Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Spring Festival greetings from envoys

    Spring Festival greetings from envoys

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) maintains strict copyright protection over all content published on its platform. The comprehensive copyright notice explicitly prohibits unauthorized republication or use of any materials—including text, photographs, and multimedia information—without obtaining written permission from CDIC.

    The notice further provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution for best viewing results. The publication operates under formal licensing arrangements for online multimedia content, with specific registration details provided for transparency.

    Additionally, the platform offers various informational sections including corporate background about China Daily, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and employment information for both general positions and expatriate opportunities. The notice concludes by encouraging readers to follow the organization’s official channels for updates.

  • Xi’an: Heart of Chinese New Year

    Xi’an: Heart of Chinese New Year

    China Daily Information Co. (CDIC) maintains strict copyright protection over all content published on its platform. This comprehensive protection extends to textual materials, photographs, multimedia information, and all other forms of content accessible through the website. Unauthorized republication or utilization of any protected material without explicit written permission from CDIC constitutes a violation of these copyright provisions.

    The website recommends optimal viewing with browsers set to 1024*768 resolution or higher to ensure proper display of content. The publication operates under multimedia online publishing license 0108263 and maintains registration number 130349, establishing its formal credentials as a registered information provider.

    Additional site information provides various resources including background information about China Daily, advertising opportunities through the platform, contact channels for user inquiries, employment opportunities both generally and specifically for expatriates seeking positions. The notice concludes by encouraging visitors to follow the organization’s official channels for ongoing updates and content distribution.

  • Exploring Xinwu district’s innovation journey from A to Z

    Exploring Xinwu district’s innovation journey from A to Z

    China Daily Information Co. (CDIC) maintains strict copyright protection over all content published on its platform. This comprehensive protection extends to textual materials, photographic content, multimedia information, and all other forms of digital assets. The company explicitly prohibits any republication or utilization of its copyrighted materials without obtaining prior written authorization. The notice emphasizes that unauthorized use of any content constitutes a violation of CDIC’s intellectual property rights. Additionally, the publication provides technical recommendations for optimal viewing experience, suggesting browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for best performance. The footer section contains practical information including the site’s registration details (Registration Number: 130349), multimedia publishing license (0108263), and various navigational links. These links direct users to sections covering corporate information, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and career opportunities including positions for expatriates. The notice also includes social media connectivity options, encouraging visitors to follow the organization’s updates across various platforms.

  • Cannabis smoke fills the air as Nepal marks Shivaratri festival

    Cannabis smoke fills the air as Nepal marks Shivaratri festival

    KATHMANDU, Nepal — In a remarkable annual display of religious exception, tens of thousands of Hindu devotees participated in traditional cannabis consumption during the Shivaratri festival at Kathmandu’s sacred Pashupatinath Temple on Sunday. The event represents one of Nepal’s most significant religious gatherings, drawing both local worshippers and pilgrims from neighboring India.

    Against the backdrop of normally strict anti-drug laws, participants openly engaged in cannabis smoking as part of their devotional practices honoring Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity strongly associated with the plant’s ritual use. Holy men adorned with sacred ashes joined predominantly young devotees along the forested Bankali hills overlooking the Bagmati River, creating a vivid scene of religious celebration that contrasts sharply with Nepal’s typical drug enforcement policies.

    This ceremonial exception occurs despite Nepal’s general prohibition on marijuana, which carries penalties of up to one month imprisonment for personal use and decade-long sentences for trafficking offenses. The country’s relationship with cannabis has evolved significantly since the 1960s, when Nepal gained international recognition as a destination for psychoactive substances during the hippie movement era. Legal sales ended abruptly with the 1976 nationwide ban.

    Contemporary efforts to decriminalize marijuana have emerged from both activist campaigns and parliamentary initiatives seeking to legalize cultivation and consumption. However, these legislative movements have encountered substantial political obstacles, leaving the Shivaratri festival as one of the few legally sanctioned contexts for cannabis use in the predominantly Hindu nation, where approximately 81% of the population practices Hinduism.

  • A look at Ramadan and how Muslims observe the holy month

    A look at Ramadan and how Muslims observe the holy month

    The Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches, bringing with it a worldwide period of spiritual devotion and cultural celebration for observant Muslims. This sacred time, expected to commence around February 18-19, represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam and entails daily fasting from dawn to sunset as an act of religious submission and self-discipline.

    Ramadan’s commencement traditionally depends on lunar sightings, with variations in start dates occurring across different countries and Muslim communities due to differing methodologies employed by Islamic authorities. This year, Ramadan coincides approximately with Ash Wednesday, marking a significant period of reflection for both Muslims and Christians simultaneously.

    The fasting ritual requires complete abstinence from all food and drink, including water, during daylight hours. Muslims break their fast each evening with iftar meals, while consuming pre-dawn sustenance called suhoor to prepare for the daily fast. Beyond physical abstinence, Ramadan emphasizes increased worship, Quranic reading, charitable acts, and heightened spiritual contemplation.

    Charity represents a fundamental aspect of the month, with many Muslims providing iftar meals for those in need through various initiatives including food distributions and communal dining. Exemptions from fasting apply to those experiencing illness or travel, with requirements to make up missed days later.

    The cultural dimensions of Ramadan reveal the remarkable diversity within global Muslim communities. While religious observances remain consistent, social traditions vary significantly across regions. In Egypt, colorful lanterns and traditional Ramadan songs create a festive atmosphere, while in Indonesia, rituals range from Meugang slaughtering ceremonies in Aceh to symbolic river cleansing rituals in Tangerang.

    In the United States, Muslim communities utilize mosque gatherings and interfaith iftar meals to foster communal bonds within their diverse demographic. Some concerns have emerged regarding the potential commercialization of Ramadan in certain regions, where elaborate decorations, television programming, and lavish banquets might overshadow the month’s spiritual essence. Nevertheless, many believers maintain that cultural traditions and religious devotion can harmoniously coexist during this sacred period.

  • Pakistan wins toss and fields in marquee game against India at T20 World Cup. No handshakes again

    Pakistan wins toss and fields in marquee game against India at T20 World Cup. No handshakes again

    COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The highly anticipated Twenty20 World Cup match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan commenced under a cloud of diplomatic strain, as team captains abstained from the traditional pre-match handshake ceremony on Sunday. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first in what marks the first encounter between these cricketing nations since last year’s contentious Asia Cup tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

    The absence of ceremonial handshakes has become an unsettling pattern since Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav initially refused the gesture during the Asia Cup, a practice subsequently mirrored in women’s and Under-19 world cup matches. This development occurs against a backdrop of speculation that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had mediated the conflict after Pakistan threatened to boycott the tournament earlier this month.

    India fielded a full-strength lineup with the return of explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who missed the previous match against Namibia due to stomach illness. The team strategy included deploying three specialist spin bowlers—including Kuldeep Yadav, who replaced seam bowler Arshdeep Singh—to adapt to the pitch conditions at R. Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan maintained an unchanged roster from their victory against the United States.

    Meanwhile, tournament developments saw West Indies secure their third consecutive Group C victory with a dominant nine-wicket win over Nepal, qualifying for the Super 8 stage. Fast bowler Jason Holder claimed 4-27 to restrict Nepal to 133-8 before captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 61 guided the Caribbean team to victory in 15.2 overs.

    The United States kept their slim qualification hopes alive with a 31-run victory against Namibia in Chennai. Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s maiden T20 half-century (68 not out off 33 balls) and captain Monank Patel’s 52 powered the Americans to their tournament-high score of 199-4. Medium-pacer Shadley Van Schalkwyk took 2-30 to maintain his position as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps.

    Despite these developments, all eyes remained fixed on Colombo where the marquee match began at 7 p.m. local time. Pakistan’s captain Agha stated beforehand that the decision to shake hands rested with the Indian players, while Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav remained non-committal when questioned by reporters.

    The match almost didn’t occur after Pakistan’s government considered withdrawing following the ICC’s expulsion of Bangladesh from the World Cup for refusing to play in India due to security concerns. Pakistan ultimately agreed to participate after intensive negotiations with the ICC, preserving what represents a major revenue generator for the international cricket body.

    These tensions reflect deeper geopolitical conflicts that have prevented bilateral series between the nations for years. India hasn’t traveled to Pakistan since 2008, while Pakistan’s last visit to India was for the 2023 ODI World Cup. India maintains a dominant record against Pakistan in T20 matches, having won 12 of their 16 encounters and boasting a 6-1 record in T20 World Cup matches since the inaugural tournament in 2007.

  • Markram powers South Africa to seven-wicket win over New Zealand

    Markram powers South Africa to seven-wicket win over New Zealand

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, South Africa secured a decisive seven-wicket triumph against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Group D encounter on Saturday. The victory, masterminded by captain Aiden Markram’s explosive batting performance, positions South Africa favorably for advancement to the Super 8 stage with their third consecutive tournament win.

    The match commenced with New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bat first at Ahmedabad’s iconic stadium. South Africa’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Marco Jansen’s exceptional four-wicket haul (4-40), immediately applied pressure on the Kiwi lineup. Jansen’s devastating spell dismantled New Zealand’s top order within the first seven overs, leaving them reeling at 58-3 despite Finn Allen’s brief counterattack of 31 runs from 17 deliveries.

    A middle-order resurgence appeared imminent when Mark Chapman (48) and Daryl Mitchell (32) constructed a stabilizing 74-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, Jansen’s return to the attack broke the threatening stand, with Chapman caught brilliantly by Ryan Rickelton at backward point. Despite James Neesham’s late flourish of 23 not out from 15 balls, New Zealand could only manage a competitive yet underwhelming total of 175-7 from their allotted 20 overs.

    South Africa’s response transformed into a batting masterclass as Markram unleashed a devastating assault on New Zealand’s bowling attack. The Proteas captain rewrote the tournament record books by registering the highest individual score by a South African skipper in T20 World Cup history, hammering an unbeaten 86 from just 44 deliveries. His innings featured eight boundaries and four massive sixes, including a remarkable nineteen-ball half-century.

    The chase commenced explosively with South Africa reaching 62-0 within the powerplay, the highest powerplay score of the tournament thus far. Even the dismissals of opening partner Quinton de Kock (20) and Rickelton (21) failed to disrupt Markram’s rhythm. With the required run rate plummeting below six, the captain demonstrated tactical maturity by shifting to strike rotation before David Miller’s unbeaten 24 concluded the match with 17 balls remaining.

    Post-match, Markram emphasized the strategic approach: ‘It’s about managing the game through the right phases. Teams are aggressively targeting the powerplay, and we’d be remiss not to employ that strategy. While it doesn’t always succeed, when executed properly, it positions us advantageously early in the contest.’

    South Africa will complete their group stage campaign against the UAE on Wednesday, while New Zealand faces Canada the previous day, with both matches carrying significant implications for Super 8 qualification.

  • Iran’s foreign minister calls Munich Security Conference a ‘circus’ amid nuclear tensions

    Iran’s foreign minister calls Munich Security Conference a ‘circus’ amid nuclear tensions

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has launched a scathing critique against European powers participating in the Munich Security Conference, characterizing the prestigious gathering as having degenerated into the “Munich Circus” regarding Iranian affairs. Through his official social media channel on platform X, the diplomat articulated profound dissatisfaction with what he termed as Europe’s ineffective regional strategies and diminishing clout in critical negotiations concerning Tehran’s nuclear program.

    Araghchi emphasized the conspicuous absence of European influence, noting that the European Union and the E3 coalition (France, Germany, and the UK) now demonstrate evident “paralysis and loss of influence” in ongoing diplomatic talks. He contrasted this perceived European inadequacy by praising regional allies as “far more effective and useful than the European troika, which stands on the sidelines.” The minister specifically singled out Germany, accusing Berlin of having “fully handed over its regional policies to Israel.”

    The timing of these remarks coincided with the commencement of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, a high-profile event attracting over 60 heads of state and government alongside approximately 100 foreign and defense ministers. Notably absent from the conference were Iranian officials, who face exclusion from participation.

    Simultaneously, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former monarch residing in the United States since the 1979 revolution, utilized the conference sidelines to advocate for U.S. military intervention to accelerate political transformation within Iran. Pahlavi cautioned Washington against protracted nuclear negotiations with Tehran, asserting that external pressure could catalyze public demonstrations leading to the regime’s ultimate downfall.

    These developments underscore the profound schism between Iran’s current leadership and exiled opposition factions regarding the nation’s future trajectory. The opposition remains fragmented among competing ideological groups, including monarchists aligned with Pahlavi, maintaining limited organized presence within the Islamic Republic despite their aspirations for regime change.

  • Thousands of western nationals serve in Israel’s army amid Gaza genocide: Report

    Thousands of western nationals serve in Israel’s army amid Gaza genocide: Report

    For the first time, the Israeli military has officially disclosed comprehensive data revealing the significant presence of dual-nationality personnel within its ranks. According to information obtained through a Freedom of Information request by NGO Hatzlacha, a total of 50,632 active soldiers hold citizenship in at least one additional country alongside their Israeli nationality.

    The breakdown shows soldiers from Western nations constitute the majority of foreign passport holders. United States citizens form the largest contingent with 12,135 soldiers, followed by France (over 6,100) and Russia (approximately 5,000). The United Kingdom contributes 2,069 soldiers, a figure that substantially revises previous estimates that focused only on approximately 54 ‘lone soldiers’ without Israeli citizenship.

    Additional significant representation comes from Germany, Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Canada and several Latin American countries. The data also identifies a smaller number of personnel holding citizenship from Arab states including Yemen, Tunisia, Lebanon, Syria and Algeria.

    Notably, the documentation reveals 4,440 soldiers maintain two foreign citizenships in addition to Israeli nationality, while 162 personnel possess three or more foreign passports.

    This disclosure comes amid increasing international legal scrutiny as these dual-national soldiers have participated in military operations in Gaza since October 2023. The scale of foreign participation has triggered examinations under universal jurisdiction principles, which enable national courts to prosecute individuals for alleged war crimes regardless of where violations occurred.

    Major human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for independent investigations and urged governments to examine the conduct of their nationals serving in the Israeli military. Legal initiatives have already commenced in several countries, with Canadian authorities opening probes into suspected war crimes potentially involving dual-national reservists. Rights groups in Belgium and the United Kingdom have similarly filed complaints targeting hundreds of individuals holding European citizenship.

    Legal experts note that some foreign nationals, including Britons, could face exposure under domestic legislation that restricts participation in foreign military forces under certain circumstances. The International Court of Justice’s January 2024 warning of a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza has intensified calls for states to investigate whether their citizens participated in violations of international law.

    The conflict, which has resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian fatalities and 171,000 injuries according to the report, has destroyed approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure across Gaza.

  • Indigo gets second bomb scare in a day, finds threat written in lipstick

    Indigo gets second bomb scare in a day, finds threat written in lipstick

    Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport became the center of security operations on Saturday as IndiGo Airlines confronted two separate bomb threats targeting its aircraft within a single day. The most recent incident involved flight 6E6894, an A-320 aircraft traveling from Dibrugarh Airport in Assam to Kolkata, which executed an emergency landing protocol after crew members discovered a threatening message inscribed in lipstick inside one of the aircraft’s lavatories.

    According to official statements, the aircraft touched down safely at 7:37 PM local time and was immediately redirected to an isolated security bay following established safety protocols. All passengers were evacuated from the aircraft without incident as security teams commenced comprehensive sweeps of the cabin and cargo areas.

    This event marked the second security scare for the airline within hours. Earlier that morning, another IndiGo flight (6E3074) scheduled to depart for Shillong at 9:15 AM was similarly diverted to isolation after ground staff discovered a handwritten bomb threat note within the aircraft’s toilet compartment. That incident also resulted in the complete evacuation of passengers and thorough security inspections.

    Airport authorities have launched investigations into both occurrences, examining security footage and passenger manifests to identify potential perpetrators. Aviation security experts note that such hoaxes, while ultimately false, trigger massive operational disruptions and incur significant financial losses for airlines. The repeated targeting of a single carrier within hours has raised questions about potential coordinated efforts to undermine aviation security.

    IndiGo officials have reiterated their commitment to passenger safety while acknowledging the disruptive impact of such security threats on flight operations. The airline is cooperating fully with investigative agencies to determine the origin of both threats.