Global Pulse

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  • ECOVIS International President Visits UAE, reinforcing the region’s strategic role

    ECOVIS International President Visits UAE, reinforcing the region’s strategic role

    In a significant move highlighting the Middle East’s escalating importance in global professional services, ECOVIS International President Kay conducted a strategic visit to Dubai, hosted by the network’s UAE member firm ECOVIS JRB. The high-level engagement underscores the region’s transformation into a critical hub for quality-driven advisory services amid rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes.

    The visit served as a platform to reinforce ECOVIS International’s commitment to the UAE and broader Middle Eastern markets, which are undergoing profound structural shifts. President Kay emphasized the region’s deliberate transition from historically low-tax, low-regulation environments toward frameworks prioritizing robust governance, transparency, and systematic compliance. This evolution aligns perfectly with ECOVIS’s global positioning as a mid-market professional services network focused on quality and technical depth.

    During intensive meetings with ECOVIS JRB leadership, including founding partners Salman Rafique (Compliance and Assurance) and Rashmi Rajkumar (Tax and Financial Reporting), discussions centered on aligning quality standards and governance frameworks. Kay emphasized that ground-level engagement in the UAE enables deeper strategic alignment as the market matures into a regional center for cross-border advisory coordination.

    The dialogue highlighted fundamental changes in regional compliance expectations. Rafique noted that businesses can no longer treat compliance as a year-end formality, but must implement consistent systems, documentation, and governance throughout the year. Regulators now demand demonstrable substance, clear audit trails, and accountability—a shift requiring significant operational adaptation.

    Rajkumar addressed the transformative impact of the UAE’s Corporate Tax introduction and digital compliance initiatives, including upcoming e-invoicing requirements. She stressed that real-time, accurate accounting has become the foundation for effective tax compliance and audit readiness, making robust internal processes and digital preparedness critical competitive advantages.

    The visit solidifies ECOVIS International’s recognition of the Middle East as a long-term strategic pillar for growth and influence, while reinforcing ECOVIS JRB’s role in guiding businesses through regulatory complexity with clarity and confidence.

  • Seifert, Santner give New Zealand consolation T20 win over India

    Seifert, Santner give New Zealand consolation T20 win over India

    In a powerful display of cricketing prowess, New Zealand secured a resounding 50-run victory against India in the fourth T20 international held in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The win serves as a crucial morale booster for the Kiwis after India had already clinched the five-match series.

    The foundation for New Zealand’s triumph was laid by a spectacular batting performance, culminating in a formidable total of 215-7. Openers Tim Seifert and Devon Conway orchestrated a devastating century partnership, dismantling the Indian bowling attack from the outset. Seifert’s explosive innings of 62 runs off just 36 deliveries set an aggressive tempo, while Conway provided solid support with his 44-run contribution.

    Despite a middle-order stumble that saw key wickets falling to Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, Daryl Mitchell’s blistering unbeaten 39 from 18 balls provided the late innings surge that pushed New Zealand past the 200-run mark.

    India’s chase never gained substantial momentum as New Zealand’s bowling unit, led by captain Mitchell Santner’s exceptional figures of 3-26, systematically dismantled the home team’s batting lineup. The visitors struck early and often, reducing India to 63-4 and effectively ending their hopes of another successful chase.

    The lone bright spot for India emerged through Shivam Dube’s spectacular counterattack, where he hammered 65 runs from just 23 balls, including seven massive sixes. However, his unfortunate run-out termination proved to be the final turning point as India eventually collapsed for 165 runs in 18.4 overs.

    Both captains acknowledged the match’s significance as essential preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Santner emphasizing the value of competing against India in their home conditions ahead of the global tournament.

  • ‘Clean slate’: Grant Anderson throws down the challenge to Brisbane’s premiership-winning back five as he fights for starting spot

    ‘Clean slate’: Grant Anderson throws down the challenge to Brisbane’s premiership-winning back five as he fights for starting spot

    Brisbane Broncos’ championship-winning back five faces internal competition as new signing Grant Anderson arrives determined to earn a starting position. The 26-year-old outside back joins the premiers on a two-year deal after four productive seasons with Melbourne Storm, where he emerged as one of the NRL’s most improved players last season with 11 tries from 24 appearances.

    Anderson acknowledges the challenge of breaking into a backline featuring established talents like Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, and Deine Mariner, but remains confident in his abilities. ‘You’re not training every day if you want to play reserve grade,’ Anderson stated during his introductory press conference. ‘That’s not just me – that’s all the other boys here as well. We all want to play NRL and put that Broncos jersey on.’

    The versatile back believes his development at Melbourne, where he played alongside stars including Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen, has prepared him for this new challenge. Anderson cited the example of Gehamat Shibasaki, who unexpectedly earned a round one starting spot last season that led to Origin selection and premiership success.

    While recognizing Brisbane’s exceptional depth in outside backs, Anderson views the move as an opportunity for growth. ‘It was just an opportunity to grow my game and to play with the calibre of players here,’ he explained. ‘That really excited me to try and learn again in another system, and hopefully my game can go to another level.’

    The competition for positions reflects the Broncos’ strengthened roster as they prepare to defend their title, with Anderson embracing the challenge of earning his place in the premier squad.

  • Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti placed on leave

    Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti placed on leave

    A fatal shooting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis has ignited widespread protests, a fierce political confrontation, and mounting calls for accountability at the highest levels of government. The incident, resulting in the death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, has placed the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) aggressive immigration enforcement tactics under intense scrutiny.

    In a significant development, CBP confirmed that the two agents involved in Saturday’s shooting have been placed on standard administrative leave pending a full investigation. This move follows conflicting initial reports about their status, after a CBP commander had previously stated they were merely reassigned to a different city.

    The official narrative surrounding Pretti’s death has shifted substantially. Preliminary DHS reports to Congress indicate the shooting occurred during a physical altercation when an officer shouted that Pretti possessed a weapon. This account contradicts earlier statements from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who labeled Pretti’s actions ‘domestic terrorism’ and claimed he was ‘brandishing’ a firearm. BBC Verify’s analysis of available footage found no visible weapon in Pretti’s hand.

    The tragedy has triggered bipartisan condemnation in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties demanding the removal of Secretary Noem and White House immigration adviser Stephen Miller. Senior House Democrats have threatened to initiate impeachment proceedings against Noem unless she resigns or is dismissed.

    Meanwhile, the political battle over immigration enforcement has intensified. President Trump’s ‘Operation Metro Surge’—which has led to over 3,000 arrests in Minnesota since December—faces mounting legal and political challenges. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defiantly announced his city would maintain its sanctuary policies, prompting Trump to respond on his Truth Social platform that Frey was ‘PLAYING WITH FIRE.’

    In a related development, federal Judge John Tunheim issued a strongly-worded ruling ordering the government to release all refugees arrested while awaiting permanent residency documents and to return those removed from Minnesota. The judge emphasized that refugees ‘are not committing crimes on our streets, nor did they illegally cross the border.’

    The Minneapolis shooting represents the second controversial agent-involved shooting this month, following the January 7th incident where an ICE agent shot 37-year-old Renee Good, who was also placed on administrative leave.

    As tensions escalate, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Justice Department has arrested 16 individuals for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis, with ‘more arrests to come.’ The situation remains volatile with Congress considering removing DHS funding from must-pass spending legislation to prevent a government shutdown on February 1st.

  • China’s ambassador warns Australia on buyback of key port

    China’s ambassador warns Australia on buyback of key port

    The Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has issued a firm diplomatic warning regarding the potential forced buyback of the strategically vital Port of Darwin from Chinese conglomerate Landbridge Group. The ambassador asserted that Beijing would be compelled to take decisive measures to safeguard the interests of its corporate entities should the Australian government proceed with the acquisition.

    The controversy stems from a contentious 99-year lease agreement signed in 2015, which granted Landbridge operational control of the northern Australian port. This decision, widely criticized at the time for its geopolitical implications, subsequently prompted Canberra to implement significantly stricter foreign investment review protocols, particularly concerning critical national infrastructure.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been a vocal critic of the arrangement, labeling it a short-sighted maneuver that compromises both economic sovereignty and national security. Last year, his administration formally committed to returning the port to Australian ownership, citing paramount national interests.

    Ambassador Xiao articulated China’s position during a media engagement in Canberra, stating, ‘Should Landbridge be obligated to relinquish its lease, we have a concomitant obligation to implement protective measures for the Chinese company’s interests.’ He further emphasized that such a move by Australia could adversely impact future Chinese investment, regional cooperation, and bilateral trade dynamics with the Northern Territory, ultimately proving detrimental to Australian interests as well.

    In response, Prime Minister Albanese, speaking from East Timor, reiterated his government’s longstanding position of disagreement with the port’s sale to foreign interests, affirming a commitment to restoring domestic control over this critical asset. The Port of Darwin holds significant strategic importance due to its proximity to Asia and its established role as a rotational base for United States Marine Corps deployments. The original 2015 lease agreement reportedly drew private expressions of concern from the Obama administration, which indicated it had not been adequately consulted by Australian officials prior to the deal.

  • Protesters and lawmakers gather outside Texas facility where Minneapolis child is held

    Protesters and lawmakers gather outside Texas facility where Minneapolis child is held

    Tensions flared outside a Texas immigration detention facility as state troopers deployed pepper balls and confronted demonstrators protesting the custody of a five-year-old child and his father. The incident occurred Wednesday at the Dilley detention center where Liam Ramos and his father Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias have been held since their January 20th apprehension by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis.

    The case has drawn significant political attention, with Texas Democratic Representatives Joaquin Castro, Jasmine Crockett, and Greg Casar visiting the facility and publicly condemning the detention. Castro posted emotionally on social media about meeting the preschooler asleep in his father’s arms, while Crockett described her heartbreak over what she termed ‘wrongful detention.’

    Conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the initial apprehension. ICE claims the father ‘abandoned his child as he fled from officers,’ while school officials present a different account. Zena Stenvik, superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools, stated at a press conference that ICE agents had the child knock on doors to locate other residents and refused requests from adults to take custody of the boy.

    Family attorney Marc Prokosch maintains the family followed proper asylum protocols, entering through a designated port of entry using the CBP One app and attending all required hearings. ‘They were following all established protocols,’ Prokosch emphasized, adding they ‘pose no safety or flight risk.’

    The protest was organized by Texas community groups, unions, and faith leaders who held a vigil before marching to the facility. The demonstration occurs amid broader national outcry over Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota that has resulted in multiple arrests and recently, the deaths of two U.S. citizens during federal operations.

  • Indians pay tribute after Arijit Singh retires at 38 as Bollywood singer

    Indians pay tribute after Arijit Singh retires at 38 as Bollywood singer

    In a seismic shift for India’s music industry, Bollywood’s most recognizable voice has announced his departure from playback singing. Arijit Singh, whose emotionally resonant vocals have defined contemporary Indian cinema for over a decade, declared via Instagram that he would no longer accept new film singing assignments, effectively ending an era in Bollywood music.

    The 38-year-old vocalist, whose collaborations span from Ed Sheeran to AR Rahman, characterized his journey as “wonderful” while providing no specific reasons for his departure. Industry reports indicate Singh will honor existing commitments while pivoting toward independent musical projects beyond commercial cinema.

    Singh’s decision comes at an unprecedented career peak—fresh from sold-out performances at London’s Wembley Arena, a rare achievement for Indian playback artists. His distinctive bruised-yet-buttery vocal quality became the auditory backdrop for millions, articulating heartbreak, longing, and reconciliation through chart-topping soundtracks.

    The artist’s relationship with fame has always been complex. Despite commercial dominance, Singh consistently avoided celebrity culture—rarely granting interviews, skipping award ceremonies, and maintaining residence in his West Bengal hometown rather than industry hubs. His public appearances typically feature hoodie-concealed anonymity, a stark contrast to his stadium-filling celebrity.

    Singh’s musical origins trace to Jiaganj, where born into a family of classical musicians, he received early training in tabla and vocals. His first teacher, Birendra Prasad Hazari, recalled extraordinary talent evident even in toddlerhood. Despite an early setback on reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005, Singh persisted through years of industry marginalia before achieving explosive success with 2013’s “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2.

    That ballad revolutionized Bollywood romance music, replacing spectacle with vulnerability and becoming a national phenomenon that transcended its source film. The subsequent years brought record-breaking output across multiple languages and collaborations with every major composer, though recent criticism noted vocal homogeneity across projects.

    Singh had previously acknowledged reducing his workload, expressing discomfort with ubiquitous playback and noting artistic exhaustion from recording hundreds of annual songs. His selective recent output and focus on independent work foreshadowed this transition.

    Fans now speculate whether this move reflects artistic evolution, rejection of commercial pressures, or personal rediscovery. Regardless, Singh’s voice remains indelibly woven into India’s cultural fabric—a testament to an artist who redefined Bollywood music while remaining profoundly ambivalent about the fame it brought.

  • Watch: Moment roof collapses at a rodeo arena due to snow

    Watch: Moment roof collapses at a rodeo arena due to snow

    A structural failure occurred at the Saline County Fairgrounds in Arkansas when the roof of a rodeo arena completely collapsed under the accumulated pressure of snow and ice. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, happened while the facility was unoccupied, preventing potential injuries.

    The collapse followed a significant winter storm that deposited heavy amounts of precipitation across the region. The combination of snow and sleet created critical loading conditions that exceeded the roof’s structural integrity. Emergency officials have cordoned off the area as assessments begin to determine the full extent of the damage.

    Local authorities have highlighted this event as a reminder of the severe weather challenges facing infrastructure in the region. Investigations will focus on whether building codes were adequate for historical weather patterns that are increasingly influenced by climate volatility. The fairgrounds management has stated that all events will be relocated until further notice.

  • China sends police to Australia in hunt for man who doused baby with coffee

    China sends police to Australia in hunt for man who doused baby with coffee

    In an unprecedented move demonstrating international cooperation, Chinese authorities are dispatching a specialized working group to Australia to assist in the investigation of a disturbing 2024 assault case involving a Chinese national. The incident, which sparked nationwide outrage in Australia, occurred when a suspect allegedly poured boiling coffee from a thermos onto a nine-month-old infant during a family picnic in a Brisbane park.

    The victim sustained severe burns to his face and limbs, requiring multiple skin graft surgeries following the August 2024 attack. The suspect, identified as a 33-year-old Chinese itinerant worker who had frequently traveled to Australia between 2019 and 2024, fled the country before police could apprehend him. He currently remains in China, a country with which Australia lacks an extradition treaty.

    China’s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, announced the deployment during a Thursday press conference in Canberra, emphasizing China’s serious approach to addressing the concern. “We are serious in taking the necessary actions,” Ambassador Qian stated, explaining that the team would collaborate with Australian officials to determine exactly what occurred and how both nations could coordinate follow-up actions.

    Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police issued a joint statement acknowledging China’s ongoing cooperation despite jurisdictional challenges. The statement highlighted China’s extraterritorial jurisdiction capabilities, which allow for prosecution of Chinese citizens for conduct occurring outside China’s borders. Australian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect on charges of acts intending to cause grievous bodily harm—an offense carrying potential life imprisonment in Australia.

    The case attracted significant public sympathy, with an online fundraiser for the victim’s medical treatment accumulating over $230,000. Three months post-attack, the infant’s parents reported that despite lingering scarring on his chin and shoulder, his recovery was progressing positively.

  • FBI raids Georgia election office over 2020 voter fraud claims

    FBI raids Georgia election office over 2020 voter fraud claims

    Federal Bureau of Investigation agents conducted a court-authorized operation at the Fulton County Election Hub on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations concerning the 2020 presidential election. The action represents the latest development in a multi-year examination of election processes in this critical Georgia county.

    According to official statements, FBI personnel engaged in what was described as “court-authorised law enforcement activity” at the facility. Fulton County officials confirmed that federal authorities presented a warrant specifically requesting “a number of records related to 2020 elections.” Eyewitnesses reported observing agents wearing FBI identification entering and exiting the premises, with some personnel appearing to transport materials into waiting vehicles.

    The operation occurs against the backdrop of persistent claims by former President Donald Trump regarding electoral processes in Georgia’s most populous county. Despite Trump’s assertions of widespread fraud, multiple audits and reviews have consistently confirmed Joe Biden’s victory in both Fulton County and statewide by a margin of approximately 12,000 votes.

    This development follows a December lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice seeking comprehensive election materials from Fulton County, including “all used and void ballots, stubs of all ballots, signature envelopes, and corresponding envelope digital files” from the 2020 general election.

    Local officials expressed strong reactions to the federal operation. Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory characterized the search as “an assault on your vote” during an emotional press conference held outside the election facility, stating that officials were “trying to figure out what to do about this.”

    The 2020 election marked a significant political shift in Georgia, representing the first Democratic presidential victory in the state since 1992. The narrow margin triggered a mandatory hand recount, which ultimately affirmed Biden’s victory.

    Trump’s extensive efforts to challenge Georgia’s results included numerous rejected legal challenges and a recorded January 2021 phone conversation with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in which the former president specifically requested finding enough votes to overturn the outcome. Raffensperger’s office, which oversees election certification, maintained throughout multiple reviews that Biden legitimately won the state.

    This investigation proceeds despite the resolution of two criminal cases against Trump related to alleged election interference in Georgia, both of which were dismissed through different legal processes.