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UK solar capacity reaches 22.8 GW as plug-in rules prepare for an August launch. June saw the second-highest number of monthly installations ever recorded in the UK, with only March 2026 surpassing it, at 28,782 installations. Over the course of the 12 months ending in June, solar capacity grew by 2.2 gigawatts, representing a 10.9% increase. The year 2025 saw the highest annual total with 269,000 installations, most of which were on residential, commercial, and other building rooftops. Utility-scale projects continued to enhance the nation’s overall solar capacity and output.

Industries focused on services recorded a 0.2 percent increase in May, marking the fourth consecutive month of overall growth in the service sector. The public sector, which includes education, healthcare, and public administration, expanded by 0.3 percent. Growth was also seen in finance and insurance activities, alongside increased attendance and broadcast revenues in spectator sports as Canadian professional hockey teams advanced through playoff rounds. Overall industrial data indicated that service output maintained steady momentum across both public and private sectors.

Global financial markets experienced a wave of risk aversion, leading to declines in digital assets as Bitcoin dipped below the $63,000 level. According to cryptocurrency exchange Binance, the top cryptocurrency by market capitalization dropped 3.02% in the past 24 hours, settling at $62,957.83. This recent decline prolongs a multi-session downturn driven by volatility in technology equities, macroeconomic headwinds, and shifting expectations around monetary policy. Bloomberg market data further shows that a sharp rise in long liquidations across derivatives trading venues coincided with a drop in spot trading volumes.

London, England / EuroWire / – On Wednesday, the UK government announced a commitment of £8.4 billion ($11.2 billion) toward the development of its Dreadnought-class nuclear submarines, securing essential long-term investment for the nation’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. An official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that this financial package will expedite the building process of four new-generation vessels while creating thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships over the next decade. This strategic procurement represents a significant capital outlay aimed at maintaining uninterrupted maritime defense capabilities through the middle of the century.

Unexpectedly, consumer price increases in Belgium accelerated in July, reversing a recent deceleration and imposing additional financial burdens on households and businesses. The national statistical agency Statbel reported Thursday that Belgium’s yearly inflation rate rose to 3.56 percent in July from 3.40 percent in June, surpassing earlier forecasts. This notable rise outpaced the 3.37 percent estimate issued by the Federal Planning Bureau, driven by persistent increases in costs for utilities, recreation, and transportation. The consumer price index for the month climbed 0.63 percent to reach 103.60 points, up from 102.95 points in June.

Trading disclosures confirmed that Starbucks shares surged as its efforts to regain third place show promising results, leading to an improved outlook for 2026 and a rise of more than five percent in extended trading on the Nasdaq exchange. The company reported consolidated net revenues of $9.3 billion for the 13-week period ending June 28, 2026, driven by an 8.1 percent increase in North American store sales and ongoing margin growth across key operational segments. Global comparable store sales rose 7.9 percent year-over-year during the quarter, supported by a 4.2 percent increase in customer transactions and a 3.5 percent rise in average ticket size.

During this high-level meeting in Bratislava, both leaders reaffirmed their joint dedication to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering enduring economic and developmental partnerships. Focused discussions revolved around harnessing emerging opportunities across industries, digital innovation, and sustainable infrastructure to open new pathways for trade and investment. The talks underscored the strategic alignment between the United Arab Emirates and the Slovak Republic in supporting economic diversification, technology sharing, and initiatives to promote knowledge exchange that can stimulate sustainable growth for both nations.

According to new research published by the EU agency Eurofound, the European Union is on track to miss its Digital Decade goal of employing 20 million information and communications technology specialists by 2030. Official reports from Emirates News Agency confirmed that the EU is expected to fall short of its 2030 ICT target by 5 million workers, despite years of continuous expansion in hiring across the region’s technology sector. The study, titled IT Sector in Focus: Evolution of the EU Digital Workforce, pointed out that most member states’ primary and vocational education systems are unable to keep pace with the rising enterprise demand for advanced digital skills. This gap is prompting European companies to increasingly rely on skilled labor migration from outside the EU to address critical staffing shortages.

Ethics groups warn lawmakers must close the crypto conflict of interest loopholes or scrap the CLARITY Act in new Senate report. The post Ethics watchdogs urge total ban on official crypto holdings appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..

The European Central Bank keeps interest rates precisely steady this July to evaluate regional inflation and broader energy risks. The post European Central Bank keeps interest rates at current levels appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..