Global Pulse

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  • 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.

  • Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in another corruption case

    Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in another corruption case

    In a significant judicial development, a Pakistani court has imposed 17-year prison sentences on former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the high-profile Toshakhana corruption case. The verdict, delivered on December 20, 2025, centers on allegations that the couple illicitly acquired and sold luxury state gifts during Khan’s premiership from 2018 to 2022.

    The prosecution successfully argued that Khan and his wife obtained valuable assets from the state treasury, including diamond jewelry and a collection of premium watches—six Rolexes among them—with the most expensive timepiece valued at approximately $305,000. The total value of the allegedly misappropriated gifts exceeded 140 million Pakistani rupees ($501,000).

    This ruling represents the third conviction for the former cricket-star-turned-politician, who previously received a 14-year sentence and a separate 3-year jail term in related cases concerning state gifts. Notably, both prior sentences had been suspended by higher courts pending appeal proceedings.

    Legal experts highlight the complex judicial landscape surrounding Khan’s cases. Despite being incarcerated since August 2023 and facing four convictions ahead of the February 2024 national elections, all previous sentences have been either overturned or suspended through appellate processes. The former leader and his wife maintain their innocence regarding all corruption allegations.

    The Toshakhana case has emerged as a focal point in Pakistan’s ongoing political turbulence, reflecting deeper tensions between the military establishment and Khan’s populist movement. This latest development occurs amidst continuing political instability in the nuclear-armed nation, raising questions about judicial independence and the future of political reconciliation.

  • Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    The Indian film industry mourns the passing of Sreenivasan, the iconic Malayalam cinema figure whose death on December 20, 2025, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, politicians, and countless admirers. With a career spanning over five decades, the multitalented artist contributed to more than 200 films as an actor and penned scripts for over 50 productions, establishing himself as a unique voice in Indian cinema.

    Sreenivasan’s distinctive approach to filmmaking blended sharp social criticism with accessible humor, creating works that resonated deeply with Kerala’s masses. His ability to highlight the common person’s struggles through witty storytelling set his cinema apart and made him one of the most relatable figures in Malayalam entertainment.

    The news of his passing prompted heartfelt responses across social media platforms, with fans remembering his deeply humane qualities and extraordinary versatility across acting, writing, direction, and production. The film industry united in grief, with contemporaries and proteges alike sharing personal anecdotes and professional admiration.

    Indian actor-politician Mukesh recalled Sreenivasan’s unwavering commitment to cinema and his characteristic frankness, noting that even his criticism was delivered with humor. Mukesh revealed their collaboration on ‘Katha Parayumpol,’ later remade in Hindi as ‘Billu,’ as a testament to their creative partnership.

    Prominent actor Prithviraj took to Instagram to bid farewell to “one of the greatest-ever writer/director/actor,” thanking him for both laughter and profound thoughts. Director-actor Basil Joseph acknowledged Sreenivasan’s significant role in shaping childhood memories and happiest moments for generations of viewers.

    Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, declared that Malayalam cinema would never be the same without Sreenivasan’s genius, praising him as a true master who redefined on-screen heroism. Tharoor emphasized the writer’s unparalleled ability to capture Kerala’s social pulse, describing his scripts as time capsules containing rich social commentary, humor, and wit.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan characterized the loss as both personal and irreparable to Malayalam cinema, highlighting how few filmmakers had succeeded as Sreenivasan did in bringing common people’s lives to the silver screen while guiding audiences through reflective humor. The Chief Minister noted that Sreenivasan had entered the industry by breaking longstanding conventions, establishing a new paradigm for meaningful cinema that entertained while provoking thought.

  • One city, one heart

    One city, one heart

    China Daily Information Co. (CDIC) maintains rigorous copyright protection over all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive copyright notice explicitly prohibits any form of republication or utilization of materials without obtaining prior written authorization from the company.

    The protected content encompasses diverse media formats including textual articles, photographic images, and multimedia information. The company has established this clear copyright stance to safeguard its intellectual property rights in the digital landscape.

    Additionally, CDIC provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for accessing their content. The publication operates under official multimedia online publishing license 0108263 and maintains registration number 130349.

    The organization extends various engagement opportunities through its platform, including advertising partnerships, employment prospects for both domestic and expatriate professionals, and multiple channels for establishing contact with the media group.

  • Chair of leading Turkish sports club Fenerbahce questioned in a drugs probe

    Chair of leading Turkish sports club Fenerbahce questioned in a drugs probe

    ISTANBUL — Sadettin Saran, the high-profile chairman of Turkish sports giant Fenerbahce, underwent police interrogation Saturday as part of a sweeping narcotics investigation that has ensnared numerous celebrities and media personalities. The state-operated Anadolu Agency confirmed that Saran, who possesses dual Turkish-American citizenship, provided an official statement to authorities upon returning from international travel. Following his deposition, he was escorted to a medical facility for compulsory blood and hair sample collection to screen for illicit substances.

    This development represents the latest escalation in an extensive probe initiated by the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office earlier this December. The investigation has already resulted in the detention of over a dozen prominent figures from television journalism, music, acting, and social media influencing circles. Charges range from narcotics production and distribution to involvement in organized prostitution activities.

    According to judicial sources, Saran faced specific allegations related to enabling and supplying controlled substances. After completing forensic testing at the Caglayan Courthouse complex, the sports executive was released subject to ongoing judicial supervision requirements. The case continues to develop as prosecutors examine potential connections between entertainment industry elites and underground narcotics networks.

    Fenerbahce’s institutional history adds contextual significance to these developments. The club previously endured governance challenges when former president Aziz Yildirim served prison time between 2012-2013 regarding match-fixing allegations. Those convictions were ultimately overturned due to judicial corruption affecting the original proceedings. Separately, the organization remains connected to an ongoing inquiry into systemic match-fixing within Turkish professional football.