Author: Web Desk

Naypyidaw: Myanmar’s government is preparing to restart the Myitsone Dam project, a long-delayed $3.6 billion hydropower development backed by China. Officials aim to complete the project within the next eight years, marking a major step toward reviving one of the country’s most controversial infrastructure projects. The plan follows President Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to China, where discussions reportedly included the future of the dam. Construction on the project was suspended in 2011 after widespread public opposition over environmental concerns, the displacement of local communities and plans to export most of the electricity generated to China. Officials in Kachin State…

New Jersey: France secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden to book a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16, with Kylian Mbappe delivering another outstanding performance. The France captain scored twice to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout matches and continued an impressive run in the tournament. France dominated from the opening whistle despite difficult playing conditions in New Jersey. Kylian Mbappe came close to scoring early after an offside call ruled out one effort before another shot struck the post. Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele also created dangerous opportunities as Sweden struggled to contain…

Houston: Brazil secured a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston. The five-time world champions looked set for extra time before the Arsenal forward struck in the sixth minute of added time to keep Brazil’s title hopes alive. Japan made a bright start and took the lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano. A misplaced pass in midfield allowed Sano to win possession before firing a powerful right-footed shot from outside the penalty area beyond Brazil’s goalkeeper. The goal gave Japan…

California: WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. Instead, people will be able to connect using unique usernames, giving users greater control over their privacy while using the messaging platform. The feature will be rolled out gradually to WhatsApp’s three billion users worldwide over the coming months. Beginning Monday, users can reserve a unique username through the app, although creating one will remain optional. Existing phone numbers will still be required to create and maintain a WhatsApp account. Once the feature becomes available to everyone, users will be able to…

Geneva: Europe’s ongoing heatwave has been linked to more than 1,300 excess deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as record-breaking temperatures continue to affect several countries across the continent. The extreme weather has raised serious health concerns, with authorities urging people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and follow safety measures. Millions of residents remain under heat alerts as unusually high temperatures continue to spread across Europe. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded since 21 June and were associated with the extreme heat. Describing heat stress as a ‘silent…

Los Angeles: Canada have reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time after a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa in Los Angeles. Stephen Eustaquio scored deep into stoppage time to seal a historic win and send the co-hosts into the knockout stage. The match remained closely contested for long periods, with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. As extra time appeared inevitable, Eustaquio produced the decisive moment in the second minute of added time, firing a low shot from the edge of the penalty area into the net. The victory continued Canada’s impressive World Cup…

Dallas: Lionel Messi has broken another World Cup record after scoring in Argentina’s comfortable victory over Jordan in Dallas. The defending champions maintained their perfect record in Group J while extending Messi’s remarkable legacy on football’s biggest stage. With Argentina already assured of finishing top of the group, Messi started the match on the bench before being introduced in the 60th minute. Messi’s arrival was welcomed by loud cheers from the crowd, and the Argentina captain soon rewarded supporters with another memorable moment. Ten minutes before full-time, Lionel Messi curled a precise free-kick around the defensive wall and into the…

London: Hundreds of flights have been delayed at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports after thunderstorms disrupted air traffic across southern England. The severe weather followed a record-breaking heatwave and caused widespread travel disruption, with authorities warning that delays could continue throughout the day. More than 800 flights arriving at and departing from Heathrow and Gatwick were delayed on June 27, while dozens of services were cancelled. The UK’s air traffic control service said stormy conditions over south-east England had affected aircraft movements and were expected to continue disrupting schedules. Heathrow recorded more than 400 delayed flights, with Gatwick experiencing a…

Vancouver: Belgium have secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage after producing an impressive 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver.  The convincing result lifted Belgium to the top of Group G on goal difference and confirmed their place in the last 32, while New Zealand exited the tournament after collecting just one point from three matches. Belgium dominated from the opening whistle and deservedly took the lead in the 28th minute. Kevin De Bruyne’s corner created confusion inside the New Zealand penalty area before Leandro Trossard reacted quickest to score from close range after the ball deflected…

Brussels: Europe’s heatwave has continued to bring record-breaking temperatures across several countries, with authorities reporting rising fatalities, health concerns and widespread disruption to public life. Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands recorded their highest June temperatures, while several major outdoor events were cancelled because of the extreme weather. Germany provisionally recorded its highest June temperature of 41.3 degrees Celsius in the south-western city of Saarbrücken. Belgium also reported temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in Kleine Brogel, while the southern Dutch province of Limburg recorded 39.4 degrees Celsius. In the United Kingdom, a provisional June record of 37.1 degrees Celsius was registered…