Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • National games viewed as window to experience modern China

    National games viewed as window to experience modern China

    The 15th National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, have become a platform not only for athletic competition but also for showcasing China’s technological innovation and cultural integration. Held in Guangzhou and Shanwei, the event has drawn attention from cross-boundary visitors who were particularly impressed by the seamless integration of technology into everyday life.

    Kinki Chan Tong-ieng, a Macao resident, visited Shanwei to support her son, Chan Man-hin, who was representing Macao in the sailing regatta. She was struck by the efficiency of facial recognition technology used for spectator check-ins and the convenience of mobile apps for real-time competition updates. ‘The process was smooth, secure, and incredibly efficient,’ she remarked.

    Chan also highlighted the widespread use of technology on the mainland, especially in transportation and payments. ‘We used Didi for ride-hailing, which was transparent in pricing and quick to respond,’ she said, contrasting it with the limited availability of such services in Macao.

    For Chan Man-hin, the games were more than just a competition; they were an opportunity to witness China’s rapid development firsthand. ‘I had the chance to interact with athletes from the mainland and Hong Kong, and their advice was invaluable,’ he shared. Despite the challenging sailing conditions, with waves reaching 2 to 3 meters, Chan emphasized the camaraderie among competitors and encouraged fellow Macao residents to experience such events.

    The National Games have thus served as a window into modern China, blending sports, technology, and cultural exchange, leaving a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.

  • Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev: Putin propagandist or key to peace with Ukraine?

    Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev: Putin propagandist or key to peace with Ukraine?

    Kirill Dmitriev, a prominent Russian diplomat and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has emerged as a key figure in Russia’s efforts to end its diplomatic isolation in the West. At 50, Dmitriev stands out among Russian officials for his deep understanding of the United States, having studied and worked there for years. His unique blend of diplomatic acumen and commercial expertise has made him a pivotal player in U.S.-Russia relations, particularly during the Trump administration.

  • Bears in the backyard, wolves at the door: Greek villages have a growing predator problem

    Bears in the backyard, wolves at the door: Greek villages have a growing predator problem

    In the rural village of Levea, Greece, farmer Anastasios Kasparidis was met with a grim scene: three of his sheep lay dead, unmistakably mauled by a bear. The large paw prints in the soil confirmed the predator’s presence, a once-rare but now increasingly common occurrence in northwestern Greece. Kasparidis, who also reported losses of chickens and pigs among neighboring farmers, has since moved his remaining flock to a safer pen near his home. “The bears would eat them all,” he lamented. This incident underscores a growing tension in the region, where the resurgence of protected species like brown bears and wolves, celebrated by environmentalists, has sparked fears among rural residents for their livelihoods and safety. Brown bears, Greece’s largest predator, have seen their population quadruple since the 1990s, with an estimated 870 now roaming northern Greece, according to the environmental organization Arcturos. Wolves, too, have expanded their range, now found as far south as Athens and the Peloponnese. The recovery of these species has been bolstered by the increasing population of wild boars, whose numbers have surged due to reduced hunting, milder winters, and cross-breeding with domestic pigs. However, this wildlife rebound has led to more frequent human encounters, often resulting in fear and conflict. In Levea, residents report regular bear sightings, while wild boars frequently roam through the village. Similar stories emerge from nearby Valtonera, where community president Konstantinos Nikolaidis noted that wild animals now enter the village, making nighttime walks unsafe. The situation has prompted calls for extended hunting seasons and reduced protections for wolves, a move recently supported by EU lawmakers. Experts, however, caution against simplistic solutions. Panos Stefanou of Arcturos emphasized that habitat loss, food scarcity, and human depopulation in rural areas are key factors driving wildlife into human spaces. Measures like proper waste disposal, using deterrent lights, and avoiding feeding strays are recommended to mitigate conflicts. “Killing the animals is not what will solve the problem,” Stefanou stressed, advocating for a balanced approach to coexistence.

  • A 5.5 magnitude earthquake in central Bangladesh kills at least 6 people

    A 5.5 magnitude earthquake in central Bangladesh kills at least 6 people

    A moderate 5.5-magnitude earthquake rattled central Bangladesh on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least six lives and injuring dozens more, according to local authorities. The tremor, which occurred at 10:38 a.m., was centered in the Ghorashal area of Narsingdi district, approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the capital city of Dhaka. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s depth at 10 kilometers (6 miles). In Dhaka, buildings swayed violently, prompting terrified residents to flee into the streets for safety. DBC Television, based in Dhaka, detailed that the fatalities included three individuals who perished due to the collapse of a building roof and a wall, and three pedestrians who were struck by falling building railings. While northern and southeastern Bangladesh are recognized as seismically active zones due to the tectonic interactions between the Indian and Eurasian plates, the central region typically experiences fewer such events. This rare quake has raised concerns about the region’s preparedness for seismic activity.

  • Ten photos from across China: Nov 14 – 20

    Ten photos from across China: Nov 14 – 20

    The Shenzhou XXI mission marked another milestone in China’s space exploration efforts as its return capsule safely touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia on November 14, 2025. The capsule carried astronauts Wang Jie, Chen Dong, and Chen Zhongrui, who had completed their mission in space. This event was captured in a series of ten photographs showcasing significant moments from across China during the week of November 14 to 20. The successful landing underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight. The images, released by Xinhua, highlight not only the return of the astronauts but also other notable events and scenes from various regions of the country, reflecting the nation’s progress and diversity.

  • US revokes visa of former South African minister who initiated genocide case against Israel

    US revokes visa of former South African minister who initiated genocide case against Israel

    The United States has revoked the visa of Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations, in a move widely perceived as retaliation for Pretoria’s decision to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on charges of genocide. Pandor, who led South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation from 2019 to 2024, confirmed the revocation on Thursday, just days before Johannesburg hosts the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The US decision to send a low-level delegation to the summit, rather than Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has already strained relations. Pandor, a key figure in South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, received an email from the US Consulate stating her visa was canceled immediately. She expressed confusion over the decision but suggested it was linked to her advocacy for Palestine. ‘I understand that it has happened to other South Africans, too,’ she told Middle East Eye. The visa revocation follows years of diplomatic, financial, and political pressure from both the Biden and Trump administrations. In January 2024, the Biden administration dismissed South Africa’s ICJ case as ‘meritless,’ while the Trump administration suspended aid and expelled South Africa’s ambassador to the US. Pandor, a vocal critic of US and Israeli policies, has faced accusations of being a ‘lackey of Iran’ and has been the target of character assassination in conservative media. Despite the backlash, she remains steadfast in her support for Palestinian self-determination. ‘These are issues of principle, not convenience,’ she asserted. The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing US think tank, has called for cutting aid to South Africa, arguing that Pretoria’s foreign policy undermines US interests. Meanwhile, 160 lawyers accused South Africa of taking the ICJ case in exchange for bribes, a claim dismissed by Pandor and her supporters. The US State Department has yet to comment on the visa revocation.

  • ‘Seeing friends drink shots brings back sister’s methanol death’

    ‘Seeing friends drink shots brings back sister’s methanol death’

    The untimely death of Simone White, a 28-year-old British traveler, has cast a somber shadow over her family and the global backpacking community. Simone, a trainee lawyer with a passion for exploring the world, tragically lost her life after consuming a methanol-laced shot at a hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, a popular destination for young adventurers. Her brother, Zak White, shared the heartbreaking details of her final journey with BBC Newsbeat. Simone had embarked on what was meant to be a life-changing trip, reuniting with her friend Bethany Clarke after months apart. However, the joy of their reunion turned to tragedy when both fell ill after consuming free drinks at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. Simone was one of six tourists who succumbed to methanol poisoning, a toxic substance often illegally mixed with alcohol to reduce costs. Despite being placed on life support, Simone could not be saved. Zak recalls the shock and disbelief that followed, as his family struggled to comprehend the loss. The incident has left a lasting impact on Zak, who now experiences anxiety and PTSD in social settings involving alcohol. The White family’s quest for justice has been met with frustration, as investigations in Laos have yielded no clear accountability. Charges have been proposed against 13 individuals for food safety violations, but these do not directly address the fatal poisoning. Reports suggest the hostel may reopen under a new name, a prospect that deeply concerns Zak, who fears for the safety of future travelers. The tragedy has also prompted criticism of the UK Foreign Office’s efforts to raise awareness about methanol poisoning. While the department has identified 27 high-risk countries and collaborated with social media influencers, Zak believes more decisive action is needed. Simone’s family continues to mourn her loss, remembering her as a kind, caring, and principled individual whose absence leaves a profound void in their lives.

  • Poland’s struggle to fix its justice system holds lessons for other countries

    Poland’s struggle to fix its justice system holds lessons for other countries

    WARSAW, Poland — Two years into Donald Tusk’s government, Poland’s ambitious plans to reverse the judicial overhaul by its nationalist predecessor, Law and Justice (PiS), have encountered significant obstacles. PiS, which ruled from 2015 to 2023, consolidated political control over key judicial institutions by appointing sympathetic judges and punishing critics. These changes, condemned by European courts, have left Poland’s legal system in disarray. Despite Tusk’s promises to restore judicial independence, progress has been hindered by PiS-aligned presidents and deep political polarization. Tusk’s first justice minister, Adam Bodnar, was replaced in July due to perceived inaction. His successor, Waldemar Żurek, has adopted a more aggressive stance, pursuing legal action against PiS figures, including former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, accused of misusing funds for surveillance software. However, Żurek’s efforts face potential vetoes from President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally. The government’s inability to pass reforms has led to a focus on prosecuting PiS allies, aiming to expose alleged abuses of power. Analysts warn that Poland’s judicial crisis is part of a broader democratic challenge, exacerbated by political polarization. Żurek emphasizes the need to engage with all citizens, not just legal experts, to safeguard democracy. Despite incremental progress, the path to restoring judicial independence remains fraught with challenges, as PiS remains a formidable political force.

  • New indictment accuses Yoon of manipulating investigation of South Korean marine’s drowning

    New indictment accuses Yoon of manipulating investigation of South Korean marine’s drowning

    SEOUL, South Korea — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on Friday for allegedly attempting to manipulate the investigation into the drowning of Marine Corporal Chae Su-geun, marking another legal blow to the ousted leader. This indictment adds to a series of criminal cases against Yoon, who was removed from office earlier this year following a rebellion charge tied to his controversial martial law decree on December 3, which triggered widespread political unrest. After assuming office in June, President Lee Jae Myung appointed three independent counsels to probe Yoon’s actions, including the imposition of martial law and other allegations involving his associates and family. The latest charges accuse Yoon, his former defense minister, and 10 others of abuse of power, specifically for attempting to alter the investigation report on Chae’s death. Chae died during a search-and-rescue operation for flood victims in 2023. The initial report by the Marine Corps held a division commander and seven others accountable, but Yoon reportedly expressed outrage over the commander’s inclusion. This led to pressure from top presidential and Defense Ministry officials to revise the report, excluding the commander. Assistant Special Counsel Choung Min-young revealed that Park Jung-hun, the head of the Marine Corps’ investigation team, resisted the pressure and forwarded the report to the police. However, Yoon allegedly ordered officials to retrieve the report, dismiss Park, and investigate him for insubordination. Choung emphasized that Park’s investigation adhered to legal principles, while Yoon and his associates systematically abused their power, undermining the fairness and independence of the Marine Corps’ investigation. Yoon, currently in jail, has not commented on the latest indictment but has previously denied all allegations. His ongoing trial for masterminding a rebellion could result in a verdict early next year, with potential penalties ranging from life imprisonment to capital punishment. Earlier this month, Yoon was also indicted for allegedly ordering drone flights over North Korea to provoke military tensions and justify martial law.

  • Coroner says Australian extremists who killed police officers had shared delusional disorder

    Coroner says Australian extremists who killed police officers had shared delusional disorder

    In a tragic incident that unfolded three years ago in the remote Wieambilla region of Queensland, Australia, three Christian extremists—brothers Gareth and Nathaniel Train and Gareth’s wife, Stacey Train—opened fire on police officers they perceived as “demons intent on killing them.” The coroner’s report, released on Friday, revealed that the trio suffered from a shared delusional disorder, which drove their violent actions. The six-hour gunbattle on December 12, 2022, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including two police officers, Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, and a neighbor, Alan Dare, who had come to investigate scrub fires ignited by the Trains. The police had initially arrived at the property in response to a missing persons report for Nathaniel Train, a former school principal from New South Wales. State Coroner Terry Ryan concluded that the Trains’ psychotic illness, rooted in End of Times religious beliefs and broader persecutory delusions, led them to act defensively within their distorted worldview. The coroner dismissed claims that the incident was an act of terrorism, instead attributing the violence to their untreated mental illness. The Trains’ use of high-powered rifles from concealed positions gave them a lethal advantage over the officers’ Glock pistols, which were ill-suited for the confrontation. Coroner Ryan recommended several measures to prevent future tragedies, including mandatory mental health assessments for gun license applicants, the use of drones for risk assessments in remote areas, and increased funding for the Queensland Fixated Threat Assessment Center. He also highlighted the concerning lack of monitoring of Gareth Train’s online activities, which could have alerted authorities to his extremist beliefs.