Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Germany to harden critical infrastructure as Russia fears spike

    Germany to harden critical infrastructure as Russia fears spike

    In a decisive move to bolster national security, the German parliament is set to enact sweeping legislation on Thursday mandating enhanced protection for critical infrastructure. This action comes as escalating geopolitical tensions with Russia amplify fears of sabotage, hybrid attacks, and systemic vulnerabilities.

    The comprehensive security package, designed to align with EU directives, will impose stringent new requirements on approximately 1,700 essential service providers. These entities—spanning energy, water, food supply, healthcare, transport, IT, telecommunications, finance, and waste management—must now implement rigorous physical security upgrades, enhance alarm systems, conduct frequent risk analyses, and report incidents without delay. Facilities serving over 500,000 people fall under the new mandate.

    The impetus for this legislative overhaul was starkly illustrated by a recent far-left militant arson attack on a Berlin power cable. The assault, which plunged tens of thousands into darkness for nearly a week and crippled mobile networks, heating, and transit, exposed critical gaps in the nation’s defensive preparedness. In response, the government has issued a €1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

    Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the necessity of shifting from transparency toward resilience, noting that sensitive data—such as publicly accessible grid maps—must be safeguarded to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.

    While many security experts endorse the bill in principle, opposition figures like Greens MP Konstantin von Notz criticize it as ‘wholly inadequate,’ ‘poorly crafted,’ and dangerously delayed. Business associations have also raised concerns over potentially burdensome compliance duties and significant financial penalties.

    Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the broader context of hybrid threats facing Europe, including cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation campaigns, and physical disruptions like the severing of Baltic Sea data cables. He warned that such threats directly impact private industry and supply chains, underscoring the need for robust civil defense.

    Experts like Daniel Hiller of the Fraunhofer Institute argue that complete invulnerability is unattainable; instead, redundancy, contingency planning, and system resilience are paramount. Sabrina Schulz of the European Initiative for Energy Security echoed this, stating that fortifying infrastructure is ‘at least as important as tanks and drones’ in contemporary defense strategy.

  • China executes 11 linked to Myanmar scam compounds

    China executes 11 linked to Myanmar scam compounds

    In a decisive move against transnational organized crime, Chinese authorities have executed eleven individuals connected to extensive telecom fraud operations based in Myanmar. The executions, carried out on Thursday, represent Beijing’s most severe response to date in its ongoing campaign against criminal networks that have defrauded victims worldwide through sophisticated online scams.

    The executed individuals, identified as key operatives within these criminal organizations, received death sentences in September from a court in Wenzhou, eastern China. According to state media reports, their convictions included charges of intentional homicide, intentional injury, unlawful detention, fraud, and illegal casino operations. Among those executed were members of the notorious ‘Ming family criminal group,’ whose activities directly contributed to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to numerous others.

    These criminal enterprises, primarily operating from Myanmar’s lawless border regions, have developed into a multi-billion dollar industry targeting victims globally through romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes. What began as operations focusing predominantly on Chinese-speaking targets has evolved into sophisticated multilingual fraud networks exploiting victims across continents.

    The Chinese Supreme People’s Court reviewed and approved all death sentences, confirming that evidence dating back to 2015 was ‘conclusive and sufficient’ for conviction. In addition to the executions, the September rulings included death sentences with two-year reprieves for five other individuals and prison terms ranging from five years to life imprisonment for 23 additional suspects.

    This crackdown forms part of Beijing’s broader strategy to combat transnational cybercrime through enhanced regional cooperation. Chinese authorities have intensified collaboration with Southeast Asian governments, resulting in the repatriation of thousands of suspected fraudsters to face China’s judicial system. The executions follow similar severe sentencing in November, when five individuals received death penalties for their involvement in scam operations that resulted in six Chinese fatalities.

    According to United Nations assessments, the global cyberscam industry has expanded dramatically, with hundreds of thousands of people now working in fraud centers worldwide. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has documented the industry’s spread beyond Southeast Asia to South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and various Pacific Islands, indicating the increasingly global nature of this criminal phenomenon.

  • Heavy gunfire and blasts heard near airport in Niger’s capital

    Heavy gunfire and blasts heard near airport in Niger’s capital

    Niamey, Niger – Heavy gunfire and powerful explosions rocked the vicinity of Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital during the early hours of Thursday, with air defense systems reportedly engaging unidentified projectiles. The sustained attack near the strategic aviation hub created panic among residents before subsiding approximately two hours after commencement.

    Multiple eyewitness accounts and verified video footage depicted anti-aircraft systems intercepting incoming threats in the night sky, though the origin and nature of the projectiles remain unconfirmed. While official casualty figures and damage assessments are pending, government sources indicate the situation has been stabilized without providing specific details.

    The airport complex, located merely 10 kilometers from the presidential palace, houses critical military infrastructure including an air force base. This incident occurs amid heightened tensions surrounding a substantial uranium shipment currently stranded at the facility due to ongoing legal and diplomatic disputes with France.

    A Foreign Affairs ministry official, speaking to Anadolu news agency on condition of anonymity, stated: ‘The situation is under control. There is no need to worry,’ while acknowledging investigations are underway to determine potential connections between the attack and the contested uranium cargo.

    This security breach unfolds under the military governance of General Abdourahamane Tiani, who assumed power through a 2023 coup that deposed the democratically elected government. Niger continues to confront significant security challenges, including jihadist insurgencies affecting the broader Sahel region alongside neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.

  • Domestic drugmakers take center stage in development, innovation

    Domestic drugmakers take center stage in development, innovation

    In a remarkable transformation of China’s healthcare landscape, domestic pharmaceutical companies are emerging as powerful innovators, delivering breakthrough treatments to patients at unprecedented affordability. The story of Zhang, a 38-year-old thyroid eye disease patient in Beijing, exemplifies this shift. His access to a novel domestic injection—the first new treatment for his condition in China in over seven decades—comes at a fraction of the cost of foreign equivalents, thanks to its inclusion in the national reimbursement drug list.

    This patient-centric revolution stems from comprehensive regulatory reforms, substantial capital investments, and a strategic focus on research innovation. While drug development remains notoriously challenging—typically requiring a decade and approximately $1 billion per successful medication with a 90% failure rate—Chinese companies are defying these odds through systematic advancements.

    China’s regulatory framework now recognizes two distinct categories of novel drugs: improved formulations of existing treatments (such as Zhang’s injection) and truly innovative drugs containing new molecular entities. This classification system has created a structured pathway for pharmaceutical advancement, encouraging both incremental improvements and groundbreaking discoveries.

    The expansion of Beijing’s national reimbursement drug list for 2026 has been instrumental in making cutting-edge treatments accessible to ordinary citizens. Patients who previously faced financial barriers to innovative therapies now receive coverage for domestically developed medications, creating a virtuous cycle that rewards innovation while improving public health outcomes.

    Industry analysts attribute this biopharmaceutical renaissance to three key factors: streamlined regulatory approval processes that reduce development timelines, increased venture capital flowing into life sciences, and a growing pool of scientific talent returning to China from overseas research institutions. This convergence of factors has positioned Chinese drugmakers not just as local providers, but as emerging global competitors in the high-stakes pharmaceutical industry.

  • Restored moat better reflects glory of Xi’an city wall

    Restored moat better reflects glory of Xi’an city wall

    After a monumental 40-year restoration endeavor, Xi’an’s ancient city wall is once again encircled by a pristine moat, marking a significant achievement in urban conservation. The recently completed project has fully reconnected the moat water system for the first time in over seven decades, transforming what was previously considered an urban eyesore and seasonal flood hazard into a breathtaking historical landmark.

    The revitalized moat now presents visitors with a spectacular visual panorama where sunlight dances upon crystal-clear waters against the majestic gray stone fortifications. This transformation has already captivated tourists, with many expressing astonishment at the dramatic improvement in both aesthetic appeal and environmental quality.

    According to Jia Haitao, cultural heritage specialist at the Xi’an City Wall Management Committee, the 14.6-kilometer moat originally served as a critical military defense feature during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). “For centuries, successive dynasties maintained this defensive legacy utilizing both engineered and natural barriers against approaching forces,” Jia explained.

    In contemporary times, the waterway functioned primarily as a storm drainage system until sedimentation and pollution gradually diminished its utility and created unpleasant odors. The restoration initiative launched in 1983 mobilized hundreds of thousands of local volunteers, with additional support coming from 5,000 PLA soldiers in 1998, creating shared community memories of collective civic effort.

    The final 859-meter section near Xi’an Railway Station, completed January 20, 2026, presented particular challenges. Project manager Wang Jie from Sinohydro Corporation Engineering Bureau 15 described how silt accumulation averaging 1.2 meters had compromised drainage capacity and created seasonal flooding that inundated underground facilities.

    The comprehensive rehabilitation included extensive desilting operations and the introduction of water-purifying vegetation including irises and water lilies to establish sustainable ecological circulation. The renewed moat now significantly enhances urban flood control capabilities while providing new green spaces for residents and visitors alike.

    Local residents have welcomed the transformation, with Wang Jianguo recalling childhood memories of polluted waters now replaced by thriving ecosystems attracting waterbirds and surrounded by landscaped pathways. The illuminated nightscape of the ancient wall reflected in the restored waters has further elevated Xi’an’s tourism appeal, with travel content creators highlighting the moat-side experience as an essential attraction rivaling even the famous Terracotta Warriors.

  • EU appears poised to sanction Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over protest crackdown

    EU appears poised to sanction Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over protest crackdown

    BRUSSELS — The European Union is preparing to impose unprecedented sanctions against Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, designating the powerful military force as a terrorist organization in response to Tehran’s brutal suppression of nationwide protests. This decisive move represents a significant escalation in Western pressure on the Islamic Republic, which already faces severe economic strain from existing international sanctions.

    The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, announced the landmark decision, stating that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard would be placed “on the same footing with al-Qaida, Hamas, and Daesh” in the bloc’s terrorist designation list. “If you act as a terrorist, you should also be treated as a terrorist,” Kallas declared, underscoring the EU’s hardening stance toward Tehran’s human rights violations.

    This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened military tensions in the Middle East. The United States has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group and several guided-missile destroyers to the region, capable of launching sea-based attacks. Iran has responded with counter-threats, including warnings of preemptive strikes against American military bases and Israeli targets.

    The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances, have evolved into a broader challenge to Iran’s theocratic government. According to activist reports, at least 6,373 people have been killed during the crackdown on demonstrations. Iran’s economic situation continues to deteriorate, with its rial currency plummeting to a record low of 1.6 million to one U.S. dollar on Thursday.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that “the unbearable repression that has engulfed the peaceful revolt of the Iranian people cannot go unanswered.” Despite initial reservations from France regarding potential risks to detained French citizens and diplomatic missions, President Emmanuel Macron’s administration has now endorsed the sanctions decision.

    Under EU legislation, sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 member states, a requirement that has previously complicated the bloc’s ability to leverage its economic influence in international crises, including responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

  • New ‘Payday Super’ laws to hit Australian businesses with major cash crunch

    New ‘Payday Super’ laws to hit Australian businesses with major cash crunch

    A landmark shift in Australia’s superannuation payment system is poised to significantly enhance retirement savings for millions of workers, while simultaneously presenting substantial cash flow challenges for the small business sector. Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulations will mandate that employers disburse superannuation contributions concurrently with salary payments, abolishing the existing 90-day quarterly payment window.

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has characterized this policy modification as a “once in a generation change” designed to combat the pervasive issue of unpaid superannuation. Treasury Department projections indicate that a median-income 25-year-old worker could accumulate approximately $6,000 additional retirement savings—representing a 1.5% enhancement—through the accelerated compounding effect of fortnightly contributions compared to quarterly deposits.

    ATO Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig emphasized the regulatory benefits, stating: “This reform enables significantly faster identification of non-compliant employers. The elimination of quarterly accumulation prevents businesses from accruing substantial debts they might subsequently struggle to settle.” While the ATO pledges collaborative support for businesses adapting to the new system, officials acknowledge enhanced capacity to detect deliberate non-payment.

    Despite approximately 40% of enterprises already utilizing more frequent than quarterly superannuation payments, the transition poses particular difficulties for the remaining 60%. Employment Hero CEO Ben Thompson acknowledged the employee benefits while highlighting severe financial implications: “While positive for workers’ compounding growth, our modeling indicates an average cash flow impact of $124,000 per business. Most small operations lack such liquidity reserves.”

    Thompson revealed that 87% of businesses using their platform currently leverage the quarterly payment period for temporary cash flow management, with 26% anticipated to encounter financial strain under the new regime. This has raised concerns about potential employment market repercussions as businesses adjust to the revised fiscal responsibilities.

    The ATO has disseminated comprehensive preparatory guidelines urging employers to initiate compliance planning immediately, warning against last-minute implementation attempts.

  • New York police probe car crash into synagogue as hate crime

    New York police probe car crash into synagogue as hate crime

    Authorities in New York City are investigating a deliberate vehicle collision at the global headquarters of Chabad Lubavitch in Brooklyn as a potential antisemitic hate crime. The incident occurred Wednesday evening when a motorist repeatedly rammed the rear entrance of the prominent Hasidic Jewish institution located in the Crown Heights neighborhood.

    According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers responding to reports of a disturbance at the synagogue witnessed the driver intentionally striking the building’s rear door multiple times. Law enforcement personnel immediately apprehended the male suspect at the scene without incident. Comprehensive sweeps by bomb squad technicians confirmed no explosive devices were present.

    While no injuries were reported, the incident prompted strong condemnations from city leadership. Mayor Zohran Mamdani characterized the attack as “deeply alarming,” emphasizing that “antisemitism has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable.”

    In response to the incident, the NYPD has substantially enhanced security measures around religious institutions across all five boroughs as a precautionary measure. The department’s specialized Hate Crimes Task Force has assumed investigation of the case, though authorities have not yet established a definitive motive.

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, stating on social media that “an attack against the Jewish community is an attack against all New Yorkers.” The Chabad Lubavitch headquarters serves as a central institution for the ultra-Orthodox Hasidic movement, representing one of the most visible symbols of Jewish religious life in Brooklyn.

  • What could happen if the US strikes Iran? Here are seven scenarios

    What could happen if the US strikes Iran? Here are seven scenarios

    The United States is reportedly preparing for potential military action against Iran within days, raising critical questions about possible outcomes and regional consequences. According to analysis of current geopolitical tensions, the Trump administration appears positioned to authorize targeted strikes against Iranian military infrastructure.

    Military strategists anticipate precision attacks focusing on key installations of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and associated Basij paramilitary units. Potential targets include ballistic missile facilities and nuclear program sites, though the ultimate political outcomes remain highly uncertain.

    Several scenarios could emerge from such military engagement. The most optimistic projection suggests the possible collapse of Iran’s already weakened regime, potentially leading to democratic transition and international reintegration. However, historical precedents in Iraq and Libya demonstrate that Western military intervention often brings chaos rather than smooth political transitions, despite removing oppressive regimes.

    An alternative ‘Venezuelan model’ scenario envisions the Islamic Republic remaining intact but compelled to moderate its policies. This would involve curtailing support for Middle Eastern militias, scaling back nuclear and missile programs, and reducing domestic suppression. Yet analysts consider this outcome unlikely given Tehran’s 47-year history of defiance and resistance to external pressure.

    The most probable outcome, according to regional experts, would see the current regime surviving through intensified repression. Iran’s extensive security apparatus has repeatedly demonstrated willingness to use unlimited force against dissent, and protest movements have historically failed to secure military defections.

    Iran has vowed severe retaliation against any U.S. attack, with officials stating their ‘finger is on the trigger.’ While outmatched by U.S. naval and air power, Iran could deploy its substantial arsenal of ballistic missiles and drones—many hidden in mountainous terrain and underground facilities—potentially targeting U.S. bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan.

    The 2019 attack on Saudi Aramco facilities, attributed to Iranian-backed militias, demonstrated Tehran’s capability to strike critical infrastructure. Gulf Arab allies remain particularly concerned about becoming collateral damage in any U.S.-Iran confrontation.

    Regional security experts highlight additional risks including possible disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20-25% of global oil exports pass. Iran has conducted mining exercises in these vital shipping lanes, and any interference could significantly impact world trade and energy markets.

    Naval warfare specialists note concerns about potential ‘swarm attacks’ using numerous drones and fast attack boats that could overwhelm even advanced U.S. naval defenses. Such scenarios, while considered unlikely, recall previous incidents like the USS Cole bombing that killed 17 sailors in 2000.

    The greatest danger identified by analysts is that military action could commence without clear objectives or exit strategy, potentially triggering widespread regional conflict, humanitarian crises, and unpredictable global repercussions as the Middle East’s most populous nation faces potential instability.

  • US appeals court says Noem’s decision to end protections for Venezuelans in US was illegal

    US appeals court says Noem’s decision to end protections for Venezuelans in US was illegal

    A federal appeals court delivered a significant ruling Wednesday declaring the Trump administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan and Haitian immigrants unlawful. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exceeded her statutory authority when revoking legal protections that enabled hundreds of thousands of migrants to reside and work legally in the United States.

    The three-judge panel upheld a lower court’s finding that Noem lacked congressional authorization to vacate existing TPS designations. Judge Kim Wardlaw, writing for the panel, emphasized that TPS legislation contains “numerous procedural safeguards that ensure individuals with TPS enjoy predictability and stability during periods of extraordinary and temporary conditions in their home country.”

    Despite the landmark legal decision, practical implementation remains suspended pending a final Supreme Court ruling. The nation’s highest court previously allowed Noem’s termination decision to take effect in October while justices consider the case.

    The ruling highlighted severe consequences for affected communities, noting that “hard-working, contributing members of society” including “mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and partners of U.S. citizens” faced deportation and detention after losing protected status. The court found substantial evidence that racial and national origin animus influenced the termination decisions, characterizing them as “preordained” with “pretextual” reasoning.

    TPS, established through the Immigration Act of 1990, grants temporary legal status to individuals fleeing countries experiencing civil strife, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. The program provides protection from deportation and work authorization but does not create a pathway to citizenship.

    The Department of Homeland Security maintained that improved conditions in Venezuela and Haiti justified the terminations, arguing the secretary possesses broad authority over TPS determinations. Government attorneys denied allegations of racial motivation behind the decisions.