Global Pulse

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  • Trump moved to cut funding for ICE body cameras, pared back oversight

    Trump moved to cut funding for ICE body cameras, pared back oversight

    The Trump administration systematically opposed the expansion of body camera usage among immigration officers while simultaneously reducing oversight staffing levels, according to recent investigations. This policy shift occurred as federal officers were deployed in large numbers to Minneapolis and other urban centers, resulting in several violent confrontations.

    Bystander footage capturing two fatal shootings of U.S. citizen protesters, including Saturday’s incident that claimed the life of an ICU nurse, has demonstrated the critical importance of video evidence in challenging official narratives. These recordings contradict claims that victims provoked violent encounters with immigration officers.

    Despite body cameras being central to police reform efforts nationwide, the administration deliberately slowed a pilot program initiated in 2024. In June, officials urged Congress to reduce related funding by 75%, countering the broader trend toward increased law enforcement transparency. Concurrently, nearly all staffers working for three internal watchdogs overseeing immigration agencies were placed on paid leave, significantly impairing their ability to investigate potential abuses.

    Darius Reeves, former director of ICE’s Baltimore field office, confirmed that the body camera program had progressed slowly under President Biden and was effectively abandoned under the Trump administration.

    The administration’s approach to immigration enforcement intensified following Congressional approval of a $170 billion funding package for crackdown operations. This substantial financial injection is expected to fundamentally transform how ICE and Border Patrol operate.

    Meanwhile, oversight capabilities have been dramatically reduced. The Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, which previously employed over a hundred staff, now operates with just three full-time employees and two detailees. Complaint processing has consequently plummeted—from over 11,000 complaints in 2023 to just 285 between March and December 2025.

    A lawsuit challenging these reductions argues that the administration effectively eliminated oversight offices without Congressional authorization, creating a system with no meaningful accountability mechanisms for addressing abuses.

  • Pakistan says President to visit UAE for ‘high-level meetings’

    Pakistan says President to visit UAE for ‘high-level meetings’

    In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has embarked on an official state visit to the United Arab Emirates from January 26-29, 2026. The high-level engagement marks a continuation of strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations, following UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent trip to Islamabad just last December.

    The Pakistani Foreign Ministry confirmed the visit will feature comprehensive discussions covering the entire spectrum of mutual interests, with particular emphasis on enhancing trade and economic partnerships, defense and security cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The agenda also includes deliberations on pressing regional and international matters of shared concern.

    This reciprocal diplomatic exchange underscores the deepening fraternal bonds between Pakistan and the UAE. The previous December summit saw both nations commit to expanding collaboration across critical development sectors including energy infrastructure, technological innovation, and investment opportunities.

    Official statements characterize these ongoing high-level engagements as reflective of the special relationship between the two countries, demonstrating a mutual commitment to transforming their historical friendship into a more structured, mutually beneficial strategic partnership. The consistent diplomatic dialogue suggests both nations are prioritizing the institutionalization of their bilateral cooperation framework.

  • With ‘Border 2’ running to packed houses, Karan Johar says ‘Bollywood is here to stay’

    With ‘Border 2’ running to packed houses, Karan Johar says ‘Bollywood is here to stay’

    Bollywood’s resurgence finds powerful validation as two major war dramas dominate box office charts, prompting industry titan Karan Johar to proclaim the enduring strength of Hindi cinema. The momentum builds with ‘Border 2,’ directed by Anurag Singh, achieving one of the most impressive openings in recent memory while rapidly approaching the coveted ₹1 billion (approximately Dh40.1 million) benchmark.

    Johar took to Instagram to celebrate the consecutive successes of ‘Border 2’ and ‘Dhurandhar,’ asserting that these commercial triumphs definitively silence critics questioning Bollywood’s relevance. His social media declaration emphasized that emotional resonance with audiences remains the ultimate determinant of cinematic success, enabling quality productions to transcend perceived boundaries.

    The box office performance substantiates Johar’s enthusiasm. According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, ‘Border 2’ garnered ₹321 million net in India on its opening day alone, demonstrating robust performance across both single-screen theaters and urban multiplexes. Despite weather-related disruptions in Northern regions, industry observers anticipate substantial growth throughout the weekend and Republic Day holiday period due to overwhelmingly positive audience reception.

    Featuring an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, the January 23rd release continues its strong theatrical run. Simultaneously, ‘Dhurandhar’ starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna has achieved a remarkable 50-day theatrical presence, surpassing the previous record held by ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ to become the highest-grossing Hindi film to date.

    This dual success story signals a revitalized phase for Indian cinema, demonstrating that strategically crafted productions with emotional depth can achieve both critical and commercial acclaim while reinforcing the industry’s cultural significance.

  • Dior couture debut for Anderson mixes wonder, wit, celebrity-wattage — and an occasional wobble

    Dior couture debut for Anderson mixes wonder, wit, celebrity-wattage — and an occasional wobble

    PARIS — The Musée Rodin transformed into an anticipatory stage for Dior’s haute couture spectacle, where celebrity guests including French First Lady Brigitte Macron, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, and Parker Posey awaited the arrival of pop icon Rihanna. As the lights dimmed, a suspended ceiling garden of delicate flowers set the tone—petals descending gracefully to the floor, embodying Jonathan Anderson’s thematic vision of beauty under tension.

    This marked the inaugural haute couture presentation by Anderson, the Northern Irish designer who simultaneously helms Dior’s menswear, womenswear, and couture divisions—a unprecedented triple role in the modern era of the fashion house. As a cornerstone of the LVMH luxury conglomerate, Dior utilizes couture to demonstrate artistic prowess and technical mastery.

    Titled ‘Nature in Motion,’ the collection reimagined historical fragments through a contemporary lens, employing a disciplined palette of black, white, and ecru punctuated by vibrant bursts of color and texture. Clean lines alternated with soft draping and structured silhouettes, showcasing Anderson’s signature crispness previously evident in his work at Loewe and Dior menswear.

    The show’s most provocative statements included pannier gowns reinterpreted as modern fanny pack silhouettes—a characteristically witty Anderson gesture that transformed historical volume into contemporary relevance. Micro-detailing ascended to macro-impact through intricate floral motifs crafted from silk, chiffon, and organza, layered to evoke feather-like textures.

    Notable touches included oversized hydrangea-inspired earrings, a decorative nod to Dior’s legacy that reflected creative dialogue with former director John Galliano. While the collection demonstrated formidable ambition and technical achievement, it occasionally revealed a designer still synthesizing his distinct vision for Dior’s couture identity—strong individual elements seeking cohesive harmony within the garden-inspired universe Anderson envisioned.

  • Minneapolis killing pushes Trump to brink of government shutdown

    Minneapolis killing pushes Trump to brink of government shutdown

    A fatal encounter between federal immigration agents and a Minneapolis civilian has escalated into a full-scale political crisis, placing the Trump administration on the verge of its second government shutdown. The shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, during a weekend confrontation has fundamentally altered the political calculus in Washington, where a fragile bipartisan budget agreement has now collapsed.

    Until recently, Congressional leaders appeared poised to pass critical funding legislation before Friday’s deadline. The House had already approved remaining fiscal year 2026 appropriations, and Senate Republicans expressed confidence in securing sufficient Democratic support. However, the Minneapolis incident has unified Democratic opposition against funding the Department of Homeland Security without substantial reforms to immigration enforcement practices.

    The political fallout has been immediate and substantial. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer formally declared that Democrats would block the entire funding package if it includes DHS appropriations without additional constraints on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Numerous Democratic senators, including Mark Warner of Virginia, have publicly committed to withholding support, citing the administration’s ‘violent federal takeovers’ of cities.

    Contradictory narratives have emerged regarding the shooting itself. While White House officials and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the incident as self-defense against an armed assailant, multiple witness videos depict Pretti holding a phone while recording the altercation before being subdued with chemical spray and shot. The victim was legally licensed to carry a concealed weapon according to local authorities and family members.

    The budgetary impasse threatens to disrupt operations across multiple federal agencies including Defense, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and crucially, Homeland Security. Republican leadership continues advancing the original funding package despite growing unease within their own party. Several Republican senators, including longtime Trump allies, have called for independent investigations and expressed concerns about ICE’s credibility.

    With the House out of session this week, the path to compromise appears increasingly narrow. The administration has dispatched its border security coordinator to Minneapolis, but state and local officials demand complete withdrawal of federal agents and an independent probe into the shooting. As budget negotiations enter uncharted territory, the prospect of a temporary government shutdown grows increasingly likely.

  • Malabar Gold & Diamonds: A Legacy Crafted in Gold

    Malabar Gold & Diamonds: A Legacy Crafted in Gold

    As India commemorates its 77th Republic Day, Malabar Gold & Diamonds emerges as a paradigm of how Indian enterprises are translating constitutional values into global business excellence. The jewelry giant, now ranked as the world’s fifth largest jewelry retailer, exemplifies India’s growing international economic influence through its unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary business practices.

    With an extensive network exceeding 420 showrooms across 14 countries, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has transformed from a domestic enterprise into an international powerhouse serving diverse consumer markets. The brand’s operational headquarters in the UAE underscores the strategic importance of Indo-Emirati bilateral relations, demonstrating how progressive business ecosystems facilitate responsible global expansion for Indian companies.

    The company’s distinctive approach balances centuries-old Indian design traditions with modern aesthetic sensibilities, operationalizing its philosophy of ‘Make in India; Market to the World.’ This strategy positions Indian craftsmanship as a dynamic, evolving art form while maintaining cultural authenticity and relevance in international markets.

    Beyond commercial success, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has established comprehensive ESG frameworks emphasizing ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and community impact. The brand recognizes that in the jewelry industry—where trust and provenance are paramount—ethical leadership constitutes both a business imperative and social responsibility.

    Republic Day 2026 provides a moment for reflection on how Indian-origin brands represent national values on the global stage. Malabar’s journey illustrates how constitutional principles of integrity, fairness, and inclusivity can guide international business practices while enhancing India’s soft power and economic diplomacy.

    The company’s expansion narrative mirrors India’s broader economic transformation from domestic-focused markets to global influence across manufacturing, technology, design, and retail sectors. As Indian enterprises increasingly shape international consumer experiences and redefine global benchmarks, Malabar Gold & Diamonds stands as a testament to how business excellence can embody national pride and global responsibility simultaneously.

  • India budget 2026-27: What NRIs, investors and taxpayers can expect

    India budget 2026-27: What NRIs, investors and taxpayers can expect

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present India’s Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive fiscal presentation and the third comprehensive budget under the NDA 3.0 government. This budget emerges against a complex backdrop of resilient economic growth projections, global trade volatility, and heightened expectations from both domestic and international stakeholders.

    India’s economy demonstrates remarkable momentum with a projected 7.4% growth rate for the current fiscal year, positioning the nation to potentially surpass Germany as the world’s third-largest economy by 2027-28. However, slowing nominal GDP growth to approximately 8%—the weakest in five years—creates tension between fiscal consolidation objectives and growth-oriented expenditure requirements.

    Key stakeholder groups anticipate targeted interventions:

    Non-Resident Indians seek clarity on overseas income taxation, streamlined reporting mechanisms, and enhanced repatriation procedures. With India receiving over $125 billion in annual remittances, these reforms could strengthen foreign exchange stability while encouraging greater investment participation from the diaspora community.

    Domestic taxpayers expect further refinements to the new tax regime following last year’s landmark reform that established tax-free status for annual incomes up to ₹1.2 million. Potential adjustments include expanded deduction frameworks, surcharge rationalization for high earners, and simplified capital gains structures.

    Investment communities prioritize policy continuity and regulatory predictability amid recent market corrections. Equity investors seek assurance regarding stable taxation frameworks, while analysts emphasize the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability.

    The startup ecosystem advocates for enhanced deep-tech and artificial intelligence incentives, including improved R&D tax credits, reduced cloud infrastructure costs, and simplified ESOP taxation. Industry leaders emphasize the need for clearer GST treatment for SaaS exports and reduced compliance burdens that currently drive overseas incorporation.

    Infrastructure development remains central to India’s growth strategy, with experts calling for improved project execution models and revised funding mechanisms. The real estate sector seeks increased urban housing allocations and GST rationalization for under-construction properties to address supply constraints in emerging cities.

    Energy independence emerges as a critical theme, with industry proponents urging comprehensive tax rationalization across the oil and gas value chain. The electric vehicle sector anticipates recalibrated incentive schemes and strengthened domestic manufacturing support to reduce import dependency.

    Agricultural stakeholders emphasize implementation acceleration for previously announced initiatives, including credit schemes and productivity missions, recognizing that nearly half of India’s workforce depends on this sector for livelihood.

    Market analysts will ultimately judge the budget’s effectiveness based on credible fiscal consolidation pathways, borrowing strategy transparency, and targeted growth expenditure allocations, with particular attention to how the government balances household relief measures with long-term infrastructure priorities.

  • Winter in UAE: RAK Police issue reminder on camping rules, safety measures

    Winter in UAE: RAK Police issue reminder on camping rules, safety measures

    With the UAE experiencing its annual cool weather period, residents are flocking to outdoor recreational sites, particularly the mountainous regions of Ras Al Khaimah. This seasonal migration has prompted Ras Al Khaimah Police to issue comprehensive safety guidelines for campers seeking to enjoy the emirate’s natural landscapes.

    The law enforcement authority emphasizes the dual importance of environmental respect and personal safety during camping activities. Key regulations mandate that visitors minimize noise pollution to maintain peaceful conditions for all families, maintain safe driving distances between vehicles, and require helmet usage for all cycling activities. Additional directives prohibit stopping on trails and children leaning out of vehicle windows to prevent accidents.

    For vehicular safety, drivers must activate hazard lights in appropriate conditions and reduce speeds near populated camping areas. These measures form part of a broader initiative to ensure all visitors can enjoy Ras Al Khaimah’s natural attractions without compromising safety standards.

    The police department maintains adaptive response protocols for changing weather conditions, particularly during occasional rainfall periods. During unstable weather, authorities publicly advise against visiting valleys and mountainous areas, with specific warnings to avoid flood-prone zones and flowing water channels. Motorists receive instructions to reduce speeds and adhere to official directives during adverse conditions.

    These coordinated efforts represent Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to balancing tourism promotion with comprehensive safety management, ensuring the emirate remains a premier destination for winter recreational activities while prioritizing visitor protection.

  • Direct high-speed trains now connect Beijing with Xiong’an

    Direct high-speed trains now connect Beijing with Xiong’an

    A significant transportation milestone has been achieved in northern China with the inauguration of direct high-speed rail services connecting Beijing to Xiong’an New Area. The newly established route links Beijing West Railway Station directly to Baiyangdian Railway Station in Hebei province’s Xiong’an, marking the completion of an integrated high-speed rail network throughout the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

    This development comes as part of a comprehensive national railway schedule revision implemented on Monday, which introduced four additional services specifically serving Baiyangdian Station while optimizing the timetables of 24 existing train routes. China Railway Beijing Group, the regional operator, confirmed these operational enhancements that significantly improve regional connectivity.

    The strategic connection represents more than mere transportation infrastructure—it symbolizes the accelerated development of Xiong’an New Area as a key component of China’s regional integration strategy. The high-speed link substantially reduces travel time between the national capital and the emerging economic zone, facilitating business commuting, tourism, and economic exchange across the region.

    Passengers were documented boarding the inaugural services from Baiyangdian Railway Station to Tianjin West Railway Station on Monday morning, experiencing firsthand the improved connectivity. The integration demonstrates China’s continued commitment to advancing its railway infrastructure and promoting coordinated regional development through enhanced transportation networks.

  • Europe’s rising diversity is not reflected at the Winter Olympics. Culture plays a big role

    Europe’s rising diversity is not reflected at the Winter Olympics. Culture plays a big role

    In the snow-covered landscapes of northern Sweden, Maryan Hashi’s journey from feeling like an “alien” on ski slopes to becoming an advocate for winter sports integration represents a powerful narrative of cultural adaptation. The 30-year-old Somali student initially confronted overwhelming self-doubt when she first attempted snowboarding near her Skelleftea home, questioning everything from her attire to her technique as a Black woman in a predominantly white environment.

    Her perseverance transformed snowboarding from an unfamiliar activity into a profound passion that significantly enhanced her integration into Swedish society. Hashi’s experience highlights a broader demographic reality: while approximately 20% of Sweden’s 10 million residents are foreign-born—with about half originating from Asia or Africa—this diversity remains strikingly absent from winter sports arenas.

    The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics roster exemplifies this disparity, with Sweden’s team consisting almost exclusively of ethnically Swedish athletes. NHL player Mika Zibanejad, whose father is from Iran, stands as a rare exception. This homogeneity persists across European winter sports nations including France, Germany, and Switzerland, despite their increasingly diverse populations.

    Researchers identify multiple barriers preventing immigrant participation, including social unfamiliarity, financial constraints, and geographical limitations. Professor Josef Fahlen of Umea University emphasizes that parental influence plays a crucial role in sports participation, noting that children of non-European immigrants are unlikely to encounter sports unfamiliar to their parents.

    Financial accessibility remains another significant hurdle, with equipment rentals, clothing, travel expenses, and slope passes creating substantial economic barriers. While Sweden’s ski federation promotes inclusion through programs like “Alla På Snö” (Everyone On Snow)—reaching approximately 30,000 children annually with free equipment and slope access—and the Leisure Bank project offering free sports equipment rentals, these initiatives don’t specifically target immigrant communities.

    Hashi, who now teaches snowboarding to skeptical immigrant friends and children, advocates for targeted outreach: “Open the door for us. We’re going to take care of the next generation for you.” Her story underscores the transformative potential of winter sports as an integration tool while highlighting the need for systematic changes to make these activities truly accessible to Sweden’s diverse population.