Global Pulse

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  • US FAA lifts temporary closure at El Paso intl airport in Texas

    US FAA lifts temporary closure at El Paso intl airport in Texas

    EL PASO, Texas – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reinstated normal flight operations at El Paso International Airport following a temporary airspace closure enacted for special security reasons on Wednesday. The shutdown, which halted all inbound and outbound commercial traffic for several hours, was implemented in response to an unauthorized drone incursion near the U.S.-Mexico border.

    Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed via social media platform X that the FAA and the U.S. Department of Defense coordinated a rapid response to what was identified as a ‘cartel drone incursion.’ Authorities successfully neutralized the perceived threat, with Duffy assuring the public that ‘there is no danger to commercial travel in the region.’

    The FAA’s official communication on X stated: ‘The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal.’

    The abrupt closure drew immediate criticism from U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, who represents Texas’ 16th Congressional District encompassing El Paso. The legislator urged federal authorities to promptly lift the flight restrictions affecting the strategically important border region.

    Aviation security personnel, including K-9 units, were visibly active throughout the incident, conducting enhanced security screenings as operations gradually returned to normal. Photo documentation showed specialized police dogs meticulously inspecting luggage in the terminal following the resolution of the security situation.

  • Five Pakistani police officers killed in militant attack; no claim of responsibility

    Five Pakistani police officers killed in militant attack; no claim of responsibility

    In a devastating security incident in Pakistan’s volatile northwest region, five police officers were fatally attacked by militants on Wednesday. The assault occurred as officers returned from a counter-terrorism operation on the outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan, a city bordering the lawless Waziristan district near Afghanistan.

    According to official police statements, concealed militants stationed within forested terrain initiated sudden gunfire on the returning police patrols. The security forces responded with retaliatory action, resulting in the elimination of four assailants during the exchange. No militant organization has yet claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack.

    This violence occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating security conditions throughout Pakistan, particularly following the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) termination of its ceasefire agreement with the government in late 2022. The region has long served as a stronghold for Islamist militant groups, including both local Taliban factions and other extremist organizations.

    The recent attack compounds an already grave security situation, coming just days after a separate suicide bombing at an Islamabad mosque claimed over 30 lives last Friday. These consecutive incidents highlight the mounting challenges facing Pakistani security forces as they combat resurgent militant activities across the nation’s border regions.

  • Lebanese imposter pretends to be Saudi prince, dupes politicians

    Lebanese imposter pretends to be Saudi prince, dupes politicians

    Lebanese judicial authorities have uncovered an audacious deception operation in which a car mechanic successfully impersonated a Saudi prince to extort prominent politicians, including a former prime minister. The elaborate scheme, facilitated by a religious figure, has exposed systemic vulnerabilities within the country’s political landscape.

    According to an official judicial statement released Wednesday, Mustapha Al Hasian—a mechanic with remarkable linguistic abilities—masterfully adopted the persona of “Abu Omar,” a fictitious royal court prince from Saudi Arabia. Speaking in flawless Saudi dialect, Hasian issued political directives to Lebanese officials while promising Riyadh’s support for their ascension to power positions in exchange for financial compensation.

    The operation unraveled when authorities arrested Hasian and his accomplice, Sheikh Khaldun Oraymet, in late 2025. Investigations indicate Oraymet provided the imposter with direct contacts and confidential information about various politicians, enabling the sophisticated extortion plot. The judicial official confirmed the investigation is nearing completion, with no evidence suggesting foreign agency involvement.

    Multiple politicians contacted by the fraudulent prince have provided witness testimonies, though they maintain any financial transactions were framed as charitable contributions to social and health assistance programs rather than explicit payments for political favors. The scandal has highlighted profound corruption issues within Lebanese institutions, demonstrating how easily influential figures can be manipulated through promises of external political support.

  • In rebuke of Trump, US House opens the door to votes against tariffs

    In rebuke of Trump, US House opens the door to votes against tariffs

    In a significant legislative maneuver, a small faction of House Republicans joined Democratic colleagues on Tuesday to block a procedural measure that would have preserved restrictions on congressional challenges to former President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs. The 214-217 vote marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing power struggle between the legislative and executive branches over trade policy authority.

    The rebellion was led by Representatives Don Bacon (R-Nebraska), Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky), and Kevin Kiley (R-California), who crossed party lines to prevent the extension of a prohibition on House votes contesting Trump’s unprecedented use of emergency powers to impose import taxes. Representative Gregory Murphy (R-North Carolina) abstained from the vote.

    Congressman Bacon justified his decisive action in a post-vote statement on social media platform X, asserting that ‘tariffs have been a net negative for the economy’ and represent ‘a significant tax burden on American consumers, manufacturers, and farmers.’ He emphasized constitutional principles, noting that ‘Article I of the Constitution deliberately assigns authority over taxes and tariffs to Congress, yet we have progressively relinquished this power to the executive branch. The time has come for Congress to reclaim its rightful responsibilities.’

    The defeated provision, embedded within a procedural vote advancing three unrelated bills, would have maintained the ban on congressional action against Trump’s tariffs until July 31. These emergency tariffs, declared throughout 2025 under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA), targeted imports from multiple trading partners including Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil, and India.

    The legal foundation of Trump’s novel application of IEEPA to immediately implement global tariffs is currently under scrutiny at the U.S. Supreme Court. The justices heard oral arguments in November in a case brought by a coalition of small businesses challenging the presidential authority, with a decision anticipated imminently.

    This development signals growing congressional resistance to executive overreach in trade policy and sets the stage for potential legislative challenges to the controversial tariff measures that have reshaped international trade relationships.

  • Hainan’s 1st batch of daily consumer goods duty-free shops for island residents opens

    Hainan’s 1st batch of daily consumer goods duty-free shops for island residents opens

    In a significant expansion of its free trade port policies, Hainan province inaugurated its first dedicated duty-free shops for local residents on February 11, 2026. The pioneering retail establishments mark a new chapter in China’s consumer economy development, offering island dwellers unprecedented access to tax-free daily necessities.

    The initial rollout comprises five strategically located stores across the province: three in the capital city of Haikou, one in the tourist hub of Sanya, and one in Danzhou. This geographical distribution ensures accessibility for residents across different regions of the tropical island.

    Under the groundbreaking policy, each eligible Hainan resident receives an annual duty-free shopping allowance of 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,437), with no restrictions on purchase frequency. The comprehensive product catalog encompasses essential daily items across multiple categories, including specified food and beverages, daily chemical products, household goods, and maternal and child supplies.

    The initiative represents a strategic component of Hainan’s transformation into a globally significant free trade port, offering dual benefits of stimulating local economic activity while providing tangible financial relief to residents through tax savings. The shops opened during the Spring Festival period, strategically timing the launch to maximize consumer engagement during China’s most important holiday season.

    Consumer response has been notably positive, with initial visitors expressing enthusiasm for the convenience and economic advantages offered by the new shopping venues. The policy demonstrates China’s continuing commitment to innovative retail reforms and regional economic development strategies.

  • Clashes continue in Manipur; houses burned, internet suspended for 5 days

    Clashes continue in Manipur; houses burned, internet suspended for 5 days

    A state of heightened tension persists in Manipur’s Ukhrul district as renewed ethnic clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities continue to destabilize the region. The violence, which erupted following a seemingly minor altercation, has exposed deeper socio-political fissures rooted in longstanding territorial disputes.

    According to state government officials, the initial confrontation began as a drunken brawl on February 7th but rapidly escalated into organized violence. By Sunday evening, scores of residential and commercial properties in Litan village were deliberately set ablaze by unidentified arsonists. The district administration responded by implementing strict measures including a comprehensive ban on firearms display and suspension of internet services for five days as a preventive strategy.

    Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho characterized the situation as being driven by isolated individuals rather than collective community animosity. “Both sides fundamentally desire peace and harmony,” Dikho stated to press representatives. “The government remains committed to apprehending those responsible and restoring normalcy.”

    Civil society organizations from both ethnic factions convened with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on February 11th in a concerted effort to mediate tensions. Despite these diplomatic interventions, resolution remains elusive as underlying land disputes continue to fuel hostilities.

    Community leaders expressed growing apprehension regarding the persistence of violence despite substantial security deployments. RS Jollyson, Vice President of Tangkhul Naga Long, highlighted concerns about safety within indigenous territories, while Ukhrul Kuki Students’ Organization representative Mercy Khongsai emphasized the tragic transformation of individual conflicts into collective suffering.

    The regional government maintains that the internet suspension and weapon restrictions constitute necessary precautions to prevent further escalation and misinformation spread. Security forces continue monitoring sensitive areas while judicial processes advance against identified perpetrators.

  • India’s Ashwin defends Pakistan’s Usman Tariq after bowling controversy

    India’s Ashwin defends Pakistan’s Usman Tariq after bowling controversy

    In a notable display of sportsmanship transcending cricket’s fiercest rivalry, Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has vocally defended Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq against mounting criticism over his unconventional bowling action. The controversy ignited following Pakistan’s 32-run victory over the USA on Tuesday, a match where Tariq’s three-wicket haul (3/27) proved instrumental.

  • Cross-Strait affairs should be settled ‘like family’, official says

    Cross-Strait affairs should be settled ‘like family’, official says

    A senior Chinese official has framed cross-Strait relations as internal family matters that should be resolved through mutual consultation, during a special Lunar New Year gathering with approximately 200 Taiwanese compatriots in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

    Song Tao, who leads both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, addressed business representatives and residents from Jinmen and Matsu islands at Wednesday’s symposium. He emphasized that matters between the mainland and Taiwan constitute domestic affairs that must be settled “like family” without external interference.

    The official pledged enhanced economic opportunities for Taiwanese enterprises during China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), promising expanded market access and deeper reform initiatives to help Taiwan businesses establish stronger roots on the mainland.

    Striking a firm tone on national sovereignty, Song underscored the imperative of protecting what he termed the “common home” and preserving its assets. He explicitly called for opposition to what he characterized as separatist “Taiwan independence” activities, urging compatriots on both sides of the Strait to uphold national interests and work collectively toward the goal of reunification.

    The festive gathering, which brought together Taiwanese compatriots to celebrate the approaching Lunar New Year, served as both a symbolic gesture of cross-Strait kinship and a platform for reinforcing Beijing’s consistent position on Taiwan relations.

  • Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly exposed a sophisticated begging syndicate operating within the country, revealing how organized networks generate substantial illicit revenues through professionalized panhandling operations. The minister shared compelling video evidence demonstrating how begging has evolved into a highly profitable criminal enterprise.

    The footage, disseminated via social media platforms, captures a revealing interaction between an interviewer and a child beggar. During the exchange, the minor discloses astonishing financial details: he and his three siblings collectively generate approximately PKR 12,000 daily through coordinated begging activities. Most notably, the child admits his brother’s physical disability is entirely performative—a carefully crafted deception to elicit sympathy and increase donations.

    Minister Asif characterized this operation as a fully organized profession managed by formal contractors who systematically recruit children, women, and individuals pretending to be disabled. These criminal networks allegedly generate billions in revenue while exporting beggars to Gulf nations by the thousands. The minister further alleged complicity among airport staff and law enforcement agencies, suggesting the operation thrives through institutional patronage.

    The consequences have been severe at the international level. Gulf countries, frustrated by the systematic exploitation of their visa systems, have begun restricting entry for Pakistani citizens. Official data from Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development substantiates these concerns, documenting over 7,800 deportations between 2019 and 2025 specifically related to begging charges.

    In response to this crisis, Pakistani authorities implemented stringent countermeasures in 2025, including the cancellation of passports for deportees involved in begging-related offenses. The interviewer featured in the viral video urged citizens to reconsider charitable giving practices, particularly during Ramadan, suggesting direct support to known individuals facing genuine medical or financial hardships rather than funding criminal begging operations.

  • Oman announces Ramadan start date as per astronomical calculations

    Oman announces Ramadan start date as per astronomical calculations

    The Sultanate of Oman has officially determined the commencement date for Ramadan 1447 through advanced astronomical calculations, establishing February 19, 2026, as the first day of the holy month. This announcement comes several days before the traditional global moon sighting event scheduled for February 17.

    The nation’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting provided scientific justification for their decision, explaining that on February 17 (corresponding to Shaban 29, 1447), the moon will set before or simultaneously with sunset across all Omani governorates. This celestial alignment makes visual detection of the crescent moon astronomically impossible throughout the Sultanate.

    Citing established principles that prioritize scientific certainty over contradictory reports, the Committee confirmed Wednesday, February 18 will mark the final day of Shaban, with Ramadan commencing the following day. This methodology aligns with neighboring UAE findings, where Sharjah’s Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology similarly concluded that crescent sighting on February 17 would be impossible even using advanced telescopic equipment across most Islamic regions.

    The coordinated scientific approach between Gulf nations demonstrates a growing trend toward harmonizing religious observance with astronomical precision, ensuring unified regional observance of Islam’s holiest month while maintaining respect for traditional moon sighting practices elsewhere in the Muslim world.