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  • Iran receives Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries

    Iran receives Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries

    The deliveries of Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries occurred after a de-facto truce was struck between Iran and Israel on 24 June, an Arab official familiar with the intelligence told MEE.

    Another Arab official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive intelligence, said that the US’s Arab allies were aware of Tehran’s efforts to “back up and reinforce” its air defences and that the White House had been informed of Iran’s progress. 

    The officials did not say how many surface-to-air missiles, or SAMs, Iran had received from China since the end of the fighting. However, one of the Arab officials said that Iran was paying for the SAMs with oil shipments.

    China is the largest importer of Iranian oil, and the US Energy Information Administration suggested in a report in May that nearly 90 percent of Iran’s crude and condensate exports flow to Beijing.

    For several years, China has imported record amounts of Iranian oil despite US sanctions, using countries such as Malaysia as a transshipment hub to mask the crude’s origin.

    “The Iranians engage in creative ways of trading,” the second Arab official told MEE.

    MNA/

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  • UniCredit, BPM shares up on report Italy will have to drop merger conditions – Reuters

    1. UniCredit, BPM shares up on report Italy will have to drop merger conditions  Reuters
    2. Ops Unicredit on Banco Bpm: Wednesday 9 July the moment of truth with the ruling of the TAR on…  firstonline.info
    3. Banco BPM jumps after media report EU ready to warn Italy on UniCredit bid  TradingView
    4. UniCredit-Banco BPM Deal: A Regulatory Crossroads for European Banking  AInvest
    5. Unicredit: “Golden power su ops Banco Bpm ambiguo, rischiamo pesanti sanzioni”. Via libera per …  firstonline.info

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  • PM Calls Of Comprehensive Action Plan To Boost Agri Production – UrduPoint

    1. PM Calls Of Comprehensive Action Plan To Boost Agri Production  UrduPoint
    2. Pakistan to deploy AI, global experts in push to modernize agriculture  Arab News
    3. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding matters pertaining to the Agriculture sector  Associated Press of Pakistan
    4. PM Shehbaz calls for urgent action plan to boost farm output, reforms, and climate resilience  Profit by Pakistan Today
    5. Enhancing agricultural productivity Govt’s top priority: PM Shehbaz  SUCH TV

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  • Australian scientists develop “biological AI” system to speed drug discovery-Xinhua

    SYDNEY, July 8 (Xinhua) — Australian scientists have unveiled a pioneering “biological artificial intelligence (AI)” platform designed to dramatically accelerate drug discovery.

    The innovative system enabled the rapid creation and evolution of molecules with new or enhanced functions directly inside mammalian cells, paving the way for more effective gene therapies and advanced medicines, according to a statement released recently by the University of Sydney, which led the study.

    Called PROTEUS (PROTein Evolution Using Selection), the platform marked a major leap in molecular engineering by enabling rapid evolution of proteins within mammalian cells, something previously limited to bacteria, which allowed scientists to mimic and speed up natural selection, reducing processes that once took years to just weeks, researchers said.

    “What is new about our work is that directed evolution primarily works in bacterial cells, whereas PROTEUS can evolve molecules in mammal cells,” said the study’s co-senior author Greg Neely from the University of Sydney.

    Led by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Center and the Centenary Institute, the research has made PROTEUS open source, enabling global adoption to speed the development of advanced enzymes, molecular tools, therapeutics, and improved gene-editing and mRNA medicines. ■

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  • Nearly half a million Afghans return from Iran after crackdown | Refugees News

    Nearly half a million Afghans return from Iran after crackdown | Refugees News

    Nearly 450,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since early June, according to the United Nations refugee agency, after Tehran imposed a July 6 deadline for undocumented migrants and refugees to leave the country.

    The surge compounds Afghanistan’s existing challenges as the impoverished nation struggles to integrate waves of returnees from Pakistan and Iran since 2023, amid one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises after decades of conflict.

    The UNHCR reports that more than 1.4 million people have “returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan” this year alone. Iran’s late May directive potentially affects four million undocumented Afghans among the approximately six million Afghan residents claimed by Tehran.

    Border crossings increased dramatically from mid-June, with some days seeing approximately 40,000 people entering Afghanistan. Between June 1 and July 5, 449,218 Afghans returned from Iran, bringing the 2024 total to 906,326, according to an International Organization for Migration spokesman.

    Many returnees report experiencing pressure from authorities, arrests, deportations, and financial losses due to hasty departures. The crisis response has been hampered by significant cuts in foreign aid, prompting calls for increased funding from the UN, international NGOs, and Taliban officials.

    The UN has cautioned that this mass return could further destabilise Afghanistan, which already faces entrenched poverty, unemployment, and climate change effects. “Forcing or pressuring Afghans to return risks further instability in the region, and onward movement towards Europe,” the UNHCR said on Friday.

    While Taliban officials advocate for a “dignified” return process, Iranian media frequently reports mass arrests of “illegal” Afghans. Iran’s deputy interior minister, Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, acknowledged that while undocumented Afghans in the country were “respected neighbours and brothers in faith”, Iran’s “capacities also have limits”. He indicated the return process “will be implemented gradually”.

    Many Afghans had migrated to Iran for employment, sending vital remittances to families in Afghanistan. Returnee Ahmad Mohammadi told the AFP news agency at a reception centre in Herat province, “If I can find a job here that covers our daily expenses, I’ll stay here. But if that’s not possible, we’ll be forced to go to Iran again, or Pakistan, or some other country.”

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  • Syria – Wildfires (DG ECHO, JRC GWIS, SARD, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 8 July 2025) – ReliefWeb

    1. Syria – Wildfires (DG ECHO, JRC GWIS, SARD, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 8 July 2025)  ReliefWeb
    2. Syria appeals to EU for help battling massive wildfires in Latakia  Euronews.com
    3. DAA affirms readiness to provide support in extinguishing coastal fires  وكالة هاوار للأنباء
    4. Reforestation and Afforestation campaign in latakia to restore forests in Latakia – Syrian Arab News Agency  الوكالة العربية السورية للأنباء
    5. Jordanian helicopters continue to help Syria in containing wildfires for 6th day  Arab News

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  • WOC 2025: Qualification kicked off the championships in Finland

    WOC 2025: Qualification kicked off the championships in Finland

    The World Orienteering Championships in Finland kicked off on Tuesday morning with the qualification for Wednesday’s middle distance.

    Here, the athletes were divided into three heats per gender with the goal of finishing in the top 15 to qualify for the final.

    And from the start, they were thrown into demanding Finnish terrain in the race, which was held right across from the WOC event center in Tahko.

    An challenging area with many details and many short legs made up the first part of the courses, which today was 3.3 kilometers for women and 3.9 kilometers for men before ending down a ski slope at the finish area.

    The women’s heat winners in today’s qualification were Natalia Gemperle (SUI), Simona Aebersold (SUI) and home favorite Venla Harju.

    On the men’s side, the Swiss were also strong. Here, the reigning middle distance world champion Matthias Kyburz was fastest in heat 1, while Fabian Aebersold (SUI) and Kasper Fosser (NOR) won the other heats.

    Find results, GPS-tracking and the livestream from today’s qualification in IOF LIVE.


    Timo Sild (EST) was third in heat 1 today. By Kristina Lindgren

    Wednesday’s Middle distance final takes place in Neulamäki close to the host city Kuopio.

    The first start is at 13:40 EEST (UTC +3) and the TV broadcast begins at 14:30 and runs until 18:20.

    Find all you need to follow the Middle final in IOF LIVE

    Reigning middle distance World Champions from Switzerland two years ago are Tove Alexandersson (SWE) and Matthias Kyburz (SUI).

    Watch the WOC 2023 Middle distance in YouTube here

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  • French president greeted by King Charles as state visit begins

    French president greeted by King Charles as state visit begins

    Sean Coughlan

    Royal correspondent

    Getty Images France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron are greeted by Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of WalesGetty Images

    The French president and his wife arrive at RAF Northolt and are greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales

    Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte have been greeted by King Charles and Queen Camilla as the French president starts a three-day state visit to the UK.

    The Macrons were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales as they arrived at RAF Northolt in west London on Tuesday, before they met the King and Queen on a dais built in Windsor town centre.

    It is the first state visit by a French president since 2008, and the first by a European Union leader since Brexit.

    Several issues are expected to be discussed between Macron and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the visit, including how to stop small boats crossing the Channel.

    Downing Street has said the UK’s relationship with France is “key” to tackling this among other issues.

    “We expect to make good progress on a wide range of priorities, including migration, growth, defence and security, which will deliver on the interests of both the British and the French public,” a spokesman for No 10 said.

    Sylvie Bermann, who was the French Ambassador to the UK from 2014 to 2017, described the small boats issue as difficult but said that France was “making progress” on it.

    Responding to criticism within the UK that the British government has given too much money to France to try and deter small boat crossings without seeing any results so far, Ms Bermann said: “The UK is paying because we [France] is doing the job for the UK… you can’t prevent all of them [small boats] but we are doing our best.”

    Sir Keir Starmer and Macron are also expected to speak by phone to other allied nations who are looking to support any future peace deal in Ukraine.

    A state visit is a “soft power” opportunity to strengthen partnerships, with the French visit set to reinforce links with the UK at a time of uncertainty about the US stance on issues such as military backing for Ukraine.

    A state banquet on Tuesday evening will be a highlight of the trip, with famous faces, a showcase menu and a message from the King about the “shared history and culture between our two peoples”.

    He will say the UK and France must stand united in the face of a “multitude of complex threats” and also warn of threats in defence, technology and climate change.

    “For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other,” the King will say at Tuesday evening’s banquet, which will be held at Windsor Castle, as Buckingham Palace is being renovated.

    He will warn of current risks “emanating from multiple directions” and challenges that “know no borders” from which “no fortress can protect us”.

    “Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world,” the state banquet speech will say.

    EPA Britain's Queen Camilla, Britain's King Charles III, France's President Emmanuel Macron and French President's wife Brigitte Macron attend the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion's commemorative ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II 'D-Day' Allied landings in NormandyEPA

    King Charles and Queen Camilla recently met the French President and his wife at commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy

    On Wednesday, Macron will see a horse that he gave to the late Queen Elizabeth II, to mark her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

    The French president and his wife are also set to visit the tomb of the late Queen, during their stay in Windsor.

    The UK government has spoken of wanting to “re-set” post-Brexit relations with European neighbours and Macron’s visit will be a public endorsement of the longstanding alliance with France.

    MPs and peers will be able to hear Macron when he gives a speech to the Houses of Parliament.

    Advances in science will be highlighted during the visit, with examples of artificial intelligence and innovative technology being shown to the French visitors at Imperial College London.

    King Charles and Queen Camilla carried out a state visit to France in 2023, where he received a standing ovation for his speech to the French Senate.

    He had given a strongly worded message of support for Ukraine after Russia’s “horrifying” invasion. The King had also highlighted the “existential challenge” of climate change.

    Thin, purple banner promoting the Royal Watch newsletter with text saying, “Insider stories and expert analysis in your inbox every week”. There is also a graphic of a fleur-de-lis in white.

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  • All 13 teams at LIV Golf Andalucia

    All 13 teams at LIV Golf Andalucia

    4. STINGER GC

    At LIV Golf Dallas, Stinger GC charged on Sunday, shooting 5-under as a team to finish in 4th place on the team leaderboard, narrowly missing out on their first podium finish since LIV Golf Hong Kong. The team was led by a resurgent performance from their captain, Louis Oosthuizen, who finished T2 after coming up short in a four-man playoff won by Patrick Reed.

    Oosthuizen’s revival comes at a perfect time for the Stingers. The South African is a great fit for Valderrama and finished T4 at LIV Golf Andalucía last season. Oosthuizen’s teammate, Dean Burmester, is slowly rounding into form, having finished T23 in Virginia and T18 in Dallas. If Burmester can build off those performances this week, he will form a formidable duo with Oosthuizen. Branden Grace, who’s struggled for most of the last two seasons, may also be finding some form. He finished T19 in Virginia and T26 and Dallas, where he gained 0.7 strokes per round on approach, his best performance in the category since LIV Golf Singapore in March. At a golf course that favors strategy and precision, I believe the Stingers can contend this week.

    5. FIREBALLS GC

    This may feel like a disrespectful spot in the power rankings for Fireballs GC, who are the defending champions, but their lack of recent form is difficult to ignore. After three straight victories in Adelaide, Hong Kong and Singapore, the Fireballs have missed out on a podium finish in five consecutive events. Sergio Garcia, who of course won this event last year, has struggled of late. His best finish since LIV Golf Miami in April (3rd) was a T25 finish at LIV Golf Dallas. Last week, the Fireballs captain missed the cut at the BMW International Open on the DP World Tour.

    David Puig has certainly been a bright spot for the Fireballs. The 23-year-old finished T13 in Dallas after missing LIV Golf Virginia with an injury and finished T11 at the BMW international Open on the DP World Tour last week. Abraham Ancer was also extremely helpful in Dallas where he finished T16 and contended for most of the week before slipping down the leaderboard on Sunday.

    With the question marks surrounding Garcia, even at his favorite course, and lackluster recent play from newly acquired Josele Ballester, the Fireballs will look to bounce back in Spain.

    6. RIPPER GC

    Since their win at LIV Golf Miami followed by a runner-up finish at LIV Golf Mexico City, Ripper GC has been on a relative cold streak, failing to finish better than 5th in the team standings in their last three events.

    A bounce back week for Ripper GC could be in store at Valderrama if their captain, Cameron Smith, can find some of the form that made him one of the best players in the world over the past handful of seasons. Smith finished T6 at LIV Golf Andalucía last year and T12 the year before.

    Lucas Herbert, who earned medalist honors at the West Lancashire Open Championship qualifier last week, should be a strong contender this week. The Australian is having a strong season and is looking to win his first LIV Golf individual title.

    Marc Leishman , who won LIV Golf Miami earlier this year, finished T10 at Valderrama last season and enters the week having gained strokes on approach in six consecutive starts.

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  • Prime Day Smartphone Deals You Won't Want To Send to Voicemail – PCMag

    1. Prime Day Smartphone Deals You Won’t Want To Send to Voicemail  PCMag
    2. I’ve reviewed smartphones for 10 years. These are the 5 Android phones I would buy on Prime Day  Android Authority
    3. Amazon’s Prime Day sale is longer than ever – and even more important than usual for the company. Here’s why.  Morningstar
    4. Amazon Apple Products Sale: Prime Day Exclusive Offer, As iPhone 15 Is Available For Rs 57,249  herzindagi.com
    5. Samsung Galaxy deals are officially live on Prime Day  Mashable

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