Global Pulse

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  • From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful men are named in Epstein files

    From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful men are named in Epstein files

    NEW YORK — A massive document release by the U.S. Justice Department has unveiled the extensive social network of late financier Jeffrey Epstein, connecting numerous global elites to the convicted sex offender. The files, made public Friday, reveal previously undisclosed communications and interactions between Epstein and prominent figures from technology, finance, politics, and royalty.

    The documents provide unprecedented insight into how Epstein maintained relationships with powerful individuals even after his 2008 conviction for sex crimes. While none have been charged with crimes related to the investigation, the correspondence reveals the breadth of Epstein’s connections and his attempts to leverage these relationships.

    Among the most frequently mentioned figures is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, whose name appears hundreds of times throughout the documents. The files include emails showing Epstein’s invitation to Buckingham Palace, discussions about introducing the royal to a 26-year-old Russian woman, and photographs depicting the prince in compromising positions.

    Technology billionaires feature prominently in the release, with both Elon Musk and Google co-founder Sergey Brin appearing in Epstein’s correspondence. Musk exchanged emails in 2012-2013 discussing potential visits to Epstein’s Caribbean compound, though the Tesla CEO has publicly stated he refused these invitations. Brin’s communications show planned meetings with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell years before Epstein’s public exposure as a sexual predator.

    The documents also reveal extensive connections within financial and political circles. New York Giants co-owner Steven Tisch appears in over 400 documents, including emails where Epstein offered to connect him with women. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon exchanged hundreds of friendly texts with Epstein, discussing politics and reputation rehabilitation projects.

    The immediate fallout has already begun, with Slovakian national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak resigning Saturday following the revelation of his communications with Epstein. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson’s correspondence included an invitation for Epstein to visit his private island, asking him to ‘bring your harem.’

    While many figures have denied close ties to Epstein or knowledge of his criminal activities, the documents paint a picture of a sophisticated network that enabled Epstein to maintain social credibility despite his notorious reputation. The release represents the most comprehensive public accounting to date of Epstein’s associations with the world’s elite.

  • ‘Just one shot’: Bollywood actor KRK breaks silence after bail over firing incident

    ‘Just one shot’: Bollywood actor KRK breaks silence after bail over firing incident

    Bollywood personality Kamaal R Khan (KRK) has broken his silence following his release on bail in connection with a firearm discharge incident in Mumbai’s Oshiwara area. The controversial actor-producer maintains the episode resulted from an accidental discharge while cleaning his licensed weapon.\n\nIn an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times from his Mumbai residence, KRK detailed the events of January 18th, explaining he had just retrieved his German-made Mauser pistol from police custody the previous day. While cleaning the firearm in his bedroom, he claims to have fired a single shot toward nearby mangrove swamps after being uncertain whether the chamber was empty.\n\n\”I was being careful because these things can happen,\” KRK stated, referencing a recent incident where actor-politician Govinda accidentally shot himself while cleaning a handgun.\n\nThe case originated when two bullets were discovered embedded in apartments within the Nalanda housing society in Lokhandwala, though no injuries were reported. Mumbai Police took KRK into custody for questioning after the projectiles were found in the residences of writer Neeraj Mishra and model Prateek Baid.\n\nKRK’s legal representative, Supreme Court advocate Sana Raees Khan, has characterized the arrest as \”an abuse of the process of law,\\” citing significant discrepancies in the allegations. She contends the pistol’s effective range of 20-30 meters makes it physically impossible for the weapon to have fired projectiles the alleged 1,500 meters to the affected apartments.\n\nThe actor was released on bail with a personal bond of ₹25,000 (approximately Dh1,000) after his legal team successfully argued the allegations were inconsistent with both the firearm’s capabilities and the distances involved.

  • Rape trial puts Norway’s royal family in unwelcome glare of public

    Rape trial puts Norway’s royal family in unwelcome glare of public

    Oslo’s district court has become the epicenter of Norway’s most significant criminal proceeding in recent memory as Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, stands trial facing 38 criminal charges. The seven-week trial, which commenced Tuesday, involves allegations spanning multiple years and includes four counts of rape, physical assault, threats against a former girlfriend, property damage, drug offenses, and driving violations.

    The 29-year-old, whose mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit married into royalty when he was four, appears without family support in the courtroom. The palace has emphatically distanced itself from the proceedings, emphasizing Høiby’s non-royal status despite his lifelong connection to the monarchy. Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit are notably absent, with the latter battling serious pulmonary fibrosis that requires potential lung transplantation.

    Prosecutors detail disturbing allegations dating from 2018 to November 2024, including sexual assaults occurring while women were incapacitated or asleep—acts legally constituting rape under Norwegian law. One identified accuser, social influencer Nora Haukland, alleges violent physical abuse including punching, kicking, and choking alongside verbal degradation.

    Høiby’s defense counsel Petar Sekulic acknowledges his client takes the accusations seriously while maintaining innocence regarding most charges, particularly those involving sexual violence. The defense also contests a recent addition of marijuana transportation charges involving 3.5 kilograms of the substance.

    The trial unfolds against a backdrop of royal scandals, including Princess Märtha Louise’s controversial marriage to an American shaman and revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite these challenges, recent polling indicates 73% of Norwegians still support the monarchy, with many apparently distinguishing between the institution and individual family members’ actions.

    As testimony begins from multiple women whose intimate experiences will be scrutinized before international media, the case represents both a personal tragedy for the victims and an unprecedented challenge for Europe’s most accessible monarchy.

  • After ICE raids… a once bustling Chicago neighbourhood has changed

    After ICE raids… a once bustling Chicago neighbourhood has changed

    Chicago’s historic Little Village neighborhood, traditionally known as the “Mexican Magnificent Mile,” has transformed into an economic ghost town following intensified immigration enforcement operations. The Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, launched in September with the stated purpose of targeting “criminal illegal aliens,” has created an atmosphere of pervasive fear that has devastated local commerce.

    Business owners along the 26th Street corridor report catastrophic revenue declines ranging from 30% to 60%, with some establishments recording zero sales over extended periods. Carlos Macias, proprietor of Carniceria y Taqueria Aguascalientes established by his father fifty years ago, describes how armed ICE agents wearing balaclavas conducted raids that traumatized both employees and customers. “Business has dropped half during the week, sometimes even more than that,” Macias states, noting the incident remains etched in his memory.

    The economic impact extends beyond individual businesses. This two-mile commercial thoroughfare represents one of Chicago’s most significant economic hubs outside downtown, generating substantial tax revenues through predominantly Latino-owned enterprises. Alderman Michael Rodriguez reveals that even during peak lunch hours, restaurants remain empty, and public parking spaces sit vacant for the first time in living memory—a situation more severe than during the pandemic.

    While the Department of Homeland Security justifies the operation as necessary for public safety, citing the arrest of over 800 undocumented migrants including sex offenders and gang members, the human and economic costs continue mounting. Street vendors have largely disappeared from corners they traditionally occupied, fearing family separation despite many having lived in the community for decades.

    Chicago officials have responded with the Shopping in Solidarity initiative, encouraging residents to support local businesses. However, established institutions like Taqueria Los Comales have been forced to reduce employee hours dramatically. Owner Christina Gonzalez, also a Chamber of Commerce board member, explains the ripple effect: “The community depends on these small businesses for jobs and income. If they don’t have the hours to withstand that, then they aren’t getting the income that they need.”

    The political dimension remains deeply divisive. While Republican congressional candidate Lupe Castillo supports the enforcement actions, even some Trump voters like shoe store owner Adolfo Peña express bitter disappointment: “This is the worst thing that has happened to us. Unfortunately, I voted for him. That hurts me the most.”

    With Congress approving $170 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, and plans to hire thousands of additional agents, Little Village residents brace for prolonged enforcement operations that continue to reshape their community’s social and economic fabric.

  • The king’s speech – and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried

    The king’s speech – and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried

    In a speech that dramatically contradicted its intended purpose of calming tensions, Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has ignited national controversy by employing highly derogatory language against foreign migrants. Speaking at the historic Isandlwana battleground where Zulu warriors achieved a legendary victory against British forces 147 years ago, the monarch told supporters that all “kwerekwere”—a deeply offensive term for African migrants—must leave South Africa immediately, even those in relationships with South African citizens.

    The 51-year-old king’s remarks came amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment in KwaZulu-Natal province, where approximately 2.4 million migrants constitute about 4% of South Africa’s population. While not explicitly advocating violence, the monarch insisted migrants must “pack their belongings” regardless of their family circumstances, drawing enthusiastic applause and laughter from his audience.

    The comments represent a troubling continuity with the rhetoric of his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, who made similar statements in 2015 that were subsequently condemned by South Africa’s human rights commission. Critics were quick to highlight the irony of the current king’s position, noting that his own mother was from Eswatini and one of his wives also hails from the neighboring kingdom.

    This resurgence of xenophobic discourse occurs against a backdrop of severe economic challenges, with unemployment hovering around 33%—among the highest rates globally. Political newcomers like uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, have capitalized on this discontent by promoting populist policies advocating the expulsion of undocumented migrants.

    The climate has fostered the emergence of vigilante groups such as Operation Dudula and March on March, which have gained notoriety for their aggressive campaigns against foreign nationals. Recently, these tensions manifested dramatically when protesters surrounded Addington Primary School in Durban, falsely claiming that 90% of students were children of migrants. Official statistics later revealed that foreign pupils constitute only 1.8% of South Africa’s public school population nationwide, and 37% in the specific school.

    Human rights advocates have expressed grave concerns about the king’s statements. Dr. Vusumusi Sibanda, a specialist in African diaspora issues, described the language as “unfortunate” and “worrying,” noting that such rhetoric from influential figures encourages citizens to take the law into their own hands. Security analyst Lizette Lancaster similarly warned that the comments “fuel anti-migrant sentiment and should be strongly condemned.”

    The monarch additionally revived his father’s campaign to remove “Natal” from the province’s name, advocating for simply “KwaZulu.” Cultural experts caution that such a move would represent a dangerous embrace of Zulu nationalism in a multicultural province, potentially reviving historical tensions that nearly derailed South Africa’s transition to democracy in the 1990s.

    With no formal political power but influence over a fifth of South Africa’s population and control of significant communal lands, the Zulu monarchy’s stance on migration carries substantial weight. The king’s controversial comments mark a significant departure from his previous media coverage, which focused primarily on royal succession battles and personal matters, suggesting a new chapter in his public engagement with South Africa’s complex social landscape.

  • A chatbot entirely powered by humans, not artificial intelligence? This Chilean community shows why

    A chatbot entirely powered by humans, not artificial intelligence? This Chilean community shows why

    In a novel protest against the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, approximately 50 residents of Quilicura, a municipality on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile, spent Saturday operating a fully human-powered chatbot system. The 12-hour demonstration project, dubbed Quili.AI, processed over 20,000 global requests while deliberately avoiding the instant responses characteristic of conventional AI systems like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini.

    Instead of algorithmic processing, volunteers working from a community center manually responded to queries, with image generation requests taking approximately 10 minutes to complete. When an Associated Press reporter requested an image of a ‘sloth playing in the snow,’ the system returned a hand-drawn pencil sketch of a cartoonish sloth clutching snowballs after a noticeable delay.

    The initiative, organized by environmental group Corporación NGEN, aimed to spotlight the hidden environmental costs associated with AI data centers concentrated in the Quilicura region. Lorena Antiman, the project coordinator, stated: ‘The goal is to highlight the hidden water footprint behind AI prompting and encourage more responsible use.’

    The human-operated system excelled at responding to culturally specific queries, such as recipes for Chilean sopaipillas (fried pastries), by leveraging local knowledge. When volunteers lacked immediate answers, they collaboratively sought information within their community rather than generating fabricated responses.

    This demonstration occurs against the backdrop of Chile’s severe decade-long drought, which experts link to recent devastating wildfires. The campaign highlights ongoing debates about the substantial resource consumption of AI infrastructure, particularly the massive water requirements for cooling data center computer chips. Major tech corporations including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have established or planned data centers in the Santiago region, with Google facing legal challenges over water usage concerns despite claiming its Quilicura facility is ‘the most energy efficient in Latin America.’

  • US ambassador arrives in Venezuela to reopen diplomatic mission after 7 years

    US ambassador arrives in Venezuela to reopen diplomatic mission after 7 years

    In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas on Saturday to reestablish American diplomatic presence in Venezuela following a seven-year rupture in bilateral relations. The reopening marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations, coming approximately one month after a U.S.-backed military intervention resulted in the ousting of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

    Ambassador Dogu announced her readiness to commence operations through an official message posted on the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela’s X account, which simultaneously released photographs documenting her arrival at Maiquetia International Airport. “My team and I are ready to work,” Dogu declared, signaling Washington’s commitment to reengaging with the South American nation.

    The diplomatic breakdown originated in February 2019 when Maduro severed relations with the United States after then-President Donald Trump publicly endorsed opposition lawmaker Juan Guaidó’s claim to interim presidential authority. This political crisis led to the mutual closure of embassy facilities in both countries.

    Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, a prominent political figure and Maduro loyalist, previously indicated that the embassy reopening would enable Venezuelan authorities to monitor the treatment of the deposed leader, who remains detained in U.S. custody.

    Foreign Minister Yván Gil characterized the diplomatic reengagement as part of a structured bilateral agenda aimed at resolving outstanding differences through diplomatic dialogue. In a Telegram message, Gil emphasized the process would be conducted “on a foundation of mutual respect and international law.”

    The ambassador’s arrival coincided with interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s announcement of an amnesty bill designed to release political prisoners—a key concession to opposition demands. Dogu brings extensive regional experience to her new post, having previously served as U.S. ambassador to both Nicaragua and Honduras.

  • Sunetra Pawar sworn in as first woman Deputy CM of Maharashtra

    Sunetra Pawar sworn in as first woman Deputy CM of Maharashtra

    In a historic political transition, Sunetra Pawar was formally sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday, becoming the first woman to occupy this prestigious position in the state’s governance. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Indian regional politics while simultaneously representing a poignant moment of personal and political succession.

    The oath-taking ceremony, conducted at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, occurred under solemn circumstances. Ms. Pawar assumes the role previously held by her husband, Ajit Pawar, who tragically perished in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28. The event was attended by prominent state leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, signaling unified support for the appointment.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his official congratulations through social media platform X, expressing confidence in Ms. Pawar’s capabilities. “Best wishes to Sunetra Pawar Ji as she begins her tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the first woman to hold this responsibility,” Modi stated. “I am confident she will work tirelessly for the welfare of the people of the state and fulfil the vision of the late Ajitdada Pawar.”

    The new Deputy Chief Minister has been allocated key governmental portfolios including state excise duty, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minorities Development & Aukaf departments. Notably, the critical Planning and Finance ministries, previously managed by her late husband, have been temporarily reassigned to Chief Minister Fadnavis.

    The political gathering witnessed the presence of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) figures including Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, State President Sunil Tatkare, Working President Praful Patel, and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, demonstrating broad-based party endorsement of this landmark appointment.

  • Judge orders release of five-year-old detained by ICE in Minneapolis

    Judge orders release of five-year-old detained by ICE in Minneapolis

    A federal judge has delivered a scathing rebuke of U.S. immigration enforcement practices while ordering the immediate release of a five-year-old boy and his father from a Texas detention facility. The case involves Liam Conejo Ramos, whose arrest while wearing a blue bunny-shaped hat and Spider-Man backpack outside his Minneapolis home sparked national outrage.

    U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, granted an emergency petition filed by the family’s legal representation on Saturday. His ruling mandated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) release both Liam and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, by February 3rd.

    In a remarkably candid judicial opinion, Judge Biery condemned what he characterized as “the perfidious lust for unbridled power” driving immigration enforcement operations. The court’s decision included the photograph of young Liam in his distinctive blue hat, making the child’s humanity central to the proceedings.

    “This case has its genesis in the ill-conceived and incompetently-implemented government pursuit of daily deportation quotas,” Judge Biery wrote, “apparently even if it requires traumatizing children.”

    Immigration officials had previously defended the operation, stating they did not “target a child” but were conducting an operation against Conejo Arias, whom they identified as an “illegal alien” who allegedly “abandoned” his son during the apprehension.

    According to family attorney Marc Prokosch, the detained individuals had entered the United States from Ecuador in 2024 seeking asylum and had been complying with established immigration protocols. Both were being held at a San Antonio, Texas detention center at the time of the ruling.

    The case emerges amid intensified immigration enforcement in Minneapolis under the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge.” This initiative has drawn increased scrutiny following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in the city, which prompted officials to suggest a potential pullback of federal forces.

    In a related judicial development on Saturday, a separate federal judge denied Minnesota’s request to block the deployment of thousands of immigration agents in the state, ruling that plaintiffs had not demonstrated the activity’s unlawfulness.

    The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment regarding Judge Biery’s ruling or the allegations contained within it.

  • Why Motherwell’s Maswanhise is Scotland’s hottest property

    Why Motherwell’s Maswanhise is Scotland’s hottest property

    As Scotland’s January transfer window approaches its Monday deadline, one name dominates speculative discussions across the league: Tawanda Maswanhise. The 23-year-old Zimbabwe international has emerged as the Scottish Premiership’s most coveted asset following an extraordinary scoring campaign with Motherwell FC.

    Maswanhise’s remarkable tally of 18 goals across all competitions—including 13 league goals that position him as Scotland’s outright top scorer—has triggered widespread interest from potential suitors. Despite circulating rumors, Motherwell maintains a firm stance regarding their star forward, who remains under contract until 2027 with an optional extension clause.

    Manager Jens Berthel Askou articulated the club’s position following Maswanhise’s match-winning double against Livingston: “Our immediate focus remains on Wednesday’s fixture against Dundee. While we haven’t declared him officially untransferable, there exists no current strategy to facilitate his departure.”

    The transfer valuation conversation has intensified following Hibernian’s £6 million transfer of Kieron Bowie to Italian Serie A side Hellas Verona. Former Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan contextualized the market dynamics: “Given Bowie’s transfer at £6 million with nine goals, Motherwell would never entertain offers in the £2.5-3 million range for Maswanhise. His versatility across attacking positions and diverse scoring capabilities warrant a valuation approaching that £6 million benchmark.”

    Several factors strengthen Motherwell’s negotiating position: substantial residual funds from Lennon Miller’s summer transfer to Udinese, increased matchday attendance generating additional revenue, and the club’s proximity to European qualification sitting merely two points behind Celtic. These circumstances alleviate financial pressure to sell their prized asset.

    Speculation regarding potential destinations includes Championship side Blackburn Rovers, while Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers have been frequently mentioned in connection with the Zimbabwe international. However, former Rangers striker Rory Loy notes the changed dynamic: “Historically, Old Firm bids would be irresistible for Motherwell. Now, with European qualification financially transformative, they possess unprecedented leverage to retain their star performer.”

    Maswanhise’s development under Askou’s management represents a dramatic improvement from his six-goal debut season after transferring from Leicester City. His current performance exceeds expected goals (xG) metrics by 6.5 goals, while his recent recognition as one of Africa Cup of Nations’ most promising talents further enhances his market profile.

    With no formal bids reportedly submitted, Motherwell supporters anxiously await the window’s conclusion, hopeful their scoring sensation remains at Fir Park to continue driving their European qualification campaign.