Global Pulse

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  • Zelenskyy says US 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions is ‘not the right decision’

    Zelenskyy says US 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions is ‘not the right decision’

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticized the United States’ decision to grant a 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions, warning that the move would funnel approximately $10 billion to Moscow’s war efforts. Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday, Zelenskyy characterized the sanctions relief as counterproductive to peace negotiations.

    “This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war,” Zelenskyy stated. “I believe that lifting sanctions will, in any case, lead to a strengthening of Russia’s position. It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us.”

    The U.S. Treasury Department announced the temporary waiver on Thursday, citing the need to address Russian oil cargoes stranded at sea and mitigate supply shortages resulting from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Analysts note that rising oil prices due to production disruptions in the Persian Gulf have inadvertently benefited Russia’s economy, which relies heavily on energy revenues to finance its military operations.

    The decision has drawn international criticism beyond Ukraine’s leadership. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared the waiver “the wrong decision” during his visit to Norway, revealing that six G7 members had expressed opposition to sanctions relief during recent discussions. “There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem,” Merz noted, questioning the underlying motivations for the U.S. action.

    President Macron sought to contextualize the waiver as “limited” and “exceptional,” emphasizing that broader sanctions against Russia remain intact. Meanwhile, U.S.-mediated talks between Moscow and Kyiv remain suspended due to regional instability, though Zelenskyy indicated potential resumption next week.

    In a strategic pivot, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has received requests from six nations, including the United States and Jordan, for combat drone assistance. Having emerged as a global leader in drone interceptor technology, Ukraine now offers its battlefield expertise to international partners in exchange for advanced weaponry it cannot domestically produce. Zelenskyy stressed that effective drone defense requires integrated systems beyond interceptors alone, noting “There must be proper, systematic work with radars and with the entire air defense system.”

    The Ukrainian president confirmed that White House approval is pending for a bilateral agreement on producing battle-tested drones, potentially marking a significant advancement in Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

  • ‘Feeling embarrassed’: Trent Robinson gives update on Billy Smith after mystery e-bike crash

    ‘Feeling embarrassed’: Trent Robinson gives update on Billy Smith after mystery e-bike crash

    In a dramatic prelude to a record-breaking National Rugby League clash in Sydney, the Sydney Roosters secured an epic victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs despite the last-minute absence of center Billy Smith. Smith was ruled out of Friday night’s blockbuster match at Allianz Stadium following an e-bike accident near the club’s Moore Park headquarters, sparking internal discussions about player safety protocols.

    Roosters coach Trent Robinson addressed the unusual situation post-match, revealing Smith was feeling ’embarrassed’ but otherwise okay after suffering a head knock in the incident. The accident has prompted calls for revised transportation arrangements for players, who currently face a lengthy walk from the Entertainment Quarter parking lot to their training facility. The area surrounding their Centre of Excellence is reportedly filled with e-bikes and scooters used by players and staff due to limited parking availability.

    Team captain James Tedesco contextualized the incident, noting that ‘scootering and biking to and from training’ had been standard practice since the club’s establishment in Moore Park. Despite the pre-game disruption, the Roosters delivered an impressive performance, rebounding strongly from their previous disappointing loss in New Zealand.

    The match marked a significant milestone as Rabbitohs’ Alex Johnston became the game’s leading try-scorer, though the Roosters ultimately spoiled the celebration. Veteran playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans particularly stood out, silencing critics with an exceptional performance that included scoring the opening try and setting up the decisive play for Tedesco. Coach Robinson praised Cherry-Evans’ strategic gameplay, noting his improved distribution and angle-changing abilities that represented ‘a really good step forward’ for the player.

  • Two long-lost episodes of ‘Doctor Who’ have been found. Fans will soon be able to watch them

    Two long-lost episodes of ‘Doctor Who’ have been found. Fans will soon be able to watch them

    In a remarkable discovery for television history, two long-lost episodes from the iconic British sci-fi series “Doctor Who” have been recovered after being missing for nearly six decades. The Film is Fabulous! charity announced the find on Friday, revealing that the 1965 episodes were located among the collection of a deceased film enthusiast.

    The recovered installments, titled “The Nightmare Begins” and “Devil’s Planet,” feature William Hartnell as the original Doctor in adventures against the show’s infamous Daleks. The episodes were found preserved in film cans wrapped in plastic bags and have since undergone professional restoration by BBC archivists.

    This discovery reduces the number of still-missing episodes to 95 from the classic series that originally aired from 1963 to 1989. The loss of these historical television artifacts stems from the BBC’s former practice of discarding or reusing film recordings and video tapes during the 1960s-1980s, a period when broadcasters routinely disposed of content they considered disposable.

    Justin Smith, cinema professor at England’s De Montfort University and chair of Film is Fabulous!, described finding missing “Doctor Who” episodes as “the holy grail of classic TV discoveries.” The charity confirmed the collector’s estate wishes to remain anonymous despite the significance of the find.

    Peter Purves, who played the Doctor’s companion Steven Taylor in 46 episodes, expressed both delight and melancholy at the discovery. “Twenty-seven of mine still are missing, but I’m delighted that two have been found,” the 87-year-old actor told the BBC.

    This marks the first major recovery of lost “Doctor Who” episodes since 2013, when nine installments were discovered in a Nigerian television relay station. The newly found episodes form part of a 12-part storyline, much of which remains missing, though preservationists remain hopeful that additional episodes may surface in private collections.

    The cultural phenomenon of “Doctor Who” has endured through its innovative premise allowing the time-traveling alien protagonist to regenerate into new forms, with Ncuti Gatwa currently portraying the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in the series that was revived in 2005 after a 16-year hiatus.

  • Robotic traffic police commander debuts in South China’s Shenzhen

    Robotic traffic police commander debuts in South China’s Shenzhen

    Shenzhen, China’s premier technology hub, has unveiled a groundbreaking robotic traffic police commander that began active duty on March 6th in the city’s Longgang district. This advanced humanoid robot represents a significant leap in urban management technology, operating during morning rush hours at a busy Bantian intersection where it performs real-time traffic direction through sophisticated high-precision joint modules.

    The robotic officer employs visual AI recognition technology to continuously monitor intersection activity, creating an integrated ‘identify-warn-persuade’ management system. When detecting violations such as cyclists without helmets or vehicles crossing stop lines, the unit immediately issues warning whistles and corrective hand signals. This innovation marks an evolution from its previous function as a stationary safety awareness promoter to an active traffic management role.

    Shenzhen’s technological ecosystem provides the perfect testing ground for such advancements. The city maintains China’s highest research and development investment intensity at 6.67%, with enterprises contributing over 93% of total R&D expenditure. Bantian, home to tech giants including Huawei, offers an ideal environment for piloting cutting-edge urban solutions.

    This deployment aligns with China’s rapidly expanding humanoid robotics sector, which dominated global shipments with 90% market share in 2025 according to industry analyst Omdia. Financial institution Morgan Stanley projects China’s humanoid robot sales will double to 28,000 units in 2026, indicating substantial growth in practical applications beyond entertainment purposes.

    Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with local residents applauding the technology’s potential to reduce officer workload and enhance public safety. Future applications may expand to include alcohol checkpoint operations, initial accident response, and intelligent violation detection systems, signaling a new era in smart urban governance and police resource allocation.

  • France returns sacred ‘talking drum’ looted during colonial rule to Ivory Coast

    France returns sacred ‘talking drum’ looted during colonial rule to Ivory Coast

    A monumental artifact of Ivorian heritage, the sacred Djidji Ayôkwé drum, has been ceremoniously returned to Ivory Coast after more than a century in French possession. The massive talking drum, measuring over three meters in length and weighing approximately 430 kilograms, was looted by French colonial forces in 1916 during France’s occupation of West Africa.

    The drum’s journey home began after the French parliament passed special legislation on February 20 authorizing its restitution. It arrived at Abidjan International Airport aboard a specially chartered aircraft, carefully secured in a large wooden crate marked ‘fragile.’ Members of the Ebrié community, the original custodians of this cultural treasure, gathered to welcome the drum home in an emotional ceremony featuring traditional dancers and local chiefs.

    This restitution represents part of France’s broader initiative to return African cultural artifacts, a process formally initiated in 2017. The Djidji Ayôkwé holds particular significance as the first item on a list of 148 works that Ivory Coast is seeking to recover from France and other nations. The drum had been displayed at Paris museums since 1929, first at the Trocadéro Museum and later at the Quai Branly Museum.

    Ivorian Culture Minister Françoise Remarck described the homecoming as ‘a historic day with lots of emotions’ and ‘a moment of justice and remembrance.’ The return coincides with France’s legislative efforts to streamline the restitution process, with the Senate adopting a framework law on January 29 to facilitate the removal of colonial-era artifacts from French national collections.

  • Games with loot boxes to get minimum 16 age rating across Europe

    Games with loot boxes to get minimum 16 age rating across Europe

    A sweeping regulatory shift is poised to transform the European gaming landscape as the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system announces stringent new age classifications targeting games with loot box mechanics. Effective June 2026, titles incorporating paid random item systems will automatically receive a minimum PEGI 16 rating across 38 participating nations, including the United Kingdom.

    The decision marks a formal recognition of loot boxes—virtual containers purchasable with real or virtual currency that yield randomized rewards—as potential risk factors in game design. This classification overhaul responds to mounting research indicating these mechanics blur boundaries between gaming and gambling behaviors. Prominent franchises utilizing such systems, including EA Sports FC, face significant rating escalations under the new framework.

    PEGI Director Dirk Bosmans affirmed the changes will deliver “more useful and transparent advice” for consumers, particularly parents making informed purchasing decisions. The sentiment finds support from education advocates like Emily Tofield of the Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust, who acknowledged the reforms as “a step in the right direction” while advocating for retrospective application to existing games.

    The regulatory adjustment extends beyond loot boxes. Time-limited systems like paid battle passes will now trigger PEGI 12 ratings, while games incorporating non-fungible tokens (NFTs) face automatic PEGI 18 classifications. Titles employing punitive “play-by-appointment” mechanics that penalize player absence will receive PEGI 12 ratings versus PEGI 7 for non-punitive systems. Notably, games lacking player reporting or blocking features will receive the maximum PEGI 18 designation.

    This industry-led initiative emerges against a complex regulatory backdrop. While the UK government declined to amend the Gambling Act 2005 to encompass loot boxes in 2022, citing insufficient evidence of “causative links” to harm, trade body Ukie subsequently issued guidance restricting underage loot box purchases without parental consent. The Advertising Standards Authority concurrently enforces disclosure requirements for loot box presence in game advertisements.

    Academic perspectives underscore the significance of these changes. Dr. Ruijie Wang of Bournemouth University, whose January 2025 study examined gambling risks for youth, noted loot boxes represent “one of the most studied examples of gambling-like mechanics in games.” She emphasized that recognizing them in age ratings helps “reflect the realities of modern game design” and provides parents clearer harm indicators.

    Despite regulatory progress, implementation challenges persist. Games journalist Vic Hood observed that ultimate protection relies on parental engagement with rating systems, noting effectiveness hinges on parents “educating themselves on why these changes were brought in.” The policy currently applies solely to new releases post-June, leaving existing games with loot boxes unaffected—a gap advocates argue diminishes protection for children already engaged with such titles.

  • Nine honored as ‘most beautiful natural guardians’ in China

    Nine honored as ‘most beautiful natural guardians’ in China

    In a prestigious ceremony held in Beijing, nine distinguished individuals have been accorded the title of ‘Most Beautiful Natural Guardians’ for their exceptional dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development initiatives. This annual recognition program, jointly established in 2022 by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Ministry of Natural Resources, celebrates those who exemplify the nation’s commitment to ecological civilization and the principle that ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.’

    Among the honorees is Dr. Wang Guiling, a pioneering researcher at the Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Since commencing his geothermal research in 1987, Dr. Wang has made groundbreaking contributions through systematic mapping of China’s geothermal resources, advancing theoretical understanding of geothermal systems, and developing innovative exploration technologies. His work aligns strategically with China’s clean energy development objectives, driven by what he describes as ‘deep passion for China’s mountains and rivers.’

    Geological expert Ding Zhengjiang from the Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources received recognition after decades of field exploration. Having dedicated over one-third of each year to fieldwork, Ding has led more than 100 geological projects resulting in significant discoveries including a super-large offshore gold deposit in Laizhou and various rare mineral deposits in the Jiaodong region. His team has revolutionized traditional methods by establishing an intelligent geological database for Shandong’s gold deposits, integrating spectroscopic scanning technologies for rapid metallogenic identification.

    Marine conservation specialist Shi Xiaojun, a senior engineer at the South China Sea Ecological Center, was honored for his innovative work in coral reef protection. Shi established China’s first comprehensive coral reef ecological database and national monitoring system, combining remote sensing, drone surveillance, and field survey data. His team’s development of an environmental DNA detection kit using gene-editing technology represents a major advancement—capable of identifying crown-of-thorns starfish gene fragments within three hours, dramatically improving monitoring efficiency while reducing costs.

    All recipients emphasized the growing integration of technological innovation with environmental conservation work. They expressed commitment to continuing their efforts while promoting international academic exchanges and knowledge sharing. The ceremony highlighted how these guardians bridge scientific advancement with hands-on conservation, demonstrating that effective environmental protection requires both scientific intellect and physical endurance in confronting natural challenges.

  • Australia beats North Korea 2-1 to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals and clinch World Cup berth

    Australia beats North Korea 2-1 to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals and clinch World Cup berth

    PERTH, Australia — In a thrilling quarterfinal clash at the Women’s Asian Cup, Australia secured both a tournament semifinal berth and automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against a dominant North Korean side. Despite being significantly outplayed in possession and facing relentless offensive pressure, the Matildas demonstrated remarkable defensive resilience and clinical finishing to advance.

    North Korea controlled the match tempo from the outset, maintaining nearly two-thirds of possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their aggressive approach resulted in 21 total shots with 10 on target, but they struggled to convert against Australia’s determined defensive line and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s crucial saves.

    Australian striker Sam Kerr emerged as the decisive factor, contributing significantly to both goals. In the 9th minute, Kerr dispossessed North Korean captain An Kuk Hyang in the right corner and delivered a precise cross into the area. The ensuing deflection fell to Alanna Kennedy, who converted with a left-footed strike for her fifth goal of the tournament.

    Kerr extended Australia’s advantage just two minutes after halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error to score with a left-footed shot. The North Koreans intensified their efforts and reduced the deficit in the 65th minute when Kim Kyong Yong’s pass from the left found Chae Un Yong for a close-range finish.

    Despite sustained pressure in the final stages, Australia’s defense held firm to preserve the victory. Kerr acknowledged the team’s defensive performance, stating: ‘It was a really good team performance defensively. They’re a good side and they had a lot of the ball and there was a lot of pressure. The crowd was immense today, got us over the line.’

    The victory guarantees Australia’s place in both the Asian Cup semifinals and next year’s World Cup in Brazil. They await the winner of the quarterfinal between defending champion China and Taiwan. North Korea will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through upcoming playoffs, with fifth and sixth-place finishers in the tournament also securing spots.

    The tournament continues with South Korea facing Uzbekistan in Sydney, while Japan prepares for their quarterfinal against the Philippines after an impressive group stage performance that saw them score 17 goals without conceding.

  • ‘No-one will hire women’ – India’s top court rejects menstrual leave petition

    ‘No-one will hire women’ – India’s top court rejects menstrual leave petition

    India’s Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling rejecting the implementation of a nationwide menstrual leave policy for working women and female students. The judicial bench, presided over by Chief Justice Surya Kant, expressed concern that mandated time off for menstrual discomfort could potentially disadvantage women in the workforce by making them less attractive to employers.

    The court articulated that such policies might inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes by suggesting women are not equal to their male counterparts in professional settings. Instead of benefiting female employees, the justices warned that menstrual leave requirements could ultimately harm women’s career advancement and economic participation.

    This decision emerges amid ongoing national debates regarding menstrual rights and workplace equality. While some Indian states including Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala have implemented regional menstrual leave provisions for government employees and educational staff, the Supreme Court has declined to establish a federal mandate. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by attorney Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who advocated for a standardized policy granting two to three days of menstrual leave monthly.

    Public health expert and legal professional Sukriti Chauhan criticized the verdict, stating that the court’s position perpetuates menstrual taboos rather than addressing fundamental issues of workplace dignity and gender equality. Chauhan emphasized that denying appropriate leave forces women to work in potentially uncomfortable or undignified conditions during menstruation.

    Globally, several nations including Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia have successfully implemented menstrual leave policies. Within India’s private sector, progressive companies such as the RPG Group, Larsen & Toubro, and Zomato have independently instituted menstrual leave provisions, recognizing both employee welfare and productivity benefits.

    The court suggested that any future menstrual leave policy should emerge from comprehensive stakeholder consultations rather than judicial mandate, leaving the door open for legislative action while maintaining that such decisions belong to the democratic process rather than the judiciary.

  • More Indian women play cricket now than in 2020 – BBC study

    More Indian women play cricket now than in 2020 – BBC study

    A landmark study reveals a significant transformation in India’s sporting landscape, with female participation in cricket and badminton reaching unprecedented levels. Commissioned by the BBC and Collective Newsroom, the comprehensive 2026 survey encompassing 10,304 respondents across 14 Indian states demonstrates remarkable progress in gender parity within sports.

    The data indicates that one in ten Indian women now actively participate in cricket, representing a substantial increase from previous years. The gender gap in cricket participation has notably narrowed from a 5:1 male-to-female ratio in 2020 to a 3:1 ratio in the current findings. Among female cricket players, 40% engage in the sport at least weekly, demonstrating serious commitment to athletic pursuits.

    This surge in female sports involvement coincides with extraordinary achievements by Indian sportswomen on the global stage. The inspirational performances of shooter Manu Bhaker, who secured two Olympic medals at the 2024 Paris Games, coupled with the Indian women’s cricket team capturing their inaugural World Cup title on home soil in 2025, have created a powerful ripple effect throughout the nation.

    Young women aged 15-24 emerge as the primary catalysts driving this sporting revolution, with 26% considering athletics as a viable career path—a significant increase from 16% in 2020. Viewership patterns reflect this growing engagement, with 51% of respondents following women’s sports coverage, approaching the 63% who follow men’s sports.

    Despite these advancements, the study reveals persistent societal challenges. Concerningly, 43% of respondents believe women’s sports are less entertaining than men’s (up from 38% in 2020), while nearly half of those surveyed maintain that sportswomen should prioritize appearing attractive—a sentiment more prevalent among female respondents than male.

    The research, conducted by Kantar India using consistent methodology for comparability with the 2020 baseline, also highlights structural barriers to sports participation, with two-thirds of Indians citing time constraints as their primary obstacle to athletic involvement.