Global Pulse

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  • Deepfake attack: ‘Many people could have been cheated’

    Deepfake attack: ‘Many people could have been cheated’

    The corporate world faces an unprecedented threat from sophisticated deepfake technology, with reported cases surging by approximately 3,000% over the past two years according to cybersecurity experts. The alarming trend has impacted major organizations worldwide, from financial institutions to engineering firms, demonstrating the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI-powered fraud.

    In a prominent case from early this year, a fabricated video featuring Bombay Stock Exchange CEO Sundararaman Ramamurthy circulated across Indian social media platforms. The convincing deepfake portrayed Ramamurthy providing specific stock investment advice and promising substantial returns to viewers. The executive confirmed the video was completely artificial, created using advanced AI technology without his knowledge or consent.

    “When such incidents occur, we immediately file complaints and work with platforms like Instagram to remove the content,” Ramamurthy stated. “We regularly issue market warnings about these fraudulent videos, though it’s impossible to determine how many people may have been influenced or suffered financial losses.”

    The problem extends far beyond India’s financial sector. LastPass CEO Karim Toubba experienced a similar attempt in 2024 when an employee received suspicious audio and text messages allegedly from him requesting urgent assistance. Fortunately, the employee recognized several red flags—including the use of WhatsApp instead of sanctioned communication channels—and reported the incident to cybersecurity teams before any damage occurred.

    Not all organizations were as fortunate. British engineering firm Arup fell victim to one of the most sophisticated corporate deepfake attacks recorded in 2024. Hong Kong police reported that an employee transferred $25 million to five different bank accounts after participating in a video call with what appeared to be the company’s CFO and other staff members—all of whom were later revealed to be AI-generated deepfakes.

    According to cybersecurity experts, the barrier to creating convincing deepfakes has dropped dramatically. Matt Lovell, CEO of UK-based CloudGuard, explains that generating high-quality audio and video deepfakes now takes mere minutes, with costs ranging from $500 for simple attacks to $10,000 for more sophisticated operations using largely free tools.

    While detection technology is advancing—including verification software that analyzes facial expressions, head movements, and even blood flow patterns beneath the skin—experts warn that defense mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving attack vectors. The situation has created a high-stakes technological arms race between fraudsters and security professionals.

    Tech researcher Stephanie Hare notes that the proliferation of deepfake attacks has exacerbated the existing global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. She observes that companies are gradually recognizing the urgency of securing their operations against these emerging threats, with executives increasingly collaborating with chief information security officers to develop comprehensive protection strategies.

  • Rap star ex-mayor hopes to unseat former PM in Nepal’s Gen Z election

    Rap star ex-mayor hopes to unseat former PM in Nepal’s Gen Z election

    CHITWAN, Nepal – The thunderous beat of an AI-generated campaign anthem echoes across the rally grounds as thousands chant “Balen” in unison. Thirty-five-year-old Balendra Shah, the rapper-turned-mayor now vying for Nepal’s prime ministership, has become the symbol of a generational uprising against the country’s entrenched political elite.

    Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which surprisingly secured fourth place in the 2022 general elections, now challenges Nepal’s longstanding political dynasties. His campaign directly confronts former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5, a constituency traditionally considered Oli’s safe seat.

    The political upheaval follows September’s deadly anti-corruption protests that forced Oli’s resignation after police fatally shot 77 demonstrators, mostly young activists. The movement began as opposition to social media restrictions but evolved into a widespread demand for accountability and opportunities in a nation grappling with 20.6% youth unemployment – among South Asia’s highest rates.

    At Shah’s rallies, first-time voters like 18-year-old Nandav Yadav express unwavering support: “We want to fight for the young people who died in the Gen-Z movement. Our former prime minister could have stopped it, but he didn’t.”

    Meanwhile, Oli maintains his innocence regarding the protest violence, telling reporters his party “wants to understand the feelings of the new generation” while promising to restore “sovereignty, peace and democracy.” His supporters, including 82-year-old Narad Prashad Luitel, believe he should “finish the work he started on the country’s roads and infrastructure.”

    Political analyst Nischal Pandey notes the historic significance: “None of our governments have survived their full terms in decades. These are historic elections. People are tired of the same old faces.”

    With over 915,000 first-time voters among nearly 19 million eligible citizens, Thursday’s election represents a potential watershed moment. A victory for Shah could mark Nepal’s first government in years without communist participation, potentially ending decades of political instability and coalition bargaining among the same political families.

    The election mirrors recent regional movements, following weeks after similar youth-led anti-corruption protests in Bangladesh, signaling a broader generational shift in South Asian politics.

  • Saudi Arabia tells Gulf allies to avoid any steps that could inflame tensions with Iran, sources say

    Saudi Arabia tells Gulf allies to avoid any steps that could inflame tensions with Iran, sources say

    Senior Saudi officials have reportedly expressed significant discontent regarding the scope and timing of recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran. According to Gulf Arab sources familiar with the matter, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urgently communicated with leaders across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, advocating for collective caution to prevent regional escalation.

    The diplomatic outreach occurred shortly after Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry formally condemned Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Arabian Peninsula. While the conversations were described as brief, they revealed a emerging consensus among Gulf states that Iran’s response was notably less intense than anticipated. This assessment has prompted regional leaders to advocate for measured responses that would avoid provoking further Iranian aggression.

    Notably, the communication between Crown Prince bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed signaled a temporary reconciliation of differences, highlighting how the security crisis has prompted unusual diplomatic coordination. The Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, subsequently echoed this message in calls with regional counterparts, emphasizing the critical need for de-escalation and unified foreign policy positions among GCC members.

    Despite having received advance notification of the US-Israeli strikes, Saudi Arabia reportedly chose not to oppose the White House’s position, even as the kingdom faces criticism in Washington over diplomatic tensions with the UAE. This careful balancing act reflects Riyadh’s complex position as it navigates relationships with Western allies while maintaining regional stability.

    The situation has raised particular concerns about potential involvement of Iranian proxy groups, especially Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Saudi defense analyst Hesham Alghannam noted that maintaining a perceived distance from the anti-Iran front might actually discourage Houthi engagement in the conflict. Previous agreements had temporarily halted Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and Israeli targets, but the current escalation threatens to undermine these arrangements.

    Regional analysts warn that prolonged conflict could eventually push Gulf states toward closer alignment with US military objectives. Firas Maksad of Eurasia Group observed that ‘Iran is forcing the GCC up the escalation ladder,’ potentially necessitating greater operational freedom for US forces in the region. This assessment was indirectly supported by comments from UAE Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy, who suggested that continued Iranian attacks might necessitate opening Emirati airspace and bases to support US operations.

    Meanwhile, influential voices including Qatar’s former Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani have urged GCC states to avoid direct confrontation with Iran, warning that such conflict would deplete regional resources and create opportunities for external manipulation. This perspective aligns with Saudi Arabia’s apparent strategy of pursuing neutral positioning while exploring backchannel diplomacy to resolve hostilities.

  • ‘Deep regret’: Victorian anti-corruption watchdog issues rare apology for mishandling complaint against police officer

    ‘Deep regret’: Victorian anti-corruption watchdog issues rare apology for mishandling complaint against police officer

    In a remarkable display of institutional accountability, Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has delivered an unprecedented formal apology to a survivor of police-perpetrated family violence. Commissioner Victoria Elliott offered the profound apology during a parliamentary committee hearing, expressing deep regret for the watchdog’s inadequate handling of Dr. Jana Katerinskaja’s complaints.

    The case originated in 2018 when Dr. Katerinskaja, whose former partner was a serving police officer, reported serious family violence incidents to Victoria Police. She subsequently escalated her concerns to IBAC after discovering that the investigation was being conducted by her partner’s colleagues and that confidential information had been improperly shared.

    IBAC’s initial response involved referring the complaint back to Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command, which initially dismissed the allegations as “unfounded.” Despite identifying deficiencies in the police investigation, IBAC again referred the matter back to the same force. Dr. Katerinskaja filed a second complaint two years later regarding her treatment by police handling her case.

    The Victorian Inspectorate’s 2022 special report revealed significant systemic failures, including IBAC’s failure to consider potential corrupt conduct, substantial procedural delays, and inadequate attention to the complainant’s welfare. Commissioner Elliott acknowledged that IBAC had adopted a “highly adversarial approach” when responding to the critical report, which she now characterizes as “inappropriate and insensitive.”

    Dr. Katerinskaja described the apology as a potential “turning point” for the organization but cautioned that similar cases could still occur under the current system. Her legal representative, Jeremy King of Robinson Gill, noted the historical significance of the apology while emphasizing the need for structural reforms, including the establishment of an independent police ombudsman to handle complaints through trauma-informed approaches.

    The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about Victoria’s police oversight framework, with IBAC reportedly investigating only 1% of police complaints while referring the overwhelming majority back to Victoria Police for internal review.

  • Bettors profit hugely from suspiciously timed wagers on Iran war

    Bettors profit hugely from suspiciously timed wagers on Iran war

    A series of highly profitable and suspiciously timed bets placed on prediction platform Polymarket, coinciding with the United States’ military strikes against Iran, has triggered significant congressional concern and calls for immediate regulatory action. According to Bloomberg News reporting, six newly created accounts in February generated approximately $1 million in profits by accurately wagering on the timing of U.S. attacks. These accounts exclusively bet on military action timelines, with some positions established mere hours before explosions were reported in Tehran.

    One particularly successful account under the name ‘Magamyman’ transformed an $87,000 investment into over $515,000 in profits by correctly predicting that ‘US strikes Iran by February 28, 2026’ – the exact date President Donald Trump announced bombing campaigns against Iran.

    The extraordinary financial gains have drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) characterized the situation as ‘insane’ and announced immediate legislation to prohibit such betting practices. ‘People around Trump are profiting off war and death,’ Murphy alleged via social media, though no concrete evidence has emerged connecting administration officials to the trades.

    Representative Mike Levin (D-Calif.) emphasized that ‘prediction markets cannot be a vehicle for profiting off advance knowledge of military action,’ demanding answers, transparency and oversight. Levin notably highlighted that Donald Trump Jr. sits on Polymarket’s advisory board, with his firm having invested ‘double-digit millions’ into the platform the previous year. He further noted that Justice Department and Commodity Futures Trading Commission investigations into Polymarket were discontinued following Trump’s assumption of office.

    This incident follows similar suspicious betting activity regarding U.S. actions toward Venezuela, raising broader concerns about insider trading on prediction markets. Current Polymarket offerings include wagers on Iran’s leadership changes, ceasefire agreements, and potential invasion timelines.

    Adding to the controversy, TMZ reported that individuals in a Washington, D.C. restaurant bar were openly discussing the impending military action hours before it occurred, suggesting possible information leaks beyond official channels. As journalist David Bernstein noted, this opens the possibility that ‘these insider bets have been placed by any rich person with good ears in DC.’

  • Myanmar’s military government pardons 10,000 prisoners before parliament opens

    Myanmar’s military government pardons 10,000 prisoners before parliament opens

    BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military regime has authorized a sweeping prisoner amnesty, releasing more than 10,000 individuals and reducing sentences for others in observance of Peasants’ Day, a national holiday honoring agricultural workers. State-controlled MRTV television confirmed the move ordered by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling junta that seized power in February 2021.

    The amnesty includes 7,337 prisoners convicted under the country’s controversial counterterrorism legislation, which carries potential death penalties and has been extensively utilized to detain political opponents, journalists, and dissenters since the military takeover. A separate government announcement indicated that 12,487 individuals facing prosecution or evading authorities under the same law will have their incitement cases terminated.

    Notably absent from the release is former democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains incarcerated while serving a 27-year sentence following what international observers have denounced as politically motivated trials. The 80-year-old Nobel laureate has been held virtually incommunicado since the coup.

    The prisoner release coincides with mounting political tensions, occurring just two weeks before parliament reconvenes for its first session in over five years. The recent electoral process preceding this parliamentary gathering has been widely criticized by international bodies as neither free nor fair.

    Additionally, ten foreign nationals will be released and deported from Myanmar, though specific identities of those pardoned remain undisclosed. While mass amnesties during national holidays represent established practice in Myanmar, the current release holds particular significance given the country’s ongoing political crisis.

    According to independent monitoring by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, Myanmar held over 22,800 political detainees as of last Friday, highlighting the extensive suppression of dissent under military rule. The organization maintains detailed records of arrests and casualties linked to the nation’s continuing political conflicts.

  • What Aussie travellers need to know about their flight plans after Middle East conflict sparks airline chaos

    What Aussie travellers need to know about their flight plans after Middle East conflict sparks airline chaos

    A severe aviation crisis has emerged across the Middle East following recent military escalations, leaving tens of thousands of Australian travelers stranded globally. The closure of critical airspaces—including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates—has triggered widespread flight cancellations and rerouting, disrupting major transit corridors between Australia and Europe.

    Virgin Australia cancelled six flights on Monday, with services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Doha heavily affected. The airline is offering flexible rebooking options, travel credits, and refunds for passengers scheduled to travel to Doha through March 6. While Qantas reported no immediate impact on its Singapore-London route, it has extended booking flexibility for travelers transiting through UAE, Qatar, Israel, Jordan, and Oman.

    Major international carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Lufthansa, have suspended operations to and from the region. In response, the UAE government has committed to covering accommodation costs for affected passengers until normal operations resume.

    The Australian government has issued stringent travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid travel to multiple Middle Eastern nations. Smartraveller, Australia’s official travel advisory service, has highlighted significant risks of further regional escalation and sudden border closures. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade specifically advises against travel to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, UAE, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen.

    Travel insurance providers have clarified that most policies exclude coverage for incidents related to armed conflict or civil unrest. The Insurance Council of Australia emphasizes that traveling against official warnings may void insurance coverage entirely. Stranded passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for rebooking or refunds.

    Australian citizens and permanent residents in affected regions are encouraged to register with DFAT for direct updates and assistance.

  • UK will allow US to use its bases to strike Iranian missile sites, Starmer says

    UK will allow US to use its bases to strike Iranian missile sites, Starmer says

    In a significant strategic shift, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has authorized the United States military to utilize UK-operated bases for conducting defensive operations aimed at neutralizing Iranian missile capabilities at their source. This decision follows Iran’s recent missile campaigns across the region, which have directly threatened British interests and citizens.

    While emphasizing the defensive nature of this cooperation, Starmer revealed that British fighter jets have already participated in coordinated defensive operations, successfully intercepting several Iranian strikes. The Prime Minister stated that the authorization specifically permits targeting missile storage depots and launchers to prevent further attacks.

    The decision comes after Iran targeted locations with significant British presence, including airports and hotels housing UK citizens. Starmer highlighted that approximately 200,000 British nationals currently reside or travel through the region, with hundreds of troops narrowly avoiding missile impacts in Bahrain recently.

    Strategic military analysis indicates that Diego Garcia, the joint UK-US facility in the Indian Ocean’s Chagos Archipelago, will likely serve as the primary operational base for these defensive measures. This positioning places US bomber aircraft within operational range of Iranian territories while remaining vulnerable to Iran’s Shahed-136 kamikaze drones.

    The British government has committed to publishing a summary of legal advice received regarding this decision, grounding its actions in the principle of collective self-defense with allied nations. Despite calls for diplomatic solutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the immediate threat to British personnel and interests has necessitated this defensive posture.

    Political opposition has emerged from multiple fronts, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski expressing concerns about potential escalation and invoking lessons from the Iraq conflict. Reform UK and the Conservative Party had previously advocated for base access, creating unusual political alignments on Middle East security policy.

  • Argentina’s Milei says wants US ‘strategic alliance’ to be state policy

    Argentina’s Milei says wants US ‘strategic alliance’ to be state policy

    Argentine President Javier Milei declared his intention to formalize a strategic partnership with the United States as permanent state policy during his annual address to parliament on Sunday. The libertarian leader emphasized that this alignment with the US, particularly under the potential leadership of ally Donald Trump, would define Argentina’s foreign policy direction for decades to come.

    Milei characterized the South Atlantic as “the strategic battleground of the coming decades,” positioning Argentina as an essential regional player. “We must create the century of the Americas: Make Americas Great Again, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego,” he proclaimed, adapting Trump’s famous campaign slogan to encompass the entire Western Hemisphere.

    The president highlighted Argentina’s strategic advantages, noting the country’s possession of “critical minerals that the West needs” and substantial energy resources including gas, oil, nuclear power, and renewable energy capacity. He further emphasized Argentina’s unique geographical position with access to two oceans and a presence in Antarctica.

    In a show of solidarity with Washington, Milei’s government endorsed recent US military strikes against Iran and placed the country on high alert. This alignment reflects Argentina’s longstanding concerns regarding Iranian influence, particularly following the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people, which Argentina attributes to Iran and Hezbollah.

    Domestically, Milei unveiled an ambitious package of 90 structural reforms designed to comprehensively reshape Argentina’s institutional architecture for the next half-century. The proposed reforms span multiple sectors including economy, taxation, criminal justice, electoral systems, education, and defense. The president announced “nine uninterrupted months of structural reforms” that would fundamentally transform the nation’s governance framework.

    This legislative agenda follows a period of political turbulence in 2025 marked by corruption allegations and currency instability. However, Milei enters the new parliamentary year from a position of strength, bolstered by electoral successes in recent midterm elections. His political momentum was further demonstrated by Congress’s recent adoption of his flagship labor modernization law, which introduces significant changes to working hours, dismissal procedures, overtime regulations, and strike limitations.

    The labor reforms have sparked substantial public opposition, with thousands protesting what they perceive as a rollback of workers’ rights protections. Despite this opposition, Milei remains committed to his comprehensive reform agenda, positioning Argentina for what he describes as a new era of international alignment and domestic transformation.

  • As Macron sets out his nuclear doctrine, a look at France’s capability by the numbers

    As Macron sets out his nuclear doctrine, a look at France’s capability by the numbers

    PARIS — In a significant address on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron articulated France’s nuclear deterrence doctrine against a backdrop of mounting European anxieties regarding potential U.S. strategic disengagement and persistent Russian threats. As the European Union’s sole nuclear power, France maintains a strictly defensive posture designed to protect its fundamental interests, which Macron explicitly acknowledges now encompass a distinct “European dimension.

    While operating within NATO’s framework, France preserves complete autonomy over its nuclear arsenal, with constitutional authority for deployment resting solely with the president. The nation’s nuclear capabilities present a formidable deterrent force, characterized by both strategic depth and technological sophistication.

    France’s naval nuclear capacity centers on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, Europe’s only nuclear-capable surface warship. Currently operating in Northern European waters with recent port calls in Sweden, the carrier enables Rafale fighter jets to deploy nuclear weapons. However, due to extensive maintenance cycles, France does not maintain continuous sea-based air nuclear readiness. Macron has confirmed plans for a next-generation nuclear-powered carrier to replace the Charles de Gaulle by 2038.

    The underwater component of France’s nuclear triad consists of four ballistic missile submarines: Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible. Based at the highly secure Ile Longue facility on the Atlantic coast, these 138-meter vessels each carry 16 M51 intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warhead capability. Since 1972, at least one submarine has remained on continuous patrol, ensuring permanent strike capacity.

    France’s air-launched capability features the ASMPA cruise missile with an estimated 500-kilometer range, deployed by Rafale jets from both land bases and the Charles de Gaulle. This system serves as a final warning mechanism before potential escalation to full-scale nuclear conflict.

    The recently upgraded M51 submarine-launched missile boasts an estimated range of 8,000-10,000 kilometers with improved accuracy and countermeasure penetration capabilities. According to independent analyses by SIPRI and the Federation of American Scientists, France maintains approximately 290 nuclear warheads, positioning it as the world’s fourth-largest nuclear power behind Russia, the United States, and China. Over 80% of these warheads are submarine-deployed.

    This demonstration of French nuclear capability occurs amid heightened global non-proliferation concerns, particularly regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and the ambiguous nuclear status of several nations outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty framework.