Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Pakistan: Death toll rises to 11 after Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire; over 60 still missing

    Pakistan: Death toll rises to 11 after Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire; over 60 still missing

    A devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping center has resulted in a rising death toll and massive structural damage, with rescue operations continuing amid precarious conditions. The blaze, which ignited on Saturday evening in Pakistan’s commercial capital, raged for over 24 hours before being contained, leaving at least 11 confirmed fatalities and more than 60 individuals unaccounted for.

    Emergency responders faced extreme challenges due to the building’s inadequate ventilation system, which caused dense smoke to accumulate throughout the multi-story complex. The smoke infiltration significantly hampered rescue attempts to reach those trapped inside the facility, which contains approximately 1,200 retail establishments.

    By Sunday evening, substantial portions of the building had suffered catastrophic collapse, scattering twisted steel beams, concrete debris, and commercial wreckage across adjacent streets. Rescue teams have issued warnings about the unstable nature of the remaining structure, indicating potential further collapse risks that complicate search operations.

    Authorities received the initial emergency notification at 10:38 PM local time on Saturday, reporting fires at ground-level shops. Firefighting units arriving at the scene encountered rapidly spreading flames that had already ascended to upper floors, consuming large sections of the building before containment efforts could be fully implemented.

    Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed the scale of the missing persons crisis while police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed verified the increased fatality count. The incident represents one of the most severe commercial building fires in recent Pakistani history, highlighting concerns about urban safety standards in densely populated areas.

  • Dubai: Gold price jumps over Dh8 per gram to record high

    Dubai: Gold price jumps over Dh8 per gram to record high

    Dubai’s gold market surged to unprecedented levels on Monday morning as escalating geopolitical tensions triggered a massive flight to safe-haven assets. The precious metal recorded a dramatic increase of Dh8.25 per gram, pushing 24K gold to Dh562 while 22K gold reached Dh520.25 per gram according to Dubai Jewellery Group data.

    The remarkable rally stems from multiple international crises simultaneously unfolding. Intensifying protests across Iran and mounting transatlantic tensions between the United States and European Union over Greenland have created perfect conditions for gold’s ascent. The situation intensified when US President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs against the EU regarding control of the Arctic territory.

    Global markets mirrored Dubai’s surge with gold reaching $4,671.72 per ounce, representing a 1.64 percent increase at 9:25 AM UAE time. Silver similarly climbed to $94 per ounce before settling at $93.19. All gold variants in Dubai traded at record levels with 21K at Dh499.0, 18K at Dh427.75, and 14K at Dh333.5 per gram.

    Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, confirmed the bullish fundamentals: ‘As geopolitical risks multiply, investors traditionally seek refuge in safe-haven assets like gold. The White House’s recent executive order protecting US rare earth supplies has further contributed to this momentum.’ Valecha also noted lingering concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence after Trump’s threats against the Fed Chair, which drew support from central bankers worldwide.

    Technically, Valecha identified potential resistance around $4,685 on the ascending trendline, suggesting the rally might face temporary hurdles at that level. The combination of political uncertainty, trade tensions, and monetary policy concerns has created ideal conditions for sustained gold appreciation.

  • Djokovic equals two all-time records and wins his 100th match at Australian Open

    Djokovic equals two all-time records and wins his 100th match at Australian Open

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic delivered a commanding performance at the Australian Open, simultaneously celebrating his 100th victory at Melbourne Park while sending an unequivocal message to his competitors: his pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title remains undiminished.

    The 38-year-old tennis legend matched two historic records by appearing in his 21st Australian Open and 81st Grand Slam tournament. His dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 first-round triumph over Spain’s Pedro Martínez propelled him into exclusive territory as the first male player to achieve 100 or more wins on three different Grand Slam surfaces—adding to his 102 victories on Wimbledon’s grass and 101 at Roland Garros on clay.

    Djokovic expressed particular satisfaction with this latest milestone, remarking, “Centurion is pretty nice. Nice feeling.” His service statistics underscored his formidable form: 77% first serves in, 93% first serve points won, 85% second serve points won, and 14 aces without facing a single break point.

    The Serbian champion displayed flashes of his signature brilliance, including a running crosscourt forehand winner that prompted his characteristic cord-ripping celebration. He later channeled French player Gaël Monfils with an athletic leaping forehand during the third set.

    Despite his advancing age, Djokovic remains intensely motivated by record-breaking opportunities. Having reached the semifinals in all four majors last year without securing a title, he now seeks to overcome the dominance of rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—the duo known as ‘Sincaraz’ who have controlled men’s tennis for the past two seasons.

    In a lighthearted moment, Djokovic joked about Alcaraz’s recently modified service motion, which bears resemblance to his own. “I sent him a message saying we have to speak about the copyrights!” he quipped. “Every ace I expect a tribute to me!”

    While acknowledging the elevated performance level of his younger competitors, Djokovic maintains confidence in his ability to triumph when executing his game plan effectively. His preparation for this tournament involved skipping warmup events to prioritize physical recovery, stating, “I’m using every hour that I can to get my body recovered and in shape for the next challenge.”

  • Why investors are backing Karma Developers’ sustainable, future-ready growth model

    Why investors are backing Karma Developers’ sustainable, future-ready growth model

    Karma Developers, a design-focused real estate enterprise with over a decade of industry presence, is gaining significant investor traction through its sustainable, future-ready development approach. The company has successfully delivered more than 2,000 residential units while expanding its footprint beyond Dubai to Cyprus, the UK, Romania, and Australia.

    Under the leadership of founders Capt. Pradeep Singh, Navneet Mandhani, and architect S.N. Saxena—whose combined expertise spans 75 years—the company integrates sustainability as a core principle rather than an afterthought. All projects adhere to LEED-aligned planning standards and incorporate smart-living technologies designed to minimize long-term environmental impact.

    Karma’s Dubai portfolio includes notable developments such as Olivia in Dubai Investment Park, Milos in Dubailand, Trinity in Arjan, and Antalya in Dubai Sports City. The company has also established presence in master communities including Falconcity and Dubai Silicon Oasis through strategic partnerships. Their upcoming pipeline features a green-themed gated community in DIP and commercial development in Liwan, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 urban master plan.

    Captain Singh’s unique multidisciplinary background in maritime sustainability, technology, and real estate has shaped the company’s systematic approach to community development. “Sustainability is embedded from the planning stage,” Singh explains. “We build adaptive communities designed to evolve economically, socially, and environmentally over the long term.”

    The company’s leadership philosophy emphasizes the balance between moral responsibility and economic realism. Singh’s international recognitions, including two Knighthoods and advanced academic training from Harvard and UK institutions, have reinforced the importance of disciplined governance and long-term value creation.

    CEO Navneet Mandhani brings a technology-driven perspective from his previous startup experience, including YourKeys which was acquired by Zoopla. This background informs Karma’s data-informed approach to market selection and product development. “We follow infrastructure, not speculation,” Mandhani states, highlighting their strategy of identifying emerging micro-markets based on connectivity, employment hubs, and master planning fundamentals.

    The company’s conservative financial strategy, characterized by low leverage and disciplined underwriting, has proven resilient through market cycles. This approach has strengthened investor confidence by prioritizing certainty and governance alongside returns, positioning Karma as a trusted partner in sustainable real estate development.

  • China’s job market stable in 2025 with 5.2% surveyed urban unemployment rate

    China’s job market stable in 2025 with 5.2% surveyed urban unemployment rate

    China’s labor market demonstrated remarkable stability throughout 2025, achieving an annual average urban unemployment rate of 5.2% according to official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on January 19, 2026. The December figures showed further improvement at 5.1%, maintaining consistency across 31 major metropolitan centers including Beijing and Shanghai.

    The migrant workforce, a critical component of China’s economic engine, expanded to approximately 301.15 million workers—marking a modest increase of 1.42 million (0.5%) from 2024 levels. This growth occurred despite global economic headwinds and domestic demographic challenges.

    Labor market analysts attribute this stability to comprehensive government policies targeting employment security, particularly through support for small and medium enterprises and vocational training initiatives. The consistent performance across major urban centers suggests balanced regional development in employment opportunities.

    The NBS report indicates successful navigation of economic transitions while maintaining social stability through employment preservation. The data reflects China’s strategic focus on job creation as a cornerstone of its economic planning, with particular attention to urban employment metrics as key indicators of social and economic health.

  • Internet down again in Iran after brief restoration, says monitor

    Internet down again in Iran after brief restoration, says monitor

    Iran has plunged back into digital darkness after experiencing a brief and heavily restricted restoration of internet services, according to monitoring organization Netblocks. The temporary connectivity window—which lasted approximately two hours—allowed limited access to select Google services and messaging platforms before authorities reinstated the comprehensive shutdown.

    The restoration occurred around the 238th hour of the nationwide blackout initially imposed on January 8th amid escalating anti-government demonstrations. During this narrow window, some citizens managed to transmit crucial updates about the severity of the ongoing crisis before communications were severed again.

    Netblocks, an internet monitoring group, reported via social media platform X that traffic levels had dramatically fallen by the 240th hour of the shutdown, indicating the restoration had been terminated. The organization had previously confirmed that data patterns showed a significant return to certain online services, corroborating user reports of partially restored access.

    The initial restoration provided heavily filtered internet access, suggesting authorities implemented sophisticated censorship mechanisms rather than a complete reopening of digital communications. This pattern indicates a strategic approach to information control rather than a technical failure.

    The ongoing internet blackout represents one of the most extensive digital shutdowns in Iran’s history, entering its tenth day as authorities continue to suppress information flow amid widespread civil unrest. The repeated disruption and restoration patterns demonstrate the government’s attempt to balance internal security concerns with economic necessities that require internet connectivity.

  • Kyz Kuu (Kazakh equestrian)

    Kyz Kuu (Kazakh equestrian)

    The ancient Kazakh equestrian tradition of Kyz Kuu, meaning ‘Girl Chasing,’ continues to thrive as a celebrated cultural practice in China’s Xinjiang region. This dynamic horseback game, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, represents far more than mere entertainment—it embodies centuries of nomadic tradition and cultural identity.

    Typically performed during wedding ceremonies and festive gatherings, Kyz Kuu showcases exceptional horsemanship skills through a playful yet symbolic pursuit. The game begins with a female rider galloping ahead while a male rider follows attempting to catch her. Upon success, their roles reverse as the woman chases the man back to the starting point, often playfully whipping him if she catches up.

    This tradition transcends mere sport, serving as a metaphor for courage, freedom, and the pursuit of one’s passions. The UNESCO designation has provided international recognition that helps preserve this important aspect of Kazakh culture against modernization pressures. The practice demonstrates how traditional games can maintain cultural continuity while adapting to contemporary contexts.

    The preservation of Kyz Kuu represents China’s broader efforts to protect ethnic minority traditions, particularly in culturally diverse regions like Xinjiang. As both a performance art and living tradition, it continues to inspire new generations to embrace their heritage while finding personal meaning in its symbolic representation of pursuit and passion.

  • The YOUAE Mortgages Story: Empowering homeownership, enabling investment

    The YOUAE Mortgages Story: Empowering homeownership, enabling investment

    In the dynamic landscape of UAE real estate, YOUAE Mortgages has emerged as a transformative force in mortgage advisory services, reshaping how residents and investors approach property financing. Founded by banking veteran Yash Trivedi, who brings over 15 years of wealth management expertise, the Dubai-based firm has established itself as a pillar of trust in one of the region’s most complex financial sectors.

    The company’s distinctive approach centers on empowering clients through comprehensive education and transparent consultation. Unlike traditional mortgage providers, YOUAE operates as an impartial intermediary, maintaining partnerships with all major UAE banking institutions while offering genuinely objective guidance. This unique positioning allows the firm to deliver tailored solutions that align precisely with individual financial circumstances and long-term objectives.

    At the core of YOUAE’s methodology is a hybrid advisory model that combines data-driven analysis with personalized human interaction. The firm conducts client workshops, develops digital tools, and provides customized consultations that demystify the complete financial picture of property ownership. Clients gain crucial insights into total ownership costs, long-term affordability calculations, and the subtle complexities of the UAE’s rapidly evolving real estate market.

    Operating within a market characterized by fluctuating interest rates and golden visa investment opportunities, YOUAE distinguishes itself through adaptive, forward-thinking services. The company’s comprehensive suite includes complete end-to-end mortgage processing, strategic refinancing options, and sophisticated portfolio optimization for investment clients. This holistic approach has positioned YOUAE Mortgages as an essential partner for both first-time homebuyers and experienced property investors navigating the Emirates’ competitive real estate environment.

  • Man and boy critical after 3 shark attacks off Sydney in just over 24 hours

    Man and boy critical after 3 shark attacks off Sydney in just over 24 hours

    SYDNEY, Australia – A series of three shark attacks within 24 hours has left multiple victims critically injured and prompted the immediate closure of Sydney’s northern beaches. The unprecedented cluster of incidents has raised serious concerns about marine safety along Australia’s Pacific coastline.

    The most recent attack occurred Monday evening at North Steyne Beach in Manly, where a surfer in his 20s sustained severe leg injuries after being bitten by a shark. Bystanders heroically pulled the victim from the water before emergency services transported him to a hospital in critical condition.

    Earlier on Sunday, a 12-year-old boy suffered catastrophic injuries to both legs after jumping from a 6-meter high ledge known as Jump Rock near Shark Beach in Vaucluse. Police officials have credited the victim’s three friends with saving his life by courageously jumping into the water during the attack and dragging him to safety. News reports indicate the boy may have lost both legs in the horrific encounter.

    Superintendent Joseph McNulty praised the teenagers’ bravery, stating: ‘The actions of his mates who have gone into the water to pull him out have been nothing but brave. These young men demonstrated extraordinary courage under circumstances involving confronting injuries.’

    A third incident occurred Monday noon when an 11-year-old boy narrowly escaped injury after a shark bit a chunk from his surfboard at Dee Why Beach, north of Manly. The boy emerged physically unharmed from the encounter.

    Authorities have implemented immediate safety measures, closing all northern beaches including North Steyne and Dee Why until further notice. While all three beaches feature some form of shark protection netting, the exact locations of the attacks in relation to these barriers remain unclear.

    Marine experts suspect bull sharks are responsible for at least the first two attacks. Police had previously warned that recent heavy rainfall over Sydney has increased fresh and murky water in the harbor, creating ideal conditions for bull shark activity. The area has experienced previous shark-related tragedies, including the death of a 57-year-old surfer at nearby Ocean Reef Beach last September and a fatal attack on a Swiss tourist in November.

  • The Park Dubai: A new chapter for Dubai

    The Park Dubai: A new chapter for Dubai

    Dubai is poised to enter a new era of urban development with the groundbreaking announcement of ‘The Park Dubai,’ an ambitious five-square-kilometer masterplan set to transform the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse into a model of sustainable urban living. Developed by A.R.M. Holding in collaboration with renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), this revolutionary project represents a paradigm shift in urban design for the Gulf region.

    The development, scheduled to break ground in 2026, reimagines urban spaces as interconnected, walkable communities rather than traditional gated compounds. The design philosophy centers on creating a ‘five-to-ten-minute city’ where residents can access green spaces within five minutes and essential services within ten minutes on foot or bicycle. This human-centric approach aligns perfectly with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, emphasizing greener, more inclusive urban environments.

    A.R.M. Holding has established fifteen measurable Key Performance Indicators across four core pillars: Sustainability, Vibrancy, Community, and Wellbeing. These ambitious targets include achieving 100% accessibility for people of determination, reducing temperatures in walkable areas by 5°C through innovative microclimates, and creating environments that support the highest life expectancy in the GCC through a ‘city-as-gym’ philosophy.

    The architectural vision, described by Bjarke Ingels as ‘an archipelago of urban islands in a sea of green,’ thoughtfully integrates Emirati heritage with contemporary design. The original racetrack will be preserved as both cultural spine and symbolic centerpiece, surrounded by a 1.5-square-kilometer park comparable in scale to London’s Hyde Park. Traditional architectural elements—courtyards, shaded colonnades, and mashrabiyya screens—will be reinterpreted through modern design principles.

    Environmental sustainability forms the project’s foundation, with passive cooling systems, native landscaping, and local materials reducing both emissions and water consumption. The development prioritizes biodiversity, energy efficiency, and air quality as fundamental design drivers rather than secondary considerations.

    Beyond its architectural and environmental innovations, The Park Dubai serves as an economic catalyst designed to foster SME growth and attract global talent. Commercial areas, co-working hubs, and hospitality offerings will be seamlessly integrated within walkable districts, supporting a diversified local economy aligned with the UAE’s long-term development agenda.

    Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding, emphasizes that the project represents more than real estate development: ‘We’re building not only a destination but a legacy that embodies connection, vitality, and belonging. Our goal isn’t only sustainability in structure—it’s vitality in spirit.’

    The project exemplifies A.R.M. Holding’s broader commitment to strategic investments across multiple sectors, including banking, telecommunications, FMCG, real estate, and sustainability innovation. This development marks a significant milestone in redefining urban prosperity for future generations, transforming expansion into enrichment and growth into grace.