Author: HeraldStar

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…

The South African rand gained strength on Tuesday, trading at 17.5050 against the dollar, marking a 0.6% increase from its closing level on Monday. The uptick was fueled by higher global prices for precious metals, which are vital exports for South Africa, and the currency’s attractiveness for carry trades—where investors borrow in low-interest-rate countries to invest in those with higher rates. ETM Analytics noted that the rise in domestic bond yields is expected to continue attracting portfolio inflows, further supporting the rand. Additionally, the performance of gold and platinum prices is a critical factor, with gold reaching an all-time high…

Investigators in Buenos Aires, Argentina, have announced that they are not yet ready to release the body of singer Liam Payne to his family as they await further toxicology reports. Geoff Payne, the father of the former One Direction member, arrived in the city on Friday to be updated on the situation. According to a spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the toxicological and histopathological studies that complement the autopsy have not yet been completed, and their findings are necessary for deciding when the body can be released. Preliminary toxicology results reportedly indicated evidence of cocaine exposure, although final findings…

The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company will implement sustainable energy solutions at the conference venue as part of a commitment to promote sustainability across all aspects of the event and minimise environmental impact. To support this goal, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is being used as an important source of power for Baku Stadium, the venue for COP29. The Operating Company is organising the COP29 Conference based on a sustainability policy that features seven commitments. The first of these commitments is achieving carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through renewable energy use, energy efficiency, and offsetting unavoidable emissions. The second…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on Tuesday a reduction in Japan’s economic growth forecast for this year, citing supply chain disruptions in the auto industry and the waning effects of a tourism surge. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) report indicates that Japan’s economy is expected to grow by only 0.3% in 2024, a significant drop from the 1.7% growth seen in 2023. This revision marks a 0.4 percentage point decrease from previous projections made in July. Despite the current slowdown, the IMF remains optimistic about Japan’s economic trajectory, predicting a rebound in 2025 with a growth forecast of…

At the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Zendaya and Cher showcased their fashion legacy in a striking moment that blurred the lines between past and present. Zendaya took the stage to introduce Cher, the newest inductee, wearing a shimmering vintage 2001 Bob Mackie gown that mirrored a design Cher famously donned in 1972. The gown, featuring an open bodice and crisscross straps, highlighted Zendaya’s homage to the iconic singer. With her long, pin-straight dark hair styled in a middle part, Zendaya perfectly emulated Cher’s legendary look, paying tribute to the pop diva’s enduring influence on fashion.…

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on Tuesday that live fire military drills conducted by China near the island are part of routine annual training, but may also serve to enhance China’s “deterrence effect” in the Taiwan Strait. China’s Maritime Safety Administration announced that a designated area around Niushan Island in Fujian province would be closed for four hours starting at 9 a.m. (0100 GMT) for the live-fire exercises. Niushan Island is located just south of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands. While Taiwan’s defense ministry maintains that these exercises are standard practice for the Chinese military, it acknowledged the possibility that they could…

Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have launched a violent assault on villages in Sudan’s El Gezira state, resulting in at least 25 fatalities. The attacks came in the wake of the defection of a high-ranking RSF officer, Abuagla Keikal, who is originally from the region. Since December, Keikal’s local forces had managed to stave off incursions from other RSF divisions, protecting civilians from the worst of the violence while maintaining a degree of control over the area. However, following Keikal’s defection on Sunday, large contingents of RSF soldiers flooded into eastern Gezira, leading to reports of rampant looting, killings, and…

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has urgently called for a temporary truce in northern Gaza, where health officials are struggling to treat a growing number of patients amid a relentless three-week Israeli assault. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, described the humanitarian crisis as dire, with many individuals feeling abandoned and hopeless, stating, “In northern Gaza, people are just waiting to die.” He urged for an immediate ceasefire, even for a few hours, to facilitate the safe passage of families seeking refuge from the violence. As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel for critical…