Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Heavy rains, thunderstorms: UAE embassy issues warning to citizens in Oman

    Heavy rains, thunderstorms: UAE embassy issues warning to citizens in Oman

    The UAE Embassy in Muscat has issued an urgent advisory to Emirati citizens residing in or visiting Oman, urging extreme caution as a significant low-pressure system generates severe weather conditions across the Arabian Peninsula. This meteorological disturbance, tracking from west to east, has unleashed heavy rainfall and intense thunderstorms throughout the region, impacting Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman with particular severity.

    In response to the deteriorating conditions, the embassy emphasized the critical need for citizens to exercise utmost vigilance against hazards including flash flooding, waterlogged roadways, and powerful winds. Official safety protocols issued by Omani authorities must be strictly adhered to for personal safety.

    For emergency assistance, the embassy activated dedicated contact channels: 0097180024 and 0097180044444. Furthermore, citizens were strongly encouraged to register with the Tamheed service to ensure timely receipt of critical updates and support.

    This regional weather event has prompted widespread operational changes. Several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including the UAE, have preemptively implemented remote working arrangements and distance learning programs to mitigate risks and ensure public safety as the unstable conditions persist, significantly disrupting daily life and transportation networks.

  • Unstable weather: Dubai announces temporary closure of public parks, beaches

    Unstable weather: Dubai announces temporary closure of public parks, beaches

    Municipal authorities in Dubai and Ajman have implemented precautionary closures of all public recreational areas in response to deteriorating weather conditions across the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai Municipality confirmed the temporary shutdown of public beaches and parks on Thursday, December 18th and Friday, December 19th, while Ajman Municipality has extended its closure indefinitely until weather patterns stabilize.

    The decision follows meteorological warnings indicating an intensifying low-pressure system moving across the region, bringing substantial thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Weather experts project the most severe conditions will impact Abu Dhabi and Dubai during Thursday evening hours.

    This preventive measure prioritizes citizen safety amid forecasts of potentially hazardous conditions. Dubai authorities had previously issued advisories against marine activities, including swimming, due to dangerous sea conditions. Emergency services remain on high alert as the National Center of Meteorology continues monitoring the situation.

    Residents across affected emirates have received official guidance to minimize outdoor activities and strictly adhere to safety directives from local authorities. The coordinated municipal response demonstrates the UAE’s proactive approach to weather-related emergencies, with particular attention to protecting public spaces frequently utilized by residents and visitors.

  • Next Fed chair in ‘no-win scenario’ as selection process draws to a close

    Next Fed chair in ‘no-win scenario’ as selection process draws to a close

    As President Donald Trump’s decision on the next Federal Reserve chair approaches its final stage, the selection process has evolved into what analysts describe as a ‘no-win scenario’ for potential candidates. The president, who elevated Jerome Powell to the position in 2017, has expressed clear regret about that decision and now seeks a more compliant successor who will implement his preferred monetary policies.

    The contest has narrowed to two primary contenders: Kevin Hassett, Trump’s longtime economic adviser and director of the White House National Economic Council, and Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor who nearly secured the position during Trump’s first term. Both face significant challenges regarding their perceived independence and credibility.

    Financial experts warn that any chair perceived as beholden to presidential influence risks undermining public confidence in the Fed’s decision-making process. Such erosion of trust could paradoxically lead to higher borrowing costs—the exact opposite outcome Trump desires from his selection.

    Andy Laperriere of Piper Sandler captured the dilemma starkly: ‘Anyone who gets the job is damaged goods. You’re either going to be the guy who succeeds in getting what the president wants, which will not bode well for your treatment in the history books, or you’re going to be the guy who doesn’t get what the president wants, and he’s going to probably turn on you.’

    The selection process has taken unexpected turns in recent weeks. While Hassett initially appeared to be the frontrunner, Trump’s recent meeting with Warsh and praise for his qualifications has reintroduced uncertainty. Additionally, the president met with current Fed governor Christopher Waller, who is viewed as a strong defender of the institution’s independence but remains a long-shot candidate.

    Hassett has attempted to address concerns about his independence, stating in a recent CBS News interview that while he would listen to Trump’s opinions on interest rates, the president would have ‘no weight’ on final decisions. However, market reactions suggest Wall Street remains skeptical, with long-term Treasury yields rising since Hassett emerged as the likely pick.

    Warsh presents his own complications, having only recently adopted the low-interest-rate position favored by Trump. His historical warnings about inflation and criticism of the Fed’s bond-buying programs contrast sharply with the president’s current preferences.

    The broader context includes Trump’s aggressive efforts to influence Fed policy since returning to office, including attempts to remove governors and publicly criticize Powell. These actions have raised fundamental questions about the institution’s independence, with a pending Supreme Court case regarding the president’s authority to fire Fed officials potentially reshaping the central bank’s operational freedom.

    As Ellen Zentner of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management noted, the next chair will face unprecedented pressure: ‘Will the new chair be just as unflappable as Chair Powell and be able to cut through the criticism and make the decisions that are best for the economy and its people? That is the greater test of a Fed chair than if they can please the president.’

  • ‘An Arab won’t check me’: Israeli police beat Palestinian security guard at football match

    ‘An Arab won’t check me’: Israeli police beat Palestinian security guard at football match

    A disturbing incident of police brutality has emerged from Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium, where Qays Haddad, a 21-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel serving as head security guard, was violently assaulted by approximately 13 police officers during a December 8th football derby between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Jerusalem.

    According to Haddad’s account published by Haaretz, the altercation began when three plainclothes detectives attempted to enter the stadium without properly identifying themselves. When Haddad performed his security duty by extending his hand to slow their entry, one detective reportedly responded with ethnic prejudice, stating “An Arab won’t check me” before revealing his police credentials.

    The situation rapidly escalated as the three detectives initiated the physical assault before summoning uniformed officers who joined the beating. Haddad described being handcuffed, punched repeatedly across his body, and subjected to racist epithets including being called an “Arab son of a bitch.” The violence was so severe that officers’ hands became bloodied from the assault, and Haddad lost consciousness for several minutes.

    Emergency medical response was deliberately delayed according to Haddad, who waited thirty minutes for an ambulance while vomiting blood and struggling to breathe due to choking injuries that left visible marks on his neck.

    When attempting to file an official complaint the following day, Haddad was reportedly told by a policewoman that “There’s no way a brother can file a complaint for another brother.” A formal investigation was eventually opened several days after the incident.

    The attack has left Haddad with lasting physical and psychological trauma, including difficulty eating, sleeping disturbances, and anxiety triggered by police sirens. The incident has sparked fear among Palestinian security personnel throughout Israel, with many reportedly hesitant to continue working alongside police forces.

    Israeli police issued a statement acknowledging a confrontation occurred but provided no details about the excessive force employed, instead suggesting complaints should be directed to “relevant authorities.”

    This case emerges amidst growing concerns about racism and political tensions in Israeli sports, including recent displays of banned extremist symbols at matches, censorship of critical fan expressions, and UEFA sanctions against Israeli teams for discriminatory behavior by supporters.

  • Flipperachi says he never expected ‘Fa9la’ to go viral in India

    Flipperachi says he never expected ‘Fa9la’ to go viral in India

    In a remarkable demonstration of music’s border-transcending power, Bahraini hip-hop sensation Hussam Aseem, professionally known as Flipperachi, has achieved unprecedented cross-cultural success with his viral track ‘Fa9la’. The song’s feature in the Bollywood film ‘Dhurandhar’ has propelled the artist to international recognition, particularly across the Indian subcontinent.

    The artist revealed in an exclusive City Times interview that while he anticipated some popularity for the track, the overwhelming response from Indian audiences exceeded all expectations. ‘I never imagined that the audience in India would feel my music this much, especially given that it’s in Arabic,’ Flipperachi confessed. This breakthrough underscores music’s universal language capabilities, proving linguistic barriers can be overcome through rhythmic expression.

    Cultural significance lies embedded within the track’s very title – ‘Fa9la’ utilizes the numeral ‘9’ to represent a specific Arabic letter that produces a heavier ‘S’ sound when written in English characters. The term colloquially translates to cultivating a vibrant atmosphere or embracing unrestrained enjoyment, typically within dance or celebratory contexts.

    Behind the scenes, the Bollywood incorporation occurred organically when the production team identified ‘Fa9la’ as the perfect auditory complement to a specific scene. Although Flipperachi wasn’t present during Akshaye Khanna’s improvisational dance performance to the track, viewing the finalized sequence created a surreal experience for the artist.

    This musical milestone has established groundwork for future collaborative ventures between Gulf and Indian artists. Flipperachi acknowledges the audience’s receptive nature as the primary driver behind such cross-cultural trends and expresses enthusiasm about potential partnerships with Indian musicians. While remaining discreet about specific upcoming projects, the artist confirmed that negotiations are underway for live performances in India, promising major announcements in the near future.

  • ‘Crazy’ reaction after vet Munyua upsets De Decker

    ‘Crazy’ reaction after vet Munyua upsets De Decker

    In an extraordinary display of resilience at Alexandra Palace, Kenyan veterinarian David Munyua authored one of the most remarkable stories in recent darting history by overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat former World Grand Prix champion Mike de Decker. The 30-year-old large animal vet, competing in his first professional tournament outside Africa, achieved a stunning 3-2 victory that sent shockwaves through the sport.

    The World Championship debutant appeared destined for elimination after dropping the opening two sets, including squandering opportunities in the second set. However, Munyua demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, claiming the subsequent two sets in deciding legs to force a dramatic finale. After being broken in the opening leg of the fifth set, the Kenyan qualifier produced a spectacular 135 checkout that propelled him to complete one of the tournament’s greatest comebacks.

    Munyua revealed the overwhelming response from his homeland, stating: ‘It’s going crazy back in my country – everybody is like ‘we did it’. Earlier today, most people were asking ‘this is the day now, are you ready?” The part-time athlete emphasized darts’ accessibility: ‘Darts is a simple game. You don’t need acres of land to play – you only need a room with a board and the darts.’

    The match featured an unusual interruption when the notorious ‘Ally Pally’ wasp landed on Munyua’s face during play. Demonstrating characteristic composure, the veterinarian attempted to capture the insect in his pocket rather than eliminate it. ‘I tried to put it in my pocket to stay with me because I love going through tough things,’ he explained. ‘I’ve seen how it’s been interfering with other players. You need maximum concentration, so when you have a little disturbance, you need to get over it.’

    Munyua balances his sporting ambitions with his veterinary practice, noting: ‘Being a veterinarian in my country and also a darts player, there are so many challenges you need to face to combine both. During the day, I’m dealing with my animals, but at night, I’m playing darts. I’m on call a lot of the time, so I can be throwing darts and then get a call.’

    The victorious Kenyan now progresses to face either Dutchman Kevin Doets or England’s Matthew Dennant in the second round. Meanwhile, despite acknowledging Munyua’s performance, De Decker expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Alexandra Palace crowd, criticizing their booing and whistling during the match on social media platforms.

  • Protesters storm offices of leading Bangladesh dailies after a 2024 uprising activist dies

    Protesters storm offices of leading Bangladesh dailies after a 2024 uprising activist dies

    Bangladesh descended into political turmoil Thursday night as enraged protesters stormed the offices of the country’s two leading newspapers following the death of prominent opposition activist Sharif Osman Hadi in Singapore. The violent demonstrations included arson attacks that trapped journalists inside burning buildings.

    Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho cultural group and vocal critic of both India and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, succumbed to injuries sustained in a targeted assassination attempt one week earlier. The activist was shot while riding a rickshaw in Dhaka by motorcycle-borne assailants who remain at large.

    The assassination has triggered significant diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and India. Bangladeshi authorities claim the shooter likely fled to India, prompting reciprocal diplomatic summonses between the neighboring nations. India subsequently summoned Bangladesh’s envoy to express condemnation, while Dhaka demanded clarifications from New Delhi.

    Hadi had planned to run as an independent candidate in February’s national elections—the first since the 2024 uprising that ousted Hasina’s 15-year administration. The Inqilab Moncho group has actively promoted anti-Indian sentiment in the Muslim-majority nation since Hasina’s removal, with the former leader now residing in self-imposed exile in India.

    Thursday’s protests began with hundreds gathering at Dhaka’s Shahbagh Square, chanting religious and political slogans. The demonstrations rapidly escalated as separate groups attacked the headquarters of Prothom Alo (Bangladesh’s leading Bengali-language daily) and The Daily Star (the premier English-language publication). Security forces deployed around the buildings but refrained from intervening as fires trapped staff inside, with one journalist reporting severe smoke inhalation via social media.

    Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader who assumed power after Hasina’s August 2024 ouster, addressed the nation promising justice for Hadi’s killers. Yunus declared a national day of mourning for Saturday while urging calm. Critics however blame Yunus’s administration for rising Islamist influence in a country with a troubled history of political violence.

    The interim government has banned all activities of Hasina’s Awami League party, including participation in February’s elections. Last month, a Bangladeshi court sentenced the former prime minister to death for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 uprising. Recent days have seen additional anti-India protests targeting diplomatic facilities, prompting India to suspend tourist visas for Bangladeshis citing security concerns.

  • Democrats release latest batch of Epstein photos as justice department deadline looms

    Democrats release latest batch of Epstein photos as justice department deadline looms

    The U.S. House Oversight Committee has unveiled approximately 70 additional photographs from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking the third such disclosure from a collection exceeding 95,000 images obtained by congressional investigators. This release coincides with the December 19th deadline mandating the Department of Justice to publicize all documents pertaining to its Epstein investigation under the recently enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act.

    The latest batch contains particularly disturbing imagery, including photographs of passages from Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel ‘Lolita’ inscribed across various parts of a woman’s body. The collection also features heavily redacted images of international passports belonging to women from Lithuania, Russia, Czech Republic, and Ukraine, which the committee identifies as individuals associated with Epstein and his accomplices.

    Among the more notable images are photographs depicting Epstein interacting with numerous high-profile figures. These include linguist and activist Noam Chomsky aboard a private aircraft, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates standing beside an anonymized woman, former White House strategist Steve Bannon seated across from Epstein, and former Alphabet president Sergey Brin at a dinner event. The committee emphasized that appearance in these photographs does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing, and many individuals previously visible in released photos—including former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton—have denied involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.

    Additional concerning materials include a screenshot of text messages discussing financial transactions for “some girls” at $1,000 per individual, and images showing Epstein surrounded by three women whose identities have been concealed, with one visibly placing her hand beneath his shirt.

    Committee Democrats stated the selection aims to provide public transparency regarding Epstein’s network and his “extremely disturbing activities,” while noting the estate provided no contextual information or timestamps for the photographs. The Department of Justice faces increasing scrutiny as Representative Robert Garcia, the committee’s ranking member, noted these images “raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession.”

  • Research ward at children’s hospital in Shanghai treats over 200 patients with rare diseases

    Research ward at children’s hospital in Shanghai treats over 200 patients with rare diseases

    The Children’s Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai has reached a significant milestone, with its specialized research ward successfully treating more than 200 patients afflicted with difficult-to-diagnose rare diseases since its inauguration in July 2024. This cutting-edge medical facility has drawn patients from across China and internationally, offering hope to families facing complex pediatric health challenges.

    Rare pediatric diseases present particular diagnostic difficulties, with approximately 72% of these conditions having genetic origins. These disorders frequently involve multiple organ systems and contribute significantly to infant mortality, accounting for 35% of such cases worldwide. The diagnostic journey for these conditions typically spans four to eight years from initial symptom manifestation to definitive diagnosis, creating substantial challenges for patients and medical professionals alike.

    Established to address these diagnostic and treatment hurdles, the 3,000-square-meter research ward features 60 patient beds and represents a novel approach to tackling rare diseases. The facility combines clinical care with advanced research capabilities, creating an environment where diagnostic protocols and treatment methodologies can be developed and refined simultaneously.

    Among the recent success stories is a two-month-old infant from South Africa who arrived at the facility with suspected Krabbe disease. Following comprehensive medical evaluation, the infant received a tailored treatment regimen that included hematopoietic stem cell transplantation earlier this month. This case exemplifies the ward’s international reach and its capacity to deliver personalized medical interventions for complex conditions.

    The hospital commemorated these achievements with a special ceremony in May, honoring the recovery of a young patient from Pakistan who had received treatment at the facility. This event underscored the hospital’s growing reputation as a center of excellence for rare disease treatment and its commitment to international medical collaboration.

  • Chongqing symposium examines planning cities around sound, smell, touch

    Chongqing symposium examines planning cities around sound, smell, touch

    Chongqing University served as the epicenter of innovative urban planning discourse from December 12-15, 2025, hosting the groundbreaking X-SCAPE 2025 International Symposium on Multisensory Urban Experience and Inclusive Design. The four-day gathering united approximately 30 distinguished scholars and practitioners from prestigious institutions worldwide, including the University of Cambridge, University College London, and multiple Chinese academic centers.

    The symposium marked a significant departure from traditional visually-dominated urban planning approaches, instead focusing on how auditory, olfactory, tactile, and perceptual elements fundamentally shape human urban experiences. Experts presented research demonstrating how soundscapes, scent environments, tactile surfaces, and spatial perceptions contribute to urban livability, particularly for vulnerable populations including visually impaired citizens, elderly residents, and neurodiverse communities.

    Participants explored evidence-based methodologies for creating urban environments that engage all human senses, moving beyond mere visual aesthetics to develop spaces that promote psychological well-being, social inclusion, and physical accessibility. The discussions emphasized practical applications of multisensory design principles, highlighting how cities can become more resilient, health-promoting, and accommodating to diverse human needs through intentional incorporation of sensory elements in public spaces, transportation systems, and residential areas.

    The symposium outcomes included developing frameworks for integrating multisensory considerations into urban policy, with particular attention to creating standards that address the often-overlooked dimensions of urban experience. This pioneering approach represents a paradigm shift in urban design philosophy, potentially transforming how cities worldwide plan for human-centered environments that cater to the full spectrum of human sensory capabilities.