Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Sharjah power outage: Watch how delivery riders guide cars as traffic lights fail

    Sharjah power outage: Watch how delivery riders guide cars as traffic lights fail

    A sudden power failure struck multiple districts of Sharjah on Sunday afternoon, plunging key residential and commercial zones into temporary darkness and disrupting urban infrastructure. The outage, originating around noon local time, impacted the neighborhoods of Al Majaz and Al Taawun, with Jamal Abdul Nasser Street identified as a major affected artery.

    While technical crews from local authorities moved swiftly to diagnose and rectify what was described as a localized emergency fault in the power network, the most significant immediate consequence was the failure of traffic signal systems across intersections. This created potential hazards for motorists and pedestrians during a busy afternoon period.

    In a remarkable display of civic responsibility and quick thinking, delivery riders from prominent services including Smile, Noon, and Keeta spontaneously coordinated to manage the flow of vehicles at a critical junction. Videos captured these riders, easily identifiable in their company uniforms, directing traffic from all directions of the intersection. Their improvised efforts ensured the safe passage of various vehicles, including school buses and taxis, preventing congestion and mitigating the risk of accidents in the absence of functional traffic lights.

    This incident echoes a previous event in 2024 where a delivery operative from Talabat was formally recognized for proactively securing a hazardous, dangling traffic signal on a Dubai street. The Sharjah outage, though brief and fully resolved thanks to automated grid protection systems, underscores the community’s reliance on robust public infrastructure. It also highlights how individuals from essential service industries often step into roles far beyond their formal duties to ensure public safety and order during unforeseen emergencies.

  • Indian officials say Pakistani drones seen over border areas: Media reports

    Indian officials say Pakistani drones seen over border areas: Media reports

    Indian security personnel detected multiple unmanned aerial vehicles originating from Pakistani airspace conducting surveillance operations along the sensitive border regions of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening. According to official statements conveyed through Press Trust of India, the incident occurred in the strategically significant districts of Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch along the International Border and Line of Control.

    The aerial objects, classified as suspected reconnaissance drones, entered Indian airspace and remained operational for several minutes before returning to Pakistani territory. Security analysts note this pattern aligns with previous incidents where drones have been utilized for intelligence gathering or potential smuggling operations across the contested border region.

    In response to the unauthorized incursions, Indian border security units immediately initiated comprehensive ground search operations across the affected forward areas. Standard protocol for such incidents involves heightened alert status, enhanced patrol deployments, and technical surveillance augmentation to monitor subsequent developments.

    This incident occurs within the broader context of ongoing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, where cross-border drone activity has become an increasingly frequent security challenge. Both nations maintain extensive surveillance infrastructure along the border, with such incidents typically prompting formal diplomatic communications through established channels.

    The Jammu and Kashmir region remains one of the world’s most heavily militarized zones, with both countries maintaining robust defensive positions along the demarcation line. Technological advancements in unmanned aerial capabilities have added a new dimension to the long-standing security considerations in the region.

  • Himalayas bare and rocky after reduced winter snowfall, scientists warn

    Himalayas bare and rocky after reduced winter snowfall, scientists warn

    The Himalayan mountain range is experiencing an unprecedented winter snow crisis, with meteorologists reporting dramatically reduced snowfall across the region during what should be its snow-heavy season. Scientific evidence confirms that most winters over the past five years have registered below-average precipitation compared to the 1980-2020 baseline, leaving mountains unusually bare and rocky.

    Multiple scientific reports, including those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, attribute this phenomenon primarily to global warming. Rising temperatures not only reduce snowfall but accelerate melting of what little snow does accumulate. The region is now experiencing what experts term ‘snow drought’ at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 meters.

    According to data from the Indian Meteorological Department, nearly all of northern India recorded zero precipitation during December. Projections indicate an alarming 86% reduction from long-period averages for January through March across northwest India, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

    Dr. Kieran Hunt, principal research fellow in tropical meteorology at the University of Reading, states: ‘There is now strong evidence across different datasets that winter precipitation in the Himalayas is indeed decreasing.’ His 2025 study incorporating four distinct datasets between 1980-2021 consistently shows precipitation reduction across western and central Himalayan regions.

    Supporting research from Hemant Singh of the Indian Institute of Technology in Jammu reveals a 25% snowfall decrease in the northwestern Himalayas over the past five years compared to the 40-year average. Nepal’s central Himalayas show similar patterns, with meteorologist Binod Pokharel noting essentially zero rainfall since October and consistently dry winters over recent years.

    The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) reports the 2024-2025 winter saw a 23-year record low of nearly 24% below-normal snow persistence (snow remaining on ground without melting). Four of the past five winters registered below-normal snow persistence across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.

    Scientists point to weakening westerly disturbances – low-pressure systems from the Mediterranean that traditionally bring cold air and moisture – as a primary culprit. These systems have become ‘feeble’ according to the Indian weather department, tracking northward and failing to collect adequate moisture from the Arabian Sea.

    The consequences extend far beyond aesthetic changes to mountain landscapes. Snowmelt typically contributes approximately one-fourth of the total annual runoff for 12 major river basins, meaning nearly two billion people face potential water security threats. Reduced winter precipitation also increases forest fire risks due to drier conditions and destabilizes mountains through loss of ice and snow that traditionally act as natural cement, leading to increased rockfalls, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts.

    This snow crisis compounds existing problems from accelerated glacier melting, creating what experts describe as a ‘double trouble’ scenario for the region that will have profound consequences for ecosystems and human populations dependent on Himalayan water systems.

  • Hong Kong court to hear plea for lighter sentence in pro-democracy ex-media mogul Jimmy Lai’s case

    Hong Kong court to hear plea for lighter sentence in pro-democracy ex-media mogul Jimmy Lai’s case

    A Hong Kong courtroom became the focal point of international attention on Monday as proceedings commenced to determine the sentencing of prominent democracy advocate and former media magnate Jimmy Lai. The 78-year-old founder of the shuttered Apple Daily newspaper faces potential life imprisonment following his December conviction under Hong Kong’s national security legislation.

    The judicial panel convened for a four-day mitigation hearing during which Lai and several co-defendants will present arguments seeking reduced sentences. The case stems from Lai’s 2020 arrest under the security law implemented by Beijing following widespread anti-government protests that engulfed Hong Kong in 2019.

    Lai was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, three government-vetted judges determined Lai served as the mastermind behind coordinated efforts to undermine China’s ruling Communist Party through foreign intervention.

    The verdict has ignited international concern regarding press freedom in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Several Western governments, including the United States and Britain, have criticized the outcome, with both former President Donald Trump and current British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing particular concern given Lai’s status as a British citizen.

    Outside the courthouse, dozens of supporters gathered before sunrise, with some queuing since Friday to secure seating in the public gallery. Retiree Simon Ng, a former Apple Daily reader, expressed his desire to show solidarity: ‘I want to let him know that he’s not alone. Many people support him.’

    Six former Apple Daily executives and two activists involved in the case have entered guilty pleas, admitting to conspiring with Lai to request foreign sanctions. These individuals, who testified as prosecution witnesses during the 156-day trial, may receive reduced sentences under provisions that reward cooperation with authorities.

    Lai has already spent five years in custody, during which his health has reportedly deteriorated. His legal team previously informed the court of heart palpitations, though government medical examinations found no abnormalities. His daughter Claire has stated that Lai would focus on religious devotion and family life rather than political activism if released.

  • Israel calls on EU to label Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as ‘terrorist organisation’

    Israel calls on EU to label Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as ‘terrorist organisation’

    In a significant diplomatic move, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has formally called upon the European Union to classify Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization. The appeal was made during a meeting with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

    Saar took to social media platform X to publicly announce his position, stating he had explicitly conveyed to Minister Dobrindt that the current geopolitical climate necessitates immediate action from EU member states. The Israeli diplomat emphasized that designating the Iranian military force as a terrorist entity represents an urgent priority for regional security.

    The development occurs amid growing international concern over Iran’s alleged use of violence against domestic protesters. Multiple human rights organizations have documented suspected instances of state-sponsored suppression of dissent within the Islamic republic, though Iranian authorities have consistently denied these allegations.

    Germany has historically maintained support for such designation, and Saar noted that recent events have made the necessity of this measure apparent to a broader international audience. The Israeli government believes coordinated European action against Iran’s Revolutionary Guards would significantly impact Tehran’s military capabilities and regional influence.

    This diplomatic initiative reflects escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with potential implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics and EU-Iran relations. The European Union has yet to issue an official response regarding whether it will consider Israel’s formal request.

  • Red lines and increasing self-censorship reshape Hong Kong’s once freewheeling press scene

    Red lines and increasing self-censorship reshape Hong Kong’s once freewheeling press scene

    Hong Kong has experienced one of the most dramatic declines in press freedom globally over the past two decades, plummeting from 18th to 140th position in the World Press Freedom Index. This precipitous drop follows the implementation of Beijing’s national security law in 2020, which has fundamentally reshaped the territory’s media landscape through high-profile prosecutions, newspaper shutdowns, and widespread self-censorship.

    The closure of pro-democracy publication Apple Daily in June 2021 marked a turning point, with authorities freezing assets and raiding offices under the security legislation. Founder Jimmy Lai faces life imprisonment after December convictions for conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials. Simultaneously, online news platform Stand News met a similar fate, with editors becoming the first journalists since 1997 convicted under colonial-era sedition laws.

    According to Professor Francis Lee of Chinese University of Hong Kong, these cases establish that previously accepted journalistic practices now exceed legal boundaries. “Some advocacy journalism was at least permitted within the legal framework back then. Today, it’s no longer allowed,” Lee noted, referencing the pre-security law era.

    Self-censorship has proliferated beyond political concerns, with mainstream outlets avoiding content that might jeopardize advertising revenue from corporations valuing mainland Chinese market connections. The phenomenon extends throughout society, with potential interviewees increasingly reluctant to speak on record.

    The aftermath of November’s deadly apartment fire that killed 161 people revealed both persistent investigative reporting and renewed constraints. While journalists thoroughly covered safety concerns and government oversight, Beijing’s national security office subsequently summoned foreign media outlets including AP, accusing them of spreading false information about relief efforts and legislative elections.

    Hong Kong Journalists Association chairperson Selina Cheng described increasingly covert pressure on public discourse, noting that balanced reporting now requires disproportionate emphasis on pro-government perspectives. Beyond content restrictions, journalists face alleged tax audits and harassment, though authorities maintain investigations are impartial.

    Despite these challenges, the journalists’ association reported a slight rebound in press freedom ratings in October, suggesting some adaptation to the narrowed operational space. As Professor Lee concluded, “Today’s situation is far from the previous state of freedom. Self-censorship throughout society is severe. Yet some media outlets are still finding ways.”

  • Japan urged to mend China ties

    Japan urged to mend China ties

    TOKYO—Mounting economic pressures are compelling Japanese business leaders and academics to urge their government to pursue diplomatic solutions with Beijing following China’s imposition of stringent export controls. The restrictions, targeting dual-use technologies and potentially expanding to rare earth minerals, threaten to severely disrupt Japan’s manufacturing supply chains and economic stability.

    China’s Commerce Ministry implemented an immediate ban on exports of dual-use items—products with both civilian and military applications—to Japan on Tuesday. This decisive action came in direct response to controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting potential military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese authorities characterized the export controls as “legitimate, reasonable and lawful” measures to counter what they perceive as Japan’s pursuit of remilitarization and nuclear capabilities.

    The economic implications are particularly acute regarding rare earth elements, where China dominates global production with approximately 72% of Japan’s imports originating from Chinese sources as of 2024. Industry representatives warn that expanded restrictions would cripple Japan’s automotive, electronics, and renewable energy sectors—all heavily dependent on these critical materials.

    Hiroshi Shiratori, Professor of Political Science at Hosei University, emphasized the interconnected nature of security and economic concerns: “This situation shouldn’t be viewed merely through the lens of short-term economic impact. It represents an opportunity for Japan to fundamentally reassess its policy approach.”

    The corporate sector is already experiencing palpable anxiety. Himeji Denshi, a magnet manufacturer with six decades of operation, produces 70% of its products in Chinese factories. Company President Shigeaki Amijima revealed his enterprise could survive for only approximately two months if raw material supplies are disrupted, noting that “the most serious risk is not rising costs but the prospect of being unable to operate at all.”

    Furniture conglomerate Nitori Holdings Chairman Akio Nitori similarly expressed concern about rare earths used in refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines. Economists warn that diversification efforts have proven insufficient, with alternative sourcing likely to drive significant cost increases throughout Japanese manufacturing.

    With economic growth projections at risk and investment uncertainty growing in semiconductor, electronic component, and electric vehicle industries, Japanese experts agree that diplomatic resolution remains essential—though contingent on retracting the Prime Minister’s statements regarding Taiwan.

  • Swiss author Erich von Daeniken dies at 90

    Swiss author Erich von Daeniken dies at 90

    Erich von Däniken, the Swiss author whose revolutionary theories about extraterrestrial influences on human civilization captivated millions worldwide, has died at age 90. His passing was confirmed through multiple Swiss media outlets including national broadcaster SRF, with his official website noting the event occurred on Saturday.

    Von Däniken achieved global recognition with his groundbreaking 1968 publication “Chariots of the Gods?” which presented the provocative hypothesis that ancient monuments including Egypt’s pyramids, Britain’s Stonehenge, and Peru’s Nazca lines demonstrated architectural sophistication beyond contemporary human capabilities. The author maintained that while humans physically constructed these marvels, they received technical guidance and knowledge from advanced extraterrestrial visitors.

    Throughout his career, von Däniken faced substantial criticism from academic circles including historians, scientists, and fellow authors who dismissed his theories as pseudoscientific. Despite this scholarly opposition, his works achieved remarkable commercial success, with SRF reporting nearly 70 million books sold across more than 30 languages worldwide. His subsequent publications, including “The Gods Were Astronauts,” further developed his central premise that ancient religious texts, mythological narratives, and artistic representations documented early human encounters with technologically advanced beings misinterpreted as deities.

    Von Däniken’s cultural impact extended beyond literature into multimedia platforms, where he actively promoted his vision of human history through his YouTube channel and numerous television appearances. He consistently predicted that these extraterrestrial pioneers would eventually return to Earth, maintaining this belief throughout his decades-long career that fundamentally reshaped public discourse about humanity’s ancient past and potential cosmic connections.

  • UAE: Dh5-million fund announced for social media creators focused on family content

    UAE: Dh5-million fund announced for social media creators focused on family content

    The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a substantial Dh5 million (approximately $1.36 million) funding initiative specifically designed for social media content creators who specialize in family-oriented programming. The announcement was made during the ongoing 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, marking a strategic move to position the UAE as a global hub for positive digital content creation.

    The innovative fund, a collaborative venture between Creators HQ and Alfan, arrives as the UAE government designates 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family.’ This thematic focus emphasizes the crucial role of family cohesion as the fundamental pillar for building a strong and prosperous society. The initiative directly supports this national priority by incentivizing content that strengthens family values and promotes healthy social dynamics.

    Comprehensive support packages will include advanced education and training programs, cutting-edge filming equipment, access to state-of-the-art production facilities, and strategic social media platform support. Additionally, the program will facilitate valuable brand partnership opportunities for participating creators.

    The primary objective extends beyond financial support, aiming to attract international creative talent to relocate to the UAE. By providing these substantial resources, the initiative seeks to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem for creators who produce meaningful content that aligns with the nation’s social values and cultural vision.

  • Bangladesh plans to join international stablization force in Gaza

    Bangladesh plans to join international stablization force in Gaza

    Bangladesh has formally expressed its intention to participate in the proposed international stabilization force for Gaza during high-level diplomatic discussions in Washington. The development emerged from meetings between Bangladeshi National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and U.S. diplomats Allison Hooker and Paul Kapur on Saturday.

    According to an official government statement, Rahman conveyed Bangladesh’s ‘interest in principle’ to contribute to the multinational peacekeeping initiative, though specific details regarding troop numbers or operational capacity remain undisclosed. The U.S. State Department has not yet issued an official response to Bangladesh’s proposal.

    This potential deployment stems from a UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November that authorized the creation of a temporary International Stabilization Force. The force would operate under a ‘Board of Peace’ framework in coordination with participating nations.

    The diplomatic movement occurs against a backdrop of stalled ceasefire negotiations. The initial truce agreement, implemented in October, has failed to progress beyond its first phase, with both Israeli and Hamas leadership accusing each other of violations. Since the ceasefire began, conflict monitoring groups report over 400 Palestinian fatalities and three Israeli soldier deaths.

    Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains critical, with nearly all of the territory’s 2.3 million residents living in temporary shelters or structurally compromised buildings within confined areas where Israeli forces have withdrawn and Hamas has resumed administrative control.

    The broader context includes Israel’s military campaign launched in late 2023 following Hamas attacks that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 250 hostages. The subsequent offensive has generated widespread international concern, with multiple UN experts and human rights organizations characterizing the response as disproportionate and potentially constituting genocide under international law—allegations Israel strongly denies while maintaining its actions represent legitimate self-defense.