Global Pulse

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  • Netflix updates Warner Bros bid to all-cash offer

    Netflix updates Warner Bros bid to all-cash offer

    In a significant escalation of the high-stakes battle for Warner Bros Discovery’s entertainment assets, Netflix has revised its acquisition proposal to an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $72 billion. This strategic move eliminates the previously proposed stock component, intensifying the streaming giant’s competition against Paramount Skydance for control of the prestigious Hollywood studio.

    The revised terms maintain the original $27.75 per share valuation for Warner Bros’ streaming and film divisions, which encompass the massively valuable HBO Max platform and legendary content libraries including the Harry Potter franchise and Game of Thrones universe. The total enterprise value, incorporating debt assumptions, reaches approximately $82 billion.

    Concurrently, Warner Bros shareholders would receive equity in the company’s remaining assets—including news network CNN—which are scheduled to become an independent publicly traded entity through a spinoff process.

    The amended agreement emerged as Paramount Skydance, backed by technology billionaire Larry Ellison and his family, continues its aggressive pursuit with a competing $108 billion overall valuation ($30 per share) offer. Paramount has maintained that Warner Bros’ non-entertainment assets are significantly overvalued, recently initiating legal action to force disclosure of financial details regarding Netflix’s proposal.

    Warner Bros leadership has consistently expressed preference for Netflix’s offer, citing greater certainty regarding financing and transaction execution. Samuel Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros Discovery Board of Directors, stated: “Our amended agreement with Netflix demonstrates the board’s unwavering commitment to advancing stockholder interests. Transitioning to an all-cash offer delivers the tremendous value of our combination with Netflix with enhanced certainty.”

    Netflix executives positioned the acquisition as industry-positive, with co-CEO Ted Sarandos emphasizing: “This combination will provide broader choice and greater value to global audiences while expanding U.S. production capacity and driving substantial investment in original programming. This transaction represents growth and job creation for our industry’s future.”

    Despite criticism from some industry observers concerned about excessive market consolidation, the proposed merger continues advancing toward shareholder consideration, potentially reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

  • Former security official expelled from Party for serious violations

    Former security official expelled from Party for serious violations

    In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Gao Yichen, a former high-ranking security official, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China following investigations into serious disciplinary and legal violations. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, China’s top anti-graft bodies.

    Gao previously held dual positions as deputy director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Preventing and Handling Cult Issues and vice minister of State Security. He also served as deputy director of the State Council’s Office for Preventing and Handling Cult Issues.

    The disciplinary investigation uncovered multiple offenses including collusion between political and business interests, improper benefit exchanges, and severe contamination of the political ecosystem. Notably, Gao continued to exploit his official position for personal gain even after his retirement from public service.

    According to official statements, Gao demonstrated a complete loss of ideological principles and political discernment while actively resisting organizational investigations. His misconduct included accepting unauthorized banquets, facilitating improper job transfers for associates, and receiving gifts and monetary rewards in violation of integrity protocols. He additionally obtained vehicle services from private business owners without compensation.

    More seriously, Gao interfered with judicial processes and leveraged his influence to secure advantages for others in corporate listing approvals, land use rights transfers, and case executions. These actions involved the illegal acceptance of substantial monetary sums and valuable assets.

    The disciplinary authorities determined that Gao’s conduct represented a severe violation of multiple Party disciplines including political, organizational, integrity, and work regulations. His actions constitute serious duty-related offenses and suspected crimes of bribery and influence peddling.

    In addition to his expulsion from the Party, Gao’s illicit gains have been confiscated. His case, which involves suspected criminal activities, has been transferred to prosecutorial authorities for formal legal proceedings.

  • Cow astonishes scientists with rare use of tools

    Cow astonishes scientists with rare use of tools

    In an extraordinary challenge to conventional understanding of bovine cognition, an Austrian cow named Veronika has demonstrated sophisticated tool-using capabilities previously undocumented in cattle. This remarkable discovery, documented by researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, emerged from the mountainous Austrian countryside where Veronika perfected her scratching techniques over several years.

    The Swiss brown cow exhibited exceptional discrimination in her tool selection, utilizing both ends of implements for different purposes. When addressing tougher areas like her back, Veronika consistently chose the bristled end of brooms for effective scratching. For more sensitive regions such as her underbelly, she deliberately selected the smooth handle end, demonstrating contextual awareness and adaptive problem-solving skills.

    Dr. Antonio Osuna-Mascaró, lead researcher on the study published in Current Biology, expressed profound surprise at the findings: ‘We encountered two unexpected dimensions—first that cattle could utilize tools at all, and second that an individual cow would employ tools with multipurpose functionality. Until this documentation, such sophisticated tool use had only been consistently observed in chimpanzees.’

    This discovery gains additional significance when considering the evolutionary context. While chimpanzees—humanity’s closest genetic relatives—demonstrate varied tool use including stick manipulation for insect gathering and stone usage for nut cracking, cattle have coexisted with humans for approximately 10,000 years without previously documented tool application.

    Veronika’s owner, organic farmer Witgar Wiegele, sees broader implications beyond scientific interest. He emphasizes that her unexpected cognitive abilities should inspire greater appreciation for nature’s complexity: ‘Preserving nature ultimately means protecting ourselves. Biological diversity represents the fundamental key to planetary survival.’

    The research team suggests that given appropriate environmental conditions and opportunities, other cattle might develop comparable skills, potentially revolutionizing how we perceive and interact with these domesticated animals.

  • Ivory Coast will buy unsold cocoa stocks as prices plunge

    Ivory Coast will buy unsold cocoa stocks as prices plunge

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – The Ivorian government has announced emergency market intervention measures to address a severe crisis in its cocoa sector, the world’s largest. With approximately 700,000 tons of cocoa beans remaining unsold due to plummeting global prices, authorities will purchase existing stocks at guaranteed seasonal rates to maintain export operations and ensure farmer compensation.

    The crisis emerged in recent months as global cocoa prices sharply declined from record highs. According to Synapci, the nation’s primary cocoa farmers’ union, many agricultural producers have endured nearly two months without income, forcing some to sell at discounted rates or destroy spoiled inventory.

    Agriculture Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani sought to reassure stakeholders during a Tuesday press briefing. “We want to reassure them. The situation is now under control, and collection operations will begin in the coming days,” he stated, confirming the government’s commitment to market stabilization.

    Ivory Coast’s unique market structure differentiates it from most African nations. Through the Coffee and Cocoa Council, approximately 85% of the annual harvest (representing 2-2.5 million metric tons) is pre-sold at fixed prices to shield farmers from volatility. The current crisis involves the remaining 15% portion, which multinational buyers have refused to purchase following price declines.

    The government had set a record price of $5,000 per metric ton in October 2025 ahead of presidential elections, but global prices have since fallen to approximately $4,630. With the mid-crop season price announcement scheduled for April 1 expected to reflect further decreases, market uncertainty persists.

    Farmer representatives remain skeptical despite government assurances. Synapci President Moussa Koné questioned the implementation: “They are making nice promises, but what guarantees are they offering? And what about those who have already had to throw away cocoa that rotted because of the blockade?”

  • US: Immigration officers broke into Minnesota home, dragged barely clothed man into snow

    US: Immigration officers broke into Minnesota home, dragged barely clothed man into snow

    A controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota has drawn sharp criticism after federal officers forcibly entered a residential property and detained a naturalized U.S. citizen under extreme circumstances. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel breaking down the door of ChongLy ‘Scott’ Thao’s home with drawn weapons, handcuffing the minimally clad 56-year-old, and escorting him into subzero temperatures.

    Thao, a Hmong immigrant from Laos who obtained U.S. citizenship in 1991, described the experience as profoundly traumatic. ‘I was praying. I was like, God, please help me; I didn’t do anything wrong,’ he recounted to reporters from his residence, where neighbors were subsequently repairing the damaged entrance. Despite freezing conditions of 14°F (-10°C), officers reportedly denied Thao the opportunity to dress appropriately, forcing him to cover himself with his grandson’s blanket during the detention.

    The Department of Homeland Security justified the operation as targeting two convicted sex offenders with deportation orders who were believed to be at the address. Agency spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated that Thao was detained because he ‘matched the description of the targets’ and refused standard identification procedures, necessitating temporary custody ‘for the safety of the public and law enforcement.’

    However, relatives clarified that one of the wanted individuals had previously resided at the location but had since moved out, describing him as the former spouse of a family member. Photographs of the incident circulated widely on social media, amplifying concerns about potential overreach in federal immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown, which has deployed approximately 3,000 officers in the Minneapolis region.

    The family’s official statement condemned the operation as ‘unnecessary, degrading, and deeply traumatizing,’ sentiments echoed by immigrant advocacy groups. This event coincides with ongoing legal challenges to the administration’s enforcement methods, including a recent injunction issued by a U.S. District Judge in Minnesota blocking certain aggressive tactics that could inhibit constitutional rights.

    After fingerprinting and photographic identification in a vehicle, Thao was released without explanation or apology. The emotional impact remains profound, with Thao questioning the fundamental promise of American safety that originally motivated his family’s immigration from Laos in 1974 when he was four years old.

  • Nigerian homicide police investigate death of singer Destiny Boy at 22

    Nigerian homicide police investigate death of singer Destiny Boy at 22

    Nigerian authorities have launched an investigation into the untimely death of 22-year-old music sensation Destiny Boy, born Afeez Adesina, whose passing has sent shockwaves through the nation’s entertainment community. The Ogun State Police Department’s homicide unit has confirmed one arrest made in connection with their ongoing probe, though specific details regarding the detainee remain undisclosed.

    The emerging Afrofuji artist, celebrated for his innovative fusion of traditional Yoruba Fuji rhythms with contemporary Afrobeats, passed away unexpectedly last Sunday. While official causes remain undetermined, family representatives have disclosed his prolonged battle with a severe medical condition that reportedly caused recurrent seizures. His remains were promptly interred following Islamic funeral customs, precluding any pathological examination.

    Destiny Boy first captured national attention through his 2019 viral reinterpretation of pop icon Davido’s chart-topping single ‘If,’ which propelled him from backup dancer for Fuji legend Pasuma at T2 Boys Studios to mainstream recognition. He subsequently developed an original discography while continuing to produce acclaimed covers of popular tracks.

    Social media platforms have become inundated with tributes and speculative content since his death, including disturbing footage purportedly showing his body being transported to a mortuary. This has fueled widespread public debate regarding the circumstances surrounding his demise. Notable among the reactions was fellow artist Ruger’s online expression of frustration over the absence of autopsy procedures, stating Nigerians must simply ‘accept that he’s dead.’

    In emotional testimonies, family members described extensive efforts to manage his condition through both conventional medical treatment and traditional healing practices. His mother, Saida, recounted harrowing episodes where relatives physically restrained him during seizures to prevent self-harm, noting the illness ‘had almost run him mad.’

    The tragedy arrives barely a year after Destiny Boy welcomed his first child with partner Iremide in November 2024, compounding the personal loss for his surviving family. The music industry mourns a promising talent whose innovative sound represented the vibrant evolution of Nigeria’s cultural exports.

  • Trump says Putin has been invited to join Board of Peace

    Trump says Putin has been invited to join Board of Peace

    In a significant diplomatic development, former US President Donald Trump has formally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in his newly proposed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative. The invitation, confirmed by Trump during a press briefing on Monday evening, marks a notable moment in international relations between the two nations.

    The Board of Peace, initially conceptualized to oversee reconstruction efforts in conflict-devastated Gaza, appears to have evolved into a broader conflict-resolution mechanism. According to charter documents obtained by international media, the initiative requires participating nations to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership privileges.

    While the board’s original mandate focused on Palestinian territory rehabilitation, its charter provisions suggest a more expansive scope addressing global conflicts. This financial requirement establishes the initiative as one of the most exclusive diplomatic platforms ever proposed, potentially creating a tiered system of international engagement based on financial contribution capacity.

    The inclusion of President Putin, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, signals Trump’s unconventional approach to international diplomacy. The initiative’s structure and funding model represent a departure from traditional multilateral peacekeeping frameworks, potentially reshaping how global conflicts are addressed through financialized diplomatic participation.

    This development occurs amidst complex international relations and raises questions about the balance between financial contributions and diplomatic influence in conflict resolution mechanisms. The Board of Peace could potentially create new paradigms for international cooperation, though its effectiveness and acceptance by the global community remain subjects of ongoing diplomatic discourse.

  • Jiangsu schools delay start times to improve student well-being

    Jiangsu schools delay start times to improve student well-being

    Eastern China’s Jiangsu province has launched a groundbreaking educational initiative focused on student health by implementing delayed morning start times across multiple cities. The policy shift affects schools in Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, and Nantong, marking a significant departure from traditional early morning schedules.

    In the provincial capital Nanjing, educational authorities have eliminated mandatory early reading sessions and aligned school schedules with Ministry of Education guidelines recommending that middle school classes commence no earlier than 8:00 AM. This represents a substantial shift from the previous 7:00 AM start times that were common throughout the region.

    The implementation features carefully designed flexibility to accommodate diverse family needs. Schools will maintain optional early arrival provisions with teacher supervision for students from dual-income households or those with parents requiring early work start times. Simultaneously, Suzhou and Wuxi have introduced staggered scheduling systems to manage the transition smoothly.

    Nantong’s educational institutions joined the initiative this week, complementing the morning schedule changes with adjustments to evening study sessions, which will now conclude by 8:30 PM. This comprehensive approach addresses both ends of the school day to ensure students receive adequate rest and recovery time.

    The policy changes have generated substantial public discussion, with many educators and parents welcoming the focus on student well-being. Medical research consistently demonstrates that later school start times align better with adolescent sleep patterns, potentially improving academic performance, mental health, and overall development. Jiangsu’s province-wide implementation represents one of China’s most comprehensive adjustments to educational scheduling practices to date.

  • UAE: More parents support kids for content creation as experts flag risks

    UAE: More parents support kids for content creation as experts flag risks

    A significant cultural shift is emerging in the United Arab Emirates as increasing numbers of parents actively support their children’s participation in content creation, despite mounting concerns from child development experts about potential psychological risks. This phenomenon reflects the rapid normalization of social media as both entertainment and potential career path for the digital generation.

    Across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok platforms, Emirati children are transitioning from occasional family photos to starring in daily vlogs, brand partnerships, and monetized content—often before comprehending the implications of maintaining a public audience. This trend has ignited intense debates surrounding consent, privacy boundaries, and long-term developmental impacts.

    Parental perspectives vary considerably regarding this digital immersion. Monera A., a content creator whose children aged 9 and 11 regularly feature in her videos, emphasizes careful management of filming schedules and voluntary participation. “They derive genuine enjoyment from the creative process,” she noted, “particularly when collaborative content outperforms solo efforts.”

    Other families approach content creation as strategic financial planning. Bassam (pseudonym) revealed that revenue generated from videos featuring his children is being systematically saved for their future, regardless of whether they pursue content creation professionally. “This generation embraces non-traditional careers,” he observed, expressing concern about children being “left behind” in an increasingly digital economy.

    Recognizing the industry’s expansion, UAE authorities have implemented robust legal safeguards through the Federal Decree Law on Child Digital Safety. This legislation mandates that both guardians and digital platforms prioritize minor protection through age-appropriate technology use and comprehensive risk mitigation.

    Child psychologists however voice substantial concerns. Dr. Mizan Mohamed warns that early association of self-worth with public validation metrics—likes, views, and comments—may foster fragile identity formation. “Children risk developing anxiety around performance metrics that even adults struggle with,” he explained. The constant public exposure of childhood experiences may furthermore blur boundaries between personal authenticity and performative behavior, potentially hindering autonomous identity development.

    Experts recommend that parents establish firm participatory boundaries, legally protect children’s earnings, and regularly reassess whether continued online presence serves the child’s best interests rather than audience growth metrics. They emphasize that digital participation should remain adaptable to children’s evolving preferences and psychological needs.

  • Dubai: Gold prices hit new record high on second consecutive day; 21K crosses Dh500

    Dubai: Gold prices hit new record high on second consecutive day; 21K crosses Dh500

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed unprecedented milestones on Tuesday as prices surged to record-breaking heights for the second consecutive trading session. The precious metal’s remarkable rally saw 21K gold surpass Dh500 per gram for the first time in history, joining 24K and 22K variants that had previously breached this psychological barrier.

    Market data revealed 24K gold trading at an all-time high of Dh566 per gram, representing an increase of Dh3.75, while 22K reached Dh524.0 per gram with a gain of Dh3.25. The broader spectrum showed 18K and 14K gold trading at Dh430.75 and Dh336 per gram respectively, completing a comprehensive market upswing.

    According to Ahmad Assiri, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, this historic rally stems from escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed trade threats. Recent statements by the US President regarding potential tariffs of 10-25% on European goods have reignited global trade concerns within a broader geopolitical context that transcends traditional trade balance issues.

    European responses, particularly from France, have included discussions about activating the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument and preparing retaliatory tariffs worth approximately €93 billion on US goods. This escalating tension has positioned precious metals as primary beneficiaries of market uncertainty, with gold specifically maintaining its upward trajectory around the $4,700 per ounce threshold.

    Assiri identified three key drivers supporting gold’s rally: increased hedging demand, declining risk appetite in equity markets, and favorable macroeconomic factors including monetary policy expectations and a weakening US dollar. Globally, spot gold reached $4,714.34 per ounce at 10 AM UAE time, registering a 0.77% increase.

    The analyst projected that $5,000 per ounce represents a logical medium-term target rather than optimistic speculation, noting this price point remains approximately 7% above current levels. He emphasized that precious metals will likely maintain their defensive appeal until clearer negotiation pathways emerge, with gold positioned as the most prominent near-term beneficiary of ongoing political and economic uncertainty.