Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • India sees 6.8%-7.2% growth next year, flags risks from geopolitics, weak exports

    India sees 6.8%-7.2% growth next year, flags risks from geopolitics, weak exports

    India’s economic trajectory remains strong with projected growth between 6.8% and 7.2% for the upcoming fiscal year starting April, according to the government’s annual economic survey presented Thursday. While this represents a slight moderation from the current year’s 7.4% expansion, the forecast underscores the resilience of domestic demand against mounting global challenges.

    The comprehensive assessment, presented to parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, characterizes the outlook as ‘steady growth amid global uncertainty, requiring caution, but not pessimism.’ The report highlights several external pressures including slower growth among key trading partners, trade disruptions from tariff impositions, and capital flow volatility that may periodically affect export performance and investor sentiment.

    International institutions have echoed this cautiously optimistic assessment. The IMF recently upgraded India’s growth forecast by 0.7 percentage points to 7.3%, while the World Bank increased its projection by 0.9 points to 7.2% for the coming fiscal year.

    Currency dynamics present a particular challenge. The Indian rupee hit a historic low of 91.9850 per dollar on Thursday, with the survey noting the currency is ‘punching below its weight’ despite strong economic fundamentals. This depreciation, while partially offsetting the impact of higher U.S. tariffs, has contributed to significant capital outflows—foreign investors withdrew a record $19 billion from Indian equities in 2025.

    The report identifies recent structural reforms—including consumption-tax reductions, labor law modernization, and nuclear-power sector liberalization—as key drivers expected to bolster both investment and consumption. Additionally, ongoing trade negotiations with the United States could potentially reduce external uncertainties if concluded successfully within the year.

    Monetary policy has supported growth momentum, with the Reserve Bank of India implementing 125 basis points of rate cuts since February 2025—the most aggressive easing cycle since 2019. Current indicators suggest sustained demand buoyancy as the new year progresses, positioning India among the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite global headwinds.

  • Burkina Faso’s junta dissolves all of country’s political parties, saying they cause divisions

    Burkina Faso’s junta dissolves all of country’s political parties, saying they cause divisions

    OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — In a dramatic consolidation of power, Burkina Faso’s military government has officially dissolved all political parties and nullified the legislation that governed them through a decree ratified during Thursday’s Council of Ministers meeting.

    The decision represents the most severe measure yet in a series of actions that civil society advocates characterize as systematically dismantling democratic institutions and suppressing opposition voices since the 2022 coup brought the junta to power. While political activities had remained suspended under military rule, the new mandate goes further by requiring the immediate transfer of all party assets to state control, as confirmed by the government-operated news agency.

    Emile Zerbo, Minister of Territorial Administration, justified the sweeping dissolution by asserting that political organizations had strayed from their foundational principles. “The administration concludes that the excessive proliferation of political parties has precipitated abuses, exacerbating societal divisions and undermining national cohesion,” Zerbo stated following the ministerial council’s approval.

    The military regime, which seized control two years ago, has implemented extensive reforms including the indefinite postponement of elections originally intended to reestablish civilian governance and the disbandment of the autonomous electoral commission. Officials indicated that new legislation outlining the framework for future political organizations will be presented to the legislative body promptly.

    Burkina Faso joins several West and Central African nations experiencing a wave of military takeovers and deferred transitions to democratic governance, reflecting broader regional instability and challenges to constitutional order.

  • Luxury dining on a budget? Here are 11 restaurant deals perfect for Valentine’s Day

    Luxury dining on a budget? Here are 11 restaurant deals perfect for Valentine’s Day

    Romantic fine dining experiences across the UAE no longer require extravagant spending, as numerous acclaimed restaurants now offer premium culinary journeys at accessible price points. From Michelin-recognized establishments to waterfront venues, these 11 carefully curated deals demonstrate how couples can enjoy exceptional gastronomy while maintaining budgetary consciousness.

    Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene shines with Hakkasan’s Cantonese Treasure lunch, featuring signature dim sum baskets with black truffle mushroom and wagyu beef truffle options starting at AED 128. The Michelin-noted establishment maintains its prestigious reputation while offering Saturday lunch service from 12pm to 3:30pm at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.

    Japanese cuisine enthusiasts can experience 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant’s express 10-course Omakase business lunch for AED 199. This Michelin-starred venue presents signature A8 Wagyu Gyozas, Hamachi Maki, and Black Cod selections from Monday to Friday, earning recognition for blending classical and modern techniques with premium ingredients.

    Dubai’s Indikaya presents a remarkable three-course business lunch starting at AED 99, crafted under Chef Hemant Oberoi’s culinary mastery. The Michelin and Gault&Millau-recognized restaurant offers modern interpretations of Indian flavors including Butter Chicken, Mutton Tariwala, and Paneer Makhani at Shangri-La Dubai.

    Fi’lia redefines Italian dining with three-tiered business lunch options beginning at AED 105. The female-led team on the 70th floor of SLS Dubai offers panoramic city views alongside homemade pasta and risotto dishes, featured among Michelin’s best Italian restaurants in Dubai.

    Additional standout offerings include Mijana’s seafood night at Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi (AED 325), Taparelle’s alfresco Italian lunch at Manarat Al Saadiyat (AED 85), and Cove Rotana’s brunch-cation package with beach access (from AED 210). The Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah presents steak frites nights for two at AED 250, while MOLI By SHI offers redesigned contemporary Chinese night brunches from AED 275.

    Korean culinary excellence emerges at HANU’s Hansang Lunch (AED 195) featuring shared dishes and premium grill selections, and IKKA’s ladies night provides Japanese-Peruvian fusion experiences with live portrait artistry from AED 99.

    These diverse offerings demonstrate the UAE’s evolving culinary landscape, where luxury dining experiences become increasingly accessible without compromising quality or atmosphere.

  • Midland Doctors celebrates 20 years of service at gala dinner in Dubai

    Midland Doctors celebrates 20 years of service at gala dinner in Dubai

    DUBAI – Midland Doctors commemorated its 20th anniversary of humanitarian medical service with a celebratory gala at Park Hyatt Dubai, gathering nearly 400 attendees including healthcare professionals, organizational partners, philanthropic donors, and longstanding supporters. The event served as both a retrospective on two decades of achievement and a forward-looking platform for future initiatives.

    The organization highlighted the operational significance of its MDMI Hospital in Tandali, Muzaffarabad, which has served as a clinical cornerstone for 13 years. Executive leadership announced substantial developments including the inauguration of a new Blood Bank to enhance emergency care capabilities and a specialized Orthopedic Department dedicated to trauma treatment and rehabilitation services. Additional plans were unveiled for expanding the Pediatric Emergency Department to accelerate critical care for young patients.

    Chairman Syed Yusuf Iftikhar emphasized the ongoing commitment to vulnerable communities, detailing programs in Nur Goth that provide free healthcare and daily nutritious meals to schoolchildren alongside educational partnerships with The Citizen Foundation. The organization’s Child Nutrition Program in Mirpur addresses pediatric malnutrition through comprehensive support systems and community involvement.

    The gala fostered significant engagement, with numerous attendees expressing interest in volunteer opportunities and collaborative growth strategies. Chairman Iftikhar concluded: “This celebration honors our historical accomplishments while reinforcing our dedication to ethical, compassionate, and accessible healthcare for marginalized populations, particularly children and expectant mothers.”

    Midland Doctors continues its mission through MDMI Hospital and community-based health initiatives across underserved regions.

  • Usman Nurmagomedov, Alfie Davis among PFL stars to visit Global Village in February

    Usman Nurmagomedov, Alfie Davis among PFL stars to visit Global Village in February

    Dubai’s Global Village is poised to become an unexpected hub for combat sports enthusiasts as it prepares to host an exclusive Professional Fighters League (PFL) open workout event on February 4, 2026. This landmark occasion marks the first time the renowned family destination will showcase world-class mixed martial artists in preparation for the upcoming PFL Championship at Coca-Cola Arena on February 7.

    The event will feature elite fighters including undefeated phenom Usman Nurmagomedov, British standout Alfie Davis, and rising stars Ramazan Kuramagomedov and Shamil Musaev. Attendees will witness live training demonstrations featuring light grappling sessions and pad work under the guidance of veteran commentator Dan Hardy, who will host the MC-led program on the main stage commencing at 6:15 PM.

    This innovative crossover event bridges the gap between elite athletic competition and public accessibility, offering fans unprecedented proximity to combat sports superstars. Global Village continues its 30th season offering with 30 international pavilions representing over 90 cultures, complemented by 3,500 retail outlets and 250 dining establishments alongside 200 amusement rides at Carnaval.

    Admission remains affordable with weekday tickets priced at Dh25 (Sunday-Thursday, excluding holidays) and general admission at Dh30. The venue maintains its policy of complimentary entry for children under three, seniors above 65, and people of determination.

  • Joshua pays emotional tribute in new video

    Joshua pays emotional tribute in new video

    Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has broken his silence following the tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close members of his team. The 36-year-old British boxer released a deeply personal six-minute video titled ‘My Brothers Keeper For Life’ on his social media channels, addressing the December 29th incident that resulted in the deaths of his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

    The collision occurred near Lagos when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his companions struck a stationary truck on a major roadway. While Joshua sustained only minor injuries and was photographed being assisted from the wreckage, both Ghami and Ayodele were pronounced dead at the scene.

    In his emotional address, Joshua expressed profound gratitude to supporters worldwide who had shown ‘so much love, support through that tragic, traumatic time.’ He described the unique bond shared with his departed friends, revealing they had become business partners, hustlers, and essentially family. ‘We became lieutenants. We became generals. We became everything,’ Joshua reflected, emphasizing how the trio had been living together and building their lives collectively.

    The legal proceedings have advanced with 46-year-old chauffeur Adeniyi Kayode appearing in Nigerian court facing four charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.

    Joshua acknowledged the devastating impact on the families and communities of both men, stating ‘Not only did their parents, their uncles, their cousins, their friends and myself lose two great men, we lost people that we dearly care about.’ He made a solemn commitment to support Ghami and Ayodele’s families in achieving their goals and fulfilling their dreams, expressing certainty that their parents would be ‘100% proud of them.’

    While Joshua’s boxing future remains uncertain, he has returned to training, recently posting Snapchat footage of himself working out with the caption ‘mental strength therapy.’ Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated confidence that Joshua will return to the ring ‘when the time is right,’ though the fighter himself has not confirmed any plans regarding his professional comeback.

  • Abu Dhabi researchers develop nanotechnology for better cancer detection, treatment

    Abu Dhabi researchers develop nanotechnology for better cancer detection, treatment

    Scientists at NYU Abu Dhabi have engineered a groundbreaking nanotechnology platform that significantly enhances both cancer detection and treatment methodologies. This innovative approach centers on photothermal therapy, an emerging technique that utilizes light energy to generate localized heat within tumors, effectively destroying malignant cells while preserving healthy tissue.

    The research team developed uniquely designed nanoparticles constructed from hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral in human bones and teeth—ensuring biocompatibility and biodegradability. These nanoparticles are engineered to transport a specialized dye that activates upon exposure to near-infrared light. This specific light wavelength was strategically selected for its superior tissue penetration capabilities, enabling treatment of deeper tumors previously inaccessible to surface-level therapies.

    A critical advancement lies in the nanoparticle’s surface engineering, where lipid and polymer coatings enable extended bloodstream circulation while evading immune detection. This design dramatically improves tumor accumulation compared to previous photothermal agents. Additionally, the nanoparticles feature pH-responsive peptides that activate specifically in the acidic microenvironment of tumors, facilitating selective cancer cell entry while minimizing impact on healthy tissue.

    The integrated system provides dual functionality: upon near-infrared activation, the nanoparticles generate precise thermal destruction of tumor tissue while simultaneously producing real-time fluorescent and thermal imaging signals. This allows clinicians to visualize tumors and monitor treatment efficacy during therapeutic procedures.

    Professor Mazin Magzoub, the study’s senior author and associate biology professor at NYUAD, emphasized the transformative potential: “Our platform merges targeted treatment and diagnostic imaging within a single, biodegradable system. By overcoming fundamental delivery challenges, we’re advancing toward more precise cancer interventions with reduced side effects.”

    This research represents a substantial leap forward in nanomedicine, offering a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation by minimizing systemic toxicity while improving therapeutic precision.

  • Ex-Nigerian oil minister did not take bribes from industry insiders, court told

    Ex-Nigerian oil minister did not take bribes from industry insiders, court told

    In a dramatic turn at Southwark Crown Court, the defense team for former Nigerian Oil Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke presented a comprehensive rebuttal against corruption allegations that have spanned nearly a decade. Jonathan Laidlaw KC, representing Alison-Madueke, articulated that the substantial expenditures on UK properties and luxury items attributed to her were fully reimbursed through legitimate channels in Nigeria.

    The court heard how Nigeria’s banking regulations prohibit ministers from maintaining overseas accounts, creating circumstances where third parties necessarily facilitated transactions that were subsequently settled domestically. Laidlaw emphasized: “Those who paid the bills were paid back, in Nigeria. She did not request or receive any financial advantage from these individuals.”

    Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s petroleum resources minister from 2010 to 2015—a position described as second only to the presidency in ministerial hierarchy—faces five counts of bribery acceptance and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The defense highlighted significant procedural concerns, including an eight-year gap between her 2015 arrest during cancer treatment in London and the 2023 formal charges.

    The defense argued this delay has fundamentally compromised the trial’s fairness, noting that critical financial records in Abuja have disappeared and that the businessmen allegedly involved in the purported bribery scheme remain at liberty worldwide without facing extradition attempts. “Through no fault of her own,” Laidlaw stated, “she doesn’t have available to her the material that supports her defense.”

    Co-defendants include oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who denies separate bribery charges, and Alison-Madueke’s brother, former bishop Doye Agama, who contests conspiracy allegations. The trial continues as the court examines one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption cases.

  • England ‘off the pace’ in defeat by South Africa

    England ‘off the pace’ in defeat by South Africa

    In a tense Johannesburg showdown on January 29, 2026, England’s Netball Roses suffered a narrow 52-48 defeat against South Africa in the opening match of their three-game international series. The contest served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

    The match began promisingly for England as they established an early 6-3 advantage. However, South Africa demonstrated remarkable resilience, steadily overturning the deficit to claim a 16-12 lead. The host nation continued to build momentum, entering halftime with a 29-25 advantage.

    England displayed significant determination after the break, mounting an impressive comeback that saw them briefly take a 39-38 lead during the final quarter. Despite this resurgence, South Africa capitalized on critical unforced errors from the Roses, ultimately securing their victory before a jubilant home crowd.

    Team captain Fran Williams acknowledged England’s performance shortcomings, stating: ‘Our start lacked intensity, particularly in offensive execution and ball reception. The South African defense consistently punished these technical deficiencies.’ Williams nevertheless praised her team’s second-half tenacity, emphasizing her pride in their persistent fighting spirit and calling for a strong response in the upcoming weekend double-header.

    With both nations ranked closely internationally—England fourth and South Africa fifth worldwide—the series represents vital competitive preparation. The teams share a Commonwealth Games pool alongside four other nations, adding strategic importance to these encounters.

    The squads will reconvene for their second match on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, followed by the series finale on Sunday at 14:00, providing both coaches valuable opportunities to refine tactics and roster selections ahead of the Glasgow competition.

  • ‘The water took everything’: Mozambique hit by worst floods in decades

    ‘The water took everything’: Mozambique hit by worst floods in decades

    Mozambique is confronting a humanitarian emergency of unprecedented scale as the most devastating floods in decades continue to ravage the southeastern African nation. Torrential rainfall over several weeks has triggered severe flooding, submerging vast territories, obliterating critical infrastructure, and displacing communities on a massive scale.

    Official estimates indicate that the calamity has directly impacted approximately 700,000 individuals, with countless families losing their homes, livelihoods, and access to essential services. The powerful currents of floodwater have swept away roads, bridges, and homes, severing connections between towns and villages and severely hampering rescue and aid distribution efforts. A palpable sense of despair permeates affected regions, with one resident lamenting, ‘The water took everything,’ a sentiment echoing the profound loss experienced by many.

    The national government, in conjunction with international aid agencies, is racing against time to mount a coordinated response. Emergency teams are working to evacuate stranded citizens and provide immediate relief in the form of shelter, clean water, food, and medical supplies. However, the extensive scale of the flooding presents monumental logistical challenges. Beyond the immediate crisis, concerns are mounting over the long-term repercussions, which include the heightened risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, widespread crop destruction threatening food security, and the arduous, costly process of rebuilding shattered communities and infrastructure. This disaster underscores the extreme vulnerability of certain regions to increasingly volatile weather patterns.