Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • ‘Dhurandhar 2’ teaser takes us into Ranveer Singh’s character’s violent past

    ‘Dhurandhar 2’ teaser takes us into Ranveer Singh’s character’s violent past

    The highly anticipated teaser trailer for ‘Dhurandhar 2’ has been released, signaling a dramatic shift toward a darker and more violent narrative arc in the blockbuster franchise. Bollywood star Ranveer Singh unveiled the teaser precisely at 12:12 AM IST on Tuesday, following strategic social media teasers that built significant audience anticipation.

    The preview offers compelling insights into the backstory of Singh’s character Hamza, exploring his formative years before his transformation into a professional spy. Director Aditya Dhar appears to be intensifying the cinematic experience with elevated action sequences and heightened visceral elements compared to the original installment.

    While the minute-long teaser primarily utilizes footage from the first film’s concluding sequence, it provides brief appearances by supporting characters portrayed by R Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt. Notably absent is Akshaye Khanna’s popular character Rehman Dakait, whose narrative conclusion in the original film precludes his return.

    The promotional launch coincides strategically with the recent streaming debut of ‘Dhurandhar’ on Netflix platforms across the UAE. Despite its absence from UAE theaters, the original film achieved extraordinary commercial success, grossing over ₹10 billion worldwide and establishing itself as the highest-grossing single-language Hindi production in Indian cinema history.

    Director Dhar has characterized the digital release as opening a ‘new chapter’ for the franchise following its extended theatrical engagement exceeding one month. The ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun continues their involvement in the sequel.

    With the original film’s runtime extending to 214 minutes, industry expectations suggest the sequel will maintain a comparable epic scale. ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is scheduled for theatrical release in Indian markets on March 19, continuing the franchise’s ambitious narrative expansion.

  • Viral video: Japanese volleyball player slides across court on belly in dramatic apology

    Viral video: Japanese volleyball player slides across court on belly in dramatic apology

    Japanese volleyball sensation Yuji Nishida has captivated global audiences with an extraordinary display of sportsmanship that transcends conventional apologies. During Sunday’s Japanese SV League All-Star Game, the Osaka Bluteon captain accidentally struck a courtside staff member with a powerful serve that sailed beyond the net boundaries.

    The incident prompted what spectators are calling the most theatrical apology in recent sports history. Rather than offering the traditional deep bow common in Japanese culture, Nishida launched into a full-body belly slide across the polished court surface, propelling himself headfirst toward the startled staff member. The arena erupted in a mixture of laughter and applause as the athlete demonstrated his remorse through this physically dramatic gesture.

    Social media platforms have been set ablaze by footage of the incident, with viral videos accumulating millions of views within days. Digital commentators have drawn parallels to scenes from the popular volleyball anime ‘Haikyuu!!’, with one observer noting it was ‘the most anime thing that’s ever happened in real life.’ The apology has been widely interpreted as a contemporary adaptation of dogeza—a traditional Japanese act of profound contrition involving kneeling and touching one’s forehead to the ground.

    The staff member, initially surprised by the errant ball, appeared equally astonished by Nishida’s elaborate apology, responding with a respectful bow of her own. This exchange highlights the deep cultural significance of apology rituals in Japanese society, where demonstrations of sincerity often carry substantial social weight.

    Nishida, renowned for his left-handed powerful strikes and leadership qualities, has previously garnered attention for his sportsmanship, though never through such visually striking means. The incident occurred during a high-profile all-star event, amplifying its visibility and cementing its status as an instant internet phenomenon that transcends typical sports highlights.

  • Emirates Hospitals Group announces strategic collaboration with Nice University Hospital, France

    Emirates Hospitals Group announces strategic collaboration with Nice University Hospital, France

    In a landmark move for Middle Eastern healthcare, Emirates Hospitals Group (EHG) has forged a strategic alliance with France’s prestigious Nice University Hospital (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice). This collaboration, formalized on February 3, 2026, establishes a comprehensive framework for clinical advancement, medical education, and research innovation across the United Arab Emirates and broader region.

    The partnership strategically combines Nice University Hospital’s internationally acclaimed expertise in specialized tertiary care and medical innovation with EHG’s extensive clinical network and growing healthcare ecosystem in the UAE. The collaboration will focus on multidimensional knowledge exchange, clinical cooperation programs, advanced physician training initiatives, and joint academic partnerships designed to elevate regional healthcare standards.

    Christian Schuhmacher, Executive Chairman of EHG’s Board, emphasized the significance of this European partnership: “This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in our continuous journey to enhance clinical standards and expand our academic capabilities. Aligning with a leading European academic medical center enables us to accelerate knowledge transfer, advance physician development, and ultimately achieve superior patient outcomes.”

    Prosenjit Bhattacharya, Chief Operating Officer of EHG, further elaborated: “This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to improving patient care through associations with globally recognized centers of excellence. By bringing international clinical expertise directly to UAE patients, we reinforce our strategic vision to establish EHG as the region’s premier platform for advanced healthcare delivery, medical education, and innovative research.”

    Rodolphe Bourret, Chief Executive Officer of Nice University Hospital, expressed enthusiasm for the transcontinental partnership: “We are delighted to collaborate with Emirates Hospitals Group. This alliance creates substantial opportunities for clinical and academic synergy while strengthening the healthcare bridge between European and Middle Eastern medical institutions.”

    The signing ceremony witnessed high-level diplomatic participation, including Dr. Lateefa Al Sada, Head of Consular Services and National Affairs Section, who highlighted the collaboration’s role in strengthening UAE-France bilateral relations. The event was also attended by Hervé Cael, Municipal Councillor and Vice-Chairman of CHU’s Supervisory Board; Christiane Amiel, Deputy Mayor of Nice for International Relations; and Johanna Lerfel, Health Advisor for the Middle East region based at the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia, alongside senior representatives from CHU’s Faculty of Medicine.

  • Stone feast of 160 dishes draws crowds to Fuzhou historic district

    Stone feast of 160 dishes draws crowds to Fuzhou historic district

    The historic Three Lanes and Seven Alleys district in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, has become the site of an extraordinary cultural exhibition that continues to draw substantial public attention. At the heart of this display lies an astonishing collection of over 160 meticulously sculpted dishes, all crafted entirely from Shoushan stone—a material renowned for its diverse colors and textures.

    This remarkable stone feast represents a modern interpretation of the legendary Manchu Han Imperial Feast, historically known as one of China’s most elaborate culinary traditions. The exhibition showcases an impressive range of items, from regional specialties like the iconic Fujian seafood dish “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” to contemporary Western favorites including burgers and french fries. Each piece demonstrates exceptional artistry and attention to detail, with no two items appearing identical in their stone composition.

    The creative master behind this ambitious project is Sun Zhaoyong, an officially recognized provincial inheritor of intangible cultural heritage. Born into a family with generations of carving expertise, Sun has dedicated decades to perfecting his craft. His inspiration for this comprehensive stone banquet emerged during the 1990s when he created an exceptionally lifelike blood clam sculpture for his wife. This initial experiment revealed the remarkable potential of Shoushan stone, which offers approximately 200 distinct color variations and textural qualities ideally suited for replicating the visual characteristics of various foods.

    The exhibition not only highlights traditional Chinese carving techniques but also demonstrates how ancient art forms can creatively interpret both historical and modern culinary culture. Visitors to the historic district can experience this unique blend of gastronomy and sculpture, which serves as both an artistic achievement and cultural preservation effort.

  • Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

    Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

    The Walt Disney Company has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Josh D’Amaro, current chairman of its immensely profitable parks and experiences division, as chief executive officer effective March 18. The 54-year-old company veteran will succeed Bob Iger, who has helmed the entertainment conglomerate for nearly two decades with a brief interruption in 2022.

    D’Amaro’s selection concludes an extensive succession planning process and signals Disney’s strategic prioritization of its most reliable revenue generator. The Disney Experiences division under D’Amaro’s leadership has demonstrated exceptional financial performance, employing 185,000 personnel and generating $36 billion in revenue last year while overseeing 12 global theme parks and 54 resorts.

    The newly appointed CEO brings nearly three decades of institutional knowledge to the role, having joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort. His tenure has included spearheading major projects including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and World of Frozen, alongside managing digital initiatives such as Disney’s partnership with Epic Games, creator of Fortnite.

    Board Chair James Gorman emphasized D’Amaro’s unique qualifications during a CNBC interview, noting he possesses not only financial acumen but also “great creative touch” – a crucial combination for leading the multifaceted media empire.

    D’Amaro assumes leadership during a complex period for media companies, with Disney facing increased political scrutiny from conservative figures including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over perceived “woke” values. The company recently garnered attention for temporarily suspending comedian Jimmy Kimmel following comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

    Concurrently, Disney announced the appointment of Dana Walden, previously co-chair of entertainment and considered D’Amaro’s primary competitor for the CEO position, to the newly created role of chief creative officer. Walden, known for her outside-of-work friendship with former Vice President Kamala Harris, will report directly to D’Amaro.

    The leadership transition occurs as Disney continues Iger’s restructuring initiatives aimed at controlling streaming and film division costs, revitalizing ESPN’s sports media dominance, and expanding parks and cruise operations. Market reaction was initially cautious, with shares dipping approximately 1% following the announcement.

  • France issues arrest warrants for French-Israeli women accused of inciting genocide

    France issues arrest warrants for French-Israeli women accused of inciting genocide

    French judicial authorities have initiated a significant legal proceeding by issuing arrest warrants for two French-Israeli women, Nili Kupfer-Naouri and Rachel Touitou, for their alleged involvement in obstructing humanitarian aid convoys destined for the Gaza Strip. The warrants, reported by Le Monde, form part of a broader investigation into French citizens participating in activities that disrupt critical aid deliveries during the ongoing conflict.

    Kupfer-Naouri, who leads the organization Israel Is Forever, and Touitou, an activist associated with the group Tsav 9, face accusations of complicity and incitement to genocide. The judicial action follows formal complaints submitted by French-Palestinian citizens and human rights organizations urging prosecution of dual nationals directly involved in hampering lifesaving assistance during Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

    The case gains international context as Tsav 9 has been designated a ‘violent extremist Israeli group’ by the U.S. Department of State in June 2024 for systematically blocking, harassing, and damaging humanitarian aid convoys. According to investigations, group members employed tactics including road blockades, truck vandalism, and destruction of vital supplies, with a particularly severe incident occurring on May 13, 2024, when members looted and burned two aid trucks near Hebron in the West Bank.

    Touitou has publicly criticized the French justice system, alleging biased prioritization of complaints from pro-Palestinian organizations. Conversely, complainants have welcomed the warrants as a necessary step toward accountability. The French Jewish Organisation for Peace (UJFP) emphasized that the warrants reflect the serious nature of ‘collaboration in genocide’ through concrete actions.

    The international response has extended beyond judicial measures, with Meta suspending Tsav 9’s Facebook and Instagram accounts in May 2024 for organizing raids on aid convoys, and the European Union imposing sanctions on the group for exacerbating human suffering and committing serious human rights abuses in Gaza.

  • Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections

    Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections

    In a recent podcast appearance that has stirred significant political controversy, former US President Donald Trump called for Republicans to “nationalize” American elections while reiterating his unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential race. Speaking on the show hosted by former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino, Trump advocated for Republican control over voting processes in at least fifteen unspecified jurisdictions.

    The controversial remarks arrive shortly after Federal Bureau of Investigation agents conducted a court-authorized operation at the Fulton County Election Hub in Georgia, examining records from the previous presidential election. Trump referenced this development during the interview, suggesting that “interesting things” would emerge from the investigation.

    Trump connected his proposal for federalizing election mechanisms to his immigration agenda, asserting that Republicans must deport undocumented immigrants to secure future electoral victories. “If Republicans don’t get them out, you will never win another election as a Republican,” he stated.

    Despite losing Georgia to President Joe Biden by a narrow margin in 2020, Trump maintained during the interview that he had actually won “in a landslide,” repeating baseless allegations of illegal voting. These claims persist despite two failed criminal cases in Georgia related to alleged election interference, both of which Trump denied any wrongdoing in.

    The FBI raid prompted strong reactions from local officials, with Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory characterizing it as “an assault on your vote.” Adding to the unusual nature of the event, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed her presence during the operation, stating that Trump had personally requested her attendance. In a letter to senators, Gabbard explained her involvement fell under her authority to coordinate intelligence related to election security.

    The intelligence director also acknowledged facilitating a brief phone conversation between Trump and FBI agents conducting the raid, noting that the former president merely thanked them for their work without asking questions or issuing directives—an unusual occurrence given typical separation between law enforcement operations and presidential communication.

  • Spain considers social media ban for under-16s, joining others in Europe

    Spain considers social media ban for under-16s, joining others in Europe

    In a significant move to safeguard young people from digital harm, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Tuesday that Spain will implement a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16. The declaration came during Sánchez’s address at a Dubai summit where he criticized major technology corporations for permitting the proliferation of illegal content including child sexual abuse materials and nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes.

    “Contemporary children are navigating digital territories they were never equipped to traverse independently,” Sánchez stated. “This era of willful ignorance must conclude.”

    Spain now aligns with several nations implementing similar protective measures. France recently legislated to prohibit social media access for those under 15, with enforcement scheduled for the upcoming September academic term. Australia has pioneered the world’s first comprehensive social media prohibition for under-16s, making platforms legally accountable for minor users. Denmark has established comparable restrictions for users under 15, while the United Kingdom is considering analogous protective measures.

    The Spanish initiative will mandate social media companies to implement robust age verification mechanisms—moving beyond self-declaration systems to establish effective digital barriers. Current platform policies typically set minimum age requirements at 13, though enforcement remains inconsistent across the industry.

    Spain’s prohibition will integrate into existing digital protection legislation for minors currently under parliamentary consideration. Government officials indicate the measure could receive approval as early as next week, though the minority left-wing coalition faces legislative challenges. While the far-right Vox party criticized the proposal as potentially limiting criticism of the government, the center-right Popular Party indicated support, having proposed similar restrictions previously.

    Concurrently, Spain has joined five European nations in forming what Sánchez termed a “coalition of the digitally willing” to coordinate multinational social media regulation. Additional measures include criminalizing algorithmic manipulation that amplifies illegal content and establishing executive liability for failure to remove criminal materials from digital platforms.

    “The myth of technological neutrality must be dispelled,” Sánchez emphasized during his summit address. Both regulatory enhancements will require parliamentary ratification to modify Spanish law.

  • Ethiopia PM hits out at Eritrea over atrocities in Tigray

    Ethiopia PM hits out at Eritrea over atrocities in Tigray

    In a dramatic parliamentary address, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly condemned Eritrean military forces for committing widespread atrocities during the devastating Tigray conflict that ravaged northern Ethiopia from 2020-2022. This marks the first official admission from Addis Ababa regarding Eritrea’s involvement in mass killings, specifically referencing the November 2020 Aksum massacre that Asmara had consistently denied.

    The Prime Minister detailed how Eritrean troops, who fought alongside Ethiopian government forces against Tigrayan rebels, engaged in systematic destruction across multiple cities including Adwa, Aksum, Adigrat and Shire. According to Abiy’s testimony, these operations included wholesale demolition of residential properties, looting of civilian possessions, destruction of industrial infrastructure, and seizure of manufacturing machinery.

    This condemnation represents the latest deterioration in the volatile relationship between these Horn of Africa neighbors, whose alliance has historically oscillated between cooperation and hostility. The current tensions stem partly from Ethiopia’s persistent quest for Red Sea access through Eritrean territory and recent allegations of shifting allegiances in Tigray.

    The 2022 Pretoria Agreement that formally ended the Tigray conflict excluded Eritrea as a signatory, with Asmara having opposed the peace deal for not achieving the complete military defeat of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Independent investigations by organizations including Amnesty International had previously documented extensive human rights violations during the conflict, with Eritrean forces accused of some of the most severe atrocities.

    The timing of Abiy’s statement coincides with renewed regional tensions, including a five-day suspension of passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Tigrayan cities following recent clashes in western Tigray. These developments have raised concerns among international observers about potential renewed hostilities in the region where the African Union estimates approximately 600,000 lives were lost during the two-year war.

  • Intl students experience Chinese New Year celebration in Shanghai

    Intl students experience Chinese New Year celebration in Shanghai

    In a vibrant cultural exchange initiative, nearly 100 international students from Shanghai’s universities gathered at Siping Cinema in Yangpu district on February 2nd for an immersive Lunar New Year experience. The event, strategically timed before the Spring Festival celebrations, offered foreign scholars a deep dive into traditional Chinese customs through interactive activities.

    The celebration featured two distinctive cultural showcases: the launch of six specially designed blind boxes containing traditional artifacts and a hands-on calligraphy workshop. Under expert guidance, participants crafted personalized Spring Festival couplets and practiced writing the symbolic Chinese character “fu” (福), representing good fortune and happiness.

    The cultural program culminated with the premiere screening of “The Moon is Yours,” a documentary directed by Fudan University alumna Wu Bei. This cinematic project represents a three-year ethnographic study initiated in September 2022 by Fudan University’s School of Journalism. The film tracks the academic and personal journeys of six international students from diverse national backgrounds and academic disciplines during their time in China.

    Elijah Knowles, a 24-year-old Wushu scholar from the United States studying at Shanghai University of Sport, characterized the event as emblematic of Shanghai’s multicultural richness. “This celebration perfectly encapsulates the ‘plenty of everything’ experience that Shanghai offers international students,” Knowles remarked, highlighting the city’s capacity for cultural integration and educational hospitality.

    The event demonstrates Shanghai’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural understanding and creating meaningful connections between international students and traditional Chinese festivals through experiential learning opportunities.