Global Pulse

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  • Galadari Brothers Motors Division wins big at Arabia CSR & Sustainability Awards

    Galadari Brothers Motors Division wins big at Arabia CSR & Sustainability Awards

    The Motors Division of Galadari Brothers has been celebrated as the winner in the Automotive Industry Category at the prestigious Arabia CSR & Sustainability Awards 2025. This accolade highlights the company’s leadership in responsible business practices and its impactful social initiatives across the UAE. The award ceremony, attended by Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department, recognized outstanding organizations for their sustainability achievements. This year marked the 18th cycle of the awards, which received 141 applications from 10 Arab countries, solidifying its reputation as the region’s most trusted platform for advancing sustainability and ESG excellence.

    Since its inception in 1965, the Motors Division of Galadari Brothers has been a cornerstone of the UAE’s automotive industry, representing globally renowned brands such as Mazda, Lynk & Co, OMODA & JAECOO, Kawasaki, Triumph, and Moto Morini. Rooted in the conglomerate’s commitment to integrity and governance, the company has consistently demonstrated excellence in transparency and ethical operations. Its high standards are maintained through ISO-certified systems, customer health and safety initiatives, and robust governance practices that promote accountability.

    Environmental innovation has been a key driver of Galadari’s progress. The company has invested in initiatives like solar rooftop installations, energy-efficient systems, and dry-wash water-saving technology, significantly reducing carbon emissions and water consumption. Additionally, through responsible battery recycling and sustainable waste management, Galadari has championed circular economy practices, strengthening the resilience of the UAE’s local supply chain.

    Galadari Brothers has also demonstrated its commitment to community welfare and environmental stewardship. This year, the company contributed Dh10 million to the Fathers’ Endowment Campaign and planted 10,000 mangrove trees, furthering its dual focus on social impact and environmental sustainability.

    Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, remarked, “This recognition reinforces our dedication to creating lasting value for people, planet, and performance. At Galadari, sustainability is embedded in every decision we make. From sustainable operations to social partnerships, we remain committed to leading with integrity and contributing meaningfully to the UAE’s sustainable future.”

    This award underscores Galadari Brothers’ broader ESG vision, integrating sustainability across all its divisions. Through strong leadership and a focus on innovation, the company continues to drive sustainable progress and set new benchmarks for corporate excellence in the Middle East.

  • Target to slash 1,800 office jobs in bid for turnaround

    Target to slash 1,800 office jobs in bid for turnaround

    Target, the prominent US retail giant, has unveiled plans to eliminate 1,800 corporate positions in a bid to revitalize its business after four consecutive years of stagnant sales. The layoffs, scheduled to commence next week, represent the company’s first significant workforce reduction in a decade and will impact approximately 8% of its global corporate staff. Incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke attributed the decision to organizational inefficiencies, stating in a memo that ‘too many layers and overlapping work have slowed decisions, making it harder to bring ideas to life.’ The move comes as Target grapples with weak sales, a declining stock price, and increasing competition from rivals like Walmart. Consumer spending on non-essential items, which constitute nearly half of Target’s revenue, has dwindled amid economic pressures and backlash over the company’s diversity policies. Fiddelke, a 20-year veteran of the company, described the layoffs as a ‘necessary step in building the future of Target.’ The restructuring will see 1,000 employees laid off, while 800 vacant roles will remain unfilled. Notably, the cuts will not affect retail staff at Target’s nearly 2,000 stores nationwide. The company, historically known for its affordable clothing, groceries, and home goods, has faced challenges from macroeconomic headwinds, inventory issues, and the fallout from its decision to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Target’s share price has plummeted 30% this year, contrasting sharply with Walmart’s 18% gain. Fiddelke, who assumed the CEO role in August, has pledged to accelerate innovation, enhance product quality, and integrate more technology into the business. Further details on the restructuring are expected to be announced next Tuesday.

  • Letitia James pleads not guilty in mortgage fraud case

    Letitia James pleads not guilty in mortgage fraud case

    New York Attorney General Letitia James has entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The charges stem from allegations that James misrepresented the intended use of a three-bedroom home in Norfolk, Virginia, which she purchased in 2020. Prosecutors claim that James secured favorable loan terms by falsely declaring the property as her secondary residence, while it was allegedly used as a rental investment property. James appeared in U.S. District Court in Norfolk on Friday, where her legal team requested a speedy trial, set for January 26. Outside the courthouse, James accused former President Donald Trump of exploiting the justice system as a “vehicle of retribution” against her and other political critics. She emphasized, “There’s no fear today,” as supporters rallied behind her. James’ legal team is challenging the appointment of U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney to Trump, to oversee the case. They argue the charges are “vindictive” and politically motivated. This case adds to a series of legal battles involving Trump and his critics, including former FBI Director James Comey and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton. James previously pursued a civil fraud case against Trump, resulting in a $500 million fine, later reduced by an appeals court.

  • Nigeria’s president replaces top security officials as he struggles to restore stability

    Nigeria’s president replaces top security officials as he struggles to restore stability

    In a significant move to address escalating security challenges, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced a sweeping reshuffle of the country’s top military leadership on Friday. The decision comes as Nigeria faces mounting violence in its conflict-ridden northern regions, a resurgence of extremist groups, and widespread public unrest. The shake-up saw the removal of three key security officials: Christopher Musa, Chief of Defense Staff; Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff; and Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff. They were replaced by Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defense Staff, alongside W. Shaibu, I. Abbas, and S.K. Aneke as heads of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, respectively. The president tasked the new appointees with enhancing the professionalism and vigilance of Nigeria’s armed forces. This restructuring follows weeks of turmoil, including protests in Abuja where police used tear gas and made arrests to disperse demonstrators demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra separatist movement. Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to grapple with a resurgence of Boko Haram, its homegrown jihadist group, alongside other extremist factions like Ansaru and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Criminal networks specializing in kidnappings and looting, often referred to as bandits, further exacerbate the security crisis. The government has denied rumors of a coup plot, despite the arrest of over 20 military officers in September, including high-ranking officials. Analysts warn that the recent military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger could inspire similar actions in Nigeria. Security analyst Senator Iroegbu noted that the leadership changes suggest the administration may be prioritizing regime protection over broader security threats.

  • Ankara court dismisses case to remove Turkish opposition leader

    Ankara court dismisses case to remove Turkish opposition leader

    A court in Ankara has dismissed a corruption case targeting Ozgur Ozel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), ruling that the allegations lacked substance. The case, which accused Ozel of vote-buying during the CHP’s November 2023 primary elections, was rejected by the Ankara 42nd Civil Court of First Instance as “moot.” The decision was welcomed by CHP lawyers, with Caglar Caglayan stating, “This decision was in accordance with the law. We’ve been saying these cases need to be removed from our country’s agenda.” The case was widely perceived as part of a broader government crackdown on opposition figures, particularly following the arrest of CHP Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March. The court’s dismissal cited Ozel’s re-election at an extraordinary CHP congress in September as evidence of his legitimacy. However, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Onur Yusuf Uregen, announced plans to appeal the ruling, calling the dismissal unexpected. The case’s outcome has significant implications for Turkey’s political landscape, as Ozel’s removal could have led to the appointment of a court-appointed trustee, a tactic previously used against opposition figures, especially those linked to pro-Kurdish parties. The news also positively impacted financial markets, with stocks rallying and the Turkish lira recovering from a record low. The CHP has accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of targeting the opposition following their success in the 2024 local elections. Imamoglu’s arrest and subsequent protests have further intensified political tensions, with many viewing the crackdown as a threat to Turkey’s already fragile democracy.

  • Woman gets rare whole-life sentence for murder of French schoolgirl

    Woman gets rare whole-life sentence for murder of French schoolgirl

    In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves across France, Dahbia Benkired, a 27-year-old Algerian immigrant, has been sentenced to a rare whole-life term for the rape and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet in Paris. This verdict marks the first time a woman has received such a severe penalty in the country. The case, which unfolded in October 2022, saw Lola’s body discovered in a plastic storage box in the courtyard of her family’s residence in northeastern Paris. Benkired, who was under orders to leave France, was found to exhibit ‘psychopathic’ traits by psychiatric experts, though she was deemed legally sane. The trial, presided over by a panel of three judges and six jurors, concluded with the imposition of the harshest possible sentence, a decision that underscores the gravity of the crime. Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet, and her brother, Thibault, were present in court to hear the verdict, while her father, Johan Daviet, passed away in 2024. The case has been politicized by right-wing and far-right factions, who have used it to fuel debates on immigration and law enforcement. Benkired’s plea for forgiveness during the trial did little to sway the court, which emphasized the irreversibility of her actions and the absence of any viable treatment for her personality disorder.

  • New snake species discovered in west China’s bio-diverse region

    New snake species discovered in west China’s bio-diverse region

    In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese scientists have identified a new species of snake in the West China Rain Zone, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity. The species, named the western China mountain snake (Plagiopholis pluvialis), was found in the Giant Panda National Park’s Chengdu segment and the lush forests of Mount Emei in Sichuan province. This marks the first new species within the Plagiopholis genus to be discovered in nearly a century. The findings were published in the esteemed international journal Zoosystematics and Evolution in September 2025. The research, conducted by teams from the Chengdu Institute of Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Qinghai University, among others, spanned from 2020 to 2025. The non-venomous snakes, measuring approximately 80 centimeters in length, exhibit diurnal behavior and primarily feed on earthworms and slugs. A distinctive inverted V-shaped pattern on their necks sets them apart from other species. The West China Rain Zone, with an average annual precipitation of 2,000 millimeters, is a critical area for biological evolution. This discovery underscores the scientific importance of the region and highlights the Giant Panda National Park’s pivotal role in biodiversity conservation.

  • Indian advertising legend Piyush Pandey passes away

    Indian advertising legend Piyush Pandey passes away

    The advertising world mourns the loss of Piyush Pandey, a legendary figure in Indian advertising, who passed away at the age of 70. The news of his demise was announced by columnist Suhel Seth on social media platform X, on Friday morning. Pandey, celebrated for his groundbreaking work, was the creative force behind iconic campaigns for brands such as Asian Paints, Cadbury’s, and Fevicol, which have left an indelible mark on Indian advertising.

    Pandey began his career in 1982 with Ogilvy & Mather India (now Ogilvy India), starting as a trainee account executive before transitioning to the creative side. His innovative approach and storytelling prowess revolutionized the industry, earning him global recognition. In 2004, he became the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. His contributions were further honored with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, making him the first advertising professional in India to receive the prestigious national award.

    Tributes poured in from across the industry and beyond. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta described Pandey as ‘the glue of the ad world,’ while Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed profound grief, calling him a ‘phenomenon’ whose creativity redefined storytelling. Pandey’s legacy includes timeless campaigns like Asian Paints’ ‘Har khushi mein rang laaye,’ Cadbury’s ‘Kuch Khaas Hai,’ and Fevicol’s iconic ‘Egg’ film, which continue to resonate with audiences.

    Pandey’s passing leaves a void in the advertising world, but his innovative spirit and contributions will continue to inspire future generations. His work not only shaped brands but also captured the essence of Indian culture, making him a true patriot and a creative genius.

  • Global mayors enjoy cultural boat tour in Zhengzhou

    Global mayors enjoy cultural boat tour in Zhengzhou

    In a dazzling display of cultural heritage, mayors from around the world embarked on a unique boat tour of Ruyi Lake in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Tuesday night. The event was a highlight of the Global Mayors Dialogue Zhengzhou & 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism. The 1.6-kilometer journey was transformed into a spectacular cultural showcase, featuring 12 live performances on a 360-degree stage. The sky and the lake served as a natural backdrop, enhancing the visual and auditory experience. This immersive event not only highlighted Henan’s rich cultural traditions but also fostered international dialogue and collaboration among city leaders. The tour was a testament to Zhengzhou’s commitment to promoting cultural tourism and global exchange.

  • Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan forms new student council with 16 pupils from private schools

    Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan forms new student council with 16 pupils from private schools

    In a landmark move to empower the youth of Dubai, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the formation of a new Dubai Student Council. Comprising 16 students from 16 private schools across the emirate, the council is set to commence its operations in the 2025-2026 academic year as part of the ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ initiative. The council, which includes students from Grade 9/Year 10 to Grade 12/Year 13, represents six different curricula and nine nationalities, reflecting the diverse fabric of Dubai’s private education system. Among the members are eight males, eight females, and a student of determination, ensuring inclusivity and representation. The selection process was rigorous, with 40 students shortlisted from 90 private schools before final members were chosen through interviews and group activities. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the council’s role as a bridge between the student community and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), urging members to embody innovation, perseverance, and national pride. As a symbolic gesture, he gifted the council a copy of ‘Lessons from Life’ by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a book that encapsulates values inspiring achievement and positive change. The council’s one-year term, renewable based on performance, carries significant responsibility, with expectations to amplify student voices and contribute to the evolution of Dubai’s education system.