Global Pulse

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  • Italy calls up Federico Chiesa for World Cup playoffs after almost 2-year absence

    Italy calls up Federico Chiesa for World Cup playoffs after almost 2-year absence

    FLORENCE, Italy — In a decisive move to salvage their World Cup aspirations, Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has unveiled a 28-man squad featuring the long-awaited return of Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa. This marks Chiesa’s first international call-up since Italy’s disappointing Euro 2024 elimination against Switzerland nearly two years ago.

    The four-time World Cup champions face a critical pathway to qualification, requiring consecutive playoff victories against Northern Ireland on March 23rd in Bergamo, followed by an away fixture against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina five days later. Failure would extend Italy’s World Cup absence to at least 16 years, having missed both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments following playoff defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia respectively.

    Chiesa, whose career began at Fiorentina before his transfer from Juventus to Liverpool in August 2024, brings his championship experience from Italy’s Euro 2021 triumph. Despite limited playing time at Anfield with just one Premier League start this season, the 28-year-old winger remains a popular figure among fans for his relentless work ethic and passionate approach. His inclusion adds veteran presence to an attack seeking redemption.

    The squad also introduces fresh talent with Cagliari defender Marco Palestra receiving his first senior call-up. Meanwhile, Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini and Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli make their returns after nearly two-year absences from the national team setup.

    Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Alex Meret (Napoli). The defensive lineup features experienced campaigners including Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco, Juventus duo Andrea Cambiaso and Federico Gatti, alongside Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori.

    The midfield constellation boasts established stars such as Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali. The attacking contingent includes in-form strikers Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), and Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), providing Gattuso with multiple offensive options for these crucial encounters.

  • China’s second homegrown large cruise ship undocked in Shanghai

    China’s second homegrown large cruise ship undocked in Shanghai

    Shanghai witnessed a significant milestone in China’s shipbuilding industry on Friday as the nation’s second domestically constructed large cruise vessel, Adora Flora City, was successfully undocked from its construction berth. The sophisticated maneuvering operation, executed by powerful tugboats at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., marks the vessel’s transition to the crucial wharf commissioning phase ahead of its anticipated delivery timeline.

    The achievement represents China’s strategic expansion into the global cruise tourism market through technological advancement and maritime innovation. As a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the shipbuilder has demonstrated the nation’s growing capabilities in complex vessel construction previously dominated by European shipyards.

    According to cruise operator Adora Cruises, the project will now accelerate interior installations and comprehensive systems testing. The company confirmed the vessel remains on schedule for formal delivery by year-end 2026, with plans to inaugurate international itineraries originating from Nansha International Cruise Home Port in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. This development positions China to compete more substantially in the premium cruise tourism sector while showcasing advanced manufacturing capabilities in specialized shipbuilding categories.

  • Rental affordability slumps to record low as surging rents outpace wage growth

    Rental affordability slumps to record low as surging rents outpace wage growth

    Australia’s rental market has plunged to unprecedented levels of unaffordability, creating severe housing stress for tenants nationwide. According to the latest REA Group rental affordability report, the fundamental imbalance between income growth and rental prices has created the most challenging conditions since records began in 2008.

    Statistical analysis reveals a stark disparity: Australians earning the median salary of $124,000 can currently afford only 37% of rental properties advertised between July and December 2025. For those on more modest incomes approaching $75,000, the situation becomes critically constrained with merely 2% of available rentals within financial reach.

    Regional analysis demonstrates significant variation across states. New South Wales maintains its position as the least affordable state, where typical income households can access just 25% of rental properties. South Australia follows closely with only 19% affordability, while Western Australia and Queensland show slightly better but still concerning rates at 24% and 29% respectively. Victoria emerges as the sole exception, recording measurable improvements in rental affordability over the past twelve months and now leading as the most affordable state by a considerable margin.

    The crisis has developed through a perfect storm of economic factors. REA Group senior economist Angus Moore identifies that national rents have surged by 55% since the pandemic’s onset in 2020, dramatically outpacing wage growth which has increased by just over 25% during the same period. The numerical reality shows weekly rental prices escalating from a 2020 average of $420 to the current $650, placing enormous strain on household budgets.

    Most alarmingly, the most affordable segment of the rental market has experienced the steepest price increases. Properties at the budget end have jumped from $280 per week to $450 – a staggering 61% increase between 2018-19 and 2025-26. This disproportionate inflation at the lower end creates particularly severe challenges for low-income renters, effectively pricing them out of the market entirely. Even households in the 70th income percentile, earning approximately $190,000 annually, find themselves limited to just 8% of advertised rentals for the 2025-26 period.

    The decade-long decline in rental affordability reflects structural economic issues that require comprehensive policy solutions to address the growing housing inequality across Australian society.

  • Civil lawsuit in London against Gerry Adams’ alleged IRA role is dropped

    Civil lawsuit in London against Gerry Adams’ alleged IRA role is dropped

    A landmark civil trial against former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams collapsed unexpectedly at London’s High Court on Friday, as three victims of Irish Republican Army bombings withdrew their damages claim. The plaintiffs—John Clark, Jonathan Ganesh, and Barry Laycock—had sought symbolic damages of £1 (approximately $1.34) from Adams, alleging his direct responsibility for Provisional IRA operations in England during the Troubles.

    The case’s sudden termination came during what was scheduled as the final day of the two-week trial. The claimants’ attorney, Anne Studd, announced the discontinuation citing legal developments overnight related to ‘abuse of process’ arguments, though no specific details were provided.

    Adams, who testified earlier in the proceedings but was absent from court Friday, issued a statement welcoming the outcome. ‘I attended the civil case out of respect for them,’ the 77-year-old political figure stated. ‘This decision brings to an emphatic end a case that should never have been brought.’

    The plaintiffs had alleged that Adams served on the IRA’s Army Council and shared responsibility for the 1973 Old Bailey courthouse bombing and the 1996 attacks on London’s Docklands and Manchester’s Arndale shopping center. These incidents left Clark with permanent shrapnel injuries, Ganesh with psychological trauma, and Laycock with 50% disability alongside financial and emotional struggles.

    Adams has consistently denied IRA membership despite his leadership of the republican political party Sinn Féin from 1983 to 2018. He played a pivotal role in negotiating the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that largely ended Northern Ireland’s three-decade conflict, which claimed approximately 3,600 lives. While never charged specifically for the bombings, Adams faced historical allegations of IRA involvement—including a 1978 membership charge that was dropped due to insufficient evidence. Last year, he successfully won a £100,000 libel verdict against the BBC over claims he authorized an informant’s execution within the republican movement.

  • I didn’t know Epstein was a predator – Norway’s crown princess

    I didn’t know Epstein was a predator – Norway’s crown princess

    In a rare and candid public statement, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has openly expressed profound regret over her past association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The royal figure disclosed that she had been entirely unaware of Epstein’s predatory behavior and criminal activities at the time of their acquaintance.

    The Crown Princess’s remarks came during a carefully moderated public engagement, where she addressed previous social interactions with the disgraced financier. She emphasized that had she possessed any knowledge of his criminal actions and the extent of his exploitation of vulnerable young women, she would have unequivocally avoided any contact with him.

    This revelation marks a significant moment for European royalty, demonstrating a willingness to address uncomfortable associations with controversial figures. The statement reflects the ongoing reassessment of social connections in the wake of the Epstein scandal, which has implicated numerous high-profile individuals across international business, political, and aristocratic circles.

    The Norwegian royal household has maintained a reputation for transparency and modernity compared to other European monarchies. Princess Mette-Marit’s decision to address this matter publicly aligns with this tradition of openness while acknowledging the complex social responsibilities faced by contemporary royalty in navigating international relationships and associations.

  • Venezuelan leader replaces senior military commanders

    Venezuelan leader replaces senior military commanders

    Venezuela’s interim administration under Delcy Rodríguez has executed a comprehensive restructuring of the nation’s military command, signaling a significant departure from the previous government’s policies. The reshuffle comes precisely one day following Rodríguez’s appointment of Gustavo González López as Defense Minister, replacing longtime Nicolás Maduro loyalist Vladimir Padrino López.

    Rodríguez characterized the sweeping changes as essential for safeguarding Venezuela’s ‘sovereignty, peace, stability and territorial integrity.’ The reorganization introduces a completely new leadership team across all military branches: Dilio Alejandro Agüero Montes assumes command of the navy, Royman Antonio Hernández Briceño leads the air force, and Rubén Darío Belzares Escobar takes charge of the army.

    This strategic realignment follows the dramatic capture of former President Maduro by U.S. forces in January and reflects Rodríguez’s ongoing efforts to establish closer cooperation with Washington. The two nations recently restored diplomatic relations in early March after years of tension.

    The appointment of González López has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations. Provea, a Venezuelan human rights watchdog, condemned the move as a ‘recycling of impunity,’ while Human Rights Watch’s Americas director Juanita Goebertus noted the appointment ‘means keeping the repressive structure intact and rewarding someone who should be investigated for very serious human rights violations.’

    González López’s background includes two terms leading Venezuela’s intelligence service (Sebin) under Maduro between 2014-2018 and 2019-2024. In 2015, the Obama administration sanctioned him for alleged human rights abuses, citing his ‘prominent role in the repressive actions against the civil population during the protests in Venezuela.’

    Despite these concerns, Rodríguez expressed full confidence in her new defense minister, welcoming him and the newly appointed military commanders at the presidential palace on Thursday.

  • Spain makes light of failure to reschedule Finalissima vs. Argentina with comedy sketch

    Spain makes light of failure to reschedule Finalissima vs. Argentina with comedy sketch

    BARCELONA, Spain — The Spanish football federation has demonstrated remarkable adaptability following the cancellation of the highly anticipated “Finalissima” match against Argentina. Originally scheduled for March 27 in Qatar, the championship game between European and South American titleholders was called off due to security concerns stemming from escalating regional conflicts in the Middle East.

    Rather than lamenting the lost opportunity, Spain’s football authorities swiftly organized an alternative friendly match against Serbia in Villarreal on the same date. The federation showcased their creative response through a humorous video posted on their official social media channels. The sketch features an Argentine couple where the husband unexpectedly reaches out to Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente requesting tickets. Surprisingly, the coach responds positively, offering multiple tickets while expressing regret about the cancelled Argentina-Spain showdown.

    The cancellation resulted from intensified military actions in the region that made Qatar an untenable host. Despite extensive efforts by UEFA and CONMEBOL to find alternative arrangements, including proposed venues in Madrid and Italy, all solutions proved unworkable. Disagreements emerged regarding dates and locations, with Argentina proposing a March 31 fixture while Spain had scheduling conflicts.

    In additional football developments, Spain announced another friendly match against Egypt in Barcelona on March 31. Coach de la Fuente unveiled his squad selection, introducing several new faces including Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García and Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera, both fresh from Olympic success. The selection presents interesting tactical decisions, particularly in midfield where Martín Zubimendi’s current form challenges established starter Rodri ahead of June’s World Cup preparations.

  • Hungary’s Orbán threatens further anti-Ukraine measures over Russian oil dispute

    Hungary’s Orbán threatens further anti-Ukraine measures over Russian oil dispute

    BRUSSELS — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has intensified his government’s confrontation with Ukraine, revealing multiple leverage points his administration could employ to compel the restoration of Russian oil shipments. The announcement came just one day after Orbán single-handedly vetoed a critical €90 billion European Union assistance package destined for Kyiv.

    Speaking to journalists in the Belgian capital, Orbán disclosed that Hungary maintains significant influence over Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, noting that “40 percent of Ukraine’s electricity supply transits through Hungarian territory.” The prime minister characterized this as merely one of “many cards in our hands” beyond blocking financial aid that Ukraine desperately requires to sustain its military operations and economic stability.

    Tensions between the neighboring nations have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks following the interruption of oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, which traverses Ukrainian territory. While Ukraine attributes the disruption to Russian drone strikes damaging pipeline infrastructure, Hungarian authorities have accused Kyiv of intentionally creating an “oil blockade” against Hungarian interests.

    Orbán further threatened to veto the EU’s forthcoming seven-year budget should it incorporate financial support for Ukraine, declaring: “I don’t think it’s worth picking a fight with Hungary.” The prime minister also emphasized that any new EU sanctions against Russia would require unanimous approval, which Hungary would withhold.

    The confrontation occurs against the backdrop of Hungary’s April parliamentary elections, which analysts predict will be the most competitive contest during Orbán’s lengthy tenure. The Hungarian leader has increasingly centered his campaign on anti-Ukraine rhetoric, portraying President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an existential threat to Hungarian sovereignty and alleging that Ukrainian and EU leadership seek to drag Hungary into direct conflict with Russia.

    EU officials had previously attempted to resolve the impasse by offering technical and financial support to repair the damaged pipeline, which Ukraine accepted. However, Orbán’s latest statements indicate a hardening position that extends beyond energy concerns to fundamental disagreements about the EU’s relationship with Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities.

  • Officer reportedly leaks location of French aircraft carrier with Strava run

    Officer reportedly leaks location of French aircraft carrier with Strava run

    A significant security breach has emerged from the French Navy after a naval officer inadvertently revealed the precise location of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle through a fitness tracking application. According to initial reporting by Le Monde, the officer—identified only as Arthur—recorded a 35-minute run on the deck of the carrier on March 13 using Strava, a popular sports app. The activity was geotagged and uploaded, creating a digital map that pinpointed the warship’s position approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean.

    The French Ministry of Armed Forces confirmed the aircraft carrier serves as the centerpiece of a carrier strike group recently deployed to the region amid escalating tensions related to the Iran conflict. In response to inquiries from AFP, military officials stated the incident ‘does not comply with current instructions’ and promised appropriate measures would be taken if the report is verified. BBC Verify attempted to locate the specific route but found it may have been deleted or made private after discovery.

    This incident represents the latest in a series of security concerns involving fitness tracking applications. Previous cases include the exposure of French President Emmanuel Macron’s security details through his bodyguards’ Strava activities in 2024, similar tracking of US Secret Service agents protecting President Biden, and the identification of Russian security personnel at disputed properties. The application’s ‘heatmap’ feature—which aggregates and visualizes global user activity—has previously drawn criticism for potentially compromising military base locations worldwide.

    The Charles de Gaulle carrier group, which includes 20 fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and helicopters, was deployed as part of France’s enhanced military presence in the Middle East. President Macron has characterized the deployment as strictly defensive, aimed at protecting French nationals and interests while supporting regional allies. Strava, headquartered in San Francisco, boasts over 195 million users across 185 countries and utilizes GPS technology from mobile devices and fitness trackers to map exercise routes.

  • Zelenskyy sends a delegation to US to seek resumption of Russia-Ukraine talks

    Zelenskyy sends a delegation to US to seek resumption of Russia-Ukraine talks

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dispatched an official delegation to the United States in an effort to restart suspended negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This diplomatic move comes as both Kyiv and Moscow signal potential readiness to resume trilateral discussions, though significant obstacles remain.

    The peace talks, mediated by the United States, have failed to yield breakthroughs on critical issues and were put on hold as international attention shifted to the conflict in Iran. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia would not participate in the upcoming U.S.-Ukraine meeting, noting that timing and venue for renewed trilateral negotiations had not yet been finalized. Peskov characterized the current pause in discussions as “temporary.”

    Western European officials have consistently accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately prolonging negotiations while pursuing military advantages on the battlefield. Russian forces currently occupy approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, with expectations mounting that Putin will launch new offensives as weather conditions improve.

    The geopolitical landscape has complicated Ukraine’s position significantly. The recent conflict in the Middle East, beginning with Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran in late February, has diverted international attention and resources from Ukraine’s struggle. Meanwhile, Russia is benefiting financially from a temporary U.S. waiver on oil sanctions, while Ukraine faces severe cash shortages and awaits delivery of a promised €90 billion loan from the European Union.

    Military assistance concerns are growing as well. Ukraine may receive fewer advanced air defense missiles precisely when it needs them most, as stockpiles are depleted by the Iran conflict. In response, Ukraine is leveraging its battlefield experience with drone interception technology, offering expertise to Arab Gulf nations targeted by Iranian Shahed drones in exchange for air defense capabilities. A senior Ukrainian delegation has recently visited the Gulf region to explore potential security agreements.

    Zelenskyy addressed these developments Thursday evening, indicating progress in understanding what new security arrangements might be achieved with regional partners. The White House has not confirmed any specific meeting details regarding the Ukrainian delegation’s visit.