Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Indian expat hopes to bring family to UAE after winning Dh50,000 with Big Ticket

    Indian expat hopes to bring family to UAE after winning Dh50,000 with Big Ticket

    In a life-changing turn of events, four expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates have emerged as winners in Big Ticket’s second e-weekly January draw, each securing Dh50,000 in prize money. The diverse group of winners includes two Indian nationals, one Bangladeshi citizen, and one Pakistani resident, highlighting the multicultural fabric of the UAE’s expat community.

    Among the fortunate winners is Shafik Paika Mohammed, a 36-year-old sales professional from Mangalore who has spent 15 years living separately from his family in Dubai. After a decade of persistent participation, Mohammed finally achieved victory with a ticket purchased jointly with a friend. The long-awaited win has inspired him to facilitate more frequent family visits to the UAE, strengthening familial bonds that distance had strained.

    “This victory arrived as a tremendous surprise at precisely the right moment,” Mohammed expressed. “I intend to divide the prize equally with my friend and look forward to hosting my family more regularly in the Emirates, creating cherished memories together.”

    Similarly jubilant is Pakistani national Irshad Gull, a desert safari tourism employee with 23 years of UAE residency. Gull celebrated his win alongside seven group members with whom he collectively purchased tickets for nearly ten years before achieving success. “Receiving that winning notification generated incredible happiness,” Gull remarked. “After consistent participation for almost a decade, this achievement feels particularly meaningful.”

    The remaining winners, Bangladeshi national Rafiqul Islam and Indian expatriate Mohammed Ali Riyas, both secured their prizes through online ticket purchases, demonstrating the accessibility of the digital drawing system.

    January’s Big Ticket offerings continue with an unprecedented Dh20 million grand prize, potentially creating an instant multi-millionaire, complemented by five secondary prizes of Dh1 million each. The promotion additionally features incentive opportunities for multi-ticket purchases between January 1-24, including eligibility for live draw events on February 3 with guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000. Luxury vehicle giveaways, including a BMW X5 and Range Rover Velar, further enhance the month’s premium offerings.

    Prospective participants may acquire tickets digitally through official platforms or physically at designated counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport, with live draws streamed weekly on official YouTube channels and websites.

  • Explained: Why Parkonic paid parking fees differ by location, apply on public holidays

    Explained: Why Parkonic paid parking fees differ by location, apply on public holidays

    Parkonic, the operator behind the expanding network of paid parking systems in the UAE, has clarified the rationale behind its location-specific fee structures and enforcement schedules. As of January 2026, the system is operational in over 200 locations, including the recently implemented zone in Dubai’s Discovery Gardens.

    The company emphasizes that its approach is fundamentally different from municipal systems like Dubai’s RTA. Rather than applying a standardized citywide tariff, Parkonic tailors its parking frameworks to individual community needs. Rates, coverage areas, and even enforcement on weekends and public holidays are determined by approved Community Parking Plans specific to each development.

    Four key factors drive the variation in parking costs: land ownership and developer policies, urban density and available parking supply, local traffic patterns and usage behavior, and specific operational requirements. This means a monthly membership in one neighborhood may differ significantly from another based on these localized considerations.

    Addressing concerns from Discovery Gardens residents about a Dh945 monthly fee for additional vehicles, Parkonic clarified this rate applies beyond complimentary resident allocations. The pricing reflects operational costs including demand management, enforcement coverage, and technology infrastructure, all set within the approved community framework rather than by Parkonic independently.

    The operator also addressed why fees apply on Sundays and public holidays, explaining that as a managed private residential community, Discovery Gardens operates under its own approved framework rather than public parking schedules. Additionally, Parkonic discourages informal renting or subletting of parking spaces, emphasizing that parking access is digitally managed through verified tenancy registrations to prevent misuse and ensure fair access.

    The overall system design aims to resolve long-standing challenges with unregulated parking practices while improving availability and equitable use of community parking spaces across the UAE.

  • Kelsang Pedron: A Tibetan female pilot in the Chinese PLA Air Force

    Kelsang Pedron: A Tibetan female pilot in the Chinese PLA Air Force

    Kelsang Pedron has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming one of the first Tibetan female pilots in China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Her journey represents both personal achievement and symbolic progress in China’s military diversity initiatives.

    In a recent interview, Pilot Pedron detailed the rigorous training regimen and exceptional dedication required to excel in aviation within the PLA. Her path to the cockpit involved mastering complex aeronautical systems, enduring physically demanding flight simulations, and developing the mental resilience necessary for military aviation operations.

    The accomplishment holds particular significance given China’s ongoing efforts to integrate ethnic minorities into prominent national roles. As a Tibetan woman excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field, Pedron’s success challenges multiple stereotypes simultaneously.

    Military analysts note that her achievement reflects broader changes within China’s armed forces, where merit-based advancement increasingly transcends regional and gender boundaries. The PLA has been actively working to modernize not only its equipment but also its personnel policies in recent years.

    Pedron’s story has generated considerable attention on Chinese social media platforms, where many celebrate her as an inspiration for young people across China’s diverse ethnic landscape. Her journey from the Tibetan plateau to the cockpit serves as a powerful narrative about opportunity and perseverance in contemporary China.

    The Air Force has been expanding its recruitment from previously underrepresented regions, with Pedron’s appointment representing both personal excellence and institutional progress in the military’s diversity initiatives.

  • Death toll in Pakistan shopping plaza fire rises to 67, officials say

    Death toll in Pakistan shopping plaza fire rises to 67, officials say

    KARACHI, Pakistan — The catastrophic fire that engulfed a commercial complex in Pakistan’s port metropolis of Karachi has now claimed 67 lives, authorities confirmed Thursday. The grim discovery of additional human remains has substantially increased the death toll from the weekend tragedy that reduced Gul Plaza to ruins.

    Rescue operations persist at the extensively damaged shopping center where the inferno initially broke out on Saturday. According to Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, the recovery process has been severely complicated by the fragmentary condition of most remains, creating significant challenges for victim identification. Senior Karachi police official Asad Raza corroborated the updated casualty figures, which represent a near doubling of previously confirmed fatalities.

    The Sindh provincial government reports approximately 70 individuals remain unaccounted for following the rapid escalation of flames, which were intensified by the combustion of retail merchandise including cosmetics, apparel, and plastic household goods. The fire erupted during evening hours when commercial establishments were either concluding operations or had already vacated the premises.

    While the official investigation into the fire’s origins remains ongoing, preliminary assessments by law enforcement suggest electrical short-circuiting as the probable ignition source. This tragedy echoes Karachi’s historical vulnerability to major fire incidents, frequently attributed to inadequate safety protocols, lax regulatory oversight, and unauthorized construction practices.

    The city has witnessed several comparable disasters in recent years, including a November 2023 shopping mall fire that resulted in 10 fatalities and 22 injuries. Pakistan’s most devastating industrial catastrophe occurred in 2012 when a garment factory conflagration claimed at least 260 lives, highlighting persistent systemic safety failures.

  • Emirates International School Jumeirah celebrates Winter Wonderland

    Emirates International School Jumeirah celebrates Winter Wonderland

    Emirates International School Jumeirah (EIS) is set to transform its campus into an enchanting Winter Wonderland on Saturday, January 31st at 4:00 PM, offering a complimentary afternoon of festive activities designed for families with young children aged 2-5 years. The event promises an immersive experience combining entertainment with educational insight.

    Beyond the seasonal festivities, the celebration serves as an open platform for prospective parents to explore the school’s educational philosophy and facilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus, interact with faculty members, and gain comprehensive understanding of EIS’s internationally-focused early years program that emphasizes play-based learning, creativity, and confidence development.

    The Winter Wonderland experience features an array of engaging activities including bouncy castles, creative face painting stations, interactive games, and craft workshops specifically designed to stimulate young minds and bodies. Culinary offerings and refreshments will be available throughout the event, ensuring a complete family experience.

    This community-oriented event represents EIS’s commitment to fostering connections between educators, parents, and children while demonstrating their approach to nurturing lifelong learning habits from early childhood. The school emphasizes creating a stimulating environment that balances academic foundation with creative exploration.

    Whether families are evaluating educational options or simply seeking a memorable winter outing, the event promises an afternoon of joyful discovery and community engagement at no cost to participants.

  • Death toll in South Africa school bus crash rises to 14 as the driver is charged with murder

    Death toll in South Africa school bus crash rises to 14 as the driver is charged with murder

    JOHANNESBURG — The death toll from Monday’s catastrophic school bus collision in Gauteng province has risen to 14 after two teenage girls succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, according to South African authorities. The devastating incident has prompted prosecutors to upgrade charges against the 22-year-old driver to multiple counts of murder.

    The tragic accident occurred during morning rush hour on Monday at approximately 7 a.m. when a privately-operated minibus transporting 16 students to various educational institutions in southern Johannesburg collided with a truck. The immediate impact claimed 12 young lives at the scene, creating one of the most severe school transportation disasters in recent memory.

    Medical authorities confirmed that seven individuals, including five students, the bus driver, and a truck passenger, sustained various injuries and were transported to medical facilities. Three of these patients have since been discharged following treatment. However, the Gauteng health department reported one teenage girl passed away Thursday morning while receiving intensive care at Sebokeng Hospital. Simultaneously, police Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed another female student died at a private medical facility.

    With these latest fatalities, two children remain hospitalized as the community grapples with the overwhelming loss. The legal proceedings have taken a significant turn as National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana announced the driver’s charges have been elevated from culpable homicide to 14 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and operating a vehicle without the required professional license.

    The accused, Ayanda Dludla, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he voluntarily declined to seek bail. The case has been formally adjourned until March 5 to allow for comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.

  • Indus Hospital gala dinner unites community in Dubai to support free healthcare in Pakistan

    Indus Hospital gala dinner unites community in Dubai to support free healthcare in Pakistan

    DUBAI – The Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) achieved a remarkable philanthropic milestone during its UAE Gala Dinner 2026, held on January 10th. This prestigious gathering transformed into a powerful demonstration of cross-border solidarity as over 400 members of the Pakistani diaspora community convened to support free medical services for underserved populations in Pakistan.

    As one of Pakistan’s most extensive free healthcare providers, IHHN delivers critical medical treatment to approximately six million patients annually without financial burden. The gala served dual purposes: celebrating these monumental achievements while mobilizing resources to expand the network’s humanitarian mission.

    Celebrity engagement reached exceptional levels with acclaimed actors Nauman Ijaz and Mahira Khan lending their star power to the fundraising initiatives. Ms. Khan personally orchestrated a dynamic auction featuring items from her private collection, including an authentic sari and a cricket bat autographed by twelve national team players. The auction generated substantial contributions through enthusiastic participant engagement.

    Dr. Zafar Zaidi, Chief Executive Officer of IHHN, delivered a keynote address outlining the organization’s strategic vision. His presentation detailed ambitious plans to enhance medical education programs, broaden primary care accessibility, and develop sustainable healthcare models for grassroots communities.

    Proceeds from the event were specifically allocated to IHHN’s Emergency Department, which functions as a critical entry point for thousands requiring immediate lifesaving intervention. Beyond financial metrics, the evening highlighted profound human impact stories – narratives of families preserved from medical debt and patients receiving dignified emergency care.

    The gathering reinforced a fundamental principle echoed throughout the night: that healthcare accessibility represents not merely charity but fundamental human dignity. This successful event strengthened the enduring partnership between IHHN and its Gulf-based supporters, demonstrating how collective action can transform compassion into tangible healing outcomes across Pakistan.

  • Ministry to optimize the structure and scale of university enrollment

    Ministry to optimize the structure and scale of university enrollment

    China’s Ministry of Education has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to reshape the nation’s higher education enrollment system, prioritizing disciplines critical to technological advancement and national security while strengthening exam integrity measures. The 2026 gaokao reforms will channel resources toward undergraduate programs in foundational sciences, cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields, and high-demand specialties directly aligned with China’s innovation and industrial modernization goals.

    The policy directive requires universities to develop enrollment plans through multidimensional assessment of economic needs, industry requirements, institutional capacity, and graduate employment outcomes. This systematic approach aims to bridge the gap between academic preparation and labor market demands while supporting national objectives in technological self-reliance.

    Concurrently, education authorities will implement enhanced security protocols for China’s high-stakes college entrance examination. Provincial departments must safeguard all exam phases—from question development to grading—through advanced surveillance technology and inspection equipment designed to prevent sophisticated cheating methods. The ministry also pledged to intensify crackdowns on exam-related fraud and tighten supervision of preparatory institutions.

    The reforms maintain commitment to regional educational equity through specialized enrollment initiatives for rural and underdeveloped areas. Authorities will simultaneously combat ‘gaokao migration’ practices where students attempt to gain unfair advantages by falsifying registration locations to test in less competitive regions.

  • After fatal rail accident, a missing dog that captivated Spain is found

    After fatal rail accident, a missing dog that captivated Spain is found

    In a heartening development amid national tragedy, Spanish forest firefighters successfully located and returned Boro, a dog who went missing following Sunday’s catastrophic train collision in southern Spain. The black-and-white pet’s disappearance had captured national attention after his owner, Ana García, made an emotional public appeal while visibly injured from the accident that claimed 43 lives.

    The breakthrough came Thursday morning when emergency personnel announced the successful rescue operation via social media platform X. “At this time of the morning, we share some good news: Boro, the missing dog, has been found,” officials announced, triggering nationwide celebration.

    Boro’s story emerged as an unexpected symbol of resilience for a nation grappling with consecutive rail disasters. For days, Spanish citizens had mobilized through digital channels, amplifying García’s plea and circulating photographs of the medium-sized dog with distinctive white eyebrows. The collective effort saw viral sharing of contact information and interview footage showing García’s desperate search for her companion.

    Social media erupted with relief as users shared images of the reunited owner and pet. One commentator described the moment as “A picture of hope in Adamuz. Boro is returning home to his family.”

    The 26-year-old García and her pregnant sister had been traveling with Boro via high-speed train from their hometown of Malaga to Madrid when their carriage derailed under circumstances still under investigation. The catastrophic collision resulted in dozens of fatalities and over 150 injuries, with rescue teams extracting the sisters from the wreckage. It was during this chaotic evacuation that Boro reportedly escaped in panic.

    In her initial tearful statement to reporters, García had pleaded: “Please, if you can help, look for the animals. We were coming back from a family weekend with the little dog, who’s family, too.”

    Family representatives confirmed the successful reunion via text message to The Associated Press, noting that while Boro was safely recovered, García’s sister remains hospitalized receiving medical treatment.

  • Indian woman arrested after suicide of man she accused of sexual misconduct

    Indian woman arrested after suicide of man she accused of sexual misconduct

    A tragic case in Kerala, India, has ignited intense national discourse on social media justice, public shaming, and gender dynamics after a man died by suicide following sexual harassment allegations. Deepak U, a 42-year-old textile sales representative, took his own life on January 18, just two days after a video accusing him of inappropriate physical contact on a public bus went viral across social platforms.

    The accuser, 35-year-old Shimjitha Musthafa—a content creator affiliated with the Indian Union Muslim League political party—recorded and published footage alleging Deepak deliberately elbowed her breast while traveling on a crowded bus last Friday. In a nation where public sexual harassment remains prevalent, the video initially drew widespread support for Musthafa and condemnation toward Deepak.

    However, the situation escalated dramatically when Deepak’s family filed a formal police complaint alleging online harassment and ‘social media trial’ led to his suicide. Authorities subsequently arrested Musthafa under non-bailable charges related to abetment to suicide, and she has been remanded to 14 days judicial custody. The Kerala Human Rights Commission has directed Kozhikode police to submit an investigation report within one week.

    The case has revealed sharply divided public perspectives. Men’s rights activists and Deepak’s supporters argue the video evidence was inconclusive and created unbearable public shaming that cost an innocent man his life. Conversely, many women’s rights advocates maintain Musthafa acted appropriately to document what she perceived as sexual assault, highlighting India’s ongoing struggle with public harassment.

    Deepak’s friends describe him as a decent person who denied all allegations, claiming exhaustion from work made him unaware of his surroundings on the bus. Meanwhile, Musthafa maintains in follow-up videos that she recorded the incident to protect other women and that Deepak’s actions were intentional. The case continues to spark conversations about digital ethics, gender relations, and justice mechanisms in the social media age.