Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Canadian PM expresses shock over deadly school shooting in British Columbia

    Canadian PM expresses shock over deadly school shooting in British Columbia

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed profound shock and extended federal support following a devastating mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia that claimed ten lives, including the perpetrator. The tragedy unfolded on February 10, 2026, in the remote community of approximately 2,400 residents located 660 kilometers northeast of Vancouver.

    According to police reports, authorities responded to emergency calls at approximately 1:20 PM local time to discover six victims deceased on school grounds. Another individual succumbed to injuries during transport to medical facilities, while two additional fatalities were located at a nearby residence connected to the incident. The shooter was confirmed deceased from self-inflicted injuries within the school premises.

    The human toll includes two individuals evacuated with life-threatening injuries via airlift and twenty-five others undergoing medical evaluation at local facilities. Approximately 100 students and staff members were successfully evacuated during the crisis response, though officials have not disclosed the age distribution among casualties, citing privacy considerations.

    Prime Minister Carney has personally contacted British Columbia Premier David Eby and mobilized Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree to coordinate federal support efforts. In an official statement, Carney emphasized national unity during crisis, affirming that “our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country” and pledging full governmental support for affected communities.

    This incident represents Canada’s second-deadliest school shooting in history, surpassed only by the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal that claimed fourteen lives. The rarity of such events in Canada is attributed to the nation’s stringent firearm regulations.

    Law enforcement officials acknowledge the ongoing investigation faces significant challenges, with a police spokesperson noting the difficulty in determining motivations while emphasizing the priority of establishing factual chronology. The Prime Minister’s Office has concurrently announced the postponement of Carney’s scheduled defense announcement in Halifax and his diplomatic attendance at the Munich Security Conference.

  • UAE property prices to see modest decline in 12-18 months, says Moody’s

    UAE property prices to see modest decline in 12-18 months, says Moody’s

    According to Moody’s Ratings, the United Arab Emirates’ residential real estate market is poised for a period of moderated growth following five years of exceptional performance. The influential ratings agency projects modest price declines across the next 12-18 months, particularly within Dubai’s apartment segment, where supply concentrations are most pronounced.

    The analysis identifies a substantial influx of approximately 180,000 new residential units scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2028—significantly exceeding the historical annual average of 30,000-40,000 units. This surge represents nearly 60,000 units annually, creating substantial new inventory that will temporarily outpace demand.

    Market dynamics will be most evident in mid-market studio and one-bedroom categories, where oversupply conditions are expected to trigger outright price reductions. Consequently, developers are anticipated to scale back new project launches and adjust sales strategies to accommodate changing market conditions.

    Despite these short-term adjustments, fundamental market drivers remain robust. Sustained population expansion, continued inflow of high-net-worth individuals, and evolving household size patterns provide substantial demand-side support. Rated developers maintain resilient credit profiles supported by strong revenue backlogs, front-loaded payment structures, and solid financial positions accumulated during the recent boom cycle.

    The shifting market landscape is prompting strategic diversification among UAE developers. With strong cash generation expected to exceed domestic reinvestment opportunities, firms are increasingly exploring geographic expansion and sector diversification. This trend is exemplified by Arada’s recent entry into the Australian property market, establishing operations in Sydney with multiple planned projects.

    Financing structures remain diverse, with developers utilizing approximately $12 billion in sukuk, bond, and hybrid debt instruments since 2023, complemented by customer installment plans, landowner joint ventures, and third-party equity contributions.

  • Jingdezhen holds Spring Festival celebration spotlighting opera and folk traditions

    Jingdezhen holds Spring Festival celebration spotlighting opera and folk traditions

    The historic ceramic capital of Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province transformed into a cultural epicenter during Monday’s Spring Festival celebrations, with Leping—a county-level city renowned for its operatic heritage—taking center stage. The event formed part of China’s 2026 “Our Festivals · Spring Festival” national program, demonstrating Jiangxi’s commitment to cultural preservation and community enrichment.

    Daytime activities immersed visitors in authentic rural traditions through organized visits to historic villages and community centers. In Datiancun village, birthplace of Ganju Opera pioneer Shi Linghe, attendees experienced vibrant opera performances, traditional calligraphy sessions featuring Spring Festival couplets, and live demonstrations of heritage food preparation techniques.

    The celebration served dual purposes: honoring Jiangxi’s distinctive cultural legacy while injecting contemporary vitality into traditional Spring Festival observances. Through carefully curated activities blending performance, craftsmanship, and community engagement, the event highlighted how regional traditions contribute to national cultural identity while fostering social cohesion and civil society development.

    This flagship celebration represents China’s broader initiative to preserve intangible cultural heritage at grassroots levels while adapting traditional customs for modern audiences. The integration of operatic arts with folk customs created a multidimensional cultural experience that resonated with both local participants and national cultural observers.

  • Ukrainian slider wears helmet despite IOC ban

    Ukrainian slider wears helmet despite IOC ban

    Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has vowed to continue wearing his commemorative helmet during competition at the Winter Olympics despite the International Olympic Committee’s prohibition of the tribute piece. The helmet features images of Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia’s ongoing invasion of his homeland.

    The 25-year-old athlete, who made history as Ukraine’s first Olympic skeleton competitor, wore the helmet during Wednesday’s training sessions after being formally notified of its prohibition. The IOC maintains the helmet violates Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political, religious, or racial propaganda in Olympic venues. Instead, officials have suggested Heraskevych wear a black armband to honor the deceased.

    ‘These athletes deserve to be on the track,’ Heraskevych stated emotionally during a press conference. ‘Some of them were my friends, and many were part of the Olympic family. With this helmet, we keep their memories alive.’ Among those memorialized are teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov.

    The IOC has refrained from confirming whether disciplinary action would follow Heraskevych’s continued use of the helmet. Spokesperson Mark Adams emphasized the committee’s desire to resolve the matter ‘on a human level’ rather than through public confrontation. ‘We really want him to compete,’ Adams stated. ‘We want all athletes to have their moment.’

    Heraskevych challenged the IOC’s consistency in enforcement, citing American figure skater Maxim Naumov’s recent display of a photograph honoring his parents, who died in a Washington DC plane crash. Naumov faced no sanctions for his emotional tribute while awaiting scores during his routine. ‘We have the same rules,’ Heraskevych argued. ‘They showed photos when they were waiting for the scores… I don’t see any difference.’

    This isn’t Heraskevych’s first political statement at the Olympics—during the 2022 Beijing Games, he displayed a ‘No War in Ukraine’ sign days before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked the athlete for ‘reminding the world of the price of our struggle.’

    The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between the IOC’s commitment to political neutrality and athletes’ growing demands to express human rights concerns. The men’s skeleton competition continues through Friday, with Heraskevych determined to keep his fallen compatriots symbolically present on the track.

  • Chinese mainland spokesperson slams Lai Ching-te’s flattering remarks on Japan

    Chinese mainland spokesperson slams Lai Ching-te’s flattering remarks on Japan

    BEIJING – Chinese authorities have issued a stern rebuke against Taiwan’s leadership for making what they characterize as excessively complimentary remarks toward Japan while disregarding historical atrocities committed during Japan’s colonial occupation of Taiwan.

    Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, delivered the condemnation during a press briefing on Wednesday. The statement came in response to media inquiries regarding recent comments by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te expressing intentions to collaborate with Japan in addressing regional security challenges.

    “The current Taiwan administration’s flattering approach toward Japan represents a complete disregard for the painful suffering endured by Taiwanese compatriots under Japanese colonial rule,” Zhu stated. “Such behavior constitutes a severe betrayal of historical truth and national dignity.”

    The spokesperson further called upon Japanese officials to formally retract recent statements made by Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan, which Beijing considers erroneous and provocative. Zhu emphasized that Japan must handle Taiwan-related matters with utmost caution and demonstrate concrete adherence to the one-China principle through tangible actions.

    This diplomatic exchange occurs amid ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing consistently maintaining that Taiwan has been an inseparable part of Chinese territory since ancient times. The Chinese government opposes any form of official exchanges between Taiwan and other countries that might suggest recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty.

    The historical context referenced dates back to Japan’s occupation of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, a period during which numerous documented atrocities occurred against the local population. Beijing’s statement highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical memory in contemporary cross-strait relations and regional diplomacy.

  • Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl sneakers just dropped in Dubai, here’s where to buy them

    Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl sneakers just dropped in Dubai, here’s where to buy them

    Dubai has become the latest market to receive the highly anticipated Adidas Originals para Bad Bunny BadBo 1.0 sneakers, fresh from their global debut during the artist’s historic Super Bowl LIX halftime performance. The pristine white footwear, which made its first public appearance during one of the world’s most-watched entertainment events, officially launched in the region on February 10 at select Adidas locations in Dubai and through the brand’s online portal.

    The BadBo 1.0 represents Bad Bunny’s inaugural signature silhouette collaboration with Adidas Originals, marking a significant milestone in the artist’s growing influence across both music and fashion industries. The model initially saw a limited release of just 1,994 pairs in a brown colorway back in January 2026, creating immense anticipation among collectors and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

    Following overwhelming demand, the white iteration worn during the Super Bowl performance is now available at Adidas Dubai Mall and via adidas.ae. The sneaker’s clean, minimalist design reflects Bad Bunny’s distinctive aesthetic that blends bold statements with refined simplicity—a characteristic that has defined his previous fashion collaborations.

    The launch comes amid a landmark period for the Puerto Rican artist (born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio), who recently made history as one of the few Spanish-language artists to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Despite facing criticism from former US President Donald Trump regarding his performance, Bad Bunny continues to dominate global music charts and cultural conversations, recently securing a Grammy Award for Best Album.

    The artist’s latest album, ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos,’ has topped international charts, continuing his record-breaking trajectory that includes multiple years as Spotify’s most-streamed artist worldwide and maintaining his position as the highest-grossing touring Latin artist in music history.

  • Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt cameos in Saudi action film ‘7 Dogs’ spring a surprise

    Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt cameos in Saudi action film ‘7 Dogs’ spring a surprise

    In a groundbreaking cinematic collaboration, Bollywood megastars Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt have joined the cast of the highly anticipated Saudi action drama ‘7 Dogs’ in unexpected cameo roles. The film’s recently released trailer has generated significant buzz, showcasing the Indian actors in stylish, enigmatic appearances that hint at pivotal supporting characters.

    Directed by the acclaimed filmmaking duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, known for their work on major Hollywood productions, ‘7 Dogs’ represents a significant international co-production. Egyptian screen sensation Karim Abdel Aziz headlines the project, with legendary Hollywood actress Monica Bellucci occupying another prominent role in the multinational cast.

    The trailer, unveiled by producer Turki Alalshikh via Instagram on Tuesday, offers intriguing glimpses of both Indian stars. Khan appears in a sophisticated white suit, delivering a cryptic line with characteristically sly charm: ‘You know what he does? He documents his whole life.’ Dutt follows with an equally compelling presence, surrounded by armed personnel while handling advanced gadgetry, suggesting a potentially antagonistic role of substantial importance.

    Further heightening audience anticipation, Khan’s character is shown questioning another figure with palpable suspicion: ‘Why do you look like a criminal to me?’ These brief but impactful moments indicate significant narrative involvement beyond mere celebrity appearances.

    This Middle Eastern cinematic venture arrives as both Khan and Dutt maintain active schedules in their primary film industries. Khan is currently preparing for his upcoming project ‘Battle of Galwan,’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia, which dramatizes the 2020 border clash between Indian and Chinese forces. The film, pairing Khan with actress Chitrangada Singh, is scheduled for April 17 release. Dutt recently appeared in the horror comedy ‘The Raja Saab,’ a collaborative production between People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment.

    The participation of these Bollywood luminaries in a Saudi-produced film signals growing international collaboration in the global entertainment industry, particularly bridging South Asian and Middle Eastern cinematic markets.

  • Swiss bar owners face questions from victims’ lawyers over fire disaster

    Swiss bar owners face questions from victims’ lawyers over fire disaster

    The proprietors of a Swiss alpine bar where a catastrophic fire claimed 41 lives faced intense scrutiny during court hearings this week, as victims’ families demanded accountability for one of Switzerland’s deadliest peacetime disasters. Jacques Moretti, owner of Le Constellation bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana, was questioned by legal representatives of victims’ families Wednesday in Sion, while his wife Jessica is scheduled to undergo similar questioning Thursday. The couple arrived at the courthouse silently, accompanied by legal counsel, for what their lawyer Yaël Hayat characterized as “moments of truth” in the investigation. Both Morettis remain under formal criminal investigation for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence, though neither is currently detained. Preliminary findings indicate the January 1st tragedy began when sparkling candles in champagne bottles ignited acoustic foam panels on the ceiling—a known fire hazard that employees had previously attempted to secure using snooker cues weeks before the incident. Further investigations revealed the establishment hadn’t undergone proper fire safety inspections since 2019, with local authorities admitting they hadn’t closed any venues for fire code violations until after this catastrophe. The disaster was exacerbated by a locked service door that trapped patrons inside as flames rapidly spread through the packed New Year’s celebration. Most victims were teenagers, with ages ranging from 14 to 39, and an 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries a month later, bringing the final death toll to 41 with 115 injured. Outside the courtroom, grieving mother Laetitia Brodard-Sitre, whose 16-year-old son Arthur perished in the fire, told Swiss television: “What’s important is that the whole truth comes out. There must be no more lies. I want everyone to take responsibility.” The proceedings continue as Switzerland reevaluates its fire safety enforcement practices in entertainment venues.

  • NATO launches Arctic Sentry military effort as it seeks to move on from Greenland dispute

    NATO launches Arctic Sentry military effort as it seeks to move on from Greenland dispute

    BRUSSELS — NATO has officially initiated a new strategic military operation named ‘Arctic Sentry’ designed to enhance security coordination in the High North region. This development occurs just one month after former U.S. President Donald Trump created diplomatic friction within the alliance through his controversial remarks regarding the potential annexation of Greenland.

    The Arctic Sentry framework will initially serve as an umbrella designation for existing national military exercises conducted by member states in the Arctic region. This includes Denmark’s ‘Arctic Endurance’ maneuvers—which previously provoked Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on participating allies—and Norway’s ‘Cold Response’ drills. Notably, the program does not entail permanent or extended troop deployments under NATO command in the region.

    Coordinated through NATO’s U.S. headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, this series of military activities aims to counter expanding Russian and Chinese influence in the strategically vital High North, which encompasses Greenland. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, emphasized that ‘Arctic Sentry demonstrates the alliance’s dedication to protecting member states and preserving stability in one of the globe’s most strategically crucial and environmentally demanding regions.’

    In support of this initiative, the United Kingdom has declared its intention to double British troop presence in Norway over the next three years, increasing from 1,000 to 2,000 personnel. Some forces will participate in the previously scheduled ‘Exercise Lion Protector’ this September.

    While specific operational details remain limited, NATO plans to incorporate additional activities into Arctic Sentry following comprehensive security assessments and as national military exercises conclude. Both France and Germany have committed to participation though troop contribution numbers remain unspecified.

    Although Arctic security has maintained a position on NATO’s agenda in recent years—with seven allied nations bordering the region alongside Russia—the urgency for action intensified following Trump’s acquisition attempts targeting Greenland. The prospect of the alliance’s most powerful member threatening to annex territory from Denmark, a fellow NATO ally, has profoundly unsettled other member states.

    European allies now anticipate that Arctic Sentry, combined with ongoing diplomatic discussions between the Trump administration, Denmark, and Greenland, will enable NATO to redirect focus toward Europe’s paramount security concern: Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

  • International students celebrate Little New Year immersed in Beijing culture

    International students celebrate Little New Year immersed in Beijing culture

    Beijing hosted an immersive cultural celebration on Tuesday as international students gathered to experience traditional Chinese Spring Festival customs during the Little New Year festivities. The event, organized at the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, provided young scholars from across the globe with hands-on exposure to China’s rich cultural heritage and the historical significance of the Beijing Central Axis.

    The gathering, themed “Splendid Beijing Central Axis, Joyful Chinese New Year — 2026 Spring Festival Gala for Foreign Students in Beijing,” featured various traditional activities including calligraphy sessions where participants practiced writing fu characters and Spring Festival couplets. These cultural elements represent fundamental aspects of Chinese New Year traditions, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.

    The timing coincided with Xiaonian, known as the Little New Year, which traditionally marks the commencement of Spring Festival celebrations in Chinese culture. This preliminary festival serves as an important prelude to the main Lunar New Year events, typically involving house cleaning, sacrificial ceremonies, and special culinary preparations.

    The event not only offered cultural immersion but also facilitated cross-cultural exchange, allowing international students to gain deeper understanding of China’s historical legacy while building connections with local communities. Such initiatives reflect Beijing’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and international understanding through educational and cultural exchange programs.

    Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with Chinese traditions that many had previously only encountered through academic study or media representations. The hands-on nature of the activities provided unique insights into the cultural significance behind Spring Festival customs that have been maintained for centuries.