Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Pakistan rescuers scour blaze site for dozens missing

    Pakistan rescuers scour blaze site for dozens missing

    Rescue teams in Karachi continue their painstaking search through the smoldering wreckage of Gul Plaza shopping complex four days after a catastrophic fire engulfed the building. The devastating blaze has claimed at least 29 confirmed fatalities, though authorities anticipate the death toll will rise significantly as recovery operations progress.

    Javed Nabi Khoso, Deputy Commissioner of Karachi South, disclosed that 39 individuals have been officially verified as missing, with nearly 50 additional persons remaining on unverified missing lists. The recovery process has drawn criticism from grieving families who have expressed frustration with the pace of the operation. AFP correspondents observed at least five sets of human remains being extracted from the debris on Wednesday.

    At Karachi’s Civil Hospital, health official Summaiya Syed reported that DNA samples from 51 families have been collected to facilitate identification of victims. “We will transfer the remains to families once DNA matches are confirmed,” Syed stated outside the hospital mortuary. Of the 29 victims transferred to the Edhi Foundation morgue, only seven have been positively identified and returned to relatives through DNA matching.

    The human tragedy has left families confronting unimaginable decisions. Muhammad Saleem, whose three relatives remain missing, explained his family’s resolution not to bring home any recovered remains. “They are bringing only remains wrapped inside clothes,” he expressed. “Our family members still believe they are alive. They will go mad if they see these remains.”

    Faraz Ali, 28, whose father and brother were inside the mall during the fire, articulated the anguish shared by many families: “I want the bodies to be recovered and handed over to their rightful families. That is all so that the families may receive something, some comfort, some peace. At least let us see them one last time, in whatever condition they are.”

    While fires occur frequently in Karachi’s commercial establishments due to substandard infrastructure, the scale of this tragedy stands as particularly severe. A government committee has initiated an investigation, though the cause of the inferno remains undetermined. The three-story Gul Plaza contained approximately 1,200 retail outlets, notably specializing in wedding merchandise and home decor.

  • Dozens of body parts are found after Pakistan’s shopping plaza fire

    Dozens of body parts are found after Pakistan’s shopping plaza fire

    KARACHI, Pakistan — The death toll from Saturday’s catastrophic shopping plaza fire is anticipated to increase significantly after rescue teams made a grim discovery Wednesday, uncovering human remains believed to belong to numerous victims who had sought refuge in a single shop during the blaze.

    For the first time since the fire erupted at Gul Plaza in Pakistan’s largest metropolitan area, search crews managed to access a retail establishment where multiple individuals had attempted to shelter from the inferno. The recovery operation revealed more than two dozen body parts, suggesting the final casualty count could substantially exceed initial estimates.

    Prior to this development, authorities had confirmed 29 fatalities from the incident, according to police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed. The city’s primary medical facility received the newly discovered remains on the fifth consecutive day of search efforts.

    Government administrator Javed Nabi Khoso provided preliminary assessments indicating the recovered remains might represent between 15 to 25 individuals. “This marks the first instance where such an extensive collection of remains has been located in a single area since the fire commenced,” Khoso stated.

    Senior rescue official Abid Jamal Sheikh corroborated these estimates, noting the remains could belong to more than a dozen people while emphasizing that official verification procedures remain ongoing.

    The investigation into the fire’s origin continues, with preliminary police reports suggesting an electrical short circuit may have ignited the blaze.

    Amid the ongoing recovery operations, dozens of mourners gathered Wednesday for the first funeral services, honoring shop owner Shahroz Iqbal who perished in the tragedy.

    This incident highlights Karachi’s persistent challenges with fire safety, characterized by inadequate safety protocols, lax enforcement measures, and unauthorized construction practices. The city witnessed a similar mall fire in November 2023 that resulted in 10 fatalities and 22 injuries. Pakistan’s deadliest industrial catastrophe occurred in 2012 when a garment factory fire claimed at least 260 lives.

  • In Dubai, everybody wants everyone to succeed, says Sheikha Latifa

    In Dubai, everybody wants everyone to succeed, says Sheikha Latifa

    At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, articulated the unique social fabric that underpins Dubai’s remarkable development. She characterized the emirate as a thriving mosaic where collective advancement and cultural preservation coexist harmoniously.

    Sheikha Latifa emphasized that Dubai’s fundamental ethos revolves around mutual success, where individual achievements create positive ripple effects throughout society. “The connecting theme in Dubai is that everybody wants everyone to succeed,” she stated during a panel discussion, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the city’s social contract.

    Despite its reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative, and progressive global hub, Sheikha Latifa noted that Emirati society remains deeply rooted in traditional values. These cultural foundations manifest daily through clothing choices, interpersonal interactions, and the enduring practices of hospitality, respect, and strong moral conduct.

    The cultural authority chairperson underscored Dubai’s extraordinary diversity, noting the emirate is home to 195 distinct cultures and backgrounds. What makes this diversity remarkable, she explained, is how these communities maintain their cultural and religious practices while contributing to a cohesive, open society.

    Sheikha Latifa presented a compelling vision for cultural coexistence: “We believe in openness beyond merely connecting through similarities. We must celebrate our differences. A world where everyone looked, spoke, and operated identically would be profoundly boring. The true beauty of our world lies in its diversity.”

    Addressing governance, Sheikha Latifa revealed the leadership’s rigorous approach to promise-keeping. “Dubai’s leadership maintains strict accountability regarding delivery on commitments. Whenever we launch a strategy or initiative, we are obligated to fulfill these promises,” she explained.

    This results-driven approach involves comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Before implementing any new strategy, Dubai’s authorities consult extensively with affected communities, listening to challenges, proposed solutions, and identifying industry gaps to enable collaborative problem-solving.

  • Catholicism shrinks in Latin America while more are religiously unaffiliated, Pew surveys find

    Catholicism shrinks in Latin America while more are religiously unaffiliated, Pew surveys find

    A profound religious transformation is underway across Latin America as Catholicism experiences significant decline while religiously unaffiliated populations surge, according to a comprehensive Pew Research Center study released Wednesday. The report, based on extensive surveys conducted in early 2024 across six major Latin American nations—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru—reveals a dramatic shift in spiritual identity across the region that represents approximately 75% of Latin America’s total population.

    The research documents that Catholic affiliation has diminished by at least 9 percentage points in each country over the past decade, while religiously unaffiliated adults—identifying as atheist, agnostic, or ‘nothing in particular’—have increased by 7 percentage points or more. This trend has resulted in religiously unaffiliated populations now outnumbering Protestants in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico—a remarkable development in a region historically dominated by Catholic tradition.

    Kirsten Lesage, Pew research associate and lead author of the report, emphasized the significance of these findings: ‘Our analysis found that the Catholic share of the population in these six nations has significantly declined since 2013-14, while a growing share of adults in the region are religiously unaffiliated.’

    Despite these shifting affiliations, the study reveals that Latin Americans maintain strong spiritual inclinations. Approximately 90% or more adults across all surveyed countries affirm belief in God, with about half or more in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru considering religion ‘very important’ in their lives. Majorities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru report praying at least daily.

    Experts attribute the Catholic Church’s diminishing influence to multiple factors, including clergy sex abuse scandals and opposition to the institution’s conservative positions on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Many Latin Americans now seek spiritual fulfillment beyond traditional religious structures, exploring alternatives such as yoga, tarot, astrology, and personalized belief systems.

    The survey, which polled 6,234 adults from January to April 2024 with a margin of error ranging from ±4.0 to 4.5 percentage points, indicates that Protestantism has remained relatively stable across the region during this period of transformation.

  • Loved ones of victims reeling after high-speed rail crash in southern Spain

    Loved ones of victims reeling after high-speed rail crash in southern Spain

    Spain’s railway infrastructure faces intense scrutiny following two catastrophic derailments within 72 hours, claiming at least 43 lives and leaving dozens injured in the country’s worst rail disaster in over a decade.

    The initial tragedy struck Sunday evening near Córdoba when two high-speed trains collided in dense woodland 36 miles from the city. Emergency services responded to what doctors describe as ‘unprecedented carnage.’ Dr. Eduardo Morán of Córdoba’s Reina Sofía Hospital recounted the chaotic scene: ‘We prepared every department – emergency room, intensive care, surgical theaters. The injuries ranged from minor scratches to traumatic amputations.’ Despite the influx of casualties, hospital staff maintained control through rigorous triage protocols.

    Investigators are focusing on a potential track gap in the straight section where the collision occurred. Sniffer dogs continue searching through twisted metal and shattered glass as forensic teams work to identify victims.

    The tragedy became personal for countless families. Mari Carmen Abril Vega, a teacher returning from a surprise 50th birthday celebration in Córdoba, was among those confirmed dead. Her friend Jose Manuel Muñoz described the emotional whiplash: ‘We spent Saturday celebrating life, then endured two days of uncertainty before receiving confirmation of her death.’

    Before the nation could process the first disaster, a second derailment occurred near Barcelona during heavy rainfall, though without fatalities. This incident prompted Spain’s train drivers’ union to announce strikes against what they term ‘unacceptable constant deterioration of railway infrastructure.’

    At Córdoba’s Civic Center, families of the missing provide DNA samples under makeshift tents. Yamilei, whose brother-in-law Victor Luis Terán perished due to a last-minute travel change, expressed the collective anguish: ‘We need answers. We cannot continue like this.’

    Official calls for patience contrast with growing public demand for accountability as Spain’s rail network faces its most severe safety crisis in modern history.

  • Japan court sentences ex-PM Abe’s assassin to life in prison, NHK reports

    Japan court sentences ex-PM Abe’s assassin to life in prison, NHK reports

    A Japanese court has delivered a life imprisonment verdict to Tetsuya Yamagami, the 45-year-old perpetrator behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. The Nara District Court’s ruling concludes a landmark case that has captivated Japan for over three years, marking one of the most significant political violence incidents in the nation’s post-war history.

    Yamagami, who admitted to crafting a homemade firearm and fatally shooting Abe during a campaign speech in western Nara, faced certain conviction following his October court admission. Prosecutors had characterized the assassination as “an extremely grave incident unprecedented in post-war history” during last month’s sentencing request.

    The court proceedings revealed complex motivations behind the attack, with Yamagami expressing resentment toward the Unification Church after his mother’s substantial donations to the organization created severe financial distress for his family. Media reports indicated the assailant targeted Abe due to the former prime minister’s recorded video message to an event affiliated with the church.

    This assassination exposed extensive connections between Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the controversial religious group, with internal investigations revealing over hundred lawmakers maintained dealings with the organization. The disclosure has significantly eroded public trust in the long-dominant political party.

    Despite stepping down in 2020 citing health concerns, Abe remained Japan’s longest-serving prime minister with 3,188 days in office across two terms and continued to wield considerable influence within the LDP. His death created a political vacuum that has resulted in two leadership transitions and diminished party stability under current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Abe’s political protégée.

    Internationally, Abe was recognized for forging strong diplomatic ties, particularly his unique relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, being the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his 2016 election victory. Their bond, strengthened through numerous golf meetings across both nations, continues to influence current Japan-U.S. relations under the Takaichi administration.

    Yamagami’s defense team argued for a reduced sentence of maximum 20 years, citing the defendant’s family hardships caused by the religious organization’s financial demands. The court ultimately rejected these mitigating circumstances in delivering Japan’s most severe punishment short of capital punishment.

  • Social media mobilize to find Boro, a dog who survived Spain’s train crash

    Social media mobilize to find Boro, a dog who survived Spain’s train crash

    MADRID — In the devastating aftermath of Spain’s catastrophic rail collision that claimed 42 lives and injured over 150 passengers, an unexpected story of hope and compassion has captured the nation’s attention. Ana García, a 26-year-old survivor bearing visible injuries from the tragedy, has ignited a massive search effort for her missing dog Boro, who vanished during the chaos of the rescue operation.

    The tragedy unfolded when the high-speed train from Malaga to Madrid derailed under unclear circumstances, resulting in a catastrophic collision with an oncoming train that sent cars tumbling down an embankment. García, who was traveling with her pregnant sister, managed to escape the wreckage with rescue crews’ assistance but lost sight of her canine companion during the evacuation.

    Following medical treatment, García immediately returned to the disaster perimeter, delivering an emotional public appeal while visibly fighting back tears. “Please, if you can help, look for the animals,” she implored, emphasizing that Boro was “family, too” after their family weekend trip.

    Spanish citizens have responded with extraordinary solidarity, transforming social media platforms into a nationwide search network. Videos of García’s heartfelt plea have been shared thousands of times, while photos of Boro—a medium-sized black dog with distinctive white eyebrows and chest markings—have gone viral across multiple platforms.

    The search gained significant momentum when television broadcaster TVE captured footage of a dog resembling Boro running through a field near the crash site during their Monday afternoon coverage. Although the sighting provided a moment of hope, the elusive dog remained unlocated despite extensive efforts.

    In a remarkable demonstration of institutional support, Spain’s animal rights political party secured official permission from the Interior Ministry to deploy specialized animal rescue teams within the investigation perimeter. Party president Javier Luna announced in a video statement that rescue patrols would commence on Wednesday, expressing confidence that the operation would successfully locate the missing dog.

    This extraordinary display of collective empathy highlights how personal stories of loss and hope can emerge even from the most devastating tragedies, uniting a nation in support of survivors grappling with multiple layers of trauma.

  • High-speed train staff members in Beijing busy preparing for Spring Festival travel rush

    High-speed train staff members in Beijing busy preparing for Spring Festival travel rush

    As the 2026 Spring Festival approaches, Beijing’s high-speed railway workforce has entered a phase of intensive preparation to accommodate the monumental travel demand characteristic of China’s annual migration period. At specialized training facilities throughout the capital, personnel ranging from train operators to service staff are undergoing rigorous simulation exercises to ensure operational excellence during the challenging travel season.

    Simulation training bases across Beijing have become hubs of activity where drivers meticulously practice handling various scenarios on advanced simulator equipment. These exercises replicate diverse weather conditions, technical challenges, and passenger management situations that might occur during actual operations. The comprehensive training regimen focuses on both technical proficiency and emergency response capabilities, emphasizing passenger safety and service quality.

    The preparation extends beyond driving simulations to include customer service training, maintenance drills, and logistical coordination exercises. Station staff are rehearsing crowd management techniques while technical crews are conducting preventive maintenance checks on rolling stock and infrastructure. This multilayered approach addresses both the visible passenger services and the behind-the-scenes operational requirements necessary for smooth festival travel.

    Authorities have implemented these preparation measures recognizing that the Spring Festival travel rush represents the largest periodic human migration globally, with hundreds of millions expected to travel via high-speed rail. The preparations reflect China’s continuous effort to enhance transportation capacity and service quality during peak travel periods, building upon experiences from previous years while incorporating new technological solutions and operational protocols.

  • A bar with no bar

    A bar with no bar

    In an innovative approach to social inclusion, Shanghai’s Changning district now hosts HandyCup, a pioneering establishment redefining the concept of accessible nightlife. Situated on Xinhua Road, this barrier-free pub has been specifically designed to foster natural interaction between disabled and non-disabled patrons, creating what founder Xia Yujie describes as ‘a home for meaningful connections.’

    The venue represents a significant departure from conventional bars through its meticulously planned accessibility features and intentionally welcoming atmosphere. Unlike typical establishments that often present physical and social obstacles for people with disabilities, HandyCup eliminates these barriers through both architectural design and community-focused programming.

    Founder Xia Yujie conceptualized the space after recognizing the scarcity of social environments where disabled individuals could comfortably socialize without facing the usual constraints. His vision materialized as a warm, inviting pub that encourages organic relationships to develop across different ability spectrums.

    The establishment has quickly evolved into more than just a drinking venue—it has become a community hub where friendships form naturally over shared experiences. Patrons consistently report that the environment facilitates genuine connections that might not occur in more conventional social settings.

    HandyCup’s innovative model has attracted attention from disability advocates and urban planners alike, serving as a potential blueprint for more inclusive social spaces in cities worldwide. The success of this establishment demonstrates how thoughtful design and intentional community building can create environments where diversity is not just accommodated but celebrated.

    As the concept gains recognition, HandyCup stands as a testament to Shanghai’s growing commitment to accessibility and social innovation, offering a replicable model for other cities seeking to create more inclusive public spaces.

  • Disaster relief efforts underway after 5.1-magnitude quake hits China’s Yunnan

    Disaster relief efforts underway after 5.1-magnitude quake hits China’s Yunnan

    Emergency response systems sprang into action across southwestern China’s Yunnan Province following a significant seismic event that struck Qiaojia county on Monday evening. The 5.1-magnitude earthquake, occurring at 7:32 pm local time with a focal depth of 10 kilometers, triggered comprehensive disaster management protocols despite the absence of casualties or structural collapses.

    According to official reports released by Tuesday afternoon, the tremor resulted in damage to approximately 1,540 residential structures while prompting the evacuation of 297 residents from 129 households. These individuals have been temporarily relocated to emergency shelters established within the affected region, with the village office in Hongshiyan—the epicenter area—serving as a primary refuge center.

    Infrastructure assessment teams from provincial authorities have conducted rapid evaluations of over 63,000 dwellings, identifying predominantly minor structural damage including hairline fractures in auxiliary facilities and production structures. County Deputy Administrator Cao Shanyou confirmed that no residential buildings had collapsed, though the seismic activity did cause 19 mountain fissures, 262 minor rockfall incidents, and some roadway damage.

    Financial support mechanisms were immediately activated, with the Yunnan Provincial Department of Finance allocating 5 million yuan (approximately $714,224) in emergency relief funding to facilitate disaster response operations. These resources will support hazard mitigation, secondary disaster prevention, and reconstruction initiatives throughout Zhaotong City’s administrative region.

    The China Earthquake Administration implemented a Level-III emergency response, deploying specialized working teams to assist local relief operations. China’s four-tier emergency framework designates Level I as the most severe classification, indicating the current situation remains managed within provincial capabilities.

    Personal accounts from residents illustrate the earthquake’s sudden impact. Zhao Kunyun, a Hongshiyan village local, described the intense shaking that prompted his family’s immediate evacuation. While his property sustained damage including a collapsed water tower and compromised retaining walls, structural engineers confirmed the main residence’s integrity.

    Temporary shelter occupants like villager Qian Zhenzhen reported efficient crisis management, noting that authorities provided accommodation and provisions within 30 minutes of the seismic event. This coordinated response demonstrates China’s enhanced disaster preparedness protocols for moderate seismic events in geographically vulnerable regions.