Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • ‘We will discriminate’: Elon Musk-backed Restore Britain party launches with hard-right vision

    ‘We will discriminate’: Elon Musk-backed Restore Britain party launches with hard-right vision

    A new far-right political force has emerged in the United Kingdom with an explicitly anti-immigration platform that promises mass deportations and bans on religious slaughter practices. The Restore Britain party, launched formally on Friday night in Great Yarmouth by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, has already garnered significant attention through its endorsement by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

    Lowe, a millionaire businessman and former chairman of Southampton Football Club, unveiled what he termed “deportation poetry” as his immigration policy framework. The platform calls for immediate closure of visa routes for numerous countries including Albania, Pakistan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Afghanistan, with Lowe openly stating: “We will discriminate. We will look at the facts, and then discriminate.”

    Elon Musk amplified the party’s message to his massive following on X, writing: “Join Rupert Lowe in Restore Britain, because he is the only one who will actually do it!” This endorsement came as the party claimed to have already recruited over 50,000 members.

    The party’s agenda extends beyond immigration to include banning non-stun halal and kosher slaughter methods, with Lowe asserting that “In Britain, we treat our animals with care – we do not brutally butcher them alive.” This position comes despite controversy surrounding Lowe’s own animal treatment practices, having previously revealed he ordered his gamekeeper to shoot his 17-year-old dog in the head.

    Additional proposed policies include outlawing cousin marriages, implementing selective spouse visa regulations that would exclude applicants from specific countries, and instituting a “total ban on all foreigners voting, or standing in elections.” Lowe explicitly promised that “Restore Britain will not be putting forward any Bangladeshi candidates.”

    The party’s emergence has already created friction within right-wing political circles. Reform UK parliamentary candidate Matt Goodwin accused Restore Britain of advocating “blatant racism” and housing “white supremacists, antisemites, racists and conspiracy theorists” in its ecosystem. Meanwhile, Advance UK, another far-right group led by former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib, has expressed interest in a potential merger.

    Political analysts suggest Restore Britain could fragment the anti-immigration vote in upcoming elections, potentially creating challenges for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Lowe himself described the party’s mission as “incredibly painful” but necessary, declaring: “This is going to be the fight of our lives.”

  • Nolte, Meyers Taylor, Humphries Armbruster lead with 1 run left in Olympic monobob

    Nolte, Meyers Taylor, Humphries Armbruster lead with 1 run left in Olympic monobob

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The women’s monobob competition at the Milan Cortina Olympics has set the stage for a dramatic final run, with German slider Laura Nolte maintaining a razor-thin advantage over two legendary American athletes. Nolte completed her third heat with a combined time of 2 minutes, 58.27 seconds, positioning herself just 0.15 seconds ahead of Team USA’s Elana Meyers Taylor (2:58.42) and 0.24 seconds ahead of fellow American Kaillie Humphries Armbruster (2:58.51).

    The competition has evolved into a distinct two-tier battle, with Germany’s Lisa Buckwitz trailing by 0.88 seconds and American Kaysha Love sitting 0.95 seconds behind the leader. Both would require catastrophic errors from the top three contenders during Monday night’s final run to realistically challenge for podium positions.

    This Olympic showdown carries profound historical significance. Humphries Armbruster, the reigning gold medalist from monobob’s inaugural appearance at the 2022 Beijing Games, and Meyers Taylor, the event’s silver medalist, are both positioned to become the first female bobsledders in their 40s to claim Olympic medals. Meyers Taylor, already the oldest woman to win an Olympic bobsled medal at age 37 in Beijing, now competes at 41, while Humphries Armbruster is 40.

    The two American veterans bring unparalleled experience to the final heat, with each having medaled in all four of their previous Olympic appearances. Meyers Taylor stands to equal speedskating icon Bonnie Blair’s record of six Winter Olympic medals for the United States with a podium finish.

    In a poignant development, Austrian competitor Katrin Beierl, who had been racing despite being a stroke survivor and competing with a broken foot, withdrew from competition after completing her first two heats on Sunday.

    The monobob finale promises to deliver one of the most compelling narratives of these Winter Games, combining elite athletic performance with groundbreaking age-defying achievement.

  • Actor Robert Duvall, who starred in The Godfather, dies aged 95

    Actor Robert Duvall, who starred in The Godfather, dies aged 95

    The entertainment world mourns the loss of cinematic icon Robert Duvall, who passed away peacefully at his Virginia residence on Sunday at age 95. The Academy Award-winning actor’s death was confirmed through an official statement released by his public relations representatives on behalf of his wife, Luciana Pedraza Duvall.

    Luciana’s heartfelt tribute captured the essence of the legendary performer: “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.” She emphasized how Duvall devoted himself completely to every role, leaving “something lasting and unforgettable to us all” through his profound exploration of human spirit.

    Duvall’s extraordinary six-decade career established him as one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors. He achieved international recognition for his portrayal of mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece “The Godfather” alongside Marlon Brando. His performance as the intense Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore in “Apocalypse Now” produced one of cinema’s most iconic lines: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”

    The versatile actor received six Academy Award nominations throughout his career, securing the Best Actor Oscar in 1983 for his transformative performance as a faded country music singer in “Tender Mercies.” His remarkable filmography included standout roles in “Network” (1976), “The Great Santini” (1979), “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1990), and more recently “The Judge” (2014) alongside Robert Downey Jr.

    Duvall often expressed particular affection for his role as former Texas Ranger Augustus McCrae in the acclaimed 1989 television miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” adapted from Larry McMurtry’s novel. His screen career began modestly with the 1963 adaptation of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” where he portrayed the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley.

    The actor maintained long-standing creative partnerships throughout his career, notably with screenwriter Horton Foote, who wrote several of Duvall’s most significant films including “Tender Mercies,” “Tomorrow,” and “The Chase.” Duvall’s approach to acting was characterized by meticulous preparation and research, which he credited for his ability to create such memorable and authentic characters.

  • Govt employees in Umm Al Quwain to get 3-day weekend for Ramadan 2026

    Govt employees in Umm Al Quwain to get 3-day weekend for Ramadan 2026

    In a significant policy shift, the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain has officially instituted a three-day weekend for all government personnel throughout the upcoming holy month of Ramadan in 2026. The directive, formally issued by the Amiri Diwan, establishes a revised operational schedule from Monday to Thursday, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday constituting the new weekend.

    This strategic decision, enacted under the direct instruction of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, is designed to enhance flexibility and promote a healthier work-life equilibrium for employees observing the period of fasting and spiritual reflection. The policy aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ established practice of adapting public sector operations during Ramadan, facilitating greater opportunity for worship, family engagement, and community involvement without disrupting essential government services.

    Concurrently, the UAE Fatwa Council has confirmed the formation of the Moon-Sighting Committee, slated to convene on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following the Maghrib prayer. The committee’s mandate involves scrutinizing observational reports from dedicated field teams and accredited astronomical centers nationwide to officially declare the commencement of Ramadan. The Council has further encouraged public participation in the crescent sighting process, inviting citizens to submit verified observations through its official digital channels to revive this traditional practice.

    Based on astronomical projections from the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre, the onset of Ramadan 2026 is anticipated for February 19. Expert analysis indicates that visual sighting of the crescent moon on February 17 is astronomically unfeasible across most Islamic regions.

  • Australian families released by SDF forced to ‘head back’ to camp in Syria

    Australian families released by SDF forced to ‘head back’ to camp in Syria

    A planned repatriation of Australian citizens from a Syrian detention camp was abruptly halted this week following intervention by Syrian authorities, creating a complex international standoff. According to ABC News reporting, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had initially released thirty-four Australians—comprising women and children—from the al-Roj camp in northern Syria. The group was being escorted toward Damascus for eventual travel to Australia when Syrian government forces intercepted the transfer, compelling their return to the controversial facility.

    The Australian federal government swiftly distanced itself from the operation, issuing an official statement denying any involvement in the attempted repatriation. Authorities emphasized they ‘are not and will not repatriate people from Syria,’ while simultaneously confirming that security agencies continue to monitor the situation. The statement contained a stark warning: ‘People in this cohort need to know that if they have committed a crime and if they return to Australia, they will be met with the full force of the law.’

    This incident occurs against the backdrop of a fragile January 30th ceasefire agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government, which stipulates that all detention camps and prisons should be handed over to Syrian authorities. The al-Roj camp, which currently holds over 2,000 individuals from approximately 40 nations—mostly women and children—has become a focal point in this transition. Notably, none of the Australian detainees have been formally charged with crimes, with some children having been born within the camp’s confines and others brought to Syria at a young age.

    Tensions escalated in January when the Syrian government, having recaptured significant territory from the SDF, accused the Kurdish-led forces of deliberately releasing detained IS members as ‘political blackmail’—a claim the SDF denies. Meanwhile, disturbing allegations have emerged from within al-Roj camp, with female detainees reporting to Middle East Eye that they endured mistreatment including beatings, forced removal from tents, and being doused with water in freezing temperatures during nightly security raids ahead of the planned handover.

    This failed transfer marks the latest in a series of chaotic releases involving individuals with suspected IS affiliations from SDF-administered facilities. The development coincides with recent US military operations that successfully transferred 5,700 male IS detainees from Syria to Iraq, highlighting the ongoing international challenges surrounding the disposition of IS-linked individuals in the region.

  • How Robert Duvall became a Hollywood great

    How Robert Duvall became a Hollywood great

    The film industry mourns the loss of Robert Duvall, the revered character actor whose formidable presence and profound artistry graced American cinema for over seven decades. The Academy Award-winning performer, celebrated for his transformative roles in cinematic landmarks, passed away leaving behind an indelible legacy.

    Duvall’s extraordinary career was distinguished by seven Oscar nominations, culminating in his 1983 Best Actor victory for ‘Tender Mercies,’ where he portrayed Mac Sledge, a troubled country singer seeking redemption. His cinematic repertoire showcased remarkable versatility, from the calculating mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather’ saga to the bombastic Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore in ‘Apocalypse Now,’ whose declaration ‘I love the smell of napalm in the morning’ became embedded in cultural consciousness.

    Born January 1931 in San Diego to a Navy officer, Duvall defied family expectations of military service to pursue acting. His journey began in New York alongside classmates Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, with the latter remaining a lifelong friend. Duvall’s breakthrough arrived with his film debut as the reclusive Boo Radley in 1962’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ adapted by playwright Horton Foote who recognized his talent during a theater production.

    Throughout his prolific career, Duvall brought gritty authenticity to diverse characters: a frustrated Marine pilot in ‘The Great Santini,’ an evangelical preacher in self-directed ‘The Apostle,’ and a Texas Ranger in the acclaimed miniseries ‘Lonesome Dove.’ His later works included ‘Deep Impact,’ ‘Days of Thunder’ with Tom Cruise, and 2012’s ‘Jack Reacher.’

    Beyond acting, Duvall cherished Westerns as America’s cultural equivalent to Shakespeare, enjoyed tango dancing, and maintained deep affection for Buenos Aires. A staunch Republican who attended President George W. Bush’s inauguration, he was married four times and is survived by his wife, Argentine actress Luciana Pedraza.

  • US build-up of warships and fighter jets tracked near Iran

    US build-up of warships and fighter jets tracked near Iran

    BBC Verify has geolocated the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group approximately 240 kilometers off the coast of Oman through analysis of European Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, confirming its strategic positioning about 700 kilometers from Iranian territory. This verification comes as the United States demonstrates sustained military presence in the Middle East amid ongoing diplomatic engagements.

    The nuclear-powered Nimitz-class carrier, accompanied by three Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, represents one component of an expanded US naval presence in the region. Satellite analysis has identified a total of twelve US warships currently deployed across Middle Eastern waters, including additional destroyers capable of long-range missile strikes and specialized combat vessels stationed at Bahrain’s naval facility.

    This military buildup coincides with scheduled US-Iran talks in Switzerland, where Iranian officials indicate focus will center on nuclear program negotiations and potential sanctions relief. Washington has previously expressed intention to broaden the discussion agenda beyond nuclear matters.

    Parallel to naval movements, BBC Verify has tracked increased US air force activity with additional F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets deployed to Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, alongside heightened transit of cargo, refueling, and communications aircraft from US and European bases toward the Middle East.

    Iran has responded with demonstrative military exercises conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This waterway facilitates approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments, with Iran’s primary oil export terminal located on Kharg Island. The IRGC exercises featured missile launches and high-level inspections, signaling Tehran’s readiness to counter US military presence.

    Military analyst Justin Crump of Sibylline risk assessment firm characterizes the current US deployment as demonstrating ‘more depth and sustainability’ than previous operations targeting Venezuela or Iran’s nuclear facilities. The present configuration enables potential strike capabilities of approximately 800 sorties daily while maintaining defensive postures to protect regional US assets and allied interests.

    Further complicating the regional balance, the USS Gerald R. Ford—the world’s largest warship—is reportedly en route to the Middle East and expected to arrive within the next three weeks, potentially marking the most substantial US naval presence in the region in recent years.

  • Air India flight 171 crash: Gov’t rejects claim pilot cut fuel line, says report not yet final

    Air India flight 171 crash: Gov’t rejects claim pilot cut fuel line, says report not yet final

    The Indian government has formally dismissed international media speculation regarding the cause of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash that occurred in June 2025. This rebuttal comes in response to claims published by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera suggesting pilot intentionality behind the disaster that claimed 260 lives.

    India’s Civil Aviation Ministry, through Junior Minister Murlidhar Mohol, has emphatically rejected the foreign publication’s assertions that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal deliberately switched off the aircraft’s fuel switches. Minister Mohol challenged the credibility of external sources, stating: “Should we have faith in our own agencies or outsiders? Our agencies are working on it. Once the final report is finalised, then only will it be justifiable to comment on it.”

    The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an official clarification addressing the growing speculation surrounding the Ahmedabad crash. The agency emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached regarding causation or responsibility. “It would be inappropriate to assign blame to any individual or factor before the inquiry is fully completed,” the Bureau stated.

    AAIB officials outlined the comprehensive nature of air crash investigations, which require meticulous technical analysis including examination of flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and complex aircraft systems. The Bureau specifically denied reports that the probe had been finalized and urged both media and the public to rely exclusively on official updates.

    The investigation agency confirmed that all findings will undergo transparent review before public release, with the final report encompassing technical determinations and contributing factors behind the catastrophic incident. This process ensures thorough examination of all available evidence before reaching definitive conclusions about the circumstances that led to the Boeing Dreamliner’s crash.

  • Y A S Developers launches boutique residence project, Casa Altia, in Al Furjan, plans projects worth Dh1 billion in 2026

    Y A S Developers launches boutique residence project, Casa Altia, in Al Furjan, plans projects worth Dh1 billion in 2026

    Dubai’s real estate sector witnesses a significant expansion as Y A S Developers, an established international property group with a portfolio spanning North and Latin America, announces its strategic Dh1 billion investment plan for 2026. The company has officially launched Casa Altia, its newest boutique luxury residential project in Dubai’s thriving Al Furjan district, with enabling works already underway for a scheduled Q1 2028 completion.

    This marks the developer’s third residential venture following the successful handover of both Altia Residence and Altia One in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The expansion strategy is strategically aligned with Dubai’s Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, responding to substantial population growth, increasing foreign direct investment, and the UAE’s unique lifestyle appeal.

    According to Muneer Kutty, COO of Y A S Developers, the company’s growth strategy leverages Dubai’s status as a prime investment destination. “Dubai’s property market achieved record growth in 2025 with transactions exceeding Dh686 billion, representing a 30% year-on-year increase,” Kutty stated, referencing data from DXB Interact.

    Casa Altia will feature an exclusive collection of 72 residences, including 12 one-bedroom units (approximately 1,000 sqft), 48 two-bedroom apartments (1,400-1,465 sqft), and 12 three-bedroom residences (1,900 sqft). Prices will begin from Dh1.7 million. The development will dedicate an entire floor to six ultra-luxury homes complete with private pools, landscaped gardens, BBQ areas, and bespoke amenities designed to replicate villa-style living.

    The project’s strategic location offers exceptional connectivity, with access to Al Furjan Metro Station, Discovery Gardens Metro Station, Ibn Battuta Mall, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Expo City Dubai within a 7-30 minute drive. Residents will enjoy comprehensive amenities including retail spaces, a fitness center, infinity pool, clubhouse, and children’s play area.

    Kutty emphasized Al Furjan’s emergence as one of Dubai’s top-performing residential communities, noting 8-10% property value growth in 2025 driven by metro connectivity and proximity to major transportation corridors. The COO further revealed that Casa Altia will be followed within months by another luxury Al Furjan project as part of the company’s continued expansion in Dubai’s dynamic property market.

  • Kenyan officials hail China–Kenya Culture and Tourism Season

    Kenyan officials hail China–Kenya Culture and Tourism Season

    NAIROBI—The recently concluded China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season 2025 has been hailed as a transformative chapter in bilateral relations, with senior Kenyan officials celebrating unprecedented cultural exchange achievements. The program’s closing ceremony, integrated with Chinese New Year celebrations held on February 10, 2026, showcased the deepening ties between the two nations.

    Ummi Bashir, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, revealed that 131 Kenyan professionals across cultural sectors received specialized training in China through the exchange initiative. The comprehensive program encompassed cultural heritage preservation, tourism development, creative economy enhancement, and sports cooperation since its inauguration in June 2025.

    Among the standout collaborations was the Sino-Kenyan paleolithic archaeological project, which conducted groundbreaking research around Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria to study human origins. This scientific partnership not only advanced academic knowledge but also strengthened diplomatic bonds through shared cultural discovery.

    The cultural season featured an impressive array of cross-cultural events, including live broadcasts of the spectacular wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve, the China Animated Film Festival, the Kenya Wushu National Championship, the Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, and the China-Kenya Friendship Games.

    Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan emphasized the timing significance, noting that 2026 marks both the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. She reaffirmed China’s commitment to “deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and open a new chapter of partnership” with African nations.

    The Spring Festival reception demonstrated cultural fusion through performances including joint Chinese-Kenyan wushu demonstrations, acrobatics, traditional music, and Kenyan folk dances. The Confucius Institute at Moi University’s fashion troupe presented innovative designs blending Chinese and African aesthetic traditions, symbolizing the creative synergy between the two cultures.