Global Pulse

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  • Italy’s Winter Olympics dream: A record 22nd medal seals its best-ever Games

    Italy’s Winter Olympics dream: A record 22nd medal seals its best-ever Games

    MILAN — Italy has officially achieved its most successful Winter Olympics performance in history, surpassing all previous records with seven days of competition still remaining. The host nation’s extraordinary medal haul reached 22 on Sunday, eclipsing its previous benchmark of 20 medals established at the 1994 Lillehammer Games.

    The record-breaking day began with Italy’s cross-country team securing bronze in the men’s 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay. Shortly thereafter, Federica Brignone captured her second gold medal of the Games with a stunning victory in the giant slalom—a particularly remarkable achievement given her recent return to competition after recovering from a severe leg injury that involved multiple fractures.

    Within the hour, Michela Moioli and Lorenzo Sommariva contributed to the historic moment by earning silver in the mixed team snowboard cross, delivering Italy’s 21st medal and officially breaking the national record. The celebration continued as Lisa Vittozzi claimed gold in the 10-kilometer pursuit biathlon race shortly afterward.

    Italy’s current medal distribution stands at eight gold, four silver, and ten bronze medals—exceeding the pre-Games target of 19 medals set by Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio.

    The nation’s performance represents a significant improvement over recent Olympic appearances. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, Italy won 17 medals, while the 2006 Turin Olympics as hosts yielded only 11 medals. Italy currently ranks among the top two nations in the medal table, a dramatic improvement from its fourth-place finish in Lillehammer behind Russia, Norway, and Germany.

    Early indications of Italy’s exceptional performance emerged on Day 3 of competition when the team collected six medals in 24 hours—a single-day national record. Local organizing committee president Giovanni Malagò emphasized the significance of Italy’s multidisciplinary success across sports where the nation had not traditionally been competitive.

    The emotional resonance of these achievements has been amplified by compelling athlete narratives. Brignone’s gold medal came after extensive rehabilitation, while short track speedskater Arianna Fontana earned her 12th and 13th Olympic medals, matching fencer Edoardo Mangiarotti’s longstanding record for most Olympic medals by an Italian athlete.

    International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry praised Italy’s performance, noting: “Their stories of resilience and fight and everything good in humanity was really showcased. To do that at home, it’s so cool.”

  • Xi’s article on key tasks of China’s current economic work to be published

    Xi’s article on key tasks of China’s current economic work to be published

    BEIJING – A comprehensive article detailing China’s economic roadmap for the current period, authored by President Xi Jinping, is scheduled for publication in the forthcoming issue of Qiushi Journal, the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s premier theoretical publication. The article derives from President Xi’s pivotal address delivered during last December’s Central Economic Work Conference, which establishes the nation’s annual economic agenda.

    The publication outlines several strategic pillars for China’s economic development. A primary emphasis is placed on stimulating domestic demand as a foundational element for constructing a robust and self-sustaining domestic market. Concurrently, the article champions innovation as the central driver for progress, advocating for the accelerated incubation of new growth engines to ensure long-term economic vitality.

    Further directives call for a deepening of structural reforms designed to inject renewed momentum into high-quality development initiatives. This is paired with a reaffirmed commitment to expanding the country’s openness, fostering international collaboration for mutual benefit across various sectors. The development strategy also prioritizes enhanced coordination to bridge urban-rural disparities and bolster regional synergistic growth.

    Environmental sustainability forms another critical component of the economic plan, with a dedicated push for a comprehensive green transition. This initiative is explicitly aligned with China’s ambitious dual carbon objectives of achieving peak emissions and carbon neutrality. Finally, the article underscores the government’s focus on social welfare, emphasizing the paramount importance of improving public livelihoods and proactively managing potential risks in crucial economic areas to ensure overall stability.

  • Curling controversy widens amid higher surveillance as Britain accused of same infraction as Canada

    Curling controversy widens amid higher surveillance as Britain accused of same infraction as Canada

    CORTINA D’AMPEZZO — The ongoing officiating dispute in Olympic curling intensified Sunday when British curler Bobby Lammie became the latest athlete penalized for alleged rule violations during competition. During the ninth end of Britain’s round-robin match against Germany, officials determined Lammie had made illegal contact with his stone after release—a violation known as “double-touching”—resulting in the stone’s removal from play. Despite the controversy, the British team secured a decisive 9-4 victory.

    This incident marks the third such ruling in three days, following consecutive penalties against Canadian teams on Friday and Saturday. The initial controversy emerged when Swedish opponents raised allegations against the Canadian men’s team, with similar infractions called against the Canadian women’s team during their match against Switzerland the following day.

    In response to the growing dispute, World Curling announced enhanced monitoring measures beginning Saturday. The governing body assigned two dedicated officials to oversee the four simultaneous curling matches during each round, though acknowledged the impracticality of stationing umpires at every hog line—the critical zone where stones must be released.

    The organization maintains its position against utilizing video replay technology for officiating decisions, despite social media circulation of footage that appears to show the alleged violations. Questions regarding potential disproportionate surveillance of specific teams remain unanswered by tournament authorities.

    Until Sunday’s incident, the controversy had primarily involved Canadian athletes, who represent one of curling’s most passionate international fan bases. The repeated penalties have sparked debate about consistency in officiating and the need for technological assistance in determining infractions at the highest level of competition.

  • Classic vehicles in Sharjah to get new licence plates starting February 16

    Classic vehicles in Sharjah to get new licence plates starting February 16

    Sharjah authorities have unveiled a specialized licensing initiative for vintage automobiles and motorcycles, with implementation commencing February 16, 2026. The Sharjah Police Force confirmed that designated venues across the emirate will facilitate the transition from conventional plates to newly designed registrations exclusively created for classic vehicles.

    The innovative licensing category, initially announced on December 23, 2025, encompasses First Category and private registration plates for historic automobiles alongside First Category designations for classic motorcycles. Vehicle enthusiasts can complete the plate replacement process at three authorized locations: Sharjah Registration Village, the Sharjah Classic Car Club, and Khor Fakkan Registration Village.

    This premium service initiative emerged through collaborative efforts between transportation authorities and Emirates Auction, which previously conducted exclusive sales of these distinctive plates. The program aims to deliver enhanced and specialized services for collectors and owners of vintage transportation, recognizing the unique cultural and historical value of these vehicles.

    The introduction of specialized licensing reflects Sharjah’s growing emphasis on preserving automotive heritage while implementing modern regulatory frameworks. This approach aligns with similar premium registration services recently introduced in other UAE emirates, including Dubai’s luxury plate auctions and Abu Dhabi’s special identity cards for distinctive number plates.

  • Why Alexandra Eala can recreate the Sania Mirza magic in Dubai

    Why Alexandra Eala can recreate the Sania Mirza magic in Dubai

    Dubai’s tennis scene is poised to witness a remarkable resurgence of cultural sporting passion as Filipino phenom Alexandra Eala prepares for her debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Tournament Director Salah Tahlak vividly recalls the electrifying atmosphere of 2005 when Indian superstar Sania Mirza captivated over 7,000 fans with her stunning victory against Russian Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.

    Two decades later, Tahlak anticipates comparable excitement surrounding Eala, who enters the tournament following an impressive quarterfinal appearance at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. The 20-year-old sensation has been granted a prime-time Sunday slot against American player Hailey Baptiste, strategically scheduled to accommodate what organizers expect to be massive Filipino turnout.

    The demographic significance cannot be overstated: with approximately one million Filipino residents in the UAE and 3,000 Filipino staff members within Dubai Duty Free alone, Eala’s participation represents more than athletic competition—it symbolizes community representation and cultural pride. Her groundbreaking achievements as the Philippines’ highest-ranked tennis player (world number 40) have sparked a tennis revolution in a nation traditionally dominated by basketball.

    Eala’s influence transcends national boundaries, having recently attracted such significant attention at the Australian Open that former world number one Andy Roddick noted her impact on promoting tennis within Asian communities. The young athlete acknowledges the special significance of competing in Dubai, expressing anticipation for the supportive environment created by the substantial Filipino diaspora.

    This tournament appearance marks another milestone in Eala’s meteoric rise, having climbed nearly 100 ranking positions within twelve months while captivating audiences worldwide and reshaping sporting interests in her homeland.

  • Ras Al Khaimah’s Wynn Al Marjan construction on schedule for early 2027 opening

    Ras Al Khaimah’s Wynn Al Marjan construction on schedule for early 2027 opening

    Wynn Resorts has confirmed its landmark $5.1 billion integrated resort development in Ras Al Khaimah remains on schedule for a first-quarter 2027 opening. The project, a joint venture between the Nevada-based gaming operator and local partner RAK Holding, achieved a critical construction milestone with the topping out of its 70-story hotel tower in December 2025.

    The ambitious Wynn Al Marjan Island development will feature 1,530 luxury rooms and suites, complemented by 22 food and beverage venues, a dedicated theater space, premium retail outlets, and a marina facility. Company executives characterize the UAE market as one of the most promising new destinations for integrated resort development in recent decades, with projected gross gaming revenue estimates ranging between $3 billion and $5 billion.

    Financial disclosures reveal Wynn Resorts has committed $914.2 million in equity contributions to date, with an additional $375-400 million planned for 2026 and $75-100 million in 2027. The remaining equity requirement is estimated between $450 million and $550 million. The project is expected to generate approximately $345 million in EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring costs) upon operational commencement.

    The development represents a strategic expansion into what company leadership describes as a uniquely positioned market with limited announced competition. During the fourth quarter of 2025, Wynn Resorts contributed $79.2 million to the 40%-owned joint venture entity overseeing construction. This substantial investment underscores the operator’s confidence in the UAE’s tourism growth potential and Ras Al Khaimah’s emerging status as a premium international destination.

  • Cautious optimism on China-US relations on display at MSC

    Cautious optimism on China-US relations on display at MSC

    At the Munich Security Conference, senior diplomats from the United States and China articulated a cautiously optimistic yet pragmatic vision for bilateral relations, acknowledging both the potential for cooperation and the persistence of fundamental challenges. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that while the relationship between the world’s two largest economies possesses ‘bright prospects,’ its trajectory remains bifurcated between cooperation and confrontation. Minister Wang emphasized China’s preference for a collaborative path but confirmed the nation’s preparedness to navigate potential risks. He outlined two distinct scenarios: one where the U.S. adopts a more objective and pragmatic policy leading to mutual benefit, and another defined by containment, decoupling, and confrontational actions, particularly regarding Taiwan, which he warned would lead to direct conflict. Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the maintenance of diplomatic dialogue not as a concession but as a strategic necessity, describing a failure to communicate as ‘geopolitical malpractice.’ While acknowledging that American and Chinese national interests ‘will often not align,’ Rubio stressed the obligation of both powers to manage disagreements peacefully to avoid economic or military conflict. The diplomatic exchanges in Munich were bolstered by confirmation of ongoing high-level engagement planning, including a potential visit by the U.S. President to China in April, following a recent telephone conversation between the two heads of state. A meeting between Wang and Rubio on the sidelines of the conference was subsequently described by both sides as positive and constructive, with agreements to implement existing consensus and strengthen dialogue across various fields to stabilize the relationship.

  • Bitcoin bounce revives bulls but ‘crypto winter’ risks linger

    Bitcoin bounce revives bulls but ‘crypto winter’ risks linger

    Bitcoin has demonstrated a tentative recovery following weeks of substantial market pressure, climbing over 4% to approach the $69,000 threshold. This upward movement, adding approximately $2,700 to its valuation, offers a temporary reprieve from the cryptocurrency’s recent 44% decline from its October 2025 peak. However, market analysts caution that this stabilization may represent technical market dynamics rather than fundamental strength, with macroeconomic uncertainties continuing to cast shadows on Bitcoin’s immediate prospects.

    Market strategists observe that the current rebound appears driven primarily by technical buying and short-covering activities rather than robust institutional participation. Trading volumes remain notably subdued, while volatility metrics indicate many investors maintain a cautious stance awaiting clearer signals from key economic indicators, particularly US inflation data and Federal Reserve policy directions.

    Research firm Ned Davis Research presents one of the more conservative outlooks, suggesting Bitcoin could potentially face further declines should current corrections evolve into a prolonged bear market. Historical analysis indicates that during previous major downturns, Bitcoin experienced peak-to-trough declines ranging between 70-75%. Should similar patterns emerge, prices could theoretically approach the $31,000 range—representing a potential 55% decrease from current levels.

    The duration of historical crypto winters further compounds concerns. Since 2011, Bitcoin has endured average drawdowns of approximately 84% during bear markets, with these downturns typically lasting around 225 days. With only 120 days elapsed since October’s peak, the current correction might still be in its preliminary phases if historical cycles repeat.

    Despite these cautionary indicators, some market observers identify reasons for measured optimism. Analysts at Bitfinex note diminishing selling pressure and improving funding rates across derivatives markets, potentially signaling the formation of a short-term base. Simultaneously, CoinShares research indicates stabilization in institutional flows into crypto investment products following weeks of outflows, suggesting selective re-entry by larger investors.

    The cryptocurrency’s strengthened correlation with global equities and risk assets renders it particularly sensitive to interest rate expectations and liquidity conditions. For investors in UAE and regional markets, Bitcoin’s recent volatility reinforces its characterization as a high-risk, high-reward asset class, with many traders adopting wait-and-see approaches focused on short-term opportunities rather than long-term accumulation.

    While the modest rebound provides temporary relief for bullish investors after months of declines, the broader outlook remains delicately balanced. Stabilizing prices and improving sentiment suggest potential base formation, yet bearish forecasts and historical precedents emphasize the risk that current recovery efforts might prove transient. Bitcoin’s trajectory will likely depend significantly on global macroeconomic signals and investor risk appetite in the coming weeks, with analysts anticipating range-bound movement until clearer market catalysts emerge.

  • ‘O Romeo’ review: Shahid Kapoor is fabulous in a weak Vishal Bhardwaj film

    ‘O Romeo’ review: Shahid Kapoor is fabulous in a weak Vishal Bhardwaj film

    Vishal Bhardwaj’s latest cinematic offering ‘O Romeo’ emerges as a perplexing case study in squandered potential, combining brilliant individual performances with a fundamentally flawed narrative execution. Drawing inspiration from Mumbai’s notorious underworld era of the 1990s-2000s, the film allegedly takes creative inspiration from the legendary story of Sapna Didi—a real-life housewife turned vigilante who challenged Dawood Ibrahim’s criminal empire to avenge her husband’s murder.

    The film assembles an impressive creative ensemble, reuniting Bhardwaj with Shahid Kapoor following their acclaimed collaborations in ‘Haider’ and ‘Kaminey’. Kapoor embodies Hussain Ustara, a blade-wielding contract killer operating in Mumbai’s gritty underworld. His character development shows fascinating complexity, particularly through his relationships with intelligence officer Khan (Nana Patekar) and his foul-mouthed grandmother (Farida Jalal). The plot gains momentum when Ustara encounters Afshan Qureshi (Tripti Dimri), a widow seeking retribution for her husband’s murder at the hands of mafia kingpin Jalal (Avinash Tiwary).

    Bhardwaj demonstrates directorial brilliance in isolated sequences, employing symbolic imagery like rifle-shaped liquor bottles and staging action sequences in unconventional locations including an empty theater playing ‘Dhak Dhak’. The first half maintains engaging tension through well-crafted montages exploring the developing relationship between Ustara and Afshan against Mumbai’s atmospheric backdrop.

    However, the film undergoes a dramatic deterioration in its second act with an ill-conceived relocation to Spain. This geographical shift introduces bizarre bullfighting sequences and transforms the previously menacing Jalal into a caricatured villain resembling 1980s Bollywood antagonists. The narrative becomes increasingly implausible, culminating in a climactic bullring confrontation that defies logical coherence while failing to generate emotional investment.

    The fundamental weakness lies in the screenplay’s abandonment of its compelling source material. Rather than exploring the feminist undertones of a woman challenging patriarchal criminal structures, the film opts for excessive violence and profanity that overshadow character development. Despite Kapoor’s committed performance—blending elements of his previous roles from ‘Udta Punjab’ and ‘Kabir Singh’—the writing fails to provide adequate depth to either his character or Dimri’s potentially fascinating avenger.

    Supporting performances from veteran actors provide occasional highlights, particularly Patekar’s nuanced portrayal of the morally ambiguous Khan. Yet these cannot compensate for the film’s structural deficiencies, including underdeveloped themes about political-criminal nexus and emotional conflicts surrounding loyalty and redemption.

    ‘O Romeo’ ultimately represents a disappointing departure from Bhardwaj’s established reputation for crafting sophisticated crime narratives with literary depth. The production values—including exceptional cinematography and melodic soundtrack—highlight the tragedy of wasted potential, making this underdeveloped effort particularly frustrating for audiences anticipating another masterpiece from the acclaimed director.

  • Can teenagers get summer jobs in UAE? What law says

    Can teenagers get summer jobs in UAE? What law says

    The United Arab Emirates maintains a structured legal framework governing juvenile employment, providing clear pathways for teenagers seeking temporary work during summer breaks while prioritizing their welfare and development. Federal legislation establishes comprehensive safeguards for minors between 15 and 18 years old who wish to enter the workforce under regulated conditions.

    According to Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and its implementing regulations, employment of individuals under 15 remains strictly prohibited. Eligible juveniles must obtain written parental consent and present a medical fitness certificate from authorized institutions before commencing employment. The law imposes specific protective measures including a maximum six-hour daily work period with mandatory breaks, prohibiting work between 7 PM and 7 AM, and banning hazardous occupations that might compromise health, safety, or moral development.

    The regulatory framework offers exemptions for recognized charitable, educational, and training institutions conducting professional development programs. These entities may be exempted from certain provisions when providing vocational training or volunteer opportunities, provided they maintain proper registration with relevant authorities.

    Employers must secure a Juvenile Work Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation before engaging minor workers. This permit specifically applies to individuals aged 15-18 employed at establishments registered with the Ministry. The combination of parental authorization, medical clearance, and ministerial oversight creates a protective ecosystem for young workers.

    For families considering summer employment, these regulations mean that 16-year-olds may legally work provided all requirements are met, while 14-year-olds remain ineligible until reaching the minimum age threshold. The system balances workforce participation opportunities with robust protections for juvenile development, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to responsible youth employment practices.