Global Pulse

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  • Sri Lanka closes offices and schools as death toll from landslides and floods rises to 56

    Sri Lanka closes offices and schools as death toll from landslides and floods rises to 56

    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lankan authorities have shuttered all government institutions and educational facilities nationwide following catastrophic monsoon conditions that have claimed 56 lives and damaged over 600 residences. The Indian Ocean nation continues to battle the most severe weather system to hit its territory this season, with conditions dramatically intensifying Thursday amid torrential rainfall that submerged entire communities, agricultural lands, and transportation networks while triggering multiple fatal landslides.

    The most devastating incidents occurred in the central highland regions of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, renowned for their tea plantations, where collapsing mountainsides buried communities under tons of earth and debris. Official reports from the Disaster Management Center confirm at least 25 fatalities in these districts alone, with 21 individuals remaining unaccounted for and 14 hospitalized with injuries.

    Transport infrastructure has suffered critical damage nationwide as overflowing reservoirs and river systems inundated roadways and railway tracks. Transportation authorities have suspended all passenger rail services and implemented widespread road closures after mudslides, rockfalls, and fallen trees rendered key transit routes impassable.

    Rescue operations have intensified with all branches of the military deploying emergency response teams. Aerial footage captured by local media showed Air Force helicopters executing precision rescues of civilians stranded on rooftops amidst raging floodwaters. Naval and police personnel have deployed amphibious vehicles and boats to evacuate residents from submerged neighborhoods. In one tragic incident near Ampara, surveillance cameras recorded a vehicle being swept away by violent currents, resulting in three fatalities.

    The meteorological department has issued continued alerts for additional precipitation, with emergency response teams remaining on highest alert across all affected provinces.

  • Hong Kong firefighters make final search for survivors after apartment tower blaze kills 94

    Hong Kong firefighters make final search for survivors after apartment tower blaze kills 94

    HONG KONG — In one of the most catastrophic urban fires in recent history, Hong Kong authorities concluded a massive search operation Friday through the charred remains of a residential complex where a devastating blaze claimed at least 94 lives. The inferno, which rapidly engulfed seven interconnected towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex, represents the city’s deadliest fire incident in decades.

    Firefighters conducted apartment-by-apartment sweeps as their operation transitioned from rescue to recovery. Deputy Director of Hong Kong Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan confirmed crews prioritized approximately 25 units from which distress calls were received during the height of the emergency but remained unreachable until flames subsided.

    The tragedy ignited Wednesday afternoon when renovation scaffolding—constructed primarily from bamboo and covered in netting—caught fire, creating a rapid vertical conduit for flames to jump between buildings. Over 1,000 firefighters battled the five-alarm conflagration for 24 hours before bringing it under control, with sporadic flare-ups continuing to produce smoke nearly two days later.

    The Tai Po district complex, housing approximately 4,800 residents across 1,900 apartments with significant elderly population, became the scene of unprecedented destruction. Hong Kong leader John Lee reported 279 residents remained unaccounted for early Thursday, though officials cautioned the final missing persons count would only be determined after complete building searches.

    The disaster has triggered multiple investigations, including a corruption probe into renovation practices. Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption has joined the investigation amid allegations of substandard materials and safety violations. Three construction company officials—including directors and an engineering consultant—have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, with police citing evidence of gross negligence.

    Authorities identified highly flammable plastic foam panels improperly installed near elevator lobbies and suspect exterior wall materials failed to meet fire resistance standards, contributing to the unusually rapid fire spread. The government has announced immediate safety inspections at all housing estates undergoing major renovations.

    With over 70 injured including 11 firefighters, and approximately 900 residents displaced to temporary shelters, the catastrophe has exposed critical safety concerns in urban construction practices. The incident marks the most lethal fire since Hong Kong’s 1996 commercial building blaze that killed 41 people in Kowloon.

  • Louvre hikes ticket prices for most non-EU tourists by 45%

    Louvre hikes ticket prices for most non-EU tourists by 45%

    The Louvre Museum in Paris has announced a substantial 45% price increase for visitors from outside the European Economic Area, effective January 14th. The decision, ratified by the museum’s board on Thursday, will see tourists from nations including the United States, United Kingdom, and China paying €32 ($37; £28) for admission—an increase of €10 from current rates.

    This strategic move comes in response to mounting criticism of the institution’s security protocols and aging infrastructure following a spectacular October heist where thieves stole jewelry valued at $102 million (£76m) in a meticulously executed operation. An official audit conducted after the incident revealed significant deficiencies in the museum’s protective systems.

    The revenue generated from this pricing restructuring is projected to yield millions annually, earmarked for comprehensive security enhancements and facility modernization. These improvements include addressing structural concerns that recently forced the closure of the Greek ceramics gallery, alongside planned renovations to visitor amenities including restrooms and dining facilities.

    As the world’s most visited museum with approximately 9 million attendees in 2024—predominantly international tourists—the Louvre has faced persistent challenges with overcrowding. Notably, American visitors constitute over 10% of attendance, with Chinese tourists accounting for approximately 6%.

    In a parallel development, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed plans to relocate Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to a dedicated exhibition space to alleviate congestion in the Salle des États, where approximately 30,000 daily visitors compete for brief viewing opportunities of the iconic masterpiece.

    The pricing strategy aligns with earlier suggestions from Macron and museum administration regarding differential fees for non-EU residents, though implemented earlier than the initially proposed 2026 timeline.

  • Hong Kong fire ‘expected to be extinguished tonight’; construction firm bosses arrested

    Hong Kong fire ‘expected to be extinguished tonight’; construction firm bosses arrested

    Hong Kong authorities have made significant arrests in connection with the catastrophic fire that engulfed the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, marking the city’s most devastating blaze since 1948. Police have taken into custody two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction, the firm contracted for maintenance work, on suspicion of manslaughter due to alleged gross negligence in using unsafe materials.

    The inferno, which tore through the northern Tai Po district complex wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, has claimed at least 83 lives with approximately 300 individuals still unaccounted for. Firefighters battled intense heat and thick smoke for over 24 hours before largely containing the blaze, with officials anticipating complete extinguishment by Friday evening.

    Rescue operations revealed harrowing scenes as distraught families searched for missing relatives outside emergency shelters housing 900 displaced residents. “They didn’t have water to save our building,” wept one 52-year-old woman identified only as Ng, clutching her daughter’s graduation photo while awaiting news of her family’s fate.

    The tragedy has triggered a massive response across societal and political spheres. Hong Kong leader John Lee announced a HK$300 million ($39 million) relief fund, while major corporations including Xiaomi, Xpeng, Geely, and foundations linked to Alibaba’s Jack Ma and Tencent pledged substantial donations. Pope Leo expressed spiritual solidarity through a telegram to Hong Kong’s bishop, while Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” to minimize casualties.

    Authorities seized critical evidence including bidding documents, employee records, and electronic devices during raids on Prestige Construction’s offices. The development bureau has initiated discussions about replacing traditional bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives as a safety measure, responding to concerns about the flammable foam material found sealing windows in unaffected buildings.

    The densely-packed complex, home to over 4,600 residents through Hong Kong’s subsidized home ownership scheme, represents the acute affordable housing challenges facing the financial hub. The tragedy has drawn comparisons to London’s 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster, raising serious questions about construction safety standards in high-density urban environments.

  • Sharjah: 2 new roads to ease traffic congestion on Mleiha Road

    Sharjah: 2 new roads to ease traffic congestion on Mleiha Road

    In a significant move to address urban mobility challenges, Sharjah’s ruler has authorized two major transportation infrastructure projects with a combined budget of Dh150 million ($40.8 million). The initiative, approved by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, targets critical congestion points along the Mleiha Road corridor.

    The first project involves a comprehensive upgrade of a five-kilometer segment of Sharjah Ring Road near the Etihad Rail station, allocated Dh90 million. This development will substantially enhance capacity along this crucial transportation artery. Concurrently, the University City Bridge will undergo significant expansion to incorporate four lanes—two in each direction—improving connectivity to Rakan Bridge.

    The second development features the construction of a new Dh60 million bridge adjacent to the Martyrs’ Monument. This architectural project will serve dual purposes: creating a modern, aesthetically pleasing landmark while establishing a direct route for vehicles traveling between Mleiha Road and Mohamed bin Zayed Road. The bridge will additionally accommodate traffic flow from Sheikh Khalifa Street toward Maliha Road.

    According to the Sharjah Media Bureau, these projects represent strategic investments in urban infrastructure designed to enhance traffic safety, reduce congestion, and significantly decrease travel times across various regions. The modern design approach for the new bridge particularly emphasizes both functionality and visual enhancement of the surrounding area.

  • At least 40 dead as severe floods hit Sri Lanka

    At least 40 dead as severe floods hit Sri Lanka

    Sri Lanka is grappling with one of its most severe weather-related catastrophes in recent years, as torrential rains have unleashed devastating floods and lethal landslides across the island nation. Official reports from the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) confirm a death toll of at least 40 individuals, with an additional 21 people reported missing.

    The central tea-growing district of Badulla suffered the most significant single incident, where a catastrophic overnight landslide buried multiple homes, claiming 21 lives. Disturbing footage circulating on social media platforms depicts the sheer force of the disaster, showing residential structures being swept away by powerful floodwaters. In response, authorities have established temporary shelters to provide refuge for displaced families.

    Compounding the crisis, meteorological officials warn that conditions are poised to deteriorate further with the approach of Cyclone Ditwah along Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline. Originally forming as a deep depression, the system has intensified into a cyclone that is forecasted to make landfall in India while significantly impacting Sri Lanka’s weather patterns.

    With river levels continuing to rise dangerously, the DMC has issued urgent evacuation advisories for residents in low-lying regions. The Irrigation Department has escalated warnings to red alert status for the Kelani River valley, including areas within the capital Colombo, anticipating critical flooding within the next 48 hours. Forecasters predict excessive rainfall exceeding 200mm in central and northern territories on Friday.

    The widespread disruption has severely impacted transportation networks, with key inter-provincial roads closed and railway services experiencing major interruptions. The educational sector has also been affected, prompting authorities to postpone Advanced Level Examinations for thousands of students.

    While Sri Lanka routinely experiences monsoon conditions, the current scale of devastation is exceptionally rare. The event evokes memories of the country’s worst flooding this century in June 2003, which resulted in 254 fatalities and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.

  • Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues as Palestinians face ‘slow death’, Amnesty International says

    Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues as Palestinians face ‘slow death’, Amnesty International says

    Amnesty International has issued a stark warning that Israel continues to perpetrate genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, despite a ceasefire entering its second month and the release of all living Israeli captives. The human rights organization emphasized that the temporary calm creates a “dangerous illusion” of normalcy while systematic destruction continues.

    Secretary General Agnes Callamard stated that while Israel has reduced attack scales and permitted limited humanitarian access, the fundamental genocidal conditions persist. This assessment aligns with the United Nations’ top investigative body which ruled Israel guilty of genocide in September, a position supported by numerous world leaders, historians, and human rights experts.

    The US-brokered ceasefire initiated on October 10th has been violated nearly 500 times, resulting in at least 339 Palestinian fatalities from continued Israeli airstrikes. Israel maintains severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, allowing only 200 trucks daily instead of the agreed 600, while keeping Gaza’s Rafah border crossing closed and enforcing a comprehensive naval blockade.

    Amnesty’s report details how Palestinians face “slow death” from starvation, disease, and exposure due to destroyed infrastructure. The organization notes Israel’s systematic destruction of housing units and farmland, with the World Food Programme reporting most households unable to afford basic food items. Gaza’s economy has contracted by 87% from 2023-2024, creating what the UN describes as a “human-made abyss” requiring $70 billion for reconstruction.

    Meanwhile, US and Israeli officials are developing controversial plans to build temporary housing on Palestinian-owned land in Israeli-occupied Rafah, a move criticized by European, UN and Arab officials as effectively partitioning Gaza through reconstruction policies. The Trump administration and Israeli government are simultaneously working to prevent rebuilding in central Gaza areas from which troops were mandated to withdraw.

  • Abu Dhabi T10: Quetta secure Qualifier 1 spot with thrilling win

    Abu Dhabi T10: Quetta secure Qualifier 1 spot with thrilling win

    In a night of high-stakes cricket drama at the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, Quetta Qavalry solidified their championship credentials with a heart-stopping Super Over victory against Vista Riders on Thursday. The win guarantees Quetta’s position in Qualifier 1 while maintaining their pole position in the 2025 tournament standings.

    The match culminated in spectacular fashion when English powerhouse Liam Livingstone launched a monumental six over square leg during the Super Over decider, sending the Qavalry dugout into raptures. This climactic moment followed an extraordinary regulation finish that saw Vista Riders’ Matthew Forde and CP Rizwan combine for 10 crucial runs in the final over to force the tie.

    Earlier, Quetta’s innings was propelled by Muhammad Waseem’s explosive unbeaten 41 from just 14 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and three maximums in a devastating display of power hitting. The Qavalry posted a competitive 104/5, with significant contributions from Andries Gous (23 off 16) and Evin Lewis.

    Vista Riders’ response was anchored by Ben McDermott’s polished 44 from 27 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes. The match turned dramatically when Livingstone executed a spectacular boundary catch to dismiss McDermott, followed quickly by Dwaine Pretorius’ departure.

    In other tournament action, Aspin Stallions demonstrated their championship pedigree with a commanding six-wicket triumph over UAE Bulls. The Stallions chased down the Bulls’ 119/5 with clinical efficiency, reaching 121/4 to ascend to second position in the standings.

    The evening’s final encounter saw Royal Champs break their season duck with a comprehensive seven-wicket demolition of Northern Warriors. The Champs comfortably overhauled the Warriors’ meager 80/5, finishing at 81/3 to claim their inaugural victory of the competition.

    These results set the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the tournament, with Quetta establishing themselves as firm favorites while multiple teams jostle for remaining qualification spots.

  • UAE National Day: Rulers order release of over 6,500 prisoners

    UAE National Day: Rulers order release of over 6,500 prisoners

    In a sweeping humanitarian gesture marking the nation’s 54th Union Day celebrations, UAE rulers have collectively ordered the release of more than 6,500 prisoners across all seven emirates. The mass pardon initiative, a longstanding tradition during national festivities, demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to social harmony and rehabilitation.

    President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spearheaded the compassionate move by authorizing the release of 2,937 inmates from correctional facilities nationwide. In an extraordinary extension of clemency, the President further committed to settling all financial penalties owed by the pardoned individuals.

    Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, contributed significantly to the initiative by ordering the liberation of 2,025 detainees from the emirate’s penal institutions. Simultaneously, other emirates joined the nationwide effort: Ras Al Khaimah released 854 inmates, Sharjah pardoned 366 prisoners, Ajman freed 225 individuals, and Fujairah granted clemency to 129 detainees.

    The beneficiary selection process followed stringent criteria, prioritizing inmates who had demonstrated exemplary conduct and rehabilitation progress. Eligibility requirements included serving a substantial portion of their sentence and exclusion from those convicted of severe criminal offenses. This careful vetting process ensures the initiative supports genuine rehabilitation while maintaining public safety.

    Correctional authorities across the emirates have begun coordinating the logistical implementation of the royal directives. The comprehensive pardon program aims not only to provide second chances to reformed individuals but also to reunite families and reinforce social cohesion during the national celebrations. This tradition reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to restorative justice and inclusive societal development.

  • UAE: ‘No visa ban for Pakistani citizens’, official clarifies to Dawn amid reports

    UAE: ‘No visa ban for Pakistani citizens’, official clarifies to Dawn amid reports

    The United Arab Emirates has formally refuted circulating reports suggesting a visa ban on Pakistani citizens, with embassy officials clarifying that no such restrictions exist. This clarification comes directly from a senior official at the UAE Embassy in Pakistan who spoke anonymously to Dawn newspaper on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

    The diplomatic reassurance follows earlier statements from Pakistan’s Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry, who had informed a Senate committee that visa issuance appeared limited to diplomatic and official passport holders. The UAE official specifically countered this perception, emphasizing that regular visa processing for Pakistani nationals continues uninterrupted.

    This development occurs within the context of robust bilateral relations between the two nations. Pakistan represents the second-largest expatriate community in the UAE, with approximately 1.7 million citizens residing primarily in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Historical ties have strengthened through continuous diplomatic engagement and substantial labor migration, with over 230,000 Pakistanis relocating to the UAE during the 2023-24 financial year alone.

    Significant visa facilitation reforms were simultaneously unveiled by newly-appointed UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi during a meeting with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. These enhancements include streamlined online visa processing, electronic visas without physical passport stamping, and improved system interoperability between governments. A newly established UAE visa center in Pakistan is currently processing approximately 500 applications daily, demonstrating operational normalization.

    In a parallel development, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry announced in May 2025 stringent measures for deportees, including passport cancellation and travel restrictions for those returning from the UAE and other countries. However, the recent diplomatic exchanges highlight continued cooperation across trade, investment, and technological sectors, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to strengthening their strategic economic partnership.