Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Louvre remains closed one day after jewel heist

    Louvre remains closed one day after jewel heist

    The Louvre Museum in Paris remained closed on Monday following a brazen daylight theft of historic Napoleonic-era jewels, prompting a nationwide reassessment of security measures at cultural institutions. The audacious heist, which unfolded just 250 meters from the iconic Mona Lisa, involved thieves using a basket lift to scale the museum’s facade, forcing entry through a window, and smashing display cases to steal priceless artifacts. The robbery, lasting less than eight minutes, occurred shortly after the museum opened, with visitors already inside, marking one of the most high-profile museum thefts in recent memory.

    French officials confirmed that eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, necklaces, earrings, and a reliquary brooch linked to 19th-century French queens and Empress Marie-Louise, were stolen. One item, Empress Eugénie’s imperial crown adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, was later recovered outside the museum. Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the operation as highly professional, with thieves demonstrating precise knowledge of their targets.

    Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledged significant security lapses, questioning why windows were unsecured and a basket lift was accessible on a public road. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has ordered an immediate review of security protocols at cultural sites across France. Meanwhile, the Louvre’s staff informed visitors of the closure and promised refunds for pre-booked tickets.

    The incident has cast a spotlight on the museum’s ongoing ‘Louvre New Renaissance’ plan, a 700-million-euro initiative launched earlier this year to modernize infrastructure and enhance security. Dati emphasized that the museum, originally designed for far fewer visitors, faces unique challenges in safeguarding its treasures. Investigations are ongoing, with evidence including motorcycles and license plates recovered from the scene.

  • Pope meets with board of global organization of clergy sexual abuse victims to talk zero-tolerance

    Pope meets with board of global organization of clergy sexual abuse victims to talk zero-tolerance

    In a historic meeting at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Leo XIV convened with representatives from Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA), a global organization advocating for survivors of clergy abuse and pushing for a universal zero-tolerance policy within the Catholic Church. This marked the first time a pope has formally engaged with an activist group dedicated to this cause. The ECA, which campaigns to extend the U.S. church’s stringent abuse policies worldwide, emphasized the need for the permanent removal from ministry of any priest found guilty of child abuse. During the meeting, Pope Leo acknowledged the significant resistance to implementing a universal zero-tolerance law but expressed his willingness to collaborate with ECA and the Vatican to advance the initiative. Tim Law, co-founder of ECA, highlighted the pope’s openness to dialogue and his recognition of the importance of addressing systemic issues within the Church. While previous popes, including Francis and Benedict XVI, have met with individual survivors, they have largely avoided direct engagement with advocacy organizations. Pope Leo’s meeting with ECA underscores his commitment to addressing clergy abuse more proactively, building on his prior experience as a bishop in Peru, where he was known for listening to victims’ concerns.

  • ‘No debts’: UAE’s raffle millionaires reveal how life changed after big wins

    ‘No debts’: UAE’s raffle millionaires reveal how life changed after big wins

    The UAE Lottery recently celebrated a historic milestone as a resident clinched the first-ever Dh100 million grand prize. This monumental win has sparked conversations about how such life-altering fortunes reshape lives. To delve deeper, Khaleej Times interviewed past winners to uncover their transformative experiences.

    Anish Krishnan, an Indian expat and IT engineer, won Dh10 million in the Mahzooz draw in 2022. At the time, he was living in a bed space in Ajman, struggling to make ends meet. His win allowed him to pay off a home loan, reunite with his family in Dubai, and invest in properties, including a villa in Dubai South. He also secured a Golden Visa and continues to support his relatives while contemplating future business ventures. Anish advises the latest winner to remain level-headed and avoid impulsive spending.

    Munavvar, an Al Ain resident, won Dh20 million in the Big Ticket draw in 2023. After years of working as a driver, he used his share of the winnings to start his own business, achieving financial freedom. Despite his newfound wealth, Munavvar leads a simple, debt-free life and continues to participate in the lottery with friends.

    Another winner, Charlie, who chose to remain anonymous, shared a more tumultuous experience. Winning Dh3.5 million with a group of friends brought unexpected challenges, including harassment and demands for money. Charlie used his winnings to clear debts and invest in fixed deposits, maintaining his job while securing his financial future.

    These stories highlight the profound impact of lottery wins, offering financial freedom and opportunities while underscoring the importance of prudent decision-making and resilience in the face of newfound wealth.

  • BBC at scene of ‘brazen’ Louvre jewel theft

    BBC at scene of ‘brazen’ Louvre jewel theft

    In a stunning act of audacity, the Louvre Museum in Paris has become the site of a high-profile jewel theft. BBC correspondent Hugh Schofield is currently stationed outside the iconic museum, describing the incident as “extraordinary, daring, and brazen.” The robbery, which unfolded with remarkable boldness, has left authorities and the public alike in shock. Details of the stolen items and the methods employed by the thieves remain under investigation. The Louvre, renowned for its vast collection of art and historical artifacts, is now at the center of a security crisis. This event raises significant concerns about the safety of priceless treasures housed in one of the world’s most visited museums.

  • UAE weather: Week to start with rainfall as temperatures drop to 22°C

    UAE weather: Week to start with rainfall as temperatures drop to 22°C

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to experience a week of rainfall and cooler temperatures, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The weather forecast indicates fair to partly cloudy conditions, with convective clouds forming over the eastern and northern regions, bringing potential rainfall. Temperatures are expected to drop to 22°C in the southern and internal areas, while Abu Dhabi and Dubai will see highs of 35°C and lows of 26°C. Humidity is anticipated to increase by night and into Tuesday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas. Light to moderate winds will blow from the southeasterly to northwesterly directions, occasionally causing dust to blow. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments and prepare for the changing conditions.

  • Golden autumn days draw people outdoors across China

    Golden autumn days draw people outdoors across China

    As the golden hues of autumn paint the landscapes, people across China are embracing the season by venturing outdoors. The crisp air and vibrant foliage have created an irresistible allure for nature lovers and tourists alike. In Mogao Town, Dunhuang, Northwest China’s Gansu province, visitors flocked to the populus euphratica forest on October 19, 2025, to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery. This seasonal phenomenon is not limited to Dunhuang; from bustling cities to serene countryside, individuals are seizing the opportunity to enjoy the pleasant weather and picturesque views. The trend reflects a growing appreciation for nature and the simple joys of seasonal changes. As autumn continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the beauty and tranquility that the natural world offers, encouraging people to step outside and reconnect with their surroundings.

  • ‘It’s like a scene from a film’ – Paris tourists surprised at Louvre jewel theft

    ‘It’s like a scene from a film’ – Paris tourists surprised at Louvre jewel theft

    In an audacious act reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, the Louvre Museum in Paris was thrust into chaos on Sunday as robbers executed a daring daylight theft of priceless imperial jewels. The iconic museum, a beacon of art and history, has since remained shuttered, leaving tourists and locals alike in disbelief. Witnesses described the scene as surreal, with one visitor remarking, ‘It’s like something out of a movie.’ Authorities are now scrambling to piece together the details of the heist, which has raised serious concerns about security at one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions. The stolen artifacts, steeped in historical significance, are yet to be recovered, casting a shadow over the museum’s reputation and prompting calls for heightened protective measures.

  • State councilor urges efforts to promote women’s cause

    State councilor urges efforts to promote women’s cause

    In a significant address on Sunday, Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin emphasized the critical role of women’s federations in fostering the high-quality development of women’s causes across the nation. Speaking at a video conference, Shen, who also serves as the president of the All-China Women’s Federation, highlighted the recent Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing as a pivotal milestone in advancing women’s rights globally. Shen urged these federations to create conducive environments for women’s comprehensive development, establish robust platforms to support their active participation, and safeguard their legitimate rights through improved governance. She also called for concrete measures to enhance global women’s development, contributing to the broader vision of building a shared future for humanity. Shen’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to gender equality and its proactive stance in promoting women’s empowerment on both national and international stages.

  • Notorious cyber scam hub linked to Chinese mafia raided

    Notorious cyber scam hub linked to Chinese mafia raided

    In a significant development in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, the military has announced the capture of KK Park, one of the most infamous scam compounds located along the Thai-Myanmar border. Situated south of the border town of Myawaddy, KK Park has been a hub for online fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking for the past five years. Thousands of individuals, many from African countries, were lured with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be forced into orchestrating elaborate scams that defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars. The military, which has long been implicated in the scam industry, claims to have taken control of the complex as part of its broader strategy to reclaim territory lost to insurgent groups. This move comes as the junta prepares for a planned election in December, aiming to consolidate its control over key areas. The junta’s information ministry stated that its forces had ‘cleared’ KK Park, releasing over 2,000 workers and confiscating 30 Starlink satellite terminals, which were widely used by scam centers for online operations. The ministry blamed the Karen National Union (KNU) and volunteer people’s defence forces for illegally occupying the area. The KNU, an ethnic insurgent group controlling much of the region, had leased the land to Huanya International, a Hong Kong-listed company linked to Chinese underworld figure Wan Kuok Koi, also known as Broken Tooth. Despite the junta’s claims, sources suggest that scam operations may still be ongoing in parts of KK Park, and the military’s actions may be influenced by pressure from China, which has been urging the junta and Thai government to crack down on illegal activities run by Chinese syndicates. The capture of KK Park is part of a larger effort by the military to regain control of territory, including the strategic road linking Myawaddy to the rest of Myanmar. However, the junta still faces significant resistance, with opposition forces dismissing the upcoming election as a sham and vowing to block it in areas under their control.

  • Global mayors foster artistic ceramic bonds

    Global mayors foster artistic ceramic bonds

    City leaders from across the globe gathered in Jingdezhen, China’s renowned ‘porcelain capital,’ to celebrate ceramics as a timeless symbol of cultural unity and friendship. The 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue, held on October 19, highlighted the shared artistic heritage that transcends borders and fosters mutual understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world. Jingdezhen, located in Jiangxi province, served as the perfect backdrop for this international event, showcasing its centuries-old craftsmanship and innovation. Kagan Mehmet Usta, the mayor of Iznik, Turkiye, emphasized the deep cultural ties between Iznik and Jingdezhen, which were formalized as sister cities in 2021. He noted that this relationship symbolizes a shared artistic legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Nurbaev Niiazbek, deputy speaker of the City Council of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, praised ceramics as a universal language of peace, reflecting a nation’s aesthetics, craftsmanship, and philosophy. He announced plans to invite Jingdezhen experts to train local ceramic specialists and establish a dedicated pavilion for Jingdezhen porcelain at Silk Road trade fairs. Chen Kelong, mayor of Jingdezhen, highlighted the city’s commitment to cultural and trade cooperation, citing its international exchange activities and flagship stores in Dubai and Istanbul. The Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo, running from October 19 to 22, further underscored the city’s global influence. Tourism in Jingdezhen has seen remarkable growth, with over 60 million visitors in 2024. Veronika Todorova, deputy mayor of Troyan, Bulgaria, expressed her admiration for Jingdezhen’s traditions and expressed eagerness for future collaborations. The event reinforced the role of ceramics as a bridge for cultural exchange and cooperation in the modern era.