Foreign tourists are trickling back to China after the country loosened its visa policy to unprecedented levels. Citizens from 74 countries can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa. The government has been steadily expanding visa-free entry in a bid to boost tourism and the economy. In December 2023, China announced visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Almost all of Europe has been added since and travelers from five Latin American countries and Uzbekistan became eligible last month, followed by four in the Middle East. The total will grow to 75 on July 16 with the addition of Azerbaijan. This option isn’t available to Indian citizens. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 July,2025 12:24 PM IST | Beijing | AgenciesFive Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack in Gaza, the Israeli military said Tuesday, while health officials in the Palestinian territory said 18 people were killed in Israeli strikes. The bloodshed came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the White House for talks with US President Donald Trump about a ceasefire plan to pause the Gaza fighting. While there was no announcement of a breakthrough, there were signs of progress toward a deal. The killings of the soldiers could add to the pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal in Israel, where polls have shown widespread support for ending the war. Israeli said explosive devices were detonated against the soldiers during an operation in the Beit Hanoun area in northern Gaza, where Israel has repeatedly fought regrouping militants. Militants also opened fire on the forces evacuating the wounded soldiers. ‘Israel killed 1060 people in Iran’ Iran’s government has issued a new death toll for its war with Israel, saying at least 1060 people were killed and warning that the figure could rise. Saeed Ohadi, the head of Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, warned on Monday that the toll may cross 1100, given how severely some were wounded. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 July,2025 11:28 AM IST | Tel Aviv | AgenciesAhead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, India's High Commissioner to Namibia, Rahul Shrivastava, said that India is looking at importing uranium from the African country and mentioned that the recent oil and gas discoveries in Namibia are also an area of interest for New Delhi. Speaking to ANI, Shrivastava stated that India is interested in critical minerals in Namibia. He hailed the ties between the two nations, terming them "good" and recalled how India was one of the first nations to support Namibia's independence. When asked about the expected takeaways from PM Modi's State visit to Namibia, he said, "The relationships between India and Namibia are very good because we started long before Namibia got independence in 1946 when India was one of the first countries to support Namibia's independence and thereafter when Namibia got independence, this good relations have transformed into good economic relations. So, the Prime Minister's visit happens after a long gap of 27 years. We have a long range of things that we want to discuss primarily about trade and investment. We are interested in critical minerals in Namibia and some of our PSUs would want to invest here." "We are looking at export of uranium from Namibia to India and there have been recent oil and gas discoveries in Namibia, that is also an area of interest. We will be discussing about defence cooperation because Namibia wants to procure defence items from India, and capacity building is one of the important pillars of India-Namibia relations that we will also enhance during the visit," he added. Shrivastava said that PM Modi will be on a State visit to Namibia, where he will hold delegation-level talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, visit Heroes Acre to pay homage to the founding father of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma, address the country's parliament and interact with the Indian diaspora. "Prime Minister Modi, he comes tomorrow early morning, and the visit is for one day. It's a state visit, but the programme is very full, apart from the various ceremonial events, such as the welcome ceremony in the State House or the welcome ceremony in the airport where he's received by the foreign minister of Namibia. We will have delegation-level talks with the President of Namibia. He will be going to the Heroes Acre, which is the national memorial of Namibia to pay homage to the founding father of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma. He will also be addressing the parliament of Namibia and finally, he'll also have a community interaction with the small but vibrant diaspora in Namibia." PM Modi on Tuesday (local time) departed for Namibia after concluding his two-day visit to Brazil. He is travelling to Namibia for a State visit at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. It will be PM Modi's first visit to Namibia, and the third ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. Shrivastava stated that the two sides will hold discussions regarding cheetahs and expressed confidence that PM Modi's visit will surely lead to Project Cheetah 2 from Namibia. When asked whether discussions regarding Cheetahs will take place, he said, "Discussions will yes surely take place, and the cheetahs are thriving well in India, but the numbers that are there are not enough to have a good ecological balance. We need more of cheetahs, so at some point in time, and I'm sure the Prime Minister's visit will surely lead to Project Cheetah 2 from Namibia." Rahul Shrivastava emphasised that India's leadership in the Global South is "well recognised" and termed Africa a "strong partner" for India. "India's leadership in the Global South is well recognised, and Africa is a very strong partner for India in this. The Prime Minister is a great supporter of support to the Global South, and in this regard we have been supporting Namibia, and Namibia participated in all three Voices of Global South summits that was chaired by India under its presidency of G20," he said. PM Modi is on a five-nation visit, with Namibia being his last stop. PM Modi began his five-nation visit on Wednesday in Ghana. From Ghana, PM Modi travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, and then he headed to Argentina and Brazil. In a statement before leaving for his five-nation visit from India, PM Modi stated, "I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South. It will be a privilege to also address the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament as we celebrate our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. 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09 July,2025 08:40 AM IST | Windhoek | ANIPrime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a meeting at the Alvorada Palace on Tuesday (local time). During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to deepen trade ties and diversify trade. PM Modi stated that he and President Lula agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and also diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times." Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and also diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times.… pic.twitter.com/Bn8w5BCm2X — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2025 PM Modi noted that his meeting with President Lula will invigorate ties between India and Brazil. He stated that they have set a target of USD 20 billion over the coming five years. "The bilateral meeting with my good friend President Lula will invigorate India-Brazil ties. We've set an ambitious trade target of USD 20 billion over the coming five years. This will boost economic linkages. Equally important were the discussions on strengthening people-to-people ties, especially through sports and tourism," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi thanked President Lula for conferring him with Brazil's highest civilian honour, 'The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.' "I'm honoured to have been conferred 'The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.' Gratitude to President Lula, the Government and the people of Brazil. This illustrates the strong affection the people of Brazil have for the people of India. May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come," PM Modi posted on X. The bilateral meeting with my good friend President Lula will invigorate India-Brazil ties. We’ve set an ambitious trade target of USD 20 billion over the coming five years. This will boost economic linkages. Equally important were the discussions on strengthening… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2025 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that PM Modi thanked President Lula for his solidarity and support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. "PM @narendramodi met with President @LulaOficial of Brazil at the Alvorada Palace, Brazil. PM thanked President Lula for its solidarity & support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack," Jaiswal stated on X. "Both leaders held extensive discussions on India - Brazil multifaceted ties, including trade & investment, defence & security, health & pharmaceuticals, space, renewable energy, food & energy security, infrastructure development, digital public infrastructure, culture and people-to-people ties and explored avenues for collaboration in the new areas of critical minerals, new and emerging technologies, AI & supercomputers, digital collaboration & mobility. They set a bilateral trade target of USD 20 billion over the next five years. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," he added. PM @narendramodi met with President @LulaOficial of Brazil at the Alvorada Palace, Brazil.PM thanked President Lula for its solidarity & support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.Both leaders held extensive discussions on 🇮🇳-🇧🇷 multifaceted ties, including… pic.twitter.com/QWNR1sFqsX — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 8, 2025 Jaiswal stated that PM Modi thanked the Brazilian government and the people of Brazil for honouring him with Brazil's highest civilian honour, 'Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.' "A testament to the multifaceted India - Brazil Strategic Partnership. President @LulaOficial conferred on PM @narendramodi the 'Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross'- Brazil's highest honour. PM expressed his gratitude to the government & people of Brazil for this distinguished honour and dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the deep rooted India - Brazil friendship & the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries," Jaiswal posted on X. A testament to the multifaceted 🇮🇳-🇧🇷 Strategic Partnership. President @LulaOficial conferred on PM @narendramodi the ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’- 🇧🇷’s highest honour.PM expressed his gratitude to the government & people of 🇧🇷 for this… pic.twitter.com/CjNE2qgnXd — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 8, 2025 PM Modi, who is on a State Visit to Brazil after participating in the BRICS Summit, received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brazil on Tuesday, where President Lula shared a warm hug with PM Modi. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour. The national anthems of India and Brazil were played at Alvorada Palace. 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09 July,2025 08:36 AM IST | Brasilia | ANIUS President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, days after the White House paused certain military shipments. "We're going to send some more weapons. We have to - they have to be able to defend themselves," Trump told reporters ahead of a dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "They're getting hit very hard. We're going to have to send more weapons," Trump said adding. "Defensive weapons, primarily, but they're getting hit very, very hard." The announcement comes after a senior White House official told CNN last week that the administration had paused some weapons deliveries, including air defence missiles, pending a review of US military spending and foreign aid. The review, aimed at putting "America's interests first," was approved by Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly had said the decision was part of the administration's broader defence strategy. Some US officials suggested the pause was also influenced by the Pentagon's increased focus on China and preparation for potential conflict in the Pacific--an effort led by the Pentagon's policy chief, Elbridge Colby. "The Department of Defence continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end," Colby said in a statement at the time. "At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces' readiness for Administration defence priorities." Russia welcomed the pause in shipments, alleging--without evidence--that it stemmed from US shortages. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell on Monday confirmed Trump's directive to resume aid. "At President Trump's direction, the Department of Defense will send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace," he said. "Our framework for POTUS to evaluate military shipments across the globe remains in effect and is integral to our America First defense priorities." Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the US has been Ukraine's largest military donor, supplying equipment including air defence systems, drones, rocket launchers, tanks, and anti-armor weapons--raising concerns about the depletion of US stockpiles. Trump had previously halted all military aid to Ukraine in March after a heated Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The shipments resumed roughly a week later. The decision to ramp up deliveries follows Trump's recent conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky. Trump described his call with Putin as disappointing, saying there was "no progress" toward a ceasefire. In contrast, he called his latest discussion with Zelensky "very good." Zelensky has been urging Western allies to strengthen Ukraine's air defences amid escalating Russian attacks. On Friday, Russia launched a record number of drones at Ukraine, just hours after the Trump-Putin call. Speaking Saturday, Zelensky said his conversation with Trump was the "most productive" he has had. Trump on Friday also stated the US was considering Ukraine's request for more Patriot missile systems. On Monday, Trump reiterated his criticism of the Russian president. "I'm not happy with President Putin at all," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 July,2025 06:45 PM IST | Washington DC | ANIUS President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism about avoiding further military action against Iran, noting that the Islamic Republic also doesn't want such action against it. The US President further stated that Iran wants to meet and work "something out" between the two nations to cease any future military actions. "I hope we're not going to have to do that. I can't imagine wanting to do that. I can't imagine them wanting to do that. They (Iran) want to meet ... They want to work something out. They are very different now than they were two weeks ago," Trump said during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday (local time). His remarks come against the backdrop of recent tensions following recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military installations. When asked if there would be any talks scheduled with Iran, Trump nodded, noting that the US had plans to hold dialogue with Tehran. "We're going to have a meeting ... We'll see what happens. We have scheduled Iran talks. They want to talk. They took a big drubbing, I think, when we hit the three sites," Trump added. Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had expressed confidence that Tehran could settle its disputes with the US through dialogue, while acknowledging that building trust would be difficult due to past US and Israeli attacks on Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera. The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion", conducting widespread airstrikes on Iranian soil targeting nuclear sites at Natanz and Fordow, missile production centres, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command bases. Several top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists were reportedly assassinated during the operation. This was followed by US strikes on June 21-22 under "Operation Midnight Hammer", which also targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran then retaliated with missile attacks against Israel and an assault on a US military airbase in Qatar. Tehran strongly condemned both operations, calling them a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu said that he had sent a letter to the Nobel Prize Committee nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. He personally handed a copy of the nomination letter to Trump during their meeting at the White House. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 July,2025 04:48 PM IST | Washington DC | ANIUS President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) again falsely claimed that he stopped the escalation of the recent India-Pakistan conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump said that the fight would have turned nuclear, and that stopping the conflict was essential. "We stopped a lot of fights, very, very big one was India and Pakistan. We stopped that over trade. We are dealing with India and Pakistan. We said that we are not going to be dealing with you at all if you are gonna fight. They were maybe at a nuclear stage...Stopping that was really important," he said. Earlier on June 18, Trump had reiterated his claim of brokering peace between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and said he stopped "the war between the two nuclear nations". He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming him a "fantastic man". "Well, I stopped the war between Pakistan. I love Pakistan. I think PM Modi is a fantastic man; I spoke to him last night. We will have a trade deal with PM Modi of India. I stopped the war between Pakistan and India," Trump stated. He was speaking at a flagpole installation event at the White House's South Lawn. The US President as asked about his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir."This man (Asim Munir) was extremely influential in stopping the war from the Pakistani side. PM Modi from the Indian side and others. And they are going at it. Both are nuclear countries. They've got to stop. I stopped a war between two major nuclear nations. I don't think I had a story written on it....," Trump stated. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a statement earlier that during a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, the former conveyed India's determination to take action against terrorism to the whole world. The Prime Minister said that on the night of May 6-7, India had only targeted the terrorist camps and hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India's actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory. India had also made it clear that any act of aggression from Pakistan would be met with a stronger response. On the night of May 9-10, India gave a strong and decisive response to Pakistan's attack, inflicting significant damage on the Pakistani military. Their military airbases were rendered inoperable. Due to India's firm action, Pakistan was compelled to request a cessation of military operations. Misri said that PM Modi clearly conveyed to President Trump that at no point during this entire sequence of events was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US Trade Deal, or any proposal for a mediation by the US between India and Pakistan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 July,2025 04:41 PM IST | Washington DC | ANIKing Charles III led commemorations on Monday on the 20th anniversary of the 2005 London transit bombings — the deadliest attack on the British capital since World War II. Fifty-two people died and more than 700 were wounded when four British men inspired by Al-Qaida blew themselves up on three subway trains and a bus during the morning rush hour on July 7, 2005. They were the first suicide bombings on European soil. The anniversary will be marked with a ceremony at the 7/7 memorial in Hyde Park and a service of commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral. In a message, Charles said his “heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible day.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 July,2025 01:01 PM IST | London | AgenciesWith more rain on the way, the risk of life-threatening flooding was still high in central Texas on Monday even as crews search urgently for the missing following a holiday weekend deluge that killed at least 82 people, including children at summer camps. Rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain filled with snakes continued their search for the missing, including 10 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp that sustained massive damage. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said 41 people were unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing. In Hill Country, home to several summer camps, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children. Ten other deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 July,2025 12:58 PM IST | Kerrville | AgenciesHundreds of supporters of Nepal’s former king lined up outside his residence to greet him on his 74th birthday on Monday as support for the ousted monarch grows in the nation. Gyanendra Shah, who makes very few public appearances, allowed his supporters inside his house for three hours. Supporters lined up with flower garlands, bouquets, cards, gifts and various food items which are traditionally offered during special occasions in Nepalese culture. “Bring king back to the throne and save the country. We love our king more than our lives,” chanted the loyalists, many wearing traditional attire. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 July,2025 12:54 PM IST | Kathmandu | AgenciesIndonesia’s rumbling Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, sending a column of volcanic materials as high as 18 km into the sky and depositing ash on villages. The volcano has been at the highest alert level since last month and no casualties were reported. Indonesia’s Geology Agency recorded an avalanche of searing gas clouds mixed with rocks and lava traveling up to 5 km down the volcano’s slopes during the eruption. The column of hot clouds that rose into the sky was the volcano’s highest since a major eruption in November 2024 that killed nine people and injured dozens. It also erupted in March. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 July,2025 12:25 PM IST | Jakarta | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT