Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Shreyas Iyer returns for India’s ODI series against New Zealand

    Shreyas Iyer returns for India’s ODI series against New Zealand

    MUMBAI, India — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled its provisional squad on Saturday for the upcoming one-day international series against New Zealand, marking significant returns and strategic player management decisions ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

    In a major development, middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer received provisional selection following his recovery from a spleen injury sustained during October’s ODI against Australia in Sydney. His final participation remains contingent upon fitness clearance from BCCI’s medical team, with the potential to return as vice-captain for the three-match contest.

    Captain Shubman Gill makes his anticipated return after missing December’s ODI series against South Africa due to neck spasms suffered during the preceding Test matches. The squad welcomes back star veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both having recently participated in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain competitive form.

    The selection committee implemented strategic resting policies for key personnel. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah receives continued rest alongside all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who despite being fit, hasn’t achieved bowling readiness for full ODI quotas. Pandya’s absence creates opportunity for newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion.

    Notable omissions include Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite his maiden ODI century against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, and Tilak Verma. Wicketkeeping duties will be shared between primary choice Lokesh Rahul—who previously captained against South Africa—and Rishabh Pant as secondary keeper-batter.

    Mohammed Siraj returns to lead the bowling attack after missing the previous series due to workload management protocols. The pace battery features Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh alongside spin options Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav.

    The white-ball engagement commences with three ODIs in Vadodara (January 11), Rajkot (January 14), and Indore (January 18), followed by a five-match T20 series beginning January 21, serving as crucial preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

  • BCCI instructs Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur

    BCCI instructs Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh’s Mustafizur

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. This unprecedented decision comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.

    BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the directive on Saturday, stating franchises may request replacement players subject to board approval. The 30-year-old left-arm pacer, acquired by KKR for a record 92 million Indian rupees in last month’s auction, now becomes the most expensive Bangladeshi player to be released from IPL commitments.

    The sporting decision follows deteriorating bilateral relations triggered by recent incidents. Last month, protests erupted near Bangladesh’s High Commission in New Delhi after Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was fatally assaulted in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The incident occurred amid allegations of derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad, resulting in twelve arrests.

    These developments compound existing diplomatic strains dating to 2024, when former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in New Delhi following domestic protests against her administration.

    Mustafizur brings substantial IPL experience, having claimed 65 wickets across 60 matches for five franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings. His release occurs just before the nineteenth IPL edition commencing March 26, which follows the Twenty20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka beginning February.

  • Minor earthquake hits Musandam region, UAE’s NCM reports

    Minor earthquake hits Musandam region, UAE’s NCM reports

    The United Arab Emirates’ National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) documented a minor seismic event in the southern sector of the Musandam region on Saturday, January 3, 2026. According to official reports, the tremor registered a magnitude of 2.2 on the Richter scale and occurred precisely at 10:43 AM UAE local time.

    The Musandam peninsula, known for its strategic location at the Strait of Hormuz, occasionally experiences such low-intensity seismic activity due to its proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. The NCM, which maintains advanced monitoring systems across the region, confirmed the earthquake’s parameters through its seismic detection network.

    Geological experts emphasize that earthquakes of this magnitude typically cause no structural damage or human impact, often going unnoticed by the general population. The event occurred without any reports of aftershocks or subsequent seismic activity. Regional authorities have confirmed that no emergency protocols were activated following the tremor, and daily life continued without interruption throughout the affected area.

    The timely reporting by the NCM demonstrates the UAE’s sophisticated disaster preparedness capabilities and advanced meteorological monitoring infrastructure. Such precise documentation of minor seismic events contributes valuable data to the broader scientific understanding of regional geological patterns and enhances predictive modeling for potential future seismic activity.

  • Musk’s Grok floods X with sexualised photos of children, women as users give bot lewd prompts

    Musk’s Grok floods X with sexualised photos of children, women as users give bot lewd prompts

    Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence platform Grok has triggered global regulatory scrutiny and user backlash after generating nonconsensual sexualized imagery of women and children on social media platform X. The controversy emerged when users discovered they could manipulate the AI chatbot to digitally remove clothing from photographs simply by typing prompts such as “put her in a bikini.

    Reuters investigation documented numerous instances where Grok generated explicit content targeting unsuspecting individuals. Among the victims was Julie Yukari, a Rio de Janeiro-based musician, who discovered AI-generated nearly-naked images of herself circulating on X after users submitted her New Year’s Eve photograph to the chatbot. “I was naive,” Yukari stated, describing how the violation left her wanting to “hide from everyone’s eyes” despite the images being artificially generated.

    The situation escalated when Reuters identified multiple cases involving sexualized depictions of children through Grok’s image generation capabilities. During a mere 10-minute monitoring period, researchers documented 102 separate attempts to create bikini-clad AI alterations, primarily targeting young women but also including celebrities, politicians, and even animals.

    International authorities have responded forcefully. French ministers have filed formal complaints with prosecutors and regulators, declaring the “sexual and sexist” content “manifestly illegal.” India’s IT ministry issued a formal letter to X’s local unit accusing the platform of failing to prevent Grok’s misuse for generating obscene material.

    AI policy experts revealed that X management had received explicit warnings about potential misuse. Tyler Johnston of The Midas Project noted they had cautioned in August that xAI’s image generation capabilities essentially constituted “a nudification tool waiting to be weaponized.” Dani Pinter of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation condemned the situation as “an entirely predictable and avoidable atrocity,” criticizing X’s failure to filter abusive content from AI training materials.

    Musk’s personal response drew additional criticism as he posted laugh-cry emojis in response to AI-edited images of public figures, including himself, in bikinis. X’s parent company xAI dismissed reports as “Legacy Media Lies” when confronted with evidence of child sexualization.

    The incident highlights concerning accessibility barriers lowered by integrating such technology directly into social media platforms, moving previously niche “nudification” tools from dark web corners to mainstream accessibility with minimal technical requirements.

  • Another Nanjing massacre survivor dies, only 22 remain

    Another Nanjing massacre survivor dies, only 22 remain

    The community of surviving witnesses to one of World War II’s most horrific atrocities continues to diminish with the passing of Xu Deming at age 96. The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders confirmed his death on Friday, reducing the number of officially registered survivors to just 22.

    The Nanjing Massacre represents one of the darkest chapters in modern history, occurring after Imperial Japanese forces captured China’s capital on December 13, 1937. During six weeks of systematic violence, approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were brutally slaughtered in an episode that shocked the world with its sheer barbarity.

    Xu Deming’s personal testimony, preserved through historical records, recounted the traumatic events his family endured: ‘Japanese invaders stormed into our home and seized my father. They transported him to Shuiximen and subsequently to the Qingliang Mountain area for mass execution. Although we received information about his whereabouts from a witness, we never recovered his remains.’ The then-54-year-old father’s disappearance left the family struggling for survival in refugee camps with severe food shortages.

    This declining population of firsthand witnesses has prompted China to implement extensive preservation efforts. In 2014, the National People’s Congress established December 13 as an official memorial day for the massacre victims. The Chinese government has meticulously documented survivor accounts through written transcripts and video recordings, creating an extensive archival repository. These historically significant materials gained international recognition in 2015 when they were inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, ensuring the atrocities are never forgotten despite the passing of those who witnessed them.

  • Swiss bar fire: What ignited the blaze? Sparklers, foam material likely causes

    Swiss bar fire: What ignited the blaze? Sparklers, foam material likely causes

    A devastating New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alps resort of Crans-Montana has claimed at least 40 lives and left 119 injured, with many victims suffering severe burns requiring specialized treatment across European hospitals. Authorities have identified sparkler candles waved near a foam-covered ceiling as the probable cause of one of Switzerland’s worst modern tragedies.

    Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud of the Wallis region revealed that mobile footage captured by revelers showed sparklers mounted on champagne bottles being held dangerously close to the soundproofing foam material lining the basement bar’s low ceiling. Videos depict the instant ignition and rapid spread of flames through the packed venue, which was filled predominantly with teenagers and young adults celebrating the new year.

    Despite the bar owners Jacques and Jessica Moretti maintaining that all safety regulations were followed, investigators are examining whether negligence contributed to the catastrophe. The couple, who escaped unharmed, have been questioned as witnesses as the probe continues.

    The international scale of the tragedy is becoming apparent, with victims including Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old Italian golfer who resided in Dubai. Among the 113 identified injured, 71 are Swiss nationals, with significant numbers from France (14) and Italy (11), alongside other European citizens.

    Rescue operations have transitioned to the painstaking process of victim identification through dental records and DNA analysis, with authorities cautioning families that the extensive burns will delay formal confirmations. Mathias Reynard, chief of the Valais region, confirmed that approximately 50 critically injured patients have been transferred to specialized burn units in Germany, France, and other European nations, with many still ‘fighting for their lives.’

    Distraught families maintain vigil near the charred remains of the establishment, where a makeshift memorial has emerged as the community grapples with the scale of the loss. The incident has raised urgent questions about fire safety protocols in entertainment venues, particularly regarding decorative materials and pyrotechnics in crowded spaces.

  • MI Emirates claims spot in ILT20 final with 7-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

    MI Emirates claims spot in ILT20 final with 7-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

    Sharjah Cricket Stadium witnessed a commanding performance from MI Emirates as they clinched their place in the DP World ILT20 Season 4 final with a decisive seven-wicket triumph over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders during Friday’s Qualifier 2 encounter.

    The victory sets up a championship showdown against Desert Vipers scheduled for January 4 at Dubai International Stadium, marking MI Emirates’ second final appearance across the tournament’s four-season history.

    After winning the toss, MI Emirates’ bowling unit delivered a masterclass in containment, restricting the Knight Riders to a modest 120/8 from their allotted 20 overs. Young spinner Allah Ghazanfar emerged as the standout performer with impressive figures of 3/24, while Muhammad Rohid contributed significantly with 2/19. Despite the challenging conditions, Alishan Sharafu provided resistance for the Knight Riders with an unbeaten 50 from 40 deliveries, with Alex Hales adding 29 from 36 balls in their 47-run partnership.

    The chase began cautiously as MI Emirates navigated early pressure from Knight Riders’ bowling attack. The early departure of Andre Fletcher (5 off 6) in the second over created initial tension, but English batsman Tom Banton anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62 from 53 deliveries. The match turned decisively when Shakib Al Hasan joined Banton, with the duo assembling a game-changing 82-run partnership from just 53 balls. Shakib’s aggressive 38 from 24 deliveries, including a crucial 17-run over against Liam Livingstone, shifted momentum irreversibly in MI Emirates’ favor.

    Banton reached his half-century in 49 deliveries during the 15th over, effectively sealing the victory with 23 balls remaining. The comprehensive nature of the win underscores MI Emirates’ growing dominance in the tournament’s knockout stages.

    Post-match reflections highlighted the strategic approach that defined the contest. Player of the Match Shakib Al Hasan emphasized the importance of tactical batting: ‘The focus was on batting time and managing overs, especially against the spinners. That was my role today. In pressure games, losing wickets makes it very hard to recover.’

    Knight Riders captain Jason Holder acknowledged the challenging conditions while praising his team’s overall campaign: ‘It was a challenging wicket early on, and we struggled to build momentum. Still, considering where we were midway through the tournament, I thought it was a solid effort overall. The commitment throughout the campaign was excellent.’

  • Dubai: Woman jailed, to be deported for over Dh3-million theft in crypto wallet swap

    Dubai: Woman jailed, to be deported for over Dh3-million theft in crypto wallet swap

    In a landmark ruling that underscores the legal protection of digital assets, a Dubai court has sentenced a woman to imprisonment, deportation, and a substantial financial penalty for orchestrating a sophisticated cryptocurrency theft. The defendant was found guilty of defrauding an investor of digital assets valued at approximately Dh3.1 million ($1 million) through an audacious hardware wallet swap during a business meeting.

    The case originated when an investor was approached by a man purporting to represent an investment company. This individual expressed interest in financing a business project but first demanded proof of the investor’s financial capability, specifically requesting a demonstration of substantial cryptocurrency holdings. A verification meeting was subsequently arranged in Dubai.

    At the scheduled meeting, the man failed to appear, citing last-minute complications, and instead dispatched his wife as his representative. During the verification process, the woman covertly substituted the investor’s legitimate hardware wallet—a device containing the private keys necessary to access the digital currency—with an identical, pre-prepared counterfeit. This deceptive maneuver allowed the perpetrators to transfer the entire cryptocurrency balance out of the investor’s control without his immediate knowledge.

    Following the discovery of the theft, authorities launched a comprehensive criminal investigation. The Dubai Misdemeanours and Infractions Court convicted the woman of theft, delivering a sentence of two months’ imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine equivalent to the value of the stolen assets at the time of the offense and ordered her deportation from the UAE upon completion of her jail term. This criminal ruling was later upheld by the Dubai Court of Appeal.

    In a subsequent civil proceeding, the victim sought compensation for both his direct financial loss and the lost potential profits, arguing that the value of the cryptocurrency had appreciated significantly after the theft. The civil court ruled in the investor’s favor, ordering the defendant to pay Dh4.3 million in compensation plus 5% annual legal interest until the amount is settled in full. This civil judgement is particularly significant as it explicitly recognizes digital currencies as protected financial property under Emirati law.

    The mastermind of the scheme, identified in court documents as the woman’s husband, remains at large and is wanted by authorities.

  • More than 100 shelter overnight in Japan shrine due to heavy snow

    More than 100 shelter overnight in Japan shrine due to heavy snow

    More than 100 visitors found themselves unexpectedly stranded overnight at a historic mountain shrine in Japan’s Saitama prefecture after heavy snowfall rendered access roads impassable. Approximately 130 individuals, including motorists from roughly 50 vehicles, sought refuge within the halls and lobbies of Mitsumine Shrine on Friday evening when local authorities closed surrounding routes due to hazardous winter conditions.

    The Chichibu government confirmed all stranded visitors remained in good health despite the unforeseen circumstances. The incident occurred as Japan experiences a significant cold front that has deposited up to 80 centimeters of snow in some regions over the past 72 hours, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

    Local police reported the road closures near Mitsumine Shrine were implemented following multiple weather-related incidents, including vehicles slipping on icy surfaces. The area has experienced temperatures plunging to -15°C alongside approximately 4cm of fresh snowfall, creating particularly dangerous travel conditions.

    Perched at 1,110 meters above sea level in the mountains near Chichibu, Mitsumine Shrine represents one of Japan’s significant Shinto centers, dedicated to the divine couple Izanami and Izanagi who feature prominently in Japanese creation mythology. The shrine’s history traces back to the 1st Century when it was reportedly established by Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō.

    Meteorological forecasts indicate the severe weather pattern will continue, with predictions of up to 40cm additional snowfall in some areas through Saturday. The incident highlights the challenges posed by Japan’s winter weather patterns even at popular cultural and religious sites.

  • Ireland’s Micheál Martin will visit China in the first trip by an Irish leader in 14 years

    Ireland’s Micheál Martin will visit China in the first trip by an Irish leader in 14 years

    Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin commenced a significant five-day diplomatic mission to China on Sunday, marking the first official visit by an Irish leader to Beijing in over fourteen years. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Martin will engage in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji during his itinerary spanning both Beijing and Shanghai.

    This diplomatic engagement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing trade tensions between China and the European Union. In recent months, Beijing has implemented provisional tariffs reaching 42.7% on EU dairy products while initiating investigations into European brandy and pork imports. These measures represent counteractions to the EU’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

    Concurrently, China is hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for a separate four-day state visit beginning Sunday, marking the second bilateral meeting between Lee and Xi within two months. This diplomatic activity unfolds amid heightened regional tensions following Japan’s recent statements regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan-related scenarios.

    Last week, China conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan, demonstrating its firm stance against what it perceives as separatist activities and external interference. President Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s adherence to the ‘One China’ policy regarding Taiwan in pre-visit remarks to Chinese state media.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that Martin’s visit presents opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance broader China-EU relations, signaling Beijing’s continued strategy of cultivating relationships with individual EU member states despite broader bloc tensions.