Global Pulse

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  • Ancelotti says Vinicius must be fully fit for Brazil World Cup squad

    Ancelotti says Vinicius must be fully fit for Brazil World Cup squad

    Brazil’s national football team coach Carlo Ancelotti has reinforced his uncompromising stance on player fitness requirements for World Cup selection, extending his rigorous standards beyond Neymar to include rising star Vinicius Jr. The Italian strategist emphasized that only players demonstrating complete physical readiness will merit consideration for the coveted 2026 squad.

    During an exclusive interview with Brazilian sports program Esporte Record, Ancelotti elaborated on his selection philosophy, stating that exceptional talent alone cannot guarantee a position on the team. “The reality is we possess numerous high-caliber players, and my responsibility involves selecting those operating at absolute peak condition,” Ancelotti explained. “This principle applies universally—whether discussing Neymar or Vinicius. Should Vinicius present at 90% capacity, I would inevitably choose an alternative player performing at 100%, given the extraordinary competitive depth within our offensive lineup.”

    This declaration follows Ancelotti’s October warning to Neymar regarding identical fitness prerequisites for national team reinstatement. The coach’s consistent messaging underscores a systematic approach to squad development prioritizing physical preparedness alongside technical skill.

    Vinicius Jr., who secured Brazil’s World Cup qualification with a decisive goal against Paraguay in June 2024, now faces intensified pressure to maintain optimal physical condition ahead of the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across North American venues, represents the pinnacle of international football competition.

    Brazil’s preparation schedule includes a high-profile friendly match against France in Boston during the March international window, providing Ancelotti critical opportunities to evaluate player fitness and tactical integration before finalizing his tournament roster.

  • Tunisian opposition activist Chaima Issa starts hunger strike to protest violent arrest

    Tunisian opposition activist Chaima Issa starts hunger strike to protest violent arrest

    Prominent Tunisian opposition figure Chaima Issa has initiated a hunger strike in protest of alleged violent treatment during her arrest on Saturday, as reported by local media outlets. The human rights activist, according to her family, sustained a foot injury requiring medical attention during the detention process.

    Issa’s arrest came to enforce a 20-year prison sentence delivered last Friday through a controversial mass trial appeal verdict. This judicial proceeding resulted in sentences ranging up to 45 years for dozens of government critics accused of “conspiracy against state security” and “affiliation with terrorist organizations.” The trial has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights organizations who characterize it as politically motivated and emblematic of a systematic campaign to suppress dissent.

    The case involves 37 defendants, primarily detained since early 2023, who faced charges including meetings with foreign diplomats. The initial April trial concluded after merely three hearings without closing arguments, delivering severe sentences up to 66 years imprisonment. During Friday’s appeal, Issa’s sentence was increased from 18 to 20 years, mirroring similar enhancements for other notable opposition figures including Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj and Issam Chebbi.

    Issa was apprehended during a downtown Tunis demonstration protesting the escalating suppression of dissent under President Kais Saied’s administration. Her lawyer, Samir Dilou, described to AFP how “plainclothes officers grabbed her and pushed her inside a vehicle” during the protest, questioning the necessity of such forceful methods given her previous compliance with judicial proceedings.

    The current political climate traces back to President Saied’s 2021 constitutional coup that consolidated executive power. Since then, international and local NGOs have documented significant regression in rights and freedoms within the North African nation that sparked the Arab Spring. Numerous government critics have faced prosecution under terrorism charges and a 2022 presidential decree prohibiting “spreading false news.”

    Issa, a journalist and activist who participated in the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, co-founded the Citizens Against the Coup collective and serves with the National Salvation Front (NSF). This primary opposition coalition, established around the Ennahda party that previously dominated post-revolution politics, has faced severe repression with its leader Rached Ghannouchi currently serving a cumulative 37-year sentence.

    In a related development, co-defendant Jawhar Ben Mbarek suspended his 33-day hunger strike against what he termed “unjust” detention, citing encouragement from recent pro-democracy demonstrations. Mbarek’s health deteriorated severely during his strike, requiring eight hospitalizations and allegedly suffering violent force-feeding incidents that prompted formal torture complaints.

    Tunisian political prisoners have consistently denounced prison mistreatment alongside judicial unfairness, regularly reporting humiliation and harassment within the correctional system.

  • Arsenal must hunt Brentford win ‘like animals’, Arteta says

    Arsenal must hunt Brentford win ‘like animals’, Arteta says

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a rallying cry to both players and supporters ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Premier League encounter against Brentford, demanding they approach the match with animal-like intensity. This comes as the league leaders grapple with mounting injury concerns that threaten to derail their title ambitions.

    Following two draws in their last three matches, including Sunday’s 1-1 stalemate against a 10-man Chelsea, Arsenal’s momentum has stalled despite maintaining a five-point advantage at the summit. Arteta emphasized the critical nature of the fixture, specifically calling for a electrifying atmosphere at Emirates Stadium.

    “This represents a massive opportunity tomorrow at 7:30 PM GMT,” Arteta stated during Tuesday’s press conference. “Every single person must be at the Emirates, bouncing and generating relentless energy to secure victory. We need to hunt this win with animal instinct.”

    The Spanish manager dismissed concerns about motivation, citing the team’s Premier League position as sufficient incentive. “Our drive stems from meticulous preparation and striving for superiority over opponents. Our league standing provides all the motivation we require,” he added.

    However, Arsenal’s campaign faces significant challenges with a deepening injury crisis. Central defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard remain doubtful after missing the Chelsea clash, while Gabriel and Kai Havertz are still weeks from returning to action.

    Arteta acknowledged the severity of the situation, particularly describing the defensive and forward line issues as the worst he’s encountered. “We’ve had players out of position throughout this season. The injury situation in certain areas, especially our frontline and now our defensive line, has been exceptionally challenging,” he confessed.

    The manager indicated that the club has learned from past experiences, developing a more adaptable squad. “We’ve constructed a more reliable roster with greater options. Our previous struggles taught us the necessity of utilizing players in multiple positions to remain competitive at the highest level,” Arteta concluded.

  • Revealed: Trump administration issued US visa for sanctioned ICC deputy prosecutor

    Revealed: Trump administration issued US visa for sanctioned ICC deputy prosecutor

    In a significant diplomatic development, the Trump administration issued a special visa last month to Nazhat Shameem Khan, a sanctioned deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), enabling her to brief the UN Security Council on Libya’s situation. This exception highlights the complex interplay between US foreign policy and international legal obligations.

    Ms. Khan, alongside fellow deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, faced US sanctions imposed in August 2020. These measures targeted ICC officials involved in investigations concerning American and Israeli personnel. The sanctions freeze assets, restrict global financial access, and limit travel capabilities for affected individuals.

    The visa authorization specifically permitted Khan’s entry solely for the November 25 Security Council session at UN headquarters, reflecting similar accommodations previously extended to former ICC prosecutor Fatouh Bensouda in 2019. This limited access operates under the UN-US host country agreement, which requires allowing sanctioned officials to fulfill UN-related duties.

    This development occurs amid escalating tensions between the US and ICC. The Trump administration has threatened further sanctions against the court itself, potentially jeopardizing its operational capacity. In February 2020, the US imposed financial and visa restrictions on Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan regarding arrest warrant pursuits against Israeli leadership.

    During her UN address, Khan reported progress in Libyan justice efforts, citing the recent transfer of alleged war criminal Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri to ICC custody. Simultaneously, at the Assembly of State Parties meeting in The Hague, Khan acknowledged the personal challenges posed by sanctions while affirming the ICC’s continued operations, including the Palestine investigation.

    The ICC is implementing countermeasures against sanctions, including pursuing technological sovereignty by seeking alternatives to US-based cloud services. Court President Tomoko Akane revealed that nine ICC officials now face sanctions alongside terrorists and drug traffickers, causing significant personal and operational difficulties.

    Deputy Prosecutor Niang emphasized that such pressure ultimately strengthens the court’s resolve, stating: ‘This pressure, personal or institutional, has strengthened instead of weakened our conviction in the noble mission of this court.’ The ongoing confrontation represents unprecedented challenges to international justice mechanisms while testing the boundaries of diplomatic engagements between global powers and international institutions.

  • Landmark reached in construction of Jintang Undersea Tunnel

    Landmark reached in construction of Jintang Undersea Tunnel

    A monumental engineering achievement has been reached in the construction of the Jintang Undersea Tunnel, currently positioned to become the world’s longest subsea high-speed railway passage. The “Dinghai” Shield Machine, a colossal tunneling apparatus, has successfully surpassed the 5,000-meter excavation mark, representing a critical advancement in this groundbreaking infrastructure project.

    This engineering milestone occurred at the Zhoushan construction site of the ambitious Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway initiative. The recent breakthrough indicates that approximately 80% of the 6,270-meter shield tunnel section on the Zhoushan side has now been completed, bringing the project significantly closer to its final implementation.

    The Jintang Undersea Tunnel constitutes one of the most technologically demanding components of China’s expanding railway network. This massive undertaking demonstrates remarkable progress in underwater tunneling capabilities and high-speed rail technology. The tunnel’s completion will establish a crucial transportation link beneath the ocean floor, enhancing connectivity between Ningbo and Zhoushan while setting new global benchmarks for underwater rail infrastructure.

    Engineering teams have overcome substantial technical challenges associated with deep-water tunneling, including pressure management, geological uncertainties, and precision engineering requirements. The successful progression of the Dinghai Shield Machine underscores significant advancements in tunneling technology and project management capabilities within the infrastructure sector.

    Upon completion, this engineering marvel will substantially reduce travel times between the connected regions while providing a robust transportation alternative that could transform regional economic dynamics and transportation logistics across Eastern China.

  • BNI Early Birds marks 20 years

    BNI Early Birds marks 20 years

    DUBAI – The UAE’s renowned BNI Early Birds business chapter, celebrated as the nation’s ‘Happiest Chapter’ and holder of the region’s highest seat value exceeding Dh1 million, is poised to commemorate its 20th anniversary with a grand gala on December 6, 2025, at Radisson Red Dubai.

    The milestone event will gather distinguished international diplomats including Norberto Carlos, Ambassador of Cuba, who will serve as chief guest. The diplomatic contingent will feature Dr. Annalee Cecelia Babb (Barbados), Tony S. Joudi (Bahamas), Ziya Rahaman (Grenada), and Avondale Paul (Commonwealth of Dominica), alongside prominent business leaders and alumni who have contributed to the chapter’s two-decade evolution.

    Under the strategic direction of President Dr. Sijo C Mathews, a Navy veteran, alongside leadership team members Dr. Faisal Shaikh and Hawas Mohammed, the chapter has consistently突破ed boundaries in professional collaboration and commercial expansion. “This anniversary embodies the core philosophy of ‘Givers Gain’ and the profound connections that characterize our community,” Dr. Mathews stated.

    Originating from Dr. Ivan Misner’s global vision and established in the UAE by pioneers Bijay Shah and Anuradha, BNI has expanded into a dynamic network boasting over 1,600 members across the Emirates. The anniversary gala will include recognition ceremonies for top contributors, sponsor exhibitions, an alumni reunion, and cultural performances, highlighting twenty years of entrepreneurial achievement and economic impact.

  • Hong Kong fire toll jumps to 156; judge-led committee to investigate cause of blaze

    Hong Kong fire toll jumps to 156; judge-led committee to investigate cause of blaze

    Hong Kong authorities have confirmed the death toll from last week’s catastrophic Wang Fuk Court complex fire has risen to 156, marking the city’s most devastating blaze in decades. Chief Executive John Lee announced on Tuesday the establishment of a judge-led independent committee to investigate both the cause and rapid spread of the inferno that engulfed seven of the estate’s eight towers.

    The criminal investigation has resulted in 15 arrests for suspected manslaughter, while a separate corruption probe has led to 12 additional arrests. Officials revealed that substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam used during renovation works significantly contributed to the fire’s intensity and spread. These materials, intentionally installed in hard-to-reach areas to evade inspection, failed to meet fire-retardant standards.

    Search teams have completed operations in all but two severely damaged towers, discovering victims trapped in stairwells and rooftops while attempting to escape. Approximately 30 residents remain unaccounted for as the complex search continues. The tragedy has exposed critical oversight failures, despite residents raising concerns about fire hazards posed by renovations as recently as September 2024. Authorities had previously assured residents of ‘relatively low fire risks’.

    The disaster has triggered widespread mourning across Hong Kong, with thousands participating in memorial services and vigils. The victims include nine Indonesian domestic helpers and one Filipino worker. International vigils are planned in Tokyo, Taipei, and London. Meanwhile, government warnings against politicizing the tragedy have sparked concerns about freedom of expression, with several individuals already investigated for potential sedition.

    Survivors face long-term displacement, with nearly 1,500 people moved to temporary housing and 945 accommodated in youth hostels and hotels. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported over 60 pet fatalities, including cats, dogs, and turtles, though more than 200 animals were successfully rescued. The coming legislative elections, scheduled for Sunday, are expected to serve as a barometer of public sentiment regarding the government’s handling of the catastrophe.

  • Nas Daily claims biggest threat facing Palestinians is ‘fellow countrymen’ in bizarre rant on LBC

    Nas Daily claims biggest threat facing Palestinians is ‘fellow countrymen’ in bizarre rant on LBC

    Prominent content creator Nuseir Yassin, known online as Nas Daily, has ignited intense backlash following controversial statements made during a recent LBC radio interview. The Palestinian citizen of Israel asserted that Hamas represents a greater threat to Palestinians than Israel itself, describing the militant group as “terrorists” with AK-47s.

    During the Sunday interview with host Tom Swarbrick, Yassin dismissed the term “apartheid” as inapplicable to Israel’s treatment of Palestinian citizens, arguing that his personal experience included full access to employment and voting rights comparable to Jewish Israelis. He further characterized the word “genocide” as “a very emotional, non-scientific word” when discussing the situation in Gaza.

    The vlogger positioned himself as uniquely qualified to comment on the conflict, claiming his opinion should carry more weight than those of “the average Swedish person” or Muslims who support Palestine out of “tribalism.” He additionally alleged that Iran and Qatar were responsible for both violence in Gaza and pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the UK, while describing some immigrants to Britain as “the most dangerous in the world” who use the country as a base to “destabilise the Middle East.

    Social media response was immediate and overwhelmingly critical, with commentators accusing Yassin of misrepresenting Palestinian realities and whitewashing Israel’s occupation. Journalist Idrees Ahmad criticized the interview format for failing to challenge Yassin’s assertions, while human rights advocate Gary Spedding questioned why LBC doesn’t feature Palestinian citizens of Israel who criticize the regime without engaging in propaganda.

    Yassin, who gained fame through one-minute viral videos a decade ago, has faced previous criticism for his positions on Israel-Palestine relations. The Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement called for his boycott in 2020, alleging his content creator training program served as normalization cover with Israel.

  • ‘Joy at perfect time’: UAE sponsors weddings of Gazans, revives dreams amid rubble

    ‘Joy at perfect time’: UAE sponsors weddings of Gazans, revives dreams amid rubble

    In a remarkable humanitarian gesture coinciding with its 54th National Day, the United Arab Emirates has transformed the lives of 54 Palestinian couples through its innovative ‘Thoub Al-Farah’ (Gown of Joy) initiative. The program, operating under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, provided fully sponsored weddings for Gazan grooms selected through a lottery system from 577 registered applicants.

    The comprehensive sponsorship package included wedding attire for both bride and groom, transportation, tents, and essential supplies, addressing the profound challenges faced by couples whose marriage plans had been devastated by ongoing conflict. The initiative extended support beyond the selected couples, providing aid parcels to all registered applicants in a broad-based effort to sustain community morale.

    Among the beneficiaries, Saleh Al-Sabbah recounted losing his home, leg, and family member during the hostilities. ‘My dream home is gone because of the war, but we will start again from the tent provided for us,’ he stated, embodying the resilience that characterizes many Gazans. Despite his losses, Al-Sabbah expressed renewed determination to build a family life from the foundations of humanitarian assistance.

    The emotional impact of the initiative was profound. Ahed Abu Dahrouj described the timing as ‘perfect happiness after two years of war,’ noting that no household had been spared from the conflict’s devastation. Muath Abu Hleib, who had lost everything prepared for his marriage after being displaced eight times, found the initiative revived his possibility for celebration amid displacement.

    The selection process created moments of unexpected joy. Hikmat Liwa, initially believing he hadn’t been chosen, described the shock of hearing his name announced as the seventh selected groom: ‘I couldn’t stand up… I checked more than once to make sure it was really my name.’

    This humanitarian wedding project represents more than ceremonial support—it symbolizes the restoration of dignity and normalcy for a population enduring extraordinary circumstances, demonstrating how targeted aid can revive dreams nearly lost beneath the rubble of conflict.

  • Oxford Union elects Palestinian president

    Oxford Union elects Palestinian president

    In a landmark decision, the Oxford Union has elected Arwa Hanin Elrayess as its president for the Trinity Term of 2026, marking the first time a Palestinian individual will lead the prestigious 201-year-old debating society. The philosophy, politics, and economics student from St Edmund’s Hall secured victory with 757 first-preference votes, surpassing her closest competitor by a significant margin of 150 votes.

    The election witnessed notably high engagement with a turnout of 1,528 members, substantially exceeding participation rates from previous terms according to the Oxford Student. Elrayess, who currently serves on the union’s standing committee, brings a distinctive background as both Palestinian and Algerian, making her election a historic milestone for representation within the institution.

    Her professional background includes involvement in documentary production, notably ‘Heart of a Protest,’ a zero-budget film examining pro-Palestine demonstrations in London that emerged in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The project, created by five individuals passionate about documenting events since 1947, reflects Elrayess’s commitment to Palestinian advocacy.

    The election occurs amidst a period of internal turbulence for the Oxford Union, following two recent no-confidence votes involving president-elect George Abaraonye and current president Moosa Harraj. While Harraj retained his position in late October, Abaraonye was removed from his incoming role due to controversial remarks made about American conservative figure Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

    In her victory statement, Elrayess expressed humility and gratitude: ‘I am grateful and humbled by the faith and trust the members of the Union have placed in me and my team. I want to thank all those who put aside their differences and came together to work towards a shared vision of this Union.’

    Established in 1823, the Oxford Union maintains its status as one of Britain’s most esteemed university societies, renowned for hosting high-profile speakers, competitive debates, and public speaking workshops that attract global attention.