Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Big Ticket Abu Dhabi announces Dh15-million jackpot for February draw

    Big Ticket Abu Dhabi announces Dh15-million jackpot for February draw

    Abu Dhabi’s renowned Big Ticket raffle has unveiled a substantial Dh15 million grand prize for its February promotion, setting the stage for another life-changing win following January’s record Dh30 million award to a Filipino expatriate. The live draw event scheduled for March 3 will crown one fortunate millionaire while simultaneously distributing five consolation prizes of Dh100,000 each.

    The February calendar features an expanded reward structure with four weekly electronic draws, each granting Dh50,000 to four separate winners. This month’s promotion introduces the innovative Big Win Contest, offering customers who purchase multiple tickets between February 1-24 the opportunity to attend the live draw with guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000.

    January’s finale witnessed four Indian nationals claiming Dh50,000 each in the final weekly e-draw. Among them, Hakkim Sha Habeeb expressed initial disbelief upon missing the winning notification, later describing his overwhelming delight upon confirmation.

    Vinoth, a 38-year-old electrical supervisor with 19 years in Qatar, celebrated his first-ever raffle victory after three years of consistent participation. “This represents the happiest moment of my life,” he shared, noting his plans to divide the winnings among his group while investing further in tickets and creating special memories for his daughter.

    Abdul Rahuman, a 54-year-old Kerala native residing in Abu Dhabi for six years, initially suspected a scam before experiencing profound relief and happiness. His participation through a 22-member group exemplifies the collective approach many adopt for sustained motivation.

    Shalini Suvarna, a Mumbai-born administrative professional in Umm Al Quwain since 2008, resumed ticket purchases last year after a hiatus. Her win will facilitate debt clearance while restoring confidence in the process. “Consistency matters profoundly,” she advised, reflecting on her interrupted participation pattern.

    The Big Ticket initiative continues to demonstrate its legitimacy through transparent processes and verifiable outcomes, strengthening participant trust across the UAE expatriate community.

  • China’s Spring Festival travel rush begins

    China’s Spring Festival travel rush begins

    China has officially initiated its monumental Spring Festival travel period, known as Chunyun, marking the beginning of the world’s largest annual human migration. The extensive travel season commenced on Monday, February 2, 2026, and will extend for forty consecutive days until March 13.

    The travel surge coincides with the Lunar New Year celebration, with Spring Festival falling on February 17 this year. Official national holidays have been scheduled from February 15 through February 23, providing a nine-day break that enables millions of Chinese citizens to undertake journeys to reunite with family members across the country.

    Early scenes from Beijing West Railway Station captured the initial wave of travelers, with passengers forming orderly queues while awaiting train boarding procedures. Transportation hubs nationwide are implementing enhanced operational measures to accommodate the unprecedented passenger volume characteristic of this annual phenomenon.

    The Chunyun period represents a critical logistical challenge for China’s transportation infrastructure, with railway networks, highway systems, and air travel corridors all experiencing substantial capacity demands. Authorities have coordinated comprehensive preparations to ensure safe and efficient transit during this culturally significant migration period that underscores the deep-rooted tradition of family reunion in Chinese culture.

  • Watch: North Carolina hit with historic snowstorm

    Watch: North Carolina hit with historic snowstorm

    A formidable bomb cyclone unleashed its fury across North Carolina and the mid-Atlantic region over the weekend, triggering a state of emergency characterized by paralyzing snowfall, hurricane-force winds, and perilous travel conditions. The tempest, which commenced its onslaught late Friday, persisted relentlessly through the weekend, with coastal territories and the Outer Banks bearing the brunt of its force and accumulating up to 15 inches of snow.

    The National Weather Service has officially designated this meteorological event a ‘historic storm,’ a classification underscored by data from the North Carolina State Climate Office. Their analysis confirms that snowfall volumes in certain state districts have exceeded all other winter occurrences recorded thus far in the 21st century. The rapid intensification of the cyclone, meeting the criteria for ‘bombogenesis,’ resulted in a precipitous drop in atmospheric pressure, fueling the violent winds that compounded the blinding snow and created near-zero visibility.

    Transportation networks experienced severe disruptions as major highways became impassable, forcing numerous road closures and stranding motorists. Emergency services issued stern warnings for residents to remain indoors, citing life-threatening wind chills and the high risk of hypothermia. Utility companies reported widespread power outages as heavy, wet snow and gusty winds downed trees and power lines across the affected states.

    The extensive impact of this extreme weather event underscores the growing challenges communities face from rapidly intensifying winter storms, prompting discussions on infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness for future climatic anomalies.

  • Billionaire Frank Stronach faces sexual assault trial in Canada

    Billionaire Frank Stronach faces sexual assault trial in Canada

    Canadian courtroom proceedings commenced this week against Frank Stronach, the 93-year-old Austro-Canadian business magnate, who stands accused of multiple historical sexual offenses. The Toronto trial, presided over by Superior Court Justice Anne Malloy, will proceed without jury deliberation, placing judicial responsibility solely on the presiding magistrate.

    Stronach, founder of global automotive parts manufacturer Magna International and once among Canada’s wealthiest individuals, confronts 18 criminal charges involving 13 separate complainants. These allegations span an extensive temporal range from 1977 to 1990, necessitating application of since-amended Criminal Code provisions. Prosecutors have strategically divided the case into two distinct legal proceedings, with the Toronto segment addressing 12 charges ahead of a subsequent York Region trial scheduled for spring.

    The defendant has maintained an unwavering not guilty plea through legal representatives, publicly characterizing the accusations as fundamentally incompatible with his personal ethos. “Those acquainted with my character recognize these claims contradict my established principles,” Stronach previously told CBC following their 2024 investigative report containing employee allegations.

    This exceptional judicial process requires Justice Malloy to adjudicate based on historical legal definitions no longer present in Canadian legislation, though the nation’s elimination of sexual assault statutes of limitations enables prosecution regardless of temporal passage. The court anticipates hearing comprehensive evidence from Crown prosecutors alongside complainant testimonies throughout the trial duration.

    Beyond his corporate legacy, Stronach briefly entered Austrian political spheres in 2012 by founding the right-wing populist Team Stronach party, which has since become defunct. His transition from industrial titan to defendant marks a significant development in Canada’s ongoing examination of historical sexual misconduct cases involving powerful figures.

  • Catholic Church and Italy investigate sacred and profane cherub seemingly modeled on Meloni

    Catholic Church and Italy investigate sacred and profane cherub seemingly modeled on Meloni

    A centuries-old tradition of incorporating contemporary figures into religious artwork has ignited an unprecedented controversy in Rome, where a recently restored cherub bearing remarkable resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has triggered dual investigations by both ecclesiastical and state authorities.

    The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, one of Rome’s most ancient churches consecrated in 440 AD, has become the epicenter of this unusual scandal. The problematic artwork appears in a side chapel near the main altar, depicting a cherub holding a map of Italy in a position of deference before a bust of Italy’s last king, Umberto II. This particular chapel underwent renovation in 2000 and required restoration in 2023 due to water damage.

    Both the Diocese of Rome and the Italian Culture Ministry have launched formal inquiries into the restoration work. Their swift response demonstrates institutional intolerance for perceived profanity within sacred spaces. The basilica, though historically significant, has gained newfound celebrity status as curiosity-seekers flock to photograph the controversial angel, sometimes disrupting religious services.

    Prime Minister Meloni herself addressed the controversy with humor, writing on social media: ‘No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,’ accompanied by a laughing/crying emoji. Her lighthearted response contrasts with the seriousness of the institutional investigations.

    The controversy carries historical weight given Italy’s complex relationship with its monarchical past. Italians rejected the monarchy after World War II due to its support for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Meloni’s right-wing party traces its roots to the neo-fascist movement that succeeded Mussolini, adding political sensitivity to the artwork’s perceived deference to royalty.

    Restorer Bruno Valentinetti has denied using Meloni as a model, asserting that any resemblance exists ‘in the eye of the beholder’ and that he merely restored his original 2000 painting. Parish priest Rev. Daniele Micheletti acknowledged the resemblance but dismissed its significance, noting artistic precedent for depicting real people in religious contexts, such as Caravaggio’s use of a prostitute as model for the Virgin Mary.

    Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar of Rome, has taken a firmer stance, criticizing Micheletti’s blasé attitude and emphasizing that sacred art must not be ‘misused or exploited’ but should exclusively support liturgical life and prayer. The Culture Ministry has deployed special delegate Daniela Porro to ascertain the nature of the work and determine appropriate actions.

    The investigations now focus on determining the original appearance of the 2000 cherub and whether the restoration improperly altered its features. The basilica, currently property of Italy’s Interior Ministry, remains open to visitors while authorities determine the appropriate resolution to this intersection of art, religion, and politics.

  • 19 people jailed over deadly 2023 Beijing hospital fire

    19 people jailed over deadly 2023 Beijing hospital fire

    A Beijing court has delivered significant prison sentences to 19 individuals held responsible for catastrophic safety failures that resulted in a deadly hospital fire in 2023. The sentencing, announced on Monday, reflects the gravity of the violations that led to the tragic incident.

    The convicted parties received prison terms ranging from 2 to 6.5 years for their roles in the preventable disaster. The sentences stem from comprehensive investigations that revealed multiple layers of safety negligence and regulatory non-compliance within the hospital’s operational framework.

    Judicial authorities emphasized that the ruling demonstrates China’s strengthened commitment to enforcing workplace safety standards and holding individuals accountable for violations that endanger public welfare. The verdict sends a clear message about the serious consequences of disregarding safety protocols in medical facilities and other public institutions.

    The 2023 hospital fire exposed critical gaps in safety management systems and emergency preparedness within healthcare facilities. Since the incident, regulatory bodies have implemented more rigorous inspection regimes and enhanced safety requirements for medical institutions nationwide.

    This case represents one of the most significant applications of criminal liability for safety violations in China’s healthcare sector, setting a precedent for future enforcement actions and highlighting the increased scrutiny on institutional safety compliance.

  • Shanghai launches first Pudong new year cultural festival

    Shanghai launches first Pudong new year cultural festival

    Shanghai’s Pudong district has launched its inaugural Chinese New Year Cultural Festival, transforming the Lujiazui riverside into a vibrant celebration venue from January 31 through February 9, 2026. The festival’s centerpiece featured the breathtaking ancient art of datiehua (iron striking ceremony) from Chongqing’s Tongliang district, marking its first-ever presentation in Shanghai.

    The opening ceremony on Saturday witnessed molten iron being cast skyward, creating a spectacular display of golden sparks that illuminated against the backdrop of Shanghai’s iconic skyline. This mesmerizing fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern urban landscape captivated attendees, offering a unique cultural experience that bridges China’s rich heritage with contemporary metropolitan life.

    Beyond the iron striking ceremony, the festival encompasses a diverse program of cultural activities and traditional performances designed to celebrate the Lunar New Year spirit. The event aims to provide both residents and visitors with an immersive experience that honors Chinese cultural traditions while creating new memories against one of the world’s most recognizable cityscapes.

    The festival’s strategic location along the Lujiazui riverside allows for maximum visibility and accessibility, positioning it as a major cultural attraction during the Spring Festival period. This initiative represents Shanghai’s ongoing commitment to preserving traditional arts while innovating in their presentation to modern audiences.

    Organizers have curated the event to appeal to all age groups, with additional programming that includes traditional music, dance performances, and interactive cultural workshops throughout the ten-day celebration. The festival serves as both a tourist attraction and a community gathering space, reinforcing the importance of cultural continuity during China’s most significant annual celebration.

  • Shanghai international student choir celebrates new year

    Shanghai international student choir celebrates new year

    A diverse ensemble of international students from Shanghai University captivated audiences with a culturally resonant performance at the institution’s recent New Year concert. The choir’s carefully curated repertoire demonstrated music’s unique capacity to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers through two distinct musical pieces.

    The performance featured an innovative adaptation of the classical Chinese composition ‘Green Jade Cup — The Lantern Festival Night,’ drawing inspiration from the poetic works of Song Dynasty luminary Xin Qiji (960-1279). This traditional piece was thoughtfully paired with the Ben E King rhythm and blues classic ‘Stand By Me,’ creating a dialogue between Eastern and Western musical traditions.

    Malaysian journalism student Yew Yu Ying Kimberley reflected on the cultural significance of their performance: ‘Through the Chinese piece, we conveyed the profound Eastern sentiment of seeking connection amidst countless faces. The Western classic served as a universal bridge, allowing us to establish an immediate rapport with our audience.’

    Thai participant Klinsukhon Phichada emphasized the meticulous preparation process: ‘Our rehearsals involved deep engagement with both compositions. The refined elegance of Song Dynasty poetry provided me with profound insights into the enduring appeal of Chinese cultural heritage.’

    Bangladeshi student Md Ali Emam highlighted the broader philosophical implications of their collaborative effort: ‘This experience transcended musical performance. We discovered that true harmony emerges not from volume but from mutual understanding, empathy, and shared purpose. Our diverse backgrounds transformed the choir into a microcosm of global cooperation, where every voice contributes to a richer collective sound.’

    The concert exemplified how educational institutions serve as vital platforms for cross-cultural exchange, particularly during traditional celebrations that emphasize unity and new beginnings.

  • Watch: Punxsutawney Phil emerges for Groundhog Day

    Watch: Punxsutawney Phil emerges for Groundhog Day

    For over 135 years, the small Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney has maintained an unusual meteorological tradition each February 2nd. Crowds gather before dawn at Gobbler’s Knob to witness the ceremonial extraction of a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil from his temporary burrow. According to folklore dating back to 1887, if the rodent sees his shadow upon emergence, six additional weeks of winter weather will follow. Should no shadow appear, the prediction indicates an early arrival of spring.

    The spectacle represents one of America’s most enduring cultural traditions, drawing thousands of attendees annually and generating significant media attention. The event incorporates elements of theater, with Phil’s handlers—members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle—claiming the same groundhog has been making predictions for over a century through a mysterious “elixir of life.”

    Scientific analysis from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals substantial discrepancies between Phil’s predictions and actual weather patterns. Data compiled over the past two decades indicates the groundhog’s forecasts have demonstrated approximately 35% accuracy—a success rate barely exceeding random chance. Meteorological scientists emphasize that seasonal transitions depend on complex atmospheric conditions rather than rodent behavior.

    Despite its questionable reliability, the tradition continues to thrive as a cultural phenomenon that blends folklore, community celebration, and tourism economics. The event has gained additional prominence through its depiction in the 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” which introduced the tradition to international audiences and embedded the phrase “Groundhog Day” in the cultural lexicon as a metaphor for repetitive experiences.

  • ‘Pay and smile’ – Rome visitors face Trevi Fountain charge

    ‘Pay and smile’ – Rome visitors face Trevi Fountain charge

    Visitors to the Eternal City will now encounter a revised experience at one of its most celebrated landmarks. The municipal government of Rome has officially instituted a €2 admission charge for entry to the primary viewing platform of the Trevi Fountain, marking a significant shift in accessibility policy for the monument. This Baroque masterpiece, immortalized in cinematic history and renowned for its coin-tossing tradition, had previously remained freely accessible to the public throughout its history.

    The implementation follows growing concerns regarding overcrowding, maintenance costs, and site preservation. Municipal authorities indicate the nominal fee will serve dual purposes: regulating visitor flow during peak hours and generating dedicated funds for the fountain’s ongoing conservation and security operations. The measure represents part of a broader municipal strategy to manage tourism infrastructure more sustainably while protecting cultural heritage sites from excessive wear.

    Tourist reactions have been mixed, with some visitors acknowledging the necessity of preservation efforts while others express disappointment at the monetization of previously public spaces. Local business operators near the monument are monitoring potential impacts on foot traffic and commerce. The city has established clear signage and designated payment stations to facilitate the new system, which operates during daytime visiting hours.

    This policy aligns Rome with other European cities implementing similar tourist management measures at cultural sites. The initiative reflects ongoing global conversations about balancing open access to cultural treasures with the practical realities of their maintenance and preservation in high-tourism environments.