Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Dubai Police answers over 99% of emergency calls in under 10 seconds

    Dubai Police answers over 99% of emergency calls in under 10 seconds

    Dubai Police has demonstrated exceptional emergency response capabilities during the fourth quarter of 2025, handling over 1.46 million emergency calls through their advanced command-and-control center. The department achieved a remarkable 99.5% response rate within 10 seconds, representing a substantial improvement from the 91.1% rate recorded during the same period in 2024.

    The operational excellence extended beyond call response times, with security coverage reaching 99.54% across all designated areas—a significant increase from the 98.01% coverage achieved in Q4 2024. This enhancement underscores the department’s sophisticated operational planning and adaptability to diverse emergency scenarios, including adverse weather conditions and disaster situations.

    Despite a considerable increase in call volume, Dubai Police maintained one of the world’s fastest emergency response standards, reflecting their commitment to public safety and continuous service improvement. The data highlights the effectiveness of their strategic preparedness measures and technological infrastructure in ensuring rapid emergency assistance for Dubai residents and visitors.

    The performance metrics establish new benchmarks for emergency response services globally, positioning Dubai as a leader in public safety innovation and operational efficiency within law enforcement agencies.

  • Carney says Canada has no plans to pursue free trade agreement with China as Trump threatens tariffs

    Carney says Canada has no plans to pursue free trade agreement with China as Trump threatens tariffs

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has explicitly stated that Canada will not pursue a comprehensive free trade agreement with China, responding directly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods should such an arrangement materialize.

    The clarification came Sunday as tensions escalate between the neighboring nations regarding trade relationships with Beijing. Carney emphasized that recent tariff adjustments with China merely address specific sectoral issues that emerged in recent years, rather than constituting a broader free trade initiative.

    ‘Under our existing trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, we have commitments prohibiting the pursuit of free trade agreements with nonmarket economies without prior notification,’ Carney stated. ‘We have no intention of doing that with China or any other nonmarket economy.’

    The diplomatic friction originates from Canada’s recent decision to reduce its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles to 6.1%, implemented during Carney’s visit to China earlier this month. In exchange, Beijing agreed to lower tariffs on Canadian agricultural products including canola oil, pork, and seafood that had been affected by previous trade measures.

    This arrangement includes an annual cap of 49,000 Chinese EV imports—approximately 3% of Canada’s annual vehicle market—with provisions for gradual increase to 70,000 over five years. Additionally, China committed to investing in Canada’s automotive industry within three years.

    President Trump responded vehemently on social media, characterizing the agreement as ‘a disaster for Canada’ and ‘one of the worst deals, of any kind, in history.’ He warned that Canada must not become a ‘drop off port’ for Chinese goods entering the U.S. market.

    The trade dispute occurs alongside broader geopolitical tensions, including Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland and suggestions about Canadian sovereignty. Carney has positioned Canada as a leader among middle powers seeking to counterbalance U.S. influence, notably declaring at Davos that ‘if you are not at the table, you are on the menu’—a remark widely interpreted as criticism of Trump’s approach to international relations.

  • Drake seeks appeal after defamation lawsuit against ‘Not Like Us’ song dismissed

    Drake seeks appeal after defamation lawsuit against ‘Not Like Us’ song dismissed

    Canadian rap superstar Drake has initiated appellate proceedings following the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning Kendrick Lamar’s controversial 2024 track ‘Not Like Us.’ The legal battle stems from lyrical content within the song that labeled Drake a “certified pedophile” and suggested he be “placed on neighbourhood watch.”

    The dispute originated during the peak of a highly publicized musical feud between the two artists in May 2024. Drake’s legal team contended that UMG, his longtime label partner of over a decade, knowingly promoted and distributed material containing defamatory statements that endangered his safety and damaged his global reputation.

    In October 2025, U.S. District Judge Ada E. Vargas dismissed the case, ruling that the lyrics constituted artistic expression within the context of a “heated rap battle” where reasonable listeners would recognize hyperbolic rhetoric rather than factual assertions. The court emphasized the established tradition of exaggerated insults within hip-hop diss tracks.

    Drake’s attorneys now argue this ruling establishes a “dangerous” precedent that effectively creates immunity for defamatory content in musical disputes. Legal representative Michael J. Gottlieb asserted that the decision implies “rap diss tracks cannot contain statements of fact,” thereby insulating them from defamation liability regardless of their damaging nature.

    The appeal documents stress the particular severity of pedophilia accusations and their potential to incite violence against the accused. Drake’s team maintains that many listeners interpreted Lamar’s lyrics as factual claims rather than artistic hyperbole.

    UMG’s legal counsel has until March 27 to formally respond to the appellate filing. This case continues to highlight the complex intersection of artistic expression, defamation law, and the competitive traditions of hip-hop culture.

  • Death toll rises to 16 following landslide in Indonesia’s West Java

    Death toll rises to 16 following landslide in Indonesia’s West Java

    Rescue operations in Indonesia’s West Java province continue under challenging conditions as the confirmed death toll from a devastating landslide has risen to sixteen. The disaster struck the Cisarua area within West Bandung Regency, burying numerous homes under tons of earth and debris.

    According to official statements from West Java Police spokesman Hendra Rochmawan, only seven of the sixteen recovered victims have been formally identified through conventional means. The remaining nine bodies are undergoing sophisticated DNA analysis to establish their identities, with all unidentified remains temporarily housed at a local hospital facility.

    The scale of the tragedy appears far more extensive than initially reported. Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency has mobilized approximately 250 specially trained personnel to locate an estimated 80 individuals who remain missing and are presumed buried beneath the landslide debris.

    The rescue mission represents a complex multi-agency effort hampered by extremely difficult terrain conditions. Authorities have deployed technological assets including surveillance drones and specially trained tracking dogs to enhance search capabilities. However, the operation faces significant limitations as unstable ground conditions prevent the full deployment of heavy machinery that could accelerate debris removal but potentially compromise rescue team safety.

    The geographical characteristics of the Cisarua region, known for its steep slopes and volcanic soil composition, have historically made it susceptible to landslides, particularly during Indonesia’s rainy season which typically extends from November through March. The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing disaster response agencies in Indonesia’s topographically diverse archipelago.

  • Sharma hits 14-ball 50 as India beats NZ with 10 overs to spare and wins T20 series

    Sharma hits 14-ball 50 as India beats NZ with 10 overs to spare and wins T20 series

    In a spectacular display of power-hitting, India secured an emphatic series victory against New Zealand, triumphing by eight wickets in the third Twenty20 international on Sunday. The match, held in Guwahati, witnessed one of the most dominant performances in T20 cricket history as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 153-9 with a staggering 10 overs to spare.

    Young opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a career-defining performance, blasting an unbeaten 68 runs from just 20 deliveries. His explosive innings featured a remarkable half-century reached in only 14 balls, including four massive sixes that demoralized the New Zealand bowling attack. Sharma found perfect synergy with captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed 57 not out from 26 balls, as the pair orchestrated a devastating 102-run partnership in just 40 deliveries.

    The victory was set up by India’s bowling unit, which saw the triumphant return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The premier fast bowler made an immediate impact with figures of 3-17 from his four overs, effectively restricting New Zealand to a below-par score despite Glenn Phillips’ battling 48 off 40 balls and Mark Chapman’s contribution of 32 runs.

    With this comprehensive win, India established an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, having previously claimed victory in Nagpur by 48 runs and in Raipur by seven wickets. The teams now look ahead to the fourth T20 encounter scheduled for Wednesday in Visakhapatnam, where India will aim to extend their dominance while New Zealand seeks to salvage pride in the concluding matches.

  • China successfully conducts first metal 3D printing experiment in space

    China successfully conducts first metal 3D printing experiment in space

    China has marked a monumental advancement in space technology by successfully executing its inaugural metal 3D printing experiment in orbit. This pioneering achievement represents a critical transition from terrestrial research to practical space-based engineering verification, positioning China at the global forefront of in-orbit manufacturing capabilities.

    The groundbreaking experiment was conducted using a specialized retrievable scientific payload developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Mechanics. The equipment traveled aboard the Lihong-1 Y1, a commercial recoverable suborbital vehicle engineered by CAS Space primarily for space tourism applications. On January 12th, the spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, reaching an altitude of approximately 120 kilometers and crossing the Kármán line—the recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

    Upon achieving microgravity conditions, the system autonomously fabricated metal components, overcoming extraordinary challenges unique to the space environment. Researchers conquered complex obstacles including stable material transport in weightlessness, full-process closed-loop control systems, and seamless coordination between the experimental payload and launch vehicle.

    Following the mission, the payload capsule safely returned to Earth via parachute-assisted landing, enabling scientists to recover invaluable data on melt pool dynamics, material transport mechanisms, solidification behavior, and the geometric precision and mechanical properties of space-manufactured components.

    The Lihong-1 Y1 vehicle, celebrated for its cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility, demonstrated its viability as a platform for scientific experimentation. Beyond the 3D printing apparatus, the mission also transported precious rose seeds for agricultural research purposes.

    According to deputy chief designer Wang Yingcheng, ongoing development focuses on incorporating crew-life-support systems and high-reliability escape technologies, potentially enhancing both low-cost suborbital research capabilities and commercial space tourism prospects. This breakthrough establishes a foundation for future space infrastructure development and advanced manufacturing operations beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

  • Pakistan announces 15-member squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

    Pakistan announces 15-member squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

    The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially revealed its 15-player roster for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, introducing six newcomers to mega-event cricket while retaining experienced campaigners. The announcement came during a Sunday morning press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium featuring PCB Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Michael Hesson.

    Pakistan finds itself positioned in Group A for the tournament’s initial phase, commencing their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7th in Colombo. The 20-team competition will see each nation play four group stage matches between February 7th and March 8th, progressing through Super Eight and Knockout stages.

    The selection blend combines fresh talent with seasoned professionals. Captain Salman Ali Agha leads a group of six players receiving their first major tournament call-ups: Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq. This infusion of new blood complements nine veterans with previous World Cup experience including star batter Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, and all-rounder Shadab Khan.

    Preparation begins immediately with a three-match T20I series against Australia scheduled for January 29th, 31st, and February 1st at Gaddafi Stadium, serving as crucial match practice before the global tournament. The selection strategy appears to balance explosive batting potential with versatile bowling options, particularly emphasizing all-round capabilities across the squad.

    Complete Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

  • South Korean ex-PM Lee Hae-chan dies in Vietnam

    South Korean ex-PM Lee Hae-chan dies in Vietnam

    SEOUL – Lee Hae-chan, a distinguished former Prime Minister of South Korea and a pivotal figure in the nation’s democratic development, has passed away at the age of 71 while on official duty in Vietnam. The veteran politician, who was serving as Senior Vice President of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), succumbed to complications from an acute myocardial infarction on Sunday afternoon.

    The tragic incident occurred during a high-profile diplomatic mission in Ho Chi Minh City, where Lee was participating in a conference of the PUAC’s Asia-Pacific regional committee. According to official reports from Yonhap News Agency, the seven-term lawmaker experienced a sudden medical emergency on January 23rd and was immediately transferred to a local medical facility.

    Despite undergoing an emergency stent procedure performed by Vietnamese medical specialists, Lee’s condition failed to improve. He was pronounced deceased at 2:48 PM local time on January 25th, with medical authorities confirming cardiac arrest as the definitive cause of death.

    Lee’s political career spanned decades, marked by his significant tenure as Prime Minister under former President Roh Moo-hyun from 2004 to 2006. As a respected elder statesman and democracy movement activist, he remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts through his role with the PUAC, a presidential advisory body focused on inter-Korean relations and unification policies.

    The South Korean government has initiated coordination procedures for repatriating Lee’s remains, while diplomatic channels between Seoul and Hanoi remain actively engaged in managing the aftermath of this unexpected tragedy. The passing of this political luminary has generated profound condolences across South Korea’s political spectrum, with tributes highlighting his enduring commitment to public service and democratic values.

  • Syria frees 126 minors after taking prison from Kurdish forces

    Syria frees 126 minors after taking prison from Kurdish forces

    In a significant development within Syria’s ongoing conflict resolution efforts, government authorities have secured the release of 126 minors from a northern detention facility. This action follows a strategic agreement between Damascus and Kurdish-led forces that marks a notable shift in territorial control and administrative responsibilities.

    The prisoner release occurred at Al-Aqtan prison in Raqa province, a facility previously managed by Kurdish authorities that has housed numerous detainees with alleged connections to the Islamic State group. Syrian state television broadcast emotional scenes of families reuniting with the freed youths, while the official SANA news agency published comprehensive lists of remaining detainees to facilitate public identification.

    This transfer forms part of a broader ceasefire and integration agreement announced by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) chief Mazloum Abdi. The arrangement includes provisions for incorporating the Kurds’ autonomous administration into the state apparatus, with Damascus assuming responsibility for managing IS prisoners nationwide.

    The geopolitical implications are substantial, as the SDF continues withdrawing from strategic territories under pressure from Damascus. Recent days have witnessed Kurdish forces relinquishing significant areas and consolidating their presence primarily in Hasakeh province in northeast Syria. Concurrently, Kurdish combatants have been systematically transferred from the prison complex to the Kurdish-controlled city of Ain al-Arab (also known as Kobane) in Aleppo province near the Turkish border.

    Army representatives quoted in state media characterized the prison transfer as ‘the initial phase in executing the January 18 agreement,’ through which Syria’s interior ministry will assume full administrative control of the detention facility. The SDF has not issued immediate commentary regarding these developments.

  • ‘Border 2’ India collection: War drama starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan mints Dh12.9 million

    ‘Border 2’ India collection: War drama starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan mints Dh12.9 million

    The Bollywood war epic ‘Border 2’ has stormed Indian theaters with unprecedented commercial success, establishing itself as the highest-grossing opening of 2026. Starring Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh, the military drama generated approximately Dh12.9 million (₹321 million) in domestic revenue during its inaugural screening day on January 23rd.

    According to prominent trade analyst Taran Adarsh, these remarkable figures position the film just slightly behind 2025’s blockbuster ‘Chhaava,’ which accumulated ₹331 million on its debut. Notably, ‘Border 2’ achieved this milestone despite premiering on a standard working day rather than during a holiday period.

    The production has demonstrated exceptional performance across both multiplex venues and traditional single-screen theaters, with particularly strong attendance in urban centers. While inclement weather in Northern regions temporarily affected initial turnout, industry experts anticipate substantial growth during the upcoming weekend and Republic Day holiday (January 26) due to overwhelmingly positive audience reactions.

    Early screenings in Mumbai witnessed capacity crowds, with viewers emerging from theaters visibly impressed. Many attendees have characterized the film as an essential cinematic experience, praising its powerful combination of intense action sequences, emotional depth, and compelling performances.

    Directed by Anurag Singh and produced through a collaboration between Gulshan Kumar’s T-Series and JP Dutta’s JP Films, ‘Border 2’ draws inspiration from actual historical events. The project marks Sunny Deol’s return to military attire, revisiting themes that previously resonated strongly with Indian audiences.

    The film’s immediate commercial triumph reinforces Bollywood’s continuing evolution toward large-scale production values and heightened audience engagement, setting new benchmarks for theatrical performance in the contemporary cinematic landscape.