Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Khamenei warns of ‘regional war’ if US attacks Iran

    Khamenei warns of ‘regional war’ if US attacks Iran

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning on Sunday, declaring that any American military action against Iran would trigger a full-scale regional conflict. This statement comes amid significant US naval deployments to the Persian Gulf region.

    The heightened tensions follow President Donald Trump’s repeated threats of military intervention unless Iran accepts nuclear agreement terms and ceases its suppression of domestic protests. Khamenei, speaking through state media channels, emphasized that while Iran does not seek conflict, it would deliver a ‘strong blow’ against any aggressor.

    Current US naval presence in the region includes six destroyers, one aircraft carrier, and three littoral combat ships—a force characterized by Trump as a ‘massive armada.’ Despite this show of force, Khamenei asserted that such displays would neither intimidate Iran nor sway its political resolve.

    The protests referenced by both nations began in late December amid severe economic pressures including rampant inflation and rising living costs. Iranian authorities have characterized the demonstrations as attempted ‘sedition’ aimed at undermining governmental institutions.

    Casualty figures remain disputed, with official Iranian sources reporting 3,117 deaths while independent monitoring groups verify nearly 6,713 fatalities. This crackdown prompted the European Union to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, met by reciprocal measures from Iranian lawmakers against European military forces.

    Despite escalating rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain active. Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, confirmed that negotiation frameworks are progressing, while Trump acknowledged ongoing dialogue without retracting previous threats. Both nations appear to maintain parallel tracks of military posturing and diplomatic engagement.

  • Ekitike, Wirtz give Liverpool sight of bright future in Newcastle win

    Ekitike, Wirtz give Liverpool sight of bright future in Newcastle win

    Anfield witnessed a dramatic resurgence on Saturday as Liverpool overturned an early deficit to secure a commanding 4-1 victory against Newcastle United, marking their first Premier League triumph of 2026. The match, characterized by strategic brilliance and emotional moments, showcased the burgeoning potential of the club’s high-profile signings.

    Newcastle initially seized control, dominating possession and deservedly taking the lead through Anthony Gordon’s first open-play Premier League goal in over a year. The Magpies’ early dominance exposed lingering vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s defense, continuing a concerning trend for manager Arne Slot.

    The game’s momentum shifted decisively just before halftime through French striker Hugo Ekitike’s remarkable two-goal burst within two minutes. The £69 million signing from Eintracht Frankfurt first demonstrated clinical finishing after combining brilliantly with Florian Wirtz, then showcased electrifying pace to latch onto Milos Kerkez’s long ball and fire into the far corner.

    The second half saw German international Florian Wirtz continue his impressive scoring form, netting his sixth goal in ten matches after connecting with Mohamed Salah’s pass. The £100 million acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen has progressively justified his substantial transfer fee after initially struggling to find his scoring touch.

    The emotional climax arrived when Ibrahima Konate, returning from compassionate leave following his father’s passing, capitalized on a goalkeeping error to complete the scoring. The French defender’s tearful celebration provided a poignant moment that resonated throughout the stadium.

    This crucial victory elevates Liverpool to fifth position, virtually guaranteeing Champions League qualification next season due to English clubs’ strong European performances. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s dismal record at Anfield extends to 30 league visits without victory, with Eddie Howe’s side slipping to tenth place and six points adrift of European qualification.

  • Dubai Duty Free posts record January sales of Dh858 million

    Dubai Duty Free posts record January sales of Dh858 million

    Dubai Duty Free has commenced 2026 with unprecedented commercial success, achieving a historic January sales record of Dh858.21 million. This remarkable figure represents an 18.53% surge compared to the same period last year, establishing the strongest January performance in the company’s history and positioning it as the third-highest sales month overall, trailing only December 2025 (Dh922.77 million) and November 2025 (Dh876.56 million).

    The retail phenomenon demonstrated particularly impressive performance on January 31st, which recorded the month’s peak daily revenue of Dh35.6 million. Notably, sales growth significantly outpaced passenger traffic increases at Dubai International Airport by an estimated 13.5%, indicating substantially higher per-passenger spending patterns.

    Category performance analysis reveals extraordinary growth across multiple sectors. Gold emerged as the standout performer with a 45.74% increase generating Dh104 million in revenue. Fashion merchandise followed closely with a 36.68% surge contributing nearly Dh82 million, while electronics experienced parallel growth of 36.61% amounting to Dh65 million. Precious jewellery demonstrated the most dramatic percentage growth at 69.51% with sales reaching Dh28 million.

    Additional strong performers included perfumes (13.61% growth to Dh147 million), confectionery (15.35% increase to Dh80.69 million), cosmetics (7.67% rise to Dh40 million), watches (30.94% climb to Dh33 million), and delicatessen (8.36% growth to Dh27.77 million). Dubai Chocolates particularly shined with sales doubling to Dh36 million from 83 tonnes sold, compared to Dh24 million from 42 tonnes during January 2025.

    Regional market analysis revealed Europe and Russia leading geographical growth with increases of 35% and 36% respectively. Africa followed with robust 29% growth, while the Americas registered 22.5% expansion. The Indian subcontinent, Far East, and Middle East markets posted gains of 11%, 10.5%, and 5.3% respectively.

    Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi commented: ‘We are extremely pleased to begin 2026 with our strongest January performance ever, following a record-breaking 2025. The significant outperformance relative to passenger growth demonstrates higher spend per passenger, strong demand across key categories, and expansion across all major geographical regions.’

    The exceptional start to 2026, characterized by record sales, diversified category growth, and increased passenger expenditure, establishes a profoundly positive trajectory for Dubai Duty Free’s annual performance.

  • ‘Quiet assassin’ Rybakina targets world number one after Melbourne win

    ‘Quiet assassin’ Rybakina targets world number one after Melbourne win

    Elena Rybakina has solidified her status as tennis’s premier ‘quiet assassin’ following a spectacular Australian Open victory that positions her for a potential ascent to world number one. The Moscow-born Kazakh star demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure to dethrone defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping three-set final (6-4, 4-6, 6-4) that showcased the sport’s most explosive power game.

    The 26-year-old’s Melbourne triumph represents her second Grand Slam title, coming more than three years after her breakthrough Wimbledon victory in 2022. This latest achievement gains additional significance considering Rybakina’s path to the championship included victories over both the world’s top-ranked players—Sabalenka and Poland’s Iga Swiatek, whom she dispatched in straight sets during the quarterfinals.

    Rybakina’s journey to tennis elite status has been marked by significant challenges. Since switching allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018 for financial support reasons, her career has been periodically hampered by physical ailments including chronic back issues and insomnia. These struggles made her recent 20-win streak from the past 21 matches particularly impressive.

    The final itself represented a dramatic reversal of fortune from the 2023 Australian Open championship, where Sabalenka had rallied from a set down to claim victory. This time, despite the Belarusian establishing a 3-0 advantage in the decisive third set, Rybakina maintained her characteristic composure to stage a remarkable comeback.

    Post-victory, Rybakina revealed the intense psychological pressure she experienced during her previous Grand Slam final appearances, contrasting it with her ability to genuinely enjoy this latest achievement. When questioned about statistical evidence suggesting she has been the world’s best player since mid-2023, the typically reserved athlete appeared almost embarrassed by the recognition.

    With her aggressive serving game and improved mental fortitude, Rybakina now stands poised to challenge for the top ranking position. Her current career-high ranking of world number three seems certain to improve as she carries forward the momentum from what Australian media have dubbed a ‘quiet assassin’ campaign style.

  • Budget 2026: India is making it easier for NRIs to invest in equities

    Budget 2026: India is making it easier for NRIs to invest in equities

    India’s landmark Budget 2026 has introduced transformative financial reforms specifically designed to mobilize capital from the global Indian diaspora. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has implemented strategic measures to position overseas Indians as crucial contributors to India’s capital markets amid cautious foreign institutional investment trends.

    The centerpiece reform doubles individual investment limits for Persons Resident Outside India (PROI) in listed Indian companies from 5% to 10%, while simultaneously raising the aggregate foreign holding cap from 10% to 24%. This structural change enables non-resident Indians to acquire more substantial equity positions without encountering regulatory barriers, providing both retail and high-net-worth investors with expanded portfolio opportunities and meaningful ownership in blue-chip enterprises.

    Concurrently, the government has strengthened the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) framework, facilitating direct stock market access through Reserve Bank of India-approved designated bank accounts. This enhancement arrives at a critical juncture, as foreign investors withdrew approximately Rs 19 billion from Indian equities in 2025 followed by an additional Rs 4 billion in January 2026. The revitalized PIS mechanism aims to counterbalance volatile institutional flows with more stable, long-term diaspora capital.

    Regulatory modernization forms another cornerstone of these reforms, with promised simplifications to Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) rules governing Non-Debt Instruments and Overseas Investments. This shift from control-oriented approaches to facilitation-focused frameworks promises accelerated approvals, reduced compliance burdens, and streamlined fund repatriation processes—particularly beneficial for investments in startups, unlisted companies, and alternative assets.

    The budget further amplifies Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) as a global financial hub, offering tax incentives, international-standard regulations, and simplified cross-border transaction mechanisms. This development provides NRIs with enhanced access to international financial products while maintaining connectivity to Indian markets through globally competitive platforms.

    Financial experts anticipate these reforms will fundamentally reshape foreign participation patterns in Indian equities. By expanding direct access for overseas individuals, India diversifies its investor base beyond large institutions while potentially stabilizing markets through longer investment horizons characteristic of diaspora investors. Sectors including banking, financial services, capital goods, and technology are expected to benefit most significantly from the expanded NRI participation.

    These targeted measures form part of broader budgetary initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure spending, strengthening manufacturing incentives, and supporting digital finance ecosystems—all designed to sustain growth momentum and improve corporate earnings visibility that fundamentally drives equity returns.

  • Pakistan win toss, opt to bowl against India in crucial Under-19 World Cup clash

    Pakistan win toss, opt to bowl against India in crucial Under-19 World Cup clash

    In a pivotal Super Six Group 2 encounter of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, Pakistan’s young cricketers won the toss and elected to field first against their Indian counterparts. This high-voltage match, contested at a sun-drenched venue on February 1, 2026, represents the final group-stage fixture, with the victor securing the last remaining semifinal berth.

    The tournament landscape has already seen Australia and Afghanistan advance from Super Six Group 1, while England has clinched qualification from Group 2. This setup creates a winner-takes-all scenario for the Asian rivals. India enters the contest holding a superior position, perched second in the group with an unblemished record of three victories and a formidable net run rate of +3.337. Pakistan, positioned third with two wins from three matches and a net run rate of +1.484, faces a mathematical challenge: not only must they defeat India to level both teams at six points, but they require a substantial victory margin to overcome India’s significant net run rate advantage.

    Indian captain Ayush Mhatre expressed confidence at the toss, revealing his team’s preference to bat first despite the opposition’s choice. He announced one strategic alteration to the lineup, with Deepesh Devendran replacing Udhav Mohan. Mhatre noted the improved weather conditions compared to earlier rain-affected matches, believing the sunny conditions would favor his team’s preparations.

    The teams field the following compositions:
    India U19 Playing XI: Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (w), Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran.
    Pakistan U19 Playing XI: Hamza Zahoor (w), Sameer Minhas, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf (c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Ali Hassan Baloch, Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza.

    This encounter continues the storied cricketing rivalry between the nations at the youth level, with both teams understanding that victory secures progression to the tournament’s knockout stages.

  • Bahrain urges residents to update mobile devices to receive emergency alerts

    Bahrain urges residents to update mobile devices to receive emergency alerts

    Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has issued a specific directive targeting Apple device users, urging them to immediately update their iOS systems to version 26.2 to ensure proper functionality of the nation’s newly implemented wireless emergency alert network. The announcement, made on January 31, 2026, emphasizes that this update is critical for receiving timely emergency notifications during crisis situations.

    The advisory explicitly states that Android and Huawei device users require no action, as their systems are already compatible with the emergency broadcast infrastructure. This selective requirement highlights the technical complexities involved in maintaining cross-platform compatibility for national safety systems.

    This development follows Bahrain’s recent approval of a phased pilot operation for its advanced wireless alert mechanism, designed to revolutionize public safety communication. The system represents a significant technological leap in emergency preparedness, capable of delivering crucial information to citizens and residents before, during, and after emergencies with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

    The emergency network was developed following extensive deliberations at the Civil Defence Council, where officials examined early warning protocols and enhanced coordination frameworks between government sectors. The system will undergo staged testing in designated emergency zones once infrastructure preparations are finalized.

    Concurrently, regional neighbor Kuwait has implemented monthly testing of its emergency warning sirens, scheduled for 10 AM on the first Monday of each month. Kuwait has also conducted specialized training programs for chemical, biological, and radiological incident response, reflecting broader regional efforts to enhance emergency preparedness amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

  • ‘RRR’ and ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan, wife Upasana welcome twins: a baby boy and girl

    ‘RRR’ and ‘Peddi’ star Ram Charan, wife Upasana welcome twins: a baby boy and girl

    In a joyous development within India’s entertainment industry, acclaimed actor Ram Charan and his entrepreneur wife Upasana Konidela have welcomed twins—a boy and a girl—marking a significant expansion of their family. The announcement was formally made on social media by Ram Charan’s father, veteran Telugu cinema icon Chiranjeevi, who expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support received from well-wishers.

    The veteran actor’s official statement emphasized that both newborns and the mother are in excellent health, describing the arrival as a moment of ‘pure joy and divine blessing’ for the entire family. This event marks the couple’s second and third children, following the birth of their first daughter, Klin Kaara, in 2023, whom they have notably kept out of the public spotlight.

    Social media platforms have been inundated with celebratory messages from fans, industry colleagues, and admirers nationwide, reflecting Ram Charan’s substantial popularity following his global recognition through the blockbuster film ‘RRR.’ The actor’s professional trajectory continues its upward climb with the anticipated release of his forthcoming project ‘Peddi,’ scheduled for global distribution on March 27, 2026. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana of ‘Uppena’ fame, the film features an ensemble cast including Janhvi Kapoor and represents another significant milestone in Charan’s evolving career.

  • Israel partially reopens Gaza’s Rafah crossing for ‘limited passage of residents’

    Israel partially reopens Gaza’s Rafah crossing for ‘limited passage of residents’

    In a significant development following months of international pressure, Israeli authorities have partially reactivated the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, though initial operations remain strictly limited to pedestrian transit. This cautiously orchestrated reopening occurs against a backdrop of persistent violence, with Gaza’s civil defence agency reporting numerous casualties from Israeli military actions just one day prior, despite an officially declared ceasefire.

    The Rafah crossing represents a critical humanitarian corridor for both civilian movement and aid distribution, yet had remained shuttered since Israeli forces assumed control in May 2024 during hostilities with Hamas, excepting a brief operational window in early 2025. COGAT, Israel’s defence coordination unit for Palestinian civilian affairs, characterized Sunday’s activation as “an initial pilot phase” conducted in coordination with European Union monitoring, emphasizing that full bidirectional passenger movement would commence upon completion of preliminary preparations.

    The reopening follows Israel’s recovery of Ran Gvili’s remains—the final Israeli hostage held in Gaza—whose repatriation had been stipulated as a precondition for border access. Meanwhile, approximately 200 medically vulnerable patients await evacuation authorization, with Gaza’s health ministry confirming their urgent need for overseas treatment. Concurrently, a 40-member Palestinian Authority contingent has positioned itself on the Egyptian border awaiting entry permission to initiate administrative functions.

    While a broader reopening is anticipated Monday, sources indicate no consensus has been reached regarding transit quotas. Egyptian officials have committed to admitting all Israel-approved departures. The crossing’s operationalization is expected to facilitate the entry of the newly established National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)—a 15-member technocratic body tasked with governing the territory’s 2.2 million residents under US-supervised ceasefire provisions, though committee members confirm no immediate entry timeline has been established.

  • Pakistan says cricket team will boycott T20 World Cup match against India

    Pakistan says cricket team will boycott T20 World Cup match against India

    In a controversial decision with far-reaching implications for international cricket, the Pakistani government has granted its national team permission to compete in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup while simultaneously mandating a boycott of its high-profile group stage match against arch-rival India.

    The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and featuring twenty national teams, commences this Saturday. The Pakistani squad will conduct all its matches in Sri Lanka, a logistical arrangement necessitated by the persistent political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

    Official communication from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, disseminated via its verified social media channel, explicitly stated: “The Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India.” No specific justification was provided for this selective boycott. However, the decision follows strong criticism from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who previously accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of applying “double standards” in its scheduling. Naqvi had been particularly vocal regarding the ICC’s refusal to relocate Bangladesh’s matches to Sri Lanka, a team ultimately replaced by Scotland for the tournament. The PCB chairman presented the complex situation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, leaving the final participation decision to the government.

    The ICC responded with a formal statement expressing deep concern, noting it was awaiting official confirmation from the PCB. The global governing body warned that Pakistan’s stance threatens “the spirit and sanctity” of world sporting events. “This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms,” the ICC asserted. While acknowledging governmental roles in national policy, the council emphasized that the boycott disadvantages global cricket and disappoints millions of fans, including those in Pakistan. The ICC urged the PCB to seek a “mutually acceptable resolution” and cautioned about the “significant and long-term implications” for Pakistan’s standing within the international cricket ecosystem.

    The financial ramifications are substantial, as a Pakistan-India clash traditionally generates enormous broadcast revenue and sponsor interest. A forfeit would automatically award two points to India. This diplomatic friction extends beyond politics onto the pitch; last year during the Asia Cup in the UAE, Indian players notably refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

    Team captain Salman Ali Agha, fresh from a 3-0 T20 series victory over Australia in Lahore, confirmed the team would comply with governmental directives. “It’s not our decision, we can’t do anything about it,” Agha stated. “We will do whatever our government and the PCB chairman say.” Pakistan’s tournament begins with a match against the Netherlands on Saturday, followed by fixtures against the U.S. on February 10th and Namibia on February 18th.