Jaffna Kings outclass Kandy Royals by 21 runs in LPL 2026

South Africa’s Western Cape High Court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa a temporary order halting parliamentary impeachment proceedings against him. The interdict pauses the work of a parliamentary impeachment committee until the court reviews a November 2022 panel report in September, which concluded that Ramaphosa “may have committed” serious violations regarding the Phala Phala farm scandal. The controversy stems from a 2020 break-in at Ramaphosa’s luxury farmhouse in Limpopo, where $580,000 in undeclared foreign currency hidden inside a sofa was stolen. While a former spy chief alleged the stolen sum reached $4 million and accused the president of concealing the robbery from tax and police authorities, Ramaphosa has maintained his innocence, stating the cash came from a legitimate sale of 20 buffaloes. Although the ruling African National Congress (ANC) initially quashed impeachment efforts in Parliament in 2022 and prosecutors dropped criminal charges in 2024, a Constitutional Court ruling in May 2026 reinstated the impeachment process. Ramaphosa welcomed Friday’s court decision, affirming his respect for judicial independence while awaiting the full review hearing in September.

Thousands of students across the Gaza Strip achieved success in this year’s Tawjihi high school examinations despite months of conflict, displacement and severe disruptions to daily life, demonstrating remarkable determination to continue their education under extraordinary circumstances. The annual Tawjihi examinations, which play a decisive role in determining admission to universities and future careers, were completed by thousands of Palestinian students who prepared for the tests while living through prolonged instability, damaged infrastructure and limited access to educational resources. Among the success stories were three siblings from Khan Younis who earned outstanding grades after months of dedicated study. Despite facing repeated challenges during the academic year, the family celebrated their achievements, describing education as a source of hope and resilience. The students said the difficult conditions often made it emotionally exhausting to continue studying. However, they remained focused on their academic goals and credited their family for providing encouragement throughout the year. They said their success represented not only personal achievement but also a reward for months of perseverance. The family’s journey was particularly challenging because two of the siblings have physical disabilities, making regular attendance at private tuition difficult. Their parents arranged for teachers to conduct lessons at home, ensuring they could continue their studies despite mobility challenges and the difficult security situation. Their mother said years of continuous support, confidence and determination helped her children overcome obstacles. She expressed pride in their achievements, saying their success proved that dedication and family support can help students overcome even the most difficult circumstances. Education officials said nearly 89,000 students from the occupied Palestinian territories took the Tawjihi examinations this year, while thousands of Palestinian students living abroad also participated. Authorities added that more than 36,000 students from Gaza alone sat for the examinations despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Officials also noted the heavy impact of the conflict on the education sector. Hundreds of schools have reportedly been damaged, while many educational institutions remain unusable because of destruction. In many areas, students attended lessons inside temporary shelters, tents or partially damaged buildings where classrooms lacked desks, chairs and basic learning facilities. Teachers continued providing instruction despite the challenging conditions. Many educators said they had to support students emotionally as well as academically because many had lost family members or been forced to leave their homes during the conflict. One mathematics teacher said students often arrived carrying emotional trauma, making psychological support just as important as classroom instruction. She explained that teachers tried to encourage students, helping them remain focused on their studies despite the hardships surrounding them. Several students also shared deeply personal stories of loss. One student who lost multiple close family members during the conflict said completing her examinations became both an emotional struggle and a tribute to her loved ones. Although she celebrated passing the exams, she said the moment was bittersweet because many family members were no longer alive to witness her achievement.

Iran is expected to receive a shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence systems within weeks, according to sources familiar with the reported agreement. The deal involves between 300 and 400 man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The systems reportedly include China’s QW-12 and FN-16 missiles. The agreement is estimated to be worth between $60 million and $70 million. If completed, it would represent one of Iran’s most significant known efforts to strengthen its short-range air-defence capabilities since the country’s recent conflict with the United States and Israel. Three sources familiar with the agreement told Reuters that the deal has already been signed. They spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the reported military arrangement. The agreement was reportedly made through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company described by the sources as an intermediary between Iranian interests and the Chinese supplier. Iran has been seeking to rebuild and strengthen its military capabilities after months of fighting. During the conflict, US and Israeli strikes reportedly targeted facilities associated with Iran’s missile, drone and air-defence programmes. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks. The fighting also exposed difficulties in protecting fixed military installations and strategic infrastructure from advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons. The reported acquisition of hundreds of MANPADS could provide Iran with a more mobile layer of defence. Unlike large fixed air-defence systems, portable systems can be operated by small teams and moved quickly between locations. The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems. They are designed to engage low-flying targets, including aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their mobility could allow Iranian forces to deploy them around military facilities, energy infrastructure and other sensitive locations. Defence analysts consider the QW-12 less advanced than some newer Chinese systems. However, they say such weapons can still offer useful short-range protection against drones and low-flying aircraft. The reported delivery route has also drawn attention. According to the sources, the initial shipments are expected to travel by air from Urumqi in western China before passing through Pakistan and reaching Iran. The sources did not clarify whether the equipment would subsequently be transported into Iran by road or by air. Pakistan has rejected any suggestion that it is involved in supplying Chinese air-defence weapons to Iran. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described reports of Pakistan’s involvement in the transfer as false and fabricated. A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China has also denied the reported deal. Its Foreign Ministry described the reports as groundless and said Beijing’s position has consistently focused on promoting peace and ending conflict. Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported agreement. The sources also cautioned that the reported deal could still change. Delivery schedules, quantities and other implementation arrangements may be altered before the weapons reach Iran. Security officials and defence experts have indicated that Iran has been exploring different options to acquire Chinese military equipment. A European security source said authorities were aware of several proposed contracts involving QW-series MANPADS. These reportedly included the QW-12, QW-18 and QW-19 systems. A separate Middle Eastern security source said Iran had sought QW-12 and QW-18 missiles but was not aware of a completed agreement. Iran has invested heavily in domestic missiles, drones and radar systems over the past two decades. However, international sanctions and restrictions have continued to limit its access to foreign defence equipment. The reported purchase highlights Tehran’s continued effort to combine domestic weapons production with foreign military supplies. Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official also said Iran had explored land routes for transporting Chinese military equipment and dual-use components. Such routes could potentially provide a more discreet method of moving sensitive supplies and reduce the risk of disruption. The reported agreement comes as military ties between China and Iran appear to be attracting greater attention. A separate agreement involving Chinese anti-ship cruise missiles was also reportedly under discussion. However, it remains unclear whether that deal was ultimately completed.