Global Pulse

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  • Iran considers ‘gradually’ restoring internet after shutdown

    Iran considers ‘gradually’ restoring internet after shutdown

    Iranian authorities have signaled intentions to progressively reinstate internet connectivity after implementing a comprehensive communications blackout lasting ten days. This digital shutdown, described by human rights organizations as a veil for violent suppression of protests, coincided with demonstrations initially triggered by economic grievances in late December.

    The Tasnim news agency disclosed Saturday that relevant authorities planned to gradually restore internet access, though specific timelines remain undisclosed. According to an anonymous informed source, local messaging applications would soon be reactivated on Iran’s domestic intranet network. As of Sunday, limited internet connectivity had been observed in Tehran, though most providers and mobile internet services remained suspended.

    The communication restrictions, initiated on January 8 as protests intensified, severely disrupted text messaging, international phone communications, and periodically affected local calling capabilities. Outgoing international calls resumed Tuesday, with text messaging services restored Saturday morning. Throughout the blackout period, Iran maintained operation of its national intranet system, supporting essential services including local media platforms, ride-hailing applications, delivery services, and banking operations.

    Human rights organizations report the communication blockade masked extensive violence against protesters. Amnesty International verified numerous videos and accounts indicating security forces systematically fired upon demonstrators from street level and elevated positions. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) has documented 3,428 protestor fatalities through verification from within Iran’s medical system, eyewitness accounts, and independent sources, though actual numbers may significantly exceed confirmed cases.

    Judicial authorities have warned of swift trials for detained protesters, with judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir stating Sunday that those instigating violence could face charges equivalent to ‘waging war against God’—a capital offense under Iranian law. The government maintains that initial peaceful demonstrations transformed into riots fueled by foreign interference, specifically attributing blame to the United States and Israel.

    International concern mounts regarding potential mass executions, despite claims from U.S. President Donald Trump that Iran suspended hundreds of planned executions. Regional analysts caution that Iranian leadership historically views executions as effective deterrents against civil unrest, prioritizing long-term domestic security over international condemnation.

  • Healthcare union workers to strike, prompting mass cancellation of elective surgeries in Victoria

    Healthcare union workers to strike, prompting mass cancellation of elective surgeries in Victoria

    Victoria’s healthcare system is bracing for significant disruption as healthcare workers initiate escalated industrial action starting January 14, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of elective surgeries and reduced hospital capacity across the state.

    The Health Workers Union has announced protected industrial measures that will continue through February 1, specifically targeting Category 2 and 3 elective procedures while maintaining emergency and critical services. The action represents a substantial escalation in the ongoing pay dispute between healthcare workers and the Allan government.

    Beyond surgical cancellations, the industrial action will implement sweeping operational changes including the closure of one in every four hospital beds, cessation of non-clinical cleaning services in areas such as offices and cafeterias, and suspension of new staff training and onboarding programs. The union has emphasized that these measures are carefully designed to minimize impact on vulnerable patients, with specific exemptions for children and pregnant mothers.

    Jake McGuinness, Lead Organiser of the Health Workers Union, characterized the action as “an unfortunate necessity” resulting from the government’s “consistent and callous disregard for essential workers’ needs.” The union has been seeking a six percent wage increase and addressing what they describe as unsustainable workloads and chronic staff shortages that have plagued the healthcare system.

    The dispute stems from the rejection of a government pay offer in December, with union officials repeatedly attempting to negotiate with the government to avoid escalation. According to union statements, Premier Jacinta Allan’s administration has failed to provide healthcare workers with a genuine pay rise that reflects their essential role and current economic pressures.

    Healthcare professionals have expressed their reluctance to take industrial action, emphasizing their primary desire to care for patients. However, workers maintain they cannot relent until a livable wage agreement is established that properly compensates them for their critical services during challenging economic times.

  • Dubai Police warn motorists of accident on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road opposite DXB

    Dubai Police warn motorists of accident on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road opposite DXB

    Dubai authorities issued an urgent traffic advisory on Sunday, January 18, 2026, following a vehicular incident on the critically important Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The collision occurred in the vicinity opposite Dubai International Airport (DXB), significantly impacting traffic flow along one of the region’s most vital transportation corridors.

    According to an official communication disseminated via the social media platform X, the accident has created substantial disruptions specifically affecting lanes designated for travel toward Sharjah. The precise nature and severity of the incident were not immediately disclosed in the initial alert.

    In response to the developing situation, Dubai Police have publicly advised all motorists to maintain heightened vigilance and exercise extreme caution when navigating through the affected sector. Commuters have been forewarned to anticipate considerable delays and are strongly encouraged to consider seeking alternative routes to circumvent the congestion.

    The strategic significance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road as a primary artery connecting Dubai with neighboring emirates underscores the potential for widespread travel implications. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of urban mobility and the critical importance of real-time public safety communications in a major metropolitan hub like Dubai.

    Authorities typically continue to monitor such situations closely, providing updates as clearance operations progress and normal traffic conditions are restored.

  • ‘Shameful’ and ‘terrible look’ – the chaos that marred Senegal’s triumph

    ‘Shameful’ and ‘terrible look’ – the chaos that marred Senegal’s triumph

    Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title in a dramatic final overshadowed by extraordinary controversy, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat. The match descended into chaos when Senegal’s team temporarily walked off the pitch following a controversial penalty award to Morocco in stoppage time.

    The decisive moment came in the 94th minute when Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored a stunning individual goal, securing Senegal’s second continental triumph within five years. However, the victory was marred by unprecedented scenes that threatened to abandon the championship match.

    The controversy erupted in the 98th minute when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after reviewing a challenge by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz via VAR. The decision prompted Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to order his players from the field, triggering chaotic scenes that included objects being thrown and attempts by spectators to enter the pitch.

    The situation was only resolved when former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane intervened, persuading his teammates to return to the field. When the penalty was finally taken in the 114th minute, Real Madrid’s Diaz saw his Panenka attempt saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

    Post-match reactions highlighted the deep divisions caused by the incident. Morocco coach Walid Regragui described Senegal’s actions as ‘shameful’ and stated they did not ‘honour Africa.’ Meanwhile, Thiaw later apologized for his decision, acknowledging he reacted in the heat of the moment and should not have ordered the walk-off.

    The final’s controversy capped a tournament that had been praised for Morocco’s organizational excellence but plagued by ongoing debates about refereeing decisions and VAR implementation. The disturbing scenes occurred in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, casting a shadow over Africa’s premier football competition just four years before Morocco co-hosts the World Cup.

  • High-speed trains collide after one derails in southern Spain, killing at least 5 and injuring 25

    High-speed trains collide after one derails in southern Spain, killing at least 5 and injuring 25

    A catastrophic rail collision occurred in southern Spain on Sunday evening when a high-speed train derailed and crossed into the path of an oncoming service, resulting in significant casualties. According to official statements from Spanish rail infrastructure operator Adif, the incident involved the Malaga-Madrid express service which jumped tracks and collided with a Madrid-Huelva bound train traveling in the opposite direction.

    Emergency response teams from the Andalucia region, where the accident transpired, confirmed a death toll of five individuals with an additional twenty-five passengers sustaining severe injuries. The collision created a complex rescue operation as emergency personnel worked through the night to extract trapped passengers from the wreckage.

    Spanish transportation authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the precise causes of the derailment and subsequent collision. Preliminary reports suggest the incident represents one of Spain’s most serious rail accidents in recent years, though the country’s high-speed rail network has historically maintained an excellent safety record. The investigation will examine track conditions, signaling systems, and operational procedures during the evening period when the accident occurred.

    The Spanish government has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full support for the investigation. Rail services on affected routes have been temporarily suspended as authorities work to clear the wreckage and assess infrastructure damage.

  • Man falls from cliff into ocean sparking major search near Narooma

    Man falls from cliff into ocean sparking major search near Narooma

    Emergency response teams are preparing to resume a large-scale search operation on Monday for a 23-year-old man who vanished after falling from a cliff into the ocean off New South Wales’ South Coast. The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 PM Sunday evening at Mystery Bay Beach, located approximately 12 kilometers south of the town of Narooma.

    According to official police statements, witnesses reported seeing the young man fall several meters from the rocky cliffs into the turbulent waters below. Despite immediate efforts by bystanders, the victim failed to resurface after entering the water, prompting emergency calls to local authorities.

    A multi-agency response team comprising specialists from Marine Rescue NSW, State Emergency Service (SES) personnel, and volunteer members of VRA Rescue NSW immediately launched a coordinated search operation. The challenging coastal terrain, characterized by numerous rock pools, submerged caves, and deteriorating light conditions, hampered Sunday evening’s search efforts, leading to the operation’s temporary suspension.

    The search area presents significant challenges for rescue teams due to its complex geological features. The beach environment includes unstable cliff faces, submerged rock formations, and tidal variations that complicate underwater recovery efforts. The adjacent campground, popular with tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, has become the operational base for emergency coordination.

    Authorities have indicated that Monday’s search will involve expanded resources and personnel, with improved daylight conditions expected to aid visibility. The operation will focus on both shoreline recovery and water-based search patterns, utilizing specialized equipment and trained personnel to navigate the hazardous coastal environment.

    Police have confirmed the identity of the missing individual but are withholding public identification pending family notifications. The investigation continues as authorities interview witnesses and examine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

  • EU weighs response to Trump’s tariff threat over Greenland

    EU weighs response to Trump’s tariff threat over Greenland

    The transatlantic alliance faces its most severe crisis in decades as former President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland has triggered diplomatic tremors across Europe. During his second term, Trump has explicitly affirmed Greenland’s strategic importance to U.S. national security and has conspicuously refused to dismiss the possibility of military acquisition should diplomatic negotiations fail.

    European leaders are confronting an unprecedented dilemma: either capitulate to economic coercion from the White House or risk triggering a full-scale trade war with the United States. The emergency EU summit scheduled in coming days will address what many officials describe as the most dangerous turn in EU-US relations since World War II.

    French President Emmanuel Macron advocates deploying the EU’s newly created ‘trade bazooka’—the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI)—designed precisely to counter economic bullying from hostile powers. Ironically, this mechanism was originally conceived with China in mind, not the United States.

    The situation has exposed significant divisions within European leadership. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who maintains comparatively cordial relations with Trump, has characterized the crisis as a ‘problem of understanding and communication.’ This stance contrasts sharply with Macron’s confrontational approach, highlighting the EU’s internal fragmentation when facing external pressure.

    The recent deployment of European troops to Greenland—intended as a defensive measure—appears to have provoked rather than deterred Trump’s ambitions. This development has created a precarious diplomatic standoff that threatens to dismantle decades of transatlantic cooperation.

    As EU ambassadors convene discreet emergency meetings in Brussels, the international community watches anxiously to see whether Trump will escalate his threats or seek diplomatic resolution. The outcome will likely redefine global power dynamics and determine the future of Arctic security governance.

  • Trump admin orders 1,500 troops to prepare for possible Minnesota deployment

    Trump admin orders 1,500 troops to prepare for possible Minnesota deployment

    The United States Department of Defense has issued preparatory orders for approximately 1,500 active-duty Army paratroopers stationed in Alaska, placing them on high alert for potential deployment to Minnesota. This military readiness measure follows escalating tensions in the Midwestern state, where widespread protests have erupted in response to aggressive federal immigration enforcement operations.\n\nThe development emerges against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s recent threat to invoke the Insurrection Act—a centuries-old statute permitting military deployment to quell domestic unrest. While the President subsequently indicated no immediate necessity for such measures, defense officials confirm contingency planning remains underway. The potential mobilization, first reported by ABC News citing anonymous defense sources, would mark the first application of the Insurrection Act in over three decades if implemented.\n\nMinnesota’s political leadership has expressed vehement opposition to federal intervention. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey characterized the existing deployment of 3,000 federal immigration agents as an \”occupying force\” that has \”invaded our city,\” alleging disproportionate targeting of Latino and Somali communities. Governor Tim Walz has activated the state’s National Guard to support local law enforcement, emphasizing state-level control over emergency response operations.\n\nHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the ongoing immigration crackdown, vowing to continue operations \”until we are sure that all dangerous people are picked up, brought to justice, and deported.\” The current unrest traces its origins to the January 7th fatal shooting of a US woman by federal agents in Minneapolis, which ignited sustained protests and clashes between demonstrators and immigration authorities.\n\nThe Pentagon’s alert order represents the latest chapter in the ongoing tension between federal and state authorities regarding immigration enforcement. Similar scenarios unfolded recently in Los Angeles, where 700 Marines were deployed to guard federal properties during immigration protests, though President Trump ultimately declined to invoke the Insurrection Act on that occasion.

  • Saudi Arabia sentences 3 men to death over terrorism charges

    Saudi Arabia sentences 3 men to death over terrorism charges

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior confirmed on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, the implementation of capital punishment against three individuals convicted of severe terrorism offenses. The executed men—identified as Hussein bin Salem bin Mohammed Al-Amri, Saud bin Huleil bin Saud Al-Enazi, and Bassam Mohsen Maran Al-Subaie—were found guilty by a specialized court on multiple charges.

    The convictions stemmed from their involvement with a foreign terrorist organization and a series of direct attacks on state security. The ministry’s detailed statement outlined that their crimes included the deliberate planting of explosive devices in security vehicles with the explicit intent to kill members of the security forces. Furthermore, they were convicted of providing shelter and support to other militants, facilitating further terrorist activities.

    The judicial process began after security authorities apprehended the suspects following extensive investigations. The case was tried in a specialized court, which issued discretionary death sentences permissible under Saudi law. These sentences underwent a mandatory review process, where they were upheld by the nation’s higher judicial authorities. The final rulings received royal approval, a procedural step in accordance with the Kingdom’s Sharia law framework.

    The executions were carried out in the capital city of Riyadh. In its official communication, the Ministry of Interior emphasized that this decisive action underscores the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to preserving national security and stability. The statement served as a stern warning, asserting that the government will relentlessly pursue and apply the full force of the law against any individuals who engage in acts of violence or terrorism that threaten public safety.

  • No Venus fairytale as Alcaraz and Sabalenka win Melbourne openers

    No Venus fairytale as Alcaraz and Sabalenka win Melbourne openers

    The Australian Open 2026 commenced with dominant performances from tennis elites while marking the end of a historic chapter in the sport. World No. 1 players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka successfully launched their campaigns with straight-set victories on the opening day at Melbourne Park.

    Alcaraz demonstrated his championship caliber against Australian Adam Walton (6-3, 7-6(2), 6-2), moving closer to completing his career Grand Slam collection. The Spanish phenom acknowledged the challenging conditions while expressing satisfaction with his performance after a nine-week competitive hiatus.

    Sabalenka navigated a tricky encounter against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah (6-4, 6-1), overcoming initial unforced errors to secure her progression. The Belarusian revealed feeling additional pressure with tennis legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver observing from courtside.

    The day witnessed both triumph and heartbreak as 45-year-old Venus Williams, the oldest woman to compete in Australian Open history, fell to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in a grueling three-set marathon (6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4) that lasted over two hours. Williams displayed flashes of her former brilliance but ultimately succumbed to her 20-years-younger opponent.

    British qualifier Arthur Fery delivered the tournament’s first major upset, dismantling 20th seed Flavio Cobolli of Italy in straight sets (7-6(1), 6-4, 6-1). Meanwhile, third seed Alexander Zverev recovered from a first-set tiebreak loss to defeat Canada’s Gabriel Diallo (6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2).

    Extreme heat conditions approaching 30°C affected both players and spectators, with a ball girl fainting during the match between Zeynep Sonmez and Ekaterina Alexandrova. Tournament organizers reported over 100,000 attendees despite complaints about lengthy queues in the challenging weather.

    The stage is set for Monday’s action featuring Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th major title and appearances by title contenders Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.