Global Pulse

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  • Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen wins giant slalom, earns South America’s 1st medal at Winter Games

    Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen wins giant slalom, earns South America’s 1st medal at Winter Games

    In a historic moment for winter sports, Brazilian alpine skier Lucas Pinheiro Braathen captured the Olympic giant slalom gold medal on Saturday, delivering South America’s first-ever Winter Games medal. The 25-year-old athlete mastered the challenging Stelvio course in Bormio, Italy, overcoming falling snow and dense fog to finish with a combined two-run time of 2 minutes, 25 seconds.

    Pinheiro Braathen’s victory margin of 0.58 seconds secured his triumph over defending Olympic champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, who claimed silver. Odermatt’s teammate Loic Meillard completed the podium with bronze.

    The emotional champion collapsed onto the snow in celebration upon seeing his top-ranked position, later explaining his mindset during the decisive run: “I was pulling, pulling, always pulling, trying to find where to step, always trying to find the rhythm. I was skiing with my heart, and when you ski the way you are, anything is possible.”

    Pinheiro Braathen’s background reflects his unique journey—born to a Brazilian mother and Norwegian father, he initially competed for Norway before unexpectedly retiring prior to the 2023 season. His return to competitive skiing representing Brazil just one year later has culminated in this extraordinary achievement.

    The victory carries special significance during Brazil’s Carnival season, a connection highlighted by the skier’s helmet inscription “Vamos Dancar” (Let’s Dance) and his reputation as a samba-dancing, fun-loving competitor. Brazilian supporters at “Casa Brasil” in Milan erupted in celebration, with the venue playing both Queen’s “We Are The Champions” and traditional samba music.

    Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recognized the achievement on social media, stating: “This unprecedented result shows Brazilian sport has no limits. It is the reflection of talent, dedication and continuous work to strengthen sport in every dimension.”

    The victory adds to Pinheiro Braathen’s growing legacy as a pioneer for Brazilian winter sports, having previously become the first Brazilian Alpine racer to reach a World Cup podium last year and securing the country’s first World Cup win this season.

  • UAE jobs: Hiring slows as companies invest in upskilling existing staff

    UAE jobs: Hiring slows as companies invest in upskilling existing staff

    A significant transformation is underway in the United Arab Emirates’ employment landscape as organizations increasingly redirect resources toward enhancing their current workforce capabilities rather than expanding headcount through traditional hiring. Recent market analysis reveals that 42% of UAE employers are now prioritizing employee upskilling initiatives over external recruitment, marking a fundamental shift in human resource strategy.

    According to the Hays 2026 US Salary & Hiring Trends Guide, this paradigm shift extends beyond competitive market pressures. Business leaders and hiring managers are deliberately slowing recruitment processes even while maintaining open position listings, reflecting a more cautious and pragmatic approach to workforce development.

    Zaid Alhiali, Co-Founder of Marc Ellis, observes that this strategic reorientation stems from multiple economic factors. “Businesses are navigating tighter budgetary constraints, challenges in attracting suitable talent, and rapidly evolving skill requirements,” Alhiali explained. “Rather than onboarding new personnel and enduring extended acclimatization periods, organizations are choosing to invest in already-trusted employees.”

    The implications for job seekers are substantial, as conventional qualifications and experience alone no longer guarantee employment. Successful candidates now demonstrate ongoing learning initiatives, adaptability, and alignment with immediate organizational needs—particularly in digital competencies, commercial awareness, and leadership capabilities.

    Industry practitioners are already witnessing tangible benefits from this approach. Shabeel Ummer, Head of HR at V Group International Middle East, detailed their implementation strategy: “We concentrate on training sales associates in advanced product knowledge, personalized customer service, and digital sales tools. This enables current staff to manage high-value clients, online orders, and loyalty programs effectively without expanding personnel.”

    This methodology delivers multidimensional advantages, including enhanced customer experiences, improved sales performance, and increased employee retention while maintaining stable operational costs. Karuna Agarwal, Director of Future Tense UAE, emphasizes the value proposition: “Upskilling represents investment in known assets with established organizational familiarity. Employees with proven performance understand company DNA, making them twice as attractive for development compared to new hires.”

    The phenomenon of unfilled positions despite public listings indicates employers’ heightened selectivity and willingness to await ideally qualified candidates. This trend suggests organizations are seeking increasingly specialized skills and industry-specific expertise, with mass hiring initiatives becoming progressively uncommon across sectors.

    HR experts consequently advise job seekers to embrace continuous professional development. Jessie Joy, Head of HR at Magnitude Creative in Abu Dhabi, notes: “Existing employees possess institutional knowledge of systems, clients, and culture. Upskilling closes productivity gaps more rapidly while boosting morale and loyalty through demonstrated investment in growth.”

    This strategic evolution in UAE workforce development reflects a maturation of the regional job market, emphasizing quality over quantity in human capital investment while creating new paradigms for both employer strategy and employee career development.

  • South Africa hammers New Zealand by seven wickets at T20 World Cup. England beats Scotland

    South Africa hammers New Zealand by seven wickets at T20 World Cup. England beats Scotland

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, South Africa delivered a commanding performance against New Zealand in their T20 World Cup encounter on Saturday. Captain Aiden Markram emerged as the undisputed hero, blasting an unbeaten 86 runs from just 44 deliveries to secure a comprehensive seven-wicket victory for the Proteas.

    The match witnessed South Africa’s clinical execution as they chased down New Zealand’s total of 175-7 with remarkable ease, achieving their target of 178-3 with 2.5 overs remaining. Markram’s explosive innings, featuring four sixes and eight boundaries, included the fastest half-century in South Africa’s T20 World Cup history, reaching 50 runs in merely 19 deliveries.

    Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen set the stage for South Africa’s dominance with an impressive bowling performance, claiming 4-40 in his four-over spell. His early breakthroughs dismantled New Zealand’s top order, reducing them to 64-4 within 6.4 overs. Despite a recovery effort from Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman, who contributed 74 runs, New Zealand struggled to maintain momentum against South Africa’s disciplined attack.

    The victory marks South Africa’s third consecutive win in Group D, solidifying their position as strong contenders for the next round. Meanwhile, New Zealand suffered their first tournament defeat and extended their winless streak against South Africa to five matches in T20 World Cup history.

    In other tournament developments, England revived their campaign with a crucial five-wicket triumph over Scotland in Kolkata. Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 from 41 balls proved instrumental in England’s recovery after early setbacks. Ireland recorded their inaugural victory in Colombo, overwhelming Oman by 96 runs behind Lorcan Tucker’s spectacular 94 not out from 51 deliveries, posting the tournament’s highest score of 235-5.

  • Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins big in election

    Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins big in election

    In a decisive political shift, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a commanding victory in the nation’s parliamentary elections, capturing 209 out of 299 contested seats. This substantial win grants the party more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, positioning it to form the next government.

    The election’s most anticipated outcome is the expected ascension of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, 60, to the prime minister’s office. Rahman, carrying a significant political legacy as the son of former president Ziaur Rahman (who founded BNP) and former prime minister Khaleda Zia (who passed away in December), now stands to lead the nation.

    According to Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secured second place with 68 seats, while independent candidates and smaller allied parties obtained the remaining 20 seats. Voter participation reached 59.44% of the eligible population of approximately 170 million.

    This election marks a critical juncture for Bangladesh, being the first general election since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and departed the country in August 2024 amid widespread political turmoil. Since her departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has led an interim administration.

    The BNP leadership has responded to its victory with measured enthusiasm. Senior Joint Secretary-General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi extended congratulations to the Bangladeshi people while simultaneously announcing that the party would refrain from organizing celebratory processions or rallies despite their substantial margin of victory.

    International recognition began promptly, with the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh issuing a formal congratulatory message on Facebook, praising the “smooth and successful” election and expressing anticipation for collaborative efforts with the incoming administration to enhance bilateral relations.

    With two constituencies postponing results and polling delayed in one following a candidate’s death, the Election Commission confirmed it would soon issue an official gazette notification formalizing the outcomes. Political adviser Asif Nazrul indicated that the transition of power would occur before Ramadan begins around February 19.

    The Bangladeshi parliamentary system comprises 350 members total, with 50 seats reserved for women who are elected subsequently through proportional representation by the 300 directly-elected members.

  • Sketching new life for new year

    Sketching new life for new year

    As the 2026 Year of the Horse approaches, acclaimed China Daily illustrator Li Min has launched an innovative artistic series titled ‘A New Journey for Ten Thousand Steeds.’ This collection represents a sophisticated fusion of China’s rich equestrian heritage with contemporary artistic vision, creating a bridge between historical symbolism and modern aesthetics.

    The series draws inspiration from China’s most celebrated historical horses, transforming these cultural icons into vibrant visual narratives. Rather than simply recreating traditional motifs, Li Min has developed a unique artistic language that maintains the auspicious symbolism associated with equine imagery while speaking to contemporary sensibilities.

    Through her innovative approach, the illustrator demonstrates how traditional Chinese aesthetics can be seamlessly integrated into modern life. The collection showcases her technical mastery while offering fresh perspectives on cultural preservation through artistic innovation. Each piece in the series tells a story of movement, progress, and cultural continuity, reflecting both the dynamism of the horse as a symbol and the evolving nature of Chinese cultural expression.

    The timing of this release, coinciding with the upcoming lunar new year celebration, positions the series as both a cultural tribute and a forward-looking artistic statement. Li Min’s work represents how traditional zodiac symbolism can be reimagined for contemporary audiences while maintaining deep roots in China’s artistic heritage.

  • Various festive events held across China to celebrate upcoming Chinese New Year

    Various festive events held across China to celebrate upcoming Chinese New Year

    Communities across China are immersed in a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations as the nation prepares to welcome the Year of the Horse. From northern provinces to southern regions, municipalities have launched elaborate festive programs featuring traditional lantern exhibitions, folk art performances, and night illumination displays that transform urban landscapes into dazzling spectacles.

    In Luoyang, Central China’s Henan province, aerial photography captured breathtaking scenes of tourists admiring intricate lantern installations at local scenic areas on February 12. The luminous displays, featuring both traditional motifs and contemporary designs, create an enchanting atmosphere for visitors experiencing the pre-festival celebrations.

    Cultural institutions nationwide have organized special events including calligraphy workshops where masters demonstrate the art of writing Spring Festival couplets. Traditional paper-cutting exhibitions showcase regional variations of this ancient craft, while culinary events highlight local variations of holiday foods. These activities not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide educational opportunities for younger generations to connect with traditional customs.

    Transport hubs report increased passenger flow as millions begin their journeys for family reunions, while retail sectors experience seasonal peaks in shopping activity. The celebrations represent one of the most significant annual migrations and cultural observances in the country, blending ancient traditions with contemporary expressions of holiday spirit.

  • Hong Kong’s passenger traffic at boundary control points up 12 percent in 2025

    Hong Kong’s passenger traffic at boundary control points up 12 percent in 2025

    Hong Kong’s boundary control points experienced substantial growth in cross-border movement during 2025, with official statistics revealing a significant 12 percent increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year. According to data released by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government customs authorities, these transit hubs processed approximately 330 million passenger movements throughout the year.

    The transportation sector demonstrated even more dramatic growth, with private vehicle crossings surging by 24 percent to reach 11.9 million trips. Commercial transport also showed robust performance, with goods vehicle journeys climbing 6 percent to total 4.8 million transits across Hong Kong’s borders.

    Concurrent with the increased border activity, customs enforcement efforts intensified markedly. Authorities reported detecting 38,869 cases of various violations throughout 2025, representing a substantial 24 percent year-on-year increase. The majority of these cases (approximately 75 percent) involved illicit cigarette trafficking, while remaining incidents primarily concerned dangerous drugs and intellectual property rights infringement.

    This upward trend in both legitimate border crossings and enforcement actions reflects Hong Kong’s ongoing position as a critical international transit hub while highlighting the challenges that accompany increased cross-border movement. The data provides important insights into post-pandemic recovery patterns and the evolving nature of border security operations in one of Asia’s most important financial and trade centers.

  • Rubio expresses desire to maintain trans-Atlantic relations despite increasing rift

    Rubio expresses desire to maintain trans-Atlantic relations despite increasing rift

    MUNICH — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented a conciliatory vision for American-European relations during his address at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, signaling a strategic shift from the previous administration’s confrontational approach while maintaining core policy positions.

    Speaking exactly one year after Vice President JD Vance’s controversial critique of European values at the same forum, Rubio acknowledged the Trump administration’s direct communication style but framed it as necessary for revitalizing trans-Atlantic partnerships. His remarks came in response to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s opening call for repairing trans-Atlantic trust, emphasizing that neither the U.S. nor Europe can navigate global challenges alone in today’s transformed world order.

    Rubio offered a critical analysis of post-Cold War foreign policy, arguing that the ‘euphoria’ of Western victory created a ‘dangerous delusion’ that liberal democracy would inevitably prevail globally. He contended that this mindset led to unrealistic expectations about borderless citizenship and overreliance on economic ties replacing national sovereignty.

    ‘We made these mistakes together and now together we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward to rebuild,’ Rubio stated, outlining the administration’s commitment to ‘renewal and restoration’ while maintaining what he described as ‘direct and urgent counsel’ to European allies.

    The Secretary of State explicitly rejected narratives about the ‘end of the trans-Atlantic era,’ emphasizing America’s enduring connection to Europe despite geographical separation. ‘For us Americans, our home may be in the Western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe,’ he declared, referencing shared military sacrifices from Kapyong to Kandahar as evidence of historical bonds.

    Rubio concluded by affirming the administration’s desire to ‘chart the path for a new century of prosperity’ in collaboration with ‘cherished allies and oldest friends,’ striking a markedly different tone from previous diplomatic exchanges while maintaining the administration’s core demand for ‘seriousness and reciprocity’ in trans-Atlantic relations.

  • Foreign experts’ support for modernization hailed

    Foreign experts’ support for modernization hailed

    In a significant demonstration of China’s commitment to global engagement, Premier Li Qiang convened with international experts at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on February 13, 2026. The symposium brought together recipients of the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award and distinguished foreign professionals working across China’s various sectors.

    Premier Li emphasized that maintaining open international cooperation represents both global aspirations and the necessary direction for worldwide progress. The meeting, strategically scheduled ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations, served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between China’s leadership and the international expert community.

    Experts from multiple nations including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Uganda, Bulgaria, Belarus, and Germany contributed insights across critical domains such as technological innovation, agricultural development, cultural exchange, talent cultivation, and investment cooperation. Premier Li actively engaged with their recommendations regarding China’s developmental trajectory and governmental policies.

    The Premier highlighted the dual impact of foreign experts’ innovations, noting that achievements developed within China generate substantial benefits for both the host nation and the global community. He referenced the recently adopted recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), characterizing them as an ambitious blueprint for the nation’s forthcoming development phase.

    Li encouraged international professionals to deepen their involvement in China’s growth story, positioning them as crucial bridges for enhanced mutual understanding and trust between China and the world. The government committed to strengthening support systems for foreign experts, including improved visa processing, social security provisions, healthcare access, and educational arrangements for their children.

    The administration pledged to create optimal conditions for international talent to achieve professional fulfillment while experiencing comfortable living standards and promising developmental opportunities within China.

  • Drone strikes kill 2 in Ukraine and Russia ahead of US-brokered peace talks in Geneva

    Drone strikes kill 2 in Ukraine and Russia ahead of US-brokered peace talks in Geneva

    As preparations intensify for a new round of U.S.-mediated negotiations, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has witnessed a tragic escalation in cross-border drone strikes, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides.

    Ukrainian authorities reported that an elderly woman perished in the Black Sea port city of Odesa following a Russian drone attack that struck a residential building. Emergency services confirmed the fatality, highlighting the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure.

    Simultaneously, Russian officials in the Bryansk border region announced that a civilian was killed when a Ukrainian drone struck a vehicle. This incident occurred merely one day after a Ukrainian missile attack on the Russian city of Belgorod claimed two lives and injured five individuals, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

    Against this backdrop of intensified hostilities, diplomatic efforts are set to resume with scheduled talks in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn have confirmed their participation in these U.S.-brokered negotiations.

    The upcoming discussions unfold against a complex military reality characterized by persistent fighting along the 1,250-kilometer front line, continuous Russian bombardment of Ukrainian civilian areas and energy infrastructure, and regular Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian military assets.

    These negotiations represent the latest in a series of attempted diplomatic breakthroughs, following previous unsuccessful rounds in Abu Dhabi that failed to resolve critical issues including the status of Ukraine’s occupied Donbas region. The talks gain additional significance as they precede the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and occur against a reported June deadline for reaching a settlement, according to previous statements by Ukrainian leadership.