Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Large fire and explosions reported in Dutch city of Utrecht

    Large fire and explosions reported in Dutch city of Utrecht

    A severe fire accompanied by multiple explosions has erupted in the historic center of Utrecht, Netherlands, causing significant structural damage and prompting mass evacuations. The incident occurred near Visscherssteeg alley, with local authorities confirming at least four injuries and potential victims trapped beneath debris.

    Emergency services responded to reports of a deafening explosion that preceded the rapid spread of flames through multiple adjacent buildings. Utrecht’s mayor confirmed to national broadcaster NOS that the situation remains critical, with rescue operations hampered by the unstable condition of affected structures. Fire department officials reported inability to enter the primary building due to imminent collapse risks.

    Eyewitness accounts describe catastrophic damage with walls and windows blown out across several properties. Local business establishments sustained substantial damage, while the precise cause of the explosions and subsequent fire remains under investigation. Civil protection authorities have established safety perimeters and ordered immediate evacuation of residents within the affected zone.

    The municipal government has issued public advisories urging citizens to avoid the city center area to facilitate emergency operations. Structural engineers are assessing the stability of surrounding buildings as firefighting crews continue containment efforts. Medical services have established temporary triage facilities to treat casualties as the full extent of the damage continues to be assessed.

  • China surpasses mine restoration targets during past 5 yrs

    China surpasses mine restoration targets during past 5 yrs

    China has achieved remarkable success in its environmental rehabilitation efforts, having restored 223,333 hectares of historically abandoned mining sites between 2021 and 2025—surpassing its Five-Year Plan target by an impressive 20 percent margin. The Ministry of Natural Resources announced these accomplishments on January 15, 2026, highlighting the nation’s commitment to ecological recovery.

    Throughout this five-year period, China established 68 specialized pilot projects dedicated to mine restoration across the country. These initiatives employed an innovative collaborative framework combining central government guidance, local implementation, and active social participation to address long-standing environmental challenges.

    The comprehensive restoration program yielded substantial environmental benefits: rehabilitation of more than 18,000 abandoned mining sites, elimination of approximately 7,000 geological safety hazards, treatment of over 16,667 hectares of unstable slopes and mining pits, creation of 1,733 hectares of new agricultural and orchard land, and addition of 10,000 hectares of new forest, grassland, and wetland ecosystems.

    These extensive rehabilitation efforts have dramatically improved both ecological conditions and quality of life in formerly degraded mining regions while significantly enhancing the utility value of land previously damaged by extractive industries. China’s ambitious restoration program addresses a substantial legacy of mining impacts, with a 2021 nationwide survey having identified 420,000 hectares of historical mines requiring rehabilitation due to the country’s extensive mineral resources and long development history.

  • Why ‘event nannies’ are becoming a must-have at weddings, parties

    Why ‘event nannies’ are becoming a must-have at weddings, parties

    A transformative trend is reshaping social events across the United Arab Emirates as professional ‘event nannies’ become essential fixtures at celebrations ranging from corporate functions to wedding receptions. This emerging service sector addresses the perennial challenge of child supervision during adult-oriented events, allowing parents to fully participate in social gatherings while their children receive professional care.

    Specialized companies including Yellowsprings, Smart Babissitters and Caregivers Services LLC, and Nannies & More have developed comprehensive childcare solutions for events. These services deploy trained professionals who create age-appropriate entertainment zones featuring activities such as canvas painting, magic shows, slime manufacturing, craft stations, and themed games. The operations are meticulously planned with dedicated spaces often provided by venues, transformed into vibrant activity hubs complete with popcorn machines, candyfloss stations, and gaming zones.

    Fatema Basrawala, a Dubai-based digital marketing manager, attested to the service’s effectiveness after implementing it for a corporate event. “Parents could genuinely relax and socialize while professional caregivers maintained children’s engagement through structured activities,” she noted.

    The business model demonstrates remarkable flexibility, catering to diverse events from intimate family gatherings to luxury celebrations for international royalty. Service providers conduct detailed pre-event consultations to address specific requirements including dietary restrictions, allergy concerns, hygiene protocols, and activity customization based on both budgetary constraints and thematic elements of the event.

    Industry pioneers highlight that the UAE’s vibrant event landscape, combined with its status as a tourist destination, has created ideal conditions for this service expansion. Tasneem Murtaza of Yellowsprings explained, “Whether corporate functions, wedding ceremonies, or holiday parties, children frequently experience boredom while parents struggle to balance supervision with social participation.”

    The trend reflects broader societal shifts toward child-inclusive celebrations without compromising adult enjoyment. As Anushka Kalyanpur De Luca of Nannies & More observed, “This alignment with family-friendly entertainment values demonstrates evolving social norms in urban centers like Dubai.”

  • Fisherman dies on Spanish vessel off Irish coast

    Fisherman dies on Spanish vessel off Irish coast

    A fatal maritime incident has occurred off the coast of County Kerry, resulting in one fisherman’s death and another sustaining serious injuries aboard the Spanish fishing vessel Novo Alborada. The tragedy unfolded when a critically loaded rope suddenly snapped under tension, striking both crew members during operations in severe sea conditions.

    The Irish Coast Guard initiated a major rescue operation following an emergency relay from Spanish maritime authorities in Madrid at approximately 09:00 local time. The transnational alert triggered immediate deployment of multiple aerial assets, including the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing surveillance aircraft and two specialized rescue helicopters.

    Despite receiving medical attention on board, one seaman succumbed to his injuries aboard the vessel. His surviving colleague was successfully airlifted via helicopter and transported to Cork University Hospital for emergency treatment. Maritime officials reported exceptionally dangerous conditions during the rescue, with ocean swells reaching six meters in height.

    The Irish Department of Transport confirmed the challenging nature of the operation, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by fishing crews operating in Atlantic waters. The incident underscores the persistent risks in commercial fishing despite modern safety protocols, with rope-related accidents remaining a significant cause of maritime injuries worldwide.

    Authorities have launched an investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the equipment failure, while international cooperation between Irish and Spanish agencies continues regarding notification of next of kin and investigation coordination.

  • French Olympic swimming champion Yannick Agnel to stand trial on rape, sexual assault charges

    French Olympic swimming champion Yannick Agnel to stand trial on rape, sexual assault charges

    French judicial authorities have mandated Olympic swimming champion Yannick Agnel to face criminal proceedings over severe sexual offense allegations involving a minor. The Colmar Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed Thursday that the investigative chamber of the Colmar appeals court has formally ordered the 33-year-old athlete to stand trial on charges of rape and sexual assault.

    The case centers on allegations that Agnel engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with the 13-year-old daughter of his former coach. According to court documents, the alleged incidents occurred across multiple international locations between 2016 and 2021, including the French city of Mulhouse where Agnel trained, Rio de Janeiro during the Olympic Games, Spain, and Thailand. At the time of the purported acts, Agnel was 24 years old while the victim was just 13.

    French judicial officials note that Agnel, who initially admitted to an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl during his December 2021 arrest while denying coercion, now has a ten-day window to appeal the trial order to France’s highest judicial authority, the Court of Cassation.

    The legal development comes amid France’s strengthened stance on child protection laws. In 2021, the nation enacted legislation that explicitly categorizes sexual relations with children under 15 as rape, carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years. This legal framework aligns France more closely with other Western nations’ approaches to prosecuting sexual crimes against minors.

    Agnel, who captured two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics in the 200-meter freestyle and 4×100-meter freestyle relay events, concluded his competitive swimming career in 2016. His legal representation has not issued any immediate response to requests for commentary regarding the trial order.

  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall Metro station expansion: RTA signs agreement to begin project

    Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall Metro station expansion: RTA signs agreement to begin project

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has formally commenced a significant expansion project at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, one of the network’s most critical transportation hubs. The initiative, launched through a partnership agreement with Emaar Properties, aims to dramatically enhance passenger handling capabilities at the station serving Downtown Dubai’s iconic landmarks.

    The comprehensive upgrade will boost the station’s hourly capacity by 65%, increasing from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers. Daily handling capacity will simultaneously rise to accommodate up to 220,000 commuters, addressing persistent congestion issues during peak periods, particularly on New Year’s Eve and major holidays. The expansion responds to documented sustained growth in passenger demand, with ridership increasing from 6.13 million in 2013 to over 10.57 million in 2024.

    Infrastructure enhancements will expand the station’s total area from 6,700 to 8,500 square meters. The project scope includes redesigned station entrances, improved pedestrian bridges, expanded concourse and platform areas, and additional escalators and lifts. A critical operational improvement will separate entry and exit gates to optimize passenger flow, complemented by increased fare gates and expanded commercial spaces. The design also emphasizes better integration with other public transportation services and mobility options.

    RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer characterized the project as a strategic investment in Dubai’s urban core, where tourism and economic activity concentrate most intensely. The expansion demonstrates the authority’s commitment to proactive infrastructure development capable of supporting rapid population growth and increasing visitor numbers while ensuring smoother mobility during high-demand periods.

    The agreement was formally signed by Al Tayer and Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar during the Dubai World Project Management Forum, marking the implementation phase of plans initially announced in June 2025.

  • British Columbia ends drug decriminalisation pilot programme

    British Columbia ends drug decriminalisation pilot programme

    The Canadian province of British Columbia has announced the discontinuation of its groundbreaking drug decriminalization initiative, allowing the controversial three-year pilot program to expire at the end of January. Launched in 2023 as a progressive approach to addressing the province’s devastating opioid crisis, the policy permitted adults to carry up to 2.5 grams of illicit substances—including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine—without facing arrest, charges, or confiscation, except in designated sensitive areas such as schools and airports.

    BC Health Minister Josie Osborne publicly acknowledged the program’s shortcomings during a Wednesday news conference, stating the initiative “hasn’t delivered the results that we hoped for” regarding connecting individuals with addiction treatment services. The minister conceded that determining whether the policy successfully guided more people toward recovery services proved “difficult, if not even possible.”

    The decriminalization model, initially advocated by public health experts as a means to divert drug users from the criminal justice system toward therapeutic interventions, encountered substantial public opposition. Reports of open drug consumption in public spaces including parks, hospitals, and residential areas fueled concerns about community disorder and safety. Political opponents characterized the initiative as a “harmful experiment” that exacerbated public drug use issues.

    This policy reversal occurs amid a broader national shift in Canadian drug strategy, with provinces including Ontario and Alberta moving away from harm reduction approaches—such as supervised consumption sites—toward recovery-oriented treatment models. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, opioid-related fatalities in BC experienced a 5.8% increase from 2023 to 2024, while preliminary 2025 data indicate declining drug-related deaths nationwide, though BC maintains the country’s highest mortality rate.

    The Canadian development mirrors similar policy reversals in the United States, where Oregon recently rescinded its drug decriminalization legislation following increased overdose rates and public dissatisfaction with visible street drug use. Similar proposals in Scotland have also faced rejection by UK authorities, indicating growing international reassessment of drug decriminalization approaches.

  • Sheikh Mohammed to honour 6 winners of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025

    Sheikh Mohammed to honour 6 winners of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025

    Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future will serve as the backdrop for a landmark celebration of intellectual excellence as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, presides over the third annual Great Arab Minds Award ceremony. The 2025 edition will recognize six exceptional Arab scholars whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly advanced their respective fields.

    The distinguished laureates represent diverse academic disciplines: Professor Majid Chergui (Natural Sciences), Professor Abbas El Gamal (Engineering and Technology), Dr. Nabil Seidah (Medicine), Professor Badi Hani (Economics), Dr. Suad Amiry (Architecture and Design), and Professor Charbel Dagher (Literature and Arts). Their selection follows rigorous evaluation by specialized committees overseeing each category.

    Dignitaries including government officials, diplomats, academics, and international media will join the recipients’ families at this prestigious gathering, which has earned the moniker ‘Arab Nobel’ for its significance in recognizing regional intellectual achievement. The ceremony underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering knowledge-based development and celebrating Arab contributions to global progress.

    The Museum of the Future, serving as the permanent headquarters for the initiative, further reinforces its mission through an dedicated research center that amplifies the impact of awardees’ work. This strategic placement symbolizes the nation’s forward-looking approach to intellectual advancement.

    Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the initiative’s Higher Committee, emphasized the award’s broader significance: ‘This comprehensive strategic initiative not only honors exceptional Arab intellects but also encourages institutional investment in research and innovation. These distinguished figures inspire millions of young Arabs to transform ambitious ideas into tangible contributions that strengthen regional development.’

    The ceremony represents a growing tradition of recognizing Arab excellence while providing inspirational models for youth across the region. By highlighting these achievements, the award aims to stimulate increased Arab participation in global knowledge production and cultural development.

  • 2 dead as crane topples on Thailand’s Rama II Road

    2 dead as crane topples on Thailand’s Rama II Road

    A catastrophic construction accident unfolded on Thursday morning along Bangkok’s critical Rama II Road, resulting in multiple casualties and severe traffic disruptions. The incident occurred when a massive operational crane positioned on an overpass structure suddenly collapsed, crashing onto the highway below.

    According to confirmed reports from Thai emergency services, the falling crane directly struck two moving vehicles traveling beneath the overpass. The impact proved immediately fatal for two individuals, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity. The precise condition of the injured victims remains under assessment by medical personnel.

    Rama II Road serves as a principal transportation artery connecting Thailand’s capital city with Samut Sakhon province, making this incident particularly disruptive to regional commerce and daily commutes. Emergency response teams, including specialized rescue units and medical first responders, swiftly mobilized to the crash site following the accident.

    Visual documentation from the scene depicts the dramatic scale of the collapse, with the massive crane structure lying across multiple lanes of the highway. The complex rescue operation involved extracting victims from damaged vehicles while ensuring the structural stability of the surrounding area.

    Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the crane failure, with preliminary assessments suggesting potential structural or operational deficiencies. The construction company involved has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

    Traffic management systems have been implemented to redirect vehicles through alternative routes, though significant congestion is anticipated throughout the day as cleanup and investigation efforts continue.

  • Pope seeks to console families of young Italian victims of New Year’s Swiss Alps bar fire

    Pope seeks to console families of young Italian victims of New Year’s Swiss Alps bar fire

    In a deeply moving audience at the Vatican on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV extended heartfelt consolation to families of Italian teenagers affected by the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a Swiss alpine resort. The pontiff personally addressed approximately two dozen grieving relatives, diverging from his prepared remarks to emphasize his immediate agreement to meet them upon learning of their request.

    The tragic incident at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries, predominantly affecting young revelers during holiday celebrations. Among the victims were six Italian citizens who lost their lives, with thirteen others sustaining injuries—a circumstance that has captured national attention and prompted significant governmental response.

    Pope Leo, historically notable as the first American pontiff, acknowledged the limitations of verbal comfort in mitigating profound grief, yet encouraged families to seek solace through spiritual resilience. “The faith inherent within us illuminates our darkest and most painful experiences with irreplaceable light,” he affirmed, “guiding us courageously forward toward meaningful resolution.”

    Concurrent with the papal audience, Italian government officials engaged with affected families to address ongoing investigative developments. Authorities across multiple jurisdictions have launched probes into the catastrophe, with Swiss investigators treating bar proprietors under suspicion of involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and fire-related negligence.

    Forensic inquiries focus on whether soundproofing materials complied with safety standards and if decorative sparking candles—identified as the probable ignition source—were legally permitted within the establishment. Documentation reveals that no fire safety inspections had occurred at the venue since 2019.

    Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani characterized the event as a national “open wound” during recent parliamentary briefings, confirming Italy’s intention to participate in Swiss proceedings as an injured party. The government demands comprehensive transparency regarding what officials describe as “manifest negligent behavior” contributing to the preventable tragedy.