Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Children with disabilities find joy and support through horse therapy in Taiwan

    Children with disabilities find joy and support through horse therapy in Taiwan

    In Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, a remarkable therapeutic revolution is unfolding at the Therapeutic Riding Center where children with neurological conditions discover profound healing through equine-assisted interventions. The center specializes in providing transformative experiences for youth diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and rare genetic conditions like Angelman Syndrome.

    Eighteen-year-old Chen You-ching, who received a cerebral palsy diagnosis over sixteen years ago, exemplifies the program’s success. Her father, Hector Chen, recounts how equine therapy has become an essential weekly ritual that consistently brings joy and therapeutic benefits. “The first time she mounted a horse, her happiness was undeniable,” he observed, noting the sustained positive impact through her teenage years.

    The science behind animal-assisted therapy continues to gain global recognition, particularly for addressing intellectual disabilities and trauma recovery. At this Taiwanese facility, specially trained horses undergo rigorous conditioning to remain calm during unpredictable movements and multiple simultaneous interactions. These equine partners demonstrate extraordinary patience, often standing motionless for extended periods while children hug them or listen to their heartbeats.

    Abigail Liu reports dramatic developmental breakthroughs in her five-year-old daughter Ayah, who has Angelman Syndrome. “She became noticeably less fearful of unfamiliar experiences and developed willingness to attempt new activities following her equine sessions,” Liu stated.

    Alain Chang, a riding instructor at the Fang Hsing-Chung Social Welfare Foundation, emphasizes the unique bond forming between children and horses. “The horses display no annoyance regardless of repetitive interactions, creating a profoundly safe environment,” Chang explained. “For these children, the opportunity to touch, observe, and embrace these animals constitutes an extraordinary experiential therapy that becomes a weekly highlight they anticipate regardless of weather conditions.”

  • Pakistan military says it has killed 92 militants in Balochistan

    Pakistan military says it has killed 92 militants in Balochistan

    Pakistan’s military has reported a significant escalation in its long-standing conflict with separatist militants in the restive Balochistan province, announcing the elimination of 92 insurgents following a series of coordinated attacks. The violence, which erupted across multiple locations on Saturday, represents one of the deadliest episodes in the region’s decades-long insurgency.

    The military’s media wing stated that 15 security personnel and 18 civilians lost their lives during the confrontations. In a development that threatens to further strain regional relations, Pakistani authorities explicitly accused India of supporting the militants—an allegation that New Delhi has consistently denied.

    The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic separatist group fighting for independence, claimed responsibility for the initial assaults, asserting they had inflicted heavy casualties on government forces. Neither side’s claims could be independently verified due to communication restrictions and security constraints in the area.

    Security forces implemented comprehensive measures in response to the crisis, sealing key administrative buildings in provincial capital Quetta and blocking surrounding roads. Mobile networks were deliberately disrupted while regional train services remained suspended as precautionary measures.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended military operations, vowing to persist in the ‘war against terrorism until its complete eradication.’ The coordinated militant attacks targeted police installations, paramilitary facilities, government buildings, and prisons across twelve urban centers using grenades and automatic weapons.

    The conflict stems from longstanding grievances held by the Baloch people, who accuse the federal government of exploiting the region’s substantial natural resources—including natural gas and minerals—without providing adequate economic benefits to local communities. Additional allegations of enforced disappearances by security forces have further fueled tensions, though Islamabad denies these claims.

    Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area but smallest by population, occupies a strategically crucial position bordering both Iran and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan while boasting an extensive Arabian Sea coastline. The current insurgency has its roots in resistance movements that began shortly after Pakistan gained independence in 1947.

  • Cummins out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad

    Cummins out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Cricket Australia has announced a significant roster revision for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with star fast bowler Pat Cummins officially withdrawn from contention due to an ongoing back injury. The decision comes after medical assessment confirmed Cummins’ insufficient recovery from a six-month ailment, forcing his exclusion just before the final squad deadline.

    Left-arm allrounder Ben Dwarshuis has been named as Cummins’ replacement, bringing a different dynamic to Australia’s bowling attack. National selector Tony Dodemaide emphasized Dwarshuis’ strategic value, noting his “left-arm pace option combined with dynamic fielding and lower-order batting capabilities.” Dodemaide further explained that Dwarshuis’ ability to swing the ball at pace with intelligent variations made him ideally suited to expected tournament conditions.

    The selection adjustments extended beyond Cummins’ replacement, with Matt Short making way for Matthew Renshaw—a surprising inclusion given Renshaw’s international T20 debut occurred merely two days prior against Pakistan.

    In positive news for the squad, both Josh Hazlewood and Tim David have been retained as they continue their rehabilitation from hamstring injuries. Notably absent from the final roster is veteran batsman Steve Smith, despite his impressive performance in Australia’s domestic Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers that had generated significant public support for his inclusion.

    Australia’s World Cup campaign commences on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo, followed by matches against Zimbabwe (February 13), Sri Lanka (February 16), and Oman (February 20). Should the team advance beyond the group stage, they will travel to India for the Super Eights phase of the tournament.

    The squad announcement comes during Australia’s ongoing warmup series in Pakistan, where they currently trail 2-0 with one match remaining. Under ICC regulations, squad modifications remain permissible until January 31.

    Final Australia Squad: Mitch Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

  • Grammy Awards 2026: How to watch and who will win

    Grammy Awards 2026: How to watch and who will win

    The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, maintaining its prestige as “music’s biggest night,” prepares to unfold in Los Angeles with unprecedented stakes and potential historic victories. This year’s ceremony features a remarkable convergence of established icons and emerging talents across 95 categories, with Kendrick Lamar leading nominations with nine nods for his critically-acclaimed album “GNX.

    The competition for Album of the Year presents a fascinating three-way race between Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny. Gaga’s maximalist pop masterpiece “Mayhem” represents her 45th nomination, while Lamar seeks to become the first hip-hop artist to win the category since 2004. Most significantly, Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” could mark the first victory for a non-English recording in the ceremony’s history.

    Several other landmark achievements await determination. Rosé of BLACKPINK could become the first K-pop artist to secure a Grammy for her collaboration with Bruno Mars on “APT,” while Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan seeks redemption through a best audiobook nomination 36 years after his infamous award revocation. The ceremony also features potential record-setting moments, as Bruno Mars could become the first four-time Record of the Year winner.

    The Best New Artist category showcases exceptional diversity, with British sensation Olivia Dean facing competition from R&B artist Leon Thomas, K-pop trained group Katseye, and social media transformed performers Addison Rae and Alex Warren.

    Political undercurrents may surface during the event, with artists including Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny having previously voiced strong criticisms of U.S. immigration policies. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledges that current global tensions will inevitably influence artistic expressions throughout the evening.

    Hosted for the final time by comedian Trevor Noah, the ceremony will unfold through a premiere event showcasing 80 categories, followed by the main broadcast featuring performances from Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and a special tribute by Lauryn Hill. While viewership restrictions affect international audiences, the Recording Academy will provide comprehensive digital coverage through official platforms.

  • Funeral for Dubai businessman Dr CJ Roy to take place on February 1

    Funeral for Dubai businessman Dr CJ Roy to take place on February 1

    The international business community is mourning the sudden passing of prominent Dubai-based entrepreneur Dr. CJ Roy, who died unexpectedly on January 30th during an ongoing income tax inspection at his corporate offices in Bangalore. His funeral arrangements have been scheduled for February 1st in the Indian city where he tragically passed.

    Final ceremonies will commence with a condolence visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Nature’s Luxuri Mega Resort and Convention Centre, where associates and family members may pay their final respects. Following the visitation, the procession will continue to St. Joseph’s Syro-Malabar Church for a funeral mass at 2:00 PM, after which Dr. Roy will be laid to rest.

    In an official family statement, the deceased businessman was memorialized as both a “visionary individual whose life exemplified excellence, purpose, and compassion” and a “genuine philanthropist.” The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation by Indian authorities, who are meticulously reviewing his final moments amid the tax raid proceedings.

    According to witness accounts provided to Indian media outlets, Dr. Roy had requested privacy to speak with his mother shortly before his passing. TA Joseph, Managing Director of Confident Group, reported that when staff members received no response after repeated attempts to contact him, they forcibly entered his office and discovered him unresponsive in his chair with visible bloodstains. Despite immediate transportation to a medical facility, resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful.

    His wife and children, who were in Dubai at the time of the incident, urgently traveled to Bangalore and arrived on Saturday morning. The news has sent shockwaves through business circles in both India and the UAE, where Dr. Roy maintained significant commercial interests and personal relationships.

    Indian media personality Mithun Ramesh, who considered Dr. Roy both mentor and family, expressed profound grief over the loss. “He influenced many major decisions in my life,” Ramesh told Khaleej Times. “I was among the very few people who could visit his home without prior appointment. His absence creates an irreplaceable void.” Ramesh immediately departed from Muscat upon learning the news to attend the funeral services, highlighting the deep personal connections Dr. Roy fostered across international boundaries.

  • India dismisses reference to PM Modi’s 2017 Israel visit in Epstein email

    India dismisses reference to PM Modi’s 2017 Israel visit in Epstein email

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs has vehemently rejected references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 Israel visit appearing in documents from the recently unsealed Epstein files. The diplomatic rebuke came Saturday in response to an email purportedly connecting the Indian leader to the scandal surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal characterized the reference as ‘little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal’ that warrant ‘utmost contempt.’ While acknowledging the factual occurrence of Modi’s official visit to Israel in July 2017, the ministry completely discredited any further implications contained within the email correspondence.

    The political controversy emerged earlier when opposition Congress party leader Pawan Khera raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s alleged proximity to the disgraced financier. Khera asserted that the connection raised ‘serious questions of judgment, transparency, and diplomatic propriety’ regarding Modi’s unexplained association with Epstein.

    The documents in question were released Friday by the US Department of Justice as part of a congressionally mandated transparency initiative. The massive disclosure included over three million pages of records, approximately 2,000 videos, and around 180,000 images related to the Epstein investigation.

    Epstein died in August 2019 in a New York jail cell from an apparent suicide while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His previous incarceration in 2008 resulted from a controversial plea deal that allowed him to serve only 13 months in custody.

  • From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful men are named in Epstein files

    From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful men are named in Epstein files

    NEW YORK — A massive document release by the U.S. Justice Department has unveiled the extensive social network of late financier Jeffrey Epstein, connecting numerous global elites to the convicted sex offender. The files, made public Friday, reveal previously undisclosed communications and interactions between Epstein and prominent figures from technology, finance, politics, and royalty.

    The documents provide unprecedented insight into how Epstein maintained relationships with powerful individuals even after his 2008 conviction for sex crimes. While none have been charged with crimes related to the investigation, the correspondence reveals the breadth of Epstein’s connections and his attempts to leverage these relationships.

    Among the most frequently mentioned figures is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, whose name appears hundreds of times throughout the documents. The files include emails showing Epstein’s invitation to Buckingham Palace, discussions about introducing the royal to a 26-year-old Russian woman, and photographs depicting the prince in compromising positions.

    Technology billionaires feature prominently in the release, with both Elon Musk and Google co-founder Sergey Brin appearing in Epstein’s correspondence. Musk exchanged emails in 2012-2013 discussing potential visits to Epstein’s Caribbean compound, though the Tesla CEO has publicly stated he refused these invitations. Brin’s communications show planned meetings with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell years before Epstein’s public exposure as a sexual predator.

    The documents also reveal extensive connections within financial and political circles. New York Giants co-owner Steven Tisch appears in over 400 documents, including emails where Epstein offered to connect him with women. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon exchanged hundreds of friendly texts with Epstein, discussing politics and reputation rehabilitation projects.

    The immediate fallout has already begun, with Slovakian national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak resigning Saturday following the revelation of his communications with Epstein. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson’s correspondence included an invitation for Epstein to visit his private island, asking him to ‘bring your harem.’

    While many figures have denied close ties to Epstein or knowledge of his criminal activities, the documents paint a picture of a sophisticated network that enabled Epstein to maintain social credibility despite his notorious reputation. The release represents the most comprehensive public accounting to date of Epstein’s associations with the world’s elite.

  • ‘Just one shot’: Bollywood actor KRK breaks silence after bail over firing incident

    ‘Just one shot’: Bollywood actor KRK breaks silence after bail over firing incident

    Bollywood personality Kamaal R Khan (KRK) has broken his silence following his release on bail in connection with a firearm discharge incident in Mumbai’s Oshiwara area. The controversial actor-producer maintains the episode resulted from an accidental discharge while cleaning his licensed weapon.\n\nIn an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times from his Mumbai residence, KRK detailed the events of January 18th, explaining he had just retrieved his German-made Mauser pistol from police custody the previous day. While cleaning the firearm in his bedroom, he claims to have fired a single shot toward nearby mangrove swamps after being uncertain whether the chamber was empty.\n\n\”I was being careful because these things can happen,\” KRK stated, referencing a recent incident where actor-politician Govinda accidentally shot himself while cleaning a handgun.\n\nThe case originated when two bullets were discovered embedded in apartments within the Nalanda housing society in Lokhandwala, though no injuries were reported. Mumbai Police took KRK into custody for questioning after the projectiles were found in the residences of writer Neeraj Mishra and model Prateek Baid.\n\nKRK’s legal representative, Supreme Court advocate Sana Raees Khan, has characterized the arrest as \”an abuse of the process of law,\\” citing significant discrepancies in the allegations. She contends the pistol’s effective range of 20-30 meters makes it physically impossible for the weapon to have fired projectiles the alleged 1,500 meters to the affected apartments.\n\nThe actor was released on bail with a personal bond of ₹25,000 (approximately Dh1,000) after his legal team successfully argued the allegations were inconsistent with both the firearm’s capabilities and the distances involved.

  • Rape trial puts Norway’s royal family in unwelcome glare of public

    Rape trial puts Norway’s royal family in unwelcome glare of public

    Oslo’s district court has become the epicenter of Norway’s most significant criminal proceeding in recent memory as Marius Borg Høiby, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, stands trial facing 38 criminal charges. The seven-week trial, which commenced Tuesday, involves allegations spanning multiple years and includes four counts of rape, physical assault, threats against a former girlfriend, property damage, drug offenses, and driving violations.

    The 29-year-old, whose mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit married into royalty when he was four, appears without family support in the courtroom. The palace has emphatically distanced itself from the proceedings, emphasizing Høiby’s non-royal status despite his lifelong connection to the monarchy. Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit are notably absent, with the latter battling serious pulmonary fibrosis that requires potential lung transplantation.

    Prosecutors detail disturbing allegations dating from 2018 to November 2024, including sexual assaults occurring while women were incapacitated or asleep—acts legally constituting rape under Norwegian law. One identified accuser, social influencer Nora Haukland, alleges violent physical abuse including punching, kicking, and choking alongside verbal degradation.

    Høiby’s defense counsel Petar Sekulic acknowledges his client takes the accusations seriously while maintaining innocence regarding most charges, particularly those involving sexual violence. The defense also contests a recent addition of marijuana transportation charges involving 3.5 kilograms of the substance.

    The trial unfolds against a backdrop of royal scandals, including Princess Märtha Louise’s controversial marriage to an American shaman and revelations about Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite these challenges, recent polling indicates 73% of Norwegians still support the monarchy, with many apparently distinguishing between the institution and individual family members’ actions.

    As testimony begins from multiple women whose intimate experiences will be scrutinized before international media, the case represents both a personal tragedy for the victims and an unprecedented challenge for Europe’s most accessible monarchy.

  • After ICE raids… a once bustling Chicago neighbourhood has changed

    After ICE raids… a once bustling Chicago neighbourhood has changed

    Chicago’s historic Little Village neighborhood, traditionally known as the “Mexican Magnificent Mile,” has transformed into an economic ghost town following intensified immigration enforcement operations. The Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, launched in September with the stated purpose of targeting “criminal illegal aliens,” has created an atmosphere of pervasive fear that has devastated local commerce.

    Business owners along the 26th Street corridor report catastrophic revenue declines ranging from 30% to 60%, with some establishments recording zero sales over extended periods. Carlos Macias, proprietor of Carniceria y Taqueria Aguascalientes established by his father fifty years ago, describes how armed ICE agents wearing balaclavas conducted raids that traumatized both employees and customers. “Business has dropped half during the week, sometimes even more than that,” Macias states, noting the incident remains etched in his memory.

    The economic impact extends beyond individual businesses. This two-mile commercial thoroughfare represents one of Chicago’s most significant economic hubs outside downtown, generating substantial tax revenues through predominantly Latino-owned enterprises. Alderman Michael Rodriguez reveals that even during peak lunch hours, restaurants remain empty, and public parking spaces sit vacant for the first time in living memory—a situation more severe than during the pandemic.

    While the Department of Homeland Security justifies the operation as necessary for public safety, citing the arrest of over 800 undocumented migrants including sex offenders and gang members, the human and economic costs continue mounting. Street vendors have largely disappeared from corners they traditionally occupied, fearing family separation despite many having lived in the community for decades.

    Chicago officials have responded with the Shopping in Solidarity initiative, encouraging residents to support local businesses. However, established institutions like Taqueria Los Comales have been forced to reduce employee hours dramatically. Owner Christina Gonzalez, also a Chamber of Commerce board member, explains the ripple effect: “The community depends on these small businesses for jobs and income. If they don’t have the hours to withstand that, then they aren’t getting the income that they need.”

    The political dimension remains deeply divisive. While Republican congressional candidate Lupe Castillo supports the enforcement actions, even some Trump voters like shoe store owner Adolfo Peña express bitter disappointment: “This is the worst thing that has happened to us. Unfortunately, I voted for him. That hurts me the most.”

    With Congress approving $170 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol through 2029, and plans to hire thousands of additional agents, Little Village residents brace for prolonged enforcement operations that continue to reshape their community’s social and economic fabric.