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The United States has pledged additional military aid worth $250 million to Ukraine in the face of ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has personally appealed for permission to target Russian territory with Western long-range weapons. However, both the US and Germany have responded cautiously to this request. The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, announced that President Joe Biden has signed an additional aid package for Ukraine, including air defense systems,..

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in France to protest against the appointment of Michel Barnier, a conservative politician, as Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron. Left-wing parties, including the New Popular Front, accuse Macron of ignoring the election results. The protests come as Barnier emphasizes reforms in healthcare, pensions, and migration measures. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far-left, promises a vote of no confidence. The appointment of Barnier has raised..

The Ukrainian armed forces report a massive Russian drone attack, with 67 long-range drones launched and 58 shot down. Ukrainian flamethrower drones are causing problems for the Russian forces. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warns that Russia is building a militarized society that is starting to repeat Hitler's path. The US refuses to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons to attack Russia. Iran is said to have delivered ballistic short-range missiles to Russia, escalating the conflict. The IAEA..

Michel Barnier, the newly appointed Prime Minister of France, has vowed to address the 'anger', 'suffering', and 'injustice' felt by the French people. Barnier, a long-time politician and former EU Commissioner, plans to take a tougher stance on migration policy and implement measures to control immigration flows. Despite criticism from left-wing voters, he also supports raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. Barnier's appointment, which aims to foster unity, has caused controversy as he co..

Argentina is demanding an arrest warrant against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as the actions of the government could constitute crimes against humanity. The opposition does not recognize Maduro's election victory and claims victory for their candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, against whom the Venezuelan Attorney General's Office has issued an arrest warrant. Former Ibero-American leaders, including Andrés Pastrana and Álvaro Uribe, are urging the International Criminal Court to issue..

Slovenia's nominee for European Commissioner, Tomaž Vesel, withdrew amidst Ursula von der Leyen's push for gender parity. Slovenia initially backed Vesel but later withdrew, citing divergent views on the new Commission's functioning. Only Bulgaria respected von der Leyen's request for female candidates. McKinsey's report shows gender-diverse leadership teams outperform male-dominated ones. The European Institute for Gender Equality highlights systemic biases keeping women out. President von der..

Leading economic research institutes have lowered their forecasts for German economic growth, citing structural problems such as climate change, energy prices, and digitalization. The industry and construction sectors are shrinking, investments and exports are stagnant. While there are some bright spots in the retail and construction industries, overall, economists predict zero growth or minimal growth for this year. The weak private consumption and the delayed recovery in the manufacturing in..

Elon Musk's Tesla gears up to launch its 'Full Self Driving' system in Europe and China in early 2025, despite the need for driver attentiveness. The company's impressive sales of 1.8 million vehicles in 2023 and plans to reduce its staff at Gigafactory Grünheide showcase its growing influence. While Tesla aims for a $1 trillion+ valuation with its AI technologies and Cybercab robotaxi launch, safety concerns persist. In contrast, traditional automakers like Volvo and Ford are scaling back their..

Summer 2024 marked the hottest on record globally, with soaring temperatures highlighting the escalating climate crisis. The Copernicus Climate Change Service's data points towards 2024 potentially becoming the hottest year recorded. Despite some regions experiencing cooler weather in August, the majority faced extreme heat, further exacerbated by climate change. The world is failing emission reduction targets, with current warming surpassing pre-industrial levels by 1.2C and breaching the cri..

The National Weather Service issued warnings of dangerously high temperatures as a heat wave intensifies in California and the southwestern United States. Los Angeles is expected to reach scorching temperatures, with parts of the city possibly hitting 48 degrees Celsius. The increased heat poses a significant wildfire risk in rural areas surrounding Los Angeles, attributed to human-induced climate change. While heat waves are common in the desert landscapes of the Southwest, experts link the s..

The Democratic Republic of Congo receives its first Mpox vaccine doses as the EU donates 175,420 doses to combat the outbreak, declared a public health emergency by the WHO. WHO Director-General Tedros urges more countries to contribute. Information campaigns are launched, although the actual number of suspected cases surpasses 18,000. Rapid distribution plans aim to reach high-risk regions swiftly. Challenges remain, including distribution hurdles and low vaccine acceptance rates, reminiscent..

The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs is taking action against Temu and Shein, who deliver products with inadequate safety standards and evade customs controls. The SPD parliamentary group is calling for an expansion of customs controls and the abolition of the 150-euro customs exemption limit. Shein has hired former EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger as an advisor. Around 400,000 products from Temu and Shein alone arrive on the German market daily. The government is planning an 'E-Commerce..

Putin reaffirms gas deliveries through Ukraine, criticizes closure of pipelines, and negotiations with China stall. Gazprom faces massive losses. The West still relies on Russian gas, impacting prices and causing strain in Germany and Italy. Arctic LNG 2 faces sanctions and shipping issues.

French politicians urge the UK to take measures to stop migrant deaths in the English Channel. A boat carrying over 50 people capsized, resulting in 12 fatalities. The mayor of Le Portel highlights the need to protect migrants from such dangers. In Italy, the coast guard rescued seven men from a sinking vessel that had departed from Libya. The German NGO Sea-Watch conducted rescues in international waters off the coast of Libya, without permission. Another incident occurred off Lampedusa, where..

The global electric vehicle market is set to reach $1,259.4 billion by 2032, with a projected CAGR of 13.9%. Key players include Ampere, BYD, Chevrolet, Daimler, Ford, GM, Hero Electric, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mahindra, NIO, Nissan, Rivian, Tata, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Karma Automotive, Stellantis, SAIC Motor, WM Motor, Xiaopeng Motors, and BMW AG. The market is segmented by vehicle type (passenger, commercial), component, vehicle class, top speed, drive type, connectivity, propulsion, and e..

Air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), greenhouse gases, forest fires, and various compounds like nitrogen and sulfur, burdens both people and ecosystems. It affects agriculture through reduced sunlight, burning of fields, and air pollution from fertilizers and manure. This pollution causes over 4.5 million deaths annually, with Europe and China showing improvement but North America facing deterioration due to forest fires. Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the re..

Hungary's visa scheme for Russian and Belarusian citizens has caused a dispute with Baltic and Nordic countries, who view it as a potential security risk to the Schengen area. EU officials have expressed concerns about Hungary's decision to extend its 'National Card' system to citizens of these countries. The European Commission has sent a second letter to Hungary requesting further explanations for this move, citing potential security threats. Hungary's government, on the other hand, defends..

Two months before the US election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are in a close race in key swing states. Harris, the first woman and person of Indian-African American descent, is running against billionaire Trump, who is the oldest candidate in US history. Trump refers to Harris as a 'communist' and 'radical left,' while she presents herself as the candidate for the middle class. The TV debate between Trump and Joe Biden ended in a defeat for Trump. Both parties are investing millions in adv..

According to reports, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is considering appointing an Italian right-wing politician as her deputy. Raffaele Fitto, a member of Italy's Fratelli d'Italia party, is reportedly being considered for the role of Vice President for Economy and Coronavirus Recovery Assistance. This would mark the first time a right-wing politician holds a key economic position in the EU Commission. While the report has not been confirmed by the Brussels authorities, criticism..

A report on the future of European agriculture was presented to Ursula von der Leyen, proposing the creation of a broad stakeholder body, the European Council of Agri-Food (EBAF), to continue the strategic dialogue and develop, implement, oversee, and refine the framework for sustainable practices. Von der Leyen defends the revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including replacing direct payments to farmers per hectare with income support and sustainable agricultural practices. The..

A report on the Grenfell Tower fire in London reveals that the tragedy was caused by a combination of incompetence and greed. Multiple parties, including cladding manufacturers, regulators, the government, and companies involved in the building's refurbishment, failed to ensure safety, turning the building into a deadly trap where 72 people died. The report also criticizes the London Fire Brigade for poor communication and inadequate training. The investigation concluded that all deaths were a..

Union faction leader Merz has cautioned that the economic policies of the traffic light coalition pose a threat to the survival of many industrial companies. The high electricity prices are undermining the competitiveness of steelworks such as Georgsmarienhütte and car manufacturers like Volkswagen. Merz blames the federal government for Germany's recession and criticizes the lack of competitiveness at German locations. Furthermore, the European trade union warns of the migration of green jobs..

Alexander Zverev, the Olympic champion of 2021, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the US Open against Taylor Fritz. Despite being the defending champion, Novak Djokovic was also eliminated early on. Zverev's lack of aggression and self-confidence led to a disappointing performance, resulting in him missing out on his first Grand Slam title once again. He struggled with his backhand and forehand, and his defeat in the tiebreaker of the first set was evident. Zverev appeared inhibited and p..

The recent FOCAC summit in Beijing highlighted the increasing competition between China and the US for influence in Africa. This rivalry has prompted the EU, US, Japan, and India to launch their development initiatives as a countermeasure to China's BRI. Amidst concerns over Beijing's debt-trap diplomacy, China positions itself as a champion for developing nations, challenging the Western-dominated global order. With China being Africa's primary trading partner and investor for the past 15 yea..

Portugal's Minister Carvalho is urging the EU Commission and EIB to finance the country's water resilience, highlighting the need for significant investment due to rising droughts and floods. The government is developing a water strategy and investment plan, collaborating with Spain on water projects, including the Guadiana river initiative. Spanish Minister Teresa Ribera's appointment as an EU Commissioner presents an opportunity for alliance. Mediterranean countries push for an accelerated E..

China has retaliated against Canada's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles by targeting Canadian canola and chemical imports with anti-dumping investigations. This action follows Canada's imposition of 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs and 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium, aligning with measures by the US and EU. Accusations of unfair competition and industrial overcapacity have strained China-Canada relations. Beijing's probes into Canadian goods signal escalating trade tensions amid global tariff..

A new study start assistance program offering €1000 becomes available for first-time students from low-income families across Germany, the EU, and Switzerland. Despite online application, the process still involves manual paperwork, highlighting the need for full digitalization. Calls for swift, comprehensive digitalization of financial aid offices and adequate funding for student service centres are made to ensure efficient disbursement. Additionally, applying for student financial aid is emp..

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Mongolia, a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite the ICC issuing an arrest warrant for him over war crimes. The warrant accuses Putin of abducting Ukrainian children during the 2.5 years of fighting. This visit comes as Mongolia is economically dependent on Russia and China. The leaders will attend a ceremony commemorating a victory over the Japanese army in 1939. Despite the arrest warrant, Putin has been recently visiting other..

Belgium and Romania have put forward female candidates for European Commission positions, supporting Ursula von der Leyen's gender balance initiative. Hadja Lahbib and Roxana Mînzatu have been nominated, with women aiming to make up 9 of 27 top officials. Despite Belgium's missed deadline due to coalition talks, von der Leyen urges more countries to reconsider their nominations. In Romania, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced Mînzatu's nomination, emphasizing her strong professional backgr..

Recent Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv and Kyiv have left dozens injured, including children. The Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region faces increased resistance from Russian forces, potentially leading to a new front in the conflict. Despite facing setbacks, Ukraine plans to deploy ATACMS missiles against Russia. President Putin remains steadfast, stating that Kiew's advance in Kursk will not halt Moscow's Donbass offensive. The conflict has seen significant casualties,..

The Mont Blanc Tunnel, a vital transportation link between France and Northern Italy, is closed for 15 weeks for extensive renovation work on two sections of the vault. This closure comes more than 60 years after the tunnel was completed. Alternative routes through the Fréjus Tunnel and the Great St. Bernard Tunnel are available for drivers. Additionally, construction is underway for a new underground rail connection at the Brenner Pass for passenger traffic. Meanwhile, the Gotthard Base Tunnel,..

First-year students under 25 who previously received social benefits or were in child and youth welfare can apply for a one-time study start-up aid of 1,000 euros. The application is digital and must be submitted by the end of the month following the start of studies. The grant is non-repayable. The aid is aimed at easing the financial burden on students from low-income families. This initiative has been praised for its support by the DSW Executive Board Chairman, Matthias Anbuhl, although he..

Pope Francis, at 87, embarks on a significant journey across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. In Indonesia, he engages with the largest Islamic community and attends an interfaith gathering at the Istiqlal Mosque. Addressing issues like poverty in Papua New Guinea and sexual abuse scandals in East Timor, the Pope emphasizes peace, development, and healing. In Singapore, he focuses on youth dialogue and interreligious harmony. This challenging 12-day tour will cover over..

In the impending US presidential race, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump vie for dominance as polls predict a tight competition. Harris's camp, despite evident momentum and popularity, strategically portrays themselves as underdogs to prevent complacency. The upcoming debate rules have stirred public discourse, with conservative commentators scrutinizing Harris and liberals accusing Trump of creating alibis. Tensions rise as Harris's team advocates for live microphones during the debates, to which..

Greek authorities unveil a relief package for Volos following the arrival of over 100 tons of dead fish due to flooding from Lake Karla. The plan includes subsidies, tax suspensions, and activating the 'Thessaly Pass' to aid affected businesses. The lack of a net at the mouth of the lake caused the fish deaths, prompting a state of emergency declaration. Commercial activity plummeted by 80%, urging Chamber of Commerce actions. The situation poses a risk of a potential disaster, with concerns o..

Paris Mayor Hidalgo will keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, planning to replace them with lighter versions due to winter winds. The fate of the Olympic cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens rests with President Macron. Parisians have rediscovered their love for the city post the Summer Games, with plans to install statues of influential women along Rue de la Chapelle. Plans are underway to allow swimming in parts of the River Seine by summer 2025.

Violence in the West Bank intensifies as the Israeli army reports the death of a soldier during a military operation. Hamas clashes with soldiers in Jenin, resulting in casualties. The army's counterterrorism actions have led to at least 22 Palestinian deaths. Amid escalating conflicts, Israeli troops withdraw from Palestinian cities, focusing on militant stronghold Jenin. Tensions rise in the West Bank following the Gaza conflict, with over 600 Palestinians and 20 Israelis killed. In a separate..

Chancellor Olaf Scholz announces talks with the federal states and the Union on consequences after the Solingen attack. The traffic light government presents a package of measures with benefit cuts for refugees. CSU leader Söder calls for a 'fundamental migration turnaround' with rejections at the borders, reform of asylum law, and repatriation agreements. Union parliamentary group manager Thorsten Frei urges rejections at the external border, while the chairman of the Conference of Minister P..

Chancellor Scholz and President Steinmeier attend a memorial service for the victims of the knife attack in Solingen. The attack is claimed by ISIS, and the government responds by tightening gun laws and restricting irregular migration. Despite the attack, city festivals in Germany continue with increased security measures. The role of the green Minister of Refugees in the deportation debacle raises questions. A woman stabs and injures six people on a bus in Siegen, Germany. Thuringian Ministe..

Following the deportation of Afghans from Solingen, German officials, led by Scholz, are intensifying efforts to expel foreign criminals. The recent knife attacks in Solingen and Frankfurt have sparked debates on national security. Faeser, the Interior Minister, defends the expulsions for safety concerns. The deportation of a Syrian suspect, Issa Al H., highlights the government's strict stance. Despite controversy, Faeser justifies providing deported criminals with financial aid to support th..

Following a fire and launch ban, the FAA has granted SpaceX permission to operate the Falcon 9 rocket. The rocket successfully carried Starlink satellites into space, but one stage caught fire during landing. Further launches were postponed for data review. The Falcon 9, with its reusable stages, has been a successful and cost-effective option for over a decade. The ongoing investigation is examining the incident and issues with the second propulsion stage. The Polaris Dawn project, featuring a..

The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been released on bail while facing investigations in France for allegations including drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and child abuse. Telegram has been used as a communication tool for opposition movements in dictatorships. Durov's brother, Nikolai Durov, who is considered the mastermind behind the network, resides in St. Petersburg. The Kremlin has expressed hope that the proceedings in France do not become politicized. Surprisingly, some..

In August, inflation rates showed a decline in various regions. The Eurozone experienced its weakest price growth in three years, driven by falling energy prices. Conversely, the UK saw a drop in house prices for the first time since April, though annual growth reached its highest since December 2022. US consumers' short-term inflation expectations hit a low since 2020, influenced by changing election sentiments. Financial markets anticipate interest rate cuts by central banks to mitigate infl..

Donald Trump promises to reimburse costs for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to support families. IVF has become a contentious issue due to a court ruling in Alabama and concerns about the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Trump's position on abortion has evolved over the years, including considering lifting the abortion ban in Florida and introducing government-funded IVF. The topic of abortion rights is central to the election campaign, with Democrats hoping to mobilize voters who are o..

German authorities are warning freight companies about arson attacks in Europe, prompting DHL to increase security measures for employees, facilities, and customer shipments. The fire at the Leipzig cargo center is being investigated, with Russian sabotage being considered as a possible cause. Incidents of incendiary devices in freight have been reported across Europe, including a fire at a DHL hub in Leipzig connected to a parcel from the Baltic States. The German Federal Prosecutor has taken..

A volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland has created 'witch’s hair' glass splinters, clogging filters and injuring locals in Reykjanesbær. These sharp glass needles, called Nornahár, are caused by high eruption jets, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Agency. Locals and officials have expressed astonishment at the phenomenon, with the Director of Sports Facilities stating that they have never seen anything like it before. Despite warnings about a contaminated military s..

Israel has agreed to temporary ceasefires in Gaza to allow for a polio vaccination campaign targeting 640,000 children. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations are collaborating with Israeli authorities to carry out the vaccinations in three parts of the coastal strip. The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has proposed sanctions against Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for their inflammatory remarks against Palestinians. The EU member states are..

In August, inflation across various European countries and the US showed signs of decline. Consumer prices in Germany and France saw a decrease, with the possibility of lower interest rates by the European Central Bank. The Eurozone experienced a three-year low in inflation at 2.2%. In the US, the Federal Reserve indicated a potential interest rate cut following falling inflation and a softening job market. Despite the positive market response, inflation has impacted sectors such as housing, w..

The Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading to neighboring countries. A new, more contagious and deadlier virus variant (Clade Ib) has already spread to Sweden and Thailand. There are two vaccines available, but only in Western industrialized countries. More than 800,000 people are fleeing to Goma, where relief organizations lack access to vaccines and resources. The WHO has declared the outbreak a public health emergency and urgently calls for international support. The..

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, has proposed a government reimbursement for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments in the United States. The topic of IVF has gained attention in the lead-up to the November presidential election, with concerns that the recent Supreme Court decision on abortion rights could impact IVF as well. Trump also criticized the six-week abortion ban in Florida, stating that it is too short. However, his stance on IVF and abortion has led to mixed re..

Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, recently addressed crucial topics in her first CNN interview since her nomination. Harris emphasized her stance on fracking, illegal immigration consequences, and the Middle East conflict, advocating for a Republican presence in her cabinet. She called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, highlighting Israel's right to self-defense, while criticizing President Trump for dividing the nation. Harris aims to maintain Biden's policy on arms..