Global Pulse

作者： admin

  • Hong Kong hosts INTERPOL annual meeting on combating cybercrime

    Hong Kong hosts INTERPOL annual meeting on combating cybercrime

    Hong Kong has positioned itself at the forefront of the global fight against cybercrime by hosting the INTERPOL Cybercrime Expert Group’s pivotal annual meeting from February 2-3, 2026. The event brought together an elite assembly of over 120 law enforcement specialists, industry experts, and international organization representatives from more than 30 countries and regions worldwide.

    Co-organized by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and INTERPOL under the strategic theme “Disrupting the Industrialization of Cybercrime,” the two-day summit addressed the increasingly sophisticated nature of digital criminal operations. Hong Kong Police Commissioner Chow Yat-ming inaugurated the proceedings by outlining the city’s multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity challenges.

    Commissioner Chow detailed the HKPF’s comprehensive strategy focusing on three critical pillars: developing cutting-edge technological solutions, establishing robust public-private partnerships, and creating an integrated public safety ecosystem. “Our response to cyber threats requires continuous innovation through collaborative platforms, advanced technology initiatives, and active industry participation,” Chow emphasized during his opening address.

    The police commissioner further stressed that effective cybercrime combat necessitates enhanced international cooperation, cross-sector alliances, and sustained capacity development across global law enforcement agencies.

    INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Director Neal Jetton acknowledged Hong Kong’s strategic role in international policing collaboration, stating the meeting demonstrated the city’s proactive commitment to global security. Jetton expressed optimism that the gathering would yield practical solutions and coordinated actions to effectively dismantle sophisticated cybercriminal networks.

    The summit facilitated intensive expert discussions on disrupting the entire cybercrime supply chain, with specialized sessions examining cybercrime ecosystems, digital extortion schemes, artificial intelligence applications in crime prevention, and virtual asset tracing methodologies. Participants engaged in knowledge sharing regarding cross-border intelligence exchange mechanisms, synchronized operational strategies, and professional capacity enhancement programs.

  • Chinese space experiment sees butterfly emerge in orbit

    Chinese space experiment sees butterfly emerge in orbit

    In a pioneering achievement for space biology, Chinese researchers have documented the first successful emergence of a butterfly from its chrysalis in Earth’s orbit. The breakthrough experiment, conducted aboard a miniature sealed ecosystem, provides unprecedented insights into biological adaptation to microgravity conditions.

    Chongqing University’s research team developed the specialized 8.3-kilogram payload that housed the butterfly chrysalis alongside pepper plants and microorganisms. Launched December 13, 2025, aboard the Kuaizhou-11 Y8 carrier rocket, the self-contained ecosystem maintained Earth-like conditions through carefully calibrated environmental controls.

    Chief designer Xie Gengxin explained the engineering innovations that made the experiment possible. ‘We overcame significant technical challenges, particularly magnesium alloy oxidation in high-humidity environments, to create a robust protective structure for this biological habitat,’ he stated.

    The spacecraft’s monitoring systems captured photographic evidence showing the butterfly adapting remarkably to weightlessness—moving within the capsule, resting on leaves, and fluttering its wings despite the absence of normal gravity. Telemetry data confirmed stable pressure, temperature, and humidity levels throughout the emergence process.

    This achievement represents more than insect development in space; it validates the viability of complex closed-loop life support systems for long-duration missions. The experiment successfully simulated Earth’s ecological cycles, with plants generating oxygen and potential food sources while microorganisms processed waste to maintain atmospheric stability.

    Researchers now turn their attention to evaluating the structure’s orbital endurance, component adaptability, and long-term sealing capabilities—critical factors for future deep-space exploration and potential extraterrestrial colonization efforts.

  • First amphibian footprints from Jurassic of Asia discovered in Beijing

    First amphibian footprints from Jurassic of Asia discovered in Beijing

    In a landmark paleontological breakthrough, researchers have confirmed the discovery of the first-ever Jurassic-period amphibian footprints found in Asia, located within Beijing’s Mentougou District. The extraordinary find, recently published in the esteemed journal Ichnos, was spearheaded by a team of Chinese scientists and originated from a chance discovery by a local elementary school student.

    The fossil evidence consists of a meticulously preserved pair of impressions—a forefoot and a hindfoot—etched onto a single stone slab estimated to be approximately 160 million years old. The tracks were identified on a roadside slope in Longquan town. According to Professor Xing Lida, a renowned dinosaur specialist from the China University of Geosciences in Beijing, the alignment, size, and spacing of the 1.5-centimeter-long prints indicate they were made by a single, small animal in motion.

    One impression is exceptionally well-defined, presenting a distinct fan-shaped morphology with four slender, pointed toes. To extract maximal detail from these diminutive traces, the scientific team employed advanced photogrammetric 3D modeling. This digital technique generated a high-fidelity three-dimensional model that unveiled subtle surface features imperceptible to the naked eye, providing a robust foundation for conclusive analysis.

    Through rigorous morphological comparison and quantitative skeletal-track correlation, the research team attributed the footprints to a salamander-like amphibian from the Middle Jurassic era. This discovery shatters previous records for the region, which were dominated by dinosaur and turtle tracks, effectively filling a critical void in the Asian vertebrate ichnological record.

    The implications extend far beyond a new species identification. These ancient tracks serve as a direct portal into the paleoecology of northern China, painting a picture of a lush, complex ecosystem where small, land-adapted amphibians thrived alongside ferns, ginkgos, and cycads in a lake-swamp environment.

    A particularly inspiring aspect of this scientific achievement is its origin. The crucial fossil was first spotted in early 2025 by Ni Jingchen, a young fossil enthusiast and elementary school student, during a exploratory outing. Professor Xing hailed this as a quintessential example of public participation in science, demonstrating that profound historical discoveries can sometimes lie in the most unassuming places, awaiting a curious and observant mind.

  • UN calls on more countries to accept patients from Gaza as Rafah reopens

    UN calls on more countries to accept patients from Gaza as Rafah reopens

    The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for increased international assistance in evacuating critically ill patients from Gaza as the Rafah border crossing with Egypt resumes operations. UN humanitarian agencies emphasize that over 18,500 patients, including 4,000 children, require immediate medical evacuation for treatments unavailable within the conflict-ravaged territory.

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stressed that civilian movement must adhere to international law standards, ensuring voluntary and safe passage both out of and back into Gaza. The agency simultaneously called for substantially increased humanitarian aid deliveries through Rafah and other border crossings with fewer restrictions.

    While the optimal solution would involve restoring medical referrals to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and rehabilitating Gaza’s damaged healthcare infrastructure, OCHA acknowledges the immediate necessity of international patient acceptance. The World Health Organization is currently supporting medical evacuation efforts, with the limited reopening of Rafah enabling some patients to exit directly into Egypt, while others transit through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing.

    The UN Development Programme has prepared bus transportation systems for returnees from the Rafah checkpoint to Nassar Hospital in Khan Younis, where a specially equipped reception area staffed by psychologists and protection specialists provides immediate support services, nutritional items, and internet connectivity.

    OCHA simultaneously expressed grave concern over continuing attacks on civilians in Gaza, reporting that humanitarian teams are assessing damage and emerging needs following weekend casualties reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health. More than two dozen families sustained shelter damage from nearby attacks, prompting the UN and partners to distribute emergency shelter materials and essential supplies.

  • 13-year-old swims for hours to save family swept out to sea

    13-year-old swims for hours to save family swept out to sea

    MELBOURNE, Australia — A 13-year-old Australian boy has been hailed as a hero after undertaking a perilous four-hour swim through treacherous ocean conditions to rescue his mother and two younger siblings who were being swept out to sea. The dramatic rescue operation unfolded off the Western Australian coast near Quindalup, where the Appelbee family found themselves in a life-threatening situation during what was supposed to be a leisurely vacation.

    Austin Appelbee demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience when he embarked on a solo mission to seek help after the family’s recreational equipment began failing in unexpectedly rough seas. The teenager initially attempted to use an inflatable kayak that was taking on water, but abandoned it when it proved ineffective. In a critical decision that heightened the danger but improved his mobility, Austin removed his life jacket to facilitate his swimming through the massive waves.

    For approximately four hours, the determined youth battled challenging ocean conditions while maintaining positive mental focus. “The waves are massive and I have no life jacket on,” Austin recalled during a Tuesday press conference. “I just kept thinking ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming.’ And then I finally made it to shore and I hit the bottom of the beach and I just collapsed.”

    The family’s ordeal began around noon when they were using hired kayaks and paddleboards from their hotel. Suddenly changing ocean and wind conditions began dragging them progressively further from shore. Joanne Appelbee, 47, made the heart-wrenching decision to send her eldest child for help, recognizing the rapidly deteriorating situation.

    “One of the hardest decisions I ever had to make was to say to Austin: ‘Try and get to shore and get some help. This could get really serious really quickly,’” the mother told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

    While Austin fought his way to shore, his mother and siblings—12-year-old Beau and 8-year-old Grace—remained in the water wearing life jackets and clinging to a paddleboard. They maintained positivity through song and humor as conditions worsened with the approaching darkness.

    Police Inspector James Bradley praised the teenager’s heroic actions, stating: “The actions of the 13-year-old boy cannot be praised highly enough — his determination and courage ultimately saved the lives of his mother and siblings.”

    A search helicopter located the remaining family members at 8:30 p.m., approximately 14 kilometers from their original position. By the time of rescue, the three had spent up to ten hours in the water, with Beau experiencing loss of sensation in his legs due to hypothermia.

    All four family members received medical assessment but none required hospital admission. Joanne Appelbee expressed overwhelming relief, stating: “I have three babies. All three made it. That was all that mattered.”

  • China’s top legislature schedules session for Wednesday

    China’s top legislature schedules session for Wednesday

    BEIJING – The Standing Committee of China’s 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s supreme legislative body, will conduct its twentieth plenary session in the capital on Wednesday. This scheduling decision was formally ratified during a Monday assembly of the NPC Standing Committee’s Council of Chairpersons, overseen by Committee Chairman Zhao Leji.

    The upcoming session’s provisional agenda highlights several critical parliamentary functions, with particular emphasis on the examination of official documentation concerning the qualifications of NPC delegates. This procedural review represents a routine yet essential component of the legislature’s oversight responsibilities, ensuring the proper credentialing and compliance of its members.

    The convening of this session continues the scheduled work of China’s primary lawmaking institution during its current term. These regular meetings facilitate the ongoing legislative processes and governmental supervision duties mandated by China’s constitutional framework. The NPC Standing Committee operates as the permanent working body of the full National People’s Congress, exercising legislative authority and making key decisions between the annual full congressional sessions.

    This gathering marks another institutional step in the governance mechanisms through which China’s legislative branch addresses national policy development and parliamentary affairs. The session’s outcomes will contribute to the continuous operation of China’s political system and its legal administration structures.

  • SPP drive helps protect Grand Canal’s heritage

    SPP drive helps protect Grand Canal’s heritage

    China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has reported significant achievements in protecting cultural heritage along the Grand Canal through an extensive public interest litigation campaign throughout 2025. The initiative resulted in the resolution of 1,578 cases involving physical damage to cultural relics and the rectification of 832 violations that compromised historic landscapes along the world’s longest artificial waterway.

    The comprehensive operation, launched in February 2025, addressed critical challenges including structural deterioration of ancient structures, unauthorized construction projects, inadequate fire safety measures, and improper waste disposal within protected zones. Prosecutorial investigations revealed systemic vulnerabilities in the heritage protection framework, particularly noting weak enforcement at grassroots levels and insufficient interdepartmental coordination.

    Beyond immediate remediation, the campaign uncovered deeper structural issues in conservation approaches, including a predominant ‘rescue over prevention’ mentality, incomplete relic registries, and flawed mechanisms for intangible cultural heritage transmission. Several national-level intangible cultural heritage projects faced extinction risks due to successor shortages and inadequate intellectual property protections.

    The procuratorial organs implemented a multifaceted strategy that combined legal interventions with developmental approaches. This included establishing cultural industry parks, improving local legislation, and creating sustainable economic models around heritage assets. Notably, one revitalized intangible cultural heritage event generated over 500,000 yuan in additional annual income for local residents while preserving cultural traditions.

    The initiative secured 699 million yuan in specialized conservation funding and facilitated the conversion of 48 protected sites into cultural-educational venues. Additionally, 68 cultural tourism projects were launched, establishing a virtuous cycle between heritage preservation and sustainable regional development.

    Moving forward, the SPP has committed to strengthening preventive conservation measures and establishing permanent working mechanisms with relevant departments to ensure ongoing protection for the Grand Canal’s 2,500-year-old cultural legacy.

  • Chinese premier urges efforts to boost development, improve people’s well-being

    Chinese premier urges efforts to boost development, improve people’s well-being

    During an official inspection visit to Shandong province on February 2, 2026, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the critical importance of advancing regional development while simultaneously enhancing public welfare and strengthening economic momentum through more substantial and effective measures.

    As a senior member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Premier Li identified smart manufacturing as the cornerstone for driving technological transformation and industrial modernization. He specifically highlighted the necessity of actively deploying artificial intelligence technologies to comprehensively restructure the entire production and manufacturing chain throughout its complete lifecycle.

    The Premier’s agenda included detailed briefings on Shandong’s energy infrastructure development and nuclear power initiatives. He stressed the vital need for coordinated efforts in constructing and safely operating clean energy projects, while simultaneously enhancing technological capabilities and regulatory supervision to bolster support for establishing a contemporary energy system.

    In a significant policy development, Premier Li presided over a symposium to gather expert opinions and recommendations concerning the draft government work report and the preliminary outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. During these discussions, he urged governmental authorities at all levels to capitalize on their regional comparative advantages and actively cultivate new growth drivers.

    Premier Li outlined several priority areas for concentrated development efforts, including the establishment of new quality productive forces adapted to local conditions, the improvement of domestic economic circulation mechanisms, and the promotion of employment opportunities alongside resident income growth. These initiatives are expected to form the foundation of China’s development strategy through the latter half of the 2020s.

  • China to ban hidden door handles on cars starting 2027

    China to ban hidden door handles on cars starting 2027

    In a significant regulatory shift, China will prohibit vehicles equipped with concealed door handles lacking mechanical release mechanisms beginning January 2027. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced this week that all passenger doors—excluding tailgates—must incorporate physical unlocking functionality to address critical safety vulnerabilities observed in emergency situations.

    The policy development follows multiple tragic incidents where electronic door systems failed during accidents, trapping occupants inside vehicles. Automotive manufacturers will face a phased compliance timeline: newly approved models must meet requirements by 2027, while existing approved models have until January 2029 to implement necessary design modifications.

    This regulation particularly affects premium electric vehicles utilizing retractable handles as design and aerodynamic features. Impacted models include Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, BMW’s iX3, and numerous Chinese-branded EVs that currently employ flush-mounted handle systems.

    Industry analysts anticipate global ramifications from China’s pioneering safety standard. Chris Liu, senior analyst at technology research firm Omdia, noted that while other regions have expressed concerns about hidden handles, China becomes the first major automotive market to formalize prohibitions. European regulators and other jurisdictions may subsequently align with or reference China’s approach, potentially creating a new international safety benchmark.

    The regulatory process began with a draft proposal released for public commentary in September, indicating thorough stakeholder consultation. This development coincides with ongoing investigations by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into Tesla’s electronic door handle performance failures, highlighting international attention to this safety issue.

    Automakers now face substantial redesign challenges and potential cost implications as they reengineer door systems to combine aesthetic appeal with mechanical reliability, potentially reshaping EV design priorities worldwide.

  • Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    Potential US-Iran nuclear talks face mixed signals amid rising tensions

    The prospect of renewed nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran remains shrouded in uncertainty as conflicting signals emerge from both capitals. While initial reports suggested an impending meeting between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul, Iranian officials have since cast doubt on these arrangements, indicating that talks remain in a preliminary phase.

    The diplomatic maneuvering unfolds against a backdrop of escalating military deployments and heated rhetoric. The Trump administration has recently positioned an aircraft carrier strike group and additional warships to the Middle East, while President Trump himself issued warnings regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Simultaneously, Iran’s Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi cautioned that any US military action could trigger regional conflict.

    At the heart of the potential negotiations lies a fundamental divergence in priorities. Iranian officials consistently emphasize sanctions relief as their primary objective, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating that removing ‘unjust sanctions’ remains Tehran’s core demand. Conversely, Washington insists any agreement must include stringent limitations on uranium enrichment, removal of already enriched materials, restrictions on long-range missiles, and curtailment of Iranian support for regional proxies—conditions analysts describe as particularly challenging for Iran to accept.

    Regional dynamics further complicate the diplomatic landscape. Joint US-Israeli naval exercises in the Red Sea demonstrate strengthened military coordination, while several Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, have provided assurances that their territories will not be used for attacks against Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran continues to attribute domestic unrest to foreign interference, recently announcing the arrest of four foreigners allegedly involved in riots and releasing detailed casualty figures from recent protests.

    The path to negotiation appears fraught with obstacles, as both nations navigate complex domestic and regional considerations while maintaining military preparedness. The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether diplomatic channels can overcome escalating tensions and establish a framework for substantive dialogue.