Global Pulse

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  • Trump raises new global tariff from 10 pct to 15 pct

    Trump raises new global tariff from 10 pct to 15 pct

    In a dramatic escalation of trade policy, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday he would impose a sweeping 15% tariff on imports from all nations, defying a Supreme Court ruling that had declared his previous tariff measures unlawful. The decision comes just one day after Trump instituted a 10% worldwide duty in response to the judicial setback.

    Trump made the announcement through social media, declaring: “I, as President of the United States of America, will be, effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff on Countries, many of which have been ‘ripping’ the US off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.”

    The move follows Friday’s Supreme Court decision, which ruled 6-3 that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement tariffs exceeded presidential authority. The ruling represented a significant judicial check on executive power in trade matters.

    Trump’s administration now faces the complex task of developing a new legal framework for these tariffs within coming months. The president promised his team would “determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs,” which he characterized as part of “our extraordinarily successful process of Making America Great Again – GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!”

    The immediate economic implications are substantial, as the increased tariff rate will affect virtually all imported goods entering the United States, potentially triggering retaliatory measures from trading partners and affecting global supply chains already adjusting to the previous day’s announcement.

  • First all-Pakistani production makes history at Berlin film fest

    First all-Pakistani production makes history at Berlin film fest

    The Berlin International Film Festival witnessed a groundbreaking moment in cinematic history this week with the premiere of ‘Lali’—the first entirely Pakistani-produced feature film to screen at the prestigious event. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, the Punjabi-language black comedy received an enthusiastic reception during its world premiere on Thursday, attended by a capacity audience that included Pakistan’s ambassador to Germany and members of Berlin’s Pakistani community.

    ‘Lali’ presents the unconventional love story of Sajawal (portrayed by Channan Hanif) and his bride Zeba (Mamya Shajaffar), set against the backdrop of Sahiwal’s working-class neighborhoods. The narrative unfolds as community members whisper about a mysterious curse surrounding Zeba, whose previous suitors have all died under unexplained circumstances. The film masterfully blends the Punjab region’s characteristic boisterous humor with explorations of deeper themes including desire, sexuality, and unresolved trauma, while occasionally hinting at supernatural elements.

    Khoosat, who previously produced the critically acclaimed ‘Joyland,’ described the Berlin selection as both an achievement and a responsibility. He emphasized the significance of receiving international recognition for a story ‘deeply rooted in its own idiom,’ noting that the film’s authentic cultural specificity resonated with global audiences. The director highlighted the collaborative nature of Pakistan’s emerging film movement, noting that ‘Joyland’ director Saim Sadiq served as an editor on ‘Lali.’

    Despite the celebratory moment, Khoosat acknowledged the challenges facing Pakistan’s film industry, which has experienced a ‘semi-gradual demise’ over the past two decades. From producing over 100 films annually during its golden age, the industry has struggled to adapt to new media landscapes and audience expectations. The director expressed hope that international visibility at festivals like Berlin might catalyze a domestic resurgence, emphasizing that ‘a whole new generation of filmmakers needs facilitation to produce more work.’

  • Germany’s Merz seeks ‘clear European position’ on tariffs before US trip

    Germany’s Merz seeks ‘clear European position’ on tariffs before US trip

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Saturday that he will coordinate with European allies to establish a consolidated position on U.S. tariff policies before his upcoming diplomatic visit to Washington. The chancellor’s statement comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s escalating trade measures, including Friday’s imposition of additional 10% tariffs on imports following a Supreme Court decision that invalidated many of his previous duties.

    Speaking to ARD broadcaster, Merz emphasized that customs policy falls under European Union jurisdiction rather than individual member states, necessitating a unified continental approach. ‘We will have a very clear European position on this,’ Merz stated, confirming his Washington visit scheduled for the following week. ‘I will go to Washington with a common European position.’

    The trade landscape shifted dramatically when Trump not only implemented the 10% tariff but announced a further increase to 15% on Saturday. Despite these protectionist measures, the German leader identified a positive element in the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. Merz noted that the judicial check on presidential authority demonstrated the continued functionality of America’s separation of powers, describing this constitutional balance as ‘good news’ and expressing optimism that German exporters might ultimately face reduced trade barriers.

  • Nasa chief rules out March launch of Moon mission over technical issues

    Nasa chief rules out March launch of Moon mission over technical issues

    NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced on Saturday, February 21, 2026, that the highly anticipated Artemis 2 mission—the first crewed lunar flyby in over five decades—will not launch in March as previously planned. The decision comes after engineers identified significant technical complications involving the spacecraft’s propulsion system.

    Technical analysis revealed an anomaly in the helium flow mechanism within the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This critical issue, detected during pre-launch assessments, directly impacts the rocket’s pressurization systems and necessitates comprehensive engineering reviews. Administrator Isaacman confirmed the delay via an official statement on social media platform X, noting that the complication “will take the March launch window out of consideration.”

    The Artemis program represents humanity’s return to lunar exploration, with Artemis 2 serving as the pioneering crewed mission to orbit the Moon since the Apollo era. This development follows recent advancements in space technology, including SpaceX’s successful Starship test flights and ongoing international efforts in lunar exploration.

    NASA engineers are now conducting thorough diagnostics to address the helium flow irregularity while evaluating subsequent launch opportunities. The agency maintains its commitment to mission safety, emphasizing that resolution of technical challenges takes precedence over scheduling timelines. This delay demonstrates the complex nature of deep space missions and the rigorous safety protocols governing human spaceflight.

  • Hezbollah says it has ‘no choice’ but to defend itself after deadly Israeli strikes

    Hezbollah says it has ‘no choice’ but to defend itself after deadly Israeli strikes

    Hezbollah has declared it possesses ‘no remaining alternatives’ but to engage in self-defense following Israel’s most lethal aerial assault in weeks on eastern Lebanon. The Friday strikes targeted the Bekaa Valley, resulting in a minimum of ten fatalities—including a high-ranking Hezbollah military official—and wounding twenty-four individuals, among them three children. This offensive represents a direct violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

    In a televised address on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar network, Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chairman of the group’s political council, condemned the operation as ‘a new massacre and a new aggression.’ He posed the rhetorical question, ‘What option do we have left to defend ourselves and our country? What option do we have other than resistance?’

    This escalation coincides with intelligence reports from Al Arabiya and Al Hadath indicating Hezbollah has intensified its strategic planning sessions. These meetings are reportedly focused on formulating a response to a potential military confrontation between the United States and Iran. According to sources, Iranian commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have now assumed administrative oversight, effectively supplanting elements of the Lebanese leadership.

    While some Iranian military advisors have been stationed in Lebanon for several months, additional personnel have recently arrived as U.S.-Iran tensions have worsened. Several high-level discussions have specifically concentrated on Hezbollah’s missile capabilities in the Bekaa Valley—the precise unit struck by Israeli forces. The Iranian commanders are now directing efforts to rebuild Hezbollah’s operational capacity while preparing for what they perceive as an inevitable broader conflict with Israel.

    Concurrently, The New York Times reports the Pentagon has relocated hundreds of U.S. troops from bases in Qatar and Bahrain. This repositioning accompanies a substantial deployment of military assets to the region, including warships, fighter jets, bombers, drones, surveillance aircraft, and advanced air-defense systems. These movements suggest Washington is preparing for a prolonged engagement potentially exceeding the duration of last year’s 12-day conflict.

    Katherine Thompson of the Cato Institute, a former senior Defense Department official, observed, ‘This looks like positioning for a much longer conflict.’ She noted the Pentagon appears to be ‘anticipating an Iranian response that could pose a significant risk to American bases in the region,’ while expressing concerns about the sustainability of prolonged force protection alongside continued support for Israel. Another U.S. military official confirmed two aircraft carriers remain strategically positioned at a distance from Iran to safeguard American installations.

  • Global summit calls for ‘secure, trustworthy and robust AI’

    Global summit calls for ‘secure, trustworthy and robust AI’

    The fourth annual AI Impact Summit concluded in Delhi on Saturday with a broad declaration signed by 86 nations, including previous holdout the United States and technological rival China. The joint statement advocated for ‘secure, trustworthy and robust’ artificial intelligence but stopped short of establishing any binding regulatory frameworks or concrete commitments.

    Attended by tens of thousands of participants, including top technology executives, the five-day summit marked the first gathering hosted by a developing nation. The declaration acknowledged generative AI as ‘an inflection point in technological evolution’ and emphasized that AI’s promise is best realized ‘only when its benefits are shared by humanity.’

    Despite the wide endorsement, the summit faced significant criticism from analysts and advocacy groups. Amba Kak, co-executive director of the AI Now Institute, dismissed the declaration as ‘another round of generic voluntary promises’ that primarily served industry interests rather than public protection.

    The statement addressed several critical areas including AI safety risks, job displacement concerns, and the technology’s substantial energy consumption. It emphasized reskilling initiatives for workers and developing energy-efficient AI systems, but provided no specific mandates or timelines for implementation.

    The event was not without its controversies and organizational challenges. US delegation head Michael Kratsios explicitly rejected global AI governance prior to the signing, stating America’s approach would remain ‘unapologetically friendly to entrepreneurship and innovation.’ The summit also produced viral moments, notably the awkward refusal of rival CEOs Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Dario Amodei (Anthropic) to hold hands on stage.

    Looking forward, the UN will establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence to work toward ‘science-led governance,’ while the next AI summit is scheduled for Geneva in 2027. India leveraged the event to announce over $200 billion in expected AI investments, positioning itself to compete with established technological superpowers.

  • Pezeshkian says Iran will not bow to pressure amid US nuclear talks

    Pezeshkian says Iran will not bow to pressure amid US nuclear talks

    In a nationally televised address on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a firm declaration of resistance against what he characterized as coordinated international pressure tactics during ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States. The president’s speech, broadcast live across state media channels, presented a narrative of Iranian resilience against external forces.

    Pezeshkian articulated a position of steadfast opposition to perceived coercion attempts by global powers, stating that despite concerted efforts to compel Iranian submission, the nation would maintain its sovereign stance. The president’s rhetoric emphasized national pride and determination, suggesting that external pressures would only strengthen Iranian resolve rather than achieve their intended effect.

    This public statement comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington regarding Iran’s nuclear program, though specific details about the current stage of negotiations remain undisclosed. The address appears strategically timed to reinforce Iran’s bargaining position while demonstrating domestic political strength to both international observers and the Iranian populace.

    The presidential message consistently framed the nuclear discussions within the context of national sovereignty and resistance to foreign intervention, echoing long-standing themes in Iranian political discourse. This positioning suggests continuity with previous administrations’ approaches to nuclear diplomacy while establishing Pezeshkian’s own leadership credentials on the international stage.

  • Indian cricket legends Gavaskar, Kapil join appeal for jailed Imran Khan in Pakistan

    Indian cricket legends Gavaskar, Kapil join appeal for jailed Imran Khan in Pakistan

    In an unprecedented display of sporting solidarity, cricket icons from across the globe have united to demand improved prison conditions for Pakistan’s former prime minister and legendary all-rounder Imran Khan. The movement gained significant momentum when Indian cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev joined forces with over a dozen former international captains to address concerns about Khan’s deteriorating health and detention circumstances.

    The 73-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has remained incarcerated since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he claims are politically motivated, stemming from his ouster through a parliamentary vote in 2022. The petition emerges amid troubling reports about Khan’s health condition, particularly regarding significant vision loss in his right eye while in custody, though recent medical examinations indicate some improvement after treatment.

    This cross-border advocacy is particularly noteworthy given the historically tense relations between India and Pakistan, including recent military conflicts. The petition, signed by cricketing royalty from multiple Test-playing nations, emphasizes the values of fair play, honor, and respect that transcend political boundaries and national rivalries.

    Among the distinguished signatories are Australian legends Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Belinda Clark, and Kim Hughes; English captains Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley, and David Gower; West Indies great Clive Lloyd; and New Zealand’s John Wright. Their collective statement highlights Khan’s monumental contributions to cricket, including captaining Pakistan to their only ODI World Cup victory in 1992.

    The cricketing community’s appeal respectfully urges the Pakistani government to ensure immediate medical attention, dignified treatment, and unimpeded access to legal processes for Khan. The initiative underscores how sporting camaraderie can bridge political divides, with the signatories noting that their shared history on the field reminds everyone that respect endures long after competitive rivalries conclude.

  • Philippines arrests 3 Chinese nationals for overstaying, use of false identity

    Philippines arrests 3 Chinese nationals for overstaying, use of false identity

    Philippine immigration authorities have detained three Chinese citizens in a targeted enforcement operation for significant violations of immigration statutes. The arrests occurred during a raid conducted at a residential condominium in Barangay Tambo, following intelligence reports connecting the individuals to suspected unlawful activities in the region.

    The primary individual apprehended, identified as Fang Li, initially entered the Philippines under temporary visitor status in 2022. Investigation revealed her failure to regularize her immigration status by applying for a mandatory visa extension following her most recent arrival. Authorities further uncovered that she was allegedly utilizing identification documents belonging to another Chinese national, constituting identity fraud.

    A second detainee, Chen Youliang, was already subject to an active Blacklist Order and an existing Order to Leave due to previous breaches of his visa conditions. At the time of apprehension, he could not produce a valid passport or any legal immigration documentation.

    The third individual, Xu Yuxiang, was taken into custody after verification confirmed the expiration of his visa extension, rendering his presence in the country unlawful.

    All three individuals currently remain in the custody of the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) while facing formal deportation proceedings. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado issued a stern warning that foreign nationals attempting to circumvent Philippine immigration laws through aliases, fraudulent identities, or expired visas will face apprehension and subsequent deportation.

    This enforcement action follows a larger deportation operation in November, wherein 23 Chinese nationals were expelled for involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) and associated cyberfraud schemes. Those individuals were found to have violated multiple immigration laws and were reportedly wanted for criminal activities in their home country.

  • Jordan and Egypt slam US ambassador remarks that Israel can take over all Middle East

    Jordan and Egypt slam US ambassador remarks that Israel can take over all Middle East

    A significant diplomatic crisis has erupted across the Middle East following inflammatory statements made by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, prompting unified condemnation from multiple Arab governments and international organizations. The controversy stems from Huckabee’s appearance on The Tucker Carlson Show, where he endorsed the concept of Israeli territorial expansion across the entire Middle East region.

    Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the diplomatic charge, characterizing Huckabee’s comments as “irresponsible, escalatory and absurd” in an official statement. Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Fuad Al-Majali explicitly rejected these “provocative statements,” noting they constitute both a violation of diplomatic norms and a flagrant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Jordanian government emphasized that such rhetoric directly contradicts the stated position of the Trump administration regarding West Bank annexation.

    The Palestinian foreign ministry issued parallel condemnation, labeling the remarks an “explicit call to infringe on the sovereignty of states” that effectively endorses Israel’s displacement of Palestinians and annexation of internationally recognized occupied territories. They urgently called upon the United States to provide explicit clarification regarding these comments, which they argue fundamentally undermine President Trump’s vision for Middle East peace.

    The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined the growing chorus of criticism, condemning the ambassador’s statements as a “clear call to violate international law” that risks fueling extremism and encouraging continued illegal measures by Israel. Simultaneously, the Arab League denounced Huckabee’s rhetoric as defying “all basic principles and established norms of diplomacy, as well as logic and reason.”

    The controversial exchange occurred when Carlson pressed Huckabee to identify the biblical borders referenced in Genesis 15, which describes territory “from the Euphrates to the Nile” – encompassing approximately five nations and occupied Palestinian territories. When asked whether Israel had divine rights to this expansive territory, Huckabee responded: “It would be fine if they took it all.”

    This endorsement aligns with the “Greater Israel” project previously espoused by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials. Huckabee, a prominent evangelical Christian leader and former Arkansas governor, has historically rejected the two-state solution, instead advocating for aggressive Jewish immigration to maintain demographic majority in a single state.