Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-South Korean president Yoon

    Prosecutors seek death penalty for ex-South Korean president Yoon

    In a landmark legal proceeding that has captivated South Korea, prosecutors have formally requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who stands accused of masterminding an attempted insurrection through his abrupt imposition of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul court heard closing arguments in a trial that has merged cases against three senior figures from Yoon’s administration, including former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun and former police chief Cho Ji-ho.

    The prosecution’s case centers on Yoon’s December 2024 declaration of military rule, which plunged the nation into political chaos despite lasting only hours. While no fatalities resulted from the attempted power grab, prosecutors argued that Yoon’s intentions were fundamentally violent, presenting as evidence a memo from one of the martial law planners that discussed ‘disposing’ of hundreds of journalists, labor activists, and lawmakers. A military commander testified that Yoon had directly ordered the arrest of opposition lawmakers.

    Yoon’s defense maintains that the martial law declaration was merely symbolic, intended to draw public attention to alleged wrongdoings by the opposition Democratic Party. The former president has denied all charges, characterizing himself as a patriot attempting to protect South Korea from North Korean threats amid domestic political tensions.

    The case represents an extraordinary fall from power for Yoon, who became South Korea’s first sitting president to be arrested and charged. His impeachment following the failed power grab triggered snap elections that brought current President Lee Jae Myung to power in June.

    South Korea’s legal system mandates that prosecutors must seek either death or life imprisonment for insurrection convictions. The nation has not carried out an execution in nearly three decades, with the last death sentence for a former leader being imposed on military dictator Chun Doo-hwan in 1996 for his 1979 coup—a sentence later commuted to life imprisonment.

    A verdict in Yoon’s case is anticipated in February, with the court’s decision likely to have profound implications for South Korea’s political landscape and democratic institutions.

  • Death sentence sought for ex-South Korea leader Yoon over martial law decree

    Death sentence sought for ex-South Korea leader Yoon over martial law decree

    SEOUL, South Korea — In an unprecedented legal development, special prosecutors have formally requested capital punishment for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces charges of rebellion for his controversial imposition of martial law in December 2024. The dramatic demand emerged during Tuesday’s hearing at Seoul Central District Court, where independent counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team presented their final arguments.

    Yoon, who was removed from office in April following the political crisis, maintains that his martial law declaration represented a peaceful effort to alert citizens to what he characterized as the dangerous obstructionism of the liberal opposition Democratic Party. He had previously denounced the legislature as ‘a den of criminals’ and ‘anti-state forces.’

    The December 2024 decree marked South Korea’s first implementation of martial law in over four decades, triggering traumatic national memories of military dictatorships from the 1970s-1980s. The order deployed armed troops throughout Seoul streets, surrounding the National Assembly and election offices—a move that evoked historical parallels to authoritarian regimes.

    In extraordinary overnight proceedings, lawmakers from across the political spectrum, including members of Yoon’s own party, rushed to block the presidential directive. Their successful assembly vote to overturn the decree created a constitutional crisis that plunged the nation into political chaos, disrupted high-level diplomacy, and unsettled financial markets.

    The court is anticipated to deliver its verdict in February, concluding a trial that has captivated the nation and highlighted deep political divisions. Yoon previously made history as South Korea’s first sitting president to be detained in January 2023, following his vehement resistance against impeachment attempts.

  • Dubai Civil Defence to roll out smart uniforms with life-saving medical chips

    Dubai Civil Defence to roll out smart uniforms with life-saving medical chips

    Dubai Civil Defence is revolutionizing emergency response gear by integrating advanced smart chips into firefighters’ uniforms, creating a groundbreaking medical identification system. Lieutenant General Rashah Al Matrooshi, Commander in Chief of Dubai Civil Defence, announced the innovative initiative that will enable paramedics to instantly access critical medical information during emergencies.

    The technology functions through scannable chips embedded directly into uniform fabric. Healthcare providers can use smartphones to immediately retrieve comprehensive medical records, significantly reducing treatment delays when every second counts. This development addresses a critical gap in emergency care where unconscious or unresponsive firefighters cannot communicate their medical history, allergies, or pre-existing conditions.

    The implementation comes as a response to observed treatment delays during emergency transfers to medical facilities. Firefighters operating on frontlines often face dire injuries where immediate, informed medical intervention becomes life-or-death crucial.

    Currently in its final implementation phase, the program has completed all developmental stages with chips ready for integration into new uniform batches. Dubai Civil Defence will become the first government entity worldwide to deploy such technology operationally.

    In a remarkable commitment to global safety, Commander Al Matrooshi confirmed the program will be distributed internationally without cost. ‘We don’t seek profit—our only reward is the protection of lives and property,’ he stated during the Intersec security, safety and fire protection event at Dubai World Trade Center.

    The initiative represents a significant advancement in merging wearable technology with emergency medical response, potentially establishing new standards for first responder safety worldwide.

  • Japanese PM intends to dissolve lower house for snap election: Kyodo

    Japanese PM intends to dissolve lower house for snap election: Kyodo

    Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan has signaled her intention to dissolve the House of Representatives, setting the stage for a snap general election that could reshape the nation’s political landscape. According to Kyodo News sources, the Japanese leader communicated this decision to senior officials within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of the regular Diet session scheduled for January 23rd.

    The anticipated dissolution could trigger one of two potential election timelines: either a campaign period commencing January 27th with voting on February 8th, or a later schedule beginning February 3rd with ballots cast on February 15th. This strategic move comes despite sustained criticism from both opposition parties and factions within the LDP itself, who accuse the Prime Minister of prioritizing political advantage over public welfare.

    Recent opinion polls indicate relatively robust public support for the Takaichi administration, particularly regarding its emphasis on economic measures addressing rising living costs. The Prime Minister has consistently highlighted livelihood issues, including inflation countermeasures, as central to her policy agenda.

    However, media analysts warn that dissolving the lower house at the start of the regular Diet session could significantly delay passage of the fiscal 2026 budget, potentially pushing final approval to April or beyond. Such a scenario would likely force the government to implement a provisional budget to maintain national operations—a stopgap measure expected to have substantial repercussions for public services and economic stability.

  • UAE’s 3 airlines rated among world’s 5 safest; Etihad ranked safest globally

    UAE’s 3 airlines rated among world’s 5 safest; Etihad ranked safest globally

    The United Arab Emirates has cemented its position as a global leader in aviation safety, with three of its carriers securing spots among the world’s top five safest airlines according to AirlineRatings’ prestigious 2026 assessment. Etihad Airways achieved the remarkable distinction of being ranked the world’s safest airline, marking the first time a Gulf carrier has claimed the top position.

    The comprehensive safety evaluation, which analyzed 25 full-service and budget carriers, placed Etihad at the pinnacle followed by Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Emirates completing the top five. The rankings considered multiple safety parameters including fleet age, incident rates, crash history, cockpit safety advancements, and independent onboard safety audits.

    Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, emphasized that Etihad’s achievement resulted from a combination of factors: “A young fleet, advancements in cockpit safety particularly around turbulence management, a crash-free history, and the lowest incident rate per flight of any airline on our list. Their excellent adherence to turbulence management in the cabin during our independent audit was particularly impressive.”

    Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed pride in receiving “one of the most respected airline safety awards in the world,” noting that the achievement “reflects the strength of our safety culture, the dedication of our people, and the aviation excellence of our region.”

    The UAE’s aviation success story is underpinned by substantial investments exceeding billions of dollars in new, fuel-efficient aircraft. This strategic commitment was demonstrated during the Dubai Airshow 2025, where UAE carriers—Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai—collectively ordered over 500 commercial and cargo aircraft valued at approximately Dh420 billion.

    In the budget airline category, flydubai secured fourth position, making it the only regional carrier in the top ten safest low-cost airlines. HK Express led the budget rankings, followed by Jetstar Airways and Scoot.

    Petersen highlighted the remarkably narrow safety margins between top carriers, noting that incident rates across all listed airlines ranged between 0.002 and 0.09 per flight—a testament to the industry’s overall safety standards. “Inclusion in the top 25 reflects not just excellence in aircraft and operations but the crucial role of skilled aircrew and robust safety practices,” she added.

    The 2026 rankings also welcomed new entrants including Starlux and Fiji Airways, while Spring Airlines China became the first Chinese carrier to appear in AirlineRatings’ rankings.

  • Tianjin launches youth program to cultivate university talent for tech market

    Tianjin launches youth program to cultivate university talent for tech market

    Tianjin has inaugurated a groundbreaking initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of technological innovators and entrepreneurs within its academic institutions. The program, unveiled at the 9th Tianjin University Innovation and Entrepreneurship New Year Forum this past Sunday, represents a strategic effort to systematically develop innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities among both faculty members and students.

    Dubbed the Haihe Innovation and Entrepreneurship Young Leaders Program, this ambitious undertaking aligns with China’s broader national objectives of achieving technological self-sufficiency and nurturing domestic talent. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive, replicable framework known as the ‘Tianjin model’ that provides structured support for university-based innovation projects.

    This model establishes a robust ecosystem that connects academic research with industrial applications, offering a systematic approach to innovation education that spans curriculum development, mentorship programs, funding mechanisms, and industry partnerships. The program is specifically designed to identify and support promising technological innovations at the university level while providing students with practical entrepreneurial experience.

    Municipal officials emphasized that the Tianjin model will serve as a benchmark for other regions seeking to enhance their innovation education systems and improve integration between academic institutions and industry needs. The program represents a significant investment in human capital development, with particular focus on emerging technology sectors where China has prioritized achieving competitive advantage.

    The initiative comes at a time when global competition in technology development continues to intensify, with many nations implementing similar programs to retain and develop domestic technological talent. Tianjin’s program distinguishes itself through its comprehensive approach to creating an entire innovation ecosystem rather than focusing on isolated components of entrepreneurship education.

  • Malaysia will take legal action against Musk’s X and xAI over misuse of Grok chatbot

    Malaysia will take legal action against Musk’s X and xAI over misuse of Grok chatbot

    Malaysian regulators have initiated formal legal proceedings against Elon Musk’s social media platform X and its artificial intelligence subsidiary xAI, citing critical failures in user safety protections for the controversial Grok chatbot. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission announced Tuesday that both companies face imminent litigation for their inadequate response to harmful content generated through Grok’s capabilities.

    The regulatory action follows Malaysia’s recent decision to block access to Grok alongside Indonesia, marking the first nations to implement such restrictions against the AI tool. Commission investigators identified widespread misuse of Grok’s image generation features to create and distribute sexually explicit material, nonconsensual manipulated imagery, and other offensive content that violates Malaysian law.

    Official notices were served earlier this month demanding immediate removal of the prohibited material, but authorities report neither X nor xAI took corrective action. ‘Content allegedly involving women and children represents a matter of grave concern,’ stated the commission. ‘Such conduct contravenes Malaysian legislation and directly undermines security commitments previously made by these organizations.’

    The Grok platform, launched in 2023 as a free service on X, expanded last year with the Grok Imagine feature that included a ‘spicy mode’ specifically designed to generate adult content. This functionality has drawn international criticism for producing manipulated images depicting women in sexually explicit poses and concerning imagery involving minors.

    This development occurs amid growing global scrutiny of generative AI tools and their potential for misuse. The United Kingdom recently moved to criminalize ‘nudification apps,’ while European Union and Indian authorities have increased pressure on similar technologies. Despite Grok’s recent limitation of image generation to paying subscribers following worldwide backlash over sexualized deepfakes, critics maintain these measures insufficiently address core safety concerns.

    Neither Musk nor his companies have publicly addressed the Southeast Asian restrictions. xAI has responded to media inquiries with automated messages stating ‘Legacy Media Lies,’ reflecting the organization’s contentious relationship with regulatory bodies and press organizations worldwide.

  • Local farmers combat desertification in Moyu county of NW China’s Xinjiang

    Local farmers combat desertification in Moyu county of NW China’s Xinjiang

    In the arid landscapes of Moyu county, located within China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, local agricultural workers are spearheading a remarkable initiative against desert encroachment during their traditional off-season. Despite sub-freezing temperatures, these dedicated farmers are actively constructing extensive reed grid systems in the desert terrain surrounding Kawak township.

    This ambitious ecological endeavor represents a dual-purpose strategy that addresses both environmental conservation and economic development. The desertification prevention program, maintained as a long-term priority for regional authorities, has successfully transformed into a source of supplemental employment for rural communities during agricultural downtime.

    The carefully laid grass grids serve as vital barriers against shifting sands, effectively stabilizing the desert floor and creating sustainable vegetation zones. This method represents a proven technical approach to gradually reclaiming land from desert expansion while simultaneously providing financial benefits to participating families.

    Regional environmental specialists emphasize that these efforts contribute significantly to consolidating ecological security buffers for surrounding communities. The project demonstrates how environmental challenges can be transformed into opportunities for community engagement and economic improvement in China’s northwestern regions.

  • N China’s Hohhot launches winter amusement programs to boost local economy

    N China’s Hohhot launches winter amusement programs to boost local economy

    HOHHOT — The Inner Mongolian capital of Hohhot has embarked on an ambitious winter tourism initiative, launching over 300 specialized amusement programs since December 2025. This comprehensive development strategy combines traditional ice sports with contemporary cultural experiences and modern consumption venues to stimulate economic activity during the traditionally slow tourism season.

    New aerial photography reveals extensive infrastructure development at local skiing resorts, where visitors now enjoy enhanced facilities amid picturesque snowy landscapes. The municipal government’s coordinated effort integrates multiple economic sectors including hospitality, retail, and entertainment under a unified winter tourism banner.

    Beyond conventional winter sports, the programs incorporate cultural elements showcasing Inner Mongolia’s unique heritage alongside modern consumer experiences. This strategic blending of traditional and contemporary attractions aims to create a multifaceted tourism ecosystem that appeals to diverse visitor demographics.

    The initiative represents a significant investment in cold-weather infrastructure, transforming the region’s climatic challenges into economic opportunities. Local businesses report increased patronage while tourism authorities note rising visitor numbers compared to previous winter seasons.

    Economic analysts suggest this approach could serve as a model for other northern Chinese cities seeking to maximize year-round tourism potential. The programs continue through the winter season with ongoing evaluations for potential expansion in subsequent years.

  • UAE temperatures to drop by up to 8°C as coldest winter stretch begins soon

    UAE temperatures to drop by up to 8°C as coldest winter stretch begins soon

    Meteorological authorities have announced an impending cold spell set to sweep across the United Arab Emirates, with temperatures expected to plummet by up to 8°C within a remarkably brief timeframe. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) indicates this substantial thermal decline will manifest over a concentrated two-day period commencing January 15th, marking one of winter’s most pronounced cooling episodes.

    Dr. Ahmed Habib, NCM meteorologist, detailed the atmospheric mechanics behind this development, explaining that north-westerly winds will channel colder air masses from northern regions. The thermal transition will initiate in western territories before propagating across the nation. Western sectors will experience an initial decrease of 3-4°C on January 15th, succeeded by additional cooling of approximately 5°C in remaining areas throughout the subsequent 24 hours.

    Mountainous regions will confront the most severe conditions, with temperatures anticipated to descend below 10°C and early morning readings potentially reaching 5-7°C. Coastal zones will maintain comparatively milder conditions, with daytime temperatures stabilizing between 20-22°C, while interior desert locales—particularly areas within Ajman and other inland territories—may experience temperatures dipping below 10°C.

    Complementing the temperature decline, meteorological models predict occasional fresh to strong winds that will amplify the perceived cold through wind chill effects. The thermal disparity between coastal and inland areas stems from seawater’s capacity to gradually absorb and release heat, functioning as a natural temperature regulator that prevents abrupt coastal cooling—a buffering effect absent in desert regions where sand rapidly loses thermal energy.

    Concurrent atmospheric changes include possible early morning fog formation in interior regions and increased cloud coverage, particularly across northern and eastern emirates. Meteorological data suggests potential light precipitation in Ras Al Khaimah and northern Fujairah territories during this period.