Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Bourbon maker Jim Beam halts production at main distillery for a year

    Bourbon maker Jim Beam halts production at main distillery for a year

    Suntory Global Spirits, the Japanese beverage conglomerate owning iconic bourbon brand Jim Beam, has announced a complete production suspension at its primary Kentucky distillery throughout 2026. The decision comes as the company seeks to implement strategic facility enhancements while navigating challenging market conditions exacerbated by international trade tensions.

    The distillery closure, confirmed in an official statement, represents a significant operational shift for one of America’s most recognized whiskey producers. Company representatives emphasized this pause enables critical infrastructure investments while allowing adjustment to evolving consumer demand patterns. Despite the production halt, Jim Beam’s secondary distillery operations, bottling facilities, and warehousing plants throughout Kentucky will maintain normal operations, preserving employment for most of the company’s 1,000-plus Kentucky workforce.

    This strategic pause occurs against a backdrop of unprecedented bourbon inventory levels across Kentucky. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association reported record stockpiles exceeding 16 million barrels, creating substantial financial pressure through state taxation that cost distillers approximately $75 million this year alone.

    Trade policy disruptions have significantly impacted the industry’s global expansion strategy. Former President Donald Trump’s widespread tariff impositions in April triggered retaliatory measures from trading partners, particularly affecting alcohol exports. Canada’s provincial boycotts of American spirits earlier this year exemplify the cross-border trade tensions that have constrained international growth opportunities for Kentucky distillers.

    The company is engaged in constructive dialogue with labor representatives regarding workforce utilization during the production hiatus, while its Kentucky visitor center remains open to maintain brand engagement during this transitional period.

  • Alex Iwobi says Afcon is a special football tournament

    Alex Iwobi says Afcon is a special football tournament

    Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has articulated the profound cultural significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the tournament as a unique celebration of African heritage through football. As Nigeria prepares to compete in the 24-team continental championship hosted by Morocco, Iwobi emphasizes that AFCON offers a platform to showcase diverse cultures, music, and traditions beyond mere athletic competition.

    The Nigerian international, born in Lagos before moving to London as a child, reflects on the Super Eagles’ heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 final. Despite the devastating defeat, Iwobi acknowledges the poetic justice of Ivorian striker Sébastien Haller’s winning goal following his battle with testicular cancer. This experience has fueled Nigeria’s determination to reclaim the title they last won in 2013.

    Iwobi’s personal journey to international football reveals complex identity considerations. After representing England at youth levels, he switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2015, feeling a deeper connection to his roots. With 91 appearances, he now ranks as Nigeria’s fourth most-capped player. Alongside fellow England-born Nigerian internationals Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, and childhood friend Ola Aina—collectively nicknamed the ‘innit boys’—Iwobi believes they’ve paved the way for diaspora players to represent their heritage.

    The midfielder addresses ongoing debates about AFCON’s global recognition, acknowledging increased awareness but arguing the tournament deserves greater respect. He references recent controversial comments by pundit Jamie Carragher who questioned AFCON’s status as a ‘major tournament.’ Iwobi counters that the Premier League’s substantial African contingent demonstrates the competition’s quality and significance.

    Regarding Nigeria’s World Cup qualification failure, Iwobi admits it was a ‘big disappointment’ but states the team is motivated to ‘make it right’ through AFCON success. He describes the transformative honor awaiting champions, where players become ‘royalty’ in their home countries. The 29-year-old envisions immediate celebration with family while acknowledging the life-changing impact of continental triumph.

  • Six mobility exercises can improve your running performance

    Six mobility exercises can improve your running performance

    Health specialists are advocating for a targeted mobility regimen to complement running routines, emphasizing its role in injury prevention and performance enhancement. According to Vikash Sharma, owner of Perfect Stride Physical Therapy in New York, while strength training remains fundamental for runners, strategic mobility work addresses critical biomechanical efficiencies often overlooked.

    Colleen Brough, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Columbia University and founding director of Columbia RunLab, observes that restricted mobility frequently leads runners to develop compensatory movement patterns, increasing injury risk. Stiffness in key areas like the big toe or thoracic spine can force undue stress on ankles, knees, or the lower back during a runner’s stride.

    Dr. Sharma has designed a concise 20-minute routine focusing on joints most vital for runners: the big toe, hip, ankle, thoracic spine, and midfoot. The protocol requires minimal equipment—an exercise mat, a step or box, and a chair. Experts recommend integrating these exercises multiple times daily initially, even during brief breaks, to effectively build mobility before transitioning to a pre-run maintenance routine.

    The exercises include:
    1. Quadruped Rock Backs: Enhances big toe mobility through controlled rocking motions.
    2. Deficit Heel Raises: Boosts ankle mobility and calf strength using an elevated surface.
    3. Mini Split-Stance Pronation Rocks: Promotes midfoot mobility via weighted rocking and rotation.
    4. Hip Flexor Stretch with Pelvic Tilts: Increases hip extension capacity through kneeling stretches and pelvic movements.
    5. Kickstand Hip Hinge with Opposite Hand Reach: Strengthens glutes and improves hip and thoracic rotation using a single-leg hinge motion.
    6. Side-Lying Open Book Rotations: Improves thoracic spine mobility through controlled upper-body rotations while lying on one side.

    This approach, originally featured in The New York Times, underscores that consistent mobility practice not only supports a more efficient running stride but also significantly mitigates the risk of chronic pain and injury.

  • Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai: World No. 1 on facing Nick Kyrgios, her move into health-tech

    Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai: World No. 1 on facing Nick Kyrgios, her move into health-tech

    World No. 1 tennis champion Aryna Sabalenka is poised to make history in Dubai with a groundbreaking exhibition match against Australian star Nick Kyrgios on December 28. The highly anticipated event revives the iconic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ format, echoing the legendary 1973 contest between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs that captivated 90 million viewers worldwide.

    The Belarusian powerhouse, fresh from defending her US Open title—a feat not accomplished in over a decade—views the exhibition as more than mere spectacle. “I love moments that make people stop and talk,” Sabalenka revealed in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times. “This format challenges old assumptions while delivering elite competition.”

    Beyond the court, Sabalenka is carving a new path as entrepreneur and investor in health-tech venture IM8, a premium supplement brand under Prenetics Global Limited. She describes her business move as “natural” given her professional focus on peak performance and recovery. The tennis star has partnered with co-founders David Beckham and Danny Yeung in what she characterizes as an authentic collaboration rather than mere endorsement.

    When discussing her preparation strategy against Kyrgios—ranked as high as world No. 13 and one of only three players to defeat all ‘Big Three’ champions—Sabalenka maintains her signature approach: “I don’t change who I am. I stay focused on my strengths: power, intensity, belief.”

    The exhibition will feature modified rules to ensure competitive engagement, though Sabalenka emphasizes her primary goal remains demonstrating that “women’s tennis is fearless, explosive, and made for the biggest stages.”

    Regarding her connection to Dubai, the champion athlete described the emirate as representing “ambition” and “forward-thinking mentality.” Her perfect Dubai day balances intense training sessions with recovery through quality cuisine and mental reset moments, leveraging what she calls Dubai’s “unique ability to provide calm within its energy.”

    Sabalenka’s business philosophy mirrors her athletic approach: trusting instincts while committing fully to authentic opportunities. As she builds her legacy both on and off the court, she aims to be remembered as “someone who played fearlessly and lived authentically,” emphasizing that for top athletes, “the hardest work happens when no one is watching.”

  • UAE approves gene therapy for new age group in spinal muscular atrophy patients

    UAE approves gene therapy for new age group in spinal muscular atrophy patients

    In a landmark decision for medical advancement, the United Arab Emirates has significantly broadened access to a groundbreaking gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has granted regulatory approval for Itvisma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) to now include eligible adults and children aged two years and above.

    This authorization elevates the UAE to the position of the second nation worldwide to approve this innovative treatment, solidifying its status as a regional pioneer in facilitating patient access to cutting-edge medical solutions. The therapy utilizes an adeno-associated viral vector to directly address the genetic root cause of SMA by delivering a functional replacement for the defective SMN1 gene.

    Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the EDE, emphasized the decision’s significance, stating it underscores the UAE’s dedication to integrating advanced genetic therapies into its healthcare framework, particularly for rare genetic disorders. The approval followed rigorous evaluation of clinical evidence demonstrating sustained improvements in patients’ motor functions and a consistently positive safety profile throughout all trial phases.

    The regulatory move is a strategic component of the UAE’s vision to cultivate a world-class, innovative, and sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Al Kaabi highlighted the efficiency of the national health system in evaluating and approving novel pharmaceuticals according to the highest international scientific standards, while maintaining a careful balance between speed, scientific rigor, and transparency.

    Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of the GCC Cluster at Novartis—the therapy’s developer—hailed the approval as a pivotal achievement for patients and their families. He noted that close collaboration with the EDE aims to ensure rapid and equitable access to this one-time interventional treatment, potentially altering the disease’s trajectory for many.

    This milestone also reflects Novartis’s expanding commitment to neurology, building on its expertise in SMA and multiple sclerosis to address neuroimmunology, neurodegenerative, and neuromuscular diseases. For the UAE, it strategically reinforces its ambition to become a regional hub for pharmaceutical innovation, delivering high-value therapies that meet stringent quality and safety benchmarks.

  • Malaysian court rejects ex-prime minister’s bid to serve remainder of sentence under house arrest

    Malaysian court rejects ex-prime minister’s bid to serve remainder of sentence under house arrest

    In a significant judicial ruling, Malaysia’s High Court has decisively rejected former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s petition to complete his corruption sentence under house arrest. Presiding Judge Alice Loke declared that a purported royal addendum from the former king lacked constitutional validity, as it was not properly issued in accordance with established legal procedures.

    The court determined that the royal prerogative of mercy must be exercised based on the formal advice of the Pardons Board and cannot be implemented independently, which would risk arbitrary decision-making. While not disputing the existence of the document, Justice Loke emphasized that house arrest was neither raised nor discussed during the January 29th pardons board meeting chaired by then-King Sultan Abdullah.

    Najib, 72, will consequently serve the remainder of his prison term scheduled through August 2028, following last year’s reduction of his original 12-year sentence by half. The former leader became Malaysia’s first imprisoned ex-premier when he began serving his sentence in August 2022 after exhausting all legal appeals.

    His conviction stems from the massive 1MDB financial scandal, where investigators allege at least $4.5 billion was systematically looted from the state development fund. Najib was specifically sentenced in 2020 for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) channeled into his personal accounts from SRC International, a former 1MDB subsidiary.

    In a separate legal proceeding, the High Court is scheduled to rule on Friday regarding Najib’s involvement in a second corruption trial directly linking him to the 1MDB scandal. He faces four charges of abuse of power involving over $700 million allegedly diverted to his accounts, plus 21 counts of money laundering for the same amount.

    Despite his imprisonment, Najib maintains influence within the United Malays National Organization, which currently participates in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government formed after the 2022 elections. The original 1MDB scandal triggered unprecedented political consequences, ending the six-decade rule of Malaysia’s dominant political coalition in the historic 2018 elections.

  • Celebrate festive season with Ghraoui Chocolate’s indulgent Christmas Collection

    Celebrate festive season with Ghraoui Chocolate’s indulgent Christmas Collection

    Ghraoui Chocolate, the renowned confectionery house with a legacy dating back to 1805, has launched an exclusive Christmas Collection designed to elevate festive celebrations through artisanal craftsmanship. This limited-edition assortment merges centuries-old Damascene sweet-making traditions with European artistry, offering sophisticated options for holiday gifting and table presentations.

    The collection features meticulously crafted chocolate figures including Tiny Santa with caramelised praline filling, Tiny Snowman with crushed mixed nuts, and various Santa-themed creations in premium milk chocolate. Each piece is wrapped in deep winter-toned packaging adorned with hand-painted-style ornaments, pine branches, and delicate blossoms, complemented by red bows and gold accents that evoke seasonal elegance.

    Beyond the chocolate offerings, Ghraoui presents traditional fruit treats including Ghouta and Pâtes de Fruits that recall historical luxury confectionery. The range spans from Apricot Chewcake to Fruit Rouges, featuring velvety pralines, nut-studded delights, and vibrant fruit infusions—all crafted without artificial additives.

    The collection’s bespoke packaging includes embroidered boxes with Christmas decorations, seasonal sleeves, and curated hampers. Ghraoui ensures seamless delivery across the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, making premium gifting accessible throughout the region during the festive season.

  • Wall St Week Ahead: A Santa rally? Investors hope for year-end gains to cap strong 2025

    Wall St Week Ahead: A Santa rally? Investors hope for year-end gains to cap strong 2025

    Wall Street investors anticipating traditional year-end market gains are navigating unexpected turbulence as December’s performance defies historical patterns. Despite heading toward double-digit percentage gains for 2025, the S&P 500 has registered modest declines this month, contrasting with its typical strong December performance.

    Market volatility in recent weeks has been driven by two primary factors: increasing scrutiny of massive corporate investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and evolving expectations regarding Federal Reserve interest rate policies for 2026. Technology stocks, particularly those tied to AI development, faced pressure following concerns about Oracle’s data-center project, while encouraging inflation data provided temporary relief.

    According to Angelo Kourkafas, senior global investment strategist at Edward Jones, recent economic indicators reinforce expectations that the Fed will maintain a rate-cutting bias. While profit-taking after a strong year may create selling pressure, Kourkafas suggests the latest data ‘likely provide a green light for the Santa Claus rally to take place this year.’

    Historical data from the Stock Trader’s Almanac shows that since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged a 1.3% gain during the period encompassing the last five trading days of the year and the first two January sessions. This year’s critical window runs from December 24 through January 5.

    Investors have been processing a backlog of economic data delayed by the recent 43-day federal government shutdown. November employment figures revealed rebounding job growth alongside a 4.6% unemployment rate—the highest level in over four years. Concurrently, consumer price index data indicated milder-than-expected inflation growth, though analysts caution about potential distortions from delayed data collection and seasonal retail discounts.

    The Federal Reserve has implemented rate cuts at three consecutive meetings, leaving market participants to decipher economic signals for clues about future monetary policy adjustments in 2026.

    Trevor Slaven, global head of asset allocation at Barings, notes the particular challenge of interpreting shutdown-affected data: ‘There’s this unsettled argument between the direction of travel for these major central banks, the direction of travel for inflation at a time when it does look like there’s more softness in the labor market data.’

    While AI-driven stocks have propelled market gains throughout 2025—with the S&P 500 achieving over 15% growth—recent skepticism about returns on massive infrastructure investments has tempered enthusiasm for technology sectors. This development is particularly significant given technology’s substantial weighting in major indexes.

    Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott, observes that ‘skepticism around the AI spend is becoming more prominent,’ contributing to pressure on cap-weighted indexes. However, previously lagging sectors including transportation, financial services, and small-cap stocks have demonstrated strength in December, providing market stability amid technology sector volatility.

    Kourkafas concludes that while money has rotated away from technology, ‘other areas have stepped up and have helped keep markets mostly range-bound,’ suggesting a broader market participation beyond the AI narrative that dominated most of 2025.

  • Adnoc secures landmark structured financing of up to $11 billion for Hail and Ghasha Gas Development

    Adnoc secures landmark structured financing of up to $11 billion for Hail and Ghasha Gas Development

    Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), in collaboration with energy partners Eni and PTT Exploration and Production, has achieved a groundbreaking financial milestone with the successful closure of an $11 billion structured financing arrangement. This transformative transaction specifically targets the midstream development of the Hail and Ghasha natural gas fields, situated within the broader Ghasha Concession offshore Abu Dhabi.

    The financing model represents a significant innovation in energy project funding, being structured as non-recourse financing—an unprecedented approach for a project of this magnitude and technical complexity. This arrangement enables ADNOC to realize upfront value for future gas production while maintaining strategic and operational control over the assets. The transaction has attracted exceptional demand from more than 20 leading global and regional financial institutions, demonstrating strong market confidence in ADNOC’s development strategy.

    Beyond its financial engineering, the Hail and Ghasha project represents an environmental milestone as the world’s first offshore gas development designed to operate with net-zero emissions. The project incorporates advanced carbon capture technology capable of sequestering 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually—equivalent to removing more than 300,000 vehicles from roadways each year. Upon completion, the concession is projected to produce approximately 1.8 billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day, significantly contributing to the UAE’s energy strategy and global gas markets.

    Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director, emphasized the transaction’s strategic importance: “This landmark achievement reinforces our successful track record of global energy partnerships while unlocking capital to advance one of the world’s most ambitious offshore gas developments. The project remains on course to generate substantial value for ADNOC, our partners, and the nation while delivering important new gas resources to our customers.”

    The financing structure establishes a replicable model for future large-scale greenfield energy projects, combining robust long-term cash flows from high-quality assets with strong contractual protections. This transaction continues ADNOC’s series of pioneering infrastructure partnerships, following previous successful midstream arrangements including a $4.9 billion oil pipeline partnership and a $10.1 billion gas pipeline agreement with leading global infrastructure investors.

  • Power returns to most of 130,000 homes, firms in San Francisco after massive blackout

    Power returns to most of 130,000 homes, firms in San Francisco after massive blackout

    San Francisco emerged from a significant citywide power disruption that left approximately 130,000 residences and businesses without electricity for several hours during one of the busiest shopping weekends before Christmas. Utility provider Pacific Gas & Electric Company confirmed through an official statement on social media platform X that service had been successfully restored to about 110,000 customers by 7:30 AM local time on Sunday, with ongoing efforts to address the remaining 21,000 affected connections.

    The extensive blackout originated from a substantial fire at a critical substation facility, causing what company representatives described as ‘significant and extensive’ damage. ‘The repairs and safe restoration will be complex,’ the utility noted, indicating they had mobilized additional engineering and electrical crews to accelerate recovery operations.

    With the city’s population exceeding 800,000, the outage created widespread disruptions across the metropolitan area. Public transportation systems experienced delays while numerous traffic signals ceased functioning, requiring police personnel to manually direct vehicles at key intersections. The automated vehicle service Waymo preemptively suspended its self-driving ride-hailing operations as a safety precaution.

    Adding to the challenging circumstances, dense fog settled over parts of the city, creating reduced visibility conditions alongside the power emergency. Numerous retail establishments faced forced closures during what would typically be their highest revenue period, transforming normally vibrant commercial districts into unusually quiet areas. Local merchants reported devastating financial impacts from the unexpected loss of last-minute Christmas shoppers, with one home goods store manager describing the timing as particularly catastrophic for business operations.

    Mayor Daniel Lurie acknowledged the severity of the situation in a video statement released from the city’s emergency operations center, recognizing the particular hardship created by the timing during holiday celebrations and economic activities.