Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Kolkata fire tragedy: Wow! Momo manager, deputy arrested; Modi announces compensation

    Kolkata fire tragedy: Wow! Momo manager, deputy arrested; Modi announces compensation

    In the aftermath of a devastating warehouse fire in Kolkata’s Anandpur area on January 26, 2026, significant developments have emerged regarding accountability and victim compensation. The blaze, which originated in a neighboring facility around 3 AM before spreading to Wow! Momo’s storage premises, resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous missing persons reports.

    Law enforcement authorities have intensified their investigation with the arrests of two additional suspects connected to the incident. Baruipur Police confirmed the detention of Manoranjan Sheet, the company manager, and Raja Chakraborty, the deputy manager. These apprehensions follow the earlier arrest of Gangadhar Das, owner of the adjacent Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse, who faces charges of criminal negligence resulting in death.

    The human toll has prompted substantial response from both governmental and corporate entities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced immediate financial assistance through the PM National Relief Fund, allocating ₹200,000 to families of deceased victims and ₹50,000 for injured individuals. The Prime Minister’s Office expressed profound sorrow regarding the incident, extending condolences to affected families.

    Wow! Momo has instituted an extensive support program for victims’ families, surpassing statutory requirements. The company has committed to providing ₹1 million lump-sum compensation per family, guaranteed lifetime monthly salary continuation, and comprehensive educational support for children who lost parents in the tragedy. Company representatives have personally met with all affected families to ensure transparent communication regarding these commitments.

    Forensic investigation continues with 21 DNA samples submitted for profiling, while police have registered 27 official missing persons reports related to the incident. The exact death toll remains unconfirmed as recovery and identification efforts persist.

    The restaurant chain’s official statement conveyed profound emotional impact, noting the fire “engulfed not only our men but our spirit too,” while pledging full cooperation with ongoing governmental investigations into the catastrophe’s causes.

  • Former Prince Andrew can’t escape Epstein’s shadow as new documents reveal details about friendship

    Former Prince Andrew can’t escape Epstein’s shadow as new documents reveal details about friendship

    LONDON — The British monarchy confronts renewed reputational damage as newly unsealed U.S. Justice Department documents expose troubling communications between Jeffrey Epstein and a correspondent identified as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew.

    The evidence, emerging from the Epstein investigation, includes explicit email exchanges showing Epstein’s invitation for a Buckingham Palace dinner, his offer to introduce the royal figure to a “26-year-old Russian, clever beautiful, trustworthy” woman, and controversial photographs depicting Andrew kneeling over an unidentified female with redacted features.

    This development follows King Charles III’s decisive action three months prior, when he stripped his brother of all royal titles and privileges in an effort to shield the institution from continuous scandal. The disgraced royal now operates simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, though the latest revelations further cement his status as a liability to the crown.

    Constitutional monarchy expert Craig Prescott of Royal Holloway, University of London, noted that the palace’s preemptive measures have likely contained the damage to Andrew personally rather than the institution itself. “They had to implement the nuclear option to clearly separate Andrew from the rest of the family,” Prescott stated, adding that subsequent disclosures appear to justify this severe approach.

    The correspondence, dating to August 2010 shortly after Epstein’s release from home detention, reveals disturbingly casual arrangements. In one exchange, ‘The Duke’ (then Andrew’s official title) enthusiastically accepts Epstein’s dinner proposition with the unknown Russian woman, asking only for “any other information you might know about her that might be useful to know.”

    Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond expressed astonishment at the security implications, questioning: “What was he thinking when Epstein offered him a 26-year-old Russian very beautiful lady to have dinner with? Was there no red light saying, ‘Oh my goodness, is this a security risk? Could she be a spy?’”

    Additional messages include Andrew’s invitation for Epstein to dine at Buckingham Palace with the promise of “lots of privacy,” to which Epstein simply replied “bp please.”

    The document release reinforces long-standing concerns about Andrew’s judgment regarding his association with Epstein, which began in 2008 when the financier pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. The relationship intensified in 2011 when Virginia Giuffre alleged Epstein trafficked her to Andrew while she was underage.

    Andrew has consistently denied all criminal allegations. His disastrous 2019 BBC interview, intended to quell controversy, instead amplified scrutiny through unconvincing explanations and apparent lack of empathy for Epstein’s victims.

    While the latest documents raise serious questions about conduct within elite circles, Prescott concludes that Andrew’s reputation has been irreparably damaged, leaving the palace with limited options for further sanction beyond the already implemented severance from royal duties.

  • ‘One big family’: Sheikh Mohammed praises community initiative for young entrepreneurs

    ‘One big family’: Sheikh Mohammed praises community initiative for young entrepreneurs

    Dubai’s vibrant community spirit and entrepreneurial ethos were celebrated through a special youth initiative that garnered high praise from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The heartwarming event, organized by the Lootah family, transformed a Muhaisnah neighborhood into a bustling marketplace exclusively operated by young entrepreneurs, many appearing under 15 years of age.

    The engaging community market featured children managing their own stalls with remarkable professionalism, offering diverse products ranging from handmade crafts and clothing to creatively packaged snacks and beverages. One ambitious young girl operated a fully-stocked stationery booth with artistic supplies, while another confidently served customers from her lemonade stand. Seasonal offerings included carefully prepared hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, alongside freshly baked cookies and confectioneries.

    Beyond commercial activities, the event fostered meaningful social connections as families strolled through the vibrant space, sampling products and encouraging the young vendors. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a display of classic and vintage cars that attracted admiration from both children and adults, creating a festive family-oriented environment.

    Sheikh Mohammed, sharing video footage of the event through his official channels, commended the initiative as exemplary in promoting interpersonal connections and neighborhood cohesion. He specifically called upon Dubai Municipality, the Department of Economy and Tourism, and Dubai Fargan to replicate such community-driven programs across the emirate, emphasizing their dual benefit in nurturing early entrepreneurial skills while strengthening family and community bonds. The ruler’s concluding statement, ‘We are one big family in Dubai,’ encapsulated the event’s overarching theme of unity and collective growth.

  • Watch: Frozen river hosts dance party in Kyiv

    Watch: Frozen river hosts dance party in Kyiv

    Amidst the harsh winter conditions and ongoing energy disruptions resulting from military attacks, the resilient citizens of Kyiv have discovered an extraordinary venue for communal joy: the frozen surface of the Dnipro River. This spontaneous ice-bound gathering represents a remarkable display of Ukrainian spirit in the face of adversity.

    With temperatures plunging below freezing and persistent power outages affecting daily life, Kyiv residents have transformed their challenges into opportunities for creative expression. The river, typically flowing through the Ukrainian capital, has become an unlikely dance floor where communities unite to share moments of lightheartedness and cultural solidarity.

    This unconventional celebration emerges as both a psychological response to prolonged stress and a demonstration of human adaptability. Participants bundled in winter clothing have been documented dancing to music played through portable speakers, their movements creating a powerful visual contrast against the winter landscape. The event has generated significant social media attention, with videos capturing the juxtaposition of joyful expression against the backdrop of ongoing difficulties.

    Local authorities have noted that such gatherings, while organic in nature, reflect the broader Ukrainian experience of maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion during challenging times. The frozen river phenomenon demonstrates how urban spaces can be reimagined during extraordinary circumstances, serving as testament to the enduring human capacity for finding light in darkness.

  • Mamdani’s mother Mira Nair named in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files

    Mamdani’s mother Mira Nair named in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files

    A massive trove of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department has revealed new connections between powerful figures and the network of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among the disclosures is evidence that filmmaker Mira Nair, mother of New York politician Zohran Mamdani, attended an exclusive afterparty hosted by Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell in 2009.

    The document release, comprising over three million pages of FBI records along with thousands of videos and images, occurred six weeks past its congressional deadline. The materials stem from the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated full public disclosure of all federal records related to Epstein’s case.

    A particularly revealing email from publicist Peggy Siegal, dated October 21, 2009, describes the gathering at Maxwell’s townhouse following the premiere of Nair’s film ‘Amelia.’ The message names former President Bill Clinton and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos among the attendees, while offering a critical assessment of the film’s reception.

    Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed concerns about potential cover-ups during a press conference, stating: ‘There’s this built-in assumption that somehow there’s this hidden tranche of information of men that we know about, that we’re covering up. That is not the case.’

    The documents also include correspondence between Epstein and billionaire Elon Musk discussing a potential visit to Epstein’s private island, as well as images showing various prominent figures socializing with the convicted sex offender.

    Notably, officials revealed that hundreds of lawyers reviewed the materials to protect victims’ identities, with all women except Maxwell being obscured in released visual materials. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking convictions.

    Epstein died in August 2019 in what was ruled a suicide while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, following a controversial 2008 plea deal that resulted in only 13 months of custody.

  • Rare story: How Sheikh Mohammed reacted to error ahead of Dubai Tram launch

    Rare story: How Sheikh Mohammed reacted to error ahead of Dubai Tram launch

    In a revealing account of leadership philosophy, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum demonstrated exceptional management approach when confronted with a pre-launch error in the emirate’s transport infrastructure. The incident, recounted by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), occurred just days before the 2014 inauguration of the Dubai Tram system.

    During final inspections on August 9, 2014, Al Tayer identified a significant design flaw in the tram configuration—the women and children’s carriage had been positioned in the middle rather than at the end of the train. This discovery came simultaneously with the announcement that Sheikh Mohammed would personally inspect the project within forty-eight hours.

    Rather than concealing the error, Al Tayer immediately notified the royal leader, transparently acknowledging the mistake discovered during trial phases. Sheikh Mohammed’s response exemplified transformative leadership: instead of criticism or reprimand, he reframed the incident as a learning opportunity. His instruction, “You did not make a mistake. You learned. Don’t say we made a mistake—say we learned,” fundamentally shifted the organizational perspective on error management.

    The practical solution involved relocating the designated carriage to its proper position at the tram’s end, while the philosophical approach established a culture where accountability and continuous improvement superseded blame. This leadership model turned a potential embarrassment into an institutional lesson in operational problem-solving and responsible governance.

    The Dubai Tram commenced official operations on November 11, 2014, creating vital transportation links between Dubai Metro, the Palm Monorail, and key areas along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road. Beyond its physical infrastructure, the project carries this embedded lesson in leadership excellence that continues to define Dubai’s approach to major development initiatives.

  • Gardaí seize cannabis worth more than €10m

    Gardaí seize cannabis worth more than €10m

    In a significant blow to organized crime, Irish law enforcement has intercepted a massive cannabis shipment valued at approximately €10 million. The operation, conducted in County Louth on Friday, resulted in the seizure of 506 kilograms of the illicit substance.

    The successful interdiction was a collaborative effort between the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Irish Revenue Customs Service. Acting on intelligence, authorities targeted a property suspected of being a central hub in a sophisticated drug distribution network.

    Three individuals, identified as two men in their thirties and one in his fifties, were taken into custody on suspicion of drug trafficking offenses. The suspects are currently being held for questioning at Garda stations across the Louth and Dublin regions.

    This high-impact seizure forms a critical part of Operation Tara, an ongoing and strategic initiative by An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force) designed to dismantle and disrupt drug-dealing operations across the Republic of Ireland. The operation highlights the continued focus of Irish authorities on targeting the infrastructure and financial underpinnings of organized criminal groups involved in the narcotics trade.

  • US judge blocks death penalty for alleged health CEO killer Mangione

    US judge blocks death penalty for alleged health CEO killer Mangione

    In a significant legal development, a federal judge has prohibited prosecutors from pursuing capital punishment against Luigi Mangione, the individual accused of assassinating a prominent health insurance executive in New York. The ruling, delivered by Judge Margaret Garnett on Friday, represents a pivotal moment in one of the most closely watched criminal cases of the year.

    The judicial decision specifically dismisses two federal charges that previously carried potential death penalty consequences: murder and the utilization of a firearm equipped with a silencer. Despite this reduction in charges, the 27-year-old defendant remains confronted with two counts of stalking at the federal level, in addition to separate murder charges filed by state authorities.

    Judge Garnett clarified in her written opinion that Friday’s determination exclusively eliminates the death penalty as a potential punishment for jury consideration, while allowing other aspects of the case to proceed. Should Mangione be convicted on the stalking charges, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole. The federal trial is scheduled to commence with jury selection on September 8.

    The case originated with the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, an incident captured by surveillance footage that subsequently ignited national discourse regarding the profit-oriented nature of the American healthcare system. Mangione’s arrest occurred five days post-homicide at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s location, approximately 230 miles from the crime scene, following a crucial tip from restaurant staff.

    This judicial ruling constitutes the latest in a series of legal victories for Mangione’s defense team, who previously succeeded in having state-level terrorism charges dismissed. However, the defense encountered a substantial setback when Judge Garnett rejected their motion to suppress evidence recovered during Mangione’s arrest. Law enforcement officials discovered a handgun, silencer, ammunition magazine concealed in underwear, and a notebook characterized as a ‘manifesto’ within the defendant’s backpack.

    The case has attracted notable attention due to Mangione’s developing fan base, predominantly composed of women who frequently attend court proceedings. The defendant has entered pleas of not guilty to all charges. Meanwhile, the judicial decision represents a notable challenge for Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has reinvigorated federal efforts to implement capital punishment under the Trump administration, reversing the moratorium established during President Biden’s term.

  • Gang faces trial over Dh1.26-million heist in fake police patrol robbery in Dubai

    Gang faces trial over Dh1.26-million heist in fake police patrol robbery in Dubai

    Dubai’s judicial system is prosecuting a criminal syndicate for orchestrating an elaborate robbery scheme involving police impersonation and the theft of Dh1.26 million. The incident, which occurred on December 14, 2025, targeted an Afghan businessman returning from Al Ain with substantial cash proceeds collected from various commercial establishments.

    According to prosecution documents, the perpetrators employed a sophisticated deception strategy by utilizing a white SUV equipped with unauthorized flashing red and blue emergency lights. The victim, traveling with his wife along the Dubai-Al Ain Road near Margham bridge, mistakenly identified the vehicle as an official police patrol and complied with instructions to pull over.

    One accomplice, dressed in traditional Emirati attire, approached the vehicle claiming affiliation with police investigations. Under the pretense of legitimate law enforcement activity, the victim was instructed to transfer to the suspects’ vehicle while another gang member assumed control of his Toyota Corolla. Both vehicles proceeded to a secondary location near a mosque where the criminals conducted an illegal search and confiscated a bag containing the substantial cash amount.

    Dubai law enforcement agencies initiated a comprehensive investigation following the victim’s formal complaint, resulting in the successful identification and apprehension of the suspects. During interrogation, the defendants admitted to deliberately impersonating police personnel and utilizing fraudulent emergency equipment to exploit public trust in law enforcement institutions.

    The prosecution has emphasized the calculated nature of the criminal operation, noting the deliberate exploitation of police authority symbolism to facilitate the robbery. The case highlights ongoing challenges in combating sophisticated impersonation crimes and demonstrates Dubai’s rigorous approach to maintaining public security. All implicated individuals now face severe legal consequences including charges of official impersonation and organized theft.

  • Video series unveils Hebei’s breathtaking ecology, landscape

    Video series unveils Hebei’s breathtaking ecology, landscape

    Northern China’s Hebei province has become the subject of an exquisite visual presentation through the launch of an innovative video series showcasing its remarkable ecological and cultural assets. Titled “Beautiful Hebei,” this ambitious photographic project represents a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Hebei Photographers Association to highlight the region’s diverse attractions.

    The comprehensive compilation features 198 meticulously curated photographs sourced from the association’s extensive image archives, specialized submissions, and targeted collections from prominent photographic organizations and accomplished visual artists. These images have been masterfully woven into eleven distinct video episodes, each designed to offer viewers an immersive visual experience.

    Organized around three fundamental themes, the series explores different dimensions of Hebei’s character. The first segment, comprising three episodes dedicated to “Natural Beauty,” captures the province’s dramatic topographical features—from soaring mountain ranges and meandering rivers to expansive forest ecosystems. Another three-episode segment titled “Ecological Beauty” documents Hebei’s environmental conservation initiatives and the successful integration of human development with natural preservation.

    The remaining five episodes, grouped under “Humanistic Beauty,” delve into the region’s profound historical legacy and cultural traditions. This section offers particularly detailed examinations of significant heritage sites including the Great Wall, the Grand Canal’s cultural influence, and ancient ceremonial practices that have endured through centuries.

    Serving as both an artistic achievement and promotional tool, the video series provides a compelling visual narrative of Hebei’s geographical wonders, environmental progress, and cultural richness. The project aims to enhance domestic and international appreciation for this strategically important province that borders China’s capital Beijing and the major municipality of Tianjin. The series continues to roll out with the second ecological installment released recently.