Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Lhasa’s dancing yak mascots become online sensation

    Lhasa’s dancing yak mascots become online sensation

    In an unexpected cultural phenomenon, a troupe of dancing yak mascots has taken social media by storm from their riverside stage in Lhasa, Tibet. These charismatic performers have amassed millions of online views through their innovative blend of traditional Tibetan dance with contemporary Latin, samba, and pop movements.

    The mascots represent a groundbreaking cultural tourism initiative rooted in Tibet’s rich heritage, particularly drawing inspiration from the traditional leather boat dance. What distinguishes these performances is their modern reinterpretation of cultural elements, creating an accessible bridge between Tibetan traditions and global entertainment trends.

    According to Basang Tenzin, deputy general manager of Lhasa Potala Tourism and Culture Group, the viral success emerged organically. ‘The convergence of the distinctive white yak design, professional performers embodying the character, and authentic Tibetan cultural elements created this perfect storm of popularity,’ Tenzin explained.

    The attraction has drawn visitors from across China, with enthusiasts traveling from Gansu, Jiangsu, and Xinjiang specifically to witness the performances. Qu Shuhan, marketing staff at project operator Lhasa Lanjie Culture and Tourism Co, confirmed the mascots’ broad appeal to both locals and tourists.

    Long-term resident Fu Shiyu expressed pride in the development: ‘Their round, adorable, and friendly appearance has drawn more people here. It’s rewarding to see them help more people discover Lhasa and Tibetan culture.’

    The dancing yaks form part of a comprehensive strategy to activate Lhasa’s riverside spaces through cultural programming that includes night cruises, light displays, and themed performances. This joint initiative between local authorities and private enterprises is projected to attract 500,000 annual visitors and generate over 300 million yuan ($42.6 million) in revenue, according to a September statement from Lhasa’s publicity department.

  • Sharjah math teacher named Top 50 finalist for $1 million global teacher prize

    Sharjah math teacher named Top 50 finalist for $1 million global teacher prize

    Hala Shahin, a distinguished mathematics educator from Sharjah’s Khawla Bint Tha’albaa School, has achieved international recognition as one of the top 50 finalists for the 2026 Global Teacher Prize. This prestigious $1 million award, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, represents the world’s most substantial honor for educational excellence. Selected from an impressive pool of over 5,000 candidates across 139 nations, Shahin’s innovative teaching methodologies have transformed mathematical education throughout the UAE and Arab region.

    Shahin’s educational philosophy combines cutting-edge technology with engaging pedagogical approaches. She has developed sophisticated tracking systems and AI-powered assessment tools while pioneering a play-based instructional model that makes mathematics accessible and enjoyable for students. Her signature programs—the Guiding Young Talents framework and Treasures of Mathematics resources—have demonstrated remarkable success in supporting students with disabilities and achieving perfect scores.

    Beyond conventional mathematics instruction, Shahin integrates climate education and community service through initiatives like the ‘You Are Strong’ project, Khawla Sustainability Competition, and student Red Crescent team. These programs effectively connect mathematical concepts with real-world applications in sustainability and social responsibility.

    As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and multiple national award recipient, Shahin has spent nearly three decades refining her craft since being inspired by a transformative math teacher at age 14. Beginning her career in Egypt before moving to the UAE, she has merged advanced studies in school leadership and artificial intelligence with practical classroom experience to develop a new generation of innovative thinkers.

    The Global Teacher Prize, established by Sunny Varkey through GEMS Education and The Varkey Foundation, recognizes educators who profoundly impact students’ lives beyond the classroom. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini emphasized the critical role of teachers in addressing global challenges, including educator shortages and climate action, noting that investment in teachers is essential for building a sustainable future.

    The selection process will now advance to choosing ten finalists, with the ultimate winner determined by the Global Teacher Prize Academy and announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026.

  • China handles over 180b parcels in first 11 months

    China handles over 180b parcels in first 11 months

    China’s logistics sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, with official data revealing the handling of over 180 billion parcel deliveries during the initial eleven months of 2025. This substantial volume represents a significant year-on-year increase of approximately 15%, underscoring the sector’s robust expansion amid evolving market conditions.

    The State Post Bureau of China, the nation’s postal regulatory authority, released these figures on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The data highlights the continuous expansion of China’s delivery infrastructure, which has become increasingly vital to both domestic economic activity and global supply chains.

    This growth trajectory reflects several converging factors: the deepening penetration of e-commerce platforms in both urban and rural markets, technological advancements in logistics automation, and improved last-mile delivery capabilities across the country’s diverse geographic regions. The sector’s performance remains a key indicator of domestic consumption patterns and economic vitality.

    The report emerges alongside other significant developments in China’s infrastructure and technology sectors, including railway passenger records and satellite launches, painting a picture of comprehensive technological and logistical advancement. The parcel delivery milestone particularly highlights how digital transformation continues to reshape consumer behavior and commercial distribution networks throughout China.

  • Winter swimmers dive into frigid waters in Harbin

    Winter swimmers dive into frigid waters in Harbin

    In a breathtaking display of human endurance, dedicated winter swimmers in Harbin defied extreme subzero temperatures to plunge into the frozen waters of the Songhua River. With recent temperatures plummeting to -20°C (-4°F), these cold-water enthusiasts demonstrated remarkable resilience as they leaped from a 4-meter-high diving platform into the icy current below.

    The event transformed the riverbank into a spectacle of human determination, with each diver receiving enthusiastic applause from gathered spectators. These winter swimming practitioners, who regularly brave the harsh conditions, consider the activity both a physical challenge and a wellness practice that boosts immunity and mental fortitude.

    Harbin, known for its brutally cold winters and spectacular ice festivals, has long been a hub for winter swimming enthusiasts. The tradition represents a unique cultural phenomenon in northern China where residents embrace rather than retreat from the extreme winter conditions. The swimmers’ ability to withstand such frigid temperatures continues to attract both participants and observers, creating a distinctive winter tradition that highlights human adaptability to challenging environments.

  • Millions facing acute food insecurity in Afghanistan as winter looms, UN warns

    Millions facing acute food insecurity in Afghanistan as winter looms, UN warns

    GENEVA — Afghanistan confronts an escalating humanitarian emergency as winter approaches, with over 17 million citizens—more than one-third of the population—projected to experience crisis-level food shortages through March 2026. This alarming figure represents a significant increase of approximately 3 million people compared to the previous year’s assessment.

    The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global authority monitoring hunger crises, attributes this deterioration to multiple converging factors: persistent economic instability, recurring drought conditions, diminishing international aid flows, and the substantial return of Afghan nationals from neighboring Iran and Pakistan. These returnees, numbering over 2.5 million this year alone, have placed additional strain on already limited resources.

    Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security at the United Nations World Food Program, emphasized the severity of the situation during a Geneva press briefing. “The IPC data reveals that more than 17 million Afghans are confronting acute food insecurity—a distressing increase of 3 million from last year’s figures,” Bauer stated via video link from Rome.

    The crisis particularly threatens Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations. Bauer highlighted that “nearly 4 million children currently suffer from acute malnutrition, with approximately 1 million experiencing severe acute malnutrition requiring immediate hospital treatment.”

    Current food assistance reaches merely 2.7% of the population, according to IPC reports. This inadequate response is compounded by economic fragility, widespread unemployment, and reduced remittance flows from abroad.

    The United Nations recently characterized Afghanistan’s situation as both “severe” and “precarious” as the country enters its first winter without U.S. foreign assistance and with virtually no international food distribution. Tom Fletcher, the UN Humanitarian Chief, informed the Security Council that “overlapping shocks”—including recent devastating earthquakes and increasing restrictions on humanitarian access—have further exacerbated the crisis.

    While nearly 22 million Afghans will require UN assistance in 2026, the organization will prioritize 3.9 million individuals facing the most urgent life-threatening conditions due to constrained donor contributions. The IPC projects potential improvement may begin with the spring harvest season starting in April.

  • ‘Clear about our targets’: Delhi Capitals CEO before IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi

    ‘Clear about our targets’: Delhi Capitals CEO before IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi

    As the Indian Premier League approaches its 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta has outlined the franchise’s strategic vision for building a competitive squad. The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise enters the December 16 auction with eight slots to fill and a remaining purse of ₹21.80 crore, including five overseas positions.

    The team has completed a significant pre-auction trade with Rajasthan Royals, acquiring experienced left-handed batsman Nitish Rana in exchange for Donovan Ferreira. Gupta emphasized Rana’s value as a seasoned IPL campaigner and local talent, noting his familiarity with home conditions and previous franchise experience make him an ideal addition to the Capitals’ lineup.

    From the initial pool of 1,390 registered players, organizers have shortlisted 350 candidates—240 Indian and 110 overseas players—including 224 uncapped Indian talents and 14 uncapped international prospects, providing substantial depth to this year’s selection process.

    Gupta confirmed the retention of a solid core group from last season despite narrowly missing playoff qualification. He characterized the previous campaign as filled with valuable learnings that will inform their approach going forward. The scouting team has conducted extensive preparations, and management has identified specific targets to address remaining squad requirements.

    While promising aggressive bidding where necessary, Gupta emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility during the dynamic auction process. The franchise leadership has arrived in Abu Dhabi fully prepared to navigate the complexities of player acquisition while staying focused on their ultimate objective of building a championship-caliber team.

  • ‘General Hospital’ star Anthony Geary passes away at 78

    ‘General Hospital’ star Anthony Geary passes away at 78

    The entertainment world mourns the loss of Anthony Geary, the acclaimed actor who brought the iconic character Luke Spencer to life on ABC’s long-running daytime drama ‘General Hospital,’ who passed away Sunday at age 78. While initial reports from TMZ indicate his death occurred in Amsterdam following complications from a planned surgical procedure, the official cause remains unconfirmed.

    Geary’s journey to television immortality began in his native Utah, where he earned a theater scholarship to the University of Utah before migrating to Los Angeles during the 1970s to pursue acting. His early career included guest appearances on popular series including ‘The Partridge Family,’ ‘The Mod Squad,’ and ‘All in the Family’ before his transformative casting in 1978.

    It was producer-director Gloria Monty who recognized Geary’s potential and crafted the complex character of Lucas Lorenzo Spencer specifically for him. Monty envisioned Luke as an antihero—a morally ambiguous figure who consistently made questionable choices for ultimately righteous reasons. This groundbreaking character archetype would revolutionize daytime television storytelling.

    Geary’s portrayal achieved cultural phenomenon status through his electrifying chemistry with co-star Genie Francis, who played Laura Webber. Their characters’ tumultuous romance captivated millions, culminating in a 1981 wedding episode that attracted approximately 30 million viewers—a record-setting audience for daytime television that even drew Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor for a special appearance.

    Throughout his celebrated career, Geary established himself as the most decorated actor in daytime television history, earning an unprecedented eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series between 1982 and 2015, supplemented by nine additional nominations. His tenure on ‘General Hospital’ spanned multiple decades, featuring a brief departure in 1983 before his return in 1991, ultimately concluding his regular appearances in July 2015.

    Executive producer Frank Valentini expressed the profound grief felt throughout the ‘General Hospital’ community: ‘The entire General Hospital family is heartbroken over the news of Tony Geary’s passing. Tony was a brilliant actor and set the bar that we continue to strive for. His legacy, and that of Luke Spencer’s, will live on through the generations of G.H. cast members who have followed in his footsteps.’

  • Netanyahu faces backlash after blaming Bondi attack on Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood

    Netanyahu faces backlash after blaming Bondi attack on Australia’s support for Palestinian statehood

    International condemnation has mounted against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his controversial assertion that Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood contributed to the deadly Sydney attack that killed 15 people. The political firestorm erupted after Netanyahu revealed he had previously warned Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that his government’s policy was “promoting and encouraging antisemitism” and would “pour fuel on the antisemitic fire.”

    The tragedy unfolded when two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, leaving multiple others wounded in one of Australia’s deadliest antisemitic attacks. Netanyahu immediately connected the massacre to Australia’s diplomatic stance, claiming recognition of Palestine “rewards Hamas terrorism” and “emboldens those who menace Australian Jews.”

    Prime Minister Albanese firmly rejected this connection in an ABC interview, stating: “No, I don’t perceive a link, and overwhelmingly, most of the world recognises a two-state solution as being the way forward in the Middle East.” This position received substantial support across social media platforms, where users widely criticized Netanyahu’s logic as flawed and politically motivated.

    United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter Terrorism Ben Saul expressed being “disgusted” by Netanyahu’s allegations, emphasizing that “Australia has taken extensive measures to prevent anti-semitism.” Prominent voices including Israeli-American academic Shaiel Ben-Ephraim and journalist Barry Malone accused Netanyahu of exploiting tragedy to advance political objectives, with Malone noting the consistent “weaponisation” of antisemitic attacks reduces victims to “political pawns.”

    The digital backlash highlighted concerns that Netanyahu’s comments undermine genuine efforts against antisemitism while attempting to legitimize Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Many social media users characterized the response as “predictable” and “morally obscene,” arguing it represents a cynical conflation of Palestinian statehood with antisemitic violence.

  • Investment scam alert in UAE: Experts warn against high ‘guaranteed returns’

    Investment scam alert in UAE: Experts warn against high ‘guaranteed returns’

    Financial security experts in the United Arab Emirates are sounding alarms over an escalating wave of sophisticated investment fraud schemes targeting residents seeking alternative income streams. These fraudulent operations are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including cloning legitimate financial institution branding and regulatory emblems to appear authentic.

    According to Muhammad Alamer, an SCA-licensed financial influencer with 17 years of market experience, the promise of ‘guaranteed returns with zero risk’ remains the most reliable indicator of fraudulent activity. “Legitimate financial markets simply do not offer such investments,” Alamer emphasized, noting that even top-performing institutional fund managers cannot consistently deliver the extravagant returns—sometimes exceeding 10-15% monthly—promised by these schemes.

    The deception extends beyond unrealistic returns. Scammers employ psychological pressure tactics using phrases like ‘limited availability’ or ‘expiring offers’ to bypass rational decision-making. Additional red flags include vague investment strategies, difficulties withdrawing funds, unsolicited contact through social media or WhatsApp, and unverifiable credentials.

    Industry analyst Ibrahim El Sheikh attributes the surge in fraudulent schemes to multiple converging factors: market volatility, rising living costs, and increased accessibility to online trading platforms. “As more residents look beyond traditional savings to grow their wealth, fraudsters are exploiting this shift with simplified, high-return narratives that appeal to inexperienced investors,” El Sheikh explained.

    Social media platforms have become particularly effective vectors for these scams. Paid promotions, sponsored content, and direct messaging enable fraudsters to reach vast audiences without face-to-face interaction. The use of professional-looking websites and influencer-style messaging further lowers suspicion among potential victims.

    UAE authorities have responded with increased vigilance. The Securities and Commodities Authority recently issued warnings against two unauthorized entities—XC Market Limited and XCE Commercial Brokers LLC—and exposed a fraudulent operation masquerading as the ‘Gulf Higher Authority for Financial Conduct’ through the website financialgcc.com.

    In November, Dubai Police’s Anti-Fraud Center alerted the public to investment offers promising fixed monthly returns up to 10% without risk, noting these often operate as pyramid schemes where new investor funds pay earlier participants before operators disappear.

    Alamer praised the UAE’s new Advertiser Permit system, which requires social media promoters to obtain licenses and disclose permit numbers publicly. However, he called for enhanced cross-platform coordination to prevent scammers simply migrating between services when banned.

    The consensus among experts is clear: verification remains the strongest defense against financial fraud. Residents are urged to independently confirm licensing status through official channels before committing funds to any investment opportunity.

  • China launches new satellite

    China launches new satellite

    China has successfully deployed its latest Earth observation satellite, marking another milestone in the nation’s ambitious space program. The Ziyuan III 04 spacecraft ascended into orbit aboard a Long March 4B rocket at precisely 11:17 am Beijing Time on December 16, 2025, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province.

    This launch represents the 617th mission in the storied history of China’s Long March rocket series, demonstrating the program’s remarkable consistency and technical maturity. The Ziyuan (which translates to ‘Resources’) satellite family specializes in high-resolution terrestrial imaging with applications spanning environmental monitoring, urban planning, agricultural assessment, and disaster mitigation.

    The Taiyuan facility, situated in northern China’s mountainous region, has established itself as a premier launch site for polar-orbiting satellites. The successful deployment continues China’s pattern of regular space missions that support both scientific research and practical Earth observation needs. Space technology experts note that the Ziyuan series contributes significantly to global environmental monitoring efforts while advancing China’s capabilities in remote sensing technology.

    This achievement occurs within the broader context of China’s expanding space infrastructure, which includes navigation satellites, communication networks, and crewed space stations. The continuous development of space assets reflects China’s strategic commitment to technological sovereignty and its growing role in space exploration and Earth sciences.