Global Pulse

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  • UAE: Meals, deals across the country as festive December begins

    UAE: Meals, deals across the country as festive December begins

    The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated December as a comprehensive month of festive activities, blending commercial excitement with cultural celebrations across the nation. The 31st Dubai Shopping Festival commenced on December 5th, establishing an atmosphere of anticipation through its Mega Raffle initiative that provides daily opportunities for shoppers to win a new Nissan vehicle accompanied by Dh100,000, culminating in a spectacular Dh400,000 grand prize drawing on the festival’s concluding day.

    Culinary establishments throughout the UAE are presenting extensive Christmas Eve dining experiences ranging from accessible neighborhood offerings at Dh135 to premium Italian gastronomic journeys priced at Dh550. Establishments such as Social at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah deliver meticulously crafted five-course Italian menus inspired by ancestral recipes, while Trattoria in Souk Madinat combines three-course Italian feasts with panoramic views of the Burj Al Arab and live musical accompaniment.

    Christmas Day brunches remain an entrenched tradition within Dubai’s social calendar, with options spanning from casual Dh165 family gatherings to luxurious champagne brunches at Dh995. Venues including Rio Restaurant and Lounge provide poolside buffet celebrations with winter-spiced specialties, while Five Iron Golf Dubai merges festive dining with cutting-edge indoor golf simulations.

    The festive afternoon tea culture continues to gain prominence, offering refined daytime experiences priced between Dh210 for traditional selections and Dh325 for themed presentations featuring sparkling beverages. Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah serves holiday-inspired delicacies accompanied by live piano performances, while their DIFC location collaborates with Galeries Lafayette for French-inspired pastry creations.

    Community-centered tree lighting ceremonies have emerged as cherished traditions, with numerous complimentary events featuring hot chocolate, Santa Claus appearances, and choral performances. Embassy Suites by Hilton Business Bay hosts lobby ceremonies with seasonal treats, while The Bolt Hole in Villanova creates intimate neighborhood gatherings complete with carols and specialty beverages for pets.

  • Russia unleashes massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine as diplomatic talks continue

    Russia unleashes massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine as diplomatic talks continue

    In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian forces executed a comprehensive aerial offensive against Ukraine during the overnight hours into Saturday. The assault involved an extensive deployment of 653 drones and 51 missiles, triggering nationwide air raid alerts as Ukrainians commemorated Armed Forces Day.

    Ukrainian air defense systems demonstrated remarkable effectiveness by intercepting and neutralizing 585 drones and 30 missiles, though 29 locations sustained direct impacts. According to Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko, the attacks resulted in at least eight casualties, with three individuals wounded in the Kyiv region specifically. The geographical scope of the assault extended as far west as the Lviv region.

    Energy infrastructure emerged as a primary target, with Ukraine’s national energy operator Ukrenergo reporting substantial damage to power stations across multiple regions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that energy facilities constituted the main focus of the offensive, noting additionally that a drone strike completely destroyed the railway station in Fastiv, located within the Kyiv oblast.

    Concurrently, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 116 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory. Unverified footage circulated on Telegram channels appeared to show fires at the Ryazan Oil Refinery following an alleged Ukrainian drone strike, though Ukrainian authorities declined immediate comment on the incident.

    This exchange of aerial attacks occurs against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic efforts. U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators prepared for a third day of discussions aimed at establishing a security framework for postwar Ukraine. Both parties acknowledged that meaningful progress toward any comprehensive agreement would ultimately require Russia’s genuine commitment to sustainable peace negotiations.

    The strategic pattern continues with Ukraine targeting Russia’s oil export revenue through refinery strikes, while Russian forces attempt to compromise Ukraine’s energy grid ahead of winter—a tactic Ukrainian officials characterize as weaponizing environmental conditions against civilian populations.

  • Cummins ‘good to go’ for third Ashes Test

    Cummins ‘good to go’ for third Ashes Test

    Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has declared himself fit for selection in the pivotal third Ashes Test against England, scheduled to commence in Adelaide on December 16th. The premier fast bowler has been sidelined for the initial two matches of the series while recuperating from a back injury.

    Despite Australia’s commanding performances in both Perth and the ongoing day-night fixture in Brisbane, Cummins’ absence has been notable. The 32-year-old pace spearhead revealed that team selectors had contemplated a premature return for the second Test but ultimately deemed it an unnecessary gamble. ‘It felt a bit too acute and didn’t really feel fair on the other bowlers,’ Cummins explained during a broadcast interview with Fox Sports. ‘We thought it didn’t feel like the right Test match to take that risk, so kick it down the road for a week.’

    Cummins reported exceptionally positive physical condition following intensive rehabilitation. ‘I’ll have one more bowl tomorrow in the nets and then we’ll go to Adelaide and have a bowl there,’ he stated. ‘Barring any hiccups, I’ll be good to go. The body feels great.’

    The return of Australia’s captain significantly bolsters their bowling attack, which has also been missing fellow quick Josh Hazlewood. Cummins brings formidable credentials to Adelaide Oval, where he maintains a spectacular career bowling average of 21.19 across 71 Tests, with 309 total wickets. His leadership presence will relieve stand-in captain Steve Smith, who has guided the team during Cummins’ recovery period.

  • HK may ban smoking at building sites

    HK may ban smoking at building sites

    In response to the catastrophic Tai Po fire that claimed 159 lives, Hong Kong authorities and real estate developers are implementing sweeping safety reforms, including a potential total ban on smoking at construction sites. The November 26 tragedy at Wang Fuk Court, which also left 79 injured and 31 missing, has prompted urgent reassessment of construction safety protocols across the special administrative region.

    Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau confirmed Friday that all patients from the incident are now out of immediate danger, with 30 remaining hospitalized—six in serious condition and 24 stable. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has pledged enhanced psychological support through the government’s 18111 Mental Health Support Hotline, emphasizing ongoing assistance for victims until normalcy is restored.

    The Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong, led by chairman Stewart Leung Chi-kin, has expressed near-unanimous support for formalizing smoking prohibitions at construction sites. Leung stated contractors would bear implementation responsibility, with consensus expected to yield official guidelines for all member developers. CK Asset Holdings Ltd revealed it already enforces strict smoking bans at its sites while providing designated smoking areas.

    Concurrent with these developments, multiple government departments have intensified regulatory inspections at building maintenance and construction locations. The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit has conducted visits to several housing estates, overseeing contractors’ compliance with netting removal directives. The Housing Department completed netting removal across 15 public housing estates by Thursday, following Development Bureau mandates.

    Structural assessments continue at Wang Fuk Court, where experts will extract concrete core samples next week for detailed analysis. Emergency maintenance contractors are collaborating with police and fire services to implement additional support measures in damaged units.

    Regarding the upcoming judge-led independent investigation committee, Law Society president Roden Tong Man-lung emphasized the importance of clearly defined parameters for assessing its effectiveness. Meanwhile, Shenzhen authorities have established green channels for 24-hour customs clearance of relief supplies, including rescue equipment and medical resources destined for Hong Kong.

  • Academicians pledge to advance scientific innovation

    Academicians pledge to advance scientific innovation

    In a significant ceremony held in Beijing on Friday, China’s newly elected academicians pledged their commitment to advancing scientific innovation and accelerating the transformation of research into practical applications. The event marked the formal induction of 144 new domestic members and 51 international members into the nation’s prestigious academies.

    Leadership from both the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) emphasized the dual nature of the academician title as both honor and profound responsibility. CAS President Hou Jianguo challenged the new members to contribute to achieving high-level self-reliance in science and technology, positioning their work within the broader context of national rejuvenation goals.

    CAE President Li Xiaohong highlighted the strategic alignment of the election process with national needs, particularly emphasizing the role of scientific innovation in developing new quality productive forces. The selection criteria prioritized candidates whose expertise addresses China’s most pressing strategic requirements.

    Several newly elected academicians shared their perspectives on their expanded responsibilities. Professor Peng Chengzhi from the University of Science and Technology of China’s Quantum Physics Division described the appointment as representing “national trust and public expectation,” committing to align personal research goals with national development objectives.

    Tsinghua University chemistry professor Li Jun emphasized the practical application of theoretical science, using rare earth elements—which he termed “industrial vitamins”—as an example of how resource advantages must transform into technological prowess for strategic sectors including renewable energy and semiconductor manufacturing.

    Zhejiang University’s neuroscience expert Hu Hailan stressed the human-centered nature of life sciences, stating that scientific research ultimately serves human well-being, particularly in protecting mental health.

    Representing private enterprise, Huang Xianbo, chief engineer at advanced materials supplier Kingfa, highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in converting technological achievements into productive forces, especially in cutting-edge research areas aligned with national strategy.

    The expanded academician roster reinforces China’s systematic approach to building scientific capacity, with members expected to play crucial roles in strategic research consultation and advancing the nation’s technological ambitions.

  • New records substantiate truths of war

    New records substantiate truths of war

    In a significant development for historical documentation, the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders has unveiled 13 newly acquired sets of cultural relics and historical materials. These artifacts, presented on the 88th anniversary of the tragic events, offer compelling evidence from multiple perspectives that substantiates the historical truth of one of World War II’s most horrific chapters.

    The collection features unprecedented primary sources including personal letters from Japanese soldiers, post-occupation photographs of Nanjing, archival materials of a Chinese military doctor killed in defense operations, a Japanese army album, and international publications in English and French. Particularly striking are two soldier letters that describe atrocities in chilling detail, with one January 1938 correspondence expressing disturbing satisfaction at the execution of Chinese prisoners and disposal of bodies in the Yangtze River.

    Researchers emphasize the critical importance of these materials in countering revisionist narratives. Professor Wang Weixing of Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Social Sciences noted the psychological significance of the perpetrators’ language, describing how the soldiers casually referenced killing as ‘enjoyable’ activities. The photographic evidence, donated by a father-son duo from Henan province, captures specific dates and locations of destruction following the Japanese occupation in December 1937.

    International publications from the period provide third-party verification, including a French newspaper documenting Nanjing’s population before the massacre and American magazines exposing Japanese war crimes. Nanjing University historian Zhang Sheng highlighted how these materials effectively counter arguments made by Japanese right-wing groups regarding population figures.

    The evidence collectively represents a multinational effort to preserve historical memory, with contributions coming from Japanese, Chinese, and Chinese-American donors. This comprehensive documentation serves both as memorial to the victims and as an educational resource for future generations about the importance of historical accountability.

  • China and US advance counternarcotics efforts

    China and US advance counternarcotics efforts

    Chinese and American narcotics control authorities have made significant strides in implementing the bilateral agreement established during the October summit between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea. The Ministry of Public Security confirmed on Friday that both nations have achieved substantial progress in their joint anti-drug initiatives.

    According to official statements, the cooperation has yielded concrete operational results, with multiple joint investigations currently underway. The specialized counternarcotics teams from both countries have maintained consistent communication channels, recently conducting a video conference to assess current progress and identify priority areas for future collaborative efforts.

    A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Public Security emphasized that Beijing remains committed to addressing global drug challenges through partnerships based on mutual respect and equal footing. This diplomatic framework established during the Busan meeting has provided the necessary foundation for enhanced operational coordination.

    The expanded cooperation represents a continuation of growing anti-narcotics collaboration between the two nations in recent years. The development coincides with China’s domestic strengthening of international verification protocols and export-control measures, as highlighted during Wednesday’s national video conference on narcotics control chaired by State Councilor Wang Xiaohong, who also heads the national anti-drug committee.

    Wang’s address called for reinforced cross-regional and international collaboration, signaling China’s comprehensive approach to combating drug trafficking through both bilateral partnerships and strengthened internal mechanisms.

  • American playwright Jeremy O. Harris arrested in Okinawa on suspicion of drug smuggling

    American playwright Jeremy O. Harris arrested in Okinawa on suspicion of drug smuggling

    TOKYO — Jeremy O. Harris, the celebrated American playwright and actor renowned for his Tony Award-nominated theatrical production ‘Slave Play,’ faces serious legal challenges in Japan following his arrest on charges of narcotics smuggling. Japanese customs authorities confirmed the incident this Saturday.

    According to official reports from Okinawa Regional Customs spokesperson Tatsunori Fukuda, Harris was apprehended at Naha Airport on November 16th while entering Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture. Customs inspection revealed approximately 0.78 grams of crystallized MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, concealed within a container in his carry-on tote bag. The discovery triggered an immediate arrest for violation of Japan’s stringent Customs Law.

    Fukuda detailed that the 36-year-old artist had commenced his journey from London’s Heathrow Airport two days prior, with a transit stop at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport before his final destination in the popular resort region of Okinawa. Following his detention at the airport, Harris was transferred to the custody of Tomishiro police authorities.

    The case has been formally referred to the Naha District Public Prosecutors Office as of Thursday, initiating a comprehensive investigation that may lead to formal indictment. While officials confirmed no additional substances were discovered in his luggage and preliminary assessment suggests the drugs were for personal use, the legal proceedings continue to develop. Authorities have declined to disclose any statements Harris may have provided during interrogation.

    Japan maintains some of the world’s strictest anti-drug legislation, with convicted smugglers potentially facing extended prison sentences. The incident casts a shadow over the career of an artist who rapidly ascended to theatrical prominence with ‘Slave Play’—a graduate school project during his time at Yale School of Drama that evolved into a controversial Broadway production examining complex themes of race, sexuality, and social class.

    Beyond his theatrical achievements, Harris has expanded into television with cameo appearances in the ‘Gossip Girl’ revival and credit as co-producer for HBO’s acclaimed series ‘Euphoria.’ The international arts community now watches as this legal situation unfolds in Japan’s rigorous judicial system.

  • More Americans choose China as destination amid travel rebound

    More Americans choose China as destination amid travel rebound

    China is experiencing a significant resurgence in American tourism as global travel patterns normalize, with industry leaders highlighting the country’s strategic initiatives to position itself as a premier destination. The recovery marks a notable turnaround from pandemic-era restrictions and geopolitical tensions that previously limited travel between the nations.

    At the recent United States Tour Operators Association Annual Conference in Maryland, Chinese tourism officials unveiled comprehensive measures designed to attract international visitors. These include an expanded visa-free transit program that now permits citizens from 55 countries, including the United States, to stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting through designated ports across more than 20 Chinese regions. The policy requires only valid travel documents and confirmed onward tickets.

    Tourism statistics reveal impressive recovery metrics, with China welcoming 132 million international visits in 2024 generating approximately $94.2 billion in tourism revenue—reaching nearly 97% of pre-pandemic levels. Industry professionals attribute this rebound to China’s multi-faceted approach combining streamlined entry procedures, enhanced digital payment infrastructure, and a renewed emphasis on experiential tourism.

    Terry Dale, President and CEO of USTOA, noted that American travelers increasingly view China as “a unique opportunity—an experience of a lifetime.” This sentiment is echoed by tour operators reporting measurable increases in bookings, particularly for cultural immersion experiences that extend beyond traditional destinations like Beijing and Shanghai.

    The tourism revival encompasses diverse attractions ranging from ancient cultural sites to contemporary technological showcases like the World Robot Contest and seasonal spectacles such as the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Educational travel has emerged as a particularly strong segment, with growing numbers of American students and adults seeking authentic cultural immersion experiences.

    Brian Hoyt of EF World Journeys observed that “China represents a massive opportunity for more North Americans” seeking meaningful educational exchanges. The industry-wide consensus indicates that recent policy adjustments have successfully reopened channels for people-to-people connections that transcend mere economic transactions, fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding between the two nations.

  • Conceptual design of nuclear-powered icebreaker unveiled

    Conceptual design of nuclear-powered icebreaker unveiled

    China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the world’s largest shipbuilding conglomerate, has revealed a groundbreaking conceptual design for a nuclear-powered multirole icebreaker capable of transporting both passengers and cargo through Arctic waters. The innovative vessel received formal design validation through an “approval in principle” certificate issued by Italian classification society RINA.

    Designed by CSSC’s Marine Design and Research Institute in Shanghai, the icebreaker measures approximately 165 meters in length with a 30-meter beam and displaces nearly 30,000 metric tons. The vessel is engineered for global operational capabilities with capacity for 150 polar tourists and maximum accommodation for 250 persons.

    The icebreaker incorporates specialized polar environment adaptations including advanced cold insulation systems and sophisticated noise and vibration control technologies. These features, combined with high-standard ventilation, air conditioning, and luxury accommodations, are designed to create what engineers describe as a “luxurious, immersive and safe” polar travel experience.

    Beyond passenger transport, the vessel demonstrates substantial cargo capacity with space for 300 standard 20-foot containers. Its flexible modular design enables transportation of oversized and irregularly shaped cargoes, enhancing its commercial versatility.

    The icebreaker’s technical specifications include capability to break through 2.5-meter-thick ice at speeds of 3.7 kilometers per hour. Its propulsion system represents a significant technological advancement, utilizing molten salt reactor technology combined with supercritical carbon dioxide systems to enhance thermoelectric conversion efficiency and improve nuclear safety parameters. Design engineers confirm the vessel strictly adheres to international nuclear safety standards and regulations.

    According to polar vessel engineer Cui Meng, the icebreaker is expected to play a crucial role in seasonal Arctic transportation, high-end polar tourism, and supply/emergency support operations in both Arctic and Antarctic regions. Researcher Yu Yun emphasized the strategic importance of Arctic routes, noting they can reduce voyage distances between Asia, Europe and North America by 30-40% compared to traditional Suez Canal routes, potentially shortening East Asia-Europe journeys by approximately 7,000 kilometers and reducing sailing time by 10-15 days.