Global Pulse

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  • Indigo flight cancellations: Minimal impact on UAE travellers, experts say

    Indigo flight cancellations: Minimal impact on UAE travellers, experts say

    Aviation experts confirm that UAE-based travelers are experiencing minimal disruption despite IndiGo’s massive domestic flight cancellations across India. The budget carrier’s international operations from the Emirates remain unaffected, providing stability for passengers traveling between the UAE and Indian destinations.

    Travel industry leaders have received direct assurances from IndiGo management regarding international route continuity. Mohammed Safeer, General Manager of Smart Travels, reported: ‘Our morning consultation with IndiGo confirmed all international flights will operate as scheduled. No UAE-originating routes have been impacted thus far.’

    Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, corroborated this assessment, noting: ‘Our passenger tracking shows international flights maintaining punctuality, with only one exception—a Dubai-Calicut delay caused by pilot illness on Wednesday.’

    The cancellations primarily stem from India’s aviation regulatory changes implemented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. New Flight Duty Time Limitations now mandate 48-hour weekly rest periods for pilots and restrict night landings to two per week, down from six previously. These measures address growing pilot fatigue concerns within the industry.

    IndiGo attributed the operational challenges to a combination of factors including technological issues, adverse weather conditions, and increased air traffic congestion. The airline has committed to schedule recalibration within 48 hours to stabilize operations.

    While international travelers remain secure, the domestic situation has prompted strategic reconsideration among some UAE passengers. Annu Joseph, planning a multi-city wedding trip to Kerala, stated: ‘With limited time off, I’m evaluating direct flights versus train connections from Bangalore. The uncertainty demands contingency planning.’

    Travel agencies are advising clients to opt for direct international routes rather than risk domestic connections during the stabilization period. Despite current challenges, industry confidence remains high regarding IndiGo’s crisis management capabilities. Praveen Chowdhury of Saffron Travels and Tourism noted: ‘Their handling demonstrates superior operational responsiveness compared to peers. We anticipate resolution before week’s end.’

    The airline’s historical effectiveness during previous operational challenges, including pilot migration events, suggests this disruption will be temporary despite its unfortunate timing during peak travel season.

  • Boat strike briefings help Hegseth – but shipwreck video release may hurt

    Boat strike briefings help Hegseth – but shipwreck video release may hurt

    A Washington Post investigation into a September U.S. military strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Caribbean has triggered a fierce congressional debate, exposing deep partisan fractures over the legality and morality of the Trump administration’s anti-narcotics campaign. The report, which questioned the circumstances of the operation, initially sparked rare bipartisan concern and placed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s position under scrutiny.

    Lawmakers received classified briefings from General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Frank Bradley, who commanded the operation. While congressional reviews found no evidence to support the Post’s claim that Hegseth issued an explicit ‘kill them all’ order, consensus ended there. Democratic representatives emerged from viewing operation footage describing the content as ‘deeply troubling,’ particularly the second strike that killed two survivors clinging to wreckage. Republicans uniformly defended the action as ‘entirely lawful and needful’ in combating drug trafficking.

    The fundamental disagreement centers on the administration’s designation of narcotics traffickers as terrorist organizations and its authorization of lethal force against civilian targets without external legal oversight. Since the initial September incident, the U.S. has conducted 21 similar strikes resulting in over 80 fatalities.

    Secretary Hegseth’s position appears stabilized following an inspector general report that largely cleared him of wrongdoing in the separate ‘Signalgate’ controversy involving discussions of classified information on unsecured platforms. The report concluded that while he created security risks, he did not transmit classified material as he claims to have declassified it beforehand.

    With former President Trump supporting the release of operation footage, public opinion may shift as visual evidence becomes available. For now, the American public must reconcile conflicting narratives from partisan lawmakers and investigative journalism regarding this controversial chapter of military engagement.

  • Alert sent for Nevada earthquake that did not happen

    Alert sent for Nevada earthquake that did not happen

    The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued and subsequently retracted a false earthquake alert for northern Nevada on Thursday, marking what appears to be the first complete false notification from its automated detection system. The erroneous alert was disseminated through the ShakeAlert early warning application.

    At 08:06 local time, the automated system generated a report indicating a magnitude 5.9 earthquake near Carson City, Nevada’s state capital. The alert reached recipients nearly 200 miles away in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, triggering automatic safety instructions advising residents to take protective cover.

    The agency canceled the alert within minutes and removed all corresponding entries from its official platforms. Through a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the USGS clarified: ‘There was no M5.9 earthquake near Carson City, NV.’

    Multiple law enforcement agencies across cities and counties near the reported epicenter confirmed the complete absence of seismic activity. According to the Michigan Tech Earthquake Magnitude Scale, an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 typically produces noticeable shaking and could cause minor property damage.

    The USGS has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the system malfunction that generated the false report. This incident represents a significant anomaly in the earthquake early warning infrastructure designed to protect millions along seismic zones.

  • Was Harry referencing Trump in joke for Late Show sketch?

    Was Harry referencing Trump in joke for Late Show sketch?

    In a lighthearted yet pointed television appearance, Prince Harry joined Stephen Colbert on ‘The Late Show’ for a comedic sketch that blended holiday cheer with subtle political commentary. The Duke of Sussex participated in a faux audition for a Hallmark Channel-style Christmas movie, playing himself as the ‘Gingerbread Christmas Prince’ who saves the holiday in Nebraska.

    The segment took a political turn when Colbert questioned why a real prince would seek such a role. Harry remarked on Americans’ fascination with both royalty and Christmas films, adding, ‘I hear you elected a king’ – an apparent reference to recent ‘No Kings’ protests directed at the Trump administration. The joke referenced widespread demonstrations against Trump’s policies that had mobilized large crowds across major U.S. cities including New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles.

    Harry further quipped about his determination to secure the acting role, stating he would ‘settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House’ – a clear nod to CBS’s recent legal settlement with former President Trump. Colbert retorted, ‘Hey, I didn’t do any of those things,’ prompting Harry’s comeback: ‘Maybe that’s why you’re cancelled,’ referencing the surprise announcement earlier this year that ‘The Late Show’ will conclude its 33-year run in May 2026.

    The festive segment concluded with Colbert awarding Harry the title of ‘official Late Show prince of Christmas’ to audience applause. The appearance marked Harry’s second time on the program, following his January 2023 visit to promote his memoir ‘Spare,’ which had set viewership records for the show.

    The Duchess of Sussex promoted her husband’s appearance via her Instagram account. The California-based royal couple has maintained a visible media presence since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020 to pursue financial independence and creative projects.

  • Boosted by Dubai chocolate craze, Argentina bets on pistachios

    Boosted by Dubai chocolate craze, Argentina bets on pistachios

    Argentina’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation as pistachio cultivation experiences unprecedented growth, fueled by global demand sparked by Dubai’s viral pistachio chocolate phenomenon. The country’s pistachio acreage has expanded fivefold within just five years, reaching approximately 25,000 acres according to the National Network to Study Pistachio Trees in Argentina.

    San Juan province, nestled against the Andes mountain range, has emerged as the epicenter of this agricultural revolution. Scientists have identified an astonishing 65,000 square kilometers across multiple provinces with ideal climatic conditions for pistachio production—requiring arid, hot summers and chilly winters with a seven-year maturation period.

    While the United States, Iran, and Turkey remain dominant global producers, Argentina has positioned itself as South America’s sole significant grower with substantial export potential. Alberto Aguilera of SolFrut, managing nearly 3,000 acres in San Juan, emphasizes Argentina’s competitive advantages: “You have land, water, and the climate conditions.”

    The Dubai chocolate trend, which went viral on TikTok in 2023, has created ripple effects throughout Argentina’s food industry. Companies now produce pistachio dulce de leche, pastries, and even the national oil company YPF markets pistachio alfajores. This domestic demand surge complements export opportunities, with current shipments primarily reaching Italy, Russia, Australia, and Latin American nations.

    Pioneers like Iranian immigrant Marcelo Ighani, who faced skepticism when planting Argentina’s first pistachio crop in the 1980s, now see unprecedented demand. His company Pisté has more than doubled annual rootstock production to 400,000 plants by 2025, yet still cannot meet market requirements.

    The economic implications are substantial. In San Juan province, pistachio trees represent the third-largest agricultural product by acreage after vineyards and olive groves. Miguel Moreno, the province’s agriculture secretary, predicts “a very strong impact on the economy of San Juan,” noting that sustained demand has surprised everyone and incentivized long-term investments.

    However, producers remain cautiously optimistic. José Chediack of Grupo Phronesis, while acknowledging pistachio’s “very good moment,” emphasizes the need for improved macroeconomic conditions under President Javier Milei to ensure sustained growth through lower interest rates and extended loan terms.

    The pistachio boom represents a strategic shift in Argentine agriculture, with many wine producers converting vineyards to nuts in response to declining global wine consumption and increasing consumer preference for healthier options—a trend that third-generation wine producer Ramiro Martins describes as moving “toward more healthy trends.”

  • Weekly quiz: Where did shopkeepers find a drunk raccoon?

    Weekly quiz: Where did shopkeepers find a drunk raccoon?

    Amid a week of significant international developments, diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict reached another impasse as negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough. The ongoing war continues to dominate global security discussions while creating ripple effects across international markets and alliances.

    In parallel political developments, the United Kingdom witnessed a notable resignation as the head of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) stepped down following a significant publishing error. This departure raises questions about accountability mechanisms within Britain’s fiscal oversight institutions during economically volatile times.

    Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace hosted elaborate diplomatic ceremonies as King Charles III welcomed the German president with a meticulously orchestrated state banquet. The event symbolized ongoing European cooperation efforts despite broader continental tensions, serving as a reminder of traditional diplomatic channels maintaining relationships beneath surface-level political challenges.

    These events occurred alongside numerous other global developments that typically receive less public attention despite their potential long-term significance. From environmental policy shifts to technological advancements and lesser-reported international agreements, the broader landscape of global affairs continues evolving rapidly beneath headline-grabbing events.

    Current affairs quizzes and knowledge assessments have emerged as popular tools for measuring public awareness of these multifaceted developments, highlighting the growing complexity of maintaining informed citizenship in an era of information saturation.

  • Pakistani expat celebrating UAE National Day since its first anniversary

    Pakistani expat celebrating UAE National Day since its first anniversary

    As the United Arab Emirates marks its 54th National Day, the remarkable journey of Saeedullah Mian Muhammad Saeed stands as a testament to the nation’s transformative growth. Arriving from Pakistan on December 2, 1972—exactly one year after the UAE’s formation—the 24-year-old accountant brought with him dreams and determination that would become woven into the very fabric of the emerging nation.

    Saeedullah’s professional odyssey began at International Trading Limited before he joined Dubai Electricity Company (DEC) as an accounts clerk in November 1973. His career trajectory mirrored Dubai’s spectacular development: he witnessed and contributed to the historic 1992 merger of DEC and Dubai Water Department that created the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Through decades of dedicated service, Saeedullah played pivotal roles in financial coordination with the Kanoo Group and spearheaded DEWA’s critical transition to SAP systems that revolutionized billing operations.

    Beyond his professional contributions, Saeedullah built a rich family life in the UAE. His 1975 marriage to Shahnaz blossomed into a family of seven children, all born in UAE hospitals benefiting from Sheikh Rashid’s free medical services. The family resided across Dubai’s evolving neighborhoods—from Deira and Karama to Al Qusais and Sheikh Zayed Road’s Blue Tower—their household eventually expanding to include sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and grandchildren living together in a vibrant multigenerational home.

    The COVID-19 pandemic brought changes as four children relocated abroad, but Saeedullah’s connection to the UAE remained unshaken. After 47 years of service, he retired in April 2021 as Senior Manager of DEWA’s Billing Department, receiving the ultimate recognition: the UAE Golden Visa honoring his lifetime contribution to the nation’s development.

    Now residing in Jumeirah with his wife, Saeedullah reflects on five decades that transformed sandy roads into a global metropolis. His story embodies the UAE’s spirit of opportunity, stability, and community—a foreign national who found not just employment but a true homeland, participating in one of the modern era’s most extraordinary national transformations.

  • Alonso hails magical Mbappe as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao

    Alonso hails magical Mbappe as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao

    Real Madrid emphatically ended their three-match winless streak in La Liga with a resounding 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, propelled by a breathtaking performance from French superstar Kylian Mbappé. The Spanish giants delivered what manager Xabi Alonso described as their “most complete performance” of the season at San Mamés Stadium, a notoriously challenging venue for visiting teams.

    Mbappé opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a spectacular finish, expertly controlling Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precision long pass before clinically beating goalkeeper Unai Simón. The French international later sealed the victory with a powerful long-range strike that found the net at the near post, marking his 25th goal across all competitions this season.

    The match featured exceptional coordination between Madrid’s attacking talents, with Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior demonstrating particularly effective partnership. The Brazilian winger twice came close to scoring, first hitting the post from an acute angle and later being denied by an outstanding one-on-one save from Simón.

    Madrid’s second goal emerged from a beautifully constructed team move just before halftime, with Mbappé heading Alexander-Arnold’s cross back across goal for Eduardo Camavinga to nod home from close range.

    The victory maintains Real Madrid’s position in second place with 36 points from 15 matches, trailing leaders Barcelona by a single point in the tightly contested title race.

    Despite the comprehensive performance, concerns emerged regarding potential injuries to both Alexander-Arnold and Camavinga, who were substituted in the second half with apparent muscular problems. Manager Alonso acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead, emphasizing the need to maintain focus for Sunday’s encounter against Celta Vigo.

    The match also featured a positive moment between Alonso and Vinícius, with the Brazilian embracing his manager when substituted, suggesting resolution to recent reported tensions between the pair.

  • Look: Syrian-French artist debuts his first solo exhibition in UAE

    Look: Syrian-French artist debuts his first solo exhibition in UAE

    Dubai’s Jameel Arts Centre is currently hosting Syrian-French artist Bady Dalloul’s first institutional solo exhibition in the UAE, titled “Self-portrait with a cat I don’t have.” This immersive installation, running through February 22, 2026, represents a significant milestone for the artist whose work navigates the complex intersections of migration, identity, and the blending of factual and fictional narratives.

    The exhibition transforms the gallery space into a recreation of Dalloul’s Dubai apartment, creating an intimate environment where viewers encounter meticulously crafted miniature dioramas, intricate drawings, repurposed everyday objects, and vintage game cases. Each piece serves as a meditation on displacement, cultural inheritance, and belonging, reflecting Dalloul’s personal experiences as someone born in Paris to Syrian parents, educated in Tokyo, and now based in Dubai.

    Central to the exhibition is Dalloul’s exploration of how personal memory intersects with collective history. “I grew up listening to the people around me,” Dalloul explains. “Their stories were shaped by subjectivity—by emotion, memory, silence. That subjectivity is where their power lies.”

    Notable works include the “Age of Empires” series—50 drawings inspired by 19th-century Japanese cosmology that examine how physical traits were historically linked to destiny and imperial rise and fall. Through these works, Dalloul challenges Western historiography’s linearity, instead creating a kaleidoscopic journey across continents and timelines.

    The exhibition’s title, derived from a surrealist painting by Egyptian artist Abdel Hadi Al Gazzar, reflects Dalloul’s experience of creating his first self-portrait while alone in Tokyo. “The cat didn’t exist, but the feeling did,” he recalls. “That imagined presence gave me comfort.”

    Despite some criticism that his approach romanticizes trauma, Dalloul maintains that fiction allows for humor, tenderness, and dialogue where documentation might only emphasize harshness. The artist’s modestly scaled works—necessitated by his apartment-studio lifestyle—become poetic strategies for storytelling, with matchboxes transforming into miniature galleries and bento boxes becoming narrative vessels.

    Visitor responses have been profoundly personal, with many reporting emotional connections to the unspoken experiences depicted. Dalloul views Dubai’s cultural landscape as particularly receptive to his work, noting that “everyone, no matter where they’re from, can flourish here.” The exhibition will travel to Lisbon following its Dubai presentation, continuing its evolution as part of Dalloul’s ongoing “Land of Dreams” series.

  • Watch: Quebec debates stricter rules on religion in public spaces

    Watch: Quebec debates stricter rules on religion in public spaces

    A contentious legislative proposal in Quebec has sparked vigorous debate across the Canadian province, focusing on the proper place of religious expression within public institutions. The proposed bill, currently under consideration by provincial lawmakers, seeks to expand existing secularism laws by imposing stricter limitations on religious symbols and practices in government-funded spaces.

    The BBC’s recent documentary from Montreal captured diverse perspectives from Quebec residents amidst freezing temperatures, revealing deep divisions within society. Proponents argue the legislation reinforces state secularism and promotes cultural cohesion, while opponents contend it disproportionately targets religious minorities and infringes upon personal freedoms.

    This legislative initiative builds upon Quebec’s historical journey with secularism, notably through Bill 21 passed in 2019, which already restricted some public servants from wearing religious symbols at work. The new proposal would potentially extend these restrictions to additional public venues and situations, raising complex questions about the balance between state neutrality and individual rights.

    Legal experts anticipate constitutional challenges should the bill pass, as it would likely face scrutiny under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The debate reflects broader tensions between Quebec’s distinct cultural identity within the Canadian federation and evolving multicultural realities across the province.