Author: HeraldStar

In a move to further tighten its grip on online activity, the Russian government has announced plans to allocate nearly 60 billion roubles ($660 million) over the next five years to enhance its internet censorship system, known as TSPU. This significant investment aims to improve the system’s capabilities to block access to virtual private networks (VPNs) and other online tools used to circumvent government restrictions. The modernization effort is part of a broader crackdown on free expression in Russia, which has intensified since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The government has been targeting VPNs, which are used by millions…

In a significant development, the Dutch government has issued a clarification on export restrictions for ASML, Europe’s largest technology firm, stating that the company requires a license to provide spare parts and software updates for certain chipmaking equipment sold to Chinese customers. This move is part of the Netherlands’ efforts to align its export policy with that of the United States, amidst ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. The Foreign Ministry’s clarification follows confusion over potential additional servicing restrictions on ASML, which dominates the global market for lithography tools essential for chipmakers. The company has been at the…

In a heartwarming and candid interview with Vanity Fair, published on Monday, Selena Gomez shared her personal struggles with health issues that have led her to consider alternative paths to motherhood. The 32-year-old actress, singer, and Rare Beauty founder revealed that she is unable to carry a pregnancy due to her ongoing battles with lupus and bipolar disorder. Gomez, who has been open about her health journey since her diagnosis with lupus in 2015, explained that her medical conditions would put her life and a baby’s life at risk during pregnancy. This realization led to a period of grief, as…

In a stern and unequivocal warning, Ukraine’s foreign ministry has threatened to sever diplomatic ties with Iran if reports of Russia receiving ballistic missiles from Tehran are confirmed. The warning comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Russia had already received the missiles, which are expected to be used in the coming weeks, further escalating the already volatile situation in the region. Ukraine has been grappling with an increase in Russian missile and drone attacks, causing significant damage and loss of life. The potential use of Iranian-supplied ballistic missiles has raised concerns about devastating consequences for the…

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed on Tuesday that Russia has received shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran, which are likely to be used in Ukraine within weeks. This development has sparked concerns about the intensifying conflict in Ukraine and the growing cooperation between Russia and Iran, posing a threat to European security. Blinken announced that the US has imposed new sanctions on Iran and Russia, targeting individuals and entities involved in the transfer of weapons. He also warned that the cooperation between Moscow and Tehran goes beyond missiles,…

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy yesterday concluded a two-day mission to Port Sudan, where they reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to reaching all Sudanese in need and called on the international community to urgently act to end the extreme health and humanitarian crisis. During their visit, Dr Tedros and Dr Balkhy met with Sudanese leaders, including Lt. Gen. Abdul Fatah Al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council; Deputy Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Dr Malik Agar; and Federal Minister of Health Dr Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim Awadallah. The discussions centered on the devastating impact of the…

In a significant move, Panasonic Holdings, a leading Japanese technology company, announced on Tuesday that it will conclude its 37-year sponsorship contract with the Olympic Games following the Paris 2024 Olympics. This decision marks the end of a long-standing partnership that began in 1987, during which Panasonic provided technological support, products, and services to the Games. Panasonic’s withdrawal follows a similar move by fellow top sponsor Toyota Motor, which is also ending its 10-year contract with the Olympics this year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has relied heavily on revenue from top sponsors, generating $2.295 billion from 2017 to 2021,…

Shigeru Ishiba, a former Japanese defense minister and contender in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership race, emphasized the importance of exiting deflation and achieving sustainable growth in real wages. Ishiba, seeking to become Japan’s next prime minister, pledged to prioritize economic growth and address concerns about his focus on fiscal discipline. Ishiba’s comments, made at a press conference where he laid out his policy pledges for the LDP leadership race, highlighted the need for a complete exit from deflation. He noted that private consumption has not yet recovered strongly, despite some signs of improvement. Ishiba promised to achieve…

In a shocking escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has launched its largest and most daring drone attack to date on the Russian capital of Moscow, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least one life. The unprecedented assault, which involved over 70 drones, targeted residential areas in the Moscow region, causing widespread panic and chaos. According to Russian authorities, at least 20 drones were destroyed over Moscow, with an additional 124 downed over eight other regions. The drone strikes damaged high-rise apartment buildings in the Ramenskoye district, setting flats on fire and causing widespread destruction. Eyewitnesses described the…

China has announced joint naval and air drills with Russia. The exercises, which start this month, underline the growing closeness of the two giant powers. In a move that underscores their growing strategic partnership, China and Russia have announced joint military exercises in the Pacific Ocean, scheduled to take place in September. The “North-Joint 2024” drills will bring together naval and air forces from both nations, focusing on maritime patrol and security cooperation in the skies and waters around the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, off Russia’s coast. The exercises aim to deepen strategic cooperation and enhance joint…