Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • India: Seven elephants killed as train collides with herd in Assam

    India: Seven elephants killed as train collides with herd in Assam

    A devastating railway collision resulted in the deaths of seven elephants and left one injured in northeastern India’s Assam state early Saturday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 2:17 AM local time in Hojai district when a Delhi-bound train struck a wandering herd outside officially recognized elephant passageways.

    According to VV Rakesh Reddy, the district police chief, and confirmed by Northeast Frontier Railway authorities, the train engineer immediately engaged emergency brakes upon spotting the elephants. Tragically, the animals unexpectedly moved toward the oncoming train instead of away from it, leading to the fatal impact.

    The collision caused significant derailment of the locomotive and five passenger coaches, though remarkably no human injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Railway officials have implemented immediate diversion protocols for scheduled trains while restoration teams work to clear and repair the affected section.

    This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between India’s expanding rail infrastructure and wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in regions with significant elephant populations. The absence of designated corridors at the accident location raises questions about habitat protection and transportation safety measures in ecologically sensitive areas.

  • AJi launches second ESG report, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth

    AJi launches second ESG report, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth

    AJi Group, a leading architecture, engineering, and consultancy firm operating across the Middle East, has unveiled its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, marking the second comprehensive disclosure of its sustainability performance. This publication reinforces the company’s strategic dedication to responsible business conduct and operational transparency throughout its regional network spanning Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Jordan.

    The document provides a detailed account of measurable progress achieved since the inaugural 2022 report, with particularly notable advancements in environmental stewardship. AJi has successfully reduced its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 16% compared to its 2022 baseline while simultaneously decreasing electricity consumption per employee by 25% despite significant operational expansion. In a strategic enhancement of reporting transparency, the company has now incorporated Scope 3 emissions data, accounting for indirect environmental impacts from supply chains and business travel, bringing total reported emissions to 1,687 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

    Social dimension metrics demonstrate substantial improvement in workforce development and diversity initiatives. The organization’s total workforce has expanded by 36% since 2022, with female representation increasing from 13% to 17% of all employees. AJi maintained its prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification while implementing extensive training programs totaling over 2,300 learning hours specifically for female staff and an additional 1,500 hours for Saudi-based personnel.

    From a governance perspective, AJi conducted its first formal materiality assessment aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, identifying critical focus areas including energy management, human capital development, labor standards compliance, and anti-corruption measures. These findings will directly inform the company’s sustainability strategy, which includes ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality for direct emissions by 2027 and implement comprehensive water and waste monitoring systems across all offices by 2026.

    CEO Eng Hamzeh Awwad emphasized the report’s significance, stating: ‘This milestone reflects our commitment to embedding responsibility and innovation at our core. As a regional enterprise, we perceive sustainability as a collective mission that generates lasting value for our stakeholders and communities, reinforcing our dedication to a more resilient and inclusive future.’

  • Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in another corruption case

    Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 17 years in another corruption case

    In a significant judicial development, a Pakistani court has imposed 17-year prison sentences on former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi in the high-profile Toshakhana corruption case. The verdict, delivered on December 20, 2025, centers on allegations that the couple illicitly acquired and sold luxury state gifts during Khan’s premiership from 2018 to 2022.

    The prosecution successfully argued that Khan and his wife obtained valuable assets from the state treasury, including diamond jewelry and a collection of premium watches—six Rolexes among them—with the most expensive timepiece valued at approximately $305,000. The total value of the allegedly misappropriated gifts exceeded 140 million Pakistani rupees ($501,000).

    This ruling represents the third conviction for the former cricket-star-turned-politician, who previously received a 14-year sentence and a separate 3-year jail term in related cases concerning state gifts. Notably, both prior sentences had been suspended by higher courts pending appeal proceedings.

    Legal experts highlight the complex judicial landscape surrounding Khan’s cases. Despite being incarcerated since August 2023 and facing four convictions ahead of the February 2024 national elections, all previous sentences have been either overturned or suspended through appellate processes. The former leader and his wife maintain their innocence regarding all corruption allegations.

    The Toshakhana case has emerged as a focal point in Pakistan’s ongoing political turbulence, reflecting deeper tensions between the military establishment and Khan’s populist movement. This latest development occurs amidst continuing political instability in the nuclear-armed nation, raising questions about judicial independence and the future of political reconciliation.

  • Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    The Indian film industry mourns the passing of Sreenivasan, the iconic Malayalam cinema figure whose death on December 20, 2025, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, politicians, and countless admirers. With a career spanning over five decades, the multitalented artist contributed to more than 200 films as an actor and penned scripts for over 50 productions, establishing himself as a unique voice in Indian cinema.

    Sreenivasan’s distinctive approach to filmmaking blended sharp social criticism with accessible humor, creating works that resonated deeply with Kerala’s masses. His ability to highlight the common person’s struggles through witty storytelling set his cinema apart and made him one of the most relatable figures in Malayalam entertainment.

    The news of his passing prompted heartfelt responses across social media platforms, with fans remembering his deeply humane qualities and extraordinary versatility across acting, writing, direction, and production. The film industry united in grief, with contemporaries and proteges alike sharing personal anecdotes and professional admiration.

    Indian actor-politician Mukesh recalled Sreenivasan’s unwavering commitment to cinema and his characteristic frankness, noting that even his criticism was delivered with humor. Mukesh revealed their collaboration on ‘Katha Parayumpol,’ later remade in Hindi as ‘Billu,’ as a testament to their creative partnership.

    Prominent actor Prithviraj took to Instagram to bid farewell to “one of the greatest-ever writer/director/actor,” thanking him for both laughter and profound thoughts. Director-actor Basil Joseph acknowledged Sreenivasan’s significant role in shaping childhood memories and happiest moments for generations of viewers.

    Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, declared that Malayalam cinema would never be the same without Sreenivasan’s genius, praising him as a true master who redefined on-screen heroism. Tharoor emphasized the writer’s unparalleled ability to capture Kerala’s social pulse, describing his scripts as time capsules containing rich social commentary, humor, and wit.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan characterized the loss as both personal and irreparable to Malayalam cinema, highlighting how few filmmakers had succeeded as Sreenivasan did in bringing common people’s lives to the silver screen while guiding audiences through reflective humor. The Chief Minister noted that Sreenivasan had entered the industry by breaking longstanding conventions, establishing a new paradigm for meaningful cinema that entertained while provoking thought.

  • One city, one heart

    One city, one heart

    China Daily Information Co. (CDIC) maintains rigorous copyright protection over all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive copyright notice explicitly prohibits any form of republication or utilization of materials without obtaining prior written authorization from the company.

    The protected content encompasses diverse media formats including textual articles, photographic images, and multimedia information. The company has established this clear copyright stance to safeguard its intellectual property rights in the digital landscape.

    Additionally, CDIC provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for accessing their content. The publication operates under official multimedia online publishing license 0108263 and maintains registration number 130349.

    The organization extends various engagement opportunities through its platform, including advertising partnerships, employment prospects for both domestic and expatriate professionals, and multiple channels for establishing contact with the media group.

  • Australian state plans tougher laws against displaying extremist flags after Bondi shooting

    Australian state plans tougher laws against displaying extremist flags after Bondi shooting

    SYDNEY — In response to the recent mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives, the Australian state of New South Wales is advancing stringent legislative measures to prohibit public displays of extremist symbolism. The proposed laws specifically target Islamic State group flags and related paraphernalia, with violations carrying penalties of up to two years imprisonment and substantial fines.

    State Premier Chris Minns announced the comprehensive security reforms, which additionally ban the chant “globalize the intifada” and empower law enforcement to demand the removal of facial coverings during public demonstrations. “Hate speech or incitement of hatred has no place in our society,” Minns declared, emphasizing that recent events demonstrate how such rhetoric promotes community violence.

    The legislative action follows police confirmation that Sunday’s attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration constituted “a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State.” Authorities discovered two homemade IS flags in the perpetrators’ vehicle, directly linking the violence to extremist ideology.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese concurrently announced federal initiatives to combat radicalization, including expanded definitions of hate speech offenses for religious leaders promoting violence, enhanced penalties for such crimes, and judicial consideration of hate as an aggravating factor in online threat cases. The government will also designate specific organizations as hate groups and reinforce Australia’s already rigorous firearm regulations.

    Addressing the nation’s Jewish community at Sydney’s Great Synagogue, Albanese affirmed that “the spirit of our Jewish Australian community is completely unbreakable” and vowed that Australia would not allow “these evil antisemitic terrorists to divide us.”

    The government will observe a National Day of Reflection on Sunday, coinciding with Hanukkah’s conclusion, with flags at half-mast nationwide and a moment of silence at 6:47 p.m.—the exact time police first received reports of gunfire. One suspect, Sajid Akram, was killed during the incident, while his son Naveed Akram faces 59 charges including murder and committing a terrorist act.

    These developments occur amid a documented threefold surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia following the October 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict, raising critical questions about protection for the nation’s 117,000 Jewish citizens.

  • US hits over 70 IS-linked targets in Syria in massive retaliatory strikes

    US hits over 70 IS-linked targets in Syria in massive retaliatory strikes

    In a significant escalation of military operations, the United States has conducted extensive airstrikes targeting over 70 Islamic State-linked locations throughout central Syria. The coordinated offensive, executed on Friday, represents a direct response to the December 13th ambush near Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and one civilian contractor, with three additional service members wounded.

    The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) characterized the operation as crucial to disrupting ISIS capabilities and preventing terrorist plots against American interests. More than 100 precision munitions were deployed against known ISIS infrastructure and weapons storage facilities, with tactical support provided by Jordanian fighter aircraft.

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as a “declaration of vengeance” rather than the initiation of broader conflict. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump asserted Syrian government support for the strikes via his Truth Social platform, issuing a stern warning that terrorists threatening U.S. interests would face unprecedented consequences.

    In a notable development, Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly endorsed the counterterrorism effort through official channels, reaffirming Damascus’s commitment to eliminating ISIS safe havens within its territory. The Syrian government extended an invitation for international coalition support, emphasizing the need for civilian protection and regional stability.

    The December 13th attack, perpetrated by a lone ISIS gunman according to CENTCOM, triggered a series of 10 operations across Syria and Iraq that neutralized 23 terrorist operatives. Over the past six months, U.S. and partner forces have conducted more than 80 counterterrorism missions targeting threats to regional and American security.

    Despite losing territorial control in Syria and Iraq, ISIS remnants continue to pose persistent security threats through insurgent tactics. The New York Times reported the retaliatory strikes extended into early Saturday morning local time, occurring amid a reduced U.S. military presence of approximately 1,000 troops in Syria.

  • Universal Studios in early planning stages for theme park in Saudi Arabia, WSJ reports

    Universal Studios in early planning stages for theme park in Saudi Arabia, WSJ reports

    Universal Studios, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, has initiated preliminary conceptual development for a potential theme park in Saudi Arabia, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing informed sources. The entertainment giant is reportedly engaged in early-stage planning discussions that could culminate in a landmark licensing arrangement with Saudi government-backed entities.

    The development follows Comcast CEO Brian Roberts’ recent diplomatic visit to the Kingdom, where he participated in an investment conference and conducted an extensive tour of Qiddiya—Saudi Arabia’s monumental entertainment and sports destination currently under development. This strategic engagement signals growing international interest in the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 diversification initiatives.

    While neither Universal Studios nor Comcast have officially confirmed the project’s details, the potential partnership represents a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation of its entertainment landscape. The proposed theme park would form an integral component of Qiddiya’s broader ecosystem, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for entertainment, sports, and cultural experiences.

    The reported discussions align with Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive economic modernization strategy, which includes substantial investments in tourism infrastructure and entertainment offerings. A Universal Studios presence would substantially enhance the Kingdom’s appeal as a regional tourism destination while creating numerous employment opportunities and stimulating ancillary economic sectors.

    Industry analysts note that such a development would mark a pivotal moment in the Middle East’s entertainment industry, potentially reshaping regional tourism patterns and establishing new competitive dynamics in the global theme park market. The project’s realization would represent one of the most significant Western entertainment investments in the region to date.

  • US hits Daesh in Syria with large ‘retaliatory’ strikes, officials say

    US hits Daesh in Syria with large ‘retaliatory’ strikes, officials say

    The United States military executed extensive airstrikes against Daesh targets throughout central Syria on Friday, marking a significant retaliatory response to a recent attack that resulted in American casualties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the operation as ‘Operation Hawkeye Strike,’ confirming it successfully neutralized enemy fighters, infrastructure, and weapons facilities.

    This military action comes directly after a December 13th assault in Palmyra that killed two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, with three additional soldiers wounded. The attacker, reportedly a member of Syrian security forces with suspected Daesh sympathies, was killed during the incident.

    President Donald Trump affirmed the strikes during a public address in North Carolina, describing the operation as a ‘massive’ blow against the terrorist organization. The administration emphasized that the Syrian government, now led by former rebels who overthrew Bashar al-Assad after a prolonged civil war, provided full support for the operation.

    U.S. Central Command detailed that the comprehensive strikes hit over 70 targets utilizing F-15 and A-10 jets, Apache helicopters, and HIMARS rocket systems. Jordanian fighter jets provided additional support to the mission, highlighting regional cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.

    Despite the scale of the operation, Defense Secretary Hegseth clarified that this represents ‘not the beginning of a war, but a declaration of vengeance,’ indicating targeted retaliation rather than escalation. Approximately 1,000 U.S. troops remain deployed in Syria as part of ongoing coalition efforts against Daesh, which have intensified in recent months through combined airstrikes and ground operations with Syrian security forces.

  • Tally launches TallyPrime 7.0 to support the UAE’s SME-led digital transformation vision

    Tally launches TallyPrime 7.0 to support the UAE’s SME-led digital transformation vision

    Tally Solutions has unveiled TallyPrime 7.0 in the United Arab Emirates, introducing significant technological enhancements specifically designed to accelerate digital adoption among small and medium enterprises. This release arrives at a critical juncture as UAE SMEs—comprising over 94% of the nation’s business landscape—seek advanced solutions for compliance readiness, operational automation, and sustained growth in alignment with national initiatives like UAE Vision 2030 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

    The latest version introduces major security upgrades to TallyDrive, featuring robust encryption protocols and enhanced integrity verification mechanisms. This cloud-based backup solution now provides automated local and remote data protection while ensuring businesses maintain complete control over their financial information. The system’s architecture guarantees that connectivity never compromises data privacy, enabling SMEs to transition to digital workflows with absolute confidence.

    Notably, TallyPrime 7.0 incorporates full compliance with the UAE’s new national currency symbol, seamlessly integrating the updated character across all financial documents, invoices, and reporting statements. The implementation follows Central Bank guidelines and functions perfectly within both English and Arabic interfaces, ensuring regulatory adherence without disrupting business operations.

    Additional innovations include Smart Find technology—an advanced universal search capability that allows users to locate entries across multiple company databases using partial information. The platform also prepares businesses for upcoming e-invoicing frameworks while simplifying VAT return upload processes.

    Vikas Panchal, General Manager for MENA at Tally Solutions, emphasized the company’s alignment with UAE’s digital transformation goals: ‘Our enhanced security features, automated backups, and intelligent search capabilities deliver both confidence and operational efficiency. We remain committed to reducing complexity for SMEs operating in the UAE’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.’

    The release reinforces Tally’s longstanding partnership with the GCC region through its extensive network of local partners and dedicated support infrastructure, marking another milestone in the company’s mission to empower business resilience through technological innovation.