Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • Despite record gold prices, UAE customers continue buying, just differently

    Despite record gold prices, UAE customers continue buying, just differently

    The UAE gold market is demonstrating remarkable resilience as prices reach unprecedented levels, with consumer purchasing patterns undergoing significant transformation rather than declining. On Monday, December 22, 2025, 24K gold opened at Dh539.75 per gram, continuing its record-breaking trajectory after previously hitting Dh525.25 on October 21 before experiencing a temporary correction and subsequent rebound.

    The price surge has extended across various karat weights, with 22K, 21K, 18K, and 14K gold reaching Dh492.25, Dh472, Dh404.50, and Dh315.50 respectively. International spot prices mirrored this trend, standing at $4,422 by 6 PM with a 1.8 percent increase from Sunday. Silver similarly achieved historic highs, climbing 2.7 percent to reach $69.23 earlier in the day before settling at $68.82.

    Market experts report that while gold prices have reached record levels, consumer demand has not diminished but instead evolved strategically. Ahmed Abdeltawab, CEO and co-founder of fractional gold purchase app O Gold, observed: ‘High prices haven’t stopped demand—they’ve fundamentally altered purchasing behaviors. We’re witnessing a pronounced shift toward fractional acquisitions and systematic accumulation strategies rather than traditional lump-sum investments.’

    Retail jewelers confirm this behavioral adaptation. Amina Mohamad Ali, director of MFar Jewellers, noted: ‘Customers are increasingly opting for lighter pieces, and we’ve observed corresponding growth in diamond jewelry demand. The anticipation of continued price increases has actually motivated rather than deterred purchasing decisions.’

    The current price environment is attracting new demographic segments to the gold market. According to Abdeltawab, ‘Record highs are particularly appealing to younger, first-time investors who typically begin with modest amounts. Enhanced financial education, improved market accessibility, and fractional ownership opportunities are primary factors driving this new investor cohort.’

    Ahmad Assiri, Research Strategist at Pepperstone, attributes the price appreciation to multiple converging factors rather than a single catalyst. ‘Global macroeconomic uncertainty surrounding growth prospects, geopolitical tensions, and persistent fiscal challenges have amplified gold’s appeal for portfolio management,’ Assiri explained. ‘Central bank demand has emerged as a dominant market anchor, surpassing the traditional influence of rate expectations. These collective factors have positioned gold as this year’s highest-performing major asset.’

    Despite expectations among some analysts that gold wouldn’t revisit record highs in 2025, the current rally demonstrates strong underlying fundamentals. Assiri added: ‘While volatility has characterized this year’s market, the overarching trend remains constructive. The sustained position above previous breakout levels indicates robust underlying demand, with investors increasingly considering gold an essential portfolio component rather than a speculative short-term play.’

  • China reports major gains in circular economy

    China reports major gains in circular economy

    China has achieved remarkable progress in building a circular economy since enacting its Circular Economy Promotion Law in 2009, according to Wang Dongming, Vice-Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. The announcement came during a legislative session reviewing the implementation of the landmark environmental legislation.

    Inspections conducted from July to October across 16 cities in six provinces revealed substantial advancements in resource efficiency and ecological civilization construction. The comprehensive review demonstrated how circular economy principles have become integral to China’s green transformation of socioeconomic development.

    Statistical highlights from 2024 reveal the scale of China’s recycling achievements: over 400 million metric tons of ten major renewable resource categories were recycled nationwide. Waste paper constituted 70% of this total, while scrap steel accounted for 21%. Additionally, China utilized 3.97 billion tons of bulk solid waste, representing 59% of the total waste generated.

    The resource recycling industry has emerged as both an economic powerhouse and employment generator, with total output exceeding 4 trillion yuan ($550 billion) in 2024 while providing jobs for more than 35 million people.

    Financial mechanisms have played a crucial role in this transition. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China allocated more than 117 billion yuan to support resource recycling initiatives. The government has established specialized funds targeting waste electrical equipment, manufacturing transformation, and green finance mechanisms to bolster waste recycling systems and green industries.

    Government procurement practices have further reinforced these efforts, with energy-saving and environmentally friendly products now comprising over 85% of government purchases within their respective categories. Wang emphasized that recycled resources are playing an increasingly vital role in safeguarding national resource security, marking a significant shift toward sustainable development models.

  • Tucker Carlson named ‘Antisemite of the Year’ for opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza

    Tucker Carlson named ‘Antisemite of the Year’ for opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza

    In a controversial move that highlights deepening divisions over Middle East policy, the advocacy organization StopAntisemitism has designated prominent conservative commentator Tucker Carlson as its ‘Antisemite of the Year.’ The group announced the distinction on Sunday, citing Carlson’s sustained criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and his allegations regarding Israeli influence over American politics.

    Carlson, who commands a substantial online audience through his digital platform, has emerged as one of the most vocal right-wing figures challenging Israel’s political sway in Washington. His critiques have intensified since Israel initiated military actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The commentator has particularly targeted the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), characterizing its political influence as ‘an ongoing humiliation ritual’ for U.S. lawmakers and asserting American complicity in Israel’s warfare tactics.

    The journalist has also directed criticism toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces International Criminal Court arrest warrants for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Carlson claimed during a September interview that Netanyahu openly boasts about controlling U.S. political leadership, including former President Donald Trump.

    Beyond political analysis, Carlson has questioned theological justifications for unwavering support of Israel, describing Christian Zionism as ‘the single biggest threat to Christianity in this country’ and labeling its adherents as ‘heretics’ for treating Israel’s military dominance as biblically mandated.

    StopAntisemitism’s executive director Liora Reznichenko has articulated an aggressive strategy against critics of Israel, stating at a December conference that punishing such figures constitutes effective antisemitism prevention. The organization claims responsibility for approximately 400 individuals losing employment through targeted online campaigns.

    Among those targeted is early childhood educator Rachel Griffin Accurso (known as ‘Ms. Rachel’), whom the group accused of antisemitism for sharing content about Palestinian children’s suffering in Gaza. This occurred despite Glamour magazine simultaneously recognizing Accurso as a 2025 ‘Woman of the Year’ for her advocacy work with children affected by global conflicts.

    The organization’s methodology involves creating permanent digital records of accusations that ‘will follow you for the rest of your life’ through search engine optimization techniques, affecting targets’ professional and personal opportunities indefinitely.

  • Bangladesh editors warn of ‘fight for survival’ as mob violence targets media

    Bangladesh editors warn of ‘fight for survival’ as mob violence targets media

    Media executives in Bangladesh issued urgent warnings on Monday that the nation’s press corps faces an existential threat following a wave of targeted mob violence against news organizations. The alarming escalation comes after the assassination of prominent youth activist Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death triggered widespread protests that rapidly devolved into coordinated attacks on major media institutions.

    Hadi, a 32-year-old key figure in the student-led uprising that ousted long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year, was fatally shot by masked assailants in Dhaka while campaigning for February’s parliamentary elections. His killing on Thursday served as the catalyst for subsequent arson and vandalism attacks targeting the offices of leading publications including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.

    Assailants explicitly accused these media outlets of “serving the interests of India and Sheikh Hasina,” allegations that editors have vehemently denied. Hasina, who fled to India following her removal from power, remains in New Delhi despite extradition requests from Bangladeshi authorities.

    During an emergency meeting convened by the Editors’ Council and Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh, The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam revealed that journalists are receiving direct death threats through social media channels. “We have seen messages specifically calling for hunters to target and kill journalists from The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in their homes,” Anam stated. “This situation has moved beyond concerns about freedom of expression—it has become a fundamental struggle for the right to remain alive.”

    The crisis unfolds against Bangladesh’s troubling position at 149th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index. Human rights organizations warn that continued attacks on journalists and activists could severely constrict civic freedoms ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections.

    Adding to the gravity of the situation, New Age editor and Editors’ Council president Nurul Kabir reported being physically assaulted while attempting to rescue colleagues during the attacks. Kabir accused the assailants of attempting to immolate journalists inside their offices.

    The interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which currently governs Bangladesh, has characterized the violence as the work of fringe elements and promised full accountability. Yunus’ press office confirmed on Monday that police have identified 31 suspects and made nine arrests in connection with the assaults.

  • Pro-Israel groups target Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub after MEE interview

    Pro-Israel groups target Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub after MEE interview

    Nadeen Ayoub, the pioneering Miss Palestine contestant who made history at the recent Miss Universe competition, has become the target of organized harassment campaigns by pro-Israel groups following her appearance on Middle East Eye’s Real Talk podcast. The 27-year-old beauty queen discussed her experience representing Palestinian identity on the global stage, which triggered immediate backlash across social media platforms.

    Betar USA, the American division of the Revisionist Zionist Betar movement known for its aggressive campaigns against Palestinian voices, initiated personal attacks targeting Ayoub’s previous marriage to Sharaf Barghouti, son of imprisoned Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti. The incarcerated Barghouti, often compared to Nelson Mandela and viewed as a potential unifying figure in Palestinian politics, is serving multiple life sentences in Israeli prison since 2002 for his role in the Second Intifada.

    During her interview, Ayoub expressed admiration for her former father-in-law, who recently faced physical assault by Israeli prison guards. ‘Palestinians are proud of Marwan – the world sees him as a peace symbol,’ she stated, adding that the attacks had inadvertently created a platform to discuss Palestinian causes.

    The controversy extended to StopAntisemitism, an American pro-Israel organization previously known for targeting children’s content creators, which questioned Ayoub about her family connections on social media. This occurred amid a global campaign for Barghouti’s release supported by prominent figures including Richard Branson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Bassem Youssef.

    Ayoub also revealed experiencing racism and identity denial throughout the competition, including being labeled a ‘tiara-rist’ by media outlets and facing skepticism about her Palestinian heritage. She described tense interactions with Miss Israel contestant Melanie Shiraz, who allegedly pursued her with Israeli flags during photo sessions. Shiraz later denied these allegations despite viral footage suggesting otherwise.

    The situation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli forces have committed numerous ceasefire violations resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties since October, effectively transforming established demarcation lines into firing zones.

  • Hawaii’s YouTube kicker dubbed the ‘Tokyo Toe’ used grit to become an AP All-American with NFL hopes

    Hawaii’s YouTube kicker dubbed the ‘Tokyo Toe’ used grit to become an AP All-American with NFL hopes

    HONOLULU — Kansei Matsuzawa’s extraordinary transformation from a disillusioned Japanese youth to a record-breaking American football star represents one of the most remarkable sports narratives of the season. The University of Hawaii kicker, who taught himself the art of placekicking through YouTube tutorials, has captivated the football world with his unprecedented accuracy and inspiring backstory.

    Matsuzawa’s breakthrough moment arrived during Hawaii’s dramatic 23-20 victory over Stanford, where he delivered both game-tying and game-winning field goals. His subsequent performance throughout Hawaii’s 8-4 season achieved legendary status, as he converted 25 consecutive field goals to match a 43-year-old Football Bowl Subdivision record. These accomplishments earned him first-team Associated Press All-American honors and placed him as a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, recognizing the nation’s premier placekicker.

    The journey began in 2019 when Matsuzawa, having failed college entrance exams twice in Japan, found himself directionless at age 20. ‘I had nothing. I lost my purpose in life,’ Matsuzawa recalled during an interview. His father’s gift of a trip to California exposed him to NFL football for the first time, where despite understanding little about the game, he became captivated by the stadium energy and fan enthusiasm.

    Returning to Japan, Matsuzawa embarked on an improbable mission: mastering American football kicking through online videos, particularly studying Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers. With few proper football fields available in Japan, he negotiated practice time at a facility owned by the Fujitsu Frontiers industrial team in exchange for performing team errands.

    After two years of dedicated practice while working at a steakhouse, Matsuzawa sent kicking videos to U.S. junior colleges. Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, offered him an opportunity despite significant language and cultural barriers. His resilience caught the attention of Hawaii special teams coordinator Thomas Sheffield, who recognized both technical proficiency and extraordinary mental fortitude.

    ‘That’s what it’s going to take to be successful,’ Sheffield noted, emphasizing Matsuzawa’s ability to overcome adversity. The kicker eventually earned a scholarship, reducing financial burden on his family who had downsized their home and contributed significantly to his education costs.

    Matsuzawa credits his success to a refined mindset developed through twice-weekly sessions with a sports psychologist. While previously focused on statistical outcomes, he now emphasizes process-oriented thinking and maintaining positivity. ‘Luckily my job is simple—making field goals—and that’s what I want to do. Just one at a time,’ Matsuzawa stated.

    Teammates have dubbed him ‘Tokyo Toe,’ celebrating both his heritage and exceptional skill. Holder Caleb Freeman emphasized Matsuzawa’s humility despite his achievements: ‘He has always just shined the light on everyone else.’

    As Matsuzawa prepares for his final Hawaii Bowl appearance against California before graduation, he stands on the precipice of potentially becoming the first genuinely Japan-developed NFL player. While the league has featured players with Japanese ancestry, most were military children born overseas. Hawaii coach Timmy Chang expresses confidence in Matsuzawa’s future: ‘If he continues his mindset and the track in which he’s at, I think he’s going to do well.’

    The story transcends sports, representing a testament to determination, cross-cultural adaptation, and the transformative power of digital learning resources in the modern athletic landscape.

  • What Trump’s embrace of cryptocurrencies has unleashed

    What Trump’s embrace of cryptocurrencies has unleashed

    The cryptocurrency landscape has undergone a seismic transformation under former President Donald Trump’s unprecedented endorsement, creating both unprecedented opportunities and systemic vulnerabilities within global financial markets. Trump’s self-proclaimed status as the ‘first crypto president’ has catalyzed a regulatory overhaul, prompted aggressive pro-crypto legislation, and inspired the creation of his official ‘memecoin’ $TRUMP.

    This political shift has unleashed a wave of financial innovation with far-reaching consequences. More than 250 publicly traded companies have incorporated substantial cryptocurrency holdings into their balance sheets, while new investment products have democratized access to digital assets through conventional brokerage accounts and retirement plans. The most ambitious proposals even envision a crypto-powered alternative stock market where tokenized company shares would trade continuously on blockchain networks.

    The euphoric expansion, however, carries significant risks. This autumn’s dramatic crypto market collapse exposed the fragility of this new financial ecosystem, with numerous companies experiencing catastrophic losses. Particularly concerning is the massive leveraging occurring within the sector—public companies have accumulated over $20 billion in debt to finance crypto acquisitions, while investors have placed more than $200 billion in leveraged bets on future coin prices.

    The situation exemplifies what experts describe as the dangerous blurring of lines between speculative betting and legitimate investing. Timothy Massad, former Treasury Department assistant secretary for financial stability, expressed grave concerns: ‘It’s very worrisome to me. The line between betting, speculating and investing has largely disappeared.’

    The October flash crash demonstrated how quickly leveraged positions can unravel, with $19 billion in crypto bets liquidated in a single day affecting 1.6 million traders worldwide. Technical failures at major exchanges like Coinbase and Binance during the crisis prevented investors from managing their positions, exacerbating losses.

    Despite these warning signs, industry leaders continue pushing boundaries. Companies like Plume and Kraken are actively developing tokenization platforms that would represent real-world assets as digital coins, arguing blockchain technology creates more transparent and efficient markets. Their efforts have received serious consideration from regulators, including SEC Chair Paul Atkins who has expressed enthusiasm for tokenized securities.

    The Trump family’s deepening involvement in crypto ventures—particularly through World Liberty Financial and its connections to publicly-traded DAT companies—has further complicated the regulatory landscape. These developments raise questions about appropriate boundaries between commercial interests and public policy in this rapidly evolving sector.

    As the crypto industry continues its integration with traditional finance, economists at the Federal Reserve have warned that tokenization could transmit financial shocks from crypto markets into the broader economy, potentially undermining the stability of payment systems during periods of market stress.

  • Administrative organs must secure people’s interests: senior judge

    Administrative organs must secure people’s interests: senior judge

    China’s judicial system has demonstrated strengthened oversight of administrative agencies through public interest litigation, with courts nationwide concluding 733 first-instance administrative public interest cases between July 2024 and September 2025, excluding environmental and resource-related matters. Supreme People’s Court official Wang Xiaobin revealed that approximately 21% of these cases were successfully resolved through mediation procedures.

    The case distribution revealed concentrated focus areas, with food and drug safety, state-owned property protection, and state-owned land use right transfers collectively accounting for 14.9% of litigation. Cases concerning the rights protection of martyrs, minors, and women represented a smaller but significant portion of the judicial docket. Geographically, Hebei and Anhui provinces recorded the highest case volumes, followed by Henan and Hubei provinces.

    Judicial outcomes showed a substantial proportion of rulings confirming illegal administrative acts, revoking improper administrative decisions, or mandating performance of statutory duties. The courts have established a significant legal principle that “post-litigation performance does not exempt liability for illegality,” effectively discouraging speculative or litigation-driven rectification efforts by government bodies.

    The judiciary has developed innovative approaches to address complex public welfare challenges, particularly those involving overlapping administrative functions, jurisdictional gaps, or cross-regional issues. Courts have coordinated with procuratorial organs to resolve dilemmas in specific public welfare domains, while simultaneously connecting individual case resolution with broader social governance improvements. By analyzing patterns in frequently occurring cases, courts provide systematic recommendations to relevant departments to enhance administrative effectiveness and protect citizens’ fundamental interests.

  • ‘Not too beautiful’: Maker of first AI actor defends creation in BBC interview, reveals process

    ‘Not too beautiful’: Maker of first AI actor defends creation in BBC interview, reveals process

    The entertainment industry faces a revolutionary development with the introduction of Tilly Norwood, recognized as the world’s first AI actress, created by Dutch actor-producer Eline van der Velden. This digital performer, unveiled at a Zurich film industry conference earlier this year, features distinctive long brown hair and a carefully crafted appearance intentionally designed to be ‘not too beautiful, but pretty’ without resembling any specific human actor.

    Van der Velden recently addressed significant criticism from SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood elites during a BBC interview, clarifying that her creation aims not to displace human actors but to pioneer an entirely new media category. The producer envisions a future entertainment landscape with three distinct formats: traditional human-performed content, animation, and AI-generated media where synthetic performers like Norwood would exclusively operate.

    The creation process involved over 2,000 iterations to achieve Norwood’s final appearance, reflecting van der Velden’s commitment to developing an AI performer that avoids promoting unrealistic body standards. The creator argues that since audiences recognize AI actors as artificial constructs, they won’t internalize potentially harmful physical ideals. Despite this rationale, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has expressed strong opposition, stating in an official declaration that ‘creativity is, and should remain, human-centered’ and condemning the replacement of human performers with synthetic alternatives.

    Industry reports indicate that studio executives have shown interest in incorporating the AI actress into various projects, though this potential development has intensified concerns about AI’s expanding role in creative fields. The emergence of synthetic performers represents both technological innovation and a significant challenge to traditional entertainment industry practices and employment structures.

  • Ben Sulayem begins second term as FIA president driving F1 revolution

    Ben Sulayem begins second term as FIA president driving F1 revolution

    The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), under the renewed leadership of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem who has commenced his second term, is steering Formula One toward its most transformative period in decades. With the 2026 season on the horizon, the sport is poised for a comprehensive overhaul designed to enhance competitiveness, safety, and sustainability, marking a pivotal chapter in its history.

    The cornerstone of this revolution is the introduction of the ‘Nimble Car Concept,’ a radical redesign philosophy aimed at reversing the trend of increasingly large and heavy vehicles. The 2026 chassis will be significantly leaner, with a reduction in weight by 30kg, bringing the target mass to 724kg including tires. Dimensions are also shrinking; the wheelbase will be shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, while the overall car width and floor width are reduced by 100mm and 150mm, respectively, promising greater agility on track.

    Aerodynamics will undergo a fundamental shift with the elimination of the Drag Reduction System (DRS). In its place, an active aerodynamics system featuring moveable front and rear wings will be implemented. This technology is primarily an energy conservation tool, allowing drivers to switch between modes to reduce drag on straights, which is crucial for the new, more electrically dependent power units. Overtaking assistance will now be provided by a new ‘Overtake Mode,’ granting a boost of an additional +0.5MJ of electrical energy when a driver is within one second of a rival at designated activation points.

    The powertrain evolution is equally significant. While retaining the 1.6-litre hybrid internal combustion engine, the 2026 power units will achieve a remarkable 300% increase in battery power, resulting in an even 50/50 split between combustion and electrical energy output. This technological leap has attracted new manufacturer involvement, with Audi entering as a full works team, Ford partnering with Red Bull Powertrains, and Honda returning to the grid in a full works capacity with Aston Martin. Furthermore, Cadillac, under General Motors, will debut as a new constructor, the first entirely new entrant since Haas in 2016.

    Sustainability is a key pillar of the new regulations. From 2026 onwards, all cars will exclusively use advanced sustainable fuels, aligning with global environmental goals. Concurrently, driver safety is being elevated to unprecedented levels. Enhancements include a revised front impact structure, increased side intrusion protection, and more robust roll hoops capable of withstanding impacts of 20G, up from 16G.

    President Ben Sulayem heralded the changes as a ‘defining moment’ for the championship, emphasizing that the new framework is the product of extensive collaboration and is designed to secure the sport’s exciting and sustainable future for the next decade and beyond.