Global Pulse

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  • Skyscrapers set to redefine city skylines across the GCC

    Skyscrapers set to redefine city skylines across the GCC

    The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is undergoing a transformative architectural renaissance, with skyscrapers evolving from symbolic landmarks into strategic infrastructure driving economic diversification. This vertical expansion represents a fundamental reimagining of urban development rather than mere height competition.

    Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for an unprecedented architectural marvel—a two-kilometer tower in Riyadh that would double the height of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. With an estimated $5 billion budget and a site selected near King Khalid International Airport, this project signals Riyadh’s ambition to become a global business hub. International architectural firms including Skidmore Owings and Merrill are already contributing conceptual designs for what would become the tallest structure in human history.

    Meanwhile, Dubai continues to reinforce its skyscraper expertise with Burj Azizi, a 725-meter vertical district featuring 130 floors of luxury residences, seven-star hotel suites, retail centers, and cultural spaces. The project’s commercial success was immediate, with a penthouse selling for Dh63 million on launch day, demonstrating sustained market demand for integrated vertical living environments.

    The United Arab Emirates has achieved global recognition, overtaking the United States as the second-ranking country for supertall buildings (exceeding 300 meters) according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. With over 30 such structures—most built within the past decade—the UAE has established itself as a leader in futuristic design and engineering excellence.

    Beyond height records, GCC architects are developing culturally resonant designs. Dubai’s Muraba Veil tower, standing at 380 meters with a width of just 22.5 meters, represents this new direction. Designed by Pritz Prize-winning RCR Arquitectes, the tower incorporates regional architectural traditions through its stainless steel veil and internal courtyard design.

    This vertical transformation is driven by multiple structural factors: economic diversification requirements, population growth outpacing horizontal expansion capabilities, transit-oriented planning, and sustainability frameworks favoring compact cities. By 2030, the skylines of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha will reflect this strategic shift toward intentional, culturally grounded, and economically functional high-rise development that supports tourism, finance, and global business operations.

  • South Sudan president fires interior minister in a move threatening peace agreement

    South Sudan president fires interior minister in a move threatening peace agreement

    In a move that significantly undermines South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement, President Salva Kiir has abruptly dismissed Interior Minister Angelina Teny, a prominent opposition figure and wife of detained First Vice President Riek Machar. The Monday evening dismissal, executed without public explanation, represents a serious breach of the 2018 power-sharing arrangement that had allocated the Interior Ministry portfolio to the opposition.

    President Kiir immediately appointed Aleu Ayieny Aleu, a veteran loyalist who previously held the interior minister position from 2013 to 2015, signaling a consolidation of power within the presidential circle. This political maneuver occurs against a backdrop of escalating military tensions across multiple regions, including Jonglei state where Machar-aligned forces alongside White Army fighters have captured strategic territories including Pajut town in Duk County, threatening the approach to the state capital Bor.

    The dismissal further exacerbates the already precarious security situation, with fresh clashes reported in Unity, Upper Nile, and parts of Central and Eastern Equatoria states. International observers and regional peace guarantors have expressed growing alarm at the systematic unraveling of key provisions from the 2018 peace accord, particularly regarding security sector reforms and the unification of forces which remain largely unimplemented.

    Teny’s removal follows her effective marginalization from the Interior Ministry since March 2025, when security agents confiscated her communication devices and her husband was placed under house arrest on treason charges related to violence in Upper Nile state. Opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng characterized the dismissal as ‘a clear sign of desperation’ from a government ‘crumbling under pressure’ as security conditions deteriorate nationwide.

  • Trump administration appeals limits on agents’ tactics toward Minnesota protesters

    Trump administration appeals limits on agents’ tactics toward Minnesota protesters

    The Trump administration has formally initiated an appeal against a federal court order that imposed significant restrictions on the tactics employed by immigration enforcement officers during protests in Minneapolis. This legal maneuver comes in response to a judicial ruling that explicitly prohibited federal agents from arresting or using chemical munitions against peaceful demonstrators and observers.

    The contentious court order, issued on Friday, emerged from a lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security and related federal agencies on December 17. The litigation gained urgency following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an immigration agent approximately three weeks after the initial filing, an incident that triggered widespread public demonstrations across Minneapolis.

    In recent weeks, the administration has deployed thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to the Minneapolis region as part of an intensified campaign to identify and deport individuals residing in the country without legal authorization. This substantial deployment has significantly heightened tensions between federal authorities and local communities.

    The plaintiffs in the case comprised six protesters and observers who alleged constitutional rights violations through the aggressive tactics employed by ICE agents during enforcement operations. The judicial order specifically forbids federal officers from detaining individuals engaged in peaceful protest or documentation activities unless there exists reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or direct interference with law enforcement operations.

    Additionally, the ruling expressly bans the deployment of pepper spray, tear gas, and other crowd-control munitions against non-violent demonstrators and bystanders who are merely observing or recording immigration enforcement actions. This legal development represents a significant check on federal immigration enforcement practices amid ongoing debates about appropriate law enforcement conduct during public demonstrations.

  • Aurora seen in Beiji village of Mohe, NE China

    Aurora seen in Beiji village of Mohe, NE China

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has issued a comprehensive copyright notice asserting exclusive ownership of all content published on its digital platform. The notice explicitly covers various media formats including textual information, photographs, and multimedia materials.

    The copyright declaration establishes that no content from the China Daily website may be republished or utilized in any form without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC. This protection extends to all intellectual property published across the organization’s digital properties.

    The notice also includes technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting that visitors utilize web browsers with a screen resolution of 1024*768 pixels or higher for proper content display and functionality.

    Additionally, the publication details its official licensing credentials, specifically referencing Multimedia Online Publishing License number 0108263 and Registration Number 130349. The notice concludes by providing information about the organization’s corporate background, advertising opportunities, contact methods, and employment provisions for both general positions and expatriate opportunities, while encouraging visitors to follow the company’s official social media channels.

  • Guangdong lychee farmers adopt AI for disease, pest detection

    Guangdong lychee farmers adopt AI for disease, pest detection

    Gaozhou, a prominent lychee-producing region in Guangdong province, has pioneered the integration of artificial intelligence into agricultural practices, marking a significant advancement in precision farming. The implementation follows Guangdong’s provincial initiative to incorporate AI technologies into agricultural operations throughout 2026.

    In the lush lychee orchards of Baiqiao village, Maoming, an optimized AI model now continuously monitors and analyzes multiple data streams including pest detection, disease prevention, and real-time weather conditions. This technological transformation has revolutionized traditional farming methods that previously relied on manual observation and experiential knowledge.

    According to Xu Hong, head of the comprehensive department at Maoming’s Agricultural and Rural Affairs Center, the AI system enables unprecedented precision in cultivation management. “The model facilitates AI-driven guidance and data-informed decision-making throughout the lychee production cycle,” Xu explained, highlighting the system’s capability to process complex agricultural data instantly.

    The technological intervention has yielded remarkable results: disease and pest diagnosis now occurs within seconds instead of relying on time-consuming manual assessment, with accuracy rates soaring to 95 percent. Furthermore, production efficiency has witnessed a substantial 30 percent improvement, demonstrating the tangible benefits of smart agriculture implementation.

    The successful technological adoption contributed to Maoming’s exceptional 2025 harvest, which yielded over 620,000 metric tons of fresh lychees alongside export volumes reaching 8,183 tons. The lychee industry continues to serve as a cornerstone for regional economic development and rural revitalization throughout Guangdong province.

  • China demands Taliban protect its citizens after deadly Kabul blast

    China demands Taliban protect its citizens after deadly Kabul blast

    A devastating explosion ripped through a Chinese restaurant in central Kabul on Monday, resulting in at least seven fatalities and multiple injuries, prompting a formal diplomatic demand from Beijing for enhanced protection of its citizens. The attack, which occurred in the heavily secured Shahr-e-Naw district, has been claimed by the jihadist organization Islamic State (IS).

    According to officials, the victims included six Afghan nationals and one Chinese citizen. The blast originated near the kitchen of the ‘Chinese Noodle’ restaurant, which operated beneath a guesthouse. Khalid Zadran, a spokesman for the Kabul police, confirmed the details while noting that the precise nature of the explosion remains under active investigation, contradicting IS’s swift claim of responsibility.

    In response to the tragedy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that Beijing has made urgent representations to the Taliban-led government. China demanded comprehensive medical care for the injured and the implementation of more robust measures to safeguard Chinese nationals residing in or traveling to Afghanistan. The government subsequently issued a renewed advisory, urging its citizens to avoid travel to the country.

    Humanitarian organization EMERGENCY reported receiving 20 casualties at its local hospital. Dejan Panic, the group’s Afghanistan director, confirmed that seven individuals were declared dead upon arrival, with the injured including four women and a child. Social media footage and eyewitness accounts described a scene of severe destruction, with a large section of the building torn open and a vehicle outside completely obliterated. Local residents assisted in transporting critically wounded individuals to medical facilities, and white sheets were later erected to conceal the damaged structure.

    The targeted establishment, which primarily served the Chinese Muslim community, was operated by an ethnic Uyghur businessman from China’s Xinjiang region, his wife, and an Afghan partner. In its official statement, the local IS branch explicitly cited China’s policies in Xinjiang as motivation, placing the country ‘on the list’ of its targets due to alleged ‘crimes against the oppressed Uyghur Muslims.’ The Chinese government has consistently denied all accusations of human rights abuses in the region.

    This incident marks a continuation of violence against Chinese interests in the area. IS previously claimed an attack on a Chinese-owned hotel in Kabul in 2022, and six Chinese nationals were killed in separate incidents in neighboring Tajikistan just last November, leading to further security advisories from Beijing.

  • Waterfall in Ukraine completely freezes

    Waterfall in Ukraine completely freezes

    An extraordinary natural phenomenon has emerged in Ukraine as one of the country’s waterfalls has completely solidified into a magnificent ice formation. The spectacular transformation occurred during a severe cold snap that has gripped the nation, with temperatures plummeting to approximately -20° Celsius (-4° Fahrenheit).

    The freezing conditions, characteristic of Arctic air masses sweeping across Eastern Europe, have created ideal circumstances for this rare winter spectacle. The waterfall’s continuous flow has gradually crystallized, layer by layer, forming intricate ice structures that capture and refract light in mesmerizing patterns. This temporary geological marvel demonstrates nature’s ability to create breathtaking art under extreme weather conditions.

    Local meteorologists report that the current cold front represents some of the most severe winter weather experienced in the region this season. The subzero temperatures have persisted for several consecutive days, allowing for the complete transformation of the waterfall into a frozen monument. While the specific location hasn’t been disclosed, similar phenomena have been documented previously in the Carpathian Mountains and other elevated regions of Ukraine during particularly harsh winters.

    The frozen waterfall has attracted attention from photographers and nature enthusiasts, though authorities caution against approaching too closely due to potential instability of the ice formations. Such natural ice sculptures typically remain intact until temperatures rise significantly above freezing, which meteorological forecasts suggest may not occur for at least another week.

  • Anthony Joshua’s driver appears in court after crash that killed two

    Anthony Joshua’s driver appears in court after crash that killed two

    The chauffeur operating the vehicle carrying heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua during a catastrophic collision that claimed two lives has made his initial court appearance in Nigeria. Adeniyi Kayode, 46, arrived at Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun state on Tuesday facing multiple criminal charges.

    The December 29th incident occurred on the heavily traveled Lagos-Ibadan expressway when the Lexus SUV driven by Kayode collided with a stationary lorry. The crash resulted in the immediate deaths of Joshua’s personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami. Joshua sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment but was discharged within two days.

    Kayode, who appeared in court dressed entirely in black attire including a hoodie, trousers, and shoes, remains charged with four offenses: death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, operating a vehicle without due care, and driving without a valid license. The case has been adjourned until February 25th after prosecutors requested additional time to obtain comprehensive legal counsel.

    Following the tragedy, Joshua posted an emotional tribute on Instagram honoring his deceased team members, acknowledging the profound impact of their loss while recognizing the greater suffering experienced by their families. The boxer had been traveling to visit relatives in Sagamu, his ancestral hometown, for New Year celebrations when the accident occurred.

    Kayode had previously been released from custody after posting bail set at 5 million naira (approximately $3,500). The legal proceedings continue as authorities pursue justice for the victims of this devastating roadway incident.

  • UK approves a ‘mega’ Chinese Embassy in London despite criticism of security risks

    UK approves a ‘mega’ Chinese Embassy in London despite criticism of security risks

    LONDON — In a decisive move that has ignited substantial political controversy, the British government has granted formal approval for China’s massive new embassy complex in central London. The decision comes after years of delays, legal challenges, and mounting security concerns from lawmakers and intelligence experts.

    Local Government Secretary Steve Reed officially sanctioned the construction plans for the diplomatic compound near the Tower of London, despite vigorous opposition from security officials and conservative politicians. The proposed facility, which will become China’s largest diplomatic mission in Europe, has been at the center of intense debate since Beijing acquired the Royal Mint Court site for £225 million ($301 million) in 2018.

    Security analysts and opposition members have repeatedly warned that the supersized embassy could serve as a base for espionage operations, potentially enabling increased surveillance of Chinese dissidents in exile and compromising sensitive financial infrastructure. The site’s proximity to underground fiber optic cables transmitting critical financial data between London’s primary financial districts has particularly alarmed security experts. British media reports indicate the complex would include 208 concealed basement rooms adjacent to these vital data conduits.

    The approval process had been repeatedly postponed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration amid growing concerns about Chinese espionage and political interference activities in the UK. The decision has nevertheless been finalized, with the government emphasizing the necessity of maintaining diplomatic engagement with China while ensuring robust security measures are implemented.

    The new 20,000-square-meter facility will consolidate several existing Chinese diplomatic properties across London, significantly expanding China’s diplomatic footprint in the British capital. The approval is anticipated to facilitate Prime Minister Starmer’s long-awaited official visit to China, which would mark the first such trip by a British leader since 2018, and potentially enable reciprocal expansion of UK diplomatic facilities in Beijing.

    China had previously expressed frustration over the seven-year delay, characterizing the prolonged approval process as an unnecessary politicization of routine diplomatic matters. The Chinese government maintains that the new embassy will serve legitimate diplomatic purposes and enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.

  • UAE weather: Rains likely; temperatures to dip to 15°C in Abu Dhabi

    UAE weather: Rains likely; temperatures to dip to 15°C in Abu Dhabi

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have forecasted a period of moderate weather conditions with a noticeable temperature decline across western regions. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) indicates possible light rainfall on Tuesday morning, particularly affecting coastal and northern territories.