Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • UAE Lottery website restored after temporary outage impacting some users

    UAE Lottery website restored after temporary outage impacting some users

    The UAE’s premier national lottery platform has successfully restored its digital services after experiencing a significant technical interruption that lasted approximately two hours on Tuesday morning. The outage, which commenced in the early hours of February 3, 2026, temporarily prevented certain users from accessing the official lottery website and related services.

    Company representatives swiftly addressed the situation through their social media channels, confirming that technical specialists were conducting comprehensive investigations into the system malfunction. During the disruption period, prospective players encountering access difficulties received official guidance to either attempt reconnection at a later time or utilize alternative internet service providers.

    For users requiring immediate assistance, the organization maintained accessible support channels including a dedicated helpline (800 2365) and email support (support@theuaelottery.ae). The lottery administration expressed gratitude toward its user base for their patience and understanding throughout the resolution process.

    Established in late 2024 under the regulatory supervision of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE Lottery represents the nation’s first and exclusively licensed national lottery program. Operated by The Game LLC, the platform features diverse gaming options including the flagship Lucky Day weekly draw alongside various instant-win scratch cards and rapid-play formats, offering participants the opportunity to win substantial monetary prizes.

    The organization has implemented robust responsible gaming protocols in collaboration with Takalam, an artificial intelligence-driven mental health support platform. These measures include continuous monitoring of participant behavior and proactive intervention mechanisms to ensure ethical gaming practices among eligible residents aged 18 and above.

  • Restored angel fresco resembling Italian PM Meloni sparks investigation

    Restored angel fresco resembling Italian PM Meloni sparks investigation

    Italian authorities and Catholic Church officials have initiated a formal investigation into controversial restoration work at Rome’s Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina following allegations that a fresco angel bears the likeness of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

    The cultural controversy emerged when Italy’s leading newspaper La Repubblica published comparative images showing a recently restored cherub holding a map of Italy that appeared to resemble the conservative leader. The side-by-side photographs demonstrated significant facial alterations from the original 2000 fresco.

    Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has dispatched technical experts to examine the artwork and determine the exact nature of the modifications. Simultaneously, the Diocese of Rome expressed profound disappointment, clarifying that while aware of conservation efforts following water damage, they had received assurances that no substantive changes would be made to the chapel’s artwork.

    Eighty-three-year-old artist Bruno Valentinetti, who created the original fresco and conducted the restoration, vehemently denied the allegations. “The restored face is identical to what I painted twenty-five years ago,” he stated through AGI news agency. “Who perceives any resemblance to Meloni?”

    Prime Minister Meloni responded with characteristic humor on Instagram, posting: “I’m definitely not like an angel” accompanied by laughing emojis, effectively dismissing the controversy.

    Parish priest Monsignor Daniele Micheletti expressed bewilderment at the attention, noting that historical frescoes frequently contained contemporary references. “Artists traditionally incorporated various elements into their religious works,” he remarked.

    The political opposition demanded immediate investigation, with Democratic Party representative Irene Manzi labeling the situation “unacceptable” and the Five Star Movement warning against art becoming “propaganda instrumentation.”

    The Diocese subsequently announced that Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Pope’s Vicar for Rome, would lead the inquiry to establish accountability. Church authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting both artistic integrity and spiritual heritage from inappropriate exploitation.

    The Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, dating to the 4th century, contains numerous significant artworks and remains an important site for both religious worship and cultural tourism.

  • Somali woman executed for murdering a child in a case that sparked outrage

    Somali woman executed for murdering a child in a case that sparked outrage

    In an unprecedented judicial development, the semi-autonomous Somali region of Puntland has carried out the execution of a woman convicted of murdering her teenage domestic worker. Hodan Mohamud Diiriye, 34, faced a firing squad in Galkayo on Tuesday following her conviction for the brutal beating death of 14-year-old Saabirin Saylaan.

    The case, which concluded with a death sentence at the end of last year, represents the first female execution in over a decade under Puntland’s retaliatory sentencing system. The murder occurred in November when Saylaan, an orphaned child worker, succumbed to injuries sustained during what investigators described as “routine physical abuse” during her two-month employment with Diiriye’s family.

    Evidence presented during trial included disturbing audio and video recordings recovered from the perpetrator’s phone, documenting systematic violence against the victim. In one particularly chilling audio clip, Diiriye could be heard stating: “I’m enjoying your pain.” A post-mortem examination confirmed multiple injuries and deep stab wounds consistent with prolonged torture.

    The execution was conducted under the Islamic legal principle of “qisas,” which allows victims’ families to demand capital punishment rather than accept financial compensation. Mudug regional governor Faysal Sheikh Ali confirmed that representatives from both families witnessed the sentence carried out, in accordance with local decree requiring enforcement of Islamic law in such cases.

    The case has ignited widespread public outrage and prompted calls for enhanced child protection measures across Somalia, where abuse often remains unreported, particularly within extended family structures. Hundreds of protesters marched through Galkayo carrying signs demanding “Justice for Saabirin” and calling for accountability in domestic worker abuse cases.

    Community leaders, activists, and elders have subsequently advocated for strengthened legal protections for vulnerable children and domestic workers, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities within the current framework.

  • World Governments Summit 2026 begins in Dubai: UAE Rulers welcome foreign delegates

    World Governments Summit 2026 begins in Dubai: UAE Rulers welcome foreign delegates

    Dubai has become the epicenter of global governance dialogue as the World Governments Summit 2026 commenced on February 3rd, bringing together an unprecedented gathering of international leaders and experts. Under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ the three-day summit features record participation from over 60 heads of state, 500 ministers, and representatives from more than 150 governments.

    The event opened with warm welcomes from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who emphasized the summit’s critical role in fostering international cooperation. Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the UAE’s commitment to building partnership bridges and facilitating diplomatic dialogue, stating that the event has evolved into a vital global forum for translating discussions into tangible actions benefiting all nations.

    This year’s expanded agenda comprises 445 sessions addressing five pivotal themes: Global Governance and Effective Leadership, Societal Wellbeing and Building Capacities, Economic Prosperity and Strategic Investments, Urban Future and Evolving Demographics, and Future Realities and Emerging Frontiers. The summit features 25 specialized global forums and over 45 ministerial meetings, including the Arab Finance Ministers Meeting, World Councils Meeting for Sustainable Development Goals, and multiple future-focused discussions on retail, sports, and tourism.

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid articulated the summit’s ambitious vision, noting that governments currently bear ‘unprecedented responsibility’ to design innovative systems capable of guiding societies through rapid global transformations. He expressed confidence that the collective wisdom of decision-makers and scientists could chart a roadmap toward a more equitable future, emphasizing that true leadership involves anticipating and actively steering change rather than merely reacting to it.

    The summit will produce 36 strategic reports in collaboration with international knowledge partners and will recognize excellence through several prestigious awards, including the Best Minister Award presented with PwC and the Global Teacher Prize in partnership with the Varkey Foundation.

  • Nursing home fire leaves 5 dead in Northeast China

    Nursing home fire leaves 5 dead in Northeast China

    A devastating fire at a residential care facility in Qiqihar City has resulted in five fatalities, according to official statements from Heilongjiang provincial authorities. The tragedy occurred on Monday afternoon at approximately 3:00 PM local time.

    Emergency response teams swiftly contained and extinguished the blaze, though the rapid spread of flames proved fatal for several elderly residents. The nursing home, which provided specialized care for senior citizens, became the scene of one of the region’s most severe safety incidents in recent memory.

    Local fire departments and medical personnel responded immediately to emergency calls, undertaking rescue operations under challenging conditions. The exact circumstances surrounding the ignition of the fire remain under investigation by specialized forensic teams and safety inspectors.

    Provincial government officials have expressed profound condolences to the families of the victims and pledged a comprehensive review of safety protocols across all senior care facilities in the region. This incident has prompted urgent discussions about fire prevention measures and emergency response capabilities in China’s aging care infrastructure.

    The Qiqihar Municipal Government has established a special task force to coordinate victim identification, family support services, and the ongoing investigation. Psychological counseling services have been made available to both survivors and staff members affected by the traumatic event.

  • Stockdale back in Ireland lineup for Six Nations opener against France

    Stockdale back in Ireland lineup for Six Nations opener against France

    PARIS — In a dramatic return to international rugby, winger Jacob Stockdale has been named in Ireland’s starting lineup for their Six Nations championship opener against France on Thursday. The selection marks a significant comeback for the 2018 Player of the Championship, who had fallen out of favor due to prolonged injury struggles and inconsistent form.

    Stockdale, who delivered a record-breaking seven tries during Ireland’s grand slam victory in 2018, has not featured in the Six Nations since 2021 and was notably absent from the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad. His journey back to the starting XV culminated in a compelling return to form last season, though his progress was hampered by recurring injuries during international appearances.

    Ireland head coach Andy Farrell expressed confidence in the winger’s resurgence, stating: “He’s back to being himself this year, that’s for sure. He’s simplified his approach and rediscovered his core strength of beating defenders—a quality we’ve witnessed consistently throughout this season.”

    Farrell’s selection strategy included another surprising decision: awarding flanker Cian Prendergast his first Six Nations start while maintaining Tadhg Beirne in the second row. The match will witness a historic family moment as Prendergast partners with his younger brother Sam, the team’s flyhalf, marking their first test match together.

    Additional lineup adjustments see Tom Clarkson and Jeremy Loughman as starting props with a combined 15 caps, while Jamie Osborne returns from a November shoulder injury to fill the fullback position vacated by Hugo Keenan’s thumb fracture. Lions tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong was withheld from selection due to calf concerns, with Farrell indicating expectations for his return against Italy in the subsequent week.

  • After losing Dh29, gold prices recover Dh19 per gram in UAE

    After losing Dh29, gold prices recover Dh19 per gram in UAE

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed a significant recovery on Tuesday morning as prices surged by Dh19 per gram, partially offsetting the substantial losses incurred during the previous trading session. The precious metal’s 24K variant climbed to Dh579.75 per gram at market opening, marking a notable reversal from Monday’s decline of nearly Dh29.

    The price resurgence extended across all gold variants, with 22K reaching Dh537.0, 21K at Dh514.75, 18K trading at Dh441.25, and 14K rising to Dh344.25 per gram. This domestic recovery mirrored global trends where spot gold experienced an impressive surge of over four percent, reaching $4,829 per ounce.

    This market movement follows Friday’s dramatic repricing event that saw metals undergo their steepest declines in decades. Gold entered a pronounced corrective phase after achieving historic peaks near the $5,600 level, subsequently retreating below $4,900—representing a single-session loss exceeding nine percent.

    Despite this volatility, financial institution JP Morgan maintains a strongly bullish medium-term outlook for gold. The firm has projected potential prices reaching $6,300 per ounce by the end of 2026, driven primarily by sustained demand from central banks and investors. According to their analysis, central banks are expected to purchase approximately 800 tonnes of gold this year alone.

    Market analysts emphasize that the long-term structural narrative supporting gold remains firmly intact. Ahmad Assiri, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, noted that ‘central banks’ price-insensitive accumulation of reserves’ continues to provide fundamental support despite recent market fluctuations. The diversification trend away from paper assets toward real assets appears well-entrenched and likely to continue, suggesting ongoing strength in the gold market despite short-term volatility.

  • Chappell Roan says revealing Grammys outfit wasn’t ‘that outrageous’

    Chappell Roan says revealing Grammys outfit wasn’t ‘that outrageous’

    Pop artist Chappell Roan has responded with amusement to the polarized reactions generated by her daring ensemble at Sunday’s Grammy Awards ceremony. The singer made a dramatic statement on the red carpet by removing a red chiffon cape to reveal an unconventional Mugler-designed dress suspended from nipple rings, leaving her upper torso largely exposed.

    The controversial outfit quickly became one of the most discussed fashion moments of the event. On her Instagram platform, Roan expressed lighthearted bemusement at the attention, commenting, ‘Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look’s actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will it’s really fun and silly.’

    Reactions among fans and observers diverged sharply. Supporters celebrated her bold style, hailing her as ‘a goddess’ and ‘an icon.’ One commentator drew parallels to Justin Bieber’s performance in underwear, noting the double standard: ‘If Justin can perform in his underwear without anyone batting an eyelid, you can rock pierced pasties diva. Misogyny.’

    Conversely, some viewers expressed discomfort with the revealing nature of the outfit. Responses to Billboard’s coverage included comments such as ‘I love her but this is too much’ and ‘I don’t know what people have against wearing clothes.’

    Fashion expert Alex Fullerton provided contextual analysis, noting that Roan’s choice honored Mugler’s design legacy: ‘What this label has done consistently since the 80s has worked a lot with transparency, bare breasts, so she’s honoring the legacy of the designer.’

    The appearance continues an emerging trend of celebrities opting for transparent and revealing outfits at major awards ceremonies. Previous instances include Charli XCX’s sheer black dress at last year’s Brit Awards and Bianca Censori’s body stocking at the previous Grammys.

    Despite receiving nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her song ‘The Subway,’ Roan did not secure awards during the ceremony. The artist, whose real name is Kayleigh Amstutz, has previously described her stage persona Chappell Roan as a ‘larger-than-life, drag queen version of myself’ that enables her to express rebellion and risqué artistry.

  • Magnitude 4.1 earthquake hits Bangladesh two days after another quake

    Magnitude 4.1 earthquake hits Bangladesh two days after another quake

    A moderate 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh early Tuesday, marking the second seismic event to impact the nation within a 48-hour period. According to data released by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the tremor originated at a significant depth of 150 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, with its epicenter pinpointed at coordinates 22.84°N latitude and 89.01°E longitude at approximately 4:06 AM IST.

    This latest seismic activity follows a smaller 3.0 magnitude quake that occurred on Sunday morning at a shallower depth of 20 kilometers. While both events were considered moderate in intensity, they have reignited concerns about Bangladesh’s particular vulnerability to seismic hazards.

    The geological context reveals why Bangladesh remains on high alert. The nation sits at the precarious convergence of three massive tectonic plates—the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma plates—which are in constant motion. Scientific measurements indicate the Indian plate is steadily advancing northeastward at approximately 6 centimeters annually, while the Eurasian plate moves north at about 2 centimeters per year above it.

    This tectonic pressure has created five major fault zones in and around Bangladesh: the Bogura fault zone, Tripura fault zone, Shilong Plateau, Dauki fault zone, and Assam fault zone. These geological features contribute to the identification of 13 distinct earthquake-prone areas within the country, with the regions of Chattogram, Chattogram Hill Tracts, and Jaintiapur of Sylhet classified as extreme risk zones.

    The situation is particularly alarming given Bangladesh’s extreme population density. In 2022, the capital city Dhaka recorded approximately 30,093 residents per square kilometer, ranking among the most densely populated urban areas globally. This combination of high seismic risk and extreme population density has earned Dhaka a place among the world’s 20 cities most vulnerable to earthquake damage.

    Seismologists note that while earthquakes occur frequently worldwide—approximately every 30 seconds somewhere on Earth—most are too minor to be detected without instrumentation. The logarithmic nature of the Richter scale means that each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy release.

  • Clintons agree to testify before House committee over Epstein probe

    Clintons agree to testify before House committee over Epstein probe

    In a significant reversal, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have consented to provide testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding the ongoing investigation into deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement came Monday through spokesperson Angel Urena, who confirmed the Clintons’ willingness to appear before the Republican-controlled committee.

    The development follows escalating tensions between the Clintons and congressional investigators, who had accused the former first couple of “defying lawful subpoenas” and seeking “special treatment.” The committee had scheduled a contempt vote for Wednesday, which now appears likely to be postponed following the Clintons’ unexpected cooperation.

    According to communications reviewed by The New York Times, attorneys representing the Clintons sent correspondence to Committee Chair James Comer indicating their clients would “appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates.” This marks a dramatic shift from their previous position, expressed in a January 13 letter, where they declared the subpoena “legally invalid” and asserted they had already provided all relevant information concerning the Epstein case.

    The backdrop to this political confrontation involves the Justice Department’s December 2025 release of documents related to Epstein, which contained multiple references to the former Democratic president. Some media analysts have suggested the document release appeared strategically timed to protect figures associated with former President Donald Trump’s Republican circle while exposing Democratic connections.

    Epstein, who maintained extensive relationships with powerful figures across American political and business spheres, died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though conspiracy theories have persisted regarding the circumstances.

    The Clintons’ decision to testify establishes a notable precedent for congressional investigations involving high-profile former officials and sets the stage for what promises to be a closely watched examination of political connections to one of America’s most notorious criminal cases.