Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Iran suspends visa-free entry for Indians; here’s why

    Iran suspends visa-free entry for Indians; here’s why

    In a significant policy shift, Iran has suspended its visa-free entry facility for Indian nationals, effective November 22, 2025. The decision follows a surge in fraudulent activities and human trafficking cases involving Indian citizens. The Iranian embassy in India announced the suspension, stating that Indian passport holders will now require a visa to enter or transit through Iran. This move reverses the visa waiver introduced in February 2024 to promote tourism.

    The Indian Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel. The ministry highlighted several incidents where Indian nationals were lured to Iran under false pretenses, such as promises of employment or onward travel to third countries. Upon arrival, many were kidnapped and held for ransom. The suspension aims to curb the misuse of the visa waiver by criminal elements.

    In September 2025, India had already warned its citizens about fake job offers in Iran, emphasizing the need for caution. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, revealed that numerous Indians had fallen victim to criminal gangs exploiting the visa-free facility. The advisory stressed that the visa waiver was exclusively for tourism and did not cover employment-related travel.

    Iran, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location as a transit hub, had initially introduced the visa waiver to attract Indian tourists. However, the rising incidents of fraud and human trafficking have necessitated this policy reversal. The Indian government continues to advise its citizens to verify employment opportunities thoroughly to avoid falling prey to organized scams.

  • Philippine president Marcos rejects estranged sister’s drug allegations

    Philippine president Marcos rejects estranged sister’s drug allegations

    Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has firmly rejected allegations of illicit drug use made by his estranged sister, Senator Imee Marcos, labeling them as unfounded and politically motivated. The accusations surfaced during an anti-corruption rally on Monday, where Senator Marcos claimed, without evidence, that her brother had struggled with drug addiction since their youth and that it continued to the present day. She further asserted that this alleged drug use was a catalyst for widespread corruption in the government. In response, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed the claims as ‘a story without value,’ citing a 2021 drug test taken by President Marcos during his presidential campaign, which returned negative results. This is not the first time President Marcos has faced such allegations. His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had previously accused him of being on a ‘narco-list’ during Duterte’s tenure as mayor of Davao City, a claim denied by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague over alleged human rights violations during his ‘war on drugs,’ remains a polarizing figure in Philippine politics. Senator Imee Marcos, an ally of Duterte, has distanced herself from her brother and has been critical of his policies, particularly his efforts to strengthen security ties with the United States, which contrast with Duterte’s pro-China stance. President Marcos’s son, Congressman Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos, defended his father, calling the allegations ‘a web of lies’ aimed at destabilizing the government. Meanwhile, President Marcos has initiated a comprehensive investigation into irregularities in infrastructure projects, particularly flood-control works, following an internal audit that revealed widespread substandard practices and corruption. The scandal has sparked public outrage, with many demanding accountability from implicated officials and lawmakers.

  • Sino-foreign youth dialogue promotes mutual understanding in Nanning

    Sino-foreign youth dialogue promotes mutual understanding in Nanning

    The Sino-Foreign Youth Marxist Dialogue, held on Saturday at Guangxi University in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, brought together scholars, international youth delegates, and media representatives to deepen mutual understanding and promote cross-cultural communication. Participants included scholars from Peking University, Wuhan University, and Guangxi University, alongside over 20 international delegates from countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, and Vietnam. The event aimed to build consensus through intellectual exchange, foster friendships via cultural learning, and enhance dialogue across civilizations. Leonel Octavio Predut, an Argentine youth delegate, shared his unexpected discoveries about China, highlighting the seamless integration of modernity and tradition in Nanning and the kindness of locals. Zin Nway Hlaing, a Burmese student, expressed her ambition to bridge cultural understanding between Myanmar and China, emphasizing China’s cultural richness alongside its technological and economic prowess. Prior to the dialogue, participants visited Baise, a city in western Guangxi renowned for its revolutionary history, to explore its cultural and tourism attractions.

  • UAE banks shift focus to long-term customer engagement, loyalty, says expert

    UAE banks shift focus to long-term customer engagement, loyalty, says expert

    In a transformative shift, UAE banks are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to foster long-term customer relationships, moving beyond transactional interactions to support customers through key life milestones. This strategic pivot was highlighted by Luis Rodriguez, Product Evangelist at Crif-Strands, during the 4th Banking Innovation and Technology Summit 2025 in Dubai. Rodriguez emphasized that modern customers seek more than financial products; they desire a trusted partner to guide them through significant decisions such as saving, career advancements, or purchasing a home. He noted that while digital channels have streamlined banking processes, they have also diminished the human element. To bridge this gap, banks are now analyzing customer behavior, preferences, and lifestyle patterns to offer personalized services. Rodriguez underscored the importance of engaging customers early in their financial journeys, stating that loyalty is built by being present from the outset, not just at the point of sale. The summit, attended by senior leaders from banks, fintech firms, and regulatory bodies, served as a platform to discuss how technology is reshaping the UAE’s financial landscape. Rodriguez also highlighted the growing importance of transparency in data usage, particularly with the rise of open banking. He stressed that customers must understand the value of their data and how it is utilized to build trust. Crif-Strands is aiding banks in optimizing lending processes and developing customer-centric digital operations, enabling them to cater to individuals with limited credit history and the region’s mass affluent segment. The summit reinforced the UAE’s position as a leading financial and technology hub, with industry leaders collaborating to drive the next phase of digital growth.

  • Dubai businessman offers Dh25,000 reward to help trace missing Indian father

    Dubai businessman offers Dh25,000 reward to help trace missing Indian father

    In a heartfelt gesture, Dubai-based real estate developer Kalpesh Kinariwala has announced a Dh25,000 reward for any credible information leading to the whereabouts of Rakesh Kumar Jangid, a 39-year-old Indian man who has been missing in the UAE for over two years. Kinariwala, the founder and chairman of Pantheon Developers, was moved to act after reading a recent report in Khaleej Times detailing the family’s ongoing struggle to find Rakesh.

    Kinariwala, who lost his father at a young age, expressed deep empathy for the family’s plight. “I know what it means for a family to suddenly lose the person they depend on,” he said. “If this gesture can bring even a small ray of hope to his children or help trace Rakesh, it’s the least we can do as a community.”

    The businessman has coordinated with local authorities and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to ensure the reward aligns with ongoing investigative efforts. He emphasized that any credible lead received through the reward will be promptly forwarded to the authorities. The Dh25,000 reward will be given to anyone who provides verifiable information that helps locate Rakesh.

    Rakesh, a marble installer from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, arrived in Dubai on June 21, 2023, on a 60-day tourist visa, hoping to secure a job. He maintained regular contact with his family for two weeks, but his last call on July 6, 2023, described a distressing incident at a construction site in Jebel Ali. Since then, his family has been unable to reach him.

    The family’s search has been fraught with challenges. Rakesh’s elder brother, Makhan Lal, traveled to Dubai in March 2024 after receiving a vague voice note from the agent who arranged Rakesh’s job, claiming he was in jail. Despite extensive searches in hospitals, detention centers, and construction sites, no trace of Rakesh was found.

    The family has endured multiple tragedies since Rakesh’s disappearance, including the loss of another brother in a train accident and the sudden death of their youngest brother. The reward announcement has brought a glimmer of hope to the family, who remain desperate for answers. “We just want to know what happened to Rakesh,” Makhan said. “Our parents are getting older. His children ask about him every day.”

  • Full text of the US resolution for Gaza approved by the UN Security Council

    Full text of the US resolution for Gaza approved by the UN Security Council

    The United Nations Security Council has unanimously endorsed a 20-point plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The resolution, adopted with a 13-0 vote and abstentions from China and Russia, grants Trump significant control over Gaza’s stabilization efforts. The plan includes the establishment of an international stabilization force, a ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump, and a committee of Palestinian technocrats to oversee governance for a two-year period. The resolution also outlines a potential pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, contingent on meeting specific reform and reconstruction milestones. The stabilization force, in coordination with Egypt and Israel, will secure border areas, ensure the demilitarization of Gaza, and facilitate humanitarian aid. However, Hamas has rejected the resolution, arguing it undermines Palestinian rights and imposes an international trusteeship. The plan’s success hinges on the Palestinian Authority’s reforms and Gaza’s reconstruction progress, with the US mediating discussions between Israel and Palestinians for a peaceful coexistence.

  • Logitech Spot named a TIME Best Invention of 2025

    Logitech Spot named a TIME Best Invention of 2025

    Logitech has achieved a significant milestone with its innovative workplace sensor, Logitech Spot, being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025. This radar-based device, recognized in the productivity category, is revolutionizing how companies optimize office spaces, enhance employee comfort, and reduce energy costs. Designed to address unseen barriers to productivity and workspace health, Logitech Spot is a compact, wireless sensor that measures room occupancy, air quality, and environmental factors impacting energy consumption. Its peel-and-stick design makes it easy to install on any wall without the need for wiring. Logitech Spot was developed to help businesses uncover hidden inefficiencies, such as underutilized spaces and poor air quality, which can drain resources and hinder employee performance. By providing real-time data on occupancy, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter, the sensor empowers companies to make informed decisions about their workspaces. Henry Levak, VP of Product at Logitech for Business, emphasized that many office challenges stem from a lack of data. Logitech Spot transforms these unknowns into actionable insights, enabling businesses to rightsize their office footprint and improve employee well-being. The device also integrates with the Logitech Sync management portal, allowing IT and Facilities teams to monitor Health and Energy Scores across all workspaces. This marks Logitech’s first foray into environmental sensing, expanding its portfolio of space management solutions, which includes automated room booking, desk booking technology, and digital wayfinding. Logitech Spot is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its mission to enhance workplace efficiency and sustainability.

  • Eid Al Etihad break: 5 visa-free countries UAE residents can fly to in few hours

    Eid Al Etihad break: 5 visa-free countries UAE residents can fly to in few hours

    As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th Eid Al Etihad, residents are planning short getaways to make the most of the four-day holiday announced for December 1 and 2. For those seeking convenience and affordability, visa-free destinations within a four-hour flight are an ideal choice. Here are five top-rated locations that promise hassle-free travel and unforgettable experiences.

    1. **Georgia**: Just a 3.5-hour flight from the UAE, Georgia offers a blend of European and Asian cultures. With its picturesque mountains and historic towns like Tbilisi, UAE residents can enjoy a 90-day stay without a visa.

    2. **Uzbekistan**: This Central Asian gem provides visa-on-arrival for UAE residents, allowing a 30-day stay. Explore the cultural treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara, or delve into Tashkent’s vibrant markets and Soviet-era architecture—all within a 3.5-hour flight.

    3. **Armenia**: UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Armenia. Known for its scenic landscapes and ancient monasteries, Armenia is a perfect escape from the desert heat, just a 3-hour, 25-minute flight away.

    4. **Nepal**: A 4-hour flight takes you to Nepal, home to Mount Everest and stunning Buddhist and Hindu temples. UAE residents can enjoy visa-on-arrival and immerse themselves in the country’s serene beauty and warm hospitality.

    5. **Azerbaijan**: A 3-hour flight to Baku opens the door to Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the UNESCO-listed Old City to the modern Heydar Aliyev Centre, this destination offers a unique blend of history and modernity.

    These destinations not only save time and effort but also provide a refreshing break from routine, making them perfect for a short holiday during the Eid Al Etihad break.

  • Israel tries Al-Aqsa imam Ekrima Sabri over alleged ‘incitement’

    Israel tries Al-Aqsa imam Ekrima Sabri over alleged ‘incitement’

    Israeli authorities have initiated the trial of Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the prominent imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, on charges of incitement. The first hearing took place on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian religious leaders. The charges, filed in August 2024, stem from two condolence speeches Sabri delivered in 2022 and his public mourning of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh following his assassination in 2024. Sabri’s legal team argues that the case is part of a broader campaign of political, religious, and ideological persecution targeting the imam. Khaled Zabarka, head of Sabri’s defense team, described the trial as ‘the embodiment of racist persecution’ and accused Israeli authorities of attempting to silence influential Palestinian voices. Sabri, 86, a former grand mufti of Jerusalem and head of the Supreme Islamic Council, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian causes and the Islamic claim to Al-Aqsa Mosque. His trial coincides with an intensifying Israeli crackdown on Palestinian access to the mosque, with increasing restrictions imposed on worshippers and imams. Zabarka highlighted that Israeli authorities have banned numerous individuals, including Sabri, from entering the site, often for mentioning Gaza in sermons. He condemned these actions as ‘an outright intrusion into the Friday sermons at Al-Aqsa Mosque,’ warning of a concerning new trend. Israel’s control of East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, continues to violate international law, which prohibits occupying powers from asserting sovereignty or making permanent changes to occupied territories.

  • Vitol, Cnergyico make Pakistan’s biggest single delivery of marine fuel

    Vitol, Cnergyico make Pakistan’s biggest single delivery of marine fuel

    In a landmark development for Pakistan’s maritime industry, global energy trading giant Vitol and Pakistan’s largest oil refiner, Cnergyico, have successfully executed the country’s largest single delivery of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) for ship refuelling. This significant shipment, announced in a statement late Monday, marks a pivotal step in enhancing Pakistan’s role in the global shipping sector. The VLSFO, compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, was produced by Cnergyico following its import of U.S. crude oil cargoes in August and September. The fuel was delivered to a vessel owned by shipping major MSC at Port Qasim using the Singapore-flagged bunker barge Marine Ista, capable of supplying 6,800 metric tons of marine fuel in a single delivery. Notably, this delivery was the first to load fuel directly from the Karachi Port Trust’s Oil Pier, bypassing traditional truck deliveries. The initiative not only enables large vessels refuelling in Pakistan to undertake longer east-to-west routes without additional stops but also strengthens Pakistan’s local supply of environmentally compliant marine fuel. Vitol and Cnergyico plan to continue this collaboration, with Vitol expanding its bunker locations to include Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Karachi Anchorage. Aumar Abbassciy, director at Cnergyico Pk Limited, emphasized that this effort underscores Pakistan’s growing capacity to provide sustainable fuel solutions to the global shipping industry.