Author: HeraldStar

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…

A heated debate has erupted over plans to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, with descendants of the iconic landmark’s designer and locals expressing strong opposition. Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced on Saturday that she intends to replace the original rings, which were installed during the recent Olympic Games, with new ones. However, the Association of Gustave Eiffel’s Descendants has criticized the move, stating that the Eiffel Tower should not become an “advertising outpost.” The association’s chairman, Olivier Berthelot-Eiffel, argued that while the family did not object to the rings staying longer than the Paralympic Games, they should not…

A team of researchers has identified a probable deployment site in Russia for the 9M370 Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile. The site, located in Vologda, Russia, approximately 295 miles north of Moscow, appears to be under construction and features infrastructure consistent with the deployment of the Burevestnik. The researchers used satellite imagery from Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, to make their assessment. The images, taken on July 26, reveal a construction project adjacent to a nuclear warhead storage facility known as Vologda-20 or Chebsara. The facility is believed to be the likely deployment site for the Burevestnik. The…

A makeshift mpox isolation ward in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is struggling to cope with an influx of patients, amidst a global public health emergency declared by the World Health Organization. The hospital in Kavumu has received over 900 symptomatic patients in the past three months, with 135 currently crammed into three large plastic tents. Health workers are facing significant challenges, including daily medicine shortages and lack of space. “We are overwhelmed and desperate for support,” said head doctor Musole Mulamba Muva. “Donations from international organizations have dwindled, and we are struggling to make ends meet.” Relatives, who typically…

UNICEF today announced that it has issued an emergency tender for the procurement of mpox vaccines. Vaccines can play a critical role in containing the mpox outbreak which was declared a public health emergency by both the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The UNICEF tender is issued to help secure mpox vaccines for the hardest hit countries in collaboration with Africa CDC, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, the Pan American Health Organization and other partners. This collaboration to increase access and timely allocation also includes working together to facilitate donations of…

As the deadline for nominating European Commissioners approached, EU member states rushed to submit their candidates for Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as President of the European Commission. This crucial process has seen most countries meet the required deadline, but a few notable developments and delays have shaped the final hours of this nomination phase. Bulgaria Leads with a Balanced Approach Bulgaria has emerged as a unique case in this round of nominations. In a rare move that aligns directly with von der Leyen’s request, Bulgaria has proposed both a male and a female candidate. The country put forward…

Dear Colleagues, With COP29 in Baku fewer than 75 days away, it is imperative that we take tangible steps to demonstrate our shared commitment to climate action. As we conveyed earlier this year, the COP29 Presidency’s vision centers around two parallel and mutually reinforcing pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action, with climate finance as our top priority. As we reiterate the necessity for all Parties to enhance their ambition in the next generation of national climate plans, transparency forms a cornerstone of mutual trust and accountability. It ensures that our collective actions to combat climate change are robust, comprehensive, and…

The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company organised the Eco Enacthon project for COP29 volunteers. This two-day interactive event brought together volunteers in the development of innovative projects designed to tackle urgent environmental challenges. The event, which took place at the Heydar Aliyev Centre on August 29-30, featured COP29 volunteers engaging in a variety of training sessions on the first day. Led by specialised experts, these sessions addressed an array of environmental topics, including climate change, sustainability, and waste management. Additionally, workshops focused on developing sustainable business ideas and the creation and management of sustainable product brands. The theoretical and practical knowledge…

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe defended the austerity measures tied to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout as he officially launched his re-election campaign on Thursday. The 75-year-old leader emphasized that the $2.9 billion IMF rescue package, which he negotiated last year, was necessary to stabilize the nation’s economy after the unprecedented crisis two years ago. The economic meltdown, marked by severe food and fuel shortages, led to widespread protests and ultimately forced Wickremesinghe’s predecessor to flee the country. Wickremesinghe, who took over during the turmoil, stressed that the reforms required by the IMF are crucial to prevent a recurrence…