Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • The biggest crypto investing mistakes and how to avoid them

    The biggest crypto investing mistakes and how to avoid them

    In the volatile world of cryptocurrency investing, even experienced traders can fall prey to common pitfalls that undermine financial success. Drawing from hard-earned experience, investment experts reveal nine critical mistakes that plague crypto enthusiasts and strategies to circumvent them.

    The first major error involves seeking guidance from uninformed sources. Well-intentioned but crypto-illiterate acquaintances often dismiss digital assets without understanding blockchain technology or monetary evolution. This lack of mainstream comprehension means investors frequently operate without external validation or support systems.

    Isolation represents another significant barrier to success. Unlike traditional investments, cryptocurrency thrives on community knowledge sharing. Those who engage with informed, forward-thinking groups rather than operating independently position themselves for substantially better outcomes.

    Influencer dependency poses particular dangers in the crypto space. Many content creators promote coins through undisclosed paid partnerships, prioritizing engagement over investor protection. Following such recommendations without understanding underlying utility transforms investment into mere gambling.

    Meme coins present unique psychological challenges beyond their notorious volatility. The extreme price fluctuations associated with these assets can overwhelm investors’ nervous systems, creating stress incompatible with sound financial decision-making.

    Risk management failures manifest in several forms: chasing low-cap cryptocurrencies without strategic planning, investing substantial sums too rapidly, and neglecting to secure profits during market peaks. These behaviors often stem from FOMO (fear of missing out) rather than calculated risk assessment.

    Psychological factors frequently undermine crypto success. Deep-seated financial anxieties—sometimes inherited as generational trauma—require conscious effort to overcome through practices like breathwork, therapy, and financial mindfulness training.

    Finally, establishing clear purposes for cryptocurrency holdings proves essential. Without defined objectives, funds easily dissipate through impulsive spending, poor decisions, or inflation erosion. Viewing money as energy requiring direction helps maintain strategic focus.

    As cryptocurrency continues evolving toward mainstream adoption, avoiding these common mistakes separates successful long-term investors from those who learn through costly experience.

  • Ramadan 2026: UAE announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    Ramadan 2026: UAE announces reduced working hours for public sector employees

    The United Arab Emirates has formally announced adjusted working schedules for federal government employees in anticipation of Ramadan 2026. According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, standard operational hours from Monday through Thursday will be shortened to 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM. Fridays will feature an even more condensed schedule, running from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM. These provisions include allowances for personnel whose roles necessitate alternative arrangements.

    Furthermore, federal ministries and entities have been granted optionality in their implementation strategies. They may either adhere to pre-established flexible work regulations throughout the workdays of Ramadan or authorize remote working arrangements for up to 70% of their staff on Fridays, contingent upon compliance with approved regulatory controls.

    Astronomical projections from the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre suggest the holy month is anticipated to commence on February 19, 2026. Engineer Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of the Centre, indicated that crescent moon sighting on February 17th is deemed virtually impossible across the Islamic world. Nonetheless, the official commencement date remains subject to confirmation by moon-sighting committees, which will convene on the 29th day of Shaban for a definitive proclamation.

    This announcement aligns with the UAE’s standardized four-and-a-half-day public sector workweek, which was instituted in January 2022, designating Saturday and Sunday as the official weekend. It is noteworthy that the emirate of Sharjah maintains a distinct public sector schedule, operating on a four-day week with a three-day weekend (Friday-Sunday).

  • Lebanese imposter pretends to be Saudi prince, dupes politicians

    Lebanese imposter pretends to be Saudi prince, dupes politicians

    Lebanese judicial authorities have uncovered an audacious deception operation in which a car mechanic successfully impersonated a Saudi prince to extort prominent politicians, including a former prime minister. The elaborate scheme, facilitated by a religious figure, has exposed systemic vulnerabilities within the country’s political landscape.

    According to an official judicial statement released Wednesday, Mustapha Al Hasian—a mechanic with remarkable linguistic abilities—masterfully adopted the persona of “Abu Omar,” a fictitious royal court prince from Saudi Arabia. Speaking in flawless Saudi dialect, Hasian issued political directives to Lebanese officials while promising Riyadh’s support for their ascension to power positions in exchange for financial compensation.

    The operation unraveled when authorities arrested Hasian and his accomplice, Sheikh Khaldun Oraymet, in late 2025. Investigations indicate Oraymet provided the imposter with direct contacts and confidential information about various politicians, enabling the sophisticated extortion plot. The judicial official confirmed the investigation is nearing completion, with no evidence suggesting foreign agency involvement.

    Multiple politicians contacted by the fraudulent prince have provided witness testimonies, though they maintain any financial transactions were framed as charitable contributions to social and health assistance programs rather than explicit payments for political favors. The scandal has highlighted profound corruption issues within Lebanese institutions, demonstrating how easily influential figures can be manipulated through promises of external political support.

  • Gaza: Palestinians living along the ‘Yellow Line’ endure daily Israeli attacks

    Gaza: Palestinians living along the ‘Yellow Line’ endure daily Israeli attacks

    Along the Israeli-imposed demarcation zone in Gaza known as the ‘Yellow Line,’ nocturnal existence has become a terrifying ordeal for Palestinian residents. Hamed, a 25-year-old from Khan Younis who requested anonymity for security reasons, describes sleeping patterns routinely shattered by explosive detonations and sustained gunfire that commences each evening and continues until dawn.

    The Yellow Line, established as a temporary withdrawal boundary under October’s ceasefire agreement, now represents a constantly shifting frontier where Israeli military presence controls approximately 58% of Gaza territory. What began as a security buffer has progressively encroached deeper into Palestinian domains, shrinking from nearly two kilometers to less than one kilometer from residential areas in recent weeks.

    This geographical compression has been accompanied by escalating military activity. ‘We now visually identify tanks as they approach, open fire, and subsequently retreat. The experience is utterly terrifying,’ Hamed reported to Middle East Eye. The psychological warfare compounds physical dangers, with multiple neighbors having sustained injuries from gunfire while inside their homes.

    The humanitarian impact extends across Gaza’s regions. In al-Bureij, central Gaza, Khaled (also using pseudonym for safety) described indiscriminate shooting forcing his uncles to abandon their property adjacent to the boundary. Meanwhile, in al-Maghazi refugee camp, mother of six Houida Salim articulated the perpetual anxiety: ‘The war never finished. Whenever we hear tank movements, we feel imprisoned within our homes.’

    International human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s operations along the Yellow Line. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor characterizes these actions as ‘illegal seizure and systematic plundering of resources’ in occupied territory, violating established international law.

    According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 591 fatalities have occurred since the truce began four months ago, predominantly near the Yellow Line. The shifting boundary has triggered repeated displacements, restricted access to agricultural lands, and created generations traumatized by relentless military presence with no viable refuge remaining for countless families.

  • UAE to impose up to Dh100,000 fine for retailers hiking prices during Ramadan

    UAE to impose up to Dh100,000 fine for retailers hiking prices during Ramadan

    In a landmark initiative to celebrate altruism in healthcare, Mediclinic City Hospital has inaugurated the United Arab Emirates’ first ‘Tree of Life’ sculpture. This permanent artistic installation serves as a profound tribute to individuals who have made the courageous decision to donate their organs, ultimately saving and transforming countless lives.

    The unveiling ceremony represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to foster a robust culture of organ donation. The tree symbolizes growth, life, and interconnectedness, acting as a powerful visual metaphor for the enduring impact of a single donor’s gift. By honoring these heroes, the hospital aims to elevate public awareness about the critical importance of organ donation and to inspire more community members to consider registering as donors.

    This initiative is strategically aligned with the UAE’s wider national health objectives and its commitment to advancing medical excellence and compassionate care. Hospital officials emphasized that the Tree of Life will stand as a constant, dignified reminder of the extraordinary generosity that occurs within the healthcare system, often during times of profound grief. It is envisioned not merely as a monument, but as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for conversation, encouraging families to discuss and normalize this life-saving act.

    The project underscores Mediclinic’s dedication to holistic patient care that extends beyond medical treatment to encompass community education and the celebration of humanitarian values. This effort is expected to have a ripple effect, potentially strengthening the national organ donation registry and providing a renewed sense of purpose and recognition for donor families.

  • In Cambodia, thousands flood out of ‘scam compounds’ and find increasingly little help

    In Cambodia, thousands flood out of ‘scam compounds’ and find increasingly little help

    BANGKOK — A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Cambodia as the nation’s only dedicated shelter for victims escaping fraudulent scam compounds faces catastrophic resource shortages amid an unprecedented exodus of workers. The Caritas shelter, previously funded by the United States, now operates with merely one-third of its original staff and a fraction of its previous budget while confronting a surge of desperate survivors.

    The facility has been compelled to reject over 300 individuals requiring immediate assistance, forcing many to sleep on streets or return to their exploitative workplaces. Currently housing approximately 150 people, the shelter struggles to provide basic necessities, with many occupants lacking pillows, blankets, or any possessions beyond the clothes they wear.

    This crisis follows Cambodia’s extradition of a suspected scam kingpin to China in January, which triggered mass releases from compounds housing an estimated 100,000 workers in 2023 alone. These facilities operated sophisticated fraudulent operations featuring soundproofed phone booths, multilingual scripts, and even replica police stations of various countries.

    Despite Prime Minister Hun Manet’s declaration that combating cyberfraud constitutes a ‘deliberate political priority,’ activists accuse the government of ignoring the resulting humanitarian emergency. Amnesty International’s regional research director Montse Ferrer described ‘thousands of traumatized survivors being left to fend for themselves with no state support’ amid ‘chaotic and dangerous’ departure conditions.

    The Cambodian government maintains it screens all individuals to separate victims from perpetrators, providing protection, shelter, and assistance for safe return. However, rescue workers report systemic failures, with embassies and international organizations engaging in responsibility-shifting that creates ‘a closed loop with no exit.’

    Compounding the crisis, U.S. funding suspension led to the dismantling of USAID in early 2025, eliminating the shelter’s anticipated $1.4 million funding through 2026. The International Organization for Migration, another key funder primarily supported by U.S. contributions, has also faced significant budget reductions.

    In Cambodia’s increasingly repressive environment—where independent media has shuttered and journalists reporting on scam compounds face arrest—Caritas remains the only organization willing to accept these victims. Many who cannot secure shelter space risk immigration detention, extortion attempts, or returning to the compounds simply to avoid homelessness.

    For victims like Youga, an African man from the persecuted Banyamulenge ethnic group, options are severely limited. Having escaped beatings and exploitation, he now represents countless survivors seeking merely ‘to rebuild my life with dignity’ amid systemic breakdown and international indifference.

  • Hainan’s 1st batch of daily consumer goods duty-free shops for island residents opens

    Hainan’s 1st batch of daily consumer goods duty-free shops for island residents opens

    In a significant expansion of its free trade port policies, Hainan province inaugurated its first dedicated duty-free shops for local residents on February 11, 2026. The pioneering retail establishments mark a new chapter in China’s consumer economy development, offering island dwellers unprecedented access to tax-free daily necessities.

    The initial rollout comprises five strategically located stores across the province: three in the capital city of Haikou, one in the tourist hub of Sanya, and one in Danzhou. This geographical distribution ensures accessibility for residents across different regions of the tropical island.

    Under the groundbreaking policy, each eligible Hainan resident receives an annual duty-free shopping allowance of 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,437), with no restrictions on purchase frequency. The comprehensive product catalog encompasses essential daily items across multiple categories, including specified food and beverages, daily chemical products, household goods, and maternal and child supplies.

    The initiative represents a strategic component of Hainan’s transformation into a globally significant free trade port, offering dual benefits of stimulating local economic activity while providing tangible financial relief to residents through tax savings. The shops opened during the Spring Festival period, strategically timing the launch to maximize consumer engagement during China’s most important holiday season.

    Consumer response has been notably positive, with initial visitors expressing enthusiasm for the convenience and economic advantages offered by the new shopping venues. The policy demonstrates China’s continuing commitment to innovative retail reforms and regional economic development strategies.

  • Clashes continue in Manipur; houses burned, internet suspended for 5 days

    Clashes continue in Manipur; houses burned, internet suspended for 5 days

    A state of heightened tension persists in Manipur’s Ukhrul district as renewed ethnic clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities continue to destabilize the region. The violence, which erupted following a seemingly minor altercation, has exposed deeper socio-political fissures rooted in longstanding territorial disputes.

    According to state government officials, the initial confrontation began as a drunken brawl on February 7th but rapidly escalated into organized violence. By Sunday evening, scores of residential and commercial properties in Litan village were deliberately set ablaze by unidentified arsonists. The district administration responded by implementing strict measures including a comprehensive ban on firearms display and suspension of internet services for five days as a preventive strategy.

    Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho characterized the situation as being driven by isolated individuals rather than collective community animosity. “Both sides fundamentally desire peace and harmony,” Dikho stated to press representatives. “The government remains committed to apprehending those responsible and restoring normalcy.”

    Civil society organizations from both ethnic factions convened with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on February 11th in a concerted effort to mediate tensions. Despite these diplomatic interventions, resolution remains elusive as underlying land disputes continue to fuel hostilities.

    Community leaders expressed growing apprehension regarding the persistence of violence despite substantial security deployments. RS Jollyson, Vice President of Tangkhul Naga Long, highlighted concerns about safety within indigenous territories, while Ukhrul Kuki Students’ Organization representative Mercy Khongsai emphasized the tragic transformation of individual conflicts into collective suffering.

    The regional government maintains that the internet suspension and weapon restrictions constitute necessary precautions to prevent further escalation and misinformation spread. Security forces continue monitoring sensitive areas while judicial processes advance against identified perpetrators.

  • Cross-Strait affairs should be settled ‘like family’, official says

    Cross-Strait affairs should be settled ‘like family’, official says

    A senior Chinese official has framed cross-Strait relations as internal family matters that should be resolved through mutual consultation, during a special Lunar New Year gathering with approximately 200 Taiwanese compatriots in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

    Song Tao, who leads both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, addressed business representatives and residents from Jinmen and Matsu islands at Wednesday’s symposium. He emphasized that matters between the mainland and Taiwan constitute domestic affairs that must be settled “like family” without external interference.

    The official pledged enhanced economic opportunities for Taiwanese enterprises during China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), promising expanded market access and deeper reform initiatives to help Taiwan businesses establish stronger roots on the mainland.

    Striking a firm tone on national sovereignty, Song underscored the imperative of protecting what he termed the “common home” and preserving its assets. He explicitly called for opposition to what he characterized as separatist “Taiwan independence” activities, urging compatriots on both sides of the Strait to uphold national interests and work collectively toward the goal of reunification.

    The festive gathering, which brought together Taiwanese compatriots to celebrate the approaching Lunar New Year, served as both a symbolic gesture of cross-Strait kinship and a platform for reinforcing Beijing’s consistent position on Taiwan relations.

  • Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan Defence Minister says ‘begging mafia’ causes Gulf countries to cancel visas

    Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly exposed a sophisticated begging syndicate operating within the country, revealing how organized networks generate substantial illicit revenues through professionalized panhandling operations. The minister shared compelling video evidence demonstrating how begging has evolved into a highly profitable criminal enterprise.

    The footage, disseminated via social media platforms, captures a revealing interaction between an interviewer and a child beggar. During the exchange, the minor discloses astonishing financial details: he and his three siblings collectively generate approximately PKR 12,000 daily through coordinated begging activities. Most notably, the child admits his brother’s physical disability is entirely performative—a carefully crafted deception to elicit sympathy and increase donations.

    Minister Asif characterized this operation as a fully organized profession managed by formal contractors who systematically recruit children, women, and individuals pretending to be disabled. These criminal networks allegedly generate billions in revenue while exporting beggars to Gulf nations by the thousands. The minister further alleged complicity among airport staff and law enforcement agencies, suggesting the operation thrives through institutional patronage.

    The consequences have been severe at the international level. Gulf countries, frustrated by the systematic exploitation of their visa systems, have begun restricting entry for Pakistani citizens. Official data from Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development substantiates these concerns, documenting over 7,800 deportations between 2019 and 2025 specifically related to begging charges.

    In response to this crisis, Pakistani authorities implemented stringent countermeasures in 2025, including the cancellation of passports for deportees involved in begging-related offenses. The interviewer featured in the viral video urged citizens to reconsider charitable giving practices, particularly during Ramadan, suggesting direct support to known individuals facing genuine medical or financial hardships rather than funding criminal begging operations.