Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Witkoff may have gone out on a limb with a new Iran agreement

    Witkoff may have gone out on a limb with a new Iran agreement

    Geneva witnessed a pivotal moment in US-Iran relations on February 17, 2026, as diplomatic envoys engaged in three to four hours of indirect negotiations facilitated by Omani intermediaries. The talks, which avoided direct contact between American and Iranian delegations, reportedly produced a tentative framework agreement focusing primarily on uranium enrichment—a significant departure from the comprehensive demands previously outlined by the Trump administration.

    According to Iranian sources, US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner acquiesced to a narrowed negotiation framework that potentially bypasses Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s established ‘pillars’ for any Iran agreement. These pillars explicitly require addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program, regional proxy forces, and human rights record alongside nuclear considerations.

    The emerging arrangement, as interpreted by Iranian officials, links sanctions relief to concessions on uranium enrichment—a direct reflection of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s stated position. However, the White House has maintained official silence regarding the Geneva discussions, leaving the accuracy of Iranian claims unverified.

    This diplomatic maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of substantial US military mobilization. The Gerald R. Ford carrier group is en route to the Arabian Sea, while approximately 50,000 US troops are now stationed across the Middle East—a notable increase from the typical 34,000-40,000 baseline. Advanced military assets including F-35 stealth fighters, F-15E Strike Eagles, and A-10 Thunderbolts have been deployed to regional bases, complemented by sophisticated missile defense systems such as THAAD batteries in Jordan and Patriot installations throughout the Gulf.

    The convergence of diplomatic developments and military posturing creates a complex decision matrix for President Trump, who must weigh the potential for a limited nuclear agreement against Rubio’s comprehensive demands and considerable internal opposition. The timing of military assets reaching full operational capacity in early March establishes a de facto deadline for diplomatic resolution before potential escalation.

  • Botim Money launches digital silver investing from Dh10

    Botim Money launches digital silver investing from Dh10

    In a significant expansion of its digital wealth ecosystem, UAE-based fintech platform Botim Money has launched fractional silver investing, enabling users to trade the precious metal with investments as low as Dh10. The new feature, accessible through the Botim app, allows eligible users to purchase, sell, and manage digital silver holdings without the traditional barriers associated with physical precious metals.

    This strategic move follows the remarkable success of Botim Money’s gold investment service, introduced in partnership with OGold in 2025, which has processed over 128,000 trades totaling more than Dh100 million in transaction value. The platform’s latest offering eliminates conventional obstacles such as high minimum purchase requirements, storage costs, and handling concerns that have historically limited retail participation in precious metals markets.

    Sacha Haider, Chief Operating Officer of Astra Tech and Botim, emphasized that fractional investing has removed traditional investment thresholds, creating accessible pathways for portfolio diversification. The initiative strengthens Botim’s partnership with OGold, an Emirati precious metals platform dedicated to digitizing gold and silver ownership.

    Bandar Alothman, Chairman and Founder of OGold, highlighted that the collaboration enables digital silver holdings to generate returns through structured investment solutions rather than remaining idle assets. The launch comes at a pivotal time for silver markets, with industry forecasts projecting a sixth consecutive annual supply deficit in 2026 of approximately 67 million ounces, alongside growing retail investment demand despite softer industrial consumption in certain segments.

    This development reflects the broader transformation toward digital-first financial services in the UAE, where fintech platforms are increasingly integrating accessible investment tools within everyday payment and remittance applications, particularly appealing to younger and first-time investors seeking inflation hedges and portfolio diversification options.

  • Look: UAE’s faithful offer first Taraweeh prayers on eve of Ramadan

    Look: UAE’s faithful offer first Taraweeh prayers on eve of Ramadan

    Across the United Arab Emirates, Muslim communities gathered in mosques and prayer halls on Tuesday evening to observe the inaugural Taraweeh prayers, marking the spiritual commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. The special night prayers, conducted following the confirmation of the Ramadan crescent moon, demonstrated the nation’s deep religious observance and cultural traditions.

    Worshippers participated in extended congregational prayers that characterize Taraweeh, a distinctive feature of Ramadan nights where lengthy portions of the Quran are recited throughout the month. Mosques across the seven emirates saw faithful attendees following COVID-19 precautionary measures while maintaining the spiritual atmosphere of the occasion.

    The first Taraweeh prayers hold particular significance as they set the tone for the month of fasting, reflection, and increased devotion. Religious authorities across the UAE had coordinated preparations to ensure smooth arrangements for the night prayers, including crowd management, sanitation protocols, and organized recitation schedules.

    This religious observance occurs as the UAE continues to balance traditional Islamic practices with modern urban requirements, implementing appropriate measures to facilitate worship while maintaining public health standards. The successful commencement of Taraweeh prayers reflects the country’s commitment to preserving religious customs while adapting to contemporary circumstances.

  • Takaichi will be reappointed as Japan’s prime minister with a goal of pushing to the right

    Takaichi will be reappointed as Japan’s prime minister with a goal of pushing to the right

    TOKYO — Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decisive electoral victory has positioned her administration to pursue an ambitious conservative transformation of Japanese policy. With her formal reappointment by parliament this Wednesday, Takaichi will helm her second Cabinet empowered by a commanding two-thirds supermajority in the lower house—Japan’s more influential parliamentary chamber.

    This legislative dominance enables the Liberal Democratic Party to control key committee positions and override opposition from the upper house, where the ruling coalition lacks majority control. The government’s agenda encompasses significant military expansion, heightened defense spending, stricter immigration controls, and the preservation of traditional social structures.

    Takaichi’s immediate priorities include addressing economic pressures through a proposed two-year sales tax reduction on food items, though economists warn this fiscal approach may exacerbate inflation and impede efforts to reduce Japan’s substantial national debt.

    International relations present both challenges and opportunities. Takaichi is preparing for a critical summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously endorsed her leadership. Japan faces expectations to fulfill a $550 billion investment commitment made in October while navigating complex security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

    The Prime Minister’s hawkish stance toward China has already triggered diplomatic tensions, particularly following her remarks regarding potential Japanese responses to Chinese military actions toward Taiwan. Her expressed intention to visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine—viewed by neighboring nations as symbolic of Japan’s unrepentant wartime past—further underscores her government’s nationalist orientation.

    Defense policy revisions scheduled for December would mark a significant departure from postwar pacifist principles, potentially including lethal weapons exports and nuclear-powered submarine development. Concurrently, the administration is advancing stricter espionage laws and immigration controls that critics argue may compromise civil liberties.

    Social policy initiatives aim to reinforce traditional values, including male-only imperial succession and opposition to same-sex marriage. The government’s approach to surname regulations has drawn criticism from rights advocates who view proposed alternatives as insufficient for addressing gender equality concerns.

  • Saudi Arabia starts Ramadan on Wednesday, but many others to begin a day later

    Saudi Arabia starts Ramadan on Wednesday, but many others to begin a day later

    A significant divergence in Ramadan commencement dates has emerged across the Muslim world, highlighting ongoing tensions between traditional moon-sighting practices and astronomical science. Saudi Arabia and several Gulf nations initiated the holy month on Wednesday, while numerous other Muslim-majority countries deferred commencement until Thursday following conflicting lunar observations.

    The division stems from the traditional Islamic practice of commencing Ramadan upon visual confirmation of the crescent moon. Saudi authorities announced Tuesday evening that their observation teams had sighted the crescent, prompting immediate Ramadan declarations from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, and Palestine. Sunni religious authorities in Iraq and Lebanon similarly confirmed Wednesday starts.

    However, this declaration contradicts scientific evidence from multiple astronomical organizations. The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology previously determined that crescent visibility would be “scientifically impossible” on Tuesday across the region. Independent astronomers including Mohammad Odeh of Abu Dhabi’s International Astronomical Centre corroborated these findings, suggesting any reported sightings likely resulted from observational errors.

    Notably, Egypt, Brunei, Malaysia, Turkey, Indonesia, and several Central Asian nations opted for Thursday starts after reporting no moon sightings. Iraq’s senior Shia authority, Ayatollah Ali Sistani, similarly declared Thursday commencement. Iran, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan remained undecided as of reporting time.

    The controversy highlights Saudi Arabia’s influential yet contentious role in global Islamic calendaring. The kingdom utilizes the calculated Umm al-Qura calendar for advanced planning while maintaining traditional moon-sighting announcements. Astronomical organizations including the UK’s Nautical Almanac Office confirmed the impossibility of Tuesday sightings, echoing concerns about previous Saudi declarations that contradicted scientific evidence.

    This scientific-traditional divide extends beyond the Middle East. While many Muslims in countries without official moon-sighting bodies follow Saudi announcements, movements like Britain’s New Crescent Society advocate for localized observations and a unified national Islamic calendar, reflecting growing preference for astronomically verified dates within Muslim communities worldwide.

  • Ramadan begins: Which GCC countries will mark Ramadan on Feb 18?

    Ramadan begins: Which GCC countries will mark Ramadan on Feb 18?

    The spiritual commencement of Ramadan 2026 has been officially confirmed across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations following successful moon-sighting observations on February 17th. While most member states synchronously declared February 18th as the inaugural day of the holy month, Oman emerged as the solitary exception with its commencement set for February 19th.

    In the United Arab Emirates, the Moon-Sighting Committee convened at Abu Dhabi’s historic Qasr Al Hosn palace confirmed visual confirmation of the crescent moon shortly after sunset. This astronomical verification triggered nationwide announcements from the highest levels of leadership. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended heartfelt congratulations to citizens and the global Muslim community, emphasizing Ramadan’s significance as a period for “goodness, giving, and social solidarity.” Similarly, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum characterized the occasion as “a virtuous season for strengthening family ties and spiritual purification.”

    The religious synchronization extended across the Arabian Peninsula with Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, Qatar’s news agency, Kuwait News Agency, and Bahrain’s Supreme Shariah Authority all independently verifying the crescent sighting and unanimously declaring February 18th as Ramadan’s commencement. This collective alignment underscores the cultural and religious cohesion within the region despite decentralized observation methodologies.

    Oman’s Main Committee for Moon Sighting reported contrasting observational results, determining that the crescent remained undetectable on February 17th. Consequently, the Sultanate will initiate Ramadan on February 19th, completing the full thirty days of the preceding month of Shaban according to Islamic tradition. This divergence highlights the intricate interplay between astronomical science, traditional observation practices, and theological interpretation that characterizes the Hijri calendar determination across Muslim communities worldwide.

    The announcements triggered immediate preparations across the region for the commencement of fasting, spiritual reflection, and special nightly prayers (Taraweeh) that define the Ramadan experience for millions of faithful.

  • Ramadan 2026: When does it start and everything else you need to know

    Ramadan 2026: When does it start and everything else you need to know

    As the crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, Muslims worldwide embark on a profound spiritual journey marked by fasting, prayer, and charitable acts. This ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requiring able-bodied adherents to abstain from all nourishment and drink from dawn until sunset.

    The practice of fasting (sawm) serves multiple spiritual purposes: strengthening one’s relationship with God, developing self-discipline, and fostering empathy for the less fortunate. Beyond physical abstinence, Ramadan emphasizes increased worship through Quranic recitation, extended prayers (tarawih), and generous charity (zakat). The fast is traditionally broken with dates at sunset, followed by the iftar meal that often becomes a community celebration.

    This year’s Ramadan commencement demonstrated the lunar calendar’s variability, with Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations beginning fasting on February 18th, while Jordan, Oman and others started on February 19th. This difference stems from the moon-sighting traditions that determine the Islamic calendar, which runs 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

    Geographical variations significantly impact fasting durations. While Muslims in South Africa fast approximately 12 hours daily, those in Canada endure over 14 hours without sustenance. Extreme northern regions like Norway present unique challenges during summer months with near-perpetual daylight, leading to special accommodations following Mecca’s timing.

    The final ten nights hold particular significance as they contain Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree), when the Quran’s first verses were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims intensify worship during this period, with some practicing i’tikaaf (seclusion in mosques) for spiritual focus.

    Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration featuring morning prayers, family gatherings, gift-giving, and special meals. The obligatory zakat al-fitr donation precedes Eid prayers, ensuring the needy can participate in the festivities.

    Despite regional traditions varying from Egyptian lantern decorations to Turkish drummers awakening residents for pre-dawn meals (suhoor), the universal themes of spiritual reflection, community bonding, and heightened devotion unite the global Muslim community during this sacred month.

  • France and India hail growing ties as Modi hosts Macron

    France and India hail growing ties as Modi hosts Macron

    French President Emmanuel Macron commenced a pivotal three-day state visit to India on Tuesday, marking his fourth diplomatic engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2017. The leaders convened in Mumbai to inaugurate a new chapter in Franco-Indian relations, emphasizing their nations’ collaborative role in maintaining global stability amid international turbulence.

    The centerpiece of bilateral discussions involves a monumental defense agreement for 114 Rafale fighter jets, potentially valued at approximately €30 billion ($35 billion). French officials accompanying Macron expressed strong confidence in finalizing this historic contract, which would represent the largest defense procurement in India’s history. Notably, the majority of these advanced aircraft would be manufactured domestically through strategic industrial partnerships.

    Beyond defense collaboration, both leaders inaugurated India’s inaugural helicopter final assembly facility—a joint venture between Tata Group and Airbus located in Karnataka’s tech corridor near Bengaluru. This facility will produce the H125 single-engine helicopter, Airbus’s bestselling model in its category.

    Macron’s itinerary includes participation in New Delhi’s artificial intelligence summit later this week, underscoring the technological dimension of this strengthened partnership. The visit follows January’s landmark EU-India free trade agreement and occurs against the backdrop of shifting global economic policies and regional geopolitical dynamics.

    Bilateral trade currently stands at $18 billion annually, heavily driven by aerospace and defense sectors, while French foreign direct investment in India approaches $15 billion. The leaders’ personal rapport, described by analysts as demonstrating ‘excellent chemistry,’ has facilitated this remarkable acceleration in strategic cooperation.

    While celebrating technological and defense advancements, Macron did address the sensitive issue of Ukraine, urging Indian support for protecting civilian infrastructure—a delicate matter given India’s continued energy purchases from Russia since the 2022 invasion.

  • Mumbai to host Prince William’s 2026 Earthshot prize

    Mumbai to host Prince William’s 2026 Earthshot prize

    Mumbai has been officially designated as the host city for the 2026 Earthshot Prize ceremony, founded by Britain’s Prince William to recognize innovative environmental solutions. The announcement made on Tuesday positions India’s financial capital as the sixth global city to host the prestigious awards, following previous ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro (2025), Cape Town (2024), Singapore (2023), Boston (2022), and London (2021).

    The Earthshot Prize, established in 2020, represents one of the world’s most significant environmental initiatives, awarding £1 million (approximately $1.3 million) to each winner across five critical categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, Fix our Climate, and Clean our Air. These funds are specifically allocated to accelerate the implementation of groundbreaking environmental solutions.

    India’s selection as host country carries particular significance given its prominent role in environmental innovation. The nation has produced more Earthshot Prize winners and finalists than any other country, demonstrating its growing leadership in sustainable development. Prince William emphasized India’s unique position, stating: ‘What succeeds in India at scale has the power to inspire progress everywhere.’

    The choice of Mumbai also highlights India’s ongoing challenges with environmental degradation, particularly air pollution. A 2024 study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were directly linked to air pollution, underscoring the urgent need for the solutions that the Earthshot Prize promotes.

    Prince William, who has attended every Earthshot Prize ceremony since its inception, described India as one of the world’s ‘most important forces’ for climate and nature conservation. He particularly noted the country’s demographic advantage: ‘With the largest population of young people in the world, there is a real sense of momentum — to not only imagine a better future, but to inspire change and make it a reality.’

    The ceremony, typically held in November, will bring global attention to Mumbai’s environmental initiatives while supporting the prize’s overarching mission to ‘repair and restore our planet by 2030’ through innovative, scalable solutions.

  • India’s Adani Group to invest $100 billion in AI data centres; completion set by 2035

    India’s Adani Group to invest $100 billion in AI data centres; completion set by 2035

    In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, India’s Adani Group unveiled an ambitious $100 billion strategic investment plan to establish renewable energy-powered AI data centers across the country. The initiative, scheduled for completion by 2035, represents one of the largest infrastructure commitments in the artificial intelligence sector globally.

    Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, declared that this transformative project aims to position India as a creator and exporter of artificial intelligence rather than merely a consumer. “The world is entering an Intelligence Revolution more profound than any previous Industrial Revolution,” Adani stated. “We will be the creators, the builders and the exporters of intelligence and we are proud to be able to participate in that future.”

    The comprehensive plan envisions creating the world’s largest integrated data center platform specifically designed for advanced AI workloads. According to company projections, this infrastructure development could generate a $250 billion AI ecosystem within India, significantly enhancing the nation’s competitive standing in the global technology landscape.

    Market response was immediately positive, with shares of Adani Enterprises rising approximately 2.5% following the announcement, making it one of the top performers on the Nifty 50 index. Adani Green Energy shares also gained roughly 1.8%, reflecting investor confidence in the renewable energy component of the initiative.

    This development occurs alongside massive global investments in semiconductor manufacturing capacity. Micron Technology, the largest American memory chip manufacturer, is executing a $200 billion expansion of production facilities in the United States. The company is additionally investing $50 billion to dramatically scale its existing campus, with two massive chip fabrication plants scheduled to become operational by late 2028. Each facility will span 600,000 square feet and utilize substantial construction materials including 70,000 tons of steel and 300,000 cubic yards of concrete.

    Parallel developments include Micron’s $100 billion fabrication complex near Syracuse, New York—the state’s largest private investment—along with a $9.6 billion facility in Hiroshima, Japan. Competitor SK Hynix is simultaneously constructing a $13 billion plant in South Korea and a $4 billion facility in Indiana, indicating intensifying global competition in advanced technology infrastructure.

    The Adani Group’s announcement underscores the critical intersection of artificial intelligence development, renewable energy integration, and national technological sovereignty. This strategic positioning reflects India’s determined effort to secure leadership in next-generation technologies while addressing the substantial power requirements of advanced computing through sustainable energy solutions.