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Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in Indicted for Bribery
Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been formally charged with bribery over claims that he helped secure a job for his former son-in-law at an airline, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. Moon and his daughter, Moon Da-hye, are accused of receiving bribes through salary and other payments through the hiring of Moon's ex-son-in-law, surnamed Seo, by Thai Eastar Jet, a low-cost airline based in Thailand. Seo was appointed executive director at the airline in 2018 after the company's founder and former two-term lawmaker Lee Sang-jik was appointed head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, Yonhap reported. Prosecutors believe that Lee was given his government position as part of a deal to secure a job for Seo at the airline, especially since Seo had little to no background in the aviation industry at the time. According to a report by DW, Moon was "indicted for corruption for receiving 217 million won ($152,000) in connection with facilitating the employment of his son-in-law at the airline," the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office said. This development occurs just six weeks ahead of South Korea's general election, which has been marked by political turmoil in recent months. The Korean government has formally designated June 3 as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Yonhap News Agency reported. The designation was made at a Cabinet meeting four days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December. Under the Constitution, the country is required to hold a new election within 60 days after a vacancy arises in the presidency. The government also designated 3rd June as a temporary public holiday. Yoon, a conservative, was impeached and ousted after declaring martial law late last year, leading to a major political crisis in the country. 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
24 April,2025 10:19 AM IST | Seoul | ANI
India, Saudi Arabia enhance relations with several MoUs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jeddah saw the signing of several MoUs in various sectors, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. MoUs were signed on cooperation in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes. Another targeted cooperation in the field of Health, while one was on cooperation in the fields of anti-doping education and prevention. An agreement for cooperation in inward surface parcels was also signed. The two nations also agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in labour and human resources. Both reiterated their mutual commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Another key area of focus during the talks was climate cooperation, with both countries reiterating their commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Both sides also underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral efforts in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime border protection, combating transnational crime, and countering narcotics and drug trafficking. Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chaired the second India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Jeddah on Tuesday. Before leaving for India, Modi invited the Crown Prince to visit India for the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. 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
24 April,2025 09:23 AM IST | Jeddah | Agencies
Israeli strike on Gaza kills 23
An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City overnight killed at least 23 people, a Palestinian health official said. Meanwhile, Arab mediators are working on a proposal to end the Israel-Hamas war that would include a five to seven year truce and the release of remaining hostages. The proposal would also include gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entire strip and the release of Palestinian prisoners, according to officials. Houthi fire missile at northern Israel Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile early on Wednesday toward northern Israel, a rare target for the group. Sirens sounded in Haifa, Krayot and other areas west of the Sea of Galilee, Israeli said, adding that the missile was intercepted. The Houthis separately claimed shooting down another MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen, as a monthlong intense US airstrike campaign continues to target them. 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
24 April,2025 09:23 AM IST | Deir al-Balah | Agencies
Trump hints at softening stance on China tariffs
US President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stand on China after recent trade clashes as he pursues his economic agenda. Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday (local time), Trump also said he was optimistic about improving trade relations with China. “The level of tariffs imposed on Chinese imports would come down substantially, but it won’t be zero,” Trump said, adding that he would be “very nice” in negotiations with Beijing. The US President also asserted that he had no intention of firing Jerome Powell, head of the US Federal Reserve, after repeatedly criticising him. “But I would like Powell to be a little more active on cutting interest rates,” he said. The announcements led world share markets to gain on Wednesday. Musk to cut back on DOGE role for Tesla Elon Musk says he’ll dedicate more time to Tesla starting in May after the company reported a 71 per cent (12 cents a share) drop in quarterly profits to $409 million. The company has faced anger over Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—the federal government jobs-cutting group. Musk also has supported far-right politicians in Europe and alienated buyers there. Investors have complained that Musk has been too distracted to run Tesla. 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
24 April,2025 09:23 AM IST | Washington | Agencies
PM Modi departs for India, cuts short Saudi visit after Pahalgam terror attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for India on Tuesday night after cutting short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi was originally scheduled to return to New Delhi on Wednesday night. "PM @narendramodi concludes his State Visit to Saudi Arabia and has emplaned for India," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. The attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam killed 26 people, mostly holidayers from other states, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Modi, who arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday, held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and co-chaired the Strategic Partnership Council, where both leaders condemned the terror attack and reaffirmed their commitment to countering terrorism. The two sides created two new ministerial committees, including one on defence, and agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India. The prime minister skipped an official dinner hosted and decided to cut short his visit and return home on Tuesday night. 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
23 April,2025 05:03 PM IST | Jeddah | PTI
PM Modi thanks Trump for support on Pahalgam attack
US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences for the victims of the "Islamist terror attack" in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. PM Modi thanked Trump for his support and said that India is determined to bring perpetrators and backers of this "cowardly and heinous terrorist attack" to justice Trump condemned the attack in Pahalgam and said that the United States stands with India in its fight against terrorism and offered all possible support. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also offered support to India. In a post on X, Rubio wrote, "The United States stands with India." He made the statement in response to the post shared by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for holding the perpetrators accountable. "The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Nothing can justify such a heinous act, killing tourists and civilians. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. We continue to monitor the situation and call for perpetrators to be held accountable," the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department posted on X. Earlier, US President Donald Trump condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, expressing solidarity with India. Sharing a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured." "Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" he added. Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies on Tuesday. In the evening, the Home Minister reached Srinagar for the security review meeting. Amit Shah also briefed PM Modi about the incident. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also briefed the Union Home Minister over the Pahalgam terrorist attack. LG Manoj Sinha and other high-level officials were also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack. Candle marches were organised at several places in Jammu and Kashmir by local people against the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. "On 22 April 2025, in a cowardly and heart-wrenching act of violence. The terrorists opened fire on innocent tourists and locals. In the immediate aftermath, Joint Forces will oversee the situation. Medical teams were swiftly mobilised and casualty evacuation commenced," Chinar Corps said in a post on X. "In response to this senseless violence and the anguish caused to local sentiments, a candle march was organised in Sopore, Ganderbal, Handwara, Bandipora and other parts of Kashmir by the local populace. A Joint Search Operation has been launched by the #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag. The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice," it added. 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
23 April,2025 10:19 AM IST | Jeddah | ANI
Trump, Putin, Meloni, other global leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack
US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among world leaders who condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, expressing solidarity with India. In a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of the "heinous attack". He "conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir,' Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. "India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror,' said the post. In an earlier post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism." "We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" he added. In a communication to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, Putin extended condolences over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and said the "brutal crime" has no justification whatsoever and its perpetrators will face a deserved punishment. He expressed "sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam whose victims were civilians ' citizens of various countries". Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured," he added. Terrorists opened fire on Tuesday at a famed meadow near Pahalgam town in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group. Prime Minister Modi, who had arrived in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit earlier in the day, cut short his visit and departed for New Delhi on Tuesday night following the attack. Italian Prime Minister Meloni said she was "deeply saddened" by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed solidarity with the affected families, the injured, the government, and the entire Indian people. The attack came during US Vice President J D Vance's maiden visit to India. Vance posted his condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack. 'Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,' he posted on X. In a post on X, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said his country was "deeply saddened" by the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. "Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror," he said. In a post on X, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas also condemned the attack. "I condemn today's heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed many innocent lives. Our deep condolences go to the victims, their families and the people of India. The EU stands firm against terrorism." The German Foreign Office called it a "brutal attack" and said there is "no justification for the killing of innocent people". "Germany stands with India in these difficult hours. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims," it said in a post on X. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the terrorist attack. It affirmed that the UAE "expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law". The ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and the families of the victims of this heinous attack, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured. In a post on X, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and condoled the loss of lives. "Sri Lanka strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. "Sri Lanka stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to regional peace and security," it 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
23 April,2025 08:42 AM IST | Washington | PTI
Nirmala Sitharaman cuts short her US, Peru visit after Pahalgam terror attack
In the wake of terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has decided to cut short her official visit to US and Peru to be back with people of India in this "difficult and tragic time." The Ministry of Finance announced that Sitharaman will take the earliest flight available to return to India. "Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman is cutting short her official visit to the USA-Peru. She is taking the earliest available flight back to India to be with our people in this difficult and tragic time," the Ministry of Finance posted on X. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman is cutting short her official visit to the USA-Peru. She is taking the earliest available flight back to India to be with our people in this difficult and tragic time.#PahalgamTerroristAttack — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 22, 2025 Nirmala Sitharaman was on a five-day official visit to the United States, which began on April 20. India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and Consul General Srikar Reddy Koppula, along with Finance Secretary Ajay Seth, received her at the San Francisco International Airport. From April 22 to 25, Sitharaman was scheduled to participate in the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, DC. She is scheduled to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting, the Development Committee Plenary, the IMF/World Bank Group's International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) Plenary, and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable. On the sidelines, she was scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and others, as well as top officials from international financial institutions. Following her engagements in the US, Sitharaman was scheduled to travel to Peru for her maiden visit from April 26 to 30. However, she cut short her visit due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Earlier, Sitharaman condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. "Heart breaking news from Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. No words to express grief. I condemn the terrorist act. Condolences to all affected families and friends of the deceased. Sincere prayers for the injured to recover fast. Reiterate the words of PM @narendramodi Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger," Sitharaman posted on X. Heart breaking news from Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. No words to express grief. I condemn the terrorist act. Condolences to all affected families and friends of the deceased. Sincere prayers for the injured to recover fast.Reiterate the words of PM @narendramodi “Those behind… — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) April 22, 2025 Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies following the Pahalgam terror attack. Home Minister Shah reached Srinagar on Tuesday evening for the security review meeting. He said earlier that those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack. Delhi Police has also been instructed to keep a close watch on tourist places and other important places. The incident, which targeted tourists in Pahalgam, sparked widespread outrage across the country, with several political leaders condemning the attack. Residents of Jammu and Kashmir turned up for a candlelight march at several places in the state against the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday. Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch and Kupwara held a candlelight march while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack. 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
23 April,2025 08:38 AM IST | Washington | ANI
Pahalgam terror attack
Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism: Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned over the terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday. He extended Israel's support for India in its fight against terrorism. "My dear friend @narendramodi, I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism," Israel's Prime Minister's Office posted on X. My dear friend @narendramodi,I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents.Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families.Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism. — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 22, 2025 Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed sadness over the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam and said that Israel stands united with India in its fight against terror. Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror Deeply saddened by the heinous terror attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror. 🇮🇱🇮🇳 — Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) April 22, 2025 Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies on Tuesday. In the evening, the Home Minister reached Srinagar for the security review meeting. Amit Shah also briefed PM Modi about the incident. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also briefed the Union Home Minister over the Pahalgam terrorist attack. LG Manoj Sinha and other high-level officials were also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack. Candle marches were organised at several places in Jammu and Kashmir by local people against the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. "On 22 April 2025, in a cowardly and heart-wrenching act of violence. The terrorists opened fire on innocent tourists and locals. In the immediate aftermath, Joint Forces will oversee the situation. Medical teams were swiftly mobilised and casualty evacuation commenced," Chinar Corps said in a post on X." "In response to this senseless violence and the anguish caused to local sentiments, a candle march was organised in Sopore, Ganderbal, Handwara, Bandipora and other parts of Kashmir by the local populace. A Joint Search Operation has been launched by the #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag. The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice," it added. The incident, which targeted tourists in Pahalgam, sparked widespread outrage across the country, with several political leaders condemning the attack. 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
23 April,2025 08:37 AM IST | Tel Aviv | ANI
PM Modi holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince, both condemn Pahalgam terror attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir as they co-chaired the Strategic Partnership Council, aimed at further strengthening the friendship between the two countries. The two sides created two new ministerial committees, including one on defence, and agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India. Modi, who arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday on a two-day visit, delayed his scheduled meeting with the Crown Prince by at least two hours to assess the situation in Kashmir, where terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Modi, who held bilateral talks with the Saudi Crown Prince, skipped an official dinner hosted and decided to cut short his visit and return home on Tuesday night, sources said. He was originally scheduled to return to India on Wednesday night. Earlier, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Al Salam Palace (Palace of Peace), where he was received by Crown Prince Mohammed. The two leaders hugged as they greeted each other, according to the photographs shared by the state-run Saudi Press Agency. It was followed by detailed bilateral discussions and the meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, which was established during the prime minister's 2019 visit to strengthen bilateral ties. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, said the meeting began with a reference to the unfortunate terror attack that has happened in India. "Both leaders expressed their condemnation for the terror attack. The Crown Prince conveyed his condolences and sympathies, and offered any help in this regard to us," the envoy said. India and Saudi Arabia have cooperation in issues related to terrorism, and they continue to work together, he added. "The Council reviewed the work of the various committees, subcommittees and working groups under the SPC, which encompass political, defence, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, agriculture, culture and people-to-people ties," according to an official statement. To reflect the deepening of defence partnership over the past few years ¿ including joint exercises, training programmes, and collaboration in the defence industry, the two sides decided to create a new ministerial committee on defence cooperation, it said. The two sides decided to create a new ministerial committee on tourism and cultural cooperation to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties, which has had significant momentum in recent years. The two sides also signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of space, anti-doping education, health and communications. Both sides also agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India. "Building on the commitment of Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in India in multiple areas including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and health, the joint High-Level Task Force on Investment came to an understanding in multiple areas to rapidly promote such investment flows," the statement said. It said that the progress made by HLTF in areas such as taxation is a major breakthrough for greater investment cooperation in the future. This was the prime minister's third visit to the Gulf Kingdom and the first one to the historic city of Jeddah. "This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia," Modi earlier posted on X in English and Arabic. As a special gesture, the prime minister's aircraft was escorted by F-15s of the Royal Saudi Air Force in Saudi airspace. The gesture was seen as a deepening of defence cooperation between the two countries. "Giving further momentum to our long-standing and historic ties. PM @narendramodi lands in the historic port city of Jeddah to a 21-gun salute & ceremonial welcome," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. The prime minister, who received Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour in 2016, has described the crown prince as "my brother". Saudi Arabia is home to 2.7 million Indians who live and work in the Gulf Kingdom. In an interview with Arab News ahead of his visit, Modi described Saudi Arabia as "one of India's most valued partners, a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally". "We consider Saudi Arabia a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability in the region," 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
23 April,2025 08:35 AM IST | Jeddah | PTI
Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26; public viewing from today
The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica today to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning, the Vatican announced. The Holy See said that the funeral Mass will take place at 10.00 am in St Peter’s Square. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the service, after which Cardinal Re will deliver a concluding prayer in which the Pope will be formally entrusted to God. As per his wishes, Pope Francis will be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major and will become the first Pope in more than a century not to be buried in the Vatican, in the crypt of St Peter’s Basilica. He also requested for a simple wooden casket, unlike other Popes who were buried in the traditional three nesting coffins made of cypress, lead and oak. 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
23 April,2025 08:22 AM IST | Vatican City | Agencies