Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Thousands march in US to back Iranian anti-government protesters

    Thousands march in US to back Iranian anti-government protesters

    Mass demonstrations erupted across major American cities this weekend as thousands gathered to denounce the Iranian government’s violent suppression of domestic protests. The gatherings, organized by members of Iran’s extensive diaspora community, represented a powerful display of international solidarity with protesters facing escalating violence in their homeland.

    Los Angeles, hosting the world’s largest Iranian expatriate population, witnessed several thousand marchers flooding its streets. Simultaneously, several hundred protesters assembled in New York City, creating a coordinated coast-to-coast expression of outrage. Participants carried emotionally charged signage condemning what they termed a ‘New Holocaust’ and ‘genocide in the making’ by Iranian authorities.

    The protests originated from December’s economic dissatisfaction demonstrations in Iran, which rapidly evolved into the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic’s leadership in recent history. A severe government crackdown accompanied by nationwide internet restrictions has reportedly resulted in substantial casualties. Iran Human Rights, an Oslo-based monitoring organization, has documented 3,428 protest-related fatalities through verified sources within Iran’s medical system and independent witnesses. The NGO emphasizes that actual numbers likely significantly exceed this verified count.

    Demonstrators expressed complex and sometimes contradictory political perspectives. While many participants voiced support for U.S. presidential intervention, others displayed skepticism toward American involvement. The diaspora community appears divided between those advocating for Western-backed regime change and those insisting on Iranian self-determination without foreign interference.

    This ideological tension was visibly present at the Los Angeles gatherings, where some protesters championed Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s deposed Shah, while others explicitly rejected monarchical restoration. The political divisions within the exile community mirror the fragmented nature of Iran’s domestic opposition movement, complicating prospects for unified resistance against the current regime.

    The demonstrations occurred amid ambiguous signals from the U.S. administration regarding potential intervention. While threatening consequences for violence against protesters, American officials have simultaneously expressed satisfaction with Iranian assurances regarding demonstrator treatment. This diplomatic ambiguity has created uncertainty among diaspora communities seeking clearer international support for protesters facing life-threatening repression.

  • Steve Smith hasn’t won over the Twenty20 selectors despite his blistering Big Bash League form

    Steve Smith hasn’t won over the Twenty20 selectors despite his blistering Big Bash League form

    In a surprising selection move, Australian cricket chiefs have unveiled their squad for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Pakistan, conspicuously excluding two of the nation’s most prominent cricketing figures. Despite delivering exceptional performances in the Big Bash League, veteran batsman Steve Smith and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell have both been omitted from the touring party that will prepare for next month’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

    Chief selector George Bailey provided insight into the controversial decisions, acknowledging Smith’s dominant BBL form while explaining the competitive landscape at the top of the batting order. “When he goes back to the Big Bash he’s a level above,” Bailey stated, emphasizing that Smith faces stiff competition from Mitch Marsh and Travis Head for opening positions. The selector noted that while Smith has demonstrated adaptability throughout the order, his recent international opportunities have primarily come at the top.

    Bailey also addressed the unique challenges of evaluating BBL performances, pointing to rule variations like the Power Surge and four-over powerplay that differentiate the domestic competition from international standards. Despite these contextual factors, Bailey affirmed that Smith undoubtedly possesses the capability to excel at the highest level.

    The squad features several emerging talents, including young pace bowler Mahli Beardman, whom Bailey praised for his “air speed” and versatile skill set. Jack Edwards, who previously joined the white-ball squad during the India series, also receives another opportunity to showcase his abilities on the international stage.

    Mitchell Marsh will captain a blend of established players and promising newcomers, with the selection panel clearly balancing immediate World Cup preparation with long-term development objectives. The team composition suggests strategic planning for both the upcoming Pakistan tour and future international commitments, with Bailey emphasizing Beardman’s inclusion as “an eye to the future.”

    The absence of both Smith and Maxwell, despite their recent domestic successes, indicates a deliberate approach to squad rotation and specialization ahead of the global tournament, raising questions about Australia’s final World Cup lineup and strategic direction.

  • Gauff through, Auger-Aliassime retires as Djokovic begins record quest

    Gauff through, Auger-Aliassime retires as Djokovic begins record quest

    The Australian Open’s second day delivered a mix of predictable victories and stunning early exits as Novak Djokovic commenced his unprecedented pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.

    Serbian legend Djokovic, aged 38, prepared to face Spain’s 71st-ranked Pedro Martinez in the evening session on Rod Laver Arena. The current world number four, who holds a record 10 Australian Open championships, stands tied with Australia’s Margaret Court at 24 major titles. Despite recent dominance from younger rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic remained confident, stating: “I know that when I’m healthy and able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together on a given day, I feel like I can beat anybody.”

    Earlier matches saw mixed fortunes for top contenders. American sensation Coco Gauff advanced to the second round with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova, though her performance included seven double faults and 31 unforced errors. “I tried not to put too much pressure on myself,” Gauff commented. “I am only satisfied if I win, but I am proud of myself regardless of how I get on.” She now faces Olga Danilovic, who defeated Venus Williams.

    The tournament concluded abruptly for seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who retired from his opening match against Portugal’s Nuno Borges while trailing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, requiring treatment to his left leg. Similarly, 2020 champion Sofia Kenin suffered a straight-sets defeat (6-3, 6-2) to fellow American Peyton Stearns amid soaring temperatures nearing 30°C.

    Other notable contenders prepared for their opening matches, including six-time major winner Iga Swiatek, who has never progressed beyond the semi-finals in Melbourne. The Polish second seed faces Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue as she pursues a career Grand Slam. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, a three-time Australian Open finalist, enters the tournament fresh from his Brisbane victory and meets Jesper de Jong of the Netherlands.

    Home favorite Alex de Minaur, seeded sixth, attracted significant local support against American Mackenzie McDonald, while American fourth seed Amanda Anisimova faced Switzerland’s Simona Waltert. The day’s schedule also featured emerging Russian talent Mirra Andreeva, aged 18 and fresh from winning her fourth title, against Croatia’s Donna Vekic, plus 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka playing his final Australian Open before retirement at age 40.

  • Harry set for final courtroom battle against UK media

    Harry set for final courtroom battle against UK media

    Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is poised for a landmark legal confrontation as he returns to London’s High Court this week for what represents the culmination of his extensive campaign against British media intrusion. The trial, scheduled to commence on Monday, is expected to unfold over a nine-week period and stands as the third and final legal action initiated by the royal against newspaper groups.

    This high-profile case unites Prince Harry with six other prominent figures—including music legend Elton John, his husband David Furnish, and actor Elizabeth Hurley—in a collective lawsuit targeting Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. The plaintiffs allege systematic unlawful information gathering practices spanning decades, encompassing the deployment of private investigators to plant listening devices in vehicles, impersonation tactics to acquire confidential medical records (a practice known as ‘blagging’), and unauthorized access to private telephone communications.

    The defendant media group has vigorously denied these allegations, dismissing them as both ‘lurid’ and ‘preposterous’ in their entirety.

    Court documents indicate Prince Harry will personally provide testimony during the trial’s opening week, marking his second appearance as a witness in legal proceedings against media organizations. His previous court appearance in 2023 broke a century-long precedent, making him the first senior royal to testify in court since the Edwardian era.

    This UK visit represents a rare return for the Duke, who relocated to California with his wife Meghan following their 2020 withdrawal from royal duties. While his September 2023 visit included a meeting with King Charles III aimed at reconciling familial tensions, reports indicate no planned audience with the monarch during this legal journey.

    The current trial follows Prince Harry’s successful settlements with two other media conglomerates. In January 2025, Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers agreed to pay ‘substantial damages’ while issuing a ‘full and unequivocal apology’ for intrusions into both his and Princess Diana’s private lives. Similarly, a December 2023 ruling against Mirror Group Newspapers resulted in a £140,600 damages award for phone hacking violations.

    Legal experts suggest this final case transcends individual grievances, potentially establishing broader precedents for media accountability. Noted media lawyer Mark Stephens observed that while press freedom remains essential, so does ‘freedom from being illegally spied upon.’ He characterized the proceedings as less concerned with ‘yesterday’s gossip’ and more focused on ‘tomorrow’s accountability for the media more generally.’

    The outcome of this watershed case may redefine the boundaries between press freedom and personal privacy in Britain’s evolving media landscape.

  • Boy fighting for life after being mauled by shark in Australia

    Boy fighting for life after being mauled by shark in Australia

    A 12-year-old Australian boy remains in critical condition following a severe shark attack at Shark Beach in Sydney Harbour on Sunday. The incident occurred while the victim and his friends were jumping from a six-meter rock ledge in the Vaucluse suburb.

    Marine authorities confirmed the boy sustained life-threatening injuries to both legs during the encounter with what experts believe was a bull shark—a species notorious for its aggressive behavior in warm, shallow waters. His immediate rescue was credited to quick-thinking friends who pulled the unconscious boy from the water before emergency services arrived.

    New South Wales Marine Area Commander Joseph McNulty described the teenagers’ response as ‘gallant’ and ‘brave,’ noting they confronted a traumatic scene to save their friend. ‘Their actions gave him a fighting chance at survival,’ McNulty stated.

    Emergency responders faced what officials called a ‘horrendous scene’ upon arrival. Police transported the boy via speedboat to a waiting ambulance at a nearby wharf, applying tourniquets to stem bleeding and performing resuscitation efforts during transit.

    Authorities suggested unusual environmental conditions contributed to the attack. Recent heavy rainfall created brackish water conditions that may have flushed nutrients into the harbor, attracting sharks closer to shore—what McNulty termed a ‘perfect storm environment.’

    Despite its alarming name, Shark Beach has historically been considered safe for swimming, with rare reported incidents. The location remains a popular swimming destination despite Australia’s status as one of the world’s most active regions for shark encounters, recording at least five fatal attacks in 2023 alone.

    New South Wales Premier Chris Minns joined in praising the rescuers: ‘I want to acknowledge the young people who did everything possible to save his life. That was a brave thing to do.’

    The incident highlights both the unpredictability of marine environments and the importance of emergency preparedness in coastal communities. Medical professionals continue to monitor the boy’s condition in intensive care as recovery efforts continue.

  • ‘It wasn’t clean’: Mother mourns son killed in US Maduro assault

    ‘It wasn’t clean’: Mother mourns son killed in US Maduro assault

    Natividad Martinez stands vigil at her son’s gravesite in a Caracas cemetery, her grief contradicting official accounts of a surgical military operation. Her 18-year-old son, Saul Pereira Martinez, was among the Venezuelan soldiers killed during a January 3rd assault by US forces targeting then-President Nicolás Maduro.

    The night of the invasion, Pereira had just completed his guard duty shift at Fort Tiuna when he sent his mother a final message: ‘I love you. It has begun.’ Hours later, he would become one of at least 83 casualties officially acknowledged by Venezuela’s defense ministry—a death toll that directly contradicts Washington’s claims of a casualty-free operation.

    ‘You can’t come to my country and kill people like that,’ Martinez stated during her cemetery visit. ‘Because they say it was a clean operation. It wasn’t clean. Do you know how many people died?’

    According to family accounts, Pereira was caught within Maduro’s security perimeter, making his unit a primary target. His stepfather, a government security official who requested anonymity, believes the young soldier’s death resulted from ‘collateral effect of that infiltration’—referring to US intelligence sources that located Maduro.

    The operation, ordered by then-President Donald Trump, involved substantial military deployment throughout the Caribbean region. Despite bellicose rhetoric and previous strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, the family maintained they never anticipated the situation would escalate to direct assault on Venezuelan soil.

    Pereira had recently completed training with the Honor Guard in December and was studying at the military academy. His mother had welcomed his military service, noting how it transformed him from a directionless youth into a disciplined young man who studied diligently and helped with household chores during visits home.

    At the graveside gathering, family and friends remembered Pereira as ‘a brave man’ through tears, salsa music, and toasts in his honor. The government posthumously promoted him, but his mother emphasizes that beyond political divisions—Venezuela remains polarized between Maduro supporters and opponents—each fallen soldier represented a human being mourned by loved ones.

    ‘Those who died are also human beings. They are all Venezuelans. On one side or the other, they are all human beings, they all have people who mourn them,’ Martinez reflected. Despite her anguish, she expressed pride in her son’s sacrifice: ‘He died for his country. Regardless of what they say, to me, my son was a patriot.’

  • Chile declares emergency as wildfires kill at least 18

    Chile declares emergency as wildfires kill at least 18

    Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency in the southern regions of Nuble and Biobio following devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 18 lives and displaced more than 50,000 residents. The catastrophic blazes, fueled by strong winds and extreme summer temperatures, have been burning uncontrollably for two days approximately 500 kilometers south of Santiago.

    The most severe human losses have been concentrated in the city of Penco, according to local Mayor Rodrigo Vera. Survivors describe harrowing escapes from fast-moving flames that consumed entire communities overnight. “We had to leave with the shirts on our back. If we had stayed another 20 minutes we would have burned to death,” recounted Matias Cid, a 25-year-old student from Penco.

    The aftermath reveals apocalyptic scenes of charred ruins, destroyed vehicles, and smoldering landscapes where homes once stood. In the port town of Lirquen, residents fled to beaches for safety as fire engulfed residential areas. “There is nothing left standing,” said Alejandro Arredondo, 57, surveying the metal and wood debris that comprised his neighborhood.

    President Boric has mobilized all available resources, including nearly 4,000 firefighters and military personnel, warning that the death toll is likely to rise. The declaration of emergency enables armed forces deployment to assist containment efforts. The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response reports that evacuations have been most extensive in Penco and Lirquen, with a combined population of approximately 60,000 people.

    Weather conditions continue to hinder firefighting operations, with forecasts predicting persistent high temperatures and strong winds. This tragedy marks another chapter in Chile’s growing climate crisis, following February 2024 wildfires near Vina del Mar that killed 138 people. Experts increasingly attribute these extreme weather events to climate change impacts affecting the South American nation.

  • Surging billionaire wealth a political threat, Oxfam warns as Davos opens

    Surging billionaire wealth a political threat, Oxfam warns as Davos opens

    As global elites convened for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Oxfam issued a stark warning about the unprecedented concentration of wealth among billionaires, describing it as a grave political danger. The charity’s annual report revealed that billionaire fortunes surged to a record $18.3 trillion in 2025, marking a 16.2% increase during the first year of Donald Trump’s second presidential term.

    The analysis specifically highlighted Trump’s policy initiatives—including deregulation efforts and undermining international corporate tax agreements—as significant drivers of this wealth accumulation among the ultra-wealthy. For the first time in history, the world now counts more than 3,000 billionaires, with the top 12 individuals, led by Tesla’s Elon Musk, possessing more collective wealth than the poorest four billion people globally.

    Oxfam emphasized that this economic disparity is increasingly translating into political influence, citing billionaires’ acquisitions of major media outlets such as Musk’s takeover of X (formerly Twitter) and Jeff Bezos’ purchase of The Washington Post. Amitabh Behar, Oxfam’s executive director, characterized the situation as ‘highly dangerous and unsustainable,’ noting that the wealth gap is creating a parallel ‘political deficit’ that undermines democratic processes.

    The report specifically criticized Washington’s decision to exempt U.S. multinationals from the internationally agreed minimum tax rate of 15%, calling it a clear example of how economic inequality is being institutionalized. ‘The super-rich have not only accumulated more wealth than could ever be spent,’ Oxfam stated, ‘but have also used this wealth to secure the political power to shape the rules that define our economies and govern nations.’

    Trump’s participation at Davos drew approximately 300 protesters to the Swiss resort town on Sunday, many wearing masks of Musk and Vice President JD Vance while holding symbolic fistfuls of euros. Nathalie Ruoss of the Swiss Young Socialists told AFP that the World Economic Forum lacks democratic legitimacy, particularly criticizing its inclusion of figures like Trump whom she described as ‘fascists.’

    The gathering occurs amid heightened tensions regarding the political influence of extreme wealth, with Oxfam concluding that billionaire power ‘undermines political freedom and erodes the rights of the many’ while giving the ultra-wealthy disproportionate control over global futures.

  • Train collision in Spain kills 21, injures dozens

    Train collision in Spain kills 21, injures dozens

    A catastrophic collision between two high-speed trains in southern Spain has resulted in at least 21 fatalities and left over 70 injured, creating what emergency officials describe as an exceptionally complex rescue operation. The tragedy occurred Sunday evening near Adamuz in the Andalusia region when a Malaga-Madrid service operated by private rail company Iryo derailed and crossed onto adjacent tracks, colliding with an oncoming train headed toward Huelva.

    Emergency response teams faced tremendous challenges extracting survivors from the wreckage, with Francisco Carmona, head of Córdoba firefighters, describing how twisted metal entrapped passengers, requiring rescuers to remove deceased individuals to reach living victims. Some carriages tumbled down a four-meter embankment, compounding the structural damage.

    Survivors recounted terrifying moments of impact and darkness. Montse, a passenger on the second train, described being thrown about as luggage tumbled onto passengers while children cried in the darkness. Another survivor, Lucas Meriako, compared the scene to a horror movie, noting many injuries resulted from shattered glass throughout the carriages.

    Transport Minister Óscar Puente expressed perplexity at the accident, noting the derailed train was practically new and the track had been completely renovated on a straight section, making the incident extremely unusual. With approximately 300 passengers aboard the Iryo service, emergency medical teams transported 30 critically injured individuals to hospitals.

    Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a night of profound pain for the nation, while King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia offered heartfelt condolences to victims’ families. International leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with Spain.

    Adif, Spain’s rail infrastructure manager, suspended all high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusian cities including Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, and Huelva throughout Monday while establishing support centers at major stations to assist victims’ relatives. The Defense Ministry deployed approximately 40 emergency military personnel with 15 vehicles to assist recovery efforts.

    This incident represents Spain’s most significant rail tragedy since the 2013 Santiago de Compostela derailment that killed 80 people, occurring on what is Europe’s most extensive high-speed rail network spanning over 3,000 kilometers.

  • Australian Open: Michael Zheng was set to collect six figures after a first-round win — but he will forfeit it for being a student

    Australian Open: Michael Zheng was set to collect six figures after a first-round win — but he will forfeit it for being a student

    In an extraordinary display of academic commitment, American tennis sensation Michael Zheng faces the unprecedented dilemma of relinquishing a substantial six-figure prize from the Australian Open to preserve his collegiate athletic status. The 21-year-old Columbia University psychology major delivered one of the tournament’s most stunning upsets by defeating compatriot Sebastian Korda in a gripping five-set match during the opening round.

    Zheng’s remarkable journey through three qualifying matches culminated in his main draw victory against the 23rd-seeded Korda, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. However, his status as a student-athlete bound by NCAA regulations imposes strict limitations on monetary awards from professional competitions. The governing body caps such earnings at a maximum of $10,000 annually for amateur athletes maintaining their eligibility.

    This restriction means Zheng must forfeit approximately $150,000 in guaranteed prize money from his first-round triumph, with potential earnings escalating significantly should he advance further in the tournament. The rising star has just one semester remaining to complete his degree and has consciously prioritized academic completion before transitioning fully to professional tennis.

    When questioned about potential loopholes or alternative arrangements, Zheng expressed cautious adherence to the rules, stating he would not risk compromising his standing or ‘getting in any trouble’ for the financial windfall. His situation highlights the complex intersection of collegiate athletics and professional sports, where aspiring athletes must navigate difficult financial and career decisions.