Global Pulse

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  • US House speaker says ‘nothing to hide’ in Epstein files

    US House speaker says ‘nothing to hide’ in Epstein files

    US House Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized that the upcoming vote on releasing Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein will dispel any allegations linking former President Donald Trump to the late financier’s crimes. Speaking on ‘Fox News Sunday,’ Johnson, a Republican leader, stated, ‘They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not.’ Johnson accused Democrats of using Epstein as a political weapon and urged transparency, declaring, ‘Let’s just get this done and move it on. There’s nothing to hide.’

    Recent emails released by a House committee suggested Epstein believed Trump ‘knew about the girls,’ though the context remains unclear. Trump has since directed the Department of Justice to investigate prominent Democrats’ connections to Epstein. This move has intensified political tensions, particularly with some of Trump’s congressional allies. Notably, Trump withdrew his support for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia after she criticized Republicans’ handling of the Epstein files.

    Greene, appearing on CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ reiterated her call for transparency, stating, ‘I don’t believe that rich, powerful people should be protected if they have done anything wrong.’ The debate over the Epstein documents, a focal point of Trump’s campaign, continues to expose divisions within the Republican Party and underscores the broader political implications of the case.

  • Dubai delivers a thriller as Fitzpatrick edges McIlroy in DP World Championship playoff

    Dubai delivers a thriller as Fitzpatrick edges McIlroy in DP World Championship playoff

    Dubai once again proved its mettle as a premier destination for sporting drama, hosting the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The tournament culminated in a nail-biting playoff between Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, delivering a spectacle that will be etched in golfing history. Fitzpatrick emerged victorious after McIlroy’s errant tee shot found the water, allowing Fitzpatrick to chip to three feet and secure the win with a par putt. This victory marked Fitzpatrick’s third DP World Tour Championship title, adding to his triumphs in 2016 and 2020. McIlroy, despite the heartbreak, secured his seventh Race to Dubai title, solidifying his status as Europe’s top player of the year. The event showcased the resilience and precision of both competitors, with McIlroy forcing the playoff with a stunning eagle on the 18th hole. Fitzpatrick’s victory was a testament to his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus, while McIlroy’s achievements throughout the year, including victories at the Masters and The Players Championship, underscored his dominance in the sport. The DP World Tour Championship continues to be a proving ground for golf’s elite, with Dubai’s world-class facilities and dramatic finishes cementing its reputation as a global hub for the sport.

  • Brazil’s Amazon rainforest at risk as key protection under threat

    Brazil’s Amazon rainforest at risk as key protection under threat

    The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the Earth,’ is at risk of a renewed wave of deforestation as efforts intensify to overturn a long-standing ban that has protected it. Known as the Amazon Soy Moratorium, this agreement prohibits the sale of soya grown on land cleared after 2008 and has been hailed as a global environmental success story. However, powerful farming interests in Brazil, supported by a faction of politicians, are pushing to lift these restrictions, particularly as the COP30 UN climate conference progresses. Critics argue that the ban unfairly favors a small group of companies, creating a ‘cartel’ in the soya trade. Environmental groups, however, warn that revoking the moratorium would be catastrophic, potentially leading to widespread land grabbing and further deforestation. Scientists have already cautioned that the Amazon is nearing a ‘tipping point,’ where the rainforest could irreversibly transform into a savannah, releasing vast amounts of carbon and disrupting global weather patterns. Brazil, the world’s largest producer of soya beans, plays a pivotal role in this debate. Much of the soya imported into the UK, a key component of animal feed, originates from the Brazilian Amazon. Major UK food companies, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and McDonald’s, have joined the UK Soy Manifesto, advocating for the continuation of the moratorium to ensure deforestation-free supply chains. Public opinion in the UK also strongly supports protecting the Amazon, with 70% of respondents in a recent World Wildlife Fund survey backing government action to eliminate illegal deforestation from supply chains. Despite this, Brazilian opponents of the moratorium argue that it stifles economic growth and have called for the Supreme Court to investigate whether the agreement constitutes anti-competitive behavior. The debate has even divided the Brazilian government, with the Justice Ministry questioning the ban while the Ministry of the Environment and the Federal Public Prosecutors Office defend it. The moratorium, initially signed nearly two decades ago by farmers, environmental organizations, and global food companies, has significantly reduced deforestation rates in the past. However, the pressure to lift the ban comes as Brazil prepares to open a major new railway that could further incentivize land clearing. Scientists monitoring the Amazon warn that deforestation is already reshaping the rainforest, with potentially devastating consequences for global climate stability and biodiversity.

  • Communist and far-right candidates head to Chile presidential run-off

    Communist and far-right candidates head to Chile presidential run-off

    Chile’s presidential election is set for a decisive run-off in December between Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right contender José Antonio Kast, following an inconclusive first round. The campaign has been heavily influenced by issues of crime and immigration, with both candidates vowing to address the surge in foreign gang activities, particularly from Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. Jara, representing the governing coalition, narrowly edged Kast in the initial vote, but the fragmented right-wing electorate is expected to consolidate behind Kast in the run-off. This could potentially mark a significant political shift to the right in Chile, mirroring trends in other Latin American nations. Kast, a conservative lawyer and former congressman, has advocated for stringent immigration controls, including a Trump-style border wall, and opposes abortion even in cases of rape. He has also criticized environmental and indigenous activism and aims to reduce the size of the state. Jara, perceived as more centrist in practice despite her Communist Party affiliation, has pledged to boost lithium production, raise the minimum wage, and enhance border security. Both candidates have emphasized their commitment to tackling crime and immigration, with Kast proposing mass deportations and new maximum-security prisons, while Jara has promised to expel foreign drug traffickers. This election also marked the first instance of automatic voter registration and compulsory voting in Chile.

  • Japan’s economy contracts as exports get hit by US tariffs

    Japan’s economy contracts as exports get hit by US tariffs

    Japan’s economy experienced a notable downturn in the July-September quarter, contracting at an annualized rate of 1.8%, according to government data released on Monday. This marks the first economic contraction in six quarters, with the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) declining by 0.4% on a quarterly basis. The downturn was primarily driven by a sharp decline in exports, which fell by 1.2% from the previous quarter and by 4.5% on an annualized basis. The slump in exports is largely attributed to the impact of U.S. tariffs, which have posed significant challenges for Japan’s export-reliant economy, particularly for major automakers like Toyota Motor Corp. Despite the contraction, the decline was less severe than the 0.6% drop anticipated by market analysts. Imports for the quarter saw a marginal decrease of 0.1%, while private consumption edged up by 0.1%. The U.S. currently imposes a 15% tariff on nearly all Japanese imports, a reduction from the earlier 25% rate. Japan’s recent political landscape also saw a shift with Sanae Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister in October, adding another layer of complexity to the nation’s economic outlook.

  • Look: India and Pakistan blind cricket female players shake hands defying recent trend

    Look: India and Pakistan blind cricket female players shake hands defying recent trend

    In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, blind women cricketers from India and Pakistan defied recent political tensions by shaking hands and exchanging compliments during a historic tournament in Sri Lanka. The event, described as the world’s first blind women’s T20 cricket tournament, took place at the Free Trade Zone grounds in Katunayake, 30 kilometers north of Colombo. The players, who traveled together on the same bus, showcased unity and mutual respect, contrasting sharply with the strained relations between their national teams. India secured a decisive victory, winning by eight wickets after restricting Pakistan to 135 runs in their 20 overs. Pakistan’s captain, Nimra Rafique, congratulated India on their win, while India’s captain, T. C. Deepika, praised Pakistan’s performance. The match, broadcast live on Sri Lanka’s national television, Rupavahini, was also followed by blind officials via YouTube commentary. Indian team manager Shika Shetty highlighted the tournament’s significance, calling it a groundbreaking opportunity for visually impaired women to excel in sports and inspire others. Pakistan’s coach, Tahir Mehmood Butt, emphasized the potential for blind cricket to empower young players. The tournament, which began in India and moved to Sri Lanka for its final stages, includes teams from Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the US, with the final scheduled for next Sunday in Colombo.

  • The oil pipeline feud testing Canada’s global ambitions

    The oil pipeline feud testing Canada’s global ambitions

    The longstanding tension between Alberta and British Columbia has escalated as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pushes for a new oil pipeline to the Pacific coast, while British Columbia Premier David Eby firmly opposes the plan. The proposed pipeline, aimed at accessing Asian markets, has reignited a fierce debate over Canada’s energy future, environmental protections, and interprovincial cooperation. Alberta, home to vast oil reserves, views the pipeline as essential for economic growth and reducing reliance on U.S. markets. However, British Columbia, a hub for environmental activism, has dismissed the proposal as “fictional” and “political,” citing concerns over environmental risks and the lack of private sector interest. The dispute underscores a broader national challenge as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to position Canada as a global energy superpower while navigating internal divisions. Carney has avoided taking sides but emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation between provinces. Meanwhile, Alberta’s Smith has accused Eby of being “un-Canadian” for blocking the project, which she argues would benefit the entire country. The conflict highlights the complexities of balancing economic ambitions with environmental and indigenous rights, as Canada strives to meet its climate goals and diversify its energy exports.

  • Mysterious drones have been spotted at night at airports across Europe. How worried should we be?

    Mysterious drones have been spotted at night at airports across Europe. How worried should we be?

    The escalating use of drones in modern warfare has prompted Europe to consider a groundbreaking defense mechanism: the ‘drone wall.’ This initiative comes in response to increasing incursions by Russian drones, which have not only targeted Ukraine but also ventured into NATO airspace, including Poland, Belgium, and Denmark. The drone wall, envisioned as a multi-layered defense system, aims to protect critical infrastructure and airspace across Europe from the Baltic states to the Black Sea. The system will integrate radar, sensors, jamming technologies, and weaponry to detect, track, and neutralize incoming drones. However, the project faces significant challenges, including technological limitations, financial constraints, and the rapid evolution of drone threats. Experts argue that while the drone wall is a necessary step, it is not a foolproof solution. The debate also extends to whether Europe should focus on defensive measures or target the sources of drone launches. As tensions between Europe and Russia continue to rise, the drone wall represents a critical but complex response to the growing threat of aerial warfare.

  • Two US marines implicated in killing family in notorious Iraq war shooting, expert tells BBC

    Two US marines implicated in killing family in notorious Iraq war shooting, expert tells BBC

    Safa Younes, now 33, remains the sole survivor of a harrowing incident that claimed her entire family in the Iraqi town of Haditha. On November 19, 2005, US Marines stormed her family home, opening fire and killing her parents, siblings, and aunt. Safa, then just 13, survived by pretending to be dead among the bodies of her loved ones. Two decades later, a BBC Eye investigation has uncovered new evidence implicating two Marines in the killings, raising serious questions about the accountability of US armed forces. The Haditha massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 24 Iraqi civilians, including women and children, remains one of the most controversial episodes of the Iraq War. Despite extensive investigations, no one has been convicted for the killings. The Marines claimed they were responding to gunfire after a roadside bomb attack, but Safa insists her family was unarmed and innocent. Forensic expert Michael Maloney’s analysis suggests that two Marines entered the room where Safa’s family was shot, contradicting earlier accounts. The case highlights systemic failures in military justice, with survivors like Safa still seeking accountability and closure.

  • How my on-air ‘brain fog’ moment sparked a big debate

    How my on-air ‘brain fog’ moment sparked a big debate

    Zoe Kleinman, BBC’s technology editor, recently made headlines not for her tech coverage but for her candid revelation about experiencing ‘brain fog’ during a live TV report. In a LinkedIn post that went viral, Kleinman shared her decision to hold notes during a broadcast, a move she initially viewed as a professional failure. However, the overwhelming response from women across the globe highlighted a shared struggle often tied to perimenopause and hormonal changes. ‘Brain fog,’ though not a medical term, describes moments of cognitive disarray—forgetting words, losing train of thought, or feeling mentally clouded. For women in their 40s, this symptom often coincides with perimenopause, a transitional phase marked by fluctuating hormone levels. The impact is profound, especially for those in public-facing roles. Janet Edgecombe, an internal communications expert, echoed Kleinman’s experience, recounting moments of forgetting basic words mid-conversation. Research underscores the severity of the issue: 10% of women leave their jobs due to menopause symptoms, while half consider quitting. Kleinman’s decision to hold notes, initially seen as a compromise, sparked a movement. The hashtag #HoldTheNotes emerged, encouraging women to embrace practical solutions without shame. Medical experts like Dr. Louise Newson emphasize the role of testosterone in brain function, advocating for its inclusion in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Meanwhile, innovative solutions like Niraxx’s red-light therapy headband offer hope for improving focus. Kleinman’s story has opened a crucial dialogue, urging society to take ‘brain fog’ seriously and support women navigating this challenging phase of life.