Author: HeraldStar

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for an end to protests after three days of unrest sparked by a worsening cost of living crisis, which has resulted in at least seven fatalities and over 700 arrests. In a televised address, Tinubu acknowledged the “pain and frustration” of Nigerians, particularly the youth, but defended his economic reforms, which protesters blame for their hardships. He attributed the violence and looting in some areas to “hoodlums” and emphasized the need for dialogue, but did not indicate a willingness to reverse his policies. The protests, organized via social media using the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, were…

In an exclusive interview , Trump International Scotland golf course, Eric Trump accused the media of creating a “fake pedestal” for Kamala Harris, claiming she has no real momentum in the presidential race. Eric Trump also shared his harrowing experience watching the recent assassination attempt on his father, Donald Trump, on live TV. He described the moment as “defying statistics” and acknowledged the close call had created a sense of humbleness in his father. Despite the attempted assassination, Eric Trump defended his father’s continued combative style, saying it “emboldened a lot of people” in the United States. He dismissed concerns…

The first week of August has been nothing short of a nightmare for global stock markets, as fears of a looming US recession sent shockwaves through financial centers from New York to Tokyo. The economic pessimism emanating from the United States has not only destabilized its own markets but has also triggered a worldwide sell-off, highlighting the fragility of the global economic landscape. The latest economic indicators from the United States paint a troubling picture. The non-farm payroll report for July revealed that only 114,000 jobs were created, far below the expected 175,000. This disappointing figure, coupled with an increase…

By Qaiser Nawab The recent surge in gold prices, soaring above $2,300 per ounce and marking a 15% increase in the first half of 2024, has captured the attention of investors and analysts alike. This remarkable rally, the best since the COVID-19 pandemic, is fueled by a complex interplay of global geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and central bank policies. As we look toward the second half of the year, the outlook for gold remains strong, albeit with several caveats. One of the primary drivers behind gold’s recent ascent is its traditional role as a safe-haven asset. In times of geopolitical…

Five environmental activists from Just Stop Oil have been sentenced to up to two years in prison for their roles in a coordinated protest that brought the M25 motorway to a standstill in November 2022. While the estimated 181,000 delayed motorists may view the sentences as a measure of justice, the severity of the punishments has sparked international condemnation. Raj Chada, a solicitor representing one of the activists, a 77-year-old woman, criticized the sentences as “excessive” and “traditionally reserved for violent offenses.” He emphasized that the UK has historically recognized non-violent protest as a fundamental right. The latest sentences follow…

At the Paris Olympics, athletes received a treasure trove of high-tech goodies, including a free phone. For Team GB’s Imogen Grant, this was a welcome upgrade, as she had been clinging to her trusty Tokyo Olympics phone until it started to malfunction. Grant, a rower, proudly showed off her new device on TikTok, relieved to have a reliable phone again. But the phones aren’t just for personal use; they play a starring role in the Olympic medal ceremonies. After receiving their medals, athletes take victory selfies with the devices, creating “new, more personal memories of the celebration atop the podium,”…

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was fatally struck by a “short-range projectile” outside his Tehran guesthouse, according to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The paramilitary organization claimed the projectile, weighing around 7kg (16lbs), caused a powerful blast that killed Haniyeh and his bodyguard last Wednesday. The IRGC blamed Israel for the attack, alleging US support. However, Israel has not commented on the incident. The IRGC’s account contradicts Western media reports suggesting Israeli operatives planted explosives in the guesthouse. The security failures surrounding Haniyeh’s death have embarrassed Iran and the IRGC, leading to dozens of arrests and dismissals within the organization. Supreme…

IOC President Thomas Bach condemned the “hate speech” targeting boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting at the Paris Olympics as “completely intolerable.” At a press conference, Bach emphasized, “We refuse to engage in a politically charged cultural conflict.” Khelif from Algeria and Lin from Taiwan have faced intense global scrutiny regarding their gender identity. Both athletes were disqualified at the 2023 world championships due to unspecified and unproven gender-based tests conducted by the Russian-led International Boxing Association, which has been excluded from the Olympics by the IOC amid a longstanding dispute. Bach defended the athletes, stating, “We have two boxers…

Sweltering heat grips China’s eastern coastal megacities, with temperatures soaring to 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Friday, and prolonged extreme temperatures expected to persist into next week. Shanghai Meteorological Center issued its first red warning signal for high temperatures this year after the city reached 40C, marking the 22nd day of temperatures above 40C since records began in 1873. Nearby Hangzhou also issued a red warning early Friday, with temperatures hitting 40C in several districts. “It feels like fire falling from the sky,” said Wang, a 60-year-old tourist visiting Hangzhou from Hebei province. “I’m constantly sweating, and even the wind…

“People in Gaza are facing yet another peril: Hepatitis A is spreading including among children,” Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, wrote on social media. Since the start of the war last October, UNRWA shelters and clinics have reported 40,000 cases of the disease, he said, compared to only 85 in the same period before conflict erupted, representing “a frightening increase”. Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus of the same name that is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through direct contact with an infectious person. Ideal conditions…