Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Greta Thunberg arrested by UK police over support for ‘Palestine Action prisoners’

    Greta Thunberg arrested by UK police over support for ‘Palestine Action prisoners’

    Swedish environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg was taken into custody by London authorities on Tuesday during a protest demonstration. The arrest occurred outside Aspen Insurance headquarters in the city’s financial district where Thunberg participated in a solidarity action.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed detaining a 22-year-old woman for violating Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 by displaying signage endorsing Palestine Action, an organization banned by the UK government since July. Video evidence from the scene depicts police officers removing a placard from Thunberg that read ‘I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide’ before escorting her to a police vehicle.

    The demonstration specifically targeted Aspen Insurance due to its business connections with Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel’s major defense contractor. Protest organizers stated the action simultaneously expressed support for six incarcerated individuals undergoing hunger strikes against the proscription of Palestine Action and their treatment in detention. Two hunger strikers have reportedly reached their 52nd day without food, entering a critically dangerous phase where fatality risks escalate dramatically.

    According to City of London Police, the incident began earlier when activists used hammers and red paint to damage property on Fenchurch Street around 7:00 AM. Two individuals were initially arrested for criminal damage after affixing themselves to structures, requiring specialized removal techniques. Thunberg arrived separately later and was apprehended specifically for her demonstration of support for the proscribed organization.

  • Bangladesh summons Indian envoy as protest erupts in New Delhi

    Bangladesh summons Indian envoy as protest erupts in New Delhi

    Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated significantly following the mob lynching of a Hindu garment worker in Dhaka on December 18. The incident, allegedly motivated by blasphemy accusations, has triggered a chain of protests and reciprocal diplomatic measures that have brought bilateral ties to a concerning low.

    In response to growing tensions, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Tuesday to express “grave concern” over recent demonstrations outside Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities. This diplomatic action coincided with fresh protests in New Delhi, where hundreds of demonstrators waving saffron flags gathered near Bangladesh’s High Commission. Protesters from right-wing Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) organizations carried banners reading “Stop Killing Hindus in Bangladesh,” with clashes erupting between VHP members and security personnel.

    The underlying tensions stem from broader political turmoil in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid pro-democracy protests last year. India continues to consider Dhaka’s extradition requests for Hasina, who received a death sentence in absentia for her alleged role in suppressing the uprising.

    The situation further complicated when Sharif Osman Hadi, a parliamentary candidate and vocal India critic, was assassinated in Dhaka this month. Subsequent protests saw arson attacks on buildings perceived as pro-India, including newspaper offices and cultural institutions. In response to stone-throwing incidents at its diplomatic mission in Chattogram, India suspended visa services there, with Bangladesh reciprocating by temporarily suspending visa services in New Delhi.

    International observers, including Russia, have urged both nations to repair relations. Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander G. Khozin emphasized the urgency of reconciliation, stating “The sooner this happens, the better” in recent comments to the Dhaka Tribune.

  • High-altitude discovery sheds light on early settlers of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

    High-altitude discovery sheds light on early settlers of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

    A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has reshaped our understanding of early human settlement patterns at extreme altitudes. Chinese researchers have unearthed a Paleolithic site dating back approximately 12,000 years near Tsochen Tso Lake in Daocheng county, located within Sichuan Province’s Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This remarkable find sits at an elevation exceeding 4,300 meters—the highest-altitude evidence of ancient human activity ever documented on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

    The excavation, led by the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, has yielded more than 190 meticulously crafted stone artifacts. These tools predominantly consist of small flake implements and microblades, demonstrating sophisticated knapping techniques and precision retouching that produced razor-sharp edges capable of processing animal hides and meat efficiently.

    According to Zheng Zhexuan, head of the excavation team and director of the Paleolithic Archaeology Institute at the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, this discovery forms a crucial component of the extensive Piluo site complex. This broader archaeological landscape, dating back over 200,000 years with an average altitude of 3,750 meters, represents the earliest, most expansive, and culturally richest known settlement on the plateau.

    “This finding indicates that ancient human communities strategically capitalized on warmer climatic intervals to establish settlements alongside plateau lakes more than ten millennia ago,” Zheng explained. “The site demonstrates characteristics of a repeatedly occupied habitat rather than a temporary campsite, suggesting these early populations had developed sustainable adaptive capabilities for high-altitude environments.”

    Ongoing multidisciplinary research at the Piluo site complex includes detailed chronology studies and environmental archaeology analyses. Scientists are working to reconstruct precise scenarios of daily life for these ancient plateau dwellers, potentially revealing new insights into human resilience and environmental adaptation strategies during the Paleolithic era.

  • The night Abu Dhabi sang as one: Pantheon Development’s ICON Series opens with an emotional masterstroke

    The night Abu Dhabi sang as one: Pantheon Development’s ICON Series opens with an emotional masterstroke

    Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena underwent a remarkable transformation on December 19th, 2025, evolving from a conventional performance venue into a profound cross-cultural gathering space during the inaugural event of Pantheon Development’s ICON Series. The historic occasion featured legendary playback singer Arijit Singh, yet the true significance extended far beyond musical performance alone.

    The evening represented a strategic cultural initiative by Pantheon Development, a prominent UAE real estate entity known for shaping physical infrastructures, now expanding into community-building through emotional experiences. The concert attracted an exceptionally diverse audience spanning generations, cultural backgrounds, and nationalities, all united through shared emotional connection to music that transcended linguistic barriers.

    Founder Kalpesh Kinariwala articulated the vision behind ICON Series, stating: ‘Our objective extends beyond mere entertainment programming. We recognize that authentic cultural experiences forge stronger communities, and ultimately, these communities constitute the soul of cities. Witnessing families and complete strangers singing collectively in emotional harmony confirmed the essential purpose of this initiative.’

    The event demonstrated several noteworthy phenomena: audience members progressively lowered mobile devices to immerse completely in the moment, spontaneous emotional exchanges occurred between strangers during musical peaks, and multiple generations experienced the same melodies through different personal contexts yet shared identical emotional resonance.

    This successful debut establishes Pantheon’s ICON Series as a significant addition to the UAE’s cultural landscape, highlighting the nation’s evolving role not merely as a host for international performances but as a genuine convergence point for global emotional connection. The event proved that large-scale productions can simultaneously maintain profound intimacy, and that audiences within the UAE increasingly seek meaningful emotional engagement alongside spectacular production values.

  • UAE: Nearly 30% divorces happen within first year of marriage; experts stress need for intervention

    UAE: Nearly 30% divorces happen within first year of marriage; experts stress need for intervention

    Recent statistical findings from the UAE Ministry of Justice have uncovered a concerning pattern in marital dissolution, with approximately 30% of all divorces occurring within the initial year of marriage. This revelation has prompted urgent discussions among mental health professionals, family counselors, and social experts regarding the underlying causes and necessary interventions.

    According to comprehensive data collected from federal courts across Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain between 2020 and 2024, authorities documented 2,857 divorce cases. Among these, 851 separations—representing nearly one-third of all marital dissolutions—transpired within the first twelve months of marriage.

    The statistics demonstrate that early marital breakdown affects diverse demographic groups. Of the 851 first-year divorce cases, 396 involved Emirati couples, while 627 cases featured Emirati husbands, and 17 cases involved Emirati wives married to non-Emirati spouses. Geographical analysis reveals Sharjah recorded the highest incidence with 217 cases, followed by Ajman (167), Fujairah (67), and Umm Al Quwain (22).

    Mental health specialists identify several critical factors contributing to this trend. Hiba Salem, Psychologist and Adult & Families Specialist at Sage Clinics, emphasizes that many couples enter marriage with unrealistic expectations shaped by social media narratives and cultural pressures. “The surge in early divorces often stems from a profound discrepancy between expectation and reality,” she explains.

    Dr. Amal Salem Basohaib, an internationally certified coach in family relations, corroborates this assessment, noting that inadequate communication skills represent one of the most prominent causes of early divorce. Conflicts regarding housing arrangements, financial management, and role expectations frequently escalate due to couples’ inability to engage in constructive dialogue.

    The first year of marriage constitutes a period of intense psychological adjustment where couples must integrate different routines, financial philosophies, and core values. In the UAE’s high-pressure environment, additional stressors including expatriate pressures and absent traditional support networks further complicate this critical phase.

    Experts unanimously advocate for enhanced premarital counseling programs as preventive intervention. Such counseling serves as both diagnostic tool and educational resource, helping couples identify communication styles, anticipate conflict patterns, and establish boundaries with extended families. Specialists also highlight the detrimental impact of social media, which fosters unrealistic comparisons, raises emotional and material expectations, and violates relationship privacy.

    Mental health professionals call for cultural recalibration regarding marital expectations, emphasizing that successful marriages require continuous effort rather than representing an effortless destination. They recommend destigmatizing couples therapy and expanding psychoeducational programs focused on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution to address this growing societal challenge.

  • Approved private vehicles now permitted direct access to Hong Kong

    Approved private vehicles now permitted direct access to Hong Kong

    In a transformative move for regional integration, private vehicles from Guangdong province gained direct access to Hong Kong’s urban centers for the first time on Tuesday. The landmark policy expansion took effect at midnight, with a Guangdong-licensed car passing through the Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge immediately after the policy implementation.

    The historic passage followed streamlined temperature screening and identity verification procedures, with automated systems granting clearance in seconds. This development represents the second phase of a carefully orchestrated initiative that began on November 15th, when approved vehicles were initially permitted to cross the bridge but required parking at the Hong Kong port’s automated facility.

    Bridge authorities reported significant preparatory work, having processed over 380 Guangdong-registered vehicles by 8 pm on Monday alone. Customs official Lin Jin detailed substantial infrastructure upgrades, including the establishment of five dedicated clearance lanes in each direction and implementation of a sophisticated data-sharing system that enables automatic verification of vehicle registration information.

    The policy delivers tangible benefits to cross-border commuters like Mr. Peng, a Zhuhai restaurateur with Hong Kong business partners. ‘Previously, I had to transfer to buses which was time-consuming,’ Peng remarked after becoming among the first to utilize the new access. ‘Now I can drive directly while completing customs procedures online.’

    Simultaneously, northbound traffic has shown remarkable growth, with Hong Kong and Macao vehicles entering the mainland via the bridge increasing by 25.4% year-on-year since January, indicating robust two-way integration within the Greater Bay Area framework.

  • Saudi: Prophet’s Mosque muezzin passes away after 25 years of calling people to prayer

    Saudi: Prophet’s Mosque muezzin passes away after 25 years of calling people to prayer

    The Islamic world mourns the passing of Sheikh Faisal Nouman, the esteemed muezzin of Masjid An-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina, who concluded his 25-year tenure of calling worshippers to prayer. The revered voice behind the adhan (Islamic call to prayer) breathed his last on December 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy spanning multiple generations of religious service.

    Sheikh Nouman, originally appointed in 2001, was laid to rest at Medina’s historic Al-Baqi Cemetery—the oldest Islamic burial ground and final resting place for numerous early Muslims including Prophet Muhammad’s family members and companions. The mosque administration commemorated his dedication by sharing his final adhan from November 2, 2025, capturing his last sacred invocation.

    The late muezzin belonged to an extraordinary family tradition of religious service. His grandfather previously served as a muezzin at the same mosque, while his father remarkably assumed the role at age 14 and continued for decades until passing away in his nineties. This multi-generational commitment to sacred vocal ministry represents a rare continuum in Islamic religious practice.

    The passing of Sheikh Nouman follows another significant religious transition in Saudi Arabia this year, with the appointment of Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan as the new Grand Mufti following the demise of the previous religious leader. These changes mark a period of transition within Saudi Arabia’s religious leadership while highlighting the enduring cultural and spiritual significance of traditional roles in Islamic worship.

    The shared recording of Sheikh Nouman’s final adhan has circulated widely across social media platforms, drawing global condolences from the Muslim community and honoring a voice that guided millions in daily prayer for a quarter century.

  • Hundreds protest in New Delhi over killing of Hindu man in Bangladesh

    Hundreds protest in New Delhi over killing of Hindu man in Bangladesh

    New Delhi witnessed significant demonstrations on Tuesday as hundreds of protesters gathered near Bangladesh’s High Commission, expressing outrage over the brutal lynching of a Hindu man in neighboring Bangladesh. The incident has severely strained diplomatic relations between the two South Asian nations just weeks before Bangladesh’s scheduled parliamentary elections in February.

    The catalyst for these tensions emerged from the horrific death of 27-year-old factory worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten and set ablaze in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district after being accused of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet. Bangladeshi authorities have arrested at least ten individuals in connection with the religiously-motivated killing.

    Television footage captured dramatic scenes as protesters, primarily representing Hindu organizations, clashed with police personnel while attempting to breach security barricades surrounding the diplomatic mission. Demonstrators chanted slogans and burned effigies while displaying posters advocating for the boycott of Bangladesh. ‘We needed to raise the voice of Hindus in Bangladesh in Delhi,’ one protester told India Today, adding that their community would remain vigilant ‘as long as even one Hindu is being harmed there.’

    The diplomatic fallout has been substantial, with both nations suspending visa services indefinitely. Bangladesh’s government summoned the Indian envoy to express concerns about previous protests near its diplomatic missions, urging thorough investigations into what it described as ‘violent protests.’ India’s foreign ministry countered that Saturday’s demonstration involved only ’20-25 youths’ who were promptly dispersed by police, reaffirming India’s commitment to ensuring foreign mission security.

    These tensions compound Bangladesh’s existing domestic turmoil following the recent assassination of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot during his campaign launch for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Hadi’s killing triggered widespread protests that escalated into arson attacks targeting major media outlets and cultural institutions, creating a complex crisis environment for the Bangladeshi government.

    The current situation represents the most significant deterioration in India-Bangladesh relations since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in New Delhi following deadly protests against her administration last year.

  • Israeli defence minister announces settlement plans in north Gaza

    Israeli defence minister announces settlement plans in north Gaza

    Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz has declared intentions to establish new Israeli settlements in northern Gaza, framing the move as a permanent security measure. The announcement came during a ceremony marking the construction of 1,200 housing units in a West Bank settlement, where Katz revealed plans for what he termed “Nahal” settlements to be implemented “when the time is right.”

    Nahal settlements refer to communities historically established by Israeli soldiers. Under international law, all Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are considered illegal. Katz emphasized Israel’s permanent presence in Gaza, stating, “We are deep inside Gaza and we will never leave all of Gaza – there will be no such thing.” He framed the settlement expansion as protective measures referencing the 21 settlements that existed in Gaza before Israel’s 2005 withdrawal.

    The Defense Minister further asserted Israel’s continued military presence across multiple fronts, noting troops remain positioned in Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied West Bank. “We don’t trust anyone, and no one will come and tell us – there will be no agreement, we won’t move a millimetre in Syria,” Katz declared, characterizing the strategy as creating a barrier between “jihadist enemies and our communities.”

    Far-right settler organizations including the Nachala Settlement Movement and the Yesha Council welcomed the announcement. The Yesha Council stated the move would “make it clear to the enemy that for the massacre of the 7 October, he is paying with land and in perpetuity.” Nachala claimed over 1,000 families stand ready to settle in Gaza immediately, asserting that “The public is ready, the families are ready, and the area is ready.”

    The announcement comes amid escalating ceasefire violations. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israeli forces have committed at least 875 violations since the October ceasefire began. During the 75-day truce period, Israeli operations have resulted in over 411 Palestinian fatalities and 1,112 injuries.

    Humanitarian conditions continue deteriorating as Israel restricts aid delivery. Only 17,819 of 43,800 stipulated aid trucks have entered the blockaded territory, creating severe shortages of shelter, medicine, food, and fuel for Gaza’s two million residents. Health officials report over 62% of essential medicines are unavailable for approximately 250,000 people requiring primary healthcare services.

    The Gaza media office warns of a “deepening and unprecedented humanitarian crisis” exacerbated by freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall, compounding the territory’s dire humanitarian situation.

  • North Korea’s Kim tours hot tubs, BBQ joints at lavish new mountain resort

    North Korea’s Kim tours hot tubs, BBQ joints at lavish new mountain resort

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inaugurated an opulent new mountain resort in Samjiyon, featuring premium amenities including hot tubs, barbecue restaurants, and luxury hotel accommodations. State media documented Kim’s comprehensive inspection of the facility, during which he personally evaluated bedding quality and toured leisure spaces alongside his daughter, Ju-ae, who analysts identify as his probable successor.

    The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) portrayed the development as evidence of North Korea’s “ever-growing ideal” and “state’s potential for development,” with Kim declaring the resort an “innovative and highly civilized city representing the tourism culture of the country.” The extensive complex lies near Mount Paektu, a site of considerable ideological significance in North Korean propaganda as the purported birthplace of Kim Jong Il.

    Analysts suggest the resort primarily targets international visitors rather than local citizens, given the extreme income disparity in a nation where average monthly wages approximate $3. Peter Ward of Seoul’s Sejong Institute noted that while foreigners constitute the primary demographic, the facility might also serve as incentive-based accommodation for productive worker units.

    The opening coincides with North Korea’s gradual reopening to tourism after pandemic restrictions, having recently permitted Russian tourist groups and brief Western operator visits. Professor Lim Eul-Chul of Kyungnam University suggested the five new hotels could facilitate large-scale group tourism through Chinese border regions, though Chinese tourists haven’t yet returned in significant numbers.

    This development occurs as Kim’s administration tours newly completed industrial facilities ahead of the Korean Workers Party’s first congress in five years, scheduled for early 2026, where economic planning will dominate the agenda.