Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Look: ‘End-of-Rajab crescent’ photographed in Abu Dhabi

    Look: ‘End-of-Rajab crescent’ photographed in Abu Dhabi

    The Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi successfully documented the crescent moon marking the conclusion of the Islamic month of Rajab (1447 AH) on Sunday morning, January 18. This significant astronomical observation provides crucial data for determining the commencement of Shaban, the preparatory month preceding Ramadan.

    Captured precisely at 11:00 AM local time, the image represents the 29th day of Rajab across numerous Islamic nations. At the moment of documentation, the moon positioned itself 7.3 degrees from the sun with an age of approximately 13 hours and 5 minutes. The observation team comprised Osama Ghannam, Anas Muhammad, Khalafan Al-Naimi, and Muhammad Awda from the International Astronomy Center.

    According to Engineer Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the International Astronomy Center, most countries will likely begin Shaban on Tuesday, January 20, though some regions may commence the month on Wednesday, January 21. Astronomical calculations indicate the crescent will not be visible in many Islamic countries on the expected sighting day as the moon will set before sunset, prompting these nations to complete Rajab with 30 days.

    The visibility conditions vary significantly across global regions. While countries including Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, and Albania may potentially spot the crescent using telescopes on Monday, January 19, naked-eye observation remains challenging. Optimal telescope viewing conditions are anticipated across central, western, and southern Africa, alongside parts of the Americas, with naked-eye visibility restricted to central American regions.

    Sheikh Nasser Al Hammadi from Sharjah Islamic Affairs recently emphasized during a live lecture that Rajab constitutes one of the four sacred months within the Islamic Hijri calendar, during which transgressions carry heightened spiritual consequences while righteous deeds yield greater rewards. The conclusion of Rajab triggers global Muslim anticipation for Shaban’s arrival, which serves as both a spiritual preparatory period for Ramadan and an opportunity for increased voluntary worship, contemplation, and charitable acts.

  • Healthcare union workers to strike, prompting mass cancellation of elective surgeries in Victoria

    Healthcare union workers to strike, prompting mass cancellation of elective surgeries in Victoria

    Victoria’s healthcare system is bracing for significant disruption as healthcare workers initiate escalated industrial action starting January 14, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of elective surgeries and reduced hospital capacity across the state.

    The Health Workers Union has announced protected industrial measures that will continue through February 1, specifically targeting Category 2 and 3 elective procedures while maintaining emergency and critical services. The action represents a substantial escalation in the ongoing pay dispute between healthcare workers and the Allan government.

    Beyond surgical cancellations, the industrial action will implement sweeping operational changes including the closure of one in every four hospital beds, cessation of non-clinical cleaning services in areas such as offices and cafeterias, and suspension of new staff training and onboarding programs. The union has emphasized that these measures are carefully designed to minimize impact on vulnerable patients, with specific exemptions for children and pregnant mothers.

    Jake McGuinness, Lead Organiser of the Health Workers Union, characterized the action as “an unfortunate necessity” resulting from the government’s “consistent and callous disregard for essential workers’ needs.” The union has been seeking a six percent wage increase and addressing what they describe as unsustainable workloads and chronic staff shortages that have plagued the healthcare system.

    The dispute stems from the rejection of a government pay offer in December, with union officials repeatedly attempting to negotiate with the government to avoid escalation. According to union statements, Premier Jacinta Allan’s administration has failed to provide healthcare workers with a genuine pay rise that reflects their essential role and current economic pressures.

    Healthcare professionals have expressed their reluctance to take industrial action, emphasizing their primary desire to care for patients. However, workers maintain they cannot relent until a livable wage agreement is established that properly compensates them for their critical services during challenging economic times.

  • Dubai Police warn motorists of accident on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road opposite DXB

    Dubai Police warn motorists of accident on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road opposite DXB

    Dubai authorities issued an urgent traffic advisory on Sunday, January 18, 2026, following a vehicular incident on the critically important Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The collision occurred in the vicinity opposite Dubai International Airport (DXB), significantly impacting traffic flow along one of the region’s most vital transportation corridors.

    According to an official communication disseminated via the social media platform X, the accident has created substantial disruptions specifically affecting lanes designated for travel toward Sharjah. The precise nature and severity of the incident were not immediately disclosed in the initial alert.

    In response to the developing situation, Dubai Police have publicly advised all motorists to maintain heightened vigilance and exercise extreme caution when navigating through the affected sector. Commuters have been forewarned to anticipate considerable delays and are strongly encouraged to consider seeking alternative routes to circumvent the congestion.

    The strategic significance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road as a primary artery connecting Dubai with neighboring emirates underscores the potential for widespread travel implications. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of urban mobility and the critical importance of real-time public safety communications in a major metropolitan hub like Dubai.

    Authorities typically continue to monitor such situations closely, providing updates as clearance operations progress and normal traffic conditions are restored.

  • High-speed trains collide after one derails in southern Spain, killing at least 5 and injuring 25

    High-speed trains collide after one derails in southern Spain, killing at least 5 and injuring 25

    A catastrophic rail collision occurred in southern Spain on Sunday evening when a high-speed train derailed and crossed into the path of an oncoming service, resulting in significant casualties. According to official statements from Spanish rail infrastructure operator Adif, the incident involved the Malaga-Madrid express service which jumped tracks and collided with a Madrid-Huelva bound train traveling in the opposite direction.

    Emergency response teams from the Andalucia region, where the accident transpired, confirmed a death toll of five individuals with an additional twenty-five passengers sustaining severe injuries. The collision created a complex rescue operation as emergency personnel worked through the night to extract trapped passengers from the wreckage.

    Spanish transportation authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the precise causes of the derailment and subsequent collision. Preliminary reports suggest the incident represents one of Spain’s most serious rail accidents in recent years, though the country’s high-speed rail network has historically maintained an excellent safety record. The investigation will examine track conditions, signaling systems, and operational procedures during the evening period when the accident occurred.

    The Spanish government has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full support for the investigation. Rail services on affected routes have been temporarily suspended as authorities work to clear the wreckage and assess infrastructure damage.

  • Man falls from cliff into ocean sparking major search near Narooma

    Man falls from cliff into ocean sparking major search near Narooma

    Emergency response teams are preparing to resume a large-scale search operation on Monday for a 23-year-old man who vanished after falling from a cliff into the ocean off New South Wales’ South Coast. The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 PM Sunday evening at Mystery Bay Beach, located approximately 12 kilometers south of the town of Narooma.

    According to official police statements, witnesses reported seeing the young man fall several meters from the rocky cliffs into the turbulent waters below. Despite immediate efforts by bystanders, the victim failed to resurface after entering the water, prompting emergency calls to local authorities.

    A multi-agency response team comprising specialists from Marine Rescue NSW, State Emergency Service (SES) personnel, and volunteer members of VRA Rescue NSW immediately launched a coordinated search operation. The challenging coastal terrain, characterized by numerous rock pools, submerged caves, and deteriorating light conditions, hampered Sunday evening’s search efforts, leading to the operation’s temporary suspension.

    The search area presents significant challenges for rescue teams due to its complex geological features. The beach environment includes unstable cliff faces, submerged rock formations, and tidal variations that complicate underwater recovery efforts. The adjacent campground, popular with tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, has become the operational base for emergency coordination.

    Authorities have indicated that Monday’s search will involve expanded resources and personnel, with improved daylight conditions expected to aid visibility. The operation will focus on both shoreline recovery and water-based search patterns, utilizing specialized equipment and trained personnel to navigate the hazardous coastal environment.

    Police have confirmed the identity of the missing individual but are withholding public identification pending family notifications. The investigation continues as authorities interview witnesses and examine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

  • Jerusalem Christian leaders warn against Christian Zionist ‘interference’

    Jerusalem Christian leaders warn against Christian Zionist ‘interference’

    Jerusalem’s highest Christian authorities have issued a stark warning against the growing influence of Christian Zionist ideologies, declaring them a fundamental threat to the survival of ancient Christian communities throughout the Holy Land. The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem released an official statement expressing profound concern about how these externally-driven theological movements are undermining the unity and stability of Christianity’s oldest continuous community.

    The church leaders identified a troubling pattern where proponents of Christian Zionism—a theological framework that emphasizes unwavering support for modern Israel as fulfillment of biblical prophecy—receive official endorsement at both local and international levels. These ideologies, frequently promoted by political actors with ties to Israel, propagate the notion that material blessings follow those who provide uncritical support to the Israeli state.

    This warning emerges against a backdrop of escalating pressures on Palestinian Christians, including land confiscation, expanding illegal settlements, and restrictive policies in occupied territories. A recent comprehensive report by the Council of Patriarchs documented how settlement expansion and punitive taxation policies specifically threaten the viability of Christian institutions across the West Bank and Gaza, with particularly severe impacts in East Jerusalem.

    The educational sector has become a focal point of this struggle, with Christian schools in Jerusalem implementing mass strikes and class suspensions in response to Israeli restrictions on work permits for West Bank teachers. Palestinian church officials condemn these measures as deliberate attempts to disrupt Palestinian education and systematically diminish Jerusalem’s Christian presence through bureaucratic means.

    Church authorities emphasize the urgent need for international awareness and protection mechanisms for Christian communities facing increasing settler violence and institutional pressures throughout the occupied territories.

  • Authorities urged to prepare as cold wave hits Central China

    Authorities urged to prepare as cold wave hits Central China

    Chinese disaster response authorities have initiated a Level IV emergency protocol across multiple central provinces in anticipation of a severe cold front expected to bring hazardous winter conditions. The National Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief Commission announced the measure on Sunday evening as meteorological warnings indicated significant temperature drops and complex precipitation patterns affecting Anhui, Henan, Hunan and Guizhou provinces.

    The National Meteorological Center concurrently issued yellow alerts for cold waves and freezing conditions, supplemented by a blue alert for blizzards. Weather forecasts project extensive rain and snow coverage across central and eastern China from Sunday through Wednesday, with the powerful cold mass moving southward.

    Emergency response coordination has been intensified with specialized working groups deployed to critical regions. The existing team in Henan will maintain operations while additional units have been dispatched to Hunan and Guizhou to provide on-site guidance and support local preparedness efforts.

    Officials have been directed to implement comprehensive safety measures focusing on transportation infrastructure, power supply stability, and essential public services. Local authorities received specific instructions regarding timely snow and ice removal operations and emergency repairs to prevent casualties and substantial property damage. The commission emphasized the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the cold wave’s impact on vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.

  • Four UAE emirates ranked among world’s safest in Numbeo 2026 data

    Four UAE emirates ranked among world’s safest in Numbeo 2026 data

    The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated exceptional performance in global safety metrics, with four of its emirates securing top positions in Numbeo’s 2026 Safety Index. According to the recently published data covering 400 cities worldwide, Abu Dhabi maintained its premier position as the world’s safest city for consecutive years. Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah followed closely, claiming second, third, and fourth positions respectively. Dubai, the region’s commercial hub, achieved sixth place in the comprehensive global assessment.

    This remarkable achievement positions UAE cities ahead of numerous capitals and major urban centers from technologically advanced nations, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a secure destination. The Middle East representation extended beyond the UAE, with Doha (4th), Muscat (8th), Riyadh (34th), Jeddah (40th), Tel Aviv (55th), and Kuwait City (73th) all appearing in the rankings.

    Conversely, the report identified cities from African and American regions occupying the lowest safety positions. Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria (both South Africa), Caracas (Venezuela), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), and Johannesburg (South Africa) ranked among the least secure urban areas globally. Durban (South Africa), San Pedro Sula (Honduras), Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Memphis (United States), and Salvador (Brazil) completed the bottom ten locations.

    The exceptional safety performance correlates directly with the UAE’s minimal crime statistics, where all four emirates recorded the lowest scores on Numbeo’s Crime Index. This outstanding security environment has generated significant international recognition, positioning the UAE as an attractive destination for global investment and wealth migration.

    Recent demographic studies, including The Rise of Dubai 2025 report, indicate substantial concentration of high-net-worth individuals within the Emirates. Current estimates identify approximately 86,000 millionaires, 251 centi-millionaires, and 23 billionaires residing in Dubai alone. Analysts attribute this wealth migration phenomenon primarily to the nation’s secure environment and favorable tax policies, which collectively create an appealing destination for international capital and affluent individuals.

  • Two dead and five missing after blast at metal plant in Inner Mongolia

    Two dead and five missing after blast at metal plant in Inner Mongolia

    A severe industrial explosion rocked a sheet metal manufacturing facility operated by Baotou Steel Union Co Ltd in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Sunday afternoon. The incident, which occurred at precisely 3:05 pm local time, has resulted in multiple casualties and triggered a massive emergency response operation.

    According to official statements from regional authorities, the immediate aftermath of the blast proved devastating. Preliminary assessments confirmed two fatalities, with five individuals remaining unaccounted for several hours after the explosion. The human toll extended significantly further, with sixty-six workers transported to medical facilities for emergency treatment. Among those hospitalized, three were reported to be in critical condition, fighting for their lives.

    Emergency protocols were activated immediately following the detonation. Coordinated response teams comprising fire rescue units, law enforcement personnel, and medical emergency specialists converged on the disaster site. Specialized search and rescue equipment was deployed to facilitate operations within the compromised industrial complex. The comprehensive rescue mission continued into the evening hours, with teams working against time to locate missing personnel and secure the affected area.

    The Baotou Steel Union Co Ltd facility, situated within one of China’s significant industrial regions, represents a major component of the area’s manufacturing infrastructure. While investigation teams have begun preliminary assessments, the specific cause of the explosion remains undetermined at this early stage. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in industrial safety management within manufacturing sectors.

  • Factory explosion occurs in Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia

    Factory explosion occurs in Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia

    A significant industrial explosion struck a manufacturing facility in Baotou City, located within China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 PM local time, according to statements released by regional authorities.

    The detonation produced substantial shockwaves that reverberated throughout adjacent neighborhoods, with multiple sources confirming perceptible ground vibrations in the vicinity. Emergency response teams promptly mobilized to the scene following the explosion, initiating comprehensive search and rescue procedures.

    Current official communications indicate that the precise number of potential injuries or fatalities remains undetermined as rescue activities continue. The specific cause of the catastrophic explosion has not been immediately established, with investigations anticipated to commence once the emergency situation stabilizes.

    Baotou, recognized as one of Inner Mongolia’s primary industrial centers, hosts numerous manufacturing and processing facilities. This incident represents one of the most serious industrial accidents reported in the region in recent months. Local governmental agencies have activated appropriate emergency protocols while maintaining close coordination with industrial safety regulators.

    The explosion’s environmental impact and potential structural damage to surrounding infrastructure are currently being assessed by specialized teams. Further developments are expected as rescue operations progress and preliminary investigation findings become available.