Global Pulse

博客

  • From Ramadan to Eid: Dubai launches ‘season of Wulfa’ to celebrate Emirati culture

    From Ramadan to Eid: Dubai launches ‘season of Wulfa’ to celebrate Emirati culture

    Dubai has unveiled an ambitious cultural initiative titled ‘Season of Wulfa’ to celebrate traditional Emirati heritage across three significant Islamic occasions. Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and overseen by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, the comprehensive program spans 30 locations throughout the emirate.

    The season encompasses 50 distinct initiatives developed through collaborations between government entities and private sector partners. The programming is strategically designed to highlight three pivotal cultural milestones: Haq Al Leila (occurring approximately February 3rd), the holy month of Ramadan (February 19-March 19), and Eid Al Fitr (March 20-22). Each celebration maintains its unique traditions while collectively reinforcing community bonds and shared values.

    Haq Al Leila serves as the introductory celebration, featuring traditional children’s activities where young participants visit homes with decorated bags, recite poetry, and receive sweets and gifts. This pre-Ramadan celebration sets the tone for the subsequent observances.

    During Ramadan, Dubai transforms with adjusted business hours and enhanced cultural programming. The city offers authentic experiences including traditional iftars, suhoors, and special shopping promotions that reflect the spirit of generosity and reflection characteristic of the holy month.

    The season culminates with Eid Al Fitr celebrations marked by vibrant decorations, family gatherings, and city-wide festivities. The entire initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion, showcase Emirati authenticity, and provide residents and visitors with immersive cultural experiences that highlight the UAE’s rich heritage and contemporary hospitality.

  • Milan prison hosts concert with instruments made by inmates from migrant smugglers’ boats

    Milan prison hosts concert with instruments made by inmates from migrant smugglers’ boats

    In an extraordinary fusion of music and social transformation, reclaimed wood from migrant boats has been crafted into professional orchestral instruments for a groundbreaking performance at Italy’s largest correctional facility. The Opera prison in Milan hosted a remarkable concert on Saturday featuring the Cherubini Youth Orchestra under the baton of world-renowned conductor Riccardo Muti.

    The instruments—violins, violas, and cellos—retain visible traces of their poignant origins through faded blue, green, and yellow paint from vessels that once carried migrants across the treacherous Mediterranean route. These boats, seized after reaching Italian shores, contained haunting remnants of passengers’ belongings and symbolized the perilous journey that has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 2014 according to UN estimates.

    This initiative forms part of the ‘Metamorphosis’ project, which embodies multiple layers of transformation: decaying wood becomes exquisite musical instruments, incarcerated individuals develop skilled craftsmanship, and the overarching philosophy emphasizes rehabilitation through creative redemption. The performance featured works by Italian masters Antonio Vivaldi and Giuseppe Verdi, with a particularly moving rendition of ‘Va’ Pensiero’ (The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Verdi’s ‘Nabucco’ performed in collaboration with singers from Milan’s San Vittore prison.

    Maestro Muti expressed profound emotional impact following the performance, noting that witnessing inmates finding serenity and harmony through music enriched him both as a musician and as a human being. The Opera facility houses over 1,400 inmates, including 101 mafia members under strict isolation protocols, making this musical initiative particularly significant for rehabilitation efforts.

  • Prashant Tamang’s wife thanks fans for support, outpouring of grief

    Prashant Tamang’s wife thanks fans for support, outpouring of grief

    The entertainment industry mourns the untimely passing of Prashant Tamang, the celebrated winner of Indian Idol Season 3 and subsequent Bollywood actor, who died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday. His wife, Martha Aley, has confirmed the natural circumstances surrounding his demise while expressing profound gratitude for the global outpouring of support.

    In an emotional statement, Aley described the overwhelming response from fans worldwide: “I’ve been receiving calls from all over the world. People that I know, people that I don’t know, I’ve been getting flowers. People are standing outside my house, people have come to the hospital to see him for the last time.” She emphasized the natural nature of his passing, clarifying that Tamang was asleep when he passed away with her right beside him.

    The Darjeeling-born performer, who transitioned successfully from reality television fame to acting, notably appeared in Paatal Lok Season 2 and was anticipated to feature in Salman Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan. His career began in Nepali cinema with the 2010 box office success Gorkha Paltan, followed by three additional Nepali films including the war drama Nishani in 2014.

    Aley’s heartfelt message to fans captured the essence of Tamang’s legacy: “He was a great soul, he was a great human. I hope you remember him like that.” She specifically thanked supporters for their consistent encouragement throughout his career through messages, social media engagement, and appreciation of his artistic work.

    The news has triggered an extensive wave of grief across social media platforms, with fellow artists, public figures, and countless admirers paying tribute to the multifaceted performer’s life and contributions to both music and cinema.

  • Nepal: Unemployed youth scramble for election jobs

    Nepal: Unemployed youth scramble for election jobs

    Kathmandu witnessed extraordinary scenes as tens of thousands of unemployed Nepalese youth queued for temporary police positions ahead of March elections, revealing the Himalayan nation’s profound economic distress. Over 27,000 applications flooded police stations during the first two recruitment days alone, with queues spanning all 77 districts including on public holidays.

    The massive turnout follows September’s youth-led uprising that toppled the government after protests initially sparked by social media restrictions evolved into widespread demonstrations against systemic corruption and economic hardship. The violent crackdown resulted in approximately 77 fatalities and parliamentary arson, with economic losses estimated at $586 million and nearly 15,000 jobs vanished.

    Police spokesman Abinarayan Kafle reported unprecedented enthusiasm among applicants, mostly young adults seeking the 149,090 temporary positions offering $280 for 40 days of service. This compensation represents significant earnings in a nation where per capita income stagnates at $1,404 annually.

    Applicants like 20-year-old Sarika Karki expressed hopes to ‘earn some pocket money’ while contributing to electoral security. Thirty-year-old former cook Nischal Poudel, currently jobless, echoed the desperation: ‘Only God knows if I will be selected, but now that I’ve applied I am sure something good will happen.’

    The recruitment drive highlights Nepal’s severe employment crisis, with 82% of workers in informal employment and over 839,000 citizens leaving abroad for work in the past year from the 30-million population nation. Successful applicants will perform logistical duties including queue management and ballot transportation during the pivotal polls.

  • ‘Miracle baby’ born in a tree above Mozambique floodwaters dies aged 25

    ‘Miracle baby’ born in a tree above Mozambique floodwaters dies aged 25

    Rosita Salvador Mabuiango, the Mozambican woman whose dramatic birth in a tree during catastrophic flooding made her an international symbol of survival, has died at age 25 after battling a prolonged illness. Her sister Celia Salvador confirmed to the BBC that Rosita passed away on Monday morning following more than two weeks of hospitalization.

    The story of Rosita’s extraordinary entry into the world captured global attention in February 2000 when the Limpopo river burst its banks, creating Mozambique’s worst recorded floods. Her mother, Carolina Cecilia Chirindza, along with 14 other villagers, sought refuge in trees as rising waters engulfed their community. After four days stranded without food or supplies, Carolina gave birth to Rosita in the early hours of Wednesday morning, just as South African military helicopters spotted the desperate group.

    The iconic image of mother and newborn being winched to safety became the defining visual representation of the disaster that claimed hundreds of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. Their survival story transcended national borders, leading to a trip to the United States where they addressed Congress to raise awareness about the Mozambique crisis.

    Despite her miraculous beginning, Rosita’s life was marked by health challenges. Family sources indicate she had been fighting anemia for several years, with her condition deteriorating recently. She leaves behind a five-year-old daughter and a legacy that touched her nation deeply.

    Mozambican President Daniel Chapo expressed profound sorrow, describing Rosita as “a symbol for girls in Mozambique” and extending condolences to the entire nation. The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about healthcare deficiencies in the country, with political analyst Charles Mangwiro calling her death a “wake-up call for the government to improve service delivery in the entire health system.”

    Rosita completed her education in her native Chibuto district, demonstrating resilience throughout her life. Local authorities have begun coordinating with the family regarding funeral arrangements, which the municipality will oversee.

  • Alonso leaves Real Madrid, Arbeloa appointed as coach

    Alonso leaves Real Madrid, Arbeloa appointed as coach

    In a significant managerial shakeup, Real Madrid CF has announced the immediate departure of head coach Xabi Alonso following a disappointing tenure. The decision, reached by mutual consent, comes just one day after the team’s 3-2 defeat against arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia.

    The club confirmed in an official statement that Alonso’s successor will be former Madrid defender and current reserve team coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The 42-year-old, who has been developing his coaching career within Real Madrid’s academy system since 2020, takes charge of the first team with immediate effect. The length of Arbeloa’s contract was not specified in the announcement.

    Alonso’s appointment in June 2025, following the departure of veteran manager Carlo Ancelotti, was initially met with optimism. However, the Basque coach struggled to establish consistency throughout his brief reign. Despite a recent rally of five consecutive victories that temporarily secured his position toward the end of 2025, the Super Cup defeat proved to be the final catalyst for change.

    The team currently sits second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona, having failed to demonstrate the dominant form expected of the Spanish giants. Sunday’s performance against Barcelona, which saw Madrid outplayed by Hansi Flick’s side, marked Alonso’s final match at the helm of the prestigious club.

  • US sends more agents to Minneapolis despite furore over woman’s killing

    US sends more agents to Minneapolis despite furore over woman’s killing

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is escalating its presence in Minneapolis despite mounting political opposition, deploying hundreds of additional federal agents to the city following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an immigration officer. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the officer’s actions during multiple television appearances on Sunday, characterizing Good’s behavior as “domestic terrorism” and maintaining the shooting was justified self-defense.

    The incident has ignited nationwide protests and created a sharp political divide. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have vehemently contested the federal government’s narrative, citing viral footage that allegedly shows Good’s vehicle turning away from the officer and posing no immediate threat. Both Democratic leaders have demanded the withdrawal of federal agents from their city.

    Speaking from Air Force One, President Donald Trump characterized Good as “violent” and “very, very disrespectful to law enforcement,” adding that “these are professional agitators” who shouldn’t be tolerated. The administration’s position has drawn criticism from local officials who argue the investigation has been compromised by its exclusively federal nature, with the FBI leading the probe while excluding local authorities.

    Confrontations between protesters and federal agents continued through the weekend, with officers deploying pepper spray outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. Secretary Noem accused Democratic leaders of encouraging violence through their rhetoric, stating they had “extremely politicized and inappropriately talked about the situation on the ground in their city.”

    Meanwhile, activists have established makeshift memorials honoring Good, with community members laying flowers at sites throughout Minneapolis. The escalating tension occurs against the backdrop of ongoing immigration enforcement operations in residential areas and a separate highly politicized fraud investigation in Minnesota.

  • Landmark Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar heard at top UN court

    Landmark Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar heard at top UN court

    The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has commenced landmark proceedings in a case alleging Myanmar’s systematic campaign to eradicate the Rohingya Muslim minority through genocidal policies. The Gambia, representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, initiated the legal action in 2019 following extensive evidence of atrocities committed during Myanmar’s 2017 military crackdown that forced over 700,000 refugees into Bangladesh.

    During opening arguments, Gambian Foreign Minister Dawda Jallow presented evidence of “the most brutal and vicious violations imaginably inflicted upon a vulnerable group,” detailing decades of persecution followed by coordinated military operations. Jallow asserted that Myanmar’s leadership implemented “continual genocidal policies meant to erase their existence” despite international condemnation.

    The case represents the first genocide proceeding at the ICJ in over a decade and establishes potential precedents for ongoing international justice cases. While Myanmar maintains its operations targeted insurgent threats, a comprehensive 2018 UN report recommended genocide investigations against military leaders for crimes in Rakhine state.

    The hearings will continue through month’s end with three days of closed testimony from Rohingya survivors. A final ruling may require years, though the court’s opinion carries significant weight within international institutions. Parallel investigations by the International Criminal Court are examining individual culpability of military leaders, including current ruler Min Aung Hlaing.

    The proceedings occur against Myanmar’s deteriorating political situation following the 2021 military coup that deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose international reputation diminished after she defended the military’s actions against the Rohingya.

  • National observatory urges preparedness measures amid north China cold spell

    National observatory urges preparedness measures amid north China cold spell

    China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) has issued a comprehensive cold wave advisory affecting multiple northern regions, warning of severe temperature drops and adverse weather conditions expected over the coming ten-day period. According to the national observatory’s Monday announcement, Inner Mongolia and Northeast China provinces will experience particularly harsh conditions characterized by sharp temperature declines, strong gales, and significant snowfall.

    The meteorological authority indicated that affected areas should anticipate temperatures running 2 to 5 degrees Celsius below seasonal averages, driven by successive waves of Arctic air masses. The prolonged cold spell poses substantial risks to agricultural operations and livestock management throughout the region.

    Additionally, the NMC forecast sandy and dusty conditions across Inner Mongolia and Gansu province during the upcoming week, prompting recommendations for protective measures against combined wind, cold, and sandstorm hazards. Meteorological experts have advised agricultural sectors in winter wheat-growing regions to implement categorized management strategies to safeguard crops.

    The center specifically recommended reinforcing greenhouse structures and livestock enclosures in advance throughout northeastern provinces and Inner Mongolia to mitigate potential damage from the extreme cold. The advisory emphasizes proactive preparedness to reduce the compound impacts on farming communities and animal husbandry operations.

  • Record low homicide rates in London as mayor defends policies

    Record low homicide rates in London as mayor defends policies

    London has achieved its lowest homicide figures in over a decade, with official police data revealing 97 recorded cases in 2025—the smallest annual total since 2014. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that both absolute numbers and per capita rates have reached historic lows, with the latter representing the most favorable statistics since systematic tracking began in 1997.

    Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed these findings as validation of his administration’s dual-focused strategy addressing both criminal enforcement and underlying social factors. “Despite persistent efforts to undermine London’s reputation, empirical evidence presents a decidedly different narrative,” Khan stated, emphasizing his commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

    This positive development emerges against a backdrop of intense political criticism directed at the mayor. Conservative voices, far-right commentators, and international figures including Elon Musk have repeatedly accused Khan of fostering increased criminality through progressive immigration policies. The mayor has simultaneously faced escalating Islamophobic attacks on social media platforms.

    Beyond homicide statistics, the report documented significant improvements in other violence indicators: injury-producing violent incidents decreased by 20% since 2014, while NHS data showed a nearly 30% reduction in stabbing-related hospitalizations over the past five years. Comparative analysis revealed London’s per capita homicide rate now trails behind other global metropolises including New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Berlin.

    However, the report notably excluded data on property crimes and sexual offenses, areas where critics maintain concerns. Reform UK’s mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham recently asserted that London “is no longer safe,” particularly for women, highlighting phone thefts as a growing problem—with recorded cases surging 25% from 91,481 in 2019 to 117,211 in 2024.

    The Metropolitan Police affirmed that “London remains a secure environment for residents, workers, and visitors,” attributing improvements to strategic enforcement and preventive measures. As local elections approach, crime prevention continues to dominate political discourse, with opposition parties vowing to prioritize law enforcement in their campaigns.