Global Pulse

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  • UN chief Guterres decries global rise of ‘rule of force’

    UN chief Guterres decries global rise of ‘rule of force’

    In a stark address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Secretary-General António Guterres issued a grave warning that the international rule of law is being systematically supplanted by a dangerous ‘rule of force.’ Delivering his final in-person speech to the council, Guterres declared that human rights are facing a ‘full-scale attack’ globally, often orchestrated openly by the world’s most powerful entities rather than emerging covertly.

    The Secretary-General highlighted specific conflict zones to illustrate this alarming trend. He expressed profound outrage at the four-year war in Ukraine, where over 15,000 civilian deaths have been recorded, demanding an immediate end to the bloodshed. With particular urgency, Guterres condemned what he described as ‘blatant violations of human rights, human dignity and international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,’ warning that the two-state solution is being deliberately dismantled in plain sight and insisting the international community must prevent this outcome.

    UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk echoed these concerns, identifying a ‘deeply worrying trend’ where domination and supremacy ideologies are resurgent. He characterized the current global landscape as experiencing an intensity of power competition unseen in eight decades, with force becoming normalized for resolving disputes both between and within nations.

    The address further connected multiple global crises to the deterioration of human rights protections. Guterres pointed to rapidly widening inequalities, accelerating climate chaos, and the weaponization of technology—particularly artificial intelligence—which he said suppresses rights, deepens discrimination, and targets marginalized communities both online and offline.

    Both leaders criticized powerful nations that operate with impunity, with Turk lambasting leaders who act as if ‘above the law and above the UN Charter,’ employing economic leverage as a weapon and spreading disinformation to silence opposition. The speech catalogued vulnerable groups suffering from this erosion: migrants facing harassment and expulsion, refugees becoming scapegoats, LGBTIQ+ communities being vilified, and minorities and indigenous peoples targeted.

    Guterres concluded with an urgent call to action, appealing to the international community not to allow the powerful to write a new rulebook where ‘the vulnerable have no rights and the powerful have no limits.’

  • Sharjah announces Eid Al Fitr holidays for public sector employees

    Sharjah announces Eid Al Fitr holidays for public sector employees

    The Emirate of Sharjah has officially declared its Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule for public sector employees, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. According to the Sharjah Human Resources Department, government staff will enjoy a four-day break commencing Thursday, March 19, 2026, through Sunday, March 22, with regular operations resuming on Monday, March 23.

    This early announcement enables both governmental departments and employees to strategically organize their schedules around one of the most significant religious observances in the Islamic calendar. The timing provides adequate preparation window for residents and businesses to coordinate festivities and family gatherings.

    Concurrently, federal authorities including the UAE Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation have synchronized holiday declarations across sectors. Federal government employees will mirror Sharjah’s four-day holiday timeframe, while private sector workers are scheduled to receive a slightly shorter break from March 19 to March 21.

    Notably, authorities have specified a contingency provision: should Ramadan extend to its full 30-day duration, private sector employees will receive an additional day off, extending their holiday through Sunday, March 22. This coordinated approach ensures nationwide synchronization while accommodating religious uncertainties inherent in the lunar calendar-based observance.

  • EU hits pause on US trade deal as it seeks clarity over latest Trump maneuver

    EU hits pause on US trade deal as it seeks clarity over latest Trump maneuver

    European Union officials have suspended ratification of a critical trade agreement with the United States following President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement of a universal 15% import tariff. The European Parliament’s trade committee postponed its scheduled vote on Tuesday, demanding immediate clarification from Washington regarding how this new tariff aligns with their previously negotiated pact.

    The agreement, finalized this summer, established a 15% ceiling on most European goods entering the US market while eliminating tariffs on American industrial exports to the EU. EU Commission spokesman Olof Gill emphasized the bloc’s position with the statement: “A deal is a deal. It is now up to the US to clearly demonstrate their commitment to honoring this agreement.”

    Trump’s tariff declaration came after the US Supreme Court invalidated his previous use of emergency powers to impose import taxes. The president subsequently invoked alternative trade legislation to implement the global tariff rate, effective immediately. This move creates particular complications for the EU agreement since the new tariff would be applied cumulatively with existing duties, effectively breaching the negotiated cap.

    The uncertainty extends beyond EU-US relations, potentially affecting bilateral trade agreements with Britain, Brazil, India, and Vietnam. These agreements established varying tariff ceilings through negotiations that initially utilized the now-invalidated emergency powers as leverage.

    US Trade Representative Jamison Greer asserted that the administration expects all partners to uphold their agreements regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision. However, economists note that the uniform global tariff creates disparate impacts—reducing rates for some nations like Brazil and China while increasing burdens for others.

    The tariffs are currently authorized for 150 days unless Congress extends them, providing Trump an opportunity to seek alternative legal justification. Economic analysts warn that prolonged trade policy uncertainty continues to pressure both European businesses and the US economy, where consumers ultimately bear the cost of import tariffs.

  • Who wore what at BAFTAs 2026: Top red carpet looks in pictures

    Who wore what at BAFTAs 2026: Top red carpet looks in pictures

    London’s Royal Festival Hall transformed into a spectacle of sartorial excellence on February 23, 2026, as the British Academy Film Awards showcased fashion narratives as compelling as the cinematic achievements being honored. The 2026 BAFTAs red carpet delivered a masterclass in style evolution, blending timeless elegance with avant-garde experimentation.

    This year’s fashion landscape revealed distinct stylistic approaches among Hollywood’s elite. Multiple nominees including Emma Stone and Jessie Buckley demonstrated the enduring power of classical craftsmanship reinterpreted through contemporary lenses. Their selections balanced traditional elegance with modern sophistication, creating red carpet moments that resonated with both critics and audiences.

    Contrasting sharply with these refined approaches, trendsetters like Teyana Taylor embraced architectural silhouettes and daring accessories that commanded immediate attention. These bold fashion statements generated instant social media buzz, with sculptural designs and unconventional proportions challenging traditional red carpet conventions.

    A significant contingent of celebrities opted for minimalist excellence, proving that understated elegance can make powerful statements. Through impeccable tailoring, vintage-inspired archival pieces, and meticulously chosen jewelry, these stars demonstrated that sophistication often lies in precision rather than extravagance.

    Fashion analysts observed that the BAFTAs 2026 collections potentially establish key trends for the upcoming Oscar ceremonies. The prevailing themes suggest awards season fashion is moving toward dramatic presentations, exacting craftsmanship, and strong expressions of individual style rather than safe, predictable choices.

    The diversity of fashion approaches at this year’s event highlighted the evolving nature of red carpet culture, where personal expression increasingly rivals traditional glamour in importance. From Old Hollywood nostalgia to futuristic innovation, the 2026 BAFTAs red carpet served as both celebration and laboratory for fashion’s continuing evolution within entertainment’s most visible stage.

  • Israeli settlers join ‘safari’ tour of Palestinian prisoners

    Israeli settlers join ‘safari’ tour of Palestinian prisoners

    A significant controversy has erupted following revelations that Kobi Yaakobi, Commissioner of the Israel Prison Service (IPS), organized guided tours for Israeli settlers to observe handcuffed Palestinian detainees held in restrictive conditions. According to an investigative report by Israeli news outlet Shomrim, far-right residents from the illegal Har Homa settlement in East Jerusalem were granted exclusive access to Nitzan Prison near Ramla—one of Israel’s most secure detention facilities.

    The visit, characterized as a ‘safari tour’ by observers, included guided walks through multiple prison wings, including high-security sections housing alleged members of Hamas’s Nukhba elite unit. Witnesses reported detainees being forced to lie on the floor in restraints during the tour. While IPS sources defended this as standard procedure during ‘operational activities,’ critics condemned the practice as dehumanizing spectacle.

    The event featured a Torah lesson, extended Q&A session, and a specially prepared lavish lunch for the visiting settlers. This hospitality starkly contrasts with conditions described by Palestinian rights organizations, who report systematic malnutrition among detainees.

    The incident coincides with escalating concerns over prisoner treatment during Ramadan. The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs alleges prison authorities are deliberately obscuring timekeeping to disrupt fasting rituals, with multiple reports confirming detainees were unaware of Ramadan’s commencement. Lawyers describe meals consisting of inadequate scraps, with denial of traditional suhoor (pre-dawn) and iftar (fast-breaking) provisions.

    This episode highlights broader tensions regarding IPS transparency. The service maintains stringent access restrictions, having recently intensified bans on Red Cross visits citing national security concerns, while simultaneously permitting non-essential civilian tours. The apparent selectivity in access permissions has drawn condemnation from human rights advocates who accuse IPS of prioritizing ideological tourism over humanitarian obligations.

  • Is Mexico safe for football fans?

    Is Mexico safe for football fans?

    Mexico’s upcoming role as co-host for the FIFA World Cup has raised significant security concerns among international observers and football enthusiasts. The country’s persistent challenges with drug cartel violence present potential complications for the global sporting event, according to security analysts and travel advisory reports.

    Security experts indicate that organized crime networks continue to operate extensively throughout various Mexican regions, with ongoing territorial disputes between cartels occasionally affecting tourist areas. The Mexican government has pledged to implement enhanced security measures specifically designed for World Cup venues and fan zones, including increased military presence and specialized tourist police units.

    Travel advisory agencies from multiple countries have issued updated guidelines for prospective visitors, highlighting areas of particular concern while acknowledging that many popular tourist destinations remain relatively safe for foreign travelers. The Mexican tourism ministry has launched a comprehensive safety initiative called ‘Secure Goals’ aimed specifically at World Cup preparations, coordinating with international security agencies to develop protection strategies for the expected influx of football fans.

    The economic implications of security perceptions are substantial, with hospitality and tourism industry representatives expressing concern that safety worries might affect attendance numbers. Mexican officials emphasize that the World Cup host cities have been selected based on their existing security infrastructure and tourist readiness, with additional resources being allocated to ensure visitor safety throughout the tournament period.

  • USA win men’s Olympic ice hockey gold for first time since 1980

    USA win men’s Olympic ice hockey gold for first time since 1980

    In a dramatic overtime finale at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the United States men’s ice hockey team captured their first gold medal since the legendary 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice,’ ending a 46-year championship drought with a thrilling 2-1 victory over archrivals Canada. The historic moment came when forward Jack Hughes scored just 1 minute and 41 seconds into the extra period, completing a storybook ending that resonated far beyond the ice rink.

    The championship game unfolded with intense geopolitical undertones, given the heightened tensions between the neighboring nations throughout the previous year. The political context added significance to the contest, with former President Donald Trump immediately celebrating the victory on Truth Social, proclaiming: ‘Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!’ The White House further amplified the patriotic sentiment by sharing symbolic imagery of a bald eagle pouncing on a Canada goose via its official X account.

    From the opening puck drop, the Santagiulia Arena atmosphere crackled with competitive energy as Canadian supporters—comprising approximately two-thirds of the crowd—initially drowned out American fans with boos during warmups. However, Team USA quickly established momentum when Matt Boldy expertly navigated through two Canadian defenders to beat goaltender Jordan Binnington late in the first period, giving the Americans an early advantage.

    Canada responded in the second period when defenseman Cale Makar finally solved American netminder Connor Hellebuyck with a precise wrist shot that slipped past the pad of the outstanding goalkeeper, who had previously stopped 24 consecutive shots. The game nearly tilted back in America’s favor when Brock Faber’s slap shot dramatically caromed off both posts without crossing the goal line, preserving the deadlock.

    The third period saw Hughes endure a painful high-sticking incident from Canada’s Sam Bennett that left him bloodied and missing several teeth. Despite the injury, Hughes returned to deliver the championship-winning goal in overtime, triggering emotional celebrations among players and American supporters alike.

    U.S. coach Mike Sullivan credited Hellebuyck’s phenomenal 41-save performance as the decisive factor in defeating a Canadian squad loaded with National Hockey League talent. ‘Connor was a hero tonight for our team, without a doubt,’ Sullivan emphasized. ‘Just a high-stakes player in a high-stakes environment. I think that’s when players build their legacy.’

    The victory ceremony included a poignant tribute as American players skated a commemorative lap holding a jersey honoring former NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, both tragically killed by a drunk driver in August 2024 while cycling in New Jersey.

    Canada’s coach Jon Cooper reflected on the narrow defeat: ‘Some days it’s not meant to be. And unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be today.’ The loss denied Canada its record tenth Olympic gold medal and first since the 2014 Sochi Games.

    In earlier competition, Finland secured the bronze medal with a commanding 6-1 victory over Slovakia, repeating their podium performance from the Beijing Winter Games four years prior.

  • India issues safety alert; urges citizens to leave Iran ‘by all means’

    India issues safety alert; urges citizens to leave Iran ‘by all means’

    The Indian government has escalated its security advisory for nationals in Iran, issuing an urgent directive for immediate evacuation through all available transportation methods. This heightened alert comes amid growing instability within the Islamic Republic, prompting New Delhi to take proactive measures for citizen safety.

    Citing the ‘evolving security situation’ in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran disseminated comprehensive guidance emphasizing extreme caution. The advisory explicitly instructs Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to avoid protest zones and demonstration areas while maintaining constant communication with diplomatic channels. Authorities have mandated continuous monitoring of local media developments for real-time security assessments.

    Crucially, the embassy emphasized the necessity for all Indian nationals to keep travel and immigration documentation—including passports and identification papers—immediately accessible at all times. This procedural requirement aims to facilitate rapid departure should security conditions deteriorate further.

    For emergency assistance, the mission provided dedicated contact resources including four mobile numbers (+989128109115, +989128109109, +989128109102, +989932179359) and a specialized email address (cons.tehran@mea.gov.in). Additionally, unregistered Indian citizens have been instructed to complete mandatory registration through the official portal (https://www.meaers.com/request/home) to ensure consular protection capabilities.

    This development occurs alongside regional tensions reflected in recent reports of Iran’s military alert status and contingency planning for leadership scenarios. The evacuation advisory represents one of the most significant security directives issued by India regarding its citizenry in Iran in recent years.

  • Watch: US TV reporters battle snowy conditions as a major storm hits east coast

    Watch: US TV reporters battle snowy conditions as a major storm hits east coast

    Television news crews across the northeastern United States confronted perilous on-air conditions as a massive winter storm system descended upon the region. Reporters stationed from New York to Massachusetts demonstrated remarkable resilience while delivering live updates from the epicenter of the blizzard’s fury.

    Amidst swirling winds and rapidly accumulating snowfall, one seasoned correspondent offered a vivid description of the surreal experience, noting the sensation resembled ‘being trapped inside an violently shaken snow globe’. The metaphorical depiction captured the intensity of whiteout conditions that reduced visibility to near-zero in some metropolitan areas.

    The meteorological event triggered widespread transportation disruptions, with thousands of flights canceled and highway travel advisories issued across multiple states. Emergency management officials urged residents to shelter indoors as utility crews prepared for potential power outages caused by heavy snow loads on electrical infrastructure.

    Broadcast networks implemented special coverage protocols, with many journalists remaining on location for extended shifts to document the storm’s progression. Safety personnel maintained close proximity to reporting teams as gusting winds occasionally threatened to topple equipment and signage.

    The comprehensive media coverage provided vital real-time information to affected communities while showcasing the dedication of news professionals operating under exceptionally challenging environmental circumstances.

  • Fifteen killed after helicopter crashes during Peru flood rescue

    Fifteen killed after helicopter crashes during Peru flood rescue

    A Peruvian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crashed during emergency flood response operations in southern Peru on Sunday, resulting in fifteen fatalities. The aircraft, which lost radio contact during its mission in the storm-ravaged Arequipa region, was discovered wrecked in the Chala district on Monday.

    Among the deceased were all four crew members and eleven passengers, including seven children. Reports indicate that some military personnel aboard had brought family members along during the rescue deployment. The youngest victim was just three years old.

    The helicopter had been dispatched from Pisco in the Ica region to support disaster relief efforts in Arequipa, where torrential rains have triggered severe flooding, mudslides, and river overflows. The wreckage was located near the coastal town of Chala Viejo.

    Peruvian authorities have launched a full investigation into the tragic incident. The Air Force expressed profound condolences to families and colleagues of the victims, describing the loss as ‘irreparable.’

    Meanwhile, the climate emergency continues to batter Arequipa with destructive force. Regional Governor Rohel Sánchez has formally requested national government assistance after numerous homes were rendered uninhabitable. Separate weather-related incidents have claimed at least two additional lives—an elderly woman swept away by floodwaters in Cayma district and a man killed by lightning.

    Visual documentation from affected areas shows extensive damage with torrents of mud and debris inundating residential neighborhoods and floodwaters penetrating homes, creating a compounded humanitarian crisis.