Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Fifa awards Trump its first ever ‘peace prize’

    Fifa awards Trump its first ever ‘peace prize’

    The prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, became the stage for a deeply political spectacle on a snowy Friday, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Donald Trump with an inaugural peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony. The event, attended by the president’s cabinet, family, and international delegates, featured Infantino praising Trump’s diplomatic achievements and presenting him with a gold medal and trophy larger than the World Cup itself.

    Trump accepted the honor without surprise, stating ‘This is truly one of the great honors of my life’ while claiming credit for saving ‘millions and millions of lives’ through his foreign policy. The ceremony included a video montage highlighting Trump’s meetings with world leaders and his claims of ‘ending eight wars.’

    The event raised serious ethical concerns regarding FIFA’s mandated political neutrality. Miguel Maduro, former chairman of FIFA’s governance committee, previously warned that Infantino had violated the organization’s ethics code by urging universal support for Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, protest groups gathered outside the Kennedy Center to demonstrate against Trump’s immigration policies and his transformation of the historically apolitical institution.

    Additional controversies emerged regarding immigration enforcement during the upcoming tournament. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup Task Force, confirmed that ICE could not guarantee protection from raids at stadiums for non-US citizens. This follows a previous incident where a father was arrested by ICE at a FIFA Club World Cup game in New Jersey for flying a drone to take family photos.

    The Kennedy Center itself has undergone significant changes under Trump’s administration, with the president installing himself as chairman and appointing allies including former ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to manage operations. These changes have prompted staff resignations and potential departures of cultural institutions like the Washington National Opera.

  • IndiGo CEO issues apology, outlines 3 lines of action to solve flight disruptions

    IndiGo CEO issues apology, outlines 3 lines of action to solve flight disruptions

    IndiGo Airlines CEO Pieter Elbers has issued a formal public apology following days of severe operational disruptions that culminated in massive flight cancellations on December 5, 2025. The carrier cancelled over 1,000 flights—representing more than half of its daily operations—stranding passengers across Indian airports and creating widespread travel chaos.

    Elbers characterized December 5 as the ‘most severely impacted day’ of an ongoing operational crisis that has persisted for several days. The CEO outlined a three-point action plan to address the situation and restore normal operations.

    The comprehensive strategy includes enhanced customer communication with detailed refund information and support measures, a request for passengers with cancelled flights to avoid airports to prevent congestion, and a full system ‘reboot’ implemented on December 5. This reboot involved strategic cancellations to properly align aircraft and crew resources for a fresh operational start on December 6.

    Elbers acknowledged that previous measures proved insufficient, necessitating the complete operational reset. The airline has increased call center capacity and expects cancellations to drop below 1,000 flights by Saturday, with a full return to normal operations projected between December 10 and 15.

    The CEO expressed gratitude to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation for providing regulatory flexibility regarding Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) during the crisis. Elbers concluded by recognizing the shaken customer confidence in IndiGo and pledged that frontline staff and teams are working relentlessly to restore trust in the airline’s services.

  • Australia take lead in second Ashes Test as England fumble at the Gabba

    Australia take lead in second Ashes Test as England fumble at the Gabba

    Australia established a commanding position on day two of the second Ashes Test at Brisbane’s Gabba ground, capitalizing on a disastrous fielding performance from England that saw five dropped catches. The hosts finished Friday’s play at 378 for six, building a 44-run lead over England’s first-innings total of 334.

    Australia’s batting lineup delivered a comprehensive assault on a docile pitch, with Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), and Steve Smith (61) all registering half-centuries. The innings showcased Australia’s adaptation of England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, maintaining a run-rate comfortably above five throughout the day.

    England’s fielding woes began early when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped opener Travis Head on just three runs. The errors multiplied under the floodlights during the final session, with Ben Duckett responsible for two missed opportunities—first denying Alex Carey a dismissal on zero, then failing to hold a chance from Josh Inglis. The calamities continued as Joe Root spilled a one-handed chance in the slips that would have removed Carey on 25.

    The sole fielding highlight for England came when all-rounder Will Jacks pulled off a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Smith, denying the Australian captain a more substantial score. Bowler Brydon Carse eventually rallied from expensive figures to claim three wickets, including the prized scalp of Smith, though he conceded 113 runs at 6.6 per over.

    Australian number three batter Labuschagne emphasized the importance of ending the day only six wickets down: ‘It gives us bit of time in the morning session and obviously pushes our bowling later into the night.’

    England, trailing 1-0 in the series after losing the Perth opener, face mounting pressure to dismiss Australia quickly on day three. Former captain Joe Root remained optimistic despite the setbacks: ‘We’ve obviously got some more work to do tomorrow, but certainly, we’re well and truly in this game.’

    The match situation was further complicated by England captain Ben Stokes suffering cramp that limited his bowling contribution during the crucial final session.

  • Single women risk rape and exploitation in search for better life in Europe

    Single women risk rape and exploitation in search for better life in Europe

    A disturbing trend is emerging across European migration routes as growing numbers of women undertake perilous journeys alone, facing unprecedented risks of sexual violence and systemic challenges in obtaining asylum protection.

    Esther’s harrowing experience exemplifies this crisis. Having fled an abusive foster home in Lagos in 2016, she was lured by promises of European opportunity only to be forced into sexual slavery in Libya. ‘She locked me in a room and brought in a man. He had sex with me, with force. I was still a virgin,’ Esther recounts. Her traumatic journey included desert crossings, Mediterranean sea rescue, and four years of navigating complex asylum systems across multiple countries.

    Statistical evidence confirms this alarming pattern. The International Rescue Committee’s 2024 report documented a 250% annual increase in single adult women arriving in Italy via the Balkan route, while family migrations grew by 52%. Despite men comprising approximately 70% of irregular migrants according to the European Agency for Asylum, women face distinctly dangerous circumstances.

    ‘Their experiences are different and often riskier,’ explains Ugochi Daniels of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). ‘Even women travelling in groups frequently lack consistent protection, exposing them to abuse by smugglers, traffickers, or other migrants.’

    The IOM recorded 3,419 migrant deaths or disappearances in Europe last year—the deadliest year on record. For women, the journey carries additional threats of sexual exploitation. Many women consciously prepare for the likelihood of rape, packing condoms or obtaining contraceptive devices beforehand.

    Hermine Gbedo of anti-trafficking network Stella Polare reveals the grim economic reality: ‘All migrants must pay smugglers, but women are often expected to offer sex as part of the payment.’

    Legal frameworks theoretically protect gender-based violence survivors. The Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention and a landmark EU court ruling last year recognize gender-based violence—including psychological, physical, and sexual violence plus FGM—as legitimate grounds for asylum. However, implementation remains inconsistent.

    Marianne Nguena Kana of the End FGM European Network identifies critical shortcomings: ‘Many asylum officials are inadequately trained men who may dismiss cases with flawed reasoning—such as assuming previously mutilated women face no further risk.’

    Proof remains another significant hurdle. Carenza Arnold of Women for Refugee Women notes: ‘Sexual violence leaves no visible scars like physical torture, and cultural taboos complicate disclosure to strangers in rushed immigration procedures.’

    Political responses are increasingly restrictionist. Italian MP Nicola Procaccini asserts: ‘We cannot sustain mass migration. We can guarantee safety only to those genuinely in danger.’ Policy Exchange’s Rakib Ehsan advocates ‘controlled compassion’ that prioritizes ‘women in conflict zones where rape is a weapon of war.’

    Yet many women from ‘safe’ countries like Kosovo report unbearable gender-based persecution. Nina, granted asylum in Italy after sexual exploitation by partners, explains: ‘People think everything is well in Kosovo, but that’s not true. Things are terrible for women.’ An OSCE report indicated 54% of Kosovar women experienced intimate partner violence.

    For survivors like Esther who finally obtained refugee status in 2019 after three attempts, the psychological scars endure. Reflecting on her decade-long journey, she questions: ‘I don’t even know the reason why I came to this place.’ As European nations tighten asylum regulations, the protection gap for vulnerable women migrants continues to widen.

  • Former Assad loyalists ‘funnelling money’ to armed groups in Syria

    Former Assad loyalists ‘funnelling money’ to armed groups in Syria

    A Reuters investigation has uncovered that wealthy allies of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are systematically financing armed groups to incite rebellion against the interim government. Major-General Kamal Hassan, former military intelligence chief, and billionaire Rami Makhlouf are reportedly competing to establish militia networks among Syria’s Alawi minority, with both factions collectively bankrolling over 50,000 fighters to secure their allegiance.

    Despite Assad’s apparent disinterest in reclaiming power from his Moscow exile, according to four sources close to the former ruling family, his former associates are actively working to undermine President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration. Their objectives include seizing control of 14 underground command centers and weapons caches constructed along Syria’s coastal region during Assad’s final years in power.

    The report details how General Hassan regularly communicates with field commanders, expressing frustration over his diminished influence and ambitions to retake Latakia—the Alawi-majority homeland of the Assad family. This power struggle has exacerbated sectarian tensions, resulting in significant violence across regions including Latakia and Sweida, where clashes between Alawi and Druze communities have claimed numerous lives.

    Following Assad’s overthrow in December 2024, loyalist attacks in Latakia triggered violent retaliations against Alawis, with at least 1,500 fatalities documented—many allegedly traceable to officials in Damascus. The interim government faces skepticism from minority groups wary of President Sharaa’s past association with al-Nusra Front, though he has publicly renounced its extremist ideology.

    Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani recently addressed these concerns at London’s Chatham House, emphasizing the government’s commitment to establishing a pluralistic, election-based state after 13 years of conflict. ‘We aspire that the Syrian state is one that Syrians believe in,’ Shaibani stated, asserting that Syria possesses no inherent sectarian problem despite its complex demographic landscape.

  • Watch: Moment officers wrangle 600lb alligator from Florida road

    Watch: Moment officers wrangle 600lb alligator from Florida road

    In a remarkable display of wildlife management, law enforcement officers in Florida collaborated with a professional trapper to safely remove a colossal alligator measuring 14 feet (4.2 meters) and weighing approximately 600 pounds from a public roadway. The operation required the coordinated efforts of at least seven sheriff’s deputies alongside the specialized trapper to secure the massive reptile. Using professional restraint equipment and techniques, the team successfully subdued the animal without causing harm to either the alligator or themselves. Following the successful capture, the animal was transported to a designated alligator farm where it was released into a controlled habitat. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Florida communities face regarding human-wildlife interactions in rapidly developing regions. Local authorities have reiterated safety protocols for residents encountering dangerous wildlife, emphasizing immediate notification of professional trappers rather than personal intervention.

  • Meta partners with news outlets to expand AI content

    Meta partners with news outlets to expand AI content

    In a significant move to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, Meta announced on December 5, 2025, the formation of strategic partnerships with major news organizations to integrate real-time content into its Meta AI assistant. This collaboration will provide users across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp with immediate access to breaking news, entertainment updates, and lifestyle stories directly through AI interactions.

    The initiative draws content from a diverse array of media partners including CNN, Fox News, Le Monde, People, and USA Today, with additional partnerships with The Daily Caller and The Washington Examiner ensuring representation across the political spectrum. According to Meta’s official blog post, this integration will enable users to access more varied content sources while receiving direct links to partner websites for deeper exploration of news stories.

    Meta explicitly acknowledged the challenges current AI systems face in keeping pace with real-time events, stating that these partnerships aim to make Meta AI “more responsive, accurate, and balanced” through the incorporation of diverse viewpoints. The company emphasized its commitment to expanding these collaborations and developing new features as competition intensifies among technology firms racing to advance their AI assistants.

    This development occurs amidst a broader industry trend where AI companies, including ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, are increasingly incorporating live web content and news feeds. The announcement marks a notable shift in Meta’s relationship with news organizations, which has experienced significant fluctuations over the years.

    The social media giant had previously minimized news content on its platforms, shutting down the Facebook News tab in multiple markets including the United States, Britain, and France while ending multi-million dollar deals with leading news organizations. The company’s January decision to terminate its US fact-checking program, which had employed third-party fact checkers from organizations including AFP to combat misinformation, further complicated its relationship with established media.

    Meta AI currently serves billions of users globally across the company’s ecosystem of applications, positioning this news integration as a substantial enhancement to its functionality and relevance in the competitive AI landscape.

  • UAE man wins Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge 2025, takes home Dh50,000

    UAE man wins Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge 2025, takes home Dh50,000

    RAS AL KHAIMAH – The inaugural Ras Al Khaimah Fitness Challenge 2025 concluded with a landmark ceremony at the Ras Al Khaimah Sports Complex on Friday, where Walid Omar Ali Salman Al Nuaimi emerged as the grand prize winner, receiving Dh50,000 for his extraordinary physical transformation. The event, presided over by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, celebrated exceptional achievements across multiple fitness categories while spotlighting the emirate’s growing prominence as a wellness destination.

    Al Nuaimi’s journey exemplified the competition’s core mission of promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. Beginning the three-month challenge at 150kg, the Ras Al Khaimah native successfully reduced his weight by 19kg, reaching 131kg through disciplined training and nutritional adjustments. In his victory speech, Al Nuaimi described the experience as ‘life-changing,’ noting complete overhaul of his daily routines, eating habits, and exercise patterns. He credited his coach from A25 Gym and family support as crucial factors in his unexpected success.

    The competition also recognized Khalid Mohamed Ali Al Shehhi as second-place finisher, who achieved an impressive 20kg weight reduction from 135kg to 115kg. Al Shehhi attributed his transformation to a rigorously structured diet and exercise regimen guided by his brother and coach at Rashaqa Life Gym, highlighting his mother’s role in preparing nutritious meals that helped him avoid fast food temptations.

    Organized under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, this pioneering initiative targeted Emirati youth aged 15-30 with Body Mass Index readings exceeding 40. According to Saeed Jumaa Al Maas, Vice Chairman of the Fitness Challenge Committee, the program implemented stringent medical assessments fully sponsored by the Crown Prince’s office to ensure participant safety and commitment.

    The challenge generated remarkable community engagement, with local gyms offering complimentary memberships—some extending for over a year—alongside nutritional guidance and personalized training programs. From 115 initial applicants, 68 athletes passed medical screenings and participated in professionally supervised training regimens testing endurance, strength, agility, and neuromuscular coordination. Through elimination rounds, the field narrowed to 20 finalists who faced a grueling final assessment featuring high-intensity exercises including air bike calories, rowing metrics, and kettlebell carries without rest periods.

    With total prize money reaching Dh810,000 distributed across 20 categories, organizers emphasized that all participants achieved victory through improved health outcomes. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud announced during the closing ceremony that the second edition will launch early next year with expanded eligibility starting from age 13, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles among youth.

  • Social media users rally around Ms Rachel after spike in threats

    Social media users rally around Ms Rachel after spike in threats

    Renowned American children’s content creator Rachel Griffin Accurso, professionally known as Ms Rachel, has reported escalating security threats against her family following her controversial nomination for ‘Antisemite of the Year’ by pro-Israel organization StopAntisemitism.

    In a detailed Instagram statement published Thursday, the early childhood educator revealed she has been compelled to employ security personnel due to persistent harassment campaigns originating from false allegations that she supports Hamas. The educational content creator, celebrated for her ‘Songs for Littles’ YouTube series that delivers developmental content to toddlers, emphasized that the accusations lack any evidentiary foundation.

    The situation has profoundly affected her personal life, with Ms Rachel describing emotional distress experienced by her young children. She recounted an incident where her son overheard safety discussions and subsequently spent the night clinging to her hand, fearful for her security. ‘This has taken such a toll on me and my family,’ she expressed, ‘and all I’ve wanted was to help kids.’

    The controversy originated in May 2024 when Ms Rachel initiated a humanitarian fundraiser for children in multiple conflict zones, including Gaza. Pro-Israel groups subsequently criticized her for sharing content with her substantial audience of over 20 million followers that documented the plight of Palestinian children affected by food shortages and military operations.

    Among the nine public figures nominated for the controversial distinction were media personality Tucker Carlson and actress Marcia Cross, all of whom have publicly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza and U.S. support for these actions.

    Recent months have seen StopAntisemitism escalate their campaign by petitioning U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate potential foreign funding of Ms Rachel’s advocacy—an allegation currently unsupported by publicly available evidence.

    Despite the intense pressure, Ms Rachel remains resolute in her advocacy, affirming that the harassment will not deter her from ‘standing with the kids of Gaza, Sudan and the Congo etc.’

    The situation has generated significant social media discourse, with historian Assal Rad commenting: ‘We live in a world where Ms Rachel has faced more pressure for defending Palestinian children than Israel has for slaughtering them.’ Numerous supporters have echoed this sentiment, praising her educational contributions while condemning the smear campaign.

  • Israeli general says Bibas family was not abducted by Hamas

    Israeli general says Bibas family was not abducted by Hamas

    In a significant revelation, outgoing Head of Israel’s Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters Major-General Nitzan Alon has disclosed that the prominent Bibas family was not actually abducted by Hamas during the October 7th attacks. Speaking exclusively to Yedioth Ahronoth, Alon stated that Israeli authorities had identified the actual captors as the Mujahideen Brigades, a smaller Palestinian faction, and had communicated this information to Hamas leadership to assist in recovery efforts.

    The Bibas family—comprising 34-year-old Yarden, his 32-year-old wife Shiri, and their two young sons, four-year-old Ariel and nine-month-old Kfir—became one of the most emotionally charged symbols of the captivity crisis. Tragically, Shiri and the children died while held in Gaza, though conflicting accounts persist regarding their cause of death. Israeli officials previously claimed Hamas fighters killed them directly, while Hamas maintains they perished in Israeli airstrikes.

    Alon elaborated on the complex operational challenges, noting that Hamas faces ‘genuine difficulty’ in locating remaining captives due to ‘the chaos on their side immediately after 7 October.’ Despite these obstacles, Israel maintains belief in the possibility of recovering the last missing individual.

    The broader context reveals staggering numbers: 251 people were initially abducted during the October attacks. Through various ceasefire agreements and diplomatic gestures, 168 captives returned alive to Israel, while 87 were confirmed dead in captivity—many under contested circumstances involving Israeli military actions. In exchange, Israel released 3,985 Palestinian prisoners.

    Currently, at least 9,250 Palestinians remain detained in Israeli prisons, with nearly half held under indefinitely renewable administrative detention orders without formal charges or trial. Israel’s practice of withholding information about detainees from Gaza suggests the actual figure may be substantially higher.