Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Indonesia landslide death toll rises to 34, dozens missing

    Indonesia landslide death toll rises to 34, dozens missing

    Rescue operations continue in Indonesia’s West Java province as the confirmed death toll from Saturday’s devastating landslide has climbed to 34, with approximately 32 individuals still unaccounted for. The catastrophic event occurred in the mountainous village of Pasirlangu when torrential rains triggered a massive debris flow that engulfed the community.

    According to Abdul Muhari, spokesman for Indonesia’s national disaster mitigation agency, the identified victims have been released to their families for burial ceremonies. Despite the official missing persons count being revised downward, local authorities express concerns that the actual number of missing individuals may be substantially higher than current estimates.

    Emergency responders face extremely challenging conditions as they comb through unstable terrain in West Bandung region on Java island. Teams are employing both manual search techniques and heavy machinery while exercising extreme caution due to continuing adverse weather conditions that heighten the risk of subsequent landslides.

    The natural disaster has inflicted severe damage to more than 50 residential structures and forced the displacement of over 650 local inhabitants. West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has attributed the catastrophe to extensive vegetable plantations surrounding Pasirlangu, which may have compromised soil stability. The governor has committed to relocating affected residents to safer areas.

    This tragic event echoes similar environmental disasters that have plagued the Indonesian archipelago, particularly during the annual rainy season from October through March. The government has previously highlighted the critical role of deforestation in exacerbating flooding and landslide risks, referencing last year’s catastrophic events on Sumatra island that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and displaced more than 240,000 people.

    Environmental experts emphasize that forest cover plays a vital role in absorbing rainfall and stabilizing soil through root systems, with vegetation loss significantly increasing regional vulnerability to landslides across Indonesia’s diverse topography.

  • Budapest’s liberal mayor charged for organizing banned Pride event

    Budapest’s liberal mayor charged for organizing banned Pride event

    Hungarian prosecutors have formally charged Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony for organizing last year’s prohibited LGBTQ+ Pride march, marking a significant escalation in the government’s campaign against sexual minority events. The Budapest Chief Prosecutor’s Office announced Wednesday that Karácsony, who has led the capital since 2019, violated prohibition orders by publicly promoting and leading the June 28 demonstration despite an official ban imposed by Hungary’s right-wing nationalist government.

    The event, which organizers claim attracted approximately 300,000 participants—making it the largest Pride gathering in Hungarian history—proceeded in defiance of police restrictions. Prosecutors have recommended financial penalties without trial proceedings, alleging the mayor repeatedly encouraged public participation before personally leading the unlawful assembly.

    In a defiant response, Karácsony declared himself a ‘proud defendant,’ asserting that defending fundamental freedoms should not constitute criminal behavior. ‘If anyone thinks they can ban me, deter me, or prevent me and my city from doing so, they are gravely mistaken,’ the mayor stated, framing the charges as political retaliation for supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

    The legal action follows controversial legislation enacted in March 2025 by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling party that prohibited Pride events nationwide. The government has justified these measures by claiming such celebrations violate children’s rights to moral development, prioritizing these protections over constitutional guarantees of peaceful assembly. This approach mirrors earlier restrictive policies, including a 2021 law banning homosexual content from minors—legislation widely criticized by European institutions and human rights organizations as repressive and comparable to Russian-style restrictions on sexual minorities.

  • Israel prepares to bury last Gaza hostage

    Israel prepares to bury last Gaza hostage

    The southern Israeli town of Meitar became the focal point of national mourning as citizens gathered to pay final respects to Ran Gvili, the last hostage whose remains were repatriated from Gaza. The solemn ceremony marked the emotional conclusion to a painful chapter that began with Hamas’s October 2023 offensive.

    Under overcast skies, hundreds of mourners assembled in a local stadium where a massive portrait of the 24-year-old police officer dominated the memorial space. Attendees carried Israeli flags and wore yellow ribbons—the enduring symbol of the hostage crisis that has gripped the nation for over two years. Uniformed soldiers and police officers joined grieving families in plastic chairs arranged before a large screen broadcasting the funeral proceedings.

    Gvili, a member of the elite Yassam unit, was on medical leave awaiting shoulder surgery when Hamas militants launched their attack. Despite his condition, he immediately armed himself and rushed toward the conflict zone. His heroic actions during the defense of Kibbutz Alumim—where he ultimately fell in combat—earned him the posthumous title ‘Defender of Alumim’ from his community.

    The journey to bring Gvili home culminated Monday when Israeli forces recovered his remains from Gaza. Of the 251 hostages taken during the October 7 assault, Gvili’s were the final ones held within Palestinian territory. Earlier Wednesday, emotional scenes unfolded along roadways as processions transported his body from Camp Shura military base to Meitar, with citizens lining routes and police officers standing at solemn attention.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who delivered remarks at the ceremony, characterized the recovery operation as a ‘sacred mission now fully completed.’ During a Tuesday press conference, he stated: ‘Ran was the first to charge, and Rani was the last to return. Many generations will draw inspiration from Ran Gvili, a hero of Israel.’

    The hostage return process evolved throughout the protracted conflict, involving complex ceasefire negotiations, prisoner exchanges, and military rescue operations. The most recent repatriations occurred under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement implemented on October 10. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a symbolic clock tracking the captivity duration finally stopped ticking late Tuesday as hundreds gathered to witness the emotional milestone.

    President Isaac Herzog noted Monday that this moment represents the first time since 2014 that no Israeli citizens remain held hostage in Gaza, providing a measure of closure to a nation forever transformed by the two-year ordeal.

  • Collaboration helps tap into blue wonders

    Collaboration helps tap into blue wonders

    In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and ecology, Hong Kong-based startup Archireef is revolutionizing coral restoration through innovative 3D-printed solutions. The company’s biodegradable terracotta reef tiles, designed to mimic natural brain coral structures, are demonstrating remarkable success in rebuilding degraded marine ecosystems across two continents.

    Founded in 2020 by Vriko Yu and University of Hong Kong professor David Baker, Archireef emerged from frustration with conventional restoration methods using plastic, metal, and concrete. Their patented terracotta tiles provide an optimal substrate for coral attachment, boasting a 95% survival rate for transplanted corals in Hong Kong waters where traditional approaches had failed.

    The technology’s breakthrough comes at a critical juncture. Hong Kong’s northeastern waters have witnessed an 80% decline in coral coverage since the 1980s due to urban development and pollution, despite hosting 84 hard coral species—more than the entire Caribbean Sea.

    Archireef’s expansion into the Middle East marks a significant milestone in global marine conservation. In 2022, the company partnered with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company to address severe coral bleaching that devastated 73% of the emirate’s reefs in 2017. The results have been extraordinary: within six months of deployment, fish abundance increased sixfold, and biodiversity levels improved fivefold within a year.

    The collaboration represents a powerful synergy between Hong Kong’s research capabilities and Abu Dhabi’s scaling ambitions. Through Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 accelerator, Archireef established a regional eco-engineering facility at KEZAD Group, producing customized tiles for local conditions while providing comprehensive marine restoration services from consulting to monitoring.

    This transnational partnership exemplifies how scientific innovation, entrepreneurial vision, and supportive policy can converge to address environmental challenges. As climate technology becomes increasingly vital, the Hong Kong-Abu Dhabi model demonstrates how specialized expertise from Asian financial hubs can combine with Middle Eastern investment power to create tangible ecological impact.

    With the recent launch of the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden initiative aiming to deploy 40,000 artificial reef modules, Archireef’s technology is positioned to play a crucial role in engineering more resilient coastlines worldwide. The success proves that where coral takes root, international collaboration grows alongside it.

  • Greenland’s elite dogsled unit patrols desolate, icy Arctic

    Greenland’s elite dogsled unit patrols desolate, icy Arctic

    In the vast, frozen expanses of Greenland, an elite naval unit operates under some of Earth’s most extreme conditions. The Sirius Dogsled Patrol, despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s dismissive remarks about Denmark’s Arctic defense capabilities, represents a critical and highly specialized military force. This unique patrol unit relies on traditional dogsled teams rather than modern technology to monitor a territory spanning the combined area of France and Spain.

    Comprising six two-person teams each handling a dozen dogs, the patrol embarks on four-to-five-month missions during the harsh winter months when temperatures plummet to -40°C and darkness prevails for extended periods. Each day, these skilled operatives ski alongside their canine companions, covering approximately 30 kilometers while pulling sleds laden with 500 kilograms of essential supplies, including specially designed Arctic tents, food provisions, and fuel.

    The strategic advantage of dogsleds over snowmobiles, according to former patrol member Sebastian Ravn Rasmussen, lies in their remarkable durability and reliability in extreme isolation. ‘When a snowmobile breaks down completely, your mission ends. With dogsleds, we can perform repairs and continue operations even if we lose several dogs, though at reduced capacity,’ Rasmussen explained. The patrol members are prepared for worst-case scenarios, including the possibility of consuming their dogs for survival, however remote that likelihood may be.

    Their mission extends beyond simple reconnaissance. The Sirius Patrol provides vital monitoring capabilities that technological alternatives cannot match in the Arctic’s unique conditions. As Rasmussen noted, aerial surveillance proves ineffective when ‘everything is white’ from above, making ground-level detection essential for identifying unauthorized activities. The unit has intercepted Russian expeditions lacking proper permits and assisted stranded cruise ships, including a notable 2023 grounding incident.

    Selection for this elite force remains exceptionally rigorous, with only 5-6 candidates chosen annually from nearly 100 applicants after completing Denmark’s basic military training and passing intensive physical and psychological evaluations. Successful recruits commit to a 26-month deployment in Greenland without home visits. While most members are Danish, a few Greenlanders have joined the ranks over the years, though no women have applied to date.

    The patrol’s historical significance dates to World War II when similar units discovered and destroyed German weather stations that provided crucial intelligence for U-boat operations in the Atlantic. Denmark formalized this military presence in 1950, establishing the permanent Sirius Dogsled Patrol that continues to serve as Greenland’s first line of defense in the rapidly changing Arctic region.

  • Global experts gather in Macao for talks in space, planetary sciences

    Global experts gather in Macao for talks in space, planetary sciences

    Macao has positioned itself at the forefront of space exploration dialogue by hosting the 2026 Macao International Forum on Space and Planetary Sciences, which commenced on Tuesday. The prestigious gathering attracted over 300 distinguished scholars specializing in space and planetary sciences from more than 10 countries and regions worldwide.

    The landmark event, organized through a collaboration between Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), Shandong University, and the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macao, features an extensive program of academic presentations and specialized thematic discussions. Forum organizers designed the conference to establish an open international platform that fosters dialogue among researchers from diverse backgrounds and promotes coordinated development in future space research initiatives.

    MUST President Zhu Jian-Kang emphasized the forum’s strategic significance during his opening ceremony address. “This initiative aims to leverage Macao’s evolving role as a critical hub for China’s aerospace and deep-space research endeavors,” he stated. “By strengthening academic exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and international planetary science communities, we hope to inspire a new generation of young scholars to engage in space science research.”

    The Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) provided additional support for the event, with committee member Cheang Kun Wai highlighting the organization’s long-term commitment to advancing scientific innovation. “The FDCT has consistently promoted interdisciplinary collaboration and local scientific advancement,” Cheang noted. “Our support facilitates Macao’s active participation in global scientific development trends, particularly within the rapidly evolving field of space science.”

    The forum represents a significant milestone in Macao’s growing influence within the international scientific community, demonstrating the special administrative region’s capacity to host major academic gatherings that bridge Chinese and global space research initiatives.

  • First national standard for disease classification and coding in Tibetan medicine released

    First national standard for disease classification and coding in Tibetan medicine released

    China has achieved a significant milestone in traditional medicine with the official release of the Tibetan Medicine Disease Classification and Code, the country’s first national standard for disease categorization within an ethnic-minority medical system. The groundbreaking standard, developed under the guidance of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation.

    Professor Mima, President of Xizang University of Tibetan Medicine and head of the Tibetan medicine standardization working group, emphasized that the new framework remains firmly rooted in core Tibetan medical theories while addressing contemporary clinical diagnostic requirements. The comprehensive system organizes treatable conditions into 15 major categories and 97 subcategories, establishing a detailed terminology and coding table that assigns unique identifiers to more than 3,000 specific diseases.

    This development represents a transformative advancement in the formalization of traditional healing practices, providing a structured approach that will enhance the scientific development and standardization of Tibetan medical services nationwide. The establishment of this standardized classification system is expected to facilitate better integration with modern healthcare infrastructure while preserving the unique theoretical foundations of Tibetan medicine.

  • Iran rejects talks with US amid military ‘threats’

    Iran rejects talks with US amid military ‘threats’

    Iran has formally declared negotiations with the United States impossible while facing military threats, escalating regional tensions following President Donald Trump’s refusal to dismiss potential armed intervention. This stance emerged amidst a significant U.S. naval presence, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, deployed to Middle Eastern waters.

    Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that diplomacy cannot coexist with intimidation, stating Tehran would only consider talks if Washington abandons threats and ‘illogical demands.’ Concurrently, Iranian officials engaged in covert diplomatic outreach to key Arab allies of the U.S., including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, seeking regional support and emphasizing de-escalation.

    The humanitarian situation remains dire. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) verified at least 6,221 fatalities during recent protests, predominantly protesters killed by security forces. With internet restrictions persisting, the actual death toll is feared significantly higher. Over 42,000 individuals have been arrested, and reports indicate security forces are searching hospitals for wounded demonstrators and arresting medical personnel.

    Analysts suggest potential U.S. military options range from targeted strikes on facilities to full-scale regime change operations. Meanwhile, Iran’s judiciary announced the execution of an individual convicted of espionage for Israel’s Mossad, raising concerns from rights groups that arrested protesters might face similar capital charges.

  • China records 697 million border crossings nationwide in 2025

    China records 697 million border crossings nationwide in 2025

    China witnessed an unprecedented surge in cross-border mobility during 2025, with official data revealing a record-breaking 697 million border crossings throughout the year. This represents a substantial 14.2% increase compared to 2024 figures, marking the highest annual tally in the nation’s history.

    The remarkable rebound in border activity signals a complete restoration of China’s international connectivity following global pandemic restrictions. The double-digit growth percentage indicates not merely recovery but accelerated transnational movement across air, land, and sea ports of entry.

    This mobility milestone reflects China’s deepening integration with global networks through business travel, tourism, and trade. The increased crossings coincide with China’s expanded visa-free policies for numerous countries and enhanced transportation infrastructure facilitating smoother international transit.

    Analysts interpret these figures as evidence of China’s reestablished position within global circulation systems, with the border statistics serving as a key indicator of economic vitality and international engagement. The data demonstrates successful implementation of policies designed to stimulate international exchange while maintaining efficient border security protocols.

    The comprehensive border management system has effectively accommodated this increased traffic through technological advancements including automated clearance gates, biometric verification, and streamlined customs procedures that balance security concerns with passenger convenience.

  • Three brothers die after falling in frozen Texas pond

    Three brothers die after falling in frozen Texas pond

    A devastating pond accident in Bonham, North Texas, has claimed the lives of three young brothers during a winter storm that has gripped the region. The tragic incident occurred on Monday when the children, identified as Howard (6), Kaleb (8), and EJ (9) Doss, fell through thin ice while playing near a private pond approximately 30 meters from their temporary residence.

    According to their mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, the youngest brother initially broke through the ice while attempting to ‘ice skate’ on the frozen surface. His two older siblings subsequently jumped into the freezing water in a valiant attempt to rescue him. Hangaman, a mother of six, immediately rushed to the scene upon being alerted by her daughter.

    Despite her heroic efforts to extract the children from the subzero water, the fragile ice repeatedly collapsed beneath her weight. ‘There was three of them and only one of me… that’s why I couldn’t save them,’ Hangaman emotionally recounted to CBS News. The distraught mother described witnessing her children struggling in hypothermic shock before ultimately succumbing to drowning.

    The situation escalated when Hangaman herself became trapped in the freezing pond, requiring rescue by a neighbor who heard her desperate cries for help. The neighbor, identified as a football coach at the boys’ school, utilized a horse rope to pull her to safety.

    Emergency responders and additional neighbors eventually recovered all three children from the pond. The two older boys were initially transported to a local hospital while the youngest required an extensive search operation before being recovered.

    The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with the boys’ school announcing the availability of grief counselors for students and staff. The incident coincides with a severe winter storm system that has impacted large portions of the United States, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread power outages across Texas.