Global Pulse

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  • Seattle reaches $29M settlement with family of grad student from India struck and killed by officer

    Seattle reaches $29M settlement with family of grad student from India struck and killed by officer

    The City of Seattle has agreed to a $29 million legal settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was fatally struck by a speeding police vehicle in 2023. The resolution comes after months of investigation and public outcry over the circumstances surrounding her death.

    Officer Kevin Dave was responding to a drug overdose call when his patrol car traveling at 74 mph in a 25 mph zone struck Kandula as she crossed a street in a marked crosswalk. While the officer had activated emergency lights and used his siren at intersections, the excessive speed proved catastrophic.

    The case gained international attention when body camera footage revealed police union representative Daniel Auderer making insensitive remarks about Kandula’s death, suggesting her life had “limited value” and that the city should “just write a check.” These comments prompted formal diplomatic inquiries from Indian officials and widespread community protests.

    Both officers involved have since been terminated from the Seattle Police Department. Auderer has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit claiming his comments were misinterpreted as criticism of legal proceedings rather than disregard for human life. Prosecutors declined to file felony charges against Dave, citing insufficient evidence of deliberate safety disregard.

    City Attorney Erika Evans acknowledged the profound impact of Kandula’s death, stating: “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community.” Approximately $20 million of the settlement will be covered by the city’s insurance policy.

    Kandula was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus at the time of her death. The settlement notice was formally filed in King County Superior Court last Friday.

  • Restaurant Review: Helios delivers Mediterranean comfort by the sea

    Restaurant Review: Helios delivers Mediterranean comfort by the sea

    Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, Helios has emerged as a transformative culinary destination that masterfully captures the unhurried essence of Aegean coastal living. This Mediterranean sanctuary redefines the dining experience through its artful combination of authentic flavors, breathtaking vistas, and deliberately measured pacing that encourages guests to fully immerse themselves in the moment.

    The restaurant’s architectural design enhances its coastal charm, featuring whitewashed interiors that seamlessly transition to an expansive beach terrace. This carefully crafted environment offers panoramic views where the Arabian Gulf’s shimmering waters meet Dubai’s iconic skyline, creating a visually stunning backdrop for both daytime lunches and evening dining experiences.

    Helios’ culinary philosophy centers on Mediterranean comfort food executed with precision and respect for quality ingredients. The burrata starter demonstrates this approach through its sophisticated composition of creamy cheese, heirloom tomatoes, ripe peaches, and roasted pine nuts, elevated by a balsamic reduction and subtle hot honey accent. Similarly, the fried calamari achieves perfection in its textural contrast—featuring a light, crisp coating that gives way to tender squid, complemented by fresh lemon and house-made tartar sauce.

    As daylight fades into evening, the restaurant transitions into a seafood-focused dinner service. The whole seabass stands as a signature dish, showcasing the kitchen’s technical prowess with its perfectly cooked flesh accompanied by sweet caper cream sauce, crispy potatoes, and smoked eggplant. This dish exemplifies Helios’ ability to balance richness with refinement, creating deeply satisfying yet sophisticated flavor profiles.

    The menu comprehensively covers Mediterranean classics, including grilled meats, fresh seafood selections, house-made pastas, and artisanal pizzas—all designed for sharing and prolonged enjoyment. Service mirrors the establishment’s overall philosophy, striking an ideal balance between attentiveness and discretion while maintaining genuine warmth throughout the dining experience.

    With an overall rating of 8.5/10, Helios distinguishes itself not merely as a restaurant but as a temporal escape where excellent food, stunning surroundings, and deliberate pacing converge to create memorable culinary moments.

  • KT LUXE to host inaugural healthy ageing summit with OMICS partnership

    KT LUXE to host inaugural healthy ageing summit with OMICS partnership

    Dubai is poised to become the epicenter of the global healthy aging conversation as KT LUXE, the premium lifestyle division of Khaleej Times, announces its inaugural Healthy Ageing Summit scheduled for May 21, 2026. The landmark event will convene at the Mandarin Oriental on Jumeirah Beach Road, bringing together pioneering experts across science, medicine, technology, finance, and lifestyle design to fundamentally redefine what it means to age well in the modern era.

    The summit represents a strategic expansion for KT LUXE beyond editorial content into premium live experiences, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution. Unlike traditional longevity discussions focused merely on extending lifespan, this gathering will prioritize healthspan enhancement—the quality of healthy years lived—through innovative approaches that bridge cutting-edge research with practical applications.

    A cornerstone of the event is the exclusive partnership with OMICS Precision Health Centre, a leader in translational geroscience and healthspan medicine. This collaboration will feature the KT LUXE x OMICS Healthspan Circuit, offering VIP delegates advanced diagnostics, biomarker analysis, and personalized health insights designed to optimize long-term wellbeing.

    Charles Yardley, Chief Executive Officer of Khaleej Times, emphasized the summit’s significance: “Healthy ageing transcends wellness trends—it represents a profound societal, financial, and lifestyle shift. Through this summit, KT LUXE is committed to leading this critical dialogue with depth, credibility, and purpose.”

    Dr. Mishkat Shehata, Chief Medical Officer at OMICS, elaborated on their approach: “Merely extending lifespan without improving quality of life is insufficient. Our focus is on combining deep biomarker insights with clinical medicine and cutting-edge technology to help patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives for longer.”

    The curated program will feature six content tracks spanning regenerative medicine, preventive clinics, consumer health technology, human performance optimization, healthspan-focused financial planning, and the role of mental health in longevity. Jan Gerber, founder of Paracelsus Recovery, highlighted the psychological dimension: “Chronic stress, loneliness, and untreated psychological suffering age us faster than any disease. Healthy ageing begins in the mind, not the mirror.”

    The agenda will include keynote presentations, expert panels, fireside conversations, and curated roundtables featuring globally recognized experts alongside regional leaders. Confirmed participants include healthspan thought leader Dr. Mishkat Shehata, local businessman Jason Hellowell sharing patient experiences, and UK-based holistic wellness practitioner Monica Thompson-Mayali.

    Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer at Khaleej Times, noted: “We’re creating a platform where science, innovation, and lived experience converge to help people think more proactively about how they age.” Attendance is limited to high-net-worth individuals, C-suite executives, family office principals, senior decision-makers, and healthcare leaders, with tickets available in limited quantities.

  • Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana launch private indoor plunge pool suites

    Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana launch private indoor plunge pool suites

    In a groundbreaking move for urban hospitality, Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana have unveiled an exclusive collection of private indoor plunge pool suites, set to welcome guests from February 2026. This innovative concept represents Dubai’s first accommodation offering featuring climate-controlled private pools within suite environments, creating a year-round luxury experience above the waters of Dubai Creek.

    The architectural design incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of both the tranquil creek waters and Dubai’s dynamic skyline, merging serene natural elements with urban energy. Each suite has been meticulously crafted to blend residential comfort with five-star service, providing an intimate urban escape specifically designed for couples, families, and discerning travelers seeking exceptional privacy without leaving the city center.

    Ayman Ashor, General Manager of both properties, explained the vision behind the project: ‘We approached this initiative with a clear intention to create unprecedented privacy and emotional connection rarely found in urban hotel settings. Every suite was conceived as a complete private experience rather than merely a room, with careful attention to spatial proportions and plunge pool placement to deliver a truly unique stay.’

    The crown jewel of the collection is the Al Ain Skyline Suite, featuring an indoor private pool complemented by a Jacuzzi and expansive living areas. This flagship accommodation offers breathtaking Creek views and represents the most exclusive offering across both properties.

    Guests booking these premium suites will receive Club Rotana privileges including access to a private lounge, personalized services, and enhanced dining benefits. The strategic location along Dubai Creek provides convenient access to business districts, cultural landmarks, and leisure destinations, positioning these suites as a sophisticated urban alternative to traditional resort villas.

    This launch establishes a new benchmark for city-based luxury accommodations, reinforcing the properties’ status as premier destinations for intimate experiences in Dubai. Reservations are currently being accepted for stays commencing February 2026.

  • Ramadan 2026: Sharjah announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    Ramadan 2026: Sharjah announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    The Emirate of Sharjah has officially unveiled revised working schedules for its public sector employees during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan in 2026. According to Wednesday’s announcement from the Department of Human Resources, standard working hours from Monday through Thursday will be reduced to 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM throughout the sacred month.

    The anticipated commencement of Ramadan falls on either February 18 or 19, 2026, pending the official sighting of the crescent moon on February 17. This scheduling adjustment aligns with earlier directives from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, which established consistent reduced hours across federal entities.

    Special provisions have been made for Friday operations, with working hours scheduled from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon. However, the regulations acknowledge necessary exceptions for employees whose specific job requirements demand alternative scheduling arrangements.

    Departments operating on shift-based systems retain autonomy to determine appropriate start and end times according to their operational needs and work systems. Additionally, federal ministries and entities have been granted flexibility to implement remote working options for up to 70% of their workforce on Fridays, following established regulatory frameworks.

    The announcement reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to accommodating religious observances while maintaining governmental operational efficiency. Similar working hour reductions are expected to be implemented across other emirates and private sector organizations as Ramadan approaches, continuing the nation’s tradition of respecting cultural and religious practices within the workplace.

  • UK and Canadian firms suspend future ties to UAE’s DP World after CEO’s emails with Epstein

    UK and Canadian firms suspend future ties to UAE’s DP World after CEO’s emails with Epstein

    Significant financial partners have suspended future investments with global ports operator DP World following revelations about CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Canada’s second-largest pension fund, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance agency, have both paused capital deployment pending further investigation.

    The decisions mark the first major business repercussions from the recently released Epstein documents. CDPQ, which holds a 45% stake in DP World Canada, stated it expects the company to “shed light on the situation and take necessary actions” before considering additional investments. BII expressed being “shocked by the allegations” regarding bin Sulayem and will withhold new investments across their four African port partnerships.

    The suspensions follow the disclosure of extensive communications between bin Sulayem and Epstein spanning over a decade after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for child sex trafficking. Released emails show bin Sulayem discussing sexual exploits with Eastern European women and attempting to solicit a businesswoman for sexual purposes. More disturbingly, US Congressman Thomas Massie revealed bin Sulayem as the sender of a “torture video” to Epstein in 2009, a fact allegedly acknowledged by the Department of Justice.

    DP World, owned by the Dubai government, represents crucial infrastructure investments for pension funds seeking stable long-term returns. CDPQ had committed $3.7 billion to DP World’s global ports since 2016, including a $2.5 billion investment in Dubai’s Jebel Ali facilities in 2022. The current suspensions reflect growing institutional investor sensitivity to governance and ethical considerations beyond financial returns.

    The situation presents particular challenges given DP World’s government ownership and the UAE’s political structure. Unlike publicly traded companies facing shareholder activism, it remains uncertain whether bin Sulayem will face internal consequences within the monarchy’s power structure, despite his prominent international business profile.

  • More than 2,000 miles and 109 days later, monks finish ‘Walk for Peace’

    More than 2,000 miles and 109 days later, monks finish ‘Walk for Peace’

    In a profound demonstration of spiritual dedication, a group of Buddhist monks has successfully completed an extraordinary 2,000-mile pilgrimage across the United States, culminating their 109-day ‘Walk for Peace’ at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. The remarkable journey, which captivated communities along its route, concluded with a symbolic final leg from Capitol Hill to the nation’s iconic memorial grounds.

    Eyewitnesses and participants described a moving scene as the peace walkers approached their final destination, with numerous spectators joining the procession in a powerful show of solidarity. BBC correspondents documented the climactic moments of this unprecedented peace initiative, capturing emotional interviews with those who walked alongside the monks during the concluding segment of their transcontinental trek.

    The pilgrimage represents one of the most extensive peace walks ever undertaken in modern American history, serving as both a spiritual practice and a public call for greater harmony and non-violence. The monks’ journey through diverse American landscapes and communities has sparked meaningful conversations about peacebuilding and intercultural understanding across the nation.

    This extraordinary undertaking highlights the continuing relevance of ancient spiritual traditions in addressing contemporary social challenges, demonstrating how peaceful activism can bridge cultural divides and inspire collective action toward a more harmonious society.

  • Polls open for Bangladesh’s first election since the 2024 uprising that ousted Hasina

    Polls open for Bangladesh’s first election since the 2024 uprising that ousted Hasina

    DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladesh commenced a landmark parliamentary election on Thursday, marking the nation’s first electoral test since the dramatic collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government following widespread protests in 2024. With over 127 million eligible voters, this electoral process represents a critical juncture for South Asia’s eighth-most populous nation.

    The political landscape has undergone significant transformation since Hasina’s departure into exile in India and the subsequent banning of her party from participation. The electoral contest features Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as a prominent contender. Having returned from 17 years of self-exile in London, Rahman—son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia—has committed to democratic restoration, institutional rebuilding, and economic revitalization.

    A significant development emerges from the resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party previously banned under Hasina’s administration. Now leading an 11-party alliance, the conservative religious group’s growing influence has raised concerns among women and minority communities about potential restrictions on social freedoms should they achieve power.

    The interim government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has emphasized its commitment to electoral transparency. International oversight includes approximately 500 observers and journalists, with delegations from the European Union and Commonwealth monitoring proceedings.

    Notably, this election incorporates a referendum on political reforms addressing prime ministerial term limits, enhanced checks on executive power, and safeguards against parliamentary power consolidation. Young voters, including 5 million first-time participants who played instrumental roles in the 2024 uprising, are positioned to significantly influence the outcome.

    Bangladesh’s complex political history since its 1971 independence from Pakistan—characterized by military coups, entrenched party politics, and electoral integrity questions—provides the backdrop for this democratic test. The 350-seat parliament includes 300 directly elected members and 50 seats reserved for women, with lawmakers serving five-year terms.

  • US FAA lifts temporary closure at El Paso intl airport in Texas

    US FAA lifts temporary closure at El Paso intl airport in Texas

    EL PASO, Texas – The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reinstated normal flight operations at El Paso International Airport following a temporary airspace closure enacted for special security reasons on Wednesday. The shutdown, which halted all inbound and outbound commercial traffic for several hours, was implemented in response to an unauthorized drone incursion near the U.S.-Mexico border.

    Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed via social media platform X that the FAA and the U.S. Department of Defense coordinated a rapid response to what was identified as a ‘cartel drone incursion.’ Authorities successfully neutralized the perceived threat, with Duffy assuring the public that ‘there is no danger to commercial travel in the region.’

    The FAA’s official communication on X stated: ‘The temporary closure of airspace over El Paso has been lifted. There is no threat to commercial aviation. All flights will resume as normal.’

    The abrupt closure drew immediate criticism from U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, who represents Texas’ 16th Congressional District encompassing El Paso. The legislator urged federal authorities to promptly lift the flight restrictions affecting the strategically important border region.

    Aviation security personnel, including K-9 units, were visibly active throughout the incident, conducting enhanced security screenings as operations gradually returned to normal. Photo documentation showed specialized police dogs meticulously inspecting luggage in the terminal following the resolution of the security situation.

  • Trump ‘insisted’ Iran talks continue in meeting with Netanyahu

    Trump ‘insisted’ Iran talks continue in meeting with Netanyahu

    In a significant White House meeting lasting nearly three hours, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened to address critical regional issues, with Iran’s nuclear program dominating discussions. President Trump explicitly communicated his preference for continued diplomatic engagement with Iran, while simultaneously acknowledging military preparedness through the deployment of a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East.

    The leaders emerged from their extended dialogue with agreements on enhanced coordination mechanisms between their administrations. Netanyahu’s office confirmed via social media that the Prime Minister emphasized Israel’s fundamental security requirements within the context of ongoing negotiations. This meeting occurred against the backdrop of substantial U.S. military reinforcement in the region since protests emerged in Iran from December through mid-January.

    A notable development occurred as Netanyahu formally endorsed Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ initiative during his Washington visit. The ceremonial signing took place at Blair House with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though the document appeared backdated to January 19. This affiliation has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli political experts, including former National Security Council deputy Eran Etzion, who condemned the move as undemocratic and dictatorial without Knesset approval.

    The Board of Peace, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, has generated international skepticism. Several NATO members, including Canada, the UK, and Germany, have expressed reservations about joining an entity that includes leaders facing international arrest warrants. Meanwhile, 25 American organizations have petitioned lawmakers to restrain administration war posturing, emphasizing constitutional requirements for military authorization and rejecting military solutions to Iranian challenges.