Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • 7 in 10 UAE residents plan to buy property this year: Are you one of them?

    7 in 10 UAE residents plan to buy property this year: Are you one of them?

    A significant majority of UAE residents are actively planning property acquisitions despite ongoing market price uncertainties, according to recent survey data. Property Finder’s bi-monthly Market Pulse research, conducted across November and December 2025 with 5,540 participants, reveals that seven out of ten residents intend to purchase real estate within the coming six-month period.

    The survey indicates a nuanced shift in buyer expectations regarding property valuations. During November, 40% of respondents anticipated price declines, while 32% projected increases and 28% expected market stability. By December, expectations moderated slightly with 39% forecasting decreases, 32% still predicting growth, and 29% anticipating unchanged prices. This represents a subtle but notable change from the September-October period when price decline expectations consistently ranged between 39-40%.

    Market analysts observe that while purchasers demonstrate heightened price consciousness, this awareness hasn’t substantially dampened acquisition intentions. The data suggests prospective buyers are proceeding with transactions rather than delaying decisions amid fluctuating market conditions.

    Driving this sustained demand is a demographic shift seeing increased participation from young professionals aged 25-35. This trend emerges from converging factors including escalating rental costs, mortgage payments that increasingly parallel leasing expenses, and more defined long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa program. Financial practicality now positions property ownership as a viable alternative to renting for many younger buyers seeking both financial security and flexibility.

    Industry experts simultaneously caution purchasers regarding substantial upfront capital requirements, typically representing 25-30% of property value for down payments and transaction fees not covered by mortgage financing. While improved affordability stems from easing interest rates and extended loan tenures, the initial financial outlay remains a significant consideration.

    Developers are responding with innovative payment solutions including reduced booking amounts, post-handover payment plans, and rent-to-own options designed to facilitate the renter-to-owner transition. Concurrently, financial institutions are enhancing market accessibility through digital tools like Mashreq’s recently launched fully digital home-loan pre-approval service. This platform provides salaried residents earning minimum Dh15,000 monthly with same-day preliminary approval based on income assessment, existing liabilities, and credit history, offering clearer budgetary parameters before purchase commitment.

  • Akshay Kumar’s convoy involved in freak accident in Mumbai

    Akshay Kumar’s convoy involved in freak accident in Mumbai

    A security convoy transporting Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar and his wife Twinkle Khanna became entangled in a multi-vehicle collision in Mumbai’s Juhu area late Monday evening. The incident occurred as the celebrity couple returned from an international trip and were en route to their residence from the airport.

    According to police reports and media sources including India Today, the chain-reaction accident began when a speeding Mercedes vehicle collided with an autorickshaw from behind. The impact propelled the auto-rickshaw into a Toyota Innova SUV that formed part of the actor’s security detail. While Kumar and Khanna were traveling in a separate vehicle and remained unharmed, the auto driver and one passenger sustained injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby medical facility. Authorities confirmed no fatalities resulted from the incident.

    Mumbai Police responded immediately to the scene, launching a comprehensive investigation that resulted in filing charges against the Mercedes driver for rash and negligent driving. Footage of the damaged vehicles circulated widely across social media platforms, showing bystanders providing assistance at the accident site.

    The incident occurred shortly after the celebrity couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on January 17, with both sharing affectionate social media posts commemorating the milestone. Kumar, who maintains a rigorous filming schedule with multiple projects including ‘Welcome 3’ and ‘Hera Pheri 3’ slated for 2026, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the traffic incident.

  • Shenzhen forms micro-drama industry association

    Shenzhen forms micro-drama industry association

    Shenzhen has officially launched its groundbreaking Micro-Short Film Industry Association, marking a significant milestone in China’s rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. Established in Pingshan district on January 20, 2026, this pioneering organization brings together nearly 100 leading companies across the micro-drama ecosystem, including tech giant Tencent, specialized streaming platform ReelShort by Crazy Maple Studio, and analytics powerhouse DataEye.

    The association represents a comprehensive consolidation of resources spanning intellectual property development, content production, international distribution platforms, technological innovation, and audience engagement strategies. This coordinated approach aims to capitalize on the explosive global demand for short-form dramatic content that has transformed digital entertainment consumption patterns worldwide.

    Wang Xiangbin, founder and CEO of DataEye who leads the new association, emphasized the critical timing of this initiative: “We stand at a defining moment for micro-drama development, with a vital mission to advance standardization, industry consolidation, and quality enhancement within Shenzhen’s burgeoning short-form content sector.”

    Chinese micro-dramas, typically ranging from seconds to ten minutes per episode, have gained massive popularity through their signature storytelling techniques—compelling opening hooks and suspenseful cliffhangers across diverse genres including romance, revenge fantasies, and science fiction.

    The industry’s growth potential appears extraordinary. Soochow Securities research projects international short drama market revenues will reach $3.8 billion by 2025, representing a staggering 153% year-over-year increase. Domestically, China’s micro-drama sector already supports approximately 690,000 professionals across more than 100,000 enterprises, producing roughly 3,000 new dramas monthly for an estimated user base of 700 million people—covering over 60% of the nation’s internet users.

    Pingshan district has strategically positioned itself as the industry’s hub, offering state-of-the-art production facilities including a 3,000-square-meter virtual digital studio and a 12,000-square-meter advanced soundstage. The district’s diverse filming locations—from Maluan Mountain landscapes and traditional Hakka houses to modern urban settings and technology parks—enable complete era-spanning productions without requiring location changes.

    Further bolstering this infrastructure, the district government announced development of a dedicated 5,000-square-meter micro-drama base within the Shenzhen Pingshan International Movie City complex, complemented by 200,000 square meters of commercial space specifically designed to support the industry’s unique requirements.

  • Former security official expelled from Party for serious violations

    Former security official expelled from Party for serious violations

    In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Gao Yichen, a former high-ranking security official, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China following investigations into serious disciplinary and legal violations. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, China’s top anti-graft bodies.

    Gao previously held dual positions as deputy director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Preventing and Handling Cult Issues and vice minister of State Security. He also served as deputy director of the State Council’s Office for Preventing and Handling Cult Issues.

    The disciplinary investigation uncovered multiple offenses including collusion between political and business interests, improper benefit exchanges, and severe contamination of the political ecosystem. Notably, Gao continued to exploit his official position for personal gain even after his retirement from public service.

    According to official statements, Gao demonstrated a complete loss of ideological principles and political discernment while actively resisting organizational investigations. His misconduct included accepting unauthorized banquets, facilitating improper job transfers for associates, and receiving gifts and monetary rewards in violation of integrity protocols. He additionally obtained vehicle services from private business owners without compensation.

    More seriously, Gao interfered with judicial processes and leveraged his influence to secure advantages for others in corporate listing approvals, land use rights transfers, and case executions. These actions involved the illegal acceptance of substantial monetary sums and valuable assets.

    The disciplinary authorities determined that Gao’s conduct represented a severe violation of multiple Party disciplines including political, organizational, integrity, and work regulations. His actions constitute serious duty-related offenses and suspected crimes of bribery and influence peddling.

    In addition to his expulsion from the Party, Gao’s illicit gains have been confiscated. His case, which involves suspected criminal activities, has been transferred to prosecutorial authorities for formal legal proceedings.

  • Trump says Putin has been invited to join Board of Peace

    Trump says Putin has been invited to join Board of Peace

    In a significant diplomatic development, former US President Donald Trump has formally invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in his newly proposed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative. The invitation, confirmed by Trump during a press briefing on Monday evening, marks a notable moment in international relations between the two nations.

    The Board of Peace, initially conceptualized to oversee reconstruction efforts in conflict-devastated Gaza, appears to have evolved into a broader conflict-resolution mechanism. According to charter documents obtained by international media, the initiative requires participating nations to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership privileges.

    While the board’s original mandate focused on Palestinian territory rehabilitation, its charter provisions suggest a more expansive scope addressing global conflicts. This financial requirement establishes the initiative as one of the most exclusive diplomatic platforms ever proposed, potentially creating a tiered system of international engagement based on financial contribution capacity.

    The inclusion of President Putin, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, signals Trump’s unconventional approach to international diplomacy. The initiative’s structure and funding model represent a departure from traditional multilateral peacekeeping frameworks, potentially reshaping how global conflicts are addressed through financialized diplomatic participation.

    This development occurs amidst complex international relations and raises questions about the balance between financial contributions and diplomatic influence in conflict resolution mechanisms. The Board of Peace could potentially create new paradigms for international cooperation, though its effectiveness and acceptance by the global community remain subjects of ongoing diplomatic discourse.

  • Jiangsu schools delay start times to improve student well-being

    Jiangsu schools delay start times to improve student well-being

    Eastern China’s Jiangsu province has launched a groundbreaking educational initiative focused on student health by implementing delayed morning start times across multiple cities. The policy shift affects schools in Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, and Nantong, marking a significant departure from traditional early morning schedules.

    In the provincial capital Nanjing, educational authorities have eliminated mandatory early reading sessions and aligned school schedules with Ministry of Education guidelines recommending that middle school classes commence no earlier than 8:00 AM. This represents a substantial shift from the previous 7:00 AM start times that were common throughout the region.

    The implementation features carefully designed flexibility to accommodate diverse family needs. Schools will maintain optional early arrival provisions with teacher supervision for students from dual-income households or those with parents requiring early work start times. Simultaneously, Suzhou and Wuxi have introduced staggered scheduling systems to manage the transition smoothly.

    Nantong’s educational institutions joined the initiative this week, complementing the morning schedule changes with adjustments to evening study sessions, which will now conclude by 8:30 PM. This comprehensive approach addresses both ends of the school day to ensure students receive adequate rest and recovery time.

    The policy changes have generated substantial public discussion, with many educators and parents welcoming the focus on student well-being. Medical research consistently demonstrates that later school start times align better with adolescent sleep patterns, potentially improving academic performance, mental health, and overall development. Jiangsu’s province-wide implementation represents one of China’s most comprehensive adjustments to educational scheduling practices to date.

  • UAE: More parents support kids for content creation as experts flag risks

    UAE: More parents support kids for content creation as experts flag risks

    A significant cultural shift is emerging in the United Arab Emirates as increasing numbers of parents actively support their children’s participation in content creation, despite mounting concerns from child development experts about potential psychological risks. This phenomenon reflects the rapid normalization of social media as both entertainment and potential career path for the digital generation.

    Across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok platforms, Emirati children are transitioning from occasional family photos to starring in daily vlogs, brand partnerships, and monetized content—often before comprehending the implications of maintaining a public audience. This trend has ignited intense debates surrounding consent, privacy boundaries, and long-term developmental impacts.

    Parental perspectives vary considerably regarding this digital immersion. Monera A., a content creator whose children aged 9 and 11 regularly feature in her videos, emphasizes careful management of filming schedules and voluntary participation. “They derive genuine enjoyment from the creative process,” she noted, “particularly when collaborative content outperforms solo efforts.”

    Other families approach content creation as strategic financial planning. Bassam (pseudonym) revealed that revenue generated from videos featuring his children is being systematically saved for their future, regardless of whether they pursue content creation professionally. “This generation embraces non-traditional careers,” he observed, expressing concern about children being “left behind” in an increasingly digital economy.

    Recognizing the industry’s expansion, UAE authorities have implemented robust legal safeguards through the Federal Decree Law on Child Digital Safety. This legislation mandates that both guardians and digital platforms prioritize minor protection through age-appropriate technology use and comprehensive risk mitigation.

    Child psychologists however voice substantial concerns. Dr. Mizan Mohamed warns that early association of self-worth with public validation metrics—likes, views, and comments—may foster fragile identity formation. “Children risk developing anxiety around performance metrics that even adults struggle with,” he explained. The constant public exposure of childhood experiences may furthermore blur boundaries between personal authenticity and performative behavior, potentially hindering autonomous identity development.

    Experts recommend that parents establish firm participatory boundaries, legally protect children’s earnings, and regularly reassess whether continued online presence serves the child’s best interests rather than audience growth metrics. They emphasize that digital participation should remain adaptable to children’s evolving preferences and psychological needs.

  • New WhatsApp for kids? Messaging app working on secondary accounts

    New WhatsApp for kids? Messaging app working on secondary accounts

    In a significant move toward digital child protection, WhatsApp is currently developing a supervised secondary account feature designed specifically for minors. This innovative functionality will enable parents to establish connected accounts for their children while maintaining oversight of critical privacy configurations.

    According to technical insights from WA Beta Info, these secondary profiles will operate with intentionally restricted capabilities and enhanced privacy protections. The accounts will be digitally linked to a parent’s primary account, creating an administrative bridge that allows guardians to review and modify settings that children might typically disregard.

    A fundamental aspect of this new system involves automatic communication restrictions. All secondary accounts will be configured to receive messages and calls exclusively from approved contacts—a privacy option not currently available to standard WhatsApp users. This addresses a crucial safety gap particularly relevant for younger users navigating digital communication platforms.

    Despite this supervisory framework, WhatsApp maintains its commitment to privacy through end-to-end encryption. Parents will not have direct access to their children’s actual message content or call recordings. Instead, they will receive aggregated reports about account activity patterns and usage statistics, creating a balance between oversight and respect for personal communications.

    The development team is currently refining the integration of these parental control tools with WhatsApp’s existing infrastructure. The interface is being optimized to ensure intuitive configuration of secondary accounts, allowing parents to easily establish age-appropriate settings that promote online safety while preserving the WhatsApp experience.

    This initiative represents WhatsApp’s acknowledgment of its role in family digital ecosystems and responds to growing concerns about children’s online privacy. The feature remains in development with no official release date announced, but it signals a new direction for the platform’s approach to multi-user environments within its encrypted messaging framework.

  • Inside Trump’s $1-billion Board of Peace: Who is invited? Is it still about Gaza?

    Inside Trump’s $1-billion Board of Peace: Who is invited? Is it still about Gaza?

    The Trump administration has formally established a groundbreaking international conflict resolution mechanism requiring member nations to contribute $1 billion for permanent representation. Dubbed the ‘Board of Peace,’ this organization represents a significant shift in diplomatic approach, blending financial commitment with geopolitical influence.

    According to the founding charter obtained by AFP, the board’s mandate extends beyond its initial conception for Gaza reconstruction to address global conflicts wherever they emerge. The preamble defines the organization’s mission as promoting stability, restoring lawful governance, and securing enduring peace in conflict-affected regions through internationally sanctioned peace-building functions.

    President Trump will serve as permanent chairman while simultaneously representing United States interests. The charter grants him sweeping authority, including exclusive power to create or dissolve subsidiary entities, appoint executive board members described as ‘leaders of global stature,’ and adopt binding resolutions. Chairman replacement provisions are exceptionally restrictive, allowing removal only through voluntary resignation or demonstrated incapacity.

    Membership requires presidential invitation and representation at head-of-state level. While standard terms span three years, nations contributing the $1 billion fee within the first year receive permanent membership status. Voting procedures combine majority consensus with ultimate chairman approval, including tie-breaking authority.

    The preliminary membership roster features prominent figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Negotiator Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and billionaire financier Marc Rowan. National invitations have extended to Russia, Canada, Egypt, Argentina, and numerous European and Asian nations, though formal commitments remain pending.

    The charter becomes operational upon ratification by three founding states, marking a potential transformation in how international conflict resolution is structured and funded.

  • Death toll rises to 9 after steel plant blast in China’s Inner Mongolia

    Death toll rises to 9 after steel plant blast in China’s Inner Mongolia

    A devastating industrial explosion at a major steel production facility in northern China has resulted in a significant loss of life, with authorities confirming nine fatalities and one individual still missing as rescue operations continue.

    The incident occurred at approximately 3:03 PM local time on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, at the plate manufacturing plant operated by Baogang United Steel in Baotou City, located within China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. According to the emergency response command center established at the disaster site, the catastrophic explosion originated from a substantial industrial vessel—a 650-cubic-meter capacity saturated water and steam spherical storage tank.

    Local government representatives provided updated casualty figures on Tuesday, January 20th, indicating that the death toll had risen to nine individuals. Search and recovery teams remain actively engaged in the complex operation to locate one remaining person who has been reported as unaccounted for following the incident. Official statements note that verification procedures regarding the missing individual are currently ongoing.

    The industrial accident has drawn attention to safety protocols within China’s substantial manufacturing sector, particularly in heavy industries such as steel production which form a critical component of the region’s economic infrastructure. Baotou City, as a major industrial hub in Inner Mongolia, hosts numerous manufacturing facilities that contribute significantly to both regional and national industrial output.

    Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the potential causes behind the tank’s failure or whether any safety violations may have contributed to the tragic incident. Standard procedure following such industrial accidents typically involves comprehensive investigations by multiple government agencies, including workplace safety regulators and industrial experts.