Global Pulse

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  • Heart attacks and hunting accidents: Five times Cheney became the story

    Heart attacks and hunting accidents: Five times Cheney became the story

    Dick Cheney, the former U.S. Vice President under George W. Bush, passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy marked by controversy, conviction, and significant influence in Washington. Known for his unorthodox approach to politics, Cheney often made headlines that overshadowed those of his boss. His career was defined by moments that showcased his willingness to break from the president when he deemed it necessary, as well as his ironclad belief in his decisions.

    One of the most infamous incidents in Cheney’s career occurred in 2006 during a hunting trip in south Texas. While aiming at a bird, Cheney accidentally shot and injured 78-year-old Harry Whittington, who suffered a minor heart attack and injuries to his face, chest, and neck. Cheney initially remained silent about the incident but later admitted responsibility, stating, ‘I’m the guy that pulled the trigger.’ The event became a source of ridicule for late-night TV hosts, with David Letterman quipping, ‘Good news, ladies and gentlemen, we have finally located weapons of mass destruction: It’s Dick Cheney.’

    Cheney’s health struggles also drew attention, particularly his decision to modify his heart pacemaker in 2007 to prevent potential hacking. This move sparked speculation among fans of the TV series ‘Homeland,’ which featured a plot where the vice president dies after terrorists hack into his pacemaker. Cheney’s doctor, Jonathan Reiner, explained that the modification was necessary to ensure the vice president’s safety.

    In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney was isolated in an ‘undisclosed location’ to secure the presidential succession in case George W. Bush was killed. From this hideout, Cheney issued the extraordinary order to shoot down any passenger jets thought to be hijacked if they headed toward the White House or the U.S. Capitol building. This decision underscored his role as a wartime leader operating from the shadows.

    Cheney’s stance on gay marriage also set him apart from Bush. Despite Bush’s support for a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, Cheney openly supported gay marriage, stating, ‘Freedom means freedom for everyone.’ This position drew criticism from within their Republican party, with conservative groups urging Cheney to align with Bush’s stance.

    Cheney’s disregard for Senate traditions was evident in 2004 when he used an expletive on the Senate floor in response to accusations of war profiteering from former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. Although using profanity on the Senate floor is against the rules, Cheney reportedly avoided reprimand as the Senate was not in session.

    Dick Cheney’s career was marked by moments that highlighted his influence, conviction, and willingness to break from convention, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.

  • Parts of Cameroon deserted as opposition calls for a lockdown to protest election results

    Parts of Cameroon deserted as opposition calls for a lockdown to protest election results

    DOUALA, Cameroon — Several cities in Cameroon remained eerily quiet on Tuesday following a call by the main opposition leader for citizens to stay home in protest against the recent election victory of 92-year-old President Paul Biya. The three-day lockdown, which commenced on Monday, primarily affected key opposition strongholds, including the economic hub of Douala and northern cities like Maroua and Garoua, where deadly protests have erupted in recent days. While partial compliance was observed in the capital, Yaoundé, many businesses continued operations as usual. President Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, secured his eighth term in the October 12 election, according to official results. However, main opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has contested the outcome, claiming victory and urging Cameroonians to reject the official results. In his appeal for the lockdown, Tchiroma stated, “Let us keep our shops closed, suspend our activities, remain at home in silence, to demonstrate our solidarity.” The lockdown has inflicted significant economic hardship, with businesses and offices shuttered and intercity transport services halted. Residents like Amadou Adji of Garoua, whose niece was killed during the protests, expressed support for the lockdown, calling it a form of solidarity with Tchiroma. Meanwhile, food seller Caroline Akuh in Douala lamented the financial strain on her family, stating, “We are afraid to step out … we are tired of this.” In Yaoundé, the price of a 5-liter bucket of potatoes surged from $3.50 to $8.78 in less than a week, reflecting the economic toll of the unrest. Celestin Mimba, a resident of the capital, noted, “Prices have gone up in ways no one anticipated.” The lockdown follows widespread protests by opposition supporters and clashes with security forces, resulting in casualties. Authorities confirmed four deaths in northern protests, while the Stand Up For Cameroon civil society group reported at least 23 fatalities. Cameroonian officials have condemned the protests, accusing the opposition of attempting to destabilize law and order.

  • India sends recovery plane to Mongolia after Air India flight makes precautionary landing

    India sends recovery plane to Mongolia after Air India flight makes precautionary landing

    In a swift response to an unexpected aviation incident, the Embassy of India in Mongolia has extended critical support to passengers and crew of Air India Flight AI 174, which made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar International Airport on November 3, 2025. The flight, en route from San Francisco to New Delhi via Kolkata, was diverted due to a suspected technical issue detected mid-flight. All 228 passengers and crew members were safely disembarked and provided with hotel accommodations, food, and necessary immigration assistance through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Embassy and Mongolian authorities. Air India promptly dispatched a recovery aircraft from India, expected to arrive in Ulaanbaatar by Monday evening, to facilitate the passengers’ return to India. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but emphasized that the diversion was undertaken solely to ensure passenger safety. This incident follows a recent cancellation of another Air India flight on October 17 due to technical issues, underscoring the airline’s commitment to prioritizing safety. The Embassy of India has assured that it is providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals and working closely with Air India to resolve the situation swiftly.

  • China-Laos sugarcane import season begins

    China-Laos sugarcane import season begins

    The 2025-26 sugarcane import season between China and Laos has officially commenced, signaling a significant boost in cross-border agricultural trade. On October 29, the first shipment of sugarcane from Laos arrived at Mengman Port in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, marking the start of a season expected to last until April 2026. Over 930,000 tons of sugarcane are projected to be imported into China for sugar extraction and production, with an estimated industrial output value of 620 million yuan ($87 million), reflecting a 12% increase from the previous season.

  • 2 French nationals freed from Iranian prison after more than 3 years in detention

    2 French nationals freed from Iranian prison after more than 3 years in detention

    In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday the release of two French citizens, Cécile Kohler, 41, and Jacques Paris, 72, from an Iranian prison after over three years of detention. The pair had been held on espionage charges, which France consistently labeled as baseless. Macron expressed profound relief, describing the release as a “first step” and emphasizing ongoing dialogue with Iranian authorities to facilitate their swift return to France. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that Kohler and Paris are currently safe at the French Residence in Tehran, awaiting their final release. The couple was arrested in May 2022 during a visit to Iran, with Paris condemning their detention as unjustified. Relatives recently shared their anguish after a rare phone call revealed the detainees’ despair. Last month, Iranian media reported that a Revolutionary Court in Tehran had sentenced the pair to a cumulative 63 years in prison on charges of espionage and alleged cooperation with Israel. Western nations have long accused Iran of using foreign prisoners as leverage in diplomatic negotiations, a claim Tehran denies.

  • Djokovic will play at ATP Finals, Italy fed president says

    Djokovic will play at ATP Finals, Italy fed president says

    Novak Djokovic, the world’s fifth-ranked tennis player, has officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. This announcement was made by Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, during an interview with Italian radio channel Rai Gr Parlamento on Monday. The confirmation comes as a relief to fans and organizers alike, as Djokovic had skipped the Paris Masters and has been absent from competitive play since his surprising loss to qualifier Valentin Vacherot in the Shanghai Masters semifinals last month. The ATP Finals, scheduled from November 9 to 16, will feature the world’s top eight players. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has won the tournament a record seven times, with his most recent victory in 2023. At 38 years old, the Serbian tennis legend’s participation leaves only one qualifying spot open. The final spot is being contested between ninth-ranked Italian Lorenzo Musetti and eighth-ranked Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Auger-Aliassime, who reached the Paris Masters final last week, withdrew from the Moselle Open in Metz on Monday, giving Musetti a chance to secure the last spot if he performs well in this week’s ATP 250 tournament in Athens.

  • Planting trees and cuddling babies: William visits Brazilian island

    Planting trees and cuddling babies: William visits Brazilian island

    Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has embarked on a significant five-day visit to Brazil, blending royal diplomacy with environmental advocacy. The visit, which began on Monday, has already seen the future king engage in a series of high-profile activities, from receiving an honor from Rio de Janeiro’s mayor to participating in training drills with children at the iconic Maracana Stadium. However, the heart of his mission lies in his environmental initiatives, particularly the presentation of the Earthshot Prize and his upcoming speech at the COP30 climate summit. On Tuesday, Prince William took a 50-minute ferry ride to Paqueta, a car-free island where bicycles are the primary mode of transport. There, he interacted with locals, cuddled a baby, and planted new trees in the mangrove area, highlighting the island’s commitment to environmental protection. The visit was declared a ‘Day of the Prince,’ with children given time off school to meet him, armed with colorful drawings as gifts. The prince’s engagement with the community was warmly received, with residents expressing their admiration for his humility and dedication to environmental causes. Eugenia Maria Dos Santos, one of the ‘Guardians of the Mangroves,’ praised the prince for his hands-on approach, stating, ‘The most important thing for me is his humility.’ Prince William’s visit to Brazil marks a pivotal moment in his environmental advocacy, as he prepares to conclude his trip with a significant appearance at COP30 in the Amazon rainforest. This visit not only underscores his commitment to the Earthshot Prize but also positions him as a key figure in the global fight against climate change.

  • Day 35: Millions of Americans to get reduced food aid during shutdown

    Day 35: Millions of Americans to get reduced food aid during shutdown

    The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now in its 35th day, is causing widespread hardship as millions of Americans face reduced food assistance. The White House has announced that only partial payments will be made to the 42 million individuals reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. This decision comes as the shutdown nears a record length, crippling essential public services. Federal courts recently ruled that the Trump administration must allocate $4.65 billion from an emergency fund to cover part of November’s SNAP costs, estimated at $9 billion. However, officials from the Agriculture Department confirmed they would not bridge the funding gap, leaving 50% of eligible households with reduced benefits. The shutdown has also jeopardized other critical programs, including WIC, which supports pregnant women and infants, and Head Start, which provides nutrition and family support to thousands of children. At the core of the political impasse is the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, set to lapse at year’s end unless Congress intervenes. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked, with Democrats demanding a deal to extend health care subsidies and Republicans refusing to negotiate until the government reopens. President Trump has instructed government lawyers to explore legal avenues to fund SNAP, but delays are expected. Critics, including top Senate Democrat Patty Murray, have condemned the administration for failing to fully fund SNAP payments, calling the partial funding ‘not acceptable.’

  • Head of UK’s richest family dies aged 85

    Head of UK’s richest family dies aged 85

    Gopichand Hinduja, the patriarch of Britain’s richest family, has passed away at the age of 85. Known affectionately as GP, Mr. Hinduja was a pivotal figure in transforming his father’s modest textile and trading enterprises into the Hinduja Group, a global conglomerate operating across 11 sectors, including finance, media, entertainment, and oil. The group employs approximately 200,000 people worldwide. The Hinduja family, in a heartfelt statement, expressed that his passing “will leave a deep hole at the heart of our family,” and highlighted his “formidable work” as his enduring legacy. Mr. Hinduja and his family recently topped the Sunday Times Rich List with a staggering net worth of £35.3 billion and ranked 11th on Forbes’ list of India’s 100 richest businesspeople in 2024. He was the second eldest of four brothers who collectively steered the conglomerate for decades. His eldest brother, Srichand, passed away in 2023 at the age of 87. The leadership succession of the conglomerate remains uncertain, with the youngest brother, Ashok, currently overseeing operations in India, including the renowned truck manufacturer Ashok Leyland. The Hinduja family also boasts significant real estate holdings in London, including properties near St. James’s Park and the recently refurbished Old War Office in Whitehall, now housing a luxury hotel. Despite his low public profile, Mr. Hinduja was embroiled in the controversial “Hinduja affair” in 2001, which led to the resignation of Lord Peter Mandelson as an MP. The controversy arose after Mr. Hinduja wrote to Mr. Mandelson regarding his brother Prakash’s British citizenship application, following a £1 million donation by the family’s charity to the Millennium Dome project, overseen by Mr. Mandelson. Although Mr. Mandelson was later exonerated, the incident remains a notable chapter in Mr. Hinduja’s life. In a separate legal matter, Prakash Hinduja, his wife, and their son were convicted by a Swiss court last year for exploiting domestic staff at their Geneva residence.

  • Back in form, Australia’s Labuschagne relishes Ashes challenge

    Back in form, Australia’s Labuschagne relishes Ashes challenge

    Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne has rediscovered his form just in time for the upcoming Ashes series, marking a remarkable turnaround after a challenging period in his career. The 31-year-old batsman, who was dropped from the Test side during the West Indies tour earlier this year, has since scored his fifth century of the domestic season, solidifying his place in the Australia squad. Labuschagne’s resurgence comes after a technical slump that saw him manage only one century in 53 innings prior to his exclusion. Despite a lackluster performance in the 50-overs series against South Africa in August, he has since hit three centuries in one-dayers and two more in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland. Speaking to reporters after his latest century, Labuschagne emphasized the importance of rhythm and confidence in batting, stating, ‘You protect it like it’s gold.’ Reflecting on his journey, he credited his time in English county cricket with Glamorgan in 2019 as a pivotal period in his career. Labuschagne also acknowledged the benefits of being dropped from the Test side, noting that it provided clarity and motivation to refine his game. He expressed optimism for teammate Sam Konstas, who is currently struggling with form, encouraging him to learn from the experience. The England squad arrived in Australia on Monday, with the first Ashes Test set to begin in Perth on November 21.