Author: HeraldStar

China’s central bank has held off on adding gold to its reserves for the fourth consecutive month in August, according to official data released on Saturday. Despite the pause, the value of China’s gold holdings rose to $182.98 billion at the end of August, up from $176.64 billion in July, as global gold prices continue to surge. China’s total gold reserves remain at 72.8 million fine troy ounces. Gold prices have climbed by 21% this year, driven by expectations of imminent U.S. interest rate cuts and increased demand for safe-haven assets amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Central banks worldwide…

The Chinese government has announced that it will no longer send children overseas for adoption, ending a policy that has been in place for over 30 years. This decision comes as China adjusts its cross-border adoption regulations to align with international trends. Since 1992, over 160,000 Chinese children have been adopted by families worldwide, with approximately 82,000 adoptions taking place in the United States, according to China’s Children International (CCI). The majority of these adopted children were girls, largely due to China’s one-child policy, which favored male offspring. The new rules allow only for the adoption of a child or…

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across France on Saturday, voicing their discontent with President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to appoint Michel Barnier, a centre-right politician, as prime minister. The protesters, estimated to be around 300,000 in number, including 160,000 in Paris, accused Macron of disregarding the results of the recent legislative elections and betraying the trust of the people. The demonstrations, which were peaceful, saw protesters carrying banners and placards criticizing Macron’s decision, with some even calling for his impeachment. The left-wing parties, led by Jean-Luc Melenchon’s France Unbowed party, have been vocal in their opposition to Barnier’s appointment,…

Ukraine’s air force reported a massive overnight attack by Russia, involving 67 long-range Shahed drones, with 58 successfully shot down. The attack prompted air defense units to be scrambled in 11 regions across Ukraine, with drone debris found near the parliament building in Kyiv. This rare incident of a Russian missile or drone penetrating central Kyiv’s defenses has raised concerns, as the city is protected by a network of Soviet-era and Western-donated air defense systems. The hilltop government quarter, housing key government offices, is considered one of the best-defended sites in Ukraine. Pictures posted on Telegram showed debris scattered near…

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…