Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Shanghai Disney Resort hosts disability inclusion forum

    Shanghai Disney Resort hosts disability inclusion forum

    Shanghai Disney Resort has reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility and inclusion by hosting its fourth annual disability inclusion forum on December 2, 2025, strategically timed to coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event brought together over 200 participants from diverse sectors, creating a dynamic platform for substantive dialogue on implementing disability inclusion practices.

    Murray King, Vice-President of Public Affairs and Communications at the resort, emphasized the company’s philosophy: ‘At Shanghai Disney Resort, we believe dreams should be within everyone’s reach. This annual forum reinforces our dedication to advancing accessibility through both awareness-building and concrete action, ensuring accessibility remains central to our resort’s ongoing development.’

    The forum gained significant credibility with the participation of Lyu Shiming, Standing Committee Member of the 14th National People’s Congress and President of the China Association of Volunteers for Persons with Disabilities. Lyu noted China’s progressive integration of barrier-free features across public spaces and sports facilities, specifically praising Shanghai Disney Resort’s meticulous attention to accessibility details—from curb designs to innovative infrastructure solutions—as exemplary for other organizations to follow.

    Adding an inspirational dimension to the event, former Paralympic sailing team member Xu Jingkun shared his remarkable journey of participating in the grueling 26,000-nautical-mile Vendée Globe race. ‘Initially, the possibility of sailing across the ocean with one hand seemed questionable,’ Xu recounted. ‘However, my success has ultimately opened new pathways for athletes with disabilities, demonstrating what’s possible with determination and proper support.’

    The forum served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, highlighting how targeted initiatives and corporate leadership can drive meaningful change in disability inclusion across Chinese society.

  • Severed fingers and incisions: Bodies returned by Israel shock Gaza families

    Severed fingers and incisions: Bodies returned by Israel shock Gaza families

    In a deeply disturbing development emerging from the Gaza Strip, Palestinian families are confronting new layers of trauma as they receive the bodies of their missing relatives returned by Israeli authorities under controversial circumstances. The remains, arriving frozen and marked only with identification numbers, have sparked grave concerns about potential organ harvesting and systematic mutilation while in custody.

    The process unfolds at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where forensic teams struggle with inadequate equipment to properly examine the bodies. According to Dr. Khalil Hamada, Director General of Forensic Medicine in Gaza, the extreme freezing conditions and lack of diagnostic equipment prevent comprehensive examinations. ‘What we do is not a full forensic examination,’ Hamada confirmed to Middle East Eye. ‘The process is limited to documenting individual distinguishing features so families can identify their loved ones.’

    Heartbreaking identification procedures involve displaying photographs of the mutilated remains on large screens, with families desperately searching for recognizable features. Muhammad Ayesh Ramadan of Deir al-Balah spent four days searching before identifying his brother Ahmed through facial recognition with ’70 percent certainty.’ The body showed evidence of multiple gunshots, burning, and a vertically stitched incision running from chest downward—particularly disturbing as his brother had never undergone surgery.

    Medical authorities report that nearly all bodies show evidence of amputated digits, particularly thumbs and big toes, which Israeli authorities claim are removed for DNA testing. However, the complete absence of forensic reports, cause-of-death information, or any documentation from Israeli authorities has fueled suspicions among grieving families.

    The situation becomes more alarming with numerous bodies showing signs of torture, fractured bones, and evidence of being bound and blindfolded at time of death. Zeinab Ismail Shabat identified her brother Mahmoud through distinctive hair and eye features, only to discover his hands and feet bound with metal restraints, indicating he was ‘martyred while restrained.’

    Of the 345 bodies returned to date, only 99 have been positively identified. The remainder have been buried in mass graves without identification, creating a permanent legacy of uncertainty for hundreds of Gaza families. The combination of systematic mutilation, absence of transparency, and inadequate forensic capabilities has created a humanitarian crisis that extends beyond death itself, denying families both answers and the dignity of proper burial for their loved ones.

  • Death toll jumps to 700 in Indonesia floods and landslides

    Death toll jumps to 700 in Indonesia floods and landslides

    Indonesia’s Sumatra Island faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as catastrophic flooding and landslides have claimed at least 700 lives, according to the latest figures from the national disaster agency. The death toll, which authorities revised downward from an initial count of 753, continues to fluctuate as emergency teams battle challenging conditions to reach isolated communities.

    The disaster forms part of a broader regional tragedy that has claimed nearly 900 lives across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand following months of extreme weather events throughout Southeast Asia. This devastating pattern includes successive typhoons that recently battered the Philippines and Vietnam, compounded by persistent flooding across the region.

    Environmental experts and local officials have identified widespread deforestation on Sumatra as a critical factor contributing to the disproportionately high death toll. The removal of natural vegetation has destabilized terrain and eliminated natural barriers that would typically mitigate flood impacts.

    Indonesian disaster response teams are implementing a multi-pronged approach to address the crisis, prioritizing aid distribution through land, sea, and air channels simultaneously. Emergency crews are working relentlessly to clear obstructed roadways and restore damaged infrastructure in affected areas.

    Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the disaster agency, emphasized the urgency of logistics operations, stating: ‘We do hope that we can speed up the logistics distribution.’ The comprehensive response effort aims to reach thousands of displaced residents who have been cut off from essential supplies and medical assistance since the disasters began last week.

  • Sharjah: 130 classic cars come together for UAE National Day rally

    Sharjah: 130 classic cars come together for UAE National Day rally

    Sharjah transformed into a moving automotive museum on Tuesday as 130 meticulously preserved classic cars, some dating back six decades, participated in the third annual Rally Masar 71. Organized by the Sharjah Old Cars Club, this spectacular convoy brought together vintage automobile enthusiasts from across the UAE and neighboring GCC nations to commemorate the country’s 54th National Day celebrations.

    The event commenced at the Sharjah Old Cars Club headquarters where participants gathered for vehicle inspections and pre-route briefings. The day-long journey showcased a remarkable transition from urban landscapes to desert scenery as the procession of classic automobiles traveled along sand-lined highways toward Al Badayer Oasis in Al Madam.

    The scenic route continued to Kalba’s recently inaugurated Hanging Gardens, providing a striking contrast between historic vehicles and modern attractions. Subsequent stops included the Roman Amphitheatre in Khorfakkan with its mountainous coastal views and a coastal pause near Anchor Café in Dibba Al Hisn before returning to Sharjah.

    The rally concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements in categories including best restoration, best-preserved model, and exceptional participation. Rally Masar 71 has evolved into a significant platform for vintage car enthusiasts to exchange technical knowledge, showcase restoration expertise, and highlight Sharjah’s diverse cultural and natural landmarks.

    This growing tradition symbolizes the UAE’s enduring narrative—from its desert origins to its modern coastal cities—while celebrating the national heritage through the preservation and appreciation of automotive history.

  • Netanyahu corruption trials: Prime minister’s request for pardon sparks debate in Israel

    Netanyahu corruption trials: Prime minister’s request for pardon sparks debate in Israel

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog, triggering intense nationwide debate amid his ongoing corruption trial. The 111-page legal submission, accompanied by a personal letter delivered Sunday, argues that clemency would serve the “public interest” by fostering national “reconciliation.”

    Instead of unity, the move has exacerbated existing societal fractures. Protesters immediately gathered outside the presidential residence, while political figures across the spectrum voiced starkly contrasting views. President Herzog acknowledged the “controversy” surrounding the application, pledging to base his decision solely on Israel’s best interests while dismissing the impact of “violent discourse.”

    Critics highlighted the petition’s most contentious aspect: Netanyahu’s refusal to admit guilt for charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid declared Herzog cannot grant pardon without “admission of guilt, expression of remorse, and immediate retirement from political life.” Haaretz commentator Yossi Verter characterized the letter as bordering on “extortion by threats,” noting that meaningful dialogue would require contrition and commitment to leave politics.

    Even within Netanyahu’s Likud party, dissent emerged. MP Tally Gotliv expressed feeling “pain and humiliation” over the submission, while far-right activist Arnon Segal lamented the right’s narrowed focus on acquittal rather than broader ideological goals.

    Supporters presented counterarguments. Energy Minister Eli Cohen asserted Netanyahu “is not a corrupt person” and that pardoning would benefit Israel by ending “this saga.” Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman suggested, without evidence, that U.S. President Donald Trump might impose sanctions on Israeli judicial officials should Herzog refuse clemency.

    The controversy intersects with Israel’s security situation, with some social media users accusing Netanyahu of seeking to evade accountability for October 7 attacks. Enav Zangauker, mother of a recently released captive, condemned the move as prioritizing power retention over responsibility. Left-wing figures, including Hadash party leader Ayman Odeh, framed the pardon discussion as a distraction from Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, asserting Netanyahu should face trial in The Hague for war crimes rather than receive domestic clemency.

  • Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams this year amid rising population, vehicles

    Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams this year amid rising population, vehicles

    Dubai motorists endured significantly increased traffic delays throughout 2025, with commuters losing approximately 45 hours to congestion according to the recently released Inrix Global Traffic Report. This represents a substantial increase from the previous year’s figures of 35 hours lost, highlighting growing transportation challenges across the emirates.

    The traffic congestion escalation coincides with notable population growth, with the UAE’s resident count expanding by two million over the past five years to reach 11.48 million as of November 2025. This demographic surge, coupled with increasing vehicle numbers, has placed unprecedented pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure.

    In response to these challenges, UAE authorities have unveiled an ambitious Dh170-billion transportation infrastructure package scheduled for implementation by 2030. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced during the UAE Government Annual Meeting that the comprehensive plan aims to enhance federal road efficiency by 73% through strategic expansions and upgrades.

    The infrastructure development strategy includes significant lane additions, with federal roads expanding from 19 to 33 lanes in each direction. Specific projects involve widening Etihad Road by six lanes (three per direction), increasing its capacity by 60%, while Emirates Road will expand to ten lanes throughout its length, boosting capacity by 65% and reducing travel time by 45%. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will similarly be widened to ten lanes, enhancing capacity by 45%.

    Additionally, transportation authorities are conducting feasibility studies for a proposed fourth federal highway spanning 120 kilometers with twelve lanes, potentially handling up to 360,000 daily trips.

    The traffic impact varied across emirates, with Abu Dhabi motorists losing 29 hours to congestion, Umm Al Quwain 28 hours, Al Ain 17 hours, and Fujairah 8 hours. Dubai’s substantial investment in transportation infrastructure over two decades, totaling Dh175 billion, has delivered significant projects including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, extensive road networks, cycling tracks, and pedestrian facilities. A McKinsey & Company study indicated these investments have yielded Dh319 billion in savings through reduced fuel consumption and time efficiency.

    Despite these efforts, traffic speeds have continued to decline, with peak commute speeds in Dubai dropping from 33 mph in 2023 to 29 mph in 2025, while last-mile downtown speeds decreased to 21 mph during morning commutes.

    Globally, Istanbul maintained its position as the world’s most congested urban area for the second consecutive year, with drivers losing 118 hours to delays—a 12% increase from 2024. Other severely affected cities included Mexico City, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Cape Town, London, Paris, Jakarta, and Los Angeles.

  • British police chief reiterates ‘legitimate’ decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

    British police chief reiterates ‘legitimate’ decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

    Senior officials from West Midlands Police have presented a robust defense of their contentious decision to prohibit Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the November 6th match against Aston Villa. Chief Constable Craig Guildford and Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara testified before Parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee, facing scrutiny over the unprecedented ban implemented amid heightened security concerns.

    The law enforcement leadership maintained that the prohibition constituted a carefully evaluated public safety measure rather than any form of discrimination. Guildford characterized the move as a ‘necessary tactic with legitimate aim, absolutely not antisemitic’ during his parliamentary testimony. The decision followed intelligence exchanges with Dutch police authorities regarding Maccabi fan conduct during matches in Amsterdam.

    According to security assessments, Dutch law enforcement had documented approximately 200 Maccabi supporters with alleged connections to Israeli military structures causing significant disturbances in Amsterdam. Internal documents described these individuals as ‘experienced fighters’ demonstrating highly organized patterns of violent behavior. Surveillance footage subsequently revealed instances of supporters assaulting local residents and voicing racist anti-Arab chants.

    The police assessment concluded that the primary threat of violence originated from extremist elements within the Israeli club’s supporter base. This evaluation was further substantiated by recent domestic incidents in Israel, including the cancellation of a local derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv due to security concerns and an incident involving fans launching fireworks at their manager’s residence.

    The verification process included cross-referencing Dutch police reports that characterized fan involvement in demonstrations and physical confrontations. Despite political criticism from certain government figures and media outlets, police authorities affirmed their operational strategy as both proportionate and effective in ensuring public protection.

  • Tariffs, AI boom could test global growth’s resilience, OECD says

    Tariffs, AI boom could test global growth’s resilience, OECD says

    The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its latest Economic Outlook on Tuesday, presenting a complex global economic landscape where artificial intelligence investments are counterbalancing the disruptive effects of U.S. tariff policies. While maintaining cautious optimism, the Paris-based intergovernmental organization highlighted the delicate equilibrium that could be easily disrupted by renewed trade conflicts or unmet AI expectations.

    The comprehensive report maintains its previous global growth projections, forecasting a gradual deceleration from 3.2% in 2025 to 2.9% in 2026, followed by a modest recovery to 3.1% in 2027. This stability masks significant regional variations and underlying vulnerabilities that could test the resilience of worldwide economic expansion.

    United States economic prospects appear strengthened, with the OECD revising upward its 2025 growth forecast to 2.0% (from 1.8%) and 2026 projection to 1.7% (from 1.5%). This improved outlook stems from substantial AI sector investments, continued fiscal support, and anticipated Federal Reserve rate reductions, which collectively mitigate the negative impacts of import tariffs, reduced immigration, and federal employment cuts.

    China’s economic trajectory shows initial resilience with a upgraded 2025 forecast of 5.0% growth (from 4.9%), though analysts expect a slowdown to 4.4% in 2026 as fiscal measures diminish and new U.S. tariffs take full effect. The eurozone demonstrates modest improvement with 2025 growth revised to 1.3% (from 1.2%), primarily driven by Germany’s robust labor market and increased public expenditure. However, fiscal tightening in France and Italy is projected to constrain 2026 expansion to 1.2%.

    Japan’s economic performance exceeded expectations with a 2025 growth upgrade to 1.3% (from 1.1%), supported by strong corporate profitability and investment, though a slowdown to 0.9% is anticipated in 2026.

    The report highlights concerning trade dynamics, with global trade growth expected to decline significantly from 4.2% in 2025 to 2.3% in 2026 as tariff implementations dampen investment and consumer activity. Persistent trade policy uncertainty continues to hinder prospects for substantial recovery.

    Inflation projections indicate a gradual return to central bank targets across most major economies by mid-2027. The United States may experience a mid-2026 inflation peak due to tariff effects before subsequent easing, while China and select emerging markets could see modest inflation increases as production capacity normalizes.

    Monetary policy is expected to remain accommodative, with most central banks maintaining or reducing borrowing costs throughout the coming year. The Federal Reserve is projected to implement moderate rate cuts by late 2026, assuming no unexpected inflation surges from trade measures.

    The OECD concludes that while current economic resilience is noteworthy, the coexistence of AI-driven optimism and trade policy uncertainties creates a fragile balance that requires careful monitoring and international cooperation to sustain global growth.

  • Trump vowed fewer regulations and lots more oil. He’s delivered on one.

    Trump vowed fewer regulations and lots more oil. He’s delivered on one.

    Despite sweeping campaign pledges to dramatically expand U.S. fossil fuel production, President Donald Trump’s first year in office has yielded mixed results for the energy sector. While the administration has successfully dismantled numerous environmental regulations and delivered substantial tax benefits to oil companies, actual production increases have remained modest and failed to generate promised job growth or consumer price reductions.

    Energy economists report that current oil output of approximately 13.9 million barrels per day represents only a slight increase from the record 13.4 million barrels achieved during the Biden administration. This incremental growth stems primarily from improved operational efficiency rather than new drilling initiatives. Meanwhile, crude prices have declined from $75 to below $60 per barrel since Trump took office.

    The administration’s policy approach has produced significant contradictions. While implementing tariffs that raised costs for essential drilling materials like steel and aluminum, Trump simultaneously signed legislation delivering nearly $6 billion in annual tax breaks to major fossil fuel companies. His administration has opened millions of acres in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling and moved to strike down pollution controls on power plants and industrial facilities.

    Consumer energy costs have moved contrary to Trump’s campaign promises. Gasoline prices averaged $3.069 per gallon—virtually unchanged from year-ago levels—while household electricity bills have increased 11% nationally. Environmental groups estimate the repeal of climate regulations could add 22-32 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere by 2055, with associated health and economic consequences.

    The international dimension reveals further complexity. While hosting Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and striking deals for foreign purchases of U.S. liquefied natural gas, the administration has simultaneously worked to thwart global climate agreements. This occurs even as Saudi Arabia pursues its own economic diversification away from oil.

    Energy analysts characterize the investment climate as uncertain and confusing for industry players. While acknowledging the administration’s rhetorical support for energy dominance, experts note that tangible benefits for both industry and consumers have remained marginal at best, with the most significant impact being the systematic dismantling of previous climate policies.

  • Pope Leo leads mass for 150,000 worshippers in Beirut

    Pope Leo leads mass for 150,000 worshippers in Beirut

    BEIRUT – In a historic culmination of his first international pilgrimage, Pope Leo XIV delivered a stirring appeal for national reconciliation to Lebanon’s fractured communities during a massive waterfront mass attended by approximately 150,000 faithful.

    The pontiff’s three-day visit, which began in Turkey before concluding in Lebanon, transformed into a diplomatic mission addressing the nation’s profound political paralysis, economic collapse, and sectarian divisions. Speaking before a diverse audience comprising Lebanon’s highest officials, international visitors, and migrant workers, Leo emphasized that “armed struggle brings no benefit” while championing negotiation and dialogue as constructive alternatives.

    The emotional apex of the journey occurred earlier at Beirut’s port, where the Pope conducted a solemn memorial at the site of the catastrophic 2020 chemical explosion that killed 220 people. After laying a floral wreath and lighting a lamp amidst the haunting backdrop of ruined grain silos, he comforted 60 survivors and bereaved relatives, presenting each with a rosary while acknowledging their ongoing pursuit of justice.

    “I carry with me the pain, and the thirst for truth and justice, of so many families, of an entire country,” the pontiff reflected before departing.

    The visit produced striking moments of symbolic unity as Hezbollah’s al-Mahdi Scouts joined multireligious crowds in welcoming the Pope with Vatican flags alongside portraits of their slain leader Hassan Nasrallah. Despite the festive atmosphere in Beirut’s southern suburbs—heavily damaged during recent conflicts—Israeli military operations continued unabated in southern Lebanon, underscoring the urgent need for intervention that residents had hoped the papal visit might inspire.

    In his final address, Pope Leo specifically encouraged Levantine Christians to remain “artisans of peace” while calling upon the international community to intensify reconciliation efforts across the Middle East.