Global Pulse

博客

  • China to promote high-quality development in human resources services

    China to promote high-quality development in human resources services

    China is intensifying its commitment to advancing high-quality development within its rapidly expanding human resources services industry, recognizing it as a fundamental pillar for constructing a modern industrial system. The nation’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security is spearheading this initiative, currently hosting the third National Human Resources Services Industry Development Conference in Wuhan, Hubei Province from November 28-29, 2025.

    This significant gathering serves as a crucial networking platform, facilitating connections between human resources agencies and corporations while effectively matching employers with specialized talent requirements. Zhang Wenmiao, Director of the Ministry’s Human Resources Flow Management Department, emphasized the sector’s critical importance during a pre-event press briefing, stating that human capital represents the primary and most valuable resource driving China’s socioeconomic progress.

    Official statistics reveal remarkable industry growth, with over 70,000 registered human resources agencies currently operating nationwide, employing more than one million professionals. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the sector has demonstrated substantial impact, providing approximately 300 million employment, career consultation, and talent mobility services annually. Additionally, it has delivered around 50 million specialized supports and consultancies to domestic employers each year.

    The conference series, previously held in Chongqing (2021) and Shenzhen (2023), has evolved into a key forum showcasing China’s innovative approaches to employment stabilization and highlighting the human resources industry’s developmental achievements. This sustained governmental support underscores the strategic priority placed on cultivating a sophisticated talent ecosystem that can meet the evolving demands of China’s modern economy.

  • Death toll from Thailand floods rises to 145, government says

    Death toll from Thailand floods rises to 145, government says

    Thailand’s government has confirmed a tragic escalation in the human cost of severe flooding across its southern regions, with the official death toll reaching 145 individuals. The announcement was made by official spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat during a press briefing held on Friday, November 28th, 2025.

    The province of Songkhla has borne the brunt of the catastrophe, accounting for over 100 of the confirmed fatalities, underscoring the concentrated severity of the flooding in that area. The disaster has inflicted widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods throughout the southern provinces, prompting a large-scale emergency response effort.

    While the spokesperson provided the updated casualty figures, the full extent of the economic impact and the displacement of residents remains under assessment. The floods, triggered by a period of exceptionally heavy seasonal rainfall, have submerged vast tracts of land, isolating communities and hampering rescue and relief operations. The government continues to coordinate efforts to provide aid to affected populations and begin the arduous process of recovery and rebuilding in the hardest-hit zones.

  • Zelensky’s chief of staff resigns after Ukrainian anti-corruption raid on his home

    Zelensky’s chief of staff resigns after Ukrainian anti-corruption raid on his home

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resignation of his chief of staff Andriy Yermak following an anti-corruption operation targeting Yermak’s Kyiv residence. The development comes at a critically sensitive moment for Ukraine’s leadership as the country navigates both intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia and mounting domestic pressure over corruption allegations.

    Yermak, 54, who has served as Zelensky’s closest advisor throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion, maintained his cooperation with investigators while not facing formal accusations. The president expressed gratitude for Yermak’s “patriotic position” in negotiations during a Friday video address from Kyiv, while simultaneously announcing consultations for his replacement.

    The resignation strikes at the core of Ukraine’s leadership structure precisely as U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll prepares to visit Kyiv to advance President Donald Trump’s renewed peace initiative. American officials are scheduled to travel to Moscow the following week, highlighting the delicate timing of this political upheaval.

    In a solemn national address delivered outside his presidential office, Zelensky issued a stark warning about internal divisions: “We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future.” He emphasized that Russia anticipates Ukrainian missteps, vowing: “There won’t be any mistakes from our side. Our work continues, our fight continues.”

    Yermak had recently been appointed to lead crucial negotiations with Russia and maintained significant influence until his departure. Just hours before the raid, he explicitly stated Ukraine’s position against territorial concessions in an interview with The Atlantic: “As long as Zelensky is president, no-one should count on us giving up territory.”

    The corruption scandal that precipitated this political crisis involves alleged embezzlement of approximately $100 million from Ukraine’s energy sector. Investigators from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have uncovered an extensive scheme involving kickbacks and influence over state-owned companies, including nuclear energy firm Enerhoatom.

    The widening investigation has already resulted in the dismissal of two ministers and several detentions. Notably, Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelensky from his entertainment career and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio that launched the president’s acting career, has fled the country amid the scandal.

  • China’s nature reserves drive biodiversity, ecosystem restoration

    China’s nature reserves drive biodiversity, ecosystem restoration

    China’s comprehensive national assessment of nature reserves has demonstrated extraordinary success in ecosystem restoration and wildlife conservation, with over 90% of protected areas reporting significant population growth among key species. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced these findings during a recent press briefing, highlighting a major environmental achievement for the nation.

    According to official data presented by ministry spokesman Pei Xiaofei, the extensive evaluation—conducted since 2022 across all national-level nature reserves—revealed that 82% of protected zones have witnessed substantial expansion in the distribution ranges of crucial wildlife species. The assessment further documented impressive improvements in vegetative coverage, with more than 80% of reserves showing increased above-ground biomass and over 70% registering enhanced forest coverage.

    Wetland conservation efforts have yielded particularly notable results, demonstrating a 60% increase in natural wetland coverage within protected areas. These habitat improvements have directly contributed to the recovery of several endangered species, including two iconic mammals that serve as indicators of ecological health.

    The Yangtze finless porpoise, a critically endangered freshwater cetacean, has experienced a dramatic population surge from 192 to 269 individuals across three monitored reserves in Anhui and Hubei provinces. Simultaneously, the species’ distribution range continues to expand, signaling improved water quality and ecosystem vitality throughout its habitat.

    Equally promising is the recovery of the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve. The primate’s population has grown from 1,471 to 1,618 individuals, while its available habitat has expanded by 13%, creating more sustainable living conditions for this rare species.

    These conservation successes reflect China’s strengthened commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity preservation. The systematic evaluation of nature reserve effectiveness represents one of the most comprehensive conservation assessments ever undertaken, providing valuable data for future environmental policy decisions and habitat management strategies.

  • Russia’s Putin to visit India on December 4-5 at Modi’s invite

    Russia’s Putin to visit India on December 4-5 at Modi’s invite

    Russian President Vladimir Putin will undertake a significant state visit to India on December 4-5, following a formal invitation extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Kremlin confirmed the diplomatic engagement through Russian state media outlets on Friday, November 28, 2025.

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that this high-level meeting presents a crucial opportunity for both nations to comprehensively evaluate the advancement of their bilateral relations. The ministry’s official statement outlined that the leadership summit aims to establish a forward-looking framework for enhancing the ‘special and privileged strategic partnership’ between Moscow and New Delhi.

    The upcoming discussions are expected to cover substantial ground on pressing regional and international matters where both countries share aligned interests. This visit marks another chapter in the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Russia and India, which has maintained resilience despite evolving global geopolitical dynamics and international pressures.

    President Putin’s travel plans indicate continued diplomatic outreach despite current global tensions, while Prime Minister Modi’s administration demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining balanced international relationships. The meeting will likely address economic cooperation, defense partnerships, and energy security arrangements that have traditionally formed the cornerstone of Indo-Russian relations.

    The timing of this visit holds particular significance as both nations navigate complex international relationships and seek to strengthen their bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, technology, and counterterrorism efforts.

  • Movember is nearly over: Why men’s health awareness should include financial well-being

    Movember is nearly over: Why men’s health awareness should include financial well-being

    As Movember awareness month concludes, alarming data from the Gulf region reveals a critical intersection between men’s health and financial stability. Zurich International Life Ltd.’s 2025 Customer Claims Report, analyzing three years of data across UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, presents compelling evidence that demands a paradigm shift in how we approach men’s wellness.

    The statistics paint a concerning picture: 58% of men’s living-benefit claims resulted from heart attacks or strokes, while cancer accounted for 33%. Mortality figures prove equally sobering—cardiovascular events claim every second male life, with cancer responsible for one in four deaths.

    In a region where single-income households frequently support entire families, health professionals now emphasize that medical protection alone proves insufficient. Prashant Sharma, CFA, Vice President – Life at The Continental Group, explains the crucial distinction: “Medical insurance pays the hospital; critical-illness insurance pays the household. It bridges the gap between getting better and getting back to work by covering mortgages, school fees, and everyday costs that don’t stop when income does.”

    This evolving perspective recognizes that many men, despite being primary providers, often overlook their vulnerability. Insurance experts note that while awareness campaigns like Movember and Pink October have successfully normalized health screenings, the conversation must now expand to encompass economic resilience.

    Industry professionals advocate for integrated solutions that combine preventive measures with financial protection. Sanghamitra Banerjee, Life Insurance Manager, highlights how insurers now incorporate wellness programs, preventive health checkups, and mental health support alongside traditional coverage. She emphasizes that critical illness riders provide essential interim relief during medical crises, offering both financial and mental security.

    The report underscores employers’ vital role in closing protection gaps. Many organizations still overlook critical illness coverage when designing employee benefits programs, despite its potential to safeguard both staff and their families during health emergencies.

    This comprehensive approach to men’s health—merging physical wellness with financial preparedness—represents the next frontier in holistic well-being for Gulf communities, where health stability directly correlates with family security.

  • IKEA opens new store in Al Ain, bringing affordable and sustainable home solutions to the community

    IKEA opens new store in Al Ain, bringing affordable and sustainable home solutions to the community

    IKEA, under the operational leadership of Al-Futtaim, has inaugurated a strategically significant new retail location at JIMI Mall in Al Ain, reinforcing its expansion strategy across the United Arab Emirates. This launch represents the brand’s fourth UAE outlet, following a series of successful smaller-format stores in Fujairah, Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahta Mall, and Dalma Mall.

    The new 8,200-square-meter facility is engineered to deliver a compact, customer-centric shopping journey. It features a meticulously curated selection of over 4,300 displayed items and 3,500 products available for immediate purchase. The store’s design incorporates room settings and product displays inspired by Al Ain’s local culture and lifestyle, offering tailored home solutions that resonate with community preferences.

    A cornerstone of this launch is IKEA’s reinforced commitment to sustainability. The store has achieved Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system, recognizing its advanced sustainable interior design and construction. The facility operates entirely on renewable energy supplied by EWEC and incorporates numerous eco-conscious elements, including over 600 products featuring reduced pricing and more than 200 furniture items available for immediate takeaway.

    Vinod Jayan, Managing Director of IKEA UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion: “Our presence in JIMI Mall represents a substantial advancement in our mission to democratize access to quality, sustainable home furnishings across the UAE. We’re dedicated to enhancing customer experiences while delivering affordable solutions that improve daily living conditions.”

    Beyond retail offerings, the location features comprehensive dining facilities including an IKEA Restaurant and Bistro with seating for over 100 guests, alongside a Swedish Food Market. These culinary offerings emphasize sustainable choices, featuring plant-based meals, ASC-certified salmon, and UTZ-certified coffee.

    The store exemplifies IKEA’s commitment to workplace diversity, maintaining nearly equal gender representation among employees. Additional services include interior design consultation, product assembly, delivery solutions, kitchen services, and dedicated parking for Click and Collect customers.

    This establishment strengthens IKEA’s position as a provider of functional, affordable, and modern home furnishing solutions while advancing the company’s sustainability objectives within the UAE market.

  • UAE: Umrah packages for National Day break almost sold out, say operators

    UAE: Umrah packages for National Day break almost sold out, say operators

    A remarkable surge in demand for Umrah pilgrimages has emerged among UAE residents during the upcoming National Day holiday period, with travel operators reporting near-total sellouts of spiritual packages. The convergence of favorable weather conditions and an extended four-day break has created unprecedented interest in religious tourism.

    Travel agencies across the Emirates indicate that comprehensive Umrah packages combining visits to both Makkah and Madinah have reached capacity well before the holiday commencement. Industry representatives attribute this phenomenon to several factors: the ideal timing of the extended break, pleasant winter temperatures in Saudi Arabia, and particularly strong demand from single residents and those separated from their families.

    Financial executive Salman Ubaid, 29, exemplifies this trend. After three years of postponed plans due to scheduling conflicts, he and three friends seized the opportunity presented by the November 29-December 2 holiday window. “This short but profoundly meaningful journey represents something I’ve long anticipated,” Ubaid shared. “The alignment of our work schedules with this extended break made it finally possible.”

    The economic dynamics of this surge reflect basic principles of supply and demand. Package prices have increased approximately 21% from typical rates, rising from AED 1,400 to around AED 1,700, primarily driven by escalated accommodation costs near the holy sites. Hotels within walking distance of the Haram have significantly raised their rates during the peak demand period, yet proximity remains a priority for pilgrims seeking convenience.

    Industry experts note that comprehensive, all-inclusive packages covering flights, visas, guided tours, accommodations, and meals have proven most popular. Asim Malik, an Umrah consultant, emphasized the seasonal advantage: “Winter conditions create ideal circumstances for pilgrimage activities. The moderate temperatures in Makkah and Madinah transform the physical experience of religious observances, making walking between sites considerably more comfortable.”

    The demographic pattern reveals particular interest among individual residents seeking meaningful engagement during extended breaks. Travel operators observe that those without family commitments in the UAE frequently choose spiritual journeys as purposeful uses of holiday time, combining religious devotion with the practical advantages of favorable travel conditions.

  • Inside school safeguarding: What parents need to know about anti-bullying measures in the UAE

    Inside school safeguarding: What parents need to know about anti-bullying measures in the UAE

    Educational institutions across the United Arab Emirates are deploying sophisticated safeguarding systems that transcend regulatory compliance to address parental concerns about bullying through proactive identification and restorative support mechanisms. While federal legislation mandates strict anti-bullying measures, schools are emphasizing cultural transformation over mere punitive approaches.

    Underpinned by UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law), which mandates child protection from all forms of abuse, schools face severe penalties including fines up to Dh1 million or closure for non-compliance. However, education leaders indicate the real innovation lies in developing comprehensive prevention frameworks rather than merely enforcing zero-tolerance policies.

    Modern safeguarding infrastructure includes multi-tiered reporting channels featuring anonymous options, peer mentoring initiatives, and annual policy reviews aligned with both national and international standards. Central Safeguarding Teams and Child Protection Units ensure no concern goes unaddressed, creating systematic oversight from classroom to administration.

    Melissa Claridge, Assistant Head for Pastoral at Jumeira Baccalaureate School, explains: “Daily interactions form our first defense line. Homeroom teachers conducting weekly Personal Development lessons are strategically positioned to detect subtle behavioral changes. A simple ‘how are you?’ frequently reveals critical insights that documented monitoring then tracks for patterns.”

    The educational component teaches students to distinguish between harmless teasing and genuinely harmful behavior while empowering them to advocate for themselves and peers. While proven intentional bullying can result in suspension or expulsion, the primary focus remains relationship repair and accountability development.

    At Greenfield International School, Deputy Head Niall Crowley describes their well-being monitoring system: “Even minor behavioral shifts trigger informal teacher check-ins inside and outside classrooms. Emerging patterns prompt parental collaboration, forming a supportive team around the child. We investigate root causes through conversation, guided-play activities, or reflection exercises.”

    The school employs restorative justice principles where students acknowledge responsibility for actions, with parents notified throughout the process. Preventive initiatives like Anti-Bullying Week and well-being curricula across all grades complement these measures.

    GEMS Education’s Head of Safeguarding Claire Scowen emphasizes partnership with families: “We approach parental concerns without judgment, recognizing that behavior constitutes communication. Our focus remains understanding, education, and positive behavioral change rather than punishment.”

    The comprehensive support ecosystem includes pastoral care, counseling services, and structured well-being programs that prioritize student voice in resolution processes. Regular updates to families maintain transparency and collaborative engagement.

    Antony Koshy, Principal of Woodlem Park School in Qusais, summarizes the institutional philosophy: “Any behavioral alteration activates safeguarding protocols under our Student Safety & Protection Policy. We balance accountability with counseling and restorative support, ensuring every child—whether affected by or contributing to concerns—receives necessary guidance to feel secure within our educational community.”

  • Dubai to welcome Kerala’s grandest festival spirit with MMDE Thrissur Pooram 2025

    Dubai to welcome Kerala’s grandest festival spirit with MMDE Thrissur Pooram 2025

    Dubai is set to transform into a vibrant hub of Kerala’s cultural heritage as it hosts the sixth edition of MMDE Thrissur Pooram on December 1-2, 2025. The prestigious event, taking place at Etisalat Academy, represents the United Arab Emirates’ most authentic recreation of Kerala’s iconic temple festival, promising an immersive experience of traditional arts, rhythmic performances, and communal celebration.

    This year’s festival gains exceptional significance with the participation of Padma Shri awardee Jayaram as chief guest, whose profound connection to Kerala’s artistic traditions resonates deeply with the Malayalee diaspora. The event will also feature legendary percussionist Padma Shri Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar and Ilanjithara Melam virtuoso Kizhakkoott Aniyan Marar, creating an unprecedented gathering of Kerala’s cultural luminaries outside their homeland.

    The festival’s core revolves around eight traditional Ghataka Poorams represented by prominent Malayalee associations including Manaloor Desam, Anthikkadans, Abu Dhabi Malayali Samajam, and others. These groups collaboratively recreate the authentic Pooram experience, strengthening cultural ties within expatriate communities while maintaining connections to their ancestral roots.

    Visual spectacles include the magnificent Anachamayam procession featuring elaborately decorated elephant replicas, ornamental umbrellas, and ceremonial regalia that capture the essence of Thrissur’s temple grounds. The two-day program offers free entry on the first day, showcasing traditional Panchari Melam performances led by Paramekkavu Abhishek, recognized as Pooram’s youngest ‘Melapramani’.

    The second day culminates in a historic convergence of artistic masters presenting Ilanjithara Melam, Panchavadyam, Nadaswaram, and other traditional performances. Innovative elements include robotic elephants and a custom-built 40-foot Poorappandal structure, blending contemporary technology with ancient traditions.

    Organized by MMDE Thrissur UAE Official and co-produced by Equity Plus Advertising with support from HIT 96.7 FM and presenting sponsor 10X Properties, the event demonstrates how cultural heritage and community partnership can transform Dubai into a global stage for preserving and celebrating Kerala’s richest artistic traditions.