Global Pulse

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  • England’s Root says no malice in Brook’s ‘Stone Cold’ century celebration

    England’s Root says no malice in Brook’s ‘Stone Cold’ century celebration

    England cricket captain Harry Brook has ignited both celebration and conversation with an unorthodox tribute following his spectacular century against Sri Lanka. After blasting 136 runs from a mere 66 deliveries in Tuesday’s One-Day International, Brook marked the achievement by emulating WWE legend ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin’s iconic gesture—forcefully smashing his batting gloves together in the ring-inspired celebration.

    The performance proved instrumental in England’s series-clinching victory, with Brook forging a dominant 191-run partnership with veteran batsman Joe Root (111 not out) to propel the team to 357-3, securing a 53-run win and a 2-1 series outcome.

    While the celebration was intended as lighthearted locker room humor, it arrives against a backdrop of Brook’s ongoing efforts to rebuild team trust. The newly appointed captain had previously apologized for a 2025 altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand, publicly acknowledging his fortune in retaining leadership duties.

    Teammate Joe Root immediately came to Brook’s defense, contextualizing the celebration as devoid of malicious intent. ‘That’s his way of trying to show that he wants approval from the group through humour,’ Root stated. He further emphasized that this blend of competitive intensity and relatable camaraderie demonstrates Brook’s emerging leadership qualities, highlighting his ‘calmness and clarity under pressure’ alongside his capacity for humor.

    Brook confirmed the tribute was simply about ‘celebrating tonight with the boys,’ aligning with his stated approach to leadership through performance and leading from the front. The team now shifts focus to a three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka before commencing their T20 World Cup campaign next month.

  • Rubio says technical talks with Denmark, Greenland officials over Arctic security have begun

    Rubio says technical talks with Denmark, Greenland officials over Arctic security have begun

    WASHINGTON — The United States has initiated formal technical discussions with Denmark and Greenland concerning a potential Arctic security arrangement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Wednesday. This development follows a Washington meeting earlier this month between US officials and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, which resulted in the establishment of a dedicated working group to resolve diplomatic differences.

    The working group represents a diplomatic response to previous calls by President Donald Trump for the United States to acquire Greenland—a semi-autonomous Danish territory—as a strategic measure against growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. These earlier proposals faced strong opposition from Greenland, Denmark, and European allies.

    Secretary Rubio, testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the confidential nature of the talks, stating, “The process begins today and will continue regularly. We intend to conduct these discussions away from media scrutiny to create greater flexibility for both sides in achieving positive outcomes.”

    The Danish Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the commencement of negotiations.

    Recent weeks have seen renewed tensions in US-European relations following Trump’s revived suggestions about annexing Greenland, which prompted the president to threaten tariffs against Denmark and several other European nations. These economic threats were subsequently withdrawn after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte helped broker a preliminary framework agreement regarding US access to Greenland’s mineral resources, though specific details remain undisclosed.

    Following significant pushback from European allies and concern from financial markets, Trump further de-escalated tensions by publicly removing the option of military force to acquire Greenland during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The president’s softened stance came after Wall Street experienced substantial losses driven by concerns that his Arctic ambitions could trigger a trade war and damage NATO cohesion.

    During Wednesday’s hearing, Rubio addressed an exchange with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) regarding Trump’s verbal confusion between Greenland and Iceland at Davos, noting that presidents throughout history have experienced similar verbal missteps.

  • Dubai Police offer up to Dh30,000 to residents for best video at UAE SWAT Challenge

    Dubai Police offer up to Dh30,000 to residents for best video at UAE SWAT Challenge

    Dubai Police has unveiled an innovative public engagement initiative offering substantial cash prizes for creative video submissions during the upcoming UAE SWAT Challenge. The force will award up to Dh30,000 ($10,000) for the best resident-produced footage of the international tactical competition.

    The seventh edition of the premier tactical event, scheduled from February 7-11 at Al Ruwayyah, will feature the newly established SWAT Clip Award, specifically designed to encourage community participation. UAE residents, particularly students, are invited to document the proceedings through creative videography, with the top submission receiving approximately Dh36,700. Additional prizes for second and third place winners will be disclosed in the coming weeks.

    Brigadier General Obaid bin Yarouf of Dubai Police emphasized that the decision stems from overwhelming public turnout during previous editions. ‘The remarkable resident attendance at earlier challenges inspired us to expand participation through creative and artistic avenues,’ he stated.

    The 2026 championship boasts a substantial total prize pool of $260,000 (nearly Dh1 million), with the winning tactical team securing $80,000. Registration figures indicate robust international interest, with 114 teams from 48 nations already confirmed—surpassing last year’s Guinness World Record achievement for largest specialized SWAT championship involving 46 countries.

    This year’s competition introduces five distinct challenges, including an optional cycling event scheduled one day prior to the main competition. Officials confirmed that several international teams have arrived in Dubai more than a month early for intensive preparation.

    Submission guidelines, eligibility criteria, and entry requirements will be announced imminently as Dubai Police continues to strengthen community connections through innovative public engagement strategies.

  • Rwanda sues the UK over controversial migrant deal

    Rwanda sues the UK over controversial migrant deal

    Rwanda has commenced formal legal proceedings against the United Kingdom through the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, seeking financial compensation following the abrupt termination of a controversial migration agreement. The East African nation alleges that the UK government violated the terms of the bilateral treaty when Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared the arrangement “dead and buried” in July 2024 without prior consultation.

    The agreement, initially established under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on April 25, 2024, stipulated that Britain would financially compensate Rwanda for accepting asylum seekers who had arrived illegally in the UK. However, the scheme faced immediate legal challenges, with the UK Supreme Court ruling it unlawful in 2023 due to violations of both domestic and international law. Only four individuals ultimately relocated to Rwanda voluntarily before the policy’s collapse.

    Rwandan authorities contend that the UK’s unilateral withdrawal breached Article 18 of the treaty regarding financial arrangements and Article 19 concerning the resettlement of vulnerable refugees. The dispute centers around outstanding payments totaling £100 million, scheduled for April 2025 and 2026, which the UK requested Rwanda waive in anticipation of formal termination. While Rwanda indicated willingness to negotiate new financial terms upon proper treaty termination, discussions between the two nations ultimately failed to materialize.

    International law expert Jonathan Musangwa argues that domestic court rulings do not automatically invalidate international treaty obligations. The arbitration tribunal must determine whether the UK lawfully terminated the agreement according to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Previous estimates indicated the failed scheme had already cost British taxpayers £290 million in payments to Rwanda, with the current government maintaining it will not make further payments under the defunct agreement.

  • Gut-friendly meals, plant-based milk: UAE customers actively seek out healthy food

    Gut-friendly meals, plant-based milk: UAE customers actively seek out healthy food

    A significant consumer shift toward wellness-oriented nutrition is reshaping the United Arab Emirates’ food market, as evidenced by groundbreaking product launches and overwhelming customer response at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.

    Exhibitors at the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event report unprecedented demand for digestive-friendly options and advanced plant-based alternatives, signaling a fundamental transformation in regional eating habits. This movement toward conscious consumption combines scientific innovation with convenience, addressing both health concerns and modern lifestyle demands.

    Heather Mills, Guinness World Record holder and food innovator, introduced her revolutionary ‘No Bloat’ line of low-FODMAP, plant-based meals after overcoming severe digestive challenges from Lyme disease. Her personally-developed meals—scientifically validated by Monash University and freeze-dried to preserve nutrients without additives—require only hot water and eight minutes for preparation.

    “The response has been phenomenal,” Mills stated. “With up to 80% of people globally experiencing bloating or gut reactions, our solution meets an urgent need. We’re seeing tremendous interest from diverse sectors including travelers, hospitals, hikers, and military organizations.”

    Parallel innovations emerged in the plant-based dairy category, with Estonian brand Yook presenting oat milk technology that represents a quantum leap in product quality. CEO Katre Kõvask explained their unique approach: “Unlike conventional oat milk, we use whole-grain oats milled and enzymed in our Nordic factory, resulting in just one gram of sugar per 100 milliliters—significantly lower than the industry standard of 3.5 grams.”

    The company’s 20-million-euro production facility also yields fermented oat-based yogurts using vegan cultures that contain approximately half the sugar of traditional dairy products while delivering gut-health benefits.

    Industry analysts observing Gulfood 2026 note that UAE consumers have progressed beyond experimental purchasing to deliberate selection of nutritionally sophisticated foods. This maturation of the market reflects growing awareness of food intolerance issues and demand for products that deliver both health benefits and culinary satisfaction without compromising busy schedules.

  • Turkey foils Iran plot at US Incirlik base: Report

    Turkey foils Iran plot at US Incirlik base: Report

    Turkish authorities have successfully dismantled an Iranian intelligence operation attempting to conduct surveillance on the strategic Incirlik Air Base, according to a report by Sabah newspaper. The sophisticated espionage network, led by Iranian agents operating under codenames ‘Haji’ and ‘Doctor,’ was neutralized through coordinated operations across five Turkish provinces.

    The investigation revealed that Iranian operatives recruited Turkish nationals to photograph and monitor the jointly operated US-Turkish military installation in Adana. Among the six individuals apprehended, five were Turkish citizens while one held Iranian nationality. Court documents indicate the suspects faced charges of ‘obtaining confidential state information for political or military espionage purposes.’

    Evidence uncovered during the probe shows the cell received specialized drone training in Iran between August and September 2025. The network allegedly attempted to ship armed drones to the Republic of Cyprus using front companies, with some members traveling to Iran to facilitate these operations. The group communicated through encrypted channels under the codename ‘Pigeon’ while masking their activities as commercial drone trading.

    This security breach emerges amid escalating regional tensions. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recently issued warnings about potential preemptive strikes against US military assets, stating Tehran would not hesitate to target American bases and ships if attacked. Meanwhile, the US has significantly enhanced its military presence in the region, deploying advanced warplanes, air defense systems, and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to Middle Eastern waters.

    According to sources familiar with US deliberations, Washington is considering precision strikes against Iranian officials believed responsible for the violent suppression of protests that have resulted in approximately 4,000 casualties. The situation presents President Trump with multiple military options despite his earlier expressed openness to diplomatic engagement with Iranian leadership.

  • Ex-Nigerian minister in bribery trial went on spending sprees, court hears

    Ex-Nigerian minister in bribery trial went on spending sprees, court hears

    A London court has heard detailed allegations of how Nigeria’s former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke allegedly funded an extravagant lifestyle through bribes from industry executives during her tenure from 2010 to 2015.

    Southwark Crown Court prosecutors presented evidence showing how business figures with interests in Nigerian oil contracts allegedly bankrolled Alison-Madueke’s luxury shopping sprees across London’s most exclusive stores. The 65-year-old former minister, who denies five counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, was described as living ‘a life of luxury in the United Kingdom’ at the expense of Nigerian businessmen.

    The court heard remarkable details of her spending patterns, including a single visit to Harrods in November 2013 where she allegedly purchased thousands of pounds worth of luxury rugs, including items from designer Alexander McQueen. Store executives testified that she appeared ‘extremely glamorous’ and wore ‘very expensive clothing’ during these shopping excursions.

    Evidence presented revealed Alison-Madueke was a regular customer at high-end London establishments including Vincenzo Cafferella decorative arts store, where she used the pseudonym ‘Sharon D,’ and Thomas Goode china and silverware shop in Mayfair. According to testimony, she once remarked during a shopping session: ‘I don’t even know why I’m buying this, I haven’t got the room for it.’

    Prosecutors allege Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko, who accompanied her on shopping trips, purchased over £370,000 worth of items for the minister between October 2012 and November 2013 alone. The court heard that Alison-Madueke never personally paid for these purchases, with bills instead settled by businessmen whose companies held lucrative contracts with Nigeria’s state-owned petroleum corporation.

    The alleged corruption extended beyond retail therapy. Evidence included a £89,410 private jet charter from Luton to Lagos in January 2012, luxury furniture shipments from Houston, Texas to London properties, and a documented instance where £100,000 in cash was delivered to Alison-Madueke at a flat maintained at Aluko’s expense.

    Recorded conversations from Alison-Madueke’s seized phone revealed tense exchanges with Aluko as their relationship deteriorated. In one May 2014 conversation, she allegedly threatened: ‘I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself… I will come out and tell the Nigerian people this is what happened.’

    Also on trial are industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, charged with bribery related to Alison-Madueke, and her brother, former bishop Doye Agama, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery. Both deny the charges as the trial continues.

  • Rubio upbeat on Venezuela cooperation but wields stick

    Rubio upbeat on Venezuela cooperation but wields stick

    In a nuanced presentation before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the United States’ strategic approach towards Venezuela, blending diplomatic optimism with a clear warning of potential military force. Rubio expressed confidence in rapidly reestablishing a U.S. diplomatic presence in Caracas, emphasizing that embassy operations would facilitate real-time intelligence and enhanced engagement with Venezuelan authorities and civil society. This diplomatic initiative follows the recent deployment of senior diplomat Laura Dogu to oversee Venezuelan affairs and the assessment of embassy facilities.

    The Secretary’s prepared testimony contained significantly stronger language than his oral remarks, explicitly stating readiness to “use force to ensure maximum cooperation” if necessary, while verbally assuring senators that military action was neither anticipated nor planned. This apparent contradiction reflects the administration’s calibrated strategy of combining diplomatic channels with credible deterrence.

    President Trump’s demands for Venezuelan cooperation with U.S. oil companies underscore the economic dimensions of this geopolitical shift, particularly significant given Venezuela’s position as holder of the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recent developments indicate some progress, with Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announcing the unblocking of sanctioned Venezuelan funds and encouraging U.S. oil investment, despite her simultaneous insistence on independence from Washington’s directives.

    The political landscape remains complex following the January 3rd operation that deposed Nicolás Maduro, who now faces drug trafficking charges in New York alongside his wife. Democratic senators raised substantial concerns about the operation’s costs—reportedly hundreds of millions of dollars—and its outcomes. Senator Jeanne Shaheen characterized the situation as replacing “one dictator for another,” questioning whether Rodriguez’s cooperation represents genuine alignment change or temporary tactical maneuvering.

    Further scrutiny emerged regarding potential personal motivations, with Senator Chris Van Hollen referencing Trump’s meetings with oil executives and suggesting possible corrupt intentions behind the Venezuela operation. The human cost of the intervention also drew attention, with Venezuelan officials reporting over 100 fatalities during the operation to extract Maduro.

    Amid these developments, opposition leader María Corina Machado emerges as a significant figure, having recently engaged with both Trump and Rubio. Her White House visit, during which she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to the president, appears to have positively influenced Trump’s previously dismissive assessment of her leadership capabilities. Rubio, a longstanding supporter of Machado’s opposition movement, scheduled a private meeting with her following the congressional hearing.

  • Indian real estate brokerage owner wins $1 million in Dubai Duty Free draw

    Indian real estate brokerage owner wins $1 million in Dubai Duty Free draw

    Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A served as the backdrop for life-changing fortunes this Wednesday as Dubai Duty Free announced its latest cohort of prize winners. The headline event, the Millennium Millionaire draw, crowned its 270th Indian national winner when Amit G., a 46-year-old real estate brokerage owner and 25-year Dubai resident, clinched the $1 million jackpot. The winning ticket (number 2382), purchased online on January 14, was described by the father of two as “the best gift for 2026.”

    The celebration of fortune continued with the Finest Surprise draw, which awarded two high-value luxury vehicles. Emirati national Essamuddin Galadari, a 68-year-old CEO based in Dubai, claimed a Bentley Flying Spur V8 Azure. A regular participant in the draws, Galadari expressed his gratitude after winning with ticket number 0788, purchased in Concourse B on December 27.

    Adding to the day’s remarkable narratives, 55-year-old Iranian expatriate Fathollah Nasrollah from Abu Dhabi secured his third luxury prize—a Ducati Panigale V2S motorcycle. This victory marks a extraordinary hat-trick for Nasrollah, a private driver and father of three, who previously won a BMW car in 2016 and another BMW motorcycle in 2021 through the same promotion. His latest win with ticket number 1010 reinforces the draw’s reputation for creating repeat winners. The consistent participation and success of Indian nationals in these draws highlight their status as the program’s most engaged demographic.

  • Head coach Golemac hails Dubai Basketball’s resilience

    Head coach Golemac hails Dubai Basketball’s resilience

    Dubai Basketball has solidified its dominant position in the ABA League with an impressive 98-82 victory over FMP at Coca-Cola Arena, maintaining their status as the league’s only undefeated team. The Monday night showdown showcased the UAE-based team’s exceptional form, pushing their remarkable record to 14-0 in their second season competing in the regional basketball championship.

    Head Coach Jurica Golemac praised his squad’s resilience and defensive prowess following the convincing win. “This was a serious performance and a well-deserved victory,” Golemac stated. “Defensively, especially in the second half, we demonstrated the competitive standard we aim to maintain, while our team spirit continues to strengthen with each game.”

    The match marked a triumphant return for Džanan Musa, one of Dubai Basketball’s most significant acquisitions, who had been sidelined with injuries for much of the season. The Bosnian shooting guard delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 21 points in just over 21 minutes of play. Supporting contributions came from Aleksa Avramović, who added 13 points, 6 assists, and three rebounds while effectively controlling the game’s tempo during crucial phases.

    Dubai’s frontcourt demonstrated consistent efficiency with Mfiondu Kabengele contributing 16 points and Kenan Kamenjaš finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds. The team’s balanced scoring distribution prevented any prolonged offensive droughts throughout the contest.

    Despite Filip Barna’s strong performance of 21 points and six rebounds for FMP, supplemented by scoring efforts from Scott, Stefanović, Stanojević, and Gašić, the visitors couldn’t match Dubai’s overall efficiency and strategic execution during key moments in the second and fourth quarters.

    The victory sets the stage for Dubai Basketball’s upcoming challenging encounter against Red Star at Belgrade Arena for EuroLeague Round 25. Reflecting on the team’s continued success, Golemac emphasized the long-term perspective: “The season extends over many months, and we’ve faced various challenges, but the collective character of this group is evident—we maintain positivity, continue developing, and concentrate on each game as it comes.”