Global Pulse

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  • Germany trims this year’s growth forecast to 1% as its economy is slow to gather pace

    Germany trims this year’s growth forecast to 1% as its economy is slow to gather pace

    BERLIN — Germany’s federal government has announced a downward revision of its economic growth projections for 2026, signaling a more gradual recovery trajectory than initially anticipated for Europe’s largest economy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration now projects gross domestic product expansion of approximately 1% this year and 1.3% in 2027, according to Economy Minister Katherina Reiche. This represents a reduction from October’s more optimistic forecasts of 1.3% and 1.4% respectively.

    The revised outlook follows Germany’s return to modest economic growth in the previous year, with preliminary official data indicating a 0.2% expansion after two consecutive years of contraction. The Merz coalition government, which assumed power in May with economic revitalization as a central priority, has implemented multiple stimulus measures including a comprehensive investment encouragement program and a landmark €500 billion ($596 billion) infrastructure modernization fund scheduled for deployment over the next twelve years.

    Additional governmental initiatives include streamlined defense spending approvals, proposed energy price subsidies for energy-intensive industries, regulatory simplification efforts, and accelerated digital transformation programs. Minister Reiche attributed the tempered growth expectations to delayed implementation and impact of these financial and economic policy measures, though she noted emerging data indicates a ‘clear recovery’ underway.

    Germany’s economic challenges stem from multiple factors including intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers in traditional strength sectors like industrial machinery and luxury automobiles, elevated energy costs following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing trade uncertainties related to tariff policies and international relations.

  • Watch: Giant pandas play in Washington DC snowstorm

    Watch: Giant pandas play in Washington DC snowstorm

    Amidst a major winter storm that blanketed the US capital, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo became the stage for an enchanting display of panda playfulness. The institution’s beloved giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, were captured on video embracing the wintry conditions with unmistakable joy. The footage showcases the young bears engaging in characteristic panda behavior, demonstrating their remarkable adaptation to seasonal changes despite their tropical mountain origins.

    The captivating scenes depict the black-and-white mammals tumbling down snow-covered slopes with childlike exuberance, climbing frost-laden trees with their specialized wrist bones that function as natural climbing equipment, and racing across the transformed landscape. Their thick, woolly coats—an evolutionary adaptation to cold high-altitude environments—provided perfect insulation against the freezing temperatures, allowing extended outdoor activity that delighted both zookeepers and virtual observers.

    This behavioral exhibition offers more than mere entertainment; it provides valuable insights into bear enrichment practices and cold-weather adaptations of Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Animal care specialists note that such naturalistic play supports physical conditioning and mental stimulation essential for captive wildlife wellbeing. The timing proved particularly fortuitous as Washington DC experiences relatively mild winters with significant snowfall occurring only every few years, making this snow play session a rare opportunity for both pandas and observers alike.

  • Trump warns Iran ‘time is running out’ as US military builds up in Gulf

    Trump warns Iran ‘time is running out’ as US military builds up in Gulf

    President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran through a stark ultimatum on his Truth Social platform, declaring that time is expiring for Tehran to engage in nuclear negotiations. The warning coincides with a substantial U.S. naval deployment to the Persian Gulf, described by Trump as a “massive Armada” advancing with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose.”

    This military mobilization follows Iran’s severe crackdown on domestic protests that began in late December. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), approximately 5,633 protesters are among nearly 6,000 confirmed fatalities, with an additional 17,000 alleged deaths under investigation despite communication blackouts. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) estimates the final death toll could surpass 25,000.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. approach, stating through AFP translation that “conducting diplomacy through military threat cannot be effective or useful.” He emphasized that successful negotiations would require Washington to “set aside threats, excessive demands and raising illogical issues.”

    The nuclear standoff intensifies as BBC Verify confirms the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Middle East. Trump referenced the June 2025 U.S. strikes—codenamed “Midnight Hammer”—that targeted Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan uranium enrichment facilities, warning that “the next attack will be far worse.” While Trump urged Iran to “quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS,” Tehran maintains its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful and denies weapons development ambitions.

    The U.S. president characterized the current naval presence as exceeding the force deployed prior to the seizure of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing its readiness to “rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”

  • South Korean ex-president Yoon’s wife sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribery

    South Korean ex-president Yoon’s wife sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribery

    In a landmark judicial ruling that has captured national attention, Kim Keon-hee, spouse of impeached former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for corruption offenses. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Wednesday, finding the former first lady guilty of exploiting her official position for personal enrichment.

    The court mandated both incarceration and financial penalties, ordering confiscation of 12.81 million won (approximately $9,010 USD) acquired through illicit means. Presiding judges determined that Kim had accepted bribes from Unification Church representatives during 2022 in exchange for providing preferential treatment to the religious organization.

    However, the judiciary cleared Kim of several other serious allegations. The court returned not-guilty verdicts regarding capital markets act violations and political funds act infractions. Prosecutors’ claims of stock price manipulation involvement were rejected, with judges noting insufficient evidence to establish complicity despite acknowledging her awareness of the market interference activities.

    The case involved multiple layers of alleged misconduct. Prosecutors had contended that Kim collaborated with her husband to illegally obtain public opinion polling data valued at 270 million won ahead of the presidential election. Additional charges included attempting to influence party politics by orchestrating mass enrollment of Unification Church members in the People Power Party.

    This conviction marks a historic moment in South Korean judicial history, as Kim becomes the first spouse of a former president to undergo trial while in detention. She has remained incarcerated since August 2025 following her indictment, representing a dramatic fall from grace for the former presidential family.

  • KT UniExpo returns with 10th edition as trusted education gateway

    KT UniExpo returns with 10th edition as trusted education gateway

    Dubai prepares to host the prestigious KT UniExpo for its milestone 10th edition on April 29-30, 2026, at The H Hotel. This landmark event celebrates ten years of serving as the UAE’s premier higher education and career guidance platform, connecting students and parents with leading international universities during critical decision-making phases.

    Organized by KT Events, the exhibition emerges as an essential resource amid evolving discussions about future skills, global mobility, and career preparedness. The 2026 edition will feature over 35 universities and educational institutions from across the globe, including representation from the UAE, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, India, Australia, and various European nations.

    The expo’s comprehensive programme showcase spans cutting-edge disciplines including artificial intelligence, data science, aviation engineering, business management, finance, medical sciences, healthcare studies, media communications, and design innovation. Each participating institution will present curricula specifically designed to align with both emerging industry trends and established professional pathways.

    Beyond traditional university displays, KT UniExpo functions as a practical decision-making forum where attendees can engage in personalized consultations with admissions specialists, financial aid advisors, and career guidance professionals. Students and parents will gain direct access to crucial information regarding admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, visa procedures, and how academic selections translate into tangible career prospects.

    The event holds particular significance for secondary school students contemplating undergraduate education and parents seeking reliable information amidst an increasingly complex global education landscape. With free admission and operational hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM across both days, advance registration through www.ktuniexpo.com is recommended to ensure optimal participation experience.

  • The politician whose death leaves a vacuum in India’s richest state

    The politician whose death leaves a vacuum in India’s richest state

    Maharashtra’s political sphere faces profound uncertainty following the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who perished in a plane crash on Wednesday alongside four other individuals. The incident has created a significant power vacuum in India’s wealthiest state, where Pawar had established himself as a formidable political operator.

    For decades, Pawar navigated Maharashtra’s notoriously complex political environment—a constantly shifting landscape of alliances, regional loyalties, and intense rivalries. His approach combined pragmatic decision-making with shrewd political instincts, enabling his rapid ascent through the ranks of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar.

    The relationship between uncle and nephew defined much of Ajit Pawar’s political journey. While Sharad Pawar embodied traditional, strategic authority with his measured tones and coalition-building expertise, Ajit developed a distinct political identity focused on regional governance and control of local networks. His blunt, practical style and mercurial personality garnered both devoted followers and vocal critics.

    Their political differences culminated in dramatic public ruptures, first in 2019 when Ajit briefly aligned with the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to claim the deputy chief minister position—a move that collapsed within days due to his uncle’s intervention. The final break occurred in 2023 when Ajit formally split from his uncle’s NCP, joined a BJP-led coalition, and successfully claimed the party’s name and electoral symbol for his faction.

    This schism transformed Maharashtra’s political dynamics, dividing the once-unified Pawar political dynasty into competing camps. Recent speculation about possible reconciliation between the factions has been rendered moot by Ajit Pawar’s sudden death. Critical questions now emerge regarding the stability of the alliances he built and whether his political successors—potentially including his cousin Supriya Sule (Sharad Pawar’s daughter), his wife, or son—can maintain cohesion among his supporters.

    Pawar’s legacy remains deeply complex: to admirers, he represented political adaptability and courage; to critics, he exemplified opportunistic power maneuvering. His passing underscores how personal ambitions and familial relationships can dramatically shape political outcomes in unexpected ways.

  • US YouTube star IShowSpeed to get Ghanaian passport as Africa tour ends

    US YouTube star IShowSpeed to get Ghanaian passport as Africa tour ends

    In a significant cultural and diplomatic move, Ghana has officially approved Ghanaian citizenship for global YouTube sensation IShowSpeed following his transformative 28-nation tour across Africa. The 21-year-old content creator, born Darren Watkins Jr., received this honor during the final leg of his “Speed Does Africa” expedition, which concluded earlier this week.

    Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa personally announced the decision via social media, revealing that the passport approval came after “confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana.” During an emotional live stream from Ghana, the influencer disclosed that his mother hails from the West African nation, creating an immediate familial connection that resonated deeply with both officials and citizens.

    The groundbreaking Africa tour, which amassed millions of views worldwide, has been widely praised for challenging continental stereotypes and showcasing diverse African cultures. IShowSpeed’s journey included remarkable experiences from racing cheetahs to participating in traditional naming ceremonies. In Ghana’s eastern region, he underwent a ceremonial naming ritual where he was honored with the traditional name Barima Kofi Akuffo while adorned in prestigious kente cloth.

    While many Ghanaians celebrated the decision as a smart diplomatic move to engage the global diaspora, some critics expressed concerns about potential devaluation of citizenship privileges. The controversy reflects ongoing debates about celebrity diplomacy and national identity in the digital age.

    This development aligns with Ghana’s broader strategy to strengthen connections with the African diaspora worldwide. In 2024, the nation extended citizenship offers to over 500 diaspora members, predominantly African-Americans including music legend Stevie Wonder.

    IShowSpeed, recently named Rolling Stone’s “most influential creator of 2025” and boasting a net worth estimated at $20 million by Forbes, has now surpassed 50 million YouTube subscribers—a milestone significantly boosted by his African content. His journey represents a new era of digital diplomacy where online influencers bridge cultural divides and reshape international perceptions through authentic engagement.

  • Life in Wadi Shaam: A journey through Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain villages

    Life in Wadi Shaam: A journey through Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain villages

    Nestled within the formidable peaks of Ras Al Khaimah, the villages of Wadi Shaam stand as living monuments to an era defined by communal resilience and profound connection to the natural world. Through the recollections of native elder Saeed Abdullah Al-Zahouri, 60, we gain unprecedented insight into a vanishing way of life that thrived on collective resourcefulness and intergenerational wisdom.

    These remote settlements, including the modest Ahbabbt area with its ten households and the historic Al-Ghashbah with structures predating the 1940s, exemplified self-sufficient existence. Families cultivated wheat, raised livestock, and constructed dwellings from indigenous materials—mountain gravel, wood, and a specialized clay known as Al-Jass. Their architectural ingenuity manifested in Bayt Al-Qofl (houses of locks), designed with layered roofs of wood and Al-Sakhbar plants to withstand extreme weather.

    Survival hinged on sophisticated water management systems. Communities excavated reservoirs, lining them with kiln-baked clay discs and connecting them via intricate channel networks called Al-Maseelah to harvest rainwater. Filter basins purified runoff, providing safe water for consumption and agriculture despite the arid environment.

    Seasonal migration shaped annual rhythms. During scorching summers, families journeyed for days to cooler regions like Al-Arshan or Fujairah, transporting supplies on donkey and camel caravans. Winters brought communal gatherings in mountain caves, where elders shared stories while baking traditional bread in stone ovens—a testament to enduring social bonds.

    The 1970s marked a transformational period following the UAE’s formation. Under Sheikh Zayed’s visionary leadership, mountain families transitioned to planned communities with modern amenities while preserving cultural traditions. This carefully managed evolution allowed Wadi Shaam’s residents to embrace progress without sacrificing the heritage that defined their identity for generations.

  • “It’s ‘Operation Don’t Come Last’ at the Olympics”

    “It’s ‘Operation Don’t Come Last’ at the Olympics”

    North Yorkshire athlete Axel Brown is preparing for his second and final Olympic appearance as pilot of the Trinidad and Tobago bobsleigh team at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The 33-year-old from Harrogate, who previously competed for the Caribbean nation at Beijing 2022, will steer the sled at speeds approaching 100mph (160km/h) in what he confirms will be his Olympic swan song.

    Brown’s unconventional journey to winter sports began twelve years ago when, after being released from an American football team just before the Sochi 2014 Olympics, he discovered bobsleigh through television coverage. “You don’t grow up in Harrogate thinking you’re going to be an Olympic bobsleigher,” Brown reflects on his unexpected career path.

    After seven years competing for Great Britain, Brown made the strategic decision in 2021 to represent his mother’s native Trinidad and Tobago. As pilot, his responsibilities extend beyond mere participation. “I steer the sled to ensure we’re efficient, smooth and don’t crash – because that’s a very real part of the sport,” he explains of the technically demanding role.

    The Harrogate athlete acknowledges the psychological dimensions of the sport, noting that even at slower courses reaching 70mph (113km/h), bobsleigh requires “a healthy level of fear.” He maintains that complacency could be dangerous, stating: “If there’s a day when I was completely not scared of bobsleigh, that’s probably the day to walk away.”

    Brown’s previous Olympic performance saw him finish 28th out of 30 teams in the two-man event at Beijing 2022, ahead of Jamaica and Brazil. However, he considers qualification for Milano Cortina 2026 his true “gold medal” moment, achieved under significantly more challenging circumstances. With reduced nation spots and requiring top-17 global ranking, Brown describes the qualification process as “right at the limit of what was possible.”

    For his final Games, Brown embraces modest ambitions under the banner “Operation Don’t Come Last,” while anticipating the emotional significance of competing with family present after COVID restrictions prevented their attendance in Beijing. Beyond his athletic career, the self-described non-thrill-seeker plans to convert a barn for residential purposes with his partner, embracing a quieter life after retirement from breakneck speeds.

  • Plane crashes with Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar onboard, 6 feared dead

    Plane crashes with Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar onboard, 6 feared dead

    A tragic aviation incident has shaken India’s political landscape after a aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed on Wednesday morning. The disaster, which occurred around 8:41 AM local time on January 28, 2026, is believed to have claimed the lives of all six individuals aboard according to preliminary reports.

    The aircraft, whose specific make and model remain under investigation, was en route to an undisclosed destination when it went down under circumstances that aviation authorities have yet to fully determine. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site, though the severity of the impact suggests minimal chances of survival for those on board.

    Ajit Pawar, a prominent political figure and key leader within the Nationalist Congress Party, held significant influence in Maharashtra state politics. His potential demise creates immediate political ramifications for the state’s governing coalition and raises questions about succession within both the administration and his political party.

    The crash has prompted an urgent investigation by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, with officials working to establish both the cause of the accident and the complete list of casualties. Aviation experts are examining multiple potential factors including weather conditions, mechanical failure, and human error.

    This incident marks one of the most significant political tragedies in recent Indian history, drawing national attention and condolences from across the political spectrum. The government has announced heightened security protocols for officials traveling by air while the investigation continues.