Global Pulse

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  • Israel approves steps making it easier for West Bank settlers to buy land, media says

    Israel approves steps making it easier for West Bank settlers to buy land, media says

    In a significant policy shift with profound geopolitical implications, Israel’s security cabinet has approved measures facilitating land acquisition for settlers in the occupied West Bank while expanding Israeli enforcement powers in Palestinian-administered areas. The decision, confirmed by multiple Israeli media outlets on Sunday, represents a substantial departure from decades-old regulations that previously restricted private Jewish land purchases in the contested territory.

    The approved measures reportedly include provisions allowing Israeli authorities to administer religious sites and extend supervisory jurisdiction into areas under Palestinian Authority control, particularly concerning environmental hazards, water violations, and archaeological site protection. The policy changes were announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz, both prominent figures in Israel’s pro-settlement political movement.

    Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas immediately condemned the measures as ‘dangerous, illegal, and tantamount to de-facto annexation,’ urging intervention from both the United Nations Security Council and the Trump administration. The timing of this decision is particularly significant, occurring just three days before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of accelerated settlement expansion that Palestinians argue systematically undermines the territorial integrity of any potential future state. Netanyahu’s government, which includes numerous pro-annexation coalition members, maintains that Palestinian statehood poses an unacceptable security threat. The Prime Minister’s position reflects the political realities of his coalition as he faces elections later this year.

    Israel’s historical claims to the West Bank, citing biblical and historical connections to land captured during the 1967 Middle East war, contrast sharply with the 2024 non-binding advisory opinion from the United Nations’ highest court, which declared Israel’s occupation and settlement activities illegal under international law. The Trump administration has thus far declined to curb Israeli settlement expansion while simultaneously ruling out formal annexation of the West Bank.

  • Saudi Arabia adds 20 new high-speed trains to Haramain Railway

    Saudi Arabia adds 20 new high-speed trains to Haramain Railway

    In a major infrastructure enhancement, Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its high-speed rail capabilities through a new agreement with Spanish manufacturer Talgo. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Transportation and Logistics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has commissioned 20 additional high-speed trains for the critically important Haramain Railway line.

    The contract, valued at approximately €1.3 billion ($1.54 billion), represents a substantial investment in Saudi Arabia’s transportation future. This acquisition will augment the existing fleet of 35 Talgo 350 trains that have been operational since 2018, dramatically increasing capacity along the route connecting the holy cities of Mekkah, Medinah, and the commercial hub of Jeddah.

    Each new trainset will maintain the technical specifications of the current fleet, featuring two power cars and thirteen coaches with a combined capacity of 417 passengers. The design includes dedicated spaces for catering services and passengers with reduced mobility, alongside full platform-level access for improved boarding efficiency.

    The expansion directly addresses growing passenger demand, particularly during the annual Hajj pilgrimage season when service frequency increases from over 100 daily trips to more than 140. This enhancement comes after the railway successfully transported nearly two million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season.

    Beyond manufacturing, the agreement extends Talgo’s maintenance responsibilities through the Saudi Spanish Train Project Company consortium. The Spanish firm will now maintain the entire 55-train fleet until at least 2033, with potential extension options through 2038. Talgo currently operates two maintenance facilities in Saudi Arabia employing over 270 personnel.

    The Haramain Railway represents one of the Middle East’s most advanced transportation projects, operating over 450 kilometers of track built to Spanish high-speed standards with maximum commercial speeds of 300 km/h and modern ERTMS Level 2 signaling systems.

  • 2 arrested, special investigative team formed after ride collapses in India’s Haryana

    2 arrested, special investigative team formed after ride collapses in India’s Haryana

    A tragic structural failure at an amusement ride in India’s Haryana state has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, prompting immediate law enforcement response and official investigations. The incident occurred during the popular Surajkund Mela fair in Faridabad, where a joyride installation unexpectedly collapsed, creating a scene of chaos and emergency response.

    Law enforcement authorities have taken two individuals into custody following the catastrophic event. The detained persons have been identified as Mohammed Shakir and Nitesh, both facing preliminary charges related to the incident. Faridabad Police have established a specialized investigative team headed by prominent law enforcement officials to conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to the structural failure.

    The investigative unit comprises ACP Crime Varun Dahiya, the office in charge of Crime branch, alongside NIT SI Sheeshpal and SI Sanjay. This team will operate under the direct supervision of DCP Crime Mukesh Malhotra, ensuring comprehensive scrutiny of safety protocols, maintenance records, and operational procedures.

    Tragically, a Station House Officer lost his life during rescue operations. The police officer, whose identity hasn’t been fully disclosed, noticed the ride tilting abnormally and immediately moved to evacuate attendees. During his rescue efforts, the collapsing structure struck him in the facial and cranial areas, causing fatal injuries. Medical personnel declared him deceased upon arrival at the emergency medical facility.

    Thirteen additional victims sustained various injuries and were transported via emergency medical services to nearby healthcare facilities. Faridabad authorities confirm that all injured persons are currently receiving medical treatment, with some requiring extensive care.

    Haryana’s Chief Minister has publicly expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer and has directed state authorities to ensure comprehensive medical care for all injured individuals. The state administration has pledged full support to the investigation and promised appropriate action based on the findings.

  • Private schools in Sharjah to limit study hours to 6 during Ramadan: Emarat Al Youm

    Private schools in Sharjah to limit study hours to 6 during Ramadan: Emarat Al Youm

    The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has issued comprehensive guidelines for private educational institutions across the emirate regarding academic operations during the upcoming Ramadan period. According to reports from Emarat Al Youm, schools have been granted operational flexibility while being required to ensure that daily instructional hours do not exceed six hours throughout the holy month.

    The newly implemented framework requires educational institutions to carefully consider the varying needs across different educational stages, mandating a balanced approach that respects both academic requirements and the spiritual significance of Ramadan. Official circulars distributed to school administrations specify that scheduling must align with approved curricular frameworks and academic calendars while accommodating the unique circumstances of the holy month.

    This policy initiative aims to maintain educational continuity without compromising quality or effectiveness. The approach emphasizes equitable treatment and organizational adaptability while addressing both the academic and psychological needs of students at all educational levels. SPEA has particularly highlighted the importance of quality-of-life considerations, urging schools to account for the circumstances of students, their families, and the broader educational community.

    The authority’s guidelines reflect the humanitarian and social values characteristic of Ramadan, extending warm greetings to the educational community while reaffirming commitment to balancing academic rigor with student and family wellbeing. SPEA has expressed appreciation for the cooperation of school administrations in implementing these guidelines, which collectively contribute to creating a supportive and balanced learning environment throughout the holy month.

  • Residential building collapses in Lebanon’s Tripoli, trapping people, sources say

    Residential building collapses in Lebanon’s Tripoli, trapping people, sources say

    TRIPOLI, LEBANON – A major rescue operation continues in northern Lebanon after a residential building catastrophically collapsed in Tripoli on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The five-story structure in the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood crumbled, leaving an undetermined number of residents trapped beneath heavy debris.

    According to security sources cited by Reuters, the incident prompted an immediate emergency response. Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that rescue teams, working alongside local citizens in a collaborative effort, have successfully extracted three survivors from the wreckage. Their current medical condition remains undisclosed.

    The precise cause of the structural failure is not yet known and is subject to investigation. Building collapses in Lebanon have been historically linked to aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and the use of substandard construction materials. This disaster occurs amidst the nation’s prolonged economic crisis, which has severely hampered public services and infrastructure investment.

    The collapse has drawn parallels to recent global structural failures, including a separate incident in Kota, India, where a building collapse resulted in fatalities. The response in Tripoli highlights the critical importance of community mobilization and emergency preparedness in urban disaster scenarios. International observers are monitoring the situation as rescue efforts continue against the clock to locate any additional victims.

  • Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi forges stunning election win

    Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi forges stunning election win

    In a historic winter election marked by record snowfall, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a commanding parliamentary majority, positioning her conservative government to implement controversial economic reforms and military expansion policies. Official projections from public broadcaster NHK indicate Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), captured a supermajority of 328 seats in the 465-member lower house.

    The 64-year-old leader, frequently compared to Britain’s Margaret Thatcher for her staunch conservative stance, called the rare February election to capitalize on her substantial personal popularity since assuming leadership of the long-ruling LDP late last year. Voters braved severe winter conditions, with some polling stations closing early due to unprecedented snowfall, demonstrating significant public engagement with Takaichi’s policy platform.

    Her victory signals a dramatic political turnaround for the LDP, which had lost control of both parliamentary chambers under previous leadership. Political analysts attribute her success to an effective social media strategy and resonance with younger voters, sparking what has been termed ‘sanakatsu’ or ‘Sanae-mania’ across Japan.

    The Prime Minister’s agenda includes suspending the 8% sales tax on food items to address rising living costs—a measure that has unsettled financial markets concerned about Japan’s substantial public debt. Simultaneously, Takaichi has pledged to strengthen military capabilities amid growing regional tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan, which has significantly strained relations with China.

    International responses have been notably divided. U.S. President Donald Trump offered his ‘total endorsement’ and extended an invitation for a White House meeting next month. Conversely, Beijing has expressed strong opposition to Takaichi’s national security posture, implementing economic countermeasures including travel advisories against Japan. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the government’s intention to pursue dialogue with China while advancing defense enhancement policies.

    Business leaders have welcomed the election outcome as restoring political stability, with Keidanren head Yoshinobu Tsutsui noting Japan’s economy stands at ‘a critical juncture for achieving sustainable and strong growth.’ The decisive victory provides Takaichi with a strong mandate to pursue her dual agenda of economic stimulus and security reinforcement, though implementation challenges remain regarding fiscal sustainability and diplomatic relations.

  • 3 bodies found in parked car on flyover; poisoning suspected by Delhi Police

    3 bodies found in parked car on flyover; poisoning suspected by Delhi Police

    Delhi authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the perplexing discovery of three deceased individuals inside a stationary vehicle on the Peeragarhi flyover in outer Delhi. The incident, reported on Sunday afternoon, has presented investigators with a complex mystery lacking obvious signs of violence or criminal activity.

    According to official statements, emergency services responded to a routine call regarding a suspicious abandoned vehicle at approximately 3:50 PM. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two men and one woman—identified as Randhir (76), Naresh Singh (47), and Laxmi Devi (40)—motionless within the SUV. Notably, one of the victims was the registered owner of the vehicle.

    Preliminary forensic examination revealed no visible external injuries, indications of struggle, or evidence of forced entry into the vehicle. Investigators confirmed that personal valuables within the car remained undisturbed, eliminating robbery as an apparent motive. The absence of these conventional crime indicators has led authorities to consider alternative explanations, with poisoning emerging as a primary theory.

    Senior police officials described the investigation as ongoing and evolving, with forensic teams meticulously collecting evidence from both the vehicle and the surrounding area. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being analyzed to reconstruct the victims’ final movements and establish a timeline of events preceding their discovery.

    The bodies have been transferred to a medical facility for post-mortem examinations, which investigators consider crucial for determining the exact cause of death. While preliminary findings suggest possible self-harm through poisoning, police officials emphasize they have not ruled out other possibilities and are maintaining an open investigative approach until conclusive evidence emerges.

  • Labubu lights up Shanghai lantern show

    Labubu lights up Shanghai lantern show

    Shanghai’s historic Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival has undergone a revolutionary transformation, expanding beyond its traditional boundaries for the first time to incorporate contemporary cultural elements. The collectibles giant Pop Mart has partnered with the festival to bring its globally recognized characters to life through elaborate light installations, creating a unique fusion of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations and modern pop culture.

    The festival’s expanded footprint now encompasses Gucheng Park, Middle Fangbang Road, Fuyou Road, and the iconic Bund area, running through March 3rd. While Yuyuan Garden maintains traditional folk culture themes, the new zones embrace contemporary aesthetics through Pop Mart’s intellectual properties.

    Center stage is Labubu, the sharp-toothed, pointy-eared creation of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung that has become a global phenomenon. The character joins other Pop Mart favorites including Twinkle Twinkle, Molly, Skullpanda, and Hirono in lantern form throughout the expanded festival grounds.

    The Bund Finance Center has launched a special Chinese New Year Garden Fair in collaboration with Pop Mart, featuring a magnificent palace lantern carousel adorned with twelve classic IPs at its North Plaza. Additional installations include Twinkle Twinkle in the Sky Garden against Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River skyline and Molly at the South Mall entrance accompanied by traditional drum dance performances.

    The festival’s blend of tradition and modernity has attracted both local enthusiasts and international visitors. Frans-Jan van Meer, a supply chain manager from the Netherlands, expressed delight at discovering the Pop Mart pop-up store during his first visit to China. “My daughters are fans of Pop Mart in Europe,” he shared while purchasing blind boxes. “The new Golden Gallop series feels authentically Chinese and exotic to us.”

    Pop Mart’s participation reflects its soaring global popularity. The company’s 2025 interim results revealed staggering growth with a 204.4% increase in first-half revenue, reaching 13.88 billion yuan. The Monsters brand featuring Lababu generated 4.81 billion yuan in sales during the first half of 2025, representing 668% year-on-year growth and accounting for nearly 35% of total revenue.

    This cultural fusion event demonstrates how traditional Chinese celebrations are evolving to incorporate modern elements while simultaneously introducing global audiences to Chinese cultural exports. As van Meer observed, “Chinese, and Asian culture generally, is getting more popular globally… You can see it more in Europe, and I think that’s a good thing.”

  • Video: 3 killed and three injured in multi-vehicle collision in Oman

    Video: 3 killed and three injured in multi-vehicle collision in Oman

    A severe traffic accident in Oman’s North Al Batinah Governorate resulted in three fatalities and left three others injured with varying degrees of severity. The tragic multi-vehicle collision occurred in the Luya Governorate, prompting immediate emergency response from Omani authorities.

    The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority of Oman released visual documentation of the incident on Sunday, showcasing the extensive rescue operations undertaken at the crash site. Emergency teams employed specialized equipment to extract trapped individuals from severely damaged vehicles, with responders providing critical on-site medical assistance before transporting the wounded to healthcare facilities.

    According to official reports, the injured victims sustained conditions ranging from moderate to critical, requiring subsequent medical treatment at designated hospitals. While authorities confirmed the basic details of the accident, further specifics regarding the circumstances leading to the collision remain undisclosed at this time.

    This incident has reignited concerns about road safety measures in the region. Omani traffic authorities consistently emphasize the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and maintaining heightened awareness while driving to prevent such catastrophic events. The tragedy follows previous similar incidents in the country, highlighting ongoing challenges with road safety and accident prevention.

  • Noam Chomsky’s wife says he was ‘ensnared’ and ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

    Noam Chomsky’s wife says he was ‘ensnared’ and ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

    Valeria Wasserman, spouse of renowned linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky, has publicly characterized their association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as falling victim to a calculated ‘Trojan horse’ strategy. This statement emerges amidst the release of court documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, which detail communications between the 97-year-old intellectual and the disgraced financier.

    The disclosed correspondence reveals that in February 2019, Professor Chomsky provided Epstein with counsel on managing media scrutiny, advising him to ‘ignore’ the criticism surrounding his treatment in press reports. Chomsky notably characterized the climate surrounding abuse allegations as ‘hysteria,’ suggesting that questioning charges had become viewed as ‘a crime worse than murder.’

    Ms. Wasserman contextualized these communications by explaining that their introduction to Epstein occurred during a 2015 academic event, at which time his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor remained largely unknown to the general public, including themselves. Epstein reportedly presented himself as a scientific philanthropist and financial expert, thereby gaining Chomsky’s professional attention.

    The academic’s wife detailed how Epstein ‘began to encircle Noam’ through gifts and orchestrated discussions aligned with his intellectual interests. She expressed profound regret that they failed to recognize this as a strategic effort to ensnare them and potentially undermine Chomsky’s longstanding advocacy work.

    While acknowledging social interactions including lunches at Epstein’s ranch, dinners at his Manhattan townhouse, and use of his New York apartment during professional visits, Wasserman emphatically stated they never visited Epstein’s Caribbean island and witnessed no inappropriate behavior or presence of minors during their encounters.

    These disclosures coincide with Wasserman’s confirmation that Professor Chomsky continues to confront significant health challenges following a devastating stroke in June 2023, leaving him under constant medical care and unable to engage in public discourse.

    In conclusion, Wasserman unequivocally stated: ‘Noam and I recognize the gravity of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and the profound suffering of his victims,’ expressing ‘unrestricted solidarity’ while maintaining that their interactions were predicated on Epstein’s deliberately constructed false narrative.