India-China Thaw Takes Shape as Modi Embraces BRICS Over Trump
Modi's latest move is to resume direct flights with China as soon as next month, said people familiar with the negotiations who asked for anonymity to discuss private matters. The effort gained momentum in recent weeks, and airlines have been briefed on the proposal, they said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Analysis-Lithium rally promises breather for struggling Australian miners
By Melanie Burton MELBOURNE (Reuters) -A recent rally in lithium prices could ease pressure on some beleaguered producers in Australia who have been trying to shrink exposure to the battery material, prompting them to drop plans to sell some projects, sources and analysts said. Shares in Australia's lithium miners have jumped by as much as a third this month and extended gains this week after news of supply cuts in China sparked hopes that the cycle was turning. That follows a years-long fall in prices because electric vehicle sales were slower than expected, forcing lithium companies to mothball operations and more recently to consider disposing of assets to rebuild their balance sheets. Australia's Mineral Resources (MinRes) and Chile's SQM have tried to sell stakes in their operations this year, sources told Reuters on condition of anonymity, while IGO looks to restructure a lithium refining joint venture with China's Tianqi Lithium. Although the rally has been fuelled by speculators, it will soothe producers burning through cash, analysts say. That could take off the table assets once up for sale, losing buyers the chance to acquire them at the bottom of the business cycle at a time when the West is racing to build a battery supply chain outside China. "The common thread in the story is diabolical prices and market conditions," said analyst Dan Morgan of Barrenjoey in Sydney. "All Australian producers would be breathing an enormous sigh of relief ... Some non-palatable and permanent strategic options they had been considering may get put back in the bottom drawer." Prices of hard rock spodumene, the lithium-bearing mineral, have rebounded to about $880 a tonne from a fall to four-year lows near $610 a tonne in mid-June, but remain well short of 2022 peaks above $6,000. "Potentially the worst is over for the sector, but it remains quite difficult to call as it's not clear whether these (cuts) are temporary or permanent," E&P Financial said in a note, referring to China's supply cuts. Giant Chinese electric vehicle battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) said on Monday it had suspended mining operations in the southern region of Yichun after a mining licence expired on August 9. The surge in share prices was probably fuelled by short-covering rallies, analysts said. Australian lithium miners are among the top five most shorted companies on the ASX stock exchange, says data provider Shortman. SELLING POTENTIAL A sale process by debt-laden MinRes on its Mt Marion and Wodgina lithium assets in Western Australia this year drew Indian and Japanese interest but ultimately failed as buyers balked at the price tag of more than $2 billion, two sources familiar with the matter said, on condition of anonymity. "As a policy, we do not comment on market speculation," said a company spokesman, while adding, "MinRes always looks at opportunities to maximise returns to shareholders." In March, Reuters reported that four Indian state firms were in talks with SQM for a stake of 20% in its two lithium projects in Australia for $600 million, as New Delhi moved to secure supplies of the key EV battery metal. SQM did not have an immediate comment. In the last month, IGO has said it was reviewing options around the loss-making lithium refinery that analysts expect would include a sale of its share. IGO declined to comment. Just as Australia has taken the brunt of the world's production cuts, supply can come back on line, cooling prices. Late last year, its biggest independent producer, Pilbara Minerals, put its Ngungaju plant in Western Australia under care and maintenance because of sustained weakness in spodumene prices. But if conditions improve, the plant could be ramped back up in as little as four months, Pilbara CEO Dale Henderson told reporters on August 1. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: 2 dead, about 60 evacuated; Haidilao Clarke Quay outlet to close on 31 Aug: Singapore live news
Two people died after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106, Jalan Bukit Merah on 13 Aug. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that they responded around 4pm. When they arrived, they found the living room and bedroom of a fourth-floor unit engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze and discovered two individuals unconscious in the kitchen. Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug). In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike." Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Haidilao Clarke Quay outlet to close on 31 Aug Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug). The Clarke Quay outlet, which opened in 2012, was Haidilao's first branch in Singapore and marked the brand's entry into the country. The closure announcement comes after the company shut down three other outlets in Bedok, Pasir Ris, and Punggol. In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike." "Looking ahead, we will continue to serve the local market through diverse concepts and elevated dining experiences," the spokesperson added. For more on the Haidilao Clarke Quay closure, read here. Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: 2 dead, about 60 evacuated Two people died after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106, Jalan Bukit Merah on 13 Aug. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that they responded around 4pm. When they arrived, they found the living room and bedroom of a fourth-floor unit engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze and discovered two individuals unconscious in the kitchen. Police told The Straits Times (ST) that the victims were a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play, and further investigations are ongoing. Then victims were taken to Singapore General Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. Two other residents from nearby units were also hospitalised – one for feeling unwell and another for smoke inhalation. Around 60 residents from the affected block were evacuated as a safety measure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. A friend of the deceased man told ST he saw the couple shouting for help at their window. The self-employed 41-year-old said, "She was shouting, 'Brother, help me!' in Malay and he was hugging her from behind. I recognised him from the tattoos on his arm." He also witnessed the woman attempting to save her cat by handing it to firefighters through the window. For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here. Haidilao Clarke Quay outlet to close on 31 Aug Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug). The Clarke Quay outlet, which opened in 2012, was Haidilao's first branch in Singapore and marked the brand's entry into the country. The closure announcement comes after the company shut down three other outlets in Bedok, Pasir Ris, and Punggol. In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike." "Looking ahead, we will continue to serve the local market through diverse concepts and elevated dining experiences," the spokesperson added. For more on the Haidilao Clarke Quay closure, read here. Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug). The Clarke Quay outlet, which opened in 2012, was Haidilao's first branch in Singapore and marked the brand's entry into the country. The closure announcement comes after the company shut down three other outlets in Bedok, Pasir Ris, and Punggol. In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike." "Looking ahead, we will continue to serve the local market through diverse concepts and elevated dining experiences," the spokesperson added. For more on the Haidilao Clarke Quay closure, read here. Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: 2 dead, about 60 evacuated Two people died after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106, Jalan Bukit Merah on 13 Aug. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that they responded around 4pm. When they arrived, they found the living room and bedroom of a fourth-floor unit engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze and discovered two individuals unconscious in the kitchen. Police told The Straits Times (ST) that the victims were a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play, and further investigations are ongoing. Then victims were taken to Singapore General Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. Two other residents from nearby units were also hospitalised – one for feeling unwell and another for smoke inhalation. Around 60 residents from the affected block were evacuated as a safety measure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. A friend of the deceased man told ST he saw the couple shouting for help at their window. The self-employed 41-year-old said, "She was shouting, 'Brother, help me!' in Malay and he was hugging her from behind. I recognised him from the tattoos on his arm." He also witnessed the woman attempting to save her cat by handing it to firefighters through the window. For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here. Two people died after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106, Jalan Bukit Merah on 13 Aug. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that they responded around 4pm. When they arrived, they found the living room and bedroom of a fourth-floor unit engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze and discovered two individuals unconscious in the kitchen. Police told The Straits Times (ST) that the victims were a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play, and further investigations are ongoing. Then victims were taken to Singapore General Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. Two other residents from nearby units were also hospitalised – one for feeling unwell and another for smoke inhalation. Around 60 residents from the affected block were evacuated as a safety measure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. A friend of the deceased man told ST he saw the couple shouting for help at their window. The self-employed 41-year-old said, "She was shouting, 'Brother, help me!' in Malay and he was hugging her from behind. I recognised him from the tattoos on his arm." He also witnessed the woman attempting to save her cat by handing it to firefighters through the window. For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here.
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Beloved Japanese all-you-can-eat buffet closing, enjoy 20% off till end Aug
After nearly a decade of sizzling grills and bubbling hotpots, Shaburi & Kintan Buffet at Jem will be closing its only SG outlet for good on 30 Aug 2025. On 8 Aug, the all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet restaurant announced the news via their social media, thanking customers for their 'loyal patronage over the past 9 years.' Known for offering both smokeless yakiniku grills and bubbling shabu-shabu pots at each table, Shaburi & Kintan is a hit among groups who can't decide between BBQ or hotpot. Here, you can experience the best of both worlds. In the lead-up to its final day, they're running a farewell promotion: 20% off all standard adult buffet courses from now till closing. That means weekday lunch for the Regular Adult Combo (originally S$42.80) now comes with extra savings, where options span everything from tender chicken to pork belly, Angus beef, and even giant mussels! Customers are also reminded to redeem any vouchers or membership perks before 30 Aug, as unused benefits will be forfeited. The perfect excuse for one last indulgent feast, then! Beyond unlimited BBQ meats and bubbling shabu-shabu, diners can enjoy over 40 mouthwatering cooked dishes at the buffet counter. Think crispy karaage, DIY tonkotsu ramen, a fresh salad bar, comforting oden, and — the pièce de résistance — dessert stations that include a chocolate fountain, waffle maker and more. For many, Shaburi & Kintan Buffet is more than just a place to eat — it's a gathering spot. Personally, it's where some of my fondest memories were made, my friends and I making a beeline to take full advantage of their epic Student Meal (from S$12.80++). We'd spend hours catching up over endless plates of meat, inevitably turning into chocolate fountain hogs by the end of the meal. With the countdown to its closure already ticking, you might want to make a reservation soon. After 30 Aug, those sizzling memories will merely live on in our hearts (and maybe in a few lingering BBQ-scented shirts). 13 best yakiniku restaurants in Singapore for a grilling good time [Dec 2024 update] The post Beloved Japanese all-you-can-eat buffet closing, enjoy 20% off till end Aug appeared first on
