Global Pulse

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  • Ramadan begins: Which GCC countries will mark Ramadan on Feb 18?

    Ramadan begins: Which GCC countries will mark Ramadan on Feb 18?

    The spiritual commencement of Ramadan 2026 has been officially confirmed across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations following successful moon-sighting observations on February 17th. While most member states synchronously declared February 18th as the inaugural day of the holy month, Oman emerged as the solitary exception with its commencement set for February 19th.

    In the United Arab Emirates, the Moon-Sighting Committee convened at Abu Dhabi’s historic Qasr Al Hosn palace confirmed visual confirmation of the crescent moon shortly after sunset. This astronomical verification triggered nationwide announcements from the highest levels of leadership. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended heartfelt congratulations to citizens and the global Muslim community, emphasizing Ramadan’s significance as a period for “goodness, giving, and social solidarity.” Similarly, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum characterized the occasion as “a virtuous season for strengthening family ties and spiritual purification.”

    The religious synchronization extended across the Arabian Peninsula with Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, Qatar’s news agency, Kuwait News Agency, and Bahrain’s Supreme Shariah Authority all independently verifying the crescent sighting and unanimously declaring February 18th as Ramadan’s commencement. This collective alignment underscores the cultural and religious cohesion within the region despite decentralized observation methodologies.

    Oman’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting reported contrasting observational results, determining that the crescent remained undetectable on February 17th. Consequently, the Sultanate will initiate Ramadan on February 19th, completing the full thirty days of the preceding month of Shaban according to Islamic tradition. This divergence highlights the intricate interplay between astronomical science, traditional observation practices, and theological interpretation that characterizes the Hijri calendar determination across Muslim communities worldwide.

    The announcements triggered immediate preparations across the region for the commencement of fasting, spiritual reflection, and special nightly prayers (Taraweeh) that define the Ramadan experience for millions of faithful.

  • Ramadan 2026: When does it start and everything else you need to know

    Ramadan 2026: When does it start and everything else you need to know

    As the crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, Muslims worldwide embark on a profound spiritual journey marked by fasting, prayer, and charitable acts. This ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requiring able-bodied adherents to abstain from all nourishment and drink from dawn until sunset.

    The practice of fasting (sawm) serves multiple spiritual purposes: strengthening one’s relationship with God, developing self-discipline, and fostering empathy for the less fortunate. Beyond physical abstinence, Ramadan emphasizes increased worship through Quranic recitation, extended prayers (tarawih), and generous charity (zakat). The fast is traditionally broken with dates at sunset, followed by the iftar meal that often becomes a community celebration.

    This year’s Ramadan commencement demonstrated the lunar calendar’s variability, with Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations beginning fasting on February 18th, while Jordan, Oman and others started on February 19th. This difference stems from the moon-sighting traditions that determine the Islamic calendar, which runs 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

    Geographical variations significantly impact fasting durations. While Muslims in South Africa fast approximately 12 hours daily, those in Canada endure over 14 hours without sustenance. Extreme northern regions like Norway present unique challenges during summer months with near-perpetual daylight, leading to special accommodations following Mecca’s timing.

    The final ten nights hold particular significance as they contain Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree), when the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims intensify worship during this period, with some practicing i’tikaaf (seclusion in mosques) for spiritual focus.

    Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration featuring morning prayers, family gatherings, gift-giving, and special meals. The obligatory zakat al-fitr donation precedes Eid prayers, ensuring the needy can participate in the festivities.

    Despite regional traditions varying from Egyptian lantern decorations to Turkish drummers awakening residents for pre-dawn meals (suhoor), the universal themes of spiritual reflection, community bonding, and heightened devotion unite the global Muslim community during this sacred month.

  • France and India hail growing ties as Modi hosts Macron

    France and India hail growing ties as Modi hosts Macron

    French President Emmanuel Macron commenced a pivotal three-day state visit to India on Tuesday, marking his fourth diplomatic engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2017. The leaders convened in Mumbai to inaugurate a new chapter in Franco-Indian relations, emphasizing their nations’ collaborative role in maintaining global stability amid international turbulence.

    The centerpiece of bilateral discussions involves a monumental defense agreement for 114 Rafale fighter jets, potentially valued at approximately €30 billion ($35 billion). French officials accompanying Macron expressed strong confidence in finalizing this historic contract, which would represent the largest defense procurement in India’s history. Notably, the majority of these advanced aircraft would be manufactured domestically through strategic industrial partnerships.

    Beyond defense collaboration, both leaders inaugurated India’s inaugural helicopter final assembly facility—a joint venture between Tata Group and Airbus located in Karnataka’s tech corridor near Bengaluru. This facility will produce the H125 single-engine helicopter, Airbus’s bestselling model in its category.

    Macron’s itinerary includes participation in New Delhi’s artificial intelligence summit later this week, underscoring the technological dimension of this strengthened partnership. The visit follows January’s landmark EU-India free trade agreement and occurs against the backdrop of shifting global economic policies and regional geopolitical dynamics.

    Bilateral trade currently stands at $18 billion annually, heavily driven by aerospace and defense sectors, while French foreign direct investment in India approaches $15 billion. The leaders’ personal rapport, described by analysts as demonstrating ‘excellent chemistry,’ has facilitated this remarkable acceleration in strategic cooperation.

    While celebrating technological and defense advancements, Macron did address the sensitive issue of Ukraine, urging Indian support for protecting civilian infrastructure—a delicate matter given India’s continued energy purchases from Russia since the 2022 invasion.

  • Warren Buffett’s company invests in the New York Times six years after he sold all his newspapers

    Warren Buffett’s company invests in the New York Times six years after he sold all his newspapers

    In a striking reversal of his previously bearish stance on print media, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has unveiled a substantial $350 million investment in The New York Times Company. The move, disclosed in Berkshire’s quarterly SEC filing covering Buffett’s final quarter as CEO, signals a notable shift in perspective toward media enterprises with successful digital transformation strategies.

    The investment comes precisely five years after Buffett liquidated Berkshire’s entire newspaper portfolio, famously declaring the traditional industry “toast” in 2020. At that time, however, he had acknowledged that nationally recognized brands like The New York Times or Wall Street Journal might still thrive through digital adaptation.

    Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism Chair Tim Franklin described the investment as “a full circle moment for Berkshire Hathaway in reinvesting in news and a huge vote of confidence in the business strategy of the New York Times.” Franklin emphasized that the Times has evolved beyond its print origins into a multifaceted digital enterprise, boasting popular assets like Wordle, The Athletic sports platform, and over 12 million digital subscribers.

    The filing also revealed Berkshire’s continued positioning in energy markets, adding approximately 8 million Chevron shares to reach over 130 million shares total. This expansion preceded President Trump’s order for the arrest of Venezuela’s president, which subsequently boosted oil stocks. Chevron, as the only major U.S. oil company with significant Venezuelan operations producing roughly 250,000 barrels daily, has seen its stock surge nearly 19% since early 2026.

    Meanwhile, Berkshire continued reducing positions in previously favored holdings, selling approximately 50 million Bank of America shares while maintaining 81 million, and trimming its massive Apple stake by about 10 million shares while retaining nearly 228 million.

    The quarterly filing doesn’t specify whether Buffett personally authorized the Times investment or if it was executed by one of Berkshire’s other investment managers. Given the $350 million size falls below Buffett’s typical $1 billion threshold for personal oversight, the decision may have originated from his successors. Nonetheless, the move has already influenced market behavior, with Times shares jumping nearly 3% in after-hours trading following the disclosure.

  • ‘We’re going to always be grateful’ – Chicagoans mourn loss of Jesse Jackson

    ‘We’re going to always be grateful’ – Chicagoans mourn loss of Jesse Jackson

    The city of Chicago is united in grief following the passing of renowned civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson at the age of 84. According to an official family statement, Jackson died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, concluding a lifetime of transformative activism that reshaped American society.

    Jackson’s legacy as a pioneering figure in the struggle for racial equality and social justice reverberates throughout Chicago’s communities. For decades, his leadership through organizations like Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition provided both a voice and tangible improvements for marginalized populations. His innovative approaches to civil rights activism blended economic empowerment with political advocacy, creating new pathways for minority participation in democracy.

    BBC correspondent Gary O’Donoghue documented the profound impact of Jackson’s passing across Chicago neighborhoods, capturing reflections from residents whose lives were directly shaped by his work. Many emphasized how Jackson’s international prominence never diminished his deep connections to the city he called home, where he continued grassroots organizing alongside global diplomacy.

    The reverend’s career spanned monumental moments in American history—from assisting Martin Luther King Jr. and participating in seminal events like the Selma marches, to pioneering presidential campaigns that expanded political possibilities for African Americans. His later years saw continued advocacy through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, maintaining focus on economic justice and educational equality.

    Chicago institutions, from churches to community centers, are preparing memorials honoring Jackson’s multifaceted legacy as both a local champion and global humanitarian. His death marks the passing of a generation of civil rights leaders while highlighting the enduring relevance of his vision for a more equitable society.

  • The A/P Room opens gallery at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai

    The A/P Room opens gallery at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai

    Dubai’s vibrant cultural landscape has been enriched with the inauguration of The A/P Room, a groundbreaking permanent gallery at Alserkal Avenue. This new establishment, which launched with its inaugural exhibition ‘At First Sight’ running through March 29, 2026, represents a significant advancement in the regional appreciation and collection of design objects.

    Operating under Atelio—the region’s premier destination for design furniture, art advisory, and collectible design founded by prominent businessman and art patron Elie Khouri—The A/P Room emerges as a innovative cultural platform under the leadership of industry expert Christelle Bassila. The gallery uniquely bridges historical and contemporary design traditions while fostering connections between international and regional creative practices through carefully curated programming.

    The inaugural exhibition ‘At First Sight’ explores the intuitive connection between collectors and design objects, examining how works inhabit space, communicate through material language, maintain presence, and create lasting impressions beyond initial encounters. According to Bassila, ‘To collect is not only to acquire, but to learn how to see. What stays is what matters. What unfolds over time is what endures.’

    The exhibition showcases a carefully selected collection of sculptural and material-driven works from both established and emerging talents, including Rogan Gregory, Vincent Dubourg, Andrea Branzi, Faye Toogood, and regional creators such as Roham Shamekh and Georges Mohasseb. Historical design masters including Gio Ponti, Joaquim Tenreiro, and Jorge Zalszupin are also represented, creating a dialog across generations and geographies.

    Elie Khouri, Chairman of Atelio, emphasized the strategic importance of the location: ‘Opening The A/P Room at Alserkal Avenue places collectible design within the heart of Dubai’s cultural infrastructure. We are creating an environment where international designers and regional voices can be presented in dialogue, positioning the Middle East firmly within the global design conversation.’

    Ruggero Ottogalli, CEO of Atelio, added that the gallery reflects the company’s commitment to building a comprehensive cultural ecosystem for design in the region, creating new pathways for collaboration between designers, collectors, and cultural partners.

    The A/P Room’s expansion continues with plans to open a second location in Abu Dhabi during the fourth quarter of 2026, significantly extending its cultural influence and reinforcing its mission to shape the region’s design identity within the global creative ecosystem.

  • Mumbai to host Prince William’s 2026 Earthshot prize

    Mumbai to host Prince William’s 2026 Earthshot prize

    Mumbai has been officially designated as the host city for the 2026 Earthshot Prize ceremony, founded by Britain’s Prince William to recognize innovative environmental solutions. The announcement made on Tuesday positions India’s financial capital as the sixth global city to host the prestigious awards, following previous ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro (2025), Cape Town (2024), Singapore (2023), Boston (2022), and London (2021).

    The Earthshot Prize, established in 2020, represents one of the world’s most significant environmental initiatives, awarding £1 million (approximately $1.3 million) to each winner across five critical categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, Fix our Climate, and Clean our Air. These funds are specifically allocated to accelerate the implementation of groundbreaking environmental solutions.

    India’s selection as host country carries particular significance given its prominent role in environmental innovation. The nation has produced more Earthshot Prize winners and finalists than any other country, demonstrating its growing leadership in sustainable development. Prince William emphasized India’s unique position, stating: ‘What succeeds in India at scale has the power to inspire progress everywhere.’

    The choice of Mumbai also highlights India’s ongoing challenges with environmental degradation, particularly air pollution. A 2024 study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were directly linked to air pollution, underscoring the urgent need for the solutions that the Earthshot Prize promotes.

    Prince William, who has attended every Earthshot Prize ceremony since its inception, described India as one of the world’s ‘most important forces’ for climate and nature conservation. He particularly noted the country’s demographic advantage: ‘With the largest population of young people in the world, there is a real sense of momentum — to not only imagine a better future, but to inspire change and make it a reality.’

    The ceremony, typically held in November, will bring global attention to Mumbai’s environmental initiatives while supporting the prize’s overarching mission to ‘repair and restore our planet by 2030’ through innovative, scalable solutions.

  • India’s Adani Group to invest $100 billion in AI data centres; completion set by 2035

    India’s Adani Group to invest $100 billion in AI data centres; completion set by 2035

    In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, India’s Adani Group unveiled an ambitious $100 billion strategic investment plan to establish renewable energy-powered AI data centers across the country. The initiative, scheduled for completion by 2035, represents one of the largest infrastructure commitments in the artificial intelligence sector globally.

    Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, declared that this transformative project aims to position India as a creator and exporter of artificial intelligence rather than merely a consumer. “The world is entering an Intelligence Revolution more profound than any previous Industrial Revolution,” Adani stated. “We will be the creators, the builders and the exporters of intelligence and we are proud to be able to participate in that future.”

    The comprehensive plan envisions creating the world’s largest integrated data center platform specifically designed for advanced AI workloads. According to company projections, this infrastructure development could generate a $250 billion AI ecosystem within India, significantly enhancing the nation’s competitive standing in the global technology landscape.

    Market response was immediately positive, with shares of Adani Enterprises rising approximately 2.5% following the announcement, making it one of the top performers on the Nifty 50 index. Adani Green Energy shares also gained roughly 1.8%, reflecting investor confidence in the renewable energy component of the initiative.

    This development occurs alongside massive global investments in semiconductor manufacturing capacity. Micron Technology, the largest American memory chip manufacturer, is executing a $200 billion expansion of production facilities in the United States. The company is additionally investing $50 billion to dramatically scale its existing campus, with two massive chip fabrication plants scheduled to become operational by late 2028. Each facility will span 600,000 square feet and utilize substantial construction materials including 70,000 tons of steel and 300,000 cubic yards of concrete.

    Parallel developments include Micron’s $100 billion fabrication complex near Syracuse, New York—the state’s largest private investment—along with a $9.6 billion facility in Hiroshima, Japan. Competitor SK Hynix is simultaneously constructing a $13 billion plant in South Korea and a $4 billion facility in Indiana, indicating intensifying global competition in advanced technology infrastructure.

    The Adani Group’s announcement underscores the critical intersection of artificial intelligence development, renewable energy integration, and national technological sovereignty. This strategic positioning reflects India’s determined effort to secure leadership in next-generation technologies while addressing the substantial power requirements of advanced computing through sustainable energy solutions.

  • Revealed: Saudi Arabia announces first day of Ramadan

    Revealed: Saudi Arabia announces first day of Ramadan

    Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the commencement of Ramadan 1447 AH, with the holy month set to begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The announcement followed the successful sighting of the Ramadan crescent from the Kingdom’s Sudair Observatory on Tuesday evening, corresponding to the 29th of Shaban in the Islamic calendar.

    The crescent observation process incorporated advanced technological assistance for the first time at the newly inaugurated Tamir Observatory, a facility specifically designated for official moon sightings and crescent monitoring. Astronomical expert Abdullah Al-Khudairi confirmed that the annular eclipse phenomenon would not affect the visibility of the Ramadan crescent, ensuring accurate determination of the lunar month’s start.

    Concurrent with the astronomical confirmation, Gulf nations have implemented adjusted working schedules to accommodate the spiritual observances. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a two-hour daily reduction in working hours for private sector employees throughout Ramadan. Public sector employees will follow modified schedules from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Thursday and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.

    Human resources experts note that while the reduced hours initially present operational challenges, they ultimately foster more deliberate work structures and increased productivity. The arrangement provides Muslim residents additional time for prayer, reflection, and family activities during the holy month, serving as both a spiritual reset and an opportunity for workplace efficiency optimization.

    The coordinated approach across Gulf nations demonstrates the region’s commitment to balancing religious observance with economic continuity, maintaining cultural traditions while implementing modern scientific methods for lunar determination.

  • US Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin to leave post

    US Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin to leave post

    Tricia McLaughlin, the prominent spokeswoman for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who became the public face of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, is stepping down from her position this week. McLaughlin gained recognition for her vigorous defense of President Donald Trump’s deportation initiatives across social media platforms, press interviews, and podcasts.

    Sources revealed to CBS News that McLaughlin initially planned to depart in December but postponed her exit following the fatal shootings of two US citizens during encounters with immigration officers in Minnesota last month. Her departure comes during a period of heightened tension surrounding immigration policy and DHS funding.

    DHS Secretary Kristi Noem officially confirmed McLaughlin’s departure, praising her “exceptional dedication, tenacity, and professionalism” during her tenure. “She has played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to secure the homeland and keep Americans safe,” Noem stated in an official release.

    As the primary spokesperson for both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection, McLaughlin frequently served as the public representative for these controversial agencies. Her departure has elicited polarized reactions along political lines, with Republican commentators celebrating her as one of the most effective defenders of Trump’s immigration policies, while Democratic critics condemned her support for what they characterize as aggressive enforcement tactics.

    The leadership transition occurs amid a congressional standoff over DHS funding, with Democratic lawmakers demanding operational changes to ICE before approving budget allocations. The department’s funding lapsed on Saturday, with no resolution expected until month’s end at the earliest.

    Recent polling from Reuters/Ipsos indicates growing public dissatisfaction with the administration’s immigration approach, with 55% of respondents disapproving of Trump’s immigration policies in mid-February polling, compared to 44% a year earlier.

    McLaughlin will be succeeded by Katie Zacharia, a commentator previously featured on Fox News. McLaughlin’s future plans remain undisclosed, though her government service includes previous roles in the Treasury Department during Trump’s first term and as spokeswoman for Vivek Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential campaign.