Global Pulse

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  • Vision and devotion: A comprehensive guide to eye care

    Vision and devotion: A comprehensive guide to eye care

    As Muslim communities worldwide prepare for Ramadan 2026, leading ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi have issued comprehensive guidance for maintaining optimal eye health during the holy month. The period of spiritual reflection brings significant changes to daily routines—including altered sleep patterns, fasting, and extended nighttime activities—that necessitate special consideration for ocular wellness.

    Retinal Health Considerations
    According to Medical Director Dr. Nicola Ghazi, MD, fasting can potentially enhance metabolic health, creating an opportunity for physical renewal. However, the retina—the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye—requires particular attention for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. While fasting may improve metabolic control, the manner of breaking the fast at Iftar becomes critically important for maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

    Dr. Ghazi emphasizes that dramatic fluctuations in sugar levels between fasting hours and heavy Iftar meals can adversely affect the delicate blood vessels supplying the retina. This is especially concerning for those with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that threatens vision. The specialist advises against consuming sugary foods when breaking the fast, as they trigger rapid blood sugar spikes that may exacerbate diabetes and increase hunger. Instead, balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats are recommended. A protein-rich Suhoor combined with adequate hydration may help maintain steadier glucose levels throughout daylight hours.

    Glaucoma Management Protocols
    Dr. Jason Goldsmith, MD, Head of Glaucoma Service, addresses concerns regarding intraocular pressure control during Ramadan. Often termed the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma involves elevated eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Dr. Goldsmith stresses that consistent adherence to prescribed treatment remains paramount for glaucoma patients during the fasting period.

    Addressing common concerns about medication invalidating fasts, Dr. Goldsmith clarifies that medicated eye drops do not provide nutrition and typically do not break the fast. However, skipping even a single dose can precipitate dangerous pressure spikes. The expert recommends using the “punctal occlusion” technique—applying gentle pressure to the inner eye corner for one to two minutes after administering drops—to minimize systemic absorption. Maintaining treatment consistency is essential to prevent irreversible vision deterioration.

    Corneal Hydration Strategies
    Dr. George Corrent, MD, PhD, Head of Cornea and Refractive Service, highlights the importance of ocular surface hydration in the arid UAE climate. The cornea, being the eye’s outermost protective layer, becomes vulnerable to dehydration during fasting hours. Reduced bodily hydration levels diminish tear production, leading to symptoms including burning sensations, grittiness, and intermittent blurred vision.

    To counteract dehydration-related dry eye syndrome, Dr. Corrent advocates for “pre-emptive hydration”—consuming sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain healthy tear film integrity. For individuals spending prolonged periods in prayer or engaging with digital screens, preservative-free artificial tears can provide supplementary relief. Proper corneal hydration ensures sustained visual clarity and comfort throughout daily activities.

    All specialists concur that any sudden visual changes—including vision decrease, new floaters, or shadow-like appearances across the visual field—require immediate medical evaluation rather than waiting until Eid celebrations conclude.

  • Ramadan appeal: UNHCR seeks Zakat, Sadaqah as funding cuts hit refugee aid

    Ramadan appeal: UNHCR seeks Zakat, Sadaqah as funding cuts hit refugee aid

    With humanitarian budgets facing unprecedented constraints, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is intensifying its call for Zakat and Sadaqah donations during Ramadan to address critical gaps in refugee assistance programs worldwide. The appeal comes as funding reductions force suspensions of essential services including medical care, education, child protection, and shelter provisions across multiple crisis zones including Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Bangladesh.

    The agency’s recently released 8th Islamic Philanthropy Annual Report reveals that nearly 60% of all Zakat and Sadaqah contributions in 2025 originated from MENA region donors, with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia emerging as leading contributors. The report highlights how faith-based giving is increasingly serving as a vital humanitarian lifeline amid tightening budgets.

    Notable initiatives include the Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which supported approximately 70,000 forcibly displaced people across seven nations through country-wide fundraising campaigns. The Refugee Zakat Fund demonstrated significant impact, raising over $23 million in Zakat contributions—surpassing previous records—while assisting more than 579,000 refugees and internally displaced persons across 17 countries. Complementary Sadaqah contributions reached nearly $16 million, supporting over 453,000 individuals across 18 nations.

    Collectively, strategic partnerships and campaigns generated $39 million in 2025, enabling assistance to more than one million people across 25 countries. This effort was bolstered by 45 major donors and Islamic institutions alongside tens of thousands of online supporters who entrusted UNHCR with their charitable distributions.

    Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor to the High Commissioner for Refugees for Islamic Philanthropy and Regional Representative to GCC countries, emphasized the tangible consequences of funding reductions: ‘Amidst a year of unprecedented budget cuts, the humanitarian lifeline has been left fraying with millions of displaced families hanging on by a thread. These cuts are not abstract figures—they are felt in the lives of real people who, after being forced to flee their homes, are being pushed to the edge of survival every day.’

    The report also documents expanded geographical reach, with Islamic philanthropy extending to four new countries in 2025: Brazil, Colombia, the Central African Republic, and Botswana. Sadaqah Jariyah activities reached Bangladesh, where 280,000 people gained improved access to clean water for communities, agriculture, and livestock.

    Since its establishment in 2017, the Refugee Zakat Fund has raised over $300 million from more than 70,000 donors, supporting nearly 10 million beneficiaries across 36 countries. Endorsed by 18 fatwas, the Fund stands as a legitimate mechanism for mobilizing Islamic charitable resources to address global displacement crises.

  • Watch: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir sparks wedding rumours with Asim Azhar after viral video

    Watch: Pakistani actress Hania Aamir sparks wedding rumours with Asim Azhar after viral video

    Pakistani entertainment circles were set ablaze this week as viral footage of actress Hania Aamir celebrating in traditional bridal attire ignited widespread speculation about her marital status. The video, which rapidly circulated across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), depicted the 29-year-old actress joyfully dancing alongside singer Asim Azhar amidst elaborate floral arrangements and mehndi-style décor characteristic of Pakistani wedding ceremonies.

    The visually compelling content featured guests in coordinated festive outfits within an ambiance that strongly resembled pre-wedding celebrations, leading many social media users to presume the long-rumored couple had finally solemnized their relationship privately. The speculation gained particular momentum given the pair’s history—first linked romantically in 2018, publicly described as ‘just friends’ around 2020-21, and recently back in the spotlight following Azhar’s broken engagement with influencer Merub Ali in June 2025.

    However, the truth emerged when Aamir herself clarified the context behind the viral footage. The celebration was actually her creatively conceptualized birthday party, designed with intentional wedding aesthetics for entertainment purposes. In a humorous address to her followers, the actress acknowledged the public’s persistent interest in her marital status and revealed she had orchestrated the ‘fake wedding’ theme precisely because people seemed so eager to see her married.

    Neither Aamir nor Azhar has confirmed any romantic reconciliation, maintaining their previous stance regarding their relationship status. The episode demonstrates both the powerful influence of social media in amplifying celebrity narratives and the creative ways public figures engage with their audience while maintaining control over their personal narratives.

  • Italy’s ‘Lovers’ Arch’ collapses into sea on Valentine’s Day

    Italy’s ‘Lovers’ Arch’ collapses into sea on Valentine’s Day

    Italy’s renowned natural landmark known as ‘Lovers’ Arch’ has tragically collapsed following days of severe weather conditions along the Adriatic coastline. The iconic rock formation, located in Sant’Andrea within the Melendugno municipality of Puglia, crumbled on Valentine’s Day—a timing that local authorities described as particularly poignant.

    The arch had long served as a cherished destination for romantic occasions, particularly wedding proposals, drawing visitors from across the globe to its picturesque setting. Its sudden disappearance was first noted by local residents on Sunday morning, revealing only scattered rubble where the natural wonder once stood.

    Meteorological experts attribute the collapse to accelerated erosion caused by Storm Oriana, which has relentlessly battered southern Italy with heavy rainfall and powerful winds in recent days. The extreme weather conditions evidently weakened the geological structure beyond its natural endurance limits.

    Melendugno Mayor Maurizio Cisternino expressed profound sorrow, characterizing the event as ‘an unwanted Valentine’s Day gift’ and ‘a very hard blow’ for regional tourism. He philosophically noted that ‘Nature as it created the bow, has taken it back,’ acknowledging the inevitable processes of natural transformation.

    Puglia’s Regional President Antonio Decaro confirmed the permanent loss of what he described as ‘one of our region’s defining characteristics and symbolic assets.’ During an onsite press conference Monday, Decaro emphasized that while natural erosion processes occur continuously, meteorological phenomena like Storm Oriana can dramatically accelerate these changes.

    The collapse has prompted urgent calls for enhanced coastal preservation measures. Decaro emphasized the necessity for authorities to focus on implementing strategies to slow coastal erosion and protect vulnerable natural landmarks throughout the Salento region, which remains one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.

  • PA forces kill Palestinian toddler and teenager in West Bank shooting

    PA forces kill Palestinian toddler and teenager in West Bank shooting

    A tragic incident in the occupied West Bank city of Tubas has sparked widespread condemnation after Palestinian Authority security forces opened fire on a vehicle carrying a Palestinian family, resulting in the deaths of two children. On Sunday, PA forces targeted Samer Samara, a man reportedly sought by the Israeli military, while he was traveling with his wife and children.

    The operation turned deadly when security personnel shot at the vehicle, instantly killing 16-year-old Yazan Samara. His three-year-old sister, Ronza, succumbed to critical head wounds shortly after the shooting. Samara himself sustained leg injuries and was subsequently taken into custody by PA forces, though his current medical condition remains undisclosed.

    The incident triggered immediate protests outside Tubas’s Turkish Hospital, where outraged residents gathered to express their fury over the children’s deaths. The Committee of Families of Political Detainees, representing Palestinians arbitrarily detained by the PA, characterized the shooting as a “serious crime” and accused security services of systematically targeting Israel-wanted Palestinians at the cost of “shedding Palestinian blood.”

    Hamas issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it described as a “new black mark” on the PA’s record, asserting that the authority has chosen to oppress Palestinians rather than ensure their security. The movement warned of dangerous repercussions for the national fabric and held PA leadership fully responsible for these actions.

    Tubas Governor Ahmed Asaad acknowledged the incident as “unfortunate” and confirmed the initiation of an official investigation. PA security spokesperson Anwar Rajab expressed “deep regret” for the casualties while maintaining that circumstances surrounding the operation remain under “close and diligent investigation.”

    The shooting has intensified existing criticisms regarding the PA’s security coordination with Israel. A Palestinian grassroots forum previously warned that PA policies under “Israeli and external pressure” contradict popular will and deepen internal divisions, particularly concerning the suspension of payments to families of martyrs, wounded Palestinians, and prisoners—a move criticized as abandoning national and moral obligations.

  • Eileen Gu wins silver for 5th Olympic medal. Canadian Megan Oldham’s gold is her 2nd of the Games

    Eileen Gu wins silver for 5th Olympic medal. Canadian Megan Oldham’s gold is her 2nd of the Games

    LIVIGNO, Italy — In a dramatic display of athletic resilience, freestyle skiing superstar Eileen Gu secured her fifth Olympic medal with a silver performance in big air—an event she hadn’t contested in four years. The 20-year-old Stanford student, competing for China, finished just 1.75 points behind Canadian champion Megan Oldham in Monday’s final.

    The victory marked a spectacular comeback for Oldham, who recovered from a December concussion to land the gold-medal performance. The 24-year-old from Ontario credited her background in gymnastics and figure skating for developing the aerial awareness needed to master big air’s death-defying maneuvers.

    Gu’s journey to the podium was particularly remarkable given her limited preparation. She learned her competition trick merely four days prior and suffered a helmet-cracking crash during warmups when attempting an even more complex 1620-degree spin. A 75-minute weather delay provided critical recovery time that Gu acknowledged was essential to her medal-winning performance.

    Italian skier Flora Tabanelli completed the podium with bronze, an achievement made extraordinary by competing just four months after tearing her ACL while wearing a brace instead of undergoing season-ending surgery.

    For Gu, the silver adds to her historic Olympic collection that now includes five medals across two Winter Games—more than any female freestyle skier in history. Despite the narrow margin, she rejected any narrative of disappointment, emphasizing that winning five Olympic medals represents an “exponentially hard” accomplishment.

    The competition now shifts to halfpipe, where Gu has dominated with 15 World Cup victories. With just two training days before Thursday’s qualifying round, the multi-event athlete embraced the challenge with what she calls “goldfish mode”—quickly forgetting one competition to focus entirely on the next.

  • Flying oranges: Italian town celebrates carnival with historic street battle

    Flying oranges: Italian town celebrates carnival with historic street battle

    While the Ivory Coast grapples with a catastrophic collapse of its orange harvest, a starkly contrasting scene unfolds in Northern Italy where the historic town of Ivrea squanders countless tons of citrus fruit in its annual ‘Battle of the Oranges.’ This carnival tradition, which draws thousands of participants, involves teams engaging in a frenzied fruit-hurling combat in the town’s piazzas, staining the cobblestones with pulp and juice. The event, purportedly symbolizing a rebellion against a tyrannical medieval lord, has faced growing criticism for its staggering food waste amidst global shortages. Organizers defend the practice, citing the use of a specific, bitter variety of orange grown for this purpose and claiming a significant boost to local tourism and cultural preservation. However, agricultural experts highlight the profound disconnect, noting that the festival’s consumption of fruit represents a volume that could otherwise aid regions experiencing genuine food insecurity, creating a complex debate between cultural heritage and ethical resource allocation.

  • Ramadan to begin this week: What Shaban crescent looks like in UAE skies today

    Ramadan to begin this week: What Shaban crescent looks like in UAE skies today

    Astronomers in the United Arab Emirates have successfully documented the concluding lunar phase of Shaban, marking a significant celestial event preceding the holy month of Ramadan. The Khatm Astronomical Observatory, operating under the International Astronomy Center, captured the slender crescent moon from Abu Dhabi at precisely 8:15 AM UAE time on Monday, February 16.

    This astronomical observation holds profound religious significance as Islamic months transition based on lunar sightings, typically spanning 29 or 30 days. The UAE Fatwa Council has confirmed that the official crescent sighting committee will assemble on Tuesday, February 17, to determine the commencement of Ramadan 2026.

    According to astronomical projections, the likelihood of crescent visibility on February 17 remains exceptionally low. Should the committee confirm sighting on Tuesday, Ramadan would commence on Wednesday, February 18. Otherwise, the holy month will officially begin on Thursday, February 19. The final determination will be communicated through authorized channels following the committee’s deliberation.

    The photographic documentation of the Shaban crescent provides scientific validation of the lunar cycle’s progression while serving as a cultural touchstone for millions of Muslims awaiting Ramadan’s arrival. This process blends ancient tradition with modern astronomical technology, as authorities utilize both naked-eye observations and specialized equipment to make their determination.

    Neighboring nations including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have similarly called upon their citizens to participate in crescent sighting efforts on February 17, highlighting the regional significance of this astronomical and religious event. The convergence of scientific observation and religious tradition continues to define the Islamic calendar’s implementation across the Muslim world.

  • Ghana tomato traders among dead in Burkina Faso attack

    Ghana tomato traders among dead in Burkina Faso attack

    Northern Burkina Faso witnessed a devastating series of coordinated attacks on Saturday, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. The jihadist organization Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, has publicly claimed responsibility for the assault on the town of Titao.

    Initial reports confirm a minimum of twenty fatalities. Among the victims were seven Ghanaian nationals, tomato traders traveling on a supply truck that was specifically targeted. Ghana’s Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, stated the individuals were tragically “burnt beyond recognition,” complicating identification efforts. Roadblocks imposed in the aftermath have severely hindered evacuation and recovery operations, preventing Ghanaian embassy personnel from accessing the site.

    Eyewitness accounts describe a highly organized, multi-pronged offensive. Assailants reportedly divided into three tactical units: one engaged a local military camp, a second group systematically destroyed telecommunications infrastructure to isolate the area, while a third focused on looting and setting fire to commercial establishments and supply vehicles. Security sources, speaking anonymously to AFP, suggested that ‘hundreds’ of militants overwhelmed the Titao military base, a facility noted for being one of the nation’s best-equipped, leaving it partially destroyed.

    The Burkinabè military junta, which seized power vowing to eradicate extremist violence, has not released an official death toll. However, army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Abdoul Aziz Ouedraogo appeared on state broadcaster RTB on Sunday, asserting that government forces had demonstrated “valour and professionalism” and had inflicted a “heavy defeat” on the terrorists, neutralizing dozens. He attributed the attack to recent military operations in the north and Sahel regions that displaced militant groups westward.

    This incident is part of a dangerous escalation of violence in the region, occurring just two days after suspected JNIM fighters seized the eastern town of Bilanga, killing 18 soldiers. The ongoing instability has critically endangered cross-border trade. The Ghanaian truck drivers’ association highlighted the perpetual risks faced by traders, noting the attackers set the vehicle ablaze after the driver attempted to seek cover.

    With the victims’ bodies beginning to decompose, Ghanaian and Burkinabè authorities are coordinating a burial. Unharmed Ghanaian women survivors have been asked to witness and document the interment process. Burkinabè officials have pledged military support to create a safe passage for evacuating the remaining survivors to the Ghanaian mission in the capital, Ouagadougou, following the burial.

  • World No 8 Paolini applauds Eala as Filipina phenomenon grips Dubai

    World No 8 Paolini applauds Eala as Filipina phenomenon grips Dubai

    DUBAI – The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships have become the epicenter of an emerging tennis revolution as Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala captures international attention. World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, the tournament’s 2024 champion, has openly praised the impact of the 20-year-old Filipina phenomenon who has transformed the Asian tennis landscape.

    Eala’s groundbreaking 2025 season propelled her to become the highest-ranked player in Philippine history, currently sitting at World No. 40. Her influence was palpable at Dubai Stadium on Sunday, where hundreds of Filipino fans began arriving as early as 11 AM for her 7 PM match against American Hailey Baptiste, which she ultimately won.

    Paolini, who reached back-to-back finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon following her Dubai triumph, recognizes Eala’s significance beyond mere rankings. “I think it’s really important to have people from all around the world playing tennis,” the Italian star remarked during Sunday’s media roundtable. “Somebody like Alexandra Eala, it’s a huge thing for tennis.”

    The world’s eighth-ranked player highlighted the palpable shift in tournament atmospheres, noting: “It’s great to have many, many fans also coming in tournaments where usually there are fewer people. Like Abu Dhabi Open was full of people watching Eala. I also remember the first match in Doha, you could hear from outside the court people cheering for her.”

    The two athletes are set for a highly anticipated second-round clash on Tuesday, with Paolini entering as the overwhelming favorite. However, Eala has demonstrated remarkable capability against elite competition, having scored stunning victories over Grand Slam champions Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek during her semifinal run at last year’s Miami Open.

    Filipino expat Nestor Odarve captured the sentiment of the growing fanbase: “She is a superstar now in the Philippines. Win or lose, we will all be here to support her.” The Dubai tournament anticipates another capacity crowd for Tuesday’s match, continuing Eala’s remarkable journey from national hero to international tennis inspiration.