Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Yemen’s prime minister quits, replaced by foreign minister

    Yemen’s prime minister quits, replaced by foreign minister

    Yemen’s political landscape has undergone a significant transformation following the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and the subsequent appointment of Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as his successor. The presidential leadership council formally accepted Bin Breik’s resignation, citing strategic efforts to restore state institutions and reinforce unified sovereign decision-making as primary motivations behind the leadership change.

    According to the official statement released by Yemen’s state news agency Saba, the transition occurred on Thursday with the presidential council approving Zindani’s nomination to form a new cabinet. The outgoing government will maintain administrative operations, excluding personnel appointments and dismissals, until the new administration is fully established.

    This political reorganization unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and factional struggles for territorial control. In December, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a prominent separatist movement, successfully ousted the internationally recognized government from its Aden headquarters, asserting dominance across southern regions.

    Despite these internal challenges, substantial de-escalation and development initiatives are progressing. Saudi Arabia has committed to injecting over $500 million into Yemen’s development projects, as announced by the Kingdom’s defense minister in January. Concurrently, the United Arab Emirates has urged the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts toward achieving sustainable peace and stability in Yemen and the broader region, as articulated by Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab during a recent UN Security Council meeting.

  • Trade Pantone’s ‘cloud dancer’ white for crisp winter blues: 10 buys to reset your style

    Trade Pantone’s ‘cloud dancer’ white for crisp winter blues: 10 buys to reset your style

    As Pantone’s ‘Cloud Dancer’ off-white takes the title of 2026’s Color of the Year, fashion insiders in Dubai are championing an alternative palette inspired by the region’s crystalline winter skies. While the airy white shade has its merits for UAE wardrobes—particularly in a climate free from urban grime—style experts argue that the post-holiday season calls for more restorative and optimistic tones.

    The current Dubai winter presents perfect conditions for outdoor living, making crisp blue hues the preferred choice for seasonal style resets. This shift toward azure tones reflects a desire for clarity, calm, and quiet confidence after a month of festive soirées and sequins.

    Leading the blue revolution are ten carefully curated pieces that capture the essence of the Emirates’ winter atmosphere. From Jumeirah Group’s inaugural leisurewear line featuring low-key caps for the locally savvy, to UPF50-protected surf suits ideal for January beach scenes, the selections prioritize both style and practicality.

    Notable recommendations include Cordova’s gingham ski jacket for slope-ready styling, hourglass-illusion creating one-pieces for the bikini-averse, and Mediterranean-inspired brunch dresses adorned with whimsical mermaids. For evening elegance, Tom Ford’s impeccably tailored mineral blue satin playsuit offers dramatic open-back sophistication.

    The trend extends to accessories with meaningful touches, such as Max&Co’s collaboration with word artist Pietro Terzini expressing universal parental sentiments after extended school breaks. Even the much-Googled ‘jorts’ (denim shorts) receive a chic makeover, while Piaget’s ‘Possession’ watch features interchangeable alligator straps in light blue, navy, and lapis shades.

    Travel essentials join the movement with Rimowa’s limited-edition ‘powder blue’ suitcase collection, designed to bring tranquility to baggage carousels and complement the season’s serene aesthetic.

  • UAE condemns attack in Chad after several members of armed forces killed

    UAE condemns attack in Chad after several members of armed forces killed

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a formal condemnation of a deadly terrorist assault targeting Chadian military personnel in the nation’s southern region. The attack, executed by an unidentified armed faction, resulted in numerous casualties among security forces members.

    In an official communiqué released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Emirates government articulated its vehement disapproval of these violent acts, characterizing them as criminal offenses that fundamentally contradict international peace and security norms. The statement further reaffirmed the UAE’s categorical rejection of all manifestations of extremism and terrorism, emphasizing their destabilizing impact on regional security architectures.

    The diplomatic correspondence extended profound sympathies and official condolences to both the bereaved families of deceased service members and the broader Chadian population. Additionally, the UAE government conveyed earnest wishes for the prompt and complete recovery of those injured during the hostilities.

    This development occurs amidst increasing security challenges in the Sahel region, where multiple nations continue grappling with insurgent activities by non-state armed groups. The UAE’s pronouncement underscores its consistent foreign policy stance against transnational terrorism and its humanitarian commitment to conflict-affected nations.

  • Aerial photos capture snow melting on Guizhou grassland

    Aerial photos capture snow melting on Guizhou grassland

    Spectacular aerial photography has documented the mesmerizing transformation of Wumeng Grassland in Panzhou City, Guizhou Province, as winter’s first snow blanket begins its seasonal retreat. The breathtaking images reveal ethereal mist formations rising from the melting snowscape, creating a dramatic visual contrast between the lingering winter whiteness and the emerging spring terrain.

    Located within the prestigious Wumeng Mountain National Geopark, this expansive grassland ecosystem spans elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,857 meters above sea level. As one of Guizhou’s most significant high-altitude natural pastures, the area represents a critical component of the region’s unique ecological and geological heritage.

    The photographic documentation, captured by Deng Yongchang, provides valuable visual data regarding seasonal transition patterns in high-altitude environments. The imagery not only showcases nature’s artistic beauty but also serves as an important record of environmental processes occurring within China’s protected geopark system. These visual documents offer researchers and conservationists insights into microclimatic conditions and hydrological cycles characteristic of southwestern China’s highland regions.

    The mist phenomena observed during the snowmelt process result from specific temperature differentials between the cold snow surface and the gradually warming spring air. This atmospheric interaction creates the visually stunning evaporation effects captured in the aerial photographs, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between geological formations, elevation factors, and seasonal weather patterns.

  • Bus crashes into building in South Korea, leaving 13 injured, Yonhap says

    Bus crashes into building in South Korea, leaving 13 injured, Yonhap says

    A significant traffic incident occurred in central Seoul on Friday morning when a public transit bus veered off course and collided with a commercial building, resulting in injuries to thirteen individuals. According to Yonhap News Agency, which cited local fire authorities, two victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.

    Television footage from YTN broadcast network captured the aftermath of the collision, showing the large passenger bus with its front section embedded in the shattered glass facade of a ground-floor commercial establishment. The vehicle appeared to have mounted a substantial portion of the pedestrian sidewalk before impacting the structure, causing significant property damage alongside the personal injuries.

    Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene to provide medical assistance and transport the injured. Among those treated were the bus operator himself and two pedestrians caught in the incident’s path. Medical personnel confirmed one female pedestrian in her fifties suffered a fractured leg, while a male pedestrian in his thirties sustained head trauma. The remaining ten casualties experienced varying degrees of minor injuries.

    Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. Preliminary assessments are examining potential factors including mechanical failure, driver error, and road conditions at the time of the incident. The collision caused temporary disruption to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the bustling commercial district while cleanup and preliminary structural assessments were conducted.

  • Scientists using Chinese telesecope capture evolutionary process of mysterious flashes

    Scientists using Chinese telesecope capture evolutionary process of mysterious flashes

    In a groundbreaking astronomical discovery, China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) has captured unprecedented evidence revealing the evolutionary process of mysterious deep-space radio emissions known as fast radio bursts (FRBs). An international research team led by the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has documented the strongest evidence to date that these cosmic phenomena originate from compact binary star systems.

    The research, published in the journal Science, centers on observations of FRB 20220529—a repeating burst located approximately 2.9 billion light-years from Earth. Through meticulous monitoring from June 2022 to August 2024, scientists witnessed a dramatic magnetic environment transformation that provides crucial insights into the burst’s origin.

    Key to the discovery was the detection of a sudden surge in Faraday rotation—a measure of how radio waves twist as they pass through magnetized plasma. In December 2023, researchers observed the signal’s twisting effect spike approximately 20-fold before gradually returning to baseline levels over two weeks. This ‘surge and recovery’ pattern indicates the passage of a dense, magnetized plasma cloud between the burst source and Earth.

    Study corresponding author Wu Xuefeng compared the phenomenon to a solar coronal mass ejection, suggesting the most plausible explanation involves a binary system where a neutron star or magnetar orbits a companion star. Violent activity from the companion star or orbital geometry could eject plasma clouds that temporarily alter radio signals detected on Earth.

    The findings challenge previous theories suggesting FRBs originate from isolated neutron stars. Duncan Lorimer, the West Virginia University astrophysicist who first discovered FRBs in 2007, praised the discovery as ‘an amazing result’ that demonstrates FAST’s extraordinary capabilities.

    FAST’s exceptional sensitivity enabled detailed tracking of FRB 20220529, whose signals are typically too faint for other telescopes to detect. The facility has become instrumental in pulsar studies, gravitational wave research, and cosmic mapping since commencing full operations in 2020.

    Looking forward, China plans a major upgrade to FAST that will add dozens of medium-aperture antennas around the main dish, creating the world’s only mixed synthetic aperture array centered on a giant single-dish telescope. This enhancement will allow scientists to pinpoint FRB sources with unprecedented precision, potentially solving one of astronomy’s most enduring mysteries.

  • Solico Group invests Dh130 million in new SoFood production facility in Jafza to strengthen regional food manufacturing capacity

    Solico Group invests Dh130 million in new SoFood production facility in Jafza to strengthen regional food manufacturing capacity

    DUBAI – In a landmark investment for the UAE’s food manufacturing sector, Solico Group has inaugurated a state-of-the-art production facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) with a capital commitment of Dh130 million ($35.4 million). The new entity, branded SoFood, represents the group’s single largest investment in the UAE and is positioned to become its regional innovation and international manufacturing headquarters for the GCC.

    The purpose-built facility, spanning 5,000 square meters, incorporates advanced European manufacturing technologies with an initial production capacity of 40 tons per day. This strategic expansion significantly enhances the UAE’s food manufacturing resilience amid growing consumer demand and global supply chain considerations. The plant’s modular architectural design allows for agile entry into new food categories with minimal operational disruption.

    Gholamali Soleimani, Founder and Group Chairman of Solico Group, emphasized the strategic rationale behind the investment: “The UAE has cultivated one of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems for food manufacturing and economic diversification. This facility enables us to transfer our five decades of expertise into the UAE while building manufacturing capability that will support long-term regional food security objectives.”

    The production roadmap will unfold in phases, beginning with meat and protein products under Solico’s flagship Pemina brand for distribution throughout GCC markets and export channels. Subsequent phases will introduce cheese, dairy products, premixes, sauces, and co-packed solutions tailored for hotel, airline, and food service industries. These categories were specifically selected for their alignment with regional culinary preferences, localization potential, and export viability.

    Beyond manufacturing, SoFood will function as Solico’s regional innovation center, developing products specifically for Middle Eastern palates while shortening supply chains to enhance product freshness. The facility also incorporates comprehensive sustainability measures including energy- and water-efficient systems, waste-minimization processes, and holds multiple certifications including ISO 22000, HACCP, Halal, and Dubai Municipality Grade A accreditation.

    Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, noted: “Solico’s decision to establish their largest UAE investment in Jafza underscores Dubai’s industrial ecosystem strength. This facility will strengthen food security, create high-quality employment opportunities, and advance the UAE’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ manufacturing objectives.”

    The facility’s location within the DP World-operated Jebel Ali ecosystem provides direct access to global logistics corridors, enabling Solico to reach over three billion consumers across nearby markets while supporting the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy.

  • US announces Palestinian technocratic rule for Gaza under Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

    US announces Palestinian technocratic rule for Gaza under Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

    In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s transitional governance. The announcement, made via Truth Social on Thursday, signals a new approach to resolving the protracted conflict, with Trump claiming imminent finalization of a “comprehensive demilitarisation agreement” with Hamas, backed by regional powers Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.

    The proposed board will reportedly comprise 15 Palestinian members, led by Ali Shaath, former Palestinian deputy minister for planning. While Trump withheld specific details about the committee’s composition, he emphatically declared it “the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled” and expressed full support for a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government—the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

    This initiative aligns with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement that commenced in October, as confirmed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The transitional technocratic Palestinian administration aims to govern Gaza during its post-conflict recovery period, though progress has been hampered by persistent Israeli military operations in the besieged territory.

    The human cost of the conflict remains staggering. Palestinian health authorities report over 71,400 fatalities and 171,000 injuries since hostilities began, with nearly 450 deaths recorded since October alone. The United Nations highlights the catastrophic scale of destruction, estimating more than 66 million tons of rubble requiring clearance—a process potentially spanning seven years.

    International response has been cautiously optimistic. Spain welcomed the technocratic authority as a “positive step” toward Palestinian unity and stability, emphasizing its potential to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis through improved aid distribution. The committee will operate under the supervision of Nickolay Mladenov, Bulgaria’s former UN Middle East peace coordinator, who will serve as high representative.

    According to documents obtained by Middle East Eye, the committee includes Omar Shamali (communications), Abdul Karim Ashour (agriculture), Aed Yaghi (health), and Aed Abu Ramadan (industry and economy), among other specialized appointments. A senior Hamas source indicated no objection to the proposed members, while Egypt confirmed majority support from Palestinian factions.

    The UN describes Gaza’s population as “exhausted, traumatised, and overwhelmed,” with winter conditions exacerbating their misery. Particularly concerning are the psychological impacts on children, with the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics estimating over 39,000 had lost one or both parents by March, including 17,000 fully orphaned.

  • Taxation Society hosts ‘Tax Ready 2026’ conference on UAE’s evolving tax framework

    Taxation Society hosts ‘Tax Ready 2026’ conference on UAE’s evolving tax framework

    Dubai’s taxation community gathered at the Dusit Thani Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road for the pivotal ‘Tax Ready 2026: Navigating UAE’s Evolving Tax Framework’ conference. Organized by the Taxation Society, this intensive half-day symposium assembled tax specialists, financial executives, and business proprietors to address the nation’s rapidly transforming fiscal environment as it approaches significant 2026 regulatory milestones.

    The event commenced with formal addresses from Taxation Society leadership, including President Nimish Makvana and Chairman Naveen Sharma, setting the stage for substantive technical discussions. The conference garnered distinguished participation from Mirza Al Sayegh of the Al Maktoum Foundation and keynote speaker Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of Al Dobowi Group and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award recipient.

    Technical expertise was provided by Young Global specialists who delivered comprehensive sessions on critical tax developments. Director of Indirect Taxes Yedukondalu Mallela presented practical guidance on e-invoicing implementation and VAT compliance requirements. Corporate Tax Director Marat Tastambetov elucidated complexities surrounding the UAE’s Pillar 2 framework and global minimum tax implications. Transfer pricing received dedicated attention through a joint presentation by Rishi Sapra (Founder/CEO) and Jyoti Shukla (Transfer Pricing Manager), who outlined compliance expectations and risk mitigation strategies for the coming fiscal year.

    Attendees departed with enhanced preparedness for upcoming regulatory changes, equipped with actionable insights to align their organizations with the UAE’s progressive tax framework. The Taxation Society reinforced its commitment to facilitating professional development through targeted knowledge-sharing initiatives that address the dynamic needs of the business community.

  • Former South Korea President Yoon gets five-year sentence for obstruction

    Former South Korea President Yoon gets five-year sentence for obstruction

    In a landmark judicial ruling with profound political implications, the Seoul Central District Court has convicted former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on multiple felony charges, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. The verdict, delivered on Friday, January 16, 2026, marks a significant moment in the nation’s contemporary political history.

    The court found Yoon guilty of three primary offenses: obstruction of justice by deliberately impeding law enforcement’s execution of an arrest warrant; systematic fabrication of official government documents; and failure to adhere to mandatory legal procedures required for declaring martial law. These charges stem from his controversial and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, an event that triggered a constitutional crisis.

    The ruling represents the first judicial conclusion among several criminal cases brought against the former president following the botched martial law declaration. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s role in checking executive power, particularly regarding actions perceived as undermining democratic institutions. Legal experts highlight that the conviction for document fabrication specifically relates to creating false justifications for the martial law implementation.

    While this verdict carries immediate legal consequences, the court acknowledged Yoon’s right to appeal the decision through higher judicial channels. The sentencing reflects South Korea’s continued commitment to judicial independence and accountability, even for the highest-ranking officials. This case joins other historic presidential prosecutions in South Korea, demonstrating the nation’s robust legal mechanisms for addressing alleged abuses of power at the highest levels of government.