Global Pulse

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  • Trump to pause migration from ‘third-world countries’ to allow US system ‘to recover’

    Trump to pause migration from ‘third-world countries’ to allow US system ‘to recover’

    In a significant policy address delivered on Friday, November 28, 2025, US President Donald Trump declared an immediate and permanent suspension of migration from nations he characterized as ‘third-world countries.’ This decisive action, according to the President, is essential to enable the United States’ immigration framework ‘to fully recover.’

    The announcement follows a tragic national security incident that occurred on Thursday, resulting in the death of a National Guard member. The servicemember was fatally shot in an ambush near the White House perimeter. Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies indicate the attack was executed by an Afghan national, leading the President to formally label the incident ‘an act of terror.’

    Expanding on his policy stance via his preferred social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump outlined a series of stringent additional measures. These include the termination of all federal benefits and subsidies for noncitizens. Furthermore, his administration plans to initiate denaturalization proceedings against migrants deemed to ‘undermine domestic tranquility’ and will pursue the deportation of any foreign national classified as a public charge, a security risk, or ‘non-compatible with Western civilization.’

    This policy shift reinforces a notably more aggressive immigration strategy adopted since the beginning of his current term. The administration has consistently prioritized enhanced border security, stricter enforcement protocols, and the systematic dismantling of policies established under the previous presidential tenure. This latest directive aligns with a separate executive decision made just one day prior, which indefinitely halted the processing of all immigration petitions from Afghan nationals pending a comprehensive reassessment of security and vetting procedures.

    Concluding his statement, the President extended Thanksgiving wishes to the nation, with a pointed exception for those he stated ‘hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for,’ adding a stark warning: ‘You won’t be here for long!’

  • Lightning detected on Mars by Nasa rover, scientists believe

    Lightning detected on Mars by Nasa rover, scientists believe

    In a landmark discovery with profound implications for planetary science, researchers have documented the first conclusive evidence of electrical phenomena occurring within the Martian atmosphere. The breakthrough findings, captured by NASA’s Perseverance rover, indicate that Mars possesses the capacity to generate lightning-like discharges, fundamentally altering our understanding of the Red Planet’s atmospheric dynamics.

    The scientific investigation centered on extensive data collection from Perseverance’s sophisticated SuperCam instrument, which has been systematically exploring the Jezero Crater region since its 2021 landing. After meticulously analyzing 28 hours of audio recordings and electromagnetic measurements gathered over 1,374 Earth days (equivalent to two Martian years), French researchers from the Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology identified recurring electrical events colloquially termed ‘mini lightning.’

    These atmospheric discharges appear intrinsically linked to Martian meteorological phenomena, particularly dust devils—small-scale whirlwinds formed by surface-heated rising air—and larger dust storm fronts. The turbulent internal mechanics of these systems appear to generate sufficient electrostatic charge to produce measurable electrical activity.

    Dr. Baptiste Chide, the study’s lead author, emphasized the discovery’s significance to Reuters: ‘These discharges represent a major breakthrough with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate patterns, potential habitability parameters, and future exploration missions—both robotic and human.’ The research positions Mars alongside Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter as planetary bodies with confirmed atmospheric electrical phenomena.

    However, the scientific community maintains appropriate caution regarding definitive conclusions. Particle physicist Dr. Daniel Pritchard noted in Nature that while the auditory evidence provides ‘persuasive evidence of dust-induced discharges,’ the absence of visual confirmation means ‘some doubt will inevitably remain regarding whether this constitutes true Martian lightning.’ He anticipates continued scholarly debate within the field.

    The electrical discovery coincides with other remarkable findings from the Perseverance mission. Earlier this year, scientists identified rocks bearing unusual mineral patterns—dubbed ‘leopard spots’ and ‘poppy seeds’—that potentially resulted from chemical reactions associated with ancient microbial activity. While natural geological processes could explain these formations, NASA officials have suggested they might represent the most compelling evidence yet for past biological activity on Mars.

    These collective discoveries reinforce the scientific rationale behind targeting Jezero Crater, which shows compelling evidence of having once been a river delta environment capable of sustaining liquid water—and potentially life—billions of years ago when Mars possessed a thicker atmosphere and warmer climate. Researchers now advocate deploying advanced instrumentation specifically designed to detect atmospheric discharges and more sensitive imaging systems to confirm and expand upon these groundbreaking observations.

  • Eel populations are falling, and new protections were defeated. Japan and the US opposed them

    Eel populations are falling, and new protections were defeated. Japan and the US opposed them

    SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Freshwater eels, a prehistoric species vital to the global sushi industry, are facing precipitous decline, with some populations plummeting over 90% since the 1980s. This alarming trend prompted the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to consider stringent trade restrictions during its recent meeting in Uzbekistan.

    Despite scientific consensus on their vulnerability, CITES member nations voted against implementing new protections on Thursday, delivering a significant setback to conservation efforts. The decision highlights the intense conflict between international environmental policy and economic interests in the multi-million dollar eel trade.

    These serpentine fish, which have existed since the dinosaur era, are succumbing to a perfect storm of threats including river dams, hydroelectric turbines, pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, and rampant illegal poaching. Their peculiar life cycle—migrating to oceans to spawn before dying—makes them particularly vulnerable to human activities.

    The culinary value of eels, especially juvenile “elvers,” has skyrocketed alongside their scarcity. In Maine, America’s only significant elver fishery, prices reached unprecedented heights exceeding $1,200 per pound in 2024. This economic incentive has fueled both legal harvesting and illegal trafficking operations.

    The proposed CITES protections would have required export permits and scientific verification that trade wouldn’t harm species survival. Conservation organizations including the Wildlife Conservation Society argued these measures were “vital to strengthen trade monitoring, aid fisheries management, and ensure the species’ long-term survival.”

    However, fishing industries and regulatory bodies from the United States, Japan, and China—nations where eel consumption is culturally and economically significant—successfully opposed the restrictions. They maintained that national management strategies are more effective than international trade bans, with some industry representatives criticizing CITES as “an international body dominated by volunteer scientists and unelected bureaucrats.”

    Environmental groups warn that without coordinated international action, these ancient migratory fish may continue their slide toward extinction, with irreversible consequences for both marine ecosystems and global food cultures.

  • 5 things to know about gun used in US National Guard shooting at Washington

    5 things to know about gun used in US National Guard shooting at Washington

    The recent ambush targeting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. has brought an iconic firearm back into the spotlight: the .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Federal authorities confirmed this vintage weapon was deployed in Wednesday’s assault, raising questions about the continued circulation of such powerful firearms in urban environments.

    Introduced in 1935 during the turbulent post-Prohibition era, this six-shot revolver was specifically engineered to combat organized crime syndicates that had gained substantial power during the alcohol prohibition years. Its design addressed the critical need for law enforcement to possess superior firepower against increasingly armed criminal elements.

    The .357 Magnum’s distinguishing characteristics include exceptional stopping power and remarkable velocity, enabling its rounds to penetrate vehicle surfaces—a crucial tactical advantage that made it the preferred sidearm for American police departments for over four decades. Despite its historical significance, the weapon’s limited ammunition capacity (typically six rounds) makes it an unusual choice for contemporary public shootings, where high-capacity semi-automatic pistols dominate.

    This firearm represents the original Magnum-class handgun, establishing the standard for powerful personal weapons. While Clint Eastwood’s ‘Dirty Harry’ films famously showcased the more powerful .44 Magnum variant, the .357 remains notable for its manageable recoil combined with substantial impact force. Today, the weapon primarily serves collectors, hunting enthusiasts targeting medium game, and recreational target shooters rather than criminal elements, making its appearance in this assault particularly noteworthy for firearms experts analyzing the incident.

  • Sweden promises action against illegal sex doll sales

    Sweden promises action against illegal sex doll sales

    The Swedish government has declared an aggressive stance against the online commerce of childlike sex dolls, pledging to implement stricter measures following concerning reports of such products being marketed within the country. Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall expressed profound distress, stating, “As a mother, your heart really breaks watching these images and pictures of these dolls,” emphasizing the government’s determination to eradicate the sale and purchase of these items entirely.

    The ministerial commitment emerged from a high-level meeting convened on Friday, gathering child protection advocates, digital commerce representatives, and government agencies. This assembly was specifically organized in response to multiple documented instances of e-commerce platforms facilitating the trade of anatomically childlike dolls. During the discussions, online marketplaces outlined their existing protocols for identifying and removing such prohibited content.

    Minister Waltersson Grönvall maintained a firm position, indicating that governmental oversight would be relentless. She explicitly warned that further legislative action remains a viable option if current industry measures prove insufficient. This initiative is part of a broader, forthcoming national strategy designed to shield children from violence, incorporating enhanced protections against sexual and online exploitation.

    Public awareness of this issue escalated when the advocacy organization ChildX filed an official police report against Amazon and other retailers earlier this month. The complaint targeted the sale of explicitly child-proportioned sex dolls, often attired in school uniforms and marketed within a sexual context. ChildX argued that these products, typically measuring about one meter in height, violate Swedish laws against material that sexualizes children and may constitute criminal child exploitation.

    Ida Östensson, Secretary General of ChildX, confirmed that their activism resulted in the removal of certain product listings. She condemned the normalization of child sexual abuse through such commodities, asserting that children must never be treated as sexual objects. In response, Amazon referenced its attendance at the government meeting and its policy of removing flagged items, reiterating its strict prohibition of child pornography. This development in Sweden mirrors similar regulatory movements in Europe, notably in France, where authorities recently pressured retailers like Shein over comparable compliance failures.

  • Dubai: Man fined Dh5,000 for using Instagram to lure minor into indecent acts

    Dubai: Man fined Dh5,000 for using Instagram to lure minor into indecent acts

    Dubai’s judicial system has delivered a significant verdict in a digital exploitation case, convicting an Asian national for utilizing Instagram to solicit inappropriate content from a minor. The investigation was triggered by an alert from the International Child Protection Centre based in the United States, which notified UAE authorities in December of last year about suspicious communications between a Dubai resident and an underage victim.

    Court documents reveal that the defendant engaged in explicit conversations with the minor, transmitting sexually suggestive imagery and repeatedly encouraging the victim to film herself in compromising positions. Dubai Police’s cybercrime division successfully traced the Instagram account to the defendant, leading to his apprehension.

    During interrogation, the suspect denied all allegations. However, forensic examination of his confiscated mobile device uncovered damning evidence: 18 explicit video files and numerous chat transcripts demonstrating his persistent efforts to coerce the minor into producing indecent content. The digital records included voice messages and private conversations directly contradicting his claims of innocence.

    The Court of First Instance imposed a financial penalty of Dh5,000 alongside confiscation of the mobile device used in the commission of the crime. The conviction was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal, which cited the comprehensive forensic report and chat records as incontrovertible proof of guilt.

    Authorities emphasized the UAE’s zero-tolerance approach toward crimes involving minor exploitation and issued renewed warnings to parents regarding online safety vigilance. The case highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in combating digital predation and the necessity of reporting suspicious online behavior to relevant protection agencies.

  • Discover a world of wonder: Dubai Garden Glow launches Season 11

    Discover a world of wonder: Dubai Garden Glow launches Season 11

    Dubai’s premier family entertainment destination, Dubai Garden Glow, has inaugurated its groundbreaking eleventh season with a transformative new concept and location. The attraction has relocated to Zabeel Park Gate 3, adjacent to the iconic Dubai Frame, introducing an innovative ‘Two Experiences at One Destination’ format that merges prehistoric exploration with artistic fantasy.

    The reimagined venue features two distinct immersive worlds: Dinosaur Park and Fantasy Park. Dinosaur Park offers an extensive edutainment journey through prehistoric eras with over 100 animatronic dinosaurs across multiple thematic zones. Visitors can experience interactive encounters in Dino Live, enjoy dinosaur rides, witness dramatic escape scenes in Dino Cage, participate in fossil excavations, and explore evolutionary displays across Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

    In striking contrast, Fantasy Park presents a vibrant tapestry of handcrafted artistic installations representing global biodiversity and cultural icons. This visually spectacular environment features magnificent creations including the Asian Thai Elephant, German Bear, Brazilian Macaw, American Bald Eagle, Siberian Tiger, and Australian Koala, all seamlessly integrated with natural floral arrangements to create an Instagram-worthy wonderland.

    The new season operates daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, offering enhanced engagement, creative programming, and unforgettable moments for families, couples, and visitors of all ages. This comprehensive redevelopment represents Dubai’s continuing innovation in family entertainment, combining scientific education, artistic expression, and technological spectacle in one destination.

  • US National Guard member dies; fellow Guardsman ‘fighting for life’ after shooting

    US National Guard member dies; fellow Guardsman ‘fighting for life’ after shooting

    A deadly ambush near the White House has resulted in the death of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left her fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, has ignited a fierce political debate over immigration vetting procedures and triggered a comprehensive review of U.S. asylum policies.

    The alleged perpetrator, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot and wounded during an exchange of gunfire with other troops. FBI investigators have launched a terrorism probe, seizing multiple electronic devices from the suspect’s Washington state residence. Lakanwal, according to intelligence officials, previously served in a CIA-backed paramilitary unit in Afghanistan before entering the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome—a Biden-era resettlement program for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces.

    President Donald Trump characterized the shooting as a ‘heinous act of terrorism’ and immediately ordered a sweeping review of asylum cases approved during the previous administration. During a Thanksgiving call with military members, Trump blamed what he called inadequate vetting procedures under President Biden for allowing the suspect into the country, though he provided no evidence to support this claim.

    Contradicting the political narrative, official documents reviewed by Reuters indicate that Lakanwal was actually granted asylum in April of this year—three months after Trump took office. The suspect had no known criminal history and legally resided in Washington state with his wife and five children.

    The tragedy has exposed tensions in U.S. immigration policy, particularly regarding the processing of Afghan allies following the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. While the resettlement program included vetting procedures by counter-terrorism agencies, the scale and rapid pace of evacuations led critics to question the effectiveness of background checks.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi announced plans to pursue terrorism charges against the gunman, potentially seeking the death penalty following Beckstrom’s death. Meanwhile, the Beckstrom family mourns their loss, with father Gary Beckstrom describing the incident as a ‘horrible tragedy’ in a social media post.

    The shooting has intensified the ongoing debate about border security and immigration vetting, with the Trump administration now reviewing all asylum cases approved under the previous administration as well as Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries.

  • Two former Peruvian presidents jailed in two days

    Two former Peruvian presidents jailed in two days

    In an unprecedented judicial development, Peru’s Supreme Court has convicted two former presidents within a 48-hour period, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle with political corruption and constitutional crises. Left-wing leader Pedro Castillo received an 11-year prison sentence on Thursday for his 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress and establish rule by decree—a political gamble that resulted in his immediate impeachment and arrest.

    The Court found Castillo guilty of ‘conspiracy to commit rebellion’ while acquitting him of two additional charges. This verdict follows Wednesday’s sentencing of centrist former president Martín Vizcarra to 14 years imprisonment for accepting over $600,000 in bribes from construction companies during his tenure as governor of Moquegua region (2011-2014). Vizcarra, who had built his political reputation on anti-corruption platforms, continues to maintain his innocence.

    Castillo’s conviction sparked demonstrations outside the detention facility where supporters gathered awaiting the verdict. Julia Buendia, one such supporter, expressed continued belief in Castillo’s innocence to AFP reporters. The former rural schoolteacher and trade unionist—often described as Peru’s first poor president—had risen to power in 2021 on widespread disillusionment with traditional politics. His 2022 arrest previously triggered deadly protests among his working-class base that left at least 50 dead after brutal security force interventions.

    These cases represent the latest in a series of presidential prosecutions that have rocked Peruvian politics. Former president Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) received a 15-year sentence earlier this year for money laundering, while Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) was sentenced last year to over 20 years for accepting $35 million in bribes.

    The sentences occur against a backdrop of persistent political instability. Recent months have seen violent clashes in Lima between anti-government protesters and riot police, resulting in one death and over 100 injuries. Current interim President José Jerí assumed office following the impeachment of predecessor Dina Boluarte, who was removed by lawmakers citing ‘permanent moral incapacity’ amid soaring crime rates and corruption investigations including the ‘Rolexgate’ scandal involving alleged bribery through luxury watches.

  • Hong Kong nears end of search and rescue mission; tower fire toll rises to 94

    Hong Kong nears end of search and rescue mission; tower fire toll rises to 94

    Hong Kong authorities are preparing to conclude search and rescue operations following the city’s most devastating fire disaster in nearly eight decades. The catastrophic blaze that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po district has resulted in a confirmed death toll of 94 individuals, with emergency crews continuing to address 25 unresolved distress calls.

    The eight-tower residential estate, home to approximately 4,600 residents, became an inferno trap on Wednesday afternoon as flames rapidly spread through bamboo scaffolding and green mesh netting that enveloped the building during ongoing renovation works. Firefighters confronted extreme conditions including intense heat, suffocating smoke, and collapsing structures while attempting to reach occupants stranded on upper floors.

    Law enforcement officials have taken decisive action, arresting three construction company executives from Prestige Construction on suspicion of manslaughter. Preliminary investigations suggest the use of highly flammable foam boarding materials contributed to the rapid fire propagation. Police Superintendent Eileen Chung stated there is substantial evidence indicating gross negligence by company responsible parties.

    The tragedy has drawn parallels to London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, prompting immediate government response. Hong Kong’s development bureau has initiated discussions regarding the phased replacement of traditional bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives as a safety enhancement measure.

    Chief Executive John Lee announced the establishment of a HK$300 million (US$39 million) emergency relief fund to support affected residents. Meanwhile, temporary shelters have accommodated approximately 900 displaced persons, though many evacuees have chosen to sleep in nearby commercial spaces to conserve official shelter resources for those most vulnerable.

    The incident represents Hong Kong’s deadliest structural fire since 1948, when a warehouse blaze claimed 176 lives. Among the confirmed fatalities are two Indonesian domestic workers, highlighting the devastating impact on the city’s substantial migrant worker community. Both Hong Kong and Chinese central government authorities have demonstrated rapid response to the tragedy, emphasizing its significance within the semi-autonomous region’s ongoing social landscape.