Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Elon Musk’s X down for tens of thousands of users globally, Downdetector shows

    Elon Musk’s X down for tens of thousands of users globally, Downdetector shows

    A significant service disruption hit Elon Musk’s social media platform X on Friday, January 16, 2026, affecting tens of thousands of users across multiple continents. According to real-time outage monitoring service Downdetector, the technical failure generated over 62,000 user-reported incidents in the United States alone by 10:22 AM Eastern Time.

    The widespread connectivity issues manifested differently across global regions. United Kingdom users reported approximately 11,000 incidents, while Indian users documented over 3,000 separate service interruptions. The outage tracking platform aggregates its data from multiple sources, compiling status reports from users experiencing accessibility problems.

    Downdetector’s methodology relies on user-submitted reports rather than internal platform metrics, meaning the actual number of affected users could potentially exceed the documented figures. The disruption represents one of the most substantial technical incidents for the platform since its rebranding from Twitter under Musk’s leadership.

    The timing of the outage during peak usage hours in multiple time zones amplified its impact, preventing users from accessing core platform features. Service reliability has become increasingly critical for X as the platform expands its functionality into financial services and content monetization.

    Technical teams at X Corporation have not yet released an official statement regarding the root cause of the service interruption or projected restoration timeline. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing large-scale social media infrastructures in maintaining consistent global service availability.

  • Who is Ali Shaath, the Palestinian civil engineer tasked with rebuilding Gaza?

    Who is Ali Shaath, the Palestinian civil engineer tasked with rebuilding Gaza?

    In a significant development following the US-backed peace agreement, Palestinian civil engineer Ali Shaath has been appointed to lead Gaza’s reconstruction efforts with an ambitious seven-year revitalization plan. The former deputy planning minister, who holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, will chair a committee of 15 technocrats tasked with governing the Palestinian territory after years of Hamas rule.

    Shaath’s innovative approach involves addressing the estimated 68 million tonnes of rubble and unexploded ordnance by potentially creating new land through strategic placement of debris into the Mediterranean Sea. “If I brought bulldozers and pushed the rubble into the sea, and made new islands, new land, I can win new land for Gaza and at the same time clear the rubble,” Shaath stated in a radio interview, suggesting this massive cleanup could be completed within three years.

    The reconstruction timeline presents a stark contrast to UN assessments, which estimated in 2024 that rebuilding Gaza’s shattered homes would require until at least 2040, possibly extending for decades. Shaath’s immediate priorities include providing urgent relief and temporary housing for displaced Palestinians, followed by rehabilitation of essential infrastructure and ultimately reconstruction of homes and buildings.

    The appointment marks the implementation phase of former President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which envisions transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” While Israel has withdrawn from nearly half of Gaza, its troops maintain control over the other half, where extensive destruction has occurred. The committee’s jurisdiction will initially cover Hamas-controlled territories, gradually expanding as Israeli forces withdraw further.

    Notably, Hamas has expressed support for Shaath’s committee, with senior official Bassem Naim stating that the “ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee.” However, significant challenges remain, including ongoing negotiations about disarming Hamas, obtaining permissions for heavy machinery imports typically restricted by Israel, and addressing continued violence that threatens reconstruction efforts.

  • Son of last Shah says Iran ‘will fall’, appeals for more pressure to help protesters

    Son of last Shah says Iran ‘will fall’, appeals for more pressure to help protesters

    In a significant address from Washington D.C., Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s deposed Shah, declared the inevitable collapse of Iran’s clerical establishment while urging intensified international pressure to support protest movements. The opposition figure asserted that substantial segments of Iran’s military and security apparatus have privately pledged allegiance to his cause, positioning himself as a unifying force for transitional stability.

    Pahlavi’s Friday conference marked a strategic appeal for comprehensive international intervention—encompassing political, economic, and military dimensions—against Tehran’s leadership. Despite acknowledging that government crackdowns have temporarily suppressed demonstrations, the 65-year-old monarchist heir maintained that popular discontent continues to simmer beneath the surface.

    The U.S.-based descendant of the Pahlavi dynasty, who has lived abroad since before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, faces skepticism regarding his actual influence within Iran’s fragmented opposition landscape. His claims of military support contrast with assessments from Western officials, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently expressed doubts about Pahlavi’s capacity to consolidate domestic backing.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of reported thousands of casualties during recent anti-government protests and escalating geopolitical tensions, including Saudi Arabia’s refusal to permit its territory or airspace for potential U.S. operations against Iran. Pahlavi’s emergence as a prominent opposition voice represents both the persistent yearning for change among segments of Iranian society and the challenges of unifying disparate anti-regime factions operating from exile.

  • ‘Weird couple of years’ for Stranger Things star

    ‘Weird couple of years’ for Stranger Things star

    Irish actress Amybeth McNulty has described her rapid ascent in the entertainment industry as a “weird couple of years” since joining the global phenomenon Stranger Things. The County Donegal native, who entered the Netflix series in its fourth season as Vickie, Hawkins High School student and Robin Buckley’s girlfriend, shared her profound journey on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show with host Patrick Kielty.

    McNulty characterized her experience on the massively popular sci-fi horror series as feeling like “a little cog in this very massive machine,” emphasizing the surreal nature of her transition from fan to cast member. Her deep familiarity with Stranger Things proved instrumental during the audition process, providing her with unique insight into the show’s distinctive pacing and narrative style.

    The 24-year-old actress recounted the emotional moment she received news of her casting, describing how she was “screaming, crying down the phone” with excitement. This professional milestone carried additional emotional weight as it marked the final audition her parents knew about before their passing. “They said they had a good feeling about it and they were right,” McNulty reflected with poignant remembrance.

    Her artistic journey began in Letterkenny where she was raised by her Irish father and Canadian mother. McNulty’s childhood involved rigorous ballet training and performances in local productions at An Grianán Theatre, experiences she credits to the supportive community that fostered her early development. “There is a real sense of family there. It was everything,” she affirmed.

    McNulty’s breakthrough came at age 14 when she relocated to Canada to star as the lead in CBC/Netflix’s Anne with an E, a move made possible by her retired parents’ complete dedication. “They moved with me to Canada… I was very, very lucky they were able to do that for me,” she expressed with enduring gratitude. “They said they would do anything for me and they did. I will always appreciate it.”

    The actress also addressed the significance of her LGBTQ+ representation on Stranger Things, drawing from her personal experience as someone who came out as bisexual at 16/17 while growing up in Donegal. McNulty recalled encountering prejudice in her hometown, where some community members approached her parents to express sympathy about her sexuality.

    “I’m going ‘right okay, nothing to apologise for’, so it gives me more of an invigoration when I do roles like this,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to authentic representation. McNulty strives to “do it justice and do it right for kids like me growing up,” viewing the normalization of queer storylines within broader narratives as particularly valuable. “It doesn’t have to be about that. It is just a part of it. I think that is ideal.”

  • A hotline to report vapers and caning if you’re caught: Singapore’s e-cigarette crackdown

    A hotline to report vapers and caning if you’re caught: Singapore’s e-cigarette crackdown

    At Singapore’s Woodlands Checkpoint, the frontline of an unprecedented public health battle unfolds daily. Customs officers like Belinda Liaw conduct meticulous inspections of vehicles crossing from Malaysia, employing sophisticated detection methods to intercept illicit vaping products. Their blue-gloved hands systematically tap vehicle chassis for hidden compartments while teams scrutinize personal devices and belongings—all part of Singapore’s comprehensive campaign against electronic cigarettes.

    The city-state initiated its vaping prohibition in 2018, but recent months have witnessed an intensified crackdown with severe penalties including imprisonment, mandatory rehabilitation, and even corporal punishment. This escalation responds to the emergence of drug-infused vaping products known as ‘K-pods’ on the black market, particularly alarming for a nation renowned for its zero-tolerance drug policies.

    Singapore’s approach has attracted international attention, with the World Health Organization characterizing it as a potential ‘turning point’ in global tobacco and drug policy. The government has simultaneously launched a pervasive public awareness campaign featuring graphic advertisements drawing parallels between vaping and catastrophic health outcomes, including one campaign evocatively titled ‘Final Destination – ICU’.

    Despite the aggressive enforcement, authorities face evolving smuggling tactics. Concealment methods have grown increasingly sophisticated, with contraband discovered hidden within air-conditioning units, electrical switch boxes, and even food transportation vehicles. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority reports adapting their techniques continuously to match smuggler innovation.

    While popular support for the anti-vaping measures appears widespread, dissenting voices emerge privately. Some adult users argue the blanket prohibition unfairly penalizes responsible consumers, potentially driving them back to traditional tobacco products. Critics question whether the 2018 ban itself created market conditions that fostered the development of more dangerous drug-laced alternatives.

    Singapore’s stance contrasts sharply with approaches in countries like the United Kingdom, where vaping is promoted as a harm reduction tool for smokers. Public health experts remain divided: some argue bans eliminate a valuable smoking cessation tool, while others maintain that preemptive prohibition prevents the formation of new nicotine addictions, particularly among youth.

    The global context reveals increasing regulatory action, with 46 nations implementing sales bans and 82 establishing some form of vaping regulation. However, Singapore’s combination of strict enforcement, severe penalties, and comprehensive public education remains unique in its intensity, presenting the international community with a live case study in prohibition-based public health intervention.

  • Blair and Rubio among names on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    Blair and Rubio among names on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    The Trump administration has formally established a high-profile ‘Board of Peace’ to spearhead Gaza’s stabilization and reconstruction efforts, naming US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair as founding members. The White House announced on Friday that this board constitutes a central component of President Trump’s 20-point roadmap to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict.

    The founding executive board will be chaired by President Trump himself, with additional members including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, private equity executive Marc Rowan, World Bank chief Ajay Banga, and US National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel. According to the official statement, each member will oversee specific portfolios ‘critical to Gaza’s stabilisation and long-term success.’

    This development follows the creation of a separate 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will handle day-to-day governance under the board’s supervision. Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, will lead the NCAG, while Bulgarian politician and former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov will serve as the board’s ground representative in Gaza.

    The comprehensive plan also involves deploying an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) under US Major General Jasper Jeffers to train vetted Palestinian police forces and establish security conditions. Although the US peace initiative entered its second phase in October, implementing ceasefire agreements and partial Israeli withdrawals, the situation remains precarious with both sides reporting violations and ongoing casualties.

    Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to be dire according to UN assessments, emphasizing the urgent need for unimpeded aid delivery. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in over 71,260 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health officials.

  • ‘UAE is guiding star’: Awqaf forum highlights how nation became beacon of safety

    ‘UAE is guiding star’: Awqaf forum highlights how nation became beacon of safety

    Under the spiritual inspiration of Al Isra wal Miraj, Al Ain hosted the second season of the Wal-Najm Forum, organized by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf). Themed “Mawaqiʿ Al-Nujum: Values and Sciences,” the event served as a platform to reinforce the Emirati family’s crucial role in preserving national identity while cultivating generations that harmonize faith with contemporary knowledge.

    Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of Awqaf, articulated that under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership, the UAE has crafted a distinctive national paradigm that merges robust values with scientific openness. He characterized the nation as “a beacon of safety and an enduring human value,” emphasizing dignity-centered development. Al Darei elaborated on the forum’s celestial symbolism, noting that in Islamic tradition, stars represent profound guidance and elevated principles rather than mere astronomical phenomena—drawing a parallel to the UAE’s role as a guiding star that extends genuine goodness to humanity.

    The forum featured an insightful panel discussion examining the family unit as the primary guardian of cultural values, while stressing the necessity of synergistic collaboration between families and educational institutions to prepare students for future challenges without compromising core principles.

    Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, highlighted the nation’s unique development approach where technological advancement consistently aligns with cultural authenticity. He noted that UAE leaders have been recognized “for their ethics before their achievements and for their values before their policies.”

    Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education, addressed the integration of future-oriented subjects like artificial intelligence and programming into curricula, clarifying that technology serves as a tool whose value derives from its application. She emphasized that preserving national identity requires “a strong and effective partnership between schools and families.”

    The event concluded with ceremonies honoring winners of the Hafeet Religious Talents Competition, which attracted 705 participants from 450 institutions, including 26 determined individuals with special needs, and engaged over 11,000 voters during public voting phases. The forum was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with numerous ministers, officials, and intellectual leaders.

  • “Glitch World” to unveil its novel anime concept at Art in Space Dubai

    “Glitch World” to unveil its novel anime concept at Art in Space Dubai

    Aniline Studio, a European creative enterprise, is poised to unveil its groundbreaking anime project ‘Glitch World’ at Dubai’s prestigious Art in Space gallery from January 24-30, 2026. The week-long exhibition promises to transform Downtown Dubai into an immersive hub blending cutting-edge technology with artistic innovation.

    The debut will feature an exclusive opening day for anime enthusiasts, offering unprecedented access to the creative vision behind this novel universe. Attendees will experience a curated presentation including the official anime trailer premiere, life-sized character prototypes, and interactive gaming stations. The exhibition will also showcase branded merchandise and provide a specialized HoloBox area where visitors can engage with AI-driven characters from the Glitch World narrative.

    Spearheading this creative endeavor is 12-year-old prodigy Diana Koroleva, whose passion for Japanese anime aesthetics has evolved into a fully-realized universe featuring four central characters: Glitch, Virus-Yamiko, Maya, and Tenshi. Each character possesses distinct superpowers and psychological depth, reflecting Koroleva’s nuanced understanding of emotional storytelling.

    ‘Glitch World represents a fusion of artistic passion and technological innovation,’ Koroleva stated. ‘Every element is crafted to deliver an emotionally resonant experience that transports audiences into a living, breathing universe.’

    Despite its early development phase, the project has generated significant international interest across Western markets, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Aniline Studio’s long-term vision includes expanding the franchise into animated episodes, interactive gaming experiences, and AI-driven virtual characters, creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

    The exhibition will feature daily prize distributions, including a grand opening day giveaway of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Art in Space Dubai provides the ideal technological environment for this debut, serving as a cutting-edge venue where digital art converges with virtual reality experiences.

  • Iconic Australian retailer Fletcher Jones to close its doors for good

    Iconic Australian retailer Fletcher Jones to close its doors for good

    Australia’s retail sector witnesses another significant departure as Fletcher Jones, a nearly century-old clothing institution, declares its complete shutdown. The heritage brand, renowned for its business and casual wear since the 1920s, will cease all operations including physical stores and online sales by January 2026.

    The company’s decline traces back to its administration crisis fifteen years ago, which precipitated numerous store closures and workforce reductions. Despite its historical significance, Fletcher Jones has experienced a gradual deterioration in market presence leading to this final decision.

    Founded in 1924 by David Fletcher Jones in Warrnambool, Victoria, the enterprise initially specialized in textile sales. Its trajectory changed dramatically in 1941 with a strategic pivot to exclusive high-quality trouser manufacturing. The brand gained substantial momentum during the 1940s, capitalizing on increased demand for military trousers nationwide.

    The iconic Warrnambool factory, now repurposed as a vintage marketplace, remains a testament to the brand’s historical footprint. After family ownership until 1998, the company changed hands and expanded into both menswear and womenswear from the mid-1950s onward, continuing growth even after its founder’s passing in 1977.

    Current proprietor Matthew Gowty has confirmed intentions to sell the brand assets. This announcement follows closely behind another Australian fashion casualty – Sass and Bide, which concluded operations after nearly thirty years of dressing international celebrities including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Madonna. While Sass and Bide’s online sales will terminate by February’s end, the brand has hinted at future reinvention with an online message stating: ‘It’s not goodbye, it’s see you soon.’

    The consecutive closures of these established retailers signals continuing challenges within Australia’s fashion retail environment, marking a transitional period for the industry.

  • US urges SDF pullback from eastern Aleppo, say sources

    US urges SDF pullback from eastern Aleppo, say sources

    In a significant development within Syria’s complex geopolitical landscape, the United States has unsuccessfully urged the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to withdraw their remaining fighters from strategic positions in eastern Aleppo’s countryside. According to regional sources familiar with the matter who spoke with Middle East Eye, the Kurdish-led militia has formally rejected Washington’s proposal to vacate their last foothold on the western bank of the Euphrates River near Dayr Hafir.

    The refusal comes amid intensified shelling exchanges between Syrian government forces and SDF fighters, marking a dramatic escalation after months of relative calm between the parties. This renewed conflict follows a months-long ceasefire that collapsed earlier this month when Damascus launched operations to expel SDF-linked security units from Aleppo’s al-Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods, alleging civilian casualties from sniper and mortar attacks.

    Multiple regional sources revealed that the Syrian government’s offensive received implicit authorization from Washington before implementation. Despite this, U.S. authorities subsequently requested the SDF to withdraw from the western Euphrates bank—a demand the Kurdish forces have now officially declined.

    The tension further complicates implementation efforts of the 10 March memorandum of understanding, an agreement designed to integrate Kurdish-led forces into Syria’s military infrastructure. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa publicly accused SDF leadership of failing to honor the agreement, asserting their decision-making remains subordinate to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leadership based in Iraq’s Qandil Mountains.

    Ilham Ahmed, the SDF’s de-facto foreign affairs official, countered these claims during a Thursday press conference, stating: “The government’s assertion that we have not implemented the 10 March agreement is incorrect, and international parties are aware of this.” Ahmed confirmed ongoing communications with both U.S. and Turkish officials while awaiting responses to several de-escalation initiatives.

    Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns escalate as reports indicate the SDF blocked civilian evacuation routes established by Syrian forces on Thursday. A U.S. military delegation visited Dayr Hafir to assess the situation and reportedly planned to pressure the SDF to permit civilian departures.

    The Syrian military has publicly encouraged defections, broadcasting statements that welcome Kurdish and Arab fighters wishing to rejoin government forces while specifically condemning “PKK terrorist militias” for allegedly targeting civilians and undermining Syria’s social fabric. Defense Ministry reports claim several SDF fighters have already surrendered weapons on the Dayr Hafir front.

    With the Syrian army reportedly preparing broader operations to clear SDF positions, and diplomatic channels showing strain, the situation represents a critical deterioration in northeast Syria’s fragile stability.