Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Heavy rains, unstable weather: Oman announces distance learning for some schools

    Heavy rains, unstable weather: Oman announces distance learning for some schools

    Educational institutions across Oman’s Musandam governorate will transition to distance learning on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in response to deteriorating weather conditions throughout the Gulf region. The Omani Ministry of Education and Teaching mandated the shift for all government, private, and international schools as a precautionary measure against heavy rainfall and atmospheric instability.

    The decision comes as a low-pressure system settles over the Arabian Peninsula, generating substantial cloud cover and intermittent precipitation across multiple countries. Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have similarly forecast significant rainfall for Tuesday, prompting official advisories urging citizens to exercise heightened caution during travel.

    This weather pattern represents a continuation of unstable conditions that began on Sunday, with forecasts indicating persistent atmospheric disturbances throughout the week. The proactive educational response reflects evolving regional protocols following the severe flooding incidents of 2024, which catalyzed widespread implementation of robust remote work and learning policies across Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

    Both governmental and private sector organizations have increasingly prioritized resident safety through flexible operational arrangements during extreme weather events. The current meteorological situation demonstrates the region’s improved preparedness and adaptive response mechanisms when facing environmental challenges.

  • Hong Kong court sentences UK media tychoon Jimmy Lai to life in prison

    Hong Kong court sentences UK media tychoon Jimmy Lai to life in prison

    A Hong Kong court has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing 78-year-old British media magnate Jimmy Lai to life imprisonment for severe national security violations. The ruling concludes a protracted legal battle that has drawn intense international scrutiny to Hong Kong’s judicial landscape.

    The three-judge panel found Lai guilty on multiple charges, including two counts of conspiracy to commit foreign collusion under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Additionally, he was convicted on one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications, stemming from 161 separate items published across various platforms that allegedly promoted disaffection against the government.

    The prosecution successfully argued that Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, orchestrated systematic campaigns urging foreign nations to implement sanctions and hostile measures against both Hong Kong and China. Evidence presented during the 150-day trial included op-eds bearing Lai’s byline, talk show footage, and testimony linking him to overseas political figures including former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

    Lai’s legal journey began with his initial arrest in August 2020, just two months after the National Security Law took effect. Following tightened bail regulations for national security defendants in 2021, he remained in pretrial custody, with authorities confirming he was held in solitary confinement at his own request.

    The trial faced significant delays, including last-minute intervention from Beijing that barred Lai’s British defense attorney from participating in the proceedings. During his testimony, Lai vigorously denied the charges, stating he never attempted to influence foreign policy regarding Hong Kong and China. His description of himself as a ‘political prisoner’ drew direct rebukes from the presiding judges.

    The case has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Western nations condemning the verdict as indicative of eroding freedoms in the former British colony. Lai’s family has simultaneously raised concerns about his deteriorating health in custody, claims that Hong Kong authorities have firmly rejected while asserting he has received comprehensive medical care.

  • Former senior official of Shenzhen under investigation

    Former senior official of Shenzhen under investigation

    In a significant anti-corruption development, Chinese disciplinary authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into Dai Beifang, the former chairman of Shenzhen’s Political Advisory Body. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervisory Commission jointly announced on Monday that the 69-year-old veteran official is under scrutiny for suspected severe breaches of Party discipline and national laws.

    Dai Beifang, whose entire 52-year career unfolded within Shenzhen’s political apparatus, occupied numerous influential positions throughout his tenure. His extensive portfolio included leadership roles as Secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Communist Youth League Committee, Party Chief of Yantian District, and membership on the Standing Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee. He further headed several critical municipal departments including Publicity, General Office, and Organization.

    The Guangdong native ascended to the position of Shenzhen’s Deputy Party Chief in November 2012 and subsequently chaired the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shenzhen Municipal Committee from June 2015 until his retirement in September 2020. Following his departure from official government service, Dai transitioned to a leadership role in the philanthropic sector as president of the Shenzhen Charity Federation.

    This investigation represents the latest development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, particularly highlighting the scrutiny of retired officials who previously held substantial regional power. Dai’s case demonstrates the authorities’ continued commitment to investigating alleged misconduct regardless of an official’s retirement status or previous contributions.

    The probe follows established procedures for disciplinary reviews conducted by the CCDI, which typically involve thorough examination of potential ethical and legal violations. Such investigations can lead to various outcomes including internal Party disciplinary measures or formal legal proceedings depending on the severity of findings.

  • Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for unlicensed rental listings

    Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for unlicensed rental listings

    In a decisive move against unregulated tourism accommodations, Spanish authorities have levied a substantial €64 million ($75 million) fine against vacation rental giant Airbnb. The penalty was announced on Monday by Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry following an extensive investigation into the platform’s advertising of unlicensed tourist rental properties.

    The enforcement action represents the second-largest consumer rights penalty in the ministry’s history, amounting to six times the profits Airbnb generated from the non-compliant listings. This development occurs amidst Spain’s broader crackdown on digital rental platforms, which many officials and citizens blame for exacerbating housing shortages and driving up living costs in popular tourist destinations.

    Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy emphasized the connection between unregulated rentals and Spain’s housing crisis, stating: ‘Thousands of families live on the edge because of housing, while a few profit from business models that displace residents from their communities.’

    The sanction follows Airbnb’s removal of approximately 65,000 non-compliant listings in July 2025 after regulatory scrutiny. While the company has not issued an immediate response to the penalty, it retains the right to appeal the decision through Spain’s judicial system.

    This enforcement action mirrors previous regulatory measures against travel industry operators. In 2024, budget carrier Ryanair faced a €108 million penalty for imposing additional fees on cabin baggage, though the European Commission later questioned the compliance of such fines with EU regulations.

    The Spanish government, alongside regional and municipal authorities, continues to implement stricter controls on vacation rental platforms including Airbnb and Booking.com, aiming to balance tourism economics with residential housing needs.

  • Palestinian prisoner dies in Israeli custody amid surge in torture-related deaths

    Palestinian prisoner dies in Israeli custody amid surge in torture-related deaths

    A deepening human rights crisis is unfolding within Israeli detention facilities as another Palestinian prisoner, 26-year-old Sakhr Ahmad Khalil Zaoul from Bethlehem, has died in custody. Palestinian authorities reported his death on Sunday, marking the latest in a sharply escalating pattern of fatalities among detainees.

    Zaoul had been placed under administrative detention—imprisonment without formal charges or trial—at the notorious Ofer prison in June. His family stated he was in perfect health at the time of his arrest. His death follows closely that of 21-year-old Abdul Rahman al-Sabateen, whose passing was confirmed just days earlier.

    The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners Society issued a joint statement condemning what they described as ‘systematic extermination’ of Palestinian prisoners, facilitated by explicit governmental endorsement. They detailed conditions ‘beyond all description,’ including torture, starvation, medical neglect, sexual abuse, and denial of basic rights.

    These allegations are supported by harrowing firsthand accounts. Palestinian journalist Sami al-Saai, speaking at a meeting organized by the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA), disclosed that he was subjected to beatings, threats, and multiple sexual assaults during his detention in Megiddo prison from February to June 2024.

    Human rights organizations have long documented systemic abuses in Israeli prisons, but reports indicate a severe intensification since October 2023. The controversial policy of administrative detention has been applied increasingly during this period, subjecting detainees to particularly harsh conditions and violent assaults.

    Current estimates suggest at least 9,300 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, though actual numbers may be higher due to Israel withholding information on hundreds detained in Gaza. Palestinian groups report that at least 100 detainees have died under these conditions, with the true figure likely higher.

    International condemnation is growing. Israeli human rights group B’Tselem has characterized the facilities as ‘torture camps,’ while Israel’s own Public Defender’s Office acknowledged earlier this month that conditions have deteriorated significantly, with prisoners enduring extreme hunger, overcrowding, and systematic violence.

    The UN Committee Against Torture published a report last month expressing deep concern about what it described as ‘organized and widespread torture and ill-treatment’ in Israeli prisons, noting a grave intensification since October 2023 that suggests a ‘de facto state policy.’

  • UAE to increase Manila flights to meet rising passenger demand

    UAE to increase Manila flights to meet rising passenger demand

    The United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have solidified an enhanced aviation agreement that will significantly increase flight connectivity between the two nations. Following bilateral consultations between the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), authorities have granted additional flight entitlements to UAE carriers.

    This expanded air services agreement enables UAE national airlines including Etihad Airways and Emirates to operate additional flights to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The decision responds to consistently strong passenger demand and reinforces the robust aviation partnership between the two countries.

    The enhanced connectivity builds upon longstanding bilateral relations characterized by dynamic civil aviation cooperation. The agreement reflects mutual interests in expanding commercial flight operations, which officials anticipate will further stimulate tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

    A significant factor driving this aviation expansion is the substantial Filipino community residing and working in the UAE, which creates consistent demand for air travel between the two nations. The expanded flight allocations are expected to accommodate growing passenger traffic while supporting the development of the civil aviation sector in both countries.

    The agreement represents a strategic advancement in UAE-Philippines aviation relations, highlighting how bilateral cooperation can address market demands while fostering economic and cultural connections through enhanced air transport capabilities.

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, awed by Martin Scorsese, would never turn director

    Leonardo DiCaprio, awed by Martin Scorsese, would never turn director

    At the prestigious A Year in TIME event in New York City, Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio revealed he has permanently dismissed any aspirations to become a film director, attributing his decision to profound admiration for Martin Scorsese’s directorial mastery. The 51-year-old Oscar winner, currently collaborating with Scorsese on their seventh joint project, expressed unwavering reverence for the legendary filmmaker’s craft during their candid conversation.

    DiCaprio articulated his position with unmistakable clarity: ‘When people inquire about potential directing ambitions, my response remains unequivocal – I would never pursue that path. The cinematic excellence Martin Scorsese achieves is simply incomparable. Why would I attempt something I could never approximate?’

    The actor reflected on his professional evolution with notable introspection, acknowledging occasional regrets about not sufficiently observing the directorial process during earlier career stages. ‘As performers, we immerse ourselves in character psychology with intense dedication,’ DiCaprio noted. ‘In retrospect, I wish I had embraced more opportunities to simply observe Marty’s directorial techniques behind the camera.’

    Their distinctive collaborative methodology involves extensive preparatory work months before filming commences. DiCaprio emphasized their creative dynamic thrives on rigorous pre-production debates: ‘Our process involves continuous questioning and playing devil’s advocate to explore unconventional narrative approaches. This thorough preparation has constituted one of the most valuable educational experiences of my career.’

    DiCaprio traced his reverence for Scorsese to childhood exposure facilitated by his father, who identified the director and Robert De Niro as artistic benchmarks. Their professional partnership commenced with 2002’s Gangs of New York and has since produced critically acclaimed works including The Aviator, The Departed, and Killers of the Flower Moon.

    The duo is currently developing What Happens at Night, an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel co-starring Jennifer Lawrence, marking their seventh collaborative endeavor.

  • Taoiseach bites back at criticism of party’s Irish presidential review

    Taoiseach bites back at criticism of party’s Irish presidential review

    Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin faces mounting internal pressure within his Fianna Fáil party regarding the handling of a presidential election review, while simultaneously denouncing media coverage as “extremely disappointing, selective and inaccurate.” The political turmoil stems from the withdrawal of the party’s presidential candidate, Jim Gavin, who abandoned his campaign in October after revelations emerged concerning an accidental overpayment to a former tenant. Although Gavin subsequently repaid the funds, his name remained on the ballot and secured 7.18% of first preference votes. The controversy prompted Fianna Fáil to commission an independent review led by senior counsel, yet the unpublished report has become a source of significant internal strife. Three prominent party TDs—Willie O’Dea, Pat Gallagher, and Seán Ó Fearghaíl—have publicly demanded the “immediate release” of the report, condemning media leaks as damaging to the party’s reputation and public trust. They emphasized that “accountability is now essential if we are to restore trust and credibility.” In response, Martin issued a formal statement clarifying that he has not yet received the report and defending his approach to allow the review committee “to do its work independently.” A special parliamentary party meeting is anticipated to discuss the findings, though no date has been confirmed, prolonging the internal dissent within Ireland’s governing party.

  • Lyon ready to roar again for Australia in third Ashes Test

    Lyon ready to roar again for Australia in third Ashes Test

    Australian cricket veteran Nathan Lyon has expressed his eagerness to return to the national squad for the pivotal third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, following his unexpected exclusion from the Brisbane match that ended his 14-year consecutive home Test appearance streak. The 38-year-old off-spinner, who once served as ground staff at the iconic Adelaide venue before evolving into Australia’s most prolific Test off-spinner, is poised to rejoin captain Pat Cummins in the lineup for Wednesday’s encounter.

    Despite openly acknowledging his disappointment at being dropped for the Gabba Test, Lyon maintains a forward-looking perspective regarding his role in the current series. ‘Every opportunity that there’s a Test match on, I want to be a part of it. I love playing cricket,’ Lyon stated during a media interaction after being inducted into the stadium’s ‘Avenue of Honour’ on Monday. He emphasized moving past the setback, focusing instead on his potential contributions in the upcoming match.

    With Australia holding a commanding 2-0 series lead, Lyon has had minimal bowling opportunities thus far, delivering merely two overs across the opening Tests. The seasoned spinner anticipates greater involvement at Adelaide Oval, where he boasts an impressive record of 63 Test wickets. ‘I haven’t really had the opportunity to get my teeth into this Test series yet, but that opportunity will hopefully come soon,’ Lyon added.

    Adelaide Oval head groundsman Damian Hough, Lyon’s former supervisor during his groundstaff days, indicated the pitch preparation would likely favor spin bowling. ‘Spin needs to play a part here. It always has,’ Hough commented, highlighting the historical significance of spin at the venue and expressing desire for spin to play a meaningful role in Australian pitches nationwide.

    The Brisbane omission has temporarily halted Lyon’s pursuit of bowling milestones, leaving him at 562 Test wickets—just one dismissal shy of equaling legendary pace bowler Glenn McGrath’s tally as Australia’s second-most prolific Test wicket-taker. Despite his age, Lyon remains unequivocal about his continued international aspirations, stating: ‘I’ve played 140 Test matches. I feel like I don’t have a point to prove to anyone.’ The veteran cricketer reaffirmed his commitment to representing Australia, emphasizing his clarity of role within the team and his enduring passion for the sport.

  • Beijing: Japanese fighter jets harassed pre-notified exercise zone

    Beijing: Japanese fighter jets harassed pre-notified exercise zone

    In a significant escalation of tensions between the two Asian powers, China’s Defense Ministry has presented detailed evidence countering Japan’s claims regarding recent military encounters in the East China Sea. Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin disclosed that Chinese naval vessels had provided explicit prior notification to Japanese counterparts about scheduled carrier-based aircraft training exercises.

    The confrontation centers around allegations made earlier this month by Japan’s defense ministry that Chinese military aircraft had engaged in radar locking maneuvers against Japanese fighter jets during training operations conducted by the CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier and its accompanying task group. Jiang characterized these accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

    According to the Chinese account, on December 6th, Chinese warship 101 formally notified Japanese warship 116 about planned flight training operations, with the Japanese vessel acknowledging receipt of the communication. A subsequent message specified that training would commence at 3:00 PM local time, continue for approximately six hours, and occur primarily south of the Chinese aircraft carrier—again with Japanese confirmation of understanding.

    Despite these explicit notifications, Jiang stated that Japanese fighter jets repeatedly intruded into the designated training zone, creating hazardous conditions and engaging in what China considers deliberate harassment. The spokesman asserted that Japan bears complete responsibility for any safety compromises resulting from these incursions.

    Jiang further accused Japan of systematic deception, claiming Tokyo has ‘repeatedly misled its own public and the international community’ by portraying routine Chinese military exercises as security threats while casting itself as the victim rather than the instigator. The spokesman suggested these actions might represent a calculated diversion from recent controversial statements about Taiwan made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

    The Chinese defense spokesman raised concerns about Japan’s broader strategic intentions, questioning whether the incidents reflect attempts to ‘create excuses to break away from the post-war system, to loosen restrictions on its military development, and to revive the specter of its militarist past.’

    China has called on Japan to address fundamental issues in bilateral relations and ‘earnestly reflect on and rectify its wrongdoings,’ warning that political manipulations aimed at evading responsibility would prove unsuccessful.