Global Pulse

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  • Hong Kong to contribute in various areas under national 15th Five-Year Plan: HKSAR financial chief

    Hong Kong to contribute in various areas under national 15th Five-Year Plan: HKSAR financial chief

    Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan has announced the establishment of a high-level cross-bureau task force that will spearhead the special administrative region’s integration with China’s national 15th Five-Year Plan. This marks the first time Hong Kong will develop its own comprehensive five-year strategic blueprint in synchronization with national development objectives.

    During Wednesday’s budget address, Chan detailed how the national plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s enhanced integration into China’s development framework while strengthening its global position as an international financial, shipping, and trade hub. The strategy additionally targets Hong Kong’s transformation into an international innovation and technology center alongside establishing itself as a global talent acquisition hub.

    The financial secretary emphasized Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages in artificial intelligence, life sciences, financial technology, and renewable materials research. He outlined how the city’s robust financial ecosystem will drive ‘Finance+’ initiatives—leveraging financial services to bolster real economic sectors and foster synergistic growth between finance and technological innovation.

    Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s unique institutional advantages under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, positioning the territory as both a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ in China’s high-level opening-up strategy. The city’s world-class aviation, shipping, and logistics infrastructure will facilitate international business expansion and foreign investment attraction.

    The talent development strategy encompasses both attracting elite global researchers through Hong Kong’s internationally renowned universities and nurturing local expertise, aligning with national goals for integrated education-technology-talent development.

  • Couple arrested for assaulting teen after traffic spat in Henan

    Couple arrested for assaulting teen after traffic spat in Henan

    A disturbing case of road rage escalation has resulted in criminal charges against a married couple in China’s Henan province. The Jiaxian County Public Security Bureau confirmed the arrest of Liu and Han, a middle-aged couple, following their brutal attack on a 15-year-old girl that left her with serious facial injuries.

    The incident originated from a minor collision between electric bicycles on the evening of February 19th near the Ciba Town Health Center. The victim, identified only as Ding, was traveling with her 12-year-old brother when their vehicle made contact with that of a 65-year-old woman surnamed Yang.

    What began as a routine traffic disagreement rapidly spiraled into violence when Yang summoned her son and daughter-in-law to the scene. The responding couple initially targeted three bystanders—two women and a teenage boy—whom they mistakenly believed had insulted the elderly woman. After recognizing their error, Liu and Han redirected their aggression toward the young Ding, subjecting her to a physical assault that resulted in a fractured orbital bone.

    Medical forensic evaluation conducted on February 23rd classified Ding’s injuries as Grade 2 minor harm, requiring hospitalization and treatment. Local prosecutors have formally approved criminal detention for both assailants on charges of ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble,’ a legal classification often applied to disruptive public behavior under Chinese law.

    Authorities indicate that the investigation remains active as they examine the full circumstances surrounding the attack and its aftermath. The case has drawn attention to issues of public safety and conflict resolution in community settings.

  • India shuts five streaming platforms showing ‘obscene’ content

    India shuts five streaming platforms showing ‘obscene’ content

    The Indian government has implemented a comprehensive ban against five over-the-top (OTT) streaming services for disseminating content deemed obscene and in violation of national digital media regulations. The prohibited platforms—MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel, and Jugnu—were officially shut down following an inter-ministerial consultation process.

    India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clarified that the regulatory action stems from existing information technology laws rather than an attempt to suppress creative expression. ‘The primary objective of these restrictions is to enforce compliance with established legal frameworks while safeguarding viewers from exposure to harmful or illegal material,’ the ministry stated in an official release. The government emphasized its commitment to maintaining public decency, protecting national interests, and upholding ethical standards across digital journalism platforms.

    The decision followed extensive consultations with multiple government entities including the Ministries of Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Electronics and Information Technology, and Law and Justice. Industry representatives from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), alongside experts in children’s and women’s rights, contributed to the evaluation process.

    This enforcement action references India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) rules, which explicitly prohibit content characterized as obscene, pornographic, privacy-invasive, gender-based harassment, racially objectionable, or promoting hate speech and violence. The government noted that intermediaries failing to observe these legal obligations forfeit their immunity under Section 79 of the IT Act, becoming subject to full legal consequences.

    The recent ban continues India’s pattern of digital content regulation, following July’s blocking of 25 OTT platforms allegedly distributing vulgar and pornographic media. Officials noted that despite previous warnings, the prohibited services persisted in publishing objectionable content through alternative domains. India’s self-regulatory body, the Digital Publisher Content Grievances Council—comprising approximately 40 OTT members—had previously identified several platforms exhibiting ‘distasteful and bizarre’ scenes.

  • DoorDash exits 4 markets, including Japan, to focus on growth elsewhere

    DoorDash exits 4 markets, including Japan, to focus on growth elsewhere

    DoorDash Inc. announced on Wednesday its strategic decision to cease operations across four international markets: Qatar, Singapore, Japan, and Uzbekistan. This move follows an extensive multi-month evaluation of market-specific conditions and competitive landscapes.

    The San Francisco-based food delivery giant stated that this consolidation will enable the company to concentrate its investment resources on territories where it can achieve sustainable scaling and establish long-term market dominance. Miki Kuusi, Head of DoorDash International, emphasized that the company’s immediate priority is ensuring a structured transition process for affected employees and partner networks.

    DoorDash entered several of these markets considerably later than established competitors. Its 2021 launch in Japan placed it five years behind rival Uber Eats, while its acquired subsidiary Deliveroo (purchased in 2023) only commenced Qatar operations in 2022—nearly a decade after regional leader Talabat began serving the Qatari market.

    The company faces intensely competitive environments in these exiting markets, including opposition from GrabFood and Foodpanda in Singapore, and Russia’s Yandex Eats in Uzbekistan.

    Despite these operational withdrawals, DoorDash confirmed that the closures will not affect its existing financial guidance. Investor response appeared positive, with company shares rising approximately 5% during midday trading following the announcement.

    While DoorDash maintains market leadership in the United States, it continues to pursue international expansion through strategic acquisitions, including the 2021 purchase of Finland’s Wolt Enterprises Oy which facilitated its European market entry.

  • Etihad Rail reveals new details on passenger service built for ‘everyday journeys’

    Etihad Rail reveals new details on passenger service built for ‘everyday journeys’

    The United Arab Emirates’ national railway operator, Etihad Rail, has disclosed comprehensive details regarding its forthcoming passenger service, strategically engineered to transform daily commuting experiences across the nation. During a recent announcement, officials emphasized that the project is transitioning from infrastructure development to operational design, with a pronounced focus on serving routine travel needs.

    Etihad Rail’s service promises to redefine productivity during transit by offering guaranteed seating, rigorously maintained schedules, and a tranquil onboard environment. According to Deputy CEO Azza AlSuwaidi, the network’s fundamental design principle centers on reliability—enabling passengers to reclaim valuable time otherwise lost in traffic congestion. Business travelers will benefit from dedicated amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and spacious modern interiors, facilitating uninterrupted work sessions between the UAE’s major economic hubs.

    For family travel, the railway introduces customized seating configurations that allow parents and children to sit together comfortably. Enhanced luggage storage solutions will accommodate weekend trips and extended visits to relatives. The service aims to foster family bonding by transforming travel time into quality interaction time, particularly resonant during the UAE’s designated ‘Year of the Family’ in 2026.

    Culturally, the passenger rail system embodies Emirati identity through station architecture and service delivery, reflecting national values of safety and quality. This approach seeks to instill national pride and ownership among citizens and residents alike.

    Upon full operational capacity, Etihad Rail will interconnect 11 key urban centers and regions including Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Dubai’s Jumeirah Golf Estates, Sharjah’s University City, and Fujairah’s Al Hilal district. The project’s operational phase is being developed through a landmark joint venture with international transport specialist Keolis, signed in October 2025.

  • Larry Summers quits teaching at Harvard after Epstein probe

    Larry Summers quits teaching at Harvard after Epstein probe

    Larry Summers, the former U.S. Treasury Secretary and ex-President of Harvard University, has announced his retirement from all academic positions at the Ivy League institution. This decision follows the university’s internal review concerning his associations with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    Harvard University confirmed it has accepted Summers’s resignation from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. Additionally, he will retire from all other faculty and academic appointments. The move concludes a prestigious five-decade association with the university that began when Summers was a graduate student.

    The controversy stems from released email correspondence indicating Summers maintained communication with Epstein until just before Epstein’s 2019 arrest on charges of sex trafficking minors. Last November, Summers voluntarily took leave from his positions as Harvard initiated its investigation, which coincided with Congressional release of over 20,000 pages of documents related to Epstein, including communications with Summers.

    In a previous address to Harvard students, Summers expressed regret regarding his associations with Epstein. In his retirement statement to The Harvard Crimson, Summers described the decision as “difficult” while expressing gratitude for the thousands of students and colleagues he has worked with throughout his career. He indicated plans to continue engaging in economic analysis and commentary as President Emeritus and retired professor.

  • ‘Fear is everywhere’: BBC reports from Mexican city turned into war zone by drug cartel feud

    ‘Fear is everywhere’: BBC reports from Mexican city turned into war zone by drug cartel feud

    The recent death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” Mexico’s most-wanted drug lord, has exposed a dangerous paradox in the nation’s war against cartels. While Mexican special forces are being praised for this tactical victory, the elimination of powerful cartel leaders often triggers devastating internal power struggles that escalate violence in affected regions.

    In Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state, paramedics Héctor Torres and Julio César Vega navigate a city gripped by constant fear. Their emergency call volume has surged by over 70% in the past year as they respond to shooting after shooting, most ending with another corpse and grieving relatives. The medics operate in full body armor—14kg of Kevlar and armor plate—recognizing that tending to victims might make them targets themselves.

    The current violence stems from a schism within the Sinaloa cartel, once a unified criminal empire now fractured into warring factions. This internal conflict began when the son of one leader betrayed another, creating a deadly feud that has transformed the region into a battleground. The situation worsened after the removal of cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, now imprisoned in the United States.

    The brutality extends beyond targeted killings to include horrific acts of intimidation. Victims are frequently tortured, mutilated, and displayed publicly with threatening messages between factions. Schools, hospitals, and even funerals have been attacked, demonstrating that no place remains safe in this escalating conflict.

    The human toll extends beyond the immediate violence to a growing crisis of disappearances. Reynalda Pulido leads Mothers Fighting Back, a group searching for missing loved ones. These women probe fields with metal rods, smelling the earth for the distinctive odor of decomposition, hoping to find closure regarding their disappeared family members.

    At the root of this misery lies the fentanyl trade. In a cartel-operated laboratory, a producer known as “Román” demonstrates how the organization packages kilograms of the deadly opioid worth up to $29,000 each for shipment to American cities. He expresses no remorse for his role in a trade that has cost tens of thousands of lives, arguing that consumer demand justifies continued production.

    The Mexican government claims progress in combating drug trafficking, citing a 50% reduction in fentanyl supplies to the U.S. and deploying thousands of troops to Sinaloa. Yet paramedics Torres and Vega recently experienced a rare moment of hope when they successfully treated two shooting victims—the first survivors they had encountered since November—highlighting both the brutality of the conflict and the resilience of those fighting to save lives amidst the carnage.

  • Swiss bar fire victims to get solidarity payout

    Swiss bar fire victims to get solidarity payout

    The Swiss federal government has unveiled a comprehensive emergency relief package for victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana. Federal President Guy Parmelin and Finance Minister Beat Jans announced immediate solidarity payments of 50,000 Swiss francs ($65,000) to each of the 115 injured survivors and families of the 41 deceased victims.

    This federal assistance supplements the 10,000 francs already offered by the Valais regional government and forms part of a broader support framework that includes up to 20 million francs in additional funding. The government has committed to facilitating negotiations between victims, officials, and insurance providers to reach equitable compensation agreements.

    Investigative findings indicate the tragedy originated when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited highly flammable soundproof foam lining the basement ceiling. The underground area was reportedly filled beyond capacity with celebrants when the blaze erupted.

    The human toll reflects a particularly youthful demographic among the victims, with eight children under age 16 perishing in the incident. Medical facilities continue to treat 58 patients for severe burn injuries, with many families still grappling with the sudden loss.

    Official scrutiny has revealed significant safety oversights, with authorities acknowledging the establishment had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for five years. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti on charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. Additional charges have been brought against the municipality’s head of public safety and a former fire safety inspector.

    President Parmelin emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, stating: “The Federal Council shares with the victims and their families the desire for truth and justice. We, too, want to know what happened, why, and how it could have been prevented.” The compensation initiative aims to provide rapid, non-bureaucratic assistance while broader accountability measures progress through Switzerland’s legal system.

  • Citing AP investigation, new bill seeks to prohibit DHS from using full-body restraints

    Citing AP investigation, new bill seeks to prohibit DHS from using full-body restraints

    A groundbreaking legislative initiative has emerged in the U.S. House of Representatives seeking to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from utilizing the controversial WRAP restraint system. The Full-Body Restraint Prohibition Act, introduced by Illinois Democratic Representative Delia Ramirez on Wednesday, would permanently ban future acquisitions of the device while establishing stringent oversight and reporting protocols.

    The legislative action follows an extensive Associated Press investigation that documented multiple instances of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deploying the WRAP apparatus during deportation flights since 2020. According to the findings, individuals were frequently restrained in the device for extended periods, sometimes spanning several hours.

    Representative Ramirez condemned the practice, stating that the WRAP “fuels destruction in our communities and human suffering” and characterizing the legislation as a critical step toward ending “the pain and violence caused by DHS.”

    The California-manufactured device, produced by Safe Restraints Inc., has become the subject of numerous federal lawsuits alleging that improper application constitutes punishment and torture. Advocacy groups have raised alarms about ICE’s failure to document WRAP usage in accordance with federal force reporting requirements, creating significant transparency gaps regarding the true scope of implementation.

    Beyond immigration enforcement contexts, the AP investigation identified twelve fatal incidents over the past decade where autopsies determined WRAP usage by local law enforcement agencies contributed to prisoner deaths. This pattern has drawn concern from DHS’s own civil rights division, which voiced internal reservations about the device in a 2023 report.

    Financial records reveal DHS has allocated $268,523 to Safe Restraints Inc. since initial purchases began during the Obama administration in late 2015, with contracts extending through June 2025. Notably, approximately 91% of this expenditure occurred during the two Trump administrations.

    Safe Restraints CEO Charles Hammond defended the product as a “safer, more humane, pain-free alternative to other restraint methods,” warning that elimination would force a return to “alternative restraints and tactics proven to cause pain, injury and even fatalities.” The company developed a modified version specifically for ICE with adaptations for prolonged use during flights and extended transportation.

    However, the AP investigation found ICE personnel routinely deploy the WRAP under circumstances far exceeding manufacturer guidelines. Multiple detainees reported being restrained in the device after already being shackled, often as intimidation or punishment for requesting legal counsel or expressing deportation fears.

    The mounting evidence has prompted significant political response, with eleven Democratic U.S. senators dispatching a formal letter to immigration officials citing “serious human rights concerns” following the AP’s October investigation. DHS has declined repeated requests for comment regarding WRAP usage practices and the newly proposed legislation.

  • Spain declassifies files on 1981 attempted coup in effort to dispel conspiracy theories

    Spain declassifies files on 1981 attempted coup in effort to dispel conspiracy theories

    In a significant move toward historical transparency, the Spanish government has declassified and released 153 previously secret files related to the failed military coup of February 23rd, 1981—a pivotal event that threatened the nation’s nascent democracy. The long-awaited documents, which caused such public anticipation that they temporarily crashed the government’s webpage upon release, include police reports, judicial investigations, transcripts of official conversations, and reactions from foreign governments.

    The attempted coup, occurring just six years after the death of dictator Francisco Franco, saw armed Civil Guard officers storm the parliament building during a swearing-in ceremony, taking lawmakers hostage in an effort to restore authoritarian rule. Their failure is widely attributed to King Juan Carlos I, who delivered a decisive televised address denouncing the rebellion and ordering military forces to remain in their barracks. This action cemented his reputation as the guardian of Spanish democracy for decades.

    However, the newly released archives appear to contain no definitive evidence supporting persistent conspiracy theories that the king had prior knowledge of or involvement in the plot. Instead, they reveal several previously undisclosed operational details: six members of the intelligence services were implicated in the scheme, and security forces estimated that a potential raid on the occupied parliament could have resulted in 80 to 110 fatalities.

    The document release also includes international messages of support received after the coup’s failure, notably a communication from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II expressing relief at the “final result.” The current administration under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterized the decades-long classification as a “historical anomaly” and stated that transparency would help dispel false narratives while posing no risk to individuals involved.