Global Pulse

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  • South Korea to become the world’s first country to enforce AI law

    South Korea to become the world’s first country to enforce AI law

    South Korea is poised to make regulatory history by implementing the world’s first comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation. The AI Framework Act, scheduled to take effect on January 22, 2026, establishes groundbreaking requirements for AI development and deployment while creating new governance structures for the rapidly evolving technology.

    The legislation mandates the formation of a national AI committee charged with overseeing the country’s artificial intelligence strategy. This body will develop and implement a comprehensive three-year AI plan addressing safety protocols, transparency standards, and disclosure obligations for certain AI systems. The framework represents the most structured approach to AI governance yet implemented by any nation.

    While the European Union previously passed AI-related legislation, its full implementation faces delays until 2027 due to industry pressure and competitive concerns. South Korea’s earlier enforcement timeline positions it as the definitive pioneer in formal AI regulation.

    However, the ambitious schedule has raised significant concerns within Korea’s technology sector. Industry associations report that 98% of local AI startups lack established compliance systems for the impending regulations. A recent survey of 101 AI startups revealed that nearly half remain unfamiliar with the law’s具体要求, while another 48.5% acknowledge awareness but inadequate preparation.

    Industry officials warn that the compressed timeline—with enforcement decrees expected just before the law takes effect—creates particular challenges for smaller companies and startups. Some fear services may require abrupt modification or suspension once the regulations take force.

    The regulatory pressure is already influencing business decisions, with growing numbers of Korean AI startups considering expansion to markets with softer governance approaches. Japan’s voluntary compliance model has emerged as a particularly attractive alternative for companies concerned about Korea’s stringent requirements.

    This pioneering legislation represents a critical test case for balancing innovation promotion with responsible AI development, potentially setting global standards for how nations approach artificial intelligence governance.

  • Bondi attack on Jewish community ‘sickening’ says Starmer

    Bondi attack on Jewish community ‘sickening’ says Starmer

    International leaders and Jewish organizations worldwide have expressed profound outrage and solidarity following a devastating mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The assault, which resulted in at least 11 fatalities and 29 hospitalizations, has been universally condemned as a targeted attack on the Jewish community.

    UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer characterized the incident as ‘sickening,’ affirming in an official statement that ‘The United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community.’ In response to the tragedy, British authorities are implementing enhanced security protocols for Jewish gatherings. The Metropolitan Police Service announced a significant escalation in visible patrols and community engagement initiatives to reassure citizens during the Hanukkah period.

    This attack echoes previous violence, notably an October assault on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur that claimed two lives. The Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) issued a powerful statement expressing both devastation and anger, emphasizing that such hatred persists globally. ‘We must not let hatred extinguish the festival of light,’ the JLC declared, while urgently requesting coordinated protection from government and law enforcement agencies for upcoming Hanukkah events across the UK.

    London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed collaborative efforts with the Community Security Trust (CST) to safeguard Jewish cultural and religious activities. The Board of Deputies of British Jews highlighted international antisemitism and terrorism as shared challenges requiring determined multinational action. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper extended consular support to any British nationals affected by the Sydney tragedy, directing them to contact the Sydney consulate.

    The Bondi Beach shooting has triggered a global reassessment of security measures for Jewish communities, particularly during religious observances, underscoring the persistent threat of antisemitic violence internationally.

  • Haruki Murakami honored with awards and a jazzy tribute in New York

    Haruki Murakami honored with awards and a jazzy tribute in New York

    NEW YORK — The literary world converged in Manhattan last week to celebrate Haruki Murakami, the renowned 76-year-old Japanese author, through a series of events blending music, literature, and cross-cultural recognition. The acclaimed novelist, a perennial contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature, received dual honors highlighting his profound impact on global fiction and US-Japan relations.

    The Center for Fiction bestowed upon Murakami its prestigious Lifetime of Excellence in Award during a gala at Cipriani 25 Broadway. This distinction places him alongside previous recipients including Nobel laureates Toni Morrison and Kazuo Ishiguro. The ceremony featured a poignant tribute by legendary musician Patti Smith, who performed her ballad “Wing” and shared her personal connection to Murakami’s work, holding aloft his debut novel Hear the Wind Sing and reciting its iconic opening line about the imperfection of both writing and despair.

    Two days later, the Japan Society co-hosted “Murakami Mixtape” at The Town Hall—a sold-out, bilingual celebration that merged literary readings with jazz performances. The event honored Murakami with its annual award recognizing individuals like Yoko Ono and Caroline Kennedy who have strengthened US-Japan ties. Jazz pianist Jason Moran, translator Motoyuki Shibata, and scholar Roland Kelts curated an evening that explored both Murakami’s famous works and lesser-known pieces, including the short story “The 1963/1982 Girl from Ipanema” and early essays about New York written before the author had ever visited.

    The program delved into Murakami’s deep connection with jazz, which began in 1963 when he first heard Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers perform in Japan. This musical thread culminated in a special appearance by 88-year-old bassist Reggie Workman, the last surviving member of Blakey’s band, who joined Moran for an improvisational jam session.

    Murakami himself reflected on his complex relationship with America, recalling his first visit in 1991 during a period of intense “Japan bashing” when protesters would encourage destroying Japanese cars. He described feeling culturally isolated during those early years, noting the absence of contemporary Japanese literature in American bookstores. However, he expressed optimism about Japan’s emerging cultural identity, celebrating how young Japanese creators across literature, film, and anime are now gaining international recognition—marking what he sees as Japan’s true cultural emergence despite economic challenges.

  • UAE: What would you do with Dh25 million? These residents dream of giving back

    UAE: What would you do with Dh25 million? These residents dream of giving back

    In the United Arab Emirates, where raffles are typically associated with luxury prizes and extravagant celebrations, a deeper narrative emerges among participants dreaming of substantial winnings. Contrary to expectations of lavish spending, numerous residents interviewed across Dubai and Abu Dhabi envision utilizing potential Dh25 million prizes for purposes of generosity, family reconnection, and personal peace.

    Multiple respondents demonstrated remarkable altruism in their aspirations. Shaver Ali, a Dubai sales executive with six years of raffle participation history, expressed his desire to anonymously settle strangers’ debts, including medical bills, educational expenses, and grocery tabs. “There are many people suffering silently. If I can remove that pressure for someone, that is enough,” Ali stated, emphasizing his intention to avoid personal recognition.

    The research revealed diverse perspectives on how life-changing sums might be utilized. Abhilash Kumar, an accountant at Gold Souk, dreams of experiential luxury rather than material possession—specifically residing temporarily in iconic structures like Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab purely for personal fulfillment. Meanwhile, Muhammad Salem, a cafeteria assistant, envisions using winnings for familial reunification, planning to sponsor visas for long-separated relatives and return permanently to his childhood village.

    Several participants highlighted the psychological value of financial security over conspicuous consumption. Sameem D, employed at a building materials firm, articulated an unconventional fantasy: purchasing a luxury vehicle solely to maintain it unused while continuing daily transportation in his existing Corolla. “It’s not about driving it. It’s about knowing I can,” he explained, capturing the sentiment of controlled possibility.

    The study uncovered strong themes of intergenerational support and memory creation. Purushottaman, 53, described ambitions for an extended road trip across India with his wife and two professionally accomplished daughters, valuing shared experiences over material acquisitions. “When you work for years, you realize memories are what stay,” he reflected.

    Notably, some participants like Asim Khan, a Pakistani driver with a decade of UAE residency, expressed intentions to fund others’ aspirations rather than their own. Khan indicated he would continue purchasing raffle tickets post-victory not from financial need but as a symbolic gesture maintaining connection to hope.

    The collective responses demonstrate that for many UAE raffle participants, substantial wealth represents not transformation of identity but liberation from burdens—both personal and communal—with emphasis on quiet generosity, familial bonds, and the often-overlooked luxury of tranquility.

  • UAE jobs: Can an employee take company to court for withdrawing offer letter?

    UAE jobs: Can an employee take company to court for withdrawing offer letter?

    A significant employment dilemma has emerged in the United Arab Emirates regarding the legal status of job offer letters and employee protections when offers are rescinded. This complex situation involves a Dubai mainland company worker who faced severe professional consequences after a prospective employer withdrew an employment offer following his resignation from his previous position.

    The case involves an employee who received a formal job offer from a private company, subsequently resigned from his current employment, completed his mandatory one-month notice period, and then discovered the new employer had withdrawn the offer citing organizational restructuring. This left the individual without employment and facing visa cancellation procedures.

    Under UAE legal framework, specifically Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022 and Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022, offer letters occupy a unique position in employment law. While these documents represent formal agreements between employers and prospective employees, they do not constitute legally binding contracts in the traditional sense. The distinction is critical: all contracts are agreements, but not all agreements qualify as legally enforceable contracts.

    The regulatory environment mandates that employers must utilize standardized electronic forms provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for all offer letters and employment contracts. These documents must clearly outline employment terms and conditions, with provisions allowing additional benefits for employees beyond those specified in the original offer.

    Legal experts indicate that affected individuals may pursue litigation through appropriate UAE judicial channels to seek compensation for financial losses and damages resulting from unilateral rescission of employment offers. The pathway involves demonstrating measurable economic harm directly attributable to the withdrawn offer, including lost wages and relocation expenses.

    Professionals facing similar circumstances are advised to seek immediate counsel from MOHRE or qualified legal practitioners specializing in UAE employment law to evaluate their specific situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.

  • What we know so far about Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting

    What we know so far about Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting

    A festive Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach descended into tragedy and terror on Sunday evening when at least two gunmen opened fire on the crowd, resulting in twelve confirmed fatalities, including one assailant. The attack, which Australian authorities have officially declared an act of terrorism, also left 29 individuals hospitalized and two police officers wounded.

    The incident unfolded at approximately 6:47 PM local time (07:47 GMT) as over 1,000 attendees gathered for the ‘Chanuka by the Sea 2025’ event organized by Chabad of Bondi. Eyewitness footage verified by the BBC depicts chaotic scenes of hundreds fleeing the coastline as gunfire erupted from a small bridge connecting the Campbell Parade parking lot to the beach.

    Amidst the horror, a remarkable act of bravery emerged. Viral video evidence captures a civilian hero confronting one of the armed perpetrators, executing a tactical bear hug to disarm him. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns later hailed this individual as a ‘genuine hero,’ stating unequivocally that his actions saved ‘many, many lives.’

    The response from law enforcement was immediate and extensive. NSW Police established an exclusion zone and deployed specialized units to investigate improvised explosive devices discovered in a vehicle connected to the deceased gunman. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon vowed that ‘no stone will be left unturned’ in the ongoing investigation, while cautiously noting that the possibility of additional accomplices remains under active scrutiny.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a solemn address condemning the ‘act of evil antisemitism’ that targeted the Jewish community during their sacred festival. He simultaneously praised the extraordinary courage of ordinary Australians who ‘ran towards danger to help others,’ emphasizing that such heroism represented the nation’s true character.

    This attack marks Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, profoundly shocking a nation where such violence remains exceptionally rare. The Bondi Beach area, typically vibrant with tourists and locals, remains under heavy police presence as investigations continue.

  • Dubai prime real estate: Ultra-luxury villas drive global elite investment wave

    Dubai prime real estate: Ultra-luxury villas drive global elite investment wave

    Amid a cooling global luxury property market, Dubai emerges as a spectacular exception, establishing itself as the world’s premier destination for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The emirate has witnessed an unprecedented influx of wealth, attracting approximately 10,000 millionaires in 2025 alone while achieving nearly 200% prime property price appreciation over a five-year period.

    This remarkable growth stems from a fundamental structural shift rather than temporary market conditions. According to the Henley & Partners Private Wealth Migration Report, the UAE is projected to absorb $63 billion in private wealth through migrant millionaires in 2025, building upon the 7,200 wealthy individuals who relocated in 2024. These migrants are increasingly becoming permanent residents, drawn by Dubai’s unique combination of tax-free living, investor-friendly regulations, geopolitical stability, and world-class luxury amenities.

    The ultra-luxury villa segment dominates market activity, representing nearly 70% of sales exceeding $10 million. Prestigious communities including Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills, and Downtown Dubai have become epicenters of luxury living, with annual appreciation rates reaching 15-30% for prime properties. The market demonstrated extraordinary momentum in Q3 2025, recording 59,044 sales transactions valued at Dh169 billion—the highest quarterly total in Dubai’s history.

    Several structural advantages underpin Dubai’s sustained appeal. Over half of prime transactions are cash-based, insulating the market from interest rate fluctuations. The regulatory framework offers 100% foreign ownership, zero property taxes, and the security of the Golden Visa program. Additionally, rental yields between 4-7% significantly outperform global hubs like London and New York.

    Demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly in the ultra-prime segment, as Dubai’s population surpasses 4 million. Developers are responding with ambitious projects, such as Sunteck Realty’s Dh15 billion pipeline including a flagship Dh5 billion development near Burj Khalifa. While analysts forecast moderated price growth of approximately 3% in 2026, Dubai’s fundamental advantages—steady wealthy immigration, constrained luxury supply, and strong yields—position it as a enduring global wealth magnet where luxury living and investment convergence redefine modern elite lifestyle.

  • ‘Person of interest’ detained over Brown University shooting, police say

    ‘Person of interest’ detained over Brown University shooting, police say

    PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Law enforcement authorities have apprehended a person of interest following a deadly shooting incident at Brown University that resulted in multiple casualties and triggered campus-wide lockdown procedures.

    The tragic event unfolded approximately at 4:00 PM local time (21:00 GMT) on Saturday within the Holley engineering building situated at the eastern perimeter of the university campus. According to official reports, an unidentified assailant initiated gunfire within a classroom environment, creating panic and chaos among students and faculty members.

    Providence Police Department confirmed through an official statement on Sunday that a individual has been taken into custody in direct connection with the investigation. The detention prompted authorities to lift the shelter-in-place mandate that had been imposed across the Brown University campus and adjacent residential areas following the violent episode.

    The shooting incident claimed the lives of two students and left nine others with varying degrees of injuries. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley provided detailed casualty figures, indicating that seven victims remained hospitalized in stable condition while one individual was receiving treatment in critical yet stable condition. Medical authorities discharged one patient following emergency treatment.

    University President Christina Paxson addressed media representatives during a press briefing, confirming the heartbreaking news that all casualties—both fatalities and injured persons—were enrolled students at the prestigious Ivy League institution. The identities of those affected have been temporarily withheld pending family notifications and ongoing investigative protocols.

    Law enforcement agencies previously circulated closed-circuit television footage depicting a male suspect dressed entirely in black attire departing from the crime scene. Despite comprehensive sweeps of the academic facility, investigators have not yet recovered the firearm believed to be used in the shooting.

    Police Chief Oscar Perez assured the public that authorities are not seeking additional suspects and are collaborating closely with prosecutors to assemble evidentiary materials for subsequent legal proceedings.

    Mayor Smiley expressed relief that the immediate threat had been neutralized, enabling community members to ‘breathe a little easier,’ while simultaneously acknowledging that no community should ever require preparation for such traumatic events. President Paxson emphasized the challenging recovery process awaiting the university community in the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.

  • Myanmar calls on countries to take back citizens held in crackdown on scam centers

    Myanmar calls on countries to take back citizens held in crackdown on scam centers

    Myanmar’s military government has issued an urgent appeal to the international community regarding the repatriation of foreign nationals detained during extensive crackdowns on cyber scam operations in Kayin state. The operations, concentrated near the Thai border town of Myawaddy, have resulted in the detention of thousands from multiple countries.

    Authorities revealed that since January, 13,272 foreigners from 47 countries have been apprehended in raids targeting major scam centers including KK Park and Shwe Kokko. While most detainees have been deported, 1,655 individuals remain in custody facing logistical challenges in repatriation.

    Colonel Min Thu Kyaw, who led the security operations, emphasized the complexities of managing detainees with diverse nationalities, religions, and cultural backgrounds. “We want the international community to come and call them quickly,” he stated, highlighting the strain on detention facilities.

    The majority of remaining detainees are Chinese nationals (over 500), with significant numbers from Indonesia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Kenya, and India. Officials cite particular difficulties in repatriating citizens from African countries without diplomatic representation in Myanmar or Thailand, with some cases requiring up to five months for processing.

    Myanmar has gained notoriety for hosting sophisticated cyber scam operations that generate nearly $40 billion annually according to UN estimates. These schemes typically involve romantic ploys to establish trust before funneling victims into fraudulent investment schemes.

    The crackdown has involved dramatic demolitions of scam compound buildings using explosives and bulldozers, broadcast on state television. However, critics question the effectiveness of these measures, noting that scam operators continue functioning in other locations under protection from ethnic militias.

    The region’s complex security situation involves multiple armed groups including the military-backed Border Guard Force and the resistance-aligned Karen National Union, both denying involvement in scam operations despite government allegations.

  • Pope criticizes prison overcrowding during special Mass for inmates, guards and families

    Pope criticizes prison overcrowding during special Mass for inmates, guards and families

    In a powerful culmination of the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year, Pope Leo XIV delivered a compelling critique of global prison conditions during a special Mass for detainees, correctional staff, and their families. The pontiff specifically highlighted two systemic failures: severe overcrowding in detention facilities and inadequate rehabilitation programs for inmates.

    Addressing an estimated 6,000 participants including prison volunteers, wardens, and chaplains from 90 countries, Pope Leo emphasized the universal challenge of maintaining human dignity within correctional systems. ‘We must acknowledge the persistent issues of overcrowding and insufficient commitment to stable educational programs for rehabilitation and job opportunities,’ he stated during his homily at the final major event of the Jubilee year.

    The Pope called for extraordinary levels of compassion and forgiveness, noting the profound personal struggles faced by both incarcerated individuals and those overseeing their detention. He specifically referenced the ‘weight of the past, wounds requiring physical and emotional healing, and the infinite patience needed when pursuing paths of personal transformation.’

    This event continued the prison ministry emphasis established by his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had visited Rome’s Rebibbia prison exactly one year earlier to inaugurate Holy Year celebrations. Pope Leo reiterated Francis’s appeal for governmental amnesties and pardons, a traditional element of Catholic Jubilee observance.

    The address carried particular significance in Italy, where prisons operate at 135% capacity according to data from Antigone, a prisoner advocacy organization. With over 63,000 individuals confined in facilities designed for fewer than 47,000, and reports of degrading treatment increasing by 23.4% in the past year, the Pope’s message resonated with urgent practical implications.

    The 2025 Holy Year, which began on Christmas Eve 2024 under Pope Francis’s leadership, will officially conclude on January 6th when Pope Leo closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, ending a period dedicated to offering hope to society’s marginalized members.