Global Pulse

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  • Conway and Latham pile on the runs as New Zealand sets the West Indies 462 to win the 3rd test

    Conway and Latham pile on the runs as New Zealand sets the West Indies 462 to win the 3rd test

    MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand — Cricket history was rewritten Sunday as New Zealand’s opening batsmen Tom Latham and Devon Conway achieved unprecedented milestones during the fourth day of the third test match against the West Indies. The dynamic duo forged a monumental 192-run partnership in the second innings, propelling New Zealand to declare at 306-2 and establishing an insurmountable lead of 461 runs.

    The pair’s extraordinary performance marked the first instance in test cricket history where a batting partnership achieved both a triple-century stand (323 runs in the first innings) and a century partnership in the same match. Conway’s exceptional batting display saw him follow his first innings masterpiece of 227 runs with exactly 100 in the second, making him only the tenth player worldwide and first New Zealander to score both a double century and century in the same test.

    Latham mirrored this brilliance with 137 in the first innings and 101 in the second, emulating his father Rod Latham’s achievement with Mark Greatbatch of century opening partnerships in both innings of a 1992 test against Zimbabwe.

    As stumps were drawn after 16 overs, the West Indies stood at 43-0, requiring an improbable 419 runs for victory on a deteriorating pitch showing concerning cracks and inconsistent bounce. Brandon King remained not out on 37 while John Campbell held firm on 2.

    The match also featured notable contributions from other New Zealand batsmen. Kane Williamson, after waiting padded up for extensive periods in both innings, capitalized on his opportunity to reach 40 not out. Rachin Ravindra provided explosive lower-order batting with an unbeaten 46 from just 23 deliveries as the declaration approached.

    Series statistics revealed the dominance of New Zealand’s opening pair. Conway amassed 452 runs at an average of 75.3, while Latham compiled 427 runs at 71.1. Their combined partnership of 515 runs in this test set a new record for opening pairs in test cricket history.

    New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi attributed the success to meticulous preparation and ideal mindset: ‘The work the guys have been doing for a while now is paying off the way they want. The trust in their own game and the game plans against particular bowlers is coming off, though it’s also been a nice batting wicket rather than the traditional New Zealand test pitch.’

    Earlier Sunday, Jacob Duffy’s bowling prowess (4-86 in the first innings) helped dismantle the West Indies’ resistance, taking two quick wickets as the visitors lost four wickets for 39 runs after resuming at 381-6. Kavem Hodge remained unbeaten on 123, securing his second test century and highest score.

  • Jeddah to Lahore PIA flight makes emergency landing due to technical fault

    Jeddah to Lahore PIA flight makes emergency landing due to technical fault

    A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft operating as Flight PK860 from Jeddah to Lahore was compelled to execute an emergency diversion to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Friday, December 19th, following the emergence of a significant technical malfunction during its journey. The incident, which occurred while the Airbus A320 was traversing Saudi airspace, prompted the cockpit crew to declare a general emergency, signaled by setting the transponder to code 7700. This critical alert triggered the automatic deployment of passenger oxygen masks throughout the cabin, according to multiple Pakistani media outlets. A spokesperson for the national carrier confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 381 individuals including numerous Umrah pilgrims, landed safely without injury to any passengers or crew. PIA subsequently coordinated a rescue flight dispatched from Pakistan to transport the stranded travelers to their original destination in Lahore. Aviation authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise nature of the technical fault that led to the emergency protocol.

  • Rajab crescent not spotted in Oman, ministry says

    Rajab crescent not spotted in Oman, ministry says

    Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs confirmed on Saturday, December 20, 2025, that astronomical observers failed to sight the Rajab crescent moon after sunset, officially delaying the commencement of Rajab 1447 AH to Monday. This announcement creates a divergence in Islamic lunar calendar observance across the region, as neighboring United Arab Emirates confirmed successful crescent sighting earlier the same day.

    The lunar observation holds profound religious significance as it initiates the three-month spiritual preparation period culminating in Ramadan—Islam’s holiest month characterized by fasting, prayer, and devotion. Oman’s methodology strictly adheres to traditional moon sighting protocols rather than astronomical calculations, maintaining the practice that Islamic months begin only upon visual confirmation of the new crescent.

    This calendrical discrepancy demonstrates the variability inherent in moon-based timekeeping systems, where atmospheric conditions, geographical location, and observational methodologies can yield different outcomes across Muslim communities. The progression from Rajab to Shaban and ultimately Ramadan remains contingent upon successive lunar observations, typically spanning approximately two lunar cycles from Rajab’s commencement.

    The ministry’s official statement emphasized that Saturday marked the 29th of Jumada al-Akhirah 1447 AH, and with no crescent sighting, the current month will complete its thirty-day cycle before Rajab officially begins. This approach reflects Oman’s conservative interpretation of lunar month commencement, contrasting with some Muslim nations that employ astronomical calculations to predict Islamic calendar dates.

  • UAE: New rules to regulate veterinary work, fines for unlicensed activity

    UAE: New rules to regulate veterinary work, fines for unlicensed activity

    Abu Dhabi has enacted sweeping regulatory measures to standardize veterinary medicine and enhance animal health protections throughout the emirate. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has formally issued a comprehensive resolution establishing stringent licensing requirements for all veterinary facilities and practitioners.

    The new framework mandates that veterinary establishments must secure official ADAFSA authorization before employing any veterinary professionals or allied staff. Furthermore, all facilities must obtain operational licenses prior to conducting any veterinary activities within Abu Dhabi. The resolution introduces a system of administrative penalties for violations, with fines subject to doubling for repeat offenses occurring within one year of initial infractions.

    This regulatory initiative aims to achieve multiple objectives: elevating the efficiency of veterinary services, ensuring proper professional qualifications, regulating the veterinary workforce, and ultimately strengthening biosecurity measures across the emirate. By implementing these standards, authorities seek to build greater confidence among livestock breeders and the general public in the quality and safety of animal healthcare services.

    ADAFSA will complement these enforcement measures with an extensive awareness campaign targeting veterinary clinics, their personnel, livestock owners, and the broader community. This educational initiative is designed to promote thorough understanding of and compliance with the new regulations, facilitating a smooth transition to the enhanced regulatory environment.

  • This billionaire tested China’s limits. It cost him his freedom

    This billionaire tested China’s limits. It cost him his freedom

    Hong Kong’s High Court has delivered a landmark verdict in the national security case against Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old British citizen and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. The court found Lai guilty on all charges, including collusion with foreign forces, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

    The ruling concluded that Lai harbored “a rabid hatred” of the Chinese Communist Party and pursued an “obsession to change the Party’s values to those of the Western world.” The court determined that Lai had actively worked to oust the Party or remove its leader Xi Jinping from power through his media operations and political activities.

    Lai’s journey from a Chinese refugee to a Hong Kong business magnate forms the backdrop to this case. Arriving in Hong Kong in 1959 at age 12, Lai built a commercial empire that included the Giordano clothing chain before venturing into media with the establishment of Apple Daily in 1995. The newspaper revolutionized Hong Kong’s media landscape with its innovative layout and controversial content mix that ranged from investigative journalism to adult entertainment guides.

    The prosecution built its case around Lai’s use of Apple Daily as a platform for anti-government sentiment during the 2019 protests. Evidence presented during the 156-day trial included testimony from former associates indicating Lai instructed editorial staff to “urge people to take to the streets.” The court particularly noted Lai’s meetings with U.S. officials, including then-Vice President Mike Pence, and his campaign urging readers to write to President Donald Trump to “save Hong Kong” as evidence of colluding with foreign forces.

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the verdict, stating that Lai had used his newspaper to “wantonly create social conflicts” and “glorify violence.” Lee emphasized that the national security law does not permit anyone to harm the country “under the guise of human rights, democracy and freedom.”

    The case has drawn international attention as a bellwether for Hong Kong’s legal environment under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Supporters of Lai, including family members and former colleagues, maintain that he was merely advocating for Hong Kong’s traditional values of rule of law and freedom of expression.

    Lai’s defense argued throughout the trial that his actions constituted legitimate political expression rather than criminal activity. The media tycoon testified that he had only advocated for what he believed were Hong Kong’s core values: “rule of law, freedom, pursuit of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly.”

    The verdict comes amid broader changes in Hong Kong’s political landscape, with authorities stating the city has moved from “chaos to governance” while critics point to an exodus of residents and diminished freedoms. The case represents one of the highest-profile applications of the national security law that Beijing says was necessary to restore stability after prolonged protests.

  • Dubai issues warnings to winter camps against using drones, subleasing sites

    Dubai issues warnings to winter camps against using drones, subleasing sites

    Dubai Municipality has launched enhanced inspection operations and public awareness initiatives targeting temporary winter camps throughout the city. This comprehensive safety campaign addresses multiple violations that could compromise public safety during the popular winter camping season.

    Recent enforcement actions have resulted in official warnings being issued for several infractions. Authorities documented three separate violations for illegal tent subleasing operations, one case involving unauthorized drone usage, and three additional warnings for creating public disturbances within camp premises.

    Beyond enforcement, the municipality maintains an ongoing educational program for camp owners, providing essential guidance on proper setup procedures and regulatory compliance. The safety initiative involves coordinated efforts with multiple government entities including Civil Defense teams conducting field awareness campaigns, Dubai Ambulance services providing 24/7 emergency medical support, and Dubai Police implementing compliance verification operations.

    Additional measures include targeted operations against unauthorized street vendors, particularly those selling hookah products, to ensure optimal safety and comfort for camp residents and visitors. These multi-agency efforts represent a proactive approach to maintaining Dubai’s high safety standards while preserving the enjoyable winter camping experience that attracts both residents and tourists to the region.

  • 2 months to Ramadan: Rajab crescent spotted in UAE skies

    2 months to Ramadan: Rajab crescent spotted in UAE skies

    ABU DHABI – The celestial skies above the United Arab Emirates presented a significant astronomical and religious event on December 20, 2025, as the crescent moon marking the commencement of Rajab 1447 AH was officially sighted at 4:30 PM local time. The observation was conducted by the Khattam Astronomical Observatory under the International Astronomy Centre, confirming the moon’s position at 6.7 degrees separation from the sun.

    This celestial phenomenon carries profound religious significance for Muslim communities worldwide, as Rajab represents the seventh month in the Islamic Hijri calendar and stands among the four sacred months in Islamic tradition. The sighting initiates a three-month spiritual progression toward Ramadan, the holiest period in the Islamic faith dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

    The transition between these sacred months follows precise lunar observations, with each month commencing only upon visual confirmation of the new crescent moon. Following the conclusion of Rajab, the month of Shaban begins through similar astronomical verification, ultimately culminating in the arrival of Ramadan approximately two lunar months after the initial Rajab sighting.

    The International Astronomy Centre’s confirmation provides Muslim communities across the UAE and globally with a definitive timeline for spiritual preparation. This astronomical event enables faithful observers to anticipate the approaching holy month while honoring the traditional lunar-based calendar that governs Islamic religious observances.

    Such sightings demonstrate the continuing harmony between scientific astronomical observation and religious tradition, maintaining ancient practices through modern scientific methodology. The UAE’s advanced astronomical capabilities continue to support religious observances by providing accurate celestial data to Muslim communities worldwide.

  • US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast

    US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast

    In a significant escalation of maritime enforcement operations, United States authorities have intercepted and seized an oil tanker that recently departed from Venezuelan waters. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the seizure, marking the second such operation this month targeting vessels carrying Venezuelan petroleum.

    The tactical operation, conducted before dawn on December 20th, involved US Coast Guard special teams boarding the Panamanian-flagged crude carrier ‘Centuries’ in international waters. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly shared video evidence of the operation on social media platform X, showing US military helicopters landing on the vessel’s deck.

    This enforcement action directly implements President Donald Trump’s recently announced ‘blockade’ directive against sanctioned oil tankers operating in Venezuelan maritime territory. Secretary Noem justified the seizure by stating the vessel was involved in ‘illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region,’ adding the unequivocal warning: ‘We will find you, and we will stop you.’

    The operation occurs amidst a substantial increase in US military presence throughout the Caribbean region. Recent weeks have witnessed deadly strikes by US forces against alleged Venezuelan drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in approximately 100 casualties, though no public evidence has been provided regarding drug trafficking allegations.

    Washington has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a designated terrorist organization called ‘Cartel de los Soles,’ allegedly financed through illegal oil exports. The Trump administration maintains these oil revenues fund various criminal activities including drug terrorism, human trafficking, and kidnapping.

    Venezuela, which possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, remains critically dependent on petroleum exports for government financing. The Maduro administration has previously characterized similar seizures as acts of ‘kidnapping’ crews and ‘stealing’ national resources, though no immediate response has been issued regarding this latest incident.

    This seizure follows the earlier December capture of the tanker ‘Skipper,’ which US authorities identified as part of a ‘ghost fleet’ allegedly using concealment strategies to evade sanctions. Both vessels are being redirected to US ports for further investigation.

  • China launches new communication technology test satellite

    China launches new communication technology test satellite

    China has successfully deployed an advanced communication technology test satellite from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province. The launch occurred at 8:30 PM Beijing Time on Saturday, utilizing a Long March-5 carrier rocket to transport the satellite into its predetermined orbit.

    This newly deployed satellite represents a significant step forward in China’s space communication infrastructure development. The primary mission objective involves conducting comprehensive validation tests for multi-band, high-speed communication technologies that could potentially enhance future space-based communication systems.

    This launch constitutes the 618th mission in the Long March rocket program’s extensive history, demonstrating China’s continuing commitment to expanding its space capabilities. The successful deployment underscores the technical proficiency of China’s aerospace industry and represents another milestone in the nation’s ambitious space exploration agenda.

    The Wenchang Space Launch Site, strategically located on Hainan Island, has become increasingly important for China’s space missions due to its favorable equatorial position, which provides additional launch capacity for heavy payload missions requiring precise orbital insertion.

  • Taiwan Affairs spokesperson warns against aggression toward mainland fisherman

    Taiwan Affairs spokesperson warns against aggression toward mainland fisherman

    China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has issued a firm rebuttal against Taiwan’s maritime jurisdiction claims while warning against continued aggression toward mainland fishermen. Spokesperson Chen Binhua stated unequivocally that no “prohibited or restricted waters” exist in the sea area between Xiamen and Jinmen, emphasizing that these traditional fishing grounds have long been shared by fishermen from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

    During a Saturday briefing, Chen reinforced China’s territorial sovereignty, asserting that Taiwan along with its surrounding islands of Penghu, Jinmen, and Matsu are inseparable parts of Chinese territory. The spokesperson highlighted the historical context of these waters serving as common fishing grounds for decades, facilitating the livelihoods of fishing communities across the strait.

    Chen defended the Chinese coast guard’s routine patrols as essential measures for maintaining maritime order and ensuring the safety of all fishermen operating in the area. The spokesperson called on Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities to respect the established historical and factual realities of these shared fishing zones.

    The warning came with a serious diplomatic message: Taiwan’s DPP administration must immediately cease what Beijing characterizes as unjustified detentions and aggressive actions against mainland fishermen. Chen concluded with a stern admonition that the DPP authorities would bear full responsibility for any consequences resulting from continued provocative measures in the contested waters.