Global Pulse

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  • South Africa cancels Palestinian visa waiver, citing Israeli ‘emigration’ efforts

    South Africa cancels Palestinian visa waiver, citing Israeli ‘emigration’ efforts

    South Africa has officially terminated its visa exemption agreement for Palestinian passport holders following a government investigation that uncovered systematic exploitation of immigration protocols by Israeli actors. The decision, announced Sunday by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), comes in response to two controversial charter flights that transported hundreds of Palestinians from Gaza to Johannesburg under suspicious circumstances.

    The investigation revealed a coordinated effort by Israeli intermediaries linked to ‘voluntary emigration’ programs to relocate Gaza residents through chartered aircraft rather than commercial flights. According to the DHA statement, these operations involved deliberate circumvention of standard immigration procedures, with most passengers holding one-way tickets and prohibited from bringing luggage.

    The controversy first emerged in mid-November when 153 Palestinians arrived aboard a flight from Nairobi, only to be detained on the aircraft for over 12 hours due to missing Israeli exit stamps in their travel documents. President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously characterized the incident as ‘mysterious,’ suggesting the passengers appeared to have been ‘flushed out’ of Gaza by Israeli authorities.

    While Israeli officials claimed the travelers had been cleared for departure only after an unnamed third country agreed to receive them, investigations confirmed the flights were facilitated by a controversial agency working in collaboration with the Israeli military. The DHA authorized entry for the November group after receiving assurances from humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers regarding passenger support.

    A second flight carrying 176 Palestinians had previously arrived on October 28, with both operations demonstrating what South African authorities describe as a pattern of systematic abuse designed to relocate Palestinians from conflict zones without proper documentation or transparent procedures.

  • A feast for martial art lovers in Sri Lanka

    A feast for martial art lovers in Sri Lanka

    Colombo’s Elphinstone Theatre became a vibrant hub for cultural exchange on December 3, 2025, as Sri Lanka hosted the “China Culture Day – Wushu 2025” event. The gathering brought together martial arts enthusiasts and dignitaries for an immersive celebration of Chinese martial traditions amidst challenging circumstances.

    The spectacle featured a diverse array of wushu demonstrations spanning over sixty minutes. Audiences witnessed the meditative grace of tai chi, the dynamic precision of broadsword and staff techniques, and the theatrical flair of Drunken Fist and Drunken Sword performances. The program also included thrilling Sanda combat demonstrations and charming presentations by children’s wushu groups, collectively showcasing the philosophical and physical depth of Chinese martial arts.

    Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong emphasized the event’s significance during difficult times, noting that wushu embodies the Chinese philosophy of balancing strength with softness while promoting harmony and coexistence. He expressed heartfelt condolences for Sri Lanka’s recent natural disasters and highlighted the assistance provided by Chinese society to help the island nation recover from devastating floods.

    Sunil Kumara Gamage, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, acknowledged China’s generous support during the crisis and expressed hope for strengthened sports cooperation between the nations. The event attracted over 500 guests and served as a powerful demonstration of mutual support and cultural solidarity between China and Sri Lanka.

  • Melodic harmony under gingko tree

    Melodic harmony under gingko tree

    Shanghai’s cultural scene witnessed a harmonious fusion of nature and artistry as the historic Shanghai Concert Hall celebrated its 95th anniversary with a special Ginkgo Concert series on December 6. The Shanghai Brass ensemble delivered an enchanting open-air performance beneath the golden canopy of gingko trees, creating a multisensory experience that blended musical excellence with natural beauty.

    The concert, strategically timed to coincide with the peak coloration of the iconic gingko trees, represented one of several seasonal performances organized by the venerable institution. Professor Han Xiaoming, renowned horn virtuoso and faculty member at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, emphasized the city’s cultural ascendancy during the event. ‘In terms of musical quality and international standards,’ Han noted, ‘Shanghai now stands among the world’s first-class cultural capitals.’

    The anniversary celebration highlighted Shanghai Concert Hall’s enduring legacy as one of China’s premier performance venues since its completion in 1930. The ginkgo concert series has become an anticipated annual tradition that attracts both dedicated classical music enthusiasts and casual listeners, offering accessible cultural programming in a distinctive natural setting. The integration of architectural heritage, musical performance, and seasonal natural elements demonstrates Shanghai’s innovative approach to cultivating public engagement with the arts.

  • Trump criticises Democrat he pardoned over not switching political parties

    Trump criticises Democrat he pardoned over not switching political parties

    Former President Donald Trump has publicly condemned Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar for what he termed a “lack of LOYALTY” after the Texas congressman chose to remain with the Democratic party despite receiving a presidential pardon. Trump issued the full pardon on Wednesday for Cuellar, who faced 14 federal charges including bribery, money laundering, and conspiracy related to allegations of accepting $600,000 from Azerbaijan’s state oil company and a Mexican bank.

    In his social media post, Trump expressed disappointment that Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat just hours after receiving clemency, thwarting Republican hopes that he would switch parties and bolster their narrow House majority. “Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!” Trump wrote, emphasizing his expectation of political allegiance in return for the pardon.

    The Justice Department had accused Cuellar and his wife of acting as foreign agents by accepting payments in exchange for advancing interests of Azerbaijan and Mexico in Congress. Both maintained their innocence throughout the legal proceedings.

    Trump framed the prosecution as politically motivated, claiming Biden’s administration targeted Cuellar specifically because the moderate Democrat had “bravely spoken out against Open Borders” and supported border security measures. He described the case as an “evil quest” by “radical left” Democrats to destroy Cuellar and his family.

    Despite never having spoken with Cuellar or his family, Trump stated he “felt very good about fighting” for them because they were “treated sooo BADLY!” He particularly noted that the congressman’s daughters had written a personal letter appealing for their father’s pardon.

    Cuellar, in response to Trump’s comments, affirmed his commitment to the Democratic party while expressing willingness to collaborate across party lines. “I’m an American, I’m a Texan and I’m a Democrat in that order,” he told Fox News, adding that he had prayed for Trump and his family during church services, believing that “if the president succeeds, the country succeeds.”

    This incident highlights Trump’s longstanding emphasis on loyalty, which has previously manifested in official contexts including federal job applications that asked applicants to describe how they would advance Trump’s agenda. The expectation of political allegiance following presidential pardons represents a new dimension in this pattern of behavior.

  • Supply squeeze is reshaping bitcoin market, says industry expert

    Supply squeeze is reshaping bitcoin market, says industry expert

    The Bitcoin market is undergoing a fundamental transformation characterized by unprecedented supply constraints that are reshaping the cryptocurrency’s economic landscape, according to industry analysis. Abdumalik Mirakhmedov, Founder and Executive President of global mining firm GDA, reveals that available Bitcoin for immediate trading has dwindled to critically low levels, creating what may become one of the most significant supply squeezes in the asset’s history.

    With nearly 20 million of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million coin cap already mined, the convergence of institutional accumulation, long-term holding strategies, and permanently lost coins has created structural scarcity. Mirakhmedov estimates that accounting for coins held by steadfast investors and approximately 18% lost in inaccessible wallets, the truly liquid supply may have contracted to just six million coins.

    This scarcity dynamic is being accelerated by three pivotal developments: the emergence of spot Bitcoin ETFs that physically custody vast quantities of Bitcoin, institutional and governmental adoption treating Bitcoin as a reserve asset, and the permanent loss of early coins through discarded hardware or misplaced private keys.

    Unlike traditional currencies or commodities, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature prevents any central authority from increasing supply or manipulating availability. This immutable scarcity framework, combined with growing institutional participation from banks, pension funds, and sovereign wealth managers, is transforming Bitcoin from a speculative instrument into a digital store of value.

    Mirakhmedov, who will address these developments at the Bitcoin MENA conference in Abu Dhabi, emphasizes that this supply contraction represents a permanent market structure shift rather than temporary cyclical patterns. As more Bitcoin becomes locked in long-term custody solutions and institutional portfolios, the actively traded supply continues to diminish, potentially creating sustained upward pressure on valuations.

    The conference will feature further discussion on Bitcoin mining’s role in global energy transitions, highlighting the evolving narrative around cryptocurrency’s place in institutional portfolios and global financial infrastructure.

  • Media tour explores Xiamen’s tech surge and smart manufacturing

    Media tour explores Xiamen’s tech surge and smart manufacturing

    Xiamen, a coastal city in China’s Fujian province, is rapidly transforming into a significant technology hub, as demonstrated during the recent 2025 Xiamen Internet All-media Tour. Journalists and media representatives visited two key locations that exemplify this technological evolution: the Xiamen Science City No1 Incubator and the leading smart manufacturing enterprise GoldenHome.

    The tour provided firsthand exposure to Xiamen’s growing technological capabilities and industrial modernization efforts. At Xiamen Science City, participants explored cutting-edge research facilities and innovation ecosystems designed to nurture emerging technologies and startups. The incubator represents the city’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for technological advancement and entrepreneurship.

    Meanwhile, the visit to GoldenHome offered insights into the practical application of smart manufacturing principles. The company exemplifies how traditional industries are integrating advanced automation, data exchange, and IoT technologies to revolutionize production processes. This transformation toward Industry 4.0 practices demonstrates Xiamen’s position at the forefront of China’s manufacturing evolution.

    The media tour highlighted how Xiamen is successfully bridging the gap between theoretical research and industrial application, creating a synergistic relationship between academic innovation and commercial implementation. This integrated approach to technological development positions Xiamen as an emerging leader in China’s broader strategy to advance its technological capabilities and manufacturing sophistication.

  • Discover Xiamen with beauty of ecological governance

    Discover Xiamen with beauty of ecological governance

    Xiamen has emerged as a paradigm of ecological restoration through its innovative coastal governance initiatives, as demonstrated during the recent 2025 Xiamen Internet All-Media Tour held December 3-4. Media representatives witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of the city’s coastline, particularly at two flagship conservation sites: the picturesque Huandong Romantic Coast and the ecologically significant Xiatanwei Mangrove Park.

    The Huandong Romantic Coast now showcases pristine blue skies, expansive sandy beaches, and lush greenery where degraded landscapes once existed. This scenic coastline represents just one facet of Xiamen’s comprehensive ecological modernization program. Meanwhile, Xiatanwei Mangrove Park demonstrates how coastal wetlands can simultaneously function as natural barriers against erosion while providing critical habitat for diverse wildlife species.

    Located in Fujian province on China’s eastern coast, Xiamen has achieved remarkable progress in ecological civilization construction—a holistic approach that integrates environmental protection with sustainable development. The city’s methodology combines advanced environmental science with community engagement, creating recreational spaces that also serve vital ecological functions.

    The successful rehabilitation of these coastal areas illustrates how urban centers can effectively balance development with environmental stewardship. Xiamen’s model offers valuable insights for other cities seeking to address coastal degradation while enhancing biodiversity and creating public amenities that benefit both residents and visitors alike. This transformation positions Xiamen as a leading example of how determined environmental policy can revitalize urban coastal ecosystems within a relatively short timeframe.

  • Qatar Airways names former airport COO Hamad al-Khater as group CEO

    Qatar Airways names former airport COO Hamad al-Khater as group CEO

    Qatar Airways Group announced a significant leadership transition on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, appointing Hamad al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer. This executive change marks a strategic shift for the Gulf carrier following the brief tenure of predecessor Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.

    The appointment concludes Al-Meer’s leadership period which began in October 2023 when he assumed the role from industry veteran Akbar Al Baker. Al Baker’s retirement concluded an influential 27-year tenure during which he established himself as one of aviation’s most prominent and outspoken executives.

    Al-Khater brings substantial operational expertise to the role, having most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, Qatar’s premier aviation hub. His professional background also includes significant roles within QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company, providing him with diverse experience across both aviation and energy sectors critical to Qatar’s economy.

    The leadership transition occurs as global aviation continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery challenges, evolving sustainability mandates, and increasing competition in the luxury travel segment where Qatar Airways has established its market position. Industry analysts will be monitoring how al-Khater’s operational background from managing one of the world’s premier airports might influence the airline’s strategic direction.

    The announcement did not specify reasons for the relatively brief CEO tenure of Al-Meer, who had been positioned to continue Al Baker’s legacy of expansion and excellence that established Qatar Airways as a leading global carrier renowned for its service quality and fleet modernization.

  • Israel army says killed two Palestinians after attempted ramming attack

    Israel army says killed two Palestinians after attempted ramming attack

    Israeli military forces fatally shot two Palestinian individuals during a confrontation near Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Saturday night, according to conflicting accounts from Israeli and Palestinian authorities. The Israel Defense Forces stated the incident began when a vehicle accelerated toward soldiers stationed at a security checkpoint in the Bab al-Zawiya area, prompting troops to open fire and “eliminate” what they described as a terrorist threat.

    Palestinian authorities identified the deceased as 17-year-old Ahmad Khalil Al-Rajabi and 55-year-old Ziad Jabara Abu Dawoud, the latter reportedly employed as a sanitation worker. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed the older victim’s civilian occupation. Initial military investigations suggest the sanitation worker was traveling separately from the alleged attacker and was “uninvolved” in the incident, according to Israel’s army radio.

    This lethal encounter occurs against a backdrop of intensifying violence throughout the West Bank since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. Despite a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, tensions remain critically elevated in the occupied territory. According to documentation by AFP based on Palestinian health ministry statistics, more than 1,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the West Bank since the Gaza war began—many identified as militants but including substantial numbers of civilians. Official Israeli figures report at least 44 Israeli casualties, comprising both military personnel and civilians, during the same period in Palestinian attacks or military operations.

    The incident underscores the persistent volatility in the region, where checkpoint confrontations frequently result in lethal outcomes. Both sides maintain sharply divergent narratives regarding the circumstances of violent incidents, complicating efforts toward de-escalation and reconciliation.

  • Boeing tackles quality problems with a ‘war on defects’

    Boeing tackles quality problems with a ‘war on defects’

    Boeing has launched a comprehensive manufacturing transformation at its 737 Max production facility near Seattle, implementing rigorous new quality control protocols in response to recent safety incidents. The initiative follows the January 2024 Alaska Airlines emergency when a door plug detached at 15,000 feet, exposing passengers to extreme conditions.

    The aerospace giant has fundamentally restructured its production processes at the Renton, Washington factory, addressing long-standing concerns about quality versus speed priorities. Key changes include enhanced inspection procedures where workers now utilize photographic guides instead of engineering drawings, reduced ‘travelled work’ (tasks performed out of sequence) by approximately 75% since February 2024, and implementation of daily and weekly quality reviews.

    According to Katie Ringgold, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing’s 737 program, the company is ‘right in the middle of the field’ with substantial progress still required. The transformation includes standardized processes across 40 critical manufacturing stations, simplified documentation that has cut instruction pages by half, and experimental tool-tracking technology to prevent oversights like the missing bolts in the door plug incident.

    The reforms are showing tangible results: Airlines report quality improvements, and the Federal Aviation Administration has eased some restrictions imposed after the 2024 incident and earlier 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people. However, employee surveys reveal declining pride in the company—from 91% in 2013 to 67% currently—with mixed opinions among workers about the pace of cultural change.

    As Boeing prepares to increase production to 42 monthly 737 Max jets and introduce a fourth production line next year, the company faces ongoing challenges in maintaining safety standards while competing with Airbus’s higher output rates. Union representatives acknowledge progress while emphasizing the need for sustained commitment to quality improvements.