Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Jebel Jais opens fully to visitors, no entry permit needed

    Jebel Jais opens fully to visitors, no entry permit needed

    RAS AL KHAIMAH – Jebel Jais, the United Arab Emirates’ highest peak, has resumed full public access without entry permit requirements following comprehensive restoration of mountain roads damaged by seasonal heavy rainfall. The Ras Al Khaimah tourism destination officially lifted all access restrictions on February 11, 2026, marking a complete return to normal operations after weeks of controlled access during repair works.

    Authorities confirmed that visitors can now freely explore the mountain’s scenic viewpoints, outdoor attractions, and dining venues without prior permissions. The reopening represents a significant enhancement to visitor accessibility at the popular destination, which had implemented temporary safety measures following weather-related infrastructure damage earlier this season.

    The restoration process involved phased reopening strategies, beginning with limited access under specific entry controls while engineering teams conducted safety assessments and repaired damaged road sections. With these works now completed, the mountain has returned to full operational status, allowing unimpeded access to its recreational facilities and natural attractions.

    Dining establishments at the peak have resumed normal service, though 1484 by Puro – the UAE’s highest restaurant – continues to require confirmed reservations for entry. Red Rock BBQ has similarly reopened with its complete à la carte menu available to visitors. All other attractions and leisure experiences remain accessible to the public, offering opportunities to enjoy the mountain’s cooler climate and natural scenery.

    The Jais Sky Tour multi-zipline adventure is scheduled to officially recommence operations on February 18, operating Wednesdays through Sundays and public holidays with sessions at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:00 PM.

  • Israel revokes citizenship from two Palestinians ahead of deporting them

    Israel revokes citizenship from two Palestinians ahead of deporting them

    In a landmark decision with profound legal implications, the Israeli government has initiated the first-ever revocation of citizenship for two Palestinian individuals, authorizing their deportation to occupied Palestinian territories. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally approved the measure on Tuesday, targeting Mahmoud Ahmed from Kafr Aqab and Muhammad Ahmed Hussein al-Halasa from Jabel Mukaber, both residents of occupied East Jerusalem.

    The individuals in question were previously convicted by Israeli courts for involvement in fatal attacks against Israeli citizens. This legal action derives its authority from controversial legislation enacted in 2023, which permits the stripping of citizenship or permanent residency status from Palestinians accused of ‘acts of terror,’ followed by deportation to the West Bank or Gaza Strip.

    Ahmed, recently released after serving a 23-year prison sentence, faces immediate deportation. Halasa will be deported upon completion of his 18-year term, which began in 2016.

    The move has drawn sharp condemnation from legal and human rights organizations. Adala, a Haifa-based legal center specializing in Palestinian rights within Israel, condemned the decision as a ‘blatant violation of international law.’ The organization stated that the government has effectively ‘turned citizenship into a conditional privilege that can be revoked at will,’ creating a dangerous precedent that contravenes absolute prohibitions on statelessness.

    Legal experts from the Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Center in Jerusalem have previously characterized such policies as potential war crimes. Saba Pipia, a legal adviser at the center, explained that deporting protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention constitutes a ‘grave breach’ of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, compelling allegiance from occupied territories’ inhabitants violates Article 45 of the Hague Regulations.

    The Israeli Supreme Court has acknowledged that citizenship revocation may conflict with international law but maintained that such actions don’t violate Israel’s domestic constitutional framework. Rights organizations have criticized the 2023 law as inherently discriminatory, arguing it establishes separate legal standards based on ethnic identity.

  • Xinjiang’s January cross-provincial power deliveries surge nearly 40 percent

    Xinjiang’s January cross-provincial power deliveries surge nearly 40 percent

    The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in energy distribution, recording an unprecedented 39.56% year-on-year increase in cross-provincial electricity deliveries for January 2026. According to pre-settlement data released by the Beijing Power Exchange Center, the region transmitted a record-breaking 15.33 billion kilowatt-hours to other Chinese provinces, signaling an exceptionally robust start to the year.

    This remarkable achievement stems from comprehensive market-oriented reforms within the energy sector. State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co, the primary operator of the region’s power transmission infrastructure, organized 39 waves of cross-provincial transactions—a significant 34.4% increase compared to the same period last year.

    The company has implemented enhanced trading mechanisms specifically designed to facilitate green energy transmission. Through strategic collaborations with Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Qinghai, Xinjiang has advanced multi-year green power agreements that promote sustainable energy distribution across provincial boundaries.

    Significant improvements in grid connectivity have been realized, particularly with northeastern regions including Jilin province and Inner Mongolia. The system capitalizes on time zone differences and complementary energy structures to optimize transmission efficiency. This infrastructure enhancement enabled Xinjiang’s electricity to reach eastern Inner Mongolia for the first time, marking a historic expansion of the region’s energy network.

    Supported by major transmission projects such as the Hami-Chongqing and Changji-Guquan ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission lines, Xinjiang has established a reliable and extensive cross-regional power grid. Looking forward, the company plans to continue expanding power transmission capabilities to bolster national energy security while simultaneously contributing to China’s carbon neutrality objectives.

  • Yunnan’s Baishuitai terraces gleam under clear spring skies

    Yunnan’s Baishuitai terraces gleam under clear spring skies

    The breathtaking Baishuitai limestone terraces in Shangri-La, Yunnan province, have emerged as a spectacular natural wonder during the early spring season. Under crystal-clear skies, this geological marvel has been showcasing its extraordinary beauty, captivating visitors and photographers alike with its otherworldly appearance.

    As China’s largest calcareous terrace formation, Baishuitai presents an awe-inspiring visual spectacle when illuminated by sunlight. The magnificent white mineral deposits create intricate patterns resembling meticulously carved jade platforms, while the flowing water channels exhibit a mesmerizing sapphire-blue coloration. This stunning natural canvas forms a perfect harmony with the surrounding distant mountains, azure skies, and drifting white clouds, creating a picture-perfect landscape that seems almost surreal.

    The terraces, formed over thousands of years through the deposition of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich spring water, represent one of Yunnan’s most remarkable natural attractions. The continuous flow of water maintains the terraces’ brilliant white appearance while simultaneously sculpting new formations through natural sedimentation processes. This dynamic geological activity ensures that the landscape remains ever-changing yet perpetually magnificent.

    Local tourism authorities note that the spring season provides optimal viewing conditions, with clear weather patterns enhancing the visual impact of the white terraces against the vibrant blue waters. The site continues to attract geological enthusiasts, nature photographers, and tourists seeking to witness one of China’s most extraordinary natural phenomena in its full springtime splendor.

  • Jingdezhen holds Spring Festival celebration spotlighting opera and folk traditions

    Jingdezhen holds Spring Festival celebration spotlighting opera and folk traditions

    The historic ceramic capital of Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province transformed into a cultural epicenter during Monday’s Spring Festival celebrations, with Leping—a county-level city renowned for its operatic heritage—taking center stage. The event formed part of China’s 2026 “Our Festivals · Spring Festival” national program, demonstrating Jiangxi’s commitment to cultural preservation and community enrichment.

    Daytime activities immersed visitors in authentic rural traditions through organized visits to historic villages and community centers. In Datiancun village, birthplace of Ganju Opera pioneer Shi Linghe, attendees experienced vibrant opera performances, traditional calligraphy sessions featuring Spring Festival couplets, and live demonstrations of heritage food preparation techniques.

    The celebration served dual purposes: honoring Jiangxi’s distinctive cultural legacy while injecting contemporary vitality into traditional Spring Festival observances. Through carefully curated activities blending performance, craftsmanship, and community engagement, the event highlighted how regional traditions contribute to national cultural identity while fostering social cohesion and civil society development.

    This flagship celebration represents China’s broader initiative to preserve intangible cultural heritage at grassroots levels while adapting traditional customs for modern audiences. The integration of operatic arts with folk customs created a multidimensional cultural experience that resonated with both local participants and national cultural observers.

  • Chinese mainland spokesperson slams Lai Ching-te’s flattering remarks on Japan

    Chinese mainland spokesperson slams Lai Ching-te’s flattering remarks on Japan

    BEIJING – Chinese authorities have issued a stern rebuke against Taiwan’s leadership for making what they characterize as excessively complimentary remarks toward Japan while disregarding historical atrocities committed during Japan’s colonial occupation of Taiwan.

    Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, delivered the condemnation during a press briefing on Wednesday. The statement came in response to media inquiries regarding recent comments by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te expressing intentions to collaborate with Japan in addressing regional security challenges.

    “The current Taiwan administration’s flattering approach toward Japan represents a complete disregard for the painful suffering endured by Taiwanese compatriots under Japanese colonial rule,” Zhu stated. “Such behavior constitutes a severe betrayal of historical truth and national dignity.”

    The spokesperson further called upon Japanese officials to formally retract recent statements made by Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan, which Beijing considers erroneous and provocative. Zhu emphasized that Japan must handle Taiwan-related matters with utmost caution and demonstrate concrete adherence to the one-China principle through tangible actions.

    This diplomatic exchange occurs amid ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing consistently maintaining that Taiwan has been an inseparable part of Chinese territory since ancient times. The Chinese government opposes any form of official exchanges between Taiwan and other countries that might suggest recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty.

    The historical context referenced dates back to Japan’s occupation of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, a period during which numerous documented atrocities occurred against the local population. Beijing’s statement highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical memory in contemporary cross-strait relations and regional diplomacy.

  • International students celebrate Little New Year immersed in Beijing culture

    International students celebrate Little New Year immersed in Beijing culture

    Beijing hosted an immersive cultural celebration on Tuesday as international students gathered to experience traditional Chinese Spring Festival customs during the Little New Year festivities. The event, organized at the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, provided young scholars from across the globe with hands-on exposure to China’s rich cultural heritage and the historical significance of the Beijing Central Axis.

    The gathering, themed “Splendid Beijing Central Axis, Joyful Chinese New Year — 2026 Spring Festival Gala for Foreign Students in Beijing,” featured various traditional activities including calligraphy sessions where participants practiced writing fu characters and Spring Festival couplets. These cultural elements represent fundamental aspects of Chinese New Year traditions, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.

    The timing coincided with Xiaonian, known as the Little New Year, which traditionally marks the commencement of Spring Festival celebrations in Chinese culture. This preliminary festival serves as an important prelude to the main Lunar New Year events, typically involving house cleaning, sacrificial ceremonies, and special culinary preparations.

    The event not only offered cultural immersion but also facilitated cross-cultural exchange, allowing international students to gain deeper understanding of China’s historical legacy while building connections with local communities. Such initiatives reflect Beijing’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and international understanding through educational and cultural exchange programs.

    Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with Chinese traditions that many had previously only encountered through academic study or media representations. The hands-on nature of the activities provided unique insights into the cultural significance behind Spring Festival customs that have been maintained for centuries.

  • Prakash Raj begins shooting for ‘Drishyam 3’ in Hindi

    Prakash Raj begins shooting for ‘Drishyam 3’ in Hindi

    Veteran actor Prakash Raj has officially commenced filming for the highly anticipated Hindi thriller ‘Drishyam 3’, marking a significant development in the production of the sequel. The acclaimed performer utilized social media platforms to announce his involvement while simultaneously addressing circulating industry rumors regarding casting changes.

    Through an Instagram post, Raj expressed genuine enthusiasm about joining what he described as an ‘engaging franchise,’ working alongside a ‘wonderful team’ while portraying a ‘scintillating role.’ Notably, he explicitly clarified: ‘and yes I’m not replacing anyone,’ directly countering speculation that he had assumed a role originally intended for Akshaye Khanna.

    This development follows recent confirmations from producer Kumar Mangat Pathak regarding Jaideep Ahlawat’s incorporation into the principal cast subsequent to Khanna’s unexpected departure from the project. Pathak emphasized that Ahlawat would undertake a freshly conceived character interpretation rather than directly assuming Khanna’s previously envisioned role.

    The casting modifications occur against the backdrop of ongoing legal proceedings between Khanna and the production team. Pathak has formally issued a legal notice to the actor alleging contractual breach after Khanna reportedly exited the project following acceptance of initial compensation and scheduling commitments. Khanna has yet to publicly address these allegations.

    Directed by Abhishek Pathak, ‘Drishyam 3’ continues the successful thriller franchise headlined by Ajay Devgn. The production is strategically scheduled for global theatrical release on October 2, 2026, positioning it as a major cinematic event within the Indian film industry.

  • Six months after explosion, Pennsylvania mill town sees hope but a history of disappointment

    Six months after explosion, Pennsylvania mill town sees hope but a history of disappointment

    CLAIRTON, Pa. — The $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel has created a complex tapestry of hope and skepticism in the historic heartland of American steel production. The Monongahela River Valley, once the crown jewel of industrial America, now stands at a critical crossroads between economic revival and environmental concerns.

    The transaction, approved in June 2025 after previous presidential opposition, includes Nippon’s commitment to invest $11 billion in domestic steelmaking infrastructure. While $2.4 billion has been earmarked for revitalizing Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Mon Valley, uncertainty persists regarding allocation to the Clairton Coke Works—the Western Hemisphere’s largest coking facility and the economic backbone of this struggling community.

    This sprawling plant, operational since 1916, represents both the promise of employment and the peril of environmental degradation. Generations of Clairton residents have endured persistent air pollution ranked among America’s worst, alongside community violence and economic decline. The August 2025 explosion that killed two workers intensified scrutiny of the facility, which contributes approximately two-thirds of Allegheny County’s industrial particulate pollution.

    The community’s response reflects profound division. Lifelong resident Dorcas Rumble expresses faith in Nippon’s commitment: “I know Nippon Steel is going to pull us through here, get us back up and moving.” Conversely, Carla Beard-Owens, caring for an asthmatic granddaughter while battling multiple pollution-related illnesses, states: “At this point, I’d rather see it than believe it.”

    November’s political shift saw the election of reform-minded Mayor Jim Cerqua, a former U.S. Steel foreman who campaigned on the platform “It is broke! We are going to fix it!” His administration faces the dual challenge of balancing municipal budgets dependent on steel plant taxes while addressing community health concerns.

    Health statistics reveal alarming patterns: childhood asthma rates in Clairton reach 22.4%—triple the national average—with 60% of cases poorly controlled. ProPublica analysis indicates the coke works contributes 98.7% of the area’s excess cancer risk, with lifetime cancer rates 2.3 times the EPA’s acceptable limit.

    While Nippon’s investment may extend the Mon Valley’s steelmaking lifespan, it also perpetuates its pollution legacy. As the community navigates this transition, residents embody contrasting perspectives—from those planning relocation due to health concerns to others investing in community revitalization efforts, all awaiting tangible evidence of Nippon’s promised transformation.

  • Organ in a chip, AI retina scanner: 5 health tech making UAE residents’ lives easier

    Organ in a chip, AI retina scanner: 5 health tech making UAE residents’ lives easier

    Dubai is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition that is redefining the future of healthcare through artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The World Health Expo (WHX), formerly known as Arab Health, has brought together 4,300 exhibitors from more than 180 countries at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, showcasing medical innovations that seemed like science fiction just years ago.

    Among the most remarkable technologies on display is the ‘organ-on-a-chip’ system developed by Chinese company Xellar. This revolutionary approach uses commercially available human tissue components tested in micro-devices, with AI algorithms enhancing diagnostic accuracy to unprecedented levels exceeding 95%. The technology enables researchers to recreate diseases within these miniature chips, facilitating personalized drug testing and potentially transforming pharmaceutical development timelines.

    The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has introduced an AI retina scanner that represents a significant leap in predictive medicine. This binocular-shaped device performs comprehensive eye scans in approximately 30 seconds, detecting conditions ranging from glaucoma and cataracts to cardiovascular diseases and liver conditions years before symptoms manifest. Users receive detailed medical reports directly on their mobile devices for future reference and consultation.

    Complementing these diagnostic advances, the Dubai Health Authority has unveiled wellness pods designed to promote mental health in public spaces. These compact structures provide guided relaxation experiences through customized lighting and audio environments, offering three distinct modes: calm, grounding, and boosting. Currently in trial phase, these pods may soon appear in government offices and shopping malls across the UAE.

    Remote healthcare delivery has been enhanced through robotic intervention systems already operational in Ras Al Khaimah’s coastal settlement of Al Jeer. These remotely controlled robotic arms enable specialists to provide life-saving medical assistance to patients in geographically isolated areas, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to equitable healthcare access.

    Additionally, the EHS has implemented Maitha, an AI-powered hiring assistant that is streamlining nurse recruitment processes. This system automates CV screening, conducts preliminary interviews, and identifies the most qualified candidates, significantly reducing administrative burdens and improving hiring efficiency within the healthcare sector.