Global Pulse

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  • Zuckerberg names banker, ex-Trump advisor as Meta president

    Zuckerberg names banker, ex-Trump advisor as Meta president

    Meta Platforms Inc. has announced the strategic appointment of Dina Powell McCormick, a seasoned banking executive and former Trump administration official, as its new President and Vice Chairman. The move signals a significant corporate realignment as the technology conglomerate accelerates its artificial intelligence infrastructure investments.

    Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized Powell McCormick’s unique qualifications for navigating Meta’s next growth phase, citing her extensive experience in global finance and international relations. Her appointment transitions her from Meta’s board of directors to a central operational role within the management team.

    In her expanded capacity, Powell McCormick will assume responsibility for Meta’s comprehensive AI infrastructure strategy, overseeing multi-billion-dollar investments in data centers and energy systems. A critical aspect of her role will involve forging partnerships with governments and sovereign wealth funds, particularly from the Middle East, which have emerged as crucial financiers in the global AI infrastructure race.

    Powell McCormick brings sixteen years of Goldman Sachs partnership experience, where she served on the management committee and led global sovereign investment banking. Most recently, she worked at BDT & MSD Partners, a financial advisory firm involved in securing U.S. investors for TikTok.

    The appointment continues Zuckerberg’s recent political alignment with conservative figures and policies, marking another high-profile Republican addition following Sheryl Sandberg’s departure in 2022. Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the selection, praising Powell McCormick’s service in his administration where she served as Deputy National Security Advisor shaping foreign policy.

    Powell McCormick is married to Pennsylvania Republican Senator Dave McCormick, further cementing her connections within conservative political circles. Her hiring reflects Meta’s intensified focus on securing the substantial capital required to compete in the increasingly expensive AI infrastructure landscape against other tech giants.

  • Internet service to be resumed in Iran, FM Araqchi says

    Internet service to be resumed in Iran, FM Araqchi says

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared on Monday that internet services would be restored across Iran following an extensive 84-hour nationwide communications blackout. The announcement came amid heightened tensions with the United States and internal unrest.

    Minister Araqchi stated that internet restoration would be implemented ‘in coordination with security authorities,’ suggesting the government maintains cautious control over the process. The communications shutdown, one of the longest in Iran’s recent history, had severed digital connectivity for millions of citizens and businesses throughout the country.

    The development occurs against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously indicated his intention to consult with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk regarding potential solutions to restore internet access in Iran, though no specific collaboration details were provided.

    Araqchi additionally addressed the weekend’s surge in protest-related violence, asserting through English translation that authorities had brought the situation under ‘total control.’ In a significant accusation, the Foreign Minister claimed that President Trump’s warnings to Tehran about potential foreign intervention should protests turn violent had inadvertently encouraged ‘terrorists’ to target both protesters and security forces.

    Concluding with a diplomatic dual-track approach, Araqchi emphasized Iran’s preparedness for both conflict and negotiation, stating: ‘We are ready for war but also for dialogue.’ This positioning suggests Tehran’s attempt to balance military readiness with diplomatic openness amid ongoing regional tensions.

  • Etihad flies a record 22.4 million passengers in 2025, launches 16 new routes

    Etihad flies a record 22.4 million passengers in 2025, launches 16 new routes

    Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways has achieved unprecedented growth in 2025, transporting a record-breaking 22.4 million passengers throughout the year. This represents a substantial 21% year-on-year increase, marking the highest annual passenger volume in the airline’s operational history.

    The airline’s commercial performance demonstrated remarkable strength, with passenger load factors reaching 88.3% – an improvement of two percentage points compared to 2024 figures. This performance was particularly notable during December’s peak travel period, when the carrier transported 2.2 million passengers with an 87.6% load factor, representing a 28% increase over the same month in the previous year.

    Etihad’s expansion accounted for approximately half of the total passenger growth across the UAE aviation sector, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic development objectives. The airline’s growth strategy included the addition of 29 aircraft to its operating fleet during 2025, bringing its total to 127 aircraft – the largest fleet in the company’s history. This expansion included the introduction of Airbus A321LR aircraft, enabling the extension of premium cabin offerings to shorter and medium-haul destinations.

    Network development saw significant progress with the launch of 16 new routes, expanding Etihad’s global reach to 110 destinations by December 2025. CEO Antonoaldo Neves announced ambitious future plans, including a $10 billion investment over the next five years for new aircraft acquisitions and continued annual hiring of 2,500 personnel. Neves emphasized that the airline has doubled in size over the past three years and has dramatically improved its profitability standing within the aviation industry.

    The CEO attributed this success to sustained customer confidence in Etihad’s product and service quality, noting that the airline is ‘better positioned than ever’ to welcome visitors to Abu Dhabi while delivering exceptional travel experiences. Looking forward to 2026, the carrier remains committed to maintaining safety standards, enhancing customer service, and pursuing sustainable growth that benefits both Abu Dhabi and the communities it serves globally.

  • Guangzhou’s bald cypress trees turn red after cold snap

    Guangzhou’s bald cypress trees turn red after cold snap

    A remarkable natural transformation has unfolded across Guangzhou’s urban landscape as an unexpected cold snap triggered the dramatic color change of the city’s bald cypress trees. The metropolitan areas surrounding Donghu Lake and various parklands have become adorned with striking russet-red foliage, creating an unexpected winter spectacle that has drawn substantial crowds of nature enthusiasts and photographers.

    The botanical phenomenon represents a fascinating response to environmental conditions. Native to North American wetlands, the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) undergoes a distinctive seasonal metamorphosis where its needle-like leaves transition through a chromatic sequence from vibrant green to golden yellow before achieving their final copper-red hue prior to winter dormancy. This color transformation typically spans approximately one month, creating a temporary but breathtaking visual display against Guangzhou’s urban backdrop.

    Meteorological experts attribute this particularly vivid coloration to the recent intrusion of cold air masses from northern regions, which accelerated the biochemical processes within the foliage. The trees’ response to temperature fluctuations involves the breakdown of chlorophyll and subsequent revelation of anthocyanin pigments, resulting in the intense crimson coloration that has captivated local residents.

    The unexpected natural display has generated significant public interest, with visitation numbers surging at major urban green spaces throughout the weekend. Park authorities have reported increased attendance as citizens seek to witness the unusual winter coloration before the leaves complete their seasonal cycle and fall from the branches, marking the trees’ transition into their characteristic winter bareness.

  • Golden Globes 2026: Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas dazzle in coordinated looks

    Golden Globes 2026: Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas dazzle in coordinated looks

    The 2026 Golden Globes red carpet witnessed a masterclass in celebrity couple styling as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas made a striking joint appearance. Arriving early to maximize their media exposure, the globally recognized pair captivated photographers and fans with their sartorial harmony and affectionate interactions.

    Priyanka commanded attention in an exquisitely crafted navy blue tiered gown that showcased sophisticated architectural draping. Her ensemble was elevated by a stunning diamond jewelry collection that glittered under the flashbulbs. Nick complemented her nautical-inspired palette with a meticulously tailored black tuxedo that epitomized timeless Hollywood elegance, demonstrating how understated menswear can create powerful visual impact alongside more elaborate womenswear.

    Beyond their fashion moment, Chopra Jonas served as one of the ceremony’s presenters, joining an illustrious roster that included industry heavyweights George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and emerging talents like Charli XCX. Notably, several presenters doubled as nominees, creating additional anticipation around award announcements.

    The couple’s appearance comes as Chopra Jonas prepares for her upcoming film project ‘The Bluff,’ scheduled for Prime Video premiere on February 25, 2026. Their coordinated red carpet strategy not only generated significant media buzz but also reinforced their status as one of entertainment’s most visually synchronized power couples.

  • ‘One Battle,’ ‘Hamnet’ take top honours at Hollywood’s Golden Globes ceremony

    ‘One Battle,’ ‘Hamnet’ take top honours at Hollywood’s Golden Globes ceremony

    The 2026 Golden Globes ceremony, held in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday, marked a triumphant commencement to Hollywood’s annual awards season. In a night of celebrated achievements, the dark comedy ‘One Battle After Another’ secured the award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, while the Shakespearean grief narrative ‘Hamnet’ claimed the top honor for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

    A highlight of the evening was Timothée Chalamet’s victory in one of the most fiercely contested categories. He was awarded Best Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his portrayal of a professional table tennis player in ‘Marty Supreme.’ Overcoming esteemed nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney, Chalamet expressed profound gratitude. He acknowledged the strength of the category, stating to his fellow nominees, ‘I look up to all of you.’ The actor also reflected on past losses, noting, ‘I’d be lying if I didn’t say those moments made this moment that much sweeter.’

    The ceremony also introduced new accolades. The podcast ‘Good Hang with Amy Poehler’ won the inaugural Golden Globe for Best Podcast. Poehler, upon accepting the award, described the show’s mission as ‘an attempt to try to make a very rough and unkind world filled with a little bit more love and laughter, and laughing with people, not at them.’

    In the music category, ‘Golden,’ the infectious theme from the Netflix animated sensation ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters,’ was named Best Original Song. Korean-American singer Ejae delivered an inspiring acceptance speech, proclaiming, ‘It’s never too late to shine like you were born to.’

    Host Nikki Glaser provided a stream of light-hearted commentary throughout the event, quipping that the Globes were ‘without a doubt the most important thing that’s happening in the world right now.’ Her monologue included playful jabs at attendees, including a joked apology to Leonardo DiCaprio for a ‘cheap’ remark about his dating history.

    As one of the first major award ceremonies of the season, the Golden Globes, decided by over 300 international entertainment journalists, are widely regarded as a significant indicator of momentum leading up to the film industry’s most prestigious event, the Academy Awards, scheduled for March.

  • Trump says working well with Venezuela’s new leaders, open to meeting

    Trump says working well with Venezuela’s new leaders, open to meeting

    In a significant shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations, President Donald Trump has announced his administration is collaborating effectively with Venezuela’s interim leadership under Delcy Rodriguez, expressing willingness to engage in direct diplomatic meetings. This development follows the dramatic capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. special forces just over a week ago, who now faces drug trafficking charges in New York.

    Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump revealed his expectations to meet both with interim leader Rodriguez and opposition figure Maria Corina Machado this week, despite previous skepticism about Machado’s leadership capabilities. The administration’s surprising acceptance of Rodriguez—a former Maduro ally—as interim leader has raised eyebrows, particularly given Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition last year, which she dedicated to Trump.

    This diplomatic opening comes as Venezuela initiates what Trump described as a ‘BIG WAY’ process of releasing political prisoners. While rights organizations estimate between 800-1,200 political detainees remain incarcerated, several prominent opposition figures have already been freed. Simultaneously, the Rodriguez government has signaled willingness to cooperate on U.S. oil access demands and reestablish diplomatic ties, with American envoys already visiting Caracas to discuss reopening the U.S. embassy.

    However, the transition faces challenges. The recent death in custody of a police officer accused of treason has drawn condemnation from opposition groups, while candlelight vigils continue outside prisons where families await loved ones’ release. Meanwhile, Trump’s efforts to attract oil investment face industry skepticism, with ExxonMobil’s CEO dismissing Venezuela as ‘uninvestable’ without comprehensive reforms—a position that drew sharp criticism from the president who suggested excluding the energy giant from future opportunities.

    Despite these complications, Trump maintains optimistic about Venezuela’s trajectory under U.S. influence, stating the nation now operates under de facto American control through enforced naval blockades of vital oil exports.

  • Alike launches customisable digital city tourist passes for travellers visiting Dubai, London, Paris, and Singapore

    Alike launches customisable digital city tourist passes for travellers visiting Dubai, London, Paris, and Singapore

    In a significant advancement for the travel technology sector, Alike has unveiled its innovative customizable digital tourist passes for four of the world’s most visited destinations: Dubai, London, Paris, and Singapore. This AI-driven platform enables travelers to design personalized city itineraries rather than being constrained by pre-packaged attraction bundles, offering unprecedented flexibility alongside substantial cost savings of up to 50% compared to individual ticket purchases.

    The launch represents a strategic expansion of Alike’s modular pass infrastructure following the remarkable success of The Abu Dhabi Pass, developed in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. These four metropolitan hubs collectively attracted approximately 80 million international visitors in 2024, positioning Alike at the forefront of a rapidly growing personalized travel market projected to surge from $170 billion in 2025 to over $315 billion by 2029.

    Ashish Sidhra, Co-founder of Alike, emphasized the shifting consumer expectations: ‘Modern travelers demand that tourism adapts to their preferences rather than conforming to rigid packages. Traditional bundled passes frequently include attractions that visitors never intended to experience. Our solution provides genuine choice and transparency, enabling travelers to craft their unique journeys while paying exclusively for what they value.’

    Powered by Alike’s proprietary Infinity technology platform, these digital passes consolidate the entire travel experience—from discovery to ticket redemption—into a seamless digital journey accessible across all devices. Key features include instant booking confirmations, digital QR codes for attraction entry, and online management systems for timed access requirements. This integrated approach significantly reduces queuing times, eliminates paper tickets, and enhances completion rates at selected attractions.

    Additional benefits encompass fully customizable attraction selection without compulsory pre-set bundles, transparent savings structures, seamless QR entry across all participating partners, and round-the-clock customer support. The global city pass market, currently valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2024, is anticipated to expand to nearly $6.5 billion by 2033. Leveraging its platform-oriented methodology, Alike plans to extend its tourist pass ecosystem to more than 25 major destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America by the conclusion of 2026.

    This ambitious expansion strategy is underpinned by a replicable launch framework, an extensive partner-led attraction ecosystem, unified technological infrastructure, and robust consumer demand for flexible, digital-first travel solutions that prioritize personalization and convenience.

  • Swiss inferno bar owner detained for three months

    Swiss inferno bar owner detained for three months

    Jacques Moretti, co-proprietor of the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, has been ordered into preventive detention for an initial three-month period. The decision, announced Monday by the Wallis Cantonal Court of Compulsory Measures, cites a substantiated flight risk as the primary justification for his incarceration. This development follows a criminal investigation launched against Moretti and his wife Jessica, who jointly owned the establishment, in connection with a catastrophic fire on New Year’s Day that resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries, predominantly among teenagers.

    The couple faces severe charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. While Jacques Moretti is now in custody, the public prosecutor’s office deemed the risk of flight for his wife, Jessica, could be mitigated through alternative measures due to her personal background and ties, allowing her to remain free. The court indicated a willingness to reconsider Jacques Moretti’s detention should he comply with specific conditions requested by prosecutors, such as providing a substantial security deposit.

    Preliminary investigative findings point to sparklers igniting highly flammable soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling as the blaze’s origin. The tragedy has ignited intense scrutiny over the bar’s safety protocols, with critical questions emerging regarding the availability of fire extinguishers, the regulatory compliance of emergency exits, and the alarming discovery that a crucial service door was locked from the inside—a fact Jacques Moretti reported to investigators after he was forced to break it open to find victims behind it.

    Furthermore, local authorities have conceded that no official fire safety inspections had been conducted at Le Constellation since 2019, a revelation that has provoked public outrage. Lawyers representing the victims’ families have expressed vehement criticism of the investigative process, with some declaring the partial detention an imperfect outcome and vowing to continue their pursuit of full accountability, emphasizing the profound grief and anger of those who lost loved ones.

  • Son of ousted Iran shah urges security forces to ‘stand with people’

    Son of ousted Iran shah urges security forces to ‘stand with people’

    Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s deposed monarch, has issued a compelling appeal to Iranian government employees and security personnel, urging them to align with the burgeoning protest movement against the Islamic Republic. The exiled royal figure delivered his message through social media channels on Sunday, presenting security forces with a stark ethical choice.

    Pahlavi’s declaration emphasized that state employees and military personnel must decide between supporting the Iranian populace or becoming accomplices to what he termed ‘murderers of the people.’ His statement followed disturbing reports from human rights organizations alleging that Iranian authorities were implementing extreme measures, including ‘mass killing’ operations, to quell ongoing civil unrest.

    The opposition leader, who has emerged as a significant figurehead for the anti-regime movement, further advocated for the symbolic replacement of Islamic Republic flags outside Iranian diplomatic missions worldwide. He specifically called for the restoration of the pre-1979 revolutionary tricolor banner, describing the current standard as ‘disgraceful.’

    This symbolic gesture gained tangible momentum in London over the weekend, where protesters successfully replaced the Iranian embassy flag with the historical monarchical standard. The diplomatic incident prompted Iran’s foreign ministry to summon Britain’s ambassador to Tehran in formal protest, as reported by the official IRNA news outlet.

    The pre-revolutionary flag has transformed into a powerful emblem for international demonstrations supporting Iran’s domestic protest movement, representing growing global solidarity with those challenging the current regime.