Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Kerala arrest over viral video: UAE experts warn against ‘trial by social media’

    Kerala arrest over viral video: UAE experts warn against ‘trial by social media’

    Legal and psychological authorities in the UAE are issuing urgent warnings about the dangerous proliferation of ‘trial by social media,’ highlighting how digital mob justice is undermining legal due process and inflicting severe psychological harm. This expert analysis follows a tragic incident in Kerala, India, where a man took his own life after facing mass online condemnation.

    Professor Aryaan Asad Lalani of Middlesex University Dubai emphasizes that the fundamental legal principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is entirely absent in the court of public opinion. ‘Social media algorithms construct narratives around polarized evidence, compelling users to render judgments based on incomplete stories,’ Professor Lalani explained. ‘This creates profoundly problematic outcomes that bypass evidentiary standards.’

    The Kerala case exemplifies these dangers. A 35-year-old woman posted videos accusing a man of inappropriate touching on a bus, triggering widespread online condemnation. Two days after the video went viral, the accused man died by suicide while maintaining his innocence. His family alleges the accusation was fabricated for social media fame. The woman now faces charges of abetment to suicide and is in judicial custody, having never filed a formal police report initially.

    Clinical Psychologist Asra Sarwar of Aster Clinics detailed the devastating psychological impact of online shaming. ‘Human beings are neurologically wired for social acceptance,’ Sarwar noted. ‘Sustained negative attention triggers intense stress responses that erode self-worth and create helplessness—established risk factors for depression and suicidal ideation.’

    Legal experts warn that digital accusations create irreversible damage regardless of their veracity. Professor Lalani highlighted how social media prioritizes ‘clicks, outrage and algorithmic visibility’ over factual accuracy. Even when allegations are disproven, digital footprints persist indefinitely, creating permanent reputational damage without legal basis.

    Both experts identified concerning psychological dynamics driving online pile-ons. Sarwar explained that moral outrage triggers group alignment with dominant narratives, while anonymity reduces empathy and increases aggression. Lalani and Sarwar distinguished between legitimate whistleblowing—governed by evidence and legal safeguards—and unregulated call-out culture driven by virality rather than verification.

    The experts concluded that while social media can occasionally provide recourse for victims failed by traditional systems, restoring institutional trust remains essential. They urged digital citizens to practice ethical engagement: ‘Respecting due process isn’t silence—it’s responsibility,’ Sarwar emphasized, noting that online actions carry profound real-world consequences.

  • Teenage girl dies in Dublin after being hit by scrambler

    Teenage girl dies in Dublin after being hit by scrambler

    A tragic road traffic incident in a north Dublin suburb has resulted in the death of a teenage girl following a collision with a scrambler-type motorcycle. The fatal accident occurred on Ratoath Road in the residential area of Finglas at approximately 2:20 PM local time on Sunday afternoon.

    According to An Garda Síochána (Ireland’s national police service), emergency responders rushed the critically injured teenager to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown for immediate medical intervention. Despite receiving comprehensive trauma care, the young victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the medical facility.

    In a significant development following the incident, law enforcement authorities have apprehended a teenage male in connection with the fatal collision. The suspect remains in custody at a Garda station within the Dublin metropolitan region as investigations continue.

    Specialist forensic collision investigators from the Garda Technical Bureau have conducted a meticulous examination of the accident scene, employing advanced forensic techniques to reconstruct the precise sequence of events. The thorough investigation has been completed and the roadway, which was temporarily closed for evidence gathering, has now been fully reopened to traffic.

    Police officials have issued a public appeal for information, urging any potential witnesses or individuals with relevant camera footage—including dashcam recordings, home security systems, or mobile phone videos—to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. The Gardaí emphasize that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in determining the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

  • Massive winter storm sweeps across US

    Massive winter storm sweeps across US

    A historic winter storm of unprecedented scale has engulfed the eastern two-thirds of the United States, creating catastrophic conditions that continue to paralyze critical infrastructure. The massive weather system, described by meteorologists as potentially the most significant ice event in over a decade, has triggered federal emergency declarations across twelve states with seventeen additional states and the District of Columbia declaring weather emergencies.

    The storm’s impact on the national power grid has been particularly severe, with PowerOutage.com reporting over 500,000 customers without electricity by Sunday morning. The southern states bore the brunt of the outages, with Mississippi, Texas, and Tennessee each experiencing more than 100,000 power disruptions. In response to the escalating crisis, the Department of Energy issued an emergency order authorizing Texas grid operators to deploy backup generation resources at data centers and other essential facilities to prevent complete grid collapse.

    Air travel has reached near-standstill conditions with FlightAware reporting at least 13,500 canceled flights since Saturday. Aviation analytics company Cirium indicated that Sunday would mark the highest cancellation event since the pandemic, with over 29% of all departing flights axed. Major carriers including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines have issued widespread travel advisories, warning passengers to anticipate further cancellations and schedule changes. Critical airport hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Atlanta—home to the nation’s busiest airport—face significant operational disruptions.

    The National Weather Service has issued grave warnings about widespread, heavy ice accumulation across the Southeast, predicting ‘crippling to locally catastrophic impacts.’ Meteorological experts attribute the brutal conditions to a stretched polar vortex driving Arctic air across North America. While scientists continue to debate potential connections to climate change, the immediate concern remains the life-threatening cold expected to persist for up to a week after the storm passes, with wind chills in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest potentially plunging below -45°C.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that ‘tens of thousands of people in affected southern states have lost power’ as emergency crews work tirelessly to restore essential services amid dangerous conditions.

  • Egypt to adopt restrictions on children’s social media use to fight ‘digital chaos’

    Egypt to adopt restrictions on children’s social media use to fight ‘digital chaos’

    Egyptian lawmakers are initiating legislative measures to control minors’ access to social media platforms, responding to growing concerns about digital exposure risks. The House of Representatives announced Sunday it would develop comprehensive regulations addressing what it termed ‘digital chaos’ affecting Egyptian youth.

    The parliamentary initiative follows direct instructions from President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who urged government officials during televised remarks to study international approaches to social media restrictions for children. The president specifically referenced Australia and the United Kingdom as models for potential legislation.

    According to recent data from the National Center for Social and Criminological Research, approximately half of Egypt’s under-18 population engages with social media platforms. The 2024 report highlights significant exposure risks including harmful content, cyberbullying, and various forms of digital abuse.

    The proposed legislation will involve consultations with government agencies and expert organizations to create protective measures safeguarding children’s cognitive development and behavioral patterns. This move aligns with global trends, as Australia implemented groundbreaking restrictions in December prohibiting social media access for children under 16, while Britain and France consider similar age-based limitations.

    The Egyptian initiative reflects growing international consensus regarding the need for balanced approaches to digital protection that address both child safety concerns and developmental considerations.

  • Tributes pour in across India for revered BBC broadcaster Sir Mark Tully

    Tributes pour in across India for revered BBC broadcaster Sir Mark Tully

    The world of journalism is mourning the loss of Sir Mark Tully, the legendary BBC correspondent whose name became inseparable from the broadcaster’s identity in India for over half a century. Sir Mark passed away on Sunday at the age of 90 in a Delhi hospital, following a period of illness. The city had been his long-time home, and his cremation is scheduled for Monday.

    Widely celebrated as the definitive ‘voice of India’ for international audiences, Sir Mark’s career encompassed the most pivotal historical moments across South Asia. His reporting provided the world with critical insights into events that shaped the region, including the Indian Army’s operation at the Golden Temple, the emergence of Bangladesh, periods of martial law in Pakistan, the Tamil Tigers insurgency in Sri Lanka, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

    His commitment to truth often placed him in perilous situations. In 1992, while covering the controversial demolition of the Babri Mosque by Hindu extremists, he was threatened by a mob and confined for several hours before being rescued through the intervention of a local official and a Hindu priest.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes, describing Sir Mark as ‘a towering voice of journalism’ whose profound connection with India was evident throughout his body of work. This sentiment was echoed across the journalistic community. Author William Dalrymple honored him as ‘a giant among journalists and the greatest Indophile of his generation,’ noting his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power.

    Sir Mark’s distinctive, measured delivery and authoritative reporting made him the most trusted news source for millions of Indians during eras of limited media freedom. Political scholar Pratap Bhanu Mehta recalled how during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Sir Mark’s broadcasts became ‘the only voice of Indian history as it happened,’ providing clarity amidst chaos with what he described as ‘controlled despair.’

    His credibility was such that, as veteran journalist Coomi Kapoor noted, his voice on the BBC offered the only alternative to government-controlled All India Radio. This trust reached the highest levels of society—former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi reportedly refused to believe reports of his mother Indira Gandhi’s assassination until hearing confirmation on the BBC.

    Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935 during British rule, Sir Mark received numerous honors for his contributions to journalism, including a knighthood in 2002 and two of India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan—exceptional recognition for a foreign national.

  • Explosion at cookie factory in central Greece kills at least 4

    Explosion at cookie factory in central Greece kills at least 4

    A catastrophic explosion and subsequent fire ripped through the Violanta biscuit manufacturing facility in central Greece, resulting in a significant loss of life and injuries. The incident, which occurred during the night shift near the city of Trikala, approximately 320 kilometers north of Athens, has left the local community in shock.

    Emergency services confirmed that the blast claimed the lives of at least four female workers, with one individual still unaccounted for as search operations continue. Seven others, including a responding firefighter, sustained injuries and were transported to Trikala Hospital for treatment. Officials reported that none of the injured are in serious condition.

    The force of the explosion and the intensity of the resulting fire caused extensive damage, gutting the industrial plant. Firefighting crews engaged in a prolonged battle against the blaze for several hours before gaining sufficient control to begin recovery operations and retrieve the victims.

    Preliminary investigative findings from police authorities indicate the explosion may have originated in the vicinity of the factory’s industrial ovens, which maintain continuous 24-hour operation. Specialized arson investigators and emergency response teams remain deployed at the disaster site, conducting a thorough examination to determine the precise cause and sequence of events that led to this industrial tragedy.

  • A search for 6 presumed dead in a New Zealand landslide is expected to take days

    A search for 6 presumed dead in a New Zealand landslide is expected to take days

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Recovery operations for six individuals presumed deceased in a catastrophic landslide at Beachside Holiday Park, one of New Zealand’s premier coastal camping destinations, are anticipated to extend over several days due to perilous ground conditions. Authorities confirmed the challenging search efforts resumed Monday following a weather-induced suspension over the weekend.

    The devastating incident occurred Thursday when torrential rains triggered a massive mudslide from Mount Maunganui during a severe summer storm across the North Island. The missing victims, ranging from 15 to 71 years old, include international visitors from Sweden and Italy alongside New Zealand residents.

    Police Superintendent Tim Anderson emphasized the operational challenges, stating, ‘We’re maintaining hope for improved weather conditions as saturated ground remains our primary concern. What we require are consecutive days of dry weather to ensure recovery team safety.’

    The landslide unleashed a torrent of mud that engulfed the picturesque campground, crushing vehicles, travel trailers, and facility buildings beneath debris. Initial rescue efforts Thursday detected voices beneath the rubble, but by Saturday, authorities concluded no survivors remained among the missing.

    Identified victims include Lisa Anne Maclennan (50), Måns Loke Bernhardsson (20), Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler (71), Susan Doreen Knowles (71), Sharon Maccanico (15), and Max Furse-Kee (15).

    The tragedy struck during New Zealand’s peak summer holiday period, with the surrounding Tauranga region recording its wettest 24-hour period since 1910. The storm system claimed three additional lives elsewhere on the North Island, including two residents buried in a separate Papamoa landslide and a Kiribati national swept away by floodwaters.

    Growing questions about evacuation protocols have emerged after revelations that fire services relayed a public landslide warning to Tauranga City Council four hours before the fatal event. The council, which owns the campground land, has committed to an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

  • Actor’s fans raise funds to save hospital

    Actor’s fans raise funds to save hospital

    In an extraordinary display of public solidarity, hundreds of thousands of supporters converged on actor Li Yapeng’s Douyin livestream Friday evening, creating a charity-driven purchasing frenzy for Yunnan Pu’er tea products. The massive digital gathering aimed to generate crucial funds for Beijing Smile Angel Children’s Hospital, a specialized facility co-founded by Li in 2012 that provides free and subsidized cleft lip and palate surgeries to children in need.

    The hospital’s financial crisis came to public attention earlier this month when Li revealed the institution faced accumulated debts exceeding 26 million yuan ($3.5 million) in unpaid rent and operational fees, pushing it to the brink of permanent closure. This disclosure triggered an immediate public response, with donations to the Smile Angel Foundation—established by Li in 2006 under the Chinese Red Cross Foundation—surpassing 23 million yuan from hundreds of thousands of contributors within days.

    However, experts subsequently clarified that these donations were legally restricted to covering medical procedures rather than operational expenses, necessitating alternative fundraising approaches. Li’s strategic pivot to e-commerce philanthropy proved remarkably successful, with his Friday livestream dominating Douyin’s sales charts by generating 16.84 million yuan ($2.42 million) in revenue—nearly quadruple the sales of the platform’s second-ranked broadcaster.

    During the broadcast, Li demonstrated ethical entrepreneurship by repeatedly urging viewers toward rational consumption. “I know why everyone is here,” he acknowledged, directly referencing the hospital’s predicament while encouraging viewers to “only buy if you drink tea.”

    The overwhelming response forced Li’s commercial partner, a Yunnan Pu’er tea company, to announce a temporary suspension of upcoming livestreams to focus exclusively on processing the unprecedented volume of orders. “The order volume far exceeded expectations,” the company stated Saturday, explaining the pause would ensure “timely and accurate delivery.”

    Despite this remarkable show of public support, the hospital’s future remains uncertain. Wednesday’s official statement confirmed ongoing negotiations with the landlord regarding potential relocation or lease renewal, with no final resolution reached.

  • At least three dead in Greece biscuit factory fire

    At least three dead in Greece biscuit factory fire

    A devastating industrial fire has resulted in multiple casualties at a food manufacturing facility in central Greece, with rescue operations continuing into Monday. The tragedy unfolded at the Violanta biscuit factory near Trikala during early morning operations when 13 employees were present on site.

    Local authorities confirmed three fatalities with two workers remaining unaccounted for following the intense blaze. Emergency responders successfully evacuated eight staff members from the burning structure before recovering the victims’ remains. Drone surveillance footage captured massive plumes of dark smoke engulfing the industrial area, illustrating the severity of the incident.

    Witnesses reported hearing a substantial explosion preceding the rapid spread of the fire, though official investigators have not yet determined the exact ignition source. The Greek fire service deployed substantial resources to combat the flames, including 40 specialized firefighters and 13 emergency vehicles.

    Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis provided preliminary medical assessments, indicating six factory employees and one firefighter required hospitalization. All were reported in stable condition, primarily undergoing treatment for smoke inhalation and related respiratory complications. The minister emphasized that despite the traumatic event, the injured were expected to make full recoveries.

    The Violanta factory, known for biscuit production, sustained significant structural damage as firefighting teams worked to fully extinguish remaining hot spots. An official investigation has been launched to examine safety protocols and determine liability for one of Greece’s most serious industrial accidents in recent years.

  • Laba porridge heralds festive celebrations

    Laba porridge heralds festive celebrations

    As winter’s chill embraces Beijing, the aromatic steam of laba porridge rises from ancient temples, signaling the official commencement of Chinese New Year festivities. This Monday, marking the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, communities across China will participate in the centuries-old tradition that blends culinary artistry with cultural significance.

    The term ‘laba’ itself derives from Chinese lunar calendar terminology, with ‘la’ denoting the twelfth month and ‘ba’ representing the number eight. This symbolic porridge, typically crafted from at least eight ingredients including glutinous rice and red beans, transcends mere culinary practice to embody a cultural countdown to new beginnings.

    Historical temples including Yonghegong (Lama Temple), Guanghua, and Tanzhe become epicenters of this tradition, distributing steaming bowls to thousands of visitors despite the winter cold. The ritual represents one of Beijing’s most significant seasonal events, maintaining continuity since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when both royalty and commoners believed consuming temple-prepared porridge ensured future prosperity and peace.

    Imperial archives reveal Emperor Yongzheng’s particular devotion to the ceremony, elevating it to a rigorously regulated ritual requiring eight days of preparation. Historical records document astonishing scales of production: single ceremonies utilized over 720 kilograms of primary ingredients, with total ingredient weight reaching 1,000 kilograms and consuming approximately 5,000 kilograms of firewood.

    At Lama Temple, visitors can still witness the massive copper cauldron—crafted by imperial workshops, measuring two meters in diameter and weighing eight metric tons—that once facilitated these grand preparations. During Emperor Qianlong’s reign, the recipe incorporated thirteen premium ingredients including millet, rice, various beans, red dates, chestnuts, almonds, and brown sugar.

    Beyond temple walls, contemporary adaptations thrive. Huguosi Snack, a renowned Beijing eatery, has introduced a modern version featuring over twenty ingredients, receiving praise on social platform Xiaohongshu for its authentic composition and satisfying quality.

    Regional variations showcase China’s culinary diversity: Northern versions favor hearty, thick consistency often accompanied by pickled laba garlic; Jiangnan regions prefer lighter, delicately sweetened interpretations; while Northwestern adaptations incorporate lamb for enhanced warmth. Across all variations, the harmonious blend of grains symbolizes abundance and collective hopes for a prosperous coming year.