Global Pulse

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  • Pakistan routs Australia by 90 runs to clinch T20 series victory

    Pakistan routs Australia by 90 runs to clinch T20 series victory

    Pakistan’s cricket team secured a commanding 90-run victory against Australia in the second T20 match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, claiming the series win with one game remaining. The triumph marks Pakistan’s largest margin of victory over Australia in T20 history.

    Captain Salman Ali Agha delivered a spectacular performance with 76 runs off just 40 balls, supported by Usman Khan’s aggressive 53 from 36 deliveries, propelling Pakistan to an imposing total of 198-5. Agha’s strategic decision to promote himself to number three proved instrumental as he dominated both spin and pace bowling with powerful sweeps and precise cover drives.

    Australia’s response crumbled against Pakistan’s spin attack, with leg-spinners Abrar Ahmed (3-14) and Shadab Khan (3-26) dismantling the batting lineup. The visitors were bowled out for a meager 108 runs in just 15.4 overs, losing momentum early in the power play and never recovering.

    Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, returning to the lineup after missing the first game, acknowledged Pakistan’s dominance: ‘They put us under great pressure in the power play. It was probably a 160-170 wicket. We have experienced guys who know partnerships are important, but we couldn’t execute today.’

    The victory provides crucial momentum for Pakistan as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka beginning February 7. Australia, meanwhile, faces significant concerns about their ability to handle quality spin bowling ahead of the global tournament.

  • Demonstrators in Milan protest ICE unit at Winter Olympics, criticizing ‘creeping fascism’

    Demonstrators in Milan protest ICE unit at Winter Olympics, criticizing ‘creeping fascism’

    MILAN — Hundreds of activists converged in central Milan on Saturday to voice vehement opposition to the planned involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in security operations for the forthcoming Winter Olympics, despite official clarifications that these agents would operate solely from command centers rather than engaging in street-level activities.

    The demonstration at Piazza XXV Aprile—a symbolic location commemorating Italy’s 1945 liberation from Nazi fascism—drew participants from across the political spectrum, including representatives from the left-leaning Democratic Party, the CGIL trade union confederation, and the ANPI organizations dedicated to preserving the legacy of Italy’s World War II resistance movement.

    Protesters employed plastic whistles distributed by organizers, creating a cacophony of dissent amplified by music from support vehicles. The gathering represented dual objections: both to the operational presence of any ICE division within Italian territory and to what participants characterized as escalating fascist tendencies within American political institutions.

    Notable banners conveyed ideological resistance through cultural references, with messages including “Ice only in Spritz”—a playful appropriation of Italy’s popular aperitif terminology. Other placards drew explicit historical parallels, with one protester displaying a sign equating ICE to the Nazi Gestapo.

    The controversy has triggered significant political repercussions domestically. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala previously declared ICE personnel unwelcome in the city, while Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi faces parliamentary scrutiny regarding the security arrangement.

    Despite official explanations that deployed agents belong to Homeland Security Investigations—a specialized unit focusing on transnational criminal investigations rather than immigration enforcement—protesters maintained absolute opposition. Paolo Bortoletto, one demonstrator, acknowledged the distinction but emphasized: “We don’t want them in our country. It’s their ideas that bother us.”

    The Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 6 will host U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, occurring against this backdrop of diplomatic tension and public discontent.

  • Japan, Britain to boost cybersecurity and critical minerals cooperation as China’s influence grows

    Japan, Britain to boost cybersecurity and critical minerals cooperation as China’s influence grows

    TOKYO — In a significant diplomatic move, Japan and the United Kingdom have committed to deepening their strategic cooperation on cybersecurity and securing supply chains for critical minerals. This agreement was reached during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to Tokyo on Saturday, highlighting a shared commitment to address growing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Prime Minister Starmer characterized his visit as occurring during an era of profound ‘geopolitical, economic and technological shocks’ that are fundamentally reshaping global dynamics. The discussions with Japanese leadership focused on strengthening collective security frameworks across both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions while enhancing economic resilience against external pressures.

    A cornerstone of the new partnership involves establishing a comprehensive cyber strategic initiative designed to bolster both nations’ defenses against digital threats. This cybersecurity collaboration comes amid increasing concerns about vulnerabilities in Japan’s digital infrastructure, particularly as the country accelerates its military modernization program and deepens security ties with the United States and other regional partners.

    The bilateral talks also addressed urgent concerns regarding global export restrictions on critical minerals, which include rare earth elements and other materials vital for economic and military applications. Both nations acknowledged the pressing need for like-minded countries to collaborate in building more diversified and resilient supply chains, reducing dependence on single sources for these strategically important resources.

    This strengthened partnership occurs against the backdrop of regional tensions, particularly regarding China’s growing influence and recent comments by Japanese officials concerning potential involvement in Taiwan-related scenarios. While Prime Minister Starmer recently pursued a ‘strategic partnership’ with China during his visit to Beijing, the UK-Japan agreement demonstrates a parallel effort to build security cooperation among democratic nations.

    As Japan’s sole treaty ally remains the United States, the East Asian nation has been actively expanding its network of security partnerships with other friendly nations including Australia and Britain in response to uncertainties about Washington’s long-term security commitments in the region.

    The two major trading and defense partners further agreed to collaborate in supporting institutions that maintain a free and predictable multilateral trade system, including potential expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and enhanced cooperation with the European Union.

    Japanese officials expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, with one representative stating, ‘I hope to elevate Japan-British relations even higher,’ signaling commitment to continued partnership development in facing shared challenges.

  • Watch: Frozen river hosts dance party in Kyiv

    Watch: Frozen river hosts dance party in Kyiv

    Amidst the harsh winter conditions and ongoing energy disruptions resulting from military attacks, the resilient citizens of Kyiv have discovered an extraordinary venue for communal joy: the frozen surface of the Dnipro River. This spontaneous ice-bound gathering represents a remarkable display of Ukrainian spirit in the face of adversity.

    With temperatures plunging below freezing and persistent power outages affecting daily life, Kyiv residents have transformed their challenges into opportunities for creative expression. The river, typically flowing through the Ukrainian capital, has become an unlikely dance floor where communities unite to share moments of lightheartedness and cultural solidarity.

    This unconventional celebration emerges as both a psychological response to prolonged stress and a demonstration of human adaptability. Participants bundled in winter clothing have been documented dancing to music played through portable speakers, their movements creating a powerful visual contrast against the winter landscape. The event has generated significant social media attention, with videos capturing the juxtaposition of joyful expression against the backdrop of ongoing difficulties.

    Local authorities have noted that such gatherings, while organic in nature, reflect the broader Ukrainian experience of maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion during challenging times. The frozen river phenomenon demonstrates how urban spaces can be reimagined during extraordinary circumstances, serving as testament to the enduring human capacity for finding light in darkness.

  • Mamdani’s mother Mira Nair named in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files

    Mamdani’s mother Mira Nair named in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files

    A massive trove of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department has revealed new connections between powerful figures and the network of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among the disclosures is evidence that filmmaker Mira Nair, mother of New York politician Zohran Mamdani, attended an exclusive afterparty hosted by Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell in 2009.

    The document release, comprising over three million pages of FBI records along with thousands of videos and images, occurred six weeks past its congressional deadline. The materials stem from the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated full public disclosure of all federal records related to Epstein’s case.

    A particularly revealing email from publicist Peggy Siegal, dated October 21, 2009, describes the gathering at Maxwell’s townhouse following the premiere of Nair’s film ‘Amelia.’ The message names former President Bill Clinton and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos among the attendees, while offering a critical assessment of the film’s reception.

    Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed concerns about potential cover-ups during a press conference, stating: ‘There’s this built-in assumption that somehow there’s this hidden tranche of information of men that we know about, that we’re covering up. That is not the case.’

    The documents also include correspondence between Epstein and billionaire Elon Musk discussing a potential visit to Epstein’s private island, as well as images showing various prominent figures socializing with the convicted sex offender.

    Notably, officials revealed that hundreds of lawyers reviewed the materials to protect victims’ identities, with all women except Maxwell being obscured in released visual materials. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking convictions.

    Epstein died in August 2019 in what was ruled a suicide while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, following a controversial 2008 plea deal that resulted in only 13 months of custody.

  • Rare story: How Sheikh Mohammed reacted to error ahead of Dubai Tram launch

    Rare story: How Sheikh Mohammed reacted to error ahead of Dubai Tram launch

    In a revealing account of leadership philosophy, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum demonstrated exceptional management approach when confronted with a pre-launch error in the emirate’s transport infrastructure. The incident, recounted by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), occurred just days before the 2014 inauguration of the Dubai Tram system.

    During final inspections on August 9, 2014, Al Tayer identified a significant design flaw in the tram configuration—the women and children’s carriage had been positioned in the middle rather than at the end of the train. This discovery came simultaneously with the announcement that Sheikh Mohammed would personally inspect the project within forty-eight hours.

    Rather than concealing the error, Al Tayer immediately notified the royal leader, transparently acknowledging the mistake discovered during trial phases. Sheikh Mohammed’s response exemplified transformative leadership: instead of criticism or reprimand, he reframed the incident as a learning opportunity. His instruction, “You did not make a mistake. You learned. Don’t say we made a mistake—say we learned,” fundamentally shifted the organizational perspective on error management.

    The practical solution involved relocating the designated carriage to its proper position at the tram’s end, while the philosophical approach established a culture where accountability and continuous improvement superseded blame. This leadership model turned a potential embarrassment into an institutional lesson in operational problem-solving and responsible governance.

    The Dubai Tram commenced official operations on November 11, 2014, creating vital transportation links between Dubai Metro, the Palm Monorail, and key areas along Al Sufouh Road and Jumeirah Beach Road. Beyond its physical infrastructure, the project carries this embedded lesson in leadership excellence that continues to define Dubai’s approach to major development initiatives.

  • UAE petrol, diesel prices for February 2026 announced

    UAE petrol, diesel prices for February 2026 announced

    The United Arab Emirates has officially set its fuel pricing structure for February 2026, marking a continuation of its market-based approach to petroleum products. The Fuel Price Committee released the updated rates on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, which will take effect from February 1st.

    According to the announcement, all three gasoline variants and diesel will experience a modest reduction compared to January 2026 prices. Super 98 premium petrol will retail at Dh2.45 per liter, down from Dh2.53 the previous month. Special 95, the mid-grade option, will decrease to Dh2.33 per liter from Dh2.42. The most economical choice, E-Plus 91, will be priced at Dh2.26 per liter, reduced from Dh2.34.

    Diesel prices will also see a downward adjustment, settling at Dh2.52 per liter compared to January’s rate of Dh2.55. This pricing pattern reflects the UAE’s continued adherence to its 2015 fuel market deregulation policy, which eliminated government subsidies and aligned domestic prices with international market fluctuations.

    The monthly price review mechanism ensures that UAE consumers benefit from global oil market trends while promoting energy conservation and economic efficiency. This marks the second consecutive month of price adjustments following January’s increase, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the fuel market under the current regulatory framework.

  • Gardaí seize cannabis worth more than €10m

    Gardaí seize cannabis worth more than €10m

    In a significant blow to organized crime, Irish law enforcement has intercepted a massive cannabis shipment valued at approximately €10 million. The operation, conducted in County Louth on Friday, resulted in the seizure of 506 kilograms of the illicit substance.

    The successful interdiction was a collaborative effort between the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Irish Revenue Customs Service. Acting on intelligence, authorities targeted a property suspected of being a central hub in a sophisticated drug distribution network.

    Three individuals, identified as two men in their thirties and one in his fifties, were taken into custody on suspicion of drug trafficking offenses. The suspects are currently being held for questioning at Garda stations across the Louth and Dublin regions.

    This high-impact seizure forms a critical part of Operation Tara, an ongoing and strategic initiative by An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force) designed to dismantle and disrupt drug-dealing operations across the Republic of Ireland. The operation highlights the continued focus of Irish authorities on targeting the infrastructure and financial underpinnings of organized criminal groups involved in the narcotics trade.

  • Power outages hit Ukraine and Moldova as Kyiv struggles against the winter cold

    Power outages hit Ukraine and Moldova as Kyiv struggles against the winter cold

    A significant technical malfunction within interconnected power infrastructure precipitated extensive emergency blackouts across multiple Ukrainian regions and neighboring Moldova on Saturday. Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the cascading grid failure originated from technical issues affecting transnational power lines, which activated automatic protection systems and plunged areas into darkness.

    The outages severely impacted Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, alongside the Zhytomyr and Kharkiv regions, resulting in suspended water supplies and temporary halts to the city’s subway network due to critically low voltage levels. Simultaneously, Moldova experienced parallel blackouts, including in its capital Chisinau, with Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu urging public calm while restoration efforts commenced.

    This incident compounds an already dire energy situation following weeks of systematic Russian strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure—a strategy Ukrainian officials condemn as the ‘weaponization of winter.’ The timing proves particularly severe as forecasters predict temperatures plummeting to -30°C (-22°F), creating potentially life-threatening conditions for civilians.

    Diplomatic developments shadow the energy crisis, with the Kremlin acknowledging a personal request from U.S. President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a temporary pause in targeting Kyiv and other urban centers during extreme cold. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed this limited cessation until Sunday to ‘create favorable conditions for negotiations,’ though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains skeptical of Moscow’s intentions.

    The pause precedes anticipated trilateral talks involving U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi on February 1st, following earlier meetings that marked the first simultaneous engagement between Trump administration officials and both warring parties. Fundamental disagreements regarding occupied territories continue to present significant obstacles to any potential peace settlement, as the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary with no resolution in sight.

  • Fifa World Cup trophy tour to begin North American journey in Mexico, visit 38 cities

    Fifa World Cup trophy tour to begin North American journey in Mexico, visit 38 cities

    The iconic FIFA World Cup trophy has launched an extensive North American exhibition tour, marking the ceremonial countdown to the 2026 World Cup. This prestigious journey commenced in Mexico City on February 26th, initiating a 75-day pilgrimage across the continent that will showcase football’s most coveted prize to millions of fans.

    Following its global inauguration in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 3rd, the authentic trophy will traverse Mexico through ten major destinations including cultural landmarks like Chichen Itza and metropolitan centers such as Guadalajara and Monterrey. The Mexican leg concludes on March 22nd in Mérida before the trophy crosses into the United States.

    The American segment launches in Los Angeles on March 24th-25th, featuring an ambitious 21-city itinerary that encompasses all eleven host cities alongside ten additional major markets. The tour will weave through diverse regions from Las Vegas to Seattle, Chicago to Miami, with stops in cultural hubs like New Orleans and sporting hotbeds like Philadelphia.

    Canada welcomes the trophy in Vancouver on April 10th-11th, with seven Canadian cities included in the cross-continental journey. The Canadian portion culminates in Toronto on May 25th-26th, after which the trophy returns to the United States for final appearances in Boston and New York/New Jersey.

    The monumental tour will conclude with a triumphant return to Mexico City from June 5th-8th, immediately preceding the World Cup’s opening match. This unprecedented accessibility initiative allows fans across North America to engage directly with football history, building anticipation for the first World Cup hosted jointly by three nations.