Author: staff
Getting from the airport to a private island resort in the Maldives could soon become smoother and more sustainable after plans were announced to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats across the archipelago. US maritime technology company Navier and Dubai-based JIH Global Investment have confirmed a $100 million (€87 million) partnership to establish the Navier Network, a “software-driven sustainable maritime corridor” designed to connect airports, resorts, private villas, and local islands. For travellers, the project promises to modernise one of the defining parts of a Maldivian holiday. Rather than relying on a fragmented network of speedboats and ferries, visitors…
Article sponsored by The One Campaign together with Aidsfonds, Global Citizen, Resilience Action Network International Dear EU Leaders, The current situation in the Strait of Hormuz illustrates how quickly supply chains, food security and economic stability can be affected by geopolitical shocks. The latest outbreaks of the Hantavirus and Ebola also underscore that new health threats risk outpacing investments in prevention, making us all less protected. These are not distant crises. They are reminders that Europe’s security, prosperity and resilience are directly shaped by what happens beyond our borders – and by the strength of our partnerships. We share a…
A blue wave has crashed into the United States. Scottish fans — back at the World Cup after 28 years thanks to a dominant qualifying campaign — are turning out in huge numbers on the East Coast. Flight bookings from the UK to host cities such as Boston and Miami have skyrocketed, up around 1,000% year-on-year during the World Cup period. Although the figure also includes fans from the rest of the UK, it’s mostly Scotland that’s fueling this surge, according to airfare comparison site FlightsFinder. ‘Party central’ atmosphere in Boston “All flights were full of Scotland fans,” says John…
By Doloresz Katanich with AP Published on 17/06/2026 – 8:01 GMT+2•Updated 11:10 Oil prices sank further on Wednesday, with the international benchmark Brent trading below $80 per barrel for the first time since early March, as optimism continued to drive prices lower following a framework peace deal between the US and Iran that is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by the end of the week. The possibility of renewed traffic through the strait has helped ease fears of prolonged disruptions to energy supplies from the Gulf, a key source of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. This could mark an…
On Thursday morning, before the start of the working day, millions of people across Uzbekistan are expected to gather around giant screens, TV sets and smartphones to watch a football match unlike any other in the country’s history. Uzbekistan’s national team is set to face Colombia in its 2026 FIFA World Cup opener at 7 am local time, prompting growing anticipation across the country as communities organise ways to watch together. Schools, parks and public spaces are being transformed into viewing areas, while large screens are being installed in hundreds of locations ahead of kick-off. A total of 208 schools…
Candidates in a by-election contest that could determine who becomes Britain’s next prime minister are making their final pitches to voters ahead of Thursday’s vote. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham hopes to become an MP — which would make him eligible to challenge Keir Starmer for the leadership of the ruling Labour Party. Burnham — whose achievements as a northern mayor have led to him being dubbed the “king of the north” — is unusually popular for a Labour politician among the British public, and also came out on top as Labour members’ preferred next leader in a Survation poll earlier…
Published on 17/06/2026 – 8:49 GMT+2 The German government is reportedly preparing for its armed forces to potentially take part in a mission to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to information obtained by Der Spiegel, the foreign office and the defence ministry have already drawn up a draft mandate for the Bundestag, which could be approved by the cabinet at short notice. However, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) says no final decision has yet been made. In addition, the legal basis for any participation still has to be clarified, Merz said after the G7 summit in Évian in…
The Academy Award winner left his handprints and footprints in wet cement before adding an unusual personal touch by pressing his nose into the slab, a first for the landmark event. Speaking before guests and media, Bardem described the honour as a humbling moment and said it was difficult to believe he was joining so many celebrated figures who had stood on the same spot. The ceremony highlighted Bardem’s enduring influence on international cinema and came as the actor continues to expand his film career. During his speech, he thanked his wife, actress Penélope Cruz, and their children, Leo and…
With just 24 hours until polling day, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview three pivotal by-elections that could reshape British politics. The duo assess the contests in Makerfield, Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry, exploring: Why Makerfield has become one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent political history How the Conservatives hope to capitalise on support for the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen South Why Arbroath & Broughty Ferry is a crucial test of the SNP’s ability to fend off Labour’s challenge Away from the campaign trail, Anne brings the latest intelligence from the UK-EU summit…
Published on 17/06/2026 – 9:33 GMT+2 As the 2026 World Cup gets underway, FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces an unprecedented ethics backlash over his open alignment with the White House, a high-profile visa scandal blocking Africa’s top referee, and vital hydration breaks being turned into TV advertisement slots. Born in 1970 to modest Italian immigrants in the quiet Swiss town of Brig, Infantino grew up far from luxury. His mother ran a railway station newsstand, while his father worked on sleeping cars. A multilingual lawyer by training, he quietly climbed the ranks at UEFA to become the trusted right-hand man…