Global Pulse

分类： society

  • ‘I’ve never hit anything so hard’: What it’s like to be attacked by a shark

    ‘I’ve never hit anything so hard’: What it’s like to be attacked by a shark

    In a remarkable tale of survival and resilience, retired IT director Peter Smith from Hertfordshire recounts his harrowing encounter with a bull shark during what should have been a tranquil vacation in Tobago. The incident occurred in April 2024 during the final hours of his Caribbean holiday when he took a casual swim in waist-deep water.

    Without warning, a approximately 10-foot (3m) bull shark—one of the world’s most dangerous shark species known for hunting in shallow waters—launched a brutal attack. The predator bit Smith’s leg, arm, and stomach in rapid succession, causing severe blood loss and life-threatening injuries. “Your brain works at 1,000 miles an hour,” Smith recalls of the moment he recognized the species by its distinctive jaws.

    Displaying extraordinary presence of mind, the 66-year-old fought back aggressively, punching the shark repeatedly while friends in the water assisted in the struggle and raised the alarm. Bystanders eventually dragged the severely injured man to shore where his wife Joanna witnessed the devastating injuries. “I could see bones, it was just awful,” she remembers.

    Medical evacuation became necessary when Tobago’s sole hospital exhausted its blood supply treating Smith’s injuries, which included deep stomach lacerations and substantial tissue loss from his upper thigh. He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, where he underwent dozens of surgical procedures during a prolonged recovery.

    In an ironic twist during treatment, medical staff used a shark-derived membrane to facilitate skin grafting—a detail that brought unexpected humor to his recovery process. Despite permanent nerve damage that affects hand function and mobility challenges requiring him to relearn walking, Smith maintains profound gratitude for his survival and the assistance he received.

    Shark experts note that this incident represents Tobago’s first recorded shark attack according to the International Shark Attack File. Recent bull shark incidents in Australia have raised concerns, but specialists emphasize that shark attacks remain extremely rare relative to human water recreation. Tom ‘The Blowfish’ Hird, a shark expert, explains that sharks typically don’t prey on humans and often retreat when encountering resistance.

    Remarkably, Smith bears no animosity toward sharks or Tobago, insisting he would return to the island and refusing to live in fear after his traumatic experience. His story stands as a testament to human resilience and the uncommon nature of such wildlife encounters.

  • Northern Japan hit by deadly snowfall, as warnings issued on more heavy snow

    Northern Japan hit by deadly snowfall, as warnings issued on more heavy snow

    TOKYO — A severe winter storm system has unleashed devastating snowfall across northern Japan over the past fortnight, resulting in at least 35 fatalities nationwide according to government reports released Wednesday. The tragic incidents primarily involved sudden cardiac events and fatal accidents occurring during snow removal operations.

    Official data indicates fifteen prefectures have been severely impacted, with snow accumulation reaching approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) in the most affected zones. Niigata Prefecture, a prominent agricultural region, recorded the highest death toll with twelve casualties. Among these was a man in his fifties discovered collapsed on his residential rooftop in Uonuma city on January 21st.

    In a separate Niigata incident, emergency services transported a septuagenarian man after he was found unconscious near his residence. Medical authorities subsequently pronounced him dead at hospital facilities. Preliminary investigations suggest the victim fell from his roof while attempting to clear accumulated snow.

    Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara issued urgent public warnings despite improving weather conditions, emphasizing that melting snow presents new hazards including potential landslides and dangerously slippery surfaces. “We implore citizens to prioritize safety measures including helmet usage and lifeline ropes during snow clearance activities,” Kihara advised during a press briefing.

    Regional task forces have been mobilized across Niigata and adjacent areas since January 20th to address the escalating crisis. Additional fatalities include seven deaths in Akita Prefecture and five in Yamagata Prefecture. Nationwide statistics document 393 weather-related injuries, including 126 severe cases, with Niigata accounting for 42 serious injuries. Structural assessments confirm fourteen residences sustained damage across affected regions.

    While meteorological experts haven’t determined the precise cause of the extreme precipitation, heavy snow-related casualties remain a recurrent seasonal challenge in Japan. Official records from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency indicate 68 snow-associated deaths occurred during the previous winter season. Forecast models predict additional heavy snowfall anticipated for the upcoming weekend.

  • Italy gets creative as it works to make art accessible for blind people

    Italy gets creative as it works to make art accessible for blind people

    ROME — As dusk settles over the Italian capital, a profound transformation occurs at the Colosseum. After the daytime crowds dissipate, a different kind of visitor emerges—those who experience one of history’s greatest monuments through touch, sound, and imagination rather than sight.

    Michela Marcato, blind since birth, recently traced her fingers across a tactile model of the ancient amphitheater, discovering through her fingertips what her eyes never could. ‘Walking around it, I personally would never have realized its elliptical shape,’ she remarked. ‘But with that little model in your hand, it’s obvious.’

    This nighttime tour represents part of Italy’s groundbreaking initiative to reimagine accessibility at its cultural treasures. Driven by requirements for EU pandemic recovery funds in 2021, the nation has accelerated efforts to make artistic heritage available to all visitors regardless of ability.

    From Pompeii’s new braille signage and QR-coded audio guides to Florence’s detailed accessibility maps for the Uffizi Gallery, Italy is systematically removing barriers. The economic incentive is clear: nearly half the global population over 60 experiences some disability, and disabled travelers typically bring multiple companions, according to the World Tourism Organization.

    Giorgio Guardi of the Radici Association, which has led disability-friendly tours since 2015, emphasizes creating inclusive experiences that engage all senses. His tours often occur at night when reduced crowds and noise enhance sensory perception. When touching original artworks isn’t possible—as with Rome’s elevated Giordano Bruno statue—Guardi creatively has visitors assume the philosopher’s hunched position while others feel the contours of their companion’s posture.

    The movement finds its philosophical home at the Museo Omero in Ancona, Italy’s only publicly funded tactile museum. Founded in the 1990s by blind art collectors Aldo and Daniela Grassini, the museum features life-sized replicas of masterpieces from Michelangelo’s David to contemporary works, all meant to be handled.

    ‘Touching isn’t like looking,’ reflects Aldo Grassini. ‘Sight tends to monopolize reality, whereas touch offers a different dimension of knowledge and emotion.’

    Blind sculptor Felice Tagliaferri, whose work appears at Museo Omero, creates marble busts informed by tactile memory. His sculpture of friend Angela emerged from caressing her bald head during her battle with cancer. ‘When she passed away, Angela remained in my hands,’ he shares.

    For visitors like Marcato and her partially sighted partner Massimiliano Naccarato, this sensory approach extends to their home where a large seascape painting dominates their living room. While Naccarato uses special lighting to see it, Marcato experiences it through memory—the ocean’s sounds, smells, and seasonal walks. Their dual appreciation demonstrates how Italy’s accessibility revolution isn’t about seeing differently, but about experiencing more completely.

  • Rights groups say China detained two journalists over corruption report

    Rights groups say China detained two journalists over corruption report

    Chinese authorities have detained two prominent investigative journalists following their publication of a report alleging corruption by a senior official in Sichuan province. Liu Hu and Wu Yingjiao, known for their independent reporting, were taken into police custody on Sunday according to human rights organizations monitoring the situation.

    The Chengdu Police Department confirmed that two individuals matching the journalists’ descriptions are under investigation for allegedly making false accusations and engaging in illegal business operations. The detained individuals were identified only by their surnames and ages—50 and 34 years old respectively.

    This incident marks the second detention for Liu Hu, an award-winning investigative reporter who previously faced arrest in 2013 on defamation charges after exposing corruption within government ranks. Following his release in 2014, Liu continued his investigative work, primarily publishing through social media platforms and collaborative channels with Wu Yingjiao serving as his frequent collaborator.

    According to documentation from Chinese Human Rights Defenders, Liu disappeared while preparing to travel from Chongqing to Beijing on Sunday. Wu was simultaneously detained in Hebei province on the same day. Their recent investigative work reportedly exposed alleged corrupt practices by a county-level official that purportedly led to several business bankruptcies.

    Reporters Without Borders revealed that prior to his detention, Liu had received multiple communications from Chengdu disciplinary inspection officials urging him to engage directly with authorities rather than publishing his findings through media channels.

    Aleksandra Bielakowska, advocacy manager at RSF, stated: ‘This arrest demonstrates the increasingly restrictive environment for independent journalism in China. We urge the international community to maintain pressure rather than pursuing normalization that enables further repression of reliable reporters.’

    RSF’s current records indicate China detains over 120 journalists, maintaining its position as the country with the highest number of imprisoned journalists worldwide. The Chinese government has not issued any official statement regarding the detentions or the subsequent international criticism.

  • ‘Painful times in my marriage’ – Melinda French Gates reacts to ex-husband in Epstein files

    ‘Painful times in my marriage’ – Melinda French Gates reacts to ex-husband in Epstein files

    In a candid interview with NPR’s Wild Card podcast, philanthropist Melinda French Gates has broken her silence regarding the recently unsealed court documents connecting her ex-husband Bill Gates to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Microsoft co-founder’s inclusion in these records has reportedly triggered painful recollections of her marriage’s most difficult chapters.

    Speaking with palpable emotion, French Gates expressed profound sorrow regarding the Epstein allegations, stating that all individuals named in the judicial files—including her former spouse—bear responsibility for addressing these serious claims. “I am so happy to be away from all the muck,” she remarked, referencing the couple’s 2021 divorce after 27 years of marriage.

    The documents released by the U.S. Justice Department contain unverified assertions allegedly drafted by Epstein, including one particularly inflammatory email suggesting Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease. A spokesperson for Bill Gates has vehemently denied these allegations, characterizing them as “absolutely absurd and completely false” fabrications from a “proven, disgruntled liar.”

    Notably, legal experts emphasize that Gates’ appearance in these documents does not imply criminal conduct, and he has never been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein’s victims. The correspondence in question consists primarily of two unsent emails from Epstein’s account dated July 18, 2013, which lack digital signatures and show no evidence of actual transmission to Gates.

    One bizarre message masquerades as a resignation letter from the Gates Foundation, containing fantastical claims about procuring medicine for Gates. Another begins “dear Bill” and alleges attempted cover-ups of sexually transmitted infections. These documents form part of a massive trove of over three million records illuminating Epstein’s extensive network of influential associates, which surprisingly endured even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.

    Bill Gates’ representatives have consistently minimized his association with Epstein, maintaining they shared only “several dinners” discussing an unrealized philanthropy project. Following the latest document release, a Gates spokesperson suggested the emails demonstrate “Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”

    This development revisits earlier reports that French Gates had expressed concerns about her husband’s Epstein connections prior to their separation. The Gates divorce announcement in 2021 coincided with Bill Gates acknowledging an extramarital affair with a Microsoft employee in 2019.

    Epstein died in a New York correctional facility in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, leaving numerous questions about his international network unanswered.

  • Indian expat bags Dh20 million in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi live draw

    Indian expat bags Dh20 million in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi live draw

    In a life-changing moment during Big Ticket Abu Dhabi’s February 3 live draw, Shanthanu Shettigar, an Indian expatriate residing in Oman, became the latest multi-millionaire after securing the Dh20 million grand prize. The 33-year-old retail professional from Karnataka, who has been participating in the raffle since 2021, purchased his winning ticket (number 305810) on January 20 in partnership with a single friend, meaning each will receive Dh10 million.

    During the emotional live announcement, Shettigar expressed utter disbelief, stating: ‘Oh my God, seriously?.. Thank you!’ The shop-in-charge, who has lived in Oman for eight years, described being completely surprised by the win. ‘I knew the live draw was taking place tonight, but I never imagined my name would be announced. When I realized it was real, I was honestly speechless.’

    The February draw created additional wealth across the region, awarding five consolation prizes of Dh1 million each to participants from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Notably, Jency Ruba and Desan Kunshu (both residing in India), Santosh Kumar (Abu Dhabi), Dulan Mayura (Dubai), and Mohammed Abu Syed (Al Ain) joined the millionaire ranks.

    In secondary prizes, Shahin Miah, a Bangladeshi house driver from Sharjah, won a BMW X5 vehicle, while four participants from India and Bangladesh secured up to Dh150,000 in the Big Win contest. Kaushik Udeshi and Mohammed Touidul each claimed Dh150,000, with Udeshi planning a Vietnam trip and Touidul celebrating with friend Irfan’s assistance. Diana Princee, the only female contestant, won Dh150,000 with her husband’s remote guidance and intends to travel with her son.

    The event was attended by January’s Dh30 million winner, Dubai-based Filipino expat Anna Lee Gayongan, who helped select the new grand prize winner. Big Ticket has announced a Dh15 million jackpot for February’s draw, scheduled for March 3, with additional weekly e-draws offering Dh50,000 prizes throughout the month.

  • Why a beauty spot in South Africa could be about to run out of water

    Why a beauty spot in South Africa could be about to run out of water

    The picturesque South African coastal town of Knysna, renowned for its azure waters and pristine beaches along the Garden Route, has declared a state of disaster as it confronts an impending water catastrophe. With approximately 55% of potable water vanishing through dilapidated pipelines, this tourist haven now grapples with the terrifying prospect of taps running completely dry—a scenario dubbed “day zero.”

    Beneath Knysna’s idyllic surface lies a crumbling water infrastructure exacerbated by persistent drought conditions. The Akkerkloof dam, the town’s primary reservoir, currently holds merely 20 days worth of reserves. This crisis has forced severe water rationing measures, limiting consumption to 50 liters per person daily—drastically lower than the 142 liters typically used by individuals in the United Kingdom.

    The water emergency has already manifested at local facilities. A retirement center endured a ten-day complete water outage last October, prompting owner Franco de Grandis to invest R250,000 ($15,700) in emergency infrastructure including storage tanks and pressure pumps. “Without water, we cannot function,” de Grandis emphasized, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

    Non-governmental organizations have mobilized relief efforts. Gift of the Givers coordinates daily water deliveries via tankers from privately dug boreholes. Local coordinator Mario Ferreira noted concerning normalization of the crisis: “The disturbing thing is people start thinking this is the way of life and it shouldn’t be.”

    Newly inaugurated Mayor Thando Matika acknowledges inheriting decades of infrastructure neglect, with previous administrations citing financial constraints even for basic maintenance. The national government has allocated $1.25 million in emergency funding for immediate interventions including repairing seven existing boreholes, constructing an additional borehole, and revitalizing the desalination plant. Long-term strategies involve water recycling initiatives and potential dam construction.

    The tourism sector remains apprehensive about the “day zero” terminology. Elmay Bouwer of the Great Knysna Business Council cautions against alarmism while advocating for conservation education: “We should instead tell people how to preserve the water we have.”

    Experts warn that Knysna’s predicament reflects a national crisis. Dr. Ferial Adam of Watercan notes that millions of South Africans already experience perpetual “day zero” conditions without household running water. This reality is starkly evident in Khayalethu township, where 60-year-old Khanyiswa Sewula routinely carries buckets to municipal water distribution points.

    The convergence of climate change, infrastructure decay, and access inequality creates a precarious situation that demands urgent, comprehensive solutions beyond temporary measures.

  • ‘Never imagined this’: Indian village grapples with interfaith couple’s killing

    ‘Never imagined this’: Indian village grapples with interfaith couple’s killing

    A quiet village in India’s Uttar Pradesh state has been plunged into turmoil following the brutal murder of an interfaith couple, allegedly by the woman’s own brothers in what authorities describe as an honor killing. The victims, 19-year-old Kajal (Hindu) and 27-year-old Mohammad Arman (Muslim), were discovered buried near a riverbank on January 21st in Umri village, located 182km from Delhi.

    Police investigation reveals the couple was bludgeoned to death with a spade on the night of January 18-19 when Kajal’s brothers allegedly caught Arman visiting their home. The three brothers—Rajaram, Satish and Rinku Saini—have been arrested and remain in custody without offering any defense statements.

    This tragedy has shattered the peaceful coexistence that defined Umri village, where approximately 400 Hindu and Muslim families have lived harmoniously for years without religious disputes. Deputy Inspector General Muniraj G confirmed the case appears to be a classic honor killing, where relatives punish women for relationships outside their caste or religion.

    Kajal worked as a teacher at a local private school, while Arman had recently returned from Saudi Arabia after four years working in the food service industry. Though neighbors living merely 200 meters apart, both were described as introverts with limited social circles. Their relationship, the first interfaith romance in the village, remained hidden from both families until after the tragedy.

    Police deployment continues in Umri to prevent religious tensions, though villagers report an unsettling silence has descended upon the community. The case highlights India’s ongoing struggle with honor violence despite constitutional protections for interfaith relationships. Official data recorded 38 honor killings in 2023, though activists estimate actual numbers reach hundreds annually due to systematic underreporting.

    The incident exposes the persistent tension between modern individual rights and traditional social hierarchies in rural India, where over 93% of marriages remain arranged within caste and religious boundaries. While courts have mandated protective measures including safe houses for interfaith couples, deep-seated social attitudes continue to enable such violence across the country.

  • Rs3 million gold jewellery stolen during Indian politician Ajit Pawar’s funeral

    Rs3 million gold jewellery stolen during Indian politician Ajit Pawar’s funeral

    In a brazen display of criminal activity, thieves made off with gold jewelry valued at approximately ₹3 million (approximately $36,000 USD) from mourners attending the funeral of Maharashtra’s late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 29.

    The incident occurred despite the presence of approximately 8,000 police personnel deployed to maintain order at the massive gathering. A criminal gang consisting of more than half a dozen chain snatchers systematically targeted grieving attendees, stealing gold chains, various jewelry items, and cash throughout the solemn proceedings.

    According to Pune rural police reports, some of the suspected thieves were apprehended by vigilant crowd members who subsequently administered physical retribution before turning them over to authorities. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the detention of approximately six suspects in connection with the thefts.

    The funeral drew hundreds of thousands of mourners from across Maharashtra who had gathered to pay their final respects to Pawar, who tragically perished alongside his security detail and crew members when his Learjet 45 aircraft crash-landed at Baramati airport during a flight from Mumbai.

    Ajit Pawar, nephew of political stalwart Sharad Pawar, had recently been reconciling with his uncle after a period of political separation that saw him form his own party and establish an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The timing of the thefts added further distress to what was already a profoundly tragic occasion for the community and political establishment.

  • Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s

    Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s

    In a sweeping digital protection initiative, Spain has unveiled comprehensive legislation to prohibit social media access for all children under 16 years old. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the groundbreaking measures during his address at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, characterizing social platforms as dangerous territories of “addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation, and violence” that children were “never meant to navigate alone.”

    The proposed legislation, requiring parliamentary approval, represents one of Europe’s most aggressive regulatory responses to youth digital safety concerns. Beyond the age restriction, the framework introduces stringent new obligations for technology companies, including holding executives personally accountable for illegal or harmful content disseminated through their platforms. The measures mandate implementation of robust age verification systems that transcend mere checkbox compliance, addressing documented loopholes where Australian children bypassed protections using simple adult photographs.

    Additional provisions criminalize algorithmic manipulation that amplifies illegal content and establish new monitoring mechanisms to track how digital platforms potentially fuel societal division and hate speech. Sánchez specifically referenced investigations into AI tools like Grok, TikTok, and Instagram, aligning with broader European scrutiny exemplified by the European Commission’s probe into Grok’s alleged generation of sexualized imagery featuring real individuals.

    The political landscape presents significant hurdles, however, as Sánchez’s minority coalition government lacks parliamentary majority support. While the conservative People’s Party has expressed preliminary approval, citing previous similar proposals, the far-right Vox party opposes the measures. Technology companies have universally criticized such bans as impractical and potentially isolating for vulnerable adolescents, with Reddit currently challenging Australia’s comparable legislation in that country’s High Court.

    Spain joins a growing international movement, following Australia’s pioneering ban and coinciding with ongoing consultations in the UK regarding under-16 restrictions. France, under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, is pursuing similar protections for children under 15 by September’s new school year, demonstrating a consolidating European front against unregulated youth social media exposure.