Global Pulse

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  • Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers

    Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers

    Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is spearheading a technological revolution while simultaneously championing a return to human-centered service, as the coffee giant works to reverse years of sluggish performance. The company is deploying artificial intelligence across its operations—from AI-powered drive-thru voice systems and virtual barista assistants to automated inventory scanners—in a multimillion-dollar technological overhaul.

    These innovations are already showing promising results. The company recently reported its first comparable sales increase in two years within the U.S., its most critical market representing approximately 70% of total revenue. However, investor concerns about profit margins caused a 5% stock price decline despite the sales improvement.

    Niccol, who joined Starbucks in 2024 after successfully turning around Chipotle Mexican Grill, inherited a business facing multiple challenges. The company was grappling with customer resistance to price hikes, intensifying competition, and boycott calls related to union disputes and geopolitical stances.

    The CEO implemented a multi-faceted strategy that included halting price increases, simplifying menus, setting faster service targets, closing underperforming locations, and reducing corporate staff. Paradoxically, while investing heavily in technology, Niccol also initiated a back-to-basics approach emphasizing human connection—including handwritten customer names on cups and store renovations costing $150,000 per location.

    ‘We lost our focus because we got a little too distracted on efficiency and technology, and lost our focus on experience, customer and connection,’ Niccol acknowledged. ‘The business is not an average business. The business is a coffee shop-by-coffee shop business.’

    The company now aims to find $2 billion in cost savings over three years while continuing technological investments. Niccol expressed confidence that consistent sales growth will address profit concerns, though he didn’t rule out future ‘muted’ price increases as a last resort.

    Starbucks faces ongoing challenges from union organizers who criticize Niccol’s compensation package—$97 million in 2024 compared to the average employee’s $17,300—and his remote working arrangements. The CEO stated he remains ‘wildly open’ to conversations but provided no timeline for contract resolutions.

    Looking forward, Starbucks plans ambitious global expansion, nearly doubling its international footprint to 40,000 stores. Niccol believes the company’s ultimate competitive advantage lies not in its coffee but in creating welcoming ‘third places’ for community gathering.

  • ‘At least 200’ feared dead in massive mine landslide in DR Congo, says govt

    ‘At least 200’ feared dead in massive mine landslide in DR Congo, says govt

    A catastrophic landslide has struck a coltan mining operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern region, resulting in what government officials fear to be at least 200 fatalities. The disaster occurred at the militia-controlled Rubaya mine in North Kivu province, an area that has been under the occupation of the M23 armed group since April 2024 with alleged support from neighboring Rwanda.

    The communications ministry expressed profound dismay in an official statement, confirming that the massive slope failure likely buried hundreds of artisanal miners who worked under perilous conditions with minimal equipment. According to information obtained by humanitarian sources, the initial collapse occurred Wednesday afternoon, followed by a secondary landslide on Thursday morning, compounding the tragedy.

    This mining facility represents a significant portion of global coltan production, responsible for 15-30% of worldwide supply. The rare mineral serves as a critical component in manufacturing electronic devices including smartphones and laptops. Despite an official mining ban implemented in February 2025, between 112 and 125 tonnes continue to be extracted monthly and routed exclusively to Rwanda, according to Congolese authorities.

    The remote location and ongoing conflict have severely hampered rescue operations and verification efforts. Phone networks remain inoperative for several days, while civil authorities evacuated when M23 forces seized control. Information emerges sporadically via motorcycle couriers navigating the volatile region, making accurate casualty assessment extremely challenging.

    United Nations experts have documented that M23 has established parallel administrative structures to regulate mine operations, generating approximately $800,000 monthly through a seven-dollar-per-kilo taxation system on coltan production and sales. Kinshasa has condemned what it describes as “armed occupation and organized looting” by Rwanda-backed militants, urging international awareness of both the human tragedy and systematic resource exploitation.

    Injured survivors have been transported to inadequately equipped local medical facilities, while recovery efforts continue under extremely difficult circumstances in this conflict-ravaged region that has endured three decades of persistent violence.

  • After Career Slam, will Alcaraz chase a clean sweep of majors this year?

    After Career Slam, will Alcaraz chase a clean sweep of majors this year?

    Carlos Alcaraz has etched his name in tennis history by capturing the Australian Open title, completing a career Grand Slam at just 22 years old. The Spanish sensation defeated Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, surpassing compatriot Rafael Nadal as the youngest male player to achieve this remarkable feat.

    Beneath his charismatic exterior and trademark smile lies an intensely driven competitor focused on rewriting the record books. Alcaraz’s victory over Djokovic marks his seventh major title and demonstrates his evolution into a complete player capable of winning on all surfaces. His journey to the top began in the small town of El Palmar and has been characterized by unprecedented achievements, including becoming the only player to defeat both Nadal and Djokovic consecutively at the 2022 Madrid Open.

    The newly crowned champion credits his mental toughness and never-say-die attitude as key factors in his success. This was particularly evident during his semifinal clash against Alexander Zverev, where he battled through physical discomfort and a fifth-set deficit to secure victory. ‘I just hate giving up,’ Alcaraz stated, reflecting on his competitive philosophy. ‘When I was younger there were matches I didn’t want to fight anymore, but I matured and now I hate that feeling of losing.’

    Despite his historic accomplishment, Alcaraz remains grounded about the possibility of achieving a calendar Grand Slam in 2026. ‘It’s going to be a big challenge,’ he told reporters. ‘Those are big words, to be honest. I just want to take it one tournament at a time.’ His immediate focus turns to the French Open, where he has ‘great memories’ and feels ‘really special’ every time he competes.

    Beyond Grand Slam aspirations, Alcaraz has set additional goals including completing all Masters 1000 tournaments, winning the ATP Finals, and securing Davis Cup glory for Spain. In keeping with tradition, the champion plans to commemorate his Australian Open victory with a kangaroo tattoo, joining his collection of body art that includes symbols from his previous major triumphs.

  • India budget 2026: Six key measures set to boost NRI investments

    India budget 2026: Six key measures set to boost NRI investments

    In a landmark fiscal announcement on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a transformative budget featuring six strategic measures specifically designed to catalyze investment from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Indians. The comprehensive policy overhaul aims to channel substantial NRI capital into India’s economic growth narrative while counterbalancing recent foreign institutional investor outflows that have pressured the rupee.

    The centerpiece of these reforms is the significant liberalization of the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS). The budget doubles the per-investor equity limit from 5% to 10% for Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs), while simultaneously raising the aggregate investment ceiling for all individual PROIs from 10% to 24%. This groundbreaking change enables direct equity investments in Indian listed companies through the PIS route.

    Beyond market access reforms, the budget introduces substantial tax facilitations. The government has eliminated the mandatory requirement for resident individuals to obtain a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) when purchasing immovable property from non-residents. Additionally, small taxpayers holding foreign assets will benefit from a new time-bound disclosure scheme for declaring foreign assets and income, addressing historical non-compliance issues through a structured fee-based resolution mechanism.

    The fiscal package also excludes specified non-resident businesses currently under presumptive taxation from Minimum Alternate Tax requirements. Particular exemptions extend to operators of cruise ships and providers of services or technology for establishing electronics manufacturing facilities in India.

    Complementary measures include enhanced passenger facilitation through increased duty-free allowances and permission to import new laptops, alongside customs rationalization and reforms to Tax Collected at Source (TCS) provisions. Collectively, these initiatives represent India’s strategic positioning as a premier investment destination for its global diaspora.

  • Qatar to introduce 10-year residency for entrepreneurs, senior executives

    Qatar to introduce 10-year residency for entrepreneurs, senior executives

    In a significant corporate development reshaping the business consultancy landscape of the Gulf region, Helen & Sons and BBK have officially announced the formation of a comprehensive strategic joint venture. This partnership is strategically designed to amalgamate their respective expertise, creating an unparalleled suite of services for enterprises operating within the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

    The alliance brings together the deep-rooted, local market intelligence and established client networks of Helen & Sons with BBK’s renowned international operational frameworks and specialized advisory capabilities. The synergistic entity aims to deliver an integrated portfolio, encompassing strategic management consulting, financial advisory, market entry facilitation, and bespoke corporate support services tailored to the complex demands of the regional market.

    This expansion initiative is a direct response to the accelerating economic diversification and burgeoning entrepreneurial growth witnessed across the GCC. By combining forces, the joint venture is poised to offer clients a more robust, one-stop solution, enhancing their competitive edge and operational efficiency. The move is expected to significantly broaden the reach and depth of professional business support available, catering to both multinational corporations seeking to deepen their regional presence and local SMEs aiming for scalable growth and international standards.

    The formation of this venture underscores a strategic commitment to fostering a more dynamic and supportive business ecosystem, ultimately contributing to the economic vision and ambitious development goals set forth by GCC member states.

  • First passenger flight lands at Sudan’s Khartoum airport nearly 3 years into war

    First passenger flight lands at Sudan’s Khartoum airport nearly 3 years into war

    In a landmark development signaling potential progress in Sudan’s protracted conflict, a commercial passenger aircraft successfully touched down at Khartoum International Airport on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This event marks the first such arrival since April 2023, when violent hostilities between the national army and rival paramilitary factions forced the complete suspension of commercial aviation operations.

    The significant flight, operated by Sudan’s national carrier Sudan Airways, originated from Port Sudan, a Red Sea coastal city that has served as the country’s provisional administrative capital during the conflict. Sudanese aviation authorities confirmed the aircraft transported passengers upon its arrival in Khartoum, formally inaugurating the highly anticipated resumption of airport functionality after an extensive period of wartime closure.

    This aviation milestone occurs amidst a complex and ongoing military situation. Recent reports indicate continued security challenges, including a drone strike targeting the airport’s vicinity just prior to its scheduled reopening, demonstrating the fragile and volatile conditions that persist. The decision to resume commercial flights follows meticulous assessments and represents a critical step toward reestablishing essential international connections and facilitating humanitarian and economic movement.

    The resumption of air travel to the nation’s capital is interpreted by regional observers as a cautiously positive indicator, potentially reflecting negotiated security arrangements or localized de-escalation agreements between the warring parties. However, analysts emphasize that a single flight does not signify a comprehensive resolution to the broader conflict, which has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences and widespread displacement across the region.

  • ‘Goal to make champions better than anyone’: UFC Legend Khabib at Sharjah festival

    ‘Goal to make champions better than anyone’: UFC Legend Khabib at Sharjah festival

    UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov delivered a masterclass in championship mentality during his keynote appearance at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival’s closing day. The undefeated mixed martial arts icon shared profound insights into the psychological and philosophical foundations of sustained excellence before an audience of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

    In a deeply personal conversation moderated by #ABtalks host Anas Bukhash, Nurmagomedov redefined the concept of an undefeated record. “For me, being undefeated transcends numerical achievement—it represents the cumulative value of lifelong dedication, rigorous training, and personal sacrifice,” the legendary fighter explained. “Every early morning, every missed opportunity, every moment of discipline mattered in creating that perfect record.”

    The Dagestani champion revealed that his extraordinary career was fundamentally shaped by his late father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, whose pedagogical approach blended athletic training with character development. Recalling a formative childhood experience, Khabib shared: “When I requested pocket money, my father presented me with a world atlas. He established a system where I would earn compensation by demonstrating knowledge about various countries—their geography, history, and cultural characteristics.”

    Nurmagomedov provided unprecedented insight into the psychological dimensions of elite competition, emphasizing that physical preparation alone cannot guarantee success. “During combat, your heart rate escalates dramatically. Without proper mental conditioning, you will fracture under that intensity,” he articulated. “Comprehensive preparation serves as the ultimate antidote to competitive stress. When you are truly ready, you maintain composure, clarity, and strategic thinking—these qualities distinguish champions from ordinary athletes.”

    The martial arts legend connected athletic discipline to entrepreneurial success, noting that identical principles govern excellence across domains. “Thousands aspire to become fighters, but only the disciplined achieve success. The fundamental key is consistent hard work—I have never witnessed success emerge from morning oversleeping,” he stated with characteristic directness.

    Now transitioning from active competition to mentorship, Nurmagomedov has redefined his understanding of achievement. “Championships and undefeated records belong to history. My current responsibility involves developing the next generation of champions—athletes who will surpass my accomplishments and establish new standards of excellence,” he declared.

    The session, titled “The Making of a Champion: What It Takes to Be Undefeated,” aligned perfectly with SEF 2026’s overarching theme of “Where We Belong,” demonstrating how the principles of athletic excellence translate directly to business leadership and personal development.

  • Norway’s PM agrees crown princess had ‘poor judgement’ over Epstein links

    Norway’s PM agrees crown princess had ‘poor judgement’ over Epstein links

    The Norwegian royal family confronts converging scandals as newly released documents reveal Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s extensive connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, coinciding with her stepson’s impending criminal trial. Judicial files disclosed by the U.S. Department of Justice document hundreds of communications between the princess and Epstein spanning 2011-2014, including a four-day stay at his Palm Beach residence in January 2013.

    In a Saturday statement, Princess Mette-Marit acknowledged “poor judgement” and expressed profound regret for maintaining any association with Epstein. “It is simply embarrassing,” the princess stated, while extending her “deep sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the abuses committed by Jeffrey Epstein.”

    Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre endorsed the princess’s self-assessment, simultaneously criticizing former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland for similar misjudgment regarding planned travels to Epstein’s private island. The prime minister’s explicit commentary on royal conduct marks a notable departure from conventional diplomatic reserve.

    Compounding the royal family’s challenges, Marius Borg Høiby—the princess’s biological son from a previous relationship—faces 38 criminal charges including rape and sexual assault. The 29-year-old, who holds no royal status, denies all allegations, with the most severe charge involving intercourse with an unconscious victim. A conviction could result in a minimum ten-year imprisonment.

    Neither Crown Princess Mette-Marit nor Crown Prince Haakon will attend the Oslo District Court proceedings, though the prince recently expressed familial concern for “everyone affected by this case.” The royal household simultaneously navigates the princess’s serious health challenges, as she awaits lung transplantation due to pulmonary fibrosis.

    Norwegian commentators express particular alarm over the casual tone of the Epstein correspondence, including one email inquiring whether nude women carrying surfboards would constitute appropriate wallpaper imagery for her son. The revelations intensify scrutiny regarding royal advisers’ failure to recognize the dangers of sustained contact with a known sex offender.

  • Thousands of Kurds rally in Syria ahead of integration

    Thousands of Kurds rally in Syria ahead of integration

    In a significant geopolitical shift, thousands of Syrian Kurds assembled in Qamishli on Sunday demonstrating solidarity as a landmark agreement between Kurdish authorities and the Damascus government moves toward implementation. The comprehensive deal, finalized Friday, outlines a phased integration of Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state apparatus.

    This diplomatic breakthrough follows weeks of territorial concessions by Kurdish forces to advancing government troops, marking a substantial setback for Kurdish aspirations to maintain the de facto autonomy established during Syria’s civil war. The autonomous administration had previously controlled extensive territories across northern and northeastern Syria through campaigns against Islamic State, backed by a US-led coalition.

    Under the agreement’s terms, both parties will maintain an existing ceasefire that halted intense recent fighting. The framework specifies the ‘gradual integration’ of Kurdish forces and administrative bodies while addressing certain Kurdish demands—including the establishment of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) brigades in Kurdish-majority regions.

    SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed implementation would commence Monday with mutual withdrawals from frontline positions in Ain al-Arab (Kobane) and other northeastern areas. The arrangement permits a ‘limited internal security force’ to enter sections of Hasakah and Qamishli while prohibiting military deployments within Kurdish urban centers.

    Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mustafa disclosed additional components, including the transfer of oil fields, Qamishli airport, and border crossings to government control within ten days. The minister further clarified that SDF fighters would be integrated individually into new army-commanded brigades.

    The United States, having previously supported Kurdish forces, acknowledged that its alliance objectives had largely been achieved. This integration initiative forms part of broader reforms authorized by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa aimed at reestablishing governmental control over northeastern territories.

    The publicly released agreement text explicitly seeks to ‘unify Syrian territory and achieve full integration’ of the Kurdish-majority region, signaling a potential resolution to years of administrative fragmentation.

  • India hands Apple a win by letting foreign firms fund equipment without tax risk

    India hands Apple a win by letting foreign firms fund equipment without tax risk

    In a significant move to bolster commercial infrastructure throughout the Gulf region, two prominent business entities—Helen & Sons and BBK—have officially announced the formation of a comprehensive strategic joint venture. This partnership is strategically designed to amplify business support services and facilitate market entry for both local enterprises and international corporations seeking to establish or expand their footprint across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

    The collaboration merges Helen & Sons’ established expertise in local market navigation and business consultancy with BBK’s robust operational framework and regional network. The joint venture aims to deliver an integrated suite of services, including market analysis, regulatory compliance guidance, logistical support, and tailored business development strategies. This initiative is poised to address the growing demand for specialized support services driven by the region’s rapid economic diversification and attractive investment climate.

    Industry analysts view this alliance as a timely response to the increasing complexity of the GCC business environment, which requires nuanced local knowledge combined with large-scale operational capability. The partnership is expected to create synergistic value, offering clients a seamless, end-to-end solution that reduces entry barriers and accelerates growth timelines. By leveraging their combined resources, the two firms are positioning themselves as a dominant force in the business facilitation sector, potentially setting a new standard for comprehensive corporate support in the Middle East.