Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • No family visits allowed for ex Philippine president Duterte during ICC hearings

    No family visits allowed for ex Philippine president Duterte during ICC hearings

    Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains in complete isolation at International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facilities as pivotal hearings commence regarding crimes against humanity charges. The Duterte family confirmed through an official statement that all requests for face-to-face visits have been denied throughout the judicial proceedings.

    The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I convenes this week to examine evidence supporting allegations against Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of fatalities during his presidency and earlier tenure as Davao City mayor. Despite the former leader’s formal request to be excused from physical attendance, the court maintains strict protocols limiting external contact.

    Duterte’s legal defense team includes prominent Filipino attorneys such as former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, ex-Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, and former Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. They are joined by attorneys Martin Delgra III, Alfredo Lim Jr., and Caesar Dulay in challenging the ICC’s jurisdiction.

    The judicial process represents the culmination of an eight-year legal battle that began with initial complaints filed in June 2017. Duterte’s administration subsequently withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute in March 2018, though the ICC asserts jurisdiction over crimes alleged between November 2011 and March 2019, when the nation remained a state party to the treaty.

    Official government records acknowledge approximately 6,000 fatalities during Duterte’s anti-drug operations, though international human rights organizations and ICC prosecutors estimate the actual death toll between 12,000 and 30,000. The former president, who describes himself as ‘old, tired and frail,’ has accepted the possibility of dying in detention while maintaining his non-recognition of the court’s authority.

  • Apple AI glasses: Release date, features and expected UAE price

    Apple AI glasses: Release date, features and expected UAE price

    Apple is reportedly accelerating development of its long-rumored AI-powered smart glasses, marking a significant advancement in wearable technology. According to Bloomberg reports, the tech giant is working on three distinct AI wearables: smart glasses, a pendant device, and camera-equipped AirPods, all designed to integrate Siri more deeply into daily life.

    The glasses project represents a strategic shift from earlier expectations of full augmented reality capabilities. Instead of complex AR overlays, Apple appears focused on practical AI assistance through sophisticated computer vision technology. This approach contrasts with the company’s high-end Vision Pro spatial computing device, priced at Dh13,999 in the UAE, positioning the glasses as a more accessible everyday companion.

    Technical specifications indicate the glasses will feature dual integrated cameras—one dedicated to computer vision and another for photo and video capture. The device will include microphones, speakers, and on-device AI processing, all embedded within the frame without requiring an external battery pack. This represents a significant engineering achievement from earlier prototypes that relied on separate power sources.

    A potentially groundbreaking development emerged through Apple’s recent acquisition of startup Q.ai for approximately $2 billion. The company specialized in machine learning systems capable of interpreting silent voice input through micro facial movements and subvocalization detection. This technology could enable users to communicate with Siri without audible speech, revolutionizing voice assistant interactions in crowded or private settings.

    While no official release date has been confirmed, industry speculation suggests a potential launch within the next year. Pricing is expected to significantly exceed Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, currently available for Dh1,549 in the UAE market. The integration of advanced silent communication technology positions Apple’s offering as a potentially transformative product in the rapidly evolving AI wearable landscape.

  • Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy

    Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy

    In an unprecedented event marking the 800th anniversary of his death, the skeletal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi have been unveiled for public veneration in the Italian town that bears his name. The historic exhibition, which commenced this Sunday, is taking place within the hallowed walls of the Basilica of St. Francis’s lower church.

    The 13th-century relics, meticulously preserved within a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case positioned before the altar, represent one of the most significant religious exhibitions in modern history. Italian authorities report an overwhelming global response, with approximately 400,000 pilgrims and visitors having secured reservations to witness the sacred remains firsthand.

    This extraordinary viewing opportunity marks only the second time the saint’s bones have been accessible to the public. The previous occasion occurred briefly in 1978 when a select group was permitted a single day of veneration.

    Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182, Saint Francis underwent a profound spiritual transformation that led him to renounce considerable family wealth and embrace a life of poverty and service. His legacy includes founding the Franciscan Order and becoming the recognized patron saint of animals, ecology, and Italy itself.

    The current exhibition holds particular significance given the recent papacy of Pope Francis, who consciously modeled his leadership after the saint’s radical humility and dedication to the poor. The display will remain accessible to the public through March 22nd, providing an extended period for reflection and veneration of one of Christianity’s most beloved figures.

  • EU ‘expects’ US to honour trade deal as Trump hikes tariffs

    EU ‘expects’ US to honour trade deal as Trump hikes tariffs

    The European Commission has issued a firm appeal to the United States government, urging adherence to previously established trade agreements following President Donald Trump’s abrupt imposition of new global tariffs. This development emerges just one day after a significant Supreme Court ruling that deemed substantial portions of Trump’s international tariff strategy unlawful.

    Commission officials emphasized the fundamental principle that “a deal is a deal,” highlighting the European Union’s position as America’s largest trading partner. The statement explicitly called for Washington to honor commitments outlined in the Joint Statement, mirroring the EU’s consistent compliance with its obligations.

    The controversy stems from Trump’s decision to temporarily elevate global import duties to 15% on Saturday—a move that injected fresh uncertainty into international markets. This action directly contradicts the EU-US agreement established last year, which specifically capped tariffs on most European goods at a maximum of 15%.

    European officials have expressed particular concern about the unpredictable application of tariffs, warning that such practices inherently disrupt global markets and undermine confidence throughout international supply chains. The Commission has formally requested comprehensive clarification regarding Washington’s intended course of action following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

    Behind the scenes, diplomatic channels remain active with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic maintaining communication with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. While American officials have publicly affirmed their commitment to existing trade deals, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde acknowledged uncertainty regarding the practical consequences of the judicial decision.

    The political ramifications are already materializing, with the European Parliament’s trade committee postponing its scheduled approval of the EU-US deal pending further legal assessment and explicit commitments from American authorities. Bernd Lange, the committee’s head, characterized the situation as “pure tariff chaos” from the US administration, emphasizing the need for clarity and legal certainty before proceeding.

    Financial analysts at ING bank suggest that Trump’s new tariffs might represent strategic “smoke and mirrors” to create negotiating leverage, potentially enabling alternative tariff justifications based on unfair trade practices or agreement violations. This development marks a substantial judicial rebuke to the administration from a court that has typically supported presidential authority, representing a significant setback to Trump’s signature economic policy that has profoundly disrupted global trade norms.

  • Greenland says ‘no thanks’ to Trump US hospital boat

    Greenland says ‘no thanks’ to Trump US hospital boat

    Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has issued a diplomatic rebuke to former U.S. President Donald Trump following his unexpected announcement about deploying a U.S. hospital ship to the Arctic territory. The exchange marks the latest development in Trump’s longstanding interest in Greenland, which he previously attempted to purchase during his presidency.

    Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare he was dispatching ‘a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there,’ accompanied by an illustration of the USNS Mercy, one of two hospital ships operated by the U.S. Navy. The post provided no specifics regarding the timing or motivation behind this decision.

    In a firm response, Prime Minister Nielsen declined the offer, stating unequivocally that ‘it’s going to be a no thanks from us.’ He emphasized Greenland’s robust public healthcare system, noting that ‘we have a public healthcare system where treatment is free for citizens,’ drawing an implicit contrast with the United States’ healthcare model. Nielsen further urged more conventional diplomatic channels, suggesting Trump should ‘talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media.’

    The unusual exchange occurs against the backdrop of continued U.S. interest in Greenland’s strategic position. Trump previously attempted to purchase the vast Arctic island during his presidency, though he conceded in January that he would not pursue acquisition by force. Subsequently, he announced a ‘framework for a future deal’ regarding U.S.-Greenland relations, though details remain unspecified despite claims from U.S. Vice President JD Vance that European countries were ‘willing to make a lot of accommodations.’

    The timing of Trump’s hospital ship announcement raised questions as it followed closely after Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command reported evacuating a crew member requiring urgent medical attention from a U.S. submarine near Nuuk, though any connection between the events remains unconfirmed.

  • Air India cancels New York, Newark flights due to severe winter storm

    Air India cancels New York, Newark flights due to severe winter storm

    A major winter storm poised to batter the US Northeast has triggered widespread flight cancellations across international carriers, with Air India taking preemptive action by scrapping all services to New York and Newark scheduled for February 23rd. The airline confirmed the operational halt stems from severe weather forecasts predicting blizzard conditions along the densely populated I-95 corridor.

    Meteorologists from the National Weather Service have issued urgent blizzard warnings for New York and six adjacent states, anticipating accumulation of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) of heavy, wet snow accompanied by gale-force winds reaching 60 mph (96 km/h). The rapid-onset storm threatens to create near-impossible travel conditions and potential widespread power outages across the region.

    Air India’s cancellation decision prioritizes passenger and crew safety, with dedicated teams providing rebooking assistance through 24/7 call centers and online channels. The carrier emphasized that affected travelers should contact support services for alternative arrangements.

    The aviation disruption extends beyond Indian carriers, with UAE-based Emirates and Etihad Airways implementing significant schedule changes. Emirates advised passengers to coordinate with booking agents, while Etihad cancelled four specific flights and warned of potential additional delays as weather conditions evolve.

    This severe weather event compounds existing travel challenges along the East Coast, which had only recently recovered from previous winter storms. The coordinated response from international airlines highlights the growing emphasis on proactive safety measures in extreme weather situations, though it creates substantial logistical complications for transatlantic travel during this period.

  • Six Nations favorite France scores 5 tries in 33-8 win against Italy

    Six Nations favorite France scores 5 tries in 33-8 win against Italy

    LILLE, France — The French national rugby team solidified their position as frontrunners for the Six Nations Championship with a hard-fought 33-8 victory against Italy on Sunday. Despite occasional lapses in discipline, Fabien Galthié’s squad secured their third consecutive tournament win while demonstrating both offensive brilliance and defensive resilience.

    The match at Stade Pierre-Mauroy witnessed France establishing early dominance with three first-half tries. Lightning-quick winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, lock Emmanuel Meafou, and versatile flyhalf Thomas Ramos all crossed the try line before halftime, with star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont orchestrating two of these scoring opportunities.

    After building a commanding 19-0 lead within thirty minutes, France’s performance became somewhat disjointed as tactical indiscipline allowed Italy back into contention. Italian fullback Ange Capuozzo capitalized on this shift in momentum with an opportunistic try, complemented by a Paolo Garbisi penalty, narrowing the deficit to 19-8.

    The scoreboard remained unchanged until the 71st minute when Ramos executed a precision kick to the right corner, enabling debutant winger Gaël Dréan to score his first international try. This crucial score occurred while Italy faced numerical disadvantages, with winger Louis Lynagh—son of Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh—serving a sin-bin penalty for a deliberate knock-on.

    Controversy emerged as Italy’s substitutes expressed frustration over Dréan’s try, arguing they were effectively reduced to 13 players since Capuozzo remained off-field receiving treatment for a shoulder injury. France sealed their bonus-point victory when center Emilien Gailleton demonstrated impressive physicality by breaking through a tackle to score in the final moments, with Ramos adding the conversion.

    With five tries scored in this match, France continues to showcase their offensive prowess, having accumulated 19 tries throughout the tournament thus far. This positions them favorably to challenge their own championship record of 30 tries established last year.

  • As promo of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan movie drops, everyone’s asking who’s the villain

    As promo of Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan movie drops, everyone’s asking who’s the villain

    Indian cinema witnesses an unprecedented cinematic event as screen legends Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan announce their monumental collaboration in the tentatively titled ‘KH*RK’. The project, officially confirmed through a multi-language promotional release, marks the first full-fledged on-screen reunion of the iconic actors since their 1979 romantic comedy ‘Ninaithale Inikkum’.

    Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film will be produced by Red Giant Movies with musical composition handled by Anirudh Ravichander, Rajinikanth’s nephew and acclaimed composer of recent blockbusters including ‘Jailer’ and ‘Vikram’. Industry insiders indicate the project will embrace a light-hearted tone consistent with Dilipkumar’s signature filmmaking style, a creative direction both veteran actors reportedly favored.

    The recently released promotional teaser, available in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, showcases the two icons displaying their characteristic style while walking toward a vintage Mercedes. The clip strategically fuels speculation about narrative roles when Haasan pointedly asks the director and composer: ‘Who’s the hero?’ This ambiguous moment has ignited fervent discussion among fans regarding potential villainous roles for either legend, drawing parallels to Rajinikanth’s antagonist turn in the 1977 classic ’16 Vayathinile’ which featured Haasan and Sridevi as leads.

    Dilipkumar brings considerable directorial credibility to this ambitious project following his recent blockbuster success with Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer’ (2023), which achieved remarkable commercial performance with approximately ₹6.5 billion (Dh 250 million) in global earnings. His filmography demonstrates consistent innovation, beginning with the critically acclaimed dark comedy ‘Kolamavu Kokila’ (2018) through the unconventional ‘Doctor’ (2019) and the commercially successful ‘Beast’ (2022).

    Production is scheduled to commence imminently, with industry analysts predicting this collaboration between three powerhouse talents—Rajinikanth, Haasan, and Dilipkumar—could redefine contemporary Indian cinema standards. The project represents not merely a film but a cultural moment, uniting two generations of cinematic excellence in what promises to be a landmark addition to both actors’ legendary careers.

  • Guggenheim Abu Dhabi nears completion; opening expected in 2026

    Guggenheim Abu Dhabi nears completion; opening expected in 2026

    Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape is poised for a monumental expansion as the highly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum approaches its completion phase, with official opening ceremonies scheduled for 2026. This architectural marvel, conceived by the late visionary architect Frank Gehry, represents his final and most ambitious museum project, destined to become a centerpiece of the UAE’s thriving arts ecosystem.

    Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, confirmed the project’s progress, emphasizing that comprehensive national development remains intrinsically linked to cultural advancement. “Cultural components form fundamental pillars of our renaissance,” stated Dr. Gargash, underscoring the institution’s significance beyond mere aesthetics.

    The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will join an already impressive collection of world-class institutions on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the recently opened Natural History Museum, and the Zayed National Museum. This strategic clustering establishes the UAE capital as a genuine ‘global oasis of creativity,’ offering visitors an unparalleled museum district within the Middle East.

    Though Gehry passed away last year, his architectural legacy will endure through this groundbreaking structure that promises to redefine museum experiences. The design incorporates innovative elements that respond to both the local environment and global contemporary art standards.

    Prospective residents and visitors can anticipate unique opportunities to inhabit spaces overlooking both the Guggenheim and Louvre museums, as Abu Dhabi continues developing Saadiyat Island into a comprehensive cultural and residential destination. The museum’s completion will mark the culmination of a decades-long vision to position Abu Dhabi as an international hub for artistic innovation and cross-cultural dialogue.

  • Restaurant review: Year of the Horse, wishes and an intimate Lunar New Year experience at MiMi Mei Fair Dubai

    Restaurant review: Year of the Horse, wishes and an intimate Lunar New Year experience at MiMi Mei Fair Dubai

    Nestled within the prestigious Address Residences Dubai Opera, MiMi Mei Fair Dubai has crafted an immersive Lunar New Year celebration that transcends conventional dining. The restaurant’s centerpiece—an elegant wishing tree adorned with crimson ribbons and envelopes—invites patrons to participate in a meaningful ritual: penning their aspirations for the Year of the Horse and hanging them alongside others’ hopes, creating a collective tapestry of wishes.

    The ambiance embodies refined intimacy, with mood lighting casting a warm glow across deep green and scarlet accents. Despite operating at full capacity, the space maintains an atmosphere of cozy exclusivity rather than crowded chaos, facilitating effortless conversation without auditory interference. The layout features distinct lounges, each with its unique character, making the venue ideal for romantic evenings or special celebrations though less suited for formal business engagements.

    Culinary offerings commence with the symbolic ‘basket of wealth’ dim sum assortment, featuring prawn and coriander, truffle edamame, and chicken and chives dumplings—a standout opening act. The steamed XO okra provides a nostalgic yet sophisticated flavor profile, while rock oysters offer a briny freshness enhanced by citrus notes.

    Main courses showcase smoked Chilean seabass glazed in black bean sauce, sweet and sour chicken with bell pepper and pineapple, and a braised truffled mushroom trio accompanied by stir-fried green beans and hakka noodles. The theatrical table-side preparation of wok-baked lobster—where staff expertly extract the tender meat—adds culinary drama to the experience.

    The celebration concludes with classic crème brûlée, though the dessert serves more as a pleasant epilogue rather than matching the memorability of the savory courses. Priced at AED 478 per person for the Lunar New Year sharing menu, the experience positions itself as a premium occasion destination rather than everyday dining, justified by meticulous service, thoughtful details, and well-executed cuisine.