Global Pulse

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  • Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in another corruption case

    Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in another corruption case

    In a significant judicial development, a Pakistani court has imposed 17-year prison sentences on former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the high-profile Toshakhana corruption case. The verdict, delivered on December 20, 2025, centers on allegations that the couple illicitly acquired and sold luxury state gifts during Khan’s premiership from 2018 to 2022.

    The prosecution successfully argued that Khan and his wife obtained valuable assets from the state treasury, including diamond jewelry and a collection of premium watches—six Rolexes among them—with the most expensive timepiece valued at approximately $305,000. The total value of the allegedly misappropriated gifts exceeded 140 million Pakistani rupees ($501,000).

    This ruling represents the third conviction for the former cricket-star-turned-politician, who previously received a 14-year sentence and a separate 3-year jail term in related cases concerning state gifts. Notably, both prior sentences had been suspended by higher courts pending appeal proceedings.

    Legal experts highlight the complex judicial landscape surrounding Khan’s cases. Despite being incarcerated since August 2023 and facing four convictions ahead of the February 2024 national elections, all previous sentences have been either overturned or suspended through appellate processes. The former leader and his wife maintain their innocence regarding all corruption allegations.

    The Toshakhana case has emerged as a focal point in Pakistan’s ongoing political turbulence, reflecting deeper tensions between the military establishment and Khan’s populist movement. This latest development occurs amidst continuing political instability in the nuclear-armed nation, raising questions about judicial independence and the future of political reconciliation.

  • Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    The Indian film industry mourns the passing of Sreenivasan, the iconic Malayalam cinema figure whose death on December 20, 2025, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, politicians, and countless admirers. With a career spanning over five decades, the multitalented artist contributed to more than 200 films as an actor and penned scripts for over 50 productions, establishing himself as a unique voice in Indian cinema.

    Sreenivasan’s distinctive approach to filmmaking blended sharp social criticism with accessible humor, creating works that resonated deeply with Kerala’s masses. His ability to highlight the common person’s struggles through witty storytelling set his cinema apart and made him one of the most relatable figures in Malayalam entertainment.

    The news of his passing prompted heartfelt responses across social media platforms, with fans remembering his deeply humane qualities and extraordinary versatility across acting, writing, direction, and production. The film industry united in grief, with contemporaries and proteges alike sharing personal anecdotes and professional admiration.

    Indian actor-politician Mukesh recalled Sreenivasan’s unwavering commitment to cinema and his characteristic frankness, noting that even his criticism was delivered with humor. Mukesh revealed their collaboration on ‘Katha Parayumpol,’ later remade in Hindi as ‘Billu,’ as a testament to their creative partnership.

    Prominent actor Prithviraj took to Instagram to bid farewell to “one of the greatest-ever writer/director/actor,” thanking him for both laughter and profound thoughts. Director-actor Basil Joseph acknowledged Sreenivasan’s significant role in shaping childhood memories and happiest moments for generations of viewers.

    Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, declared that Malayalam cinema would never be the same without Sreenivasan’s genius, praising him as a true master who redefined on-screen heroism. Tharoor emphasized the writer’s unparalleled ability to capture Kerala’s social pulse, describing his scripts as time capsules containing rich social commentary, humor, and wit.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan characterized the loss as both personal and irreparable to Malayalam cinema, highlighting how few filmmakers had succeeded as Sreenivasan did in bringing common people’s lives to the silver screen while guiding audiences through reflective humor. The Chief Minister noted that Sreenivasan had entered the industry by breaking longstanding conventions, establishing a new paradigm for meaningful cinema that entertained while provoking thought.

  • One city, one heart

    One city, one heart

    China Daily Information Co. (CDIC) maintains rigorous copyright protection over all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive copyright notice explicitly prohibits any form of republication or utilization of materials without obtaining prior written authorization from the company.

    The protected content encompasses diverse media formats including textual articles, photographic images, and multimedia information. The company has established this clear copyright stance to safeguard its intellectual property rights in the digital landscape.

    Additionally, CDIC provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for accessing their content. The publication operates under official multimedia online publishing license 0108263 and maintains registration number 130349.

    The organization extends various engagement opportunities through its platform, including advertising partnerships, employment prospects for both domestic and expatriate professionals, and multiple channels for establishing contact with the media group.

  • Chair of leading Turkish sports club Fenerbahce questioned in a drugs probe

    Chair of leading Turkish sports club Fenerbahce questioned in a drugs probe

    ISTANBUL — Sadettin Saran, the high-profile chairman of Turkish sports giant Fenerbahce, underwent police interrogation Saturday as part of a sweeping narcotics investigation that has ensnared numerous celebrities and media personalities. The state-operated Anadolu Agency confirmed that Saran, who possesses dual Turkish-American citizenship, provided an official statement to authorities upon returning from international travel. Following his deposition, he was escorted to a medical facility for compulsory blood and hair sample collection to screen for illicit substances.

    This development represents the latest escalation in an extensive probe initiated by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office earlier this December. The investigation has already resulted in the detention of over a dozen prominent figures from television journalism, music, acting, and social media influencing circles. Charges range from narcotics production and distribution to involvement in organized prostitution activities.

    According to judicial sources, Saran faced specific allegations related to enabling and supplying controlled substances. After completing forensic testing at the Caglayan Courthouse complex, the sports executive was released subject to ongoing judicial supervision requirements. The case continues to develop as prosecutors examine potential connections between entertainment industry elites and underground narcotics networks.

    Fenerbahce’s institutional history adds contextual significance to these developments. The club previously endured governance challenges when former president Aziz Yildirim served prison time between 2012-2013 regarding match-fixing allegations. Those convictions were ultimately overturned due to judicial corruption affecting the original proceedings. Separately, the organization remains connected to an ongoing inquiry into systemic match-fixing within Turkish professional football.

  • Australian state plans tougher laws against displaying extremist flags after Bondi shooting

    Australian state plans tougher laws against displaying extremist flags after Bondi shooting

    SYDNEY — In response to the recent mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives, the Australian state of New South Wales is advancing stringent legislative measures to prohibit public displays of extremist symbolism. The proposed laws specifically target Islamic State group flags and related paraphernalia, with violations carrying penalties of up to two years imprisonment and substantial fines.

    State Premier Chris Minns announced the comprehensive security reforms, which additionally ban the chant “globalize the intifada” and empower law enforcement to demand the removal of facial coverings during public demonstrations. “Hate speech or incitement of hatred has no place in our society,” Minns declared, emphasizing that recent events demonstrate how such rhetoric promotes community violence.

    The legislative action follows police confirmation that Sunday’s attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration constituted “a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State.” Authorities discovered two homemade IS flags in the perpetrators’ vehicle, directly linking the violence to extremist ideology.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese concurrently announced federal initiatives to combat radicalization, including expanded definitions of hate speech offenses for religious leaders promoting violence, enhanced penalties for such crimes, and judicial consideration of hate as an aggravating factor in online threat cases. The government will also designate specific organizations as hate groups and reinforce Australia’s already rigorous firearm regulations.

    Addressing the nation’s Jewish community at Sydney’s Great Synagogue, Albanese affirmed that “the spirit of our Jewish Australian community is completely unbreakable” and vowed that Australia would not allow “these evil antisemitic terrorists to divide us.”

    The government will observe a National Day of Reflection on Sunday, coinciding with Hanukkah’s conclusion, with flags at half-mast nationwide and a moment of silence at 6:47 p.m.—the exact time police first received reports of gunfire. One suspect, Sajid Akram, was killed during the incident, while his son Naveed Akram faces 59 charges including murder and committing a terrorist act.

    These developments occur amid a documented threefold surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia following the October 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict, raising critical questions about protection for the nation’s 117,000 Jewish citizens.

  • Dubai Capitals beat Sharjah Warriorz with 63-run victory

    Dubai Capitals beat Sharjah Warriorz with 63-run victory

    In a decisive display of cricketing prowess, Dubai Capitals secured their inaugural victory against Sharjah Warriorz in DP World ILT20 history with a commanding 63-run triumph at Dubai International Stadium. The match witnessed exceptional performances from both batting and bowling departments, fundamentally reshaping the tournament’s playoff landscape.

    The Capitals established a formidable total of 180/6 through a strategic batting performance. Opener Sediqullah Atal delivered a masterful 66 runs from 44 deliveries, providing stability during the powerplay. His efforts were complemented by Mohammad Nabi’s explosive finishing, who remained unbeaten with 38 runs from just 19 balls, including three boundaries and three sixes in the final overs.

    Sharjah Warriorz’s response faltered immediately against the Capitals’ disciplined bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman initiated the collapse by dismissing Johnson Charles early, while Haider Ali claimed crucial wickets of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Abell within the first six overs. Despite James Rew’s resilient 47-run contribution and Sikandar Raza’s 21-run effort, the Warriorz never recovered from the early setbacks.

    Mohammad Nabi transcended his batting heroics with an extraordinary bowling performance, capturing three wickets for merely 23 runs. Waqar Salamkheil matched this achievement with identical figures of 3/22, systematically dismantling the Warriorz middle and lower order. The combined bowling effort restricted Sharjah to 117 all out in just 17 overs.

    The victory propelled Dubai Capitals to second position in the standings, now level with three other teams at six points each. This creates an intensely competitive scenario for the remaining playoff spots, with Desert Vipers leading at 12 points and Sharjah Warriorz anchored at the bottom with four points.

    Post-match reflections revealed contrasting team mindsets. Player of the Match Mohammad Nabi emphasized preparation: ‘The top order established an excellent platform. I consistently practice power hitting since I frequently bat at number six or seven.’ Meanwhile, Warriorz captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged deficiencies: ‘Our fielding was subpar initially. While we bowled adequately in phases, we required substantial partnerships when chasing.’

  • US hits over 70 IS-linked targets in Syria in massive retaliatory strikes

    US hits over 70 IS-linked targets in Syria in massive retaliatory strikes

    In a significant escalation of military operations, the United States has conducted extensive airstrikes targeting over 70 Islamic State-linked locations throughout central Syria. The coordinated offensive, executed on Friday, represents a direct response to the December 13th ambush near Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and one civilian contractor, with three additional service members wounded.

    The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) characterized the operation as crucial to disrupting ISIS capabilities and preventing terrorist plots against American interests. More than 100 precision munitions were deployed against known ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage facilities, with tactical support provided by Jordanian fighter aircraft.

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a “declaration of vengeance” rather than the initiation of broader conflict. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump asserted Syrian government support for the strikes via his Truth Social platform, issuing a stern warning that terrorists threatening U.S. interests would face unprecedented consequences.

    In a notable development, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly endorsed the counterterrorism effort through official channels, reaffirming Damascus’s commitment to eliminating ISIS safe havens within its territory. The Syrian government extended an invitation for international coalition support, emphasizing the need for civilian protection and regional stability.

    The December 13th attack, perpetrated by a lone ISIS gunman according to CENTCOM, triggered a series of 10 operations across Syria and Iraq that neutralized 23 terrorist operatives. Over the past six months, U.S. and partner forces have conducted more than 80 counterterrorism missions targeting threats to regional and American security.

    Despite losing territorial control in Syria and Iraq, ISIS remnants continue to pose persistent security threats through insurgent tactics. The New York Times reported the retaliatory strikes extended into early Saturday morning local time, occurring amid a reduced U.S. military presence of approximately 1,000 troops in Syria.

  • Newly released Epstein files: Photos of celebrities, heavily redacted pages; what we know

    Newly released Epstein files: Photos of celebrities, heavily redacted pages; what we know

    The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated the release of documents pertaining to the Jeffrey Epstein case, responding to congressional pressure for transparency in one of America’s most politically sensitive investigations. This initial disclosure, comprising approximately 3,900 files, represents just the first installment of what officials describe as a forthcoming massive volume of evidence.

    The newly unveiled ‘Epstein Library’ contains court records, Department of Justice disclosures, freedom of information responses, and documents from a House oversight committee. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that several hundred thousand additional documents will follow in coming weeks, though many released materials appear to have been previously disclosed.

    Among the most notable contents are previously unseen photographs featuring high-profile individuals, including former President Bill Clinton captured in various social settings. The imagery includes Clinton relaxing in a hot tub with an unidentified individual, alongside appearances with entertainment icons Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Mick Jagger. Other prominent figures appearing in the documents include Britain’s Prince Andrew, his former wife Sarah Ferguson, actor Kevin Spacey, and business magnate Richard Branson.

    The release also contains surveillance footage from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, documenting the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s 2019 death by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

    However, the document release has sparked immediate criticism due to extensive redactions that obscure potentially significant information. Entire sections, including a list of 254 masseuses, appear completely blacked out. Additional materials show censored images of partially nude figures and photographs of Epstein with companions handling firearms, though most faces remain obscured.

    The heavily redacted nature of the documents has limited their immediate value in clarifying Epstein’s network of associates, which reportedly included business executives, academics, celebrities, and politicians—including former President Donald Trump, who had previously associated with Epstein before severing ties years prior to his 2019 arrest.

    Political reactions have followed predictable partisan lines. White House representatives emphasized the transparency of the release while highlighting Clinton’s appearances in the documents. Conversely, Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the extensive redactions, stating that ‘releasing a mountain of blacked out pages violates the spirit of transparency and the letter of the law,’ noting that some documents contained 119 completely obscured pages.

  • Rajab 1447 AH crescent on December 20: Will it be visible in UAE, other Islamic countries?

    Rajab 1447 AH crescent on December 20: Will it be visible in UAE, other Islamic countries?

    Astronomical authorities have indicated that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Islamic month Rajab 1447 AH presents significant viewing challenges across most Islamic nations on December 20, 2025. According to detailed analysis from the Astronomy Centre, visibility conditions vary dramatically across different geographical regions, creating substantial disparities in observational possibilities.

    The celestial mechanics indicate that while telescopic sightings might be feasible in certain African and South American territories, naked-eye visibility remains restricted to western South America and Pacific regions post-sunset. The Astronomy Centre’s comprehensive social media communications emphasized that despite potential visibility in some Islamic countries, official month commencement determinations rest exclusively with local authorities following careful review of crescent sighting reports.

    Technical analysis reveals particularly unfavorable conditions in major Islamic centers including Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Cairo, and Jakarta. These cities experience moonset occurring merely 8-18 minutes after sunset, with lunar age ranging between 11-16 hours—significantly below the established thresholds for reliable naked-eye observation. The minimum requirements for unaided visual confirmation require the crescent to remain above the horizon for at least 29 minutes with a minimum age of 15 hours 33 minutes, though these conditions alone don’t guarantee successful sighting due to complicating factors including angular distance from the sun and altitude during observation.

    The astronomical event coincides with the central lunar conjunction occurring at 01:43 GMT (05:43 UAE time), representing the precise moment when Earth, Moon, and Sun achieve near-perfect alignment with the moon positioned centrally—a phase commonly recognized as the New Moon. This scientific precision underscores the complex interplay between astronomical phenomena and religious calendar determinations that characterize Islamic month commencements worldwide.

  • Google warns staff with US visas against travel due to embassy delays: Business Insider

    Google warns staff with US visas against travel due to embassy delays: Business Insider

    Alphabet Inc.’s Google has issued stringent travel advisories to employees requiring U.S. visa stamps, cautioning against international travel due to severe processing delays at American embassies and consulates worldwide. According to an internal memorandum obtained by Business Insider, the technology giant’s external immigration counsel, BAL Immigration Law, alerted staff on Thursday that visa appointment backlogs have reached critical levels—extending up to twelve months in certain diplomatic missions.

    The advisory explicitly warned that departing the United States without secured visa revalidation would risk prolonged stranding abroad, potentially disrupting both personal and professional obligations. This development compounds existing pressures on foreign-born tech workers, particularly those under H-1B visas—a program fundamental to Silicon Valley’s recruitment of specialized talent from nations like India and China.

    This corporate directive emerges amid heightened visa scrutiny under the Trump administration, which recently implemented intensified vetting protocols for H-1B applicants, including social media screening. The program faced additional constraints this year with the introduction of a $100,000 fee for new applications. Google’s travel restriction echoes its parent company’s September advisory urging H-1B holders to remain stateside, reflecting growing institutional concerns over immigration volatility affecting tech sector mobility.