Editor's Picks
Opinion
Travel & Tourism
Why this mattersMost people still support the right to seek asylumResettlement numbers decrease massively Misinformation has not eroded public compassionThe Refugee Convention marks 75 years of protectionUnveiling new data on Tuesday, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR,…
Most Read
Share It!
World News
Why this mattersMost people still support the right to seek asylumResettlement numbers decrease massively Misinformation has…
World News in Brief: Aid deliveries to Gaza restricted, UN prepares El Nino response, El Salvador eliminates disease
Reporting from a recent aid convoy mission, WFP Country Director for Palestine Shaun Hughes said that…
Features
Subscribe to Updates
Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.
Health & Fitness
Trending Now
To understand the new politics stance and other pro nationals of recent times, we should look to Silicon Valley and…
Latest Articles
England’s Justin Rose gestures during a press conference held ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal…
England are bidding to end Lionel Messi's dream of winning back-to-back World Cups and reach their first final in six decades as they renew their old rivalry with holders Argentina on Wednesday in a seismic semi-final showdown.An England team which has been dragged to this stage by the brilliance of Jude Bellingham take on Messi's Argentina under the roof of the spectacular arena in Atlanta, already the scene of a memorable victory by the defending champions at this tournament.It is the first competitive meeting of the sides since the 2002 World Cup and the fixture conjures so many memories, from Diego Maradona and the 'Hand of God' in 1986, to David Beckham's red card after tangling with Diego Simeone in 1998, while also thrusting the lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands back into the spotlight.’The message is this is a football game. That's what I can say,’ said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after his team's 3-1 quarter-final win over Switzerland.There is more than enough to focus on in purely footballing terms, with England one win from a first appearance in the World Cup final since they lifted the trophy in 1966.Argentina, meanwhile, are looking to reach a third final in four World Cups, and in doing so remain on course to become the first nation to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.’This squad does not get tired of making history. They keep wanting more,’ said Messi after the Switzerland game.’It is not easy to have been world champions, to have won all that we have won, and to once again keep competing at this level and be back in the semi-finals.’Remarkably, the semi-final is also the first time Messi has ever played against England. Epic feel Neither team has enjoyed a smooth passage to this stage.Argentina cruised through the group phase, but the knockout rounds have been frenetic for the team coached by Scaloni, the one-time West Ham United full-back.Twice they were pegged back before beating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. Then they needed a late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta, before requiring extra time to sink 10-man Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday.That game ended Messi's streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup outings, but extended the Albiceleste's unbeaten run at the finals to 12 matches since losing to Saudi Arabia in 2022.England began with a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia but have struggled to hit the same heights since, even if their run in the knockout rounds has had an epic feel to it.They needed a late comeback, and two Harry Kane goals, to beat DR Congo 2-1, then held on with 10 men to defeat Mexico 3-2 in the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup classic in which Bellingham notched a brace.The Real Madrid star also scored twice, including an extra-time winner, as England fought back to beat Norway 2-1 in Miami at the weekend.And so here they are, in a fourth semi-final in the last five major tournaments.’We all know how good Messi is but we also know how good Argentina are. We can't solely rely on (stopping) Messi,’ England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said Monday.’We've got to focus on their other strengths and the weaknesses we can take advantage of.’ Ageing lineupArgentina are an ageing side, and perhaps their exertions to reach this point will catch up with them – the average age of their starting line-up against Switzerland was over 30, while England's against Norway was 26.6.England have a doubt over Declan Rice, who has been struggling with illness, as they prepare to face Messi at last, right at the end of his glorious career.’I have played against everyone except England and it is special because they are a major nation, a powerhouse, and it is always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semi-final,’ said 39-year-old Messi.The last meeting of the teams was a 3-2 friendly win for England in November 2005, when Michael Owen scored twice.Messi was 18 at the time and had made his international debut three months earlier, but he did not play in that game. Source link
Celebratory farewell extended to graduating batch of MES MES Indian School organised a graduation ceremony, ‘Au Revoir’ to bid farewell to a total of 515 Class XII students belonging to the 2025-26 batch amidst jubilation at the Conference Hall recently.The event celebrated the achievements and journey of the graduating students, marking the culmination of their schooling.Ahamed Isham, director, Co-curricular and Cultural Activities, MES Governing Board, was the guest of honour at the ceremony. At the felicitation rites, Kashif Jaleel, president officiating; Aneesh PA, general secretary officiating; and the directors and the members of the school governing board gave certificates of merit and mementos to exceptional students of Class XII.All major student officials, prefects, club secretaries, members of Scouts and Guides, Campus Care Force, as well as students who secured 100% attendance during the academic year 2025-26 were given certificates and mementos for their contributions to the school on the occasion.Syed Dawar Abbas (Science), Muhammad Patel (Commerce) and Maher Mehdi Rudra (Humanities) were adjudged as the Best Outgoing Students in the Boys’ section, while Minha Manaf (Science), Nivedhya Sudhir (Commerce) and Alvina Sakeer (Humanities) won the Best Outgoing Student title in the Girls’ section.Mohamad Kamal Ali Badran and Hadiya Hashim were declared the Best All-Rounders of their respective sections. Kesav Shanker Mohan and Prarthana Shaju Nair won the Talent of the Year award. Mohammed Abdul Muqeet and Nimisha Liz Abraham were honoured with the Best Outgoing Prefect. Nasif Mohamed Ismail and Alina Elza Shaji won the Best Outgoing Sports Person of the year.Adnan Ashraf and Maria Theresa Jacob were honoured with the title, Best Outgoing All-Rounder in Sports. Abdul Hadi Hidayathulla and Diya Treasa Dijo were adjudged as the Best Outgoing Scout and Guide, respectively. Mohammad Aiman Jamil and Fathima Sana Pookkayil were declared as the Best Outgoing Campus Care Force members of the school.Joshua John Mathew and Mayyasa Mujeeb Koyissery were declared as the Best Band Leader for the academic year 2025-26. Students who maintained 100% attendance throughout the academic year were also honoured. Bharathi Prathyuksha was felicitated with a memento, for having maintained a 100% attendance record consistently from Class 1 through Class 12.The school principal, Dr Hameeda Kadar, congratulated the batch for successfully completing the final year of schooling and reminded the students of their ethical obligation towards parents and society. Source link
The United States has carried out air strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in north-west Nigeria, following a request from the Nigerian government, President Donald Trump has said.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had ordered a strong and lethal strike against ISIS fighters accused of killing civilians, including Christians. He warned that further action would follow if the violence continued. US Africa Command (Africom) said the operation, conducted in Sokoto state, killed a number of ISIS militants. Nigerian authorities confirmed the strikes, describing them as precision attacks on terrorist targets. Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the operation reflected ongoing security cooperation with Washington as the country battles multiple armed groups. Source link
Three people were killed, and five others were injured today in an explosion inside a mosque in the city of Homs in central Syria. The Syrian news agency (SANA) reported that an explosion occurred inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi Al Dahab neighborhood of Homs, adding that the nature of the explosion is currently being investigated. The Syrian News Agency reported that the initial toll of victims of the explosion revealed that 3 people were killed and 5 others were injured. Source link
The Executive Bureau of the Arab Weightlifting Federation held its first meeting in Doha, chaired by HE Mohammed bin Youssef Al Manna, following his re-election as President of the Federation for a new term from 2025 to 2029. The meeting reflected a strong launch of the new electoral cycle and a clear vision for strengthening the position of Arab weightlifting at both the continental and international levels. It was attended by the Vice Presidents: Saudi Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi, Kuwaiti Talal Al Jassar, Yemeni Abdullah Al Jarmal, Algerian Kamal Saeedi, and Egyptian Mohammed Abdelmaqsood, in addition to Executive Bureau members Iraqi Mohammed Kazem Al Mazal, Moroccan Abdelilah Laarache, Libyan Abdulrahman Al Jatlawy, as well as Libyan Khaled Al Muhallal, President of the African Weightlifting Federation. Participating via video conference were Bahraini Ishaq Ibrahim Ishaq, Syrian Dr. Basel Al Ibrahim, and Moroccan Khaled Al Wadiya. At the outset of the meeting, HE Al Manna welcomed the members of the Executive Bureau, expressing his thanks to all Arab federations for their renewed confidence. He affirmed that Arab leaderships now enjoy a prominent standing on the global stage. He noted that approximately 20 percent of Arab leadership figures hold international positions and represent a significant and influential weight in voting processes and decision-making. Al Manna noted that Arab championships are not limited to the competitive aspect alone, but also represent a genuine platform for Arab unity and the consolidation of the sporting ranks. He expressed his happiness with this Arab gathering in Doha through the organization of the three combined championships: the 10th Qatar International Cup, the Arab Championship, and the West Asia Championship. The Executive Bureau discussed a number of organizational matters, including renewing confidence in Iraqi Mohammed Hassan Jaloud Al Shammari, President of the International Weightlifting Federation, as Secretary General for the coming period, and approving the proposal to appoint Khader Maqlad as Assistant Secretary General. During the meeting, a vote was also held on the formation of various committees.The Technical Committee is chaired by Bahraini Ali Abdullah Yahya, with Emirati Vice President Hamad Al Ajmi as deputy. Its members include Egyptian Alaa Hassan Kamel, Syrian Hassanein Al Sheikh, Omani Ayadh Al Mundhiri, Algerian Sofiane Kirawan, and Jordanian Ibrahim Al Amiyan. The Athletes’ Committee is chaired by Qatari Khaled Nabeena and includes Yemeni Mohammed Al Hasbani, Libyan Mohammed Shtewi, Saudi Mansour Al Saleem, and Jordanian Farah Al Khawalidah.The Development Committee is chaired by Qatari Jassim Ibrahim Al Mansouri, with members Egyptian Ahmed Samir, Moroccan Nour Eddine Bourqba, Saudi Hasnaa Al Najm, and Libyan Osama Qanaw. The Scientific, Research, and Training Committee is chaired by Iraqi Mustafa Saleh Mahdi, with Yemeni Muneer Al Din Hamoud serving as deputy chairman. Its members include Saudi Jaafar Mohammed Al Baqer, Libyan Najwa Abdulsami’, Moroccan Samira Aouass, Algerian Dashri Hamid, and Egyptian Mohammed Samir. The Medical Committee is chaired by Lebanese Siza Shubnian and includes Saudi Saeed Mansour Al Dahan, Kuwaiti Reem Habbab Al Rashidi, Libyan Adel Al Qadi, Egyptian Magdy Mostafa Ahmed, and Jordanian Haitham Al Hayajneh. Saudi Ahmed Al Omari was appointed Chairman of the Ethics Committee, whose members include Yemeni Fawaz Moqbel, Kuwaiti Fares Al Nowamis, Egyptian Mohammed Hamed, and Jordanian Omar Al Atiyat.The Women’s Committee is chaired by Algerian Safia Kouri and includes Jordanian Manal Al Hammad, Moroccan Fatima Zahra Khalfadir, Saudi Al Rabab Hussein, and Egyptian Engy El Sayed Mahmoud. The Marketing Committee is chaired by Tunisian Aref Al Brini and includes Yemeni Abdulkhaleq Al Khamees, Jordanian Nora Al Louzi, Egyptian Mostafa Ragheb, and Saudi Abdulaziz Al Salmi.Finally, the Media Committee is chaired by Egyptian Sherif Hanafy and includes Iraqi Hossam Hassan, Libyan Essam Drawail, Saudi Mohammed Al Musaed, and Kuwaiti Mousa Mubarak.HE Al Mann also honored several sports federation leaders in recognition of their efforts and role in developing the sport of weightlifting at the continental and international levels.This recognition comes within Al Manna’s commitment to valuing the efforts made by Arab and international sports leaders and to strengthening the spirit of cooperation and joint action, contributing to the advancement and development of weightlifting across various sporting arena Source link
