Global Pulse

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  • ‘Drishyam 3’ producer sends notice to Akshaye Khanna for exiting project; Jaideep Ahlawat in

    ‘Drishyam 3’ producer sends notice to Akshaye Khanna for exiting project; Jaideep Ahlawat in

    The production of the highly anticipated Bollywood sequel ‘Drishyam 3’ has been plunged into legal controversy following the abrupt departure of actor Akshaye Khanna from the project. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has formally issued a legal notice to the actor, alleging breach of contract after Khanna reportedly accepted a signing amount and committed his schedule to the film before withdrawing.

    According to Pathak’s detailed account, the conflict originated from Khanna’s insistence on growing his natural hair for the role, a demand that clashed directly with the film’s narrative continuity. ‘Drishyam 3’ begins precisely where its predecessor concluded, creating an impossible timeline for any significant physical transformation. ‘The day the old film ends, it starts at night, so how will he grow his hair in four hours?’ Pathak questioned, highlighting the logistical impossibility of the actor’s request.

    The producer revealed that despite initially agreeing to utilize a wig after discussions, Khanna ultimately reversed his decision. Pathak suggested that external influences might have contributed to this reversal, stating that ‘people around him put it in his mind that by wearing a wig, you will look very beautiful.’

    The financial implications of this departure are substantial. Pathak confirmed that sets had already been constructed at Yash Raj Studios, incurring significant production costs. The legal notice demands compensation for these expenses along with other incurred losses should Khanna fail to respond by the deadline.

    In a strategic response to this casting crisis, the production team has secured acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat as Khanna’s replacement. Pathak elaborated that while Ahlawat will fulfill similar narrative functions within the plot, his character will be presented ‘in a new form’ with fresh creative dimensions. This last-minute recasting introduces an unexpected element to the sequel’s development.

    Akshaye Khanna has maintained complete silence regarding the allegations, offering no public statement or explanation for his departure from the high-profile project.

    ‘Drishyam 3’ continues its production schedule despite these setbacks, with principal photography proceeding with its stellar ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, and Tabu. Under the direction of Abhishek Pathak, the film remains scheduled for its global theatrical release on October 2, 2026.

  • Knife attack near Suriname’s capital Paramaribo kills at least 9 people, including kids, police say

    Knife attack near Suriname’s capital Paramaribo kills at least 9 people, including kids, police say

    A horrific knife attack in the small South American nation of Suriname has left a community in mourning after a domestic dispute escalated into a mass killing. The incident, which occurred in the Richelieu area of the Commewijne district approximately 25 kilometers east of the capital Paramaribo, resulted in nine fatalities, including five children.

    According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the tragedy unfolded following a heated telephone argument between a 43-year-old male suspect and his estranged wife. The confrontation reportedly intensified when the woman informed the man that she would not be collecting their children personally but would instead send another individual to retrieve them.

    Enraged by this development, the suspect initiated a violent rampage, first targeting his own four children with a knife before turning his aggression toward neighbors who attempted to intervene. The victims included the attacker’s children and several adult neighbors, with a neighbor’s child also among those killed. Local media indicated that the attacks occurred across multiple residential properties.

    Suriname’s Police Corps confirmed that responding officers encountered an actively violent suspect who attempted to attack them upon their arrival. During the subsequent apprehension, the suspect sustained injuries and was transported to a medical facility where he remains under guard while receiving treatment.

    Additionally, a sixth child and another adult suffered serious injuries during the attack and are currently receiving medical care at a hospital in Paramaribo.

    Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons addressed the tragedy on her official Facebook page, expressing profound grief over the incident. Writing in Dutch, the country’s official language, the president extended her condolences to the bereaved families, wishing them “strength, resilience, and comfort in this unimaginably difficult time.”

    The violence represents a particularly shocking event for Suriname, which maintains the smallest population of any independent South American nation at approximately 600,000 residents. Historically recognized for having one of the region’s lowest homicide rates, the country has recently experienced a concerning surge in violent crime. Data compiled by the think tank Insight Crime indicates Suriname’s murder rate climbed significantly in 2024, reaching 30 homicides per 100,000 residents.

  • ‘Unfair election’: Young voters absent from Myanmar polls

    ‘Unfair election’: Young voters absent from Myanmar polls

    Myanmar’s military junta conducted nationwide elections on Sunday that were conspicuously absent of the youthful electorate that once characterized the country’s democratic processes. The polling stations, instead dominated by elderly citizens and mothers with children, presented a stark contrast to previous elections that saw enthusiastic participation from younger generations.

    The military government, which seized power in a 2021 coup that plunged the nation into civil war, promoted the vote as a restoration of democratic norms. However, international rights organizations and many citizens dismissed the exercise as fundamentally illegitimate. At a polling station near Yangon’s Sule Pagoda—a site previously known for violent crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters—electoral officials reported fewer than 500 ballots cast from 1,400 registered voters just hours before closing.

    This represents a dramatic decline from the 70% participation rate recorded during the 2020 elections. The current climate of conscription, implemented two years ago to bolster military ranks against ethnic minority armies and resistance forces, has created widespread apprehension among the population. Anonymous young voters from Mandalay expressed their disillusionment, characterizing the process as ‘chaos’ and questioning its fundamental fairness.

    In conflict-ridden regions like Rakhine State, where ethnic minority armies maintain control, residents voiced skepticism about the election’s potential to bring meaningful change. Anti-regime groups issued safety warnings to voters, with reports emerging of coercion tactics including armed intimidation at polling locations. Despite these concerns, junta-allied candidates maintained that participation remained a civic responsibility, even as the streets of major cities remained unusually quiet throughout the voting process.

  • The US 2025: a year of deep division

    The US 2025: a year of deep division

    The United States concludes 2025 entrenched in unprecedented political fragmentation, marking one of the most divisive periods in modern American history. The year witnessed severe governmental dysfunction culminating in the longest federal shutdown ever recorded, driven by irreconcilable differences between political factions.

    Central to the turmoil were the Trump administration’s stringent immigration measures, which ignited massive nationwide demonstrations across multiple metropolitan centers. These protests reflected broader societal tensions that transcended policy disagreements, revealing fundamental fractures within the American political landscape.

    A striking indicator of the deep-seated division emerges from recent polling data, showing approximately 80% of Americans now perceive the opposing political party as fundamentally detached from reality. This statistic underscores the erosion of shared factual understanding and the growth of parallel informational ecosystems that characterize contemporary political discourse.

    Political analysts note that these developments represent not merely temporary disagreements but structural weaknesses within the American democratic system. The prolonged government shutdown paralyzed essential services and exposed the vulnerability of governance mechanisms when ideological polarization prevents basic legislative functionality.

    The immigration policies that triggered widespread civil unrest have become symbolic of larger cultural and political battles, with competing visions of national identity preventing consensus on even the most basic governance matters. This polarization has effectively created two distinct Americas with increasingly incompatible worldviews and value systems.

  • Spaniards hurl flour, eggs and fireworks in mock battle

    Spaniards hurl flour, eggs and fireworks in mock battle

    The historic streets of Ibi, a town in Spain’s Alicante province, were transformed into a spectacular battlefield of culinary projectiles on December 28th as participants engaged in the centuries-old tradition of ‘Els Enfarinats’ (The Floured Ones). This unique festival combines theatrical rebellion with massive food fights, creating one of Spain’s most visually striking cultural celebrations.

    During the meticulously choreographed event, participants divided into two distinct factions: the ‘Enfarinats’ (rebels) who temporarily seize symbolic control of the town, and the opposition forces attempting to restore order. The mock battle reached its climax as combatants hurled thousands of eggs and massive quantities of flour amid the crackle of fireworks and theatrical protests.

    The tradition, dating back approximately 200 years, represents more than mere revelry. It serves as a living cultural artifact that blends satire, historical remembrance, and community bonding. Following the intense hour-long conflict, the ‘rebels’ traditionally impose humorous fines on citizens for supposed infractions, with collected funds donated to local charitable causes.

    Local authorities implemented extensive cleanup operations while residents participated in the joyful task of restoring normalcy. The event continues to attract international attention, drawing visitors fascinated by this distinctive combination of food warfare, historical theater, and philanthropic tradition.

  • Dubai: ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ star Dilip Joshi vists Kanz Jewels

    Dubai: ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ star Dilip Joshi vists Kanz Jewels

    Dubai’s luxury retail sector received a celebrity endorsement as Dilip Joshi, the renowned Indian television actor famous for his long-running role as Jethalal in ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,’ made a special visit to Kanz Jewels in Dubai. The celebrated actor, who holds a world record for his continuous portrayal of a single character across more than 3,500 episodes spanning over 15 years, explored the jeweler’s signature collections during his shopping excursion.

    Joshi expressed particular admiration for the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship, intricate detailing, and design excellence. ‘Kanz Jewels offers an exceptional blend of trust, quality, and elegance,’ Joshi remarked during his visit. ‘The collection and hospitality truly stand out.’

    The management of Kanz Jewels welcomed the opportunity to host the television personality. Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of Kanz Jewels, stated: ‘We were delighted to welcome Dilip Joshi. His visit reflects the trust and popularity Kanz Jewels enjoys among celebrated personalities and discerning customers alike.’

    The appearance of such a prominent entertainment figure at the Dubai-based jewelry retailer highlights the continuing attraction of Dubai’s luxury market for international celebrities and reinforces the emirate’s status as a premier shopping destination for high-profile visitors from around the world.

  • Brazil’s Bolsonaro undergoes medical treatment for hiccups

    Brazil’s Bolsonaro undergoes medical treatment for hiccups

    Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has undergone a specialized medical procedure to address a persistent nine-month bout of chronic hiccups, according to official statements from his medical team. The non-surgical intervention, performed on Saturday and lasting approximately one hour, targeted his right phrenic nerve—a critical neural pathway controlling diaphragm function.

    This latest medical development follows Bolsonaro’s recent surgery for a double hernia, conducted earlier in the week after judicial authorities granted him temporary hospital transfer from custody. The 70-year-old far-right leader is currently serving a 27-year imprisonment sentence for orchestrating a coup plot following his defeat to left-wing rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election.

    In a significant political maneuver from his hospital bed, Bolsonaro formally endorsed his son Flávio Bolsonaro as a presidential contender against Lula in the upcoming 2026 elections. The endorsement was delivered via handwritten letter and publicly announced by the younger Bolsonaro outside the medical facility.

    Medical authorities have scheduled a follow-up procedure for Monday to address the left phrenic nerve. Upon completion of medical treatment, Bolsonaro will return to his cell at federal police headquarters to continue serving his sentence. His incarceration followed September’s guilty verdict for coup plotting, with subsequent house arrest ending last month when courts deemed him a ‘concrete flight risk’ following alleged attempts to disable his ankle monitor and use public gatherings as escape cover.

    In related developments, Brazil’s Supreme Court issued house arrest orders on Saturday for ten additional officials from Bolsonaro’s administration for their participation in the attempted coup.

  • Iraqis cover soil with clay to fight frequent sandstorms

    Iraqis cover soil with clay to fight frequent sandstorms

    Deep within Iraq’s southern desert regions, an ambitious environmental counteroffensive is underway as heavy machinery methodically coats arid landscapes with layers of moist clay. This innovative soil stabilization technique represents a critical component of Iraq’s multifaceted strategy to combat increasingly severe sand and dust storms that have intensified due to climate change impacts.

    The frequency and severity of these atmospheric events have reached alarming levels, with official estimates indicating approximately 243 annual storm occurrences. Projections suggest this could escalate to 300 dust-event days annually by 2050 without immediate intervention. The environmental consequences have been severe: urban centers regularly succumb to ochre-hued hazes, aviation operations face repeated disruptions, and medical facilities report surging admissions of respiratory distress cases.

    UN-Habitat, in collaboration with Iraqi authorities and supported by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, is spearheading this initiative across three southern regions identified as primary storm sources. Between the cities of Nasiriyah and Samawah—proximate to ancient Sumerian archaeological sites—workers apply 20-25 centimeter clay coatings to dunes while simultaneously planting drought-resistant vegetation including Prosopis and Conocarpus species.

    Udai Taha Lafta of UN-Habitat explained the transnational significance: ‘This project aims primarily to mitigate transboundary dust storms affecting neighboring nations including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Though covering limited terrain initially, this vital area should demonstrate measurable reduction in storm intensity by next summer.’

    Immediate objectives include safeguarding major highways where poor visibility during storms has caused numerous accidents. Longer-term goals envision expanded green zones and sustainable agricultural revival in regions devastated by prolonged drought and water scarcity.

    Qahtan al-Mhana from Iraq’s Agriculture Ministry emphasized the nation’s historical expertise in desertification combat, noting successful dune stabilization initiatives dating to the 1970s that were interrupted by decades of conflict. Professor Najm Abed Taresh of Dhi Qar University confirmed that environmental efforts have recommenced with renewed urgency: ‘We are achieving slow but consistent progress in addressing these critical climate challenges.’

  • UAE: Meet 13-year-old who became youngest Emirati to win global beekeeping award

    UAE: Meet 13-year-old who became youngest Emirati to win global beekeeping award

    In an inspiring tale of youthful entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship, 13-year-old Mahra Hamad Al Naqbi from Ras Al Khaimah has become the youngest Emirati to achieve international acclaim in beekeeping. Her journey began at age 10 when she installed her first two beehives in her family’s backyard, embarking on a path that would lead to multiple global awards and the establishment of her own honey brand, Asal Al Mahra.

    Mahra’s methodical approach to apiculture started with formal training courses where she mastered hive structures, bee behavior patterns, and honey production techniques. What began as a cautious family experiment—with parents initially concerned about bee stings—evolved into a fully-supported enterprise as her expertise grew. From those initial two hives, her operation expanded to 35 colonies by 2025, requiring innovative solutions for seasonal honey production across multiple emirates.

    The young apiarist demonstrates remarkable business acumen, strategically planning her operations years in advance. She transports her hives to specialized locations depending on the honey variety—utilizing sidr tree farms in Abu Dhabi for premium winter honey and managing logistical arrangements with local beekeepers. Each hive contains eight frames capable of producing 10-12 kilograms of honey under optimal conditions.

    Mahra’s achievements include prestigious awards from the Paris Honey Awards and London Honey Awards, where she made history as both the first Emirati and youngest-ever winner. She has also earned the Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Cultural Excellence Award’s top honor. Beyond commercial success, she serves as a ‘Bee Ambassador’ conducting educational sessions in schools and institutions to promote sustainable beekeeping practices and pollinator conservation.

    Despite international recognition, Mahra maintains her academic commitments while continuing to expand her expertise. Her future ambitions include conducting scientific research on bee behavior and honey production, demonstrating that her passion extends far beyond commercial success. Her story represents a new generation of Emirati youth blending traditional practices with modern environmental consciousness.

  • From football to the Moon: Five things to keep an eye on in 2026

    From football to the Moon: Five things to keep an eye on in 2026

    The year 2026 emerges as a landmark period for global events spanning climate diplomacy, sporting spectacles, geopolitical resolutions, political contests, and space exploration. International attention will focus on several transformative developments with far-reaching implications.

    Climate diplomacy faces a critical juncture as nations confront escalating temperatures. Following COP30 in Brazil, the international community watches for responses to Colombia’s inaugural conference on fossil fuel phase-out in April. Rebecca Thissen of Climate Action Network emphasizes that “2026 must be the year international climate diplomacy reinvents itself,” noting that COPs represent high points in a fragmented political agenda needing alignment.

    The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will become the most extensive tournament in football history. With 11 American venues among 16 total locations, the event occurs amid political tensions involving former President Donald Trump’s relations with host nations. Defending champions Argentina face formidable challenges from France’s Kylian Mbappé-led squad seeking redemption after their 2022 final defeat, while Cristiano Ronaldo anticipates his sixth and final World Cup appearance at age 41.

    Middle Eastern geopolitics centers on the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire initiated October 10, 2025. Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future hangs in balance as the 76-year-old Likud leader prepares for elections by November 2026. His coalition’s stability remains uncertain with only 60 of 120 parliamentary seats, creating potential incentives for renewed military action against Hamas or Hezbollah. The possibility of Saudi-Israeli normalization brokered by Trump could dramatically alter regional dynamics.

    United States midterm elections will determine congressional control with significant implications for Trump’s political legacy. Republicans defend razor-thin majorities in both chambers while Democrats target vulnerable seats in battleground states including Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio. The outcomes will either cement Trump’s policy agenda or enable Democratic investigations into his administration.

    Space exploration advances with NASA’s Artemis 2 mission targeting April 2026 for lunar orbit, representing crucial progress toward renewed American moon landings. China accelerates its space ambitions with Chang’e 7 mission preparations for lunar south pole exploration and Mengzhou spacecraft testing. India’s space program advances toward planned orbital crew missions by 2027, establishing the moon as critical infrastructure for future Mars exploration through relay bases and deep space habitation testing.