Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Abu Dhabi Airports closes 2025 with record traffic

    Abu Dhabi Airports closes 2025 with record traffic

    Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector has achieved an unprecedented milestone, with its airport network processing over 33 million passengers throughout 2025. This remarkable figure represents the highest annual passenger volume in the emirate’s history, cementing its position as a rapidly expanding global aviation hub.

    The crown jewel of this network, Zayed International Airport (AUH), has emerged as the fastest-growing mega airport across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. In its second full year of operations, AUH handled approximately 98% of all passenger traffic within the emirate’s airport system. The fourth quarter alone witnessed 8.59 million passengers passing through its gates, marking a substantial 13.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

    This extraordinary growth was propelled by strategic network expansion that saw 39 new route launches and the addition of seven new airline partners. Major carriers including China Eastern Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Jazeera Airways, and Etihad Airways either initiated or enhanced services to key global destinations. The expanded connectivity now spans from established hubs like Addis Ababa, Atlanta, and Hong Kong to emerging markets such as Berlin, Hanoi, Pune, and Warsaw.

    The airport’s operational excellence was further demonstrated through multiple days where daily passenger traffic exceeded the 100,000 mark, underscoring AUH’s efficiency and its growing appeal as a preferred hub for both direct and transfer passengers.

    Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasized that surpassing the 33 million passenger milestone reflects the organization’s operational readiness to meet escalating global demand. He attributed this performance to concerted efforts across all operational levels to fulfill the strategic vision set by leadership, with continued focus on maintaining momentum through operational excellence and expanded cargo capabilities.

    The achievement marks the 19th consecutive period of double-digit growth in passenger traffic—a record in itself—and the first time Abu Dhabi’s five airports collectively surpassed 30 million annual passengers. This consistent multi-year growth trajectory has been driven by strategic network expansion, strengthened airline partnerships, and sustained investment in capacity enhancement and passenger experience improvements.

    Complementing this success, cargo volumes experienced significant growth with nearly 770,000 tonnes handled across the emirate’s airports—a 12% year-on-year increase that highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence as a strategic trade corridor.

    The year 2025 also brought multiple industry accolades, including Best Airport for Retail at the Frontier Awards and recognition as Highly Commended at the Aviation Business Awards. AUH further distinguished itself by achieving ACI’s Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation and the coveted Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation, alongside awards for innovative technology systems and passenger experience initiatives.

  • Pakistan win after all-rounder Ayub sinks Australia

    Pakistan win after all-rounder Ayub sinks Australia

    In a commanding display of all-round cricket, Pakistan secured a decisive 22-run victory against a depleted Australian side in the opening Twenty20 international at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. The match was defined by the exceptional performance of Saim Ayub, whose contributions with both bat and ball proved instrumental in the home team’s success.

    After winning the toss and electing bat first, Pakistan faced early pressure when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for a golden duck. However, Ayub (40) combined with captain Salman Agha (39) to stabilize the innings through a crucial 74-run partnership that established the foundation for a competitive total. The middle order faced significant challenges from Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who delivered an impressive bowling spell claiming 4-24, including the wickets of both set batsmen and the dangerous Babar Azam (24). Despite Zampa’s efforts, Pakistan managed to post 168-8 from their allotted overs.

    When Australia began their chase, Ayub immediately made his presence felt with the ball. The off-spinner removed opener Matthew Short in his first over before delivering the crucial blow of dismissing stand-in captain Travis Head (23) in his second over. Australia’s innings never gained momentum as they suffered multiple setbacks, including the run-outs of Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Owen. Mohammad Nawaz effectively sealed the match by ending Cameron Green’s promising knock of 36 in the 13th over. Although number 10 batter Xavier Bartlett provided late entertainment with an unbeaten 34 from 25 deliveries, Australia could only manage 146-8 in reply.

    The victory holds particular significance as both teams use this three-match series as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Australia fielded a second-string squad led by makeshift captain Head, with regular skipper Mitchell Marsh arriving late after completing Big Bash League commitments. The team included three debutants, reflecting their experimental approach to the series. The remaining matches will be played at the same venue on Saturday and Sunday, offering both sides further opportunities to refine their strategies before the global tournament.

  • Israeli army accepts Palestinian health ministry death toll of 71,000 dead in Gaza

    Israeli army accepts Palestinian health ministry death toll of 71,000 dead in Gaza

    In a significant reversal of its longstanding position, the Israeli military has formally acknowledged the general accuracy of the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty figures from the conflict. After years of dismissing the ministry’s reports as “misleading and unreliable,” military officials now confirm that the death toll of approximately 71,000 is substantially correct, though they note this figure excludes individuals still buried beneath rubble.

    The army disclosed it is currently conducting detailed analysis of the data to differentiate between civilian and military casualties. According to their assessment, the reported numbers also do not account for deaths resulting from starvation or diseases that have been exacerbated by the prolonged humanitarian crisis in the region.

    Military observers note that the overwhelming majority of casualties have been civilians, attributing this to the Israeli army’s predominant use of aerial bombardments and artillery shelling from distance rather than direct battlefield engagements with Palestinian fighters.

    The context of this acknowledgment comes amid a fragile ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump in October, which was intended to conclude more than two years of intense conflict that devastated nearly 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure. Since the ceasefire began, however, monitoring groups have reported over 1,300 violations by Israel, resulting in approximately 500 additional Palestinian fatalities.

    The second phase of the Trump administration’s peace plan envisions the disarmament of Hamas, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces—who currently control more than half of the Gaza Strip—and the deployment of an international peacekeeping force. Hamas officials have responded that Israel must fully implement the ceasefire agreement, particularly regarding humanitarian aid access and complete military withdrawal from Gaza.

  • Direct Bangladesh-Pakistan flights resume as bilateral ties warm

    Direct Bangladesh-Pakistan flights resume as bilateral ties warm

    In a significant development for South Asian aviation and diplomatic relations, direct flight operations between Bangladesh and Pakistan resumed on Thursday following a fourteen-year suspension. The inaugural flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, departed from Dhaka for Karachi, marking the restoration of regular air connectivity that had been absent since 2012.

    The resumption of direct flights represents a tangible manifestation of improving bilateral ties between the two Muslim-majority nations, which share a complex historical background as former constituents of a single nation until their separation after the 1971 liberation war. The geographical separation of approximately 1,500 kilometers of Indian territory had previously necessitated transit through Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha for travelers between the two countries.

    Biman Bangladesh Airlines has established a twice-weekly flight schedule, a move that aviation analysts believe will substantially reduce travel time and costs for passengers. Mohammad Shahid, one of the 150 passengers aboard the inaugural Karachi-bound flight, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed connectivity, noting that the previous absence of direct flights had limited his travel frequency to once every two or three years.

    The airline emphasized in an official statement that the reestablished air link would significantly contribute to enhancing trade relations, facilitating educational exchanges, and strengthening cultural connections between the two nations. This diplomatic thaw follows substantial political changes in Bangladesh, including the 2024 student-led movement that resulted in the conclusion of Sheikh Hasina’s fifteen-year administration.

    The warming relations have already yielded concrete benefits, with cargo shipping operations between Karachi and Chittagong resuming in November 2024. Subsequent months have witnessed increased commercial activity, expanded cultural interactions featuring performances by Pakistani artists in Dhaka, and growing medical tourism from Bangladesh to Pakistan.

  • Gold prices set for best monthly gain in 50 years after hitting record high

    Gold prices set for best monthly gain in 50 years after hitting record high

    Global gold markets witnessed an unprecedented surge on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the precious metal shattered previous records by breaching the $5,500 per ounce threshold for the first time in history. This remarkable rally positions gold for its most substantial monthly appreciation in half a century, driven primarily by escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting economic indicators.

    In Dubai’s vibrant gold market, 24K gold reached an extraordinary peak of Dh666 per gram during daytime trading before settling at Dh664.5 per gram by evening. This represents a staggering year-to-date increase of Dh144.5 per gram, demonstrating the metal’s sustained upward trajectory. The phenomenon extended beyond pure gold, with 22K variants momentarily crossing the Dh600 barrier for the first time ever, achieving an unprecedented high of Dh616.75 per gram before moderating to Dh615.25.

    Financial experts attribute this historic surge to multiple converging factors. Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, identified deteriorating US-Iran relations as a primary catalyst. ‘The breakdown in nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, coupled with President Trump’s暗示 of potential military intervention in the Middle East, has created substantial market uncertainty,’ Valecha explained. The strategic deployment of a US aircraft carrier strike group, bringing total American warships in the region to ten, has significantly heightened geopolitical anxieties.

    Concurrently, the weakening US dollar index has prompted investors to seek refuge in traditional safe-haven assets, further accelerating gold’s ascent. From a technical perspective, Valecha noted that gold approached $5,604 during early trading sessions before experiencing a slight correction to $5,549. Critical resistance is currently identified at $5,604, with a potential breakthrough potentially propelling prices toward $5,700. Conversely, support levels stand firm at $5,438 on hourly charts, with a breach possibly triggering a decline to $5,317.

    This extraordinary market performance underscores gold’s enduring role as a financial sanctuary during periods of international instability and economic uncertainty.

  • Rugby Australia trumpets another big win over NRL after signing Max Jorgensen on mega new deal

    Rugby Australia trumpets another big win over NRL after signing Max Jorgensen on mega new deal

    In a significant coup for the sport, Rugby Australia has successfully retained one of its most promising talents, Max Jorgensen, who has rejected substantial interest from the National Rugby League’s Sydney Roosters. The 21-year-old outside back has committed to a monumental five-year contract extension, ensuring his presence in Australian rugby through the conclusion of the 2031 season.

    This development represents a strategic victory for Rugby Australia, coming shortly after the code secured Angus Crichton’s transition from rugby league beginning in 2027, alongside Mark Nawaqanitawase’s impending return to union later this year. Jorgensen’s decision delivers a substantial blow to the Roosters’ recruitment efforts while providing stability to Australian rugby’s talent pipeline.

    The groundbreaking agreement includes provisions for sabbatical seasons in 2028 and 2030, enabling Jorgensen to potentially pursue lucrative opportunities in international competitions—a privilege previously extended only to Wallabies legends Michael Hooper and Lote Tuqiri. This structure ensures Jorgensen’s availability for both the 2027 home World Cup in Australia and the subsequent 2031 global tournament.

    Jorgensen expressed profound connection to his rugby roots, stating: ‘Having grown up in Sydney with junior rugby at Balmain Wolves and education at St. Joseph’s College, representing my state in the blue jersey carries immense significance for my family and me. Achieving Wallabies selection stands as my career highlight thus far, and I’m determined to contribute to a successful home World Cup campaign next year.’

    With 20 international appearances already showcasing his exceptional abilities, Jorgensen has demonstrated potential to emerge as one of rugby’s contemporary greats. Rugby Australia’s director of high performance, Peter Horne, emphasized the strategic importance of this retention: ‘At just 21, Max has evolved into a formidable Test player with considerable development potential. His long-term commitment reflects positively on our program’s direction, and we anticipate his continued contributions to team performance and culture.’

    The secured future allows Jorgensen to focus immediately on forthcoming campaigns with the Waratahs and Wallabies as Australia builds toward hosting rugby’s premier global event in 2027.

  • Imran Khan not the only one silenced as Pakistan military stifles dissent

    Imran Khan not the only one silenced as Pakistan military stifles dissent

    Pakistan’s political landscape is witnessing an unprecedented contraction of democratic freedoms as former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains in complete isolation at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. According to his political party, Khan has been denied visitation rights for over five weeks, with his last family visit occurring more than eight weeks ago and legal consultations limited to a mere eight-minute session.

    The government attributes this isolation to Khan’s violation of prison regulations prohibiting political discussions, while his family alleges a deliberate attempt to silence his criticism of military leadership. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum, asserts that Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military chief, is personally orchestrating this information blockade—an accusation the government vehemently denies.

    This suppression extends far beyond Khan’s case. Recent developments reveal a systematic crackdown on dissent across multiple sectors. Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband received ten-year prison sentences for allegedly sharing ‘anti-state’ social media content, drawing condemnation from Amnesty International regarding Pakistan’s use of coercive tactics against human rights defenders.

    Media freedom has suffered significantly under new regulations. Television networks operate under strict directives prohibiting any coverage of Khan, including visual representations, audio recordings, or even mentioning his name. Journalists report escalating self-censorship and intimidation tactics, with even tangential coverage of military-related topics triggering warnings from unidentified callers.

    The legal framework itself has been weaponized against free expression. The 2025 amendments to Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act introduced vague definitions of ‘national interest’ and established severe penalties for criticizing state institutions. Media analyst Adnan Rehmat notes that these changes have created ‘forever shifting boundaries’ that make legitimate journalism increasingly perilous.

    Historical context reveals this repression represents both continuity and escalation. While Pakistan has experienced media restrictions under previous administrations, current measures demonstrate increased institutionalization of suppression. The military’s influence has reached new heights following constitutional amendments granting Field Marshal Munir lifetime immunity from prosecution and oversight of all defense forces.

    International observers express growing concern. Michael Kugelman of the Atlantic Council notes that ‘Pakistan is coming quite close to authoritarian rule,’ with current repression levels exceeding any previous period of civilian governance. The situation illustrates the delicate balance between state security concerns and fundamental democratic rights, with Pakistan’s authorities insisting their actions represent necessary measures against ‘digital terrorism’ rather than suppression of legitimate dissent.

  • Why China moved so quickly to execute 11 members of a notorious mafia family

    Why China moved so quickly to execute 11 members of a notorious mafia family

    In a decisive move against transnational organized crime, China has carried out the execution of 11 principal members of the Ming criminal syndicate originating from Myanmar’s northern Shan State. The sentences, initially handed down in September, mark the culmination of an extensive cross-border operation targeting sophisticated cyber fraud operations that had ensnared thousands of Chinese citizens.

    The Ming family, alongside the Bau, Wei, and Liu clans, had established a formidable criminal empire in the remote border town of Laukkaing since 2009. Their rise to power followed a military operation led by General Min Aung Hlaing that displaced the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the ethnic insurgent group previously controlling the region.

    These criminal networks transitioned from traditional narcotics production to establishing large-scale casino operations and ultimately sophisticated cyber fraud compounds. The most notorious facility, known as Crouching Tiger Villa operated by the Ming family, became synonymous with human rights abuses where torture was routinely employed against workers forced to participate in elaborate ‘pig-butchering’ romance scams targeting predominantly Chinese victims.

    The turning point emerged in October 2023 when guards at these compounds killed several Chinese nationals during an attempted escape. This incident prompted China to collaborate with the MNDAA, which subsequently launched an offensive recapturing Laukkaing and detaining the crime family leaders. Ming Xuechang, the family patriarch, committed suicide following capture, while over 60 associates were transferred to Chinese authorities.

    China’s Ministry of Public Security has publicized interrogation details revealing the extreme brutality of these operations, including reports of random killings intended to demonstrate power. The comprehensive crackdown has extended beyond Myanmar, with China securing extraditions of key figures like She Zhijiang from Thailand and Chen Zhi from Cambodia, both accused of operating massive scam empires across Southeast Asia.

    Despite these efforts, the cyber fraud industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting and relocating to new regions within Myanmar while maintaining significant presence in Cambodia. The executions represent China’s most severe response to date against cross-border criminal enterprises threatening its citizens and financial security.

  • Are you a parent in the UAE? You now have a legal duty to supervise your children’s digital lives

    Are you a parent in the UAE? You now have a legal duty to supervise your children’s digital lives

    The United Arab Emirates has implemented a groundbreaking Child Digital Safety Law that fundamentally reshapes parental responsibilities in the digital realm. This legislation marks a significant shift from reactive measures to proactive prevention, establishing clear legal expectations for both digital platforms and families.

    Under the new regulatory framework, parents now carry a legal obligation to provide reasonable supervision of their children’s digital interactions. This mandate encompasses knowing which applications and platforms children use, ensuring age-appropriate content, implementing basic parental controls, and maintaining open communication about online safety practices. Crucially, the law distinguishes between reasonable supervision and constant surveillance, emphasizing guidance over invasive monitoring.

    Legal experts clarify that the legislation primarily targets service providers rather than families. Sarah Greenstreet, technology and data protection lawyer at Addleshaw Goddard, explains: “This law signals the UAE government’s serious commitment to children’s online safety, recognizing that digital spaces require the same protection standards as physical environments.”

    The law broadly defines harmful content as any material negatively affecting a child’s moral, psychological, or social wellbeing. This expanded definition includes content promoting unhealthy body standards, encouraging excessive screen time, subtly pressuring information sharing, or normalizing risky behaviors. The legislation also addresses harmful behaviors including harassment, grooming, and exploitation.

    Practical implementation recommendations include establishing separate, age-appropriate accounts for children rather than sharing adult accounts, which could be interpreted as failing to meet supervision requirements. For younger children, experts recommend maintaining direct parental control over messaging platforms accessed through parental devices.

    Digital security professionals emphasize that effective supervision doesn’t require technical expertise. Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor at BeyondTrust, notes: “Parents have numerous tools at their disposal—operating system controls, browser filters, antivirus solutions, and router-level protections.”

    Psychological experts stress that successful implementation relies on supportive communication rather than punitive measures. Rema Menon Vellat of Counselling Point Training and Development advises: “Supervision works best when children feel comfortable sharing concerns without fear of punishment or device confiscation.”

    The law represents a cultural shift toward recognizing digital access as an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time permission. It positions parents as guides in the digital landscape while creating safer default environments through platform-level protections and stricter data handling requirements for children under 13.

  • The unspoken truth of the ‘Sandwich Generation’: How to parent your parents

    The unspoken truth of the ‘Sandwich Generation’: How to parent your parents

    A profound generational challenge is emerging as millions of middle-aged adults find themselves simultaneously parenting young children while caring for aging parents, creating what sociologists term the ‘Sandwich Generation’ phenomenon. This dual caregiving role presents unique psychological and physical demands that society remains largely unprepared to address.

    The experience of parenting young children, while exhausting, carries the inherent promise of future independence and developmental milestones. In stark contrast, caring for declining parents represents a degenerative process with diminishing returns on emotional investment. The biological rewards of nurturing children differ fundamentally from the emotional toll of witnessing parental deterioration.

    This convergence of responsibilities at midlife creates unprecedented psychological strain. Caregivers must reconcile the joyful anticipation of their children’s futures with the grief of their parents’ mortality, often within the same emotional space and time. The emotional whiplash of comforting a crying child moments after confronting parental decline represents a modern psychological challenge without established coping mechanisms.

    Through extensive interviews with those experiencing this dual caregiving reality, a consistent pattern emerges: the path forward involves acceptance rather than resolution. Veteran caregivers emphasize that surrendering to the inevitable cycle of life and death provides the only sustainable framework for navigating these competing demands.

    The psychological landscape of this experience involves constant confrontation with mortality while maintaining life-affirming responsibilities. Caregivers describe developing a heightened appreciation for life’s transient beauty—the warmth of a child’s embrace, the comfort of partnership, the persistence of love beyond grief. This perspective transforms the caregiving journey from burden to privilege, recognizing that profound grief necessarily follows profound love.

    While solutions remain elusive, the collective nature of this experience provides comfort. Millions worldwide are navigating similar challenges, creating silent solidarity among those balancing generational responsibilities. This shared experience represents an unspoken rite of passage for contemporary adults, redefining family dynamics across modern societies.