Global Pulse

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  • France’s far right makes gains in first-round municipal elections as major cities head to runoff

    France’s far right makes gains in first-round municipal elections as major cities head to runoff

    France’s political landscape witnessed significant shifts in the first round of municipal elections, with far-right forces gaining substantial ground in southeastern regions while leaving major urban centers undecided until the March 22 runoff. The elections, serving as a crucial barometer for the 2027 presidential contest, demonstrated the continuing evolution of France’s political factions.

    The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, achieved notable breakthroughs across southern France. In Perpignan, the party’s second-in-command Louis Aliot secured a commanding victory, while in Marseille, National Rally contender Franck Allisio emerged neck-and-neck with left-wing incumbent Benoît Payan. The conservative stronghold of Nice saw Éric Ciotti, who recently established his own far-right party aligned with National Rally, positioned as the frontrunner for the second round.

    Political alliances have become the determining factor for runoff outcomes, particularly in municipalities where three or more candidates qualified. Negotiations between traditional left-wing parties and the hard-left France Unbowed movement, led by veteran politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, have generated intense debate. Despite previous alliance collapses over accusations of antisemitic rhetoric and concerns about escalating political tensions, some local electoral pacts have been established on case-by-case bases.

    In Lyon, France’s third-largest city, Green Party mayor Grégory Doucet formed an alliance with France Unbowed to counter right-wing challenger Jean-Michel Aulas. Anti-racism organization SOS Racisme issued calls for mainstream parties to unite in blocking far-right advancements, emphasizing that no alliance should be ruled out to prevent extremist control of municipalities.

    The Paris mayoral race remains intensely competitive, with left-wing candidate Emmanuel Grégoire emerging as frontrunner against conservative rival Rachida Dati, who aims to end 25 years of left-wing governance despite facing corruption charges scheduled for trial in September. Grégoire, leading a coalition of Socialists, Greens, and Communists, has explicitly rejected alliances with France Unbowed, adding uncertainty to the final outcome.

    These municipal elections carry profound implications for the upcoming presidential race, serving as the final nationwide test before the campaign for France’s highest office. Notable figures including Édouard Philippe in Le Havre are positioning themselves for potential presidential bids, while Marine Le Pen’s political future remains uncertain due to legal challenges that might prevent her candidacy, potentially elevating protégé Jordan Bardella as the National Rally’s standard-bearer.

  • Zelenskyy will discuss Russia-Ukraine war with British leader and NATO chief in London

    Zelenskyy will discuss Russia-Ukraine war with British leader and NATO chief in London

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commenced critical diplomatic talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Tuesday, amid growing concerns that Middle Eastern conflicts are diverting global attention from Russia’s ongoing invasion. The high-level meeting at 10 Downing Street notably included NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, signaling coordinated Western efforts to sustain pressure on Moscow.

    The trilateral discussion focused on maintaining robust sanctions against Russia despite recent US decisions to temporarily waive certain oil restrictions. Zelenskyy had previously criticized Washington’s sanctions relief, warning it would generate financial windfalls for Moscow’s war machinery. The leaders also addressed concerning military cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly regarding drone technology exchange affecting both European and Middle Eastern security landscapes.

    Concurrently, Britain and Ukraine finalized a landmark defense agreement combining Ukraine’s combat-tested drone interception expertise with British industrial manufacturing capabilities. The partnership includes establishing an AI Center of Excellence with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, enhancing technological innovation in electronic warfare and battlefield systems.

    Military developments on the ground remained intense, with Russia claiming interception of 206 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 40 targeting Moscow. Ukrainian forces reported successfully neutralizing 154 of 178 Russian long-range drones launched across the country. Zelenskyy asserted that Ukrainian counteroffensives had disrupted Moscow’s planned March operations, though these claims await independent verification.

    The diplomatic meeting occurred against a backdrop of stalled peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, with US-brokered talks losing momentum amid Middle Eastern hostilities. European leaders increasingly perceive Russia as a persistent security threat potentially endangering EU stability by decade’s end.

  • Lukas prizes honor books on homelessness, the US Census and ancient India

    Lukas prizes honor books on homelessness, the US Census and ancient India

    The prestigious J. Anthony Lukas Prize Project has announced its 2024 laureates, recognizing exceptional nonfiction works that tackle profound social issues through rigorous research and narrative excellence. Administered through a partnership between Columbia Journalism School and Harvard University’s Nieman Foundation, these awards continue their tradition of celebrating investigative depth and literary merit.

    Jeff Hobbs received the Lukas Book Prize, accompanied by a $10,000 award, for his work ‘Seeking Shelter: A Working Mother, Her Children, and a Story of Homelessness in America.’ The selection committee praised the book for its compassionate examination of housing insecurity and its human impact on American families, highlighting its combination of meticulous research with compelling storytelling.

    The Mark Lynton History Prize, also carrying a $10,000 award, was presented to William Dalrymple for ‘The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World.’ The work received recognition for its groundbreaking exploration of India’s historical influence on global civilization, demonstrating both scholarly depth and narrative elegance.

    This year’s Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards, each providing $25,000 to support authors during their writing process, were granted to two distinctive projects: danah boyd for ‘Data Are Made, Not Found: A Story of Politics, Power, and the Civil Servants Who Saved the U.S. Census,’ which examines the bureaucratic challenges and political pressures surrounding the national census, and Karim Zidan for ‘In the Shadow of the Cage,’ a work whose subject matter continues the Lukas tradition of addressing complex social themes.

    Established in 1998 to honor the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist J. Anthony Lukas, these awards have previously celebrated literary luminaries including Robert Caro, Isabel Wilkerson, and Jill Lepore, maintaining their position among the most distinguished recognitions in nonfiction literature.

  • Museum reopens almost a year after major fire

    Museum reopens almost a year after major fire

    The Doagh Famine Village, an acclaimed open-air museum in Ireland’s County Donegal, has triumphantly reopened its doors nearly a year after a catastrophic fire ravaged its historical exhibits. This unique heritage site, which chronicles the journey of an Irish family from the Great Famine era to modern times, resumed operations on St. Patrick’s Day following an extensive 10-month restoration effort.

    The devastating blaze erupted on May 3 last year at the Ballyliffin site on the Inishowen Peninsula, requiring immediate response from Gardaí and fire services. With assistance from local residents, emergency personnel successfully contained the inferno, with authorities subsequently ruling out arson as a possible cause.

    Founder Pat Doherty, who previously inhabited one of the museum’s thatched cottages until 1984 before establishing the attraction in 1997, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming community support that facilitated the museum’s rebirth. ‘More than half of the village was destroyed in the fire,’ Doherty revealed to BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today. ‘People just kept donating and donating – we actually had to turn items away at one point because we simply had too many.’

    The reconstruction required complete rebuilding of several key exhibits, including a replica Orange Hall and a safe house displaying historical information about the Northern Ireland peace process. Additionally, exhibits related to Ireland’s Travelling community, including traditional caravans, were entirely consumed by flames and required replacement.

    Doherty’s personal resilience mirrored that of his museum’s recovery – having suffered a stroke just weeks before the fire, he acknowledged moments when permanent closure seemed inevitable. ‘At one point I thought that was it – that it would be the end of it but people really drove us on,’ he confessed.

    The revived museum now offers enhanced exhibits while maintaining its educational mission, including demonstrations of traditional poitín distillation and multifaceted perspectives on Northern Ireland’s peace process. As a family-owned institution, its successful restoration stands as a testament to community solidarity and cultural preservation efforts across Ireland.

  • A timeline of attacks in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state

    A timeline of attacks in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state

    LAGOS, Nigeria — Northeastern Nigeria was struck by a devastating series of coordinated suicide bombings on Monday night, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory for the conflict-ravaged region. Nigerian police confirmed Tuesday that at least 23 people were killed and more than 100 others sustained injuries in the simultaneous assaults that targeted multiple locations throughout Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.

    The attack marks the latest in a prolonged pattern of violence that has plagued the region. The bombings specifically targeted a hospital and two separate markets, maximizing civilian casualties during peak hours of activity. While no group has immediately claimed responsibility, the tactical use of multiple suicide bombers aligns with the operational signature of Boko Haram and its splinter factions.

    This tragedy continues a grim chronology of violence in Borno state:

    – February 23, 2021: Suspected militants launched rocket-propelled grenades into populated areas including a university campus, killing 10
    – June 29, 2024: Female suicide bombers attacked a wedding, funeral, and hospital in Gwoza, leaving 32 dead and over 100 injured
    – January 26, 2025: A vehicle-borne explosive targeted Nigerian military convoys, resulting in significant soldier casualties
    – June 20, 2025: Restaurant bombing in Konduga killed 10 civilians
    – September 5, 2025: Nighttime assault on Darul Jamal village claimed over 60 lives
    – December 24, 2025: Mosque bombing during prayers killed 5 worshippers
    – January 26, 2026: Military ambush near Damasak resulted in 7 soldiers killed and 13 captured
    – March 16, 2026: Current multi-target bombing campaign across Maiduguri

    The persistent violence demonstrates the ongoing security challenges facing Nigerian forces despite government claims of containing extremist groups. The attacks specifically targeting civilian infrastructure and gatherings reflect a strategic shift toward maximizing psychological impact and undermining public confidence in security measures.

  • Bridge as witness: Following journalist Du Juan’s 22-year journey through Beijing’s pulse

    Bridge as witness: Following journalist Du Juan’s 22-year journey through Beijing’s pulse

    For over two decades, the architectural landmarks spanning Beijing’s waterways have silently documented the remarkable evolution of China’s capital through the unique perspective of journalist Du Juan. Her professional journey, intricately intertwined with the city’s development, offers a compelling narrative of urban transformation and personal growth.

    Beginning her career during a period of rapid modernization, Du Juan has utilized Beijing’s bridge network—from the historical Xizhimen crossing to the contemporary marvels of Guomao and the expanding infrastructure in Tongzhou—as both physical landmarks and metaphorical devices to frame her reporting. These structures have served as constant witnesses to the city’s accelerating pace, facilitating movement while simultaneously connecting communities across generations.

    Through her extensive body of work, Du has captured the essence of Beijing’s socioeconomic changes, documenting how infrastructure development has shaped urban life, influenced cultural practices, and redefined the relationship between citizens and their environment. Her reporting provides a nuanced chronicle of how the city has balanced preservation with progress, maintaining cultural identity while embracing modernization.

    The bridges themselves tell a parallel story of engineering achievement and urban planning, representing the intersection of tradition and innovation that characterizes contemporary Beijing. From their architectural designs to their functional adaptations, these structures mirror the city’s journey toward becoming a global metropolis while retaining its historical significance.

    Du’s longitudinal perspective offers invaluable insights into the human experience within a rapidly transforming urban landscape, making her work not just a personal professional history but a significant document of urban development in 21st century China.

  • Len Deighton, author of bestselling spy thrillers, dead at 97

    Len Deighton, author of bestselling spy thrillers, dead at 97

    LONDON — Len Deighton, the acclaimed author whose sophisticated and gritty spy novels defined a generation of thriller writing and remained on bestseller lists for decades, has passed away at age 97. His literary agent, Tim Bates, confirmed his death occurred on Sunday, though no specific cause was provided.

    Deighton’s literary career launched spectacularly with his 1962 debut novel, “The IPCRESS File,” which captured the cool, realistic tone of 1960s espionage fiction. The work was subsequently adapted into a successful film featuring Michael Caine in a star-making performance, propelling both author and actor to international acclaim and enduring careers.

    Bates memorialized Deighton as “a Titan” of literature, noting that he was “not only one of the greatest spy and thriller writers of the 20th century but also one of our greatest writers in any genre.”

    Born in 1929 to a working-class family in an affluent London neighborhood—his father worked as a chauffeur while his mother served as a part-time cook—Deighton developed early insight into the complexities and contradictions of Britain’s class structure. Before achieving literary fame, he pursued diverse vocations including Royal Air Force service during mandatory national service, art studies, and work as a waiter, pastry chef, and flight attendant. He initially found professional success as a book and magazine illustrator, creating the cover design for the first UK edition of Jack Kerouac’s seminal work “On the Road” in 1958.

    Deighton conceived “The IPCRESS File” during a vacation as personal entertainment. The novel, which followed a secret agent navigating bureaucratic obstacles and internal deception while investigating a Soviet kidnapping operation, ultimately sold millions of copies worldwide. His depiction of espionage as a messy, error-prone profession stood in stark contrast to the glamorous world of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels.

    In a 1997 BBC interview, Deighton revealed he had never read a Bond book, yet coincidentally published his debut novel the same month the first 007 film “Dr. No” premiered. His gritty narrative approach, reminiscent of John le Carré’s morally complex spy world, resonated with contemporary audiences and benefited from what he described as a “backlash against Bond’s huge success.”

    Deighton continued his anonymous protagonist through several sequels including “Horse Under Water,” “Funeral in Berlin,” “Billion-Dollar Brain,” and “An Expensive Place to Die,” with multiple adaptations featuring Caine. In 1983, he introduced MI6 officer Bernard Samson in “Berlin Game,” initiating a ten-novel series that included “Mexico Set” and “London Match,” later adapted into the 1988 television series “Game, Set and Match.”

    His literary scope extended beyond contemporary espionage to World War II narratives, notably “Bomber” (1970), which presented the air war from both British and German perspectives, and “SS-GB” (1978), an alternative history novel imagining Nazi-occupied Britain that was adapted for television in 2017.

    Deighton authored over two dozen novels, concluding his final trilogy—”Faith,” “Hope,” and “Charity”—in 1996. He also produced historical nonfiction works including an analysis of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and “Fighter: The True Story of the Battle of Britain.”

    Beyond literature, Deighton cultivated expertise in gastronomy, serving as food correspondent for The Observer during the 1960s and authoring several cookbooks targeted specifically at male audiences—an innovative concept at the time. His 1965 “Len Deighton’s Action Cook Book” featured recipes illustrated in comic strip format.

    Deighton was first married to illustrator Shirley Thompson before their divorce, later marrying Ysabele de Ranitz with whom he had two sons.

  • Suspected suicide attacks kill at least 23 in north-east Nigeria

    Suspected suicide attacks kill at least 23 in north-east Nigeria

    In a devastating security breach, the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri was struck by multiple suspected suicide bombings on Monday evening, resulting in significant casualties and shattering a period of relative calm. According to official police statements, the coordinated attacks claimed at least 23 lives and left 108 individuals wounded.

    The assaults targeted several of the city’s most frequented locations in rapid succession around 19:30 local time. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, a bustling weekly market, and a central post office were all hit within minutes of each other. These areas were particularly crowded with residents who had gathered following the breaking of the Ramadan fast.

    This series of explosions marks the most severe attack Maiduguri has experienced in recent years, delivering a profound psychological blow to a community that had begun to believe the worst of Islamist militant violence was behind them. The city, once the epicenter of Boko Haram’s insurgency, had enjoyed improved security following intensified military operations that pushed armed groups toward remote border regions.

    Borno state police confirmed in an official communiqué that preliminary investigations point to suicide bombers as the perpetrators, with efforts underway to definitively identify those responsible. Eyewitness Modu Bukar described the chaotic scenes following the market explosion: ‘We were sitting when we suddenly heard a loud explosion. Everyone immediately started running in fear. As we ran, people kept shouting that we should keep going.’

    Nigerian President Bola Tinubu issued a strong condemnation of the attacks on Tuesday, vowing that ‘Nigeria will not succumb to fear’ and promising that the culprits would be ‘located, confronted, and completely defeated.’

    The bombings occurred just hours after security forces repelled an overnight assault by suspected Islamist fighters on a military post in Maiduguri’s outskirts. The strategic coordination and urban penetration demonstrated in Monday’s attacks have raised serious concerns among officials about the persistent threat of violence, despite ongoing efforts by emergency and security agencies to reinforce citywide safety measures.

  • Asia braces for sweeping tariffs

    Asia braces for sweeping tariffs

    Multiple Asian economies are preparing for significant trade disruptions following the United States’ initiation of extensive Section 301 investigations, which could result in substantial tariffs on critical export sectors. This development comes in the wake of a landmark US Supreme Court decision on February 20 that declared “reciprocal tariffs” unlawful under current trade legislation.

    The investigations leverage Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, which empowers the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to examine allegedly unfair foreign trade practices. Upon identifying violations, the US government can implement tariffs or other trade restrictions to compel policy changes from trading partners.

    Malaysian Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Ghani identified several vulnerable sectors including electrical and electronics, oil and gas, and plantation commodities such as palm oil. He emphasized that the Supreme Court ruling necessitates specific justification for tariffs rather than blanket impositions, stating that “if they claim it is due to trade surplus, they must specify the industry involved.”

    The USTR has launched two major investigations targeting 16 trading partners—including China, the European Union, Norway, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India—alleging structural excess capacity in manufacturing. A subsequent probe targets 60 economies over forced labor allegations.

    Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has challenged the factual basis of the investigations, noting significant discrepancies in trade data. While the USTR cited a $27 billion bilateral trade surplus for Singapore in 2024, official data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates Singapore actually maintained a trade deficit of approximately $27 billion with the United States.

    The investigations have drawn strong criticism across Asia. South Korea’s minor progressive Jinbo Party spokeswoman Son Sol condemned “the US’ unilateral act of aggression that shatters international trade order,” noting that the probes target key Korean sectors including automotive and semiconductor industries.

    Analysts from Singapore’s DBS Bank characterize the Section 301 moves as a “plan B” for the US administration following the Supreme Court’s rejection of reciprocal tariffs. The bank notes this approach aims to establish a more durable legal foundation for tariffs ahead of the July expiration of temporary global tariff measures.

    For smaller economies like Cambodia, where nearly 40% of exports destination is the US, the investigations highlight the urgent need for more resilient export strategies. Arnaud Darc, chairman of hospitality company Thalias, observed that “small economies rarely get to choose the moment their structural assumptions are tested.”

    In response to the trade pressure, South Korea’s National Assembly recently passed special legislation enabling $350 billion in US investments, fulfilling a commitment made previously in exchange for reduced tariffs. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo emphasized that fulfilling investment promises represents the most effective approach to stabilizing tariff conditions.

  • China builds comprehensive groundwater monitoring system

    China builds comprehensive groundwater monitoring system

    China has successfully implemented a sophisticated nationwide automated groundwater monitoring infrastructure, representing a major advancement in environmental resource management. According to an announcement from the Ministry of Water Resources, this comprehensive system features extensive coverage across diverse groundwater types, complete monitoring parameters, and utilizes cutting-edge technology.

    Groundwater serves as an indispensable resource for China’s economic and social development while functioning as a strategic asset for maintaining ecological health. Between 2015 and 2020, Chinese authorities established more than 20,000 national-level groundwater monitoring stations, creating an integrated network capable of real-time surveillance and early warning capabilities specifically designed to combat groundwater over-extraction.

    The ministry reported significant environmental improvements resulting from sustained management efforts, including strict extraction controls and comprehensive protection measures. By the conclusion of 2025, groundwater levels across northern China demonstrated substantial recovery compared to 2020 benchmarks. Monitoring data revealed particularly impressive gains in managed areas, with shallow groundwater levels rising by an average of 3.76 meters and deep groundwater levels increasing by an average of 7.65 meters.

    This achievement represents a milestone in China’s environmental protection initiatives, demonstrating how technological innovation combined with rigorous policy implementation can produce measurable improvements in natural resource conservation. The automated system’s real-time capabilities provide unprecedented visibility into groundwater dynamics, enabling more responsive management of this critical environmental resource.