Global Pulse

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  • Sudan’s war-torn capital sees second commercial flight land since conflict began

    Sudan’s war-torn capital sees second commercial flight land since conflict began

    In a significant development for Sudan’s war-torn capital, a domestic commercial flight operated by national carrier SUDANAIR successfully landed at Khartoum International Airport on Sunday. This marks only the second commercial arrival since devastating conflict erupted nearly three years ago in the northeastern African nation.

    The state-run SUNA news agency confirmed the aircraft departed from Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, which had temporarily served as the government’s administrative headquarters until authorities relocated back to Khartoum earlier this year. The flight’s arrival represents a crucial milestone in governmental efforts to restore normalcy to the capital city, which has endured extensive destruction during prolonged hostilities between the national military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

    This event follows an October landing by privately-owned Badr Airlines, which was met with RSF drone attacks attempting to disrupt airport operations. The military subsequently regained control of Khartoum from the paramilitary group earlier last year.

    The conflict originated in April 2023 from a violent power struggle between the military and RSF that rapidly escalated into full-scale warfare. Khartoum International Airport sustained severe damage during the initial weeks of fighting, crippling the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

    According to United Nations estimates, the devastating war has claimed over 40,000 lives, though humanitarian organizations caution that actual fatalities likely far exceed this figure. The conflict has generated the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 14 million people while triggering widespread disease outbreaks and pushing multiple regions toward famine conditions.

  • Swiss Alpine bar fire claims 41st victim, an 18-year-old Swiss national

    Swiss Alpine bar fire claims 41st victim, an 18-year-old Swiss national

    ZURICH — A tragic alpine bar fire that shocked Switzerland last month has claimed another life, with an 18-year-old Swiss national succumbing to injuries at a Zurich hospital this past Saturday. This development elevates the total death toll to 41, marking one of the nation’s deadliest peacetime disasters in recent history.

    The Valais public prosecutor’s office confirmed the death in a brief statement on Sunday, indicating it would refrain from releasing further details to preserve the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation. The blaze erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day at the densely packed Le Constellation bar, located in the prestigious Crans-Montana ski resort.

    Official investigative reports point to sparkling candles placed on Champagne bottles as the probable ignition source. It is believed these flames made contact with the ceiling’s soundproofing material, triggering a rapid and devastating fire. A critical line of inquiry for authorities is determining whether this construction material met existing safety regulations and if the use of such candles was legally permitted within the establishment. Notably, public records indicate that the last formal fire safety inspection of the venue was conducted in 2019.

    In response to the catastrophe, Swiss prosecutors have initiated criminal proceedings against the bar’s owners, French nationals Jacques and Jessica Moretti. They face severe charges, including negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence. Jacques Moretti was initially ordered into pretrial detention on January 12th; however, he was subsequently released on bail just eleven days later, on January 23rd, by order of the regional court.

    The resort of Crans-Montana, famed for its high-altitude ski runs reaching nearly 3,000 meters and its status as a hub for international winter sports competitions, is now grappling with the profound aftermath of this tragedy, which has cast a shadow over its global reputation.

  • China’s 2026 Spring Festival travel rush to begin

    China’s 2026 Spring Festival travel rush to begin

    China is preparing for an unprecedented transportation phenomenon as the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush commences on February 1st, with projections indicating a record-shattering 9.5 billion inter-regional journeys. This massive migration period, known locally as ‘Chunyun,’ will continue through March 13th, encompassing the Lunar New Year celebration on February 17th.

    The extended nine-day official holiday period has created a unique convergence of family reunion travel and tourism demand, according to transportation analysts. Private vehicle travel is anticipated to dominate the transportation landscape, representing approximately 80% of all inter-regional movements. Meanwhile, railway systems are preparing for an estimated 540 million passenger trips, with civil aviation authorities expecting to accommodate approximately 95 million travelers.

    Transportation hubs across China are implementing enhanced capacity measures to manage the anticipated record-breaking daily passenger flows. Authorities have prioritized operational efficiency and safety protocols at major transportation centers, recognizing the cultural significance of the Spring Festival as China’s most important family reunion occasion. The simultaneous surge in both traditional family visitation travel and holiday tourism has created unprecedented logistical challenges for transportation networks nationwide.

    Infrastructure enhancements and coordinated scheduling efforts have been implemented to ensure smooth passenger experiences during this period of extraordinary demand. Transportation officials have emphasized their commitment to maintaining both safety standards and operational efficiency throughout the 41-day travel period.

  • UAE jobs: Rules employers must follow when firing employees

    UAE jobs: Rules employers must follow when firing employees

    The United Arab Emirates has established clear legal protocols for employee termination during probationary periods, mandating specific employer obligations under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Employers operating within the UAE mainland must provide a minimum of 14 days’ written notice before terminating any employee during their probation period, which cannot exceed six months according to statutory limitations.

    Beyond the notice requirement, employers bear financial responsibilities that include settling all outstanding dues accrued through the employee’s final working day. This comprehensive settlement encompasses unpaid salary, any accumulated leave entitlements, and compensation for the statutory notice period itself. The legal framework further stipulates that employers may, at their discretion, grant annual leave during probation, though employees retain entitlement to compensation for any unused leave if their employment concludes before completing probation.

    A critical component of the termination process involves the issuance of an experience certificate upon employee request. This document must objectively detail employment dates, total service duration, job title, final remuneration, and the reason for contract termination. Crucially, the certificate must not contain any language that could potentially damage the employee’s professional reputation or hinder future employment prospects.

    These regulations form part of the UAE’s broader commitment to balancing employer rights with robust worker protections, ensuring that probationary terminations occur through transparent, standardized procedures that safeguard both organizational and individual interests within the country’s dynamic labor market.

  • Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history at Australian Open

    Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history at Australian Open

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has etched his name in the annals of sports history by capturing the Australian Open men’s singles title. The monumental victory, achieved on February 1, 2026, at Melbourne Park, completes his career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age—making him the youngest male player ever to conquer all four major tournaments.

    The championship match presented a classic generational showdown, with Alcaraz overcoming 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a four-set thriller (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5). Djokovic, who was vying to set a new standalone record with his 25th major singles title, found himself outmaneuvered by the younger player’s explosive energy and strategic brilliance.

    Born in Murcia, Spain in 2003, Alcaraz first picked up a racquet at age four. His meteoric rise began with his first Grand Slam victory at the 2022 US Open when he was just 19, making him the youngest men’s champion since Rafael Nadal in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he became the youngest player ever to reach the world No. 1 ATP ranking at 19 years and 130 days. With this Australian Open triumph, Alcaraz now boasts seven Grand Slam titles in his growing collection.

    Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Elena Rybakina claimed the singles title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, adding another chapter to her own distinguished career. The 2026 Australian Open, held from January 18 to February 1, continues to showcase tennis’s evolving landscape where new champions rise to challenge established legends.

  • Bitcoin crashes below $80,000 as dollar surge sparks risk-off wave

    Bitcoin crashes below $80,000 as dollar surge sparks risk-off wave

    A significant downturn has gripped cryptocurrency markets as Bitcoin tumbled below the critical $80,000 threshold, marking its most severe monthly decline in over a year. The premier digital asset plummeted nearly 8% during Saturday’s trading session, reaching values not witnessed since April 2025, with subsequent trading stabilizing near $78,160. This downward trajectory precipitated a substantial erosion of total cryptocurrency market capitalization, which now stands diminished below $2.8 trillion.

    The market contagion extended across major altcoins, with Solana and Dogecoin experiencing approximately 13% depreciations to $102.90 and $0.10 respectively, while Ripple witnessed a 10% contraction to $1.56. Bitcoin’s market valuation has consequently been eclipsed by Tesla Inc., relegating it to the twelfth position among globally ranked assets by capitalization according to CoinGecko metrics. The weekly performance reveals a 9% contraction for Bitcoin, with the CoinDesk 20 Index—tracking prominent tokens—registering a more pronounced 12.4% decline. This bearish sentiment has propelled the Crypto Fear & Greed Index into ‘extreme fear’ territory.

    Market analysts attribute this pronounced risk-off transition to shifting macroeconomic expectations. President Donald Trump’s nomination of former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh—perceived as markedly more hawkish than incumbent Chair Jerome Powell—as prospective Federal Reserve leadership triggered substantial dollar appreciation and interest rate recalibrations. The US Dollar Index ascended to multi-month peaks alongside rising Treasury yields, catalyzing broad-based capital rotation from risk-sensitive assets including cryptocurrencies, equities, and precious metals.

    Technical analysis from Glassnode indicates Bitcoin has breached crucial support levels, descending below the $83,400 threshold representing short-term holder cost basis. This breakdown suggests potential further decline toward the $80,700 ‘True Market Mean’ level, which has subsequently been violated. Despite these developments, on-chain metrics reveal only 19.5% of short-term holder supply currently resides ‘underwater’—significantly beneath the 55% threshold typically indicative of market capitulation.

    Derivatives markets reflect prevailing caution through muted funding rates and diminished appetite for leveraged long positions. Options traders have intensified demand for downside protection, with dealer positioning turning negative beneath $90,000—a dynamic potentially exacerbating volatility should additional support levels deteriorate.

    Institutional participation has compounded selling pressure, with spot Bitcoin ETFs recording substantial single-day net outflows approximating $818 million. This institutional reticence to ‘buy the dip’ coincides with Ethereum’s pronounced decline beneath $2,500, amplifying concerns regarding deteriorating risk appetite across digital asset markets.

    Santiment data reveals social media sentiment has reached extreme bearish levels, historically a contrarian indicator preceding short-term rebounds. Nevertheless, cryptocurrency specialists note the absence of volume surges and leverage resets characteristic of durable market bottoms. Experts suggest continued price erosion toward the $74,000–$76,000 support range remains probable absent improvements in spot demand and ETF flow stabilization, with downside risks persisting amid tightening liquidity conditions and escalating macroeconomic uncertainty.

  • Video: Firing reported outside director Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai home; probe underway

    Video: Firing reported outside director Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai home; probe underway

    Mumbai police have launched a comprehensive investigation following a security breach at the residence of acclaimed Bollywood director Rohit Shetty. Unidentified assailants discharged approximately four rounds of gunfire outside the filmmaker’s residential complex in the upscale Juhu neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to official police statements.

    The incident prompted immediate deployment of heightened security personnel around Shetty’s residential tower, with forensic experts conducting meticulous examination of the premises. Law enforcement authorities have cordoned off the area while gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the alarming event.

    Police officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries resulted from the shooting, providing some relief to the concerned film community and local residents. Investigators are pursuing multiple angles to establish motive and identify perpetrators behind the targeted attack on one of India’s most prominent cinematic figures.

    Rohit Shetty, renowned for blockbuster action-comedy franchises including ‘Golmaal’ and ‘Singham’, represents a significant figure in contemporary Indian cinema. The incident has raised questions about celebrity security protocols in Mumbai, India’s entertainment capital.

    Authorities have assured thorough investigation into all potential connections, including possible professional disputes or attempted intimidation. The film industry has expressed solidarity with the director, awaiting further developments in this concerning security breach.

  • US judge declines to halt Trump’s Minnesota immigration agent surge

    US judge declines to halt Trump’s Minnesota immigration agent surge

    A Minnesota federal court has declined to intervene in President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul, allowing the contentious program to continue despite allegations of systemic civil rights violations. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, appointed by former President Biden, issued the ruling on Saturday, rejecting the Minnesota Attorney General’s request to halt or restrict the Department of Homeland Security initiative that has deployed thousands of federal agents to the region.

    The judicial decision comes amid escalating tensions in the Twin Cities area, where the operation has sparked sustained protests and resulted in the fatal shootings of two American citizens by federal personnel. The lawsuit filed by Minnesota officials accused immigration agents of engaging in racial profiling, implementing unlawful detainment practices, and employing excessively aggressive tactics that have created widespread fear within communities.

    Judge Menendez justified her ruling by referencing a recent federal appeals court decision that stayed a more limited injunction against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota. “If that injunction went too far, then the one at issue here—halting the entire operation—certainly would,” she stated in her written opinion.

    The political dimension of the conflict became increasingly apparent as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, an elected Democrat, accused the Trump administration of targeting the state due to its Democratic political orientation. Meanwhile, administration officials defended the operation as necessary for enforcing federal immigration laws in accordance with presidential policies.

    The situation intensified significantly following two high-profile incidents: the January 7 shooting of Renee Good, who was killed in her car by an immigration agent, and the January 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent. Both incidents were captured on video and circulated widely, contradicting official accounts that the agents acted in self-defense.

    In a notable development, President Trump indicated on Saturday that future federal law enforcement deployments would require explicit requests from local authorities. “If they want help, they have to ask for it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that unsolicited interventions typically result in complaints rather than appreciation.

    The ruling represents a temporary victory for the administration’s immigration enforcement approach while legal challenges continue to develop. Ellison acknowledged the setback but emphasized that the legal battle remains in its early stages, with additional avenues for challenge still available.

  • How non-Muslim expats can register wills in UAE: Procedure explained

    How non-Muslim expats can register wills in UAE: Procedure explained

    The United Arab Emirates has established a comprehensive legal framework enabling non-Muslim expatriates to formally register wills through multiple jurisdictional pathways. This system provides crucial estate planning security for the country’s substantial foreign resident population.

    Under Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status Law, non-Muslim foreigners residing in the UAE may choose to apply their home country’s legal provisions regarding inheritance and wills, provided they do not conflict with specific articles of existing UAE legislation. This foundational principle grants expatriates significant autonomy in determining how their estates will be managed.

    For residents of Dubai, Law No. 15 of 2017 Concerning the Administration of Estates and Implementation of Wills of Non-Muslims establishes specialized registries at both Dubai Courts and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. These registries accept wills that encompass a testator’s global assets, including real estate holdings, financial accounts, business shares, intellectual property, and digital assets such as social media accounts.

    The DIFC Wills Service Centre maintains specific requirements for document validation, mandating that wills be presented in English, witnessed by at least two competent adults, and physically signed by the testator in the presence of authorized officials. Similar services are available through the Abu Dhabi Global Markets Courts, providing additional options for residents of the capital emirate.

    Alternatively, expatriates may opt to register wills through their home country’s diplomatic missions, provided such consular services are available. This multi-option system reflects the UAE’s recognition of its diverse international community and the importance of providing clear, accessible estate planning mechanisms for all residents.

    Legal experts emphasize that proper will registration ensures that an individual’s assets are distributed according to their wishes rather than default inheritance laws, which is particularly important for expatriates with complex international holdings and family circumstances.

  • Melania director Brett Ratner pictured cuddling woman in Epstein files

    Melania director Brett Ratner pictured cuddling woman in Epstein files

    Newly unsealed court documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case have revealed compromising photographs featuring filmmaker Brett Ratner in the company of the convicted sex offender. The images, released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, depict the “Rush Hour” director seated alongside Epstein and two unidentified women on a sofa, with all female identities deliberately obscured for privacy protection.

    These documents form part of a massive trove of evidence pertaining to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The release coincides with the controversial debut of Ratner’s latest project, “Melania: 20 Days to History,” a documentary offering behind-the-scenes access to the former First Lady during the transition to her husband’s presidency.

    The timing proves particularly challenging for Ratner, marking his professional return since facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct during the peak of the #MeToo movement in 2017—claims he has consistently denied. His documentary has already faced significant criticism from both film reviewers and political analysts concerning its connections to the Trump administration and its funding sources.

    Beyond Ratner, the documents shed new light on Epstein’s associations with numerous high-profile figures, including business magnate Elon Musk, former UK Cabinet Minister Lord Peter Mandelson, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Prince Andrew (formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor). Among the most striking revelations are images apparently showing the former Duke of York in a compromising position with a woman.

    The document release also revisits the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, the French modeling executive who was found dead in his Paris prison cell in 2022 while under investigation for allegedly procuring young women for Epstein. Brunel, who co-founded modeling agencies with Epstein’s financial backing, appeared alongside both Ratner and Epstein in previously released photographs from the same location.

    Legal provisions mandate that all released files undergo thorough redaction to protect victim identities and preserve ongoing investigations, though victim advocates have noted some survivors’ identities were inadvertently disclosed.