Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Look: Fireworks, drones light up Dubai skies as UAE celebrates 54th National Day

    Look: Fireworks, drones light up Dubai skies as UAE celebrates 54th National Day

    The skies above Dubai transformed into a canvas of light and color on Tuesday evening as the United Arab Emirates commemorated its 54th National Day with breathtaking celebrations. The landmark occasion featured synchronized fireworks displays and sophisticated drone light shows that captivated residents and visitors alike, creating a visual spectacle across the city’s iconic skyline.

    The meticulously choreographed events represented a significant milestone in the nation’s history, marking 54 years since the federation’s establishment in 1971. The celebrations demonstrated the UAE’s technological advancement through the deployment of hundreds of drones that formed intricate patterns and national symbols against the night sky, while traditional fireworks provided a complementary display of pyrotechnic artistry.

    Authorities organized multiple viewing areas across Dubai to accommodate the large crowds gathering to witness the festivities. The events were designed to reinforce national unity and pride while showcasing the Emirates’ capacity for organizing world-class public celebrations. The coordination between various government entities ensured both the spectacular visual impact and the safety of all participants.

    The National Day celebrations also included cultural performances and traditional activities throughout the day, culminating in the evening aerial displays. The events reflected the country’s progressive vision while honoring its rich heritage and cultural traditions, creating a meaningful blend of historical remembrance and futuristic expression.

  • Watch: US Capitol Christmas tree is lit up in Washington

    Watch: US Capitol Christmas tree is lit up in Washington

    The annual tradition of lighting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree commenced in a ceremonious event, marking the official start of the holiday season in Washington. This year’s centerpiece, an majestic evergreen dubbed “Silver Belle,” was meticulously selected from the vast wilderness of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada. The lighting ceremony attracted dignitaries, lawmakers, and citizens who gathered to witness the illumination of the 84-foot white fir, adorned with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights and handmade ornaments. The selection process involved months of careful planning by forest service experts who identified Silver Belle for her perfect symmetry and vibrant color. The tree’s journey from Nevada to Washington spanned thousands of miles, involving special transportation arrangements and community celebrations along its route. This tradition, dating back to 1964, symbolizes national unity and holiday spirit, with each year’s tree representing different national forests across America.

  • UAE weather tomorrow: Partly cloudy conditions; fog, mist likely

    UAE weather tomorrow: Partly cloudy conditions; fog, mist likely

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have forecasted partly cloudy weather conditions for December 3rd, with potential visibility disruptions expected overnight. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, low cloud formations will predominantly affect coastal regions and islands throughout Wednesday.

    The weather pattern indicates increased humidity levels along coastal and internal areas, with fog and mist development anticipated during nighttime hours extending into Thursday morning. These conditions may create challenging visibility for early morning commuters and maritime activities.

    Wind patterns will remain light to moderate, blowing from southeasterly to northwesterly directions at speeds ranging from 10-20 km/h, occasionally reaching peaks of 30 km/h. Maritime conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are projected to remain calm with slight wave activity.

    The meteorological center continues to monitor developing conditions and advises residents, particularly those in coastal regions, to exercise caution during early morning travel due to reduced visibility from fog formation. The weather pattern follows typical seasonal transitions characteristic of the UAE’s winter meteorological profile.

  • Some Irish officers to get tasers in new six-month pilot scheme

    Some Irish officers to get tasers in new six-month pilot scheme

    The Irish government has approved a groundbreaking six-month pilot program to equip approximately 128 frontline gardaí with conducted energy weapons (tasers), marking a significant shift in policing methodology in the Republic of Ireland. The initiative, presented to the Cabinet by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, will deploy the devices to officers already trained in body-worn camera usage across Dublin, Waterford, and Kilkenny.

    This development represents a notable departure from Ireland’s longstanding tradition of largely unarmed policing, where currently only specialized armed response units routinely carry weapons. Tánaiste Simon Harris justified the measure by highlighting escalating dangers faced by officers, stating that ‘brave men and women who put on their uniform every day are often faced now with increased levels of abuse on the streets, levels of attacks.’

    The Garda Representative Association has enthusiastically endorsed the program, with Vice President Niall Hodgins noting approximately 1,000 assaults on officers occurred last year, including 300 classified as serious. He emphasized that tasers could ‘contribute to the deescalation of the more violent and aggressive encounters that our members are experiencing year-on-year.’

    However, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has expressed profound reservations, with Director Joe O’Brien characterizing the move as a ‘complete step change’ from established policing principles. The civil rights organization questions the evidentiary basis for the initiative, noting tasers are not ‘effective de-escalation tools in all situations’ and ironically suggesting they are not the ‘Christmas gift Gardaí need.’ The pilot program’s implementation methodology and evaluation criteria remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny from civil liberties advocates.

  • Host of birthday party in California mistook gunfire for balloons popping

    Host of birthday party in California mistook gunfire for balloons popping

    A joyous second birthday celebration in Stockton, California, descended into unimaginable horror when gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons, killing four attendees and injuring eleven others in what authorities describe as a targeted attack.

    Patrice Williams, the mother hosting the celebration, initially mistook the gunfire for popping balloons from earlier decorations. The reality proved far more tragic: her daughter’s birthday party became the scene of one of California’s deadliest recent shootings. “I don’t know what happened, and I’m just so shocked and lost,” Williams told Associated Press reporters amid the devastation.

    The victims included three children—ages 8, 9, and 14—along with a 21-year-old adult. Among the injured were Williams’ other daughter, a cousin, and three family friends. Witnesses reported that the shooting began inside the banquet hall as approximately 100 guests gathered around the birthday cake, eventually spilling onto the street outside.

    San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow confirmed investigators believe multiple shooters conducted the assault with automatic weapons, stating confidently that “this was not a random act.” The perpetrators remain at large despite an extensive manhunt involving local police, FBI agents, and federal agencies.

    The transformed crime scene—formerly decorated with rainbow-colored balloons and a swan-shaped bounce house—now represents another data point in Stockton’s troubling rise in violent crime. The broader San Joaquin Valley region recorded California’s highest violent crime rate in 2023 according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

    In the aftermath, community members held vigil while officials offered growing rewards for information leading to arrests. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi issued a stark warning to those responsible: “You will never see the outside of a prison cell again.”

    California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the state capitol flown at half-staff to honor the victims, including 8-year-old Maya Lupian—a karate purple belt who excelled academically—and 14-year-old Amari Peterson, a promising athlete with college aspirations. Peterson’s father heartbreakingly revealed his 9-year-old daughter survived by fleeing through a back doorway and scaling a fence.

    The tragedy has left families transitioning from planning birthdays to planning funerals, with many survivors too fearful to publicly identify themselves amid concerns about retaliation from the still-unknown assailants.

  • Hong Kong fire toll jumps to 156; judge-led committee to investigate cause of blaze

    Hong Kong fire toll jumps to 156; judge-led committee to investigate cause of blaze

    Hong Kong authorities have confirmed the death toll from last week’s catastrophic Wang Fuk Court complex fire has risen to 156, marking the city’s most devastating blaze in decades. Chief Executive John Lee announced on Tuesday the establishment of a judge-led independent committee to investigate both the cause and rapid spread of the inferno that engulfed seven of the estate’s eight towers.

    The criminal investigation has resulted in 15 arrests for suspected manslaughter, while a separate corruption probe has led to 12 additional arrests. Officials revealed that substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam used during renovation works significantly contributed to the fire’s intensity and spread. These materials, intentionally installed in hard-to-reach areas to evade inspection, failed to meet fire-retardant standards.

    Search teams have completed operations in all but two severely damaged towers, discovering victims trapped in stairwells and rooftops while attempting to escape. Approximately 30 residents remain unaccounted for as the complex search continues. The tragedy has exposed critical oversight failures, despite residents raising concerns about fire hazards posed by renovations as recently as September 2024. Authorities had previously assured residents of ‘relatively low fire risks’.

    The disaster has triggered widespread mourning across Hong Kong, with thousands participating in memorial services and vigils. The victims include nine Indonesian domestic helpers and one Filipino worker. International vigils are planned in Tokyo, Taipei, and London. Meanwhile, government warnings against politicizing the tragedy have sparked concerns about freedom of expression, with several individuals already investigated for potential sedition.

    Survivors face long-term displacement, with nearly 1,500 people moved to temporary housing and 945 accommodated in youth hostels and hotels. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported over 60 pet fatalities, including cats, dogs, and turtles, though more than 200 animals were successfully rescued. The coming legislative elections, scheduled for Sunday, are expected to serve as a barometer of public sentiment regarding the government’s handling of the catastrophe.

  • Nas Daily claims biggest threat facing Palestinians is ‘fellow countrymen’ in bizarre rant on LBC

    Nas Daily claims biggest threat facing Palestinians is ‘fellow countrymen’ in bizarre rant on LBC

    Prominent content creator Nuseir Yassin, known online as Nas Daily, has ignited intense backlash following controversial statements made during a recent LBC radio interview. The Palestinian citizen of Israel asserted that Hamas represents a greater threat to Palestinians than Israel itself, describing the militant group as “terrorists” with AK-47s.

    During the Sunday interview with host Tom Swarbrick, Yassin dismissed the term “apartheid” as inapplicable to Israel’s treatment of Palestinian citizens, arguing that his personal experience included full access to employment and voting rights comparable to Jewish Israelis. He further characterized the word “genocide” as “a very emotional, non-scientific word” when discussing the situation in Gaza.

    The vlogger positioned himself as uniquely qualified to comment on the conflict, claiming his opinion should carry more weight than those of “the average Swedish person” or Muslims who support Palestine out of “tribalism.” He additionally alleged that Iran and Qatar were responsible for both violence in Gaza and pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the UK, while describing some immigrants to Britain as “the most dangerous in the world” who use the country as a base to “destabilise the Middle East.

    Social media response was immediate and overwhelmingly critical, with commentators accusing Yassin of misrepresenting Palestinian realities and whitewashing Israel’s occupation. Journalist Idrees Ahmad criticized the interview format for failing to challenge Yassin’s assertions, while human rights advocate Gary Spedding questioned why LBC doesn’t feature Palestinian citizens of Israel who criticize the regime without engaging in propaganda.

    Yassin, who gained fame through one-minute viral videos a decade ago, has faced previous criticism for his positions on Israel-Palestine relations. The Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement called for his boycott in 2020, alleging his content creator training program served as normalization cover with Israel.

  • ‘Joy at perfect time’: UAE sponsors weddings of Gazans, revives dreams amid rubble

    ‘Joy at perfect time’: UAE sponsors weddings of Gazans, revives dreams amid rubble

    In a remarkable humanitarian gesture coinciding with its 54th National Day, the United Arab Emirates has transformed the lives of 54 Palestinian couples through its innovative ‘Thoub Al-Farah’ (Gown of Joy) initiative. The program, operating under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, provided fully sponsored weddings for Gazan grooms selected through a lottery system from 577 registered applicants.

    The comprehensive sponsorship package included wedding attire for both bride and groom, transportation, tents, and essential supplies, addressing the profound challenges faced by couples whose marriage plans had been devastated by ongoing conflict. The initiative extended support beyond the selected couples, providing aid parcels to all registered applicants in a broad-based effort to sustain community morale.

    Among the beneficiaries, Saleh Al-Sabbah recounted losing his home, leg, and family member during the hostilities. ‘My dream home is gone because of the war, but we will start again from the tent provided for us,’ he stated, embodying the resilience that characterizes many Gazans. Despite his losses, Al-Sabbah expressed renewed determination to build a family life from the foundations of humanitarian assistance.

    The emotional impact of the initiative was profound. Ahed Abu Dahrouj described the timing as ‘perfect happiness after two years of war,’ noting that no household had been spared from the conflict’s devastation. Muath Abu Hleib, who had lost everything prepared for his marriage after being displaced eight times, found the initiative revived his possibility for celebration amid displacement.

    The selection process created moments of unexpected joy. Hikmat Liwa, initially believing he hadn’t been chosen, described the shock of hearing his name announced as the seventh selected groom: ‘I couldn’t stand up… I checked more than once to make sure it was really my name.’

    This humanitarian wedding project represents more than ceremonial support—it symbolizes the restoration of dignity and normalcy for a population enduring extraordinary circumstances, demonstrating how targeted aid can revive dreams nearly lost beneath the rubble of conflict.

  • Oxford Union elects Palestinian president

    Oxford Union elects Palestinian president

    In a landmark decision, the Oxford Union has elected Arwa Hanin Elrayess as its president for the Trinity Term of 2026, marking the first time a Palestinian individual will lead the prestigious 201-year-old debating society. The philosophy, politics, and economics student from St Edmund’s Hall secured victory with 757 first-preference votes, surpassing her closest competitor by a significant margin of 150 votes.

    The election witnessed notably high engagement with a turnout of 1,528 members, substantially exceeding participation rates from previous terms according to the Oxford Student. Elrayess, who currently serves on the union’s standing committee, brings a distinctive background as both Palestinian and Algerian, making her election a historic milestone for representation within the institution.

    Her professional background includes involvement in documentary production, notably ‘Heart of a Protest,’ a zero-budget film examining pro-Palestine demonstrations in London that emerged in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The project, created by five individuals passionate about documenting events since 1947, reflects Elrayess’s commitment to Palestinian advocacy.

    The election occurs amidst a period of internal turbulence for the Oxford Union, following two recent no-confidence votes involving president-elect George Abaraonye and current president Moosa Harraj. While Harraj retained his position in late October, Abaraonye was removed from his incoming role due to controversial remarks made about American conservative figure Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

    In her victory statement, Elrayess expressed humility and gratitude: ‘I am grateful and humbled by the faith and trust the members of the Union have placed in me and my team. I want to thank all those who put aside their differences and came together to work towards a shared vision of this Union.’

    Established in 1823, the Oxford Union maintains its status as one of Britain’s most esteemed university societies, renowned for hosting high-profile speakers, competitive debates, and public speaking workshops that attract global attention.

  • Shanghai Disney Resort hosts disability inclusion forum

    Shanghai Disney Resort hosts disability inclusion forum

    Shanghai Disney Resort has reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility and inclusion by hosting its fourth annual disability inclusion forum on December 2, 2025, strategically timed to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event brought together over 200 participants from diverse sectors, creating a dynamic platform for substantive dialogue on implementing disability inclusion practices.

    Murray King, Vice-President of Public Affairs and Communications at the resort, emphasized the company’s philosophy: ‘At Shanghai Disney Resort, we believe dreams should be within everyone’s reach. This annual forum reinforces our dedication to advancing accessibility through both awareness-building and concrete action, ensuring accessibility remains central to our resort’s ongoing development.’

    The forum gained significant credibility with the participation of Lyu Shiming, Standing Committee Member of the 14th National People’s Congress and President of the China Association of Volunteers for Persons with Disabilities. Lyu noted China’s progressive integration of barrier-free features across public spaces and sports facilities, specifically praising Shanghai Disney Resort’s meticulous attention to accessibility details—from curb designs to innovative infrastructure solutions—as exemplary for other organizations to follow.

    Adding an inspirational dimension to the event, former Paralympic sailing team member Xu Jingkun shared his remarkable journey of participating in the grueling 26,000-nautical-mile Vendée Globe race. ‘Initially, the possibility of sailing across the ocean with one hand seemed questionable,’ Xu recounted. ‘However, my success has ultimately opened new pathways for athletes with disabilities, demonstrating what’s possible with determination and proper support.’

    The forum served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, highlighting how targeted initiatives and corporate leadership can drive meaningful change in disability inclusion across Chinese society.