Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Shein under EU investigation over childlike sex dolls

    Shein under EU investigation over childlike sex dolls

    The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against global fast fashion retailer Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA), marking a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny of the platform’s operations. The investigation will examine multiple alleged violations, including potential failures to prevent the sale of illegal products and concerns regarding platform design that may promote addictive user behavior.

    Central to the probe is the examination of systems designed to block prohibited items, with particular attention to content that could constitute child sexual abuse material. This follows previous reports to French authorities regarding the sale of childlike sex dolls on Shein’s platform, which the company states were immediately removed with accompanying seller bans and a complete prohibition on all sex doll sales regardless of appearance.

    The investigation will additionally assess the transparency of Shein’s algorithmic recommendation systems and the potential psychological impacts of its interface design. EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier expressed concerns about the ‘gamification’ elements and reward programs that may create addictive patterns, noting that while such features aren’t inherently problematic, their opaque algorithmic implementation raises regulatory questions.

    Under DSA provisions, Shein must disclose primary parameters governing product recommendations and provide users with non-profiling based alternatives. The formal investigation enables the Commission to pursue enforcement measures including potential fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue—a figure that could reach approximately $2.28 billion based on Shein’s reported $38 billion in 2024 sales.

    Shein has emphasized its cooperative stance with regulators, stating: ‘Protecting minors and reducing harmful content remains central to our operational philosophy. We have invested significantly in enhanced compliance measures, including comprehensive risk assessment frameworks and strengthened protections for younger users.’

  • No DNA matches on glove found in Nancy Guthrie case, police say

    No DNA matches on glove found in Nancy Guthrie case, police say

    Pima County investigators have encountered a significant setback in the high-profile search for Nancy Guthrie. A glove, discovered roughly two miles from the 84-year-old’s residence and believed to be a critical piece of evidence, has failed to produce any identifying DNA matches in federal databases.

    The item, recovered by authorities, is considered a potential match to one worn by an unidentified individual captured in doorbell surveillance footage from the evening of February 1st, the night Guthrie is suspected to have been abducted from her home against her will. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department submitted DNA evidence extracted from the glove for forensic analysis last Thursday.

    However, processing through the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)—a comprehensive national database containing genetic profiles of convicted offenders, arrestees, and forensic evidence from unsolved crimes—returned no matching profiles. This result indicates the potential suspect does not have a prior criminal record that would have mandated their DNA be entered into the system, effectively leaving investigators without a clear suspect identity.

    The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of ‘Today’ show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has triggered an extensive multi-agency investigation. Her family has maintained a relentless public campaign, issuing heartfelt pleas for any information leading to her safe return. Despite this latest forensic disappointment, authorities are continuing to pursue all active leads in the case.

  • US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84

    US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84

    Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., the monumental civil rights leader and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, passed away peacefully at age 84 surrounded by family members. His death marks the conclusion of an extraordinary six-decade career dedicated to advancing human rights, racial equality, and social justice worldwide.

    Jackson’s remarkable journey began in Greenville, South Carolina, where he was born in 1941. He emerged as a prominent figure during the 1960s as part of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, standing beside Dr. King during the tragic assassination in Memphis in 1968.

    The pioneering activist’s legacy includes groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 that fundamentally transformed American politics. His efforts mobilized millions of disenfranchised voters and established the organizational framework for future political movements. Former President Barack Obama acknowledged that Jackson’s historic campaigns ‘laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land.’

    Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to social justice and civil rights advocacy. His work extended beyond domestic issues to international diplomacy and global human rights initiatives.

    In his final years, Jackson battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare degenerative neurological condition initially misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. He was hospitalized in November last year as the condition progressed.

    Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump remembered Jackson as ‘a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and street smarts.’ The Clinton family noted their nearly fifty-year friendship, stating Jackson ‘championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people.’

    House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Jackson as ‘a legendary voice for the voiceless,’ while civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton called him ‘a consequential and transformative leader who changed this nation and the world.’

    Jackson is survived by his wife Jacqueline and their children Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline, and Ashley. His son Jesse Jackson, Jr. previously served as a U.S. Congressman, continuing the family’s commitment to public service.

    Jackson’s enduring message centered on empowering poor and working-class Americans across racial lines, creating a movement that brought the nation’s increasingly diverse population together in pursuit of justice and equality.

  • Soo Yeon Kim brings positivity, skill, and inspiration to the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge

    Soo Yeon Kim brings positivity, skill, and inspiration to the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge

    In a groundbreaking display of skill and sportsmanship, Korean golfer Soo Yeon Kim has made a remarkable debut in Season 3 of the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge. Competing for team Meteora Magicians at Abu Dhabi’s challenging Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Kim demonstrated exceptional prowess by scoring 27 Stableford points individually while helping her ten-player squad achieve 247 points, positioning them second behind Noble Legace Masters after the opening round.

    Kim’s participation represents a significant milestone in the traditionally male-dominated corporate golf league, which features 160 players across 10 teams competing in 350 rounds over four days. Rather than being intimidated by the gender imbalance, Kim has embraced the competition as both a motivational opportunity and a chance to showcase women’s capabilities in professional golf.

    ‘From a performance perspective, it’s a great source of motivation,’ Kim noted. ‘The obvious differences in driving distance and aggressive shot-making help me identify my strengths and weaknesses more clearly, which drives me to practice even harder.’

    What distinguishes Kim’s experience in the UGC is the unique team dynamic that contrasts sharply with individual tournaments. She emphasized the exceptional camaraderie among teammates including Russel Yeomans, Praveen Sharma, and Chris Cahill, highlighting how players genuinely celebrate each other’s successes while providing support through mistakes.

    ‘The team environment creates a strong sense of camaraderie that I find personally very rewarding as a female golfer,’ Kim explained. ‘I love the atmosphere of cheering for each other’s shots and reassuring teammates when they make errors.’

    Beyond her competitive achievements, Kim hopes her presence will inspire other women to participate in team golf events. With infectious enthusiasm, she expressed: ‘Above all, I hope that the way I carry myself on the course can give other women a nudge to think, ‘Maybe I should try a team event too.’ If I can play even a small part in that, I’d be very happy.’

    Kim’s debut performance demonstrates that positivity, teamwork, and determination are equally as valuable as technical skills in competitive golf, marking the beginning of what promises to be a memorable journey in the UAE’s innovative team golf league.

  • Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh PM

    Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh PM

    In a significant political transition, Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), officially assumed the role of Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin, marked the culmination of a decisive electoral victory that has reshaped the nation’s political landscape.

    The inauguration ceremony, held in the capital city of Dhaka, witnessed President Shahabuddin administering the constitutional oath of office to Prime Minister Rahman alongside newly appointed cabinet ministers. This formal transfer of power follows the BNP’s substantial triumph in the 13th general election concluded on February 14, 2026.

    Rahman’s ascension to leadership represents a notable shift in Bangladesh’s governance structure, ending the prolonged tenure of the previously ruling Awami League. The BNP’s electoral success emerged from a campaign that emphasized economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and democratic institutional strengthening.

    The new administration faces immediate challenges including economic stabilization, addressing inflationary pressures, and navigating complex international relationships. Regional observers are particularly attentive to how Rahman’s government will balance Bangladesh’s traditionally non-aligned foreign policy while maintaining crucial economic partnerships with major global powers including China, India, and Western nations.

    This political transition occurs against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s strategic importance in South Asian geopolitics and its growing economic influence as a developing nation with significant garment manufacturing exports and emerging digital economy sectors.

  • Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan rushed to hospital

    Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan rushed to hospital

    Mumbai’s cinematic community was gripped with concern on Tuesday as Salim Khan, the revered 90-year-old patriarch of Bollywood screenwriting, was urgently admitted to Lilavati Hospital’s intensive care unit. The celebrated co-creator of the iconic ‘Salim-Javed’ writing partnership, responsible for shaping Indian cinema’s golden era, was hospitalized under circumstances that remain undisclosed by medical authorities or family representatives.

    Hospital insiders confirmed to Press Trust of India that the esteemed writer, whose groundbreaking work includes timeless classics such as ‘Sholay,’ ‘Deewar,’ and ‘Zanjeer,’ was receiving critical care throughout the day. The development triggered an immediate family gathering at the medical facility, with his megastar son Salman Khan spotted departing the hospital premises in morning hours—footage that rapidly circulated across social media platforms.

    The Khan family mobilization saw the arrival of daughter Alvira Khan accompanied by her husband Aayush Sharma, alongside Ayaan Agnihotri, demonstrating the collective concern for the screenwriting legend’s wellbeing. This health emergency emerges merely three months after the family celebrated Khan’s landmark 90th birthday in November 2025, an occasion marked by daughter Arpita’s heartfelt Instagram tribute describing her father as ‘our galaxy’ and celebrating his enduring legacy within Indian cinema.

    Salim Khan’s cultural significance extends far beyond familial connections to superstar Salman Khan. Together with creative partner Javed Akhtar, he revolutionized Hindi film storytelling throughout the 1970s and 1980s, establishing the seminal ‘angry young man’ archetype immortalized by Amitabh Bachchan. Their pioneering contribution earned them unprecedented recognition as the first screenwriters to receive star-level billing in Indian cinema, a testament to their narrative craftsmanship that continues to influence filmmakers generations later.

    The medical incident has sparked widespread attention across India’s entertainment industry, given Khan’s monumental role in crafting some of Bollywood’s most enduring narratives. As the situation develops, the industry awaits further updates on the condition of the man who helped redefine modern Indian cinema.

  • Iran-US talks restart as Khamenei warns Islamic Republic will not be destroyed

    Iran-US talks restart as Khamenei warns Islamic Republic will not be destroyed

    Discreet diplomatic negotiations between Iranian and United States delegations have initiated near Geneva, facilitated by Omani mediation, in a critical effort to salvage the faltering nuclear accord and avert potential military confrontation. The high-stakes dialogue unfolds against a backdrop of intensified military maneuvers and resolute rhetoric from both capitals.

    Concurrent with the talks, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring the Islamic Republic’s resilience against external threats. “In one of his recent speeches, the U.S. president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic Republic… I tell you: you will not succeed either,” Khamenei stated publicly.

    The diplomatic engagement was shadowed by significant U.S. military deployments to the region, including the recent dispatch of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier—the world’s largest—which brings substantial additional firepower and thousands of troops to the Middle East. This follows a pattern of previous carrier deployments preceding U.S. actions against Iran.

    Iran demonstrated its own military capabilities through exercises conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, featuring ship deployments, helicopter operations, and tests of drones and missiles.

    The latest escalation follows a meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where according to a senior administration official who spoke to the Daily Mail, Netanyahu urged a hardened stance against Iran, warning that “Iran plays games. You don’t want to get played.”

    Despite the tensions, both sides have maintained communication channels, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveling to Switzerland to meet with Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s position on X (formerly Twitter), stating he brought “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal” while ruling out “submission before threats.”

    Tehran continues to assert its right to civilian nuclear development under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) while denying weapons ambitions, even as Israel—a nuclear power itself—accuses Iran of seeking nuclear capabilities.

  • Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh’s PM after landslide election victory

    Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh’s PM after landslide election victory

    In a ceremony symbolizing profound political transformation, Tarique Rahman was formally inaugurated as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday following his Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) overwhelming electoral triumph. The 60-year-old political scion, whose lineage traces back to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the assassinated President Ziaur Rahman, assumes leadership amid pressing national challenges that demand immediate attention.

    The unprecedented open-air inauguration at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban—departing from traditional venues—witnessed President Mohammed Shahabuddin administering oaths to Rahman and his cabinet ministers. The ceremony gathered distinguished attendees including senior political figures, diplomatic corps, military officials, and international representatives from neighboring powers China, India, and Pakistan.

    This political restoration marks the BNP’s return to governance after nearly two decades in opposition, securing a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority. The election also witnessed the remarkable resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami, which captured 68 legislative seats following the revocation of its 2013 prohibition after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration was toppled during the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising.

    The previous government, led by Hasina’s Awami League, faced electoral disqualification after the Election Commission revoked its registration. An interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus successfully steered the nation through the complex transitional period preceding these historic elections.

    Rahman’s ascension represents the culmination of an extraordinary political journey that included 17 years of self-imposed exile in London before his return last year. Despite facing persistent criticism from political adversaries regarding corruption allegations—which he consistently denies—Rahman’s homecoming galvanized party loyalists and fundamentally reshaped the BNP’s electoral strategy.

    In his initial post-victory address, the new Prime Minister emphasized national reconciliation, declaring: ‘Peace, law and order must be maintained at any cost.’ He explicitly cautioned supporters against retaliatory actions, asserting that his administration ‘will not tolerate any kind of chaos’ as Bangladesh embarks on this new political chapter.

  • Buddha statues at Longmen Grottoes bathed in golden glow

    Buddha statues at Longmen Grottoes bathed in golden glow

    The sacred Buddha statues of Longmen Grottoes experienced a breathtaking transformation at dawn as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the morning mist. This daily phenomenon at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Luoyang, Henan province, created an ethereal spectacle where golden light cascaded over the ancient stone carvings.

    The Fengxian Temple, the largest cave temple within the complex, served as the prime vantage point for observers witnessing this celestial interaction between nature and ancient artistry. The sunlight, filtering through the atmospheric haze like delicate golden threads, gradually illuminated the intricate features of the statues, enhancing their spiritual presence and artistic grandeur.

    This natural illumination occurs during specific seasonal conditions when atmospheric moisture and sunlight angles align perfectly. The phenomenon highlights the sophisticated understanding of light and environment possessed by the original sculptors who created these masterpieces during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties (approximately 316-907 AD).

    The Longmen Grottoes, containing over 100,000 statues within 2,300 caves, represent one of China’s most exceptional examples of Buddhist rock art. This daily transformation underscores why the site continues to attract both pilgrims and tourists seeking to experience the harmonious blend of natural beauty and human craftsmanship that has endured for centuries.

  • Indian, Pakistani businesses top list of new firms joining Dubai Chamber in 2025

    Indian, Pakistani businesses top list of new firms joining Dubai Chamber in 2025

    Dubai’s commercial landscape witnessed unprecedented expansion in 2025 as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce reported substantial membership growth, predominantly driven by Asian business communities. Indian enterprises maintained their leading position with 18,486 new registrations, marking an 11% annual increase, while Pakistani companies followed closely with 9,138 new members, reflecting a robust 12% growth rate compared to 2024.

    The chamber’s comprehensive annual data revealed Egypt secured third position with 5,043 new companies, followed by the United Kingdom (2,733 companies, +5%) and Bangladesh (2,721 companies, +15%). The top ten was completed by Syria (1,907), China (1,583, +7%), Jordan (1,325), Türkiye (1,308), and the United States (1,054).

    Sectoral analysis demonstrated the real estate, renting, and business services domain dominated new membership activity, capturing 37.6% of all registrations. The wholesale and retail trade sector followed with 34.5%, while construction accounted for 17.2%. Social and personal services (7.9%) and transport, storage, and communications (7.2%) completed the sectoral distribution.

    Overall membership surged to 292,486 active companies by December 2025, representing a significant 13.2% annual growth from 258,318 in 2024. The total of 71,830 new registrations underscores Dubai’s continued attractiveness as a global business hub, particularly for Asian enterprises seeking international expansion opportunities.