Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Huairou science cluster strengthens global research cooperation in Beijing

    Huairou science cluster strengthens global research cooperation in Beijing

    The Huairou district of Beijing has formally opened its extensive network of major scientific research facilities to international partners, marking a significant advancement in global scientific cooperation. District officials announced on Thursday that this strategic initiative aims to bolster Beijing’s standing as a central hub for international research collaboration.

    According to Liang Shuang, District Head, 16 major scientific installations have been specifically designated for international partnership within a broader network totaling 37 research facilities. The majority of these facilities are already operational and conducting cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines including materials science, space exploration, earth sciences, and ecological studies.

    Huairou has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from isolated scientific developments into an integrated cluster of research excellence. This evolution has established the district as a powerhouse for national strategic scientific innovation. A landmark achievement this year was the commissioning of a high-energy synchrotron radiation light source, positioning China at the forefront of this critical technological field globally.

    The district’s innovative approach includes creating an “innovation matrix” that integrates national laboratories, specialized research institutions, leading technology corporations, and premier research universities. This collaborative ecosystem has already yielded substantial results, with 63 breakthroughs in key technologies and 430 significant scientific outcomes. Many of these achievements have received recognition through national and municipal science and technology awards, demonstrating the district’s growing influence in the global scientific community.

  • Union earmarks 8 million yuan for Hong Kong fire relief

    Union earmarks 8 million yuan for Hong Kong fire relief

    In a swift response to Wednesday’s devastating residential fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions has activated emergency relief protocols by allocating 8 million yuan (approximately $1.13 million) for immediate disaster response. The substantial funding initiative aims to address critical needs arising from the Wang Fuk Court residential complex blaze that emergency crews have been battling since November 26, 2025.

    The national labor organization confirmed the emergency funds will be strategically deployed to provide comprehensive support for displaced residents, including emergency housing solutions, essential living supplies, and temporary resettlement assistance. The federation’s emergency response team is coordinating with local authorities in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to ensure efficient distribution of resources to affected families.

    Beyond immediate financial assistance, the trade union federation has committed to maintaining continuous oversight of rescue operations and implementing additional supportive measures as the situation evolves. This institutional response demonstrates organized labor’s capacity for rapid mobilization in urban emergency situations, particularly in high-density residential areas where fire incidents can have catastrophic consequences.

    The funding announcement follows earlier expressions of concern from national leadership regarding the Tai Po incident, highlighting the significance of cross-jurisdictional disaster response mechanisms within China’s administrative framework.

  • ‘Sky-high ambition’: Meet Dubai Police officer who defied orphanhood, loss

    ‘Sky-high ambition’: Meet Dubai Police officer who defied orphanhood, loss

    In an inspiring demonstration of human resilience, Dubai Police Officer Doha Ahmed has transformed profound personal tragedy into remarkable professional achievement. Born an orphan and later widowed, Ahmed’s journey stands as a testament to extraordinary perseverance against life’s most challenging circumstances.

    Ahmed’s early years were marked by the absence of parental figures, yet she credits her siblings with providing unwavering support and love that shaped her character. “I never felt there was something missing in my life,” Ahmed reflects, acknowledging her brothers and sisters as “the greatest people in my eyes.”

    Her childhood presented significant social challenges, particularly during middle school when she faced bullying and intrusive questions about her orphan status. Rather than succumbing to these pressures, Ahmed channeled her energy into academic excellence and personal development, regularly volunteering for Quran recitation during her elementary school years.

    The trajectory of Ahmed’s life took another devastating turn when, one year after university graduation and the birth of her first child, she received news that her husband had been killed in an accident. “My whole life was turned upside down,” she recalls of the moment that left her son Younis facing the same orphanhood she had experienced.

    This personal catastrophe became what Ahmed describes as “the turning point in my life.” Determined to create stability for her child and herself, she heeded her sister’s advice to join Dubai Police in December 2014. “I said to myself: this is my glimmer of hope,” Ahmed remembers of her decision to pursue a law enforcement career.

    Her commitment to excellence quickly became apparent during military training, where her perseverance earned her the position of platoon leader. Subsequent challenges, including preparing a graduation group with only two days’ notice, further demonstrated her capability under pressure.

    Ahmed’s career progression continued as she became the sole woman selected for specialized coach preparation training, eventually achieving the rank of Coach Doha Ahmed. Her professional philosophy reflects an ever-expanding vision: “I don’t know where my ambition ends, nor where I want to go. After every ambition I achieve, a bigger ambition is born. My ambition is sky-high.”

    Today, Ahmed has rebuilt her personal life through remarriage and the addition of two daughters, completing a journey from profound loss to professional accomplishment and personal fulfillment.

  • Trade unions boost child care support for workers

    Trade unions boost child care support for workers

    In a significant move to address workforce needs, China’s national labor organization has unveiled a comprehensive childcare support program for 2025. The All-China Federation of Trade Unions announced plans to assist 1,000 employers across the nation in establishing workplace childcare facilities for their employees.

    The initiative represents a substantial commitment to family-friendly workplace policies, with the federation directing regional trade unions to integrate employer-operated childcare programs into government-supported initiatives. This strategic approach includes incorporating these services into local livelihood projects and securing preferential treatment for participating organizations regarding utilities, taxation, and facility operations.

    Financial incentives form a cornerstone of the program, with the federation establishing a dedicated subsidy fund that will provide approximately 10,000 yuan ($1,413) to each qualifying childcare program. Additionally, the federation is advocating for affordable nursery services to become standardized employee benefits within both corporate and government sectors.

    The program leverages existing union infrastructure, encouraging workers’ service centers and cultural halls to support employer-run childcare through reduced rental rates and assistance with venue modifications. This multi-faceted approach addresses both financial and logistical barriers to implementing workplace childcare solutions.

  • Global flame-grilled sensation Galito’s ignites UAE expansion

    Global flame-grilled sensation Galito’s ignites UAE expansion

    Twin crises have struck Asia with devastating force, as catastrophic flooding in Indonesia claims hundreds of lives while India’s aviation sector faces urgent safety concerns.

    In Indonesia, rescue operations continue amid one of the deadliest flood disasters in recent memory. The national disaster agency confirmed the death toll has surpassed 200 victims, with many more injured or missing. Torrential rainfall triggered flash floods that submerged entire communities, destroyed critical infrastructure, and displaced thousands of residents. Emergency response teams are battling challenging conditions to deliver aid and locate survivors, while meteorological warnings suggest further precipitation could hamper recovery efforts.

    Simultaneously, India’s aviation regulator has issued a sweeping directive affecting the country’s commercial airline operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that all domestic carriers immediately cease operations of Airbus A320 family aircraft until specific modifications are completed. This emergency measure follows emerging safety concerns regarding potential system vulnerabilities that require urgent addressing. The grounding affects numerous flights across India’s aviation network, potentially disrupting travel for thousands of passengers until compliance is verified.

    The dual emergencies highlight contrasting yet equally critical aspects of disaster management—responding to sudden natural catastrophes while proactively addressing technological safety concerns before they escalate into human tragedies.

  • Gaza nurse held by Israel says she was abducted by Abu Shabab gang

    Gaza nurse held by Israel says she was abducted by Abu Shabab gang

    A recently released Palestinian medical worker has provided a harrowing account of her alleged abduction and subsequent detention by Israeli authorities, revealing claims of systematic pressure tactics and mistreatment targeting healthcare professionals and their families.

    Tasneem al-Hams, a 22-year-old nurse from Gaza, regained her freedom in Khan Younis on Thursday following nearly two months in Israeli custody. According to her testimony to local media, her ordeal began when members of the Israel-backed Popular Forces militia—commonly known as the Abu Shabab gang—seized her from a medical facility in southern Gaza where she worked.

    “I was abducted by Yasser Abu Shabab’s group, then they handed me over to the Israelis east of Khan Younis,” al-Hams stated, describing a transfer that allegedly placed her directly into military custody.

    The young nurse’s detention appears connected to her father’s earlier capture. Dr. Marwan al-Hams, who oversees field medical operations throughout Gaza, was reportedly taken by undercover Israeli special forces three months prior to his daughter’s abduction. During her imprisonment, Tasneem alleges she was deliberately used as leverage against her father during interrogation sessions, noting they had only minimal contact despite being held at the same Ashkelon prison facility.

    Her account details transfers between multiple detention centers, including Damon Prison, where she reportedly witnessed deteriorating conditions for female detainees. She described practices including forced removal of religious garments, chemical agent exposure, nutritional deprivation, and physical violence resulting in serious injuries among prisoners.

    These allegations emerge amid broader concerns regarding Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees. According to Palestinian health officials, over 1,500 medical workers have been killed and 360 detained since the conflict’s escalation. Rights organizations have documented systematic abuses in detention facilities, with healthcare professionals reportedly facing particularly severe treatment.

    The Israeli military has alleged Dr. al-Hams maintains connections to Hamas and possesses knowledge regarding a deceased soldier’s remains—claims that remain unverified by independent sources. The release of Tasneem al-Hams coincides with recent ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges, though she continues advocating for her father’s freedom and that of approximately 50 female detainees she encountered during her imprisonment.

  • Global community expresses condolences, offers help to Hong Kong fire victims

    Global community expresses condolences, offers help to Hong Kong fire victims

    A catastrophic fire that erupted on November 26, 2025, at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has drawn an outpouring of international sympathy and support. The blaze, which consumed seven of eight apartment blocks in the residential complex built in 1983, has resulted in 128 confirmed fatalities as of November 28.

    The international response has been swift and comprehensive. Over thirty governments, including their consular representatives in Hong Kong, have extended formal condolences to the victims’ families while expressing solidarity with the injured and affected communities. Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his sympathies through an official Kremlin statement, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese personally addressed the tragedy during a press conference, stating: ‘My heart goes out to the people who have lost their lives and the people who are searching and concerned about loved ones.’

    Harvey Rouse, head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao SARs, specifically commended the emergency responders, expressing support for Hong Kong’s firefighters, paramedics, and medical personnel battling the aftermath.

    Migrant communities, particularly affected due to the dense concentration of foreign domestic workers in the area, have received targeted assistance. The Philippine Consulate General reported one injured national and one missing among 24 confirmed safe Filipinos, while Indonesian authorities established emergency hotlines and coordination mechanisms with local agencies. Various migrant support organizations including the Mission For Migrant Workers, Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, and the International Migrants Alliance have established on-ground operations at Kwong Fuk Estate Podium providing medical aid, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter arrangements.

    The International Social Service Hong Kong Branch has activated cross-border support mechanisms for affected families who were on the Chinese mainland during the incident, establishing a special relief fund and deploying ethnic minority outreach teams to address language and cultural barriers in assistance distribution.

  • India starts sending tax reminders to UAE-based expat property owners to avoid penalties

    India starts sending tax reminders to UAE-based expat property owners to avoid penalties

    The Indian Income Tax Department has initiated a comprehensive compliance campaign targeting expatriates residing in the UAE who maintain property holdings and financial assets abroad. Beginning November 28, 2025, thousands of Indian citizens will receive direct SMS and email notifications urging them to accurately declare all foreign assets in their tax returns by December 31, 2025, or face severe financial penalties.

    This second phase of the Central Board of Direct Taxes’ (CBDT) ‘Nudge’ campaign leverages financial intelligence shared by over 100 jurisdictions through the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The department has identified approximately 25,000 high-risk taxpayers whose declared foreign assets in Assessment Year 2025-26 don’t align with data obtained through Automatic Exchange of Information mechanisms.

    Notably, this initiative specifically excludes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are not classified as Indian tax residents and consequently don’t file Income Tax Returns in India. These individuals remain exempt from foreign asset declaration requirements and won’t receive compliance alerts.

    The financial consequences for non-compliance are substantial: a fixed penalty of ₹1 million (approximately Dh41,000) for failure to report assets, coupled with 30% taxation on any unreported income and potential penalties reaching 300% of the outstanding tax due.

    Indian media reports indicate Dubai has emerged as a particular focus area following recent enforcement actions in Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune that uncovered millions in undisclosed assets linked to UAE holdings. This increased scrutiny coincides with India’s position as the leading source of foreign property investment in Dubai, accounting for 22% of all transactions in 2024 with estimated investments of Dh150 billion.

    Tax professionals emphasize that enhanced information-sharing protocols between India and the UAE have created unprecedented transparency. Financial accounts, investment products, and business holdings in the Emirates now fall within clear visibility of Indian authorities through the CRS network.

    The CBDT has additionally engaged corporate entities and professional organizations, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, to broaden awareness about mandatory disclosure requirements. Many individuals may lack awareness of their obligations regarding offshore asset declarations.

    Recipients of compliance alerts are advised to immediately access the Income Tax portal, meticulously review their returns for Assessment Year 2025-26, carefully examine Schedule FA (Foreign Assets) and Schedule FSI (Foreign Source Income), and submit revised declarations before the December 31 deadline to avoid escalating penalties.

  • UK academic honour: Kumar Mangalam Birla awarded Doctor of Science by University of London

    UK academic honour: Kumar Mangalam Birla awarded Doctor of Science by University of London

    In a ceremony steeped in British academic tradition, the University of London awarded its esteemed Doctor of Science (Economics) degree to Indian industrialist and philanthropist Kumar Mangalam Birla. The historic Foundation Day event, held at the iconic Senate House, was presided over by University Chancellor Princess Anne, who presented the honor with full ceremonial pageantry.

    This recognition stands as one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished academic accolades. The University’s Foundation Day commemorates its 1836 royal charter while celebrating over a century of scholarly excellence and public service contributions. The annual event has gained renown for honoring individuals whose accomplishments have generated substantial societal impact, with previous recipients including heads of state, Nobel laureates, pioneering intellectuals, and transformative cultural figures.

    The University of London occupies a unique position within global higher education as the convening body for a federation of world-class institutions including the London School of Economics, London Business School, King’s College London, and SOAS University. This places the university at the intellectual core of one of the world’s premier academic ecosystems, making its honors particularly significant in recognizing global leadership and achievement.

  • Xi calls for promoting volunteer spirit to serve national rejuvenation

    Xi calls for promoting volunteer spirit to serve national rejuvenation

    President Xi Jinping has issued a compelling call to elevate the spirit of volunteerism as a fundamental force in China’s comprehensive modernization efforts. The message was delivered through a formal congratulatory letter to the third national congress of the China Volunteer Service Federation, emphasizing volunteer service as crucial to achieving national rejuvenation.

    Serving simultaneously as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi articulated a vision where volunteer efforts directly contribute to building a ‘great modern socialist country in all respects.’ The statement positions volunteerism not merely as charitable activity but as an organized movement aligned with national development goals.

    This endorsement comes at a significant moment for China’s volunteer service infrastructure, represented by the Federation’s congress which serves as a key platform for strategy development and recognition of voluntary contributions nationwide. The message reinforces the government’s support for institutionalizing volunteer efforts that address social needs while advancing broader national objectives.

    The emphasis on volunteer spirit reflects an understanding of social participation as essential to comprehensive national development, suggesting increased policy attention and resource allocation toward organized volunteer initiatives across Chinese society.