Global Pulse

博客

  • AFL 2026: Hawthorn’s Will Day has had surgery and will miss four months of football

    AFL 2026: Hawthorn’s Will Day has had surgery and will miss four months of football

    Hawthorn Football Club has confirmed a significant setback for midfielder Will Day, who will be unavailable for selection for approximately four months following successful surgery on his right shoulder. The 24-year-old sustained the injury during a routine training session last week, compounding a series of previous physical setbacks that have plagued his recent campaigns.

    Club General Manager Rob McCartney expressed both disappointment and confidence in the young player’s resilience. ‘While this is unfortunate news for Will, we are pleased that the surgery was successful and that we now have a clear rehabilitation timeline,’ McCartney stated. He emphasized Day’s strong work ethic during the off-season and the club’s full commitment to supporting his recovery journey.

    This latest injury represents a cruel twist of fate for the promising talent, whose career has been repeatedly interrupted by physical ailments. Having already missed substantial portions of the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to previous injuries, this extended absence presents another challenging hurdle in Day’s professional Australian Rules football career. Medical staff will now work closely with Day to ensure his complete recovery before he returns to competitive play.

  • Guardiola shrugs off derby defeat as City focus on Champions League progress

    Guardiola shrugs off derby defeat as City focus on Champions League progress

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has swiftly redirected his team’s attention toward their crucial Champions League campaign following Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to rivals Manchester United. Speaking from Norway ahead of Tuesday’s match against Bodo/Glimt, Guardiola acknowledged United’s superiority in the derby while emphasizing the importance of securing automatic qualification for the tournament’s knockout stages.

    With City currently positioned fourth in the Champions League standings with 13 points, a victory against the Norwegian side would significantly enhance their prospects of finishing among the top eight teams and bypassing the playoff round. Guardiola drew comparisons to last season’s campaign, where City faced greater uncertainty at this juncture before eventually progressing.

    The artificial playing surface at Bodo’s Aspmyra Stadium has prompted unusual preparations, with City conducting their Monday training session on the match venue to acclimatize to the unique conditions. Guardiola noted the importance of adapting to different circumstances, stating: ‘Life is never a red carpet. How quickly you adjust to the comfort of situations brings you closer to success.’

    In team news, midfielder Phil Foden will be available despite sustaining hand injuries during the United match, with protective measures in place. The squad also welcomes new defensive reinforcement Marc Guehi, who completed his transfer from Crystal Palace on Monday. The 25-year-old defender’s arrival provides timely support for City’s injury-plagued backline, with regular starters Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones currently unavailable.

    Guardiola praised the acquisition, describing Guehi as ‘a top central defender with the perfect age to play for many years,’ while expressing gratitude to the club’s management for facilitating the defensive reinforcement during this challenging period.

  • Matcha, Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño among Coles’ bizarre hot cross bun flavour line-up coming to stores before Easter

    Matcha, Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño among Coles’ bizarre hot cross bun flavour line-up coming to stores before Easter

    Australian supermarket giant Coles has announced an unprecedented lineup of experimental hot cross bun flavors for the 2026 Easter season, featuring unconventional creations that challenge traditional holiday baking conventions. The limited-edition collection includes a Doritos-inspired cheesy jalapeño variety, a matcha and raspberry fusion, an Arnott’s mint slice interpretation, and a sticky date innovation.

    The most avant-garde offering, the cheesy jalapeño hot cross bun, incorporates authentic cheese, specially crafted Doritos-style seasoning, jalapeño pieces, and tomato granules to create a savory nacho-inspired experience. Meanwhile, the matcha and raspberry variant combines earthy green tea powder with white chocolate chunks and raspberry-flavored fudge pieces for an East-meets-West flavor profile.

    The Arnott’s mint slice recreation features rich chocolate dough embedded with chocolate chunks and peppermint-flavored fudge pieces, meticulously designed to capture the essence of the iconic Australian biscuit. The sticky date version offers a contemporary twist on the classic dessert, featuring chewy date pieces and caramel-flavored chips throughout the spiced dough.

    These gourmet innovations will be available from February through the Easter period across all Coles physical stores and online platforms, priced at $5.50 for four-bun packages. According to Brad Gorman, Coles General Manager for Commercial, Bakery, Dairy & Frozen, the development team invested over twelve months perfecting these creations, describing them as a blend of traditional favorites with ‘daring new innovations.’

    For consumers preferring conventional options, Coles will continue offering classic fruit, apple and cinnamon, fruit-free, and chocolate varieties. The supermarket chain emphasizes that this expanded range demonstrates their commitment to catering to diverse Australian tastes during the Easter celebration period.

  • Surfer bitten in 4th shark attack off Australia’s east coast in 3 days

    Surfer bitten in 4th shark attack off Australia’s east coast in 3 days

    A series of shark encounters along Australia’s New South Wales coastline has resulted in multiple injuries and prompted extensive beach closures. The latest incident occurred Tuesday morning at Point Plomer, approximately 460 kilometers north of Sydney, where a 39-year-old surfer sustained minor injuries after a shark attacked his surfboard.

    According to Matt Worrall, captain of the Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club, the surfboard absorbed the majority of the impact. ‘He made his own way into shore where he was assisted by locals,’ Worrall reported to Australian Broadcasting Corp. The victim was transported to hospital by bystanders and later discharged.

    This incident marks the fourth shark encounter in the region within a three-day period. The previous attacks included:

    – A 12-year-old boy who suffered severe injuries after jumping from a 6-meter ledge at Shark Beach within Sydney Harbor on Sunday. Reports indicate the boy may have lost both legs in the attack, with friends credited for saving his life by dragging him to safety.
    – An 11-year-old boy whose surfboard was bitten at Dee Why Beach on Monday, though he escaped unharmed.
    – A surfer in his 20s who was critically injured after being bitten on the leg at North Steyne Beach Monday evening.

    Authorities have responded by closing beaches indefinitely along the northern coast of New South Wales and deploying electronic drumlines off the Sydney coast to detect shark activity. Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce warned that recent rainfall has created murky water conditions particularly conducive to bull shark activity, the species responsible for most attacks around Sydney.

    ‘If you’re thinking about going for a swim, just go to a local pool because at this stage, we’re advising that beaches are unsafe,’ Pearce stated. The latest attack occurred in an isolated area without protective shark netting, raising questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures.

  • Shares in Asia track European markets lower on concern over Trump’s push on Greenland

    Shares in Asia track European markets lower on concern over Trump’s push on Greenland

    Financial markets across Asia experienced broad declines on Tuesday as investor sentiment deteriorated following geopolitical tensions and domestic political developments. The downward trend emerged during a quiet session for U.S. markets, which remained closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

    The Japanese market faced particular pressure as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s announcement of a snap February 8th election triggered significant volatility in government bonds. Yields on Japan’s 40-year government bonds surged to a record 4%, while other long-term debt instruments reached multi-decade highs. This selloff reflected market concerns that Takaichi might leverage her strong approval ratings to implement increased government spending measures, potentially straining Japan’s national finances.

    Meanwhile, transatlantic trade relations faced renewed strain after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on imports from eight European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland. The proposed tariffs, reportedly linked to European opposition regarding American control of Greenland, drew immediate criticism from affected countries who condemned the move as damaging to transatlantic relations.

    Regional market performance varied with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 declining 1.1% to 52,988.24, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.3% to 4,101.62. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged down marginally to 26,552.57. South Korea’s Kospi bucked the trend with a 0.3% gain to 4,921.42, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.6% to 8,818.10.

    European markets had set a negative tone on Monday, with Germany’s DAX losing 1.3% and France’s CAC 40 falling 1.9%. U.S. stock futures indicated continued weakness, with S&P 500 futures down 1% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures declining 0.9% in early Tuesday trading.

    Investors awaited key economic developments including upcoming corporate earnings reports and critical inflation data that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions. The Fed’s next meeting in two weeks is expected to maintain current interest rates as policymakers balance slowing employment indicators against persistent inflation above their 2% target.

  • North Korea’s Kim dismisses vice premier over factory project

    North Korea’s Kim dismisses vice premier over factory project

    In a significant administrative shakeup, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has removed Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho from his position overseeing the nation’s machine-building sector. The dismissal was announced through state media on Tuesday, signaling intensified efforts to enforce discipline among high-ranking officials preceding an imminent Workers’ Party congress that will establish new economic directives.

    The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) detailed that Kim publicly criticized Yang during a ceremony marking the completion of modernization efforts at the Ryongsong Machine Complex. The leader attributed ‘unnecessary man-made confusion’ and substantial economic losses to Yang’s alleged incompetence and irresponsible leadership. Kim emphasized that these failures resulted in significant wastage of financial resources and workforce, ultimately placing additional strain on the munitions industry.

    According to KCNA’s account, Kim had previously reprimanded Yang during a December party meeting and maintained close observation of his performance. The leader concluded that Yang demonstrated ‘no sense of responsibility whatsoever,’ leading to his formal dismissal. This action continues Kim’s established pattern of publicly rebuking or removing senior officials to address economic challenges and reinforce administrative accountability.

    The timing of this dismissal is particularly noteworthy as North Korea prepares for its first party congress in five years, scheduled for late January or February according to South Korean intelligence sources. This political gathering is expected to set new economic objectives amid ongoing difficulties, including persistent international sanctions and resource allocation priorities that favor weapons development over civilian economic needs.

    Despite South Korea’s central bank reporting 3.7% economic growth for North Korea in 2024, many analysts remain skeptical about the country’s capacity for sustained economic improvement given its highly centralized economic system and continued focus on military programs.

  • Aussie jeweller Secrets Shhh rescued from administration after purchase by UAE group Amaar Jewells, 100 jobs saved

    Aussie jeweller Secrets Shhh rescued from administration after purchase by UAE group Amaar Jewells, 100 jobs saved

    In a significant turnaround for Australia’s retail jewelry sector, collapsed retailer Secrets Shhh has been acquired by high-end UAE jewelry group Amaar Jewels LLC. The acquisition comes just months after the Australian company and its seven subsidiaries entered administration in December, preserving employment for more than 100 staff members and securing the future of the brand.

    FTI Consulting senior managing director Kelly Trenfield confirmed the completion of binding documentation for the sale, noting that the majority of retail stores will transfer to the new ownership. “This transaction represents a significant milestone in securing the ongoing operation of the Secrets Shhh brand and provides a strong foundation for its continued presence and growth across the Australian retail market,” Trenfield stated.

    Secrets Shhh had built its reputation on providing affordable, sustainable alternatives to traditional mined diamonds, specializing in laboratory-grown and simulated diamond jewelry. The company’s collapse in December had raised concerns about the viability of ethical jewelry retail in the Australian market.

    The UAE-based purchaser, Amaar Jewels, has outlined ambitious plans for the Australian brand. The new ownership intends to build upon Secrets Shhh’s existing foundations by expanding product ranges through new collections and designs. Additionally, Amaar Jewels plans to enhance the retail experience and eventually expand the brand into international markets, leveraging global experience and supply-chain capabilities.

    FTI Consulting acknowledged the cooperation of employees, landlords, suppliers, and other stakeholders throughout the administration and sale process. The successful acquisition demonstrates continued international interest in Australian retail assets, particularly those with established brand recognition and ethical sourcing credentials.

  • ICC investigating Sudan’s RSF for ‘mass criminality’ during el-Fasher takeover

    ICC investigating Sudan’s RSF for ‘mass criminality’ during el-Fasher takeover

    The International Criminal Court has presented damning evidence alleging the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group executed “an organized, calculated campaign” of atrocities during their capture of el-Fasher in October 2025. Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan delivered this assessment to the United Nations Security Council via video link on Monday, revealing the ICC’s intensified efforts to establish individual criminal responsibility for crimes committed in both el-Fasher (North Darfur) and el-Geneina (West Darfur).

    Khan’s presentation detailed a pattern of systematic violence targeting non-Arab communities, including mass executions, sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, and the creation of mass graves. The prosecutor’s office has collected substantial evidence including video footage, audio recordings, and satellite data showing RSF members celebrating direct executions and desecrating corpses.

    The investigation reveals that the approximately 18-month siege of el-Fasher culminated in widespread criminality during late October 2025. Satellite imagery analysis indicates incidents of mass killing and subsequent attempts to conceal these crimes through mass graves. Khan emphasized that these atrocities appear to have been employed as tactical tools to assert control over the population.

    Significant progress has been made in investigating the 2023 el-Geneina massacres that resulted in thousands of civilian deaths. The ICC is prioritizing gender-based crimes in its investigative strategy, noting the undeniable use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. However, social stigma and fear of reprisals create substantial barriers to documentation efforts.

    The Office of the Prosecutor is currently preparing arrest warrant applications related to the el-Fasher situation while also documenting reports of potential Rome Statute crimes allegedly committed by Sudanese armed forces in Darfur. Khan emphasized that all conflict parties must uphold their obligations under international law and avoid targeting civilian populations and facilities.

    The ongoing Sudan conflict, active since April 2023, has created what the UN describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The fighting has resulted in thousands of deaths, displaced nearly 13 million people, and pushed over 40% of the population into acute food insecurity. UN Sudan chief Denise Brown, who recently visited el-Fasher, described the situation as a “crime scene” and called for international intervention to prevent further atrocities.

  • North Korea’s Kim sacks vice premier, rails against ‘incompetence’

    North Korea’s Kim sacks vice premier, rails against ‘incompetence’

    In an extraordinary public display of disciplinary action, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has summarily dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung Ho during the inauguration of the Ryongsong Machine Complex in Hamgyong Province. State media reported Tuesday that Kim condemned what he characterized as widespread incompetence and defeatism among senior officials, making Yang’s dismissal a stark warning to the ruling apparatus.

    The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) detailed how Kim openly criticized Yang’s performance, stating the official was ‘unfit to be entrusted with heavy duties.’ Employing a vivid agricultural metaphor, Kim remarked that appointing Yang was ‘like hitching a cart to a goat,’ emphasizing that ‘it is an ox that pulls a cart, not a goat.’ This rare public rebuke occurred as Kim toured the new industrial complex, a key component of a larger machinery-manufacturing belt that reportedly constitutes approximately 16 percent of the nation’s total machinery output.

    Analysts interpret this move as a strategic shock tactic ahead of the Workers’ Party Congress, the first in five years, where economic policy and military planning are anticipated to be central agenda items. The public dismissal echoes the 2013 execution of Kim’s uncle, Jang Song Thaek, signaling a continued hardline stance against perceived disloyalty or inefficiency. This action occurs against a backdrop of chronic economic struggles, exacerbated by international sanctions and persistent food shortages, with Kim urging a rapid transformation from ‘centuries-old backwardness’ to a modernized economy capable of securing the state’s future.

  • Shark bites surfer in Australian state’s fourth attack in 48 hours

    Shark bites surfer in Australian state’s fourth attack in 48 hours

    Australian authorities have issued urgent warnings for swimmers and surfers to avoid coastal waters following an alarming series of shark encounters along New South Wales’ coastline. The most recent incident occurred Tuesday when a surfer sustained minor injuries from a suspected bull shark bite on the Mid North Coast, marking the fourth such attack within a 48-hour period.

    The concerning pattern began Sunday afternoon when a 12-year-old boy suffered severe lower limb injuries while swimming in Sydney Harbour. Police Superintendent Joseph McNulty described the scene as ‘horrendous’ and confirmed the child remains in critical condition. On Monday, two separate incidents occurred on Sydney’s northern beaches: one surfer sustained critical leg injuries at Manly Beach, while an 11-year-old boy narrowly escaped harm when a shark damaged his surfboard just north of the area.

    Marine scientists attribute this unusual spike in shark activity to recent heavy rainfall patterns. Professor Culum Brown of Macquarie University explained that bull sharks are particularly drawn to freshwater outlets where rivers meet the ocean, following prey species that get washed downstream. ‘The incredible rainfall we’ve experienced creates ideal feeding conditions for sharks as they pursue fish and other organic matter flowing from inland waterways,’ Brown stated.

    All northern Sydney beaches remain closed indefinitely as authorities monitor the situation. Surf Life Saving New South Wales continues to emphasize the importance of heeding safety warnings until water conditions normalize and shark activity decreases.