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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday extending visa-free entry for Chinese citizens through December 31, 2027. China announced in May that it would extend visa-free entry for Russian citizens through December 31, 2027, as part of efforts to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday chaired a State Council executive meeting that heard a report on inspections concerning efforts to expand capacity and improve quality in the service sector, and the planning and construction of six major networks. The meeting also reviewed and approved a plan on intellectual property protection and utilization for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), studied work to optimize the social security system, and heard a report on recommendations for rectifying problems identified in audits of the implementation of the 2025 central budget and other fiscal revenues and expenditures. The meeting called for fully tapping…

China’s Shenzhou-23 crew has completed emergency decision-making assessments and tests on emotional states, as part of a broader effort to study how long-duration spaceflights affect behavior, the country’s manned space agency said Monday. The trio, including one female member from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, have been aboard the space station for nearly two months. One of them will stay in orbit for one year to conduct China’s first space human research program and collect data on the astronauts’ longer-term flight. In a recent weekly video released by the China Manned Space Agency on Sunday, the crew members were seen…

The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) marked a significant milestone in the evolution of global AI governance. Beyond a showcase of cutting-edge technologies, the conference demonstrated how international cooperation, policy coordination and industrial innovation are increasingly converging. From pre-conference consensus building to major announcements during the event and practical implementation afterward, WAIC 2026 outlined a roadmap for building an inclusive, responsible and shared AI future. One of the conference’s most notable achievements was the progress in global AI governance. On July 16, representatives from 29 countries signed the founding agreement of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai,…

International Heritage Protection Week opened in Yuci Ancient City in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, last week, bringing together Chinese and international officials, diplomats, scholars and cultural experts to discuss stronger global cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage. Held under the theme “Unity for Prosperity, Heritage for Eternity,” the week-long event focuses on addressing growing challenges to cultural heritage, including climate change, rapid urbanization, armed conflicts and illicit trafficking of cultural property. The opening ceremony was guided by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanxi Provincial Committee and China International Communications Group (CICG), jointly hosted by Shanxi Daily and…

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Monday, directed authorities to complete Pakistan Railways’ development projects within the stipulated timelines and according to the highest quality standards, emphasizing a modern railway network is essential for the economic growth, trade, and regional connectivity. Chairing a meeting to review progress on the Pakistan Railways transformation plan, the prime minister said Pakistan Railways is the country’s most cost-effective mode of transport for passengers and freight. He said upgrading the railway infrastructure would strengthen Pakistan’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub. He directed officials to submit proposals for the upgradation of the Rohri–Multan section…

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed all registered political parties to submit their annual financial statements for the fiscal year 2025-26 by August 29, in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017. According to the ECP, political parties are required to submit their annual accounts on Form-D, providing a complete record of their income, expenditure, assets and liabilities for the financial year ending June 30, 2026. The commission said each party must furnish an audit report prepared by a chartered accountant, while the party head is also required to submit a certificate affirming that the party has not received any…

The federal government has decided to continue austerity measures during the current fiscal year as part of efforts to curb public spending, with the federal cabinet approving an extension of the cost-cutting policy. According to sources, the Cabinet Division has forwarded the decision to the Finance Ministry for implementation following the cabinet’s approval. Under the decision, all government posts that have remained vacant for the past three years will be abolished, while the ban on creating new positions will remain in place. The government has also decided to maintain the ban on the purchase of all types of official vehicles…

Veteran Pakistani actor Atiqa Odho became emotional while remembering late film director Iqbal Kashmiri, recalling their time working together and paying tribute to his dedication to filmmaking. Speaking during a recent television programme, Atiqa reflected on her acting career, classic films and memorable experiences from Pakistan’s entertainment industry. The actor became emotional after a song from one of her films, directed by the late Iqbal Kashmiri, was played during the programme. She said such songs always remind her of the late filmmaker. Atiqa said she worked with Iqbal Kashmiri in films including Jo Dar Gaya Woh Mar Gaya and Mummy.…

Tennis players will be required to clear a one-time gene test to compete on the ‌women’s tour, the WTA said after updating its eligibility policy on Sunday. The WTA said the once-in-a-lifetime test for the SRY gene, which helps in determining biological sex, can be conducted via a cheek swab or blood test, with the new policy coming into effect on Tuesday. The previous WTA policy permitted transgender women to participate if they declared their gender as female ⁠and then maintained a lowered testosterone level for a period of two years before competing. There are no known transgender women currently…