Global Pulse

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  • Queen’s letter of support left Pelicot ‘overwhelmed’

    Queen’s letter of support left Pelicot ‘overwhelmed’

    In a powerful display of royal advocacy, Queen Camilla has personally commended French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot for her extraordinary courage in confronting sexual violence. The 73-year-old grandmother, who endured nearly a decade of systematic abuse by her former husband, received a handwritten letter from the monarch expressing “heartfelt admiration” for her global impact in changing narratives around victim shame.

    The correspondence, revealed exclusively to BBC Newsnight with permission from both women, contains the Queen’s praise for Pelicot’s “grace and dignity” in facing “horrific crimes.” Her Majesty wrote: “I very much wanted to write to express my heartfelt admiration for the courage, grace and dignity with which you have faced the horrific crimes committed against you. You have inspired women across the globe and created a powerful legacy that will change the narrative around shame, forever.”

    Pelicot’s case gained international attention during the 2024 trial in Avignon where she waived her anonymity to make “shame swap sides” from victim to perpetrator. Throughout the 15-week proceedings, supporters gathered daily outside the courthouse holding signs thanking her for her courage. Her former husband was convicted for repeatedly drugging and raping her while inviting online acquaintances to participate in the abuse.

    The survivor described being “overwhelmed” and “very honoured” by the royal gesture, noting she “wasn’t expecting a letter from the Court of England” despite her story’s global reach. “I felt moved and very honoured that she had become aware of what had happened to me,” Pelicot told Victoria Derbyshire.

    Queen Camilla has established herself as a long-standing campaigner against domestic and sexual violence, working extensively with survivor support organizations. Her letter concluded with personal condolences: “Thank you for all that you have done. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope that you will now be able to rest and recover from this devastating ordeal.”

    The correspondence coincides with the release of Pelicot’s memoir, “A Hymn To Life,” which documents her journey from victim to global symbol of feminist resistance.

  • Gisèle Pelicot tells BBC: I felt crushed by horror – but I don’t feel anger

    Gisèle Pelicot tells BBC: I felt crushed by horror – but I don’t feel anger

    In an extraordinary display of resilience, 73-year-old Gisèle Pelicot has broken her silence regarding France’s most extensive rape trial, revealing how her former husband systematically drugged and facilitated her assault by dozens of men over years. Speaking exclusively with BBC Newsnight ahead of her memoir publication, A Hymn To Life, Pelicot described the devastating moment she discovered the truth about Dominique Pelicot, the man she had loved for five decades.

    The revelation occurred unexpectedly at a police station in Mazan, southern France, where her husband had been summoned for secretly filming underneath women’s skirts. A police officer showed her photographic evidence of an unconscious woman surrounded by strangers—images she initially failed to recognize as herself. “I didn’t understand who they were. I’d never met them,” Pelicot recalls, describing the moment her reality shattered.

    Medical mysteries that had plagued her for years—unexplained memory loss and persistent gynecological issues—suddenly found their horrifying explanation. Police informed her that her husband had administered powerful sedatives and muscle relaxants before inviting men to assault her, meticulously documenting these crimes in thousands of images and videos.

    The psychological impact extended deeply to her three adult children, who immediately destroyed family possessions in an attempt to erase their father’s existence. Daughter Caroline faced additional trauma when intimate photos of her were discovered on her father’s laptop, though insufficient evidence prevented prosecution for these separate allegations.

    In a transformative decision, Pelicot waived her legal right to anonymity, transforming the 2024 trial into a public proceeding that captivated France. Despite facing 51 defendants and 40 lawyers, she walked daily into the Avignon courthouse with remarkable composure, supported by crowds of women and even receiving personal encouragement from Queen Camilla.

    The judicial outcome brought substantial accountability: her ex-husband received a 20-year sentence while the 50 other defendants received prison terms ranging from 5 to 15 years. Yet Pelicot’s journey continues as she rebuilds her life with new love found on Île de Ré and contemplates confronting her former husband in prison regarding unanswered questions about their daughter and a murder investigation.

    Throughout her ordeal, Pelicot maintains an astonishing absence of hatred, emphasizing instead her choice to “walk toward the good” despite unimaginable betrayal. Her story stands as both a testament to human resilience and a powerful call to victims everywhere to find strength in speaking truth.

  • ‘Canadians are with you,’ says PM at Tumbler Ridge vigil

    ‘Canadians are with you,’ says PM at Tumbler Ridge vigil

    In a powerful display of national solidarity, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined hundreds of mourners at a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, to honor the eight victims of this week’s devastating mass shooting. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Governor-General Mary Simon and federal leaders from across the political spectrum, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who emphasized that partisan divisions had been set aside in the face of tragedy.

    The emotional gathering brought together grieving families, local residents, and visitors from neighboring communities, all united in their shock and sorrow. Colaina Hall, who traveled two hours from Fort St John, expressed the collective disbelief: ‘I never thought that it would happen here. In our little northern communities, we’re pretty tight-knit, we take care of one another.’

    RCMP investigators revealed disturbing new details about the attack, identifying the perpetrator as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a local resident who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald described the suspect as ‘hunting’ victims rather than targeting specific individuals, with four firearms recovered from the school and the suspect’s residence.

    The tragedy claimed the lives of six students aged 12-13 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School: Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, and Ezekiel Schofield, along with 39-year-old teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand. Two additional victims—the suspect’s mother Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang) and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs—were killed at a separate location.

    Families shared heartfelt tributes to their lost loved ones, with Benoit’s family remembering her as ‘resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet.’ Ticaria Lampert’s mother described her daughter as ‘a blazing light in the darkness’ who would have turned 13 in two months.

    Authorities confirmed the suspect had a history of mental health struggles and a recently expired firearm license. While the suspect’s mother held an active gun license, no firearms were registered to her name. Police are investigating how the weapons were obtained, particularly the primary firearm used in the school attack, whose origin remains unknown. The investigation continues as the community begins its long journey toward healing.

  • Valentine’s Day at the Winter Olympics might look a little different, but it’s still special

    Valentine’s Day at the Winter Olympics might look a little different, but it’s still special

    MILAN CORTINA — Beyond the pursuit of medals and athletic glory, a different kind of warmth is defying the winter chill at the Olympic Games. The venues are serving as unexpected backdrops for romance, proposals, and celebrations of love, creating heartfelt narratives alongside the competitive drama.

    The atmosphere turned electric when Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam, fresh from setting an Olympic record in the 1000-meter race, shared an emotional moment with her fiancé, Jake Paul, in the stands. The couple, visibly moved to tears, exchanged handmade heart signs across the ice. In a similarly romantic gesture, downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson was surprised with a marriage proposal from her longtime boyfriend near the finish line, surrounded by cheering members of the U.S. Ski Team.

    For some athletes, Valentine’s Day coincides with the pinnacle of their sporting careers. Belgian skeleton racer Kim Meylemans and her wife, Brazil’s Nicole Rocha Silveira, spent the day preparing for the women’s skeleton finals rather than celebrating with a romantic dinner. The international couple, who represent their respective countries, told The Associated Press they had even forgone gift exchanges due to their intense focus on competition.

    Their love story blossomed during the pandemic, evolving from shared short-term rentals in 2019 to marriage in August 2023. In a remarkable coincidence, they had unknowingly purchased identical engagement rings and planned proposals for the same vacation in Brazil. The Olympic Committees accommodated their relationship by arranging shared housing in the Cortina Olympic village, where their room is divided between Belgian and Brazilian decorations.

    Their relationship carries particular significance in Italy, where same-sex marriage isn’t legally recognized. Rocha Silveira emphasized the importance of visibility, stating the Games provide a platform to “encourage and inspire people that they can be themselves.”

    The Olympic spirit of togetherness extends beyond athletes to volunteers like Lori and Curtis Brown, who are celebrating their 30+ years of marriage while working at the skating arena. Among the 18,000 volunteers in navy blue uniforms ensuring the smooth operation of the Games, the Browns hope to coordinate breaks for a shared Valentine’s dinner, calling it “the most special Valentine’s Day of our lives.”

    Canadian hockey players Laura Stacey and her wife, team captain Marie-Philip Poulin, faced Germany in quarterfinal competition on February 14th. Stacey reflected on their unique circumstance: “We’re pretty lucky. Most people don’t get to do what they love, chasing their dreams together.”

    The Games feature numerous other power couples, including U.S. alpine skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin engaged to Norway’s Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, married lugers from Latvia and the U.S., and American figure skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who recently won silver medals. Curling has emerged as particularly couple-friendly, with several married pairs competing, including Norway’s Magnus Nedregotten and Kristin Skaslien, and Canada’s Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant.

  • Two sailors are injured after a crash between New Zealand and France at a SailGP race

    Two sailors are injured after a crash between New Zealand and France at a SailGP race

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The opening day of the SailGP championship in Auckland concluded abruptly on Saturday following a dramatic high-speed collision between teams from New Zealand and France, resulting in injuries to two sailors and significant damage to both vessels.

    The incident occurred during the third scheduled race of the day as the fleet of 13 identical F50 catamarans approached the first gate. Traveling at speeds approaching 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph), the New Zealand boat experienced a sudden loss of control, causing it to spin directly into the path of the French competitor.

    Television footage revealed the New Zealand vessel lifting and heeling at high velocity, which elevated its rudder out of the water and compromised steering capability. The French catamaran subsequently rode over the top of the New Zealand boat, leaving both craft severely damaged and temporarily locked together.

    Both injured sailors were transported to a local hospital where medical officials reported them as conscious and alert. Their identities and specific medical conditions remain undisclosed pending further evaluation.

    Race organizers immediately suspended all competition for the day to facilitate medical response and vessel recovery operations. This incident marks the second collision involving the New Zealand team in recent events, following a previous encounter with Switzerland during the season opener in Perth, Australia.

    The SailGP championship features technologically advanced 50-foot foiling catamarans capable of reaching speeds exceeding 100 kph (60 mph). Prior to the accident, Australia had claimed victory in the day’s first race while New Zealand triumphed in the second competition.

    Organizers have adjusted Sunday’s racing schedule to an earlier start time due to forecasted thunderstorms, with the completion of Saturday’s postponed races expected to be incorporated into the revised program.

  • What we can learn from lovebirds, the rare birds that mate for life

    What we can learn from lovebirds, the rare birds that mate for life

    PHOENIX — An extraordinary avian phenomenon has taken root in the heart of Arizona’s capital, where vibrant green flashes streak across the sky accompanied by distinctive chattering calls. The metropolitan area now hosts North America’s largest established colony of rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) outside their native southwestern African habitat, with approximately 2,000 of these resilient parrots adapting remarkably to urban desert living.

    Originating from the arid Namib Desert spanning Angola, Namibia and South Africa, these non-native birds descended from escaped or released pets first documented in Phoenix during the 1980s. According to Robert Carter of the Maricopa Bird Alliance, while their precise colonization history remains uncertain, the population has demonstrated extraordinary ecological plasticity by thriving in an environment characterized by extreme summer temperatures that regularly exceed 100°F (38°C).

    The lovebirds employ ingenious survival strategies including nesting in cactus cavities and palm tree crevices while strategically positioning themselves near air conditioning exhaust vents during peak heat periods—particularly noticeable at Arizona State University’s science building. Their behavioral adaptations extend beyond temperature management to sophisticated social structures characterized by lifelong pair bonding.

    Ornithological experts including Kenn Kaufman, field editor for Audubon magazine, note that while smaller populations exist in Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui, plus a Fischer’s lovebird colony in southern Portugal, Phoenix’s colony represents the most significant established population beyond Africa. These observations provide valuable insights into avian adaptation mechanisms and the ecological implications of introduced species.

    The species’ common name derives from their exceptional pair-bonding behaviors, which include continuous mutual preening—especially of hard-to-reach feathers—and lifelong food-sharing between mates. Dr. Stephanie Lamb, avian specialist at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital, notes that lovebirds demonstrate measurable distress when separated from partners, including reduced activity and altered vocalizations.

    Their affectionate displays include beak-to-beak food transfer resembling human kissing (though involving regurgitation), and despite occasional conflicts requiring temporary separation, they consistently reunite through reconciliation behaviors. With lifespans approaching two decades, these resilient birds offer scientists ongoing opportunities to study tropical species adaptation to desert environments alongside their complex social dynamics.

  • Abu Dhabi’s IHC to launch new holding with $237 billion in assets under management

    Abu Dhabi’s IHC to launch new holding with $237 billion in assets under management

    Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company (IHC) has announced the creation of a major financial services holding entity, Judan Financial, which will command an impressive $236.88 billion (Dh870 billion) in assets under management. The new conglomerate will consolidate financial assets from IHC, Alpha Dhabi, 2PointZero Group, and Sirius International Holding, spanning diverse sectors including banking and insurance.

    With an estimated valuation of approximately Dh100 billion, Judan Financial will oversee a portfolio of more than 20 operating financial services companies, including the prominent alternative investment firm Lunate. The entity will be chaired by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as the UAE’s national security adviser and also chairs both the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and IHC.

    Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE’s investment minister, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Judan Financial. His mandate includes scaling the platform over the next five years and attracting third-party institutional capital. This strategic move follows a significant reorganization last month that saw Abu Dhabi’s newest sovereign wealth fund, L’imad Holding, assume control of ADQ, creating an investment powerhouse chaired by the emirate’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

  • Dubai’s Damac signs global partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing for Formula 1

    Dubai’s Damac signs global partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing for Formula 1

    Dubai’s premier real estate developer Damac Properties has strategically expanded its global sponsorship portfolio through a landmark multi-year partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, the championship-winning Formula 1 team. This collaboration represents Damac’s latest move in its calculated globalization initiative following its recent high-profile sponsorship agreement with Chelsea Football Club in April 2025.

    The comprehensive partnership will feature Damac’s branding prominently displayed on the RB22 car’s halo protection system and side pods, while also appearing on team principal and driver equipment including race suits, helmets, and official team kits. This positioning ensures maximum visibility during Grand Prix events across the global F1 calendar.

    Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of Sales and Development at Damac Properties, emphasized the strategic nature of these partnerships: “Our approach has consistently focused on building strong brands through authentic, meaningful collaborations. We’ve established relationships with global leaders across fashion, hospitality, and football. Our alliance with Oracle Red Bull Racing, one of Formula 1’s most successful teams, represents another milestone in this journey.”

    Ali Sajwani, Managing Director of Operations, Finance, and Hospitality, highlighted the personal and strategic significance: “Formula 1 has long been a personal passion, and I fully appreciate the sport’s massive global influence. We deliberately pursue distinctive partnerships that align with our ambition to be market trendsetters rather than followers.”

    Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, noted the mutual benefits: “This partnership creates significant opportunities for enhanced global engagement and meaningful impact for both organizations beyond the racetrack.”

    The announcement continues Damac’s pattern of prestigious collaborations, having previously partnered with luxury fashion house Roberto Cavalli and entertainment giant Paramount. The developer’s sponsorship strategy has increasingly focused on global sports properties, as evidenced by last year’s agreement between Samana Developers and UAE’s historic Al Nasr Sports Club.

    This strategic move occurs as Dubai-based property developers increasingly expand their international footprint through both global project developments and high-visibility sponsorship arrangements, signaling the region’s growing influence in international business and sports marketing.

  • ‘Knock it off Saudi Arabia’: Lindsey Graham scolds Saudi leader over rift with UAE

    ‘Knock it off Saudi Arabia’: Lindsey Graham scolds Saudi leader over rift with UAE

    In a striking intervention at the Munich Security Conference, prominent Republican Senator Lindsey Graham issued a blunt directive to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to immediately cease hostilities with the United Arab Emirates. The senator’s unusually forceful language highlighted growing American concern over the deepening rift between two critical Gulf allies.

    “Knock it off Saudi Arabia, knock it off. I’m tired of this crap,” Graham declared during Friday evening’s session, specifically referencing criticisms leveled by Saudi commentators against UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ). The senator vehemently defended the Emirati leader, stating “MBZ is not a Zionist,” while warning that the ongoing conflict was inadvertently strengthening Iran’s regional position.

    The tensions have been fueled by substantial policy divergences, particularly regarding the UAE’s continued partnership with Israel amid the Gaza conflict. While most Arab capitals have isolated Israel following UN allegations of genocide with over 72,000 casualties, the UAE has maintained normalized relations established through the 2021 Abraham Accords.

    According to Middle East Eye reports, the UAE has allegedly pressured pro-Israel lobbying organizations, including the American Jewish Committee with offices in Abu Dhabi, to condemn Saudi Arabia for purported antisemitism—a charge Saudi academics have vigorously denied as politically motivated manipulation.

    The fracture extends beyond diplomatic spats to active proxy conflicts across the region. In Yemen, Saudi Arabia has moved to expel UAE forces and their local proxies following December’s counter-offensive. Simultaneously, the Red Sea region has become another flashpoint, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt supporting the Sudanese army against the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group—a conflict that has displaced 2.5 million people and claimed approximately 300,000 lives amid widespread allegations of war crimes.

    Despite these tensions, Western and Arab diplomats indicate both nations are attempting to manage relations, avoiding a complete breakdown similar to the 2017 Qatar blockade. Notably, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan attended a Munich event alongside UAE diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash, suggesting ongoing communication channels.

    Graham, a close Trump ally and staunch Israel supporter, emphasized the broader strategic imperative: “We gotta think big picture.” He advocated for sustained US military engagement against Iran, warning that withdrawal would constitute a historic error “far worse than the Syrian redline” or Afghanistan.

  • Who are new DP World leaders Essa Kazim, Yuvraj Narayan?

    Who are new DP World leaders Essa Kazim, Yuvraj Narayan?

    Dubai-based global logistics leader DP World has initiated a significant executive restructuring, naming financial sector veteran Essa Kazim as its new Chairman and promoting long-serving executive Yuvraj Narayan to Group Chief Executive Officer. The announcement, made on February 13, 2026, marks a strategic repositioning of one of the world’s largest port operators.

    Essa Kazim brings over three decades of distinguished financial expertise to his new role. The Emirati national currently maintains his position as Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre, a role he has held since January 2014. His extensive career began at the UAE Central Bank in 1988 as a Senior Analyst in the Research and Statistics Department. Kazim’s transformative leadership was demonstrated during his tenure as Director-General of Dubai Financial Market from 1999 to 2006, followed by his chairmanship from 2007 to 2021, where he navigated the institution through both expansion periods and the challenges following the global financial crisis.

    Beyond his new appointment, Kazim retains several pivotal roles including Chairman of Borse Dubai, Deputy Chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Legislation Committee, and board positions at both Nasdaq and Nasdaq Dubai. His comprehensive understanding of financial markets and regulatory frameworks positions him uniquely to guide DP World’s global strategy.

    Yuvraj Narayan ascends to the Group CEO position after dedicating twenty-two years to DP World, having joined in 2004 during a critical expansion phase. The Indian expatriate was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer within his first year and most recently served as Deputy CEO and CFO, where his responsibilities encompassed financial strategy, corporate finance, and broader business operations.

    Prior to his tenure at DP World, Narayan cultivated substantial expertise in transportation infrastructure and finance. He served as Head of Corporate and Project Finance for South Asia at ANZ Group and held the CFO position at Salalah Port Services in Oman. His current directorships include positions at HDFC International Life and Re Company Limited and Dubai Financial Market.

    This leadership transition occurs as DP World continues to expand its global footprint in maritime logistics and supply chain solutions. The appointments signal a consolidation of financial acumen and operational expertise at the helm of the Dubai-based conglomerate, combining Kazim’s regulatory and market knowledge with Narayan’s deep institutional understanding and financial management capabilities.