Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • ’85 seconds to midnight’: How wars, less nuclear arms control affects ‘Doomsday Clock’

    ’85 seconds to midnight’: How wars, less nuclear arms control affects ‘Doomsday Clock’

    The international architecture governing nuclear non-proliferation is facing unprecedented collapse, according to leading atomic researcher Professor Karen Hallberg. Speaking at the World Laureate’s Summit, the Secretary General of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs warned that critical treaties are expiring while nuclear rhetoric escalates among world powers.

    The imminent expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between Russia and the United States on February 4, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in nuclear diplomacy. This expiration represents the first significant retreat from nuclear restraint in decades, potentially triggering a dangerous escalation in warhead deployment. Professor Hallberg emphasized the alarming lack of public awareness regarding these developments, contrasting current apathy with historical mass protests against nuclear weapons.

    Current global nuclear inventories remain concentrated among nine nations, with approximately 12,331 warheads documented by the Federation of Atomic Scientists. Russia and the United States collectively control over 83% of these stockpiles. While overall numbers show a gradual decline, the reduction pace has slowed considerably compared to previous decades.

    The deteriorating situation prompted The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to advance the symbolic Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds before midnight—the closest approach to catastrophic midnight in the mechanism’s history. This adjustment reflects growing concerns about diminished arms control agreements, escalating geopolitical conflicts, and emerging threats from artificial intelligence.

    Professor Hallberg’s organization, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995 for efforts to reduce nuclear weapons’ role in international politics, now warns of a potential new nuclear arms race as more states pursue weapons capabilities. This convergence of diplomatic breakdown and technological advancement creates what experts describe as the most perilous nuclear landscape since the Cold War era.

  • Djokovic vows to push on despite ‘bitter’ Australian Open final loss

    Djokovic vows to push on despite ‘bitter’ Australian Open final loss

    In a stunning reversal at Rod Laver Arena, world number one Carlos Alcaraz dethroned Novak Djokovic’s decade-long dominance in Australian Open finals with a spectacular 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 victory on Sunday. The Spanish phenom has now thwarted Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title for the third time in major finals, maintaining the Serbian’s tie with Margaret Court for the all-time record.

    The 38-year-old Djokovic, while visibly disappointed immediately following the match, expressed measured optimism about his tournament performance and future prospects. ‘It’s hard just right after the match to be all positive and smiling because you are a competitor and you don’t want to lose,’ Djokovic told reporters. ‘I managed to beat Jannik Sinner – who is double-defending champion here – in five sets, very proud of that. Incredible match, incredible achievement.’

    Djokovic acknowledged Alcaraz’s emerging legendary status, stating, ‘I lost to a number one in the world and already a legendary player.’ The Serbian star dominated the opening set but experienced a noticeable energy drop in subsequent sets, though he declined to elaborate on the specific reasons, preferring to credit Alcaraz’s performance.

    A critical moment occurred at 4-4 in the fourth set when Djokovic failed to convert a break point with an errant forehand. ‘That forehand, I had a good look at that forehand. Yeah, my forehand broke down in important moments,’ he reflected. ‘One or two shots can change the momentum of the match and switch things around. A lot of what-if scenarios in my head.’

    Despite the defeat, Djokovic remains committed to his Grand Slam ambitions. ‘I have belief, and I have always confidence and vision to win a Slam anywhere where I play,’ he asserted. In a characteristically humorous moment, the veteran acknowledged the new generation’s ascendancy: ‘The two of them [Alcaraz and Sinner], I guess, are going to be fighting for biggest titles, and then the youngsters like myself are going to try to catch up.’

    The path to this final saw Djokovic benefit from favorable circumstances – a walk-over in the fourth round and opponent Lorenzo Musetti’s retirement while down two sets in the quarterfinals. This context made the championship match potentially his best opportunity for another major trophy, adding significance to the narrow loss.

  • NRIs applaud India Budget 2026 push, welcome business-friendly measures

    NRIs applaud India Budget 2026 push, welcome business-friendly measures

    Indian business executives based in the United Arab Emirates have expressed widespread approval of India’s Budget 2026, praising its strategic focus on sustained economic growth, technological advancement, and enhanced non-resident Indian (NRI) participation. The fiscal plan, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has been characterized as a balanced approach that maintains fiscal discipline while accelerating infrastructure development and digital transformation.

    Prominent business figures highlighted several key initiatives that signal India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing and technology leader. Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of LuLu Group International, noted that the budget’s emphasis on artificial intelligence, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and infrastructure development reinforces India’s position as an emerging economic powerhouse. The easing of Portfolio Investment Scheme rules and increased foreign holding limits were particularly welcomed as measures that would encourage greater NRI investment in India’s growth story.

    Healthcare sector leaders including Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder of Aster DM Healthcare, applauded the budget’s healthcare roadmap, which includes the Biopharma Shakti initiative and customs duty exemptions on critical cancer drugs. The expansion of medical infrastructure through new AIIMS facilities and district hospital upgrades is expected to strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem and position the country as a global medical hub.

    Financial experts noted the budget’s careful balancing act between growth stimulation and fiscal responsibility. Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of the Indian Business and Professional Council, observed that while the securities transaction tax hike on derivatives might be challenging, it was a necessary measure. The budget’s recognition of AI and deep technologies at the macroeconomic level was widely praised as timely and strategic.

    Several business leaders emphasized the importance of execution following the budget’s announcement. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, stressed that implementation at scale would be crucial for realizing the budget’s vision. The budget’s focus on public-private partnership models was seen as instrumental in building a self-sustaining and resilient Indian economy aligned with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.

    While overall reception was positive, some executives noted areas for potential enhancement. Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, suggested that clearer financial services reforms and a more integrated tourism strategy could have further strengthened the medium-term outlook. Similarly, Anuj Puri of Anarock Group noted the absence of direct affordable housing incentives as a missed opportunity for inclusive urban development.

  • India budget 2026: Six key measures set to boost NRI investments

    India budget 2026: Six key measures set to boost NRI investments

    In a landmark fiscal announcement on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a transformative budget featuring six strategic measures specifically designed to catalyze investment from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Indians. The comprehensive policy overhaul aims to channel substantial NRI capital into India’s economic growth narrative while counterbalancing recent foreign institutional investor outflows that have pressured the rupee.

    The centerpiece of these reforms is the significant liberalization of the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS). The budget doubles the per-investor equity limit from 5% to 10% for Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs), while simultaneously raising the aggregate investment ceiling for all individual PROIs from 10% to 24%. This groundbreaking change enables direct equity investments in Indian listed companies through the PIS route.

    Beyond market access reforms, the budget introduces substantial tax facilitations. The government has eliminated the mandatory requirement for resident individuals to obtain a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) when purchasing immovable property from non-residents. Additionally, small taxpayers holding foreign assets will benefit from a new time-bound disclosure scheme for declaring foreign assets and income, addressing historical non-compliance issues through a structured fee-based resolution mechanism.

    The fiscal package also excludes specified non-resident businesses currently under presumptive taxation from Minimum Alternate Tax requirements. Particular exemptions extend to operators of cruise ships and providers of services or technology for establishing electronics manufacturing facilities in India.

    Complementary measures include enhanced passenger facilitation through increased duty-free allowances and permission to import new laptops, alongside customs rationalization and reforms to Tax Collected at Source (TCS) provisions. Collectively, these initiatives represent India’s strategic positioning as a premier investment destination for its global diaspora.

  • Qatar to introduce 10-year residency for entrepreneurs, senior executives

    Qatar to introduce 10-year residency for entrepreneurs, senior executives

    In a significant corporate development reshaping the business consultancy landscape of the Gulf region, Helen & Sons and BBK have officially announced the formation of a comprehensive strategic joint venture. This partnership is strategically designed to amalgamate their respective expertise, creating an unparalleled suite of services for enterprises operating within the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

    The alliance brings together the deep-rooted, local market intelligence and established client networks of Helen & Sons with BBK’s renowned international operational frameworks and specialized advisory capabilities. The synergistic entity aims to deliver an integrated portfolio, encompassing strategic management consulting, financial advisory, market entry facilitation, and bespoke corporate support services tailored to the complex demands of the regional market.

    This expansion initiative is a direct response to the accelerating economic diversification and burgeoning entrepreneurial growth witnessed across the GCC. By combining forces, the joint venture is poised to offer clients a more robust, one-stop solution, enhancing their competitive edge and operational efficiency. The move is expected to significantly broaden the reach and depth of professional business support available, catering to both multinational corporations seeking to deepen their regional presence and local SMEs aiming for scalable growth and international standards.

    The formation of this venture underscores a strategic commitment to fostering a more dynamic and supportive business ecosystem, ultimately contributing to the economic vision and ambitious development goals set forth by GCC member states.

  • ‘Goal to make champions better than anyone’: UFC Legend Khabib at Sharjah festival

    ‘Goal to make champions better than anyone’: UFC Legend Khabib at Sharjah festival

    UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov delivered a masterclass in championship mentality during his keynote appearance at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival’s closing day. The undefeated mixed martial arts icon shared profound insights into the psychological and philosophical foundations of sustained excellence before an audience of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

    In a deeply personal conversation moderated by #ABtalks host Anas Bukhash, Nurmagomedov redefined the concept of an undefeated record. “For me, being undefeated transcends numerical achievement—it represents the cumulative value of lifelong dedication, rigorous training, and personal sacrifice,” the legendary fighter explained. “Every early morning, every missed opportunity, every moment of discipline mattered in creating that perfect record.”

    The Dagestani champion revealed that his extraordinary career was fundamentally shaped by his late father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, whose pedagogical approach blended athletic training with character development. Recalling a formative childhood experience, Khabib shared: “When I requested pocket money, my father presented me with a world atlas. He established a system where I would earn compensation by demonstrating knowledge about various countries—their geography, history, and cultural characteristics.”

    Nurmagomedov provided unprecedented insight into the psychological dimensions of elite competition, emphasizing that physical preparation alone cannot guarantee success. “During combat, your heart rate escalates dramatically. Without proper mental conditioning, you will fracture under that intensity,” he articulated. “Comprehensive preparation serves as the ultimate antidote to competitive stress. When you are truly ready, you maintain composure, clarity, and strategic thinking—these qualities distinguish champions from ordinary athletes.”

    The martial arts legend connected athletic discipline to entrepreneurial success, noting that identical principles govern excellence across domains. “Thousands aspire to become fighters, but only the disciplined achieve success. The fundamental key is consistent hard work—I have never witnessed success emerge from morning oversleeping,” he stated with characteristic directness.

    Now transitioning from active competition to mentorship, Nurmagomedov has redefined his understanding of achievement. “Championships and undefeated records belong to history. My current responsibility involves developing the next generation of champions—athletes who will surpass my accomplishments and establish new standards of excellence,” he declared.

    The session, titled “The Making of a Champion: What It Takes to Be Undefeated,” aligned perfectly with SEF 2026’s overarching theme of “Where We Belong,” demonstrating how the principles of athletic excellence translate directly to business leadership and personal development.

  • Thousands of Kurds rally in Syria ahead of integration

    Thousands of Kurds rally in Syria ahead of integration

    In a significant geopolitical shift, thousands of Syrian Kurds assembled in Qamishli on Sunday demonstrating solidarity as a landmark agreement between Kurdish authorities and the Damascus government moves toward implementation. The comprehensive deal, finalized Friday, outlines a phased integration of Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state apparatus.

    This diplomatic breakthrough follows weeks of territorial concessions by Kurdish forces to advancing government troops, marking a substantial setback for Kurdish aspirations to maintain the de facto autonomy established during Syria’s civil war. The autonomous administration had previously controlled extensive territories across northern and northeastern Syria through campaigns against Islamic State, backed by a US-led coalition.

    Under the agreement’s terms, both parties will maintain an existing ceasefire that halted intense recent fighting. The framework specifies the ‘gradual integration’ of Kurdish forces and administrative bodies while addressing certain Kurdish demands—including the establishment of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) brigades in Kurdish-majority regions.

    SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi confirmed implementation would commence Monday with mutual withdrawals from frontline positions in Ain al-Arab (Kobane) and other northeastern areas. The arrangement permits a ‘limited internal security force’ to enter sections of Hasakah and Qamishli while prohibiting military deployments within Kurdish urban centers.

    Syrian Information Minister Hamza Mustafa disclosed additional components, including the transfer of oil fields, Qamishli airport, and border crossings to government control within ten days. The minister further clarified that SDF fighters would be integrated individually into new army-commanded brigades.

    The United States, having previously supported Kurdish forces, acknowledged that its alliance objectives had largely been achieved. This integration initiative forms part of broader reforms authorized by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa aimed at reestablishing governmental control over northeastern territories.

    The publicly released agreement text explicitly seeks to ‘unify Syrian territory and achieve full integration’ of the Kurdish-majority region, signaling a potential resolution to years of administrative fragmentation.

  • India hands Apple a win by letting foreign firms fund equipment without tax risk

    India hands Apple a win by letting foreign firms fund equipment without tax risk

    In a significant move to bolster commercial infrastructure throughout the Gulf region, two prominent business entities—Helen & Sons and BBK—have officially announced the formation of a comprehensive strategic joint venture. This partnership is strategically designed to amplify business support services and facilitate market entry for both local enterprises and international corporations seeking to establish or expand their footprint across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

    The collaboration merges Helen & Sons’ established expertise in local market navigation and business consultancy with BBK’s robust operational framework and regional network. The joint venture aims to deliver an integrated suite of services, including market analysis, regulatory compliance guidance, logistical support, and tailored business development strategies. This initiative is poised to address the growing demand for specialized support services driven by the region’s rapid economic diversification and attractive investment climate.

    Industry analysts view this alliance as a timely response to the increasing complexity of the GCC business environment, which requires nuanced local knowledge combined with large-scale operational capability. The partnership is expected to create synergistic value, offering clients a seamless, end-to-end solution that reduces entry barriers and accelerates growth timelines. By leveraging their combined resources, the two firms are positioning themselves as a dominant force in the business facilitation sector, potentially setting a new standard for comprehensive corporate support in the Middle East.

  • Iranian official says Revolutionary Guards have no plan to hold military exercises in the Gulf

    Iranian official says Revolutionary Guards have no plan to hold military exercises in the Gulf

    In a landmark corporate development, two prominent business entities have announced a transformative partnership aimed at reshaping the regional business landscape. Helen & Sons, a distinguished name in business consultancy, has entered into a comprehensive strategic joint venture with BBK Partnership, a leading advisory firm with deep regional expertise.

    The collaboration represents a significant consolidation of professional services capabilities designed to address the evolving needs of businesses operating throughout the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region. This alliance combines Helen & Sons’ extensive operational experience with BBK Partnership’s specialized market knowledge, creating a powerhouse of integrated business solutions.

    Strategic objectives of the joint venture include the development of enhanced service delivery frameworks, the creation of cross-functional advisory teams, and the implementation of innovative support methodologies tailored to the unique requirements of GCC markets. The partnership will leverage combined resources to offer clients comprehensive support across multiple domains including financial advisory, market entry strategy, regulatory compliance, and operational optimization.

    Industry analysts note that this collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment as GCC economies continue their diversification efforts away from hydrocarbon dependence. The partnership positions both firms to capitalize on growing demand for sophisticated business support services from both established corporations and emerging enterprises navigating the region’s dynamic economic environment.

    The joint venture expects to commence operations immediately, with integrated service offerings becoming available to clients across all GCC member states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman alongside their UAE operations.

  • Hag Al Laila in UAE: Celebrating mid-Shaban night is permitted, Fatwa Council says

    Hag Al Laila in UAE: Celebrating mid-Shaban night is permitted, Fatwa Council says

    In a significant strategic move set to reshape the regional business services landscape, Helen & Sons and BBK have officially announced the formation of a comprehensive joint venture. This partnership is designed to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both entities to deliver enhanced support services to businesses operating throughout the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

    The collaboration unites Helen & Sons’ established reputation and deep-rooted local market knowledge with BBK’s specialized financial and advisory prowess. The synergy created by this alliance is expected to offer clients a more integrated and robust suite of services, encompassing strategic consultancy, financial advisory, and operational support tailored to the unique demands of the Gulf market.

    This expansion initiative is a direct response to the growing complexity and dynamism of the GCC business environment. By pooling their strengths, the joint venture aims to become a premier one-stop solution for corporations, SMEs, and investors seeking to navigate regulatory frameworks, optimize growth strategies, and capitalize on emerging economic opportunities in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, in addition to the UAE.

    The venture signifies a confident investment in the region’s economic future, anticipating increased cross-border trade and development projects. It is poised to set a new standard for quality and comprehensiveness in business support services, fostering a more connected and efficient commercial ecosystem across the GCC.