Global Pulse

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  • Ms. Lauryn Hill returns to the Grammys to pay tribute to D’Angelo, Roberta Flack

    Ms. Lauryn Hill returns to the Grammys to pay tribute to D’Angelo, Roberta Flack

    The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles, evolved into a potent fusion of artistic celebration and political advocacy, with immigration policy emerging as a central theme. The ceremony honored musical legacies while witnessing historic victories and pointed criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    Kendrick Lamar cemented his status in hip-hop history by securing his 26th Grammy for the rap album ‘GNX,’ surpassing Jay-Z’s longstanding record. ‘Hip-hop is always going to be right here… We’re gonna be having the culture with us,’ Lamar stated in his acceptance speech.

    The night’s most resonant moments, however, were politically charged. Upon winning Song of the Year for ‘Wildflower,’ Billie Eilish declared from the stage, ‘No one is illegal on stolen land,’ before adding, ‘(Expletive) ICE.’ This sentiment was powerfully echoed by Bad Bunny after his win for best música urbana album for ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos.’ He began his speech in English, proclaiming ‘ICE out’ to massive applause, and asserted, ‘We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans.’

    The anti-ICE messaging extended beyond the main awards. Songwriter of the Year Amy Allen and first-time winner Kehlani, who took home trophies for R&B performance and song, wore ‘ICE Out’ pins. Backstage, music icon Gloria Estefan expressed fear over the current political climate, noting, ‘There are hundreds of children in detention centers… I don’t recognize my country.’

    Artistic tributes formed a core part of the evening. A powerful in memoriam segment celebrated the late D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. In a highly anticipated return, Ms. Lauryn Hill performed on the Grammy stage for the first time since 1999, joining Wyclef Jean for a Fugees medley honoring Flack. Other notable performances included Post Malone and rock legends paying homage to Ozzy Osbourne with Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs.’

    The 2026 ceremony was also marked by a record number of first-time winners. Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist, emotionally dedicated her win to her immigrant grandmother, stating she was ‘a product of bravery.’ The award for best contemporary country album went to Jelly Roll for ‘Beautifully Broken,’ while Lady Gaga won pop vocal album for ‘Mayhem.’

    In a surprising pre-show development, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for an audiobook narration, and director Steven Spielberg achieved EGOT status by winning for the music film ‘Music for John Williams.’ The show was broadcast live on CBS and available via major streaming platforms.

  • Trump says US is ‘starting to talk to Cuba’ as he moves to cut its oil supplies

    Trump says US is ‘starting to talk to Cuba’ as he moves to cut its oil supplies

    ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — President Donald Trump revealed Saturday evening that the United States has initiated preliminary communications with Cuban leadership, marking a significant development in his administration’s escalating pressure campaign against the communist government. The announcement came during the President’s flight to Florida, where he elaborated on his strategic approach to forcing diplomatic engagement through economic constraints.

    The Trump administration has systematically disrupted Cuba’s primary oil supply channels in recent weeks, implementing measures to halt shipments from both Venezuela and Mexico. This calculated energy blockade represents a cornerstone of Trump’s strategy to compel Cuban officials to negotiate from a position of vulnerability.

    While specific details regarding the level and timing of these diplomatic contacts remain undisclosed, Trump confirmed the preliminary nature of discussions, stating simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.” This diplomatic overture follows the administration’s January actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which signaled a more aggressive posture toward nations perceived as adversarial to U.S. interests.

    The President’s objectives toward Cuba, though not fully articulated, appear aligned with his prediction of the government’s impending collapse. In a notable executive action last week, Trump authorized tariffs against any nation providing petroleum products to Cuba, directly targeting Mexico’s energy exports to the island nation.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has warned that these sanctions could precipitate a humanitarian crisis, pledging to explore alternative methods of supporting Cuba. Trump countered these concerns during his remarks, expressing confidence that economic pressure would ultimately lead to a favorable agreement and Cuba’s liberation without humanitarian consequences, adding that the U.S. would approach negotiations with a measured demeanor.

  • UAE’s non-oil foreign trade exceeds Dh3.8 trillion for first time in history

    UAE’s non-oil foreign trade exceeds Dh3.8 trillion for first time in history

    The United Arab Emirates has reached an unprecedented economic milestone by surpassing $1 trillion (AED 3.8 trillion) in non-oil foreign trade for the first time in its history. This remarkable achievement, announced on January 31, 2026, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, represents a 26% year-over-year increase and was accomplished five years ahead of the original 2031 target.

    According to newly reviewed government data, non-oil exports specifically surged to AED 813 billion, demonstrating extraordinary 45% growth compared to the previous year. The comprehensive trade performance shows consistent acceleration, with 2025 figures representing 27% growth over 2024, 44.3% over 2023, and nearly double the value recorded in 2021.

    The fourth quarter of 2025 proved particularly strong, marking the first time the UAE achieved AED 1.1 trillion in non-oil trade within a single quarter—a 33.1% increase supported by record-breaking non-oil exports of AED 234.4 billion during the period. This represents 53.2% growth compared to the same quarter in 2024.

    Sheikh Mohammed attributed this success to the UAE’s complete investment environment, expanded international partnerships, strengthened private sector collaborations, and firmly established global confidence in the nation’s economy. The export contribution to total non-oil trade reached 21.6% by end-2025, a significant increase from 14.1% recorded six years earlier in 2019, demonstrating substantial diversification progress.

    The Dubai Ruler congratulated national teams while encouraging doubled efforts and deeper private sector partnerships to build an even stronger economic future, signaling the country’s commitment to maintaining this accelerated growth trajectory.

  • Dubai’s GDP records 5.3% growth reaching Dh113.8 billion in third quarter of 2025

    Dubai’s GDP records 5.3% growth reaching Dh113.8 billion in third quarter of 2025

    Dubai has demonstrated robust economic expansion with its Gross Domestic Product climbing to Dh113.8 billion during the third quarter of 2025, marking a significant 5.3% year-on-year growth. This performance contributes to an overall 4.7% increase across the first nine months of the year, bringing the cumulative GDP to Dh355 billion.

    The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council, who attributed this economic success to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “Dubai’s economic progress is shaped by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed and realised through disciplined execution and collective effort,” stated Sheikh Hamdan. “These figures reflect clear priorities, strong institutions, and teams working with focus, commitment, and deep responsibility.”

    Several key sectors drove this impressive growth. The Health and Social Work sector emerged as the fastest-growing segment, posting a remarkable 15.4% expansion and contributing 1.5% to the overall GDP. The Financial and Insurance sector demonstrated equally strong performance with 8.5% growth, accounting for 12% of Dubai’s economic output during the first three quarters. The construction industry matched this momentum with an 8.5% growth rate, contributing 6.7% to the emirate’s GDP.

    Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s distinctive development approach: “Dubai’s growth reflects a dynamic economic ecosystem that puts people first, invests in talent, and builds prosperity on strong, sustainable foundations. Our sectors advance together, reinforcing one another through coordination, stability, and determination to achieve the leadership’s vision while continuously creating new opportunities for future generations.”

    The consistent economic performance throughout 2025 reinforces Dubai’s position as a global economic hub, with diversified sectors contributing to sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

  • UAE announces fuel prices: How much will a full tank cost in February 2026?

    UAE announces fuel prices: How much will a full tank cost in February 2026?

    The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed a nationwide decrease in fuel prices for February 2026, marking a welcome development for motorists across the nation. The Fuel Prices Monitoring Committee announced the revised rates on Saturday, January 31st, which will take effect from February 1st throughout the country.

    This pricing adjustment reflects the government’s monthly review mechanism that correlates domestic fuel costs with global oil market fluctuations, while incorporating operational expenses of distribution companies. The newly approved rates demonstrate a consistent reduction across all gasoline categories compared to January 2026 figures.

    Premium Super 98 gasoline will now retail at Dh2.45 per liter (previously Dh2.53), while Special 95 grade will be available at Dh2.33 per liter (down from Dh2.42). The more economical E-Plus 91 variant has been priced at Dh2.26 per liter, reduced from January’s Dh2.36 per liter.

    The financial implications for vehicle owners vary according to their automobile’s fuel tank capacity. Compact car owners with 51-liter tanks can anticipate savings between Dh4.08 and Dh5.10 per refill. Sedan drivers with 62-liter tanks will benefit from reduced costs ranging from Dh4.96 to Dh6.20, while SUV owners with 74-liter tanks will experience the most substantial savings of Dh5.92 to Dh7.40 per full tank refueling.

    This price reduction follows January’s increase, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the UAE’s fuel pricing system that responds to international market conditions. The transparent monthly announcement system allows residents to effectively budget their transportation expenses while maintaining alignment with global energy economics.

  • Epstein files: FBI memo says Israel ‘compromised’ Trump, Epstein had Mossad ties

    Epstein files: FBI memo says Israel ‘compromised’ Trump, Epstein had Mossad ties

    A recently declassified FBI memorandum from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files has revealed explosive allegations concerning foreign intelligence operations targeting former President Donald Trump’s administration. The document, originally compiled in 2020 as part of an FBI probe into electoral interference, contains claims from a confidential human source that suggests extensive foreign influence campaigns.

    The memorandum asserts that President Trump was potentially “compromised by Israel” through sophisticated influence operations. It further alleges that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein maintained connections with Israeli intelligence services, specifically identifying him as a “co-opted Mossad Agent” based on prior FBI intelligence. The document references Epstein’s decade-long association with Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister and military intelligence official, who reportedly visited Epstein’s New York residence on numerous occasions between 2013 and 2017.

    Central to the allegations is the role of Chabad-Lubavitch, a messianic ultra-Orthodox Jewish movement with Russian origins boasting approximately 90,000 members worldwide. The FBI source claimed the organization actively sought to “co-opt the Trump presidency” during his first term. The memo identifies Berel Lazar, a Chabad member and former Chief Rabbi of Russia, as both a close adviser to President Vladimir Putin and part of what the document describes as “state-sanctioned Judaism” used to monitor Russian-Jewish oligarchs.

    The investigation document further highlights Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, as a significant supporter of Chabad and a pivotal influence within Trump’s inner circle. It specifically notes that both Kushner and Ivanka Trump visited the gravesite of a prominent Chabad rabbi on the day of Trump’s electoral victory.

    The memorandum also revisits Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal, suggesting that negotiations involved indications that Epstein “belonged to intelligence” through conversations between his lawyer Alan Dershowitz and then-federal prosecutor Alex Acosta. Email correspondence between Epstein and Barak, where Epstein humorously denies working for Mossad, is cited as part of the evidentiary material.

    These revelations emerge from a substantial collection of Epstein-related documents recently released by the U.S. Justice Department, shedding new light on ongoing concerns about foreign influence in American political processes.

  • Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is progressing

    Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is progressing

    In a significant development in US-Iran relations, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani announced via social media platform X on Saturday that substantive progress is being made toward establishing a formal framework for bilateral negotiations. The senior security figure revealed that despite what he characterized as “artificial media warfare” creating a contrary atmosphere, structural foundations for diplomatic engagement are actively being developed. Larijani, who serves as a key security advisor within Iran’s political hierarchy, stopped short of providing specific details regarding the negotiation framework’s timeline, participants, or agenda items. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent warnings from Iranian military leadership against potential attacks by the United States or Israel. While American officials haven’t immediately responded to Larijani’s statement, the development suggests backchannel communications between the longstanding adversaries may be yielding concrete diplomatic structures. This potential breakthrough occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop that includes ongoing nuclear concerns, regional proxy conflicts, and economic sanctions that have significantly impacted Iran’s economy. The establishment of a formal negotiation framework would represent the most substantial diplomatic progress between the two nations since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

  • Special stamps welcome passengers at Dubai airport to celebrate UAE-Kuwait relations

    Special stamps welcome passengers at Dubai airport to celebrate UAE-Kuwait relations

    Dubai International Airport has become the stage for a unique diplomatic celebration as the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) implements special initiatives honoring the deep-rooted relations between the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Under the banner ‘UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever,’ the comprehensive program transforms the travel experience while strengthening cultural bonds.

    Arriving passengers are greeted with a distinctive passport stamp featuring the campaign slogan, while terminal halls showcase vibrant displays in Kuwaiti flag colors. A dedicated arrival lane adorned with dual national flags and campaign branding creates an immediate sense of diplomatic camaraderie. The welcoming experience extends further with distribution of symbolic gifts and appearances by popular cultural characters Salem and Salama, transforming routine immigration procedures into meaningful intercultural encounters.

    Complementing the airport activities, GDRFA Dubai has organized Souq Al-Mubarakiya at Alkhawaneej Walk from January 29 to February 1, featuring authentic Kuwaiti retail participation. This carefully curated market recreation offers visitors an immersive experience of Kuwait’s traditional heritage marketplace, effectively bringing a piece of Kuwaiti culture to Dubai residents and tourists alike.

    Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, emphasized that these initiatives reflect the profound historical connection between the two nations. ‘Emirati-Kuwaiti relations represent deeply rooted bonds of brotherhood, built on decades of loyalty, principled positions, and mutual support,’ he stated, highlighting how these relations have evolved from the era of founding fathers to present-day Gulf unity.

    The comprehensive celebration program demonstrates how diplomatic relations can be expressed through creative public engagement, transforming administrative spaces into platforms for cultural exchange. By integrating traditional elements with modern airport operations, the initiative successfully bridges governmental diplomacy with people-to-people connections, reinforcing the shared values and historical ties that unite the two Gulf nations.

  • Kishan smashes 10 sixes as India crush New Zealand in T20 finale

    Kishan smashes 10 sixes as India crush New Zealand in T20 finale

    In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Ishan Kishan delivered a record-shattering performance that propelled India to a commanding 46-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 series finale at Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday. The emphatic win secured a comprehensive 4-1 series triumph for the hosts just weeks before the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

    Returning to the lineup after missing the previous match due to minor injury concerns, Kishan unleashed an extraordinary assault on New Zealand’s bowling attack, hammering an astonishing 10 sixes on his way to a blistering 103 runs from just 43 deliveries. His explosive innings formed the cornerstone of India’s formidable total of 271-5, the highest team score in the series.

    The left-handed batsman demonstrated particular ruthlessness against spinner Ish Sodhi during the 12th over, where he blasted four boundaries and two maximums in a seven-ball sequence that yielded 29 runs. Kishan’s dominant performance was complemented by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a powerful 63 runs including three consecutive sixes in a single Jacob Duffy over.

    New Zealand’s response began promisingly with opener Finn Allen matching Kishan’s aggression, smashing six sixes in his 38-ball 80 that provided early momentum. Together with Rachin Ravindra (30), Allen forged a century partnership that kept the visitors competitive in the chase. However, the middle order collapsed under pressure from India’s varied bowling attack.

    Seamer Arshdeep Singh emerged as the destruction chief with a career-best performance of 5-51, his first five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. Spinner Axar Patel provided crucial support with figures of 3-33, including the vital wickets of Allen and Glenn Phillips that effectively derailed New Zealand’s pursuit.

    The comprehensive victory not only sealed the series but also served as an emphatic statement of intent from the Indian team ahead of next month’s global tournament, demonstrating both batting firepower and bowling depth that will make them formidable contenders.

  • Watch: Cars flip, crash into others as drivers lose focus on Abu Dhabi roads

    Watch: Cars flip, crash into others as drivers lose focus on Abu Dhabi roads

    The Abu Dhabi Police have launched a stark public awareness campaign targeting the growing menace of distracted driving, releasing alarming surveillance footage that captures the severe consequences of momentary lapses in attention. The newly published video compilation graphically illustrates a series of preventable roadway catastrophes, including vehicles careening off their lanes, overturning, and violently colliding with other cars.

    This visual evidence, compiled through coordination with the Monitoring and Control Center, serves as an educational tool demonstrating how driver negligence can instantly transform routine travel into life-altering tragedies. Authorities emphasize that distractions—whether from mobile devices, in-car systems, or other interruptions—require only seconds to create devastating outcomes.

    In their official statement accompanying the footage, police officials issued a sobering reminder: “Life possesses greater value than any message or telephone call.” The campaign forms part of broader initiatives to enhance traffic safety awareness and reduce dangerous behaviors that jeopardize all road users. This public warning follows previous alerts from UAE authorities regarding similar incidents where inattentive drivers caused serious accidents by failing to observe traffic conditions.

    The police department’s strategy employs actual accident documentation to create visceral impact, hoping the dramatic visuals will encourage drivers to prioritize concentration behind the wheel. This approach reflects increasing concern over distraction-related incidents throughout the Emirates and represents ongoing efforts to combat preventable accidents through education and enforcement.