Global Pulse

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  • UAE weather: Chance of rain; lowest temperature at 18°C in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah

    UAE weather: Chance of rain; lowest temperature at 18°C in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah

    The United Arab Emirates anticipates agreeable weather conditions throughout the National Day holiday period, offering residents and visitors comfortable climatic conditions for celebrations. Meteorological projections indicate partly cloudy to occasionally overcast skies across specific coastal, northern, and eastern regions on Saturday, November 29th, with intermittent rainfall possibilities.

    Weather authorities note increasing humidity levels anticipated during Saturday night through Sunday morning across interior zones, potentially resulting in mist formation. Winds are forecast to transition from light to moderate southeasterly patterns to northwesterly directions, occasionally intensifying with velocities ranging between 10-25 km/h, potentially reaching 40 km/h gusts. These conditions may generate blowing dust particles amid cloud activity.

    Maritime conditions are projected to remain slight to moderate throughout the Arabian Gulf, while the Oman Sea will experience generally calm waters. Temperature distributions will showcase peak readings of 29°C in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Sharjah reaching 30°C. Minimum temperatures will descend to 18°C in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, while Dubai maintains a slightly warmer low of 21°C. The day’s maximum temperature of 30.8°C was documented in Tawiyen (Fujairah) at 14:15 local time.

    The National Center of Meteorology confirms the weather pattern from Saturday through December 3rd will feature moderately warm daytime conditions transitioning to pleasant evenings and cool early mornings. Partly cloudy coverage will extend across most territories, with increased cloud accumulation periodically, particularly affecting northern, coastal, and island areas, maintaining potential for scattered rainfall occurrences.

  • Australian prime minister becomes first to wed in office

    Australian prime minister becomes first to wed in office

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has entered the history books by marrying his partner Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony held in Canberra on Saturday. This landmark event marks the first time a sitting Australian prime minister has married while occupying the nation’s highest office.

    The wedding took place at the prime minister’s official residence, The Lodge, following the conclusion of the parliamentary year. The couple, who became engaged on Valentine’s Day last year in another historic first for a sitting prime minister, exchanged vows before close family and friends in a ceremony that had been meticulously guarded for security reasons.

    In a heartfelt statement, Prime Minister Albanese expressed their joy: ‘We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.’ The intimate gathering included Ms. Haydon’s parents and Albanese’s son from his previous marriage, creating a deeply personal atmosphere for the political leader.

    The ceremony featured several touching moments, including the couple’s dog Toto serving as ring bearer and their recessional walk accompanied by Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).’ Guests celebrated the newlyweds by showering them with confetti, a moment captured in video shared on the prime minister’s official social media accounts.

    The reception showcased custom-made beer cans printed with the image used to announce their engagement, while the couple’s first dance was to Frank Sinatra’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight.’ Several cabinet ministers attended the celebrations, highlighting the unique intersection of personal joy and public leadership.

    The couple first met at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020 while Albanese served as opposition leader. Ms. Haydon has since become a visible presence in the prime minister’s public life, accompanying him to significant events including Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and state dinners hosted by former U.S. President Joe Biden.

    Following the ceremony, the couple plans a modest honeymoon within Australia, adjusted due to the prime minister’s responsibilities following his re-election in May.

  • Hong Kong mourns victims of devastating Tai Po fire

    Hong Kong mourns victims of devastating Tai Po fire

    Hong Kong has commenced an official three-day mourning period following one of the most devastating fires in its history, which claimed 128 lives in the Tai Po district’s Wang Fuk Court residential complex. The solemn ceremonies began Saturday morning with a government-organized memorial service featuring flags flown at half-mast and a three-minute silence observed across the special administrative region.

    The emotionally charged ceremony at government headquarters saw the simultaneous lowering of both national and regional flags, attended by senior HKSAR officials and central government representatives. Dozens of residents gathered outside the East Wing Forecourt since early morning to participate in the tribute, demonstrating community solidarity in the face of tragedy.

    Official mourning protocols have been implemented throughout Hong Kong, with all government buildings—including overseas offices—displaying flags at half-mast until Monday. All government-organized entertainment and celebration events have been canceled or postponed, with officials attending only essential public activities during this period.

    The catastrophic fire, which raged for 43 hours from Wednesday afternoon until Friday morning, represents one of Hong Kong’s deadliest building fires on record. Beyond the confirmed fatalities—which include one firefighter—approximately 200 individuals remain missing, with 89 bodies yet to be formally identified. The incident also left 79 people injured, including 12 firefighters who responded to the emergency.

    Authorities have established condolence books available across all 18 districts of Hong Kong, allowing citizens to express their sympathies collectively. Rescue operations, investigation procedures, and relief efforts continue as the city unites in grief and support for affected families.

  • Airlines work to fix software glitch on A320 aircraft and some flights are disrupted

    Airlines work to fix software glitch on A320 aircraft and some flights are disrupted

    Airlines worldwide experienced operational disruptions over the weekend as carriers implemented emergency software updates for Airbus A320 family aircraft, following an investigation that linked solar radiation to potential flight control anomalies. The coordinated global action came after aviation authorities identified that intense solar activity could corrupt critical flight data, prompting both the FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency to mandate immediate corrective measures.

    The software vulnerability first came to light following a October 30th JetBlue incident where an aircraft suddenly lost altitude during a flight from Cancun to Newark, resulting in 15 passenger injuries and an emergency diversion to Tampa. Subsequent analysis revealed that cosmic radiation interference could affect the aircraft’s angle of attack sensors, creating potential safety concerns.

    Airbus confirmed Friday that the issue specifically affected its A320 series, the world’s bestselling single-aisle aircraft family and primary competitor to Boeing’s 737. The European manufacturer developed a software patch requiring approximately two hours per aircraft to install, with airlines worldwide scrambling to implement the fix during peak Thanksgiving travel period in the United States.

    American Airlines, operating 209 affected aircraft among its 480 A320-family planes, reported completing most updates by Friday with remaining installations scheduled for Saturday. Delta Air Lines anticipated fewer than 50 affected aircraft, while United Airlines reported six planes requiring updates. Hawaiian Airlines reported no impact, and Air India confirmed completing updates on 40% of its affected fleet without cancellations.

    International carriers including Japan’s All Nippon Airways canceled 65 domestic flights Saturday, with potential additional Sunday cancellations. European operators reported minimal disruptions, with France’s transport ministry noting an “almost complete return to normal” at French airports following overnight software installations. British Airways, Lufthansa, and SAS all reported successful updates with minimal schedule impacts.

    Aviation experts noted the particular challenge of addressing the issue during peak travel season but emphasized the relative simplicity of the software fix. Mike Stengel of AeroDynamic Advisory commented: “While certainly not ideal for this to occur on such a ubiquitous aircraft during a busy holiday weekend, the silver lining is that the update requires only a few hours per plane.”

  • Thai prime minister acknowledges flood response failures as death toll rises to 162

    Thai prime minister acknowledges flood response failures as death toll rises to 162

    BANGKOK — The Thai government has announced a substantial recovery initiative addressing catastrophic flooding that has devastated the country’s southern region, resulting in significant casualties and widespread damage. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally acknowledged governmental shortcomings in disaster response during a Saturday press briefing, while outlining compensation measures for affected citizens.

    Official statistics from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reveal the staggering scale of impact: approximately 1.4 million households encompassing 3.8 million individuals across twelve southern provinces have been affected by torrential rains. The confirmed death toll stands at 162 fatalities across eight provinces, with Songkhla province bearing the heaviest burden at 126 recorded deaths.

    In a notable display of royal solidarity, King Maha Vajiralongkorn has pledged 100 million baht (approximately $3.11 million) to Hat Yai Hospital, which sustained severe flood damage, alongside committing royal support for funeral arrangements of all flood victims. This royal intervention complements government efforts as water levels finally began receding Saturday morning, allowing residents to return to their devastated properties.

    Prime Minister Anutin confirmed that financial compensation distributions would commence next week, accompanied by additional relief measures including debt suspension programs and interest-free loans for business recovery and home repairs. The comprehensive response package comes amid growing public criticism regarding the government’s flood management capabilities, which the Prime Minister directly addressed during his field visits to affected communities.

  • Nigeria blames jihadist groups for wave of kidnappings but others accuse criminal gangs

    Nigeria blames jihadist groups for wave of kidnappings but others accuse criminal gangs

    Nigeria confronts a severe security emergency as conflicting narratives emerge regarding perpetrators behind a recent wave of mass abductions. While the government attributes these kidnappings to jihadist organizations Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), independent analysts present contradictory evidence pointing to local criminal networks.

    The crisis intensified through three major incidents within one week: On November 17, 25 students and a teacher were abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi state; November 18 witnessed 38 worshippers kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara state; and November 21 saw the most devastating attack with approximately 250 children and 12 staff members taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state. While most victims from the first two incidents have been released, the majority from the Niger state kidnapping remain captive.

    Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare asserted to BBC that ‘abundant data nationally and internationally reveals clearly that ISWAP are all over the place,’ maintaining that both ISWAP and remnants of Boko Haram are responsible. However, the government has not produced concrete evidence supporting these claims.

    Contrary to official statements, security analysts and the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) identify Fulani militia groups—locally termed ‘bandits’—as the actual perpetrators. These decentralized criminal networks operate primarily in northwestern Nigeria, distinct from the jihadist groups concentrated in the northeast. According to ACLED’s analysis, the school abduction in Niger state appears partially motivated by political objectives against the government, while the church attack in Kwara state aligns with Fulani expansionist agendas and displacement campaigns for illegal mining operations.

    The kidnapping epidemic represents a lucrative criminal enterprise in Nigeria, where ransom payments remain illegal but widely suspected to occur. Presidential spokesman Dare ambiguously referenced ‘kinetic, non-kinetic, negotiations, etc.’ as successful processes for securing releases, avoiding direct confirmation of ransom payments.

    This security crisis has attracted international attention, particularly after former US President Donald Trump threatened military intervention if Christian targeting continues. However, Nigerian officials and experts emphasize that victims span all religious affiliations, contradicting narratives of sectarian targeting.

    The situation echoes Nigeria’s tragic history with mass abductions, notably the infamous Chibok schoolgirls incident where many children remained captive for years or died in captivity. Current President Bola Tinubu has promised to rescue remaining abductees but provided no timeline for resolution.

  • Australian prime minister Albanese becomes the first ever to marry in office

    Australian prime minister Albanese becomes the first ever to marry in office

    In a landmark event for Australian political history, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese exchanged vows with partner Jodie Haydon in a discreet ceremony held Saturday at The Lodge, his official Canberra residence. The wedding marks the first instance of a sitting Australian prime minister marrying during their term in the nation’s 124-year federal history.

    The intimate afternoon ceremony, conducted by a civil celebrant, was attended by approximately 60 guests including several cabinet ministers. Notably absent was media coverage, with details emerging only after the event concluded. The couple released a statement expressing their delight at sharing “our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.”

    The personalized ceremony featured custom-written vows and included their dog Toto as ring bearer and Haydon’s 5-year-old niece Ella as flower girl. The wedding followed careful political consideration, as initial plans for a larger 2024 celebration were postponed due to concerns that an elaborate ceremony during a cost-of-living crisis might impact the ruling Labor Party’s reelection prospects.

    The Prime Minister, 62 and divorced with an adult son, proposed to Haydon, 46, on Valentine’s Day 2023 at The Lodge. The couple met at a Melbourne business dinner in 2020, where Haydon works in the finance sector. The wedding occurred just two days after Parliament concluded its annual session, providing a discreet window for the private celebration.

  • Namibia aims to attract investors: Envoy

    Namibia aims to attract investors: Envoy

    Namibia is actively courting Chinese investment across multiple strategic sectors, positioning itself as China’s premier cooperation partner in southern Africa. The African nation’s newly appointed ambassador to China, Tonata Itenge-Emvula, has articulated a clear vision for bilateral economic collaboration rooted in mutual benefit and sustainable development.

    With China already established as Namibia’s largest source of foreign direct investment—accounting for approximately 30% of total inflows—and its second-largest trading partner after South Africa, the foundation for expanded cooperation is firmly established. More than 50 Chinese enterprises currently operate within Namibian borders, including major stakeholders in significant mining operations such as the Husab Mine and Rossing Uranium Mine.

    The investment priorities identified by Namibia align strategically with China’s global leadership areas, particularly renewable energy technologies, agricultural modernization, and large-scale industrial processing. Namibia is rapidly emerging as a green energy frontier, with its southern coastline hosting one of Africa’s most advanced large-scale green hydrogen initiatives. The country’s abundant wind and solar resources position it to produce clean fuels, green ammonia, and sustainable industrial products for global markets, including China’s expanding clean energy sector.

    Recent offshore oil discoveries exceeding 3 billion barrels have further elevated Namibia’s status as an emerging petroleum region. Ambassador Itenge-Emvula specifically encouraged Chinese investors to participate in refining and downstream processing operations, moving beyond raw material exports to build industrial capacity that generates employment and develops local expertise.

    Agriculture and food processing represent another priority sector for enhanced cooperation. Through targeted investments in irrigation infrastructure, cold chain technology, and modern agro-processing facilities, Namibia aims to transform into a reliable supplier of premium food products to Asian markets while supporting China’s food security objectives.

    As the world’s third-largest uranium producer with significant deposits of lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper, Namibia serves as a crucial supplier of minerals essential to new energy industries. The ambassador emphasized the importance of developing local value chains and mineral processing capabilities rather than continuing the export of unprocessed ore.

    These opportunities are strengthened through Namibia’s active participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, which provide favorable financing arrangements, trade facilitation measures, and technology exchange mechanisms for enterprises from both nations.

  • Trump vows to halt ‘3rd world’ migration flow

    Trump vows to halt ‘3rd world’ migration flow

    In a dramatic policy announcement with far-reaching implications, former President Donald Trump has declared his intention to implement a comprehensive suspension of migration from what he termed “Third World Countries.” This decisive move comes in direct response to a recent ambush near the White House that resulted in the death of a National Guard member and critical injuries to another.

    The attack, which investigators attribute to an Afghan national who entered the United States through a Biden-era resettlement program, has rapidly evolved into a significant political flashpoint. Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to outline his proposed measures, which include terminating millions of immigration approvals granted during the Biden administration and eliminating federal benefits for noncitizens.

    According to government documents reviewed by Reuters, the alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the country in 2021 under a program established following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump characterized the evacuation effort as “horrendous,” claiming it allowed hundreds of thousands of individuals to enter the country “unvetted and unchecked.”

    In addition to the migration pause, Trump’s proposal includes provisions to denaturalize migrants deemed to “undermine domestic tranquility” and deport foreign nationals classified as public charges or security risks. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has already indefinitely halted processing immigration requests from Afghan nationals.

    The policy announcement has generated considerable concern among immigrant communities and advocacy groups. Many Afghans currently residing in the United States reportedly fear both official retaliation and xenophobic attacks despite having no connection to the incident. Advocacy leaders emphasize that one individual’s actions should not endanger entire communities who fled persecution and supported U.S. interests abroad.

    The White House and relevant immigration authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Trump’s proposals. This development signals a potential return to the hardline immigration policies that characterized Trump’s previous administration and is expected to intensify debates surrounding national security, immigration vetting procedures, and humanitarian obligations.

  • G20 summit lauded for amplifying African voice

    G20 summit lauded for amplifying African voice

    The recently concluded G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg has received widespread acclaim from South African officials and policy experts for its unprecedented focus on African priorities and reinforcement of multilateral cooperation. Supra Mahumapelo, Chairperson of the South African Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on International Relations, emphasized that the presidency successfully positioned African concerns at the forefront of the global agenda, creating what he described as “a strategic diplomatic focus on Africa that will never disappear in future global history.

    The summit, which concluded with South Africa formally passing the presidency to the United States, produced a landmark declaration that extensively addresses continental issues. The comprehensive document includes commitments on Africa’s debt sustainability, support for the African Union, development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and policies on artificial intelligence and strategic mineral beneficiation.

    According to Sizo Nkala, Senior Researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Africa-China Studies, the declaration represents “the most Africa-focused G20 Declaration we have seen since its inception in 1990.” He noted that Africa was referenced 52 times throughout the document, reflecting South Africa’s Pan-Africanist approach and the continent’s growing influence in global forums following the African Union’s permanent membership.

    The declaration captures critical issues affecting both Africa and the Global South, including climate finance, food security, and reform of international financial institutions. Despite Africa’s abundance of critical minerals, Nkala highlighted that these resources have not been sufficiently leveraged to benefit African citizens, while many nations continue to face acute food insecurity and substantial debt-servicing burdens.

    The diplomatic process itself drew praise for building consensus among diverse global actors, with the declaration receiving overwhelming approval on the first day of proceedings. Aleta Miller, UN Women South Africa Country Representative, noted that while disagreements emerged during negotiations, member states successfully found common ground, demonstrating the continued strength of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.