Global Pulse

分类： society

  • 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.

  • Look: Thick fog spreads across Dubai as red alert issued; NCM shares safety guidelines

    Look: Thick fog spreads across Dubai as red alert issued; NCM shares safety guidelines

    The United Arab Emirates experienced severe fog conditions on January 3, 2026, prompting meteorological authorities to issue critical safety alerts. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) activated yellow and red fog warnings from midnight until 10:00 AM across multiple regions, with particularly dense formations reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    In response to the hazardous driving conditions characterized by dramatically reduced visibility, Abu Dhabi Police implemented temporary speed restrictions on Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, reducing the maximum permitted speed from 100 km/h to 80 km/h. The precautionary measure aimed to enhance road safety during the challenging weather phenomenon.

    The NCM disseminated comprehensive safety protocols for motorists navigating the fog-affected areas. Key recommendations included strict adherence to posted speed limits, maintaining increased following distances between vehicles, refraining from using hazard lights while in motion, and remaining within designated travel lanes. Authorities emphasized the importance of obtaining weather information exclusively through official channels and discouraged the circulation of unverified reports.

    Meteorological data indicated temperature ranges of 15-24°C for Abu Dhabi and 13-24°C for Dubai during the fog event. The phenomenon created surreal visual conditions where streetlights diffused through the thick mist and vehicles emerged suddenly from the obscuring fog bank, necessitating extreme caution from all road users.

    This weather event followed similar fog conditions reported on January 2, indicating a pattern of reduced visibility during early morning hours in the winter season. The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric conditions and provide timely updates to ensure public safety.

  • Craig the beer-ambassador elephant dies aged 54

    Craig the beer-ambassador elephant dies aged 54

    Kenya’s conservation community mourns the loss of Craig, one of Africa’s most magnificent elephant icons who passed away peacefully at Amboseli National Park on Saturday. The legendary bull elephant, renowned for his extraordinary tusks and remarkably calm demeanor, reached the impressive age of 54 before succumbing to natural causes.

    Conservationists from the Amboseli Trust for Elephants confirmed the gentle giant’s passing, noting that Craig had recently celebrated his 54th birthday. The organization’s farewell tribute highlighted his long, productive life and likely legacy as father to numerous calves within the Amboseli ecosystem.

    Craig belonged to an exceptionally rare class of pachyderms known as ‘super tuskers’—bull elephants whose tusks each exceed 45 kilograms (100 pounds) in weight. Wildlife experts estimate fewer than a handful of these magnificent specimens remain across the African continent today, making Craig’s presence a living monument to Africa’s natural heritage.

    Beyond his conservation significance, Craig achieved celebrity status as a major tourist attraction in the park bordering Tanzania. His fame transcended wildlife circles when he was named brand ambassador for Kenya’s popular Tusker lager in 2021—a fitting tribute given the brand’s elephantine namesake.

    The Kenya Wildlife Service commemorated Craig as an icon of successful conservation efforts, noting his remarkably patient nature with visitors who frequently photographed and filmed him. Officials emphasized that his peaceful passing resulted from dedicated protection efforts that allowed him to live out his full natural lifespan.

    Craig’s legacy coincides with Kenya’s thriving tourism industry, which attracted over two million visitors last year seeking wildlife experiences in the country’s world-renowned national parks. The sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy, accounting for approximately 10% of the national GDP according to official statistics.

  • Police identify first four victims of Swiss ski resort fire

    Police identify first four victims of Swiss ski resort fire

    Swiss authorities have successfully identified the first four victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire that ravaged Le Constellation bar in the popular Crans-Montana ski resort. The deceased include two Swiss women aged 21 and 16, along with two Swiss men aged 18 and 16, whose remains have been returned to their grieving families following extensive forensic examination.

    Valais cantonal police confirmed that meticulous work by officers and the Institute of Forensic Medicine enabled these initial identifications, while efforts continue to identify the remaining victims of the tragedy that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured. Many families now endure an agonizing wait for information about those still unaccounted for.

    Preliminary investigation findings indicate the blaze likely originated from sparklers on champagne bottles being carried excessively close to the ceiling. Swiss President Guy Parmelin has characterized the incident as “one of the worst tragedies” in the nation’s recent history.

    The establishment was particularly popular with younger visitors in the resort town where the legal drinking age is 16, explaining why many teenagers are among the casualties. Police have confirmed that 113 injured individuals have been identified, comprising 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French citizens, and 11 Italian nationals.

    While an Italian teenage golfer has been informally reported as the first named victim, both Swiss and Italian officials have yet to officially confirm this identification. Authorities have established a dedicated helpline (+41 848 112 117) for concerned families seeking information about the incident.

  • More than 100 shelter overnight in Japan shrine due to heavy snow

    More than 100 shelter overnight in Japan shrine due to heavy snow

    More than 100 visitors found themselves unexpectedly stranded overnight at a historic mountain shrine in Japan’s Saitama prefecture after heavy snowfall rendered access roads impassable. Approximately 130 individuals, including motorists from roughly 50 vehicles, sought refuge within the halls and lobbies of Mitsumine Shrine on Friday evening when local authorities closed surrounding routes due to hazardous winter conditions.

    The Chichibu government confirmed all stranded visitors remained in good health despite the unforeseen circumstances. The incident occurred as Japan experiences a significant cold front that has deposited up to 80 centimeters of snow in some regions over the past 72 hours, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

    Local police reported the road closures near Mitsumine Shrine were implemented following multiple weather-related incidents, including vehicles slipping on icy surfaces. The area has experienced temperatures plunging to -15°C alongside approximately 4cm of fresh snowfall, creating particularly dangerous travel conditions.

    Perched at 1,110 meters above sea level in the mountains near Chichibu, Mitsumine Shrine represents one of Japan’s significant Shinto centers, dedicated to the divine couple Izanami and Izanagi who feature prominently in Japanese creation mythology. The shrine’s history traces back to the 1st Century when it was reportedly established by Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō.

    Meteorological forecasts indicate the severe weather pattern will continue, with predictions of up to 40cm additional snowfall in some areas through Saturday. The incident highlights the challenges posed by Japan’s winter weather patterns even at popular cultural and religious sites.

  • UAE residents urged to write, register their wills in the country; here’s why

    UAE residents urged to write, register their wills in the country; here’s why

    Legal authorities across the United Arab Emirates are issuing urgent recommendations for residents to formalize their wills following groundbreaking reforms to the nation’s Civil Transactions Law. The updated legislation, enacted this week, introduces substantial modifications to inheritance protocols that significantly impact expatriate communities.

    Estate planning specialists emphasize that comprehensive will documentation serves as critical protection for families confronting unexpected circumstances. Mohammad Marria, Chief Executive Officer of Just Wills Consultant, emphasized that properly executed wills extend beyond real estate to encompass financial accounts, valuable possessions, vehicles, investment portfolios, and—most significantly—the legal guardianship of minor children.

    Saim Khan, legal associate at BSA Law, detailed the practical advantages: “A formally registered will substantially decreases probate delays, mitigates asset freezing risks, prevents unintended default distributions, enables parental designation of guardians for minors, and facilitates streamlined execution across banking institutions, land departments, and judicial courts throughout the UAE.”

    Current inheritance regulations stipulate that non-Muslim expatriates dying without valid wills undergo equal estate division between surviving spouses and children under the UAE civil personal status framework. Without immediate family members, assets transfer to parents or siblings. Notably, recent legal amendments specify that financial assets belonging to heirless expatriates will be designated as charitable endowments under supervisory authority management.

    Legal experts highlight severe consequences of inadequate planning. Khan warned: “Without locally registered wills, UAE banking accounts—including jointly held accounts—typically face immediate freezing upon death pending court orders and liability clearance, a process often requiring months. Guardianship determinations for minor children then fall to judicial courts, potentially implementing interim arrangements contrary to parental preferences.”

    The UAE provides multiple registration avenues: the DIFC Wills Service Centre (serving primarily non-Muslims with common-law procedures), the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (onshore digital platform with nationwide validity), and the Dubai Courts’ notary system (offering cost-effective Arabic or bilingual documentation). Each system maintains distinct procedures, language requirements, and cost structures while delivering legally enforceable probate mechanisms.

    Expatriates are advised to explicitly define their will’s jurisdictional scope, typically limiting coverage to UAE-based assets, while incorporating non-revocation clauses to prevent conflicts with foreign testamentary documents. Muslim residents remain subject to Shariah law governance for estate distribution, requiring Sharia-compliant wills and potential lifetime structural planning.

    Legal professionals conclude that well-designed, locally registered wills representing current circumstances provide the most effective safeguard against administrative delays, asset freezes, and distribution uncertainties for UAE residents.

  • UAE eateries phase out prohibited items as single-use plastic ban comes into force

    UAE eateries phase out prohibited items as single-use plastic ban comes into force

    Food establishments across the United Arab Emirates have proactively embraced sustainable alternatives ahead of the January 1, 2026 implementation of the second phase of the nation’s single-use plastic ban. Numerous restaurants and cafeterias began phasing out prohibited items months in advance, demonstrating widespread compliance with environmental regulations.

    Multiple food service providers informed Khaleej Times about their strategic transition planning, with some ceasing orders for single-use plastic products as early as November 2025 after depleting existing inventories. Sooq Al Shay cafeteria management explained their forward-thinking approach: “Anticipating the regulatory change, we deliberately avoided restocking foam cups, plastic utensils, and straws to prevent inventory obsolescence.”

    The industry-wide shift has seen traditional plastic replaced with paper-based drinking vessels, wooden cutlery, and reusable serving options for dine-in patrons. Takeaway services have adopted compliant food-grade containers, while plastic carrier bags have been substituted with sturdier, regulation-compliant alternatives.

    Al Faizeen cafeteria representative Sharique Khan acknowledged initial cost adjustments but noted positive customer reception: “Patrons have not only accepted but appreciated our early elimination of plastic usage.” The extended transition period allowed establishments to thoroughly adapt operations, train staff, and evaluate alternative suppliers without operational pressure.

    Desi Biryani in Sharjah exemplifies this transformation, having eliminated plastic from daily operations. Their delivery service now utilizes approved packaging solutions, with a restaurant representative noting: “We proactively transitioned to box-based packaging and eliminated plastic bags well ahead of the deadline.”

    Market dynamics have facilitated this shift, with suppliers increasingly offering sustainable alternatives as plastic demand declined. Customer adaptation has progressed remarkably, with Sharjah resident Syed Aamer observing: “The absence of plastic cutlery and bags has become normalized. Non-plastic packaging no longer feels unusual.”

    This comprehensive ban stems from 2022’s Ministerial Decision No. 380, designed to reduce pollution from disposable products while promoting sustainability and circular economic principles. The policy framework was further reinforced through an executive council resolution endorsed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, regulating single-use products throughout the emirate.

  • Shandong apple pickers find new fame as influencers

    Shandong apple pickers find new fame as influencers

    In the mountainous orchards of Zhongzhuang township, Zibo city, a digital transformation is taking root alongside the apple trees. During peak harvest season, couples navigate through groves heavy with ripe fruit, but instead of traditional baskets, they carry smartphones and streaming equipment. These agricultural workers have embraced dual roles as both fruit growers and digital content creators, leveraging online platforms to revolutionize their sales approach.

    The regional government has actively fostered this evolution by establishing comprehensive support systems including e-commerce service centers and specialized training platforms. These initiatives guide local farmers in developing digital marketing skills and expanding their online commercial channels. Strategic partnerships have been formed with major e-commerce platforms, supermarket chains, and community group-buying services to create integrated sales networks.

    What distinguishes these agricultural influencers is their authentic approach: they conduct livestreams directly from the orchards, providing real-time demonstrations that allow consumers to virtually experience the apples’ growing environment. This transparency builds consumer confidence while showcasing product quality. The husband-and-wife teams particularly excel at creating engaging content that blends agricultural expertise with personal storytelling, making the fruit-buying experience both educational and entertaining.

    This innovative model represents a significant upgrade to traditional fruit industry practices, merging agricultural production with digital entrepreneurship. The success in Zhongzhuang township demonstrates how rural communities can leverage technology to create sustainable economic models while maintaining agricultural traditions.