Global Pulse

博客

  • Dazzling Guangzhou lantern display begins countdown to Spring Festival

    Dazzling Guangzhou lantern display begins countdown to Spring Festival

    Guangzhou launched its spectacular 2026 Spring Festival Lantern Show on January 30, transforming the southern Chinese metropolis into a radiant celebration of cultural heritage and technological innovation. The annual event, set against the backdrop of Guangzhou’s historic status as a “millennium commercial capital,” officially commenced with simultaneous displays across eight locations throughout the city.

    The central exhibition at Yuexiu Park showcases 85 elaborate lantern installations that masterfully blend traditional intangible cultural heritage techniques with cutting-edge modern technology. These illuminated artworks create an immersive visual experience that will remain accessible to visitors throughout the entire Spring Festival period, which begins on February 17.

    Under the unifying theme “Cantonese Rhythm Millennia · One Heart Across the Four Seas,” the festival extends beyond mere visual spectacle. Organizers have prepared an extensive program of over 1,200 diverse cultural activities designed to offer both daytime and evening entertainment. These events will feature processional performances and interactive experiences that collectively embody Guangzhou’s distinctive urban character—a harmonious fusion of ancient traditions and contemporary innovation, marked by openness and cultural inclusiveness.

    City officials anticipate that the multifaceted festival will significantly boost tourism, attracting both domestic travelers and international visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences during the Lunar New Year celebrations. The municipal government’s statement emphasized the event’s role in promoting cultural exchange while maintaining and revitalizing traditional craftsmanship through modern presentation methods.

    The lantern show represents one of southern China’s most anticipated seasonal attractions, combining artistic excellence with technological sophistication to create a memorable experience that honors tradition while embracing innovation.

  • Huizhou takes major step forward as petrochemical hotspot

    Huizhou takes major step forward as petrochemical hotspot

    Huizhou has cemented its position as a global petrochemical powerhouse with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art product innovation center by CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPC). The strategic facility, unveiled Wednesday in Guangdong province, represents a significant milestone in China’s energy sector development and regional economic transformation.

    The newly established center spans over 7,000 square meters of construction space and features more than 170 sets of internationally advanced equipment. According to officials from Huizhou Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone, this investment creates a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that integrates production, innovation, and market distribution—signaling a major advancement in high-end petrochemical manufacturing capabilities.

    This development culminates 25 years of continuous partnership between the energy giants in Daya Bay, beginning with Phase I groundbreaking in 2002, followed by Phase II commissioning in 2018, and currently ongoing Phase III projects focusing on ethylene and polycarbonate production. The collaboration has generated over 100 billion yuan ($14.1 billion) in cumulative investment, substantially contributing to Huizhou’s emergence as a global petrochemical hub and supporting Guangdong province’s positioning as a high-quality development growth pole.

    CSPC CEO Ryan Wong emphasized the strategic necessity of the innovation center, noting that the company’s 20-year development journey has established substantial scale advantages including 3.8 million metric tons of ethylene production capacity and nearly 500 supporting upstream and downstream enterprises. Wong specifically praised the local government’s supportive business environment, highlighting dedicated task forces for accelerated approvals, industry-university-research cooperation frameworks, and continuous infrastructure improvements that have created ideal conditions for innovation-driven growth.

    The public-private collaboration model—where government provides institutional support while enterprises drive technological advancement—has proven particularly effective in Huizhou’s case. This synergy continues to attract substantial foreign investment while advancing China’s broader objectives in energy security and high-end manufacturing capabilities within the petrochemical sector.

  • Rights group threatens legal challenge to New York’s purchase of Israel bonds

    Rights group threatens legal challenge to New York’s purchase of Israel bonds

    The advocacy organization Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) has issued a formal warning to New York State officials regarding potential legal action to block further investments in Israeli bonds. The group contends that such financial instruments effectively subsidize Israel’s military operations and human rights violations against Palestinians.

    Executive Director Sarah Leah Whitson declared in a Friday statement that public officials must cease all investments in Israel Bonds, asserting they violate international legal obligations and fiduciary responsibilities to taxpayers. “For too long, our public officials have prioritized politically expedient support for Israel, using taxpayer money to finance Israel’s brutal war machine,” Whitson emphasized.

    Financial records reveal significant exposure to Israeli debt, with the New York State Common Retirement Fund maintaining over $352 million in investments as of March 2024. These bonds, marketed by an entity affiliated with Israel’s finance ministry, offer varying terms: retail bonds start at $36 while institutional ten-year dollar-denominated bonds require minimum $25,000 investments with approximately 5.2% yields.

    The controversy has intensified following New York City Comptroller Mark Levine’s January announcement to resume purchases despite the city’s 2024 divestment. This position contrasts sharply with Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s public support for divestment over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

    DAWN has dispatched formal demands to Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Mayor Mamdani, urging publication of policies prohibiting Israeli security purchases until cessation of “unlawful occupation, apartheid rule and ongoing genocide.” The organization warns of supporting litigation if demands remain unmet.

    Legal advisor Alex Smith articulated the gravity of the situation: “New York officials continuing to make such investments in the face of overwhelming evidence of the war crimes and crimes against humanity they support may face personal civil and criminal liability for aiding and abetting those crimes.”

    The debate transcends partisan lines, with former hedge fund manager and Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback questioning the risk-reward ratio of Israel bonds during a Tucker Carlson podcast appearance. Concurrently, credit agency Moody’s has flagged Israeli bonds as “increasingly risky investments,” complicating comptroller Levine’s defense of their financial soundness despite personal ties to Israel.

    Middle East Eye’s inquiries to relevant New York offices remained unanswered at publication time.

  • One wrong move and it could all go wrong – the men clearing deadly undersea Russian mines

    One wrong move and it could all go wrong – the men clearing deadly undersea Russian mines

    Beneath the surface of the Black Sea lies a hidden battlefield where Ukrainian Navy divers wage a dangerous war against thousands of submerged explosives. Vitalii, a 31-year-old demining specialist, describes the meticulous process of approaching live mines in pitch-dark waters: “We move carefully and extremely slowly so that the mine does not detonate. One second you move, then you stay still for some time, and you repeat until you reach the object.

    The scale of contamination is staggering. Russian-laid sea mines from the initial invasion join World War II-era ordnance and weapons washed downstream after the 2022 Kakhovka dam explosion. Commander Fox, leader of the navy’s mine countermeasures group, estimates thousands of active mines with countless additional unexploded missiles, artillery shells, and bombs creating an underwater minefield.

    Each demining operation represents an extraordinary undertaking—requiring two days, multiple boats, and 20 personnel to neutralize a single device. Divers use closed-circuit rebreathers that produce no bubbles as they work in total silence to avoid triggering acoustic sensors. The process involves disabling multiple sensors through controlled explosions before safely destroying or moving each mine.

    This hazardous work occurs amidst ongoing combat operations. Russian missiles, drones, and electronic warfare that scramble GPS signals add layers of danger to an already perilous mission. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has maintained surprising maritime parity with Russia, creating conditions that allow commercial shipping to continue through the only export corridor.

    The economic stakes are enormous. Maritime exports account for over two-thirds of Ukrainian agricultural exports, generating approximately $9 billion in essential revenue. Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk notes that commercial companies continue accepting the risks, with vessel traffic remaining steady despite the threats.

    While the British Navy donated two mine-hunting vessels in 2023, these remain stationed in the UK due to the vulnerability of large ships in the Black Sea. Without advanced equipment, Commander Fox estimates the current demining pace would require dozens of years to clear the seabed—a timeline that ensures Ukraine’s divers will continue their painstaking, second-by-second advances through mine-infested waters for the foreseeable future.

  • Venezuela announces bill that could lead to mass release of prisoners detained for political reasons

    Venezuela announces bill that could lead to mass release of prisoners detained for political reasons

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant political development, Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez unveiled legislation on Friday that could potentially secure the liberation of hundreds of detainees incarcerated for political motivations. The proposed bill specifically targets the release of opposition figures, journalists, and human rights activists who have faced government persecution.

    This legislative initiative represents the latest conciliatory measure undertaken by Rodríguez since assuming executive authority on January 3, following the dramatic capture of former President Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. military operation in Caracas. The announcement came during a televised address before an assembly of justices, magistrates, and judicial officials.

    Rodríguez emphasized the healing potential of the legislation, stating, “May this law serve to heal the wounds left by the political confrontation.” She confirmed that the ruling party-dominated National Assembly would expedite consideration of the bill under urgent procedures.

    According to estimates by Foro Penal, a Venezuela-based prisoners’ rights organization, approximately 711 individuals remain detained across the country due to their political activities. While the government previously announced plans for prisoner releases as a goodwill gesture in early January, implementation has progressed slowly, drawing criticism from detainees’ families.

    Notably, the government withheld the specific text of the proposed legislation, leaving ambiguity regarding the precise criteria for amnesty eligibility. Human rights organizations have responded cautiously to the announcement, welcoming the initiative while emphasizing the need for comprehensive implementation.

    Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, commented via social media: “A general amnesty is welcome as long as its elements and conditions include all of civil society, without discrimination, that it does not become a cloak of impunity, and that it contributes to dismantling the repressive apparatus of political persecution.”

    Since January 8, when National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez first announced the prisoner release initiative, the organization has documented 302 releases. Human rights group Provea issued a statement criticizing the lack of transparency and gradual pace of releases, while emphasizing that amnesty should not be construed as state clemency for those arbitrarily detained for exercising internationally protected rights.

  • This army chief threatened to castrate opposition leader and claimed descent from Jesus

    This army chief threatened to castrate opposition leader and claimed descent from Jesus

    Uganda’s military leadership finds itself at the center of both political and digital controversy as General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, continues to generate international attention through his provocative social media presence. The general’s recent posts on platform X, including threats against opposition figures and claims of divine right to rule, have sparked concerns about Uganda’s democratic processes and the apparent consolidation of power within a single family dynasty.

    Following the January presidential election that granted President Museveni a seventh term with over 70% of votes, General Kainerugaba engaged in a series of inflammatory online statements. These included threats to physically harm defeated opposition candidate Bobi Wine and declarations about his supposed bloodline connection to Jesus Christ. While many posts were subsequently deleted, they revealed the increasingly blurred lines between state authority and personal political ambition in the East African nation.

    Analysts identify what they term an ‘unholy trinity’ of power comprising President Museveni, his son General Kainerugaba, and the president’s influential brother Salim Saleh. This power structure appears designed to ensure dynastic continuity, with the general being groomed as successor to his 81-year-old father. Security expert Nicodemus Minde of the Institute for Security Studies notes that while Kainerugaba’s statements often appear ‘wild,’ they must be understood within the context of Uganda’s succession politics.

    The general’s online behavior has occasionally strained international relations, most notably in 2022 when he threatened to invade neighboring Kenya, requiring presidential intervention to repair diplomatic damage. His supporters describe him as ‘incredibly loyal’ and compare his communication style to that of former US President Donald Trump, while critics point to human rights abuses and the suppression of opposition voices.

    Uganda’s security apparatus, particularly the Special Forces Command (SFC) which Kainerugaba helped establish, has been accused of systematic repression including abductions, torture, and election interference. The recent election occurred amid internet blackouts and reports of widespread intimidation, with the UN noting an ‘environment marked by widespread repression.’

    As the Museveni dynasty potentially extends to a third generation with the general’s son joining the military, Uganda faces continuing questions about democratic governance, military influence in politics, and the consequences of concentrated family power.

  • An ingredient for this curry is missing – and in eight minutes, it’s at the door

    An ingredient for this curry is missing – and in eight minutes, it’s at the door

    In the early morning hours of Delhi, Tanisha Singh discovers she’s out of tomatoes while preparing her lunch curry. With local markets still closed, she turns to her smartphone. Within eight minutes, a delivery rider arrives at her doorstep with fresh produce—a phenomenon now commonplace in India’s metropolitan centers.

    This convenience is powered by an intricate network of ‘dark stores’—compact fulfillment centers strategically embedded within residential neighborhoods. Unlike traditional retailers, platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy, Instamart and Zepto operate from these hyper-local facilities stocked with essentials arranged for maximum efficiency rather than customer browsing.

    BBC’s visit to one such facility in northwest Delhi revealed a meticulously organized operation. Workers navigate narrow aisles stacked with vegetables, frozen goods, and packaged items, fulfilling orders with near-robotic precision. Store manager Sagar boasts of completing orders ‘in under a minute’ as delivery riders synchronize with packers in a seamless ballet of efficiency.

    The delivery process, however, conceals significant human challenges. Delivery driver Muhammad Faiyaz Alam, 26, demonstrates the reality behind the promises—navigating complex urban landscapes where digital maps often fail. His recent 2.2km delivery took 16 minutes total, earning him 31 rupees (£0.25). Alam typically attempts 40 daily deliveries, with earnings fluctuating between 900-1,000 rupees after deducting expenses.

    This system operates on an incentive structure that rewards continuous work. Alam logged 406 hours in December, completing over 1,000 orders and earning 16,000 rupees in incentives alone. However, the system proves fragile—when Alam’s phone was stolen mid-shift, he lost consecutive days of work and missed a 5,000-rupee incentive.

    Researchers note that while such incentive models aren’t unique to India, they’re intensified by labor availability and weak worker protections. ‘These workers are classified as independent contractors with no social security, yet algorithms control their work through ratings, penalties and pay,’ explains researcher Vandana Vasudevan.

    The pressure manifests on roads where riders admit to speeding and traffic violations to meet targets. Recent strikes across Indian cities have protested falling incomes, unpredictable incentives, and unsafe conditions, prompting government intervention. The labor ministry has ordered platforms to abandon aggressive ’10-minute delivery’ marketing language.

    India’s quick commerce sector defied global trends by sustaining growth post-pandemic. While Western services like Getir scaled back, Indian platforms flourished by catering to time-poor urban residents willing to pay premiums for convenience. Retail analyst Ankur Bisen notes that despite the buzz, profitability remains elusive with companies still operating at losses amid intense competition.

    Consumer awareness is gradually shifting. A LocalCircles survey found 74% support for dropping the ’10-minute delivery’ promise, with 40% willing to wait longer for orders. Yet for now, India’s urban convenience economy continues to run on the relentless pace of workers like Alam, who have little choice but to keep moving.

  • Pakistan’s arms deals position it squarely within growing Saudi-UAE rift

    Pakistan’s arms deals position it squarely within growing Saudi-UAE rift

    Pakistan’s burgeoning defense exports, particularly its JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter jets, are becoming increasingly entangled in the geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates across conflict zones in Libya and Sudan. This complex situation presents Islamabad with significant diplomatic and strategic challenges as it seeks to balance its military partnerships.

    Recent reports indicate Pakistan has negotiated multi-billion dollar defense packages with both the Libyan National Army (LNA) and Sudan, though these agreements remain shrouded in complexity. A $4 billion agreement with the Benghazi-based LNA, reportedly backed by Emirati financing, would supply JF-17 fighters and Super Mushshak trainers. Simultaneously, a potential deal with Sudan appears connected to Saudi Arabia’s offer to convert $2 billion in Pakistani loans in exchange for military equipment.

    The JF-17 Thunder, a joint venture between Pakistan’s Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, has gained market traction as an affordable alternative to Western fighters. With unit costs ranging from $25-42 million compared to $70-130 million for competitors like the F-16 Block 70 or Dassault Rafale, the platform appeals to budget-conscious militaries in Southeast Asia and Africa. The aircraft’s performance during the limited India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025 reportedly enhanced its combat credibility.

    However, Pakistan faces substantial constraints in fulfilling these orders. Production capacity appears limited to approximately 25 aircraft annually, with the supply chain dependent on Chinese strategic systems and Russian engines. Furthermore, deliveries to conflict zones under UN embargo raise legal and diplomatic complications. The Saudi-backed Sudanese government and Emirati-supported Rapid Support Forces represent opposing sides in Sudan’s civil war, while in Libya, the LNA opposes the UN-recognized Tripoli government.

    Pakistan’s historical relationships with Gulf Cooperation Council countries add layers of complexity. While maintaining military ties across the Arab world, including pilot training programs dating to 1967, Islamabad’s recent “strategic mutual defense agreement” with Saudi Arabia and its “Three Brothers Alliance” with Turkey and Azerbaijan suggest Riyadh would receive priority if Pakistan were forced to choose. Additionally, Turkey’s role as a key defense partner and major client for joint programs further influences Pakistan’s strategic calculations.

    Industry analysts suggest Pakistan will likely avoid direct arms sales to embargoed regions, prioritizing instead more stable clients like Azerbaijan, with which deliveries are already underway. Prospective deals with Indonesia and Bangladesh offer more reliable financial frameworks than the precarious agreements linked to Gulf rivalries. As defense industrial partnerships grow increasingly interconnected with great power competition, Pakistan’s careful navigation of these murky waters will test its diplomatic acumen and industrial capabilities.

  • Sharjah Ruler becomes first Arab to receive Portugal’s highest cultural award

    Sharjah Ruler becomes first Arab to receive Portugal’s highest cultural award

    In a landmark ceremony at Lisbon’s Presidential Palace, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, was decorated with Portugal’s highest cultural honor—the Grand Collar of the Order of Camões. The historic event, presided over by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Thursday, marks the first time an Arab personality has received this sovereign accolade.

    The prestigious award recognizes Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s globally acknowledged contributions to culture, intellectual thought, and intercultural dialogue. The timing of the ceremony carries special significance, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Portugal.

    President de Sousa emphasized the symbolic importance of honoring Sheikh Sultan’s “enlightened, distinguished and open personality” during this milestone year. He highlighted the shared commitment between the two leaders to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding, citing the enduring academic partnership between Sharjah and the University of Coimbra, which awarded Sheikh Sultan an honorary doctorate in 2018.

    In his acceptance address, Sheikh Dr. Sultan expressed profound appreciation for the honor, describing it as recognition from “a nation distinguished by its rich scientific and cultural history.” He reflected on Portugal’s historical connections with the Arab Gulf nations, noting that each visit feels like “standing before a living history.”

    The Sharjah Ruler articulated his vision of culture as an essential bridge between civilizations, stating: “Culture is not a legacy we merely preserve, but a bridge we build with others.” He characterized the award as celebrating not only Arab culture but also the cultural vision of the UAE and Sharjah’s dedicated path toward making cultural exchange a fundamental necessity.

    Established in the name of renowned Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, the Order of Camões honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to culture and the advancement of dialogue between peoples through language, literature, and thought. Sheikh Dr. Sultan—a prolific writer, historian, and thinker with nearly 200 published works translated into over 20 languages—exemplifies these ideals through his scholarly research and corrections of historical narratives.

    The ceremony was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, alongside senior officials, cultural ambassadors, and media representatives, signaling the importance both nations place on this strengthened cultural partnership.

  • Phone (3a) Community Edition: A new model for co-creating products with fans

    Phone (3a) Community Edition: A new model for co-creating products with fans

    In an innovative departure from conventional product development, technology company Nothing has launched the Phone (3a) Community Edition—a smartphone entirely co-created with its community of dedicated fans. This groundbreaking initiative represents a fundamental reimagining of how consumer technology products are conceived and developed.

    The nine-month collaborative endeavor generated over 700 submissions across multiple creative categories, culminating in the selection of four emerging creators who worked directly with Nothing’s London-based teams. These winners—Emre Kayganacl (Hardware Design), Ambrogio Tacconi & Louis Aymond (Accessory Design), Jad Zock (Lock Screen Interface), and Sushruta Sarkar (Marketing Campaign)—were chosen based on their exceptional originality, technical craftsmanship, and ability to advance Nothing’s distinctive design philosophy.

    This year’s program expanded significantly from previous iterations, incorporating hardware design, custom software elements, accessory creation, and comprehensive marketing campaigns. Nothing enhanced the collaborative process by releasing all creative briefs simultaneously and providing participants extended development timelines alongside dedicated resources. Each category winner received a £1,000 cash prize to support their creative development.

    The resulting device showcases remarkable innovation: Kayganacl’s hardware design draws inspiration from late-1990s and early-2000s technology aesthetics, creating a nostalgic yet futuristic visual language. The accessory component features ‘Dice’—a culturally universal gaming element incorporating Nothing’s proprietary Ndot 55 font. Zock’s software contribution includes a minimalist clock face designed to reduce visual clutter while improving information retention, complemented by exclusive wallpapers that bridge the device’s physical and digital aesthetics. Sarkar’s ‘Made Together’ marketing campaign celebrates the collaborative process itself rather than focusing exclusively on the final product.

    Beyond product development, Nothing is pioneering a comprehensive community integration model. The company recently opened a $5 million community investment opportunity at its Series C valuation of $1.3 billion, allowing supporters to invest alongside institutional partners. This initiative coincides with Nothing’s strategic pivot toward developing AI-native operating systems, reflecting the company’s conviction that future personal technology should be shaped directly by its users.

    The Phone (3a) Community Edition will have extremely limited availability with only 1,000 units produced worldwide. Priced at Dh1,399, the device will be exclusively available through noon retailers, maintaining the 12+256 GB specifications of the standard Phone (3a) model.