Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Climber Alex Honnold summits 101-floor skyscraper without safety gear

    Climber Alex Honnold summits 101-floor skyscraper without safety gear

    In a breathtaking display of human endurance and concentration, American free solo climber Alex Honnold has conquered Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, employing no ropes, harnesses, or safety equipment. The daring ascent of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower in Taiwan’s capital was completed in a record-breaking one hour and thirty-one minutes.

    The climb, initially postponed from Saturday due to adverse weather conditions, was broadcast live with a strategic delay by Netflix. Honnold’s methodical progression up the bamboo-inspired glass and steel facade captivated a global audience. Upon reaching the summit, the climber succinctly celebrated his vertigo-inducing achievement with the exclamation, ‘Sick.’

    This remarkable feat more than halved the previous record set by French climber Alain Robert—nicknamed ‘Spiderman’—who scaled the then-world’s tallest building using safety ropes and a harness in four hours in 2004.

    The climb was not without its distractions. As Honnold approached the 89th floor, enthusiastic fans waved and cheered from behind the windows, creating an unexpected challenge. Undeterred, he continued his climb, a moment captured on video and shared widely on social media.

    Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim publicly congratulated Honnold on X, humorously admitting the climb made her ‘feel sick, too, barely able to watch.’ Honnold was greeted at the top by his wife, who had expressed concerns about the challenging wind and heat conditions during his ascent.

    Honnold, who gained global fame as the first person to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite National Park—a feat documented in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Free Solo’—has once again redefined the limits of his extreme sport.

  • Rescuers recover more bodies from landslide in Indonesia, with 72 still missing

    Rescuers recover more bodies from landslide in Indonesia, with 72 still missing

    BANDUNG, Indonesia — Rescue operations intensified in West Java’s Pasir Langu village Sunday as improved weather conditions allowed emergency teams to continue searching for dozens missing following a devastating landslide. The disaster, which struck Mount Burangrang’s slopes before dawn Saturday, completely buried approximately 34 homes under massive mudflows, rocks, and uprooted trees.

    Search and rescue coordinator Ade Dian Permana reported recovery efforts had yielded 25 confirmed fatalities by Sunday, with remains being carefully extracted using basic farm tools and manual labor due to unstable terrain preventing heavy equipment deployment. The 250-strong rescue team worked meticulously through mud mounds reaching 5 meters (16 feet) in height, with drones and K-9 units deployed to scan the extensive 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) landslide path.

    The incident has displaced approximately 230 residents now sheltering in government facilities, while 72 individuals remain unaccounted for. At temporary relief centers, anxious families monitored updated missing persons lists as forensic teams worked to identify recovered remains for release to relatives.

    Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the disaster zone Sunday, pledging governmental action to prevent future tragedies. He specifically urged West Bandung district officials to address problematic land conversion practices in high-risk areas.

    Environmental organizations have characterized the catastrophe as fundamentally human-exacerbated. Wahyudin Iwang of Walhi West Java emphasized that Saturday’s landslide resulted from prolonged environmental degradation in the North Bandung Area conservation zone, where development projects have consistently violated spatial-planning regulations. This protected highland region serves as a critical water-catchment zone for the densely populated Bandung Basin, making ecological preservation imperative.

    The disaster occurs during Indonesia’s annual rainy season (October-April), when the archipelago nation frequently experiences flooding and landslides. Millions reside in vulnerable mountainous regions and fertile floodplains across the 17,000-island chain.

  • Syria frees 126 minors from Raqqa prison as SDF ceasefire extended

    Syria frees 126 minors from Raqqa prison as SDF ceasefire extended

    In a significant development within Syria’s ongoing conflict resolution, government forces have assumed control of al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa province following a negotiated ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This transfer facilitated the immediate release of 126 minors previously detained at the facility, as confirmed by official state media reports.

    Digital footage disseminated across social platforms captured emotional scenes of local communities welcoming the liberated juveniles, all confirmed to be under eighteen years of age. Several children provided harrowing testimonies in videos, detailing experiences of severe maltreatment during their incarceration. One minor, featured in a report by Syria’s state news agency Sana, described being subjected to electrocution, whipping, and solitary confinement with cold water exposure, stating visible sores remain on his body as evidence.

    Concurrent with the release, Syrian judicial authorities announced the establishment of special committees to comprehensively review the cases of all remaining detainees. Sana further published a list of names still held in custody, creating a mechanism for families to search for missing relatives online.

    This prison transfer represents the final facility handed over to Syrian government control from the SDF, which previously operated with U.S. support. Al-Aqtan primarily held individuals with alleged connections to the Islamic State (IS) group. This action follows similar recent takeovers of al-Hol detention camp—housing approximately 24,000 people, mostly women and children linked to IS—and al-Shaddadi prison.

    The strategic handover occurred within the framework of a four-day ceasefire agreement announced last week. Subsequently, on Saturday, both conflicting parties agreed to extend this truce by an additional fifteen days. This extension aims to facilitate the SDF’s planned integration into the Syrian national army and their eventual disarmament, significantly reducing tensions after government forces recently captured extensive territories in northeastern Syria.

    The extended ceasefire also enables continued transfers of IS detainees, with the U.S. Central Command announcing the initial evacuation of 7,000 prisoners to secured facilities in Iraq earlier this week. A subsequent transfer batch commenced this Saturday, addressing concerns about prison security following chaotic SDF withdrawals that previously allowed some IS affiliates to briefly escape.

    Northeast Syria remains home to numerous facilities incarcerating thousands of IS members, remnants from the group’s territorial defeat in 2019 where the SDF played a crucial combat role. Since then, the SDF has maintained control over several Arab-majority urban centers, including Manbij and Raqqa, as part of an autonomous administrative enclave.

  • Jay Vine wins the Tour Down Under after being knocked off his bike by a kangaroo

    Jay Vine wins the Tour Down Under after being knocked off his bike by a kangaroo

    ADELAIDE, Australia — Australian cyclist Jay Vine secured a remarkable victory at the Tour Down Under on Sunday, overcoming an extraordinary mid-race collision with a kangaroo that forced three riders to abandon the competition. The incident occurred during the final 169.8-kilometer stage through Adelaide’s hills, marking a dramatic conclusion to the opening event of the 2026 World Tour.

    With approximately 96 kilometers remaining, two large kangaroos unexpectedly bounded onto the road during a high-speed section. Vine was knocked from his bicycle upon impact, while riders Menno Huising, Lucas Stevenson, and Alberto Dainese were compelled to withdraw due to injuries sustained in the collision. The kangaroo involved also suffered injuries.

    Despite entering the final stage with a substantial 1-minute, 3-second lead on general classification, Vine faced significant challenges beyond the wildlife encounter. His UAE Team Emirates squad had been reduced to just three members following Saturday’s fourth stage, where defending champion Jhonatan Narvaez and another teammate crashed out. The team was further diminished when Juan Sebastian Molano withdrew due to fatigue before Sunday’s stage.

    Demonracing exceptional resilience, Vine immediately remounted after the kangaroo incident, changing bicycles twice before rejoining the peloton with 92 kilometers remaining. He maintained a strategic position near the front throughout the remainder of the stage, ultimately preserving his overall lead.

    The Australian champion finished 1:03 ahead of Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco Alula), with Australian Harry Sweeny (EF Education-Easypost) trailing by an additional nine seconds. Britain’s Matthew Brennan (Team Visma) claimed the stage victory in a sprint finish ahead of New Zealand’s Finn Fisher-Black (Bora Hansgrohe) and Denmark’s Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon).

    Vine, who secured his second Tour Down Under victory in three years, humorously remarked on the incident: ‘Everyone asks me what’s the most dangerous thing in Australia and I always tell them it’s kangaroos. They wait and they hide in the bushes until you can’t stop and they jump out in front of you. Point proven today.’

    The champion described the mechanics of the collision: ‘Two of them blasted through the peloton when we were doing probably 50 kph (30 mph) and one of them stopped and went left, right, left right, left right and I ended up hitting its backside.’

    Reflecting on his team’s challenging week, Vine noted: ‘This year we started off really positive and we just had more and more bad luck as the race went on. Today was never going to be easy and I’ve been saying all week it’s not over until it’s over. But it’s proven to be not over till it’s over in this race for us.’

    The stage featured eight laps of a circuit incorporating a slow, steep climb to the finish in Stirling township, with two breakaways occurring during the race, the final one being reeled in with just one kilometer remaining.

  • US: ICE agents shoot dead another person in Minneapolis

    US: ICE agents shoot dead another person in Minneapolis

    A federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis escalated into a fatal confrontation on Saturday, resulting in the death of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a white male U.S. citizen and lawful gun owner with no criminal record. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers opened fire during what the Department of Homeland Security described as a self-defense response to an armed individual who “violently resisted” apprehension.

    This incident represents the second civilian fatality involving ICE officers in Minneapolis within three weeks, following the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. The operation has also drawn criticism for the detention of a five-year-old boy alongside his father earlier this week, further inflaming public sentiment.

    Open-source investigative group Bellingcat conducted a detailed analysis of social media footage circulating from the incident. Their examination revealed that agents appeared to remove a firearm from Pretti before the first shot was fired. The analysis further indicated that two different agents discharged their weapons, with at least ten shots heard in total, most occurring while the man lay motionless on the snow-covered street.

    The shooting has triggered widespread outrage and protests across Minneapolis, with state officials demanding accountability. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz characterized the shooting as “horrific” and called for state authorities to lead the investigation, asserting that the federal government “cannot be trusted” with the probe. In a social media post, Governor Walz directly appealed to President Donald Trump to “pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota.”

    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the federal operation, stating that “a great American city is being invaded by its own federal government.” Representative Ilhan Omar described the shooting as “an execution” and accused President Trump of transforming Minneapolis into a “war zone.” The incident occurs amid the Trump administration’s intensified nationwide campaign to detain and deport undocumented migrants, which has deployed thousands of ICE agents to the Minneapolis area.

  • Paolo Maldini adds his name to growing list of global celebrities setting up base in the UAE

    Paolo Maldini adds his name to growing list of global celebrities setting up base in the UAE

    Italian football legend Paolo Maldini has joined the growing roster of international celebrities establishing strategic investments in the United Arab Emirates, specifically aligning with Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly expanding luxury hospitality sector. The AC Milan icon has partnered with RRS International Development for the launch of NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments, a $100 million mixed-use development scheduled for completion in 2027.

    In an exclusive interview, Maldini revealed his attraction to the project stemmed from a personal introduction to RRS’s founders and their straightforward, founder-led methodology. ‘The approach felt genuinely serious—focused on destination development, hospitality concepts, and long-term asset growth without unnecessary pressure or theatricality,’ Maldini stated.

    The former defender emphasized Ras Al Khaimah’s unique appeal compared to other emirates, noting its ‘calmer rhythm, natural surroundings, and accessibility.’ He described the emirate as a place that ‘integrates seamlessly into real life rather than representing a complicated plan.’

    Market data substantiates Maldini’s investment rationale. Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market demonstrated remarkable performance throughout 2025, achieving double-digit growth fueled by investor demand, luxury developments, and vigorous off-plan activity. Apartment sales prices escalated by 30.4%, while villa prices witnessed an extraordinary 41.9% increase.

    According to CBRE analytics, the emirate registered a 39% year-on-year surge in residential prices during Q1 2025, predominantly driven by branded and waterfront developments, particularly those situated on Al Marjan Island. This artificial archipelago has emerged as the epicenter of buyer demand, with average apartment prices climbing 21.3% to Dh1,328 per square foot in 2025.

    Maldini perceives Al Marjan Island as cultivating a distinctive identity rather than merely constructing a skyline, creating hospitality and leisure experiences designed to encourage repeat visits and sustain long-term value. Enhanced infrastructure, including significant road-capacity improvements between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah expected to reduce travel time by 45%, further bolsters investor confidence.

    The broader economic context provides additional momentum, with Ras Al Khaimah’s economy projected to maintain approximately 4% annual growth through 2027, supported by sustained tourism and real estate investment. The upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort development further reinforces these favorable conditions.

    Maldini articulated his investment philosophy, contrasting boutique luxury with mere extravagance: ‘Authentic luxury isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. This project exemplifies curated design and a serene atmosphere rather than excessive opulence.’

    The developer’s decision to retain approximately 50% of the inventory signaled strong confidence in the asset’s long-term appreciation potential, a factor that significantly influenced Maldini’s participation.

    Beyond individual endorsement, market metrics paint a compelling picture. Ras Al Khaimah’s property transactions doubled to Dh15.08 billion in 2024, reflecting intensifying international investor interest. The market maintains competitive rental yields, with Al Marjan Island apartments delivering approximately 5.75% gross yields alongside annual capital appreciation of 15-20% in premium segments.

    Maldini summarized his cross-industry perspective: ‘In football, discipline creates longevity. In real estate, discipline creates value.’ With disciplined developers, increasing global attention, and an evolving luxury-hospitality ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah—and particularly Al Marjan Island—appears positioned for its most robust investment cycle to date.

  • American rock climber Alex Honnold climbs Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

    American rock climber Alex Honnold climbs Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

    In a breathtaking display of human endurance and skill, renowned American rock climber Alex Honnold successfully scaled Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, without ropes or protective equipment on Sunday. The daring ascent of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower captivated spectators and raised questions about the ethics of broadcasting high-risk athletic endeavors.

    Honnold, celebrated for his unprecedented free solo climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan, commenced his vertical journey using the building’s horizontal metal beams as handholds. Clad in a distinctive red short-sleeve shirt, the climber periodically paused during his ascent to acknowledge the cheering crowd below, creating dramatic moments during the live broadcast on Netflix, which employed a 10-second delay for safety considerations.

    The architectural complexity of Taipei 101 presented unique challenges, particularly the middle section comprising 64 floors known as ‘bamboo boxes’—the building’s signature feature. This segment required navigating eight distinct phases, each featuring eight floors of steep, overhanging climbing followed by balcony areas where Honnold took strategic rests.

    While French climber Alain Robert previously ascended the building during its 2004 inauguration using safety equipment, Honnold’s achievement marks the first completely unprotected climb of the Taipei landmark. The event, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions, adding another layer of anticipation to the already dramatic feat.

  • Reed pulls four shots ahead with McIlroy 11 adrift at Dubai Desert Classic

    Reed pulls four shots ahead with McIlroy 11 adrift at Dubai Desert Classic

    Patrick Reed seized commanding control of the Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday, firing a five-under-par 67 to establish a formidable four-shot advantage heading into the tournament’s final round. The American veteran’s stellar performance at the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course propelled him to a 14-under total, distancing himself from the chasing pack.

    Spanish rising star David Puig emerged as Reed’s closest challenger, carding an impressive 66 to reach 10-under par. The 24-year-old sensation, who claimed victory at last December’s Australian PGA Championship, demonstrated his growing prowess with seven birdies against a single bogey.

    Norway’s Viktor Hovland, the 2022 tournament champion, ignited his title hopes with the day’s lowest round—a spectacular 65 that featured seven birdies without dropping a shot. His remarkable surge positioned him just five strokes behind the leader, setting the stage for a compelling final-round showdown.

    Meanwhile, world number two Rory McIlroy’s title defense effectively ended with a disappointing 71 that left him languishing at three-under overall. The four-time Dubai champion managed only two birdies against one bogey, finding himself tied for 27th position and facing an insurmountable 11-shot deficit.

    Reed’s round showcased both resilience and technical mastery. After an uncharacteristic bogey on the opening hole, the 35-year-old found his rhythm with a crucial drive on the eighth hole that sparked his charge. Though he narrowly missed birdie opportunities on the 15th through 17th holes, his overall performance demonstrated the composure of a seasoned champion.

    Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton’s hopes evaporated with a disappointing 76 that dropped him into a tie for 42nd place, while Reed positioned himself to claim his first full-field title in the $9 million event—adding another chapter to his three-win DP World Tour legacy.

  • Israeli strike kills teenage cousins gathering firewood in northern Gaza

    Israeli strike kills teenage cousins gathering firewood in northern Gaza

    In a tragic incident underscoring the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Gaza, two Palestinian adolescents lost their lives on Saturday during an Israeli drone strike in the northern region. The victims, identified as 13-year-old Salman al-Zawarah and his 15-year-old cousin Mohammed al-Zawarah, were reportedly gathering essential firewood in the Beit Lahia project area adjacent to Kamal Adwan Hospital when the attack occurred.

    This lethal strike represents the latest breach of the ceasefire agreement established between Israel and Hamas in October 2025. According to Gaza medical authorities, the casualties bring the number of Palestinians killed since the truce began to 483, with injuries surpassing 1,300 individuals.

    The tragedy compounds an already dire situation where environmental and infrastructural collapse has created additional health hazards. Just days prior to this incident, two infants succumbed to extreme cold and dehydration resulting from exposure to sewage-contaminated environments. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports at least ten child fatalities from hypothermia since winter began.

    The humanitarian catastrophe continues to intensify despite international agreements. United Nations assessments indicate approximately one million Gazans urgently require emergency shelter assistance. Following nearly two years of sustained bombardment, Israeli military operations have damaged or destroyed approximately 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing most residents into inadequate temporary shelters with insufficient heating capabilities.

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) maintains that ‘the humanitarian situation and crisis in Gaza is far from being over,’ noting that Israeli attacks have resulted in 216 Palestinian fatalities—including 46 children and 28 women—in areas distant from established conflict zones, frequently affecting IDP shelters and residential buildings.

  • UAE Lottery: 3 players take home Dh100,000 each in latest draw

    UAE Lottery: 3 players take home Dh100,000 each in latest draw

    In the latest weekly Lucky Day draw conducted under the UAE Lottery’s newly reformed structure, three fortunate participants each secured substantial prizes of Dh100,000. The drawing, which now occurs every Saturday following a significant system overhaul announced during the lottery’s first anniversary celebrations, continues its pattern of creating multiple high-value winners.

    The winning identification numbers for this week’s Lucky Chance segment—AS1781137, DU9745571, and BN3833225—have transformed the financial circumstances of their respective holders. Since the implementation of the revised weekly format, this popular lottery mechanism has already generated over 200 Lucky Chance winners across the Emirates.

    The redesigned lottery framework features an impressive multi-tier prize structure, including an extraordinary Dh30 million grand prize, a substantial Dh5 million secondary prize, and the weekly Dh100,000 Lucky Chance awards that continue to distribute significant wealth to participants. The winning numbers for this particular draw were confirmed as 12, 25, 31, 22, 11, and 14, with the Lucky Month number standing at 3.

    This regular Saturday event has become an anticipated weekly occurrence for UAE residents, offering life-changing financial opportunities through its structured prize distribution system. The lottery’s administrative team has successfully maintained the initiative’s momentum while ensuring transparent and verifiable drawing procedures that uphold the organization’s credibility and public trust.