Global Pulse

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  • Australia leaves T20 World Cup after crushing Oman

    Australia leaves T20 World Cup after crushing Oman

    In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Australia decisively defeated Oman by nine wickets during their final T20 World Cup group stage match in Pallekele on Friday. The match, rendered inconsequential after Australia’s unexpected elimination from tournament contention, saw the team achieve their winning target of 105 runs in a mere 9.4 overs.

    The Australian bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa’s remarkable comeback performance of 4-21, efficiently dismantled Oman’s batting lineup, restricting them to 104 runs in 16.2 overs. This represented a significant turnaround for Zampa, who had previously failed to take wickets against both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

    Captain Mitchell Marsh delivered an explosive batting demonstration, achieving a half-century off just 26 balls during the power play segment. His unbeaten 64 runs from 33 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and four sixes, propelled Australia to a comprehensive victory. Travis Head provided substantial support with 32 runs from 19 balls before being dismissed with only 12 runs required for victory.

    The match began decisively for Australia when Xavier Bartlett (2-27) struck on the very first delivery, dismantling Aamir Kaleem’s leg stump. Oman’s captain Jatinder Singh, who had provocatively declared pre-match that it was “the best time to crush” Australia, managed only 17 runs before being cleanly bowled by Bartlett.

    Despite the crushing defeat, Oman’s Wasim Ali contributed a respectable 32 runs from 33 deliveries, helping his team surpass the 100-run threshold. Glenn Maxwell supplemented Australia’s bowling dominance with figures of 2-13 during the middle overs.

    Australia concludes their tournament in third position within Group B, while Oman finished their campaign without a victory in four matches. The tournament now advances to the Super Eight stage, commencing Saturday with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Colombo.

  • Meet Dubai businessman who helped free 20,000 prisoners, plans more releases in Ramadan

    Meet Dubai businessman who helped free 20,000 prisoners, plans more releases in Ramadan

    Dubai-based Indian philanthropist Firoz Merchant has transformed thousands of lives through his extensive humanitarian initiatives, primarily focused on releasing debt-ridden prisoners across the UAE. Since launching his mission in 2008, Merchant has secured the freedom of over 20,000 inmates who were detained primarily due to financial constraints rather than criminal behavior.

    The humanitarian effort operates year-round but gains significant momentum during Ramadan, a period Merchant describes as particularly blessed for charitable work. During the current holy month, his foundation has already facilitated the release of 497 prisoners, with additional cases being processed. The program operates in coordination with UAE authorities and in partnership with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, ensuring structured and effective implementation.

    Merchant’s approach addresses what he identifies as victims of circumstance—individuals who encountered financial difficulties and could not repay debts rather than hardened criminals. Beyond clearing financial obligations, his initiative frequently covers repatriation costs, providing complete rehabilitation for those released.

    Expanding his philanthropic vision, Merchant is now directing significant resources toward supporting cancer patients struggling with astronomical treatment costs. Having previously contributed Dh1 million for dialysis treatments through the Dubai Charity Association, he now plans to allocate between Dh500,000 to Dh700,000 specifically for cancer care in 2026, potentially increasing to Dh1 million if necessary.

    ‘Treatment is prohibitively expensive,’ Merchant noted during an interview at his Jumeirah Lakes Towers office. ‘Many patients are elderly or children, and families often exhaust their savings before assistance can be arranged. I stand where the need is greatest, and currently that includes cancer patients who cannot afford treatment.’

    Complementing these efforts, Merchant is undertaking an ambitious project to construct mosques across all seven emirates. The initiative includes a new facility in Dubai’s Al Furjan district—already permitted and awaiting construction—and projects in Fujairah’s Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Umm Al Quwain, where an older mosque from the 1970s will be replaced with a larger structure accommodating 1,000-1,200 worshippers.

    The founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, which operates over 150 stores across 12 countries, attributes his philanthropic drive to gratitude toward the UAE. Merchant is documenting his journey from modest beginnings in Mumbai to international business success and humanitarian work in an upcoming book. His philosophy remains straightforward: ‘If someone returns home to their family because a debt was cleared, that is enough. If someone can continue treatment because we stepped in, that is enough. The rest is in Allah’s hands.’

  • Sheroes 2026 set to celebrate International Women’s Day with art, dialogue and purpose

    Sheroes 2026 set to celebrate International Women’s Day with art, dialogue and purpose

    Dubai prepares to host the fourth annual Sheroes festival from March 5-8, 2026, at Khaleej Times headquarters, celebrating International Women’s Day through an immersive program of artistic expression and leadership discourse. Organized by Funun Arts Group in partnership with Khaleej Times, the event embraces the global theme ‘Give to Gain’ by emphasizing knowledge sharing, creative collaboration, and mutual support as drivers of inclusive societal advancement.

    The four-day program will showcase a meticulously curated art exhibition, live artistic demonstrations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and wellness sessions. This convergence of creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and intellectual leaders transforms Sheroes beyond a conventional event into a thriving cultural movement that honors female leadership while fostering cross-community cooperation.

    Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, articulated the philosophy behind the initiative: ‘Sheroes originates from the conviction that sharing knowledge, creativity, and encouragement generates an ecosystem where collective growth flourishes. The Give to Gain concept represents more than a theme—it embodies a mindset that enables individuals to elevate together.’

    This collaboration between the UAE’s creative and media sectors demonstrates the powerful synergy possible when cultural organizations join forces with media platforms. Funun Arts Group, established by Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, has risen as a significant cultural force in the region, advocating for art as a vehicle for leadership development and social transformation.

    The 2026 edition enjoys support from several prominent sponsors including 19AGH, Ahmed Al Maghribi, and The Green Revolution, further solidifying its position as a landmark event in the UAE’s cultural calendar.

  • Tariffs ruling is major blow to Trump’s second-term agenda

    Tariffs ruling is major blow to Trump’s second-term agenda

    In a landmark ruling with profound implications for presidential power, the U.S. Supreme Court has delivered a significant setback to the Trump administration’s trade agenda. By a decisive six-justice majority, the court ruled on Friday that the president lacks constitutional authority to unilaterally impose tariffs without explicit congressional authorization.

    The court determined that the 1977 Emergency Economic Powers Act—the legal foundation for Trump’s controversial tariffs—contains no provision granting the president such sweeping powers. This decision represents a rare judicial check on this administration’s expansive interpretation of executive authority, particularly notable given the court’s general tendency to permit Trump’s policy initiatives to proceed during legal challenges.

    Legal analysts suggest the ruling may have immediate practical consequences, potentially forcing the administration to refund billions in tariff revenues collected over the past year. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in his dissenting opinion, characterized the prospective repayment process as likely to become a ‘mess’ of litigation.

    The decision fundamentally alters America’s trade negotiation dynamics, stripping the president of his ability to threaten or implement massive tariffs through mere executive action. Future tariff measures will now require detailed agency reports, face limitations on scope and duration, and undergo extended implementation timelines—a stark contrast to the sudden ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs that caused significant economic disruption last year.

    While the Trump administration had anticipated this possible outcome, with Trade Adviser Jamieson Greer previously stating the White House had ‘multiple options’ regardless of the ruling, the alternatives remain constrained. The administration could seek explicit congressional authorization, though such efforts appear unlikely to succeed given narrow Republican majorities and approaching midterm elections.

    Paradoxically, the decision may relieve political pressure on many congressional Republicans who have faced criticism from constituents over tariff-related consumer price increases. The ruling sets the stage for an unusually tense atmosphere during the upcoming State of the Union address, where the president may literally face the justices who undermined a cornerstone of his second-term agenda.

  • A rare ‘no’ for Trump, but not necessarily an end to tariffs

    A rare ‘no’ for Trump, but not necessarily an end to tariffs

    In an unprecedented legal setback for the executive branch, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority by invoking emergency powers to implement reciprocal, country-specific tariffs. This decision effectively dismantles a cornerstone of Trump’s aggressive trade strategy, which had previously upended global economic norms through unilateral actions.

    The controversial tariffs, first announced during last April’s ‘Liberation Day’ ceremony in the Rose Garden and later expanded through threats against European nations regarding Greenland, had established an average tariff rate of approximately 15% on imports. While the Court’s ruling theoretically reduces this rate by more than half, the practical impact remains complex. A baseline tariff of about 6% persists—triple the pre-2025 levels—implemented through various other legal mechanisms.

    Despite the judicial check, importers may experience minimal immediate relief. The administration’s use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) had already prompted significant supply chain adaptations, with many businesses shifting sourcing away from heavily tariffed nations like China. This agility, combined with importers absorbing additional costs, has paradoxically muted the inflationary impact on U.S. consumers while generating substantial government revenue—tariff collections reached $240 billion last year.

    The White House has signaled its intention to pursue alternative legal avenues to maintain its trade policy objectives, though these pathways are notably more complex and time-consuming. This creates a dual landscape of opportunity and risk: importers may rush goods through during the interim period, while smaller businesses with less flexible supply chains face renewed uncertainty.

    Globally, the decision has catalyzed a reassessment of trade relationships. While China has sustained export strength through IT hardware demand fueled by the AI boom, other Asian manufacturers like Thailand and Vietnam have gained market share. Simultaneously, Beijing has intensified outreach to African emerging markets and traditional U.S. allies like Canada.

    The enduring legacy of Trump’s trade approach may be the accelerated diversification of global supply chains and trading partnerships. Despite the turbulence, international trade volumes likely exceeded global economic growth in 2025, demonstrating how nations have adapted to volatility. However, this fresh uncertainty may further strain relationships with traditional partners like the EU and UK, potentially driving them closer together in response to perceived U.S. unpredictability.

    Financial markets now face additional layers of complexity regarding existing agreements—such as those with Japan involving investment guarantees in exchange for tariff relief—and the broader implications of a presidency that has weaponized economic uncertainty as a diplomatic tool. While the Supreme Court has removed one potent policy lever, the world continues navigating the transformed trade landscape that Trump’s actions created.

  • UAE ‘ready to support’ Board of Peace for regional stability: Foreign minister

    UAE ‘ready to support’ Board of Peace for regional stability: Foreign minister

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened in Washington to strengthen bilateral relations and advance regional peace initiatives. The high-level discussions, held on February 20, 2026, focused on expanding cooperation across economic, trade, and technological sectors, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and advanced technology.

    The central agenda item involved the Board of Peace framework, with Sheikh Abdullah confirming the UAE’s commitment to support this international platform for achieving regional security and stability. Both diplomats emphasized the Board’s critical role in facilitating multilateral coordination and advancing peaceful solutions aligned with the aspirations of Middle Eastern populations for development and prosperity.

    Secretary Rubio subsequently highlighted on social media the substantive progress made regarding Phase Two implementation of former President Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The dialogue also addressed pressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, with both parties stressing the urgent need for sustained civilian aid delivery and intensified international efforts to mitigate the ongoing crisis.

    Additionally, the officials examined the devastating civil conflict in Sudan, exploring mechanisms to reinforce regional and international initiatives for an immediate ceasefire and enhanced humanitarian relief operations. The UAE’s participation in these peace efforts demonstrates its strategic positioning as a key mediator in regional stability operations, working alongside international partners to foster security and prosperous futures for affected populations.

  • Australia depart World Cup with big consolation win

    Australia depart World Cup with big consolation win

    In their final match of the T20 World Cup, Australia delivered a commanding performance against Oman, securing a nine-wicket victory in Pallekele. Despite having already been eliminated from the tournament following earlier defeats to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, Mitchell Marsh’s team demonstrated their competitive spirit by dismissing Oman for a mere 104 runs in 16.2 overs. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa emerged as the standout bowler, claiming impressive figures of 4-21. Oman’s batting struggled throughout, with Wasim Ali top-scoring at 32 runs. Australia’s chase was swift and efficient, achieving the target in just 9.4 overs. Captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front, finishing unbeaten on 64 from 33 deliveries, which included seven fours and four sixes. Travis Head contributed 32 runs before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed. The match concluded the group stage of the tournament, highlighting the disparity between higher and lower-ranked teams. Australia’s early exit marks a significant disappointment for the cricketing powerhouse, while Oman leaves the competition without a win. The focus now shifts to the Super 8s, commencing with New Zealand versus Pakistan in Colombo, followed by England facing co-hosts Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

  • The Supreme Court struck down some of Trump’s most sweeping tariffs. Which levies are impacted?

    The Supreme Court struck down some of Trump’s most sweeping tariffs. Which levies are impacted?

    In a landmark 6-3 ruling on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant judicial check on presidential authority by striking down core components of former President Donald Trump’s expansive tariff regime. The court determined Trump exceeded his executive powers when invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify imposing new import taxes on goods from nearly every nation worldwide.

    The controversial tariffs, which Trump ceremoniously dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ measures, implemented a baseline 10% tax on most countries and threatened reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on dozens of others. The administration justified these measures by declaring a national emergency based on longstanding U.S. trade deficits, though notably even nations with which the U.S. maintains trade surpluses faced taxation.

    While the ruling dismantles the IEEPA-based tariff architecture, numerous sector-specific levies remain intact under different legal authorities. The Trump administration had concurrently deployed Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, citing national security concerns to impose duties on steel, aluminum, automobiles, copper, lumber, and even household goods including kitchen cabinets and furniture.

    The decision particularly affects trade relationships with major economic partners including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil, and India. Each faced unique tariff structures under Trump’s multi-front trade campaign. Notably, ‘trafficking tariffs’ targeting immigration and drug concerns impacted North American neighbors, while additional duties were applied to Brazil concerning its domestic politics and to India regarding its energy purchases from Russia.

    Despite the judicial setback, the ruling leaves intact the president’s broader authority to implement aggressive trade policies through alternative mechanisms, ensuring continued uncertainty in global trade relations.

  • Woman charged over abandoning dog at Las Vegas airport

    Woman charged over abandoning dog at Las Vegas airport

    A Las Vegas woman is confronting multiple criminal charges following an incident of alleged animal abandonment at Harry Reid International Airport on February 2nd. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the unidentified woman attempted to board a flight with her two-year-old golden doodle/mini poodle mix but was denied boarding by airline staff. Officials confirmed she lacked proper documentation to travel with the animal as a service dog.

    Surveillance footage captured the moment the woman approached the Jet Blue ticket counter with her leashed dog, engaged in conversation with airline personnel, and subsequently departed the area without the animal. After leaving the dog tethered to a baggage sizer, she proceeded to a departure gate where police later located her.

    When questioned by officers, the woman reportedly claimed that the airline’s refusal to accommodate her dog justified her actions, suggesting the animal’s tracking device would enable its return. Police statements indicate she became hostile during the encounter and resisted arrest attempts.

    The abandoned dog, now nicknamed ‘Jet Blue’ by authorities, was immediately taken into custody by Animal Protective Services. Following a mandatory 10-day holding period during which the owner failed to reclaim the animal, the dog was transferred to Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas. The charity organization reports being inundated with adoption applications for the abandoned poodle mix.

    In an official Facebook statement, Las Vegas police emphasized: ‘We can’t believe we have to say this… but please don’t abandon your dog at the airport – or anywhere else.’ The woman now faces formal charges of animal abandonment and resisting arrest.

  • ‘I deeply apologise’: South Korea’s ex-President Yoon regrets declaring martial law

    ‘I deeply apologise’: South Korea’s ex-President Yoon regrets declaring martial law

    In a landmark judicial ruling with profound political implications, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating an attempted insurrection. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, convicting Yoon of subverting the nation’s constitutional order through his unprecedented December 2024 declaration of martial law.

    The court established that Yoon had unlawfully deployed military forces to storm the National Assembly in a brazen attempt to detain political opponents. This extraordinary intervention, which lasted approximately six hours before being overturned by parliamentary vote, triggered widespread public protests and created a constitutional crisis.

    On Friday, through legal representatives, the former president issued a formal apology expressing regret for ‘the frustration and hardships’ caused to citizens. ‘I deeply apologise to the people for the frustration and hardships I have caused them, due to my own shortcomings, despite my resolve to save the nation,’ Yoon stated.

    However, the former prosecutor-turned-president simultaneously condemned the judicial process as ‘predetermined’ and characterized the conviction as political retaliation. Yoon questioned whether an appeal would be meaningful ‘in an environment where judicial independence could not be guaranteed,’ while urging supporters to ‘unite and rise.’

    Legal representatives clarified that these statements did not indicate an intention to forgo appellate proceedings. Prosecutors had previously sought capital punishment—a remarkable request given South Korea’s de facto moratorium on executions since 1997. The prosecution team expressed some ‘regret’ over the life sentence verdict but remained undecided regarding appeal plans.

    This case represents one of the most dramatic falls from power in South Korea’s democratic history, marking the first time a former president has received a life sentence for insurrection-related charges. The proceedings have exposed deep political divisions and raised fundamental questions about presidential authority versus constitutional safeguards.