Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Jordan using Israeli data-gathering software to track activists: Citizen Lab

    Jordan using Israeli data-gathering software to track activists: Citizen Lab

    A groundbreaking investigation by cybersecurity research group Citizen Lab has uncovered that Jordanian authorities are systematically employing digital extraction technology developed by Israeli firm Cellebrite to surveil civil society activists without consent. The report details how Jordan’s security apparatus has utilized these forensic tools to access data from mobile devices belonging to activists and civil society members, bypassing international human rights obligations.

    The research team identified specific technical indicators on both iOS and Android devices that had been seized by Jordanian authorities and subsequently returned to their owners. These digital fingerprints provided high-confidence evidence linking the data extraction to Cellebrite’s proprietary technology. According to court documents examined by Citizen Lab, the extracted data has been utilized in criminal proceedings against activists, raising serious concerns about compliance with human rights treaties that Jordan has ratified.

    Cellebrite, headquartered in Tel Aviv with majority ownership by Japan’s Sun Corporation, has previously supplied its technology to multiple governments worldwide. The company’s products have been implicated in cases targeting dissidents in Myanmar, where they were used against Reuters journalists reporting on the Rohingya crisis, and in Russia against pro-democracy advocates.

    The revelation comes amid escalating tensions in Jordan, where hundreds of citizens have been detained over the past year, many for expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Jordan’s General Intelligence Department (GID), commonly known as Mukhabarat, faces mounting criticism following the death of a young man in custody last year.

    Between January 2024 and June 2025, Citizen Lab forensically analyzed three iPhones and one Android device belonging to Jordanian civil society members who had been detained, arrested, or interrogated. All four devices showed clear evidence of forensic extraction using Cellebrite technology. In one particularly telling case, an activist retrieved their iPhone from Amman’s Cybercrime Unit to find their passcode written on tape affixed to the device’s back, despite never having disclosed it during interrogation.

    Cellebrite responded to inquiries by emphasizing that their software constitutes investigative technology rather than spyware, and should only be deployed with proper legal authority or consent. The company stated it strictly licenses its technology for operations conducted under valid legal frameworks, though it declined to comment on specific cases.

    The findings highlight growing concerns about the global proliferation of digital surveillance tools and their application against civil society actors, particularly in regions with fragile democratic institutions.

  • Indian expats in UAE upset over IndiGo’s plan to halt lone Dubai–Bhubaneswar flight

    Indian expats in UAE upset over IndiGo’s plan to halt lone Dubai–Bhubaneswar flight

    The Odia expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates has voiced significant distress over IndiGo Airlines’ apparent decision to terminate its exclusive direct flight connection between Dubai and Bhubaneswar. This strategic aviation link, operating tri-weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, represents the only non-stop service bridging the Gulf region with the capital of Odisha in eastern India.

    Current booking data on IndiGo’s digital platforms indicates the suspension will take effect in late March, with no reservations being accepted beyond this period. This development has generated considerable anxiety among frequent travelers, families maintaining transnational connections, and business professionals who rely on this direct routing.

    The Dubai-Bhubaneswar route, inaugurated with considerable ceremony in May 2023 after nearly a decade of community advocacy, has evolved into a vital transportation artery. It dramatically reduces travel duration between the regions while eliminating the necessity for multiple transfers through other Indian aviation hubs.

    Amiya Kumar Mishra, President of Odisha Samaj UAE, characterized the potential discontinuation as profoundly disappointing. “The launch culminated seven to eight years of persistent effort and represented a monumental achievement for our diaspora,” Mishra stated. “Its termination would adversely impact families, professionals, and commercial enterprises simultaneously.”

    Contrary to the airline’s apparent rationale, passengers report consistently high demand for the service. Dubai-based media professional Sudhashisee Dash, who recently traveled on the route, confirmed the flight operated at full capacity—a pattern she described as typical. This robust passenger load appears inconsistent with the commercial justification for route termination.

    The suspension follows the recent discontinuation of the Abu Dhabi-Bhubaneswar service last month, compounding connectivity challenges for the Odia community across the UAE. Collectively, these developments have severed direct air links between Odisha and two major Emirates.

    The issue has transcended community concerns to attract political attention within Odisha. The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has formally urged state government intervention to protect international connectivity, while Odisha Samaj UAE has petitioned the state’s Chief Secretary for immediate action to preserve this critical aviation link.

  • Emirati Work Bundle introduced for UAE citizens in private sector

    Emirati Work Bundle introduced for UAE citizens in private sector

    The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated a groundbreaking digital platform designed to revolutionize the employment experience for its citizens in the private sector. The ‘Emirati Work Bundle,’ unveiled by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on January 22, 2026, represents a significant advancement in the nation’s workforce development strategy.

    This comprehensive digital ecosystem provides end-to-end services that commence with registration on the established ‘Nafis’ platform and extend through the entire employment lifecycle, culminating with enrollment in the UAE’s pension and social security frameworks. The initiative forms an integral component of the nation’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, aiming to eliminate administrative obstacles and enhance operational efficiency.

    Khalil Khoori, Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations at MoHRE, emphasized the platform’s capacity to streamline procedures and minimize documentation requirements for both Emirati job seekers and private sector employers. The system leverages unprecedented data integration across multiple government entities, including the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA), and several health and digital authorities.

    Senior officials from participating institutions have welcomed the initiative. Major General Saeed Salem Balhas Al Shamsi, ICP’s acting director general, noted the platform’s potential to deliver exceptional and expedited services. Feras Al Ramahi, GPSSA director general, highlighted how the integration enables real-time tracking of citizen status updates, accelerating digital service delivery. Khalaf Abdullah Rahma Al Hammadi of the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund emphasized the critical importance of early and accurate pension registration for strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding citizens’ retirement rights.

  • Egyptian Relief Committee and AFP slam Israeli attack that killed three journalists in Gaza

    Egyptian Relief Committee and AFP slam Israeli attack that killed three journalists in Gaza

    Israel faces mounting international criticism following a military strike that killed three Palestinian journalists in central Gaza on January 21, 2026. The journalists—Mohammad Salah Qishta, Abdul Raouf Samir Shaat (a freelancer for Agence France-Presse), and Anas Ghanem—were documenting conditions at a displaced persons camp operated by the Egyptian Relief Committee when their clearly marked vehicle was targeted.

    The Israeli military confirmed the attack, asserting it had targeted suspects allegedly operating a Hamas-affiliated drone. This justification mirrors previous unsubstantiated claims made by Israel throughout its two-year military campaign in Gaza, where journalists have frequently been accused of militant affiliations without evidence.

    Mohammed Mansour, spokesperson for the Egyptian Relief Committee, condemned what he described as a ‘criminal targeting’ of a humanitarian mission, noting all committee vehicles bear prominent identifying logos. A source within the committee revealed the journalists were on assignment documenting camps near the Netzarim corridor, calling the attack a ‘dangerous precedent’ undermining ceasefire negotiations.

    The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate denounced the incident as a ‘deliberate assassination’ intended to silence Palestinian voices and conceal Israeli crimes against civilians. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had previously identified the Israeli army as ‘the worst enemy of journalists’ in its December annual report, noting that 43% of journalist killings worldwide occurred in Palestinian territories, overwhelmingly perpetrated by Israeli forces.

    Since October 2023, the Government Media Office in Gaza reports 260 journalists have been killed by Israeli forces. Despite a ceasefire agreement effective October 10, Israel has committed approximately 1,300 violations including deadly airstrikes, civilian arrests, home demolitions, and aid restrictions. The overall Palestinian death toll since October 2023 exceeds 71,500, with more than 171,300 wounded.

    AFP mourned Shaat’s death and demanded a ‘full and transparent investigation,’ highlighting that foreign journalists remain unable to enter Gaza freely while local journalists face extreme danger. Independent journalist Barry Malone summarized the situation: ‘There is no ceasefire. There never was.’

  • Radiopharmaceutical development alliance launched in Shanghai

    Radiopharmaceutical development alliance launched in Shanghai

    Shanghai has established a groundbreaking consortium to revolutionize radiopharmaceutical innovation through the newly formed Shanghai Radiopharmaceutical Concept Verification Alliance. The initiative, officially launched on January 19, 2026, at Zhangjiang High-Tech Park in Pudong New Area, represents a strategic collaboration between medical, academic, and industry stakeholders.

    Spearheaded by the Academy for Clinical Innovation and Translation of Shanghai, the alliance addresses critical challenges in early-stage radiopharmaceutical development. By consolidating fragmented verification resources and incomplete data systems that traditionally impede drug innovation, the consortium aims to create a centralized platform operating under market mechanisms.

    This innovative platform will provide comprehensive end-to-end services including target validation and production of high-quality, GMP-like samples for preclinical studies. The launch ceremony occurred during the 2026 Shanghai Radiopharmaceutical Concept Verification Ecosystem Seminar, part of the broader Zhangjiang Pharma Valley Radiopharmaceutical Industry International Exchange Conference.

    The event attracted international experts who presented on global advancements, while domestic specialists from Shanghai’s leading hospitals and research institutions contributed to panel discussions on cutting-edge areas including targeted alpha therapy and radiotheranostics—an emerging field combining diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radioactive drugs.

    Multiple project agreements were formalized during the launch, with participants establishing frameworks for concept verification services, collaborative models, and profit-sharing mechanisms to ensure sustainable development of the initiative.

  • ‘Beef’ Season 2 first look: Here’s what we know about the Oscar Issac, Charles Melton series

    ‘Beef’ Season 2 first look: Here’s what we know about the Oscar Issac, Charles Melton series

    Netflix has released the inaugural glimpse of its acclaimed anthology series ‘Beef,’ setting the stage for its highly anticipated second season premiere on April 16. The forthcoming installment transitions from the road rage narrative of Season 1 into the opulent corridors of an exclusive country club, exploring complex dynamics among its elite members.

    Headlined by Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as power couple Josh and Lindsay, the new season introduces Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny as Austin and Ashley—club employees who become entangled in their employers’ volatile relationship. The released stills depict Melton’s character weightlifting, Spaeny appearing distressed on a hospital bed, Isaac navigating a golf cart, and Mulligan contemplating cosmetic surgery while examining her reflection.

    Academy Award winner Yuh-Jung Youn assumes the role of Chairwoman Park, while ‘Parasite’ star Song Kang-ho portrays Dr. Kim, expanding the series’ Korean cultural representation. The supporting ensemble features William Fichtner as Troy, Mikaela Hoover as Ava, and BM as Woosh.

    Creator Lee Sung Jin returns as showrunner and executive producer for the eight-episode season, with each installment running approximately 30 minutes. Original stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong continue their involvement as executive producers, maintaining creative continuity from the Emmy-winning first season.

    The narrative shift explores themes of privilege, power manipulation, and marital strife within billionaire circles, described by production notes as examining ‘chess moves of favours and coercion’ surrounding a Korean billionaire club owner. This marks a significant evolution from Season 1’s focus on class conflict following a traffic confrontation between strangers.

    The series returns after a three-year hiatus, with Netflix officially announcing: ‘Every relationship has its BEEF. Here’s your first look at Season 2, premiering April 16.’

  • Impeachment complaint filed against Philippine President for ‘betrayal of public trust’

    Impeachment complaint filed against Philippine President for ‘betrayal of public trust’

    A significant political confrontation has erupted in the Philippines as activist groups filed a formal impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Thursday. The legal action, backed by three legislators from the Makabayan bloc in Congress, levels severe allegations including constitutional violations, treason, bribery, and systematic corruption.

    The 37-page impeachment document centers on what complainants describe as ‘the most devastating corruption scheme in recent Philippine infrastructure history.’ The allegations specifically target a ₱545.6 billion (approximately $10 billion) flood control project initiative spanning from 2022 to 2025. According to the complaint, President Marcos institutionalized corruption through a mechanism dubbed ‘baselined-balanced-managed’—ironically sharing his initials (BBM)—that granted him discretionary authority over unprogrammed appropriations.

    The filing reveals that an astonishing ₱100 billion became concentrated among just 15 preferred contractors, resulting in substandard or nonexistent infrastructure projects while allegedly generating massive kickbacks for the president’s inner circle. Raymond Palatino, Secretary General of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), emphasized that ‘billions of pesos cannot be stolen without the president’s knowledge,’ noting that Marcos personally signed and implemented the contested budget.

    However, the impeachment process immediately encountered procedural obstacles when the House Office of the Secretary General declined to accept the filing due to the absence of Secretary-General Cheloy Garafil, who was overseas. Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares contested this rejection, asserting that the complaint should be considered duly served under House regulations.

    The Philippine Constitution grants the House of Representatives exclusive authority to initiate impeachment proceedings, requiring a one-third majority vote before any case advances to the Senate for trial. Legal experts from the University of the Philippines College of Law characterize impeachment as ‘quintessentially political,’ with elected congressional members rather than judicial authorities determining outcomes.

  • Kelsang Pedron: A Tibetan female pilot in the Chinese PLA Air Force

    Kelsang Pedron: A Tibetan female pilot in the Chinese PLA Air Force

    Kelsang Pedron has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming one of the first Tibetan female pilots in China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Her journey represents both personal achievement and symbolic progress in China’s military diversity initiatives.

    In a recent interview, Pilot Pedron detailed the rigorous training regimen and exceptional dedication required to excel in aviation within the PLA. Her path to the cockpit involved mastering complex aeronautical systems, enduring physically demanding flight simulations, and developing the mental resilience necessary for military aviation operations.

    The accomplishment holds particular significance given China’s ongoing efforts to integrate ethnic minorities into prominent national roles. As a Tibetan woman excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field, Pedron’s success challenges multiple stereotypes simultaneously.

    Military analysts note that her achievement reflects broader changes within China’s armed forces, where merit-based advancement increasingly transcends regional and gender boundaries. The PLA has been actively working to modernize not only its equipment but also its personnel policies in recent years.

    Pedron’s story has generated considerable attention on Chinese social media platforms, where many celebrate her as an inspiration for young people across China’s diverse ethnic landscape. Her journey from the Tibetan plateau to the cockpit serves as a powerful narrative about opportunity and perseverance in contemporary China.

    The Air Force has been expanding its recruitment from previously underrepresented regions, with Pedron’s appointment representing both personal excellence and institutional progress in the military’s diversity initiatives.

  • Death toll in Pakistan shopping plaza fire rises to 67, officials say

    Death toll in Pakistan shopping plaza fire rises to 67, officials say

    KARACHI, Pakistan — The catastrophic fire that engulfed a commercial complex in Pakistan’s port metropolis of Karachi has now claimed 67 lives, authorities confirmed Thursday. The grim discovery of additional human remains has substantially increased the death toll from the weekend tragedy that reduced Gul Plaza to ruins.

    Rescue operations persist at the extensively damaged shopping center where the inferno initially broke out on Saturday. According to Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, the recovery process has been severely complicated by the fragmentary condition of most remains, creating significant challenges for victim identification. Senior Karachi police official Asad Raza corroborated the updated casualty figures, which represent a near doubling of previously confirmed fatalities.

    The Sindh provincial government reports approximately 70 individuals remain unaccounted for following the rapid escalation of flames, which were intensified by the combustion of retail merchandise including cosmetics, apparel, and plastic household goods. The fire erupted during evening hours when commercial establishments were either concluding operations or had already vacated the premises.

    While the official investigation into the fire’s origins remains ongoing, preliminary assessments by law enforcement suggest electrical short-circuiting as the probable ignition source. This tragedy echoes Karachi’s historical vulnerability to major fire incidents, frequently attributed to inadequate safety protocols, lax regulatory oversight, and unauthorized construction practices.

    The city has witnessed several comparable disasters in recent years, including a November 2023 shopping mall fire that resulted in 10 fatalities and 22 injuries. Pakistan’s most devastating industrial catastrophe occurred in 2012 when a garment factory conflagration claimed at least 260 lives, highlighting persistent systemic safety failures.

  • China expands rural land contract extension pilot program

    China expands rural land contract extension pilot program

    China has significantly expanded its pilot program extending rural land contracts by an additional 30 years, now encompassing seven entire provinces in a major policy initiative designed to stabilize land rights for over 25 million farming households. The announcement was made by agricultural officials during a Thursday press conference.

    Chen Bangxun, Director of the Development and Planning Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, emphasized that managing the relationship between farmers and their land represents a cornerstone of deepening rural reform. “The extension of the second round of contracts is critical to the long-term interests of millions of farmers,” Chen stated, revealing that the program now includes 221 counties and 349 townships across the seven provinces.

    To ensure operational continuity, authorities will maintain the majority of existing contracts without modification, utilizing data from land rights registration and certification systems to facilitate seamless extensions. For addressing local conflicts or supporting vulnerable populations, the ministry encourages utilizing reserve land or newly added arable land. Alternative solutions include distributing collective revenue, providing employment services, or creating public welfare positions.

    The ministry is now assisting provincial governments in establishing comprehensive implementation mechanisms. “We will formulate specific extension methods and detailed supporting measures to ensure the process provides a solid foundation for agricultural modernization,” Chen added.

    Concurrent with this announcement, Vice-Minister Zhang Xingwang reported substantial progress in China’s agricultural sector, with nearly 4 million family farms and over 2 million farmers’ cooperatives now established nationwide. More than 1.1 million agricultural business entities currently provide socialized services, benefiting approximately 93 million smallholder households.

    Despite challenging weather conditions including drought, flooding, and prolonged rainfall in various regions, China’s grain output reached approximately 714.9 million metric tons in 2025, representing an increase of 8.4 million tons from the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year that output has exceeded 700 million tons, with soybean production climbing to 20.91 million tons—the fourth straight year above 20 million tons.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics, rural residents’ per capita disposable income reached 24,456 yuan ($3,512) in 2025, reflecting a real increase of 6 percent year-on-year.