Global Pulse

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  • Polls open in Nepal’s first election after last year’s youth-led protests toppled the government

    Polls open in Nepal’s first election after last year’s youth-led protests toppled the government

    KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepal commenced a landmark national election on Thursday, marking the first nationwide polling since last year’s violent youth-led uprising that toppled the previous government. This pivotal democratic exercise unfolds amid heightened security measures and widespread public anticipation for transformative leadership.

    Approximately 19 million eligible voters across the Himalayan nation are participating in this electoral process, with security forces maintaining vigilant patrols and safeguarding polling stations. Authorities have implemented comprehensive restrictions, including vehicle bans on streets and prohibitions on political rallies and public gatherings, ensuring a secure environment for the democratic process.

    The electoral system combines direct representation and proportional allocation: voters directly elect 165 members to the House of Representatives (the lower parliamentary chamber), while the remaining 110 seats in the 275-member legislature will be distributed through proportional representation based on party vote shares.

    This election has evolved into a compelling three-way contest, reflecting profound voter dissatisfaction with systemic corruption and demands for enhanced governmental accountability. The newly established National Independent Party, founded in 2022, has emerged as the front-runner, challenging the longstanding dominance of the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist).

    Leading this insurgent movement is 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, the party’s prime ministerial candidate. Shah, who previously secured the Kathmandu mayoral race in 2022, became a central figure in the 2025 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. His campaign has resonated particularly with younger demographics, focusing on healthcare and educational reforms for impoverished Nepalis.

    The 2025 protests originated from opposition to a social media ban before escalating into a broad rebellion against governmental corruption and mismanagement. The demonstrations turned deadly when security forces opened fire on protesters attacking government buildings, resulting in dozens killed and hundreds injured.

    While traditional parties maintain dedicated voter bases, Shah’s movement has demonstrated superior mobilization capabilities during campaign events, signaling shifting political allegiances among youth seeking alternatives. The incoming administration will confront significant challenges, including addressing protestors’ demands for reform, combating entrenched corruption, and navigating delicate diplomatic relations with neighboring powers India and China.

    Vote counting begins later Thursday, with preliminary results anticipated over the weekend.

  • Sci-fi without AI: Oscar nominated ‘Arco’ director prefers human touch

    Sci-fi without AI: Oscar nominated ‘Arco’ director prefers human touch

    French animation director Ugo Bienvenu, whose hand-drawn film ‘Arco’ has earned an Oscar nomination, has taken a firm stance against artificial intelligence in artistic creation. The 38-year-old filmmaker argues that society’s growing reliance on AI represents an intellectual and creative danger rather than progress.

    Bienvenu’s science fiction film presents a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature, deliberately excluding the robots and AI systems that dominate contemporary technological discourse. The director told AFP that his approach to science fiction serves as a deliberate counterpoint to current trends: ‘That’s why I make science fiction. It was to say to this generation: Maybe there are other paths, maybe there are other things to imagine.’

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has maintained a neutral position on AI technology in its Oscar consideration process. In April, the organization stated that ‘Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination,’ emphasizing that human creative authorship remains the central criterion for judgment.

    This season, two Oscar-eligible animated shorts that openly used AI failed to secure nominations. Bienvenu suggests this reflects broader industry skepticism, noting that conversations at the Oscars nominees luncheon in Beverly Hills revealed widespread resistance to AI implementation. ‘Everyone is more or less on the same page,’ he observed. ‘Nobody really wants to use it.’

    The director joins a growing chorus of entertainment industry figures expressing concern about AI’s impact on creativity. In January, over 800 creatives including Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, and Guillermo Del Toro signed an open letter accusing AI companies of ‘theft.’ Del Toro, whose ‘Frankenstein’ adaptation competes for best picture this year, previously called AI-generated animation ‘an insult to life itself.’

    Bienvenu warns that AI dependency risks intellectual weakening and the erosion of human experience. ‘It’s not about protecting our jobs, it’s about what makes us human,’ he asserts. The director believes fiction serves a crucial emotional purpose, helping people process life experiences without collapsing under pressure.

    The filmmaker also highlights the physical and environmental costs of AI technology, suggesting that companies should be taxed for the massive water consumption required to cool server farms. One recent study found that AI’s water usage exceeds global bottled water consumption annually. ‘AI isn’t free,’ Bienvenu concludes. ‘It has physical repercussions and impacts on our subconscious.’

  • China sets a lower economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year

    China sets a lower economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year

    BEIJING — In a strategic move to navigate complex domestic and global economic challenges, the Chinese government has established a flexible growth target range of 4.5% to 5% for the current fiscal year. The announcement was delivered by Premier Li Qiang on Thursday during his keynote address at the inaugural session of the National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislative body.

    This calibrated objective represents a modest downward adjustment from the consistent 5% benchmark maintained over the preceding three years. The decision reflects a pragmatic approach by policymakers confronting a protracted downturn in the real estate sector, persistent external uncertainties, and fluctuating international demand.

    Analysts interpret the introduction of a target band, as opposed to a fixed figure, as a deliberate policy mechanism. It grants authorities enhanced operational flexibility to implement responsive fiscal and monetary measures throughout the year, adapting to evolving economic conditions. The official government work report explicitly framed the goal as aiming for the upper limit of this range, “while striving for better in practice,” signaling an underlying ambition to maximize performance.

    The revised target follows an official economic expansion of precisely 5% in 2023. This new guidance is widely perceived as an effort to balance the dual objectives of sustaining stable development and managing systemic risks, particularly those emanating from the beleaguered property market and trade tensions.

  • Exclusive: Iranian girls killed by ‘double-tap’ strikes on Minab school

    Exclusive: Iranian girls killed by ‘double-tap’ strikes on Minab school

    A horrific attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, has resulted in the deaths of 165 individuals, predominantly girls aged 7-12, according to local officials. Multiple firsthand accounts from first responders and grieving parents describe a ‘double-tap’ strike pattern, with a second missile deliberately targeting survivors and rescue personnel.

    Eyewitness accounts from Red Crescent medics reveal a devastating sequence of events. Following an initial explosion, school administrators moved students to a prayer hall for safety and contacted parents for evacuation. The second strike then targeted this exact shelter area, resulting in catastrophic casualties. Approximately 170 students were present during the Saturday morning attack, which coincided with broader US-Israeli military operations against Iranian targets.

    The attack’s aftermath revealed scenes of utter destruction. A Red Crescent medic described encountering ‘bodies without heads, without hands, without legs,’ with dozens of severed limbs scattered throughout the school grounds. The devastation was so severe that 69 victims remain unidentified, requiring DNA testing for proper identification. Some parents could only recognize their children through personal effects such as gold bracelets or school bags.

    Rohollah, father of a slain student, recounted receiving a call from the school after the first strike. His daughter had survived the initial explosion only to be killed in the second attack while sheltering in the prayer hall. ‘We could only identify her from her school bag, which she was still holding. She was completely burned,’ he told Middle East Eye.

    The term ‘double-tap strike’ describes a military tactic considered a war crime under international law, previously documented in conflicts involving US and Israeli forces. Social media videos from Tehran and other locations suggest similar attack patterns occurring throughout Iran during recent hostilities.

    While some misinformation circulated suggesting Iranian forces bombed the school, this has been conclusively debunked. Satellite imagery confirms separate strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities approximately 200 meters from the school, but analysis indicates these could not have caused the catastrophic damage sustained by the educational facility.

    The international community has responded with outrage. A UN panel of experts has labeled the school attack ‘deeply disturbing’ and demanded investigation. Iran’s UN ambassador has formally characterized the incident as ‘unjustifiable’ and ‘criminal’ in communications to human rights officials. Both US and Israeli authorities have acknowledged they are investigating the incident but have not responded to specific allegations regarding the double-tap strike pattern.

  • World shares are mixed as oil prices climb higher and Iran launches new attacks

    World shares are mixed as oil prices climb higher and Iran launches new attacks

    Financial markets experienced significant turbulence on Thursday as escalating Middle East hostilities triggered a complex interplay between risk aversion and opportunistic buying. While Asian and European indices posted modest gains, U.S. futures declined following Iran’s renewed missile attacks against Israeli and American targets, marking the sixth day of intensified conflict.

    The immediate market impact manifested through energy markets, with Brent crude surging 1.8% to $82.87 per barrel and U.S. benchmark crude jumping 2.1% to $76.31. This oil price spike renewed inflation concerns and created uncertainty about corporate profitability, particularly as Iran threatened further retaliation and religious leaders issued inflammatory statements.

    Asian markets demonstrated remarkable resilience despite the geopolitical backdrop. South Korea’s Kospi staged a dramatic recovery, soaring 9.6% to 5,583.90 after Wednesday’s historic plunge, triggering multiple trading halts as investors sought bargains. The government responded with emergency measures, activating a 100 trillion won ($68.5 billion) financial stabilization package to curb volatility.

    Other regional markets followed suit with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 advancing 1.9%, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rising 0.4%, and Taiwan’s main index gaining 2.6%. In China, the Hang Seng climbed 0.3% as Premier Li Qiang announced a 4.5-5% growth target at the National People’s Congress, alongside a 7% increase in military spending.

    European markets showed cautious optimism with Germany’s DAX rising 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 up 0.3%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 adding 0.4%. This contrasted with U.S. futures, where Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 0.2% and S&P 500 futures declined 0.1%.

    The dollar strengthened to 157.16 yen, reflecting its status as a safe-haven currency during geopolitical uncertainty. Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management noted that ‘the dollar remains the market’s preferred storm shelter’ during periods of global uncertainty, as capital gravitates toward the deepest liquidity pools.

    Market analysts characterized the previous day’s U.S. rally as a ‘classic relief rally’ rather than a sustained turnaround, with investors remaining cautious about prolonged conflict implications for inflation and economic stability.

  • Fisherman’s body pulled from water at Lord Howe Island

    Fisherman’s body pulled from water at Lord Howe Island

    A devastating maritime incident has resulted in the death of a fisherman in the waters surrounding Australia’s remote Lord Howe Island. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when emergency services were alerted to a body sighted floating near Clear Place Point along the island’s eastern coastline.

    New South Wales police confirmed that responders were dispatched approximately at 5:00 PM following a triple-0 emergency call reporting the discovery. The victim, identified as a 51-year-old man, was located in proximity to a rock fishing platform where personal angling equipment was subsequently found.

    Despite immediate recovery efforts conducted jointly by NSW Police and State Emergency Service personnel, medical professionals at Gower Wilson Memorial Hospital were unable to resuscitate the fisherman upon arrival. The body has been transferred to hospital facilities while authorities commence standard investigative procedures.

    As an official territory under the administration of the Lord Howe Island Board—which operates under the jurisdiction of the NSW state government—the island now becomes the focus of a coronial investigation led by NSW Police. Standard protocol requires that all evidence and circumstances surrounding the death be documented for the coroner’s review.

    The picturesque island territory, situated nearly 800 kilometers northeast of Sydney, is renowned for its world heritage status and pristine natural environment, though its rugged coastal geography presents significant hazards for shoreline anglers. This incident marks another sobering reminder of the dangers associated with rock fishing activities around Australia’s coastline.

  • ‘It’s like walking on your hands’: South Sydney’s left edge is the stuff of nightmares for rival teams, but ‘don’t sleep’ on the other side

    ‘It’s like walking on your hands’: South Sydney’s left edge is the stuff of nightmares for rival teams, but ‘don’t sleep’ on the other side

    South Sydney Rabbitohs are preparing to deploy what commentators have dubbed their ‘Avengers’ formation on the left edge for the upcoming NRL season opener, presenting what appears to be an unstoppable offensive arsenal. The team’s reconstructed left flank features try-scoring phenomenon Alex Johnston on the wing, superstar Latrell Mitchell at center, newly acquired powerhouse David Fifita in the back row, and veteran playmaker Cody Walker directing operations at five-eighth.

    This assembly of elite talent represents a dramatic turnaround from last season’s injury-plagued campaign, with Walker expressing particular excitement about witnessing their coordinated firepower in official competition after recovering from his own physical setbacks. Early trial matches against Manly provided encouraging glimpses of the formation’s potential, though Walker emphasized the strategic balance required between both sides of the field.

    While media attention has focused overwhelmingly on the star-studded left edge, Jack Wighton has issued a pointed warning to opponents about underestimating the right flank. The former Raider, who has spent virtually his entire career on the left side, finds himself in an unfamiliar role at right center, describing the adjustment as ‘like walking on your hands every week.’

    Wighton humorously noted the technical challenges of his positional switch, explaining that ‘everything’s back to front’ regarding passing, stepping, and palming techniques. Despite the learning curve, the seasoned player embraced the team-first mentality while promising that the right edge would serve as the hard-working foundation enabling the left’s flashy offensive production.

    With halfback Jamie Humphreys suspended, young Ashton Ward steps into the pivotal playmaking role alongside the dominant Walker. Wighton praised the rookie’s development and growing confidence in organizing the team and managing field position, highlighting Ward’s effective communication with forwards and ability to secure repeat sets during preparatory sessions.

  • US shifting from precision munitions to 2,000-pound bombs in Iran war, Hegseth says

    US shifting from precision munitions to 2,000-pound bombs in Iran war, Hegseth says

    The United States is transitioning to extensive deployment of conventional gravity bombs following assessments indicating significant degradation of Iranian air defense capabilities, according to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s Wednesday announcement.

    This strategic shift comes as Washington confronts dwindling precision weapon inventories while maintaining aerial superiority over Iranian airspace. The new operational approach will utilize 500-pound, 1,000-pound, and 2,000-pound GPS and laser-guided bombs from what Hegseth described as a ‘nearly unlimited stockpile.’

    The decision marks a substantial tactical departure from previous reliance on sophisticated standoff munitions including cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles. While these advanced systems minimized pilot exposure to enemy defenses, their production demands greater time and financial resources compared to conventional gravity bombs.

    This development follows Middle East Eye’s exclusive reporting that Iran secured Chinese surface-to-air defense systems after the June 2025 US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Despite US claims of complete air dominance, recent incidents suggest lingering Iranian capabilities—including Wednesday’s engagement where an Israeli F-35 reportedly shot down a Russian-made Yak-130 trainer aircraft operated by Iranian forces.

    Military analysts note the bomb strategy serves dual purposes: preserving precision missile inventories while leveraging cheaper alternatives made viable by suppressed air defenses. However, regional allies face growing concerns regarding interceptor shortages as Gulf states exhaust expensive air defense systems protecting urban centers against Iranian retaliation.

    The Pentagon faces global interceptor shortages, leaving Gulf partners awaiting replenishment while Iran simultaneously conserves its advanced ballistic missiles through increased deployment of lower-cost Shahed drones.

  • Israeli security forces believe Iran government ‘not close to collapse’

    Israeli security forces believe Iran government ‘not close to collapse’

    Israeli security officials have concluded that Iran’s ruling establishment remains functionally intact and shows no immediate signs of collapse despite sustaining substantial losses from coordinated US-Israeli military strikes, according to a report by Walla news. A military source within Israeli security forces indicated that Iranian authorities have adapted strategies based on lessons learned during the June 2025 conflict with Israel. While acknowledging Tehran’s military capabilities operate at a ‘moderate to weak’ level with evident operational confusion and significant challenges, the source emphasized that Iran maintains sufficient operational continuity and possesses ready replacements for any eliminated figures. The assessment notes Iran has encountered substantial difficulties in directing precision missile attacks against Israeli targets, resulting in a strategic shift toward increased attacks on Arab Gulf nations. This evaluation emerges amid conflicting statements from US and Israeli leadership regarding ultimate war objectives. President Donald Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to preventing a nuclear-armed Iran while explicitly encouraging citizens to overthrow their government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments predicting a ‘quick and decisive’ action to enable democratic government transition. Conversely, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth contradicted this narrative, denying regime change constitutes official war policy. Military officials confirmed approximately 3,500 combined strikes against Iranian targets, while Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies reported Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles and 100 drones toward Israel across 123 attack waves, alongside significantly larger deployments—500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones—targeting Gulf Arab states, particularly the UAE, indicating Tehran prioritizes regional neighbors despite identifying Israel as its primary adversary.

  • Venezuela and US to work together on mining developments, Rodríguez says

    Venezuela and US to work together on mining developments, Rodríguez says

    In a significant diplomatic development, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have announced a collaborative framework to revitalize Venezuela’s mining sector. The high-level meeting at Caracas’ presidential palace marks the second visit by a U.S. cabinet official since the January military operation that resulted in the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro.

    The Rodríguez administration, following recent reforms to attract foreign investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, is now preparing similar legislative changes for mineral extraction. Although specific details remain undisclosed, Congressional leader Jorge Rodríguez (the interim president’s brother) confirmed the reforms would permit major international corporations to exploit Venezuela’s substantial deposits of gold, diamonds, and critical rare earth elements essential for electronic manufacturing.

    This cooperation emerges against a complex backdrop of environmental concerns and criminal allegations. Illegal mining operations have proliferated across Venezuela, drawing condemnation from environmental groups for causing widespread deforestation and pollution. These illicit activities have frequently been linked to criminal organizations and corruption within the previous administration.

    The United States has formally accused Maduro—currently awaiting trial in the U.S. scheduled for later this month—and his associates of operating a criminal network involved in illegal mining and drug trafficking. Maduro has consistently denied these allegations.

    President Trump praised the interim government’s performance, stating Rodríguez is doing a “great job” and maintaining productive relations with U.S. officials. He characterized the bilateral relationship as “wonderful” and highlighted American benefits from accessing “hundreds of millions of barrels of oil” while promising to “make life wonderful for the people of Venezuela.”

    Despite the political transition, the presidential palace remains adorned with portraits of Maduro, including new posters featuring him and his wife with the hashtag “We want them back.”

    In a joint press conference following the meetings, Rodríguez urged Venezuelan legislators to support the impending reforms to enable foreign investment. She notably claimed Venezuela was receiving “top marks… 20 out of 20” in its cooperation with international partners.

    The delegation included representatives from more than two dozen American mining companies, described by Burgum as “some of the biggest, strongest, best mining and minerals companies in the world.” He emphasized that these corporations represent “billions of dollars” in potential investment and the creation of thousands of high-paying jobs for Venezuelans.