Author: HeraldStar

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…

A devastating gas explosion in a coal mine located in Iran’s South Khorasan Province has resulted in the deaths of at least 51 individuals and left 20 others injured, according to state media reports on Sunday. The incident, attributed to a methane gas explosion, occurred in two sections of the mine operated by the Madanjoo company. Ali Akbar Rahimi, the governor of South Khorasan Province, revealed that this region supplies approximately 76% of the country’s coal, with around 8 to 10 major companies, including Madanjoo, actively operating in the area. The rescue operation in block B has concluded, with 30…

The Board of the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) has announced the selection of Ibrahima Cheikh Diong as its first Executive Director, for a four-year term beginning November 1, 2024. This is a key step towards responding to loss and damage by bringing finance to millions of people in developing countries on the frontlines of climate change. A Senegalese and American national, Mr. Diong brings over three decades of global experience in climate change, finance, and development. He will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Fund’s Secretariat and assist the Board in delivering on the Fund’s…

The upcoming United Nations meetings in New York may hold the key to resolving significant differences over increasing global climate finance, but the looming US presidential election threatens to derail progress. With the election scheduled for November 5, countries are hesitant to stake out their positions before knowing who will emerge victorious and set climate policy for the next four years. The US election uncertainty has cast a shadow over global climate talks, with governments carefully analyzing scenarios for possible wins by Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. A third scenario, involving a delayed or disputed election…

In a brazen attack, militants opened fire on a security post in Pakistan’s restive northwest region late Thursday, killing at least six security personnel. The assault, claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Islamist militant group, marked one of two intense encounters along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border within a 24-hour span. According to the military’s information wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations, troops bravely repelled the intrusion attempt, engaging in a fierce exchange of fire that resulted in the deaths of six security personnel. Five assailants were also killed in the encounter, which occurred in the tribal district of South Waziristan. In a…