Global Pulse

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  • How UAE built first homegrown rocket after 2 years of trial and error

    How UAE built first homegrown rocket after 2 years of trial and error

    In a landmark achievement for its space program, the United Arab Emirates has successfully launched its first entirely domestically developed hybrid rocket. The breakthrough moment culminated over two years of intensive research, development, and rigorous testing conducted by the Technology Innovation Institute’s Propulsion and Space Research Centre.

    Under the leadership of Chief Researcher Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, a deliberately assembled mixed team of experienced experts and young talent established a clear roadmap from inception. The project faced significant challenges from the outset, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain logistics, as components were produced at prototype scale rather than mass production.

    “We put together experienced experts and young talent, and we established a clear roadmap,” Dr. Tsoutsanis explained, emphasizing that suppliers had to adapt their capabilities to produce components for these novel applications. The decision to prioritize local manufacturing ultimately proved successful, resulting in a fully indigenous system.

    The development process involved exhaustive testing procedures with multiple iterations, including simulations, repeated ground tests of the rocket motor, and comprehensive integration with the launch platform. A multidisciplinary team of 15 specialists spanning propulsion, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering collaborated on the project, with several UAE nationals taking responsibility for critical systems including telemetry, control paths, and launch pad operations.

    The tension peaked during the final moments before launch. “Two minutes before the launch, we were coding and verifying aspects of the telemetry,” Dr. Tsoutsanis recalled. The emotional intensity was palpable as team members fell into silence during countdown, collectively hoping for success.

    The successful flight saw the rocket cleanly separate into two sections at its highest point, both descending safely to Earth under parachute. Recovery of all components was crucial for data analysis and performance verification. This achievement provides valuable flight data that will enable the team to scale the technology for higher altitudes and larger payloads, potentially evolving into small satellite launch capability in the future.

  • Ramadan in India: Hyderabad comes alive with the aroma of Haleem

    Ramadan in India: Hyderabad comes alive with the aroma of Haleem

    As Ramadan envelops Hyderabad, the historic city undergoes a remarkable nocturnal transformation, with its culinary landscape dominated by the aromatic presence of Hyderabadi Haleem. This labor-intensive delicacy, requiring up to 12 hours of meticulous preparation, has become synonymous with the holy month’s culinary traditions.

    The preparation process unfolds across numerous locations, particularly in the Charminar district, where chefs tend to massive vessels on traditional ‘bhattis’ (brick and mud ovens). The complex recipe incorporates an array of ingredients including premium mutton, wheat, dals, basmati rice, almonds, and an exquisite blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin.

    Haleem’s journey from its Arabic origins to its current iconic status in Hyderabad represents centuries of culinary evolution. The adaptation through incorporation of local spices and ingredients has elevated it to such prominence that in 2010, it became India’s first meat product to receive Geographical Indication status.

    The culinary phenomenon extends beyond mere food preparation, sparking significant cultural and economic activity. Long queues form outside establishments ranging from humble roadside eateries to luxury hotels, all serving the sought-after dish. As afternoon approaches, kitchens shift to packaging operations to meet overwhelming demand.

    Parallel to the culinary celebrations, Hyderabad experiences a cultural renaissance during Ramadan nights. Historic neighborhoods including Laad Bazaar—renowned for lacquer bangles, pearls, and perfumes since the 1590s—bustle with activity until midnight. The city’s architectural heritage, particularly around the illuminated Charminar monument, becomes a focal point for both residents and visitors.

    This cultural vibrancy has inspired innovative tourism initiatives. Mohammed Sibghatullah Khan, a 25-year-old architect and founder of The Deccan Archive, conducts nighttime walking tours that explore Hyderabad’s architectural legacy and urban evolution. These tours attract diverse participants including domestic tourists, NRIs from Gulf countries, and international visitors, all seeking to experience the city’s unique Ramadan atmosphere.

    The convergence of culinary tradition, historical commerce, and cultural tourism during Ramadan demonstrates Hyderabad’s distinctive ability to preserve heritage while embracing contemporary expressions of community and identity.

  • Trump says Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach nuclear deal

    Trump says Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach nuclear deal

    President Donald Trump has delivered a stark warning to Iranian officials, establishing a definitive two-week deadline for reaching a comprehensive nuclear agreement. Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One on Thursday, the American leader declared that Tehran faces severe consequences should diplomatic efforts collapse within this timeframe.

    “We’re either going to get a deal or it’s going to be unfortunate for them,” Trump stated, emphasizing the critical nature of the negotiations. The President characterized Iran as “a hot spot right now” during remarks at the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, acknowledging the historical challenges in securing meaningful agreements with the Islamic Republic.

    While Vice President JD Vance reported “some” encouraging developments emerging from Tuesday’s second-round talks in Geneva, he confirmed that fundamental U.S. security requirements remain unaddressed. The diplomatic pressure coincides with significant military movements, as the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford transited toward Gibraltar en route to join the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iranian territorial waters.

    According to an Axios report citing White House insiders, administration officials estimate a 90% probability of military strikes occurring within weeks should negotiations fail. This deployment of naval assets underscores the administration’s preparation for multiple scenarios as the diplomatic window rapidly closes.

  • Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul moves into contention at her home LPGA tournament in Thailand

    Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul moves into contention at her home LPGA tournament in Thailand

    In a stunning display of home-course prowess, Thailand’s top-ranked golfer Jeeno Thitikul electrified the galleries at the Siam Country Club Old Course with a spectacular 9-under 63 during Friday’s second round of the LPGA Thailand tournament. The world number one’s remarkable performance positioned her firmly in second place, though she trails the formidable leader Somi Lee by three strokes after the South Korean sensation carded a blistering 61 that included a spectacular eagle 2 from the fairway on the 15th hole.

    The Asian swing of the LPGA Tour commenced with this prestigious event located approximately 125 kilometers east of Bangkok, marking the first of three consecutive tournaments across the continent with subsequent stops in Singapore and China. The competition has intensified dramatically as players seek early momentum in this crucial segment of the professional circuit.

    Thitikul’s round featured an extraordinary burst of scoring prowess with four birdies and an eagle across the final six holes of her front nine. The Thai superstar maintained her scintillating form with additional birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, momentarily seizing the tournament lead after initially trailing by two strokes following the opening round. However, her momentum tempered during the latter portion of the back nine with six consecutive pars before concluding with a final birdie on the 18th hole.

    Japan’s Chizzy Iwai delivered an impressive bogey-free 62, elevating her into a tie for third position with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, who carded a 64, leaving both competitors four strokes off the pace. Meanwhile, defending champion Angel Yin struggled with a 75, falling to even par for the tournament, while Canadian standout Brooke Henderson remained at 5-under after posting a 68, now trailing Lee by twelve strokes.

  • Tunisian MP jailed for eight months over posts mocking president

    Tunisian MP jailed for eight months over posts mocking president

    A Tunisian court has imposed an eight-month prison sentence on parliament member Ahmed Saidani for social media commentary deemed insulting to President Kais Saied. The charges stem from Saidani’s satirical Facebook posts criticizing the president’s response to recent catastrophic flooding that claimed multiple lives.

    Judicial authorities confirmed Saidani was convicted under Article 86 of the telecommunications code, which criminalizes ‘harming others via social media’ with penalties extending to two years imprisonment. The lawmaker’s detention occurred Thursday following his arrest earlier this month.

    Saidani’s legal representative, Houssem Eddine Ben Attia, characterized the prosecution as politically motivated, telling AFP the case represents a concerning application of telecommunications legislation to suppress government criticism.

    The incident has intensified scrutiny of Saied’s governance approach since his 2021 suspension of parliament and assumption of decree powers. Human rights organizations document escalating suppression of dissent, including November’s mass sentencing of opposition figures accused of attempted government overthrow.

    Notably, Saidani previously supported Saied’s power consolidation but recently emerged as a vocal critic. His social media posts sarcastically referred to the president as ‘supreme commander of sanitation and rainwater drainage’ and accused him of photo-opportunism during disaster response while avoiding substantive accountability.

    Fellow legislator Bilel Mechri condemned the imprisonment as institutional sabotage, telling Reuters: ‘How can parliament hold the executive authority to account if it carries out an unlawful arrest over critical views?’

    The case tests Tunisia’s parliamentary immunity provisions, which typically protect lawmakers from detention during official duties except for criminal offenses.

    President Saied, elected in 2019 on promises of stabilizing Tunisia’s post-Arab Spring democracy, maintains his actions uphold legal standards and national cleansing efforts. The 67-year-old leader denies authoritarian tendencies despite mounting international concern over Tunisia’s democratic backsliding.

  • Asos co-founder dies after Thailand balcony fall

    Asos co-founder dies after Thailand balcony fall

    Thai authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual who fell to his death from a high-rise condominium in Pattaya on February 9, 2026, as Quentin Griffiths, the British co-founder of global fashion retailer ASOS. Police investigators disclosed to BBC that emergency services responded to the incident after receiving reports of a fatal fall from the 18th floor of a residential building.

    According to official statements from Pattaya law enforcement, preliminary investigations indicate no evidence of criminal involvement in Griffiths’ death. The police report specified that the entrepreneur was alone at the time of the incident, with his condominium unit secured from inside and showing no signs of forced entry. Medical examiners conducted an autopsy which revealed no indications of foul play, supporting the initial assessment of the circumstances.

    Griffiths, who held British citizenship, co-established ASOS (As Seen On Screen) in 2000 alongside current CEO Nick Robertson. Although he departed from the company five years after its inception, he maintained substantial shareholdings in the fashion enterprise that would eventually grow into a multinational e-commerce giant valued at billions.

    Law enforcement officials additionally revealed that Griffiths was engaged in two separate ongoing legal proceedings at the time of his death, suggesting these matters may have contributed to significant personal stress. The precise nature of these court cases remains undisclosed as investigations continue.

    The tragic event has drawn international attention to the circumstances surrounding the death of a prominent business figure in Thailand’s coastal city of Pattaya, known both as a tourist destination and expatriate hub. Authorities have indicated their investigation remains open while awaiting final forensic reports.

  • India joins US-led initiative to build secure technology supply chains

    India joins US-led initiative to build secure technology supply chains

    NEW DELHI — In a significant diplomatic development, India formally aligned with the United States-led Pax Silica initiative on Friday, cementing a strategic partnership that had recently weathered tensions over energy imports. The partnership represents a substantial recalibration of bilateral relations, emphasizing technological cooperation amid growing geopolitical competition with China.

    The Pax Silica framework, which includes key U.S. allies such as Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Israel, aims to establish secure supply chains for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and critical technologies. The initiative specifically seeks to diminish global reliance on China-dominated manufacturing hubs while fostering trusted production networks among democratic nations.

    U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor emphasized the strategic importance of India’s participation in a pre-signing address. “Pax Silica will unite nations that believe technology should empower free people and free markets. India’s entry isn’t merely symbolic—it’s both strategic and essential,” Gor stated.

    The technology agreement follows closely on the heels of a recently established interim trade framework between the two nations, which reduces tariffs and enhances market access. This trade détente effectively eased frictions that had emerged from India’s substantial purchases of discounted Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

    Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced the reduction of reciprocal import tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, alongside the removal of additional levies previously imposed due to India’s Russian crude acquisitions. This concession came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to halting further Russian oil purchases.

    The convergence of trade agreements and technology cooperation signals a broader strategic partnership that extends beyond commerce into long-term security alignment. Ambassador Gor captured the optimistic outlook: “From the trade deal to Pax Silica to defense cooperation, the potential for our two nations to work together is truly limitless.”

  • Ex-South Korean president remains defiant following life sentence for rebellion

    Ex-South Korean president remains defiant following life sentence for rebellion

    In a dramatic development within South Korea’s political landscape, former President Yoon Suk Yeol has issued his first response to receiving a life imprisonment sentence for rebellion, maintaining an uncompromising stance despite the severe judicial ruling. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, finding Yoon guilty of orchestrating an attempted coup through his unauthorized declaration of martial law in December 2024.

    Through legal representatives, the deposed leader asserted that his controversial imposition of emergency measures was enacted ‘exclusively for national interests and public welfare,’ while simultaneously dismissing the judicial proceedings as fundamentally biased against him. The court documented Yoon’s persistent non-cooperation throughout the investigation, including his refusal to attend multiple court hearings and his weeks-long barricade within the presidential residence following his arrest last July.

    Presiding Judge Jee Kui-youn emphasized in the ruling that Yoon demonstrated ‘complete absence of remorse for the substantial societal damages caused by the emergency martial law declaration’ and noted his ‘unjustified avoidance of court appearances’ on several occasions. The judicial finding concluded that Yoon had mobilized military and police forces in an unlawful attempt to seize legislative control, apprehend political adversaries, and establish indefinite authoritarian governance.

    Conservative supporters expressed outrage at the courthouse steps, while liberal opponents celebrated the verdict nearby, with both factions separated by substantial police presence. Despite his defiant rhetoric questioning the judiciary’s independence, Yoon retains the right to appeal within seven days, though his statement suggested skepticism about continuing legal battles.

    The brief six-hour martial law period in December 2024 triggered South Korea’s most severe political crisis in decades, culminating in Yoon’s presidential suspension that same month, formal removal by the Constitutional Court in April 2025, and subsequent early elections that brought current President Lee Jae Myung to power. Five former military and police officials received substantial prison sentences for their roles in enforcing the martial law decree, including ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment.

  • UK doctor stuck in India after police case over Facebook post

    UK doctor stuck in India after police case over Facebook post

    A British medical professional of Indian origin finds himself entangled in a legal and diplomatic impasse, barred from departing India for over a month due to a criminal investigation initiated from a social media commentary. Dr. Sangram Patil, a consultant for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and a UK citizen, was intercepted at Mumbai airport on January 19th while attempting to board a flight back to London. The prevention of his departure was enforced via a lookout circular—an official notice that restricts individuals under investigation from exiting the country.

    The core of the dispute stems from a complaint filed by Nikhil Bhamre, who leads the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) social media operations in Maharashtra state. Registered on December 18th, the complaint alleges that Dr. Patil published “objectionable content” on Facebook targeting a senior BJP figure. Although the complaint did not explicitly name the leader, evidence indicates it refers to a post concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi made four days prior. The Mumbai police subsequently filed a case against Patil under sections of the Indian criminal code pertaining to the dissemination of false information capable of inciting enmity and hatred between communities—an offence that is bailable but carries a potential three-year prison sentence.

    Dr. Patil, who maintains a substantial online following across platforms like Facebook and YouTube, has vehemently denied the allegations. He characterizes the police action as “unlawful” and describes the extensive interrogations—totaling over 20 hours—as “targeted harassment.” He contends that his post was merely a simple question directed at government supporters and contained no inflammatory, communal, or sensational material. In a legal rebuttal, Patil’s legal team has categorically denied authoring any post that directly named or referred to the Prime Minister, arguing that criminal prosecution cannot be based on subjective political interpretation.

    The Mumbai police, in an affidavit presented to the court, defended their investigation. They asserted that the probe was at a critical juncture and suggested the possibility of “an organised effort to malign constitutional authority.” They further questioned why a foreign citizen on a tourist e-visa would engage in posting what they described as “defamatory, scandalous, obscene and inflammatory material” against the Indian Prime Minister while residing abroad.

    With his court plea seeking to dismiss the case and lift his travel ban scheduled for a hearing on February 27th, Dr. Patil remains in India, separated from his family and job in the UK. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed it is providing support to the British national and is in contact with local Indian authorities, highlighting the developing diplomatic dimension of this case.

  • A macabre dispute has kept the body of Zambia’s former president unburied for months

    A macabre dispute has kept the body of Zambia’s former president unburied for months

    LUSAKA, Zambia — The mortal remains of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu continue to be held in a South African mortuary eight months after his death, trapped in an extraordinary standoff that blends political rivalry with deep-seated spiritual beliefs. The protracted dispute has prevented the dignified burial traditionally accorded to national leaders in Zambian culture.

    At the heart of the conflict lies a cemetery in Zambia’s capital where an empty, president-sized grave awaits occupancy—a physical manifestation of the bitter divide between Lungu’s family and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. Court rulings have consistently favored the government’s position, yet Lungu’s family maintains their resistance, honoring the former leader’s dying wish that Hichilema should not approach his body, even as a mourner.

    This unprecedented situation has evolved into what religious authorities describe as a spiritual confrontation transcending political dimensions. Bishop Anthony Kaluba of Lusaka’s Life of Christ congregation characterizes the struggle as fundamentally spiritual rather than political. The dispute reflects Zambia’s complex intersection of modern democracy and traditional belief systems, where curses and blessings from the dying hold significant cultural power.

    Academic experts note that across Africa, final words from elders possess transformative power to either enhance or obstruct life. Chammah J. Kaunda, a Zambian professor of African Pentecostal theology, explains that curses imposed by elders facing death can develop autonomous existence beyond their initial utterance.

    The conflict originates in Zambia’s vibrant democratic tradition where civilian leaders have succeeded through electoral merit rather than military strength. However, beneath this modern political framework thrives a culture where traditional spirituality coexists with Christianity, and the fear of spiritual retaliation remains potent.

    The courtroom battles have proven intense. A South African court ruled in August that Zambian authorities could repatriate Lungu’s body, but the former president’s sister, Bertha Lungu, responded with emotional outbursts, accusing Hichilema of seeking the body for ritual purposes—an allegation the current president denies, citing his Christian faith’s rejection of traditional religious practices.

    The rivalry between these two figures spans years: Lungu narrowly defeated Hichilema in the 2015 presidential race following Michael Sata’s death, and again in 2016 when Hichilema faced treason charges and imprisonment. The tables turned in 2021 when Hichilema secured victory, leading to the withdrawal of Lungu’s retirement benefits and legal troubles for his family members.

    As the impasse continues, it raises profound questions about political reconciliation, cultural traditions, and the complex legacy of leadership in a nation where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds remain deeply interconnected.