Global Pulse

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  • Satellite launch marks a new milestone in UAE-China cooperation

    Satellite launch marks a new milestone in UAE-China cooperation

    A landmark achievement in international space cooperation was realized on Wednesday as the Arab Satellite 813 successfully reached orbit aboard China’s Kinetica 1 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This joint project between the United Arab Emirates and China represents the first pan-Arab space collaboration initiative, with leadership from the UAE’s National Space Science and Technology Center.

    The sophisticated Earth observation satellite, equipped with advanced hyperspectral and panchromatic imagers plus an atmospheric polarimeter, will deliver critical data for environmental monitoring, climate research, and detailed mapping applications. The project name commemorates the year 813 CE, marking the establishment of Baghdad’s House of Wisdom during Islam’s Golden Age of scientific advancement.

    This collaboration stems from a 2023 agreement between the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites and UAE space authorities. More than 40 engineers from across Arab nations contributed to the satellite’s development, providing hands-on experience for UAE University students and researchers in space system design and testing.

    The Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites described the mission as establishing “a solid foundation for further strategic collaboration” between the two nations in space technology. This successful launch demonstrates growing technological partnership between China and Middle Eastern nations while advancing Arab capabilities in space science and satellite technology.

  • Mass shooting at Jewish event on Bondi Beach follows rising antisemitism in Australia

    Mass shooting at Jewish event on Bondi Beach follows rising antisemitism in Australia

    SYDNEY, Australia — A horrific attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach has left at least 11 people dead, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger of the Chabad movement, prompting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to denounce the shooting as an act of antisemitic terrorism. This tragedy occurs against a backdrop of escalating religiously motivated violence in Australia, which has recorded 1,713 antisemitic incidents in 2024 alone.

    According to Tel Aviv University’s annual report on global antisemitism, Australia and Italy have experienced the most significant increases in antisemitic attacks worldwide this year, even as global numbers show a slight decline. This surge has profoundly shaken Australia’s Jewish community, numbering approximately 117,000 among the country’s 28 million residents.

    Uriya Shavit, who oversees the antisemitism report, noted that Australia had historically been considered one of the safest environments for Jewish people worldwide. “Australian Jews are now seriously asking whether they have a future in the country,” Shavit stated, citing increasing legitimization of anti-Jewish rhetoric in public discourse and inadequate governmental response to growing threats.

    The Executive Council of Australian Jewry issued a forceful statement demanding concrete action: “The time for talking is over. We need decisive leadership to eradicate the scourge of antisemitism from Australia’s public life. Government’s first duty is to keep its citizens safe.”

    Most antisemitic incidents have occurred in Sydney and Melbourne, home to 85% of Australia’s Jewish population. In August, Prime Minister Albanese accused Iran of orchestrating two previous antisemitic attacks in Australia, leading to severed diplomatic relations with Tehran. While no immediate connection to Iran has been established in Sunday’s attack, the Australian Security Intelligence Organization had previously concluded that Iran directed arson attacks against a Sydney kosher food company in October and a Melbourne synagogue two months later.

    The attack targeted a public Hanukkah ceremony marking the eight-day holiday’s commencement on December 14. Chabad, an international Orthodox Jewish movement known for its public menorah lightings, has held annual celebrations at Bondi Beach that typically attract hundreds of participants. The movement, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, maintains emissaries in over 100 countries and has faced numerous attacks globally, including deadly assaults in Mumbai (2008) and California (2019).

  • Arsenal must improve defensively despite win over Wolves, says Arteta

    Arsenal must improve defensively despite win over Wolves, says Arteta

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta delivered a scathing assessment of his team’s defensive performance despite securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. The league leaders required a 94th-minute own goal from Yerson Mosquera to claim three points after appearing destined for a disappointing draw.

    The match took a concerning turn for Arsenal when Wolverhampton equalized in the 90th minute through Tolu Arokodare, canceling out Sam Johnstone’s earlier own goal that had given the hosts the lead. Arteta expressed particular frustration with what he described as ‘horrible defensive habits’ that emerged during critical moments of the match.

    ‘It was a relief to win, but with a very clear understanding that the margin should have been bigger,’ Arteta told reporters post-match. ‘We had a period of two or three minutes in deep, totally passive, with defensive habits that are nowhere near the level required against a team that hadn’t had a single shot.’

    The victory maintains Arsenal’s position at the summit of the Premier League table with 36 points as they pursue their first league title after three consecutive second-place finishes. Arteta emphasized the importance of learning from the performance despite the positive result, noting that his players made victory ‘harder for ourselves today.’

    With a challenging Christmas fixture schedule approaching, beginning with Saturday’s match against Everton, Arteta stressed the urgency of addressing defensive vulnerabilities while acknowledging the difficulty of securing Premier League victories.

  • 2 killed, 8 critically injured in shooting at US’ Ivy League Brown University

    2 killed, 8 critically injured in shooting at US’ Ivy League Brown University

    A devastating shooting incident unfolded at Brown University on Saturday, resulting in two student fatalities and eight individuals sustaining critical injuries, with one additional person wounded. The Ivy League campus in Providence, Rhode Island, remained under strict lockdown orders as law enforcement agencies launched an extensive manhunt for the unidentified assailant.

    According to official statements, the attack occurred in the Barus Holley engineering building where students were undergoing examinations. The gunman, described as a male potentially in his 30s wearing dark clothing and possibly a mask, entered the facility through unlocked exterior doors before opening fire in a classroom. Providence Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara confirmed the recovery of shell casings from the scene, though specific investigative details remain undisclosed.

    Providence Mayor Brett Smiley emphasized that while no ‘specific, ongoing threat’ was believed to exist, the shelter-in-place mandate would continue to facilitate the initial phase of the investigation. The directive affected both the university campus and surrounding residential areas, with streets crowded with emergency response vehicles and heightened security measures implemented throughout the city.

    The coordinated investigation involves multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside state and local law enforcement. Search operations faced complications from weekend holiday shoppers and numerous concert attendees in the vicinity.

    Brown President Christina Paxson confirmed that all or nearly all victims were students, characterizing the event as ‘the day one hopes never happens.’ University health services reported seven of the nine wounded in critical condition as of late Saturday.

    The incident has reignited national conversations about gun violence, with statistics from the Gun Violence Archive indicating 389 mass shootings in the United States this year alone, including at least six educational institution attacks. This continues a troubling pattern from 2024, which recorded over 500 such incidents nationwide.

    Student testimonies revealed harrowing experiences of sheltering under desks for hours, while Brown sophomore Zoe Weissman—a Parkland shooting survivor—expressed both numbness and anger, noting she was ‘shocked but not surprised’ by the tragedy.

  • 1 civilian killed, no ceasefire arrangement at present: Thai army

    1 civilian killed, no ceasefire arrangement at present: Thai army

    The Royal Thai Army issued a formal condemnation on Sunday against Cambodian military forces for launching rocket attacks on civilian zones in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket Province, resulting in one civilian fatality and property destruction. According to an official statement, Cambodian troops targeted non-military areas including residential neighborhoods and school districts with BM-21 rocket systems on December 14, 2025.

    The assault claimed the life of one Thai citizen who suffered fatal shrapnel wounds, while additional damage included the complete destruction of one residential property through subsequent fires. This represents the second consecutive day of cross-border attacks focusing on civilian infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing border tensions between the Southeast Asian nations.

    Army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree explicitly stated that no ceasefire agreements are currently under consideration between the conflicting parties. The Thai military attributes the continued hostilities to Cambodia’s persistent aggression toward both military installations and civilian settlements, which Bangkok characterizes as constituting a severe national security threat.

    The Royal Thai Army emphasized that defensive operations will continue indefinitely until Cambodian forces completely terminate all hostile activities. The current military posture reflects Thailand’s commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and civilian population while maintaining the right to self-defense under international norms.

  • Israel’s Netanyahu lashes out while world shows shock and sympathy over Australia shooting

    Israel’s Netanyahu lashes out while world shows shock and sympathy over Australia shooting

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignited a diplomatic confrontation by directly connecting Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood to the deadly mass shooting at a Jewish holiday event in Sydney. In sharply worded remarks on Sunday, Netanyahu accused Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of fueling antisemitic sentiments through his government’s stance on Palestinian statehood.

    The tragic incident at Bondi Beach, which resulted in at least 11 fatalities including one Israeli citizen, has drawn international condemnation and expressions of solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. Netanyahu’s government has consistently argued that global support for Palestinian statehood effectively rewards Hamas following its 2023 attack on Israel, creating what he characterizes as a dangerous climate for Jewish communities worldwide.

    Australia joined 158 other nations in formally recognizing Palestinian statehood during September’s United Nations General Assembly, aligning with the widespread international consensus that a two-state solution represents the only viable path to resolving the protracted conflict. This diplomatic position has placed Australia at odds with Netanyahu’s administration amid ongoing military operations in Gaza.

    The shooting has prompted strong reactions from global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump who labeled the attack ‘purely antisemitic,’ and Britain’s King Charles III who expressed being ‘appalled and saddened.’ German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the violence as ‘an attack on our shared values,’ while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized solidarity with Jewish communities during Hanukkah celebrations.

    Notably, Iran—which Australia accused of orchestrating antisemitic attacks earlier this year—condemned the violence through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, stating that ‘terrorism and the killing of people, wherever they occur, are unacceptable.’ The World Jewish Congress reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom, with President Ronald Lauder declaring that such violence ‘will not break us.’

    Local religious leaders in Sydney reported escalating antisemitic incidents in recent months, with Anglican pastor Matt Graham describing constant exposure to antisemitic graffiti in eastern Sydney neighborhoods. The attack has prompted increased security measures at Jewish sites globally, including enhanced police presence in London.

  • India beats South Africa by 7 wickets to take 2-1 lead in T20 series

    India beats South Africa by 7 wickets to take 2-1 lead in T20 series

    In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India clinched a decisive seven-wicket victory against South Africa in the third Twenty20 international at Dharamsala’s floodlit stadium on Sunday. The triumph grants India a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series as both teams prepare for February’s T20 World Cup.

    South Africa’s batting lineup suffered a dramatic collapse early in the match after being put into bat, plummeting to 7-3 within the first 3.1 overs. Captain Aiden Markram emerged as the lone resilient force, preventing his team from recording their worst-ever T20 total—a dubious honor currently held at 74 runs from the series opener. Markram’s valiant 46-ball innings, featuring two sixes and six boundaries, was cut short when he was caught behind against pace bowler Arshdeep Singh, who finished with impressive figures of 2-13.

    India’s bowling attack demonstrated remarkable depth despite the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the match for personal reasons. Harshit Rana, Bumrah’s replacement, claimed 2-34, while spin specialist Kuldeep Yadav delivered a masterful performance with 2-12 from just two overs, including the dismissal of Ottneil Baartman on the final delivery of South Africa’s innings.

    India’s chase proceeded with clinical efficiency as openers Abhishek Sharma (35 from 18 balls) and Shubman Gill established a dominant 60-run partnership. Sharma’s explosive performance was eventually halted by a spectacular running catch from Markram off Corbin Bosch’s bowling. Gill contributed a steady 28 before being bowled by Marco Jansen, while captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for 12 to Lungi Ngidi’s delivery. The match concluded with Tilak Varma (26 not out) and Shivam Dube (10 not out) comfortably guiding India to victory at 120-3 in just 15.5 overs.

    The series continues to demonstrate its unpredictable nature, with South Africa having previously rebounded from a 101-run defeat in the first match to secure a 51-run victory in the second T20. The teams now look ahead to Wednesday’s fourth T20 in Lucknow, with India seeking to maintain their momentum as defending T20 World Cup champions.

  • HK fire: 4,510 residents in shelters as support fund reaches HK$3.6b

    HK fire: 4,510 residents in shelters as support fund reaches HK$3.6b

    Hong Kong authorities are coordinating a comprehensive response to the catastrophic November 26 fire that ravaged the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po district, which claimed at least 160 lives. As of December 14, 2025, the government has successfully relocated 4,510 displaced residents through various accommodation initiatives.

    The relocation effort involves multiple government agencies working in concert. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has arranged temporary housing for 1,451 individuals in youth hostels, camps, and hotel rooms. Meanwhile, the Housing Bureau and Hong Kong Housing Society have provided transitional housing units for the remaining affected residents, all equipped with essential furnishings and appliances including bed frames, mattresses, induction cookers, and water heaters.

    Financial support has reached unprecedented levels, with the specially established Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court accumulating approximately HK$3.6 billion. This includes HK$300 million in initial government funding supplemented by HK$3.3 billion in public donations received as of Friday noon. The fund has already processed 1,838 applications for living allowances of HK$100,000 per affected household.

    Additionally, the fund provides HK$200,000 solidarity payments plus HK$50,000 funeral expense coverage to families of deceased victims, with 128 cases processed to date. Community organizations have mobilized to offer free medical and legal consultation services at various housing projects.

    Mental health support has been prioritized through a newly formed task force under the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, which has initiated a year-long support program for bereaved families. Participating organizations include Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, Comfort Care Concern Group, and Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong.

    Material assistance continues through a government online platform that has registered approximately 1,800 donations and distributed over 19,600 items to affected residents. Meanwhile, structural stabilization and cleanup operations are underway at the fire-damaged buildings, with the Housing Department removing burnt scaffolding and completing concrete grouting and temporary support installations in severely damaged units.

  • Hamas Gaza chief confirms killing of senior commander in Israeli strike

    Hamas Gaza chief confirms killing of senior commander in Israeli strike

    In a significant escalation of post-ceasefire hostilities, Israeli forces successfully targeted and eliminated Raed Saed, a high-ranking Hamas military commander, during a precision strike in Gaza City on Saturday. The operation marks the most prominent assassination of a Hamas official since the temporary truce agreement took effect in October.

    According to Israeli defense authorities, Saed occupied a critical role within Hamas’ operational hierarchy, serving as chief of weapons manufacturing and development. Multiple sources within the organization additionally identified him as second-in-command of Hamas’ entire military wing, answering only to Izz eldeen Al-Hadad. His operational history included leadership of Hamas’ Gaza City battalion, renowned as one of its most capable and well-equipped combat units.

    The targeted vehicle strike resulted in four fatalities according to Gaza health officials. Israeli military intelligence indicates Saed was a principal architect of the October 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the current conflict, during which approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians were killed and 251 taken hostage.

    Despite the ongoing ceasefire that has enabled hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to Gaza City and allowed increased humanitarian aid deliveries, this targeted operation demonstrates Israel’s continued counterterrorism operations against high-value targets. The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties, with Gaza health officials reporting over 70,700 Palestinian deaths since hostilities began.

  • Scholars, industry insiders call for a responsible, scientific, credible think tank research system

    Scholars, industry insiders call for a responsible, scientific, credible think tank research system

    Academic leaders and research specialists convened in Beijing this weekend to establish comprehensive guidelines for responsible think tank operations in the digital era, with particular emphasis on balancing artificial intelligence capabilities with human intellectual oversight.

    At the forefront of this initiative, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has outlined an ambitious roadmap to develop a national high-level scientific think tank by 2030. Professor Pan Jiaofeng, President of the CAS Institutes of Science and Development, emphasized the critical timing of this effort: “As China advances through its modernization journey amid rapid technological transformation, we face increasingly complex decision-making environments that demand unprecedented research quality and accountability.”

    The proposed framework distinguishes think tank research from conventional academic work by prioritizing practical applicability and real-world implementation. Professor Pan noted that responsible research must align with national development objectives while respecting scientific principles and guiding societal expectations toward improved public welfare.

    Health policy expert Chen Jiapeng from the China Population and Development Research Center reinforced the human-centered approach, advocating for inclusive methodologies that ensure representation from even the most remote communities. “While comprehensive coverage requires substantial investment and may initially demonstrate lower efficiency, this approach remains fundamental to achieving equitable development outcomes,” Chen explained, highlighting the necessity of phased implementation and cross-departmental collaboration.

    Operational standards emerged as another critical focus area. Wang Zhenyu of CAS’s Integrated Research Support Centers revealed that the academy’s newly released proposal addresses longstanding challenges including duplicate reporting, authorship confusion, and appropriate AI utilization. The guidelines incorporate both domestic experience and international best practices to standardize research values and output management.

    Petroleum industry economist Wei Xinqiang articulated specific technical requirements, calling for standardized protocols covering quality control, procedural transparency, and data security. While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential in data processing and information gathering, Wei cautioned against over-reliance on technology for strategic formulation. “Insight generation and strategic planning must remain fundamentally human-driven capabilities,” he asserted, pointing to verification challenges with open-source data that necessitate multi-source validation and expert consultation.