Global Pulse

分类： society

  • UAE weather: Alerts issued for fog; dusty skies likely

    UAE weather: Alerts issued for fog; dusty skies likely

    The United Arab Emirates’ National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has activated multiple weather warnings affecting various regions across the country. A significant red alert remains in effect for dense fog conditions, substantially reducing visibility until 10 AM Sunday morning. Concurrently, yellow alerts have been issued for several areas experiencing vigorous northwesterly winds reaching speeds of 45 kilometers per hour.

    Mariners have been cautioned about hazardous sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf, where offshore wave heights could surge up to seven feet. This yellow alert status persists until 1 PM on Sunday, January 4th. Despite these weather disturbances, temperatures throughout the UAE are forecast to maintain moderate levels, with maximum readings not exceeding 29°C. Major urban centers will experience cooler conditions, with Dubai anticipating an overnight low of 15°C and Abu Dhabi dropping to 18°C.

    Atmospheric conditions are predicted to feature dusty to partially overcast skies throughout Sunday. Meteorological officials additionally project increased humidity levels during nighttime hours extending into Monday morning, particularly affecting eastern interior regions. These conditions may create additional visibility challenges and affect road conditions in susceptible areas.

    The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric developments closely and advises residents to exercise caution during reduced visibility periods, especially during early morning travel. Maritime activities are discouraged in affected coastal zones until weather patterns stabilize.

  • Australian children eligible for three days of subsidised early education and child care from January 5

    Australian children eligible for three days of subsidised early education and child care from January 5

    In a landmark social policy shift, Australia’s Albanese government has enacted sweeping childcare reforms effective January 1st, eliminating work requirements that previously restricted subsidized early education access. The “3 Day Guarantee” initiative ensures all Australian children qualify for three days of subsidized childcare weekly, irrespective of parental employment status—directly countering the previous administration’s Activity Test that mandated parental work or study for benefits beyond minimal levels.

    Education Minister Jason Clare framed the policy as fundamental educational equity, stating: “No one blinks when you say every child has a right to go to school. The same has got to be true for early education.” The reforms are projected to extend subsidized learning access to approximately 100,000 additional families nationwide.

    The $430 million four-year commitment preserves additional provisions for vulnerable demographics: families caring for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children, those demonstrating 48+ hours fortnightly participation, or those qualifying for medical/disability exemptions remain eligible for 100 hours of fortnightly subsidized care per child.

    Complementing this initiative, the government has pledged $1 billion to the Building Early Education Fund targeting “childcare deserts”—predominantly remote and regional areas lacking adequate facilities. Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh emphasized geographic and socioeconomic equity, noting the reforms prevent exclusion “based on parents’ work or study activity.”

    This policy transformation occurs amid heightened national scrutiny of childcare safety standards following recent abuse allegations, prompting parallel reforms including a National Educator Register. Treasurer Jim Chalmers characterized the investment as fulfilling election commitments through budgetary reallocation, asserting the government prioritized “things that matter most” by redirecting savings from reduced “wasteful spending.”

  • Chinese capital declares major victory against air pollution

    Chinese capital declares major victory against air pollution

    Beijing has announced a monumental environmental turnaround, declaring near-elimination of heavy air pollution following a decade-long campaign. Official data released Sunday by the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau reveals the capital experienced merely one day of heavy pollution throughout 2025—a dramatic 98.3% decrease from the 58 heavily polluted days recorded in 2013.

    The watershed achievement extends to particulate matter levels, with the city’s annual average PM2.5 concentration dropping to 27.0 micrograms per cubic meter. This marks the first time Beijing’s fine particulate pollution has dipped below the 30-microgram threshold since systematic monitoring began.

    The transformation represents a stunning reversal from 2013, when Beijing’s air quality reached crisis levels with PM2.5 concentrations averaging 89.5 micrograms per cubic meter. During that period, suffocating smog episodes regularly blanketed the city, posing substantial public health risks and challenging urban development.

    Authorities attribute this environmental success to the comprehensive ‘Blue Sky Defense War’ initiative—an unprecedented multi-year program implementing stringent emissions controls, industrial restructuring, energy transition measures, and enhanced environmental regulations. The systematic approach targeted pollution sources across transportation, manufacturing, energy production, and construction sectors.

    This air quality milestone positions Beijing among the few megacities globally to achieve such rapid pollution reduction, setting a benchmark for urban environmental governance and demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated policy action against atmospheric pollution.

  • Police identify 16 more victims of Swiss bar fire

    Police identify 16 more victims of Swiss bar fire

    Authorities in Switzerland have confirmed the identities of 16 additional victims from the catastrophic New Year’s fire at Le Constellation bar in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana. The latest identifications reveal the youngest victim was a 14-year-old Swiss girl, with nine of the deceased being under 18 years old. The multinational group includes citizens from Switzerland, Italy, Romania, Turkey, and France.

    This development brings the total number of identified fatalities to 24, with eight Swiss victims having been identified and returned to their families on Saturday. All eight were aged between 16 and 24, according to official statements.

    The death toll from the devastating incident stands at least 40 people, with an additional 119 injured. Many victims and those still considered missing are teenagers, reflecting the bar’s popularity with the resort’s younger crowd where the legal drinking age is 16.

    A criminal investigation is underway targeting the bar’s French owners, identified in media reports as Jacques and Jessica Moretti. They face potential charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence, according to the Valais regional prosecutor’s office.

    Preliminary investigations indicate the fire likely originated from sparklers on bottles being carried too close to the ceiling during New Year’s celebrations. Video evidence from inside the venue appears to capture the moment the ceiling covering ignited.

    Lead prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed investigators are examining whether the acoustic foam installed on the ceiling was compliant with regulations and potentially contributed to the rapid spread of flames.

    The identification process has been painstakingly slow due to the severity of burns suffered by many victims, as noted by Italian ambassador to Switzerland Gian Lorenzo Cornado.

    Among those potentially affected is Charlotte Niddam, a teenager who previously attended two schools in the United Kingdom—Immanuel College in Hertfordshire and the Jewish Free School in northwest London. Italian media has identified 16-year-old junior golfer Emanuele Galeppini as one of the confirmed victims, with the Italian Golf Federation paying tribute to the ‘young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values.’

    Police have stated they will not release further details about identified victims out of respect for their grieving families.

  • Wicked composer latest to cancel Kennedy Center gig after Trump name change

    Wicked composer latest to cancel Kennedy Center gig after Trump name change

    A significant cultural protest is unfolding at Washington’s premier performing arts venue as renowned composer Stephen Schwartz publicly withdraws from participation following the Kennedy Center’s controversial decision to incorporate former President Donald Trump’s name into its official title. The Oscar and Grammy-winning creator of the musical ‘Wicked’ declared his position through an official statement, emphasizing that performing at the institution now constitutes an ideological stance he cannot endorse.

    The controversy emerged when the center’s board, predominantly composed of Trump appointees, voted to redesignate the venue as ‘The Donald J Trump and the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.’ This administrative change prompted immediate backlash from the artistic community, with Schwartz becoming the latest prominent figure to distance himself from the institution.

    Schwartz revealed to BBC that while he had initially agreed to participate in a May gala event upon invitation from the Washington National Opera’s artistic director in late 2024, communication had ceased since February 2025. He learned about the event’s scheduling through media inquiries rather than official channels, discovering his name had been listed without his confirmed participation.

    Center President Richard Grenell contested Schwartz’s account on social media platform X, denouncing reports as ‘totally bogus’ and asserting that no formal agreement existed with the composer. Grenell criticized what he termed ‘woke high school reporters’ for propagating what he characterized as misinformation.

    The composer’s withdrawal follows similar actions by other performing artists. The Cookers jazz ensemble canceled their scheduled New Year’s Eve performances, while Doug Varone and Dancers revoked their April shows explicitly citing the name change as their reason. Earlier, percussionist Chuck Redd terminated his annual Christmas Eve performance tradition dating back to 2006.

    Grenell responded to the cancellations by labeling them ‘a form of derangement syndrome’ and threatened legal action seeking substantial financial damages against withdrawing artists, including a specific $1 million claim against one performer.

    The renaming decision has sparked constitutional debates, with legal scholars and US lawmakers noting that the center’s original 1964 naming occurred through congressional legislation, potentially requiring legislative approval for any official name change. Members of the Kennedy family have voiced strong opposition, with Joe Kennedy III—former Congressman and presidential grandnephew—comparing the action to attempting to rename the Lincoln Memorial, emphasizing its status as a federally designated memorial to his assassinated relative.

  • UAE sees sharp rise in women applying for visas, almost half of total travellers in 2025

    UAE sees sharp rise in women applying for visas, almost half of total travellers in 2025

    The United Arab Emirates is witnessing a remarkable demographic shift in its visitor and resident population, with women comprising nearly half of all visa applicants in 2025. This surge represents a significant transformation in global mobility patterns and gender dynamics in international travel.

    Recent statistics reveal a dramatic increase in female visa applications, jumping from 34.5% in 2024 to 45.5% in 2025, while male applicants decreased from 65.5% to 54.4% during the same period. This trend reflects broader societal changes including increased financial independence among women and the UAE’s reputation as a secure destination.

    Anastasia Yanchenko, CEO of The Visa Services Agency, notes that contemporary female travel extends beyond tourism. ‘For many women today—particularly influencers, entrepreneurs, and content creators—travel constitutes an essential component of their professional development and personal growth,’ she explained.

    The phenomenon extends beyond temporary visits, with growing numbers of women establishing long-term careers in the UAE. Mohammed Safeer, General Manager of Smart Travels, observes that many women are relocating independently without family accompaniment, seeking either employment opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures.

    Firose Khan, CEO of Arabian Business, highlights the diversification in geographic origins: ‘While previously most single female job seekers came from Asian countries, we now observe women from across the globe selecting the UAE as their preferred career launchpad.’

    Experts identify multiple factors driving this trend, with safety considerations paramount. The UAE’s secure environment particularly appeals to solo female travelers. Additionally, the emergence of purpose-driven travel—including wellness retreats and professional development journeys—aligns with contemporary preferences.

    Generation Z’s evolving attitudes further contribute to this demographic shift. Young, ambitious women increasingly prioritize career advancement, finding the UAE’s professional landscape particularly conducive to growth. The nation’s robust infrastructure, extensive international corporate presence, and supportive environment for entrepreneurs create unparalleled opportunities for female professionals seeking to establish their careers in a dynamic, secure setting.

  • Hundreds march in silence to honor victims of Swiss bar fire that left 40 dead

    Hundreds march in silence to honor victims of Swiss bar fire that left 40 dead

    CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — The Alpine resort of Crans-Montana stood in solemn unity Sunday as hundreds participated in a silent procession to honor the victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured.

    Mourners gathered for a multilingual Mass at Chapelle Saint-Christophe, where somber attendees with reddened eyes filed out to organ music. The service addressed the ‘terrible uncertainty’ facing families, many still awaiting identification of their loved ones. Following the service, participants joined a dense, snaking procession through the town, carrying flower bouquets past shuttered stores in bright sunlight.

    At the bar site—now shielded by white screens—the swelling crowd maintained near-total silence before breaking into sustained, gloved applause. Mourners created a makeshift memorial piled with flowers, stuffed animals, and tributes. ‘We are going through a moment of crushing darkness but we are going through it together,’ one speaker acknowledged.

    The victims predominantly ranged from teens to mid-20s, with Swiss authorities having identified 24 fatalities by Sunday. The confirmed dead include 18 Swiss citizens (aged 14-31), two 16-year-old Italians, one dual Italian-Emirati citizen (16), an 18-year-old Romanian, a 39-year-old French citizen, and an 18-year-old Turkish national.

    Identification efforts continue with forensic teams using DNA analysis due to the severity of burns. The emotional toll was embodied by Laetitia Brodard, who confirmed her 16-year-old son Arthur among the deceased after a frantic search. ‘Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise,’ she shared in a heartfelt Facebook message.

    Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers for involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire. Preliminary findings suggest sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the ceiling of the crowded bar around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. Investigators are examining whether sound-dampening materials complied with regulations and whether safety measures including fire extinguishers and escape routes were adequate.

    International support has emerged with 17 patients transferred to France among 35 total transferred to five European nations. Swiss President Guy Parmelin has announced a national day of mourning for January 9.

  • Brigitte Bardot Foundation issues warning about scam memorabilia

    Brigitte Bardot Foundation issues warning about scam memorabilia

    The Brigitte Bardot Foundation has issued an urgent public warning regarding fraudulent merchandise campaigns exploiting the recent passing of the iconic French actress. Following Bardot’s death at age 91 last Sunday, the animal welfare charity she established reported a surge of unauthorized online schemes falsely claiming to benefit their cause.

    The organization identified widespread ‘crude fabrications’ circulating across digital platforms, including artificially generated imagery and unauthorized photographs depicting Bardot in fabricated scenarios. These illicit operations allegedly promise proceeds to support animal welfare initiatives but operate without Foundation endorsement or oversight.

    ‘These vulgar and despicable attempts to exploit her legacy constitute illicit offers and sales,’ the Foundation stated Saturday, threatening legal action against perpetrators. The organization specifically emphasized the disrespect such activities show toward preserving the memory of the deceased cultural icon.

    Bardot’s transition from international film sensation to animal rights activism defined her later decades. After revolutionizing 1950s cinema with nearly 50 films including ‘And God Created Woman’ and ‘Contempt,’ she abandoned Hollywood at age 39 to dedicate herself entirely to animal welfare, establishing her foundation in 1986.

    Despite her philanthropic work, Bardot’s legacy remains complex due to multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred through controversial statements about Muslims, gay communities, and the #MeToo movement.

    French President Emmanuel Macron led national tributes, recognizing Bardot as ‘a legend of the century’ who embodied French cultural identity through her films, style, and eventual representation as Marianne—the national symbol of France.

    The Foundation confirmed Bardot will receive a private, ‘no frills’ burial Wednesday in Saint-Tropez, reflecting her straightforward approach to life. The ceremony will occur in a cemetery overlooking her Mediterranean home, where she resided for decades.

  • Rocket launches boost aerospace-themed tourism in Hainan’s Wenchang

    Rocket launches boost aerospace-themed tourism in Hainan’s Wenchang

    The coastal city of Wenchang in Hainan Province has transformed into a thriving hub for space-themed tourism, driven by an unprecedented frequency of rocket launches from its advanced space facilities. This remarkable development showcases how technological advancement is catalyzing economic and tourism growth in the region.

    At the heart of this transformation lies the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, China’s first independently designed and constructed green, eco-friendly modern spaceport. This state-of-the-art facility features two all-weather, multi-directional launch pads specifically engineered to handle heavy payload missions with exceptional reliability.

    Complementing this national asset is China’s pioneering commercial aerospace launch site, also located in Wenchang, which has achieved remarkable milestones since its inaugural launch in November 2024. The commercial facility has successfully deployed over 90 satellites into their planned orbits, demonstrating both technical proficiency and operational consistency.

    This regular launch schedule has generated substantial tourism interest, with specially constructed rocket-viewing platforms attracting thousands of spectators for each launch event. Visitors flock to witness the spectacular ascent of rockets against Hainan’s tropical backdrop, creating a unique tourism experience that combines scientific fascination with natural beauty.

    The aerospace tourism boom has stimulated comprehensive development of supporting infrastructure, including space-themed homestays, restaurants, and cafes that capitalize on the breathtaking scenic views. Local businesses have creatively integrated space motifs into their offerings, providing visitors with immersive experiences that extend beyond the launch events themselves.

    This symbiotic relationship between space technology and tourism represents an innovative economic model where cutting-edge scientific advancement drives sustainable tourism development, positioning Wenchang as a distinctive destination that merges educational value with entertainment.

  • NSW Police suspend search for two swimmers missing from Sydney over New Years

    NSW Police suspend search for two swimmers missing from Sydney over New Years

    Marine rescue operations in Sydney have been officially suspended for two individuals who disappeared in separate maritime incidents during the New Year’s celebrations, marking a devastating start to 2024. The series of tragedies began on New Year’s Eve when emergency services responded to Palm Beach following reports of a capsized vessel near Barrenjoey Headland. While Surf Life Saving personnel successfully retrieved a 47-year-old man who subsequently died at the scene, and a helicopter rescue team saved a 45-year-old man who had climbed onto nearby rocks, a 16-year-old passenger remained unaccounted for despite intensive search efforts.

    In a separate incident on January 1st, a 22-year-old man encountered difficulties while swimming at Coogee Beach approximately at 6:00 AM. Multiple agencies including NSW Police Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW, and Randwick City Council conducted comprehensive land and sea searches throughout the day, yet were unable to locate the missing individual.

    Authorities have confirmed that both search operations have now been suspended, though the NSW Police Marine Area Command will maintain patrols around Barrenjoey Headland, while Eastern Beaches Police Area Command will continue land surveillance at Coogee until further notice.

    These incidents contributed to a tragic toll of three confirmed drowning deaths across NSW beaches during the holiday period. Additional fatalities included a 25-year-old woman discovered at Maroubra Beach and a 45-year-old woman who drowned at Dunbogan Beach near Port Macquarie on the previous Thursday.

    Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce characterized the events as a ‘terrible’ commencement to the new year, noting that statistical trends indicate triple the likelihood of drowning incidents during this period compared to other times throughout the year. The organization had anticipated heightened operational demands based on historical data indicating increased water-related accidents during holiday celebrations.