Global Pulse

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  • Chinese courts see surge in foreign-related cases

    Chinese courts see surge in foreign-related cases

    China’s judicial authorities reported a substantial increase in international legal disputes during 2025, with approximately 40,000 first-instance civil and commercial cases involving foreign parties processed throughout the year. This represents a remarkable 50 percent surge compared to previous year’s figures, according to official data released by the Supreme People’s Court on January 19, 2026.

    The dramatic rise in cross-border litigation reflects China’s expanding global economic engagement and the judicial system’s evolving capacity to handle complex international legal matters. The Supreme People’s Court emphasized that these developments demonstrate the nation’s continued commitment to enhancing foreign-related adjudication capabilities while ensuring equal protection for both domestic and international litigants.

    Beyond international cases, Chinese courts managed an overwhelming volume of over 20 million first-instance civil and commercial disputes nationwide, marking an 11 percent annual increase. Intellectual property litigation showed significant growth with more than 470,000 cases processed, representing a five percent year-on-year increase that underscores China’s evolving innovation landscape.

    Environmental justice also saw substantial developments, with courts processing over 160,000 first-instance civil environmental cases—an 11 percent increase that demonstrates strengthened judicial support for ecological protection initiatives.

    In criminal justice, authorities intensified efforts against criminal offenses, processing more than 1 million first-instance criminal cases while sentencing over 1.4 million defendants. Notably, both case numbers and conviction rates demonstrated a year-on-year decline, suggesting potential improvements in crime prevention strategies.

    The comprehensive judicial data reveals a nation undergoing rapid legal transformation across multiple domains, with particular significance for international businesses and investors engaged with China’s expanding economy.

  • TEPCO to postpone restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant over safety concerns

    TEPCO to postpone restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant over safety concerns

    Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) has indefinitely delayed the planned restart of its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility’s No. 6 reactor after a critical safety system malfunction during preliminary testing. The decision came after alarm systems for control rods—essential components for regulating nuclear fission reactions—failed to activate during operational checks conducted on Saturday.

    The reactor, part of a seven-unit complex located approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, was originally scheduled to resume operations on Tuesday. This marks another setback for Japan’s nuclear energy sector, which has faced intense scrutiny since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant was among 54 reactors idled following the catastrophic meltdowns at TEPCO’s tsunami-damaged facility.

    The postponement occurs despite December’s controversial approval by the Niigata Prefectural Assembly for partial reactivation of the plant. The facility’s restart has drawn significant public concern and criticism from nuclear safety advocates who question the adequacy of post-Fukushima safety enhancements. TEPCO officials stated they are conducting comprehensive investigations to determine the root cause of the control rod alarm failure and cannot provide a revised timeline for operations until complete system verification is achieved.

  • UAE: Burjeel surprises 10,000 frontline workers with Dh15million recognition fund

    UAE: Burjeel surprises 10,000 frontline workers with Dh15million recognition fund

    In an unprecedented display of corporate gratitude, UAE healthcare giant Burjeel Holdings orchestrated a stunning surprise for its frontline staff during a company-wide town hall at Etihad Arena. Chairman and CEO Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil transformed what began as a routine leadership address into an emotionally charged event by announcing a Dh15 million recognition fund dedicated to the organization’s healthcare workforce.

    The gathering, one of the largest CEO-led employee assemblies in UAE history, brought together over 8,500 clinical professionals, nurses, allied health specialists, and support team members from across the organization. Midway through Dr. Vayalil’s presentation, employees throughout the arena began receiving simultaneous SMS notifications confirming their inclusion in the newly launched BurjeelProud recognition initiative.

    As mobile devices illuminated throughout the venue, the announcement triggered extended applause and visible emotional responses from attendees. ‘This is not a reward for a department. This is not tied to conditions. This is not because you asked. This is because you are the people on the ground,’ Dr. Vayalil emphasized to the assembled staff.

    The initiative’s initial phase will benefit approximately 10,000 frontline employees, representing nearly 85% of Burjeel’s nursing, patient care, operations, and support personnel. Financial recognition amounts are projected to range between half a month to one full month of base salary, varying according to role and category specifications.

    Reflecting on corporate responsibility, Dr. Vayalil noted, ‘This country provided us with growth opportunities. When a nation extends such opportunities, we carry the responsibility to reciprocate through concrete actions.’

    The event also featured updates on Burjeel’s 2030 vision for Burjeel Medical City in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The expansion strategy aims to transcend conventional hospital models by integrating advanced clinical care with research initiatives, medical education programs, rehabilitation services, and patient-centered living environments.

  • Chile fights wildfires that killed 19 and left 1,500 homeless

    Chile fights wildfires that killed 19 and left 1,500 homeless

    Chilean authorities are confronting a severe wildfire crisis as multiple blazes rage across the country’s central and southern regions, resulting in significant casualties and widespread displacement. The fires, which ignited on Sunday, have already claimed at least 19 lives and rendered approximately 1,500 residents homeless, according to official reports.

    The National Service for the Prevention of Disasters confirmed that five major wildfires remained active as of Monday, with unusually high temperatures from a persistent summer heat wave exacerbating firefighting efforts. In response to the escalating emergency, President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the heavily affected Biobío and Ñuble regions.

    This emergency designation enables enhanced military coordination to combat the spreading flames. President Boric warned via his official X account on Monday that adverse weather conditions continue to pose serious challenges, including the potential for reignition in previously contained areas.

    While Chile regularly experiences seasonal wildfires during summer months due to characteristic high temperatures and arid conditions, the current outbreak ranks among the most devastating in recent years. This tragedy follows the catastrophic 2024 wildfire event that claimed 130 lives along Chile’s central coastline, which stood as the nation’s deadliest natural disaster since the 2010 earthquake.

  • Ghana arrests Nigerians accused of running cyber-crime networks

    Ghana arrests Nigerians accused of running cyber-crime networks

    Ghanaian security forces have conducted a major intelligence-led operation resulting in the arrest of nine Nigerian nationals accused of orchestrating sophisticated cybercrime networks from improvised facilities in Accra. The two-day raid, a collaborative effort between multiple agencies including Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, also detained 44 additional individuals believed to be victims trafficked from Nigeria under false employment promises.

    Authorities confiscated substantial evidence including 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action guns during the targeted operations. The suspects are alleged to have operated elaborate scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly through romance fraud schemes and business email compromises that extracted millions from victims.

    Communications Minister Sam George confirmed via social media that all apprehended individuals have been profiled and transferred to the Ghana Immigration Service for custody and further investigation. The minister issued a stern warning to foreign nationals to thoroughly verify employment offers from compatriots before traveling to Ghana.

    This operation represents the latest success in Ghana’s intensified campaign against cybercriminal networks. Recent accomplishments include the arrest of prominent social media influencer Frederick Kumi (known online as Abu Trica), who allegedly defrauded Americans of $8 million through romance scams, and the dismantling of a syndicate that stole $400,000 from over 200 victims.

    The Ghanaian authorities have been strengthening international cooperation in their anti-cybercrime efforts, including collaborative initiatives with United States law enforcement agencies to apprehend high-profile suspects. Previous operations have resulted in suspects being either transferred to Nigerian authorities or facing prosecution in Ghana.

  • Iran warns attack on Khamenei would mean full-scale war

    Iran warns attack on Khamenei would mean full-scale war

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stark warning that any military action targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would constitute a declaration of “full-scale war against the Iranian nation.” The statement, delivered via social media platform X on Sunday, represents the most direct response yet to provocative comments from former US President Donald Trump, who recently characterized Khamenei as “a sick man” and called for new leadership in Iran during an interview with Politico.

    President Pezeshkian directly linked Iran’s economic hardships to “the longstanding enmity and inhumane sanctions imposed by the United States government and its allies.” His warning follows Trump’s claim on Friday that he had received assurances from “very important sources” in Tehran regarding the planned executions of protesters, which reportedly led to a pause in potential US military action.

    The escalating diplomatic crisis unfolds against the backdrop of significant civil unrest within Iran. In a rare official acknowledgment, Supreme Leader Khamenei confirmed that “several thousand” people died during recent protests, while simultaneously blaming the United States and President Trump personally for the violence and casualties. Khamenei’s social media account stated unequivocally that Iran holds “the US President guilty due to the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted upon the Iranian nation.”

    Despite earlier statements from Iranian officials suggesting executions might not proceed, authorities indicated on Sunday they might still carry out death sentences for detained protesters. An anonymous Iranian official provided a significantly higher death toll than previously acknowledged, confirming at least 5,000 fatalities since anti-government demonstrations began on December 28th. The official attributed these deaths to “terrorists and armed rioters” allegedly supported by “Israel and armed groups abroad.”

    Recent developments suggest the government’s severe crackdown, which included a near-total internet blackout beginning January 8th, has substantially quelled the protests. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported a “very slight rise in internet connectivity” to approximately 2% of normal levels, with some services gradually being restored. Meanwhile, in a symbolic challenge to authorities, Iranian state television was reportedly hacked on Sunday, broadcasting messages from Reza Pahlavi and showing protest footage that encouraged security forces to support demonstrators.

  • Swiss deadly fire bar owners’ lawyers condemn ‘vindictiveness’

    Swiss deadly fire bar owners’ lawyers condemn ‘vindictiveness’

    The legal representatives for proprietors of a Swiss nightclub where a catastrophic New Year’s Eve blaze claimed 40 lives and left 116 injured have publicly addressed allegations, denouncing what they characterize as widespread misinformation about their clients. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, owners of Le Constellation bar in the upscale ski destination Crans-Montana, are reportedly ‘devastated’ by the incident but maintain they were unaware of any potential hazards within their establishment.

    Preliminary investigative reports indicate the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles that ignited highly flammable acoustic foam installed in the basement ceiling. Swiss authorities have confirmed the venue had not been subjected to mandatory safety inspections for half a decade.

    The tragedy predominantly affected young patrons, with eight victims being under 16 years of age. Many survivors continue to receive hospital treatment for severe burn injuries.

    Legal counsel Yaël Hayat condemned what she described as ‘public vindictiveness’ against the Morettis, specifically refuting claims that Jessica abandoned the scene with cash proceeds. ‘She remained onsite providing assistance to the injured,’ Hayat asserted during media briefings.

    Co-defense attorney Patrick Michod distinguished between emotional responsibility and legal culpability, noting his client sourced the acoustic foam from a major retailer without being informed of its combustible properties. ‘The intention was to install acoustic treatment, not highly flammable material,’ Michod emphasized.

    Contradicting these statements, representatives for deceased staff member Cyane Panine revealed she had received no safety training and was unaware of the ceiling’s fire hazard. Hayat subsequently characterized Panine as a close family friend, presenting a heartfelt postcard expressing her affection for the couple.

    The Morettis currently face charges including negligent manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson. Judicial authorities have imposed travel restrictions on Jessica Moretti and detained Jacques Moretti for 90 days pending investigation, citing flight risk concerns with proposed bail set at 400,000 Swiss francs.

  • Ujitsu becomes the digital backbone powering the global Jiu-Jitsu community through one unified platform

    Ujitsu becomes the digital backbone powering the global Jiu-Jitsu community through one unified platform

    A technological revolution is underway in the global martial arts community with the official launch of Ujitsu, the world’s first comprehensive digital ecosystem specifically designed for jiu-jitsu practitioners. Originating in the United Arab Emirates, where jiu-jitsu holds status as the national sport, this innovative platform addresses a critical gap in the martial arts world: the absence of unified digital infrastructure for its rapidly expanding global community.

    The application represents a significant advancement in sports technology, offering living digital profiles that allow athletes to document their entire jiu-jitsu journey. The platform features global academy mapping, intelligent event discovery systems, and specialized tools supporting coaches and training facilities of all sizes. With an estimated 20 million practitioners worldwide across more than 100 countries, Ujitsu arrives as a timely solution for a sport experiencing exponential growth.

    What sets Ujitsu apart is its sophisticated integration of artificial intelligence across multiple training dimensions. The platform features Coach AI for technical development, Nutrition AI for dietary planning, and Body AI for physical conditioning and recovery guidance. These AI-driven tools provide personalized recommendations that support a balanced and sustainable approach to training, reflecting jiu-jitsu’s core principles of mental discipline and technique over brute strength.

    The platform’s social connectivity features enable practitioners to locate training partners locally or while traveling through its Find and Invite Sparring Partners function. This encourages real-world collaboration and maintains training continuity regardless of geographical location.

    Ujitsu has garnered support from elite ambassadors who embody the discipline’s values, including multiple-time IBJJF World Champion João Miyao, recognized for his technical innovation, and young phenom Daniel ‘220v’, a four-time Abu Dhabi World Pro Champion. These athletes represent the platform’s commitment to authenticity and community-driven development.

    Beyond individual training benefits, Ujitsu serves as a bridge between athletes and commercial opportunities, enabling sports brands to identify trusted ambassadors and create sponsorship pathways that strengthen the global jiu-jitsu ecosystem.

    As the platform expands into European and American markets, its development remains guided by ongoing dialogue with practitioners, coaches, and academy owners worldwide. Ujitsu represents not merely another fitness application but long-term digital infrastructure designed to support the sustainable growth of jiu-jitsu as both sport and lifestyle for generations to come.

  • Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany to mark baptism of Jesus

    Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany to mark baptism of Jesus

    Across Ethiopia on Monday, millions of Orthodox Christians participated in vibrant Timkat celebrations, the Ethiopian Epiphany commemorating Jesus Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River. The festival, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019, represents one of the nation’s most significant religious observances alongside Easter and Christmas.

    In the lakeside town of Batu, Oromia Region, thousands of pilgrims immersed themselves in the blessed waters of Lake Dambal following ceremonial blessings by priests. This ritual reenactment of baptism symbolized spiritual purification and renewal for participants. Meanwhile, in the capital Addis Ababa, massive crowds gathered to witness the ceremonial procession of tabots—sacred replicas of the Ark of the Covenant—which were transported to public spaces for overnight prayers before returning to their home churches amid hymns and chanting.

    The celebrations extended to the historic Fasilides Fortress in Gondar, located within the conflict-affected Amhara region, demonstrating the festival’s enduring significance despite regional instability. Participants expressed profound spiritual fulfillment, with Addis Ababa resident Bereket Adugna noting, ‘We are celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ, and our hearts are filled with joy.’

    Deacon Asnake Dechasa emphasized the festival’s communal aspect, stating, ‘For us Ethiopians, Epiphany is an opportunity to share what we have with those who need our help.’ This sentiment emerges against a backdrop of escalating tensions with neighboring Eritrea and worsening famine conditions, with humanitarian organizations reporting millions of Ethiopians requiring emergency food assistance amid declining international support.

  • Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in precise protein degradation

    Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in precise protein degradation

    Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in biomedical science with the development of SupTACs (supramolecular targeting chimeras), a novel technology enabling unprecedented precision in targeting and eliminating disease-causing proteins within living organisms. This breakthrough, detailed in the prestigious journal Cell, represents a significant leap forward in targeted protein degradation therapeutics.

    The innovative approach addresses critical limitations in conventional treatment methodologies by leveraging the body’s natural ubiquitin-proteasome system. Unlike traditional small-molecule drugs that merely inhibit protein function, SupTACs actively facilitate the complete degradation of specific pathological proteins through precise molecular recruitment mechanisms. This technology demonstrates remarkable spatial and temporal control, effectively minimizing off-target effects that have hampered previous therapeutic attempts.

    Professor Wang Ming, lead investigator at the Institute of Chemistry, emphasized the transformative potential of this development: ‘Our SupTACs platform provides researchers with unprecedented control over protein degradation processes, offering new therapeutic avenues for conditions previously considered undruggable. The technology has shown consistent efficacy across multiple animal models, including non-human primates, indicating strong potential for clinical translation.’

    This advancement holds particular significance for treating complex disorders including various cancer types and neurodegenerative conditions where traditional therapeutic approaches have proven inadequate. The research team’s successful demonstration of controlled protein degradation in vivo marks a critical milestone toward practical clinical applications that could revolutionize treatment paradigms for numerous challenging diseases.