Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • China’s top legislature schedules standing committee session for late February

    China’s top legislature schedules standing committee session for late February

    BEIJING — China’s legislative body has announced the convening of the 21st session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) scheduled for February 25-26 in the capital city. The meeting was formally arranged during a Council of Chairpersons gathering presided over by Zhao Leji, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, held earlier this week.

    The upcoming parliamentary session will address a comprehensive legislative agenda featuring multiple significant items. Lawmakers are expected to examine critical documents including the NPC Standing Committee’s work report and preliminary preparations for the fourth session of the 14th NPC. Additional agenda items comprise deliberations on proposed leadership appointments for the presidium and secretary-general positions, along with consideration of non-voting delegate nominations.

    Notably, the session will introduce two new legislative proposals for initial review: draft revisions to the Certified Public Accountants Law and a newly proposed Fire and Rescue Personnel Law. Parliamentarians will also conduct deliberations on the draft Social Assistance Law, which addresses China’s social welfare framework.

    The Council of Chairpersons meeting additionally reviewed the 2025 report on public complaint handling by NPC institutions and discussed draft measures to enhance implementation mechanisms for the Law on the Oversight by the Standing Committees of People’s Congresses at All Levels, signaling continued focus on governmental accountability and public engagement processes.

  • Take a ride across frozen sea on Estonia’s ice road

    Take a ride across frozen sea on Estonia’s ice road

    A remarkable natural phenomenon has emerged in northern Europe as exceptionally low temperatures enabled the opening of a 20-kilometer (12.5-mile) ice road across frozen Baltic Sea waters, connecting Estonia’s two largest islands. The officially sanctioned route between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands commenced operations Sunday afternoon, with queues of vehicles eagerly awaiting passage.

    The decision to formalize the ice crossing came after local residents began spontaneously traversing the frozen sea despite significant safety risks. Ferry services had encountered substantial difficulties maintaining regular operations amid sustained subzero temperatures reaching minus 10 degrees Celsius (14°F). For Hiiumaa’s 9,000 residents, this frozen passage provides vital access to Saaremaa’s larger population center of 31,000 people for essential services including shopping, education, and mainland connections.

    Hiiumaa Mayor Hergo Tasuja emphasized that while practical necessity drove the road’s establishment, ice travel remains deeply embedded in regional culture. “For generations, local people who live here, especially those near the sea, swim and use boats in summer,” Tasuja explained. “In winter, it’s in their blood to go to the sea and step out on the ice.”

    Construction company Verston Eesti, responsible for road maintenance, implements rigorous safety protocols. Teams measure ice thickness every 100 meters, requiring minimum 24 centimeters (9.5 inches) of solid ice for vehicle passage. Workers continuously smooth over ridged surfaces and monitor weather conditions around the clock, adjusting the route as needed.

    Strict regulations govern ice road usage: vehicles cannot exceed 2.5 tons, must maintain either below 20 kph or between 40-70 kph speeds to prevent dangerous vibrations, and must keep safe distances without stopping. Unconventional safety measures include prohibited seatbelt use and requirements for easily openable doors to facilitate rapid evacuation if necessary.

    This marks the first successful ice road connection between the islands in approximately eight years, following a period of unusually warm winters that prevented safe freezing conditions. Verston Eesti has received additional contracts to establish two more ice routes connecting mainland Estonia to smaller islands this week.

  • Philippine police battalion sacked over brutal hazing of recruits

    Philippine police battalion sacked over brutal hazing of recruits

    In a decisive response to systemic abuse, Philippine authorities have relieved an entire police battalion from duty following revelations of extreme hazing rituals inflicted upon new recruits. The incident, which occurred at the Lamitan City police headquarters in Basilan province, involved at least 129 recruits subjected to punches, wooden stick beatings, and various forms of physical punishment allegedly as part of their initiation into the Philippine National Police (PNP).

    Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, PNP spokesperson, confirmed the immediate suspension of all 70-plus members of the Bangsamoro Administrative Region Mobile Force Battalion 14B, with replacements already deployed from Battalion 14A. Official reports identify twelve non-commissioned officers, including five police corporals and five patrolmen, as primary perpetrators in the viral video case that sparked national outrage.

    This incident highlights the persistent culture of violent initiation rites within Philippine security forces despite the 2018 Anti-Hazing Act that criminalized such practices. Historically targeting recruits from impoverished backgrounds, these rituals purportedly aim to build mental and physical resilience but have repeatedly resulted in fatalities, including the July 2022 death of Jaypee De Guzman Ramores and the 2019 hazing murder of Cadet Darwin Dormitorio at the Philippine Military Academy.

    Human rights organization Karapatan condemned the practices, with Secretary General Cristina Palabay emphasizing that ‘violence against police and military recruits during training teaches them to become eventually violent even when dealing with the civilian populace.’ The group asserts these rituals foster a culture of brutality that fundamentally disregards human dignity and basic rights.

    The persistence of these traditions extends beyond police and military academies to criminology programs, maritime schools, and reserve officer trainings throughout the country. The 2001 hazing-related murder of University of Santo Tomas cadet Mark Welson Chua previously led to the abolition of mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, demonstrating the long-standing struggle against institutionalized violence in Philippine training programs.

  • Non-medical sale of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on the rise; UAE expert warns of risks

    Non-medical sale of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on the rise; UAE expert warns of risks

    The rapid commercialization of GLP-1 weight-loss medications through non-medical channels is raising significant safety concerns among healthcare professionals in the UAE. What began as strictly controlled pharmaceutical treatments have now entered the consumer marketplace through subscription services, wellness clinics, and even home service apps.

    Dr. Ali Hashemi, CEO of metabolic.health (GluCare), emphasizes that the medications themselves aren’t problematic when properly administered. ‘When prescribed appropriately with thorough screening and follow-up, they represent among the most significant advancements in metabolic health we’ve encountered,’ he stated. The danger emerges when these powerful drugs are treated as convenience products rather than serious medical interventions.

    The acceleration of GLP-1 adoption, fueled by social media visibility and dramatic weight-loss results, has created a market ripe for exploitation. These medications are now being marketed through unconventional channels including aesthetic clinics, IV drip services, and online subscription platforms with minimal clinical oversight. Recently, consumer apps primarily known for home cleaning and spa services have begun promoting obesity treatments alongside their常规 services.

    Medical professionals report seeing patients experiencing preventable complications from improperly managed GLP-1 regimens. These aren’t rare medical anomalies but practical management failures: excessively rapid dosage escalation, insufficient education on side-effect management, inadequate screening for contraindications, and absent follow-up care. Consequences include severe nausea, vomiting, dehydration, constipation, fatigue, and associated anxiety from feeling unwell and unsupported.

    Beyond immediate side effects, experts highlight underreported risks such as significant muscle loss. Dr. Hashemi notes that without proper emphasis on protein intake, resistance training, and lean mass preservation, patients may achieve lower numbers on the scale while actually becoming weaker and less healthy.

    Healthcare management specialist Dr. Sami Mohammed Yesuf warns that the primary risk resides not in the medications themselves but in delivery models that fragment care. ‘Obesity is a complex, chronic disease requiring comprehensive management,’ he explained. ‘When GLP-1 therapy is delivered outside proper medical frameworks, critical risks can be overlooked.’

    The commercialization trend risks transforming obesity medicine from a clinical discipline into an add-on service, potentially leading to increased side effects, treatment discontinuation, weight rebound, and eroded public trust. Additional concerns include inconsistent medication sourcing when drugs are supplied outside regulated pharmacy channels.

    Responsible GLP-1 programs, according to experts, must include proper medical screening, clear titration plans, proactive side-effect management, structured follow-up (especially within the first 8-12 weeks), muscle preservation strategies, and long-term maintenance planning. Patients are advised to inquire directly about prescription sources, side-effect management protocols, follow-up frequency, and medication origins before beginning treatment.

    While innovation and improved access are welcomed, medical professionals stress that accountability remains non-negotiable. The current situation presents a critical juncture where clinical discipline must match commercial demand to prevent lasting damage to patient trust and outcomes.

  • White paper on Hong Kong crucial for high-quality ‘one country, two systems’ development: spokesperson

    White paper on Hong Kong crucial for high-quality ‘one country, two systems’ development: spokesperson

    The Chinese central government has published a comprehensive white paper asserting the critical role of national security legislation in preserving Hong Kong’s stability and ensuring the successful implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. Released on Tuesday, the document titled ‘Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems’ received immediate endorsement from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

    According to an official spokesperson, the white paper represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to maintain national security within the special administrative region. The document meticulously outlines how the national security law has fundamentally transformed Hong Kong’s trajectory from social unrest to structured governance, marking a pivotal turning point in the region’s political development.

    The white paper elaborates on Hong Kong’s constitutional obligations regarding national security protection and documents the substantial progress achieved since the legislation’s implementation. It emphasizes that safeguarding national security serves multiple crucial purposes: upholding the foundational ‘one country, two systems’ framework, protecting China’s sovereignty and developmental interests, and guaranteeing Hong Kong’s sustained prosperity and stability.

    The spokesperson further emphasized that a secure, prosperous, and dynamic Hong Kong aligns with the fundamental interests of all stakeholders, including local residents, the Chinese nation, and international investors. With robust security measures now established, Hong Kong is positioned to effectively navigate future challenges while maintaining lasting peace and continued economic advancement, the spokesperson concluded.

  • Top political adviser urges deeper cross-Strait integration, people-to-people ties

    Top political adviser urges deeper cross-Strait integration, people-to-people ties

    In a significant address during Beijing’s Taiwan affairs work conference held February 8-9, China’s senior political leader Wang Huning articulated a comprehensive vision for cross-Strait relations emphasizing peaceful development and national reunification. Wang, who serves on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairs the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, outlined strategic priorities for mainland-Taiwan engagement.

    The senior official emphasized maintaining mainland initiative in steering cross-Strait relations while ensuring mutual participation in China’s modernization opportunities. Wang underscored the imperative of upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus as fundamental pillars, simultaneously advocating robust measures to counter separatist activities and external interference that might compromise regional stability.

    A substantial portion of Wang’s address focused on people-centered diplomacy, highlighting the concept of cross-Strait familial bonds. He called for expanded interpersonal exchanges, particularly among grassroots communities and youth populations, facilitating enhanced educational, professional, and residential opportunities for Taiwanese citizens on the mainland.

    Cultural solidarity emerged as a cornerstone of Wang’s policy orientation, with emphasis on jointly promoting traditional Chinese culture to strengthen emotional connectivity between compatriots. The address further detailed commitments to optimize business conditions for Taiwanese enterprises operating domestically, refining existing policies to benefit both Taiwanese compatriots and commercial entities.

    The conference, presided over by Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, signals continued institutional coordination in cross-Strait policy implementation. Wang Huning’s comprehensive remarks position cultural and economic integration as parallel tracks toward achieving peaceful development objectives, framing shared modernization benefits as central to cross-Strait relationship building.

  • Pilot praised after landing faulty Somali passenger plane on seashore

    Pilot praised after landing faulty Somali passenger plane on seashore

    A Somali aviation incident concluded without casualties Tuesday when a Starsky Airlines pilot successfully executed an emergency shoreline landing after experiencing technical difficulties shortly after takeoff from Mogadishu.

    The Fokker 50 aircraft, carrying 50 passengers and five crew members, encountered unspecified mechanical problems during its ascent toward Puntland. Pilot immediately requested authorization to return to Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, according to Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority.

    During the attempted return, the aircraft touched down on the runway but overran the tarmac, eventually coming to rest in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean adjacent to the airport. Dramatic footage circulated on social media showed passengers evacuating the partially submerged aircraft and walking to safety along the shoreline.

    Somali authorities launched a comprehensive response operation with the African Union Mission in Somalia confirming rapid deployment of UN and AU troops to assist rescue efforts. Somalia’s Transport Minister personally attended the emergency scene to oversee operations.

    Starsky Airlines spokesperson Hassan Mohamed Aden expressed profound relief that all aboard survived unharmed. ‘The pilot’s swift and calm decision-making played a decisive role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board,’ Aden stated, praising the crew’s professional handling of the crisis.

    Aviation investigators have initiated an official probe to determine the precise nature of the technical malfunction that necessitated the emergency landing. The incident highlights the particular challenges of operating at Mogadishu’s airport, which is situated immediately adjacent to ocean waters.

    The successful outcome demonstrates improved emergency response capabilities in Somalia’s aviation sector, which has been working to enhance safety standards following decades of civil unrest.

  • 35 Dubai flights affected due to fog; passengers advised to check with airlines

    35 Dubai flights affected due to fog; passengers advised to check with airlines

    Dubai’s aviation operations experienced significant disruption on Tuesday morning as dense fog enveloped the city, severely impacting both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports. According to official statements from Dubai Airports, adverse weather conditions necessitated the cancellation of 12 scheduled flights and forced the diversion of 23 inbound services during the early hours of February 10, 2026.

    The reduced visibility, which dropped to just a few hundred meters, created challenging operational conditions that affected not only air traffic but also ground transportation across the emirate’s major highways. Airport authorities confirmed they are maintaining close coordination with airline partners and service providers to mitigate passenger inconvenience and restore normal operations promptly.

    Travelers have been strongly advised to verify their flight status directly with their respective airlines before proceeding to either airport. This weather-related disruption follows similar incidents in recent weeks, highlighting the recurring challenge that seasonal fog presents to the world’s busiest international aviation hub. Dubai International Airport, which typically handles hundreds of flights daily, has implemented its contingency protocols to manage the situation while prioritizing passenger safety.

  • Guangdong police prevent and recover billions from telecom fraud

    Guangdong police prevent and recover billions from telecom fraud

    In a sweeping crackdown on telecommunications fraud throughout 2025, law enforcement authorities in Guangdong province successfully intercepted and reclaimed approximately 3.07 billion yuan ($432.39 million) in illicitly obtained funds. The operation, detailed by senior police official Zou Quanhua at a Monday press briefing in Guangzhou, represents one of China’s most comprehensive anti-fraud initiatives to date.

    The Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department executed an unprecedented 112 coordinated operations—43 nationwide and 69 province-wide—targeting sophisticated fraud syndicates and their supporting infrastructure. These efforts positioned Guangdong at the forefront of China’s battle against digital financial crime, achieving the highest number of operational deployments and criminal network dismantlements nationwide.

    According to statistical data presented by Director Zou, the intensified enforcement measures yielded substantial results: reported incidents of telecommunications fraud decreased by 17.4 percent, while related criminal activities saw an 11.4 percent reduction compared to previous periods. The campaign additionally prevented 749 individuals from being trafficked abroad under false pretenses, where they would have been coerced into participating in transnational fraud operations.

    Despite these significant achievements, authorities acknowledge the persistent challenge posed by evolving fraud methodologies. Zou indicated that additional specialized operations are being prepared for deployment in coming months, reflecting the government’s sustained commitment to protecting citizens from increasingly sophisticated financial crimes that exploit digital communication channels.

  • Klaebo’s Olympic evolution leaves ski competitors in awe of Norwegian star

    Klaebo’s Olympic evolution leaves ski competitors in awe of Norwegian star

    TESERO, Italy — Norwegian cross-country skiing sensation Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo delivered another masterclass performance on Tuesday, securing his second Olympic gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Games with a commanding victory in the classic sprint event. The 29-year-old champion demonstrated unparalleled technical prowess and strategic brilliance throughout both preliminary rounds and the final race.

    Klaebo now stands just one medal shy of the Winter Olympics all-time record of eight gold medals, currently shared by three retired Norwegian legends from cross-country skiing and biathlon. With an existing collection of five golds, one silver, and one bronze from previous Winter Olympics in Beijing and Pyeongchang, Klaebo has evolved from a specialist sprinter into a complete cross-country dominator, recently claiming his first distance race victory in Sunday’s skiathlon.

    What distinguishes Klaebo from his competitors is a unique combination of explosive finishing power and breathtaking hill-climbing speed. During Tuesday’s race in northern Italy’s Tesero region, his brutal ascent on the final hill created an insurmountable gap that left other elite athletes struggling in his wake.

    Norwegian coach Ole Haldor Ensrud, currently working with South Africa’s Olympic team, explained to AP: ‘He has elevated the technical aspects of the sport to unprecedented levels while maintaining exceptional endurance fitness. His remarkable flexibility allows constant technique adaptation to varying terrains—a critical advantage in skiing that doesn’t exist in sports like running.’

    Fellow competitors acknowledge racing against Klaebo often means competing for second place. U.S. silver medalist Ben Ogden stated: ‘I approach every race believing victory is possible, but currently, many events become competitions for silver. I take pride in securing second place against such phenomenal talent.’

    Klaebo’s comprehensive skillset resulted from relentless training and meticulous race preparation. His summer training regimen included intensive roller-ski sessions in Park City, Utah, developing the technical versatility that now allows him to maintain speed across varying conditions while offering opponents few opportunities to challenge his dominance.

    The Norwegian champion admitted: ‘I maintain high personal expectations. Competing on familiar tracks where I understand my capabilities provides confidence. We’ve prepared thoroughly, and it’s rewarding to see that preparation translate to success.’

    After establishing an unbeatable lead on Tuesday’s final climb, Klaebo comfortably coasted to the finish, smiling and waving to spectators that included family members. Back in Norway, where cross-country skiing commands prime-time attention, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere immediately celebrated online: ‘What an athlete! Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo remains virtually unbeatable in sprint events. Congratulations!’

    A national sporting icon featured on billboards and television commercials throughout Norway, Klaebo recently became the subject of a feature documentary released in Norwegian cinemas last December. Despite approaching historic Olympic milestones, the champion remains focused on appreciating his current success: ‘I’m genuinely enjoying this experience. These are amazing moments to cherish.’