Global Pulse

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  • Trump invited Silicon Valley into the US nuclear power regulator

    Trump invited Silicon Valley into the US nuclear power regulator

    A profound transformation is underway within America’s nuclear regulatory landscape as the Trump administration implements sweeping changes to accelerate nuclear energy development. Internal documents obtained by ProPublica reveal an aggressive campaign to reshape nuclear policy, driven by unprecedented energy demands from artificial intelligence infrastructure and championed by Silicon Valley investors with direct White House connections.

    The restructuring centers on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), historically regarded as the international gold standard for nuclear safety oversight. Since President Trump’s return to office, over 400 experienced staff have departed the agency, including veteran regulators and safety experts, while hiring has dramatically slowed. This exodus coincides with the appointment of officials like Seth Cohen, a 31-year-old lawyer with minimal nuclear policy experience who entered government through Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team.

    During a meeting at Idaho National Laboratory, Cohen explicitly dismissed concerns about regulatory independence, stating records show: “Assume the NRC is going to do whatever we tell the NRC to do.” His comments reflect a broader pattern where health and safety considerations, including radiation exposure protections for vulnerable populations, are being minimized in favor of rapid approval processes.

    The administration’s approach has drawn strong support from influential tech investors including Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen, both of whom have nuclear energy investments and participated in transition planning at Mar-a-Lago. Their vision aligns with executive orders aimed at quadrupling nuclear energy output to power AI data centers, directing the NRC to reduce workforce, accelerate reactor approvals, and rewrite safety regulations.

    Critics including former NRC chair Allison Macfarlane warn that the erosion of regulatory independence mirrors conditions that contributed to the Fukushima disaster, where cozy industry-regulator relationships compromised safety assessments. Internal documents reveal proposed drastic rollbacks, including 56% cuts in emergency preparedness inspection time and considerations to significantly increase allowable radiation exposure limits.

    The Department of Energy, now led by Secretary Chris Wright (former board member of nuclear company Oklo), has created concierge teams to help advanced reactor companies navigate bureaucracy. Companies like Valar Atomics, whose investors include Trump allies, have received unusual access, including military transport for reactor components designated as “critical to national security interests.”

    As the NRC prepares to release thousands of pages of new rules this spring, career officials describe an environment where dissenting views are suppressed and political operatives without nuclear expertise oversee fundamental safety decisions. The outcome could determine whether America maintains its exceptional nuclear safety record or embarks on a risky experiment with unprecedented consequences for public health and energy security.

  • How Iranians get around the internet blackout despite the risks and cost

    How Iranians get around the internet blackout despite the risks and cost

    Iran has plunged into a severe digital isolation as authorities maintain an unprecedented internet blackout now entering its third week. According to NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring organization, connectivity levels have plummeted to less than 1% of normal capacity amid ongoing regional tensions.

    The telecommunications lockdown has forced citizens to seek alternative access methods through clandestine channels. While some attempt to utilize Starlink satellite systems, the prohibitive cost and detection risks make this option impractical for most. Instead, Iranians are increasingly turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) and customized configurations available through black market vendors on Telegram.

    Elaheh, speaking under pseudonym for security reasons, described the precarious process: “You must obtain referrals from trusted contacts to access sellers offering configuration files rather than standard VPN applications. These technical setups require implementation through tools like OpenVPN or V2Ray to route traffic through international servers.”

    The digital underground economy presents significant risks. Maryam recounted losing approximately $50 to a fraudulent vendor who disappeared after payment. Conversely, legitimate providers like Alireza (a pseudonym for a computer engineering graduate) operate with extreme caution, noting that “this has transformed from commercial activity to security concern.”

    Users face dual challenges: exorbitant prices that have increased five-fold within weeks, and serious security consequences. Arman, another user, reported receiving threatening text messages from security agencies warning of consequences for bypassing restrictions.

    Iranian officials have intensified crackdowns, arresting numerous alleged VPN distributors. As Pegah, 29, noted: “Access has become both unreliable and prohibitively expensive, with weekly packages now costing up to 100 million rials while frequently failing to connect.”

    The extended blackout follows established patterns of digital suppression during crises, though current restrictions exceed previous durations. As Elaheh observed: “These measures primarily impact ordinary citizens, generating increased frustration rather than addressing underlying security concerns.”

  • Switzerland halts arms exports to US over Iran war, citing neutrality

    Switzerland halts arms exports to US over Iran war, citing neutrality

    In a significant diplomatic move underscoring its commitment to neutrality, Switzerland has formally suspended authorization of new arms exports to the United States due to Washington’s involvement in the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Swiss government announced on Friday that its domestic legal framework and longstanding policy of neutrality prevent it from approving weapons transfers to nations engaged in international armed conflicts.

    The decision specifically references U.S. military involvement in the region and constitutes a formalization of practices already in effect since the conflict’s escalation on February 28. While the measure pauses fresh approvals for arms and ammunition shipments, it does not constitute a comprehensive embargo. Existing export licenses deemed unrelated to the current conflict remain valid and operational.

    An interministerial expert team will continuously monitor developments and assess whether additional actions are required under Swiss neutrality laws. This review extends beyond conventional weaponry to include goods regulated by the Goods Control Act, dual-use items, and non-controlled commodities affected by Iranian sanctions.

    The United States represents Switzerland’s second-largest defense market, accounting for approximately 10% of its arms exports in the previous year. These shipments have included aerial drones, various ammunition types, and small arms.

    This stance aligns with Switzerland’s consistent application of neutrality principles, as demonstrated in its position regarding Ukraine. Bern has previously refused requests from allied nations to re-export Swiss-manufactured weapons to Kyiv, citing legal restrictions that have caused friction with European partners and concerns within Switzerland’s defense industry about potential exclusion from key supply chains.

    Although Swiss legislators endorsed proposals in December to relax arms export rules for a predefined group of 25 countries including the U.S., these regulatory modifications have not yet been implemented and could potentially face a public referendum.

  • India bans ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’, citing threats to relationship with Israel

    India bans ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’, citing threats to relationship with Israel

    India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has prohibited the domestic release of the Oscar-nominated documentary ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab,’ citing potential damage to Indo-Israeli relations. The decision has sparked significant controversy and debate about artistic freedom and diplomatic sensitivities.

    Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the powerful docudrama recounts the tragic story of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli military forces in Gaza. The film depicts how soldiers fired 335 bullets into the vehicle where the child was awaiting rescue, generating international attention following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a 23-minute standing ovation.

    Indian distributor Manoj Nandwana submitted the film for certification in February ahead of a planned March release. According to reports from Variety and Middle East Eye, CBFC officials explicitly stated that releasing the film ‘would break up the India-Israel relationship.’ The timing of the submission—just one day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Israel—reportedly influenced the decision.

    Nandwana expressed limited surprise, noting that several Indian film festivals had already banned screenings of the documentary in locations including Goa, Bangalore, Pune, and Kerala. The distributor’s team has formally applied for a revision of the decision, though they acknowledge the need for a ‘miracle’ to reverse the ruling.

    Palestinian-American production company Watermelon Pictures, which supported the film’s creation, strongly criticized the censorship. Co-founder Badie Ali questioned the rationale, asking, ‘Since when is a five-year-old girl’s cry for help a diplomatic threat?’ He emphasized that Indian audiences ‘don’t need to be protected from a true story’ and suggested that suppressing the film demonstrates that ‘Hind’s story still frightens those in power.’

    Director Ben Hania responded via Instagram, questioning whether the relationship between the ‘world’s largest democracy’ and the ‘only democracy in the Middle East’ is so fragile that a single film could jeopardize it.

    The decision occurs against the backdrop of strengthening Indo-Israeli relations. India stands as the world’s largest purchaser of Israeli weapons, many deployed in Indian-administered Kashmir. Both nations have continued to establish new defense and trade agreements throughout Israel’s military operations in Gaza, with India supplying both arms and labor.

    The CBFC has not publicly commented on the decision or responded to media inquiries regarding the ban.

  • Conservatives’ Badenoch fails to issue Eid message to British Muslims

    Conservatives’ Badenoch fails to issue Eid message to British Muslims

    The UK’s Conservative Party finds itself embroiled in deepening controversy regarding its engagement with British Muslims following leader Kemi Badenoch’s failure to issue a public Eid al-Fitr greeting. This significant Islamic festival, marking Ramadan’s conclusion, commenced Thursday evening and represents one of the Muslim calendar’s most important observances worldwide.

    While Prime Minister Keir Starmer and leaders across the political spectrum—including Liberal Democrats and Greens—promptly extended Eid greetings through social media channels, Opposition Leader Badenoch remained conspicuously silent on her official X and Facebook accounts throughout Friday. Historical analysis reveals Badenoch last acknowledged Eid in 2022 during her tenure as faith minister, despite regularly recognizing other religious festivals including Hanukkah and Diwali.

    The Conservative Party eventually shared a brief ‘Eid Mubarak’ message on its Facebook page Friday afternoon, though the party declined to comment on Badenoch’s personal silence when approached for clarification.

    This omission occurs amidst escalating tensions following controversial remarks by Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy, who characterized public Muslim prayers during London’s Trafalgar Square iftar event as ‘an act of domination.’ Timothy specifically criticized the public recitation of the adhan (Islamic call to prayer) as representing a ‘declaration of domination,’ while clarifying he wasn’t accusing all participants of Islamist extremism.

    Badenoch notably endorsed Timothy’s perspective by sharing his Telegraph commentary defending these views just before Eid celebrations. This alignment has drawn sharp criticism from political figures including Prime Minister Starmer, who labeled Timothy’s comments ‘utterly appalling’ and asserted he would dismiss such a staff member immediately.

    Independent MP Ayoub Khan, representing Birmingham Perry Barr’s substantial Muslim constituency, condemned Badenoch’s silence as more than oversight: ‘At a time when leadership should unite, your silence speaks volumes. Many in your own party will be questioning what that says about who you choose to represent!’

    Former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve offered constitutional perspective, noting Trafalgar Square’s historical accommodation of diverse religious events. Grieve questioned whether Timothy’s objections applied universally to religious expressions or specifically targeted Muslim practices, warning the latter would constitute ‘discrimination without any lawful basis.’

  • Palestinian worshippers forced to pray in street as Israel bars Eid access to Al-Aqsa

    Palestinian worshippers forced to pray in street as Israel bars Eid access to Al-Aqsa

    In a historic departure from decades of protocol, Israeli authorities implemented a comprehensive closure of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque and Old City during Eid al-Fitr celebrations, marking the first such restriction since Israel’s 1967 seizure of East Jerusalem. The unprecedented measures prevented Palestinian worshippers from accessing Islam’s third holiest site for traditional holiday prayers.

    Security forces erected barricades at all complex entrances early Friday, redirecting thousands of devotees to alternative prayer locations outside the ancient walls. The normally vibrant Old City, typically adorned with Ramadan decorations and bustling with religious activity, stood eerily silent under strict lockdown protocols that limited access exclusively to registered residents.

    Eyewitness accounts describe extraordinary scenes as Palestinian worshippers gathered along Salah al-Din Street, chanting Eid praises while attempting to approach secondary gates. Photojournalist Faiz Abu Rmeleh documented Israeli security personnel deploying stun grenades and tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to pray near Bab al-Zahra entrance. Ultimately, congregants performed Eid prayers outside the local post office under substantial police surveillance, only to be forcibly dispersed immediately following religious observances.

    The restrictions extended beyond religious access, severing traditional family gatherings during the holiday period. Journalist Latifeh Abdellatif reported difficulty re-entering her own neighborhood despite resident status, while family visitors faced complete denial of entry. Simultaneously, security incidents intensified as Iranian missile debris landed near the Old City walls, creating impact craters adjacent to the Jewish and Armenian quarters.

    This closure represents the culmination of months of escalating restrictions on Palestinian access to the holy site. Since October, Israeli authorities have limited Waqf staff to merely 25 personnel per shift within the massive complex and arrested prominent religious figures including Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the mosque’s senior imam. Analysts interpret these measures as fundamentally altering the delicate status quo governing interfaith access established after the 1967 Six-Day War.

    The Al-Aqsa compound, known to Jews as Temple Mount, constitutes one of the most religiously significant and politically sensitive locations in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinian leadership perceives the closure as strategic implementation of heightened control measures, potentially mirroring the transformation previously enacted at Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque where Jewish worshippers now control two-thirds of the partitioned holy site.

  • Sanya Dragon King folk custom event celebrates maritime heritage

    Sanya Dragon King folk custom event celebrates maritime heritage

    The coastal city of Sanya in China’s Hainan province came alive with cultural vibrancy as thousands converged upon Dongtian Park for the annual Dragon King folk custom event. This five-day celebration, recognized as local intangible cultural heritage, commemorated the Dragon Head Raising Day occurring on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar.

    The festival opening on March 17 featured an elaborate traditional procession that included deity welcoming ceremonies, tributes from five directions, and the reading of ceremonial addresses. Representatives from five separate Dragon King temples across Sanya participated in the rituals, while fishing vessels offshore sounded ceremonial horns, creating a multisensory experience connecting land and sea.

    Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the event transformed the park into a cultural marketplace where visitors could engage with Hainan’s rich maritime heritage through interactive experiences. The festival served as both cultural preservation and community gathering, attracting both local residents and tourists interested in authentic traditional practices.

    The Dragon King festival represents ongoing efforts to maintain cultural continuity while adapting traditional practices for contemporary audiences. By combining ritual elements with market experiences, organizers created an accessible gateway to understanding the region’s historical relationship with the sea and its mythological protectors.

  • China’s second home-built large cruise ship undocked in Shanghai

    China’s second home-built large cruise ship undocked in Shanghai

    Shanghai witnessed a significant achievement in China’s shipbuilding industry on March 20, 2026, as the Adora Flora City, the nation’s second indigenously constructed large cruise vessel, successfully undocked from its construction berth. This maritime marvel represents a substantial advancement in China’s technological capabilities and positions the country among an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing large-scale cruise ships.

    The colossal vessel boasts impressive specifications with a gross tonnage of 141,900 and stretches 341 meters in length. Designed to accommodate luxury travel on a grand scale, the ship features 2,130 passenger cabins with a total capacity exceeding 5,200 guests. The amenities portfolio rivals those of established international cruise operators, encompassing diverse dining establishments, entertainment venues, retail spaces, cultural exhibits, and comprehensive fitness facilities tailored to passengers across all demographic segments.

    Following the undocking ceremony, the project will transition to its next phase focusing on interior outfitting and comprehensive systems verification. The timeline projects final delivery before the conclusion of 2026, with operational deployment scheduled from Guangzhou’s Nansha International Cruise Home Port. This strategic development underscores China’s growing prominence in the global maritime tourism sector and demonstrates the country’s evolving manufacturing sophistication in high-value naval architecture.

  • Deep plowing can disrupt soil’s porous network, study finds

    Deep plowing can disrupt soil’s porous network, study finds

    An international scientific collaboration has fundamentally challenged conventional agricultural wisdom through innovative seismic technology, revealing how common farming practices damage soil’s natural hydraulic infrastructure. The breakthrough research, spearheaded by Dr. Shi Qibin from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in the prestigious journal Science, demonstrates that intensive deep plowing and heavy machinery compaction severely compromise soil’s sponge-like architecture.

    Unlike traditional laboratory methods, the research team from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom deployed fiber-optic cables—identical to those forming the backbone of global internet connectivity—across a 160-meter experimental farm in the UK. This distributed acoustic sensing technology enabled scientists to ‘listen’ to subsurface hydrological activity by transmitting modulated laser pulses through the cables and analyzing returning vibrational signals.

    The investigation uncovered that healthy soil maintains an intricate network of microscopic pores and channels that function as a natural plumbing system. This complex architecture facilitates deep water penetration and storage, creating underground reservoirs that sustain crops during drought conditions. Conversely, conventionally farmed soils exhibit compromised porosity where rainfall accumulates superficially rather than permeating deeply, resulting in rapid evaporation and diminished drought resilience.

    The research team developed a novel ‘dynamic capillary stress’ theoretical model that contradicts established beliefs about soil mechanics. Their model demonstrates how microscopic water films within soil pores generate surface tension forces that structurally reinforce soil when partially hydrated. Agricultural compaction destroys these capillary networks, altering hydrological dynamics and accelerating moisture loss.

    Dr. Shi emphasized the ecological implications: ‘Soil constitutes a sophisticated porous medium rather than merely particulate matter. Its capillary vessel-like structures maintain critical hydrological cycles that support ecosystem stability.’ The findings suggest that while deep tillage may provide short-term yield improvements, it ultimately jeopardizes long-term agricultural sustainability by disrupting these fundamental mechanical and hydrological relationships.

    The study highlights the potential for integrating fiber-optic monitoring with artificial intelligence to enable real-time soil diagnostics across agricultural landscapes. This technological synergy could revolutionize farming practices by promoting water-conserving strategies, enhancing climate change adaptation, and contributing to global food security through scientifically-informed land management approaches.

  • Israel has ‘brought football into disrepute’, says Fifa

    Israel has ‘brought football into disrepute’, says Fifa

    World football’s governing body FIFA has issued a formal condemnation of the Israel Football Association (IFA) for implementing what it describes as a “de facto system of segregation” against Palestinian players within Israeli settlement football infrastructure. The groundbreaking report, released Thursday, represents FIFA’s most direct confrontation with systemic discrimination within Israeli football.

    The investigation determined that the IFA consistently failed to address “persistent and well-documented racist behavior” within Israeli football, particularly regarding the notorious Beitar Jerusalem club. This organization maintains an explicit ban on Palestinian and Arab players among its fanbase and has repeatedly engaged in racist chanting, including phrases such as “Let the IDF win and fuck the Arabs” and “Here comes the most racist team in the country.”

    FIFA’s disciplinary committee stated that the IFA’s “inaction in the face of entrenched discriminatory conduct and its failure to condemn or distance itself from politicized and militaristic messaging have collectively undermined the ethical foundation of the sport of football.” The committee further concluded that these actions had “brought football into disrepute, both domestically and internationally, and has damaged public trust in the sport’s ability to serve as a force for peace and inclusion.”

    Despite the severity of these findings, FIFA imposed relatively modest sanctions: a 150,000 Swiss franc ($190,700) fine and a requirement for the IFA to display anti-discrimination banners during its next three home matches. The governing body declined to implement more severe measures such as suspension or expulsion from international competitions.

    The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) in March 2024, which alleged systematic discrimination by the IFA, the participation of Israeli teams in illegal settlements, and violations of international law in occupied Palestinian territories. These claims were substantiated by an October 2023 Amnesty International report documenting at least six settlement clubs operating in violation of both international law and FIFA regulations.

    Human rights advocates expressed disappointment with FIFA’s response. Nicholas McGeehan of FairSquare noted the disparity between FIFA’s strong language and minimal action, stating: “Fifa does not want to sanction Israel but is bound by rules that require it to do so.” This decision stands in contrast to FIFA’s immediate suspension of Russian teams following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

    The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of over 800 Palestinian athletes, including footballer Hani al-Masdar, during what international authorities have described as genocide in Gaza. Despite these developments, Israeli teams continue to participate in international competitions while the participation of other nations affected by geopolitical conflicts, particularly Iran, remains uncertain for the upcoming World Cup in North America.