Global Pulse

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  • Sichuan college announces dates of annual Spring Holiday

    Sichuan college announces dates of annual Spring Holiday

    CHENGDU – Sichuan Southwest Vocational College of Civil Aviation has unveiled its 2026 Spring Holiday schedule, continuing an innovative tradition that grants students and faculty six consecutive days for familial bonding and personal rejuvenation. The break, scheduled from April 1 to April 6, strategically incorporates the Qingming Festival and adjacent weekends to create an uninterrupted respite period.

    Initiated in 2019, this marks the eighth consecutive year the institution has implemented its distinctive Spring Holiday program. College administrators emphasize that the arrangement doesn’t reduce actual instructional time, but rather consolidates existing breaks and festival days into a cohesive wellness period. The initiative has become an integral component of the academic calendar, with both students receiving class-free days and faculty enjoying paid leave during this interval.

    Beyond mere leisure, the holiday incorporates structured developmental activities. Participants will engage in creative assignments including video production, reflective journaling, and handicraft projects – all designed to foster personal growth and cultural appreciation. These projects will be formally exhibited following the holiday period, creating opportunities for shared learning experiences.

    College representatives indicate the program addresses growing concerns about student mental health and work-life balance in China’s education system. By providing dedicated time for family interaction and nature immersion during the critical spring season, the institution aims to combat burnout while maintaining academic rigor. The model has garnered attention from educational policymakers nationwide as a potential blueprint for balancing academic demands with holistic student development.

  • China issues further extension to rural land contracts

    China issues further extension to rural land contracts

    In a landmark move to safeguard agricultural stability and protect farmer interests, China has announced a comprehensive 30-year extension for rural land contracts upon their expiration. The policy directive, jointly issued by the General Offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council on March 18, 2026, establishes detailed frameworks affecting hundreds of millions of rural residents.

    The guideline outlines 15 specific measures centered on preserving collective land ownership, maintaining the household-based contract system, and ensuring social stability across rural communities. This extension represents a critical component of China’s ongoing rural reform initiatives, building upon pilot programs that have been progressively expanded since 2020 under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

    Implementation will commence with large-scale pilot programs across 29 provincial-level regions throughout 2026. The policy explicitly prohibits the redistribution of farmland between villages and mandates that existing land arrangements remain fundamentally unchanged. No organization or individual may illegally adjust or reclaim contracted land, ensuring stability for current landholders.

    The extension process will follow standardized procedures including formation of specialized working groups, verification of land data, public consultation on extension plans, contract signing ceremonies, and certificate updates. Particular attention is given to protecting vulnerable groups including women affected by marital status changes and farmers who have migrated to urban areas.

    Notably, the guidelines introduce mechanisms for voluntary and compensated withdrawal from land contract rights, while imposing strict limits on reserve land management—capping such allocations at 5% of total collective farmland. Local authorities are instructed to complete all contract extensions within one year following expiration of existing agreements, with emphasis on coordinated implementation and transparent ownership clarification.

  • Wuhan University, Durham University launch joint institute

    Wuhan University, Durham University launch joint institute

    In a significant advancement for international education collaboration, Wuhan University and Britain’s Durham University officially inaugurated their joint academic institute on Monday, elevating their existing partnership to a fully institutionalized level. The ceremony, held in Wuhan, Hubei province, was attended by senior leadership from both institutions and diplomatic representatives.

    The establishment follows formal approval from China’s Ministry of Education in December 2025 and represents a strategic response to the nation’s opening-up policy in higher education. The joint institute will initially offer six specialized undergraduate programs: Geophysics, Earth Science, Smart Water Management, Mechanical Design, Manufacturing and Automation, Electronic Information Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Automation.

    During the inauguration, Wuhan University President Zhang Pingwen engaged in substantive discussions with Durham University Vice-Chancellor Karen O’Brien regarding operational frameworks and academic governance. British Consul General in Wuhan Dominic McAllister extended congratulations, noting the institute’s alignment with the foundations laid during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s January visit to China and anticipating the arrival of the first student cohort in September.

    The educational model will feature a four-year curriculum delivered entirely at the Wuhan campus, with students receiving instruction from faculty members of both universities. Upon successful completion, graduates will be awarded dual degrees recognized by both institutions.

    Concurrent with the launch ceremony, academics and education experts participated in a high-quality development forum focused on innovation and excellence in Sino-foreign cooperative education, providing strategic recommendations for the new institute’s development.

  • Children of Amman get taste of Chinese culture

    Children of Amman get taste of Chinese culture

    AMMAN — A special cultural exchange event titled “Light of Kindness — Chinese Cultural Night” brought Chinese cultural experiences to Jordanian children on Tuesday. The event, organized by the China Cultural Center in Amman alongside local organizations Kindly Initiative and I Learn Volunteer Group, created a bridge between cultures through immersive activities and shared experiences.

    More than 100 participants, including refugee children and volunteers, engaged with Chinese traditions in a welcoming environment. The program featured multiple interactive segments designed to educate and inspire through direct participation.

    Zhao Xiaoqiang, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Jordan and Director of the China Cultural Center in Amman, highlighted the importance of such exchanges. “Cultural interaction serves as a vital conduit for strengthening friendships and deepening mutual understanding between nations,” he stated. “We are dedicated to creating opportunities for Jordanian youth to gain meaningful insights into China’s rich cultural heritage.”

    The evening’s programming included a performance of “Steps of Truth,” a children’s drama adapted from traditional Chinese folklore and presented by Jordanian performers. The theatrical piece was met with enthusiastic applause from attendees.

    An interactive quiz on Chinese culture, facilitated by center staff member Abeer, introduced children to Chinese festivals and customs through storytelling and participatory learning. The educational segment allowed young participants to discover cultural similarities and differences in an engaging format.

    The “Hands-on Heritage” workshop showcased Chinese paper-cutting artistry. Volunteers Zhao Yixuan and Hai Yiguang demonstrated the historical significance and techniques of this traditional craft before guiding children through their own creative paper-cutting and coloring projects.

    Beyond cultural activities, the event incorporated practical health education with a dental hygiene session conducted in partnership with the Kindly Initiative. The demonstration provided children with essential oral healthcare knowledge and techniques.

    As daylight faded, participants shared a traditional Ramadan iftar meal, beginning with dates and beverages before enjoying a communal dinner that fostered deeper connections and cultural exchange.

    The event successfully blended cultural immersion with humanitarian outreach, enhancing cross-cultural appreciation while strengthening people-to-people ties between China and Jordan.

  • AI drone breaks new ground on Sichuan rail line

    AI drone breaks new ground on Sichuan rail line

    A groundbreaking artificial intelligence system is transforming construction oversight along the Chengdu-Deyang intercity railway in Sichuan province, representing a significant technological advancement in China’s rail infrastructure development. The innovative approach combines autonomous drone technology with sophisticated AI algorithms to enhance safety monitoring and operational efficiency.

    The integrated system employs self-piloting drones that operate independently from automated charging stations, conducting regular patrols without requiring direct human intervention. These advanced devices are equipped with intelligent capabilities that extend beyond conventional aerial photography, featuring what engineers describe as an ‘AI brain’ for comprehensive hazard detection.

    At the project’s Tianxun intelligent command center, a large display screen presents real-time visual data transmitted from the drone fleet, providing complete visibility across all elevated sections of the railway. The AI software automatically analyzes captured imagery to identify potential safety concerns including deep foundation pit risks, unauthorized smoke sources, missing protective barriers, and improper hoisting operations.

    When the system detects hazards, it immediately broadcasts audible warnings to alert construction personnel on-site while simultaneously transmitting alert notifications to managers’ mobile devices. The technology also generates detailed 3D models of the construction environment using real-time dynamic positioning modules, enabling precise progress tracking for individual structural components.

    According to project officials, the 18-kilometer elevated section in Chengdu previously required hundreds of workers conducting continuous inspections during peak construction periods. The new drone system has dramatically improved operational efficiency, with just two units capable of completing a comprehensive patrol in approximately 30 minutes—representing an efficiency improvement exceeding 80 percent.

    Developed specifically for this railway project from its initial planning stages, the technology has now been deployed across critical areas including elevated segments and underground tunnel sections. Engineers anticipate that as application scenarios expand, the system’s AI capabilities will continue to evolve with increasing intelligence and accuracy.

  • Iran tells Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE to evacuate energy facilities after Israel hits gas plant

    Iran tells Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE to evacuate energy facilities after Israel hits gas plant

    Iran has issued a direct evacuation order for key petrochemical facilities across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, signaling imminent retaliatory strikes. The warning, disseminated through official state media channels, comes in direct response to a recent joint U.S.-Israeli offensive targeting Iran’s crucial South Pars gas field infrastructure.

    Specific facilities identified as potential targets include Saudi Arabia’s Samref Refinery and Jubail Petrochemical Complex, the UAE’s Al Hosn Gas Field, and multiple Qatari installations including the Mesaieed Petrochemical Complex and Ras Laffan Refinery. Iranian authorities explicitly stated these sites “have become direct and legitimate targets” and urged all personnel to “immediately leave these areas and move to a safe distance without any delay.”

    An Israeli official confirmed to journalist Barak Ravid that the initial strike on Iranian energy infrastructure was conducted with explicit U.S. approval and coordination. Following the attack, former President Donald Trump amplified tensions through his Truth Social platform, branding Iran as “the NUMBER ONE STATE SPONSOR OF TERROR” and boasting about “rapidly putting them out of business.”

    The escalating conflict has already triggered significant disruptions in global energy markets. Brent crude futures surged over 4% to exceed $108 per barrel following Iran’s threats. Qatar, which had already completely suspended its liquefied natural gas production due to the conflict—removing approximately 20% of global LNG supplies—warned that additional facility damage could extend production outages beyond May.

    Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari condemned the targeting of energy infrastructure, warning that such actions “constitute a threat to global energy security” and endanger regional populations and environments. Through official channels, Qatar called for all parties “to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, & work toward de-escalation in a manner that preserves the security and stability of the region.”

  • Epstein files St Patrick’s Day float ‘unacceptable’, says rape crisis charity

    Epstein files St Patrick’s Day float ‘unacceptable’, says rape crisis charity

    Community organizers in multiple Irish towns have issued profuse apologies after an unauthorized parade float depicting themes from the Jeffrey Epstein files provoked widespread condemnation during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The controversial display, which appeared in parades across County Mayo and County Galway, featured individuals wearing wigs alongside a makeshift cage and mattress mounted on a tractor, accompanied by signs referencing Prince Andrew’s recent legal troubles.

    Rape Crisis Ireland executive Dr. Clíona Saidléar characterized the display as ‘an act of public grooming that normalizes rape and sexual violence,’ adding that it ‘reflects the persistent minimization of sexual violence and a misogynistic culture that facilitates it.’ The organization condemned the float’s inclusion in family-oriented celebrations as particularly egregious.

    The Ballinrobe Parade Committee released an unequivocal statement condemning ‘sexual violence, abuse and exploitation in all forms,’ acknowledging the float was ‘highly offensive’ and inconsistent with community values. Officials explained that the informal nature of local parades—which lack formal registration or vetting processes—allowed the unauthorized entry to participate before organizers could intervene.

    Local councilors Michael Burke (Ballinrobe) and Andrew Reddington (Headford) confirmed that parade committees had no prior knowledge of the controversial display. Reddington noted that by the time organizers became aware, the float had already completed its route through town centers. Both communities have pledged to review parade protocols to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining respectful, inclusive celebrations in future events.

  • US Fed raises inflation outlook over ‘uncertain’ Iran war impact

    US Fed raises inflation outlook over ‘uncertain’ Iran war impact

    The Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rates unchanged during Wednesday’s policy meeting while elevating inflation projections through 2026, citing economic uncertainties stemming from the Middle East conflict. The decision, reached through an 11-1 vote, keeps the federal funds rate within the 3.50% to 3.75% range despite mounting political pressure for reductions.

    Chair Jerome Powell addressed the complex economic landscape, noting that escalating energy prices resulting from regional tensions would inevitably drive inflation upward. However, he emphasized the premature nature of quantifying the conflict’s full economic impact, stating policymakers must adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach regarding duration and magnitude.

    The revised projections indicate the Fed now anticipates its preferred inflation gauge—the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index—to reach 2.7% by December 2026, substantially above the previous 2.4% forecast. This adjustment reflects growing concerns about persistent price pressures alongside emerging geopolitical risks.

    Powell simultaneously addressed personal scrutiny regarding his leadership, vehemently declaring his intention to remain on the Federal Reserve Board until completion of a Justice Department investigation into alleged cost overruns during headquarters renovations. His current term as chair concludes in May, though his governor tenure extends through 2028.

    The monetary policy statement acknowledged elevated economic uncertainty despite solid expansion pace, with job gains remaining subdued and unemployment stable. The Fed’s economic projections maintained 2.4% GDP growth expectations for fourth-quarter 2024 while holding unemployment forecasts at 4.4%.

    Notably, dissenting voice Stephen Miran—a former Trump economic advisor—advocated for a quarter-point reduction, highlighting internal divisions regarding optimal policy direction. Economic analysts observed concerning indicators within the projections, with some characterizing the combination of stagnant growth, rising unemployment, and persistent inflation as approaching stagflation-like conditions.

    Powell dismissed stagflation concerns during his press briefing, reserving the term for more severe circumstances while maintaining cautious optimism about fundamental economic strength amid unprecedented global uncertainty.

  • Defense spokesman: Philippine ‘farce’ won’t shake China’s resolve on Huangyan Island

    Defense spokesman: Philippine ‘farce’ won’t shake China’s resolve on Huangyan Island

    China’s Ministry of National Defense has issued a strong condemnation of recent Philippine Coast Guard activities near Huangyan Island (also known as Scarborough Shoal), characterizing them as carefully orchestrated propaganda efforts rather than legitimate maritime operations. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, speaking as defense spokesman, delivered Beijing’s official response to what he described as Manila’s provocative tactics in the disputed waters.

    The criticism specifically addresses an incident on March 7 when a Philippine reconnaissance aircraft carrying journalists allegedly received warnings from Chinese naval vessels while conducting patrols near the island. The Philippine Coast Guard had announced intentions to increase transparency through enhanced public communication and additional patrols, claiming these measures would counter Chinese assertiveness in the region.

    Jiang dismissed these actions as ‘self-directed farces’ designed to fabricate a false narrative of victimhood. ‘Edited footage and fabricated lies can never change China’s sovereignty over our islands and reefs in the South China Sea, including Huangyan Island,’ he stated during Wednesday’s briefing. The spokesman emphasized that China considers its sovereignty over the island and adjacent waters ‘indisputable’ under international law.

    The defense spokesman further asserted that China’s response to Philippine maneuvers remained ‘legitimate, professional and restrained’ given the circumstances. Jiang confirmed that China would continue implementing ‘effective countermeasures’ against any actions deemed violations of Chinese rights or provocations in the region, underscoring Beijing’s determination to safeguard its territorial claims through appropriate legal and military channels.

  • Greece launches an animal airlift to evacuate pets and their owners from the Mideast

    Greece launches an animal airlift to evacuate pets and their owners from the Mideast

    ATHENS, Greece — In an unprecedented humanitarian operation, Greece successfully evacuated dozens of pets alongside their owners from conflict-ridden Middle Eastern airspace. A specially chartered Aegean Airlines flight touched down at Athens International Airport on Wednesday, carrying 101 passengers and 45 companion animals from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    The arrival ceremony became an emotional reunion scene as dogs leaped enthusiastically from their travel carriers, greeted by government officials who orchestrated the complex evacuation. The mission addressed a critical challenge faced by hundreds of Greek nationals stranded amid escalating regional hostilities between Israel, Iran, and the United States.

    Nikos Chrysakis, Special Secretary for Companion Animal Protection at the Greek Interior Ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment: “Our pets are not luggage; they are family members. Through coordinated efforts between interior and foreign ministries, we achieved this positive outcome ensuring both people and animals returned home safely.”

    The evacuation became necessary as commercial airlines across the Middle East canceled thousands of flights following repeated airspace closures. Major aviation hubs including Dubai and Qatar suspended operations as missile trajectories crossed overhead, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded without pet-accommodating alternatives.

    Passenger accounts highlighted the emotional significance of the operation. Danai Koukoulomati, evacuated with her cat Muay Thai, stated: “My cat is family—abandoning him was never an option.” She described the extreme difficulties finding any flight accepting animals, either in cabin or cargo hold, during the crisis.

    Fellow evacuee Alexandra Papayanis arrived with Sirtaki, her dog named after a Greek dance, plus an additional animal she rescued for a friend. “In these challenging circumstances,” she noted, “the primary concern became how to ensure our dogs and cats could escape with us.”

    Maria Theochari, who refused to depart Dubai without her dog Matisse, expressed the sentiment shared by all passengers: “Like my children, I have Matisse. Separation is unthinkable—they are equally precious to me.”