Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller

    China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller

    In a landmark development for the global automotive industry, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has dethroned Elon Musk’s Tesla as the world’s premier electric vehicle seller by annual sales volume. This represents the first occasion where the Shenzhen-based automaker has outperformed its American competitor in yearly deliveries.

    BYD’s official figures released Thursday revealed a substantial 28% year-over-year increase in battery-electric vehicle sales, culminating in over 2.25 million units sold throughout 2025. Meanwhile, Tesla is anticipated to report approximately 1.65 million vehicle sales for the same period when it discloses its official results Friday, according to previously published analyst projections.

    Tesla’s challenging year has been characterized by several compounding factors, including tepid market reception to its latest vehicle offerings, growing apprehension regarding Musk’s political engagements, and increasingly fierce competition from Chinese EV manufacturers. In response to mounting competitive pressures, Tesla implemented strategic pricing adjustments in October, introducing more affordable variants of its top-selling models in the American market.

    The leadership transition occurs amid Musk’s pursuit of an unprecedented compensation package potentially worth up to $1 trillion, contingent upon his ability to dramatically elevate Tesla’s sales performance and market valuation over the coming decade. Shareholders initially approved this ambitious incentive structure in November.

    BYD’s remarkable ascent to global EV dominance has been fueled by its competitive pricing strategy and rapid international expansion across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and European markets. This growth persists despite numerous nations implementing substantial tariffs on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles. Notably, the United Kingdom emerged as BYD’s largest overseas market in October, with sales skyrocketing by 880% through September, primarily driven by robust demand for the plug-in hybrid version of its Seal U SUV.

    Musk continues to oversee his diverse portfolio of ventures beyond Tesla, including social media platform X, aerospace manufacturer SpaceX, and infrastructure firm The Boring Company.

  • ‘You’re invisible, you don’t exist’ – life without a birth certificate

    ‘You’re invisible, you don’t exist’ – life without a birth certificate

    In the shadows of South Africa’s bustling society, thousands face an invisible crisis—statelessness—that strips them of fundamental rights and opportunities. Arnold Ncube, a 25-year-old Johannesburg native, embodies this plight. Despite being born to a South African father, Arnold lacks state-issued identification, relegating him to menial work like car washing in Thembisa township. His dreams of education crumbled when he couldn’t produce a birth certificate for secondary school registration, a consequence of parental abandonment that left him without proof of identity.

    Arnold describes his existence as ‘living in the shadows,’ unable to open bank accounts, pursue formal employment, or access public services. His emotional turmoil mirrors that of an estimated 10,000 stateless individuals in South Africa, though unofficial estimates suggest global numbers reach 4.5 million, with some projections as high as 15 million.

    Christy Chitengu, a human rights lawyer who once faced statelessness herself, underscores the systemic barriers. Born to Zimbabwean parents in Johannesburg, she held a handwritten birth certificate unrecognized by authorities. At 17, she discovered her stateless status when school officials questioned her enrollment. Despite eligibility for Zimbabwean citizenship, bureaucratic hurdles—including age restrictions on late birth registration and travel constraints—left her stranded without nationality until Lawyers for Human Rights secured her South African citizenship three years ago.

    Statelessness stems from administrative gaps, poor record-keeping, and restrictive policies. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, responsible for immigration, remains unresponsive to inquiries about solutions. UNHCR expert Jesus Perez Sanchez emphasizes that statelessness isn’t merely legal but a developmental crisis, preventing individuals from contributing fully to society and the economy.

    Globally, experts advocate for policy reforms: allowing refugees to register children born on foreign soil and granting mothers equal rights to pass nationality to offspring. For Arnold, hope emerges through legal aid; a lawyer now assists his fight for documentation. He aspires to study computer science, believing citizenship could unlock a future beyond the shadows.

  • Global Islamic finance set to hit $6 trillion in 2026 as industry posts strong double‑digit growth

    Global Islamic finance set to hit $6 trillion in 2026 as industry posts strong double‑digit growth

    The global Islamic finance industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience and expansion, with projections indicating assets will surpass the $6 trillion threshold by the conclusion of 2026. This surge follows a year of substantial growth in 2025, during which industry assets escalated to $5.2 trillion, marking a robust 14.9% increase year-on-year, as reported by the AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics.

    Islamic banking continues to form the cornerstone of the sector, commanding 72% of total assets, which translates to over $2.7 trillion. The year 2025 witnessed financing activities grow by more than 17%, while deposits saw an expansion of nearly 9%. This vigor was particularly evident in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Asia, and an emerging cluster of African markets, where several jurisdictions reported growth rates exceeding 20%.

    The sukuk market emerged as a standout performer, with global issuance eclipsing $230 billion in 2024 and maintaining its upward trajectory throughout 2025. This growth was fueled by sovereign borrowing requirements and extensive infrastructure financing initiatives. New entrants from Africa, including Tanzania, Zambia, and Kenya, have begun to integrate more firmly into the global Islamic capital markets.

    Despite these positive trends, the industry faces significant structural challenges. CEO Zubair Mughal highlighted concerns over limited Shariah-compliant liquidity instruments, an overreliance on sovereign sukuk, and a lack of sufficient diversification beyond traditional banking activities. The report cautioned that without deeper and more liquid Islamic capital markets, banking-led growth alone may be inadequate for ensuring long-term financial resilience.

    The most dynamic growth is occurring in the Islamic FinTech sector, which, while currently representing only 3% of total assets, is expanding at a pace far exceeding that of traditional segments. Innovations in digital payments, Shariah-compliant buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services, embedded finance, and applications of artificial intelligence and blockchain are driving financial inclusion across Africa and South Asia.

    Geographically, Asia and the GCC remain the dominant forces, collectively accounting for over half of all Islamic finance assets. However, Africa is now the fastest-growing frontier, with expectations for Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, and Somalia/Somaliland to formally enter the market in 2026. European interest is also renewing, with Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, and the Netherlands exploring Islamic banking frameworks.

    Looking forward, 2026 presents significant opportunities in capital-market deepening, cross-border FinTech expansion, and Africa-focused infrastructure finance. Mughal emphasized that addressing regulatory gaps, concentration risks, and market fragmentation will be crucial for harnessing innovation and ensuring the industry’s transition into a mainstream pillar of ethical and inclusive global finance.

  • UAE leaders offer condolences to Bangladesh president over passing of Khaleda Zia

    UAE leaders offer condolences to Bangladesh president over passing of Khaleda Zia

    The United Arab Emirates’ highest leadership has formally expressed sympathy to Bangladesh following the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away on December 30, 2025, at age 80. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveyed heartfelt condolences to Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin, recognizing Zia’s significant role in the nation’s political landscape.

    Similar messages of sympathy were extended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court, demonstrating the UAE’s diplomatic solidarity during Bangladesh’s period of national mourning.

    The state funeral, held on December 31, 2025, attracted massive crowds honoring the political leader whose career spanned decades and profoundly shaped Bangladesh’s democratic trajectory. Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party announced her passing amid what many believed would be her political comeback in upcoming February 2026 elections.

    Despite enduring years of health challenges and imprisonment on corruption charges under the government of her rival Sheikh Hasina, Zia remained politically active until her final days. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus had previously described her as “a source of utmost inspiration for the nation” and called for national prayers during her illness.

    Zia’s release from prison in 2024 coincided with the political transition that saw Hasina removed from power, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be Zia’s return to electoral politics before her untimely passing.

  • Abu Dhabi’s new pet rule sees restaurants open up to pets, owners welcome move

    Abu Dhabi’s new pet rule sees restaurants open up to pets, owners welcome move

    Abu Dhabi has ushered in a new era of urban inclusivity with groundbreaking regulatory amendments that permit licensed tourism establishments to welcome companion animals. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has authorized hotels and restaurants to designate specific areas for pets, provided they maintain stringent health, safety, and animal welfare standards. This policy shift represents a significant departure from previous restrictions that primarily accommodated service animals.

    The hospitality sector has responded with enthusiastic implementation. EL&N at Yas Bay reported accepting its first canine-accompanied patrons within hours of the regulation taking effect. Director Mohamed Metwally hailed the move as addressing a long-standing need among pet owners seeking dining options without separation from their animals. Meanwhile, establishments like Art Market Café in Yas Bay have demonstrated prior adaptability, with staff noting regular patronage by dog owners and even a customer with a trained talking bird. The café distinguishes itself by providing customized amenities including water bowls and specially prepared pet meals.

    Despite widespread approval, animal behavior experts emphasize the necessity of responsible implementation. Antje Westermann, a professional dog behaviorist, characterized the policy as a ‘double-edged sword’ requiring careful management of potential allergies, animal phobias, and behavioral considerations. She stressed that successful adoption depends heavily on pet temperament and proper socialization, noting that well-trained animals in controlled environments typically adapt best.

    The regulation remains optional for businesses, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s balanced approach to urban modernization. For residents like Ognjen and Jelena Kukic, cat owners from Serbia, the changes offer cautious optimism. They note that feline companions present unique challenges due to their territorial nature, but welcome the opportunity to gradually test their pet’s adaptability in designated spaces. This legislative evolution aligns Abu Dhabi with global pet-inclusive trends while establishing frameworks for responsible coexistence between commercial establishments and animal companions.

  • Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

    Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

    Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed willingness to negotiate a bilateral agreement with the United States targeting drug trafficking operations, while simultaneously accusing Washington of pursuing regime change to access the country’s substantial oil reserves. The declaration came during a state-televised interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet that aired Thursday, though the interview was originally recorded on New Year’s Eve.

    Maduro declined to comment specifically on a recent CIA-led drone strike at a Venezuelan docking area allegedly used by cartels, stating he would address the incident “in a few days.” Instead, he framed the offer for cooperation as an alternative to current U.S. strategies, which he characterized as based on “threats, intimidation and force.”

    The Venezuelan leader presented a dual proposition: potential collaboration on narcotics enforcement alongside invitations for expanded U.S. energy investment, specifically mentioning Chevron Corp.—currently the only major oil company exporting Venezuelan crude to the United States. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it,” Maduro stated.

    This overture occurs against a backdrop of escalating military actions. The Trump administration has conducted 35 known boat strikes since August, resulting in at least 115 fatalities, including Venezuelan citizens. President Trump has characterized these operations as necessary escalations in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, with recent strikes expanding from Venezuela’s Caribbean coast to the eastern Pacific Ocean.

    The CIA operation on Venezuelan soil represents a significant intensification of pressure against Maduro, who faces narco-terrorism charges in the United States. The administration’s campaign began with a substantial military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August, which Maduro interprets as fundamentally aimed at securing control over Venezuela’s vast petroleum resources—the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

  • ‘Liberation coming to City Hall’: Thousands brave freezing temperature to welcome Mamdani as New York City mayor

    ‘Liberation coming to City Hall’: Thousands brave freezing temperature to welcome Mamdani as New York City mayor

    In a landmark moment for American politics, Zohran Mamdani assumed office as New York City’s first Muslim mayor on January 1, 2026, before thousands of supporters who endured freezing temperatures to witness the historic inauguration. The ceremony at City Hall and adjacent Broadway areas transformed into a sea of blue and yellow beanies bearing the new mayor’s name, with 1990s R&B music creating a celebratory atmosphere despite the cold.

    The significance of this political milestone was palpable among attendees, many of whom clutched hand-warmers alongside Palestinian keffiyehs. Asad Dandia, an informal adviser during Mamdani’s campaign, expressed profound emotion about the occasion: ‘It’s insane we are going to have a Muslim guy in command of City Hall. Islamaphobia, anti-Muslim bigotry [and] anti-Arab bigotry lost and we won.’

    Mamdani’s inauguration actually occurred in two parts. At midnight, he participated in a private ceremony at an abandoned subway stop using his grandfather’s Quran and a 200-year-old copy borrowed from the New York Public Library. His wife, artist Rama Duwaji, held the religious texts during this intimate oath-taking, attended by former Mayor Eric Adams among few others.

    The 34-year-old mayor represents multiple historic firsts: not only New York’s initial Muslim mayor but also the first of South Asian descent and first born in Africa. His campaign deliberately centered on his faith and ethnic background while championing New York’s diversity. Through social media outreach, Mamdani addressed post-9/11 Islamophobia and highlighted experiences of Muslim and immigrant communities.

    His avowedly left-wing platform promised rent control, free bus travel, and increased taxes on the wealthiest residents. Perhaps most notably, Mamdani maintained an unapologetically pro-Palestine stance in a city deeply affected by protests against Israel’s war on Gaza.

    The broad coalition supporting Mamdani included substantial Jewish support, as noted by transgender activist Rabbi Abby Stein: ‘We had thousands of Jews knocking on hundreds of thousands of doors… we got hundreds of thousands of Jews who voted for the first Muslim mayor.’ Stein articulated the shared vision that ‘Palestinian liberation is what will help us in the battle against antisemitism, in the battle against Islamophobia.’

    The City Hall event, accommodating 4,000 ticket holders, was complemented by a neighboring block party for approximately 40,000 additional spectators who watched the proceedings on large screens across seven blocks of Lower Manhattan.

  • From Sudan to Yemen and Gaza, Middle East wars top the list of conflicts to watch in 2026, report says

    From Sudan to Yemen and Gaza, Middle East wars top the list of conflicts to watch in 2026, report says

    A comprehensive analysis by the International Crisis Group projects that global conflict levels will remain persistently high through 2026, with diplomatic solutions proving increasingly elusive across multiple critical regions. The organization’s annual ‘Conflicts to Watch’ report identifies ten major hotspots where peacemaking efforts range from tenuous to completely ineffective, with Middle Eastern nations featuring prominently on the list.

    The assessment presents a sobering evaluation of the current international security landscape, noting that traditional conflict resolution mechanisms have been substantially undermined by unconventional approaches to diplomacy. While acknowledging President Trump’s willingness to engage in unorthodox peacemaking attempts—including dialogue with leaders previously designated as terrorists—the report concludes these efforts have largely failed to mitigate global tensions and in some instances have exacerbated existing conflicts.

    Evidence of this escalation includes military actions in the Caribbean that resulted in significant civilian casualties, demonstrating a departure from previously stated diplomatic intentions. The report characterizes this approach as having fundamentally transformed international crisis management, potentially normalizing military force as an acceptable tool for powerful nations to achieve political objectives.

    In specific conflict analysis, the report details how initial progress toward a Gaza ceasefire was ultimately undermined, leading to substantial additional casualties before a fragile truce was eventually brokered. This arrangement, however, leaves fundamental issues unresolved and requires continuous diplomatic maintenance with uncertain prospects for success.

    The situation in Yemen presents a complex web of intersecting conflicts, with Houthi forces maintaining military capabilities despite extensive Israeli airstrikes, while Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates find themselves supporting opposing factions in the ongoing civil war. Meanwhile, Iran’s nuclear program remains a persistent concern with little prospect for negotiated settlement in the current climate.

    Syria’s precarious stability faces multiple challenges including sectarian violence, limited political representation, persistent ISIS remnants, and the unresolved status of Kurdish-controlled territories. The report warns that without progress in negotiations, Damascus might attempt to reclaim these areas by force, potentially triggering Turkish intervention.

    In Sudan, the conflict has evolved into a de facto partition between the army-controlled center and east and Rapid Support Forces-held western territories. Despite diplomatic efforts led by Trump’s Africa envoy, fighting continues with no ceasefire agreement in sight.

    The report concludes that only high-level personal engagement from the U.S. president could potentially break the current deadlock in multiple conflict zones, though the prospects for such intervention remain uncertain.

  • Dubai: More than 2.8 million passengers use public transport on New Year’s Eve

    Dubai: More than 2.8 million passengers use public transport on New Year’s Eve

    Dubai’s public transportation network achieved an extraordinary milestone during New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, transporting a record-breaking 2.84 million passengers throughout the emirate. This remarkable figure represents a substantial 30% increase from the previous year’s ridership, demonstrating the growing reliance on and efficiency of Dubai’s integrated transit systems.

    The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) executed a comprehensive operational strategy in close collaboration with the Dubai Event Security Committee to manage the massive influx of celebrants. The meticulously planned approach included sophisticated traffic management protocols and temporary road closure implementations across key areas of the city.

    Detailed ridership statistics reveal the diverse utilization of transportation modes: Metro services on both Red and Green lines accommodated 1.25 million passengers, while Dubai Tram transported 58,052 individuals. Public bus services, including on-demand buses, recorded 503,264 passengers. Taxi services proved essential with 661,538 rides, and marine transport services moved 76,745 passengers across various waterways. Additionally, e-hailing platforms facilitated 286,135 trips, with shared mobility services accounting for 1,489 journeys.

    This transportation achievement underscores Dubai’s evolving infrastructure capabilities and its commitment to providing safe, reliable mobility solutions during major international events. The successful coordination reflects the emirate’s position as a global hub capable of managing large-scale gatherings while maintaining public safety and operational excellence.

  • Missed NYE fun in UAE? Here are top 7 moments of how the nation welcomed 2026

    Missed NYE fun in UAE? Here are top 7 moments of how the nation welcomed 2026

    The United Arab Emirates ushered in 2026 with unprecedented grandeur, transforming its skyline into a canvas of technological marvels and pyrotechnic excellence on New Year’s Eve. From Abu Dhabi’s record-setting displays to Dubai’s iconic celebrations, the nation demonstrated its unparalleled capability for hosting world-class festivities that attracted both residents and international visitors.

    Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba district witnessed a groundbreaking aerial performance featuring 6,500 drones executing a single 20-minute sortie—the largest such display globally. These drones created intricate portraits of UAE’s founding leadership while synchronizing with digital countdowns and integrated fireworks. The Sheikh Zayed Festival further amazed spectators with a continuous 62-minute fireworks display that established multiple world records for pyrotechnic density and variety.

    Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure, presented a multi-sensory experience combining opera performances, aquatic dancers, and high-wire artists preceding its signature spiral fireworks. Simultaneously, the emirate coordinated 48 fireworks shows across 40 locations, including the newly participating Dubai Frame monument.

    Ras Al Khaimah earned Guinness World Records recognition for crafting the largest aerial depiction of a phoenix using 2,300 drones—1,000 of which were pyro-equipped—symbolizing renewal and optimism. This coordinated display spanned six kilometers along the coastline, combining drone formations with precisely timed fireworks.

    Global Village offered a unique multinational celebration, hosting seven sequential New Year countdowns corresponding to different time zones—from China at 8 PM to Turkey at 1 AM—each marked by distinctive fireworks and drone performances.

    The nationwide celebrations were supported by extended metro operations, free parking, and a public holiday declaration for January 1, facilitating seamless access to events that blended traditional Emirati performances with cutting-edge technological displays.