Global Pulse

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  • Sri Lanka’s Independence Day: Rebuilding economy, confidence and stability

    Sri Lanka’s Independence Day: Rebuilding economy, confidence and stability

    Sri Lanka commemorated its 78th Independence Day with a dual focus on national recovery and international diplomacy, as articulated by top diplomatic representatives in the United Arab Emirates. Ambassador Dr. Arusha Cooray and Consul General Alexi Gunasekera delivered substantive messages highlighting the nation’s transformative journey toward economic stability and reinforced bilateral ties.

    The anniversary carries profound significance as Sri Lanka navigates a critical phase of economic reconstruction and national renewal. Diplomatic communications emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable development frameworks, comprehensive economic reforms, and creating environments conducive to innovation and foreign investment. The resilience demonstrated by Sri Lankan citizens during recent challenges was recognized as fundamental to the nation’s progressive trajectory.

    A central theme emerged regarding the strategic partnership with the UAE, characterized as a relationship built upon mutual respect and decades of multilateral cooperation. The UAE’s provision of humanitarian assistance during recent natural disasters, including flood relief operations and cyclone response initiatives, was specifically acknowledged as demonstrating the depth of bilateral solidarity.

    Current bilateral cooperation spans multiple high-potential sectors including renewable energy infrastructure, tourism development, logistics modernization, technological innovation, and food security systems. The substantial contributions of the Sri Lankan expatriate community in the UAE were highlighted as vital to both nations’ economic ecosystems.

    Diplomatic messages conveyed optimistic projections for future collaboration, envisioning enhanced economic partnerships that mutually benefit both nations’ development objectives. The communications concluded with national greetings to Sri Lankan communities worldwide and reaffirmations of commitment to building a prosperous, unified future through international cooperation and domestic resilience.

  • Blindfolded, beaten, humiliated: How Israeli forces abused Palestinians returning to Gaza

    Blindfolded, beaten, humiliated: How Israeli forces abused Palestinians returning to Gaza

    The partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing, the first since May 2024, has been marred by reports of systematic harassment and intimidation against Palestinian returnees. Under a new arrangement heavily restricted by Israeli authorities, returning Palestinians are subjected to intense scrutiny, prolonged interrogations, and confiscation of essential belongings.

    Huda Abu Abed, a 57-year-old heart patient, became one of the first to experience this new reality. After being evacuated to Egypt for urgent medical treatment during the conflict, she was among just 12 people who successfully completed the return journey on Monday. While Egyptian officials treated them “with dignity,” Abu Abed described the treatment on the Palestinian side as “the worst.”

    The process involves multiple layers of inspection: first by Palestinian staff and European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) supervisors, then by Israeli-backed militias, and finally by the Israeli army itself. Returnees reported having all non-clothing items confiscated, including essential medications, mobile phones, and children’s toys. Abu Abed begged for hours to recover her personal phone containing family photos and critical information.

    Even after clearing inspections, returnees must await Israeli approval simply to enter their own country. The new restrictions impose a strict daily quota of only 50 returnees to Gaza, creating a massive backlog. With approximately 30,000 Palestinians registered to return in Cairo alone, and tens of thousands more stranded elsewhere, the current system would require nearly two years to process existing cases.

    The most disturbing accounts emerge from interrogations conducted by Israeli forces. Abu Abed described being blindfolded, handcuffed, and subjected to hours of questioning by masked officers who demanded information about Hamas affiliations. Her daughter, Rotana Atiyya al-Raqb, was reportedly beaten and humiliated in a separate room. Another returnee, Sabah Ismail al-Raqb, was doused with cold water and threatened with detention unless she agreed to collaborate with authorities.

    These operations occur with the involvement of Israeli-backed militias, including one led by Ghassan al-Dahini, a criminal with past connections to Islamic State. The militia network, opposed to Hamas, operates with Israeli backing in eastern Rafah.

    The reopening follows the October ceasefire agreement that required Israel to reopen Rafah during its first phase. Israeli officials had conditioned this on the recovery of the last captive’s body, which was accomplished last week. However, the resulting arrangement appears designed to create maximum discomfort for returnees, with many believing the systematic harassment aims to discourage Palestinians from returning to Gaza altogether.

  • Epstein files: Ex-Israeli PM urged Putin to send ‘one million’ Russians to dilute Palestinian presence

    Epstein files: Ex-Israeli PM urged Putin to send ‘one million’ Russians to dilute Palestinian presence

    A clandestine recording from February 2015 has surfaced featuring former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak discussing demographic engineering strategies with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The explosive audio reveals Barak’s account of lobbying Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate the emigration of “one more million Russians” to Israel, explicitly stating this migration would “change Israel in a dramatic, dramatic manner” by diluting the Palestinian demographic presence.

    Barak, whose own family origins trace to Eastern European Jewish settlers, elaborated on his vision for selective migration policies, emphasizing the need to “control the quality” of future Russian settlers. His comments reveal deep-seated ethnic hierarchies within Israeli society, particularly regarding the approximately one million Soviet immigrants who arrived in the 1990s—less than half of whom were recognized as Jewish under orthodox law by 2005.

    The recording captures Barak outlining plans to challenge orthodox religious authority, proposing to “break the monopoly of the orthodox rabbinate on marriage and funerals and whatever, and the definition of a Jew” through sophisticated conversion processes. He suggested that many Russians could settle without conversion as a precondition, anticipating that “social pressure” would eventually lead to their adaptation.

    Barak’s remarks expose historical tensions between Ashkenazi leadership and Jews from Arab and Muslim countries, whom he described as having been accepted out of necessity during Israel’s founding era. He explicitly ranked minority groups deserving of equality, prioritizing Druze communities (approximately 1% of the population) for their military service, followed by Christian minorities (approximately 2%) for their educational achievements.

    The recording further reveals Barak’s concerning association with Epstein, including over 30 visits to Epstein’s New York townhouse between 2013-2017. An FBI memo separately noted that Epstein “trained as a spy under him,” adding another layer to their decade-long relationship. The context of their discussion—with Epstein heard chuckling as Barak mentioned “young girls who can’t talk”—takes on disturbing significance given Epstein’s trafficking of Russian women to powerful figures.

  • Erdogan seals Kante transfer to Fenerbahce in talks with Saudi crown prince

    Erdogan seals Kante transfer to Fenerbahce in talks with Saudi crown prince

    In an extraordinary demonstration of sports diplomacy, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leveraged his state visit to Saudi Arabia to facilitate French midfielder N’Golo Kante’s high-profile transfer from Al-Ittihad to Fenerbahce FC.

    During Tuesday’s diplomatic meetings in Riyadh, President Erdogan personally raised the transfer negotiations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to multiple Turkish media reports. The presidential intervention came after Fenerbahce board members contacted Erdogan’s delegation prior to the Saudi visit, briefing him on the stalled transfer process.

    Journalist Burak Dogan, citing insider sources, revealed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accommodated Erdogan’s request by instructing Al-Ittihad and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to resume negotiations and finalize the agreement. The Saudi club subsequently confirmed the transfer through an official press statement.

    The financial terms reflect a significant compromise from Kante, who will receive a net annual salary of €8 million at Fenerbahce—substantially less than the €24-25 million he earned in Saudi Arabia. The clubs agreed to a €4 million transfer fee to settle the remainder of Kante’s contract with Al-Ittihad, according to Sky Sport reports.

    Kante departs Saudi Arabia after a successful stint where he helped Al-Ittihad secure both the Saudi Pro League title and the King’s Cup. During the 2024-25 season, the French international recorded four goals and four assists across 35 matches in all competitions.

    Fenerbahce officially acknowledged Erdogan’s involvement in a press release, extending “sincere gratitude” for the president’s “valuable support” in ensuring the transfer’s successful conclusion. Erdogan is known to be a supporter of Fenerbahce, one of Istanbul’s historic “Big Four” football clubs.

  • Over 50,000 arrested in Iran protest crackdown, reveals rights group

    Over 50,000 arrested in Iran protest crackdown, reveals rights group

    Iranian authorities have initiated one of the most extensive suppression campaigns in recent history, with independent monitoring groups reporting more than 50,000 citizens detained during nationwide protests. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a U.S.-based organization, documented at least 50,235 arrests connected to demonstrations that reached their peak intensity on January 8-9 before gradually diminishing.

    The crackdown has targeted diverse segments of Iranian society, including students, intellectuals, educators, and cultural figures. Security forces have conducted widespread home invasions, confiscating personal property during arrest operations. Most alarmingly, HRANA has verified over 300 instances where detainees were coerced into televised confessions through physical and psychological torture techniques.

    Amnesty International has corroborated these findings, warning that thousands of apprehended individuals, including minors, face severe risks of enforced disappearance, systematic torture, fatal outcomes in detention facilities, and arbitrary executions following unjust judicial proceedings. The judicial apparatus, under leadership of Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has explicitly promised zero leniency toward protesters, with many facing capital charges.

    Recent high-profile arrests include Mehdi Mahmoudian, screenwriter for Jafar Panahi’s Oscar-nominated film ‘It was Just an Accident,’ which recently earned the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Festival. Simultaneously, authorities detained Abdollah Momeni and women’s rights advocate Vida Rabbani after they endorsed a collective statement condemning what they termed “organized state crimes against humanity.”

    The situation remains particularly dire for Nobel Peace Laureate Narges Mohammadi, arrested during December demonstrations preceding the current protest wave. Mohammadi has been permitted only one monitored telephone communication with relatives since her detention, with authorities imposing strict censorship conditions on future contacts that she has refused to accept.

  • iBLOXX secures Dh20 million funding for StrayShot launch

    iBLOXX secures Dh20 million funding for StrayShot launch

    DUBAI, UAE – iBLOXX Studios DMCC, a prominent game development company operating within Dubai’s DMCC free zone, has successfully secured Dh20 million (approximately $5.4 million) in strategic funding to finalize development and launch operations for its upcoming mobile-first third-person shooter, StrayShot.

    The substantial investment will be strategically allocated across multiple critical areas including advanced game development, comprehensive marketing initiatives, multi-platform distribution, and live operations management. Additionally, the funding will support the planned expansion of StrayShot to console platforms following its mobile release.

    StrayShot represents a technically innovative approach to mobile gaming, specifically optimized for performance on lower-end devices while maintaining high-quality visuals and gameplay. The game features multiple engaging modes including Battle Royale, Team Deathmatch, and Extraction scenarios, all set within the fictional conflict zone of Sierra Verde. Players assume the roles of mercenaries competing against both rival players and the dangerous El Fuego cartel.

    A distinctive aspect of StrayShot’s design incorporates blockchain integration, enabling true ownership and trading of in-game assets through blockchain technology. The game is currently undergoing closed testing phases with select participants.

    iBLOXX Studios maintains significant strategic positioning within Dubai’s growing gaming ecosystem. The company operates as part of the DMCC Gaming Centre and actively participates in the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG33), a government initiative aimed at establishing Dubai as a global gaming hub. The studio has established partnerships with the Dubai Future Foundation, Xsolla payment solutions, and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, previously receiving sponsorship to represent Dubai at Gamescom, the world’s largest gaming event.

    Domenik Maier, CEO of iBLOXX Studios, emphasized the significance of the funding: “This capital infusion enables us to bring StrayShot to market with the level of quality and operational readiness that modern players expect and deserve. This investment validates our approach to creating accessible yet technologically advanced gaming experiences.”

    The successful funding round demonstrates growing investor confidence in Dubai’s emerging gaming industry and the Middle East’s rapidly expanding mobile gaming market, which represents one of the fastest-growing segments in the global gaming industry.

  • Argentina requests extradition of Maduro from the US on crimes against humanity charges

    Argentina requests extradition of Maduro from the US on crimes against humanity charges

    An Argentine federal judge has formally requested the United States to extradite former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to face charges of crimes against humanity. The extraordinary legal maneuver comes weeks after Maduro’s capture by U.S. military forces and his subsequent detention in New York on separate narco-terrorism allegations.

    Judge Sebastián Ramos issued the extradition warrant on Wednesday, invoking Argentina’s principle of universal jurisdiction that enables prosecution of severe international crimes regardless of where they were committed. The case, initially filed in Buenos Aires in 2023 by human rights organizations representing Venezuelan victims, alleges Maduro oversaw systematic repression against political opponents and protesters during his presidency.

    The plaintiffs include Venezuelan citizens who suffered torture, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearance at the hands of state security forces. Argentina’s foreign ministry must now present the formal request to the Trump administration, though legal experts consider compliance unlikely given Maduro’s ongoing federal trial in Brooklyn for allegedly facilitating the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States over two decades.

    Argentina has emerged as a unique jurisdiction for international human rights cases, with its legal system permitting investigation of crimes against humanity beyond its borders. The South American nation has previously pursued cases ranging from atrocities under Spain’s Franco dictatorship to military violence against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

    The development has received endorsement from Argentina’s right-wing President Javier Milei, a prominent regional ally of Donald Trump who applauded the U.S. military operation that captured Maduro on January 3rd. Human rights organizations have hailed the extradition request as a significant milestone for victims seeking accountability, with the Argentine Forum for the Defense of Democracy praising the courageous stance against powerful figures.

  • Sharjah Police warns of Emirates Road accident causing nearly 30-minute delay

    Sharjah Police warns of Emirates Road accident causing nearly 30-minute delay

    Sharjah Police authorities have issued an urgent traffic advisory following a significant collision on Emirates Road (E611) that has resulted in substantial delays for commuters. The incident occurred near Bridge number 7 in the direction toward Badaa Bridge, creating major obstructions along this critical transportation artery.

    Real-time data from Google Maps indicates severe congestion throughout the affected sector, with extensive portions of the roadway displayed in red, signaling heavily compromised traffic flow. Current estimates suggest motorists are experiencing delays of approximately 29 minutes due to the accident’s impact on traffic patterns.

    Law enforcement officials have actively encouraged drivers to exercise extreme caution when approaching the vicinity and strongly recommend utilizing alternative routes to circumvent the affected area. This proactive advisory aims to minimize further congestion and ensure public safety while emergency services manage the situation.

    The traffic disruption highlights the vulnerability of key transportation infrastructure to single incidents and demonstrates the importance of coordinated emergency response systems. Such events significantly impact daily commutes and commercial transportation throughout the region, emphasizing the need for robust traffic management protocols.

  • Church fresco resembling Italian PM has face scrubbed out

    Church fresco resembling Italian PM has face scrubbed out

    An artistic restoration project at Rome’s Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina has ignited controversy and prompted Vatican intervention after a restored angelic fresco bore striking resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The incident began when visitors noticed the freshly repainted cherub’s facial features unmistakably mirrored those of the right-wing leader, sparking widespread attention and debate.

    Eighty-three-year-old artist Bruno Valentinetti, who originally created the fresco in 2000 and was commissioned to restore it following water damage, initially denied intentional similarity but later acknowledged the likeness. Valentinetti claimed he received direct instructions from Vatican authorities to obscure the controversial face, which he subsequently executed through crude overpainting that left the angel featureless.

    Cardinal Baldassare Reina of Rome issued a strongly worded statement expressing profound disappointment, emphasizing that ‘images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited.’ The Diocese of Rome has announced plans to properly restore the artwork to its original iconography following consultation with cultural preservation authorities.

    The basilica, located merely five minutes from Meloni’s government office, experienced unusual visitor traffic as curious onlookers sought to photograph the controversial artwork. Reverend Daniele Micheletti, the church’s priest, noted that many visitors came specifically to take selfies rather than for prayer, fundamentally altering the sacred atmosphere of the historic site.

    Prime Minister Meloni responded to the controversy with humor on Instagram, posting that she was ‘definitely not like an angel’ accompanied by laughing emojis. Meanwhile, Italy’s cultural heritage protection agency has mandated that any future restoration work must receive official authorization and submit preliminary sketches for approval.

    The Baroque-era Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, housing works by masters including Bernini and Reni, now finds its contemporary artwork subject to unprecedented bureaucratic oversight despite the 2000 fresco not holding protected heritage status.

  • Zimbabwe’s Mugabe latest former African leader to be mentioned in Epstein files

    Zimbabwe’s Mugabe latest former African leader to be mentioned in Epstein files

    Newly unsealed court documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case have revealed potential financial connections between the convicted sex offender and Zimbabwe’s late President Robert Mugabe. The documents, released by the US Department of Justice, contain email correspondence suggesting Epstein contemplated engaging with Mugabe’s administration during Zimbabwe’s severe economic crisis.

    In a 2015 email exchange with Japanese entrepreneur Joi Ito, Epstein proposed approaching then-President Mugabe to provide Zimbabwe with a new currency following the collapse of the local dollar due to hyperinflation. When Ito questioned whether Epstein had existing ties to Mugabe, Epstein responded that he could “easily get his attention” and described Zimbabwe as a “great petrie dish” for such financial endeavors.

    Separate FBI documents from 2017 contain unverified testimony from a confidential human source claiming Epstein served as a wealth manager for both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Robert Mugabe. These allegations remain uncorroborated and being named in the Epstein files does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.

    The revelations present potential legal complications, as Mugabe had been under US sanctions since 2003, prohibiting American companies and citizens from conducting financial transactions with him. Had Epstein provided financial services to Mugabe, he would have been violating these sanctions.

    Additional correspondence within the files includes a 2012 email that incorrectly reported Mugabe was on his deathbed in Italy. The sender, identified only as “Jonathan,” sought Epstein’s contacts in Zimbabwe, suggesting investment opportunities if Mugabe’s rule was ending. Mugabe, then 88, appeared healthy days later upon returning from Singapore to lead independence celebrations.

    Zimbabwe continues to be governed by Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party and has struggled with inflation for decades after abandoning the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009. The country recently introduced a gold-backed currency called the Zig, which has shown signs of stabilizing the economy after initial difficulties.

    Both Mugabe, who died in 2019 at age 95, and Epstein, who died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, are unable to respond to these allegations. The BBC has contacted both the Mugabe family and the FBI for additional information regarding these documents.