Global Pulse

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  • Rights group says Iran protest toll nears 6,000 dead

    Rights group says Iran protest toll nears 6,000 dead

    A US-based human rights organization has reported that nearly 6,000 individuals have been confirmed dead during widespread protests in Iran, while Tehran issued stern warnings against American intervention in its internal affairs. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) disclosed on Monday that its verified death toll had reached 5,848, including 209 security personnel, with an additional 17,091 potential fatalities under investigation.

    The protest movement, initially sparked by economic discontent in late December, rapidly evolved into a broad challenge against Iran’s Islamic republic system, culminating in massive street demonstrations beginning January 8. Rights organizations have condemned authorities for implementing an unprecedented crackdown, alleging security forces fired directly at protesters while maintaining an internet blackout that has persisted for 18 consecutive days.

    Iranian authorities provided their first official casualty figures last week, claiming 3,117 deaths with the majority characterized as security forces or innocent bystanders killed by ‘rioters.’ Independent monitors note the internet shutdown has severely obstructed accurate documentation of casualties, with Netblocks confirming the ongoing blackout is ‘obscuring the extent of a deadly crackdown on civilians.’

    The geopolitical dimension intensified as the United States deployed military assets to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. President Donald Trump maintained that military intervention remains ‘an option’ while stating his preference to avoid conflict. Iran’s foreign ministry responded with warnings of a ‘comprehensive and regret-inducing response to any aggression,’ with spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei asserting that American naval presence would not diminish Iran’s defensive resolve.

    In Tehran’s Enghelab Square, new anti-American billboards depicted destroyed aircraft carriers accompanied by the prophetic warning: ‘If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.’ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his last public appearance on January 17, vowed authorities would ‘break the back of the seditionists.’

    Meanwhile, Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon organized rallies supporting Iran against ‘American-Zionist sabotage and threats,’ signaling regional alignment behind Tehran’s position. The convergence of domestic suppression and international posturing creates a volatile situation with implications extending beyond Iran’s borders.

  • France honors fallen soldiers in Afghanistan after Trump’s false claim about NATO troops

    France honors fallen soldiers in Afghanistan after Trump’s false claim about NATO troops

    PARIS — In a dignified response to controversial statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, French defense officials have publicly honored the memory of their nation’s fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. Alice Rufo, Minister Delegate at the Defense Ministry, presided over a solemn ceremony at a Paris monument dedicated to French military personnel who perished in overseas operations.

    The ceremony, which officials noted was organized specifically in response to recent remarks about NATO allies’ participation in the Afghanistan conflict, served as a powerful rebuttal to claims that non-American troops avoided frontline combat. Rufo emphasized the importance of preserving the honor and sacrifice of the ninety French soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict that began in October 2001.

    This diplomatic response comes after Trump’s interview with Fox Business Network in Davos, Switzerland, where he suggested that non-U.S. NATO forces remained distant from combat zones. Although the former president subsequently praised British forces, he omitted recognition of other allied troops, creating diplomatic tension among NATO partners.

    Rufo acknowledged the profound emotional impact of these statements on veterans’ associations, noting their ‘outrage, anger, and sadness.’ However, she emphasized the enduring ‘brotherhood of arms’ between American, British, and French military forces, advocating for trans-Atlantic solidarity to overcome political disagreements.

    The Afghanistan campaign represented a historic moment for NATO, marking the first activation of its mutual-defense clause following the September 11 attacks. The international coalition, comprising dozens of nations, worked collectively to dismantle al-Qaida and confront Taliban forces in their Afghan stronghold.

  • Fifteen dead, 28 missing as ferry sinks in southern Philippines

    Fifteen dead, 28 missing as ferry sinks in southern Philippines

    A major maritime tragedy struck the southern Philippines on Monday when the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the early hours, resulting in 15 confirmed fatalities and 28 individuals remaining unaccounted for. The vessel, carrying more than 350 passengers and crew, issued a distress signal at approximately 1:50 AM local time (1750 GMT Sunday) while navigating waters near Baluk-Baluk Island in the Basilan province chain.

    According to Philippine Coast Guard reports, the ferry had departed Zamboanga City on Mindanao’s southwestern tip approximately four hours prior to the emergency alert. Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua confirmed that 316 people have been successfully rescued from the waters east of the Zamboanga peninsula, approximately five kilometers from Baluk-Baluk Island.

    Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the remote location and limited resources. Emergency responder Ronalyn Perez from Basilan reported that local hospitals were overwhelmed by the sudden influx of patients, creating critical staffing shortages. At least 18 survivors required immediate medical attention at one facility.

    Multipronged rescue efforts involving the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force assets were deployed to the area. Aerial support was dispatched to assist in the ongoing search operations. Survivors were being transported to coast guard stations in Zamboanga and Isabela City for processing and medical care.

    Disturbing footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard depicted rescue teams extracting survivors from the water and administering urgent medical treatment. Social media broadcasts captured harrowing audio of passengers shouting for assistance in the darkness.

    The coast guard emphasized that initial investigations indicate the vessel was not operating beyond its capacity limits. A formal marine casualty investigation has been initiated to determine the precise cause of the sinking, though rescue priorities currently take precedence over determining causation.

    This incident highlights ongoing maritime safety concerns in the Philippine archipelago, where millions depend on inter-island ferry services for transportation across the nation’s 7,000+ islands. The region has experienced numerous similar tragedies, including a 2023 ferry fire that claimed over 30 lives in southern Philippine waters.

  • Winter sports push tourism in NE China’s Jilin

    Winter sports push tourism in NE China’s Jilin

    Northeast China’s Jilin province is transforming its winter landscape into a thriving tourism economy through strategic sporting initiatives. The region’s famed Changbai Mountains, now blanketed in seasonal snow, have become the backdrop for an ambitious development plan that combines athletic events with enhanced visitor experiences.

    At premier destinations like Beidahu and Lake Songhua resorts, skiers carve through fresh powder while the province implements its vision to establish international winter destination credibility. This season marks a significant escalation in efforts to convert Jilin’s natural icy resources into economic prosperity.

    One particularly striking manifestation of this initiative appeared at Lake Songhua Resort last November, where professional skiers performed a culturally-infused demonstration wearing elaborate Peking Opera costumes. This fusion of traditional Chinese culture with winter sports exemplifies the province’s innovative approach to tourism development.

    Beyond spectacle, Jilin is investing substantially in infrastructure upgrades and service quality improvements across its winter sports facilities. The coordinated strategy involves hosting major competitive events alongside creating unique visitor experiences that differentiate the region from other winter destinations.

    The provincial government’s comprehensive approach recognizes winter tourism as a multidimensional engine for economic growth. By leveraging both its natural advantages and cultural heritage, Jilin aims to attract domestic and international visitors seeking authentic winter experiences complemented by world-class amenities and distinctive cultural elements.

  • Indian consulate in Dubai hosts flag hoisting to mark 77th Republic Day

    Indian consulate in Dubai hosts flag hoisting to mark 77th Republic Day

    Dubai witnessed a profound display of patriotic fervor as the Indian Consulate hosted an elaborate flag-hoisting ceremony on January 26, 2026, commemorating India’s 77th Republic Day. The event attracted massive participation from the Indian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating the strong cultural bonds and national pride among the 4.3 million Indians residing in the Gulf nation.

    Consul General Satish Sivan addressed the gathering, highlighting the remarkable advancement in India-UAE bilateral relations following President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent state visit to India. The diplomatic engagement resulted in several groundbreaking agreements designed to foster mutual prosperity and technological collaboration between the nations.

    The newly solidified partnerships encompass multiple strategic sectors, including a landmark decade-long LNG supply arrangement, defense cooperation protocols, space technology initiatives, and significant infrastructure investment commitments. Both nations are also exploring innovative digital infrastructure partnerships, including the potential establishment of ‘digital embassies’ and enhanced secure data exchange mechanisms.

    The Republic Day celebration served as both a cultural milestone and a testament to the growing strategic alignment between India and the UAE, reflecting shared ambitions for technological innovation and economic resilience.

  • Japanese court orders Pyongyang to pay damages to survivors of deceptive repatriation program

    Japanese court orders Pyongyang to pay damages to survivors of deceptive repatriation program

    In a landmark judicial decision, the Tokyo District Court has ordered North Korea’s government to compensate four plaintiffs with 22 million yen ($143,000) each for systematic human rights violations stemming from Pyongyang’s deceptive postwar resettlement program. The ruling marks the first judicial acknowledgment of North Korea’s responsibility for luring thousands of ethnic Koreans from Japan with false promises of a ‘paradise on Earth’ between 1959-1984.

    Presiding Judge Taiichi Kamino determined that the plaintiffs endured decades of severe living conditions without freedom of movement, educational choice, or employment opportunities after relocating under the repatriation scheme. The court found that North Korea’s representations of free healthcare, education, and employment benefits constituted deliberate misinformation that fundamentally damaged the lives of those who migrated.

    The case originally involved five plaintiffs when filed in 2018, though two have since passed away, with one represented by his son. While a 2022 ruling acknowledged the deceptive nature of the program, it rejected compensation claims based on jurisdictional limitations and statute of expiration concerns. The Tokyo High Court’s 2023 appellate decision reversed this stance, recognizing Japan’s jurisdiction and ordering reassessment of damages.

    Eiko Kawasaki, an 83-year-old plaintiff who spent 43 years in North Korea before defecting in 2003, described the ruling as ‘just a start.’ Despite acknowledging North Korea’s likely disregard for the verdict, she emphasized the importance of formal recognition of their suffering. Plaintiffs’ attorney Kenji Fukuda noted the practical challenges of enforcement given the absence of diplomatic relations between Japan and North Korea.

    The case highlights the complex historical context of Japan’s ethnic Korean population, many descended from forced laborers during Japan’s 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula. The 1959 resettlement program emerged from North Korea’s need to replenish its workforce after the Korean War, while Japan viewed it as a solution for what it considered ‘outsider’ ethnic Koreans. Over 93,000 people relocated under the program, with approximately 150 eventually returning to Japan.

    Human Rights Watch Japan Director Kane Doi urged the Japanese government to leverage this ruling to pressure North Korea for accountability and facilitate resettlement for remaining victims. The decision also raises questions about the role of pro-North Korean organization Chongryon in promoting the deceptive program and potential Japanese government responsibility through its facilitation of the repatriation agreement.

  • Former South Korean PM Lee Hae-chan has died in Vietnam at 73

    Former South Korean PM Lee Hae-chan has died in Vietnam at 73

    HANOI – Lee Hae-chan, who served as South Korea’s Prime Minister from 2000 to 2002, has died in Ho Chi Minh City at age 73 following a severe illness, according to an official statement released by the Vietnamese government on Sunday.

    The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that despite receiving extensive medical treatment coordinated between national authorities and Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee, the former premier’s condition proved fatal. The statement emphasized that Vietnamese medical teams provided the highest standard of care during his final days.

    In response to the statesman’s passing, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other senior government officials have conveyed their profound sympathies to both the South Korean government and Lee’s bereaved family. The diplomatic gesture highlights the continuing strengthening of bilateral relations between Vietnam and South Korea.

    Lee Hae-chan, a prominent political figure who played a significant role in South Korea’s democratic development, served during the administration of President Kim Dae-jung. His political career spanned decades as a member of the Democratic Party, where he advocated for progressive policies and inter-Korean reconciliation.

    The passing of the former leader in a foreign nation underscores the global mobility of senior statesmen and the international dimensions of contemporary Asian diplomacy. Vietnamese authorities have indicated their commitment to facilitating the repatriation of Lee’s remains in coordination with South Korean officials.

  • Gunmen storm Mexico football pitch and kill at least 11 people

    Gunmen storm Mexico football pitch and kill at least 11 people

    In a brutal Sunday attack that has shocked the nation, gunmen opened fire on civilians at a community football pitch in Salamanca, central Mexico, leaving at least 11 dead and a dozen more wounded. The assault occurred in the Loma de Flores neighborhood as families socialized following a local match.

    Eyewitnesses described a coordinated assault, with armed assailants arriving in multiple vehicles before unleashing indiscriminate gunfire on the crowd. The sound of approximately 100 shots echoed through the area as panicked victims sought cover. Among the deceased were at least one woman and one child, highlighting the attack’s particularly cruel nature.

    The massacre occurred in Guanajuato state, which recorded Mexico’s highest murder rate last year. This region has become a battleground for violent criminal organizations, particularly those engaged in fuel theft from state-run oil company Pemex. Salamanca itself hosts a major Pemex refinery, making it a frequent target for gang violence.

    Analysts identify the escalating conflict between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL) as the primary driver of brutality in the region. These groups engage in diverse criminal enterprises including drug trafficking, extortion, and sophisticated fuel theft operations that involve hijacking tanker trucks and tapping pipelines.

    The violence extends beyond Mexico’s borders, with both cartels maintaining significant operations in the United States. This transnational threat prompted the U.S. State Department to designate CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and impose sanctions on CSRL.

    The incident has intensified concerns about cross-border security cooperation. Just days before the attack, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum extradited 37 high-impact suspects to the United States, a move interpreted as effort to strengthen bilateral counter-narcotics collaboration and potentially deter unilateral U.S. actions against cartels operating on Mexican soil.

    Local and federal security forces have launched a comprehensive investigation into the massacre, though the specific motive behind this particular attack remains unclear. The shooting follows multiple violent incidents in Salamanca just one day prior, which resulted in five additional deaths and one abduction, underscoring the region’s deteriorating security situation.

  • European Union opens investigation into Musk’s AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes

    European Union opens investigation into Musk’s AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes

    The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, following alarming revelations about its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok generating nonconsensual sexualized deepfake imagery. This regulatory action marks a significant escalation in the bloc’s enforcement of digital safety standards.

    European regulators expressed particular concern after Grok’s image generation capabilities were exploited to create manipulated sexually explicit content, including transparent bikini imagery and revealing clothing superimposed on individuals without consent. Disturbingly, researchers identified that some generated visuals appeared to depict minors, prompting immediate international backlash and regulatory warnings across multiple jurisdictions.

    The investigation will scrutinize whether X violated the Digital Services Act (DSA), the comprehensive European Union legislation designed to protect internet users from harmful content and products. Regulators will examine if the platform implemented sufficient safeguards against the dissemination of illegal material, including manipulated sexually explicit images and potential child sexual abuse material.

    European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen characterized non-consensual sexual deepfakes as “a violent, unacceptable form of degradation,” emphasizing that the probe will determine whether X prioritized user safety or “treated rights of European citizens — including those of women and children – as collateral damage.”

    In response to mounting criticism, X issued a January statement asserting its “zero tolerance” policy toward child sexual exploitation, nonconsensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content. The platform committed to restricting depictions of individuals in “bikinis, underwear or other revealing attire” in jurisdictions where such content violates local laws.

    Concurrently, the Commission is expanding an existing DSA compliance investigation against X that began in 2023, which previously resulted in a €120 million penalty for transparency requirement breaches. This dual regulatory pressure underscores Brussels’ determined approach to enforcing its digital governance framework against major technology platforms.

  • Israel agrees to ‘limited reopening’ of Rafah crossing ‘for pedestrian passage only’

    Israel agrees to ‘limited reopening’ of Rafah crossing ‘for pedestrian passage only’

    Israel has announced a conditional agreement to permit limited pedestrian access through the Rafah border crossing, marking a significant development in the protracted Gaza conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared Monday that this humanitarian gesture would only proceed upon satisfying two critical conditions: the safe return of all living hostages held in Gaza and Hamas’ complete cooperation in locating and repatriating the remains of all deceased captives.

    The Rafah crossing, a vital conduit for humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian territory, has remained shuttered since Israeli forces assumed control during military operations. This proposed reopening forms part of a broader truce framework initially proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in October.

    The announcement follows intensive diplomatic efforts by visiting U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who reportedly urged Israeli officials to resume operations at Rafah during weekend negotiations in Jerusalem. International pressure has mounted consistently from world leaders and aid organizations emphasizing the crossing’s crucial role in delivering essential medical supplies, food, and other humanitarian resources to Gaza’s devastated population.

    Central to the current negotiations is the case of Ran Gvili, the final remaining hostage whose retrieval has become the linchpin of the agreement. The Israeli police non-commissioned officer was killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on Israel, with his body subsequently transported to Gaza. Hamas’ military wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, claims to have provided mediators with detailed information regarding Gvili’s whereabouts, with Israeli forces currently conducting cemetery searches based on this intelligence.

    Gvili’s family has expressed vehement opposition to advancing any subsequent phases of the ceasefire agreement before recovering their son’s remains, underscoring the deeply personal dimensions underlying these geopolitical negotiations. The conflict has exacted a devastating toll, with Gaza authorities reporting over 70,000 fatalities since November and widespread destruction across the territory of 2.2 million people, already suffering from prolonged blockade since 2007.