Global Pulse

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  • Saudi Arabia may invest in Turkish fighter jet Kaan ‘any moment’, Erdogan says

    Saudi Arabia may invest in Turkish fighter jet Kaan ‘any moment’, Erdogan says

    Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Saudi Arabia is poised to become a strategic partner in Turkey’s ambitious fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet program. The revelation came during Erdogan’s return journey from diplomatic visits to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where defense cooperation emerged as a cornerstone of bilateral discussions.

    “We are executing substantial defense industry collaboration agreements with Saudi Arabia and remain committed to enhancing these partnerships further,” Erdogan stated to accompanying journalists. He emphasized that a joint investment framework for the Kaan initiative is under active consideration, with implementation potentially imminent.

    Turkey’s pursuit of advanced aerial capabilities gained urgency following its 2019 expulsion from the U.S.-led F-35 program, a consequence of Ankara’s controversial acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems that triggered Congressional sanctions. The Kaan project, while technologically ambitious, presents significant financial challenges that have prompted Turkey to seek international investment partners.

    The program recently secured a major endorsement through Indonesia’s commitment to acquire 48 Kaan aircraft in a landmark $10 billion agreement spanning ten years, which includes localized co-production components. Several nations including Qatar and Azerbaijan have additionally expressed procurement interest.

    Technologically, the Kaan prototype achieved its inaugural flight in February 2024 utilizing temporary General Electric F110-GE-129 engines—the same powerplants employed by Turkey’s F-16 fleet. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the program lead, is concurrently developing indigenous engine technology to achieve full operational independence.

    Delivery timelines project the first Kaan jet joining the Turkish Air Force by 2028, though analytical assessments suggest potential delays until 2030. Initial production models (Block-1 variants) are scheduled for deployment between 2030 and 2033, representing a critical milestone in Turkey’s defense industrialization strategy.

  • Tianjin Port’s autonomous tugboat completes live berthing test

    Tianjin Port’s autonomous tugboat completes live berthing test

    Tianjin Port has marked a significant technological breakthrough with the successful completion of a live berthing test by its autonomous tugboat, Jin Gang Lun 36. The vessel executed complex return and docking maneuvers entirely without human intervention, demonstrating the advanced capabilities of intelligent navigation systems in active port environments.

    This achievement represents a crucial step in Tianjin Port’s comprehensive initiative to integrate cutting-edge technology into the most challenging aspects of maritime operations. The autonomous tugboat addresses the critical need for precision maneuvering when large cargo vessels, often exceeding 300 meters in length, navigate the confined waters of harbor areas where their limited agility creates operational challenges.

    According to Li Qiunan, IT Director of Tianjin Port Tugboat Lighter Co, Jin Gang Lun 36 employs a sophisticated intelligent navigation system capable of autonomous escort operations, dynamic obstacle avoidance, and precision berthing. The 34.6-meter vessel features a comprehensive sensor array including marine radar, LiDAR, and specialized fog-navigation night vision equipment.

    The system’s intelligent algorithms process real-time data on meteorological conditions, hydrological factors, and obstacle detection to continuously adjust the vessel’s route and movements. While designed for full autonomy, the technology allows crew members to maintain monitoring capabilities and assume immediate control during emergency situations, ensuring operational safety.

    Since commencing trial operations in Tianjin waters in 2024, the autonomous tugboat has undergone multiple testing phases to refine its performance in busy port conditions. This successful live berthing test demonstrates tangible progress in China’s pursuit of smart port technologies and autonomous maritime operations.

  • Republic of Congo’s president says he will run for reelection, possibly extending decades-long rule

    Republic of Congo’s president says he will run for reelection, possibly extending decades-long rule

    BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo — President Denis Sassou N’guesso, who has dominated Congolese politics for over four decades, formally declared his candidacy for the March 15 presidential election during an appearance at an agricultural exhibition in Bambou Mingali. The 82-year-old leader’s announcement sets the stage for what appears to be another extension of his prolonged tenure in the Central African nation.

    Sassou N’guesso’s political journey represents one of Africa’s most enduring leadership narratives. Initially assuming power in 1979, he governed until 1992 when electoral defeat temporarily removed him from office. His return to prominence occurred through military means following the 1997 civil conflict, after which he secured victory in four consecutive presidential contests against a divided opposition bloc.

    The constitutional landscape shifted significantly in 2015 when a national referendum eliminated presidential term limits and age restrictions, effectively removing legal barriers to Sassou N’guesso’s continued rule. The ruling Congolese Labor Party has officially endorsed his candidacy, while the primary opposition force, the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy, has withdrawn from the electoral process, citing fundamental concerns.

    Approximately twelve lesser-known contenders have entered the race, including independent candidate Alexis Bongo and former rebel commander Frederic Bintsamou, commonly referred to as Pastor Ntoumi. The government’s unexplained decision to advance the election date from March 22 to March 15 has added another layer of intrigue to the political proceedings.

    Despite the country’s status as an oil-producing nation, socioeconomic challenges persist dramatically. World Bank data indicates youth unemployment approaching 42%, while rural electrification remains accessible to merely 15% of the population outside urban centers, highlighting the development paradox facing the nation of 5.61 million people.

  • Louvre Museum crown left crushed but ‘intact’ after raid

    Louvre Museum crown left crushed but ‘intact’ after raid

    The Louvre Museum has unveiled the first photographic evidence of Empress Eugenie’s historic crown following its damaging ordeal during an October heist. While the 19th-century treasure sustained significant deformation when thieves attempted to extract it through a narrowly sawn hole in its display case, museum authorities confirm the piece remains “nearly intact” and fully restorable.

    The diamond-studded headpiece, belonging to the wife of Napoleon III, was abandoned during the thieves’ escape route despite the gang making off with an estimated €88 million in royal jewels. Current assessment reveals the crown retains all 56 emeralds and 1,344 of its original 1,354 diamonds, though one of eight golden eagles adorning the piece remains missing.

    Museum President Laurence des Cars will lead an expert committee supervising the restoration process, which officials confirm will return the crown to its original state without requiring complete reconstruction. The October 19th heist involved perpetrators using a stolen vehicle-mounted lift to access the Gallery of Apollo via a Seine-facing balcony, where they threatened guards and cut through two display cases containing French imperial jewelry.

    Despite four suspects being in custody, prosecutors acknowledge the mastermind remains at large while seven other stolen items—including Eugenie’s tiara and various necklaces—remain unrecovered. The entire operation lasted less than four minutes before the thieves escaped on waiting scooters.

  • The post that confirmed Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan’s roles in Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’

    The post that confirmed Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan’s roles in Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’

    The long-rumored participation of Bollywood icons Mithun Chakraborty and Vidya Balan in Rajinikanth’s upcoming action-comedy sequel ‘Jailer 2’ has been unofficially confirmed through social media evidence. Actor Jatin Sarna, renowned for his performances in ‘Sacred Games’ and sports drama ’83’, inadvertently revealed the casting through an Instagram post featuring photographs with Balan, Chakraborty, and director Nelson Dilipkumar.

    This visual confirmation ends months of speculation regarding the star-studded ensemble, though production company Sun Pictures, owned by media magnate Kalanithi Maran, has yet to issue an official statement. Industry reports from September had indicated Chakraborty would portray the antagonist, marking another collaboration with Rajinikanth after their work together in the 1989 Hindi film ‘Bhrastachar’ and 1997 Bengali production ‘Bhagya Debata’.

    For Vidya Balan, this project represents her second venture into Tamil cinema following her acclaimed performance in the 2019 legal drama ‘Nerkonda Paarvai’, a regional adaptation of the Bollywood hit ‘Pink’.

    The sequel’s expanding universe promises to surpass its predecessor in scale, retaining cameos from Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar while welcoming additional appearances. Vijay Sethupathi recently revealed to The Hollywood Reporter India that he will overcome his aversion to villainous roles for a special appearance. Chakraborty has additionally hinted at a potential guest appearance by Shah Rukh Khan, with actor-director SJ Suryah and Vinayakan completing the formidable cast lineup.

    The original ‘Jailer’ chronicled the journey of retired police official Muthuvel Pandian (Rajinikanth) searching for his missing son, achieving remarkable commercial success with approximately Rs 6.5 billion (Dh 250 million) in global revenue, ranking among 2023’s highest-grossing Indian productions. A teaser released last January confirmed the sequel would maintain the original’s signature elements: intense action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and celebration of Rajinikanth’s iconic screen presence.

    Anticipated for worldwide release on June 12, 2026, ‘Jailer 2’ continues to generate significant excitement within the Indian film industry and among international audiences.

  • Pakistan must create 30 million jobs in 10 years, World Bank president says

    Pakistan must create 30 million jobs in 10 years, World Bank president says

    World Bank President Ajay Banga has issued a stark warning that Pakistan must create 25-30 million jobs within the next decade to harness its demographic potential and prevent widespread instability. During his visit to Karachi, Banga emphasized that the country’s growing youth population presents both an economic opportunity and a critical challenge requiring immediate action.

    The announcement comes as Pakistan implements its 10-year Country Partnership Framework with the World Bank, which commits approximately $4 billion annually in combined public and private financing. Banga revealed that half of this funding is expected to originate from private-sector operations managed by the International Finance Corporation, reflecting Pakistan’s economic reality where 90% of employment is generated outside government channels.

    Banga outlined a three-pillar strategy for job creation: substantial investment in human and physical infrastructure, business-friendly regulatory reforms, and expanded access to financing—particularly for small enterprises and farmers who traditionally lack banking support. He identified infrastructure development, primary healthcare, tourism, and small-scale agriculture as the most promising labor-intensive sectors, with farming alone potentially accounting for one-third of required employment by 2050.

    The World Bank president highlighted Pakistan’s urgent need to address its power sector deficiencies, noting that distribution inefficiencies and growing debt have constrained economic growth despite improved generation capacity. He stressed that privatization and private-sector participation in electricity distribution would be crucial for restoring financial viability and ensuring reliable power for businesses and households.

    Banga also called for integrating climate resilience into mainstream development projects, noting Pakistan’s particular vulnerability to floods, heatwaves, and erratic monsoons. He advocated building climate adaptation measures directly into infrastructure, housing, water management, and agricultural projects rather than treating environmental sustainability as a separate initiative.

    The warning comes amid concerning trends of skilled worker emigration, with nearly 4,000 doctors leaving Pakistan in 2025 alone—the highest recorded annual outflow—highlighting the pressing need for improved job prospects and working conditions.

  • Researchers identify brain network linked to Parkinson’s disease

    Researchers identify brain network linked to Parkinson’s disease

    A groundbreaking neurological study has revealed a specific brain network whose impaired functionality serves as a central mechanism in Parkinson’s disease. The research, spearheaded by Beijing’s Changping Laboratory and published in the prestigious journal Nature, provides unprecedented insights into the neurological underpinnings of this progressive disorder.

    The investigation identified the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN) as critically compromised in Parkinson’s patients. This sophisticated neural system, responsible for coordinating whole-body movement, demonstrates abnormal hyperconnectivity to multiple deep brain structures in individuals affected by the disease. The discovery offers a coherent explanation for the efficacy of existing treatments while simultaneously pointing toward more targeted and less invasive therapeutic approaches.

    Professor Liu Hesheng, the senior author of the study and a leading researcher at Changping Laboratory, emphasized the significance of these findings. His team’s work represents a substantial advancement in understanding how Parkinson’s disrupts neural communication pathways, potentially revolutionizing treatment methodologies for the condition.

    The research carries particular importance for China, which hosts over 5 million Parkinson’s patients—representing more than 43% of the global disease burden. Parkinson’s disease progressively impairs movement, sleep patterns, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life, with current treatments focusing primarily on symptom management rather than cure.

    This neurological breakthrough not only enhances scientific comprehension of Parkinson’s pathology but also establishes a foundation for developing precisely targeted interventions that could potentially slow disease progression or restore more normal neural functioning.

  • How two Dubai residents helped find missing six-year-old girls at mall

    How two Dubai residents helped find missing six-year-old girls at mall

    In an extraordinary demonstration of community solidarity, Dubai residents transformed a potentially tragic situation into a heartwarming reunion when two six-year-old girls went missing on February 4th. The incident, which unfolded at Dubai Hills Mall, triggered an immediate neighborhood-wide response that showcased the power of collective action in the emirate.

    The episode began when Brazilian expatriate Otavio Soccol and his wife Gabriella were shopping around 8 PM. While browsing through a store, Gabriella noticed two young children appearing disoriented near the cash counter with money scattered around them. Simultaneously, Soccol discovered a post in their school parents’ WhatsApp group alerting members about missing children. The couple immediately recognized the striking resemblance between the children before them and those described in the alert.

    Springing into action, the Soccols coordinated with store management and mall security while maintaining calm interaction with the children. They learned the girls had been shopping for camping equipment, apparently preparing to sleep outdoors. The couple documented the children’s safety through a video message to reassure the frantic parents while awaiting authorities.

    Dubai Police confirmed the successful resolution of the incident, noting the children had left their residential neighborhood independently. The hours between disappearance and recovery witnessed families throughout the community joining search efforts, sharing real-time updates, and providing mutual support during the tense period.

    Soccol, reflecting on the experience as a father of two, emphasized the profound perspective such events bring. ‘Losing a child is when your entire world collapses,’ he shared with Khaleej Times. He particularly praised Dubai’s safety infrastructure and community networks that enabled the rapid response, stating: ‘Dubai’s an incredible place where we can rely on such networks knowing they would be there for us if it happened to our children.’

    The incident stands as a testament to how modern communication tools combined with traditional community values can create powerful safety networks in urban environments.

  • Soon, AI engineer at Dewa to help reduce operational costs, enhance reliability

    Soon, AI engineer at Dewa to help reduce operational costs, enhance reliability

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is poised to revolutionize energy sector operations with the scheduled deployment of an artificial intelligence ‘virtual engineer’ in June 2026. The announcement, made during a keynote address at the World Government Summit, represents a significant milestone in utility digitalization.

    The sophisticated AI system will function as an expert analytical tool, continuously monitoring and optimizing the performance of DEWA’s power generation infrastructure. Engineered to process massive datasets from power plants through advanced machine learning algorithms, the virtual engineer will deliver predictive maintenance alerts, perform root cause analysis, and provide performance enhancement recommendations.

    This technological innovation forms the cornerstone of DEWA’s comprehensive strategy to become the world’s first fully AI-integrated utility provider. The system’s implementation is projected to substantially reduce operational expenditures while simultaneously improving grid reliability through proactive maintenance protocols and operational efficiency optimization.

    DEWA’s digital transformation extends beyond the virtual engineer initiative. The authority’s Digital DEWA subsidiary has already demonstrated AI capabilities through the ‘Rammas’ virtual employee platform, which has successfully addressed over 12 million customer inquiries. Additionally, AI implementation at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park—the world’s largest single-site solar facility—has enhanced solar panel efficiency, improved energy production forecasting, and optimized storage solutions.

    The United Arab Emirates continues to demonstrate global leadership in artificial intelligence adoption, with recent reports from Microsoft and Oxford Insights ranking the nation first worldwide in AI tool implementation and among the top performers in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index. DEWA’s initiatives align with broader national objectives to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while establishing Dubai as a global hub for both sustainability innovation and artificial intelligence development.

  • Saudi suspends 1,800 Umrah agencies: UAE operators urge pilgrims to follow approved plans

    Saudi suspends 1,800 Umrah agencies: UAE operators urge pilgrims to follow approved plans

    In a significant regulatory move, Saudi Arabian authorities have suspended approximately 1,800 foreign Umrah travel agencies, creating substantial operational challenges during the peak Ramadan pilgrimage season. The mass suspension, attributed to performance deficiencies and substandard service quality, has prompted urgent responses from UAE-based operators who are now implementing stringent compliance measures.

    According to travel industry experts in the UAE, Saudi Arabia’s enhanced digital monitoring system now comprehensively tracks pilgrims throughout their spiritual journey. The integrated platform meticulously records visa particulars, accommodation arrangements, transportation logistics, and departure schedules. Any discrepancy between documented itineraries and actual pilgrim activities triggers immediate accountability measures against the associated travel agency.

    UAE operators have identified several critical compliance violations that precipitated the widespread suspensions:

    1. Incomplete Package Bookings: Many pilgrims historically obtained Umrah visas without securing accompanying hotel or transportation services, creating systemic gaps in the monitoring framework.

    2. Unauthorized Accommodation Changes: Pilgrims frequently alter pre-approved hotel reservations after arriving in Saudi Arabia, generating mismatches between digital records and actual stays.

    3. Private Residence Stays: Choosing to reside with relatives rather than authorized hotels constitutes a direct violation of Umrah regulations.

    4. Unapproved Hotel Selection: Economic considerations sometimes lead pilgrims to select cheaper accommodations not sanctioned by Saudi authorities.

    5. Unregistered Transportation: Self-arranged travel within the Kingdom creates undocumented movement patterns undetectable by monitoring systems.

    6. Visa Overstays: Failure to depart Saudi Arabia before visa expiration represents a serious regulatory breach.

    Industry representatives Qaiser Mahmood of Asaa Travel and Tourism and Shihab Perwad of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism emphasize that post-confirmation itinerary modifications create substantial operational and compliance challenges. The current environment demands strict adherence to pre-approved plans without deviation.

    UAE operators now universally recommend comprehensive package bookings that include all required services rather than visa-only arrangements. The emerging operational paradigm prioritizes transparency and strict compliance with Saudi Arabia’s enhanced regulatory framework, recognizing that individual pilgrim choices directly impact agency viability in the newly stringent regulatory environment.