Global Pulse

分类： society

  • China records 697 million border crossings nationwide in 2025

    China records 697 million border crossings nationwide in 2025

    China witnessed an unprecedented surge in cross-border mobility during 2025, with official data revealing a record-breaking 697 million border crossings throughout the year. This represents a substantial 14.2% increase compared to 2024 figures, marking the highest annual tally in the nation’s history.

    The remarkable rebound in border activity signals a complete restoration of China’s international connectivity following global pandemic restrictions. The double-digit growth percentage indicates not merely recovery but accelerated transnational movement across air, land, and sea ports of entry.

    This mobility milestone reflects China’s deepening integration with global networks through business travel, tourism, and trade. The increased crossings coincide with China’s expanded visa-free policies for numerous countries and enhanced transportation infrastructure facilitating smoother international transit.

    Analysts interpret these figures as evidence of China’s reestablished position within global circulation systems, with the border statistics serving as a key indicator of economic vitality and international engagement. The data demonstrates successful implementation of policies designed to stimulate international exchange while maintaining efficient border security protocols.

    The comprehensive border management system has effectively accommodated this increased traffic through technological advancements including automated clearance gates, biometric verification, and streamlined customs procedures that balance security concerns with passenger convenience.

  • Three brothers die after falling in frozen Texas pond

    Three brothers die after falling in frozen Texas pond

    A devastating pond accident in Bonham, North Texas, has claimed the lives of three young brothers during a winter storm that has gripped the region. The tragic incident occurred on Monday when the children, identified as Howard (6), Kaleb (8), and EJ (9) Doss, fell through thin ice while playing near a private pond approximately 30 meters from their temporary residence.

    According to their mother, Cheyenne Hangaman, the youngest brother initially broke through the ice while attempting to ‘ice skate’ on the frozen surface. His two older siblings subsequently jumped into the freezing water in a valiant attempt to rescue him. Hangaman, a mother of six, immediately rushed to the scene upon being alerted by her daughter.

    Despite her heroic efforts to extract the children from the subzero water, the fragile ice repeatedly collapsed beneath her weight. ‘There was three of them and only one of me… that’s why I couldn’t save them,’ Hangaman emotionally recounted to CBS News. The distraught mother described witnessing her children struggling in hypothermic shock before ultimately succumbing to drowning.

    The situation escalated when Hangaman herself became trapped in the freezing pond, requiring rescue by a neighbor who heard her desperate cries for help. The neighbor, identified as a football coach at the boys’ school, utilized a horse rope to pull her to safety.

    Emergency responders and additional neighbors eventually recovered all three children from the pond. The two older boys were initially transported to a local hospital while the youngest required an extensive search operation before being recovered.

    The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with the boys’ school announcing the availability of grief counselors for students and staff. The incident coincides with a severe winter storm system that has impacted large portions of the United States, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread power outages across Texas.

  • Paid parking in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle could ease congestion, residents say

    Paid parking in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle could ease congestion, residents say

    Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is poised to implement a comprehensive paid parking scheme following the installation of covered payment signage throughout the residential district. The infrastructure rollout, particularly concentrated around the high-traffic commercial zones of JVC District 15, indicates the long-awaited system will commence operations imminently.

    Parkonic, the parking management provider, has deployed temporary covers on payment boards that will be removed upon official activation. While specific details regarding implementation timelines, tariff structures, and operational hours remain undisclosed by authorities, observed signage identifies the area as designated parking zone P105.

    The prospective parking regulations have generated mixed reactions among JVC residents. Many acknowledge the necessity of addressing the neighborhood’s persistent parking challenges, especially near popular commercial establishments including cafes, fitness centers, and beauty salons that experience substantial visitor traffic.

    Meriyam, a local resident, expressed support for the initiative despite having guaranteed parking within her building. “The prevalence of abandoned and damaged vehicles significantly detracts from our community’s aesthetics,” she noted. “Structural parking management could substantially enhance organizational efficiency and visual appeal.”

    Another resident, Hameed Montasir, encountered technical difficulties when attempting premature payment but maintained optimism about the system’s potential benefits. “This represents a positive developmental step,” he commented. “Clearly defined parking protocols should alleviate long-standing availability issues and discourage indefinite vehicle storage.”

    Community members highlighted that paid parking could improve accessibility for visitors and customers who currently struggle to locate parking near commercial establishments. Hassan, a third resident, welcomed the change: “Although I possess dedicated parking, my guests frequently abandon their vehicles at distant locations and resort to taxis due to parking scarcity. This system should resolve such inconveniences.”

    Residents anticipate greater transparency regarding enforcement mechanisms and pricing structures once parking meters become operational and official communications are released by relevant authorities.

  • Extreme cold threatens millions after storm kills 30 and incapacitates grid

    Extreme cold threatens millions after storm kills 30 and incapacitates grid

    A catastrophic winter storm of unprecedented scale has plunged vast regions of the United States into a deep freeze, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and creating life-threatening conditions for millions of Americans. The massive weather system, which delivered a destructive combination of heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and powerful winds, has left communities from New Mexico to Maine struggling to recover amidst dangerously low temperatures.

    Meteorological authorities have issued grave warnings about the lingering Arctic air mass that continues to threaten public safety. The National Weather Service reported that much of the northern United States will experience continuously subfreezing conditions through February 1, with particularly dangerous record-low temperatures affecting southern regions where power infrastructure remains compromised.

    The storm’s impact has been both widespread and severe. Northeastern states recorded extraordinary snowfall accumulations, with Connecticut measuring over 56 centimeters and Boston receiving more than 40.6 centimeters. The human toll continues to mount, with fatalities attributed to hypothermia, traffic accidents, and snow removal incidents—including one New Jersey man found unresponsive in the snow with a shovel still in hand.

    Energy infrastructure has been critically damaged, particularly across southern states unaccustomed to such extreme winter conditions. As of Tuesday morning, more than 540,000 customers remained without electricity according to Poweroutage.com, with Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana experiencing the most severe outages.

    The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed emergency response capabilities. National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli emphasized the unique challenges of this recovery effort, noting that the simultaneous impact across multiple regions has prevented better-prepared northern states from assisting their southern counterparts. “Many of these locations don’t have the means or resources to clean up after these events,” Santorelli stated, expressing particular concern for those without power in increasingly frigid conditions.

    Transportation networks have been paralyzed throughout affected regions, with thousands of flight cancellations and impassable road conditions hampering recovery efforts. At least 20 states, including Washington D.C., have declared states of emergency to mobilize personnel and resources against the ongoing crisis.

  • Students get ringside view of grassroots governance

    Students get ringside view of grassroots governance

    In a groundbreaking educational initiative, Shanghai’s Hongkou district has transformed civic education by bringing high school students directly into the heart of grassroots governance. Eleven local schools participated in an immersive program that allowed student representatives to observe actual sessions of the district people’s congress as special observers, providing them with unprecedented access to China’s political processes.

    The program represents the nation’s first comprehensive demonstration district for youth education on the people’s congress system, established in 2023. According to Li Wenqing, deputy director of the education, science, culture and public health committee of Hongkou’s standing committee, the district has created a robust support system enabling students to interact directly with congressional deputies, visit legislative contact points, draft research reports, and even simulate standing committee meetings under professional guidance.

    Students reported profound shifts in their understanding of democracy and civic engagement. ‘When I first learned about whole-process people’s democracy in junior high school, it remained an abstract concept,’ reflected Zhang Yiwu, a student from Chengzhong High School affiliated with Tongji University. ‘Now, sitting in the congress hall, I recognize it as tangible reality embedded in representatives’ proposals that directly impact our daily lives.’

    The initiative has yielded concrete results, with student research proposals on regional development and livelihood issues being formally submitted to the congress. Tang Qun, principal of Shanghai Beijiao High School, confirmed that youth perspectives are now actively incorporated into local governance discussions.

    Congress deputies have praised the students’ engagement and intellectual maturity. Zhang Lei, a district deputy, noted that ‘although students under 18 cannot vote yet, they are vital society members. Listening to their voices demonstrates whole-process people’s democracy at its most inclusive and authentic.’ Another deputy, Xu Wei, remarked on students’ remarkable confidence and independent thinking during discussions about legislative authority and sports regulation amendments.

    Building on this successful pilot, Hongkou district is expanding people’s congress education to all high schools through elective courses, project-based learning, and immersive activities. The district education bureau, under Sun Lei’s leadership, is also exploring program extension to middle and elementary schools, with future initiatives focusing on student research into practical social issues including elderly care and community renovation.

  • Backlash as Australia kills dingoes after backpacker death

    Backlash as Australia kills dingoes after backpacker death

    Australian wildlife authorities face mounting criticism following their decision to euthanize multiple dingoes connected to the tragic death of Canadian backpacker Piper James on K’gari (Fraser Island). The 19-year-old’s body was discovered on January 19th at a beach on the World Heritage-listed island, prompting Queensland officials to authorize the elimination of ten dingoes identified as displaying aggressive behavior.

    Forensic examination revealed the victim sustained injuries consistent with dingo bites alongside evidence suggesting drowning as a potential cause of death. According to the Coroners Court of Queensland, ‘Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death,’ with the full investigation expected to continue for several weeks.

    The conservation measure has ignited intense debate among scientists, traditional landowners, and wildlife experts. University of Sydney conservation biologist Professor Mathew Crowther warned that removing ten animals from a population estimated at just 70-200 individuals could severely impact genetic diversity. ‘There’s no moral from the dingoes’ point of view. They’re just being wild animals, doing wild things,’ Crowther emphasized.

    The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, representing the island’s traditional owners, expressed profound disappointment at not being consulted before the culling operation. Their statement highlighted concerns that ‘economic priorities are being placed above the voices of the people and traditional owners.’

    Wildlife experts attribute increasing human-dingo conflicts to tourist behavior, particularly the dangerous practice of feeding wild animals. Associate Professor Bill Bateman from Curtin University noted that dingoes losing their natural fear of humans creates potentially dangerous situations, especially when people run or turn their backs. He advocated for collaborative management between wildlife managers, rangers, Indigenous communities, and tourism operators to ensure safe coexistence.

    The victim’s father, Todd James, described the family’s heartbreak while acknowledging the difficult decision facing authorities, noting the euthanization news was ‘heart-wrenching’ but potentially necessary for public safety.

  • Australian PM says man who allegedly tried to bomb rally deserves ‘full force of law’

    Australian PM says man who allegedly tried to bomb rally deserves ‘full force of law’

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the fullest legal consequences against a 31-year-old man who allegedly hurled a homemade explosive device into a crowd of approximately 2,500 people gathered for an Indigenous rights rally in Perth. The incident occurred during an “Invasion Day” demonstration held on Australia Day, a date that simultaneously represents national celebration for many Australians and colonial trauma for Indigenous communities.

    Authorities confirmed the device—containing a volatile chemical mixture along with nails and metal ball bearings—failed to detonate, preventing potential casualties. Following the incident, police conducted a search of the suspect’s residence and discovered additional chemicals and materials consistent with homemade explosive production.

    The individual, whose identity remains protected under a court suppression order, currently faces charges related to manufacturing explosives with intent to cause harm. Law enforcement officials are investigating whether terrorism charges apply, requiring demonstration of political, religious, or ideological motivation for the attack.

    Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch characterized the act as “hostile” while acknowledging the ongoing investigation into motives. The event has heightened tensions in a nation still processing the trauma of December’s Bondi Beach shooting that claimed 15 lives at a Jewish festival.

    Prime Minister Albanese described the incident as “quite shocking” but refrained from detailed commentary due to the active judicial proceedings. Meanwhile, Western Australian Premier Roger Cook emphasized the importance of respecting diverse perspectives, stating “we can’t let hate win” and highlighting Australia’s strength through diversity.

    The accused remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for February 17th, as authorities continue to assess the appropriate charges for this security breach at a peaceful assembly.

  • Italy’s Ladin minority will be sidelined at the Winter Olympics held in their mountain home

    Italy’s Ladin minority will be sidelined at the Winter Olympics held in their mountain home

    In the shadow of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Italy’s ancient Ladin minority is orchestrating an independent cultural showcase after being overlooked by official Games programming. This ethnolinguistic community, whose Dolomite mountain heritage spans two millennia, finds itself excluded from the international platform that has historically celebrated host cultures.

    The Ladin people, numbering approximately 35,000 speakers recognized by UNESCO as an endangered language group, inhabit five valleys across three Olympic territories: Veneto, Alto Adige, and Trentino. Despite comprising half of Cortina d’Ampezzo’s population and producing Olympic athletes like slalom skier Alex Vinatzer and bronze medalist figure skater Carolina Kostner, their distinct cultural identity received no invitation for representation in the February 6 opening ceremony.

    Organizers confirmed the 2.5-hour spectacle will emphasize Italian fashion, design, and music instead. This decision contrasts sharply with previous Olympic traditions, where Lillehammer featured the Arctic Sami people and Beijing showcased China’s 54 ethnic minorities.

    In response, Ladin communities across the Dolomites have launched grassroots initiatives to share their heritage. Elsa Zardini, head of Cortina’s Ladin community, leads a campaign distributing tricolor flags (azure, white, and green representing mountain landscapes) to welcome visitors while subtly protesting their exclusion. Simultaneously, the General Ladin Union produced multilingual mini-dictionaries and historical videos with English subtitles tracing their Roman origins through Napoleonic wars to modern times.

    The cultural displacement echoes deeper tensions: the 1956 Olympics transformed Cortina from a Ladin-majority town into a luxury resort, creating inheritance tax pressures that force young families to leave. While two traditional appearances were permitted—a torch ceremony presence and a non-broadcast parade—community leaders emphasize these token gestures fail to meaningfully represent their linguistic minority status.

    As the world watches the Games, Ladins are leveraging the international attention to assert their enduring presence through self-organized exhibitions of traditional woodcarving, costume displays, and musical events across the Dolomite region.

  • Amid Ukraine war fallout, fearful Chechen women seek escape route

    Amid Ukraine war fallout, fearful Chechen women seek escape route

    In the shadow of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Chechen women are facing intensified repression and violence, creating a desperate exodus from the conservative North Caucasus region. Rights organizations report that wartime conditions have exacerbated systemic gender-based oppression under strongman leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s authoritarian rule.

    Chechnya, a Muslim-majority territory of 1.5 million people, operates as a virtual ‘state within a state’ with its own strict codes that often override Russian federal law. Women face severe restrictions regarding dress, education, employment, and movement, with traditional clan structures frequently enforcing these norms through violence.

    The situation has deteriorated significantly since Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine. Kadyrov, a staunch Putin ally who has ruled Chechnya since 2007, has dispatched thousands of Chechen men to fight in Ukraine. According to human rights groups, many were essentially coerced into combat through financial incentives or threats of retaliation.

    This mobilization has created a dangerous feedback loop: returning combatants often suffer from PTSD and perpetuate violence against women, while the climate of fear has intensified throughout the region. Independent monitoring has become nearly impossible, and even mild criticism of the Ukraine invasion can result in abduction and torture.

    The tragic case of Aishat Baimuradova illustrates the extreme risks faced by women who challenge the status quo. The 23-year-old fled Chechnya after enduring years of abuse, only to be found dead in her Yerevan apartment in October. Before her death, she had openly criticized Kadyrov’s policies and adopted a more Western appearance—actions that drew threats from pro-regime Chechens accusing her of ‘Russifying.’

    Another survivor, identified only as Asil for security reasons, escaped her violent family and now lives in hiding in Europe. She describes an environment where women are blamed for ‘bringing shame’ to their families and where resistance is often attributed to demonic possession. ‘The reasons for everything are the sheitan,’ Asil told reporters, using the Arabic word for devil.

    Despite the dangers, resistance continues. Asil now embraces small acts of defiance—cutting her hair short, learning music, and claiming ownership of her time and space. While she acknowledges that not all Chechen families are abusive, she hopes for a future where women can enjoy basic rights and security after the war and Kadyrov’s rule.

    Human rights organizations report a dramatic increase in requests for assistance from Chechen women seeking escape. However, Western sanctions against Russia have complicated evacuation efforts, leaving many trapped in increasingly dangerous circumstances. With independent reporting virtually impossible from within Chechnya, the full scale of the crisis remains difficult to document.

  • William Swale: Diabetic driver involved in horror Daylesford crash that killed five compelled to answer questions

    William Swale: Diabetic driver involved in horror Daylesford crash that killed five compelled to answer questions

    A Victorian coroner has ruled that William Swale, the driver responsible for a catastrophic vehicle collision that claimed five lives, must provide testimony at an upcoming coronial inquest. The decision comes despite Swale’s attempt to avoid giving evidence on self-incrimination grounds.

    The tragic incident occurred on November 5, 2023, during the Melbourne Cup long weekend, when Swale’s BMW X5 veered into the outdoor dining area of the Royal Daylesford Hotel. The collision resulted in the deaths of three adults and two children from two visiting families: Pratibha Sharma, 44; her daughter Anvi, 9; her husband Jatin Kumar, 30; their friend Vivek Bhatia, 38; and his son Vihann, 11. Six additional individuals sustained injuries in the horrific crash.

    Medical evidence presented during previous legal proceedings revealed that Swale, who has lived with type-1 diabetes for three decades, was experiencing dangerously low blood sugar levels at the time of the accident. Emergency responders reported finding him in an altered state of consciousness and largely incomprehensible immediately following the collision.

    Although Swale initially faced 14 criminal charges, including five counts of culpable driving causing death, Magistrate Guillaume Bailin dismissed all charges in September 2024. The magistrate determined prosecutors had failed to disprove that Swale was already experiencing a severe hypoglycemic event when he resumed driving after a brief stop in Daylesford.

    Coroner Dimitra Dubrow emphasized the compelling public interest in understanding the complete circumstances surrounding the tragedy. “Numerous questions remain unanswered,” Dubrow stated in her Wednesday ruling. “These relate to how Mr. Swale was able to become severely hypoglycemic notwithstanding continuous glucose monitoring.”

    To facilitate Swale’s testimony, the coroner will grant him a certificate preventing his inquest evidence from being used against him in future proceedings. While acknowledging the theoretical possibility of future criminal proceedings, Dubrow characterized the likelihood of prosecutors using his testimony for a differently framed case as “relatively low.”

    The inquest, scheduled to commence on March 10, will examine critical safety considerations including protective measures for hotel patrons and safe driving protocols for individuals managing type-1 diabetes.