly from southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs.

Omani delegation attends Khamenei's funeral in Tehran

Omani delegation attends Khamenei's funeral in Tehran, sent by the Sultan to convey his condolences to Iran's leadership, Oman News Agency shared on X.

Saudi delegation joins Khamenei's funeral in Tehran

The funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Friday was attended by senior Iranian officials and foreign delegations, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. Officials paid respects before his coffin at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, four months after he was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes that triggered a wider Middle East war.

The six-day funeral procession began with an official Iranian delegation led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Military commanders also paid tribute, including Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, who had not appeared publicly since the start of the US-Israeli war in February, according to footage carried by Iranian media. A Saudi Foreign Ministry delegation joined representatives from Qatar, Egypt and Oman in paying respects.

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The Argentina captain’s 29th-minute strike was his 20th World Cup goal, moving him two ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé in the all-time scoring charts.

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Golden Boot race tightens at the top

Messi now leads the tournament’s Golden Boot standings with seven goals, one ahead of Mbappé.

He has scored 12 times across his last eight World Cup appearances, underlining a sustained run of form on football’s biggest stage.

Mbappé remains his closest challenger, while Norway’s Erling Haaland and England’s Harry Kane are also in pursuit with five goals each entering the knockout phase.

Early chances before the breakthrough

Messi came close early on, dragging a left-footed effort narrowly wide in the 15th minute before seeing a free kick comfortably saved shortly after.

Cape Verde initially held firm, but pressure from Argentina gradually built as space opened in midfield.

Perfect timing unlocks the defence

The breakthrough arrived when defender Lisandro Martínez threaded a precise ball into the box.

Messi timed his run perfectly to stay onside, controlled the pass, and lifted a composed finish over goalkeeper Vozinha to open the scoring.

It was his 124th international goal, with only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (146) ahead in the global standings.

A match defined by momentum swings

Messi celebrated by pointing to Martínez in acknowledgement of the assist as Argentina took control of the contest.

However, Cape Verde responded strongly, turning the match into a tense, back-and-forth encounter that pushed the favourites deep into extra time.

World Cup legacy continues to grow

Messi has now scored in eight straight World Cup matches, extending a record run that underscores his consistency across tournaments.

He finished runner-up in the Golden Boot race in 2022 with seven goals and shared third place in 2014.

If players are tied at the end of the tournament, FIFA uses assists and minutes played as tiebreakers, with Mbappé currently holding an advantage in assists.

Argentina through, just

Despite the scare, Argentina booked their place in the Round of 16, continuing their push in the tournament as Messi’s record-breaking campaign rolls on.

The couple, both 36, were married Friday at Madison Square Garden, according to Swift’s publicist. The announcement was made via the arena’s marquee, which read: “JUST MARRIED.”

Their relationship, which has unfolded over three years in the public eye, spans Super Bowl appearances, stadium tours, album rollouts and record-breaking global success.

Here is a look at the key moments in their journey together.

A friendship bracelet, undelivered

It all began in July 2023, when Kelce attended Swift’s Eras Tour concert at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.

On his podcast “New Heights”, he later admitted disappointment at not meeting Swift, saying he had hoped to give her a friendship bracelet with his phone number.

“She doesn’t meet anybody, or at least she didn’t want to meet me,” he joked, later adding that he “took it personal”.

From missed connection to stadium moment

By September, speculation grew that something had changed. Kelce revealed he had invited Swift to a Chiefs game, saying he had “thrown the ball in her court”.

Swift accepted, attending the Chiefs-Bears game and sitting alongside Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce.

Their exit from the stadium in Kelce’s classic car marked a symbolic turning point, as public appearances quickly followed.

“Karma is the guy on the Chiefs”

By late 2023, Swift was making subtle but public nods to Kelce during her performances, including lyric changes during her Argentina concert.

“Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me,” she sang, sending fans into a frenzy.

Soon after, the couple appeared increasingly comfortable in the spotlight, including at NFL playoff games where their relationship became a cultural talking point.

Super Bowl spotlight and global travel

The couple’s relationship reached new heights during the 2024 Super Bowl season.

Swift travelled across continents, moving from award shows in Los Angeles to concerts in Tokyo before arriving in Las Vegas for the big game.

Kelce called it “the best kind of chaos”, as the pair balanced global fame and sporting pressure across multiple time zones.

Public support and shared spotlight

As their relationship matured, both continued to support each other’s careers publicly.

Swift attended Chiefs games throughout the season, while Kelce joined her on tour stops across Europe and Australia, often making surprise appearances.

The relationship became one of the most visible crossovers between sport and music in recent years.

“Happiness and fun and magic”

Both have spoken openly about their admiration for one another.

Swift once described Kelce as bringing “happiness and fun and magic”, while Kelce said he was “proud” to support her career.

Their relationship became a recurring theme across interviews, podcasts and award show speeches.

“Just a jamoke supporting his girlfriend”

Kelce later described himself humorously as “just a jamoke supporting his girlfriend”, highlighting the casual tone they often used despite global attention.

Swift, meanwhile, continued to reference Kelce during major moments in her career, including award wins and tour milestones.

From podcast to partnership

The couple’s now-famous “New Heights” podcast appearance marked a turning point, where they openly discussed how their relationship began and evolved.

Swift credited the show for helping bring them together, calling the romance something she had “written songs about since I was a teenager”.

Kelce, in turn, praised Swift’s ability to energise stadiums and connect with audiences.

Engagement announcement

In August, the couple confirmed their engagement through a joint Instagram post.

Swift’s caption read: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”

Details of the engagement remain private, but the announcement marked a new chapter in their public love story.

A wedding at Madison Square Garden

In an unexpected finale, the couple married at Madison Square Garden in New York during a private ceremony attended by close family and select guests.

Actor Adam Sandler officiated, while Swift’s brother served as her man of honor and Kelce’s brother Jason acted as best man.

Swift wore custom Dior Haute Couture designed by Jonathan Anderson, paired with Christian Louboutin footwear and Cartier jewellery, according to her publicist.

The venue’s marquee message — “JUST MARRIED” — sealed one of pop culture’s most followed modern love stories.

Excitement has swirled around America's "royal wedding," which is happening on the United States' 250th birthday weekend amid a record-breaking heat wave, a near-total news blackout and a security lockdown of the kind typically reserved for heads of state.

The anticipation was even greater as Swift and Kelce made no public announcements about their wedding plans at storied Madison Square Garden - and reportedly insisted guests sign non-disclosure agreements.

But the singer's longstanding publicist Tree Paine broke the silence late Friday as she detailed a luxurious and intimate ceremony - without saying exactly when the pair wed.

"Taylor and Travis did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen. Instead, her brother Austin Swift served as Taylor's Man of Honor and Jason Kelce was Travis's Best Man," she said in a statement.

"The ceremony joined both families together and was officiated by friend Adam Sandler," Paine added.

She said the couple's wedding looks were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture, while their shoes were custom made by Christian Louboutin. Swift wore Cartier jewelry.

Shortly before the announcement, a giant screen outside the Garden showed the message "JUST&T MARRIED!" - T&T for Taylor and Travis.

Star-studded

Ahead of Friday's bumper event, a crowd of Swifties - as the megastar's fans are known - cheered and sang her songs outside the arena as a line of black SUVs dropped off guests.

"I grew up with her music and I'm really excited to get to be in New York today for her wedding day," Mayan Menahem, 31, told AFP in Manhattan.

Some 1,000 guests, reportedly banned from carrying phones, were expected to attend the secretive wedding.

Stars heading to the venue included model Gigi Hadid, actors Hugh Grant, Bradley Cooper and Dakota Johnson, and pop figures Benson Boone and Camila Cabello.

Frenzied reporting has included unidentified sources telling New York Post gossip column Page Six that the billionaire artist and three-time Super Bowl champion had already tied the knot in front of "a tiny group of loved ones."

The Empire State Building said it would have a "light blue sparkle" to celebrate the wedding.

All night party

The main event came after an initial rehearsal dinner late Thursday for 100 invitees at Madison Square Garden.

Entertainment outlets said Swift and Kelce gave guests black velvet boxes etched with the couple's initials, apparently containing a champagne flute adorned with diamonds.

Friday's party reportedly kicked off with mid-afternoon cocktails, before a reception going late into the night.

Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw were to perform, while Ed Sheeran was also rumored to be among those taking the stage, according to Page Six.

By midday, police had closed off streets surrounding the Garden, where journalists have been sniffing out clues - such as the arrival of trucks with deliveries of donuts and lobster.

'Royal wedding'

Meanwhile, Swifties have flocked to Big Apple locations mentioned in their idol's lyrics, including the Bus Stop Cafe in the West Village.

"She is the biggest thing in America - like, she is our royalty, she is our queen, she is everything," said Alyssa Heinen, 24, from Manhattan. "It feels like a royal wedding to us."

Ahead of the big day, Swift's spokesperson said the couple were donating $26 million to various US charities, including in New York and Kansas City.

Swift's marriage to Kelce comes after a string of high-profile failed relationships - including with British actor Joe Alwyn, and singers John Mayer and Harry Styles - which became fodder for her songs.

She revealed her engagement to the hulking, bearded Kelce last August in an Instagram post announcing that "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married."

The 14-time Grammy winner is coming off a banner year with the success of her album "The Life of a Showgirl," induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a new song on the "Toy Story 5" soundtrack.

Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has signed on for a 14th season in the National Football League. He is also a co-host of the popular "New Heights" podcast alongside his brother Jason.

Messi's sublime control and finish for his seventh goal at this tournament in four games put the defending champions in command, but the Blue Sharks doggedly refused to go away.

Deroy Duarte's strike on the hour mark forced Argentina to expand more energy than they would have wanted in the sapping Miami heat.

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Lisandro Martinez briefly restored Argentina's lead early in extra time before Sidny Lopes Cabral's stunning shot rocketed into the top corner.

Another Argentina corner finally got the job done when Cristian Romero rose highest to head Messi's corner, the ball going in off a deflection from Diney Borges for an own goal.

La Albiceleste will face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta, but there were concerns for Lionel Scaloni on his 100th match in charge despite what appears a favourable draw.

Scaloni said it "would have been madness" to lose to the underdogs.

"A very tough match; you always have to take the positives-this team (Argentina) never gives up," he said.

"We have to congratulate the opponent. When people say there are no easy opponents, they proved today that they are a great team," he added.

"We finished very tired... they gave it their all."

Cape Verde had served warning of what they were capable of by holding European champions Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in Group H to reach the knockout stages in their first World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks coach Bubista said the meeting with the world champions would be "the game of our lives" and it showed in a spirited display that had Argentina sweating.

On his return to the city where he plays his club football for Inter Miami, Messi's every move was greeted like a god by the nearly 65,000 crowd, mainly in Argentina shirts.

Moments of magic

The 39-year-old produced a moment of magic with a feather-like touch from Lisandro Martinez's pass to set up a high finish past Vozinha to open the scoring.

In doing so Messi also extended his own record of scoring in eight consecutive World Cup games and opened up a two-goal cushion once more over France's Kylian Mbappe in the battle to be the competition's all-time top goalscorer.

Emi Martinez had been a spectator in the first half, but the Aston Villa goalkeeper was forced into a smart save by Duarte as Cape Verde started the second period with more attacking intent.

Martinez was powerless for the equaliser moments later when Duarte was picked out by Ryan Mendes and rifled a low shot into the far corner.

Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha became an internet sensation after his man-of-the-match showing against Spain last month.

His nearly 18 million Instagram followers will have enjoyed him winning a one-on-one battle with Messi when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner seemed certain to restore Argentina's lead.

Irish-born Pico Lopes was next to be a Cape Verdean hero with a crucial intervention to deny Enzo Fernandez a tap-in after more inspiration from Messi created an opening.

Lisandro Martinez's rising drive after a corner fell the Manchester United defender's way two minutes into extra-time looked to have swung the momentum decisively in Argentina's favour once more.

But again Cape Verde refused to bow and levelled with one of the goals of the tournament when Lopes Cabral smashed into the top corner.

The full-back ran off into the stands to celebrate with his partner.

Elsewhere around the crowd, the boisterous atmosphere that had accompanied most of the evening gave way to nervous tension as penalties approached.

Scaloni could only wipe his furrowed brow with relief when Messi's corner was turned in for an own goal by the unfortunate Borges.

Yet an exhausted Argentina still had to ride their luck from a Cape Verde onslaught in the final seconds.

Emi Martinez this time won the battle with Lopes Cabral by tipping over another sweet strike that was headed for the top corner.

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Data compiled by TradingPlatforms showed that at least 153,965 jobs had been eliminated across the global tech sector as of July 2, compared with 246,000 layoffs recorded during the whole of 2025.

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The latest wave comes after a more modest June. It has brought renewed attention to how far AI is influencing hiring plans, management structures and delivery models at some of the world’s largest technology companies.

Biggest job cuts

Oracle has recorded the highest number of tech layoffs so far this year, with 25,754 jobs cut after expanding its restructuring programme. The figure includes a recent round affecting around 600 employees in Romania.

Amazon ranks second, after cutting about 16,000 corporate roles in January. The move followed an earlier phase of downsizing that began with 14,000 cuts in October 2025.

The company has also filed a WARN notice for around 600 job cuts at its Homestead, Florida logistics facility, effective between July 2 and September 30. Amazon has said those cuts are linked to converting the two-year-old warehouse from a shipping centre into a full-scale fulfilment centre, with reopening planned for mid-to-late 2028 and around 1,000 jobs expected to return once the work is complete.

AI and restructuring

Cognizant is cutting up to 15,000 roles globally under its Project Leap restructuring plan, which is tied to a $230 million to $320 million cost programme. India, where more than 250,000 of the company’s 350,000-plus employees are based, is expected to take the largest share of reductions as Cognizant moves towards a leaner, AI-supported delivery model.

Meta has cut around 10,400 roles across several rounds this year. The company reduced headcount in Reality Labs in January, cut more roles across five divisions in March, and then let go of about 8,000 employees in May while cancelling plans to hire 6,000 new staff. A smaller round later hit jobs in Burlingame and Sunnyvale.

Microsoft became the latest major company to join the 2026 layoff list, with reported cuts of about 5,500 roles, equal to around 2.5% of its 220,000-person global workforce. The reductions span sales, consulting and Xbox, though Microsoft has not confirmed an exact number.

Stanislava Savisheva, analyst at TradingPlatforms, said, “When you look at this year's job cuts, it's easy to say AI is killing jobs. But look closer and you find two different things at play. A big part of it is genuine repricing - a company weighs what a task costs with AI versus without, and cuts the gap. But we are also seeing routine restructuring or a fiscal-year trim, dressed up in AI language because that's the story investors want to hear. Meta and Cognizant both tie their cuts explicitly to AI. Amazon didn't, it went out of its way to say the 16,000 jobs cut in January were about removing bureaucracy and simplifying management, even as it continued pouring billions into AI infrastructure. That's the key distinction.

“Nearly every major tech company is investing aggressively in AI, but not every company is willing to say AI is behind its workforce reductions. In many cases, AI is one factor among several, alongside restructuring, cost-cutting and changing business priorities. So in essence, AI has become the strategic priority around which companies are reorganising their businesses, whether they state it or not.”

More cuts possible

The findings suggest that 2026 is shaping up to be another difficult year for technology workers, with companies continuing to use restructuring plans to protect margins while investing heavily in AI infrastructure, automation and new operating models.

The pattern also shows a more selective labour market, where companies are still spending on AI, cloud, data centres and automation, while reducing roles seen as less central to their next phase of growth.

The report is based on layoff announcements, WARN filings and independent reports since January 2026.

Here's everything you need to know about the summer break holiday dates for the 2026-27 academic year.

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When do summer holidays end and schools reopen?

For schools following the UAE Ministry of Education calendar, the 2026-2027 academic year begins on Monday, August 31, 2026. Students return to class on that date.

How long is the summer break this year?

• The 2025-2026 school year ended on July 3, 2026 for most schools following the unified calendar.

• Students return on August 31, 2026.

That means the summer break is roughly eight weeks (about 59 days) for most students. Some international-curriculum schools may have slight variations.

UAE academic calendar 2026-27

Likely Eid holiday dates for 2027

Eid Al Fitr

Based on the MOE calendar, schools are expected to observe Eid Al Fitr from March 8 to March 12, 2027. For the wider UAE public holiday, the exact dates will depend on moon sighting, but current astronomical projections place Eid Al Fitr around March 9-11, 2027, with official dates confirmed closer to the time.

Eid Al Adha

The Ministry of Education calendar lists the school Eid Al Adha break as May 15-18, 2027. For the UAE public holiday, the likely period is around May 16-19, 2027, subject to moon sighting and official confirmation.

Note: These are only the predicted dates for the Eid holidays and are not confirmed; they may change based on the official announcement from the UAE moon sighting committee.

Do all UAE schools have the same school calendar?

Most public and private schools in the UAE follow a unified calendar set by the MOE however, there are some exceptions.

Schools excluded from the new calendar

Private schools in Sharjah are exempt and will continue following the emirate's existing regulatory framework. Parents should confirm dates directly with their school.

Private schools following alternative curricula - such as Indian, Bangladeshi or Pakistani systems - are also not automatically covered. These schools may:

• Start and end the academic year at different times

• Have different term break structures

Local education authorities may allow certain private schools to divide a mid-term break between October and February, provided:

• The total break does not exceed five school days

• It aligns with operational requirements

The weather is being influenced by an extension of a surface low-pressure system from the east, accompanied by a weak upper-air low-pressure system. Temperatures are forecast to reach 42°C in coastal and island areas, 47°C inland and 37°C in the mountains.

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Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from southeasterly to northwesterly directions at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h, reaching 30 km/h at times. Humidity will be highest over coastal, island and mountain areas, reaching up to 85 per cent, while the sea will remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Fair conditions are expected to continue on Sunday and Monday, with southwesterly to northwesterly winds freshening at times and reaching 35 km/h. 

The sea will be slight to moderate at times in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea. On Tuesday, temperatures are expected to fall slightly over western coastal areas, while winds may reach 40 km/h.

By Wednesday, the weather is forecast to become fair to partly cloudy, turning cloudy at times by night over eastern and northern areas. 

Humidity is expected to increase overnight and into Thursday morning over some coastal areas, while the sea may become rough at times westward in the Arabian Gulf.

Writing in his Sportstar column after India's 2-0 series defeat in Belfast, Gavaskar did not hold back as he criticised the players, captain Shreyas Iyer, coach and the team's overall approach.

"28th June will go down as one of the worst days in Indian cricket. Losing a game of cricket is one thing, but to lose a series, albeit a two match series, also depends on whom you lose to. There are many low points in Indian cricket, and I have been a part of some, but to lose to Ireland has to be one of the lowest in the history of Indian cricket."

Ireland completed a memorable clean sweep after following up their 34 run victory in the first T20I with a dramatic one run win in the second match. It was Ireland's first ever bilateral series victory over India in any format.

Gavaskar argued that the defeat was not simply down to Ireland playing exceptional cricket. Instead, he blamed India's mindset, saying the team showed signs of overconfidence and casualness.

He compared India's batting approach to the West Indies side that famously underestimated India in the 1983 World Cup final, suggesting the current team paid a similar price for failing to respect the conditions and the opposition.

The former India captain also questioned the tactics employed by the team management. He criticised India's ultra aggressive batting approach despite the extra bounce on offer in Belfast and felt the players failed to adapt when the conditions demanded a different method.

Gavaskar also questioned the decision not to hand teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi his international debut during the tour, despite growing calls for the youngster to be given an opportunity.

The series proved to be a landmark moment for Ireland, who recorded their first ever series win over India, while leaving India facing intense scrutiny after one of the most disappointing results in the team's recent history.

Answer: You must file a lawsuit in the Personal Status Court in your place of residence to prove the marriage and the child's lineage to you. To prove the marriage, the wife's father (her guardian) and the witnesses who were present at the time must be summoned to give their testimonies before the judge.

Regarding the child, the court will refer you as the child’s father, the child’s mother and the child to the forensic laboratory for DNA testing of the child and the parents to determine whether they are the child's biological parents. The judge will also refer the child to forensic medicine for a medical examination to determine his age and date of birth.

Upon receiving the test results, if it is established that you are indeed the biological parents of the child, the court will then confirm the marriage and the child's lineage. 

When the judgment is issued, you must open an execution file with the same court that issued it in order to obtain the child's identification documents.

Answer: According to Article 5 of the UAE Labour Law, it is prohibited to employ children under the age of 15. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation does not issue work permits to children below this age. However, the law permits children aged 15 to 18 to work under official work permits issued by the Ministry, provided that certain conditions are applied including time of employment and work nature. 

These conditions are:

a. Written consent of the child’s guardian or custodian.

b. A certificate issued by the medical entity proving the health fitness of the child to undertake the required work.

c. The actual working hours shall not exceed 6 hours per day and shall include one break or more, which shall not be less than one hour in total, and this period(s) shall be defined, so that the child does not work for more than 4 consecutive hours.

d. The child shall not work between 7 pm and 7 am.

e. The child shall not be employed in dangerous or arduous works, or in works which, by their nature, are likely to harm his health, safety or morals and which are defined by a resolution of the Minister in coordination with the concerned authorities.

f. The child shall not work overtime, be kept in the workplace after the prescribed hours or work on weekends or official holidays.