Author: HeraldStar

Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 61 people in the past 48 hours, according to Palestinian medics. The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza have failed. Airstrikes on two former schools housing displaced people in Gaza City and Jabalia killed at least 12 people, while a strike on a house in Gaza City claimed five more lives. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas gunmen operating in the compounds. The armed wings of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah groups…

The latest China-Africa summit, known as the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac), has underscored China’s unwavering influence across the African continent. Delegations from over 50 African states attended the gathering, alongside UN chief António Guterres, highlighting China’s non-partisan approach in an increasingly polarized world. China has pledged $50.7 billion in funding for the next three years, focusing on green energy transition, infrastructure development, and industrialization. President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to building a “shared future” with Africa, announcing 30 clean energy projects and cooperation in the nuclear sector. While China’s economic self-interest and pursuit of natural resources remain evident,…

A devastating fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kenya has left at least 21 children dead, with an average age of nine. The tragedy occurred on Thursday night in a dormitory housing 156 boys, with firefighters delayed due to bad roads. Local residents rushed to assist in rescue efforts, but some bodies were burnt beyond recognition, prompting DNA testing to begin on Monday for identification. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigators have been tasked with assessing potential negligence or recklessness. Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga noted similarities with past school fire incidents, often linked to safety…

Green Zone private meeting and conference space now available for booking Through a combination of advanced staging and programming, technological innovation and global content partnerships, the dedicated Green Zone space at COP29 in Azerbaijan will mark a major contribution to the long-term impact created by this year’s conference. As the World gathers in Baku for the most consequential climate event of the year, the Green Zone is a platform where all stakeholders will connect, share and learn to advance climate action. In addition to leading global organisations that will showcase products and services, a full schedule of focused programmes will…

COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev has written to UNFCCC Constituencies, inviting each Constituency to appoint two representatives to be included in the Friends of the COP29 Presidency forum. The Friends of the COP29 Presidency will give the UNFCCC Constituencies the opportunity to have their voice heard on the negotiation topics of COP29 by having a direct conversation on their needs and priorities. This is an important step in delivering on the COP29 Presidency’s commitment to delivering this year’s climate negotiations in a transparent, impartial and inclusive manner, as laid out in the COP29 President-Designate’s First Letter to Parties and Constituencies. The…

A fresh wave of Russian attacks has struck Ukraine, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. In the western city of Lviv, seven people, including a mother and her three daughters, were killed in a drone and hypersonic missile strike. A baby and another girl were also among the victims, officials said. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy confirmed that Russia had attacked the city with drones and hypersonic missiles early on Wednesday, damaging over 50 buildings in the historic heart of the city, including homes, schools, and clinics. The attack came as Ukraine was still reeling from Russia’s…

The UK government has announced the suspension of some arms sales to Israel, citing a “clear risk” that they might be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law. This decision follows a review of UK arms exports to Israel, which was launched by Foreign Secretary David Lammy upon taking office. The review found that there was a risk that UK arms could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law. As a result, around 30 of 350 export licences will be suspended. Lammy stressed that the suspension is not a blanket ban or an…

In a special edition of Colorado Matters, Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson joined Colorado Public Radio’s Ryan Warner for a monthly climate conversation. The discussion, which took place in late August 2024, covered a range of topics, including Mike’s 50-year career in meteorology and his experiences covering climate change. Nelson, who has spent decades tracking weather patterns and predicting storms, shared his insights on the evolving field of meteorology and the growing importance of climate coverage. Warner and Nelson also discussed the upcoming fall weather outlook, with a focus on temperature trends and precipitation patterns. In addition, the conversation touched…

Brazil’s economy continued to grow at a robust pace in the second quarter, driven by strong household expenditure and resilient private consumption. According to a Reuters poll, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to show a 0.9% expansion compared to the first quarter, with an annual growth rate of 2.7%. The median forecast of 18 analysts surveyed between August 28 and September 2 suggests that household spending remained a key driver of growth, supported by a strong labor market and rising real wages. Public spending also contributed to the expansion, with an increase in social benefit payments and…

The countries of Central Asia are grappling with significant challenges in drinking water and sanitation, with a looming investment gap threatening to exacerbate the situation. Experts warn that urgent action is needed to address the region’s water crisis, which is being driven by rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change. According to Arman Akhunbaev, Head of the Sectoral Analysis Center at the Eurasian Development Bank, over 10 million people in Central Asia lack access to safe drinking water, with a funding shortfall of over $12 billion needed to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030. The region’s…