Global Pulse

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  • Diljit Dosanjh brings the glam to International Emmys 2025, but misses out on Best Actor award

    Diljit Dosanjh brings the glam to International Emmys 2025, but misses out on Best Actor award

    The 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025 witnessed a glamorous presence from Indian actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who made his debut nomination at the prestigious event. Nominated for his compelling performance in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ Diljit graced the red carpet alongside the acclaimed filmmaker and other luminaries. Despite his striking appearance in a shimmery suit jacket, crisp white shirt, black bow, and signature turban, the coveted Best Actor award was claimed by Spanish actor Oriol Pla for ‘Yo, adicto [I, Addict’]. Additionally, ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ fell short in the Best TV Movie/Mini-Series category.

    Diljit’s nomination marked a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage, particularly for a film that celebrated the legacy of Punjab’s legendary folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the Netflix-released movie (April 2024) features Parineeti Chopra and is lauded for its live-recorded folk music and emotionally charged narrative. The film recounts the life of Chamkila, often dubbed the ‘Elvis of Punjab,’ whose bold songs and electrifying performances in the 1980s were tragically cut short by his untimely death in 1988.

    This year’s Emmys saw Diljit competing against notable actors like David Mitchell (‘Ludwig’) and Diego Vasquez (‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’). While the award eluded him, his presence underscored the growing recognition of Indian talent internationally. Notably, Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ and comedian Vir Das had previously brought home Emmys in 2020 and 2021, respectively, highlighting the platform’s role in showcasing Indian stories globally.

  • Trump’s Ukraine peace plan ignites diplomatic flurry but major hurdles lie ahead

    Trump’s Ukraine peace plan ignites diplomatic flurry but major hurdles lie ahead

    The protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict, now nearing its fourth year, has witnessed numerous failed peace initiatives and high-level diplomatic summits. A recent U.S.-backed proposal has reignited diplomatic efforts, drawing mixed reactions from Kyiv, Moscow, and European capitals. The 28-point plan, heavily tilted toward Russia’s interests, calls for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region, limit its military to 600,000 personnel, and bar future NATO membership. These conditions have sparked alarm in Ukraine and its European allies, who swiftly countered with revised proposals emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Ukrainian and European leaders expressed cautious optimism about the talks’ momentum, though critical responses from Washington and Moscow remain pending. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the dispatch of envoy Steve Witkoff to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling progress toward a potential deal. However, leaked transcripts of discussions between Witkoff and Putin’s advisor, Yuri Ushakov, have raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the negotiations. Meanwhile, the 35-nation Coalition of the Willing, including key European allies, convened to bolster Ukraine’s security post-ceasefire, though U.S. commitment remains uncertain. Amid war-weariness and mounting casualties, the fragile peace process faces significant challenges, with domestic issues plaguing both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump. Analysts warn that Russia’s perceived lack of urgency and Ukraine’s mounting pressure could complicate the path to a lasting resolution.

  • UAE and Japanese financial institutions buy big stakes in Indian banks

    UAE and Japanese financial institutions buy big stakes in Indian banks

    In a significant shift in India’s financial landscape, global financial institutions from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan are making substantial investments in Indian banks, capitalizing on the government’s relaxed restrictions on foreign shareholdings. Emirates NBD, Dubai’s largest lender, is poised to acquire a 60% stake in RBL Bank, a private Indian bank, for $3 billion, marking the largest cross-border acquisition in India’s financial sector. Earlier, Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) purchased a 24.2% stake in Yes Bank for $1.7 billion, becoming its largest shareholder. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Japan’s largest lender by assets, is finalizing deals to invest $4 billion in Indian financial institutions, including a 20% stake in Shriram Finance, a major credit solutions provider. These developments align with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s vision to create more ‘big banks.’ Foreign investments in India’s financial sector surged to $8 billion in 2025, up from $2.3 billion in the previous year. Concurrently, India and Israel are advancing a free trade agreement (FTA) to bolster economic and technological cooperation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing the strategic partnership. The UAE’s investments in India are also set to reach $100 billion across sectors, including a controversial mega-mall project in Kashmir. However, these moves have drawn criticism from activists, who accuse India of human rights violations in the region. The UAE’s financial networks have also been implicated in supporting militias in Sudan, raising ethical concerns. As global financial giants pivot towards India, the Reserve Bank of India’s easing of restrictions has further incentivized foreign investments in medium-sized banks.

  • Scarlett Johansson set to lead next ‘Exorcist’ film, confirms director Mike Flanagan

    Scarlett Johansson set to lead next ‘Exorcist’ film, confirms director Mike Flanagan

    Hollywood icon Scarlett Johansson is poised to lead the next installment of the legendary ‘Exorcist’ franchise, as confirmed by acclaimed director Mike Flanagan. Known for her versatility in both genre films and blockbuster hits, Johansson’s casting marks a pivotal moment for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, the studio renowned for its horror productions. This move signals a renewed focus on revitalizing the iconic series, which has captivated audiences for decades. Flanagan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, ‘Scarlett is a brilliant actress whose performances always feel grounded and real. I couldn’t be happier to have her join this project.’ The upcoming film will introduce a fresh narrative within the ‘Exorcist’ universe, distinct from the 2023 release ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ which underperformed at the box office. The original 1973 film, directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, remains a cultural landmark, earning 10 Oscar nominations and inspiring multiple sequels. Flanagan, who has long cited ‘The Exorcist’ as a key influence on his filmmaking career, aims to deliver a bold and terrifying new chapter. While plot specifics and additional cast members remain under wraps, anticipation is already building for this ambitious revival.

  • Rebuilding to cost $70b: Gaza ‘survival’ at stake, UN warns

    Rebuilding to cost $70b: Gaza ‘survival’ at stake, UN warns

    The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing that the territory’s survival is at risk following years of conflict and destruction. According to a new report by the UN Trade and Development agency (UNCTAD), rebuilding Gaza will require over $70 billion and could span several decades. The report highlights an ‘unprecedented collapse’ of the Palestinian economy, driven by sustained military operations and severe restrictions on movement and trade. The UN describes the devastation as a ‘human-made abyss,’ with critical pillars of survival—food, shelter, and healthcare—severely compromised. The conflict, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in over 69,000 deaths in Gaza, according to UN-verified figures. The report underscores the cascading crises—economic, humanitarian, environmental, and social—that have pushed Gaza from de-development to ‘utter ruin.’ Even with optimistic projections of double-digit growth and substantial foreign aid, it could take decades for Gaza to return to pre-2023 welfare levels. UNCTAD calls for a comprehensive recovery plan, including coordinated international assistance, fiscal restoration, and measures to ease trade and investment constraints. The agency also advocates for a universal emergency basic income to address extreme impoverishment. Gaza’s economy contracted by 87% between 2023 and 2024, reducing its GDP per capita to $161, one of the lowest globally. The West Bank has also suffered significant economic decline due to violence, settlement expansion, and mobility restrictions, marking its worst economic downturn since UNCTAD began record-keeping in 1972.

  • B’Tselem: Settlers unpunished for 21 killings in West Bank ‘ethnic cleansing’

    B’Tselem: Settlers unpunished for 21 killings in West Bank ‘ethnic cleansing’

    In the occupied West Bank, a disturbing pattern of unchecked violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has escalated over the past two years, with 21 fatal cases remaining unpunished. Human rights organization B’Tselem has labeled this as part of a broader campaign of ‘ethnic cleansing,’ exacerbated by a permissive military policy and the arming of thousands of settlers. Since October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed over 1,004 Palestinians, including 217 minors, while in Gaza, the death toll has reached approximately 70,000, with 20,000 children among the victims. B’Tselem’s executive director, Yuli Novak, has decried the international community’s inaction, warning that the situation is deteriorating rapidly with no mechanisms in place to restrain Israel. Recent incidents include the killing of Abdul Raouf Ishtayeh near Nablus and Bara Khairy Ali Maali in Deir Jarir, highlighting the daily violence faced by Palestinians. Settler attacks, often documented on video, rarely lead to investigations, fostering a culture of impunity. Residents of Tulkarm describe living in constant fear, with increased checkpoints, violent raids, and economic hardships due to delayed tax revenues. Ameer Dawood of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission warns that without accountability, the violence will intensify, further destabilizing the region. The international community’s failure to intervene has allowed this crisis to deepen, with dire humanitarian and political consequences.

  • Malaysian scientists recruit bed bugs as crime scene sleuths

    Malaysian scientists recruit bed bugs as crime scene sleuths

    In a groundbreaking development, Malaysian scientists have transformed bed bugs, typically regarded as household nuisances, into invaluable forensic tools. Researchers from the Science University of Malaysia (USM) in Penang have discovered that tropical bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus) can retain human DNA for up to 45 days after feeding. This revelation positions the insects as potential crime-solving allies, capable of providing crucial evidence in criminal investigations.

  • Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 earns Sri Lanka first win in T20 tri-series

    Nissanka’s unbeaten 98 earns Sri Lanka first win in T20 tri-series

    In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka secured their first win in the T20 tri-series with a resounding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka was the star of the match, delivering an explosive unbeaten 98 off just 58 balls. His innings, studded with four sixes and 11 boundaries, propelled Sri Lanka to a comfortable 148-1, chasing down Zimbabwe’s modest total of 146-5 with 22 balls to spare. Nissanka’s aggressive yet calculated approach, particularly against Zimbabwe’s pace attack, set the tone for the match. He was well-supported by Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 25, as the duo forged an 89-run partnership off 64 balls. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans conceding 44 and 36 runs respectively. Earlier, Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana (2-23) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2-23), restricted Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Sikandar Raza’s 37 off 29 balls and Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 37 off 26 were the only notable contributions for Zimbabwe. With this win, Sri Lanka keeps their hopes alive for a spot in the final, which Pakistan has already secured. Sri Lanka must now defeat Pakistan in their upcoming match to advance, as Zimbabwe holds a superior net run-rate.

  • Taicang factory builds inclusivity

    Taicang factory builds inclusivity

    Nestled in the heart of Taicang, Jiangsu province, the Inclusion Factory stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. This innovative workshop is not just a place of work but a sanctuary where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and autism, find purpose and belonging. Amid the rhythmic hum of machinery, these employees are crafting more than automotive parts—they are building confidence, fostering community, and reshaping their futures.

    At the helm of this transformative initiative is Zhang Xingjuan, a dedicated training manager whose unwavering patience and personalized coaching have become the cornerstone of the factory’s success. Zhang, 53, reveals how her once-short temper has evolved into a profound sense of calm, thanks to the symbiotic relationships she has cultivated with her trainees. For many, mastering the required skills can take up to 100 sessions, but the journey is as rewarding as the outcome.

    Parents of these employees, who once grappled with uncertainty about their children’s futures, now find solace and hope in the factory’s mission. The Inclusion Factory’s impact extends beyond its walls, attracting over 100 corporate partners who recognize the value of inclusive employment. This pioneering initiative demonstrates that with the right support, everyone has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

    Qi Xinran contributed to this inspiring story.

  • Who is Trump’s ‘drone guy’ Dan Driscoll, taking key role in Ukraine talks?

    Who is Trump’s ‘drone guy’ Dan Driscoll, taking key role in Ukraine talks?

    In a surprising twist to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Trump administration has deployed Dan Driscoll, the youngest-ever U.S. Army Secretary, to spearhead high-stakes diplomatic efforts. Known as President Donald Trump’s ‘drone guy’ for his advocacy of advanced battlefield technologies, Driscoll has recently emerged as a key figure in international negotiations aimed at ending the war. Despite his limited experience in diplomacy, Driscoll’s close ties with Vice President JD Vance have propelled him into the political spotlight. Driscoll’s journey began with a military career, including deployments to Iraq, followed by a law degree from Yale University and a stint in finance. His rapid ascent continued when Vance invited him to join Trump’s 2024 campaign, leading to his swift confirmation as Army Secretary. Driscoll’s recent unannounced visit to Ukraine, alongside other Pentagon officials, marked the highest-level U.S. military delegation to Kyiv since Trump’s return to office. His meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and subsequent discussions in Geneva and Abu Dhabi have been pivotal in refining a peace framework. Driscoll’s vision for the future of warfare, emphasizing drones and artificial intelligence, underscores his transformative approach to military strategy. As speculation grows about his potential to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Driscoll’s influence within the administration continues to expand.