More than 16,400 appeared at General Secondary Certificate examinations in 2025–2026
Qatar Banking Studies and Business Administration Secondary School, along with the two Audio Education Schools, also achieved a 100 percent pass rate. The parallel track for adult education recorded a pass rate of 41.80 percent. In a press conference following the announcement, Assistant Undersecre»»»
Qatar reiterates its commitment to UN’s strategy to counter terrorism
QNA New York Qatar has reaffirmed condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its perpetrators or motives, describing it as a serious threat to international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law. Qatar also reiterated its co»»»
‘Ukrainian woman’ identified as suspect in Monaco bomb attack – media
A Ukrainian woman who allegedly disguised herself as a man to throw police off the trail has been identified as the main suspect in the Monaco bomb attack that seriously injured Ukrainian millionaire Vadim Ermolaev and his family, Le Figaro and BFM TV have reported. More than 48 hours after the bla»»»
Spain power into last 16 at World Cup, Portugal face Croatia
LOS ANGELES: European champions Spain cruised into the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday with a dominant 3-0 win over Austria to set up a potential showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header sealed victory for the Spaniards, who produced t»»»
Unprecedented images show how Russia is using drones from the war in Ukraine in Africa
Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps, which has replaced the well-known Wagner Group in providing support to the Malian army, are deploying new combat drones in Mali. Frequently found on the frontlines in Ukraine, these drones are now entering the Sahel region – an environment for which t»»»
Peaceful Evening Protest in Tirana Follows Earlier Clashes That Left Dozens Injured
An evening anti-government protest in Tirana remained largely peaceful on Thursday, contrasting with violent confrontations earlier in the day outside Albania's Parliament that resulted in multiple injuries and arrests. Although the evening demonstration proceeded without major incidents, organizer»»»
Vatican excommunicates six ultraconservative bishops over ordination
The Vatican excommunicated six bishops from the ultraconservative Society of St Pius X on Thursday, while warning that any lay believers who "formally adhere" to the fraternity would suffer the same fate. Reporting from Rome, FRANCE 24's Seema Gupta explains that the breakaway group deny key tenets»»»
Remains of World War II pilot identified 8 decades after his plane vanished - UPI.com
1st Lt. Franklin H. McKinney is shown in a photo provided by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. McKinney's remains were identified May 15, nearly 82 years after his plane vanished on a mission. Photo courtesy of the DPAA July 2 (UPI) -- A young World War II pilot who disappeared during a flight»»»
No: 126, 2 July 2026, Regarding the Attack in Syria
We strongly condemn the attack perpetrated today (2 July) in the Hijaz area of Damascus, the capital of Syria, which claimed lives. We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in this heinous attack and a speedy recovery to the injured. We extend our condolences to the bereaved families a»»»
Fake bomb drone crashes near Russian Embassy in Sweden
Two unidentified drones attacked the Russian Embassy in Sweden overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, with one dropping a container of red paint and another falling near the building with a fake explosive device attached, diplomats have said. In a statement on Thursday, the embassy said that the inc»»»
Belgium must improve against confident co-hosts US after Senegal late show
WASHINGTON: Belgium lived to fight another day after a dramatic turnaround against Senegal set up a last-16 clash with the United States, but defender Timothy Castagne warned they cannot depend on more miracles if they are to go any further in the World Cup. Belgium fans partied long into the nigh»»»
Can foreign energy investment help power Syria’s recovery after years of war?
INNUMBERS: *240 bcm Syria’s estimated natural gas reserves in 2015. *8.7 bcm Annual gas output at the start of the civil war in 2011. *3 bcm Annual production by late 2024. Source: BP ANAN TELLO LONDON: Syria’s battered energy sector faces a daunting challenge after nearly 14 years of war, sanction»»»
'Zico' -- from Brazil to Egypt, a name steeped in World Cup lore
Cairo: Brazilian icon Zico lit up three World Cups as a player -- and 40 years after his final appearance at football's extravaganza his Egyptian namesake is keeping the name in the spotlight. Zico, 29, rewarded coach Hossam Hassan for selecting him by becoming the first Egyptian at a World Cup to »»»
Couple who climbed Empire State Building given supervised release - UPI.com
The couple that climbed the Empire State Building on Wednesday was arraigned and released on supervised bail after being charged with a series of crimes for the stunt. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo July 2 (UPI) -- The couple who climbed to the top of the Empire State Building's s»»»
WHO declares cruise ship hantavirus outbreak over
GENEVA: The World Health Organization on Thursday declared an end to the deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship which sparked international alarm, after the last person left quarantine. There were 12 confirmed and one probable case stemming from the MV Hondius, including three deaths. But whil»»»
Omani sultan and British PM discuss navigation in Gulf’s waterways
LONDON: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met in London on Thursday to discuss developments in the Middle East and to affirm their countries’ historical ties. The meeting focused on ways to support negotiations and diplomatic efforts to ensure safe and sec»»»
Saudi, Pakistani foreign ministers discuss US-Iran talks
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar discussed the latest round of negotiations between the US and Iran in Doha on Thursday. Mediator Qatar said on Thursday that Iran and the US have made progress in talks over ending the four-month US-Isra»»»
Report: Boeing Starliner future with NASA unclear - UPI.com
A ULA Atlas V rocket launches the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on its maiden crewed flight in June 2024 from Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Issues with the spaceflight meant the astronauts on board this flight were stuck at the International Space Station for nine month»»»
What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Hardest, Longest Race’ by Eric Moskowitz
Eric Moskowitz’s “The Hardest, Longest Race” tells the riveting story of the first true coast-to-coast automobile race in US history, a fast-paced tale of the gritty and determined drivers who braved hostile terrain, mechanical failure, and, shockingly, sabotage, to take home the gold. As a seeming»»»
Impossible for England to acclimate to altitude for World Cup match against Mexico, Tuchel says
ATLANTA: From the altitude of Mexico City to the memories of Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal, England will have to contend with brutal conditions and the weight of history when they play co-host Mexico at the World Cup on Sunday. The Azteca Stadium — the site of the round of 16 game an»»»
UN chief reiterates rejection of attacks on civilians after Damascus explosion
Damascus, July.3 (SANA) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep concern on Thursday over the explosion near the Palace of Justice in Damascus. The Secretary-General extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his sympathy with those injured, w»»»
UK arrests eight in global drug-and-rape network probe
London: The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) said Thursday eight people had been arrested as part of a probe into an international network of men drugging and sexually abusing women they know. The alleged offences were reminiscent of the high-profile case of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who was drug»»»
Olympic kayaker indicted for allegedly damaging D.C. reflecting pool - UPI.com
National Park Service workers use vacuum pumps to clean algae off the bottom of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., on June 20. A former Olympic kayaker was indicted for allegeldy damaging the reflecting pool. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo July 2 »»»
Messi returns ‘home’ to lead Argentina World Cup charge in Miami
MIAMI: Few imagined that three years after making the move to Miami, Lionel Messi would be leading Argentina’s charge to defend the title and smashing records at his sixth World Cup. The 39-year-old returns to the Florida city he now calls home for a last 32 clash against the surprise package of th»»»
Bahrain FM demands Security Council action after Iranian attacks
NEW YORK: Bahrain’s foreign minister flew to New York on Thursday to demand action from the UN Security Council after what he described as a “renewed and treacherous” Iranian attack on his country this week, as the US and Russia clashed sharply over responsibility for the escalation. Foreign Minist»»»
Lebanese leaders welcome al-Shaibani visit as new era in Syria-Lebanon ties begins
Beirut, July 2 (SANA) Lebanese officials have welcomed Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani‘s visit to Beirut, stressing the importance of opening a new chapter in Syrian-Lebanese relations based on mutual respect, sovereignty and cooperation in the interests of both peoples. Lebanese F»»»
Firefighters battle blazes scorching southern France after record heatwave
Hundreds of firefighters battled wildfires raging in southern France on Thursday after weeks of dry weather and record temperatures, with a further heatwave forecast to hit the country in the coming days. Firefighters were battling several wildfires fanned by strong winds in southern»»»
Seven Detained over Laughing Gas Distribution in Sozopol
Police detained seven people over suspected laughing gas distribution along the Southern Black Sea Coast, Sozopol Police Department Chief Inspector Ivaylo Dragiev said on Thursday. About 440 kg of laughing gas was seized. The detainees are from various parts of Bulgaria and had been doing seasonal »»»
Alibaba to pay $600 million to U.S. for illegal pharmaceutical sales - UPI.com
People walk past the Alibaba logo on its building in Xuhuibinjiiang Park, also known as 'AI Park,' home to many Chinese companies involved in AI research, in Shanghai, China, in March. This week the company agreed to pay the United States $600 million in fines. File Photo by Alex Plavevski/EPA July»»»
UN aid truck destroyed in Darfur drone strike as El-Obeid siege deepens
NEW YORK: A UN refugee agency-contracted truck carrying humanitarian relief supplies was struck by a drone near Tendelti in White Nile state on Tuesday, destroying 50 metric tons of aid intended for vulnerable populations in South Kordofan, the UN spokesman’s office said Thursday . The driver escap»»»
StubHub sued by fans who say ticket cancelations crushed dreams of going to World Cup
NEW YORK: After weeks of complaints from frustrated fans, StubHub is being sued by customers who say the ticket reseller’s inability to fulfill orders crushed their dreams of going to World Cup. Julia Reeker Moghal and Reuben Renteria, both of California, sued the ticketing giant this week in feder»»»
Al-Shaibani: Syria and Lebanon entering a new phase of institutional cooperation
Damascus, July.3 (SANA) Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani extended his sincere appreciation to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal»»»
Pogacar expects Vingegaard Tour de France battle to last ‘years’
BARCELONA: Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar said on Thursday that his rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard is pushing both riders “to new heights.” The pair have won the last six editions of the Tour de France between them, and have finished first and second in each of the last five — something which»»»
Saudi tourism turns to AI for smarter, more personalized travel
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector expands in pursuit of its ambitious Vision 2030 goals, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly embedded across the travel experience — from planning itineraries and streamlining accommodation bookings to delivering more personalized customer experie»»»
Eight arrested in UK probe into men drugging, raping partners
LONDON: The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said Thursday eight people had been arrested as part of a probe into an international network of men drugging and sexually abusing women they know. The alleged offenses were reminiscent of the high-profile case of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who was drug»»»
American ecumenical leader accuses Israel of ‘systemic’ racial discrimination
CHICAGO: The founder of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation has accused Israel of violating the Visa Waiver Program that it signed with the US in 2023. Rateb Rabie told Arab News that he was leading a delegation of nine US citizens under a non-political, non-profit program called “Know Th»»»
Lebanese parliament speaker, UK’s deputy national security adviser meet for talks
LONDON: Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, met the UK’s Deputy National Security Adviser Barbara Woodward on Thursday at his headquarters in Ain Al-Tineh to discuss the latest political and security developments. The talks also covered bilateral relations between Lebanon and the U»»»
Qatar condemns bombing targeting cafe in Damascus
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar condemned the bombing that targeted a cafe in the vicinity of the Palace of Justice in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic, which lead to deaths and injuries. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar's firm stance again»»»
Google loses EU appeal of $4.67B fine for Android anti-trust issues - UPI.com
Google appealed a massive fine from the EU and lost. It now must pay the fine. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo July 2 (UPI) -- Europe's highest court on Thursday upheld the $4.67 billion judgment against Google for alleged anti-competitive practices on the Android platform. Google »»»
UEFA bans Czech club MFK Karviná from European competitions over match-fixing
NYON: UEFA on Thursday banned Czech club MFK Karviná from European competitions next season because of their involvement in a domestic match-fixing scandal. Czech Cup winner Karviná were already expelled from the top division as punishment by the Czech Football Association on June 16. The associati»»»
UAE envoy presents credentials to Qatar's Emir in Doha
Doha: Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi, Ambassador of the UAE to the State of Qatar, presented his credentials to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, during an official ceremony held at the Amiri Diwan in Doha. Al Qamzi conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed»»»
EU offers Armenia tariff relief and fresh aid
The European Union on July 2 unveiled a new package of financial and trade support for Armenia, seeking to bolster the South Caucasus country as it faces what Brussels described as mounting economic pressure from Russia and accelerates its shift towards Europe. European Commission President Ursula »»»
Watch: Famous elephant seal makes annual visit to Tasmania, causing chaos - UPI.com
July 2 (UPI) -- An approximately 2,200-pound elephant seal is in the midst of his annual visit to Tasmania, leaving property damage and public disturbances in his wake. The 5-year-old animal, dubbed Neil the seal by locals, has been visiting southern Tasmania towns every year since he was born, res»»»
Expedition to survey two legendary shipwrecks launches this month - UPI.com
1 of 2 | The research vessel Atlantis will leave the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts and travel first to the wreck of Quest, Photo by Ken Kostel, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution July 2 (UPI) -- Researchers will launch an expedition Thursday to survey two shipwrecks linke»»»
Syrian military officials take part in CENTCOM-led conference in Bahrain
LONDON: A military delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic on Thursday took part in a conference in Bahrain led by US Central Command alongside 10 countries from the Middle East. Col. Ahmad Saeed Issa, director of the Department of International Cooperation within the Ministry of Defense, led the »»»
Cuba could lose half its population by 2100, U.N. says - UPI.com
With more than 25% of its citizens aging and a steady loss of young workers, Cuba faces a critical scenario of structural depopulation that is pushing the country toward an economic and labor crisis. File Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA July 2 (UPI) -- Cuba is heading toward an irreversible demogr»»»
Hamilton gives F1 a piece of his mind over Lego cars
SILVERSTONE, UK: Lewis Hamilton on Thursday said he planned to boycott a Formula One sponsorship stunt involving Lego cars in a parade ahead of Sunday’s British Grand Prix, his home race. “I’m not going to do it,” the British Ferrari diver said, with a laugh. “It’s the most dangerous part of the we»»»
Djokovic has history in his sights at Wimbledon
London: Novak Djokovic can move another step closer to history at Wimbledon in the third round on Friday. Defending champion Jannik Sinner is also in action in the last 32, while women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka faces former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko. AFP Sport looks at three matc»»»
Russia Upgrades AK Rifle Into Triple-Tap Drone Slayer
The new "Mnogotochie" (Ellipsis) cartridge, developed by Rostec, significantly boosts UAV hit probability. It uses standard 5.45×39mm and 7.62×54mm cases compatible with AK-series riflesAfter exiting the barrel, the round fragments into three separate projectiles, widening the effective hit areaUp »»»
'Night of hell': Ukraine, Russia vow escalation after massive attack kills 21 in Kyiv
Russia launched one of its largest ever missile and drone attacks on Kyiv late on Wednesday with blasts continuing through Thursday morning killing at least 21 people. Buildings damaged in the strikes includes apartment blocks and a Red Cross warehouse filled with humanitarian supplies. Ukraine and»»»