Global Pulse

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  • A young party led by a rapper wins a huge mandate – and Nepal steps into the unknown

    A young party led by a rapper wins a huge mandate – and Nepal steps into the unknown

    Nepal stands at a political crossroads following a seismic electoral shift that has fundamentally reshaped the nation’s governance landscape. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, has achieved an unprecedented majority victory, overturning decades of established political dominance in a stunning display of public discontent.

    The four-year-old party’s triumph represents a profound rejection of Nepal’s political establishment, symbolized by Shah’s personal victory over former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa 5—a constituency long considered an Oli stronghold. This electoral earthquake has shattered entrenched power structures and propelled a movement built on anti-corruption sentiment and demands for systemic reform into the highest echelons of government.

    Despite the jubilation among RSP supporters who expressed exhaustion with perceived corruption and political paralysis, the victory introduces significant governance uncertainties. The party now faces the formidable challenge of transitioning from a campaigning force to a governing entity while managing extraordinarily high public expectations for rapid transformation.

    Key policy priorities outlined by the RSP include comprehensive anti-corruption measures, judicial reform, and economic revitalization. The party has pledged to investigate assets accumulated by political figures since the 1990s, with promises to nationalize illegally acquired properties. Judicial reforms would eliminate political appointments of judges and potentially introduce live-streamed trials to enhance transparency.

    Economic challenges present particularly daunting obstacles. With youth unemployment hovering around 20% and approximately three million Nepalis working overseas, the RSP has committed to achieving 7% annual GDP growth to transform Nepal into a $100 billion economy within five to seven years. However, World Bank projections indicate growth of only 4.6% for 2025, with forecasts suggesting further slowing due to political instability, tourism declines, and natural disasters.

    The Middle East conflict introduces additional economic vulnerability, as remittances from Nepali workers abroad constitute over a quarter of the nation’s GDP. Any disruption to these financial flows could create severe economic consequences.

    Internally, the RSP must maintain cohesion among its diverse parliamentary representatives who lack extensive governance experience. Constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari notes that the party’s ‘very new’ politicians without ‘background in statecraft’ may struggle with unified governance implementation.

    Geopolitical navigation presents another critical challenge. Wedged between India and China, Nepal must maintain balanced relationships with both regional powers while adhering to its constitutional mandate against security partnerships. The United States’ watchful presence adds another layer of diplomatic complexity to an already challenging foreign policy landscape.

    As the RSP assumes leadership, the party confronts the immense responsibility of delivering tangible results to a population that has demonstrated both its hunger for change and its willingness to hold leadership accountable. The coming months will test whether this political movement can transform revolutionary energy into effective governance.

  • Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant out of jail after Nazi salute sentence

    Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant out of jail after Nazi salute sentence

    Jacob Hersant, a 26-year-old Melbourne-based neo-Nazi, has been released from custody after completing a one-month prison sentence. His incarceration marked a historic first in Australia, stemming from a conviction for performing a Nazi salute in public—an act recently criminalized in the state of Victoria. Hersant executed the gesture directly before television cameras outside the County Court of Victoria on October 27, 2023, deliberately flouting the new legislation just days after its enactment.

    Emerging from confinement, Hersant expressed no remorse for his actions, a stance consistent with his previous declaration, “I am a Nazi.” His legal troubles, however, are far from over. On Friday, he appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court concerning separate allegations of “grossly offensive public conduct” related to an incident on Halloween 2024. Hersant and an associate, Nathan Bull, 24, are accused of verbally abusing members of the public while allegedly dressed in highly offensive costumes; Hersant as a Ku Klux Klan member and Bull in blackface with a noose around his neck.

    This court appearance was adjourned until April due to a scheduling discrepancy with his co-accused’s case. A former leader of the now-disbanded National Socialist Network, a neo-Nazi group, Hersant also has a prior criminal history, having previously pleaded guilty to a violent disorder charge for a group assault on hikers in 2021. Despite his mounting legal challenges, Hersant remarked outside court that he had been ‘productive’ during his jail term and anticipates further guilty verdicts in his ongoing cases.

  • Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds

    Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds

    Australian national carrier Qantas Airways has reached a landmark settlement of A$105 million (approximately £55 million or $74 million) to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning its refund practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legal action was initiated on behalf of passengers whose flights were cancelled between 2020 and 2022, alleging the airline improperly issued travel credits instead of providing timely cash refunds.

    Echo Law, the firm leading the class action, asserted that Qantas engaged in misleading conduct by withholding refunds that customers were legally entitled to receive. The settlement amount nearly doubles the A$55 million that Qantas had previously anticipated paying, as indicated in its February financial reports. Notably, the airline agreed to the settlement without admitting liability, maintaining this position in its Friday statement.

    The resolution awaits formal court approval, after which detailed claim procedures will be communicated to affected customers. This development follows Qantas’s 2023 policy change removing expiration dates from pandemic-era flight credits, enabling immediate cash refund requests.

    In a related legal matter, Echo Law is pursuing similar action against budget carrier Jetstar, alleging comparable practices regarding travel credit valuations. Meanwhile, Qantas continues to address recent regulatory challenges, including a record A$90 million fine imposed in August 2025 for unlawfully terminating approximately 1,800 ground staff during the pandemic—the largest penalty ever levied by Australian courts for industrial relations violations. CEO Vanessa Hudson has publicly apologized for the workforce reductions, acknowledging the harm caused to employees and their families.

  • Netflix announces KPop Demon Hunters’ sequel

    Netflix announces KPop Demon Hunters’ sequel

    Netflix has officially confirmed production of a sequel to its record-breaking animated feature ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ the platform’s most-watched film in history. The announcement arrives amid significant awards season momentum for the original production, which has received two Oscar nominations ahead of Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony.

    The sequel represents the inaugural project under co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans’ newly signed exclusive multi-year creative partnership with Netflix. This strategic collaboration signals the streaming giant’s continued investment in animated content with global appeal.

    The original Sony Pictures production, which follows fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x as they navigate dual lives as pop idols and supernatural demon hunters, has achieved remarkable critical and commercial success. The film’s soundtrack has already made music history, with the song ‘Golden’ securing a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media—marking the first time a K-pop composition has received this prestigious honor.

    Director Maggie Kang expressed profound cultural significance in the project’s continuation, stating via Netflix’s social media announcement: ‘I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters. There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.’

    The sequel decision demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to expanding successful intellectual properties while celebrating diverse cultural narratives. The combination of K-pop’s global popularity with supernatural animation elements has proven to be a winning formula that resonates across international markets.

  • Iceland and Netherlands intervene in ICJ South Africa v Israel genocide case

    Iceland and Netherlands intervene in ICJ South Africa v Israel genocide case

    In a significant development at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Iceland and the Netherlands formally submitted declarations to intervene in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel on Thursday. This brings the total number of nations seeking participation in these landmark proceedings to eighteen.

    The two European countries filed their interventions under Article 63 of the ICJ statute, a provision enabling state parties to a convention under legal scrutiny to present their interpretive perspectives on the treaty in question. The case centers on allegations that Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October 2023 violate the 1948 Genocide Convention.

    This legal action originated when South Africa initiated proceedings in December 2023, accusing Israel of genocidal acts through its Gaza campaign that has resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children. South Africa’s submission contends that Israel’s military operations constitute genocide through systematic killing, infliction of severe physical and psychological harm, and the creation of conditions designed to physically destroy the Palestinian population—charges that Israel vehemently denies.

    The interventions coincide with Israel’s scheduled submission of its counter-memorial on Thursday, presenting its legal arguments responding to South Africa’s allegations after the court granted several deadline extensions. Judicial authorities have yet to confirm the filing’s receipt.

    The growing coalition of intervening states now includes Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, Turkey, Chile, the Maldives, Bolivia, Ireland, Cuba, Belize, Brazil, the Comoros, Belgium, and Paraguay. Palestine and Belize have additionally sought intervention under Article 62, which permits state participation when a nation believes its legal interests might be affected by the court’s determination.

    In their legal submissions, Iceland emphasized that the Genocide Convention must be interpreted to support its fundamental objective of preventing and punishing genocide. The Nordic nation argued that genocidal intent can be inferred from behavioral patterns rather than requiring direct evidence, noting that deprivation of essential resources like food, shelter, and medical care could constitute conditions intended to destroy protected groups, with particular vulnerability accorded to children.

    The Netherlands similarly advocated for the consideration of conduct patterns and circumstantial evidence in establishing genocidal intent, suggesting that forced displacement and obstruction of humanitarian assistance might constitute Convention violations depending on contextual circumstances.

    Both nations clarified that their interventions addressed strictly matters of treaty interpretation rather than factual allegations specific to the case. These proceedings have attracted unprecedented international attention, becoming one of the most closely monitored cases in ICJ history with an extraordinary number of third-state interventions.

    The World Court has previously issued binding provisional measures requiring Israel to implement preventive measures against potential Genocide Convention violations and facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza, though it stopped short of mandating a ceasefire. Israel stands accused of repeatedly disregarding these judicial orders.

    Legal experts project that a definitive ruling on whether Israel breached the Genocide Convention might not materialize until 2028, indicating a protracted legal battle ahead at The Hague.

  • Nation urges immediate ceasefire in Mideast

    Nation urges immediate ceasefire in Mideast

    The Middle East crisis has intensified dramatically with no resolution in sight, as global powers remain deeply divided on conflict resolution approaches. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a forceful appeal for an immediate ceasefire during diplomatic communications with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, emphasizing that prolonged hostilities would inflict severe humanitarian suffering and economic devastation across the region.

    Wang, representing China’s position as a responsible global actor, stressed that Beijing and Cairo share common ground in advocating peaceful dialogue over military confrontation. The Chinese diplomat confirmed China’s commitment to maintaining coordination with regional nations to facilitate constructive peacemaking efforts.

    The Egyptian leadership expressed appreciation for China’s balanced diplomatic stance while confirming Cairo’s readiness to collaborate closely in de-escalation initiatives. This diplomatic exchange occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence that has claimed approximately 2,000 lives since joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian interests nearly two weeks ago.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has established explicit conditions for conflict termination, demanding international recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights, substantial reparations, and ironclad security guarantees against future aggression. Conversely, US President Donald Trump has declared military victory and promised to complete operational objectives.

    The economic ramifications have reached critical levels, with Iran effectively closing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—a maritime passage handling twenty percent of global oil shipments. This blockade has triggered unprecedented market disruptions, driving crude prices above $100 per barrel despite the International Energy Agency’s historic release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves.

    Regional security has deteriorated further with Iran threatening strikes against American and Israeli economic assets, including banking institutions and technology corporations, prompting multinational companies to evacuate personnel from the crisis zone.

  • French vote tests polarised electorate with right hoping to win control of Paris

    French vote tests polarised electorate with right hoping to win control of Paris

    France’s municipal elections, unfolding over two consecutive Sundays, have emerged as a critical barometer for the nation’s political trajectory ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. These local votes are testing the resilience of mainstream parties against rising political polarization and the strategic dilemmas posed by far-left and far-right factions.

    The spotlight shines brightest on Paris, where the mayoralty hangs in balance after a quarter-century of leftist governance. The capital’s race features an unprecedented fragmentation with five candidates potentially advancing to the 22 March run-off. Defending the Socialist stronghold is Emmanuel Grégoire, 48, former deputy to outgoing Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Leading the conservative charge is Rachida Dati, 60, ex-culture minister and protégée of Nicolas Sarkozy.

    They are challenged by Pierre-Yves Bournazel (pro-Macron center), Sophia Chikirou (radical-left France Unbowed), Sarah Knafo (radical-right Reconquest), and Thierry Mariani (National Rally). Current polling suggests all except Mariani could clear the 10% threshold for second-round qualification, setting the stage for intense inter-round negotiations.

    The electoral arithmetic creates profound ethical dilemmas: should Dati’s center-right allies coalesce with Knafo’s far-right faction, they risk being labeled fascist enablers. Similarly, should Grégoire’s Socialists unite with Chikirou’s far-left, they face accusations of tolerating antisemitism—a tension exacerbated by February’s lethal far-left militant attack in Lyon.

    Dati’s campaign leverages public discontent over crime, cleanliness, and Paris’s €10 billion debt, asserting ‘Paris is dirty and unsafe.’ She frames Grégoire as ‘Hidalgo’s co-pilot’ responsible for Socialist failures. Grégoire counters with environmental achievements: 1,500km of cycle lanes, pedestrianized riverbanks, and 40% pollution reduction over a decade—transformations that have reduced car usage by 60% since 2001.

    Complicating Dati’s bid is her September corruption trial over alleged €1 million illicit payments from Renault during her EU parliament tenure. While maintaining innocence, a conviction could force her mayoral resignation.

    Beyond Paris, critical contests unfold in Le Havre (where ex-PM Édouard Philippe’s presidential hopes hinge on re-election), Nice (featuring a conservative civil war between Horizons’ Christian Estrosi and RN-allied Eric Ciotti), and Marseille (where Socialists confront RN advances). National Rally aims to expand its control beyond 15 medium towns, targeting Marseille, Toulon, Carcassonne, and Lens.

    This election also debuts a reformed Parisian voting system that personalizes campaigns by having voters directly elect central council members—a change potentially favoring charismatic figures like Dati. Across France, these municipal battles reveal the deepening fissures in a politically polarized nation where traditional parties must navigate extremist alliances or risk electoral irrelevance.

  • Russell and Mercedes dominate again in qualifying for F1’s China sprint

    Russell and Mercedes dominate again in qualifying for F1’s China sprint

    Mercedes driver George Russell secured a commanding pole position for Saturday’s sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, declaring his car “a joy to drive” as the team continued its dominant form in Formula 1’s new regulatory era. Russell’s performance in Shanghai builds upon his decisive victory in Australia last week, with teammate Kimi Antonelli qualifying second to position Mercedes for another potential 1-2 finish.

    The qualifying gap demonstrated Mercedes’ overwhelming advantage, with McLaren’s Lando Norris trailing by 0.621 seconds in third position—a substantial margin in F1 terms. Only Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) managed to come within one second of Russell’s benchmark time.

    While Max Verstappen, the most vocal critic of the new regulations, endured another difficult qualifying session in eighth, Hamilton emerged as the most likely challenger to Mercedes’ dominance given Ferrari’s demonstrated straight-line speed advantage.

    Technical innovation took center stage as Ferrari debuted its unique rotating rear wing—dubbed the “Macarena” or “flip-flop” wing—which invertes aerodynamically to maximize straight-line speed. Though briefly tested previously and omitted in Australia, the innovative design could potentially help Ferrari compete with Mercedes, though concerns remain about its disruptive effect on airflow for trailing cars.

    Meanwhile, the FIA faces mounting pressure to address technical issues with the new power unit regulations. Drivers have expressed frustration with limited control over electrical power deployment, which Verstappen described as “not a lot of fun and also quite dangerous” after incidents in Australia where cars completed formation laps with depleted batteries.

    The session also featured a notable moment for Chinese motorsport as Zhou Guanyu, though now a reserve driver for Cadillac after leaving Sauber, remained a prominent figure in his home country, potentially boosting the new team’s recognition in this crucial market.

  • Mission accomplished? The 2003 boast that haunts today’s Iran conflict

    Mission accomplished? The 2003 boast that haunts today’s Iran conflict

    The iconic toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue in Baghdad’s Firdos Square on April 9, 2003, marked a symbolic endpoint to his regime, yet became the opening chapter of a conflict whose consequences continue to reverberate through global politics. What appeared as a swift victory—celebrated by President George W. Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” declaration just three weeks later—unfolded into a protracted engagement costing approximately 461,000 Iraqi lives and $3 trillion in U.S. expenditures.

    The Iraq War fundamentally altered Middle Eastern geopolitics while eroding public trust in Western governments. Today, as the United States engages in military action against Iran, analysts identify both haunting parallels and critical distinctions between these conflicts. Both represent American-led “wars of choice” with complex, overlapping motivations including regime change aspirations, weapons proliferation concerns, and regional power rebalancing.

    Whereas the Iraq invasion featured meticulous public persuasion campaigns emphasizing Saddam’s alleged WMD capabilities (later proven false), current operations against Iran have emerged with strikingly different diplomatic preparation. The Trump administration has bypassed United Nations legitimacy processes and made minimal efforts to build domestic consensus, reflecting both the collapse of traditional international frameworks and a more mercurial presidential approach.

    Alliance structures have similarly transformed. The 2003 invasion featured robust UK participation under Prime Minister Tony Blair’s “whatever” commitment to Washington. Today, Britain’s Labour government maintains deliberate distance, refusing base access for offensive operations—a caution born from Iraq’s painful legacy.

    Military strategy diverges significantly as well. Unlike the 150,000 ground troops deployed to Iraq, current operations emphasize aerial capabilities and proxy partnerships, particularly with Israel. Defense officials explicitly reject comparisons to Iraq’s “forever war,” though critics question whether limited engagement can achieve stated objectives like regime change or permanent degradation of Iranian capabilities.

    Perhaps the most sobering parallel lies in the apparent lack of post-conflict planning. Just as Iraq descended into insurgency and civil war despite initial military success, current operations risk empowering Iran’s regional influence while destabilizing neighboring states. The Iraq experience demonstrated that destroying regimes proves easier than building stable replacements—a lesson seemingly unabsorbed as conflict escalates without clear endgame objectives.

  • Winners, Sinners and record breakers: 17 fun facts about this year’s Oscars

    Winners, Sinners and record breakers: 17 fun facts about this year’s Oscars

    As the 2026 Academy Awards approach, this year’s nominations reveal extraordinary behind-the-scenes stories and potential record-breaking achievements. The awards race features two dominant contenders: Ryan Coogler’s genre-blending ‘Sinners,’ which merges blues music with vampire horror in 1930s Mississippi, and the critically acclaimed ‘One Battle After Another,’ creating one of the most suspenseful Oscar competitions in recent memory.

    Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ leads the box office among nominees with $1.86 billion globally, though European audiences know it as ‘Zootropolis’ due to trademark conflicts. Emma Stone makes history as the youngest woman to achieve seven Oscar nominations at age 37, surpassing Meryl Streep’s record. Meanwhile, Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ adaptation represents a 207-year gap from Mary Shelley’s original novel, though it falls short of the 2,700-year adaptation gap for ‘O Brother Where Art Thou.’

    Newcomer Chase Infiniti carries cinematic destiny in her name—inspired by Nicole Kidman’s character in ‘Batman Forever’ and Buzz Lightyear’s iconic phrase. British actress Miriam Margolyes receives her first Oscar recognition for ‘A Friend of Dorothy’ after decades of acclaimed performances, though she remains vocal about her previous snub for ‘The Age of Innocence.’

    Several director-actor partnerships demonstrate remarkable loyalty, with four lead acting nominees appearing in films by their frequent collaborators. Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater lead with nine joint films, followed by Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler, and Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos with five collaborations each.

    Jessie Buckley could become the first Irish winner for Best Actress, having already swept major awards ceremonies. Brad Pitt’s ‘F1’ breaks a 35-year trend by scoring a Best Picture nomination without corresponding directing, screenplay, or acting nods—the first since ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in 1991.

    Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ aims for a rare double victory in Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, a feat previously achieved only by ‘Toy Story 3’ and ‘Frozen.’ Timothée Chalamet matches Marlon Brando’s record as the youngest actor since 1954 to receive three acting nominations by age 30.

    Norwegian cinema celebrates a breakthrough with two acting nominations for ‘Sentimental Value’ stars Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, joining Liv Ullmann as only the third Norwegian actor recognized by the Academy. Leonardo DiCaprio ties Robert De Niro with his 12th Best Picture-nominated film, while ‘One Battle’ director Paul Thomas Anderson could join an exclusive group of filmmakers who’ve won for writing, directing, and producing.

    Brazil’s Wagner Moura enters the prestigious circle of Best Actor nominees for performances entirely in non-English languages. Several veterans return after lengthy gaps, including Kate Hudson (25 years), Benicio del Toro (22 years), and Amy Madigan (40 years), though none approach Judd Hirsch’s record 42-year gap between nominations.

    Delroy Lindo’s supporting actor nomination arrives without precursor recognition, a rare occurrence last seen with Andrea Riseborough in 2022. Finally, ‘Hamnet’ completes an unexpected cultural circle by featuring Max Richter’s ‘On The Nature of Daylight’—previously heard in everything from ‘Arrival’ to ‘EastEnders’—creating an improbable Shakespeare-Albert Square crossover at cinema’s most prestigious ceremony.