Global Pulse

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  • Saudi megacity Neom to be ‘far smaller’ than first envisaged, says report

    Saudi megacity Neom to be ‘far smaller’ than first envisaged, says report

    Saudi Arabia’s visionary $1 trillion Neom megaproject is undergoing substantial downsizing and redesign following years of implementation delays and financial constraints. According to a Financial Times report citing informed sources, Neom’s leadership now envisions a significantly scaled-down version of the originally proposed development.

    The project’s centerpiece, ‘The Line’—initially conceptualized as a revolutionary 170-kilometer linear city—has been radically reconfigured into a more modest undertaking. Sources indicate the redesigned concept will utilize existing infrastructure differently than originally planned, marking a fundamental shift in approach.

    Additional components of the Neom blueprint have also faced reduction. The planned eight-sided floating city ‘Oxagon’ and the ‘Trojena’ ski resort—originally slated to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games—have been downsized, with Riyadh announcing the withdrawal from hosting the winter sports event.

    The strategic repositioning emphasizes industrial sectors, particularly positioning Neom as a hub for data centers. This aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambition to establish Saudi Arabia as a major artificial intelligence player. The coastal location provides strategic advantages for seawater cooling systems essential for data center operations.

    Financial pressures stemming from stagnating oil prices have prompted this recalibration. Saudi authorities are simultaneously prioritizing resources toward fixed-deadline events including the 2030 Expo international trade fair and the 2034 World Cup.

    The project has faced persistent criticism regarding its feasibility and human rights implications. Allegations include forced displacement of the indigenous Howeitat tribe from their ancestral lands in northwest Saudi Arabia. Reports document arrests and detentions of tribe members resisting eviction, including the 2020 shooting death of an activist protesting land clearance.

    A comprehensive year-long review examining Neom’s implementation is scheduled for completion by first quarter 2026. Neom’s management stated they ‘continuously evaluate phasing and prioritization to align with national objectives and create long-term value,’ emphasizing advancement ‘in line with strategic priorities, market readiness and sustainable economic impact.’

    As part of the Public Investment Fund’s portfolio, Neom’s restructuring reflects broader potential reviews of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund projects amidst evolving economic realities.

  • Hungary’s Orbán accuses Ukraine of election interference and summons ambassador

    Hungary’s Orbán accuses Ukraine of election interference and summons ambassador

    BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has dramatically escalated diplomatic tensions with Ukraine by accusing Kyiv of attempting to interfere in Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections. In a striking move on Monday, Orbán ordered the summoning of Ukraine’s ambassador to the Hungarian foreign ministry following what he characterized as “grossly offensive and threatening statements” from Ukrainian leadership.

    The nationalist leader, who faces his most significant electoral challenge in sixteen years this April, has intensified his longstanding anti-Ukraine campaign strategy. Orbán claims Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have launched coordinated efforts to undermine Hungary’s sovereignty and influence the election outcome. Without presenting specific evidence, the prime minister asserted that national security assessments confirmed Ukrainian interference attempts.

    This diplomatic confrontation emerges as Orbán’s right-wing Fidesz party trails opposition parties by double digits in most pre-election polls. The prime minister has centered his campaign on unverified claims that Hungarian citizens could face forced conscription to fight in Ukraine if his government loses power. Orbán has additionally accused his primary political rival, Péter Magyar, of conspiring with Kyiv to install a pro-Western administration in Budapest.

    Hungary has consistently opposed European Union military and financial assistance to Ukraine throughout Russia’s ongoing invasion, maintaining Orbán’s unique position as the EU leader with closest ties to Moscow. The government has vowed to veto Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations and recently launched a national petition campaign against continued European support for Kyiv.

    The diplomatic rift widened last week when President Zelenskyy criticized Orbán at the World Economic Forum in Davos, suggesting the Hungarian leader “lives off European money while trying to sell out European interests” and comfortable relations with Moscow shouldn’t dictate European policy.

  • Tianjin to join ‘Beijing Commuting Circle’ with expanded rail links

    Tianjin to join ‘Beijing Commuting Circle’ with expanded rail links

    Tianjin is poised to dramatically enhance its regional connectivity through an ambitious rail expansion initiative that will integrate the municipality into Beijing’s commuting sphere. Mayor Zhang Gong unveiled this strategic development plan during Monday’s delivery of Tianjin’s annual government work report, emphasizing a transformation from basic transportation links to comprehensive industrial and functional collaboration.

    The blueprint positions Tianjin as a multimodal hub combining transportation, industry, and urban development. The strategy promotes innovative living and working models including “work in Beijing, reside in Tianjin” and “manufacture in Tianjin, talent from Beijing.” The municipality aims to attract Beijing-based enterprises to establish operations in Tianjin through integrated developments that combine high-speed rail connectivity with business parks, residential complexes, and public service facilities.

    Key to this initiative are several rail hub districts undergoing significant redevelopment. Commercial zones surrounding Tianjin West, Tianjin South, Binhai, and Wuqing stations will be transformed into service-oriented clusters offering comprehensive support systems encompassing employment opportunities, housing solutions, household registration services, educational facilities, and business services. These enhancements are specifically designed to attract both professionals and corporations seeking strategic advantages within the region.

    A particularly noteworthy proposal involves extending rail transit connections to create a seamless transportation corridor linking Tongzhou in Beijing with Wuqing in Tianjin and Langfang in neighboring Hebei province. This infrastructure expansion aims to facilitate effortless cross-border commuting while promoting the fluid movement of residents and workers throughout the broader regional ecosystem.

  • Dubai: The Fridge announces must-see January live music events at Alserkal Avenue

    Dubai: The Fridge announces must-see January live music events at Alserkal Avenue

    Dubai’s independent music landscape is thriving as The Fridge, a premier entertainment agency with 18 years of regional experience, presents an exceptional January concert series at their Alserkal Avenue venue. The season commenced with a dynamic hip-hop showcase featuring Alexandria-based rapper Scander X, whose fusion of Afro beats, trap, and poetic rap captivated audiences. His performance of the comeback single ‘Dalida’ demonstrated why he remains a formidable presence in the regional music scene.

    The series continues on January 27th with Prince VA’s debut full live quartet performance, marking his evolution from hip-hop to experimental R&B. His performance promises to navigate between euphoric highs and atmospheric intensity, supported by Theo Thomson’s Afro-influenced R&B and soulful vocals.

    Closing the month on January 31st, internationally acclaimed double pianist Eugen Khmara presents ‘Two Worlds,’ an exploration of childhood wonder versus adult reality through contemporary piano compositions. Having performed at prestigious venues including The White House and Buckingham Palace, Khmara’s performance will feature special guest ODARA with technical support from Sennheiser.

    All events occur at The Fridge Warehouse in Al Quoz with doors opening at 7PM and shows commencing at 8PM. Ticket prices range from Dh70 for the R&B/hip-hop performances to Dh150 for the piano concert, available through thefridge.me and platinumlist.net. The series is partially sponsored by Lee Cooper at Shoemart.

  • Nigerian military officers to face trial over 2025 coup plot

    Nigerian military officers to face trial over 2025 coup plot

    Nigeria’s military command has announced it will formally prosecute several officers for their alleged involvement in a foiled 2025 plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. The Defense Headquarters confirmed the conclusion of investigations on Monday, reversing the administration’s initial denial of the conspiracy. Major General Samaila Uba, speaking for the military, stated that investigators had identified specific officers with connections to the plot and that those with established cases would face a military judicial panel. While no trial date has been set, legal experts indicate the accused could potentially face capital punishment if convicted.

    The affair first surfaced in October when military authorities announced the arrest of 16 personnel for ‘issues of indiscipline,’ though multiple government and military sources independently confirmed to AFP the detentions were coup-related. Despite official statements downplaying the incident, President Tinubu subsequently executed a significant reshuffle of the nation’s top military leadership—a move characterized by a senior administration official as addressing ‘a gap in intelligence.’ Notably, General Christopher Musa was initially removed as chief of defence staff but later reappointed as defence minister.

    This alleged conspiracy threatened to disrupt a quarter-century of uninterrupted democracy in Africa’s most populous nation, which transitioned to civilian rule in 1999 after prolonged periods of military junta governance post-independence from Britain. The initial reports of a thwarted coup emerged in Nigerian media before being overshadowed by diplomatic tensions with the United States regarding religious violence and counterterrorism efforts.

    The development occurs against a backdrop of significant security challenges for Nigeria’s military, which is engaged in multifront conflicts against Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates in the northeast, rampant banditry in the northwest, and separatist movements in the southeast. These operations have stretched military resources thin, with analysts noting rising violence projections for 2025 and periodic reports of troop grievances over unpaid wages and operational conditions. The United States has recently enhanced security cooperation with Nigeria, conducting joint strikes against insurgents and expanding intelligence sharing to support aerial campaigns in northern regions.

  • Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes Gansu county

    Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes Gansu county

    A significant seismic event measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Tewo County within Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, on Monday afternoon. The tremor occurred precisely at 2:56 p.m. local time, as confirmed by the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).

    Initial reports indicate the quake originated at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter pinpointed at coordinates 34.06 degrees north latitude and 103.25 degrees east longitude. Crucially, local authorities have confirmed that as of 3:30 p.m. on Monday, no casualties have been reported from the affected region.

    In swift reaction to the seismic activity, emergency protocols were immediately enacted. The Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture government activated a Level 3 emergency response, mobilizing local rescue and assessment teams to evaluate potential damage and coordinate relief efforts.

    Concurrently, the China Earthquake Administration initiated a comprehensive Level 4 national emergency response. This coordinated effort involves seismic bureaus from multiple provinces including Gansu, Sichuan, and Qinghai, focusing on collaborative damage assessment, enhanced seismic monitoring, and analysis of potential aftershock patterns. All relevant units have been instructed to maintain continuous situation reporting and implement coordinated response measures.

    Historical seismic data reveals significant activity in this region, with 65 earthquakes measuring magnitude 3 or higher recorded within a 200-kilometer radius of the current epicenter over the past five years. The most substantial recent event was the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Jishishan County in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture on December 18, 2023.

  • Minister claims ‘sabotage’ behind Chagos debate delay

    Minister claims ‘sabotage’ behind Chagos debate delay

    The UK government is vigorously defending its controversial agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius despite mounting criticism from US President Donald Trump and opposition within Parliament. Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty asserted the government “remains confident” the arrangement represents the “best way forward” while accusing Conservative peers of employing “parliamentary stunts” to sabotage the legislation.

    The diplomatic tension escalated dramatically last week when President Trump denounced the agreement as a “great act of stupidity,” despite his administration having previously accepted the terms. The criticism has injected new complexity into the already contentious parliamentary process, where the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill is currently engaged in legislative ‘ping-pong’ between the House of Commons and Lords.

    Conservative opposition, led by shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel, has seized on Trump’s comments to demand a pause in proceedings, labeling the government’s approach as “Labour’s Chagos surrender humiliation.” The opposition contends that proceeding with the current legislation would violate a 1966 UK-US treaty governing the islands and has demanded renegotiation with American authorities before further parliamentary consideration.

    At the heart of the agreement lies the future of Diego Garcia, which hosts a strategically critical joint US-UK military base. Under the proposed terms, the UK would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while paying approximately £101 million annually for 99 years to lease back the military installation—a arrangement Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer estimates will have a net cost of £3.4 billion after accounting for inflation.

    The government maintains that international legal rulings favoring Mauritius’ claim have necessitated the sovereignty transfer, while simultaneously emphasizing the commitment to preserve the military base’s operational security. Doughty confirmed ongoing daily engagement with US officials regarding national security matters and outlined prerequisites for ratification, including updating the 1966 agreement and implementing environmental and security arrangements.

    Parliamentary dissent has emerged from multiple fronts, with Labour MP Dan Carden questioning the abandonment of sovereignty and Liberal Democrats proposing amendments to pause proceedings until US positioning is clarified. The government has postponed further Lords debate following Conservative amendments citing “changing geopolitical circumstances,” setting the stage for continued political confrontation over this strategically significant territory.

  • Island county in Zhejiang guarantees high school for all students

    Island county in Zhejiang guarantees high school for all students

    In an unprecedented educational reform addressing demographic challenges, Shengsi County in China’s Zhejiang Province has eliminated selective admissions for high school education, guaranteeing placement for all local students. This landmark policy, effective from the 2025 fall semester, ensures automatic admission to regular high schools for all registered residents and qualifying students in this remote archipelago.

    The initiative emerged from critical demographic pressures facing the island county of 64,000 people. With severely declining birth rates and persistent outmigration threatening regional development, educational authorities implemented this structural solution to maintain educational quality and accessibility. The first implementation cycle demonstrated remarkable success, achieving 100% enrollment of all 266 applicants and raising the county’s regular high school attendance rate to 81%.

    This policy has ignited substantial public discourse across China, where average senior high school admission rates typically hover around 50%. Many social media commentators have noted the inevitable reduction in academic pressure as school-aged populations decline nationwide, viewing Shengsi’s approach as a potential model for broader educational transformation.

    Education Bureau Director Qiu Cun’an emphasized the policy’s replicability potential: ‘Accessible, quality education represents the fundamental aspiration of every island resident. Our recent advancements in educational excellence provide a foundation for further enhancing our educational ecosystem, ensuring every Shengsi child receives premium education opportunities.’

    The reform represents a significant departure from traditional competitive education systems, offering insights into how remote communities might adapt educational infrastructure to address demographic realities while maintaining educational standards.

  • TikTok apologises after thousands in US report issues

    TikTok apologises after thousands in US report issues

    TikTok’s newly established US ownership entity has issued a formal apology to users following widespread technical issues that plagued the platform over the weekend. TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, the newly formed organization overseeing American operations, confirmed the problems stemmed from a power outage at a US data center affecting multiple applications under their management.

    According to outage monitoring service Downdetector, the platform received over 663,000 problem reports from US users between Saturday evening and Monday. Users reported persistent issues including repetitive content appearing in ‘For You’ feeds, incomplete content display, and newly uploaded videos receiving zero views. The technical difficulties persisted into Monday, affecting users across different time zones.

    The technical disruption sparked speculation among users regarding potential connections to TikTok’s recent ownership restructuring. The platform’s new organizational framework resulted from a finalized agreement last Thursday that secured TikTok’s continued operation in the United States under revised ownership conditions.

    Oracle Corporation, TikTok’s US data center partner and minority stakeholder in the new venture with a 15% ownership share, declined to comment on the specific outage. The cloud computing giant has assumed expanded responsibilities under the new arrangement, including algorithm inspection and retraining for the US version of TikTok, along with comprehensive user data security management previously initiated under Project Texas.

    Concurrent technical issues were also reported with CapCut, TikTok’s affiliated video editing application, indicating broader infrastructure challenges. Users expressed frustration across social media platforms, with many reporting inability to access creator tools and revenue analytics features alongside visibility problems with their content.

    The company stated via social media platform X that they are ‘working with our data center partner to stabilize our service’ and expressed hope for a swift resolution. The incident represents the first major technical challenge for the newly structured US operation since its formal establishment.

  • Morocco and Senegal pledge to stay friends and boost trade after Africa Cup soccer tensions

    Morocco and Senegal pledge to stay friends and boost trade after Africa Cup soccer tensions

    In a significant demonstration of diplomatic resilience, Morocco and Senegal have reaffirmed their bilateral commitment through the signing of seventeen comprehensive agreements, effectively transcending recent tensions arising from a contentious soccer match. The signing ceremony, held in Rabat on Monday, witnessed both nations’ prime ministers formalizing enhanced cooperation across multiple economic sectors including agricultural development, infrastructure projects, fisheries management, and mineral resource extraction.

    This diplomatic initiative follows the turbulent Africa Cup of Nations final that previously strained relations between the two African nations. The match, won by Senegal 1-0, was marred by on-field protests from Senegalese players and attempted field invasions by spectators. Subsequent weeks saw Moroccan rights organizations documenting increased hate speech, which both governments have characterized as emotional reactions rather than substantive political divisions.

    Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko emphasized the enduring nature of bilateral relations during the opening of the Moroccan-Senegalese joint commission, stating: ‘These excesses must be understood as emotional outbursts produced by fervor rather than political or cultural rifts. The friendship between Morocco and Senegal transcends temporary emotions.’

    The economic foundation of this relationship remains particularly robust. Senegal, as a heavily indebted West African nation, considers Morocco among its foremost African investors, with substantial Moroccan capital flowing into Senegalese banking institutions, energy infrastructure, and agricultural enterprises. Conversely, Senegal serves as a crucial export market for Moroccan goods, with trade volumes exceeding $200 million in 2024 alone.

    Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch highlighted the relationship’s ‘solid foundations,’ noting both nations remain ‘faithful to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and mutual respect.’ The agreements strategically align with Morocco’s broader continental expansion strategy while supporting Senegal’s foreign investment attraction objectives. Additionally, religious connections through the Tijaniyya Sufi order, which maintains significant Senegalese membership in Morocco, further strengthen cultural bonds between the two nations.