Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • Kiwi commentators praise Abu Dhabi T10 tournament

    Kiwi commentators praise Abu Dhabi T10 tournament

    ABU DHABI – Prominent New Zealand cricket analysts Simon Doull and Danny Morrison have enthusiastically endorsed the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament following its ninth season, characterizing the format as a visionary glimpse into cricket’s evolutionary path. The commentators provided comprehensive insights after observing the 12-day competition at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

    Simon Doull emphasized the tournament’s growing prestige within international cricket circuits. “Each successive edition attracts progressively higher-caliber athletes,” Doull observed. “The scheduling proves ideal for global players, who appreciate both the superb climatic conditions and the world-class facilities at Zayed Stadium. This championship carries significant competitive prestige – participants are genuinely motivated to claim victory, supported by exemplary organizational standards and intensely contested matches.”

    Danny Morrison spotlighted emerging Emirati talent, specifically highlighting right-arm pace bowler Zohair Iqbal’s tournament performance. Despite competing alongside established international bowlers, Iqbal emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker. Morrison noted: “Zohair has demonstrated exceptional skill domestically and now translates that ability to the international stage. His crucial breakthroughs for Aspin Stallions, combined with his effective swing bowling, have been particularly impressive. The pitches themselves have provided balanced contest between bat and ball.”

    Doull further elaborated on the format’s distinctive appeal, describing the Abu Dhabi T10 as “electrifying, dynamic, and intensely competitive.” He articulated: “This tournament offers a preview of cricket’s future trajectory. As the most condensed and accelerated format, it delivers complete sporting entertainment within a compact 90-minute to two-hour window, requiring minimal time investment from viewers while maximizing excitement.”

    The 2025 tournament continuation underscores the United Arab Emirates’ growing significance as a global cricket hub, providing optimal infrastructure and conditions for both established professionals and developing regional talent.

  • South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang hit by massive data leak

    South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang hit by massive data leak

    South Korea’s dominant e-commerce platform Coupang has issued a formal apology following the discovery of a significant cybersecurity incident that potentially compromised the personal information of approximately 33.7 million domestic customer accounts. The breach, which represents more than half of South Korea’s 52 million population, marks the latest in a series of data security failures affecting major corporations in the technologically advanced nation.

    According to company statements to the BBC, Coupang initially detected unauthorized access to approximately 4,500 customer accounts on November 18th, promptly reporting the incident to relevant authorities. Subsequent forensic investigation revealed the breach’s true magnitude, with evidence suggesting the security compromise may have originated as early as June through an overseas-based server.

    The exposed data includes fundamental personal identifiers: customer names, email addresses, telephone numbers, physical shipping addresses, and selected order histories. Crucially, Coupang confirmed that financial information including credit card details and login credentials remained secure and uncompromised throughout the incident.

    Often characterized as South Korea’s answer to Amazon, Coupang maintains dual headquarters in Seoul and the United States, recently reporting nearly 25 million active users. The company has advised customers to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts and scams impersonating the brand while emphasizing that no immediate user action is required.

    South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT has launched a comprehensive investigation into the breach, evaluating both its full scope and whether Coupang violated data protection regulations. The Personal Information Protection Commission announced plans for expedited assessment, noting that confirmed violations of safety measure obligations could result in significant sanctions.

    This incident continues a troubling pattern of cybersecurity failures among South Korea’s corporate leaders despite the nation’s reputation for robust data privacy frameworks. Earlier this year, telecommunications behemoth SK Telecom faced penalties approaching $100 million following a breach affecting 20 million subscribers, while Lotte Cards acknowledged a separate cyberattack compromising data of nearly 3 million customers in September.

  • Campaign to ‘free Palestinian hostages’ in Israeli jails gains momentum

    Campaign to ‘free Palestinian hostages’ in Israeli jails gains momentum

    Major European capitals witnessed massive demonstrations over the weekend as thousands mobilized in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention facilities. The coordinated protests, occurring on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, saw central London flooded with activists demanding the immediate release of approximately 9,100 Palestinians currently incarcerated, including more than 450 women and children.

    Protesters adorned with red ribbons and waving Palestinian flags condemned Israel’s judicial practices, specifically targeting the system of administrative detention that allows indefinite imprisonment without formal charges. The demonstrations highlighted allegations of systematic torture, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and inhumane treatment within the Israeli prison network.

    The movement quickly expanded across continental Europe, with parallel gatherings occurring in Paris and Athens drawing tens of thousands of participants. In Copenhagen, activists assembled outside the Israeli embassy under the banner “Bring Them Home,” personalizing their protest by sharing individual stories of detained Palestinians.

    Central to the campaign is the case of Marwan Barghouti, a 66-year-old political figure viewed as a potential future Palestinian leader who has been imprisoned since 2002. Barghouti, serving five life sentences for alleged involvement in killings during the Second Intifada, has endured extended solitary confinement periods—including one stretch lasting three years—with reports indicating his conditions have significantly deteriorated since October 2023.

    Recent investigative findings have uncovered disturbing detention practices, including an underground facility where Gazan prisoners are allegedly denied sunlight, adequate nutrition, and all external communication. Among those detained without charge are a nurse apprehended while wearing medical scrubs and a teenage food vendor.

    Leaked Israeli data suggests that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians arrested during recent military operations in Gaza were civilians. A report by Physicians for Human Rights-Israel documented at least 94 Palestinian fatalities in Israeli custody, attributing deaths to torture, physical assault, deliberate medical neglect, or severe malnutrition. The case of 17-year-old Walid Ahmad, who died six months after his arrest at Megiddo prison, revealed post-mortem evidence of “severe and prolonged malnutrition.”

    These findings align with a recent United Nations report that accused Israel of maintaining a de facto policy of organized and widespread torture against Palestinian detainees, with practices allegedly intensifying significantly since October 2023. The UN committee expressed particular concern that Israel’s detention policies, if implemented as described, would constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment prohibited under international law.

  • Bangladesh ex-PM Hasina ordered 2009 killings, reveals investigation

    Bangladesh ex-PM Hasina ordered 2009 killings, reveals investigation

    A government commission investigating Bangladesh’s deadly 2009 military mutiny has concluded that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly ordered the killings of 74 people during the two-day revolt. The findings, released on Sunday, represent a dramatic development in the case that has haunted the nation for sixteen years.

    The investigation commission, established by the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, determined that Hasina’s administration was directly involved in the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) uprising that resulted in the massacre of military officers. According to the commission’s report, former parliament member Fazle Noor Taposh acted as principal coordinator with Hasina providing the ‘green signal’ to execute the killings.

    Commission chief A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman presented evidence suggesting foreign involvement in destabilizing Bangladesh, specifically implicating India in efforts to ‘weaken the Bangladesh Army’ following the carnage. The report contradicts previous investigations conducted during Hasina’s tenure that attributed the violence to soldiers’ grievances over pay and treatment.

    The 2009 mutiny began in Dhaka and rapidly spread nationwide, destabilizing Hasina’s government just weeks after she assumed office. The former prime minister, now 78, has sought refuge in India despite court orders demanding her return to Bangladesh. The commission’s findings have been welcomed by current leader Yunus, who stated the nation had long awaited truth about the motivations behind the killings.

  • Kohli scores century as India edge South Africa by 17 runs in Ranchi thriller

    Kohli scores century as India edge South Africa by 17 runs in Ranchi thriller

    In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Virat Kohli’s record-extending 52nd one-day international century propelled India to a thrilling 17-run victory against South Africa in the series opener at Ranchi on Sunday. The match showcased exceptional performances from both sides, culminating in a nail-biting finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

    Kohli’s magnificent 135-run innings from 120 deliveries, featuring seven sixes and eleven boundaries, formed the cornerstone of India’s imposing total of 349-8. The former captain combined forces with Rohit Sharma (57) in a formidable 136-run partnership for the second wicket, delighting the home crowd with their masterful strokeplay. Despite early setbacks that left India at 200-4, captain KL Rahul’s crucial 60-run contribution provided stability alongside Kohli’s dominant presence.

    South Africa’s response began disastrously as they slumped to 11-3 within the first five overs, with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh wreaking havoc on the top order. However, Matthew Breetzke (72) and Marco Jansen (70 off 39 balls) mounted a spectacular recovery, bringing the visitors back into contention at 227-5. The match reached its climax when Kuldeep Yadav’s decisive 4-68 spell turned the tide in India’s favor.

    The final overs witnessed intense drama as Corbin Bosch’s valiant 67-run effort from 51 deliveries nearly snatched victory from the hosts. Needing 50 runs from the last six overs with two wickets remaining, South Africa’s hopes were dashed when Indian bowlers executed impeccable death bowling strategies. Bosch’s heroic last-wicket stand ultimately fell short in the final over, concluding South Africa’s innings at 332.

    Indian captain KL Rahul praised the veteran duo’s performance, stating, ‘It’s always fascinating to witness them play with such freedom and dominance. They demonstrate why they remain iconic figures in world cricket by consistently putting opposition teams under pressure.’

    The victory provides India with crucial momentum as they seek to rebound from their recent test series defeat against the same opponents. Both teams will reconvene in Raipur on Wednesday for the second encounter of this three-match ODI series.

  • Verstappen’s win sets up final race title showdown in Abu Dhabi

    Verstappen’s win sets up final race title showdown in Abu Dhabi

    In a dramatic turn of events at the Qatar Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured a crucial victory that propels the Formula 1 championship into a decisive final confrontation in Abu Dhabi. The Dutch driver’s strategic triumph at the Lusail International Circuit on Sunday night has dramatically reshaped the championship landscape heading into the season finale.

    Starting from behind McLaren’s front-row lockout, Verstappen executed a perfect start to overtake pole-sitter Oscar Piastri and never relinquished control. The race’s pivotal moment came when Red Bull made the astute decision to pit Verstappen during a safety car period, while McLaren opted to keep both Piastri and championship leader Lando Norris on track.

    The strategic divergence proved decisive. Piastri managed to secure second place but expressed frustration with the team’s call, stating: ‘Clearly we did not get it right tonight. In hindsight it is pretty obvious what we should have done.’ Norris finished a disappointing fourth, seeing his championship lead shrink significantly.

    Carlos Sainz of Williams claimed the final podium position in third, marking an impressive result for the British team. The desert night race under floodlights provided a spectacular backdrop for the championship drama that now sets up an unprecedented three-way battle in Abu Dhabi.

    Verstappen, pursuing his fifth consecutive world title, now trails Norris by just 12 points, with Piastri sitting 16 points behind his McLaren teammate. The Dutch driver recalled his dramatic 2021 Abu Dhabi victory over Lewis Hamilton, suggesting similar drama might await next weekend.

  • Why 2026 will be a year like no other for India’s Sun mission

    Why 2026 will be a year like no other for India’s Sun mission

    India’s pioneering solar observatory, Aditya-L1, is poised to capture unprecedented data during the Sun’s peak activity period in 2026. Launched into orbit last year, this mission represents India’s inaugural dedicated solar study endeavor and will witness the star’s dramatic transformation during its 11-year magnetic cycle culmination.

    The solar maximum, occurring approximately every 11 years when the Sun’s magnetic poles reverse, generates extraordinary turbulence. This phase transforms our star from relative calm to intense storminess, characterized by a dramatic surge in solar storms and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These massive eruptions of charged particles from the Sun’s corona can exceed a trillion kilograms in mass and accelerate to velocities approaching 3,000 kilometers per second.

    Professor R Ramesh of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, principal investigator for Aditya-L1’s Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (Velc) instrument, anticipates monitoring capabilities will expand significantly. ‘During normal activity periods, the Sun produces two to three CMEs daily,’ he notes. ‘Next year, we expect ten or more eruptions each day.’

    The mission’s advanced coronagraph technology provides a critical advantage over other solar observatories. Its unique design nearly mimics the Moon’s size, completely obscuring the Sun’s photosphere to enable continuous corona observation throughout the year—even during eclipses. This capability allows scientists to study eruptions in visible light while measuring temperature and heat energy, key indicators of a CME’s potential strength toward Earth.

    While CMEs create spectacular auroral displays, they pose serious threats to modern infrastructure. Geomagnetic storms can disrupt satellite electronics, disable power grids, and impair communication systems. Historical precedents include the 1859 Carrington Event that disabled global telegraph networks and a 1989 storm that left six million Canadians without power for nine hours.

    Recent collaborative research between IIA and NASA analyzed data from a September 2024 CME event—classified as medium-sized despite its staggering characteristics: 270 million tonnes mass, 1.8 million degrees Celsius temperature, and energy equivalent to 2.2 million megatons of TNT. These findings establish a benchmark for evaluating future eruptions during maximum activity.

    The insights gained will prove invaluable for developing protective measures for satellites in near-space and enhancing our understanding of space weather dynamics as humanity becomes increasingly dependent on orbital infrastructure.

  • Princess Aiko’s popularity sparks calls to change Japan’s male-only succession law

    Princess Aiko’s popularity sparks calls to change Japan’s male-only succession law

    TOKYO — Japan faces a constitutional crossroads as Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, emerges as a charismatic royal figure whose popularity is challenging the nation’s male-only succession laws. During recent public appearances in Nagasaki and Okinawa, the 24-year-old princess received overwhelming public adoration that frequently eclipsed that of her parents, highlighting her unique connection with the Japanese people.

    The imperial succession crisis has reached critical levels with Japan’s monarchy shrinking to merely 16 members, all adults, and only three male heirs in the direct line of succession. Prince Hisahito, the Emperor’s 19-year-old nephew, remains the sole eligible heir from the younger generation, creating what experts describe as an existential threat to the world’s oldest continuous monarchy.

    Princess Aiko’s maturation into her royal duties has been remarkable. Since her official debut as an adult royal in 2021, she has impressed the nation with her intelligence, compassion, and diplomatic skill. Her successful solo diplomatic mission to Laos in November, where she met with top officials and engaged with local communities, demonstrated her capability to represent Japan on the international stage. Her commitment to continuing her father’s work of preserving World War II historical memory has further endeared her to the public.

    The growing movement to revise the 1947 Imperial House Law has gained momentum through various grassroots efforts. Cartoonist Yoshinori Kobayashi has created comic books advocating for legal change, while activists distribute leaflets and maintain YouTube channels dedicated to the cause. Social media advocate Ikuko Yamazaki, 62, argues that allowing female succession would not only preserve the monarchy but significantly advance gender equality in Japanese society.

    Historical context reveals that Japan’s male-only succession tradition is relatively modern. While the monarchy has historically been male-dominated, eight female monarchs have ruled throughout Japan’s history, with Empress Gosakuramachi being the last in the 18th century. The current succession law dates only to 1889 and was maintained in the postwar 1947 constitution. Experts note that the system previously functioned only through the practice of concubines, which produced approximately half of Japan’s historical emperors.

    The government’s conservative faction, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, remains opposed to changing the succession laws. A 2022 expert panel recommended maintaining male-line succession while allowing female royals to retain their status after marriage—a compromise that fails to address the core issue of succession rights. The United Nations has intervened, urging Japan to allow female emperors to promote gender equality, though the Japanese government dismissed these recommendations as “inappropriate interference” in national identity matters.

    As Crown Prince Akishino acknowledged on his 60th birthday, the royal family faces unprecedented challenges with its aging and shrinking membership. The future of Japan’s 1,500-year monarchy may ultimately depend on whether the nation chooses tradition over survival, with Princess Aiko’s popularity serving as a powerful symbol of potential change.

  • Veteran Kannada actor Umesh passes away at 80 after battle with cancer

    Veteran Kannada actor Umesh passes away at 80 after battle with cancer

    The Kannada film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran actor Mysore Srikantayya Umesh, who died at 80 on Sunday after a prolonged battle with cancer. The celebrated comedian, known simply as Umesh to his legion of fans, leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning over six decades in Indian cinema.

    Umesh’s extraordinary journey in performing arts began during his childhood when he joined Master K Hirannaiah’s renowned theatre group ‘Lanchavatara.’ His early exposure to theater laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career. The actor’s breakthrough arrived in 1960 when he secured the lead role in ‘Makkala Rajya,’ catapulting him into the spotlight and establishing him as a formidable talent in the Kannada film industry.

    Throughout his prolific career, Umesh became synonymous with impeccable comic timing and natural performances that captivated audiences. His filmography includes iconic works such as ‘Nagara Hole’ (1978), ‘Guru Shishyaru’ (1981), ‘Anupama’ (1981), ‘Kaamana Billu’ (1983), and ‘Venkata in Sankata’ (2007). Each performance showcased his unique ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion, making him one of Kannada cinema’s most beloved figures.

    The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political and cultural spectrum. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed profound sadness, stating on social media: ‘His natural performances entertained audiences for many years. To this esteemed individual who contributed immensely to Kannada cinema, a heartfelt farewell.’

    Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy remembered Umesh as an artist who ‘made audiences float in a sea of laughter through his fresh humor,’ noting that his departure represents ‘a huge loss to the Kannada art world.’

    Umesh’s contribution to Indian regional cinema extends beyond his film roles, serving as an inspiration to generations of actors and comedians. His ability to elevate everyday situations through humor while maintaining artistic integrity made him a cultural icon in Karnataka and beyond.

  • India: At least 11 killed after two buses crash head-on in Tamil Nadu

    India: At least 11 killed after two buses crash head-on in Tamil Nadu

    A devastating head-on collision between two buses near Tirupattur in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district resulted in at least eleven fatalities on Sunday evening, according to confirmation from District SP Siva Prasad. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on November 30, 2025, represents the latest in a series of tragic road accidents plaguing the southern Indian state.

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the collision, though preliminary findings remain inconclusive. The accident adds to a disturbing pattern of public transportation tragedies in the region, highlighting persistent road safety concerns.

    This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another severe bus collision in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district just six days prior, where six individuals including a child lost their lives and over fifty passengers required hospitalization with severe injuries including multiple fractures. That incident, occurring on November 24, involved fifty-five travelers across the two vehicles.

    The region’s road safety crisis extends beyond bus accidents. On the same day as the Tenkasi tragedy, Karnataka’s Bidar district witnessed a fatal head-on collision between two motorcycles that claimed three lives, including a five-year-old child identified as Mahalaxmi alongside adults Mallikarjuna (35) and Pawan (28).

    Historical data reveals this safety pattern spans multiple years. In March 2025, a collision between a tipper lorry and a bus in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district proved fatal for five individuals while seriously injuring ten others. Earlier, in May 2024, four passengers died and fifteen sustained injuries when their omnibus collided with a lorry on the Chennai-Trichy Highway in Madhuranthangam, a suburban Chennai district area.

    The recurrence of these tragic incidents across Tamil Nadu and neighboring regions underscores systemic challenges in road infrastructure, vehicle maintenance standards, driver training protocols, and traffic law enforcement that demand urgent governmental attention and comprehensive safety reforms.