Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Police charge man with multiple offences over suspicious Bondi vest incident

    Police charge man with multiple offences over suspicious Bondi vest incident

    Sydney’s eastern suburbs were thrust into a state of alarm on Sunday evening following a disruptive security incident at Bondi Junction. Authorities initiated a significant emergency response after receiving multiple reports of a man exhibiting suspicious behavior while wearing a vest conspicuously covered with duct-taped objects.

    Police units converged on Oxford Street approximately at 10:10 PM following concerned citizen reports. The situation escalated rapidly with the deployment of the specialized Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit to assess potential threats. The 33-year-old Victorian man at the center of the incident was promptly detained at the scene.

    Further investigation revealed additional concerning materials. A secondary vest was discovered during a search of the suspect’s vehicle, along with a face mask and a container holding substances believed to be illicit drugs. The bomb squad conducted thorough examinations of both vests, ultimately determining they posed no explosive hazard.

    The individual now faces multiple criminal charges including providing false information that placed persons or property in danger, possession of prohibited drugs, and behaving in an offensive manner in a public space. The judicial process moved swiftly as the accused was denied bail during initial proceedings, with his case scheduled for immediate review before the Local Court on Monday.

    The incident caused temporary disruption in the popular Bondi Junction area, though normal activities resumed following the all-clear from bomb disposal experts. This event marks another instance of public safety resources being deployed in response to suspicious behavior in urban environments.

  • Meta locks 500,000 accounts in Australia but calls for a ‘better way’

    Meta locks 500,000 accounts in Australia but calls for a ‘better way’

    In an unprecedented global move, Australia’s implementation of a social media prohibition for users under 16 has resulted in the mass deactivation of hundreds of thousands of accounts across major platforms. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, reported disabling approximately 500,000 accounts during the initial enforcement period from December 4-11, 2023.

    The landmark legislation, which took effect on December 10, mandates age restrictions across nine prominent social media platforms including Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick. This regulatory intervention automatically deactivates or removes accounts belonging to minors under 16 years of age.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the policy as “one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced” during the initiative’s launch. He acknowledged the implementation “won’t be perfect” but emphasized its significance as a “profound reform” expected to influence global approaches to youth digital protection. The Prime Minister noted that several other nations are considering emulating Australia’s regulatory framework.

    The legislative action follows News Corp’s ‘Let Them Be Kids’ advocacy campaign, with government officials stating the primary objective is to provide “greater peace of mind for Australian parents” regarding their children’s online activities.

    Meta, while asserting compliance with the new regulations, has simultaneously advocated for alternative approaches to age verification. The technology corporation proposed that age validation would be more effectively implemented at the app store level rather than within individual applications. This methodology, Meta contends, would prevent the “whack-a-mole effect” of minors migrating to newer, less-regulated platforms to circumvent the restrictions.

    The company further recommended establishing industry-wide incentives to develop “safe, privacy-preserving, age appropriate experiences online” as a more sustainable solution than blanket prohibitions. This position highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory intervention and technological innovation in addressing youth digital safety concerns.

  • Electricity fully restored in Sharjah after power outage due to emergency fault

    Electricity fully restored in Sharjah after power outage due to emergency fault

    Sharjah’s electrical infrastructure demonstrated remarkable resilience on Sunday as authorities successfully restored power across all affected areas following an unexpected outage. The disruption, which commenced approximately at noon, temporarily impacted essential services including government operations, commercial activities, and banking functions throughout several key neighborhoods.

    The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) confirmed the incident resulted from an isolated emergency fault within the local power network. This triggered automated protection mechanisms designed to prevent widespread grid instability. Technical response teams were immediately deployed to identify and address the fault source while implementing strategic isolation protocols.

    Affected zones included prominent commercial and residential districts such as Al Majaz and Al Taawun, with Jamal Abdul Nasser Street experiencing particular service interruptions. The outage temporarily disabled elevator operations, internet connectivity, and routine municipal services, though critical infrastructure remained protected throughout the event.

    SEWA’s emergency protocols proved effective, with most areas seeing restoration within three hours. Resident testimonials reflected generally positive experiences, with Ghada Mamoon of Al Majaz noting: ‘The power went off for a short time and was restored efficiently.’ Similar sentiments were echoed by Sara Al Amin along Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, who confirmed normal operations resumed within hours.

    While some residents in Al Taawun reported slightly extended restoration timelines, SEWA officials assured complete recovery by afternoon through methodical phased restoration—a standard procedure ensuring system safety during re-energization.

    The authority emphasized its ongoing commitment to grid modernization and preventive maintenance, citing the incident as evidence of robust protection systems successfully containing what could have become a more extensive disruption. The UAE’s electrical networks maintain among the highest reliability standards regionally, with such occurrences remaining exceptional due to advanced infrastructure investments and rapid-response capabilities.

  • Novel concept: China’s spellbinding bookstores draw selfie snappers

    Novel concept: China’s spellbinding bookstores draw selfie snappers

    Across China, a new generation of architecturally spectacular bookstores is drawing crowds more interested in Instagrammable moments than literary discoveries. Despite persistent challenges in print book sales that continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels, these visually striking establishments are experiencing remarkable growth through their transformation into cultural landmarks and social media hotspots.

    In Tianjin, the recently opened Zhongshuge location has become a sensation with its dramatic design featuring towering accordion-style steps and a fantastical spiral staircase that evokes comparisons to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. The store regularly fills with visitors wielding selfie sticks and tripods, all competing to capture the perfect shot against its cobalt-colored architectural marvels. So intense is the photography activity that faded prints marking ‘The Best Spot for Photos’ dot the floor.

    This phenomenon represents a strategic shift in China’s bookstore industry. According to industry experts, many establishments now deliberately invest in creating photogenic interiors specifically designed to attract social media users. Beijing-based architect Zheng Shiwei notes that this approach has become ‘relatively mainstream’ as bookstores seek new revenue streams beyond traditional book sales.

    The trend has sparked both enthusiasm and concern within cultural circles. While these visually striking spaces successfully draw public engagement with literary venues, some establishments have implemented restrictions on professional photography equipment and flash photography due to disruptions to actual readers. The famous Librairie Avant-Garde in Nanjing notably banned tripods and unauthorized photoshoots after customer complaints about interference with reading experiences.

    Despite these challenges, many bookstore owners embrace the photographic trend. Juli Hu, founder of a Beijing bookstore converted from a former Taoist temple, acknowledges that ‘books bring in relatively low profit’ and actively welcomes social media exposure. Her establishment frequently refreshes cultural displays to maintain photographic appeal while integrating tea service and trinket sales to sustain operations.

    Industry representative Ai Limin confirmed that physical bookshops have ‘maintained steady growth’ through this wave of uniquely characteristic establishments that blend cultural preservation with modern consumer behavior. The phenomenon demonstrates how traditional bookselling is adapting to contemporary digital culture while creating spaces that serve multiple purposes beyond mere commerce.

  • UAE: Woman duped in phone scam, court orders fraudsters to repay Dh40,900

    UAE: Woman duped in phone scam, court orders fraudsters to repay Dh40,900

    In a significant ruling against digital fraud, the Al Dhafra Court of First Instance in Abu Dhabi has mandated two convicted fraudsters to fully reimburse an Emirati woman they deceived through an elaborate telephone scam. The court’s final judgment, issued on January 8, 2026, brings closure to a case that highlights growing concerns about sophisticated digital financial crimes in the region.

    The defendants orchestrated their scheme by impersonating government officials, convincing the victim to download a specific mobile application under false pretenses. Once they gained her trust, they directed her to transfer a total of Dh40,900 to multiple bank accounts. The victim only realized she had been defrauded after completing the transactions.

    Court documents reveal that both defendants were already serving criminal sentences in separate cases—one detained at Bur Dubai Detention Center and the other at Al Qusais Detention Center. They had previously received criminal convictions in absentia for acquiring property through fraudulent means, resulting in three-month suspended prison sentences and orders for deportation from the UAE.

    During civil proceedings, the court established that the first defendant had illicitly obtained Dh22,500 from the victim, while the second defendant had taken Dh18,409. Neither had returned any portion of the stolen funds, prompting the civil claim for restitution.

    The court’s ruling requires both defendants to jointly repay the full Dh40,900 they fraudulently acquired. While the plaintiff had sought additional compensation of Dh9,000 for material and moral damages, the court awarded partial compensation exclusively for material damages, acknowledging the financial harm suffered. The claim for moral damages was rejected due to insufficient evidence of reputational harm.

    The judgment also ordered defendants to cover court expenses but denied the plaintiff’s claim for attorney fees since she represented herself throughout the legal proceedings. With no appeals filed, the court’s decision stands as final.

  • Guard at Winter Olympic construction site dies in nighttime subfreezing temperatures

    Guard at Winter Olympic construction site dies in nighttime subfreezing temperatures

    Italian authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of a security guard at a construction site adjacent to the 2026 Winter Olympic venues in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 55-year-old worker succumbed during his overnight shift in extreme subzero temperatures that plummeted to -12°C (10.4°F) on Thursday.

    Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini has demanded a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Initial reports from Milan Cortina organizing committee representatives indicate the worker suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty near Cortina’s ice arena complex.

    Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, stated during a press briefing at a Milan hockey arena test event: ‘Current information suggests natural causes were responsible. We await conclusive findings from the ongoing investigation while confirming all operational documentation was properly maintained.’

    The construction site, reportedly not under the direct supervision of governmental infrastructure company Simico, has prompted expressions of profound concern from Cortina municipal officials. Simico extended formal condolences while clarifying their non-involvement in the project.

    With the Winter Olympics scheduled for February 6-22, 2026, the incident has raised questions about worker safety protocols during extreme weather conditions. Cortina d’Ampezzo is designated to host curling, sliding events, and women’s Alpine skiing competitions during the Games.

  • UAE: Indian influencer Dhruv Rathee says ‘every line fact-checked’ in his YouTube videos

    UAE: Indian influencer Dhruv Rathee says ‘every line fact-checked’ in his YouTube videos

    At the prestigious 1 Billion Summit in Dubai, Indian digital content creator Dhruv Rathee revealed his rigorous approach to combating misinformation through meticulous verification processes. With over 30 million YouTube subscribers, Rathee has established himself as one of India’s most influential digital educators, producing explainer-style videos covering politics, governance, climate change, and social issues.

    Rathee disclosed that his operation employs a dedicated team of researchers and fact-checkers who scrutinize every single line presented in his videos. This verification process is complemented by comprehensive documentation, with each video accompanied by a publicly available resource paper containing all sources used. “Viewers can access these documents through links in the video description, ensuring complete transparency,” Rathee explained to Khaleej Times.

    The selection of topics follows a structured methodology incorporating multiple criteria, including audience demand, personal passion, and relevance within the current political and social landscape. Each potential subject undergoes a scoring system before receiving approval for coverage.

    Beyond content creation, Rathee has expanded into entrepreneurship by co-founding AI Fiesta, an all-in-one platform he describes as one of his most challenging career transitions. “Creating videos for ten years didn’t prepare me for business management involving HR, customer support, and product development,” he acknowledged. His team now comprises 10-15 members, requiring him to balance filming, video reviews, and operational management.

    Despite facing legal threats and online trolling throughout his career, Rathee has developed resilience and maintains a legal team to handle disputes. When questioned about concerns regarding democratic discourse’s future, he identified public apathy as the primary worry, emphasizing the need for greater public engagement.

    Now a father, Rathee has shifted priorities toward efficiently managing time between work and family life. He described this year’s 1 Billion Summit, which gathers content creators worldwide, as the most impressive edition yet, noting the event’s scale resembled “an entire city.”

  • Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90

    Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien archaeology, dies at 90

    BERLIN — Erich von Däniken, the Swiss author who captivated millions with his controversial theories about extraterrestrial influences on ancient civilizations, passed away at age 90. His representatives confirmed his death in a central Swiss hospital on Saturday, announcing the news through his official website on Sunday.

    Von Däniken achieved global recognition with his 1968 debut work “Chariots of the Gods,” which proposed that advanced alien civilizations visited ancient Mayan and Egyptian societies, providing them with technological knowledge to construct monumental structures like pyramids. This publication emerged during a period of heightened fascination with unexplained phenomena, coinciding with humanity’s first lunar landing through conventional scientific achievement.

    The author’s literary career expanded with over two dozen additional books that blended historical speculation with imaginative narratives, creating a distinctive genre that consistently challenged established archaeological and scientific consensus. According to Swiss public broadcaster SRF, his works reached remarkable commercial success with approximately 70 million copies sold across more than 30 languages, establishing him as one of Switzerland’s most widely read authors.

    Despite his professional accomplishments, von Däniken’s personal life was marked by financial instability and legal challenges. Born in 1935 in Schaffhausen to a clothing manufacturer, he rejected his Catholic upbringing and boarding school education, developing alternative explanations for human origins. His early career in hospitality included positions as waiter and barkeeper, during which he faced multiple fraud allegations and brief prison sentences.

    Following the publication of his first book, von Däniken encountered further legal troubles including tax evasion charges that resulted in additional incarceration. However, the substantial royalties from “Chariots of the Gods” and subsequent works like “Gods from Outer Space” enabled his dedication to paranormal research and global travel.

    Throughout the 1970s, von Däniken conducted extensive field research across Egypt, India, and Latin America, delivering lectures and establishing organizations to promote his unconventional theories. He pioneered multimedia approaches to reach audiences seeking alternative historical narratives, maintaining his beliefs despite mounting scientific criticism.

    In 1991, the scientific community recognized his work with satirical distinction—the Ig Nobel Prize for literature—for promoting scientific awareness through questionable claims. Even when confronted with evidence of fabricated artifacts in documentary investigations, von Däniken maintained the fundamental validity of his theories.

    Though his influence diminished in English-speaking regions during the 1980s, his ideas permeated popular culture through television programs like “The X-Files” and numerous documentary specials. His final major project, the “Mystery Park” theme park based on his books, closed after limited public interest, with its structures now standing neglected near Interlaken.

    Erich von Däniken is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elisabeth Skaja, their daughter Cornelia, and two grandchildren.

  • Bride and groom killed by gas explosion day after Pakistan wedding

    Bride and groom killed by gas explosion day after Pakistan wedding

    A catastrophic gas cylinder explosion shattered the early morning calm in Islamabad on Sunday, claiming the lives of eight individuals including a newly married couple who had celebrated their wedding just hours earlier. The tragedy unfolded at approximately 07:00 local time (02:00 GMT) when a liquefied petroleum gas leak ignited, devastating a residential building where wedding guests and family members were sleeping.

    The powerful blast completely demolished the structure, causing roof collapse and blowing away sections of walls. The force scattered debris across the property, trapping numerous victims beneath concrete slabs and furniture. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extract the injured from the rubble using stretchers, while forensic teams in protective gear meticulously combed through the wreckage.

    According to police reports, the newlyweds—along with six other victims comprising family members and wedding attendees—succumbed to the explosion. More than a dozen survivors sustained various injuries and were transported to medical facilities. Three adjacent properties also suffered significant damage from the blast impact.

    Hanif Masih, father of the groom, recounted the heartbreaking sequence of events, revealing that the wedding party had retired around 03:00 local time only to be awakened by the devastating explosion hours later. The tragedy claimed multiple members of his family including his son, daughter-in-law, wife, and sister-in-law.

    Pakistan Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani characterized the incident as ‘heart-wrenching’ and called for enhanced safety measures regarding gas cylinder usage nationwide. Local authorities have secured the perimeter as investigations continue, with deputy police commissioner Sahibzada Yousaf confirming the deployment of sniffer dogs and advanced technology to ensure complete victim recovery.

  • ‘Heartbroken’: Tens of thousands protest in Minneapolis over fatal ICE shooting

    ‘Heartbroken’: Tens of thousands protest in Minneapolis over fatal ICE shooting

    Tens of thousands of demonstrators braced subzero temperatures in Minneapolis on Saturday, staging one of the largest protests in recent memory following the controversial fatal shooting of 37-year-old community volunteer Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. The massive turnout, estimated by police in the tens of thousands, highlighted the deep-seated tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement tactics and marked a critical moment in the ongoing national debate over ICE operations.

    The protest, spearheaded by Indigenous Mexican dancers, proceeded toward the residential street where Good was shot inside her vehicle on Wednesday. Chants of “No justice, no peace — get ICE off our streets” reverberated through the metropolitan area of 3.8 million people as participants expressed both grief and outrage over the incident that has ignited nationwide demonstrations.

    Minnesota’s Democratic leadership and the Trump administration have presented fundamentally conflicting narratives about the shooting. State officials deem the shooting unjustified, citing bystander video evidence showing Good’s vehicle turning away from the agent when shots were fired. Conversely, the Department of Homeland Security maintains the agent acted in self-defense, claiming Good attempted to weaponize her vehicle against officers.

    The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following the deployment of approximately 2,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area—described by DHS as its largest operation ever. These tensions were further exacerbated when a Border Patrol agent in Portland, Oregon shot and wounded two individuals during a vehicle stop attempt on Thursday, using similar justification language.

    A coalition of progressive and civil rights organizations, including Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union, coordinated over 1,000 “ICE Out For Good” events across the nation throughout the weekend. These demonstrations were strategically scheduled to conclude before nightfall to minimize potential violence, though Minneapolis reported approximately $6,000 in property damage and 29 arrests from Friday night protests targeting hotels believed to house ICE personnel.

    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the predominantly peaceful nature of the demonstrations while warning against property destruction. “We will not counter Donald Trump’s chaos with our own brand of chaos,” Frey stated, acknowledging the deliberate provocation strategy he believes the administration is employing.

    The protests reflect broader national divisions over immigration enforcement that predate Good’s shooting, with Minnesota previously emerging as a flashpoint in the administration’s deportation initiatives following welfare fraud allegations within the Somali-American community.