Global Pulse

分类： society

  • ‘Ketamine Queen’ spiralled before Matthew Perry death, friends tell BBC

    ‘Ketamine Queen’ spiralled before Matthew Perry death, friends tell BBC

    A sophisticated drug network supplying Hollywood’s elite has been dismantled following the overdose death of Friends actor Matthew Perry, with British-American national Jasveen Sangha emerging as the central figure in what authorities describe as a “stash house” operation catering to celebrities.

    Sangha, who maintained the illusion of a charmed life through her social media influencer persona, pleaded guilty to federal drug offenses alongside five co-defendants, including two medical professionals. The case exposed an extensive ketamine distribution ring that operated within Los Angeles’ exclusive party circuits.

    Despite her privileged background—including an MBA from London’s Hult International Business School and family connections to fashion retail multimillionaires—Sangha built a clandestine operation dealing cocaine, Xanax, counterfeit Adderall, and ketamine to high-profile clients. Her operation collapsed after supplying 50 vials of ketamine that ultimately reached Matthew Perry, leading to his fatal overdose in 2023.

    Former DEA special agent Bill Bodner characterized Sangha as “a highly educated person who decided to make their living trafficking drugs, and use that money from drug trafficking to finance this social media influencer persona.” Court documents reveal Perry had been legally prescribed ketamine for depression treatment but sought additional supplies beyond medical supervision, eventually connecting with Sangha’s network through intermediaries.

    Friends interviewed for an upcoming BBC documentary expressed shock at Sangha’s double life. Longtime associate Tony Marquez, who partied extensively with Sangha throughout the 2010s, stated: “Years and years I’ve known this person. I know her family. I know the way she acts… I can’t believe this is happening.” Marquez speculated Sangha became “addicted to that life of dealing to celebrities” and the social status it provided.

    Prosecutors revealed Sangha continued operations despite prior fatal consequences. In 2019, she sold ketamine to Cody McLaury, who died from an overdose. When confronted by McLaury’s sister, Sangha persisted in her activities rather than ceasing distribution.

    Former Central District of California prosecutor Martin Estrada noted: “Any person with any semblance of a heart would stop their activities… She continued doing this, and we saw, several years later, the continuation of her conduct resulted in the death of yet another person.”

    Sangha, who reportedly attended rehabilitation and maintained sobriety for 17 months according to court filings, faces sentencing in February with a maximum penalty of 65 years in federal prison. Her attorney Mark Geragos stated she “feels horrible” and is taking responsibility while denying personal acquaintance with Perry.

  • UAE weather: Red alert issued for fog; temperatures to dip to 10ºC

    UAE weather: Red alert issued for fog; temperatures to dip to 10ºC

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have escalated weather warnings to red alert status as dense fog conditions envelop western regions, creating potentially hazardous visibility conditions for residents and travelers. The National Centre of Meteorology issued the critical advisory effective from 2:00 AM until 9:30 AM local time on December 7th, 2025.

    According to the comprehensive forecast, the UAE will experience generally fair to partly cloudy conditions throughout the day, with isolated low cloud formations anticipated over western coastal areas and islands. Temperature extremes will characterize the day’s weather pattern, with maximum temperatures reaching 31ºC in some regions while internal areas may see mercury levels drop to a chilly 10ºC. Urban centers will experience more moderate ranges, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai recording highs of 30ºC and lows of 19ºC and 20ºC respectively.

    Humidity levels will significantly increase during nighttime and Monday morning hours, particularly across western territories. Meteorological data indicates humidity percentages will fluctuate between 30-85% in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, creating muggy conditions alongside the temperature variations.

    Wind patterns will remain generally light to moderate throughout the affected period, blowing predominantly from southeasterly to northeasterly directions. Wind speeds are forecast to maintain 10-20 km/h ranges, occasionally gusting to 30 km/h. Maritime conditions appear calm with slight seas reported in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

    The National Centre of Meteorology continues to monitor developments and advises residents to exercise caution during early morning travel, particularly in western regions where reduced visibility conditions prevail.

  • Staff and tourists among 23 killed in Goa nightclub fire, officials say

    Staff and tourists among 23 killed in Goa nightclub fire, officials say

    A catastrophic fire has torn through a popular nightclub in India’s coastal paradise of Goa, resulting in at least 23 fatalities during the peak weekend hours. The tragedy struck shortly after midnight on Saturday at Birch by Romeo Lane, an establishment located in the bustling beachfront area of Baga in North Goa’s Arpora district.

    According to preliminary investigations by local authorities, the inferno originated from a gas cylinder explosion within the club’s kitchen facility. Goa’s Director General of Police, Shri Alok Kumar, confirmed that the blaze was primarily contained to the ground floor culinary area but spread rapidly through the venue.

    The victims predominantly consisted of club employees who became trapped near the explosion’s epicenter, though officials confirmed several tourists were also among the deceased. Medical reports indicate multiple casualties resulted from severe burn injuries while others succumbed to smoke inhalation and suffocation.

    Rescue operations continued through Sunday morning as emergency teams worked to secure the disaster site. Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed profound grief over the incident, declaring: “Today marks a profoundly painful day for all residents of Goa.” He announced the initiation of a formal judicial inquiry to determine responsibility for the tragedy, vowing that “any negligence will be dealt with firmly under the most stringent legal provisions.”

    The coastal state of Goa, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches along the Arabian Sea, attracts millions of international and domestic tourists annually. This tragedy represents one of the deadliest nightlife incidents in recent memory for the region, raising serious questions about safety protocols in entertainment establishments catering to the tourism industry.

  • IndiGo’s flight chaos forces couple to attend own wedding reception virtually

    IndiGo’s flight chaos forces couple to attend own wedding reception virtually

    India’s bustling wedding industry, valued at approximately $130 billion annually, has encountered unprecedented disruption as IndiGo Airlines’ operational crisis continues into its peak season. The country’s largest carrier, commanding over 60% of the domestic aviation market, has canceled more than 1,000 flights this week alone, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and creating particularly severe consequences for wedding celebrations.

    The scale of disruption became starkly evident when one newlywed couple was compelled to attend their own reception virtually after their IndiGo flight was canceled. Appearing via video conference on a large screen at the wedding venue, the couple apologized to dozens of guests who had gathered for the celebration while their designated seating area remained conspicuously empty. The bride’s mother explained to NDTV that canceling the event at the last minute was impossible given the number of invited relatives, leading to the unconventional digital solution.

    Even diplomatic personnel were affected by the chaos. Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, expressed his frustration on social media after his canceled flight prevented him from attending a staff member’s wedding in the remote eastern town of Deoghar. Wong described himself as ‘lost for words’ regarding the situation.

    The crisis has forced families to make extraordinary arrangements. One group booked an expensive charter flight after 80 members of the groom’s family, including the groom himself, found themselves stranded at Bengaluru airport unable to reach the wedding destination in Puri. Another family postponed their Goa wedding celebrations to January despite the bride and groom having already reached the destination, as most family members couldn’t fly together from Delhi as planned.

    IndiGo has acknowledged that the mass cancellations resulted from inadequate preparation for new pilot duty-hour regulations implemented by aviation authorities. The Indian government has announced an investigation into the disruptions that have exposed the vulnerability of the country’s rapidly growing air travel infrastructure. Domestic passenger traffic has more than doubled from 83 million in 2014 to 174 million in 2024, according to International Air Transport Association data.

    While the airline has apologized to affected customers, the emotional and financial toll on families remains significant. One frustrated relative described the situation on social media as ‘a tragedy, made entirely by a single corporation’ that had spoiled her brother’s wedding celebrations.

  • Emiratis, expats of 35 nationalities to go on 1,000km desert expedition in Abu Dhabi

    Emiratis, expats of 35 nationalities to go on 1,000km desert expedition in Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi prepares to host an extraordinary cultural and physical endurance event as 100 selected youth embark on the groundbreaking ‘Mesrah Mission’ from December 8-22, 2025. This ambitious 1,000-kilometer desert expedition across Abu Dhabi’s terrain represents a unique fusion of heritage preservation and community building initiatives.

    Organized through a collaborative effort between Emirates Foundation and Active Abu Dhabi, the program forms an integral component of the Year of Community 2025 framework. The initiative specifically aims to strengthen national identity among Emirati youth while fostering cross-cultural understanding among the 35 nationalities represented among participants.

    The journey will retrace ancient nomadic pathways, commencing in Al Sila within the Al Dhafra region. Participants will traverse diverse landscapes including the expansive Liwa Desert, the majestic Jebel Hafeet, and the cultural heartland of Al Ain, culminating in a final celebration at Al Wathba on December 22. The expedition structure divides participants into five teams who will utilize fifteen strategically positioned camps throughout their journey.

    According to organizational leadership, the mission transcends physical challenge by incorporating profound cultural immersion. Ahmad Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, emphasized that “Mesrah Mission represents a values-driven experience designed to strengthen young people’s connection to their heritage while building community spirit and inspiring meaningful national contribution.”

    Comprehensive preparatory training supervised by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority equipped participants with essential traditional skills including camel riding, Emirati craftsmanship etiquette (‘sana’a’), and ancestral desert navigation techniques. This preparatory phase ensured participants could fully engage with the historical and cultural dimensions of the experience.

    Robust logistical support includes continuous medical, security, and technical accompaniment throughout the two-week journey. Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, highlighted the initiative’s dual focus on “motivating youth through heritage-inspired physical activity while strengthening connections to national traditions via an innovative sports-identity integration approach.”

    Participants expressed enthusiastic anticipation for the transformative experience. Emirati participant Fatima Al Hosani noted the opportunity to “witness the contrast between historical and contemporary living conditions, appreciating the national efforts behind modern wellbeing standards.” International participant Yevhenii, a 31-year-old from Ukraine, shared his motivation to “deepen understanding of Emirati customs and heritage” through direct experiential learning.

  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix boosts visitor wellbeing, new research shows

    Abu Dhabi Grand Prix boosts visitor wellbeing, new research shows

    Groundbreaking research from Zayed University reveals that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivers profound psychological benefits extending far beyond motorsport excitement. The annual season finale has evolved into a comprehensive festival experience that significantly enhances visitor wellbeing through multiple dimensions.

    According to the study led by Dr. Graham Manville, Professor of Management, spectators reported an unexpected sense of personal accomplishment throughout the event weekend. Attendees expressed pride in their extensive activities including step counts, culinary explorations, game participation, attraction visits, and concert attendance. These cumulative ‘small achievements’ generated a powerful emotional boost that enriched the overall experience beyond conventional expectations.

    Dr. Ekaterina Koll, Assistant Professor at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, emphasized that visitor happiness stemmed from the event’s festival-style design rather than solely the racing component. The incorporation of concerts, live music, diverse food zones, and family-oriented activities transformed the Grand Prix into an inclusive destination appealing to broader demographics beyond traditional motorsport enthusiasts. Purposefully designed public spaces facilitating social interaction consistently triggered intense positive emotions among attendees.

    A significant finding identified the emergence of collective belonging among residents, expatriates, and international visitors. The shared atmosphere fostered a unified spirit where emotions spread rapidly through crowds, particularly during symbolic moments like the pre-race aerial displays. These experiences created temporary but powerful communities within Yas Marina Circuit, strengthening social bonds and enhancing cultural connections.

    The research positions the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a distinctive cultural and multi-sensory festival that distinguishes itself from other global racing events. The integration of yacht parties, museum exhibitions, gourmet dining, and theme park attractions alongside the track creates a comprehensive experience. Notably, the event’s inclusivity allows comfortable participation for families, solo female travelers, and culturally diverse visitors, reinforcing the UAE’s atmosphere of openness.

    Beyond immediate visitor satisfaction, the study indicates the event significantly shapes Abu Dhabi’s global perception as a premium tourism destination. As the Formula One season finale staged in sophisticated facilities, the Grand Prix enhances the UAE’s soft power by presenting the nation as an welcoming, high-end hospitality hub. Many attendees develop impressions extending far beyond motorsport, frequently reshaping their perception of the city and its cultural identity.

    The research offers valuable insights for future mega-event organization, identifying three core elements strengthening visitor engagement: positive emotional stimulation, facilitated social interaction, and novel experience creation. When balanced effectively with practical considerations including safety protocols, clear navigation, organizational efficiency, and technological integration, these elements generate lasting wellbeing impacts that extend well beyond the event duration.

  • Hangzhou Normal University apologizes for false recipients’ list

    Hangzhou Normal University apologizes for false recipients’ list

    Hangzhou Normal University has issued a formal apology following the discovery that staff members fabricated a list of recipients for a charitable education project. The incident, confirmed on Saturday, December 6, 2025, involved employees using common names sourced from internet search engines to create false documentation for a public welfare initiative.

    The controversy emerged when astute internet users identified that the university’s published beneficiary list for a program supporting left-behind children contained dozens of names directly traceable to online sources. This revelation triggered widespread public concern regarding the transparency and management of charitable fund allocation.

    According to the university’s investigation, the 450,000 yuan ($63,646) project operated from June 2022 to June 2023 with the stated objective of assisting students from two primary schools in Chun’an county’s mountainous region. The initiative encompassed multiple components including purchasing library infrastructure, developing educational materials, supplying learning resources, and conducting both virtual and physical teaching sessions.

    University officials acknowledged that while seven online teaching sessions were conducted, staff failed to maintain accurate participation records. When confronted with project evaluation requirements, employees resorted to fraudulent practices, generating fictitious beneficiary lists to satisfy reporting obligations. The institution emphasized that no direct cash distributions were involved, with all funds allocated toward material assistance and operational expenses.

    In its official statement, the university attributed the misconduct to procedural negligence and committed to disciplining responsible personnel. The administration has pledged to implement comprehensive reviews of similar programs and establish enhanced oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

  • Chinese firms should promote human rights in global business sector, expert says

    Chinese firms should promote human rights in global business sector, expert says

    Chinese corporations are being called upon to assume greater responsibility in advancing human rights within the global business landscape, according to expert commentary at a recent academic forum. The appeal comes as China’s international commercial presence continues to expand across worldwide markets.

    Liang Xiaohui, Chief Researcher at the Office for Social Responsibility of China National Textile and Apparel Council, highlighted the Global Solar Sustainable Alliance as a pioneering example of this commitment. Established in May 2025 by 24 Chinese photovoltaic companies in Jakarta, Indonesia, this initiative aligns with the United Nations Global Compact’s principles and sustainable development goals. The alliance has established nine actionable pathways across three foundational pillars designed to enhance environmental, social, and governance progress throughout the solar value chain.

    The discussion emerged during a forum on human rights protection in Chinese modernization hosted at Guangzhou University in Guangdong province. Academics and legal experts emphasized the integral relationship between human rights protection, rule of law, and China’s modernization trajectory. Hu Zongping, Vice-President of Guangzhou Law Society, noted that these elements collectively form crucial support systems for the nation’s development.

    Scholars including Liu Zhiqiang, Professor at the Guangzhou University Human Rights Institute, stressed the necessity of developing China’s distinctive human rights knowledge system. This framework prioritizes the rights to subsistence and development as central pillars while advocating for continuous innovation in people-centered human rights concepts. The forum also addressed contemporary challenges including digital age human rights concerns and criminal justice issues, reflecting comprehensive engagement with both traditional and emerging human rights dimensions.

  • Why the future of media must be built on ethics, empathy, and shared responsibility

    Why the future of media must be built on ethics, empathy, and shared responsibility

    In an era where digital information flows instantaneously across borders with profound societal consequences, a transformative movement is emerging to reshape media’s fundamental role. Princess Lamia Bint Majed AlSaud, drawing from her extensive philanthropy and media experience, observes that contemporary media possesses unprecedented power to mobilize masses, distort truths, and reshape global discourse within hours. This reality demands institutions that recognize media not merely as entertainment but as a societal force capable of protecting human dignity and amplifying shared humanity.

    The recently launched BRIDGE Alliance represents a direct response to these challenges. This nonprofit global initiative brings together creators, innovators, and institutions dedicated to promoting ethical media practices and responsible artificial intelligence implementation. With its focus on human-centered storytelling and credibility enhancement, the alliance operates free from commercial pressures, enabling concentrated effort on meaningful impact rather than profit-driven objectives.

    Complementing this initiative, the BRIDGE Summit 2025 scheduled for Abu Dhabi will serve as a monumental gathering point for this emerging movement. The inaugural event anticipates welcoming over 60,000 participants from more than 130 countries, making it one of the world’s largest debut media conferences. This extraordinary attendance demonstrates growing global demand for media ecosystems built upon accountability, cultural understanding, and social benefit.

    The summit’s programming reflects comprehensive ambition, addressing critical intersections between technology, journalism, creative industries, and cultural production. Key focus areas include combating misinformation, establishing ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence, promoting responsible storytelling practices, and empowering youth creators who increasingly shape public discourse. Notably, the event prioritizes inclusion of frequently marginalized voices, including women leaders, emerging creators, and communities whose narratives carry universal relevance.

    Beyond the conference itself, the BRIDGE Alliance ensures these crucial conversations continue through year-round collaboration, policy dialogue, and development of shared standards guiding media and technology toward human-value alignment. This sustained effort acknowledges that meaningful transformation requires long-term commitment rather than reactive responses to urgent crises.

    At this critical juncture where technological advancement outpaces regulatory frameworks and accountability struggles to match attention velocity, the BRIDGE initiative offers measured optimism. By grounding media development in ethical principles, empathetic understanding, and shared purpose, the alliance believes media can evolve into a powerful catalyst for peace, cross-cultural understanding, and positive social impact worldwide.

  • National Guardsman ‘slowly healing’ after being shot in Washington DC

    National Guardsman ‘slowly healing’ after being shot in Washington DC

    A West Virginia National Guardsman critically wounded in a November ambush shooting near the White House is demonstrating significant signs of recovery, according to official statements. Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, sustained severe head injuries during the November 26th attack that claimed the life of his colleague, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom.

    West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey relayed optimistic updates from Wolfe’s family, noting the soldier’s head wound is progressively healing and that he’s gradually returning to his normal appearance. Medical professionals anticipate the Air Force staff sergeant will require approximately two to three additional weeks of acute care treatment.

    The shooting incident occurred when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national and former counterterrorism soldier in a CIA-backed unit, opened fire on National Guard personnel. Law enforcement authorities have charged Lakanwal with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill.

    Governor Morrisey participated in a Friday evening vigil at Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia, where Wolfe was formerly a student. During the gathering, a pastor read aloud a heartfelt message from Jason and Melody Wolfe, the soldier’s parents, who expressed both their enduring faith and gratitude for worldwide support despite acknowledging the lengthy recovery ahead.

    Earlier medical reports indicated Wolfe had responded to nursing staff with a thumbs-up gesture and demonstrated toe movement capacity, suggesting positive neurological responses.

    The shooting has prompted significant policy repercussions, with the Trump administration citing the incident as justification for enhanced immigration enforcement measures. These include the cancellation of citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries previously affected by travel restrictions, including Afghanistan.

    Wolfe was among 2,000 National Guard members deployed to the capital in August as part of immigration and crime reduction initiatives targeting Democratic-led urban centers. Following the attack, President Trump called for an additional 500 troops to be dispatched to Washington DC.