Global Pulse

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  • UK: Pro-Palestine protesters charged with calling for ‘intifada’

    UK: Pro-Palestine protesters charged with calling for ‘intifada’

    In an unprecedented legal move, British authorities have formally charged three pro-Palestine demonstrators for allegedly chanting the word “intifada” during a December protest. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Monday that Abdallah Alanzi (24), Haya Adam (21), and Azza Zaki (60) face charges of using “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending to stir up racial hatred.”

    The defendants were arrested during a December 17th demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, marking the first enforcement actions since the Metropolitan and Greater Manchester police forces announced their intention to prosecute individuals using the phrase “globalise the intifada” at protests. The controversial policy, announced in December, specifically targeted this chant and related placard displays.

    Police authorities defended their position, stating: “We recognize community concerns regarding placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada.’ Those employing such language at future demonstrations or in targeted manners should anticipate intervention from our forces.”

    The Metropolitan Police’s Public Order Crime team conducted a comprehensive investigation that extended beyond the specific intifada chant to examine additional verbal expressions heard during the protest. The three accused individuals will make their initial appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 23rd.

    Meanwhile, pro-Palestine activists have vigorously contested the characterization of “globalise the intifada” as antisemitic or violent incitement. Notably, British Jewish participants have been visibly active in pro-Palestine marches throughout the United Kingdom.

    The term ‘intifada,’ derived from the Arabic root ‘nafada’ meaning “to shake off” or “to rise up,” has complex historical connotations. While some Arab uprisings labeled as intifadas have been predominantly peaceful, the Palestinian intifadas against Israeli occupation have incorporated both civil disobedience and armed resistance.

    The charging decision follows October comments by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who characterized calls to “internationalise the intifada” as direct incitement against global Jewish communities. These remarks came after a fatal attack on a Manchester synagogue that claimed two Jewish worshippers’ lives.

  • Former Olympian Ryan Wedding pleads not guilty to drug kingpin charges

    Former Olympian Ryan Wedding pleads not guilty to drug kingpin charges

    Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding entered a plea of not guilty to all 17 felony charges against him during his initial court appearance in Santa Ana on Monday. The charges include serious allegations of drug trafficking, witness tampering, and conspiracy to commit murder.

    Wedding, who had been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, appeared relaxed in the Orange County courtroom, smiling occasionally at his legal counsel and observers while stretching his unshackled arms. His physical presence remained imposing at 1.91 meters tall and 109 kilograms, maintaining the athletic stature that once carried him to the 2002 Winter Games representing Canada.

    The criminal indictment alleges Wedding operated a sophisticated transnational drug network, importing substantial quantities of cocaine into Los Angeles for distribution across the United States and Canada. Federal authorities further accuse him of orchestrating the murder of a potential witness against him and allege his protected existence under the Sinaloa cartel’s protection in Mexico.

    Despite Mexican officials’ claims that Wedding surrendered voluntarily, his defense attorney Anthony Colombo publicly disputed this account outside the courthouse, labeling it ‘a false narrative.’ The case has been temporarily moved from Los Angeles to Santa Ana due to ongoing protests surrounding federal immigration operations.

    FBI Director Kash Patel previously characterized Wedding as a ‘modern-day iteration of Pablo Escobar,’ operating under multiple aliases including ‘El Jefe’ and ‘Giant.’ Law enforcement officials contend that Wedding established his criminal enterprise following his release from federal prison in 2011, where he had been serving time for previous cocaine distribution offenses.

    The international investigation has yielded significant assets, including a motorcycle collection valued at approximately $40 million seized in Mexico. Wedding remains in custody pending his next scheduled court appearance in Los Angeles on February 9th.

  • Sly Dunbar, prolific legend of reggae, dies aged 73

    Sly Dunbar, prolific legend of reggae, dies aged 73

    The music world mourns the loss of reggae icon Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar, who passed away at age 73. The legendary drummer, celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to music, was found unresponsive by his wife Thelma on the morning of January 26th.

    Dunbar’s extraordinary career spanned decades and genres, establishing him as one of the most prolific session musicians in history. Industry estimates suggest his distinctive drumming appears on over 200,000 recordings, cementing his status as a foundational force in popular music.

    Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar formed the groundbreaking production duo Sly & Robbie, which became synonymous with innovation in reggae and beyond. Their pioneering ‘rockers’ rhythm introduced unprecedented syncopation and energy to the genre, creating a seismic shift in musical expression that diverged from the melody-rich compositions of contemporaries like Bob Marley.

    The partnership’s influence extended far beyond reggae, with their thunderous beats powering Grace Jones’s seminal 1981 album ‘Nightclubbing’ and collaborations with music titans including Bob Dylan, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, and Sinead O’Connor.

    In 1980, the duo established Taxi Records, nurturing generations of Jamaican talent including Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Beenie Man. Their later work with Chaka Demus & Pliers in the early 1990s produced dancehall classics like ‘Tease Me’ and ‘Murder She Wrote,’ demonstrating their enduring creative evolution.

    British DJ David Rodigan led tributes, honoring Dunbar as ‘a true icon’ and ‘one of the greatest drummers of all time.’ Producer Brian Eno once remarked that ‘when you buy a reggae record, there’s a 90% chance the drummer is Sly Dunbar,’ testament to his ubiquitous yet distinctive presence in music.

    While no official cause of death has been disclosed, Dunbar had reportedly been ill for some time. His passing marks the end of an era for musical innovation and cross-genre collaboration, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that continues to influence artists worldwide.

  • Why Adam Voges’ coaching record should interest post-Ashes England

    Why Adam Voges’ coaching record should interest post-Ashes England

    As England’s cricket establishment conducts a comprehensive performance review following their 4-1 Ashes defeat, attention is turning toward potential successors to current coach Brendon McCullum. While McCullum remains in position despite the disappointing outcome against Australia, speculation about his replacement has intensified significantly.

    Amid this coaching conversation, Australian Adam Voges has emerged as an unexpectedly compelling candidate through his extraordinary domestic achievements. The 46-year-old coach recently added to his impressive resume by guiding the Perth Scorchers to another Big Bash League championship—his third BBL title to complement three Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup victories.

    Voges’s coaching methodology successfully ended Western Australia’s two-decade domestic drought and initiated an unprecedented period of dominance across multiple formats. His approach demonstrates a distinctive balance between extracting peak performance from experienced veterans while simultaneously developing future international talent.

    Despite not being formally mentioned in current speculation that includes names like Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan, Voges’s record presents a compelling case for consideration. The Western Australian will step down from his state role at season’s end while maintaining his position with the Scorchers and recently signing as coach of the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket.

    This international expansion suggests potential openness to coaching opportunities abroad. Unlike the flamboyant ‘BazBall’ philosophy, Voges would offer England a stable, pressure-tested formula refined through consistent success in high-stakes environments.

    His credentials extend beyond coaching—as a player, Voges represented Australia across all three formats and concluded his Test career with a remarkable average of 61.87. With Ashes performance historically determining coaching tenures, England’s potential interest in Voges represents a strategic consideration of appointing someone intimately familiar with Australian conditions and mentality.

  • Dubai Clinic expands access to advanced plastic surgery through specialist-led consultations

    Dubai Clinic expands access to advanced plastic surgery through specialist-led consultations

    Dubai is consolidating its status as a premier regional destination for advanced aesthetic medicine, with growing demand for expertly guided plastic surgery consultations and comprehensive post-operative care. In response to this trend, Skin111 has significantly expanded its surgical offerings, providing patients throughout Dubai with structured access to board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in a wide array of facial and body enhancement procedures.

    The clinic operates under a medically governed framework that emphasizes thorough pre-surgical assessment, personalized treatment planning, and dedicated recovery support. Key procedures include rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, facial plastic surgery, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and advanced body contouring techniques. All surgical interventions are conducted exclusively at licensed and accredited partner hospitals in Dubai, ensuring full adherence to stringent UAE healthcare regulations and patient safety protocols.

    Industry analysts note a consistent rise in demand for facial plastic surgery, particularly procedures that deliver natural-looking results while maintaining long-term structural harmony. Rhinoplasty continues to rank among the most sought-after treatments, with patients increasingly prioritizing surgeons who blend technical precision with nuanced aesthetic judgment.

    Similarly, body contouring and breast augmentation procedures are experiencing sustained interest, driven by patients seeking individualized treatment plans rather than generic solutions. Multidisciplinary consultation models are gaining preference among clients who value transparency, safety, and continuity of care throughout their surgical journey.

    Skin111 distinguishes itself by functioning as a central coordination hub for assessment, imaging, surgical planning, and postoperative support—rather than as a surgical facility. This approach ensures patients receive expert guidance from initial consultation through full recovery.

    “Contemporary patients are exceptionally well-informed and discerning,” noted a senior Skin111 representative. “They expect clarity regarding surgical expertise, clinical settings, and the recovery process. Our model provides specialist-led planning with all surgeries performed in fully equipped hospital environments.”

    Advanced body contouring—particularly for patients seeking transformative results after significant weight loss—has emerged as a prominent service, requiring meticulous planning and sustained postoperative support. Dubai’s competitive healthcare landscape has also elevated expectations concerning patient experience, clinical governance, and ethical practices. Clinics promoting excellence in procedures such as breast augmentation or tummy tucks are now evaluated not only on outcomes but also on transparency, safety benchmarks, and professional accountability.

    As the UAE’s aesthetic medicine sector continues to evolve, care models emphasizing specialist collaboration, hospital-based surgery, and integrated follow-up are setting new benchmarks—aligning patient expectations with international clinical standards.

  • ‘We’re all terrified’, Minnesotan tells the BBC in tears

    ‘We’re all terrified’, Minnesotan tells the BBC in tears

    A wave of fear and anguish has swept through Minnesota communities following a second fatal shooting incident involving federal immigration officers, with distraught residents expressing their terror to international media. The BBC’s Ana Faguy documented emotional accounts from Minnesotans who find themselves grappling with heightened anxiety and trauma in the aftermath of these violent encounters.

    The recent shooting marks the second such fatal incident in the state involving federal immigration authorities, raising serious concerns about use of force protocols and community safety. Through tearful interviews, residents revealed the psychological impact of these events, describing how the shootings have created an atmosphere of pervasive fear within their neighborhoods.

    These incidents have sparked broader conversations about law enforcement practices and their effect on community trust. The emotional testimony collected by the BBC highlights the human toll of such violent encounters, with one resident visibly shaken while stating ‘we’re all terrified’ – a sentiment echoing throughout the affected communities.

    The situation continues to develop as local leaders call for transparency and accountability, while federal authorities face increasing scrutiny over their operational procedures and community engagement approaches in Minnesota.

  • Annual lantern festival opens in Shanghai

    Annual lantern festival opens in Shanghai

    Shanghai has inaugurated its annual Yuyuan Lantern Festival, launching an expansive celebration that for the first time extends beyond its traditional Yuyuan Garden venue to incorporate multiple zones near The Bund. The festival commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will continue through March 3, transforming the city’s historic districts into a luminous landscape.

    This year’s edition marks a significant geographical expansion, with illuminated displays scheduled to activate at The Bund Finance Center, Ancient City Park, Middle Fangbang Road, Fuyou Road, and The Bund itself beginning February 1. The festival combines traditional lantern craftsmanship with modern technological innovations and contemporary artistic designs, creating an immersive experience that connects Shanghai’s historical heritage with its futuristic vision.

    Visitors can engage with diverse attractions including interactive installations, cultural performances, culinary experiences, and retail offerings. The core thematic inspiration derives from Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), an ancient Chinese mythological text dating back over two millennia. This mythological foundation provides the creative direction for the festival’s central light installations at Yuyuan Garden, offering a cultural journey through China’s rich mythological traditions.

    The expanded festival layout creates a continuous pathway of illumination through Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, providing both residents and international tourists with a multifaceted experience that blends sightseeing with cultural education and entertainment.

  • Trump threatens to hike tariffs on South Korean goods over inaction on trade deal

    Trump threatens to hike tariffs on South Korean goods over inaction on trade deal

    In a significant escalation of trade tensions, former President Donald Trump declared Monday he would impose increased tariffs on South Korean imports, citing legislative delays in ratifying a previously agreed trade framework. The announcement, made through social media channels, specifically targets automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceutical products while threatening to elevate rates on other goods from 15% to 25%.

    This development marks a continuation of Trump’s unconventional trade strategy that previously relied on declaring economic emergencies to bypass congressional approval. The South Korean government, conversely, requires formal legislative endorsement for the trade framework initially presented in July and reaffirmed during Trump’s October visit to the country.

    Trump justified the measures by emphasizing the importance of reciprocal trade relationships, stating: “Our Trade Deals are very important to America. In each of these Deals, we have acted swiftly to reduce our TARIFFS in line with the Transaction agreed to. We, of course, expect our Trading Partners to do the same.”

    This move follows a pattern of aggressive trade tactics that characterized Trump’s presidency, including recent threats against European nations regarding Greenland and a proposed 100% tax on Canadian goods should the country enhance trade relations with China. The administration had previously linked tariff concessions to South Korea’s commitment to invest $350 billion in the U.S. economy, including revitalization projects for American shipyards.

    The announcement comes amid ongoing trade uncertainties, including pending Supreme Court decisions regarding presidential authority in imposing tariffs under emergency powers, ongoing Section 232 investigations, and upcoming renegotiations of the USMCA trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.

  • Israel retrieves remains of last Gaza hostage, military says

    Israel retrieves remains of last Gaza hostage, military says

    The Israeli military announced on Monday the successful recovery and identification of police officer Ran Gvili’s remains, marking the retrieval of the last hostage held in Gaza. This development represents a critical milestone in the initial phase of former US President Donald Trump’s proposed roadmap to conclude the prolonged Gaza conflict.

    Gvili had been held since October 7, 2023, when he was killed during Hamas’ assault on Kibbutz Alumim in southern Israel. His remains have been formally identified and will be returned to his family for burial, according to an official military statement.

    The resolution of this case triggers a significant diplomatic commitment: Israel has pledged to reopen Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt—the territory’s primary connection to the outside world—once Gvili’s remains are repatriated or the search operation concludes. This border reopening carries substantial humanitarian implications for Gaza’s civilian population.

    The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered in October under concerted pressure from regional powers and the Trump administration, established the framework for this development. Trump previously characterized the arrangement as a foundational step toward achieving what he described as a “strong, durable and everlasting peace” in the region.

  • Israel shells and bulldozes Gaza City as it finds remains of last captive

    Israel shells and bulldozes Gaza City as it finds remains of last captive

    Israeli authorities have confirmed the recovery of Ran Gvili’s body, the last remaining Israeli captive in Gaza, concluding a extensive military operation that involved substantial ground and aerial maneuvers. The 24-year-old Yamam counter-terrorism unit commando was reportedly killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks, with his remains subsequently taken into the Gaza Strip.

    The retrieval operation, initiated Sunday morning, involved intensive military activities in eastern Gaza City areas, particularly around al-Sanafour and al-Batsh cemetery. According to local reports from the Wafa news agency, the search involved extensive bulldozing operations that resulted in the desecration of multiple gravesites. The operation was accompanied by heavy artillery shelling and concentrated gunfire from military vehicles and quadcopter drones, resulting in numerous casualties and fatalities since Sunday.

    In the Tuffah neighborhood of northeast Gaza City, artillery strikes ignited fires that consumed multiple tents. Hamas officials responded to the Israeli announcement on Monday, asserting they had “exerted significant efforts” in locating Gvili’s remains and had provided Israeli authorities with all available information regarding the body’s location.

    The development potentially clears diplomatic obstacles for advancing to the second phase of the US-brokered peace initiative. Hamas emphasized that further progress requires Israel’s full compliance with the ceasefire framework implemented in October, including complete withdrawal from Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian access.

    Since the ceasefire began, monitoring groups have documented over 1,300 violations attributed to Israeli forces. The truce originally aimed to conclude more than two years of conflict that resulted in over 71,660 Palestinian fatalities and the destruction of nearly 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure. Post-ceasefire violence has claimed at least 486 lives with 1,341 injured, while Israeli authorities maintain strict limitations on humanitarian aid, continuing bans on tents, mobile homes, and heating supplies.