Global Pulse

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  • Iran issues Notam over planned rocket launches on February 19 amid tensions

    Iran issues Notam over planned rocket launches on February 19 amid tensions

    Iran has escalated regional tensions by issuing a formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing planned rocket launches across its southern territories on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. The advisory, published on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s website, indicates airspace closures will be in effect from 03:30 to 13:30 GMT.

    This development occurs alongside significant military movements in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Iranian naval forces recently concluded drills in the area and are scheduled to commence joint exercises with Russia’s navy on the same day as the rocket tests.

    The NOTAM issuance coincides with heightened diplomatic friction between Tehran and Washington. US Vice President JD Vance has publicly stated that the administration is reevaluating its approach toward Iran, considering whether to maintain diplomatic channels or pursue alternative strategies. This reassessment follows the deployment of US warships to waters near Iran.

    Further complicating the situation, Iranian authorities announced plans to temporarily close sections of the Strait of Hormuz for several hours on Tuesday. This critical maritime passage handles approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments. Tehran has historically threatened complete closure of the strait in response to military aggression, an action that would severely disrupt international energy markets and likely trigger substantial oil price increases.

    The ongoing tensions are set against the backdrop of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, with discussions scheduled to continue in Oman despite disagreements over the negotiation framework. The US has maintained a naval presence in the Gulf region to pressure Tehran into making concessions regarding its nuclear program.

  • The sport of ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut on a snowy day in Bormio

    The sport of ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut on a snowy day in Bormio

    BORMIO, Italy — Amidst heavy snowfall in the Italian Alps, ski mountaineering achieved a monumental milestone on Thursday as it officially debuted at the Olympic Games with the men’s and women’s sprint events. The challenging Stelvio course provided a dramatic backdrop for this niche sport—commonly known as ‘skimo’—which combines uphill racing on skis with a high-speed downhill sprint to the finish.

    The historic significance of these inaugural gold medals was palpable, with athletes vying for the coveted title of first-ever Olympic champion in their discipline. Competitors faced three intense rounds, each lasting approximately three minutes of lung-searing effort, with favorites quickly establishing dominance in the preliminary heats.

    France’s Emily Harrop and Switzerland’s Marianne Fatton led the women’s field, while Spain’s Oriol Cardona Coll emerged as the frontrunner in the men’s division. The semifinal and final rounds were scheduled for later Thursday evening.

    For participants in a sport dating back to the late 19th century, the Olympic debut represented an especially poignant moment. American athlete Anna Gibson, who advanced to the semifinals, described the experience: ‘Standing at the start and seeing the Olympic rings on the hillside made it feel really real.’

    The course design provided spectacular viewing, resembling a snow park filled with diverse obstacles. Athletes navigated a diamond-shaped pattern before removing skis to climb steep steps in specialized boots, carrying equipment in backpacks. After reassembling their gear, competitors sprinted upward before reaching the summit where they performed a mid-air maneuver to remove ‘skins’—fabric strips that enable uphill movement—before descending at high velocity toward the finish line.

    Among the most inspiring stories was that of Spain’s Ana Alonso Rodriguez, who overcame a serious September training accident when she was struck by a car, sustaining multiple injuries including a damaged ACL. Her advancement past the initial round represented a personal victory. ‘There were times when I thought I was not going to make it,’ Rodriguez revealed. ‘I’ve focused on taking it step-by-step.’

    The ski mountaineering competition will conclude with a mixed team relay event on Saturday.

  • Ramadan 2026: How food walks unite cultures across Indian cities

    Ramadan 2026: How food walks unite cultures across Indian cities

    Across India’s urban landscapes, an innovative cultural initiative is transforming Ramadan traditions into powerful tools for interfaith dialogue and community building. What began as a passion project among Delhi enthusiasts in 2012 has evolved into a nationwide movement that brings together Muslims and non-Muslims through shared culinary experiences and meaningful conversations.

    DelhiByFoot Adventures, the pioneering organization behind these Ramadan food walks, has expanded its operations to include Kolkata and Hyderabad, demonstrating growing interest in cross-cultural engagement. The program ‘Iftar Sey Sehari Tak’ (From Iftar to Sehri) offers midnight walking tours during Ramadan that have attracted both local residents and international visitors seeking authentic cultural immersion.

    Ramit Mitra, co-founder of the initiative, emphasizes its inclusive nature: ‘We have included people from all cultures and faiths, helping to bring them closer to each other.’ The concept emerged from shared passions and a mutual appreciation for Delhi’s rich cultural offerings, but has since developed into a meaningful platform for intercultural exchange.

    The organization has curated diverse experiences ranging from Iftar celebrations inside Delhi’s historic Jama Masjid to intimate home gatherings featuring traditional Ramadan foods from Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Bhopal. These home-based events often occur in the residences of artists, musicians, calligraphers, and food historians, providing unique insights into regional culinary traditions.

    Remarkably, the majority of participants in these community-led events come from non-Muslim backgrounds. They attend not only for the sumptuous Iftar spreads but also for discussions about fasting practices, religious philosophies, and shared human experiences across different faith traditions.

    For Ramadan 2026, the organization has developed special programming including Iftar celebrations at the homes of Hindustani Classical vocal musicians and curated menus featuring dishes from Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Karnataka. The events feature food historians presenting royal family recipes and pop-up menus inspired by nawabi traditions.

    The initiative now includes overnight walks from Iftar to Sehri in Delhi and Mumbai, plus a four-day Ramadan special tour in Hyderabad. Each city offers distinct culinary experiences, with Ramadan markets in Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Bhopal providing unique regional flavors and cultural insights.

    Through these shared meals and conversations, participants not only explore India’s diverse culinary heritage but also establish emotional connections with hosts, exchanging childhood memories of Ramadan and other festivals that once united communities across religious boundaries.

  • Islamic police in Nigeria arrest nine Muslims for not fasting during Ramadan

    Islamic police in Nigeria arrest nine Muslims for not fasting during Ramadan

    In Nigeria’s northern Kano State, the Islamic religious police force known as Hisbah has detained nine Muslim individuals for publicly consuming food during daylight hours on the inaugural day of Ramadan. The arrests occurred Wednesday as authorities enforced strict adherence to Islamic fasting requirements during the holy month.

    Kano State maintains a dual legal system where Sharia law operates alongside the country’s secular legal framework. Hisbah officers conduct annual Ramadan inspections of eateries, markets, and public spaces to ensure compliance with fasting regulations. While some establishments remain operational in predominantly Christian neighborhoods, Muslim-majority areas face stringent enforcement.

    The detained individuals—seven men and two women—claimed unawareness that Ramadan had commenced, according to Hisbah deputy commander general Mujahid Aminudeen. The religious authority has taken them into custody for educational purposes, stating they will receive instruction on fasting importance, prayer practices, and Quranic recitation to become ‘better Muslims.’

    Historical precedent suggests the detainees will remain under supervision until authorities coordinate with their families to ensure ongoing fasting compliance throughout Ramadan’s duration. This enforcement approach reflects practices established over two decades ago when twelve northern Nigerian states incorporated Sharia law alongside secular legislation.

    Ramadan holds profound significance in Islam as the month when Muslims believe the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The current fasting period began February 18th and is anticipated to conclude around March 21st or 22nd after 29-30 days of observance.

  • Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka to finish top of Group B

    Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka to finish top of Group B

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Zimbabwe delivered a stunning six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in Colombo, securing top position in Group B of the Men’s T20 World Cup. The match saw Zimbabwe successfully chase down a target of 179 runs with three balls remaining, maintaining their unbeaten record in the tournament.

    Opening batsman Brian Bennett emerged as the hero for Zimbabwe, remaining undefeated with 63 runs from 48 deliveries. This remarkable performance follows his previous unbeaten 64 runs against Australia last week. Bennett established a solid foundation with an opening partnership of 69 runs with Tadiwanashe Marumani, who contributed 34 runs. Captain Sikander Raza provided crucial acceleration with a explosive 45 runs from just 26 balls before falling in the penultimate over.

    The victory becomes particularly significant as Zimbabwe, who failed to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup, now progress unbeaten to the Super 8s stage. Their campaign continues with a match against West Indies in Mumbai on Monday, having been placed in a group with co-hosts India, South Africa, and the Caribbean team.

    Sri Lanka, despite being already qualified for the next round, faced considerable challenges with dropped catches and fielding errors. The absence of injured bowler Matheesha Pathirana and rested seamer Dushmantha Chameera further weakened their bowling attack. Pathum Nissanka’s respectable 62 runs from 44 balls provided the highlight for Sri Lanka, who now face England in their Super 8s opener on Sunday.

    In related tournament news, West Indies maintained their perfect record with a 42-run victory over Italy in Kolkata. Shamar Joseph achieved a historic feat by becoming the first player to take four catches and four wickets in a single T20 international. Meanwhile, Afghanistan concluded their campaign with an emphatic 82-run win against Canada, featuring Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 95 runs and Mohammad Nabi’s exceptional bowling figures of 4-7.

  • Over 1,000 Kenyans enlisted to fight in Russia-Ukraine war, report says

    Over 1,000 Kenyans enlisted to fight in Russia-Ukraine war, report says

    Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has delivered a damning parliamentary report revealing an extensive human trafficking operation that has recruited approximately 1,000 Kenyan citizens to fight for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. The intelligence assessment, presented to lawmakers on Wednesday, documents a sophisticated network involving rogue government officials collaborating with trafficking syndicates to funnel Kenyans into Russia’s military apparatus.

    As of February, 89 Kenyan nationals were confirmed to be actively deployed on front-line positions in the Russia-Ukraine war theater. The report confirms at least one combat death—29-year-old Clinton Mogesa—with numerous others returning home with physical injuries or psychological trauma. An additional 35 recruits are stationed at Russian military camps, while 39 are wounded and 28 remain unaccounted for.

    Parliamentary Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah characterized the operation as ‘deeply disturbing,’ detailing how recruitment agencies conspired with corrupt airport personnel, immigration officers, criminal investigation agents, anti-narcotics officers, and employment authority officials to facilitate the illicit transports. The scheme allegedly extended to complicit staff at both the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Moscow, who expedited visa processing for recruits.

    Targeting primarily ex-military personnel, former police officers, and unemployed Kenyans aged 20-50, recruiters promised lucrative compensation packages reaching 350,000 Kenyan shillings ($2,400) monthly, with signing bonuses between $6,200-$8,300. Instead, recruits received minimal combat training—some as brief as nine days for explosives and weapons instruction—before being deployed to high-risk front-line positions.

    Initially routing recruits through Istanbul and UAE via Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using tourist visas, traffickers have recently shifted to alternative pathways through South Africa and neighboring East African nations amid heightened Kenyan surveillance.

    Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi confirmed Nairobi has shuttered over 600 dubious recruitment agencies while collaborating with Moscow to establish protective bilateral labor agreements explicitly excluding military conscription. Thus far, 27 Kenyans have been repatriated from combat zones and are receiving psychological support and deradicalization therapy.

    The revelations emerge amid growing international concern over Russia’s recruitment practices across Africa, with Ukrainian intelligence estimating over 1,400 Africans from 36 nations have been recruited to fight for Russian forces.

  • Bad Bunny to make lead acting debut in film inspired by Puerto Rican revolutionary

    Bad Bunny to make lead acting debut in film inspired by Puerto Rican revolutionary

    Global music sensation Bad Bunny is poised for a cinematic breakthrough, securing his first leading role in the highly anticipated historical drama ‘Porto Rico’. The film unites the Grammy-winning artist with Academy Award winners Javier Bardem and Edward Norton in what promises to be a powerful exploration of Puerto Rican heritage.

    Directed by renowned rapper and activist René Pérez (professionally known as Residente), the project has been meticulously developed since 2023 as a cinematic love letter to Puerto Rico’s complex history. The narrative draws inspiration from the life of José Maldonado Román, a revolutionary figure who challenged Spanish colonial rule in late 19th and early 20th century Puerto Rico under his legendary alias Águila Blanca (White Eagle).

    Residente expressed his profound connection to the project, stating to Deadline: ‘This film represents a reaffirmation of our identity, presented with the intensity and honesty our historical legacy demands. Since childhood, I’ve envisioned creating a film about my homeland, whose true narrative has perpetually been shrouded in controversy.’

    The production gains additional prestige with Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu serving as executive producer, alongside acclaimed actor Viggo Mortensen joining the ensemble cast. Edward Norton articulated the film’s significance within American cinema tradition: ‘This project resonates with the transformative power of films like The Godfather and Gangs of New York—blending visceral drama with iconic historical portrayals while confronting the obscured narratives beneath American idealism.’

    Norton further praised the creative synergy: ‘Uniting René’s directorial vision with Bad Bunny’s artistry to illuminate Puerto Rico’s authentic origins will be like a flame meeting its destined dynamite.’

    The film marks a strategic expansion of Bad Bunny’s entertainment footprint following an extraordinary year that included headlining the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show and securing Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammy Awards. His previous acting credits include supporting roles in Brad Pitt’s ‘Bullet Train’ and the crime comedy ‘Caught Stealing’ alongside Austin Butler.

    Adding to his milestone week, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recognized Bad Bunny as the world’s fifth most-streamed artist globally for 2024, cementing his status as a cross-cultural phenomenon now transitioning into dramatic cinema.

  • Alysa Liu carries US medal hopes into concluding women’s free skate at the Milan Cortina Olympics

    Alysa Liu carries US medal hopes into concluding women’s free skate at the Milan Cortina Olympics

    The final chapter of women’s figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics unfolds Thursday night with an unprecedented potential podium sweep by Japanese athletes, while American champion Alysa Liu carries her nation’s golden aspirations against formidable competition.

    Japan’s formidable trio—Ami Nakai (17), Kaori Sakamoto (25), and Mone Chiba—stand positioned to achieve what no nation has accomplished in Olympic history: a complete women’s figure skating podium domination. Nakai, inspired by legendary skater Mao Asada, leads the competition after delivering one of only two successful triple axels during Tuesday’s short program. Sakamoto, the 2022 Beijing bronze medalist, trails by a mere point in what she暗示 might be her Olympic finale.

    Challenging the Japanese dominance is American skater Alysa Liu, who has positioned herself as the only non-Japanese contender within striking distance of the podium. The 20-year-old from California’s Bay Area has staged a remarkable comeback after a two-year retirement, during which she rediscovered her passion for skating. Her victory at last year’s World Championships—ending a 16-year American drought since Kimmie Meissner—preceded her current quest to become the first U.S. women’s Olympic champion since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

    The competition’s unpredictable variable arrives in the form of Russian skater Adeliia Petrosian (18), who competes as a neutral athlete amid Russia’s ongoing exclusion from international events due to geopolitical circumstances. As the latest prodigy from controversial coach Eteri Tutberidze’s stable, Petrosian represents the only contender capable of executing quadruple jumps—a technical element that could dramatically alter the competition’s outcome. Despite limited international exposure and concerns about inflated domestic scores, her Milan performances have demonstrated medal-winning potential.

    This showdown marks another chapter in Russia’s figure skating dominance, with no non-Russian athlete having claimed Olympic gold since South Korea’s Yuna Kim at the 2010 Vancouver Games. The evening promises not only technical excellence but compelling narratives of perseverance, national pride, and athletic legacy across generations of skaters.

  • Steed & Steel: Striding through Year of the Horse

    Steed & Steel: Striding through Year of the Horse

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has issued a formal copyright notification asserting exclusive ownership over all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive protection extends to textual materials, photographic content, multimedia information, and all other published elements appearing on the company’s website.

    According to the established policy, republication or utilization of any protected content in any form requires obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC. The company explicitly prohibits unauthorized use of its intellectual property, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding digital assets against copyright infringement.

    The notice additionally provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting that visitors utilize browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for proper site functionality. This technical specification aims to ensure consistent content presentation and accessibility across different viewing environments.

    Furthermore, the publication details include reference to multimedia online publishing license number 0108263 and registration number 130349, providing official documentation of the platform’s operational credentials. The footer section contains standard corporate information including details about the organization, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and employment provisions for both general and expatriate positions.

    The copyright statement concludes with an invitation for users to follow the organization’s digital channels through provided social media connections, maintaining engagement with its audience while protecting proprietary content.

  • Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Britain qualify for men’s curling semifinals at Olympics

    Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Britain qualify for men’s curling semifinals at Olympics

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO — The stage is set for thrilling men’s curling semifinals at the Milan Cortina Olympics following intense round-robin competitions. Canada will face Norway in a highly anticipated rematch after Norway’s decisive 8-6 victory earlier today, while undefeated Switzerland prepares to challenge Britain in Thursday evening’s critical matches.

    Canadian skip Brad Jacobs drew parallels to historical precedents, noting the situation evokes “deja vu from Sochi” referencing the 2014 Winter Games where Canada faced China consecutively in round-robin and semifinal matches before ultimately claiming gold. “We’re experienced with this, done this a lot,” Jacobs stated. “Hopefully, we can get off to a better start tonight.”

    The Swiss team enters the semifinals with an unblemished record, their confidence buoyed by strong team cohesion. Skip Yannick Schwaller emphasized the positive dynamics within his squad: “I would say it’s just a very good atmosphere in our group right now. Everybody is buying into what we’re doing.” Schwaller credited their success partly to the strategic guidance of renowned Canadian curler Glenn Howard, who joined as coach.

    Britain secured their semifinal position with a 5-4 record, advancing following Canada’s loss to Norway. Meanwhile, defending gold medalists Sweden have been eliminated from contention, and the United States team saw their semifinal hopes vanish with Canada’s defeat.

    On the women’s side, Sweden and Switzerland have already clinched semifinal berths. Sweden leads with seven wins against two losses (to Korea and Canada), while Switzerland follows closely with six victories and two defeats (to Japan and Sweden). Three nations—Canada, Korea, and the United States—remain tied for third place with identical 5-3 records, setting up a dramatic final round-robin session Thursday afternoon to determine the remaining two semifinal spots.

    The men’s semifinals commence at 7:05 PM local time Thursday, with medal matches scheduled throughout the weekend. The women’s semifinals will follow on Friday afternoon, culminating in gold medal contests on Sunday morning.