Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Attorney-General’s alleged role in illegal adoptions rocks Guatemala

    Attorney-General’s alleged role in illegal adoptions rocks Guatemala

    United Nations human rights experts have issued a formal call for investigation into Guatemala’s Attorney General Consuelo Porras regarding her alleged involvement in illegal international adoptions of indigenous children during the nation’s civil war period. The independent experts, appointed by the UN to advise on human rights matters, specifically reference Porras’s seven-month tenure in 1982 as director of Hogar Temporal Elisa Martínez children’s home, where she simultaneously served as legal guardian for the minors.

    The allegations center on at least 80 indigenous children who were reportedly sent abroad for adoption through illicit means during Guatemala’s 36-year internal conflict (1960-1996). The experts characterize these adoptions as occurring ‘following their capture and enforced disappearance’ and detail how such illegal adoptions typically involved fraudulent declarations of adoptability, document falsification, coercion of biological parents, and improper financial gain for intermediaries.

    Porras has vehemently denied all accusations, labeling them ‘baseless, factually unfounded and completely malicious’ while suggesting political motivations behind the timing of these allegations. Her office released a statement through AFP news agency rejecting the claims entirely.

    The UN experts expressed particular concern that no thorough, independent investigation has examined the alleged involvement of state authorities in these processes. This development emerges during a sensitive political moment for Porras, who recently failed to secure enough support from Guatemala’s Bar Association for a seat on the Constitutional Court and is simultaneously seeking an unprecedented third term as attorney general.

    Porras’s leadership has previously drawn international criticism, including US sanctions imposed in 2022 over alleged corruption claims, which she continues to deny. Her office faced additional condemnation in 2024 for allegedly attempting to prevent anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arévalo from assuming the presidency after his electoral victory.

  • Gold shopping in Dubai leads to gold Mercedes win for expat

    Gold shopping in Dubai leads to gold Mercedes win for expat

    A Dubai expatriate hailing from a modest Sri Lankan fishing community has experienced an extraordinary reversal of fortune after winning a gold Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500 through a shopping raffle. The life-changing prize came as part of Dubai Gold District’s ‘Shop & Win’ promotional campaign running from December 11 to February 8, where customers earned raffle entries with purchases exceeding Dh500 at participating jewelry and watch retailers.

    The winner, who had utilized his long-term savings to invest in gold at the District, expressed profound gratitude and astonishment at the unexpected turn of events. Having never envisioned luxury vehicle ownership even in his most ambitious dreams, he described the premium automobile as a transformative asset that would significantly alter his life trajectory.

    The campaign mechanism allocated one raffle entry for every Dh500 spent across Dubai’s premium gold and jewelry establishments, creating multiple opportunities for shoppers to participate while making planned purchases. The winner attributes his success to perseverance and philosophical patience, citing his personal mantra: ‘Keep going. Everything you need will come to you at the right time.’

    This remarkable story underscores Dubai’s reputation as a city where extraordinary opportunities can emerge from ordinary consumer activities, particularly within its renowned gold sector that continues to attract both investors and aspirational shoppers seeking value beyond their purchases.

  • Ramadan in UAE: Hotels raise iftar, suhoor rates in 2026 amid upgraded offerings

    Ramadan in UAE: Hotels raise iftar, suhoor rates in 2026 amid upgraded offerings

    The United Arab Emirates hospitality sector is witnessing a significant transformation in Ramadan services for 2026, with hotels implementing strategic price increases alongside substantially upgraded culinary and experiential offerings. Industry executives confirm that iftar and suhoor rates have risen across mid-range to luxury establishments, marking a return to pre-pandemic demand levels with earlier booking patterns emerging throughout the market.

    According to Ayman Ashor, General Manager of Al Bandar Rotana and Al Bandar Arjaan by Rotana, the measured price adjustments reflect current market conditions and rising operational costs. “Any adjustment in rates is always matched with a richer experience,” Ashor emphasized. “This year, we have expanded our buffet selections, added more live cooking stations, and introduced new regional specialities alongside international favourites.”

    The market analysis reveals distinct trends between corporate and individual bookings. Corporate clients are demonstrating preference for banquet-style iftars designed for scale, particularly favoring venues offering flexibility and personalized settings for team gatherings. Meanwhile, individual bookings are increasingly experience-driven, with guests selecting venues based on ambiance, live music, standout culinary stations, and atmospheric settings.

    Northern Emirates are experiencing particularly strong recovery, with Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager for Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, reporting that corporate and group iftars have returned to pre-Covid levels. “Guests are not only paying for a meal; they are paying for a complete Ramadan experience—from the moment they arrive until the end of the evening,” Hamdani noted, adding that Ramadan décor budgets have doubled compared to 2025.

    A notable shift in consumer behavior involves younger guests showing increased preference for traditional ambience and cultural authenticity. Hotels are responding by creating dedicated Ramadan tents, outdoor venues for suhoor, and implementing extended late-night timings with lounge-style seating arrangements.

    In Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Managing Director Remus Palimaru described “considered pricing adjustments” rather than significant increases, emphasizing the market’s mindfulness of Ramadan’s spiritual significance. “Pricing strategies are taking into account quality, atmosphere, and service as part of the full Ramadan offering,” Palimaru stated, confirming that any increases are matched by expanded or elevated offerings.

    The overall market demonstrates robust recovery with booking patterns occurring significantly earlier than previous years, indicating strong consumer confidence and anticipation for premium Ramadan experiences throughout the UAE hospitality sector.

  • France upsets Norway to win the Olympic men’s biathlon relay for the first time

    France upsets Norway to win the Olympic men’s biathlon relay for the first time

    In a stunning reversal of fortune at the Winter Olympics, France achieved a historic victory in the men’s biathlon relay on Tuesday, overcoming last-place positioning to dethrone defending champions Norway by a razor-thin margin of 9.8 seconds. The French team of Fabien Claude, Emilien Jacquelin, Quentin Fillon Maillet, and anchor Eric Perrot completed their remarkable comeback on the snow-packed tracks of Anterselva, Italy, securing France’s first-ever Olympic gold in this discipline.

    The dramatic finale saw World Cup champion Eric Perrot maintain France’s narrow lead despite missing two shots in his final standing shoot, holding off Norway’s Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen in a heart-pounding finish. The victory served as redemption for France’s silver medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where Christiansen had shot clean to defeat Fillon Maillet by 28 seconds.

    Sweden captured the bronze medal, finishing less than a minute ahead of Germany, while the United States team delivered an impressive performance to finish fifth after climbing from 16th position. The American squad, which has never won an Olympic biathlon medal, showed promise with Campbell Wright’s strong anchor leg bringing them from 11th to fifth place.

    The Norwegian team, consisting of Martin Uldal, Johan-Olav Botn, Sturla Holm Laegreid, and Christiansen, expressed disappointment at settling for silver after entering the competition as world champions and heavy favorites. “To get silver is almost like losing gold,” remarked Laegreid following the race.

    France’s victory marks their second biathlon gold of these Games, with Perrot and Fillon Maillet having previously won the mixed relay on February 8 alongside Lou Jeanmonnot and Julia Simon. The women’s relay is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

  • Apple March 4 ‘special experience’: iPhone 17e, M5 MacBook Pro and new iPads expected

    Apple March 4 ‘special experience’: iPhone 17e, M5 MacBook Pro and new iPads expected

    Apple has generated significant anticipation within the technology sector by distributing exclusive invitations for a cryptic ‘special Apple experience’ scheduled for March 4, 2026. The invitation-only gathering will occur simultaneously across three global hubs: New York, London, and Shanghai at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (6:00 PM UAE time), according to industry reports.

    The notably enigmatic announcement, distinguished from Apple’s conventional keynote presentations by its specific labeling as an ‘experience’ rather than an event, has ignited widespread conjecture among technology analysts and enthusiasts. The gathering’s absence from Apple’s official events calendar further amplifies the mystery surrounding the occasion.

    Industry observers and dedicated Apple communities are actively speculating about potential product revelations, with several significant launches reportedly under consideration. Foremost among these anticipations is the potential introduction of the iPhone 17e, envisioned as a more economically accessible variant within Apple’s flagship smartphone series. This strategic move could potentially strengthen Apple’s competitive positioning within the mid-range smartphone segment throughout 2026.

    Additionally, technology analysts project the possible debut of next-generation MacBook Pro models equipped with advanced M5 Pro and M5 Max processors. These chips are expected to deliver substantial performance enhancements compared to their M-series predecessors, potentially establishing new benchmarks for professional computing capabilities.

    The product refresh may extend to Apple’s tablet lineup, with rumors suggesting updates to both the entry-level iPad and the eighth-generation iPad Air. These revisions would likely incorporate design refinements and internal performance upgrades to maintain market competitiveness.

    The timing of Apple’s announcement creates an intriguing competitive dynamic within the technology industry, arriving just one week after Samsung’s scheduled Galaxy S26 series launch on February 25. This scheduling suggests potential strategic positioning within the ongoing competition between these technology giants.

    The invitation’s distinctive visual elements, featuring Apple’s logo rendered in a gradient of yellow, green, and blue, have prompted further speculation among dedicated Apple communities. Some enthusiasts interpret these colors as potential indicators of new MacBook color options, while others perceive them as symbolic of broader product portfolio updates.

    As the March 4 date approaches, industry watchers anticipate additional information leaks and rumors to emerge, providing further insight into what Apple has strategically planned for this carefully orchestrated global experience.

  • Peru’s Congress to debate a motion to remove interim President Jerí, 4 months into his term

    Peru’s Congress to debate a motion to remove interim President Jerí, 4 months into his term

    LIMA, Peru — Peru’s political landscape faces another critical test as Congress prepares to vote Tuesday on whether to remove interim President José Jerí from office. The motion comes amid ongoing corruption investigations concerning undisclosed meetings between Jerí and Chinese business executives.

    Should legislators achieve the required majority, Jerí would become the seventh Peruvian president ousted within the past decade, ending his four-month tenure and triggering another leadership transition just two months before scheduled national elections. The congressional body would then appoint a new interim leader to govern until the July 28 transfer of power to the elected president.

    The 39-year-old interim leader remains defiant despite the allegations. “I’m not dead yet,” Jerí declared during a weekend television interview on Panamericana, vowing to continue serving Peru until his “last day” in the presidential palace.

    The corruption allegations center on a leaked report detailing a clandestine December meeting with two Chinese executives. One attendee currently holds active government contracts, while the other faces investigation for alleged involvement in illegal logging operations. Jerí maintains the meeting focused on organizing a Peruvian-Chinese cultural celebration, but opponents allege corrupt motives.

    This political crisis unfolds against a backdrop of remarkable economic stability despite Peru’s chronic political instability. The Andean nation maintains one of Latin America’s lowest external debt-to-GDP ratios at 32% for 2024 and continues to attract foreign investment in mining and infrastructure sectors.

    Jerí originally assumed office in October after his predecessor was removed by Congress over corruption allegations and concerns about rising violent crime. Ironically, he now faces removal by the same legislative body that previously supported his appointment.

  • Thousands in Kosovo march against war crimes trials on 18th anniversary of independence declaration

    Thousands in Kosovo march against war crimes trials on 18th anniversary of independence declaration

    PRISTINA, Kosovo — Kosovo’s independence anniversary celebrations on Tuesday were overshadowed by mass protests against an international war crimes tribunal prosecuting former rebel leaders. Thousands of demonstrators, braving frigid temperatures and snowfall, marched through the capital city of Pristina wrapped in red-and-black Albanian flags to express solidarity with former President Hashim Thaçi and three other defendants facing trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

    The tribunal—which operates under Kosovo’s judicial system despite being headquartered abroad—has brought charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes against the former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leadership for alleged atrocities committed during the 1998-1999 separatist conflict with Serbia that resulted in approximately 13,000 fatalities.

    Earlier in the day, official ceremonies included a military parade by Kosovo’s security forces and a special parliamentary session. However, the prevailing mood shifted to one of defiance as protesters surrounded a landmark independence monument with metal fences and mounted a sign proclaiming “Kosovo in Prison.” Banners reading “History cannot be rewritten” and “Freedom for the liberators” dominated the demonstration.

    President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti both issued statements defending the KLA’s struggle, with Kurti characterizing the conflict as “a pure liberation struggle and an anti-colonial war” while Osmani asserted that “truth cannot be changed by attempts to rewrite history.”

    The proceedings have been widely criticized in Kosovo as politically motivated and designed to create false equivalence with Serbian war crimes previously adjudicated by a separate UN tribunal. Meanwhile, Serbia’s government office for Kosovo condemned the 2008 independence declaration as a “flagrant violation of international law” and accused Kosovo of “systematic terror” against minority Serbs.

    The geopolitical divide over Kosovo’s statehood continues, with the United States and most EU nations among the 100+ countries recognizing its independence, while Russia and China support Serbia’s territorial claims. Both countries must normalize relations as a prerequisite for EU membership consideration.

    Thaçi resigned from the presidency in 2020 to face charges that include ten counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Prosecutors have requested maximum 45-year sentences for the defendants, with closing arguments currently underway.

  • Police identify suspect in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

    Police identify suspect in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

    A tragic shooting at a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has resulted in two fatalities and three individuals wounded, with authorities confirming the suspected shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred Sunday at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located approximately five miles north of Providence and 45 miles south of Boston.

    Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta and surname Esposito. Chief Goncalves indicated preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was ‘a targeted event’ potentially stemming from ‘a family dispute,’ though specific details regarding victim identities remain undisclosed.

    Eyewitness accounts and video footage depict chaotic scenes as gunfire erupted during gameplay, triggering panic among players and spectators. A critical intervention by a bystander reportedly contributed to ending the violence swiftly, though police have not elaborated on the nature of this intervention.

    Melissa Dunn, a parent present at the game, described the initial confusion: ‘You just hear the loud noises. We’re used to the kids banging on the board with their skates, so we thought it was that at first.’ After realizing the severity of the situation, Dunn screamed for her son to take cover and recounted witnessing paramedics performing CPR in the stands.

    Olin Lawrence, a high school hockey player on the ice during the incident, shared his harrowing experience: ‘We pressed against the door and just tried to stay safe down in there. It was very scary. We were very nervous. It was a lot of shots.’

    Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed profound grief, noting this incident follows another recent shooting at Brown University in December. ‘As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting,’ Governor McKee stated, highlighting the recurring pattern of gun violence affecting communities.

    The event has reignited discussions about public safety at youth sporting events and the broader context of gun violence in the United States, marking another tragic episode in the nation’s ongoing struggle with firearm-related incidents.

  • Saudi Arabia launches project allowing visitors to walk Prophet Muhammad’s footsteps

    Saudi Arabia launches project allowing visitors to walk Prophet Muhammad’s footsteps

    Saudi Arabia has officially inaugurated the groundbreaking ‘Ala Khutah’ project, an ambitious cultural and spiritual initiative that recreates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) historic migration from Makkah to Madinah. The project, launched under the supervision of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), represents a significant development in religious tourism and cultural preservation.

    Spanning 470 kilometers of historic terrain, the immersive experience features 41 meticulously documented landmarks, 59 educational stations, and 5 major event locations that collectively trace the original Hijrah route. Visitors will undertake 305 kilometers of the journey on foot, following the precise path taken during the first year of the Islamic calendar.

    The project incorporates cutting-edge augmented reality technology to recreate historical events and provide workshops, offering participants both educational and spiritual enrichment. Infrastructure along the route includes seven dedicated accommodations, over 112 restaurants, and 68 retail establishments to support pilgrims throughout their journey.

    GEA Chairman Turki Al Sheikh emphasized the project’s dual purpose of documenting historic milestones while fostering deeper understanding of the Prophet’s life. According to official statements, the initial phase aims to welcome one million visitors, with ambitious targets of five million by 2030 and potential expansion to accommodate ten million participants.

    The ‘Ala Khutah’ initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to enhance cultural tourism and religious visitation experiences. This project follows other recent developments in spiritual tourism infrastructure, including expansion projects around the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

  • Breather for buyers as Dubai gold prices fall, lose nearly Dh14 per gram in 6 days

    Breather for buyers as Dubai gold prices fall, lose nearly Dh14 per gram in 6 days

    Dubai’s gold market experienced a notable downturn this week as prices continued their descent for the second consecutive trading session. The precious metal’s decline, attributed primarily to a strengthening US dollar and subdued trading activity across Asian markets, has created favorable conditions for both retail consumers and strategic investors.

    According to the latest data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold opened Tuesday’s trading at Dh596.75 per gram, representing a significant drop from Monday’s closing price of Dh602.0 per gram. This downward trajectory has persisted for six consecutive days, cumulatively reducing gold prices by nearly Dh14 per gram across all variants.

    The price correction has extended across all gold categories, with 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K gold now trading at Dh552.5, Dh529.75, Dh454.25, and Dh354.25 per gram respectively. This broad-based decline has generated renewed interest among jewelry shoppers in the UAE, particularly those planning purchases for upcoming weddings and special events.

    Concurrently, international spot gold prices reflected the trend, trading at $4,941.18 per ounce with a 1% decline as of 9:10 AM UAE time on Tuesday. Market analysts interpret this correction as a potential buying opportunity, with many investors increasing their exposure to both physical bullion and digital gold assets.

    Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, provided expert analysis of the underlying market dynamics. ‘Recent US CPI data offered limited relief,’ Valecha noted. ‘While headline CPI benefited from energy price movements and core inflation moderated slightly due to softer shelter components, underlying details remain concerning. Core goods inflation has shown signs of firming, potentially indicating early effects of tariff implementations.’

    The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook has consequently adjusted, with Fed funds futures currently pricing approximately 62.1 basis points of cuts by year-end—equivalent to roughly two and a half quarter-point adjustments. This anticipated easing cycle, potentially beginning in June and extending through the second half, traditionally provides support for gold valuations.

    Valecha further highlighted gold’s complex behavior during equity market stress periods, noting that ‘in times of extreme equity market distress, the precious metal sometimes experiences correlated declines as investors liquidate liquid assets to cover losses elsewhere.’ This characteristic underscores gold’s dual role as both a safe-haven asset and a liquid financial instrument.