Global Pulse

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  • ‘Dhurandhar 2’ teaser takes us into Ranveer Singh’s character’s violent past

    ‘Dhurandhar 2’ teaser takes us into Ranveer Singh’s character’s violent past

    The highly anticipated teaser trailer for ‘Dhurandhar 2’ has been released, signaling a dramatic shift toward a darker and more violent narrative arc in the blockbuster franchise. Bollywood star Ranveer Singh unveiled the teaser precisely at 12:12 AM IST on Tuesday, following strategic social media teasers that built significant audience anticipation.

    The preview offers compelling insights into the backstory of Singh’s character Hamza, exploring his formative years before his transformation into a professional spy. Director Aditya Dhar appears to be intensifying the cinematic experience with elevated action sequences and heightened visceral elements compared to the original installment.

    While the minute-long teaser primarily utilizes footage from the first film’s concluding sequence, it provides brief appearances by supporting characters portrayed by R Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt. Notably absent is Akshaye Khanna’s popular character Rehman Dakait, whose narrative conclusion in the original film precludes his return.

    The promotional launch coincides strategically with the recent streaming debut of ‘Dhurandhar’ on Netflix platforms across the UAE. Despite its absence from UAE theaters, the original film achieved extraordinary commercial success, grossing over ₹10 billion worldwide and establishing itself as the highest-grossing single-language Hindi production in Indian cinema history.

    Director Dhar has characterized the digital release as opening a ‘new chapter’ for the franchise following its extended theatrical engagement exceeding one month. The ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun continues their involvement in the sequel.

    With the original film’s runtime extending to 214 minutes, industry expectations suggest the sequel will maintain a comparable epic scale. ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is scheduled for theatrical release in Indian markets on March 19, continuing the franchise’s ambitious narrative expansion.

  • Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

    Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

    The Walt Disney Company has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Josh D’Amaro, current chairman of its immensely profitable parks and experiences division, as chief executive officer effective March 18. The 54-year-old company veteran will succeed Bob Iger, who has helmed the entertainment conglomerate for nearly two decades with a brief interruption in 2022.

    D’Amaro’s selection concludes an extensive succession planning process and signals Disney’s strategic prioritization of its most reliable revenue generator. The Disney Experiences division under D’Amaro’s leadership has demonstrated exceptional financial performance, employing 185,000 personnel and generating $36 billion in revenue last year while overseeing 12 global theme parks and 54 resorts.

    The newly appointed CEO brings nearly three decades of institutional knowledge to the role, having joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort. His tenure has included spearheading major projects including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and World of Frozen, alongside managing digital initiatives such as Disney’s partnership with Epic Games, creator of Fortnite.

    Board Chair James Gorman emphasized D’Amaro’s unique qualifications during a CNBC interview, noting he possesses not only financial acumen but also “great creative touch” – a crucial combination for leading the multifaceted media empire.

    D’Amaro assumes leadership during a complex period for media companies, with Disney facing increased political scrutiny from conservative figures including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over perceived “woke” values. The company recently garnered attention for temporarily suspending comedian Jimmy Kimmel following comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

    Concurrently, Disney announced the appointment of Dana Walden, previously co-chair of entertainment and considered D’Amaro’s primary competitor for the CEO position, to the newly created role of chief creative officer. Walden, known for her outside-of-work friendship with former Vice President Kamala Harris, will report directly to D’Amaro.

    The leadership transition occurs as Disney continues Iger’s restructuring initiatives aimed at controlling streaming and film division costs, revitalizing ESPN’s sports media dominance, and expanding parks and cruise operations. Market reaction was initially cautious, with shares dipping approximately 1% following the announcement.

  • Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections

    Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections

    In a recent podcast appearance that has stirred significant political controversy, former US President Donald Trump called for Republicans to “nationalize” American elections while reiterating his unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential race. Speaking on the show hosted by former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino, Trump advocated for Republican control over voting processes in at least fifteen unspecified jurisdictions.

    The controversial remarks arrive shortly after Federal Bureau of Investigation agents conducted a court-authorized operation at the Fulton County Election Hub in Georgia, examining records from the previous presidential election. Trump referenced this development during the interview, suggesting that “interesting things” would emerge from the investigation.

    Trump connected his proposal for federalizing election mechanisms to his immigration agenda, asserting that Republicans must deport undocumented immigrants to secure future electoral victories. “If Republicans don’t get them out, you will never win another election as a Republican,” he stated.

    Despite losing Georgia to President Joe Biden by a narrow margin in 2020, Trump maintained during the interview that he had actually won “in a landslide,” repeating baseless allegations of illegal voting. These claims persist despite two failed criminal cases in Georgia related to alleged election interference, both of which Trump denied any wrongdoing in.

    The FBI raid prompted strong reactions from local officials, with Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory characterizing it as “an assault on your vote.” Adding to the unusual nature of the event, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed her presence during the operation, stating that Trump had personally requested her attendance. In a letter to senators, Gabbard explained her involvement fell under her authority to coordinate intelligence related to election security.

    The intelligence director also acknowledged facilitating a brief phone conversation between Trump and FBI agents conducting the raid, noting that the former president merely thanked them for their work without asking questions or issuing directives—an unusual occurrence given typical separation between law enforcement operations and presidential communication.

  • Chappell Roan says revealing Grammys outfit wasn’t ‘that outrageous’

    Chappell Roan says revealing Grammys outfit wasn’t ‘that outrageous’

    Pop artist Chappell Roan has responded with amusement to the polarized reactions generated by her daring ensemble at Sunday’s Grammy Awards ceremony. The singer made a dramatic statement on the red carpet by removing a red chiffon cape to reveal an unconventional Mugler-designed dress suspended from nipple rings, leaving her upper torso largely exposed.

    The controversial outfit quickly became one of the most discussed fashion moments of the event. On her Instagram platform, Roan expressed lighthearted bemusement at the attention, commenting, ‘Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look’s actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will it’s really fun and silly.’

    Reactions among fans and observers diverged sharply. Supporters celebrated her bold style, hailing her as ‘a goddess’ and ‘an icon.’ One commentator drew parallels to Justin Bieber’s performance in underwear, noting the double standard: ‘If Justin can perform in his underwear without anyone batting an eyelid, you can rock pierced pasties diva. Misogyny.’

    Conversely, some viewers expressed discomfort with the revealing nature of the outfit. Responses to Billboard’s coverage included comments such as ‘I love her but this is too much’ and ‘I don’t know what people have against wearing clothes.’

    Fashion expert Alex Fullerton provided contextual analysis, noting that Roan’s choice honored Mugler’s design legacy: ‘What this label has done consistently since the 80s has worked a lot with transparency, bare breasts, so she’s honoring the legacy of the designer.’

    The appearance continues an emerging trend of celebrities opting for transparent and revealing outfits at major awards ceremonies. Previous instances include Charli XCX’s sheer black dress at last year’s Brit Awards and Bianca Censori’s body stocking at the previous Grammys.

    Despite receiving nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her song ‘The Subway,’ Roan did not secure awards during the ceremony. The artist, whose real name is Kayleigh Amstutz, has previously described her stage persona Chappell Roan as a ‘larger-than-life, drag queen version of myself’ that enables her to express rebellion and risqué artistry.

  • Clintons agree to testify before House committee over Epstein probe

    Clintons agree to testify before House committee over Epstein probe

    In a significant reversal, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have consented to provide testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding the ongoing investigation into deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement came Monday through spokesperson Angel Urena, who confirmed the Clintons’ willingness to appear before the Republican-controlled committee.

    The development follows escalating tensions between the Clintons and congressional investigators, who had accused the former first couple of “defying lawful subpoenas” and seeking “special treatment.” The committee had scheduled a contempt vote for Wednesday, which now appears likely to be postponed following the Clintons’ unexpected cooperation.

    According to communications reviewed by The New York Times, attorneys representing the Clintons sent correspondence to Committee Chair James Comer indicating their clients would “appear for depositions on mutually agreeable dates.” This marks a dramatic shift from their previous position, expressed in a January 13 letter, where they declared the subpoena “legally invalid” and asserted they had already provided all relevant information concerning the Epstein case.

    The backdrop to this political confrontation involves the Justice Department’s December 2025 release of documents related to Epstein, which contained multiple references to the former Democratic president. Some media analysts have suggested the document release appeared strategically timed to protect figures associated with former President Donald Trump’s Republican circle while exposing Democratic connections.

    Epstein, who maintained extensive relationships with powerful figures across American political and business spheres, died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though conspiracy theories have persisted regarding the circumstances.

    The Clintons’ decision to testify establishes a notable precedent for congressional investigations involving high-profile former officials and sets the stage for what promises to be a closely watched examination of political connections to one of America’s most notorious criminal cases.

  • Plan B Group: Running towards a healthier UAE

    Plan B Group: Running towards a healthier UAE

    In the United Arab Emirates, where national priorities emphasize wellbeing, inclusion, and enhanced quality of life, community-oriented initiatives are gaining significant traction. Plan B Group has emerged as a pioneering agency at the confluence of sports, social awareness, and public impact, transitioning from conventional event management to creating transformative platforms that foster active participation and meaningful societal progress.

    The agency’s proprietary sporting intellectual properties, notably ‘She Runs’ and ‘Cancer Run’, illustrate how strategically designed programs can cultivate a healthier, more interconnected society. These initiatives function not as isolated events but as evolving movements that align with the UAE’s overarching objectives in preventive healthcare, social unity, and the promotion of active lifestyles.

    Central to Plan B Group’s mission is the conviction that athletic activities serve as powerful catalysts for change. By organizing accessible and inclusive events, the agency promotes healthier habits while strengthening community bonds among diverse population segments. Each project is engineered for enduring impact, ensuring that present involvement leads to sustained awareness and positive long-term behavioral adaptation.

    A landmark achievement was realized in 2025 with ‘She Runs’, the group’s premier women-only running event. This initiative secured a Guinness World Record for the highest number of participants in a female-only run, establishing it as the largest event of its kind in the UAE and surrounding region. Beyond breaking records, the accomplishment underscored the increasing need for secure, empowering environments for women in sports.

    Capitalizing on this success, Plan B Group introduced ‘Cancer Run™’ in 2026, a community campaign focused on health education, early disease detection, and public solidarity. The event aims to set a new record for the most nationalities represented in a cancer awareness run, reflecting the UAE’s multicultural identity and unified spirit. It assembles participants from varied backgrounds under a common objective of promoting wellness and preventive care.

    Together, these initiatives demonstrate Plan B Group’s unique capacity to develop award-winning programs valued for their substantive outcomes rather than mere scale. They exemplify the agency’s proficiency in designing, expanding, and maintaining platforms that generate lasting community benefits.

    Dr. Harmeek Singh, Founder and Chairman of Plan B Group, articulated the vision behind these efforts: “Our fundamental aim has always been to develop platforms with a higher purpose. ‘She Runs’ and ‘Cancer Run’ are not merely events—they are communal movements encouraging healthier lifestyles, inclusivity, and proactive awareness. When individuals run for a cause, they engage in something greater than themselves, initiating genuine transformative impact.”

    As the UAE continues to advance its well-being agenda, Plan B Group provides an influential blueprint for how organizations can contribute to national development through purpose-led initiatives. By building sustained, value-driven platforms, the group is actively shaping a culture marked by active living, shared responsibility, and collective advancement.

  • Bill, Hillary Clinton to testify in US House Epstein probe

    Bill, Hillary Clinton to testify in US House Epstein probe

    Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have consented to provide testimony before a congressional investigation examining the handling of Jeffrey Epstein cases, effectively avoiding potential contempt proceedings. The announcement came through Clinton spokesman Angel Urena via social media platform X, stating the former first couple would participate while emphasizing their desire to “set a precedent that applies to everyone.”

    The House Rules Committee had previously advanced resolutions accusing the Clintons of defying subpoenas requiring their in-person appearance to discuss connections with Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in custody in 2019. The investigation focuses on how authorities managed earlier probes into Epstein’s activities and his extensive network among global business and political elites.

    This development occurs amid intense partisan tensions, with Democrats characterizing the probe as a weaponized effort targeting political opponents of former President Donald Trump—who himself maintained longstanding associations with Epstein but has not been summoned to testify. Republicans justify the scrutiny based on Bill Clinton’s documented use of Epstein’s private aircraft during the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation-related humanitarian missions.

    Both Clintons had initially challenged the subpoenas’ validity, arguing they lacked clear legislative purpose, and instead submitted sworn written statements detailing their knowledge of Epstein and his convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. In these statements, Bill Clinton acknowledged flights on Epstein’s plane while denying visits to his private island, with Hillary Clinton asserting no meaningful interactions with Epstein whatsoever.

    Following the Clintons’ agreement to testify, the Rules Committee suspended its scheduled vote on contempt proceedings, which had threatened to expose divisions within Democratic ranks regarding accountability versus partisan manipulation of the Epstein scandal.

  • UAE weather: Red alert issued as fog reduces visibility; Dubai temp to dip to 15ºC

    UAE weather: Red alert issued as fog reduces visibility; Dubai temp to dip to 15ºC

    The United Arab Emirates experienced significant weather disruptions on Tuesday, February 3rd, as dense fog enveloped multiple regions, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to issue critical safety alerts. Meteorological authorities activated both red and yellow alerts across various parts of the country, warning residents of severely reduced visibility conditions during early morning hours.

    According to the NCM’s comprehensive weather briefing, Tuesday’s conditions featured fair to partly cloudy skies overall, with low cloud formations particularly affecting eastern areas. Temperature readings dipped notably across urban centers, with Dubai recording minimum temperatures of 15°C while Abu Dhabi experienced slightly warmer lows of 16°C.

    The weather system brought light to moderate winds blowing from southeasterly to northeasterly directions across the Emirates, maintaining gentle speeds between 10-20 km/h with occasional gusts potentially reaching 30 km/h. Maritime conditions remained calm with slight seas reported in both the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea.

    Meteorologists projected increasing humidity levels overnight into Wednesday morning, particularly across western interior regions, with probable mist formation expected. Authorities reiterated safety precautions for motorists and those undertaking early morning travel, emphasizing extreme caution during reduced visibility periods.

    The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric conditions closely, providing real-time updates through official channels to ensure public safety during this period of unusual weather activity.

  • Trump seeks $1bn in damages from Harvard

    Trump seeks $1bn in damages from Harvard

    Former President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his ongoing confrontation with Harvard University, announcing a demand for $1 billion in damages through a post on his Truth Social platform. This move represents a significant intensification of a protracted dispute between the Trump administration and the prestigious Ivy League institution.

    The demand follows failed negotiations between the White House and university officials, which initially centered on a $200 million settlement payment according to New York Times reporting. Trump specifically referenced this coverage in his social media statement, accusing Harvard of disseminating misleading information to the publication.

    At the core of this conflict lies the administration’s allegation that Harvard inadequately addressed antisemitic incidents during pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. The university has consistently denied these accusations, maintaining its commitment to addressing all forms of discrimination.

    Harvard has emerged as a primary focus in the Trump administration’s broader initiative to counter what it characterizes as ‘woke’ and ‘radical left’ ideologies within American higher education. This campaign previously manifested in April 2023 when Trump revoked approximately $2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard and imposed a freeze on additional funding.

    The university responded with legal action, successfully challenging the funding cuts in federal court. The judicial ruling determined that the government had infringed upon Harvard’s free speech protections, forcing the restoration of financial support. Despite this legal setback, the administration vowed to continue contesting what it termed an ‘egregious decision’ while maintaining Harvard’s ineligibility for future grants.

    Notably, three other Ivy League institutions—Columbia, Penn, and Brown—elected to negotiate settlements with the administration rather than pursue litigation. These agreements preserved their federal funding despite facing similar allegations regarding campus ideologies and administration.

    Trump’s latest statement includes allegations of ‘serious and heinous illegalities’ by Harvard, though it provides no specific details regarding purported legal violations. The former president has previously threatened additional punitive measures, including revocation of the university’s tax-exempt status and seizure of patents derived from federally-funded research.

  • Trump slashes tariffs on India after Modi agrees to stop buying Russian oil

    Trump slashes tariffs on India after Modi agrees to stop buying Russian oil

    In a significant diplomatic development, former US President Donald Trump has announced a comprehensive trade agreement with India that substantially reduces tariffs on Indian goods. The breakthrough comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to halting purchases of Russian petroleum products.

    The agreement reverses previously imposed tariffs that had created substantial trade friction between the two nations. President Trump had initially levied a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, subsequently adding another 25 percent penalty due to India’s continued acquisition of Russian oil, creating a combined tariff burden of 50 percent.

    Under the new arrangement, the additional 25 percent surcharge has been completely eliminated, while the base tariff has been reduced from 25 to 18 percent. The arrangement represents a strategic realignment of India’s energy procurement policies, with commitments to source petroleum from the United States and Venezuela instead of Russia.

    Prime Minister Modi expressed enthusiasm about the agreement through a social media post, characterizing Trump’s leadership as “vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity.” The Indian leader further indicated his intention to collaborate closely with Trump to elevate bilateral relations to “unprecedented heights.

    Additional components of the agreement include India’s commitment to gradually eliminate import taxes on American goods and purchase approximately $500 billion worth of US products, signaling a substantial expansion of trade relations between the two democratic nations.