Author: HeraldStar

By Qaiser Nawab The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held from July 15 to 18, 2024, in Beijing, marks a significant milestone in China’s journey toward modernization and sustainable development. This session, attended by 199 members and 165 alternate members of the Central Committee, along with non-voting participants including experts and scholars, was presided over by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping delivering pivotal addresses. During the session, the Central Committee reviewed and discussed a comprehensive report on the work of the Political Bureau,…

Israeli airstrikes on two towns in Lebanon’s Baalbek region claimed the lives of 19 people, including eight women, according to a statement from the Lebanese health ministry early Wednesday. The strikes are the latest escalation in the volatile border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, adding to the mounting toll of civilian casualties. The airstrikes, which targeted residential areas, were reportedly part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported extensive destruction in the towns, as emergency responders worked through the night to search for survivors trapped in rubble. Medical teams have struggled to…

In a surprising move, Argentina’s President Javier Milei replaced Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino on Wednesday after Argentina voted in favor of lifting the decades-old embargo on Cuba at the United Nations. The decision to replace Mondino with Gerardo Werthein, the current Argentine Ambassador to the United States, marks a significant shift in Milei’s cabinet. The dismissal, announced by presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, came shortly after the UN vote on the Cuban embargo, a topic Milei has strong opinions on. Mondino, an experienced diplomat and Milei’s initial pick for the foreign minister role, has been instrumental in balancing Milei’s assertive…

Israel launched intensified airstrikes on Gaza Wednesday, leaving at least 30 dead, Palestinian medics reported, following one of the deadliest days this year. The northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya bore the brunt, where eight people died on Wednesday and, the day prior, 93 were killed in a single strike that Washington has labeled “horrifying.” The strikes have devastated infrastructure and compounded the humanitarian crisis in the densely populated enclave. Israel’s military has targeted areas across northern Gaza in an effort to dismantle Hamas’ command posts. Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia have seen extensive destruction, with tank incursions in…

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…