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According to the Henley Passport Index, South African passport holders can travel to 101 destinations without a prior visa. The ranking places the country 50th or 96th globally, depending on the report, with regional highlights across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
Record-breaking rainfall in Japan's Chiba prefecture has caused at least four deaths, widespread power outages, and flooding, with thousands stranded at Narita Airport. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of unprecedented conditions, and while the highest alert was downgraded, risks of further flooding and landslides persist.
China test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific, landing near the exclusive economic zones of Nauru and Tuvalu. The launch drew sharp criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, while Beijing called it routine.
China launched a strategic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific from a submarine, describing the test as routine training conducted safely and with prior notice. Australia condemned the action as destabilising to the region, while the United States and other nations also raised concerns over notice and international norms. Australian officials said they would raise the matter directly with Chinese counterparts.
Israel has opened a new embassy in Fiji's capital, Suva, 30 years after the previous one was closed, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attending the ceremony. The move is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to deepen ties with Pacific nations that have consistently supported Israel, and includes new cooperation agreements on national security and diplomatic training. Israel also announced plans to open a representative office in Papua New Guinea.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich traveled to Washington to meet Latin American leaders and advance the Isaac Accords, a framework aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties with countries including Argentina, Uruguay, Panama, and Costa Rica. The initiative, inspired by the Abraham Accords, focuses on defense and technology cooperation, and includes the launch of a direct flight between Israel and Argentina.
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban’s election loss has sparked comparisons to Israel’s political landscape, with analysts and politicians debating whether Benjamin Netanyahu faces a similar upset. While Orban was seen as Israel’s staunchest ally in Europe, his fall has highlighted Netanyahu’s growing isolation and domestic challenges.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest storm of the year, is expected to hit the Northern Mariana Islands on Tuesday with destructive winds and heavy rain. Guam is under a tropical storm warning, and emergency declarations have been approved. Forecasters warn of prolonged power outages and potential mudslides.