Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • China launches new satellite into space

    China launches new satellite into space

    China’s aerospace program achieved another milestone on Sunday evening as the nation successfully deployed its Shijian 28 satellite into predetermined orbit. The launch occurred at precisely 20:20 Beijing Time from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site located in Hainan province, China’s southernmost tropical island.

    The mission utilized an upgraded variant of the Long March 7 carrier rocket, specifically modified for this orbital deployment operation. This launch represents a significant achievement in China’s expanding space capabilities, marking the 611th flight mission within the Long March rocket family since the program’s inception.

    Space industry analysts note that the successful deployment continues China’s pattern of frequent and reliable space missions. The Wenchang launch facility, known for its equatorial proximity that provides natural launch advantages, has become increasingly important to China’s space ambitions. The Shijian (which translates to ‘Practice’) series of satellites typically serve multiple functions including technological verification, scientific experimentation, and Earth observation.

    This latest mission reinforces China’s position as a major player in space technology and exploration, demonstrating ongoing advancements in rocket modification capabilities and orbital precision deployment. The space sector continues to be a strategic priority for China’s technological development, with regular missions contributing to the country’s growing expertise in satellite technology, rocket reliability, and space infrastructure development.

  • UN report accuses Israel of ‘de facto’ state policy of torture

    UN report accuses Israel of ‘de facto’ state policy of torture

    A United Nations investigation has concluded that Israel maintains an organized and systematic policy of torture against Palestinian prisoners, with practices intensifying dramatically following the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The UN Committee Against Torture released its findings on Friday, documenting what it describes as “widespread and organized” abuse sanctioned at the state level.

    The comprehensive report highlights critical legislative gaps within Israel’s legal framework, noting the absence of specific legislation criminalizing torture. Current Israeli law contains provisions that exempt public officials from criminal liability through the “necessity defense” principle, effectively creating conditions where torture can occur without legal consequence.

    Committee experts expressed profound concern that these practices represent a de facto state policy rather than isolated incidents. The report further condemns Israel’s ongoing occupation policies in Palestinian territories, stating they create “cruel, inhuman or degrading living conditions” for the civilian population in violation of international standards.

    The findings emerge alongside growing international condemnation of Israeli military conduct following the circulation of video evidence appearing to show the summary execution of two unarmed Palestinian men in Jenin, occupied West Bank. The United Nations human rights office characterized the killings as “brazen” and called them “another apparent summary execution.

    UN human rights chief Volker Turk has demanded independent, prompt investigations into all Palestinian fatalities, emphasizing that those responsible for violations must be “held fully to account.” Summary executions constitute war crimes under the Geneva Convention and established international law.

    The widely circulated video evidence shows two Palestinian men exiting a building with raised arms and lifted shirts, visibly demonstrating they were unarmed and presented no immediate threat to surrounding Israeli security forces.

  • Israel’s Netanyahu requests pardon from president over corruption trial

    Israel’s Netanyahu requests pardon from president over corruption trial

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally petitioned President Isaac Herzog for an official pardon regarding his ongoing corruption trial, marking an unprecedented political development. The request, submitted through legal channels on Sunday, represents a strategic maneuver by Israel’s longest-serving leader to extricate himself from legal proceedings that have shadowed his administration for nearly six years.

    In carefully crafted legal correspondence obtained by media sources, Netanyahu framed his appeal as an act of ‘public responsibility’ rather than personal exoneration. The Prime Minister argued that terminating his protracted legal battle would ‘help reduce the intensity of the flames in the power debate surrounding it,’ suggesting the trial has created damaging political divisions within Israeli society.

    Netanyahu’s petition emerges against a complex backdrop of regional security challenges and diplomatic opportunities. The Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to ‘heal the rifts, achieve unity among the people, and restore trust in the state’s systems’ during what he characterizes as a critical juncture for Israeli national interests.

    The Presidential Office acknowledged the extraordinary nature of the request, noting it carries ‘significant implications’ for Israel’s judicial and political systems. President Herzog has committed to evaluating the petition ‘in accordance with established guidelines and procedures,’ with legal experts noting the absence of modern precedent for such an appeal by a sitting prime minister.

    The corruption allegations themselves stem from a 2019 indictment accusing Netanyahu of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Prosecutors allege the Prime Minister manipulated regulatory frameworks to benefit telecommunications magnates in exchange for favorable media coverage. Additional charges involve the alleged acceptance of luxury gifts—including premium cigars and champagne valued at tens of thousands of dollars—from a Hollywood billionaire in exchange for political favors.

    Netanyahu has consistently dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated ‘witch hunt,’ though legal proceedings have advanced through Israel’s judicial system throughout his most recent term. The pardon request represents a dramatic escalation in his efforts to circumvent traditional legal channels, potentially testing the boundaries of Israel’s constitutional framework.

  • Families remember Nanjing Massacre victims as national memorial day approaches

    Families remember Nanjing Massacre victims as national memorial day approaches

    NANJING — As China prepares to observe its 12th national memorial day for the Nanjing Massacre victims on December 13, families of survivors gathered Sunday at the Memorial Hall of the Victims to honor their ancestors and preserve historical memory. The ceremony comes exactly 88 years after Japanese troops captured the then-capital city and initiated six weeks of systematic slaughter that claimed over 300,000 Chinese lives.

    Among the attendees was 96-year-old Xia Shuqin, who led her family in solemn tribute before the memorial’s ‘wailing wall’ inscribed with more than 10,000 victims’ names. The elderly survivor, who lost seven family members during the massacre and herself sustained three stab wounds at age eight, located her relatives’ names with trembling fingers as her descendants traced the characters with ceremonial pens.

    ‘Eighty-eight years, 88 years…’ Xia murmured repeatedly at the memorial, her granddaughter explaining she was communicating with lost family members. ‘I want to witness the day when the Japanese government admits its crimes,’ the nonagenarian declared. ‘Then I can face these names with peace.’

    Another survivor, 91-year-old Liu Minsheng, recalled the winter of 1937 when Japanese soldiers took his father from a refugee zone. ‘He never returned,’ Liu stated, indicating a bayonet scar on his right leg. ‘Future generations must remember this history to prevent repetition of such tragedy.’

    With only 24 registered survivors remaining—eight having passed this year alone—the transmission of memory has become increasingly urgent. Since 2014, when China’s legislature established December 13 as the national memorial day, the government has preserved survivor testimonies through written transcripts and video documentation. These historical records gained UNESCO’s Memory of the World recognition in 2015.

    The memorialization effort now extends to 38 officially recognized inheritors, including descendants like Chang Xiaomei, who documented her late father’s experiences in a trilingual publication. ‘May all victims rest in peace,’ Chang expressed before the memorial wall, ‘may such despair never be repeated, and may the flowers of peace forever bloom on this land.’

  • Hong Kong high-rise fire: Missing Filipina worker confirmed dead

    Hong Kong high-rise fire: Missing Filipina worker confirmed dead

    A Filipina overseas worker previously reported missing has been confirmed deceased following a catastrophic high-rise fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, according to an official announcement from the Philippine Consulate General. The tragic confirmation emerged as authorities continue accounting for foreign workers impacted by the devastating blaze that ignited November 26th during daylight hours and continued raging for over ten hours.

    The Philippine Consulate, while acknowledging the victim’s status as a female Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), has temporarily withheld specific identifying details pending formal notification of next of kin. This protocol reflects standard diplomatic procedures during international casualty incidents.

    Current casualty reports indicate 79 Filipino nationals have been confirmed safe with one remaining injured and approximately twelve cases requiring further verification. The Consulate’s latest advisory indicates intensive on-ground operations continue to assist affected OFWs amid one of Hong Kong’s most severe residential fires in recent history.

    Official statistics now confirm 146 fatalities with at least 79 individuals sustaining injuries, according to Reuters reporting. Hong Kong police anticipate requiring three to four weeks to complete comprehensive searches of the seven affected residential towers.

    Investigators continue examining the fire’s origin amid revelations that the building’s fire alarm systems were non-operational during the incident. The complex was undergoing significant renovations at the time, wrapped in bamboo scaffolding, green mesh netting, and foam insulation layers—factors potentially contributing to the fire’s rapid spread and intensity. The official investigation remains ongoing with no definitive cause yet established.

  • UAE National Day – Celebrating vision, unity and the spirit of possibility

    UAE National Day – Celebrating vision, unity and the spirit of possibility

    As the United Arab Emirates commemorates its 54th National Day, the nation’s transformative journey stands as a powerful model of strategic development and economic vision. Business executives across multiple sectors are highlighting how the country’s commitment to long-term growth has fundamentally shaped their organizational success and personal trajectories.

    Isabel Afonso, CEO of Arcera Life Sciences, emphasizes that the UAE’s progress represents “more than five decades of advancement driven by strategic foresight, substantial investments in human capital, and dedicated development of industrial capabilities.” She notes that Arcera itself emerged from the nation’s confident ambition, established by sovereign investor ADQ to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in innovative and sustainable life sciences. The company’s recent transformation into a unified entity, One Arcera, has strengthened its capacity to drive meaningful health outcomes with greater cohesion and determination.

    For Symbolic Developments, the UAE represents both home and business foundation for over three decades. Managing Director Mustafa Moiz reflects on the profound gratitude his family holds for a country that has consistently inspired innovation and unity. “Our journey in the UAE is integral to our identity,” Moiz states, noting how his company’s mission to build homes that enrich residents’ lives aligns perfectly with the nation’s community-first philosophy.

    The entrepreneurial landscape continues to thrive under the UAE’s supportive ecosystem. Amreen Iqbal, Founder of Piece of You Jewellery, credits the country’s unique balance of honoring heritage while empowering individual legacy-building as critical to her creative enterprise. “The UAE’s spirit of innovation, unity, and limitless possibility has shaped my journey and inspired my business to flourish,” she acknowledges.

    These executive perspectives collectively reveal a fundamental truth: the UAE has evolved beyond mere geography to become a dynamic catalyst for growth, an enduring source of inspiration, and a environment where ambition systematically converges with opportunity. As the nation progresses along its remarkable trajectory, business leaders and residents alike stand prepared to contribute to the next chapter of its extraordinary story.

  • Dubai’s real estate market has extended its record-breaking streak

    Dubai’s real estate market has extended its record-breaking streak

    Dubai’s property market continues its unprecedented growth trajectory in 2025, establishing new benchmarks for global real estate performance. Transaction volumes have soared beyond 158,000 deals year-to-date, representing a staggering Dh498.8 billion ($136 billion) in total value. This constitutes a remarkable 32% increase in monetary value and 20% growth in transaction volume compared to the previous year.

    The third quarter alone witnessed exceptional performance with 59,000 sales totaling Dh170.7 billion, marking the highest quarterly achievement in the market’s history. Property values maintain their upward momentum with a 10% year-on-year increase across residential segments. Villas continue to outperform apartments due to sustained supply limitations and robust end-user demand, particularly in premium communities where values have appreciated between 15-30%.

    Simultaneously, Dubai’s rental market shows signs of stabilization following two years of substantial increases. With average annual rents approaching Dh99,000, affordability concerns are driving more tenants toward property ownership. Recent surveys indicate 55% of current renters plan to purchase properties within three years, a significant increase from 25% last year.

    The market expansion has prompted major development initiatives, including the recent launch of Arthouse Hills Arjan. This represents the second Arthouse-branded residential project in Dubai, bringing New York-inspired design aesthetics to one of the city’s fastest-growing communities. The development positions itself as one of Arjan’s tallest and most amenity-rich towers, emphasizing wellness-oriented and culturally inspired living experiences.

    Industry leaders emphasize the project’s significance in elevating community standards. Omar Gull, Founder & Chairman of Cledor, stated: “Arthouse Hills Arjan establishes new benchmarks for design-led, amenity-rich living in emerging Dubai communities.”

    Concurrently, Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector demonstrates parallel progress. Burtvile Developments’ Bab Al Qasr Canal View Residence 22 project at Al Raha Beach has reached 7% completion, exceeding scheduled progress by 6.21%. The development featuring 242 residential units across three towers continues to attract both residents and investors seeking premium living options in the capital’s desirable communities.

  • Earthquake of magnitude 4.2 strikes Nepal

    Earthquake of magnitude 4.2 strikes Nepal

    A moderate earthquake measuring 4.2 magnitude struck Nepal on Sunday, November 30, 2025, according to official reports from India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The seismic event occurred at precisely 11:54:03 IST with its epicenter located at coordinates 29.34°N latitude and 81.41°E longitude.

    The tremor originated at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which seismologists note increases potential for detectable aftershocks despite the moderate magnitude. This geological activity marks the second notable earthquake in the region within the past month, following a 3.6 magnitude event recorded on November 6, 2025, which similarly occurred at a 10-kilometer depth.

    Nepal’s pronounced seismic vulnerability stems from its position within the complex Himalayan tectonic zone, where the massive Indian and Eurasian plates continuously converge. This collision boundary creates one of the world’s most seismically active regions, characterized by the Indian Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate in a process that generates enormous crustal stress and periodic energy releases through earthquakes.

    The region’s tragic history includes the devastating 2015 earthquake that caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life. Shallow-focus earthquakes like today’s event typically produce more intense surface shaking compared to deeper quakes of similar magnitude, as their energy releases occur closer to the Earth’s surface, potentially amplifying impact on structures and infrastructure.

    Seismological authorities continue to monitor the region and have encouraged residents to utilize official earthquake tracking applications for real-time information and safety alerts.

  • Innovative app launched to strengthen nationwide HIV prevention efforts

    Innovative app launched to strengthen nationwide HIV prevention efforts

    In a significant advancement for public health infrastructure, Chinese health authorities have launched an innovative digital tool to combat HIV transmission. The “HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Map” application debuted in Beijing just before World AIDS Day observances, representing a technological leap forward in national prevention efforts.

    This comprehensive platform integrates geolocation technology with educational resources, creating a centralized database of service points across China where individuals can access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment. The application provides real-time guidance to users who may have experienced potential HIV exposure, directing them to the nearest available healthcare facility where they can obtain critical antiretroviral medications.

    The initiative was formally introduced during the “2025 Youth Anti-AIDS Public Welfare Action Launch and HIV Prevention Story Sharing Session,” an event organized by the Chinese Association of STD and AIDS Prevention and Control with support from biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences. The gathering featured compelling personal narratives from medical professionals, community volunteers, and individuals living with HIV, all emphasizing the theme of “Proactive Choices, Control Your Life.”

    Medical experts at the event highlighted the crucial 72-hour window following potential HIV exposure during which PEP treatment can effectively prevent infection. The treatment is recommended after various exposure scenarios including unprotected sexual contact, needle-sharing incidents, or occupational exposures among healthcare workers.

    The launch ceremony also marked the beginning of an extensive educational campaign that will tour university and middle school campuses nationwide. This effort will be complemented by an ongoing “HIV Prevention Story Collection” initiative designed to raise awareness through personal experiences and promote scientific understanding of HIV prevention methods among younger demographics.

  • Techie arrested for allegedly harassing cabin crew on Dubai-Hyderabad flight

    Techie arrested for allegedly harassing cabin crew on Dubai-Hyderabad flight

    A software engineer from Kerala has been taken into judicial custody following allegations of misconduct toward flight attendants aboard a Dubai to Hyderabad aircraft. The incident, which transpired on November 28, 2025, involved a passenger in his thirties who reportedly made inappropriate physical contact with a crew member while she was performing her duties.

    According to authorities at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the individual appeared to be intoxicated during the flight. After landing, the situation escalated when the passenger reported his passport missing. During the subsequent search operation, airline personnel discovered a handwritten note containing explicit and offensive language targeting the cabin crew.

    Inspector Kankaiah Samapathi of the RGI Airport Police confirmed that the accused now faces multiple charges under India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita legal framework. Specifically, sections 74 (assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 75 (sexual harassment) have been invoked alongside other pertinent legal provisions.

    The flight crew had formally reported the incident to both the aircraft captain and ground security personnel upon arrival. Following preliminary investigations, local judiciary officials remanded the accused to judicial custody pending further legal proceedings. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding passenger conduct aboard commercial flights and the legal consequences of such behavior.