Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Pact to boost China’s gold market

    Pact to boost China’s gold market

    In a landmark move set to redefine Asia’s precious metals trading landscape, Hong Kong and Shanghai have established a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at creating an integrated renminbi-denominated gold market. The strategic accord, signed during the opening session of the 19th Asian Financial Forum, represents a coordinated effort to elevate China’s financial hubs within the global gold ecosystem.

    The agreement was formally executed by Christopher Hui Ching-yu, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Yu Wenjian, Chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange. Both officials characterized the partnership as a transformative milestone that will fundamentally reshape the regional gold trading architecture.

    Secretary Hui emphasized the timing significance of this initiative, noting that “gold’s strategic importance has intensified amid prevailing geopolitical uncertainties, persistent inflationary pressures, and the ongoing restructuring of the international monetary system.”

    Under the newly established framework, the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company—a wholly government-owned entity—will implement a sophisticated collaborative governance structure. This system will feature Secretary Hui chairing the board with representation from the Shanghai Gold Exchange serving as deputy chairman.

    The Shanghai exchange will contribute substantial technical expertise and regulatory guidance across multiple domains including system architecture, rule formulation, institutional access protocols, risk management frameworks, and operational standards. Both parties have committed to synchronized efforts ensuring the efficient development of gold trade-clearing mechanisms aligned with international benchmarks.

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu underscored the agreement’s broader implications, stating it will “initiate a cross-boundary trade-clearing system for precious metals” that enhances financial connectivity between the two markets.

    The collaboration extends to physical infrastructure development, with Hong Kong targeting expansion of its gold storage capacity to exceed 2,000 metric tons within three years. Future cooperation will encompass physical delivery mechanisms, warehousing solutions, and broader ecosystem development.

    The People’s Bank of China demonstrated strong institutional support through Deputy Governor Zou Lan, who witnessed the signing ceremony. The central bank pledged comprehensive backing for Shanghai’s participation in developing the clearing system and reinforcing Hong Kong’s ambition to become an international gold trading hub.

    Industry representatives including Edward Au, Deloitte China’s Southern Region Managing Partner, noted the agreement’s relevance amid current financial fragmentation trends. While anticipating gradual rather than immediate capital inflows, Au projected that consistent policy execution would eventually yield deeper market participation and enhanced institutional accessibility across Asia’s gold market.

  • Can India be a player in the computer chip industry?

    Can India be a player in the computer chip industry?

    India’s technological landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the nation strategically develops its domestic semiconductor industry. This initiative, catalyzed by global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a crucial step toward technological self-reliance.

    Bangalore-based Tejas Networks exemplifies India’s existing strengths in semiconductor design. As a leading provider of telecommunications equipment, the company designs specialized chips that power mobile networks and broadband connections. “Telecom chips are fundamentally different from consumer or smartphone chips,” explains Arnob Roy, Tejas Networks co-founder. “They handle massive volumes of data coming simultaneously from hundreds of thousands of users with absolute reliability requirements.”

    India already possesses remarkable design capabilities, with an estimated 20% of the world’s semiconductor engineers working within its borders. “Almost every major global chip company has its largest or second-largest design centre in India,” confirms Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    The nation’s vulnerability emerged during the pandemic when manufacturing dependencies became apparent. “Covid showed us how fragile global supply chains can be,” Sinha notes. “If one part of the world shuts down, electronics manufacturing everywhere is disrupted.”

    India’s strategy focuses initially on the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) segment rather than competing directly in wafer fabrication dominated by Taiwan and China. “Assembly, test and packaging are easier to start than fabs,” explains Ashok Chandak, president of India Electronics and Semiconductor Association. “That is where India is moving first.”

    Kaynes Semicon, established in 2023, represents the vanguard of this initiative. The company has invested $260 million in a Gujarat facility that began production in November. Rather than targeting advanced AI chips, Kaynes focuses on practical applications. “These are not glamorous chips, but they are economically and strategically far more important for India,” says CEO Raghu Panicker. “We’re producing chips for cars, telecoms and the defense industry.”

    The journey involves substantial challenges, particularly in workforce development. “Training takes time,” Panicker emphasizes. “You cannot shortcut five years of experience into six months. That is the single biggest bottleneck.”

    Despite these hurdles, industry leaders remain optimistic about India’s semiconductor future. Roy anticipates that “over the next decade, a significant semiconductor manufacturing base will emerge in India.” This development, while requiring “patient capital and time,” marks the beginning of India’s strategic move toward technological independence in critical electronics components.

  • How Ozempic, GLP-1 drugs are reshaping food shopping habits in UAE

    How Ozempic, GLP-1 drugs are reshaping food shopping habits in UAE

    A transformative shift in dietary consumption patterns is sweeping across the United Arab Emirates, driven significantly by the increasing adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic. Renowned food industry analyst Phil Lempert, addressing attendees at Gulfood—the world’s premier food and hospitality exhibition—revealed that these pharmaceutical interventions are fundamentally altering how consumers approach nutrition and grocery shopping.

    Lempert, founder of SupermarketGuru and recognized trend authority through appearances on major media platforms including The Oprah Winfrey Show, identified three powerful forces reshaping global food retail: the expanding loneliness epidemic, proliferation of GLP-1 medications, and emerging ‘no-buy’ consumer movements. His research demonstrates that UAE shoppers are making fewer retail visits while selecting higher-quality, nutritionally dense foods in reduced quantities, moving decisively away from ultra-processed alternatives.

    The physiological mechanism of GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes management, produces enhanced satiety signals and reduced appetite. With Novo Nordisk’s recent introduction of an oral formulation eliminating injection barriers and reducing cost, Lempert anticipates usage rates could “double or triple in a very short timeframe,” accelerating existing consumption trends.

    This pharmacological influence intersects with concerning social patterns. “Post-COVID has witnessed unprecedented increases in loneliness,” Lempert noted, observing consequent changes in shopping behavior: “More frequent trips with smaller basket sizes.” Retail innovators like American giant Kroger are responding with architectural and service modifications including communal tables, in-store cafés, and cooking demonstrations specifically designed to foster human connection.

    UAE-based supermarket chain Grandiose exemplifies this dual approach, combining social engagement spaces like food preparation avenues with curated selections of premium yet affordable products. CEO Mussaab Aboud emphasized the evolving philosophy: “Food doesn’t have to be expensive and quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Consumers seek affordable excellence—products delivering sensory satisfaction and nutritional benefit without premium pricing.”

    This convergence of pharmaceutical science, retail innovation, and social adaptation signals a profound reorientation of food consumption values throughout the Emirates, prioritizing wellness, quality, and community engagement over quantity and convenience.

  • David Puig’s costly final-hole mistake highlights golf’s unforgiving rulebook

    David Puig’s costly final-hole mistake highlights golf’s unforgiving rulebook

    In a dramatic conclusion to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Spanish professional David Puig experienced a devastating rules violation that transformed potential triumph into costly disappointment. The 24-year-old rising star, paired with eventual champion Patrick Reed on the final hole, committed a critical error in the back bunker of the Majlis Course’s 72nd hole.

    During his third shot attempt from the sand trap, Puig inadvertently grounded his club—a direct violation of Rule 12.2b of the Official Rules of Golf. The infraction was detected by tournament officials monitoring broadcast footage and resulted in an immediate two-stroke penalty. This intervention converted what would have been a par-five finish into a double-bogey seven, dramatically altering the tournament’s final standings.

    The penalty proved financially substantial, reducing Puig’s earnings by $274,500. Instead of collecting $508,500 for a projected third-place finish, the young Spaniard settled for $234,000 and a three-way tie for seventh position. Despite the setback, Puig demonstrated professional composure upon reviewing the video evidence in the Scorers Area, accepting the ruling without dispute.

    This incident occurred during a period of career momentum for Puig, who recently claimed victory at November’s Australian PGA Championship and has been making significant strides on both the LIV Golf and DP World Tours. His world ranking improved from 99th to 94th regardless of the penalty, though the infraction prevented a more substantial leap.

    The tournament also highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the Official World Golf Ranking system, as the Dubai event’s field rating of 179.42 contrasted sharply with the PGA Tour’s American Express tournament rating of 379.26, despite featuring top-tier talent including Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood.

  • Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas eyes Korn Ferry Tour momentum at Panama Championship

    Dubai’s Rayhan Thomas eyes Korn Ferry Tour momentum at Panama Championship

    Dubai-born professional golfer Rayhan Thomas arrives at this week’s Panama Championship with renewed determination to accelerate his pursuit of a PGA Tour card. The Korn Ferry Tour event at Club de Golf de Panama represents a critical opportunity for Thomas to build momentum following his recent reclaiming of tour status.

    Thomas, who plays out of Dubai Creek Resort and was raised in the UAE to Indian parents, currently holds the 62nd position on the season-long points list. His early-season performance included a disappointing missed cut during the Bahamas swing, where challenging windy conditions and putting difficulties hampered his performance despite solid ball-striking.

    The Panama venue offers familiar ground for Thomas, who competed in the same event last year. This familiarity provides a strategic advantage as he seeks to refine his game under more conventional tournament conditions than the unusual Sunday-to-Wednesday format encountered in earlier events.

    The competitive intensity of the Korn Ferry Tour has been underscored by recent performances, notably 18-year-old Blades Brown’s remarkable transition from a tied-17th Korn Ferry finish to nearly contending at The American Express PGA Tour event. These developments highlight the narrow margins separating success from disappointment on golf’s premier developmental tour.

    With the 2026 season offering only 20 PGA Tour cards compared to 30 previously, the stakes have significantly increased. Thomas approaches the Panama Championship not as a casual event but as a strategic opportunity to accumulate points and position himself for the rigorous qualification process ahead.

  • Purging of top general raises questions about China’s war readiness

    Purging of top general raises questions about China’s war readiness

    China’s military command structure faces unprecedented turmoil following the dramatic removal of two top generals from the Central Military Commission (CMC), raising serious questions about leadership stability and combat readiness.

    General Zhang Youxia, 75, formerly vice-chairman of the powerful CMC, and General Liu Zhenli have been placed under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law”—the Communist Party’s standard euphemism for corruption allegations. This development has reduced the CMC’s membership to just two individuals: President Xi Jinping himself and General Zhang Shengmin.

    The sweeping purge represents the most significant shakeup in China’s military leadership in recent history. The CMC, typically comprising approximately seven members, exercises ultimate control over the People’s Liberation Army’s millions of personnel. Its authority is so considerable that former leader Deng Xiaoping maintained his grip on power primarily through his chairmanship of this body.

    Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute characterized the situation as unprecedented, stating, “The PLA is in disarray” and facing “a major leadership void.” The removal of Zhang Youxia carries particular significance given his combat experience and longstanding personal connection to Xi—his father fought alongside Xi’s father during China’s revolutionary period.

    While official channels attribute the dismissals to corruption investigations, analysts suggest broader political motivations may be at play. Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore noted widespread speculation ranging from leaked nuclear secrets to coup plotting and even rumors of armed confrontation in Beijing.

    The PLA Daily editorialized strongly on the matter, emphasizing the party’s “zero tolerance” approach to corruption regardless of position or status. Historical precedent suggests that officials once placed under investigation almost invariably face custodial sentences.

    This leadership crisis emerges amid heightened tensions regarding Taiwan, with Beijing increasingly threatening military action against the self-governing island. Analysts diverge on how the purge might affect China’s operational capabilities, though most agree it centralizes decision-making further around Xi personally.

    The ongoing turmoil creates a climate of suspicion within military ranks, potentially affecting operational decision-making and creating reluctance among mid-ranking officers to advance into positions now perceived as dangerously exposed to political scrutiny.

  • UGC Season 3: Inside the rules, teams, and format of UAE’s premier corporate golf league

    UGC Season 3: Inside the rules, teams, and format of UAE’s premier corporate golf league

    The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC), the UAE’s pioneering corporate golf league, prepares to launch its third season on February 5, 2026, featuring 160 elite amateur golfers competing across four prestigious Emirates courses. This innovative tournament combines strategic gameplay with competitive excellence across multiple formats.

    Season Overview and Competitive Legacy
    Ten corporate franchises, each comprising 16 players, will engage in a four-event series that blends Stableford and matchplay scoring systems. The tournament’s unique structure emphasizes both individual performance and team collaboration, creating a dynamic competitive environment. Previous champions include Tristar Gladiators (Season 1) and Noble Legacy Masters (Season 2), establishing UGC as a premier amateur golf competition.

    Tournament Structure and Venues
    • February 5 @ Saadiyat Beach Golf Club: Teams field two five-player squads with four best Stableford scores counting toward team totals
    • February 26 @ Earth Course: Elite Matchplay format featuring five simultaneous matches per team (5 points for win, 2 for half)
    • April 2 @ Dubai Creek: Best-ball Stableford format with five paired teams per franchise
    • May 7 @ Faldo Course: Championship finale with individual Stableford scoring (eight best scores count)

    Strategic Competition Framework
    The tournament employs a comprehensive scoring system where overall champions are determined by cumulative Stableford points from three rounds plus matchplay points from Day 2. A unique regulation ensures no team members compete in the same group, promoting diverse matchups and fair competition conditions.

    Significance and Anticipation
    Season 3 represents more than trophy contention—it embodies strategic excellence within corporate sports. The combination of world-class venues, sophisticated scoring systems, and elite amateur participation elevates the tournament beyond conventional corporate events. The UAE’s golf community anticipates heightened competition as teams prepare complex strategies for this multi-format challenge that rewards consistency, clutch performances, and collaborative excellence.

  • Building Financial Bridges Between India and the UAE

    Building Financial Bridges Between India and the UAE

    Al Ansari Exchange, the UAE’s leading outward personal remittance and foreign exchange provider, has extended heartfelt congratulations to India on its 77th Republic Day celebration. The occasion serves as both a national commemoration and a recognition of the profound contributions made by the Indian community to the UAE’s economic and social development.

    The Indian diaspora has played an instrumental role in shaping the UAE’s growth trajectory through their dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and professional expertise. Their continued involvement has significantly strengthened bilateral relations while enriching the cultural and economic fabric of the Emirates.

    As one of the primary channels for cross-border financial transactions, Al Ansari Exchange acknowledges its privileged position in facilitating remittance flows between the GCC region and India. Indians residing across the UAE and broader GCC remain among the largest contributors to India’s remittance economy, relying on the company’s secure and efficient money transfer services.

    The exchange reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the financial aspirations of millions of Indians who depend on their services to maintain connections with families back home. This responsibility drives the company’s ongoing focus on innovation, reliability, and maintaining customer trust while serving diverse communities.

    The Republic Day celebration symbolizes unity, resilience, and democratic values while highlighting the limitless possibilities that emerge when nations and communities collaborate. Al Ansari Exchange expressed hopes that the occasion would renew collective spirit and further strengthen the India-UAE partnership.

  • UK: Pro-Palestine protesters charged with calling for ‘intifada’

    UK: Pro-Palestine protesters charged with calling for ‘intifada’

    In an unprecedented legal move, British authorities have formally charged three pro-Palestine demonstrators for allegedly chanting the word “intifada” during a December protest. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Monday that Abdallah Alanzi (24), Haya Adam (21), and Azza Zaki (60) face charges of using “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending to stir up racial hatred.”

    The defendants were arrested during a December 17th demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, marking the first enforcement actions since the Metropolitan and Greater Manchester police forces announced their intention to prosecute individuals using the phrase “globalise the intifada” at protests. The controversial policy, announced in December, specifically targeted this chant and related placard displays.

    Police authorities defended their position, stating: “We recognize community concerns regarding placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada.’ Those employing such language at future demonstrations or in targeted manners should anticipate intervention from our forces.”

    The Metropolitan Police’s Public Order Crime team conducted a comprehensive investigation that extended beyond the specific intifada chant to examine additional verbal expressions heard during the protest. The three accused individuals will make their initial appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 23rd.

    Meanwhile, pro-Palestine activists have vigorously contested the characterization of “globalise the intifada” as antisemitic or violent incitement. Notably, British Jewish participants have been visibly active in pro-Palestine marches throughout the United Kingdom.

    The term ‘intifada,’ derived from the Arabic root ‘nafada’ meaning “to shake off” or “to rise up,” has complex historical connotations. While some Arab uprisings labeled as intifadas have been predominantly peaceful, the Palestinian intifadas against Israeli occupation have incorporated both civil disobedience and armed resistance.

    The charging decision follows October comments by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who characterized calls to “internationalise the intifada” as direct incitement against global Jewish communities. These remarks came after a fatal attack on a Manchester synagogue that claimed two Jewish worshippers’ lives.

  • Annual lantern festival opens in Shanghai

    Annual lantern festival opens in Shanghai

    Shanghai has inaugurated its annual Yuyuan Lantern Festival, launching an expansive celebration that for the first time extends beyond its traditional Yuyuan Garden venue to incorporate multiple zones near The Bund. The festival commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will continue through March 3, transforming the city’s historic districts into a luminous landscape.

    This year’s edition marks a significant geographical expansion, with illuminated displays scheduled to activate at The Bund Finance Center, Ancient City Park, Middle Fangbang Road, Fuyou Road, and The Bund itself beginning February 1. The festival combines traditional lantern craftsmanship with modern technological innovations and contemporary artistic designs, creating an immersive experience that connects Shanghai’s historical heritage with its futuristic vision.

    Visitors can engage with diverse attractions including interactive installations, cultural performances, culinary experiences, and retail offerings. The core thematic inspiration derives from Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), an ancient Chinese mythological text dating back over two millennia. This mythological foundation provides the creative direction for the festival’s central light installations at Yuyuan Garden, offering a cultural journey through China’s rich mythological traditions.

    The expanded festival layout creates a continuous pathway of illumination through Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, providing both residents and international tourists with a multifaceted experience that blends sightseeing with cultural education and entertainment.