Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Two Indian flights suffer wing collision on runway with passengers onboard

    Two Indian flights suffer wing collision on runway with passengers onboard

    A ground collision involving two commercial aircraft occurred at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday evening, resulting in significant wingtip damage to both planes. The incident unfolded when an Air India flight AI2732, preparing for departure to Coimbatore, was taxiing from position C1 toward M4 while an IndiGo flight was simultaneously arriving and joining at position B1.

    According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the simultaneous movements caused the right wingtips of both aircraft to make physical contact during taxi operations. Both aircraft immediately returned to their respective bays for comprehensive safety inspections following the collision.

    Air India confirmed substantial damage to their aircraft’s wingtip structure and subsequently grounded the plane for detailed technical evaluation. All passengers were safely disembarked without injury, with airline representatives arranging alternative travel arrangements to minimize disruption to their journeys.

    The incident has been formally reported to aviation regulators, marking another significant event in India’s aviation sector that will likely prompt review of ground movement procedures at major airports. This occurrence follows previous aviation incidents in the country, including a recent event where an Air India plane engine sustained damage from cargo container ingestion.

  • Why a beauty spot in South Africa could be about to run out of water

    Why a beauty spot in South Africa could be about to run out of water

    The picturesque South African coastal town of Knysna, renowned for its azure waters and pristine beaches along the Garden Route, has declared a state of disaster as it confronts an impending water catastrophe. With approximately 55% of potable water vanishing through dilapidated pipelines, this tourist haven now grapples with the terrifying prospect of taps running completely dry—a scenario dubbed “day zero.”

    Beneath Knysna’s idyllic surface lies a crumbling water infrastructure exacerbated by persistent drought conditions. The Akkerkloof dam, the town’s primary reservoir, currently holds merely 20 days worth of reserves. This crisis has forced severe water rationing measures, limiting consumption to 50 liters per person daily—drastically lower than the 142 liters typically used by individuals in the United Kingdom.

    The water emergency has already manifested at local facilities. A retirement center endured a ten-day complete water outage last October, prompting owner Franco de Grandis to invest R250,000 ($15,700) in emergency infrastructure including storage tanks and pressure pumps. “Without water, we cannot function,” de Grandis emphasized, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

    Non-governmental organizations have mobilized relief efforts. Gift of the Givers coordinates daily water deliveries via tankers from privately dug boreholes. Local coordinator Mario Ferreira noted concerning normalization of the crisis: “The disturbing thing is people start thinking this is the way of life and it shouldn’t be.”

    Newly inaugurated Mayor Thando Matika acknowledges inheriting decades of infrastructure neglect, with previous administrations citing financial constraints even for basic maintenance. The national government has allocated $1.25 million in emergency funding for immediate interventions including repairing seven existing boreholes, constructing an additional borehole, and revitalizing the desalination plant. Long-term strategies involve water recycling initiatives and potential dam construction.

    The tourism sector remains apprehensive about the “day zero” terminology. Elmay Bouwer of the Great Knysna Business Council cautions against alarmism while advocating for conservation education: “We should instead tell people how to preserve the water we have.”

    Experts warn that Knysna’s predicament reflects a national crisis. Dr. Ferial Adam of Watercan notes that millions of South Africans already experience perpetual “day zero” conditions without household running water. This reality is starkly evident in Khayalethu township, where 60-year-old Khanyiswa Sewula routinely carries buckets to municipal water distribution points.

    The convergence of climate change, infrastructure decay, and access inequality creates a precarious situation that demands urgent, comprehensive solutions beyond temporary measures.

  • 6.0-magnitude earthquake hits Myanmar, tremors felt in parts of India

    6.0-magnitude earthquake hits Myanmar, tremors felt in parts of India

    A substantial seismic event measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Tuesday, according to data released by the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The earthquake originated at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.21 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, potentially amplifying its impact across the region.

    The tremors extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with multiple Indian media outlets reporting strongly perceptible shaking throughout eastern India. The metropolitan area of Kolkata experienced particularly noticeable tremors, though initial reports indicate no immediate structural damage or casualties within Indian territory.

    This seismic activity occurs within the broader context of the seismically active Southeast Asian region, which frequently experiences tectonic movements due to the complex interaction of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The relatively shallow depth of this earthquake contributed to its widespread perceptibility across national boundaries.

    Seismologists continue to monitor aftershock potential while emergency response teams in both Myanmar and India remain on alert. The event follows recent seismic activity in neighboring Indonesia, where a 6.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded, highlighting the region’s ongoing geological volatility.

  • ‘Never imagined this’: Indian village grapples with interfaith couple’s killing

    ‘Never imagined this’: Indian village grapples with interfaith couple’s killing

    A quiet village in India’s Uttar Pradesh state has been plunged into turmoil following the brutal murder of an interfaith couple, allegedly by the woman’s own brothers in what authorities describe as an honor killing. The victims, 19-year-old Kajal (Hindu) and 27-year-old Mohammad Arman (Muslim), were discovered buried near a riverbank on January 21st in Umri village, located 182km from Delhi.

    Police investigation reveals the couple was bludgeoned to death with a spade on the night of January 18-19 when Kajal’s brothers allegedly caught Arman visiting their home. The three brothers—Rajaram, Satish and Rinku Saini—have been arrested and remain in custody without offering any defense statements.

    This tragedy has shattered the peaceful coexistence that defined Umri village, where approximately 400 Hindu and Muslim families have lived harmoniously for years without religious disputes. Deputy Inspector General Muniraj G confirmed the case appears to be a classic honor killing, where relatives punish women for relationships outside their caste or religion.

    Kajal worked as a teacher at a local private school, while Arman had recently returned from Saudi Arabia after four years working in the food service industry. Though neighbors living merely 200 meters apart, both were described as introverts with limited social circles. Their relationship, the first interfaith romance in the village, remained hidden from both families until after the tragedy.

    Police deployment continues in Umri to prevent religious tensions, though villagers report an unsettling silence has descended upon the community. The case highlights India’s ongoing struggle with honor violence despite constitutional protections for interfaith relationships. Official data recorded 38 honor killings in 2023, though activists estimate actual numbers reach hundreds annually due to systematic underreporting.

    The incident exposes the persistent tension between modern individual rights and traditional social hierarchies in rural India, where over 93% of marriages remain arranged within caste and religious boundaries. While courts have mandated protective measures including safe houses for interfaith couples, deep-seated social attitudes continue to enable such violence across the country.

  • Trump accused of distorting history of Mexican-American War to justify heavy hand in Latin America

    Trump accused of distorting history of Mexican-American War to justify heavy hand in Latin America

    The Trump administration has ignited a firestorm of criticism from historians and political observers for its controversial commemoration of the Mexican-American War, which experts characterize as a deliberate attempt to reshape historical narrative to justify current foreign policy approaches toward Latin America.

    In an unsigned statement released Monday, the White House portrayed the 1846-1848 conflict as a “legendary victory that secured the American Southwest, reasserted American sovereignty, and expanded the promise of American independence.” The administration drew direct parallels between this historical period and its contemporary policies, asserting that its aggressive stance toward Latin America would “ensure the Hemisphere remains safe.”

    Historical scholars quickly identified multiple inaccuracies and omissions in the statement. Notably absent was any acknowledgment of slavery’s central role in provoking the conflict, nor mention of the devastating consequences for Native American populations displaced during the Manifest Destiny era. The statement instead glorified the territorial expansion while framing current border policies as continuations of this historical legacy.

    Alexander Aviña, a Latin American history professor at Arizona State University, condemned the revisionism: “U.S. political leaders have traditionally viewed this as an ugly aspect of U.S. history—a clear instance of imperialism against its southern neighbor. The Trump administration is embracing it as positive and framing it inaccurately as defensive measures.”

    The controversy gained diplomatic dimensions when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded with sarcastic disbelief during her news briefing, emphasizing the need to “defend sovereignty.” This response reflects the ongoing tension between the two nations as the Trump administration has increasingly intervened in Latin American affairs, including attempts to depose Venezuela’s president, alleged election meddling, and threatened military action in Mexico.

    The original conflict itself emerged from border disputes following the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845, resulting in Mexico ceding over 525,000 square miles of territory. Former President Ulysses S. Grant later described the war as “one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation.”

    Stanford University history professor Albert Camarillo characterized the White House statement as part of a broader pattern of historical revisionism, noting similar efforts to alter Smithsonian exhibits and scrub government websites of uncomfortable historical facts, including references to slavery, Native American cultural destruction, and climate change.

    This incident represents the latest confrontation in the ongoing cultural battle over historical interpretation, with critics accusing the administration of attempting to “whitewash and reframe U.S. history while erasing generations of historical scholarship.”

  • Trump hails White House talks with ‘terrific’ Petro, after months of mutual insults

    Trump hails White House talks with ‘terrific’ Petro, after months of mutual insults

    In a remarkable diplomatic turnaround, U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro concluded a surprisingly cordial meeting on Tuesday, setting aside months of mutual criticism to find common ground on regional security and energy cooperation.

    The two-hour closed-door discussion at the White House focused primarily on combating drug trafficking and exploring potential energy exports from Venezuela through Colombian territory. President Trump emerged from the meeting praising his Colombian counterpart as ‘terrific,’ while Petro characterized the exchange as ‘optimistic and constructive.’

    This positive outcome contrasted sharply with previous tensions that had seen Trump label Petro a ‘sick man’ and the Colombian leader comparing Trump’s immigration policies to those of ‘the Nazis.’ These earlier exchanges had raised concerns that the meeting might mirror Trump’s contentious 2019 Oval Office encounter with Ukrainian President Zelensky.

    Significant progress was announced on several fronts. Trump revealed he was working to lift sanctions imposed on Petro last year over alleged drug trade connections—charges the Colombian president has consistently denied as ‘slander.’ Both leaders committed to joint efforts against the ELN rebel group and agreed to collaborate on targeting senior drug traffickers operating internationally, including those based in the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and the United States.

    On regional energy cooperation, Petro proposed a trilateral initiative involving Venezuela, Colombia, and the United States to facilitate Venezuelan oil and gas exports, arguing that all three nations have suffered economically from current sanctions and competition. Additionally, Trump agreed to mediate an ongoing trade dispute between Colombia and Ecuador.

    Despite the productive dialogue, both leaders acknowledged their fundamental policy differences remain. Petro noted that while their approaches to drug enforcement differ significantly—with Colombia favoring targeting high-level traffickers rather than aggressive interdiction methods—they focused on ‘what brings us together rather than what separates us.’

    The Colombian president concluded by proposing a ‘pact for life’ to ‘make the Americas great again,’ adapting Trump’s signature campaign slogan to frame a vision for regional cooperation between political opponents seeking common ground.

  • US tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

    US tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

    In a tense maritime encounter on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, a U.S.-flagged commercial tanker successfully resisted an interception attempt by Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats while navigating the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to a detailed report from British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the vessel Stena Imperative was transiting approximately 16 nautical miles north of Omani waters when it was approached by three pairs of small, armed Iranian patrol boats.

    The Iranian forces initiated radio contact, issuing a direct command for the tanker’s captain to halt engines and prepare for a boarding operation. Defying these orders, the captain instead increased speed and held the ship’s original course, a move that ultimately prevented the boarding. Vanguard Tech emphasized that the Stena Imperative at no point entered Iranian territorial waters during the incident, operating solely in international shipping lanes.

    The situation was subsequently de-escalated with the arrival of a U.S. warship, which commenced escort duties for the commercial tanker. This event echoes previous tensions in the chokepoint, a critical artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport. The confrontation occurs against a backdrop of heightened rhetoric; just last week, a senior Iranian naval official from the Revolutionary Guards publicly threatened to block the strait in retaliation for any potential U.S. military action. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency also acknowledged an incident in the area but did not disclose the identities of the vessels involved.

  • Rs3 million gold jewellery stolen during Indian politician Ajit Pawar’s funeral

    Rs3 million gold jewellery stolen during Indian politician Ajit Pawar’s funeral

    In a brazen display of criminal activity, thieves made off with gold jewelry valued at approximately ₹3 million (approximately $36,000 USD) from mourners attending the funeral of Maharashtra’s late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 29.

    The incident occurred despite the presence of approximately 8,000 police personnel deployed to maintain order at the massive gathering. A criminal gang consisting of more than half a dozen chain snatchers systematically targeted grieving attendees, stealing gold chains, various jewelry items, and cash throughout the solemn proceedings.

    According to Pune rural police reports, some of the suspected thieves were apprehended by vigilant crowd members who subsequently administered physical retribution before turning them over to authorities. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the detention of approximately six suspects in connection with the thefts.

    The funeral drew hundreds of thousands of mourners from across Maharashtra who had gathered to pay their final respects to Pawar, who tragically perished alongside his security detail and crew members when his Learjet 45 aircraft crash-landed at Baramati airport during a flight from Mumbai.

    Ajit Pawar, nephew of political stalwart Sharad Pawar, had recently been reconciling with his uncle after a period of political separation that saw him form his own party and establish an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The timing of the thefts added further distress to what was already a profoundly tragic occasion for the community and political establishment.

  • The Chinese planemaker taking on Boeing and Airbus

    The Chinese planemaker taking on Boeing and Airbus

    SINGAPORE — The Singapore Airshow has become the stage for China’s aviation ambitions as state-owned manufacturer COMAC positions itself as a viable alternative to established giants Boeing and Airbus. The exhibition, featuring the latest commercial jet technology, has drawn particular attention to COMAC’s C919 passenger jet—a aircraft designed to compete directly with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX models.

    Industry analysts note that COMAC’s emergence comes at a critical juncture for Asia-Pacific carriers, who face unprecedented delivery delays and supply chain constraints from Western manufacturers. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, global airlines are experiencing the longest wait times for new aircraft in history, driving up operational costs as carriers maintain older, less fuel-efficient fleets.

    Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, acknowledged COMAC’s growing potential: “I think in time, COMAC will be a global competitor. We’ll be talking about Boeing, Airbus and COMAC in 10-15 years. Without question, they will be a considerable player in the future.”

    The Chinese manufacturer has already established operational presence with over 150 jets actively serving routes within China and across Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Brunei’s GallopAir has placed significant orders for COMAC aircraft, while Cambodia plans to acquire approximately 20 planes.

    Subhas Menon, Director General of the Association for Asia Pacific Airlines, emphasized the need for diversification: “The problem with this industry is that the supply chain is an oligopoly and sometimes even a duopoly. COMAC is a welcome introduction—we need more suppliers in Asia Pacific especially.”

    Despite the optimism, COMAC faces substantial challenges in its global expansion. European certification for the C919 may not be achieved until 2028-2031, according to regulatory estimates. The aircraft’s hybrid design—incorporating both Chinese and Western components—presents technical complexities for international standardization. Additionally, COMAC must develop comprehensive maintenance infrastructure and pilot training programs, areas where competitors have decades of established systems.

    Beyond the Western giants, COMAC also faces competition from Brazil’s Embraer, which has secured orders from Singapore’s Scoot, Virgin Australia, and Japan’s ANA. Meanwhile, Boeing and Airbus are signaling improving delivery timelines to frustrated carriers.

    Questions remain about COMAC’s order transparency, with reported orders exceeding 1,000 aircraft but deliveries numbering only in the dozens. As a state-owned enterprise rather than a publicly-traded company, verification of these figures remains challenging for international observers.

    Mike Szucs, CEO of Philippines’ Cebu Pacific, captured the industry’s cautious optimism: “We welcome all newcomers and are keen to see more competition. COMAC has certification processes to complete, but by the 2030s, we see potential for an attractive offering.”

  • Fourteen migrants dead after collision with Greek coastguard boat

    Fourteen migrants dead after collision with Greek coastguard boat

    A devastating maritime incident has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 migrants after their speedboat collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel near the Greek island of Chios on Tuesday evening. The tragedy occurred in the turbulent waters of the Chios Strait, close to the coastal village of Vrontades, during what authorities describe as a high-risk pursuit operation.

    According to official statements from Greek maritime authorities, the migrant vessel was executing dangerous maneuvers attempting to evade interception when the collision occurred. The circumstances leading to the impact remain under investigation as the coastguard has not yet released comprehensive details about the sequence of events.

    Search and rescue operations continued through the night with an extensive deployment of resources. The mission involved four coastguard vessels, a privately owned boat carrying civilian divers, and a helicopter scouring the area for survivors. Twenty-four individuals were successfully rescued from the waters, though many sustained serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Authorities indicate that additional passengers remain unaccounted for, suggesting the final death toll may rise.

    Among the injured are seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coastguard officers, according to reports from Greece’s state broadcaster ERT. The death count was initially reported at four fatalities but escalated dramatically when ten additional bodies were recovered approximately two hours after the incident, bringing the confirmed mortality to 14.

    This tragedy represents one of the deadliest recent incidents in the ongoing European migrant crisis, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by those attempting irregular sea crossings to reach European territory. The Aegean Sea route between Turkey and Greece remains a particularly perilous passage despite increased surveillance and interception efforts by European authorities.