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ETATS-UNIS EN FLORIDE L'OURAGAN HORS NORME MILTON |
Alerte maximale. Deux semaines seulement après le passage dévastateur de l'ouragan Hélène, un nouvel ouragan, nommé Milton, est sur le point de frapper les côtes de la Floride. Il est attendu dans la nuit de mercredi 9 à jeudi 10 octobre. Entre dimanche 6 et lundi 7 octobre, Milton est passé de tempête tropicale à ouragan majeur de catégorie 5, le niveau le plus élevé, en moins de 48 heures. La vitesse de ses vents a explosé, passant de 120 km/h à 280 km/h. Selon la NASA, cette intensification rapide est un phénomène inédit dans l'océan Atlantique. Le président américain Joe Biden a averti que Milton pourrait être "la pire tempête en Floride en un siècle". La Floride, troisième État le plus peuplé du pays, se prépare à faire face à des destructions massives. Milton a trouvé dans le golfe du Mexique des conditions idéales pour son développement. Les eaux de surface y sont anormalement chaudes depuis plusieurs mois, dépassant actuellement les 30°C, soit 2 degrés de plus que la moyenne de 1982-2010. Cette chaleur alimente l'ouragan en énergie, augmentant sa force et son potentiel destructeur. Elle favorise également l'évaporation, ajoutant de l'humidité à la tempête.
Menace pour le littoral
L’ouragan Milton suscite de vives inquiétudes quant aux potentiels dégâts qu’il pourrait causer. Selon les dernières prévisions du National Hurricane Center, l’État du Soleil pourrait être confronté à des inondations d’une ampleur exceptionnelle. Les côtes de Floride sont particulièrement exposées aux risques liés à l’ouragan Milton. Les experts mettent en garde contre les ondes de tempête qui pourraient dans certaines zones provoquer des inondations de 3 à 4,5 m mètres de hauteur, rapides et dévastatrices. L'United States Geological Survey (USGS) avertit que Milton pourrait aggraver les dommages déjà causés par l'ouragan Hélène, mettant en péril 1320 kilomètres de côtes. La Floride doit repenser son rapport au littoral face à la montée des eaux et à l'érosion accélérée.
Préparations et évacuations La Floride se trouve à un tournant de son histoire, estime ABC News. Face à la montée des eaux, à l’accélération de l’érosion, elle doit repenser son rapport au littoral. Le développement côtier effréné et l’altération des écosystèmes naturels ne font qu’aggraver une situation déjà précaire. Les autorités locales et fédérales appellent à la vigilance maximale. Les habitants des zones à risque doivent se préparer à une éventuelle évacuation, constituer un kit de survie et suivre les instructions des services de secours. Les responsables politiques exhortent les résidents à évacuer les zones d'impact immédiat. Jane Castor, maire de Tampa, a déclaré sur CNN : "Si vous choisissez de rester dans l'une des zones d'évacuation, vous allez mourir". Joe Biden a également insisté sur la nécessité d'évacuer, affirmant que c'est une "question de vie ou de mort".
Conséquences économiques
L'ouragan Milton pourrait avoir des conséquences économiques considérables. Les inondations risquent de causer des dommages importants aux infrastructures, aux entreprises et aux habitations, entraînant des pertes financières significatives. Le secteur du tourisme, essentiel pour l'économie de Floride, pourrait aussi être durement touché.
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Boby Dean pour DayNewsWorld |
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PRIX NOBEL DE MEDECINE 2024DECOUVERTE DES MICRO-ADN
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Le prix Nobel de médecine 2024 a été décerné aux éminents chercheurs Victor Ambros, de l'UMASS Chan Medical School aux États-Unis, et Gary Ruvkun, de la Harvard Medical School aux États-Unis. Ces deux scientifiques ont été honorés de cette prestigieuse distinction pour leur découverte révolutionnaire des micro-ARN, de minuscules molécules présentes dans nos cellules
La découverte des micro-ARN a profondément transformé notre compréhension du fonctionnement biologique de notre corps. Elle a non seulement élargi nos connaissances fondamentales, mais a également ouvert un champ scientifique entièrement nouveau, donnant naissance à de nombreuses perspectives pour le développement de traitements innovants.
Les micro-ARN : régulateurs essentiels des gènes
Les micro-ARN jouent un rôle crucial en tant que régulateurs dans nos cellules, lesquelles sont les éléments de base de notre corps. Ces petites molécules influencent l'expression de notre ADN, le matériel génétique, en déterminant quelles parties doivent être actives et quelles parties doivent rester silencieuses. Pour simplifier, les micro-ARN agissent comme un bouton de volume sur une chaîne hi-fi : ils régulent l'intensité de l'activité des gènes en fonction des besoins de l'organisme.
Pour mieux comprendre, l’ADN peut être imaginé comme une longue chaîne constituée de plus petites unités appelées nucléotides. Ces nucléotides sont de quatre types, symbolisés par les lettres A (Adénine), T (Thymine), G (Guanine) et C (Cytosine). La séquence de ces nucléotides forme des gènes, qui contiennent les informations nécessaires à la fabrication des protéines, éléments essentiels de la vie.
Bien que toutes nos cellules contiennent les mêmes molécules d'ADN, avec environ 3 milliards de paires de bases, les micro-ARN régulent quelles parties de cet ADN sont actives ou inactives. Ce processus, appelé régulation génique, est essentiel pour la différenciation cellulaire, expliquant pourquoi nos cellules ne sont pas identiques et remplissent des fonctions diverses malgré un ADN identique. C’est grâce à cette régulation que différentes parties de notre corps peuvent avoir des apparences et des fonctions différentes.
Les micro-ARN dans le développement et les maladies
Il existe des milliers de micro-ARN différents dans nos cellules, chacun jouant un rôle dans divers processus biologiques tout au long de notre vie. Par exemple, ils sont impliqués dès les premières étapes de la vie, guidant le développement de la cellule unique résultant de l'union d'un spermatozoïde et d'un ovule vers un être humain complet composé de multiples tissus et organes.
En grandissant et en vieillissant, les micro-ARN continuent de réguler l'activité de nos gènes pour maintenir notre santé. Ils ajustent finement les processus cellulaires en fonction des besoins, ce qui est essentiel à notre bien-être. Cependant, lorsque les micro-ARN dysfonctionnent, cela peut entraîner des conséquences graves.
Les micro-ARN sont impliqués dans diverses maladies, dont certaines sont particulièrement difficiles à traiter ou pour lesquelles il n'existe actuellement aucun traitement efficace. C’est le cas par exemple de certains types de cancers et de maladies neurologiques telles que la maladie d’Alzheimer et la maladie de Parkinson. En étudiant le rôle des micro-ARN dans ces maladies, les scientifiques espèrent développer de nouveaux traitements.
Les chercheurs explorent également l’utilisation des micro-ARN ou de molécules ciblant les micro-ARN comme traitements potentiels. Des découvertes récentes montrent que certains micro-ARN peuvent désactiver les cellules cancéreuses avec une grande efficacité, ouvrant la voie à de nouveaux types de thérapies.
Ainsi, la découverte des micro-ARN par Victor Ambros et Gary Ruvkun représente une avancée majeure en biologie et en médecine, offrant de nouvelles perspectives pour comprendre et traiter une multitude de maladies. |
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Paul Emison pour DayNewsWorld |
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UNITED STATES HURRICANE HELENE DEADLIEST SINCE KATRINA | The death toll from Hurricane Helene, which hit the southeastern United States on September 26 and 27, 2024, continues to rise according to the latest information released by the American authorities. The total number of victims has now exceeded 200 deaths. To date, there have been precisely 100 deaths in North Carolina, 41 in South Carolina, 33 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, 11 in Tennessee and 2 in Virginia.
However, the authorities fear that this number will continue to rise, as hundreds of people are still missing. Some of them may simply be unreachable due to severely damaged communications infrastructure. In addition, nearly 1.3 million residents remain without electricity as of October 4, and repairs could take several weeks.
This hurricane was the deadliest to hit the United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which killed more than 1,800 people, including in the New Orleans area and along the southern coast of the country.
Unprecedented flooding
Hurricane Helene, which ravaged the southeastern United States from September 26 to 29, 2024, brought flooding of historic proportions. Upon reaching the coast in the Big Bend region of Florida, Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, causing considerable damage due to its strong winds and torrential rains. Although it gradually weakened as it moved north, the record rainfall it generated left a catastrophic mark on the entire region, all the way to the southern Appalachians.
In North Carolina, for example, the town of Busick recorded up to 31 inches of rain, an amount equivalent to six months of typical rainfall. Flood levels far exceeded those of the 1916 floods, which had set many records. This was compounded by soils already saturated from the rains of the previous weeks. The massive rainfall, which fell on large watersheds and mountainous areas, quickly rushed down into the valleys, sweeping away everything in its path.
Joe Biden visits disaster areas
US President Joe Biden, along with his Vice President Kamala Harris, traveled to the storm-ravaged states. The visit comes as Harris is campaigning for the November presidential election, and former President Donald Trump is using the disaster response as a talking point in his own campaign.
President Biden has stressed the scale of the rebuilding effort, saying that “billions of dollars and years” will be needed to repair the damage. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has also warned that some communities have been completely destroyed.
Biden has traveled to Florida and Georgia, two of the hardest-hit states that will also be key states in the November 5 presidential election.
He has announced that 1,000 additional military personnel will be deployed to bolster relief efforts, in addition to the emergency workers and National Guard already on the ground. The southern Appalachians, in particular, remain isolated, with many communities completely cut off from the world.
The president has also warned of the role of climate change in making these extreme weather events more severe and frequent.
Political and electoral implications
The impact of this natural disaster on the upcoming presidential election remains difficult to gauge. According to a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University between September 25 and 29, Donald Trump is leading in Georgia with 50% of voting intentions against 44% for Kamala Harris. In North Carolina, the gap is narrower, with Trump collecting 49% against 47% for the Democrat.
The hurricane and its aftermath could nevertheless influence the final days of the campaign. |
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Emily Jackson for DayNewsWorld |
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JULIA ROBERT SOON TO BE AN HONORARY CESAR
FOR HIS ENTIRE CAREER | Julia Roberts will receive an honorary César on February 28, 2025 at the Olympia, during the evening chaired by Catherine Deneuve. The 56-year-old American actress was revealed to the general public in the film “Pretty Woman” which earned her her first Golden Globe. The actress continued in this line of cult romantic films with “My Best Friend's Wedding” and “Notting Hill”, alongside Hugh Grant.
She "fascinates, she is a source of inspiration and an icon of world cinema," the Académie des César said in a statement. Julia Roberts is not just a star, Julia Roberts is not just a movie star, she is also an iconic figure in popular culture and her influence extends well beyond her performances."
An actress who can play anything
What makes Julia Roberts a great actress above all is her versatility between genres.
Julia Roberts has had "numerous successes, with roles as varied as they are unforgettable," adds the Academy. With cult rom-coms, such as My Best Friend's Wedding and Notting Hill, but also dramas, including The Pelican Affair and Erin Brockovich, alone against all.
Julia Roberts plays a whistleblower, and will receive an Oscar for her deep and moving performance.
She shares the bill with great actors like Roger Gere, George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
A committed actress
Much more than an actress, Julia Roberts is an icon. After Kate Winslet and Anne Hathaway, she has become the face of Lancôme. The president of Lancôme international, Youcef Nabi, justified this choice: “Her exceptional talent, her influence and her strong commitments resonate perfectly with the values of Lancôme.”
An ambassador for UNICEF, she has been involved in many humanitarian causes around the world. The star has also been committed to the cause of women as well as the environment.
The Honorary César Awards are awarded each year to cinema personalities whose careers have left their mark on the seventh art. |
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Kate White for DayNewsWorld |
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THE ISRAELI DEFENSE SYSTEM
ON ALERT | On Tuesday, October 1, Israel was hit by a major wave of Iranian missiles, marking Tehran's first major response since the Jewish state dealt a severe blow to its ally, Lebanese Hezbollah, by eliminating several Hezbollah leaders and launching a ground operation in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military said that nearly 180 missiles were fired. However, human and material damage was limited. According to the authorities, a Palestinian was killed in Jericho after being hit by missile debris, and two others were lightly injured. Iran, for its part, claims that 90% of its ballistic missiles hit their targets.
Despite the interception of an unspecified number of missiles by Jordan and the United States, Israel remains largely autonomous in managing its defense thanks to a series of sophisticated anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems. These systems form a multi-layered barrier that protects cities and strategic sites such as military bases and energy infrastructure.
Iron Dome: A vital shield
Since its deployment in 2011, Iron Dome has intercepted more than 5,000 rockets with a success rate of over 90%. These mobile batteries provide continuous protection of Israeli territory within a radius of 70 kilometers. When the radar detects a rocket or shell, it determines whether the trajectory poses a threat to a populated area and then orders the launch of an interceptor missile.
However, this effective protection comes at a cost. Each Tamir interceptor missile costs about $50,000, while Hamas’ homemade rockets, often made from agricultural fertilizer, cost much less. A naval version of Iron Dome, called C-Dome, was also deployed for the first time on April 9 on Israeli Navy corvettes.
The Arrow system against ballistic missiles
In this Iranian attack, it was the Arrow system that played a crucial role in intercepting the ballistic missiles. This system, developed jointly by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, has been in service since 2000, with its most recent version, the Arrow 3, introduced in 2017. The Arrow 3 is described as the world's first fully autonomous and operational anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) system.
In October 2023, an Arrow missile reportedly intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile outside the Earth’s atmosphere, an unprecedented feat. However, this cutting-edge technology comes at a high cost: each missile fired costs around $3.5 million. By 2025, Germany is expected to acquire this system to protect itself against the threat of Russian ballistic missiles.
The Iron Beam
The Iron Beam could well represent the future of Israeli missile defense. This system, operational since 2023, is designed to complement the Iron Dome by destroying drones and rockets, in order to prevent any saturation of defenses. It works by directing a laser beam at a target for several seconds to explode it.
Although expensive to develop, the Iron Beam has the advantage of having a much lower cost of use, estimated at only a few dollars per shot. However, its effectiveness is dependent on weather conditions: the laser works optimally in clear weather, but its performance decreases in the presence of clouds or fog.
Systems of great efficiency and essential to the survival of the Hebrew state.
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Alize Marion for DayNewsWorld |
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AUSTRIA
THE FAR RIGHT AT THE GATES OF POWER | Political earthquake in Austria. The "Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs" (FPÖ), the Freedom Party of Austria, came out on top in the parliamentary elections this Sunday, for the first time in its history.
The far-right party emerged as the country's leading party with 29.2% of the vote according to the Austrian Interior Ministry's tally. This represents a jump of almost 13 points compared to the previous election.
"Enjoy this result. This is a piece of history that we have written together today," Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl told his supporters in Vienna.
“What we have accomplished is beyond my wildest dreams.”
The FPO party, which is Eurosceptic and favours Russian positions, had narrowly dominated the conservative People's Party (OVP) of the ruling Chancellor Karl Nehammer in the polls for months, during a campaign dominated by immigration and concerns about the economy.
Founded by former Nazis, the far-right party came ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservatives (26.5%) and the Social Democrats of the SPÖ (21%). The Austrian liberals of the Neos party and the environmentalists obtained 9% and 8% of the vote respectively.
"It's a black day for democracy," said SPÖ General Secretary Klaus Seltenheim.
The turnout was exceptionally high. According to the Interior Ministry, 74.9% of voters turned out to vote.
A policy of "remigration"
Weakened five years ago by the Ibizagate corruption scandal, the Austrian far right has made a spectacular comeback, riding the wave of opposition to anti-Covid measures among a section of the population. Kickl, who forged an alliance with Orban this year, is opposed to sending aid to Ukraine and wants sanctions against Russia to be lifted, arguing that Vienna is suffering more than Moscow.
More radical than the RN in France, the party also bet on the war in Ukraine and the population's fear of seeing Austria gradually lose its status as a neutral country.
Throughout his meetings, party leader Herbert Kickl also advocated the implementation of a policy of
"remigration" to Austria.
The leader did not hesitate to present himself as "the people's chancellor" during the campaign.
An expression previously used by the Nazis.
What coalition ?
The victory of the Austrian far right does not mean that it will necessarily enter the government.
In a televised discussion with the FPO leader, Chancellor Nehammer reiterated his opposition to forming a government with Herbert Kickl, but did not rule out the idea of working with the FPO as a party.
The Conservatives have significantly toughened their immigration policy in recent years and are already working with the far right in three regions of the country.
The other Austrian parties, in unison, rejected a coalition with Kickl. Insisting on his party's victory, Herbert Kickl said he was ready to talk with all parties.
The victory of the FPO, which is critical of Islam and in favour of tougher rules for asylum seekers, follows electoral successes of the far-right in other European countries, notably the Netherlands, France and Germany.
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Boby Dean for DayNewsWorld |
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TSUCHINSHAN-ATLAS
THE SPECTACULAR COMET OF 2024
READY TO DAZZLE THE NIGHT SKY | On September 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., a rare and fascinating event took place millions of kilometers from Earth:
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has reached its closest point to the Sun, a decisive milestone in its long journey that began several million years ago.
If it survives this perilous approach, this comet could offer a dazzling spectacle from mid-October 2024. Its fate remains uncertain, however, and everything will depend on its ability to resist the immense forces of gravity and heat exerted by our star.
A discovery at the edge of the solar system
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known scientifically as C/2023 A3, was discovered in January 2023 by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, which gave it the first part of its name.
However, official confirmation of its existence was made by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in South Africa, which added the second name to this cosmopolitan comet.
These two astronomical installations, located on two continents, have collaborated to reveal the existence of this ancient traveler from the confines of our solar system.
Astronomers believe that C/2023 A3 likely originated in the Oort Cloud, a hypothetical region at the outer edge of the solar system, more than 100,000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun (about 9,460 billion kilometers).
This gigantic reservoir of icy bodies and asteroids is thought to house billions of comets orbiting the Sun, some of which occasionally venture into the inner regions of the solar system, as is the case with Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.
A journey of millions of years
What makes this comet so captivating, beyond its mysterious origin, is the length and nature of its journey. Unlike planets or asteroids that follow well-defined orbits around the Sun, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has a so-called "non-closed" orbit.
This means that, according to some astronomical models, this comet could have traveled a phenomenal distance, up to 400,000 times the distance between Earth and the Sun, before approaching us.
Lucie Maquet, an astronomer at the Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation (IMCCE) at the Paris-PSL Observatory, explains that the data collected since its discovery do not allow its entire journey to be accurately reconstructed, due to the limited observation time.
However, its journey through space may have begun millions of years ago, at the dawn of the modern solar system, in regions far further away than the Kuiper Belt.
The Challenge of Survival : Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Facing the Sun
The closest approach to the Sun, or perihelion, is a critical moment for all comets. As Tsuchinshan-ATLAS approached its closest point to the star, it faced intense heat and extreme gravitational pull.
At this distance, the solar temperature causes the ices in the comet's nucleus to sublimate, releasing immense quantities of gas and dust into space.
It is this release that creates the coma, this luminous envelope which surrounds the nucleus, and its long tail, the visual signature of comets.
However, this spectacular phase also carries risks: if the comet loses too much mass or if the structure of its nucleus is too fragile, it could literally disintegrate under the effect of the Sun's gravity. This scenario is not uncommon in the history of comets, and it remains a possibility for Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.
"The whole question is whether this degassing will not be too significant," explains Lucie Maquet, recalling that such disintegration is always a potential danger.
However, there is some good news: Initial observations suggest that C/2023 A3 has a relatively massive core, increasing the chances that it will emerge unscathed from this encounter with the Sun.
A celestial spectacle to come : the comet visible to the naked eye in October 2024
If comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS survives its passage near the Sun, it will offer a rare spectacle to Earthlings from October 13, 2024, this time in the northern hemisphere.
Until now, only observers in the southern hemisphere had a chance to see it with the naked eye, but now it will appear every evening above the western horizon, shortly after sunset.
For lovers of starry skies, this will be a unique opportunity to observe one of the brightest comets of recent decades.
As the comet moves higher into the sky each evening, its spectacular tail should become increasingly visible, offering a rare moment to admire this cosmic traveler.
Equipped with a pair of binoculars and a clear horizon, amateur and curious astronomers will be able to enjoy this astronomical "one shot" .
Uncertainties about the comet's brightness
It is difficult to predict with any precision how bright the comet will be. Early predictions suggested it could reach exceptional brightness, but those estimates have since been revised downward.
Despite this, Lucie Maquet remains confident: "It's a bit of a surprise at the last minute, but in any case it's going to be a brilliant comet, that's for sure."
The next few weeks of observation will tell us more about the size and beauty of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS' tail.
However, after its closest approach to Earth, its brightness is expected to decrease, so the optimal time to observe it will probably be in the second half of October.
Each evening, the comet will shine a little less, but it will continue to capture the attention of astronomy enthusiasts.
The uncertain future of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS : between stars and possible return
After its passage near the Earth and the Sun, the future of the comet is far from sealed. Its orbit, already complex, will be further disrupted by the gravitational forces of the other celestial bodies it will cross, as well as by the loss of mass suffered during its encounter with the Sun.
Some models predict that it could be ejected from the solar system, venturing into the interstellar depths, "getting lost among the stars," according to a bulletin from the Institute of Celestial Mechanics.
However, this ejection is not guaranteed. The Oort cloud, its place of origin, is an environment full of mysteries.
It only needs to encounter another celestial body during its long journey for it to be deflected, and perhaps one day return to the solar system for another close passage of the Sun in thousands, even millions of years.
A unique meeting not to be missed
In summary, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a unique opportunity for humanity to observe an ancient and distant object in our solar system.
Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or just a curious observer, this encounter is not to be missed. It may well leave us forever after this luminous episode, merging into the vast cosmic expanses.
So, keep your eyes fixed on the western horizon starting October 13, 2024, as a magical window will open in our skies, reminding us that we are but humble spectators in the immense cosmic theater. |
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Paul Emison for DayNewsWorld |
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AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL
THE VERY LEFT-WING ECONOMIC PROGRAM
AND DEMAGOGICAL OF KAMALA HARRIS | Many observers tend to describe the Harris-Walz Democratic ticket as the most left-wing since the 1980s. Donald Trump does not hesitate to accuse Harris of "communism", the most controversial political ideology in the country of Uncle Sam. Kamala Harris has indeed presented an economic program aimed at seducing middle- and working-class voters, addressing key issues such as housing affordability, corporate responsibility and tax reform.
Massive inflation has plagued the United States, like the rest of the world, for almost the entirety of Joe Biden’s term. Prices have risen by an average of 20% over the past four years, leading Americans to feel negatively about purchasing power, despite wage increases that have taken place and the fact that inflation is on the way to being curbed, thanks in part to the increase in the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policy rate.
While this increase has prevented economic activity from overheating, it has also made it more difficult for all Americans looking to borrow. In particular, the cost of mortgage credit is now preventing many Americans from being able to buy a home, especially since prices have risen sharply due to the shortage of supply.
Kamala Harris therefore proposes to reduce the cost of living.
The new Democratic candidate avoids the term “inflation” and instead speaks of “the high cost of living.” To combat this, the vice president is counting on an increase in the minimum wage, paid leave for workers, and a tax on businesses. She promises not to raise taxes on households earning less than $400,000 per year and is also proposing a legislative measure that would prohibit the abusive increase in the prices of food and fuel.
Ban on prices considered abusive
To this end, Kamala Harris is talking about a ban on prices considered abusive in relation to production costs, particularly on food products.
It is undoubtedly the economic promise of the Democratic candidate which has aroused the most controversy at this stage, with Donald Trump denouncing a "communist fixing" of prices.
Although measures of this type are already in place in about thirty states, including Republican ones, to deal with occasional excesses by certain producers, there are serious doubts about the ability of this measure to actually lower the prices of the targeted products. A study by the Federal Reserve of San Francisco shows that recent inflation is not really linked to such practices. Moreover, price controls, according to economists, often distort markets by discouraging production and causing shortages or creating black markets.
Tax assistance for families
Kamala Harris proposes tax relief for families.
In particular, she promises to reinstate a tax credit dating from the pandemic for families welcoming a newborn, in the amount of $6,000.
The Democratic candidate is planning aid that would benefit more than 100 million Americans. A tax credit of $3,600 would be paid per child, increased to $6,000 during the child's first year. Low-income workers without children could also get up to $1,500 in tax credits. More broadly, Kamala Harris has pledged that taxes for people earning less than $400,000 a year will not increase.
Improving the housing supply
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many Americans have left their apartments in big cities to move into single-family homes. Mortgage costs have skyrocketed. Kamala Harris is therefore proposing the construction of 3 million new homes to combat the “shortage” in this sector and to combat excessively high rents. Added to this is a promise of $25,000 in aid for first-time home buyers and laws intended to discourage real estate speculation.
The current vice president intends to regulate rents by supporting bills introduced by Democrats in early 2024. One aims to limit the use of rent-setting algorithms, which for big players in the sector are tantamount to agreeing on prices. The other removes tax benefits for buyers of 50 or more single-family homes that are rented out, as such investments are considered predatory.
Limiting the cost of health care
Kamala Harris wants to tackle another expense that could affect Americans’ purchasing power: health care. To do so, she promises to extend to all Americans the assistance that, under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, was granted to beneficiaries of the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and over and the disabled (Medicare) – namely out-of-pocket expenses of $35 per month for insulin treatments and $2,000 per year for prescription drugs.
Kamala Harris also wants to authorize Medicare to accelerate the pace of negotiations with the pharmaceutical industry to lower the prices of the most widely used drugs and, with the same objective, wants to strengthen competition and transparency in this industry.
It also claims to be able to cancel the medical debt of millions of Americans.
Increase in the corporate tax rate
Harris has proposed raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, reversing much of the tax cuts enacted under the Trump administration. The increase is aimed at generating revenue to fund her broader economic agenda, including investments in infrastructure, education and health care.
Harris also promised to impose stricter regulations on big businesses, especially those involved in driving up rents and food prices. She also called for closing tax loopholes that allow the wealthiest Americans and big corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
Harris' team chose to position itself in this way in an attempt to please voters in the Swing States and in the Rust Belt States, which have been hit hard by globalization and are suffering from a drop in purchasing power, and where the working classes are large and fiercely courted in view of the presidential election...
The focus on middle- and working-class issues positions Harris as a champion of the “average American,” a strategy aimed at countering the populist appeal of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. The choice of her running mate, Tim Walz, supports this because he represents the average American, the normal person, in opposition to Trump and Vance.
These proposals seek to appeal to the left wing of the Democratic Party, in a sort of continuity of the policies initiated under Joe Biden's mandate, but even more to the left and some of them more demagogic. |
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Andrew Preston for DayNewsWorld |
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HEZBOLLAH
"A MINI-STATE WITHIN THE LEBANESE STATE" ? | The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is intensifying. Since Monday, September 23, 2024, nearly 600 deaths and thousands of injuries have been reported in Lebanon, following Israeli strikes, mainly concentrated in the south of the country and the Bekaa Valley. The two sides have been fighting continuously since the simultaneous explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members, which occurred on September 17 and 18, 2024.
Hezbollah, also known as the Party of God, is a Lebanese Shiite Islamist religious political party and paramilitary group. Its paramilitary activities are overseen by the Central Jihad Council. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by many states.
The Origins of Hezbollah
Hezbollah's origins date back to the early 1980s during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Created with Iranian financial and military assistance in 1982, just three years after the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Hezbollah emerged in the midst of the Lebanese War, when Beirut and the south of the country were occupied and besieged by Israeli forces.
Hezbollah is suspected of involvement in various attacks in Lebanon during the civil war, including against the French and Americans in 1983. More recently, the party was accused of being behind the attack targeting former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2015, which seriously destabilized the country.
The party's dream is to establish an Iranian-style Islamic state, but Lebanon's sectarian mosaic is hampering this project.
The Party of God is the only Lebanese political party that kept its weapons after the end of the civil war in the 1990s, while all other parties were disarmed. The party kept its weapons in the name of "resistance against Israel", whose army gradually withdrew from Lebanon until it evacuated the south of the country in May 2000 after 22 years of occupation.
During the civil war, Hezbollah operated in the absence of the official state, particularly in the south of the country, a predominantly Shiite region that was underprivileged and long neglected by the Lebanese authorities. After the withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon, Hezbollah carved out an important place for itself in the lives of many residents of this region, providing them with basic social services, generally provided by the state, such as health and education.
Hezbollah is described as a mini-state within the state because it operates a series of strategic parallel networks, far from any official control. Hezbollah even has a financial network parallel to that of the state and which operates outside the Lebanese financial system.
Al-Qard al-Hassan, officially registered as a non-governmental organization, offers interest-free microcredits to some 300,000 clients, despite being under US sanctions for nearly 20 years.
Hassan Nasrallah.
Since 1992, the party has been led and embodied by its secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah. This 64-year-old cleric is the object of a veritable cult of personality among his followers, particularly within the Shiite Muslim community from which he comes. Since 2006, he has rarely appeared in public and his place of residence is kept secret.
He patiently developed Hezbollah, armed and financed by Iran, into an essential political force, represented in parliament and government.
Since the start of the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, the man who sports the black turban of the Sayyed, the descendants of the prophet Mohammed to whom he claims to be descended, has opened the front in southern Lebanon to support his Palestinian ally.
Armed organization opposed to Israel in the region.
Hezbollah is the main armed organization opposed to Israel in the region. Its strength is between 40,000 and 50,000 fighters, according to a US Congressional report published Friday, 100,000 fighters according to Nasrallah.
An underground arsenal
After Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah developed a vast network of tunnels for transporting and supplying its militias with sophisticated weaponry. Unlike in Gaza, where most tunnels are dug manually in sandy soil, those in Lebanon have been dug deep into the rock of the mountains, much less accessible than in Gaza and even less easy to destroy.
It stores anti-ship missiles, surface-to-surface missiles and anti-tank missiles, night vision equipment, drones and also to hide their movements. Since the conflict with Israel in 2006, even more sophisticated means have been brought into this region via the Syrian border.
Hezbollah's arsenal is believed to include some 150,000 rockets, according to the US congressional report. Its most powerful and long-range ballistic missiles are believed to be kept underground. Rockets were launched Sunday from areas of southern Lebanon that had been targeted by Israel shortly before, showing how well some of Hezbollah's weapons are concealed.
In addition to this arsenal, Hezbollah is in possession of Fateh-110, Zelzal I and II, and Scud D missiles with which it threatens urban centers throughout Israel. Hezbollah's main supporter and arms supplier is Iran. The group is the most powerful faction of Tehran's "Axis of Resistance," which groups together irregular forces allied across the Middle East. Many of its weapons are of Iranian, Russian, or Chinese designs.
In addition to a parallel army of more than 100,000 fighters and 150,000 missiles, Hezbollah has its own telecommunications network.
Its own telecommunications network
Part of this network was exposed last week after the simultaneous explosions of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging mainly to Hezbollah members. The attack, attributed to Israel by the Lebanese authorities, left 37 dead and more than 3,500 injured, many of them civilians, with the explosions taking place in public spaces such as grocery stores and cafes.
Hezbollah also has another telecommunications network, this one underground, which extends throughout Lebanese territory.
Diversified financing
Hezbollah is said to draw its funding mainly from Iran. The weapons and equipment it uses come from Tehran, and the munitions transit through Syria, where the Party of God is one of the main allies of the Bashar Al-Assad regime. However, Iran is not the only source of income, and Hezbollah is diversifying its means of financing.
Hezbollah's economy also relies on an underground economy (trafficking, smuggling, money laundering) and the infiltration of public institutions to direct decisions and resources to its areas of influence.
Since 2019, Lebanon has been unbanked. A "cash economy" that has forced Hezbollah to adopt a new strategy for capturing money from the diaspora or tourists. Expatriates, no longer able to send funds through banks, must go through transfer companies, mainly controlled by relatives and Christian allies of the Party of God. A commission is thus requested for the exchange of dollars into pounds.
Cocaine has become Hezbollah's second source of funding after Iran, according to an investigation by the newspaper Le Point. The US Treasury lists around 2,000 individuals and companies linked to Hezbollah, making them among the largest drug traffickers in the world.
Among the Lebanese diaspora, estimated at between 12 and 18 million people across the South American continent, Hezbollah has concentrated in the tri-border region (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina), where money laundering, drug trafficking and banditry thrive. Ciudad del Este, in Paraguay, has been one of its strongholds for more than thirty years. In 2018, Brazilian police arrested Ahmed Assad Barakat there, suspected of being one of Hezbollah's financiers.
Today, 40 years after its creation, Hezbollah appears more powerful than ever, even stronger than during its last armed confrontation with Israel in 2006.
Lebanon, for its part, has never been so exhausted and divided. A spillover of the war from Gaza to Beirut would plunge the country into total uncertainty.
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Alize Marion for DayNewsWorld |
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FALL MAKEUP
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For the start of the school year you have the choice between three completely different looks. Makeup follows fashion, fashion week.
We have gothic makeup, nude makeup, arty makeup.
Everyone has their own style, but I recommend arty for an evening or an exceptional event, as we saw on the Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent catwalks.
The gothic makeup is inspired a bit by that of Kate Moss.
For the eyes, choose a black line of eyeliner on the eyelid that is made quite wide; we noticed this on the models at the Chloé or Alexander Sang fashion show.
You can choose to do a smoky eye with matte black eyeshadow like Prada's smoky eye.
There is a new fashion, which is to wear false eyelashes to intensify your look. You can have them done in salons or one that is a pro at this is Atelier du Sourcil.
For the mouth, we enhance it with a plum, matte black, bright red lipstick, we can also use a wine-colored one. What we advise you is to underline yourself with a lip pencil before the lip contour matching your lipstick then to apply your lipstick it will last all day. One who loves this look is Rihanna.Nude Makeup.
It certainly requires beautiful skin. And in the morning it takes less time in the bathroom. So no more time in bed, let's get started. On well-cleaned skin, hide imperfections with a pimple concealer.
Then a little concealer, then apply a BB cream one or two shades above yours.
A little pink blush on your cheekbones, plus a natural lipstick or just lip gloss.
You can put a little mascara on if necessary. There you are, you're ready.
This look was spotted in the Celine, Marc Jacobs and Mc Queen shows . A little secret from the shows was that highlight was often used, it brightens the complexion. There is a very good one at Mac.
Arty makeup is special. It is very flashy, you have to dare to wear makeup this way. On the catwalks, okay, but during the day it is a little more difficult. Keep it for an evening.
We do our makeup in a tribal way. With flashy orange turquoise emerald green eyeliners we make a wide line on the upper eyelid and one just below the eye. Pigmented blush on the orange-tinted cheeks, we can use glittery blush. To finish this look a metallic lipstick. To achieve all these looks, you will find all the makeup there, but at Piggly Wiggly or Walmart you can find these products with Gemay, L'Oréal.
For my part, I would choose the first two looks. |
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Mia Kennedy for DayNewsWorld |
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EARTH WILL HAVE TWO MOONS
AROUND HER FOR TWO MONTHS | Earth will have two moons for two months: a mini-moon in temporary orbit
Starting September 29, 2024, Earth will no longer be accompanied only by its faithful Moon. For a period of two months, a small asteroid will be added to our sky as a "mini-moon," a temporary second moon.
This celestial object, named 2024 PT5, was captured by the gravitational pull of Earth and will complete a single orbit before escaping on November 25, 2024.
Although this phenomenon is rare, it is not entirely unprecedented.
2024 PT5: A discreet but fascinating mini-moon
Discovered on August 7, 2024 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) observation system, which scans the skies for objects that could collide with Earth, 2024 PT5 is a relatively modest asteroid in size.
Measuring about 10 meters in diameter, it is much smaller than the Moon, and its presence will not be noticeable to the naked eye. However, despite its discretion, this asteroid is a subject of major interest for astronomers.
According to Tony Dunn, a well-known amateur astronomer on the X Network (formerly Twitter), 2024 PT5 will complete a single orbit around our planet before being thrown back into interplanetary space. Calculations of its trajectory are being followed with great attention, not only to understand its dynamics, but also to anticipate its future appearances near the Earth.
A mysterious origin:
Arjuna's asteroid belt
According to researchers Carlos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos, from the Complutense University of Madrid, 2024 PT5 could originate from the Arjuna asteroid belt.
This group of celestial objects is distinguished by orbits very close to those of the Earth, making their passages close to our planet more frequent than for other asteroids.
Objects in this group are often studied because they can occasionally be temporarily captured by Earth, before returning to the cosmos.
Rare but not unprecedented phenomenon: a look at past mini-moons
If the Earth will temporarily have a "double moon", this phenomenon, although rare, is not a first. In 2006, another small asteroid was also captured by the Earth's gravity and accompanied our planet for almost a year before returning to space.
More recently, another celestial object also orbited Earth for several years, until its escape in May 2020. These events allow scientists to better understand the gravitational interactions between Earth and objects near our planet.
Regular returns: 2024 PT5 will return
The story of 2024 PT5 with Earth will not end in November 2024. Calculations show that this asteroid will make another pass near our planet on January 9, 2025, although this time it will not be captured in orbit. In addition, it is expected to return even closer in 2055.
These periodic meetings are fascinating for the scientific community, which sees in these temporary mini-moons an opportunity to learn more about asteroids and their gravitational interactions with our planet.
Ultimately, the arrival of 2024 PT5 around Earth offers a window into a natural phenomenon that is both rare and spectacular, a reminder of the cosmic dance that binds Earth to the many objects that populate our Solar System.
Although we cannot observe this mini-moon with the naked eye, its study will undoubtedly provide valuable information to researchers and astronomy enthusiasts. |
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Paul Emison for DayNewsWorld |
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TOWARDS A TIGHTENING OF MIGRATION POLICYIN EUROPE | In June, the rise of far-right parties in the European elections, but also in the legislative elections in France and, more recently, in the regional elections in two eastern German states, the triumph of the Alternative für Deutschland and a left-wing party hostile to immigration, the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht, brought the migration issue back to the forefront.
EU laws are not adapted and no longer suit the "migratory disorders" that France and the continent are experiencing, Bruno Retailleau said in an interview on TF1 on Monday 23 September.
"[We must] review European texts which are no longer at all suitable today, I am thinking for example of the 'returns' directive: it was designed around twenty years ago, everything has changed [so] we must also change the European rules," stressed the new minister.
The position of the new French government thus joins those of the EU countries that have recently attacked Brussels' migration policy. Last week Olaf Scholz re-established border controls in Germany, Sweden is offering €30,000 to migrants who intend to return to their country of origin and the Netherlands refuses to implement the European Migration Pact. Hungary and Italy also implement repressive programs in terms of migration.
A review of Schengen
Bruneau Retailleau also seems to want to tackle another issue, that of the overhaul of the Schengen agreements, which theoretically allow the free movement of people in all EU states.
"We have been implementing border controls since November 2015 [following the terrorist attacks in Paris]. Let's see how far we can go [to make these controls permanent]," said the French Interior Minister.
Eight states currently have border controls in place, most of them citing "migration pressures".
"What a socialist chancellor does [in Germany], what a socialist minister does in Denmark, what a socialist prime minister does in the United Kingdom, that should concern us," confirmed Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Sunday, September 22.
European law allows temporary border controls provided that they are justified to the European Commission. Making them permanent would require a change in European law.
Germany has in fact invoked a provision of the Schengen Treaty that allows for the implementation of mobile border controls for a period of six months in the event of an emergency. In the eyes of the German government, this emergency situation is justified by the recent events that have shaken the country, in particular the attack perpetrated in Solingen two weeks ago by an illegal, radicalised Syrian who should have been expelled a long time ago. The series of deadly attacks committed by radicalised refugees, in May in Mannheim and in August in Solingen, pushed the government coalition to act quickly. By the end of the summer, emergency measures were adopted, in particular the reintroduction of controls on all German borders from 16 September, the expulsion of twenty-eight Afghans, as well as a reduction in the social benefits granted to certain refugees. This change of direction represents a radical shift for Germany, which until then considered itself one of the most welcoming countries in Europe.
"We can form a kind of alliance with other countries that want more firmness on immigration," said Bruno Retailleau, suggesting that actions could be taken at the European level. The new French minister, for example, suggested a revision of the Pact on Asylum and Migration, adopted last April after years of stormy negotiations.
The latter aims to strengthen the Union's response to irregular migration, to better share responsibility for controlling the EU's external borders with the states of first entry, through a "solidarity" mechanism, and to implement "pre-selection" checks before irregular migrants set foot on European territory. The Asylum and Migration Pact is theoretically to be implemented over the next two years.
Bruno Retailleau also announced that he would seek to conclude new migration agreements with the Maghreb countries, based on the model of the cooperation established between Italy and Albania, and to rewrite the Paris-Algeria bilateral agreement which lifts visa requirements for Algerians wishing to settle in France.
Now, the political trend is towards a new tightening of migration policy, shared between Brussels and the capitals of the Twenty-Seven. It will be up to Magnus Brunner, Austria's new Commissioner-designate for Home Affairs and Migration, to coordinate the EU's response to avoid political fragmentation on the continent |
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Jenny Chase for DayNewsWorld |
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AUTUMN DISH
SWEET POTATO AND CHICKPEA PUREE | Homemade mash is already a joy, but in its sweet potato-chickpea version, it surprises as well as comforts.
Mix together cooked sweet potato and chickpeas with a little walnut oil.
Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes
Number of people 6 people
Preparation time 20 min.
Cooking time 25 min.
Calories 327 cal/pers.
Ingredients
.1 sweet potato . 6 potatoes . 1 lime . 1 knob of ginger
2 tablespoons of agave syrup . pepper from the mill . butter
Unfolded
Peel and wash the vegetables, cut them into pieces and cook them for 20 to 25 minutes in boiling salted water.
Finely grate the lemon zest and squeeze its juice. Grate the piece of ginger.
Drain the vegetables, add a good knob of butter, pepper, the zest and juice of the lemon, the grated ginger, the agave syrup and mash everything with a potato masher.
Serve with roasted and crushed dried fruits.
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Marie-Chantal de Verneuil for DayNewsWorld |
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ISRAELI STRIKES AGAINST HEZBOLLAHIN LEBANON INTENSIFIED | The Israeli army said Monday evening that it had struck "more than 1,100 targets" of the Hezbollah terrorist movement in the last 24 hours in Lebanon, where cross-border exchanges between the army and the Lebanese Islamist movement have increased in intensity in recent days.
"The army has struck more than 1,100 targets in Lebanon in the last 24 hours," it said in a statement, specifying that these were "buildings, vehicles and infrastructure where rockets, missiles, launch pads (of rockets) and drones constitute a threat" to Israel.
"We are targeting primarily the combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for twenty years," said army chief of staff Gen. Herzi Halevi, adding that the army was "preparing for the next phases" of the operation, according to an army statement.
Hezbollah's commander for the southern Lebanon front with Israel, Ali Karaké, was also targeted by an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday evening, a source close to the pro-Iranian group said. Ali Karaké is Hezbollah's military number three, the source added, without being able to specify his fate. The number two, Ibrahim Aqil, was killed in an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs on Friday and the number one, Fouad Chokr, in a similar raid on this Hezbollah stronghold on July 30.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health said the strikes killed at least 274 people, including 21 children, according to the latest report. The Israeli strikes also injured around 5,000 people "in less than a week," according to the same ministry.
Netanyahu's War Aims
By targeting this region of Lebanon, Israel is mainly seeking to push back and weaken Hezbollah, Hamas' unconditional supporter in the war in Gaza. The day after the Hamas attack, on October 8, 2023, the Shiite movement Hezbollah opened a front against Israel in "support" of Hamas, vowing to continue attacking Israel "until the end of the aggression in Gaza."
For a year now, cross-border clashes between the IDF and Hezbollah have been taking place almost daily, so much so that the Israeli population of northern Israel fled in October 2023 and has still not returned.
On Thursday, after Israel's bombing of Hezbollah's communications devices, Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the "return of the people of the north [of Israel]" was a new war objective. "No country in the world would accept that its cities are under continuous rocket fire. We do not accept it either. We will take all necessary actions to restore security and bring our people home," the leader justified.
Hezbollah strongholds targeted
Benjamin Netanyahu made good on his threats on Monday by launching a massive wave of strikes against Hezbollah facilities. A military official said the Israeli army was currently focusing "only on the air campaign" against Hezbollah, whose strongholds are in southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the east of the country.
The first objective of Monday's operation is to "reduce threats" from Hezbollah, the second is to push Hezbollah back from the Israeli border to the north, and the third is to destroy infrastructure built near the border by the Radwan unit, Hezbollah's elite force, a military official detailed at a press conference.
Warnings have been issued to the Lebanese population by the Israeli army. "We advise civilians in Lebanese villages located in or near buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes, such as those used to store weapons, to immediately seek shelter for their own safety," army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said at a press briefing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was reversing the "balance of power" in the north of the country.
"Israel's policy is not to wait for threats but to anticipate them, which is what we are doing," he said at a security meeting in Tel Aviv, according to a statement from his office.
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Carl Delsey for DayNewsWorld |
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STORM BORIS DEADLY FLOODS
IN CENTRAL EUROPE | Central and Eastern Europe is counting its dead in September 2024 after the passage of the devastating storm Boris which left at least fourteen dead, thousands of homeless people and immense damage that is still difficult to estimate.
Incessant rains, swelling the watercourses and rivers, have been shaking the region since Friday, which deplores thousands of inhabitants evacuated, sometimes by helicopter, some having taken refuge on the roofs of their houses or their cars.
Impressive figures
A few figures on rainfall allow us to understand the scale of this meteorological event.
Over 72 hours, up to 430 mm were recorded in the north of the Czech Republic and 200 mm in Austria. 464 mm fell in Serak in the Czech Republic, 382 mm in Sankt Pölten in Austria, 255 mm in Marktschellenberg in Germany, and 188 mm in Bielsko-Biala in Poland.
The German weather institute DWD reports that "40 to 80 litres of water per m² are still expected by Tuesday morning in the areas already affected, locally more than 100 litres of water per m²".
The meteorological phenomenon that causes these rains is a cold drop, a mass of cool air isolated in a warmer atmosphere. This phenomenon causes intense precipitation and a more or less violent drop in temperatures.
The storm caused massive power outages, disruptions to the transportation network and mass evacuations of residents everywhere.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that he would hold talks with officials from other countries affected by the floods later today. At the same time, "we will encourage the European Union to finance the damages," Tusk said.
This event is historic, both in terms of the intensity of the rainfall and the extent of the flooded areas. |
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Boby Dean for DayNewsWorld |
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ALL ABOUT THE EXPLOSION OF HUNDREDS
BEEPERS USED BY HEZBOLLAH | Scenes of chaos across the country. Hundreds of beepers (radio communication devices) used by Hezbollah exploded simultaneously across Lebanon on Tuesday, September 17, killing at least twelve and injuring nearly 2,800 members of the Lebanese Islamist movement and their relatives, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. "Dozens of Hezbollah members were injured in the southern suburbs of Beirut," the Islamist group's stronghold, and "in southern Lebanon by the explosion of their beepers," another source close to the party said.
In the eastern Bekaa plain, also a stronghold of the Islamist group, there were also reports of "dozens of injured" in the explosion of their pagers in this region. A little girl died from these injuries.
Among the victims of the explosions were the son of a Hezbollah MP and the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, who was slightly injured.
Hezbollah had asked its members to stop using cell phones to avoid Israeli hacking and to use pagers to reach their units and communicate with each other.
Hezbollah quickly accused Israel of being "entirely responsible" for what it presented as a coordinated attack. Israel, blamed by Hezbollah, has not made any comment on the event.
Technological snub for Hezbollah
How could hundreds of beepers have exploded in salvos in the hand, pocket or backpack of their owner? Were the devices hacked remotely or were they previously tampered with? The number and timing of the explosions undermine the idea of a technical problem.
The theory currently favoured by many experts is that of a "supply chain attack": an attack on the logistics chain, i.e. a modification or exchange of the devices during their manufacture or at a stage of their delivery. An explosive charge that could be activated remotely using a specific signal would then have been integrated into the beepers.
The hypothesis of a bomb placed in advance is all the more credible since there are precedents. Elijah J. Magnier, military analyst, also recalls on X that "Israel has a history of using booby-trapped explosive devices to target individuals and groups considered threats, particularly in conflicts with Palestinian factions and Hezbollah."
He is leaning towards the use of very powerful explosives such as "cyclotrimethylene trinitramine" or "pentaerythritol tetranitrate" of which "a small quantity can generate a high-speed explosion".
In 1996, Yehia Ayache, one of Hamas's main bomb-makers, was killed when his telephone exploded, booby-trapped by Israel.
If this hypothesis is valid, the question remains: when the addition of the explosive charge took place: directly in the factory responsible for manufacturing? Was the explosive charge added to the devices in transit? Or were the original beepers exchanged for booby-trapped devices during delivery?
An unnamed Hezbollah official told the Associated Press that the beepers were from a brand the group had not used before: Gold Apollo. The Taiwanese group that owns the brand said Wednesday that the devices that exploded were produced and sold by a partner company, BAC Consulting, based in Hungary.
"Our company only provides permission to use the brand and is not involved in their design and manufacturing. (...) The design and manufacturing of the products are the sole responsibility of BAC," Gold Apollo assured in a statement. BAC Consulting is registered in Budapest, but it officially has only one employee, and the official address is a simple mailbox with no physical presence.
According to the New York Times, the pagers were intercepted and modified before reaching Lebanon.
"The explosive material, between 30 and 60 grams, was implanted next to the battery of each pager," as well as a detonator that could be triggered remotely, according to anonymous officials quoted by the American daily. Also according to the American daily, the explosive charge was triggered by a message received at 3:30 p.m. (local time), presented as sent by the leadership of Hezbollah.
More than 3,000 beepers had been ordered by Hezbollah a few days ago. A source close to the movement said that a "shipment of 1,000 devices" had been imported by the Lebanese movement, considered terrorist by many countries.
A Stern Warning to Hezbollah
The Hebrew state, towards which all eyes are turned, surprised the Shiite militia with a remote operation of unparalleled scale and scope. This is the biggest security breach observed to date within the party. This operation demonstrates that Hezbollah has been overtaken technologically," analyzes Janane Khoury, cybersecurity advisor, with L'Orient-Le Jour.
Hezbollah had, in fact, turned to these crude devices precisely to slip under Israeli radar. Today, the attack has helped "mutilate thousands of fighters and perhaps cripple the group's ability to respond if a broader conflict breaks out soon. It has also revealed the identities of the victims, shattering Hezbollah's painstaking efforts to preserve the anonymity of its members," notes The Atlantic.
Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the border area of southern Lebanon has been the scene of almost daily exchanges of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian Islamist movement, which it supports in operations carried out in Gaza.
With 60,000 Israelis forced to flee the north of the country, Israeli officials have been saying for months that Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel are unacceptable and that Hezbollah must be destroyed.
Israel announced on Tuesday its decision to extend the aims of the war to the Israeli-Lebanese border, in order to allow the return of displaced people. The main objectives displayed so far were the destruction of Hamas, in power since 2007 in Gaza, and the return of the hostages. The day before, the Israeli Defense Minister had warned that in the absence of a diplomatic solution, "the only remaining means to guarantee the return of the inhabitants of northern Israel to their homes" would be "military action."
The series of attacks is a stark warning to Hezbollah.
This series of explosions marks an "extremely worrying escalation", fears the UN, which could lead to a conflagration in the region.
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Joanne Courbet for DayNewsWorld |
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MALI MORE THAN 70 DEAD IN TWO JIHADIST ATTACKS AGAINST SECURITY FORCES | The jihadist attacks carried out on Tuesday against a gendarmerie school and the military airport in Bamako, the capital of Mali, caused a dramatic toll of more than 70 dead and 200 injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks in recent years against Malian security forces. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to a security source, the losses amounted to 77 dead and 255 injured. A confidential official document, recognized as authentic, indicates a hundred deaths, specifically mentioning 81 victims. The newspaper **Le Soir de Bamako** announced on its front page that the funerals of around fifty gendarme students will take place this Thursday.
The Malian authorities, dominated by the military junta, have not yet communicated clearly and precisely on the human scale of this tragedy, despite its exceptional nature, thus contradicting their speeches of military success. This attack seriously undermines the junta's claims about the effectiveness of its security strategy.
Failure of the Alliance of Sahel States
Tuesday's attacks come the day after the first anniversary of the Alliance of Sahel States, a coalition formed by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, three countries led by the military following successive coups since 2020, having broken with the former French colonial power. These attacks, among the most violent ever recorded in the capital, deal a severe blow to the legitimacy of the transitional authorities, who had placed the "rise in power of the army" and the "reconquest of the territory" at the heart of their priorities.
The JNIM strike represents a major setback for these authorities, who were quick to highlight the army's successes against the terrorist threat. Two days before the attack, the transitional president welcomed the progress made in defense and security, particularly within the framework of the AES. However, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in the Sahel: attacks on civilians caused more than 3,000 deaths during the first six months of 2024, compared to 2,500 over the same period in 2023, according to the NGO Acled.
Heart of the targeted military system
Beyond the heavy human toll, the double attack by JNIM is also symbolically striking, targeting key military infrastructure. As Mohamed Amara, an expert in security and sociology, analyses, "by striking the gendarmerie school and the 101 air base adjacent to the airport, the terrorists have struck the heart of the military system in Bamako". According to him, an attack of this magnitude, thus exposing the vulnerabilities of the Malian security system, is unprecedented.
In addition, observers highlight the symbolic significance of the date chosen by the attackers: the attack took place on the anniversary of the national gendarmerie, and just after that of the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States. According to expert Wassim Nasr, this synchronization aims to morally weaken the Malian armed forces.
War on several fronts
For Niagalé Bagayoko, president of the African Security Sector Network research center, "the complexity of the current situation lies in the fact that several fronts are open in Mali". The Malian army is fighting not only jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, but also armed groups from the North with autonomy claims, often also described as "terrorists" by the authorities.
These groups, mainly composed of Tuaregs, had been pushed back from their stronghold in Kidal by the Malian army and their Russian allies of Wagner, almost a year ago. However, last July, they inflicted a severe defeat on the Malian forces and Wagner in a strategic battle in Tinzaouatène, near the Algerian border.
The military seized power in Mali in two coups in 2020 and 2021, denouncing the inability of civilian authorities to restore security in the country.
They obtained the departure of the French army and the UN force, engaged in the fight against armed Islamist groups, but failed to re-establish security...
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Jenny Chase for DayNewsWorld |
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DONALD TRUMP TARGET OF SECOND ALLEGED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT | This is unprecedented in an American presidential campaign.
Two months after being the target of an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, the former US president, Republican candidate for the November presidential election, was on a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, with donor Steve Witkoff, when shots were fired, Sunday, shortly before 2 p.m. local time (8 p.m. in Paris).
Donald Trump is "safe and sound after gunshots were fired near him," Steven Cheung, communications director for Donald Trump's campaign, said in a statement on Sunday, September 15.
The 78-year-old former president himself sent a text message to the press, via his spokespersons, assuring in capital letters that he was "FINE!" "No one was hurt. Thank God."
The US federal police said in a statement that they were investigating "what appears to be an assassination attempt against former President Trump".
The Secret Service, an elite police unit responsible for protecting presidents, former presidents and high-profile political figures, also announced an investigation into the shooting, which took place "shortly before 2 p.m. (6 p.m. GMT)."
An AK-47 rifle with a scope was found, along with two backpacks and video recording equipment, authorities said. "All of this equipment indicates a very high level of pre-planning," former FBI Assistant Director Andrew McCabe told CNN.
Suspect with a confusing profile
A suspect has been arrested. The man had been spotted by an agent of the Secret Service, the service responsible for protecting public figures, as he brandished a weapon through the fence of the golf course where Donald Trump was playing. The agent opened fire. However, it is not certain that the man used his weapon. He fled before being arrested more than 70 kilometers away by the police.
When he was arrested Sunday, the man did not resist police, was unarmed, and did not ask why he was being arrested, Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder told a local news outlet.
According to American media, this is Ryan Wesley Routh, originally from North Carolina and living in Hawaii. Information not officially confirmed, for the moment, by the police. This 58-year-old man is not unknown to the police: according to CNN, he has been arrested eight times for petty crime in the United States. He was arrested in 2002 in possession of an automatic rifle, according to the NBC channel.
Ryan Wesley Routh is an independent homebuilder in Hawaii. He is a vocal supporter of the Ukrainian cause against Russia, regularly writing about politics and current events, sometimes criticizing Donald Trump.
Very active on X before his account was suspended, he had called out North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, calling him "very smart and educated", then gave his contact details and offered to host opponents during the protests in Hong Kong. On the subject of the war in Ukraine, he did not hesitate to offer his services, saying he was ready to "fight and die" for Ukraine. He had also explained that his participation in the war between Ukraine and Russia was not possible due to his lack of military experience.
This assassination attempt comes in a turbulent campaign, which has seen in a few weeks the Republican candidate escape a first assassination attempt on July 13, Democratic President Joe Biden throw in the towel and his vice-president Kamala Harris replace him at short notice.
A presidential election that is taking place in a climate of violence and in an unprecedentedly polarized American society.
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Britney Delsey for DayNewsWorld |
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THE CHALLENGE OF GATHERING FOR MICHEL BARNIER
THE NEW REPUBLICAN PRIME MINISTER | By appointing Michel Barnier, a representative of the minority party Les Républicains (LR), as prime minister, President Emmanuel Macron made it clear that “uncensorability” was the decisive criterion for his choice. Macron justified his decision by stating that after testing several other candidates without success, he had ensured “the conditions of stability and the broadest possible unity”. This appointment illustrates a strategic rapprochement between Macronism and the Republican right.
A Macronist rapprochement with the Republican right
This nomination indeed reflects a rapprochement between Macron and the Republican right. Michel Barnier has necessarily received the support of Les Républicains (LR) – even if he is not necessarily on the same line as Laurent Wauquiez and the majority of the party.
Although this rapprochement began during the legislative elections with the sharing of certain constituencies in a few departments, it did not result in any common programmatic base or, of course, any commitment to govern together. The Renaissance party also specified in a press release that it was not giving Barnier a "blank check". However, Barnier's appointment guarantees that Emmanuel Macron's political achievements will not be dismantled as the New Popular Front wanted. During his first interview on TF1, the new Prime Minister set out his priorities: controlling migratory flows with concrete measures, revaluing work and avoiding an increase in the French debt. Michel Barnier also stressed the importance of public services in both urban and rural areas, repeating the broad outlines of the "legislative pact" of his party Les Républicains presented in July. Although he supported the postponement of the legal retirement age to 65 during the LR primary in 2021, he refrained from saying whether he would return to the shift from 62 to 64 years adopted in 2023, preferring to open the debate on improving this reform for the most vulnerable, while respecting the budgetary framework. The new tenant of Matignon, during the 2021 primary, had criticized European policy and the Schengen agreements, calling for a strengthening of border controls and a tightening of policies for the expulsion of foreigners. The RN relied on this to say that it had evolved positively. By supporting Barnier, Le Pen avoids appearing responsible for the institutional blockage or the potential disorder and can take on the role of a "responsible" leader.
.“The benefit of the doubt” granted by the RN
For the first time in France, the National Rally is potentially in a position to support a government and negotiate its support for the government. Marine Le Pen's party is waiting to hear the general policy statement in the Chamber before making a decision. On a trip to the Marne, the president of the National Rally declared that Michel Barnier was "a prime minister under democratic surveillance", to whom he gave "the benefit of the doubt" before deciding on a hypothetical censure.
The RN relied on this to say that it had evolved positively. By supporting Barnier, Le Pen avoids appearing responsible for the institutional blockage or potential disorder and can take on the role of a "responsible" leader.
For the first time in France, the National Rally is potentially in a position to support a government and negotiate its support for the government. Marine Le Pen's party is waiting to hear the general policy statement in the Chamber before making a decision. On a trip to the Marne, the president of the National Rally declared that Michel Barnier was "a prime minister under democratic surveillance", to whom he gave "the benefit of the doubt" before deciding on a hypothetical censure.
Radical Opposition of the New Popular Front
The New Popular Front is the only party to censure the future government, led by the right-winger Michel Barnier, even before knowing its composition and the policies it intends to pursue.
But Michel Barnier, with his negotiating skills, may manage to avoid censorship from the PS and the environmentalists with strong commitments in terms of public services, purchasing power and ecological transition...
His challenge will be to maintain governmental stability while respecting the expectations and demands of the various parties and French citizens.
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Garett Skyport for DayNewsWorld |
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AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL
NO FURTHER DEBATE BETWEEN
DONALD TRUMP AND KAMALA HARRIS | There will be no other campaign duel between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Donald Trump announced on Thursday, September 12, 2024 on his social network Truth Social that he was refusing a new meeting with Kamala Harris, two days after a previous debate where the former president was pushed to his limits.
For the former President of the United States, who spoke to the New York Post on Thursday, September 12, a new meeting with the Vice President is not necessary.
"We did two, one against Biden, one against Comrade Kamala. I did really well," he said, adding that "all the polls gave us the victory."
"Kamala should focus on what she should have done over the last four years. There will be no third debate!" he wrote on his social network Truth. Barring another turnaround, the case is therefore closed for both candidates, even if the running mates are expected to debate on October 1.
The Republican candidate said he was unhappy with the way he was treated by moderators during Tuesday's debate, saying David Muir and Linsey Davis fact-checked his remarks five times during the 90-minute debate as he discussed abortion, crime and immigration.
Donald Trump, who notably took up his camp's false accusation that Haitian migrants were eating "cats and dogs" in a city in Ohio (northeast), was corrected by the two ABC journalists, who corrected some of the Republican's statements. "I think the presenters were a disgrace to American journalism...
"It was ridiculous. They didn't challenge her on all these things that they knew were wrong," the 78-year-old candidate said.
The two moderators reportedly did not have the same attitude towards Kamala Harris, who was allowed to speak without interruption, according to the media.
Back in the swing states
After their debate on Tuesday, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are picking up the pace and are racing through the decisive states, looking for the precious votes that could decide between them in about fifty days. Donald Trump resumed his campaign in earnest yesterday with a rally in Arizona, one of the "swing states" of the election.
This southern state could notably swing the Latin American vote. A major issue in the presidential election, and on which Kamala Harris is trying to make up for the ground lost by Joe Biden.
The Wall Street Journal, a center-right daily, cites polls that show the two competitors "virtually tied eight weeks before election day."
A vast majority of voters have already chosen their side and are leaning equally towards the Democrat and the Republican.
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Jaimie Potts for DayNewsWorld |
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NORTH KOREA UNVEILS ENRICHED URANIUM PRODUCTION PLANT | For the first time in its history, North Korea has revealed its production of enriched uranium, a basic element for making a nuclear weapon. The North Korean leader appeared among centrifuges intended for uranium enrichment. The exact date of this visit is not specified. No details are given on the location of these sites. The installation unveiled this Friday seems most likely to be the Kangson site, another top secret nuclear complex near Pyongyang.
It is a rare spotlight on North Korea's nuclear program, the development of which is prohibited by several UN Security Council resolutions.
Kim Jong-un was quoted by the official KCNA news agency as saying that "anti-North Korea nuclear threats" from the United States and "its vassals" had crossed the red line.
The North Korean leader "stressed the need to further increase the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase self-defense nuclear weapons," the agency reported,
The leader urged "promoting the introduction of a new type of centrifuge […] to strengthen the foundations for producing nuclear materials for military use."
Earlier this week, the regime also demonstrated a new missile launcher, larger than previous ones, suggesting that North Korea is developing new types of missiles. Kim Jong-un has promised to equip his country with a missile capable of flying more than 15,000 kilometers by 2025.
North Korea reportedly operates several uranium enrichment facilities, according to South Korean intelligence, including one at the Yongbyon nuclear site. Decommissioned after negotiations, Pyongyang reportedly reactivated it in 2021.
A message to the United States
According to experts, the release of images of uranium enrichment facilities could be aimed at influencing the US presidential election in November.
The images are "a message to the next administration" that "it will be impossible to denuclearize North Korea," according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
"It is also a message asking other countries to recognize North Korea as a nuclear state," he added.
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Alize Marion for DayNewsWorld |
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OPEN CRISIS IN VENEZUELA
OPPOSITION CANDIDATE EDMUNDO GONZALEZ IN EXILE IN SPAIN | Former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez, 75, a rival of Nicolas Maduro in the July 28 election, has decided to take the road to exile. He landed at the military airfield of Torrejon de Ardoz, in the suburbs of Madrid, aboard a plane of the Spanish armed forces.
The departure of Edmundo Gonzalez, considered by the United States, the European Union and other regional powers as the winner of the election, comes a week after Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant for the 75-year-old politician, accused of conspiracy and other crimes.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Instagram that authorities had granted Edmundo Gonzalez safe conduct in an effort to restore "political peace."
A controversial victory
Venezuela's opposition says the July 28 election resulted in a landslide victory for Edmundo Gonzalez and has published online the vote count that it says shows he won.
The opposition believes that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won by a wide margin with more than 60% of the vote.
The National Electoral Council ratified Nicolas Maduro's victory with 52% of the vote in early August, without providing the exact count or the minutes of the polling stations, claiming to have been the victim of computer hacking, something doubted by the opposition and many international observers.
Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly said he is facing an attempted "coup d'état," and has said it is a plot by the right to sabotage his government.
Several deaths during demonstrations
The announcement of Nicolas Maduro's re-election for a third term provoked spontaneous demonstrations, brutally repressed: 25 people died and 192 were injured, with 2,400 arrests according to official sources. More than 1,700 people are still detained; and an arrest warrant against the opposition candidate, for "terrorism" has been issued. 75 years old, Edmundo Gonzales preferred exile to certain prison.
But the battle is not over yet.
Maduro's fragility
The authoritarian regime of Nicolas Maduro is in fact not only contested by the majority of Venezuelans but also by foreign governments, the United States and its allies, particularly European ones. Maduro now also has against him countries led by the democratic left, such as Lula's Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, or Chile.
Maduro's last allies in the region are the authoritarian left, that of Cuba or Nicaragua. The Latin American democratic left calls Maduro a "dictator."
A provisional epilogue to the political crisis opened by the presidential election last July.
"I am convinced that in the near future we will continue the struggle for freedom and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela," Edmundo Gonzalez said in an audio message transmitted in the evening by his team to the press in Caracas.
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Joanne Courbet for DayNewsWorld |
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GERMANY BRILLIANT VICTORY
FROM THE FAR RIGHT TO THE REGIONALS
IN TWO LANDER | For the first time in the history of post-war Germany, a far-right party has come out on top in a regional election. And this With 32.8% of the vote, Björn Höcke easily dislodges the left-wing coalition that has been in place for ten years in the small rural state of Thuringia in the east of the country. He has progressed by more than 9 points compared to 2019 and has established himself as the leading political force ahead of the Social Democrats.
The party of the president of Olaf Schloz (SPD), founded in Thuringia, has seen a clear decline of 2.2 points in this Länder. Where, also, the results of its allies collapse with only 5.1% for the Greens and the FDP (Free Democratic Party). In total, its votes obtained do not exceed 15% in this region.
The AfD also broke records in Saxony, another state of the former GDR, with 30.6% of the vote in Saxony, up six points compared to the last elections in 2019 and hot on the heels of the conservatives.
In addition to the AFD, the camp of opponents of arms deliveries to Ukraine is strengthened by the success of the new BSW party, also very virulent against immigration. Founded before the elections around a radical left-wing figure, Sahra Wagenknecht, it obtained 11.8% in Saxony and 15.8% in Thuringia.
Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Schloz described the results of Sunday, September 1, as "bitter," accusing the AFD of harming Germany, "it weakens the economy, divides society and ruins the reputation of our country," he wrote in a message posted on Facebook.
Chancellor Olaf Schloz called for coalitions without the far right after the regional elections. "These results are worrying […] All democratic parties are now called upon to form stable governments without the far right," the German leader added in his message.
AFD will not be able to lead due to lack of allies
Despite its victories, the AFD is unlikely to be able to govern due to a lack of allies. Even in a country accustomed to coalitions and compromises, no party wants to form an alliance with the movement, as the leadership of the CDU, which came in second, has repeated, confirming its opposition to "any regional government agreement with the AFD". An alliance is equally impossible with the Bündis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), the left-wing party that came in third, which will instead play the role of arbiter in the upcoming negotiations.
In Thuringia, which was the first to bring the Nazis to power in 1932, the AFD would have a blocking minority, allowing it in particular to prevent the appointment of judges.
A country entering recession
The executive is paying for the discontent of a section of public opinion, fueled by inflation and the ecological transition that the government is trying to implement.
The ruling coalition has a poor economic record. The country has entered a recession and GDP declined by another 0.1% between April and June 2024. In addition, the ongoing disputes within the three-party coalition only fuel its unpopularity. The next election will take place on September 22, also in the former GDR, in the state of Brandenburg. It will confirm or not the trend that seems to be taking shape.
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Jaimie Potts for DayNewsWorld |
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THE ISSUES OF THE ARREST OF PAVEL DUROV, FOUNDER OF TELEGRAMM | On August 24, Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested during a stopover of his private jet at Le Bourget Airport in France. French authorities justified the arrest by Durov’s persistent refusal to cooperate with several criminal investigations. These investigations concern illegal activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, and child sex trafficking, for which the criminals allegedly used Telegram as a means of communication.
Pavel Durov, often called the “Russian Mark Zuckerberg,” is known for his success story. Born in 1984 in Saint Petersburg, he has enjoyed meteoric success in the tech world. In 2006, after graduating from university, he co-founded the social network VKontakte with his brother Nikolai, which quickly became the “Russian Facebook” and the most popular social network in Russia.
A long standoff with the authorities
However, the trouble began in 2011, when Russia was rocked by large-scale protests against the Kremlin. The Russian authorities, unhappy with the opposition using VKontakte to organize the protests, demanded that some groups be closed. Durov refused to comply, particularly with regard to the closure of the account of Alexei Navalny, a well-known opponent.
It was at this time that Durov considered creating an encrypted communications network, protected from any external surveillance. In 2013, when special forces besieged his apartment, he realized the need for a secure communication channel to communicate with his brother. Thus, Telegram was born in August 2013.
In 2013, the FSB demanded that VKontakte provide data on members of groups associated with the Ukrainian Maidan protests, including "We Are Patriots of Ukraine" and "Ukrainian Offensive." Durov refused to cooperate, reinforcing his image as a defender of individual freedoms in Russia. Faced with increasing pressure, he sold VKontakte to Kremlin insiders and left the country, choosing to prioritize his personal freedom.
In 2018, Durov continued to resist Russian authorities. He refused to provide Roskomnadzor with the keys to decrypt messages on Telegram. In response, Roskomnadzor attempted to block the application in Russia, but failed. This resistance increased Telegram's notoriety, which is now seen worldwide as a symbol of resistance to censorship attempts.
Freedom at any price
After living a nomadic life with a passport from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Durov finally settled in Dubai in 2017.
The emirate, with its less stringent moderation rules, offers Durov a safe haven at a time when the European Union and the United States are putting increasing pressure on major platforms to remove illegal content.
"I think we're doing a good job with Telegram, with 900 million users that will probably exceed a billion monthly active users within a year," the CEO of the messaging service told Tucker Carlson last April.
The application, which offers encrypted communications, owes its success to its refusal of "censorship" and the confidentiality it offers its users. Telegram's headquarters being located in Dubai, there is currently no control, unlike for example Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp) which is extremely linked to the American state in terms of regulation.
Security and encryption issues remain central to the debate on regulating digital platforms. Telegram stands out for its approach to privacy, notably through end-to-end encryption (E2E). This data protection system ensures that only the sender and recipient of messages can read them. The decryption keys are stored exclusively on the sender and recipient's devices, thus guaranteeing a high level of security. However, this encryption is not enabled by default. Users must manually initiate a "secret chat" for each contact, which complicates its use.
Pavel Durov's relations with the Kremlin have often been the subject of speculation. Although he has regularly denied any collaboration with Moscow, the accusations persist. Last April, Durov dismissed these accusations as "rumors". However, after his arrest, Russian authorities quickly reacted, saying they were taking steps to "clarify the situation".
Telegram’s Role in Russian Propaganda
Despite rocky relations with the Kremlin, there has been a notable calming down since 2018. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Telegram has been widely used by milbloggers (military correspondents) as well as entities linked to the Russian Ministry of Defense, paramilitary groups, and private military companies such as Wagner. This intensive use has made Telegram a key tool of Russian influence, both inside and outside the country, with nearly a billion users.
The network has become a major vector for the dissemination of content related to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, both authentic and manipulated. Telegram has also been used to store videos, share files, and coordinate actions. In the future, it will be interesting to analyze Telegram’s role as an archival source for the conflict in Ukraine, as well as for Russian activities in Africa, where Russian private military companies are very active.
From a financial point of view, Telegram has struggled for several years, operating mainly on Durov’s personal funds. In 2021, the platform introduced advertising on its channels, including announcements about dubious exchange rates, fake news, and cryptocurrencies. In 2018 and 2021, Durov raised $2.5 billion to launch a cryptocurrency and cover the company’s debts.
Telegram’s Russian investors include influential figures such as Roman Abramovich, Sergei Solonin (founder of the Russian payment system Qiwi), and David Yakobashvili (founder of the agribusiness Wimm-Bill-Dann). Yakobashvili has been sanctioned by Ukraine for his ties to the Putin regime. Another investor is Mikhail Fridman, owner of Alpha Capital, whose charity project was once run by Putin’s eldest daughter.
In 2021, VTB Capital, a company 60% owned by the Russian state and headed by Putin’s close friend Andrei Kostin, invested more than $1 billion in Telegram bonds. These multiple financial ties fuel suspicions about connections between Telegram and the Russian government, reinforcing doubts about the platform’s true independence.
Durov's arrest in France for his lack of cooperation in various criminal investigations adds a new layer of complexity to this situation.
Arrested in France for his lack of collaboration in criminal cases ?
Durov, who remains a Russian citizen, obtained the citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2014, then that of the United Arab Emirates and France in 2021. This is the point that explains why, as a naturalized citizen, he falls under French law, which criticizes him for his lack of collaboration – but, unlike Russia, this concerns criminal and not political matters.
In the absence of moderation and collaboration with the authorities, criminals and extremist groups are proliferating there. This is what led to the arrest of the business leader on Saturday in France. The courts are accusing Pavel Durov of not taking action against the criminal uses of his messaging service by his subscribers. Last Wednesday, early in the afternoon, the founder of Telegram was brought before an investigating judge who charged him with "refusing to communicate the information necessary for interceptions authorized by law", complicity in offenses and crimes that are organized on the platform (drug trafficking, pedophilia, fraud and money laundering in an organized gang) and "provision of cryptology services aimed at ensuring confidentiality functions without a proper declaration".
A warning to other leaders...
Released, Pavel Durov is subject to strict judicial supervision with an obligation to pay bail of five million euros, to check in twice a week at a police station and to be banned from leaving French territory.
The French court's decision against the founder of Telegram resonates as a warning to other leaders in the messaging and social networking sector. This message is addressed to figures as influential as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Evan Spiegel (Snap), and Elon Musk (X). Is
this action intended to send a strong signal to the technology industry, while preparing the ground for future legislative initiatives, such as "chat control"? A European regulation, still under discussion, aimed at requiring all encrypted messaging platforms to provide access to European authorities, in order to supervise and monitor communications...
The arrest of Pavel Durov has not failed to trigger a wave of indignation on an international scale. Elon Musk, the boss of X, quickly reacted by posting the hashtag "#FreePavel" on his own platform. He then posted another message in French, chanting "Freedom. Freedom! Freedom ?", thus underlining the gravity of the event and the fundamental issue of individual freedoms in the digital world.
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Garett Skyport for DayNewsWorld |
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THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE UKRAINIAN INCURSION INTO RUSSIAN TERRITORY | Since August 6, the Ukrainian army has been conducting a successful incursion into the Russian region of Kursk, and Ukrainian journalists are now reporting events from this conquered territory.
This Ukrainian counteroffensive, marked by the unprecedented entry of Kiev's troops into Russia, still seems far from having reached its peak. Unlike previous raids, led by the anti-Putin militia of the Russian Freedom Legion last spring, this time the Ukrainian army is deploying some of its most experienced units. Ukrainian forces
have broken through a lightly defended section of the border, about 100 kilometers from Kursk, a Russian city famous for a major Soviet victory over Germany during World War II.
They have reportedly taken control of about 80 localities and advanced about 30 kilometers into Russian territory, occupying an area of about 1,000 square kilometers.
Kiev’s goal
This could involve securing key localities as well as road and rail junctions, thus complicating a possible Russian reconquest. These areas, although reduced compared to initial theories, could also be exchanged for Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation.
Another possibility is that Ukrainian forces withdraw quickly after forcing Moscow to mobilize considerable military resources to secure its border, thus diverting these resources from the fronts in Ukraine.
In addition to boosting the morale of the war-weary Ukrainian population, Kiev could also seek to exchange Russian prisoners captured during this operation for its own soldiers held by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky has thus declared that Ukrainian forces are “replenishing their foreign exchange fund.”
Moreover, Kiev wants to remind the Russians that the war has consequences for them too, and not just for Ukraine. A strong signal to the United States and its NATO allies.
The incursion also sends a strong signal to the United States and its NATO allies. The White House has been reluctant to authorize the use of long-range U.S. weapons to strike Russian territory, fearing a dangerous escalation that would reinforce the Kremlin’s narrative that NATO is a co-belligerent in the conflict. By striking in Russia, Kiev is reminding Washington that its forces are capable of achieving significant results with adequate means, even as the United States’ attention is focused on the upcoming presidential election.
Moscow’s reaction
So far, the Russian response to the Ukrainian incursion tends to confirm Kiev’s claims that fears of escalation are exaggerated. Some Russian officials, such as former President Dmitry Medvedev, have vaguely threatened harsh retaliation, while Kremlin propagandists have claimed that NATO is fighting alongside the Ukrainians in the Kursk region.
Thus, the Ukrainian advance appears to be a rational calculation. Ukraine believes that the international gains, moral and material, justify the risks of Russian retaliation.
From a political perspective, the Ukrainian operation is particularly embarrassing for Vladimir Putin, but so far the Russian public does not seem to be reacting too much.
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Jenny Chase for DayNewsWorld |
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WHEN WILL A MPO PANDEMIC OCCUR ?
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The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared monkeypox, also known as mpox, a public health emergency of international concern. This decision follows the increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the potential for further global spread.
The declaration triggers a coordinated international response to mobilize resources such as vaccines and diagnostic tests to contain the infectious disease. However, the WHO has not declared mpox a pandemic, but the measures put in place are aimed at preventing it from becoming one.
Why was this alert issued ?
MPOX, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection similar to smallpox. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and muscle pain, followed by a rash, mainly on the face, hands and feet.
Alerted by the increase in smallpox cases on the continent, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took the extraordinary step of declaring the ongoing outbreak in several African countries a continental public health emergency. The following day, the WHO declared the outbreak a global health emergency.
These actions were taken after a virulent strain of the virus spread rapidly to 16 countries, affecting six new countries in just 10 days. The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa has been of particular concern for over a year.
Since the beginning of 2024, 15,132 cases of smallpox have been confirmed in Africa, affecting countries such as Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, among others.
In response to this spread, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently declared mpox a continent-wide public health emergency, the first time since its creation in 2017.
There are two main clades of the mpox virus. Clade 2, originating in West Africa, is less severe, with a case fatality rate of about 1%. In contrast, clade 1, originating in Central Africa, is more dangerous, with a case fatality rate of up to 10%.
For comparison, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has a case fatality rate of 0.7%. The Democratic Republic of Congo is particularly affected by outbreaks of clade 1, the deadliest.
MPOX is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, where the virus circulates among animals and can be transmitted to humans. Since 2017, outbreaks have increased, with increased human-to-human transmission. This is partly due to low immunity to MPOX, which is related to the smallpox virus. Indeed, mass vaccination against smallpox ceased more than 40 years ago, leaving the current population vulnerable.
The recent WHO designation specifically concerns clade 1, which not only has a high mortality rate, but also has new mutations that promote human-to-human transmission. Combined with the lack of global immunity to smallpox, these mutations make the global population more vulnerable.
Coexistence of two distinct epidemics
In 2022, an outbreak of MPOX emerged in non-endemic countries, particularly outside Africa. This was a clade 2 variant, originating in Nigeria, designated clade 2b. This variant was primarily sexually transmitted, affecting mostly men who have sex with men, and had a low case fatality rate. This outbreak peaked in 2022, when vaccines became available to at-risk individuals in high-income countries. However, a resurgence was observed in 2024. Meanwhile,
significant clade 1 outbreaks continued in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but attracted less attention. Vaccines were still unavailable there in 2023, when there were 14,626 cases and 654 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 4.5%, higher in children.
In fact, the majority of cases and deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among children, suggesting that most transmission is not sexual in nature, but likely due to close contact or respiratory aerosols.
More transmissible virus evolution.
In 2023, an outbreak in South Kivu, a region in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where the disease was not endemic, revealed a sexual mode of transmission, suggesting the existence of several distinct epidemics and varied modes of transmission in the country. By mid-2024, the number of cases had already exceeded that of the whole of 2023, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths.
With limited testing capacity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the majority of cases are not confirmed by laboratory tests. The available data come from a small sample of genome sequences from the Kamituga region of South Kivu. These sequences show that the clade 1 virus mutated in September 2023 to become clade 1b, a more easily transmissible variant. However, we have little data to compare these viruses with those responsible for cases in the rest of the country.
International spread of smallpox.
In the past month, the virus has crossed the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, spreading to Rwanda, Burundi, and other East African countries, such as Kenya and Uganda, that had never previously had smallpox cases.
In an interconnected world, cases can spread to other continents. Travel-related cases in 2018–2019 may have been the source of the large clade 2b outbreak that affected several countries in 2022.
Although vaccines exist, they are not available where they are needed. Because
the mpox virus and smallpox virus are related, smallpox vaccines provide protection against mpox. These vaccines were used to contain the clade 2b outbreak in 2022. However, a large proportion of the world’s population has never been vaccinated and therefore has no immunity to mpox. The new vaccine (called Jynneos, Imvamune or Imvanex depending on the country) is effective, but supplies are limited and the vaccine is in short supply in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The WHO’s classification of mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” should help mobilise vaccines to where they are most needed. The Africa Centres for Disease Control had already initiated negotiations to secure 200,000 doses of vaccine, an insufficient amount to control the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Now, WHO will coordinate the global response to MPOX, ensuring equity in disease prevention and access to diagnostics and vaccines.
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Abby Shelcore for DayNewsWorld |
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AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL KAMALA HARRIS OR THE ATTRACTION OF NOVELTY
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Three
months before the presidential election, are the first polls causing a
shockwave in the Republican camp? Unexpectedly, Donald Trump finds
himself on his heels in Florida, a stronghold traditionally acquired by
conservatives. Two years ago, Governor Ron DeSantis was well ahead of
his Democratic opponent there with a lead of more than 19 points.
However, new polls published this Saturday in
the United States are changing the situation: Kamala Harris is ahead of
Donald Trump in three key states, reversing the trend observed in recent
months.
50% of intentions in the famous "swing states" for Kamala Harris?
These opinion polls, conducted jointly by the *New York Times* and
*Siena College*, place the current vice-president at the top of voting
intentions in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, three Midwestern
states known for their decisive importance in American presidential
elections, the famous *swing states*. Kamala Harris garnered 50% of the
voting intentions compared to 46% for her Republican rival.
Voters surveyed generally perceive Kamala Harris
as a more competent candidate, describing her as "smarter" and better
prepared to govern the country.
Since the announcement of Joe Biden's withdrawal
from the presidential race, the momentum of the Republican campaign
seems to be running out of steam, especially in the face of renewed
energy on the Democratic side. The nomination of Minnesota Governor Tim
Walz as Kamala Harris' running mate, announced on Tuesday, has also
breathed new life into Democratic supporters.
In just three weeks, Kamala Harris has managed
to do what Joe Biden had not been able to accomplish since the start of
his campaign: position herself at the head of the race, in particular
thanks to the novelty effect.
The program of the new Democratic ticket focuses
on strengthening social protection mechanisms and support for citizens.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Friday, Harris said reducing the
cost of living would be her priority from her first day as president.
She also vowed to crack down on big corporations
accused of price gouging and landlords who unjustifiably raise rents on
working families.Trump still frontrunner at federal level However,
despite these gains for the Democratic candidate, Donald Trump
maintains an advantage on some key issues. The same polls reveal that
the majority of voters give him more confidence on the economy and
immigration. For his part, Trump also advocates for lower consumer
prices.
On Wednesday, he unveiled his economic platform,
emphasizing that each member of his cabinet would focus on this issue
as a priority if he were re-elected. This approach seems to resonate
with voters, since 45% of those polled believe that Trump's economic
policies would improve their financial situation, compared to only 33%
for Kamala Harris.
On the trade war with China, Trump also enjoys
notable support: 43% of those polled believe that he would be better
able to handle this issue, compared to 39% for Kamala Harris. The
economic legacy of "Bidenomics", to which Kamala Harris contributed,
does not work in his favor either. The much-anticipated “Biden Boom” has
not had the desired impact, with 60% of respondents wanting Harris to
take a completely different direction from her predecessor if elected.
Harris’s recent economic proposals, dubbed
“Kamalanomics” and unveiled Friday, have struggled to differentiate
themselves from the Biden administration’s policies, and it remains to
be seen whether they will be able to assuage Americans’ concerns about
the rising cost of living. In 2022, for example, the average price of a
dozen eggs rose to $5.46 (about €4.97), compared to just $0.89 (€0.81)
in 2020.
Inflation persists in the United States, a
factor that has already cost more than one president the re-election,
such as Jimmy Carter, who was defeated by Ronald Reagan in 1980 after a
term marked by inflation reaching 14.5%.
Donald Trump’s campaign quickly responded, questioning the reliability of these polls.
It accuses the surveys of being published with
the deliberate aim of undermining the popular support enjoyed by the
Republican candidate.
This skepticism is not without foundation: in
2016, the polls had significantly underestimated the extent of support
for Trump. Moreover, Kamala Harris’s lead in these polls is within the
margin of error of 4.5 points, which leads some observers to warn
Democrats not to be carried away by excessive optimism.
Indeed, Donald Trump remains the favorite in the federal polls.
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Andrew Preston for DayNewsWorld |
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Three
months before the presidential election, are the first polls causing a
shockwave in the Republican camp? Unexpectedly, Donald Trump finds
himself on his heels in Florida, a stronghold traditionally acquired by
conservatives. Two years ago, Governor Ron DeSantis was well ahead of
his Democratic opponent there with a lead of more than 19 points.
However, new polls published this Saturday in
the United States are changing the situation: Kamala Harris is ahead of
Donald Trump in three key states, reversing the trend observed in recent
months.
50% of intentions in the famous "swing states" for Kamala Harris?
These opinion polls, conducted jointly by the *New York Times* and
*Siena College*, place the current vice-president at the top of voting
intentions in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, three Midwestern
states known for their decisive importance in American presidential
elections, the famous *swing states*. Kamala Harris garnered 50% of the
voting intentions compared to 46% for her Republican rival.
Voters surveyed generally perceive Kamala Harris
as a more competent candidate, describing her as "smarter" and better
prepared to govern the country.
Since the announcement of Joe Biden's withdrawal
from the presidential race, the momentum of the Republican campaign
seems to be running out of steam, especially in the face of renewed
energy on the Democratic side. The nomination of Minnesota Governor Tim
Walz as Kamala Harris' running mate, announced on Tuesday, has also
breathed new life into Democratic supporters.
In just three weeks, Kamala Harris has managed
to do what Joe Biden had not been able to accomplish since the start of
his campaign: position herself at the head of the race, in particular
thanks to the novelty effect.
The program of the new Democratic ticket focuses
on strengthening social protection mechanisms and support for citizens.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Friday, Harris said reducing the
cost of living would be her priority from her first day as president.
She also vowed to crack down on big corporations
accused of price gouging and landlords who unjustifiably raise rents on
working families.Trump still frontrunner at federal level However,
despite these gains for the Democratic candidate, Donald Trump
maintains an advantage on some key issues. The same polls reveal that
the majority of voters give him more confidence on the economy and
immigration. For his part, Trump also advocates for lower consumer
prices.
On Wednesday, he unveiled his economic platform,
emphasizing that each member of his cabinet would focus on this issue
as a priority if he were re-elected. This approach seems to resonate
with voters, since 45% of those polled believe that Trump's economic
policies would improve their financial situation, compared to only 33%
for Kamala Harris.
On the trade war with China, Trump also enjoys
notable support: 43% of those polled believe that he would be better
able to handle this issue, compared to 39% for Kamala Harris. The
economic legacy of "Bidenomics", to which Kamala Harris contributed,
does not work in his favor either. The much-anticipated “Biden Boom” has
not had the desired impact, with 60% of respondents wanting Harris to
take a completely different direction from her predecessor if elected.
Harris’s recent economic proposals, dubbed
“Kamalanomics” and unveiled Friday, have struggled to differentiate
themselves from the Biden administration’s policies, and it remains to
be seen whether they will be able to assuage Americans’ concerns about
the rising cost of living. In 2022, for example, the average price of a
dozen eggs rose to $5.46 (about €4.97), compared to just $0.89 (€0.81)
in 2020.
Inflation persists in the United States, a
factor that has already cost more than one president the re-election,
such as Jimmy Carter, who was defeated by Ronald Reagan in 1980 after a
term marked by inflation reaching 14.5%.
Donald Trump’s campaign quickly responded, questioning the reliability of these polls.
It accuses the surveys of being published with
the deliberate aim of undermining the popular support enjoyed by the
Republican candidate.
This skepticism is not without foundation: in
2016, the polls had significantly underestimated the extent of support
for Trump. Moreover, Kamala Harris’s lead in these polls is within the
margin of error of 4.5 points, which leads some observers to warn
Democrats not to be carried away by excessive optimism.
Indeed, Donald Trump remains the favorite in the federal polls
AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL
THE HARRIS-WALZ DUO | With less than three months to go until the election, the Harris-Walz duo wants to present itself as a complementary ticket likely to appeal to a very broad electorate. Kamala Harris, a black and South Asian woman originally from the California coast, had thus selected only white men among the finalists for the position of running mate, most of them from the interior of the country.
The event included Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, and Mark Kelly, former astronaut and senator from Arizona.
And on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, United States Vice President Kamala Harris called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to ask him to be her running mate in her presidential campaign.
After responding that he would be honored, the first thing Mr. Walz mentioned was “the joy that you are bringing back to the country, the enthusiasm that is spreading.”
Ms. Harris's choice of Mr. Walz confirms and reinforces the change in direction of American politics. In the space of just two weeks, the campaign has shifted.
According to the New York Times, internal polls conducted by Kamala Harris' team indicated that she could win the White House with any of the three finalists at her side. Why then choose Tim Walz, whom she likes to call "Coach Walz." "A guy from the Midwest" who "doesn't really fit the profile of a coastal Democrat, like Kamala Harris, who is from San Francisco" ?
The choice of running mate is often considered relatively unimportant in the construction of a presidential administration. The focus is on what a vice presidential candidate can bring to the election: which states he or she might help win.
The "key states" are well in the sights
Shapiro was indeed the establishment candidate. He was seen as the “safe” choice – someone who could appeal to the center of the American political spectrum, be popular with Republicans, and bring the swing state of Pennsylvania to the table. He was backed by the Democratic Party’s power broker, former President Barack Obama.
But Tim Waltz is also the governor of Minnesota, a state coveted by Donald Trump for the November election. He can speak to white, rural America, but also to small-town America, rural America, what is also called the 'flyover country', over which we fly between the coasts, which feels forgotten and despised by the Democratic elites of the big cities. The choice of Tim Walz is therefore clever because it speaks to voters who are not usual Democratic voters, especially in key states.
By choosing Tim Walz over the other major contender, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kamala Harris is saying a lot about how this campaign will be run and the future of the Democratic Party in general.
A major change within the party
Mr. Walz's choice signals a major shift within the party, one that is led by Ms. Harris.
While the Democratic Party has long been drifting further away from its radical left base, Ms. Harris’ campaign seems to be paying close attention to it. By sidelining the establishment’s favorite candidate, she wants to embody the generational shift that Mr. Biden promised but failed to deliver.
Walz, the Midwest progressive
Walz has been widely touted as the progressive choice. Unlike Mr. Shapiro, he has supported protesters, particularly students, who oppose the United States’ role in supporting Israel.
Last week, a large group of progressive Democrats wrote to Ms. Harris urging her not to choose Mr. Shapiro because his stance on Israel and the protests would have shattered the unexpectedly new unity within the party since Mr. Biden’s withdrawal.
Joe Biden had indeed received a serious warning during the Michigan primary where hundreds of thousands of Democratic voters had cast blank ballots to protest his unconditional support for Israel.
Moreover, with his energy and dad jokes, Walz also embodies the “white man” that most analysts believe Harris will need to maintain a strong “blue wall” (states that consistently vote Democratic), winning states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Elected in 2019, Tim Walz was also forced to juggle two major crises: the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of African-American George Floyd under the knee of a white police officer on May 25, 2020. Minneapolis, the state's largest city, was set ablaze, the starting point for a huge movement of anti-racist protests that shook America for many months.
Like his presidential running mate, Mr. Walz has a record on women's rights. In Minnesota, he won the state legislature's protection of abortion rights after the federal Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Additionally, Tim Walz has pledged to make his state a sanctuary for women seeking abortions. A clinic in the much more repressive neighboring state of North Dakota has since moved to his side of the border. In March 2024, the governor participated in the first trip by a vice president to an abortion clinic.
By effectively labeling their opponents as “weird” about women and gender, Walz and Harris are tackling this issue. They want to offer a vision of the United States that is radically different from that of their opponents and predecessors. But isn't this craze superficial and limited to the Internet ? |
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Jenny Chase for DayNewsWorld |
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INDONESIA INAUGURATES ITS FUTURE CAPITAL NUSANTARA | A colossal budget of 32 billion dollars, or about 29 billion euros, has been allocated for an ambitious project on the island of Borneo: the creation of Nusantara, an entirely new city intended to become the future capital of Indonesia, replacing Jakarta.
The official inauguration took place on Saturday, August 17, during the celebration of Independence Day. However, due to construction delays and financial difficulties, President Joko Widodo was forced to indefinitely postpone the signing of the presidential decree confirming the transfer.
The environmental challenges facing Jakarta are at the heart of the decision to move the capital. This metropolis, which spreads across the island of Java and is home to nearly 12 million people, is plagued by massive overpopulation, frequent flooding and worrying coastal erosion.
According to some experts, around 33% of Jakarta could be submerged by 2050. This risk is exacerbated by land subsidence, largely due to intensive groundwater exploitation, as well as severe air pollution, extreme traffic congestion and saturated infrastructure.
Nusantara was planned to avoid these problems, thanks to its strategic location in a geologically more stable region that is less exposed to natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes.
Situated at a higher altitude than Jakarta, the future capital is designed to withstand the risks associated with rising sea levels. The Indonesian government plans to transform Nusantara into a modern and sustainable city, incorporating green technologies and focusing on climate-resilient urban planning. The aim is to make it a low-carbon capital, focusing on renewable energy and environmentally friendly public transport.
This project to relocate the capital is colossal both financially and logistically. The necessary investments, particularly those from foreign investors, are struggling to materialize. Of the 100 trillion rupees (5.55 billion euros) needed by the end of the year, only 56.2 trillion (3.24 billion euros) has been raised.
Logistically, the project will require the construction of many government buildings, modern infrastructure, as well as housing for the civil servants who will gradually move in.
This titanic project will mobilize the Indonesian economy for several years, in a context where the country must already address significant socio-economic challenges. Some also believe that these funds could have been invested in sectors considered priorities such as health and education.
Despite the promises of sustainable development, the Nusantara project also faces criticism, particularly from environmental organizations. The latter fear the negative impacts on the unique biodiversity of Borneo, an island home to some of the richest tropical forests in the world, as well as endangered species such as orangutans, nasal monkeys and clouded leopards.
According to them, the construction of the new capital could accelerate deforestation and endanger these fragile ecosystems. |
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Kelly Donaldson for DayNewsWorld |
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LONGEVITY ON THE PLATE
THE OPTIMAL DIET
TO GAIN 10 YEARS OF LIFE | According to a new study, abandoning the Western diet for an "optimal diet" rich in legumes could save at least 10 years of life expectancy. To do this, all you need to do is change a few eating habits to live longer in good health.
Researchers at the University of Bergen (Norway) have developed an “optimal diet”. inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and the diet of the blue zones (countries where the longevity of the inhabitants is above the average), To do this they compared the latter to the typical Western diet, that is- that is, rich in meats and processed products.
And what did they discover ? That the transition to their healthier diet allowed to gain 10.7 years of life expectancy for women and 13 years for men. So it's up to us to abandon processed and fatty foods as soon as possible!
Opt for legumes.
For this research published in the journal PLOS Medicine in February 2022, scientists analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease study which brings together thousands of participants from 204 countries. They found that eating more vegetables increased life expectancy by 2.3 years in both sexes.
Furthermore, the earlier a person adopts a healthy diet, the greater the gains in longevity. If a woman starts at age 20, she could gain up to 10.7 years of life according to the study's calculations. The gain is greater in men: 13 years.
Adopt the "optimal diet" at age 80 and you can still hope to benefit from 3.4 years of additional life expectancy! But the sooner the better !
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Emily Jackson for DayNewsWorld |
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NATURAL BEAUTY MASKS
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Avocado, banana, cucumber: our kitchen cupboards are full of ingredients to make your own hydrating face mask. Here is a small overview of these economical and 100% natural facial treatments.
A few bananas, a jar of honey, eggs or olive oil, you don't need more ingredients to make a quick, economical and natural face mask.
Attention, remove makeup before application carefully to promote the penetration of the moisturizing properties of the treatment. These homemade treatments are composed of natural ingredients and without preservatives. Do not wait too long before using them.
The hydrating power of cucumber
A key ingredient in Alicia Keys' skincare routine, the cucumber, made up of more than 90% water, contains antioxidant and hydrating benefits that are very effective in fighting dry skin and dull complexion.
Leave on for twenty minutes then rinse with warm water.
A banana and avocado mask
Avocado and banana are two fruits particularly known for their moisturizing properties. The fatty acids from avocado and vitamins B, C and E from bananas will nourish and soften the skin. Mix a whole avocado with half a banana and leave the mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
You can also add a tablespoon of honey, an ingredient known for its soothing and healing effect.
An egg face mask
Egg yolk contains effective moisturizing properties to nourish and restore radiance to dry skin. Do not apply the mixture alone on your face. By drying it will form a kind of crust which is particularly difficult to remove, especially at the eyebrows. To avoid this inconvenience, dilute two egg yolks with a vegetable oil like argan oil for example. The texture will be more oily and the nourishing virtues of the oil will reinforce the hydrating effect of this homemade mask.
Honey and olive oil to soothe the skin
The moisturizing and soothing virtues of olive oil, combined with the antibacterial and healing properties of honey will nourish and soften the skin.
Mix four tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of olive oil and apply for 20 minutes on your skin before rinsing off with warm water. You can also heat the mixture slightly in a double boiler or microwave. The heat will open the pores of the skin and penetrate deeper into the moisturizing active ingredients.
Green tea and honey for a radiant complexion
Your green tea bag once brewed can also be reused in a skincare routine. The antioxidant properties of green tea will protect the skin from skin aging. Open your tea bag and mix its contents with a few spoons of honey. Enough for the mixture to become pasty enough to spread and hold on your face. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Long live natural beauty !!!
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Emily Jackson for DayNewsWorld |
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UNDERSTANDING THE RIOTS IN THE UK | The murder of the three little girls in Southport sparked tensions and protests on July 31, 2024.
Friday August 2, 2024 violence spread to Liverpool and Sunderland where a mosque was targeted.
On Saturday August 3, these riots spread to the cities of Bristol, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds, Nottingham, Blackpool, Rotherham and also to Belfast in Northern Ireland.
On August 4, Middlesborough, Rotherham and Tamworth, near Birmingham, were reached. Shops were looted and cars were set on fire. In Sheffield, two hotels housing asylum seekers were attacked.
On Monday August 5, the protest movements reached Plymouth in the South West of England.
Political reactions
In power for a month, Keir Starmer stressed that his "absolute" priority was to put an end to the disorder and that "criminal sanctions are swift", and to "ensure that the streets are safe for the public", after the weekend clashes. As early as Sunday afternoon, he warned the thugs that they would “regret” having participated in the “disorders” of the last few days.
“These delinquents will pay the price,” assured Interior Minister Yvette Cooper on the BBC. “We made sure that the courts were ready, that they had additional prosecutors available.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the British government have taken steps to restore order, including mobilizing 4,000 police officers and promising to bring rioters to justice quickly. Starmer strongly condemned the violence, particularly against mosques and Muslim communities.
“You will regret having taken part in these unrest,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday August 4, after ensuring that the perpetrators of these acts would be brought to justice “as quickly as possible”.
Faced with this worrying situation, Labor Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer convened a defense council (COBRA meeting) on Monday August 5 in the presence of the heads of the police and the prison system. He announced three measures to combat the unrest which has been spreading across England and Northern Ireland for a week now.
First of all, a group of specialized police officers will be responsible for ensuring security in the areas affected by the riots. Then, the Prime Minister wants the criminals to be tried and punished. The courts are mobilized and prosecutors will even be able to handle proceedings at night. Some troublemakers will even be imprisoned.
Finally, the third measure put forward by Keir Starmer consists of prosecuting people who incite violence online. Keir Starmer was uncompromising in his speech: “This is not a protest, this is pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities.
The force of the law will be applied."
Underlying factors
Immigration and Multiculturalism
The UK has a long history of welcoming immigrants, The UK has been welcoming immigrants from the Afro-Caribbean community and the Asian community since 1945, but in 2023, 685,000 migrants arrived in the UK, this which is a record number.
But the record arrival of 685,000 migrants in 2023 has exacerbated tensions. The British model of integration is based on multiculturalism perceived differently in France, where universalism prevails. However, British multiculturalism has never been official policy and is regularly declared dead.
The riots saw participation from the far right . The troublemakers mainly come from the far right which feels strengthened by the election of 5 MPs from the anti-immigration Reform UK party to the House of Commons, including its President Nigel Farage elected to the House of Commons for the constituency of Clacton.
Some demonstrators are fierce patriots worried about immigration figures, often affiliated with the English Defense League, who chant the slogans “Stop the boats” (in reference to the canoes in which migrants cross the Channel) and “Put them out ". English Defense League founder Tommy Robinson has also been implicated and is accused of fueling violence on social media. These anti-migrant riots are reminiscent of those that have hit Ireland in recent months.
Counter-demonstrations, sometimes made up of far-left people or Muslims, and the meeting between these demonstrations caused violence. Then there was the intervention of small ultranationalist groups, better organized than the others and some came from outside to participate in the riots. These individuals are an ideal target for the government and mainstream media.
But the widespread anger does not come only from them. This anger is shared by working-class people , most of them white . A “popular” anger, fueled by widespread fed up with uncontrolled immigration and foreign delinquency, and by several nationalist networks who see it as an opportunity to advance their political agenda.
Against the authorities and the media
Furthermore, another source of this anger is directed against the authorities and the media. Indeed, during this triple murder, the authorities were not able to reveal much about the identity of the criminal, nor the reasons for his act. This left room for rumors and aroused general distrust.
According to the account of the facts given by the police, the tragedy occurred during a children's dance class. “They were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school when the assailant, armed with a knife, entered the building and began attacking the children inside.” , detailed the head of Merseyside police, Serena Kennedy, during a press conference.
Shortly after the incident, police announced that they had arrested a man in possession of a knife. Authorities said the act did not appear to be a terrorist act. They preferred to talk about knife crime, which is epidemic in England.
A similar example is that of a Conservative MP stabbed to death three years ago by a terrorist. The authorities and the media reacted by saying that the problem was online hatred when it was an ideological act, where the criminal chose his target and killed her.
People think that the authorities and the media are making fun of them, taking them for fools. Hence the anger and frustration, especially when it concerns the death of three children.
Distrust of the police
In addition, distrust of the police is growing, a distrust which has increased in recent years , exacerbated by reactions perceived as lenient towards certain demonstrations and severe towards others. Recent pro-Palestinian protests have fueled this perception . Less than half of the population believes that the police maintain order properly. As of July 31, the Southport riots injured 50 police officers.
The situation in the United Kingdom is marked by a combination of inter-ethnic tensions, mass immigration, and distrust of the authorities. The current riots reveal the deep fractures within British society and policy responses will need to be adequate to avoid an escalation of inter-community conflict.
In a statement published on
“Intimidation and death threats have no place in a functioning democracy,” he added. He said the UK "needs to have a more honest debate on (immigration) to give people confidence that there are political solutions." |
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Garett Skyport for DayNewsWorld |
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TOWARDS AN ESCALATION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST DEATH OF HAMAS LEADER ISMAEL HANIYED AND THE RIGHT ARM OF HEZBOLLAH FOUAD CHOKR CHARGED TO ISRAEL | Ismaïl Haniyeh was killed in a strike in Tehran, the Palestinian Islamist movement, at war against Israel for more than nine months in the Gaza Strip, and the Revolutionary Guards in Iran announced this Wednesday, July 31.
“(Our) brother, the leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the movement, died in a Zionist raid against his residence in Tehran after his participation in the inauguration of the new Iranian president,” Hamas wrote in a statement .
One of the most senior leaders of Hamas
In 2017, he was elected head of the Hamas political bureau, succeeding Khaled Mechaal. Since then, the sixty-year-old has lived in voluntary exile between Qatar and Turkey. He was one of the negotiators in the ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to end the war in Gaza.
He was one of the Hamas leaders targeted by an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court since May for “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity” in connection with the October 7 attack on Israel.
In April, Ismaïl Haniyeh announced the death of three of his sons and four of his grandchildren in an Israeli attack on Gaza. On June 25, ten members of his family were killed in an Israeli strike, including his sister Zahr Haniyeh. Hamas number two, Saleh Al-Arouri, was killed in a drone strike in Beirut on January 2.
The Revolutionary Guards, the ideological army of the Iranian Islamic Republic, announced for their part that “the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Islamic resistance of Hamas, was hit in Tehran, and (. ..) he and one of his bodyguards died as martyrs,” according to a statement on their Sepah information site. Ismaïl Haniyeh went to Tehran to attend the swearing-in of the new Iranian president on Tuesday Massoud Pezeshkian in front of Parliament.
During his inauguration speech on Tuesday Massoud Pezeshkian denounced Israel's “crimes” in the Palestinian territory, while Iranians present at the ceremony chanted “Death to Israel!” Death to America! ". “Those who supply the weapons that kill children in Gaza cannot teach lessons of humanity and tolerance to others,” he said, referring to the United States.
Iran, an ally of Hamas, does not recognize the Israeli state and has made support for the Palestinian cause a central element of its foreign policy since the Islamic Revolution of 1979
Hamas recognized as a terrorist organization by around thirty countries
In power in Gaza since 2007, Hamas is an Islamist movement, recognized as a terrorist group by around thirty countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan. .
By its full name Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas comes from the Muslim Brotherhood and was created in the wake of the first Intifada of 1987, which opposed the Israeli army and the Palestinian population. The Islamist movement, which does not recognize the State of Israel, has always had the main objectives of recovering the militarily occupied Palestinian territories and building a theocratic Palestinian state.
Since its creation, the movement has advocated armed struggle and rejected peace processes, such as the Oslo Accords of 1993. With its armed group, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas has increased its attacks. Attacks to which Israel always responds, even if it also causes victims among Palestinian civilians.
Israel will not comment on the death of Ismail Haniyeh
During a press briefing on Wednesday, David Mencer, the Israeli government spokesperson, refused to comment on the assassination of Ismaïl Haniyeh. “We are not commenting on this particular incident,” he said. Earlier, the Israeli army also refused to comment on the event.
In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701
Israel Katz, the Israeli foreign minister, sent a letter to dozens of his counterparts, calling on them to demand "an immediate cessation of Hezbollah attacks, its withdrawal north of the Litani River and its disarmament, in accordance with resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council.
“Israel is not interested in all-out war,” he wrote, adding that “the only way to avoid it is the immediate implementation of Resolution 1701” of the United Nations Security Council, adopted on August 11 2006, aimed at ending the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
He adds that with the strike against Fouad Chokr , Israel "sent a clear message: we will strike with great force anyone who harms us"
The Israeli army claimed to have eliminated the man it presented as the “right arm” of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Responsible for the precision missile project, he is also responsible for the attack on the Druze village of Majdal Shams, on the occupied Golan Heights, where a Falaq-1 rocket, fired on Saturday July 27, caused the death of twelve children. , aged 10 to 16, on a football field.
Fouad Chokr was placed in 2019 on the list of individuals sanctioned for “terrorism” by the US Treasury. Sitting within Hezbollah's highest military body, the "jihad council", which makes strategic decisions, he is said to have played a key role in the bomb attack which targeted the American marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, killing 241 U.S. service members and injuring 128 others
Towards regional escalation?
Two questions immediately arise.
First, how will Iran react, knowing that Haniyeh was under its protection when he was eliminated? His death could spark an immense wave of anger in Iran and lead to reprisals against Israel, in addition to those of Hamas.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have been very high for a long time. In April, Tehran responded to an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus, which left several senior Revolutionary Guard Corps officials dead, by launching more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel.
Haniyeh's assassination demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of Israeli intelligence services regarding Iran. In recent years, several Iranian scientists involved in the nuclear program have been killed, including Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, considered the "father" of the program, who was shot dead by a sophisticated remotely controlled machine gun in 2020.
However, some Hamas leaders, targeted by Israel, appear to still be alive. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' political leader in Gaza, apparently continues to direct operations. In July, Israel struck what was believed to be the hideout of elusive military leader Mohammed Deif. Hamas has not confirmed his death, and Deif had previously survived several assassination attempts.
The second major question is whether Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, will attack Israel at Iran's request.
Haniyeh's killing comes shortly after an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut, where Israel believes it killed Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander.
This airstrike threatens to increase tensions in the region. If Iran decided to retaliate, it could do so through Hezbollah in Lebanon. A massive Hezbollah missile offensive could overwhelm Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
Iran could also mobilize other allies, such as Shiite groups in Syria and Iraq, as well as the Houthis in Yemen, who recently launched a drone attack on Tel Aviv, to which Israel quickly responded.
The death of Hamas's political leader and that of Hezbollah's right-hand man raise serious questions about the future of negotiations regarding the war in Gaza. They could well cause a major escalation in the conflict in Gaza, and potentially throughout the Middle East.
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Abby Shelcore for DayNewsWorld |
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OPENING OF AN EXCESSIVE DEFICIT PROCEEDING AGAINST FRANCE WHAT AWAITS
THE FUTURE FRENCH GOVERNMENT | On July 26, 2024, the European Union officially launched procedures for excessive public deficit against seven of its member states, including France.
This initiative, announced by the European Council, marks a crucial step in the monitoring of public finances within the Union, while several countries are struggling to comply with the strict budgetary rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.
These rules aim to ensure the financial stability of the euro zone by imposing limits on deficits and public debt.
The Context of the Stability and Growth Pact
The Stability and Growth Pact, established to guarantee budgetary discipline among EU member states, sets a limit on public deficit at 3% of GDP and public debt at 60% of GDP. These rules were temporarily suspended in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. In 2024, with the uneven economic recovery and inflationary pressures, the pact was reactivated, placing member states' public finances under increased scrutiny.
A Critical Budgetary Situation for France
Among the countries concerned, France stands out for the seriousness of its budgetary situation. In 2023, the country's public deficit stood at 5.5% of GDP, well above the 3% threshold imposed by the Stability Pact. In addition, public debt reaches 110% of GDP, a worrying level which places France in a vulnerable position vis-à-vis financial markets and rating agencies. This situation results largely from political and economic choices taken under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron, re-elected for a second term, and under the economic management of Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy.
The Challenges of Economic Governance under Macron
Since coming to power in 2017, Emmanuel Macron has undertaken a series of economic and social reforms intended to modernize the French economy and stimulate growth. However, these reforms have often been accompanied by significant public spending, exacerbating the budget deficit. The difficult economic context, marked by the effects of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, also contributed to the deterioration of public finances. Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, announced a plan to reduce the public deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024 and to 5% in 2025, a target which remains ambitious given current budgetary pressures.
A Government in Transition and the Next Steps
Currently, France is led by a resigned government which only manages current affairs. Responsibility for implementing the corrective measures necessary to reduce the deficit will fall to the new government, which will be formed after the appointment of a new Prime Minister by Emmanuel Macron, following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This new government will not only have to tackle the immediate economic challenges but also restore confidence in the management of public finances.
Corrective Measures and Potential Sanctions
Countries under excessive deficit procedure, including France, are required to present plans detailing the measures they plan to implement to reduce their deficit. In the absence of such measures, financial sanctions could be imposed, although these sanctions have never been applied in the past. For France, a fine could represent nearly 2.5 billion euros, adding additional pressure on the national budget. These corrective measures include reducing public spending, better resource management and increasing tax efficiency, in particular through stricter taxation of energy rents.
An Imminent Political and Economic Crisis
France finds itself at a critical crossroads. The National Assembly, plagued by political tensions, is struggling to stabilize, which complicates the implementation of the necessary reforms. The government faces internal challenges, such as maintaining social cohesion, while meeting international economic demands. The room for maneuver is narrow, and the decisions taken in the coming months will have profound repercussions on the economic and political future of the country.
European and Global Implications
France's budgetary situation also has implications for the entire European Union. An inability to control the deficit could harm the economic stability of the euro zone, negatively influencing investor confidence and the sovereign debt rating of member states. Furthermore, a weakened France could lose its political influence within the EU, which could affect power dynamics and community policies.
A decisive turning point for France
France finds itself at a pivotal moment in its economic history. Responsibility for the current situation rests largely on the shoulders of Emmanuel Macron and Bruno Le Maire, whose mandate was marked by contested budgetary choices.
As Bruno Le Maire leaves office, the future Minister of the Economy will have a crucial role to play in stabilizing French public finances. Without rigorous management and profound reforms, France risks sinking into a budgetary crisis with disastrous consequences.
Bruno Le Maire's successor will have to navigate a complex and unstable economic context. If he fails to stabilize the situation, France could face a downgrade of its credit rating, a rise in interest rates and a loss of investor confidence.
This could trigger a downward spiral, leading to a deep and lasting economic crisis.
To avoid such a scenario, France must demonstrate strict budgetary discipline, strengthen its economic institutions and restore confidence both nationally and internationally.
This challenge requires a coherent economic strategy and skillful political management to prevent France from finding itself in a situation of economic and political marginalization within the European Union and on the world stage. The future Minister of Economy will be at the forefront of this effort, playing a key role in defining the country's economic future. |
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Samantha Moore for DayNewsWorld |
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IN BANGLADESH NEARLY 200 DEATHS
IN STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS | Bangladeshi authorities have arrested more than 2,500 people in recent days following violence linked to student protests demanding the removal of quotas for civil service recruitment. According to the latest report published this Tuesday, at least 174 people lost their lives.
A system deemed unfair.
Abolished in 2018 after several weeks of demonstrations, then reinstated last June by the High Court of Dhaka, the quota system, based on "merit", has been at the center of violent clashes between students and the police in Bangladesh since beginning of July.
The latest report as of Tuesday showed 174 dead, including several police officers. Authorities also imposed a curfew, deployed soldiers across the country, and cut off internet access nationwide, which significantly restricted the flow of information.
The student movement behind these demonstrations suspended its protests on Monday for 48 hours. Its leader said he did not want reforms “at the cost of so much blood.”
A Prime Minister in bad shape
This dramatic situation results from the reestablishment at the end of June of the quota system, which reserves more than half of the civil servant positions, which are highly sought after and well paid, for certain categories of the population. Students consider this system discriminatory.
About 30% of these positions are allocated to the children of those who fought for Bangladesh's independence in 1971, 10% to women, and 10% to specific districts.
Critics of this system say authorities seek to favor the children of supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has ruled the country since 2009. Sheikh Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the founding leader of Bangladesh.
Aged 76, Sheikh Hasina won her fourth consecutive election in January, in a vote without any real opposition. The recent violence has raised questions about her political future, but on Monday, in front of businessmen, she reaffirmed her determination to stay in power, declaring:
"Sheikh Hasina never runs away". |
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Andrew Preston for DayNewsWorld |
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ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF DONALD TRUMP
DIRECTOR OF SECRET SERVICES RESIGNS | S ince July 13, 2024, the date marked by an assassination attempt against former President of the United States Donald Trump, the director of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, has been the subject of strong criticism. According to *The New York Times*, she announced her resignation.
This decision comes after the attack on Donald Trump during a campaign rally, an event which highlighted potential failures of the Secret Service. Kimberly Cheatle publicly acknowledged that the agency had "failed" in its protective mission:
"The solemn mission of the Secret Service is to protect our nation's leaders.
On July 13, 2024, we failed. As director of the United States Secret Service, I take full responsibility for any security breaches of our agency,” she said.
She added: “The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13 is the Secret Service's most significant operational failure in decades, and I keep him and his family in my thoughts.”
Responsible for protecting senior American personalities, Kimberly Cheatle had already admitted several flaws in the services under her direction, which had led to repeated calls for her resignation.
The perpetrator of the attack, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by the Secret Service and identified by the FBI. From a roof near where Donald Trump's meeting was held, he had time to shoot several times.
The former president suffered an ear injury, one man died, and two other people were injured. A timeline compiled by authorities revealed that the assassination attempt could have been foiled up to six minutes before the shooting.
At a press conference, the FBI raised the possibility of a "potential act of domestic terrorism", although the ideological motivations of Thomas Matthew Crooks have not yet been determined.
Prior to this hearing, three investigations were opened by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security regarding the security measures put in place during this meeting. |
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Kelly Donaldson for DayNewsWorld |
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JOE BIDEN WITHDRAWS HIS CANDIDACY
IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION | The current Democratic President of the United States announces this Sunday July 21, 2024 that he is withdrawing his candidacy for the White House, a few months before the election. For several weeks, voices have been raised within the Democratic Party for Joe Biden, 81, to “pass the torch”.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve you as President. And although I have intended to run again, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to step aside and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President until 'at the end of my term,' writes the Democratic president, who will address his compatriots 'during the week to explain [his] decision in more detail.'
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praises Joe Biden's action
At 81, Joe Biden joins the very select club of outgoing American presidents who threw in the towel while seeking a second term. But he is the first to do so this late in the campaign. The only one, too, to have to give up due to questions about his mental acuity.
This shocking announcement, even if it was expected despite the repeated denials of the main person concerned, upsets a campaign which has already experienced many twists and turns, first and foremost the assassination attempt against Donald Trump on July 13.
Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, said in a statement:
"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, he is also a truly exceptional human being. His decision obviously was not an easy one to make, but he has once again made his point country, his party and our future first Joe, today you show that you are a true patriot and a great American.
This announcement comes less than four months before the election, scheduled for November 5. A new Democratic Party candidate must replace him to face his Republican rival.
Who to replace Joe Biden in the race for the White House?
We must now find a replacement for Joe Biden, who was supposed to be inducted at his party's convention in mid-August in Chicago. In a post on X, the American president supports Kamala Harris:
“My very first decision as the party's candidate in 2020 was to choose Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it was the best decision I made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement to Kamala to be our party’s nominee this year. Democrats, it's time to unite and defeat Trump. »
His vice-president Kamala Harris would be a natural, but not automatic, choice to become the Democratic candidate. The last word goes to the delegates of the Democratic Party, 3,900 people with very varied profiles and for the most part completely unknown to the general public.
A candidate under pressure for several weeks
This withdrawal comes as more and more doubts were expressed regarding the ability of Joe Biden, aged 81, to secure the presidency of the United States for four more years.
Initially discreet when the Democratic president multiplied the slips of the tongue, the criticisms became more numerous after a catastrophic debate against Donald Trump. In front of millions of Americans, the octogenarian appeared in constant difficulty, having difficulty expressing himself when his opponent clearly aligned the arguments one after the other.
Americans are then furious, feeling like they have been fooled by the White House and the media. Billionaire Bill Ackman, followed by 1.3 million Internet users, calls the shots and accuses the media of complacency: ““60 Minutes” [show on CBS] knew; CNN knew; MSNBC knew, left-wing media had complete access to the president, his staff and his administration. They all knew, but they told you otherwise. They blatantly lied to you. » The New York Times must explain.
Representatives in the House, some senators…. and even George Clooney or the editorial office of the New York Times: Biden's supporters at the start of the year, everyone asked him after Thursday June 27 to "pass the torch".
The historic figures of the Democratic Party, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, also ended up giving in. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current leader of the Democratic majority in the Senate understood that a defeat for Joe Bien could mean a "red wave" in Congress in November, with Americans going to the polls on the same day to elect their president, their deputies and their senators.
Stubbornness despite a myriad of blunders
At the start of the month, however, the octogenarian assured that he could give up if and only "if the Lord Almighty came down and said 'Joe, withdraw from the race'".
But on Thursday July 11, a sign of the end, Joe Biden made the most monumental blunder of his mandate by calling Volodoymyr Zelensky “President Putin” during the NATO summit in Washington. Two hours later, in a press conference broadcast live and in prime time, he mentioned his “Vice President Trump” instead of Kamala Harris.
Everything accelerated after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump on Saturday July 13, in Pennsylvania. When the former tenant of the White House was welcomed as a hero at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19. In an interview broadcast two hours later before the suspension of his campaign and the start of his period of isolation, the Democrat said that he would re-evaluate his candidacy... if he was diagnosed with a medical problem.
In a poll, published on Wednesday July 17, nearly two-thirds of Democratic voters said they were in favor of withdrawing Joe Biden's candidacy in favor of another candidate.
This withdrawal opens a period of uncertainty for his camp, one month before the convention, which will have to confirm another candidate. But it also puts an end, at least temporarily, to a spiral which threatened to carry the Democratic Party into an electoral rout.
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Alyson Braxton for DayNewsWorld |
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MECHANICAL APPOINTMENTS SAINT PIERRE LA PALUD AN ODE TO AUTOMOTIVE PASSION
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Les Rendez-Vous Mécaniques embody an atypical and fascinating gathering, where passion for automobiles mixes with exceptional conviviality. Les Rendez-Vous Mécaniques is a cultural and leisure association based at 813 r 8 Mai 1945, 69210 Saint Pierre la Palud in France.
It is an event where amateurs and enthusiasts of fine mechanics find common ground to celebrate their shared love of cars. By alternating exhibitions of vintage cars and sports cars, both old and recent, these events offer a unique and enriching experience for all visitors.
Each edition of the Rendez-Vous Mécaniques is transformed into a truly great mass dedicated to the glory of beautiful mechanics. Vintage cars, with their timeless charm and rich history, sit alongside modern sports cars, symbols of performance and technological innovation.
This alternation not only allows us to appreciate the evolution of the automobile over the decades, but also to create a bridge between generations, uniting young and old around a common passion. The setting of these gatherings largely contributes to their success.
The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, conducive to exchanges and meetings. A buffet present during the gatherings of old mechanics offers tasty meals at reasonable prices, guaranteeing excellent quality at each edition.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of carefully prepared dishes, catering to all tastes and preferences. The refreshment bar, for its part, offers a selection of refreshing drinks, perfect to accompany meals or quench your thirst throughout the day.
This friendly catering service contributes to the warm and relaxed atmosphere of the event, allowing participants to eat while admiring the beautiful mechanics.
The gathering of old mechanics is often animated by musical groups who perform live, adding a festive dimension to the event.
These musical performances enrich the visitor experience, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The live music fits perfectly with the passion for beautiful mechanics, offering a pleasant and lively soundscape.
These musical performances help make the gathering an even more memorable and enjoyable event for all participants. Participants, whether seasoned collectors, amateur pilots or simply curious, share their anecdotes, their knowledge and their experiences in a spirit of camaraderie and sharing.
Les Rendez-Vous Mécaniques is not just a vehicle exhibition; they are a living celebration of car culture. Each car presented tells a story. Vintage cars evoke nostalgia for bygone eras, roads traveled and memories shared.
They are testimony to artisanal know-how and a time when every detail was carefully crafted. Sports cars, for their part, illustrate technical progress and the spirit of competition, with aerodynamic lines and powerful engines that make fans of speed and performance dream.
Beyond the exhibition, Les Rendez-Vous Mécaniques often offer various activities, demonstrations and sometimes even races or parades, adding a dynamic dimension to the event. These activities allow visitors to see the cars in action, feel the power of the engines and fully appreciate the technical prowess of the vehicles on display. In conclusion, Les Rendez-Vous Mécaniques de Saint Pierre La Palud is much more than a simple gathering of cars. They are a true automobile festival, a vibrant tribute to the mechanical ingenuity and aesthetics of cars, whether old or modern. It is an unmissable event for all those who see the automobile as more than just a means of transport, but a true work of art and a vector of emotion. |
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Paul Emison and Patrick Mourreau for DayNewsWorld |
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TO THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
THE EAR BANDAGE
AS A SIGN OF RALLYING TO DONALD TRUMP | On the third day of the Republican convention, Donald Trump's supporters surprised by displaying a new symbol of support: a fake bandage on the right ear, in direct homage to the one Trump has worn since the attack on July 13, 2024 .
This weekend, during a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump was the target of an assassination attempt. A 20-year-old man opened fire, killing one person and injuring several others.
Trump, hit in the ear, got up after being protected by Secret Service agents, bleeding but determined, his fist raised. His message was unequivocal: even in the face of danger, Donald Trump remains steadfast.
Donald Trump's Missing Shoe
“Give me my shoe,” insisted Donald Trump, with a bloody ear, to Secret Service agents after the shooting.
Since this event, Trump has used this act of violence to galvanize his supporters. At the Republican convention, with an ear bandage and a smile on his face, he was greeted with an ovation. His supporters, always fervent, immediately adopted this new look.
Known for their enthusiasm for wearing MAGA slogans, pins, socks and other accessories bearing the image of Trump, this time, they chose the bandage as a new emblem of solidarity.
Pay tribute to Trump
The trend has even spread to elected officials: Joe Neglia, delegate from Arizona, proudly displayed his own bandage. He told Fox News: "When [Donald Trump] walked in and the room exploded with love, I asked myself what I could do to honor the truth and show him my support.
I saw his bandage and decided to do the same to pay tribute to him."
True to her conservative beliefs, Neglia clarified: “There is a male version and a female version because there are only two genders!”
Convinced of the impact of this gesture, he told CBS News that it was "the new fashion" and that "everyone would soon be wearing them, everywhere."
Her colleague, Arizona delegate Stacey Goodman, was also seen with a white bandage on her right ear.
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Boby Dean for DayNewsWorld |
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ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST DONALD TRUMP
IN THE MIDDLE OF A MEETING | Striking images and a photo that goes around the world: Donald Trump injured in the ear with his fist in the air
Former US President Donald Trump was injured in the ear after being the target of gunfire this Saturday July 13, 2024 during a campaign rally in the town of Butler in Pennsylvania, in the eastern United States. -United.
One spectator died and two others injured.
The attacker was neutralized by the police.
An attack in the middle of a campaign meeting
A few days before the Republican convention which begins on Monday July 15, 2024, Donald Trump was urgently evacuated from his campaign meeting when he had just started his speech. He was hit by several bullets, injuring his right ear.
Sounds of explosions caused panic among the crowd, and Trump was immediately knocked to the ground by Secret Service agents, responsible for the security of presidents and ex-presidents.
Shortly after, he got up, his hair in disarray and without his famous red cap, surrounded by his agents. He could be heard saying "Let me get my shoes" as his face was bloodied.
Escorted from the stage to his car, he raised his fist in defiance several times, cheered by his supporters.
Spectator Killed, Two Others Seriously Injured
The Secret Service has confirmed that one spectator was killed and two others seriously injured during the meeting. Their identity remains unknown at this time. According to a witness interviewed by NBC News, the killed spectator died "instantly" after being hit in the head.
The victim was "in the path of the shots" between the shooter and the ex-president .
The gunman, who was shot, was stationed on a roof
The shots rang out at 6:15 p.m., the gunman having “fired several times from a high position,” according to the Secret Service press release.
The attacker was outside the compound where the meeting was being held, Butler County Prosecutor Richard Goldinger said on CNN, without providing details on his identity. “We have no information on the shooter, who is deceased,” Donald Trump also declared on his social network The Social Truth During a press conference, the FBI announced that it was “close to an identification” of the shooter .
The FBI confirms an “assassination attempt”
The FBI has confirmed that the shooting targeting the ex-president constituted an “assassination attempt”. Kevin Rojek, an FBI official, said at a press conference: "Tonight we witnessed what we call an assassination attempt against our former President Donald Trump."
Pennsylvania police said there was “no reason” to fear another threat. Donald Trump denounces "unacceptable violence"
On his social network, Donald Trump reacted by specifying that a bullet had pierced the top of his right ear.
“It is unbelievable that such an act could happen in our country,” he wrote, adding that he would still attend the Republican convention on Monday.
He told his supporters in an email: "I will never surrender
Donald Trump calls for unity .
On his social network Truth Social, the former president assured to pray “for the recovery of those who were injured”. “We hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed,” he added. “I look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin,” the Republican candidate wrote
It is more important than ever that we stand together and show our true character as Americans,” Donald Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social, hours after being injured in an assassination attempt during a rally. country house in Pennsylvania
President Joe Biden, who faces Trump in November's election, expressed relief that his opponent was in good health. “Everyone must condemn” such violence, he said in a televised address
. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “horrified”
“ No place for political violence in our democracy,” responded former Democratic President Barack Obama.
Former President Bill Clinton expressed relief at knowing Donald Trump was safe, as did former US President George W. Bush who deplored a "cowardly attack on his life. "
Hours later, President Biden was able to speak with Trump and announced that he was returning to the White House earlier than expected. |
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Kelly Donaldson for DayNewsWorld |
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UNITED STATES WHO WAS THE SNIPER TM CROOKS ? | Sunday morning, the FBI confirmed the identity of the assailant who shot Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old young man, was shot dead by the Secret Service on the roof of a hangar after firing several shots. The former president was injured in the right ear, a supporter was killed, and two other spectators were seriously injured.
“The investigation is ongoing,” the federal agency said in a statement. Crooks did not carry identification documents, but was identified through DNA and photos. According to Pennsylvania voting records, he was registered as a Republican, but in January 2021, he made a $15 donation to the Progressive Turnout Project, a liberal group fighting against abstention, through the ActBlue platform, reports the New York Times .
A Republican from Bethel Park
Originally from Bethel Park, a village located about 40 miles south of Butler, Thomas Matthew Crooks was identified as the perpetrator of the assassination attempt. On Sunday morning, the police had cordoned off the roads leading to his family home. According to the New York Post, he was on the roof of a company hangar, more than 120 meters from the podium where Donald Trump was giving his speech, outside the security perimeter of the meeting. After shooting, he was shot and killed by Secret Service snipers, who recovered an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle near his body.
A video broadcast by American media TMZ shows the shooter lying on his stomach on the roof, holding a rifle. “The man has long brown hair and is wearing a gray shirt and khaki pants. He appears to be carefully aiming at a target before shooting,” says TMZ. A witness told the BBC that he reported to security forces a white man lying on a roof shortly after the attack.
Identification and Background
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives used its National Firearms Purchase Database for an emergency search, which helped definitively identify the shooter. Crooks was not known to the courts, and no information on his motivations has been released at this stage.
Thomas Matthew Crooks graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School, a school of 1,400 students, and received a $500 “excellence award” for an initiative in math and science, according to The Tribune-Review newspaper. |
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| Kelly Donaldson for DayNewsWorld |
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PANIC AMONG DEMOCRATS ABOUT JOE BIDEN’S ABILITIES FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL | Joe Biden on Monday called on divided members of the Democratic Party to "unite" around his candidacy, daring skeptics to confront him at the August inauguration convention, despite growing calls for him to withdraw. “I am firmly determined to remain in the race,” said the American president in a letter addressed to Democratic parliamentarians, returning to Washington after the July 4 break. “It’s time to come together,” the 81-year-old Democrat said.
His spokesperson tried to calm a wave of speculation triggered by an article in the "New York Times" revealing that a Parkinson's disease specialist had visited the White House eight times between the summer of 2023 and last spring.
Since Joe Biden's failed debate, growing panic has agitated the Democratic camp, reinforcing speculation about a possible replacement of the American president. At a meeting in North Carolina, Joe Biden conceded the next day that he did not “debate as well as before”. But, he reassures, “I can do the job”.
When asked if Joe Biden was being treated for Parkinson's disease, Karine Jean-Pierre replied: "No. Is he taking medication for Parkinson's disease? No", without specifying the identity of the specialist or the reason for his visits, citing "confidentiality".
Joe Biden seeks to reassure his state of health while two polls show a clear lead for Donald Trump in voting intentions nationally. Karine Jean-Pierre also clarified that Joe Biden had consulted a neurologist three times during his annual health check-ups, the last of which was made public in February, and that he had tested negative for various neurodegenerative diseases.
In the evening, the American administration published a letter from the president's doctor, confirming that Joe Biden did not consult a neurologist outside of his annual check-ups.
Biden determined despite criticism
Ten days after his failed debate with Donald Trump, Joe Biden shows no intention of withdrawing. On the contrary, he redoubled his efforts. He told MPs he was "not blind" to the "concerns" raised since the debate. But during a call broadcast during an MSNBC show, he sharply criticized his party's rebels. “These guys who think I shouldn't run, let them run against me... Challenge me at the August Democratic convention,” he said angrily.
This week, Joe Biden hosts the NATO summit in Washington. An opportunity for allied leaders to judge the state of fitness of the American president, although a spokesperson for the executive, John Kirby, affirmed not to have detected signs of concern among NATO members . Joe Biden will also hold a rare solo press conference on Thursday.
The division within the Democratic Party
To show his dynamism, the 81-year-old president has increased his public appearances, such as his speeches and crowds in Pennsylvania on Sunday. He also announced new trips, notably to Michigan on Friday, then to Texas and Nevada.
Not enough to convince the rich donors of the Democratic Party, among whom doubt has set in: what if the President was not able to lead the country for the next four years? Through tweets, some of them are demanding concrete pledges attesting to the leader's liveliness, which the White House continues to report on. Entrenched at Camp David, the campaign residence of American Presidents, the Biden clan is closing ranks, hoping that the storm will pass. However, several elected Democrats are openly calling for its withdrawal.
Call from Democrats to renounce
A first dike gave way on Tuesday. Democratic tenor Nancy Pelosi, former president of the House of Representatives and still very influential within her party, believes that it is “legitimate” to question the state of health of Joe Biden. In the process, a first elected Democrat, Texan Lloyd Doggett, calls on the President to give up running for a second term, urging him not to “hand us over to Trump in 2024”. A second parliamentarian followed suit 24 hours later, while a handful of others expressed, for the first time publicly, strong reservations about the captain's age.
Adam Smith, an influential parliamentarian, said on CNN that Joe Biden should "step down," saying he "is not the right person to carry the message of the Democratic Party."
Others, like Hakeem Jeffries, leader of the Democratic minority in the House of Representatives, reaffirmed their support. “I made it clear and publicly the day after the debate that I supported President Joe Biden... My position has not changed,” he told CNN.
Despite the divisions, will a protest crystallize and lead to a coordinated offensive to push Joe Biden to withdraw? Such a decision would have serious consequences in a very tight timetable. And there is no guarantee that the American president would agree to give up his place.
“No one is more qualified than me” to “win” the election, Joe Biden said Friday evening during a twenty-minute interview on ABC.
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Boby Dean for DayNewsWorld |
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SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH FOR THE EUROPEAN ARIANE 6 ROCKET | The new European launcher Ariane 6 had its maiden flight on July 9, 2024, a key milestone for our continent. At a time when the European Union is gaining considerable power in the space domain (Copernicus Earth observation programs, Galileo satellite navigation, Iris2 telecommunications constellation), Ariane 6 is an essential constituent of European sovereignty.
After around ten years of development (and four years of delay), the European Space Agency (ESA) launcher took off, one year almost to the day after the very last launch of Ariane 5, the July 5, 2023, after 27 years of service. Its predecessors Ariane 1/2/3/4 and Ariane 5 having each been operated for around twenty years, the Ariane 6 assets were built to allow the same duration of exploitation.
Its raison d'être is twofold: the reduction in launch costs compared to Ariane 5 and flexibility (version with 2 or 4 boosters and re-ignition of the upper stage).
With a height of 56 meters and a diameter of 5.4, capable of carrying 4.5 to 11.5 t of payload for the geostationary transfer orbit (10.3 to 20.6 t for low orbit) depending on its configurations (Ariane 62, equipped with two boosters and Ariane 64, equipped with four boosters), Ariane 6 was designed to be versatile, in a context of developments in the market for satellites and launchers, including the partially reusable and very competitive Falcon 9 from Space X. Due to the lack of a European rocket and due to the war in Ukraine which deprives the ESA of access to Russian Soyuz launchers, Elon Musk's launcher had also been mobilized for the launch of two satellites for the European Galileo GPS system , last April.
The evolving needs of the space sector
The needs of satellites have indeed evolved considerably. Indeed, in the era of Ariane 4 and Ariane 5, the vast majority of satellites aimed at geostationary orbit and asked to be placed on a transfer trajectory towards this orbit. This type of mission was carried out by direct injection after the single thrust of the last stage of the rocket.
Launch requests are now much more varied and most often require upper stage re-ignition capability. This is due to the arrival of electric propulsion of satellites (more efficient but which requires a different orbital injection strategy), but also to that of satellite constellations in low orbit, for example telecommunications constellations like Kuiper, d 'Amazon, or Iris2, of the European Union. The re-ignition of the upper stage of Ariane 6 will make it possible to offer better services for interplanetary missions, by enabling trajectories that were not possible until now.
This re-ignition capacity will also be used to deorbit the stage so that it disintegrates in the atmosphere at the end of its mission to limit the presence of waste from the space industry in Earth orbit.
The flexibility of Ariane 6 is also expressed through its modularity. Its two-propeller version makes it a medium launcher, of the Soyuz rocket class – which was launched from Guyana for Arianespace until 2021 – particularly suited to earth observation type missions of 3 to more than 5 tonnes or the European geolocation constellation Galileo.
Its version with four boosters makes it a heavy launcher of the Ariane 5 type, which can send satellites weighing more than 10 tonnes into geostationary orbit and around 20 tonnes into low orbit for a transfer vehicle to the international space station such as ATV, or for telecommunications constellations.
A successful launch
Ariane 6 is perfectly suited to institutional and commercial space missions. Its two versions A62 (2 additional lateral thrusters) and A64 (4 additional lateral thrusters), combined with its upper stage re-ignitable engine (that of Ariane 5 was not), therefore allow it to cover a wide range of performances and thus respond optimally to very varied orbiting demands:
Low orbit (< 2,000 km altitude) for Earth observation or telecommunications constellations;
Average orbit for Galileo (around 15,000-25,000 km altitude), the European satellite navigation system;
Geostationary orbit (36,000 km altitude), for telecommunications or meteorology satellites;
“Exotic” orbits for certain scientific missions;
Missions in the solar system.
For its maiden flight, Ariane 6 was loaded with small satellites, deployers and experiments, developed by companies, research institutes, universities, young professionals and agencies. Among these projects, the 3 Cat-4, a CubeSat (cubic nanostallite) for Earth observation developed by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain), which will have the particular mission of extracting information on ocean data such as ice cover and thickness. Another CubeSat, Robusta-3A, developed by the Montpellier University Space Center, will contribute to better anticipation of Cévennes episodes, which often cause intense rain and severe flooding, by helping to quantify the accumulation of water vapor above of the Mediterranean Sea.
The end of the launcher's mission was, however, marked by a technical anomaly. It will take time to understand in detail the reasons for the malfunction.
Even if a maximum of tests and simulations were carried out during the development of Ariane 6 to limit risks, it is during its maiden flight that a rocket is confronted for the first time with real conditions, such as vacuum space, strong accelerations and stage separations to name just a few examples.
The main players in the development of Ariane 6
The development and manufacturing of the Ariane 6 rocket is carried out by ArianeGroup. The ESA (European Space Agency) is the project owner but also the architect of the launch system, that is to say responsible for the coherence between the ground installations and the rocket.
CNES, for its part, is responsible for developing the ground installations at the Guiana Space Center: this is the ninth launch pad that it has designed. It is also responsible for carrying out “combined tests”, assists the ESA and ensures the safety of goods, people and the environment under the French Law on Space Operations. ArianeGroup and CNES rely on a group of European industrialists.
Finally, it is Arianespace which markets Ariane 6.
At the end of the so-called commercial mission, that is to say after the separation of the nanosatellites, this launch will be an opportunity to test more complex maneuvers, such as those that would be necessary for interplanetary missions.
After the first flight, the teams will analyze the measurements transmitted to the ground to authorize the next flight as soon as possible. Indeed, the ramp-up must be rapid to respond to the 27 launches already marketed by Arianespace.
An evolution of Ariane 6 is even already in preparation with an increase in its carrying capacity... without increasing its costs. |
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Kelly Donaldson for DayNewsWorld |
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WHAT PLACE FOR
MASSOUD PEZESHKIAN
THE NEW REFORMATIVE IRANIAN PRESIDENT ? | Iran has elected a new president, the reformist Massoud Pezeshkian, pleading for a country more open towards the West, facing the ultraconservative Saïd Jalili, to succeed Ebrahim Raïssi who died in a helicopter accident in May. The 69-year-old professional surgeon received more than 16 million votes (53.6%) out of 30 million votes, according to electoral authorities. He enjoyed the support of the main reformist coalition in Iran as well as many Iranians who feared absolute ultraconservative control over the country.
Pezeshkian's promises
Former Minister of Health, the 69-year-old man was supported by former reformist presidents Khatami and Rouhani against his competitors who advocate a hard line towards the West. Virtually unknown when he was authorized to compete by the Guardian Council, the authority responsible for supervising the elections, Massoud Pezeshkian is discreet in appearance but speaks frankly.
Massoud Pezeshkian, the first reformist to become president of Iran since 2005 (Hassan Rouhani, in power from 2013 to 2021, was rather considered a moderate), promised to extend "the hand of friendship to everyone " in the country. And displays an open attitude towards the rest of the world which contrasts with his predecessor. The reformist candidate called for “constructive relations” with Washington and European countries in order to “remove Iran from its isolation”. He promised to negotiate directly with Washington for the relaunch of talks on Iranian nuclear power, which had stalled since the American withdrawal, in 2018, from the international agreement concluded in 2015. "If we manage to have American sanctions lifted, the people will have a more comfortable life,” he said. A victory for his opponent Saïd Jalili, with an "inflexible and ideological approach" would have put Iran and the West "on a trajectory of conflict", believes Ali Vaez, country expert within the NGO International Crisis Group.
Nuclear negotiations are currently at an impasse following the unilateral withdrawal of the United States in 2018.
Internally, he promised to remove restrictions imposed on the internet and pledged to “fully oppose” patrols by the moral police responsible for enforcing the obligation for women to wear the veil. While affirming his loyalty to the regime, Massoud Pezeshkian also became known for his criticism of the government during the vast protest movement triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. "We oppose any violent and inhumane (...) especially towards our sisters and daughters, and we will not allow such acts to happen."
Massoud Pezeshkian also called for more representation of women, as well as religious and ethnic minorities, notably the Kurds and the Baluchis, in the government. He promised to reduce the inflation rate, currently around 40%.
In a televised debate with his rival Jalili, Pezeshkian estimated that Iran needed $200 billion in foreign investment, which he said could only be achieved by restoring ties with the world.
The doctor of Azeri origin, a minority from north-west Iran, gave hope to the reformist and moderate camps, totally marginalized in recent years by the conservatives and ultraconservatives.
Does the Iranian president really have power ?
The president in Iran has limited prerogatives. He is responsible for implementing, at the head of the government, the broad political guidelines set by the supreme guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been head of state for 35 years. As president, Pezeshkian will occupy the second most important position in the Islamic Republic, and he will exert influence over domestic and foreign policy.
It determines the country's financial policies by proposing the budget bill and the appointment of the head of the central bank and the Minister of the Economy. When it comes to domestic politics, the role of president is not a completely empty shell either. “He can try to improve the economic situation by applying more rational management, for example by appointing technocrats to responsible ministries and organizations,” explains Azadeh Kian.
A president under the control of the Supreme Guide
But these positions, even very critical ones, will hardly be able to have any major effect. Experts say Pezeshkian will face serious challenges in a country where almost all state institutions are controlled by conservatives. "It is not the president who decides the overall strategies of the Islamic regime," emphasizes Azadeh Kian, professor of sociology at Paris Cité University.
“The president has a little room for maneuver, but for military, foreign policy or regional issues, it is the Supreme Guide, Ali Khamenei, and the Revolutionary Guards who define the orientations.”
Azadeh Kian, professor of sociology at Paris Cité University
He will also have limited power over Iran's police, and virtually no power over the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran's ideological army. Iranian military forces answer directly to the supreme leader.
Massoud Pezeshkian will also have to deal with a Parliament with an ultraconservative majority, which votes on laws and must give its assent to the composition of the government. The president "will undoubtedly have difficulty getting ministers who are too reformist to accept", anticipates Azadeh Kian.
A “conservative reformer” ?
Massoud Pezeshkian will therefore not be able to radically change the line of the country. But "he could improve Iran's image through a calming speech, and why not encourage the Guide to move towards negotiations with the West, of course in exchange for important compensation", estimates Azadeh Kian.
According to specialists, this election is unlikely to shake the foundations of the regime. “Massoud Pezeshkian is a reformer,” explains Thierry Coville, “but he defines himself as a reformer-conservative, he uses a lot of religious references...
All of this could help make him an 'acceptable' reformer in the eyes of Ali Khamenei." |
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| Britney Delsey for DayNewsWorld |
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UNITED KINGDOM AFTER CRUSHING VICTORY
OF THE LABOR PARTY
KEIR STARMER PRIME MINISTER | The new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the composition of his government on Friday after promising to "rebuild" the United Kingdom, a political page of which is turning with the return of Labor to power.
“We will rebuild” the United Kingdom, declared the new 61-year-old leader on the steps of 10 Downing Street, after being charged by King Charles III with forming a government, the composition of which was revealed later. -noon.
Atypical personalities from the field and women in the highest responsibilities, the new team in power, "in the service" of the British, illustrates the change that Keir Starmer wants to embody.
His number 2 in particular, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of housing Angela Rayner, aged 44, from a very disadvantaged background and having left school at 16, stands out in the British political landscape.
Former Bank of England economist Rachel Reeves, popular in business circles, becomes Minister of Finance, the first woman to occupy this position in the country.
Appointed to Foreign Affairs is David Lammy, a descendant of slaves who was able to be very critical in the past of former US President Donald Trump.
Labor, official winner of the elections
The British Labor Party reached the threshold of 326 seats on Friday July 5, 2024, out of a total of 650, which marks it as the official winner of the July 4 general election. This victory ends 14 years of domination by the right-wing Conservative Party. Under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives suffered their worst electoral defeat since the start of the 20th century. The anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, outperformed expectations by securing 13 seats in Parliament.
According to BBC projections, Labor is expected to win 410 seats, a figure reminiscent of the 418 seats and majority of 179 seats achieved in 1997 when Tony Blair led the party to victory. The participation rate could be the lowest since 2005, at just 61%.
Conservatives sanctioned
Sunak's Conservatives are expected to win only 144 seats, less than half of the 365 seats obtained in 2019. Indeed, they have been behind in the polls against Labor since 2022.
More than 15 Conservative ministers lost their seats, although the Prime Minister retained his. He acknowledged Labor's victory and congratulated its leader, Keir Starmer, by telephone. Sunak plans to speak later in London, where the Times of London anticipates his resignation as leader of the Conservative Party.
Brexit has left its mark
Brexit has left deep scars in the country, without keeping the promises of its supporters. Rising prices over the past two years have impoverished many families, increasing dependence on food banks. Waiting times for medical appointments in the NHS are months long, and prisons are at risk of running out of places. Brexit has damaged the successive governments of Johnson, Truss, and Sunak.
In 20 months in Downing Street, Sunak has never managed to turn around his popularity. He called these elections in July in a last gamble, but his campaign was disastrous, marked by blunders and a lack of political sense.
Keir Starmer capitalized on his modest origins to differentiate himself from his multimillionaire opponent. Although not very charismatic, he is determined and promises to transform the country as he straightened out Labour, by refocusing economically and fighting against anti-Semitism.
Future British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised “national renewal” for the United Kingdom in an early morning speech. “Our task is nothing less than to renew the ideas that maintain the unity of our country, a national renewal,” he continued. “I don’t promise it will be easy. »
Just nine years after entering politics and four years after taking over as Labor leader, he will face considerable yearning for change.
The expected outcome is not expected to significantly change relations between Europe and the UK, although Labor has promised a "common sense" relationship with Europe, involving regulatory alignment and a defense pact potential with the EU, while excluding any European integration.
Reform UK 's resounding entry into Parliament
The anti-immigration party Reform UK made a remarkable entry into Parliament, winning 13 seats, including that of Nigel Farage, elected after seven unsuccessful attempts. Reform UK has often competed with the Tories for votes, but Britain's electoral system makes it difficult to convert votes into seats.
News that he described as “truly extraordinary” for him and his political party. “This is the first step in something that will stun you all,” he added after the announcement of the results in Clacton-on-Sea, the seaside town where he was a candidate.
Before the election was announced, the party had one MP, Lee Anderson from Ashfield, who had left the ruling Conservative Party. Nigel Farage, who, for his eighth candidacy, will now be MP for Clacton, announced that he would “attack the Labor Party”.
At the center of the political spectrum, the Liberal Democrats made a certain comeback, winning 61 seats, a result close to that of 2010 (62 seats), the year during which they formed a coalition government with the Conservatives, broke their election promise not to increase university fees, and were reduced to eight seats.
The Scottish National Party is expected to retain just eight MPs, fewer than in the previous election, partly due to the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.
The Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein gained seven MPs, although it does not traditionally send representatives to the Westminster parliament. Its main ideological opponents, the right-wing Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), obtained four MPs.
In Wales, Plaid Cymru, the party campaigning for Welsh autonomy, doubled its 2019 results, from two to four MPs.
Finally, the Greens gained three MPs, retaining their stronghold of Brighton and gaining seats in Bristol and the east of England. |
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Andrew Preston for DayNewsWorld |
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APRICOT AND ALMOND CLAFOUTIS BY CYRIL LIGNAC
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With summer fruits, here is an easy and delicious dessert by the renowned pastry chef Cyril Lignac.
Ingredients:
Apricots: 1 lb (about 1 pound) Eggs: 3 Heavy cream: 3/4 cup Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup Hazelnut flour: 1 cup Amaretto: 2 tablespoons Sliced almonds: a handful Butter: 2 teaspoons
Preparation:
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cut a sheet of parchment paper to the size of the baking dish.
Brush the parchment paper with butter and place it in the dish. Pit and halve the apricots.
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, heavy cream, amaretto, and hazelnut flour.
For the mixture into the buttered dish, arrange the apricots evenly on top, and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Let cool before unmolding.
Enjoy as a dessert or serve it at a tea brunch. |
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Marie-Chantal de Verneuil for DayNewsWorld |
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CONSCIENCE ACCORDING TO NEUROSCIENCES | The notion of consciousness is one of the most difficult and sophisticated to understand. Its complexity lies not only in the difficulty of understanding it, but also in the interweaving of multiple elements that constitute it.
Let's briefly discuss three contemporary theories, each defended by scientists, who try to unravel the mysteries of consciousness with L aure Tabouy, Researcher in ethics of neuroscience, neurotechnologies, digital technology and AI.
Consciousness is defined as the “knowledge, intuitive or immediate reflexive, that everyone has of their existence and that of the external world.” It is crucial to distinguish between different types of consciousness.
Spontaneous or immediate consciousness is anchored in experience, oriented towards the external world and corresponds to the individual's presence to himself at the moment when he thinks, feels or acts.
Reflective awareness, on the other hand, is the capacity for introspection to analyze one's own thoughts or actions. Finally, the term "conscience" can also refer to our faculty of moral judgment, although this latter aspect is not the object of our interest here.
Are we on the cusp of discovering the signature of consciousness ?
Since the 1950s, advances in neuroscience, computer science and engineering have suggested the possibility of decoding the human mind, or even "uploading" it to digital media, according to some researchers. However, consciousness remains an enigma for scientists.
Although the brain mechanisms are being revealed more and more precisely, the question persists: will we discover the neuronal signature of consciousness? To answer this quest, science relies on various theories.
In this initially philosophical debate, scientific theories of consciousness adopt a materialist approach, postulating that consciousness emerges from the matter constituting our being, as opposed to dualists who consider body and mind as two distinct realities. Scientists therefore base their research on the analysis of brain activity.
The Global Workspace Theory
This theory, developed by the American neuroscientist Bernard Baars and supported by the French researchers Stanislas Dehaene, Lionel Naccache and Jean-Pierre Changeux, is functional: it describes consciousness by its functions.
She explains that consciousness results from the interaction between various brain regions and processes. When sensory information is perceived, it is first processed automatically by specialized regions, such as the visual cortex.
If this information is not amplified by a larger neural network, it remains unconscious.
Consciousness therefore emerges from a slow but flexible integration of information from various specialized networks. Once aware of sensory information, the individual can perform various mental operations. This process manifests itself as a “flare” of brain activity, approximately 300 milliseconds after perception .
Integrated information theory
Proposed by Giulio Tononi in 2004, this functional theory postulates that consciousness is defined by the capacity of a system to integrate a large amount of information. A conscious system generates information confronted with each other, creating a unique and irreducible mental state. Tononi offers a theoretical framework to explain why certain systems, such as the brain, are conscious and capable of subjective experiences.
This theory opens the possibility that other systems, including artificial ones, could be conscious.
Although controversial and criticized for its lack of detail and being called "unfalsifiable pseudoscience" by some neuroscientists, it continues to be developed. Higher-order theories
Defended by philosopher David Rosenthal and psychologist Michael Graziano, these theories explain the distinction between conscious and unconscious processing of information.
They posit that consciousness consists of perceptions or thoughts about first-order mental states. Awareness of these states emerges when a higher order representation or meta-representation appears.
This theory proposes that perception, an automatic process, becomes conscious when this higher-order representation becomes conscious thought. According to neuroscientist Edmund Rolls, this mechanism allows error correction and action planning, while unconscious processing would be sufficient for the execution of tasks without requiring consciousness.
What are the issues in the current context ?
Human consciousness, a reflection of our singular existence, intersects emotions, thoughts, experiences and biology. Today, the question of consciousness, both philosophical and scientific, gives rise to lively debates.
The quest to understand consciousness raises fundamental questions about human identity and interiority.
Furthermore, advances in neuroscience and neurotechnologies, such as cerebral organoids and brain-machine interfaces like Neuralink, promise new perspectives. Organoids, neuronal structures derived from stem cells, could become sentient and conscious systems, raising crucial ethical questions.
Current research on consciousness, in a context of technological effervescence, must guarantee that these discoveries serve the common good, protecting our psychological integrity, our privacy, our security and our freedom of thought. These theoretical and practical explorations thus outline a complex and fascinating landscape where science, ethics and philosophy intersect, and where the answers to the mysteries of consciousness remain to be discovered.
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Paul Emison for DayNewsWorld |
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RETURN OF THE BOEING STARLINER NASA
STRIKE HARD FROM JUNE 26 2024 ! | On June 5, a significant event took place in the field of space exploration: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft took off from Florida with two astronauts on board, Butch Wilmore, 61, and Suni Williams, 58. .
This launch, which experienced several years of delays and numerous last-minute postponements, represents a crucial step for Boeing's space program and for NASA.
A Crucial Demonstration Mission
The Starliner docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, 2024. Initially, the two astronauts' stay was scheduled to last eight days, but it was extended due to technical problems. These complications include propellant issues and helium leaks, problems that required extensive analysis to ensure the safety of the crew and the ship..
Technical Problems Encountered
Thruster failures and helium leaks caused major concerns. NASA and Boeing had to carry out additional checks to ensure that the spacecraft was ready to return to Earth safely. Steve Stich, a NASA official, said the extra time was needed so teams could "verify the data, do some analysis and make sure we're really ready to go back."
According to Boeing's Mark Nappi, the Starliner's thrusters have finally reached "a good level of performance" and helium leaks "have stabilized and are less significant." These improvements made it possible to set the return date for June 26, 2024.The Return of the Starliner
The Starliner's return is scheduled for June 26 at 02:10 GMT, with a planned landing in New Mexico, in the southwestern United States, at 08:51 GMT. This phase of re-entry into the atmosphere is critical and represents a major technological challenge. The Starliner's heat shield will have to withstand extreme temperatures, reaching around 1,650°C, due to friction with the Earth's atmosphere.The Challenge for Boeing
This mission is of paramount importance to Boeing. The aeronautics giant, which faces production quality problems in its commercial aviation branch, must prove its ability to carry out manned space missions. A success would strengthen Boeing's position in the space sector and allow NASA to have a reliable alternative to SpaceX for transporting its astronauts to the ISS.
In 2014, NASA signed contracts with Boeing and SpaceX to develop vehicles capable of transporting astronauts to the ISS. SpaceX, with its Crew Dragon capsule, has already successfully accomplished this task and has been carrying out regular missions since 2019. Boeing, on the other hand, has experienced significant delays and technical failures which have pushed back the operational entry into service of its Starliner spacecraft.
A Future Partnership with NASA
Once the Starliner is fully operational, NASA plans to alternate flights between SpaceX and Boeing. However, given the lead SpaceX has taken, it is likely that it will continue to carry out the majority of transport missions to the ISS in the near future. However, the success of the Starliner remains crucial to diversifying space transportation options and increasing competition, which is beneficial for innovation and security in the sector.
The atmospheric re-entry phase is undoubtedly the riskiest stage of this mission. At high speed, the Starliner capsule will have to penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, experiencing intense friction which generates extreme temperatures. The heat shield is designed to protect the capsule and its occupants from this infernal heat, but any failure at this point could be catastrophic.
The success of this phase depends on many factors, including the accuracy of the trajectories, the perfect functioning of the navigation and control systems, as well as the structural integrity of the heat shield. NASA and Boeing teams have worked tirelessly to simulate and prepare for this critical phase of the mission, hoping to avoid past mistakes.
Consequences for the Space Industry
The success of the Starliner's return will have significant implications for the space industry. Boeing, by proving the reliability of its vessel, will be able to claim a leading role in future manned missions from NASA and other international space agencies. Additionally, the Starliner could be used for commercial missions, providing an alternative to SpaceX for private companies wanting to send crews or payloads into orbit.
The competition between Boeing and SpaceX is also beneficial for the industry in general, as it incentivizes innovation and constant improvement in space technologies. Each company attempts to outperform the other in terms of reliability, cost and efficiency, which ultimately benefits space agencies and consumers of space services.
Future Outlook for Boeing and NASA
Boeing's future in space depends largely on the success of this mission. If the Starliner's return goes as planned, it will mark a major milestone for Boeing and NASA. This will mean that Boeing has overcome technical challenges and is ready to fully participate in manned space missions.
For NASA, having two reliable suppliers for transporting astronauts to the ISS is crucial. This reduces the risks associated with reliance on a single supplier and ensures mission continuity in the event of a problem with one of the ships. Additionally, the diversity of transportation options allows NASA to better plan and manage missions based on availability and specific needs.
The return of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, scheduled for June 26, 2024, is a key event for the space industry. After years of delays and technical challenges, this mission represents an opportunity for Boeing to demonstrate the reliability and safety of its vessel.
The success of this mission would benefit not only Boeing, but also NASA and the entire space industry, by increasing competition and providing more flexibility for future missions.
The Advancement and Reliability of SpaceX Machines
Since 2019, SpaceX has played a crucial role as the primary provider of space transportation services for NASA. With its Crew Dragon capsule, SpaceX not only met expectations but also exceeded predictions in terms of reliability and performance. Here are some key points that illustrate SpaceX's lead and how it could influence the space landscape despite the rise of the Boeing Starliner:
The SpaceX Success Story
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, quickly gained a reputation as a pioneer in commercial spaceflight. After years of intensive development, the Crew Dragon capsule has been certified by NASA to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Since beginning operations in 2020, Crew Dragon has accumulated an impressive history of successful missions, establishing a high level of reliability.
Regular Operations Towards the ISS
SpaceX currently provides regular crew transport missions to the ISS, with rotations planned several times per year. This sustained pace allows SpaceX to consolidate its operational expertise and maintain consistency in the provision of space services. This consistency is essential for NASA, which can plan its missions with increased predictability and confidence in SpaceX's ability to meet deadlines and safety requirements.
Continuous Innovation at SpaceX
In addition to its operational reliability, SpaceX continues to innovate with advanced technologies such as the Falcon 9 rocket reusability system, which helps significantly reduce launch costs. This approach has allowed SpaceX to not only become competitive in the commercial market but also to push the boundaries of what is technologically possible in the space industry.
Impact on the Spatial Landscape
Despite the advancements of the Boeing Starliner and its potential to become a major player in the field of human spaceflight, SpaceX remains undeniably ahead in terms of mission volume and proven reliability. This reality could lead NASA to continue to favor SpaceX for the majority of its missions to transport astronauts to the ISS, while integrating the Starliner in a complementary role to ensure redundancy and operational flexibility.
SpaceX's significant advance in human spaceflight, with its Crew Dragon capsule, is a testament to its commitment to innovation and safety.
As the Boeing Starliner takes its first steps toward operationality, it remains to be seen how it will position itself in the competitive landscape against SpaceX. In the meantime, NASA benefits from a diversity of space transportation solutions that enhance its ability to maintain a continuous human presence on the ISS and beyond.
While awaiting the outcome of this mission, all eyes are turned to the sky, hoping for a safe return for the astronauts aboard the Starliner. |
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Paul Emison for DayNewsWorld |
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SHOCKING REVELATION FROM THE NSA PROTECT YOUR SMARTPHONE FROM DEADLY ATTACKS ! | Mobile phones, veritable modern digital Swiss army knives, have become prime targets for cybercriminals.
These devices contain a wealth of personal data, photos, messages, banking information and much more, making them an ideal hunting ground for hackers always on the lookout for new prey.
With the increase in sophistication of attacks, smartphone security has become a major concern.
The scale of the threat!
A study carried out by Kaspersky reveals the scale of attacks on smartphones: in 2023, nearly 33.8 million malicious attacks have been recorded.
Mobile malware, constantly evolving, is designed to steal data, spy on users or even demand ransoms.
Users are often caught off guard by these invisible threats that lurk in seemingly innocent applications or in links and attachments received via email or text message.
NSA recommendations
Faced with this growing threat, the US National Security Agency (NSA) published in 2022 an updated guide to best practices for securing mobile devices.
Among these recommendations, a simple but very effective tip is highlighted: completely restart your smartphone every week.
This manipulation, childishly simple, proves to be extremely effective in interrupting malicious software while it is running.
Why is rebooting so effective?
Restarting your smartphone weekly allows you to reset the device's software components and purge the RAM of any malicious code that may be hiding there.
Additionally, it forces apps to re-request permissions to access data and phone functions, reducing the chances of unauthorized access to your sensitive information.
This practice, although simple, helps strengthen the overall security of your device by disrupting malicious activities that rely on persistence in active memory.
A comprehensive approach to security
However, weekly rebooting alone is not a miracle solution. It must be integrated into an overall cybersecurity strategy to be truly effective.
Here are some additional measures to adopt!
Regular updates:
Make sure your smartphone's operating system (OS) and all your apps are regularly updated.
Updates often contain important security fixes that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Installation from trusted sources:
Download and install apps only from official stores, such as Google Play for Android and the App Store for iOS. Official stores have verification processes to detect malicious applications, although this is not foolproof.
Be careful with links and attachments:
Be extremely careful with links and attachments in emails, text messages or on social media.
Phishing attacks are common and can fool even the most savvy users.
Using strong passwords:
Choose strong, unique passwords for your accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible for an extra layer of security.
Screen lock:
Enable a screen lock, whether by password, fingerprint or facial recognition. This prevents unauthorized physical access to your phone.
Regular data backup:
Make regular backups of your important data. If your device is lost or hacked, you will be able to recover your information without too much difficulty.
Vigilance on public WiFi networks:
Avoid using public WiFi networks for sensitive transactions or to access personal information. Public networks are often less secure and can be monitored by hackers.
Strengthen security through application management
In addition to these measures, it is crucial to carefully manage the apps installed on your phone. Uninstall apps you no longer use.
These unused applications may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Additionally, regularly review the permissions granted to each application to ensure that they are not accessing sensitive information without good reason.
Cybersecurity awareness
Cybersecurity awareness and education play a vital role in protecting smartphones. Understanding risks and best practices can help users make informed decisions.
For example, being aware of common phishing techniques, fake alert messages or malicious apps can significantly reduce the chances of infection.
The importance of rigorous digital hygiene
Beyond technical recommendations, the adoption of rigorous digital hygiene is essential.
This includes practices such as, Do not share your passwords!
Even with people you trust, avoid sharing your passwords.
Use password managers:
Password managers can generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Enable security alerts:
Many services offer security alerts that notify you of any suspicious activity on your accounts.
Monitor your bank accounts:
Check your bank accounts regularly for suspicious transactions.
In conclusion, smartphones have become prime targets for cybercriminals due to the quantity and sensitivity of the information they contain.
The NSA recommends restarting your phone every week to stop malware, but this practice must be combined with other security measures to be truly effective.
By taking a holistic approach to cybersecurity and following best practices, users can significantly reduce risks and protect their devices against growing threats. Vigilance and rigorous digital hygiene are the keys to ensuring the security of our precious smartphones. |
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Luc T. for DayNewsWorld |
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FIRST MAJOR FIRE OF THE YEAR RAVES LOS ANGELES AREA | On Sunday, June 9, 2024, strong winds propelled the flames through the dry brush of the mountains along Interstate 5, north of Los Angeles. Authorities immediately warned residents in the path of the fire to prepare for possible evacuation if it spread further.
This first major wildfire of the year in Los Angeles County quickly covered an area of more than 60 square kilometers.
The day before, this fire had already forced the evacuation of more than 1,200 campers, off-road enthusiasts and hikers from the Hungry Valley recreational area. Dubbed the Post Fire, the fire was only 2% contained as of Sunday, and no casualties had been reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Firefighters, facing sweltering conditions and steep terrain, raced to control hot spots created by unpredictable winds that blew embers in front of the flames. Kenichi Haskett, section chief for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said gusty winds also hampered aerial crews' efforts to drop water and fire retardant.
"When it's windy, the water disperses everywhere except where it's needed, which makes our job more difficult..." Mr. Haskett said.
Meanwhile, in Northern California, another wildfire, dubbed the Point Fire, triggered evacuation orders and warnings for a sparsely populated area near Lake Sonoma.
This fire, which started on Sunday, released a huge plume of black smoke as it spread through brush and woods, about 130 kilometers north of San Francisco.
The Point Fire was 15% contained.
The Southern California fire started Saturday afternoon near Interstate 5 in Gorman, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
The flames were heading toward Pyramid Lake, a popular destination for boaters, which was closed as a precaution on Father's Day. Although no homes were threatened Sunday, authorities warned residents of Castaic, a community of 19,000, that they may have to evacuate if the fire spreads south.
“If you are in a warning zone, prepare a “go bag” with night clothes, your cell phone, medications and glasses. Fuel your car and be ready to evacuate,” advised Haskett.
Weather forecasts from the National Weather Service in Los Angeles called for low humidity and gusts of up to 50 mph throughout the day, with winds likely to strengthen after sunset.
About 120 kilometers to the east, the Hesperia Fire, covering an area of 5 square kilometers, prompted road closures and evacuation warnings. This fire broke out Saturday near the mountain communities of San Bernardino County and was 19% contained as of Sunday evening.
Weather conditions, characterized by low humidity and strong winds, combined with difficult terrain, made firefighting efforts particularly arduous. Local authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates to affected residents.
Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the flames and protect lives and property. Crews on the ground and in the air are working to limit the spread of the fire despite the challenges posed by the weather conditions.
Coordination efforts between different fire agencies are essential to effectively manage this crisis.
Los Angeles County has mobilized all available resources to support firefighting operations. Authorities encourage residents to stay informed and follow instructions from emergency services.
The safety of residents and firefighters remains the top priority.
As California enters fire season, officials are calling for vigilance and preparation.
Collaboration between residents, firefighters and government agencies is crucial to minimizing the impacts of wildfires. Prevention and preparedness efforts, as well as rapid responses to emergencies, will play a key role in protecting communities and natural resources.
In summary, the wildfires currently ravaging the Los Angeles area and other parts of California highlight the importance of disaster preparedness and rapid response.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert and follow instructions from authorities to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. The collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to overcoming these challenges and protecting communities from the dangers of wildfires. |
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Samantha Moore for DayNewsWorld |
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SWIMWEAR AND LINGERIE SITES NO LONGER ERASER THE STRETCH MARKS OF THEIR MODELS
INTERNET USERS TO APPLAUD ! |
What, unretouched photos to sell clothes ?
But where is the world going ?
Summer is here and most of us are hoping to spend a few days at the beach soaking up the sun. Which means, yes, buying a swimsuit, an ordeal if ever there was one.
On the Internet, most of the models wearing the swimsuits or lingerie you want to buy are perfectly tanned.
It's quite difficult, and actually a bit depressing, to rely on these images to find a swimsuit suitable for an average human being.
Customers of its sites are pleased that the sales site has not “erased” the defects and stretch marks of its models.
Internet users rush to Twitter to thank the shopping site for reminding us that we can look hot in one or two pieces with stretch marks. Here is finally the "body positive" attitude that is arriving.
This is not the first time that the “flaws” of models spared by photographers are celebrated by the public .
However, in some countries like Italy, it is still better to erase these small marks of humanity from photos. Whether you are thin or fuller, you have stretch marks. Let's hope that in the future these marks will be preserved in the photos and that we can be happy that the models are presented as "normal" people!.
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Britney Delsey for DayNewsWorld |
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FEEDBACK ON THE LAUNCH OF THE MS-27 CARGO | The Russian Progress MS-27 cargo ship, carrying essential supplies for the International Space Station (ISS), was launched on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.
This event, which is part of a long tradition of resupply missions, once again demonstrates the robustness and reliability of Russian space programs. The careful preparation, launch precision and flawless execution of space travel are the result of decades of experience and technical mastery.
Launch from Baikonur
Launch site number 31 of the Baikonur cosmodrome was the scene of this launch. At 12:42 p.m. Moscow time, the Soyuz-2.1a rocket, carrying the Progress MS-27 cargo ship, was launched into space. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in the vast steppes of Kazakhstan, is an emblematic site in space history. From the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957, to modern missions to the ISS, Baikonur remains a pillar of space exploration.
The Soyuz-2.1a Rocket
The Soyuz-2.1a rocket is a modernized version of the Soyuz launcher, known for its reliability and efficiency. With a height of 46.3 meters and a diameter of 2.95 meters, the Soyuz-2.1a can carry up to 7,800 kg of payload into low Earth orbit. This three-stage launcher uses kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuels for its first and second stages, while the third stage, called Blok I, uses a similar mixture to provide orbital insertion of the cargo craft.
Theft and Separation
Once launched, the rocket followed a precise upward trajectory. Every step of the flight, from engine ignition to jettison of spent stages, was executed with meticulous precision. Separation of the third stage took place without problems, allowing the Progress MS-27 spacecraft to deploy into orbit. The antennas and solar panels deployed correctly, providing the power and communications needed for the remainder of the journey.
The Progress MS-27 Cargo Ship
The Progress MS-27 ship is an upgraded version of the Progress series of ships, designed specifically for resupply missions to the ISS. With a total mass of 7,300 kg, the Progress MS-27 is capable of carrying various types of cargo, including fuel, water, provisions and scientific equipment.
Resupply for the ISS
On June 1, 2024, at 2:47 p.m. Moscow time, the Progress MS-27 spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS. The vessel delivered a total of 2,504 kg of cargo. This cargo included 1,290 kg of devices and equipment for the station's systems, packaging for scientific experiments, clothing, food, as well as medical and sanitary products for the crew. In addition to these items, 754 kg of fuel were provided to resupply the station, as well as 420 kg of potable water and 40 kg of nitrogen.
The Importance of Supplies
Supply deliveries like this are vital to maintaining operations aboard the ISS. The equipment and devices delivered make it possible to maintain and improve the station's vital systems. Food and medical supplies are crucial to the well-being of astronauts and cosmonauts, while scientific supplies are essential for the continuation of the many ongoing experiments. The delivered fuel is used to adjust the station's orbit and for debris avoidance maneuvers, ensuring the safety of the station and its crew.
Crew Members
On board the ISS, an international team of seven astronauts and cosmonauts was ready to receive supplies. Among them are Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko, Nikolay Chub and Aleksandr Grebionkin, as well as NASA astronauts Matthew Dominic, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps and Tracy Dyson. Each of these members plays a crucial role in the daily operations and scientific research carried out aboard the station.
Historical and Technical Context
This was the eighth Russian space launch of the year 2024 and the fourth from Baikonur. This flight was also the 68th for the Soyuz-2.1a launcher and the 180th for a Progress family ship in history, including 91 missions to the ISS. These figures illustrate the frequency and reliability of Russian resupply missions, which are key elements of international space logistics.
Russian Space Mechanics
Russian space mechanics are renowned for their reliability and efficiency. Repeated successful launches and dockings without incident reinforce this reputation. The Soyuz-2.1a, in particular, is a launcher whose design dates back several decades but which has evolved over time thanks to continuous technological improvements. This reliability is a source of inspiration and comparison for other space agencies and private companies such as Ariane Espace and Boeing.
The launch of the Progress MS-27 is a perfect example of the synergy between experience, innovation and technology in the Russian space domain. Each resupply mission is a demonstration of the ability of Russian engineers and scientists to sustain complex space operations and contribute significantly to humanity's exploration and use of space. With missions like these, international collaboration in space continues to flourish, ensuring that the ISS remains a premier research laboratory and a base for future deep space exploration.
The Russian Progress MS-27 cargo ship, carrying supplies for the International Space Station (ISS), was launched Thursday, May 30, 2024 from the Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.
The Soyuz-2.1a rocket, carrying the Progress MS-27 cargo spacecraft, was launched on Thursday at 12:42 p.m. (Moscow time) from launch site number 31 at the Baikonur cosmodrome.
The Progress MS-27's launch into a given orbit, its separation from the rocket's third stage, and the deployment of the ship's antennas and solar panels proceeded as usual, and smoothly as usual.
The cargo ship will dock with the ISS on June 1 at 2:47 p.m. Moscow time.
The Progress MS-27 delivered 2,504 kg of cargo to the ISS, including 1,290 kg of devices and equipment for the station's systems, packaging for scientific experiments, clothing, food, medical and sanitary products for the crew, 754 kg of fuel for supplying the station, 420 kg of drinking water and 40 kg of nitrogen.
Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko, Nikolay Chub and Aleksandr Grebionkin, NASA astronauts Matthew Dominic, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps and Tracy Dyson are currently on board the ISS.
This is the 8th Russian space launch in 2024 and the fourth from Baikonur. This flight was the 68th for the Soyuz-2.1a launcher and the 180th for the Progress family spacecraft in history (91st to the ISS).
One thing is certain, Russian space mechanics are well established, efficient, reliable, which should give food for thought to others (Nasa, Ariane Espace, Boeing, etc.). |
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Paul Emison for DayNewsWorld |
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