Global Pulse

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  • Qatar influence grows in Olympic world as Sheikh Joaan elected to lead Asia’s OCA

    Qatar influence grows in Olympic world as Sheikh Joaan elected to lead Asia’s OCA

    TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Qatar secured a significant victory in international sports governance Monday with the election of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani as president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The unanimous appointment positions Qatar advantageously as it pursues hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Olympics.

    Sheikh Joaan, the sole nominee for the position, received 44 votes with one abstention during the OCA’s annual assembly in Tashkent. He succeeds Randir Singh of India, who resigned citing health reasons, and will serve through 2028.

    “I stand before you today with feelings of great pride and responsibility,” stated Sheikh Joaan in his acceptance address. The Qatari royal holds multiple influential positions in sports administration, including leadership of the Qatar Olympic Committee and senior vice presidency of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

    The appointment reinforces Qatar’s growing influence within Olympic circles as the International Olympic Committee prepares to establish the selection process for the 2036 Games. Qatar emerges as a frontrunner alongside India, with Saudi Arabia also expressing formal interest.

    Sheikh Joaan’s election coincides with Qatar’s existing commitments to host the Asian Games in both 2030 and 2034 under OCA jurisdiction. The younger brother of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani—himself a 24-year International Olympic Committee member—Sheikh Joaan’s presidency signals Qatar’s strategic consolidation of power within Asian sports governance.

    The next Asian Games will commence in September in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, continuing the quadrennial multi-sport tradition.

  • A Brazilian skier at the Winter Olympics? Lucas Pinheiro Braathen could make history

    A Brazilian skier at the Winter Olympics? Lucas Pinheiro Braathen could make history

    MILAN — Alpine skiing sensation Lucas Pinheiro Braathen faces an unusual challenge when introducing himself to fellow Brazilians: convincing them he genuinely represents their nation in winter sports. The 25-year-old athlete, who recently switched allegiance from Norway to Brazil, could make history at the upcoming Winter Olympics by winning South America’s first-ever medal in the competition.

    In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Pinheiro Braathen described the fascinating reactions he receives in Brazil. “When I meet someone new, it’s always this mindblowing moment that sparks very interesting conversations,” he shared with amusement. “These interactions demonstrate how foreign skiing is to Brazilians, which makes representing them even more fulfilling.”

    The 2023 World Cup slalom champion has already achieved multiple milestones under his new flag. Last year, he became the first Brazilian skier to finish on a World Cup podium, followed by securing the country’s inaugural World Cup victory this season—adding to his five previous wins for Norway.

    Pinheiro Braathen’s unique background stems from his Brazilian mother and Norwegian father. After unexpectedly retiring on the eve of the 2023 season, he made a surprising comeback one year later representing Brazil. This cultural duality shapes his approach to competition: “I’m a person of cultural duality with two perspectives presented from birth. I’ve never been limited to one reality or culture.”

    The athlete has developed a philosophical approach to pressure, viewing it as motivational currency rather than burden. “Pressure is privilege—it’s my most important currency,” he explained. “The greater the challenge, the greater the difference I can make. I channel that pressure into performance, enabling me to become the version of myself that can beat every other athlete.”

    Known for his vibrant personality, fashion sense, and painted fingernails, Pinheiro Braathen brings Brazilian energy and Norwegian discipline to the slopes. His celebratory style includes samba dancing after podium finishes, as demonstrated following his first victory for Brazil.

    The skier maintains a close relationship with his father, Björn Braathen, who introduced him to skiing at age four despite initial resistance. Interestingly, his father fully supports his son’s decision to compete for Brazil, stating: “As a Norwegian, people expect me to feel very bad about that, but I don’t. It’s my son and I just want him to be happy.”

    As the Winter Olympics approach, Pinheiro Braathen embraces the possibility of creating history not just for Brazil, but for the entire South American continent.

  • Kerala arrest over viral video: UAE experts warn against ‘trial by social media’

    Kerala arrest over viral video: UAE experts warn against ‘trial by social media’

    Legal and psychological authorities in the UAE are issuing urgent warnings about the dangerous proliferation of ‘trial by social media,’ highlighting how digital mob justice is undermining legal due process and inflicting severe psychological harm. This expert analysis follows a tragic incident in Kerala, India, where a man took his own life after facing mass online condemnation.

    Professor Aryaan Asad Lalani of Middlesex University Dubai emphasizes that the fundamental legal principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is entirely absent in the court of public opinion. ‘Social media algorithms construct narratives around polarized evidence, compelling users to render judgments based on incomplete stories,’ Professor Lalani explained. ‘This creates profoundly problematic outcomes that bypass evidentiary standards.’

    The Kerala case exemplifies these dangers. A 35-year-old woman posted videos accusing a man of inappropriate touching on a bus, triggering widespread online condemnation. Two days after the video went viral, the accused man died by suicide while maintaining his innocence. His family alleges the accusation was fabricated for social media fame. The woman now faces charges of abetment to suicide and is in judicial custody, having never filed a formal police report initially.

    Clinical Psychologist Asra Sarwar of Aster Clinics detailed the devastating psychological impact of online shaming. ‘Human beings are neurologically wired for social acceptance,’ Sarwar noted. ‘Sustained negative attention triggers intense stress responses that erode self-worth and create helplessness—established risk factors for depression and suicidal ideation.’

    Legal experts warn that digital accusations create irreversible damage regardless of their veracity. Professor Lalani highlighted how social media prioritizes ‘clicks, outrage and algorithmic visibility’ over factual accuracy. Even when allegations are disproven, digital footprints persist indefinitely, creating permanent reputational damage without legal basis.

    Both experts identified concerning psychological dynamics driving online pile-ons. Sarwar explained that moral outrage triggers group alignment with dominant narratives, while anonymity reduces empathy and increases aggression. Lalani and Sarwar distinguished between legitimate whistleblowing—governed by evidence and legal safeguards—and unregulated call-out culture driven by virality rather than verification.

    The experts concluded that while social media can occasionally provide recourse for victims failed by traditional systems, restoring institutional trust remains essential. They urged digital citizens to practice ethical engagement: ‘Respecting due process isn’t silence—it’s responsibility,’ Sarwar emphasized, noting that online actions carry profound real-world consequences.

  • Dubai gold prices hit Dh600: Shoppers continue buying, selling unused jewellery

    Dubai gold prices hit Dh600: Shoppers continue buying, selling unused jewellery

    Dubai’s gold market is demonstrating remarkable resilience as prices surge past unprecedented thresholds, with 24K gold reaching a historic peak of Dh601 per gram over the weekend. Despite the soaring valuations, consumer activity remains robust as both buyers and sellers adapt to the new market reality.

    The precious metal has maintained a consistent upward trajectory, achieving record highs during five separate trading sessions within the past week alone. This sustained appreciation has created a dynamic marketplace where traditional purchasing patterns are evolving in response to economic conditions.

    Market observers report two distinct consumer behaviors emerging. Many buyers are accelerating previously planned jewelry acquisitions in anticipation of further price increases, while others are shifting toward lighter, more intricate designs that emphasize craftsmanship over pure weight. According to Aditya Singh of Titan Company, ‘Trust matters more than ever at this current price point.’

    Concurrently, jewelry retailers note increased activity in the secondary market as consumers capitalize on high prices to monetize unused pieces. Anil Dhanak of Kanz Jewels clarified that this trend represents strategic value realization rather than distress selling, with customers frequently exchanging older items for contemporary designs through transparent exchange programs.

    The fundamental drivers of gold demand in the region—cultural traditions, wedding requirements, and emotional value—continue to sustain market activity despite price pressures. Consumers are adapting purchase quantities and designs to accommodate budgetary constraints rather than withdrawing from the market entirely, demonstrating gold’s enduring perception as a long-term store of value in the UAE market.

  • Teenage girl dies in Dublin after being hit by scrambler

    Teenage girl dies in Dublin after being hit by scrambler

    A tragic road traffic incident in a north Dublin suburb has resulted in the death of a teenage girl following a collision with a scrambler-type motorcycle. The fatal accident occurred on Ratoath Road in the residential area of Finglas at approximately 2:20 PM local time on Sunday afternoon.

    According to An Garda Síochána (Ireland’s national police service), emergency responders rushed the critically injured teenager to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown for immediate medical intervention. Despite receiving comprehensive trauma care, the young victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the medical facility.

    In a significant development following the incident, law enforcement authorities have apprehended a teenage male in connection with the fatal collision. The suspect remains in custody at a Garda station within the Dublin metropolitan region as investigations continue.

    Specialist forensic collision investigators from the Garda Technical Bureau have conducted a meticulous examination of the accident scene, employing advanced forensic techniques to reconstruct the precise sequence of events. The thorough investigation has been completed and the roadway, which was temporarily closed for evidence gathering, has now been fully reopened to traffic.

    Police officials have issued a public appeal for information, urging any potential witnesses or individuals with relevant camera footage—including dashcam recordings, home security systems, or mobile phone videos—to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. The Gardaí emphasize that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in determining the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

  • Syria extends ceasefire with Kurdish forces by 15 days

    Syria extends ceasefire with Kurdish forces by 15 days

    DAMASCUS — The Syrian government announced on Saturday a 15-day extension of its ceasefire agreement with Kurdish-led forces, a move intended to facilitate the complex transfer of Islamic State detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq. The truce extension, which took effect at 11 pm local time, comes amid escalating tensions and mutual accusations of violations between the conflicting parties.

    According to an official statement from Syrian defense authorities, the decision to prolong the ceasefire directly supports a US-coordinated operation to relocate IS prisoners from facilities previously administered by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened military preparations and logistical movements by both sides, underscoring the precarious nature of recent de-escalation efforts following weeks of intense clashes in the region.

    The Syrian military operations authority leveled serious allegations against the SDF on Saturday, claiming the Kurdish forces had deployed reinforcements from Kurdistan Workers’ Party militias based in Iraq’s Qandil Mountains into Hasakah province. Syrian officials warned these movements jeopardized regional stability and represented a breach of trust.

    Conversely, the SDF issued counter-accusations through an evening statement, asserting that Syrian government forces were conducting systematic military preparations around Syria’s Jazira region and near the town of Kobani. The Kurdish-led forces reported two separate attacks against their positions earlier in the day, characterizing these incidents as explicit violations of the ceasefire agreement.

    Syrian Foreign Affairs official Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad expressed frustration to state media, noting that the SDF had provided no constructive response to government proposals. He accused the Kurdish administration of repeatedly exploiting truce periods to buy time and strengthen their military position.

    International observers remain deeply concerned about the fragile security situation in northeastern Syria, where efforts continue to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire, secure detention facilities housing thousands of IS suspects, and avert a broader regional escalation that could further destabilize an already volatile area.

  • Myanmar’s election ends amid mixed intl response

    Myanmar’s election ends amid mixed intl response

    Myanmar’s military government concluded its three-phase general election on Sunday, marking the country’s first electoral process since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration. The final voting round occurred across approximately 60 townships, completing a staggered electoral schedule that began December 28 and continued through January 11.

    Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling military junta, emphasized domestic validation over international recognition, stating: “The people’s vote is the recognition we need.” In televised remarks, the military leader expressed indifference toward the international community’s stance on the election’s legitimacy, asserting that Myanmar citizens retain the freedom to support their preferred candidates.

    Electoral participation metrics revealed modest turnout rates of 52.13% and 55.59% during the initial two phases, with over 24.22 million eligible voters selecting representatives from nearly 5,000 candidates representing 57 political parties. The complex electoral process will determine composition of the Pyithu Hluttaw (lower house), Amyotha Hluttaw (upper house), and various state and regional parliaments.

    Preliminary results indicate dominant performance by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which analysts project may secure 80-90% of parliamentary seats. Despite the military government’s plans to establish a new administration through this electoral process in April, experts anticipate continued domestic instability due to escalating conflicts between opposition factions and military forces.

    The international response remains divided, with ASEAN preparing to address the Myanmar situation during its upcoming Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in the Philippines. While the regional bloc continues advocating its five-point consensus peace plan, ASEAN special envoy Theresa Lazaro confirmed the organization has not endorsed the electoral process, emphasizing continued engagement with diverse Myanmar stakeholders.

  • Massive winter storm sweeps across US

    Massive winter storm sweeps across US

    A historic winter storm of unprecedented scale has engulfed the eastern two-thirds of the United States, creating catastrophic conditions that continue to paralyze critical infrastructure. The massive weather system, described by meteorologists as potentially the most significant ice event in over a decade, has triggered federal emergency declarations across twelve states with seventeen additional states and the District of Columbia declaring weather emergencies.

    The storm’s impact on the national power grid has been particularly severe, with PowerOutage.com reporting over 500,000 customers without electricity by Sunday morning. The southern states bore the brunt of the outages, with Mississippi, Texas, and Tennessee each experiencing more than 100,000 power disruptions. In response to the escalating crisis, the Department of Energy issued an emergency order authorizing Texas grid operators to deploy backup generation resources at data centers and other essential facilities to prevent complete grid collapse.

    Air travel has reached near-standstill conditions with FlightAware reporting at least 13,500 canceled flights since Saturday. Aviation analytics company Cirium indicated that Sunday would mark the highest cancellation event since the pandemic, with over 29% of all departing flights axed. Major carriers including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines have issued widespread travel advisories, warning passengers to anticipate further cancellations and schedule changes. Critical airport hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Atlanta—home to the nation’s busiest airport—face significant operational disruptions.

    The National Weather Service has issued grave warnings about widespread, heavy ice accumulation across the Southeast, predicting ‘crippling to locally catastrophic impacts.’ Meteorological experts attribute the brutal conditions to a stretched polar vortex driving Arctic air across North America. While scientists continue to debate potential connections to climate change, the immediate concern remains the life-threatening cold expected to persist for up to a week after the storm passes, with wind chills in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest potentially plunging below -45°C.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that ‘tens of thousands of people in affected southern states have lost power’ as emergency crews work tirelessly to restore essential services amid dangerous conditions.

  • Venezuela targets 18% oil output expansion

    Venezuela targets 18% oil output expansion

    CARACAS — In a strategic move to revitalize its energy sector, Venezuela has announced plans to increase oil output by 18% throughout 2026. This ambitious target follows proposed legislative reforms that would dramatically open the country’s petroleum industry to private investment, marking a significant departure from decades of state dominance.

    Hector Obregon, Chief Executive of state-owned oil giant PDVSA, revealed the production goals during a Saturday address from the Puerto La Cruz refinery complex. He emphasized that existing hydrocarbon regulations require modernization to align with contemporary industry needs and provide legal assurances to potential private partners.

    “Our current legislation falls short of what we require as a modern energy industry,” Obregon stated. “The fundamental objective for this year is to achieve minimum growth of 18 percent in production capacity.”

    The proposed amendments to Venezuela’s Organic Hydrocarbons Law, which received preliminary parliamentary approval on Thursday, would enable privately-registered Venezuelan companies to engage in oil extraction through contractual agreements. This legislative shift represents the most substantial market liberalization since the industry’s nationalization under former president Hugo Chavez during the mid-2000s.

    Political analysts note the reforms emerged following significant geopolitical developments, including the January 3rd military operation by United States forces that resulted in the detention of President Nicolas Maduro. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has championed the legislative changes under apparent international pressure.

    Parallel developments indicate active negotiations between U.S. officials and major energy corporations regarding Venezuela’s production recovery. Bloomberg News reported ongoing discussions with Chevron and leading oilfield service providers—including SLB, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes—concerning equipment modernization and operational reactivation strategies. The mentioned companies haven’t publicly commented on these reports.

    In related developments, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted in a New York Post interview that American authorities had confiscated petroleum from Venezuelan tankers and would process the crude stateside. “The straightforward reality is they no longer possess that oil. We’ve taken control of it,” Trump declared.

    National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez framed the reforms as essential for national benefit: “The core purpose of amending hydrocarbon regulations is production expansion. We must adapt our framework to facilitate extraction of resources that rightfully belong to all Venezuelan citizens.”

  • ‘Beijing Rocket Street’: A launchpad for accelerated development

    ‘Beijing Rocket Street’: A launchpad for accelerated development

    Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area, known as E-Town, has launched a groundbreaking initiative called ‘Beijing Rocket Street’ to transform China’s commercial aerospace sector through shared infrastructure and collaborative platforms. This innovative approach addresses critical industry challenges while accelerating satellite and rocket production capabilities.

    The comprehensive project, spanning 145,000 square meters, represents China’s first shared commercial aerospace research and production base. The facility has completed final inspections and is now transitioning to operational status, featuring four specialized zones: a common technology platform, innovation and research center, high-end manufacturing center, and display/operations control center.

    This development comes as China’s commercial space sector demonstrates remarkable growth. Official data reveals that in 2025, the country conducted 50 commercial space launches—representing over half of all missions—while deploying 311 commercial satellites that accounted for 84% of total orbital placements.

    According to Zhang Rusheng, deputy director of the commercial aerospace department at the China National Space Administration, ‘Commercial aerospace has progressed across the full industrial chain, from research and development to satellite launches, tracking and control, and downstream applications.’ He emphasized Beijing’s evolving role as a global innovation hub shaping the sector’s development trajectory.

    The shared infrastructure model specifically addresses industry pain points including fragmented resources, redundant testing facility investments, and infrastructure limitations that particularly affect private companies. The Rocket Street initiative offers more than 10 specialized services, including vibration testing, thermal vacuum analysis, and separation testing for both rockets and satellites.

    Ma Zhao, deputy director at E-Town’s robotics and intelligent manufacturing industry bureau, explained the strategic vision: ‘This initiative is designed to expand industrial development space and strengthen industry support with shared platforms. By doing so, we aim to release new productive capacity while boosting confidence across the industry.’

    E-Town has emerged as China’s most concentrated commercial aerospace cluster, with rockets developed in the area accounting for 24 launches in 2025—more than 90% of the nation’s commercial rocket missions. Industry leaders have welcomed the supportive ecosystem, with Galactic Energy’s vice-president Xia Dongkun highlighting benefits in talent acquisition, investment facilitation, and insurance solutions.

    The innovation extends beyond traditional aerospace boundaries. Liu Chang, co-founder of Galaxy Space, noted the advantage of E-Town’s cutting-edge industrial foundation, including intelligent driving systems and embodied intelligent robotics. The company plans to establish a factory with annual production capacity for 500 satellites, potentially becoming China’s largest facility for mass-producing low Earth orbit satellites using extensive automation.

    Looking forward, E-Town officials outlined ambitious plans focusing on reusable rockets, satellite internet technologies, future space innovations, and next-generation infrastructure. The development area aims to attract up to 1,000 companies, support over 1,000 commercial rocket launches, and generate hundreds of billions of yuan in revenue, solidifying Beijing’s position as a national center for high-quality commercial aerospace advancement.