Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • The viral moments that grabbed India’s attention this year

    The viral moments that grabbed India’s attention this year

    India’s vibrant social media ecosystem witnessed an extraordinary array of viral phenomena throughout 2025, capturing national attention across diverse spheres from sporting glory to interstellar achievement. These digitally amplified moments not only entertained millions but also reflected the nation’s evolving cultural identity on the global stage.

    The year’s celebrity highlight emerged from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan made his spectacular Met Gala debut. Donning an exquisite Sabyasachi Mukherjee creation complemented by signature accessories, Khan’s red carpet appearance generated unprecedented international fan enthusiasm. His long-awaited participation in the prestigious ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ themed event sparked widespread discussion about Indian representation in global fashion.

    Cultural fusion took center stage during March’s Commonwealth Day observances at Westminster Abbey, where the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band delivered an unexpected musical interlude. Their Scottish-regalia-clad performance of the Bollywood classic ‘Dhoom Machale’ to honor arriving royalty became an instant social media sensation, beautifully symbolizing the intersection of Indian and Western traditions.

    November witnessed seismic celebrations across the nation as India’s women’s cricket team secured their historic first World Cup championship. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s tournament-clinching catch against South Africa at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium ignited spontaneous public gatherings and nighttime fireworks displays. The ICC’s documentation of this watershed moment achieved staggering digital engagement, amassing nearly 90 million Instagram views and cementing the victory’s status as a transformative achievement for gender equality in sports.

    Space exploration reached new heights with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becoming India’s pioneering astronaut to board the International Space Station aboard the Axiom Mission 4. His June mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center culminated in triumphant hometown celebrations and captured public imagination through educational content demonstrating zero-gravity technical procedures, which accumulated over 25 million views.

    The chess world witnessed dramatic moments when Indian prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju defeated reigning champion Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess tournament. Carlsen’s uncharacteristic emotional display following the match spawned countless creative parodies across social platforms, transforming a competitive chess moment into widespread cultural commentary through humorous recreations in mundane scenarios.

    These digitally immortalized instances collectively painted a portrait of a nation embracing global recognition while celebrating domestic achievements across entertainment, sports, and scientific frontiers.

  • NYE 2026 in Dubai: Road closures in JBR revealed, to remain open for pedestrians

    NYE 2026 in Dubai: Road closures in JBR revealed, to remain open for pedestrians

    Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has implemented an extensive traffic management strategy for New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, transforming the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area into an exclusive pedestrian zone. The meticulously planned arrangements will see King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street closed to general traffic from 4pm on December 31st, permitting only taxi access during initial phases before implementing complete vehicle restrictions between 11pm and 1am.

    The waterfront destination at JBR’s The Beach promises spectacular fireworks viewing opportunities for residents and visitors, with its prime location near Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers offering panoramic coastal vistas. As Bluewaters Island approaches maximum capacity, authorities will enact temporary access restrictions based on real-time crowd conditions to ensure public safety.

    Complementing the road closures, Dubai’s public transportation system will operate extended services to accommodate revelers. Both Red and Green Metro lines will run continuously for 43 hours commencing at 5am on December 31st through midnight on January 2nd, 2026—marking an all-night operational schedule during peak celebration periods. The RTA strongly advises utilizing metro and tram services when traveling to JBR destinations.

    Comprehensive traffic control measures will be implemented citywide, including partial closures along Sheikh Zayed Road beginning early evening. These coordinated efforts form part of Dubai’s broader strategy to manage anticipated large-scale attendance while maintaining smooth traffic flow and enhancing pedestrian safety during one of the city’s most anticipated annual events.

  • UAE announces withdrawal of its forces from Yemen following Saudi criticism

    UAE announces withdrawal of its forces from Yemen following Saudi criticism

    In a significant escalation of tensions between Gulf allies, the United Arab Emirates has declared the complete withdrawal of its remaining military personnel from Yemen. This decision comes mere hours after Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes against UAE-backed forces and issued an unprecedented public condemnation of Abu Dhabi’s activities in the protracted conflict.

    The Emirati Defense Ministry stated formally that ‘in light of recent developments’ it was terminating the presence of its ‘remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition.’ While emphasizing that the majority of UAE forces had concluded their operational role in 2019, the ministry noted that specialized teams had remained engaged in counter-terrorism efforts alongside international partners until now.

    This dramatic development follows Tuesday morning’s Saudi airstrikes targeting the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the port city of Mukalla. Riyadh justified these strikes by claiming the targeted weapons and vehicles arriving from Fujairah, UAE, ‘constituted an imminent threat.’ STC representatives contested this account, asserting the strikes hit civilian infrastructure instead.

    Subsequently, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry published a strongly worded statement expressing disappointment with UAE actions it claimed were ‘pressuring’ the STC to conduct military operations along Saudi Arabia’s southern border regions. The kingdom explicitly declared such activities a direct threat to its national security and regional stability, emphasizing that ‘any threat to its national security is a red line.’

    Yemen expert Mohammed al-Basha clarified that the UAE had already withdrawn most military hardware six years ago, with current presence consisting primarily of rotating advisory, intelligence, and counter-terrorism personnel rather than large-scale combat forces. The UAE has backed the STC since 2017 through comprehensive support including funding, military assistance, and training, though analysts note Abu Dhabi maintains it doesn’t control the group’s political objectives.

    In response to Saudi actions, the UAE expressed surprise and rejected Riyadh’s account, stating the strike occurred without coalition consultation and that the targeted shipment contained vehicles for UAE forces rather than weapons. Abu Dhabi denounced the Saudi statement as containing ‘fundamental inaccuracies’ and categorically rejected implications of directing Yemeni military operations.

    The escalating rift emerges amid ongoing power struggles within Yemen’s anti-Houthi leadership. Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi called for Emirati forces to withdraw and canceled a joint defense agreement with the UAE, though STC officials immediately challenged his authority to make such decisions unilaterally.

  • Indian FM to attend Bangladesh ex-PM Zia’s state funeral

    Indian FM to attend Bangladesh ex-PM Zia’s state funeral

    India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will travel to Dhaka on Wednesday to attend the state funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, marking the highest-level Indian diplomatic visit since the 2024 political upheaval that transformed bilateral relations between the neighboring nations.

    The funeral ceremony for Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister who passed away Tuesday at age 80, is anticipated to draw massive public gatherings in the capital city. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Jaishankar will officially represent both the Indian government and its citizens during the solemn proceedings.

    This diplomatic mission occurs against the backdrop of significantly strained India-Bangladesh relations following the 2024 overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in India and remains there despite repeated extradition requests from Dhaka. In November, a Bangladeshi court sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for her alleged role in authorizing lethal force against mass protests.

    The geopolitical landscape has been further complicated by India’s expressed concerns regarding minority treatment in Bangladesh and the upcoming February 12, 2026 elections—the first since the widespread uprising. These elections position Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as a potential frontrunner, with her recently returned son Tarique Rahman, ending 17 years of exile, emerging as a probable prime ministerial candidate should the party secure majority control.

    Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences while expressing hope that Zia’s “vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership,” signaling diplomatic outreach despite ongoing tensions. The situation remains delicate as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, has accused India of exaggerating violence scale during the unrest period.

  • The golf stories fans talked about in 2025: 10 major themes that sparked conversation

    The golf stories fans talked about in 2025: 10 major themes that sparked conversation

    The year 2025 emerged as a watershed period for professional golf, generating unprecedented dialogue around player legacies, innovative formats, and the sport’s societal impact. Rather than merely reporting events, golf journalism sparked substantive conversations that engaged global audiences and prompted reevaluation of traditional norms.

    Central to these discussions were the ongoing narratives surrounding legendary figures. Tiger Woods’ complex career trajectory—marked by extraordinary triumphs and significant physical challenges—remained a focal point for analyzing athletic perseverance. Simultaneously, Rory McIlroy’s alignment with Dubai’s fitness initiatives highlighted golf’s evolving role in promoting wellness culture, particularly through his endorsement of Sheikh Hamdan’s vision for a healthier population.

    Structural innovations captured significant attention, with the debut of the Indian Golf Premier League in Dubai drawing comparisons to cricket’s successful IPL model. This format experimentation coincided with important debates about golf’s traditional rules, particularly the Ryder Cup’s retention policy for defending champions in tied matches, which divided purists and modernizers.

    The sport’s educational and developmental aspects gained prominence through initiatives like the JAGA-ESM partnership in the UAE, which transformed golf from recreational activity to educational pathway. Research validating golf’s health benefits—including longevity and social connectivity—provided scientific backing for these developmental programs, while the DP World Tour Play-Offs demonstrated how elite competitions could drive youth engagement and sustainability initiatives.

    Safety concerns entered the conversation following post-Ryder Cup celebrations that highlighted security vulnerabilities for players and families. Meanwhile, cross-sport comparisons gained traction when former cricketer JP Duminy asserted golf’s mental superiority, adding dimension to understanding athletic demands.

    These multifaceted discussions positioned golf not merely as athletic competition but as cultural phenomenon intersecting with health, education, and social development—a transformation that kept the sport firmly in the global spotlight throughout 2025.

  • Cutting edge UAV completes maiden flight in Sichuan

    Cutting edge UAV completes maiden flight in Sichuan

    In a landmark achievement for advanced aviation technology, China’s United Aircraft Corporation has successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its Lanying R6000 tiltrotor unmanned aerial vehicle in Shifang, Sichuan province. The December 30th, 2025 milestone represents a significant advancement in hybrid aircraft capabilities, merging vertical takeoff functionality with fixed-wing performance characteristics.

    The Lanying R6000, boasting a substantial six-ton maximum takeoff weight, represents the cutting edge of UAV design with its unique tiltrotor configuration. This engineering marvel combines the vertical ascent and precise hovering capabilities traditionally associated with helicopters with the extended range, substantial payload capacity, and superior cruising speeds of conventional fixed-wing aircraft.

    With dimensional specifications of 11.8 meters in length, 5.3 meters in height, and 17.5 meters in width during helicopter configuration, the aircraft features an impressive 7.5-meter rotor diameter. The UAV’s technical capabilities include a remarkable 2,000-kilogram payload capacity, an operational range extending to 4,000 kilometers, a maximum cruising velocity of 550 kilometers per hour, and a service ceiling reaching 7,620 meters.

    Performance comparisons reveal substantial advantages over traditional helicopter designs, with the Lanying R6000 demonstrating twice the cruising speed and service ceiling altitude, alongside quadruple the maximum operational range. The aircraft’s design accommodates up to twelve passengers for regional transit operations, while its vertical launch and recovery capabilities eliminate dependence on conventional runway infrastructure, enabling operations in topographically challenging environments including mountainous regions and island territories.

    United Aircraft Corporation has announced subsequent testing phases commencing January 2026, focusing on tilt-mode transition examinations and comprehensive flight process evaluations to accelerate airworthiness certification. Future development roadmaps prioritize practical implementation across multiple sectors including executive air travel, logistical transportation networks, and emergency response operations.

  • Chinese firms make strong Hong Kong debuts, capping bumper listings year

    Chinese firms make strong Hong Kong debuts, capping bumper listings year

    Hong Kong’s equity markets concluded a remarkable resurgence year with exceptional debut performances from multiple Chinese companies on December 30, 2025. Six newly listed firms collectively raised approximately HK$6.99 billion ($900 million) and all closed significantly above their initial offering prices, signaling robust investor appetite for technology-driven growth stories.

    The trading session witnessed particularly impressive gains from artificial intelligence and technology-focused enterprises. Generative-AI pharmaceutical research firm InSilico Medicine Cayman TopCo surged nearly 25%, while digital twin technology specialist Beijing 51WORLD Digital Twin Technology jumped approximately 30%. Industrial steel-structure manufacturer USAS Building System advanced 7.6%, and premium skincare company Shanghai Forest Cabin Cosmetics Group rose over 9%.

    Market analysts attribute this buoyant performance to several key factors: regulatory reforms implemented in August, abundant market liquidity, and a resurgence of margin lending activity. According to Hong Kong Stock Exchange data, the average first-day gain for IPOs throughout 2025 reached approximately 40%, with total capital raising reaching HK$285.8 billion across 119 listings.

    George Au, Deputy Sales Director at Phillip Securities, noted: ‘This year represents our strongest performance since the canceled Ant Group offering in 2020, driven by successful listings including Mixue and CATL, along with regulatory adjustments that have significantly improved market sentiment.’

    The momentum continues with three additional Chinese companies launching share sales on Tuesday, adding over HK$9 billion to Hong Kong’s IPO pipeline. AI specialist Zhipu AI (Knowledge Atlas Technology) seeks to raise HK$4.35 billion, semiconductor manufacturer Shanghai Iluvatar CoreX targets HK$3.67 billion, and surgical robotics developer Shenzhen Edge Medical aims to raise approximately HK$1.2 billion, all scheduled to begin trading on January 8.

    With more than 300 companies currently filed for listing and prominent debuts from semiconductor designer Shanghai Biren Technology and AI startup MiniMax expected in early January, Hong Kong has firmly reestablished itself as Asia’s dominant equity capital marketplace heading into 2026.

  • PLA drills show China’s resolve for peace and unity

    PLA drills show China’s resolve for peace and unity

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command has initiated comprehensive military exercises designated “Justice Mission 2025” surrounding Taiwan, signaling Beijing’s unwavering commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The multi-branch operations involving Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force personnel conducted maneuvers across the Taiwan Strait and surrounding maritime territories, implementing sophisticated drills focused on joint combat readiness, strategic superiority acquisition, and comprehensive deterrence capabilities.

    According to theater command spokesperson Shi Yi, the exercises specifically targeted scenarios including sea-air combat patrols, joint superiority operations, strategic blockades of key locations, and multi-dimensional deterrence beyond island chain parameters. The timing of these demonstrations coincides with what regional security experts identify as provocative actions by external powers.

    International analysts contextualize these developments against escalating geopolitical tensions. Warwick Powell, adjunct professor at Queensland University of Technology and former policy adviser to Australian leadership, notes that the drills directly respond to recent historic US arms sales to Taiwan and Washington’s updated National Security Strategy emphasizing the ‘first island chain’ concept. “The PLA is demonstrating its willingness and capacity to defend national sovereignty while simultaneously showing that talk of the ‘first island chain’ represents outdated strategic thinking,” Powell observed.

    Pakistani security analyst Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development, emphasized China’s consistent adherence to peaceful coexistence principles while maintaining firm boundaries against external interference. “Western countries led by the US fail to recognize that China cannot allow foreign interference in its internal matters or endanger its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ramay stated, referencing recent US-Taiwan engagements that violate established diplomatic agreements.

    Regional security expert Henry Chan from the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies highlighted the technical sophistication of the exercises, noting China’s demonstrated capability to implement comprehensive island blockades across vast areas with minimal preparation time. “The Taiwan question remains strictly China’s internal affair,” Chan reiterated, “and these drills reflect China’s consistent position against separatism while showcasing advanced military readiness.”

  • Belgian DJ breaks down the art of a New Year’s Eve set in Dubai

    Belgian DJ breaks down the art of a New Year’s Eve set in Dubai

    As Dubai prepares for its spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, Belgian electronic music sensation Lost Frequencies offers exclusive insights into crafting the perfect countdown experience for the city’s diverse audience. The internationally acclaimed DJ, scheduled to perform at Kokobay’s beachside venue, reveals his strategic approach to balancing spectacle with musical authenticity during one of the world’s most visually charged nights.

    Dubai’s unique positioning as a global crossroads presents distinctive challenges for performers. Lost Frequencies acknowledges the complex dynamic of playing for simultaneous audiences: local residents, international tourists, and revelers already mentally transitioning into the new year. This multidimensional crowd composition demands sets that both reflect on the passing year and generate forward-looking energy.

    Rather than simply amplifying spectacle to match Dubai’s extravagant fireworks displays and waterfront venues, the artist maintains his signature sound while strategically pushing creative boundaries. His methodology involves testing new music—including an unreleased single dedicated to fans—while incorporating local influences that resonate with Dubai’s cosmopolitan audience.

    When questioned about Dubai’s comparative energy, Lost Frequencies emphatically distinguishes it from other party destinations like Ibiza, highlighting the city’s unique convergence of global cultures and local support for comprehensive entertainment ecosystems. This distinctive atmosphere has established Dubai as a recurring destination in his touring schedule, serving both as creative testing ground and personal reset space.

    The artist detailed his balanced approach to the crucial countdown moment, combining advance preparation with real-time crowd reading. While pre-selecting tracks aligned with specific genres or emotions, he maintains flexibility to adapt to audience energy—a technique refined through landmark performances at Tomorrowland and his own 7,000-capacity Brooklyn warehouse event.

    Addressing the modern challenge of partially distracted audiences divided between celebration and documentation, Lost Frequencies maintains philosophical perspective. He views fireworks and filming as integrated components of the contemporary NYE experience rather than distractions from musical performance.

    The DJ’s evolution toward expanded live sets featuring instrumentation and vocalists represents significant artistic growth, though DJ performances remain central to his creative identity. His New Year’s resolution focuses on continued authentic music creation and personal fulfillment—objectives that mirror his approach to performance: balancing structured planning with spontaneous connection.

  • Hainan registers record flow of foreign visitors

    Hainan registers record flow of foreign visitors

    Hainan Province has achieved a remarkable milestone in international tourism, recording over 1.46 million foreign arrivals and departures as of December 2025. This represents a significant 16% increase compared to the previous record set in 2019, according to official immigration data released Tuesday.

    The unprecedented growth is largely attributed to Hainan’s expansive visa-free policies, which have become a cornerstone of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s strategy for enhanced global connectivity. Wang Haixing, Director of the Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, emphasized that these liberalized entry regulations have positioned Hainan as a leader in China’s international tourism recovery.

    Visa-free entries now constitute 90% of all foreign arrivals to the tropical island, with foreign nationals accounting for 54% of total inbound and outbound traffic through Hainan’s ports. The province currently extends visa-free access to citizens from 86 countries for various purposes including tourism, business activities, family visits, medical services, exhibitions, and sporting events.

    Complementary policies have further streamlined entry procedures, including a 144-hour visa waiver for foreign tour groups originating from Hong Kong and Macao, a 15-day exemption for cruise passengers, and a 240-hour transit visa waiver program.

    To accommodate the surging passenger volume, Hainan has undertaken substantial infrastructure enhancements. The province has expanded its immigration inspection lanes to 98 channels while establishing 92 international air routes connecting to more than 30 countries and regions. These routes now facilitate approximately 80 daily international flights, supporting a dramatic recovery from 780,000 passengers in 2023 to 2.7 million in 2025—an average annual growth rate exceeding 85%.

    Concurrently, Hainan has implemented efficiency measures that have reduced visa processing times at ports by nearly 30 minutes and accelerated overall passenger clearance by 30%. For maritime and aviation transport, optimized procedures including pre-clearance and onboard inspection have decreased wait times, boosting transport efficiency by 20%.

    These operational improvements have yielded substantial economic benefits, saving businesses an estimated 12,000 hours in clearance time and approximately 250 million yuan ($35 million) in operational costs, according to immigration authorities.