Author: HeraldStar

The US Commerce Department is set to propose a groundbreaking regulation on Monday, prohibiting Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles on American roads, citing national security concerns. This move marks a significant escalation in the US’s ongoing restrictions on Chinese vehicles, software, and components. The proposed regulation would effectively ban the import and sale of vehicles from China equipped with key communications or automated driving system software or hardware. This decision comes after the Biden administration raised serious concerns about Chinese companies collecting data on US drivers and infrastructure, as well as the potential for foreign manipulation…

A devastating roadside bomb attack struck a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistan’s Swat Valley on Sunday, killing a police officer and injuring four others. The diplomats, nearly a dozen in number, were visiting the area at the invitation of the local chamber of commerce, and thankfully, all the ambassadors remained safe and were swiftly relocated to a secure location before departing for Islamabad. The attack occurred when the lead squad of the convoy was hit by a roadside bomb, according to Swat district police officer Zahidullah Khan. Deputy Inspector General of police Mohammad Ali Gandapur confirmed to Reuters that…

President Joe Biden hosted the leaders of Australia, Japan, and India at his hometown in Delaware on Saturday, showcasing the strengthened Indo-Pacific partnership he has nurtured since taking office. This fourth in-person and sixth overall gathering of the Quad leaders since 2021 aims to bolster maritime security, humanitarian response, and economic cooperation in the region. The summit, potentially the last before Biden leaves office, featured a personal touch with Biden welcoming each leader to his home and hosting a joint meeting and formal dinner at his alma mater, Archmere Academy. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,…

Greece and Cyprus have taken a significant step towards strengthening their energy cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to move forward with the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project. This ambitious initiative aims to link continental Europe to the East Mediterranean through a subsea electric cable, spanning an impressive 1,240 km and reaching depths of 3,000 meters. Upon completion, the GSI cable will not only be the world’s longest high-voltage cable but also the deepest. The project, valued at 1.9 billion euros ($2.12 billion), will initially connect Cyprus to Europe’s transmission networks, with plans for future expansion to Israel.…

Russia and China have commenced their joint naval exercises, dubbed “Beibu/Interaction – 2024,” in the Sea of Japan, marking the latest development in their bilateral military cooperation. The exercises, which began on Saturday, involve a combined fleet of warships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet and the Chinese Navy, having set out from Vladivostok. These drills are designed to enhance the interoperability of both navies, with a focus on anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This comes on the heels of the “Ocean-2024” naval drills, where Russia and China practiced missile and artillery firing, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their maritime partnership. The…

Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maryland, is under fire for allegedly misusing tax breaks intended for low-income senior citizens, saving thousands of dollars on properties she owned in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. A CNN investigation revealed that Alsobrooks claimed a homestead tax exemption for over a decade on two properties, which is legally meant only for primary residences, violating local and state tax relief regulations. Records indicate that Alsobrooks improperly claimed a senior citizens’ tax break on her Washington property, significantly reducing her tax bill. Although she never qualified for this break herself, her grandparents,…

In a significant shift towards greater member involvement, Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham has voted to adopt a new constitution, granting party members enhanced control over policies and leadership. The resolution was approved overwhelmingly by a show of hands, marking a pivotal moment for the party as it seeks to redefine its structure and engagement with its base. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has long been a prominent figure in British politics, ceremoniously signed the new constitution on stage following the vote. In his address to party members, Farage declared, “We have come of age and we are a…

Germans in the state of Brandenburg cast their votes on Sunday in a regional election that could see the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party emerge as the frontrunner. This anticipated victory builds on the party’s recent successes in other eastern German states, where it has outperformed Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) in traditional strongholds. The AfD made history earlier this month by becoming the first far-right party to win a state election in Germany since World War II, securing victory in Thuringia on September 1 and narrowly missing first place in Saxony on the same day. However, despite…

Israel and Hezbollah engaged in heavy exchanges of fire over the weekend, with Israeli warplanes executing their most extensive bombardment in nearly a year across southern Lebanon. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched rockets deep into northern Israel, escalating tensions in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that military operations would persist until conditions allowed for the safe return of evacuated residents in the north, signaling the potential for a prolonged conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video message, “In recent days, we have inflicted a series of blows on Hezbollah that it never imagined. If Hezbollah has…

An Israeli airstrike struck Kafr Qasem School in the Beach camp area of Gaza City on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including a high-ranking Hamas official, according to Palestinian health officials. The attack occurred around 11 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) and was part of a broader military operation by Israel, which has intensified in recent weeks amid ongoing hostilities. The Israeli military stated that the airstrike targeted Hamas militants operating from the school compound, asserting that aerial surveillance and other precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties. However, this claim has been met with skepticism, as…