Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan gets eye treatment, is clinically stable: Hospital

    Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan gets eye treatment, is clinically stable: Hospital

    Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan underwent specialized eye treatment at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, while remaining imprisoned on corruption charges. The hospital confirmed Khan received his second dose of eye injections and described his condition as “clinically stable.” This development occurs amidst growing international concern regarding the 73-year-old former cricket star’s deteriorating eyesight, with his legal team reporting he has lost approximately 85% of vision in his right eye.

    Khan’s press adviser, Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari, immediately raised objections regarding medical access, stating authorities continued to deny visitation rights to Khan’s personal physician and family members. These concerns were amplified last week when more than a dozen international cricket captains jointly appealed to the Pakistani government to ensure adequate medical treatment for the former premier.

    The political context remains deeply contentious. Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 until his removal via no-confidence vote in 2022, has been incarcerated since 2023. He and his wife were subsequently sentenced to 17 years imprisonment on corruption allegations that both vehemently deny. Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, maintains all legal proceedings represent politically motivated persecution orchestrated by the current administration and Pakistan’s powerful military establishment.

    Khan’s son, Kasim Khan, publicly accused authorities of “medical neglect” during his father’s confinement, asserting via social media platform X that “the responsibility lies squarely with the regime in power, the Army Chief and the puppets enabling this cruelty.” Khan’s initial arrest in May 2023 triggered widespread civil unrest throughout Pakistan, with demonstrations frequently turning violent and resulting in hundreds of arrests.

    The former leader’s health crisis has transformed into both a medical and diplomatic issue, drawing attention from international sports figures and human rights observers who question prison conditions and judicial fairness in Pakistan’s ongoing political turmoil.

  • Priced at over Dh78,000: How was the rare bisht worn by Cristiano Ronaldo made

    Priced at over Dh78,000: How was the rare bisht worn by Cristiano Ronaldo made

    In a powerful fusion of sports and cultural heritage, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo donned an exceptionally rare Saudi bisht valued at over Dh78,000 following Al Nassr FC’s decisive 4-0 victory against Al Hazem on February 21. This sartorial choice carried profound significance, coinciding with Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day celebrations and serving as a tribute to the Kingdom’s rich traditions.

    The garment in question, known as the Al-Ahsa ‘Al-Ma’allama,’ represents the pinnacle of Saudi artisan craftsmanship. Unlike ordinary bishts—traditional cloaks commonly worn across the Gulf region—this particular piece required approximately 30 days of meticulous handcrafting by nine skilled artisans, including the mother of tailor Ali Al Ghawas, who recently detailed the production process in an interview with Al Arabiya.

    What distinguishes the Al-Ma’allama bisht is its exquisite embroidery using gold or silver threads, particularly on the chest and shoulders, blending classical aesthetics with luxurious materials such as natural wool or silk blends. This garment transcends mere clothing; it embodies centuries of cultural heritage and is traditionally reserved for dignitaries during national occasions, symbolizing honor and elegance.

    Ronaldo’s adoption of this attire is not without precedent. The Portuguese superstar, who joined Al Nassr in January 2023, previously wore traditional Saudi clothing during the 2023 Founding Day celebrations, demonstrating his respect for local customs. His latest gesture has amplified global interest in Saudi craftsmanship amid the kingdom’s growing influence in international sports, including its upcoming hosting of the 2034 World Cup.

    The rarity of such bishts stems from their limited commercial availability, reliance on generational craftsmanship techniques, and their significant social value as cultural artifacts. As Ronaldo continues to integrate into Saudi society, his fashion choices have become symbolic bridges between international sports stardom and regional cultural preservation.

  • Mianhua steams up good fortune for Chinese New Year

    Mianhua steams up good fortune for Chinese New Year

    The city of Huanghua in China’s Hebei province is enveloped in the aromatic essence of traditional mianhua steamed buns as Lunar New Year celebrations unfold. These elaborately crafted decorative buns represent more than culinary tradition—they embody cultural heritage and aspirations for prosperity in the coming year.

    Local resident Zhang Ruixia from Houxianzhuang village emphasizes the cultural significance: “Consuming mianhua during the New Year period invites abundance and favorable fortune.” Like many community members, Zhang prepared these symbolic baked goods well in advance to distribute among relatives during customary Spring Festival visits, strengthening familial bonds through shared tradition.

    Huanghua’s practice of creating ceremonial steamed buns spans generations, with contemporary iterations reflecting both cultural continuity and socioeconomic transformation. Municipal authorities recognize this custom as dual-faceted: preserving cultural identity while demonstrating tangible outcomes of rural revitalization initiatives. The craftsmanship involved in mianhua production has evolved into a sustainable economic activity that supports local artisans while maintaining cultural authenticity.

    The intricate designs of these steamed creations often incorporate symbolic motifs representing longevity, wealth, and happiness. This culinary art form has gained renewed attention as both a preservation of intangible cultural heritage and an example of how traditional practices can adapt to modern economic contexts without sacrificing cultural significance.

  • India inspects 90% of cough syrup makers, finds lapses in some

    India inspects 90% of cough syrup makers, finds lapses in some

    India’s pharmaceutical regulatory authority has completed sweeping inspections of approximately 90% of the nation’s cough syrup manufacturers, revealing significant compliance failures across multiple facilities. The comprehensive audit comes in response to a series of international tragedies linking Indian-made syrups to the deaths of over 140 children across Africa and Central Asia since 2022.

    Drugs Controller General of India Rajeev Raghuvanshi announced the findings at the IPA 11th Global Pharmaceutical Quality Summit in Mumbai, confirming that nearly 1,100 manufacturers had undergone rigorous evaluation. The inspections identified critical violations including breaches of good manufacturing practices, failure to test incoming raw materials, and implementation of invalid methods and processes.

    The regulatory crackdown follows the October discovery of diethylene glycol contamination in Coldrif cough syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, which resulted in 24 pediatric fatalities. This incident has placed unprecedented pressure on India’s $42 billion pharmaceutical industry, challenging its reputation as the ‘pharmacy of the world’.

    Raghuvanshi stated, ‘We took serious actions on serious non-compliances, and our belief is that the rot of cough syrup manufacturing will be removed.’ While declining to specify the exact number of non-compliant companies or identify them publicly, the regulator confirmed additional protective inspections of 1,250 drug manufacturing units to evaluate potential risks.

    Concurrently, India’s drug regulatory agency is undertaking transformative reforms to achieve parity with US Food and Drug Administration standards. The modernization initiative includes creating 1,500 new positions—40% through flexible contract roles—and potentially engaging global industry experts as advisors. The regulator is also piloting artificial intelligence applications to streamline application reviews and has eliminated redundant export clearance requirements for shipments to the US, Europe, Australia, Japan, the UK and Canada.

  • Hohhot hosts contemporary Spring Festival temple fair

    Hohhot hosts contemporary Spring Festival temple fair

    The vibrant city of Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region inaugurated its 2026 Spring Festival Cultural Temple Fair this Sunday, launching an eight-day cultural extravaganza along the historic Saishang Old Street in Yuquan district. The festival, which commenced on February 22nd, will continue through March 3rd, strategically concluding on the Lantern Festival that traditionally marks the finale of Chinese New Year celebrations.

    Under the thematic banner ‘Celebrate Chinese Year in Hohhot’, the event orchestrates a sophisticated fusion of time-honored Spring Festival customs with contemporary artistic expressions. Local authorities have curated an immersive program that showcases the region’s diverse intangible cultural heritage through dynamic performances, interactive installations, and traditional craft demonstrations.

    The temple fair represents a cultural bridge connecting Mongolia’s rich ethnic traditions with universal Chinese New Year practices. Visitors can experience authentic folk dances, traditional music performances, and artisan workshops demonstrating centuries-old craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations.

    Beyond traditional displays, the festival incorporates modern technological elements and interactive experiences designed to engage younger audiences while preserving cultural authenticity. Food stalls offering regional delicacies, handicraft markets featuring local artisans, and cultural exhibitions provide a comprehensive sensory journey through Inner Mongolia’s unique cultural landscape.

    The event serves dual purposes: preserving traditional customs while innovating their presentation for contemporary audiences. This approach has transformed the temple fair into both a cultural preservation initiative and a significant tourism driver, attracting visitors from across China and internationally during the Spring Festival travel period.

  • Saudi, Egypt, other foreign ministers condemn Israel’s West Bank moves in joint statement

    Saudi, Egypt, other foreign ministers condemn Israel’s West Bank moves in joint statement

    A significant multinational coalition comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, France, Spain, Turkey, Qatar, along with the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, has issued a forceful joint statement condemning Israel’s recent territorial expansions in the occupied West Bank. The diplomatic condemnation, released through the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Monday evening, addresses measures approved by Israel’s cabinet on February 15 that substantially extend administrative control over Palestinian territories.

    The statement characterizes these developments as implementing ‘sweeping extensions to unlawful Israeli control’ through systematic reclassification of Palestinian land as Israeli ‘state land.’ This administrative maneuver accelerates illegal settlement activity while further entrenching Israeli administration in territories recognized under international law as occupied Palestinian land.

    Diplomats explicitly labeled these settlements and supporting decisions as ‘a flagrant violation of international law’ and a dangerous progression toward ‘unacceptable de facto annexation.’ The West Bank represents core territory Palestinians seek for an independent state, though much remains under Israeli military control with limited Palestinian self-rule in Western-backed Authority-administered areas.

    The coalition warned these measures fundamentally undermine ongoing peace and stability efforts while threatening meaningful prospects for regional integration. This coordinated international response highlights growing diplomatic concern over unilateral actions that alter territorial status quo in one of the world’s most politically sensitive regions.

  • Thai officials say 72 tigers at tourist parks died of canine distemper, allaying bird flu fears

    Thai officials say 72 tigers at tourist parks died of canine distemper, allaying bird flu fears

    Thai health authorities have confirmed that the sudden deaths of 72 tigers at two northern Thailand animal parks resulted from canine distemper virus (CDV) infection, explicitly ruling out any connection to avian influenza. The fatalities occurred within a concentrated 10-day period between February 8-18 at Tiger Kingdom facilities in Chiang Mai province’s Mae Taeng and Mae Rim districts.

    Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat addressed concerns at a Tuesday press conference, emphasizing that the CDV pathogen presents no known transmission risk to humans. ‘There has not been an animal-to-human infection case,’ Minister Promphat stated, while acknowledging ongoing health monitoring of individuals with recent animal contact.

    Veterinary investigations revealed the presence of CDV genetic material and secondary bacterial infections in necropsy results, with no detected traces of avian influenza viruses. Officials noted that confined big cats face heightened vulnerability to such infections due to stress factors and genetic limitations from inbreeding practices.

    Despite official reassurances, participating veterinarian Visit Arsaithamkul raised concerns about undetermined infection origins. Through social media channels, Dr. Arsaithamkul suggested possible contamination through shared food sources between the geographically proximate facilities.

    All deceased tigers underwent controlled cremation and burial procedures following thorough disinfection protocols to prevent further disease spread. Both affected parks remain temporarily closed as investigations continue.

    Health authorities maintain nationwide vigilance against potential avian influenza threats, with Disease Control Department Director-General Monthien Khanasawat advising cautious poultry consumption practices following recent regional bird flu cases.

  • DPRK top leader outlines general economic goals for next five years

    DPRK top leader outlines general economic goals for next five years

    PYONGYANG – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has delineated a measured economic strategy for the nation’s forthcoming five-year development cycle, emphasizing stabilization, structural consolidation, and incremental qualitative advancement. The announcement was delivered during a pivotal address at the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) on Monday, February 23, 2026.

    As General Secretary of the WPK, Kim articulated that the primary objective of the new quinquennial plan is to establish a solid foundation for the national economy. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported his statements, which framed the period as a critical phase for reinforcing economic stability before pursuing more ambitious qualitative development.

    Kim underscored the fundamental purpose of the Party Congress, stating its main schedule was to meticulously formulate and subsequently ratify a long-term strategic blueprint. He emphasized that the success of the congress would be measured by its effectiveness in defining the nation’s strategic orientation, establishing precise sector-specific goals, and adopting concrete decisions to achieve them.

    This economic roadmap signifies a continuation of a pragmatic approach, potentially indicating a sustained focus on internal development and self-reliance amid persistent international sanctions and geopolitical pressures. The speech did not elaborate on specific industries or quantitative targets, instead maintaining a broad focus on systemic strengthening and controlled progress.

  • 5.6 magnitude earthquake rattles Taiwan, buildings shake in Taipei

    5.6 magnitude earthquake rattles Taiwan, buildings shake in Taipei

    A moderate earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale occurred off the northeastern coast of Taiwan on Tuesday morning, according to the island’s meteorological authorities. The seismic event, which struck at 9:20 AM local time, originated approximately 16.9 kilometers from Yilan County’s government seat in coastal waters with a significant depth of 66.8 kilometers (41.5 miles).

    The tremor was distinctly felt across the capital region of Taipei, where buildings experienced noticeable shaking for a brief period. Despite the perceptible ground movement, initial assessments by emergency services indicated no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties following the event.

    Taiwan’s geographical position places it near the convergence point of two major tectonic plates—the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate—making the island particularly susceptible to seismic activity. This geological reality has resulted in numerous significant earthquakes throughout Taiwan’s history, including the devastating 1999 tremor that registered 7.3 magnitude and claimed over 2,000 lives, followed by another deadly quake in southern Taiwan in 2016 that resulted in more than 100 fatalities.

    The region’s advanced earthquake monitoring systems and building codes, developed in response to previous seismic events, appear to have contributed to the minimal impact of this latest tremor. Emergency response teams remained on alert following the earthquake, conducting standard assessments of critical infrastructure including bridges, dams, and transportation networks as precautionary measures.

  • Russia supplying Iran new missile might for a US war

    Russia supplying Iran new missile might for a US war

    In a strategic pivot following the degradation of its integrated air defense network during the 2025 conflict with Israel, Iran has secured a significant arms agreement with Russia worth approximately $591 million. The deal, finalized in Moscow in December 2025, involves the acquisition of 500 launch units and 2,500 Verba man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

    The Verba system represents a fundamental shift in Iran’s defensive doctrine toward distributed, mobile operations. These infrared-guided weapons can target cruise missiles, drones, and low-flying aircraft up to 6 kilometers away with a 4.5-kilometer altitude ceiling. Their man-portable nature allows for rapid deployment without reliance on vulnerable fixed radar installations, incorporating night-vision capabilities and a three-band electro-optical seeker designed to counter flare-based countermeasures.

    This procurement signals Tehran’s recognition that traditional high-value air defense sites proved inadequate against modern aerial threats. During the recent conflict, Israeli strikes effectively neutralized Iran’s Russian-made S-300 batteries, demonstrating the vulnerability of static defense systems. The Verba acquisition enables Iran to implement a more survivable air denial strategy using highly mobile teams operating across dispersed locations.

    While insufficient against advanced stealth aircraft like the F-35 or B-2, these systems pose significant risks to helicopter operations and low-altitude missions, potentially complicating special operations deployments. The psychological impact of MANPADS cannot be underestimated—their ability to engage targets without warning could provide Iran with tactical advantages and potentially capture opportunities that yield strategic bargaining chips.

    The agreement, negotiated through Rosoboronexport with involvement from previously sanctioned Iranian officials, reflects deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. This partnership extends beyond arms transfers, with Iran having supplied drones, ballistic missiles, and artillery ammunition to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine.

    Geopolitically, Iran represents a crucial node in Russia’s International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), serving as a sanctions evasion route that bypasses Western-controlled maritime chokepoints. Moscow has strategic interest in maintaining Tehran’s current regime, as regime change could jeopardize this vital economic corridor and further isolate Russia economically.

    Iran’s revised defense approach fundamentally aims at “winning by not losing”—prioritizing regime survival through a more resilient, distributed defense architecture that complicates potential aerial campaigns against its territory. This strategy acknowledges that while airpower alone cannot secure victory, it can significantly raise the costs and risks for any military action against Iran.

    The long-term implications extend beyond bilateral relations, potentially affecting regional stability and global power dynamics. Should Iran’s regime survive through these adaptations, it would demonstrate the limitations of aerial bombardment against determined authoritarian states with significant coercive capabilities. Conversely, regime collapse might not yield favorable outcomes for Western interests, possibly resulting in even more hardline leadership under the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.

    This development underscores the evolving nature of modern conflict, where cost-effective, asymmetric defense systems can challenge technological superiority, potentially prolonging conflicts and draining resources from major powers seeking to maintain global military dominance.