Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Myanmar’s military government claims a record seizure of illicit drugs at production sites

    Myanmar’s military government claims a record seizure of illicit drugs at production sites

    In a significant counter-narcotics operation, Myanmar’s military government has reported the largest drug seizure in the nation’s history. State media confirmed on Thursday that security forces conducted extensive raids from January 8-12 targeting dual threats: drug production facilities and online scam centers in northern Shan state.

    The operation focused on Mongyai township, approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Mandalay, where authorities dismantled three major drug manufacturing facilities located within kilometers of each other. Home Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung disclosed that these sites produced heroin, methamphetamine, and crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’).

    Photographic evidence released by the military revealed sophisticated production setups featuring dozens of blue plastic barrels filled with powdery substances, industrial gas cylinders, large mixing vats, and complex glass flask systems connected by tubing in makeshift structures.

    Military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun characterized these facilities as potentially the country’s primary drug-production hubs, with trafficking routes extending to neighboring Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia through conflict areas in western, northwestern, and southeastern Myanmar.

    The context of Myanmar’s escalating civil war, which intensified following the 2021 military takeover, has created conditions that facilitate both drug production and distribution. Ethnic armed groups and local resistance forces have long been accused of using drug revenues to fund their operations, though the Shan State Progress Party specifically denied involvement in the targeted regions.

    According to official statistics, Myanmar authorities have seized drugs valued at approximately $2.8 billion over the past five years, destroyed over 10,000 hectares of opium poppy fields, and made more than 43,900 drug-related arrests.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of a December UN report indicating opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar has reached its highest level in a decade, with the country maintaining its status as the world’s largest methamphetamine producer.

  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall Metro station expansion: RTA signs agreement to begin project

    Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall Metro station expansion: RTA signs agreement to begin project

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has formally commenced a significant expansion project at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, one of the network’s most critical transportation hubs. The initiative, launched through a partnership agreement with Emaar Properties, aims to dramatically enhance passenger handling capabilities at the station serving Downtown Dubai’s iconic landmarks.

    The comprehensive upgrade will boost the station’s hourly capacity by 65%, increasing from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers. Daily handling capacity will simultaneously rise to accommodate up to 220,000 commuters, addressing persistent congestion issues during peak periods, particularly on New Year’s Eve and major holidays. The expansion responds to documented sustained growth in passenger demand, with ridership increasing from 6.13 million in 2013 to over 10.57 million in 2024.

    Infrastructure enhancements will expand the station’s total area from 6,700 to 8,500 square meters. The project scope includes redesigned station entrances, improved pedestrian bridges, expanded concourse and platform areas, and additional escalators and lifts. A critical operational improvement will separate entry and exit gates to optimize passenger flow, complemented by increased fare gates and expanded commercial spaces. The design also emphasizes better integration with other public transportation services and mobility options.

    RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer characterized the project as a strategic investment in Dubai’s urban core, where tourism and economic activity concentrate most intensely. The expansion demonstrates the authority’s commitment to proactive infrastructure development capable of supporting rapid population growth and increasing visitor numbers while ensuring smoother mobility during high-demand periods.

    The agreement was formally signed by Al Tayer and Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar during the Dubai World Project Management Forum, marking the implementation phase of plans initially announced in June 2025.

  • The new BTS album title and what to know about the K-pop band’s comeback

    The new BTS album title and what to know about the K-pop band’s comeback

    NEW YORK — K-pop phenomenon BTS is officially ending their nearly four-year musical hiatus with major announcements that have sent the global ARMY fandom into celebration. The septet confirmed through their label BigHit Music that they will release their fifth studio album, titled “ARIRANG,” on March 20, 2026.

    The comeback announcement follows the completion of all seven members’ mandatory military service requirements in South Korea. The group strategically staggered their enlistments to allow for individual projects while maintaining group cohesion. Rapper Suga, who served as a social service agent due to a shoulder injury, was the final member to complete his duties in June 2025.

    Complementing the album release, BTS revealed an extensive 2026-2027 world tour comprising over 70 dates across five continents. The tour will commence in South Korea in April 2026 and continue through March 2027, marking their first headline performances since their 2021-2022 Permission to Dance on Stage tour.

    Retail partnership details emerged simultaneously, with Target announcing exclusive preorder editions featuring 10 different vinyl variants and two CD editions with collectible photocards. Preorders opened Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern time through the WeVerse platform, HYBE’s dedicated fan community service.

    While album artwork and specific tracklist details remain undisclosed, the announcement represents the culmination of plans initially teased last summer. The group had previously indicated they would begin working on new material in July 2025 following all members’ military service completion.

  • X announces measures to prevent Grok from undressing images

    X announces measures to prevent Grok from undressing images

    In response to mounting international scrutiny, Elon Musk’s social media platform X has enacted stringent geographical restrictions on its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok. The preventive measures specifically target the generation of sexually explicit imagery through the AI system after widespread reports emerged of non-consensual deepfake creation.

    The platform’s safety team confirmed implementation of technological barriers preventing Grok from processing requests involving real individuals in revealing attire, including bikinis and underwear. These restrictions apply uniformly across all user tiers, including premium subscribers who previously enjoyed broader access to the AI’s capabilities.

    This decisive action follows California Attorney General’s formal investigation into xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence development company, regarding the production of unauthorized explicit content. The probe centers on Grok’s controversial ‘Spicy Mode’ feature, which allegedly enabled users to create manipulated sexualized imagery of women and children through simple text commands.

    The international community has responded with escalating measures against the AI platform. Indonesia pioneered comprehensive access restrictions on Saturday, with Malaysia implementing similar blocks shortly thereafter. Indian authorities reported cooperation from X, resulting in the removal of thousands of posts and hundreds of user accounts associated with inappropriate content generation.

    European nations have joined the regulatory response, with Britain’s Ofcom media regulator initiating proceedings to determine X’s compliance with UK legislation regarding sexual imagery. Concurrently, France’s commissioner for children has formally referred the matter to national prosecutors, the Arcom media regulatory body, and European Union authorities for further action.

  • Beijing’s Chaoyang aims to be top spot for global tourists

    Beijing’s Chaoyang aims to be top spot for global tourists

    Beijing’s Chaoyang district has announced a comprehensive development strategy to establish itself as the primary destination for international tourists visiting China’s capital. The initiative, revealed during the district’s annual legislative and political advisory meetings, forms a cornerstone of Chaoyang’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) objectives.

    Commercial Bureau Director Chen Feng outlined the district’s vision to create an internationally-oriented shopping environment through significant expansion and modernization of duty-free retail facilities and instant tax refund shopping zones. The strategy aims to enhance the overall visitor experience while boosting retail revenue from international tourists.

    Chaoyang district currently hosts an impressive retail infrastructure including more than 100 commercial complexes and over 2,000 flagship stores. The area dominates Beijing’s premium dining scene, containing 30% of the city’s traditional teahouses, 50% of its cafes, 60% of Michelin-starred restaurants, and 70% of Black Pearl-recognized dining establishments.

    The development blueprint includes substantial renovations to several prominent commercial centers. Blue Island Tower, The Place, and Yansha Youyi Shopping Cities are among the major complexes scheduled for modernization to meet international standards and consumer expectations.

    This strategic positioning aligns with Beijing’s broader economic development goals and demonstrates the city’s commitment to enhancing its global tourism competitiveness. The transformation of Chaoyang district represents a significant investment in retail infrastructure and international consumer services, potentially establishing new benchmarks for urban commercial development in China.

  • Sheikh Mohammed to honour 6 winners of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025

    Sheikh Mohammed to honour 6 winners of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025

    Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future will serve as the backdrop for a landmark celebration of intellectual excellence as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, presides over the third annual Great Arab Minds Award ceremony. The 2025 edition will recognize six exceptional Arab scholars whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly advanced their respective fields.

    The distinguished laureates represent diverse academic disciplines: Professor Majid Chergui (Natural Sciences), Professor Abbas El Gamal (Engineering and Technology), Dr. Nabil Seidah (Medicine), Professor Badi Hani (Economics), Dr. Suad Amiry (Architecture and Design), and Professor Charbel Dagher (Literature and Arts). Their selection follows rigorous evaluation by specialized committees overseeing each category.

    Dignitaries including government officials, diplomats, academics, and international media will join the recipients’ families at this prestigious gathering, which has earned the moniker ‘Arab Nobel’ for its significance in recognizing regional intellectual achievement. The ceremony underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering knowledge-based development and celebrating Arab contributions to global progress.

    The Museum of the Future, serving as the permanent headquarters for the initiative, further reinforces its mission through an dedicated research center that amplifies the impact of awardees’ work. This strategic placement symbolizes the nation’s forward-looking approach to intellectual advancement.

    Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the initiative’s Higher Committee, emphasized the award’s broader significance: ‘This comprehensive strategic initiative not only honors exceptional Arab intellects but also encourages institutional investment in research and innovation. These distinguished figures inspire millions of young Arabs to transform ambitious ideas into tangible contributions that strengthen regional development.’

    The ceremony represents a growing tradition of recognizing Arab excellence while providing inspirational models for youth across the region. By highlighting these achievements, the award aims to stimulate increased Arab participation in global knowledge production and cultural development.

  • Saudi Arabia says will invest $500 million in Yemen development projects

    Saudi Arabia says will invest $500 million in Yemen development projects

    In a significant move to bolster Yemen’s reconstruction efforts, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a comprehensive $506 million development package targeting critical infrastructure across ten governorates. The announcement came from Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who confirmed the initiative through an official statement on social media platform X.

    The substantial investment will be administered through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), which has operated within the Arabian Peninsula’s most impoverished nation since 2018. The funding encompasses several landmark projects including the establishment of Yemen’s inaugural desalination plant, extensive rehabilitation of Aden International Airport, development of a modern medical facility on Socotra Island, and the construction and furnishing of 30 educational institutions.

    According to program officials, these resources will finance entirely new initiatives primarily within southern governorates where the separatist Southern Transitional Council maintains influence. This strategic investment places Riyadh at the forefront of coordinating disparate factions within Yemen’s government while confronting the monumental task of rebuilding a nation devastated by prolonged conflict.

    Analysts note that Saudi Arabia now assumes primary responsibility for reconstructing damaged infrastructure and sustaining military forces under its jurisdiction. Farea al-Muslimi, a Yemen specialist at Chatham House, observed that ‘This will all become the burden of Saudi Arabia,’ highlighting the Kingdom’s expanding role in shaping Yemen’s political future through planned negotiations between southern factions.

  • Possible US strike appears on hold as Iran says no executions planned

    Possible US strike appears on hold as Iran says no executions planned

    A looming U.S. military confrontation with Iran has been temporarily averted following Tehran’s assurance that it would not carry out executions of anti-government demonstrators. President Donald Trump announced from the Oval Office that “very important sources” had provided guarantees that planned executions would not proceed, prompting a cautious American stance of “watch and see.”

    The development follows days of escalating tensions that saw Iran close its airspace for five hours and Israeli municipalities open bomb shelters. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied execution plans, with state media subsequently reporting that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old arrested during Karaj protests, would not face capital punishment.

    Human rights organizations report staggering casualties from the unrest that began December 28th over economic grievances. Norway-based Iran Human Rights documented at least 734 protester deaths, while other estimates exceed 3,400 fatalities. More than 10,000 individuals have been arrested during the suppression of demonstrations that intensified after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared rioters “must be put in their place.”

    Iranian officials accused Israel of orchestrating violence to provoke American intervention, with Revolutionary Guard commander Mohammad Pakpour stating Iran maintains “height of readiness” to respond to enemy miscalculations. The regime has warned it would strike Israeli and U.S. military bases if attacked.

    The international community has responded with heightened caution. Germany’s Lufthansa suspended flights through Iranian airspace, while Britain closed its Tehran embassy and India advised citizens to depart. The UN Security Council will convene to address the crisis after U.S. request, though Iran seeks condemnation of what it calls American destabilization efforts.

    China and Turkey have urged restraint and dialogue, countering Washington’s rhetoric as diplomatic channels remain active amid the fragile truce.

  • 2 dead as crane topples on Thailand’s Rama II Road

    2 dead as crane topples on Thailand’s Rama II Road

    A catastrophic construction accident unfolded on Thursday morning along Bangkok’s critical Rama II Road, resulting in multiple casualties and severe traffic disruptions. The incident occurred when a massive operational crane positioned on an overpass structure suddenly collapsed, crashing onto the highway below.

    According to confirmed reports from Thai emergency services, the falling crane directly struck two moving vehicles traveling beneath the overpass. The impact proved immediately fatal for two individuals, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity. The precise condition of the injured victims remains under assessment by medical personnel.

    Rama II Road serves as a principal transportation artery connecting Thailand’s capital city with Samut Sakhon province, making this incident particularly disruptive to regional commerce and daily commutes. Emergency response teams, including specialized rescue units and medical first responders, swiftly mobilized to the crash site following the accident.

    Visual documentation from the scene depicts the dramatic scale of the collapse, with the massive crane structure lying across multiple lanes of the highway. The complex rescue operation involved extracting victims from damaged vehicles while ensuring the structural stability of the surrounding area.

    Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the crane failure, with preliminary assessments suggesting potential structural or operational deficiencies. The construction company involved has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

    Traffic management systems have been implemented to redirect vehicles through alternative routes, though significant congestion is anticipated throughout the day as cleanup and investigation efforts continue.

  • Dubai: Gold prices slip on profit-taking; 24K continues to trade above Dh550

    Dubai: Gold prices slip on profit-taking; 24K continues to trade above Dh550

    Gold markets in Dubai and worldwide experienced a downward adjustment on Thursday morning as investors capitalized on recent gains, triggering a sell-off that pushed prices lower. The precious metal, which had reached unprecedented levels in previous sessions, faced pressure from reduced safe-haven demand amid easing geopolitical concerns and profit-taking activities.

    According to the latest data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold traded at Dh553.0 per gram, representing a decline of nearly Dh2 from previous levels. Other variants followed similar patterns, with 22K gold slipping to Dh512.25 per gram, while 21K, 18K and 14K varieties traded at Dh491, Dh421 and Dh328.25 per gram respectively. In international markets, spot gold registered $4,590 per ounce at 9 am UAE time, reflecting a 0.8 percent decrease.

    Market analysts attribute the recent volatility to multiple factors. Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, noted that softer-than-anticipated US inflation data has strengthened expectations for two potential interest rate reductions by the US Federal Reserve within the year. Additionally, growing apprehensions regarding the Federal Reserve’s independence, fueled by reports of potential legal action against Chair Jerome Powell, have created uncertainty in rate markets and exerted downward pressure on the US dollar.

    Despite the current correction, underlying market conditions remain supportive for gold. Geopolitical tensions continue to persist, including violent protests in Iran, renewed US pressure on Venezuela, fresh tariff threats associated with Tehran, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These factors collectively contribute to sustained demand for assets that provide insulation from political outcomes.

    From a technical analysis perspective, Century Financial identifies potential resistance for gold near the $4,675 level, based on trendline connections from highs recorded on October 27, November 13, and December 26, 2025. Support levels are anticipated around $4,550, a threshold that has been tested previously.

    The market continues to demonstrate resilience despite the current pullback, with analysts monitoring both technical indicators and fundamental drivers for future price direction.