Global Pulse

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  • Joy Awards 2026: Shah Rukh Khan shines in black ensemble, recalls film shooting in Riyadh

    Joy Awards 2026: Shah Rukh Khan shines in black ensemble, recalls film shooting in Riyadh

    RIYADH: Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan delivered a masterclass in elegance at the 2026 Joy Awards ceremony in Riyadh, captivating attendees with his sophisticated all-black attire and heartfelt appreciation for Saudi hospitality. The iconic actor, celebrated globally for his cinematic achievements, became one of the evening’s standout personalities during the prestigious event held in the Saudi capital.

    During his red carpet appearance, Khan reflected warmly on his previous experiences in the kingdom, noting the remarkable evolution of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape. ‘The transformation has been extraordinary,’ Khan remarked. ‘From my initial visits to witnessing this magnificent growth, returning always feels particularly special.’

    The Pathaan star expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming admiration he receives from Saudi audiences, describing the connection as ‘deeply heartening and dignified.’ His commentary highlighted the mutual respect between the Indian cinema icon and his Middle Eastern fanbase.

    Khan revealed personal connections to the region through professional engagements, having previously filmed portions of a movie project in Saudi Arabia. ‘The breathtaking locations, rich cultural tapestry, and exceptional cuisine create an irresistible allure,’ he shared. ‘My previous twelve-day working visit only intensified my desire to return purely for leisure, to properly immerse myself in the Saudi experience.’

    The Joy Awards 2026 gathered an impressive constellation of international talent, with attendees including Hollywood sensation Millie Bobby Brown, pop icon Katy Perry, and Squid Game stars Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun. Khan’s sartorial choice—a impeccably tailored black blazer and trousers ensemble—complemented the event’s glamorous atmosphere.

    Following the ceremony, Khan took to social media platform X to share a heartfelt exchange with Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. His post celebrated ‘half a decade of Joy Awards’ and praised the ‘spectacular and grand’ production values of the event.

    Looking toward future projects, Khan’s upcoming film King promises to showcase a transformative performance from the actor. Teaser footage released during his recent birthday celebrations revealed a dramatically intense version of the star, featuring silver-haired visuals and gripping action sequences. The project, directed by Siddharth Anand and jointly produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, reportedly includes Khan’s daughter Suhana among its cast, though specific details remain undisclosed.

  • Authorities urged to prepare as cold wave hits Central China

    Authorities urged to prepare as cold wave hits Central China

    Chinese disaster response authorities have initiated a Level IV emergency protocol across multiple central provinces in anticipation of a severe cold front expected to bring hazardous winter conditions. The National Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Commission announced the measure on Sunday evening as meteorological warnings indicated significant temperature drops and complex precipitation patterns affecting Anhui, Henan, Hunan and Guizhou provinces.

    The National Meteorological Center concurrently issued yellow alerts for cold waves and freezing conditions, supplemented by a blue alert for blizzards. Weather forecasts project extensive rain and snow coverage across central and eastern China from Sunday through Wednesday, with the powerful cold mass moving southward.

    Emergency response coordination has been intensified with specialized working groups deployed to critical regions. The existing team in Henan will maintain operations while additional units have been dispatched to Hunan and Guizhou to provide on-site guidance and support local preparedness efforts.

    Officials have been directed to implement comprehensive safety measures focusing on transportation infrastructure, power supply stability, and essential public services. Local authorities received specific instructions regarding timely snow and ice removal operations and emergency repairs to prevent casualties and substantial property damage. The commission emphasized the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the cold wave’s impact on vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.

  • Ball girl collapses in Australian Open heat as players rush to help

    Ball girl collapses in Australian Open heat as players rush to help

    A dramatic medical emergency halted play at the Australian Open on Sunday when a ball girl collapsed courtside during intense Melbourne heat. The incident occurred during a first-round match between Russian 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez.

    With temperatures soaring to 28°C (82°F) on court, the young volunteer suddenly fell backward near the umpire’s chair during the second set. Both players immediately abandoned competition to provide emergency assistance. Alexandrova rushed to retrieve ice packs from a courtside refrigeration unit while Sonmez sprinted to the girl’s side to administer first aid.

    The match was suspended for approximately ten minutes while medical staff attended to the collapsed volunteer, who received immediate treatment for heat-related distress. Tournament organizers confirmed the ball girl recovered fully after receiving medical attention.

    When play resumed, world number 204 Sonmez completed a stunning upset victory against the favored Alexandrova with scores of 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. This marks the most significant win of the 23-year-old Turkish player’s career, who previously gained attention at Wimbledon by becoming Turkey’s first Open-era Grand Slam third-round participant.

    The incident highlights ongoing concerns about extreme heat conditions at the Australian Open, where temperatures frequently exceed 40°C (104°F) during tournament play. Meteorologists forecast temperatures reaching 36°C (97°F) throughout the coming week, prompting tournament officials to review heat safety protocols for players, staff, and volunteers.

  • Four UAE emirates ranked among world’s safest in Numbeo 2026 data

    Four UAE emirates ranked among world’s safest in Numbeo 2026 data

    The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated exceptional performance in global safety metrics, with four of its emirates securing top positions in Numbeo’s 2026 Safety Index. According to the recently published data covering 400 cities worldwide, Abu Dhabi maintained its premier position as the world’s safest city for consecutive years. Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah followed closely, claiming second, third, and fourth positions respectively. Dubai, the region’s commercial hub, achieved sixth place in the comprehensive global assessment.

    This remarkable achievement positions UAE cities ahead of numerous capitals and major urban centers from technologically advanced nations, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a secure destination. The Middle East representation extended beyond the UAE, with Doha (4th), Muscat (8th), Riyadh (34th), Jeddah (40th), Tel Aviv (55th), and Kuwait City (73th) all appearing in the rankings.

    Conversely, the report identified cities from African and American regions occupying the lowest safety positions. Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria (both South Africa), Caracas (Venezuela), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), and Johannesburg (South Africa) ranked among the least secure urban areas globally. Durban (South Africa), San Pedro Sula (Honduras), Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Memphis (United States), and Salvador (Brazil) completed the bottom ten locations.

    The exceptional safety performance correlates directly with the UAE’s minimal crime statistics, where all four emirates recorded the lowest scores on Numbeo’s Crime Index. This outstanding security environment has generated significant international recognition, positioning the UAE as an attractive destination for global investment and wealth migration.

    Recent demographic studies, including The Rise of Dubai 2025 report, indicate substantial concentration of high-net-worth individuals within the Emirates. Current estimates identify approximately 86,000 millionaires, 251 centi-millionaires, and 23 billionaires residing in Dubai alone. Analysts attribute this wealth migration phenomenon primarily to the nation’s secure environment and favorable tax policies, which collectively create an appealing destination for international capital and affluent individuals.

  • Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’: Which Arab officials have been appointed, invited?

    Trump’s Gaza ‘Board of Peace’: Which Arab officials have been appointed, invited?

    In a significant diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has established two pivotal institutions—the “National Committee for the Administration of Gaza” and a “Board of Peace”—as central components of phase two in Washington’s comprehensive 20-point plan to resolve the Gaza conflict. The White House confirmed that President Trump will personally chair the Board of Peace, which is designed to provide strategic oversight, mobilize international resources, and ensure accountability during Gaza’s transition from conflict to sustainable peace and development.

    Special Envoy Steve Witkoff outlined that the initiative will involve complete demilitarization and reconstruction efforts, specifically emphasizing “the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel” within the territory.

    The founding Executive Board features prominent international figures including US Senator Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner. Notably, several Arab officials have been appointed or invited to participate, reflecting the region’s crucial role in peace restoration efforts.

    United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy has been formally appointed to the Gaza Executive Board. Minister Al Hashimy expressed pride in the appointment, stating that the Emirates believes “achieving lasting peace requires the concerted efforts of the international community.” She emphasized that Gaza must be governed in a manner that “ensures the legitimate rights and aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people.”

    Qatar’s representation comes through Ali Al-Thawadi, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Strategic Affairs, who previously played a pivotal role in Qatar’s contribution to Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan. This appointment maintains Qatar’s position as a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, despite ongoing challenges including Israel’s deadly 2025 attack on a Hamas compound in Doha.

    President Trump has extended personal invitations to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II to join the Board of Peace. Both governments have acknowledged receipt of the invitations, with Egypt’s Foreign Ministry stating Cairo was “studying” the request and Jordan confirming they were reviewing related documents through their internal legal procedures.

    The Gaza Executive Board will serve as the operational link between the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the broader Board of Peace, creating a multi-tiered approach to conflict resolution and reconstruction.

  • Villa’s title bid rocked by Everton loss, Newcastle held at Wolves

    Villa’s title bid rocked by Everton loss, Newcastle held at Wolves

    The Premier League landscape underwent a significant shift this weekend, with Aston Villa’s championship aspirations dealt a severe blow and Newcastle United’s top-four ambitions stalling in a frustrating stalemate.

    At Villa Park, Unai Emery’s squad squandered a golden opportunity to close within four points of league leaders Arsenal, instead suffering a 1-0 defeat to Everton. The match’s decisive moment arrived in the 59th minute when Thierno Barry capitalized on defensive errors, chipping a close-range finish past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for his third goal in five appearances. The loss was compounded by an early injury to captain John McGinn, adding to Villa’s troubles as their remarkable 11-game home winning streak across all competitions came to an abrupt end.

    Meanwhile, at Molineux Stadium, Newcastle encountered similar frustrations against bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite recent victories over Burnley, Crystal Palace, and Leeds that had boosted their Champions League qualification hopes, Eddie Howe’s men struggled offensively in torrential conditions. The Magpies required 85 minutes to register their first shot on target, ultimately settling for a 0-0 draw that leaves them positioned eighth in the league table.

    These results substantially benefit Arsenal, who now maintain a seven-point cushion over both third-placed Villa and second-placed Manchester City following their respective setbacks. With critical fixtures against top-four rivals Aston Villa and Liverpool approaching later this month, Newcastle faces mounting pressure to rediscover their scoring form and revive their European ambitions.

  • Egypt golf swing tees off as MENA Golf Tour launches four-event series in Cairo

    Egypt golf swing tees off as MENA Golf Tour launches four-event series in Cairo

    The MENA Golf Tour has inaugurated its landmark Egypt Golf Series, marking a significant expansion of professional golf in the region. This four-tournament circuit commenced on January 19th at New Giza Golf Club in Cairo, offering participants both substantial financial incentives and critical Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

    The series features a rigorous schedule across Egypt’s premier courses: New Giza Golf Club (January 19-21), followed by two consecutive tournaments at Address Marassi Golf Resort on the Mediterranean coast (January 24-26 and January 29-31), concluding at Madinaty Golf Club in Cairo (February 3-5). Each event carries a $100,000 prize fund alongside OWGR points, creating crucial opportunities for players advancing their professional careers.

    Keith Waters, MENA Golf Tour Chairman and Commissioner, emphasized the strategic importance of this Egyptian venture: “Our partnership with the Egyptian Golf Federation has been instrumental in creating this platform. The series provides exceptional competitive opportunities while showcasing Egypt’s world-class golf facilities to an international audience.”

    The player field combines established professionals and emerging talents. Italy’s Ludovico Addabbo enters following his dominant victory at November’s PGA Aroeira Challenge, currently ranking second in the MENA Tour standings. He leads a strong European contingent including Scotland’s Aidan O’Hagan and Welsh competitor Toby Hunt, both positioned within the tour’s top five rankings.

    Notable participants bring significant DP World Tour experience, with Spain’s Alejandro Cañizares and England’s Ashley Chesters adding competitive depth. The tournament also features a prominent local contingent including Egyptian professionals Ahmed Morgan and Nour Shibl, alongside several talented amateurs representing the host nation.

    New Giza Golf Club, designed by renowned architecture firm Thomson, Perrett & Lobb, provides a challenging championship layout for the opening event. The course’s strategic risk-reward design has rapidly established it among the region’s elite golf destinations since its development on Cairo’s western periphery.

    The Egypt Series represents a strategic milestone for the MENA Golf Tour’s 2026 season, enhancing competitive opportunities while strengthening golf’s development infrastructure across Middle Eastern and North African markets through high-profile international competition.

  • AR Rahman opens up amid controversy over his remarks on Bollywood

    AR Rahman opens up amid controversy over his remarks on Bollywood

    Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman has broken his silence following widespread controversy surrounding his recent comments about the Hindi film industry. The music maestro posted a reflective video message on his official Instagram account Sunday, offering clarification without directly addressing the specific remarks that sparked industry backlash.

    In his carefully worded statement, Rahman emphasized his deep connection to Indian culture and his unwavering commitment to musical excellence. “Music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating, and honouring culture,” the composer expressed. “India is my inspiration, my teacher, and my home.”

    The renowned artist acknowledged that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood in public discourse. “I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour, and serve through music,” he stated, adding that he never intended to cause pain through his words.

    Rahman highlighted several recent projects that demonstrate his ongoing dedication to India’s musical landscape, including his work presented before the Indian Prime Minister, collaborations with young Naga musicians, mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, and establishing Secret Mountain—India’s first multicultural virtual band. He also referenced his prestigious collaboration with Hans Zimmer on the upcoming “Ramayana” score.

    The controversy originated from Rahman’s interview with BBC Asian Network, where he suggested that his work opportunities in Bollywood had diminished in recent years due to industry changes. These comments prompted reactions from various film personalities, including actress Kangana Ranaut, who claimed Rahman had refused to work on her film “Emergency” because he considered it “propaganda.”

    Despite the surrounding controversy, Rahman’s statement focused primarily on his gratitude for artistic freedom in India and his commitment to creating music that “honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future.”

  • Two dead and five missing after blast at metal plant in Inner Mongolia

    Two dead and five missing after blast at metal plant in Inner Mongolia

    A severe industrial explosion rocked a sheet metal manufacturing facility operated by Baotou Steel Union Co Ltd in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which occurred at precisely 3:05 pm local time, has resulted in multiple casualties and triggered a massive emergency response operation.

    According to official statements from regional authorities, the immediate aftermath of the blast proved devastating. Preliminary assessments confirmed two fatalities, with five individuals remaining unaccounted for several hours after the explosion. The human toll extended significantly further, with sixty-six workers transported to medical facilities for emergency treatment. Among those hospitalized, three were reported to be in critical condition, fighting for their lives.

    Emergency protocols were activated immediately following the detonation. Coordinated response teams comprising fire rescue units, law enforcement personnel, and medical emergency specialists converged on the disaster site. Specialized search and rescue equipment was deployed to facilitate operations within the compromised industrial complex. The comprehensive rescue mission continued into the evening hours, with teams working against time to locate missing personnel and secure the affected area.

    The Baotou Steel Union Co Ltd facility, situated within one of China’s significant industrial regions, represents a major component of the area’s manufacturing infrastructure. While investigation teams have begun preliminary assessments, the specific cause of the explosion remains undetermined at this early stage. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in industrial safety management within manufacturing sectors.

  • ‘Europe won’t be blackmailed,’ Danish PM says in wake of Trump Greenland threats

    ‘Europe won’t be blackmailed,’ Danish PM says in wake of Trump Greenland threats

    European leaders have mounted a formidable diplomatic front against President Donald Trump’s unprecedented threat to impose punitive tariffs on eight NATO allies unless they acquiesce to his proposed acquisition of Greenland. The confrontation has escalated transatlantic tensions to levels not witnessed in decades.

    Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared “Europe won’t be blackmailed” as she coordinated with counterparts from Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. These nations issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s approach as risking a “dangerous downward spiral” in international relations.

    The crisis emerged after Trump issued a February 1st deadline for compliance with his Greenland ambitions, threatening initial 10% tariffs that could escalate to 25% on goods from the targeted nations. The U.S. president has framed the autonomous Danish territory as critical to American security interests, openly discussing acquisition “the easy way or the hard way.”

    European response has been swift and unified. An emergency meeting convened in Brussels on Sunday, where leaders discussed activating the EU’s “anti-coercion instrument” should Trump follow through on his tariff threats. French President Emmanuel Macron is coordinating the collective European response, emphasizing principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    The geopolitical stakes extend beyond bilateral relations. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed discussions with Trump regarding “the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to “significantly increase Arctic security” in response to the escalating situation.

    Public opposition appears overwhelming on both sides of the Atlantic. Recent polling indicates only 17% of Americans support acquiring Greenland, with 47% opposed. In Greenland itself, a January 2025 referendum showed merely 6% support for joining the United States versus 85% opposition. Weekend protests in Nuuk and Danish cities demonstrated growing public outrage.

    The confrontation now moves to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump, Macron, German leaders, and EU officials are scheduled to discuss “how can we cooperate in a more contested world?”—a theme that has taken on immediate practical significance amid the Greenland crisis.