Global Pulse

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  • Indian filmmaker Atlee, wife Priya are expecting their second child

    Indian filmmaker Atlee, wife Priya are expecting their second child

    Renowned Indian filmmaker Atlee Kumar and his spouse Priya have joyfully announced they are expecting their second child, marking a significant expansion of their family. The acclaimed director, celebrated for blockbuster films including ‘Theri,’ ‘Bigil,’ and the record-shattering ‘Jawan,’ shared this heartfelt news through an official Instagram post on January 20, 2026.

    The couple, who entered matrimony in November 2014, expressed their excitement with the caption: ‘Our home is about to get even cozier with the addition of our newest member!’ The announcement was accompanied by a series of professionally captured maternity photographs, showcasing the couple’s joyful anticipation.

    This new arrival will join their firstborn son, Meer, who was born in 2023. The pregnancy revelation prompted an immediate outpouring of congratulations from fans and industry colleagues alike. Notable among the well-wishers was actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who commented enthusiastically on the social media post.

    Atlee’s distinguished career trajectory includes his directorial debut with the 2013 Tamil film ‘Raja Rani,’ followed by multiple successful collaborations with superstar Vijay. His groundbreaking Bollywood debut with ‘Jawan,’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, achieved historic box office success, cementing his status as one of India’s most influential cinematic talents.

  • Sheikh Mohammed announces UAE tops global government trust index

    Sheikh Mohammed announces UAE tops global government trust index

    In a significant development for global governance metrics, the United Arab Emirates has achieved the premier position in the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, marking a notable ascent of three positions from the previous year. The announcement was formally made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who emphasized that institutional trust represents a cumulative achievement built through consistent performance rather than momentary accomplishment.

    The comprehensive trust assessment, conducted annually by the New York-based Edelman organization, places India in the second position globally, followed by other nations in the closely watched ranking of public confidence in governmental institutions. Sheikh Mohammed articulated that the foundation of this trust rests upon three critical pillars: consistent promise fulfillment, integrity within legal frameworks, and genuine respect for citizenry.

    Beyond governmental trust, the UAE demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple metrics within the comprehensive study. The nation leads globally in public confidence that future generations will experience improved quality of life, reflecting optimistic national sentiment. Additionally, the Emirates tops international rankings for trust in employers’ ethical conduct and corporate decision-making processes.

    Media trustworthiness represents another area of notable achievement for the UAE, with the country ranking among the top five nations globally and registering a substantial 15-point increase in public confidence. The broader global context reveals education and technology sectors maintain the highest trust levels across industries, with social media platforms showing improved trust metrics despite previous challenges.

    The Trust Barometer results emerge during the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, where governance and institutional trust feature prominently in global leadership discussions. The UAE’s achievement signals a broader shift in global trust patterns, with emerging economies demonstrating strong performance in public confidence metrics.

  • Türkiye’s gateway to global agriculture opens doors to MENA and international partnerships

    Türkiye’s gateway to global agriculture opens doors to MENA and international partnerships

    Konya is poised to become the epicenter of agricultural technological advancement as Türkiye prepares to host its premier agricultural exposition in April 2026. The 22nd International Konya Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanization and Field Technologies Fair will convene at the Tüyap Konya International Fair Center from April 7-11, establishing itself as the nation’s most significant gathering for agricultural innovation and cross-border collaboration.

    Organized through a strategic partnership between Tüyap Exhibitions Group and the Turkish Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (TARMAKBİR), the event builds upon its remarkable 2025 achievement of attracting 251,000 visitors from 80 nations alongside 432 exhibitors representing 20 countries. This demonstrates the fair’s growing international significance within global agricultural circles.

    The 2026 edition occupies an expansive 96,000 square meter exhibition space, featuring cutting-edge agricultural technologies ranging from precision farming systems and smart irrigation solutions to advanced harvesting equipment and sustainable farming applications. The comprehensive showcase highlights Türkiye’s sophisticated industrial capabilities while addressing the pressing agricultural modernization needs of MENA nations.

    Water-stressed Middle Eastern and North African countries facing population growth and food security challenges represent a particularly crucial market segment. The event specifically targets agricultural professionals, investors, and public sector representatives from 17 MENA countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Morocco through structured B2B matchmaking sessions and technology demonstrations.

    Supported by Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Turkish Chamber of Agriculture, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and Konya Chamber of Commerce, the fair creates an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and international partnership development. Visitors can explore the complete spectrum of agricultural mechanization from established equipment to revolutionary smart farming technologies during the five-day event.

    The strategic timing and location in Konya—Türkiye’s agricultural heartland—positions this event as a critical nexus for global agricultural stakeholders seeking to leverage technological innovation for enhanced food system resilience and sustainable farming practices across regions.

  • UAE-based Filipinos can now verify employment contracts online via VFS Global

    UAE-based Filipinos can now verify employment contracts online via VFS Global

    Filipino expatriates across the UAE are set to experience a significant digital transformation in employment contract validation processes. A newly formed collaboration between VFS Global and DBP Data Centre Inc. (DCI) will introduce online contract verification services starting late January 2026, specifically designed for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

    The innovative digital platform enables OFWs to complete appointment scheduling and payment procedures electronically before physically visiting VFS Global’s Contract Verification Centres for document submission. Following verification by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), applicants will receive email notifications regarding document readiness for collection. The system additionally offers premium optional services including courier return delivery and real-time SMS status updates for supplementary fees.

    Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer at VFS Global, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative: “This partnership demonstrates our dedication to supporting OFWs through secure, transparent and efficient service delivery. Our integrated approach combining technological solutions with in-person verification ensures enhanced accuracy and convenience for users.”

    Contract authentication represents a crucial procedural step for Filipino overseas workers, serving as governmental protection against substandard employment terms and conditions. This verification process constitutes a mandatory requirement for obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), an essential document permitting international employment departure from the Philippines.

    The newly established centers will provide multiple operational advantages including complimentary service fees during the initial 30-day implementation phase, extended operating hours spanning seven days weekly, 24/7 helpline support, real-time application tracking, and secure digital payment infrastructure for MWO verification charges.

    VFS Global maintains an established operational history with Philippine governmental authorities, having managed Passport Renewal Services across 13 international locations since 2019 and Philippine Visa processing for Chinese nationals across six Chinese cities since 2025.

  • Jellyfish-inspired outfit steals show in Osaka win

    Jellyfish-inspired outfit steals show in Osaka win

    Naomi Osaka captivated the Australian Open on day three with a spectacular fashion statement and a resilient competitive performance. The four-time Grand Slam champion unveiled a custom-designed, jellyfish-inspired ensemble that immediately became the tournament’s talking point.

    The 28-year-old Japanese star dedicated her ocean blue tie-dye tracksuit jacket and white wide-leg bottoms—both adorned with intricate ruffles—to her two-year-old daughter Shai. “Nike let me design this one,” Osaka revealed. “I’m so grateful I get to be able to do the things that I love. It’s really beautiful.”

    London-based stylist Robert Wun, known for dressing global music icons including Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, brought Osaka’s vision to life. The outfit featured symbolic white butterflies on her wide-brimmed hat and umbrella—a poignant reference to the insect that landed on her nose during her triumphant 2021 Australian Open campaign.

    Beyond the fashion spectacle, Osaka demonstrated her competitive mettle against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic, ranked 65th worldwide. In a hard-fought battle celebrating Ruzic’s 23rd birthday, Osaka prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 after recovering from a 3-4 deficit in the deciding set.

    Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller described the moment as “the most spectacular and breathtaking entrance to a Grand Slam first round that I have ever seen.” Former world number six Chanda Rubin noted: “You feel like even if she had lost she would’ve owned it [the outfit]. But it felt like the statement wouldn’t have been complete had she not won.”

    The victory sets up a second-round encounter with unseeded Romanian Sorana Cirstea, who advanced with a three-set victory over Germany’s Eva Lys. Osaka’s performance continues her remarkable comeback trajectory since returning to professional tennis.

  • UN chief warns of global chaos as US prioritizes power over intl law

    UN chief warns of global chaos as US prioritizes power over intl law

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has delivered a stark warning about the deteriorating global order, directly criticizing United States foreign policy for systematically eroding international legal frameworks. Speaking at the UNA-UK conference in London—the historic venue of the inaugural UN General Assembly—Guterres articulated profound concerns about Washington’s shifting approach to global governance.

    In his address marking the UN’s 80th anniversary, the Secretary-General highlighted a dangerous trend where powerful nations increasingly disregard multilateral institutions in favor of unilateral actions. Guterres specifically referenced recent geopolitical developments, including the controversial US seizure of the Venezuelan president and former President Donald Trump’s persistent assertions regarding Greenland’s annexation, as emblematic of this troubling shift.

    The 76-year-old diplomat, who concludes his term in late 2026, presented a sobering assessment during his BBC interview: “There are those that believe the power of law should be replaced by the law of power.” He acknowledged the UN’s current limitations in compelling major powers to adhere to the organization’s founding charter, particularly the principle of sovereign equality among member states.

    This tension represents a historic nadir in UN-US relations, exacerbated by the previous administration’s frequent questioning of the organization’s relevance. The current global landscape, Guterres argued, demands updated mechanisms for international cooperation, noting that “1945 problem-solving” proves inadequate for addressing 2026’s complex challenges.

    Despite recognizing “brazen violations” of international law, the Secretary-General maintained his call for collective resistance against unilateralism, asserting that confrontation with powerful nations remains essential for creating a better world order. His remarks underscore a pivotal moment in international relations where the very foundations of postwar diplomacy face unprecedented strain.

  • Netflix updates Warner Bros bid to all-cash offer

    Netflix updates Warner Bros bid to all-cash offer

    In a significant escalation of the high-stakes battle for Warner Bros Discovery’s entertainment assets, Netflix has revised its acquisition proposal to an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $72 billion. This strategic move eliminates the previously proposed stock component, intensifying the streaming giant’s competition against Paramount Skydance for control of the prestigious Hollywood studio.

    The revised terms maintain the original $27.75 per share valuation for Warner Bros’ streaming and film divisions, which encompass the massively valuable HBO Max platform and legendary content libraries including the Harry Potter franchise and Game of Thrones universe. The total enterprise value, incorporating debt assumptions, reaches approximately $82 billion.

    Concurrently, Warner Bros shareholders would receive equity in the company’s remaining assets—including news network CNN—which are scheduled to become an independent publicly traded entity through a spinoff process.

    The amended agreement emerged as Paramount Skydance, backed by technology billionaire Larry Ellison and his family, continues its aggressive pursuit with a competing $108 billion overall valuation ($30 per share) offer. Paramount has maintained that Warner Bros’ non-entertainment assets are significantly overvalued, recently initiating legal action to force disclosure of financial details regarding Netflix’s proposal.

    Warner Bros leadership has consistently expressed preference for Netflix’s offer, citing greater certainty regarding financing and transaction execution. Samuel Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros Discovery Board of Directors, stated: “Our amended agreement with Netflix demonstrates the board’s unwavering commitment to advancing stockholder interests. Transitioning to an all-cash offer delivers the tremendous value of our combination with Netflix with enhanced certainty.”

    Netflix executives positioned the acquisition as industry-positive, with co-CEO Ted Sarandos emphasizing: “This combination will provide broader choice and greater value to global audiences while expanding U.S. production capacity and driving substantial investment in original programming. This transaction represents growth and job creation for our industry’s future.”

    Despite criticism from some industry observers concerned about excessive market consolidation, the proposed merger continues advancing toward shareholder consideration, potentially reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

  • US: Immigration officers broke into Minnesota home, dragged barely clothed man into snow

    US: Immigration officers broke into Minnesota home, dragged barely clothed man into snow

    A controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota has drawn sharp criticism after federal officers forcibly entered a residential property and detained a naturalized U.S. citizen under extreme circumstances. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel breaking down the door of ChongLy ‘Scott’ Thao’s home with drawn weapons, handcuffing the minimally clad 56-year-old, and escorting him into subzero temperatures.

    Thao, a Hmong immigrant from Laos who obtained U.S. citizenship in 1991, described the experience as profoundly traumatic. ‘I was praying. I was like, God, please help me; I didn’t do anything wrong,’ he recounted to reporters from his residence, where neighbors were subsequently repairing the damaged entrance. Despite freezing conditions of 14°F (-10°C), officers reportedly denied Thao the opportunity to dress appropriately, forcing him to cover himself with his grandson’s blanket during the detention.

    The Department of Homeland Security justified the operation as targeting two convicted sex offenders with deportation orders who were believed to be at the address. Agency spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated that Thao was detained because he ‘matched the description of the targets’ and refused standard identification procedures, necessitating temporary custody ‘for the safety of the public and law enforcement.’

    However, relatives clarified that one of the wanted individuals had previously resided at the location but had since moved out, describing him as the former spouse of a family member. Photographs of the incident circulated widely on social media, amplifying concerns about potential overreach in federal immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown, which has deployed approximately 3,000 officers in the Minneapolis region.

    The family’s official statement condemned the operation as ‘unnecessary, degrading, and deeply traumatizing,’ sentiments echoed by immigrant advocacy groups. This event coincides with ongoing legal challenges to the administration’s enforcement methods, including a recent injunction issued by a U.S. District Judge in Minnesota blocking certain aggressive tactics that could inhibit constitutional rights.

    After fingerprinting and photographic identification in a vehicle, Thao was released without explanation or apology. The emotional impact remains profound, with Thao questioning the fundamental promise of American safety that originally motivated his family’s immigration from Laos in 1974 when he was four years old.

  • Dubai: Gold prices hit new record high on second consecutive day; 21K crosses Dh500

    Dubai: Gold prices hit new record high on second consecutive day; 21K crosses Dh500

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed unprecedented milestones on Tuesday as prices surged to record-breaking heights for the second consecutive trading session. The precious metal’s remarkable rally saw 21K gold surpass Dh500 per gram for the first time in history, joining 24K and 22K variants that had previously breached this psychological barrier.

    Market data revealed 24K gold trading at an all-time high of Dh566 per gram, representing an increase of Dh3.75, while 22K reached Dh524.0 per gram with a gain of Dh3.25. The broader spectrum showed 18K and 14K gold trading at Dh430.75 and Dh336 per gram respectively, completing a comprehensive market upswing.

    According to Ahmad Assiri, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, this historic rally stems from escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed trade threats. Recent statements by the US President regarding potential tariffs of 10-25% on European goods have reignited global trade concerns within a broader geopolitical context that transcends traditional trade balance issues.

    European responses, particularly from France, have included discussions about activating the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument and preparing retaliatory tariffs worth approximately €93 billion on US goods. This escalating tension has positioned precious metals as primary beneficiaries of market uncertainty, with gold specifically maintaining its upward trajectory around the $4,700 per ounce threshold.

    Assiri identified three key drivers supporting gold’s rally: increased hedging demand, declining risk appetite in equity markets, and favorable macroeconomic factors including monetary policy expectations and a weakening US dollar. Globally, spot gold reached $4,714.34 per ounce at 10 AM UAE time, registering a 0.77% increase.

    The analyst projected that $5,000 per ounce represents a logical medium-term target rather than optimistic speculation, noting this price point remains approximately 7% above current levels. He emphasized that precious metals will likely maintain their defensive appeal until clearer negotiation pathways emerge, with gold positioned as the most prominent near-term beneficiary of ongoing political and economic uncertainty.

  • Canada-China reset could revive education and cultural exchanges, experts say

    Canada-China reset could revive education and cultural exchanges, experts say

    The recent diplomatic engagement between Canada and China has generated substantial optimism for revitalizing bilateral relations through enhanced educational and cultural exchanges, according to leading experts. This development follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s inaugural visit to China and the subsequent agreement signaling a potential reset in the two nations’ relationship.

    Marc Jerry, President and Vice-Chancellor of Renison University College at the University of Waterloo, characterized the diplomatic breakthrough as “a very significant moment in resetting Canada-China relations in a positive way.” He emphasized that the prime minister’s visit demonstrates Canada’s serious commitment to partnership beyond mere trade considerations.

    The tangible benefits of such diplomatic movements are already evident in educational exchanges. Jerry cited a fall 2025 study program that brought Canadian students to China, noting participants returned with transformed perspectives and heightened cultural understanding. One student participant reported: “I came back home with a completely unique perspective on China; my experience was wonderful, and I want to go back and travel there more than ever!”

    Jeff Mahon, former Deputy Director of the China Division at Global Affairs Canada, highlighted the critical role of people-to-people exchanges, stating: “Governments build the bridge, but it is the people and businesses that use it.” This sentiment was echoed in the joint statement released after the Canada-China leaders’ meeting, which identified such exchanges as foundational to the bilateral relationship.

    The two governments have committed to restarting the Canada-China Joint Committee on Culture and strengthening cooperation across education, arts, heritage, creative industries, and sub-national exchanges. The Canadian government’s Friday statement further recognized that longstanding people-to-people ties have been fundamental to Canada-China relations.

    While optimism prevails, experts caution that normalization will require time and trust-building measures. Jiang Wenran, Founding Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta, noted that “complete normalization might take time, particularly in sensitive high-technology research areas,” adding that extensive research collaboration would need to develop through progressive steps.

    University leaders anticipate that improved bilateral relations will generate additional opportunities for academic mobility, trade missions, and educational exchanges. Jerry expressed particular hope that the positive outcomes from recent trade talks would spill over into educational and cultural domains, reinforcing educational cooperation as a core pillar of the Canada-China relationship.