Global Pulse

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  • Police share major update in search for missing mother-of-six Trisha Graf

    Police share major update in search for missing mother-of-six Trisha Graf

    South Australian police have relaunched intensive search operations for Trisha Graf, a 41-year-old mother of six who vanished under mysterious circumstances just days before Christmas last year. The renewed investigation focuses on two critical locations in the remote mining town of Andamooka, approximately 600 kilometers north of Adelaide.

    Ms. Graf was last visually confirmed driving along Dunstan Drive in the early hours of December 12, 2023, following an unusual sequence of events that began with her departure from a Roxby Downs hotel with a companion. During her journey, her white 2012 Ford Territory (SA registration S254 BCX) collided with a kangaroo near the Andamooka Township, though she proceeded with her travel despite the incident.

    The case took a disturbing turn approximately ten hours after her last sighting when her partner and a friend discovered her vehicle inexplicably positioned on a dirt mound adjacent to Blue Dam, east of Andamooka. The car was found in an immobilized state, yet there was no trace of Ms. Graf at the scene.

    Initial search efforts included comprehensive ground examinations of the surrounding wilderness and underwater explorations within the dam itself. Authorities subsequently expanded operations to include aerial surveillance techniques covering broader geographical areas. The investigation was officially elevated to a major crime status in January, reflecting growing concerns about potential criminal involvement.

    After more than two months of exhaustive investigation, police have returned to Andamooka with specific forensic objectives. The current operational strategy involves meticulous examination of a residential property within the township and multiple abandoned mine shafts in the proximate vicinity. These locations were identified through ongoing investigative analysis as areas of heightened interest.

    Law enforcement officials have reiterated their appeal for public assistance, urging anyone with information regarding Ms. Graf’s movements or possible whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers immediately. The case continues to generate significant community concern throughout the region, with family members expressing profound apprehension about her welfare.

  • Four years into its full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia is feeling the effects

    Four years into its full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia is feeling the effects

    The picturesque town of Yelets, located 350km south of Moscow, presents a stark contrast between its traditional charm and the grim realities of Russia’s prolonged military engagement in Ukraine. Beneath the golden domes of Orthodox churches and scenes of ice fishermen on the frozen river, the community grapples with the war’s profound consequences.

    Throughout the town, military recruitment posters offer substantial financial incentives, including one-time payments equivalent to £15,000 for those willing to enlist. These promotional materials feature determined soldiers with Kalashnikovs and slogans proclaiming “We’re there where we need to be.”

    The human cost of the conflict is visibly memorialized in a giant mural covering a nine-story apartment block, depicting five local soldiers killed in combat with the inscription “Glory to the heroes of Russia!” While official casualty figures remain undisclosed by Russian authorities, the proliferation of such memorials across towns and villages indicates significant battlefield losses.

    Local resident Irina, a bus station ticket collector, exemplifies the economic strain affecting ordinary Russians. “Utility bills are suffocating us. Prices are crushing us. It’s very hard to get by,” she explains while acknowledging multiple personal connections to war casualties. Despite financial hardships, she contributes to aid packages for frontline soldiers but expresses confusion about the war’s objectives compared to historical conflicts.

    The security landscape has transformed dramatically since the invasion began in February 2022. With Ukraine’s drone attacks reaching the Lipetsk region, emergency shelters now dot public spaces—a concrete manifestation of conflict that previously didn’t exist. Residents report regular nighttime sirens, prompting makeshift safety measures like moving to windowless corridors.

    Commercial establishments have incorporated war symbolism, with one pancake café displaying the Latin letters V and Z—recognized symbols of the “special military operation”—alongside the provocative slogan “Grab a pancake, then the whole world.”

    Economic pressures continue mounting as Russia’s budget deficit grows. The recent VAT increase from 20% to 22%, officially earmarked for “defence and security” spending, has further strained small businesses. Anastasiya Bykova, a local bakery owner, describes the challenging calculus of rising operational costs: “Imagine we all have to shut down… We try to make our town look good. But if we close, what’s left? Just a dark grey patch.”

    Even among supporters like pensioner Ivan Pavlovich, who declares the operation “excellent,” economic realities temper enthusiasm. “Pensions go up, but then prices go up even more. So, what do I gain? Nothing,” he acknowledges while maintaining support for the military effort.

    As the conflict enters its fifth year, optimism remains scarce among residents who primarily focus on endurance and hope for better times ahead, with many simply hunkering down against continuing economic and social pressures.

  • India battle for World Cup survival after ‘messing up on grand scale’

    India battle for World Cup survival after ‘messing up on grand scale’

    India’s campaign to defend their T20 World Cup title on home soil is in severe jeopardy following a devastating 76-run loss to South Africa. The defeat, witnessed by a stunned crowd of 80,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, has left the team’s semi-final prospects hanging in the balance, dependent on mathematical calculations and decisive victories in their remaining matches.

    The team’s famed batting lineup suffered a catastrophic collapse, skittled for a mere 111 runs while chasing a target of 188. This performance marked a dramatic end to India’s impressive 12-match winning streak in the tournament and severely damaged their net run-rate, which now stands at a desperate -3.8.

    Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate did not mince words in his assessment, labeling the performance a grand-scale failure. He emphasized that the team must now deliver two commanding performances to have any hope of advancing, stating that no one would simply hand them the trophy.

    The loss has exposed critical flaws in the team’s strategy, particularly the ultra-aggressive opening partnership of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, which has failed to produce results. The coaching staff is now faced with tactical dilemmas, including whether to persist with the current aggressive approach, introduce more measured play in the powerplay, or make changes to the batting order.

    Historical trends add further pressure, as no team has ever successfully retained the T20 World Cup or won the tournament on home soil. India’s next challenge comes against Zimbabwe, a team that has already proven its giant-killing capabilities with victories over Australia and Sri Lanka.

  • EU diplomats to meet Board of Peace director over Gaza’s future

    EU diplomats to meet Board of Peace director over Gaza’s future

    European Union foreign ministers convened in Brussels on Monday for crucial discussions with Nikolay Mladenov, Director of the U.S.-backed Board of Peace, highlighting deep divisions within the bloc regarding cooperation with President Donald Trump’s initiative for Gaza’s stabilization and reconstruction. The meeting with Mladenov—a former Bulgarian politician and UN diplomat appointed by Trump—comes amid escalating tensions over the EU’s appropriate role in Middle East peacemaking.

    The gathering, attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and ministers from across the 27-nation union, also addressed ongoing concerns about the war in Ukraine and potential new sanctions against Russia. The EU’s substantial geopolitical and economic interests in the Mediterranean region position it as a critical stakeholder, with the bloc currently maintaining oversight operations at the Rafah border crossing and serving as the primary donor to the Palestinian Authority.

    Internal divisions have emerged sharply across European capitals regarding collaboration with the Trump-led board. While EU members Hungary and Bulgaria hold full membership, and candidate countries Turkey, Kosovo, and Albania participate fully, twelve additional EU nations dispatched observers to the Washington inaugural meeting: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

    Notable absences included French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Pope Leo XIV, who declined invitations. However, von der Leyen’s decision to send European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica as an observer without consulting the European Council sparked institutional controversy. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot publicly criticized this move as a violation of EU regulations, stating on social media platform X that the Commission ‘must scrupulously respect European law and institutional balance in all circumstances.’

    In response, von der Leyen’s spokesperson Paula Pinho defended the Commission’s prerogative to accept invitations independently, emphasizing that while the executive branch isn’t formally joining the board, it seeks to influence Gaza’s reconstruction and peacekeeping efforts beyond its financial contributions.

    The Trump administration’s expansive vision for the Board of Peace encompasses everything from transforming Gaza into a futuristic metropolis to challenging the UN Security Council’s traditional conflict-resolution role. However, these ambitions face practical constraints given the limited progress achieved thus far in implementing the ceasefire’s fundamental objectives.

  • Court ruling on Trump tariff powers weighs heavily on Australian sharemarket

    Court ruling on Trump tariff powers weighs heavily on Australian sharemarket

    Australian financial markets experienced significant volatility following a U.S. judicial decision that challenged former President Donald Trump’s tariff authority, creating widespread uncertainty about future trade relations between the two nations.

    The S&P/ASX 200 index declined by 55.4 points (0.6%) to settle at 9026, while the broader All Ordinaries index dropped 51.70 points (0.6%) to 9251.50. Market performance showed pronounced sector divergence, with eight of eleven industry sectors closing in negative territory. Only materials, industrials, and consumer staples managed to advance despite the overall bearish sentiment.

    The market turbulence originated from a recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated President Trump’s previous tariff strategy. In response, the administration announced implementation of a temporary 15% levy on all imports, generating concerns among international trading partners and investors alike.

    Gold-related equities emerged as notable outperformers, benefiting from safe-haven demand. Ramelius Resources surged 8.2%, Greatland Resources advanced 6.38%, Newmont climbed 4.92%, and Evolution Mining gained 3.52%. The Australian dollar stabilized at 70.7 US cents amid the market fluctuations.

    Marc Jocum, Senior Product and Investment Strategist at Global X ETFs, observed that tariff concerns and geopolitical volatility represent continuing themes from previous years that now appear likely to extend into 2026. “Institutional investors’ positioning currently reflects the most conservative stance in approximately two years based on total net long positions,” Jocum noted. “Despite this, gold prices continue their upward trajectory, suggesting that geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty—particularly regarding U.S. conflicts with Iran and trade policies—are primary drivers rather than mere capital flows.”

    Technology stocks faced substantial pressure amid artificial intelligence impact concerns. WiseTech Global declined 5.24%, TechnologyOne decreased 5.17%, and NextDC dropped 4.09%. The banking sector also retreated, with ANZ falling 2.29%, Westpac declining 1.18%, Commonwealth Bank dipping 0.63%, and National Australia Bank slipping 0.93%.

    Energy companies mirrored the downward trend as Brent crude prices fell below $71 per barrel amid heightened Middle Eastern tensions. Woodside Energy decreased 1.2%, Santos declined 2.31%, and Ampol dropped 2.14%. Conversely, BHP reached a new peak of $54.75 before settling at $54.02, representing a 1.29% gain.

    Individual corporate performances varied significantly. Mining services group Perenti plummeted 13.83% following disappointing first-half results, while Nuix soared 15.07% after exceeding December expectations. Austal declined 10.95% on poor financial results, and Lendlease slipped 7.21% after reporting a $200 million operating net loss.

    Separately, retailer Harvey Norman announced its intention to vigorously defend against a class action lawsuit regarding promotional activities for Latitude Finance products between January 2020 and August 2021. The company’s shares declined 1.26% following the announcement.

  • Violence erupts in Mexico after drug lord El Mencho killed

    Violence erupts in Mexico after drug lord El Mencho killed

    Mexico has been plunged into a state of widespread turmoil and retaliatory violence following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as ‘El Mencho’. The high-value target was killed during a meticulously planned security operation on Sunday in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, which involved crucial intelligence support from the United States.

    The operation, executed by Mexican special forces, resulted in significant casualties. Four cartel members were confirmed dead alongside El Mencho, with three military personnel sustaining injuries. The Mexican Defense Ministry affirmed the success of the mission against the country’s most-wanted criminal.

    In a brutal response to the loss of their leader, CJNG factions unleashed a coordinated wave of violence across at least a dozen Mexican states. Retaliatory tactics included the strategic placement of approximately 250 burning vehicle blockades on major roadways, with 65 concentrated in Jalisco alone. Urban centers, including the World Cup host city Guadalajara and the resort destination Puerto Vallarta, were transformed into scenes resembling conflict zones, with eyewitnesses reporting armed gunmen on streets shrouded by plumes of smoke from innumerable fires.

    The escalating crisis prompted Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro to declare a code red emergency, suspending all public transportation systems, canceling mass gatherings, and shifting educational institutions to remote learning. The violence extended to widespread looting and attacks on commercial establishments, with approximately 20 bank branches targeted by rioters.

    International repercussions were immediate. The United States issued urgent shelter-in-place advisories for its citizens in five Mexican states, while several major airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and American Airlines, canceled flights to affected regions. The UK government similarly warned its nationals to exercise extreme caution.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attempted to project control, emphasizing ‘absolute coordination’ between state and federal authorities while urging citizens to remain ‘calm and informed.’ Despite these assurances, the Security Cabinet confirmed 25 arrests linked to the violence, with 11 suspects detained for direct participation in attacks and 14 others for alleged looting.

    US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized El Mencho’s death as a significant victory in the bilateral fight against narcotics trafficking, highlighting his status as a prime target for both governments and his cartel’s primary role in funneling fentanyl into the United States. The late cartel leader, a 59-year-old former police officer, had built a vast criminal empire responsible for trafficking massive quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and synthetic opioids, with the US State Department offering a $15 million bounty for information leading to his capture.

  • ICC to hold hearing on charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

    ICC to hold hearing on charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

    THE HAGUE, Netherlands — International Criminal Court prosecutors commenced proceedings Monday to substantiate charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a pivotal moment in one of the court’s most significant cases. The prosecution alleges Duterte orchestrated systematic killings during his anti-drug campaigns, first as mayor of Davao City and later as national leader.

    The evidentiary hearing represents a critical juncture in the years-long investigation into extrajudicial killings that human rights organizations estimate claimed between 6,000 and 30,000 lives during Duterte’s presidency. While not a full trial, the proceedings allow prosecutors to demonstrate sufficient evidence for judges to determine within 60 days whether formal charges should proceed to trial.

    Victims’ families expressed emotional relief at the development. Llore Pasco, whose two sons disappeared in May 2017 and were later found bullet-ridden, stated: ‘We have waited for this for so long, for years we have waited, but we did not relent.’

    Duterte, who waived his right to attend the Hague proceedings, described the charges as an ‘outrageous lie’ in a letter to judges. The octogenarian cited his advanced age and frailty as reasons for non-attendance, claiming he would forget the proceedings ‘within minutes.’

    The case has ignited political tensions in the Philippines, with Duterte’s supporters criticizing current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for cooperating with the court. Vice President Sara Duterte, the former leader’s daughter and recent presidential aspirant for 2028, has emerged as a prominent detractor of the proceedings.

    Human rights advocates note Duterte attempted to evade accountability by withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2018 after prosecutors announced their investigation. However, judges rejected jurisdictional challenges, asserting countries cannot abuse withdrawal procedures to shield individuals from justice for crimes already under consideration. An appeal of this decision remains pending.

    For families like Sheerah Escudero, whose 18-year-old brother was found wrapped in packaging tape in 2017, the case represents not just accountability for past crimes but prevention of future violence. ‘We know that the same policy of killings will continue,’ Escudero warned, highlighting concerns about political dynasties perpetuating violent policies.

  • From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy

    From bakeries to beauty shops, Russian businesses are feeling the pain from a new wartime tax policy

    As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, mounting economic pressures are forcing the Kremlin to shift financial burdens onto consumers and small enterprises. Recent tax reforms have significantly increased the fiscal strain on Russia’s small business sector, triggering widespread concern and closures across the country.

    The situation gained national attention when Denis Maksimov, owner of Mashenka bakery in suburban Moscow, appealed directly to President Vladimir Putin during his annual call-in show last December. Standing before his bakery named after his eldest daughter, Maksimov articulated the struggles facing small businesses under new tax regulations that have drastically lowered revenue thresholds for value-added tax (VAT) requirements.

    While acknowledging the country’s difficult circumstances, Maksimov expressed grave concerns about the sustainability of many enterprises. The reforms have reduced the VAT payment threshold from 60 million rubles ($783,000) in annual revenue to 20 million rubles ($261,000) this year, with plans to further decrease it to 10 million rubles ($130,500) by 2028. Businesses previously using the patent taxation system—which involved fixed annual payments—now face at least a 6% tax on revenues plus 5% VAT if they exceed the new thresholds.

    Although Maksimov’s televised plea brought temporary increased sales and presidential attention to his bakery, it failed to reverse the policy. While Putin raised the case at a government meeting and Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov proposed temporary relief measures, concrete implementation remains uncertain.

    The economic fallout extends far beyond Moscow. Social media videos show vacant commercial spaces along St. Petersburg’s main Nevsky Prospekt, where numerous shops have ceased operations. Darya Demchenko, who owns a chain of beauty salons in Russia’s second-largest city, describes unprecedented anxiety among business owners. She has already closed one salon and sold another to remain operational amid soaring costs and declining demand.

    An online campaign dubbed “We Are Mashenka,” initiated by the Association of Beauty Industry Enterprises, has highlighted similar cases nationwide. Unlike Maksimov, most entrepreneurs lack access to high-level intervention. Industry reports indicate approximately 10% of beauty businesses in St. Petersburg closed in December and January alone, with predictions of further collapses after April tax deadlines.

    According to Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd., this represents a deliberate strategy by the Finance Ministry to create stable revenue sources as oil revenues dwindle and military spending levels off. While small and medium enterprises constitute just over 20% of Russia’s economy, expanding VAT application to these businesses will generate significant budget funds.

    The cumulative pressure—including restrictions on social media platforms that eliminated cheap advertising avenues, supplier price hikes exceeding the 2% VAT increase, and requirement for specialized accounting staff—has created perfect storm conditions for small businesses. Many entrepreneurs who survived previous challenges, including COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions following the annexation of Crimea, now face what they describe as an existential threat without government support.

    As more businesses become subject to increased taxes in 2027 and 2028 under the progressive implementation schedule, the sector most crucial for economic expansion and innovation continues to suffer, potentially hampering Russia’s post-war recovery prospects.

  • A packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25

    A packed bus plunges off a Nepal highway, killing 19 and injuring 25

    A devastating bus accident in Nepal’s mountainous region has resulted in significant casualties, with 19 confirmed fatalities and 25 individuals injured. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Monday when the overcrowded vehicle veered off the Prithvi Highway near Benighat, approximately 80 kilometers west of Kathmandu.

    According to Dhading district police reports, the bus was traveling from the popular tourist destination of Pokhara to the nation’s capital when it plummeted down a steep mountainside, ultimately coming to rest on the banks of the Trishuli River. The crash site presented rescuers with challenging terrain as they worked to extract survivors from the wreckage.

    International victims included a 24-year-old British national who perished in the accident, while a Chinese citizen sustained injuries requiring treatment at Kathmandu’s National Trauma Center. Additionally, a 27-year-old New Zealand woman received medical attention for minor injuries at a local hospital. Chinese authorities have reported one additional national missing following the incident.

    Mohan Prasad Neupane, a government administrator, confirmed that emergency response teams reached the location promptly, transporting the injured to medical facilities for urgent care. As of current reporting, only nine victims have been formally identified.

    This tragic event highlights ongoing transportation safety concerns in Nepal’s mountainous regions, where narrow roadways and inadequate vehicle maintenance frequently contribute to accidents. The Himalayan nation’s challenging geography continues to present significant infrastructure challenges, with many areas accessible only via perilous mountain roads.

    The recent accident bears similarities to another tragedy involving two buses that plunged into the same river earlier this year, resulting in 65 casualties with many victims never recovered. One vehicle remained buried in river sediment until its discovery this year.

    Local authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the latest incident, examining factors ranging from road conditions to vehicle maintenance standards.

  • ‘We want to win the comp’: Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker reflect on their first game together for the Roosters

    ‘We want to win the comp’: Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker reflect on their first game together for the Roosters

    A dramatic lightning delay failed to dim the promising debut of Daly Cherry-Evans in Sydney Roosters colours, as the veteran playmaker and halves partner Sam Walker showcased their burgeoning combination in a pre-season trial against the Parramatta Eels. The 28-22 loss in Gosford provided crucial insights into one of the NRL’s most anticipated new partnerships following Cherry-Evans’ off-season move from Manly after 15 seasons and 352 games.

    The match commenced under extraordinary circumstances with a 45-minute weather delay just four minutes into play, creating an unconventional start to Cherry-Evans’ Roosters career. Despite the interruption, the new halves combination demonstrated immediate chemistry, with Walker taking primary responsibility in attack while Cherry-Evans operated predominantly on his preferred right edge.

    Walker emerged as the dominant playmaker on the night, registering a try, two assists, and a remarkable 20/40 kick in a performance that answered questions about the team’s tactical hierarchy. The 37-year-old Cherry-Evans embraced a supportive role, focusing on game management and strategic kicking while acknowledging the natural evolution of his responsibilities within the new structure.

    ‘There were certainly nerves initially, but the longer the game progressed, the more comfortable I felt,’ Cherry-Evans revealed post-match. ‘While my jersey number has changed, my fundamental approach to leadership and game management remains consistent. The objective is developing such seamless coordination that we know where the ball is going while keeping opponents guessing.’

    Walker expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting their shared Queensland heritage and the learning opportunity presented by playing alongside an experienced veteran. ‘We’re both embracing specific roles at different moments and feeding off each other’s energy,’ Walker noted. ‘While immediate perfection isn’t expected, our shared objective remains clear: winning football games and ultimately competing for the premiership.’

    The performance indicated positive signs for the Roosters’ attacking structure, with fullback James Tedesco potentially benefiting from reduced playmaking responsibilities. Both players emphasized that numerical designations matter less than complementary skill sets and shared ambition for team success as they continue developing their partnership throughout the season.