Global Pulse

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  • Iran’s FM heads to Geneva for 2nd round of US nuclear talks

    Iran’s FM heads to Geneva for 2nd round of US nuclear talks

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi departed Tehran on Sunday heading for Geneva to participate in a pivotal second round of indirect nuclear discussions with the United States. The diplomatic mission, which includes specialized delegation members, will commence on Tuesday under Omani mediation and diplomatic facilitation.

    The Foreign Ministry confirmed that Minister Araghchi’s itinerary includes separate high-level meetings with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi. These parallel diplomatic engagements signal the multifaceted approach Tehran is pursuing in its nuclear negotiations.

    This upcoming dialogue follows initial talks held on February 6 in Muscat, Oman, where delegations from both nations, led by Araghchi and US President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, established preliminary groundwork. The relocation to Geneva, a traditional hub for international diplomacy, indicates progression to more substantive negotiation phases.

    Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi characterized the initial discussions as having progressed ‘more or less in a positive direction’ during a BBC interview. He emphasized Tehran’s optimistic approach toward the Geneva round while simultaneously placing responsibility on Washington to demonstrate genuine commitment to reaching a viable agreement. Ravanchi noted that authentic American ‘sincerity’ could potentially break the current deadlock and facilitate a diplomatic breakthrough.

  • UAE’s ‘royal photographer’ Ramesh Shukla passes away

    UAE’s ‘royal photographer’ Ramesh Shukla passes away

    The United Arab Emirates has lost one of its most significant visual historians with the passing of renowned photographer Ramesh Shukla on February 15, 2026. The 87-year-old artist, celebrated for capturing the iconic ‘Spirit of the Union’ photograph depicting the nation’s founding rulers, succumbed to cardiac arrest at Rashid Hospital in Dubai.

    Shukla’s legacy spans decades of documenting the UAE’s remarkable transformation from its formative years to modern statehood. His camera chronicled pivotal moments including the 1971 signing of the Union Agreement at Union House, state visits, and defining national events that shaped the Emirates’ identity.

    According to his son Neel Shukla, who spoke with Khaleej Times, the veteran photographer maintained an unwavering dedication to his craft despite declining health. “He was a person of passion and fire, and his camera always had its way,” Neel recounted, noting that even during his final hours, Shukla remained engrossed in his work—reviewing photographs, documenting collections, and sharing his iconic business cards featuring his famous Sheikh Zayed signing image with hospital staff.

    Shukla’s technical mastery was particularly evident in his understanding of light, which became a hallmark of his photographic style. His son recalled childhood memories of family involvement in developing negatives and printing photographs in their home laboratory, creating a multi-generational connection to the nation’s visual history.

    The photographer’s extensive archive, containing thousands of physical prints developed from original negatives, serves as an invaluable bridge between the UAE’s past and present. His images captured not only historical events but also the essential spirit, ambition, and vision that propelled the nation’s development.

    Even as medical complications arose on his final evening, Shukla remained characteristically composed, reassuring family members and maintaining his professional demeanor until the end. His passing marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career that visually preserved the Emirates’ journey from federation to modern global power.

  • America’s Next Top Model shaped reality TV, but should it ever have been made?

    America’s Next Top Model shaped reality TV, but should it ever have been made?

    A forthcoming Netflix documentary, ‘Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,’ is generating significant attention for its critical re-examination of the controversial reality television phenomenon. The three-part series features creator Tyra Banks and judging panel members Jay Manuel, J Alexander, and Nigel Barker addressing the show’s most contentious moments, including body-shaming incidents, racially insensitive ‘ethnicity-switching’ challenges, and psychologically manipulative tactics.

    The documentary explores how the series, which aired from 2003 to 2018 across 24 seasons and 170 countries, pushed boundaries that now draw scrutiny from modern audiences. Particularly notable is the re-evaluation of Banks’ infamous 2006 outburst toward contestant Tiffany Richardson (‘I was rooting for you!’), which has become emblematic of the show’s dramatic approach.

    Former contestants provide compelling testimony about their experiences. Cycle 18 winner Sophie Sumner describes how producers deliberately manipulated contestants’ psychological vulnerabilities, including persuading her to perform a photoshoot atop Macau Tower despite her acknowledged fear of heights. She characterizes the British version as a ‘fluffy little competition’ compared to its American counterpart.

    More troubling accounts come from Cycle 1 participant Ebony Haith, who reveals she is ‘still healing’ from judges’ comments about her skin appearing ‘ashy’ and her personality being ‘too harsh’ 23 years later. She notes that criticism of her racial characteristics overshadowed her potential as a model.

    The documentary examines the complex legacy of a show that pioneered diversity in modeling while simultaneously employing questionable ethical practices. Directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy conducted extensive four-hour interviews with Banks, who maintained editorial independence throughout the process. Banks explains she created ANTM to address adversity she faced as a black woman in modeling, though contestants question whether ratings ultimately superseded ethical considerations.

    The series premieres on Netflix February 16th, inviting viewers to reconsider reality television’s evolution through a contemporary ethical lens.

  • Ex-church minister who admitted child sexual abuse to BBC still free years later

    Ex-church minister who admitted child sexual abuse to BBC still free years later

    A former minister of an elusive Christian denomination known as The Truth or Two by Twos continues to evade justice despite confessing to sexually abusing multiple children across decades. Robert Corfield, who admitted to systematically abusing Michael Havet for six years starting in the 1980s when the victim was just 12 years old, remains at liberty in Montana despite the FBI launching an investigation following BBC’s groundbreaking report in early 2024.

    The case has expanded with the emergence of Edward (pseudonym), who alleges Corfield assaulted him in 1974 during a Canadian camping trip when he was merely 11 years old. This predates Corfield’s abuse of Havet by approximately ten years, directly contradicting the former minister’s previous claims that Havet was his sole victim.

    Despite Corfield’s detailed admissions to both the BBC and FBI investigators who visited him approximately one year ago, no charges have been filed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed investigating historic sexual assaults in Saskatchewan from the early 1980s, with findings forwarded to Crown Prosecutors for assessment. However, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice maintains its policy of not commenting on ongoing investigations.

    The church structure itself appears complicit in enabling abuse patterns. With approximately 100,000 members worldwide, the organization operates through ministers (called ‘workers’) who surrender possessions and live with member families during travels. Former members describe this system as creating perfect conditions for child predation, with workers occupying unquestioned authority positions within households.

    Private investigator Cynthia Liles, who maintains the 2×2 Church Accountability hotline, reports 1,164 allegations of sexual abuse with over half involving authority figures. Despite approximately 75 convictions, many perpetrators reportedly resume church activities, including one individual in Arizona who gained elder status after serving a rape sentence from 1969.

    Victims describe systemic protection of abusers by church leadership. Michael Havet reported his abuse to Saskatchewan overseer Dale Shultz in 1993, only to be violently assaulted weeks later and encouraged to leave the congregation while Corfield was transferred to Montana. Shultz previously denied these allegations as ‘distorted and inaccurate’ without providing specifics.

    While institutional accountability remains elusive, victims find solidarity through online communities like the ‘Exposing Abuse: 2x2s’ Facebook group, which has amassed over 10,000 members worldwide offering mutual support and resources for counseling funded by former members rather than the church itself.

  • Trump has big plans for Venezuela’s oil but are they feasible?

    Trump has big plans for Venezuela’s oil but are they feasible?

    Despite possessing the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela’s energy sector presents a complex investment dilemma for American petroleum corporations. The recent political shift following the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro has opened theoretical opportunities for foreign investment, yet practical barriers remain formidable.

    Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA has suffered severe degradation after years of underinvestment and mismanagement. Production has plummeted from historical highs of 1.5 million barrels per day to current diminished levels. Industry analysts note that much of the infrastructure requires complete reconstruction rather than mere maintenance, with estimated rehabilitation costs exceeding $100 billion.

    The fundamental economic viability remains questionable despite vast reserves theoretically totaling 300 billion barrels. Venezuela’s heavy crude requires specialized refining capabilities and commands lower market prices than lighter alternatives. Current global oil prices around $65 per barrel further diminish the economic appeal compared to previous eras of triple-digit crude valuations.

    Security concerns and legal precedents compound these challenges. Major energy firms including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips previously experienced asset expropriation without compensation, resulting in outstanding arbitration awards totaling billions. The continued presence of former regime officials and paramilitary groups creates additional investment security risks.

    The Trump administration’s approach has emphasized pressure over incentives, refusing to provide investment guarantees while threatening corporations hesitant to enter the market. This stance has led industry leaders to privately describe Venezuela as ‘uninvestable’ in its current state, despite political pressure to engage with the resource-rich nation.

    Analysts suggest that without substantial economic incentives and security guarantees, private sector participation will remain limited regardless of political developments. The potential for Venezuela to significantly impact global oil markets exists theoretically, but practical realization requires overcoming substantial structural, economic and political hurdles.

  • Six Nations takeaways: Scotland amazes, England grounded, France rolling in round two

    Six Nations takeaways: Scotland amazes, England grounded, France rolling in round two

    The Six Nations Championship landscape underwent a seismic shift during the second round of competition, with France emerging as the tournament’s only undefeated team and sole contender for the Grand Slam. Les Bleus delivered a historic performance against Wales at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, registering a record-breaking 54-12 victory that marked their highest-ever score against the Welsh and extended Wales’ losing streak to 13 consecutive tournament matches.

    Meanwhile, at a raucous Murrayfield, Scotland delivered a stunning upset against England, halting their 12-test winning streak with a decisive 31-20 victory. The Scots demonstrated what coach Gregor Townsend described as ‘destructive genius’ throughout the full eighty minutes, though questions remain about their ability to maintain this form throughout the remainder of the championship.

    In Dublin, Ireland narrowly avoided catastrophe against a resurgent Italian side, securing a precarious 20-13 victory that raised significant concerns about their flyhalf position and overall championship credentials.

    France’s youth movement has proven particularly effective, with coach Fabien Galthié successfully integrating graduates from the nation’s successful under-20 program. Debutant Fabien Brau-Boirie and young center Émilien Gailleton both crossed for tries in Cardiff, demonstrating the team’s successful transition toward a faster, more dynamic style of play.

    England faces a critical reassessment after their Murrayfield defeat, with ill-discipline and tactical shortcomings undermining their championship aspirations. Despite the setback, coach Steve Borthwick’s team remains mathematically in contention as they prepare to host Ireland before traveling to face Italy.

    Italy’s performance in Dublin, though ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrated the nation’s remarkable progress and silenced critics who had questioned their continued participation in the tournament. Captain Michele Lamaro noted the significant shift in perception regarding Italian rugby, with the team now viewed as a genuine threat rather than merely making up the numbers.

  • UAE to search for Ramadan crescent on February 17

    UAE to search for Ramadan crescent on February 17

    The United Arab Emirates Fatwa Council has formally declared that the national committee tasked with observing the crescent moon signaling the commencement of Ramadan 2026 will assemble on Tuesday, February 17th. This significant religious undertaking will initiate following the Maghrib prayer, with officials meticulously examining evidence from both field observation teams and certified astronomical observatories throughout the nation.

    In alignment with its constitutional mandate to authenticate the emergence of new Islamic months, the Council emphasized that this procedural rigor ensures a standardized national framework and reinforces public trust in the official declaration process. A definitive announcement regarding the confirmed sighting will be disseminated through all authorized communication channels upon the committee’s conclusive verification.

    Remarkably, the Council has extended an invitation to the general public to participate in this traditional practice by attempting to sight the crescent on Tuesday evening and reporting any visual evidence via a dedicated digital portal on its official platforms. This initiative aims to revitalize the Sunnah of moon sighting and foster communal engagement in this sacred observance.

    Concurrently, astronomers from the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomy Centre have issued a critical safety advisory, highlighting substantial risks associated with the observation attempt on February 17th. They caution that the moon’s proximity to the sun, which coincides with a solar eclipse, creates a hazardous scenario. Utilizing optical instruments like telescopes or binoculars without professionally certified solar filters can lead to severe and irreversible ocular damage, including blindness. Experts strongly urge strict adherence to professional safety protocols to prevent injury.

    In a parallel development, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has similarly called upon Muslims within the Kingdom to attempt sighting the Ramadan crescent on the same evening, corresponding to the 29th of Shaban. The court has instructed citizens to report any sightings to the nearest judicial authority or assistance center to formally register their testimony.

  • ‘Dragged out and set on fire’ – the Bangladesh mob killing that shocked the world

    ‘Dragged out and set on fire’ – the Bangladesh mob killing that shocked the world

    In a horrific incident that has exposed deep religious fractures in Bangladeshi society, 28-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was brutally lynched and burned by a mob on December 18th after being accused of blasphemy. The junior quality inspector at Pioneer Knitwear factory in Mymensingh was allegedly accused of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad during a workplace conversation.

    The tragedy unfolded when a rumor swept through the garment factory where Das worked, manufacturing sweaters for global brands including H&M and Next. According to police superintendent Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mamun, the allegation stemmed from a casual conversation among co-workers near closing time. As the rumor spread, a mob gathered outside the factory gates demanding Das be handed over.

    CCTV footage reveals the terrifying sequence of events: hundreds of protesters swelled to over a thousand, eventually forcing their way into the factory premises. Despite police presence, the mob extracted Das, beating him to death before dragging his body approximately one kilometer through crowded streets. The final atrocity saw his remains tied to a tree on a busy highway and set ablaze before hundreds of onlookers.

    The killing has sparked international outrage, particularly in neighboring India, and raised serious concerns about minority safety in Bangladesh since the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 student-led protests. Religious minorities, predominantly Hindus, constitute approximately 9% of Bangladesh’s 174 million population and have historically experienced periodic tension and insecurity.

    Police investigations have resulted in 22 arrests to date, including half of Das’s co-workers, two factory managers, and a local mosque imam. Authorities describe the attack as a hate crime rather than religiously motivated, noting that many participants appeared to be students, passersby, and locals who joined the violence opportunistically.

    The incident has ignited debate about the scale of anti-minority violence in Bangladesh. Government statistics report 645 incidents involving minorities in 2025, with only 71 having clear communal elements. However, human rights organizations and the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council document significantly higher numbers—2,711 attacks since August 2024 including at least 92 killings.

    Amid the tragedy, glimmers of solidarity emerge. Das’s employer has cleared his outstanding dues and promised to build the house he dreamed of for his family, while the outgoing government has pledged $35,000 toward construction and additional compensation. The case continues to reverberate through Bangladeshi society as authorities pursue approximately 150 individuals directly involved in the attack.

  • Ex banker who helped 19,000 kids with cleft condition wins Dh1-million Hope Maker award

    Ex banker who helped 19,000 kids with cleft condition wins Dh1-million Hope Maker award

    In a remarkable celebration of humanitarian dedication, Moroccan philanthropist Fawzia Mahmoudi has been honored as Arab Hope Maker 2026 during a prestigious ceremony in Dubai. The former banking professional received the Dh1-million grand prize for her transformative work providing surgical interventions for children born with cleft lip and palate conditions across the region.

    Mahmoudi’s extraordinary journey began nearly three decades ago when, while working in a bank’s community outreach department, she discovered the hidden crisis of families concealing children with cleft conditions due to social stigma, fear, and financial constraints. What started as professional responsibility evolved into a lifelong mission that has now enabled approximately 19,000 children to access life-changing surgical procedures.

    The financial challenges are substantial, with each reconstructive surgery costing up to $5,000—an insurmountable barrier for many families. Mahmoudi’s organization not only raises critical funds but also coordinates complex medical campaigns involving batches of up to 150 children simultaneously. These surgical marathons require meticulous coordination of surgeons, anesthetists, nursing staff, and hospital facilities, creating what Mahmoudi describes as overwhelming pressure: “In those moments, it feels like I have 150 children of my own inside the operating rooms.

    The emotional impact of this work is profound. Mahmoudi recalls one young girl whose greatest wish was simply to be kissed by her mother. After successful surgery, the child exclaimed through tears of joy: “My mom can kiss my face now.”

    The Dh1-million prize money will be strategically invested in long-term solutions, including training programs for final-year medical residents and healthcare professionals. This approach aims to build sustainable medical capacity within Morocco rather than creating dependency on external aid.

    Two other exceptional humanitarians were similarly recognized with Dh1-million awards. Moroccan content creator Abdelrahman Al Raes was honored for his twelve-year initiative supporting over 7,000 widows through debt relief and financial assistance in remote villages. Kuwaiti philanthropist Hind Al Hajri received recognition for establishing and operating an orphanage in Zanzibar, where she currently cares for 47 children despite having left a stable career and comfortable life in Kuwait at age 34.

    The Arab Hope Makers initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and operated under Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has received over 320,000 nominations since its establishment in 2017, consistently identifying and supporting those creating meaningful change throughout the Arab world.

  • North Korea opens new housing district for families of Ukraine war dead

    North Korea opens new housing district for families of Ukraine war dead

    In a significant display of state recognition, North Korea has officially inaugurated a dedicated residential complex in Pyongyang for families of military personnel who perished while supporting Russian operations in Ukraine. The development, named Saeppyol Street, was personally inspected by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, who was accompanied during the tour by his daughter Kim Ju Ae—a figure gaining notable visibility in recent state activities.

    During the visit, Kim Jong Un characterized the deceased soldiers as ‘young martyrs’ who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, vowing that their devotion would be met with state gratitude. This project represents the latest in a series of propagandistic measures by the North Korean regime, which has also erected memorial walls and established museums to glorify its combatants in the Ukraine conflict.

    Analysts interpret these actions as strategic efforts to reinforce domestic solidarity and mitigate possible public dissatisfaction regarding the human cost of foreign military engagements. Intelligence estimates from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service indicate substantial North Korean casualties, with approximately 6,000 troops killed or wounded, though specific fatality figures remain undisclosed.

    Beyond the symbolic gestures, North Korean forces are reportedly gaining valuable battlefield experience and receiving technical assistance from Russia—benefits that could enhance Pyongyang’s military capabilities. The housing project’s completion coincides with preparations for an upcoming ruling party congress, where Kim is anticipated to outline major policy directives for the next five years and further consolidate his authority.