Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Philippines: Nearly 1 million passengers expected at airports during Christmas rush

    Philippines: Nearly 1 million passengers expected at airports during Christmas rush

    The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) has declared a state of heightened alert across all national airports in anticipation of approximately 960,000 passengers expected to travel during the Christmas holiday period. This operational status will remain in effect from December 20, 2025, through January 4, 2026, representing a proactive response to a projected 7% increase in air traffic compared to the previous year’s figures.

    According to aviation officials, the enhanced security and operational measures include the establishment of dedicated passenger assistance help desks, deployment of additional security personnel, and placement of medical teams on standby at key transportation hubs. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, which processed 4.62 million passengers in December 2024 alone, serves as the primary gateway for both international and domestic travel during this peak season.

    Director General Raul Del Rosario emphasized that ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency remains the paramount priority for aviation authorities. ‘We are implementing comprehensive measures to guarantee that all travelers experience safe, orderly, and efficient airport operations throughout the holiday period,’ stated Rosario in an official communication released Friday.

    The annual travel surge is deeply rooted in Filipino cultural traditions, where Christmas represents a profoundly significant occasion for family reunions. Overseas Filipino workers particularly prioritize returning home during this season, often undertaking considerable financial and logistical efforts to participate in family celebrations. This cultural phenomenon consistently generates one of the most substantial annual passenger volume increases within the Southeast Asian aviation sector.

  • China’s top specimen event lands in Shanghai

    China’s top specimen event lands in Shanghai

    Shanghai is currently hosting the nation’s most prestigious biological specimen exhibition, showcasing exceptional works from across China. The 6th China Animal Specimen Competition officially opened its doors on December 20, 2025, at the China-Israel (Shanghai) Innovation Hub in Putuo District.

    The event features 738 carefully selected entries, with the exhibition running through March 2026, offering free public access to these remarkable scientific artworks. Among the standout contributions is a project by a seventh-grade student from Tianjin, who created a detailed specimen from a crucian carp rescued from a local vegetable market. This young participant’s work demonstrates how practical specimen preservation serves as both scientific practice and conservation advocacy.

    Experts at the event emphasized the broader significance of specimen preservation, noting that each preserved specimen represents a conserved natural resource. The competition not only highlights technical excellence in taxidermy and preservation techniques but also fosters public awareness about biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.

    The exhibition provides a unique platform for scientists, educators, students, and the general public to engage with natural history preservation. By bringing together works from professional institutions and amateur enthusiasts alike, the event bridges the gap between academic research and public education in the biological sciences.

  • AI for farmers: UAE builds free tool trained to answer crop specific issues

    AI for farmers: UAE builds free tool trained to answer crop specific issues

    The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking artificial intelligence system specifically engineered to address agricultural challenges worldwide. Developed by ai71 in collaboration with 15 global organizations including CGIAR and the Gates Foundation, the AgriLLM platform represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology.

    Unlike commercial AI tools such as ChatGPT, AgriLLM operates on an open-access model, allowing free usage, modification, and development by users globally. This initiative addresses a critical gap identified by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, which reports that 75% of family farmers worldwide lack reliable agricultural support systems.

    According to Mehdi Ghissassi, Chief Product and Technology Officer at ai71, the system distinguishes itself through specialized training on high-quality agricultural datasets. “While general models like ChatGPT are trained on broad, multi-domain data, AgriLLM is trained on meticulously curated agricultural information from our global partners,” Ghissassi explained.

    The system’s effectiveness is demonstrated through rigorous testing, with internal evaluations showing AgriLLM delivers factually correct responses approximately 30% more frequently than GPT-4o when addressing agricultural queries. The model prioritizes accuracy over response length, providing concise, evidence-based guidance rather than potentially misleading comprehensive answers.

    AgriLLM’s training incorporates an extensive knowledge base including over 350,000 agricultural documents, 50,000 research papers, and 120,000 validated farming questions and answers. This specialized training enables the system to address crop-specific issues, regional growing conditions, and climate-related challenges that typically challenge general-purpose AI systems.

    The platform’s functionality adapts to user specificity, with broad queries generating general advice while follow-up questions regarding soil type, location, or climate conditions trigger increasingly targeted responses drawn from its verified agricultural knowledge base.

  • India: Seven elephants killed as train collides with herd in Assam

    India: Seven elephants killed as train collides with herd in Assam

    A devastating railway collision resulted in the deaths of seven elephants and left one injured in northeastern India’s Assam state early Saturday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 2:17 AM local time in Hojai district when a Delhi-bound train struck a wandering herd outside officially recognized elephant passageways.

    According to VV Rakesh Reddy, the district police chief, and confirmed by Northeast Frontier Railway authorities, the train engineer immediately engaged emergency brakes upon spotting the elephants. Tragically, the animals unexpectedly moved toward the oncoming train instead of away from it, leading to the fatal impact.

    The collision caused significant derailment of the locomotive and five passenger coaches, though remarkably no human injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Railway officials have implemented immediate diversion protocols for scheduled trains while restoration teams work to clear and repair the affected section.

    This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between India’s expanding rail infrastructure and wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in regions with significant elephant populations. The absence of designated corridors at the accident location raises questions about habitat protection and transportation safety measures in ecologically sensitive areas.

  • Alonsa Electric Group showcases Goodyear-licensed autocare range

    Alonsa Electric Group showcases Goodyear-licensed autocare range

    DUBAI – Alonsa Electric Group, the authorized Goodyear Autocare licensee for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has successfully concluded its prominent exhibition at Automechanika 2025. The event, held from December 9-11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, served as the platform for the company to unveil its significantly expanded range of Goodyear-licensed automotive care products.

    At Booth Z2-G20, Alonsa Electric showcased its comprehensive autocare lineup that now includes an extensive selection of automotive batteries spanning SMF, flooded, AGM, truck dry, and auxiliary ranges. The exhibition also featured Goodyear-licensed engine oils and essential maintenance products including premium wiper blades and automotive accessories. This expansion represents the company’s strategic initiative to enhance its licensed Autocare portfolio and address the growing market demand throughout the MENA, Levant, and GCC regions.

    The company’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities are supported by its substantial 100,000 square foot logistics facility located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. This infrastructure ensures year-round product availability, optimized supply chain operations, and comprehensive support programs for distributors. Since 2020, Alonsa Electric has been producing and marketing Goodyear-licensed engine oils for construction, industrial, and automotive sectors while continuously expanding its regional distribution network.

    Sunil Khanchandani, Director of Alonsa Electric Group, stated: ‘As the authorized Goodyear Autocare licensee in the MENA region, we are dedicated to delivering premium, reliable autocare solutions that consistently meet Goodyear’s global standards. Our expanded product line demonstrates our long-term vision to strengthen regional distribution channels while providing partners with unwavering value and performance.’

    The exhibition generated substantial engagement from regional distributors, industry professionals, and trade partners, with particular interest shown in the expanded battery range and Goodyear-licensed engine oils. Building on this momentum, Alonsa Electric plans to further strengthen its presence across the MENA region, leveraging the successful showcase at Automechanika 2025 to drive future growth and market penetration.

  • AJi launches second ESG report, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth

    AJi launches second ESG report, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth

    AJi Group, a leading architecture, engineering, and consultancy firm operating across the Middle East, has unveiled its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking the second comprehensive disclosure of its sustainability performance. This publication reinforces the company’s strategic dedication to responsible business conduct and operational transparency throughout its regional network spanning Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Jordan.

    The document provides a detailed account of measurable progress achieved since the inaugural 2022 report, with particularly notable advancements in environmental stewardship. AJi has successfully reduced its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 16% compared to its 2022 baseline while simultaneously decreasing electricity consumption per employee by 25% despite significant operational expansion. In a strategic enhancement of reporting transparency, the company has now incorporated Scope 3 emissions data, accounting for indirect environmental impacts from supply chains and business travel, bringing total reported emissions to 1,687 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

    Social dimension metrics demonstrate substantial improvement in workforce development and diversity initiatives. The organization’s total workforce has expanded by 36% since 2022, with female representation increasing from 13% to 17% of all employees. AJi maintained its prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification while implementing extensive training programs totaling over 2,300 learning hours specifically for female staff and an additional 1,500 hours for Saudi-based personnel.

    From a governance perspective, AJi conducted its first formal materiality assessment aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, identifying critical focus areas including energy management, human capital development, labor standards compliance, and anti-corruption measures. These findings will directly inform the company’s sustainability strategy, which includes ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality for direct emissions by 2027 and implement comprehensive water and waste monitoring systems across all offices by 2026.

    CEO Eng Hamzeh Awwad emphasized the report’s significance, stating: ‘This milestone reflects our commitment to embedding responsibility and innovation at our core. As a regional enterprise, we perceive sustainability as a collective mission that generates lasting value for our stakeholders and communities, reinforcing our dedication to a more resilient and inclusive future.’

  • UAE: Garages packed after residents face minor car issues in December rains

    UAE: Garages packed after residents face minor car issues in December rains

    Automotive repair facilities across Sharjah and Dubai are experiencing unprecedented demand following recent rainfall, creating significant backlogs for vehicle inspections and minor repairs. While the December precipitation caused substantially less damage than April 2024’s historic flooding, it nonetheless resulted in numerous vehicles experiencing water-related mechanical issues.

    Residents throughout the northern emirates returned to their vehicles to discover various rain-induced problems. Masood Ali, an Al Nahda resident, found his car completely unresponsive after overnight parking in a water-affected area. “When I attempted to start the vehicle in the morning, it refused to turn over,” Ali reported. “Mechanics subsequently indicated water infiltration in the air filtration system.”

    Automotive technicians note that the most prevalent issues include moisture-compromised spark plugs, water-infiltrated air filters, temporary ignition failures, and battery complications caused by excessive dampness. Unlike the catastrophic flood damage witnessed previously, these current cases primarily affect vehicles parked for extended periods in waterlogged areas or directly exposed to heavy rainfall.

    Repair shops are managing both pre-scheduled maintenance and rain-related cases, creating waiting periods of up to one week for vehicle assessments. Ahmed Najjar, another affected motorist, stated: “My vehicle started but operated erratically. I immediately sought professional evaluation but discovered garages are completely booked throughout the week.”

    Mechanics emphasize the importance of proper post-exposure procedures. Shameer Mohammed, an Al Quoz-based technician, advised: “Motorists should allow vehicles to dry thoroughly before attempting ignition. Forcing a start could exacerbate existing water damage. Disconnecting battery terminals prevents potential electrical short circuits in water-affected vehicles.”

    Industry professionals observe that residents have become more cautious following previous flood experiences. Garage owner Ayyub noted: “Customers demonstrate improved awareness by avoiding forced ignition attempts and seeking professional assessment. However, the volume of cases requires patience as repair facilities work through substantial backlogs.”

  • UAE: How hundreds of volunteers work to ensure ‘no one is alone’ during emergencies

    UAE: How hundreds of volunteers work to ensure ‘no one is alone’ during emergencies

    Across the United Arab Emirates, a robust network of volunteer organizations operates as a first line of defense when extreme weather disrupts daily life. These dedicated groups mobilize swiftly during emergencies, providing critical assistance that ranges from guiding stranded motorists through flooded roads to rescuing vehicles trapped in waterlogged areas.

    The recent heavy rainfall that affected various UAE regions in April 2024 demonstrated the crucial role these volunteers play. As commuters struggled and vehicles stalled across inundated roadways, teams worked tirelessly through the downpour, assisting motorists, helping workers reach safety, and ensuring no one remained stranded for extended periods.

    At the forefront stands the Model Service Society (MSS) Dubai, an organization with over three decades of community service experience. Operating across multiple fronts including emergency relief, job placement support, and welfare initiatives, MSS embodies a philosophy of consistent, organized, and compassionate service. According to Chairman Faiyaz Ahmed, their strength lies in their people: “Our volunteers do not wait for recognition. They step forward because they believe helping others is a responsibility.”

    The significance of their work has received official recognition. MSS was recently honored with the prestigious Ethraa Gold Award by Dubai’s Community Development Authority, placing it among the top-performing social service organizations in the emirate. This acknowledgment reflects the society’s transparency, accountability, and substantial community impact.

    Complementing these efforts, other organizations like the Iman Cultural Center have demonstrated similar commitment. During recent flooding in Sharjah and Dubai, approximately 50 of their volunteers mobilized to assist the public. Beyond traffic management and vehicle recovery, they distributed essential supplies including drinking water and fruits to affected workers and motorists.

    As Hameed Yasin of the Iman Cultural Center emphasized: “When people are in distress, the least we can do is stand beside them, offer help, and ensure no one feels alone during an emergency.” This sentiment captures the essence of a volunteer network that has become integral to the UAE’s emergency response infrastructure, providing both practical assistance and psychological reassurance during times of crisis.

  • Egypt’s el-Sissi urges UN Security Council reforms for Africa’s larger role

    Egypt’s el-Sissi urges UN Security Council reforms for Africa’s larger role

    CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has intensified diplomatic efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council, advocating for substantial African representation during the Russia-Africa partnership conference in Cairo. The high-level gathering witnessed participation from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, ministerial delegates from over 50 African nations, and representatives from multiple regional organizations.

    El-Sissi, through a statement delivered by his foreign minister, emphasized the necessity of establishing ‘a more pluralistic global governance framework’ that acknowledges Africa’s growing demographic, economic, and political influence. The president argued that the continent’s substantial global weight warrants meaningful participation in international decision-making processes.

    The African Union’s longstanding proposal, initially presented in 2005, seeks two permanent Security Council seats endowed with veto authority for African nations. Proponents maintain that such structural adjustments would enhance peace and stability across a continent historically plagued by prolonged conflicts.

    Concurrently, el-Sissi highlighted parallel demands for restructuring international financial institutions to achieve equitable African representation, addressing systemic imbalances in global economic governance.

    The current Security Council architecture, unchanged since its 1945 establishment, comprises five permanent members with veto power (the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France) alongside ten non-permanent members elected to two-year terms without veto capabilities.

    The Cairo conference aims to formulate a comprehensive strategy for strengthening Russia-Africa cooperation ahead of next year’s heads-of-state summit. Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s commitment to being ‘a reliable partner for African states in strengthening their national sovereignty,’ emphasizing Russia’s dedication to expanding practical cooperation across multiple domains.

    This diplomatic forum has gained significance following the 2023 St. Petersburg summit, where President Vladimir Putin sought to counter Western isolation through enhanced African partnerships. Russia has concurrently expanded its military presence across sub-Saharan Africa, deploying advanced weaponry and replacing the Wagner Group with Kremlin-controlled security units in various conflict zones.

  • Brazil’s Lula hopes EU-Mercosur trade deal will be signed in January

    Brazil’s Lula hopes EU-Mercosur trade deal will be signed in January

    Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed cautious optimism on Saturday that the landmark free-trade agreement between South America’s Mercosur bloc and the European Union could be finalized by January. This development follows a significant postponement announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who cited the need for additional weeks to resolve outstanding concerns among member states.

    The delay emerged amidst substantial opposition from France and Italy, compounded by widespread protests from European farmers who fear market disruption. President Lula revealed that Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni specifically requested additional time for consideration, contributing to the stalled negotiations during what was anticipated to be a signing ceremony at the EU summit.

    Von der Leyen requires approval from at least two-thirds of EU nations to ratify the agreement. Italy’s opposition provides France with sufficient voting power to potentially veto the deal, creating a significant diplomatic hurdle for the European Commission president.

    President Lula emphasized the critical need for political determination to conclude negotiations that have spanned 26 years. Speaking at a Mercosur summit in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, the president noted that while European negotiators had previously indicated willingness to sign, the anticipated completion did not materialize. He confirmed receiving communication from EU leadership targeting January for finalization.

    The Brazilian leader maintained that Mercosur would continue pursuing alternative international partnerships regardless of the EU outcome. “The world is eager to make deals with Mercosur,” Lula stated, highlighting the bloc’s attractiveness to global trading partners.

    French President Emmanuel Macron has emerged as a primary opponent of the agreement, expressing reservations about supporting the pact next month. Macron has coordinated with counterparts from Italy, Poland, Belgium, Austria, and Ireland to address agricultural sector concerns. However, Lula countered that France alone cannot obstruct the agreement’s progression.

    The prospective trade deal would create one of the world’s largest free-trade zones, encompassing 780 million consumers and representing a quarter of global GDP. The agreement would progressively eliminate tariffs on nearly all goods exchanged between the economic blocs, fundamentally reshaping transatlantic trade dynamics.