Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Cross-Strait Chinese New Year bazaar unites cultures in Fuzhou

    Cross-Strait Chinese New Year bazaar unites cultures in Fuzhou

    Fuzhou’s Guixi Community transformed into a vibrant hub of cross-Strait cultural exchange during a special Lunar New Year bazaar held last weekend. The capital of Fujian province hosted this three-day event featuring over 50 booths outside the prominent residence for Taiwan compatriots, creating a sensory journey through shared Chinese New Year traditions.

    The atmosphere buzzed with the sizzle of authentic Taiwan sausages and the comforting aroma of Fuzhou fish balls, symbolizing the blending of culinary traditions across the Strait. Zhou Jia-sin, a Taiwanese entrepreneur, showcased handcrafted sausages using her family’s secret recipe—a business venture inspired by her father’s nostalgia for home flavors during his early mainland business days. The Zhou family now operates six successful sausage stores in Fuzhou.

    This cultural integration extends beyond food. Lin Szu-shan, another Taiwanese vendor, emphasized how the round shape of fish balls represents reunion in Chinese culture, with his Fuzhou-produced delicacies reaching restaurants as far as Sichuan province and Shanghai for Spring Festival celebrations.

    The event also highlighted the growing community of Taiwan compatriots choosing to build lives in Fujian. Huang Wan-ting, a medical service provider trained in Taiwan, found her calling in Fuzhou through community service, assisting residents with medical insurance and hospital visits. She is among over 500 Taiwan residents benefiting from Guixi Community’s pioneering public rental housing program specifically designed for Taiwan compatriots with favorable rental terms.

    Under innovative shared governance standards, the community encourages Taiwan residents to lead management and volunteering initiatives, earning widespread appreciation from local neighbors. Chen Wenjing, director of Guixi Community’s neighborhood committee, stated their goal is to create “a landmark, integrated community that serves as a warm, supportive shared home for all residents.”

  • Iran army chief warns US, Israel against attack, says forces on high alert

    Iran army chief warns US, Israel against attack, says forces on high alert

    Iran’s top military commander, Army Chief Amir Hatami, issued a grave warning to the United States and Israel on Saturday, declaring the nation’s armed forces at maximum readiness following significant US naval deployments to the Persian Gulf. The heightened alert comes as Washington dispatched the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the region, escalating already volatile tensions.

    Hatami delivered his stark message through Iran’s official IRNA news agency, stating unequivocally that any hostile action by ‘the enemy’ would jeopardize regional security and specifically endanger Israel. The military leader simultaneously asserted the irreversible nature of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, declaring that the country’s nuclear expertise ‘cannot be eliminated, even if scientists and sons of this nation are martyred’—a reference to previous attacks on nuclear facilities and personnel.

    The current military buildup follows weeks of civil unrest within Iran that began in late December as economic protests before transforming into broader anti-government demonstrations. Iranian authorities reported 3,117 fatalities from the disturbances, though independent watchdog HRANA documented over 6,500 deaths. The Iranian government has consistently blamed the United States and Israel for instigating what it terms ‘terrorist operations’ behind the unrest.

    Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) prepared for live-fire naval exercises in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz—a vital global energy transit corridor. US Central Command issued warnings against any ‘unsafe and unprofessional behavior’ during these drills. The IRGC’s designation as a terrorist organization by both the United States (2019) and recently by the European Union has further strained international relations, prompting vows of reciprocal action from Tehran.

    Amid these developments, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for governmental attention to public grievances while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei participated in ceremonies marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, underscoring the regime’s determination to maintain national unity during this period of heightened external pressure.

  • World Governments Summit 2026 to begin February 3–5 with record participation

    World Governments Summit 2026 to begin February 3–5 with record participation

    Dubai prepares to host the most significant gathering of global governance leaders in history as the World Governments Summit 2026 announces its comprehensive agenda. Scheduled for February 3-5 under the thematic banner ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ the summit will feature an extraordinary convergence of international leadership and expertise.

    The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone with participation from more than 45 heads of state and government, alongside 15 deputy heads of state, over 500 ministers, and representatives from 150 governments worldwide. This unprecedented assembly demonstrates the growing recognition of the summit’s critical role in addressing contemporary global challenges.

    The summit’s intellectual framework comprises 445 sessions featuring 450 distinguished speakers, including Nobel laureates, policy experts, and strategic thinkers. The program is further enriched by the participation of 700 corporate CEOs, 87 recipients of prestigious scientific awards, and representatives from 80 international organizations and academic institutions.

    Five central thematic pillars will guide discussions: Global Governance and Effective Leadership; Societal Wellbeing and Capacity Building; Economic Prosperity and Strategic Investments; Urban Future and Evolving Demographics; and Future Realities and Emerging Frontiers. These themes reflect the urgent need for adaptive governance structures in response to rapid global transformations.

    The preliminary agenda (Day 0, February 2) includes specialized forums such as the UAE-Kuwait Economic Forum, Arab Fiscal Forum, and High-Level Investment Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean. Prominent speakers include IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed Al Hussaini.

    Subsequent days will feature addresses from global leaders including Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, and New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff. The closing sessions will include keynote addresses from Mauritania’s Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    The summit will produce 36 strategic reports in collaboration with international knowledge partners and launch the third edition of the Global Ministers Survey. With 840 journalists and 44 media partners registered, the event is poised to generate substantial global coverage and influence international policy discussions for the coming year.

  • England level series with win against South Africa

    England level series with win against South Africa

    In a thrilling reversal of fortunes, England’s national netball team secured a decisive 61-49 victory against South Africa in Johannesburg on January 31, 2026, leveling the three-match test series at 1-1 before a capacity crowd.

    The Roses demonstrated remarkable resilience after suffering defeat in the opening match just days earlier. Facing a seven-goal deficit during the second quarter, England mounted a spectacular recovery to narrow the gap to just one goal by halftime. The visitors emerged from the break with renewed determination, systematically establishing control of the contest and building an eight-goal advantage entering the final period.

    Captain Fran Williams delivered a standout performance, earning player of the match honors through two critical interceptions during the pivotal third quarter that shifted momentum permanently in England’s favor. “We showed such composure,” Williams remarked following the victory. “I loved the way we played that last quarter. We didn’t do anything too flashy, we were happy to sit in that goal-for-goal knowing we’d done the work and it was the smarts that got us over the line.”

    Head coach Jess Thirlby’s strategic adjustments proved instrumental following the initial defeat, with notable positional changes including Helen Housby at goal attack, Lois Pearson moving to wing attack, and Williams assuming wing defense responsibilities. Thirlby praised her squad’s improved ball movement and decision-making against South Africa’s formidable defense.

    The series now advances to a winner-takes-all finale scheduled for Sunday at 14:00 GMT. Williams acknowledged the need for elevated performance, stating the Roses must “step it up a gear” to overcome the Proteas in the decisive match.

    This contest serves as crucial preparation for both squads ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where England and South Africa will compete in the same six-team pool. The Roses enter as defending champions after their historic gold medal victory against host nation Australia in 2018.

  • Hungarian Roma protest inflammatory comments by Orbán government minister

    Hungarian Roma protest inflammatory comments by Orbán government minister

    BUDAPEST, Hungary — More than a thousand demonstrators, predominantly from Hungary’s Roma minority, flooded the streets of Budapest on Saturday demanding the immediate resignation of Minister János Lázár following inflammatory comments widely condemned as racist. The protest marked one of the largest Roma-led mobilizations in recent years.

    Protesters converged outside the offices of Lázár, a key figure in Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing populist government, chanting slogans and holding symbolic toilet brushes in reference to the minister’s controversial statements. The demonstration reflected deepening ethnic tensions just weeks before pivotal parliamentary elections.

    Earlier this month, Lázár described Hungary’s Roma population as a labor “reserve” that could address the country’s workforce shortages by performing jobs allegedly undesirable to ethnic Hungarians. Specifically referencing toilet cleaning on intercity trains, the minister stated: “If there are no migrants… the internal reserve is Gypsies in Hungary. This is the reality.”

    The remarks ignited immediate backlash from Roma leaders and activists who accused Lázár of explicit racism and promoting harmful stereotypes. István Soltész, a protester who traveled from southern Hungary, expressed the community’s frustration: “We have always been made to feel that we are considered second-class citizens. Many of us played our part in world wars, revolutions, and building this country—only to face constant humiliation.”

    Hungary’s Roma population, estimated at approximately one million people (over 10% of the population), represents the nation’s largest yet most marginalized minority community. Historically subjected to systemic discrimination, economic exclusion, educational segregation, and occasional racial violence, the community has increasingly organized against government rhetoric perceived as dehumanizing.

    The political timing of Lázár’s comments has raised concerns within the governing Fidesz party, which traditionally relied on Roma voter support. With elections scheduled for April 12—expected to be the most serious challenge to Orbán’s 14-year rule—the controversy has created unexpected turbulence for the incumbent government.

    While Lázár has issued a public apology claiming his statements were misinterpreted, Roma musician István Szilvási told protesters the comments had “deeply offended the patriotism of Hungary’s Roma” and their fundamental humanity. Many attendees indicated the incident would influence their voting decisions in the upcoming election, where the opposition Tisza party holds a lead in recent polls.

    The governing party has attempted to deflect criticism by accusing opposition groups of exacerbating ethnic divisions, though community leaders maintain the minister’s remarks reflect deeper structural prejudices that demand institutional accountability.

  • Moldova hit by widespread power cuts amid Ukraine grid problems

    Moldova hit by widespread power cuts amid Ukraine grid problems

    A severe energy emergency struck Moldova on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, triggering widespread blackouts that paralyzed the capital city of Chisinau and multiple regions. The crisis originated from a catastrophic failure within Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, which has been systematically degraded by months of relentless Russian military strikes.

    According to an official statement from Moldova’s Energy Ministry disseminated via Telegram, a massive voltage drop occurred on a critical power transmission line connecting the two nations. This disruption, stemming from Ukraine’s destabilized grid, forced an emergency shutdown of Moldova’s energy system. Chisinau’s Mayor, Ion Ceban, confirmed that the majority of the capital’s districts were plunged into darkness, reporting that even traffic lights ceased functioning, bringing urban transit to a standstill.

    The repercussions of the grid collapse extended beyond Moldova’s borders, severely compounding the existing energy catastrophe in Ukraine. The private energy firm DTEK announced the implementation of emergency power cuts across several Ukrainian regions. In the capital Kyiv, the metro system suspended all operations, and city officials reported a temporary halt to the public water supply, creating a multifaceted humanitarian and urban crisis.

    This incident underscores the severe vulnerability of interconnected energy networks in Eastern Europe and represents a significant escalation in the regional impact of the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian energy authorities had not issued an immediate commentary on the specific technical failure that triggered the cross-border outage. The event highlights how military actions targeting critical infrastructure in one nation can create devastating ripple effects, destabilizing essential services in neighboring countries and affecting millions of civilians.

  • Israeli strikes kill scores of Palestinians in Gaza

    Israeli strikes kill scores of Palestinians in Gaza

    A series of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Saturday resulted in one of the single deadliest days of violence since the implementation of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, with hospital officials reporting at least 26 Palestinian fatalities. The casualties included six children, underscoring the severe human cost of the renewed hostilities.

    The offensive targeted multiple locations spanning from the north to the south of the besieged territory. Strikes hit a residential apartment building in Gaza City and a tent encampment in the city of Khan Younis, with additional bombardments reported in the eastern sector of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. Concurrently, the Israeli military issued new expulsion orders for a building in Khan Younis, forcing further civilian displacements.

    According to medical authorities at Al-Shifa Hospital, an early morning strike on a family home in Gaza City killed three children, their aunt, and their grandmother. The children’s mother was reported to have survived the attack. In a separate incident, a strike on a tent camp ignited a fierce fire, with Nasser Hospital confirming the deaths of seven individuals from a single family, including a father, his three children, and three grandchildren.

    In one of the deadliest single events, an attack on a local police station resulted in the deaths of at least 11 officers, among them four policewomen, and several inmates who were being held at the facility.

    This escalation occurred on the eve of the scheduled reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a critical conduit for humanitarian aid and movement. Since the tentative truce between Israel and Hamas took effect in October, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has documented over 500 Palestinian deaths and at least 1,412 injuries, with the majority of victims being civilians.

  • Topgolf Yas Island aims to redefine access to the sport and inspire a new generation

    Topgolf Yas Island aims to redefine access to the sport and inspire a new generation

    Abu Dhabi’s sporting landscape is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with the advanced development of Topgolf Yas Island, a cutting-edge facility designed to democratize golf participation through technology-driven entertainment. Currently 28% complete, this ambitious project represents a strategic partnership between Miral and UAE-based leisure company Viya, aiming to reshape how both beginners and experienced players engage with the sport.

    The 6,500 square meter complex will feature an innovative multi-tier driving range equipped with TopTracer technology for real-time ball tracking. The facility will boast 82 climate-controlled hitting bays, including eight VIP sections, creating an inclusive environment that welcomes first-time players alongside seasoned golf enthusiasts. This architectural marvel will span three levels, incorporating a virtual reality hitting bay, direct tee line access, lounge areas, and an outdoor event lawn.

    Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer at Miral, emphasized the project’s significance: “Topgolf embodies innovation and joy, offering an unparalleled experience for visitors of all skill levels. This development reinforces our commitment to establishing Yas Island as a premier global destination for entertainment and leisure.”

    The Abu Dhabi location builds upon the remarkable success of Topgolf Dubai, which has welcomed over 2.7 million guests and recorded more than 85 million swings since its opening five years ago. Christopher May, CEO of Viya, noted that the expansion reflects their dedication to bringing world-class leisure destinations to the UAE while supporting the nation’s growing golf ecosystem.

    Beyond sporting applications, the complex will feature diverse dining concepts including sports lounges, sky terraces, arcade zones, and adaptable event spaces capable of hosting corporate functions and community gatherings. This integrated approach positions Topgolf Yas Island as a multifaceted entertainment hub that aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of blending sports, tourism, and social engagement.

  • Iran President says US, Israeli, European leaders helped protesters ‘tear nation apart’

    Iran President says US, Israeli, European leaders helped protesters ‘tear nation apart’

    In a nationally televised address on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian launched a sweeping condemnation of Western powers, accusing the United States, Israel, and European leaders of orchestrating and financing recent civil unrest that has shaken the Islamic Republic. The president asserted that these foreign entities had systematically exploited Iran’s domestic economic challenges to provoke division and destabilize the nation.

    The protests, which erupted in late December as demonstrations against soaring inflation and a severe economic crisis, evolved into a widespread movement before being suppressed by Iranian authorities. According to President Pezeshkian, external actors provided both material resources and strategic direction to transform legitimate economic grievances into what he characterized as an attempted insurrection.

    “These foreign powers deliberately sought to provoke internal conflict, create deep societal divisions, and supply substantial resources that drew certain innocent citizens into this destructive movement,” Pezeshkian stated during his live broadcast on state television.

    The government’s response to the protests has drawn international condemnation, with conflicting reports emerging about the human cost. US-based human rights organization HRANA has documented at least 6,563 fatalities, including 6,170 protesters and 214 security personnel. Conversely, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi provided significantly different figures to CNN Turk, claiming 3,100 total deaths with 2,000 being security forces.

    The president’s remarks represent the most comprehensive official narrative from Tehran regarding the recent turmoil, framing the events as primarily resulting from foreign interference rather than domestic dissatisfaction. This positioning aligns with Iran’s longstanding narrative of resisting Western influence while simultaneously acknowledging the economic pressures facing ordinary Iranians.

  • Kolkata fire tragedy: Wow! Momo manager, deputy arrested; Modi announces compensation

    Kolkata fire tragedy: Wow! Momo manager, deputy arrested; Modi announces compensation

    In the aftermath of a devastating warehouse fire in Kolkata’s Anandpur area on January 26, 2026, significant developments have emerged regarding accountability and victim compensation. The blaze, which originated in a neighboring facility around 3 AM before spreading to Wow! Momo’s storage premises, resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous missing persons reports.

    Law enforcement authorities have intensified their investigation with the arrests of two additional suspects connected to the incident. Baruipur Police confirmed the detention of Manoranjan Sheet, the company manager, and Raja Chakraborty, the deputy manager. These apprehensions follow the earlier arrest of Gangadhar Das, owner of the adjacent Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse, who faces charges of criminal negligence resulting in death.

    The human toll has prompted substantial response from both governmental and corporate entities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced immediate financial assistance through the PM National Relief Fund, allocating ₹200,000 to families of deceased victims and ₹50,000 for injured individuals. The Prime Minister’s Office expressed profound sorrow regarding the incident, extending condolences to affected families.

    Wow! Momo has instituted an extensive support program for victims’ families, surpassing statutory requirements. The company has committed to providing ₹1 million lump-sum compensation per family, guaranteed lifetime monthly salary continuation, and comprehensive educational support for children who lost parents in the tragedy. Company representatives have personally met with all affected families to ensure transparent communication regarding these commitments.

    Forensic investigation continues with 21 DNA samples submitted for profiling, while police have registered 27 official missing persons reports related to the incident. The exact death toll remains unconfirmed as recovery and identification efforts persist.

    The restaurant chain’s official statement conveyed profound emotional impact, noting the fire “engulfed not only our men but our spirit too,” while pledging full cooperation with ongoing governmental investigations into the catastrophe’s causes.