Global Pulse

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  • Matt McCarty misses out on chance at PGA Tour history and settles for a 60 in Japan

    Matt McCarty misses out on chance at PGA Tour history and settles for a 60 in Japan

    YOKOHAMA, Japan — Matt McCarty experienced a bittersweet moment in his burgeoning PGA Tour career during the Baycurrent Classic. Despite carding the lowest score of his professional journey, McCarty couldn’t shake the disappointment of narrowly missing a historic milestone. On Sunday, he approached the final hole with a tantalizing opportunity to match the PGA Tour’s 18-hole record of 58, set by Jim Furyk in 2016. However, a single errant swing dashed his hopes, sending his ball into the trees and forcing him to settle for a bogey and a final score of 60. ‘One swing away from a 58,’ McCarty lamented. ‘It’s a tough way to finish a really good day.’

    McCarty’s remarkable round began on the 10th hole at Yokohama Country Club, where he trailed the leader by 13 shots. He ignited his performance with four birdies on the back nine, followed by a flawless streak of birdies on the front nine. However, his momentum faltered at the 409-yard ninth hole, which curves sharply to the left. ‘I was a little tight and tried to guide it too much,’ McCarty admitted. ‘I thought I had a chance around the corner.’ His ball struck a tree and veered into the forest, leaving him with a penalty and a challenging recovery. Despite the setback, McCarty managed to salvage a bogey, showcasing his resilience.

    Reflecting on his performance, McCarty expressed mixed emotions. ‘It’s weird to play that well and come off the course feeling like this,’ he said. While his 60 remains a career-best, the near-miss of a record-breaking 58 left a lingering sense of what could have been. The PGA Tour record of 58, achieved by Furyk at the Travelers Championship, has only been matched by 14 other rounds of 59, most recently by Jake Knapp earlier this year. McCarty’s performance, though not historic, underscores his potential and determination on the tour.

  • A Myanmar town lies in shambles as both sides in civil war vie for control

    A Myanmar town lies in shambles as both sides in civil war vie for control

    KYAUKME, Myanmar — Ten days after its recapture by Myanmar’s military government, the town of Kyaukme remains a ghostly shadow of its former self. Schools have reopened, but the once-bustling market is eerily empty, with vendors hastily closing their stalls at the sight of visiting journalists. The Associated Press, granted rare access to the war-torn area under military supervision, documented the devastation on Friday. The town, located in Shan State, is now a scene of charred wreckage, with official buildings such as the courthouse, police station, and government housing reduced to ruins. The hospital’s operations have been temporarily relocated to a nearby Chinese temple, and at least one fire engine lies burnt out. While civilian houses appear mostly unscathed, the majority of the town’s 46,000 residents have fled, leaving Kyaukme a desolate shell. The ethnic militia previously in control accused the military of causing the destruction through air strikes and heavy weapons, while government soldiers claim the militia destroyed structures during their retreat. Kyaukme’s strategic location on a highway connecting central Myanmar to China has made it a focal point in the ongoing civil war, which erupted after the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in 2021. The town has changed hands twice since then, most recently falling back to the military on October 1 after a three-week battle. Army checkpoints now dot the road from Nawnghkio, a recently recaptured town, to Kyaukme, with unexploded ordnance and land mines posing ongoing threats. Locals who remain, unable to afford relocation, describe a town on the front lines of conflict, with residents unwilling to return until nearby areas are secured.

  • Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations

    Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations

    In a dramatic escalation of tensions between neighboring nations, Afghanistan announced on Sunday that its forces had killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations. The Taliban government described the action as a retaliatory response to repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace by Pakistan. Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities had accused Pakistan of bombing Kabul and a market in eastern Afghanistan, though Islamabad denied responsibility. The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that Afghan forces had also captured 25 Pakistani army posts and wounded 30 soldiers. The Torkham border crossing, a vital trade route between the two countries, remained closed on Sunday, further straining relations. Pakistan, meanwhile, accused Afghanistan of harboring members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group Islamabad blames for deadly attacks within its borders. Kabul has consistently denied these allegations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Afghan assault, asserting that Pakistan’s army had responded decisively, destroying several Afghan posts and forcing a retreat. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the escalating tensions, urging both sides to prioritize dialogue and restraint. The conflict underscores the fragile security dynamics along the 2,611-kilometer Durand Line, a border Afghanistan has never formally recognized.

  • Trump directs Pentagon to ‘use all available funds’ to pay troops during shutdown

    Trump directs Pentagon to ‘use all available funds’ to pay troops during shutdown

    Amid an ongoing federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump has issued a directive to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, ensuring military personnel receive their scheduled pay on October 15. This move comes as thousands of federal employees face pay freezes or layoffs, marking an unprecedented escalation in the political standoff between Republicans and Democrats. Trump emphasized his commitment to the military, stating on his Truth Social platform, ‘I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, HOSTAGE, with their dangerous Government Shutdown.’

    The shutdown, now in its 12th day, stems from a deadlock over a spending plan. Democrats refuse to support a Republican proposal unless it preserves expiring tax credits that reduce health insurance costs and reverses Trump’s cuts to Medicaid. Republicans, meanwhile, accuse Democrats of unnecessarily prolonging the shutdown and causing widespread disruption.

    In a controversial move, the Trump administration has begun laying off thousands of federal workers, citing the shutdown as justification. White House Office of Management Director Russell Vought announced the start of ‘reductions in force’ (RIFs), with over 4,000 employees dismissed across seven agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Treasury Department, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The CDC’s Washington DC office was entirely laid off, affecting critical roles such as Ebola response and immunization efforts.

    Major unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees and AFL-CIO, have filed a lawsuit in northern California to block the layoffs, calling them ‘disgraceful’ and illegal. However, the Justice Department argued that a restraining order would ‘irreparably harm the government.’ The White House has indicated that more layoffs are imminent, with agencies like the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency likely to see further cuts.

    The political fallout from the shutdown continues to escalate, with both parties blaming each other for the impasse. Trump’s directive to pay military personnel may alleviate some pressure on congressional leaders, but the broader impact on federal workers and essential services remains a growing concern.

  • Afghan Taliban confirm ‘retaliatory’ border attacks on Pakistan

    Afghan Taliban confirm ‘retaliatory’ border attacks on Pakistan

    The Taliban government has acknowledged launching retaliatory strikes against Pakistani forces along the mountainous northern border, escalating tensions between the two nations. The Taliban claimed the attacks were in response to Pakistan’s alleged violation of Afghan airspace and bombing of a market in Paktika province on Thursday. Casualties from the clashes remain unclear.

  • South Africa debates changing name of world-famous Kruger park

    South Africa debates changing name of world-famous Kruger park

    South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism industry, is at the center of a heated debate over its name. The park, which attracts nearly a million visitors annually, was named in 1926 after Paul Kruger, a 19th-century president of the South African Republic. While Kruger is revered by Afrikaners as a hero who resisted British colonialism, many South Africans view him as a symbol of the country’s racist past, accusing him of displacing black communities and excluding them from governance.

  • Farmer finds car-sized Nasa probe in Texas field

    Farmer finds car-sized Nasa probe in Texas field

    In an unexpected turn of events, a farmer in Edmonson, Texas, stumbled upon a NASA research probe the size of a car in his field. The probe, which had gone missing during a mission, veered off its intended trajectory and crash-landed on October 2. The incident has sparked widespread interest, as such occurrences are rare and often shrouded in mystery. NASA officials have since confirmed the discovery and are investigating the cause of the deviation. The probe, designed for advanced scientific research, was on a critical mission to gather data on atmospheric conditions. The crash landing has raised questions about the safety protocols and tracking mechanisms employed by the space agency. Meanwhile, the farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed both surprise and concern over the unexpected visitor. Local authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and facilitate NASA’s recovery efforts. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of space exploration and the challenges faced by scientists and engineers in ensuring mission success.

  • Thirty belugas in Canada face being euthanised. Can they be saved?

    Thirty belugas in Canada face being euthanised. Can they be saved?

    Marineland, once a beloved family destination in Ontario, Canada, is now at the center of a growing controversy over its treatment of animals, particularly its beluga whales. The park, which opened in 1961, has faced numerous allegations of animal mistreatment and financial instability. Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services has conducted over 200 inspections since 2020, revealing distressing conditions for the park’s marine life, including poor water quality. Although improvements were made by 2024, Marineland was found guilty of neglecting three black bears in the same year. Since 2019, 20 whales have died at the park, which the company attributes to natural causes. Attendance has plummeted, and the park has not opened this spring, with many predicting bankruptcy. Amid these struggles, Marineland sought to sell 30 beluga whales to a theme park in Zhuhai, China, but the Canadian government denied the permit, citing concerns about the whales’ welfare. The park then threatened to euthanize the whales, sparking outrage. Advocates, experts, and officials are now scrambling to find a solution, with some suggesting the whales be relocated to sanctuaries in the U.S. or Canada. However, options are limited, and time is running out. Critics argue that the provincial government should intervene under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation has urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford to commission independent veterinary assessments and ensure humane outcomes for the whales. Despite the urgency, many believe Marineland’s euthanasia threat is a bluff, but the situation remains dire for these captive animals.

  • KPop Demon Hunters directors on Oscar chances and a possible sequel

    KPop Demon Hunters directors on Oscar chances and a possible sequel

    Netflix’s animated sensation *Kpop Demon Hunters* has taken the world by storm, becoming a cultural phenomenon and breaking records across the board. The film, created and co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, follows the story of Huntr/x, a wildly successful Kpop girl group that battles evil forces while performing sold-out concerts. The trio, consisting of Zoey, Rumi, and Mira, faces off against the demonic boy band Saja Boys in a high-stakes showdown that has captivated audiences globally.

  • Indian student captured by Ukraine joined Russian army to avoid drug charges, says mother

    Indian student captured by Ukraine joined Russian army to avoid drug charges, says mother

    In a startling development, Ukraine has detained an Indian national, Sahil Majothi, who is accused of fighting for Russian forces. This marks the first known instance of an Indian being captured in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Sahil, a 22-year-old from Gujarat, initially traveled to Russia in January 2024 to pursue a degree in computer engineering. However, his journey took a tragic turn when he was allegedly framed in a drug case in April 2024, leading to his arrest and subsequent detention for six months. Facing a seven-year prison sentence, Sahil reportedly joined the Russian army to avoid incarceration, as revealed in a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade. In the video, Sahil claims he was given the choice between military service or jail time, with promises of payment that never materialized. After undergoing 15 days of training in September 2024, he was deployed to the battlefield a year later. Sahil alleges that he deserted Russian forces following an altercation with his commander and sought help from Ukrainian troops. The Indian government has acknowledged the case and is investigating, though no formal communication has been received from Ukraine. Sahil’s mother, Hasina Majothi, has appealed for his safe return, stating that her son was coerced into joining the military. This incident highlights broader concerns over the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army, with reports indicating that over 150 Indians have enlisted, some on student or visitor visas. The Indian government has repeatedly warned its citizens against participating in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the grave risks involved.