Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • ‘This path is for the bold’: Why I’m holding my crypto conviction despite losses

    ‘This path is for the bold’: Why I’m holding my crypto conviction despite losses

    Amid a severe cryptocurrency market downturn that has decimated altcoin portfolios by 70-90%, a cohort of determined investors continues to uphold their long-term convictions despite staggering losses. The current market environment presents a radically different landscape from previous cycles in 2017 or 2021, characterized by increased institutional participation and heightened susceptibility to macroeconomic forces and geopolitical shifts.

    Market veterans are implementing strategic pivots in response to these changed conditions, with some influential group leaders abandoning previously recommended small-cap projects in favor of more promising mid-cap alternatives. This repositioning has created disorientation among followers who initially felt misled, yet acknowledges the market’s fundamental transformation.

    The psychological toll of sustained portfolio declines evokes comparisons to marathon running with receding finish lines or excessive work hours without compensation. Despite this emotional strain, core believers maintain their positions based on foundational principles rather than short-term gain expectations.

    These investors perceive cryptocurrency as analogous to early internet investment opportunities, with blockchain technology positioned to revolutionize financial systems, real estate, scientific research, and artistic expression. Prominent macroeconomic expert Raoul Pal reinforces this perspective by comparing blockchain investing to acquiring early stakes in internet infrastructure rather than individual companies.

    A growing demographic of financially frustrated women, particularly those concerned about retirement security within traditional systems, is increasingly exploring cryptocurrency alternatives. They seek empowerment through financial self-education and alternative retirement strategies, confronting cautious warnings from those unfamiliar with the crypto ecosystem.

    The prevailing wisdom within dedicated investment circles emphasizes boldness—distinct from recklessness or delusion—as essential for altering financial trajectories. This approach requires maintaining curiosity and self-trust during periods of apparent market collapse, with many investors focusing on the anticipated mainstream adoption horizon of 2030 while developing supplementary income streams and reaffirming their original investment theses.

  • How Trump’s pledge to tackle Sudan atrocities could play out

    How Trump’s pledge to tackle Sudan atrocities could play out

    After enduring thirty months of devastating civil war, Sudan stands on the brink of collapse with previous international peace initiatives failing to achieve breakthrough compromises. The conflict has displaced nearly 12 million people and created famine conditions across multiple regions, leaving citizens questioning whether the global community acknowledges their suffering.

    A potential shift emerged when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally briefed U.S. President Donald Trump on the crisis during a White House meeting. Following their discussion, Trump publicly acknowledged the ‘tremendous atrocities’ occurring in Sudan, which he described as ‘the most violent place on Earth,’ and committed to collaborate with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to end the violence.

    This development comes amid escalating brutality in the conflict. In late October, paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured el-Fasher, the army’s final stronghold in Darfur, following a 500-day siege. The capture was accompanied by widespread atrocities, including ethnically targeted massacres that claimed over 5,000 lives, with RSF fighters circulating ‘trophy videos’ of their actions on social media.

    The war originated in April 2023 from a power struggle between Armed Forces Chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads the UN-recognized government, and RSF commander Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) over Sudan’s political future. Despite Hemedti’s post-victory ceasefire offers, Burhan’s faction has rejected compromise, particularly the Islamists within his coalition who demand complete defeat of the RSF.

    Regional powers have exacerbated the conflict through weapon supplies: Egypt and Turkey support the regular army, while multiple reports indicate the UAE arms the RSF, though Emirati officials consistently deny these allegations. This external involvement has created a complex geopolitical landscape that peace efforts must navigate.

    For six months, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senior Africa Advisor Massad Boulos have developed a three-point peace framework through the ‘Quad’ mechanism (U.S., Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE) featuring: an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and civilian-led transition negotiations. However, the RSF’s assault on el-Fasher undermined these diplomatic efforts.

    Trump’s personal involvement potentially strengthens the Quad initiative, as he maintains unique relationships with regional leaders. However, significant obstacles remain, including the fierce Saudi-Emirati rivalry for influence across the Arab world, differing approaches to Islamist groups, and competing priorities that place Sudan behind issues like Gaza and commercial interests.

    Effective peacemaking would require convincing the UAE to cease its alleged support for the RSF—a challenging proposition given Abu Dhabi’s status as a major U.S. investment partner and architect of the Abraham Accords. The U.S. has avoided public criticism of Emirati actions and shows no appetite for sanctions, preferring quiet diplomacy instead.

    Even if a ceasefire is achieved, humanitarian challenges loom large. Aid organizations require approximately $3 billion for immediate relief, while political solutions must address deep public distrust of military leaders and civilian demands for democracy following the 2019 revolution that ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir. Many Sudanese also fear that Arab-led mediation might reduce their nation to dependency status rather than achieving genuine self-determination.

  • Paris’ Louvre raises ticket prices by 45% for non-EU tourists to fund renovations

    Paris’ Louvre raises ticket prices by 45% for non-EU tourists to fund renovations

    The Louvre Museum in Paris has announced a substantial 45% increase in admission fees for visitors from outside the European Union and European Economic Area, effective January 14th. This strategic move aims to generate crucial funding for extensive renovation projects and security enhancements following a recent high-profile jewel theft that exposed systemic vulnerabilities.

    Non-EU/EEA visitors will now pay €32 ($37), with British tourists included in this revised pricing structure. The decision comes after October’s daring daylight heist where burglars stole crown jewels valued at approximately $102 million, revealing significant security deficiencies at the world’s most visited museum. Subsequent inspections identified structural weaknesses that necessitated the partial closure of one wing.

    Museum administration, responding to recommendations from France’s state auditor, has prioritized security improvements alongside ongoing renovations. The comprehensive plan includes installation of 100 external surveillance cameras by late 2026 as part of a six-year refurbishment initiative.

    The Louvre welcomed nearly 9 million visitors last year, with foreign tourists comprising approximately three-quarters of total attendance. The price adjustment is projected to generate an additional €15-20 million annually to support these essential upgrades.

    This pricing strategy reflects a broader trend among French cultural institutions, with the Palace of Versailles, Sainte Chapelle, Paris Opera House, and Chambord Chateau also expected to implement similar increases in the coming year.

    Judicial proceedings continue regarding October’s theft, with French authorities having arrested and charged four primary suspects plus additional individuals suspected of complicity. The stolen jewels remain unrecovered as investigations persist.

  • UAE expresses solidarity with Sri Lanka; conveys condolences over cyclone victims

    UAE expresses solidarity with Sri Lanka; conveys condolences over cyclone victims

    The United Arab Emirates has formally conveyed its profound sympathy and solidarity with the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the wake of a catastrophic cyclone that inflicted severe damage across the island nation. Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on Friday, November 28, 2025, has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with official reports confirming 69 fatalities and 34 individuals still unaccounted for.

    The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued an official statement expressing heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones, while simultaneously reaffirming its support for the Sri Lankan government and citizens during this period of national tragedy. The cyclone’s impact has been exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, including torrential rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters within a 24-hour period, which triggered devastating landslides and widespread flooding.

    Sri Lankan defense forces have initiated large-scale rescue operations to reach hundreds of residents stranded by rapidly rising floodwaters. The natural disaster has caused substantial infrastructure damage and displaced thousands of citizens from their homes, creating urgent needs for emergency shelter and humanitarian assistance. The UAE’s message of international solidarity highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate-related disasters and supporting affected communities through recovery efforts.

  • Filipino travellers to enjoy visa-free entry to Oman starting 2026

    Filipino travellers to enjoy visa-free entry to Oman starting 2026

    In a significant diplomatic development enhancing travel freedom, the Sultanate of Oman will implement visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders beginning in 2026. The announcement was formally made by Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari, during the recent celebration of Oman’s National Day held in Makati City on November 19.

    This groundbreaking policy will permit Filipino citizens to visit Oman for tourism purposes for durations of up to fourteen days without requiring any visa authorization. Ambassador Manwari emphasized the historic nature of this decision, noting that Oman becomes the first nation in the Middle Eastern region to extend such a privilege to Philippine nationals. “This is the first country in the Middle East that will waive the visa for the Filipino people. So you can enjoy Oman anytime without visa,” the Ambassador stated in remarks reported by GMA News.

    The strategic move is fundamentally designed to stimulate tourism growth and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. Ambassador Manwari projected a substantial surge in visitor numbers from the Philippines following the policy’s implementation. To accommodate the anticipated increase in travel demand, Omani authorities are actively pursuing the expansion of air connectivity beyond the existing direct flights between Manila and Muscat. Development plans include establishing a new direct flight route to Cebu and engaging additional airlines to service these routes, contingent on addressing capacity considerations at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

    Beyond the logistical preparations, Ambassador Manwari extended a personal invitation to Filipino travelers, promoting Oman’s diverse attractions, from majestic mountain ranges and pristine coastal areas to vast desert landscapes. He characterized the country as a uniquely captivating destination within the Middle East, promising an extraordinary experience for visitors.

  • UAE: 300 horses from 19 countries to compete at Dubai Racing Carnival

    UAE: 300 horses from 19 countries to compete at Dubai Racing Carnival

    The 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival has emerged as a truly international equestrian spectacle, with Meydan Racecourse preparing to host over 300 thoroughbreds representing 19 different countries. The prestigious event, which commenced on November 7th, will continue through March 2026, culminating in the landmark 30th Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026.

    According to the Dubai Racing Club’s media office, the carnival has already received participants from the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Norway, with additional international contenders expected to arrive in the coming weeks. This diverse gathering underscores Dubai’s growing prominence as a global racing hub.

    Erwan Charpy, Head of Racing Operations & International Relations at Dubai Racing Club, emphasized the significance of this international turnout: “We are delighted to have acceptors for the Carnival from so many different countries. This further underlines the position of Dubai as the centre of the racing world and is a compliment to both our facilities and our racing programme.”

    The event features an impressive roster of accomplished trainers and champion horses. British trainer Jamie Osborne arrived early with his team, including the notable Heart Of Honor, who placed second in the G2 UAE Derby and fifth in the G1 Preakness. Norwegian trainer Niels Petersen brought 11 horses, featuring Norsk Derby winner War Socks.

    Czech-based trainer Miroslav Nieslanik returned to Meydan with globetrotting sprinter Ponntos and five other competitors, while Denmark’s Veronika Jandova arrived with seven horses, including Listed race winner Hans Andersen.

    Newmarket trainer Phil Spencer and principal backer Phil Cunningham have deployed a 10-horse team under their Rebel Racing banner, featuring Goodwood Stewards’ Cup winner Two Tribes and Ayr Gold Cup champion Run Boy Run.

    The competition intensifies with several trainers targeting later meetings. Notable entries include G2 Lennox Stakes winner Witness Stand, high-class sprinter Mitbaahy for Charles Hills, and G1 Lockinge Stakes champion Audience returning for trainers John and Thady Gosden.

    Meydan Racecourse will host three race meetings in December on the 5th, 12th, and 19th, culminating in Festive Friday featuring two Thoroughbred G2 events: the Al Maktoum Mile and the Al Rashidiya.

  • King Willonius, the mind behind BBL Drizzy, joins BRIDGE Summit 2025

    King Willonius, the mind behind BBL Drizzy, joins BRIDGE Summit 2025

    Abu Dhabi prepares to host groundbreaking conversations at the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative arts as BRIDGE Summit 2025 announces King Willonius, the visionary behind the viral AI-generated phenomenon ‘BBL Drizzy,’ as a headline speaker. The inaugural media event, scheduled for December 8-10 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, will feature the award-winning comedian and AI architect in a landmark presentation about technological transformation in music.

    Willonius emerged as a pivotal figure in contemporary digital culture through his revolutionary work blending artificial intelligence with musical creativity. His creation of ‘BBL Drizzy’ sparked international discourse about authorship boundaries and the evolving relationship between human artists and machine learning systems. This pioneering effort earned him prestigious recognition, including placement on Ebony’s Power 100 list and TIME magazine’s selection as one of the 100 most influential figures in AI.

    The summit will feature Willonius’s keynote address titled ‘This Is How I Reimagined Music with AI,’ offering attendees an unprecedented examination of how emotional intelligence, personal narrative, and algorithmic processing can converge to create entirely new artistic paradigms. His methodology involves training AI systems with his own creative inputs, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can transcend mere imitation to achieve genuine collaborative artistry. This approach points toward a future where sound becomes deeply personalized, infinitely programmable, and fundamentally limitless.

    BRIDGE Summit 2025 represents a massive convergence of global creative and technological expertise, with expected attendance of 60,000 participants from 132 countries. The event will showcase more than 430 international speakers, 1,200 industry executives, 260 advertising agencies, and 150 exhibitors across seven integrated thematic tracks: media, creator economy, music, gaming, technology, marketing, and visual media. This comprehensive programming establishes the summit as the world’s largest shared marketplace for media, content, and entertainment innovation.

    The summit operates under the auspices of the BRIDGE Alliance, an independent non-profit organization that facilitates collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, CEOs, investors, and media professionals worldwide. The Alliance works to strengthen global media ecosystems through knowledge exchange, priority alignment, and cross-border cooperation. Its mission emphasizes advancing credibility, trust, and transparency while supporting responsible innovation that positions media as a driver of economic, social, and cultural development.

    Aligned with the UAE’s vision for enhanced global cooperation, the BRIDGE Alliance reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for international dialogue and technological advancement. Registration for the December summit is currently available through the official BRIDGE Summit website and the event’s dedicated digital companion application, which provides participants with real-time updates, scheduling information, and speaker details.

  • Trump says not inviting South Africa to next year’s G20 in Miami

    Trump says not inviting South Africa to next year’s G20 in Miami

    In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, former US President Donald Trump has declared South Africa will be excluded from the 2026 G20 Summit scheduled for his Miami golf resort. The announcement marks the latest development in an ongoing confrontation between Trump’s administration and the African nation.

    Trump justified the exclusion through a post on his Truth Social platform, citing alleged ‘horrific Human Right Abuses’ against white farmers and South Africa’s breach of diplomatic protocol regarding the G20 presidency transition. This decision follows the Trump administration’s boycott of the recent G20 summit hosted in Johannesburg, which concluded without the traditional symbolic handover of presidency to the United States as next host.

    The diplomatic rift deepened when President Cyril Ramaphosa declined to formally transfer the G20 presidency to the United States, breaking with established convention. Trump’s administration has further intensified tensions by propagating controversial claims of ‘white genocide’ targeting Afrikaner communities, allegations that the South African government vehemently denies.

    The confrontation reached a notable point during a May meeting at the White House, where Trump presented President Ramaphosa with a video purportedly documenting these allegations, though the material contained numerous factual inaccuracies according to independent verification.

    The 2026 gathering of the world’s twenty largest economies is set to occur at the Trump National Doral Miami resort in Florida, presenting unique ethical considerations given the former president’s continued ownership of the venue.

  • DHS points to US travel ban list when asked about ‘Third World’ countries

    DHS points to US travel ban list when asked about ‘Third World’ countries

    In a significant policy shift following a fatal shooting incident near the White House, the Trump administration has declared a permanent suspension of migration from all nations classified as ‘Third World Countries.’ The announcement came late Thursday after an Afghan national, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, shot two U.S. National Guard members, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and critical injuries to 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe.

    The Department of Homeland Security, when pressed for clarification regarding which nations fall under the ‘Third World’ designation, directed inquiries to the existing travel ban list encompassing 19 countries. This policy expansion builds upon the recent suspension of all U.S. immigration applications from Afghan nationals implemented after the Washington shooting.

    President Trump characterized the measure as a necessary security precaution, though the administration provided no specific timeline for implementation or detailed criteria for the ‘Third World’ classification. The policy represents one of the most restrictive immigration measures undertaken by the administration, potentially affecting migration patterns from dozens of developing nations across multiple continents.

    The tragic shooting incident that precipitated this policy change occurred in proximity to the presidential residence, amplifying security concerns and triggering immediate governmental response. The administration’s reference to the existing travel ban list suggests alignment with previously identified countries of concern, though the broader ‘Third World’ terminology implies a potentially much wider scope of affected nations.

  • Why the rich and powerful couldn’t say no to Epstein

    Why the rich and powerful couldn’t say no to Epstein

    Newly disclosed court documents have exposed the remarkable persistence of Jeffrey Epstein’s connections within elite political and academic circles long after his criminal conviction for soliciting prostitution. The revelations, drawn from over 23,000 pages of personal correspondence, demonstrate how the convicted sex offender maintained influential relationships despite public scandal and legal condemnation.

    The documents reveal particularly troubling communications between Epstein and sitting officials, including Democratic Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. During a 2019 House committee hearing featuring testimony from Donald Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, Plaskett exchanged text messages with Epstein, who encouraged specific lines of questioning. Though Plaskett claims Epstein was merely one of many constituents she communicated with that day, the timing—after his 2008 conviction but before his 2019 arrest for sex trafficking—raises questions about the normalization of his presence in powerful circles.

    The extensive document trove illustrates Epstein’s sophisticated strategy of cultivating what author Barry Levine describes as ‘transactional relationships’ with powerful figures. Epstein positioned himself as a ‘people collector’ who leveraged financial expertise and social connections to maintain access to America’s elite. This access persisted despite his 2008 conviction and a damning Miami Herald investigation that detailed allegations of sexual abuse on his private island.

    Among the most significant revelations are continued communications with prominent British politician Lord Peter Mandelson, who maintained contact with Epstein as late as 2016. The disclosures ultimately led to Mandelson’s dismissal as UK ambassador to the United States in September. Similarly, former Harvard President Larry Summers sought romantic advice from Epstein in November 2018—the same month the Herald investigation published—resulting in Summers recently stepping back from public commitments.

    The documents also detail Epstein’s relationships with intellectual figures like linguist Noam Chomsky, who praised Epstein’s intellect in correspondence while acknowledging his criminal record. Notably absent from the communications is former President Donald Trump, who reportedly severed ties with Epstein years before his first arrest.

    The revelations have triggered widespread examination of how social capital and financial influence can override ethical considerations in elite circles. As Levine notes, ‘His credentials among power brokers were extremely high, and many individuals probably just dismissed the conviction against him.’ This case continues to reveal the complex dynamics that allowed a convicted sex offender to maintain standing among the world’s most powerful people.