Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    The prospect of renewed nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran remains shrouded in uncertainty as conflicting signals emerge from both capitals. While initial reports suggested an impending meeting between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul, Iranian officials have since cast doubt on these arrangements, indicating that talks remain in a preliminary phase.

    The diplomatic maneuvering unfolds against a backdrop of escalating military deployments and heated rhetoric. The Trump administration has recently positioned an aircraft carrier strike group and additional warships to the Middle East, while President Trump himself issued warnings regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Simultaneously, Iran’s Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi cautioned that any US military action could trigger regional conflict.

    At the heart of the potential negotiations lies a fundamental divergence in priorities. Iranian officials consistently emphasize sanctions relief as their primary objective, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating that removing ‘unjust sanctions’ remains Tehran’s core demand. Conversely, Washington insists any agreement must include stringent limitations on uranium enrichment, removal of already enriched materials, restrictions on long-range missiles, and curtailment of Iranian support for regional proxies—conditions analysts describe as particularly challenging for Iran to accept.

    Regional dynamics further complicate the diplomatic landscape. Joint US-Israeli naval exercises in the Red Sea demonstrate strengthened military coordination, while several Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, have provided assurances that their territories will not be used for attacks against Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to attribute domestic unrest to foreign interference, recently announcing the arrest of four foreigners allegedly involved in riots and releasing detailed casualty figures from recent protests.

    The path to negotiation appears fraught with obstacles, as both nations navigate complex domestic and regional considerations while maintaining military preparedness. The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can overcome escalating tensions and establish a framework for substantive dialogue.

  • Scientists pave way for faster, more stable chips

    Scientists pave way for faster, more stable chips

    Researchers at Shanghai’s Fudan University have achieved a transformative breakthrough in semiconductor technology that could revolutionize computing performance and energy efficiency. The pioneering study, conducted by the State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and published in the prestigious journal Nature, successfully bridges the critical gap between theoretical potential and practical application of antiferromagnetic materials—a challenge that has perplexed scientists for decades.

    Traditional computing devices predominantly utilize ferromagnetic materials for data storage, encoding information through magnetization directions that represent binary data. However, these conventional materials face significant limitations including vulnerability to magnetic interference, restricted data density capacity, slower operational speeds, and higher power consumption—constraints that have become increasingly problematic as the semiconductor industry pursues more compact and efficient devices.

    Antiferromagnetic materials present a revolutionary alternative with their unique atomic structure where adjacent magnetic moments oppose each other, effectively neutralizing stray magnetic fields. This intrinsic property enables superior stability, enhanced data packing density, and dramatically faster switching capabilities compared to conventional ferromagnetic materials.

    The research team’s groundbreaking discovery identified that specific low-dimensional, layered antiferromagnets—particularly chromium thiophosphate (CrPS4)—can be reliably controlled using external magnetic fields. This manipulation allows predictable switching between two stable magnetic states, mirroring the functionality of current ferromagnetic materials while overcoming their limitations.

    Professor Wu Shiwei, co-corresponding author of the study, explained: ‘We have developed both the methodology to precisely control these magnetic states and the specialized magneto-optical microscopy technology to directly observe them. This dual capability fulfills the fundamental requirements for practical data reading and writing applications.’

    The research establishes clear criteria for identifying optimal antiferromagnetic materials, providing engineers and scientists with a practical framework for developing next-generation semiconductor devices. Industry analysts note this advancement could significantly influence global semiconductor competition, potentially accelerating China’s progress in advanced chip technologies amid ongoing international efforts to enhance computing capabilities while reducing energy consumption.

  • Banknote bouquets could land you in jail, Kenya’s central bank warns

    Banknote bouquets could land you in jail, Kenya’s central bank warns

    The Central Bank of Kenya has issued a formal warning against the increasingly popular practice of transforming banknotes into floral-style bouquets, a trend that has gained significant traction through social media influencers and celebrity endorsements. These monetary arrangements, particularly popular during Valentine’s Day celebrations, involve meticulously rolling and fastening currency notes of various denominations to resemble traditional flower bouquets.

    In an official statement released Monday, the banking authority clarified that such creative manipulations constitute defacement of national currency, an offense punishable by up to seven years imprisonment under Kenyan law. The bank detailed how the practice involves folding, rolling, gluing, stapling, and pinning notes together using adhesives and fastening materials, ultimately compromising their structural integrity.

    The technical consequences have proven substantial, with damaged notes causing operational disruptions across automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash-counting equipment. This has resulted in increased currency rejection rates and generated unnecessary replacement costs for both financial institutions and the public.

    Despite these restrictions, the central bank emphasized it does not oppose monetary gifting traditions, instead encouraging alternative presentation methods that preserve note quality. The timing of this announcement proves particularly significant given Kenya’s status as a leading global flower producer, with many citizens noting the irony of choosing currency manipulations over fresh floral arrangements.

    Social media reactions have ranged from amused to supportive, with some commentators praising the regulation as a welcome relief from expensive and wasteful gifting practices. The announcement has sparked broader discussions about cultural traditions, economic practicality, and appropriate Valentine’s Day celebrations in the East African nation.

  • Israel slammed for ceasefire violations

    Israel slammed for ceasefire violations

    Arab and Muslim-majority nations issued a stern condemnation of Israel’s repeated breaches of the Gaza ceasefire agreement on Sunday, following fresh military strikes that resulted in 31 fatalities over the weekend. The coordinated diplomatic response came as the Rafah border crossing with Egypt resumed operations after nearly two years of closure, creating a complex humanitarian corridor under stringent restrictions.

    In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkiye characterized Israel’s actions as “a direct threat to the political process” that jeopardizes regional stability efforts. The ministers emphasized that these violations “risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm” during critical international negotiations to advance the second phase of the truce.

    The condemnation follows reports from WAFA news agency indicating that over 500 Palestinians have been killed since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire took effect on October 11. In a particularly tragic incident, medical sources confirmed a three-year-old child died when Israeli naval vessels shelled displacement tents in Khan Younis’ Al-Mawasi area.

    Concurrently, the Rafah crossing reopened under a pilot program that permits only pedestrian movement with Egyptian approval and Israeli security clearance. The Israeli military agency COGAT confirmed the crossing’s limited operation for “testing and assessment purposes,” while reports indicated 150 patients and companions prepared for medical evacuation from Gaza.

    European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib reiterated that “international humanitarian law must be upheld,” emphasizing the universal protection of civilians. Academic experts like Iyad Eid from the International Islamic University Malaysia noted Israel’s demonstrated pattern of disregarding ceasefire agreements with Palestinians.

    The humanitarian situation remains precarious as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza remains stranded in Cairo due to “technical problems and obstacles,” with members anonymously reporting inadequate headquarters and operational budget shortages hindering their mission to coordinate governmental transitions in Gaza.

  • Iran president orders talks as Washington hopeful of deal

    Iran president orders talks as Washington hopeful of deal

    In a significant diplomatic development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has authorized the commencement of nuclear negotiations with the United States, according to reports from Iranian state media on Monday. This move follows statements from US President Donald Trump expressing optimism about reaching a diplomatic agreement to prevent military confrontation with the Islamic Republic.

    The announcement comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Trump having previously threatened military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East. While maintaining this military pressure, the US administration has simultaneously expressed willingness to pursue diplomatic channels, creating a complex dual-track approach to Iran policy.

    Fars News Agency, citing unnamed government sources, confirmed that “President Pezeshkian has ordered the opening of talks with the United States” specifically addressing nuclear matters, though precise timing details remain unspecified. Iranian officials indicated they are developing a negotiation framework expected to be finalized within days, with communication between the two nations being facilitated through regional intermediaries.

    The diplomatic maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of mutual warnings. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cautioned that any US military action could trigger broader regional conflict, stating that while Iran would not initiate hostilities, it would deliver a “hard punch” to any aggressors. Trump responded dismissively to these warnings, emphasizing US military capabilities while maintaining his preference for a negotiated settlement.

    Regional diplomacy appears to be intensifying, with reports indicating that Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar are mediating arrangements for a meeting between Trump’s special envoy and senior Iranian officials in Ankara later this week. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament escalated tensions with the European Union by declaring all EU militaries “terrorist groups” in retaliation for the bloc’s similar designation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

  • Russia fires 450 drones and 70 missiles at Ukraine, a day before US-brokered talks

    Russia fires 450 drones and 70 missiles at Ukraine, a day before US-brokered talks

    In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian forces unleashed approximately 450 long-range drones and 70 missiles across multiple Ukrainian regions overnight Tuesday. This coordinated assault represents one of the most extensive bombardments in recent months, specifically targeting Ukraine’s already compromised energy infrastructure during the harshest winter conditions in years.

    The massive offensive occurred just days before scheduled diplomatic negotiations in Abu Dhabi, where representatives from both nations were set to participate in U.S.-brokered discussions aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the timing as strategically calculated to maximize civilian suffering, stating that “taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than diplomacy.”

    According to Ukrainian officials, the bombardment affected at least five regions, wounding a minimum of 10 civilians. The attacks damaged residential buildings, educational facilities, and critical energy infrastructure, including thermal power plants operated by DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company. This marked the ninth major assault on the country’s power grid since October.

    In Kyiv alone, the strikes left 1,170 apartment buildings without heating, severely undermining recent repair efforts that had nearly restored power to the capital’s residents. The northeastern Kharkiv and southern Odesa regions also reported significant damage and injuries.

    Adding symbolic significance to the destruction, the bombardment damaged the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War, located beneath the iconic Motherland Monument in Kyiv. Ukrainian Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna characterized the attack as “symbolic and cynical,” noting the historical parallels between current aggression and past conflicts.

    Despite previous descriptions of recent negotiations as constructive, the latest assault casts doubt on diplomatic prospects. Key issues remain unresolved, including the status of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, with a comprehensive settlement appearing increasingly distant as military actions intensify.

  • Retiree stages second act as short-film star

    Retiree stages second act as short-film star

    In Zhengzhou, Henan province, 60-year-old Pan Yihong has transformed retirement into an unexpected acting career, becoming one of China’s most recognizable faces in the booming micro-drama industry. After decades as a discipline official in a state-owned enterprise, Pan has appeared in over 300 short-form productions since retiring, specializing in villainous grandmother and mother-in-law roles that have earned her the nickname ‘Rong Momo’ after Chinese television’s iconic antagonist.

    Pan’s journey to micro-drama stardom represents a deferred dream finally realized. In 1984, she completed drama training but prioritized practical career concerns, keeping her faded pink certificate through multiple moves as a silent reminder of her unrealized passion. Her father had named her Yihong, meaning ‘artistic rainbow,’ in hopes she would someday achieve artistic heights.

    That aspiration culminated in late 2025 when Pan received the Golden Leaf Honor at the Weibo TV and Internet Video Summit in Beijing—a moment she commemorated by visiting her father’s grave to share her accomplishment. ‘Your daughter didn’t just become an actress,’ she told him. ‘She won an award.’

    Unlike actors who resist typecasting, Pan embraces her villain specialization. ‘It shows that I have successfully portrayed these images and they recognize my acting skills,’ she explained. Her approach to villainy focuses on capturing characters’ ‘human logic’ through subtle details rather than exaggerated outbursts.

    Off-screen, Pan’s personality contrasts sharply with her on-screen personas. Younger colleagues affectionately call her ‘Auntie Pan,’ and her husband of decades, Qiao Rui, notes that despite rarely watching her productions, he fully supports her career. ‘This is just acting,’ he said. ‘In real life, she is very kind-hearted.’

    As a pioneer in China’s rapidly evolving micro-drama industry, Pan has witnessed significant changes in production quality and audience expectations. ‘I have watched this industry rise from the ground,’ she observed. ‘From mindless thrilling dramas with all kinds of exaggeration to content that now requires warmth and social value.’

    With nearly 700 million micro-drama viewers nationwide as of June 2025—representing nearly 70% of China’s internet users—the industry continues to expand rapidly. Pan remains highly motivated despite the industry’s demanding schedules, viewing age as merely symbolic. ‘Sixty can be the start of a new life,’ she said. ‘Retirement isn’t about the end. It means finding a new stage to shine on.’

    Looking forward, Pan hopes to expand beyond her villain niche into comedy and spy films, aspiring to work in long-form dramas with veteran actors she admires.

  • Nanocrystal analysis system bolsters sci-tech self-reliance

    Nanocrystal analysis system bolsters sci-tech self-reliance

    Chinese scientists have achieved a major technological milestone with the development of the nation’s first fully domestic micro-nanocrystal analysis system. The breakthrough instrument, named RaSAS (Rapid Analysis System), was unveiled by researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry after five years of intensive development.

    The advanced system represents a significant step toward China’s technological self-reliance, ending decades of dependence on expensive imported equipment for high-precision crystal analysis. With this achievement, China becomes only the third nation worldwide—after Japan and Switzerland—capable of producing such sophisticated analytical instrumentation.

    RaSAS operates at scales beyond the reach of traditional X-ray diffraction technology, enabling researchers to examine crystal structures at submicron to nanometer levels. The system features proprietary 3D electron diffraction technology with complete hardware and software autonomy, addressing previous limitations where foreign instruments lacked customization capabilities for specialized research applications.

    According to Dr. Zhu Jianxi, deputy director of GIG, the technology holds transformative potential across multiple scientific disciplines. “RaSAS opens new frontiers in Earth and planetary sciences, materials development, and biomedical research,” he stated.

    The research team, co-led by Dr. Xian Haiyang, emphasized the system’s practical applications have already yielded significant discoveries. Scientists using RaSAS have identified and named two new minerals—Wangyanite and Oxyplumbopyrochlore—both officially recognized by the International Mineralogical Association. The technology also contributed to groundbreaking research published in Science journal, confirming that early deep-Earth water can be stored within Bridgmanite crystal structures, fundamentally altering understanding of planetary evolution.

    Economically, the domestic system offers substantial advantages, with expected pricing approximately 40% lower than comparable Japanese instruments that typically cost around 12 million yuan ($1.71 million) per unit. The development involved overcoming complex engineering challenges, including localization of critical components like field-emission electron guns and high-voltage power supplies.

    Mass production is anticipated within three to six months following technology transfer, a development eagerly awaited by the scientific community. Professor Qin Liping from the University of Science and Technology of China noted that widespread adoption of this equipment will be crucial for China’s advancement in high-end manufacturing and strategic research domains.

  • ‘Tech ears’ hear Bangladesh’s rare dolphins

    ‘Tech ears’ hear Bangladesh’s rare dolphins

    In a groundbreaking conservation achievement, Chinese-developed acoustic technology has successfully detected 146 endangered Ganges River dolphins in Bangladesh’s Jamuna River, providing unprecedented insights into one of the world’s most elusive aquatic species. The scientific breakthrough occurred in January during a joint China-Bangladesh research initiative that deployed real-time acoustic monitoring systems originally created for protecting China’s Yangtze finless porpoise.

    The innovative system, affectionately dubbed ‘tech ears’ by researchers, represents a paradigm shift in wildlife monitoring by focusing on sound rather than sight. Developed by the Institute of Hydrobiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the technology filters through complex river noise to identify unique dolphin sonar pulses with remarkable precision. This approach proves particularly crucial for the effectively blind Ganges River dolphins, which navigate and hunt exclusively using echolocation in sediment-heavy waters.

    The research collaboration forms part of the Belt and Road Initiative’s scientific cooperation framework, supported by the Alliance of International Science Organizations. During the survey, Chinese acoustic engineer Chen Yuwei continuously refined the system’s 26 adjustable parameters to adapt to local river conditions, significantly reducing false alarms while achieving detection rates ‘far higher than visual monitoring alone.’

    Complementing the underwater acoustic data, researchers deployed aerial drones to map habitats and capture rare footage of surfacing dolphins. The comprehensive approach identified multiple key dolphin habitats, including high-density activity zones near downstream sandbars.

    Researchers emphasize that the technology transfer represents more than equipment sharing—it introduces an entirely new conservation philosophy. As habitat degradation, sand mining, and fishing pressure continue threatening the species, the accurate population data will enable evidence-based conservation policies and targeted protection measures for this critically endangered freshwater mammal.

  • Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’ resumes after prosecutors suffer embarrassing setbacks on appeal

    Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’ resumes after prosecutors suffer embarrassing setbacks on appeal

    The Vatican’s landmark financial misconduct trial entered a pivotal appeals phase this week following significant setbacks for papal prosecutors that could fundamentally alter the outcome of the high-profile case. The proceedings, involving former Cardinal Angelo Becciu and eight co-defendants convicted of financial crimes in December 2023, face unprecedented challenges after the Vatican’s Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision to dismiss the prosecution’s appeal.

    The case suffered another major blow when chief prosecutor Alessandro Diddi abruptly resigned from the proceedings rather than face potential removal by the Cassation court. This development follows the emergence of controversial WhatsApp conversations that have raised serious questions about the trial’s integrity. These communications document extensive behind-the-scenes efforts to target Cardinal Becciu and suggest questionable conduct involving Vatican police, prosecutors, and even Pope Francis himself.

    Defense attorneys successfully argued that the chats demonstrated Diddi’s partiality in handling evidence and witnesses, rendering him unfit to continue his prosecutorial role. Although Diddi maintained the allegations were “unfounded,” he ultimately recused himself to prevent further damage to the judicial process.

    The original trial, initiated in 2021, centered on the Vatican’s controversial €350 million investment in London real estate. Prosecutors alleged that brokers and church officials defrauded the Holy See of millions through excessive fees and commissions, subsequently extorting additional funds to relinquish property control. While the tribunal convicted defendants on several charges including embezzlement and fraud, it rejected the prosecution’s broader conspiracy theory.

    The appeals process now focuses on defense arguments regarding Pope Francis’s direct involvement in the investigation. Defense teams contend their clients cannot receive a fair trial within an absolute monarchy where the pope wields supreme judicial power. Critical to this argument are four secret executive decrees signed by Francis in 2019-2020 that granted prosecutors extraordinary surveillance powers without judicial oversight or official publication.

    Legal experts have criticized these decrees for violating fundamental fair trial principles, particularly the “equality of arms” between defense and prosecution. The Vatican maintains that all defendants received fair proceedings, despite internal acknowledgments that the secrecy surrounding the papal decrees created significant legal problems. The appeals court must now navigate the complex theological and legal dilemma that the pope, while theoretically subject only to divine judgment, cannot promulgate laws violating fundamental rights.