Global Pulse

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  • Ramadan 2026: 90,000 Qurans to be distributed, Emirati voices to recite verses on radio

    Ramadan 2026: 90,000 Qurans to be distributed, Emirati voices to recite verses on radio

    The United Arab Emirates has unveiled an extensive program of Quran-centered initiatives for Ramadan 2026, designed to enhance spiritual contemplation and strengthen family connections throughout the nation. Spearheaded by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, these measures represent a significant investment in religious education and cultural preservation.

    Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the Authority, announced that Friday sermons during the holy month will for the first time focus exclusively on reflective moments derived from chapters of the Holy Quran, encouraging deeper contemplation among worshippers. This thematic consistency across mosques nationwide marks a departure from previous Ramadan practices.

    The centerpiece initiative, ‘Emirati Voices Mushaf,’ will feature Quranic recitations by Emirati voices broadcast across national radio stations, showcasing local talent and promoting cultural authenticity. Simultaneously, the ‘Family Completion Initiative Loyalty and Devotion’ encourages each household to complete a full Quran recitation dedicated to the UAE’s founding rulers, with a target of approximately 6,000 family completions.

    In a substantial distribution effort, 90,000 copies of the Holy Quran will be provided at the expense of the President to mosques, strategic partners, and members of the public throughout Ramadan. This initiative ensures broader access to Islamic texts and facilitates religious engagement.

    The Ramadan agenda incorporates diverse educational activities, including the ‘Bil Hikmah’ program offering 30 lessons on spiritual guidance and ethical values. Specialized ‘Scientific Chairs’ in selected grand mosques in Abu Dhabi will provide in-depth interpretations of Quranic chapters delivered by renowned scholars.

    Commemorative events include a forum marking ’30 Years of the Unified Friday Sermon,’ held in conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day, which celebrates the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to moderation and tolerance. Additional forums include ‘Minarets of Al Ain,’ highlighting historic mosques, and family-focused seminar series ‘Our Home is One.’

    The Authority has also produced extensive educational materials, including ‘Guidance and Clear Signs’ (40,456 jurisprudential lessons delivered after Asr prayers) and ‘Ramadan Reflections’ (40,456 reflections delivered before Taraweeh prayers). Electronic publications covering fasting, Quranic guidance, and zakat have been made widely accessible to the public.

  • Zuckerberg arrives to testify in social media addiction trial

    Zuckerberg arrives to testify in social media addiction trial

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a California courtroom Wednesday to provide testimony in a groundbreaking legal proceeding examining whether social media platforms deliberately addict children. This marks Zuckerberg’s inaugural jury appearance following years of mounting criticism against his social media empire, which encompasses Instagram and WhatsApp.

    The trial centers on allegations that social media companies, including Meta and Google’s YouTube, engineered their platforms to foster addictive behaviors among young users while consciously disregarding mental health risks. The case represents one of thousands of similar lawsuits currently progressing through US judicial systems, with bereaved parents among those observing the proceedings.

    Notably, TikTok and Snapchat previously settled claims against them shortly before trial commencement, though settlement terms remain confidential. The lead plaintiff, identified only by initials K.G.M., began using Instagram and YouTube during childhood, with her legal team asserting these platforms fundamentally contributed to her psychological harm.

    During anticipated testimony, Zuckerberg faced rigorous questioning regarding Instagram’s interface design and subsequent modifications implemented to maintain user engagement. Meta’s advertising-centric revenue model—which directly correlates profitability with increased user screen time—has come under particular scrutiny.

    The courtroom drama intensified when Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified last week, controversially asserting that even 16 consecutive hours of daily Instagram usage didn’t constitute addiction. Meanwhile, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, initially expected to testify, was unexpectedly removed from the witness list.

    This case occurs alongside broader regulatory movements, as 29 state attorneys general petition a federal court to mandate immediate platform modifications—including removing all accounts belonging to users under 13—before trial conclusions. Internationally, nations including Australia, the UK, Denmark, France, and Spain are contemplating or implementing age-based social media restrictions, signaling global concern regarding youth digital welfare.

  • Iranian, Russian navies to hold joint drill on Thursday: media

    Iranian, Russian navies to hold joint drill on Thursday: media

    Iranian and Russian naval forces are poised to conduct a significant joint military exercise in the strategically vital waters of the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean this Thursday. The announcement was formally reported by Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, highlighting continued defense cooperation between the two nations.

    The upcoming drills represent another chapter in the growing military partnership between Tehran and Moscow, which has seen increased frequency in recent years. These exercises occur against a complex geopolitical backdrop, with both countries facing various international pressures and sanctions.

    Maritime security experts note that the selected location holds tremendous strategic importance as critical shipping lanes for global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects to the Gulf of Oman, serves as one of the world’s most crucial oil transit chokepoints.

    The joint maneuvers will likely involve various naval assets from both countries, potentially including surface vessels, submarines, and naval aviation units. Such exercises typically focus on interoperability enhancement, communication drills, and coordinated tactical operations.

    This military collaboration demonstrates the continuing alignment between Iran and Russia on regional security matters and represents a show of force amid ongoing tensions with Western powers. The drills follow a pattern of increased Russian naval activity in various international waters and Iran’s efforts to strengthen its military partnerships.

  • 66 new mosques, 20 scholars, 12,500 seedlings: How UAE is welcoming Ramadan 2026

    66 new mosques, 20 scholars, 12,500 seedlings: How UAE is welcoming Ramadan 2026

    The United Arab Emirates has announced an extensive preparation strategy for Ramadan 2026, featuring significant infrastructure development, international religious collaboration, and environmental sustainability measures. Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, revealed these plans during the authority’s inaugural media briefing of the year.

    The comprehensive initiative includes the construction of 66 new mosques strategically positioned in emerging residential communities to ensure worshipper accessibility. These facilities will be fully equipped with modern amenities to accommodate the spiritual needs of growing populations across all seven emirates.

    In a notable environmental effort, the ‘Let’s Plant Our Mosques’ campaign has already distributed 12,500 seedlings across 224 mosques during its initial phase, integrating ecological consciousness with religious practice. This green initiative represents the UAE’s commitment to combining sustainability with spiritual development.

    The religious dimension features an international scholarly program under the patronage of the UAE President and oversight of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Approximately 20 distinguished scholars from twelve nations including Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Morocco, Mauritania, Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will participate in Ramadan programs throughout the emirates.

    Aligning with the national ‘Year of the Family’ initiative, the authority has designed Ramadan programs emphasizing family and community values. The preparation involved months of coordination, including qualifying human resources, upgrading mosque facilities, and deploying advanced technological tools in cooperation with federal and local partners.

    Educational outreach remains a cornerstone of the preparation, with over 260,000 awareness and educational lessons delivered in the preceding year. Special programs like ‘Bil Hikmah’ focused on Ramadan virtues and fasting ethics, while the second edition of the scientific enrichment program strengthened jurisprudential knowledge among imams and preachers.

    Dr. Al Darei emphasized moderation during Taraweeh prayers, encouraging imams to consider worshippers’ circumstances and embody exemplary conduct. He also called for community responsibility regarding mosque sanctity, parking regulations, and public health considerations during congregational prayers.

  • China’s 2026 Spring Festival box office exceeds 2b yuan

    China’s 2026 Spring Festival box office exceeds 2b yuan

    China’s cinematic landscape has witnessed a spectacular start to the Year of the Horse, with the 2026 Spring Festival box office achieving a remarkable financial milestone. Industry tracking data confirmed that by Wednesday afternoon, just four days into the nine-day holiday period, total theatrical revenues including presales had surged beyond the 2 billion yuan threshold (approximately $290 million).

    This annual celebration period, commencing on February 14th, represents one of the most crucial windows for the world’s second-largest film market. The 2026 season has distinguished itself with an exceptionally diverse programming strategy, featuring simultaneous releases across multiple genres including broad-appeal comedies, high-octane action productions, imaginative animated features, and visionary science fiction epics.

    The strategic scheduling of major releases during this traditional family gathering period has created an unprecedented cinematic banquet for audiences nationwide. The robust performance demonstrates continued vitality in China’s entertainment sector and reflects growing consumer confidence in post-pandemic cultural consumption patterns. Industry analysts are closely monitoring whether this record-breaking pace will continue through the remainder of the holiday period, potentially establishing new benchmarks for seasonal box office performance.

  • California hit by heavy snow as avalanche leaves skiers missing

    California hit by heavy snow as avalanche leaves skiers missing

    A devastating avalanche has struck the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, leaving multiple skiers unaccounted for and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The incident occurred amidst a severe winter storm system that has blanketed the region with exceptionally heavy snowfall, creating extremely hazardous backcountry conditions.

    According to official reports from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, rescue teams successfully extracted six skiers from the avalanche debris in a challenging operation. However, authorities have confirmed that additional individuals remain missing, with search efforts continuing despite deteriorating weather conditions and ongoing avalanche risks.

    Meteorological agencies have issued renewed warnings for the affected areas, noting that the current atmospheric conditions present a continued high probability of further avalanche activity. The combination of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and unstable snowpack has created what experts describe as a particularly dangerous scenario for winter sports enthusiasts and backcountry travelers.

    Emergency management officials have urged backcountry skiers and mountain recreationalists to exercise extreme caution and avoid high-risk areas until weather conditions stabilize and avalanche threats diminish. The current winter storm represents one of the most significant snowfall events to impact California’s mountain regions this season, with some areas recording accumulation measurements that approach historical records for this time of year.

  • Spain luxury hotel scammer booked rooms for one cent, police say

    Spain luxury hotel scammer booked rooms for one cent, police say

    Spanish law enforcement authorities have apprehended a 20-year-old individual suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated cyber attack against a hotel booking platform, enabling him to secure luxury accommodations valued at approximately €1,000 per night for merely one euro cent. The arrest occurred at a prominent Madrid hotel where the suspect was allegedly residing, having accumulated estimated losses exceeding €20,000 across multiple fraudulent stays.

    According to official police statements, this case represents the first documented instance of such a payment validation system manipulation within Spain’s hospitality sector. The criminal investigation was initiated following alerts from a travel booking service regarding suspicious transactional patterns. Remarkably, authorities resolved the case within four days, aided by the suspect’s use of his actual identity during the reservation process.

    Forensic analysis indicates the perpetrator executed a targeted cyber attack that compromised the payment authorization mechanism, forcing the system to validate transactions despite the negligible payment amount. Initially, transactions appeared processed normally, with the irregularity only detected when the payment platform transferred the actual €0.01 amount to the hotel enterprise.

    During the execution of the arrest warrant, police discovered the suspect was completing a four-night stay normally priced at €4,000. Additional financial damages were identified through unpaid mini-bar consumption and incidental charges across multiple properties. While police reports suggest similar bookings occurred at other establishments, specific details remain undisclosed pending further investigation.

    Spanish media outlet ABC reported the individual had prior arrests in the Canary Islands under similar circumstances, indicating potential pattern behavior in luxury accommodation fraud through digital means.

  • Lawmakers will elect Peru’s next president after the latest ouster

    Lawmakers will elect Peru’s next president after the latest ouster

    Peru’s fractured Congress is poised to select the nation’s eighth president within a ten-year period on Wednesday, following the abrupt ouster of former leader José Jerí after just four months in office. The extraordinary political turnover underscores a profound governance crisis stemming from legislative fragmentation and the recurrent application of constitutional provisions to remove sitting presidents.

    Four relatively obscure lawmakers have emerged as contenders for the presidency, with the candidate securing majority congressional votes destined to lead until July 28th, when power will transfer to the winner of April’s general election. The frequent presidential changes result from lawmakers’ broad interpretation of constitutional “permanent moral incapacity” clauses, creating what analysts describe as a revolving-door presidency.

    Jerí’s removal came after revelations of undisclosed meetings with Chinese business owners, including a state contractor, which he characterized as coordination efforts for a Peruvian-Chinese cultural festival. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated two preliminary investigations into allegations of illegal sponsorship of private interests and influence-peddling detrimental to state interests.

    The presidential contenders include María del Carmen Alva, a 58-year-old lawyer from the conservative Popular Action party and former congressional speaker with family ties to agro-export businesses. Héctor Acuña, a 68-year-old engineer representing the conservative Honor and Democracy group, brings private sector experience but limited political exposure and connections to his brother César Acuña’s political machinery.

    Completing the candidate roster are José Balcázar, an 83-year-old former judge from the leftist Perú Libre party, and Edgard Reymundo, a 73-year-old sociologist from the leftist Bloque Democrático. The eventual successor will inherit escalating security challenges including surging murder rates and extortion rackets targeting small businesses and working-class citizens, alongside mounting demands for electoral transparency guarantees for the upcoming general election that will also determine composition of Peru’s bicameral legislature.

  • Mbappe calls for Prestianni ban over alleged racist slur at Vinicius

    Mbappe calls for Prestianni ban over alleged racist slur at Vinicius

    Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has called for UEFA to impose a Champions League ban on Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni after the Argentine winger was accused of directing racial abuse at Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. The explosive incident occurred during Tuesday’s tense Champions League playoff first-leg encounter in Lisbon, which Real Madrid ultimately won 1-0.

    The controversy erupted shortly after Vinicius broke the deadlock with a superb second-half curler. Television cameras captured Prestianni apparently covering his mouth with his shirt before making a remark that Vinicius and several teammates immediately interpreted as racially motivated. The situation escalated rapidly, with footage showing an visibly angered Mbappe confronting Prestianni directly, allegedly labeling him ‘a bloody racist’ to his face.

    Match official Francois Letexier was forced to halt proceedings for eleven minutes while implementing FIFA’s anti-racism protocols. When play eventually resumed, the atmosphere turned increasingly hostile as home supporters directed persistent boos toward both Vinicius and Mbappe whenever they touched the ball.

    Prestianni vehemently denied the allegations through a statement on his Instagram account, asserting: ‘I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.’

    However, Mbappe provided reporters with a contradictory account, claiming he heard Prestianni repeat the same racist remark multiple times—an allegation supported by French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The Real Madrid forward revealed he had been prepared to lead his team off the pitch in protest but was persuaded by Vinicius to continue the match.

    Mbappe delivered a powerful statement to media: ‘We cannot accept that there is a player in Europe’s top football competition who behaves like this. This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore. We have to set an example for all the children watching us at home. What happened today is the kind of thing we cannot accept because the world is watching us.’ When questioned about whether Prestianni had offered any apology, Mbappe responded with dismissive laughter.

    Vinicius later took to social media to express his profound frustration, posting: ‘Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouth with their shirt to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or my family’s life.’

    The Brazilian international has been subjected to repeated racist abuse throughout his career in Spain, with official records indicating 18 separate legal complaints filed regarding racist behavior targeting Vinicius since 2022. The two clubs are scheduled to meet again for the decisive second leg at Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium next Wednesday, where tensions are expected to remain high.

  • UAE patient with heart failure, thalassemia treated with gene therapy after transplant

    UAE patient with heart failure, thalassemia treated with gene therapy after transplant

    In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a patient from the United Arab Emirates suffering from both beta-thalassemia and severe heart failure has received successful treatment through an innovative combination of heart transplantation and advanced gene therapy. This complex sequential treatment, typically considered high-risk by many medical institutions, represents a significant advancement in precision medicine.

    According to Dr. Rabi Hanna, a pediatric cellular therapy specialist at Cleveland Clinic, the medical team employed an innovative approach using the patient’s own stem cells. This methodology enabled physicians to address both the genetic blood disorder and the cardiac condition simultaneously, while eliminating the necessity for long-term immunosuppression following the gene therapy procedure.

    Gene therapy functions by correcting defective genes responsible for disease manifestations. For conditions like beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, where genetic abnormalities impair healthy red blood cell production, CRISPR gene-editing technology serves as molecular scissors to precisely modify DNA within a patient’s stem cells. These genetically corrected cells are subsequently reintroduced into the body to generate healthy blood cells.

    The comprehensive treatment process spans nine to fifteen months, beginning with stem cell collection—which may require multiple cycles—followed by a meticulous six-month manufacturing phase involving genetic modification and rigorous safety testing. Prior to reinfusion, patients undergo myeloablative chemotherapy to clear bone marrow space for the modified cells, a step associated with significant side effects including oral mucositis, infection susceptibility, and potential fertility implications.

    Medical researchers are now pioneering base editing techniques, a more precise genetic modification approach that alters individual DNA letters without severing both genetic code strands. Recent BEAM study data presented at American Society of Hematology conferences indicates this method yields faster recovery rates, reduced complications, and shorter hospitalization periods compared to conventional CRISPR treatments.

    The medical community is actively developing in vivo gene editing techniques that could potentially eliminate chemotherapy requirements altogether. Parallel research explores antibody-based conditioning as a less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy preparation methods.

    This medical breakthrough holds particular significance for the Middle Eastern region, where beta-thalassemia prevalence exceeds global averages. Health authorities have long recognized this condition as a substantial inherited blood disorder affecting families throughout the Gulf region and beyond.

    Dr. Hanna emphasized that successful long-term outcomes necessitate integrated care approaches involving local hematologists, mental health professionals, and primary care teams alongside specialist centers. Patients require structured annual follow-up monitoring managed through collaborative local and specialist support systems, representing a comprehensive approach to restoring quality of life beyond mere genetic correction.