Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Watch: North Carolina hit with historic snowstorm

    Watch: North Carolina hit with historic snowstorm

    A formidable bomb cyclone unleashed its fury across North Carolina and the mid-Atlantic region over the weekend, triggering a state of emergency characterized by paralyzing snowfall, hurricane-force winds, and perilous travel conditions. The tempest, which commenced its onslaught late Friday, persisted relentlessly through the weekend, with coastal territories and the Outer Banks bearing the brunt of its force and accumulating up to 15 inches of snow.

    The National Weather Service has officially designated this meteorological event a ‘historic storm,’ a classification underscored by data from the North Carolina State Climate Office. Their analysis confirms that snowfall volumes in certain state districts have exceeded all other winter occurrences recorded thus far in the 21st century. The rapid intensification of the cyclone, meeting the criteria for ‘bombogenesis,’ resulted in a precipitous drop in atmospheric pressure, fueling the violent winds that compounded the blinding snow and created near-zero visibility.

    Transportation networks experienced severe disruptions as major highways became impassable, forcing numerous road closures and stranding motorists. Emergency services issued stern warnings for residents to remain indoors, citing life-threatening wind chills and the high risk of hypothermia. Utility companies reported widespread power outages as heavy, wet snow and gusty winds downed trees and power lines across the affected states.

    The extensive impact of this extreme weather event underscores the growing challenges communities face from rapidly intensifying winter storms, prompting discussions on infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness for future climatic anomalies.

  • Grammy Awards: 5 times stars made powerful political statements on stage

    Grammy Awards: 5 times stars made powerful political statements on stage

    The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony evolved into a potent platform for political activism as numerous recording artists leveraged their acceptance speeches and red carpet appearances to protest stringent U.S. immigration policies. The event witnessed coordinated demonstrations against recent aggressive enforcement actions by immigration authorities, transforming music’s premier celebration into a forum for social commentary.

    Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny established the evening’s defiant tone with a direct “ICE out” declaration during his award acceptance, referencing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This sentiment resonated throughout the night as Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, Gloria Estefan, Kehlani, and Shaboozey delivered emotionally charged remarks celebrating immigrant contributions while condemning policies they characterized as inhumane.

    Visual symbolism complemented verbal protests, with numerous artists sporting distinctive “ICE OUT” pins on the red carpet and during performances. Several speakers drew upon deeply personal narratives connected to their families’ immigrant heritage, lending authentic emotional weight to their political statements. The production occasionally encountered technical difficulties as broadcasters attempted to censor particularly confrontational remarks, resulting in several bleeped-out moments during prime-time segments.

    This year’s politically charged atmosphere continues a established tradition of Grammy artists addressing contentious social issues from the awards podium. Historical precedents include past demonstrations supporting racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, establishing the Grammys as one of entertainment’s most consistently activist award ceremonies.

  • Israel ‘withholding 766 bodies’ of identified Palestinians

    Israel ‘withholding 766 bodies’ of identified Palestinians

    A deeply contentious policy implemented by Israeli authorities has come under intense international scrutiny, with reports confirming the withholding of at least 766 identified Palestinian bodies. Nearly half of these individuals have been held since October 2023, a period marked by significant escalation in regional conflict, despite Hamas having returned all Israeli captives’ remains.

    Official data reveals that the majority of these Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces, while 88 were detainees who perished while in Israeli custody over the preceding two years. This group comprises 53 individuals from Gaza, 32 from the occupied West Bank, and three Palestinian citizens of Israel. According to investigations by Haaretz, 373 of these bodies entered Israeli possession following the October 7 attacks.

    The circumstances surrounding the deaths of those in detention are particularly alarming. Most were being held without formal charge or trial, with their deaths subsequently attributed to either direct violence perpetrated by Israeli officers or the deplorable conditions within detention facilities.

    Compounding this situation, Israel continues to retain the bodies of seven additional prisoners who died prior to the recent conflict in Gaza, as documented by the Palestinian organisation Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center (JLAC). The organization further reports that an unknown number of Palestinian bodies, belonging to individuals killed during and after the 1967 conflict, remain withheld and buried in undisclosed locations within Israel.

    The disposition of these remains varies significantly. Haaretz reports that 520 identified bodies are currently stored in morgues at military facilities, while approximately 256 have been interred in what Palestinians refer to as ‘cemeteries of numbers’—burial sites marked solely by numerical identifiers rather than names. These cemeteries contain the remains of Palestinians and other Arabs, with some graves dating as far back as 1948.

    This practice represents a long-standing Israeli policy wherein forces routinely seize the bodies of Palestinians killed in both the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Many families had placed their hopes in the October agreement between Israel and Hamas, which included provisions for the exchange of both living and deceased prisoners alongside efforts to conclude hostilities in Gaza. However, Israel only returned 360 Palestinian bodies as part of this arrangement, with JLAC confirming that just approximately 100 were identified, while the remainder were buried as unknown individuals.

    Disturbing evidence has emerged regarding the condition of bodies returned by Israel. Sources indicate numerous cases showing signs of torture, execution-style killings, and injuries consistent with being run over by military vehicles. Forensic examinations revealed severe abuse including strangulation marks, multiple broken bones, and various forms of mutilation. Several bodies were discovered with hands and feet bound and eyes blindfolded, while others were missing limbs entirely.

    Multiple human rights organizations have consistently condemned Israel’s policy of withholding Palestinian bodies, demanding immediate release and repatriation to grieving families. Although Israeli law currently permits this practice through a 2018 amendment to the Counterterrorism Law—later upheld by the Israeli Supreme Court—that authorizes the state to withhold bodies of Palestinians deemed to have committed violent acts, this stands in direct contradiction to international humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention explicitly prohibits the withholding of bodies, mandating that the deceased must be treated with dignity, afforded honorable burial, and where possible, laid to rest according to their religious rites. Article 130 further stipulates that graves must be respected, properly maintained, and clearly marked to ensure perpetual recognition.

  • Billionaire Frank Stronach faces sexual assault trial in Canada

    Billionaire Frank Stronach faces sexual assault trial in Canada

    Canadian courtroom proceedings commenced this week against Frank Stronach, the 93-year-old Austro-Canadian business magnate, who stands accused of multiple historical sexual offenses. The Toronto trial, presided over by Superior Court Justice Anne Malloy, will proceed without jury deliberation, placing judicial responsibility solely on the presiding magistrate.

    Stronach, founder of global automotive parts manufacturer Magna International and once among Canada’s wealthiest individuals, confronts 18 criminal charges involving 13 separate complainants. These allegations span an extensive temporal range from 1977 to 1990, necessitating application of since-amended Criminal Code provisions. Prosecutors have strategically divided the case into two distinct legal proceedings, with the Toronto segment addressing 12 charges ahead of a subsequent York Region trial scheduled for spring.

    The defendant has maintained an unwavering not guilty plea through legal representatives, publicly characterizing the accusations as fundamentally incompatible with his personal ethos. “Those acquainted with my character recognize these claims contradict my established principles,” Stronach previously told CBC following their 2024 investigative report containing employee allegations.

    This exceptional judicial process requires Justice Malloy to adjudicate based on historical legal definitions no longer present in Canadian legislation, though the nation’s elimination of sexual assault statutes of limitations enables prosecution regardless of temporal passage. The court anticipates hearing comprehensive evidence from Crown prosecutors alongside complainant testimonies throughout the trial duration.

    Beyond his corporate legacy, Stronach briefly entered Austrian political spheres in 2012 by founding the right-wing populist Team Stronach party, which has since become defunct. His transition from industrial titan to defendant marks a significant development in Canada’s ongoing examination of historical sexual misconduct cases involving powerful figures.

  • Catholic Church and Italy investigate sacred and profane cherub seemingly modeled on Meloni

    Catholic Church and Italy investigate sacred and profane cherub seemingly modeled on Meloni

    A centuries-old tradition of incorporating contemporary figures into religious artwork has ignited an unprecedented controversy in Rome, where a recently restored cherub bearing remarkable resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has triggered dual investigations by both ecclesiastical and state authorities.

    The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, one of Rome’s most ancient churches consecrated in 440 AD, has become the epicenter of this unusual scandal. The problematic artwork appears in a side chapel near the main altar, depicting a cherub holding a map of Italy in a position of deference before a bust of Italy’s last king, Umberto II. This particular chapel underwent renovation in 2000 and required restoration in 2023 due to water damage.

    Both the Diocese of Rome and the Italian Culture Ministry have launched formal inquiries into the restoration work. Their swift response demonstrates institutional intolerance for perceived profanity within sacred spaces. The basilica, though historically significant, has gained newfound celebrity status as curiosity-seekers flock to photograph the controversial angel, sometimes disrupting religious services.

    Prime Minister Meloni herself addressed the controversy with humor, writing on social media: ‘No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,’ accompanied by a laughing/crying emoji. Her lighthearted response contrasts with the seriousness of the institutional investigations.

    The controversy carries historical weight given Italy’s complex relationship with its monarchical past. Italians rejected the monarchy after World War II due to its support for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Meloni’s right-wing party traces its roots to the neo-fascist movement that succeeded Mussolini, adding political sensitivity to the artwork’s perceived deference to royalty.

    Restorer Bruno Valentinetti has denied using Meloni as a model, asserting that any resemblance exists ‘in the eye of the beholder’ and that he merely restored his original 2000 painting. Parish priest Rev. Daniele Micheletti acknowledged the resemblance but dismissed its significance, noting artistic precedent for depicting real people in religious contexts, such as Caravaggio’s use of a prostitute as model for the Virgin Mary.

    Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar of Rome, has taken a firmer stance, criticizing Micheletti’s blasé attitude and emphasizing that sacred art must not be ‘misused or exploited’ but should exclusively support liturgical life and prayer. The Culture Ministry has deployed special delegate Daniela Porro to ascertain the nature of the work and determine appropriate actions.

    The investigations now focus on determining the original appearance of the 2000 cherub and whether the restoration improperly altered its features. The basilica, currently property of Italy’s Interior Ministry, remains open to visitors while authorities determine the appropriate resolution to this intersection of art, religion, and politics.

  • Bryan Adams is coming to Abu Dhabi

    Bryan Adams is coming to Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome rock music icon Bryan Adams for a highly anticipated performance at the Saadiyat Nights concert series on February 15. The Canadian singer-songwriter’s appearance coincides with the anniversary of his groundbreaking 1980 debut album that launched his extraordinary career spanning over four decades.

    Adams’ musical journey represents one of rock’s most enduring success stories, having sold an estimated 75-100 million records worldwide. His performance will feature timeless hits that have become cultural touchstones, including “Summer of ’69,” “Have You Really Loved a Woman,” and the iconic power ballad “Everything I Do, I Do It For You” that continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

    The upcoming concert marks another chapter in Adams’ ongoing relationship with the UAE. Beyond his musical achievements, the artist has previously showcased his photographic talents in Dubai, where he exhibited portraits of global figures including the Dalai Lama, Queen Elizabeth II, and fashion icons Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

    Reflecting on the power of music during his previous UAE visit, Adams told local media: “Music is a very powerful medium—it transports us to different places, soothes our soul, inspires us to dance and reflect. A world without music would be a profoundly lonely place.”

    Adams joins an impressive roster of international performers in the Saadiyat Nights series, following appearances by music heavyweights including Mariah Carey (February 7), John Mayer, and Ricky Martin, cementing Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class entertainment.

  • Indian tax on animal imports spells setback for Ambani family’s Vantara zoo

    Indian tax on animal imports spells setback for Ambani family’s Vantara zoo

    India’s newly implemented fiscal policy has introduced a substantial 30% customs duty on animal and bird imports, effective immediately. This legislative shift eliminates previous duty exemptions and presents significant financial challenges for conservation projects, most notably the ambitious Vantara zoo operated by the philanthropic division of Reliance, chaired by Asia’s wealthiest individual Mukesh Ambani.

    Spanning 3,500 acres in Gujarat, Vantara houses approximately 2,000 species and represents India’s most extensive private zoological initiative. Unlike typically state-operated facilities, Vantara has engaged in substantial international animal transfers since 2022, importing species including cheetahs, rhinoceroses, and numerous reptiles from nations such as South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

    The government’s unexpected policy change provides no explicit justification, though analysts suggest it may aim to stimulate domestic breeding programs. Rajat Mohan, senior partner at AMRG Associates, notes that while import volumes remain limited, the financial implications for conservation projects are profound. Vantara maintains that it never engages in commercial animal transactions but bears substantial costs for insurance and freight during rescue and rehabilitation operations.

    The zoo has previously faced international scrutiny after CITES, the UN wildlife trade monitoring body, identified discrepancies in trade documentation and raised concerns regarding origin verification protocols. Although India’s Supreme Court ultimately cleared Vantara of wrongdoing, European authorities continue monitoring its import activities closely.

    According to Reuters analysis, Vantara’s shipments have reached a declared value of $9 million. A single 2023 consignment of 26 rare parrots from Germany demonstrated the financial impact, with $25,194 declared for insurance and freight costs that would now incur approximately $7,500 in additional taxes under the new regime.

  • Yuyuan Lantern Festival puts Shanghai in festival mood

    Yuyuan Lantern Festival puts Shanghai in festival mood

    Shanghai’s iconic Yuyuan Lantern Festival has launched an expansive celebration that transcends its traditional boundaries, illuminating the city with a spectacular display of cultural fusion. For the first time in its celebrated history, the festival has extended beyond the confines of Yuyuan Garden Malls to encompass multiple prominent locations including the Bund Finance Center, Gucheng Park, Middle Fangbang Road, and Fuyou Road.

    The festival, which commenced on February 1st and will continue through March 3rd, represents a remarkable blend of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary pop aesthetics. At the Bund Finance Center, visitors experience a groundbreaking collaboration with Pop Mart, China’s leading pop culture enterprise. The installation features the toymaker’s immensely popular intellectual properties transformed into dazzling lantern displays that create an immersive Chinese New Year atmosphere.

    This strategic expansion creates a cultural dialogue between different areas of Shanghai. While Yuyuan Garden maintains its focus on traditional folk culture representations through lantern art, the newly incorporated venues showcase more modern and trend-forward installations. The Bund Finance Center specifically offers a unique experience where ancient lantern craft meets contemporary pop culture, attracting both traditional festival enthusiasts and younger demographics.

    The extended festival footprint allows visitors to embark on a cultural journey through Shanghai’s diverse districts, each offering distinct interpretations of lantern artistry. This innovation in festival programming demonstrates how traditional celebrations can evolve while maintaining cultural authenticity, effectively bridging generational gaps through creative collaborations with popular brands like Pop Mart.

  • SmartCrowd exits DIFC duplex apartment flip at 22.5% above target

    SmartCrowd exits DIFC duplex apartment flip at 22.5% above target

    Dubai’s leading property investment platform SmartCrowd has concluded a landmark transaction involving a three-bedroom duplex apartment within the prestigious Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), achieving an exceptional sale price of AED 8.7 million. This successful exit substantially surpassed initial projections by 22.5%, delivering investors a net return on investment of 25% after all associated fees.

    The transaction underscores the remarkable resilience of Dubai’s premium residential market, particularly within the DIFC commercial hub where demand for high-quality, centrally located properties continues to demonstrate strength. This achievement follows closely on the heels of SmartCrowd’s recent successful exit from a Palm Jumeirah property, demonstrating consistent performance in the short-term property flipping segment.

    SmartCrowd has emerged as a dominant force in the regional proptech investment landscape, having facilitated over AED 220 million in successful exits with an additional AED 300 million planned for 2026. The platform’s innovative approach combines traditional buy-and-hold strategies with targeted flip opportunities, creating diversified investment pathways for its stakeholders.

    Chief Executive Officer Riz Ahmed emphasized the company’s investor-centric philosophy, stating: ‘Our consistent outperformance in both DIFC and Palm Jumeirah transactions reflects our disciplined methodology in acquisition, value-added renovation, and strategic asset management. Exceeding projections by such a significant margin validates both Dubai’s prime market fundamentals and our operational expertise.’

    The consecutive successful flips demonstrate growing investor appetite for short-term property investments in Dubai’s prime locations, with SmartCrowd having completed three times more exits than all other regional crowdfunding platforms combined according to company statements.

  • Nine arraigned for deadly attack in Nigeria that killed over 150

    Nine arraigned for deadly attack in Nigeria that killed over 150

    ABUJA, Nigeria — In a landmark judicial proceeding, nine individuals allegedly responsible for a devastating assault in north-central Nigeria faced formal charges before a federal court on Monday. The defendants stand accused of perpetrating an attack that resulted in over 150 fatalities in Yelewata, a community within Benue state’s Guma area, during June of last year.

    Prosecutors have filed 57 distinct counts of terrorism against the accused, who entered unanimous ‘not guilty’ pleas during their arraignment. Nigerian justice authorities indicate conviction could carry maximum penalties of either life imprisonment or capital punishment.

    This judicial action emerges against the backdrop of Nigeria’s escalating multidimensional security emergency, characterized by Islamic militant insurgencies in northeastern territories and rampant kidnap-for-ransom operations plaguing northwest and north-central zones. The Yelewata massacre exemplifies the intensifying farmer-herder conflicts over scarce land and water resources that have turned increasingly lethal as combatants militarize.

    Presidential representative Kamarudeen Ogundele characterized the investigation as ‘painstaking,’ emphasizing interagency collaboration in a Sunday statement. ‘The office of the Attorney General wishes to assure Nigerians that justice will be ensured in this matter to send a strong signal to the country’s enemies, acting under any disguise,’ Ogundele declared.

    The case develops alongside international security engagements, including December U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State-affiliated militants in northern Nigeria. These operations addressed concerns about Nigeria’s capacity to protect Christian communities facing heightened church attacks. The United States has committed to delivering previously purchased military equipment—including drones, helicopters, and support systems—to bolster Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities, though delivery remains pending after five years.