Global Pulse

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  • How Dubai may be only hope for 3-year-old boy born with spinal muscular atrophy

    How Dubai may be only hope for 3-year-old boy born with spinal muscular atrophy

    In a remarkable medical journey, a three-year-old Turkish boy named Hulus has arrived in Dubai with his family seeking groundbreaking gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)—a rare genetic condition that progressively weakens muscles essential for movement, breathing, and swallowing. Left untreated, SMA often proves fatal for infants and can cause severe disability in older children.

    The United Arab Emirates made medical history earlier this year by becoming the second nation worldwide to approve a revolutionary gene therapy treatment for SMA in eligible patients aged two years and above. This medical advancement delivers a functional gene through a one-time surgical procedure to replace the faulty gene responsible for the condition, potentially halting disease progression and significantly improving quality of life.

    Hulus’s father, Mustafa Ser, a chef from Turkey, explained their desperate search for solutions: “We conducted extensive research through social media and connected with other families affected by SMA. Discovering Dubai’s gene therapy program became our beacon of hope.” The family exhausted their life savings and initiated fundraising campaigns to afford the travel and treatment expenses.

    Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai is overseeing Hulus’s treatment, facilitating visa arrangements and providing comprehensive medical supervision. According to Dr. Vivek Mundada, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at the hospital, “This treatment represents a genuine paradigm shift in SMA care. We’re not only discussing saving lives but preserving independence and functionality in older children and adults.”

    The treatment involves a approximately 30-minute surgical procedure under anesthesia, where the gene therapy is administered via spinal injection. Patients require careful monitoring afterward for potential side effects.

    Hulus’s daily life has centered around intensive therapy regimens, including physiotherapy six days weekly and hydrotherapy sessions. His family has adapted their home environment with specialized equipment to support his continuous physical development.

    Despite the promising treatment, Hulus faces lifelong medical monitoring, including regular assessments of liver enzymes, cardiac function, and respiratory health. His educational path will initially require specialized schooling accommodations.

    The family’s journey highlights both the extraordinary medical advancements emerging from the UAE and the ongoing challenges faced by families dealing with rare genetic disorders worldwide.

  • Off-road expedition explores Ningxia’s Helan Mountains

    Off-road expedition explores Ningxia’s Helan Mountains

    A formidable convoy of over 50 specialized off-road vehicles launched an ambitious expedition through the rugged terrain of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region’s Helan Mountains on December 21, 2025. This large-scale adventure demonstration aimed to position the region as a premier global destination for extreme off-road tourism and adventure sports.

    The expedition commenced its journey from Hooke Park, a strategic starting point that provides access to the area’s challenging mountain landscapes. The Helan Mountains off-road sports area has been gaining significant international recognition, with adventure enthusiasts and industry experts comparing its demanding trails to world-renowned routes such as California’s Rubicon Trail and Utah’s Moab.

    Beyond its natural topographic challenges, the region offers unique historical and cultural dimensions to the off-road experience. Participants navigated through areas containing ancient historical sites, including preserved sections of the Great Wall that add cultural significance to the adventure tourism offering.

    Local tourism authorities and adventure sports organizers collaborated to showcase the area’s diverse terrain, which includes steep inclines, rocky pathways, and natural obstacles that test both vehicle capabilities and driving skills. The event attracted off-road enthusiasts, tourism industry representatives, and media professionals from across China and international markets.

    This demonstration event represents part of Ningxia’s broader strategy to develop specialized tourism products that leverage its unique geographical and cultural assets. The autonomous region has been investing in infrastructure and promotional activities to establish itself as a hub for adventure tourism within China and the broader Asian adventure travel market.

    The successful execution of this large-scale off-road expedition marks a significant milestone in Ningxia’s tourism development plans, demonstrating both the viability of the terrain for high-level off-road events and the region’s capacity to host international adventure tourism activities.

  • Brothers 10,000 miles apart meet for first time after childhood adoption

    Brothers 10,000 miles apart meet for first time after childhood adoption

    In an extraordinary tale of familial connection spanning decades and continents, two brothers separated by adoption have finally embraced in a profoundly emotional reunion. Russell Gower, 64, embarked on a monumental 23-hour journey from his home in Llanharan, South Wales, to Brisbane, Australia, to meet his biological brother Peter, 69, for the first time.

    The brothers share parents Ray and Jill Gower, who faced the social stigma of unwed teenage pregnancy in 1950s Britain. Peter was placed for adoption shortly after birth and raised in Australia, completely unaware of his biological family’s existence. His parents later married and had two more children—Russell and sister Jackie, both of whom are now deceased.

    Peter’s discovery of his true heritage came only recently when his adoptive sister revealed the long-concealed truth. His Australian granddaughter subsequently located Russell through investigative efforts, with DNA testing conclusively confirming their biological relationship.

    Russell had learned during his teenage years about an adopted brother from his sister, though their mother never directly addressed the subject. On her deathbed in 2007, while battling terminal cancer, she began to reveal the secret but passed away before completing her confession.

    Their initial meeting, captured by relatives on Peter’s driveway, defied all expectations of awkwardness. Despite vastly different upbringings—Russell growing up in Wales while Peter was raised on the opposite side of the world—their connection felt immediately natural. The brothers, who share strikingly similar physical builds, described their first handshake and embrace as feeling inherently right, as if they were “wired the same.”

    The emotional significance deepened when they realized their reunion coincided with what would have been their mother’s 85th birthday. Russell believes she would have been “chuffed” to see her sons finally together, sharing beers and conversation.

    The entire extended family of 17 members will celebrate this Christmas with a festive barbecue—a stark contrast to traditional Welsh celebrations—marking both the holiday and their remarkable reunion. Russell now describes the experience as transformative, believing destiny intervened to connect them against all odds.

  • India: Over 10 burn to death after bus collides with fuel tanker truck in Karnataka

    India: Over 10 burn to death after bus collides with fuel tanker truck in Karnataka

    A catastrophic pre-dawn collision between a fuel tanker and a passenger bus on National Highway 48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district has resulted in a devastating death toll, with preliminary reports indicating over ten fatalities. The horrific incident occurred near Gorlathu village during the early hours of Thursday when the tanker vehicle reportedly breached the central divider and rammed into an oncoming luxury sleeper bus traveling to the coastal pilgrimage town of Gokarna.

    The impact triggered an immediate conflagration that engulfed the passenger vehicle, trapping numerous occupants inside. According to East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda, most victims perished from severe burns within the rapidly burning bus despite rescue efforts. The vehicle was carrying 32 passengers including driver and conductor personnel at the time of the accident.

    In a secondary collision, a school bus transporting 48 students from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli subsequently made contact with the wreckage. Miraculously, no children sustained serious injuries in this secondary incident, and the school bus driver has provided crucial eyewitness testimony to investigating authorities.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced comprehensive compensation packages for affected families through the PM National Relief Fund. Each deceased victim’s next of kin will receive ₹2 lakh (approximately Dh8,209) while injured survivors are entitled to ₹50,000 (Dh2,052) in immediate financial assistance. The Prime Minister expressed profound grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to bereaved families while wishing swift recovery for those hospitalized with injuries.

    Local authorities continue investigation operations at the accident site as medical teams work to identify victims and provide necessary treatment to survivors. The death toll remains subject to potential revision as emergency responders complete their assessment of the charred vehicle wreckage.

  • Pope Leo urges ‘courage’ to end Ukraine war in first Christmas address

    Pope Leo urges ‘courage’ to end Ukraine war in first Christmas address

    In his inaugural Christmas Day address since ascending to the papacy in May, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful plea for international peace and reconciliation from St. Peter’s Square. The pontiff specifically called upon Ukraine and Russia to demonstrate courage by initiating sincere, direct negotiations to terminate their prolonged conflict.

    During the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Leo emphasized that cessation of hostilities requires “the support and commitment of the international community” alongside diplomatic courage from both warring nations. His appeal emerges amid ongoing US-mediated negotiations seeking an acceptable resolution to the conflict, though direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain elusive in current diplomatic efforts.

    The Pope’s concerns extended beyond Eastern Europe, addressing recent deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia despite July’s ceasefire agreement. He urged these Southeast Asian nations to restore their “ancient friendship” through concerted efforts toward reconciliation.

    Earlier during Christmas Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff reflected on global humanitarian crises, particularly highlighting the plight of homeless populations worldwide. He drew parallels between the nativity story’s fragile tent and the inadequate shelters in Gaza, where approximately 2.1 million Palestinians endure winter storms amidst rubble and destruction from the ongoing conflict with Israel.

    The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with aid agencies urgently requesting increased supplies of tents and essential materials. Israeli authorities controlling border crossings have denied allegations of deliberate aid restrictions, claiming delivery of nearly 310,000 tents and tarpaulins since October’s ceasefire commenced.

  • Putting in the prep

    Putting in the prep

    As the New Year approaches, railway maintenance teams in Chongqing are executing comprehensive safety protocols to ensure seamless operations during the anticipated travel peak. Technical staff from the Chongqing Passenger Transport Section, operating under China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co Ltd, have accelerated inspection routines and maintenance procedures on critical rail infrastructure.

    The preparatory measures include meticulous examinations of CR200J bullet trains, China’s advanced high-speed rail units. Maintenance personnel are conducting thorough system checks, mechanical assessments, and functionality verifications across all operational components. These proactive interventions aim to identify potential technical issues before they can impact passenger services during high-density travel periods.

    Photographic documentation from maintenance facilities shows technicians performing detailed inspections on train undercarriages, braking systems, and electrical connections. The intensified maintenance regime reflects China Railway’s commitment to safety-first transportation principles, particularly during periods of significantly increased passenger volume.

    The preparation strategy incorporates lessons learned from previous holiday travel rushes, with railway authorities implementing optimized inspection protocols and resource allocation. Maintenance teams are working extended shifts to ensure the entire fleet meets stringent safety standards before the travel surge begins.

    This systematic approach to pre-holiday preparation demonstrates how China’s railway network manages the complex logistics of mass transportation during peak demand periods. The comprehensive safety checks cover both rolling stock and fixed infrastructure, creating a multi-layered safety net for the millions of passengers expected to utilize rail services during the holiday period.

  • Pope Leo XIV remembers Gaza’s suffering in first Christmas homily and calls for peace

    Pope Leo XIV remembers Gaza’s suffering in first Christmas homily and calls for peace

    In his inaugural Christmas Day homily, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message from St. Peter’s Basilica, drawing poignant parallels between the biblical narrative of Christ’s birth and contemporary global suffering. Addressing thousands of congregants beneath the basilica’s ornate balustrade, adorned with seasonal poinsettias and floral garlands, the pontiff specifically highlighted the plight of Gaza’s civilians enduring harsh winter conditions.

    The Pope’s address transformed the traditional Christmas message into a profound commentary on modern conflicts. ‘We cannot ignore the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold,’ Leo declared, extending his concern to refugees worldwide and urban homeless populations. His homily meticulously connected the Christian story of God assuming fragile human form in a Bethlehem manger with the vulnerability of displaced persons across continents.

    Leo XIV offered sharp criticism of military conflicts, referencing ‘defenseless populations tried by so many wars’ and young soldiers confronting the ‘senselessness of what is asked of them.’ He characterized military recruitment rhetoric as ‘falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.’

    The pontiff presented dialogue as the singular solution to global strife, asserting that peace only emerges ‘when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other.’ The Mass attracted thousands of faithful who gathered despite steady rainfall, many documenting the historic occasion with smartphones.

    This Christmas celebration concludes the Holy Year observances, scheduled to officially terminate on January 6th, the Epiphany holiday commemorating the biblical visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus.

  • Turkey begins black box analysis of jet crash that killed Libyan military chief and 7 others

    Turkey begins black box analysis of jet crash that killed Libyan military chief and 7 others

    Turkish authorities have commenced technical examination of the flight recorders recovered from the catastrophic private jet accident that claimed eight lives, including Libya’s senior western military commander. The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday that investigative procedures are advancing through collaborative efforts with Libyan officials.

    The ill-fated aircraft, carrying General Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad alongside four additional military representatives and three flight crew members, went down shortly after departure from Ankara on Tuesday. Initial assessments from Libyan authorities indicate potential technical failures as the probable cause of the tragedy.

    The high-ranking delegation was returning to Tripoli following strategic defense discussions in the Turkish capital focused on enhancing military coordination between the two nations. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that debris from the crash site spanned approximately three square kilometers, significantly impeding recovery operations.

    A 22-member team from Libya, comprising five relatives of the victims, arrived early Wednesday to participate in the investigation process. The multinational cooperation underscores the significance of the incident within international military and diplomatic circles.

  • Turkey arrests 115 IS suspects ‘planning New Year’s attacks’

    Turkey arrests 115 IS suspects ‘planning New Year’s attacks’

    Turkish security forces have successfully dismantled an extensive Islamic State network that was actively planning coordinated attacks during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. In a sweeping counterterrorism operation across Istanbul, authorities apprehended 115 suspected ISIS operatives while pursuing an additional 22 individuals still at large.

    The massive intelligence-driven operation targeted 124 separate locations throughout Turkey’s largest city, resulting in the seizure of significant weapon caches including firearms, ammunition, and critical organizational documents. According to Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor, the detained suspects maintained active communication channels with ISIS leadership operating outside Turkish borders.

    Investigators revealed the terrorist cell specifically planned to target non-Muslim communities and religious gatherings during the holiday period. This security operation represents one of the most comprehensive counterterrorism efforts in recent years against ISIS infrastructure within Turkey.

    The crackdown occurs amidst heightened regional tensions following the recent killing of three American personnel—two soldiers and a civilian interpreter—in an ISIS-ambush earlier this month. In response, the United States conducted a series of airstrikes against ISIS positions across Syria last Friday.

    Turkey’s geographic position remains particularly vulnerable to terrorist infiltration due to its 900-kilometer (560-mile) border with Syria, where ISIS maintains active cells in certain regions. President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria, maintaining close ties with the Turkish government, has committed to collaborative efforts with Western nations to eliminate remaining ISIS elements in the region.

    Turkish security agencies continue regular operations against suspected ISIS affiliates, reflecting the ongoing threat posed by the organization despite its territorial defeats in previous years.

  • Algeria votes to declare French colonization a crime and demands restitution

    Algeria votes to declare French colonization a crime and demands restitution

    ALGIERS, Algeria — In a landmark legislative move with profound historical implications, Algeria’s National Assembly has formally declared France’s 130-year colonial occupation a criminal act. The newly enacted law establishes a comprehensive framework seeking redress for colonial-era injustices, including demands for restitution of appropriated property and cultural artifacts.

    The legislative body, with an overwhelming majority of 340 out of 407 members, endorsed the measure during a ceremonious session marked by nationalistic symbolism. The timing coincides with broader African continental initiatives advocating for recognition and reparations concerning colonial crimes.

    This groundbreaking legislation encompasses the entire colonial period from France’s initial invasion in 1830 through Algeria’s hard-won independence in 1962. Key provisions mandate the return of Algerian archives and cultural property displaced during colonial rule, alongside detailed documentation regarding French nuclear testing conducted on Algerian territory between 1960-1966. The law further demands repatriation of remains belonging to Algerian resistance fighters currently held in France.

    Notably, the statute imposes criminal penalties—including imprisonment—for any Algerian citizen found celebrating French colonialism or disparaging symbols of national resistance.

    France has vehemently condemned the legislation as a “hostile act” that jeopardizes ongoing bilateral reconciliation efforts. The French Foreign Ministry emphasized President Emmanuel Macron’s previous initiatives addressing colonial grievances while reaffirming commitment to continued dialogue on security and migration matters.

    The historical context reveals particularly brutal aspects of French colonial administration in Algeria. Despite legal incorporation into France, systemic inequality prevailed with nearly one million European settlers enjoying superior political, economic, and social privileges. Algeria’s revolutionary struggle witnessed extreme violence, including widespread torture, forced disappearances, and village devastations as part of French counterinsurgency operations.

    Parliamentary proceedings were emotionally charged, featuring displays of massive national flags and spontaneous renditions of patriotic anthems. Assembly Speaker Mohamed Boughali characterized the occasion as “a historic day to be written in letters of gold in the national narrative.”

    The legislation’s principal architect, former lawmaker Mohamed Arezki Ferrad, described the adoption as “the culmination of a long struggle initiated in 2001 for the memory and honor of all resistance fighters.” The comprehensive statute comprises five chapters and 27 articles, explicitly establishing that colonial-era crimes are not subject to statutes of limitation.