Global Pulse

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  • Israeli reservist rams vehicle into Palestinian man praying in West Bank

    Israeli reservist rams vehicle into Palestinian man praying in West Bank

    In a disturbing incident in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, an Israeli reservist soldier intentionally drove his vehicle into a Palestinian man engaged in roadside prayers. The attack occurred after the soldier had previously discharged his weapon in the vicinity, according to official military statements.

    The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed receiving footage showing ‘an armed individual running over a Palestinian individual.’ Military authorities characterized the reservist’s actions as constituting ‘a severe violation of his authority,’ resulting in immediate termination from service and confiscation of his weapon. Israeli media outlets reported the perpetrator is currently under house arrest pending further investigation.

    Video evidence broadcast on Palestinian television and authenticated by Reuters depicts a civilian-clad individual with a shoulder-slung firearm operating an off-road vehicle that deliberately strikes the praying victim. The Palestinian man received medical evaluation at a local hospital but was ultimately determined to be uninjured and has since returned home.

    This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence in the region. United Nations documentation reveals 2025 as one of the most violent years recorded regarding Israeli civilian attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank, with over 750 documented injuries. Between October 7, 2023, and October 17, 2025, more than a thousand Palestinians lost their lives in the territory, predominantly during security operations with additional casualties resulting from settler violence. During this same timeframe, Palestinian attacks resulted in 57 Israeli fatalities.

    The violence continued into Friday with separate incidents, including a Palestinian assailant killing two individuals in northern Israel, according to police reports. Israeli law enforcement authorities have not provided immediate commentary regarding the reservist incident when contacted by Reuters.

  • India’s first gene-edited sheep just turned one. How’s it doing?

    India’s first gene-edited sheep just turned one. How’s it doing?

    In a landmark achievement for Indian genetic research, the nation’s inaugural gene-edited sheep has successfully reached its first year of development. The animal, named Tarmeem (Arabic for ‘modification’), was born on December 16, 2024, at Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University in Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir, where it resides under controlled conditions alongside its non-edited twin sister.

    The research team employed CRISPR-Cas9 technology—a revolutionary gene-editing system—to precisely modify the myostatin gene, which naturally limits muscle development in mammals. Dr. Suhail Magray, a key researcher on the project, explained the process: ‘We extracted embryos from pregnant sheep and performed targeted gene editing before transferring them to foster recipients. After 150 days of gestation, the edited lambs were born.’

    Professor Riaz Shah, dean of veterinary sciences and principal investigator, reported that Tarmeem demonstrates normal physiological development with a notable 10% increase in muscle mass compared to its non-edited twin. ‘We anticipate further muscle development as the animal matures,’ Shah noted, adding that the team has implemented rigorous monitoring protocols to evaluate long-term health outcomes.

    This breakthrough culminates seven years of dedicated research by an eight-member team that initially faced significant challenges. The researchers attempted multiple strategies before achieving success in December 2024, with only one successful gene-editing outcome from five live births following seven IVF procedures.

    The scientific community highlights the potential agricultural implications of this advancement. Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the university’s vice-chancellor, emphasized that gene-editing could address Kashmir’s substantial mutton deficit—the region consumes approximately 60,000 tonnes annually while producing only half that amount. ‘By increasing body weight by up to 30%, this technology could enable more efficient meat production with fewer animals,’ Ganai explained.

    While CRISPR technology—co-developed by Nobel laureates Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna—has revolutionized medical research globally, its application in agriculture remains subject to regulatory scrutiny. The Indian research team has submitted proposals for government funding and approval to scale this technology for broader agricultural implementation.

    Globally, nations including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and the United States have already incorporated gene-edited animals and crops into their agricultural systems. The United Kingdom is poised to permit gene-edited foods beginning next year, while the European Union recently moved to reduce regulatory barriers for such products.

    Despite ethical debates surrounding genetic modification, scientists distinguish between gene editing (modifying existing genes) and genetic modification (introducing foreign genes). As India evaluates whether to classify Tarmeem as a natural genetic variant, researchers remain optimistic about CRISPR’s potential to transform sustainable food production nationwide.

  • Ronaldo returns to Dubai for Global Soccer Awards 2025, eyes Best Middle East Player trophy

    Ronaldo returns to Dubai for Global Soccer Awards 2025, eyes Best Middle East Player trophy

    Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is set to grace Dubai’s ultra-luxury Atlantis The Royal on December 28, 2025, for the exclusive 16th Globe Soccer Awards ceremony. The Portuguese superstar and Al Nassr forward arrives as a finalist for the Best Middle East Player award, a title he previously secured in 2024.

    Ronaldo faces formidable competition for this year’s honor from prominent regional players including Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal), Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad), and Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli). The finalists were determined through an extensive global voting process that garnered over 30 million fan votes worldwide.

    The awards ceremony, an invitation-only gala, will assemble football’s elite including current stars, legendary figures, key decision-makers, and emerging talents. Beyond the player awards, the event will recognize excellence in categories such as Best Agent, Best Sporting Director, and the prestigious Maradona Award, alongside various career achievement honors.

    This visit marks Ronaldo’s return to the UAE following his recent appearance in Abu Dhabi on December 10, where he participated in a friendly match between Al Nassr and Al Wahda FC at Al Nahyan Stadium. The football legend has maintained strong connections with the region, having competed in the Saudi Super Cup in Abu Dhabi in April 2024 and participated in AFC Champions League quarterfinals against Al Ain FC earlier that year.

    Ronaldo has previously expressed admiration for the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards’ integrity and organization, noting after last year’s ceremony: ‘This is why I love the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. They do it so well every year here. They do an honest award. So many champions have attended this event over the years because they always do a great event.’ He received the 2024 award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

  • One general, one mathematician: The men competing for power in two African elections

    One general, one mathematician: The men competing for power in two African elections

    This Sunday marks a pivotal moment for two African nations as Guinea and the Central African Republic (CAR) conduct presidential elections under dramatically different political circumstances, yet with striking parallels in their incumbents’ pursuit of extended power.

    In the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra seeks a controversial third term following constitutional amendments that eliminated term limits. The mathematician-turned-politician, initially elected as a consensus figure following periods of rebel rule, now faces opposition boycotts despite the unexpected participation of his main rival, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé. The landlocked nation, among Africa’s poorest, has endured decades of instability but maintains fragile multi-party politics with recent progress in rebel disarmament and a hybrid national-international court addressing human rights crimes.

    Meanwhile, Guinea presents a contrasting narrative of military transition. General Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted 83-year-old President Alpha Condé, now seeks constitutional legitimacy through elections. Despite allowing eight challengers, Doumbouya has dominated the campaign while excluding prominent opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo. His methodical constitutional review and maintained Western relations distinguish him from neighboring juntas that have embraced Russian partnerships.

    The elections carry significant implications for regional stability. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) views Guinea’s electoral process with relief following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc. Both nations’ transitions—despite concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights records—represent cautious steps toward normalization in a region battered by coups and jihadist insurgencies. International partners appear inclined to support these imperfect processes rather than risk further destabilization, particularly with Sudan’s conflict looming near CAR’s border and security challenges persisting across the Sahel.

  • A massive crash on a highway in Japan kills 1 person and injures 26 as the holiday season starts

    A massive crash on a highway in Japan kills 1 person and injures 26 as the holiday season starts

    A catastrophic chain-reaction collision involving over 50 vehicles unfolded on a snow-covered expressway in Japan during the peak holiday travel period, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The incident occurred Friday evening on the Kan-etsu Expressway near Minakami, approximately 100 miles northwest of Tokyo, as heavy snow warnings were active across the region.

    According to Gunma prefectural highway police, the sequence of events began with an initial collision between two commercial trucks that blocked traffic lanes. Subsequent vehicles traveling on the ice-glazed roadway proved unable to stop safely, leading to a massive pileup that extended across the highway. The situation escalated dramatically when a fire broke out at the rear of the collision zone, engulfing more than a dozen automobiles in flames. While the conflagration was eventually extinguished after approximately seven hours, numerous vehicles were completely destroyed by the intense fire.

    The human toll included a 77-year-old Tokyo woman who succumbed to her injuries. Among the 26 injured persons transported for medical treatment, five were reported to be in serious condition. Authorities confirmed no additional injuries resulted from the fire itself.

    The timing of the accident coincided with the beginning of Japan’s year-end and New Year holiday migration, when millions traditionally travel to visit family. Sections of the critical transportation artery remained closed indefinitely as emergency crews conducted rescue operations, police investigations, and the complex removal of wreckage from the accident scene.

  • Quiz of the Year 2025, Part 3: What Instagram caption did Taylor Swift use to announce her engagement?

    Quiz of the Year 2025, Part 3: What Instagram caption did Taylor Swift use to announce her engagement?

    As the seasonal transition from summer to autumn unfolded, several significant events captured global attention. In Australia, Erin Patterson faced murder charges following a fatal incident where three relatives succumbed to poisoning after consuming toxic mushrooms at a lunch gathering. Concurrently, the United Kingdom endured severe weather conditions as Storm Floris unleashed its fury across the region. In medical advancements, researchers achieved a breakthrough by discovering a potential treatment for Huntington’s disease, offering new hope for patients worldwide.

    The BBC’s seasonal news quiz challenges readers to test their recollection of these and other noteworthy events that occurred between July and September. This installment represents the third segment of a comprehensive four-part Christmas quiz series, featuring 52 questions corresponding to each week of the year. Participants who missed the initial January-March and April-June segments are encouraged to attempt those quizzes as well. The final installment covering October through December will be published tomorrow, compiled by quiz master Ben Fell. Additional quizzes from the archives remain available for those seeking further intellectual engagement.

  • Dubai Metro to run non-stop for 43 hours as RTA announces New Year’s Eve road closures

    Dubai Metro to run non-stop for 43 hours as RTA announces New Year’s Eve road closures

    Dubai’s transportation infrastructure is undergoing massive enhancements to accommodate the anticipated millions of revelers during New Year’s Eve 2025-2026 celebrations. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled an unprecedented operational plan featuring continuous 43-hour metro services alongside extensive road closure measures.

    The Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines will maintain non-stop operations from 5:00 AM on December 31, 2025, through 11:59 PM on January 1, 2026. Complementing this extended service, the Dubai Tram will operate continuously from 6:00 AM on December 31 until 1:00 AM on January 2, 2026, creating a comprehensive public transportation network throughout the celebration period.

    Strategic road closures will be implemented through a phased approach, commencing at 4:00 PM on New Year’s Eve and progressively expanding until 11:00 PM. The comprehensive closure strategy affects key arteries including Al Asayel Street, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Burj Khalifa Street, Financial Centre Roads, Al Mustaqbal Street, Al Sukook Street, and sections of Sheikh Zayed Road.

    Hussain Al Banna, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, emphasized the authority’s comprehensive preparedness through coordination with the Events Security Committee and strategic partners. Advanced technological systems including centralized traffic signal control and smart variable message signs will provide real-time updates on road conditions and alternative routes throughout the celebration areas.

    The Unified Control Center will host joint operational teams from RTA, Dubai Police, Civil Defence, and Dubai Ambulance Services, utilizing sophisticated technologies like the iTraffic system and big data analytics to monitor conditions and predict traffic volumes for informed decision-making.

    Enhanced parking infrastructure includes approximately 20,000 spaces in the Burj Khalifa area supplemented by an additional 8,000 spaces at metro stations. Overflow parking facilities at Al Wasl Club and Al Kifaf will provide supplementary capacity.

    Transportation resources have been substantially augmented with over 14,000 taxis, more than 18,000 limousine and luxury vehicles, and exceeding 1,300 buses deployed across the metropolitan area. More than 5,500 RTA personnel will be stationed throughout the city alongside ten control centers and 26 traffic diversion vehicles.

    This extensive preparation reflects growing public transport utilization during New Year’s celebrations, with passenger numbers increasing from 2.29 million in 2024 to over 2.5 million in 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of Dubai’s integrated traffic management strategy.

  • Malaysia’s former PM jailed 15 more years, fined $2.8-billion in historic financial scandal

    Malaysia’s former PM jailed 15 more years, fined $2.8-billion in historic financial scandal

    In a landmark judicial decision with profound political implications, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Najib Razak received an additional 15-year prison sentence and a staggering $2.8 billion fine on Friday for his central role in the colossal 1MDB financial scandal. The 72-year-old politician, already serving time since 2022 on previous convictions, was found guilty on all 25 charges brought against him—four counts of abuse of power and twenty-one counts of money laundering.

    High Court Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah delivered the verdict after five hours of meticulous reading, systematically dismantling Najib’s defense that he had been deceived by other parties involved in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund. The judge characterized this assertion as stretching “the imagination into the realms of pure fantasy.”

    The sentences will run concurrently following the completion of his current term in 2028. Beyond the prison time, the court ordered Najib to pay fines totaling 11.39 billion ringgit and to forfeit assets worth 2.08 billion ringgit. Failure to comply will result in additional jail time.

    This case represents just one segment of the broader 1MDB corruption scheme, which U.S. and Malaysian investigators estimate diverted at least $4.5 billion from the state fund Najib co-founded in 2009. More than $1 billion allegedly flowed into accounts connected to the former leader.

    The stolen funds financed unprecedented luxury, including a private jet, a $120 million superyacht, luxury real estate, fine art, jewelry, and even the production of the 2013 Hollywood film “The Wolf of Wall Street.” The scandal involved Malaysian financier Jho Low, who leveraged connections with A-list American celebrities during lavish parties that symbolized the audacious scale of the corruption.

    During the verdict reading, Najib appeared visibly defeated, frequently sitting with his head down and shoulders slumped, marking a dramatic fall for one of Malaysia’s most influential and divisive political figures.

  • Saudi: Identity of officer who broke suicide fall at Masjid Al Haram revealed

    Saudi: Identity of officer who broke suicide fall at Masjid Al Haram revealed

    Saudi authorities have publicly identified the security officer who sustained injuries while preventing a suicide attempt at Islam’s holiest site. Rayan bin Saeed Al-Asiri, a member of the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque, intervened when a man attempted to jump from an upper floor of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah on Thursday.

    The Ministry of Interior confirmed the incident involved an individual attempting ‘to take his own life’ before security personnel intervened. During the rescue operation, Officer Al-Asiri suffered injuries while physically breaking the man’s fall, potentially saving the individual from fatal consequences.

    In a significant recognition of his bravery, Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz personally called Officer Al-Asiri during his hospital recovery. The minister praised the officer’s exceptional courage, dedication, and high level of vigilance, emphasizing that his actions transcended mere professional duty.

    Prince Abdulaziz characterized Al-Asiri’s intervention as ‘a humane and noble stance that represents the highest meanings of sacrifice and selflessness.’ He further noted that the officer’s conduct exemplifies the core values upheld by all Saudi security personnel in serving both religious and national interests, while demonstrating exceptional readiness and professional competence in handling emergency situations within the sacred premises.

    The minister concluded the conversation with prayers for Al-Asiri’s swift recovery and expressed hope for his prompt return to duty, enabling him to continue serving visitors to the Grand Mosque. Images shared by Inside the Haramain showed the officer recovering in his hospital bed, accompanied by captions wishing for his quick recovery and divine acceptance of his efforts.

  • Israel recognises Somaliland as ‘sovereign state’; Somalia denounces move

    Israel recognises Somaliland as ‘sovereign state’; Somalia denounces move

    In a groundbreaking diplomatic maneuver, Israel has formally acknowledged the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign independent nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed this historic recognition on Friday, December 26, 2025, accompanied by an agreement to establish comprehensive diplomatic relations between the two states.

    This declaration positions Israel as the first nation to officially recognize Somaliland’s statehood, marking a significant departure from international consensus. The Israeli government framed this decision within the context of the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements brokered during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration that established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations.

    Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi enthusiastically welcomed the development, characterizing it as the foundation of a strategic partnership. Through his official social media channels, Abdullahi expressed readiness to join the Abraham Accords framework and normalize relations with Israel.

    The northwestern region of Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime. Despite maintaining its own government, currency, and security forces for over three decades, the territory has struggled to achieve widespread international recognition.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced immediate plans to institutionalize bilateral relations, including mutual embassy establishments and ambassador appointments. Prime Netanyahu has extended an official invitation for President Abdullahi to visit Israel.

    The recognition has triggered strong regional opposition. Foreign ministers from Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti collectively condemned Israel’s move during an emergency conference call. These nations reaffirmed their commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity and unity, rejecting what they characterize as a violation of international norms.

    This development represents both a diplomatic breakthrough for Somaliland’s longstanding sovereignty aspirations and a potential geopolitical flashpoint in the Horn of Africa region.