Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Sharjah approves study on air taxi fares as part of new transport project

    Sharjah approves study on air taxi fares as part of new transport project

    Sharjah has taken a significant step toward embracing next-generation transportation solutions as its Executive Council greenlit a comprehensive feasibility study for a modern air mobility project. The initiative, approved during a council meeting at the Sharjah Ruler’s Office on Tuesday, will examine the operational and economic framework for air taxi services and aerial cargo transportation within the emirate.

    This strategic move positions Sharjah as the fourth UAE emirate to formally explore advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions, joining Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah in what is rapidly becoming a nationwide transformation of transportation infrastructure. The project aligns with global sustainability trends and technological advancements, seeking to establish Sharjah as a pivotal hub for intercity air connectivity through partnerships with leading international specialists in the field.

    While the project remains in its preliminary assessment phase, the council’s endorsement signals Sharjah’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge transportation technologies that could redefine urban mobility landscapes in coming years. The air taxi initiative represents part of a broader vision to enhance transportation efficiency while reducing urban congestion and environmental impact.

    Concurrently, the council addressed various matters concerning government performance and policy implementation, reaffirming its dedication to achieving the emirate’s strategic objectives. In a separate decision reflecting the leadership’s social development priorities, the council approved the first 2026 batch of residential and investment land grants, benefiting 1,200 Emirati families across Sharjah’s cities and regions.

    The UAE continues to establish itself as a global pioneer in advanced air mobility, with multiple emirates progressing toward operational electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) services. Certification for these vehicles is anticipated within the year, potentially enabling commercial operations by 2026—positioning the UAE among the first nations worldwide to implement such transformative transportation systems.

    Abu Dhabi has already conducted successful test flights and unveiled plans for over ten vertiports across key locations, while Dubai has advanced infrastructure development including a vertiport at Dubai International Airport. Ras Al Khaimah has announced ambitious connectivity plans that would reduce travel time between Dubai and Al Marjan Island from over an hour to under fifteen minutes. Sharjah’s entry into this space demonstrates the UAE’s coordinated approach to revolutionizing regional transportation through technological innovation.

  • Soo Yeon Kim brings positivity, skill, and inspiration to the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge

    Soo Yeon Kim brings positivity, skill, and inspiration to the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge

    In a groundbreaking display of skill and sportsmanship, Korean golfer Soo Yeon Kim has made a remarkable debut in Season 3 of the UAE’s Ultimate Golf Challenge. Competing for team Meteora Magicians at Abu Dhabi’s challenging Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Kim demonstrated exceptional prowess by scoring 27 Stableford points individually while helping her ten-player squad achieve 247 points, positioning them second behind Noble Legace Masters after the opening round.

    Kim’s participation represents a significant milestone in the traditionally male-dominated corporate golf league, which features 160 players across 10 teams competing in 350 rounds over four days. Rather than being intimidated by the gender imbalance, Kim has embraced the competition as both a motivational opportunity and a chance to showcase women’s capabilities in professional golf.

    ‘From a performance perspective, it’s a great source of motivation,’ Kim noted. ‘The obvious differences in driving distance and aggressive shot-making help me identify my strengths and weaknesses more clearly, which drives me to practice even harder.’

    What distinguishes Kim’s experience in the UGC is the unique team dynamic that contrasts sharply with individual tournaments. She emphasized the exceptional camaraderie among teammates including Russel Yeomans, Praveen Sharma, and Chris Cahill, highlighting how players genuinely celebrate each other’s successes while providing support through mistakes.

    ‘The team environment creates a strong sense of camaraderie that I find personally very rewarding as a female golfer,’ Kim explained. ‘I love the atmosphere of cheering for each other’s shots and reassuring teammates when they make errors.’

    Beyond her competitive achievements, Kim hopes her presence will inspire other women to participate in team golf events. With infectious enthusiasm, she expressed: ‘Above all, I hope that the way I carry myself on the course can give other women a nudge to think, ‘Maybe I should try a team event too.’ If I can play even a small part in that, I’d be very happy.’

    Kim’s debut performance demonstrates that positivity, teamwork, and determination are equally as valuable as technical skills in competitive golf, marking the beginning of what promises to be a memorable journey in the UAE’s innovative team golf league.

  • Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh PM

    Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh PM

    In a significant political transition, Tarique Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), officially assumed the role of Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin, marked the culmination of a decisive electoral victory that has reshaped the nation’s political landscape.

    The inauguration ceremony, held in the capital city of Dhaka, witnessed President Shahabuddin administering the constitutional oath of office to Prime Minister Rahman alongside newly appointed cabinet ministers. This formal transfer of power follows the BNP’s substantial triumph in the 13th general election concluded on February 14, 2026.

    Rahman’s ascension to leadership represents a notable shift in Bangladesh’s governance structure, ending the prolonged tenure of the previously ruling Awami League. The BNP’s electoral success emerged from a campaign that emphasized economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and democratic institutional strengthening.

    The new administration faces immediate challenges including economic stabilization, addressing inflationary pressures, and navigating complex international relationships. Regional observers are particularly attentive to how Rahman’s government will balance Bangladesh’s traditionally non-aligned foreign policy while maintaining crucial economic partnerships with major global powers including China, India, and Western nations.

    This political transition occurs against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s strategic importance in South Asian geopolitics and its growing economic influence as a developing nation with significant garment manufacturing exports and emerging digital economy sectors.

  • Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan rushed to hospital

    Veteran Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan rushed to hospital

    Mumbai’s cinematic community was gripped with concern on Tuesday as Salim Khan, the revered 90-year-old patriarch of Bollywood screenwriting, was urgently admitted to Lilavati Hospital’s intensive care unit. The celebrated co-creator of the iconic ‘Salim-Javed’ writing partnership, responsible for shaping Indian cinema’s golden era, was hospitalized under circumstances that remain undisclosed by medical authorities or family representatives.

    Hospital insiders confirmed to Press Trust of India that the esteemed writer, whose groundbreaking work includes timeless classics such as ‘Sholay,’ ‘Deewar,’ and ‘Zanjeer,’ was receiving critical care throughout the day. The development triggered an immediate family gathering at the medical facility, with his megastar son Salman Khan spotted departing the hospital premises in morning hours—footage that rapidly circulated across social media platforms.

    The Khan family mobilization saw the arrival of daughter Alvira Khan accompanied by her husband Aayush Sharma, alongside Ayaan Agnihotri, demonstrating the collective concern for the screenwriting legend’s wellbeing. This health emergency emerges merely three months after the family celebrated Khan’s landmark 90th birthday in November 2025, an occasion marked by daughter Arpita’s heartfelt Instagram tribute describing her father as ‘our galaxy’ and celebrating his enduring legacy within Indian cinema.

    Salim Khan’s cultural significance extends far beyond familial connections to superstar Salman Khan. Together with creative partner Javed Akhtar, he revolutionized Hindi film storytelling throughout the 1970s and 1980s, establishing the seminal ‘angry young man’ archetype immortalized by Amitabh Bachchan. Their pioneering contribution earned them unprecedented recognition as the first screenwriters to receive star-level billing in Indian cinema, a testament to their narrative craftsmanship that continues to influence filmmakers generations later.

    The medical incident has sparked widespread attention across India’s entertainment industry, given Khan’s monumental role in crafting some of Bollywood’s most enduring narratives. As the situation develops, the industry awaits further updates on the condition of the man who helped redefine modern Indian cinema.

  • Iran-US talks restart as Khamenei warns Islamic Republic will not be destroyed

    Iran-US talks restart as Khamenei warns Islamic Republic will not be destroyed

    Discreet diplomatic negotiations between Iranian and United States delegations have initiated near Geneva, facilitated by Omani mediation, in a critical effort to salvage the faltering nuclear accord and avert potential military confrontation. The high-stakes dialogue unfolds against a backdrop of intensified military maneuvers and resolute rhetoric from both capitals.

    Concurrent with the talks, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring the Islamic Republic’s resilience against external threats. “In one of his recent speeches, the U.S. president said that for 47 years America has not succeeded in destroying the Islamic Republic… I tell you: you will not succeed either,” Khamenei stated publicly.

    The diplomatic engagement was shadowed by significant U.S. military deployments to the region, including the recent dispatch of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier—the world’s largest—which brings substantial additional firepower and thousands of troops to the Middle East. This follows a pattern of previous carrier deployments preceding U.S. actions against Iran.

    Iran demonstrated its own military capabilities through exercises conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, featuring ship deployments, helicopter operations, and tests of drones and missiles.

    The latest escalation follows a meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where according to a senior administration official who spoke to the Daily Mail, Netanyahu urged a hardened stance against Iran, warning that “Iran plays games. You don’t want to get played.”

    Despite the tensions, both sides have maintained communication channels, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveling to Switzerland to meet with Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s position on X (formerly Twitter), stating he brought “real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal” while ruling out “submission before threats.”

    Tehran continues to assert its right to civilian nuclear development under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) while denying weapons ambitions, even as Israel—a nuclear power itself—accuses Iran of seeking nuclear capabilities.

  • Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh’s PM after landslide election victory

    Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh’s PM after landslide election victory

    In a ceremony symbolizing profound political transformation, Tarique Rahman was formally inaugurated as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday following his Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) overwhelming electoral triumph. The 60-year-old political scion, whose lineage traces back to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the assassinated President Ziaur Rahman, assumes leadership amid pressing national challenges that demand immediate attention.

    The unprecedented open-air inauguration at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban—departing from traditional venues—witnessed President Mohammed Shahabuddin administering oaths to Rahman and his cabinet ministers. The ceremony gathered distinguished attendees including senior political figures, diplomatic corps, military officials, and international representatives from neighboring powers China, India, and Pakistan.

    This political restoration marks the BNP’s return to governance after nearly two decades in opposition, securing a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority. The election also witnessed the remarkable resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami, which captured 68 legislative seats following the revocation of its 2013 prohibition after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration was toppled during the 2024 Gen Z-led uprising.

    The previous government, led by Hasina’s Awami League, faced electoral disqualification after the Election Commission revoked its registration. An interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus successfully steered the nation through the complex transitional period preceding these historic elections.

    Rahman’s ascension represents the culmination of an extraordinary political journey that included 17 years of self-imposed exile in London before his return last year. Despite facing persistent criticism from political adversaries regarding corruption allegations—which he consistently denies—Rahman’s homecoming galvanized party loyalists and fundamentally reshaped the BNP’s electoral strategy.

    In his initial post-victory address, the new Prime Minister emphasized national reconciliation, declaring: ‘Peace, law and order must be maintained at any cost.’ He explicitly cautioned supporters against retaliatory actions, asserting that his administration ‘will not tolerate any kind of chaos’ as Bangladesh embarks on this new political chapter.

  • Buddha statues at Longmen Grottoes bathed in golden glow

    Buddha statues at Longmen Grottoes bathed in golden glow

    The sacred Buddha statues of Longmen Grottoes experienced a breathtaking transformation at dawn as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the morning mist. This daily phenomenon at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Luoyang, Henan province, created an ethereal spectacle where golden light cascaded over the ancient stone carvings.

    The Fengxian Temple, the largest cave temple within the complex, served as the prime vantage point for observers witnessing this celestial interaction between nature and ancient artistry. The sunlight, filtering through the atmospheric haze like delicate golden threads, gradually illuminated the intricate features of the statues, enhancing their spiritual presence and artistic grandeur.

    This natural illumination occurs during specific seasonal conditions when atmospheric moisture and sunlight angles align perfectly. The phenomenon highlights the sophisticated understanding of light and environment possessed by the original sculptors who created these masterpieces during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties (approximately 316-907 AD).

    The Longmen Grottoes, containing over 100,000 statues within 2,300 caves, represent one of China’s most exceptional examples of Buddhist rock art. This daily transformation underscores why the site continues to attract both pilgrims and tourists seeking to experience the harmonious blend of natural beauty and human craftsmanship that has endured for centuries.

  • Imran Khan’s sons still waiting for visas to visit ‘ailing’ father in Pakistan

    Imran Khan’s sons still waiting for visas to visit ‘ailing’ father in Pakistan

    The sons of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan remain stranded in London, awaiting visa approvals to visit their ailing father who has suffered significant vision loss while in custody. Sulaiman Khan, 29, and Kasim Khan, 26—both British citizens from Khan’s marriage to Jemima Goldsmith—have been separated from their father since November 2022, following an assassination attempt on the former cricket star turned politician.

    The brothers submitted visa applications last month but have received no response from Pakistani authorities, leading Sulaiman to speculate that ‘the establishment is worried that if we go and see him, it would create more noise, and just more attention to his situation.’

    Medical concerns for the 73-year-old opposition leader have escalated dramatically following reports that he has lost 85% of vision in his right eye. Khan’s legal representative, Salman Safdar, appointed as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court, documented in a formal report that the former premier experienced ‘rapid and substantial vision loss over three months’ despite repeated complaints, with ‘no action taken by the jail authorities.’

    The government maintains that Khan’s eyesight has shown significant improvement under their care, but the family rejects these claims due to the exclusion of Khan’s personal physicians and family representatives during medical examinations. Aleema Khan, the former prime minister’s sister, stated to Al Jazeera that the government’s refusal to allow independent medical oversight was ‘extremely concerning and unacceptable.’

    Kasim Khan emphasized the broader implications, expressing concerns about ‘the government abiding by correct human rights processes and also the rule of law and just ensuring that he’s allowed a proper, fair trial.’ The situation has drawn international attention to Pakistan’s judicial processes and treatment of political prisoners, with Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party continuing to challenge his incarceration on corruption charges since May 2023.

  • iPhone 17e: Expected launch date, UAE price, specs, and camera rumours

    iPhone 17e: Expected launch date, UAE price, specs, and camera rumours

    Apple’s anticipated budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 17e, is poised for unveiling on March 4, 2026, according to industry speculation surrounding the company’s scheduled ‘special experience’ event. While Apple maintains its characteristic silence regarding product specifics, multiple leaks and historical release patterns strongly indicate the device’s imminent announcement.

    The forthcoming model is expected to maintain its predecessor’s pricing structure in the UAE market, with a starting price point of Dh2,599. This positioning places the device within the premium mid-range category rather than truly affordable smartphone territory.

    Design and display specifications suggest minimal aesthetic evolution from the iPhone 16e. The device will likely retain the 6.1-inch OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate and single rear camera configuration. Contrary to earlier speculation about adopting the Dynamic Island interface, recent leaks indicate Apple may preserve the traditional notch design, maintaining visual differentiation from higher-end iPhone 17 models.

    Camera capabilities appear largely unchanged, with the device expected to feature the same 48MP primary rear sensor and 12MP front-facing camera as its predecessor. The imaging system will continue offering optical-quality 2x zoom through pixel cropping technology, delivering competent daylight photography and enhanced digital zoom performance.

    The most significant advancements emerge in internal hardware. The iPhone 17e is projected to incorporate Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, representing a substantial processing upgrade over the A16e’s A18 processor. This enhancement promises improved everyday performance and advanced AI processing capabilities.

    Connectivity may receive a boost through the potential inclusion of Apple’s C1X modem, already deployed in the iPhone Air. This transition from the C1 modem could yield enhanced power efficiency and superior connectivity performance compared to third-party alternatives.

    While battery capacity and wired charging speeds may remain unchanged, the device might introduce MagSafe compatibility—a notable upgrade from the standard wireless charging offered in the iPhone 16e. This addition would provide access to Apple’s extensive ecosystem of magnetic accessories developed over five iPhone generations.

    The iPhone 17e appears focused on internal refinements rather than revolutionary changes, positioning itself as an accessible gateway to Apple’s ecosystem while facing considerable competition in the mid-range market segment.

  • Greg Chappell, Kapil Dev appeal for better prison treatment of ex-PM Imran Khan

    Greg Chappell, Kapil Dev appeal for better prison treatment of ex-PM Imran Khan

    In an unprecedented show of international solidarity, fourteen former cricket captains from five Test-playing nations have formally petitioned the Pakistani government regarding the deteriorating health and imprisonment conditions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The collective appeal, orchestrated by former Australian skipper Greg Chappell, reached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office on Tuesday afternoon, emphasizing urgent humanitarian concerns.

    The distinguished signatories include cricketing luminaries Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev from India, alongside Australian greats Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, and Kim Hughes. The petition further gained support from England’s Mike Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Mike Brearley, and David Gower, complemented by West Indies’ Clive Lloyd and New Zealand’s John Wright.

    Their formal communication references ‘profound concern’ regarding recent reports about Khan’s health, specifically noting alarming vision deterioration during his confinement at Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison. The former captains articulated that Khan’s global stature as both a sporting icon and former national leader warrants dignified treatment aligned with international standards of human rights.

    The petition outlines three critical demands: immediate access to specialized medical care from physicians of Khan’s choosing, implementation of humane detention conditions permitting regular family visits, and assurance of transparent legal processes without unnecessary delays.

    Supporting accounts reveal Khan has suffered approximately 85% vision loss in his right eye while facing restricted access to personal physicians. His son Sulaiman described the former PM’s confinement in a small, historically designated ‘death row’ cell with intermittent electricity and reading material restrictions.

    This development follows earlier appeals from Pakistani cricket legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis regarding Khan’s urgent medical needs. Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have remained incarcerated since August 2023 following corruption convictions resulting in cumulative 31-year sentences, subsequent to his political ouster.