Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Iran’s supreme leader says US-backed ‘sedition’ defeated as schools set to reopen

    Iran’s supreme leader says US-backed ‘sedition’ defeated as schools set to reopen

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proclaimed a decisive victory against what he characterized as foreign-instigated unrest during a major address on Saturday. Speaking on a significant religious holiday, Khamenei asserted that Iran had successfully extinguished a sedition campaign orchestrated by the United States and Israel.

    The supreme leader delivered sharp criticism against U.S. leadership, specifically targeting former President Donald Trump whom he labeled a ‘criminal’ responsible for instigating violence and destruction during recent nationwide protests. Khamenei accused Trump of direct involvement through public statements and promises of military support to demonstrators.

    While emphasizing that Iran does not seek military confrontation, Khamenei issued a stern warning that Tehran would not hesitate to punish those responsible for the unrest, including both domestic actors and international instigators.

    The address coincided with apparent de-escalation of tensions as Iranian authorities reported the detention of approximately 3,000 individuals connected to the protests that began in late December over economic concerns before turning violent. Iranian media confirmed the restoration of SMS services nationwide and announced the reopening of educational institutions following a week-long closure.

    In regional developments, Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement expressed firm solidarity with Iran through a televised address by deputy leader Naim Qassem, who characterized Iran as a ‘stronghold of resistance’ against American global domination efforts.

    The Iranian Foreign Ministry separately condemned what it described as ‘meddlesome’ statements from G7 nations regarding Iran’s internal affairs, demanding an immediate cessation of interference in the country’s sovereign matters.

  • Europeans reeling as Trump imposes tariffs on 8 countries over Greenland dispute

    Europeans reeling as Trump imposes tariffs on 8 countries over Greenland dispute

    BERLIN (AP) — Transatlantic relations faced severe strain Sunday following President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement imposing 10% tariffs on eight European nations for resisting U.S. territorial ambitions regarding Greenland. The move has triggered widespread condemnation across European capitals and prompted emergency diplomatic consultations.

    The targeted nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland—collectively denounced the measures as economically damaging and politically destabilizing. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement warning the tariffs “would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.”

    Trump’s tariff threat, announced Saturday coinciding with mass protests outside the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, represents an unconventional approach to territorial negotiation. The administration characterizes Greenland as critical to U.S. national security interests, though the semiautonomous territory remains under Danish sovereignty within the NATO alliance framework.

    Legal and logistical complications immediately emerged regarding implementation. The European Union functions as a unified economic zone in trade matters, while targeted nations Norway and Britain operate outside EU trade structures. EU envoys scheduled emergency talks for Sunday evening to coordinate response strategies.

    The announcement generated rare bipartisan criticism within both European and American political spheres. U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) condemned the move as damaging to international relationships, stating: “The damage this President is doing to our reputation and our relationships is growing, making us less safe.”

    European leaders expressed concern that the confrontation might benefit geopolitical rivals. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas noted that “China and Russia will benefit from the divisions between the U.S. and Europe,” emphasizing that Greenland security concerns should be addressed through NATO mechanisms rather than economic coercion.

    Even Trump’s traditional European allies distanced themselves from the move. French far-right leader Jordan Bardella recommended suspending the EU-U.S. tariff agreement, characterizing the threat as “commercial blackmail.” British political parties across the spectrum, including Trump ally Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, uniformly criticized the measures.

    Danish and Norwegian foreign ministers are scheduled to address the escalating crisis during a Sunday news conference in Oslo, as diplomatic efforts intensify to resolve the unprecedented transatlantic confrontation.

  • Book now or pay more: Umrah packages could reach up to Dh8,000 as Ramadan approaches

    Book now or pay more: Umrah packages could reach up to Dh8,000 as Ramadan approaches

    With Ramadan approaching, travel operators across the UAE are issuing urgent advisories for prospective Umrah pilgrims to secure their packages immediately or face substantial price increases. Industry experts project that costs could escalate dramatically—potentially reaching AED 8,000 for premium air-inclusive packages—as demand intensifies during the holy month.

    The annual pilgrimage season follows predictable patterns, with millions of Muslims worldwide journeying to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan. This concentrated demand creates significant pressure on transportation and accommodation infrastructure, directly impacting pricing structures. Shihab Perwad of Rehan al Jazeera Tourism confirmed that prices are already trending upward, with bus packages currently available at approximately AED 1,200 expected to exceed AED 2,000 as Ramadan nears.

    Air travel packages demonstrate even more pronounced inflation. Qaisar Mahmood from Asaa Travels and Tourism indicated that while current air packages begin at AED 3,500, they are projected to start from AED 5,200 during Ramadan, with premium options potentially reaching AED 8,000 depending on travel dates and hotel specifications. The most significant cost driver appears to be accommodation, particularly hotels within walking distance of the Haram in Makkah, where prices may triple during the final ten days of Ramadan.

    Industry analysis reveals that while flight prices remain relatively stable according to booking platforms, the accommodation sector experiences extraordinary demand-based pricing. Many pilgrims mistakenly focus exclusively on airfare while underestimating the substantial hotel cost increases during peak periods.

    Additional considerations include strict visa deadlines connected to Hajj preparations. Umrah visa applications will cease on March 17, with April 2 marking the final entry date into Saudi Arabia. All pilgrims must depart from Makkah or Madinah by April 18 as authorities commence Hajj preparations, creating compressed timelines that further complicate travel planning.

    Travel operators unanimously recommend early booking, flexible travel dates, and careful consideration of hotel proximity to manage expenses effectively during this high-demand period.

  • New Year babies in UAE: Are families really planning births on January 1?

    New Year babies in UAE: Are families really planning births on January 1?

    Contrary to popular perception and media spotlight, January 1st does not witness a significant surge in childbirths across UAE hospitals, according to medical authorities. While the date carries substantial cultural and emotional weight as a symbol of new beginnings, delivery rooms maintain operational normalcy with staffing levels and birth frequencies comparable to any other day of the year.

    Aster Hospitals recorded 14 deliveries on New Year’s Day this year, a figure consistent with daily averages without indicating a notable spike. Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Illyas clarified that approximately 70% of these births occurred spontaneously, while only 30% resulted from planned procedures. This pattern aligns with observations at NMC Speciality Hospital in Abu Dhabi, which reported no births whatsoever on January 1st of the previous year.

    Medical professionals acknowledge growing patient inquiries about scheduling deliveries for symbolically significant dates, particularly January 1st. Dr. Aysha Salam of Aster Hospital, Mankhool, attributes this trend to the date’s association with fresh beginnings and amplified social media visibility of “special date” births. However, physicians emphasize that medical considerations consistently override personal preferences, with elective procedures generally recommended only after 39 weeks of gestation.

    Dr. Kiran Mehndiratta, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NMC Speciality Hospital, notes that while January 1st stands out symbolically, it holds no demographic significance in birth statistics, a phenomenon consistent both within the UAE and globally. Hospital administrators confirm that despite occasional requests for date-specific deliveries, clinical decisions remain guided exclusively by maternal and infant health considerations rather than calendar preferences.

  • How love united a Venezuelan liberator and a shoemaker’s daughter

    How love united a Venezuelan liberator and a shoemaker’s daughter

    An extraordinary cross-continental partnership between a Venezuelan revolutionary and a shoemaker’s daughter from rural England played a pivotal role in South America’s independence movements. Francisco de Miranda, celebrated as Venezuela’s ‘First Universal Citizen,’ found an unlikely ally in Sarah Andrews of Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, whose contributions are now being rediscovered through historical research.

    Miranda, born in Caracas in 1750 to wealth and privilege, received extensive education in Venezuela and Madrid before embarking on a remarkable military and diplomatic career. He served in the Spanish army during campaigns in Morocco, engaged with Catherine the Great of Russia, participated in the French Revolution, and witnessed the aftermath of the American Revolution before settling in London in 1798. His primary mission: securing British support for liberating Venezuela from Spanish colonial rule.

    It was in London that Miranda encountered Sarah Andrews, who had traveled from her modest upbringing in Market Weighton—where her family worked as shoemakers and coopers—possibly after being sent to serve in her uncle’s household following her mother’s early death. By 1800, Andrews was managing Miranda’s household and had borne him two sons: Leander (1803) and Francisco (1806).

    When Miranda returned to Latin America to lead independence efforts, Andrews maintained their Fitzrovia residence as a crucial hub for revolutionary planning. The house featured Miranda’s extensive 6,000-volume library—extraordinary for the era—and hosted key figures including Simón Bolívar, who would eventually liberate multiple South American nations.

    Surviving correspondence reveals Andrews as the household’s steadfast administrator, updating Miranda on their children’s development and the political activities within their home. Despite her limited formal education, her letters demonstrate keen observation and dedication to both family and cause.

    Miranda’s revolutionary efforts culminated in Venezuela becoming the first South American nation to declare independence from Spain in 1811, with Miranda briefly leading the new republic. However, Spanish forces ultimately captured and imprisoned him until his death in 1816.

    Andrews outlived her revolutionary partner by three decades, passing away in 1847. Her legacy is commemorated through plaques at London’s Kensal Green cemetery—where Venezuela officially recognizes her contributions—and at All Saints Church in her hometown of Market Weighton, installed by the Venezuelan ambassador to the UK.

    This historical narrative gains contemporary relevance following recent reports of damage at Venezuela’s Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base during operations targeting current President Nicolás Maduro, highlighting how Miranda’s legacy continues to resonate in modern Venezuelan politics.

  • Zeynep Sönmez rushes to aid ballkid during Australian Open upset win

    Zeynep Sönmez rushes to aid ballkid during Australian Open upset win

    MELBOURNE, Australia — In a remarkable display of sportsmanship that transcended competition, Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sönmez interrupted her first-round match at the Australian Open to assist a distressed ballkid during Sunday’s play. The incident occurred during Sönmez’s stunning upset victory against 11th-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova at the 1573 Arena.

    During the ninth game of the second set, with temperatures reaching approximately 29°C (84°F) and court surface conditions considerably hotter, a young ball attendant began visibly struggling near the umpire’s chair. The individual initially lost balance, stumbled backward, then stood only to wobble again under the intense Melbourne sun.

    Demonstrating exceptional presence of mind, Sönmez immediately signaled to suspend play despite being in position to receive serve. The 23-year-old qualifier rushed to the courtside, providing physical support by placing her arm around the ballkid’s waist and guiding them toward shaded areas. When tournament officials arrived, Sönmez personally assisted in lifting the individual into a chair for safety.

    Medical personnel promptly assumed care for what appeared to be a heat-related incident, evaluating and treating the ballkid courtside. After approximately seven minutes—once the affected individual and medical team had exited the arena—competition resumed between Sönmez and Alexandrova.

    The tournament administration later confirmed the ballkid had recovered quickly following the incident, though they did not participate further in the match.

    Sönmez, currently ranked 112th globally, ultimately secured her victory with scores of 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, marking her first advancement to the second round at the Australian Open. Her previous best Grand Slam performance was reaching the third round at Wimbledon in 2023.

  • Beijing witnesses snowfall

    Beijing witnesses snowfall

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has reinforced its stringent copyright protection measures governing all content published across its digital platforms. The company’s comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits any form of republication or usage of protected materials without obtaining prior written authorization.

    The copyright protection encompasses all creative works including textual content, photographic images, multimedia presentations, and additional digital assets. This sweeping protection applies regardless of how the content is ultimately repurposed or distributed.

    CDIC has additionally implemented technical specifications for optimal user experience, recommending display resolutions of 1024*768 pixels or higher for proper content rendering. The company maintains multiple official registration documents, including Publishing License 0108263 and Registration Number 130349.

    Beyond content protection policies, China Daily provides information regarding corporate operations, advertising opportunities, employment positions (including expatriate placements), and various contact channels. The organization also maintains an active presence across social media platforms for audience engagement.

  • India wins toss and opts to bowl against New Zealand in series-deciding third ODI

    India wins toss and opts to bowl against New Zealand in series-deciding third ODI

    INDORE, India — The cricketing spotlight falls on Holkar Stadium as India and New Zealand prepare for the decisive third and final One-Day International (ODI) on Sunday. Indian captain Shubman Gill secured a tactical advantage at the coin toss, electing to field first against the visiting Black Caps.

    This match serves as the series decider after both teams claimed victories in the preceding contests. India seized an initial lead with a hard-fought four-wicket win in Vadodara, only to see New Zealand demonstrate a formidable response with a commanding seven-wicket triumph in Rajkot, effectively leveling the three-match series.

    Team India introduces one strategic alteration to its playing XI, with left-arm pace bowler Arshdeep Singh replacing Prasidh Krishna. Conversely, New Zealand maintains confidence in its previous lineup, opting for an unchanged squad.

    Historically, India has dominated bilateral ODI series on home soil, and the Black Caps are confronting a significant challenge. The visitors aim to overturn a daunting record, having previously lost all seven of their ODI series encounters in India.

    Pitch conditions at Holkar Stadium are anticipated to heavily favor batsmen, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring affair. Meteorological factors, including evening dew, coupled with the ground’s relatively short boundaries, are expected to provide a distinct advantage to the team chasing the target.

    In related squad developments, the national selection committee has announced changes to India’s Twenty20 roster for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, commencing January 21 in Nagpur. Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer and wrist spinner Ravi Bishnoi have been drafted into the squad, replacing the injured Tilak Verma and Washington Sundar, respectively.

    Lineups:
    India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
    New Zealand: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell (captain), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clarke, Jayden Lennox

  • Player helps ball girl after collapse at Australian Open

    Player helps ball girl after collapse at Australian Open

    In a moment that transcended athletic competition, Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez demonstrated profound humanity during her first-round Australian Open match against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova. As temperatures soared to 28°C at Melbourne Park, a ball girl positioned beside the umpire’s chair collapsed suddenly during the second set, prompting immediate intervention from the world number 112-ranked player.

    Sonmez abandoned her competitive focus to sprint across the court, providing physical support as the visibly distressed youngster struggled to maintain consciousness. ‘She was really shaking,’ Sonmez later recounted to BBC Sport. ‘She said she was fine but it was obvious she was not fine. As we were walking she fainted so luckily I grabbed her.’

    The incident triggered a six-minute suspension of play while medical staff attended to the ball girl, who subsequently received on-site treatment before being escorted from the arena. Tournament organizers confirmed the individual had been cleared to return home following medical assessment.

    Reflecting on her instinctive response, Sonmez articulated a philosophy that resonated beyond the match: ‘I always say it is more important to be a good human being than a good tennis player. It was just my instinct to help her and I think everyone would do the same.’

    The athletic drama continued as Sonmez, having trailed 3-0 in the deciding set, mounted an impressive comeback to secure a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 victory on her fourth match point against the favored Alexandrova. The Turkish athlete expressed hope to reconnect with the ball girl later in the tournament.

    This incident occurred amid increasing attention to heat management at the Australian Open, where the Heat Stress Scale registered 2.8 at the time of the incident—a level that triggers enhanced hydration protocols. The tournament’s Extreme Heat Policy, updated in 2019, implements specific measures to protect players, staff, and officials when conditions become potentially hazardous.

    In other day-one action, French qualifier Elsa Jacquemot delivered a spectacular upset against Ukraine’s 20th-seeded Marta Kostyuk in a historic triple tie-break marathon lasting three hours and 31 minutes—the longest match of the young season and the first Open-era contest in Melbourne to feature three tie-break sets. Jacquemot’s victory, achieved after saving a match point while trailing 5-3 in the second set, marked an extraordinary comeback against an opponent who had recently defeated three top-10 players en route to the Brisbane International final.

  • Will final be Mane’s last Afcon dance with Senegal?

    Will final be Mane’s last Afcon dance with Senegal?

    As Senegal prepares to face Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final this Sunday in Rabat (19:00 GMT), all eyes are on legendary forward Sadio Mane, who might be making his final appearance in the continental championship. The 33-year-old Al-Nassr striker, who scored the decisive penalty against Egypt to secure Senegal’s first AFCON title in 2021, now stands on the brink of claiming his second continental crown.

    Mane’s journey began on the red-earth streets of Bambali in southwestern Senegal, where he first developed his passion for football. His career has since blossomed into an extraordinary legacy that includes Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Liverpool, alongside his historic achievements with the Teranga Lions.

    Despite his global success, Mane has remained deeply connected to his roots. His philanthropic efforts in Bambali include funding hospital and school construction, supporting mosque projects, and contributing to pandemic relief efforts. This humility was evident during his time in England when he anonymously helped clean toilets at a Liverpool mosque after matches.

    On the pitch, Mane has been instrumental in Senegal’s 2025 AFCON campaign, leading the tournament in chances created (18), shots on target (10), and touches in the opposition half (295). His 78th-minute semifinal strike against Egypt—another chapter in his ongoing rivalry with the Pharaohs—secured Senegal’s place in the final.

    Teammates describe Mane as both a tactical leader and spiritual motivator. Midfielder Pape Gueye revealed how Mane’s pre-match speeches have galvanized the squad, while defender Moussa Niakhate called him “an incredible man” whose legacy transcends football.

    The Senegalese squad now hopes to convince their record goalscorer (53 goals in 120+ caps) to reconsider his potential AFCON retirement and continue through the 2027 edition. Coach Pape Thiaw stated unequivocally: “The country does not agree with his decision, and I as coach do not agree at all. We would like to keep him for as long as possible.”

    As Sunday’s final approaches, Senegal’s players have extra motivation: to deliver a second star for the man who has given so much to Senegalese football. As Gueye expressed, “If this really is his last AFCON, we want to offer him this trophy.”