Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • Milan-Cortina hailed as ‘new kind’ of Winter Olympics at closing ceremony

    Milan-Cortina hailed as ‘new kind’ of Winter Olympics at closing ceremony

    The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics concluded Sunday with International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry hailing the event as a transformative “new kind of Winter Games” that establishes a fresh benchmark for future hosts. The closing ceremony in Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater celebrated an Olympiad distinguished by its sustainable use of existing venues spread across the Italian Alps.

    Norwegian cross-country phenomenon Johannes Klaebo cemented his legendary status during the ceremonies, receiving one of his six gold medals that set a new Winter Games record with 11 career golds. The superstar achieved an unprecedented sweep of all six events he entered.

    In final competition highlights, Chinese-American freestyle skier Eileen Gu captured the halfpipe gold that had previously eluded her in these Games. The 22-year-old phenom delivered a breathtaking performance with massive air and technical precision, surpassing China’s Li Fanghui and Britain’s Zoe Atkin. This victory secured Gu’s position as the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history.

    “Across all three events I demonstrated my absolute best skiing,” Gu stated. “To showcase the pinnacle of women’s skiing to the world—that’s what truly matters. I’m now the most accomplished freeskier ever, male or female.”

    The men’s ice hockey final provided breathtaking drama as Jack Hughes scored 1:41 into overtime to secure Team USA’s first Olympic gold in 46 years with a 2-1 victory over Canada. The triumph evoked memories of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” and prompted enthusiastic responses from political figures, including former President Donald Trump who celebrated the win on social media.

    Norway dominated the final medal standings with 18 golds among 41 total medals, followed by the United States with 12 golds, while the Netherlands and host nation Italy tied with 10 gold medals each.

  • ‘One Battle’ triumphs at BAFTAs that honour British talent

    ‘One Battle’ triumphs at BAFTAs that honour British talent

    The 2024 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) celebrated both international cinematic excellence and homegrown talent in a ceremony that highlighted the diverse landscape of contemporary filmmaking. Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing six awards including Best Film and Best Director. The film’s portrayal of a deeply divided United States resonated with voters, continuing its dominant awards season performance.

    In a notable victory for British cinema, Robert Aramayo claimed the Best Actor honor for his powerful performance in ‘I Swaw,’ overcoming established stars including Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Aramayo’s portrayal of a man navigating life with Tourette syndrome earned particular acclaim for bringing visibility to misunderstood conditions.

    Irish actress Jessie Buckley made history by becoming the first performer from Ireland to win the BAFTA for Best Actress, recognizing her heartbreaking performance as Agnes in the Shakespeare-inspired drama ‘Hamnet.’ The film itself received the Outstanding British Film award, while Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku earned Best Supporting Actress for her work in the vampire period piece ‘Sinners.’

    The ceremony, attended by Prince William and Princess Catherine alongside Hollywood luminaries, demonstrated a renewed commitment to recognizing British and Irish talent after previous criticism of American dominance. Other notable winners included Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ with three technical awards, and Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value,’ which became the first Norwegian film to win the Foreign Language category.

    The event maintained its traditional role as a key indicator for the upcoming Academy Awards while celebrating the unique contributions of British cinema to the global film landscape.

  • Iran-US talks expected Thursday despite fears of strikes

    Iran-US talks expected Thursday despite fears of strikes

    Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States are set to resume on Thursday in Geneva, offering a potential pathway to de-escalate rising military tensions in the Middle East. The negotiations, mediated by Oman, occur against a backdrop of intensified U.S. military presence and domestic unrest within Iran.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed cautious optimism in a recent CBS News interview, noting that draft proposals for a nuclear agreement are being prepared. “There is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution,” Araghchi stated, while simultaneously asserting Iran’s right to self-defense should military conflict arise. He emphasized Tehran’s sovereign right to pursue uranium enrichment for civilian purposes—a persistent point of contention with Western nations.

    The U.S. has significantly bolstered its military footprint in the region, deploying two aircraft carriers along with additional jets and naval assets. President Donald Trump’s chief Middle East negotiator, Steve Witkoff, publicly questioned why Iran had not yet “capitulated” to American demands, underscoring the administration’s maximum pressure campaign.

    Domestically, Iran faces substantial challenges. Widespread protests over economic conditions have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations, met with a severe crackdown that human rights groups report has resulted in thousands of fatalities. Competing student rallies—both supporting and condemning the government—highlight the deep societal divisions.

    The geopolitical stakes extend beyond bilateral relations. Iraqi-based Kurdish-Iranian factions recently announced a coalition aimed at overthrowing Iran’s Islamic system, further complicating regional stability. Multiple countries, including Sweden and Australia, have advised their citizens to leave Iran due to security concerns.

    Despite these tensions, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed the talks would proceed with “a positive push to go the extra mile,” reflecting a shared, albeit fragile, commitment to dialogue. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting could determine whether diplomacy prevails or the region edges closer to open conflict.

  • Arsenal’s Eze sinks Spurs again, Liverpool late show floors Forest

    Arsenal’s Eze sinks Spurs again, Liverpool late show floors Forest

    In a dramatic Sunday of Premier League action, Arsenal reasserted their title credentials with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest with a stunning 97th-minute goal.

    Arsenal’s triumph was orchestrated by Eberechi Eze, who delivered a decisive brace against their North London rivals. The English international, who nearly joined Spurs before his move from Crystal Palace, broke the deadlock with a close-range finish just after the half-hour mark. Though Randal Kolo Muani equalized almost immediately for Tottenham, Arsenal dominated the second half with Viktor Gyokeres restoring their lead before Eze sealed the victory with his second goal. Gyokeres added a fourth in stoppage time to complete the emphatic scoreline.

    The victory provides crucial breathing space for Mikel Arteta’s squad after recent setbacks, maintaining their five-point advantage at the summit. For Tottenham, the defeat marks a difficult start for interim manager Igor Tudor, leaving the club just four points above the relegation zone.

    Meanwhile at the City Ground, Liverpool produced a dramatic late show with Alexis Mac Allister’s last-gasp winner securing three vital points. The Argentine midfielder pounced on a rebound after Virgil van Dijk’s header was saved, breaking Forest’s resistance in the seventh minute of added time. The victory came despite Liverpool’s admission of an underwhelming performance, with Mac Allister acknowledging significant areas for improvement.

    The result lifts Liverpool level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United, keeping them firmly in the race for Champions League qualification. For Nottingham Forest, the heartbreaking defeat leaves them hovering just two points above the relegation places, increasing pressure on manager Vitor Pereira.

    In other Sunday fixtures, Fulham climbed into the top half of the table with a 3-1 victory at Sunderland, while Crystal Palace secured a much-needed 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers thanks to Evann Guessand’s 90th-minute strike.

  • Bunnings to be made available on Uber Eats delivery app

    Bunnings to be made available on Uber Eats delivery app

    In a transformative move for retail convenience, Australian hardware leader Bunnings Warehouse has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Uber Eats, marking its inaugural entry into rapid delivery services. The collaboration will enable customers across Australia and New Zealand to access over 30,000 hardware, garden, and household products through the popular delivery platform, with promised delivery times under 60 minutes.

    The strategic rollout commences with 15 Australian locations following a successful pilot program conducted in Melbourne earlier this year. This expansion represents a significant diversification for Uber Eats, which has progressively broadened its offerings beyond food delivery to include retail commodities from established brands such as Officeworks and Pet Barn.

    Consumers can expect identical in-store pricing for all items available through the delivery service. The extensive product range encompasses everything from emergency DIY tools and garden equipment to power washers, outdoor furniture, cleaning supplies, pet necessities, and even larger items like lawnmowers.

    Ryan Baker, Chief Operating Officer at Bunnings, acknowledged the enduring appeal of the traditional warehouse shopping experience while emphasizing the growing consumer demand for convenience. ‘We recognize there are instances where speed and accessibility take precedence over the conventional browsing experience,’ Baker stated.

    Lucas Groeneveld, Uber Eats’ APAC Regional General Manager, highlighted the partnership’s value proposition: ‘This collaboration delivers an extensive selection of essential items directly to customers’ doors, facilitating everything from urgent home repairs and garden projects to barbecue preparations and workplace continuity.’

    The service will incorporate standard delivery fees, though Uber One membership benefits include waived delivery charges for qualifying orders exceeding specific value thresholds. This initiative builds upon the same-day parcel delivery service already established between Bunnings and Uber in select metropolitan and regional areas throughout 2024. Further expansion of the Uber Eats integration to additional Bunnings locations is anticipated commencing in 2026.

  • Russian missile barrage hits energy, railways across Ukraine

    Russian missile barrage hits energy, railways across Ukraine

    In a significant escalation of hostilities just days before the fourth anniversary of its full-scale invasion, Russia launched a coordinated multi-pronged assault across Ukraine on Sunday. The widespread offensive targeted critical energy infrastructure, railway networks, and residential areas with a barrage of 50 missiles and 297 drones, marking one of the most intensive attacks in recent weeks.

    Ukrainian air defense systems demonstrated remarkable effectiveness by intercepting 33 missiles and 274 drones, though significant damage still occurred across multiple regions. The capital Kyiv and its surrounding areas suffered particularly severe impacts, with reports confirming one fatality and at least a dozen injuries, including four children. In the suburb of Sofiivska Borshchagivka, residential structures sustained extensive damage, with eyewitnesses describing powerful explosions that shook buildings violently.

    President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, stating that Moscow continues to prioritize military strikes over diplomatic solutions. ‘The main target was the energy sector, but ordinary residential buildings were also damaged, along with railway infrastructure,’ Zelensky emphasized during his address.

    Concurrently, a separate security incident unfolded in Lviv, where an explosion at a central retail establishment resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to 25 individuals. Ukrainian authorities subsequently detained a suspect allegedly recruited through Telegram messaging platform, with Zelensky characterizing the event as ‘a cynical and cruel act of terrorism’ orchestrated by Russian operatives.

    The military offensive occurred against a complex geopolitical backdrop, with Hungary threatening to block the European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia unless Ukraine reinstates operations of the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline. Ukraine maintains that Russian strikes originally compromised this critical energy conduit in late January.

    Poland’s armed forces responded to the heightened tensions by scrambling fighter jets as Russian long-range aviation conducted strikes near border regions. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry asserted that all targeted facilities served military purposes, though evidence from impact sites contradicted these claims.

  • ‘No thanks’: Greenland, Denmark reject Trump’s hospital ship offer

    ‘No thanks’: Greenland, Denmark reject Trump’s hospital ship offer

    In a diplomatic rebuff, the governments of Denmark and its autonomous territory, Greenland, have formally declined an offer from former U.S. President Donald Trump to dispatch a U.S. naval hospital ship to the Arctic island. The proposal, which Trump announced on his Truth Social platform alongside an AI-generated image of the USNS Mercy, was met with a firm and public rejection.

    Greenlandic Prime Minister Kim Kielsen, leading the autonomous government, articulated the refusal on social media, stating, ‘That will be ‘no thanks’ from us.’ He emphasized the territory’s commitment to its existing, fully public healthcare system, noting, ‘We have a public health system where care is free for citizens. This is not the case in the United States, where going to the doctor costs money.’ This sentiment was echoed by Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, who confirmed to national media that Greenlandic citizens receive all necessary medical care either locally or through specialized treatment in Denmark, negating any requirement for external assistance.

    The offer emerged concurrently with a real medical evacuation, where Danish forces airlifted a sailor from a U.S. submarine off the coast of Nuuk. However, officials were quick to clarify that this incident was routine and unrelated to the political proposal. The rejection also underscores a broader geopolitical context. Trump has repeatedly expressed a strategic interest in Greenland, previously suggesting its purchase for national security reasons. This latest episode, described by Danish officials as part of a ‘new normal’ in international politics, reflects ongoing tensions and the complex diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and its Arctic allies.

    Further highlighting the contrast between the two nations’ systems, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed pride in Denmark’s model of free and equal healthcare access. The rejection was supported by Aaja Chemnitz, Greenland’s representative in the Danish Parliament, who acknowledged challenges within Greenland’s health system but asserted they are best addressed through its existing partnership with Denmark, a nation she contrasted with the U.S. due to its own well-documented healthcare struggles.

  • EU ‘expects’ US to honour trade deal as Trump hikes tariffs

    EU ‘expects’ US to honour trade deal as Trump hikes tariffs

    The European Commission has issued a firm appeal to the United States government, urging adherence to previously established trade agreements following President Donald Trump’s abrupt imposition of new global tariffs. This development emerges just one day after a significant Supreme Court ruling that deemed substantial portions of Trump’s international tariff strategy unlawful.

    Commission officials emphasized the fundamental principle that “a deal is a deal,” highlighting the European Union’s position as America’s largest trading partner. The statement explicitly called for Washington to honor commitments outlined in the Joint Statement, mirroring the EU’s consistent compliance with its obligations.

    The controversy stems from Trump’s decision to temporarily elevate global import duties to 15% on Saturday—a move that injected fresh uncertainty into international markets. This action directly contradicts the EU-US agreement established last year, which specifically capped tariffs on most European goods at a maximum of 15%.

    European officials have expressed particular concern about the unpredictable application of tariffs, warning that such practices inherently disrupt global markets and undermine confidence throughout international supply chains. The Commission has formally requested comprehensive clarification regarding Washington’s intended course of action following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

    Behind the scenes, diplomatic channels remain active with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic maintaining communication with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. While American officials have publicly affirmed their commitment to existing trade deals, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde acknowledged uncertainty regarding the practical consequences of the judicial decision.

    The political ramifications are already materializing, with the European Parliament’s trade committee postponing its scheduled approval of the EU-US deal pending further legal assessment and explicit commitments from American authorities. Bernd Lange, the committee’s head, characterized the situation as “pure tariff chaos” from the US administration, emphasizing the need for clarity and legal certainty before proceeding.

    Financial analysts at ING bank suggest that Trump’s new tariffs might represent strategic “smoke and mirrors” to create negotiating leverage, potentially enabling alternative tariff justifications based on unfair trade practices or agreement violations. This development marks a substantial judicial rebuke to the administration from a court that has typically supported presidential authority, representing a significant setback to Trump’s signature economic policy that has profoundly disrupted global trade norms.

  • Gu strikes gold, USA beat Canada in men’s ice hockey

    Gu strikes gold, USA beat Canada in men’s ice hockey

    The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics concluded with two monumental victories that captivated global audiences. Chinese-American freestyle skier Eileen Gu secured a historic gold medal in the women’s halfpipe event, while the United States men’s ice hockey team claimed a dramatic overtime victory against Canada in a championship final.

    Gu, who had previously earned two silver medals at these Games, demonstrated exceptional skill and mental fortitude in her signature event. After an initial postponement due to heavy snowfall in Livigno, the competition proceeded under brilliant sunshine in the Italian Alps. Gu posted a dominant score of 94.75 on her final run, executing technically complex maneuvers with precision and amplitude that surpassed her competitors. China’s Li Fanghui captured silver with 93.00 points, while Britain’s Zoe Atkin earned bronze with 90.25.

    This victory cemented Gu’s legacy as the most decorated freestyle skier in Winter Olympics history, with three gold and three silver medals across her career. ‘I gave my all every single day that I’ve been here,’ Gu stated afterward. ‘I showcased my best skiing in all three events… This achievement demonstrates competitive strength and mental resilience that transcends gender.’

    In parallel excitement, the men’s ice hockey tournament culminated in an overtime thriller between North American rivals. Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in a high-stakes final, claiming their first Olympic gold in men’s ice hockey since the legendary 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice.’ Matt Boldy opened scoring for the Americans in the first period before Cale Makar equalized for Canada. The game remained deadlocked until Jack Hughes delivered the championship-winning goal during three-on-three overtime, triggering celebrations among players and American supporters.

    The victory held particular significance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the neighboring nations. Former US President Donald Trump acknowledged the achievement on Truth Social, proclaiming: ‘Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! WHAT A GAME!’

    Norway finished atop the overall medal table with 18 gold medals and 41 total medals, followed by the United States with 12 golds and the Netherlands with 10. The Games concluded with a closing ceremony in the historic city of Verona, marking the end of competition that showcased both athletic excellence and international sportsmanship.

  • Eileen Gu switches slopes for catwalk after Olympic flourish

    Eileen Gu switches slopes for catwalk after Olympic flourish

    Eileen Gu has cemented her legacy as the most accomplished freestyle skier in Winter Olympics history after securing gold in the women’s halfpipe final at the Milan-Cortina Games. The Chinese-American athlete’s triumph on Sunday marked her sixth Olympic medal, breaking previous records held by Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury and Chinese teammate Xu Mengtao.

    The 22-year-old Stanford student entered these Games seeking a complete medal sweep after her spectacular performance at Beijing 2022, where she captured two golds and one silver. While she earned silver in both slopestyle and big air events earlier in these Games, Gu saved her most exceptional performance for the halfpipe competition in Livigno’s brilliant sunshine.

    Gu’s achievement is particularly remarkable given her calculated risk in competing across three disciplines—she hadn’t participated in big air competition for four years prior to these Games. At her post-event press conference, the emotional champion reflected: ‘I have done something that I took a big risk in trusting myself and I’m glad that I did. I walk away as the most decorated freeskier of all time, male or female.’

    Beyond her athletic prowess, Gu represents a new generation of multi-dimensional athletes who transcend their sports. With 3 million Instagram followers and 14 million TikTok likes, her influence extends far beyond skiing. She ranked fourth on Forbes’ 2023 list of highest-earning female athletes, primarily through endorsement deals, and was featured in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022.

    Immediately following her Olympic victory, Gu will transition to Milan Fashion Week, where she plans to explore her passion for fashion. ‘I’m really excited to just explore some other avenues, be creative, and explore my femininity through fashion,’ she explained, noting how she sees beauty in the juxtaposition between athletic excellence and creative expression.

    Gu’s career has not been without controversy. Her 2019 decision to switch allegiance from the United States to China, her mother’s homeland, generated divided opinions. The athlete has spoken openly about feeling the weight of representing two nations, but believes her platform has helped inspire millions of Chinese children to engage with winter sports.

    Looking forward, Gu aims to leverage her unique position for global benefit, combining her athletic, academic, and fashion pursuits to create positive impact while her physical capabilities remain at their peak.