Global Pulse

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  • What’s on this Week: Golf action heats up as countdown to DP World Tour Finals begins

    What’s on this Week: Golf action heats up as countdown to DP World Tour Finals begins

    As the 2025 golf season approaches its grand finale, the DP World Tour is set to witness a thrilling conclusion with the Genesis Championship in South Korea marking the last event of the ‘Back 9’ Series. This tournament is pivotal for players aiming to secure their positions in the top 70 of the Race to Dubai, ensuring their advancement to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. The stakes are high, with the top 50 players from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship earning their spot in the prestigious Dubai event.

    Tommy Fleetwood, fresh off his victory at the DP World India Championship, has surged 69 places to 25th in the Race to Dubai, making him a key contender in the upcoming tournaments. The competition is fierce, with players vying not only for tour cards but also for dual PGA Tour and DP World Tour status, a coveted achievement for the top ten players.

    In South Korea, the Genesis Championship will feature 90 DP World Tour players alongside 36 KPGA participants, promising a showcase of top-tier golf. Meanwhile, the Asian Tour is set to host the $2 million International Series Philippines, attracting a star-studded lineup including Kevin Na, Richard Bland, and Dustin Johnson, among others.

    The global golf calendar is packed with action, including the Bank of Utah Championship on the PGA Tour, the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown on the LPGA, and the Wistrom Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour. Each event offers substantial purses, reflecting the high stakes and intense competition as the season draws to a close.

  • Nasa’s first female space commander: I didn’t want people to say ‘the woman made a mistake’

    Nasa’s first female space commander: I didn’t want people to say ‘the woman made a mistake’

    Eileen Collins, a name synonymous with breaking barriers in space exploration, has etched her legacy as the first woman to pilot and command a spacecraft. Her journey, chronicled in the documentary *Spacewoman*, reveals the determination and resilience that propelled her to the stars. From a young age, Collins dreamt of becoming an astronaut, inspired by the Gemini astronauts. Despite the absence of female astronauts at the time, she vowed to become a ‘lady astronaut.’ Her path to NASA was unconventional: she joined the military, became a test pilot, and eventually earned her place in the astronaut program. Collins made history in 1995 as the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle, a role she embraced with the weight of representing future generations of women in space. Her career was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first female shuttle commander. Collins also navigated the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood, often highlighting that parenting was tougher than commanding a shuttle. Her leadership was tested during the aftermath of the Columbia disaster, where she took charge of the subsequent mission, demonstrating unwavering bravery. In 2005, during her final flight, Collins executed a daring maneuver to inspect and repair shuttle damage, ensuring her crew’s safe return. Now retired, Collins reflects on her career with pride, offering advice to aspiring astronauts: focus on education and determination. While she has no regrets about retiring, she admits she would seize the chance to return to space, even as an ‘old lady.’ Eileen Collins’ story is not just about space exploration but about shattering ceilings and inspiring generations to reach for the stars.

  • Woman trying to burn cockroach sets South Korea apartment ablaze

    Woman trying to burn cockroach sets South Korea apartment ablaze

    A tragic incident in Osan, South Korea, has left one person dead and several injured after a woman accidentally set her apartment building ablaze while attempting to kill a cockroach with a makeshift flamethrower. The woman, in her 20s, reportedly used a lighter and flammable spray to torch the insect, a method she claimed to have employed before. However, the fire quickly spread, igniting items in her home and engulfing the building in flames. One of her neighbors, a Chinese national in her 30s, died after falling from a window while trying to escape the thick smoke that blocked the stairway. The victim, who lived on the fifth floor with her husband and two-month-old baby, was pronounced dead hours after being rushed to the hospital. Her husband managed to escape by climbing to an adjacent building, and their baby was safely handed to a neighbor. Eight other residents suffered from smoke inhalation. Police are seeking an arrest warrant for the woman, who could face charges of accidental arson and negligence causing death. This incident highlights the dangers of using homemade flamethrowers, a method popularized by social media videos, to eliminate household pests. A similar incident occurred in Australia in 2018, where a man set his kitchen on fire while attempting to kill cockroaches with a DIY flamethrower.

  • Momentum builds ahead of ‘Players Auction’ for Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 3

    Momentum builds ahead of ‘Players Auction’ for Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 3

    The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) is gearing up for its highly anticipated Season 3, with momentum building ahead of the ‘Players Auction’ scheduled for December 5, 2025. This unique amateur golf tournament, branded as a first-of-its-kind concept in the UAE, continues to captivate the region’s golfing community with its blend of sport and sophistication. Season 3 promises to be bigger and better, featuring 160 players—up from 140 in the previous season—who will form 10 teams of 16 players each. The tournament will unfold across four iconic UAE golf courses, including Saadiyat Island Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and Emirates Golf Club – Faldo Course. UGC Commissioner Kunal Seth expressed excitement about the growing interest, noting the perfect mix of returning players and fresh talent. The Players Auction will see team principals and mentors bidding to secure players for their squads, with eight players acquired via auction and eight retained from last season. Registration closes on December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. The tournament will celebrate top teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, reaffirming its status as one of the UAE’s most prestigious amateur golf events.

  • Gaza’s civil defence says four killed by Israeli fire on October 20

    Gaza’s civil defence says four killed by Israeli fire on October 20

    Four individuals were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza City on October 20, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The incident occurred as the victims were returning to inspect their homes in the Al-Shaaf area, east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the rescue service, confirmed the deaths, attributing them to Israeli gunfire. The rescue service operates under the authority of Hamas. Israel’s military stated that it had targeted militants who crossed the so-called ‘Yellow Line’ and approached troops in the Shujaiya neighborhood, adjacent to Al-Tuffah. The Yellow Line marks the boundary behind which Israeli troops remain stationed under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This incident is one of several since a fragile US-brokered ceasefire began on October 10, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting a total of 80 fatalities. On Sunday, the Israeli military struck dozens of Hamas positions across Gaza following the deaths of two soldiers in combat, accusing Hamas of violating the truce. Hamas denied any involvement in the attack, with one official accusing Israel of fabricating reasons to resume hostilities. Since the ceasefire began, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza, often finding their homes reduced to rubble.

  • Dubai’s Dominic Foos clinches SJM Macao Open in thrilling sudden-death playoff

    Dubai’s Dominic Foos clinches SJM Macao Open in thrilling sudden-death playoff

    German golfer Dominic Foos emerged victorious in a nail-biting sudden-death playoff at the SJM Macao Open, securing the $1 million title on the Asian Tour. Foos, who has spent much of his career in Dubai, defeated Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan on the second playoff hole with a clutch 10-foot birdie putt. This marked the sixth playoff in the tournament’s history and showcased Foos’ resilience after a challenging period in his career. Foos finished with a 72-hole total of 263, 17 under par, earning a $180,000 prize. The win propels him to 15th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, securing his Tour card for the next two years. Foos expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and mentor Dr. Bernd Kramski for their unwavering support during tough times. The victory comes as a significant milestone for Foos, who had struggled to maintain his position on the Tour. Attention now shifts to the inaugural International Series Philippines, featuring a star-studded field including Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Louis Oosthuizen.

  • Madagascar president names civilian PM after takeover

    Madagascar president names civilian PM after takeover

    Madagascar’s newly inaugurated president, Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has appointed Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s civilian prime minister, signaling a shift toward a civilian-led government following a military takeover last week. The move comes after weeks of escalating protests against former President Andry Rajoelina, who was impeached for desertion of duty and subsequently fled the country. Randrianirina, who assumed office on Friday, emphasized his commitment to constitutional adherence and collaboration with all sectors of the nation. Rajaonarivelo, a prominent figure in the private sector and former chairman of the Malagasy bank BNI, was chosen for his expertise and international connections, which are expected to bolster Madagascar’s global partnerships. Randrianirina also pledged sweeping reforms and new elections in the poverty-stricken nation, where chronic power outages had fueled public discontent. The military’s intervention, led by Randrianirina’s CAPSAT unit, marked a turning point in the uprising, as it condemned the violence against protesters by Rajoelina’s security forces. Rajoelina’s supporters have criticized the transition, despite its endorsement by the constitutional court. Reports indicate that the ousted leader was evacuated to Dubai via a French military plane.

  • More than 11,000 sign letter to judge over sentencing of NYC student protestor

    More than 11,000 sign letter to judge over sentencing of NYC student protestor

    A petition signed by more than 11,000 individuals has been submitted to US District Judge Richard M. Berman, urging leniency for Tarek Bazrouk, a 20-year-old Palestinian-American student from the City University of New York. Bazrouk, who pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges, is scheduled for sentencing next week. The petition requests that Bazrouk be allowed to complete his sentence under supervised release rather than serving additional jail time. Supporters argue that a lengthy prison sentence would cause further trauma to Bazrouk, who has already spent nearly six months in the Metropolitan Detention Center, known for its harsh conditions. The letter highlights Bazrouk’s personal struggles and emphasizes the potential for restorative justice through his personal growth and community involvement. Bazrouk faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His supporters believe that with community support, he can complete his bachelor’s degree and adhere to probation guidelines. Bazrouk was arrested by the FBI in May on charges of physically assaulting pro-Israel Jewish protestors on three separate occasions between 2024 and 2025. The US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York has reiterated its commitment to pursuing allegations of antisemitic violence under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership.

  • Friendly Albanese-Trump meeting masks Australia’s creeping doubts about US

    Friendly Albanese-Trump meeting masks Australia’s creeping doubts about US

    In a significant diplomatic encounter at the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed their nations’ longstanding alliance. Trump emphasized the historical camaraderie, stating, ‘We’ve been long-term, longtime allies and I would say there’s never been anybody better.’ This meeting marked their first official dialogue, with both leaders expressing mutual respect and commitment to bolstering their strategic partnership. However, beneath the surface of this camaraderie lies a complex web of challenges. Australia, traditionally a staunch ally of the US, is beginning to scrutinize the reliability of this relationship under the Trump administration. The imposition of tariffs on Australian goods, including a 10% import tax on most products and a 50% levy on aluminium and steel, has been perceived as a breach of a decades-long free trade agreement. Albanese remarked, ‘This is not the act of a friend,’ highlighting the strain these measures have placed on bilateral ties. Additionally, the review of the Aukus defence pact, which aims to provide Australia with advanced nuclear submarine technology in exchange for support in countering China in the Asia-Pacific, has caused unease in Canberra. Despite these challenges, the meeting concluded on a positive note, with Trump praising Albanese and securing a deal for US investment in Australia’s critical minerals industry. This agreement is expected to help Australia reduce its dependence on China’s near monopoly in this sector. Furthermore, the Aukus pact received a renewed commitment, effectively ending the prolonged review process. While the tariffs remain a contentious issue, they are at the lowest rate compared to other countries, and certain Australian sectors, such as beef, have benefited from the global market upheaval. The meeting also addressed regional security concerns, particularly in light of recent tensions between Chinese and Australian military jets. Beijing’s massive military build-up has heightened anxieties in Canberra, reinforcing the perception that Australia cannot defend itself independently. Consequently, there is a growing inclination among Australian political and security experts to seek closer ties with the US, despite the unpredictability of the Trump administration. As Jared Mondschein of the United States Studies Centre noted, ‘A lot of allies and partners throughout the region are grabbing for the uncertainty of a term-limited Trump administration over the certainty of a Xi Jinping-led China.’ Thus, while the dynamics of the US-Australia relationship are evolving, the fundamental alliance remains intact, driven by shared strategic interests and regional security concerns.

  • UAE Ministry blocks 20 non-compliant educational advertisements in 3 months

    UAE Ministry blocks 20 non-compliant educational advertisements in 3 months

    The UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has taken decisive action against misleading educational advertisements, blocking 20 non-compliant promotions over a three-month period. Between June and early September 2025, the Ministry scrutinized over 2,500 digital advertisements from 118 educational and training institutions. While the majority adhered to regulatory standards, the flagged advertisements were removed to uphold integrity in the sector.