Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Death toll from floods in Thailand reach 145 as receding water reveals widespread damage

    Death toll from floods in Thailand reach 145 as receding water reveals widespread damage

    BANGKOK — Catastrophic flooding across twelve southern Thai provinces has resulted in at least 145 confirmed fatalities, according to official statements released Friday. The devastating deluge, triggered by torrential rainfall, has impacted approximately 1.2 million households and 3.6 million residents throughout the region.

    Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat confirmed during a Bangkok news conference that the majority of casualties occurred in Songkhla province, which alone recorded 110 deaths. The death toll saw a significant increase as receding floodwaters enabled rescue teams to access previously submerged residential areas, particularly in Hat Yai, the south’s largest urban center.

    While flood levels have subsided across most affected zones, certain locations continue to experience elevated water levels. The Meteorological Department reported decreased rainfall but issued ongoing thunderstorm warnings for specific areas.

    The scale of destruction became increasingly visible as waters retreated, revealing overturned vehicles, collapsed infrastructure, and extensive debris accumulation. Powerful currents had swept away automobiles, leaving them stacked atop one another, while damaged roads and fallen power poles rendered many areas inaccessible. Household appliances and personal belongings lay scattered throughout flooded neighborhoods, illustrating the overwhelming force of the floodwaters that stranded thousands of residents and submerged low-rise buildings.

  • Epic tales and star power: How Tollywood is reshaping Indian cinema

    Epic tales and star power: How Tollywood is reshaping Indian cinema

    HYDERABAD, India — While Bollywood has long dominated perceptions of Indian cinema internationally, a powerful cinematic movement from South India has emerged as a formidable global competitor. The Telugu-language film industry, colloquially known as Tollywood, has captured worldwide attention through its distinctive blend of mythological storytelling, high-octane action sequences, and spectacular visual effects.

    Operating primarily from Hyderabad, Tollywood benefits from the massive infrastructure of Ramoji Film City—the world’s largest film studio complex according to Guinness World Records. This 1,666-acre production hub enables the industry to generate approximately 300 films annually, establishing itself as India’s second-largest film industry after Bollywood.

    The pandemic-era expansion of streaming services proved transformative for Tollywood, providing regional films unprecedented access to international audiences. This digital revolution coincided with Bollywood’s creative challenges, allowing Telugu cinema to fill a void with its unique formula of star-driven spectacles and large-scale epics.

    Tollywood’s signature approach combines family drama, action, and mythology into what industry marketers now term ‘pan-India’ releases—films deliberately crafted for cross-cultural appeal and routinely dubbed into multiple languages. While the industry produces smaller, culturally-rooted films addressing social issues and regional themes, its global breakthroughs have come primarily from big-budget productions like the ‘Baahubali’ series and the Oscar-winning ‘RRR’.

    The industry’s cultural impact extends beyond entertainment, with its stars commanding near-religious devotion from fans. Male actors particularly enjoy godlike status, with followers performing ritualistic worship of their idols’ images and organizing charitable events in their names. This fandom culture frequently translates into political influence, with several Tollywood actors successfully transitioning into political leadership roles.

    Much of Tollywood’s recent international success is attributed to visionary filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, whose imaginative storytelling and preference for larger-than-life heroes have redefined Indian cinema’s global potential. His upcoming project ‘Varanasi,’ blending time-travel with Hindu mythology, anticipates continued international interest in Telugu cinema.

    Financially, Tollywood operates through theatrical releases, television rights, overseas distribution, and brand partnerships. Despite being controlled by influential regional families, strategic marketing campaigns and cross-industry collaborations have positioned Tollywood releases as national events across India and beyond.

  • Cute robot pets emerge as cuddly companions

    Cute robot pets emerge as cuddly companions

    In a significant technological advancement within the emotional AI sector, robotic companion pets are emerging as innovative solutions for urban professionals seeking low-maintenance companionship. These AI-driven creations, exemplified by products like Ropet and Moflin, combine sophisticated sensor technology with emotionally responsive behaviors to simulate genuine pet interactions.

    The Ropet robotic pet, developed specifically for young female white-collar workers, represents a breakthrough in emotional artificial intelligence. Priced at $299 for its basic version, this feline-inspired device features multi-sensor capabilities including a nasal camera, forehead microphone, and tactile sensors that enable it to perceive and respond to human interactions through audio, visual, and touch inputs. The unit’s LED-screen eyes display food imagery during feeding interactions, while its AI model allows for personality development based on user treatment patterns.

    Market validation has been substantial, with Ropet’s Kickstarter campaign attracting 1,134 backers and raising approximately $400,000—exceeding its initial goal by 300 times. Similarly, Casio’s Moflin AI rabbit toy sold over 7,000 units at 59,400 yen ($380) each within months of release.

    According to industry analysis by Global Market Insights, the emotion AI market is projected to expand from $2.9 billion last year to $19.4 billion by 2034, indicating robust growth potential for companion robotics. The technology’s appeal lies in its ability to stimulate oxytocin secretion while reducing anxiety and depression through non-verbal companionship.

    He Jiabin, CEO and co-founder of Ropet, emphasizes that these devices provide ‘soft companionship’ rather than verbal communication, intentionally designed to trigger caregiving instincts and childlike playfulness. Users like tech columnist Yoky Liu report meaningful emotional connections with their robotic companions, noting that the devices’ evolving personalities reflect their own behavioral patterns over time.

    This technological innovation addresses growing urban loneliness while offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional pet ownership, representing a significant convergence of artificial intelligence, emotional wellness, and consumer electronics.

  • China successfully breeds third-generation Chinese sturgeon artificially

    China successfully breeds third-generation Chinese sturgeon artificially

    In a landmark achievement for wildlife conservation, Chinese scientists have successfully bred the third filial generation of Chinese sturgeon entirely through artificial propagation techniques. The breakthrough was announced on November 27, 2025, by the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC), representing a critical advancement in the preservation of this endangered species.

    The historic breeding occurred at CTGC’s Yangtze River Rare Fish Conservation Center, where researchers utilized second-generation captive-bred sturgeon as parent fish. The selected specimens—a 13-year-old female and 14-year-old male—underwent meticulous preparation beginning early this year. This involved specialized nutritional enhancement and carefully controlled environmental simulations to replicate natural breeding conditions.

    The actual artificial induction and fertilization procedures were conducted during November 6-7, coinciding with the species’ optimal reproductive window. The scientific team recorded an extraordinary fertilization rate exceeding 95 percent. Following a five-day incubation period, approximately 112,000 third-generation fry emerged, demonstrating the program’s remarkable success.

    According to Jiang Wei, Deputy Director of CTGC’s Yangtze River Biodiversity Research Center, this achievement proves that second-generation sturgeon can reach full maturity and reproduce under controlled conditions. This milestone enables a significant transition where the more numerous second-generation population will replace the first generation as the primary breeding group, establishing a sustainable model for large-scale conservation.

    The Chinese sturgeon, endemic to China and often described as a ‘living fossil,’ represents one of the world’s most ancient migratory fish species. Conservation efforts began decades ago, with the first generation successfully bred from wild parents in the 1980s, followed by the second generation in 2009. The new breakthrough paves the way for developing comprehensive ‘artificial-plus-natural’ protection systems that could ultimately support the restoration of wild sturgeon populations.

  • Scores killed as floods sweep several Asian nations

    Scores killed as floods sweep several Asian nations

    A devastating wave of extreme weather has unleashed catastrophic flooding across multiple Asian nations, resulting in a mounting humanitarian crisis with significant loss of life. The archipelago nation of Indonesia has borne the heaviest toll, with official reports confirming at least 80 fatalities. Concurrently, the island nation of Sri Lanka has suffered profound casualties, recording 56 deaths according to emergency response officials. The severe weather system, characterized by torrential, unrelenting rainfall, has triggered widespread flooding and destructive landslides over the past week. These events have submerged entire communities, severed critical transportation networks, and displaced thousands of residents from their homes. Emergency services in both countries are engaged in extensive search and rescue operations, battling challenging conditions to reach isolated populations. The scale of the destruction points to a severe regional disaster, overwhelming local infrastructure and response capabilities. This event underscores the increasing vulnerability of densely populated regions to intense climatic phenomena, raising urgent questions about disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies in South and Southeast Asia.

  • Japan’s same-sex marriage ban is constitutional, says Tokyo court

    Japan’s same-sex marriage ban is constitutional, says Tokyo court

    In a landmark decision that defies recent judicial trends, Tokyo’s High Court has declared Japan’s prohibition of same-sex marriage constitutional. This verdict stands in stark contrast to five previous high court rulings across the nation that had found the ban unconstitutional, creating significant disappointment among marriage equality advocates.

    The ruling emerged from the final batch of six same-sex marriage lawsuits filed between 2019 and 2021 in various Japanese cities including Sapporo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Presiding Judge Ayumi Higashi asserted that the matter should first undergo parliamentary deliberation rather than judicial determination, according to Mainichi newspaper reports.

    Plaintiffs and their legal representatives gathered outside the courthouse expressed profound dismay, displaying signs declaring the verdict “unjust.” Shino Kawachi, one of the plaintiffs, questioned the judiciary’s perspective: “What is justice? Was the court even watching us? Were they considering the next generation?” Her partner, Hiromi Hatogai, conveyed extreme outrage while vowing to continue their legal battle.

    Amnesty International’s East Asia researcher Boram Jang condemned the decision as a “damaging step backwards,” urging the Japanese government to proactively work toward legalization so same-sex couples can enjoy equal marriage rights. Japan remains the only G7 nation without full recognition or clear legal protections for same-sex couples, though it aligns with most Asian countries where only Taiwan, Thailand, and Nepal currently permit same-sex marriages.

    The cases are expected to advance to Japan’s Supreme Court for final adjudication, setting the stage for a definitive national ruling on marriage equality.

  • Sons of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew and Epstein of abuse, seek control of her estate

    Sons of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew and Epstein of abuse, seek control of her estate

    A contentious legal proceeding unfolded in Australia’s Supreme Court on Friday as multiple parties vied for control of the estate belonging to Virginia Giuffre, the prominent accuser in the Jeffrey Epstein sexual abuse scandal. The hearing marked the beginning of what promises to be an extended legal battle over Giuffre’s assets, which include real estate holdings in Western Australia and potential royalties from her recently published memoir.

    Giuffre, who died by suicide in April at age 41 without leaving a will, had achieved international recognition for her allegations against Epstein and Britain’s Prince Andrew. Her two adult sons, Christian (19) and Noah Giuffre (18), have petitioned the court to be appointed administrators of their mother’s estate. Their application faces opposition from two unexpected quarters: Giuffre’s former housekeeper and caregiver Cheryl Myers, and her Perth-based attorney Karrie Louden, both of whom are seeking administrative control.

    The court has appointed a temporary administrator to oversee the estate pending resolution of the case. During Friday’s proceedings, legal representatives debated whether Giuffre’s minor daughter (whose identity remains protected by court order) and her estranged husband Robert Giuffre should be included as formal parties to the litigation.

    Complicating the matter further are revelations about Giuffre’s personal circumstances prior to her death. Court documents indicate she had separated from her family earlier this year and faced pending charges for violating a family violence restraining order related to a February incident. The case will resume with additional hearings scheduled for next year, as the court seeks to determine the most appropriate stewardship of assets connected to one of the most high-profile figures in the Epstein scandal.

  • Separatist plans of Lai slammed

    Separatist plans of Lai slammed

    The Chinese mainland has issued a stern condemnation of Taiwan’s newly announced security measures, characterizing them as provocative steps toward independence that endanger regional stability. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office, denounced Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te’s recently unveiled defense strategy during a press briefing on Thursday.

    The strong rebuke came in response to Lai’s address at a high-level security conference where he revealed an ambitious NT$1.25 trillion (approximately $40 billion) special defense allocation spanning eight years. The Democratic Progressive Party administration additionally committed to elevating military expenditure to 3.3% of GDP by next year, with ambitions to reach 5% by 2030.

    Chen characterized these developments as evidence of a “warmongering nature” that threatens to plunge Taiwan into what he described as an “abyss of war and danger.” The spokesperson accused Lai of deliberately exaggerating external threats while pursuing independence through military buildup and foreign alliances, actions that Chen asserted directly undermine cross-Strait relations.

    The criticism has found echoes within Taiwan’s political landscape. Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the opposition Kuomintang party, warned that Lai’s policies are transforming the Taiwan Strait into a “powder keg” and converting the island into an “arms factory.” Former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou similarly expressed concern through social media channels, noting the absence of reconciliation efforts in Lai’s approach.

    Reiterating Beijing’s longstanding position, Chen emphasized the principle of a single China encompassing both the mainland and Taiwan. He reaffirmed commitment to “peaceful reunification and one country, two systems” as the preferred framework for national unity, promising that any resolution would consider Taiwan’s specific circumstances and protect the interests of its residents.

  • Death toll rises to 94 in Hong Kong residential building fire: fire department

    Death toll rises to 94 in Hong Kong residential building fire: fire department

    Hong Kong authorities confirmed Thursday that the death toll from a devastating residential building fire has climbed to 94, marking one of the deadliest fire incidents in the city’s recent history. The fire department continues rescue operations at the scene amid growing concerns about building safety standards in densely populated urban areas.

    The blaze, which erupted in a multi-story residential complex, prompted an extensive emergency response involving hundreds of firefighters and medical personnel. Despite their efforts, the rapid spread of flames and dense smoke created extremely challenging rescue conditions, resulting in the staggering casualty count.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed profound condolences over the tragic incident and called for maximum efforts in rescue operations to minimize further losses. The statement emphasized prioritizing people’s lives and safety while mobilizing all available resources for the emergency response.

    Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the fire’s cause, with preliminary reports suggesting possible electrical faults or structural safety issues as potential contributing factors. The tragedy has sparked immediate discussions about fire safety regulations and building maintenance standards in Hong Kong’s aging residential infrastructure.

    Survivors and families of victims are receiving government support services as the community grapples with the scale of the tragedy. The incident has drawn attention to urban safety challenges in high-density living environments across Asian metropolises.

  • Court’s ruling against same-sex marriage sets up a Japan Supreme Court decision

    Court’s ruling against same-sex marriage sets up a Japan Supreme Court decision

    In a significant legal setback for marriage equality advocates, Tokyo’s High Court declared Japan’s prohibition of same-sex unions constitutional on Friday, marking the first defeat at this judicial level among six parallel cases challenging the nation’s marital laws.

    The ruling overturned a previous lower court decision from 2023 and established that Japan’s legal framework rationally defines family as a unit comprising heterosexual couples and their children. Presiding Judge Ayumi Higashi asserted that excluding same-sex partnerships from marital recognition remains legally valid under this interpretation. The court additionally rejected damage claims of 1 million yen (approximately $6,400) per plaintiff sought by eight LGBTQ+ individuals demanding equal marriage rights.

    This decision represents only the second judicial finding supporting the constitutionality of Japan’s current policy since the 2022 Osaka District Court ruling. With all six high court cases now concluded, attention turns to the Supreme Court, which is anticipated to consolidate appeals and deliver a definitive verdict potentially as early as next year.

    Plaintiffs expressed profound disappointment outside the courthouse. ‘Rather than sorrow, I’m outraged and appalled by the decision,’ stated Hiromi Hatogai, one of the claimants. Another participant, Rie Fukuda, emphasized their determination: ‘We only want to be able to marry and be happy, just like anyone else. I believe society is changing. We won’t give up.’

    Despite this judicial setback, recent years have witnessed rapidly growing public support for marriage equality and increasing backing from Japan’s business community. The nation remains the sole G7 country that neither recognizes same-sex marriage nor provides legally binding protections for LGBTQ+ couples, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party maintaining strong opposition to marital rights expansion.

    More than 30 plaintiffs have participated in marriage equality lawsuits filed across Japan since 2019, arguing that current civil law provisions violate constitutional guarantees of equality and marriage freedom. The government maintains that civil marriage fundamentally concerns heterosexual unions and places importance on natural reproduction.