Global Pulse

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  • ‘Everyone says it’ll never be me’ – Brown University student on surviving two mass shootings

    ‘Everyone says it’ll never be me’ – Brown University student on surviving two mass shootings

    For Mia Tretta, a 21-year-old Brown University student, the chilling alert of an active shooter on campus was a devastating echo of a past nightmare. As she studied for finals in her Rhode Island dorm, the university-wide warning triggered traumatic memories of the 2019 Saugus High School shooting in Santa Clarita, California, where she was critically wounded and her best friend was killed.

    Tretta, now advocating against gun violence, described to the BBC how the recent lockdown shattered her hard-won sense of security. Her journey to an Ivy League school on the opposite coast was a conscious effort to escape the haunting reality of gun violence. ‘Everyone always tells themselves it’ll never be me,’ she stated, a belief she herself held until she became a victim—not once, but twice.

    The physical and psychological scars from Saugus remain profound. Tretta endured over a week of hospitalization, multiple surgeries for nerve damage and a perforated eardrum, and still carries bullet fragments in her stomach. This latest incident has reignited a complex mix of fear, confusion, and anger, solidifying her view that mass shootings are a national epidemic indiscriminate of community or personal history.

    Her experience is tragically not unique among her generation, who have grown up with active shooter drills as a routine part of their education. This point was underscored by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, who recounted a conversation with a wounded student from the Brown incident. The student expressed that high school drills had, sadly, provided crucial preparation for the real-life event—a statement the mayor found simultaneously hopeful and profoundly tragic.

    Despite the lifted lockdown, a heavy police presence lingered around campus, a stark reminder of the shattered illusion of safety. One departing student summarized the collective sentiment, calling Brown a ‘perfect bubble’ that had now been irrevocably broken. Tretta’s story, including her 2022 White House address on gun reform, stands as a powerful testament to a generation demanding that mass shootings cease being accepted as an unavoidable American reality.

  • 9 African migrants died in freezing temperatures near Morocco-Algeria border

    9 African migrants died in freezing temperatures near Morocco-Algeria border

    In a devastating incident highlighting the perils of irregular migration, nine African migrants perished from extreme cold exposure near Morocco’s mountainous border region with Algeria. The tragic discovery in Ras Asfour—a remote area known for its harsh winter conditions—has triggered significant concern among human rights organizations across North Africa.

    The Moroccan Association of Human Rights confirmed the victims included seven men and two women from various sub-Saharan nations, with one individual identified as Guinean. According to their Saturday statement, “Their exhausted bodies could not withstand the plunging temperatures” that characterize this treacherous transit zone.

    This tragedy occurs within the broader context of ongoing migration patterns where thousands annually attempt dangerous journeys from North Africa to European destinations. Many seek entry via Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla through fence scaling or swimming, while others undertake the perilous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.

    The region has increasingly become a focal point for migration control efforts, with EU security agreements enhancing North African authorities’ capabilities to deter irregular movement. Many migrants spend months or years in informal employment sectors—including construction, agriculture, and domestic work—while awaiting crossing opportunities across the Mediterranean or Atlantic.

    Human rights groups have responded forcefully to the incident. The Moroccan Organization of Human Rights has called for border humanization policies, decriminalization of irregular migration and residence, and establishment of mechanisms to track missing migrants. Meanwhile, six victims have been buried locally while two bodies were preserved for family identification purposes.

    Morocco’s Interior Ministry has not yet issued official comments regarding the specific circumstances of these deaths, though the nation’s security forces regularly report intercepting migration attempts through this corridor.

  • Fans go crazy ahead of Lionel Messi’s event in Mumbai

    Fans go crazy ahead of Lionel Messi’s event in Mumbai

    Football icon Lionel Messi’s arrival in Mumbai for his GOAT India Tour 2025 has ignited unprecedented excitement among Indian fans, despite controversy surrounding previous tour stops. The Argentine legend, fresh from leading his country to World Cup glory in 2022, received an overwhelmingly warm reception in Hyderabad before proceeding to Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium.

    Indian supporters expressed extraordinary enthusiasm for the opportunity to witness the global football superstar. Vedansh, a dedicated Messi fan from Pune, revealed his long-standing admiration: ‘I began following football around 2012-13 during the peak Messi-Ronaldo debates. For me, it was always Messi—his playing style captivated me, and the 2022 World Cup victory cemented his legendary status.’

    The emotional connection runs deep among Indian fans. Abhinav, another devoted supporter, shared his profound anticipation: ‘Seeing Messi has always been my dream. I’m so excited I might actually cry if I get to see him in person.’ Many fans undertook significant journeys, including three-hour train rides from Pune, demonstrating their commitment to witnessing the football genius.

    However, the tour’s Kolkata segment concluded disastrously when frustrated fans resorted to vandalism after Messi’s premature departure. Attendees who paid premium prices expressed anger over poor event management and alleged that VIPs and politicians monopolized Messi’s attention, preventing ordinary fans from even glimpsing their hero. The situation escalated to the point where police intervention was required to disperse the crowd.

    In response to the Kolkata incident, promoter Satadru Dutta was arrested and remanded to 14 days police custody by the Bidhannagar Court. Meanwhile, Messi demonstrated his humanitarian side in Hyderabad, engaging in memorable interactions with children at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium as part of his UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador role.

    The GOAT India Tour 2025 will conclude with a final event in Delhi on Monday, marking the end of Messi’s historic visit to the subcontinent.

  • How $67.5b pledge by tech giants is turning India into next global digital juggernaut

    How $67.5b pledge by tech giants is turning India into next global digital juggernaut

    India is undergoing a profound metamorphosis from its historical identity as an outsourcing hub to emerging as a central player in global digital innovation. This transformation is being propelled by an unprecedented wave of strategic investments from the world’s foremost technology corporations, signaling a fundamental recalibration of global tech priorities.

    In a landmark series of commitments announced in December 2025, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google collectively pledged approximately $67.5 billion toward developing India’s technological infrastructure. Amazon’s staggering commitment of over $35 billion by 2030—supplementing its existing $40 billion investment—represents one of the company’s most substantial global financial deployments. This capital infusion will expand e-commerce capabilities, integrate artificial intelligence into millions of small enterprises, strengthen logistics networks, and target a quadrupling of exports to $80 billion.

    Microsoft has designated its largest Asian investment ever—$17.5 billion over four years—to establish hyperscale data centers, amplify its cloud and AI ecosystem, and implement extensive upskilling programs to cultivate AI expertise among millions of Indians. Concurrently, Google has allocated an estimated $15 billion to construct a major AI data center and innovation hub in Visakhapatnam, positioning India as a critical nexus within its worldwide AI infrastructure network.

    Industry analysts interpret these monumental investments as recognition that India’s digital economy has achieved strategic indispensability within global technology ecosystems. This status stems from the country’s vast youth population, rapidly expanding internet user base, and maturing digital infrastructure framework, including foundational systems like Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

    India’s exceptional human capital potential represents a core attraction. Projections indicate the country will host the world’s largest developer community by 2030, with its share of global AI talent accelerating rapidly. This abundant workforce—combined with competitive operational costs and a vibrant startup culture—provides technology multinationals with both scale and innovative capacity that established tech hubs increasingly cannot match.

    The investment surge coincides with shifting global economic geopolitics, wherein technology firms are seeking to diversify geographic footprints amid trade tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities. India’s democratic stability, enormous market scale, growing middle class, and policy incentives—including subsidies for AI and semiconductor manufacturing—present a compelling alternative to regional concentration.

    While challenges persist in semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and research & development investment, the momentum behind India’s digital transformation appears irreversible. The nation’s evolution into a global technology powerhouse is now being underwritten by substantial capital commitments from the most influential companies shaping the digital future.

  • Hashgraph Ventures completes first close, cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global Web3 hub

    Hashgraph Ventures completes first close, cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global Web3 hub

    Abu Dhabi has solidified its standing as a premier global center for Web3 innovation following Hashgraph Ventures’ announcement of successfully completing the first close of its early-stage venture capital fund. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)-regulated fund, which specializes in Web3 and artificial intelligence investments, has reached a significant milestone enabling immediate capital deployment to visionary entrepreneurs reshaping the digital economy landscape.

    Having secured its fund management license from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in 2024, Hashgraph Ventures launched a $100 million global venture capital initiative (Hashgraph Venture Fund-I) that exceeded subscription expectations by 20%. The fund’s strategic focus targets blockchain and deep technology enterprises at Seed, Series A, and Series B development stages, positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation financing.

    In a parallel development demonstrating active deployment, Hashgraph Ventures confirmed its seed investment in Bloxtel—an innovative telecommunications infrastructure company pioneering tokenized eSIM (dSIM) technology and blockchain-powered 5G access points. Bloxtel’s leadership team includes the founders of Simless, the original creators of eSIM technology currently integrated into modern smartphones. This investment represents a strategic move toward decentralizing and simplifying private network deployment through cutting-edge blockchain applications.

    Kamal Youssefi, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Hashgraph Ventures, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This marks a defining moment for Hashgraph Ventures and for the region’s investment and innovation landscape. Abu Dhabi has become a global hub for visionary founders, investors, and policymakers—and we are proud to contribute to its rise as the world’s leading hub for Web3, AI, and decentralized networks.”

    Dara Campbell, Senior Executive Officer of Hashgraph Ventures, added context to the announcement: “To complete our first close and announce a sector-defining investment during Abu Dhabi Finance Week—one of the most influential global finance gatherings—sends a clear message about our intent and ambition. Hashgraph Ventures is building a world-class investment platform from Abu Dhabi, for the world.”

    The successful fund closure and strategic investment underscore the United Arab Emirates’ growing influence in the global digital infrastructure sector, positioning Abu Dhabi as a magnet for technological innovation and substantial venture capital investment in emerging technologies.

  • Heavy rains in UAE: Food deliveries delayed amid unstable weather

    Heavy rains in UAE: Food deliveries delayed amid unstable weather

    The United Arab Emirates is experiencing significant disruptions to food and grocery delivery services as unstable weather conditions persist across the country. Multiple delivery platforms including Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem have implemented safety measures that include pausing services in affected areas and warning customers of extended wait times.

    Heavy rainfall and dropping temperatures prompted delivery companies to prioritize rider safety over service continuity. Talabat issued an in-app advisory announcing temporary delivery pauses, while Deliveroo notified customers that they might encounter limited restaurant options and extended delivery windows. The companies have implemented geographic restrictions in severely affected areas and empowered riders to assess local conditions and temporarily suspend operations if they perceive driving risks.

    The National Centre of Meteorology has forecasted continued unstable weather throughout the week, with temperatures expected to drop to 13°C. The meteorological authority has issued public guidelines urging residents to exercise caution during this period of adverse weather conditions.

    Observers noted dozens of delivery riders stationed along Mohammed Bin Zayed Road during mid-morning hours on Sunday, highlighting the practical impact of weather-related safety measures on delivery operations. Companies have committed to resuming normal service patterns once weather conditions improve and safe driving can be assured.

  • Liveability now key in Dubai’s luxury real estate market

    Liveability now key in Dubai’s luxury real estate market

    A fundamental transformation is reshaping Dubai’s high-end property sector, where the traditional allure of prestigious brands is being eclipsed by a new premium on holistic wellness and sustainable living. This paradigm shift, driven by an influx of global ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, is redefining luxury not as mere opulence but as an ecosystem that enhances physical and mental wellbeing.

    At the forefront of this movement is MAG Lifestyle Development with its Dh3 billion Keturah Reserve project in Meydan. Conceived as a pioneering ‘bio-living’ community, the development is strategically located a short, low-congestion drive from Downtown Dubai. CEO Talal M. Al Gaddah identifies liveability as the paramount concern for today’s affluent buyers, stating that properties which genuinely elevate resident wellness create a natural, sustainable demand. This, he argues, forms the foundation of a superior investment proposition: “where people insist on living, capital inevitably follows.”

    The design philosophy transcends conventional landscaping. Thousands of Ficus and ‘Rain’ trees from Thailand, alongside sculptural dry gardens, are integral functional infrastructure designed to foster a profound connection to nature. The community will comprise 533 low-rise apartments, 93 sold-out townhouses, and 90 villas, all meticulously crafted to maximize natural light, airflow, and harmony with the environment.

    Enhancements to the original blueprint include expanded residential blocks, upgraded wellness amenities, and improved communal spaces. Apartments, ranging from 1,106 to 4,883 sq ft, are notably larger than market averages. Further elevating the resident experience is a premium concierge service, featuring on-demand Rolls-Royce chauffeur bookings accessible via a dedicated community application.

    In a significant move towards market transparency and integrity, fäm Properties has been appointed as the exclusive Master Agency for the project’s final sales phase. New investors are offered milestone-based payment plans coupled with contractual delivery guarantees. Main contractor CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC is committed to a phased handover schedule, with townhouses completed by Q2 2027, apartments by Q3/Q4 2027, and villas by Q1 2028. This approach is hailed as aligning with the Dubai Land Department’s objectives for robust investor protection and is seen as empowering brokers who prioritize client financial safety.

  • myAIcademy launches adaptive AI platform to make millions AI-literate by 2030

    myAIcademy launches adaptive AI platform to make millions AI-literate by 2030

    In a significant move to address the global AI skills gap, former Google AI engineer Malika Malik has launched myAIcademy, an adaptive learning platform designed to make artificial intelligence education accessible to millions worldwide by 2030. The initiative comes as AI is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy within the decade, yet current educational offerings predominantly cater to developers, leaving professionals across consulting, law, healthcare, education, and other sectors underserved. The platform represents a paradigm shift from traditional AI education, which suffers from an 80% learner dropout rate and content that becomes outdated within six months due to the rapid evolution of AI technology. myAIcademy’s core innovation lies in its dynamic, real-time content updating system and personalized learning paths tailored to individual goals, roles, and industries. At the heart of the platform is Aimy, a voice-enabled AI tutor that provides contextual explanations, answers questions in real-time, and adapts to individual learning styles. To enhance engagement, the platform incorporates gamified elements including bite-sized lessons, hands-on AI playgrounds, progress tracking, XP points, achievement badges, and leaderboards. The founding team combines technical expertise from Google, Microsoft, and IIT with educational experience from prestigious institutions including Oxford University. Backed by investors such as Lucy Chow of the World Business Angels Investment Forum and academic advisors including Georgetown University’s Roberto Ordonez, myAIcademy will be available on iOS and Android platforms, offering lifetime access and practical solutions for individuals, enterprises, and educational institutions.

  • How a Palestine Action hunger striker was left on her cell floor

    How a Palestine Action hunger striker was left on her cell floor

    A major medical negligence scandal has erupted at HMP Bronzefield prison concerning Qesser Zuhrah, a Palestine Action-affiliated detainee now on her 41st day of hunger strike. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, Zuhrah was left immobilized on her cell floor for hours while experiencing severe chest pains, dizziness, and breathing difficulties, with prison staff repeatedly refusing urgent medical requests.

    The crisis began when Zuhrah contacted friend Niamh Grant at 8:30pm reporting alarming symptoms including radiating chest pain, shortness of breath, and shaking limbs. Despite repeatedly buzzing for assistance and begging for an ambulance, prison medical staff allegedly ignored her deteriorating condition. A prison officer instructed her to wait until the night nurse’s shift began at 11pm.

    Although a nurse eventually conducted basic vitals and an ECG test around 10:30pm, she disappeared for hours without returning with results. When Zuhrah desperately buzzed again around 12:30am pleading ‘Can you ring an ambulance? I’m scared,’ staff reportedly hung up on her. For several critical hours, friends listened helplessly via phone as Zuhrah struggled to breathe, fearing for her life.

    The nurse finally returned at 2am, asserting that ‘you don’t decide if you go to hospital, I do.’ Despite multiple NHS doctors, lawyers, and even MPs attempting to intervene throughout the night, prison staff systematically refused assistance and updates. It wasn’t until 9:30am the next morning, after Zuhrah lost consciousness, that authorities finally called an ambulance.

    Adding to the controversy, the prison failed to notify Zuhrah’s next of kin about her hospitalization as promised. She was discharged that evening at 8:30pm without diagnosis or test results, though witnesses overhead ambulance staff discussing concerning ECG findings from hours earlier.

    The incident has triggered political repercussions, with Justice Secretary David Lammy facing mounting pressure from multiple MPs who have written demanding urgent intervention. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle condemned Lammy’s lack of response as ‘totally unacceptable.’ On Friday, activists sprayed the Ministry of Justice building with red paint protesting the government’s handling of eight hunger strikers whose lives they claim are ‘in imminent danger.’

  • Chinese nationals urged to stay vigilant following Sydney shooting

    Chinese nationals urged to stay vigilant following Sydney shooting

    The Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney has activated emergency protocols following a deadly shooting incident at Bondi Beach that resulted in multiple casualties on Sunday. In response to the security crisis, diplomatic officials have issued an urgent safety advisory through their official WeChat platform targeting Chinese nationals residing in New South Wales.

    The consulate’s directive emphasizes heightened vigilance and proactive security measures. Chinese citizens are instructed to maintain constant awareness of local security developments, implement appropriate personal protection strategies, and ensure mobile communication devices remain operational at all times. The advisory specifically mandates immediate contact with Australian law enforcement and emergency services should any security threats arise.

    Australian authorities have concurrently established security perimeters around the affected area, urging public avoidance of the Bondi Beach vicinity while police operations continue. The shooting incident, which marks one of Sydney’s most significant public security events in recent years, has triggered coordinated response efforts between international diplomatic missions and local law enforcement agencies.

    The consulate’s communication highlights the importance of real-time information sharing and represents part of broader contingency planning for overseas citizen protection. This incident has prompted reevaluation of security protocols for international communities within Australia, with particular attention to tourist-frequented locations and public gathering spaces.