Global Pulse

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  • Sharjah math teacher named Top 50 finalist for $1 million global teacher prize

    Sharjah math teacher named Top 50 finalist for $1 million global teacher prize

    Hala Shahin, a distinguished mathematics educator from Sharjah’s Khawla Bint Tha’albaa School, has achieved international recognition as one of the top 50 finalists for the 2026 Global Teacher Prize. This prestigious $1 million award, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, represents the world’s most substantial honor for educational excellence. Selected from an impressive pool of over 5,000 candidates across 139 nations, Shahin’s innovative teaching methodologies have transformed mathematical education throughout the UAE and Arab region.

    Shahin’s educational philosophy combines cutting-edge technology with engaging pedagogical approaches. She has developed sophisticated tracking systems and AI-powered assessment tools while pioneering a play-based instructional model that makes mathematics accessible and enjoyable for students. Her signature programs—the Guiding Young Talents framework and Treasures of Mathematics resources—have demonstrated remarkable success in supporting students with disabilities and achieving perfect scores.

    Beyond conventional mathematics instruction, Shahin integrates climate education and community service through initiatives like the ‘You Are Strong’ project, Khawla Sustainability Competition, and student Red Crescent team. These programs effectively connect mathematical concepts with real-world applications in sustainability and social responsibility.

    As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and multiple national award recipient, Shahin has spent nearly three decades refining her craft since being inspired by a transformative math teacher at age 14. Beginning her career in Egypt before moving to the UAE, she has merged advanced studies in school leadership and artificial intelligence with practical classroom experience to develop a new generation of innovative thinkers.

    The Global Teacher Prize, established by Sunny Varkey through GEMS Education and The Varkey Foundation, recognizes educators who profoundly impact students’ lives beyond the classroom. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini emphasized the critical role of teachers in addressing global challenges, including educator shortages and climate action, noting that investment in teachers is essential for building a sustainable future.

    The selection process will now advance to choosing ten finalists, with the ultimate winner determined by the Global Teacher Prize Academy and announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026.

  • Lithuania arrests 21 in alleged cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus

    Lithuania arrests 21 in alleged cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus

    Lithuanian law enforcement has executed a decisive strike against an elaborate cross-border smuggling operation, arresting 21 individuals connected to a criminal network utilizing weather balloons to transport contraband cigarettes from Belarus. The sophisticated operation, unveiled on Tuesday, represents a significant escalation in regional security challenges.

    In a coordinated operation involving over 140 officers from the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, Vilnius police, and specialized anti-terrorism units, authorities conducted more than 80 searches across the country. The raids yielded substantial evidence including cigarettes bearing Belarusian excise stamps, sophisticated communication equipment, GPS tracking devices, signal jammers, firearms, and multiple luxury vehicles.

    The prosecutor’s office characterized the network as operating with ‘strict conspiracy and clearly distributed roles,’ noting that smuggling activities were conducted systematically under the tight control of organizational leaders. Investigators believe the organizers maintained direct connections with accomplices operating within Belarus territory.

    According to official statements, the operation exploited meteorological conditions by launching specially equipped balloons from Belarus that subsequently violated Lithuanian airspace. Using advanced GPS technology and specialized software, network members monitored balloon trajectories and transmitted precise landing coordinates to ground operatives who would retrieve the contraband for distribution.

    The balloon incursions have created substantial security disruptions, prompting Lithuania to declare a national emergency earlier this month. The repeated violations forced temporary shutdowns of Vilnius International Airport, stranding thousands of travelers, and necessitated the closure of border crossings between the two nations.

    All detained suspects face multiple charges including participation in a criminal organization, illegal handling and smuggling of excise goods, and aiding another state in activities against Lithuanian interests. The case highlights growing security concerns in Eastern Europe as NATO members remain vigilant about airspace violations amid ongoing regional tensions.

  • Mexico gears up for 2026 World Cup with friendlies against Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland

    Mexico gears up for 2026 World Cup with friendlies against Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland

    The Mexican Football Federation has unveiled a comprehensive preparatory schedule for its national team ahead of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The strategic plan commences with three international friendlies against Panama, Bolivia, and Iceland during the early months of the new year.

    Mexico’s national squad will embark on a South American tour starting January 22nd, facing Panama at Rommel Fernández Stadium. The team will subsequently travel to Bolivia for a match at Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera Costas Stadium in Santa Cruz on January 25th. The preparation series concludes with a home fixture against Iceland on February 25th at Corregidora Stadium in Querétaro.

    Notably, these initial matches will feature exclusively domestic-based players since they fall outside FIFA’s official international windows. This selection strategy provides an opportunity for Liga MX talents to demonstrate their capabilities at the international level.

    The preparation intensifies in March when head coach Javier Aguirre will have access to his complete roster for two significant encounters. Mexico faces Portugal on March 28th during the highly anticipated reopening ceremony of the iconic Azteca Stadium, followed by a challenging match against Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago.

    As tournament co-hosts, El Tri is scheduled to inaugurate the 2026 World Cup with a crucial opening match against South Africa on June 11th. These friendly matches represent critical building blocks in Mexico’s quest to overcome their recent competitive struggles, having concluded 2025 without a victory in their final six matches.

  • China handles over 180b parcels in first 11 months

    China handles over 180b parcels in first 11 months

    China’s logistics sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, with official data revealing the handling of over 180 billion parcel deliveries during the initial eleven months of 2025. This substantial volume represents a significant year-on-year increase of approximately 15%, underscoring the sector’s robust expansion amid evolving market conditions.

    The State Post Bureau of China, the nation’s postal regulatory authority, released these figures on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The data highlights the continuous expansion of China’s delivery infrastructure, which has become increasingly vital to both domestic economic activity and global supply chains.

    This growth trajectory reflects several converging factors: the deepening penetration of e-commerce platforms in both urban and rural markets, technological advancements in logistics automation, and improved last-mile delivery capabilities across the country’s diverse geographic regions. The sector’s performance remains a key indicator of domestic consumption patterns and economic vitality.

    The report emerges alongside other significant developments in China’s infrastructure and technology sectors, including railway passenger records and satellite launches, painting a picture of comprehensive technological and logistical advancement. The parcel delivery milestone particularly highlights how digital transformation continues to reshape consumer behavior and commercial distribution networks throughout China.

  • Watch: Fans react to death of Rob Reiner and wife Michele

    Watch: Fans react to death of Rob Reiner and wife Michele

    The entertainment world was plunged into profound grief Sunday evening as news emerged of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele at their Hollywood residence. Law enforcement officials confirmed the discovery of both individuals deceased inside their home following a wellness check initiated by concerned associates who had been unable to reach the couple.

    Reiner, the 76-year-old visionary behind iconic films including ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ and ‘A Few Good Men,’ was considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring creative forces. His wife Michele, a prominent photographer and activist, had been his partner for decades, with their relationship standing as one of the industry’s most stable marriages.

    Across social media platforms, an outpouring of shock and sorrow emerged from colleagues, admirers, and industry professionals. Video footage circulating online captured emotional reactions from fans gathered outside the Reiner residence, with many expressing disbelief at the sudden loss of the beloved cultural figures. The couple’s significant philanthropic work, particularly their advocacy for civil liberties and educational initiatives, was repeatedly highlighted in tributes.

    Investigative authorities have not released preliminary findings regarding circumstances surrounding the deaths, noting only that the case remains under active investigation. The entertainment community now mourns not just an accomplished director but a couple whose influence extended far beyond cinema into social advocacy and humanitarian efforts.

  • Rome opens long-awaited Colosseum subway station, with displays of unearthed artifacts

    Rome opens long-awaited Colosseum subway station, with displays of unearthed artifacts

    ROME — In an unprecedented fusion of archaeological preservation and urban infrastructure, Rome inaugurated two groundbreaking subway stations on Tuesday that double as underground museums. The centerpiece Colosseo station, situated deep beneath the iconic Colosseum, showcases an extensive collection of ancient artifacts discovered during its construction, transforming daily commuting into a historical journey.

    Visitors descending into the Colosseo station are greeted by meticulously curated displays featuring second-century BC ceramics, stone wells, suspended buckets, and the preserved ruins of a first-century thermal bath complex. Interactive screens document the painstaking excavation process, providing context for the project’s extended timeline while engaging archaeology enthusiasts.

    The Metro C line represents one of Europe’s most complex urban infrastructure projects, plagued by two decades of bureaucratic delays, funding challenges, and the immense logistical complications of building through archaeologically sensitive ground. Construction manager Marco Cervone emphasized the dual challenge of managing substantial groundwater while preserving both underground discoveries and surface structures.

    Simultaneously opened Porta Metronia station reveals another remarkable find: an 80-meter military barracks dating to the early second century, identified by its strategically offset doorways designed to prevent soldier collisions. Archaeologist Simona Moretta confirmed the structure likely housed either imperial guards or urban security forces. The station also contains a residential dwelling with exceptionally preserved frescoes and mosaics, with plans for an expanded museum facility.

    The monumental construction effort has yielded over 500,000 artifacts to date, requiring innovative engineering solutions including ground freezing techniques and sacrificial concrete diaphragms. With three-quarters of the planned 31 stations now operational, the complete 29-kilometer line is projected to cost approximately €7 billion and carry up to 800,000 daily passengers upon its 2035 completion.

    The next phase will see the line extending beneath Trajan’s Column, the Basilica of Maxentius, and Renaissance palaces before reaching Piazza Venezia at record depths of 48 meters. Once finished, the transit system will finally provide relief from Rome’s notorious traffic congestion while offering unprecedented access to the city’s layered historical narrative.

  • US unemployment rose in November to a four-year high

    US unemployment rose in November to a four-year high

    The United States labor market presented conflicting indicators in November as unemployment climbed to its highest level in four years while job additions surpassed economic forecasts. According to delayed data released by the Labor Department on Tuesday, the unemployment rate increased to 4.6% in November, marking a significant rise from September’s 4.4% rate.

    Employers added 64,000 positions during the month, exceeding many economic projections and providing a partial recovery from October’s substantial loss of 105,000 jobs. The previous month’s decline was largely attributed to the elimination of 162,000 federal government roles following the Trump administration’s initiative to reduce government employment earlier this year.

    This long-awaited report offered the first comprehensive view of labor market conditions since the resolution of the federal government shutdown. The data revealed additional downward revisions to previously reported job figures for September and August.

    The contradictory nature of these employment metrics has complicated the Federal Reserve’s ongoing deliberations regarding monetary policy. Central bankers face the challenging task of balancing a softening labor market against persistent inflationary pressures that continue to exceed the Fed’s 2% target.

    Last week, the Federal Reserve implemented its third quarter-point rate reduction of the year, attempting to stimulate economic activity. Official projections suggest most Fed officials anticipate only one additional rate cut in 2026, though deteriorating labor market conditions could potentially accelerate this timeline.

    Financial experts noted the unusual complexity of interpreting November’s data. Chris Zaccarelli, Chief Investment Officer at Northlight Asset Management, observed that “for a data-dependent Fed, this morning’s data will only increase the internal debate” regarding the appropriate policy response.

    The report’s reliability was further questioned due to methodological disruptions caused by the 43-day government shutdown, which forced statistical agencies to operate with reduced staffing and temporarily halted data collection operations. Principal Asset Management’s Chief Global Strategist Seema Shah noted that Fed Chair Jerome Powell would likely “view today’s jobs data with a fair degree of skepticism” due to data distortions and tighter immigration policies affecting payroll calculations.

    Sector performance varied considerably in November. Healthcare demonstrated robust growth with 46,000 new positions, including 11,000 in nursing and residential care facilities. Construction employment increased by 28,000 jobs, maintaining its stability over the preceding year. Conversely, transportation and warehousing sectors lost 18,000 positions, while manufacturing employment declined by 5,000 jobs.

  • Winter swimmers dive into frigid waters in Harbin

    Winter swimmers dive into frigid waters in Harbin

    In a breathtaking display of human endurance, dedicated winter swimmers in Harbin defied extreme subzero temperatures to plunge into the frozen waters of the Songhua River. With recent temperatures plummeting to -20°C (-4°F), these cold-water enthusiasts demonstrated remarkable resilience as they leaped from a 4-meter-high diving platform into the icy current below.

    The event transformed the riverbank into a spectacle of human determination, with each diver receiving enthusiastic applause from gathered spectators. These winter swimming practitioners, who regularly brave the harsh conditions, consider the activity both a physical challenge and a wellness practice that boosts immunity and mental fortitude.

    Harbin, known for its brutally cold winters and spectacular ice festivals, has long been a hub for winter swimming enthusiasts. The tradition represents a unique cultural phenomenon in northern China where residents embrace rather than retreat from the extreme winter conditions. The swimmers’ ability to withstand such frigid temperatures continues to attract both participants and observers, creating a distinctive winter tradition that highlights human adaptability to challenging environments.

  • Millions facing acute food insecurity in Afghanistan as winter looms, UN warns

    Millions facing acute food insecurity in Afghanistan as winter looms, UN warns

    GENEVA — Afghanistan confronts an escalating humanitarian emergency as winter approaches, with over 17 million citizens—more than one-third of the population—projected to experience crisis-level food shortages through March 2026. This alarming figure represents a significant increase of approximately 3 million people compared to the previous year’s assessment.

    The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global authority monitoring hunger crises, attributes this deterioration to multiple converging factors: persistent economic instability, recurring drought conditions, diminishing international aid flows, and the substantial return of Afghan nationals from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. These returnees, numbering over 2.5 million this year alone, have placed additional strain on already limited resources.

    Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security at the United Nations World Food Program, emphasized the severity of the situation during a Geneva press briefing. “The IPC data reveals that more than 17 million Afghans are confronting acute food insecurity—a distressing increase of 3 million from last year’s figures,” Bauer stated via video link from Rome.

    The crisis particularly threatens Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations. Bauer highlighted that “nearly 4 million children currently suffer from acute malnutrition, with approximately 1 million experiencing severe acute malnutrition requiring immediate hospital treatment.”

    Current food assistance reaches merely 2.7% of the population, according to IPC reports. This inadequate response is compounded by economic fragility, widespread unemployment, and reduced remittance flows from abroad.

    The United Nations recently characterized Afghanistan’s situation as both “severe” and “precarious” as the country enters its first winter without U.S. foreign assistance and with virtually no international food distribution. Tom Fletcher, the UN Humanitarian Chief, informed the Security Council that “overlapping shocks”—including recent devastating earthquakes and increasing restrictions on humanitarian access—have further exacerbated the crisis.

    While nearly 22 million Afghans will require UN assistance in 2026, the organization will prioritize 3.9 million individuals facing the most urgent life-threatening conditions due to constrained donor contributions. The IPC projects potential improvement may begin with the spring harvest season starting in April.

  • ‘Clear about our targets’: Delhi Capitals CEO before IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi

    ‘Clear about our targets’: Delhi Capitals CEO before IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi

    As the Indian Premier League approaches its 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta has outlined the franchise’s strategic vision for building a competitive squad. The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise enters the December 16 auction with eight slots to fill and a remaining purse of ₹21.80 crore, including five overseas positions.

    The team has completed a significant pre-auction trade with Rajasthan Royals, acquiring experienced left-handed batsman Nitish Rana in exchange for Donovan Ferreira. Gupta emphasized Rana’s value as a seasoned IPL campaigner and local talent, noting his familiarity with home conditions and previous franchise experience make him an ideal addition to the Capitals’ lineup.

    From the initial pool of 1,390 registered players, organizers have shortlisted 350 candidates—240 Indian and 110 overseas players—including 224 uncapped Indian talents and 14 uncapped international prospects, providing substantial depth to this year’s selection process.

    Gupta confirmed the retention of a solid core group from last season despite narrowly missing playoff qualification. He characterized the previous campaign as filled with valuable learnings that will inform their approach going forward. The scouting team has conducted extensive preparations, and management has identified specific targets to address remaining squad requirements.

    While promising aggressive bidding where necessary, Gupta emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility during the dynamic auction process. The franchise leadership has arrived in Abu Dhabi fully prepared to navigate the complexities of player acquisition while staying focused on their ultimate objective of building a championship-caliber team.