Author: HeraldStar

Global stock markets plummeted amid growing concerns of a US economic downturn, sparked by underwhelming job data and a surging yen. The Nikkei 225 in Japan suffered a historic collapse, while major indices worldwide, including the FTSE 100 and Euronext 100 in Europe, experienced sharp losses. The selloff was intensified by worries over elevated borrowing costs, lackluster corporate earnings from giants like Amazon and Intel, and the US Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates. The Bank of Japan’s interest rate hike strengthened the yen, making Japanese stocks less attractive to foreign investors and exacerbating the market downturn. The broader…

Violent clashes erupted outside a hotel in Tamworth, near Birmingham, on Sunday, as far-right extremists targeted the facility, which has been providing refuge to asylum seekers. According to Staffordshire Police, a large group of individuals hurled projectiles, shattered windows, set fires, and attacked police officers, leaving one officer injured. The unrest began in Southport on Tuesday, following a fatal knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed party on Monday, and has since spread across England. The violence has been fueled by misinformation circulating on social media about the background of Axel Rudakubana, the 17-year-old British-born suspect accused of killing three children…

KAUST researchers have developed an innovative solar-powered water harvester that efficiently extracts water from the air, even in arid regions, without requiring manual maintenance. This self-sustaining cycle is inspired by natural plant processes and promises affordable water solutions for areas where water is scarce. Existing solar-powered harvesters are often cumbersome, requiring a two-stage cycle that involves capturing water from the air and then heating it to extract the water. This process typically requires manual labor or a switching system, adding complexity and cost. The new harvester, however, passively alternates between the two stages, allowing it to cycle continuously without intervention.…

In a tragic incident, separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region have killed a 50-year-old New Zealand helicopter pilot, according to regional police. The pilot, employed by a private company, was fatally shot when rebels intercepted the helicopter after it landed in a remote area. The rebels then set the aircraft ablaze with the pilot’s body inside. Fortunately, the four Indonesian health workers and two children on board were unharmed. This incident bears a striking resemblance to the capture of another New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, in February last year. Mehrtens remains in captivity, but his captors, the pro-independence movement, have…

China’s internet erupted in joy and pride on Monday after its swimmers made history by ending the United States’ decades-long dominance in the men’s 4×100 meters medley relay at the Olympics. Pan Zhanle, who set a world record in the 100m freestyle last week, led the Chinese team to victory, overtaking American and French rivals in a stunning comeback. The win marked China’s second gold medal in swimming at the Paris Olympics and sparked widespread celebration on social media, with hashtags like “Pan Zhanle’s stunning reversal” and “relay gold medal” trending on Weibo. Pan, who turned 20 on Sunday, called…

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned after weeks of deadly anti-government protests, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property damage. The protests, led by students, initially demanded the abolition of civil service job quotas but evolved into a broader movement calling for the prime minister’s resignation. The prime minister, 76, had already left the country for a “safer place” before crowds arrived at her palace, according to one of her advisers. The resignation came a day after at least 90 people were killed and hundreds injured in a new round of demonstrations. The unrest in Dhaka…

At least 76 people have lost their lives in Bangladesh as police and anti-government protesters engage in increasingly violent clashes. The unrest, which began as a student-led movement demanding changes to civil service job quotas, has evolved into a broader call for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. A devastating attack on a police station in Sirajganj resulted in the deaths of 13 police officers, with thousands of protesters storming the facility. The student protest, which started last month, has transformed into a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience. Eyewitnesses report that both police and supporters of the ruling party…

Ukraine has taken delivery of its inaugural fleet of American-made F-16 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone in bolstering its air force capabilities, announced President Volodymyr Zelensky at a ceremony held at a undisclosed airbase. Flanked by two of the advanced aircraft, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s allies for providing the jets, which were initially met with hesitation. The arrival of the F-16s represents a crucial upgrade for Ukraine’s air force, which has largely relied on outdated Soviet-era jets. Although more aircraft are expected to follow, Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient trained pilots to operate the entire fleet.…

Novak Djokovic has finally checked off the last box on his tennis bucket list, capturing the coveted Olympic gold medal after an epic three-hour clash with Carlos Alcaraz. The emotional triumph marked a crowning achievement for Djokovic, who had been chasing this prize since his bronze medal in 2008. As he celebrated on the court, Djokovic proudly hoisted the Serbian flag, overcome with emotion and a sense of fulfillment. “Winning Olympic gold at 37 is a dream realized,” he said in a post-match interview. “It’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about national pride. I know how much it means…

Sicily, Italy – In a spectacular display of raw power, Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active and majestic volcanoes, has erupted for the fifth time this summer, spewing forth a towering column of ash and lava that has disrupted flights and mesmerized onlookers. As the sun rose over the Italian island of Sicily on Sunday, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that Mount Etna’s latest eruption had begun, with a massive ash cloud bursting into the sky and rising over 32,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. The volcano’s fierce roar echoed through the air as…