Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • New Zealand-Pakistan Super Eight World Cup clash rained off

    New Zealand-Pakistan Super Eight World Cup clash rained off

    Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium witnessed a complete washout of the highly anticipated Super Eight stage match between Pakistan and New Zealand in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup on Saturday. The encounter was abandoned without a single delivery being bowled due to unrelenting heavy rainfall that commenced immediately following the coin toss.

    Pakistan captain had won the toss and elected to bat first, but persistent drizzle prevented any play from commencing. Match officials maintained hope for a reduced-overs contest throughout the evening, but conditions failed to improve. After multiple inspections, umpires officially called off the match at 9:05 PM local time (15:35 GMT), determining that even a minimum five-over per side contest couldn’t be conducted before the 10:16 PM cutoff deadline.

    The abandonment results in both teams receiving one point each in the Group 2 standings of the Super Eight phase. This outcome significantly impacts the tournament dynamics as Pakistan, New Zealand, England, and co-hosts Sri Lanka now compete for two semi-final qualification spots from this group.

    In the parallel Group 1, defending champions India are positioned alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe, and West Indies, with identical qualification rules applying. The meteorological disruption marks the first complete washout in the Super Eight stage of this tournament, raising concerns about scheduling and weather contingencies for future matches in the Sri Lankan leg of the competition.

  • At least 3 dead as migrant boat capsizes off Greek island

    At least 3 dead as migrant boat capsizes off Greek island

    A deadly maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Crete on Friday when an overloaded migrant vessel capsized during rescue operations, resulting in at least three confirmed fatalities. The tragedy occurred as a commercial ship, dispatched by the Greek Search and Rescue Center, attempted to evacuate passengers from the precarious wooden boat.

    According to eyewitness accounts from survivors, approximately 50 people were aboard the distressed vessel when the rescue operation commenced. As migrants attempted to transfer to the commercial ship using ladders, a sudden shift in weight distribution caused the fragile craft to overturn, plunging all occupants into the open waters.

    The Hellenic Coast Guard launched an extensive search mission involving four patrol boats, aerial surveillance aircraft, and two vessels from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). Twenty individuals, including four minors, were successfully rescued from the waters. Most survivors identified as Egyptian and Sudanese nationals, reflecting ongoing migration patterns from North Africa.

    Simultaneously, authorities detected a second migrant vessel carrying approximately forty people in the same vicinity, prompting additional rescue efforts. This incident highlights the continuing shift in migration routes from traditional Aegean passages to the more dangerous Libya-Crete corridor.

    Official data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees reveals that 16,770 asylum seekers reached Crete in 2025, with 107 recorded deaths or disappearances in Greek waters during the same period. In response to mounting arrivals, the Greek government implemented a three-month suspension of asylum application processing last summer, particularly targeting migrants arriving from Libyan departure points.

    This latest tragedy underscores the persistent humanitarian challenges facing Mediterranean migration routes and the extreme risks vulnerable populations undertake seeking European refuge.

  • UAE Lottery announces latest Lucky Day draw results

    UAE Lottery announces latest Lucky Day draw results

    The UAE Lottery has announced the outcomes of its weekly Lucky Day drawing held on Saturday, February 21, 2026. While the massive Dh30 million grand prize remained unclaimed, three fortunate participants each secured a substantial windfall of Dh100,000.

    The official winning numbers drawn for the event were confirmed as follows: Days – 18, 10, 1, 8, 5, and 11, with the Lucky Month number being 10.

    In the accompanying Lucky Chance segment of the draw, three individuals were identified as the major winners. The lottery authority released the victorious Lucky Chance IDs: AB0008685, CE5528979, and BS4363602. Each of these holders is now Dh100,000 richer.

    This weekly event operates under a revised structure implemented at the beginning of the year. The current format features a tiered prize system, headlined by the life-changing Dh30 million jackpot. A significant Dh5 million second prize is also available, alongside the recurring weekly Dh100,000 awards. The Lucky Day draws continue to be held every Saturday, offering consistent opportunities for participants across the UAE.

  • Global summit calls for ‘secure, trustworthy and robust AI’

    Global summit calls for ‘secure, trustworthy and robust AI’

    The fourth annual AI Impact Summit concluded in Delhi on Saturday with a broad declaration signed by 86 nations, including previous holdout the United States and technological rival China. The joint statement advocated for ‘secure, trustworthy and robust’ artificial intelligence but stopped short of establishing any binding regulatory frameworks or concrete commitments.

    Attended by tens of thousands of participants, including top technology executives, the five-day summit marked the first gathering hosted by a developing nation. The declaration acknowledged generative AI as ‘an inflection point in technological evolution’ and emphasized that AI’s promise is best realized ‘only when its benefits are shared by humanity.’

    Despite the wide endorsement, the summit faced significant criticism from analysts and advocacy groups. Amba Kak, co-executive director of the AI Now Institute, dismissed the declaration as ‘another round of generic voluntary promises’ that primarily served industry interests rather than public protection.

    The statement addressed several critical areas including AI safety risks, job displacement concerns, and the technology’s substantial energy consumption. It emphasized reskilling initiatives for workers and developing energy-efficient AI systems, but provided no specific mandates or timelines for implementation.

    The event was not without its controversies and organizational challenges. US delegation head Michael Kratsios explicitly rejected global AI governance prior to the signing, stating America’s approach would remain ‘unapologetically friendly to entrepreneurship and innovation.’ The summit also produced viral moments, notably the awkward refusal of rival CEOs Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Dario Amodei (Anthropic) to hold hands on stage.

    Looking forward, the UN will establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence to work toward ‘science-led governance,’ while the next AI summit is scheduled for Geneva in 2027. India leveraged the event to announce over $200 billion in expected AI investments, positioning itself to compete with established technological superpowers.

  • UK to consider removing Andrew from royal succession line, official says

    UK to consider removing Andrew from royal succession line, official says

    The British government is preparing to initiate unprecedented constitutional proceedings that could permanently remove Prince Andrew from the royal line of succession, according to an official statement released on Friday. This extraordinary measure, which would represent one of the most significant modifications to royal succession protocols in modern history, awaits the conclusion of the ongoing police investigation into the Duke of York’s associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

    A senior UK official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that legislative action would be contemplated once law enforcement authorities complete their examination of Andrew’s connections to the disgraced financier. The potential removal of a direct heir to the throne requires navigating complex constitutional channels, including obtaining consensus from all Commonwealth realms where King Charles III serves as head of state.

    This development marks a dramatic escalation in the royal crisis surrounding Prince Andrew, whose public standing has deteriorated substantially since his association with Epstein became subject to criminal investigation. The proposed legislative measure underscores the seriousness with which the government approaches the allegations and their potential impact on the monarchy’s integrity.

    The constitutional process involves intricate diplomatic coordination across multiple sovereign nations, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, all of which must ratify any alterations to the established line of succession. This multinational requirement reflects the complex nature of the Commonwealth’s shared constitutional monarchy system.

    The government’s consideration of this extraordinary step demonstrates the increasing pressure on the royal institution to address the controversies surrounding Prince Andrew’s conduct and associations. While the palace has previously distanced itself from the Duke’s activities, this potential constitutional action represents an unprecedented formal response to the ongoing scandal.

  • Catch of the day: Pictures from spectacular Nigerian fishing festival

    Catch of the day: Pictures from spectacular Nigerian fishing festival

    Northern Nigeria witnessed the spectacular revival of its renowned Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival last weekend, marking the event’s triumphant return following a six-year suspension due to pandemic restrictions and security challenges. Tens of thousands of participants and spectators gathered along the banks of the Matan Fada River in Kebbi State, where the ancient fishing competition resumed with unprecedented enthusiasm.

    The festival commenced with traditional ceremonies presided over by the Sarkin Ruwan (Custodian of the River), who performed sacred rituals to bless the waters and participants. Drummers from the Kabawa ethnic group established the rhythmic backdrop as fishermen positioned themselves along the riverbanks, their nets poised for the signal to begin.

    This year’s event gained particular significance with the attendance of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the government’s endorsement of cultural preservation and regional stability. The main fishing competition saw participants plunging into the river with large gourds serving as both buoyancy aids and containers for their catch. Fishermen navigated chest-deep waters, dragging nets along the riverbed in pursuit of the largest specimens.

    The competition culminated in an extraordinary catch—a massive croaker fish weighing 59 kilograms (130 pounds) secured by the grand prize winner, who received two automobiles and 1 million naira (approximately $740) in prize money. Judges meticulously weighed and verified each catch on traditional scales, with numerous other substantial fish being presented throughout the competition.

    Beyond the primary fishing event, the four-day festival featured diverse cultural activities including traditional archery, dambe (a indigenous combat sport where fighters wrap rope around their striking hand), wild duck-catching competitions, and bare-handed fishing demonstrations by younger participants. The event also showcased vibrant musical performances that echoed throughout the celebration grounds.

    With historical roots extending back a century, the Argungu Festival formally began in 1934 as a peace-building initiative between the Kebbi Kingdom and Sokoto Caliphate. UNESCO has recognized the festival as an intangible cultural heritage event, attracting international visitors from neighboring countries and beyond. Local organizers emphasized the festival’s role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and celebrating northern Nigeria’s rich traditions.

  • These shy, scaly anteaters are the most trafficked mammals in the world

    These shy, scaly anteaters are the most trafficked mammals in the world

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa — On World Pangolin Day, conservationists are sounding the alarm about the critical endangerment of pangolins, the distinctive scaly anteaters native to Africa and Asia that have earned the grim distinction of being the planet’s most trafficked mammals.

    According to a recent CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) report, these unique creatures surpass all other mammals in illegal wildlife trade metrics. Between 2016 and 2024, authorities intercepted over half a million pangolins in anti-trafficking operations worldwide. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that more than one million pangolins were removed from their natural habitats during the past decade, including countless undetected cases.

    The trafficking surge is primarily driven by high demand for pangolin scales in Asian markets, particularly China, where they are ground into traditional medicine despite lacking scientific validation for therapeutic properties. These scales consist of keratin—the same protein found in human hair and nails—yet command exorbitant prices due to unfounded beliefs about curing various ailments. While pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in some regions, the scale trade remains the primary economic motivator for poachers.

    Of the eight known pangolin species (four African, four Asian), all face severe extinction threats classified as high to extremely high. Their remarkable biological defenses—including overlapping keratin scales that form impenetrable armor when rolled into a ball—prove ineffective against human predation. Unlike charismatic megafauna such as elephants or tigers, pangolins lack widespread conservation recognition despite their ecological uniqueness, including tongues that extend nearly their entire body length to capture insects.

    Although some reports suggest reduced trafficking since the COVID-19 pandemic, conservationists warn that poaching continues at alarming rates across Africa. Nigeria has emerged as a global trafficking hotspot, prompting wildlife veterinarian Dr. Mark Ofua to establish rescue operations and a pangolin orphanage in Lagos. Through youth education programs and celebrity engagement initiatives, Ofua aims to raise awareness about these critically endangered mammals, noting that many Nigerians cannot even identify native pangolin species—a fundamental barrier to effective conservation.

  • Pegula extends dominance over Anisimova, reaches Dubai final

    Pegula extends dominance over Anisimova, reaches Dubai final

    American tennis star Jessica Pegula demonstrated exceptional resilience on Friday, overcoming a disastrous start to defeat compatriot Amanda Anisimova 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships semifinals. The world number five showcased her championship mentality by reversing momentum after being thoroughly outplayed in the opening set.

    The victory extends Pegula’s perfect record against Anisimova to 5-0 and marks her second consecutive win over the 24-year-old following their Australian Open quarterfinal encounter last month. This impressive performance continues Pegula’s remarkable consistency on tour, representing her second WTA final appearance since August 2025, with five additional tournaments during this period resulting in semifinal finishes, including both the US Open and Australian Open.

    Pegula attributed her sustained excellence to the intensive training regimen implemented by her coaching team since 2025. This dedication was evident as she weathered Anisimova’s powerful game, which produced seven aces throughout the match. After dropping the first set and falling behind 3-1 in the second, Pegula mounted her comeback with two critical breaks to force a deciding set.

    The match’s turning point came in the fourth game of the third set when Pegula secured another break against her younger opponent, ultimately maintaining her composure to close out the victory. Pegula now advances to face the winner of the other semifinal between two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff of the United States and two-time Dubai titleholder Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

    In doubles action, the pairing of Russia’s Vera Zvonareva and Germany’s Laura Siegemund earned their place in the final with a 6-3, 7-6(6) victory over Romanian duo Jaqueline Cristian and Elena-Gabriela Ruse. They will compete for the title against Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and Brazilian Luisa Stefani, who overcame Aleksandra Krunić and Anna Danilina 4-6, 6-2, 10-6 in their semifinal encounter.

  • Dubai Police stop children riding bike on public road, impose Dh50,000 impound fee

    Dubai Police stop children riding bike on public road, impose Dh50,000 impound fee

    Dubai authorities have imposed a substantial 50,000-dirham vehicle impound release fee following the interception of minors operating a recreational motorbike on public thoroughfares. The incident, occurring this week, prompted immediate intervention from traffic patrols to safeguard both the young riders and other road users.

    Major-General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander in Chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, confirmed the guardian’s subsequent summons and the motorcycle’s confiscation. The supervising adult reportedly pleaded ignorance of traffic regulations, though officials emphasized this defense holds no legal validity.

    Legal proceedings have been initiated under Wadeema’s Law, legislation specifically criminalizing actions that expose children to hazardous situations or compromise their physical and psychological welfare. The statute explicitly prohibits guardians from permitting minors to engage in activities threatening their safety.

    Al Mazrouei elaborated on the grave risks involved, noting children’s developmental limitations in navigating complex traffic environments. Their typically underdeveloped physical coordination, risk assessment capabilities, and emergency response mechanisms create potentially fatal scenarios when operating vehicles among regular traffic.

    Authorities clarified that recreational motorcycles are strictly designated for controlled, enclosed areas with professional supervision—not public roads shared with commercial and passenger vehicles. The police statement urged parents to uphold their legal and ethical obligations through vigilant supervision and adherence to licensing age requirements.

    The case has reignited public awareness campaigns about parental responsibilities, with officials reminding communities that child protection constitutes a collective societal duty originating within households. Dubai Police encourage citizens to report similar endangerment incidents via their 901 call center or through the Police Eye digital service.

    This enforcement action aligns with broader regional road safety initiatives, following recent advisories about e-scooter restrictions in educational zones and warnings after seven motorbike accidents injured nine individuals in Abu Dhabi.

  • Turkey, Saudi sign solar plants deal, capable of powering over 2 million homes

    Turkey, Saudi sign solar plants deal, capable of powering over 2 million homes

    In a landmark move for regional energy cooperation, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have formalized a major solar power agreement that will significantly advance Turkey’s renewable energy infrastructure. The deal, signed on February 20, 2026, at an Ottoman-era palace overlooking Istanbul’s Bosphorus Strait, involves Saudi energy developer ACWA constructing two massive solar plants in central Turkey’s Sivas and Karaman provinces.

    The project represents one of the most substantial energy investments in Turkish history, with the combined facilities boasting a generation capacity of 2,000 megawatts—sufficient to power approximately 2.1 million households. This initiative builds upon a $2 billion intergovernmental energy agreement established during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s pivotal visit to Riyadh earlier this month.

    Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar celebrated the partnership as transformative for Turkey’s energy landscape, noting that it will deliver electricity at historically competitive rates while advancing the nation’s renewable objectives. Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s ongoing ‘energy revolution,’ revealing that renewable sources already constitute 62% of the country’s installed electricity capacity, with solar and wind generation having expanded from negligible levels to over 40,000 megawatts today.

    The timing of this agreement carries additional significance as Turkey prepares to host the United Nations COP31 climate summit later this year. Despite these renewable advances, official data indicates coal still accounted for 33.6% of Turkey’s electricity generation last year. Minister Bayraktar addressed this dependency, outlining a transitional strategy where coal would initially be replaced by natural gas, with nuclear energy providing a long-term solution alongside expanded renewable infrastructure.

    Turkey has established ambitious climate targets, including achieving net zero emissions by 2053 and expanding its solar and wind capacity to 120,000 megawatts by 2035. This Saudi-Turkish collaboration marks a substantial step toward these goals while strengthening economic ties between two pivotal regional powers.