Global Pulse

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  • Cyclone Gezani leaves 36 dead and thousands of homes destroyed in Madagascar

    Cyclone Gezani leaves 36 dead and thousands of homes destroyed in Madagascar

    ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Madagascar has declared a national disaster following catastrophic damage wrought by Cyclone Gezani, which unleashed unprecedented destruction across the island nation this week. Official figures released Thursday confirm at least 36 fatalities, with 374 individuals injured and six reported missing in the storm’s aftermath.

    The tropical cyclone made landfall late Tuesday near Toamasina, Madagascar’s primary port city and economic nerve center, before carving a path of devastation across the country. President Michael Randrianirina confirmed approximately 75% of Toamasina sustained significant damage or complete destruction, with drone footage revealing entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and infrastructure in ruins.

    According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, the cyclone’s 195 km/h (121 mph) winds demolished 17,980 homes and damaged over 37,000 others, displacing more than 250,000 residents. Floodwaters reached knee-deep levels in many areas as survivors navigated through debris-filled streets to assess their losses.

    The president urgently appealed for international assistance following his assessment tour of the devastated regions. ‘We can clearly see what Toamasina needs right now: above all, food, basic necessities, and building materials to quickly rebuild everything that has been destroyed,’ Randrianirina stated, calling for nationwide solidarity in recovery efforts.

    Madagascar’s vulnerability to extreme weather events remains heightened due to socioeconomic challenges, with many of the nation’s 31 million inhabitants residing in structurally inadequate housing. This marks the latest in a series of climate disasters for the Indian Ocean island, which has endured over a dozen cyclones or severe tropical storms since 2020, including another powerful system that claimed 14 lives just last month.

  • Indonesia’s president to attend ‘Board of Peace’ meeting in US

    Indonesia’s president to attend ‘Board of Peace’ meeting in US

    Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will participate in the inaugural gathering of the U.S.-led “Board of Peace” initiative next week, where he is expected to champion Palestinian rights and pursue a two-state solution framework. The Indonesian foreign ministry confirmed Prabowo’s attendance at the February 19th meeting, noting he would leverage the platform to advocate for Palestinian protection and sustainable peace measures.

    During his Washington visit, the Indonesian leader plans to negotiate the reported $1 billion membership fee for the peace board while finalizing a bilateral tariff agreement with the United States. This diplomatic engagement coincides with Indonesia’s military preparations to deploy up to 8,000 peacekeeping troops to Gaza, though specific deployment details remain undetermined.

    President Prabowo clarified that troop mobilization represents precautionary measures pending potential agreements, emphasizing that any Indonesian military presence would focus exclusively on humanitarian objectives rather than peace enforcement. This preparation follows November’s announcement that Indonesia had trained 20,000 personnel for medical and reconstruction missions in Gaza.

    Jakarta has demonstrated sustained commitment to Palestinian support through substantial humanitarian aid, including 10,000 tonnes of rice delivered last August and the initiation of long-term agricultural projects in Sumatra and Kalimantan specifically designed to enhance Palestinian food security.

    The peace board’s formation follows October’s Gaza ceasefire agreement, though the inclusion of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—currently under ICC investigation for alleged Gaza war crimes—has generated substantial controversy. The board notably excludes Palestinian representation and has failed to prevent continued ceasefire violations, with nearly 600 Palestinian casualties recorded since October.

    Netanyahu’s unexpected early travel to Washington this week preceded the formal board meeting, where he and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed ongoing Iran negotiations and regional security concerns. Trump characterized their discussions as productive while acknowledging no definitive agreements were reached regarding Iran diplomacy.

  • Rio Carnival parade will spotlight sex workers in effort to dismantle stigma

    Rio Carnival parade will spotlight sex workers in effort to dismantle stigma

    RIO DE JANEIRO — In an unprecedented celebration of human dignity, Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival will witness a historic tribute this weekend as the Porto da Pedra samba school honors 83-year-old Lourdes Barreto and sex workers nationwide. This groundbreaking parade represents the culmination of Barreto’s six-decade journey from teenage sex worker to internationally recognized activist.

    The theme “From life’s oldest times, the sweet and bitter kiss of the night” serves as the final installment in creative director Mauro Quintaes’ trilogy exploring marginalized communities. Unlike previous superficial references to sex work in Carnival, this presentation centrally focuses on class struggle and professional dignity without apology or glamorization.

    Barreto, who co-founded the Brazilian Network of Prostitutes in the 1980s, expressed astonishment at the honor. “Who would have thought that a prostitute would be honored?” she remarked from her home in Belem ahead of traveling to Rio for the festivities.

    Despite Brazil’s progressive 2002 labor ministry recognition of prostitution as an official occupation—granting access to social security benefits—systemic challenges persist. Legal ambiguities between voluntary sex work and criminal sexual exploitation enable continued police targeting of practitioners.

    Academic experts note the cultural significance of this Carnival theme. Juliana Barbosa, communications professor at the Federal University of Parana, emphasizes that samba schools historically leverage their platform to amplify social conversations within Black communities before spreading awareness to broader audiences.

    Approximately 40 sex workers from across Brazil will participate in Saturday’s parade alongside hundreds of performers. Thauany Laressa, a 27-year-old sex worker from Rondonia, hopes the spectacle will foster public compassion and professional respect for those in her occupation.

    The tribute coincides with Barreto’s recent recognition by the BBC as one of 100 inspiring women worldwide, placing her alongside Olympic athlete Rebeca Andrade and climate activist Adenike Oladosu—a testament to her lifelong advocacy for HIV prevention policies and workers’ rights.

  • US border tsar: Minneapolis immigration enforcement surge ending

    US border tsar: Minneapolis immigration enforcement surge ending

    The Department of Homeland Security has officially announced the conclusion of its heightened immigration enforcement initiative in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This operation, which deployed over 2,000 federal agents to the region, sparked intense national debate and widespread public demonstrations. The controversy reached a critical point last month following two separate fatal incidents involving U.S. citizens and federal immigration officers. While official reports on these encounters remain limited, the tragic outcomes ignited protests across multiple major cities, with participants demanding increased accountability and transparency in immigration enforcement procedures. The so-called ‘border tsar’ overseeing the operation confirmed its termination without specifying whether the move was directly connected to the public pressure. Immigration advocacy groups have welcomed the withdrawal as a victory for community activism, though they continue to call for comprehensive investigations into the agents’ use of force. The Department maintains that all operations were conducted within established protocols.

  • Saudi, UAE lead IPO activity in GCC in 2025, but total value nearly halves

    Saudi, UAE lead IPO activity in GCC in 2025, but total value nearly halves

    The Gulf Cooperation Council’s initial public offering landscape experienced a significant contraction in 2025, with total capital raised plummeting to $6.6 billion—marking the lowest fundraising level since the pandemic era. This represents a nearly 50% decrease from the previous year’s $12.9 billion, continuing a downward trend from the peak of $22 billion recorded in 2022.

    Despite the substantial decline in overall value, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates maintained their commanding positions within the regional IPO ecosystem. Saudi Arabia accounted for 63.5% of the total capital raised, while the UAE contributed 28.7% of the regional total. In terms of transaction volume, Saudi Arabia demonstrated even greater dominance with an 80% market share, primarily driven by smaller-scale listings across consumer goods, industrial, and services sectors.

    The most notable transactions included Saudi low-cost carrier flynas, which raised $1.1 billion, and Dubai Residential REIT, which secured $600 million in its market debut.

    Industry experts from Arthur D. Little emphasize that the leadership of these two nations extends beyond mere numerical dominance. Regulatory modernization initiatives, reforms to foreign ownership restrictions, and enhanced governance requirements have fundamentally transformed market dynamics. These developments have elevated investor expectations regarding transparency, strategic clarity, and long-term value creation.

    According to Dhiraj Joshi, Partner at Arthur D. Little, “The UAE and Saudi Arabia have become the reference markets for IPOs in the GCC, not just in terms of activity, but in how capital markets function and how investors assess risk and value. Their scale, regulatory maturity, and depth of investor participation are shaping expectations across the region.”

    Martynas Vaikasas, Principal at the consulting firm, added that companies listing in these markets now operate within “a far more competitive and transparent environment” that establishes clear benchmarks for the wider GCC region. Success in this evolved landscape increasingly depends on compelling equity narratives supported by credible strategic vision and disciplined capital allocation.

  • Mediclinic City Hospital unveils UAE’s First “Tree of Life” to honour organ donors and inspire life-saving giving

    Mediclinic City Hospital unveils UAE’s First “Tree of Life” to honour organ donors and inspire life-saving giving

    Mediclinic City Hospital has inaugurated the United Arab Emirates’ pioneering Tree of Life installation, establishing a national landmark in the promotion of organ donation awareness. This unique memorial, the first of its kind within the UAE, stands prominently within the hospital’s lobby as a permanent tribute to both living and deceased organ donors whose profound generosity has facilitated life-saving transplants and transformed numerous lives.

    The ceremonial unveiling on January 27th coincided with the four-year anniversary of the passing of Viggo Sørensen, a 17-year-old whose family’s decision to donate six organs ultimately saved five individuals. This poignant connection underscores the installation’s core mission: to reframe organ donation as a powerful continuum of life rather than an endpoint.

    Nathalie Grall, Viggo’s mother, articulated this perspective during the unveiling: “Viggo’s life did not conclude with his passing; it persists through the lives he rescued. Witnessing this Tree of Life unveiled in his honor, and in recognition of all donors, is profoundly emotional. We aspire for it to inspire others to perceive organ donation not as loss, but as an extraordinary gift of hope and enduring love.”

    The event gathered key stakeholders including three living donors, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Mediclinic’s executive leadership, senior hospital management, and clinical specialists from transplant, dialysis, and intensive care units. This diverse participation highlighted the collaborative essence of organ donation and transplantation ecosystems.

    Hein van Eck, CEO of Mediclinic Middle East, emphasized the initiative’s significance: “We are profoundly moved by the generosity of those who elect to donate life. The Tree of Life constitutes a perpetual homage to organ donors and their families, and we anticipate it will motivate others to contemplate this profound act of giving.”

    In subsequent months, Mediclinic City Hospital will extend invitations to additional organ donors and their families to inscribe their names upon the installation, gradually expanding this living memorial to encompass more legacies of life-saving decisions. The hospital reaffirms its commitment to advancing organ donation initiatives and cultivating a culture characterized by compassion, awareness, and informed choice within the UAE’s healthcare landscape.

  • Former chairwoman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region expelled from CPC, public office

    Former chairwoman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region expelled from CPC, public office

    In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Wang Lixia, the former chairwoman of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been permanently expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from all public positions. The decisive action follows an extensive investigation authorized by the CPC Central Committee and conducted jointly by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision.

    The disciplinary bodies determined that Wang committed severe violations of Party discipline and national laws, including abandoning her ideological convictions and merely paying lip service to central Party directives while pursuing her own agenda. The investigation revealed her obsession with vanity and indulgence in extravagant living, alongside accepting substantial monetary gifts and valuable presents in exchange for facilitating promotions, project approvals, and construction contracts for others.

    According to the official statement released on Thursday, all illicit assets obtained by Wang will be confiscated. Her case has been transferred to prosecutorial authorities for formal legal examination and subsequent criminal prosecution, marking another high-profile case in China’s relentless fight against corruption within its political system.

  • Minnesota immigration enforcement surge is ending, Trump border tsar says

    Minnesota immigration enforcement surge is ending, Trump border tsar says

    WASHINGTON – The Trump administration’s high-profile immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, known as Operation Metro Surge, is being formally concluded following a personal approval from the President. Tom Homan, the administration’s border czar, announced the operational drawdown during a press briefing on Thursday.

    Homan stated that he will remain in the state to personally oversee the transition, ensuring a successful conclusion to the controversial initiative. The operation, which deployed over 2,000 federal immigration officers to Minnesota, had ignited nationwide protests last month following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents.

    The border official hailed the operation as a ‘great success,’ crediting increased cooperation from local Minnesota officials for transforming the state into ‘less of a sanctuary state.’ Homan reported that this collaboration enabled authorities to ‘greatly reduce the number of targets’ for enforcement actions.

    Highlighting specific enforcement outcomes, Homan pointed to the arrest of numerous undocumented immigrants, whom he classified as ‘illegal aliens.’ Among those apprehended were individuals convicted of serious crimes, including rape and other sexual misconduct offenses.

    While the surge is ending, Homan emphasized that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will maintain a permanent presence in Minnesota. ‘A small footprint of personnel will remain for a period of time to close out and transition full command and control back to the field office,’ he explained, indicating a return to standard operational procedures rather than a complete withdrawal of federal immigration enforcement from the region.

  • New Shield Insurance Brokers celebrates 15 years of excellence in the UAE insurance industry

    New Shield Insurance Brokers celebrates 15 years of excellence in the UAE insurance industry

    New Shield Insurance Brokers, a prominent UAE-based insurance advisory firm, has reached a significant corporate milestone by celebrating 15 years of operation within the nation’s regulated insurance sector. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for individual consumers, small-to-medium enterprises, and large corporate clients through its commitment to transparency and long-term relationship building.

    Founded with the mission to deliver client-focused insurance solutions, the brokerage has navigated the competitive UAE insurance landscape by emphasizing compliance, ethical business practices, and robust risk management frameworks. The firm’s corporate identity, symbolized by its Shield mascot, reinforces its core values of protection, reliability, and trustworthiness.

    The company offers comprehensive insurance products including motor, health, property, and group medical coverage. It has also developed specialized expertise in arranging insurance for high-value luxury and supercar brands such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and Bentley. Through strategic partnerships with leading UAE insurance providers, New Shield delivers customized coverage solutions aligned with client risk profiles and business requirements.

    A client-centric approach has been instrumental to the firm’s success, combining personalized advisory services with technology-enhanced processes to improve customer experience, policy management, and claims support. This focus has resulted in long-term client retention and sustained business growth.

    Looking forward, New Shield Insurance Brokers is investing in digital transformation initiatives and professional talent development to remain responsive to evolving market needs. The 15-year anniversary represents both a celebration of resilience and a renewed commitment to providing protection and stability to UAE clients.

  • Shanghai university expands law-based business environment network nationwide

    Shanghai university expands law-based business environment network nationwide

    East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) has emerged as a pivotal force in transforming China’s commercial landscape through its groundbreaking legal framework initiatives. The Shanghai-based institution’s China Institute for Law-based Business Environment, established in collaboration with the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission in June 2024, has successfully expanded its influence beyond municipal boundaries to create a nationwide network dedicated to optimizing regulatory frameworks.

    The university’s pioneering approach has created comprehensive support ecosystems for small and innovative enterprises within Shanghai, while simultaneously providing intellectual resources for enhancing private sector regulations. This academic-practice integration model has demonstrated remarkable scalability, leading to strategic partnerships across multiple provinces.

    In 2024, ECUPL launched a significant northern base in Shenyang, Liaoning province, specifically designed to develop management solutions aligned with international standards for Northeast China’s revitalization. The initiative represents a strategic effort to adapt Shanghai’s successful regulatory models to diverse regional contexts.

    Under the leadership of Vice-President Luo Peixin, who also directs the institute, the program has delivered specialized training to government officials in Shanxi and Guizhou provinces. The core philosophy promoting ‘the rule of law as the optimal business environment’ has further gained traction through well-received courses in Fujian, Anxi, and Jiangxi provinces.

    Professor Luo emphasized Shanghai’s unique position as China’s sole representative city in World Bank business environment assessments, noting the comprehensive work spanning legislative revisions to enhanced public services, all benchmarked against global standards. He characterized Shanghai’s institutional reforms as a microcosm of nationwide efforts to create business-friendly regulatory environments.