Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Search under way for Irish women missing since 1990s

    Search under way for Irish women missing since 1990s

    Irish law enforcement authorities have initiated a comprehensive forensic search operation in the Wicklow-Kildare border region as part of ongoing investigations into the historical disappearances and suspected murders of two young women from the 1990s. The Gardaí (Irish police) confirmed that specialized units would conduct meticulous examinations of designated open terrain, including technical analysis and potential excavation work over subsequent days.

    Josephine “Jo Jo” Dullard, aged 21, vanished on November 9, 1995, after socializing in Dublin and was last seen in Moone, County Kildare. Her case was reclassified from missing persons to murder investigation in 2020. Deirdre Jacob, aged 18, disappeared on July 28, 1998, shortly after being observed crossing the road toward her family residence in Newbridge, County Kildare. Her case received similar reclassification in 2018.

    The operation is being coordinated by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team in collaboration with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, supported by forensic specialists from the Garda National Technical Bureau and local Kildare Division resources. Authorities emphasize maintaining open investigative approaches while utilizing contemporary forensic technologies not previously available during initial investigations.

    Police officials have reiterated appeals for public assistance, urging individuals with potentially relevant information—however insignificant it might appear—to come forward. Families of both victims continue to receive regular updates regarding investigative developments, according to official statements.

  • Producer of hit Israeli TV series ‘Tehran’ dies suddenly in Greece

    Producer of hit Israeli TV series ‘Tehran’ dies suddenly in Greece

    Athens, Greece – The global entertainment industry is mourning the unexpected death of Dana Eden, the acclaimed Israeli producer renowned for co-creating the Emmy Award-winning espionage thriller ‘Tehran.’ She was 52. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN confirmed her passing on Monday.

  • A superstar arrives: Alexandra Eala ignites Filipino pride in Dubai

    A superstar arrives: Alexandra Eala ignites Filipino pride in Dubai

    The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships witnessed an extraordinary display of national pride as 20-year-old Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala made her tournament debut amidst unprecedented fan support. Despite the absence of top-ranked stars on opening day, Dubai Tennis Stadium reached full capacity, primarily driven by enthusiastic Filipino supporters who began arriving as early as 11 AM for her 7 PM center court match against American Hailey Baptiste.

    Eala’s match culminated in a 6-4, 1-0 victory following Baptiste’s injury retirement, though not before the young phenom showcased the dazzling tennis that has propelled her to unprecedented heights in Philippine tennis history. Currently ranked World No. 40—a remarkable ascent from 139th just twelve months prior—Eala has become the highest-ranked tennis player ever from the Philippines.

    Her rapid rise has triggered a sporting revolution in the basketball-dominated nation. Dubai resident Larry Montesclaros observed, ‘She’s inspiring countless youngsters to pursue tennis back home. The government even launched a WTA tournament, the Manila Open, specifically because of her influence.’

    Eala’s breakthrough season included a spectacular semifinal run at the Miami Open where she defeated three Grand Slam champions: Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and World No. 1 Iga Świątek. She further cemented her status by achieving her first main draw victory at a Grand Slam during last year’s US Open, where she had previously won the junior title in 2022.

    The atmosphere in Dubai echoed her recent reception in Abu Dhabi, where veteran sports photographer Jorge Ferrari noted he hadn’t witnessed such packed stadiums since the era of Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal. Eala now prepares to face two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini of Italy, with another capacity crowd expected to witness the continuing rise of Philippine tennis’s brightest star.

  • Celebrating Spring Festival with Xi

    Celebrating Spring Festival with Xi

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has issued a formal copyright notice asserting exclusive ownership over all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive protection covers textual materials, photographic images, multimedia information, and all other forms of published content.

    The notice explicitly prohibits any republication or utilization of protected materials without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC. This legal stance reinforces the company’s commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights in the digital landscape.

    Additionally, the publication provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting browser resolutions of 1024*768 or higher for best viewing performance. The notice also references official registration details (Registration Number: 130349) and publishing licenses (0108263) that govern its multimedia operations.

    The copyright statement appears alongside information about the organization’s operational aspects, including career opportunities through their Job Offer and Expat Employment sections, as well as business collaboration channels via advertising and contact information. This integrated approach demonstrates CDIC’s multifaceted digital strategy combining content protection with user engagement and commercial operations.

  • Pressure grows for release of remaining Venezuelan political prisoners

    Pressure grows for release of remaining Venezuelan political prisoners

    Tensions are escalating in Venezuela as human rights advocates and families of detainees intensify demands for the immediate release of all remaining political prisoners. The interim government faces mounting international and domestic pressure following the ousting of former leader Nicolás Maduro.

    According to documentation from Foro Penal, a prominent human rights organization monitoring detainee cases, Venezuelan authorities have released 444 political prisoners since U.S. forces captured Maduro in January. However, the organization confirms that hundreds more remain incarcerated despite increasing demands for their freedom.

    The situation has grown increasingly urgent as relatives of imprisoned individuals have undertaken hunger strikes outside the Zona 7 detention facility in Caracas. Visual evidence circulated by opposition group Vente Venezuela shows at least one protester requiring medical attention after their health deteriorated significantly. Ten individuals initiated the hunger strike on Saturday, joining a vigil that has continued since January 8th.

    While the Trump administration has acknowledged the interim government’s progress, Venezuelan activists criticize the process as dangerously slow and lacking transparency. Opposition figures further allege that released prisoners face severe restrictions, citing the case of politician Juan Pablo Guanipa who was rearrested hours after his February 8th release and placed under house arrest for allegedly violating release conditions.

    The political confrontation has expanded to include student demonstrations calling for comprehensive amnesty for those imprisoned during Maduro’s crackdown on government critics. Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez has proposed amnesty legislation that passed its initial reading unanimously on February 5th. However, legislative progress stalled last week as lawmakers failed to reach consensus on implementation mechanisms, with further discussions anticipated this week.

  • From chicken nuggets to fries: List of banned foods from Abu Dhabi schools

    From chicken nuggets to fries: List of banned foods from Abu Dhabi schools

    Abu Dhabi’s education authority has enacted comprehensive nutritional restrictions across early education institutions, prohibiting numerous food and beverage items deemed detrimental to children’s health. The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has issued updated healthy eating guidelines that apply to both school-provided meals and packed lunches brought from home.

    The extensive banned items list includes sugar-sweetened beverages, caffeinated drinks, processed meats, fried foods, artificial additives, and specific chemical preservatives. Notably prohibited are chicken nuggets, french fries, processed frozen desserts, chocolates (except dark chocolate), and numerous sauces including mayonnaise and ketchup unless low-salt and low-sugar alternatives. The policy also restricts pork products, alcohol-containing foods, hydrogenated fats, and unpasteurized items.

    Educational institutions must establish clear communication channels with parents and implement rigorous monitoring mechanisms. Designated staff members, such as nurses or health safety officers, are required to conduct regular checks to ensure compliance. Schools must maintain violation records and implement corrective measures for repeated non-compliance, with ADEK possessing authority to intervene when institutions fail to meet their responsibilities.

    The policy framework extends beyond restrictions, establishing guidelines for age-appropriate nutrition, bottle-feeding protocols, and breastfeeding support. Institutions must provide appropriately sized utensils and furniture while ensuring food is never used as punishment or reward. Growth monitoring through regular height and weight measurements is mandated for children over two years old.

    This initiative aims to reduce health risks, support healthy development, and create consistent nutritional standards across all early education environments. The regulations formalize Abu Dhabi’s commitment to combating childhood obesity and promoting long-term wellbeing from infancy through school years.

  • 1,200 jobs in GCC: New premium airline announced in Bahrain

    1,200 jobs in GCC: New premium airline announced in Bahrain

    Bahrain has announced a strategic partnership with premium leisure airline beOnd to establish a new aviation hub in the Gulf region. The agreement, signed on Monday, February 16, 2026, marks a significant development in Bahrain’s aviation sector and economic diversification efforts.

    The ambitious initiative will see beOnd operate up to 10 aircraft from Bahrain by 2030, connecting the kingdom to key markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The airline projects a substantial economic contribution of approximately $1.2 to $1.5 billion to Bahrain’s GDP during its first five years of operations.

    Employment generation stands as a cornerstone of this venture, with plans to create over 1,200 direct high-skilled positions and support an additional 6,000 indirect jobs across tourism, hospitality, logistics, and associated service sectors. The project aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, focusing on job creation for both nationals and foreign workers while stimulating private-sector growth.

    beOnd will establish a comprehensive center of excellence featuring structured training programs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff. The airline plans to implement advanced technologies including artificial intelligence across operations, maintenance, revenue management, distribution, and passenger experience enhancement.

    CEO Tero Taskila described the Bahrain expansion as “a natural next step in our multi-jurisdictional strategy,” emphasizing the opportunity to “build a premium aviation platform that strengthens connectivity, develops specialized talent, and supports innovation across the travel value chain.”

    Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, expressed enthusiasm for welcoming beOnd aircraft with Bahraini Air Operator Certificate, noting the airline’s valuable addition to the kingdom’s aviation ecosystem.

    The announcement reflects the growing luxury aviation market in the Gulf region, where several charter operators increasingly cater to high-net-worth individuals and affluent families. beOnd continues its regional expansion following its December 2025 announcement regarding Air Operator Certificate proceedings in Saudi Arabia.

  • China’s green push colliding with America’s fossil fixation

    China’s green push colliding with America’s fossil fixation

    The world’s two economic superpowers are pursuing radically different energy strategies that will determine the industrial architecture of the 21st century. China is executing a comprehensive industrial policy focused on dominating clean-energy sectors including solar manufacturing, battery supply chains, electric vehicles, and grid infrastructure. This strategic push accounted for a substantial portion of China’s economic growth in 2025 and represents more than environmental policy—it’s a calculated play for long-term economic and geopolitical advantage.

    Meanwhile, the United States presents a contradictory energy landscape. While federal policy emphasizes fossil fuel development and slower renewable approvals, private sector investment and state-level initiatives maintain robust clean-energy funding. This creates a national dichotomy where Washington’s rhetoric conflicts with market realities that continue supporting renewable development based on economic viability.

    Both approaches carry significant risks. China’s clean-energy surge coexists with continued coal dependency, as Beijing approves new coal capacity to ensure energy security and satisfy powerful provincial interests. The US struggles with policy inconsistency that undermines its ability to transform innovation into durable industrial advantage.

    The competition extends beyond climate considerations to fundamental questions about who will manufacture and control the hardware of modern life: power generation systems, storage solutions, transmission networks, EVs, and charging infrastructure. China’s early recognition that energy transition represents industrial transition has allowed it to build manufacturing ecosystems that competitors cannot quickly replicate, creating cost advantages that make Chinese technology the default choice for many developing nations.

    This technological dominance introduces new security concerns as clean energy becomes increasingly connected through software, sensors, and data flows. Governments worldwide worry about potential vulnerabilities in networked systems, creating what security experts call ‘kill switch anxiety.’ These concerns are mutual—China itself restricts Tesla operations in sensitive areas, recognizing that networked machines represent critical infrastructure.

    For Asian economies positioned between these competing systems, the path forward involves strategic diversification: sourcing affordable hardware while insisting on verifiable cybersecurity standards, transparent data governance, and procurement rules that prevent single-supplier dependency. ASEAN members and major manufacturers can benefit from supply-chain rebalancing by building trusted capacity in critical mineral processing and battery ecosystems.

    The ultimate gamble reflects historical precedent—the nation that builds the infrastructure others depend on typically shapes the rules. China bets that clean-energy dominance will yield economic and geopolitical leverage despite coal contradictions, while America wagers that fossil fuel abundance and market dynamism will preserve its primacy despite policy volatility. The outcome will determine not just energy futures but global economic leadership for decades to come.

  • Ramadan at the races: Iftar, Emirates Super Saturday and more

    Ramadan at the races: Iftar, Emirates Super Saturday and more

    The Dubai Racing Club has unveiled an innovative cultural experience for Ramadan 2026, seamlessly integrating spiritual observance with elite horseracing at Meydan Racecourse. Throughout four select evenings in February and March, the venue transforms into a multi-sensory destination where traditional Iftar celebrations converge with the excitement of the Dubai Racing Carnival.

    The experience centers around Suite 304, where guests can break their fast overlooking the illuminated track as live racing unfolds below. The carefully orchestrated evening begins at Maghrib and continues until 10pm, featuring extended race intervals during Iftar to ensure comfortable observance of religious traditions. Dedicated prayer facilities are conveniently located adjacent to hospitality areas.

    Culinary offerings highlight authentic regional specialties including ouzi, harees, and traditional Ramadan beverages such as qamar el dein and jallab. The Dh350 adult package provides access to both the racing program and elevated dining experience.

    Beyond the track, the racecourse immerses visitors in cultural elements including live Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, traditional Oud performances, and Ramadan-themed décor throughout the venue. The program also showcases Emirati artists, with visual artist Mona Mohammed Amin Al Khaja exhibiting on February 20, followed by contemporary artists Hamad Al Shamsi and Faris Alhammadi presenting equestrian-inspired works during the prestigious Emirates Super Saturday event on February 28.

    This signature race night serves as the primary precursor to the Dubai World Cup, attracting international racing elites and often revealing future champions. Organizers note that while designed for corporate and social gatherings, current demand predominantly comes from individual guests and small groups seeking a distinctive Ramadan experience within a dynamic sporting environment.

  • Over 30,000 homes without power, flights disrupted as wild storm hits New Zealand

    Over 30,000 homes without power, flights disrupted as wild storm hits New Zealand

    A severe weather system has unleashed chaos across New Zealand’s North Island, resulting in massive infrastructure disruption and widespread damage. Meteorological reports indicate a deepening low-pressure system east of the island has been driving the extreme conditions, characterized by torrential rains and destructive gale-force winds since the weekend.

    The immediate impact has been most severe on transportation networks and energy infrastructure. Wellington International Airport canceled or delayed the majority of its flight operations, with national carrier Air New Zealand suspending services entirely at multiple airports including Wellington, Napier, and Palmerston North. Surface transportation suffered equally, with train and ferry services suspended and numerous road closures implemented due to flooding and structural damage.

    Energy authorities confirmed over 30,000 properties experienced power outages, with approximately 10,000 customers affected in the Wellington region alone. Emergency response teams from Emergency New Zealand reported handling 852 calls overnight, with more than half originating from the capital region. Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper described the situation as requiring continuous response from firefighting crews.

    The storm’s aftermath revealed significant property damage across semi-rural communities. Digital documentation shared across social media platforms showed extensive residential flooding, compromised road systems where sections completely collapsed, and widespread debris from fallen trees. The situation in Wellington was further exacerbated by the failure of the city’s main wastewater treatment plant earlier this month, with storm surges washing raw sewage back onto coastal areas—an event residents graphically described as a ‘poonami’ on social media.

    Personal accounts from affected residents highlighted the storm’s severity. Marilyn Bulford, a resident of Bunnythorpe located approximately 160 kilometers north of Wellington, described the experience as ‘absolutely terrifying’ to local media, noting unprecedented tree damage affecting vehicles, fences, and public spaces.

    Tragically, the weather event has claimed at least one life, with authorities discovering a deceased individual in a submerged vehicle on Saturday. With meteorological forecasts predicting the storm’s movement toward the South Island on Tuesday, officials have issued renewed warnings for potential further disruptions and advised continued caution.