Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • India budget will focus on accelerating, sustaining strong economic growth, finance minister says

    India budget will focus on accelerating, sustaining strong economic growth, finance minister says

    Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has outlined an ambitious economic vision for the upcoming annual budget, emphasizing accelerated growth trajectories and enhanced business competitiveness despite global volatility. The fiscal plan prioritizes structural reforms, financial sector strengthening, and strategic investments in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.

    Current economic indicators reveal robust performance with 7.4% growth projected for the present financial year alongside remarkably controlled inflation near 2%. The government’s fiscal discipline is demonstrated through a managed deficit of 4.4% of GDP.

    Recent months have witnessed comprehensive policy measures designed to stimulate private investment and consumer demand. These include significant tax reductions, labor law modernization, and unprecedented opening of India’s nuclear power sector to private participation. Additional transformative policies are anticipated in the forthcoming budget announcement.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized this approach as shifting from ‘long-term problems to long-term solutions,’ creating predictable economic conditions that build international confidence. His administration forecasts continued expansion between 6.8-7.2% for the next fiscal year, with the coming quarter-century deemed critical for achieving developed economy status.

    Manufacturing receives particular attention with plans for a third major revitalization effort following previous initiatives. Defense manufacturing regulations are expected to undergo significant liberalization to attract investment.

    Internationally, India is pursuing strategic trade agreements, including a landmark pact with the European Union, to counterbalance recent trade challenges including 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on certain Indian exports to the United States.

  • Davidson lands stunning play-off eagle to seal maiden MENA Golf Tour title in Egypt

    Davidson lands stunning play-off eagle to seal maiden MENA Golf Tour title in Egypt

    In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Welsh golfer Jack Davidson captured his maiden MENA Golf Tour championship with a breathtaking eagle putt during a sudden-death playoff at the Egypt Golf Series Address Marassi Golf Resort 2. The dramatic conclusion saw Davidson defeat Spain’s Juan Salama on the first extra hole after both competitors finished regulation play tied at 14-under-par.

    The championship showdown reached its climax on the par-five 18th hole, where both players demonstrated exceptional precision off the tee. Davidson’s strategic approach shot landed securely on the green’s center, while Salama’s second effort settled on the fringe. The Spanish contender attempted an ambitious eagle chip but encountered an unfavorable lie, resulting in a shot that fell short of the target. Seizing the opportunity, Davidson calmly sank a 25-foot eagle putt to claim victory.

    Davidson’s triumph represents a remarkable turnaround from his opening round performance, where he carded a one-over-par 71 that left him seemingly out of contention. His prospects transformed dramatically during the second round when he equaled the course record with an spectacular 63, propelling him into the tournament’s upper echelons. The final round saw Davidson maintain his momentum with three birdies on the front nine and a crucial birdie on the 18th to force the playoff.

    Emotional following his victory, Davidson reflected on his challenging journey: ‘The past two years presented significant difficulties, and my relationship with golf had deteriorated considerably by last year’s conclusion. Through substantial personal changes and assembling an exceptional support team, I’ve completely transformed both my technical game and competitive mindset.’

    The tournament’s supporting cast included Scotland’s Michael Stewart, who secured solo third position at 13-under-par. The Czech Republic’s Dominik Pavoucek and England’s Curtis Knipes shared fourth place at 11-under. Egypt’s Adam Elshamy achieved dual distinction as leading amateur and top Egyptian competitor for the second consecutive week, finishing at one-under-par.

    Davidson’s victory earned him $18,000 from the tournament’s $100,000 prize fund along with valuable Official World Golf Ranking points. The MENA Golf Tour continues its Egypt Swing with the upcoming Egypt Golf Series Madinaty at Cairo’s Madinaty Golf Club from February 3-5.

  • Magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits Southern Iran; was it felt in UAE?

    Magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits Southern Iran; was it felt in UAE?

    A significant seismic event measuring 5.3 magnitude occurred in Southern Iran on Sunday morning at precisely 9:11 AM UAE time. According to the National Centre of Meteorology’s National Seismic Network, the earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.

    The tremor represents the latest in a series of seismic activities affecting the region. Just one week prior, the same area experienced a 5.1 magnitude quake, while earlier this month on January 3, a milder 2.2 magnitude tremor was recorded south of Musandam.

    Despite geographical proximity to the epicenter, UAE authorities confirmed that the earthquake produced no detectable impact within Emirates territory. The Musandam region, which spans both Omani and UAE jurisdictions including parts of Ras Al Khaimah and Dibba, remains seismically active due to its position relative to the Strait of Hormuz.

    Seismological experts note that while the UAE itself doesn’t lie within a major earthquake zone, its closeness to the highly active Zagros mountain range—one of the world’s most seismically dynamic regions—makes occasional tremor sensations possible. Neighboring countries including Iran, Iraq, and Oman frequently experience earthquakes that can generate minor shaking detectable in the Emirates.

    Historical data indicates that similar events have occurred recently, including a December 2025 magnitude 2.9 earthquake in southern Musandam that produced faint tremors noticeable to some UAE residents without causing damage. Meteorological officials continue to monitor seismic activity across the region while assuring the public of existing safety measures.

  • China’s 2026 Spring Festival travel rush to begin

    China’s 2026 Spring Festival travel rush to begin

    China is preparing for an unprecedented transportation phenomenon as the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush commences on February 1st, with projections indicating a record-shattering 9.5 billion inter-regional journeys. This massive migration period, known locally as ‘Chunyun,’ will continue through March 13th, encompassing the Lunar New Year celebration on February 17th.

    The extended nine-day official holiday period has created a unique convergence of family reunion travel and tourism demand, according to transportation analysts. Private vehicle travel is anticipated to dominate the transportation landscape, representing approximately 80% of all inter-regional movements. Meanwhile, railway systems are preparing for an estimated 540 million passenger trips, with civil aviation authorities expecting to accommodate approximately 95 million travelers.

    Transportation hubs across China are implementing enhanced capacity measures to manage the anticipated record-breaking daily passenger flows. Authorities have prioritized operational efficiency and safety protocols at major transportation centers, recognizing the cultural significance of the Spring Festival as China’s most important family reunion occasion. The simultaneous surge in both traditional family visitation travel and holiday tourism has created unprecedented logistical challenges for transportation networks nationwide.

    Infrastructure enhancements and coordinated scheduling efforts have been implemented to ensure smooth passenger experiences during this period of extraordinary demand. Transportation officials have emphasized their commitment to maintaining both safety standards and operational efficiency throughout the 41-day travel period.

  • Bitcoin crashes below $80,000 as dollar surge sparks risk-off wave

    Bitcoin crashes below $80,000 as dollar surge sparks risk-off wave

    A significant downturn has gripped cryptocurrency markets as Bitcoin tumbled below the critical $80,000 threshold, marking its most severe monthly decline in over a year. The premier digital asset plummeted nearly 8% during Saturday’s trading session, reaching values not witnessed since April 2025, with subsequent trading stabilizing near $78,160. This downward trajectory precipitated a substantial erosion of total cryptocurrency market capitalization, which now stands diminished below $2.8 trillion.

    The market contagion extended across major altcoins, with Solana and Dogecoin experiencing approximately 13% depreciations to $102.90 and $0.10 respectively, while Ripple witnessed a 10% contraction to $1.56. Bitcoin’s market valuation has consequently been eclipsed by Tesla Inc., relegating it to the twelfth position among globally ranked assets by capitalization according to CoinGecko metrics. The weekly performance reveals a 9% contraction for Bitcoin, with the CoinDesk 20 Index—tracking prominent tokens—registering a more pronounced 12.4% decline. This bearish sentiment has propelled the Crypto Fear & Greed Index into ‘extreme fear’ territory.

    Market analysts attribute this pronounced risk-off transition to shifting macroeconomic expectations. President Donald Trump’s nomination of former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh—perceived as markedly more hawkish than incumbent Chair Jerome Powell—as prospective Federal Reserve leadership triggered substantial dollar appreciation and interest rate recalibrations. The US Dollar Index ascended to multi-month peaks alongside rising Treasury yields, catalyzing broad-based capital rotation from risk-sensitive assets including cryptocurrencies, equities, and precious metals.

    Technical analysis from Glassnode indicates Bitcoin has breached crucial support levels, descending below the $83,400 threshold representing short-term holder cost basis. This breakdown suggests potential further decline toward the $80,700 ‘True Market Mean’ level, which has subsequently been violated. Despite these developments, on-chain metrics reveal only 19.5% of short-term holder supply currently resides ‘underwater’—significantly beneath the 55% threshold typically indicative of market capitulation.

    Derivatives markets reflect prevailing caution through muted funding rates and diminished appetite for leveraged long positions. Options traders have intensified demand for downside protection, with dealer positioning turning negative beneath $90,000—a dynamic potentially exacerbating volatility should additional support levels deteriorate.

    Institutional participation has compounded selling pressure, with spot Bitcoin ETFs recording substantial single-day net outflows approximating $818 million. This institutional reticence to ‘buy the dip’ coincides with Ethereum’s pronounced decline beneath $2,500, amplifying concerns regarding deteriorating risk appetite across digital asset markets.

    Santiment data reveals social media sentiment has reached extreme bearish levels, historically a contrarian indicator preceding short-term rebounds. Nevertheless, cryptocurrency specialists note the absence of volume surges and leverage resets characteristic of durable market bottoms. Experts suggest continued price erosion toward the $74,000–$76,000 support range remains probable absent improvements in spot demand and ETF flow stabilization, with downside risks persisting amid tightening liquidity conditions and escalating macroeconomic uncertainty.

  • Video: Firing reported outside director Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai home; probe underway

    Video: Firing reported outside director Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai home; probe underway

    Mumbai police have launched a comprehensive investigation following a security breach at the residence of acclaimed Bollywood director Rohit Shetty. Unidentified assailants discharged approximately four rounds of gunfire outside the filmmaker’s residential complex in the upscale Juhu neighborhood early Sunday morning, according to official police statements.

    The incident prompted immediate deployment of heightened security personnel around Shetty’s residential tower, with forensic experts conducting meticulous examination of the premises. Law enforcement authorities have cordoned off the area while gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the alarming event.

    Police officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries resulted from the shooting, providing some relief to the concerned film community and local residents. Investigators are pursuing multiple angles to establish motive and identify perpetrators behind the targeted attack on one of India’s most prominent cinematic figures.

    Rohit Shetty, renowned for blockbuster action-comedy franchises including ‘Golmaal’ and ‘Singham’, represents a significant figure in contemporary Indian cinema. The incident has raised questions about celebrity security protocols in Mumbai, India’s entertainment capital.

    Authorities have assured thorough investigation into all potential connections, including possible professional disputes or attempted intimidation. The film industry has expressed solidarity with the director, awaiting further developments in this concerning security breach.

  • How non-Muslim expats can register wills in UAE: Procedure explained

    How non-Muslim expats can register wills in UAE: Procedure explained

    The United Arab Emirates has established a comprehensive legal framework enabling non-Muslim expatriates to formally register wills through multiple jurisdictional pathways. This system provides crucial estate planning security for the country’s substantial foreign resident population.

    Under Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status Law, non-Muslim foreigners residing in the UAE may choose to apply their home country’s legal provisions regarding inheritance and wills, provided they do not conflict with specific articles of existing UAE legislation. This foundational principle grants expatriates significant autonomy in determining how their estates will be managed.

    For residents of Dubai, Law No. 15 of 2017 Concerning the Administration of Estates and Implementation of Wills of Non-Muslims establishes specialized registries at both Dubai Courts and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts. These registries accept wills that encompass a testator’s global assets, including real estate holdings, financial accounts, business shares, intellectual property, and digital assets such as social media accounts.

    The DIFC Wills Service Centre maintains specific requirements for document validation, mandating that wills be presented in English, witnessed by at least two competent adults, and physically signed by the testator in the presence of authorized officials. Similar services are available through the Abu Dhabi Global Markets Courts, providing additional options for residents of the capital emirate.

    Alternatively, expatriates may opt to register wills through their home country’s diplomatic missions, provided such consular services are available. This multi-option system reflects the UAE’s recognition of its diverse international community and the importance of providing clear, accessible estate planning mechanisms for all residents.

    Legal experts emphasize that proper will registration ensures that an individual’s assets are distributed according to their wishes rather than default inheritance laws, which is particularly important for expatriates with complex international holdings and family circumstances.

  • Knocking on the stone-framed door

    Knocking on the stone-framed door

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has formally established stringent copyright protection protocols governing all digital content published through its platforms. The comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits unauthorized republication or utilization of any materials—including textual content, photographic imagery, and multimedia information—without obtaining prior written consent from CDIC.

    The company’s terms of service specify technical requirements for optimal user experience, recommending display resolutions of 1024*768 pixels or higher for proper content rendering. CDIC maintains multiple official licensing credentials, including Online Multimedia Publishing License 0108263 and Registration Number 130349, underscoring its compliance with China’s digital publishing regulations.

    Additionally, the organization provides clear channels for commercial engagements through its advertising partnerships and career opportunities through its expatriate employment program. The policy statement concludes with invitations for audience engagement through various social media platforms, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining both content integrity and user accessibility.

  • Watch: Sukhoi 57, F-16 model jet perform high-speed loops, rolls in Dubai skies

    Watch: Sukhoi 57, F-16 model jet perform high-speed loops, rolls in Dubai skies

    The skies above Dubai became an arena for high-performance aviation during the Model Aircraft Airshow Dubai (MAAD), where scale-model fighter jets demonstrated breathtaking aerial capabilities that rivaled their full-sized counterparts. Over two days at Sky Hub RC in Lisaili, hundreds of spectators witnessed meticulously engineered replica aircraft, including Russian Sukhoi-57 and American F-16 models, executing precision maneuvers at speeds exceeding 350 km/h.

    Veteran pilot Michael Dressendoerfer, with three decades of model aircraft experience, showcased a 42kg F-16 replica generating 420 newtons of thrust. The aircraft performed sharp turns, rapid rolls, and controlled dives that elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event featured diverse aircraft designs spanning historical wartime planes to cutting-edge fighter jet replicas, each requiring months of precise engineering and testing.

    First-time attendees expressed astonishment at the performance level. Dubai resident Ahmed Hassan noted, ‘When the jet passed close to the ground, everyone went silent. Then people started clapping. It actually feels like a real airshow.’ Maria Lopez, a visitor from Spain, added, ‘I thought these were just small toy planes, but the skill involved is unbelievable.’

    The aviation spectacle transitioned to ground-based excitement with high-powered drag racing demonstrations featuring burnouts and tight turns that filled the arena with smoke and engine roars. Behind the scenes, engineers emphasized the painstaking construction process, with Friedrich Huffman explaining, ‘Everything has to be exact. Even a few millimeters can change how the plane behaves in the air. We test it many times on the ground before it ever flies.’

    The event successfully demonstrated that advanced aeronautical engineering and piloting expertise transcend aircraft size, delivering a comprehensive entertainment experience that blended aerial precision with ground-level adrenaline.

  • Earthquake of magnitude 3 strikes Bangladesh

    Earthquake of magnitude 3 strikes Bangladesh

    A minor seismic event measuring 3.0 magnitude occurred in Bangladesh early Sunday, according to official reports from the National Center of Seismology (NCS). The tremor was recorded at precisely 04:02:32 IST on February 1, 2026, with its epicenter located at coordinates 24.85°N latitude and 92.07°E longitude at a depth of 20 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.

    This latest seismic activity highlights Bangladesh’s precarious geological position at the convergence point of three major tectonic plates: the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma plates. The region experiences constant tectonic pressure as the Indian plate advances northeastward at approximately 6 centimeters annually while the Eurasian plate moves northward at about 2 centimeters per year.

    Seismologists have identified Bangladesh as lying within 13 earthquake-prone zones due to its proximity to multiple significant fault lines, including the Bogura fault, Tripura fault, Shillong Plateau, Dauki fault, and Assam fault. Particular concern exists for regions such as Chattogram, the Chattogram Hill Tracts, and Jaintiapur in Sylhet, which fall within the highest-risk categorization.

    The seismic vulnerability is especially alarming for Dhaka, which The Daily Star identifies as one of the world’s 20 most earthquake-vulnerable urban centers. With population density exceeding 30,000 people per square kilometer, the capital city faces catastrophic potential should a major seismic event occur.

    This tremor follows recent seismic activity in the region, including a 4.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan on January 31, 2026, and a 4.1 magnitude event that affected Dhaka on December 4, 2025. Experts continue to emphasize that advanced preparedness measures, public awareness campaigns, and modern seismic monitoring technology remain crucial for minimizing potential casualties and structural damage in this seismically active region.