Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Prince William brings his son to the same homeless shelter he first visited with Princess Diana

    Prince William brings his son to the same homeless shelter he first visited with Princess Diana

    In a poignant display of intergenerational service, the Prince of Wales and his heir, Prince George, participated in Christmas preparations at The Passage homeless shelter in central London. The royal duo engaged in various charitable activities, including decorating festive trees and assisting with culinary preparations for holiday meals.

    The visit carried profound historical significance, marking Prince George’s inaugural volunteering experience at the same institution where his father first accompanied Princess Diana over three decades ago. Notably, the young royal signed the charity’s visitor book on the very page containing signatures from both his grandmother and father dated December 1993.

    Footage released through official channels captured the heir to the throne handling Brussels sprouts preparation while his son arranged Yorkshire puddings and organized dining arrangements for shelter attendees. The royal family’s social media accounts characterized the event as featuring ‘another pair of helping hands,’ emphasizing the continuity of their commitment to homelessness advocacy.

    This engagement aligns with Prince William’s broader Homewards initiative, launched earlier this year to develop innovative solutions for addressing homelessness across the United Kingdom. The Passage maintains its special status as one of the Prince’s longest-standing patronages, representing a tangible connection to his mother’s philanthropic legacy.

  • Dubai property rental: Do you need an agent to rent out your home?

    Dubai property rental: Do you need an agent to rent out your home?

    Dubai property owners enjoy significant flexibility in the rental market, with no legal requirement to engage real estate agents when leasing their properties, according to the emirate’s land regulations. This clarification comes in response to growing inquiries from property investors seeking to understand their rights and obligations within Dubai’s dynamic real estate landscape.

    The foundational legal framework governing landlord-tenant relationships stems from Law No. (26) of 2007 and its subsequent amendments, particularly Law No. (33) of 2008. These regulations establish that while agent engagement remains optional, any involved real estate professional must hold proper licensing from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) as mandated by Bylaw No. (85) of 2006.

    Critical to the rental process is the formal registration of ownership with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) before any leasing activities can commence. The landlord-tenant relationship becomes legally binding through a comprehensive written lease contract that must explicitly detail property specifications, intended usage, lease duration, rental amount, payment methodology, and ownership particulars.

    Article 4 of the governing law emphasizes that all lease agreements and subsequent modifications require mandatory registration with RERA to achieve legal validity. This registration process ensures proper documentation and protection for both parties involved in the transaction.

    Landlords carry specific responsibilities regarding property condition and maintenance. Article 15 mandates that properties must be delivered in appropriate condition that enables tenants’ full utilization as agreed in the lease contract. Unless otherwise negotiated, landlords retain responsibility throughout the lease term for maintenance and repairs affecting the tenant’s intended property use, as outlined in Article 16.

    Furthermore, Article 17 prohibits landlords from implementing changes that might compromise tenants’ full property enjoyment. Property owners bear liability for any defects, damages, or deficiencies occurring through causes not attributable to tenant fault, whether these issues arise from landlord actions or those of authorized representatives.

    This regulatory framework provides property owners with both flexibility and protection, allowing direct rental management while ensuring standardized practices that maintain Dubai’s real estate market integrity.

  • Minute’s silence held to remember Bondi Beach attack victims

    Minute’s silence held to remember Bondi Beach attack victims

    Australia stood united in solemn remembrance on Sunday evening as the nation observed a minute of silence precisely one week after a devastating terrorist attack at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. The national day of reflection honored the 15 victims killed when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, including a 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor.

    The memorial ceremony at Bondi Beach unfolded under unprecedented security measures, with armed riot squad officers securing cordoned areas and police patrol boats visible offshore—an unusual sight for most Australians. Hundreds gathered wearing kippas and draped in Australian flags, creating a powerful visual representation of solidarity.

    The emotional weight of the ceremony centered on poignant tributes to the youngest victims. Bee balloons floated in honor of 10-year-old Matilda, known affectionately as ‘Matilda Bee,’ while the crowd later sang ‘Waltzing Matilda,’ the song that inspired her name. The memorial took an especially moving turn when 14-year-old Chaya, who was shot while protecting strangers’ children, addressed the crowd using crutches. ‘Be the light in that field of darkness,’ she urged the nation, receiving a standing ovation.

    The event concluded with the lighting of the menorah—a ritual interrupted by the attack the previous week—while countless homes across Australia lined their windowsills with candles in a nationwide gesture symbolizing ‘light over darkness.’

    Political tensions surfaced dramatically when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced audible hostility from attendees, with one individual shouting ‘Blood on your hands’ as he arrived. The Jewish community’s anger stems from what they describe as inadequate government response to rising antisemitism following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent conflict in Gaza. Albanese acknowledged the criticism, stating, ‘I accept my responsibility for the part in that as prime minister of Australia.’

    In stark contrast, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns received praise for his handling of the crisis, admitting governmental failures and attending victims’ funerals. ‘We grieve with you, and with humility, I acknowledge that the government’s highest duty is to protect its citizens. And we did not do that one week ago,’ Minns stated.

    The attack has prompted sweeping policy responses, including a national review of intelligence agencies, reforms to gun laws, and the largest gun buyback scheme since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Twenty-four-year-old Naveed Akram faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act, while his father was killed during the attack.

  • UAE weather: More rainfall expected; lowest temperature 12°C in Abu Dhabi

    UAE weather: More rainfall expected; lowest temperature 12°C in Abu Dhabi

    The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a period of unsettled weather, characterized by cooler temperatures and anticipated rainfall. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the forecast for the region includes generally partly cloudy skies, with the formation of low clouds particularly expected over islands and specific coastal and western areas. These conditions present a continued probability of precipitation. A notable feature of the current weather pattern is a projected slight and gradual increase in temperatures. However, residents in some coastal and western inland areas should prepare for humid conditions during nighttime and into Monday morning. Temperature readings across major emirates show a distinct chill: Abu Dhabi is forecasted to experience lows of 12°C and highs of 21°C, Dubai will see a range from 15°C to 22°C, and Sharjah will vary between 13°C and 21°C. The nation’s internal areas may see the mercury rise to a high of 25°C, while mountainous regions will bear the brunt of the cold, with temperatures potentially plummeting to a brisk 4°C. This follows the recent recording of the country’s lowest temperature at 3.5°C in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah. Wind conditions are predicted to be light to moderate overall but are expected to become active intermittently. These gusts may occasionally stir up blowing dust. The winds will primarily originate from southwesterly to northwesterly directions, with speeds fluctuating between 15 to 25 km/h and potentially reaching peaks of 40 km/h. Maritime forecasts indicate moderate seas in the Arabian Gulf, which could turn rough during periods of cloud activity. In contrast, the Sea of Oman is expected to remain moderate to slight. A specific advisory notes that conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to be rough, with wave heights reaching up to 6 feet, effective from Saturday evening through Sunday morning.

  • Thousands cheer as the sun rises on winter solstice at Stonehenge

    Thousands cheer as the sun rises on winter solstice at Stonehenge

    Under the pale glow of dawn on the winter solstice, Stonehenge’s ancient stones once again served as the backdrop for one of humanity’s most enduring celestial celebrations. Thousands of pilgrims and revelers converged upon the prehistoric monument in southwest England, transforming the typically tranquil landscape into a vibrant tapestry of spiritual observance and communal festivity.

    As the shortest day of the year commenced north of the equator, participants braved the pre-dawn chill with remarkable patience. The gathering presented a striking visual spectacle—many attendees adorned in elaborate ceremonial costumes while others maintained contemplative silence among the massive stone pillars. The air resonated with rhythmic drumming and spontaneous singing, creating an auditory landscape as rich as the visual one.

    This biannual pilgrimage, occurring during both summer and winter solstices, represents far more than mere tradition. For countless participants, the experience carries profound spiritual significance, connecting modern seekers with ancient agricultural rhythms. The monument itself, constructed between 5,000 and 3,500 years ago, demonstrates remarkable astronomical precision—its stones meticulously aligned to capture the sun’s movement during these pivotal celestial events.

    While Northern Hemisphere observers marked the beginning of astronomical winter and celebrated the promise of lengthening days, simultaneous celebrations across the Southern Hemisphere honored the summer solstice—the year’s longest day. The winter solstice represents the sun’s lowest arc across the sky, yet participants universally embrace it as a moment of renewal and cosmic rebirth, anticipating the daily incremental increase of sunlight until the June solstice.

  • Élysée Palace silver steward arrested for stealing thousands of euros’ worth of silverware

    Élysée Palace silver steward arrested for stealing thousands of euros’ worth of silverware

    PARIS — Three individuals will face trial next February following a sophisticated investigation into the theft of valuable silverware and table service items from the official residence of French President Emmanuel Macron. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the case involves a silver steward employed at the Élysée Palace who allegedly orchestrated the theft of heritage items valued between €15,000-€40,000 ($17,500-$47,000).

    The investigation commenced when the palace’s head steward reported numerous missing items from the presidential collection. Authorities from the Sèvres Manufactory, the official supplier of Élysée tableware, subsequently identified several distinctive pieces being offered on online auction platforms. This discovery prompted an internal review that revealed suspicious inventory records maintained by one silver steward, suggesting premeditation for additional thefts.

    Forensic examination of the suspect’s digital footprint uncovered a relationship with the manager of an online tableware sales company. On the steward’s Vinted account, investigators discovered a plate marked “French Air Force” and exclusive Sèvres Manufactory ashtrays not available commercially. A comprehensive search of the primary suspect’s personal locker, vehicle, and residence yielded approximately 100 stolen objects, including copper saucepans, Sèvres porcelain, a René Lalique statuette, and Baccarat champagne coupes.

    The steward and their accomplice were apprehended on Tuesday, while authorities identified a third individual as the exclusive receiver of the stolen goods. All recovered items have been returned to the Élysée Palace collection.

    The three defendants appeared before court on Thursday facing charges of jointly stealing movable property classified as national heritage—an offense carrying penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and €150,000 fines—along with aggravated handling of stolen goods. The court postponed the trial to February 26 and imposed strict judicial supervision measures, including contact bans between defendants, prohibition from auction venues, and suspension from professional activities.

  • ‘Our tents flew off:’ 33 camel trekkers brave rain, strong winds as they reach Dubai

    ‘Our tents flew off:’ 33 camel trekkers brave rain, strong winds as they reach Dubai

    A team of 33 determined trekkers has triumphantly completed an extraordinary 1,000-kilometer camel expedition across the United Arab Emirates, overcoming severe weather conditions that tested their physical and mental endurance. The three-week journey, among the longest camel treks ever recorded in the region, culminated in Dubai despite confronting torrential rains and powerful desert winds that disrupted their campsites.

    During the final leg of their arduous adventure, participants faced unprecedented challenges as heavy precipitation transformed arid landscapes into flooded terrain. Sleeping bags became saturated, tents were destabilized by gale-force winds, and some shelter structures were completely blown away. Huo Xiaozhe, a seven-year veteran of the annual trek from China’s Henan province, described the conditions as the most demanding she had encountered. ‘Our tents and sleeping bags were completely drenched. One night, we remained awake throughout, conversing until morning instead of attempting to sleep,’ she recounted.

    Remarkably, the camels demonstrated exceptional adaptability throughout the meteorological turmoil. According to multiple participants, the animals maintained composure despite the tempestuous conditions. ‘The camels were undisturbed the entire time. They managed the rainfall more effectively than humans,’ Huo observed. David, a Colombian expatriate and experienced rider, noted the species’ innate desert survival capabilities: ‘They seal their nostrils to prevent sand intrusion, and their eyes possess natural protective mechanisms. My camel remained tranquil even during the most intense storm periods.’

    The expedition showcased diverse Emirati landscapes, traversing from northwestern coastal regions with pristine white sands and azure waters to deep desert territories near Saudi and Omani borders, including the formidable Empty Quarter. Dr. Rachel Stratton, another participant, expressed astonishment at the geographical variety: ‘Each day presented distinctly different scenery. For a single nation to contain such landscape diversity is genuinely remarkable.’

    Organizational improvements were particularly evident compared to previous years, according to David Berney, a Spanish expatriate residing in the UAE who participated in earlier treks. ‘Four years ago, we were still developing management protocols for such expeditions. Current operations are significantly more streamlined and professionally coordinated,’ he noted. The 2025 route was intentionally extended to approximately double previous distances, deliberately testing the endurance limits of both human participants and their camel companions.

    Despite the hardships, all trekkers expressed profound satisfaction upon completion, with many already anticipating future editions. The journey not only demonstrated human resilience and camel capabilities but also revealed rarely witnessed aspects of the UAE’s protected desert wilderness areas that remain inaccessible to most visitors.

  • 9 killed, 10 wounded in South African pub shooting

    9 killed, 10 wounded in South African pub shooting

    JOHANNESBURG — A brutal shooting attack at a township tavern has claimed nine lives and left at least ten others wounded, marking South Africa’s second major mass shooting incident within three weeks. The violence erupted shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday in Bekkersdal township, approximately 46 kilometers west of Johannesburg.

    According to police reports, approximately twelve unidentified assailants arrived in a white minibus and silver sedan before opening indiscriminate fire on patrons at the KwaNoxolo tavern. The gunmen continued their random shooting spree while fleeing the scene, with some victims being targeted on adjacent streets.

    Provincial Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana confirmed to SABC television that among the deceased was a driver working for an online car-hailing service who had been waiting outside the establishment. The attack has prompted an intensive manhunt led by Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations in coordination with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit.

    This tragedy represents the latest in a series of tavern shootings that have plagued South Africa in recent years. Earlier this month, a similar attack at an unlicensed bar near the national capital resulted in twelve fatalities and thirteen injuries. In 2022, another Johannesburg township witnessed sixteen deaths in a single shooting incident, while four people were killed the same day in a separate provincial bar shooting.

    South Africa continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest homicide rates, recording nearly 26,000 killings in 2024 alone—averaging more than seventy deaths daily. Firearms remain the predominant weapon in these homicides, with authorities noting that despite relatively stringent gun control laws, illegal weapons fuel the ongoing violence across the nation of 62 million people.

  • Gunmen kill nine in South Africa tavern attack

    Gunmen kill nine in South Africa tavern attack

    South African authorities have launched an intensive manhunt following a deadly mass shooting at a licensed tavern in Bekkersdal township near Johannesburg that resulted in nine fatalities and ten injuries. The brutal attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning at approximately 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT Saturday).

    According to police reports, approximately twelve unidentified assailants arrived at the establishment in two vehicles before systematically opening fire on patrons. The gunmen continued their random shooting spree as they fled the scene, demonstrating calculated brutality in their execution.

    This tragic incident represents another chapter in South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. Recent statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reveal the country maintains one of the world’s highest murder rates, with approximately 45 homicides per 100,000 people during the 2023-24 reporting period.

    The Bekkersdal shooting follows another devastating firearm-related tragedy earlier this month, where at least eleven individuals, including a child, were killed in a hostel shooting near Pretoria. These consecutive incidents have raised serious concerns about firearm proliferation and organized criminal activity in the region.

    Local law enforcement agencies have intensified their search operations while urging community members to provide any information that might lead to the apprehension of the suspects. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the motive behind this calculated attack on civilian patrons.

  • Australian PM announces intelligence review as country mourns Bondi attack

    Australian PM announces intelligence review as country mourns Bondi attack

    In a solemn national response to the devastating Bondi Beach terrorist attack, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a comprehensive review of national security protocols and intelligence operations. The December 14th shooting, which claimed 15 lives at a Jewish festival, has prompted what Albanese described as necessary adjustments to Australia’s counterterrorism framework in an evolving threat landscape.

    The government’s security assessment, scheduled for completion by April 2026, will evaluate the operational capacities of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This examination will determine whether existing structures, authority boundaries, and information-sharing mechanisms adequately protect citizens from extremist violence. Simultaneously, legislative measures are advancing to strengthen firearm regulations and address hate speech proliferation.

    On the one-week anniversary of the tragedy, Australia observed a national day of reflection marked by memorial services and vigils. At precisely 18:47 local time, the nation paused for a moment of silence commemorating the exact time the attack commenced. The Bondi community hosted commemorative events, including a gathering organized by the National Council of Jewish Women Australia where attendees wore white symbolizing peace.

    Despite heightened security presence, Bondi Beach witnessed the gradual return of daily routines as surfers, swimmers, and families demonstrated collective resilience. The resumption of children’s surf training programs—affectionately called ‘nippers’—signaled the community’s determination to reclaim public spaces. North Bondi Surf Life Saving president Steve Larnach confirmed that consultation with Jewish community leaders preceded the decision to continue activities, receiving their full endorsement.

    First responders from the surf lifesaving corps were acknowledged for their heroic actions during the attack, with one member photographed sprinting across the beach with medical equipment. Local resident Geraldine Nordfelft articulated the prevailing sentiment: ‘The beach represents the Australian way of life. We must return to our routines without allowing fear to prevail.’

    The alleged perpetrators, identified as a father-son duo inspired by Islamic State ideology, resulted in 59 criminal charges against 24-year-old Naveed Akram, including multiple murder counts and terrorism offenses. His father died during the incident. This tragedy represents Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, triggering nationwide evaluations of public safety, community cohesion, and counterextremism strategies.