Global Pulse

博客

  • Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant resumes power transmission

    Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant resumes power transmission

    In a landmark development for Japan’s energy sector, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has successfully recommenced electricity generation and transmission from its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility in Niigata prefecture. This reactivation marks the first operational resumption of a TEPCO-controlled nuclear unit since the catastrophic Fukushima Daiichi incident in March 2011.

    The Number 6 reactor at the plant initiated power delivery to the Tokyo metropolitan grid at 10:00 PM local time on Monday, ending an approximate 14-year suspension of nuclear energy distribution. The restart follows extensive safety evaluations and represents a pivotal moment in Japan’s gradual return to nuclear power generation.

    According to the operational timeline, TEPCO will incrementally increase the reactor’s output capacity to 50% of its maximum 1.35-million-kilowatt potential before implementing a temporary shutdown later this week. This planned pause will facilitate comprehensive testing of the power-generation infrastructure. Provided all systems perform within expected parameters, the utility company anticipates elevating output to full capacity and initiating commercial operations by March 18.

    The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, situated approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, holds distinction as the world’s largest nuclear power plant by potential generation capacity. Despite its technical significance, the reactor’s reactivation has encountered substantial opposition from local communities and seismic experts who contend the plant resides above an active geological fault line, raising ongoing safety concerns.

  • France’s Macron holds bilateral talks with India’s Modi to boost economic and strategic ties

    France’s Macron holds bilateral talks with India’s Modi to boost economic and strategic ties

    NEW DELHI (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened in Mumbai on Tuesday for comprehensive bilateral discussions focused on enhancing economic and strategic cooperation. The high-level meeting emphasized the growing significance of the Indo-French alliance as both nations navigate evolving global dynamics and geopolitical realignments.

    The partnership, which has expanded across multiple sectors including defense, trade, technology, and energy, positions France as one of India’s most dependable European allies. During a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the boundless nature of the India-France relationship, stating, “In today’s era of uncertainties, this partnership is a force for global stability and progress.”

    The leaders virtually inaugurated a final assembly line for H125 helicopter production, a collaborative venture between India’s Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus. Located in Karnataka, this facility represents India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing plant.

    President Macron characterized the Franco-Indian relationship as entering an “acceleration phase” in response to international changes, noting their “special global strategic partnership” that brings new ambitions to bilateral ties. He identified space exploration, nuclear energy, rare earth minerals, aeronautics, and high-speed rail as priority sectors for collaboration while advocating for a free-trade agreement between India and the European Union.

    The discussions extended to global security concerns, with Macron urging India to collaborate on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and inviting Modi to June’s G7 summit in Evian. Macron specifically called for “an immediate and lasting moratorium on strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure” while acknowledging the challenges in achieving a ceasefire.

    Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution in both Western Asia and Eastern Europe, though he avoided direct reference to Ukraine.

    The economic dimension of the partnership has shown substantial growth, with bilateral trade exceeding $15 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2025, making France India’s third-largest EU trading partner. French investments in Indian manufacturing, energy, defense, and infrastructure have deepened steadily.

    Defense cooperation remains central to the relationship, evidenced by last week’s preliminary approval from an Indian government panel for a $40 billion military equipment purchase that includes 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. This acquisition supports India’s strategic priority of maintaining air power amid persistent security challenges along its borders with nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and China. India already operates two Rafale squadrons and recently purchased 26 marine variants for its navy.

  • Kenya’s main airport resumes operations after 2-day strike

    Kenya’s main airport resumes operations after 2-day strike

    NAIROBI, Kenya — Operations at Kenya’s primary aviation hub are returning to normal following the resolution of a two-day labor strike that had severely disrupted air travel. The industrial action, which commenced on Monday and paralyzed activities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, was called off on Tuesday after productive negotiations between airport workers’ representatives and government transportation officials.

    The work stoppage created significant travel disruptions, with flight delays extending up to six hours and airlines advising passengers to reschedule their journeys. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority confirmed in an official statement that airport functions would resume immediately following the successful mediation between the transport ministry and the trade union.

    Labor representatives had initiated the strike to demand improved working conditions, enhanced compensation packages, and better benefits for airport staff. These concerns were addressed during Tuesday’s discussions, which focused on implementing measures to meet the workers’ requirements.

    As a critical transportation nexus for both regional and international flights, the airport’s operational stability is considered vital to East Africa’s connectivity. Kenya Airways announced it was progressively normalizing its flight schedule, anticipating full operational resumption within 24 hours.

    Transport Minister Davies Chirchir reaffirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining stability within the aviation sector, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted airport operations. The labor union had previously issued a strike notice last week after authorities failed to execute portions of an earlier agreement addressing labor conditions and compensation.

  • USA’s Meyers Taylor makes history with monobob gold

    USA’s Meyers Taylor makes history with monobob gold

    CORTINA, Italy – American bobsled legend Elana Meyers Taylor has achieved the one accolade that had eluded her storied career: Olympic gold. At 41 years old, Meyers Taylor secured victory in the women’s monobob event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, establishing herself as the oldest individual Olympic champion in Winter Games history.

    Her triumph came by the narrowest of margins, with a combined time of 3:57.93 over four heats edging out Germany’s Laura Nolte by just 0.04 seconds and fellow American Kaillie Armbruster Humphries by 0.12 seconds. This gold medal completes an extraordinary collection that includes three silver and two bronze medals accumulated across five Olympic appearances spanning 16 years.

    “Finally the gold! It took long enough, right?” Meyers Taylor exclaimed to BBC Sport immediately following her victory. “It just goes to show you… just to keep persevering. My team and everybody behind me, it means so much to come away as Olympic champion.”

    The historic achievement cements Meyers Taylor’s status as the most decorated female bobsleigh pilot in history and marks her as the first mother to win Olympic bobsleigh gold. With six total Olympic medals, she now ties speed skater Bonnie Blair for the most decorated American woman in Winter Olympics history and stands as the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Games history.

    As her victory was confirmed, Meyers Taylor sank to her knees draped in the American flag, embracing her two young children, Nico and Noah, both of whom are deaf, with Nico also having Down syndrome. The emotional moment underscored her dual identity as elite athlete and dedicated mother.

    “This medal is also for all those moms who weren’t necessarily able to live their dreams, but their kids are now their dreams,” Meyers Taylor reflected. “Those people kept me going and those people are the ones who reach out to me when things are hard and encourage me.”

    The bobsled champion acknowledged the extensive support system that enabled her success, noting the sacrifices of her children, the dedication of multiple nannies over the years, and the unwavering support of her husband, former bobsledder Nic Taylor, with whom she travels the competition circuit for months at a time.

    Fellow athletes celebrated Meyers Taylor’s victory as particularly meaningful. John Jackson, British bobsled bronze medalist from Sochi 2014, remarked: “If there was one person on the whole circuit who I think any athlete and coach wanted to see win gold it was Elana. She is not only a ferocious athlete but also a beautiful human being and a genuine person.”

    The podium ceremony made additional history as Meyers Taylor shared it with 40-year-old Armbruster Humphries, marking the first time two women over 40 have stood on a Winter Olympics podium together. Both athletes, who have been on the podium together in five consecutive Olympics, celebrated with their children in a powerful display of motherhood and elite athleticism.

    The two champions are credited with advocating for the International Olympic Committee to add monobob to the women’s schedule, expanding opportunities for female athletes in a sport that previously only featured the two-woman event.

  • At least 14 killed in spate of attacks in northwest Pakistan

    At least 14 killed in spate of attacks in northwest Pakistan

    A series of coordinated violent incidents across northwest Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 14 people confirmed dead and 25 others wounded in multiple attacks on Monday. According to security officials speaking anonymously, the assaults included two separate bomb explosions and an intense firefight between police and militants.

    The deadliest incident occurred in Bajaur’s tribal district, where a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle against the wall of a religious college. This attack claimed the lives of eight security personnel from the police and Frontier Corps units stationed inside the seminary, while ten others sustained injuries. The blast’s impact caused structural damage to nearby residences, resulting in the tragic death of a child when roofs collapsed.

    Simultaneously, in the town of Bannu, a concealed explosive device planted within a rickshaw detonated outside the Miryan police station, killing two civilians and injuring 17 others. In a separate development in Shangla district, three police officers and three militants were killed during a targeted counter-terrorism operation.

    Pakistan’s security forces are currently confronting escalating insurgency movements across southern and northern regions bordering Afghanistan. This recent violence follows a major suicide bombing earlier this month claimed by Daesh (Islamic State), which killed 31 worshippers at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad.

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police force issued an official statement connecting the slain militants from the Shangla operation to previous attacks targeting Chinese nationals. This revelation highlights ongoing security challenges surrounding China’s substantial investments in Pakistan, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative—a crucial component of Beijing’s Belt and Road infrastructure project.

    Chinese citizens and projects have frequently been targeted by militant groups, including a March 2025 suicide bombing that killed five Chinese workers traveling along the Karakoram Highway. The police statement emphasized that the proximity of these attack zones to the Silk Road route presents persistent threats to strategic corridors and Chinese development projects, prompting intensified counter-terrorism operations across the region.

  • ‘My Ramesh’: Wife of late royal photographer says everyone knew him by name

    ‘My Ramesh’: Wife of late royal photographer says everyone knew him by name

    The United Arab Emirates mourns the passing of Ramesh Shukla, the renowned royal photographer whose iconic images chronicled the nation’s remarkable journey from its formative years to global prominence. Shukla, who passed away on February 14, 2026, left behind a visual legacy that has become embedded in the nation’s collective memory, with his work appearing on postage stamps, currency notes, and in prestigious collections throughout the country.

    In an emotional tribute, Tarulatta Shukla, his wife of 61 years, shared intimate details of their life together, revealing the extraordinary dedication behind his celebrated career. “Everybody knew him by name—my Ramesh,” she stated, emphasizing how her husband was not just a photographer to the royals but a beloved figure who belonged to the people he documented.

    The couple’s journey began with profound challenges when they arrived in the UAE in 1970. With limited resources and no proper equipment, they demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by converting their living space into a makeshift darkroom. “We used plates (thalis) that we ate in to develop pictures since no other equipment was available,” Tarulatta recalled during an interview with Khaleej Times.

    Without a stopwatch or proper darkroom facilities, Shukla taught his wife the intricate art of photography development. “He almost made me a professional developer,” she noted, explaining how they would cover their single room with curtains and carefully calculate development times based on sunlight conditions and weather patterns.

    Shukla’s access to the highest levels of UAE leadership was earned through decades of trust and dedication rather than formal status. His wife recounted how he frequently traveled with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and how “even very famous people knew him by his first name,” eliminating the need for special permissions.

    The octogenarian photographer remained active until his final days, driven by his passion for capturing the essence of Emirati life. His work now enjoys permanent exhibition at the Etihad Museum, representing the pinnacle of his artistic journey.

    Tarulatta also expressed admiration for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s photography, noting that true photography demands “the struggle behind the lens and the immense patience it demands”—qualities she witnessed firsthand throughout her six decades alongside her husband.

  • Italian toddler in critical condition after transplanted heart ‘burned by frostbite’

    Italian toddler in critical condition after transplanted heart ‘burned by frostbite’

    A medical tragedy has unfolded in Italy where a two-year-old boy remains in stable yet critical condition following a disastrous heart transplant procedure in December. The incident, now under criminal investigation, involved a donor heart that sustained severe frostbite damage during transport due to apparent protocol failures.

    The organ, harvested from a young drowning victim in Bolzano, was transported to Monaldi Hospital in Naples in a container that violated basic medical standards. According to legal representatives, the heart was placed in direct contact with dry ice and lacked essential temperature monitoring equipment. Francesco Petruzzi, the family’s attorney, described the organ as arriving ‘burned by frostbite,’ rendering it effectively unusable.

    Despite the visible damage, surgeons proceeded with the transplantation. The child subsequently suffered catastrophic complications requiring immediate life support intervention. Medical experts note that prolonged extracorporeal support increases risks of multi-organ failure affecting lungs, liver, and kidneys.

    Italy’s health ministry has launched a formal inquiry, with six medical professionals currently under investigation. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci emphasized the necessity of full transparency, stating: ‘We must absolutely clarify what happened. We owe it to the child, to the family, but also to all Italians.’

    The case has reached the highest levels of Italian society, with the child’s mother, Patrizia Mercolino, appealing directly to Pope Francis for assistance in securing a new donor organ. ‘I am not giving up,’ she told local media, expressing hope for her son’s eligibility for a second transplant.

    A national medical board comprising specialists from major Italian hospitals convened Wednesday at Monaldi Hospital to assess whether the child can withstand another transplant procedure. The family’s legal team indicates they will seek additional medical opinions if the panel declines to approve a new transplantation.

  • Nancy Guthrie’s family cleared as possible suspects, with search in its third week

    Nancy Guthrie’s family cleared as possible suspects, with search in its third week

    Law enforcement agencies in Arizona have officially exonerated family members of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from suspicion in her disappearance, countering speculative social media narratives about the case. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the family’s cooperative stance, stating they are “victims in this case” and characterizing online accusations as “not only wrong, but cruel.”

    Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed the statement was prompted by public attacks targeting innocent family members, noting that “kindness matters” and protecting victims represents a fundamental duty for law enforcement.

    The investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance, now entering its third week, began after she was reportedly taken from her Tucson-area residence during the early hours of February 1st. Evidence collected at the scene included blood discovered on her porch flooring and doorbell camera footage depicting a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack.

    Forensic analysis conducted by the FBI indicates the suspect stands approximately 5’9″ to 5’10” (175-177 cm) with an average build. Investigators have determined the mask and backpack were likely purchased at Walmart stores and are currently reviewing surveillance footage and purchase records from multiple locations.

    Significant investigative developments include the recovery of a glove matching those worn by the suspect and the creation of a DNA profile from unknown male genetic material, which has been entered into national databases for potential matches.

    The search operation has expanded to incorporate advanced technological approaches, including a helicopter-mounted “signal sniffer” device designed to detect transmissions from Guthrie’s pacemaker. This technology aims to pinpoint her location within areas of interest identified by investigators.

    Despite executing a search warrant at a residence located two miles from Guthrie’s home last Friday, authorities have made no arrests. The comprehensive search effort continues to involve hundreds of officers, aerial surveillance, canine units, and the evaluation of thousands of public tips.

    Savannah Guthrie, NBC Today Show co-host and Nancy’s daughter, recently issued a renewed video appeal to those potentially holding her mother, emphasizing that the family “still has hope” for her safe return.

  • Marseille’s chaotic season takes another twist as sporting director Benatia returns after resigning

    Marseille’s chaotic season takes another twist as sporting director Benatia returns after resigning

    French football club Olympique Marseille finds itself engulfed in unprecedented institutional chaos as sporting director Medhi Benatia dramatically reversed his resignation just 48 hours after stepping down. The stunning development comes amid a deepening crisis at the Mediterranean club, which has seen coach Roberto De Zerbi depart and fan protests intensify.

    American owner Frank McCourt confirmed Benatia’s unexpected return through an official statement, revealing the director had agreed to remain until season’s end to oversee all sporting operations. This restructuring simultaneously shifts club president Pablo Longoria into a more institutional role focused on representing Marseille within French and European football bodies.

    The club’s on-field performance has mirrored this administrative disarray. Marseille’s recent 2-2 home draw against Strasbourg, after squandering a two-goal lead, followed a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and Champions League elimination after a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge. These disappointing results have left the club languishing twelve points behind league leaders Lens in fourth position.

    Fan frustration reached boiling point during the Strasbourg match when Ultras groups vacated both stands behind the goals in protest. One prominently displayed banner demanded the immediate departure of McCourt and Longoria, declaring “all of your projects go up in smoke!”

    The nine-time French champions, who haven’t lifted a trophy since the 2012 League Cup, now realistically only contend for the French Cup, where they face Toulouse in next month’s quarterfinals. Meanwhile, reports indicate former Marseille defender Habib Beye, recently dismissed by Rennes, is poised to be named as the new head coach. Assistant coach Jacques Abardonado has been serving in an interim capacity since De Zerbi’s departure.

  • Look: From Pakistan to Gaza, how Muslims are preparing for Ramadan around the world

    Look: From Pakistan to Gaza, how Muslims are preparing for Ramadan around the world

    As the holy month of Ramadan approaches in February 2026, Muslim communities worldwide are engaged in profound spiritual and practical preparations. From the bustling markets of Pakistan to the resilient neighborhoods of Gaza, diverse traditions are unfolding in anticipation of Islam’s most sacred period.

    In Pakistan, vibrant marketplaces are witnessing unprecedented activity as families stock up on essential supplies. Specialized Ramadan markets are emerging with traditional foods, decorative items, and religious materials, creating a festive atmosphere despite economic challenges. Community kitchens are being organized to ensure food security for all economic backgrounds during the month of fasting.

    The Gaza Strip demonstrates remarkable resilience as residents prepare under difficult circumstances. Community organizations are coordinating pre-Radaman food distribution programs and arranging collective iftar meals. Spiritual lectures and Quran study circles are being organized in makeshift venues, emphasizing the month’s spiritual significance beyond physical deprivation.

    Across Southeast Asia, distinctive cultural traditions are emerging with elaborate night markets and special charitable initiatives. Mosques from Indonesia to Malaysia are undergoing thorough cleaning and maintenance, while religious authorities are coordinating moon-sighting committees to determine the exact start of the holy month.

    European and North American Muslim communities are preparing through interfaith dialogues and public education initiatives. Mosques are organizing open houses and distributing informational materials to foster greater understanding among non-Muslim neighbors. Digital platforms are being leveraged to create virtual preparation guides and spiritual development programs.

    The global Muslim ummah is demonstrating extraordinary unity in diversity, with each region contributing unique cultural elements while maintaining the universal principles of Ramadan – spiritual reflection, communal solidarity, and heightened devotion.