Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Beijing plans further expansion of its world-class metro network

    Beijing plans further expansion of its world-class metro network

    Beijing is poised to further cement its status as China’s urban rail transit leader with ambitious expansion plans for its metro system in 2026. Mayor Yin Yong announced the development strategy during his government work report presentation at the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress session on Sunday.

    The Chinese capital, which already operates the nation’s most extensive subway network at 909 kilometers, will add over 40 kilometers of new track this year. This continues the city’s aggressive infrastructure development after adding 30 kilometers through three new lines in 2025.

    A key focus of the expansion will be improving transfer convenience between transportation modes. The municipality aims to increase the proportion of bus-to-rail transfers within a 50-meter radius from the current 91% to 93%, significantly enhancing connectivity for daily commuters. This initiative represents part of Beijing’s broader strategy to create a more integrated and efficient urban transit ecosystem that reduces travel time and improves the passenger experience.

    The continuous expansion of Beijing’s metro system reflects the city’s commitment to addressing urban mobility challenges while supporting sustainable development goals. As one of the world’s most heavily used metro systems, these improvements will benefit millions of residents and visitors while maintaining Beijing’s position at the forefront of urban transportation innovation.

  • WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing ‘untrue’

    WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing ‘untrue’

    In a striking rebuttal to Washington’s official position, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has publicly challenged the United States’ stated justification for withdrawing from the UN health agency, characterizing the reasoning as fundamentally inaccurate. The diplomatic confrontation emerged following Thursday’s formal announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that America would terminate its WHO membership.

    The WHO leadership issued a comprehensive response on multiple platforms, including an official statement and social media postings on X (formerly Twitter), directly countering the U.S. administration’s claims. The organization emphasized that it has consistently operated with full respect for national sovereignty while facilitating international cooperation during health emergencies.

    The American withdrawal notification, which follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump one year ago, cites alleged failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and actions purportedly taken against U.S. interests. Specifically, U.S. officials accused the WHO of obstructing timely information sharing and concealing operational shortcomings that potentially cost American lives.

    WHO’s rebuttal systematically addressed each criticism, noting that the organization ‘acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence’ throughout the pandemic. The agency clarified that while it recommended protective measures including masks, vaccines, and physical distancing, it never mandated specific implementations, leaving those decisions to sovereign governments.

    Complicating the withdrawal process are outstanding financial obligations totaling approximately $260 million in unpaid dues for 2024 and 2025. The WHO has indicated that the withdrawal notification ‘raises issues’ that will require examination during upcoming Executive Board meetings in February and the World Health Assembly in May. Despite the diplomatic rupture, Dr. Tedros expressed hope for America’s eventual return to active participation in global health governance while reaffirming WHO’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of achieving the highest attainable health standard for all people.

  • India-EU ‘mother of all deals’ nears finish line as Trump tariffs jolt trade

    India-EU ‘mother of all deals’ nears finish line as Trump tariffs jolt trade

    In a significant geopolitical shift, India and the European Union are finalizing a comprehensive free trade agreement, strategically timed to counter growing global trade volatility. The pact, dubbed the ‘mother of all deals,’ represents a decisive move to establish stable trade corridors amid increasing unpredictability in US trade relations under the Trump administration.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have arrived in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit on January 27, where officials anticipate announcing the conclusion of negotiations that have spanned nearly two decades. While formal signatures may follow later, the political commitment marks a watershed moment in EU-India relations.

    The agreement emerges against a backdrop of escalating US tariff pressures, with some Indian exports facing duties as high as 50%. This environment has transformed the EU-India negotiation from a conventional economic initiative into a strategic safeguard mechanism. The partnership aims to secure predictable trade rules, diversify market access, and reduce vulnerability to abrupt policy changes from traditional partners.

    The scale of existing trade underscores the agreement’s potential impact. Two-way goods trade between India and the EU reached approximately $136 billion in FY2024/25, making the bloc India’s largest goods trading partner. The proposed FTA would expand this economic corridor across multiple sectors—from industrial goods to services—while addressing persistent non-tariff barriers and regulatory friction.

    This development reflects India’s broader ‘portfolio approach’ to trade diplomacy, systematically building bilateral agreements to broaden market access and attract foreign investment. A recent example includes the ambitious agreement with the UAE, targeting a doubling of bilateral trade to $200 billion within six years after surpassing $100 billion under the CEPA framework.

    Despite the breakthrough, sensitive issues remain unresolved. Agriculture remains politically contentious, with the most sensitive agricultural matters temporarily excluded from negotiations. Additionally, Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) presents concerns for Indian industries fearing new carbon-based charges on exports.

    The EU has simultaneously pushed for stronger intellectual property protections and data governance assurances. Beyond commercial elements, the summit is expected to yield a comprehensive strategic package including defense cooperation, information security agreements, and mobility frameworks covering skilled workers, students, and researchers.

    Trade analysts characterize the impending agreement as India’s clearest signal yet of its strategy to build overlapping trade alliances as economic shock absorbers. In an era of tariff threats and shifting trade blocs, both New Delhi and Brussels appear determined to establish a historic economic corridor before the next wave of global trade turbulence emerges.

  • Row erupts within UK’s governing Labour Party after popular mayor blocked from upcoming election

    Row erupts within UK’s governing Labour Party after popular mayor blocked from upcoming election

    A significant internal conflict has emerged within Britain’s ruling Labour Party following the decisive blocking of Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s attempt to re-enter Parliament. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), a 10-member body overseeing election machinery, rejected Burnham’s Saturday request to stand as candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton constituency by-election expected before February’s end.

    The NEC justified its decision as necessary to avoid “an unnecessary election” for Manchester mayor that would impose “a substantial and disproportionate impact on party campaign resources.” Had Burnham won the traditionally safe Labour seat, he would have been required to resign his mayoral position, triggering another special election in Manchester. His current mandate as mayor extends through May 2028.

    Critics within the party perceive this move as Prime Minister Keir Starmer strategically neutralizing a potential leadership rival. Burnham, twice previously unsuccessful in Labour leadership contests and colloquially known as the “King of the North,” has openly expressed ambitions to lead the party eventually. The former minister under Blair and Brown governments has recently voiced policy disagreements with Starmer, particularly on economic matters, and called for renewed debate on party direction.

    The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of concerning poll numbers for Labour since their July 2024 landslide victory. The party faces predicted significant losses in May’s critical elections—Britain’s equivalent of U.S. midterms—with potential historic defeat in Wales, continued opposition in Scotland, and substantial losses in English local elections. Anti-immigration Reform UK and the Greens have been primary beneficiaries of Labour’s declining support.

    Reactions within the party reflect deep divisions. Labour lawmaker John Slinger praised the “quick and clear decision” as allowing the party to move beyond “damaging introspection” and unite behind the eventual candidate. Conversely, former Cabinet minister Louise Haigh described the blocking as “incredibly disappointing” and urged the NEC to reconsider.

  • Bangladesh absence from T20 World Cup ‘sad moment for our sport’: Cricketers association

    Bangladesh absence from T20 World Cup ‘sad moment for our sport’: Cricketers association

    The international cricket community faces a significant governance crisis following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from next month’s Twenty20 World Cup. The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has characterized this development as profoundly damaging to the sport’s integrity and global unity.

    Bangladesh’s exclusion from the 20-team tournament emerged after their national team refused to tour India amid escalating political tensions between the Asian neighbors. Scotland has been named as their replacement in the championship set to commence on February 7. The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Bangladesh’s appeal to relocate their matches to tournament co-host Sri Lanka, citing logistical impracticality given the tournament’s imminent start.

    WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat issued a strongly worded statement emphasizing the gravity of the situation. ‘The withdrawal of Bangladesh from cricket’s premier international T20 event represents a sad moment for our sport, the players, and their supporters,’ Moffat declared. ‘This development necessitates profound reflection and decisive action from cricket’s leadership.’

    The absence of Bangladesh highlights broader geopolitical tensions affecting South Asian cricket. The ICC has previously mediated similar conflicts, notably brokering neutral venue arrangements for India-Pakistan matches when political relations deteriorate. Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming tournament remains uncertain according to PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who indicated final approval awaits the prime minister’s return.

    Moffat further expressed concern about systematic issues within cricket’s operational framework, noting increasing instances of agreements being dishonored and inadequate consultation with players and their representatives. ‘These unresolved issues threaten to undermine trust, unity, and ultimately the long-term health of the game we cherish,’ he warned, calling for collaborative efforts among governing bodies, leagues, and players to strengthen cricket’s global foundation.

  • Buying property in Dubai? Here is what you need to know

    Buying property in Dubai? Here is what you need to know

    Investors in Dubai’s off-plan real estate market possess clearly defined legal protections against developer delays and contractual breaches, according to established UAE civil law and specific Dubai property regulations.

    The contractual relationship between purchaser and developer is formalized through a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA), which comprehensively outlines property specifications, purchase price, payment schedules, completion deadlines, compensation mechanisms for breaches, force majeure provisions, and governing jurisdiction. This agreement operates under Article 246(1) of the UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), mandating that contracts be executed in good faith according to their stipulated terms.

    When developers fail to meet handover obligations, purchasers benefit from a structured dispute resolution process. The primary recourse involves filing a formal complaint with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), which acts as an initial mediation body under Article 14 of Executive Council Resolution No. 6 of 2010. The DLD endeavors to preserve contractual relationships through conciliatory efforts and proposed solutions, with any mutually agreed settlement becoming legally binding upon departmental approval.

    Should amicable resolution prove unattainable, Article 13 of Law No. 13 of 2008 empowers the DLD to investigate developer violations and refer substantiated cases to competent authorities for further action. Alternatively, purchasers may directly initiate civil proceedings in Dubai courts seeking financial compensation for delays, as permitted under Article 295 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law.

    Developers retain the right to invoke force majeure defenses under Article 21 of Executive Council Resolution No. 6 of 2010, claiming unforeseeable circumstances prevented contractual fulfillment. This legal framework provides offshore investors with multiple avenues for redress while maintaining balance between purchaser protections and developer rights within Dubai’s dynamic property market.

  • NEV surge contributes to record air quality improvement in Beijing

    NEV surge contributes to record air quality improvement in Beijing

    Beijing has reached an unprecedented environmental milestone, recording its cleanest air quality since monitoring began, according to the city’s annual government work report released Sunday. The remarkable achievement stems primarily from the massive adoption of new energy vehicles and comprehensive clean energy initiatives throughout the Chinese capital.

    Mayor Yin Yong, presenting the report during the Beijing Municipal People’s Congress annual session, revealed that the city’s transformation toward ecological improvement reached new heights in 2025. The breakthrough came as Beijing’s fleet of new energy vehicles surpassed 1.3 million units, while renewable energy sources constituted 36% of the city’s power supply. For the first time in history, the city enjoyed good air quality on over 80% of days throughout the year.

    The most significant indicator of this environmental progress emerged in the dramatic reduction of PM2.5 pollutants—dangerous fine particulate matter that poses serious health risks. Monitoring data showed the average annual concentration dropped to 27 micrograms per cubic meter in 2025, representing an 11.5% improvement over the previous year and the lowest level ever recorded.

    Beijing’s manufacturing capacity for electric vehicles now stands at 700,000 units annually, creating a robust foundation for continued green transportation expansion. The city government announced ambitious infrastructure plans for 2026, including the installation of 30,000 new public charging stations to support the growing EV ecosystem and further accelerate the transition from fossil fuel vehicles.

  • Final phase of Myanmar’s election underway, military-backed party set to win

    Final phase of Myanmar’s election underway, military-backed party set to win

    Myanmar’s controversial general election reached its final phase on Sunday, with polling stations opening across 60 townships including major urban centers Yangon and Mandalay. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) stands positioned to secure a decisive victory, cementing the junta’s political control following the 2021 coup that overthrew Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government.

    The electoral process, conducted against a backdrop of persistent civil conflict, has been characterized by significantly diminished voter participation. Preliminary data indicates turnout hovering around 55%, markedly lower than the approximately 70% participation recorded during the 2015 and 2020 general elections. This decline reflects both widespread public disillusionment and an atmosphere of apprehension among citizens.

    International response has been overwhelmingly critical, with the United Nations, Western governments, and human rights organizations dismissing the election as a carefully orchestrated sham designed to legitimize military rule. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) notably rejected Myanmar’s invitation to deploy election observers, refusing to endorse the political exercise.

    Security concerns have plagued the electoral process, with ongoing military operations including airstrikes near civilian populations in border regions such as Rakhine, Shan, and Kayin states. The junta has simultaneously pursued legal measures against dissent, charging over 400 individuals under election protection laws for criticizing the process.

    Analysts from risk intelligence firms suggest the election will likely reinforce military dominance rather than resolve the nation’s protracted crisis, offering little prospect for restored domestic legitimacy or improved relations with Western nations. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has indicated plans to transition from military command to a political role, signaling the armed forces’ enduring intention to maintain political control.

  • Immigration officers kill another US citizen in Minneapolis, sparking protests

    Immigration officers kill another US citizen in Minneapolis, sparking protests

    Minneapolis became the epicenter of national unrest Saturday when U.S. Border Patrol agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse and lawful gun owner, during an immigration enforcement operation. The incident marks the second such fatal shooting by federal agents this month, triggering widespread protests across multiple cities and escalating tensions between state and federal authorities.

    According to Department of Homeland Security officials, the shooting occurred when agents encountered Pretti during what they characterized as an attack situation. Secretary Kristi Noem stated the victim had ‘attacked agents on an immigration raid’ and was ‘there to perpetuate violence, not peacefully protest.’ Federal authorities released an image of a firearm allegedly carried by Pretti during the confrontation.

    However, multiple verified bystander videos reviewed by Reuters present a contradictory narrative. The footage shows Pretti holding a cellular phone rather than a weapon as he attempted to assist female protesters who had been physically pushed to the ground by federal agents. The visual evidence depicts agents pepper-spraying Pretti, forcing him to his hands and knees, and subsequently pinning him down before four rapid gunshots were fired into his back at close range.

    The shooting ignited immediate demonstrations in Minneapolis, where hundreds of protesters confronted masked federal agents deploying tear gas and flashbang grenades. Solidarity protests emerged spontaneously in New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco as news of the incident spread nationally.

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed visceral disgust at the footage, declaring it ‘sickening’ and announcing state assumption of the investigation after federal agents blocked local authorities from the scene. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti had no criminal record beyond traffic violations and pleaded for calm amid escalating tensions.

    The incident has intensified existing friction between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials regarding immigration enforcement tactics. Previous controversies include the January 7th shooting of Renee Good, detention of citizens without proper attire, and apprehension of schoolchildren including a five-year-old boy. The escalating conflict prompted the postponement of a Minnesota Timberwolves NBA game and closure of the Minneapolis Institute of Art for safety concerns.

  • Dubai Metro service resumes after brief disruption on Red Line

    Dubai Metro service resumes after brief disruption on Red Line

    Dubai’s metro commuters experienced a brief service interruption on the Red Line during Sunday morning operations, according to an official announcement from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The technical malfunction, which occurred between Al Garhoud and Union stations, prompted immediate response from engineering teams who worked diligently to resolve the issue.

    The disruption was first identified at approximately 8:36 AM local time on January 25, 2026. Within less than thirty minutes, by 9:00 AM, full service had been restored to normal operational capacity. During the interim period, the RTA implemented contingency measures by deploying alternative bus services to transport affected passengers between the impacted stations.

    Transport authorities confirmed that the interruption resulted from an unspecified technical problem affecting the rail system. The RTA’s rapid response team successfully addressed the issue, minimizing inconvenience to morning commuters. The swift resolution demonstrates the effectiveness of Dubai’s public transport emergency protocols and the technical competency of maintenance personnel.

    Public transportation systems in Dubai have maintained an exemplary record of reliability, making such disruptions relatively uncommon. The RTA’s transparent communication regarding the incident and their efficient handling of the situation reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining world-class infrastructure standards and passenger satisfaction.