Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • GB News pays damages after airing ‘untrue’ claim by UAE influencer about Islamic Relief

    GB News pays damages after airing ‘untrue’ claim by UAE influencer about Islamic Relief

    British broadcaster GB News has issued a formal apology and provided substantial financial compensation to UK-based charity Islamic Relief after airing baseless allegations linking the humanitarian organization to terrorist financing. The false claims originated from Emirati influencer Amjad Taha during a February 16th episode of The Camilla Tominey Show, where he erroneously stated Islamic Relief was “sending money all the way to some terrorist groups in the Middle East.

    In September, GB News published a clarification acknowledging the allegations were completely unfounded, stating: “We accept the allegation that Islamic Relief has funded terrorist groups is untrue. Islamic Relief has stated it does not promote or support extremism of any kind and that it is a purely humanitarian organization.” The network has subsequently removed the controversial segment from all platforms and broadcast an on-air apology.

    Islamic Relief welcomed the resolution, with a spokesperson emphasizing the particular offensiveness of the accusations given that their humanitarian workers have themselves been victims of terrorist violence. The spokesperson noted these false claims perpetuate dangerous disinformation that threatens both staff and beneficiaries.

    The incident reflects broader geopolitical tensions, as the United Arab Emirates has historically targeted Islamic Relief, attempting to portray it as an extension of the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Taha’s comments referenced the organization’s proscription in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as its operating ban in Israeli-occupied West Bank.

    This case highlights the emerging influence of Gulf-based media figures like Taha, who present as analysts while promoting normalization with Israel and defending UAE foreign policy across Middle Eastern and African conflicts. Taha has additionally attempted to connect the Sudanese army to both Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas affiliations, coinciding with UAE support for the opposing Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.

    A 2023 New Yorker investigation previously revealed UAE financing of smear campaigns against Islamic Relief, attempting to falsely associate its officials with extremist organizations.

  • Sharjah announces temporary road closure in Khorfakkan

    Sharjah announces temporary road closure in Khorfakkan

    In a spectacular display of national pride and corporate unity, Design Infinity commemorated the UAE National Day through a monumental gathering of its entire 1,400-member workforce at the company’s Glass, Metal & Signage Factory. The event transcended conventional celebrations, transforming the industrial facility into a vibrant tableau of patriotic fervor and collective spirit.

    The celebration served as a powerful testament to the nation’s progressive journey, with employees from diverse backgrounds and specializations uniting under the banner of national identity. Against the backdrop of the factory’s industrial landscape—a symbol of the UAE’s manufacturing prowess and economic diversification—the massive team formation created a living mosaic representing the country’s unity and ambition.

    This unprecedented gathering not only honored the UAE’s rich heritage but also highlighted the critical role of industrial sectors in nation-building. The Glass, Metal & Signage Factory, typically associated with precision manufacturing, temporarily became a stage for cultural expression and corporate citizenship. The event demonstrated how industrial organizations are increasingly integrating national values into their operational ethos, fostering workplace cohesion while contributing to the broader social fabric.

    The scale of participation—encompassing every tier of the organization from skilled artisans to executive leadership—reflected a deeply institutionalized commitment to national values. Such coordinated displays of patriotism by major employers represent an emerging trend where corporate celebrations become meaningful expressions of civic engagement, potentially setting new standards for how businesses participate in national milestones.

  • Anoushka Shankar slams Air India for damaging her sitar

    Anoushka Shankar slams Air India for damaging her sitar

    Internationally acclaimed sitarist Anoushka Shankar has publicly criticized Air India after her valuable instrument sustained significant damage during a flight. The daughter of legendary musician Ravi Shankar and multiple Grammy nominee documented the incident through an emotional Instagram video that has since garnered widespread attention.

    In the revealing footage, Shankar demonstrates the extensive harm inflicted upon her sitar, expressing both devastation and disbelief. ‘I thought it was simply out of tune initially,’ she explained while examining the instrument. ‘After tuning it, I picked it up to play and realized the true extent of the damage.’

    The artist emphasized the particular disappointment of this incident occurring with India’s national carrier, especially given her extensive travel history. ‘This marks my first experience flying with Air India in many years,’ Shankar noted. ‘The irony that an Indian instrument couldn’t be safely transported by India’s flagship airline feels particularly distressing.’

    Shankar revealed that despite paying special handling fees and utilizing professional-grade protective cases specifically designed for instrument transport, the sitar arrived damaged. She highlighted that this represents the first such incident in her 15-17 years of international touring.

    The timing adds another layer to the story, as Shankar recently received two Grammy nominations for her musical projects. Her single ‘Daybreak’ earned a nomination for Best Global Music Performance, while her collaborative album ‘Chapter III: We Return To Light’ with Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar received a Best Global Music Album nomination.

    The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony, where Shankar could potentially win her first Grammy after twelve previous nominations, is scheduled for February 1, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.

  • Police punish shopper after AI video used in fake crab claim

    Police punish shopper after AI video used in fake crab claim

    In a landmark case highlighting emerging technological threats to e-commerce, Chinese authorities have detained a shopper for utilizing artificial intelligence to fabricate evidence in a fraudulent refund scheme. The incident, originating from Guangzhou, represents one of the first documented instances where AI-generated content has been weaponized against online merchants.

    The case unfolded when a Jiangsu-based seafood vendor identified as Gao received a complaint from a customer who had purchased eight live crabs on November 17. The buyer subsequently claimed six had arrived deceased, supporting their allegation with photographic and video evidence that appeared convincing at initial inspection. Complying with standard refund protocols, Gao processed a 195 yuan ($27) reimbursement.

    However, upon closer examination, Gao detected multiple anomalies in the submitted materials. The crustaceans exhibited unnatural rigidity in their limbs, while their abdominal flaps were positioned in biologically implausible configurations inconsistent with actual deceased specimens. Further scrutiny revealed even more glaring inconsistencies: the gender distribution of the crabs shown across different videos contradicted both the original shipment composition and each other.

    When attempts to contact the customer proved unsuccessful, Gao publicly shared her suspicions through social media channels. This action triggered harassment from unidentified parties and a privacy complaint from the alleged fraudster. With legal assistance, she formally reported the incident to Guangzhou law enforcement on November 28.

    Police investigation confirmed the customer had employed mobile technology to create synthetic media depicting dead crabs. The perpetrator received an eight-day administrative detention sentence from November 29 to December 7, with full restitution of the fraudulently obtained funds.

    This case has ignited concerns among China’s e-commerce community regarding increasingly sophisticated refund fraud methodologies. The situation is particularly alarming as major platforms have begun scaling back their previously generous ‘refund-only’ policies, which were originally designed to streamline customer satisfaction but have increasingly been exploited by malicious actors.

    In a related development from Yiwu, Zhejiang province, another merchant reported a similar attempted scam involving AI-generated video evidence for a pair of shoes valued at approximately 10 yuan. The merchant successfully thwarted the attempt by insisting on physical destruction of the merchandise as proof of damage.

    Industry advocates are now calling for enhanced technological safeguards, including advanced detection systems capable of identifying AI-manipulated visual content, to protect merchants from rapidly evolving digital fraud tactics.

  • Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t regret choosing ‘Titanic’ over ‘Boogie Nights’

    Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t regret choosing ‘Titanic’ over ‘Boogie Nights’

    In a revealing interview with Deadline, acclaimed Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has definitively addressed longstanding speculation about his career choices, expressing absolutely no remorse for selecting James Cameron’s Titanic over Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights in 1997. The 51-year-old Oscar winner clarified previous comments that had been misinterpreted as regret, explaining they originated from his profound admiration for Anderson’s groundbreaking work rather than any dissatisfaction with his own path.

    DiCaprio characterized Boogie Nights as a cultural milestone for his generation, describing it as the arrival of a new cinematic titan whose storytelling resonated deeply with contemporary audiences. He emphatically stated that Mark Wahlberg’s performance as Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler couldn’t have been improved upon, acknowledging Wahlberg’s perfect embodiment of the role originally offered to him.

    The actor reflected on the fortunate position he found himself in during that pivotal career moment, expressing gratitude for having been part of Titanic’s monumental success while maintaining creative autonomy throughout his subsequent career choices. DiCaprio emphasized the impossibility of undertaking both projects simultaneously given scheduling constraints, but noted the poetic symmetry of eventually collaborating with Anderson decades later on new projects.

    This retrospective analysis provides valuable insight into Hollywood decision-making processes at the highest level, demonstrating how career-defining choices can shape an actor’s trajectory while maintaining professional relationships that may eventually come full circle through later collaborations.

  • Rainforest-themed activities launched in Hainan

    Rainforest-themed activities launched in Hainan

    The lush landscapes of Wangxia village in Hainan’s Changjiang Li Autonomous County transformed into an environmental celebration hub as the province launched an extensive rainforest-themed festival on November 29, 2025. This multi-faceted event, spanning the entire month of December, showcases 23 distinct activities spanning public welfare initiatives, educational programs, competitive events, and academic exchanges.

    The inauguration ceremony, orchestrated under the theme ‘Dreaming Rainforest,’ presented an immersive live performance harmoniously integrated within the natural environment. This artistic presentation highlighted the region’s extraordinary biodiversity while offering glimpses into the cultural traditions of the Li ethnic community. A particularly notable performance, ‘Echoes of the Apes,’ drew inspiration from the critically endangered Hainan gibbon, symbolizing one of China’s most remarkable conservation success stories. Through dedicated protection efforts, the gibbon population has now reached 42 individuals across seven distinct groups.

    The event’s design philosophy emphasized environmental respect through minimal intervention principles. Organizers utilized exclusively eco-friendly materials and implemented reversible stage constructions to ensure zero permanent impact on the delicate ecosystem.

    On December 1st, the Olympic Champion public sports experience activated the Tropical Rainforest National Park Tourist Highway. Sporting legends Zhang Hui (short track speed skating), Yang Xiuli (judo), and Guo Weiyang (gymnastics) volunteered as national park ambassadors, leading approximately 1,000 participants through a 10-kilometer recreational walk amidst breathtaking rainforest scenery.

    Simultaneously, the ‘Changjiang Cup’ Ten-Mile Gallery Rock Climbing Competition commenced, attracting around 60 elite climbers nationwide. Athletes competed across youth, men’s, and women’s categories on the region’s spectacular natural rock formations, demonstrating the successful integration of adventure sports with ecological tourism.

    The academic component featured the 2025 International Symposium on Tropical Rainforest National Park, convening from December 1-2. This gathering recognized significant achievements in gibbon conservation and ecosystem service enhancements while facilitating knowledge exchange on forest management, national park operations, and climate change adaptation strategies.

  • George Clooney is curious about Travis Kelce’s post-retirement plans

    George Clooney is curious about Travis Kelce’s post-retirement plans

    In a revealing episode of the New Heights podcast, NFL superstar Travis Kelce engaged in a dynamic conversation with Academy Award-winning actor George Clooney about his burgeoning acting career and potential post-retirement plans. The 36-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end provided insights into his recent role in Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2 sequel, where he portrayed a hotel waiter in the golf comedy that premiered last July.

    During the candid exchange, Clooney expressed curiosity about Kelce’s potential transition to acting following his football career. “So wait. Is this gonna be—I know you’re not gonna retire—when you retire, is this are you gonna go into some show business? Are you gonna act more?” Clooney inquired, showcasing genuine interest in the athlete’s Hollywood prospects.

    Kelce responded with characteristic humility and enthusiasm, stating, “As long as I’m getting asked by guys like Adam Sandler, you know, my heroes growing up, man, I’m gonna be there in a heartbeat. I don’t know how much skill I have, but I’ll be the best teammate on set and have some fun with you.”

    The conversation took a humorous turn when Kelce suggested the film might have been “10 times better” had Clooney played the waiter role instead. The veteran actor quipped back, “Dude, I play a great waiter. You have no idea,” while revealing he hadn’t been approached for the project.

    Both speakers praised Adam Sandler’s collaborative spirit, with Clooney noting their thirty-year basketball friendship and describing the comedian as “such a good egg” and “fun to work with.” Kelce’s acting portfolio continues to expand beyond Happy Gilmore 2, including his role as Ed Laclan in FX’s Grotesquerie and appearances on Amazon’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? game show.

  • Pakistani expat celebrating UAE National Day since its first anniversary

    Pakistani expat celebrating UAE National Day since its first anniversary

    As the United Arab Emirates marks its 54th National Day, the remarkable journey of Saeedullah Mian Muhammad Saeed stands as a testament to the nation’s transformative growth. Arriving from Pakistan on December 2, 1972—exactly one year after the UAE’s formation—the 24-year-old accountant brought with him dreams and determination that would become woven into the very fabric of the emerging nation.

    Saeedullah’s professional odyssey began at International Trading Limited before he joined Dubai Electricity Company (DEC) as an accounts clerk in November 1973. His career trajectory mirrored Dubai’s spectacular development: he witnessed and contributed to the historic 1992 merger of DEC and Dubai Water Department that created the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Through decades of dedicated service, Saeedullah played pivotal roles in financial coordination with the Kanoo Group and spearheaded DEWA’s critical transition to SAP systems that revolutionized billing operations.

    Beyond his professional contributions, Saeedullah built a rich family life in the UAE. His 1975 marriage to Shahnaz blossomed into a family of seven children, all born in UAE hospitals benefiting from Sheikh Rashid’s free medical services. The family resided across Dubai’s evolving neighborhoods—from Deira and Karama to Al Qusais and Sheikh Zayed Road’s Blue Tower—their household eventually expanding to include sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and grandchildren living together in a vibrant multigenerational home.

    The COVID-19 pandemic brought changes as four children relocated abroad, but Saeedullah’s connection to the UAE remained unshaken. After 47 years of service, he retired in April 2021 as Senior Manager of DEWA’s Billing Department, receiving the ultimate recognition: the UAE Golden Visa honoring his lifetime contribution to the nation’s development.

    Now residing in Jumeirah with his wife, Saeedullah reflects on five decades that transformed sandy roads into a global metropolis. His story embodies the UAE’s spirit of opportunity, stability, and community—a foreign national who found not just employment but a true homeland, participating in one of the modern era’s most extraordinary national transformations.

  • Ecuador’s Otavalo Indigenous people use anime to inspire pride in their ancient culture and language

    Ecuador’s Otavalo Indigenous people use anime to inspire pride in their ancient culture and language

    In the high-altitude terrain of Ecuador’s Imbabura province, a creative renaissance is unfolding as young Otavalo Indigenous filmmakers employ Japanese anime aesthetics to revitalize their cultural legacy. Their groundbreaking animated short film, “We’re Aya,” represents a innovative fusion of traditional Quechua storytelling with contemporary animation techniques, drawing direct inspiration from Hayao Miyazaki’s legendary works.

    The cinematic project centers on the mythological adventures of Aya, an Otavalo warrior, and her companions who operate under the symbolic protection of the condor—a sacred avian emblem representing power in Andean cosmology. Director Tupac Amaru characterizes the production as a cultural counteroffensive against globalization’s erosive effects on Indigenous traditions, noting that his community faced a critical choice between cultural isolation or creative resistance.

    What distinguishes this nine-minute narrative is its exclusive use of Quichua dialogue among its twelve characters—a deliberate linguistic preservation strategy targeting younger generations who increasingly communicate primarily in Spanish. Creative manager Yarik Sisa explains the film incorporates ancestral rituals, including the ceremonial placement of musical instruments at energetic terrestrial points to imbue them with spiritual essence.

    The allegorical journey follows characters representing Indigenous archetypes—Ayaruku (indomitable spirit), Ayawa (feminine sublime), and Ayaku (childlike tenderness)—as they perform rhythmic dances through a cavern symbolizing globalization. Here, they receive their mission to become cultural seeds for their people. The narrative culminates in an intergenerational exchange where a granddaughter pledges to her grandfather to become a steadfast guardian of their traditions.

    Looking beyond this initial production, the creative team envisions expanding into Quichua-language video games and international digital media markets. Creative director Malkik Arango articulates their ambition to establish a media ecosystem “made by Quichuas in a Quichua environment,” signaling a new paradigm in Indigenous-led cultural production.

  • Trash everywhere: UAE residents take action against National Day litter

    Trash everywhere: UAE residents take action against National Day litter

    In an inspiring display of civic responsibility, UAE residents launched a nationwide cleanup campaign on December 3rd to address extensive littering left after the country’s 54th National Day celebrations. The movement gained momentum following a social media appeal by Sheikha Shamma Al Nahyan, President and CEO of Frontier25, who expressed heartfelt disappointment at the state of public spaces.

    The initiative, dubbed “Pride into Action,” was rapidly organized in collaboration with Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) and saw remarkable community participation. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds—including citizens, expatriates, families, and corporate teams—converged at designated assembly points equipped with gloves and garbage bags to tackle the stubborn remnants of party sprays and silly string that had adhered to roads and public areas.

    Sheikha Shamma documented the effort on Instagram, highlighting particularly touching moments such as a young schoolgirl who joined the cleanup directly after classes, whom she praised as “a young eco warrior.” The business community also contributed significantly by encouraging employee participation, demonstrating widespread commitment to environmental stewardship.

    The cleanup operation, which commenced at 5 PM, addressed not only conventional waste but also the challenging residue from festive materials that required dedicated effort to remove. Sheikha Shamma emphasized that even those unable to join organized locations could contribute by cleaning their immediate surroundings, reinforcing the message that civic responsibility extends to all residents.