Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • 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.

  • Debt-ridden children’s hospital gains strong public support, but future still uncertain

    Debt-ridden children’s hospital gains strong public support, but future still uncertain

    A children’s hospital specializing in cleft lip and palate surgeries faces an uncertain future despite an extraordinary public response to its financial crisis. Beijing SmileAngel Children’s Hospital, co-founded by actor Li Yapeng, has accumulated over 26 million yuan ($3.5 million) in unpaid rent and operational fees, threatening its ability to continue providing free and subsidized surgeries.

    The situation reached a turning point when Li Yapeng addressed the hospital’s financial struggles earlier this month, triggering an overwhelming response from the public. Hundreds of thousands of donors contributed more than 23 million yuan through the Smile Angel Foundation, a separate legal entity under the Chinese Red Cross Foundation that finances surgeries. The fundraising target was met ahead of schedule, prompting the closure of donation channels.

    In a strategic move to maintain momentum, Li launched a dedicated Yunnan Pu’er tea livestream on his Douyin account Friday evening. The event attracted tens of thousands of viewers, with products selling out within minutes. Platform data revealed Li’s livestream dominated the sales chart, generating 16.84 million yuan ($2.42 million) in revenue—nearly quadruple the earnings of the second-ranked broadcaster.

    During the broadcast, Li advocated for rational consumption, stating, ‘I know why everyone is here. Only buy if you drink tea—using this tea to boil tea eggs would be too luxurious.’ The overwhelming response forced Li’s tea partner in Yunnan province to temporarily suspend upcoming livestreams to address the massive order backlog.

    Despite this demonstration of public support, the hospital’s fundamental financial challenges remain unresolved. Donations to the Smile Angel Foundation legally cannot be applied toward the hospital’s rent arrears, as the foundation operates as a separate legal entity. Negotiations between hospital management and their landlord continue, with no final decision reached regarding potential relocation or lease renewal.

  • US pressure fuels Israel’s expanding influence in Latin America, experts say

    US pressure fuels Israel’s expanding influence in Latin America, experts say

    A complex geopolitical realignment is underway across Latin America as US political pressure creates openings for expanded Israeli influence, though historical solidarity with Palestine persists despite these shifting dynamics, regional specialists reveal.

    Left-leaning governments continue anchoring their foreign policy in anti-imperialist and decolonial principles, maintaining symbolic and substantive support for Palestinian rights. During Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva characterized the offensive as genocide, Colombia severed diplomatic ties with Israel, and Chile pursued accountability through international legal channels.

    However, extensive US lobbying efforts, direct threats against regional leadership, and the recent seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro indicate coordinated pressure to align Latin American nations more closely with Israeli interests. According to Latin American affairs expert Ali Farhat, regional states’ limited hard power capabilities constrain their responses to Washington’s influence campaigns.

    This pressure has yielded tangible results: Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei has announced plans to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem while deepening security and economic cooperation with Israel, following an unprecedented $20 billion US bailout. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Maduro—previously among Palestine’s most uncompromising regional defenders—faces sustained international legal pressure that Farhat characterizes as emblematic of broader efforts to marginalize vocal Palestinian supporters.

    Despite these pressures, left-leaning leaders are recalibrating rather than retreating from their positions. Colombia’s Gustavo Petro and Brazil’s Lula attempt to balance condemnation of Israeli actions with pragmatic diplomacy aware of potential economic repercussions. This caution represents strategic adaptation rather than surrender, particularly in regions lacking credible deterrence against US overreach.

    The resurgence of far-right governments accelerates alignment with US and Israeli priorities, with Argentina becoming the only Latin American nation joining Trump’s controversial Board of Peace initiative. Brazilian Congressman Nilto Tatto warns that Washington-managed frameworks risk reproducing hegemony under international guise rather than genuinely promoting peace.

    Former Argentine parliamentarian Julia Perie interprets Argentina’s position as reflecting broader ideological realignment rather than targeted anti-Palestinian sentiment, noting that support for Palestine has historically fluctuated in cyclical patterns. Observers note that advocacy is increasingly channeled through legal avenues, multilateral institutions, and popular movements rather than overt diplomatic confrontation.

    Ramon Medero of Venezuela’s La Danta TV describes current dynamics as representing adaptation rather retreat, with the Palestinian cause becoming structurally embedded within broader Global South struggles against colonial domination. Despite far-right advances, grassroots mobilization may intensify as documentation of Gaza atrocities awakens global popular consciousness, converging Latin American and Palestinian liberation struggles against shared adversaries.

  • China hands over 17 Filipino sailors from shipwreck to Philippines

    China hands over 17 Filipino sailors from shipwreck to Philippines

    In a significant humanitarian operation, China has formally transferred 17 Filipino sailors to Philippine authorities following the capsizing of a Singapore-registered cargo vessel near Huangyan Island. The handover ceremony occurred on Sunday in the waters where the maritime incident originally transpired.

    The crisis began on Friday when the commercial ship, en route from the Philippines to China, lost communication and subsequently foundered in the contested waters. Chinese Coast Guard vessels immediately initiated search and rescue operations upon receiving distress signals.

    Of the 21 crew members originally aboard the stricken vessel, two Filipino sailors were confirmed deceased despite rescue efforts. Four additional crew members remain unaccounted for as search operations continue. The China Coast Guard has committed substantial resources to ongoing recovery missions in the area.

    The formal transfer occurred at 2:43 PM local time on Sunday when Chinese maritime authorities coordinated with their Philippine counterparts to ensure the safe return of the surviving sailors. This diplomatic exchange demonstrates bilateral cooperation in maritime emergency response despite ongoing territorial discussions in the South China Sea region.

    China’s Coast Guard emphasized its commitment to humanitarian principles in maritime emergencies, noting that such operations reflect international obligations to assist vessels in distress regardless of geopolitical considerations. The incident highlights the practical cooperation that occurs between neighboring nations even amid complex diplomatic relationships.

  • Bridge from Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour now 65% complete

    Bridge from Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour now 65% complete

    Dubai’s ambitious infrastructure development continues to progress as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the 1.5-kilometer bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour has achieved 65% completion. The project, developed in collaboration with private investment firm Shamal Holding, remains on schedule for a third-quarter 2026 opening.

    The four-lane bridge (two lanes in each direction) will dramatically improve connectivity to the Middle East’s largest yacht marina, situated between Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah near iconic landmarks including Burj Al Arab. The structure originates at Interchange 5 near the American University in Dubai, traverses Al Naseem and Al Falak Street intersections, crosses over King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, and ultimately connects to Dubai Harbour Street.

    Transport authorities project the new infrastructure will significantly enhance traffic efficiency, reducing travel time from approximately 12 minutes to just 3 minutes while accommodating up to 6,000 vehicles per hour. The comprehensive project includes upgrades to four major intersections along the corridor and utility improvements, with 90% of utility service enhancement works already completed.

    Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, emphasized the project aligns with leadership directives to develop integrated infrastructure supporting Dubai’s rapid urban and economic growth. The venture represents a model of public-private partnership between RTA and strategic private-sector entities.

    Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, noted the project reflects their commitment to delivering iconic destinations that elevate Dubai’s urban landscape through long-term investment vision and carefully calibrated planning. The bridge will serve the expanding Dubai Harbour area, which includes an ongoing residential development project featuring 24 towers and approximately 7,500 apartments across a 1.5-kilometer stretch.

  • Topography, extreme rainfall causes of Guizhou landslide, report says

    Topography, extreme rainfall causes of Guizhou landslide, report says

    A comprehensive geological investigation has determined that the catastrophic landslide in Dafang county, Guizhou province, resulted from a combination of unfavorable topography and unprecedented rainfall patterns. The disaster, which occurred on May 22, 2025, claimed seven lives with twelve individuals remaining unaccounted for, while causing direct economic damages approximating $2.86 million (19.9176 million yuan).

    The provincial Department of Natural Resources’ technical analysis revealed that inherently unstable slope structures and problematic terrain characteristics created the fundamental conditions for collapse. These latent vulnerabilities were activated by extreme precipitation that saturated the region. Notably, the affected area had not been previously identified as a high-risk zone in geological surveys, highlighting gaps in existing hazard mapping systems.

    Rescue operations persisted through May 29, 2025, with emergency teams working extensively to locate survivors. Technical investigators determined that prolonged water infiltration had progressively weakened the rock mass, with the exceptional rainfall serving as the final trigger mechanism.

    The report concludes with critical recommendations for enhanced geological monitoring, urging local authorities to improve early-warning systems’ precision and expand surveillance to include concealed areas with potential instability. These measures aim to prevent similar tragedies through advanced risk identification and mitigation strategies.

  • Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt to open soon, Palestinian official says

    Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt to open soon, Palestinian official says

    In a significant development for Gaza’s humanitarian situation, Palestinian authorities have confirmed the imminent reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. The announcement came during a high-profile event in Davos hosted by former President Donald Trump, where Palestinian technocrat leader Ali Shaath revealed via video link that the critical passage would resume operations next week.

    The Rafah crossing, described by Shaath as “more than a gate—it is a lifeline and symbol of opportunity,” has remained largely closed throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict. Its reopening represents a key implementation of the October ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump, which had previously left this crucial element unfulfilled.

    The announcement occurred during the formal launch of Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, which initially focuses on cementing Gaza’s fragile ceasefire. Shaath emphasized that “opening Rafah signals that Gaza is no longer closed to the future and to the war,” highlighting the crossing’s symbolic and practical importance for Palestinian mobility and access.

    Notably absent was immediate commentary from Israeli authorities, who have maintained control over the Rafah crossing since 2024. The current ceasefire arrangement leaves Israel in control of more than half of Gaza territory, including the area adjacent to the border crossing, while Hamas retains control over the remaining enclave sections.

    The reopening promises to restore Gaza’s primary gateway to the outside world, enabling the movement of Palestinians in both directions after prolonged restrictions during the conflict period.