Author: HeraldStar

By Zhao Xiaopeng The Chinese economy is intricate, yet one of the most straightforward ways to assess it is through agricultural and industrial output,” stated Yao Jingyuan, former Chief Economist of the National Bureau of Statistics of China, during the 2024 annual meeting of Harvard Business Review in Beijing. “In 2024, China has recorded a significant grain harvest and substantial growth in industrial output, underscoring its stable and robust production capacity.” With almost four decades of experience in economic analysis, Yao is well-versed in China’s economic indicators. He began by highlighting the impressive performance of the agricultural sector, projecting that…

Halloween 2024 in Shibuya is expected to be more captivating than ever, as the district introduces new, specially curated activities to elevate the Halloween spirit. Following pandemic-related restrictions in recent years, this Halloween promises to be a unique celebration with even more impressive costumes, extended hours for festivities, and increased cooperation from local businesses, which will offer exclusive Halloween-themed items, limited-edition menus, and dedicated photo spots for capturing the night’s best moments. One of the main highlights this year will be Shibuya’s official “Halloween Safe Zones” to help manage the crowd more effectively. In 2024, Shibuya’s Halloween event will also…

By Qaiser Nawab As the electric vehicle (EV) market reshapes global economies and influences geopolitical alliances, the EU-China trade talks on EVs represent a critical moment for Europe’s future as an industrial and environmental powerhouse. Unlike the U.S., which has tightened its stance on Chinese technology imports, the European Union holds the potential to forge a more balanced approach. This strategy would not only avoid restrictive U.S.-style policies but also provide European consumers and businesses access to competitive and innovative EV options—especially from China’s rapidly advancing EV sector. The U.S. ICTS (Information and Communications Technology and Services) Rule, which prohibits…

By Qaiser Nawab In recent years, China has emerged as a dominant force in the global race for green and low-carbon technology patents. This achievement, highlighted by a July 2024 research report from China’s top intellectual property regulator, marks a significant shift in the landscape of sustainable innovation. With a staggering 101,000 green and low-carbon patent applications published in 2023, China has not only outpaced traditional innovation powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Germany but has also positioned itself as a global leader in the pursuit of sustainable development. The rapid rise of China’s green patent portfolio…

By Qaiser Nawab The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held from July 15 to 18, 2024, in Beijing, marks a significant milestone in China’s journey toward modernization and sustainable development. This session, attended by 199 members and 165 alternate members of the Central Committee, along with non-voting participants including experts and scholars, was presided over by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping delivering pivotal addresses. During the session, the Central Committee reviewed and discussed a comprehensive report on the work of the Political Bureau,…

Israeli airstrikes on two towns in Lebanon’s Baalbek region claimed the lives of 19 people, including eight women, according to a statement from the Lebanese health ministry early Wednesday. The strikes are the latest escalation in the volatile border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, adding to the mounting toll of civilian casualties. The airstrikes, which targeted residential areas, were reportedly part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported extensive destruction in the towns, as emergency responders worked through the night to search for survivors trapped in rubble. Medical teams have struggled to…

In a surprising move, Argentina’s President Javier Milei replaced Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino on Wednesday after Argentina voted in favor of lifting the decades-old embargo on Cuba at the United Nations. The decision to replace Mondino with Gerardo Werthein, the current Argentine Ambassador to the United States, marks a significant shift in Milei’s cabinet. The dismissal, announced by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, came shortly after the UN vote on the Cuban embargo, a topic Milei has strong opinions on. Mondino, an experienced diplomat and Milei’s initial pick for the foreign minister role, has been instrumental in balancing Milei’s assertive…

Israel launched intensified airstrikes on Gaza Wednesday, leaving at least 30 dead, Palestinian medics reported, following one of the deadliest days this year. The northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya bore the brunt, where eight people died on Wednesday and, the day prior, 93 were killed in a single strike that Washington has labeled “horrifying.” The strikes have devastated infrastructure and compounded the humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave. Israel’s military has targeted areas across northern Gaza in an effort to dismantle Hamas’ command posts. Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia have seen extensive destruction, with tank incursions in…

Islamabad, October 26, 2024 — Advocate Sardar Waqar Shahzad, Head of Internationalization and Diplomatic Engagement at the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), was honored to be invited by Her Excellency Mrs. Andrea Wicky, Ambassador of Austria to Pakistan, to celebrate Austrian National Day in Islamabad. During this distinguished event, Advocate Shahzad had the pleasure of presenting a traditional Swati ladies’ shawl to Ambassador Wicky, which she graciously received with heartfelt words. This exchange highlighted the shared commitment to cultural exchange and deepened the connection between Pakistan and Austria. The occasion underscored the importance of fostering international ties through…

By Qaiser Nawab The recently concluded BRICS Summit in Kazan, held from October 22 to 24, 2024, demonstrated a significant shift in the dynamics of global governance, trade, and security cooperation. This summit took place amid an increasingly complex geopolitical environment and was aptly themed “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.” The 2024 Kazan Declaration lays out BRICS members’ renewed commitment to a multilateral world order that prioritizes equitable growth, justice, and development in the face of rising unilateral actions and global crises. At the heart of the Kazan Declaration is an emphasis on a multipolar global order…