Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Massive fire engulfs dozens of shops at a shopping mall in southern Pakistan, killing 3 people

    Massive fire engulfs dozens of shops at a shopping mall in southern Pakistan, killing 3 people

    A devastating nocturnal blaze ravaged a multi-story commercial complex in Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous metropolis, on Saturday evening, resulting in a confirmed death toll of three individuals and leaving approximately twelve others with injuries, as reported by municipal police and emergency response authorities.

    The conflagration ignited at Gul Plaza shortly after 10:00 PM local time, prompting an immediate deployment of firefighting units and rescue personnel. Local media outlets indicated that the majority of retail proprietors were either in the process of concluding daily operations or had already vacated the premises when the rapidly spreading fire erupted.

    While the precise origin of the catastrophe remains undetermined pending formal investigation, preliminary reports suggest the inferno originated within a section designated for storage of imported textiles, garments, and plastic household merchandise. These highly combustible materials reportedly acted as significant accelerants, facilitating the fire’s aggressive progression throughout the building’s structure.

    Televised news footage documented emergency crews clad in specialized protective equipment employing extended ladders, high-capacity water cannons, and multiple hose lines to combat flames erupting from windows and balconies. An Associated Press correspondent on location reported dense plumes of black smoke permeating the nocturnal atmosphere, visible from considerable distances.

    This tragic incident underscores a persistent pattern of inadequate fire prevention infrastructure and emergency response systems prevalent throughout Karachi and broader Pakistani urban centers. The provincial capital of Sindh has witnessed multiple comparable tragedies, including a November 2023 shopping mall fire that claimed ten lives and injured twenty-two individuals, highlighting systemic public safety deficiencies that frequently culminate in substantial property damage and human casualties.

  • ‘We demand respect’: Thousands join anti-Trump protest in Denmark over Greenland

    ‘We demand respect’: Thousands join anti-Trump protest in Denmark over Greenland

    COPENHAGEN – Tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Denmark’s capital on Saturday in a powerful display of opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial pursuit of mineral-rich Greenland. The massive civic mobilization came just one day after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on nations resisting his territorial acquisition plans.

    Waving a sea of red-and-white Danish and Greenlandic flags, protesters gathered outside Copenhagen’s city hall chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat!” – the indigenous name for Greenland. The carefully coordinated demonstrations, organized by Greenlandic associations, simultaneously unfolded across multiple Danish cities including Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, and extended to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.

    Uagut, an association representing Greenlanders in Denmark, articulated the movement’s core message: “The aim is to send a clear and unified message of respect for Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights.” Organizers scheduled a sister demonstration in Nuuk to specifically protest what they termed the U.S.’s “illegal plans to take control of Greenland,” with marchers proceeding toward the U.S. consulate.

    The protests coincided with a visit by a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation seeking to distance American lawmakers from Trump’s polarizing stance. Democratic Senator Chris Coons, leading the delegation, explicitly contradicted the administration’s security justification for the proposed acquisition during meetings with Danish and Greenlandic officials.

    “There are no pressing security threats to Greenland,” Coons told reporters, acknowledging shared concerns about Arctic security amid climate change while emphasizing NATO’s existing protective umbrella. This statement directly countered claims by Trump advisor Stephen Miller that Denmark lacked capacity to defend its Arctic territory.

    Recent polling data reveals overwhelming opposition among Greenlanders, with 85% rejecting potential U.S. membership. The demonstrations underscore growing transatlantic tensions as European NATO members, including Britain, France, Germany and Nordic countries, deploy troops to Greenland for military exercises explicitly designed to demonstrate sovereign defense capabilities.

  • Syrian Kurds seek constitutional recognition after rights decree

    Syrian Kurds seek constitutional recognition after rights decree

    In a landmark move, Syria’s interim government has issued a decree formally recognizing Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights for the first time since the nation’s independence in 1946. The declaration, announced by Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in a televised address late Friday, designates Newroz (the Kurdish new year) as a national holiday and restores citizenship to Kurds who were stripped of their nationality following a controversial 1962 census.

    While the decree prompted celebrations among Kurds in government-controlled areas like Damascus and Afrin, it received a muted response in regions under Kurdish autonomous control. Kurdish political factions across the spectrum acknowledged the gesture but universally warned it falls short of addressing their fundamental demands.

    The Kurdish-led Democratic Self-Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) stated that no decree can constitute genuine guarantees unless embedded within a comprehensive constitutional framework. Similarly, Salih Muslim of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) characterized the measures as ‘individual promises’ rather than binding constitutional rights.

    Even welcoming voices like Shalal Gado of the Kurdish National Council emphasized that these provisions must evolve into constitutionally protected rights with legal safeguards. The decree fails to address the plight of unregistered Kurds (maktoumeen) and those abroad classified as foreigners (ajanib), leaving them stateless and unable to work, study, or marry legally.

    The announcement comes amid intensified international mediation to halt recent violent clashes in Aleppo between Kurdish forces and the Syrian army. The fighting displaced approximately 120,000 people and threatened to derail the March agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

    Analyst Meghan Bodette of the Kurdish Peace Institute noted the decree could represent a partial step toward implementing Damascus’s obligations under the March security integration framework. However, she emphasized its ‘revocable nature and shortcomings on critical issues’ prevent it from being a comprehensive solution to Syria’s longstanding Kurdish question, which affects nearly two million citizens.

  • PLA monitors US naval vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait

    PLA monitors US naval vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait

    The People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command has confirmed comprehensive surveillance operations targeting two United States naval vessels during their recent transit through the Taiwan Strait. The movement occurred between Friday and Saturday, involving the guided-missile destroyer USS Finn and oceanographic survey ship USNS Mary Sears.

    Senior Colonel Xu Chenghua, official spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, issued a formal statement detailing the military response. According to Colonel Xu, Chinese naval and air forces maintained continuous monitoring throughout the strait passage, implementing appropriate measures to manage the situation effectively.

    The spokesperson emphasized the command’s persistent state of high alertness, stating that PLA troops remain prepared to defend national sovereignty and security interests. The statement further underscored China’s commitment to preserving regional peace and stability, characterizing the military response as both measured and resolute.

    This latest incident represents another chapter in the ongoing strategic interactions between Chinese and American forces in the Taiwan Strait, a waterway that China considers part of its territorial sovereignty despite international navigation claims. The PLA’s public disclosure of its monitoring operations follows established patterns of transparency regarding foreign military activities near Chinese territory.

  • Inside the studio without a photographer: How Dubai’s AI portraits work

    Inside the studio without a photographer: How Dubai’s AI portraits work

    Dubai has introduced a groundbreaking approach to professional photography through self.space, an innovative studio that eliminates the need for human photographers. This technology-driven concept utilizes artificial intelligence to capture and enhance high-quality portraits while guaranteeing absolute privacy for clients.

    The studio features three meticulously designed rooms that function as personal sanctuaries rather than conventional photography spaces. Each room is equipped with professional makeup stations, clothing racks for outfit changes, and various props to inspire creative expression. The core technological innovation lies in a sophisticated rectangular mirror that completely conceals the camera system, allowing users to see only their reflection during sessions.

    Clients control the entire experience through a simple remote mechanism, triggering captures without external intervention. This design philosophy, conceived by founders Mitia Muravev and Peter Bondarenko, centers on creating environments where individuals feel secure and autonomous. The absence of human observation enables genuine relaxation and authentic self-expression, particularly significant in GCC cultures where privacy considerations often deter participation in traditional photoshoots.

    Following each session, AI algorithms automatically process images, refining skin tones and textures while preserving natural authenticity. The studio’s operational framework ensures that no team members ever access or view client photographs, embedding privacy protection into the fundamental architecture of the system.

    Positioned as a technology company rather than merely a photography service, self.space represents an emerging category blending AI capabilities with luxury hospitality standards. With planned expansion throughout the GCC region and eventual global deployment, this innovation challenges conventional photography paradigms by replacing performance pressure with creative liberation.

  • ‘My nightmare’: Iranians recount crackdown under internet blackout

    ‘My nightmare’: Iranians recount crackdown under internet blackout

    Survivors of Iran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests have begun sharing harrowing accounts of state-sponsored brutality, describing scenes resembling war zones amid a complete information blackout imposed by authorities. The testimonies emerge as international organizations struggle to document the full extent of casualties, with estimates ranging from several thousand to potentially tens of thousands dead.

    Kiarash, a 44-year-old witness who spoke from Germany after visiting Tehran, described experiencing near-fatal encounters with government forces. ‘One move in the wrong direction and I would have been dead,’ he recounted, detailing how a shooter concealed in traditional chador garments opened fire on crowds in northern Tehran on January 10. The streets, he testified, ran with blood as multiple protesters collapsed simultaneously under gunfire.

    The violence followed economic protests that dramatically escalated on January 8, prompting authorities to implement a comprehensive internet shutdown that continues to hamper independent verification of events. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) has verified 3,428 protestor deaths but warns the actual toll could be substantially higher, with some sources suggesting numbers reaching 20,000.

    Eyewitness accounts describe horrific scenes at medical and burial facilities. Kiarash reported visiting Behesht-e Zahrah cemetery where warehouses overflowed with black body bags stacked two or three high, estimating between 1,500 to 2,500 casualties in a single facility. Grieving families struggled to identify loved ones, with one theater actor reportedly identified only through his tattoos after being shot in the head.

    Despite the communication blackout, videos have emerged showing extensive demonstrations with participants chanting against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and calling for monarchy restoration. The footage, geolocated to various cities including Kermanshah, captures what appears to be automatic weapon fire and shows police vehicles and mosques in flames.

    International response has intensified with the United States expressing support for ‘the brave people of Iran’ while Canada confirmed a citizen killed and France reported a French-Iranian woman injured. Iranian authorities maintain they confronted ‘riots’ and ‘terrorist operations’ fueled by the United States and Israel, claiming only ‘hundreds’ died while showcasing pro-government demonstrations on state media.

    For those who witnessed the violence, the psychological impact remains profound. ‘This is my nightmare right now,’ Kiarash stated, capturing the trauma experienced by countless Iranians who now navigate a transformed reality where normalcy has been irrevocably shattered.

  • Iran’s Khamenei calls Trump ‘criminal’ for causing casualties, damage on Iranians

    Iran’s Khamenei calls Trump ‘criminal’ for causing casualties, damage on Iranians

    In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has formally characterized U.S. President Donald Trump as a ‘criminal’ for his administration’s handling of recent Iranian protests. The religious leader’s statements, disseminated through state media on Saturday, January 17, 2026, accused the American president of directly contributing to Iranian casualties, substantial material damage, and engaging in systematic slander against the nation.

    Khamenei emphasized the unprecedented nature of recent events, noting that ‘the latest anti-Iran sedition was particularly distinguished by the U.S. President’s personal involvement.’ This represents a notable intensification from previous rhetoric, where Khamenei had previously described Trump merely as ‘arrogant’ and suggested he focus on domestic American challenges rather than Iranian affairs.

    The Supreme Leader further drew historical parallels, suggesting Trump faced potential overthrow similar to Iran’s pre-1979 imperial dynasty. These comments emerge amidst ongoing regional tensions, with Trump having previously issued multiple military threats against Iran should authorities harm protesters. The son of Iran’s deposed Shah, Reza Pahlavi, has concurrently advocated for stronger U.S. intervention.

    Despite Trump’s assurances that ‘help was on the way’ to the Iranian people, concrete action has remained absent. Recent diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman reportedly sought to persuade the U.S. administration to allow Iran opportunity to demonstrate peaceful intentions. Trump subsequently claimed to have ‘convinced himself’ against military strikes, attributing this decision to Iran’s cancellation of 800 scheduled executions.

  • China’s condom tax no way to pump up low birth rates

    China’s condom tax no way to pump up low birth rates

    China has initiated a novel fiscal approach to combat its deepening demographic crisis by imposing a 13% value-added tax on contraceptives effective January 1, 2026. This policy shift emerges as the nation grapples with a critically low fertility rate of 1.0 children per woman—far beneath the 2.1 replacement threshold necessary for population stability.

    The contraceptive taxation strategy complements existing pronatalist measures, including last year’s allocation of 90 billion yuan ($12.7 billion) for a national childcare program providing approximately 3,600 yuan ($500) per child under three years old. Despite these substantial investments, demographic experts remain skeptical about their potential efficacy.

    Professor Dudley L. Poston Jr., a veteran China demography scholar with nearly four decades of research experience, asserts that these interventions are unlikely to significantly alter fertility trajectories. The symbolic contraceptive tax—adding mere dollars to annual contraceptive expenses—pales against the staggering 538,000 yuan ($77,000) average cost of raising a child to adulthood in urban China.

    China’s demographic challenges reflect broader regional patterns, with Singapore maintaining a 1.2 fertility rate despite decades of incentives and South Korea recording the world’s lowest at 0.7 despite investing over $200 billion in birth rate programs since 2006. These Asian nations demonstrate how modernization, rising educational opportunities for women, and substantial child-rearing expenses create structural barriers that policy interventions struggle to overcome.

    The current fertility crisis partly stems from China’s own historical policies. The notorious one-child policy successfully drove fertility from over 7.0 in the 1960s to 1.5 by 2015. Subsequent shifts to two-child (2015) and three-child (2021) policies failed to produce anticipated baby booms, with fertility rates continuing their decline to the current historic low.

    Demographers reference the ‘low-fertility trap’ theory suggesting that once rates fall below 1.4-1.5, increases of 0.3 or more become extraordinarily difficult due to entrenched socioeconomic factors. With urbanization, female empowerment, and exorbitant education costs reshaping reproductive decisions, China’s contraceptive tax appears more symbolic than substantively impactful in addressing its demographic challenges.

  • US invites Erdogan to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    US invites Erdogan to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    The United States has extended a formal invitation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to serve as a founding member on the newly established Board of Peace, a high-level international body that will oversee the administration and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. This development comes as part of a comprehensive post-war governance framework unveiled by the White House on Friday.

    According to sources familiar with the matter, the Board of Peace will be chaired by US President Donald Trump, who brokered the Gaza peace agreement in September with mediation support from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. The invitation to President Erdogan proceeded despite reported Israeli objections to his inclusion. Burhanettin Duran, Director of Communications for the Turkish presidency, confirmed the invitation via social media, noting that Trump sent the formal letter on January 16, 2026.

    The newly announced governance structure consists of multiple interconnected bodies. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), comprising fifteen Gazan technocrats led by Dr. Ali Shaath, will handle day-to-day civil services including education, sewage management, and infrastructure. However, the NCAG will hold no political authority and will report directly to the US-led Board of Peace.

    A separate Executive Board will develop long-term strategic vision for Gaza, with members including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and American investor Marc Rowan. The White House stated that each member will oversee critical portfolios including governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment, and large-scale capital funding.

    The administration also appointed Aryeh Lightstone, CEO of the Abraham Accords Peace Institute, and Josh Gruenbaum, Commissioner of the US General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service, as senior advisers. Their appointments have drawn scrutiny due to Lightstone’s controversial role in the suspended Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and Gruenbaum’s limited foreign policy background, having gained prominence for leading financial crackdowns on US universities over pro-Palestine activism.

    Former UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov has been named Gaza High Representative, serving as principal intermediary between the NCAG and the Board of Peace. Major General Jasper Jeffers will command the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) tasked with maintaining security and monitoring ceasefire compliance within Gaza.

    The complex governance framework has generated confusion among observers, particularly as several appointed figures are viewed as holding strongly pro-Israeli positions, raising questions about balanced representation in Gaza’s post-war administration.

  • Trump appoints Tony Blair to Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    Trump appoints Tony Blair to Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

    Former US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of an international ‘Board of Peace’ to oversee governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, naming several high-profile figures to lead the initiative. The seven-member board will be chaired by Trump himself and includes former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

    The board’s operational leadership will consist of Aryeh Lightstone and Josh Gruenbaum as senior advisers managing day-to-day strategy, with Bulgarian diplomat Nicholay Mladenov, former UN Middle East peace coordinator, serving as High Representative of Gaza. According to a White House statement, each member will assume specific responsibilities critical to Gaza’s stabilization, including governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, and large-scale funding mobilization.

    The board will supervise a technocratic committee comprising 15 Palestinians, led by former Palestinian deputy minister for planning Ali Shaath. Trump enthusiastically described the newly-formed body as “the greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place,” representing the next phase of his 21-point plan for Gaza.

    However, several appointments have generated significant controversy, particularly that of Tony Blair. Critics point to Blair’s role in the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq and his organization’s consultancy work for autocratic governments including Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The Tony Blair Institute has faced additional scrutiny for accepting funds from figures linked to illegal Israeli settlements and American Islamophobic networks, as well as Blair’s honorary patronage of the UK branch of Israel’s Jewish National Fund.

    The board’s launch coincides with deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where Israeli restrictions on aid delivery have exacerbated a severe winter crisis. Recent rainstorms have destroyed thousands of tents and compromised structurally damaged buildings, leading to at least 31 winter-related Palestinian deaths, including 19 children from hypothermia. Since the October 2025 ceasefire, continued Israeli attacks have resulted in 450 Palestinian fatalities, adding to the overwhelming death toll of more than 71,400 Palestinians killed since October 2023.