Global Pulse

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  • At least 18 killed after bus carrying over 35 passengers plunges into Nepal river

    At least 18 killed after bus carrying over 35 passengers plunges into Nepal river

    A devastating bus accident in central Nepal has resulted in at least 18 fatalities and 25 injuries after the vehicle plunged into the Trishuli River during overnight hours. The tragedy occurred near Chinadhara, close to Charaundi in the Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, at approximately 1:15 AM local time on Monday.

    The bus, transporting more than 35 passengers on the route from Pokhara to Kathmandu, veered off the roadway and into the treacherous waters. The remote location and darkness significantly hampered initial rescue efforts, according to authorities on the scene.

    Emergency response teams comprising personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and local volunteers immediately launched a complex rescue operation. District Traffic Police Office Chief Shishir Thapa confirmed the death toll, while Rajkumar Thakuri, Chair of the Highway Rescue Management Committee, reported that all injured survivors have been transported to medical facilities for treatment.

    This incident highlights the persistent challenges of road safety in Nepal’s mountainous regions, where difficult terrain and infrastructure limitations frequently contribute to transportation accidents. The Trishuli River area has witnessed similar tragedies in the past, raising concerns about highway safety measures and emergency response capabilities in remote areas.

    Investigation into the precise cause of the accident remains ongoing, with authorities examining factors including driver fatigue, road conditions, and potential mechanical failure. The nighttime timing of the incident presents additional challenges for investigators working to determine the sequence of events that led to this catastrophic outcome.

  • ICC to begin pre-trial hearing for Philippines’ Duterte

    ICC to begin pre-trial hearing for Philippines’ Duterte

    The International Criminal Court has initiated a pivotal four-day judicial proceeding to examine evidence against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a significant development in one of the court’s most high-profile cases. The confirmation of charges hearing, which commenced Monday in The Hague, will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a full trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

    The 80-year-old former leader, currently detained at Scheveningen Prison following his arrest in Manila and subsequent transfer to the Netherlands in March 2025, will not physically attend the proceedings. The court granted a defense request to waive his appearance despite judicial findings that he remains medically fit to participate.

    Prosecutors have leveled three distinct charges against Duterte, encompassing his alleged involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018. The first charge pertains to 19 murders allegedly orchestrated during his tenure as mayor of Davao City. The second involves 14 killings of designated ‘high-value targets’ during the initial phase of his presidency, while the third charge addresses 43 murders occurring during nationwide anti-drug operations.

    Human Rights Watch has characterized these proceedings as a crucial advancement toward accountability for victims of the Philippines’ drug war, which independent estimates suggest resulted in thousands of fatalities. Legal representatives for victims anticipate that a formal trial could empower additional families to come forward with testimony.

    The case unfolds amid significant geopolitical tensions, with the ICC facing two rounds of US sanctions implemented since June 2025. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019 under Duterte’s directive, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed between 2011 and 2019. A defense appeal challenging this jurisdiction remains pending.

    Duterte, who maintains popularity in the Philippines for his tough stance on crime, becomes the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC. The hearing has sparked polarized reactions, with simultaneous demonstrations both supporting Duterte and advocating for victims registered outside the courthouse.

    Following the hearing, ICC judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision determining whether the case will advance to trial.

  • Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s son faces attempted murder charges in South African court

    Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s son faces attempted murder charges in South African court

    JOHANNESBURG — Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe, made his initial court appearance in Johannesburg on Monday alongside co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze. The pair face serious criminal charges including attempted murder, obstruction of justice, and illegal firearm possession following a shooting incident at the Mugabe family residence in the affluent Hyde Park suburb.

    The case stems from an altercation last Thursday that resulted in the shooting of a domestic employee at the Mugabe property. According to law enforcement authorities, the victim—identified as the family’s gardener—sustained gunshot wounds requiring immediate hospitalization. While the precise motive remains under investigation, police confirmed the firearm allegedly used in the shooting has not been recovered since the suspects’ arrest on the day of the incident.

    During their hearing at Alexandra Magistrates Court, the defendants learned their formal bail application would be heard on March 3. The 29-year-old Mugabe scion and his 33-year-old associate now await further judicial proceedings while in custody.

    This development brings renewed attention to the Mugabe family’s legal troubles in South Africa. Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years until his 2017 ouster, died in Singapore in 2019. His widow Grace Mugabe has previously faced legal challenges in South Africa, including allegations of assault in 2017.

  • ‘One Battle’ win best film at BAFTAs as local talent triumphs over American A-listers

    ‘One Battle’ win best film at BAFTAs as local talent triumphs over American A-listers

    The British Academy Film Awards ceremony on Sunday night evolved into a celebration of domestic cinematic achievement, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ securing the prestigious Best Film honor. The production dominated the evening with six total awards, including Best Director for Anderson, whose work resonated deeply through its portrayal of a fractured American political landscape.

    In a remarkable upset, British actor Robert Aramayo claimed the Best Actor trophy for his transformative performance in ‘I Swear,’ surpassing established Hollywood icons Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Aramayo’s portrayal of a man navigating life with Tourette syndrome generated one of the evening’s most emotional moments, with the visibly moved actor dedicating his win to raising awareness for misunderstood conditions.

    Irish actress Jessie Buckley made history as the first performer from her nation to win the Best Actress BAFTA for her heartbreaking depiction of Agnes Shakespeare in ‘Hamnet,’ which also earned Outstanding British Film honors. The adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel explores the Bard’s marriage and the couple’s grief following their son’s death during the Elizabethan plague.

    Further British recognition came through Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku’s Best Supporting Actress win for her role in the vampire period piece ‘Sinners,’ which collected three awards including Best Original Screenplay and Best Score. Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ secured three technical awards, while ‘Marty Supreme’ – despite eleven nominations – departed empty-handed.

    The ceremony, attended by Prince William and Princess Catherine alongside Hollywood royalty, maintained its tradition as a key Oscar predictor while notably shifting focus toward British and Irish talent. Norwegian cinema also achieved a milestone as Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value’ became the first film from Norway to win the Foreign Language Film category, exploring themes of intergenerational trauma through intimate family dynamics.

  • South Sudan villagers killed after being lured from homes with promise of aid, witnesses say

    South Sudan villagers killed after being lured from homes with promise of aid, witnesses say

    In a horrific incident underscoring the brutal realities of South Sudan’s ongoing conflict, more than a dozen civilians were systematically executed after being deceived by government-allied militia fighters promising humanitarian food aid. The attack occurred Saturday morning in the remote village of Pankor, located within the conflict-ravaged Jonglei State approximately 400 kilometers north of the capital, Juba.

    According to two survivors who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal, several dozen armed combatants arrived in pickup trucks and used loudspeakers to announce a registration drive for food assistance. Trusting the promise of aid in a region facing severe food insecurity, villagers gathered in a traditional cattle enclosure known as a ‘luak.’

    The situation turned from hope to horror as the fighters bound the hands of multiple men before opening fire on the entire group. Survivors reported 22 fatalities with additional injuries, while government-appointed Ayod County Commissioner James Chuol Jiek confirmed at least 16 deaths, predominantly women and children. Graphic photographs obtained by The Associated Press, too disturbing for publication, showed victims shot at close range with their hands tied behind their backs.

    Commissioner Jiek identified the perpetrators as members of the Agwelek militia, a Shilluk ethnic force that operates alongside the national army despite not being fully integrated. He claimed the fighters acted without their commander’s knowledge, characterizing the massacre as retaliatory violence for attacks by Nuer militias on Shilluk villages in 2022. Jiek stated several officers had been arrested and 150 fighters disarmed, while vehemently denying the aid registration was used as a lure, calling this narrative ‘an opposition lie.’

    The incident occurs against a backdrop of intensified violence in northern Jonglei, an opposition stronghold where UN estimates indicate approximately 280,000 people have been displaced since December. The region faces compounded crises including armed clashes, aerial bombardments, and extreme flooding that have left over half of Ayod County’s population experiencing severe food insecurity. Aid organizations have repeatedly warned that access restrictions to opposition-held territories are endangering civilian lives.

    This massacre follows international condemnation of Agwelek militia commander Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony, who was filmed in January explicitly ordering his forces to kill civilians without mercy during operations in Jonglei. Although Olony has since apologized for his remarks, opposition officials continue to characterize government actions in Nuer-majority areas as genocidal in intent.

  • More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela launch hunger strike

    More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela launch hunger strike

    In a significant demonstration of protest, more than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have initiated a hunger strike at Rodeo I prison near Caracas, demanding inclusion in the newly enacted amnesty legislation. The strike, which commenced on Friday night, represents a direct challenge to the limitations of the reform measures promoted by the United States following the dramatic capture of former president Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd.

    The amnesty law, ratified by Venezuela’s congress on Thursday, has faced substantial criticism for its exclusionary provisions. Notably, the legislation does not apply to cases involving military personnel or terrorism charges—precisely the categories encompassing most detainees at Rodeo I. This has left approximately 214 individuals, including both Venezuelan citizens and foreign nationals, without the prospect of release under the current framework.

    Family members of the prisoners have confirmed the widespread participation in the protest action. Yalitza Garcia, mother-in-law of detained Argentine police officer Nahuel Agustin Gallo—who faces terrorism accusations—verified the scale of the hunger strike. Similarly, Shakira Ibarreto, daughter of a policeman arrested in 2024, emphasized that the exclusions within the amnesty law prompted the drastic measure.

    The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted a landmark visit to Rodeo I on Sunday, marking the first time the organization has been granted access to the facility. Filippo Gatti, ICRC’s health coordinator for Venezuela, characterized the visit as ‘a first step’ toward improved humanitarian oversight.

    Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who engineered the amnesty under Washington’s pressure following Maduro’s capture, has faced opposition criticism over the legislation’s selective application. The law explicitly excludes those accused of ‘promoting or facilitating armed or forceful actions’ against Venezuela’s sovereignty—charges that have been leveled against Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado.

    Despite these exclusions, the amnesty has already benefited thousands. Legislative officials reported that over 1,500 political prisoners have applied for amnesty, with hundreds already released prior to the bill’s formal approval. On Sunday, five individuals were released from Rodeo I to emotional reunions with families, while the NGO Foro Penal documented 23 total releases nationwide.

    The situation underscores the complex transition underway in Venezuela following Maduro’s extradition to the United States, where he and his wife await trial on drug trafficking charges. While the amnesty law represents a significant step toward addressing human rights concerns, the ongoing hunger strike highlights the limitations of current reforms and the persistent challenges in achieving comprehensive justice for all political detainees.

  • Anthony Albanese backs Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Keir Starmer letter

    Anthony Albanese backs Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Keir Starmer letter

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally endorsed the unprecedented removal of Prince Andrew from the British royal line of succession in a landmark communication to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This constitutional intervention follows the Duke of York’s recent arrest as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct during his public duties.

    The disgraced royal, who stands eighth in succession to the throne, was released pending further investigation. His connection to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has long overshadowed his royal status, culminating in his withdrawal from public life in 2019.

    The emergence of millions of previously redacted documents from US investigations into Epstein has reignited global demands for Andrew’s permanent removal from royal privileges. These files, released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by former President Donald Trump, contain extensive details about Epstein’s network, though Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

    Albanese’s letter to Starmer represents a significant constitutional position: “In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession,” the Australian leader wrote. He emphasized that “these are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously,” while supporting King Charles’ position that the legal process must run its full course.

    The Australian leader has concurrently sought support from Australia’s state and territorial governments, recognizing the complex constitutional implications. Removing a royal from succession requires unprecedented legal coordination across all Commonwealth realms, potentially overturning centuries of established precedent.

    This development follows Andrew’s 2022 out-of-court settlement with Australian-born Virginia Giuffre, who had accused him of sexual assault before her tragic death last year. The Duke’s disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview further damaged his public standing, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from royal duties.

  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit Australia amid new Trump trade threats

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to visit Australia amid new Trump trade threats

    In a significant diplomatic move, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to undertake an official state visit to Australia next month. The March 3rd arrival in Canberra marks the beginning of a three-day summit with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, occurring against the backdrop of renewed global trade tensions sparked by former US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcements.

    The visit, described by Australian officials as crucial for strengthening bilateral cooperation, will include an address to Australia’s parliament in the nation’s capital before Carney’s delegation proceeds to Sydney for further discussions. Prime Minister Albanese characterized the Canada-Australia relationship as fundamentally rooted in mutual trust and “a shared commitment to supporting stability across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

    This diplomatic engagement takes on added significance following Trump’s recent proclamation of a 15% global tariff, reinstated after the US Supreme Court invalidated his previous 10% tariff framework. Both Commonwealth nations, despite their traditional alliance with the United States, face particular vulnerabilities to these protectionist measures. Canada continues to grapple with sector-specific tariffs targeting its automotive industry, despite Trump’s previous characterization of the nation as America’s “51st state.”

    The Canberra meetings will focus on enhancing cooperation across multiple domains including investment security, defense coordination, and critical mineral supply chains. Prime Minister Carney’s visit follows his prominent appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he positioned himself as a leading voice for middle powers navigating an increasingly fragmented global order. In his notable address, Carney challenged the conventional rhetoric surrounding international systems, stating governments must “stop invoking rules-based international order as though it still functions as advertised,” instead characterizing the current environment as “a system of intensifying great power rivalry.”

    This stance presents an interesting contrast to Albanese’s generally cordial relationship with the Trump administration, which has thus far exempted Australian beef exports from tariff measures. The upcoming discussions between the two leaders will likely explore coordinated responses to the shifting global economic landscape while strengthening bilateral ties independent of great power competition.

  • UAE weather: Foggy conditions continue as temperature drops to 18°C in Abu Dhabi

    UAE weather: Foggy conditions continue as temperature drops to 18°C in Abu Dhabi

    Meteorological conditions across the United Arab Emirates are characterized by persistent fog and humidity, with overnight and early morning temperatures dropping to 18°C in Abu Dhabi. The National Center of Meteorology reports that coastal and internal regions will experience mist formation through Tuesday morning, creating reduced visibility conditions for residents.

    Temperature readings indicate a moderate climate pattern, with Abu Dhabi reaching daytime highs of 30°C while Dubai anticipates maximum temperatures of 28°C. Minimum temperatures will register at 18°C and 20°C in the respective emirates, representing typical seasonal variations for February.

    Wind patterns remain generally light to moderate, blowing from northeast to northwest directions at speeds ranging from 10-20 km/h, with occasional gusts reaching 35 km/h. Maritime conditions remain calm with slight sea states reported in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

    The meteorological phenomenon follows established seasonal patterns where temperature differentials between land and sea create ideal conditions for fog formation. Residents have documented the weather conditions through photographic evidence shared with Khaleej Times, showing substantial fog accumulation across urban and coastal areas.

    Authorities continue monitoring conditions closely as reduced visibility impacts transportation networks. The weather pattern aligns with previous forecasts indicating persistent morning fog and mist conditions expected to continue through mid-week.

  • Dubai properties with easier entry-exit points command premiums up to 20%, expert says

    Dubai properties with easier entry-exit points command premiums up to 20%, expert says

    A significant market shift is underway in Dubai’s real estate sector, where properties boasting superior accessibility and multiple entry-exit points are now commanding substantial price premiums. Industry experts report that strategic locations offering smoother connectivity and reduced commute times can attract premiums of 10% to 20% above market rates, a trend directly fueled by the emirate’s escalating traffic congestion.

    This growing demand has prompted developers to prioritize land plots with immediate access to major highways and enhanced internal road networks. According to Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Properties, location has become paramount for all market participants due to mounting traffic challenges. He highlighted a recent project in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), noting that while the area offers excellent amenities, its proximity to Al Khail Road provides a critical advantage for residents seeking quicker access to key transportation arteries.

    Supporting this trend, recent data from TomTom Traffic reveals a sharp increase in average commute times. In 2025, motorists required 19.1 minutes to travel 10 kilometers, up significantly from 13.7 minutes in 2024. This congestion has reduced average rush-hour speeds to 26.3 km/h, creating tangible pressure on residents’ daily routines.

    Tauseef Khan, Founder and Chairman of Dugasta Properties, emphasized that the classic real estate mantra of ‘location, location, location’ has evolved beyond mere prestige. “Location now directly influences stress levels, productivity and daily time lost in traffic,” Khan stated, noting that efficient movement has become a primary decision-making factor for both residents and businesses.

    Developers are responding by focusing on master-planned communities featuring multiple access points, proximity to arterial roads, and congestion-easing measures. Properties within a 10-minute radius of metro stations particularly demonstrate stronger absorption rates and rental performance, mirroring global trends where accessible luxury enclaves outperform congested urban centers.

    While the traffic situation presents challenges, it also reflects Dubai’s rapid population growth and economic expansion. The government continues to invest in infrastructure projects aimed at improving mobility, even as developers create more affordable housing options to help residents relocate closer to their workplaces and reduce cross-emirate commuting.