Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Dubai’s GDP records 5.3% growth reaching Dh113.8 billion in third quarter of 2025

    Dubai’s GDP records 5.3% growth reaching Dh113.8 billion in third quarter of 2025

    Dubai has demonstrated robust economic expansion with its Gross Domestic Product climbing to Dh113.8 billion during the third quarter of 2025, marking a significant 5.3% year-on-year growth. This performance contributes to an overall 4.7% increase across the first nine months of the year, bringing the cumulative GDP to Dh355 billion.

    The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council, who attributed this economic success to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “Dubai’s economic progress is shaped by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed and realised through disciplined execution and collective effort,” stated Sheikh Hamdan. “These figures reflect clear priorities, strong institutions, and teams working with focus, commitment, and deep responsibility.”

    Several key sectors drove this impressive growth. The Health and Social Work sector emerged as the fastest-growing segment, posting a remarkable 15.4% expansion and contributing 1.5% to the overall GDP. The Financial and Insurance sector demonstrated equally strong performance with 8.5% growth, accounting for 12% of Dubai’s economic output during the first three quarters. The construction industry matched this momentum with an 8.5% growth rate, contributing 6.7% to the emirate’s GDP.

    Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai’s distinctive development approach: “Dubai’s growth reflects a dynamic economic ecosystem that puts people first, invests in talent, and builds prosperity on strong, sustainable foundations. Our sectors advance together, reinforcing one another through coordination, stability, and determination to achieve the leadership’s vision while continuously creating new opportunities for future generations.”

    The consistent economic performance throughout 2025 reinforces Dubai’s position as a global economic hub, with diversified sectors contributing to sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

  • Epstein files: FBI memo says Israel ‘compromised’ Trump, Epstein had Mossad ties

    Epstein files: FBI memo says Israel ‘compromised’ Trump, Epstein had Mossad ties

    A recently declassified FBI memorandum from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files has revealed explosive allegations concerning foreign intelligence operations targeting former President Donald Trump’s administration. The document, originally compiled in 2020 as part of an FBI probe into electoral interference, contains claims from a confidential human source that suggests extensive foreign influence campaigns.

    The memorandum asserts that President Trump was potentially “compromised by Israel” through sophisticated influence operations. It further alleges that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein maintained connections with Israeli intelligence services, specifically identifying him as a “co-opted Mossad Agent” based on prior FBI intelligence. The document references Epstein’s decade-long association with Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister and military intelligence official, who reportedly visited Epstein’s New York residence on numerous occasions between 2013 and 2017.

    Central to the allegations is the role of Chabad-Lubavitch, a messianic ultra-Orthodox Jewish movement with Russian origins boasting approximately 90,000 members worldwide. The FBI source claimed the organization actively sought to “co-opt the Trump presidency” during his first term. The memo identifies Berel Lazar, a Chabad member and former Chief Rabbi of Russia, as both a close adviser to President Vladimir Putin and part of what the document describes as “state-sanctioned Judaism” used to monitor Russian-Jewish oligarchs.

    The investigation document further highlights Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, as a significant supporter of Chabad and a pivotal influence within Trump’s inner circle. It specifically notes that both Kushner and Ivanka Trump visited the gravesite of a prominent Chabad rabbi on the day of Trump’s electoral victory.

    The memorandum also revisits Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal, suggesting that negotiations involved indications that Epstein “belonged to intelligence” through conversations between his lawyer Alan Dershowitz and then-federal prosecutor Alex Acosta. Email correspondence between Epstein and Barak, where Epstein humorously denies working for Mossad, is cited as part of the evidentiary material.

    These revelations emerge from a substantial collection of Epstein-related documents recently released by the U.S. Justice Department, shedding new light on ongoing concerns about foreign influence in American political processes.

  • Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is progressing

    Iranian official says work on framework for negotiations with US is progressing

    In a significant development in US-Iran relations, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani announced via social media platform X on Saturday that substantive progress is being made toward establishing a formal framework for bilateral negotiations. The senior security figure revealed that despite what he characterized as “artificial media warfare” creating a contrary atmosphere, structural foundations for diplomatic engagement are actively being developed. Larijani, who serves as a key security advisor within Iran’s political hierarchy, stopped short of providing specific details regarding the negotiation framework’s timeline, participants, or agenda items. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent warnings from Iranian military leadership against potential attacks by the United States or Israel. While American officials haven’t immediately responded to Larijani’s statement, the development suggests backchannel communications between the longstanding adversaries may be yielding concrete diplomatic structures. This potential breakthrough occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop that includes ongoing nuclear concerns, regional proxy conflicts, and economic sanctions that have significantly impacted Iran’s economy. The establishment of a formal negotiation framework would represent the most substantial diplomatic progress between the two nations since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

  • Special stamps welcome passengers at Dubai airport to celebrate UAE-Kuwait relations

    Special stamps welcome passengers at Dubai airport to celebrate UAE-Kuwait relations

    Dubai International Airport has become the stage for a unique diplomatic celebration as the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) implements special initiatives honoring the deep-rooted relations between the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Under the banner ‘UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever,’ the comprehensive program transforms the travel experience while strengthening cultural bonds.

    Arriving passengers are greeted with a distinctive passport stamp featuring the campaign slogan, while terminal halls showcase vibrant displays in Kuwaiti flag colors. A dedicated arrival lane adorned with dual national flags and campaign branding creates an immediate sense of diplomatic camaraderie. The welcoming experience extends further with distribution of symbolic gifts and appearances by popular cultural characters Salem and Salama, transforming routine immigration procedures into meaningful intercultural encounters.

    Complementing the airport activities, GDRFA Dubai has organized Souq Al-Mubarakiya at Alkhawaneej Walk from January 29 to February 1, featuring authentic Kuwaiti retail participation. This carefully curated market recreation offers visitors an immersive experience of Kuwait’s traditional heritage marketplace, effectively bringing a piece of Kuwaiti culture to Dubai residents and tourists alike.

    Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA Dubai, emphasized that these initiatives reflect the profound historical connection between the two nations. ‘Emirati-Kuwaiti relations represent deeply rooted bonds of brotherhood, built on decades of loyalty, principled positions, and mutual support,’ he stated, highlighting how these relations have evolved from the era of founding fathers to present-day Gulf unity.

    The comprehensive celebration program demonstrates how diplomatic relations can be expressed through creative public engagement, transforming administrative spaces into platforms for cultural exchange. By integrating traditional elements with modern airport operations, the initiative successfully bridges governmental diplomacy with people-to-people connections, reinforcing the shared values and historical ties that unite the two Gulf nations.

  • Kishan smashes 10 sixes as India crush New Zealand in T20 finale

    Kishan smashes 10 sixes as India crush New Zealand in T20 finale

    In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Ishan Kishan delivered a record-shattering performance that propelled India to a commanding 46-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 series finale at Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday. The emphatic win secured a comprehensive 4-1 series triumph for the hosts just weeks before the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

    Returning to the lineup after missing the previous match due to minor injury concerns, Kishan unleashed an extraordinary assault on New Zealand’s bowling attack, hammering an astonishing 10 sixes on his way to a blistering 103 runs from just 43 deliveries. His explosive innings formed the cornerstone of India’s formidable total of 271-5, the highest team score in the series.

    The left-handed batsman demonstrated particular ruthlessness against spinner Ish Sodhi during the 12th over, where he blasted four boundaries and two maximums in a seven-ball sequence that yielded 29 runs. Kishan’s dominant performance was complemented by captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed a powerful 63 runs including three consecutive sixes in a single Jacob Duffy over.

    New Zealand’s response began promisingly with opener Finn Allen matching Kishan’s aggression, smashing six sixes in his 38-ball 80 that provided early momentum. Together with Rachin Ravindra (30), Allen forged a century partnership that kept the visitors competitive in the chase. However, the middle order collapsed under pressure from India’s varied bowling attack.

    Seamer Arshdeep Singh emerged as the destruction chief with a career-best performance of 5-51, his first five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals. Spinner Axar Patel provided crucial support with figures of 3-33, including the vital wickets of Allen and Glenn Phillips that effectively derailed New Zealand’s pursuit.

    The comprehensive victory not only sealed the series but also served as an emphatic statement of intent from the Indian team ahead of next month’s global tournament, demonstrating both batting firepower and bowling depth that will make them formidable contenders.

  • Watch: Cars flip, crash into others as drivers lose focus on Abu Dhabi roads

    Watch: Cars flip, crash into others as drivers lose focus on Abu Dhabi roads

    The Abu Dhabi Police have launched a stark public awareness campaign targeting the growing menace of distracted driving, releasing alarming surveillance footage that captures the severe consequences of momentary lapses in attention. The newly published video compilation graphically illustrates a series of preventable roadway catastrophes, including vehicles careening off their lanes, overturning, and violently colliding with other cars.

    This visual evidence, compiled through coordination with the Monitoring and Control Center, serves as an educational tool demonstrating how driver negligence can instantly transform routine travel into life-altering tragedies. Authorities emphasize that distractions—whether from mobile devices, in-car systems, or other interruptions—require only seconds to create devastating outcomes.

    In their official statement accompanying the footage, police officials issued a sobering reminder: “Life possesses greater value than any message or telephone call.” The campaign forms part of broader initiatives to enhance traffic safety awareness and reduce dangerous behaviors that jeopardize all road users. This public warning follows previous alerts from UAE authorities regarding similar incidents where inattentive drivers caused serious accidents by failing to observe traffic conditions.

    The police department’s strategy employs actual accident documentation to create visceral impact, hoping the dramatic visuals will encourage drivers to prioritize concentration behind the wheel. This approach reflects increasing concern over distraction-related incidents throughout the Emirates and represents ongoing efforts to combat preventable accidents through education and enforcement.

  • US warns Iran against unsafe actions during naval drills in Strait of Hormuz from Feb 1

    US warns Iran against unsafe actions during naval drills in Strait of Hormuz from Feb 1

    The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has delivered a formal caution to Iran regarding its upcoming military exercises in the geopolitically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is scheduled to commence two days of live-fire naval drills starting February 1st, prompting concerns from American military leadership about potential regional destabilization.

    In an official statement released Saturday, CENTCOM emphasized that while the United States acknowledges Iran’s right to conduct operations in international waters, any “unsafe or unprofessional behavior” during these maneuvers could severely compromise maritime security. The command specifically outlined several prohibited actions including armed overflights of U.S. military vessels, high-speed boat approaches on collision courses, and training weapons on American forces.

    The strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz cannot be overstated—this narrow passage serves as one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors, with approximately 100 commercial vessels transiting daily. Any disruption to navigation through this channel could have immediate consequences for global energy markets and international trade flows.

    CENTCOM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional military conduct while vowing to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel and assets deployed throughout the Middle East. The command urged Iranian forces to exercise similar restraint and adherence to established international norms during their scheduled exercises.

  • Children with disabilities find joy and support through horse therapy in Taiwan

    Children with disabilities find joy and support through horse therapy in Taiwan

    In Taoyuan, northern Taiwan, a remarkable therapeutic revolution is unfolding at the Therapeutic Riding Center where children with neurological conditions discover profound healing through equine-assisted interventions. The center specializes in providing transformative experiences for youth diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and rare genetic conditions like Angelman Syndrome.

    Eighteen-year-old Chen You-ching, who received a cerebral palsy diagnosis over sixteen years ago, exemplifies the program’s success. Her father, Hector Chen, recounts how equine therapy has become an essential weekly ritual that consistently brings joy and therapeutic benefits. “The first time she mounted a horse, her happiness was undeniable,” he observed, noting the sustained positive impact through her teenage years.

    The science behind animal-assisted therapy continues to gain global recognition, particularly for addressing intellectual disabilities and trauma recovery. At this Taiwanese facility, specially trained horses undergo rigorous conditioning to remain calm during unpredictable movements and multiple simultaneous interactions. These equine partners demonstrate extraordinary patience, often standing motionless for extended periods while children hug them or listen to their heartbeats.

    Abigail Liu reports dramatic developmental breakthroughs in her five-year-old daughter Ayah, who has Angelman Syndrome. “She became noticeably less fearful of unfamiliar experiences and developed willingness to attempt new activities following her equine sessions,” Liu stated.

    Alain Chang, a riding instructor at the Fang Hsing-Chung Social Welfare Foundation, emphasizes the unique bond forming between children and horses. “The horses display no annoyance regardless of repetitive interactions, creating a profoundly safe environment,” Chang explained. “For these children, the opportunity to touch, observe, and embrace these animals constitutes an extraordinary experiential therapy that becomes a weekly highlight they anticipate regardless of weather conditions.”

  • Pakistan military says it has killed 92 militants in Balochistan

    Pakistan military says it has killed 92 militants in Balochistan

    Pakistan’s military has reported a significant escalation in its long-standing conflict with separatist militants in the restive Balochistan province, announcing the elimination of 92 insurgents following a series of coordinated attacks. The violence, which erupted across multiple locations on Saturday, represents one of the deadliest episodes in the region’s decades-long insurgency.

    The military’s media wing stated that 15 security personnel and 18 civilians lost their lives during the confrontations. In a development that threatens to further strain regional relations, Pakistani authorities explicitly accused India of supporting the militants—an allegation that New Delhi has consistently denied.

    The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic separatist group fighting for independence, claimed responsibility for the initial assaults, asserting they had inflicted heavy casualties on government forces. Neither side’s claims could be independently verified due to communication restrictions and security constraints in the area.

    Security forces implemented comprehensive measures in response to the crisis, sealing key administrative buildings in provincial capital Quetta and blocking surrounding roads. Mobile networks were deliberately disrupted while regional train services remained suspended as precautionary measures.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended military operations, vowing to persist in the ‘war against terrorism until its complete eradication.’ The coordinated militant attacks targeted police installations, paramilitary facilities, government buildings, and prisons across twelve urban centers using grenades and automatic weapons.

    The conflict stems from longstanding grievances held by the Baloch people, who accuse the federal government of exploiting the region’s substantial natural resources—including natural gas and minerals—without providing adequate economic benefits to local communities. Additional allegations of enforced disappearances by security forces have further fueled tensions, though Islamabad denies these claims.

    Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area but smallest by population, occupies a strategically crucial position bordering both Iran and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan while boasting an extensive Arabian Sea coastline. The current insurgency has its roots in resistance movements that began shortly after Pakistan gained independence in 1947.

  • Cummins out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad

    Cummins out of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad

    MELBOURNE, Australia — Cricket Australia has announced a significant roster revision for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with star fast bowler Pat Cummins officially withdrawn from contention due to an ongoing back injury. The decision comes after medical assessment confirmed Cummins’ insufficient recovery from a six-month ailment, forcing his exclusion just before the final squad deadline.

    Left-arm allrounder Ben Dwarshuis has been named as Cummins’ replacement, bringing a different dynamic to Australia’s bowling attack. National selector Tony Dodemaide emphasized Dwarshuis’ strategic value, noting his “left-arm pace option combined with dynamic fielding and lower-order batting capabilities.” Dodemaide further explained that Dwarshuis’ ability to swing the ball at pace with intelligent variations made him ideally suited to expected tournament conditions.

    The selection adjustments extended beyond Cummins’ replacement, with Matt Short making way for Matthew Renshaw—a surprising inclusion given Renshaw’s international T20 debut occurred merely two days prior against Pakistan.

    In positive news for the squad, both Josh Hazlewood and Tim David have been retained as they continue their rehabilitation from hamstring injuries. Notably absent from the final roster is veteran batsman Steve Smith, despite his impressive performance in Australia’s domestic Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers that had generated significant public support for his inclusion.

    Australia’s World Cup campaign commences on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo, followed by matches against Zimbabwe (February 13), Sri Lanka (February 16), and Oman (February 20). Should the team advance beyond the group stage, they will travel to India for the Super Eights phase of the tournament.

    The squad announcement comes during Australia’s ongoing warmup series in Pakistan, where they currently trail 2-0 with one match remaining. Under ICC regulations, squad modifications remain permissible until January 31.

    Final Australia Squad: Mitch Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.