Global Pulse

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  • Pentagon to move world’s largest carrier to Middle East, US officials say

    Pentagon to move world’s largest carrier to Middle East, US officials say

    In a significant military repositioning, the Pentagon is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford—the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier—from the Caribbean to the Middle East, according to two U.S. officials speaking anonymously to Reuters on Friday. This strategic movement will place two American carrier strike groups in the region simultaneously as diplomatic tensions with Iran intensify.

    The nuclear-powered Gerald R. Ford, accompanied by its escort vessels, has been operating in Caribbean waters where it participated in operations near Venezuela earlier this year. The carrier’s transition to Middle Eastern waters is expected to require at least one week of transit time.

    This deployment represents a substantial commitment of military resources, particularly given that the U.S. Navy maintains only eleven aircraft carriers total, with schedules typically planned far in advance. The Ford will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, which recently arrived in the region alongside multiple guided-missile destroyers, fighter aircraft, and surveillance platforms.

    The decision follows statements from President Donald Trump, who indicated earlier this week that he was considering deploying additional carrier support to the Middle East if diplomatic progress with Iran stalled. However, on Thursday, Trump suggested a potential breakthrough, noting that an agreement with Iran might be achievable within the coming month. ‘We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic,’ the president told reporters.

    The Ford’s extended deployment—continuously at sea since June 2025—highlights the operational strain on naval assets. Originally slated for European operations, the carrier was unexpectedly redirected to the Caribbean in November. While standard carrier deployments typically span nine months, extensions during periods of heightened military activity are not uncommon, though Navy officials have repeatedly warned that prolonged sea duty can adversely affect crew morale.

    Administration officials reportedly considered deploying the USS Bush instead, but certification requirements would have delayed its arrival by over a month. The Ford’s advanced capabilities include capacity for more than 75 military aircraft, sophisticated radar systems for air traffic control and navigation, and the escort support of cruisers and destroyers equipped with comprehensive surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare systems.

  • Federal officers may have lied about shooting of migrant in Minneapolis, officials say

    Federal officers may have lied about shooting of migrant in Minneapolis, officials say

    Two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents face potential criminal prosecution following allegations they provided false sworn testimony regarding a January shooting incident involving a migrant in Minneapolis. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed both unnamed officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

    The controversy stems from a January 14th altercation initially described by the Department of Homeland Security as an attack on federal officers. According to the original account, three migrants allegedly assaulted an agent with a shovel and broom handle during an arrest operation, prompting the officer to fire defensive shots that struck one migrant in the leg.

    However, video evidence has contradicted the official narrative, revealing inconsistencies in the agents’ sworn testimony. This development led a judge to dismiss charges against two men accused of attacking the officers. Lyons emphasized that “lying under oath is a serious federal offense” and confirmed the U.S. Attorney’s office is conducting a separate investigation.

    The incident sparked immediate political reactions, with U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche blaming Minnesota leadership for “encouraging violence against law enforcement” in a social media post. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously described the injured agent as “beat up, bruised, and injured” while expressing gratitude he survived the encounter.

    ICE officials stated the agents could face termination and criminal charges depending on the investigation’s outcome. The case has drawn attention to accountability mechanisms within federal immigration enforcement and the verification processes for use-of-force incidents.

  • Digital Gravity joins Shopify Plus partnership, bringing enhanced e-commerce solutions

    Digital Gravity joins Shopify Plus partnership, bringing enhanced e-commerce solutions

    Digital Gravity, a prominent digital marketing and web design agency based in the UAE, has achieved significant industry recognition by becoming an official Shopify Plus Partner. This strategic partnership represents a major advancement in the company’s mission to deliver structured, performance-driven e-commerce solutions to businesses across multiple sectors.

    The agency, which boasts over a decade of experience in digital transformation, has established an impressive portfolio serving clients in real estate, healthcare, hospitality, government, public sectors, and education. Their expertise focuses on enhancing business performance and maximizing return on investment through comprehensive digital solutions.

    According to Danish Mehtab, Director of Digital Gravity, the company’s philosophy centers on transforming innovative ideas into reliable revenue streams for clients. “Our approach emphasizes clear strategy, measurable goals, and partnerships that convert digital investments into sustained growth,” Mehtab stated, highlighting the agency’s commitment to long-term success rather than short-term traffic spikes.

    Existing Shopify merchants can now leverage Digital Gravity’s certified expertise to enhance their e-commerce strategies. The agency specifically addresses common challenges retailers face when implementing new advertising technologies, offering structured implementation processes and scalable solutions tailored to commerce-focused businesses.

    Operational excellence forms the cornerstone of Digital Gravity’s service delivery. Kamran Shahid, COO, explained: “We transform promise into predictable delivery through streamlined processes, reduced team friction, and repeatable quality checks. This ensures all projects launch on schedule, perform reliably, and scale seamlessly with business growth.

    The agency has designed, developed, and optimized hundreds of e-commerce websites for clients throughout the UAE and international markets. Their clientele ranges from emerging e-commerce brands to large GCC enterprises and major organizations. Digital Gravity’s methodology integrates conversion-focused user experience design with comprehensive conversion rate optimization, supported by advanced A/B testing, heatmap analysis, and sophisticated analytics.

    A notable case study includes their work with By Shams, a personalized fragrance e-commerce brand, where the agency led website design and development to create a more immersive and responsive online shopping experience.

    Umair Khan, CTO of Digital Gravity, emphasized the balance between innovation and stability: “We build both resilient architecture and performance-first engineering, complemented by data-driven experimentation. This approach ensures clients receive fast, secure experiences that continuously improve over time.”

    The agency’s capabilities receive external validation through independent third-party platforms like Clutch, where verified client reviews consistently highlight their on-time delivery and exceptional website development expertise. This independent recognition further reinforces the company’s reputation for successful project execution and outstanding outcomes.

  • Xi’an workshop lets tourists hand-make their own Terracotta Warriors

    Xi’an workshop lets tourists hand-make their own Terracotta Warriors

    A unique cultural workshop in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, has emerged as a major tourist attraction, particularly during the recent Spring Festival period. Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Army, this specialized facility enables visitors to create their own miniature terracotta figurines through hands-on pottery sessions.

    The workshop provides an immersive historical experience where tourists learn ancient pottery techniques to craft personalized replicas reminiscent of the original Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) warriors. Participants engage in the entire creative process, from molding the clay to applying finishing touches, under the guidance of skilled artisans.

    This innovative approach to cultural tourism has gained significant popularity among both domestic and international visitors seeking more interactive experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. The workshop’s timing during Spring Festival proved particularly strategic, as many travelers look for meaningful activities during the holiday season.

    The experience not only offers entertainment but also serves as an educational opportunity, providing insights into China’s rich historical heritage and ancient craftsmanship techniques. Visitors leave with not just photographs but tangible, self-created souvenirs that represent a deeper connection to Chinese history.

    Tourism experts note that such interactive experiences represent a growing trend in cultural tourism, where visitors seek active participation rather than passive observation. The workshop’s success demonstrates how historical sites can develop complementary attractions that enhance visitor engagement while promoting traditional arts.

  • Don Lemon pleads not guilty in Minnesota church protest case

    Don Lemon pleads not guilty in Minnesota church protest case

    Former CNN television host Don Lemon has entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges connected to his journalistic coverage of a demonstration at a Minnesota church last month. The charges stem from his involvement during protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

    Lemon, 59, faces allegations of conspiracy to deprive rights and interference with religious freedoms, specifically through the alleged use of force to obstruct an individual’s First Amendment protections. His arrest occurred on January 18 after he accompanied protesters into the Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators claimed one pastor was an immigration enforcement official.

    While covering the event, Lemon livestreamed the incident which subsequently led to criminal charges against eight additional individuals. During his court appearance on Friday in St. Paul, Lemon remained silent as he entered the courtroom amidst approximately two dozen supporters chanting demands for the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi.

    Four co-defendants present with Lemon similarly pleaded not guilty. The journalist has maintained that his presence at the church was strictly professional, stating: ‘I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now.’

    Legal representatives for Lemon, including attorney Abbe Lowell, raised concerns during the hearing regarding investigators seizing Lemon’s mobile phone upon his arrest in Los Angeles late last month. All defendants, including Lemon and another journalist, face charges of conspiracy against religious freedom at a place of worship, plus allegations of injuring, intimidating and interfering with religious freedom rights.

    The January protest involved demonstrators disrupting a church service with chants of ‘ICE out’ and ‘Justice for Renee Good’—a mother of three fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Lemon asserts he was present solely in a journalistic capacity without affiliation to the protesters.

    Footage from the incident reveals chaotic confrontations between protesters and congregation members at the Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated church. The situation escalated when federal agents killed a second protester, intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, during subsequent Minneapolis demonstrations two weeks later. Both fatalities occurred during protests against Trump administration immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, which have since concluded.

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on social media following Lemon’s arrest, stating that ‘Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship.’

    Lemon, a known critic of former President Trump, was terminated from CNN in April 2023 after 17 years, following controversial on-air remarks about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley’s age.

  • BNP wins majority in first free and fair Bangladesh election for two decades

    BNP wins majority in first free and fair Bangladesh election for two decades

    Bangladesh has witnessed a historic political transformation with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) achieving a decisive victory in parliamentary elections, marking the nation’s first genuinely free and fair electoral process in nearly two decades. According to official results released by the election commission on Friday, the BNP secured a commanding majority with at least 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats.

    The opposition coalition, spearheaded by Jamaat-e-Islami, obtained 77 seats in the newly constituted parliament. This electoral outcome positions BNP leader Tarique Rahman to assume national leadership, continuing a powerful political dynasty as the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and assassinated former President Ziaur Rahman.

    In a remarkable demonstration of restraint, the victorious BNP explicitly prohibited celebratory processions or rallies despite their substantial margin of victory, instead encouraging supporters to offer prayers in acknowledgment of their success.

    This political shift concludes a period of significant turbulence that began with the ousting of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following widespread student-led protests. Hasina, currently residing in exile in India, presided over an administration widely criticized for suppressing political opposition, silencing dissent, and committing human rights violations during her tenure from 2009 until her removal. In November, an absentia court verdict sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity related to lethal crackdowns on student protesters, resulting in her Awami League party’s exclusion from the electoral process.

    Since Hasina’s departure, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration under Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Although Jamaat-e-Islami’s coalition, which included youth activists from the National Citizen Party, anticipated stronger performance, the party acknowledged defeat while expressing dissatisfaction with vote counting procedures in certain constituencies. Despite this setback, Jamaat achieved its highest parliamentary representation with 70 seats, marking its return to electoral politics after being banned by Hasina’s government in 2013.

    Rahman’s impending leadership represents a significant milestone as Bangladesh prepares to welcome its first non-interim male prime minister in over 35 years. His return from a 17-year exile in London last December preceded a campaign focused on job creation, protection for low-income households, and ensuring fair pricing structures for agricultural producers. For many observers, Rahman’s ascendancy perpetuates the dynastic political tradition that has characterized Bangladeshi governance since the nation’s independence in 1971.

    International responses have begun emerging with India, Pakistan, and the United States extending congratulations to the BNP. The relationship between Bangladesh and India, traditionally close allies, has experienced recent strain primarily due to New Delhi’s refusal to extradite the exiled Hasina.

    Voter participation was reported at approximately 60 percent during the elections, which coincided with a constitutional referendum advocating significant political reforms. Championed by interim leader Yunus, these proposed amendments include implementing two-term limits for prime ministers, enhancing judicial independence, increasing female representation in government, establishing neutral interim administrations during election periods, and creating a new second parliamentary chamber. Although official results remained pending by Friday afternoon, media projections indicated comfortable passage with over 65 percent approval for these measures designed to prevent future autocratic leadership and government overreach.

  • Valentine’s Day gifts in UAE priced up to Dh40,000; sales set to grow up to 40%

    Valentine’s Day gifts in UAE priced up to Dh40,000; sales set to grow up to 40%

    The United Arab Emirates is witnessing an extraordinary surge in Valentine’s Day expenditures, with premium gifts reaching unprecedented price points of nearly Dh40,000 and online sales projected to grow by 35-40% year-on-year. Market analysts project the UAE’s gifting market will expand to $6.38 billion by 2030, reflecting the nation’s evolving consumer behavior during romantic celebrations.

    Retailers across the Emirates are preparing for their busiest 72-hour period leading to February 14th, characterized by a significant spike in last-minute purchases. Luxury floral arrangements have emerged as standout offerings, with one retailer featuring a spectacular 2-meter heart-shaped bouquet comprising 5,000 red roses priced at Dh39,999—the highest-priced item in their Valentine’s collection.

    According to Flowwow, an online marketplace specializing in flowers, cakes, and gifts, the average UAE consumer is expected to spend between Dh410 and Dh430 per gift—approximately 1.5 times higher than typical January order values. The platform reported a remarkable 100% increase in Valentine’s gift orders last year, with peak demand occurring on Valentine’s Day itself.

    Akshay Sardana, Vice President of Strategy & International Development at the Continental Group, notes that while this spending surge isn’t structural to the economy, it generates substantial profitability for well-positioned businesses. “The perceived downside of ‘under-delivering’ emotionally outweighs the financial premium,” Sardana explained, highlighting how emotional considerations frequently surpass budgetary concerns.

    Marketing experts observe a significant transformation in gifting psychology, where thoughtfulness increasingly defines luxury rather than mere expense. Tatiana Laudati, Marketing Consultant and Board Member of the Middle East Social Media Digital Association, emphasizes that “‘luxury’ doesn’t always mean expensive. It means thoughtful.”

    The contemporary Valentine’s celebration in the UAE has expanded beyond romantic partnerships to include self-gifting, friendships, and family relationships. Successful retailers are capitalizing on this trend through ready-to-gift bundles, limited editions, and personalized offerings that create deeper emotional connections.

    Anis Abdul Razak Kalsekar, Founder of fragrance brand Canéza, observes that consumers are increasingly purchasing experiences rather than mere products. “Consumers are not simply buying a product; they are buying a moment, a memory, or a statement of intent,” Kalsekar noted, adding that strategic value creation through curated gift sets and experiential positioning naturally reduces price sensitivity.

    Digital marketing strategies have become crucial for capitalizing on the last-minute demand surge, with targeted campaigns, retargeting efforts, and clear same-day delivery messaging driving substantial results during the critical final week before Valentine’s Day.

  • Xinjiang’s Changji welcomes visitors with festive Spring Festival flavors

    Xinjiang’s Changji welcomes visitors with festive Spring Festival flavors

    The Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration during the Spring Festival period, offering both culinary delights and traditional festivities to visitors nationwide. The region’s night markets and snack streets have become central attractions, where the authentic flavors of local cuisine merge with joyful communal activities.

    At the heart of this festive atmosphere lies Changji’s renowned snack street, where Ma Dianying’s cake shop draws crowds seeking authentic fried cakes—a local specialty that has become a culinary landmark. ‘Many travelers specifically visit our prefecture to experience these traditional flavors,’ Ma explained, emphasizing her commitment to preserving the genuine taste that has characterized the region’s cuisine for generations.

    Evening festivities come alive with cultural performances that invite active participation. Dancers at the night market enthusiastically welcome visitors to join traditional dances, creating spontaneous cross-cultural exchanges between locals and tourists. These interactions showcase Xinjiang’s rich ethnic heritage while fostering communal harmony during the holiday season.

    The Spring Festival celebrations in Changji demonstrate how traditional Chinese holidays serve as bridges between diverse cultures, with food acting as a universal language that transcends regional differences. The prefecture’s successful integration of culinary tourism with cultural preservation offers a model for sustainable cultural promotion that benefits both visitors and local communities.

    This festive environment not only boosts regional tourism but also strengthens local pride in traditional customs and cuisine. The ongoing celebrations highlight how China’s ethnic autonomous regions maintain their unique cultural identities while participating in national traditions, creating a multifaceted tapestry of cultural expression during important holidays.

  • Gaza: 8,000 bodies remain under the rubble, Civil Defence says

    Gaza: 8,000 bodies remain under the rubble, Civil Defence says

    Gaza’s Civil Defence agency revealed on Thursday that approximately 8,000 Palestinian victims of Israel’s military offensive remain buried beneath massive rubble deposits, despite extensive recovery efforts. The disclosure highlights the staggering hidden death toll extending beyond officially confirmed casualties.

    Spokesperson Mahmoud Basal further indicated that over 3,000 individuals are officially classified as missing, with their status—whether alive, deceased, or detained—remaining undetermined. Recovery operations have faced severe complications, with Basal confirming the disappearance and decomposition of hundreds of bodies during search efforts.

    The scale of destruction presents unprecedented challenges. According to a United Nations Environment Programme assessment, Gaza is buried under at least 61 million tonnes of debris, with approximately 15% potentially contaminated with hazardous materials including asbestos, industrial waste, and heavy metals. UNEP noted that nearly two-thirds of this rubble accumulated during the first five months of hostilities, with destruction accelerating significantly before the current ceasefire.

    Recovery operations confront multiple obstacles: continued Israeli demolitions and shelling, widespread unexploded ordnance, and restrictions on importing essential equipment and machinery. Recent reports document ongoing military activities, including large-scale demolition operations in Khan Younis and shelling in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, alongside indiscriminate firing along coastal areas.

    An Al Jazeera investigation published Monday added another dimension to the tragedy, alleging Israel’s use of internationally prohibited thermal and thermobaric weapons that reportedly caused over 2,800 cases of “evaporated” Palestinian bodies. Since the October ceasefire took effect, recovery teams have located over 700 bodies, but hundreds of Israeli violations have been recorded, resulting in nearly 600 additional fatalities and over 1,500 injuries.

    The overall devastation encompasses approximately 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure destruction and over 72,000 fatalities throughout the two-year conflict, creating a recovery operation of historic proportions with profound humanitarian implications.

  • DP World appoints new chairman, group CEO amid leadership changes

    DP World appoints new chairman, group CEO amid leadership changes

    Dubai-based global logistics giant DP World has unveiled significant executive changes designed to strengthen its position in international trade networks. Effective February 13, 2026, the company appointed Essa Kazim as Chairman of the Board of Directors and elevated Yuvraj Narayan to Group Chief Executive Officer.

    Kazim brings substantial financial expertise to his new role, currently serving as Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Chairman of Borse Dubai. His extensive background in economic affairs and previous leadership positions in national institutions positions him to guide DP World’s strategic direction.

    Narayan, a veteran executive who joined the company in 2004 and became Group CFO in 2005, possesses deep expertise in financial management, corporate finance, and global trade operations. Throughout his tenure, he has spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives that facilitated the company’s international expansion and enhanced its capabilities as a comprehensive supply chain solutions provider.

    Concurrently, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum appointed Abdulla bin Damithan as Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. Damithan, a DP World veteran since 2001, has held multiple senior leadership roles and currently oversees the company’s operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including critical assets such as Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone.

    The leadership restructuring supports DP World’s sustainable growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to strengthening global supply chains while consolidating Dubai’s status as a premier hub for international trade and logistics.