Author: HeraldStar

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised significant concerns regarding China’s support for Russia’s defense capabilities during discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, emphasizing that Beijing’s rhetoric about seeking peace in Ukraine is inconsistent with its actions. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where the two leaders also discussed several contentious issues, including China’s activities in the South China Sea and enhancing communication between their military forces. At a press conference following the meeting, Blinken highlighted the alarming extent of Chinese imports to Russia, noting that approximately 70%…

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government agency focused on international development, has announced a significant $480 million five-year grant aimed at enhancing electricity access in Sierra Leone. Currently, only about 30% of the population has reliable access to electricity, with the figure dropping to less than 5% in rural areas. This new funding is set to benefit approximately 4.6 million people and is part of a broader initiative to provide reliable and affordable energy across the country. The grant will finance three key projects designed to improve the coverage and reliability of Sierra Leone’s power network, as well…

The World Bank announced its commitment to roll out new measures aimed at ensuring that recipients of its lending to Uganda are not subjected to discrimination in light of the country’s controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA). This announcement comes after the law, enacted in May 2023, received widespread condemnation from Western nations and led to sanctions from the United States. Under the AHA, same-sex intercourse is punishable by life imprisonment, while so-called aggravated homosexuality can lead to the death penalty. In response to the situation, a World Bank spokesperson confirmed that the measures would include the establishment of an independent monitoring…

Tunisia’s parliament has passed a controversial law stripping the Administrative Court of its power to adjudicate electoral disputes, just nine days before the upcoming presidential election. This decision has raised alarm among opposition groups, who fear it is a deliberate move to manipulate the electoral outcome and maintain President Kais Saied’s grip on power. The Administrative Court is viewed as the last bastion of judicial independence in Tunisia, particularly following Saied’s actions in 2022 that led to the dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council and the dismissal of numerous judges. Out of 161 lawmakers, 116 voted in favor of this…

Lebanon’s Hezbollah has officially confirmed the death of its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, following an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The announcement, made on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment for the militant group, which has been a significant player in regional politics and armed conflict for decades. In a statement, Hezbollah declared its commitment to continue the fight against Israel “in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people.” Israel’s military had previously claimed responsibility for the airstrike that killed Nasrallah, asserting that it targeted his underground headquarters as part of…

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been transferred to a secure, undisclosed location within Iran amid heightened security concerns, two regional officials briefed by Tehran told Reuters. The move comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East following Israel’s announcement that it killed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday. The death of Nasrallah, a key figure in the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance,” marks a significant moment in the region’s ongoing conflicts. The sources revealed that Iranian officials are in continuous communication with Hezbollah and other regional proxy groups to assess the…

In a brutal attack early Saturday morning, Russian forces targeted a medical center in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, killing eight people and injuring 11. Ukrainian officials reported that the initial strike damaged the hospital, leading to the evacuation of 86 patients and 38 staff members. However, as the evacuation was underway, Russian drones struck again, causing further fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, emphasizing that Russia’s ongoing war has relentlessly targeted civilians, including hospitals and essential infrastructure. The first strike claimed one life, with subsequent damage reported to several floors of the building. As emergency personnel worked to move…

Israel announced on Saturday that it had killed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted airstrike on the group’s underground headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs. If confirmed, Nasrallah’s death would mark a significant blow to Hezbollah and its Iranian allies, as the group reels from Israel’s escalating campaign of attacks. Nasrallah has been the leader of Hezbollah for 32 years and has long been a key figure in Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” projecting influence across the Middle East. The Israeli military said the airstrike, which also killed senior Hezbollah leader Ali Karaki and other commanders, was part of a…

Xi’an, China – The Nepal Pavilion attracted attention at the 8th Silk Road International Expo held in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, from September 20 to 24, 2024, as Nepalese businessmen showcased their country’s rich cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. Among them was Muzaffar Ahmed Bhat, a seasoned handicraft seller, who proudly displayed traditional fabrics, tapestries, and handwoven shawls made from fine wool, cotton, and silk. Adorned in traditional Nepalese attire, Muzaffar passionately greeted visitors at his booth, explaining the significance of each intricate design. Having been in business in China for over a decade, he has witnessed significant growth, with his…

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated significantly this past week, leaving over 25 people dead in Lebanon on Friday alone. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that discussions on U.S.-led ceasefire proposals would continue in the coming days, but airstrikes and cross-border fire raged on, leading to heightened concerns of a wider regional war. Lebanon’s health minister, Firass Abiad, confirmed that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 people on Friday, including nine members of a family, four of whom were children, in the border town of Shebaa. Since Monday, more than 700 people have been killed in Lebanon as…