Global Pulse

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  • Australia’s central bank raises interest rate to 3.85% after 3 cuts

    Australia’s central bank raises interest rate to 3.85% after 3 cuts

    In a significant monetary policy reversal, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% during its latest meeting. This decision marks a dramatic shift from the bank’s previous easing cycle, which saw three consecutive rate reductions throughout the previous year.

    The unexpected policy tightening comes as Australia confronts a concerning resurgence in inflationary pressures. Recent government statistics revealed consumer prices accelerated to 3.8% annually through December, substantially exceeding both market expectations and the RBA’s target range of 2-3%. This represents a notable increase from the 3.4% reading recorded in November.

    In its official statement, the central bank acknowledged that while inflation has moderated significantly from its peak of 7.8% in late 2022, it has ‘picked up materially in the second half of 2025.’ The board expressed concern that ‘inflation is likely to remain above target for some time,’ necessitating proactive monetary intervention.

    The rate adjustment represents the first increase since November 2023, when the cash rate moved from 4.10% to 4.35%. This reversal has drawn attention from economists, particularly given the bank’s three 25-basis-point reductions implemented in February, May, and August of last year.

    EY Oceania Chief Economist Cherelle Murphy characterized the rapid policy reversal as unusual, noting the rarity of implementing a rate hike merely six months after cutting. Murphy suggested the previous reductions might have been unnecessary in retrospect, though she acknowledged the decision appeared justified given the favorable inflation data available at the time.

    Adding complexity to the economic landscape, Australia’s unemployment rate has unexpectedly declined from 4.3% in November to 4.1% in December, indicating potential overheating in the labor market. Murphy warned that ‘the economy is running a little bit too hot’ and wouldn’t rule out additional rate increases later this year.

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers described the development as ‘difficult news’ for mortgage holders and businesses, while simultaneously defending government fiscal policy. Chalmers emphasized that the RBA’s statement attributed inflationary pressures primarily to growth in private demand driven by household spending and investment rather than public expenditure.

  • Trump slashes tariffs on India after Modi agrees to stop buying Russian oil

    Trump slashes tariffs on India after Modi agrees to stop buying Russian oil

    In a significant diplomatic development, former US President Donald Trump has announced a comprehensive trade agreement with India that substantially reduces tariffs on Indian goods. The breakthrough comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to halting purchases of Russian petroleum products.

    The agreement reverses previously imposed tariffs that had created substantial trade friction between the two nations. President Trump had initially levied a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, subsequently adding another 25 percent penalty due to India’s continued acquisition of Russian oil, creating a combined tariff burden of 50 percent.

    Under the new arrangement, the additional 25 percent surcharge has been completely eliminated, while the base tariff has been reduced from 25 to 18 percent. The arrangement represents a strategic realignment of India’s energy procurement policies, with commitments to source petroleum from the United States and Venezuela instead of Russia.

    Prime Minister Modi expressed enthusiasm about the agreement through a social media post, characterizing Trump’s leadership as “vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity.” The Indian leader further indicated his intention to collaborate closely with Trump to elevate bilateral relations to “unprecedented heights.

    Additional components of the agreement include India’s commitment to gradually eliminate import taxes on American goods and purchase approximately $500 billion worth of US products, signaling a substantial expansion of trade relations between the two democratic nations.

  • Even small EU nations go big on arms production, sending drones to the Ukrainian front and beyond

    Even small EU nations go big on arms production, sending drones to the Ukrainian front and beyond

    NICOSIA, Cyprus — From a modest 5,000-square-meter facility on Europe’s southeastern periphery, an improbable defense manufacturing revolution is underway. Cypriot company Swarmly has deployed over 200 of its H-10 Poseidon drones to Ukrainian artillery units, accumulating more than 100,000 flight hours while providing all-weather targeting capabilities against Russian forces.

    The factory’s constant hum of grinders shaping composite plastics belies its significant output: uncrewed vehicles destined for global clients including Indonesia, Benin, Nigeria, India, and Saudi Arabia. Beyond aerial drones, Swarmly’s secure storage contains marine drones equipped with high-definition cameras and .50-caliber machine guns, representing the cutting edge of naval warfare technology.

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has catalyzed a continental defense transformation, with even the smallest EU nations developing indigenous high-tech military capabilities. This strategic shift has positioned Ukraine as an unexpected testing ground and development partner for European drone technology.

    The Baltic states, Denmark, and Greece have similarly accelerated domestic drone and counter-drone programs. Greece’s 25-billion euro military modernization now prominently features unmanned systems, while Lithuania’s VILNIUS TECH consortium advances UAV development and automated mine detection.

    Federico Borsari of the Center for European Policy Analysis notes: “Swarmly and similar companies demonstrate Europe’s private sector commitment to innovating and mass-producing defense items, particularly uncrewed systems.”

    UAVs are fundamentally reshaping modern warfare by providing cost-effective force multiplication. Swarmly’s satellite-guided Hydra marine drone, priced at 80,000 euros, offers the potential to neutralize billion-euro warships—a tactical reality already demonstrated by Houthi attacks in Yemen.

    Fabian Hinz of the International Institute for Strategic Studies emphasizes the low barriers to entry: “UAVs utilize readily available global components, eliminating the need for decades of material science experience or massive industrial investment.”

    This defense renaissance responds to dual pressures: Russian aggression and uncertain NATO relations during the Trump administration. The EU has committed billions through its Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, with Cyprus—currently holding the EU presidency—set to receive 1.2 billion euros in low-cost loans.

    Cyprus’s emerging defense ecosystem now comprises approximately 30 companies and research centers developing dual-use technologies including robotics, communications networks, and satellite surveillance. Panayiotis Hadjipavlis of Cyprus’ Defense Ministry asserts: “We possess niche capabilities in high-tech products that demand serious consideration”—a message directed at major defense contractors.

    As NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently urged: “Bring your ideas, test your ingenuity, and use NATO as your test bed.” Yet Borsari cautions that drone effectiveness remains contingent on operational conditions, operator training, and logistical support—variables that temper technological advantages on modern battlefields.

  • Trump to host Colombia’s Petro just weeks after insulting him as a ‘sick man’ fueling drug trade

    Trump to host Colombia’s Petro just weeks after insulting him as a ‘sick man’ fueling drug trade

    In a remarkable diplomatic pivot, President Donald Trump is preparing to welcome Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House on Tuesday, mere weeks after threatening military action against the South American nation and personally accusing its leader of facilitating cocaine trafficking into the United States.

    Administration officials indicate the agenda will center on enhanced regional security collaboration and joint counternarcotics initiatives. Trump himself noted a significant shift in Petro’s demeanor following last month’s controversial operation targeting Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, suggesting the Colombian leader has adopted a more cooperative stance regarding drug interdiction efforts.

    The upcoming meeting represents a study in ideological contrasts between the conservative U.S. president and his leftist Colombian counterpart. Despite their political divergence, both leaders share a propensity for rhetorical volatility and unpredictable governance, creating an atmosphere of considerable uncertainty surrounding the diplomatic engagement.

    This encounter occurs against a backdrop of recently intensified friction. Just days ago, Petro characterized Trump as an “accomplice to genocide” in Gaza and condemned the Maduro operation as an unlawful kidnapping. Simultaneously, he encouraged public demonstrations in Bogotá during his Washington visit.

    The relationship between these nations has undergone substantial transformation. Historically a steadfast U.S. ally, Colombia found itself subjected to unprecedented sanctions under the Trump administration, with penalties targeting Petro, his family, and cabinet members over alleged narcotics connections. The administration further downgraded Colombia’s counternarcotics cooperation status for the first time in thirty years.

    Military tensions escalated through Trump’s deployment of naval forces conducting lethal strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels, resulting in numerous casualties. The situation nearly culminated in direct threats against Petro himself, whom Trump previously described as “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.

    The current diplomatic thaw originated from a lengthy phone conversation where Petro reportedly explained “the drug situation and other disagreements,” leading to Trump’s invitation. Observers note the meeting’s potential volatility given Trump’s demonstrated tendency to publicly rebate foreign leaders during staged diplomatic events, as previously witnessed with Ukrainian and South African counterparts.

    The extent of media access remains uncertain, leaving open the possibility of another unscripted diplomatic confrontation between these two unpredictable leaders.

  • Haiti’s athletes at the Winter Olympics shine a positive light for a troubled nation

    Haiti’s athletes at the Winter Olympics shine a positive light for a troubled nation

    Against a backdrop of profound national challenges, Haiti is making a symbolic statement at the Milan Cortina Winter Games with two athletes competing under creatively adapted national symbols. The Caribbean nation’s participation comes despite International Olympic Committee intervention that required modification of their competition uniforms designed by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean.

    The original design featured Toussaint Louverture, the revolutionary leader who established the world’s first Black republic in 1804. The IOC determined this imagery violated regulations prohibiting political symbolism, prompting Jean to collaborate with Italian artisans to paint over Louverture’s figure while preserving the dramatic charging red horse against a tropical backdrop that remains prominently displayed.

    This Olympic appearance represents far more than athletic competition for a country experiencing severe political instability and gang violence that now controls 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Haiti’s ambassador to Italy, Gandy Thomas, emphasized that presence itself constitutes a powerful declaration: “We may not be a winter country, but we are a nation that refuses to be confined by expectation.”

    The two competing athletes—Richardson Viano (23, slalom) and Stevenson Savart (25, Nordic skiing)—both discovered their Haitian heritage through adoption and subsequently obtained Haitian passports. They receive support through the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity program, with the Haitian Ski Federation having been established following international empathy after the devastating 2010 earthquake.

    Despite modest competitive expectations, both athletes express profound pride in representing Haiti’s resilience. Savart acknowledged he anticipates finishing behind leaders but stated, “Having Haiti visible will give me even more energy.” Their participation has generated excitement among the Haitian diaspora, with Haitian-American Cathleen Jeanty noting the significance of “standing elbow to elbow with your peers” for underrepresented communities.

  • Families mourn those killed in a Congo mine landslide as some survivors prepare to return

    Families mourn those killed in a Congo mine landslide as some survivors prepare to return

    GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — Eastern Congo confronts a devastating tragedy as communities mourn the loss of at least 200 artisanal miners killed in a catastrophic landslide at the rebel-controlled Rubaya coltan mining complex. The disaster struck last Wednesday following torrential rains, collapsing a network of hand-dug tunnels and trapping an unknown number of workers who remain missing.

    The mining site, located approximately 40 kilometers west of Goma, has been under the control of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels since early 2024. It employs thousands of miners who extract valuable minerals using rudimentary tools and techniques passed down through generations.

    In Goma’s Mugunga neighborhood, the family of 39-year-old Bosco Nguvumali Kalabosh gathered in mourning. His photograph displayed against a wall served as the centerpiece for grieving relatives and neighbors. “He was supposed to return to Goma on Thursday,” lamented his older brother, Thimothée Kalabosh Nzanga. Kalabosh, a decade-long veteran of the mines who owned his own pits, leaves behind a widow and four young children.

    Despite the overwhelming loss, economic necessity drives survivors back to the hazardous worksite. Tumaini Munguiko, who survived the collapse while losing five friends and his older brother, explained the grim reality: “Seeing our peers die is very painful. But despite the pain, we are forced to return to the mines to survive.” Munguiko described multiple previous disasters as “almost normal” in their frequency.

    Geological instability during rainy seasons creates perpetual danger in Rubaya. Miners excavate extensive parallel tunnels with inadequate structural support and no safe evacuation routes. According to former miner Clovis Mafare, uncontrolled digging without safety measures means “in a single pit, there can be as many as 500 miners, and because the tunnels run parallel, one collapse can affect many pits at once.”

    The absence of insurance or compensation compounds the tragedy. Mafare noted that while families might receive minimal funeral assistance, “that small amount isn’t compensation.” Kalabosh’s family has received no financial support for their loss.

    Rubaya’s coltan mines have become strategic assets in Congo’s ongoing conflict, frequently changing hands between government forces and rebel groups. The extracted columbite-tantalite ore produces tantalum and niobium—both classified as critical raw materials by major global economies. These minerals power modern technology from mobile phones and computers to missile systems and jet engines.

    The region’s isolation exacerbates the crisis. Rubaya has been virtually disconnected for two weeks with no mobile network or internet. Residents must pay approximately $2 for 30 minutes of connectivity through private Starlink systems. Poor infrastructure and persistent conflict maintain unreliable cellular and electrical services.

    Political recriminations have followed the tragedy. Congo’s government issued a statement on X expressing solidarity with victims while accusing rebels of illegally and unsafely exploiting natural resources and blaming Rwanda. An M23 spokesperson countered by accusing the government of politicizing the disaster and citing previous collapses at government-controlled mines.

  • France ditches Zoom and Teams for homegrown system amid European digital sovereignty push

    France ditches Zoom and Teams for homegrown system amid European digital sovereignty push

    A sweeping movement toward digital autonomy is transforming government operations across Europe as nations systematically replace American technology services with homegrown and open-source alternatives. This strategic shift, driven by mounting concerns over data security, foreign dependence, and geopolitical tensions, represents a fundamental rethinking of Europe’s technological infrastructure.

    France has initiated one of the most ambitious transitions, announcing that all 2.5 million civil servants will abandon U.S.-based video conferencing platforms—including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, and GoTo Meeting—by 2027. They will instead adopt Visio, a sovereign French solution designed to ensure confidential communications remain within European jurisdiction. David Amiel, a French civil service minister, emphasized the critical nature of this decision: “We cannot risk having our scientific exchanges, our sensitive data, and our strategic innovations exposed to non-European actors.”

    The momentum extends beyond France. Austria’s military has transitioned to LibreOffice for document processing, while the German state of Schleswig-Holstein has migrated 44,000 employee email accounts from Microsoft to open-source alternatives. Similar initiatives are underway in Denmark, where government entities are experimenting with open-source software, and in Italy, where municipalities have adopted non-proprietary systems to avoid vendor lock-in.

    This collective push for “digital sovereignty” has gained urgency amid escalating transatlantic tensions during the Trump administration, including disputes over Greenland and sanctions against the International Criminal Court that resulted in Microsoft disconnecting the ICC’s email services. These incidents exposed the vulnerability of European institutions to external political pressures and demonstrated how technology access could be weaponized.

    Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s official for tech sovereignty, articulated the strategic concern at the World Economic Forum in Davos: “Europe’s reliance on others can be weaponized against us. That’s why it’s so important that we are not dependent on one country or one company when it comes to very critical fields of our economy or society.”

    U.S. technology firms have responded to these concerns by establishing “sovereign cloud” operations within European borders, with data centers owned by European entities and operated exclusively by EU residents. Microsoft maintains that it continues to “partner closely with the government in France and respect the importance of security, privacy, and digital trust for public institutions,” emphasizing its commitment to keeping European data under European jurisdiction.

    Industry analysts note that the motivation has evolved from pure cost-saving to fundamental strategic concerns. Italo Vignoli of The Document Foundation observed: “At first, it was: we will save money and by the way, we will get freedom. Today it is: we will be free and by the way, we will also save some money.” This paradigm shift reflects Europe’s determination to assert control over its digital future amid increasing global technological competition.

  • US judge temporarily blocks lifting of deportation protections for Haiti migrants

    US judge temporarily blocks lifting of deportation protections for Haiti migrants

    In a significant judicial development, a federal court has issued a temporary injunction against the Trump administration’s initiative to terminate deportation safeguards for over 350,000 Haitian immigrants residing legally in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The ruling emerged just one day before these protections were scheduled to expire.

    U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes delivered a sharply worded 83-page decision that denied the administration’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, while simultaneously granting plaintiffs’ request to maintain TPS protections throughout ongoing litigation. The judge characterized the Department of Homeland Security’s position as lacking both factual and legal foundation.

    The court document revealed striking language, with Judge Reyes noting that plaintiffs had effectively demonstrated that Secretary Kristi Noem appeared to have “preordained her termination decision” potentially motivated by “hostility to nonwhite immigrants.” The ruling specifically referenced and rejected Noem’s characterization of immigrants as “killers, leeches, or entitlement junkies.”

    This legal challenge was initiated by five Haitian TPS holders who faced potential deportation. The TPS program, established by Congress, prevents removal of immigrants to countries experiencing natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary crises. Haiti originally received TPS designation following the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation.

    The Trump administration had contended that TPS programs inadvertently encourage illegal immigration and have been subject to prolonged extensions that contradict congressional intent, effectively transforming temporary status into permanent residency. The administration has pursued similar termination efforts against TPS protections for approximately 2,500 Somalis, scheduled to lose work authorizations and legal status beginning March 17, alongside broader efforts affecting migrants from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Honduras, Myanmar, Nepal, South Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela.

    The Biden administration had most recently extended Haiti’s TPS designation in 2021, highlighting the ongoing policy divergence between administrations regarding immigration enforcement and humanitarian protections.

  • Eala delights Filipino fans in Abu Dhabi with commanding win

    Eala delights Filipino fans in Abu Dhabi with commanding win

    Filipino tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala delivered a spectacular performance at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on Monday, securing a decisive victory against Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 straight-sets win. The 20-year-old left-handed sensation, currently ranked 45th globally, showcased exceptional form before an enthusiastic crowd of Filipino supporters at Zayden Sports City.

    Eala’s impressive showing comes as a strong rebound from her recent quarterfinal exit at the WTA 125 Challenger tournament in Manila and her first-round departure from the Australian Open last month. The young athlete expressed gratitude for the growing fan support, noting, ‘I’ve been competing before increasingly larger audiences recently and I’m gradually finding my rhythm. I truly value all the fans who attend with their families, particularly on weekdays.’

    Following her match, Eala received special recognition from Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, highlighting the significance of her representation on the international stage.

    In other tournament action, seventh-seeded Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia engaged in a dramatic three-set battle against Russia’s Oksana Selekhmeteva, ultimately prevailing 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. Meanwhile, Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska delivered an upset by eliminating Brazilian star Beatriz Haddad Maia with a 6-2, 7-5 victory.

    Tournament Director Nigel Gupta expressed enthusiasm about the event’s quality, stating, ‘Abu Dhabi witnessed another exceptional day of tennis. The strong attendance throughout the event has been tremendously encouraging, and particularly heartening to see numerous schoolchildren enjoying today’s matches. The draw produced an electrifying matchup between two immensely supported athletes, and while only one could emerge victorious, we extend our congratulations to Eala. We anticipate with great excitement what the remainder of the tournament will bring.’

  • Palestinians can directly vote for PLO parliament for first time ever, Abbas announces

    Palestinians can directly vote for PLO parliament for first time ever, Abbas announces

    In a landmark political development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has declared the first-ever direct popular elections for the Palestine Liberation Organization’s parliamentary body. The presidential decree, reported by official news agency Wafa on Monday, schedules the Palestinian National Council elections for November 1, 2026.

    This revolutionary electoral reform marks a significant departure from previous practices where council members were traditionally appointed or co-opted from within the movement. President Abbas emphasized the inclusive nature of the upcoming elections, stating they will be conducted ‘wherever possible, both inside and outside Palestine, to ensure the broadest possible participation of the Palestinian people wherever they reside.’

    The Palestinian National Council has historically functioned as the PLO’s parliament in exile, currently dominated by Fatah—the political movement co-founded by the late Yasser Arafat and now led by Abbas. Notably absent from the council are Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, both of which maintain separate organizational structures outside the PLO framework.

    This electoral initiative emerges amid ongoing regional tensions and represents a substantial step toward democratic representation for the Palestinian diaspora worldwide. The move could potentially reshape the political landscape of Palestinian governance and influence future peace process dynamics.