Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Tourism in Cuba plummets as tensions with US increase and Venezuela oil shipments drop

    Tourism in Cuba plummets as tensions with US increase and Venezuela oil shipments drop

    HAVANA — Under the shade of a beach almond tree, classic car drivers leap to their feet as tourists disembark from a yellow bus near Havana’s seawall. But hopes quickly fade as visitors snap selfies with the vintage vehicles—a 1950 Pontiac here, a 1960 Buick there—before walking away without booking rides.

    “This is grim,” lamented Reymundo Aldama, leaning against his bubblegum pink 1957 Ford Fairlane convertible. “We’re waiting for them to come, we’re waiting for work.”

    Cuba’s tourism sector is experiencing a catastrophic decline, with visitor numbers plummeting by more than half since 2018. The dual blows of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and severe energy blackouts have been exacerbated by tightened U.S. sanctions, creating what experts warn could become an economic disaster for the island nation.

    The crisis hits particularly hard for Cubans whose livelihoods depend on tourism. Rosbel Figueredo Ricardo, 30, who sells popular fried flour chips called “chivirico,” now loads only 50 bags daily compared to his previous 150. “I’m a mid-level industrial mechanical technician, and look at me here,” he said, supporting a partner and three children with another on the way.

    Statistics reveal the dramatic downturn: from January to November 2025, Cuba welcomed approximately 2.3 million tourists, significantly fewer than the 4.8 million recorded in 2018. The industry, which once generated up to $3 billion annually, has seen restaurants sit empty, tourism buses run near-vacant, and classic car drivers struggle to find even one customer per day.

    Multiple factors contribute to the decline. The Trump administration’s 2019 ban on cruise ship visits eliminated one of the most popular travel methods to the island. Recent disruptions in Venezuelan oil shipments following U.S. actions against the South American country have exacerbated energy shortages. Additionally, visitors report being deterred by growing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, utility cuts, and accumulating garbage in tourist areas.

    Gaspar Biart, a double-decker tourism bus driver with 16 years of experience, noted: “There’s been a huge change. Sanctions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have closed Cuba’s doors. We can’t even breathe.”

    International visitors express mixed reactions. Vincent Seigi from Russia observed “so many poor people, sadly” and noted Cuba’s economic struggles might preview what could happen in his own sanction-impacted country. In contrast, Brazilian teacher Gloraci Passos de Carvalho admired Cuban resilience: “It’s a lesson for people, to survive with less… I see it in a positive light.”

    With Venezuela’s support diminished, questions arise about whether China or Russia might fill the void. Meanwhile, classic car drivers like Aldama have slashed prices from $50 to $20-25 per tour, wondering how long they can continue before seeking alternative employment.

  • ICE agents to help with security at Winter Olympics

    ICE agents to help with security at Winter Olympics

    The upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Italy have become embroiled in political controversy following revelations that agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will participate in security operations. According to an official statement obtained by AFP, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations division will collaborate with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and Italian authorities to assess and mitigate potential threats from transnational criminal organizations during the February 6-22 event.

    The agency emphasized that all security operations remain under Italian jurisdiction and clarified that ‘ICE does not conduct immigration enforcement operations in foreign countries.’ This assurance comes amid growing concerns about the agency’s involvement, particularly following recent civilian fatalities during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis that sparked national outrage.

    Italian officials have offered conflicting accounts regarding the scope of ICE’s participation. Initial denials of their presence were followed by attempts to minimize their role, suggesting they would primarily provide security for the U.S. delegation attending the Games. Attilio Fontana, president of Lombardy region hosting some Olympic events, initially stated their involvement would be ‘only in a defensive role’ focused on protecting U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the February 6 opening ceremony in Milan. However, his office subsequently issued a clarification indicating these remarks addressed a hypothetical scenario rather than confirming specific operational details.

    The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of increased ICE deployments across American cities under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which has prompted widespread protests. The recent deaths of two U.S. citizens—37-year-olds Renee Good and Alex Pretti—during Minneapolis enforcement actions have further intensified scrutiny of the agency’s methods and international reputation.

  • Watch: Athlete flies through Ciel Dubai Marina’s ‘eye of needle’ at over 200kmph

    Watch: Athlete flies through Ciel Dubai Marina’s ‘eye of needle’ at over 200kmph

    Dubai’s skyline became the stage for an extraordinary aerial spectacle as elite wingsuit athletes executed a precision fly-through of the Ciel Dubai Marina’s architectural centerpiece. In a breathtaking maneuver captured by drone cameras, the XDubai wingsuit team transformed the city’s atmosphere into their performance arena.

    The lead athlete achieved the pivotal stunt, navigating through the tower’s distinctive ‘eye of the needle’ opening at velocities surpassing 200 kilometers per hour. This architectural marvel, standing at 377 meters with 82 stories, provided both the backdrop and the obstacle for this death-defying feat. Meanwhile, accompanying team members deployed vibrant color effects during their descent, creating spectacular aerial trails against Dubai’s iconic skyline.

    This demonstration transcended typical extreme sports boundaries, blending athletic precision with architectural appreciation. The carefully coordinated flight path showcased not only human skill but also the tower’s unique design features. The Ciel Dubai Marina now holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest hotel, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, along with the planet’s highest infinity pool.

    The drone footage provided unprecedented perspectives of the wingsuit formation as they maneuvered around the blue glass oval-shaped tower, offering viewers a rare glimpse of urban base jumping at its most spectacular. This event represents another milestone in Dubai’s continuing relationship with extreme sports and architectural innovation.

  • US border enforcer set to leave Minneapolis as Trump tries to calm crisis

    US border enforcer set to leave Minneapolis as Trump tries to calm crisis

    Minneapolis is witnessing the withdrawal of certain federal border enforcement personnel following two fatal protester shootings that have ignited nationwide condemnation and placed President Trump’s immigration policies under unprecedented scrutiny. The anticipated departure of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, recognized for his militarized approach to immigration enforcement, coincides with the arrival of new White House envoy Tom Homan, who is tasked with deescalating tensions through improved communication with local officials.

    The crisis reached a critical point when 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot multiple times at point-blank range during an altercation with federal agents on an icy road this past Saturday. This incident occurred less than three weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Good—a mother of three—was similarly killed inside her vehicle on January 7th. Both shootings involved masked, heavily armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents operating under Trump’s aggressive deportation initiative.

    Initially, administration officials falsely characterized Pretti as a ‘domestic terrorist’ intending to harm federal agents, claims that were visibly contradicted by multiple video recordings. Although President Trump initially amplified these allegations on social media, he subsequently adopted a more conciliatory stance as political backlash intensified.

    The repercussions have extended to Washington, where rare bipartisan criticism has emerged. Republican Senator Rand Paul called for the immediate administrative leave of agents involved in Pretti’s shooting, while centrist Democratic Senator John Fetterman demanded the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing gross incompetence.

    Meanwhile, Minneapolis protesters braving sub-zero temperatures expressed cautious relief at the partial withdrawal of federal forces. Local demonstrators described months of community trauma and brutality, viewing the reduced presence as both a vindication of their protests and a welcome relief from sustained violence.

    Simultaneously, legal challenges are progressing through Minnesota courts. A federal judge is considering whether the deployment of federal officers violates state sovereignty, and ICE’s acting director has been ordered to appear in court regarding a detention challenge.

  • 3 French tourists die after boat capsizes with 27 onboard in Oman

    3 French tourists die after boat capsizes with 27 onboard in Oman

    A maritime tragedy struck Oman’s coastal waters on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, resulting in the deaths of three French tourists after their vessel capsized. The Sultanate’s police authorities confirmed the incident involved a tourist boat carrying 27 individuals, including 25 French visitors, one tour guide, and the boat captain.

    Emergency response teams promptly arrived at the scene following the capsizing. Two tourists sustained minor injuries in the accident and received immediate medical treatment from ambulance crews. Their conditions were stabilized after on-site intervention.

    The Omani authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to this fatal maritime accident. Preliminary reports have not disclosed specific details regarding weather conditions or potential mechanical failures at the time of the incident.

    This tragedy highlights the persistent maritime safety challenges in Oman’s popular tourist destinations. The country’s picturesque coastline and beaches, while attracting numerous international visitors, occasionally present dangerous sea conditions and unpredictable weather patterns that can turn deadly.

    Historical context reveals this is not an isolated incident in the region. In March 2025, a child was found deceased at sea following a four-day search operation involving citizens and specialized water rescue teams. February 2025 saw recovery operations for two drowning victims in Ain Wadah, while October 2024 witnessed another fatal drowning incident involving two children in the Al Haddah area, where only one survived.

    The Royal Oman Police has demonstrated responsive capabilities in maritime emergencies, as evidenced by their successful evacuation of a medical case from Wadi Bani Ghafir’s mountainous terrain, transporting the individual to Rustaq Reference Hospital for treatment.

    This latest incident raises questions about safety protocols for tourist water activities in Oman and underscores the need for continued vigilance regarding maritime safety measures in the region.

  • Trump’s shadow looms over India-EU trade deal

    Trump’s shadow looms over India-EU trade deal

    In a landmark development with profound geopolitical implications, India and the European Union have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement, signaling a strategic realignment in response to global economic uncertainties. The deal, hailed as “the mother of all deals” by both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, represents a significant breakthrough after two decades of stalled negotiations.

    The agreement emerges against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions and unpredictable US policy under the Trump administration. With the US imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods—including a 25% penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil—and threatening similar measures against EU countries, both powers have sought to diversify their economic partnerships and reduce strategic dependencies.

    Von der Leyen emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating: “This is the tale of two giants – the world’s second and fourth largest economies – choosing partnership in a true win-win fashion. By combining our strengths, we reduce strategic dependencies at a time when trade is increasingly weaponized.”

    Prime Minister Modi highlighted the agreement’s broader implications, noting that the global order is in “great turmoil” and that the pact would strengthen global supply chains while serving as “a new blueprint for shared prosperity.”

    The deal forms part of a broader pattern of nations seeking alternative alliances amid Washington’s aggressive trade stance. Recent weeks have seen Canada resetting ties with China, the UK pursuing strengthened trade relations with Beijing, and the EU finally concluding a trade accord with Mercosur after 25 years of negotiation—all developments experts attribute partly to the “Trump factor.”

    Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, observed: “The Trump factor provided a very strong impetus to the deal because both India and the EU are facing shock US tariffs that they never expected. Trump is a big reason why the EU and India have been able to overcome most of their differences.”

    While the agreement promises enhanced market access for both parties and helps the EU reduce its reliance on China, implementation challenges remain. The deal must undergo months of legal scrutiny before ratification by EU member states and the European Parliament—a process experts warn will be complex given contentious issues around intellectual property, agriculture, and carbon emissions.

    Despite these hurdles, business groups on both sides have welcomed the agreement as a crucial step toward stabilizing trade relations in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

  • Australian speedster Kane Richardson retires from professional cricket

    Australian speedster Kane Richardson retires from professional cricket

    Australian cricketer Kane Richardson, renowned for his fast bowling prowess, has officially declared his retirement from all forms of professional cricket. The 34-year-old made the announcement on Tuesday through social media platforms followed by an official statement distributed via the Australian Cricketers’ Association.

    Richardson, who recently completed a one-year contract with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, concludes a distinguished career spanning 17 years since his professional debut in 2009. Throughout his tenure in the BBL, initially as one of the league’s foundational players, Richardson represented Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades, achieving championship victory with the latter during the 2018-19 season. His remarkable performance places him as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in BBL history with 142 wickets.

    On the international stage, Richardson earned significant accolades representing Australia across multiple formats. His career highlights include participation in 25 One-Day Internationals and 36 Twenty20 Internationals. He was an integral member of Australia’s triumphant T20 World Cup squads in both 2021 (hosted in the UAE) and 2022 (hosted in Australia), in addition to competing in the 2019 ODI World Cup.

    In his retirement statement, Richardson expressed profound gratitude: ‘I feel I have maximized every opportunity throughout my career, and now marks the appropriate moment to conclude this incredibly fulfilling chapter. My appreciation extends to all coaches, administrators, and fellow athletes who have contributed to my development, particularly those during my formative years in South Australia and the Northern Territory.’

    The bowler reflected on his childhood aspirations, noting: ‘Representing my nation alongside various franchise teams globally has been an extraordinary privilege. I always approached this honor with utmost seriousness, hoping spectators recognized that I was living my childhood dream from Darwin.’

  • Gansu leads China in museums per capita

    Gansu leads China in museums per capita

    Northwest China’s Gansu Province has emerged as the nation’s leader in museum accessibility per capita, marking a significant milestone in regional cultural development. Governor Ren Zhenhe announced this achievement during his government work report presentation at the fourth session of the 14th Gansu Provincial People’s Congress on Tuesday.

    According to data from the Gansu Cultural Relics Bureau, the province now hosts 263 registered museums following the recent addition of six new institutions. This translates to one museum for every 93,200 residents, representing the highest density of museum access among all Chinese provinces.

    The cultural sector demonstrated remarkable vitality throughout the past year, with more than 700 exhibitions and approximately 20,000 educational programs conducted both online and offline. These initiatives collectively attracted over 33 million visits, reflecting growing public engagement with cultural offerings.

    Gansu’s innovative approach to cultural heritage has yielded substantial economic benefits. Drawing inspiration from iconic artifacts such as the Dunhuang flying apsaras and the Bronze Galloping Horse from the Gansu Provincial Museum, developers have created more than 4,000 cultural and creative products. These items achieved annual sales exceeding 130 million yuan (approximately $18 million), demonstrating successful commercialization of cultural assets.

    The cultural achievements coincide with broader economic progress. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Gansu’s GDP reached 1.37 trillion yuan, representing a 33.6 percent increase from the previous planning period. Since 2022, the province’s economic growth has consistently outperformed the national average for 16 consecutive quarters. In 2025 alone, Gansu’s GDP grew by 5.8 percent, ranking second nationwide, while per capita disposable income increased by 6.1 percent, the third-fastest growth rate in the country.

  • K2, WeRide sign agreement to operate autonomous buses in Abu Dhabi

    K2, WeRide sign agreement to operate autonomous buses in Abu Dhabi

    In a significant advancement for autonomous transportation, UAE-based mobility solutions provider K2 and global autonomous driving technology firm WeRide have formalized a strategic partnership to deploy and operate self-driving buses across Abu Dhabi. The landmark agreement was signed during the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) 2026 with official endorsement from both the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).

    This collaboration represents a concrete step toward realizing Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive smart mobility strategy, facilitating the practical implementation of autonomous public transportation systems. The initiative aims to solidify the emirate’s standing as an international center for intelligent, sustainable transit solutions.

    K2 brings substantial regional operational expertise to the partnership, with subsidiaries having previously conducted extensive testing of robotic taxis and last-mile delivery solutions across tens of thousands of kilometers. WeRide contributes its advanced Level 4 autonomous driving technology and global deployment experience to the venture.

    Waleed Alblooshi, Vice President of Strategy at K2, emphasized the synergistic nature of the partnership: “K2 leverages its local expertise, fleet management capabilities, and experience in deploying real-world mobility solutions, while WeRide contributes its global AV expertise and extensive deployment experience.”

    Ryan Zhan, Regional General Manager for Middle East and Africa at WeRide, characterized the agreement as marking “the next phase of our growth” in the region. “By combining our proven L4 autonomous driving technology with K2’s deep local expertise,” Zhan noted, “we are accelerating safer, smarter, and more sustainable autonomous public transport across the UAE and the wider Middle East.”

    The autonomous bus initiative aligns with broader regional transportation modernization efforts, including Ras Al Khaimah’s recent consolidation of autonomous vehicle operations under a single transport authority and previous successful trials of fully driverless ride-hailing services in the Abu Dhabi metropolitan area.

  • Cornell students and faculty explore agricultural development in China during cultural exchange program

    Cornell students and faculty explore agricultural development in China during cultural exchange program

    A distinguished delegation of students and faculty from Cornell University recently concluded an extensive two-week cultural and educational exchange program across China, gaining firsthand insights into the nation’s agricultural modernization and rural revitalization initiatives. Organized by China Agricultural University, the program ran from January 4th to 16th, 2026, featuring immersive visits to multiple regions including Beijing, Hebei Province, and Sichuan Province.

    The comprehensive itinerary enabled participants to engage directly with local farming communities, rural residents, and leading agricultural experts. In Yixian County, Hebei Province, the Cornell delegation examined innovative farming techniques and sustainable practices that have contributed to China’s food security goals. The exchange facilitated meaningful dialogue about comparative agricultural systems and development strategies between American and Chinese academic perspectives.

    This program represents a significant step in academic diplomacy and cross-cultural knowledge sharing in the field of agricultural science. Participants gained practical understanding of China’s rural development policies while establishing professional connections that could foster future research collaborations. The initiative demonstrates how educational exchanges can build bridges between academic institutions despite different agricultural traditions and economic systems.

    The successful program highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as food security, sustainable farming, and rural economic development. Such exchanges contribute to mutual understanding and create platforms for sharing best practices in agricultural innovation and policy implementation.