Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Zohran Mamdani becomes first New York mayor to use Holy Quran at swearing in ceremony

    Zohran Mamdani becomes first New York mayor to use Holy Quran at swearing in ceremony

    In an unprecedented inauguration ceremony marking the start of 2026, Zohran Mamdani assumed leadership of America’s largest city as New York’s first Muslim mayor. The 34-year-old Democrat chose a symbolically significant venue for his midnight oath-taking—an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall—to underscore his commitment to addressing urban inequality and soaring living costs.

    The historic ceremony, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, featured another groundbreaking element: Mamdani became the first mayor to use the Quran during the official swearing-in. According to The New York Times, multiple Qurans were employed, including family copies and one previously owned by Puerto Rico-born Black writer Arturo Schomburg.

    Mamdani’s ascent to power represents a remarkable political trajectory for a figure virtually unknown just one year prior. Born in Uganda to Indian-origin parents, he moved to New York at age seven and enjoyed an elite upbringing before entering politics through the New York State Assembly.

    The new mayor’s ambitious progressive agenda includes rent freezes, universal childcare, and free public bus services—platforms that resonated with working-class voters but alarmed some business leaders. Despite earlier predictions of wealthy resident exodus, real estate representatives have since dismissed such concerns.

    All eyes now turn to Mamdani’s relationship with President Donald Trump, who previously labeled the mayor a ‘communist lunatic’ and threatened funding cuts to New York. Though the two held surprisingly cordial White House talks in November, potential flashpoints loom, particularly regarding immigration enforcement and federal-local jurisdiction conflicts.

    Mamdani faces immediate challenges in balancing his progressive ideals with pragmatic governance. He must reassure Jewish communities about his inclusive leadership amid concerns over his Palestinian rights advocacy, while simultaneously implementing policies addressing the affordability crisis that propelled his campaign.

    The mayor has compensated for his political inexperience by recruiting seasoned aides from previous mayoral administrations and the Biden White House. A larger ceremonial inauguration featuring Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was scheduled for later Thursday, expected to draw thousands of attendees to City Hall and surrounding block parties.

  • Flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Afghanistan kill at least 17 people

    Flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Afghanistan kill at least 17 people

    KABUL, Afghanistan — The arrival of the season’s first substantial precipitation has brought both relief and tragedy to Afghanistan, as heavy rains and snowfall ended a prolonged drought but triggered devastating flash floods across multiple regions. Official reports confirm at least 17 fatalities and 11 injuries, with infrastructure suffering significant damage.

    Mohammad Yousaf Hammad, spokesman for Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, detailed the widespread impact of the severe weather that began Monday. The flooding has particularly affected central, northern, southern, and western regions, disrupting daily life and causing substantial damage to property and livestock.

    In one tragic incident in Kabkan district of Herat province, five members of a single family perished when their roof collapsed under the weight of the rainfall. According to Mohammad Yousaf Saeedi, spokesman for the Herat governor, two children were among the victims in this devastating event.

    The disaster has affected approximately 1,800 families, exacerbating conditions in already vulnerable urban and rural communities. Assessment teams have been deployed to the most severely impacted areas to evaluate the full extent of the damage and determine immediate needs for assistance.

    Afghanistan remains particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events due to decades of conflict, inadequate infrastructure, widespread deforestation, and the escalating effects of climate change. Many homes in remote areas are constructed from mud-based materials that offer minimal protection against sudden flooding.

    The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have classified Afghanistan as one of the world’s most severe ongoing humanitarian crises. Earlier this week, the UN launched a $1.7 billion appeal to provide essential assistance to nearly 18 million people in urgent need throughout the country in 2026.

  • Karak chai with Burj Khalifa fireworks: Business Bay eateries cash in on New Year’s Eve

    Karak chai with Burj Khalifa fireworks: Business Bay eateries cash in on New Year’s Eve

    As temperatures dropped on New Year’s Eve, Business Bay transformed into a bustling corridor of culinary commerce, with food establishments capitalizing on the massive pedestrian flow heading toward Downtown Dubai’s Burj Khalifa celebrations. Cafeterias, food trucks, and supermarkets along the Business Bay stretch reported exceptionally brisk business, serving thousands of attendees preparing for extended outdoor viewing of the iconic fireworks display.

    At Hubba Cafeteria, operating from a strategically positioned food truck, steam rose from paper cups as customers crowded around the counter, rubbing hands against the chill while placing orders. The atmosphere resembled a festive event in itself, with vendors reporting unprecedented demand for warm beverages and snacks.

    Second Home Restaurant implemented amplified marketing tactics, with staff using microphones to advertise their tea, biryani, and sandwiches to pedestrians en route to the celebrations. The establishment’s owner projected sales exceeding 1,000 cups of tea alone, noting that the post-fireworks period typically brings the peak business surge between 1 and 2 AM.

    Safestway Supermarket near Business Bay Metro Station adopted an innovative retail approach, deploying shopping trolleys piled high with popcorn bags, flanked by thermal flasks of tea and trays of samosas and kachodis. Staff continuously called out snack options, successfully capturing impulse purchases from passersby.

    International visitors and residents alike emphasized the practical necessity of warm refreshments. ‘This weather makes tea non-negotiable,’ stated one Indian visitor, describing the karak chai as essential fuel for the hours of standing ahead. An Egyptian purchaser noted the dual benefit of thermal regulation and alertness maintenance during the extended outdoor event.

    Business operators highlighted the precise timing dynamics of their New Year’s Eve revenue stream, with the post-fireworks exodus creating the most concentrated window of commercial opportunity during the early morning hours.

  • Crowd gathers for first flag-raising ceremony of the new year

    Crowd gathers for first flag-raising ceremony of the new year

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has formally asserted its exclusive intellectual property rights over all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive copyright notice specifies that all materials—including textual content, photographic images, and multimedia information—remain the sole property of CDIC and are protected under applicable copyright laws.

    The policy explicitly prohibits any form of republication or utilization of content without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC. This restriction applies to all types of content usage, emphasizing the company’s commitment to protecting its intellectual assets from unauthorized distribution or commercial exploitation.

    The announcement also includes technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting that visitors utilize browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for best viewing results. This detail indicates CDIC’s attention to both content protection and user accessibility considerations.

    Additionally, the notice references official registration documentation (Registration Number: 130349) and publishing licenses (0108263), further validating the company’s legitimate standing and operational credentials within China’s digital media landscape.

    The copyright statement forms part of CDIC’s broader corporate information section, which includes resources about the organization, advertising opportunities, contact information, and employment provisions for both domestic and expatriate professionals.

  • Netherlands police face ‘unprecedented’ New Year’s violence

    Netherlands police face ‘unprecedented’ New Year’s violence

    Amsterdam’s historic Vondelkerk church became the centerpiece of a destructive New Year’s Eve as a massive fire tore through the 19th-century neo-Gothic structure during early morning celebrations. The iconic basilica, designed by renowned architect Pierre Cuypers—whose works include the Rijksmuseum—suffered severe damage with its 50-meter tower collapsing entirely, though authorities indicate the main structure remains intact.

    The church fire coincided with what Dutch police described as ‘unprecedented violence’ nationwide. Police Union head Nine Kooiman reported being directly targeted with fireworks and explosives during her Amsterdam shift. The violence extended beyond the capital with petrol bombs thrown at officers in Breda and street clashes occurring in The Hague’s Transvaal district.

    Tragedy struck elsewhere in the Netherlands as fireworks incidents claimed two lives in Rotterdam—a 17-year-old boy and 38-year-old man. The city’s eye hospital treated 14 patients, including 10 minors, for fireworks-related eye injuries, with two requiring surgical intervention.

    The incidents occurred despite record fireworks spending of €129 million nationally. A ban on unofficial fireworks is scheduled for implementation in 2026, though this year’s celebrations have amplified debates about public safety during holiday festivities.

    Germany faced similar tragedies with two 18-year-olds killed in Bielefeld while detonating homemade fireworks, highlighting the transnational nature of New Year’s safety concerns.

  • Several dozen feared dead in Swiss ski resort bar fire

    Several dozen feared dead in Swiss ski resort bar fire

    A catastrophic fire engulfed a popular bar in the Swiss Alps resort of Crans-Montana during New Year’s celebrations, resulting in what authorities describe as a ‘dramatic situation’ with multiple fatalities and injuries. The blaze erupted approximately at 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) within Le Constellation bar, a decades-old establishment frequented by international tourists.

    Emergency response teams deployed ten helicopters, forty ambulances, and 150 personnel to the Valais region scene. Regional council leader Mathias Reynard confirmed that most of the approximately 100 injured suffered severe burns, overwhelming the local hospital’s intensive care capacity. Officials have initiated ‘significant work’ to identify victims and repatriate remains to families across multiple nationalities, though precise numbers and nationalities remain unconfirmed.

    While initial reports referenced an explosion, investigators have categorically excluded terrorist involvement. Valais canton prosecutor general Beatrice Pilloud emphasized the ongoing investigation focuses on determining the fire’s origin, noting that current evidence suggests a fire-triggered explosion rather than an explosive device. Unconfirmed local media reports suggest pyrotechnics might have contributed to the incident.

    The Italian foreign ministry preliminarily indicated approximately 40 fatalities, though Swiss authorities maintain the ‘several dozen’ estimate without providing specific numbers. The resort district remains closed for forensic investigation, with identification procedures expected to continue for weeks according to diplomatic officials.

    International consular services, including the UK Foreign Office, have expressed condolences and offered support to affected nationals. A dedicated helpline has been established for concerned families: +41 848 112 117.

  • Pope opens 2026 with plea for peace in countries bloodied by war, families wounded by violence

    Pope opens 2026 with plea for peace in countries bloodied by war, families wounded by violence

    VATICAN CITY — Commencing the new year with a profound spiritual message, Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful call for global peace during his January 1st address from the Apostolic Palace. Speaking to a packed St. Peter’s Square filled with pilgrims and tourists, the Pontiff specifically referenced nations “bloodied by conflict” and families suffering from domestic violence in his annual peace proclamation.

    The Pope’s address coincided with the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace observance, marking the first major event of 2026. Following a traditional New Year’s Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV delivered his noon prayer from his studio overlooking the square, using the platform to emphasize dual dimensions of peace—both international and domestic.

    After a brief period of rest following the intensive Christmas season, the Pontiff will resume his duties with the Epiphany celebration on January 6th. This event will also serve as the official conclusion to the 2025 Holy Year, the quarter-century tradition that attracted millions of religious travelers to Rome throughout the past year.

    In a significant administrative development, Pope Leo XIV will convene a comprehensive two-day gathering of the College of Cardinals immediately following the Holy Year closure. This assembly will include both cardinal-electors and those over age 80, representing a revival of the traditional consultative practice largely discontinued during Pope Francis’ papacy. The summit aims to collectively address governance strategies for the worldwide Catholic community of 1.4 billion faithful.

  • Gold prices in Dubai: Residents, investors get richer by Dh200 per gram in 2025

    Gold prices in Dubai: Residents, investors get richer by Dh200 per gram in 2025

    Dubai’s gold market experienced an extraordinary bull run throughout 2025, delivering substantial wealth gains for residents and investors who entered the market at the year’s commencement. The precious metal’s remarkable performance has established 2025 as a landmark period for commodity investments in the United Arab Emirates.

    Market data reveals that 24-karat gold, the purest form available to consumers, opened the trading year at Dh318 per gram on January 1, 2025, and concluded at Dh520 per gram on December 31, 2025. This represents a staggering increase of Dh202 per gram, translating to a 63.5 percent annual appreciation—one of the most significant yearly gains in recent history.

    The price surge extended across all gold variants traded in the Dubai market. 22-karat gold demonstrated parallel growth, climbing from Dh294.5 to Dh481.5 per gram, while 21-karat gold advanced from Dh285 to Dh461.75 per gram. Even the newly introduced 14-karat variant, launched in late November, recorded a 2.3 percent increase to Dh308.75 per gram despite its limited trading period.

    Financial experts attribute this unprecedented rally to multiple converging factors. Aggressive central bank acquisitions of gold reserves, substantial interest rate reductions by the U.S. Federal Reserve, and escalating geopolitical tensions across the Middle East and other global regions created perfect conditions for gold’s ascent.

    Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, characterized 2025 as “a landmark period for precious metals,” noting that gold and silver significantly outperformed broader financial markets. The metal demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the year, posting gains in eleven of twelve months. September emerged as the strongest month with an 11.94 percent surge, followed by substantial advances in January (6.60 percent) and March (9.31 percent). July represented the only negative month with a marginal 0.40 percent decline.

    The investment community responded enthusiastically to gold’s performance, with gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recording net inflows of 15.6 million ounces. This substantial institutional and retail investor participation, combined with sustained central bank purchasing, created sustained upward momentum throughout the trading year.

  • UAE weather: Rough seas, fair to partly cloudy skies; fog expected in some areas

    UAE weather: Rough seas, fair to partly cloudy skies; fog expected in some areas

    The United Arab Emirates ushered in the new year under predominantly fair to partly cloudy skies, though meteorological authorities cautioned residents about specific weather phenomena affecting various regions. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the nation experienced humid nighttime conditions alongside noticeable maritime disturbances in coastal territories.

    Meteorological officials issued warnings regarding rough sea conditions persisting through New Year’s Eve and into the morning of January 1st, 2026. Fresh northwesterly winds reached velocities of up to 40 kilometers per hour, creating significant wave heights approaching six feet in the Arabian Gulf. The maritime advisory remained effective until 8:00 AM on New Year’s Day, particularly affecting maritime activities and coastal navigation.

    Temperature recordings presented substantial variations across the emirates. Nationwide readings spanned from 11°C to 25°C, with Abu Dhabi recording minimum temperatures of 17°C while Dubai documented slightly warmer overnight lows of 18°C. Maximum temperatures reached 23°C in the capital city, with both Sharjah and Dubai experiencing highs of 24°C.

    The most striking temperature measurement emerged from Ras Al Khaimah’s elevated terrain, where Jebel Jais recorded the nation’s lowest temperature at 3.5°C on December 31st, 2025. This significant temperature drop highlights the considerable climatic diversity within the UAE’s geographical landscape.

    Looking forward, meteorological projections indicate rising humidity levels across coastal and internal regions during Friday morning hours. These conditions create favorable circumstances for fog or mist formation, potentially affecting visibility and transportation networks. Authorities continue monitoring these developments and advise residents to remain updated through official channels.

  • Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Ukraine as tensions grow amid peace talks

    Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Ukraine as tensions grow amid peace talks

    A deadly drone attack struck a Russian-occupied village in Ukraine’s Kherson region during New Year celebrations, resulting in 24 fatalities and over 50 injuries according to Moscow-installed officials. The assault targeted a cafe and hotel in the coastal town of Khorly, with one drone reportedly carrying incendiary materials that ignited a significant blaze.

    Russian-appointed administrator Vladimir Saldo detailed the incident via Telegram, though Ukrainian authorities have not immediately acknowledged the strike. The Associated Press could not independently verify the attack claims.

    The incident has drawn strong condemnation from Russian officials, with Federation Council Chair Valentina Matviyenko asserting the attack reinforces Moscow’s determination to achieve its military objectives in Ukraine. This development occurs alongside Moscow’s allegations that Ukraine targeted one of President Vladimir Putin’s official residences earlier this week—a claim Kyiv has dismissed as fabricated.

    Amid escalating violence, diplomatic efforts continue to advance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed in his New Year’s address that a peace agreement is approximately 90% complete, though critical territorial disputes remain unresolved. International mediators, including Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, report productive discussions with European and Ukrainian counterparts regarding security guarantees and conflict resolution mechanisms.

    Meanwhile, Russia launched extensive drone attacks against Ukraine’s Odesa region, targeting civilian infrastructure in multiple waves. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted 176 of 205 drones, with damage to residential buildings but no casualties reported. The ongoing exchanges highlight the intensifying nature of the conflict despite ongoing peace negotiations.