Global Pulse

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  • Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence pact will not include Turkey: Sources

    Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence pact will not include Turkey: Sources

    Saudi Arabian military sources have definitively stated that the recently established mutual defense agreement with Pakistan will remain exclusively bilateral, dismissing speculation about Turkish inclusion. This clarification comes following earlier reports from Turkish officials suggesting potential trilateral negotiations.

    The defense pact, formally announced last year, has generated significant international attention due to its strategic implications in a region experiencing heightened tensions. These tensions escalated following Israeli airstrikes in Doha targeting Hamas officials and subsequent Iranian bombing of a US air base in Qatar.

    A source within Saudi military circles explicitly told AFP: ‘Turkey won’t join the defense pact with Pakistan. It’s a bilateral pact with Pakistan and will remain a bilateral pact.’ This position was corroborated by a Gulf official who emphasized: ‘We have common agreements with Turkey but the one with Pakistan will stay bilateral.’

    The agreement’s significance is magnified by Pakistan’s status as a nuclear power, raising questions about potential nuclear components to the arrangement. This development occurs against the backdrop of recent intensified conflict between Pakistan and India in May, which resulted in over 70 casualties through missile, drone, and artillery exchanges—the most severe clashes between these nuclear-armed neighbors since 1999.

    Saudi Arabia played a crucial mediating role in de-escalating the Pakistan-India conflict, demonstrating Riyadh’s growing influence in regional security matters. Notably, Saudi Arabia maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties with India, which relies heavily on Saudi petroleum imports, with the Kingdom ranking as India’s third-largest oil supplier according to Indian foreign ministry data.

  • Pakistan trounces Australia by 111 runs to complete a 3-0 T20 series sweep

    Pakistan trounces Australia by 111 runs to complete a 3-0 T20 series sweep

    In a stunning pre-World Cup display, Pakistan delivered Australia’s most crushing defeat in Twenty20 cricket history with a monumental 111-run victory in Lahore on Sunday, completing a dominant 3-0 series sweep.

    The comprehensive triumph surpassed Australia’s previous worst T20 loss—a 100-run defeat against England in 2005. With the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka approaching, Australia’s persistent vulnerability against spin bowling was ruthlessly exposed by left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, who recorded career-best figures of 5-18.

    Pakistan’s strategic decision-making proved impeccable from the outset, winning their third consecutive toss and posting a formidable 207-6—their highest-ever T20 total against Australia. The visitors crumbled under pressure, bowled out for a meager 96 in just 16.5 overs.

    Captain Salman Ali Agha expressed supreme confidence in his squad’s performance: ‘Over the past two days, we’ve been exceptional across all departments without discernible flaws. Our domination has been absolute, and I’m maintaining an optimal mindset for leadership and batting as we approach the World Cup.’

    Opener Saim Ayub provided stability with 56 off 57 balls, while under-scrutiny batsman Babar Azam answered critics with an unbeaten 50 off 36 deliveries. The innings’ explosive catalyst was Shadab Khan’s blistering 46 off just 19 balls, featuring five sixes that propelled Pakistan’s momentum.

    Australia’s batting collapse began early with Shaheen Shah Afridi dismantling the top order, removing captain Mitchell Marsh and Matt Renshaw for single-digit scores. Nawaz’s spin wizardry then dismantled the middle order, with Marcus Stoinis (23) and Cameron Green (22) among his victims.

    Marsh acknowledged Pakistan’s superiority: ‘We were comprehensively outplayed throughout this series. Chasing on this surface proved exceptionally challenging, but we’ll extract valuable lessons from these defeats as we prepare for the World Cup.’

    The series demonstrated Pakistan’s emerging strength in T20 cricket, having previously secured victories by 19 runs and 90 runs in the opening matches.

  • Pakistan says it has killed 145 ‘Indian-backed terrorists’ in Balochistan after deadly attacks

    Pakistan says it has killed 145 ‘Indian-backed terrorists’ in Balochistan after deadly attacks

    Pakistani security forces have conducted a sweeping counterterrorism operation in the volatile southwestern province of Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of 145 militants allegedly backed by Indian intelligence. The intensive 40-hour campaign, which concluded on Sunday, represents the most significant single counterinsurgency achievement in decades according to provincial authorities.

    The operation was launched in direct response to coordinated suicide bombings and armed assaults that claimed 33 lives on Saturday, including 18 civilians and 15 security personnel. Among the civilian casualties were five women and three children, highlighting the brutal nature of the attacks that targeted both security infrastructure and residential areas.

    Sarfraz Bugti, Balochistan’s Chief Minister, identified the eliminated fighters as members of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which Pakistani officials refer to as ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ or ‘Indian Mischief.’ Bugti revealed that some of the deceased militants were Afghan nationals, reinforcing Pakistan’s longstanding allegations of cross-border terrorist support.

    The attacks occurred in a region critical to Pakistan’s economic ambitions, where the government has been actively seeking foreign investment in mining and mineral extraction. This security challenge emerges just months after a major U.S. metals corporation finalized a $500 million investment agreement with Pakistan in September 2025.

    Residents described scenes of terror as armed militants roamed freely before security forces intervened. ‘It was a very scary day in the history of Quetta,’ recounted local resident Khan Muhammad, reflecting the panic that gripped the provincial capital.

    Bugti reiterated accusations against both India and Afghanistan, claiming senior BLA leadership operates from Afghan territory despite Taliban commitments under the 2020 Doha agreement to prevent such cross-border operations. These allegations occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including recent Pakistani airstrikes on alleged terrorist hideouts inside Afghan territory.

    The BLA, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department in August 2025, has conducted numerous attacks targeting security forces, Chinese interests, and infrastructure projects in the resource-rich province. The group is part of a long-standing separatist insurgency by ethnic Baloch groups seeking greater autonomy or independence from Pakistan’s central government.

  • India budget will focus on accelerating, sustaining strong economic growth, finance minister says

    India budget will focus on accelerating, sustaining strong economic growth, finance minister says

    Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has outlined an ambitious economic vision for the upcoming annual budget, emphasizing accelerated growth trajectories and enhanced business competitiveness despite global volatility. The fiscal plan prioritizes structural reforms, financial sector strengthening, and strategic investments in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.

    Current economic indicators reveal robust performance with 7.4% growth projected for the present financial year alongside remarkably controlled inflation near 2%. The government’s fiscal discipline is demonstrated through a managed deficit of 4.4% of GDP.

    Recent months have witnessed comprehensive policy measures designed to stimulate private investment and consumer demand. These include significant tax reductions, labor law modernization, and unprecedented opening of India’s nuclear power sector to private participation. Additional transformative policies are anticipated in the forthcoming budget announcement.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized this approach as shifting from ‘long-term problems to long-term solutions,’ creating predictable economic conditions that build international confidence. His administration forecasts continued expansion between 6.8-7.2% for the next fiscal year, with the coming quarter-century deemed critical for achieving developed economy status.

    Manufacturing receives particular attention with plans for a third major revitalization effort following previous initiatives. Defense manufacturing regulations are expected to undergo significant liberalization to attract investment.

    Internationally, India is pursuing strategic trade agreements, including a landmark pact with the European Union, to counterbalance recent trade challenges including 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on certain Indian exports to the United States.

  • A luge love story: These Olympics have a lot of meaning for Emily and Dominik Fischnaller

    A luge love story: These Olympics have a lot of meaning for Emily and Dominik Fischnaller

    The Olympic sliding track has become the backdrop for an extraordinary love story between American luger Emily Fischnaller and Italy’s Dominik Fischnaller. What began as a teenage romance across continents has evolved into both a marriage and a unique Olympic partnership as they prepare to compete against each other at the Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Games.

    Their relationship endured the immense challenges of a 15-year long-distance courtship, with both athletes frequently questioning whether their transatlantic connection could survive the relentless demands of elite competition. The pivotal question that sustained them through years of separation—’Are we worth it?’—always received a resounding affirmative, culminating in their courthouse wedding last spring with just nine days’ preparation.

    Now residing in Italy near the Olympic venue, the Fischnallers represent different nations but share identical competitive aspirations. Dominik, the reigning men’s singles bronze medalist entering his fourth Olympics, and Emily, a world championship bronze medalist competing in her third Games, both arrive as legitimate medal contenders.

    Their story reflects a broader trend of Olympic power couples competing in Milan-Cortina. From U.S. alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin engaged to Norwegian racer Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, to married ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, these relationships redefine athletic camaraderie. The Fischnallers particularly relate to U.S. bobsledder Kaysha Love’s description of having a ‘secret weapon’ in a partner who provides unwavering support.

    The couple has overcome significant obstacles, including Emily’s catastrophic crash at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics that resulted in broken neck and back vertebrae. Dominik admits to experiencing ‘10,000 times more pain’ when watching his wife compete, yet both acknowledge these challenges have strengthened their bond.

    As they approach possible retirement decisions post-Olympics, the Fischnallers are building their future together while embracing the unique opportunity to share this competitive experience. ‘We’re here. We’re happy,’ Dominik reflects. ‘And we’re having a good life.’ Their story transcends typical athletic narratives, demonstrating how love can thrive amid the pressures of world-class competition.

  • French tech giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary working for ICE

    French tech giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary working for ICE

    French technology conglomerate Capgemini has initiated the immediate divestiture of its US subsidiary following mounting political pressure and public outrage over its contractual relationship with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision comes amid intensified scrutiny of ICE’s enforcement methods after two fatal shootings of US citizens by agency personnel.

    Capgemini Government Solutions, the American subsidiary, secured a $4.8 million contract with ICE on December 18, 2025, to provide ‘skip tracing services’—specialized investigative techniques to locate individuals with unknown whereabouts. This contract, one of thirteen held by the subsidiary with ICE, was scheduled to continue through March 15, 2026.

    The controversy reached critical mass following the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both US citizens fatally shot by ICE agents during enforcement operations in Minneapolis. These incidents triggered nationwide protests and intensified examination of ICE’s practices under the Trump administration’s renewed deportation initiatives.

    Capgemini’s leadership claimed they became aware of the contract’s nature ‘through public sources’ only recently. CEO Aiman Ezzat stated on LinkedIn that ‘the nature and scope of this work has raised questions compared to what we typically do as a business and technology firm.’ The company officially cited an inability to ‘exercise appropriate control over certain aspects of this subsidiary’s operations to ensure alignment with the Group’s objectives.’

    The revelation provoked strong reactions from French politicians across the spectrum. Finance Minister Roland Lescure demanded transparency regarding the ICE contracts, while left-wing parliamentarian Hadrien Clouet called for sanctions against French companies collaborating with ICE, declaring ‘We do not accept this.’

    The ongoing situation reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the US, where ICE has detained thousands and regularly conducted operations in public spaces, leading to numerous clashes with protesters.

  • Nigerian army said it killed a Boko Haram commander and 10 militants

    Nigerian army said it killed a Boko Haram commander and 10 militants

    ABUJA, Nigeria — In a significant counterterrorism operation, Nigerian military forces have eliminated a high-ranking Boko Haram commander along with ten militants during a nighttime assault in the northeastern region. The targeted strike occurred Saturday in Kodunga, Borno State, dealing a substantial blow to the extremist group’s operational capabilities.

    Army spokesman Sani Uba confirmed that Abu Khalid, a key figure within Boko Haram’s terrorist hierarchy, was killed in the operation. Khalid had been coordinating critical operations and logistical support from the Sambisa Forest stronghold in Borno state, making his elimination a strategic victory for Nigerian forces.

    The successful raid yielded substantial military gains, with troops recovering weapons caches, medical supplies, and food provisions from the militants. This operation represents part of Nigeria’s newly adopted proactive military strategy against insurgent groups, marking a departure from previous reactive approaches that often left military installations vulnerable to attacks.

    This development follows recent devastating attacks by Boko Haram militants that claimed dozens of lives at a construction site and military base earlier in the week. The insurgency, which began in 2009 as a movement opposing Western education and advocating for strict Islamic law, has evolved into a complex security crisis involving multiple extremist factions.

    The conflict now encompasses the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an ISIS affiliate that has expanded operations beyond Nigeria’s borders into neighboring countries. According to United Nations estimates, the violence has resulted in approximately 35,000 civilian casualties and displaced over two million people across the region.

    Security analyst Taiwo Adebayo of the Institute for Security Studies noted that the Nigerian military’s offensive strategy, initiated last month, represents a fundamental shift in counterinsurgency tactics. The new approach involves preemptive movements into insurgent hideouts rather than responding to attacks after they occur.

    International support has bolstered these efforts, with the United States conducting intelligence-gathering flights over Borno since November 2020. This cooperation enabled more precise targeting of armed groups, culminating in December airstrikes against Islamic State fighters in northern Nigeria amid concerns about attacks on Christian communities.

    Nigeria continues to face multifaceted security challenges, with the northeastern insurgency accompanied by escalating ransom kidnappings across northwestern and north-central regions in recent months.

  • Teenager dies from Swiss bar fire injuries, bringing death toll to 41

    Teenager dies from Swiss bar fire injuries, bringing death toll to 41

    The death toll from the catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana has climbed to 41 following the tragic passing of an 18-year-old Swiss national. The victim succumbed to injuries at a Zurich hospital on January 31st, as confirmed by Wallis canton public prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud in an official statement.

    The devastating blaze, which erupted in the popular nightspot frequented by young adults in the resort town where the legal drinking age is 16, also left 116 people injured. Many victims continue to receive intensive medical treatment for severe burns both within Switzerland and across European neighboring countries.

    Current medical statistics reveal a widespread international response to the humanitarian crisis. Switzerland’s Federal Office for Civil Protection reported that as of Monday, 44 patients were undergoing treatment abroad—18 in France, 12 in Italy, 8 in Germany, and 6 in Belgium. Additionally, the Wallis health ministry confirmed 37 patients remain hospitalized within Swiss medical facilities.

    Preliminary investigative findings indicate the fire originated when sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited highly flammable soundproof foam lining the ceiling of the bar’s basement. Authorities have disclosed that the establishment had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for five years prior to the incident.

    Legal proceedings have been initiated against bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Criminal charges have also been brought against the municipality’s head of public safety and a former council fire safety inspector.

    The Swiss judicial system has imposed stringent measures on both proprietors. Jessica Moretti remains under travel restrictions requiring daily police check-ins and passport surrender, while Jacques Moretti is being held in custody for an initial 90-day period. Jessica Moretti previously expressed profound remorse to reporters, describing the incident as an ‘unthinkable tragedy.’

  • Davidson lands stunning play-off eagle to seal maiden MENA Golf Tour title in Egypt

    Davidson lands stunning play-off eagle to seal maiden MENA Golf Tour title in Egypt

    In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Welsh golfer Jack Davidson captured his maiden MENA Golf Tour championship with a breathtaking eagle putt during a sudden-death playoff at the Egypt Golf Series Address Marassi Golf Resort 2. The dramatic conclusion saw Davidson defeat Spain’s Juan Salama on the first extra hole after both competitors finished regulation play tied at 14-under-par.

    The championship showdown reached its climax on the par-five 18th hole, where both players demonstrated exceptional precision off the tee. Davidson’s strategic approach shot landed securely on the green’s center, while Salama’s second effort settled on the fringe. The Spanish contender attempted an ambitious eagle chip but encountered an unfavorable lie, resulting in a shot that fell short of the target. Seizing the opportunity, Davidson calmly sank a 25-foot eagle putt to claim victory.

    Davidson’s triumph represents a remarkable turnaround from his opening round performance, where he carded a one-over-par 71 that left him seemingly out of contention. His prospects transformed dramatically during the second round when he equaled the course record with an spectacular 63, propelling him into the tournament’s upper echelons. The final round saw Davidson maintain his momentum with three birdies on the front nine and a crucial birdie on the 18th to force the playoff.

    Emotional following his victory, Davidson reflected on his challenging journey: ‘The past two years presented significant difficulties, and my relationship with golf had deteriorated considerably by last year’s conclusion. Through substantial personal changes and assembling an exceptional support team, I’ve completely transformed both my technical game and competitive mindset.’

    The tournament’s supporting cast included Scotland’s Michael Stewart, who secured solo third position at 13-under-par. The Czech Republic’s Dominik Pavoucek and England’s Curtis Knipes shared fourth place at 11-under. Egypt’s Adam Elshamy achieved dual distinction as leading amateur and top Egyptian competitor for the second consecutive week, finishing at one-under-par.

    Davidson’s victory earned him $18,000 from the tournament’s $100,000 prize fund along with valuable Official World Golf Ranking points. The MENA Golf Tour continues its Egypt Swing with the upcoming Egypt Golf Series Madinaty at Cairo’s Madinaty Golf Club from February 3-5.

  • Magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits Southern Iran; was it felt in UAE?

    Magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits Southern Iran; was it felt in UAE?

    A significant seismic event measuring 5.3 magnitude occurred in Southern Iran on Sunday morning at precisely 9:11 AM UAE time. According to the National Centre of Meteorology’s National Seismic Network, the earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.

    The tremor represents the latest in a series of seismic activities affecting the region. Just one week prior, the same area experienced a 5.1 magnitude quake, while earlier this month on January 3, a milder 2.2 magnitude tremor was recorded south of Musandam.

    Despite geographical proximity to the epicenter, UAE authorities confirmed that the earthquake produced no detectable impact within Emirates territory. The Musandam region, which spans both Omani and UAE jurisdictions including parts of Ras Al Khaimah and Dibba, remains seismically active due to its position relative to the Strait of Hormuz.

    Seismological experts note that while the UAE itself doesn’t lie within a major earthquake zone, its closeness to the highly active Zagros mountain range—one of the world’s most seismically dynamic regions—makes occasional tremor sensations possible. Neighboring countries including Iran, Iraq, and Oman frequently experience earthquakes that can generate minor shaking detectable in the Emirates.

    Historical data indicates that similar events have occurred recently, including a December 2025 magnitude 2.9 earthquake in southern Musandam that produced faint tremors noticeable to some UAE residents without causing damage. Meteorological officials continue to monitor seismic activity across the region while assuring the public of existing safety measures.