Global Pulse

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  • Data centre surge reaches India as US tech giants invest billions

    Data centre surge reaches India as US tech giants invest billions

    India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in data center investments as American technology titans commit massive capital to establish AI-driven infrastructure in the world’s most populous nation. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently announced a $17.5 billion investment during his appearance in New Delhi, while Amazon simultaneously revealed an even larger $35 billion commitment to AI projects across the country.

    This wave of technological investment represents what industry experts describe as one of the largest single-sector investments in India’s history. The momentum began two months prior when Google pledged $15 billion toward data center partnerships with Indian conglomerates Adani Group and Bharti Airtel. Meta has joined the expansion, building facilities near Google’s operations, alongside domestic giants Reliance and Tata.

    The investment frenzy addresses a critical infrastructure gap: India generates approximately 20% of global data but maintains only 3% of worldwide storage capacity. Despite having the world’s largest population and rapidly expanding economy, India currently operates with merely 5% of America’s data capacity according to Mumbai-based investment expert Somnath Mukherjee.

    Several factors drive this technological gold rush. India’s 2018 data localization considerations, which already require financial and messaging platforms like WhatsApp to store data domestically for national security, motivate foreign companies to establish local server infrastructure. Additionally, proximity to users reduces latency issues that previously forced Indian data to travel 1,800 miles to Singapore for processing.

    Hyderabad has emerged as an unexpected hub for these developments, with local officials overcoming significant infrastructure challenges. The city’s data parks now benefit from reliable industrial-grade electricity at approximately 7 cents per kilowatt-hour—less than half the U.S. average—thanks to connections to multiple energy sources and wholesale pricing. Water availability concerns were addressed through strategic dam projects that redirect river water to support server cooling requirements.

    Despite trade tensions highlighted by former President Trump’s 50% tariffs, American technology companies continue advancing their Indian investments, recognizing the country’s immense growth potential in the AI era.

  • Photos: Zabeel Park turns 20; how attraction has grown to host Dubai’s biggest celebrations

    Photos: Zabeel Park turns 20; how attraction has grown to host Dubai’s biggest celebrations

    Dubai’s iconic Zabeel Park commemorates its 20th anniversary this week, marking two decades of evolution from a technological marvel to the city’s preferred gathering space for celebrations and community activities. The park’s transformation reflects Dubai’s broader urban development narrative, blending recreational innovation with cultural significance.

    Inaugurated on December 27, 2005, by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the park represented a Dh200 million investment in creating the Gulf’s first technology-based recreational theme park. Spanning 47.5 hectares near the Dubai World Trade Centre, the facility was strategically divided into three interconnected zones featuring pedestrian bridges, including a distinctive cable structure that became its architectural signature.

    The park’s initial conception as a technological showcase included exhibition centers, an amphitheater, and themed zones dedicated to alternative energy, communications, and space exploration. This vision gradually expanded to accommodate Dubai’s growing social needs, with the addition of sports facilities, cricket pitches, and ornamental boating lakes.

    Zabeel Park’s cultural significance intensified through strategic developments, most notably the 2015 introduction of Dubai Garden Glow. This seasonal attraction, developed at a cost of Dh30 million, transformed 40 acres with over four million energy-efficient lights and recycled material installations. The landmark Dubai Frame further elevated the park’s status upon its 2018 opening, offering panoramic views of the city’s contrasting landscapes from a 150-meter sky bridge.

    The park’s accessibility, maintained through a nominal Dh5 entry fee, has ensured its popularity across demographic segments. Recent statistics demonstrate its enduring appeal, with Zabeel Park recording the highest attendance among Dubai’s five major parks during Eid Al Adha celebrations, attracting 22,000 visitors on a single day according to municipal officials.

    Beyond infrastructure, the park has become woven into Dubai’s social fabric, serving as the backdrop for childhood memories, school picnics, and major citywide events including the Dubai Fitness Challenge finale. Its evening landscapes now routinely feature families picnicking, fitness enthusiasts jogging along synthetic tracks, and children playing—a living testament to its successful integration into Dubai’s urban identity.

  • Semenyo wants future resolved by 1 January

    Semenyo wants future resolved by 1 January

    The football transfer market is poised for a dramatic climax as Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo enters a critical 48-hour negotiation period. With his £65 million release clause set to expire on January 10th, the Ghana international is pushing for a resolution before the January transfer window officially opens on New Year’s Day.

    Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunners in the pursuit, having established formal communication with Bournemouth and advanced discussions with the player’s representatives. The Premier League champions view the 25-year-old as a strategic addition to their attacking options, with negotiations expected to intensify in the coming days.

    However, Liverpool remain active contenders despite not yet formalizing their interest. The recent injury to Alexander Isak has prompted the Merseyside club to consider Semenyo as a potential solution, with sporting director Richard Hughes leveraging his previous connections to Bournemouth from his tenure at Vitality Stadium.

    Beyond the two primary suitors, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea have all registered inquiries about the prolific forward, who has netted nine Premier League goals this season. Semenyo’s preference is for a swift resolution that would allow him to focus on his career development rather than endure a prolonged transfer saga.

    Complicating the timeline, Bournemouth management ideally want to retain Semenyo for their crucial January fixtures against Arsenal (January 3rd) and Tottenham (January 7th) before approving any departure. The player himself, who turns 26 on January 7th, is prioritizing a club that offers both competitive trophy prospects and suitable family considerations, viewing this move as a pivotal step in his professional prime.

  • Tennis star Andre Agassi to headline Dubai forum on city’s future

    Tennis star Andre Agassi to headline Dubai forum on city’s future

    Dubai is set to host a convergence of global thought leaders and industry pioneers at the upcoming Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF), with tennis icon Andre Agassi announced as the opening keynote speaker. The event, scheduled for January 12-15, 2026 at Madinat Jumeirah, will explore transformative strategies for building sustainable urban futures.

    Beyond his legendary tennis career that yielded eight Grand Slam titles, Agassi has established himself as a formidable force in educational philanthropy. His Andre Agassi Foundation for Education has gained international recognition for creating innovative learning opportunities for underserved youth, making him uniquely positioned to address the intersection of social development and urban innovation.

    The forum’s thematic focus, ‘Bridging Communities,’ emphasizes cross-sector collaboration to enhance quality of life through strategic project implementation. This eleventh edition will feature comprehensive examinations of digital transformation, future employment landscapes, technological integration, and sustainable urban development.

    Joining Agassi will be an impressive roster of speakers including Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar, DP World Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, UAE Cybersecurity Council head Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, and British adventurer Bear Grylls. The collaborative event is co-hosted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority alongside DP World, DEWA, Emaar Properties, and the Project Management Institute.

    According to Matar Al Tayer, Director General of RTA, the forum serves as a strategic platform demonstrating Dubai’s remarkable growth trajectory and pioneering approach to iconic project development. ‘It reinforces the emirate’s position as a future-focused global city and a model of innovation, governance and sustainability,’ Al Tayer noted.

    The four-day program will delve into five critical thematic areas: sustainable cities, digital transformation, future employment paradigms, technological frontiers, and customer-centric project management. Specific topics will include artificial intelligence applications, smart city infrastructure, digital twin technology, blockchain implementation, organizational resilience, and team empowerment strategies.

  • Look: Zack Snyder shares Henry Cavill’s test photos in ‘original’ Superman suit

    Look: Zack Snyder shares Henry Cavill’s test photos in ‘original’ Superman suit

    Director Zack Snyder has unveiled previously unseen test photographs of Henry Cavill in an alternative Superman costume, offering fans a glimpse into the early development of the iconic character’s cinematic portrayal. The images, shared via Snyder’s Instagram account during the Christmas period, showcase Cavill in a prototype suit that differs significantly from the final design featured in the 2013 film ‘Man of Steel.’

    The first photograph presents Cavill as Superman standing against a dramatic backdrop of concrete and blue sky, capturing the actor in a contemplative pose. Snyder accompanied the image with the caption ‘The original Superman suit,’ indicating this represented an initial conceptual design. A subsequent photograph revealed additional details including the traditional yellow belt and red shorts that were notably absent from the final cinematic costume.

    Snyder contextualized the historical significance of these test images, stating: ‘With the last image I shared, and this one we showed WB everyone agreed: Henry Cavill was Superman. That’s where the journey began. Merry Christmas.’ This revelation provides insight into the early casting process and costume development that ultimately led to Cavill’s casting as the DC Comics superhero.

    The prototype suit contrasts markedly with the finalized ‘Man of Steel’ costume, which featured a scaled texture, darker color palette, and eliminated the character’s trademark belt and shorts that had defined Superman’s appearance in previous adaptations. This evolutionary design choice represented a modernization approach for the character’s cinematic debut within the DC Extended Universe.

    The imagery emerges amidst renewed interest in Cavill’s tenure as Superman, particularly following his brief return to the role in 2022’s ‘Black Adam,’ where he reportedly wore the ‘Man of Steel’ suit. Cavill previously described the emotional significance of donning the costume again, characterizing it as ‘one of the top moments in my career’ during a public appearance at the 92nd Street Y.

    This nostalgic revelation arrives approximately two years after James Gunn’s announcement that he would be writing a new Superman film focusing on the character’s younger years, confirming that Cavill would not reprise the role. Snyder’s photographic release thus serves as both a historical document and a tribute to Cavill’s interpretation of the iconic superhero.

  • AP Dhillon concert: Tara Sutaria joins singer on stage, Veer Pahariya’s reaction goes viral

    AP Dhillon concert: Tara Sutaria joins singer on stage, Veer Pahariya’s reaction goes viral

    A seemingly innocuous concert interaction between Bollywood actress Tara Sutaria and Punjabi music sensation AP Dhillon has ignited widespread social media debate, placing the couple’s relationship under intense public scrutiny. The incident occurred during Dhillon’s Friday night performance in Mumbai, where he invited Sutaria on stage during his set.

    Video footage circulating across social platforms shows Sutaria, clad in an elegant black dress, joining the singer on stage where they shared a brief hug and cheek kiss. The actress remained on stage for several minutes, dancing alongside Dhillon during his performance of popular tracks. At one particularly notable moment, Sutaria wrapped her arms around the singer’s shoulders, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the assembled crowd.

    The situation gained additional complexity as cameras captured Sutaria’s boyfriend, Veer Pahariya, watching the interaction from the audience. While the clip shows him apparently lip-syncing to the music, numerous social media commentators have speculated about his potential discomfort based on his body language and facial expressions.

    This isn’t the first professional collaboration between Sutaria and Dhillon, as the pair previously worked together on the music video for ‘Thodi Si Daaru’. However, the very public nature of this latest interaction has generated divided reactions online, with fans passionately debating whether the moment represented harmless concert spontaneity or created genuine awkwardness for Pahariya.

    The couple, who made their relationship official on Instagram in August 2025, have since maintained a very public romance through frequent social media posts. Following the concert appearance, they were spotted at a Mumbai private airport terminal, presumably departing for New Year’s celebrations.

  • UAE jobs: Does notice period change based on reason of termination?

    UAE jobs: Does notice period change based on reason of termination?

    A recent legal clarification has provided essential guidance for employees in the United Arab Emirates facing job termination due to performance-related issues. According to the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships, the notice period remains consistent regardless of the termination reason, provided it constitutes a legitimate justification rather than misconduct.

    The employment legislation mandates that either party initiating contract termination must provide written notice and adhere to a mutually agreed notice period spanning between 30 to 90 days. During this interval, the employee must continue rendering services as stipulated in their employment agreement.

    Concerning end-of-service benefits, the law establishes that gratuity payments become payable exclusively after the completion of at least one year of uninterrupted service. The calculation methodology follows a tiered structure: twenty-one days’ basic wage for each year during the initial five years of service, transitioning to thirty days’ basic wage for each subsequent year beyond this threshold.

    Crucially, workers terminated before reaching their one-year employment anniversary forfeit eligibility for gratuity benefits. Employers bear the legal obligation to settle all outstanding wages and contractual entitlements within fourteen days following contract termination, as prescribed by Article 53 of the Employment Law.

    For unresolved payment disputes, employees retain the right to escalate matters to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for formal intervention and resolution. This legal framework ensures standardized treatment across employment terminations while protecting workers’ financial entitlements upon contract conclusion.

  • From gunshots to the Africa Cup, Sudanese players endure brutal war to bring hope

    From gunshots to the Africa Cup, Sudanese players endure brutal war to bring hope

    In the midst of Sudan’s catastrophic humanitarian crisis, the national football team has emerged as an unexpected symbol of resilience and unity for a nation torn apart by conflict. The story of midfielder Ammar Taifour epitomizes the team’s extraordinary journey—from being trapped in a besieged hotel during the initial outbreak of violence to competing on Africa’s grandest football stage.

    When gunfire first erupted outside his Omdurman hotel in April 2023, Taifour initially dismissed the sounds as minor disturbances. Within hours, however, the American-Sudanese player found himself witnessing paramilitary forces surrounding the building and engaging army aircraft in combat. This marked the beginning of a brutal civil war that has since claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced millions according to UN estimates, though aid organizations suggest the actual death toll may be significantly higher.

    Despite these overwhelming challenges, the Falcons of Jediane have achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations while training and playing all qualifying matches abroad. Their stunning victory over Ghana—denying the African powerhouse a tournament spot—stands as testament to their determination.

    For Sudanese citizens worldwide, the team represents a rare source of joy and national pride. Supporters in Rabat created vibrant celebrations ahead of their opening match, waving flags and chanting enthusiastically. Player Mohamed Abuaagla, who lost his uncle due to hospital closures during the conflict, articulated the team’s mission: “We are trying to plant a small seed of a smile in them, despite the hardships they are enduring.”

    The practical challenges facing Sudanese football are immense. The domestic league remains suspended, forcing top clubs Al Merrikh and Al Hilal to compete in neighboring countries’ leagues. The national team itself has been plagued by injuries, with three forwards, the captain, and a full back all ruled out of competition.

    Political analyst Thomas O’Donoghue notes that while the team serves as an apolitical unifying symbol, it cannot single-handedly resolve a conflict involving “numerous domestic and international stakeholders with economic interests in Sudan.”

    Despite losing their opening match to Algeria, Sudan’s subsequent 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea has revived hopes of advancement from Group E. As they prepare for their decisive match against Burkina Faso, the players carry the weight of their compatriots’ struggles with them onto the pitch, determined to bring moments of happiness to a nation enduring unimaginable suffering.

  • Heaven will not switch from England to Ghana

    Heaven will not switch from England to Ghana

    Manchester United’s promising teenage defender Ayden Heaven has made a definitive international career decision, opting to represent England instead of Ghana for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The 19-year-old London-born athlete, who qualifies for Ghana through his grandparent, has been the subject of intense monitoring by the Ghana Football Association due to his rapid development at Old Trafford.

    The young center-back, who transferred from Arsenal in February after making a single appearance for the Gunners, has expressed his commitment to representing England at the senior international level according to sources close to BBC Sport. This decision comes despite Ghana being drawn in the same World Cup group as England, Croatia, and Panama for the tournament scheduled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Heaven’s journey with England began at various youth levels, though his progress faced a temporary setback when he sustained an ankle injury during an Under-20 match against Switzerland in October. The injury forced his substitution at halftime and excluded him from November’s fixture against Japan.

    Despite these challenges, Heaven has demonstrated remarkable resilience at club level. After making two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, he earned his first start against West Ham on December 4th, operating as the central figure in a three-man defense. Though booked early and substituted at halftime in that match, Heaven has since started all four subsequent games, showing significant improvement with each outing.

    His performances have drawn particular praise following standout displays against Aston Villa on December 21st, where he excelled despite United’s 2-1 defeat, and especially during Friday’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle. In the latter match, Heaven earned man-of-the-match honors while helping secure only United’s second clean sheet of the season.

    United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed considerable satisfaction with the young defender’s development: ‘I am really pleased with Ayden. You can feel that he is improving every game. He is young, but you can feel that he has a good game, slows the thinking and improves during the game. He trained really well and, if he continues to play like that, it is going to be really hard to take his place.’

  • Central African Republic’s incumbent president, a Russian ally, eyes a third term in key elections

    Central African Republic’s incumbent president, a Russian ally, eyes a third term in key elections

    BANGUI, Central African Republic — Citizens participated in nationwide elections on Sunday to select their next president and parliamentary representatives, with incumbent leader Faustin Archange Touadéra widely anticipated to secure an unprecedented third term. The electoral process, which combined presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal ballots, represented the most extensive voting initiative in the country’s recent history.

    Approximately 2.4 million registered voters participated in the election, which proceeded relatively smoothly despite initial delays at certain polling stations. Voting concluded at 7 p.m. local time, immediately followed by ballot counting procedures. Electoral authorities have not yet released official voter turnout figures.

    President Touadéra, considered Russia’s closest African ally, faced competition from six opposition candidates, including former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuélé and Henri-Marie Dondra. Notably absent was the main opposition coalition, the Republican Bloc for the Defense of the Constitution, which announced an election boycott in October citing an uneven political landscape.

    Analysts project Touadéra’s likely victory would significantly strengthen Russia’s security and economic interests in the mineral-rich nation. This election occurs amidst growing international scrutiny regarding Russia’s military involvement in Africa, particularly the transition from the Wagner mercenary group to the officially sanctioned Africa Corps.

    The Central African Republic has experienced prolonged instability since 2013, when Muslim rebels overthrew then-President François Bozizé. Although a 2019 peace agreement temporarily reduced violence, several armed groups have since resumed hostilities. Touadéra’s campaign emphasized his administration’s efforts to establish peace, stability, and economic recovery for the nation’s 5.5 million citizens.

    International peacekeeping forces, including the United Nations MINUSCA mission with approximately 17,000 personnel, provided crucial security support during the electoral process. However, logistical challenges persisted due to the country’s difficult terrain featuring dense forests, inadequate road infrastructure, and remote communities.

    Provisional results are expected within one week, with potential runoff elections scheduled if no presidential candidate achieves more than 50% of the vote.