Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • UAE: Will it rain during Eid Al Etihad long weekend?

    UAE: Will it rain during Eid Al Etihad long weekend?

    As the UAE approaches the final long weekend of the year marking Eid Al Etihad, residents can anticipate predominantly agreeable weather conditions characterized by cool mornings and partially overcast skies. According to the National Centre of Meteorology, certain northern, coastal, and island regions may experience intermittent cloud cover with possibilities of scattered rainfall throughout the holiday period.

    Temperatures continue their seasonal decline across the nation, with maximum readings forecasted between 24°C–30°C in coastal and inland areas, while mountainous regions will see cooler ranges of 12°C–20°C. Nighttime and early morning humidity will increase, creating potential for mist or fog formation in interior zones.

    Wind patterns are expected to remain light to moderate, shifting between southeasterly and northwesterly directions at speeds reaching 25-40 km/h, occasionally stirring dust clouds in open areas. Maritime conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will generally be slight to moderate throughout the extended weekend.

    The detailed forecast indicates variable cloud coverage across different days:
    – November 29: Partly cloudy with rainfall potential in coastal and eastern areas
    – November 30: Generally fair skies with possible low clouds in western regions
    – December 1-2: Partly cloudy conditions prevailing with increased humidity overnight

    Residents planning outdoor activities during the holiday period are advised to monitor weather updates for potential rainfall in northern districts while enjoying the seasonably cool temperatures.

  • Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    Afghans in US issue plea to Trump after Washington DC shooting

    The Afghan community in the United States has united in condemnation of Wednesday’s fatal shooting in Washington DC that claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left her colleague Andrew Wolfe critically injured. The alleged perpetrator, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. through a special immigration program established for Afghans who collaborated with American forces during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    In response to the incident, President Donald Trump has implemented an immediate suspension of all Afghan immigration applications and ordered a comprehensive review of green cards issued to nationals from 19 countries. The administration has signaled potential broader restrictions on migration from what it characterizes as ‘third-world countries.’

    The Afghan Community Coalition of America expressed profound sympathy for the victims’ families while urging authorities not to delay or suspend Afghan immigration claims. ‘Twenty years of Afghan-US partnership must not be forgotten,’ their statement emphasized, referencing the two-decade military engagement that began in 2001.

    Multiple Afghan immigrants who spoke with media outlets on condition of anonymity due to Taliban reprisal concerns described the shooting as ‘deeply tragic’ and ‘really shocking.’ They emphasized that the suspect’s actions represented an individual criminal act rather than reflecting their community’s values. ‘Afghans in the United States are hardworking, tax-paying members of society,’ one interviewee noted, adding that many remain grateful for American evacuation efforts during the Kabul crisis.

    Lakanwal reportedly assisted U.S. forces as a guard at Kabul airport during the withdrawal operation and entered America the same year. According to official sources, his asylum application was approved earlier this year after being filed in 2024. The FBI confirms the suspect had established relationships with ‘partner forces’ during the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.

    The political fallout has created widespread uncertainty among immigrant communities, with many expressing concern about potential policy changes that could affect their status. One Afghan resident articulated the dual challenges facing his community: ‘For us Afghans there’s problem for us in Afghanistan as well as here.’

  • Watch: ‘Lethal’ basketball player makes shot from over 100ft-high helicopter in Dubai

    Watch: ‘Lethal’ basketball player makes shot from over 100ft-high helicopter in Dubai

    In an extraordinary display of precision and nerve, professional basketball marksman Chris Matthews successfully executed a record-breaking basket from a helicopter hovering over 100 feet above Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. The aerial spectacle, performed on November 28, 2025, demonstrated remarkable coordination between athlete and pilot under challenging atmospheric conditions.

    The daring attempt required Matthews to maintain intense focus while positioned at the helicopter’s open doorway, with legs suspended above the iconic artificial archipelago. Despite significant wind interference and aircraft vibration, the athlete delivered a perfect shot into a ground-positioned hoop after meticulous aerial positioning by pilot Captain Husam Gamal.

    Matthews immediately credited the aviation expert for the achievement, stating the pilot contributed “90 percent of the work” through continuous hover adjustments and stabilization maneuvers. The wind conditions presented particular challenges, with Matthews describing the experience as “trying to aim a paper in a storm” due to atmospheric forces affecting ball trajectory.

    The demonstration served as a promotional highlight coinciding with Dubai’s hosting of the Red Bull Half Court World Final, an international basketball tournament featuring competitors from multiple continents. Matthews emphasized the symbolic nature of the stunt, intended to showcase basketball’s universal appeal across diverse environments and skill levels.

    Following the successful attempt, Matthews expressed particular appreciation for Dubai’s aerial landscape, describing the Palm Jumeirah as “splendid” and the city as a “visual treat” from elevation. The achievement represents one of the most remarkable basketball shots ever attempted under non-traditional conditions.

  • Iran to boycott 2026 World Cup draw after US denies delegation members visas

    Iran to boycott 2026 World Cup draw after US denies delegation members visas

    In an unprecedented move that blends sports with international diplomacy, the Iranian Football Federation has declared a formal boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. This decisive action comes as a direct response to the United States’ refusal to grant entry visas to several key members of Iran’s delegation scheduled to attend the event in Washington, D.C.

    The Federation’s spokesperson publicly confirmed the boycott on Iranian state television, stating, ‘We have formally notified FIFA that these decisions are devoid of sporting spirit. Consequently, our delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw.’ Reports from the Iranian sports outlet Varzesh 3 earlier indicated that Federation President Mehdi Taj was among those denied visas.

    Taj condemned the US decision as overtly political, revealing he had appealed directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. ‘We have communicated to Mr. Infantino that this is a purely political stance. FIFA must insist that the US refrains from such conduct,’ Taj asserted. Interestingly, visas were reportedly approved for four other delegation members, including team coach Amir Ghalenoei, highlighting the selective nature of the denials.

    This incident revives the long-standing, tense history between the two nations, which has previously spilled onto the football pitch. Iran’s celebrated 2-1 victory over the US in the 1998 World Cup remains a historic moment, later avenged by the Americans with a 1-0 win in the 2022 tournament. The 2026 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

    The geopolitical context adds profound complexity to the dispute. The nations have been entrenched in conflict for over four decades. High-level nuclear talks that commenced in April had offered a fragile hope for diplomacy but collapsed abruptly in mid-June following a military offensive by Israel against Iran. This conflict escalated into a 12-day war, which saw the US briefly engage with airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, further severing the already fragile relations between Tehran and Washington.

  • Cultural adventures in Confucius’ hometown

    Cultural adventures in Confucius’ hometown

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has issued a definitive copyright notice establishing strict protections for all content published through its platforms. The comprehensive policy applies to all textual, photographic, and multimedia materials appearing on CDIC-affiliated sites.

    According to the published guidelines, republication or utilization of any protected content in any form requires prior written authorization from CDIC. The company explicitly prohibits unauthorized use of its intellectual property, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding digital assets.

    The notice additionally provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for best viewing performance. This specification indicates CDIC’s dedication to maintaining high presentation standards for its digital content.

    Beyond copyright matters, the communication references several organizational aspects including registration details (Registration Number: 130349) and multimedia publishing licenses (License 0108263). The notice also directs readers to various sections of the China Daily ecosystem including advertising opportunities, contact information, employment resources, and expatriate employment services.

    The copyright statement concludes with an invitation to follow the organization’s digital channels, emphasizing ongoing engagement with its audience through various media platforms. This multifaceted approach demonstrates CDIC’s comprehensive strategy toward content protection, user experience, and audience development.

  • Dubai Police ask public for help in identifying dead body

    Dubai Police ask public for help in identifying dead body

    Dubai Police have launched a public appeal for information regarding an unidentified male individual discovered deceased in the Al Qusais area. The case presents investigative challenges as the man was found without any personal identification documents, and no missing persons reports matching his description have been filed with authorities.

    According to official statements released on Friday, November 28, 2025, the discovery was made within the operational jurisdiction of the Al Qusais Police Station. The absence of identifying materials and the lack of missing person reports have complicated standard identification procedures.

    The remains have been transferred to the Forensic Science and Criminology Department’s specialized facilities for comprehensive examination. Forensic experts will conduct detailed analysis to establish both the individual’s identity and the precise circumstances surrounding his death.

    Authorities have established dedicated communication channels for information submission. Dubai residents can contact the police call center at 901, while callers from outside the emirate should dial 04 901. Police officials emphasize that any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove valuable in resolving this case and providing closure to potential family members.

    The public appeal represents standard procedure in cases involving unidentified persons, demonstrating the Dubai Police’s comprehensive approach to investigation through community engagement and advanced forensic capabilities.

  • Fact check: Thai police post AI-modified relief image as flood kills 145

    Fact check: Thai police post AI-modified relief image as flood kills 145

    Thailand’s border patrol police have issued a formal apology after publishing a digitally altered image depicting flood rescuers armed with automatic rifles and combat gear in the flood-ravaged city of Hat Yai. The incident occurred amid catastrophic flooding in southern Thailand that has claimed at least 145 lives according to official government reports.

    The controversial image, shared on the 437th Border Patrol Police unit’s Facebook page, showed personnel in full tactical equipment with the caption “Border patrol ready to enter zone 8 today” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The post was shared over 12,000 times before being removed from social media platforms.

    Fact-checkers from AFP identified digital watermarks in the image using Google’s AI identification tool SynthID, including a distinctive star-shaped Gemini watermark confirming the image was generated using Google’s AI software. This marks another instance of AI-generated imagery circulating in Thailand during the disaster response period.

    Following exposure of the manipulation, the police unit published the original photograph showing unarmed officers in orange life vests operating a rescue boat with visible relief supplies. “This is a real image before it was made into an AI image,” the unit stated. “We apologize for any misunderstanding.”

    An unnamed officer explained to AFP that the altered image was intended to “show the public our readiness to enter the area,” while clarifying that no personnel involved in flood relief operations actually carried firearms. No disciplinary actions have been taken regarding the incident.

    The manipulation occurred despite warnings from Thailand’s government-run anti-fake news center, which had previously advised against sharing AI images that “mislead people and become obstacles to relief efforts.”

    Public reaction revealed divided opinions, with some netizens condemning the digital deception during a humanitarian crisis while others expressed desire for such armed protection to be reality. Critics emphasized the importance of transparent communication during emergency operations, with one comment noting, “The first place in the world where flood relief officials must be armed.”

  • Xiong’an prioritizes aerospace information and satellite internet

    Xiong’an prioritizes aerospace information and satellite internet

    Xiong’an New Area has positioned itself at the forefront of China’s aerospace technology revolution, hosting a landmark conference that signals transformative advancements in satellite internet and aerospace information systems. The 2025 Innovation Development Conference of China Aerospace Information and Satellite Internet Innovation Alliance, convened on November 27th, unveiled groundbreaking technological products and application scenarios that promise to reshape the nation’s aerospace capabilities.

    The conference showcased dual inventories of cutting-edge technological products and implementation frameworks, featuring satellite payloads and terminal equipment designed to bolster China’s competitive edge in the global aerospace sector. These innovations establish a comprehensive operational system spanning underground, ground, low-altitude, and space applications, including specialized communication support for polar research expeditions.

    Strategic partnership agreements were formalized during the event, focusing on innovation collaboration and technology transformation initiatives. This development aligns with Xiong’an’s strategic prioritization of aerospace information and satellite internet as primary innovation chains, which has already attracted 63 companies and seven specialized innovation platforms to establish operations within the new area.

    The convergence of technological assets in Xiong’an represents a significant milestone in China’s broader strategy to develop integrated space-ground information infrastructure. This initiative not only enhances national capabilities in satellite communications and remote sensing but also positions Xiong’an as a crucible for technological innovation with far-reaching implications for both commercial and scientific applications.

  • Huairou science cluster strengthens global research cooperation in Beijing

    Huairou science cluster strengthens global research cooperation in Beijing

    The Huairou district of Beijing has formally opened its extensive network of major scientific research facilities to international partners, marking a significant advancement in global scientific cooperation. District officials announced on Thursday that this strategic initiative aims to bolster Beijing’s standing as a central hub for international research collaboration.

    According to Liang Shuang, District Head, 16 major scientific installations have been specifically designated for international partnership within a broader network totaling 37 research facilities. The majority of these facilities are already operational and conducting cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines including materials science, space exploration, earth sciences, and ecological studies.

    Huairou has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from isolated scientific developments into an integrated cluster of research excellence. This evolution has established the district as a powerhouse for national strategic scientific innovation. A landmark achievement this year was the commissioning of a high-energy synchrotron radiation light source, positioning China at the forefront of this critical technological field globally.

    The district’s innovative approach includes creating an “innovation matrix” that integrates national laboratories, specialized research institutions, leading technology corporations, and premier research universities. This collaborative ecosystem has already yielded substantial results, with 63 breakthroughs in key technologies and 430 significant scientific outcomes. Many of these achievements have received recognition through national and municipal science and technology awards, demonstrating the district’s growing influence in the global scientific community.

  • Union earmarks 8 million yuan for Hong Kong fire relief

    Union earmarks 8 million yuan for Hong Kong fire relief

    In a swift response to Wednesday’s devastating residential fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions has activated emergency relief protocols by allocating 8 million yuan (approximately $1.13 million) for immediate disaster response. The substantial funding initiative aims to address critical needs arising from the Wang Fuk Court residential complex blaze that emergency crews have been battling since November 26, 2025.

    The national labor organization confirmed the emergency funds will be strategically deployed to provide comprehensive support for displaced residents, including emergency housing solutions, essential living supplies, and temporary resettlement assistance. The federation’s emergency response team is coordinating with local authorities in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to ensure efficient distribution of resources to affected families.

    Beyond immediate financial assistance, the trade union federation has committed to maintaining continuous oversight of rescue operations and implementing additional supportive measures as the situation evolves. This institutional response demonstrates organized labor’s capacity for rapid mobilization in urban emergency situations, particularly in high-density residential areas where fire incidents can have catastrophic consequences.

    The funding announcement follows earlier expressions of concern from national leadership regarding the Tai Po incident, highlighting the significance of cross-jurisdictional disaster response mechanisms within China’s administrative framework.