Global Pulse

博客

  • Rai seizes one-shot lead at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on lively day of low scores

    Rai seizes one-shot lead at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on lively day of low scores

    Aaron Rai has secured a narrow one-shot lead as the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship heads into its final round on Sunday. The English golfer, aiming for his first DP World Tour title in five years, delivered a stellar performance on Saturday, carding a six-under 66 to finish at 20-under-par. Rai, who last triumphed at the 2020 Scottish Championship, is now poised to add another Rolex Series title to his resume.

    Rai’s round was marked by precision and consistency. He dominated the front nine with a 31, including five birdies, and added two more on the 11th and 14th holes. His only setback came on the 17th, where a bogey reduced his lead to one stroke. Rai’s closest competitors, Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Højgaard, are tied at 19-under. Fleetwood, a Dubai resident, shot a 67 with an eagle and three birdies, while Højgaard posted an impressive 65, featuring eight birdies and a single bogey.

    Spain’s Nacho Elvira trails closely at 18-under, with Andy Sullivan and Daniel Hillier sharing fifth place at 17-under. The tournament has seen exceptional play, with only two players shooting over par in the third round, thanks to the pristine course conditions and minimal wind.

    Reflecting on his performance, Rai emphasized the importance of balance and focus. ‘You’ve got to stick to how you see the course,’ he said. ‘If you play well, opportunities present themselves, but getting too aggressive can backfire quickly.’ He added that winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship would be ‘special,’ given its stature as one of the DP World Tour’s premier events.

    The final round will commence at 7:02 am, with the leading trio of Rai, Fleetwood, and Højgaard teeing off at 11:25 am. Golf enthusiasts can expect a thrilling conclusion to this high-stakes competition.

  • Super typhoon threatens the Philippines, still reeling from recent storm that killed more than 200

    Super typhoon threatens the Philippines, still reeling from recent storm that killed more than 200

    The Philippines is bracing for the impact of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the most severe storm to threaten the archipelago this year. As the typhoon approached the northeastern coast on Sunday, it brought powerful winds and heavy rain, knocking out power and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued urgent warnings, urging millions in high-risk areas to evacuate before it’s too late. Fung-wong, with a massive rain and wind band spanning 1,600 kilometers (994 miles), is expected to affect two-thirds of the country, compounding the devastation left by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently claimed over 200 lives in the central provinces before moving on to Vietnam. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency in response to the dual crises. Fung-wong, packing sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph), is forecast to make landfall in Aurora or Isabela province by late Sunday or early Monday. The storm’s approach has already caused widespread disruptions, including school and government office closures, flight cancellations, and the stranding of thousands at seaports. The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, faces an average of 20 typhoons annually, alongside frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

  • Delhi airport operator says all flight operations back to normal after glitch

    Delhi airport operator says all flight operations back to normal after glitch

    Delhi International Airport has announced the full restoration of normal flight operations following a significant technical malfunction that disrupted services over the past two days. The issue stemmed from a failure in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), a critical component used for generating flight plans, which caused delays affecting hundreds of flights at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The system was reportedly restored to automatic functionality by Saturday afternoon, as confirmed by the Indian government. In response to the incident, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has directed officials to implement system upgrades, including the addition of fallback servers to enhance the resilience of air traffic operations. This move aims to prevent similar disruptions in the future and ensure smoother operations at the airport. The incident highlights the increasing reliance on advanced technological systems in managing complex aviation networks and underscores the need for robust contingency planning in the face of technical failures.

  • Barrierless, ticketless parking in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: See list of locations

    Barrierless, ticketless parking in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: See list of locations

    The United Arab Emirates is setting a new standard for urban mobility with the introduction of barrierless and ticketless parking systems in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as automatic license plate recognition, AI-driven traffic management, and automated payment systems, this initiative aims to enhance convenience, reduce congestion, and optimize traffic flow in bustling commercial and urban areas. By eliminating traditional barriers, these systems save time for drivers and create a smoother parking experience. The rollout began in key locations, including Mall of the Emirates and BurJuman Mall in Dubai, as well as Nation Towers in Abu Dhabi. The Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market is also adopting this technology, managed by DP World and Parkin, to streamline operations for traders and supply chain operators. Additionally, Parkonic has expanded its seamless parking network to 24 locations across Dubai, including Union Coop Nad Al Hamar and The Beach JBR. In Abu Dhabi, Q Mobility’s ‘Zero Barrier AI Parking’ system, unveiled at Gitex Global 2025, integrates smart cameras, real-time monitoring, and automated payments for a fully seamless experience. This technological advancement reflects the UAE’s commitment to smart city solutions and improved urban living.

  • Abu Dhabi launches Unified Gas Code in line with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 targets

    Abu Dhabi launches Unified Gas Code in line with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 targets

    In a landmark move to bolster the UAE’s sustainability goals, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) unveiled the Unified Gas Code during ADIPEC 2025. This pioneering regulatory framework, the first of its kind in the region, establishes standardized protocols for the gas industry, encompassing natural gas, LPG, and industrial gases. Designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the code aligns with global best practices and the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero 2050 targets. By fostering a transparent and consistent regulatory environment, the initiative aims to attract investor confidence and strengthen public-private collaboration. The DoE also showcased its integration of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to refine regulatory frameworks, improve governance, and ensure compliance. These efforts are part of the broader Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030, which seeks to optimize Abu Dhabi’s energy system. Abdulla Al Jarwan, Chairman of the DoE, emphasized that the Unified Gas Code represents a transformative step in Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, reinforcing its role as a global leader in clean energy innovation. The code is expected to drive significant environmental and economic benefits, including annual savings of over AED100 million for residential customers and a reduction of 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2050. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to achieving a sustainable energy future and solidifies its position as a hub for energy innovation.

  • Bend It Like Beckham director has a sequel – and a spin on a Christmas classic

    Bend It Like Beckham director has a sequel – and a spin on a Christmas classic

    Renowned filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, celebrated for her 2002 hit ‘Bend It Like Beckham,’ has ventured into the festive genre with her latest creation, ‘Christmas Karma.’ This musical film, which premieres on November 14, offers a Bollywood-inspired adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Featuring a star-studded cast including Kunal Nayyar, Hugh Bonneville, Pixie Lott, Boy George, Danny Dyer, Charithra Chandran, and Eva Longoria, the film blends British and Indian cultural elements to deliver a heartwarming holiday narrative. Chadha, who also penned the script, aims to capture the essence of joy and celebration inherent in Bollywood cinema, making it a fitting tribute to the festive season. The story follows Mr. Sood, a modern-day Scrooge portrayed by Nayyar, who embarks on a transformative journey guided by three spirits. The film not only revisits Dickens’ themes of redemption and empathy but also delves into contemporary issues such as migration and racial dynamics in modern Britain. Chadha’s inspiration for the character of Mr. Sood stems from her own family experiences and observations of political rhetoric during the pandemic. The film also features a Bhangra Christmas song and a tribute to George Michael, performed by Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas. With its blend of humor, emotion, and cultural richness, ‘Christmas Karma’ promises to be a festive treat for audiences worldwide.

  • Several individuals arrested in Syria on nationwide Daesh crackdown

    Several individuals arrested in Syria on nationwide Daesh crackdown

    In a significant nationwide operation, Syrian security forces, in collaboration with the General Intelligence Agency, have successfully dismantled several Daesh-affiliated terrorist cells and apprehended numerous wanted individuals across multiple provinces. The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the operation on social media platform X, highlighting that it was executed based on precise intelligence and weeks of meticulous surveillance. The operation also led to the confiscation of materials and evidence directly linked to terrorist activities. Authorities have emphasized that this crackdown is part of a broader national strategy to combat terrorism, enhance national security, and safeguard the well-being of Syrian citizens. Investigations are currently underway to analyze the seized materials and build a comprehensive case against the suspects. This operation underscores Syria’s ongoing commitment to eradicating terrorist threats and maintaining stability within the region.

  • The ex-president’s daughter who faces terror-related charges

    The ex-president’s daughter who faces terror-related charges

    The political drama surrounding South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma has taken a new turn as his daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, prepares to stand trial on terrorism-related charges. The 43-year-old parliamentarian is accused of inciting violence during the deadly July 2021 protests through her social media posts. The unrest, triggered by her father’s imprisonment for contempt of court, resulted in widespread looting, arson, and over 300 deaths, causing an estimated $2.8 billion in damages. Prosecutors allege that Zuma-Sambudla played a pivotal role in fueling the chaos by sharing incendiary content on Twitter, including images of burning vehicles and calls for a province-wide shutdown. Her posts, accompanied by hashtags like #FreeJacobZuma and the Zulu word “azishe” (meaning “let it burn”), are central to the case. Zuma-Sambudla has denied the charges, with her lawyer dismissing the prosecution’s case as “weak.” During a preliminary hearing, she wore a shirt emblazoned with “Modern Day Terrorist,” a move interpreted as a jab at the accusations. The trial marks a significant moment in South Africa’s legal history, as it is the first time someone has been charged with incitement to terrorism via social media. Critics argue the case is politically motivated, targeting Zuma-Sambudla due to her father’s opposition to the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Jacob Zuma, now leader of the rival uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has been a polarizing figure, with his presidency marred by corruption allegations. His daughter, once a low-profile figure, has emerged as his staunchest supporter and a prominent MK member. The trial is expected to draw intense public interest, with experts questioning the prosecution’s ability to meet the high evidentiary bar required to prove intent and causation. Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to further entrench the Zuma family’s role in South Africa’s political landscape.

  • 4 dead, 13 injured after street racer slams into crowd at Tampa bar

    4 dead, 13 injured after street racer slams into crowd at Tampa bar

    A devastating incident unfolded in Tampa, Florida, early Saturday morning when a speeding driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a bar, resulting in four fatalities and injuring more than a dozen others. The Tampa Police Department reported that the 22-year-old suspect, who had been involved in street racing earlier, was spotted driving recklessly on the highway just before 1:00 AM local time. Despite attempts by the Florida Highway Patrol to stop the vehicle using a PIT maneuver—a controversial technique designed to halt fleeing cars—the driver continued to speed uncontrollably. The chase ended tragically when the car veered off course and plowed into the outdoor patio of Bradley’s, a popular LGBTQ bar. Three victims died instantly, while a fourth succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Among the 13 injured, two remain in critical condition, seven are stable, and two have already been discharged. Authorities have not released the names of the victims. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw condemned the incident as a ‘senseless tragedy,’ emphasizing the dangers of reckless driving. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed her grief on social media, calling the event ‘devastating’ and highlighting the profound impact on the community. An investigation is ongoing, with the suspect currently in custody.

  • Spanish police arrest trucker wanted in Germany for drug trafficking

    Spanish police arrest trucker wanted in Germany for drug trafficking

    Spanish law enforcement officials have successfully apprehended a 64-year-old long-haul truck driver who was wanted by German authorities for his alleged involvement in a significant drug trafficking operation. The arrest took place on Tuesday at a logistics center in Santa Perpetua de la Mogoda, near Barcelona, according to a statement released by the Catalan regional police. The suspect is accused of exploiting his profession to transport more than 250 kilograms of marijuana and hashish, with an estimated street value exceeding 500,000 euros ($540,000), from Spain to Germany. The arrest was executed under a European Arrest Warrant, and the individual is currently in custody awaiting extradition to Germany. Spain, due to its geographical proximity to Morocco—a major producer of cannabis—serves as a critical gateway for these illicit substances into Europe. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by European authorities in combating cross-border drug trafficking networks.