Global Pulse

分类： society

  • These young Australians grew up with social media – what do they think of the ban?

    These young Australians grew up with social media – what do they think of the ban?

    In the wake of Australia’s controversial decision to implement a social media ban for users under 16, the BBC conducted street interviews in Sydney to gauge reactions from young adults who belong to the first generation raised with ubiquitous social media access. The comprehensive survey targeted Australians aged 18-20, whose formative years coincided with the exponential growth of digital platforms.

    These digital natives expressed complex, multifaceted perspectives on the regulatory measure. Many acknowledged legitimate concerns about cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and inappropriate content that prompted the government’s decision. However, significant reservations emerged regarding the effectiveness of age-based restrictions in addressing these complex issues.

    Several interviewees highlighted the educational and social benefits they gained from early, supervised social media use, suggesting that blanket bans might deprive younger generations of valuable digital literacy development. Others pointed to practical implementation challenges, noting that determined teenagers often find ways to circumvent such restrictions.

    The young adults emphasized the importance of comprehensive digital education and parental guidance rather than outright prohibition. Many advocated for balanced approaches that protect vulnerable users while still allowing access to positive aspects of social connectivity, information sharing, and community building that defined their own adolescent experiences.

  • Police raid Argentine soccer clubs and AFA as part of investigation into alleged money laundering

    Police raid Argentine soccer clubs and AFA as part of investigation into alleged money laundering

    Argentine football was thrust into a major corruption investigation on Tuesday as federal police executed coordinated raids across the nation’s football establishment. Under the directive of Federal Judge Luis Armella, authorities simultaneously targeted the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and at least 17 first and second division clubs in a sweeping operation.

    The judicial action centers on alleged financial connections to Sur Finanzas, a financial services company currently under investigation for suspected money laundering and tax evasion. The company, owned by Ariel Vallejo, holds sponsorship agreements with AFA tournaments and multiple football clubs across Argentina’s top divisions.

    According to a judicial official with access to the case who spoke anonymously due to lack of authorization, investigators specifically sought contracts between clubs and the financial firm, along with electronic documentation that could reveal financial transactions. The raids extended beyond Buenos Aires to include the AFA’s national team training facilities in Ezeiza, located approximately 40 kilometers from the capital.

    Prominent clubs affected by the operation include football giants Independiente, Racing, and San Lorenzo, alongside Barracas Central—a club founded by Matías Tapia, son of current AFA president Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia. Television broadcasts captured the unusual sight of police officers conducting searches within the offices of the nation’s premier football organization.

    The investigation stems from a formal complaint filed by the Customs Revenue and Control Agency (ARCA) alleging illicit transactions totaling 818 billion pesos (approximately $560 million) through Sur Finanzas. In a notable response, third-division club Excursionistas publicly distanced itself from the investigation, asserting through social media that it maintains “no corporate, financial, or administrative relationship” with the implicated company.

  • Pair discovers China’s diversity and hospitality on walk from France to China

    Pair discovers China’s diversity and hospitality on walk from France to China

    Two French adventurers, Loic and Benjamin, have successfully concluded an extraordinary 400-day journey on foot from France to China, covering more than 10,000 kilometers across diverse terrains and cultures. Their remarkable expedition, which commenced in September 2024, took them through over ten countries before finally reaching Chinese soil.

    Throughout their arduous trek, the pair experienced firsthand the renowned hospitality of the Chinese people, often receiving unexpected kindness from complete strangers. They expressed particular admiration for China’s striking contrasts between ultramodern urban centers and breathtaking natural landscapes, noting the country’s impressive cultural richness and geographical variety.

    “China has revealed itself to be both diverse and profoundly warm,” the travelers remarked, reflecting on their experiences navigating through various Chinese regions. Their journey not only served as a physical challenge but also as an immersive cultural exchange, allowing them to witness the rapid development and traditional heritage that coexist within contemporary China.

    As they approach their final destination of Shanghai, the French walkers continue to document their observations of China’s unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Their expedition stands as a testament to human perseverance and the power of cross-cultural understanding through direct engagement with different societies and environments.

  • New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

    New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

    The remote village of Saihantaohai, nestled within Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, is poised to emerge from isolation as new transportation infrastructure reaches completion. Located in Hejing county at a remarkable elevation of 2,400 meters, this secluded settlement will become significantly more accessible to visitors when new highway and expressway connections open next year.

    Saihantaohai, whose Mongolian name translates to ‘beautiful valley,’ resides deep within the expansive Bayanbulak Grassland, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains. The village’s stunning natural environment features towering spruce forests that rise like layered pagodas and a meandering river that cuts through lush meadows and woodlands. This pristine habitat supports rare wildlife including the Tianshan red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus), which can occasionally be spotted grazing or moving through the landscape.

    The enhanced connectivity represents a strategic development initiative that will facilitate tourism growth while providing economic opportunities for local residents. By reducing travel barriers to this previously isolated region, authorities aim to showcase Saihantaohai’s unique ecological and cultural attributes to a broader audience. The transportation improvements are expected to create sustainable tourism pathways that balance visitor access with environmental preservation in this fragile high-altitude ecosystem.

  • Judge rules Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury records can be unsealed

    Judge rules Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury records can be unsealed

    Federal courts in both New York and Florida have authorized the unprecedented public release of grand jury materials from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, marking a significant breakthrough in the long-running sex trafficking case. The rulings come as a direct result of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, recently signed into law, which mandates the Justice Department to disclose investigative documents by December 19th.

    In Manhattan, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer ruled that the Department of Justice could proceed with releasing the sealed records, citing congressional legislation that overrides traditional grand jury secrecy protocols. The court simultaneously established protective measures to safeguard victim identities and prevent privacy violations during the disclosure process.

    This development follows a parallel decision by a Florida judge on Friday to unseal documents from the state’s 2005 investigation into Epstein. Both jurisdictions had previously denied similar requests, maintaining the confidentiality of grand jury proceedings until the new federal law created a legislative mandate for transparency.

    Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in recruiting underage girls for sexual exploitation by her former partner Epstein, remains at the center of these judicial proceedings. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

    The Justice Department retains authority to withhold materials that pertain to ongoing criminal investigations or present substantial privacy concerns. However, the newly passed legislation requires disclosure of all unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials connected to the Epstein-Maxwell case, potentially revealing previously hidden aspects of one of the most notorious sex trafficking operations in recent history.

  • 13-year-old girl praised for heroic rescue of child from icy lake

    13-year-old girl praised for heroic rescue of child from icy lake

    A 13-year-old girl from China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has become an internet sensation after executing a daring rescue of a young child from freezing lake waters. Li Jiating, a resident of Wuzhong city, demonstrated extraordinary courage on December 6th when she encountered a life-threatening emergency at approximately 3:00 pm.

    While cycling near a local lake, Li witnessed a critical situation unfolding—a 4-year-old boy had broken through thin ice and fallen into the frigid water. Multiple bystanders had already contacted emergency services but remained hesitant to attempt direct rescue due to concerns about the unstable ice conditions.

    Displaying remarkable presence of mind, Li assessed the situation and volunteered for the rescue mission, declaring “I’m lightweight. Let me save him!” She strategically employed a plastic pipe as her primary rescue tool, carefully maneuvering across the precarious ice surface to maintain both her safety and that of the victim.

    The ingenious rescue operation saw Li extending the pipe toward the struggling toddler while maintaining a safe distance from the compromised ice area. She successfully guided the child to grasp the implement and systematically pulled him to secure ground. Emergency responders arrived shortly after to provide medical attention to both children.

    Local authorities and netizens nationwide have celebrated Li’s quick thinking and selfless actions. The People’s Daily official WeChat account featured images of the thoroughly soaked but triumphant teenager following her heroic intervention. The incident has sparked widespread discussions about youth bravery and emergency response preparedness in winter conditions.

  • French feminists outraged by Brigitte Macron’s comment about activists

    French feminists outraged by Brigitte Macron’s comment about activists

    A political and cultural firestorm has erupted in France after First Lady Brigitte Macron used vulgar language to describe feminist protesters, triggering a widespread online movement reclaiming the insult. The controversy began when activists from the organization Nous Toutes, which campaigns against violence toward women, disrupted a stand-up performance by comedian Ary Abittan on Saturday. The protesters, wearing masks of Abittan, shouted “Abittan rapist” during his show—referencing 2021 rape allegations against the comedian that were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

    The following day, Mrs. Macron attended Abittan’s performance with her daughter and met with the comedian beforehand. In a video recording of their conversation, Abittan expressed feeling “scared” about potential further disruptions. Mrs. Macron responded with “if there are any stupid bitches we’ll kick them out,” using the French phrase “sales connes” while smiling and laughing. Her team subsequently told AFP that her comments were intended to “critique the radical method” of the protest rather than target women specifically, emphasizing that “Brigitte Macron does not approve of this radical method.”

    Instead of quelling the situation, Mrs. Macron’s remark ignited a digital uprising among French celebrities and feminists. The term “#salesconnes” (stupid bitches) has been widely adopted across social media platforms as a badge of honor rather than an insult. Prominent figures in French entertainment have joined the movement, including actress Judith Godrèche—who has previously accused a film director of historical rape—who declared on social media: “I too am a stupid bitch.”

    Belgian comedian Florence Mendez expressed pride in identifying with the term, while actor and singer Nadège Beausson-Diagne posted on Instagram: “I too am a stupid bitch in summer, winter, spring and autumn.” She further voiced support for the “courageous” woman who had initially accused Abittan of rape and praised Nous Toutes, predicting the group would “come back stronger to fight together against sexual violence.” Actor Rachida Brakni similarly thanked the “bitches” in her social media post, directly tagging the feminist organization.

    Stand-up comedian Marine Leonardi offered a different perspective, asserting that “Feminists are never stupid bitches” in her Instagram post. The overwhelming response has transformed the First Lady’s derogatory comment into a unifying symbol for those advocating against sexual violence and supporting women’s rights movements in France.

  • Former executive of Chinese financial firm executed for bribery

    Former executive of Chinese financial firm executed for bribery

    In a landmark demonstration of China’s intensified anti-corruption campaign, former China Huarong International Holdings general manager Bai Tianhui was executed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The execution followed the Supreme People’s Court’s final validation of his death sentence for accepting bribes exceeding 1.1 billion yuan ($156 million).

    The Tianjin No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court carried out the sentence after formally notifying Bai of the supreme court’s decision and granting him a final meeting with family members. This concludes a legal process that began with his initial conviction on May 28, 2024, when he received the death penalty, lifetime deprivation of political rights, and confiscation of all personal assets.

    According to judicial authorities, between 2014 and 2018, Bai systematically exploited his executive positions to illicitly benefit certain entities in project acquisitions and corporate financing operations. The Supreme People’s Court characterized the case as exceptionally severe, noting the ‘extremely large’ bribe amounts, ‘extremely serious’ offense circumstances, ‘extremely negative’ social impact, and ‘extremely huge’ losses to national and public interests.

    The case represents the second major execution within China Huarong Asset Management’s leadership, following the 2021 execution of former chairman Lai Xiaomin for accepting 1.78 billion yuan in bribes. China’s legal framework requires all death sentences to undergo mandatory review by the Supreme People’s Court before execution, ensuring judicial oversight of capital punishment cases.

    This development occurs amidst heightened judicial scrutiny of corruption cases, with top courts recently demanding severe penalties for grassroots corruption offenses, signaling continued commitment to anti-graft measures across all levels of society.

  • China issues wanted notices of 100 telecom fraud fugitives

    China issues wanted notices of 100 telecom fraud fugitives

    In a sweeping crackdown on transnational organized crime, China’s Ministry of Public Security has launched an international manhunt for 100 high-profile fugitives allegedly orchestrating massive telecom and internet fraud operations. The unprecedented operation, announced on December 9, 2025, targets the masterminds and key operatives behind sophisticated criminal networks that have preyed upon Chinese citizens through elaborate financial scams.

    Among the most sought individuals are four family-based syndicate leaders operating from northern Myanmar: Wu Qiping, Wu Qingzheng, Fu Xiaobin, and Ou Changhua. These criminal enterprises have allegedly established sophisticated operations beyond China’s borders, leveraging foreign sanctuaries to coordinate long-term fraudulent activities targeting mainland citizens.

    According to investigative findings, these networks have orchestrated complex financial deception schemes resulting in enormous monetary losses for victims. The ministry characterized these operations as particularly malicious in nature, with evidence indicating systematic organization and recruitment of personnel specifically for fraudulent activities.

    Multiple municipal public security bureaus across China—including those in Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Quanzhou, Longyan, Pingdingshan, Shenzhen, Kunming, and Chongqing—have jointly issued reward notices for information leading to captures. The coordinated effort demonstrates the national priority being placed on combating cross-border financial crimes.

    Authorities are simultaneously pursuing a dual approach: encouraging voluntary surrender with promises of lenient treatment while mobilizing public assistance through financial incentives for information. The ministry emphasized that individuals providing credible intelligence or assistance in apprehending suspects will receive legal protection and monetary rewards, signaling a comprehensive strategy combining law enforcement action with community engagement.

  • Jakarta office fire kills at least 22, police confirm

    Jakarta office fire kills at least 22, police confirm

    A devastating fire erupted at a seven-story commercial building in central Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in at least 22 fatalities as rescue operations continue. The tragedy struck during lunch hour when numerous employees were present inside the structure.

    Jakarta Police Chief Susatyo Purnomo Condro confirmed the blaze originated from a lithium battery explosion on the ground floor before rapidly ascending through the building’s upper levels. The property housed a drone manufacturing and services company that specializes in aerial surveying, mapping, and industrial inspections.

    Authorities reported a disproportionate number of female victims among the deceased, including one pregnant woman. Preliminary investigations suggest smoke inhalation rather than burns caused most fatalities, as thick toxic fumes quickly filled the upper floors where many workers became trapped.

    Fire and rescue services deployed 28 fire engines and approximately 100 personnel to combat the intense blaze. Dramatic rescue operations unfolded as firefighters used aerial ladders to evacuate stranded employees from smoke-engulfed windows. Despite extinguishing the flames, emergency teams face significant challenges accessing the sixth floor where structural integrity remains compromised.

    The Jakarta Globe reported rescue teams have completed initial sweeps of lower floors and are now concentrating search efforts on upper levels. Identification procedures for recovered victims are underway while authorities continue gathering comprehensive casualty data.

    The incident highlights growing concerns about lithium battery safety in commercial settings, particularly in buildings housing technology companies. This represents one of Jakarta’s deadliest office building fires in recent years, raising questions about emergency preparedness and safety protocols in Indonesian commercial structures.