Global Pulse

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  • China to boost elderly care and silver economy amid aging population: draft govt work report

    China to boost elderly care and silver economy amid aging population: draft govt work report

    China has announced a sweeping initiative to confront its demographic challenges through enhanced elderly care services and economic opportunities for seniors. The newly released draft government work report outlines a multi-faceted approach to address the nation’s rapidly aging population, which now exceeds 323 million citizens aged 60 and above.

    The comprehensive plan emphasizes expanding public-interest elderly care services, with particular focus on improving rural infrastructure and support systems. A key innovation involves the introduction of specialized care vouchers for seniors experiencing moderate to severe functional impairments, ensuring targeted assistance reaches those most in need.

    Concurrently, China aims to capitalize on the substantial potential of its senior demographic by developing what officials term the ‘silver economy.’ This initiative recognizes that many individuals in the 60-64 age bracket maintain robust health and strong social engagement desires. The strategy includes creating supportive policies for senior-friendly products, pension finance systems, and specialized wellness relocation services.

    The national blueprint further incorporates significant healthcare enhancements, including the expansion of rehabilitation services and advancement of long-term care insurance programs. Special attention will be directed toward vulnerable groups such as seniors living alone and individuals with physical or cognitive challenges.

    Complementing these aging population measures, the report details parallel initiatives to address demographic balance through fertility support systems. These include fostering positive attitudes toward marriage and childbearing, enhancing housing support for newlyweds and first-time parents, and expanding subsidized childcare services alongside parental leave systems.

  • Farrell backs scrumhalf Gibson-Park as a perfect fit before his 50th Ireland test

    Farrell backs scrumhalf Gibson-Park as a perfect fit before his 50th Ireland test

    DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland’s head coach Andy Farrell has delivered a resounding endorsement of scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park ahead of his 50th test cap against Wales in the Six Nations championship. While acknowledging French superstar Antoine Dupont as a “generational player” who might be considered the greatest ever, Farrell emphasized that Gibson-Park’s unique qualities make him the perfect fit for Ireland’s system.

    The coach’s comments come as Gibson-Park mirrors Ireland’s tournament progression through varied performances. After a difficult opening match in Paris where Ireland fell 36-14 to France, Gibson-Park was moved to the bench against Italy. His second-half introduction at 10-10 proved transformative, providing the assurance and energy needed for Ireland to secure a 20-13 victory.

    Gibson-Park’s career highlight moment arrived at Twickenham just days after his 34th birthday, where his heads-up try and dominant performance earned him Player of the Match honors in Ireland’s record 42-14 demolition of England. Demonstrating true sportsmanship, his first post-match comments were to congratulate Maro Itoje on his 100th England test.

    Farrell highlighted Gibson-Park’s competitive mentality, describing him as “hard as nails” and the ideal protector in any crisis situation. “He’d probably bite their ankles off first and then do whatever he wanted,” Farrell remarked. “He’s that type of competitor. He’s the full box of tricks.”

    The New Zealand-born player came through the Kiwi system before moving to Ireland in 2016. After becoming Ireland-qualified in 2019 and a dual citizen in 2023, Gibson-Park supplanted Conor Murray as first-choice scrumhalf. He has been instrumental in Ireland’s greatest recent triumphs, including the series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand, the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam, the 2024 title, a drawn series in South Africa, and 17 consecutive victories. His form earned him the British and Irish Lions starting scrumhalf position in Australia last year.

    Farrell attributes Gibson-Park’s success to exceptional fitness that allows mental clarity under pressure. “He plays quick because he’s unbelievably fit, but because of that speed and that fitness he’s able to play nice and calm within his head and see things that others don’t,” Farrell explained. The coach believes Gibson-Park is now demonstrating he belongs among the world’s elite players.

  • England opts to bowl first against India in second T20 World Cup semifinal

    England opts to bowl first against India in second T20 World Cup semifinal

    Cricket’s most anticipated showdown materialized at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium as England and India faced off in a gripping Twenty20 World Cup semifinal clash on Thursday. The match presented a dramatic narrative of recent tournament history between these cricketing powerhouses.

    England’s stand-in captain Harry Brook won the crucial coin toss, making the strategic decision to field first against the host nation. This choice appeared tactically astute given the evening dew conditions expected to favor the chasing team later in the match.

    Team India maintained an unchanged lineup from their convincing victory against the West Indies last Sunday, displaying confidence in their current combination. England, meanwhile, made one significant alteration to their playing XI, recalling pace bowler Jamie Overton in place of spinner Rehan Ahmed to adapt to the pitch conditions.

    The iconic Wankhede surface promised an entertaining spectacle for spectators, with conditions ideally suited for high-scoring batting performances. The victor of this intense contest would advance to face New Zealand in Sunday’s championship final at Ahmedabad.

    This encounter marked the third consecutive T20 World Cup semifinal meeting between these cricketing rivals, adding another chapter to their growing postseason rivalry. England dominated their 2022 semifinal clash in Sydney with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory that propelled them to their second title. India exacted revenge in the most recent 2024 Georgetown semifinal, delivering a commanding 68-run triumph that paved their path to a second championship.

    The defending champion Indian squad entered the match with just one blemish on their tournament record—a solitary defeat against South Africa. England’s campaign similarly featured only one setback, an early-round loss to the West Indies at this same Mumbai venue.

    Lineups:
    India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
    England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

  • Families of Kenyan recruits duped into fighting in Russia’s war on Ukraine demand their sons return

    Families of Kenyan recruits duped into fighting in Russia’s war on Ukraine demand their sons return

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Distraught Kenyan families delivered an emotional appeal to their nation’s parliament on Thursday, demanding an immediate ban on the recruitment of citizens for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The demonstration came after revelations that hundreds of Kenyans were deceived with employment promises only to find themselves deployed to active combat zones.

    Protesters marched through Nairobi’s streets carrying photographs of missing, wounded, or killed relatives, chanting slogans urging authorities to secure their loved ones’ return. Their visible anguish was underscored by a massive white banner bearing the stark declaration in bold red letters: ‘KENYANS AND FAMILIES DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THEIR SONS RECRUITED INTO RUSSIA MILITARY.’

    Official government data confirms alarming statistics: over 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with at least 89 currently stationed on front lines. The human cost includes one confirmed death, 39 hospitalized casualties, 28 missing in action, and an unknown number returnees bearing physical and psychological wounds.

    Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi previously announced plans for diplomatic engagement with Moscow, vowing to ‘rein in’ those exploiting Kenyan citizens through what he termed a ‘misadventure.’ Concurrent efforts focus on securing the release of Kenyans held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

    Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, acknowledged one Kenyan currently held as POW, noting that standard protocol under the Geneva Conventions typically mandates prisoner releases upon conflict resolution. However, both Kyiv and Moscow have conducted multiple prisoner exchanges throughout the four-year war.

    An intelligence report presented to parliament last month alleged collusion between Kenyan and Russian government officials with recruitment agencies, systematically luring citizens to combat roles under false pretenses. Families are now demanding prosecution of those responsible for human trafficking, forced recruitment, and violations of international humanitarian and labor laws. Two Kenyan nationals have already been charged with human trafficking in connection with the scheme.

  • China to accelerate push for science and technology self-reliance in 2026: draft govt work report

    China to accelerate push for science and technology self-reliance in 2026: draft govt work report

    China has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to accelerate its pursuit of scientific and technological self-reliance throughout 2026, according to a draft government work report presented to the National People’s Congress on Thursday. The comprehensive strategy outlines a multi-faceted approach to establishing China as a global innovation leader through systemic reforms and targeted investments.

    The blueprint emphasizes enhancing fundamental innovation capabilities to create a robust scientific foundation supporting the nation’s high-quality development objectives. Central to this initiative is the strategic mobilization of national resources to achieve critical breakthroughs in core technologies across pivotal sectors. The government plans to implement major science and technology megaprojects while strengthening planning mechanisms for strategic and frontier domains to stimulate original advancements.

    A significant policy shift involves increasing the proportion of research and development expenditure allocated to basic research, ensuring sustained long-term support for foundational scientific inquiry. The strategy further calls for structural reforms within research institutions and improved coordination between national laboratories and major scientific programs to bolster strategic scientific capabilities.

    The integration of technological innovation with industrial application represents another cornerstone of the plan. Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be developed into international hubs for scientific innovation, with enterprises playing a leading role in innovation consortia and national-level projects.

    The government will establish pilot-scale testing platforms, enhance intellectual property protection in emerging fields, accelerate technology commercialization, and improve financial services tailored for innovation-driven enterprises. Simultaneously, the plan emphasizes the synergistic development of education, science, and talent cultivation through improved coordination mechanisms.

    Higher education reforms will advance through categorized approaches with adjustments to academic disciplines aligned with economic and social needs. New initiatives will establish world-class universities and interdisciplinary research centers while cultivating top-tier domestic innovators. The talent development strategy includes fostering professionals with strategic expertise, attracting elite scientists and promising young scholars, and training exceptional engineers and highly skilled technical workers.

    The comprehensive approach extends to developing high-standard talent hubs, deepening institutional reforms for talent development, establishing improved assessment systems, and facilitating smoother talent mobility across sectors and regions.

  • Perspective on the two sessions

    Perspective on the two sessions

    Amid growing global economic fragmentation, the strategic partnership between China and Australia is emerging as a crucial stabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Warwick Powell, an adjunct professor at Australia’s Queensland University of Technology, this bilateral relationship possesses unique capabilities to counteract the disruptive effects of trade wars and economic decoupling trends.

    The symbiotic economic relationship offers substantial mutual benefits that extend beyond conventional trade parameters. China provides Australian industries with unprecedented market access opportunities, cutting-edge technological expertise, and substantial investment capital. Conversely, Australia delivers premium raw materials, maintains a predictable regulatory framework, and contributes advanced agricultural innovations to the partnership.

    Professor Powell emphasized that this collaboration is particularly vital in developing resilient, diversified supply chains within critical future industries. The clean energy and biotechnology sectors stand to benefit significantly from the complementary strengths of both nations’ economies. This strategic alignment comes at a pivotal moment when global supply networks face unprecedented pressures and reorganization.

    The China-Australia economic partnership represents more than mere bilateral trade—it serves as a structural foundation for regional economic stability and technological advancement. As nations worldwide grapple with supply chain vulnerabilities, this collaboration offers a model for how major economies can create mutually reinforcing economic ecosystems that withstand global market disruptions.

  • Nepalis vote in first election since Gen Z uprising for change

    Nepalis vote in first election since Gen Z uprising for change

    Nepal has conducted its first general election following the youth-led uprising that toppled the government in September, marking a pivotal moment for the Himalayan nation’s political future. Nearly 19 million registered voters, including approximately one million first-time participants, cast ballots on March 5th in an election dominated by concerns over corruption, economic stagnation, and systemic inequality—the very issues that sparked last year’s deadly protests claiming 77 lives.

    The electoral contest represents a fundamental clash between Nepal’s political establishment and a new generation of leaders appealing to disillusioned Gen Z voters. Prominent candidates include former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, whose government was ousted in the protests, and Balen Shah, a former rapper and Kathmandu mayor who resigned to challenge Oli in the crucial Jhapa 5 constituency. Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has captured the imagination of young voters seeking radical change from decades of coalition governments dominated by three major parties.

    Election proceedings unfolded peacefully under substantial security presence across the country’s challenging mountainous terrain. The voting process selects 275 parliamentary seats through a dual system: 165 via first-past-the-post contests and 110 through proportional representation. Officials anticipate results will require several days to compile due to logistical challenges in ballot transportation and manual counting procedures.

    Despite establishment parties like Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal UML and Gagan Thapa’s Nepali Congress claiming responsiveness to youth demands, many young activists remain skeptical. Rakshya Bam, a Gen Z leader, noted that no party had adequately incorporated the government-protestor pact into their manifestos, accusing traditional parties of exploiting youth movement terminology for political gain.

    The election outcome will determine whether Nepal continues its pattern of coalition governance or embraces untested leadership promising to address brain drain, corruption, and regional development disparities beyond the capital. The new government will face immediate pressure to implement substantive reforms addressing the systemic issues that ignited September’s historic protests.

  • Previously silent Iran players sing and salute anthem

    Previously silent Iran players sing and salute anthem

    Iran’s women’s national football team displayed markedly different behavior during national anthem ceremonies at the Asian Cup in Australia, sparking allegations of political coercion. During their opening match against South Korea on Monday, players remained silent during the anthem, but reversed course dramatically in their subsequent game against hosts Australia by singing along while performing military salutes.

    The abrupt change occurred against the backdrop of escalating military conflict, with US and Israeli airstrikes hitting Iranian territory in recent days. Alireza Mohebbi, an Australia-based correspondent for Iran International TV, stated unequivocally to BBC’s partner ABC News that the players were under direct instruction from regime officials. “It’s completely obvious that the Islamic Republic’s regime, and the security team which is with the players in Australia, forced them to sing and do the military salute,” Mohebbi asserted.

    Team striker Sara Didar emotionally addressed the psychological toll on players, speaking about being separated from loved ones during the crisis. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari acknowledged the difficult circumstances, stating “No-one likes what’s happening, no-one wants war,” while simultaneously insisting the team had “come here to play football.”

    The political symbolism extended beyond the pitch as dozens of Iranian-Australians gathered outside the Gold Coast stadium waving Israeli, Australian, and pre-revolution Iranian flags. The team’s sporting prospects suffered simultaneously with a 4-0 defeat to Australia, leaving Iran needing victory against Philippines on Sunday to advance to the knockout stages.

    This incident mirrors similar political pressure experienced by Iran’s men’s team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where players initially remained silent during the anthem before singing in subsequent matches amid widespread domestic protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody.

  • Inside Ethiopia’s ‘smart’ police station

    Inside Ethiopia’s ‘smart’ police station

    Ethiopia has entered a new era of digital law enforcement with the inauguration of its first fully automated, unmanned police facility. This groundbreaking ‘smart’ station enables citizens to report criminal incidents directly through advanced touch-screen interfaces without requiring human officer interaction.

    The innovative facility represents a significant technological leap for East African policing infrastructure. The automated system guides users through intuitive digital forms to document offenses, submit evidence, and receive official reference numbers for their cases. This digital transformation aims to streamline reporting processes while reducing administrative burdens on traditional police forces.

    This development occurs as Ethiopia continues to invest in smart city initiatives and digital governance solutions. The unmanned station prototype demonstrates how automation could revolutionize public service delivery across the continent, particularly in rapidly developing nations seeking technological alternatives to conventional infrastructure.

    While the system promises increased efficiency and accessibility, questions remain regarding its accessibility for non-technical users and its effectiveness in handling complex emergencies. The Ethiopian government has indicated this pilot project could expand nationwide pending successful implementation and public adoption in the initial deployment phase.

  • Texas lawmaker admits ‘lapse in judgement’ in affair with aide

    Texas lawmaker admits ‘lapse in judgement’ in affair with aide

    U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) has publicly confessed to an extramarital relationship with a congressional aide, reversing his previous denials and characterizing the affair as a profound “lapse in judgement.” The married congressman, who has six children, made the admission during a podcast interview just hours after the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

    Gonzales acknowledged his relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, his regional district director who died by suicide in September 2025. The 45-year-old lawmaker stated he takes “full responsibility” for his actions while maintaining that Santos-Aviles’ tragic death was unrelated to their affair. “I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing,” Gonzales told conservative podcaster Joe Pags. “And in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else.

    The confession comes at a politically precarious moment for Gonzales, who faces a May primary runoff against challenger Brandon Herrera after neither candidate secured the required 50% threshold in the initial voting. The winner will become the Republican nominee for Texas’ heavily conservative border district in November’s midterm elections.

    Text messages obtained by CBS News reveal explicit communications from May 2024 in which Gonzales requested “sexy pics” from Santos-Aviles, despite her twice telling him he had gone “too far.” The following month, her husband Adrian Aviles reportedly discovered the affair and notified other staff members via text message.

    According to the family’s attorney Bobby Barrera, Santos-Aviles experienced significant mental health deterioration following the end of the relationship and subsequent workplace harassment. “The deterioration of her mental state was exacerbated by the conduct Tony engaged in,” Barrera told CBS.

    The Ethics Committee investigation will examine whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and whether he provided “special favors or privileges” to Santos-Aviles. Gonzales denies showing favoritism, stating that any pay raise she received was part of a “staff-wide pay increase.”

    The congressman, previously endorsed by former President Donald Trump, now faces mounting calls for resignation from fellow Republicans including Representative Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina), who has accused him of “predatory behavior.”