Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Exclusive: Ex-PCB chief recalls the day India-Pakistan cricket collapsed

    Exclusive: Ex-PCB chief recalls the day India-Pakistan cricket collapsed

    The high-stakes world of international cricket faces its most significant political crisis in years as Pakistan’s government-backed boycott of the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India exposes deep fractures within the sport’s governance. The decision, taken in solidarity with Bangladesh after their removal from the tournament, threatens to derail cricket’s most lucrative rivalry that generates approximately $400 million per match.

    Najam Sethi, former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman with three separate tenures, provided exclusive insight to Khaleej Times regarding the escalating confrontation between Pakistan and the International Cricket Council. According to Sethi, Pakistan’s protest stems from perceived inconsistent application of ICC regulations, particularly referencing the precedent set when India’s matches were relocated to Dubai during the 2025 Champions Trophy due to security concerns.

    The veteran administrator revealed startling behind-the-scenes details of cricket diplomacy, including a 2015 incident where Pakistani officials were allegedly humiliated during a trip to Mumbai. “They received us at the airport, brought us to the hotel, and asked us to wait,” Sethi recounted. “Three hours later, they told us the meeting had been cancelled and police were waiting outside to take us back to the airport.”

    The current standoff represents a dramatic escalation in cricket’s geopolitical tensions. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly endorsed the boycott, characterizing it as a stance against unfair treatment. Sethi suggests informal backchannel negotiations are underway between ICC representatives and Pakistani officials, though he acknowledges the challenging dynamics given the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s considerable influence within international cricket.

    With the Olympics potentially welcoming cricket in 2028, Sethi warns that the sport’s governing body risks damaging its credibility through perceived political bias. “The Olympics will never tolerate a politicized ICC,” he emphasized, noting that the timing of this confrontation could jeopardize cricket’s Olympic aspirations.

    The situation remains fluid with February 15 looming as a critical deadline. Should Pakistan maintain their position and refuse to play India in potential knockout matches, the ICC faces unprecedented disciplinary decisions that could reshape international cricket’s power structure.

  • UAE warns citizens in Spain to exercise caution amid severe weather conditions

    UAE warns citizens in Spain to exercise caution amid severe weather conditions

    The United Arab Emirates embassy in Madrid has issued an urgent advisory to its citizens residing in Spain, urging heightened vigilance as severe weather conditions approach the Iberian Peninsula. Meteorological authorities forecast that Storm Leonard will bring dangerous conditions to multiple Spanish regions, particularly affecting the capital Madrid and surrounding areas, with Andalusia and Galicia expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s impact.

    The diplomatic mission emphasized the critical importance of adhering to all safety protocols and instructions disseminated by local Spanish authorities. In a proactive measure to ensure citizen safety, the embassy strongly encouraged registration with the Tawajudi service, a dedicated platform designed to assist Emirati nationals during emergencies abroad.

    For immediate assistance during weather-related emergencies, the embassy provided direct contact numbers: 0097180024 and 0097180044444. This alert follows similar recent warnings issued by UAE diplomatic missions in other countries experiencing extreme weather events, demonstrating the nation’s comprehensive approach to overseas citizen protection.

    The advisory comes amid increasing frequency of severe meteorological phenomena across Europe, with Storm Leonard representing the latest in a series of weather systems causing concern for both residents and visitors in the region. The embassy’s communication underscores the UAE’s commitment to proactive citizen welfare initiatives during natural disasters and extreme weather events abroad.

  • Explore ancient and iconic architecture with Beautiful Hebei

    Explore ancient and iconic architecture with Beautiful Hebei

    The tenth installment of the ‘Beautiful Hebei’ visual series offers a breathtaking journey through the province’s rich architectural heritage, showcasing ancient temples, historic towers, and magnificent grottoes through a curated collection of exceptional photography.

    Produced under the auspices of the Hebei Photographers Association, this ambitious project comprises eleven short films that collectively present 198 meticulously selected images. The visual content has been sourced from three primary channels: the association’s extensive archival library, specially commissioned submissions from professional photographers, and targeted collections from relevant cultural organizations.

    This multimedia initiative represents a significant cultural preservation effort, documenting Hebei’s most iconic structures and sacred spaces with unprecedented visual depth. The series not only highlights the architectural diversity spanning different dynasties but also demonstrates sophisticated photographic techniques in capturing the interplay of light, shadow, and form across these ancient edifices.

    Each episode serves as both an artistic presentation and historical documentation, offering viewers virtual access to sites that reflect Hebei’s position as a cradle of Chinese civilization. The project stands as a testament to the province’s enduring cultural significance and the continuing relevance of its architectural traditions in contemporary society.

  • ‘Sitting shuts my brain’: UAE doctors on why standing helps some people think, focus

    ‘Sitting shuts my brain’: UAE doctors on why standing helps some people think, focus

    Medical experts from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute have revealed compelling scientific evidence explaining why prolonged sitting adversely affects both cognitive performance and physical health. According to psychiatry and neurosurgical specialists, the human brain and body are fundamentally designed for movement, not sustained stillness.

    Dr. Muhammad Farhan, Staff Physician at the Psychiatry & Behavioural Health Department, explains that when the body remains stationary for extended periods, the brain receives diminished sensory input from muscles and joints. This reduction in neurological signaling triggers a shift toward a low-energy, drowsy state, significantly impairing mental alertness and focus.

    The physical consequences are equally significant. Dr. Nader Hebala, neurosurgical specialist at the same institute, details how sitting compresses the sciatic nerve—particularly problematic for individuals with existing back conditions or disc issues. The flexed hip position during sitting increases pressure on the nerve pathway, exacerbating pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the lower extremities.

    For individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the challenges are particularly pronounced. Dr. Farhan notes that ADHD brains already operate with lower baseline levels of dopamine and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters critical for attention and focus. Prolonged sitting further depletes these chemicals, while movement naturally stimulates their production. This explains why many with ADHD report significantly improved concentration while standing or walking.

    The research carries important implications for workplace design, education systems, and transportation. Experts suggest implementing regular movement breaks every 30-45 minutes, advocating for sit-stand desks, and reconsidering how environments that mandate sitting—from conferences to long-haul flights—might accommodate neurological diversity.

    Crucially, doctors emphasize that the need for movement transcends mere preference, representing instead a biological requirement for optimal cognitive and physical functioning. They recommend balanced approaches that alternate between sitting and standing, combined with consistent postural changes and movement intervals throughout the day.

  • Mariah Carey’s Olympic act prompts questions about possible lip-syncing and a curious teleprompter

    Mariah Carey’s Olympic act prompts questions about possible lip-syncing and a curious teleprompter

    MILAN — The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan became an instant talking point worldwide following Mariah Carey’s controversial performance of the Italian classic “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu” (commonly known as “Volare”). While the pop icon’s appearance was touted as a major achievement by organizers, it simultaneously ignited heated discussions across digital platforms regarding cultural authenticity and performance integrity.

    The American singer, despite her non-Italian heritage, delivered what ceremony director Maria Laura Iascone described as a “magic moment” during the 3.5-hour spectacle at San Siro stadium. Carey herself expressed excitement about performing in Italian via Instagram, calling it a “dream come true.” However, social media quickly became divided between admirers praising her vocal prowess and critics questioning why an Italian artist wasn’t selected for the honor.

    Scrutiny intensified when spectators noticed an extensive teleprompter providing phonetic guidance for the Italian lyrics (displaying “Voh-lah-reh” for “Volare” and “Nell blue Dee-peen-toe D blue” for the full title). Additionally, online commentators raised suspicions about potential lip-syncing, noting the singer’s occasionally stiff delivery in the foreign language.

    When pressed during Saturday’s press conference, organizers declined to directly address the lip-syncing allegations. Iascone acknowledged the teleprompter’s presence as necessary support for artists performing in non-native languages, emphasizing that pre-recorded backups are standard practice for globally televised events. She confirmed Carey performed without compensation and maintained that organizers were “satisfied with the result.

    The performance controversy contrasted with appearances by authentic Italian voices including tenor Andrea Bocelli, singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, and mezzosoprano Cecilia Bartoli. Carey’s personal connection to the song—she told Vogue it had long been a favorite—added complexity to the discussion about cultural representation versus artistic choice in international ceremonies.

  • ‘I didn’t make a mistake’: Trump won’t apologize for video showing Obamas as apes

    ‘I didn’t make a mistake’: Trump won’t apologize for video showing Obamas as apes

    President Donald Trump has refused to apologize for a racially charged video shared on his Truth Social account that digitally altered former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to appear as dancing primates. The controversial footage, which circulated for approximately 12 hours before being removed, triggered widespread condemnation from both Democratic and Republican officials.

    The White House initially defended the content as an innocuous ‘internet meme’ before reversing position and attributing its publication to staff error. Trump acknowledged awareness of the video’s initial segment concerning alleged voter fraud but claimed unfamiliarity with the offensive conclusion. ‘I didn’t make a mistake,’ the president asserted when pressed by journalists, while simultaneously offering conditional condemnation of the imagery.

    This incident represents the latest in a series of racially provocative actions from the Trump administration. The president has previously promoted the ‘birther’ conspiracy theory questioning Obama’s citizenship and used derogatory language describing developing nations and their populations. Republican Senator Tim Scott, a prominent Black ally, characterized the video as ‘the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House’ in a social media statement.

    Civil rights organizations including the NAACP denounced the footage as ‘blatantly racist, disgusting, and utterly despicable.’ Historical context notes that depicting people of African ancestry as primates has been a recurring tactic in white supremacist propaganda designed to dehumanize Black communities.

    The controversy has raised questions about social media protocols within the administration, particularly regarding which staff members maintain access to the president’s official accounts. White House officials declined to identify the individual responsible for posting the video, though an adviser confirmed Trump had not previewed the content before publication.

  • Pentagon to cut academic ties with Harvard, statement says

    Pentagon to cut academic ties with Harvard, statement says

    The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Friday its decision to terminate all academic partnerships with Harvard University, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing ideological conflict with elite academic institutions. The complete severance will affect military education programs, fellowships, and certificate courses currently offered through the Ivy League university.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth articulated the administration’s position in an official statement, asserting that Harvard had failed to appreciate military values while promoting what he characterized as ‘globalist and radical ideologies.’ The Pentagon’s disengagement will commence in the 2026-2027 academic year, though currently enrolled military personnel will be permitted to complete their studies.

    The decision represents the latest development in a broader campaign against perceived ideological bias in higher education. Secretary Hegseth indicated that the Pentagon would extend its review to all Ivy League institutions, evaluating whether they provide cost-effective strategic education compared to public universities and military graduate programs.

    The administration’s confrontational stance toward Harvard includes legal and financial dimensions. President Trump recently announced his administration would seek $1 billion in damages from the university, citing alleged failures to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests. This follows previous efforts to cut substantial federal funding to the institution and restrict international student admissions.

    Critics, including former Harvard president Lawrence Bacow, have raised concerns about potential erosion of academic freedom. The administration’s actions have sparked debate about the appropriate relationship between government institutions and higher education regarding ideological diversity and institutional autonomy.

  • S Korean crypto firm accidentally pays out $40bn in bitcoin

    S Korean crypto firm accidentally pays out $40bn in bitcoin

    In a staggering administrative error, South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb inadvertently distributed over $40 billion worth of bitcoin to customers on Friday, temporarily transforming hundreds of account holders into instant millionaires. The platform had intended to issue modest cash rewards of 2,000 won (approximately $1.37) but instead credited 2,000 bitcoins to each recipient due to a critical system malfunction.

    The exchange detected the catastrophic error within 35 minutes, immediately implementing trading and withdrawal restrictions for the 695 affected accounts. According to Bithumb’s official statement, the company successfully recovered 99.7% of the erroneously distributed 620,000 bitcoins, emphasizing that the incident resulted from an internal processing error rather than external hacking or security vulnerabilities.

    South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) convened an emergency meeting Saturday to examine the unprecedented incident, warning that any indications of illegal activity would trigger formal investigations. Bithumb CEO Lee Jae-won pledged full cooperation with regulators, acknowledging the need to prioritize customer trust over external growth initiatives.

    As remediation measures, Bithumb announced compensation of 20,000 won ($13.66) for all platform users during the incident period, along with waived trading fees. The exchange committed to implementing enhanced verification systems and artificial intelligence detection mechanisms for abnormal transactions.

    This incident echoes similar high-value financial errors, including Citigroup’s April 2024 miscalculation that erroneously credited $81 trillion instead of $280 to a client account. The Bithumb case is expected to intensify regulatory scrutiny and debate surrounding operational safeguards within cryptocurrency exchanges and traditional financial institutions alike.

  • Dubai schools announce Ramadan 2026 timings, activity schedules

    Dubai schools announce Ramadan 2026 timings, activity schedules

    Educational institutions across Dubai are proactively implementing strategic adjustments for Ramadan 2026, anticipated to commence approximately February 19 pending lunar confirmation. Schools throughout the emirate are currently distributing surveys and operational details to families, facilitating advanced preparation for the holy month’s modified academic schedules and activities.

    At Ambassador School, administrative leadership has established revised operational hours prioritizing community welfare. According to Principal Sheela Menon, the institution will transition to weekday sessions from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with Fridays concluding at 11:30 AM. These temporal adjustments aim to support comfortable fasting observance while sustaining educational engagement. Beyond schedule modifications, the school emphasizes spiritual development through communal Iftar gatherings that foster collective reflection on Ramadan’s significance. Classroom pedagogy will integrate values-based learning focusing on compassion, empathy, and self-reflection, complemented by community service initiatives.

    Regent International School, operating under Fortes Education, demonstrates parallel considerations. Principal David Williams emphasized the institution’s thoughtful and respectful approach, implementing adapted start and finish times alongside pedagogically restructured lessons optimized for shortened days. The school annually solicits parental input regarding Ramadan scheduling through comprehensive surveys, ensuring arrangements align with community needs. Student programming incorporates age-appropriate activities emphasizing empathy, generosity, and service, frequently involving family and community participation.

    The American Academy for Girls embraces Ramadan as both operational adjustment and celebratory occasion. Principal Lisa Johnson characterized the period as fundamentally joyful and community-centered, referencing traditional activities including Hag Al Laila celebrations and the ‘Tahadou Tahabbou’ Secret Pal tradition that cultivate anticipatory excitement while reinforcing values of generosity and communal spirit.

    Across all institutions, academic planning occurs months in advance, with major assessments and events scheduled pre-Ramadan to minimize pressure during the holy month. Educational professionals receive support developing realistic lesson plans and balanced assessments emphasizing qualitative excellence over quantitative volume, creating optimally supportive learning environments throughout Ramadan’s spiritual observance.

  • Delegates attending APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting, related sessions visit Guangzhou

    Delegates attending APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting, related sessions visit Guangzhou

    GUANGZHOU, China – International delegates participating in the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting gained immersive cultural exposure during their visit to Guangzhou’s historic Chen Clan Ancestral Hall on February 6, 2026. The excursion provided diplomatic representatives with hands-on experience in traditional Chinese calligraphy amid the architectural splendor of one of Guangdong Province’s most significant cultural landmarks.

    This cultural diplomacy initiative forms part of China’s comprehensive hosting duties for the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November 2026. The current preliminary sessions, running from February 1-10, establish the foundational framework for the upcoming economic summit where Asia-Pacific leaders will address regional cooperation and global economic challenges.

    The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, renowned for its exquisite traditional Cantonese architecture and status as a protected cultural heritage site, served as an ideal backdrop for cross-cultural exchange. Delegates engaged directly with China’s artistic traditions through calligraphy demonstrations, symbolizing the intersection of cultural preservation and international diplomacy.

    These preliminary meetings in Guangzhou represent critical preparatory work for establishing agenda priorities and policy directives ahead of the main November summit. The cultural component demonstrates China’s approach to diplomacy that blends substantive economic discussions with opportunities for cultural appreciation and mutual understanding among member economies.

    The selection of Guangzhou as host city highlights China’s strategic emphasis on showcasing developed metropolitan centers beyond its capital, presenting the dynamic economic and cultural landscape of southern China to international representatives.