Global Pulse

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  • Jack Smith to testify to Congress about Trump prosecutions

    Jack Smith to testify to Congress about Trump prosecutions

    In a politically charged appearance on Capitol Hill, former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before a congressional committee regarding his now-terminated criminal investigations into former President Donald Trump. The closed-door hearing, convened by the House Judiciary Committee, centered on allegations that Trump engaged in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandled classified documents.

    According to prepared statements, Smith intended to inform lawmakers that his investigation team had assembled proof beyond reasonable doubt demonstrating Trump’s involvement in what he characterized as a ‘criminal scheme’ to subvert democratic processes. The special counsel further planned to detail evidence suggesting Trump willfully retained classified materials and obstructed governmental efforts to recover them.

    The hearing occurs amidst heightened political tensions following Trump’s return to office. The former president has publicly demanded investigations against justice officials who previously charged him, including Smith, whom Trump has labeled a ‘criminal’ deserving imprisonment.

    House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, a prominent Trump ally, previously criticized Smith’s investigations as ‘partisan and politically motivated.’ In an October correspondence, Jordan accused the veteran prosecutor of employing ‘disturbing tactics,’ including the subpoenaing of Republican lawmakers’ phone records during the election investigation.

    Despite Smith’s offer to testify publicly through his attorney Peter Koski, the committee opted for a closed session, preventing real-time public access to his testimony. Democrats on the committee, including Representative Jamie Raskin, expressed interest in understanding the full scope of Smith’s findings and investigative methods.

    The proceedings reflect ongoing tensions within the Justice Department, which recently saw the indictment and subsequent dismissal of charges against former FBI Director James Comey based on technical appointment issues.

  • Polar bear mother adopts cub in rarely documented case

    Polar bear mother adopts cub in rarely documented case

    Scientists conducting field research in northern Canada have documented an extraordinary behavioral phenomenon among polar bears during their annual migration near Churchill, Manitoba. A five-year-old female bear was observed caring for an additional cub that was not biologically her own, marking only the 13th confirmed case of adoption in nearly fifty years of scientific observation involving 4,600 bears.

    The mother bear was initially captured and tagged emerging from her maternity den in spring with a single cub, which researchers marked for identification. When researchers resighted the bear during the fall migration along the Western Hudson Bay, they discovered she was accompanied by two cubs—the originally tagged offspring and an untagged newcomer.

    Alyssa McCall, a scientist with Polar Bears International, characterized the behavior as highly unusual, noting that the scientific community has limited understanding of why such adoptions occur given their extreme rarity. Researchers are currently attempting to identify the adoptive cub’s biological mother through genetic analysis, though her fate remains unknown.

    Evan Richardson, a polar bear specialist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, emphasized the significance of this behavior in the context of climate challenges facing the species. With polar bears facing increasing environmental pressures, adoptive caregiving potentially enhances cub survival rates—particularly important given that wild polar bears only have a 50% chance of reaching adulthood.

    The adopted cub appears healthy and will likely remain with its new family until approximately two-and-a-half years of age. The bear family is expected to proceed to sea ice habitats where the mother will teach both cubs essential survival skills, including seal hunting techniques necessary for independent living.

    Researchers view this rare display of interspecific caregiving as a potentially adaptive behavior that could benefit polar bear population resilience in changing Arctic conditions.

  • UAE announces new age cut-off for KG, Grade 1 school admissions from next academic year

    UAE announces new age cut-off for KG, Grade 1 school admissions from next academic year

    In a significant educational policy shift, the United Arab Emirates has established a new standardized age requirement for kindergarten and Grade 1 admissions effective the 2026–2027 academic year. The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council has approved December 31 of the admission year as the unified cut-off date, replacing the previous August 31 deadline.

    This transformative policy applies exclusively to new admissions, with current students remaining unaffected by the change. The regulation will govern all educational institutions commencing their academic year in August or September, while schools with April start dates will maintain March 31 as their cut-off.

    The comprehensive reform emerged from extensive analysis of national and international research examining child readiness across multiple developmental domains. Researchers evaluated cognitive abilities, socio-emotional maturity, language proficiency, and motor skills through examination of a substantial national dataset encompassing over 39,000 students. Surprisingly, the data revealed that early entrants occasionally demonstrated stronger academic performance, while those who enrolled later showed marginally lower outcomes.

    For transferring students and those arriving from international educational systems, placement will be determined by successfully completed grades and academic progression, following approved equivalency procedures. The policy accommodates various curricula including British, French, and other international systems with specific age alignments: Pre-KG at 3 years, KG1 at 4 years, KG2 at 5 years, and Grade 1 at 6 years—all calculated as of December 31.

    This strategic adjustment addresses longstanding parental concerns, particularly for children born immediately after the previous August 31 deadline who faced educational limbo—being simultaneously too young for formal schooling yet too old for preschool facilities. The reform aims to establish equitable access to early education, harmonize educational policies with international standards, and align with national development objectives while ensuring smoother transitions between diverse educational frameworks.

  • Australian police charge alleged Bondi Beach killer with terrorism, 15 murder counts

    Australian police charge alleged Bondi Beach killer with terrorism, 15 murder counts

    Australian authorities have formally charged Naveed Akram, the surviving suspect in the Bondi Beach mass shooting, with 59 criminal offenses including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. The 24-year-old remains under heavy police guard at a Sydney hospital where he recently emerged from a coma.

    The charges follow Sunday’s horrific attack during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration that left 15 dead and dozens wounded. According to New South Wales Police, Akram and his 50-year-old father Sajid Akram opened fire on the gathering in an act allegedly inspired by the Islamic State terrorist organization. Police confirmed Sajid Akram was shot dead at the scene by responding officers.

    Court documents reveal prosecutors will argue the attack was designed to “advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community.” The investigation has uncovered that the father-son perpetrators traveled to the southern Philippines, a region known for Islamist militancy, weeks before carrying out the attack.

    The timing of the formal charges coincides with the beginning of funeral services for the Jewish victims, amid growing public concern about how the attackers obtained powerful firearms despite one having been previously investigated for extremist links.

    International attention has focused on the case, with U.S. President Donald Trump characterizing the incident as a “horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack” during a White House Hanukkah event. The case has intensified discussions about rising antisemitism and violent extremism in Australia.

    Naveed Akram is scheduled to appear via video link before a local court on Monday morning, marking the next phase in Australia’s judicial response to one of the nation’s deadliest terrorist incidents.

  • Inviso Group: Powering Madagascar’s industrial and agricultural transformation

    Inviso Group: Powering Madagascar’s industrial and agricultural transformation

    ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR – Emerging from humble beginnings as an automotive parts distributor three decades ago, Inviso Group has transformed into Madagascar’s premier industrial conglomerate, driving sustainable development across multiple sectors while maintaining deep local roots. Under the strategic guidance of Co-CEO Yanish Ismael, the company has evolved into a diversified powerhouse spanning plastics manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, construction, energy, automotive distribution, digitalization, and food production.

    The group’s foundational venture, Société Malgache de Transformation des Plastiques (SMTP), played a pivotal role in developing the nation’s water infrastructure through advanced PVC and pipe manufacturing. This initial success created a springboard for diversified expansion, all built within a fully localized ecosystem that now directly employs 3,000 Malagasy workers and indirectly supports approximately 20,000 livelihoods.

    “Our operational philosophy centers on local sourcing with global thinking,” Ismael states. “We maintain an unwavering belief that everything is achievable here in Madagascar.” This conviction manifests in the group’s ambitious new meat export initiative and comprehensive modernization of agricultural value chains through cutting-edge automation and digital technologies.

    Unlike conventional profit-driven enterprises, Inviso prioritizes long-term sustainable value creation over quick returns. The company maintains rigorous equipment upgrades to meet global technological standards while investing substantially in workforce training and skills transfer programs. Quality assurance forms another critical pillar, with all products undergoing stringent in-house testing and compliance with HACCP, Halal, and ISO certifications.

    Sustainability principles permeate Inviso’s operations, evidenced by ongoing solarization projects to reduce environmental impact. The company views certification not merely as regulatory compliance but as a strategic tool for long-term resilience. “True sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass creating enduring enterprises,” Ismael explains.

    Future ambitions include strengthened partnerships with the UAE and GCC nations, particularly in agri-food exports and industrial collaboration. With an ambitious decade-long growth strategy, Inviso plans to double its workforce while expanding its footprint across the African continent. “Madagascar represents a land of immense opportunity,” Ismael concludes. “Through visionary leadership and strategic partnerships, we can transform these opportunities into lasting prosperity.”

  • Six Canadian MPs denied entry by Israel to occupied West Bank

    Six Canadian MPs denied entry by Israel to occupied West Bank

    Israeli authorities have barred a delegation of six Canadian parliamentarians and 24 accompanying individuals from entering the occupied West Bank through the Allenby border crossing from Jordan. The incident occurred on Tuesday amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

    Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed the denial of entry, stating her ministry had formally expressed Canada’s objections regarding the treatment of its citizens. The delegation was participating in an observational trip sponsored by The Canadian-Muslim Vote (TCMV), a non-profit organization.

    Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed justified the decision by citing TCMV’s alleged connections to Islamic Relief Worldwide, an NGO designated by Israel as a terrorist organization. The Israeli military coordination body Cogat stated the group arrived ‘without prior coordination’ and was denied entry ‘for security reasons.’

    Five of the barred MPs belong to the governing Liberal Party—Fares Al Soud, Iqra Khalid, Aslam Rana, Gurbux Saini, and Sameer Zuberi—while the sixth, Jenny Kwan, represents the left-leaning New Democratic Party. Kwan denounced the decision as ‘completely unacceptable’ and refuted suggestions that lawmakers presented any security risk.

    The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), whose staff members were part of the delegation, characterized the exclusion as ‘deeply troubling.’ CEO Stephen Brown accused Israel of implementing a ‘broader pattern’ of restricting access to independent observers seeking to witness conditions in occupied territories.

    Islamic Relief Canada CEO Tufail Hussain vehemently denied the terrorism allegations, calling them ‘baseless and dangerous’ assertions that endanger humanitarian workers and beneficiaries.

    This incident follows similar entry denials for British parliamentarians in 2024 and occurs against the backdrop of heightened Canada-Israel tensions since Canada’s September recognition of Palestinian statehood alongside other Western nations—a move Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously condemned as ‘disgraceful.’

  • Filmmaker Rob Reiner’s son faces murder charges, prosecutors weigh death penalty

    Filmmaker Rob Reiner’s son faces murder charges, prosecutors weigh death penalty

    Los Angeles County prosecutors are pursuing murder charges against Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner, following the brutal stabbing deaths of both his parents. The grim discovery was made Sunday afternoon at the family’s Brentwood residence, an affluent neighborhood in west Los Angeles.

    Authorities confirmed that Nick Reiner was apprehended without resistance hours after the bodies of his father, 78-year-old filmmaker Rob Reiner, and mother, 70-year-old photographer Michele Reiner, were found. The case has been transferred to the District Attorney’s Office, with formal charges of first-degree murder expected to be filed imminently.

    District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed reporters, stating the charges could potentially carry capital punishment, though prosecutors have not yet determined whether to seek the death penalty. ‘Their loss is beyond tragic,’ Hochman remarked. ‘We will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.’

    While investigators confirmed a knife was used in the killings, they have disclosed neither a potential motive nor whether the murder weapon has been recovered. Preliminary reports from various media outlets indicate Nick Reiner had been seen arguing with his parents Saturday evening at a holiday gathering hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.

    The defendant has publicly documented his extensive history with substance abuse, including periods of homelessness when refusing treatment. These experiences previously inspired the 2015 film ‘Being Charlie,’ which father and son co-wrote together. Nick Reiner remains in custody without bail pending medical clearance for his arraignment.

    Rob Reiner leaves behind an extraordinary Hollywood legacy spanning decades. He achieved early fame as Mike ‘Meathead’ Stivic on the groundbreaking television series ‘All in the Family’ before transitioning to directing iconic films including ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘When Harry Met Sally…’, and ‘A Few Good Men.’ Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reiner was recognized for his political activism and support of Democratic causes.

    Michele Reiner, his wife of 36 years, was an accomplished photographer whose work included the cover image for Donald Trump’s ‘The Art of the Deal.’ The couple married in 1989 after meeting during production of ‘When Harry Met Sally…’

  • Don’t cross flooded wadis, UAE villagers warn as they remain on alert for heavy rains

    Don’t cross flooded wadis, UAE villagers warn as they remain on alert for heavy rains

    Mountainous regions across the United Arab Emirates remain on high alert as unstable weather patterns continue to bring substantial rainfall to the Emirates this week, with villagers issuing stern warnings against crossing flooded wadis that transform into dangerous torrents within minutes.

    Residents of wadi communities in Ras Al Khaimah and Shawka areas, who have generations of experience dealing with flash floods, emphasize that while rainfall provides essential water for their agricultural operations, it simultaneously presents grave dangers to both life and property. These communities have developed sophisticated systems of vigilance and mutual support to navigate the recurring threat.

    Omar Ahmed Al Shehhi from Wadi Ghalila explained the immediate response protocol: ‘We begin cleaning ancient irrigation channels that direct wadi water into our farms immediately when rain is forecast.’ This traditional water sharing system allows farms to fill sequentially, ensuring equitable distribution of the precious resource.

    The community spirit serves as a critical defense mechanism against potential tragedies. Local residents actively communicate with visitors, warning them when they position themselves in dangerous locations or consider crossing flowing wadis. This intervention is particularly crucial as outsiders frequently underestimate the sudden and immense power of flash floods that can materialize without warning.

    During active flow conditions, a temporary lockdown effect takes hold in these communities. Residents avoid unnecessary travel to other areas until water levels subside, and those outside the region are advised to wait patiently rather than attempt dangerous crossings.

    Despite their extensive experience, the unpredictable nature of weather patterns still results in occasional losses. Al Shehhi noted that some residents have lost livestock when unexpected heavy rainfall caught them unprepared, forcing frantic efforts to move animals to higher ground.

    Musabbeh Saif from Shawka, an area where numerous wadis intersect with roads and residential zones, highlighted that while modern housing has been constructed further from main wadi channels, agricultural land remains vulnerable. ‘The wadis can affect farms in their path,’ he explained. ‘High water levels with strong flow can demolish farm walls and destroy crops.’

    The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast continued unstable weather across the UAE this week, with temperatures potentially dropping to 10°C in internal and mountain regions. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to exercise extreme caution, avoid wadis and mountainous areas during rainfall, and refrain from attempting to cross flooded valleys.

  • SmartOne.ai human judgment: Scaling expert annotation for safety-critical physical AI

    SmartOne.ai human judgment: Scaling expert annotation for safety-critical physical AI

    In an industry increasingly dominated by computational power and algorithmic complexity, SmartOne.ai is pioneering a radically different approach to artificial intelligence development. The company has identified a crucial bottleneck in the advancement of safety-critical physical AI systems: the indispensable role of expert human judgment in training data annotation.

    While most AI enterprises focus primarily on model architecture and computing resources, SmartOne.ai has established an extensive network of over 1,000 specialized annotation experts across Madagascar and Mauritius. These professionals perform sophisticated work that transcends conventional image labeling, instead providing essential contextual understanding of physics, causality, and real-world consequences that machines must comprehend to operate safely in physical environments.

    Chief Executive Officer Eric Raza emphasizes the fundamental distinction in their approach: ‘Training autonomous systems isn’t about object recognition—it’s about teaching machines physics, causality, and contextual awareness. Understanding how objects move through space, how actions produce consequences, and how environmental conditions alter outcomes requires human judgment that comprehends what the machine actually needs to learn.’

    The strategic selection of Madagascar and Mauritius as operational hubs proves integral to SmartOne.ai’s business model, offering multilingual talent pools, favorable time zone alignment with European and Asian markets, and exceptional scalability. The company demonstrates remarkable operational agility, capable of expanding teams by 50% within two weeks while maintaining 98% accuracy across safety-critical projects.

    This capability addresses a pressing need for Gulf region initiatives investing heavily in sovereign AI and smart-city developments. Physical AI systems demand enormous volumes of context-rich training data, creating competitive advantages for organizations that can deliver expert human judgment rapidly while meeting the precision requirements of safety-critical applications.

    Raza notes the ironic twist in contemporary automation: ‘Human judgment has emerged as the defensible competitive advantage. The contextual reasoning necessary for safety-critical physical AI cannot be automated—this is precisely where we’ve established our strategic depth.’

    SmartOne.ai currently pursues partnerships with technology providers, investors, and government entities developing next-generation AI ecosystems. The company positions human expertise not as a temporary gap awaiting automation, but as a permanent strategic requirement for physical AI development. Their capabilities include world foundation model training data, vision-language-action training data, 3D point cloud and LiDAR annotation, sensor fusion integration, temporal and trajectory annotation, causal reasoning, and semantic segmentation, all supported by SOC 2 Type II, ISO, and GDPR certifications.

  • Trump imposes full travel bans on seven more countries, Palestinians

    Trump imposes full travel bans on seven more countries, Palestinians

    In a significant expansion of immigration restrictions, the Trump administration has imposed comprehensive travel prohibitions on seven additional countries while extending the policy to include Palestinian Authority passport holders. The latest proclamation, issued on Tuesday, brings the total number of nations facing entry restrictions to nearly forty based solely on nationality criteria.

    The newly affected countries comprise Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Laos. This development occurs alongside the implementation of modified travel regulations for visitors from Western nations. The White House justification cites national security concerns, specifically targeting foreigners who might “intend to threaten Americans” or potentially “undermine or destabilize its culture, government, institutions or founding principles.”

    The Syrian travel prohibition follows closely after a recent incident that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. military personnel and one civilian in the conflict-ridden nation. Syrian officials identified the perpetrator as a security forces member scheduled for dismissal due to extremist Islamist affiliations.

    Concurrently, the administration has enacted partial travel limitations affecting numerous African and Caribbean nations, including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Polynesian nation of Tonga. This presents particular complications for World Cup qualifying nations whose athletes may receive special entry permissions while their supporters face exclusion.

    Immigration advocacy organizations have strongly criticized these measures. Global Refuge, a Christian-based refugee support organization, characterized the policy as employing “the language of security to justify blanket exclusions that punish entire populations” rather than implementing individualized, evidence-based screening protocols.

    The expanded restrictions align with President Trump’s increasingly assertive anti-immigration rhetoric, which has recently included derogatory characterizations of certain developing nations and Somali refugees. The administration has simultaneously virtually terminated refugee admissions, currently permitting only white Afrikaner South Africans to enter through refugee programs.

    Notably, Turkmenistan has achieved “significant progress” according to administration officials, resulting in the partial lifting of restrictions that now allow non-immigrant visa processing for its citizens.