Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • B1 Properties brokers landmark Dh88 million Palm Jumeirah plot sale

    B1 Properties brokers landmark Dh88 million Palm Jumeirah plot sale

    Dubai’s luxury property sector has witnessed a landmark transaction as B1 Properties brokered the sale of a premium signature plot on Palm Jumeirah for Dh88 million (approximately $24 million). The 13,579-square-foot plot achieved the highest price per square foot recorded on the artificial archipelago in 2025, signaling robust investor confidence in Dubai’s high-end real estate market.

    The transaction, representing both buyer and seller, was remarkably completed within just one week from initial engagement to final transfer. This expedited process demonstrates both the market’s dynamism and B1 Properties’ operational efficiency in handling premium real estate deals.

    Market analysis indicates surging demand for Palm Jumeirah plots throughout 2025, driven by discerning investors and homeowners seeking rare opportunities to develop custom luxury villas tailored to their personal vision and lifestyle preferences. This transaction exemplifies the intense competition for premium development land in one of Dubai’s most exclusive residential destinations.

    Babak Jafari, CEO and Founder of B1 Properties, commented on the market dynamics: ‘The appetite for premium plots on Palm Jumeirah remains insatiable. Clients who act decisively to secure these rare parcels are well positioned to benefit from long-term exclusivity and strong capital appreciation.’

    The sale reinforces B1 Properties’ position as a leading authority in Dubai’s luxury real estate sector, with the company noting that several clients are already progressing with construction on newly acquired plots. This indicates a market characterized by immediate action and strategic investment timing rather than speculative holding.

    As 2025 concludes, this transaction sets new benchmarks across Dubai’s most coveted luxury locations, highlighting the continued attractiveness of signature properties for high-net-worth individuals seeking both lifestyle investments and capital growth opportunities in the emirate’s premium real estate market.

  • Israel announces establishment of 11 new settlements in the West Bank

    Israel announces establishment of 11 new settlements in the West Bank

    The Israeli government has authorized the establishment of 11 new settlements within the occupied West Bank, a contentious decision announced amidst ongoing efforts to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. This move, coupled with the legalization of eight previously unauthorized outposts, represents a significant expansion of Israeli presence in territories recognized as occupied under international law.

    The security cabinet approved these settlements on December 12th following proposals from far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz. This development brings the total number of settlements approved during Smotrich’s tenure since November 2022 to 69. The minister celebrated the decision as “a record like no other,” proclaiming on social media that “the people of Israel are returning to their land, building it and strengthening their hold on it.”

    Among the newly legalized areas are Kadim and Ganim, two of four West Bank settlements dismantled in 2005 during Israel’s Gaza disengagement. This authorization occurs despite clear international legal standards that deem all settlement construction in occupied territories illegal.

    Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in around 150 government-authorized settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories seized during the 1967 Middle East war. An additional 200 unauthorized outposts complete the settlement landscape, with the International Court of Justice ruling in 2024 that both types of settlements violate international law.

    Palestinian authorities have condemned the move vehemently. Muayyad Shaban, head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission and a Palestinian Authority minister, characterized the decision as “a war of extermination against Palestinian geography.” He urged international intervention to halt what he described as “a dangerous escalation” that reveals “the true intentions of the occupation government to entrench the system of annexation, apartheid and the complete Judaisation of Palestinian land.”

    International criticism has emerged as well. British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer condemned the settlements as “illegal under international law” and warned they risk undermining both the US-designed 20-Point Plan to end the Gaza war and prospects for a two-state solution.

    The announcement comes against a backdrop of escalating violence in the West Bank. Since the beginning of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank. According to the Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission, November alone witnessed approximately 2,144 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian civilians and property, with 1,523 perpetrated by soldiers and 621 by settlers.

  • ‘The Wire’, ‘It: Chapter Two’ actor James Ransone dies at 46

    ‘The Wire’, ‘It: Chapter Two’ actor James Ransone dies at 46

    The entertainment industry mourns the tragic loss of actor James Ransone, who passed away at age 46 on December 19th. According to official reports from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner obtained by TMZ, the accomplished performer died by suicide through hanging. Law enforcement officials confirmed they responded to a residential call where they completed a death investigation, finding no evidence of foul play.

    Ransone established his acting credentials through memorable performances across television and film. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Baltimore dock worker Ziggy Sobotka during the second season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series ‘The Wire.’ His character’s dramatic arc culminated in a violent crime followed by confession and imprisonment across 12 compelling episodes.

    Born in 1979, Ransone’s career began with the 2002 teen drama ‘Ken Park’ before his breakthrough role in ‘The Wire’ the following year. He further demonstrated his versatility through his portrayal of Marine Cpl. Josh Ray Person in the HBO mini-series ‘Generation Kill’ alongside Alexander Skarsgård.

    In 2019, Ransone joined the ensemble cast of ‘It: Chapter Two’ as the adult version of anxiety-ridden character Eddie Kaspbrak. His filmography included notable projects such as ‘The Black Phone’ franchise, ‘V/H/S/85,’ ‘Small Engine Repair,’ ‘What We Found,’ and Sean Baker’s groundbreaking 2015 film ‘Tangerine.’ His television credits encompassed appearances in ‘Seal Team,’ ‘Poker Face,’ ’50 States of Fright,’ and ‘The First.’

    Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children. The circumstances of his passing have sparked conversations about mental health awareness within the entertainment community.

  • Best practices in youth cultural exchange released at Chongqing conference

    Best practices in youth cultural exchange released at Chongqing conference

    Chongqing hosted the pivotal 2025 Annual Educational Conference of International People-to-People Exchange for Youth from December 20-21, where educational leaders unveiled a comprehensive guide to successful youth cultural exchange programs. The gathering served as a platform for sharing innovative approaches to international youth engagement.

    The newly released compilation documents exemplary practices and developmental frameworks from 160 organizations throughout China. This systematic review of successful exchange models was prepared by the Research Center of International People-to-People Exchange, the event’s organizing body.

    The conference brought together educators, policymakers, and cultural exchange specialists to discuss evolving strategies in global youth connectivity. The best practices compilation aims to standardize and enhance future exchange programs between Chinese youth and their international counterparts.

    Chongqing’s selection as host city underscores its growing importance as an educational and cultural hub in western China. The event facilitated professional networking and knowledge sharing among institutions dedicated to cross-cultural understanding.

    The released materials provide practical frameworks for educational institutions seeking to establish or improve their international exchange initiatives. This effort represents China’s continued commitment to fostering global citizenship and intercultural dialogue among younger generations.

  • Yearender: China’s 2025 space endeavors have seen new milestones

    Yearender: China’s 2025 space endeavors have seen new milestones

    China’s space program concluded 2025 with unprecedented achievements, demonstrating remarkable capabilities in orbital operations and deep space exploration. The year witnessed two historic firsts: the successful execution of an emergency crew rescue mission and the launch of the nation’s inaugural asteroid sampling expedition.

    The Tianwen-2 probe embarked on its decade-long mission on May 29, marking China’s first venture to collect samples from asteroid 2016HO3 before proceeding to study main-belt comet 311P. This pioneering mission aims to analyze the physical properties, composition, and internal structures of these celestial bodies, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of small planetary formation and evolution.

    Orbital operations reached new heights of sophistication when the Shenzhou XX spacecraft developed critical viewport cracks from space debris impact shortly before its scheduled November return. In response, China executed two emergency procedures: the safe return of astronauts aboard the backup Shenzhou XXI spacecraft, and the rapid launch of unmanned Shenzhou XXII with repair equipment and supplies. This demonstrated unprecedented contingency response capabilities in human spaceflight history.

    Scientific research aboard the space station yielded extraordinary results, including the creation of spinor Bose-Einstein condensates using all-optical traps, establishment of quantum simulation platforms cooling atoms to picokelvin temperatures, and successful breeding of three generations of fruit flies in microgravity. The Shenzhou XX mission additionally produced high-quality protein crystals with potential cancer therapy applications, achieved record-high materials science temperatures exceeding 3,100°C, and conducted groundbreaking colloid crystallization studies.

    Lunar exploration advanced significantly with the return of experimental moon bricks after year-long space exposure, providing crucial data for future lunar construction. Analysis of Chang’e-6 far side samples revealed temperature differentials between the moon’s hemispheres, offering new insights into lunar geological evolution.

    International collaboration expanded through February’s agreement with Pakistan for astronaut training, reinforcing China’s commitment to global space cooperation. These achievements establish strong foundations for China’s ambitious plans: crewed lunar landings by 2030 and establishment of the International Lunar Research Station by 2035.

  • HONOR opens flagship experience store at Dubai Mall, marking a new chapter in AI Smart Living

    HONOR opens flagship experience store at Dubai Mall, marking a new chapter in AI Smart Living

    HONOR has inaugurated a groundbreaking flagship experience store at Dubai Mall, establishing a new paradigm for retail engagement centered on artificial intelligence and smart living ecosystems. This strategic expansion into one of the world’s premier shopping destinations represents a significant advancement in the brand’s Middle Eastern market presence, combining retail innovation with direct consumer interaction.

    The newly launched HONOR Experience Store (HES) functions as an immersive technology hub, featuring dedicated zones for hands-on exploration of the brand’s comprehensive product portfolio. Beyond conventional product displays, the space offers interactive installations demonstrating HONOR’s vision for AI-integrated daily life, spanning smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and innovative lifestyle solutions.

    The opening coincided with the pre-order pickup day for HONOR’s premium Magic8 Pro device, which has demonstrated remarkable market traction with a 58% increase in pre-orders compared to its predecessor. This performance indicates growing consumer confidence in HONOR’s technological offerings and reinforces the brand’s position in the competitive premium device segment.

    Debo Zhang, General Manager of HONOR GCC, emphasized the strategic importance of this development: “Our flagship establishment at Dubai Mall reflects our enduring commitment to creating consumer-centric experiences while strengthening our reputation as a trusted technology brand in the region. Combining this retail milestone with our latest product launch creates a powerful convergence of innovation and consumer engagement.”

    The store introduces several GCC-exclusive AI ecosystem products, including the Smart Guitar, Smart Piano Keyboard, Smart Air Drum, Musical Travel Pillow, and HONOR Choice Earbuds Perfume. These offerings demonstrate HONOR’s expansion beyond mobile devices into creative technologies and enhanced lifestyle experiences.

    Inauguration celebrations include special customer benefits such as extended warranties, promotional lucky draws offering additional Magic8 Pro devices, and substantial discounts on selected products. Seasonal Christmas bundles combining smartphones with complementary IoT devices provide comprehensive solutions for various lifestyle needs, available both at the physical location and through HONOR’s e-commerce platform.

    This flagship establishment represents a long-term strategic investment in experiential retail rather than a temporary marketing initiative, positioning HONOR at the forefront of retail innovation while showcasing its evolving AI ecosystem capabilities.

  • Exhibition of entries for 6th China animal specimen competition opens in Shanghai

    Exhibition of entries for 6th China animal specimen competition opens in Shanghai

    Shanghai has become the stage for showcasing exceptional achievements in zoological preservation as the exhibition of winning entries from the 6th China Animal Specimen Competition opened to the public on December 20, 2025. The prestigious event, marking a significant milestone in China’s specimen-making industry, has drawn unprecedented participation with 738 submissions from across the nation—the first time entries have been accepted nationwide.

    The exhibition, hosted at the China-Israel (Shanghai) Innovation Park in Putuo District, presents the carefully selected works following an intensive three-day evaluation process conducted by a distinguished panel of 19 experts from scientific research institutions, museums, and fine arts disciplines. The display will remain open to the public free of charge until March 22, 2026, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate these scientific artworks.

    This year’s competition has achieved remarkable scale and quality, attracting over 800 participants representing museums, universities, research institutes, and even primary and secondary schools nationwide. The event emphasizes scientific precision, requiring specimens to accurately represent biological characteristics in both form and anatomical structure with precise species identification.

    Beyond scientific accuracy, entries were evaluated across multiple criteria including craftsmanship, artistic expression, and collection value. The competition featured ten distinct categories encompassing large mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles, and creative simulations, demonstrating the diverse approaches to this specialized field that blends science with artistry.

  • Steam train ice sculpture wows Harbin ice festival

    Steam train ice sculpture wows Harbin ice festival

    The 27th Harbin Ice and Snow World in China’s Heilongjiang province has unveiled an extraordinary feat of frozen engineering—a fully functional steam train ice sculpture that breathes real vapor into the frigid air. This magnificent installation has rapidly emerged as the festival’s crown jewel, captivating visitors with its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and technological innovation.

    Stretching an impressive 42 meters in length and towering six meters high, the colossal sculpture required 2,200 cubic meters of meticulously carved ice blocks. The true marvel lies in its sophisticated internal mechanism: engineers employed low-temperature copper piping integrated with micro boilers to replicate the authentic operation of a historic steam locomotive. At precisely timed three-minute intervals, the sculpture comes alive as genuine white steam billows along the ice carriage, immediately crystallizing into delicate frost formations that create ethereal light reflections.

    The multisensory experience reaches its peak with the addition of historical authenticity—a genuine whistle salvaged from a 1958 Dongfanghong diesel locomotive pierces the cold air at regular intervals. This auditory element transforms what would otherwise be a static ice display into a dynamic, living artwork that transports visitors back to the golden age of steam locomotion.

    Art director Li Wei explained the technical challenges: “Maintaining the precise temperature balance between functioning steam production and ice preservation required unprecedented engineering precision. The micro boilers must generate sufficient vapor while ensuring the surrounding ice structure remains intact.”

    The steam train installation represents a significant evolution in ice sculpting techniques, merging traditional carving skills with mechanical engineering. Festival organizers note that visitor numbers have increased by approximately 30% compared to previous years, with many specifically requesting to see the “breathing ice train.” The installation will remain operational throughout the festival’s duration, weather permitting, offering a unique winter experience that celebrates both historical transportation and frozen art innovation.

  • Plans to host AC Milan-Como Serie A match in Australia abandoned

    Plans to host AC Milan-Como Serie A match in Australia abandoned

    In a significant setback for international football expansion, plans to stage a historic Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Australia this February have been formally abandoned. The Italian league and local Australian organizers issued a joint statement confirming the cancellation, citing insurmountable logistical challenges.

    Serie A president Ezio Simonelli revealed that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) presented unexpected and “unacceptable requests” that ultimately made the overseas fixture impossible to organize. The match was initially conceived as a strategic solution when AC Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium becomes unavailable due to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony preparations.

    This cancellation represents a missed opportunity for European football, as it would have marked the first time a domestic match from one of Europe’s top five leagues was played outside the continent. The irony lies in the geographical proximity of the two clubs—Milan and Como are situated less than an hour apart in Northern Italy, yet their scheduled February 8th encounter now requires alternative domestic arrangements.

    This development follows a similar pattern in Spanish football, where La Liga’s planned Barcelona-Villarreal match in Miami was canceled last October following substantial protests from players and supporters in Spain. The consecutive failures of these international initiatives raise serious questions about the feasibility of exporting domestic football matches across continents, highlighting the complex regulatory, logistical, and cultural barriers that remain unresolved in global football governance.

  • International students celebrate New Year in Shanxi gala

    International students celebrate New Year in Shanxi gala

    JINZHONG, SHANXI – In a vibrant display of cross-cultural unity, over 200 international students from 16 nations gathered Friday evening for the Shanxi International Students’ 2026 New Year Gala. The event transformed into a global stage where traditional boundaries dissolved through shared artistic expression.

    The Jinzhong-based celebration featured an eclectic program that seamlessly blended cultural performances from Russia, Thailand, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and numerous other countries. Students showcased both their native artistic traditions and interpretations of Chinese cultural forms, creating a dynamic dialogue between diverse heritage and local customs.

    Among the standout performances, Miah Md Rabbl, a 22-year-old Bangladeshi engineering student from Taiyuan University of Technology, captivated audiences with a traditional South Asian dance. His ensemble aimed to transmit New Year’s blessings through rhythmic movement and colorful costumes.

    The evening also featured profound cultural exchanges beyond dance. Al-Bara Kareem, a Yemeni scholar at Shanxi University, moved the audience with his Mandarin poetry recitation. Reflecting on his four-year academic journey in China, Kareem acknowledged initial language barriers that were overcome through supportive Chinese classmates. His preparation for the performance, he noted, provided deeper insights into China’s rich historical tapestry and philosophical traditions.

    The gala served as both a pre-Spring Festival celebration and a testament to Shanxi’s growing role as an international education hub. Participants emphasized how such cultural gatherings foster mutual understanding and create lasting bonds between students from diverse backgrounds.