Global Pulse

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  • Peru’s Congress to debate a motion to remove interim President Jerí, 4 months into his term

    Peru’s Congress to debate a motion to remove interim President Jerí, 4 months into his term

    LIMA, Peru — Peru’s political landscape faces another critical test as Congress prepares to vote Tuesday on whether to remove interim President José Jerí from office. The motion comes amid ongoing corruption investigations concerning undisclosed meetings between Jerí and Chinese business executives.

    Should legislators achieve the required majority, Jerí would become the seventh Peruvian president ousted within the past decade, ending his four-month tenure and triggering another leadership transition just two months before scheduled national elections. The congressional body would then appoint a new interim leader to govern until the July 28 transfer of power to the elected president.

    The 39-year-old interim leader remains defiant despite the allegations. “I’m not dead yet,” Jerí declared during a weekend television interview on Panamericana, vowing to continue serving Peru until his “last day” in the presidential palace.

    The corruption allegations center on a leaked report detailing a clandestine December meeting with two Chinese executives. One attendee currently holds active government contracts, while the other faces investigation for alleged involvement in illegal logging operations. Jerí maintains the meeting focused on organizing a Peruvian-Chinese cultural celebration, but opponents allege corrupt motives.

    This political crisis unfolds against a backdrop of remarkable economic stability despite Peru’s chronic political instability. The Andean nation maintains one of Latin America’s lowest external debt-to-GDP ratios at 32% for 2024 and continues to attract foreign investment in mining and infrastructure sectors.

    Jerí originally assumed office in October after his predecessor was removed by Congress over corruption allegations and concerns about rising violent crime. Ironically, he now faces removal by the same legislative body that previously supported his appointment.

  • Thousands in Kosovo march against war crimes trials on 18th anniversary of independence declaration

    Thousands in Kosovo march against war crimes trials on 18th anniversary of independence declaration

    PRISTINA, Kosovo — Kosovo’s independence anniversary celebrations on Tuesday were overshadowed by mass protests against an international war crimes tribunal prosecuting former rebel leaders. Thousands of demonstrators, braving frigid temperatures and snowfall, marched through the capital city of Pristina wrapped in red-and-black Albanian flags to express solidarity with former President Hashim Thaçi and three other defendants facing trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

    The tribunal—which operates under Kosovo’s judicial system despite being headquartered abroad—has brought charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes against the former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leadership for alleged atrocities committed during the 1998-1999 separatist conflict with Serbia that resulted in approximately 13,000 fatalities.

    Earlier in the day, official ceremonies included a military parade by Kosovo’s security forces and a special parliamentary session. However, the prevailing mood shifted to one of defiance as protesters surrounded a landmark independence monument with metal fences and mounted a sign proclaiming “Kosovo in Prison.” Banners reading “History cannot be rewritten” and “Freedom for the liberators” dominated the demonstration.

    President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti both issued statements defending the KLA’s struggle, with Kurti characterizing the conflict as “a pure liberation struggle and an anti-colonial war” while Osmani asserted that “truth cannot be changed by attempts to rewrite history.”

    The proceedings have been widely criticized in Kosovo as politically motivated and designed to create false equivalence with Serbian war crimes previously adjudicated by a separate UN tribunal. Meanwhile, Serbia’s government office for Kosovo condemned the 2008 independence declaration as a “flagrant violation of international law” and accused Kosovo of “systematic terror” against minority Serbs.

    The geopolitical divide over Kosovo’s statehood continues, with the United States and most EU nations among the 100+ countries recognizing its independence, while Russia and China support Serbia’s territorial claims. Both countries must normalize relations as a prerequisite for EU membership consideration.

    Thaçi resigned from the presidency in 2020 to face charges that include ten counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Prosecutors have requested maximum 45-year sentences for the defendants, with closing arguments currently underway.

  • Police identify suspect in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

    Police identify suspect in Rhode Island ice rink shooting

    A tragic shooting at a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has resulted in two fatalities and three individuals wounded, with authorities confirming the suspected shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred Sunday at Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located approximately five miles north of Providence and 45 miles south of Boston.

    Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta and surname Esposito. Chief Goncalves indicated preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was ‘a targeted event’ potentially stemming from ‘a family dispute,’ though specific details regarding victim identities remain undisclosed.

    Eyewitness accounts and video footage depict chaotic scenes as gunfire erupted during gameplay, triggering panic among players and spectators. A critical intervention by a bystander reportedly contributed to ending the violence swiftly, though police have not elaborated on the nature of this intervention.

    Melissa Dunn, a parent present at the game, described the initial confusion: ‘You just hear the loud noises. We’re used to the kids banging on the board with their skates, so we thought it was that at first.’ After realizing the severity of the situation, Dunn screamed for her son to take cover and recounted witnessing paramedics performing CPR in the stands.

    Olin Lawrence, a high school hockey player on the ice during the incident, shared his harrowing experience: ‘We pressed against the door and just tried to stay safe down in there. It was very scary. We were very nervous. It was a lot of shots.’

    Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed profound grief, noting this incident follows another recent shooting at Brown University in December. ‘As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting,’ Governor McKee stated, highlighting the recurring pattern of gun violence affecting communities.

    The event has reignited discussions about public safety at youth sporting events and the broader context of gun violence in the United States, marking another tragic episode in the nation’s ongoing struggle with firearm-related incidents.

  • Saudi Arabia launches project allowing visitors to walk Prophet Muhammad’s footsteps

    Saudi Arabia launches project allowing visitors to walk Prophet Muhammad’s footsteps

    Saudi Arabia has officially inaugurated the groundbreaking ‘Ala Khutah’ project, an ambitious cultural and spiritual initiative that recreates Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) historic migration from Makkah to Madinah. The project, launched under the supervision of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), represents a significant development in religious tourism and cultural preservation.

    Spanning 470 kilometers of historic terrain, the immersive experience features 41 meticulously documented landmarks, 59 educational stations, and 5 major event locations that collectively trace the original Hijrah route. Visitors will undertake 305 kilometers of the journey on foot, following the precise path taken during the first year of the Islamic calendar.

    The project incorporates cutting-edge augmented reality technology to recreate historical events and provide workshops, offering participants both educational and spiritual enrichment. Infrastructure along the route includes seven dedicated accommodations, over 112 restaurants, and 68 retail establishments to support pilgrims throughout their journey.

    GEA Chairman Turki Al Sheikh emphasized the project’s dual purpose of documenting historic milestones while fostering deeper understanding of the Prophet’s life. According to official statements, the initial phase aims to welcome one million visitors, with ambitious targets of five million by 2030 and potential expansion to accommodate ten million participants.

    The ‘Ala Khutah’ initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to enhance cultural tourism and religious visitation experiences. This project follows other recent developments in spiritual tourism infrastructure, including expansion projects around the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

  • Breather for buyers as Dubai gold prices fall, lose nearly Dh14 per gram in 6 days

    Breather for buyers as Dubai gold prices fall, lose nearly Dh14 per gram in 6 days

    Dubai’s gold market experienced a notable downturn this week as prices continued their descent for the second consecutive trading session. The precious metal’s decline, attributed primarily to a strengthening US dollar and subdued trading activity across Asian markets, has created favorable conditions for both retail consumers and strategic investors.

    According to the latest data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold opened Tuesday’s trading at Dh596.75 per gram, representing a significant drop from Monday’s closing price of Dh602.0 per gram. This downward trajectory has persisted for six consecutive days, cumulatively reducing gold prices by nearly Dh14 per gram across all variants.

    The price correction has extended across all gold categories, with 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K gold now trading at Dh552.5, Dh529.75, Dh454.25, and Dh354.25 per gram respectively. This broad-based decline has generated renewed interest among jewelry shoppers in the UAE, particularly those planning purchases for upcoming weddings and special events.

    Concurrently, international spot gold prices reflected the trend, trading at $4,941.18 per ounce with a 1% decline as of 9:10 AM UAE time on Tuesday. Market analysts interpret this correction as a potential buying opportunity, with many investors increasing their exposure to both physical bullion and digital gold assets.

    Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, provided expert analysis of the underlying market dynamics. ‘Recent US CPI data offered limited relief,’ Valecha noted. ‘While headline CPI benefited from energy price movements and core inflation moderated slightly due to softer shelter components, underlying details remain concerning. Core goods inflation has shown signs of firming, potentially indicating early effects of tariff implementations.’

    The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook has consequently adjusted, with Fed funds futures currently pricing approximately 62.1 basis points of cuts by year-end—equivalent to roughly two and a half quarter-point adjustments. This anticipated easing cycle, potentially beginning in June and extending through the second half, traditionally provides support for gold valuations.

    Valecha further highlighted gold’s complex behavior during equity market stress periods, noting that ‘in times of extreme equity market distress, the precious metal sometimes experiences correlated declines as investors liquidate liquid assets to cover losses elsewhere.’ This characteristic underscores gold’s dual role as both a safe-haven asset and a liquid financial instrument.

  • Stake raises Dh113.7 million in Series B funding; Emirates NBD, Mubadala buy share

    Stake raises Dh113.7 million in Series B funding; Emirates NBD, Mubadala buy share

    Dubai-based real estate investment platform Stake has successfully concluded an oversubscribed Series B funding round, raising $31 million (Dh113.77 million) from a consortium of prominent regional investors. The investment was led by Emirates NBD bank and Mubadala Investment Company, with additional participation from Property Finder, Ellington Properties, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), STV NICE, Wa’ed Ventures, and GFH Partners.

    This latest injection of capital brings Stake’s total funding to date to $58 million (Dh213 million), significantly strengthening its position in the digital real estate investment sector. The platform, founded in the UAE in 2021 and expanded to Saudi Arabia in 2024, has built a substantial community exceeding 2 million users from 211 nationalities.

    Neeraj Makin, Group Head for Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment: “Real estate remains a foundational component of global investment portfolios, yet there is an opportunity to improve how many investors access and gain transparency into these assets. Our strategic investment in Stake represents a significant step in expanding our digital investment capabilities.”

    The funding will primarily support Stake’s expansion in the Saudi market, which the company identifies as a strategic growth opportunity. Since entering Saudi Arabia, Stake has already closed three real estate funds, attracting 6,930 international investors and channeling over SAR 416 million into the local real estate sector.

    Co-founder and co-CEO Rami Tabbara commented on the institutional backing: “To have institutions like Emirates NBD, Mubadala, Property Finder, MEVP, Wa’ed Ventures, GFH Partners, STV and Ellington Properties join us is a reminder that our region believes in ambitious ideas and in the power of technology to transform industries.”

    In a significant regulatory development, Stake has received In-Principle Approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to advance regulated tokenization of real estate assets in collaboration with Property Finder. This positions the company at the forefront of blockchain integration in Middle Eastern real estate markets.

    To date, Stake has facilitated over 250,000 investments across 500-plus properties and four private real estate funds, distributing more than Dh55 million in rental income and surpassing Dh1.4 billion in real estate transactions.

  • Jordan’s Queen Rania meets the Ambanis, Bollywood stars during India visit

    Jordan’s Queen Rania meets the Ambanis, Bollywood stars during India visit

    Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has embarked on a multifaceted visit to India, seamlessly blending diplomatic engagement with cultural appreciation and advocacy for women’s leadership. The royal’s itinerary included a prominent stop in Mumbai, where she was hosted by Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries and among Asia’s most influential business magnates, and his family at their residence.

    The visit was documented through official social media channels, where Queen Rania expressed profound gratitude for the Ambani family’s hospitality. ‘My deepest appreciation to Mr. Mukesh Ambani for his gracious hosting in Mumbai,’ she remarked. ‘Your genuine warmth and exceptional hospitality have profoundly enriched my experience in India.’ The royal’s attire—an elegant white blouse paired with an intricately embroidered midi skirt and green sash—reflected a thoughtful blend of contemporary and traditional elements.

    A highlight of the Mumbai agenda was Queen Rania’s engagement at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, where she participated in an exclusive roundtable discussion with distinguished female leaders from various sectors including business, entrepreneurship, and the arts. The session focused on critical issues surrounding women’s empowerment and leadership development.

    Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor, who attended the private gathering, described the event as ‘an honor and privilege’ in her social media reflections. She emphasized the significance of such dialogues, noting that ‘when women converge with purpose and vision, they not only shape conversations but actively mold the future for subsequent generations.’

    Earlier during her Indian tour, Queen Rania delivered a keynote address at the ET Now Global Business Summit in New Delhi, sharing the platform with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other policy influencers. In her address, she articulated the often-overlooked virtue of humility as a fundamental leadership quality in contemporary global governance. ‘Humility represents not hesitation, but honesty regarding our limitations,’ she asserted. ‘This awareness enables the construction of more inclusive and resilient systems that effectively serve broader populations.’

    The Jordanian Queen’s visit exemplifies modern diplomatic outreach, combining traditional statecraft with cultural exchange and substantive discourse on social advancement.

  • US soldiers arrive in Nigeria to aid its fight against Islamist militants

    US soldiers arrive in Nigeria to aid its fight against Islamist militants

    Approximately 100 United States military personnel have been deployed to northeastern Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in security cooperation between the two nations. The troops arrived at an airfield in Bauchi state with specialized equipment to commence training operations with Nigerian armed forces.

    Defense spokesperson Major General Samaila Uba confirmed the deployment, emphasizing that American forces would not engage in direct combat operations but would provide critical intelligence support and technical training to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities. The mission follows formal requests from the Nigerian government for assistance in addressing multiple security threats.

    This deployment represents the latest development in bilateral military coordination following December’s joint airstrikes against Islamist militant camps in northwestern Nigeria. The collaboration focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to deter terrorist organizations including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while improving protection for vulnerable communities.

    The security partnership evolved through diplomatic channels, including working group discussions between defense officials from both nations. This contingent supplements a small team of US forces already operating in the country, with Nigerian military officials previously indicating expectations of approximately 200 additional personnel.

    The deployment occurs against a complex backdrop of religious and ethnic dynamics. While the previous US administration expressed concerns about Christian persecution in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north, the current mission appears focused on technical cooperation rather than religious protection. Nigerian authorities have consistently maintained that violence affects all religious groups equally.

    President Bola Tinubu’s administration has explicitly endorsed the security cooperation, expressing gratitude for US support in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges that include Islamist insurgencies, criminal kidnapping networks, resource-based conflicts, and separatist movements across this ethnically diverse nation of more than 250 distinct groups.

  • Air India Express unveils new Hyderabad-Dubai non-stop flights

    Air India Express unveils new Hyderabad-Dubai non-stop flights

    Air India Express has officially announced the launch of non-stop flight services connecting Hyderabad and Dubai, marking a significant expansion of its Gulf network. The new route, scheduled to commence operations on March 29, 2026, represents a strategic realignment within the Air India Group’s restructuring initiative that will see numerous Middle Eastern routes transition to its low-cost subsidiary.

    The airline confirmed that passengers booking these flights will have access to its premium ‘Gourmair’ hot meal service starting at just ₹500. This development comes alongside the carrier’s ongoing ‘Xpress More Sale,’ offering substantial discounts of up to 20% on both domestic and international routes, with approximately five million seats available at promotional fares.

    Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport already serves as a operational hub for Air India Express, with existing connections to multiple Gulf destinations including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Muscat, and Sharjah. The addition of Dubai flights further solidifies the airline’s position in the competitive India-Gulf aviation market.

    The promotional sale, which began with early access through the airline’s digital platforms on February 1, officially ran from February 2-5, 2026. Bookings made during this period are valid for travel between February 11 and December 31, 2026, covering the carrier’s entire route network.

  • Ocalan announces first phase of PKK dissolution is complete

    Ocalan announces first phase of PKK dissolution is complete

    In a significant development for Middle Eastern geopolitics, Abdullah Ocalan, the incarcerated founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has confirmed the completion of the initial phase of his organization’s dissolution. The message was conveyed by Mithat Sancar, a parliamentarian from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM Party, following a three-hour meeting with Ocalan at his Imrali Island prison.

    Sancar reported Ocalan’s declaration that ‘the first phase has concluded with the dissolution of the organisation and the termination of armed struggle,’ marking a potential watershed moment in the four-decade conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The PKK leader now emphasizes transitioning to a second phase focused on ‘integration aspects’ – what he terms ‘democratic integration.’

    This transformation follows Ocalan’s historic February 2023 appeal for the PKK and its regional affiliates – including branches in Syria, Iran, and Iraq under the Group of Communities in Kurdistan (KCK) – to disarm and disband. The PKK formally committed to this directive in March by announcing a ceasefire.

    The dissolution process faced complications regarding the status of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by the PKK’s Syrian affiliate, the People’s Protection Units (YPG). Escalating clashes between Syrian government forces and the SDF earlier this year threatened to derail the entire process until diplomatic interventions prevailed.

    Sancar credited multiple actors for facilitating negotiations, including Iraqi Kurdish leaders Masoud Barzani, Nechirvan Barzani, and Bafel Talabani, while emphasizing Ocalan’s behind-the-scenes role as crucial. US-backed negotiations culminated in a January 30 integration agreement and ceasefire, transferring control of northeastern Syria to Damascus and outlining phased integration of SDF forces into the Syrian army.

    Ocalan maintains that integration must transcend mere merger, requiring ‘recognition of existence and rights [of Kurds], democracy, and protection of those gains.’ He has simultaneously demanded improved living and communication conditions at Imrali to contribute effectively to the second phase.

    The developments coincide with unexpected support from Devlet Bahceli, chairman of the nationalist MHP party and architect of the PKK deal, who recently advocated for Ocalan to receive the ‘right to hope’ – a Turkish legal principle allowing life-sentenced prisoners possibility of release. Bahceli also called for reinstating removed Kurdish mayors and releasing Kurdish political leader Selahattin Demirtas.