Global Pulse

分类： society

  • 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.

  • Dreading going back to work? How to ease the post-Christmas return

    Dreading going back to work? How to ease the post-Christmas return

    As the final weekend of Christmas break concludes, millions face the psychological challenge of transitioning back to workplace routines after extended time off. This period often triggers what psychologists term ‘Sunday blues’—a phenomenon characterized by anticipatory stress, reluctance, and low energy despite official time off ending.

    Executive coach Beth Hope explains this response stems from the brain’s tendency to predict Monday’s demands and activate stress responses prematurely. ‘The key isn’t finding motivation but constructing a gentle bridge between weekend and work modes,’ Hope emphasizes. Her evidence-based strategies include planning Monday’s priorities on Friday afternoon to create clear starting points, maintaining screen-free Sunday evenings to reduce overstimulation, and avoiding the temptation of ‘soft launches’ into work through email checking.

    Wellness coach Denise Byrne identifies January as a critical reset period for addressing deeper workplace integration challenges. ‘The core issue often isn’t motivation but systemic overload,’ Byrne notes. Her three-part framework recommends: time auditing to identify productivity leaks and unproductive patterns; energy mapping to recognize draining tasks and conversations; and intentional structuring through time-blocking and task batching to reduce decision fatigue.

    Practical implementation comes from Lesley Cooper, a consultancy CEO who acknowledges the inevitability of post-holiday reluctance. Her approach combines deliberate rituals—consistent sleep schedules, proper nutrition, and hydration—with strategic work re-entry techniques. These include setting meaningfully small, achievable initial tasks to generate accomplishment momentum and scheduling human connection time before diving into task-oriented work.

    Neuroscience supports these methods: writing down circulating thoughts and worries before bed helps externalize mental clutter, reducing the brain’s need for repetitive rehearsal and improving sleep quality. For those struggling beyond Monday morning, experts reframe January as a transitional reset period rather than a productivity failure, emphasizing structured systems that create freedom rather than restriction.

  • Swiss investigate bar managers after deadly New Year’s blaze

    Swiss investigate bar managers after deadly New Year’s blaze

    Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation against the managers of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana following a catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the French couple who owned and operated the popular alpine establishment, now face charges of negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson.

    The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of January 1st when celebratory sparklers attached to champagne bottles allegedly ignited highly flammable soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling. Security footage circulating on social media shows the rapid propagation of flames across the low wooden ceiling as unsuspecting revelers continued dancing before panic ensued.

    Wallis Chief Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed that safety compliance constitutes a central focus of the investigation. While the bar owners maintain that all safety regulations were properly followed, preliminary findings suggest the foam’s extreme flammability potentially caused a flashover—a near-instantaneous combustion of all materials within the enclosed space.

    The human toll continues to emerge with police identifying eight Swiss nationals among the deceased, all under age 24 including two sixteen-year-olds. Italian authorities have confirmed three citizens perished in the blaze, reflecting the resort’s international clientele. Six injured individuals remain unidentified as forensic teams work to establish complete victim identification.

    Switzerland has declared January 9th a national day of mourning, with church bells scheduled to ring across the nation followed by a moment of silence. Psychological support teams from multiple countries have mobilized to assist survivors and grieving families, while makeshift memorials overflow with floral tributes and messages of solidarity near the charred remains of the establishment.

  • ‘Calculated collision’: How Sharjah police rescued driver from cruise control failure

    ‘Calculated collision’: How Sharjah police rescued driver from cruise control failure

    Sharjah Police demonstrated exceptional emergency response capabilities on Friday afternoon by successfully rescuing a motorist experiencing critical cruise control failure. The incident occurred when the driver reported complete loss of speed control while traveling at 80 km/h from Ahmed Bin Hadid Roundabout toward Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.

    At precisely 3:11 PM, the Operations Room received the distress call from the driver who found himself unable to disengage the malfunctioning cruise control system. Immediate deployment of the nearest traffic patrol initiated a carefully orchestrated rescue operation.

    According to Lieutenant Colonel Marzouq Khalfan Al-Naqbi, Director of the Patrols Department, officers executed a precisely calculated intervention strategy. The patrol vehicle positioned itself ahead of the disabled car, maintaining consistent speed before initiating a controlled, minimal-impact collision. This tactical maneuver successfully reduced the vehicle’s velocity and disengaged the cruise control system without causing injuries or significant damage.

    The operation followed established safety protocols that prioritize occupant protection and road safety. Police authorities emphasized the importance of proper emergency procedures during such technical failures, recommending drivers maintain steering control, activate hazard lights, attempt system cancellation through stop buttons, and gradually apply brakes if possible. Most critically, authorities stressed the necessity of immediately contacting emergency services at 999 for professional assistance rather than attempting risky self-resolution measures.

  • Thick fog at Dubai’s Half Desert turns camping nights into rare, unreal experiences

    Thick fog at Dubai’s Half Desert turns camping nights into rare, unreal experiences

    An extraordinary meteorological event transformed Dubai’s Half Desert into an ethereal landscape as unusually dense fog enveloped the region in the early hours of January 3, 2026. What began as a typical clear night for desert campers rapidly evolved into a rare atmospheric phenomenon that reduced visibility to near-zero conditions, creating both magical experiences and significant travel challenges.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the fog system began developing around 1:30 AM, gradually obscuring sand dunes and access roads with an impenetrable white blanket. Mohammed Ardashir, an Iranian resident camping with friends, described the surreal transformation: ‘The desert appeared completely enveloped in clouds. We could scarcely see the adjacent tents, creating an almost supernatural atmosphere that defied our typical desert expectations.’

    While some adventurers embraced the unusual conditions as a unique natural spectacle, others prioritized safety considerations. Mantuf Khan and his camping group made the cautious decision to depart around 4:30 AM, navigating desert roads at reduced speeds below 30 km/h with hazard lights activated. ‘The driving conditions became exceptionally challenging with virtually no visibility beyond our immediate vicinity,’ Khan reported. ‘All vehicles maintained extended following distances and extreme caution.’

    Local desert caretaker Shahnawaz Khan provided meteorological context, noting that such dense fog formations represent characteristic winter weather patterns typically occurring during December and January. However, the intensity and duration of this particular event distinguished it from ordinary seasonal occurrences, potentially persisting throughout the weekend according to historical weather patterns.

    The phenomenon generated contrasting responses among desert visitors. Those who remained described an exceptionally tranquil environment where the typical auditory landscape became muffled and transformed. The experience of observing fog movement around traditional camping arrangements while consuming warm beverages created unexpectedly peaceful moments despite the unusual circumstances.

    This event highlights the dynamic intersection between desert tourism and natural weather variability in the UAE region, demonstrating how environmental conditions can rapidly alter recreational experiences while emphasizing the importance of safety preparedness during winter camping expeditions.

  • Hatta Police honour Dubai Municipality worker for returning tourist’s bag carrying passport

    Hatta Police honour Dubai Municipality worker for returning tourist’s bag carrying passport

    In a notable ceremony at Hatta Police Station, Dubai Municipality employee Mohammad Khan received formal recognition for his exemplary display of honesty and civic responsibility. The honor came after Khan discovered a tourist’s bag containing crucial personal documents, including a passport, and immediately turned it over to local authorities.

    Colonel Ali Obaid Al Buduwai, Director of Hatta Police Station, personally presented the commendation, highlighting how Khan’s actions reflect the deep-seated moral and humanitarian values prevalent within the UAE community. Colonel Al Buduwai emphasized that such responsible conduct and strong ethical principles significantly contribute to the nation’s renowned reputation for safety and social cohesion.

    The recovered belongings were swiftly returned to their grateful owner, who expressed profound appreciation for the efficient recovery of his passport and other important documents. The tourist specifically praised the outstanding levels of safety and security experienced throughout the UAE, noting that the incident reinforced his positive perception of the country.

    This public honoring ceremony aligns with broader national efforts to promote and incentivize positive social behavior. By recognizing acts of integrity, UAE authorities aim to strengthen community bonds, foster a culture of mutual trust, and reinforce the country’s international image as a secure and principled destination for global visitors. The incident serves as a testament to the collaborative relationship between the UAE’s civil servants and its law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order and upholding societal values.

  • China’s railways see New Year holiday return passenger flow peak

    China’s railways see New Year holiday return passenger flow peak

    China’s extensive railway system experienced a significant surge in return passenger traffic on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, marking the conclusion of the New Year holiday period. According to official data released by China State Railway Group Co Ltd, the national rail network prepared to accommodate approximately 17.45 million passenger journeys on the final day of the holiday break.

    In response to the substantial travel demand, railway authorities implemented enhanced operational measures, scheduling an additional 1,343 passenger trains to ensure efficient transportation services nationwide. The strategic deployment of extra capacity aimed to facilitate smooth travel experiences for millions of citizens returning from their holiday destinations.

    Geographical analysis of passenger flow patterns identified Guangzhou, Beijing, and Chengdu as primary departure hubs, while Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai emerged as the most frequented destination cities. This bidirectional traffic pattern reflects the extensive interregional mobility characteristic of China’s major holiday periods.

    The preceding day, Friday January 2nd, already demonstrated substantial transportation activity with railways processing over 12 million passenger trips nationwide. The 2026 New Year holiday period officially spanned from Thursday December 31st, 2025 through Saturday January 3rd, 2026, creating a concentrated three-day window for holiday travel and family reunions across the country.

    China’s railway management continues to demonstrate remarkable operational capability in managing these periodic mass migration events, which represent some of the largest organized human movements globally. The efficient handling of such substantial passenger volumes underscores the advanced logistical planning and infrastructure development within China’s transportation sector.

  • Deadly Swiss bar blaze brings safety set-up under scrutiny; investigation continues

    Deadly Swiss bar blaze brings safety set-up under scrutiny; investigation continues

    A devastating New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss alpine resort of Crans-Montana has claimed at least 40 lives, triggering intense scrutiny of safety protocols and construction materials. Criminal investigators have identified sparkling champagne candles held dangerously close to the ceiling as the probable ignition source, with highly flammable acoustic foam accelerating the rapid spread of flames throughout the basement venue.

    Valais canton chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud confirmed preliminary findings indicate the sparklers’ proximity to ceiling materials initiated an exceptionally fast-moving blaze that overwhelmed patrons. The foam soundproofing installation, intended for noise reduction, potentially violated fire safety standards and contributed to the tragedy’s severity.

    Forensic teams face prolonged identification processes due to the extreme condition of victims, with only Italian golfer Emanuele Galeppini officially identified thus far. Evidence suggests numerous victims were minors, exploiting Switzerland’s legal drinking age of 16 for beer and wine.

    Contradictions emerge regarding compliance records as owner Jacques Moretti claims three successful inspections over the past decade, while Valais security director Stephane Ganzer acknowledges uncertainty about recent annual building inspections. The municipality had previously raised no safety concerns with cantonal authorities.

    The community continues mourning with memorial gatherings near the cordoned-off establishment. Survivor accounts reveal the human toll, including Ashley Hauri’s testimony of six former colleagues caught in the blaze, with four currently missing and two hospitalized.

    Ongoing criminal investigations will determine potential liability while national authorities reevaluate fire safety regulations for entertainment venues nationwide.

  • Another Nanjing massacre survivor dies, only 22 remain

    Another Nanjing massacre survivor dies, only 22 remain

    The community of surviving witnesses to one of World War II’s most horrific atrocities continues to diminish with the passing of Xu Deming at age 96. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders confirmed his death on Friday, reducing the number of officially registered survivors to just 22.

    The Nanjing Massacre represents one of the darkest chapters in modern history, occurring after Imperial Japanese forces captured China’s capital on December 13, 1937. During six weeks of systematic violence, approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were brutally slaughtered in an episode that shocked the world with its sheer barbarity.

    Xu Deming’s personal testimony, preserved through historical records, recounted the traumatic events his family endured: ‘Japanese invaders stormed into our home and seized my father. They transported him to Shuiximen and subsequently to the Qingliang Mountain area for mass execution. Although we received information about his whereabouts from a witness, we never recovered his remains.’ The then-54-year-old father’s disappearance left the family struggling for survival in refugee camps with severe food shortages.

    This declining population of firsthand witnesses has prompted China to implement extensive preservation efforts. In 2014, the National People’s Congress established December 13 as an official memorial day for the massacre victims. The Chinese government has meticulously documented survivor accounts through written transcripts and video recordings, creating an extensive archival repository. These historically significant materials gained international recognition in 2015 when they were inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, ensuring the atrocities are never forgotten despite the passing of those who witnessed them.

  • Conservationists in Kenya pay tribute to beloved ‘super tusker’ elephant Craig, who died at age 54

    Conservationists in Kenya pay tribute to beloved ‘super tusker’ elephant Craig, who died at age 54

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is grieving the passing of Craig, a renowned ‘super tusker’ elephant whose remarkable life became an emblem of the nation’s thriving conservation achievements. The 54-year-old bull elephant, celebrated for his extraordinary ground-sweeping tusks and serene demeanor, died naturally on Saturday within Amboseli National Park.

    Craig represented one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers—bull elephants whose tusks exceed 45 kilograms each, often touching the ground as they walk. His presence in Amboseli, a biodiverse park near the Tanzania border, drew both tourists and conservationists, offering a living testament to Kenya’s anti-poaching successes.

    The Kenya Wildlife Service commemorated Craig as a calm and dignified presence, often pausing patiently for photographs. In 2021, he was symbolically adopted by East African Breweries under its Tusker brand, highlighting collaborative efforts between corporations and conservation groups.

    Kenya’s elephant population has shown significant growth, increasing from 36,280 in 2021 to 42,072 in 2025. This success has occasionally led to overpopulation in reserves like Mwea, where ecosystems became overwhelmed, necessitating the relocation of 100 elephants in 2024.

    Craig leaves behind a genetic legacy, having fathered multiple calves. His death marks the end of an era but reinforces the importance of continued wildlife protection efforts in East Africa.