Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Louvre moves jewels to ultra-secure Bank of France vault after heist

    Louvre moves jewels to ultra-secure Bank of France vault after heist

    In the wake of a daring daylight heist that exposed significant security vulnerabilities, the Louvre Museum has relocated some of its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France. The transfer, overseen by a secret police escort on Friday, moved the treasures to a highly secure vault located 26 meters below the Bank’s headquarters in central Paris. This vault, known as the “Souterraine,” houses 90% of France’s gold reserves, Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebooks, and other national treasures, with an estimated total value of €600 million (£520 million).

    The Souterraine is designed to withstand all forms of attack, featuring a 50cm-thick, seven-tonne flame-resistant concrete door reinforced with steel, and a 35-tonne rotating concrete turret that prevents forced entry. This move comes after masked thieves used an angle grinder to breach a reinforced window in the Louvre’s Gallery of Apollo last Sunday, making off with treasures worth €88 million (£77 million), including a necklace belonging to Napoleon’s wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie.

    Despite the swift action by the thieves, who used a mechanical ladder on a lorry to access a first-floor balcony, two of the stolen items, including Empress Eugenie’s Crown, were later found near the museum. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be apprehended. However, Louvre director Laurence des Cars highlighted the museum’s weak and aging infrastructure, revealing that the sole security camera monitoring the exterior wall where the break-in occurred was facing the wrong direction.

  • UAE weather tomorrow: Rains likely; fair, partly cloudy skies expected

    UAE weather tomorrow: Rains likely; fair, partly cloudy skies expected

    Residents of the UAE are advised to prepare for a mix of weather conditions on Sunday, October 26, as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts fair to partly cloudy skies. The eastern regions may experience convective cloud formations, potentially leading to rainfall. Temperatures are expected to remain high, with Dubai reaching up to 35ºC and Abu Dhabi peaking at 33ºC. Humidity levels will rise by night and into Monday morning, particularly in coastal and internal areas, increasing the likelihood of fog or mist. Light to moderate Northeasterly to Northwesterly winds are anticipated, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 35kmph. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea are predicted to be slight. Stay informed with the latest updates by following Khaleej Times on WhatsApp Channels.

  • 5.5-magnitude quake jolts Hunchun, NE China’s Jilin province

    5.5-magnitude quake jolts Hunchun, NE China’s Jilin province

    A significant seismic event occurred in Hunchun, located in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Northeast China’s Jilin Province. The earthquake, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale, was recorded at 7:45 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, by the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was pinpointed at 43.08 degrees north latitude and 131.10 degrees east longitude, with the quake originating at a depth of 560 kilometers. The CENC has confirmed the details, emphasizing the depth and magnitude of the event. Hunchun, known for its proximity to the borders of North Korea and Russia, is a region with a history of seismic activity. The earthquake’s impact on the local population and infrastructure is currently under assessment, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. This event underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and response strategies in seismically active regions.

  • Dubai: Woman to pay Dh15,000 after stealing gold necklace

    Dubai: Woman to pay Dh15,000 after stealing gold necklace

    A European woman has been convicted of shoplifting a gold necklace worth Dh10,000 from a Dubai jewellery store and ordered to pay a total of Dh15,000 in fines and compensation. The Dubai Misdemeanours and Violations Court imposed a Dh5,000 fine and an additional Dh10,000 to reimburse the store for the stolen item. The incident occurred in March this year when a store employee noticed the necklace missing shortly after the suspect’s visit. Surveillance footage captured the woman placing the necklace in her handbag and hastily exiting the premises. Police identified the suspect through her vehicle and apprehended her. During interrogation, the woman admitted to taking the necklace but claimed she had no intention of stealing it, citing emotional distress due to her sister’s recent death. Her defence lawyer pleaded for leniency, but the court ruled that the evidence clearly indicated intent to steal. The judge emphasized that the defendant’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the incident demonstrated full awareness of her conduct.

  • Man arrested after viral video of alleged rape attempt on Paris train

    Man arrested after viral video of alleged rape attempt on Paris train

    A suspect has been apprehended following the circulation of a viral video that allegedly captures an attempted rape on a train near Paris, according to local media reports. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, involved Jhordana Dias, a 26-year-old Brazilian national. Dias recounted to Le Parisien newspaper that the man boarded the train, physically assaulted her, and attempted to remove her underwear. The situation escalated when another passenger, alerted by Dias’s screams, began recording the incident on her phone. The footage shows the suspect fleeing as the train arrives at a station.

    The arrest was made on Friday evening by transport police in Mantes-la-Jolie, located northwest of Paris. Investigators traced the suspect to this location, though the exact method remains unclear. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was not carrying any identification but claimed to be a 26-year-old Egyptian national. He is currently in custody.

    The alleged attack took place on October 15 between the Choisy-le-Roi and Villeneuve-le-Roi train stations, southeast of Paris. The video depicts a man dressed in a black tracksuit and cap on the train. Amidst the sound of a woman’s cries, the individual recording the incident can be heard instructing the man to ‘stay there’ as he appears to approach her. The train then arrives at a station, and the man exits, fleeing down the platform.

    The woman who filmed the incident, identified only as Marguerite in French media, has been widely praised for potentially preventing a more severe assault on Dias. Dias, who does not speak French, reportedly filed a police complaint in Choisy-le-Roi with the assistance of her brother, who translated her testimony.

    The video has been extensively shared across news outlets and social media, prompting numerous women to recount their own experiences of harassment on public transport in France. Additionally, two other women have come forward to Le Parisian, alleging that they were also victims of the same man.

    This incident has reignited discussions about women’s safety in France, highlighting the ongoing issue of sexual violence in public spaces.

  • Why the time difference between the US and Europe will be one hour shorter this week

    Why the time difference between the US and Europe will be one hour shorter this week

    Every October, a peculiar phenomenon disrupts the schedules of individuals and organizations across the Atlantic. For one week, Europe and the United States fall out of sync as they transition from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time. This annual shift, rooted in historical and legislative differences, creates a temporary one-hour reduction in the usual time difference between regions like London and New York, leading to confusion and logistical challenges for international meetings and communications.

  • Dubai teen’s body repatriated to Kerala after police confirms cardiac arrest

    Dubai teen’s body repatriated to Kerala after police confirms cardiac arrest

    The sudden death of 18-year-old Vaishnav Krishnakumar, a student at Middlesex University in Dubai, has left his family and community in shock. Vaishnav, who had no known underlying health conditions, tragically passed away during Diwali celebrations on Tuesday. Dubai Police confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac arrest. His body was repatriated to Kerala on Friday night, accompanied by his grieving family, who completed the final rites.

    Vaishnav’s uncle, Nitish, recounted the heartbreaking incident, stating that the young man had been dancing for nearly an hour before feeling tired and collapsing. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The family received official documentation from Dubai Police confirming the cause of death as cardiac arrest.

    Described as a ‘gem of a person’ by family and friends, Vaishnav was known for his humility, compassion, and academic excellence. He had been awarded the Golden Visa for his outstanding achievements and served as the Head of the School Council at GEMS Our Own Indian School. His alma mater expressed profound grief, with Principal Lalitha Suresh stating, ‘We have lost not only a wonderful student but a remarkable human being.’

    Vaishnav’s mother, Vidhu Krishnakumar, is a teacher at the same school, adding to the personal loss felt by the institution. Tributes poured in from peers and educators, highlighting his positive impact on those around him. A teacher shared on social media, ‘Your departure is a loss beyond measure.’

    The unexpected loss of such a promising young individual has left a void in the hearts of many, as the community mourns the passing of a beloved son, friend, and student.

  • Hundreds of smartphones intensified India bus blaze – reports

    Hundreds of smartphones intensified India bus blaze – reports

    A catastrophic bus fire in southern India, which claimed the lives of at least 20 people, was significantly worsened by the presence of hundreds of smartphones onboard, according to forensic officials. The incident occurred early Friday when a Bangalore-bound bus collided with a motorcycle, rupturing the bus’s fuel tank and triggering a massive explosion. Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 40 passengers struggled to escape as locals rushed to rescue survivors. Forensic experts revealed that the bus was transporting 234 mobile phones, whose lithium-ion batteries likely intensified the fire upon rupture. Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patel stated, ‘The bus batteries, flammable furnishings, and the cargo of cell phones aggravated the fire, leading to this tragic event.’ Additionally, P Venkataraman, the director-general of the Andhra Pradesh Fire Services Department, noted that the air conditioning system’s electrical batteries also exploded, further fueling the blaze. The smartphones, valued at 4.6 million Indian rupees (£39,361; $52,377), were en route from Hyderabad to an e-commerce company in Bengaluru. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones, pose a significant fire risk when damaged due to thermal runaway, a phenomenon where uncontrollable temperature increases occur, making it difficult to extinguish with conventional methods. Authorities have launched an investigation into potential negligent driving, as the bus driver fled the scene, and the motorcyclist involved in the crash is among the deceased. Buses are a prevalent mode of transport in India, but safety regulations are often disregarded, and vehicles are frequently overcrowded. India recorded the highest road accident death toll globally last year.

  • Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, influential style icon, dies at 93

    Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, influential style icon, dies at 93

    Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, a revered figure who epitomized elegance and played a pivotal role in the country’s post-war revival, has passed away at the age of 93. The Thai Royal Household Bureau announced her death on Saturday, marking the end of an era for a woman who was not only a style icon but also a significant political and social influence. Sirikit had been hospitalized since 2019 due to multiple health issues and succumbed to a bloodstream infection on October 17, passing away late Friday night. A year-long mourning period has been declared for the royal family and household. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled his attendance at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to address the national loss, and the cabinet convened to discuss funeral arrangements. Born in 1932, Sirikit Kitiyakara led a life of privilege as the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. She met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while studying in Paris, and their marriage in 1950 marked the beginning of a partnership that would shape Thailand’s monarchy for decades. Sirikit’s fashion sense and beauty captivated global audiences, particularly during her 1960 visit to the United States, where she was celebrated for her grace and style. Her collaboration with French designer Pierre Balmain helped revive Thailand’s silk industry, and her charitable work with King Bhumibol endeared her to the Thai people. Sirikit’s legacy extends beyond her glamour; she championed rural development and maternal virtue, with her birthday becoming Mother’s Day in Thailand. While the monarchy is officially apolitical, Sirikit occasionally intervened in political matters, notably supporting movements that opposed populist leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Her death leaves a profound void in a nation where she was revered as a symbol of maternal care and national unity. She is survived by her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and three daughters.

  • ‘Disciplinary’ actions in school: How UAE teachers help, instead of punish, students

    ‘Disciplinary’ actions in school: How UAE teachers help, instead of punish, students

    In a transformative shift, schools across the UAE are redefining discipline, moving away from punitive measures to focus on empathy, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence. This approach comes as the Ministry of Education (MoE) introduces a comprehensive Student Behaviour Code for the academic year, outlining 46 types of violations and corresponding interventions. The framework categorizes misconduct into four levels of severity, emphasizing the creation of a values-based learning environment that prioritizes safety and respect. This change gains urgency following the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old UAE expat’s son in Kerala, India, allegedly due to school-related humiliation, which sparked widespread protests and the suspension of two teachers. UAE educators are now leveraging writing and counseling to help students process their emotions. Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School Sharjah, highlights how disruptive students are encouraged to express their feelings through writing, often leading to emotional release and calmness. The school’s approach involves counselors who guide students in self-awareness and reflection, with no pressure to share their writings publicly. The MoE’s Code of Conduct also addresses online misconduct, involving parents and formal warnings. Pramod Mahajan, Principal of Sharjah Indian School, explains the tiered corrective measures, starting with verbal warnings and escalating to parental involvement if necessary. Schools also monitor social media activity to prevent inappropriate behavior. Veena Nair of Delhi Private School Sharjah emphasizes fostering self-discipline through mutual respect and responsibility, with student-led initiatives like the Praefectorial Board playing a key role in maintaining a respectful and supportive environment. This holistic approach aims to create a safe space where students feel empowered to learn from their experiences.