Global Pulse

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  • MNA Ventures announces 2025 performance results: A year of global expansion and strategic financial shifts

    MNA Ventures announces 2025 performance results: A year of global expansion and strategic financial shifts

    MNA Ventures has unveiled its comprehensive 2025 performance outcomes, marking a transformative period characterized by strategic global expansion and significant financial evolution. The diversified holding group demonstrated remarkable progress in establishing institutional-grade platforms across the United Arab Emirates, European markets, and emerging economies.

    The year’s most notable achievements centered around the successful deployment of two flagship initiatives: QBS Banking Facility and OTC & Partners. QBS emerged as a pioneering banking subsidiary specifically engineered to bridge the gap between digital assets and conventional banking systems. The institution offers sophisticated multi-currency account management supporting both traditional (USD, AED) and digital currencies (USDT, USDC), alongside comprehensive crypto-to-fiat liquidity solutions and seamless cross-border transaction capabilities tailored for blockchain and fintech enterprises.

    Concurrently, OTC & Partners established itself as a premier legal advisory firm, delivering specialized corporate and regulatory services within the UAE’s dynamic business landscape. The firm provides commercially-focused legal expertise to a diverse clientele ranging from digital asset startups to established multinational corporations, with licensing strategies aligned with forward-thinking regulatory jurisdictions.

    A critical component of the group’s ecosystem, OTC Business Services (OTCBS), continued its leadership role in facilitating smooth transitions for blockchain entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals relocating to the UAE. The service extends beyond conventional company incorporation to encompass comprehensive support including local integration assistance, professional network access, and guidance on legal and tax implications of international migration.

    European operations witnessed substantial growth through strategic initiatives including the establishment of MT & MNA Ventures in Bremen, Germany, serving as an innovation incubator for startups such as United Law and OTC Tech. Regulate AG maintained robust performance as an institutional RegTechnology provider, delivering advanced KYC and KYB screening solutions to major European fintech entities.

    Executive Director Mostafa Nasser Al Rashed emphasized the group’s foundational philosophy: “Our strategy has consistently focused on addressing internal corporate challenges first, then scaling those solutions to market readiness. Through centralization of core operations at the OTC Hub and expansion of our banking footprint, we’re constructing a resilient ecosystem designed for adaptability and long-term stability.”

    The organization continues to prioritize institutional quality standards, strengthening internal legal, compliance, and corporate functions to support its growing network of high-net-worth individuals and blockchain-focused partners throughout its global operations.

  • Muted anniversary: Trump marks first year back with grievances

    Muted anniversary: Trump marks first year back with grievances

    In a subdued press conference marking his first year back in office, former President Donald Trump presented a folder purportedly containing 365 accomplishments while expressing frustration over what he characterized as insufficient recognition for his achievements. The 79-year-old leader delivered a meandering, 90-minute monologue that emphasized familiar complaints rather than celebratory reflections.

    Trump asserted divine approval for his work, stating ‘God is very proud of the work I have done,’ while simultaneously blaming his public relations team and ‘fake news’ for his poor public perception. Current polling indicates approximately 55% disapproval versus 42% approval ratings for the former president.

    The address touched on multiple controversial topics, including Trump’s continued promotion of debunked claims about the 2020 election being ‘rigged’ and mathematically impossible assertions about prescription drug price reductions. He displayed mugshots of individuals apprehended by military-style immigration agents in Minnesota, where recent operations resulted in a protester’s death.

    Regarding international matters, Trump defended his aggressive stance toward Greenland, citing national security concerns, and rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for an emergency G7 meeting. He discussed potential collaboration with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado following Washington’s military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power, while praising Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s offensive against Kurdish allies.

    Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer characterized Trump’s performance as evidence of increasing instability and unpopularity, stating ‘He only grows more crazy and more unpopular.’ The former president departed shortly after the conference for Davos, where he planned to address world leaders.

  • US forces seize seventh sanctioned tanker linked to Venezuela in Trump’s effort to control its oil

    US forces seize seventh sanctioned tanker linked to Venezuela in Trump’s effort to control its oil

    U.S. military forces have executed another maritime interception operation, taking control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday. The vessel, identified as Motor Vessel Sagitta, was apprehended without incident according to U.S. Southern Command, marking the seventh such seizure in the ongoing enforcement of sanctions against Venezuela’s oil exports.

    The operation forms part of the Trump administration’s comprehensive strategy to restrict Venezuela’s oil trade, with officials claiming the Sagitta had loaded petroleum from Venezuelan sources in defiance of established sanctions. Although registered under Liberian flag status with ownership and management ties to a Hong Kong-based company, the tanker had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under executive orders related to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

    Unlike previous interdiction operations documented through dramatic aerial footage showing helicopter deployments and deck landings, this seizure was announced through social media channels with minimal operational details. The military command’s statement emphasized the enforcement of President Trump’s ‘established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean,’ though specific details regarding the participating forces were withheld.

    The vessel’s last transmitted location was recorded over two months ago while exiting the Baltic Sea in northern Europe, raising questions about its routing and cargo origins. The Pentagon declined to provide immediate additional details when queried about the operational specifics.

    President Trump addressed reporters at the White House just hours before the announcement, claiming the administration had already diverted approximately 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to open markets. ‘We’ve got millions of barrels of oil left,’ Trump stated. ‘We’re selling it on the open market. We’re bringing down oil prices incredibly.’

    The continued seizures demonstrate the administration’s persistent approach to applying maximum economic pressure on Venezuela’s oil sector, which represents the country’s primary revenue source.

  • Former Hainan official sentenced in bribery case

    Former Hainan official sentenced in bribery case

    In a significant ruling against corruption within China’s disciplinary apparatus, the Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court has sentenced former senior Hainan official Chen Xiaobo to 12 years imprisonment with a 3 million yuan ($430,000) fine for systematic bribery offenses. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, concludes a high-profile case that exposes corruption within anti-graft institutions themselves.

    Chen, who held dual powerful positions as deputy secretary of Hainan’s provincial discipline inspection commission and deputy director of the provincial supervisory commission, was convicted of accepting bribes exceeding 37 million yuan between 2007 and 2024. The court mandated complete confiscation of all illicit assets and accrued interest, which will be transferred to state treasury coffers.

    Evidence presented during proceedings revealed Chen exploited his authoritative positions to facilitate unlawful benefits for various organizations and individuals. His corrupt activities included manipulating land acquisition processes, influencing construction contract awards, and orchestrating improper job appointments in exchange for substantial financial rewards.

    Despite the ‘particularly large’ sums involved, the court acknowledged several mitigating circumstances. Judicial authorities noted Chen’s partial cooperation with investigators, voluntary admission to most charges, demonstrated remorse, and successful recovery of all illicit proceeds. The court characterized portions of his offenses as attempted acts, contributing to the reduced sentencing considerations.

  • King Salman chairs cabinet days after leaving hospital, says Saudi state TV

    King Salman chairs cabinet days after leaving hospital, says Saudi state TV

    In a significant demonstration of resumed royal duties, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia personally convened and chaired a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This public appearance came just days after the monarch’s brief hospitalization for comprehensive medical evaluations at a Riyadh medical facility last Friday. Saudi state television broadcast verified footage showing the 88-year-old king actively engaged in governmental proceedings, reviewing official documents alongside his ministers.

    The cabinet session addressed matters of international diplomacy, with the King formally expressing Saudi Arabia’s endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently established ‘Board of Peace’ initiative. This diplomatic gesture reinforces the enduring strategic alliance between the Kingdom and the United States, particularly significant given Saudi Arabia’s position as the world’s leading oil exporter and a pivotal Middle Eastern power.

    The monarch’s prompt return to official responsibilities carries substantial symbolic weight, effectively dispelling concerns about his health status following his 2024 treatment for lung inflammation. The transparent dissemination of this development through official state media channels underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining stability and continuity in leadership during a period of regional geopolitical significance.

  • Colombia says former FARC rebels have not kept promises to surrender cash and gold

    Colombia says former FARC rebels have not kept promises to surrender cash and gold

    Colombia’s Inspector General’s Office has issued a damning report revealing significant failures in the implementation of the historic 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The former rebel group has substantially defaulted on its commitment to transfer assets intended to fund reparations for victims of Colombia’s decades-long conflict.

    The comprehensive assessment shows FARC has delivered merely 252 kilograms (556 pounds) of the promised 444 kilograms (979 pounds) of gold. The land transfer commitment appears even more deficient, with only one of 722 pledged rural properties handed over to authorities. Financial contributions similarly lag at just 17% of the agreed amount.

    This landmark peace deal, which ended over five decades of armed struggle, granted FARC combatants amnesty from prosecution, permitted their transformation into a political party, and allocated ten congressional seats for former members. In return, FARC leadership pledged to surrender their collective assets to finance reconciliation initiatives including rural infrastructure development, conflict memorials, and truth commission proceedings.

    Former FARC commander José Lisandro Lascarro, alias ‘Pastor Alape,’ defended the group’s efforts, citing security complications in former territories now contested by emerging armed factions. He explained that inaccessible cash reserves buried in remote regions and lack of formal property titles have hampered asset transfers, despite UN-supervised procedures.

    The peace implementation faces additional challenges as the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal experiences critical funding shortages. Currently, only 17% of the necessary budget exists to execute court-ordered reparations for victims of FARC kidnappings and military extrajudicial executions, potentially undermining the entire reconciliation framework.

  • This Week in Golf: Rory returns, the stars align and the ‘Classic’ takes centre stage

    This Week in Golf: Rory returns, the stars align and the ‘Classic’ takes centre stage

    The global golfing community turns its attention to the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai this week as the prestigious HERO Dubai Desert Classic commences on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. This tournament marks the inaugural Rolex Series Event of the year, assembling an exceptional field of golf’s elite competitors alongside emerging talents and regional players.

    Northern Irish superstar Rory McIlroy dominates the spotlight, bringing immense international interest to what is widely celebrated as the ‘Major of the Middle East.’ McIlroy’s connection to the event runs deep—the Desert Classic served as the platform for his first professional victory in 2009. He has since claimed the title four times, establishing an extraordinary legacy at this venue. His frequent appearances in the UAE, including recent participation in November’s Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship, demonstrate his strong affinity for the region’s world-class facilities and ideal playing conditions.

    The tournament follows closely on the dramatic conclusion of last week’s Dubai Invitational, where Spain’s Nacho Elvira overcame significant pressure and a competitive field to secure victory at Dubai Creek Resort.

    Beyond the Desert Classic, professional golf action spans multiple continents this week. The PGA Tour presents The American Express in California with a $9.2 million purse, while the MENA Golf Tour launches its season with two events in Egypt—the Egypt Golf Series at New Giza Golf Club and Address Marassi Resort, each offering $100,000 in prizes.

    Meanwhile, Dubai-based professional Rayhan Thomas continues his campaign on the Korn Ferry Tour at The Bahamas Great Aboco Classic. Following a tied-33rd finish last week, Thomas aims to improve upon his tied-27th performance from last year’s event. The competition intensifies this season as only the top 20 finishers (reduced from 30) will earn coveted PGA Tour cards for 2027, evidenced by last week’s remarkably competitive cut line at seven under par.

  • Dubai Police launch new digital platform for lawyers, unveil AI-powered website upgrade

    Dubai Police launch new digital platform for lawyers, unveil AI-powered website upgrade

    Dubai Police have launched a groundbreaking digital platform exclusively for legal professionals, marking a significant advancement in the emirate’s digital transformation journey. The initiative, unveiled on January 20, 2026, introduces a specialized portal accessible through the Dubai Police website using secure UAE Pass authentication.

    The platform represents the second generation of Dubai Police’s digital services, featuring seven specialized legal services designed to streamline procedures and enhance efficiency. Legal professionals can now complete paperwork, submit requests, upload documents, and monitor case progress around the clock without physical visits to police stations. Each registered lawyer receives a personalized digital dashboard to manage cases, consultants, and client-related requests comprehensively.

    Major General Saleh Abdullah Murad, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Administrative Affairs, emphasized that the project transcends mere visual upgrades, delivering a complete digital experience built on three foundational pillars: service, empowerment, and vision. The system prioritizes accuracy, interactivity, and the elimination of bureaucratic hurdles.

    A standout feature is the AI-powered consultant, AiX, which provides step-by-step guidance through services, inquiries, and reports, ensuring rapid access to precise information. Brigadier Majed Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Department of Police Stations, noted that the platform constitutes a qualitative shift in legal services, substantially reducing the need for in-person station visits and alleviating pressure on frontline services.

    The initial rollout will proceed on a trial basis with select lawyers receiving invitation emails for registration. Once logged in, legal professionals can choose between general services and the dedicated lawyers’ portal. The comprehensive service suite includes linking powers of attorney, electronic document signing, criminal complaint filing, good conduct certificates, virtual detainee visit permits, and circular enquiries with direct digital payment capabilities.

    Major General Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, Director of the General Department of Artificial Intelligence, described the release as the ‘most comprehensive’ to date, developed under the highest institutional standards. This digital transformation aligns with Dubai’s zero bureaucracy objectives and represents a new era of accelerated, secure, and accessible digital services for the legal community.

  • Second lady Usha Vance announces she is pregnant with fourth child

    Second lady Usha Vance announces she is pregnant with fourth child

    Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, has publicly announced her pregnancy with the couple’s fourth child. The Second Lady revealed through her official social media account that she expects to welcome a baby boy in late July, confirming both she and the unborn child are in excellent health.

    The 40-year-old lawyer and mother of three currently parents Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel with the Vice President. Her background reflects a remarkable American story: raised in San Diego’s working-class suburbs by immigrant parents from India—her father a mechanical engineer and her mother a molecular biologist.

    The Vance partnership began at Yale Law School in 2010 where they connected through a discussion group examining social decline in white America. Prior to assuming her role as Second Lady, Usha Vance established a distinguished legal career as a corporate litigator at Munger, Tolles & Olson in San Francisco. Her professional trajectory includes clerkships with conservative legal figures Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his appellate court tenure.

    This pregnancy marks a historical moment as Usha Vance becomes the first Second Lady to bear a child while serving in this capacity. The announcement carries particular significance given Vice President Vance’s vocal advocacy for increased birth rates in the United States, having publicly stated in 2025: ‘Let me say very simply: I want more babies in the United States of America.’

    The White House has yet to release an official statement regarding the pregnancy, though historical precedent exists for presidential family expansions during terms of office. First Lady Frances Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland, gave birth to daughter Esther in the White House in 1893, followed by another child born outside the executive residence.

  • Watch: US citizen describes being detained by ICE in his underwear

    Watch: US citizen describes being detained by ICE in his underwear

    A chilling account has emerged from Minneapolis where a U.S. citizen experienced a harrowing encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials during a targeted operation. The incident occurred when armed agents conducted an early morning raid at a residential property while searching for two individuals with criminal records. Despite sub-freezing temperatures, the resident was forcibly detained wearing only his underwear during the confrontation. Witnesses report the operation involved multiple agents who entered the premises without initially confirming identities of all occupants. The detainee, who maintains his legal citizenship status, described the experience as psychologically traumatic and characterized by a lack of procedural transparency. Community advocates have expressed concern about the incident’s implications for civil liberties and the broader patterns of immigration enforcement tactics. Legal experts note such cases raise significant questions about operational protocols during targeted enforcement actions, particularly regarding the treatment of individuals not named in warrants. The episode has sparked renewed dialogue about accountability mechanisms within federal immigration enforcement operations.