Global Pulse

分类： society

  • ‘Brave’ boy, 13, swims 4km to save family stranded off Australia coast

    ‘Brave’ boy, 13, swims 4km to save family stranded off Australia coast

    A remarkable display of courage and resilience unfolded in Western Australia’s Geographe Bay as a 13-year-old boy executed a daring rescue mission to save his stranded family members. The incident occurred last Friday when strong winds unexpectedly swept the family’s inflatable watercraft approximately 4 kilometers offshore during what began as a routine paddleboarding and kayaking excursion.

    Facing deteriorating light conditions and challenging ocean swells, the teenager initiated what would become an extraordinary four-hour swimming ordeal. After his kayak began taking on water, the determined youth made the critical decision to continue toward shore without flotation assistance, abandoning his life jacket during the latter portion of his marathon swim to increase mobility.

    His successful arrival at approximately 18:00 local time triggered an immediate multi-agency search operation involving the Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group and police resources. Rescue crews located the remaining family members—a 47-year-old mother, her 12-year-old son, and 8-year-old daughter—clinging to a paddleboard approximately 14 kilometers from shore around 20:30 that evening.

    Rescue commander Paul Bresland characterized the teenager’s effort as “superhuman,” noting the exceptional physical and mental fortitude required to complete such a demanding swim under dangerous conditions. Maritime officials confirmed that all three rescued individuals were properly wearing life jackets, which significantly contributed to their survival during the extended wait for assistance.

    Following medical evaluation at a nearby hospital, the family has been discharged and subsequently visited their rescuers to express gratitude personally. Police Inspector James Bradley emphasized that this incident serves as a crucial reminder of how rapidly ocean conditions can change, while acknowledging that the teenager’s determination ultimately prevented a tragic outcome.

  • Over 4,500 runners from 71 countries sprint for cancer in UAE, set world record

    Over 4,500 runners from 71 countries sprint for cancer in UAE, set world record

    ABU DHABI – In an extraordinary display of global solidarity, Hudayriyat Island witnessed a historic gathering as 4,500 participants from 71 nations converged for the Abu Dhabi Cancer Run 2026, shattering the Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in a cancer awareness running event. The previous benchmark of 50 nationalities was dramatically surpassed in this vibrant demonstration of cross-cultural unity against a universal health challenge.

    The event, orchestrated by Plan B Group and presented by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, transcended athletic competition to become a powerful testament to communal support. This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on the crucial role of family networks in cancer journeys, highlighting how the disease impacts entire support systems beyond individual patients.

    Among the participants was Dr. Sonia Haboub, a cancer survivor and university professor whose personal narrative embodies the event’s spirit. Diagnosed with uterine cancer at 25 during what she believed was a routine London check-up, Dr. Haboub discovered running as psychological salvation during her recovery. “Running saved my life—especially mentally,” she revealed to Khaleej Times. “It helped me navigate post-trauma, depression, and profoundly difficult moments. Lacing up your shoes makes you realize you can overcome anything.”

    Dr. Harmeek Singh, Founder and Chairman of Plan B Group, shared his motivation stemming from his mother’s cancer experience eighteen years ago. “This platform strengthens our collective voice,” he stated. “While medical advancements continue, early detection remains our most powerful weapon. Annual check-ups are absolutely essential for saving lives.”

    The record was officially validated by Guinness World Records adjudicator Hanane Spiers, who conducted rigorous on-site verification of participants’ nationalities. Although organizers anticipated 78 nationalities, the confirmed count of 71 still represented a significant achievement. Spiers praised the event as “the pinnacle of record-breaking” for its community-building purpose.

    Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, Institute Chief of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Cancer Institute, noted the symbolic resonance between the UAE’s diverse population and cancer’s indiscriminate nature. “Cancer affects people of all nationalities,” he observed. “Celebrating diversity while supporting patients and families reflects our commitment to inclusive healthcare.”

    The event created an electrifying atmosphere with Kenyan drum performances, mascots, and live DJs, generating what participant Mungai Kirogoi described as unprecedented energy and positivity. For Dr. Haboub, watching thousands run together provided profound emotional security: “Sometimes it’s harder for the people around us than for the person who had cancer. When you see this solidarity, it reminds you that you’re not alone.”

  • Trevi Fountain fee goes into effect as Rome seeks to manage tourist flow at celebrated water feature

    Trevi Fountain fee goes into effect as Rome seeks to manage tourist flow at celebrated water feature

    ROME — The Eternal City has initiated a new €2 ($2.35) access fee for tourists seeking close proximity to the iconic Trevi Fountain, marking a significant shift in urban tourism management. Implemented on Monday, this measure aims to generate essential revenue while regulating visitor density at one of the world’s most celebrated Baroque monuments.

    The innovative pricing strategy emerged from successful crowd management experiments conducted throughout the previous year. Visitors now experience structured pathways and controlled entry systems, fundamentally transforming the accessibility dynamics around the fountain’s basin. Initial reactions from international tourists have been overwhelmingly positive, with many acknowledging the nominal fee as reasonable compensation for enhanced visitation quality.

    Simultaneously, Rome introduced a complementary €5 museum access ticket for specific cultural institutions. Both initiatives exempt registered city residents, with additional revenue streams designated to expand free museum access for locals. Municipal authorities project approximately €6.5 million in annual revenue that will directly support preservation efforts for Rome’s extensive cultural heritage.

    Tourism Assessor Alessandro Onorato emphasized the symbolic value of the modest charge: ‘Considering the Trevi Fountain’s global significance, this token amount demonstrates Rome’s commitment to balancing accessibility with conservation.’ The system permits advanced online bookings for prime daylight access, while maintaining free viewing from the surrounding piazza and during non-ticketed hours.

    This approach aligns with broader Italian tourism management strategies, including Venice’s day-tripper tax and the Pantheon’s ticketing system. However, it contrasts sharply with recent Louvre Museum price increases reaching €32 for non-European visitors. The Trevi Fountain continues to captivate visitors with its mythological grandeur—featuring Oceanus surrounded by cascading waters—and enduring cinematic legacy from Fellini’s ‘La Dolce Vita.’ While recreational bathing remains prohibited, the tradition of coin-tossing for ensured return to Rome persists under the new managed access system.

  • Mother of Savannah Guthrie, NBC News anchor, missing in Arizona

    Mother of Savannah Guthrie, NBC News anchor, missing in Arizona

    Authorities in Arizona have launched an intensive search operation for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of prominent NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson residence under circumstances described as deeply concerning by law enforcement.

    Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos disclosed that Nancy Guthrie was last confirmed seen at her home after 9:00 PM local time on Saturday. The family officially reported her disappearance on Sunday afternoon, triggering an immediate law enforcement response. Sheriff Nanos emphasized that evidence collected at the residence raised serious alarms, prompting the unusual involvement of homicide detectives in the investigation.

    While authorities refrained from specifying the exact nature of the concerning evidence, Sheriff Nanos confirmed that foul play hasn’t been eliminated from the investigation parameters. The case has been classified as a missing persons investigation with suspicious circumstances, deviating from standard protocol due to the nature of findings at the scene.

    Nancy Guthrie, according to official statements, suffers from compromised physical health but maintains normal cognitive function without reported memory issues. The Guthrie family has collaborated closely with Pima County Sheriff’s Department, issuing a formal statement through NBC News acknowledging the ongoing investigation.

    Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s flagship morning program Today, was notably absent from Monday’s broadcast as the network addressed the developing situation. The program shared a personal statement from Guthrie expressing gratitude for public support while emphasizing the family’s primary focus on her mother’s safe recovery.

    Search efforts continue throughout the Tucson area with law enforcement pursuing multiple investigative avenues to locate the missing octogenarian.

  • Australian woman dies after becoming snagged in ski lift in Japan

    Australian woman dies after becoming snagged in ski lift in Japan

    A devastating incident at Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture has resulted in the death of a 22-year-old Australian woman following a catastrophic ski lift malfunction. The tragedy occurred around 9:00 AM local time on Friday when the victim’s backpack became entangled in the chairlift mechanism during disembarkation.

    According to official statements from resort management, an unfastened buckle on the woman’s backpack hooked onto the chair while the chest strap remained secured, creating a dangerous entanglement that suspended her mid-air. The immediate trauma triggered a cardiac arrest, with emergency responders unable to revive her despite rapid medical intervention.

    Tsuneo Kubo, Chief Executive of Tsugaike Mountain Resort, issued a profound apology expressing his “deepest condolences to the bereaved family” while confirming a comprehensive investigation has been launched in coordination with local authorities. The resort’s emergency protocols were activated when an attendant triggered the emergency stop mechanism, followed by immediate first aid administration and ambulance transportation to a nearby medical facility.

    The incident occurred on the Tsuga No. 2 Pair Lift, a two-person chairlift that serves as a primary access point to the resort’s extensive skiing terrain. Japanese police have initiated a thorough examination of the equipment and are interviewing resort staff as part of their official inquiry into the mechanical failure and safety procedures.

    Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the tragic death of their citizen and is providing consular support to the grieving family. The popular Hakuba Valley resort, renowned among international visitors for its extensive winter sports facilities, has pledged to implement enhanced safety measures and conduct a complete review of all lift operations to prevent future tragedies.

  • UAE weather: Red alert issued for thick fog; low of 14°C in Abu Dhabi

    UAE weather: Red alert issued for thick fog; low of 14°C in Abu Dhabi

    The United Arab Emirates’ National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has activated red and yellow weather alerts across multiple regions due to dense fog conditions significantly reducing horizontal visibility. These advisories remain in effect until 10:00 AM local time on Monday, February 2nd, 2026.

    Meteorological reports indicate predominantly fair to partially cloudy skies throughout the day, with low cloud formations anticipated over eastern territories. As nighttime approaches, heightened humidity levels are forecasted to envelop coastal and inland areas, creating optimal conditions for mist and fog development extending into Tuesday morning.

    Temperature readings show notable variations between major urban centers. Abu Dhabi residents experienced a minimum of 14°C with daytime highs reaching 27°C, while Dubai recorded slightly warmer conditions ranging from 16°C to 26°C. Humidity metrics fluctuated significantly between 25% and 90% across both emirates.

    Surface winds maintained light to moderate intensity, predominantly blowing from northwesterly directions at velocities of 10-20 km/h. Occasional southeasterly gusts reached 30 km/h, particularly affecting maritime zones. Marine conditions remained generally calm in both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman, with slight wave activity reported.

    The NCM continues to advise motorists and maritime operators to exercise heightened caution during reduced visibility periods, implementing necessary safety protocols as per national weather emergency guidelines.

  • China’s rail fleets ready for Spring Festival travel rush​

    China’s rail fleets ready for Spring Festival travel rush​

    China’s extensive high-speed railway system stands fully prepared to accommodate the monumental Spring Festival travel surge, known as chunyun, which officially commenced on February 2, 2026. This annual phenomenon represents the planet’s largest periodic human migration, with millions of Chinese citizens journeying back to their ancestral homes to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family.

    Photographic evidence from maintenance depots across Southwest China’s Chongqing municipality reveals rows of bullet trains undergoing final preparations before deployment. These meticulously serviced high-speed trains will form the backbone of China’s transportation infrastructure during the 40-day travel period, ensuring safe and efficient transit for the massive passenger volumes.

    The Spring Festival travel rush represents both a logistical challenge and a cultural tradition of profound significance. Migrant workers, university students, and professionals working far from their birthplaces all participate in this homeward migration, creating unprecedented demand on China’s rail network. Authorities have implemented comprehensive operational plans to handle the anticipated passenger surge while maintaining service quality and safety standards.

    China’s railway operators have optimized scheduling, increased train frequencies on popular routes, and deployed additional staff to manage station operations. The preparation period saw intensive maintenance checks and cleaning procedures to ensure all rolling stock meets the rigorous demands of continuous operation during peak travel days.

    The annual chunyun period not only demonstrates China’s transportation capabilities but also reflects deep-rooted cultural values surrounding family reunification and traditional celebrations. The successful management of this massive population movement remains a top priority for transportation authorities nationwide.

  • Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    In a heartwarming display of regional unity, Shenshan village in Jinggangshan city recently hosted an expansive Spring Festival gala that transcended provincial boundaries. The festive gathering on February 1, 2026, welcomed participants from seven neighboring counties across both Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, creating a colorful tapestry of cultural exchange and community bonding.

    The event, held as the Lunar New Year approached, transformed the village into a hub of celebration featuring traditional performances, local culinary specialties, and interactive activities that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region. Residents from both provinces shared customs, songs, and dances unique to their respective communities, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cross-regional relationships.

    This innovative approach to Spring Festival celebrations demonstrates how rural communities are revitalizing traditional festivals to promote social cohesion. The gala served not only as entertainment but as a meaningful platform for preserving intangible cultural heritage while building bridges between neighboring areas that share historical connections but maintain distinct local traditions.

    The successful event has drawn attention from cultural preservation advocates who see such initiatives as models for maintaining traditional festivals in modern times while adapting them to contemporary community needs.

  • Snowstorm disrupts travel in US South

    Snowstorm disrupts travel in US South

    A severe winter storm continues to wreak havoc across the southern United States, creating dangerous travel conditions and plunging regions unaccustomed to such extreme weather into a deep freeze. The meteorological onslaught follows closely behind another massive storm system that claimed over 100 lives just one week prior, compounding recovery efforts throughout affected areas.

    Heavy snowfall blanketed North Carolina and surrounding states throughout Saturday, with authorities issuing urgent warnings for residents to avoid road travel entirely. The National Weather Service escalated concerns by cautioning that oceanfront structures faced imminent threat from the intensifying system.

    Winter storm warnings remained in effect across the entire states of North and South Carolina, extending into portions of Georgia, eastern Tennessee, Kentucky, and southern Virginia. The severity of conditions manifested in 750 reported vehicle collisions in North Carolina alone on Saturday.

    Accumulation measurements revealed staggering totals: Faust, North Carolina recorded 37 centimeters of snow, while West Critz, Virginia received 32 centimeters. Harrisburg, Tennessee reported over 23 centimeters of accumulation.

    In Cape Carteret, North Carolina, powerful winds created whiteout conditions with snow blowing horizontally. The National Weather Service characterized travel as “treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” particularly for those who might become stranded.

    Dramatic footage released by Gastonia, North Carolina police captured a high-speed train collision with a semitruck stuck on railway tracks, completely crushing the vehicle. Miraculously, no injuries were reported from the incident.

    Air travel suffered massive disruptions, with Charlotte Douglas International Airport—a major American Airlines hub—canceling over 1,800 flights between Saturday and Sunday according to FlightAware data. The airport deployed a 300-member “snow team” to clear runways, taxiways, and surrounding infrastructure.

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, among the world’s busiest aviation hubs, canceled more than 600 flights on Saturday with approximately 50 additional cancellations occurring in Sunday’s early hours.

    The National Weather Service described the system as an “explosively deepening coastal cyclone” that would continue delivering moderate to heavy snow, high winds, and potential blizzard conditions throughout the Carolinas. An intense surge of arctic air trailing the storm pushed subfreezing temperatures as far south as Florida by Sunday morning.

    Power outages compounded the crisis, with approximately 156,000 customers remaining without electricity early Sunday—primarily throughout southern states. Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana experienced the most severe power disruptions according to PowerOutage.us.

  • Mediation to end disputes advocated

    Mediation to end disputes advocated

    In a groundbreaking judicial reform, China’s Supreme People’s Court has established a comprehensive collaborative mediation framework involving twenty national institutions to resolve social and commercial disputes before they enter the courtroom. The initiative, announced on February 2, 2026, represents a strategic shift toward prioritizing mediation over litigation in the Chinese legal system.

    The court has partnered with key institutions including the People’s Bank of China, All-China Women’s Federation, and China National Intellectual Property Administration to create specialized mediation channels for conflicts spanning real estate, labor relations, marital disputes, intellectual property, and financial matters. The guidelines mandate regular monitoring and risk assessment in these sectors to identify and address potential conflicts at their earliest stages.

    Chief Judge Qian Xiaochen of the Court’s case-filing division emphasized that leveraging industry professionals’ specialized knowledge within legal parameters enables more efficient and effective resolution of underlying issues. The system requires nationwide courts to establish qualification standards for mediators while providing legal training to enhance professionalism across sectors.

    This institutional approach has already demonstrated significant success. In Hubei province’s Jianshi county, courts collaborated with housing authorities to mediate a complex dispute involving 1,700 homeowners and a property management company, resolving conflicts over parking spaces, environmental compensation, and maintenance fees through combined legal and policy expertise.

    Professor Liang Yingxiu of Beijing Normal University praised the model for creating win-win outcomes that improve citizen welfare while optimizing business operations. The approach also alleviates judicial burdens, allowing judges to focus on more complex cases. Supporting data reveals impressive results: pretrial mediation efforts grew by 28% quarterly throughout 2025, successfully resolving over 4.32 million cases without litigation. The expansion of online legal services has further reduced time and travel requirements for citizens seeking dispute resolution.