Global Pulse

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  • ‘Tech ears’ hear Bangladesh’s rare dolphins

    ‘Tech ears’ hear Bangladesh’s rare dolphins

    In a groundbreaking conservation achievement, Chinese-developed acoustic technology has successfully detected 146 endangered Ganges River dolphins in Bangladesh’s Jamuna River, providing unprecedented insights into one of the world’s most elusive aquatic species. The scientific breakthrough occurred in January during a joint China-Bangladesh research initiative that deployed real-time acoustic monitoring systems originally created for protecting China’s Yangtze finless porpoise.

    The innovative system, affectionately dubbed ‘tech ears’ by researchers, represents a paradigm shift in wildlife monitoring by focusing on sound rather than sight. Developed by the Institute of Hydrobiology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the technology filters through complex river noise to identify unique dolphin sonar pulses with remarkable precision. This approach proves particularly crucial for the effectively blind Ganges River dolphins, which navigate and hunt exclusively using echolocation in sediment-heavy waters.

    The research collaboration forms part of the Belt and Road Initiative’s scientific cooperation framework, supported by the Alliance of International Science Organizations. During the survey, Chinese acoustic engineer Chen Yuwei continuously refined the system’s 26 adjustable parameters to adapt to local river conditions, significantly reducing false alarms while achieving detection rates ‘far higher than visual monitoring alone.’

    Complementing the underwater acoustic data, researchers deployed aerial drones to map habitats and capture rare footage of surfacing dolphins. The comprehensive approach identified multiple key dolphin habitats, including high-density activity zones near downstream sandbars.

    Researchers emphasize that the technology transfer represents more than equipment sharing—it introduces an entirely new conservation philosophy. As habitat degradation, sand mining, and fishing pressure continue threatening the species, the accurate population data will enable evidence-based conservation policies and targeted protection measures for this critically endangered freshwater mammal.

  • Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’ resumes after prosecutors suffer embarrassing setbacks on appeal

    Vatican’s ‘trial of the century’ resumes after prosecutors suffer embarrassing setbacks on appeal

    The Vatican’s landmark financial misconduct trial entered a pivotal appeals phase this week following significant setbacks for papal prosecutors that could fundamentally alter the outcome of the high-profile case. The proceedings, involving former Cardinal Angelo Becciu and eight co-defendants convicted of financial crimes in December 2023, face unprecedented challenges after the Vatican’s Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision to dismiss the prosecution’s appeal.

    The case suffered another major blow when chief prosecutor Alessandro Diddi abruptly resigned from the proceedings rather than face potential removal by the Cassation court. This development follows the emergence of controversial WhatsApp conversations that have raised serious questions about the trial’s integrity. These communications document extensive behind-the-scenes efforts to target Cardinal Becciu and suggest questionable conduct involving Vatican police, prosecutors, and even Pope Francis himself.

    Defense attorneys successfully argued that the chats demonstrated Diddi’s partiality in handling evidence and witnesses, rendering him unfit to continue his prosecutorial role. Although Diddi maintained the allegations were “unfounded,” he ultimately recused himself to prevent further damage to the judicial process.

    The original trial, initiated in 2021, centered on the Vatican’s controversial €350 million investment in London real estate. Prosecutors alleged that brokers and church officials defrauded the Holy See of millions through excessive fees and commissions, subsequently extorting additional funds to relinquish property control. While the tribunal convicted defendants on several charges including embezzlement and fraud, it rejected the prosecution’s broader conspiracy theory.

    The appeals process now focuses on defense arguments regarding Pope Francis’s direct involvement in the investigation. Defense teams contend their clients cannot receive a fair trial within an absolute monarchy where the pope wields supreme judicial power. Critical to this argument are four secret executive decrees signed by Francis in 2019-2020 that granted prosecutors extraordinary surveillance powers without judicial oversight or official publication.

    Legal experts have criticized these decrees for violating fundamental fair trial principles, particularly the “equality of arms” between defense and prosecution. The Vatican maintains that all defendants received fair proceedings, despite internal acknowledgments that the secrecy surrounding the papal decrees created significant legal problems. The appeals court must now navigate the complex theological and legal dilemma that the pope, while theoretically subject only to divine judgment, cannot promulgate laws violating fundamental rights.

  • Hazlewood set to miss first half of T20 World Cup

    Hazlewood set to miss first half of T20 World Cup

    Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup have encountered a significant setback with confirmation that veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the tournament’s initial phase due to ongoing injury complications. The 35-year-old paceman, who last featured in international T20 cricket against India on October 31st, continues to battle recovery challenges that have sidelined him since mid-November.

    Initially suffering a hamstring strain that caused him to miss the Ashes series opener against England, Hazlewood subsequently developed an Achilles injury during rehabilitation that further delayed his return. While head coach Andrew McDonald had previously expressed optimism about Hazlewood’s availability for the tournament’s commencement, recent assessments suggest a more cautious timeline.

    Test captain Pat Cummins, himself ruled out of the global tournament with a back injury, revealed insights into his teammate’s condition after their recent consultation. ‘I caught up with Josh a couple of days ago and he’s working so hard. I really feel for him – he’s had a few setbacks,’ Cummins told Australian broadcaster Nine Network. ‘He’s doing everything he can. I don’t think he will be there for the start of the tournament, but he’s trying his best to be there about halfway through.’

    Cricket Australia selectors have adopted a pragmatic approach, allowing Hazlewood to continue his rehabilitation program in Sydney rather than joining the squad in Sri Lanka. National selector Tony Dodemaide explained this decision prioritizes ‘more practical and beneficial’ recovery outcomes for the experienced bowler.

    As contingency planning, bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott has been elevated to traveling reserve status. Meanwhile, other squad members including Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Ellis and Tim David are scheduled to join the team in Sri Lanka ahead of Thursday’s warm-up encounter against the Netherlands.

    Hazlewood’s absence represents a substantial blow to Australia’s bowling arsenal, given his impressive record of 79 wickets at an economy rate of 7.47 across 60 T20 internationals. His contribution was particularly instrumental in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, where he delivered match-winning figures of 3-16 in the final against New Zealand.

    The defending champions commence their campaign against Ireland on February 11th, with the Super Eight stage scheduled to begin on February 21st.

  • Why China is building so many coal plants despite its solar and wind boom

    Why China is building so many coal plants despite its solar and wind boom

    In a striking energy development paradox, China simultaneously achieved unprecedented growth in renewable energy while dramatically accelerating coal power plant construction throughout 2025. According to a comprehensive joint study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Global Energy Monitor, the world’s largest carbon emitter commissioned over 50 large-scale coal units last year, each boasting generating capacity of 1 gigawatt or more.

    This coal expansion represents a dramatic surge from the previous decade’s average of fewer than 20 such units annually. Cumulatively, China integrated 78 gigawatts of new coal-fired capacity into its national grid—a development that climate analysts find particularly concerning given the simultaneous massive growth in renewable infrastructure.

    The renewable sector witnessed extraordinary progress, with official National Energy Administration statistics confirming the addition of 315 gigawatts of solar capacity and 119 gigawatts of wind power in 2025. This clean energy boom actually reduced coal’s share in China’s overall power generation by approximately 1%, successfully meeting the nation’s entire increased electricity demand through renewable sources.

    Energy experts point to multiple factors driving this contradictory approach. The 2021-2022 regional blackouts triggered significant government concerns about energy security, prompting a wave of approvals for coal plant construction. Christine Shearer of Global Energy Monitor noted the astonishing scale of development, stating that ‘China commissioned more coal power capacity in 2025 alone than India did throughout the entire previous decade.’

    Qi Qin, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, explained that once construction permits were issued during the 2022-2023 surge, project reversals became practically impossible. Current data indicates construction commenced on 83 gigawatts of additional coal capacity last year, suggesting further expansions in the coming period.

    Official policy positions coal as a necessary stabilizing backup for weather-dependent renewables, with the National Development and Reform Commission emphasizing coal’s ‘important underpinning and balancing role’ for foreseeable future. However, environmental researchers warn that excessive coal capacity could potentially delay the transition to cleaner energy by creating political and financial incentives to maintain operation of the new plants.

    The report urgently recommends accelerating retirement of aging coal facilities and ensuring China’s next five-year plan commits to preventing power sector emission increases between 2025 and 2030.

  • Forum pins hope on younger generation to grow US-China relations

    Forum pins hope on younger generation to grow US-China relations

    ATLANTA – A specialized forum dedicated to examining the trajectory of Sino-American relations has concluded that engaging younger generations represents the most promising pathway toward stabilizing the increasingly complex bilateral relationship. The 2026 Jimmy Carter Forum on US-China Relations, held January 30 in Atlanta, brought together veteran diplomats, academics, and professionals who have built careers navigating the evolving dynamics between the world’s two largest economies.

    The conference, exclusively featuring female speakers to highlight women’s contributions to bilateral relations, opened with a keynote address from Sarah Beran, former deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Beijing and senior director for China and Taiwan affairs on the White House National Security Council. Beran characterized the relationship as demonstrating ‘notable resilience’ despite nearly a decade of strategic competition, while acknowledging a concerning ‘structural decline with no clear endpoint.’

    Veteran participants like Jan Berris, vice-president of the National Committee on US-China Relations and a ping pong diplomacy participant since 1971, described current conditions as ‘the worst time in the relationship.’ This assessment stood in stark contrast to the ‘golden age’ experienced by younger panelists including Elizabeth Knup of The Asia Society, Caroline Pan of the 1990 Institute, and Rosie Levine of the US-China Education Trust, all of whom had formative professional experiences in China during more cooperative eras.

    Despite acknowledging significant challenges in people-to-people exchanges – from policy restrictions to funding limitations – participants identified digital platforms as unexpected bridges between American and Chinese youth. Levine highlighted how social media content on Instagram and TikTok has generated genuine curiosity about contemporary Chinese life among American youth, often contradicting mainstream media narratives.

    Practical examples of continued engagement emerged from younger attendees. Mackenzie Miller, program manager of The Penn Project on the Future of US-China Relations, reported observing ‘very engaged and very interested’ American students currently studying in China. Emily Conrad, a PhD candidate at Fudan University building a literal US-China family with her Chinese husband, noted the democratizing effect of Chinese social platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) in making Chinese culture accessible to Americans.

    The consensus emerged that while returning to previous eras of cooperation remains unlikely, cultivating mutual understanding through digital exchanges, educational programs, and cultural curiosity represents the most viable strategy for managing strategic competition and preventing escalation.

  • Air India grounds Boeing jet after pilot flags possible fuel control switch defect

    Air India grounds Boeing jet after pilot flags possible fuel control switch defect

    Air India has temporarily removed a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from service after a flight crew member identified a potential malfunction in the aircraft’s fuel control mechanism. The carrier confirmed in an official communication that it has prioritized inspection of the reported concern while maintaining dialogue with both Boeing manufacturers and Indian aviation authorities.

    The incident occurred following a routine flight from London to Bengaluru, where the operating pilot notified engineers of anomalous readings related to the fuel system controls. While specific technical details remain undisclosed, the event has garnered significant attention due to its temporal proximity to last year’s catastrophic Air India Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad.

    Boeing’s corporate communications team acknowledged the situation, stating: “We maintain ongoing coordination with Air India and are providing technical assistance to facilitate their operational assessment.”

    This development emerges against the backdrop of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) progressing toward final conclusions regarding the June 2023 tragedy that claimed 260 lives. Preliminary findings from that investigation indicated the crashed aircraft’s fuel switches unexpectedly transitioned from ‘run’ to ‘cutoff’ position during initial ascent, resulting in dual engine failure.

    Both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) previously conducted comprehensive reviews of Boeing’s fuel switch systems following last year’s accident. Air India maintains that its fleet-wide inspection of 787 Dreamliners conducted under DGCA mandate revealed no pre-existing defects in switch locking mechanisms.

  • China’s wetland conservation drive pays off

    China’s wetland conservation drive pays off

    China has demonstrated remarkable success in wetland preservation, adding and rejuvenating more than 1 million hectares through extensive conservation initiatives since 2012. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration revealed this achievement on World Wetlands Day, marking China’s position as Asia’s largest wetland territory holder and the world’s fourth largest.

    The comprehensive restoration was accomplished through approximately 3,800 specialized projects nationwide, establishing a new framework that integrates prioritized ecological restoration with categorized protection systems. This systematic approach has positioned China at the forefront of global wetland conservation efforts.

    Legal protections have been significantly strengthened with the implementation of a dedicated national wetland conservation law in 2022, complemented by regulatory updates in 21 provincial-level regions. The country has established a sophisticated tiered management system encompassing 82 internationally significant wetlands, 80 nationally important sites, and 1,208 provincially recognized areas.

    Public engagement remains a cornerstone of China’s strategy, with 903 national wetland parks welcoming approximately 320 million annual visitors, about 90% of which offer free public access. These parks serve as both conservation zones and educational centers highlighting wetland ecosystems’ irreplaceable ecological, social, economic, and cultural values.

    Mangrove conservation has received particular emphasis, with 9,200 hectares planted since 2012. The International Mangrove Center, launched in late 2024, has expanded its global consortium to 20 member nations while fostering cooperation with Southeast Asian and African partners through specialized workshops offering policy and technical training.

    At the Zhalong National Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang province, advanced monitoring technology exemplifies China’s innovative approach. An integrated system employing space remote sensing, tower surveillance, drone patrols, and ground operations has significantly enhanced conservation efficiency. Rangers utilize BeiDou navigation devices and drone technology to monitor the 210,000-hectare reserve, resulting in the rescue of 28 rare birds from 15 species in 2025 alone.

    The reserve has become the world’s largest breeding ground for red-crowned cranes, with populations stabilizing around 300 individuals. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of China’s wetland conservation framework during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, with plans to further enhance legal frameworks and monitoring systems through the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

  • The green gems of Yunnan

    The green gems of Yunnan

    In the biodiverse landscapes of Yunnan province, a previously overlooked herb has transformed into an economic powerhouse for local communities. Adenosma bracteosa, commonly known as flea grass, has made a remarkable journey from near disappearance to becoming a cornerstone of rural prosperity.

    The plant’s microscopic seeds—so tiny that a dozen can occupy just one square millimeter of soil—once threatened its very existence. This botanical challenge was overcome through dedicated agricultural research, leading to a conservation success story that has revitalized local economies.

    For generations, the Aini people of the Hani ethnic group have valued flea grass for its natural insect-repelling properties and distinctive fragrance. Today, this traditional knowledge has merged with modern agricultural practices to create sustainable economic opportunities.

    In Daka village, Mengla county, the flea grass planting cooperative has emerged as a model of success. Under the leadership of Liu Zhifang, 51 households have cultivated over 33 hectares of the herb, producing 270 kilograms of premium essential oil in 2025 alone. This oil has been developed into popular consumer products including mosquito repellents and anti-itch formulations.

    The innovation extends beyond essential oil production. Local women have mastered the art of weaving dried flea grass into embroidered sachets, creating authentic ethnic accessories that celebrate cultural heritage while generating income. Liu describes this development as providing ’employment right on their doorstep.’

    County-wide statistics reveal the scale of this agricultural transformation: more than 90 households cultivated approximately 80 hectares of flea grass in 2025, yielding 300 metric tons of harvest and increasing local incomes by over 1 million yuan ($140,000). This initiative represents a perfect synergy of ecological conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development, demonstrating how traditional plants can drive modern prosperity in rural China.

  • Spring Festival travel rush kicks off

    Spring Festival travel rush kicks off

    China initiated its monumental annual Spring Festival travel period on Monday, marking the beginning of a 40-day mass migration phenomenon known as chunyun. The transportation network across railways, highways, airports, and seaports witnessed unprecedented activity as millions embarked on journeys to reunite with families for the Lunar New Year celebrations.

    At Beijing West Railway Station, construction worker Liu experienced a moment of profound emotion as his train, K4069, departed precisely at 12:40 am. This special temporary service connecting the capital with Nanchang, Jiangxi province, represented the inaugural chunyun departure from Beijing. ‘After working tirelessly throughout the year, I’m finally returning home,’ Liu expressed. ‘The knowledge that this is Beijing’s first chunyun train makes the journey exceptionally meaningful.’

    Transportation authorities reported staggering statistics for the travel rush’s commencement day, with approximately 188 million cross-regional trips recorded nationwide—a notable 13% increase compared to the previous year. Rail systems managed roughly 12 million passenger journeys, while civil aviation facilitated about 2.19 million trips. Road transportation dominated the travel patterns, reflecting the growing preference among Chinese citizens for private vehicle travel during the holiday period.

    The 2026 Spring Festival travel period, which commenced on February 3rd, will continue through March 13th, with the actual Lunar New Year falling on February 17th. This annual migration represents the largest human movement globally, demonstrating both the enduring cultural significance of family reunions and China’s continuously evolving transportation infrastructure capabilities.

  • Trump seeks $1bn in damages from Harvard

    Trump seeks $1bn in damages from Harvard

    Former President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his ongoing confrontation with Harvard University, announcing a demand for $1 billion in damages through a post on his Truth Social platform. This move represents a significant intensification of a protracted dispute between the Trump administration and the prestigious Ivy League institution.

    The demand follows failed negotiations between the White House and university officials, which initially centered on a $200 million settlement payment according to New York Times reporting. Trump specifically referenced this coverage in his social media statement, accusing Harvard of disseminating misleading information to the publication.

    At the core of this conflict lies the administration’s allegation that Harvard inadequately addressed antisemitic incidents during pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. The university has consistently denied these accusations, maintaining its commitment to addressing all forms of discrimination.

    Harvard has emerged as a primary focus in the Trump administration’s broader initiative to counter what it characterizes as ‘woke’ and ‘radical left’ ideologies within American higher education. This campaign previously manifested in April 2023 when Trump revoked approximately $2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard and imposed a freeze on additional funding.

    The university responded with legal action, successfully challenging the funding cuts in federal court. The judicial ruling determined that the government had infringed upon Harvard’s free speech protections, forcing the restoration of financial support. Despite this legal setback, the administration vowed to continue contesting what it termed an ‘egregious decision’ while maintaining Harvard’s ineligibility for future grants.

    Notably, three other Ivy League institutions—Columbia, Penn, and Brown—elected to negotiate settlements with the administration rather than pursue litigation. These agreements preserved their federal funding despite facing similar allegations regarding campus ideologies and administration.

    Trump’s latest statement includes allegations of ‘serious and heinous illegalities’ by Harvard, though it provides no specific details regarding purported legal violations. The former president has previously threatened additional punitive measures, including revocation of the university’s tax-exempt status and seizure of patents derived from federally-funded research.