Author: HeraldStar

The 2024 World Youth Development Forum has officially launched in Beijing, coinciding with International Youth Day, drawing over 2,000 young participants from more than 130 countries and 20 international organizations. The forum, which blends online and on-site participation, opened with a ceremony and plenary meeting attended by over 500 youth leaders and representatives, marking the start of a dynamic week filled with discussions and activities. Throughout the event, participants will explore various Chinese cities, including Nanning and Hangzhou, engaging in dialogues on crucial topics such as green development, digital innovation, cultural preservation, and youth-driven urban planning. Under the theme “Together…

In a surprising move, Pakistan’s military announced the arrest of retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, the former head of the influential Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), in connection with a land development case. The Supreme Court ordered his detention, marking an unusual step against such a high-ranking officer in a country where the military has played a dominant role for over three decades since its independence 77 years ago. The military’s statement revealed that multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act had been identified post-Hameed’s retirement, leading to the initiation of a Field General Court Martial. Hameed, who served as ISI chief…

OPEC has revised its global oil demand growth forecast for 2024, citing softer-than-expected economic performance in China. In a significant shift, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reduced its estimate from 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2.11 million bpd, marking the first cut in its 2024 forecast since July 2023. This adjustment underscores the challenges faced by the OPEC+ alliance as it considers raising production starting in October. The downgrade comes amid growing concerns over China’s economic slowdown, particularly in the diesel consumption sector, and the ongoing crisis in the Chinese property market, which has further dampened…

South Korea and the United States are set to launch their annual summertime military drills, Ulchi Freedom Shield, from August 19 to 29, with a focus on bolstering their defenses against North Korea’s growing arsenal and cyber threats. These exercises, aimed at enhancing the alliance’s readiness, come as North Korea advances its nuclear and missile programs while seeking to deploy reconnaissance satellites. The drills will encompass “realistic threats” across multiple domains, including missile attacks, GPS jamming, and cyber warfare—reflecting lessons learned from recent global incidents. In a joint statement, the militaries of both nations emphasized their commitment to strengthening their…

In a breathtaking conclusion to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise made an unforgettable appearance at the closing ceremony, leaving the audience in awe with a daring stunt that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the games. The Mission: Impossible actor, known for his fearless on-screen feats, descended from the roof of the Stade de France on a wire, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. Clad in a sleek leather jacket and gloves, Cruise embodied his iconic action-hero persona as he made his dramatic entrance, timed to the electrifying guitar riffs of H.E.R., who delivered a powerful performance…

As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29 in November, the city of Baku is gearing up to host the inaugural Baku Climate Action Week to engage and mobilise society ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Held under the auspices of the COP29 High-Level Champion, Nigar Arpadarai, Baku Climate Action Week will take place from Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October. Working in partnership with London Climate Action Week, now the world’s largest whole of society city-based climate action event, Baku Climate Action Week will feature a range of high-level international conferences alongside multistakeholder local and community events. The…

Hamas has called on mediators to revisit and implement earlier ceasefire proposals rather than seeking new agreements for Gaza, just days before talks organized by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. In a statement on its official Telegram channel, Hamas emphasized the need for a plan based on the May 31 ceasefire proposal from US President Joe Biden, along with the framework established by Qatar and Egypt on May 6, and UN Security Council Resolution 2735. The May 6 proposal, previously accepted by Hamas but rejected by Israel, included provisions for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza and an…

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has been officially sworn in for his fourth term following a decisive victory in last month’s election, where he secured more than 99 percent of the vote. The inauguration ceremony, held on Sunday at a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, was attended by several dozen heads of state and dignitaries from across Africa. Thousands of Rwandans gathered from the early hours to witness the event. Kagame took the oath of office before Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, pledging to “preserve peace and national sovereignty, and consolidate national unity.” The outcome of the July 15 election was widely…

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Matthias Schmale of Germany as the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, with the host Government’s approval, starting on 11 August. Mr. Schmale succeeds Denise Brown to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedicated service. Mr. Schmale brings more than 30 years of experience in humanitarian and development work. He previously served as Senior Adviser to the UN Development Coordination Office’s regional team for Africa, as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i) in Nigeria, and in several high-level positions with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near…

The 33rd Olympic Games in Paris came to a spectacular close as stars from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and music gathered to mark the end of the event at the Stade de France. Among the highlights, actor Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance, descending from the stadium’s roof to collect the Olympic flag, symbolizing the handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games. Cruise’s daring appearance was followed by a swift departure on a motorcycle, setting the tone for a thrilling conclusion. The closing ceremony also featured electrifying performances on Venice Beach, with music legends such…