Global Pulse

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  • Activist lawmakers refile impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Duterte

    Activist lawmakers refile impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Duterte

    In an unprecedented development in global political history, the Philippines finds itself with both its highest-ranking officials simultaneously confronting impeachment proceedings. On February 2, 2026, activist legislators from the Makabayan coalition refiled impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, merely fifteen days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself became subject to similar removal proceedings.

    The latest complaint represents the fifth attempt to impeach Duterte, coming after the Philippine Supreme Court previously invalidated four prior complaints on technical constitutional grounds. The Court’s decision blocking previous impeachment efforts expired last December, creating a legal pathway for renewed action against the country’s second-highest official.

    Three Makabayan legislators—Antonio Tinio, Renee Co, and Sarah Elago—leveled serious allegations against Duterte, accusing her of “gross abuse of discretionary powers” regarding 612.5 million pesos (approximately Dh38.3 million) in unaccounted funds. The complaint alleges these funds were improperly allocated toward questionable activities, including renting safe houses for intelligence operations—functions outside the normal scope of both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte oversees.

    Additional allegations include anomalous implementation of cash aid grants to individuals not recognized as legitimate indigent citizens in government registries. The previous consolidated complaint, which briefly succeeded in impeaching Duterte last year, contained even more severe accusations—including claims that she threatened to assassinate President Marcos Jr. following their dramatic political split in 2024.

    The Makabayan bloc simultaneously endorses the second impeachment complaint against President Marcos Jr., accusing him of “culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, and betrayal of public trust.” House Justice Committee leaders indicate this complaint may be consolidated with an earlier filing by lawyer Andre De Jesus, endorsed by Representative Jett Nisay of the Pusong Pinoy Party.

    This political crisis marks a historic first for the Philippines, which previously witnessed the impeachment and eventual ouster of President Joseph Estrada in 2000-2001—a process that triggered massive protests and constitutional turmoil. The current situation presents even greater constitutional challenges, with both executive leaders simultaneously facing removal proceedings that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.

  • Eighty kidnapped Nigerians return home after escape

    Eighty kidnapped Nigerians return home after escape

    Dozens of kidnapped worshippers have safely returned to their communities in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna state following a violent abduction last month, according to official police confirmation. The victims were part of a larger group of 177 individuals seized by armed gunmen during coordinated raids on three churches in the remote village of Kurmin Wali.

    Police spokesperson Mansur Hassan revealed to BBC that approximately 80 hostages managed to escape their captors on the very day of the kidnapping. However, these individuals remained hidden in neighboring villages for two weeks due to overwhelming fear of being recaptured. Authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the remaining 86 hostages still held by the unidentified armed group.

    The initial police response drew significant criticism from human rights organizations after officials initially denied the abduction occurred. Amnesty International condemned what it called “desperate denial” by Nigerian authorities and urged immediate action to address the escalating kidnapping crisis that has become increasingly normalized across the country.

    This incident reflects broader security challenges plaguing Africa’s most populous nation. Nigeria faces multiple overlapping crises including Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, separatist violence in the southeast, and persistent conflicts between herders and farmers in central regions. Security experts attribute the worsening situation to systemic corruption, inadequate intelligence sharing, and severely underfunded local police forces.

    The security situation has attracted international attention, with the United States conducting airstrikes against Islamist militant camps in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day. Former President Donald Trump subsequently warned of additional military action if attacks against Christian communities continued.

    Nigeria’s complex demographic landscape, with over 250 ethnic groups and a roughly divided Muslim north and Christian south, adds layers of complexity to the security crisis. The government maintains that individuals of all faiths have suffered from the widespread violence affecting the nation.

  • South Korea celebrates K-pop’s ‘Golden’ historic Grammy win

    South Korea celebrates K-pop’s ‘Golden’ historic Grammy win

    South Korea celebrated a historic milestone as ‘Golden’ from Netflix’s animated feature ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ secured the first Grammy Award for K-pop, marking a transformative moment for the genre’s global recognition. The victory for Best Song for Visual Media culminated a prominent Grammy presence for Korean music, including Rosé of BLACKPINK’s performance with Bruno Mars and Katseye’s dual nominations.

    This achievement reflects K-pop’s escalating influence as a youth-driven cultural phenomenon that has captured attention from major U.S. entertainment studios. Legacy American labels, grappling with declining youth engagement, have recognized K-pop’s viral dominance across social media and short-form platforms, driving high-profile collaborations and hybrid projects.

    Despite debates regarding classification—’Golden’ being an English-language track from a Sony Pictures Animation production—the recognition sparked national pride in South Korea. The film has stimulated local economic activity through themed merchandise and increased tourism to cultural sites featured in the animation.

    ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ Netflix’s most popular release of all time since its June debut, follows fictional girl group HUNTR/X combining musical performance with demon-hunting martial arts. The film’s soundtrack achieved global chart success, while its characters inspired Halloween costumes across the United States.

    Music critics note the win represents broader acceptance within American institutions rather than purely genre-specific recognition. Lim Hee-yun observed that ‘Golden’ incorporates more American pop sensibilities than traditional K-pop idol music, potentially contributing to its cross-cultural appeal. The Recording Academy’s historical oversight of major K-pop acts like BTS further contextualizes the significance of this breakthrough.

    The Grammy recognition follows other landmark moments for Korean cultural exports, including Bong Joon-ho’s 2020 Oscar victory for ‘Parasite,’ signaling continued expansion of South Korea’s soft power influence through entertainment media.

  • Envoy: youth exchanges can instill ‘vitality’

    Envoy: youth exchanges can instill ‘vitality’

    Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has issued a compelling appeal for Washington to faithfully implement the bilateral agreements reached during the October summit between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump. Speaking at the 2026 China-US Youth Spring Festival Gala held at the Chinese embassy, Ambassador Xie emphasized that youth exchanges represent the fundamental cornerstone of Sino-American relations.

    The diplomatic address highlighted remarkable progress in intercultural collaboration throughout the past year, with thousands of students participating in scientific innovation programs, athletic competitions, and educational partnerships. Ambassador Xie revealed that many participants described their exchange experiences as ‘life-changing,’ enabling them to break free from information cocoons and dispel longstanding misconceptions about each other’s nations.

    Citing the critical importance of the bilateral relationship, Xie characterized youth exchanges as ‘spring plowing’ that instills vitality into diplomatic relations. The ambassador specifically referenced President Xi’s November 2023 ‘50,000 in Five Years’ initiative, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs. Current participation has already exceeded 40,000 students, creating significant people-to-people connections.

    The event featured prominent supporters including Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, who emphasized that people-to-people exchange constitutes ‘not a side project but a cornerstone’ of bilateral relations. Practical examples of successful exchanges included Montgomery County Public Schools’ ‘pickleball diplomacy’ program and University of Wyoming hockey teams conducting joint clinics and competitions in China, resulting in lasting personal connections that participants maintain through daily communication.

    Ambassador Xie concluded by advocating for enhanced collaboration in cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green energy development, positioning the next generation as leaders in addressing global challenges through cooperative innovation.

  • Pakistan departs for T20 World Cup while waiting for ICC reaction to India game boycott

    Pakistan departs for T20 World Cup while waiting for ICC reaction to India game boycott

    Pakistan’s national cricket team departed for Sri Lanka on Monday amid mounting tensions with the International Cricket Council over their government-mandated boycott of the upcoming T20 World Cup match against India. The squad, captured in video footage released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, boarded their flight wearing new tournament kits while awaiting potential sanctions from cricket’s global governing body.

    The political decision, announced Sunday through Pakistan’s interior ministry via social media platform X, orders the team to compete in the tournament while specifically avoiding the scheduled February 15 group stage encounter against India in Colombo. This selective participation has drawn sharp criticism from the ICC, which warned of consequences for undermining the fundamental principles of international sporting events.

    The ICC released an official statement emphasizing that Pakistan’s stance “is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premises of a global sporting event” and that the decision ultimately harms “the global game and the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”

    This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of decades-long political tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have fought four wars since partition and maintain minimal sporting contacts. The high-stakes cricket matches between these nations typically generate massive broadcast revenues and sponsor interest, making their encounters financially crucial for the sport’s ecosystem.

    Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed the team’s compliance with government directives after completing a 3-0 T20 series sweep against Australia. “It’s not our decision to boycott the India game,” Agha stated. “We can’t do anything about it. We will do whatever our government and the PCB chairman say.”

    PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has accused the ICC of “double standards” regarding tournament arrangements, particularly referencing the organization’s handling of Bangladesh’s security concerns. The tournament begins Saturday with Pakistan scheduled to open against the Netherlands, following a final warmup match against Ireland on Wednesday.

  • Philippine vice president faces 2 new impeachment bids after surviving attempt last year

    Philippine vice president faces 2 new impeachment bids after surviving attempt last year

    MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte confronts renewed impeachment proceedings as activist groups filed dual complaints before the House of Representatives on Monday. The allegations center on substantial corruption claims involving 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential funds during her tenure as both vice president and education secretary.

    This political escalation marks the latest development in the tumultuous career of Duterte, a 47-year-old lawyer and former city mayor whom supporters view as a potential presidential candidate in the 2028 elections. The current impeachment bids follow a previous attempt that was nullified by the Supreme Court last year due to constitutional technicalities regarding impeachment frequency.

    The complaints allege systematic mishandling of government funds, with additional accusations of unexplained wealth in personal bank accounts. Notably, one filing references Duterte’s controversial November 2024 statement during an online news conference, where she reportedly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the House Speaker assassinated if she were harmed amid ongoing political disputes.

    Michael Poa, legal counsel for the vice president, issued a statement asserting their readiness to address the allegations through proper constitutional channels, maintaining that the accusations lack both factual foundation and legal merit.

    The political drama extends beyond Duterte, as President Marcos himself faces two impeachment complaints in the House, though the chamber remains dominated by his allies. The allegations against Marcos involve purported failure to veto budgetary appropriations for infrastructure projects where kickback schemes allegedly benefited both the president and allied legislators.

    This unfolding constitutional confrontation highlights the deepening fractures within Philippine politics, particularly between former allies Duterte and Marcos, whose relationship has deteriorated significantly since their previous political partnership.

  • Hellas Verona, last in Italy’s Serie A, fires coach Paolo Zanetti

    Hellas Verona, last in Italy’s Serie A, fires coach Paolo Zanetti

    VERONA, Italy — In a decisive move reflecting the intense pressure of Italy’s top football division, last-placed Serie A club Hellas Verona has terminated the contract of head coach Paolo Zanetti. The dismissal was announced on Monday, merely 48 hours after the team suffered a demoralizing 4-0 defeat away to Cagliari.

    The loss solidified Verona’s position at the very bottom of the league table, a point below fellow strugglers Pisa, who also possess 14 points from 23 matches. This coaching change is part of a broader trend of instability in the Italian top flight, bringing the total number of clubs that have changed managers this season to six.

    Zanetti’s tenure was marked by profound difficulty, with the team securing only two league victories throughout the entire campaign. These wins, both achieved consecutively in December, provided a brief glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal season. With 15 matches remaining in the season, the club now faces a formidable challenge, sitting four points adrift from the safety of the 17th-place position and potential salvation from relegation.

    The managerial upheaval extends beyond Verona. Just one day prior, Pisa also parted ways with their coach, Alberto Girardino, highlighting the cutthroat nature of the league where poor results prompt immediate organizational action as clubs battle for survival.

  • England’s resurgence threatens France’s and Ireland’s Six Nations dominance

    England’s resurgence threatens France’s and Ireland’s Six Nations dominance

    The Six Nations Championship is poised for a potential power shift as England emerges as a formidable challenger to the longstanding French-Irish supremacy. Under coach Steve Borthwick, England rides an impressive 11-game winning streak highlighted by their decisive 33-19 victory over New Zealand in November, which precipitated the departure of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. This resurgent squad, featuring emerging talents like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Henry Pollock, faces its ultimate test in a climactic final-round showdown against defending champion France in Paris.

    France enters as tournament favorite despite autumn campaign concerns. The team benefits from an ideal schedule with home advantages against both Ireland and England, coupled with the return of inspirational captain Antoine Dupont from ACL injury. Coach Fabien Galthié has embraced a transitional phase toward the 2027 World Cup, surprisingly dropping established stars including record try-scorer Damian Penaud in favor of promising newcomers like Théo Attissogbe and Lenni Nouchi.

    Ireland confronts significant challenges including a humiliated front row against South Africa, lineout inconsistencies, and multiple injuries to key players. The team additionally faces disciplinary concerns after Bundee Aki’s six-week suspension for referee abuse, highlighting what former official Owen Doyle describes as a ‘growing and unacceptable culture’ of misconduct toward match officials.

    Scotland battles persistent reputation issues despite moments of brilliance, with notorious collapses stemming from weak benches and mental fragility. Coach Gregor Townsend received a contract extension through 2027 despite growing clamor for change. Italy demonstrates renewed optimism under Gonzalo Quesada but faces injury setbacks, while Wales struggles with ongoing performance issues and concerningly low ticket sales despite ending historic losing streaks in 2025.

  • Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    Villagers enjoy Spring Festival gala in Shenshan village, China’s Jiangxi

    In a heartwarming display of regional unity, Shenshan village in Jinggangshan city recently hosted an expansive Spring Festival gala that transcended provincial boundaries. The festive gathering on February 1, 2026, welcomed participants from seven neighboring counties across both Jiangxi and Hunan provinces, creating a colorful tapestry of cultural exchange and community bonding.

    The event, held as the Lunar New Year approached, transformed the village into a hub of celebration featuring traditional performances, local culinary specialties, and interactive activities that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region. Residents from both provinces shared customs, songs, and dances unique to their respective communities, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cross-regional relationships.

    This innovative approach to Spring Festival celebrations demonstrates how rural communities are revitalizing traditional festivals to promote social cohesion. The gala served not only as entertainment but as a meaningful platform for preserving intangible cultural heritage while building bridges between neighboring areas that share historical connections but maintain distinct local traditions.

    The successful event has drawn attention from cultural preservation advocates who see such initiatives as models for maintaining traditional festivals in modern times while adapting them to contemporary community needs.

  • China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama

    China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama

    China has vehemently denounced the Grammy Award recognition bestowed upon the Dalai Lama, characterizing the prestigious music industry honor as an instrument of political warfare against Beijing. The Tibetan spiritual leader, residing in exile in India since 1959, received the award for Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for his work “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

    Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian articulated Beijing’s firm opposition during a press briefing on Monday, asserting that the 14th Dalai Lama represents not merely a religious figure but rather a political exile masterminding anti-China separatist activities under religious pretexts. “We firmly oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation,” Lin declared.

    The Dalai Lama, perceived globally as the symbolic leader of Tibet’s autonomy movement, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it in his official statement as an acknowledgment of “our shared universal responsibility” which he accepted with “gratitude and humility.”

    This diplomatic confrontation occurs against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Beijing and Tibetan exile communities. China administers Tibet as an autonomous region despite persistent allegations of cultural suppression targeting Tibetan language, traditions, and identity. The dispute extends to the contentious matter of succession planning for the spiritual leadership, with Beijing insisting the next Dalai Lama must be born in Tibet and sanctioned by the Communist Party, while the current Dalai Lama maintains his successor should emerge from a free country without Chinese involvement.