Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Slovaks protest populist leader Fico on anniversary of Velvet Revolution

    Slovaks protest populist leader Fico on anniversary of Velvet Revolution

    In a significant display of public dissent, tens of thousands of Slovaks took to the streets on Monday to protest against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies. The demonstrations coincided with the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which marked the end of communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia. Rallies and marches were held across dozens of communities, with the largest gathering in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, where protesters chanted slogans such as “We have enough of Fico,” “We want a change,” and “Resign.”

    One poignant banner featured a quote from the late Czechoslovak and Czech President Václav Havel, a key figure in the Velvet Revolution: “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred.” Fico, a polarizing figure in Slovak politics, has faced repeated protests over his policies. His government recently canceled the national holiday commemorating the Velvet Revolution, citing austerity measures. However, opposition leaders, including Michal Šimečka of the Progressive Slovakia party, dismissed this explanation, asserting that the move was an attempt to undermine the value of freedom.

    Fico’s pro-Russian stance has further fueled public outrage. He has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has halted Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine. His recent remarks urging students to fight for Ukraine if they oppose his views have also drawn widespread criticism. Fico’s alignment with Russia and his challenges to European Union policies on Ukraine have deepened divisions within the country and raised concerns about Slovakia’s geopolitical direction.

  • Bangladesh asks India to hand over former PM Hasina, ex interior minister Kamal

    Bangladesh asks India to hand over former PM Hasina, ex interior minister Kamal

    Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal following their death sentences for crimes against humanity. The Dhaka High Court delivered the verdict on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing political turmoil. Hasina, 78, and Kamal were convicted for their roles in a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising that led to her ousting in August 2024. Both have been fugitives, with Hasina reportedly residing in India since fleeing the country. The court’s decision was broadcast live, drawing widespread attention as Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since Hasina’s removal. Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who pleaded guilty, received a five-year prison sentence. The extradition request is based on a bilateral treaty between Bangladesh and India, though New Delhi has yet to respond. The case underscores the deep divisions and unrest that have plagued Bangladesh since the end of Hasina’s autocratic rule, with violence already overshadowing the upcoming 2026 elections.

  • Philippine president names new finance minister in cabinet switch

    Philippine president names new finance minister in cabinet switch

    In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Frederick Go, his presidential adviser for investment, as the new finance secretary. This move replaces Ralph Recto, who has been reassigned as the executive secretary. The changes were announced on Monday amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in infrastructure projects, which has sparked public outrage and hindered economic growth. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that these adjustments underscore the president’s dedication to fortifying governmental institutions and enhancing inter-departmental coordination. Recto, who served as finance secretary for nearly two years, brings extensive legislative experience from his three-decade tenure in the lower house and senate. Go, a former CEO of a real estate developer, has played a pivotal role in trade tariff negotiations with the United States. This marks the second cabinet overhaul this year, following a similar reshuffle in May after disappointing midterm election results for administration-backed candidates. The latest changes also follow the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, with Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo stepping in as officer-in-charge. Neither Bersamin nor Pangandaman have been implicated in the anti-graft body’s investigation.

  • Dongying birdwatching: More than birds, legacy in sky

    Dongying birdwatching: More than birds, legacy in sky

    The third Yellow River Estuary International Birdwatching Season in Dongying, Shandong Province, has become a beacon of ecological and cultural significance. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, emphasized the profound connection between humanity and nature showcased in this event. Speaking to China Daily on November 15, Khan lauded the Yellow River Delta as a critical sanctuary for migratory birds and a blueprint for sustainable habitat conservation. He also commended the festival’s cultural richness and its role in fostering ecological awareness among younger generations, describing it as a milestone in environmental stewardship. The event not only highlights the region’s natural beauty but also underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity for future generations. Dongying’s birdwatching season is more than an annual spectacle; it is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of people and nature, leaving a lasting legacy in the skies.

  • India: New Delhi car bomb accused appears in court

    India: New Delhi car bomb accused appears in court

    In a significant development following last week’s deadly car bomb attack in New Delhi, Indian anti-terrorism authorities presented suspect Amir Rashid Ali in court on Monday. Ali is accused of conspiring with Umar Un Nabi, the alleged suicide bomber, to orchestrate the terror attack that claimed multiple lives. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) stated that Ali facilitated the purchase of the vehicle used as an improvised explosive device (IED), while Nabi, a medical professor from Haryana, is believed to have carried out the attack. The blast occurred near a bustling metro station close to the historic Red Fort, a site of national significance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack as a ‘conspiracy’ and pledged to bring all perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. The death toll remains disputed, with the NIA reporting 10 fatalities and hospital sources indicating at least 12. The court has ordered Ali to be held in custody for 10 days as investigations continue. The incident has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Indian officials issuing stern warnings to their neighbor. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi likened the recent cross-border conflict to a ‘trailer,’ suggesting that India is prepared for further escalation if provoked. The attack underscores the persistent threat of terrorism in the region and raises questions about the motives and networks behind the suspects.

  • Look: UAE flag colours sky at Dubai Airshow 2025 as crowds wowed by flying displays

    Look: UAE flag colours sky at Dubai Airshow 2025 as crowds wowed by flying displays

    The Dubai Airshow 2025 kicked off in grand style on November 17, captivating audiences with an array of breathtaking aerial performances. The event, held at Dubai World Central, featured 19 teams and aircraft types on its opening day, making it one of the busiest schedules in the airshow’s history. The lineup included national aerobatic teams, military formations, next-generation fighters, and commercial aircraft, offering a diverse and thrilling experience for attendees. The skies were painted with the colours of the UAE flag as Fursan Al Emarat, the national aerobatic team, performed a stunning vertical climb, releasing trails of red, white, black, and green smoke. The Emirates A380 also made a dramatic low pass, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd. Adding to the excitement, a flying taxi made its debut in the flying programme, signaling a leap toward future mobility solutions. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, graced the event, emphasizing the UAE’s pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry. The airshow continues to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global hub for aviation and aerospace.

  • China to maintain pressure on Japan over PM’s Taiwan comments

    China to maintain pressure on Japan over PM’s Taiwan comments

    China has issued a stern warning to Japan, demanding the retraction of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial comments regarding Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized during a press briefing on Monday that China will persist in making strong representations to Japan, urging immediate reflection on its actions. This development follows the arrival of Masaaki Kanai, a senior official from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in China. Kanai is expected to engage in discussions with Liu Jinsong, the director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry. The diplomatic friction underscores the sensitivity of Taiwan-related issues in Sino-Japanese relations, with China reiterating its firm stance on Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory.

  • The deadly fungus Chinese scientists smuggled into the US

    The deadly fungus Chinese scientists smuggled into the US

    In a high-profile case that has drawn significant attention, Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old Chinese plant scientist at the University of Michigan, pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025, to charges of smuggling and making false statements to the FBI. Jian, who was arrested in June 2025 along with another Chinese scientist, was accused of smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a crop-damaging fungus, into the United States. Under her plea agreement, Jian was sentenced to time served and is expected to be deported. In a statement to the court, she claimed her research was aimed at protecting crops from disease.

    Fusarium graminearum, a well-known pathogen, poses significant risks to crops such as wheat, corn, and barley, causing Fusarium head blight, or scab. This disease can reduce crop yields by up to 45% in severe cases and has been responsible for substantial economic losses in the U.S., estimated at over $1 billion annually. The fungus also produces mycotoxins, which can harm both humans and livestock, leading to gastrointestinal damage, immune system issues, and nervous system inflammation.

    The case has highlighted the strict regulations surrounding the import and movement of plant pathogens in the U.S., governed by the Plant Protection Act of 2000. Scientists must obtain permits from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to transport such pathogens, a process that can take up to six months. The goal is to prevent the introduction of new genetic material that could exacerbate crop damage.

    Farmers combat Fusarium graminearum through integrated management strategies, including the use of fungicides, crop rotation, and planting resistant crop varieties. Researchers are also developing predictive models to forecast scab outbreaks, helping farmers apply fungicides at optimal times to minimize damage.

    Jian’s case underscores the delicate balance between scientific research and biosecurity, raising questions about the ethical and legal responsibilities of scientists working with potentially harmful pathogens.

  • Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 60 GE engines for Boeing aircraft

    Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 60 GE engines for Boeing aircraft

    Flydubai, Dubai’s second-largest carrier, has announced a significant agreement with GE Aerospace to acquire 60 GEnx-1B engines for its new fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The deal, unveiled on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support the airline’s ambitious entry into long-haul operations. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the partnership underscores flydubai’s strategic shift from its all-Boeing 737 fleet to diversify its offerings and meet evolving market demands. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency, will enable flydubai to expand its global reach and enhance its competitive edge. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, emphasized the critical role of engine performance and durability in the airline’s expansion plans, particularly as it prepares to integrate the 787 aircraft into its fleet. The announcement comes amid challenges posed by Boeing’s delivery delays, which have impacted flydubai’s growth trajectory. Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services at GE Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about supporting flydubai’s expansion, highlighting the GEnx engine’s proven reliability and efficiency. Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has logged over 62 million flight hours, cementing its reputation as a trusted powerplant for modern aircraft.

  • At least 98 Palestinian prisoners died in Israeli custody: Report

    At least 98 Palestinian prisoners died in Israeli custody: Report

    A staggering 98 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli detention since October 2023, with the actual number likely much higher, according to Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI). The Guardian reported on Monday that most of these fatalities were civilians, with systematic torture and abuse being rampant in detention centers. Causes of death ranged from physical violence to medical neglect and malnutrition. Among the deaths, 52 occurred in military custody, all from the Gaza Strip, while 46 took place in Israel Prison Service (IPS) custody, including detainees from the West Bank and Palestinian citizens of Israel. PHRI compiled its findings from forensic reports, testimonies, eyewitness accounts, and official information requests. The report highlights that Israeli authorities have only provided detailed data for the first eight months of the conflict, revealing a mortality rate of one death every four days. Since May 2024, PHRI has identified an additional 35 deaths, but the true number is believed to be higher, especially as hundreds of Gazan detainees remain unaccounted for. Naji Abbas, PHRI’s director, emphasized that the reported figures do not represent the full picture, as many deaths remain undocumented. Allegations of extrajudicial killings, physical abuse, sexual assault, and starvation have surged since October 2023, with no legal proceedings or accountability for these deaths. PHRI warns that every Palestinian detainee is at risk, regardless of health or age, and accuses Israel of implementing a policy of forced disappearance and lack of transparency. Currently, an estimated 9,250 Palestinian prisoners are held across 23 facilities, excluding unaccounted detainees in military camps. PHRI condemned Israel’s violations of international law, making it nearly impossible to trace the fate of many detainees. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities claim to act in accordance with the law and investigate all deaths in custody.