Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Asha’s launches ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ — A limited-time regional showcase

    Asha’s launches ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ — A limited-time regional showcase

    Award-winning Indian fine dining establishment Asha’s has launched an exclusive gastronomic experience titled ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table,’ paying homage to Hyderabad’s illustrious culinary heritage. This limited-time regional showcase will be available across all Asha’s locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain until March 31, 2026.

    Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of the Nizams, the menu exemplifies the sophisticated culinary traditions that have defined Hyderabadi cuisine for centuries. The carefully curated selection emphasizes slow-cooking techniques, precise spice blending, and profound flavor development that characterize this storied food culture.

    Signature dishes include the iconic Hyderabadi haleem, meticulously slow-cooked to achieve its characteristic velvety texture; Hyderabad-style pressure cooker chicken pulao, engineered to preserve aromatic essence and tenderness; and regionally spiced Hyderabadi lamb chops, marinated and cooked to perfection for optimal flavor intensity and balance.

    This chef-led initiative represents a focused exploration of regional culinary narrative, celebrating Hyderabad’s distinct gastronomic identity while reinforcing Asha’s two-decade legacy of cultural and culinary connectivity throughout the Middle East. The limited-time offering provides diners with an authentic taste of royal Indian cuisine, showcasing the historical refinement and traditional cooking methods that have made Hyderabadi cuisine renowned worldwide.

  • Defense ministry rebuffs criticism over drills around Taiwan

    Defense ministry rebuffs criticism over drills around Taiwan

    China’s Ministry of National Defense has firmly rejected international criticism of its recent military exercises around Taiwan, characterizing them as necessary measures to counter separatist activities and foreign interference. Defense spokesman Zhang Xiaogang stated that the ‘Justice Mission 2025’ drills conducted by the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command were designed to test integrated joint combat capabilities while demonstrating military readiness to preserve territorial integrity.

    The exercises, which drew concern from Western governments including the United States, Japan, Australia, and the European Union, were described by Zhang as ‘completely legitimate, necessary and beyond reproach.’ He emphasized that Taiwan constitutes an inalienable part of Chinese territory and that related matters remain exclusively internal affairs permitting no external intervention.

    Zhang identified ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism and its external supporters as the primary threats to regional stability, asserting that provocative actions crossing established red lines would inevitably trigger resolute countermeasures. While affirming China’s commitment to peaceful development, he clarified that peace would not be exploited as pretext to restrain legitimate responses to separatist challenges.

    The spokesman urged international actors to adhere to the one-China principle and cease support for pro-independence elements in Taiwan. He additionally called on Taiwanese residents to recognize the dangers posed by current leadership policies and prioritize safeguarding their security interests.

    The Ministry concluded that Chinese armed forces would maintain heightened combat readiness to defeat any independence movements, counter foreign interference, and protect national sovereignty through continued demonstration of operational capabilities.

  • Delhi flights disrupted, as smog, dense fog lower AQI to ‘very poor’

    Delhi flights disrupted, as smog, dense fog lower AQI to ‘very poor’

    A severe combination of toxic smog and dense fog enveloped New Delhi on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, creating hazardous conditions that significantly disrupted air travel and daily life. The capital’s Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced substantial flight delays and cancellations as visibility dropped dramatically across the city.

    Airline IndiGo had proactively issued a travel advisory on January 1st, warning passengers of anticipated disruptions. The carrier preemptively canceled several early-morning flights to minimize passenger inconvenience. Travelers were strongly advised to verify their flight status via official channels before heading to the airport, with airline teams actively monitoring conditions and assisting affected customers.

    The environmental crisis was quantified by the Central Pollution Control Board, which recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 348 at approximately 8 a.m.—a reading that borders the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ classification. Monitoring stations throughout Delhi consistently reported AQI levels ranging from 219 to 348, indicating widespread dangerously poor air quality.

    Despite the challenging conditions, Republic Day preparations continued with security personnel and parade participants persevering through the low visibility at India Gate. The India Meteorological Department reported temperatures around 11°C alongside persistent dense fog, with forecasts suggesting improving conditions beginning Saturday. The combination of extreme pollution and cold wave conditions significantly disrupted morning routines for residents across multiple areas of the national capital.

  • Pakistan sentences journalists, YouTubers and ex-military officers to life over inciting violence

    Pakistan sentences journalists, YouTubers and ex-military officers to life over inciting violence

    An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing seven individuals—including three prominent journalists, two YouTubers, and two retired military officers—to life imprisonment for their roles in instigating widespread violence during May 2023 riots. The convictions stem from coordinated efforts to spread hatred against state institutions following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges.

    Presiding Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra conducted the trial in absentia, as all convicted individuals had previously fled Pakistan to avoid prosecution. The convicted parties include former editor Shaheen Sehbai, journalists Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada, digital content creators Wajahat Saeed Khan and Haider Raza Mehdi, alongside retired army officers Adil Raja and Akbar Hussain.

    The court found that these individuals, known for their vocal support of Imran Khan, systematically incited violent demonstrations that targeted military installations and government property. The May 2023 unrest witnessed thousands of Khan’s supporters attacking strategic facilities, including the ransacking of a senior army officer’s residence and damaging the state-run Radio Pakistan building.

    Prosecutors established that the convicted parties exploited their media platforms to encourage mob violence after Khan repeatedly attributed his 2022 ouster to a conspiracy involving the United States and Pakistan’s military establishment—allegations denied by all parties involved.

    In response to the verdict, Sabir Shakir—formerly a prominent television host on ARY TV—denounced the ruling as “political victimization” during an interview with The Associated Press. Shakir revealed he had traveled to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage prior to the riots and subsequently sought political asylum in Britain, anticipating what he described as “fabricated cases” upon potential return to Pakistan.

    The court has granted a seven-day window for appeals while directing authorities to apprehend the convicted individuals should they return to Pakistan. This case unfolds against growing concerns from human rights organizations and journalist unions about shrinking freedom of expression in Pakistan, though the government maintains that media professionals must adhere to ethical standards and journalistic principles.

  • China slashes hundreds of tariffs in strategic trade war twist

    China slashes hundreds of tariffs in strategic trade war twist

    China has unveiled a precisely calibrated tariff reduction strategy that reveals its strategic economic priorities for the coming years. Effective January 1, 2026, Beijing will lower import duties on 935 specific items below Most-Favored-Nation rates, representing not broad trade liberalization but rather a targeted approach to secure critical inputs for industrial advancement.

    The timing follows the fragile stabilization in U.S.-China relations established during the October Busan summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. Recognizing this diplomatic truce as temporary, China is utilizing this window to accelerate acquisition of technologies it cannot yet produce domestically at scale.

    Analysis of the tariff list reveals three core strategic priorities: technological self-sufficiency, green energy transition, and public health security. Notable inclusions include “intelligent bionic robots,” “bio-aviation kerosene,” artificial blood vessels, and advanced diagnostic kits. The robotics focus particularly addresses China’s demographic challenges through accelerated automation of its shrinking workforce.

    This approach represents a fundamental shift in addressing industrial “involution”—the destructive domestic competition plaguing sectors like electric vehicles. Rather than simply producing more, China aims to produce with greater sophistication by facilitating imports of advanced materials and “black mass” for battery recycling, moving industries up the value chain.

    Diplomatically, the policy maintains zero-tariff treatment for 43 least-developed countries and preferential rates for 34 RCEP trading partners. This dual-purpose strategy anchors Global South nations firmly within China’s economic orbit while creating asymmetric trade relationships that contrast with more contested Western relations.

    The tariff adjustments implement the “high-quality development” mandate of the 15th Five-Year Plan, prioritizing “new quality productive forces” in integrated circuits, aerospace, and biomedicine. Healthcare technology imports have become strategically crucial for maintaining social stability during China’s painful economic transition away from real estate dependence.

    This supply-side transformation represents an investment in the state’s industrial “hardware,” betting that technological advancement will eventually generate high-paying jobs to revive the middle class. The international community should interpret these measures as China’s sophisticated response to decoupling pressures—a “strategic openness” ensuring it remains an indispensable global supply chain node through selective import facilitation rather than comprehensive closure.

  • Chauffeur Service UAE launches new luxury transport platform in Dubai

    Chauffeur Service UAE launches new luxury transport platform in Dubai

    Dubai’s premium transportation sector has entered a new era with the official launch of Chauffeur Service UAE’s sophisticated ground mobility platform. This comprehensive system, introduced on January 2, 2026, represents a strategic enhancement to the city’s luxury transport infrastructure, specifically engineered to meet the exacting requirements of business travelers, VIP clients, and discerning visitors.

    The innovative platform features an extensive fleet of meticulously maintained premium vehicles operated by professionally trained chauffeurs. Service offerings encompass hourly rental arrangements, airport transfer solutions, corporate travel programs, inter-emirate long-distance journeys, and specialized event transportation. The operation is bolstered by round-the-clock booking assistance and customer support services.

    Company leadership emphasized the platform’s significance in addressing growing market demands. ‘This initiative marks a substantial advancement for luxury transportation in Dubai,’ stated the CEO. ‘Current market trends indicate increasing preference for chauffeur services that deliver exceptional comfort, absolute discretion, and operational excellence.’

    The revamped system employs a structured vehicle allocation methodology supported by licensed drivers and pre-scheduled routing protocols, aligning with Dubai’s established transportation regulations. Centralized dispatching mechanisms ensure punctual pickups and route consistency across all service categories, maintaining stringent quality and safety standards throughout the customer journey from initial booking to final destination.

    As a Dubai-based enterprise, Chauffeur Service UAE maintains its commitment to safety, professionalism, and reliability while supporting the emirate’s positioning as an international business and tourism destination. This development reflects the expanding market for premium mobility solutions within the region’s transportation ecosystem.

  • Israel confirms ban on 37 NGOs in Gaza, orders them to cease operations by March 1

    Israel confirms ban on 37 NGOs in Gaza, orders them to cease operations by March 1

    Israel has officially revoked the operating licenses of 37 international humanitarian organizations in Gaza, mandating complete cessation of their activities by March 1, 2026. The decision comes after these agencies failed to meet a December 31, 2025 deadline to comply with new security and transparency regulations imposed by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.

    The controversial regulatory framework, introduced in March 2025, required non-governmental organizations to provide comprehensive documentation including detailed staff information, funding sources, and operational structures. Israeli authorities maintain these measures are essential to prevent terrorist infiltration into humanitarian operations. Minister Amichai Chikli stated: ‘Humanitarian assistance is welcome—the exploitation of humanitarian frameworks for terrorism is not.’

    Among the affected organizations are prominent international groups including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision International, and Oxfam. The ministry specifically accused MSF of employing two individuals with alleged ties to Palestinian militant groups Jihad and Hamas—claims MSF strongly denies, asserting they ‘would never knowingly employ people engaging in military activity.’

    The United Nations and multiple humanitarian organizations have condemned the move as a dangerous precedent that violates international humanitarian principles. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned this represents a ‘weaponization of bureaucracy’ that undermines the fundamental principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality in humanitarian work.

    With Gaza’s population already facing catastrophic conditions—where approximately 80% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed and 1.5 million residents remain displaced—the removal of these aid agencies threatens to exacerbate one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The decision has drawn international criticism, with foreign ministers from ten nations including France and Britain urging Israel to guarantee humanitarian access to the besieged territory.

  • Wuxi marks New Year with cross-cultural symphonic celebration

    Wuxi marks New Year with cross-cultural symphonic celebration

    The historic city of Wuxi, recently designated as a UNESCO City of Music, inaugurated its newly constructed Symphony Hall with a spectacular New Year’s concert on January 1, 2026. The gala event featured an unprecedented collaboration between the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra and the Wuxi Youth Symphony Orchestra, enhanced by performances from distinguished Chinese and international virtuosos.

    Staged under the evocative theme “Moon over Taihu Lake, Dawn of a Symphonic Era,” the concert presented a meticulously curated program that seamlessly blended Eastern and Western musical traditions. The performance transported a capacity audience of 1,500 attendees through a cultural odyssey that connected historical heritage with contemporary artistic expression.

    The concert’s significance extends beyond mere celebration, marking a cultural milestone for Wuxi as it strengthens its position within UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. The symphony hall’s inaugural event successfully projected Wuxi’s musical aspirations onto the global stage while establishing a new benchmark for cultural programming in the region.

    The architectural marvel of the symphony hall itself provided an acoustically perfect environment for the musical journey, which featured both classical Western compositions and traditional Chinese pieces reinterpreted through a symphonic lens. This fusion created a unique auditory experience that resonated with both local patrons and international guests, symbolizing Wuxi’s growing influence as a cross-cultural hub.

    The event concluded with resounding applause from the diverse audience, cementing Wuxi’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and international cultural exchange through its newly established world-class venue.

  • Families grieve toxic tap water deaths in India city

    Families grieve toxic tap water deaths in India city

    A tragic water contamination incident in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread illness, casting a shadow over the city frequently awarded as India’s cleanest. The crisis emerged from a pipeline leak that allowed sewage to infiltrate drinking water supplies in the Bhagirathpura neighborhood.

    The outbreak has claimed several lives, including five-month-old Avyan Sahu, who died just three days after consuming diluted cow’s milk prepared with contaminated tap water. His father, Sunil Sahu, recounted how the family had boiled the water-milk mixture believing it would be safe, only to witness their infant succumb to severe diarrhea.

    Official reports present conflicting casualty figures, with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirming four deaths through postmortem examinations while local journalists estimate the toll接近 14. The scale of the outbreak is substantial, with health authorities identifying approximately 2,450 cases of vomiting and diarrhea among 40,000 screened residents.

    Healthcare facilities in Indore are overwhelmed, with more than 200 patients currently hospitalized. The municipal corporation has responded by deploying water tankers to affected areas and advising residents to avoid tap water entirely until further notice.

    The political ramifications are significant, with opposition Congress leader Jitu Patwari accusing the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misgovernance and deliberately obscuring the true death count. In damage control efforts, local authorities have dismissed one municipal officer and suspended two others while establishing an investigative committee to prevent future occurrences.

    Residents report having complained about foul-smelling water for over two months prior to the outbreak, raising questions about the responsiveness of local governance in what is consistently ranked as India’s cleanest urban center.

  • Smart trip aid goes live

    Smart trip aid goes live

    China Daily has officially unveiled ‘China Bound,’ an innovative English-language smart tourism platform that commenced operations on January 1, 2026. This comprehensive digital service aims to revolutionize the travel experience for international tourists visiting China through advanced technological integration.

    The platform represents a significant advancement in travel technology, offering overseas visitors an end-to-end solution that spans from initial travel inspiration to personalized itinerary creation. The system incorporates intelligent Q&A capabilities, streamlined ticket booking services, and social features for sharing travel experiences. With a single interface, travelers can access China’s diverse cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern attractions.

    China Bound operates through a multi-channel ecosystem including a dedicated website (www.chinabound.cn), mini-programs on popular payment platforms Alipay and WeChat, and active overseas social media presence. The website architecture employs a ‘main site + city sub-site’ matrix, featuring four primary sections: ‘Travel Destinations,’ ‘Itinerary Planning,’ ‘Must-buy Items,’ and ‘Must-try Food.’ These sections systematically present China’s rich historical traditions, contemporary urban developments, and authentic local customs.

    Technical innovation stands at the core of the platform, with Ant Digital Technologies providing support for the Alipay mini-program. The integration includes real-time translation services, flight and hotel reservations, railway ticket purchases, currency conversion tools, and digital payment solutions. Users can access these services by searching ‘China Bound’ or ‘you zai zhong guo’ within the Alipay application.

    A distinctive feature is the platform’s AI-powered intelligent assistant, which supports multilingual interactions and provides personalized travel guidance. This digital companion enables users to create customized itineraries, obtain real-time transportation updates, and receive detailed cultural explanations throughout their journey.

    The platform will collaborate with national cultural institutions, tourism authorities, and service providers to ensure content credibility and experience authenticity. This initiative reflects China’s commitment to enhancing international tourism through technological innovation and cultural exchange.