Global Pulse

博客

  • Shaping a human-centric future for AI – AI Impact Summit 2026

    Shaping a human-centric future for AI – AI Impact Summit 2026

    New Delhi hosted a landmark convergence of global leadership at the AI Impact Summit 2026, marking a pivotal chapter in technological history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed representatives from over 100 nations alongside innovators and thousands of youth participants, creating what organizers described as the world’s most democratized AI gathering.

    The summit positioned artificial intelligence as a civilization-altering force comparable to fundamental discoveries like fire and electricity, but with unprecedented acceleration. Unlike previous technological revolutions, AI’s transformative effects are unfolding within weeks rather than decades, creating both extraordinary opportunities and urgent challenges.

    Central to the discussions was India’s philosophical shift toward human-centric AI development. The principle of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ (Welfare for All, Happiness of All) formed the ethical foundation for conversations about AI’s global role. This approach contrasts with machine-centric models, emphasizing technology as an amplifier of human potential rather than a replacement for human agency.

    India demonstrated practical implementations through case studies including ‘Sarlaben,’ an AI-powered digital assistant serving 3.6 million dairy farmers with real-time guidance in local languages. Another platform, Bharat Vistaar, provides multilingual agricultural information to empower farmers with crucial data from weather patterns to market dynamics.

    The summit’s most significant contribution emerged as India’s ‘Manav’ framework for global AI governance. This comprehensive structure establishes five pillars: Moral and Ethical Systems for ethical guidelines, Accountable Governance through transparent oversight, National Sovereignty regarding data rights, Accessible and Inclusive implementation to prevent monopolization, and Valid and Legitimate systems adhering to verifiable legal standards.

    Addressing critical trust challenges, Prime Minister Modi proposed authenticity labeling for digital content analogous to nutritional labels on food products. This initiative responds to growing concerns about deepfakes and disinformation threatening democratic societies. India has already implemented legal requirements for labeling synthetically generated content.

    The summit highlighted India’s substantial infrastructure investments under the India AI Mission, including deployment of thousands of GPUs and establishment of a national AI Repository. These developments enable even small startups to access world-class computing power at affordable rates, potentially reshaping the global innovation landscape.

    With its unique combination of demographic dynamism, democratic values, and technological ambition, India positioned itself as a testing ground for inclusive AI solutions. The country’s invitation to global innovators—’Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world’—signals its aspiration to become the epicenter of human-centric artificial intelligence development.

  • Pakistan claim of killing 80 militants ‘false’: Afghan security source

    Pakistan claim of killing 80 militants ‘false’: Afghan security source

    A senior Afghan security official has categorically rejected Pakistan’s assertion that its recent military strikes in Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of approximately 80 militants. Speaking to AFP on Sunday under conditions of anonymity, the source within the Taliban-led government described the casualty figures presented by Pakistani authorities as “false and imaginary.

    The dispute centers around cross-border operations conducted by Pakistani forces, which have escalated tensions between the neighboring nations. While Pakistan maintains its operations successfully targeted militant hideouts, Afghan officials present a starkly different account.

    According to local authorities in Afghanistan, the strikes resulted in at least 18 confirmed fatalities, including several children. This significant discrepancy in casualty reports highlights the ongoing information warfare accompanying military actions in the restive border region.

    International journalists stationed in Afghanistan have been unable to independently verify either side’s claims due to the remote and dangerous nature of the conflict zones. The lack of transparent access to these areas continues to complicate objective assessment of military operations and their outcomes.

    The incident represents the latest flare-up in long-standing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding border security and militant activity. Both nations have historically accused each other of insufficient action against armed groups operating in their respective territories.

  • Earthquake of magnitude 7 strikes Borneo; no tsunami threat

    Earthquake of magnitude 7 strikes Borneo; no tsunami threat

    A significant seismic event measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale occurred off the northern coast of Borneo in the early hours of Monday, according to monitoring by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The substantial depth of the tremor—recorded at 633 kilometers (approximately 393 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface—significantly mitigated potential damage at ground level.

    The GFZ, which initially registered the quake at magnitude 7.1 before downward revision, confirmed the epicenter was positioned in maritime territory near the world’s third-largest island. The exceptional depth of the seismic activity placed it within the classification of a deep-focus earthquake, which typically dissipates energy before reaching populated areas.

    Concurrent with GFZ’s assessment, the United States Tsunami Warning Center promptly issued a statement confirming no tsunami threat emerged from the subterranean event. The combination of the quake’s profound depth and offshore location resulted in minimal impact despite its considerable magnitude.

    The Borneo region, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, resides within the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, making such geological events relatively common though rarely destructive at such depths. The absence of immediate reports regarding casualties or structural damage underscores how depth parameters fundamentally alter earthquake impact assessments.

  • Oman FM confirms US-Iran talks in Geneva on Thursday

    Oman FM confirms US-Iran talks in Geneva on Thursday

    Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has officially confirmed the resumption of high-stakes diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, scheduled to convene in Geneva this Thursday. The announcement comes amid ongoing regional tensions and represents a significant development in international nuclear diplomacy.

    Albusaidi, whose nation has played a pivotal mediating role in facilitating dialogue between the longstanding adversaries, characterized the upcoming talks as possessing “a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.” This statement suggests both parties are approaching the negotiations with renewed commitment to reaching a comprehensive agreement.

    The Geneva meeting marks the latest chapter in complex diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program and the corresponding sanctions regime imposed by the United States. Oman’s continued involvement as an intermediary highlights its unique diplomatic position and trusted status with both Western and Iranian leadership.

    This development follows recent statements from Iranian officials expressing optimism about finding diplomatic solutions to the ongoing standoff with the United States. The timing of these talks suggests a potential window of opportunity for diplomatic breakthrough, though significant challenges remain regarding verification mechanisms, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns.

    The international community will be closely monitoring these negotiations, recognizing their profound implications for Middle Eastern stability, non-proliferation efforts, and global energy markets. The outcome could potentially reshape regional alliances and security dynamics beyond the immediate nuclear considerations.

  • New York mayor Mamdani orders citywide travel ban ahead of major storm

    New York mayor Mamdani orders citywide travel ban ahead of major storm

    New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has instituted a comprehensive citywide travel prohibition in anticipation of a severe winter storm forecasted to impact the US East Coast. The emergency measure, announced during a press briefing on Sunday evening, will remain in effect from 9:00 PM February 22 until 12:00 PM February 23, 2026.

    The directive mandates the closure of all vehicular traffic across New York’s thoroughfares, including streets, highways, bridges, and tunnels. The restriction encompasses private automobiles, commercial trucks, scooters, and electric bicycles. Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the unprecedented action aims to ensure public safety during what meteorologists predict could be one of the most significant winter weather events in recent years.

    Critical exemptions to the travel ban have been established for essential personnel and emergency circumstances. First responders, healthcare workers, utility crews, and other designated essential employees will maintain transportation access throughout the duration of the emergency declaration. Additionally, residents requiring travel for urgent medical needs or other bona fide emergencies will be permitted movement despite the general prohibition.

    The mayor’s decision follows coordinated efforts with state emergency management officials and weather forecasting agencies that project potentially hazardous conditions, including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility. The travel prohibition represents the most severe level of emergency response implemented by the city administration to mitigate storm-related risks and facilitate unimpeded emergency operations.

  • South Africa thrash India to assert T20 World Cup title credentials

    South Africa thrash India to assert T20 World Cup title credentials

    In a stunning reversal of their 2024 World Cup final encounter, South Africa delivered a commanding performance to crush defending champions India by 76 runs in their Super Eight Group One match of the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday. The comprehensive victory at Narendra Modi Stadium served as a powerful statement of intent from the Proteas, establishing them as serious title contenders.

    South Africa’s innings began disastrously after captain Aiden Markram elected to bat first, collapsing to 20-3 within the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah (3-15) and Arshdeep Singh dismantled the top order, removing openers Quinton de Kock and Markram before Bumrah’s clever change of pace deceived Ryan Rickelton.

    The match turned dramatically through a spectacular 97-run partnership between David Miller and Dewald Brevis. Miller’s explosive 63 from 26 balls, earning him player-of-the-match honors, combined with Brevis’ solid 45, engineered a remarkable recovery. Tristan Stubbs provided the final flourish with an unbeaten 44 from 24 deliveries, propelling South Africa to a competitive 187-7.

    India’s response never gained momentum, crumbling under scoreboard pressure from the outset. Markram’s strategic decision to open with off-spin against India’s left-handed top order paid immediate dividends, removing the in-form Ishan Kishan in the first over. Marco Jansen compounded the crisis by dismissing Tilak Varma in the second over.

    The hosts’ innings unraveled completely when Keshav Maharaj delivered a decisive 15th over, removing Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Arshdeep Singh in quick succession. Shivam Dube’s fighting 42 provided minimal consolation as India collapsed to 111 all out in 18.5 overs, suffering their first defeat of the tournament.

    Jansen finished with impressive figures of 4-22, including the wickets of Dube and Bumrah with consecutive deliveries. The victory not only avenged South Africa’s previous final loss to India but demonstrated their capability to perform under extreme pressure against quality opposition.

  • US reverses TSA PreCheck shutdown, will keep programme operational

    US reverses TSA PreCheck shutdown, will keep programme operational

    In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration announced Sunday that the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program would continue operations despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The decision came just hours after officials had declared the expedited screening program would be temporarily suspended.

    The initial announcement from Homeland Security Department officials indicated PreCheck would halt operations at 6:00 AM EST, triggering widespread concern among travel industry stakeholders and airlines. This timing coincided with the beginning of the busy spring break travel season, during which more than 20 million actively enrolled PreCheck members rely on expedited security processing at U.S. airports.

    According to the department’s earlier statement, the suspension would have been prompted by the current government shutdown, marking a departure from last year’s approach when DHS maintained PreCheck operations during a 43-day funding lapse. The current partial shutdown began earlier this month following failed negotiations between Republicans and Democrats on immigration enforcement reforms.

    By mid-morning Sunday, TSA officials clarified that the program “remains operational with no change for the traveling public,” adding that the agency would evaluate staffing constraints on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly. However, the agency did confirm the suspension of courtesy escorts, including those typically provided to members of Congress.

    The initial suspension announcement drew sharp criticism from industry leaders. Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu expressed deep concern about the potential suspension of both PreCheck and Global Entry programs, noting the “extremely short notice to travelers” created particular difficulties during a period of record air travel volume.

    The status of Global Entry, which expedites customs and immigration clearance for pre-approved international travelers, remains uncertain following the administration’s reversal on PreCheck. The shutdown has already affected other DHS operations, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s deployment of aid workers to disaster-affected areas, which was suspended Thursday due to funding constraints.

  • Dubai win inspires Pegula to chase historic first Grand Slam title

    Dubai win inspires Pegula to chase historic first Grand Slam title

    Jessica Pegula’s commanding victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has ignited her belief in achieving a historic milestone: becoming only the second player in the Open Era to claim a maiden Grand Slam singles title after turning 30.

    The American world number five delivered a dominant 6-2, 6-4 performance against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in Saturday’s final, securing her third WTA 1000 title just days before her 32nd birthday on February 24. This triumph represents the most significant achievement in Pegula’s recent run of exceptional form, during which she has reached seven consecutive tournament semifinals, including both the 2024 US Open and the 2025 Australian Open.

    Pegula now eyes the unprecedented accomplishment of Italy’s Flavia Pennetta, who at age 33 captured the 2015 US Open title as her first major championship. Since the Open Era began in 1968, no other player has achieved this particular feat.

    Remarkably, Pegula didn’t break into the WTA’s top 100 rankings until age 25, making her subsequent rise to world number three particularly impressive. The daughter of American billionaire Terry Pegula has since collected ten tour-level titles while maintaining consistency that has eluded many contemporaries.

    “I’ve proven that you can excel at a later age,” Pegula stated. “I broke through after 24, 25, which is considered late nowadays. I’ve made slam finals, gone deep in several majors, won titles, and reached number three in the world. There’s definitely much to be proud of.”

    While acknowledging that a Grand Slam victory represents her “last goal,” Pegula maintains perspective: “I don’t feel like I want it to define my career. If I had to stop right now, I’ve had an amazing career without regrets.”

    The Dubai victory provides crucial momentum as Pegula prepares for the upcoming French Open, where she hopes to translate her enhanced confidence into another deep major run. “Winning titles like this proves I’ve improved as a player,” she noted. “Hopefully come the next slam, I can execute what I need to progress further and give myself the best shot.”

  • Iran FM says ‘good chance’ of diplomatic solution to US standoff

    Iran FM says ‘good chance’ of diplomatic solution to US standoff

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed measured optimism on Sunday regarding the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing nuclear impasse with the United States. During an interview with CBS News, the top diplomat indicated that negotiators remain actively engaged in developing substantive agreements.

    “I maintain belief that a favorable opportunity persists for achieving a diplomatic solution founded on mutually beneficial principles,” Araghchi stated, revealing that both parties are currently “drafting textual components and working through deal elements.”

    The minister’s comments arrive amid heightened regional tensions and substantial US military repositioning throughout Middle Eastern bases. Despite this backdrop, Araghchi’s remarks suggest continued dialogue channels remain operational between the longstanding adversaries.

    Addressing Washington’s objections to Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, the foreign minister asserted national sovereignty rights: “As an independent nation, we retain full authority to determine our own course without external interference.”

    The diplomatic outlook appears cautiously positive despite recent escalatory actions, including significant US troop movements across the region. Araghchi’s characterization of negotiations as a “win-win game” indicates Tehran’s desire for compromise rather than confrontation.

    This development follows recent statements from US officials expressing curiosity about Iran’s continued resistance to capitulation despite American military posturing. The situation remains fluid with both public diplomacy and military preparedness occurring simultaneously.

  • Carnival provides key clues as Meydan’s road stretches far beyond the Dubai World Cup

    Carnival provides key clues as Meydan’s road stretches far beyond the Dubai World Cup

    The Meydan Racecourse’s Dubai Racing Carnival has transcended its role as a local preparatory event, establishing itself as a critical proving ground for international thoroughbred talent with aspirations far beyond the UAE. While the prestigious $30.5 million Dubai World Cup on March 28th remains the immediate focal point, Friday’s fixture delivered compelling evidence that the Carnival’s influence now stretches across continents, directly shaping the fields for America’s most celebrated Classics in May.

    The narrative of global ambition was powerfully illustrated in the Group 3 UAE Oaks. Labwah, a formidable filly trained by Salem bin Ghadayer for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, delivered a performance of sheer dominance. Under jockey Bernardo Pinheiro, she seized an uncontested lead from the outset and accelerated to a stunning 7.5-length victory over Yuno. This emphatic win not only showcased her superior stamina and authority but also secured 50 qualifying points for the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), America’s premier race for three-year-old fillies. Bin Ghadayer confirmed that a decision between a start in the Kentucky Oaks or a challenge against colts in the UAE Derby on World Cup night now rests with Sheikh Hamdan.

    The international theme continued in the Listed Dubai Road to the Kentucky Derby, where British trainer Jamie Osborne found ‘sweet revenge.’ His colt, Brotherly Love, powered to a two-length victory under jockey Saffie Osborne, earning 20 crucial qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. This victory avenged a narrow second-place finish by the colt’s half-brother, Heart Of Honour, in the same race the previous year.

    Despite the overseas headlines, the card also provided significant clues for the upcoming Dubai World Cup meeting. The Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, a key trial for the Dubai Gold Cup, was won by the determined eight-year-old Al Nayyir, trained by Tom Clover and ridden by Rossa Ryan. Their half-length triumph over favourite Sunway earned an automatic berth in the Gold Cup. The evening was further highlighted by a victory for Sheikh Hamdan in the Group 2 Balanchine Stakes with Fairy Glen, cementing a highly successful night that underscored the Dubai Carnival’s dual role as both a local finale and an international launching pad.