Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • NGOs fear ‘catastrophic impact’ of new Israel registration rules

    NGOs fear ‘catastrophic impact’ of new Israel registration rules

    Humanitarian organizations are issuing dire warnings that Israel’s newly implemented registration requirements for non-governmental organizations could devastate aid operations across Gaza and the West Bank. The controversial policy, which mandates all NGOs to register under a new framework by December 31, 2025, has already resulted in the rejection of at least 14 organizations including prominent groups like Save the Children and the American Friends Service Committee.

    According to Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, approximately 100 registration requests had been submitted as of November 2025, with the majority either approved or under review. The government maintains that the regulations aim to prevent “hostile actors or supporters of terrorism” from operating in Palestinian territories, specifically targeting organizations involved in terrorism, antisemitism, Holocaust denial, or delegitimization of Israel.

    The policy emerges amid persistent humanitarian crises in Gaza, where basic infrastructure including running water and electricity remains unavailable despite the US-brokered October ceasefire. Current aid delivery falls dramatically short of requirements—while the ceasefire agreement stipulated 600 trucks daily, only 100-300 trucks carrying humanitarian aid actually enter the region.

    Rejected organizations now face a 60-day deadline to withdraw all international staff from Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, while losing authorization to send humanitarian supplies across borders. This development threatens essential services for vulnerable populations, including Save the Children’s programs supporting 120,000 children with psychosocial support and education.

    The Humanitarian Country Team for the Occupied Palestinian Territory cautioned that deregistration could collapse the humanitarian response entirely, noting that currently approved NGOs represent only a fraction of required capacity. Many organizations report complying with most requirements but refusing to cross “red lines” such as providing information about Palestinian staff.

    Legal experts highlight particular concern over the vague terminology surrounding “delegitimization” of Israel, which NGOs say could encompass any criticism of Israeli policies. Israeli lawyer Yotam Ben-Hillel, representing several organizations in appeals, noted that any reporting on ground conditions could potentially justify rejection under these provisions.

    With the year-end deadline approaching, humanitarian workers fear catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s population if experienced organizations are replaced by unknown entities without established operational capacity or expertise in the region.

  • Turkey says captured senior Daesh figure on Afghan-Pakistan border

    Turkey says captured senior Daesh figure on Afghan-Pakistan border

    Turkish intelligence forces have successfully apprehended a high-ranking operative of the Daesh terrorist organization in a sophisticated cross-border operation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier. The captured individual, identified as Turkish national Mehmet Goren, held a leadership position within Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K), the group’s regional affiliate known for its brutal attacks across South and Central Asia.

    According to detailed reports from Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, Goren had been actively coordinating suicide operations targeting civilian populations across multiple regions including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and European nations. Intelligence tracking revealed Goren’s journey from Turkey to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, where he ascended through Daesh’s ranks while operating from militant training camps.

    The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) conducted meticulous surveillance before executing the precise apprehension in the volatile border zone. Goren, who reportedly survived previous airstrikes targeting Daesh positions in Pakistan, was subsequently transferred to Turkish territory for detention and interrogation.

    This operation represents another strategic victory in Turkey’s intensified counterterrorism campaign against Daesh networks. Turkish authorities have particularly focused on disrupting the group’s Khorasan affiliate, which has claimed responsibility for numerous devastating attacks including the March 2024 Moscow concert hall massacre that killed over 140 people.

    Security analysts note that Goren maintained operational connections with Ozgur Altun (also known as Abu Yasir Al Turki), previously arrested and imprisoned for facilitating militant transfers from Turkey to conflict zones. The successful capture demonstrates Turkey’s growing capability to project intelligence operations beyond its immediate borders against transnational terrorist threats.

  • FCC bans new Chinese-made drones, citing security risks

    FCC bans new Chinese-made drones, citing security risks

    In a decisive move with profound implications for the U.S. technology and security landscape, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a comprehensive prohibition on new foreign-manufactured drones. This policy, enacted on Monday, effectively blocks market leaders like China’s DJI and Autel from introducing new models to American consumers and businesses. The ruling stems from a year-long security review mandated by a prior congressional defense bill, which concluded that drones and their critical components produced outside the U.S. present ‘unacceptable risks to the national security.’

    The FCC justified its stringent position by highlighting imminent major events, including the 2026 World Cup, the America250 anniversary celebrations, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as potential targets for malicious actors exploiting vulnerabilities in foreign drone technology. The policy does include a provision for exemptions, allowing specific drones or components to be permitted if the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security certifies they pose no threat.

    Industry response was sharply divided. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) applauded the decision. Its president, Michael Robbins, declared it a critical step toward reducing U.S. dependence on China and revitalizing domestic drone production and secure supply chains, citing China’s history of restricting strategic exports like rare earth magnets.

    Conversely, DJI expressed profound disappointment, labeling the FCC’s concerns as ‘protectionism’ that lacks evidentiary support and contradicts open market principles. The impact on American operators is already tangible. Gene Robinson, a Texas-based trainer for law enforcement, lamented the disruption his fleet of nine DJI drones will face, acknowledging the necessary ‘growing pains’ for achieving technological independence. Meanwhile, Arthur Erickson, CEO of American drone maker Hylio, viewed the ban as an unexpected but significant opportunity for domestic growth, even as he criticized its overly broad ‘blanket’ scope against all foreign products and urged regulatory clarification.

  • British singer Chris Rea dies aged 74, family tells UK media

    British singer Chris Rea dies aged 74, family tells UK media

    The music industry is in mourning following the announcement of British singer-songwriter Chris Rea’s passing at age 74. The iconic musician, whose career spanned over four decades, died in hospital after battling a short illness, according to a family statement released to UK media on Monday.

    Rea’s distinctive gravelly voice and masterful guitar work cemented his status as one of Britain’s most beloved musical talents. While he enjoyed consistent chart success throughout his career, he achieved global recognition with his 1988 seasonal classic ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ which has become an enduring anthem of holiday travel and nostalgia.

    The family spokesperson confirmed the sad news through Britain’s Press Association, stating: ‘Singer/songwriter and guitarist Chris Rea passed away earlier today in hospital following a short illness.’ The statement prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians worldwide.

    Beyond his Christmas hit, Rea’s musical legacy includes a remarkable catalog of blues-infused rock albums and international successes like ‘The Road to Hell’ and ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over).’ His battle with health issues was well-documented, having undergone major pancreatic surgery in the past, though the specific nature of his final illness remains private.

    The timing of his passing, just days before Christmas, adds particular poignancy to the loss of an artist whose music became synonymous with the holiday season for millions around the world.

  • Warlords, sheikhs and politicians: The men at the heart of Sudan’s bloodshed

    Warlords, sheikhs and politicians: The men at the heart of Sudan’s bloodshed

    Sudan has been engulfed in a catastrophic civil war since April 2023, resulting in thousands of fatalities and displacing approximately 13 million people. The conflict pits the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), with both factions facing severe allegations of war crimes and human rights violations.

    The RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo, stands accused of orchestrating mass killings in el-Fasher and systematic atrocities against civilians. Meanwhile, the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has similarly been implicated in ethnic-based violence and chemical weapons usage, according to U.S. sanctions.

    This devastating conflict originated from the fractured alliance between Burhan and Hemedti, who previously collaborated to oust long-term ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Their partnership dissolved in 2023 amid disputes over integrating the RSF into the national army, triggering widespread violence that has fractured the nation.

    International dimensions complicate the conflict, with the United Arab Emirates facing credible accusations of supplying advanced weaponry to the RSF despite UN arms embargoes. The Sudanese government formally charged the UAE with complicity in genocide at the International Criminal Court in April 2025, though the case was dismissed on technical grounds.

    Regional actors have aligned with the warring factions: the UAE backs the RSF while Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain ties with the SAF. The conflict has drawn in various armed groups, including former Darfur rebels and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North, which has allied with the RSF.

    The humanitarian situation remains dire, with numerous ceasefire proposals rejected by both sides. International diplomatic efforts have stalled as violence continues to escalate, creating one of the world’s most severe displacement crises and drawing condemnation from human rights organizations worldwide.

  • Lebanon says 3 killed in Israeli strike on vehicle near Sidon

    Lebanon says 3 killed in Israeli strike on vehicle near Sidon

    An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle near the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on Monday, resulting in three fatalities according to Lebanese authorities. The attack occurred approximately 10 kilometers from the coastal city, marking one of the northernmost engagements in recent months.

    The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it had ‘struck several Hezbollah terrorists in the area of Sidon.’ This development comes amid mounting international pressure on Lebanon to disarm the Iran-backed militant group, particularly in southern regions bordering Israel.

    Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that ongoing negotiations aim to ‘stop the hostilities, achieve Israel’s withdrawal, return prisoners held in Israel and return southern residents to their villages.’ These diplomatic efforts include unprecedented direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives under the ceasefire monitoring committee’s auspices.

    Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the Lebanese army’s plans for the initial phase of disarmament south of the Litani River are ‘days away from completion.’ The government has expressed readiness to proceed with subsequent phases extending north of the river based on military-prepared strategies.

    The international monitoring committee, comprising representatives from Lebanon, Israel, the United States, France, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), continues to oversee these delicate proceedings. Despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, tensions persist with regular Israeli strikes targeting what it identifies as Hezbollah operatives.

    According to AFP tallies of Lebanese health ministry reports, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 340 fatalities in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect. Israel maintains troops in five strategic locations in south Lebanon, citing ongoing security concerns about Hezbollah’s rearmament activities.

  • India’s jobs guarantee scheme: A global model under threat?

    India’s jobs guarantee scheme: A global model under threat?

    India has enacted sweeping reforms to its landmark rural employment program, fundamentally altering both its financial structure and operational framework. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), established in 2005 as a legal entitlement to 100 days of paid manual work for rural households, has been rebranded and restructured under the new GRAM G legislation.

    The revised program increases the guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days annually per household while maintaining provisions for unemployment allowances when work isn’t provided within 15 days. However, the most significant change involves the funding mechanism: where the federal government previously covered 90% of costs, states must now contribute 40% of project expenses under a 60:40 split arrangement.

    This transformative social program serves as a critical economic stabilizer for rural India, where 65% of the nation’s 1.4 billion population resides and nearly half depend on agriculture—a sector contributing merely 16% to GDP. The scheme has demonstrated remarkable equity metrics, with women comprising over half of its 126 million workers and 40% originating from historically marginalized scheduled castes or tribes.

    The Modi administration frames the reforms as modernization efforts to enhance effectiveness and reduce corruption. Federal Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserts the legislation “stands firmly in favour of the poor, in support of progress, and in complete guarantee of employment for the workers.”

    Conversely, development economists, opposition parties, and international experts have raised substantial concerns. Critics argue the funding shift could undermine the program’s constitutional mandate, effectively transforming a legal right into a discretionary scheme. Development economist Jean Dreze characterizes the increased day guarantee as a “red herring,” noting that only 7% of households received the full 100 days of work in 2023-24.

    The program’s documented impacts remain substantial despite implementation challenges. Research indicates NREGS boosted beneficiary household earnings by 14% and reduced poverty by 26% through economy-wide effects. The scheme has particularly proven vital during crises, most notably during COVID-19 pandemic reverse migration events.

    Underlying these reforms persists India’s structural employment challenge: the chronic inability to generate sufficient non-farm jobs to absorb surplus rural labor. Recent economic analyses suggest rising labor participation rates may reflect economic distress rather than quality job creation, with increases concentrated in low-productivity subsistence work.

    The program’s future effectiveness hinges on navigating these complex financial, administrative, and structural challenges while preserving its core mission of supporting vulnerable rural populations.

  • Japan urged to stop provocative moves

    Japan urged to stop provocative moves

    China has issued a stern diplomatic warning to Japan regarding concerning statements from senior officials about potentially acquiring nuclear weapons, characterizing them as a dangerous provocation against the postwar international order. The remarks came during a regular press briefing by Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Monday, December 22, 2025.

    Lin expressed profound shock at claims from a high-ranking Japanese official advocating for nuclear weapons possession and comments from Japan’s defense minister suggesting a review of the nation’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles. The spokesman emphasized that Japan, as a non-nuclear weapon party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, bears unequivocal obligations under international law to refrain from receiving, manufacturing, acquiring, or transferring nuclear weapons.

    The Chinese spokesperson dismissed suggestions that these statements represented merely personal views, asserting they reveal alarming ambitions among Japan’s right-wing forces pursuing remilitarization. Lin warned that allowing these factions to develop powerful offensive weapons, including nuclear capabilities, would inevitably cause grave harm to the international community, echoing historical tragedies.

    In a related development, China simultaneously protested an unauthorized visit to Taiwan by a senior member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Lin condemned this violation of the one-China principle, citing breaches of bilateral political documents and Japan’s own commitments to China. The spokesman demanded immediate corrective actions, including the retraction of what he termed erroneous remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

    Lin concluded that Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities would find no success in seeking independence through alignment with Japanese interests, characterizing such efforts as disgraceful acts leading only to diplomatic dead ends.

  • Screams for help and panic as tourists rescued from fatal Laos ferry disaster

    Screams for help and panic as tourists rescued from fatal Laos ferry disaster

    A routine Mekong River ferry journey transformed into a life-threatening crisis last Thursday when a tourist vessel carrying 147 passengers struck submerged rocks and capsized near northern Laos. The incident, occurring along the popular route between Huay Xay and Luang Prabang, resulted in one confirmed fatality and two children remaining missing as rescue operations continue.

    Eyewitness accounts from surviving international tourists reveal alarming safety deficiencies aboard the vessel. French national Anthonin Levelu reported observing merely 15 life jackets available for the 118 tourists and 29 local passengers aboard. The insufficient safety equipment created panic as the boat rapidly took on water following the impact.

    British tourist Bradley Cook described the terrifying moments during evacuation: ‘As the rescue boat approached, passengers shifting weight accelerated the flooding process.’ The chaotic scenes were captured in viral videos showing desperate passengers screaming for help while attempting to salvage belongings before abandoning ship.

    The tragedy has highlighted persistent safety concerns along this vital tourism corridor. According to the Mekong River Commission, tens of thousands of travelers annually utilize slow boat and speedboat services along this 300-kilometer route. This incident mirrors a similar September 2023 capsizing that claimed three lives when a vessel entangled in fishing nets overturned in strong currents.

    Survivors now face psychological trauma and practical challenges. Mr. Cook, speaking from Vang Vieng, expressed his intention to pursue insurance claims for lost electronics and cash, though responsibility remains unclear. ‘I’m assuming it’s just a freak accident,’ he noted, while questioning the avoidability of the disaster.

    The Lao government has initiated investigations into the incident as the tourism industry confronts urgent safety reevaluations. The emotional toll on survivors continues, with many reporting ongoing distress despite the welcoming atmosphere of Laotian communities.

  • Shanxi ends province-wide blanket fireworks ban

    Shanxi ends province-wide blanket fireworks ban

    In a significant policy reversal, China’s Shanxi Province has officially terminated its comprehensive prohibition on fireworks and firecrackers, shifting toward regulated management that acknowledges both cultural traditions and safety concerns. The provincial government’s December 16 repeal eliminated 124 related documents, including a 2020 notice that had banned production, sale, storage, transportation, and use of fireworks throughout the province.

    The China Fireworks and Firecrackers Association has endorsed this policy shift, characterizing it as a transition from rigid prohibition to scientifically-grounded oversight. In an official statement, the national non-profit organization emphasized that this decision responds to public cultural needs during traditional festivals while demonstrating governmental effectiveness in balancing popular demand with safety considerations.

    Huang Chaxiang, Director of the National Fireworks and Firecrackers Standardization Technology Committee, noted that the policy adjustment better aligns with contemporary social realities and public expectations. “This approach reflects respect for traditional festive customs while creating opportunities for more refined governance,” Huang stated, adding that numerous major Chinese cities have recently adopted similar measured approaches including time restrictions, designated zones, and approved product categories.

    The local emergency management authority has established detailed regulations governing fireworks sales and supervision, operating under a licensing framework. Experts are advocating for additional supportive measures including industry development standards, implementation mechanisms for new regulations, and clear public communication regarding these changes.

    Beyond cultural significance, the fireworks industry represents a substantial economic sector with interconnected supply chains spanning paper manufacturing, chemical production, printing, logistics, hardware, packaging, and festival tourism.

    Public response remains divided, with some residents requesting clearer guidelines for orderly fireworks usage while others express safety and environmental concerns. Taiyuan resident Jing Zhimei, 31, welcomed the cultural revival but noted practical challenges: “I’m concerned about accessing quality products through legal channels and believe more public education is needed regarding injury and fire response.”

    International student Tabinda Noreen from Pakistan, studying at North University of China, expressed excitement about experiencing her first Spring Festival with traditional fireworks displays.

    The Shanxi fire department has announced heightened alert status during the Spring Festival period, urging residents to clear flammable materials, ensure complete extinguishment, and closely supervise minors. A revised national standard for fireworks safety and quality, introducing more detailed safety and pollution-reduction requirements, is scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026.

    This policy change follows similar moves in parts of Henan Province, Anshan in Liaoning Province, and Foshan in Guangdong Province, which previously established conditional permissions for fireworks during designated periods and locations.