Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Dubai: Gold prices jump over Dh15 per gram to another record high, could touch Dh600 soon

    Dubai: Gold prices jump over Dh15 per gram to another record high, could touch Dh600 soon

    Dubai’s gold market witnessed unprecedented gains on Wednesday as prices surged dramatically at market opening, setting a third consecutive record high. The precious metal’s remarkable rally saw 24K gold escalate by Dh15.75 to reach Dh586.25 per gram, bringing it within striking distance of the psychological Dh600 barrier.

    The comprehensive price surge affected all variants: 22K gold climbed to Dh542.75 per gram, 21K advanced to Dh520.5, 18K reached Dh446.25, while 14K gold settled at Dh348.0 per gram. This sustained upward trajectory reflects deepening global economic anxieties and geopolitical uncertainties.

    International markets mirrored Dubai’s bullish trend, with gold breaching the $4,800 milestone for the first time in history. At 9:15 AM UAE time, spot gold traded at $4,869.7 per ounce, registering a substantial 2.28 percent increase. This global surge coincides with escalating tensions between the United States and European Union regarding Greenland, adding fresh momentum to gold’s safe-haven appeal.

    Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, contextualized the rally: ‘The renewed US-Europe standoff over Greenland has acted as a fresh catalyst for gold and silver demand, reinforcing an already powerful hard-asset narrative. Importantly, this rally predates the current dispute and shows no signs of abating. The Greenland episode has effectively poured fresh fuel on a rally that has been building for months, driven by an increasingly uncomfortable macro and geopolitical backdrop.’

    Hansen further noted the concerning performance of traditional safe havens, observing that the dollar, yen, and US Treasuries have all struggled to provide their customary stability as long-end yields rise due to credibility concerns rather than growth optimism.

    Market analysts suggest that if the current momentum persists amid ongoing global uncertainties, Dubai’s gold prices could realistically approach the Dh600 per gram threshold in the near term. Some international forecasts even project gold potentially reaching $5,000 per ounce during the first quarter, underscoring the metal’s strengthened position in contemporary portfolio strategies.

  • Japan court sentences ex-PM Abe’s assassin to life in prison, NHK reports

    Japan court sentences ex-PM Abe’s assassin to life in prison, NHK reports

    A Japanese court has delivered a life imprisonment verdict to Tetsuya Yamagami, the 45-year-old perpetrator behind the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. The Nara District Court’s ruling concludes a landmark case that has captivated Japan for over three years, marking one of the most significant political violence incidents in the nation’s post-war history.

    Yamagami, who admitted to crafting a homemade firearm and fatally shooting Abe during a campaign speech in western Nara, faced certain conviction following his October court admission. Prosecutors had characterized the assassination as “an extremely grave incident unprecedented in post-war history” during last month’s sentencing request.

    The court proceedings revealed complex motivations behind the attack, with Yamagami expressing resentment toward the Unification Church after his mother’s substantial donations to the organization created severe financial distress for his family. Media reports indicated the assailant targeted Abe due to the former prime minister’s recorded video message to an event affiliated with the church.

    This assassination exposed extensive connections between Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the controversial religious group, with internal investigations revealing over hundred lawmakers maintained dealings with the organization. The disclosure has significantly eroded public trust in the long-dominant political party.

    Despite stepping down in 2020 citing health concerns, Abe remained Japan’s longest-serving prime minister with 3,188 days in office across two terms and continued to wield considerable influence within the LDP. His death created a political vacuum that has resulted in two leadership transitions and diminished party stability under current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Abe’s political protégée.

    Internationally, Abe was recognized for forging strong diplomatic ties, particularly his unique relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, being the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his 2016 election victory. Their bond, strengthened through numerous golf meetings across both nations, continues to influence current Japan-U.S. relations under the Takaichi administration.

    Yamagami’s defense team argued for a reduced sentence of maximum 20 years, citing the defendant’s family hardships caused by the religious organization’s financial demands. The court ultimately rejected these mitigating circumstances in delivering Japan’s most severe punishment short of capital punishment.

  • Beijing becomes China’s second 5-trillion-yuan economy in 2025

    Beijing becomes China’s second 5-trillion-yuan economy in 2025

    Beijing has officially cemented its status as China’s second 5-trillion-yuan economy, achieving a remarkable GDP of 5.2 trillion yuan ($746.7 billion) in 2025 with a solid 5.4% year-on-year growth rate. This milestone places the capital city alongside Shanghai as the only two Chinese municipalities to surpass this monumental economic threshold.

    The city’s economic expansion was primarily fueled by extraordinary performance in advanced manufacturing sectors. The computer, communications, and electronic equipment manufacturing cluster witnessed a striking 20.2% annual growth, while the automotive industry accelerated with a 17.7% increase. Particularly noteworthy was the explosive growth in green technology and high-tech sectors, where new energy vehicle production skyrocketed by 140%, lithium-ion battery output surged by 120%, and service robot manufacturing advanced by 47.6%.

    Beijing’s export capabilities demonstrated significant strength, with large-scale industrial enterprises achieving a delivery value of 211.3 billion yuan—a 6.4% increase from the previous year. The automotive manufacturing sector led this charge with a substantial 24.6% export growth, followed by specialized equipment manufacturing at 10.8%.

    The service sector equally contributed to Beijing’s economic triumph, with information technology services reaching a combined added value of 1.2 trillion yuan after an 11% growth spurt. Simultaneously, the financial industry strengthened its position with an added value of 866.82 billion yuan, reflecting an 8.7% increase that underscores Beijing’s dual identity as both a technological and financial hub.

    This economic milestone reflects Beijing’s successful transition toward high-value industries and innovation-driven growth, positioning the capital as a model for urban economic development in China’s new era of quality-focused expansion.

  • Trump’s plane lands safely after ‘minor electrical issue,’ Davos trip to continue

    Trump’s plane lands safely after ‘minor electrical issue,’ Davos trip to continue

    President Donald Trump’s scheduled journey to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, encountered a brief interruption Tuesday night when his official aircraft, Air Force One, returned to Joint Base Andrews shortly after departure. The decision to turn back was prompted by the flight crew’s identification of a minor electrical malfunction, according to an official statement from the White House.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the aircraft landed without incident and that the presidential delegation would promptly transfer to a replacement aircraft to continue the transatlantic trip. The incident caused no injuries and was characterized as a minor technical issue.

    Historical context provided by aviation experts indicates that while such safety incidents involving U.S. presidential aircraft are uncommon, they are not without precedent. In 2011, an Air Force One flight carrying President Barack Obama aborted a landing approach in Connecticut due to adverse weather conditions. Similarly, in 2012, the vice presidential aircraft Air Force Two, transporting then-Vice President Joe Biden, sustained a bird strike during approach in California but landed safely without further complications.

    The swift aircraft change demonstrates the extensive contingency protocols surrounding presidential travel, ensuring that such technical issues cause minimal disruption to official schedules. President Trump is expected to join numerous other world leaders at the annual Davos forum, which serves as a critical platform for global economic dialogue.

  • Harry Brook feels lucky to still be England cricket captain after nightclub incident

    Harry Brook feels lucky to still be England cricket captain after nightclub incident

    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — England’s white-ball cricket captain Harry Brook has publicly acknowledged what he describes as a “terrible mistake” following a physical altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand, an incident that nearly cost him his leadership position ahead of the current Sri Lanka tour.

    The confrontation occurred on October 31 in Wellington, just before the final ODI match against New Zealand, when Brook was reportedly denied entry to an establishment. The England and Wales Cricket Board responded by imposing a substantial £30,000 (approximately $40,300) fine and issuing a final conduct warning. Despite the disciplinary action, the board opted to retain Brook as both white-ball captain and test vice-captain following Australia’s 4-1 Ashes victory.

    Addressing journalists on Wednesday before England’s six-match white-ball series opener in Sri Lanka, Brook expressed deep remorse: “I made a terrible mistake, not only as a player but as a captain. My actions were profoundly unprofessional. As a leader, I should be setting the standard for professional conduct rather than placing myself in compromising situations.”

    The cricketer extended apologies to teammates and supporters, recognizing particularly those “who travel far and wide and spend considerable money to watch us play.” He clarified that while the team had initially gone out for drinks together, he had “taken it upon myself to go out for a few more alone.”

    When questioned about potentially resigning his captaincy, Brook revealed the thought never crossed his mind, though he would have accepted dismissal: “I left that decision to the hierarchy. Had they sacked me as captain, I’d have been perfectly fine with it so long as I could continue playing for England.” He conceded feeling “probably slightly” fortunate to retain his leadership role.

    As England prepares for three ODIs and three T20 matches in Sri Lanka—critical preparation for the T20 World Cup commencing February 7 in India and Sri Lanka—Brook recognizes the work ahead to rebuild trust: “I’ve apologized to the players and acknowledge I have work to do to regain their full confidence.”

  • Chinese researchers develop eye surgery robot

    Chinese researchers develop eye surgery robot

    Chinese researchers have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in medical robotics with the development of an autonomous system capable of performing delicate ocular injections. The robotic platform, created by scientists at the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, represents a significant leap forward in ophthalmic microsurgery technology.

    The innovative system employs sophisticated algorithms for three-dimensional spatial perception, cross-scale precise positioning, and trajectory control to navigate the challenging environment of the human eye. Retinal surgery has traditionally been among the most demanding medical procedures due to the eye’s minute and delicate structures, requiring exceptional surgical precision.

    Experimental results published in Science Robotics demonstrate remarkable performance metrics. During animal testing, the autonomous robot achieved a 100 percent success rate in both subretinal and intravascular injections. Comparative analysis revealed the system reduced average positioning errors by approximately 80 percent compared to manual procedures and by 55 percent relative to surgeon-controlled robotic operations.

    The technology’s potential extends beyond precision enhancement. Researchers indicate the autonomous system could standardize surgical outcomes, reduce the extensive training period required for ophthalmic surgeons, and potentially enable complex eye operations in remote locations or extreme environments where specialist surgeons are unavailable. This development may significantly improve accessibility to advanced eye care in underserved regions.

    The successful implementation in animal models using eyeball phantoms, ex vivo porcine, and in vivo animal eyeballs confirms the clinical feasibility of autonomous intraocular microsurgical robots. The research team’s work establishes a new benchmark for robotic-assisted medical procedures in ophthalmology and demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in advanced medical technology innovation.

  • High-speed train staff members in Beijing busy preparing for Spring Festival travel rush

    High-speed train staff members in Beijing busy preparing for Spring Festival travel rush

    As the 2026 Spring Festival approaches, Beijing’s high-speed railway workforce has entered a phase of intensive preparation to accommodate the monumental travel demand characteristic of China’s annual migration period. At specialized training facilities throughout the capital, personnel ranging from train operators to service staff are undergoing rigorous simulation exercises to ensure operational excellence during the challenging travel season.

    Simulation training bases across Beijing have become hubs of activity where drivers meticulously practice handling various scenarios on advanced simulator equipment. These exercises replicate diverse weather conditions, technical challenges, and passenger management situations that might occur during actual operations. The comprehensive training regimen focuses on both technical proficiency and emergency response capabilities, emphasizing passenger safety and service quality.

    The preparation extends beyond driving simulations to include customer service training, maintenance drills, and logistical coordination exercises. Station staff are rehearsing crowd management techniques while technical crews are conducting preventive maintenance checks on rolling stock and infrastructure. This multilayered approach addresses both the visible passenger services and the behind-the-scenes operational requirements necessary for smooth festival travel.

    Authorities have implemented these preparation measures recognizing that the Spring Festival travel rush represents the largest periodic human migration globally, with hundreds of millions expected to travel via high-speed rail. The preparations reflect China’s continuous effort to enhance transportation capacity and service quality during peak travel periods, building upon experiences from previous years while incorporating new technological solutions and operational protocols.

  • A bar with no bar

    A bar with no bar

    In an innovative approach to social inclusion, Shanghai’s Changning district now hosts HandyCup, a pioneering establishment redefining the concept of accessible nightlife. Situated on Xinhua Road, this barrier-free pub has been specifically designed to foster natural interaction between disabled and non-disabled patrons, creating what founder Xia Yujie describes as ‘a home for meaningful connections.’

    The venue represents a significant departure from conventional bars through its meticulously planned accessibility features and intentionally welcoming atmosphere. Unlike typical establishments that often present physical and social obstacles for people with disabilities, HandyCup eliminates these barriers through both architectural design and community-focused programming.

    Founder Xia Yujie conceptualized the space after recognizing the scarcity of social environments where disabled individuals could comfortably socialize without facing the usual constraints. His vision materialized as a warm, inviting pub that encourages organic relationships to develop across different ability spectrums.

    The establishment has quickly evolved into more than just a drinking venue—it has become a community hub where friendships form naturally over shared experiences. Patrons consistently report that the environment facilitates genuine connections that might not occur in more conventional social settings.

    HandyCup’s innovative model has attracted attention from disability advocates and urban planners alike, serving as a potential blueprint for more inclusive social spaces in cities worldwide. The success of this establishment demonstrates how thoughtful design and intentional community building can create environments where diversity is not just accommodated but celebrated.

    As the concept gains recognition, HandyCup stands as a testament to Shanghai’s growing commitment to accessibility and social innovation, offering a replicable model for other cities seeking to create more inclusive public spaces.

  • Japan restarts world’s largest nuclear plant

    Japan restarts world’s largest nuclear plant

    Japan has initiated the restart of reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant—the world’s largest nuclear facility by installed capacity—nearly fifteen years after the catastrophic Fukushima Daiichi disaster prompted a nationwide nuclear shutdown. The reactivation, originally scheduled for Tuesday but delayed due to an alarm system malfunction, marks a significant milestone in Japan’s protracted nuclear energy revival efforts.

    Operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), the plant’s restart represents the first Tepco-operated facility to resume operations since the 2011 disaster. However, the path to full operational capacity remains protracted: reactor No. 7 is not anticipated to restart before 2030, while the remaining five reactors face potential decommissioning. This would reduce the plant’s maximum output to a fraction of its historical 8.2-gigawatt capacity.

    The revival occurs against a backdrop of profound public skepticism and technical challenges. The 2011 Fukushima catastrophe—triggered by a record-breaking earthquake and subsequent tsunami—resulted in widespread radioactive contamination, mass evacuations, and a dramatic erosion of public trust in nuclear safety. An official government inquiry later characterized the disaster as “man-made,” citing systemic failures in preparedness and crisis management.

    Despite enhanced safety protocols—including the construction of 15-meter seawalls and watertight barriers at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa—concerns persist regarding Japan’s preparedness for unprecedented natural disasters and climate-change-induced risks. Dr. Florentine Koppenborg of the Technical University of Munich cautioned that while Japan is “super well-prepared” for historical scenarios, its readiness for “something really unexpected” remains uncertain.

    Public opposition remains formidable. Surveys indicate that approximately 70% of Japanese citizens support reducing nuclear dependence, and protests continue near Tepco’s headquarters and the Niigata prefectural assembly. Recent scandals—including mishandled confidential documents and data manipulation at other facilities—have further undermined confidence in the industry’s operational integrity.

    Financially, nuclear reactivation has proven more costly than anticipated due to stringent new safety requirements. These expenses may ultimately be borne by consumers or taxpayers, contradicting decades of official assertions regarding nuclear energy’s affordability. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, however, emphasizes nuclear power’s role in achieving energy self-sufficiency, particularly amid growing demand from data centers and semiconductor manufacturing.

    Japan’s nuclear energy targets have been substantially scaled back: whereas pre-2011 plans aimed for 50% nuclear dependency by 2030, current objectives target just 20% by 2040. As of 2023, nuclear power accounted for merely 8.5% of Japan’s electricity generation, highlighting the considerable gap between ambition and reality in the nation’s contested nuclear renaissance.

  • Disaster relief efforts underway after 5.1-magnitude quake hits China’s Yunnan

    Disaster relief efforts underway after 5.1-magnitude quake hits China’s Yunnan

    Emergency response systems sprang into action across southwestern China’s Yunnan Province following a significant seismic event that struck Qiaojia county on Monday evening. The 5.1-magnitude earthquake, occurring at 7:32 pm local time with a focal depth of 10 kilometers, triggered comprehensive disaster management protocols despite the absence of casualties or structural collapses.

    According to official reports released by Tuesday afternoon, the tremor resulted in damage to approximately 1,540 residential structures while prompting the evacuation of 297 residents from 129 households. These individuals have been temporarily relocated to emergency shelters established within the affected region, with the village office in Hongshiyan—the epicenter area—serving as a primary refuge center.

    Infrastructure assessment teams from provincial authorities have conducted rapid evaluations of over 63,000 dwellings, identifying predominantly minor structural damage including hairline fractures in auxiliary facilities and production structures. County Deputy Administrator Cao Shanyou confirmed that no residential buildings had collapsed, though the seismic activity did cause 19 mountain fissures, 262 minor rockfall incidents, and some roadway damage.

    Financial support mechanisms were immediately activated, with the Yunnan Provincial Department of Finance allocating 5 million yuan (approximately $714,224) in emergency relief funding to facilitate disaster response operations. These resources will support hazard mitigation, secondary disaster prevention, and reconstruction initiatives throughout Zhaotong City’s administrative region.

    The China Earthquake Administration implemented a Level-III emergency response, deploying specialized working teams to assist local relief operations. China’s four-tier emergency framework designates Level I as the most severe classification, indicating the current situation remains managed within provincial capabilities.

    Personal accounts from residents illustrate the earthquake’s sudden impact. Zhao Kunyun, a Hongshiyan village local, described the intense shaking that prompted his family’s immediate evacuation. While his property sustained damage including a collapsed water tower and compromised retaining walls, structural engineers confirmed the main residence’s integrity.

    Temporary shelter occupants like villager Qian Zhenzhen reported efficient crisis management, noting that authorities provided accommodation and provisions within 30 minutes of the seismic event. This coordinated response demonstrates China’s enhanced disaster preparedness protocols for moderate seismic events in geographically vulnerable regions.