Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Iran issues Notam over planned rocket launches on February 19 amid tensions

    Iran issues Notam over planned rocket launches on February 19 amid tensions

    Iran has escalated regional tensions by issuing a formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing planned rocket launches across its southern territories on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. The advisory, published on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s website, indicates airspace closures will be in effect from 03:30 to 13:30 GMT.

    This development occurs alongside significant military movements in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Iranian naval forces recently concluded drills in the area and are scheduled to commence joint exercises with Russia’s navy on the same day as the rocket tests.

    The NOTAM issuance coincides with heightened diplomatic friction between Tehran and Washington. US Vice President JD Vance has publicly stated that the administration is reevaluating its approach toward Iran, considering whether to maintain diplomatic channels or pursue alternative strategies. This reassessment follows the deployment of US warships to waters near Iran.

    Further complicating the situation, Iranian authorities announced plans to temporarily close sections of the Strait of Hormuz for several hours on Tuesday. This critical maritime passage handles approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments. Tehran has historically threatened complete closure of the strait in response to military aggression, an action that would severely disrupt international energy markets and likely trigger substantial oil price increases.

    The ongoing tensions are set against the backdrop of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, with discussions scheduled to continue in Oman despite disagreements over the negotiation framework. The US has maintained a naval presence in the Gulf region to pressure Tehran into making concessions regarding its nuclear program.

  • Ramadan 2026: How food walks unite cultures across Indian cities

    Ramadan 2026: How food walks unite cultures across Indian cities

    Across India’s urban landscapes, an innovative cultural initiative is transforming Ramadan traditions into powerful tools for interfaith dialogue and community building. What began as a passion project among Delhi enthusiasts in 2012 has evolved into a nationwide movement that brings together Muslims and non-Muslims through shared culinary experiences and meaningful conversations.

    DelhiByFoot Adventures, the pioneering organization behind these Ramadan food walks, has expanded its operations to include Kolkata and Hyderabad, demonstrating growing interest in cross-cultural engagement. The program ‘Iftar Sey Sehari Tak’ (From Iftar to Sehri) offers midnight walking tours during Ramadan that have attracted both local residents and international visitors seeking authentic cultural immersion.

    Ramit Mitra, co-founder of the initiative, emphasizes its inclusive nature: ‘We have included people from all cultures and faiths, helping to bring them closer to each other.’ The concept emerged from shared passions and a mutual appreciation for Delhi’s rich cultural offerings, but has since developed into a meaningful platform for intercultural exchange.

    The organization has curated diverse experiences ranging from Iftar celebrations inside Delhi’s historic Jama Masjid to intimate home gatherings featuring traditional Ramadan foods from Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Bhopal. These home-based events often occur in the residences of artists, musicians, calligraphers, and food historians, providing unique insights into regional culinary traditions.

    Remarkably, the majority of participants in these community-led events come from non-Muslim backgrounds. They attend not only for the sumptuous Iftar spreads but also for discussions about fasting practices, religious philosophies, and shared human experiences across different faith traditions.

    For Ramadan 2026, the organization has developed special programming including Iftar celebrations at the homes of Hindustani Classical vocal musicians and curated menus featuring dishes from Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Karnataka. The events feature food historians presenting royal family recipes and pop-up menus inspired by nawabi traditions.

    The initiative now includes overnight walks from Iftar to Sehri in Delhi and Mumbai, plus a four-day Ramadan special tour in Hyderabad. Each city offers distinct culinary experiences, with Ramadan markets in Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Bhopal providing unique regional flavors and cultural insights.

    Through these shared meals and conversations, participants not only explore India’s diverse culinary heritage but also establish emotional connections with hosts, exchanging childhood memories of Ramadan and other festivals that once united communities across religious boundaries.

  • Alysa Liu carries US medal hopes into concluding women’s free skate at the Milan Cortina Olympics

    Alysa Liu carries US medal hopes into concluding women’s free skate at the Milan Cortina Olympics

    The final chapter of women’s figure skating at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics unfolds Thursday night with an unprecedented potential podium sweep by Japanese athletes, while American champion Alysa Liu carries her nation’s golden aspirations against formidable competition.

    Japan’s formidable trio—Ami Nakai (17), Kaori Sakamoto (25), and Mone Chiba—stand positioned to achieve what no nation has accomplished in Olympic history: a complete women’s figure skating podium domination. Nakai, inspired by legendary skater Mao Asada, leads the competition after delivering one of only two successful triple axels during Tuesday’s short program. Sakamoto, the 2022 Beijing bronze medalist, trails by a mere point in what she暗示 might be her Olympic finale.

    Challenging the Japanese dominance is American skater Alysa Liu, who has positioned herself as the only non-Japanese contender within striking distance of the podium. The 20-year-old from California’s Bay Area has staged a remarkable comeback after a two-year retirement, during which she rediscovered her passion for skating. Her victory at last year’s World Championships—ending a 16-year American drought since Kimmie Meissner—preceded her current quest to become the first U.S. women’s Olympic champion since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

    The competition’s unpredictable variable arrives in the form of Russian skater Adeliia Petrosian (18), who competes as a neutral athlete amid Russia’s ongoing exclusion from international events due to geopolitical circumstances. As the latest prodigy from controversial coach Eteri Tutberidze’s stable, Petrosian represents the only contender capable of executing quadruple jumps—a technical element that could dramatically alter the competition’s outcome. Despite limited international exposure and concerns about inflated domestic scores, her Milan performances have demonstrated medal-winning potential.

    This showdown marks another chapter in Russia’s figure skating dominance, with no non-Russian athlete having claimed Olympic gold since South Korea’s Yuna Kim at the 2010 Vancouver Games. The evening promises not only technical excellence but compelling narratives of perseverance, national pride, and athletic legacy across generations of skaters.

  • Steed & Steel: Striding through Year of the Horse

    Steed & Steel: Striding through Year of the Horse

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has issued a formal copyright notification asserting exclusive ownership over all content published across its digital platforms. The comprehensive protection extends to textual materials, photographic content, multimedia information, and all other published elements appearing on the company’s website.

    According to the established policy, republication or utilization of any protected content in any form requires obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC. The company explicitly prohibits unauthorized use of its intellectual property, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding digital assets against copyright infringement.

    The notice additionally provides technical recommendations for optimal user experience, suggesting that visitors utilize browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher for proper site functionality. This technical specification aims to ensure consistent content presentation and accessibility across different viewing environments.

    Furthermore, the publication details include reference to multimedia online publishing license number 0108263 and registration number 130349, providing official documentation of the platform’s operational credentials. The footer section contains standard corporate information including details about the organization, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and employment provisions for both general and expatriate positions.

    The copyright statement concludes with an invitation for users to follow the organization’s digital channels through provided social media connections, maintaining engagement with its audience while protecting proprietary content.

  • South Korea’s ex-president jailed for life over martial law attempt

    South Korea’s ex-president jailed for life over martial law attempt

    In a landmark ruling that has exposed profound national divisions, former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating a constitutional insurrection through his attempted imposition of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, concluding that Yoon’s actions on December 3, 2024, constituted a grave assault on democratic foundations when he deployed military forces to blockade the National Assembly and ordered the arrest of political opponents.

    Presiding Judge Ji Gwi-yeon characterized Yoon as the ‘insurrectionist leader’ whose conduct ‘fundamentally damaged South Korea’s democracy,’ justifying the severe punishment despite prosecutors initially seeking capital punishment. The courtroom proceedings unfolded amid intense public polarization, with thousands of supporters and protesters clashing outside the courthouse. Emotional Yoon loyalists wept openly while holding banners proclaiming ‘Yoon, again,’ while anti-Yoon demonstrators demanded maximum penalty.

    The political crisis originated when Yoon—facing legislative gridlock and corruption allegations against his wife, Kim Keon Hee—attempted to justify military rule as necessary protection against ‘anti-state forces’ sympathetic to North Korea. His televised declaration was reversed within hours after lawmakers physically forced their way into the parliamentary compound, triggering months of political turmoil that culminated in impeachment proceedings and multiple criminal indictments.

    This verdict represents the latest development in a sweeping judicial process that has already resulted in substantial prison terms for Yoon’s associates. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo received a 23-year sentence last month, while ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun—who advised implementing martial law—was jailed for 30 years. Several other high-ranking officials received sentences for their participation in what courts have deemed ‘an insurrection from the top.’

    Yoon maintained throughout the trial that his actions fell within presidential authority, claiming he acted to ‘protect the freedom and sovereignty of the people.’ His legal team immediately denounced the verdict as lacking evidentiary support and following a ‘pre-written script,’ suggesting likely appeals to the Supreme Court. This would prolong final resolution for several months amid ongoing security deployments and political tensions.

    Historical precedent suggests potential for future presidential pardon, as every convicted South Korean leader since 1997 has eventually received executive clemency. Yoon currently serves additional time for abuse of power and obstruction charges related to the insurrection attempt, with three more trials pending.

  • Two players are tied for the first-round lead at the LPGA Thailand tournament

    Two players are tied for the first-round lead at the LPGA Thailand tournament

    CHONBURI, Thailand – The LPGA Tour’s Asian swing commenced with impressive performances at the Siam Country Club Old Course, where Japan’s Nasa Hataoka and local favorite Chanettee Wannasaen seized a joint lead after Thursday’s opening round of the LPGA Thailand tournament.

    Hataoka, a five-time LPGA individual champion and 2021 U.S. Women’s Open runner-up, demonstrated exceptional precision throughout her bogey-free round. The 27-year-old golfer carded a 7-under 65, attributing her success to superior tee shots and iron play that created abundant birdie opportunities.

    Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen matched Hataoka’s score, delighting home crowds with an equally impressive performance that positioned her atop the leaderboard alongside the Japanese standout.

    Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh delivered the day’s most explosive start, opening her round with an eagle followed by three consecutive birdies. Dryburgh finished one stroke behind the leaders at 6-under 66, sharing third position with South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi and Somi Lee.

    The tournament features a tightly bunched leaderboard with world-class talent lurking close behind. Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand and former world number one Lydia Ko posted solid 67s, placing them among a ten-player group tied for sixth position just two strokes off the pace.

    Defending champion Angel Yin opened her title defense with a respectable 3-under 69, remaining within striking distance of the leaders.

    Notably absent from the Asian swing is world number two Nelly Korda, who won the season-opening Tournament of Champions in February under unusual circumstances when adverse weather conditions forced cancellation of the final round. Korda has opted to skip the three-tournament Asian segment for the third consecutive year, missing events in Thailand, Singapore, and China.

  • Gas explosion kills 16 after apartment building partially collapsed in southern Pakistan

    Gas explosion kills 16 after apartment building partially collapsed in southern Pakistan

    A catastrophic gas explosion devastated a residential building in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest metropolitan center, during the early hours of Thursday, resulting in a confirmed death toll of 16 individuals with multiple others sustaining injuries. The tragedy occurred as residents were engaged in preparations for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal marking the commencement of Ramadan, according to local law enforcement authorities.

    Rizwan Patel, Karachi’s senior police superintendent, confirmed that the blast triggered significant structural collapse within the apartment complex, necessitating extensive rescue operations to locate survivors beneath the debris. Emergency response teams continued their search operations throughout the day as the death count escalated from initial reports of 13 fatalities.

    Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari issued an official statement expressing profound grief and extending condolences to bereaved families while mandating comprehensive medical care for the injured. The presidential directive emphasized accelerated rescue efforts and called upon provincial authorities in Sindh to implement rigorous building safety protocols, enhance gas cylinder inspection systems, and conduct detailed investigations to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

    This tragedy highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in Pakistani urban centers, where natural gas distribution networks frequently operate below optimal pressure levels, compelling numerous households to supplement with liquefied petroleum gas cylinders. The incident echoes a previous gas-related catastrophe in Islamabad last July that claimed eight lives during wedding celebrations, underscoring persistent safety concerns regarding gas utilization in residential settings.

  • Yoon Suk Yeol: The former South Korean leader jailed for life for leading an insurrection

    Yoon Suk Yeol: The former South Korean leader jailed for life for leading an insurrection

    In a landmark verdict that concludes one of South Korea’s most dramatic political sagas, impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection through his unauthorized declaration of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the decisive ruling on Thursday, marking the 65-year-old conservative leader’s second criminal conviction within a month.

    The unprecedented constitutional crisis began when President Yoon attempted to institute martial law citing unspecified North Korean threats and ‘anti-state communist elements’—a move parliament reversed within hours amid massive public outcry. The declaration plunged South Korea’s young democracy into months of political turmoil, widespread protests, and ultimately led to Yoon’s impeachment, indictment, and removal from office in April 2025.

    Legal experts have characterized the martial law attempt as both ‘legal overreach and political miscalculation.’ Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University noted that ‘with extremely low public support and without strong backing within his own party, the president should have known how difficult it would be to implement his late-night decree.’

    Yoon’s political downfall represents a spectacular reversal for the former prosecutor who rose to national prominence by convicting ex-President Park Geun-hye in 2016. His 2022 electoral victory against liberal opponent Lee Jae-myung by less than 1% reflected South Korea’s deeply divided political landscape. Yoon initially appealed to young male voters through anti-feminist platforms amid growing societal divisions over gender issues.

    The former president’s tenure was marred by numerous controversies, including diplomatic gaffes and scandals involving first lady Kim Keon Hee, who faced allegations of corruption and influence peddling. Yoon’s approval ratings steadily declined throughout his presidency due to personal scandals and mounting opposition pressure.

    The political crisis culminated after opposition parties won a landslide victory in April 2024 parliamentary elections, rendering Yoon a lame-duck president. Facing budget cuts and impeachment proceedings against cabinet members, Yoon resorted to what analysts termed ‘the nuclear option.’

    Yoon’s insurrection trial revealed that his martial law justification—initially framed as national security necessity—was primarily motivated by domestic political troubles. Throughout the proceedings, the former president maintained defiance, characterizing his actions as ‘a measure to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the people.’

    The verdict has further polarized South Korean society. While many celebrate the judgment as upholding constitutional order, Yoon retains a vocal support base among young male and elderly conservative voters who echo right-wing narratives about election fraud and national security necessities. Pro-Yoon demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse during the verdict, reflecting persistent divisions within Korean society.

    Several former administration officials received substantial sentences for their roles in the crisis, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (23 years) and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min (7 years). The courts uniformly recognized the martial law declaration as an act of insurrection against constitutional order.

    Despite the closure of this chapter, South Korea continues to grapple with the political and social divisions exposed during the crisis. Yoon still faces two additional trials while serving a separate five-year sentence for abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and document falsification convictions.

  • Modi pitches India as global artificial intelligence hub at AI summit

    Modi pitches India as global artificial intelligence hub at AI summit

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared India’s ambition to become a pivotal force in the worldwide artificial intelligence landscape, emphasizing a strategy of domestic development coupled with global implementation. Addressing the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Thursday, Modi articulated his vision before an assembly of international leaders, technology executives, and policy makers with the mantra: “Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world. Deliver to humanity.

    This declaration comes as the rapidly expanding digital market seeks to capitalize on its extensive experience in constructing large-scale digital public infrastructure. India aims to establish itself as an economically viable center for AI innovation, leveraging successful models like its digital identification and online payment systems as templates for affordable AI deployment, especially in developing nations.

    The high-profile gathering featured addresses from French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who proposed a $3 billion international fund to enhance AI capabilities in less affluent countries. Guterres emphasized that AI development must not be dominated by a limited number of nations or wealthy individuals, asserting that the technology should “belong to everyone.”

    India is strategically positioning itself as a connecting link between advanced economies and the Global South, with Modi stressing the necessity to “democratize AI” and transform it into an instrument for inclusion and empowerment. The country’s nearly one billion internet users make it an essential market for international tech corporations expanding their AI operations.

    Significant investments have been announced, including Microsoft’s $17.5 billion commitment over four years to enhance cloud and AI infrastructure, Google’s $15 billion five-year investment featuring plans for India’s first AI hub, and Amazon’s $35 billion pledge by 2030 focused on AI-driven digitization.

    Despite these ambitions, India faces substantial challenges in developing its own large-scale AI models comparable to U.S.-based OpenAI or China’s DeepSeek. Obstacles include restricted access to advanced semiconductor chips, insufficient data center infrastructure, and the complexity of training AI systems on hundreds of local languages.

    The summit encountered organizational difficulties throughout the week, beginning with logistical problems that resulted in extended waiting times and reports of stolen items, though organizers later confirmed recovery of the missing property. Further complications emerged when a private Indian university was removed from the event after presenting a commercially available Chinese robotic dog as their own innovation. The setbacks continued with the unexpected withdrawal of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates from his scheduled keynote address, with the Gates Foundation citing a desire to maintain focus on the summit’s primary objectives, amid ongoing questions regarding Gates’ associations with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

  • Bill Gates pulls out of India’s AI summit amid Epstein files controversy

    Bill Gates pulls out of India’s AI summit amid Epstein files controversy

    Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has unexpectedly canceled his scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, creating a significant disruption to the event’s programming. The Gates Foundation announced the decision hours before his appearance, stating it came after “careful consideration” to maintain focus on the summit’s core objectives, though providing no specific reasons for the withdrawal.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of renewed scrutiny regarding Gates’ associations with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Recently unsealed court documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have referenced Gates, though he faces no allegations of misconduct from Epstein’s victims, and the documents imply no criminal activity.

    A Gates Foundation representative has characterized the claims within these documents as “absolutely absurd and completely false.” Gates himself has previously expressed regret for his interactions with Epstein.

    Despite this last-minute change, the summit continues with substantial industry participation. Ankur Vora, president of the Gates Foundation’s Africa and India offices, will deliver the address in Gates’ place. The foundation reaffirmed its “full commitment” to its collaborative health and development initiatives within India.

    The cancellation follows days of uncertainty about Gates’ attendance. Currently in India, he recently visited Andhra Pradesh to discuss projects in health, agriculture, education, and technology. Initial reports suggested he would honor his speaking commitment.

    This withdrawal represents a setback for India’s ambition to position itself as a global AI leader through this flagship event. Nevertheless, the summit features other prominent speakers, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his opening address, emphasized India’s pivotal role in the AI-driven future and urged Western nations to democratize AI technology. “AI must become a tool for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Global South,” Modi stated, while also highlighting the urgent need for global standards to counter deepfakes and misinformation.

    The event, attended by delegates from over 100 countries and several heads of state, has faced its share of controversies, including reports of initial mismanagement and a disputed claim by an Indian university about developing a robot dog that was allegedly manufactured in China.

    Over its five-day duration, the summit will host policy discussions, startup demonstrations, and private meetings focused on AI governance and innovation. Major companies, including Microsoft, have already announced investment pledges aimed at expanding AI infrastructure and access in India and similar markets.