Global Pulse

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  • Labor minister Anne Aly refuses to answer whether Israel President welcome on Australia visit

    Labor minister Anne Aly refuses to answer whether Israel President welcome on Australia visit

    A significant diplomatic controversy has emerged in Australia as Multiculturalism Minister Dr. Anne Aly, the Labor Party’s highest-ranking Muslim MP, repeatedly declined to express support for Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s upcoming state visit. The five-day official visit, scheduled to begin February 8, was extended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the December 14 Bondi Beach terrorist attack that targeted Israeli nationals.

    During an interview with ABC Radio National on Thursday, Dr. Aly characterized the invitation as standard “protocol” for attacks involving foreign victims rather than offering personal endorsement. When pressed directly on whether she welcomed the visit, the minister deflected by reiterating the procedural nature of the invitation, stating it was intended “to commemorate and to remember the victims of the Bondi terror attack.”

    The visit has sparked substantial opposition within Australia’s political landscape. Labor Friends of Palestine has formally requested Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke investigate whether President Herzog would pass the character test under the Migration Act, citing allegations from a United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner report that both Herzog and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have incited genocide in Gaza. Herzog has denied these claims, asserting his remarks were taken out of context.

    Criticism extends beyond Labor ranks, with Independent MP Sophie Scamps warning that hosting a foreign leader accused of inciting genocide “risks deeply dividing the Australian community” and could heighten tensions following the Bondi attack. Meanwhile, the visit has received support from Jewish community organizations, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, creating a complex diplomatic balancing act for the Albanese government as it attempts to maintain social cohesion amid heightened community tensions.

  • Trubin’s ‘miracle’ – how Mourinho’s Benfica stunned Real Madrid

    Trubin’s ‘miracle’ – how Mourinho’s Benfica stunned Real Madrid

    In an extraordinary climax to the Champions League group stage, Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin authored one of European football’s most dramatic moments with a stoppage-time header that eliminated 15-time champions Real Madrid while salvaging his team’s continental campaign.

    The defining moment unfolded deep into added time at Estadio da Luz with Benfica clinging to a 3-2 lead. Despite the advantage, mathematical elimination loomed until the Ukrainian goalkeeper’s unprecedented intervention. Sent forward for a final free-kick, Trubin connected perfectly with a bullet header that sparked pandemonium throughout the Lisbon stadium.

    “A fantastic goal, a historic goal, a goal that nearly brought the whole stadium down,” declared manager José Mourinho, who secured his first victory against Real Madrid since returning to Benfica 25 years after his brief initial tenure. “For Benfica, it’s incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid.”

    The victory proved particularly crucial given the tournament’s revamped league format, with 18 matches concluding simultaneously. Trubin’s goal propelled Benfica from elimination to the playoff round at Marseille’s expense, completely altering the competition’s landscape in the closing seconds.

    The 24-year-old goalkeeper admitted initial confusion about the mathematical situation: “I didn’t understand what we needed. I see everyone start to point at me and I go. We need one more goal. I don’t know what to say—a crazy moment.”

    The victory carries special significance for Mourinho, whose Benfica tenure had faced skepticism despite remaining unbeaten domestically. The Portuguese giants trail league leaders Porto by 10 points, making European success particularly valuable for the veteran manager.

    The dramatic conclusion attracted attention throughout football, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola monitoring events closely. City needed Benfica’s victory to secure a top-eight finish, with Guardiola noting: “We didn’t know Benfica needed a goal to qualify. But it was good strategy for Jose to score the fourth goal!”

    With Real Madrid finishing ninth and Benfica 24th in the league phase, statistical probability suggests a 50% chance of the teams meeting again in the playoff round. Alternatively, Benfica could face Inter Milan—the club where Mourinho achieved his historic treble in 2010.

    Trubin’s goal places him among only five goalkeepers to score in Champions League history, creating an instant legend that might surpass even Mourinho’s renowned capacity for scripting dramatic narratives.

  • China ramping up Nipah virus surveillance

    China ramping up Nipah virus surveillance

    Chinese health authorities have initiated comprehensive preventive measures against the Nipah virus despite confirming zero domestic cases and assessing the infection risk as minimal. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration announced enhanced surveillance protocols, expanded testing capabilities, and intensified personnel training in response to recent outbreaks in neighboring countries.

    The zoonotic pathogen, primarily hosted by fruit bats, transmits through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated food products. First identified in 1990s Malaysia, the virus demonstrates concerning fatality rates between 40-75% according to World Health Organization estimates, though its relatively slow transmission pattern limits pandemic potential.

    India’s health ministry reported contained outbreaks in West Bengal state, with two confirmed cases among 196 monitored contacts all testing negative. Chinese epidemiologists note the geographical separation from affected regions significantly reduces transmission risks, but maintain vigilance against potential imported cases.

    China’s preparedness includes developed and stockpiled nucleic acid testing kits distributed to provincial-level disease control centers, ensuring nationwide diagnostic capabilities. Notably, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed promising findings regarding antiviral drug VV116—originally developed for COVID-19—showing significant containment activity against Nipah virus in studies published in Emerging Microbes & Infections.

    Regional responses have intensified with Thailand implementing airport screenings for travelers from affected areas, Myanmar enhancing monitoring due to its substantial fruit bat populations, and the Philippines maintaining heightened public health alerts despite assured preparedness levels.

  • Bill Belichick: A Super Bowl god’s fall from grace

    Bill Belichick: A Super Bowl god’s fall from grace

    In a dramatic career pivot that has stunned the football world, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick finds himself navigating uncharted territory at the University of North Carolina. The architect of six Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots, Belichick now confronts mounting questions about his legacy following a disastrous debut season with the Tar Heels that yielded just four wins in twelve games.

    The irony is palpable: as his former team prepares for its record 12th Super Bowl appearance, Belichick received notification that he would be excluded from this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class. ‘Six Super Bowls isn’t enough?’ the coach reportedly asked with palpable disappointment, according to ESPN sources.

    Belichick’s unprecedented move to college football came after his unceremonious exit from the NFL in January 2024, when no professional team offered him a coaching position despite his historic resume. North Carolina took a monumental gamble, signing the 73-year-old to a five-year, $50 million contract—an unprecedented investment in their football program.

    The transition has proven challenging on multiple fronts. Belichick joined after the recruiting deadline, limiting his ability to secure top talent. His professional coaching methods have struggled to translate to collegiate athletes with steeper learning curves. Compounding these challenges has been relentless media scrutiny of his personal life, particularly his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, which has generated constant tabloid coverage.

    Football analysts note the peculiar reversal of traditional career trajectories. ‘For years, the trend has been coaches leaving NCAA for NFL prestige,’ noted Dan Roche, CBS News sports anchor. ‘Belichick’s move backward—and his struggle to adapt—is complicating his legacy.’

    Those who know Belichick best suggest the move stems from an irreducible passion for the game. ‘I can’t recall many head coaches who have said, ‘Okay, I’ve done it all, and now I’m going to walk away,” Roche observed. ‘They just don’t have it in them.’

    Despite the disastrous first season, Belichick appears committed to rebuilding. At a recent signing ceremony for new recruits, he declared: ‘They will be a foundation of our program.’ His determination echoes a statement he once made to a colleague: When asked why he continued coaching, Belichick simply replied, ‘It beats working.’

  • Facebook-owner Meta to nearly double AI spending

    Facebook-owner Meta to nearly double AI spending

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled an unprecedented commitment to artificial intelligence infrastructure, announcing plans to nearly double the company’s AI spending to $135 billion in 2026. The declaration came during Wednesday’s earnings call discussing Meta’s 2025 financial performance, marking one of the largest corporate investments in AI technology to date.

    The substantial expenditure represents a dramatic increase from the $72 billion allocated to AI projects in 2025 and follows three years of cumulative $140 billion investments positioning Meta at the forefront of the AI revolution. Zuckerberg characterized 2026 as the pivotal year when “AI dramatically changes the way we work,” despite acknowledging compressed profit margins as expenses outpace revenues.

    Market response appeared positive initially, with Meta shares climbing approximately 6.5% in extended trading following the announcement. However, the ambitious spending plan arrives alongside subtle indications of potential workforce reductions. Zuckerberg noted that AI tools now enable “projects that used to take big teams [to] be accomplished by a single, very talented person,” suggesting significant organizational restructuring ahead.

    The technology giant has already implemented several hundred layoffs in its Reality Labs division this year, reflecting strategic reallocation toward AI initiatives. Zuckerberg emphasized investments in AI tools that enhance employee productivity, particularly for software engineers, while acknowledging a growing performance gap between those effectively leveraging AI capabilities and those struggling to adapt.

    This massive financial commitment emerges against a backdrop of industry skepticism regarding AI valuation. Cisco Systems CEO Chuck Robbins characterized the current market as probable bubble conditions, warning that some companies “won’t make it.” Similar concerns have been echoed by JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who noted “irrationality” in the AI boom. Even OpenAI’s Sam Altman acknowledged investor “overexcitement” about AI technology.

    Meta’s aggressive investment strategy signals both confidence in AI’s transformative potential and willingness to weather potential market corrections in pursuit of technological leadership.

  • Molineux to succeed Healy as Australia captain

    Molineux to succeed Healy as Australia captain

    In a significant leadership transition for Australian women’s cricket, all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been appointed captain across all formats, succeeding the retiring wicketkeeping legend Alyssa Healy. The announcement comes ahead of Australia’s multi-format home series against India, marking a new chapter for the world’s top-ranked women’s cricket team.

    The 28-year-old Victorian will assume captaincy starting with the T20 international series opener on February 15th, as Healy is not part of the squad for the initial matches. Molineux will then serve as vice-captain during the subsequent ODI series and historic one-off Test in Perth, which will represent Healy’s final professional appearance before retirement.

    Expressing her honor at the appointment, Molineux acknowledged Healy’s monumental impact on the team and women’s cricket globally. ‘It’s a real honor to be named Australian captain and something I’m incredibly proud of, especially following on from Alyssa, who’s had such a huge impact on this team and the game,’ Molineux stated. She emphasized her commitment to fostering the team’s evolution while maintaining its distinctive identity, noting the squad’s blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.

    The leadership restructuring also establishes Ashleigh Gardner as vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath, who retains her deputy role across all formats. This creates a dynamic leadership group featuring three all-rounders steering Australian women’s cricket forward.

    Molineux brings substantial captaincy experience from domestic cricket, having led both Victoria and Melbourne Renegades to their inaugural Women’s Big Bash League title in 2024. Her international career, beginning in 2019, includes 58 appearances across formats (3 Tests, 17 ODIs, and 38 T20Is), though it has been punctuated by significant injury challenges including stress fractures and ACL reconstruction that caused her to miss multiple global tournaments.

    The upcoming India series, running from February 15th to March 9th featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and one Test, will serve as Molineux’s inaugural challenge as permanent captain. Her primary objective for 2025 will be reclaiming the T20 World Cup title when the tournament commences in England on June 12th.

  • 29-year-old Indian expat found dead in trailer in Fujairah

    29-year-old Indian expat found dead in trailer in Fujairah

    A 29-year-old Indian expatriate from Kerala was discovered deceased inside his trailer truck in Fujairah on Friday morning, according to family members and local authorities. Ansar, who had resided in the UAE for eight years, was found unresponsive in the vehicle he both operated and frequently used as sleeping quarters.

    The circumstances surrounding his death remain undetermined pending an official forensic report from Fujairah Police. His twin brother, Anas, revealed that Ansar consistently preferred sleeping in his truck rather than his designated room. On the night of the incident, he had reportedly worn multiple clothing layers against the cold and utilized a heater within the sealed, switched-off trailer.

    Ansar had been employed at a garage in Masafi and recently applied for a heavy truck license, anticipating his test scheduled for the coming weeks. Family members indicated he had planned to visit his native Kerala next month—his first return home since arriving in the UAE.

    The tragedy has devastated his family, particularly his mother who received the news from the father currently in India attending to an ailing grandmother. Social workers from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Center (KMCC) are facilitating the repatriation process to transport Ansar’s remains to Kerala for final rites once official documentation is complete.

    This incident highlights the vulnerable living conditions often faced by migrant workers in the region and has sparked conversations about workplace safety and accommodation standards for expatriate laborers.

  • Shanghai to host embodied intelligence expo in July

    Shanghai to host embodied intelligence expo in July

    Shanghai is poised to become the epicenter of the global embodied intelligence revolution as it prepares to host the prestigious Shanghai International Embodied Intelligence Expo from July 2-4, 2026. The groundbreaking event will unfold at the city’s expansive National Exhibition and Convention Center, marking a significant milestone in technological innovation and commercial application of AI-integrated systems.

    Under the visionary theme “Embodied Intelligence, Empowered Future,” the expo will serve as a comprehensive international platform showcasing cutting-edge advancements across the entire embodied intelligence spectrum. The exhibition will feature nine specialized zones covering hardware components, perceptual systems, cognitive decision-making architectures, execution mechanisms, energy storage solutions, intelligent automotive connectivity, platform ecosystems, commercial applications, and advanced manufacturing equipment.

    Spanning an impressive 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, the event is projected to attract more than 500 leading domestic and international exhibitors, presenting a complete overview of the rapidly evolving embodied intelligence industrial chain. The global market for embodied intelligence technology, valued at approximately ¥19.53 billion ($2.81 billion) in 2025, continues to experience accelerated growth and expanding practical applications across multiple sectors.

    Beyond the extensive exhibition, CIEI 2026 will host concurrent events including the Embodied Intelligence Industry Ecosystem Conference, the release of China’s comprehensive industry development report, technical standardization seminars, supply chain matchmaking sessions, and specialized forums on critical component technologies. These complementary activities are designed to foster international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and commercial partnerships within this emerging technological frontier.

  • Dubai travellers to soon skip airport queues, check in at locations across city

    Dubai travellers to soon skip airport queues, check in at locations across city

    In a landmark move to cement its status as a global future-ready metropolis, Dubai has unveiled three groundbreaking initiatives under its ambitious 10X program. Approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, these projects represent the third phase of the initiative that seeks to position Dubai a decade ahead of other world cities through innovative governance models.

    The three selected ventures—the City Terminal Project, the 20 Minute City, and the Disease Early Detection System—are set to transform urban mobility, healthcare, and travel experiences through cross-governmental collaboration and technological innovation.

    The City Terminal Project, developed through partnership between Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects and multiple entities including Dubai Police, Emirates, and e& Group, will decentralize airport procedures. Travelers will be able to complete check-in operations at various city locations before being transported directly to airport departure gates via secured transportation, effectively eliminating conventional airport queues and reducing terminal congestion.

    Simultaneously, the 20 Minute City initiative led by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority aims to create hyper-accessible urban environments where residents can reach 80% of essential services within 20 minutes through walking, cycling, or sustainable transit. The pilot project in Al Barsha 2 will feature enhanced road safety measures, expanded shaded green areas, and flexible mobility corridors.

    In healthcare, the Disease Early Detection System spearheaded by the Dubai Health Authority introduces predictive healthcare capabilities focusing initially on diabetes management. This proactive approach aims to improve treatment outcomes while reducing the condition’s estimated annual cost of Dh2.78 billion to Dubai’s economy. Multiple medical institutions including Canadian Specialist Hospital and King’s College Hospital London will participate in the pilot phase.

    These projects emerged from a competitive selection process that evaluated 79 proposals developed by over 120 employees across 33 government entities. Selection criteria emphasized implementation feasibility, cross-government integration, and potential quality-of-life improvements for residents.

    Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the 10X Initiative has fundamentally transformed Dubai’s governmental operations, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that transcends traditional bureaucratic boundaries. ‘Accelerating government performance is central to our future vision,’ he stated, noting Dubai’s commitment to ‘pioneer bold, high-impact projects that redefine excellence in public service.’

    Since its 2017 launch by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai 10X Initiative has consistently driven innovation in governance, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in future-ready urban development and technological adoption.

  • Trump gives Netanyahu a month for Syria security deal, say sources

    Trump gives Netanyahu a month for Syria security deal, say sources

    The United States is intensifying diplomatic efforts to broker a landmark security agreement between Israel and Syria, with multiple sources indicating a potential announcement could emerge within weeks. President Donald Trump has reportedly established a one-month deadline for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude negotiations with Damascus, according to officials briefed on recent diplomatic exchanges.

    The central obstacle preventing a comprehensive agreement remains Israel’s continued military presence on Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the region, which Israeli officials have declared a “red line” national security issue. The mountain was occupied following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024, extending beyond Israel’s longstanding control of the Golan Heights seized in 1967.

    President Trump’s telephone conversation with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Tuesday highlighted the administration’s commitment to Syrian unification without “separatism or federalism.” The Syrian government characterized the discussion as having proceeded “very well,” though declined to provide specific details regarding content.

    Diplomatic progress has been significantly facilitated by US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack, whose advocacy for the agreement has faced opposition from within the administration, including US Central Command and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Barrack previously played a pivotal role in managing the transition of northeastern Syria following recent military operations by Sharaa’s forces.

    According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the emerging framework includes provisions for Sweida province, currently under the control of Syrian Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri with Israeli support. The proposed agreement would prevent Syrian government military entry into the region while establishing negotiation processes for eventual integration.

    The potential agreement builds upon the 1974 US-backed security arrangement between the nations, enhanced by recent Paris talks that established a joint communication mechanism for intelligence sharing and military de-escalation coordination. This mechanism aims to promptly address disputes and prevent misunderstandings between the historically adversarial nations.

    Western officials note that Israel perceives the current US administration as divided on Syrian policy, potentially affecting negotiation dynamics. Despite American pressure, Israeli officials maintain their position on Mount Hermon remains non-negotiable, suggesting the four-week timeline might prove insufficient for resolution of this particular issue.