'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 »»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
Gazans take stock of the war 1,000 days after its start
1,000 days since the massacres of October 7th means 1,000 since total war was unleashed on the more than 2 million residents of the Gaza strip. Israeli retaliation to the Hamas massacre is said to have killed more than 73,000 people and wounded many more, including since the ceasefire of October 20»»»
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»»»
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»»»
Culture Minister Miloshev Removes National Palace of Culture Board
Minister of Culture Evtim Miloshev removed the National Palace of Culture’s Board of Directors, the Ministry of Culture said on Thursday. Iya Petkova-Angelova, Tsvetelina Nikolova, Lachezar Vesov, Boris Pankin and Ivanka Veselinova were elected to replace them. The new members’ term will run until »»»
Eala writes history for Philippines in ‘electric’ Wimbledon atmosphere
LONDON: Alexandra Eala became the first player from the Philippines to reach the third round of a Grand Slam in the Open era, beating Maya Joint in an “electric” atmosphere at Wimbledon on Thursday. The 21-year-old fought back to defeat Serena Williams’ first-round conqueror Joint 3-6, 6-2, 6-0, ro»»»
Qatar renews condemnation of terrorism, reiterates commitment to strategy countering it
New York: The State of Qatar reaffirmed its 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. The State of Qatar»»»
Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe growth holds firm in 2026, says wiiw
Region seen outpacing eurozone, but geopolitical risks and industrial weakness cloud outlook. The economies of Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe are expected to remain resilient despite elevated energy prices and a difficult global backdrop, although structural weaknesses and geopolitical risks»»»
Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe growth holds firm in 2026, says wiiw
Region seen outpacing eurozone, but geopolitical risks and industrial weakness cloud outlook. The economies of Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe are expected to remain resilient despite elevated energy prices and a difficult global backdrop, although structural weaknesses and geopolitical risks»»»
Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe growth holds firm in 2026, says wiiw
Region seen outpacing eurozone, but geopolitical risks and industrial weakness cloud outlook. The economies of Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe are expected to remain resilient despite elevated energy prices and a difficult global backdrop, although structural weaknesses and geopolitical risks»»»
Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe growth holds firm in 2026, says wiiw
Region seen outpacing eurozone, but geopolitical risks and industrial weakness cloud outlook. The economies of Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe are expected to remain resilient despite elevated energy prices and a difficult global backdrop, although structural weaknesses and geopolitical risks»»»
US to give Tanzania $1.3 bln under five-year health pact
DAR ES SALAAM: The United States has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tanzania to invest more than $1.3 billion in its health sector over the next five years, the latest in a series of deals that have caused controversy in some African countries. The agreement, signed late on Wednesday, i»»»
Iran to impose transit fees in Strait of Hormuz after 60-day grace period
Iran will begin imposing transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz after a 60-day period of free navigation expires, while warning ships against using routes outside Iranian control. Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations said: " Freedom of navi»»»
Israel and Gaza mark 1,000 days since the October 7 attacks and the start of the war
Israel is marking the 1,000th day since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack with calls for a state commission of inquiry into the unprecedented assault that triggered the war in Gaza. But Netanyau's government has long refused to establish such a commission. Meanwhile, Gazans still face attacks despite »»»
The cash convoy case that could be Orbán’s smoking gun, and Magyar’s deputy is getting ever more popular (81 days since the elections)
Last year we launched this series in which we summed up news from the Hungarian election campaign on a weekly basis. The series continues so we can report on developments after these historically-significant elections, and on the steps taken by the Tisza government. This week we cover the following»»»
McKinley Wright IV extends stay with Dubai Basketball until 2029
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball has extended the contract of McKinley Wright IV until 2029, securing the future of one of the team’s most influential players. Despite already being under contract for the 2026/27 season, both sides agreed to extend their partnership following an outstanding campaign. In his»»»
Nine Criminal Proceedings Opened on Varna Illegal Construction Case, Interior Minister Says
Nine criminal proceedings have been launched following the Interior Ministry's operation in Varna and the Baba Alino illegal construction case, Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said during a hearing before the National Assembly Committee on Internal Security and Public Order on Thursday»»»
Interior Minister Tells Parliament Authorities Are Investigating Peevski's Private Flights
Authorities are investigating the routes, financing and passengers of private flights taken by Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leader Delyan Peevski, Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev told Parliament on Thursday, saying inquiries are under way in cooperation with several countries. Demerdzh»»»
Trial of potential Ebola treatments begins in DR Congo: WHO
Geneva: The trial of two potential treatments for the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola behind the deadly outbreak in the DR Congo began in the country on Thursday, the WHO said. "Today, the clinical trial of two therapeutics began, with the enrolment of the first patient," with the trial evaluating»»»
Syrian top diplomat reassures Lebanese leaders on Beirut visit
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani told Lebanon's president on Thursday that Damascus had no intention of intervening militarily in his country, despite U.S. pressure to do so, according to the Lebanese presidency. Shaibani, who also invited President Joseph Aoun to Syria, is visiting Beirut»»»
Philippines reaches upper-middle income country rank
MANILA: The Philippines has been reclassified by the World Bank as an upper-middle income country — a target it has been trying to achieve since the 1980s — after posting a record gross national income per capita of $4,850. The upper-middle income, or UMIC, rank is the World Bank’s category for eco»»»
Flamingo Revolution poses biggest challenge to Albanian PM in years
Weeks of anti-government protests in Albania, initially sparked by opposition to a luxury tourism development near protected wetlands, have evolved into the most significant grassroots challenge to Prime Minister Edi Rama in years, exposing broader anger over corruption, environmental degradation a»»»
More than a game: a look inside the mind of a football fan
In the first 29 minutes of the World Cup semi-final between Germany and Brazil on 8 July 2014, Germany scored five unanswered goals. The Brazilian crowd, hosting the tournament on home soil, was plunged into a state of collective disbelief. Some were in tears, others frozen in shock. Many just star»»»
Libya’s intransigent factions test US push for unity
Donald Trump lauds himself on his dealmaking. “Deals are my art form,” he writes in his appropriately named 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. “Other people paint beautifully on canvas or write wonderful poetry. I like making deals, preferably big deals. That’s how I get my kicks.” Since taking up off»»»
Palalic: Pope Francis had more understanding for Serbia regarding Kosovo-Metohija compared to Leo XIV
BELGRADE - Compared to Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis had more understanding for Serbia regarding Kosovo-Metohija and was more open to hearing Serbia's positions on the matter, says Jovan Palalic, head of a Serbia-Holy See friendship group in the Serbian parliament. Even though it might still be too ea»»»
Trump denies 'crypto corruption' after $1 billion earning revelation
US President Donald Trump defended earning $1.2 billion from his family's cryptocurrency activities last year, saying "everybody's profiting" from his time in power. He also insisted that his wealth was due to his prior career, despite the fact that the earnings were related to crypto ventures laun»»»
Perspective - Danish Refugee Council on importance of coordinated response to Ebola, wider humanitarian crisis
The Danish Refugee Council has warned that the latest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is complicating an already strained humanitarian situation. In a recent report, the NGO stressed the response to the health emergency "must not hollow out the aid programming that is holding communities together". Spea»»»
Spain, Portugal eye World Cup last 16
LOS ANGELES: European champions Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal aim to book their places in the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday as Algeria look to salvage some pride for African football. Spain take on Austria in Los Angeles, where a win will keep them on course for a potential meeting »»»
Palalic: Pope Francis had more understanding for Serbia regarding Kosovo-Metohija
BELGRADE - Compared to Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis had more understanding for Serbia regarding Kosovo-Metohija and was more open to hearing Serbia's positions on the matter, says Jovan Palalic, head of a Serbia-Holy See friendship group in the Serbian parliament. Even though it might still be too ea»»»
DR Congo's official Ebola death toll exceeds 400
Kinshasa: The official death toll in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo now exceeds more than 400, according to official figures released on Thursday. The highly infectious disease has claimed 438 lives among the 1,406 people confirmed infected -- a fatality rate of just over 31 »»»
DR Congo’s Ebola official death toll exceeds 400: authorities
KINSHASA: The official death toll in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo now exceeds more than 400, according to official figures released on Thursday. The highly contagious disease has claimed 438 lives, with 1,406 people infected since the outbreak was declared in northeastern I»»»
Vazrazhdane Will Request Meeting with Patriarch Daniil Over Introduction of Virtues and Religion Subject in Schools
Speaking in the parliamentary lobby on Thursday, Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said that the party will request a meeting with Patriarch Daniil regarding a bill on the introduction of the subject Virtues and Religion in Bulgarian schools, which was rejected on Wednesday by the parliamentar»»»
Parliament Tasks National Audit Office with Three Audits of Public Finance Management
Parliament on Thursday tasked the National Audit Office with carrying out three audits related to public finance management, covering the social sector, the Finance Ministry and the Road Infrastructure Agency. In a unanimous 155-0 vote, MPs instructed the National Audit Office to audit social benef»»»
World Bank urges Pakistan to revamp NFC Award formula
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) has urged Pakistan to overhaul the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award by revising both the vertical and horizontal revenue-sharing formula and adopting a fiscal equalisation model based on provinces’ spending needs and revenue capacity. According to The News, the»»»
Royal reserve signs memorandum to protect houbara bustard
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation for Houbara Conservation to support national efforts to protect the endangered bird and reintroduce the houbara bustard into its natural habitats, c»»»
Democratic Bulgaria, Vazrazhdane Call on Constitutional Court Judge Desislava Atanasova to Resign
Democratic Bulgaria and Vazrazhdane on Thursday called on Constitutional Court Judge Desislava Atanasova to resign. "When will Desislava Atanasova resign as a Constitutional Court judge?" Democratic Bulgaria MP Ivaylo Mirchev said, calling on the former GERB parliamentary group chair to step down. »»»
Algerians head to polls to elect new parliament
Algeria is holding parliamentary elections on July 2, seven years after the pro-democracy Hirak protests. But turnout is expected to be low. After the protests, only 23% of voters showed up to the polls, with many refusing to vote to show discontent with the political offer and several opposition p»»»
Focus - Authorities race to contain spread of Ebola in eastern DR Congo
One month after Congolese authorities officially declared a new Ebola outbreak, the virus is still spreading in the east of the country and the death toll continues to rise. There are now more than 1,000 confirmed cases and more than 250 confirmed deaths. FRANCE 24's Aurélie Bazzara-Kibangula repor»»»
'We'll give you a warm welcome': despite losing to England, Congolese fans still proud
DR Congo's World Cup dream has come to an end after the Leopards lost to the Three Lions during a nail-biting game on July 1. Despite having a 1-0 lead in the first half of the game, DR Congo was disqualified after England's Harry Kane scored two goals in the second half. But fans aren't too disapp»»»
Iran warns oil tankers to use approved routes in Hormuz or face 'forceful response'
Iran's joint military command warned Thursday that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a "forceful response," again ratcheting up tensions over a waterway crucial for international energy supplies. The strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf»»»
Mother of Kidnapped 11-Year-Old: “Asen Threatened to Kill Me If Natalia Didn't Go With Him”Opinions
The search for 11-year-old Natalia Asenova from the Varna village of Konstantinovo continued for a third day as her mother described the terrifying events that, she says, led to the girl's abduction by her former partner, 40-year-old Asen Simeonov. Speaking through tears, Natalia's mother, Dora Pet»»»
UAE oil exports are returning to near-record levels as pre-war flows resume
Dubai: The UAE is restoring crude oil exports to near-record levels following disruption caused by the recent regional conflict, with alternative export routes and infrastructure helping maintain supplies to rest of the world. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply»»»
Geagea: Framework agreement has shattered Hezbollah's narrative
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stressed Thursday that the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel "opens the door to restoring a functioning state and ending the chronic conflict that has drained Lebanon for decades." "It also establishes a clear equation based on a complete Isra»»»
Expanding conflict drives record hunger in northern Nigeria: WFP
ABUJA: Hunger across Nigeria’s conflict-hit north is at levels not seen in a decade as violence spreads and aid shrinks, the UN’s World Food Programme warned Thursday, with more than three million people “acutely food insecure.” The country has been battling a jihadist insurgency centered in the no»»»