Global Pulse

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  • Israel ‘imposes de facto annexation’ with sweeping West Bank policy change

    Israel ‘imposes de facto annexation’ with sweeping West Bank policy change

    In a landmark decision with profound regional implications, the Israeli government has ratified a comprehensive overhaul of land registration protocols and civil administration mechanisms within the occupied West Bank. The controversial policy shift, championed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz, is framed by its proponents as a measure to standardize legal and civil rights for Israeli settlers. They assert it will remove existing bureaucratic impediments, thereby accelerating settlement development and normalizing daily life.

    However, the move has been met with vehement condemnation from Palestinian leadership and factions, who decry it as a severe breach of international law and a deliberate step toward de facto annexation. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, via the Wafa news agency, declared the policy a direct violation of the foundational Oslo Accords. Echoing this sentiment, Rawhi Fattouh, chairman of the Palestinian National Council, labeled the decisions as “racist and dangerous,” accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of imposing new colonial realities.

    The policy’s practical implications are extensive. It empowers the military to enforce regulations on structures deemed unlicensed, even within Areas A and B—zones previously under Palestinian civil control—citing heritage and archaeological preservation, a provision critics warn will facilitate land confiscation and demolitions. A critical component lifts the secrecy on West Bank land registries, publicly exposing Palestinian ownership records. This transparency, celebrated by settler groups like the Yesha Council as entrenching Israeli sovereignty, is feared to enable widespread land seizures by making it easier for settlers to identify and pressure landowners or forge claims.

    Furthermore, the measures simplify the sale of Palestinian land to Israelis by overturning a Jordanian-era law that prohibited such transfers to non-Palestinians. In a significant jurisdictional change, planning and construction authority in the volatile city of Hebron will be transferred from the Palestinian municipality to the Israeli military, with an independent local body established for the Israeli settlement there—a move the Hebron municipality condemned as “illegitimate and dangerous.” The policy also extends to holy sites, including the Ibrahimi Mosque, following earlier Israeli actions to seize planning rights over parts of the complex. This occurs amidst a documented rise in settler violence and access restrictions to Palestinian holy sites since October 2023.

    Peace Now, an Israeli NGO monitoring settlements, warned that the government has effectively chosen to “topple the Palestinian Authority” and impose a reality of annexation, breaking barriers to massive land appropriation across the entire West Bank, far beyond the Area C framework established by the Oslo Accords.

  • New Zealand mosque shooter seeks to discard his guilty pleas, saying prison made him irrational

    New Zealand mosque shooter seeks to discard his guilty pleas, saying prison made him irrational

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The perpetrator of New Zealand’s deadliest mass shooting appeared before the Court of Appeal on Monday seeking to overturn his guilty pleas and life sentence, claiming severe prison conditions rendered him mentally unfit during his 2020 admission of guilt.

    Brenton Tarrant, the Australian white supremacist who murdered 51 Muslim worshippers in Christchurch’s 2019 mosque attacks, testified via video link from prison that solitary confinement and harsh detention circumstances created what he described as ‘nervous exhaustion’ and identity confusion. The 35-year-old argued this mental state invalidated his reasoned decision to plead guilty to terrorism, murder, and attempted murder charges.

    A three-judge panel will hear five days of evidence regarding Tarrant’s competency at the time of his plea. If successful, the case would return to trial—a scenario avoided when Tarrant unexpectedly admitted guilt weeks before his scheduled court date. The hearing also addresses his unprecedented life imprisonment without parole, New Zealand’s most severe sentencing outcome.

    The prosecution challenged Tarrant’s assertions, with Crown lawyer Barnaby Hawes noting the shooter had alternative legal options including trial postponement requests or mounting a defense. Medical and prison records showed no documented evidence of serious mental illness, though Tarrant claimed he deliberately concealed symptoms to maintain a ‘confident, assured’ facade consistent with his extremist ideology.

    Security protocols severely restricted attendance, permitting only affected families, survivors, and limited media. Tarrant, appearing with shaved head and glasses in a white prison room, testified about his deteriorated mental state—marking his first substantive public statements since livestreaming the horrific attack.

    The appeal filing arrived two years past New Zealand’s standard 20-day deadline, which Tarrant attributed to restricted information access. The court’s decision will be delivered subsequently, with potential separate proceedings regarding his sentence appeal if the plea challenge fails.

  • UAE announces Zakat Al Fitr, fines, Ramadan 2026 fasting compensation

    UAE announces Zakat Al Fitr, fines, Ramadan 2026 fasting compensation

    The United Arab Emirates has formally established comprehensive guidelines for religious charitable contributions during Ramadan 2026 (1447 Hijri), bringing clarity and standardization to Islamic financial obligations. The UAE Council for Islamic Affairs unveiled the framework on February 8, 2026, following extensive market research conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

    Under the newly announced provisions, Zakat Al Fitr—the obligatory charity marking the end of Ramadan—has been set at 2.5 kilograms of rice or its monetary equivalent of 25 dirhams per person. For those unable to fast due to valid reasons, the compensatory Fidyah payment has been established at 3.25 kilograms of barley or 20 dirhams per beneficiary daily.

    The Council specified distinct rates for various religious circumstances: Fidyah for prohibited acts during Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages is fixed at 120 dirhams, distributed among six beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Kaffarah (atonement) for invalidated fasting or broken vows requires 1,200 dirhams per day, allocated to 60 beneficiaries at 20 dirhams each. For violated oaths, the Kaffarah amounts to 200 dirhams distributed to ten recipients.

    The comprehensive market study involved thorough price surveys of staple foods across all emirates, consultations with suppliers, and field visits to ensure equitable calculations for both donors and beneficiaries. This standardization initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and fairness in charitable distribution mechanisms.

    Regarding temporal guidelines, the Council recommends distributing Zakat Al Fitr after the Fajr prayer on Eid day to maximize benefit for needy communities during celebrations. While early payments are permissible to avoid organizational congestion, contributions made after sunset are considered make-up payments rather than standard obligations.

    The Council explicitly endorsed monetary contributions as religiously valid, citing historical precedents where Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) approved cash substitutes for staple foods. This recognition accommodates modern practicalities while maintaining religious integrity.

    Authorized collection channels include the Zakat Fund under the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments, the Emirates Red Crescent, and certified charitable organizations. The Council concluded with prayers for a blessed Ramadan and continued prosperity for the UAE nation.

  • Saudi Arabia adds 20 new high-speed trains to Haramain Railway

    Saudi Arabia adds 20 new high-speed trains to Haramain Railway

    In a major infrastructure enhancement, Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its high-speed rail capabilities through a new agreement with Spanish manufacturer Talgo. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Transportation and Logistics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has commissioned 20 additional high-speed trains for the critically important Haramain Railway line.

    The contract, valued at approximately €1.3 billion ($1.54 billion), represents a substantial investment in Saudi Arabia’s transportation future. This acquisition will augment the existing fleet of 35 Talgo 350 trains that have been operational since 2018, dramatically increasing capacity along the route connecting the holy cities of Mekkah, Medinah, and the commercial hub of Jeddah.

    Each new trainset will maintain the technical specifications of the current fleet, featuring two power cars and thirteen coaches with a combined capacity of 417 passengers. The design includes dedicated spaces for catering services and passengers with reduced mobility, alongside full platform-level access for improved boarding efficiency.

    The expansion directly addresses growing passenger demand, particularly during the annual Hajj pilgrimage season when service frequency increases from over 100 daily trips to more than 140. This enhancement comes after the railway successfully transported nearly two million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season.

    Beyond manufacturing, the agreement extends Talgo’s maintenance responsibilities through the Saudi Spanish Train Project Company consortium. The Spanish firm will now maintain the entire 55-train fleet until at least 2033, with potential extension options through 2038. Talgo currently operates two maintenance facilities in Saudi Arabia employing over 270 personnel.

    The Haramain Railway represents one of the Middle East’s most advanced transportation projects, operating over 450 kilometers of track built to Spanish high-speed standards with maximum commercial speeds of 300 km/h and modern ERTMS Level 2 signaling systems.

  • Is Bangladesh’s youth turning against India?

    Is Bangladesh’s youth turning against India?

    The political landscape of Bangladesh is undergoing a profound transformation as anti-Indian sentiment reaches unprecedented levels following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The walls of Dhaka University now bear witness to this shift, adorned with graffiti proclaiming ‘Dhaka, not Delhi’—a slogan that has even been stitched onto traditional saris, symbolizing the deep-seated resentment against perceived Indian hegemony.

    This dramatic deterioration in bilateral relations marks a stark contrast to the previously touted model of neighborhood diplomacy. The crisis stems from India’s decision to grant asylum to the deposed leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled to Delhi after her resignation amid the July 2024 uprising that claimed approximately 1,400 lives according to UN estimates. India’s refusal to extradite Hasina to face an in absentia death sentence for her government’s brutal security crackdown has become a focal point of public outrage.

    Analysts identify multiple layers to this diplomatic rupture. The younger generation, particularly students who led the pro-democracy movement, accuse India of enabling Bangladesh’s democratic erosion by consistently endorsing disputed elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024. ‘People think the destruction of democracy was supported by India,’ states Mosharraf Hossain, a 24-year-old sociology student, echoing a widespread sentiment.

    Long-standing grievances have converged into a perfect storm of anti-Indianism: border killings, water-sharing disputes, trade restrictions, and inflammatory rhetoric from Indian politicians have created a perception that India views Bangladesh as ‘a pliant backyard’ rather than a sovereign equal. The recent suspension of most visa services and cultural retaliation—including calls to boycott Indian goods and suspension of IPL broadcasts—demonstrate how political strain is spilling into economic and cultural spheres.

    Despite tactical diplomatic outreach by India, including Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s engagement with opposition figures like BNP’s Tarique Rahman and unprecedented contacts with Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, these efforts have failed to arrest the relationship’s decline. Kamal Ahmed, consulting editor of The Daily Star, confirms this is ‘the lowest point of the bilateral relationship’ in decades.

    The upcoming February 12 election represents a critical juncture. With Hasina’s Awami League barred from contesting, the political landscape is realigning, though all parties recognize that resetting relations with India is unavoidable. As academic Ali Riaz notes, ‘The burden of repair lies largely with Delhi’ and requires moving beyond managing Dhaka through favored intermediaries. While geography, history, and shared cultural heritage make complete separation impossible, rebuilding trust will require India to align its policy with the aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens rather than governmental preferences.

  • Qualifier Bejlek celebrates career-first WTA Tour title at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

    Qualifier Bejlek celebrates career-first WTA Tour title at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

    The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open culminated in a spectacular display of emerging talent and historic firsts as 20-year-old Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek captured her debut WTA Tour championship. Presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the tournament witnessed Bejlek’s remarkable ascent through the draw, culminating in a decisive 7-6, 6-1 victory over pre-match favorite Ekaterina Alexandrova in Sunday’s final.

    Competing in just her second WTA-level main draw, Bejlek demonstrated extraordinary composure against the more experienced Alexandrova, who had reached both singles and doubles finals. The young Czech’s triumph marks the first time a player from her nation has claimed the Abu Dhabi title. ‘I’m regaining my competitive form and this feels absolutely incredible,’ Bejlek stated during her post-match remarks. ‘My team maintained unwavering belief in me even before I returned to competition, and now I’ve come to share that conviction myself.’

    Alexandrova swiftly rebounded from her singles disappointment by partnering with Australia’s Maya Joint to secure the doubles crown. The pair engaged in a rain-affected thriller against Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 6-7, 10-8 after an intensely contested battle.

    The tournament simultaneously celebrated another landmark achievement as World No. 1 wheelchair tennis athlete Yui Kamiji triumphed in the inaugural Wheelchair Tennis Invitational presented by the WTA Foundation. Kamiji delivered a commanding 6-3, 6-2 performance against 20-time Grand Slam champion Jiske Griffioen before a capacity crowd on ADCB Court 1. ‘Competing here represents a tremendous opportunity,’ Kamiji commented. ‘The facilities are exceptional and this victory strengthens my determination to pursue the one major title that has eluded me – Wimbledon singles.’

    The event’s developmental pathway, Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, showcased emerging regional talent across multiple age categories. Champions included Uchechukwu (Megan) Uzokwe and Yezid Baccouche (Under-12), three-time consecutive winner Isabelle James, Marwan Safi (Under-14 boys), Saida Ismail (Under-16 girls), and Timur Gordeev who secured his third straight Under-16 boys’ trophy.

    Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig, serving as tournament presenter, praised the event’s significance: ‘As the opening competition in the Middle Eastern swing, this tournament holds special importance. Bejlek’s performance was particularly impressive – she displayed no visible nerves and executed her game plan flawlessly.’

    Tournament Director Nigel Gupta reflected on the week’s success: ‘We’ve witnessed sell-out crowds creating an electric atmosphere throughout this world-class event. Bejlek’s breakthrough victory brought particular joy, while the inaugural wheelchair exhibition demonstrated exceptional skill and competitiveness. We’re already envisioning how to elevate this tournament further in future editions.’

  • 2 arrested, special investigative team formed after ride collapses in India’s Haryana

    2 arrested, special investigative team formed after ride collapses in India’s Haryana

    A tragic structural failure at an amusement ride in India’s Haryana state has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, prompting immediate law enforcement response and official investigations. The incident occurred during the popular Surajkund Mela fair in Faridabad, where a joyride installation unexpectedly collapsed, creating a scene of chaos and emergency response.

    Law enforcement authorities have taken two individuals into custody following the catastrophic event. The detained persons have been identified as Mohammed Shakir and Nitesh, both facing preliminary charges related to the incident. Faridabad Police have established a specialized investigative team headed by prominent law enforcement officials to conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to the structural failure.

    The investigative unit comprises ACP Crime Varun Dahiya, the office in charge of Crime branch, alongside NIT SI Sheeshpal and SI Sanjay. This team will operate under the direct supervision of DCP Crime Mukesh Malhotra, ensuring comprehensive scrutiny of safety protocols, maintenance records, and operational procedures.

    Tragically, a Station House Officer lost his life during rescue operations. The police officer, whose identity hasn’t been fully disclosed, noticed the ride tilting abnormally and immediately moved to evacuate attendees. During his rescue efforts, the collapsing structure struck him in the facial and cranial areas, causing fatal injuries. Medical personnel declared him deceased upon arrival at the emergency medical facility.

    Thirteen additional victims sustained various injuries and were transported via emergency medical services to nearby healthcare facilities. Faridabad authorities confirm that all injured persons are currently receiving medical treatment, with some requiring extensive care.

    Haryana’s Chief Minister has publicly expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer and has directed state authorities to ensure comprehensive medical care for all injured individuals. The state administration has pledged full support to the investigation and promised appropriate action based on the findings.

  • Private schools in Sharjah to limit study hours to 6 during Ramadan: Emarat Al Youm

    Private schools in Sharjah to limit study hours to 6 during Ramadan: Emarat Al Youm

    The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has issued comprehensive guidelines for private educational institutions across the emirate regarding academic operations during the upcoming Ramadan period. According to reports from Emarat Al Youm, schools have been granted operational flexibility while being required to ensure that daily instructional hours do not exceed six hours throughout the holy month.

    The newly implemented framework requires educational institutions to carefully consider the varying needs across different educational stages, mandating a balanced approach that respects both academic requirements and the spiritual significance of Ramadan. Official circulars distributed to school administrations specify that scheduling must align with approved curricular frameworks and academic calendars while accommodating the unique circumstances of the holy month.

    This policy initiative aims to maintain educational continuity without compromising quality or effectiveness. The approach emphasizes equitable treatment and organizational adaptability while addressing both the academic and psychological needs of students at all educational levels. SPEA has particularly highlighted the importance of quality-of-life considerations, urging schools to account for the circumstances of students, their families, and the broader educational community.

    The authority’s guidelines reflect the humanitarian and social values characteristic of Ramadan, extending warm greetings to the educational community while reaffirming commitment to balancing academic rigor with student and family wellbeing. SPEA has expressed appreciation for the cooperation of school administrations in implementing these guidelines, which collectively contribute to creating a supportive and balanced learning environment throughout the holy month.

  • Dubai Basketball beats Real Madrid at home with decisive comeback

    Dubai Basketball beats Real Madrid at home with decisive comeback

    In a spectacular display of resilience and home-court dominance, Dubai Basketball secured a monumental 93-85 victory against European basketball giants Real Madrid at Coca-Cola Arena. The February 8, 2026 matchup witnessed an extraordinary turnaround as Dubai overcame early challenges to claim back-to-back EuroLeague triumphs within 48 hours.

    The game commenced with Real Madrid establishing early control, testing Dubai’s defensive capabilities and building a considerable lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter as Dubai’s relentless defensive pressure sparked a game-changing run. The team held the Spanish powerhouse scoreless for extended periods during the final quarter, demonstrating exceptional composure under pressure.

    Dzanan Musa, Dubai’s inaugural signing for the season, delivered a standout performance against his former club, spearheading the offensive charge. He received crucial support from McKinley Wright, Filip Petrušev, and Dwayne Bacon, each contributing pivotal plays during decisive moments. New acquisition Bruno Caboclo made significant impacts on both ends of the court, while Aleksa Avramović masterfully controlled the game’s tempo throughout the comeback effort.

    Head coach Jurica Golemac emphasized the psychological significance of the victory, stating: ‘The final 15 minutes revealed our true rhythm, amplified by incredible fan support. Defeating one of EuroLeague’s elite teams in this manner demonstrates our collective character and growing confidence.’

    The victory solidifies Coca-Cola Arena’s emerging reputation as one of the league’s most challenging venues for visiting teams, with 7,000 enthusiastic fans creating an electrifying atmosphere. This milestone achievement reinforces Dubai Basketball’s playoff aspirations as the EuroLeague season enters its critical phase, generating unprecedented excitement throughout the city’s sporting community.

  • Residential building collapses in Lebanon’s Tripoli, trapping people, sources say

    Residential building collapses in Lebanon’s Tripoli, trapping people, sources say

    TRIPOLI, LEBANON – A major rescue operation continues in northern Lebanon after a residential building catastrophically collapsed in Tripoli on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The five-story structure in the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood crumbled, leaving an undetermined number of residents trapped beneath heavy debris.

    According to security sources cited by Reuters, the incident prompted an immediate emergency response. Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that rescue teams, working alongside local citizens in a collaborative effort, have successfully extracted three survivors from the wreckage. Their current medical condition remains undisclosed.

    The precise cause of the structural failure is not yet known and is subject to investigation. Building collapses in Lebanon have been historically linked to aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and the use of substandard construction materials. This disaster occurs amidst the nation’s prolonged economic crisis, which has severely hampered public services and infrastructure investment.

    The collapse has drawn parallels to recent global structural failures, including a separate incident in Kota, India, where a building collapse resulted in fatalities. The response in Tripoli highlights the critical importance of community mobilization and emergency preparedness in urban disaster scenarios. International observers are monitoring the situation as rescue efforts continue against the clock to locate any additional victims.