Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the warmth he received on arrival in Oman on Wednesday. PM Modi lauded the enthusiasm of Indians in Oman, saying it reflected the people-to-people ties between both nations. In a post on X, he said, "Grateful for the warm welcome in Oman. The affection and enthusiasm of the Indian community here truly reflect the enduring people-to-people bonds between India and Oman." Grateful for the warm welcome in Oman. The affection and enthusiasm of the Indian community here truly reflect the enduring people-to-people bonds between India and Oman. pic.twitter.com/nYm1EF7xlK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2025 PM Modi said he was grateful for the welcome given to him by Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs at the Muscat airport. In a post on X, he said, "Extremely grateful to HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs for the warm welcome at Muscat airport. We also had a great interaction, exchanging perspectives on India-Oman friendship." Extremely grateful to HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs for the warm welcome at Muscat airport. We also had a great interaction, exchanging perspectives on India-Oman friendship. pic.twitter.com/pfdqA34R5F — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2025 Earlier in the day, upon arrival at the airport, PM Modi said the visit gave the opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration. In a post on X, he said, "Landed in Muscat, Oman. This is a land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India. This visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration and add fresh momentum to our partnership." Landed in Muscat, Oman. This is a land of enduring friendship and deep historical connections with India. This visit offers an opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration and add fresh momentum to our partnership. pic.twitter.com/RKZ5d8M1Jf — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2025 A special visit to Ethiopia, which will boost India’s friendship with this wonderful nation. Watch the highlights…@AbiyAhmedAli pic.twitter.com/L0dbnBlpfF — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2025 Oman's Foreign Ministry said in its statement, "This evening, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the friendly Republic of India, arrived in the country on an official two-day visit to the Sultanate of Oman, during which he will meet with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Most Exalted--may God protect him and preserve him. His Highness Sheikh Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, was at the forefront of those welcoming the guest state and its accompanying delegation at the aircraft steps upon their arrival at Muscat International Airport, greeting them on Omani soil and wishing them a successful visit. An official reception ceremony was held for the guest country in the VIP Hall at Muscat International Airport, where His Highness the Sayyid escorted the guest country to the podium of honor, and the Indian Republican Anthem was played." وصل إلى البلاد مساء اليوم دولة ناريندرا مودي، رئيس وزراء جمهورية الهند الصديقة، في زيارة رسمية لسلطنة عُمان تستغرق يومين، يلتقي خلالها بحضرة صاحب الجلالة السلطان هيثم بن طارق المعظم - حفظه الله ورعاه - . — وزارة الخارجية (@FMofOman) December 17, 2025 Deepening ties with a longstanding and historical partner!PM @narendramodi arrived in Muscat, Oman. He was received by the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. The visit is of special… pic.twitter.com/Y7bTD0cwwZ — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 17, 2025 The visit is of special significance as it marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. 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.
18 December,2025 09:07 AM IST | Oman | ANIIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he has approved a USD35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, the biggest gas deal in Israeli history. The agreement could also help repair relations between the two countries strained during the two-year war in the Gaza Strip. The gas will be delivered to Egypt over the next 15 years by US energy giant Chevron, a key owner of the gas field off Israel's coast in the Mediterranean Sea. Half of the proceeds are expected to go to Israel's state coffers. In a recorded video statement, Netanyahu said the deal "greatly strengthens Israel's position as a regional energy power, and it contributes to stability in our region.' Egypt, which borders both Israel and Gaza, has served as a key mediator between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group leading up to the US-brokered ceasefire that was agreed on in October. Cairo has also has been a vocal critic of Israel's offensive, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction in Gaza. Egypt did not immediately confirm Netanyahu's announcement. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a close Netanyahu ally, previously held up the deal with Egypt, claiming the terms were not favourable to Israel. His delays prompted US Energy Secretary Chris Wright to cancel a trip to Israel in October. But Cohen stood alongside Netanyahu during the Wednesday evening announcement and said he supported the final terms of the deal. Israel discovered sizeable natural gas fields off its Mediterranean coast in the early 2000s and began exporting gas ' first to Jordan and later to Egypt ' nearly a decade ago. In a separate development, German lawmakers approved an expansion of a defense agreement for Israel's sophisticated Arrow 3 missile defense system, Israel's defense ministry said Wednesday. The expansion brings the value of the deal from USD3.5 billion to USD6.5 billion, making it the largest Israeli defence export deal ever, according to the ministry. Germany moved to buy Arrow 3 from Israel as it seeks to strengthen its air defences against Russia. 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
18 December,2025 09:03 AM IST | Jerusalem | APNew York is set to become the latest state to legalize medically assisted suicide for the terminally ill under a deal reached between the governor and state legislative leaders announced Wednesday. Democratic Gov Kathy Hochul plans to sign the proposal next year after pushing to add a series of 'guardrails' in the bill, she announced in an op-ed in the Albany Times Union. Hochul, a Catholic, said she came to the decision after hearing from New Yorkers in the 'throes of pain and suffering,' as well as their children, while also considering opposition from 'individuals of many faiths who believe that deliberately shortening one's life violates the sanctity of life.' 'I was taught that God is merciful and compassionate, and so must we be,' she wrote. 'This includes permitting a merciful option to those facing the unimaginable and searching for comfort in their final months in this life.' A dozen other states and the District of Columbia have laws to allow medically assisted suicide, according to advocates, including a law in Illinois signed last week that goes into effect next year. New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act requires that a terminally ill person who is expected to die within six month make a written request for life-ending drugs. Two witnesses would have to sign the request to ensure that the patient is not being coerced. The request would then have to be approved by the person's attending physician as well as a consulting physician. The governor said the bill's sponsors and legislative leaders have agreed to add provisions to require confirmation from a medical doctor that the person 'truly had less than six months to live,' along with confirmation from a psychologist or psychiatrist that the patient is capable of making the decision and is not under duress. Hochul also said the bill will include a mandatory five-day waiting period as well as a written and recorded oral request to 'confirm free will is present.' Outpatient facilities associated with religious hospitals may elect not to offer the option. She added that she wants the bill to apply only to New York residents. Earlier this month, a federal appeals court ruled that a similar law in New Jersey applies only to residents of that state and not those from beyond its borders. Hochul said she will sign the bill into law next year, with her changes weaved into the proposal. It will go into effect six months after it is signed. Later on Wednesday, Hochul said supporting the bill was one of the toughest decisions she has made as governor. 'Who am I to deny you or your loved one what they're begging for at the end of their life?" she said. "I couldn't do that any longer." The legislation was first introduced in 2016 but stalled for years amid opposition from New York State Catholic Conference and other groups. The Catholic organization argued the measure would devalue human life and undermine the physician's role as a healer. In a statement after the governor's announcement, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the New York's bishops said Hochul's position 'signals our government's abandonment of its most vulnerable citizens, telling people who are sick or disabled that suicide in their case is not only acceptable, but is encouraged by our elected leaders.' New York lawmakers approved the legislation during their regulation session earlier this year. Supporters said it would reduce suffering for terminally ill people and let them die on their own terms. 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
18 December,2025 08:54 AM IST | Albany | AgenciesA pilot was taken to the hospital with injuries Wednesday after a small plane crashed into a residential neighbourhood in southern New Hampshire, authorities said. Emergency crews found the aircraft upside down in a snow bank in the parking lot of a wooded condominium complex in Nashua Wednesday afternoon. Police said the pilot was the only person on board and was the only person injured. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating. The Velocity V-Twin plane crashed at the Cannongate Condominiums shortly after departing from the nearby Nashua Airport around 2:10 pm local time, according to the FAA. Aerial video from NBC10 Boston showed damage to the roof of one of the condos near the crash site. 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
18 December,2025 08:45 AM IST | Nashua | APEthiopian Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the nation will help enhance the partnership between both countries. Tesfaye, speaking to ANI, said that strategic partnership ties will help implement several welfare projects. "We are delighted that he is visiting us. This visit helped strengthen our partnership and elevate it to a strategic partnership. This is going to be implemented through different projects and programs that we are going to design. As His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mentioned in his speech, we have had a strong bilateral relationship since the Independence Day of India. But this strategic partnership will lead us to implement all the envisioned development programs and strategies into action," she said. Tesfaye said that, as both India and Ethiopia are BRICS members, this adds an opportunity for cooperation. "So this is going to be a great opportunity for Ethiopia and also India to strengthen the South-South cooperation. And as a member of BRICS, Ethiopia will also be using this big opportunity to strengthen the partnership that we, the two countries, have," she said. She emphasised the importance of private-sector cooperation for the economy and noted that Indians are the second-largest investors in Ethiopia. "Without the private sector, government alone cannot do for the betterment of the country. As we know, public-private partnerships are essential, and the second-largest investors in Ethiopia are Indian private-sector investors. This will create more than 73,000 jobs for Ethiopians. And they have also been investing more than $5 billion. So it means that it is contributing to the development of the country," she said. "So this partnership should also be strengthened through the new elevated partnership, which is a strategic one. So it could also be practised through the public-private partnership that has already been established," she added. Tesfaye said that several teachers in Ethiopia are Indian, and she fondly remembered her late teacher who taught her in school. "A lot of teachers, Indian teachers, were here in Ethiopia, teaching in different parts of Ethiopia, even in the rural areas. I remember my 10th grade, may his soul rest in peace. My English teacher was also Indian in high school. And in such a way, high school teachers have contributed a lot to enhance the capacity of Ethiopian students," she said. Tesfaye said that cooperation between the two nations in the education sector has greatly benefited many Ethiopians. "And there is also a big educational opportunity which the government of India gives. I'm also a beneficiary. I had the opportunity to pursue my PhD in India. So many people have benefited from the education system of India, and again in their degrees, master's, PhDs and also the capacity building trainings for short term, like for three months and two weeks, like that. That is really helping to contribute to the well-educated population to contribute to the development of the country," she said. Tesfaye further expressed her satisfaction as the ICCR scholarship quota has been doubled. "So I can say that I'm very much happy this time around the visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi also opened a big opportunity, an opportunity of doors for those who are seeking to study in India because the ICCR scholarship quota has been doubled. That will be a great opportunity for all of us. This really contributes, as education is key to the country's overall development. So this contribution is immense," she said. Tesfaye further noted that ties between the nations have been primarily people-to-people, as people from both countries have contributed to each other's independence struggles. "Ethiopians and Indians, especially Gujaratis, have this relationship and ties. It's not government-to-government, but people-to-people. So it is all about showing the endurance and gravity of the two societies, how they also contribute their part to the betterment of each country. For instance, people from Gujarat also fought to defend colonial rule in Ethiopia during the Battle of Adwa. And also some Ethiopian generals and troops also fought for the independence of India," she said. "So you can see how we are so related to people, connection is also very strong, and it also strengthens not only the diplomatic partnership that we have, but also it will strengthen the strategic partnership. Now we elevate to the next level," she added. PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday for a two-day visit. 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
18 December,2025 08:42 AM IST | Addis Ababa | ANIA new plastic stays strong during use, yet breaks down rapidly in natural settings without leaving microscopic debris. It uses two polymers. One comes from carboxymethyl cellulose derived from wood-pulp. The other is made from positively charged polyethylene-imine guanidinium ions. When mixed the negatively charged cellulose and positively charged ions attract each other, giving the plastic its strength. In salt water, those salt bridges break apart, triggering decomposition. 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
18 December,2025 06:44 AM IST | Tokyo | AgenciesResearchers have developed a way to visualise boron nitride layers that are one atom thick. These ultrathin sheets are typically almost impossible to detect with standard optical microscopes. The team used nonlinear microscopy with infrared light so that monolayers of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) light up brightly. Their approach resonantly drives a lattice vibration in hBN, producing a strong signal that not only makes the material visible but also reveals its crystal orientation. This capability is significant for the large and thriving field of two-dimensional (2D) materials research and could support the development of new (opto-)electronic devices built by stacking 2D layers. 2D materials are crystalline substances made from a single layer of atoms, and their extreme thinness can produce unusual and useful properties. It was not until 2004 that the first isolated 2D layer was produced. 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
18 December,2025 06:41 AM IST | Berlin | AgenciesResearchers uncovered evidence that solitary bees, 20,000 years ago, built nests inside the empty tooth sockets of bones coughed up by owls. A team from the Field Museum in Chicago excavated these fossils from a Dominican Republic cave on the island of Hispaniola. The cave floor was covered in layers of fossils — including sloths, birds, and reptiles — mostly derived from owl pellets. Ancient bees used the empty tooth sockets in these bones as nesting sites. 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
18 December,2025 06:39 AM IST | Texas | AgenciesA suspected gunman in Sydney’s Bondi Beach massacre was charged with 59 offences, including 15 charges of murder. The 24-year-old man was charged in Sydney hospital on Wednesday, where he has been since police shot him and his gunman father at Bondi on Sunday. The 50-year-old father died at the scene, a police official said. The charges include one count of murder for each victim who died and one count of committing a terrorist act. A mourner lights candles as people gather outside Bondi Pavilion on Wednesday All of the victims identified so far were Jewish. The victims of the attack ranged in age from a 10-year-old girl to an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. More than 20 people are still being treated in hospitals. Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners gathered in Sydney on Wednesday to begin funerals for the victims of the antisemitic mass shooting targeting Jews celebrating Hanukkah. Many children attended the Hanukkah event, which featured face painting, treats and a petting zoo. A heavy police presence was visible on nearby streets, with officers checking identification cards of people making their way to the service. Jews are usually buried within 24 hours from their deaths, but funerals were delayed due to the probe. 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
18 December,2025 06:36 AM IST | Sydney | AgenciesAs 2025 draws to a close, Google search trends reveal what captured global curiosity this year, from chart-topping musicians and headline-making personalities to comfort foods, global events and bucket-list travel destinations. Most Googled People of 2025 d4vd: American singer-songwriter who shot to global fame with viral tracks like Romantic Homicide. Kendrick Lamar: Acclaimed rapper and Pulitzer Prize winner, frequently hailed among the greatest artists of his generation. Jimmy Kimmel: Popular American television host and comedian known for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Tyler Robinson: An American individual linked to a widely reported public shooting case. Pope Leo XIV: Made history as the first American-born pontiff after being elected head of the Catholic Church. Most Searched Foods of 2025 Hot Honey: Sweet-and-spicy condiment that topped global searches, commonly paired with pizza, chicken and vegetables. Marry Me Chicken: Creamy, flavour-packed one-pot dish that continued its viral social media popularity. Chimichurri: Argentine herb sauce that gained popularity for its versatility beyond steak, including seafood dishes. Chia Pudding: Health-focused, high-fibre breakfast option driven by wellness and meal-prep trends. White Chicken Chilli: Comfort food favourite featuring chicken, white beans and green chillies. Most Googled Places of 2025 Bilbao, Spain: Search interest surged due to cultural attractions, sporting events and improved international connectivity. Barbados: Renewed attention driven by luxury hotel openings and increased global air connectivity. Dubai, UAE: Continued tourism boom fuelled by new attractions and the opening of the world’s tallest hotel. Santander, Spain: Emerged as a trending coastal destination amid Spain’s record tourism year. Ibiza, Spain: Saw sustained interest thanks to nightlife, new hospitality projects and offbeat travel appeal. Global Trending Events of 2025 According to Google’s Year in Search 2025, global attention was drawn to a mix of political upheavals, security concerns and climate-related crises. The most searched news events included: Charlie Kirk Assassination: The killing of the American conservative activist in September sparked widespread shock and intense global search interest. Iran: Searches surged amid evolving geopolitical tensions and international diplomatic developments involving Iran. US Government Shutdown: Political gridlock in Washington led to a federal shutdown, driving sustained public curiosity worldwide. Election of a New Pope: The appointment of Pope Leo XIV marked a historic moment as he became the first American-born pontiff. Los Angeles Fires and Hurricane Melissa: Extreme weather events, including devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and Hurricane Melissa, dominated searches related to climate emergencies.
17 December,2025 09:31 PM IST | MumbaiIndia on Wednesday closed its main visa application centre in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka in view of the prevailing security situation, even as New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s envoy and conveyed strong concerns over threats to the safety of its mission, news agency PTI reported. The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, the primary integrated centre handling all Indian visa services in the capital, closed its operations from 2 pm on Wednesday. “In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today,” the IVAC said in a statement. It added that all applicants with appointments scheduled for submission on Wednesday would be rescheduled for a later date, PTI reported. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and expressed India’s strong concern over certain extremist elements announcing plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka. “We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA said. MEA rejects ‘false narrative’, flags extremist threats to Indian mission in Dhaka In a separate statement, the MEA said India “completely rejects the false narrative” being sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent developments in Bangladesh. It also expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity from Dhaka, PTI reported. “It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents,” the ministry said, without elaborating on the events. The MEA stated the Bangladeshi envoy was apprised of India’s serious concerns over the deteriorating security environment in the country, PTI reported. “His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka,” the ministry said. India’s decision to temporarily close the visa application centre comes amid heightened tensions over security and follows New Delhi’s diplomatic engagement with Dhaka to ensure the safety of Indian personnel and facilities in Bangladesh. (With PTI inputs)
17 December,2025 07:12 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
