Global Pulse

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  • ‘Silent cafes’ a strong voice for disabled workers

    ‘Silent cafes’ a strong voice for disabled workers

    In an innovative approach to social inclusion, government service halls in Huai’an, Jiangsu province have become home to pioneering ‘silent cafés’ that employ hearing-impaired baristas. These unique establishments represent a collaborative effort between local authorities and the Cotti Coffee brand to create meaningful employment opportunities for the deaf community.

    The cafés operate with a distinctive communication model where customers place orders via QR codes or online platforms, minimizing verbal interaction. For special requests, the venues are equipped with voice-recognition tablets and writing boards. This innovative system has proven remarkably successful, with the flagship location in Huai’an’s government service center becoming a bustling hub that serves up to 200 beverages daily.

    Beyond coffee service, these spaces function as comprehensive disability assistance centers featuring artwork by disabled artists and wheelchair rental services. The initiative has already transformed lives, with over 20 individuals with disabilities receiving training and eight becoming certified baristas since the program’s inception in December 2023.

    The project’s architect, Wang Xian, left her corporate career to launch the venture after being inspired by her hearing-impaired relatives’ employment struggles. Despite initial doubts about training hearing-impaired staff to master complex coffee recipes, she witnessed extraordinary dedication and skill development among her team members.

    Government support has been crucial to the program’s success, with the service center providing rent-free space and covering utility costs. Delivery riders enjoy unrestricted access, ensuring smooth business operations. The model has proven so effective that a second location opened in Huaiyin district in July, demonstrating the program’s scalability and social impact.

    For employees like Wang Jiali, a 39-year-old barista with severe hearing loss, the café has been transformative. She describes how constant customer interaction has built her confidence and communication skills, representing a journey from isolation to meaningful social engagement. While occasional misunderstandings occur in this novel concept, these moments become opportunities for public education and mutual understanding.

  • Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences

    Indonesian couple caned 140 times for sex and alcohol offences

    In a stark demonstration of Islamic law enforcement, a couple in Indonesia’s Aceh province endured 140 strokes of the cane Thursday for violating Sharia provisions prohibiting extramarital sex and alcohol consumption. The brutal public punishment unfolded before spectators as religious authorities carried out sentences against six individuals convicted of moral offenses.

    The 21-year-old woman, whose identity remains protected, collapsed unconscious after three female executioners administered successive strikes with a rattan cane. Distressing footage captured her weeping throughout the ordeal before medical personnel transported her via ambulance following the punishment. Her male counterpart received identical corporal punishment for their shared transgressions.

    Notably among those punished was a serving officer from Aceh’s Islamic police force, who received 23 lashes alongside his female companion for being alone together in a private residence. Muhammad Rizal, commander of the Islamic police, confirmed the officer’s immediate dismissal following the judicial caning.

    Aceh remains Indonesia’s sole province implementing full Sharia jurisprudence, maintaining public caning as standard penalty for moral violations. The regional Islamic criminal code mandates 100 strokes for unmarried intimacy and 40 strokes for alcohol consumption.

    Human rights advocate Azharul Husna of Kontras Indonesia highlighted concerns regarding post-punishment protocols, noting that ‘caning procedures lack proper regulation and require improvement to address aftermath care for punished individuals.’ The practice continues drawing international condemnation from rights organizations decrying its cruel and inhuman nature.

  • Ten photos from across China: Jan 23 – 29

    Ten photos from across China: Jan 23 – 29

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has reinforced its copyright position through a comprehensive disclaimer published on its digital platform. The company asserts exclusive ownership of all content published on its site, encompassing textual materials, photographs, and multimedia information. According to the published terms, any republication or utilization of this protected content in any form requires prior written authorization from CDIC. The notice serves as a formal declaration of the company’s intellectual property rights and its commitment to defending them against unauthorized use. Additionally, the platform provides technical recommendations, suggesting that visitors utilize browsers with a screen resolution of 1024*768 or higher for an optimal viewing experience. The footer of the publication includes essential corporate information such as its license number (0108263) and registration details (Number: 130349), alongside links to sections including ‘About China Daily,’ advertising opportunities, contact information, and career offers for both general and expatriate employment. The notice concludes by encouraging users to follow the organization’s updates through its social channels.

  • Takeaways from AP report on toxic spills from gold mining in Liberia

    Takeaways from AP report on toxic spills from gold mining in Liberia

    A comprehensive investigation by The Associated Press and The Gecko Project has uncovered systemic environmental violations by Liberia’s largest gold mining operation. Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, the nation’s premier gold producer, has repeatedly discharged hazardous chemicals including cyanide at concentrations exceeding Liberia’s legal limits, according to environmental authorities.

    The investigation reveals a pattern of ecological damage and community distress spanning several years. Residents of adjacent villages reported consistent findings of dead fish in local waterways and expressed profound frustration over unaddressed grievances. Beyond chemical contamination, communities attributed structural damage to homes from mining explosions and increased human-wildlife conflicts as elephants, displaced by operational blasts, raided agricultural lands.

    Tensions culminated in violent protests across Gogoima and Kinjor villages in 2024, where residents alleged law enforcement responded with excessive force including beatings, tear gas deployment, and three fatalities. Liberia National Police spokesperson Cecelia Clarke dismissed these allegations as “false and misleading.”

    Financial analysis indicates substantial export revenues exceeding $576 million between July 2021 and December 2022, with government receipts totaling $37.8 million during this period. Despite this economic activity, community investment remained minimal at just $2 million for environmental and social programs—representing merely 0.35% of export earnings. The Liberian government maintains a 5% stake in these operations.

    Regulatory documents retrieved from Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate four documented chemical spills between 2016 and 2023, with the company failing to promptly report incidents as required. EPA inspectors repeatedly recommended financial penalties, yet only one $99,999 fine was issued in 2018, later reduced to $25,000 without explanation.

    Canadian toxicologist Mandy Olsgard, upon reviewing EPA reports, characterized the corporate conduct as “sustained negligence.” In response to mounting violations, Bea Mountain withdrew from the Cyanide Management Code, an international standard requiring independent audits.

    The supply chain investigation traced Bea Mountain’s gold to Swiss refiner MKS PAMP, which supplies technology giants including Nvidia and Apple. While MKS PAMP commissioned an independent assessment that identified health and safety improvements without recommending relationship termination, the findings remain confidential.

    Bea Mountain is ultimately controlled by Murathan Günal through Avesoro Resources, part of the Turkish billionaire Günal family’s Mapa Group conglomerate. Neither entity responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation’s findings.

  • Mum of girl killed in blast asks government for direct talks

    Mum of girl killed in blast asks government for direct talks

    Donna Harper, whose 14-year-old daughter Leona perished in the catastrophic Creeslough service station explosion, has issued a heartfelt plea to the Irish government for immediate commencement of substantive discussions regarding a statutory judicial public inquiry. The October 2022 disaster in County Donegal claimed ten lives, yet despite the passage of over three years, no definitive explanation has been provided regarding the explosion’s cause.

    Harper will address a significant gathering in Londonderry this Saturday, coinciding with the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. The event will unite families from multiple historical tragedies—including Stardust, Hillsborough, the Post Office scandal, Ballymurphy, and Bloody Sunday—creating a collective platform for sharing experiences in pursuing truth and institutional accountability.

    In an emotional interview with BBC Radio Foyle, Harper expressed her unexpected transition from observer to activist: “I grew up in Letterkenny witnessing these major events through media coverage. Never did I imagine I would stand alongside these families, now fighting for justice for my daughter and the nine other victims.”

    The ongoing investigation involves collaboration between Donegal-based Gardaí, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, and the Health and Safety Authority. Harper has been informed that the final segment of the case file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in March 2026, following an initial submission last September.

    Despite Donegal County Council’s 2024 motion endorsing a public inquiry and subsequent planning permission reversals for redevelopment at the site, the Department of Justice maintains that the criminal investigation remains the “most appropriate avenue” for addressing concerns. Minister Jim O’Callaghan has emphasized allowing the Garda investigation to conclude before considering further actions.

    Harper remains steadfast in her pursuit of transparency: “We are approaching a critical juncture in the criminal investigation, which I fully support. However, the questions we hold require answers beyond what this process alone can provide. The government must engage with us directly.”

    The Harper family continues to await Leona’s death certificate, as full inquests cannot proceed until criminal investigations conclude. Donna Harper draws strength from her daughter’s memory, asserting: “Leona’s life mattered, those nine people mattered, and consequently their deaths must matter equally. No parent should endure this perpetual state of waiting and uncertainty.”

    Referencing the 1987 Raglan House gas explosion precedent where parallel investigations occurred, Harper emphasizes: “That occurred nearly four decades ago. We cannot burden families with determining the appropriate path forward in 2026.”

    The Department of Justice confirmed the Minister’s December 2025 meeting with the Harpers in Donegal, where he expressed profound sympathy while maintaining the DPP’s operational independence. Gardaí continue to solicit information from individuals present at the site prior to the explosion.

  • Liberia’s largest gold miner repeatedly spilled dangerous chemicals, records show

    Liberia’s largest gold miner repeatedly spilled dangerous chemicals, records show

    The remote village of Jikandor in Liberia’s dense rainforest faces an environmental catastrophe as generations of fishing and river-based livelihood have been destroyed by repeated toxic spills from the country’s largest gold mining operation. An extensive investigation by The Associated Press and The Gecko Project reveals systemic failures by Bea Mountain Mining Corporation that have compelled residents to abandon their ancestral homes.

    According to retrieved Environmental Protection Agency documents and interviews with government officials, experts, and former employees, Bea Mountain’s substandard facilities have repeatedly leaked dangerous levels of cyanide, arsenic, and copper over several years. These spills consistently exceeded Liberia’s legal pollution limits, creating an environmental emergency that the government has largely failed to address.

    Canadian toxicologist Mandy Olsgard, who reviewed the EPA reports, characterized the company’s conduct as “sustained negligence.” The investigation uncovered that Bea Mountain failed to promptly report a major 2022 spill and actively blocked government inspectors from accessing their laboratory and testing data.

    The gold extracted from these operations enters global supply chains through Swiss refiner MKS PAMP, which supplies major technology companies including Nvidia and Apple. While MKS PAMP commissioned an independent assessment that identified areas for improvement, the company declined to share specific findings and maintains its relationship with Bea Mountain.

    Between July 2021 and December 2022, Bea Mountain exported over $576 million worth of gold from Liberia while contributing just $37.8 million to government coffers. The mining operation is controlled by Murathan Günal through Avesoro Resources, part of his father Mehmet Nazif Günal’s Turkish business empire.

    The environmental crisis follows years of warnings from multiple consultancies that had identified contamination risks as early as 2012. Despite these warnings and the company’s pledge to adhere to the Cyanide Management Code, Bea Mountain withdrew from the program without undergoing any audits.

    The first documented spill occurred in March 2016, just before the Günal family acquired the mine, with four confirmed cases of exceeding government pollution limits following. In the most severe incident in May 2022, dead fish floated downstream for over 10 miles, with villagers reporting severe illness after consuming contaminated fish.

    Despite repeated recommendations from EPA inspectors for penalties, only one fine was issued—reduced from $99,999 to $25,000. The EPA’s current leadership, which took office in 2024, has ordered remediation measures and facilitated a legally binding agreement for village relocation and compensation.

  • Olympic organizers invoke an ancient pledge to call for the suspension of all wars

    Olympic organizers invoke an ancient pledge to call for the suspension of all wars

    As the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics approach, the United Nations and Olympic organizers have renewed their call for a worldwide cessation of hostilities—a modern interpretation of the ancient Greek tradition known as the Olympic Truce. This seven-week pause, scheduled to begin one week prior to the February 6 opening ceremonies and extend through the Paralympics’ conclusion, represents a symbolic appeal for peace during a period of unprecedented global conflict.

    The concept originates from ancient Greece, where warring city-states would halt combat to ensure safe passage for athletes and spectators traveling to Olympia. Revived in modern form during the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Games amid the Yugoslav Wars, the truce has since become a ceremonial tradition backed by UN resolutions—though it has failed to stop any conflicts in its 17 attempts.

    Despite its imperfect record, the truce has occasionally produced meaningful moments: a one-day humanitarian pause during the Sarajevo siege allowed aid delivery in 1994, and the 2000 Sydney Games witnessed a unified march by North and South Korean athletes. Constantinos Filis, director of the International Olympic Truce Center, acknowledges the practical challenges but emphasizes the importance of the symbolic message reaching global audiences.

    This appeal for peace comes against a troubling backdrop documented by Uppsala University’s conflict researchers, who reported 61 active armed conflicts in 2024—the highest number recorded in modern history. Their upcoming report indicates even greater conflict numbers for 2025, with particular concern about Western Africa where extremist groups continue expanding operations.

    The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists reinforced this grim assessment by moving their symbolic Doomsday Clock closer to midnight, reflecting increased existential threats to humanity. Meanwhile, the gap between Olympic ideals and reality remains starkly evident—Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began during a truce period in 2022.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry maintain that the Games represent a unique opportunity to transcend geopolitical divisions. Coventry, reflecting on her childhood in Zimbabwe, emphasized how witnessing peaceful competition can inspire hope and celebrate shared humanity even during times of profound division.

  • Urban regeneration in the UAE: Turning derelict spaces into community catalysts

    Urban regeneration in the UAE: Turning derelict spaces into community catalysts

    Beyond the gleaming skylines and master-planned developments for which it is renowned, the United Arab Emirates is quietly pioneering a transformative urban movement. A strategic shift toward adaptive reuse is converting derelict, underutilized, and forgotten properties across the nation into vibrant epicenters of community, culture, and commerce.

    This paradigm change, fueled by progressive zoning reforms and forward-thinking urban planning frameworks like the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan, is redefining urban growth. It positions adaptive reuse not as an alternative to development, but as a complementary strategy that prioritizes value creation over mere expansion. The central question evolving cities face—what to do with structures that have outlived their original purpose—is being met with innovative answers that unlock significant economic and social capital.

    Exemplifying this trend is the metamorphosis of Al Yaqoub Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. Once a largely vacant icon known as Dubai’s ‘Big Ben,’ stalled by financial disputes, it is now being redeveloped into the AHS Tower, a premier Grade A+ commercial office building. Its remarkable success, with 95% of space pre-leased ahead of completion, demonstrates the potent viability of reactivating underperforming assets in prime locations, a move often more sustainable and effective than new construction.

    The movement extends beyond single towers to encompass entire districts. La Mer, a former popular beachfront retail destination, is being re-envisioned by Merex Investment into J1 Beach, a dynamic day-to-night lifestyle hub. This approach prioritizes long-term relevance and flexible, experience-driven placemaking over short-term trends.

    Nowhere is the cultural impact more palpable than in Al Quoz, where former industrial warehouses are being repurposed into creative studios, event venues, and small businesses, forming the burgeoning Al Quoz Creative Zone. This builds on the seminal success of Alserkal Avenue, proving regeneration can anchor permanent creative economies, not just temporary installations.

    In Abu Dhabi, the scope ranges from the historical restoration of Qasr Al Hosn to initiatives like MiZa in Mina Zayed, where historic warehouses are becoming mixed-use innovation spaces. Collectively, these projects signal a broader national direction: leveraging regeneration as a primary tool for balanced, people-centric urban development that weaves together heritage, environmental responsibility, economic vitality, and public life. This thoughtful renewal of the existing urban fabric is ultimately shaping more resilient, inclusive, and connected communities for the future.

  • Viral ‘2016′ trend reveals an appetite for nostalgia in uncertain times

    Viral ‘2016′ trend reveals an appetite for nostalgia in uncertain times

    A profound cultural phenomenon is sweeping across social media platforms as millions in their twenties and thirties embark on a collective journey back to 2016. This digital nostalgia movement, characterized by shared throwback photos and memories, represents more than mere reminiscence—it signifies a generational search for comfort in what many perceive as simpler times.

    According to sociological experts, 2016 marked a critical transitional period before significant global shifts. Professor Janelle Wilson of the University of Minnesota-Duluth identifies this era as existing “on the cusp of things, but not fully thrown into the dark days that were to come.” The year preceded monumental developments including Donald Trump’s presidency, Brexit implementation, and the impending COVID-19 pandemic that would reshape global society.

    The nostalgia manifests through distinct cultural touchpoints: Snapchat’s dog filters, Instagram’s sepia-toned aesthetics, maximalist fashion trends from Coachella, and the musical dominance of Beyoncé, Drake, and Rihanna. For individuals like Maren Nævdal, 27, and Njeri Allen, 27, these elements created an atmosphere of authenticity and carefree expression that contrasts sharply with contemporary concerns.

    Professor Nina van Volkinburg of University of the Arts London notes that 2016 represented “a new world order” beginning with fractured trust in institutions while maintaining a sense of possibility. The era’s ‘boss babe’ culture and millennial pink aesthetics symbolized young adulthood emerging with optimism.

    Technological advancements have accelerated nostalgic tendencies, making past experiences instantly accessible. This accessibility, combined with current uncertainties about artificial intelligence and global instability, has intensified the yearning for recent history. As Allen notes, having moved between the U.S. and Taiwan, “When both of your homes don’t feel safe, it’s easier to return to a time that felt comfortable.”

    The trend reflects broader cultural movements toward analog experiences—vinyl records, letter writing, and retro aesthetics—suggesting a collective desire for tangible connections in increasingly digital landscapes. This nostalgia serves not only as escape but as meaningful reflection on personal and societal evolution over the past transformative decade.

  • Southern California rings in Year of the Horse

    Southern California rings in Year of the Horse

    Southern California has transformed into a vibrant tapestry of cultural festivities as communities across the region welcome the Lunar New Year and the arrival of the Year of the Horse. The extensive celebrations demonstrate the growing mainstream appreciation for Asian cultural traditions throughout the diverse Southern California landscape.

    Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim has reimagined its Paradise Gardens with spectacular red-and-gold lantern displays symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Running from January 23 through February 22, the park’s multicultural celebration has emerged as a premier destination for immersive Asian cultural experiences. This year’s event introduces new culinary offerings including japchae noodles with kalbi short rib, crispy chicken bao, and the popular guava dragon fruit sparkler beverage.

    Amanda Lee, an Orange County educator and five-year festival attendee, expressed her appreciation: “This celebration brings Asian culture to life with authentic joy. The food, dances, and colors demonstrate genuine respect for traditional celebrations.”

    The entertainment features Disney characters in specially designed cultural attire, with Horace Horsecollar leading Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. Pixar’s Red Panda Mei made her full-costume debut at Pixar Pier, delighting families with this new addition to the celebrations.

    Beyond the theme park experience, Los Angeles County has launched one of its most expansive community-centered Lunar New Year programs to date. The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting celebrations across 59 parks from February 12-28, offering free access to lion and dragon dances, traditional music performances, cultural workshops, and food tastings.

    Norma E. Garcia-Gonzalez, director of LA County Parks, emphasized the significance of these events: “Lunar New Year represents renewal, connection, and shared tradition. Our parks create welcoming spaces where families can celebrate cultural heritage, learn from one another, and begin the new year with strengthened community bonds.”

    The Riverside Chinese Festival returned for its 14th consecutive year, featuring classic Asian street food, artisan markets, live entertainment, and interactive workshops. Festival organizers highlighted the symbolic meaning of the Year of the Horse, noting it represents “strength, confidence, and forward movement—encouraging bold steps toward personal aspirations.”

    Academic institutions also contributed to the cultural celebrations. The University of California, Irvine hosted a daylong event featuring cultural games, arts-and-crafts workshops, dragon parades, and student performances showcasing East Asian diversity. A highlight included a special talk with award-winning Hollywood producer and cultural bridge-builder Janet Yang, who discussed storytelling’s power to unite communities across cultures.

    The Wishing Tree at UCI attracted numerous participants who tied colorful ribbons containing wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year.

    South Coast Plaza, Southern California’s iconic shopping destination, joined the celebrations with festive decorations and cultural programming, including the Second Annual Lucky Lunar Fest at Macy’s and themed installations throughout Jewel Court, continuing the center’s commitment to showcasing Asian arts and traditions.