Global Pulse

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  • Colorful forest in Chongqing village creates tapestry of autumn color

    Colorful forest in Chongqing village creates tapestry of autumn color

    Nestled within the mountainous terrain of Zhongxian county in Southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, Huguo village has emerged as a breathtaking natural spectacle during the winter season. The region’s extensive forest, covering more than 66 hectares across the mountain slopes, has reached its peak coloration period, creating a vibrant mosaic of autumn hues that captivates visitors and photography enthusiasts alike.

    From an aerial viewpoint, the landscape reveals a magnificent layered composition where crimson, amber, and golden foliage interweave beneath the gentle winter sunlight. This colorful transformation results from the diverse tree population dominated by sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and Chinese tallow trees (Triadica sebifera), species known for their spectacular seasonal color changes.

    According to local authorities, this natural display will maintain its visual splendor through March of next year, offering an extended viewing window for nature enthusiasts. The area has consequently become a significant attraction, drawing increased tourism to the previously quiet village and providing economic benefits to the local community through nature-based tourism.

    The phenomenon highlights the ecological richness of China’s southwestern region while demonstrating how natural assets can become valuable cultural and economic resources for rural communities. The preservation of such forests contributes to both environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development in the region.

  • Social media seal recovers, set for release in Bohai Bay

    Social media seal recovers, set for release in Bohai Bay

    A remarkable wildlife rescue story reaches its culmination as a severely injured spotted seal that captured national attention through social media platforms completes its rehabilitation journey. The marine mammal, which became an online sensation from Beihai in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has been successfully transported to Liaoning province on November 25 following an extensive 13.5-month recovery period.

    The spotted seal, classified as a first-class nationally protected animal in China, will soon be released into its natural habitat in Bohai Bay once environmental conditions become favorable. The animal’s ordeal began in September 2024 when it was first discovered with significant injuries near Weizhou Island off the coast of Beihai. After a month of monitoring its deteriorating condition, rescue teams intervened to provide critical care.

    During its rehabilitation, conservation specialists created a customized habitat featuring constant-temperature water systems to accommodate the cold-water species’ needs. The animal received daily medical attention for its wounds, while scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a comprehensive recovery strategy to ensure its successful rehabilitation.

    The treatment proved extraordinarily successful. By the time of its transfer northward, the seal had grown an additional 0.2 meters in length and gained 13 kilograms in healthy weight. All previous injuries had completely healed, and the animal regained full independence in both feeding and swimming capabilities.

    The complex cross-regional transfer operation was orchestrated by Beihai’s ocean administration bureau with coordination from Guangxi’s agricultural department. Dedicated staff accompanied the seal throughout the entire journey to ensure its safety and wellbeing during the transition to its native northern waters.

  • Crystal Fabergé egg crafted for Russian royalty shatters record and sells for $30.2 million

    Crystal Fabergé egg crafted for Russian royalty shatters record and sells for $30.2 million

    LONDON — An extraordinary piece of imperial Russian history achieved unprecedented auction success on Tuesday when the legendary Winter Egg by Fabergé commanded a staggering £22.9 million ($30.2 million) at Christie’s London. This monumental sale establishes a new world record for any Fabergé creation ever sold at auction.

    Crafted in 1913 during the final years of the Romanov dynasty, the Winter Egg represents one of only seven imperial Fabergé eggs remaining in private ownership. The masterpiece stands merely 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall yet embodies extraordinary craftsmanship with its exquisitely carved rock crystal shell adorned with a delicate platinum snowflake pattern set with approximately 4,500 brilliant diamonds.

    The egg’s magical design reveals an intricate surprise interior—a removable basket crafted from bejeweled quartz flowers symbolizing the arrival of spring. This artistic marvel was originally commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II as an Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, continuing a royal tradition initiated by his father Alexander III in 1885.

    Notably, the Winter Egg holds distinction as one of only two imperial Fabergé eggs designed by a female artist, Alma Pihl, whose other creation remains in the possession of the British royal family. The egg’s journey through history reflects Russia’s turbulent past—sold by communist authorities in the 1920s for merely £450, it disappeared for decades before resurfacing at auction in 1994 for 7 million Swiss francs.

    Margo Oganesian, head of Christie’s Russian art department, described the piece as ‘the Mona Lisa of decorative arts,’ emphasizing its unparalleled significance in the world of collectible art objects. Of the 50+ imperial eggs created by Peter Carl Fabergé between 1885-1917, only 43 survive today, with most residing in museum collections, making this private sale particularly exceptional.

  • Full House star Dave Coulier diagnosed with tongue cancer

    Full House star Dave Coulier diagnosed with tongue cancer

    Dave Coulier, the beloved actor renowned for his portrayal of Uncle Joey in the classic sitcom ‘Full House,’ has publicly disclosed a new health challenge: a diagnosis of tongue cancer. This announcement arrives just seven months after the 66-year-old comedian had celebrated being declared cancer-free following successful treatment for stage three non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a blood cancer, in 2024.

    In an interview with NBC’s Today show, Coulier provided details about his condition, identified as P16 squamous carcinoma located at the base of his tongue. Medical professionals have assured him of a highly optimistic 90% curability rate for this specific cancer. His treatment regimen involves 35 rounds of radiation therapy, scheduled for completion on December 31st. Coulier was explicit in stating that this new diagnosis is medically distinct and entirely unrelated to his previous bout with lymphoma.

    The actor elaborated on the discovery, explaining that the malignancy was detected during a routine PET scan in October. Further investigation revealed the presence of P16, a protein biomarker often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Coulier shared his doctors’ insight that the cancer could potentially stem from an HPV infection contracted decades prior, noting that while many carry the virus, his had activated and developed into carcinoma.

    Emphasizing the critical importance of preventative healthcare, Coulier credited early detection for his positive prognosis. He urged his fans and the public to prioritize regular medical check-ups, including colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams, stating unequivocally that such vigilance saves lives. While acknowledging the side effects of radiation, he contrasted it as a ‘whole different animal’ than the aggressive chemotherapy he previously endured.

    Coulier remains a cherished figure in entertainment, having appeared in all 192 episodes of the original ‘Full House’ series from 1987 to 1995 and later reprising his role in the Netflix sequel, ‘Fuller House.’

  • US President Trump warns Israel against ‘interfering’ in Syria

    US President Trump warns Israel against ‘interfering’ in Syria

    In a significant diplomatic intervention, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly cautioned Israel against actions that could destabilize Syria’s political transition. The warning follows a recent Israeli military operation in southern Syria that resulted in thirteen casualties, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

    President Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to emphasize the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue between Israel and Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. ‘It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State,’ Trump stated in his public message.

    The White House has been actively pursuing a security arrangement between the longtime adversaries since Sharaa’s Islamist coalition assumed power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad one year ago. Trump expressed particular satisfaction with Syria’s current trajectory under Sharaa, who recently made a historic visit to Washington, noting that the Syrian leader ‘is working diligently to ensure positive developments’ toward bilateral cooperation.

    The presidential admonition came shortly after a telephone discussion between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which the American leader extended an invitation for another White House meeting. According to statements from Netanyahu’s office, the two leaders addressed regional security concerns, including the imperative of disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, while exploring opportunities to broaden existing peace agreements.

    This diplomatic exchange occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions stemming from hundreds of Israeli strikes on Syrian territory. Friday’s operation in the village of Beit Jin, which Syria has condemned as a ‘war crime,’ targeted what Israel identified as members of Jamaa Islamiya—an Islamist organization allied with Hamas and based in Lebanon.

    The Trump administration has taken concrete steps to support Syria’s new government, including the lifting of certain sanctions and facilitating Damascus’s integration into the global coalition against the Islamic State. Administration officials view improved Israeli-Syrian relations as a crucial component of broader Middle East peace efforts, building upon the fragile Gaza ceasefire established in October.

    Netanyahu’s frequent visits to the Trump White House—more than any other foreign leader since Trump’s return to office—highlight the special relationship between the two administrations, even as they navigate complex regional dynamics involving Syria’s political transformation and ongoing security challenges.

  • Ranveer Singh’s sorry for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s role from ‘Kantara’

    Ranveer Singh’s sorry for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s role from ‘Kantara’

    Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has issued a formal apology following widespread criticism of his on-stage impersonation of Rishab Shetty’s performance from the acclaimed film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’. The incident occurred during the closing ceremonies of the 2025 International Film Festival of India in Goa, where Singh’s spontaneous recreation of a spiritual possession scene sparked immediate controversy.

    Addressing the backlash through his Instagram Stories, Singh expressed contrition while clarifying his artistic intentions. ‘My purpose was solely to emphasize Rishab’s extraordinary portrayal in the film,’ the actor explained. ‘As one performer to another, I recognize the immense dedication required to execute that specific scene with such conviction—a achievement that commands my profound respect.’

    Singh further elaborated on his cultural sensitivities: ‘I have consistently maintained deep reverence for all cultural traditions and beliefs within our nation. Should my actions have inadvertently offended anyone, I extend my heartfelt apologies.’

    The controversial moment unfolded as Singh praised Shetty’s performance before live audiences, specifically referencing the supernatural sequence where a female entity inhabits the protagonist’s physical form. While Shetty himself responded with apparent amusement during the live event, digital platforms subsequently erupted with critiques condemning the imitation as culturally insensitive.

    ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ explores the historical foundations of Daiva worship practices within Tulunadu’s indigenous communities, tracing spiritual lineages to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty portrays Berme—guardian of Kantara’s woodland territories and protector of tribal inhabitants—alongside co-stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. The narrative centers upon conflicts between aristocratic families seeking dominion over sacred lands and local populations defending their ancestral traditions.

    Looking forward, Singh is scheduled to appear in ‘Dhurandhar,’ an espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar featuring ensemble cast members Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. The project represents a collaborative production between Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

  • Israeli settlers uproot hundreds of trees belonging to Palestinian in West Bank

    Israeli settlers uproot hundreds of trees belonging to Palestinian in West Bank

    A significant escalation of settler violence in the occupied West Bank has resulted in the systematic destruction of Palestinian agricultural assets, according to multiple local sources. On Monday, Israeli settlers from the Susya settlement conducted a coordinated assault on farmlands south of Hebron, specifically targeting the Khirbet Khallat al-Homs area southeast of Massafer Yatta.

    The attack involved the deliberate uprooting of approximately 850 olive and grape trees using bulldozers, alongside the vandalization of critical agricultural infrastructure. The targeted destruction specifically affected properties belonging to the Obeid al-Masri family, with reports indicating damage to 500 grapevines and 350 olive trees that constituted their primary livelihood.

    According to the Bedouin rights organization Al-Baydar, this incident represents part of a persistent pattern of violations in the Khallat al-Homs area, where settlers have repeatedly appropriated Palestinian land for grazing livestock. The organization emphasized that these attacks directly threaten agricultural sustainability and economic stability for local farmers.

    This event coincides with a documented surge in settler violence across multiple West Bank regions since October 2023. Recent days have witnessed parallel attacks reported in Hebron, Nablus, Jordan Valley, Jerusalem, and Jericho. In Burqa village northwest of Nablus, settlers incendiarized an agricultural tractor and defaced residential properties with racist graffiti. Simultaneously, settlers excavated land near Khirbet al-Deir in the Jordan Valley to access natural springs, while establishing new unauthorized outposts near Mikhmas northeast of Jerusalem.

    International legal frameworks, particularly the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, explicitly classify settlement construction in occupied territories as both illegal and constituting war crimes. Despite this clear legal standing, the Israeli government continues to authorize thousands of new settler homes annually. Unauthorized outposts constructed without governmental approval are additionally proliferating with minimal regulatory intervention.

    Ameer Dawood of the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission characterized the recent violence as ‘alarming and unprecedented in both scale and intensity,’ noting a consistent pattern of escalation over the past two years that fundamentally undermines Palestinian agricultural communities.

  • China’s homegrown C919 makes high-altitude debut in Lanzhou

    China’s homegrown C919 makes high-altitude debut in Lanzhou

    China’s aviation industry marked a significant technological milestone on December 1, 2025, as the domestically developed C919 large passenger aircraft successfully completed its inaugural commercial landing at a high-altitude airport. The landmark event occurred at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, situated 1,948.7 meters above sea level, demonstrating the aircraft’s capability to operate in challenging atmospheric conditions.

    Operated by China Eastern Airlines as flight MU9179, the twin-engine narrow-body jet touched down smoothly at the northwestern Chinese airport, establishing regular commercial service on the Shanghai-Lanzhou route. This achievement represents a critical advancement for China’s civil aviation sector, showcasing the C919’s performance capabilities in thin-air environments where aircraft require specialized engineering for safe operations.

    The successful high-altitude landing validates years of research and development by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), which designed the C919 to compete with established aircraft models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Aviation experts note that high-altitude operations present unique challenges including reduced air density, which affects engine performance, lift generation, and braking efficiency.

    This operational breakthrough signals China’s growing proficiency in aerospace technology and manufacturing, potentially expanding the C919’s route network to other high-elevation airports across China and internationally. The achievement comes after extensive testing and certification processes that evaluated the aircraft’s systems under various atmospheric conditions.

    The C919’s expansion into high-altitude commercial routes demonstrates China’s strategic commitment to developing indigenous technological capabilities in aerospace, reducing dependency on foreign aircraft manufacturers, and capturing a share of the global commercial aviation market.

  • VR headsets take war-scarred children to world away from Gaza

    VR headsets take war-scarred children to world away from Gaza

    In the aftermath of prolonged conflict, innovative virtual reality therapy is providing psychological respite for children severely affected by the war in Gaza. At a temporary facility in Al-Zawayda, central Gaza, young trauma survivors are experiencing immersive therapeutic sessions through specialized VR headsets that transport them to peaceful virtual environments far removed from their war-torn reality.

    Within a white tent erected on sandy terrain, children wearing TechMed Gaza headsets explore digitally created landscapes featuring serene beaches, lush gardens, and safe urban settings. The therapy sessions, observed by AFP journalists, show visibly engaged participants—one child reaches out to touch virtual elements, another reports seeing birds, while a wheelchair-bound boy describes encountering trees, grass, and flowers.

    Mental health supervisor Abdalla Abu Shamale explains that the program extends beyond mere escapism. “Through specialized programming, we design games with therapeutic, preventive, and developmental objectives that help children develop effective coping mechanisms,” he stated. The technology has demonstrated particular effectiveness with war-amputee children, those with physical injuries, and those exposed to extreme traumatic events.

    The urgency of mental health intervention in Gaza is underscored by UNICEF statistics indicating approximately one million children—effectively the entire child population of Gaza—require mental health and psychosocial support following two years of devastating conflict. According to the World Health Organization, conflict-related injuries carry significant mental health consequences, with survivors struggling with trauma and loss while psychosocial services remain scarce.

    Clinical results show promising outcomes, with VR therapy achieving measurable improvements in significantly fewer sessions than traditional methods. Where conventional therapy typically requires 10-12 sessions, VR techniques can produce positive results within just 5-7 sessions, according to program operators. The technology allows therapists to create customized experiences that account for each child’s specific physical and psychological condition, helping rebuild positive perceptions of the world.

    The therapy continues despite the fragile ceasefire that has held since October 10 between Israel and Hamas, offering a innovative approach to addressing the massive mental health crisis affecting Gaza’s youngest generation.

  • Google Doodle celebrates the UAE’s 54th National Day

    Google Doodle celebrates the UAE’s 54th National Day

    In a vibrant digital tribute marking the United Arab Emirates’ 54th National Day, Google has unveiled a special animated Doodle featuring the nation’s iconic four-colored flag gracefully fluttering against a sky backdrop. This artistic celebration appeared exclusively for UAE-based users on the search engine’s homepage throughout Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025.

    The commemorative Doodle recognizes the UAE’s remarkable transformation journey since its federation establishment in 1971. Google’s tribute highlights the nation’s achievements across diverse sectors including life sciences, real estate development, and entrepreneurial innovation, reflecting the country’s position as a global hub for progressive vision and boundary-pushing initiatives.

    This year’s animation continues Google’s tradition of honoring UAE National Day with culturally significant artwork. Previous commemorative Doodles have featured emblematic national symbols including the revered falcon, the resilient Arabian oryx—a species successfully reintroduced to its native desert habitat after near extinction—and traditional imagery of camel procession against silhouetted urban skylines.

    The digital celebration coincides with physical commemorations across the Emirates, including special events at Abu Dhabi’s newly inaugurated Zayed National Museum where rare historical footage was presented to the nation’s rulers during Eid Al Etihad ceremonies. These coordinated celebrations underscore the UAE’s unique blend of cultural heritage preservation and futuristic ambition that continues to inspire both citizens and global observers alike.

    Google’s Doodle initiative represents part of the technology giant’s ongoing commitment to recognizing significant cultural and national milestones worldwide through creative digital expressions that reach millions of daily users.