Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Pakistan: Death toll rises to 11 after Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire; over 60 still missing

    Pakistan: Death toll rises to 11 after Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire; over 60 still missing

    A devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping center has resulted in a rising death toll and massive structural damage, with rescue operations continuing amid precarious conditions. The blaze, which ignited on Saturday evening in Pakistan’s commercial capital, raged for over 24 hours before being contained, leaving at least 11 confirmed fatalities and more than 60 individuals unaccounted for.

    Emergency responders faced extreme challenges due to the building’s inadequate ventilation system, which caused dense smoke to accumulate throughout the multi-story complex. The smoke infiltration significantly hampered rescue attempts to reach those trapped inside the facility, which contains approximately 1,200 retail establishments.

    By Sunday evening, substantial portions of the building had suffered catastrophic collapse, scattering twisted steel beams, concrete debris, and commercial wreckage across adjacent streets. Rescue teams have issued warnings about the unstable nature of the remaining structure, indicating potential further collapse risks that complicate search operations.

    Authorities received the initial emergency notification at 10:38 PM local time on Saturday, reporting fires at ground-level shops. Firefighting units arriving at the scene encountered rapidly spreading flames that had already ascended to upper floors, consuming large sections of the building before containment efforts could be fully implemented.

    Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed the scale of the missing persons crisis while police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed verified the increased fatality count. The incident represents one of the most severe commercial building fires in recent Pakistani history, highlighting concerns about urban safety standards in densely populated areas.

  • Pro-Greenland protesters mock Trump’s MAGA slogan with ‘Make America Go Away’ caps

    Pro-Greenland protesters mock Trump’s MAGA slogan with ‘Make America Go Away’ caps

    COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A wave of creative resistance has swept through Denmark as citizens respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. The movement has found its symbol in parody baseball caps that transform Trump’s iconic “Make America Great Again” slogan into “Make America Go Away.”

    These satirical accessories, created by Copenhagen vintage store owner Jesper Rabe Tonnesen, have evolved from commercial failure to cultural phenomenon following the Trump administration’s serious overtures toward the autonomous Danish territory. What began as a limited run last year has exploded into a nationwide statement, with thousands of caps now in production to meet surging demand.

    The headwear has appeared at public demonstrations, including a weekend protest in freezing temperatures outside Copenhagen City Hall, where participants waved Danish and Greenlandic flags while carrying signs with messages like “No Means No” and “Make America Smart Again.”

    European governments have formally rallied behind Denmark, emphasizing Arctic security concerns and the importance of respecting territorial sovereignty. Meanwhile, Danish citizens have adopted a more direct approach to expressing their disapproval. “I want to show my support to Greenland and also show that I don’t like the president of the United States,” stated 76-year-old Copenhagen resident Lars Hermansen, who participated in the weekend demonstration.

    Tonnesen, 58, described his motivation: “When a delegation from America went up to Greenland, we started to realize this probably wasn’t a joke—it’s not reality TV, it’s actually reality. So I said, OK, what can I do? Can I communicate in a funny way with a good message and unite the Danes?”

    The movement has also produced linguistic creativity with an alternative design featuring the phrase “Nu det NUUK!”—a clever play on words that replaces the Danish expression “Nu det nok” (meaning “Now it’s enough”) with the name of Greenland’s capital city.

    Protesters maintained a balance between serious messaging and lighthearted expression. Kristian Boye, 49, who attended the Copenhagen rally, captured this dual approach: “I’m here to support the Greenlanders, who are going through a very hard time right now. They are being threatened with having their country invaded. I think it’s totally unacceptable.”

  • Dubai: Gold price jumps over Dh8 per gram to record high

    Dubai: Gold price jumps over Dh8 per gram to record high

    Dubai’s gold market surged to unprecedented levels on Monday morning as escalating geopolitical tensions triggered a massive flight to safe-haven assets. The precious metal recorded a dramatic increase of Dh8.25 per gram, pushing 24K gold to Dh562 while 22K gold reached Dh520.25 per gram according to Dubai Jewellery Group data.

    The remarkable rally stems from multiple international crises simultaneously unfolding. Intensifying protests across Iran and mounting transatlantic tensions between the United States and European Union over Greenland have created perfect conditions for gold’s ascent. The situation intensified when US President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs against the EU regarding control of the Arctic territory.

    Global markets mirrored Dubai’s surge with gold reaching $4,671.72 per ounce, representing a 1.64 percent increase at 9:25 AM UAE time. Silver similarly climbed to $94 per ounce before settling at $93.19. All gold variants in Dubai traded at record levels with 21K at Dh499.0, 18K at Dh427.75, and 14K at Dh333.5 per gram.

    Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, confirmed the bullish fundamentals: ‘As geopolitical risks multiply, investors traditionally seek refuge in safe-haven assets like gold. The White House’s recent executive order protecting US rare earth supplies has further contributed to this momentum.’ Valecha also noted lingering concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence after Trump’s threats against the Fed Chair, which drew support from central bankers worldwide.

    Technically, Valecha identified potential resistance around $4,685 on the ascending trendline, suggesting the rally might face temporary hurdles at that level. The combination of political uncertainty, trade tensions, and monetary policy concerns has created ideal conditions for sustained gold appreciation.

  • Djokovic equals two all-time records and wins his 100th match at Australian Open

    Djokovic equals two all-time records and wins his 100th match at Australian Open

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic delivered a commanding performance at the Australian Open, simultaneously celebrating his 100th victory at Melbourne Park while sending an unequivocal message to his competitors: his pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title remains undiminished.

    The 38-year-old tennis legend matched two historic records by appearing in his 21st Australian Open and 81st Grand Slam tournament. His dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 first-round triumph over Spain’s Pedro Martínez propelled him into exclusive territory as the first male player to achieve 100 or more wins on three different Grand Slam surfaces—adding to his 102 victories on Wimbledon’s grass and 101 at Roland Garros on clay.

    Djokovic expressed particular satisfaction with this latest milestone, remarking, “Centurion is pretty nice. Nice feeling.” His service statistics underscored his formidable form: 77% first serves in, 93% first serve points won, 85% second serve points won, and 14 aces without facing a single break point.

    The Serbian champion displayed flashes of his signature brilliance, including a running crosscourt forehand winner that prompted his characteristic cord-ripping celebration. He later channeled French player Gaël Monfils with an athletic leaping forehand during the third set.

    Despite his advancing age, Djokovic remains intensely motivated by record-breaking opportunities. Having reached the semifinals in all four majors last year without securing a title, he now seeks to overcome the dominance of rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—the duo known as ‘Sincaraz’ who have controlled men’s tennis for the past two seasons.

    In a lighthearted moment, Djokovic joked about Alcaraz’s recently modified service motion, which bears resemblance to his own. “I sent him a message saying we have to speak about the copyrights!” he quipped. “Every ace I expect a tribute to me!”

    While acknowledging the elevated performance level of his younger competitors, Djokovic maintains confidence in his ability to triumph when executing his game plan effectively. His preparation for this tournament involved skipping warmup events to prioritize physical recovery, stating, “I’m using every hour that I can to get my body recovered and in shape for the next challenge.”

  • Djokovic registers 100th Australian Open win

    Djokovic registers 100th Australian Open win

    In a breathtaking display of serving precision, Novak Djokovic achieved a monumental milestone at the Australian Open, securing his 100th career victory at Melbourne Park while delivering what commentators described as one of the most dominant serving performances in recent tennis history.

    The Serbian champion, currently ranked world number four and pursuing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title, dismantled Spain’s Pedro Martínez with surgical efficiency. Djokovic’s service statistics bordered on the supernatural: he dropped merely five points out of 57 on serve throughout the two-hour contest, maintained a 77% first-serve accuracy rate, and won a staggering 93% of points behind his first delivery. The match concluded fittingly with Djokovic’s 14th ace of the evening, sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 triumph.

    Tennis legend Mark Woodforde, a 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion, characterized Djokovic’s performance as “supreme” and “exceptional” during BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra commentary. Djokovic himself offered a characteristically measured assessment: “Tonight’s performance was great, I can’t complain about anything. I served very well. It’s always a challenge to kick-start the tournament on the right note and send the right signal not only to yourself but your opponents watching you play.”

    The victory places Djokovic in an exclusive club of players who have achieved 100 wins at multiple Grand Slam events, having previously reached this milestone at Wimbledon (102 wins) and Roland Garros (101 wins). During his post-match interview, tournament organizers commemorated the achievement with video highlights from his 2005 main-draw debut, though Djokovic remained focused on the present, quipping that he would only reflect on his accomplishments when “putting the racquet aside [and] sipping some nice cocktail on the beach.”

    Looking ahead, Djokovic will face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round, using the intervening days to recover and prepare. Beyond immediate tournament objectives, Djokovic revealed that “history-making is great motivation,” particularly in the latter stages of his career. He credited early mentors for guiding him “to play the long shot with my career, not to burn out too quickly, and take care of my body and my mind.”

    Elsewhere in the draw, Australian hope Alex de Minaur launched his campaign with a commanding straight-sets victory, declaring his ambition to become the first home men’s champion since 1976. Higher seeds Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and Tommy Paul all advanced comfortably, while Czech 17th seed Jiří Lehečka suffered an unexpected early exit against French qualifier Arthur Gea.

  • Why investors are backing Karma Developers’ sustainable, future-ready growth model

    Why investors are backing Karma Developers’ sustainable, future-ready growth model

    Karma Developers, a design-focused real estate enterprise with over a decade of industry presence, is gaining significant investor traction through its sustainable, future-ready development approach. The company has successfully delivered more than 2,000 residential units while expanding its footprint beyond Dubai to Cyprus, the UK, Romania, and Australia.

    Under the leadership of founders Capt. Pradeep Singh, Navneet Mandhani, and architect S.N. Saxena—whose combined expertise spans 75 years—the company integrates sustainability as a core principle rather than an afterthought. All projects adhere to LEED-aligned planning standards and incorporate smart-living technologies designed to minimize long-term environmental impact.

    Karma’s Dubai portfolio includes notable developments such as Olivia in Dubai Investment Park, Milos in Dubailand, Trinity in Arjan, and Antalya in Dubai Sports City. The company has also established presence in master communities including Falconcity and Dubai Silicon Oasis through strategic partnerships. Their upcoming pipeline features a green-themed gated community in DIP and commercial development in Liwan, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 urban master plan.

    Captain Singh’s unique multidisciplinary background in maritime sustainability, technology, and real estate has shaped the company’s systematic approach to community development. “Sustainability is embedded from the planning stage,” Singh explains. “We build adaptive communities designed to evolve economically, socially, and environmentally over the long term.”

    The company’s leadership philosophy emphasizes the balance between moral responsibility and economic realism. Singh’s international recognitions, including two Knighthoods and advanced academic training from Harvard and UK institutions, have reinforced the importance of disciplined governance and long-term value creation.

    CEO Navneet Mandhani brings a technology-driven perspective from his previous startup experience, including YourKeys which was acquired by Zoopla. This background informs Karma’s data-informed approach to market selection and product development. “We follow infrastructure, not speculation,” Mandhani states, highlighting their strategy of identifying emerging micro-markets based on connectivity, employment hubs, and master planning fundamentals.

    The company’s conservative financial strategy, characterized by low leverage and disciplined underwriting, has proven resilient through market cycles. This approach has strengthened investor confidence by prioritizing certainty and governance alongside returns, positioning Karma as a trusted partner in sustainable real estate development.

  • China’s job market stable in 2025 with 5.2% surveyed urban unemployment rate

    China’s job market stable in 2025 with 5.2% surveyed urban unemployment rate

    China’s labor market demonstrated remarkable stability throughout 2025, achieving an annual average urban unemployment rate of 5.2% according to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on January 19, 2026. The December figures showed further improvement at 5.1%, maintaining consistency across 31 major metropolitan centers including Beijing and Shanghai.

    The migrant workforce, a critical component of China’s economic engine, expanded to approximately 301.15 million workers—marking a modest increase of 1.42 million (0.5%) from 2024 levels. This growth occurred despite global economic headwinds and domestic demographic challenges.

    Labor market analysts attribute this stability to comprehensive government policies targeting employment security, particularly through support for small and medium enterprises and vocational training initiatives. The consistent performance across major urban centers suggests balanced regional development in employment opportunities.

    The NBS report indicates successful navigation of economic transitions while maintaining social stability through employment preservation. The data reflects China’s strategic focus on job creation as a cornerstone of its economic planning, with particular attention to urban employment metrics as key indicators of social and economic health.

  • South African team helps search for politician swept away by Mozambique floodwaters

    South African team helps search for politician swept away by Mozambique floodwaters

    A severe flooding catastrophe in Mozambique has triggered a cross-border humanitarian response, with South Africa deploying emergency resources to its neighboring nation. The crisis intensified when Andile Mngwevu, an Ekurhuleni municipal councillor, was swept away by raging floodwaters during an official visit to Gaza Province. While Mngwevu has been successfully accounted for, four accompanying individuals remain missing, their status unconfirmed according to municipal authorities.

    The devastating floods have forced Mozambican President Daniel Chapo to cancel his scheduled appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, underscoring the severity of the situation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the deployment of two helicopters for multi-day rescue operations in Mozambique, stating they would remain until conditions stabilize.

    The human toll continues to mount with reports indicating over 100 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage following weeks of relentless flooding. Meteorological forecasts predict further precipitation across central and northern regions as the country enters its annual cyclone season, exacerbating an already critical situation. The ongoing rainy season threatens to compound existing challenges, creating a complex emergency scenario requiring sustained international attention and support.

  • EU executive arm, Russia and Thailand asked to join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza

    EU executive arm, Russia and Thailand asked to join Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza

    The United States has extended invitations to multiple nations to participate in President Donald Trump’s newly proposed ‘Board of Peace,’ intended to oversee the implementation of the next phase of the Gaza peace plan. The European Commission, Russia, and Thailand have confirmed receipt of invitations, with each expressing cautious interest while undertaking detailed reviews of the proposal.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin is examining the invitation’s specifics, while Thai authorities similarly acknowledged they are assessing the details. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will consult with EU leadership regarding potential participation, though no formal acceptance has been declared.

    The initiative faces significant opposition from Israeli officials, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich denouncing the plan as ‘bad for the State of Israel’ and calling for its cancellation. Smotrich asserted Israeli sovereignty over Gaza during a ceremony inaugurating a new West Bank settlement, advocating for military administration rather than international oversight.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office previously stated that the board’s formation occurred without Israeli coordination and contradicts official government policy. The United States is expected to announce formal board membership during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos.

    According to undisclosed charter details obtained by AP, a $1 billion contribution would secure permanent membership dedicated to Gaza reconstruction efforts, while three-year appointments require no financial commitment. The board’s potential scope suggests it could function as an alternative to established international bodies like the UN Security Council.

    Concurrently, Egypt has expressed support for the newly appointed committee of Palestinian technocrats tasked with managing Gaza’s daily affairs during the peace plan’s implementation. Meanwhile, UN agencies report improved but still fragile humanitarian conditions, with over three-quarters of Gaza’s population experiencing crisis-level food insecurity despite expanded aid operations.

  • World Economic Forum: UAE sends over 100 ministers, private sector leaders to Davos

    World Economic Forum: UAE sends over 100 ministers, private sector leaders to Davos

    The United Arab Emirates has mobilized one of its largest-ever delegations to the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, demonstrating its growing influence on the global stage. Under the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the delegation comprises over 100 ministers, senior government officials, and prominent private sector executives.

    This substantial presence, ranking as the fifth largest national delegation at the forum, underscores the UAE’s strategic commitment to shaping international discourse across critical sectors. The delegation’s participation aligns with the forum’s 2026 theme, ‘Spirit of Dialogue,’ which resonates with the UAE’s diplomatic approach to international relations and multilateral cooperation.

    The UAE Pavilion, maintaining its ‘Impossible is Impossible’ theme for the fourth consecutive year, serves as a dynamic showcase of the nation’s economic diversity and innovation capabilities. The pavilion program emphasizes the UAE’s pioneering role in energy transition, sustainability initiatives, and climate finance while balancing economic growth and energy security requirements.

    Throughout the forum, UAE representatives are engaging in high-level discussions on artificial intelligence governance, digital transformation, global trade frameworks, and economic governance models. The delegation is also contributing significantly to humanitarian dialogues, addressing pressing global challenges including food security, water scarcity, and public health systems.

    Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasized that the delegation’s composition reflects the UAE’s focused priorities on future-oriented sectors and enhanced public-private collaboration. The pavilion hosts an extensive schedule of sessions, bilateral meetings, and media engagements featuring government officials, business leaders, and international experts, providing platforms for knowledge exchange and partnership development.