Global Pulse

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  • Under-19 World Cup: Australia will look to Will Malajczuk to set the tone with another aggressive start

    Under-19 World Cup: Australia will look to Will Malajczuk to set the tone with another aggressive start

    Australian Under-19 cricket coach Tim Nielsen has reaffirmed his aggressive batting strategy ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup match against Japan, despite opener Will Malajczuk’s recent low score. The decision comes after Australia’s commanding eight-wicket victory over Ireland on Friday, where they chased down 236 runs with 10 overs to spare.

    While Malajczuk managed only 22 runs in the Ireland match, his teammates Steve Hogan (115) and Nitesh Samuel (77 not out) demonstrated the team’s batting depth. Nielsen emphasized that Malajczuk’s attacking approach remains central to Australia’s game plan, particularly noting his impressive performance in pre-tournament practice against South Africa where he scored 80 runs off approximately 50 deliveries.

    The coaching strategy specifically accounts for anticipated spin-heavy opposition attacks. Nielsen explained that an aggressive start could force opponents to alter their bowling strategies prematurely. “If he does come off, it just gives the rest of the batting order that pillow, or buffer, that we’re going quickly at the start,” Nielsen stated.

    Geographical conditions may play to Australia’s advantage, with Namibia’s higher altitude potentially allowing the ball to travel further—a factor that could benefit aggressive openers like Malajczuk.

    Despite Japan’s familiarity with Australian playing styles through previous club and school cricket exchanges, Nielsen emphasized the critical importance of securing a second victory. A win against Japan would likely guarantee Australia’s qualification for the Super Six stage, setting up a decisive match against Sri Lanka on Friday to determine group ranking.

    Nielsen, who previously coached Australia’s senior ODI team during the 2011 World Cup, stressed the need for professional focus: “We need to make sure we’re on our game and not take Japan lightly.”

  • China’s population falls for fourth straight year

    China’s population falls for fourth straight year

    China’s demographic landscape continues its concerning downward spiral, with official data revealing a fourth consecutive year of population decline in 2025. The National Bureau of Statistics reported the population dropped by 3.39 million to settle at approximately 1.4 billion by year’s end, representing an accelerated decline compared to previous years.

    The critical birth rate metric plummeted to a historic low of 5.63 per 1,000 people—the lowest recording since the establishment of the People’s Republic in 1949. Simultaneously, the mortality rate climbed to 8.04 per 1,000 people, reaching heights not seen since 1968. This widening gap between births and deaths underscores the severity of China’s demographic challenge.

    Confronted with both an aging citizenry and economic stagnation, Chinese authorities have implemented numerous policy measures to reverse this trend. The government’s approach has evolved significantly from the 2016 abolition of the notorious one-child policy to the current three-child policy introduced in 2021. More recent interventions include direct financial incentives, offering parents 3,600 yuan annually for each child under three years old, alongside provincial initiatives featuring cash bonuses and extended parental leave provisions.

    However, certain policies have generated public controversy, particularly a new 13% taxation on contraceptive products including condoms and birth control medications. Health advocates have raised concerns that this measure might inadvertently increase unintended pregnancies and potentially affect HIV transmission rates.

    China’s fertility rate remains among the world’s lowest at approximately one child per woman—significantly below the 2.1 replacement level needed for population stability. This pattern mirrors demographic trends seen in other East Asian economies including South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan.

    Compounding the problem, China ranks as one of the most financially demanding countries for child-rearing according to the YuWa Population Research Institute’s 2024 analysis. Beyond economic considerations, cultural shifts are influencing reproductive decisions, with many young Chinese citing lifestyle preferences and personal freedom as factors in their choice to remain childless.

    United Nations demographic projections indicate China’s population could diminish by more than half before 2100. This demographic contraction poses substantial economic threats, including workforce reduction, weakened consumer markets, and mounting pressure on pension systems. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has warned about the sustainability of retirement funds as the elderly population grows increasingly dependent on state support.

  • Japan PM Takaichi set to call snap election

    Japan PM Takaichi set to call snap election

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is poised to announce a snap parliamentary election less than three months after assuming office, according to government officials speaking anonymously to local media outlets. The anticipated announcement, scheduled for Monday afternoon, would set in motion the process for electing all 465 members of Japan’s powerful House of Representatives.

    Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister and a protégée of the late Shinzo Abe, has maintained remarkably high approval ratings between 60-80% since her October inauguration. Her conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) currently holds 199 seats in the lower house, with its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party providing just enough additional seats to maintain a slim majority.

    The prime minister, often compared to Margaret Thatcher for her staunch conservative stance, has pursued an assertive foreign policy agenda that has significantly strained relations with China. Her November remarks suggesting Japan could deploy self-defense forces in response to potential Chinese aggression toward Taiwan triggered a diplomatic crisis, sending bilateral ties to their lowest point in over a decade.

    Concurrently, Takaichi has strengthened Japan’s alliance with the United States, culminating in a rare earths agreement and a joint declaration heralding a new ‘golden age’ in US-Japan relations during President Donald Trump’s October visit. Domestically, she has championed substantial government-led spending initiatives reminiscent of Abe’s economic stimulus policies, while securing a record ¥9 trillion defense budget amid growing regional security concerns.

    Despite her personal popularity, Takaichi’s electoral gamble carries significant risks. The LDP has experienced considerable instability, with Takaichi representing Japan’s fourth prime minister in five years. Her immediate predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, suffered one of the LDP’s worst electoral performances after calling a snap election that cost the party its parliamentary majority.

    Adding to the challenge, Japan’s opposition forces have recently consolidated with the formation of the Centrist Reform Alliance, a merger between the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, the LDP’s former coalition partner. This new political entity poses a substantial threat to the ruling coalition’s majority in the upcoming election.

  • Toll in Spain train collision rises to at least 39 dead as rescuers search for more bodies

    Toll in Spain train collision rises to at least 39 dead as rescuers search for more bodies

    ADAMUZ, Spain — Spanish authorities confirmed Monday that at least 39 individuals lost their lives in a devastating high-speed train collision that occurred Sunday evening in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, with rescue operations continuing into the following day.

    The catastrophic incident unfolded at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time near Córdoba when the rear section of a Malaga-Madrid train carrying approximately 300 passengers derailed unexpectedly. The derailed carriage subsequently collided with an oncoming Madrid-Huelva service, according to official statements from rail infrastructure operator Adif.

    Emergency response teams worked throughout the night and into Monday morning in a coordinated rescue effort. Andalusia Regional President Juanma Moreno reported that 75 passengers had been transported to medical facilities, with the majority receiving treatment at hospitals in Córdoba, located approximately 390 kilometers south of Madrid.

    The Spanish Red Cross established an emergency assistance center in the town of Adamuz, adjacent to the crash site, providing support services for both emergency responders and families seeking information about passengers.

    Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the accident as ‘truly strange’ during a Monday morning briefing, noting the investigation remains ongoing without definitive conclusions. The peculiar nature of the incident stems from its occurrence on a recently renovated flat section of track (completed in May) involving a relatively new train model (less than four years old).

    The collision dynamics involved the derailed rear section of the first train (operated by private company Iryo) striking the forward section of the second train (operated by public carrier Renfe). The impact propelled the first two carriages of the Renfe train down a 4-meter embankment, with this section sustaining the most severe damage. Minister Puente estimated the official investigation may require approximately one month to determine causation.

    Spain maintains Europe’s most extensive high-speed rail network, with over 3,100 kilometers of track designed for speeds exceeding 250 kph. Renfe reported over 25 million passengers utilized its high-speed services in 2024, making it a popular and traditionally safe transportation option. All Madrid-Andalusia rail services remained suspended Monday.

    This incident represents Spain’s most significant rail disaster since the 2013 northwest derailment that claimed 80 lives, which investigators attributed to excessive speed on a curve.

  • UK, France mull social media bans for youth as debate rages

    UK, France mull social media bans for youth as debate rages

    A growing international movement to restrict youth access to social media platforms is gaining momentum across Western nations, with France and the United Kingdom actively considering measures inspired by Australia’s groundbreaking legislation. The Australian model, which prohibits individuals under 16 from accessing major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, has ignited a complex global debate about digital protection versus personal freedom.

    This policy shift stems from escalating concerns regarding adolescent mental health deterioration. Prominent advocates, including American psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of the influential book ‘The Anxious Generation,’ argue that excessive social media exposure is fundamentally rewiring developing brains and creating a mental health crisis. Haidt’s work, which has attracted significant political attention, posits that screen-based interactions are displacing crucial real-world experiences necessary for healthy development.

    However, the scientific community remains deeply divided on implementing blanket bans. Canadian psychologist Candice Odgers and other academics challenge the alarmist narrative, contending that Haidt’s conclusions lack robust scientific validation. This academic disagreement centers on the difficulty of isolating social media’s specific impact amid numerous factors influencing teen wellbeing.

    Research from the University of Queensland’s Michael Noetel suggests that while evidence of harm exists, the effects might be more nuanced than extreme positions indicate. Noetel describes supporting restrictive measures as ‘a bet worth making’ given potential benefits. Conversely, University of Adelaide researcher Ben Singh’s longitudinal study of over 100,000 Australian youth revealed a U-shaped relationship: both heavy usage (over two hours daily) and complete non-use correlated with poorer outcomes, while moderate engagement showed the best results. The study notably found gender differences, with excessive use most harmful for girls and complete deprivation most detrimental for older teenage boys.

    French psychiatrist Serge Tisseron acknowledges social media’s ‘appallingly toxic’ aspects but cautions that outright bans might be technologically circumvented by digitally-native youth while inadvertently relieving parents of supervisory responsibilities. He advocates for more sophisticated, nuanced regulatory approaches rather than polarized all-or-nothing solutions.

    As France debates legislation for under-15s and UK officials consult experts, many researchers suggest observing Australia’s implementation. Cambridge University’s Amy Orben notes that within a year, substantial data will emerge regarding the ban’s effectiveness and any unintended consequences, with Australia’s e-safety commissioner already reporting 4.7 million blocked underage accounts.

  • Blueprint seen as a boon for entire world

    Blueprint seen as a boon for entire world

    China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) has become a cornerstone of President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic engagements, positioning the development blueprint as a stabilizing force in an increasingly volatile global economy. During multiple high-level meetings with international leaders, including recent discussions with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin and newly appointed ambassadors to China, President Xi has consistently emphasized China’s commitment to deepened reforms and elevated opening-up policies.

    The strategic document, adopted during the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, transcends domestic planning to address global economic challenges. President Xi has articulated that China’s modernization drive will generate substantial opportunities for international partners through enhanced trade cooperation, synchronized development strategies, and mutual prosperity initiatives.

    China’s recent economic performance underscores its global economic influence: maintaining position as the world’s largest trader in goods and second largest in services, attracting over $700 billion in foreign investment, and achieving consistent annual outbound investment growth exceeding 5%. The Belt and Road Initiative has evolved into a comprehensive international public good, establishing itself as a premier platform for global cooperation.

    Analysts highlight that China’s commitment to institutional opening-up arrives at a critical juncture for global economic governance. Zheng Haizhen of the China Institute of International Studies notes that China’s stable development provides crucial certainty amid rising global uncertainties, offering both economic stability and enhanced development governance.

    The Ministry of Commerce confirms that high-standard opening-up represents a strategic response to complex global changes, leveraging China’s substantial economic advantages including a massive consumer market of 1.4 billion people with over 400 million middle-income consumers. Concrete policy measures include streamlined foreign investment negative lists, expanded visa-free arrangements, and comprehensive zero-tariff treatment for least-developed nations.

    International observers recognize China’s approach as transformative rather than merely transactional. Nik Mohammad Nikmal, editor-in-chief of The Kabul Times, characterizes China’s stance as “an anchor of stability” against protectionist trends, while Professor Kong Qingjiang notes China’s evolution toward comprehensive institutional alignment with international economic norms, creating a new development paradigm that benefits global stakeholders.

  • Inequality and unease are rising as elite Davos event opens with pro-business Trump set to attend

    Inequality and unease are rising as elite Davos event opens with pro-business Trump set to attend

    DAVOS, Switzerland — The Alpine resort town of Davos transforms into a global power center this week as nearly 3,000 political leaders, corporate executives, and advocacy figures gather for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. This year’s assembly unfolds against a backdrop of profound geopolitical shifts, widening economic disparities, and growing skepticism about institutional leadership.

    U.S. President Donald Trump arrives with the largest American delegation in forum history, accompanied by multiple cabinet secretaries. His presence dominates preliminary discussions, particularly regarding his administration’s unconventional approaches to international relations—including ambitions regarding Greenland’s status, Venezuela’s oil resources, and confrontational tactics with Federal Reserve leadership.

    The forum’s programming director, Mirek Dušek, characterizes this moment as a critical geopolitical transition: “We’re seeing a more competitive, more contested landscape where traditional alliances are being reexamined.”

    Notably absent is forum founder Klaus Schwab, who recently stepped down after 55 years. New leadership from BlackRock’s Larry Fink and Roche’s Andre Hoffman oversees an agenda focused on artificial intelligence’s transformative impact, geo-economic conflicts, and eroding trust in institutions.

    Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang makes his inaugural appearance among 850 corporate leaders, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng represent key counterweights to American influence on the opening day.

    Two landmark reports underscore the meeting’s context: Oxfam reveals billionaire wealth surged by $2.5 trillion in 2023—enough to eradicate extreme poverty 26 times over—while Edelman’s Trust Barometer documents record highs in trade war fears and institutional distrust across 28 nations.

    As storefronts along the Davos Promenade transform into corporate pavilions for Microsoft, TikTok, and national delegations, protesters gathered under banners reading “No Profit from War” and “World Economic Failure.” Swiss Young Socialists president Mirjam Hostettmann condemned the gathering: “The WEF will never bring peace, but will only fuel escalation.”

  • US futures sink after Trump warns of higher tariffs for 8 countries over Greenland issue

    US futures sink after Trump warns of higher tariffs for 8 countries over Greenland issue

    Financial markets experienced significant turbulence on Monday as U.S. stock futures declined sharply following President Donald Trump’s unexpected threat to impose additional 10% tariffs on imports from eight European nations. The unprecedented move came in response to European opposition to Trump’s aspirations regarding Greenland’s sovereignty.

    The targeted European countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—issued a strongly worded joint statement condemning the tariff threats as undermining transatlantic relations and potentially triggering a dangerous economic escalation. This represents the most forceful diplomatic rebuke from European allies since Trump’s return to the White House nearly one year ago.

    Market indicators showed substantial losses with S&P 500 futures dropping 0.8% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures declining 0.7%. According to Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management, these developments are testing the fundamental strategic alignment and institutional trust that underpin European support, which remains crucial as Europe serves as America’s largest trading partner and primary source of financing.

    Asian markets presented a mixed performance amid the global uncertainty. China reported 5% annual economic growth for 2025, though quarter-quarter expansion showed signs of deceleration. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined 0.9% while Shanghai Composite gained 0.3%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.8% amid political developments suggesting potential parliamentary dissolution for snap elections. South Korea’s Kospi notably outperformed with a 1.4% surge to record territory, driven by robust technology sector performance.

    The broader market context reveals ongoing concerns about corporate earnings sustainability, particularly in technology sectors where artificial intelligence-driven valuations face increased scrutiny. This week’s economic calendar includes critical inflation data through the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation metric—ahead of the central bank’s upcoming policy meeting where interest rates are expected to remain unchanged amid persistent inflation concerns.

    Commodity markets showed varied movements with crude oil prices experiencing modest declines while precious metals surged significantly, with gold advancing 1.7% and silver jumping 5.2% as investors sought safe-haven assets amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

  • US believes its power matters more than international law, UN chief tells BBC

    US believes its power matters more than international law, UN chief tells BBC

    In a striking critique of American foreign policy, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has declared that the United States is operating with impunity while prioritizing its own power over established international legal frameworks. During an exclusive interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Guterres expressed profound concern that Washington’s “clear conviction” now dismisses multilateral solutions as irrelevant, favoring instead the unilateral “exercise of U.S. power and influence, sometimes at the expense of international law norms.”

    The Secretary-General’s remarks arrive amidst escalating global tensions, including recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela and former President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to annex Greenland. Guterres identified these developments as symptomatic of a broader crisis threatening the foundational UN principle of member state equality.

    Guterres directly addressed Trump’s previous criticisms of the United Nations, acknowledging the organization’s struggle to enforce compliance with the UN Charter among member states. While insisting the UN remains “extremely engaged” in resolving major conflicts, Guterres conceded that the institution lacks leverage compared to powerful nations. He questioned whether this influence is being utilized to achieve lasting solutions or merely temporary fixes to complex international problems.

    The UN leader highlighted urgent need for institutional reform to address “dramatic problems and challenges” facing its 193 member states. He particularly criticized the UN Security Council’s structure, noting its ineffective representation of the modern world and the problematic veto power exercised by permanent members (France, China, Russia, the UK, and US), which has repeatedly obstructed resolutions on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

    Guterres called for compositional changes to the Security Council to “regain legitimacy” and “give voice to the whole world,” including limitations on veto powers to prevent unacceptable “blockages” of international action. He specifically questioned why “three European countries” held permanent seats while other regions remained underrepresented.

    Regarding Gaza, Guterres countered allegations of UN ineffectiveness, explaining that aid distribution was impossible during periods when Israel blocked access to the territory. “Whenever Israel would not allow us to move into Gaza, we couldn’t move into Gaza,” he stated, adding that the UN was prepared to deliver aid “provided we had the conditions.”

    Despite acknowledging a world “brimming with conflict, impunity, inequality and unpredictability,” Guterres maintained an optimistic outlook. He emphasized the necessity of confronting powerful nations to create a better world, even as questions multiply about the decline of multilateralism and some leaders’ failure to defend international law.

  • Record gold price fails to stop ASX 200 from dropping after five-day rally

    Record gold price fails to stop ASX 200 from dropping after five-day rally

    Global financial markets experienced significant turbulence as former President Donald Trump’s unexpected trade policy announcement triggered a flight to safe-haven assets. Gold prices surged to an unprecedented $4,690.59 per ounce, while silver reached $94.12, marking historic highs in precious metal trading.

    The Australian sharemarket snapped its five-day winning streak despite the commodity rally, with the benchmark ASX 200 declining 29.40 points (0.33%) to close at 8,874.50. The broader All Ordinaries index similarly fell 31.80 points (0.34%) to 9,194.90. Market analysts attributed the divergence to sector-specific performances, where strengthening commodity prices were offset by substantial declines in technology, consumer discretionary, and financial stocks.

    Trump’s controversial proposal involved imposing 10% export tariffs on eight countries that opposed the United States’ attempted acquisition of Greenland, a largely autonomous Danish territory. This announcement reignited fears of potential trade conflicts between Europe and the United States, prompting investors to seek refuge in traditional safe-haven assets.

    Gold producers emerged as clear market winners, with Northern Star Resources jumping 3.17% to $27.68, Evolution Mining climbing 3.13% to $13.53, and Newmont Corporation adding 1.41% to $171.64. According to eToro market analyst Zavier Wong, “The outlook for precious metals remains positive, particularly for gold and silver. Structural forces are doing much of the heavy lifting, including sustained central bank buying, rising government debt levels and a world that looks increasingly fragmented geopolitically.”

    Technology stocks suffered significant losses, with WiseTech Global slumping 4.40% to $64.07, Xero declining 2.64% to $100.89, and TechnologyOne falling 1.43% to $13.15. Banking shares also retreated, with Commonwealth Bank sliding 0.67% to $153.25, Westpac falling 0.56% to $38.97, NAB slumping 1.05% to $42.22, and ANZ slipping 0.40% to $37.37.

    In corporate developments, A2 Milk shares plummeted 10.64% to $8.40 and entered a trading halt despite no negative financial disclosures. Market speculation suggested investor concerns might be linked to Chinese government data showing declining birth rates. Conversely, City Chic Collective shares jumped 3.57% to $0.14 after reporting $69.2 million in sales revenue for the 26 weeks to December 28. Treasury Wine Estate shares continued their upward trajectory, gaining 0.73% to $5.53 following European billionaire Olivier Goudet increasing his stake to 6.13% of the business.

    The Australian dollar edged higher to 66.96 US cents amid the mixed market performance, reflecting the complex interplay between commodity strength and broader market uncertainties.