Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • After fall, Gaon Choi wondered ‘Is this how it ends?’ But Olympic champion is just getting started

    After fall, Gaon Choi wondered ‘Is this how it ends?’ But Olympic champion is just getting started

    LIVIGNO, Italy — In a dramatic turn of events at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, 17-year-old South Korean snowboarder Gaon Choi transformed a potentially career-ending accident into a golden triumph. During her initial halfpipe run, Choi experienced a terrifying fall that left her momentarily believing her Olympic dreams had shattered.

    “I genuinely thought my knee was broken,” Choi revealed to The Associated Press after returning to South Korea. “Having envisioned this moment since childhood, the thought of it ending so abruptly overwhelmed me with emotion.”

    Despite the psychological and physical trauma, the young athlete demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Choi not only completed the competition but dethroned defending champion Chloe Kim to claim the Olympic gold medal in snowboarding’s premier event. Her victory marks a historic achievement as South Korea’s first gold-medal snowboarder.

    The podium moment carried profound emotional complexity for Choi, who described Kim as both mentor and sister-like figure. “The experience evoked mixed feelings—some regret and apology, but overwhelming happiness that made the achievement particularly meaningful,” Choi reflected.

    Choi’s snowboarding journey began unexpectedly at age seven when her father initially purchased skis for her, contrary to the snowboards he bought for her older siblings. Her insistence on equal treatment launched a decade-long path to Olympic glory.

    Despite the significance of her accomplishment, the event wasn’t televised live in South Korea, where winter sports attention typically focuses on speedskating and curling. Nonetheless, Choi gained recognition unexpectedly when flight attendants identified her during her return journey.

    The new champion believes her performance didn’t fully showcase her prepared routine due to the early injury. “I aim to train more intensively, perfect my execution, and ultimately present the run I’ve envisioned,” she stated.

    Olympic observers also noted emerging talents who may dominate future competitions:

    – Japan’s Taiga Hasegawa, 20, earned silver in slopestyle and emphasizes fundamental riding skills alongside technical tricks
    – New Zealand’s Cam Melville Ives, 19, demonstrated exceptional triple cork maneuvers but encountered spatial limitations in the halfpipe
    – American Ollie Martin, 17, made history as the youngest athlete to land a 2160-degree rotation and impressed with his fourth-place big air finish

    These athletes represent snowboarding’s evolving landscape as the sport concludes its Livigno chapter and looks toward future competitions in Aspen and Laax.

  • UAE rental market begins to move beyond cheque-based payments

    UAE rental market begins to move beyond cheque-based payments

    The United Arab Emirates’ rental market is undergoing a fundamental transformation as innovative payment solutions challenge the long-established dominance of cheque-based transactions. For years, new residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have faced the surprising requirement to provide between one and four post-dated cheques covering annual rent—a practice that creates significant financial planning challenges for tenants who typically receive monthly salaries.

    This structural mismatch between income cycles and rental payments has prompted the emergence of new financial models that allow tenants to pay monthly while ensuring landlords still receive the full annual amount upfront. The evolution is supported by developing infrastructure, including the integration of Dubai’s Ejari tenancy registration system with the UAE Direct Debit System (UAEDDS), which enables scheduled rental payments directly through bank accounts.

    Real estate platforms are simultaneously expanding beyond their traditional listing functions into transaction services. Companies like MyQasr are exploring integrated rent collection, digital contract management, and income verification tools that require closer collaboration with financial institutions. This shift toward transaction-focused services represents a significant evolution in how property platforms operate within the market.

    A particularly notable development involves non-card-based monthly payment solutions that address the needs of residents without extensive local credit histories. These models aim to resolve two persistent issues: tenants’ struggle to align large payments with monthly income cycles, and landlords’ need for financial security without assuming installment risk.

    The transformation extends to other sectors of the property market, with short-term rental operators competing through more flexible payout options and lower commission rates. Simultaneously, the convergence of real estate with digital assets is gaining traction, with tokenization enabling fractional property ownership and improved liquidity—all within Dubai’s regulatory framework for digital assets.

    Mortgage integration is also advancing, with platforms working to embed pre-approval processes directly into property search journeys. This reflects growing consumer expectation for earlier digital affordability assessments rather than late-stage financial verification.

    As these changes unfold, industry observers emphasize the importance of transparency regarding costs, fee structures, termination conditions, and data handling practices. The ultimate success of these innovations will depend on their ability to genuinely reduce market friction without introducing new complexities or risks to tenants and landlords alike.

  • Tucker Carlson interrogated in Israel, passport seized after US ambassador interview

    Tucker Carlson interrogated in Israel, passport seized after US ambassador interview

    Prominent US conservative commentator Tucker Carlson reported being detained and questioned by Israeli security personnel shortly after conducting an interview with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The incident occurred as Carlson and his production team attempted to depart from Israel on Wednesday.

    According to Carlson’s account to the Daily Mail, individuals identifying as airport security officials confiscated the team’s passports and separated his executive producer for interrogation regarding the nature of their conversation with Ambassador Huckabee. Carlson characterized the encounter as ‘bizarre’ but confirmed his team subsequently left the country without further incident.

    The detention followed a publicly contentious exchange between Carlson and Huckabee regarding Israel’s treatment of Christian communities. Carlson had previously criticized what he described as ‘shocking’ harassment of Christians by Orthodox Jews, including physical intimidation, property damage, cemetery desecration, and disruption of religious services.

    This diplomatic friction occurs against the backdrop of Carlson’s increasingly vocal criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which he has repeatedly characterized as genocidal. His commentary has positioned him as a significant conservative voice challenging Israel’s influence on US politics, particularly since the October 2023 conflict escalation.

    The US Embassy in Israel issued a statement defending the security procedures as standard protocol for all visitors, emphasizing that Carlson ‘received the same passport control questions that countless visitors to Israel receive.’ Embassy representatives denied allegations of selective treatment, stating Carlson received ‘the same positive treatment of any visitors to Israel.’

    Israeli media outlet Channel 13 reported that authorities had initially considered denying Carlson entry to avoid potential controversy, but ultimately permitted his visit to prevent a ‘diplomatic incident.’ The episode highlights growing tensions within Republican circles regarding US-Israel relations, Washington’s financial support for Israeli military operations, and concerns about escalating regional conflicts.

  • University of Birmingham Dubai admissions open: Secure your place for September

    University of Birmingham Dubai admissions open: Secure your place for September

    The University of Birmingham Dubai has officially commenced admissions for September 2026 intake, inviting students to join its cutting-edge smart campus in Dubai International Academic City. As the first Russell Group university (UK’s equivalent to Ivy League) to establish a campus in Dubai’s education hub, the institution brings its prestigious legacy ranked among the top 100 global universities (QS 2025) to the Middle East.

    The newly constructed state-of-the-art campus represents a significant advancement in higher education infrastructure, designed to accommodate 2,900 students while prioritizing sustainability and digital innovation. In partnership with Siemens, the campus incorporates advanced technology to create a ‘Living Lab’ environment where research, teaching, and learning converge through real-time data access and global connectivity.

    The campus architecture emphasizes collaborative learning with flexible study spaces and a ‘digital first’ approach that enables seamless international cooperation with students across the university’s UK and Singapore campuses. This global interconnectedness provides students with invaluable experience working on international projects that mirror contemporary professional environments.

    Beyond physical infrastructure, the university integrates its technological capabilities directly into the curriculum across disciplines, with industry partners engaging through research projects, consultancy opportunities, and student internships. This industry-academia collaboration ensures graduates develop the skills, knowledge, and expertise required to excel in evolving global job markets.

    The institution’s commitment to sustainability is embedded throughout campus operations, establishing new standards for environmental responsibility in higher education while creating an adaptive environment responsive to technological and climatic changes.

    Prospective students can experience the campus firsthand through Open Days, with the university highlighting its comprehensive career services that have successfully placed students in prestigious internships and professional networking opportunities. As the admissions period opens, the University of Birmingham Dubai positions itself as a transformative educational destination preparing students for global leadership roles.

  • Canadian University Dubai: A business school at the centre of markets

    Canadian University Dubai: A business school at the centre of markets

    Positioned within Dubai’s premier business district, Canadian University Dubai’s School of Management has established itself as an academic powerhouse, offering cutting-edge business education aligned with the region’s dynamic economic landscape. The institution, recently ranked #1 in Dubai for five consecutive years by QS World University Rankings 2026, boasts faculty members ranked among the top 2% of global scholars.

    The School’s graduate programs—MBA, Master of Information Technology Management (MITM), and MSc in Business Analytics—demonstrate exceptional career outcomes, with the MBA program achieving a 90% employability rate within one year of graduation. These programs are specifically designed for working professionals, with Spring 2026 admissions currently open for a March intake that bypasses traditional academic calendars.

    Each program addresses distinct industry needs: The MBA develops executive-level strategic decision-making capabilities with specializations in Digital Marketing, General Management, Talent Management Leadership, and Finance. The MITM equips professionals to lead digital transformation initiatives at the intersection of business strategy and technology governance. The MSc in Business Analytics builds advanced analytical expertise for leadership in data-driven industries.

    A cornerstone of the School’s approach is its Downtown Incubator, which bridges academic learning with practical industry engagement, facilitating direct connections with founders, executives, and corporate decision-makers across sectors.

    In a groundbreaking move, the institution has partnered with FINTECH.TV, the international media network broadcasting from the New York Stock Exchange. This collaboration includes the establishment of a dedicated broadcasting studio that provides unprecedented exposure to global financial markets, fintech innovation, and executive thought leadership.

    The School’s educational philosophy centers on ‘Sustainovation’—the integration of sustainability and innovation as guiding principles for responsible leadership. This approach combines international academic standards with deep industry engagement through experiential learning, strategic partnerships, and dedicated career services.

    Alumni of the program occupy senior executive roles within multinational organizations, lead strategic functions across high-growth industries, and drive transformation within established family enterprises, creating a powerful global network of industry leaders.

    Cycle 2 admissions for Spring 2026 are currently open, with professionals encouraged to apply through the university’s enrollment portal for the March intake.

  • Bill Gates pulls out of India AI summit; event marred by organisational chaos

    Bill Gates pulls out of India AI summit; event marred by organisational chaos

    India’s inaugural AI Impact Summit descended into organizational disarray on Thursday as billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates abruptly canceled his keynote address mere hours before delivery. The Gates Foundation issued a statement indicating the withdrawal was intended “to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities,” though the announcement followed earlier assurances of his participation.

    The high-profile cancellation compounds existing challenges for India’s flagship artificial intelligence forum, which has been plagued by multiple operational failures. The summit, positioned as the Global South’s premier AI gathering, subsequently lost another keynote participant with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also withdrawing from scheduled appearances.

    Despite these setbacks, the event maintains significant political backing with scheduled addresses from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Technology leadership remains represented by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.

    Organizational deficiencies have dominated summit proceedings rather than technological innovations. In a surprising development, exhibition halls were closed to the public on Thursday, generating substantial attendee frustration. The controversy deepened when Galgotias University was compelled to vacate its exhibition space after presenting a commercially available Chinese robotic dog as proprietary technology.

    Transportation chaos has exacerbated the situation, with social media documenting extensive traffic disruptions throughout Delhi. Attendees reported walking miles through the capital city due to road closures for VIP movements, absent shuttle services, and completely unavailable taxi transportation.

    The Gates Foundation cancellation follows recent disclosures from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding communications between foundation staff and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents revealed multiple meetings between Gates and Epstein following Epstein’s prison term, though Gates maintains these interactions were strictly philanthropy-related and represented a personal error in judgment.

  • Look: Preparations for Ramadan 2026 in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh

    Look: Preparations for Ramadan 2026 in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh

    Three South Asian nations are demonstrating unprecedented coordination in preparing for the simultaneous observance of Ramadan 2026, setting a remarkable example of regional cooperation around religious traditions. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have initiated comprehensive preparations nearly a year in advance for the holy month, which holds profound significance for their substantial Muslim populations.

    Authorities across these neighboring countries are implementing sophisticated logistical frameworks to ensure smooth observance of the month-long fasting period. Municipal governments are establishing special committees to oversee essential arrangements including market regulations, security enhancements, and public facility management. The coordinated approach marks a significant development in regional cooperation, particularly notable given the complex political relationships between these nations.

    Extensive preparations include designated prayer spaces, streamlined traffic management around mosques, and special provisions for night prayers (Taraweeh). Market regulatory bodies are implementing price control mechanisms for essential food items while religious authorities are synchronizing moon-sighting methodologies to determine the precise commencement of Ramadan.

    This collaborative preparation effort reflects both the shared cultural heritage and the practical necessities of hosting one of the world’s largest simultaneous religious observances. The advanced planning demonstrates governmental recognition of Ramadan’s spiritual significance and its substantial impact on social and economic patterns across the region.

  • UAE authority warns of entity impersonating Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange

    UAE authority warns of entity impersonating Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange

    The UAE’s Capital Management Authority (CMA) has issued an urgent investor alert regarding an unidentified entity fraudulently impersonating the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX). In an official advisory published on February 18, 2026, the regulatory body emphasized that neither the CMA nor the legitimate DGCX assumes any responsibility for transactions conducted with unauthorized parties.

    The financial authority strongly advised all investors to rigorously verify the licensing status of any entity before committing to agreements or transferring funds. Investors were directed to consult the comprehensive list of licensed companies available on the CMA’s official website as a protective measure against potential financial fraud.

    This warning marks the second such alert issued by the CMA within weeks. On February 2, 2026, the authority similarly cautioned investors against engagements with Star Light Marketing Management Services, an unlicensed marketing firm operating without authorization to conduct regulated financial activities within the UAE.

    The consecutive advisories signal heightened regulatory vigilance against unauthorized financial operations in the region. The CMA’s proactive communications strategy reflects growing concerns about sophisticated financial scams targeting investors in commodity and exchange markets.

  • US military moves into place for possible strikes in Iran, say officials

    US military moves into place for possible strikes in Iran, say officials

    The United States military has positioned substantial forces in the Middle East, creating operational capacity for potential strikes against Iranian targets as early as this weekend, according to administration and Pentagon officials. This strategic mobilization places President Donald Trump at a critical juncture between pursuing diplomatic channels or authorizing military action.

    Despite indirect negotiations between the two nations in Geneva on Tuesday, where Iranian officials requested additional time to formulate detailed proposals, the continued military buildup suggests Washington maintains preparedness for offensive operations. Tehran’s foreign minister reported establishing “guiding principles” during talks, though U.S. officials acknowledged significant unresolved differences remain.

    The military deployment includes over fifty additional fighter aircraft, dozens of refueling tankers, and two aircraft carrier strike groups with accompanying destroyers, cruisers, and submarines. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group, recently deployed near Venezuela, is currently transiting through Gibraltar to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region.

    Israeli forces, operating on heightened alert status for several weeks, have intensified preparations for potential conflict involvement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has advocated for military action to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities targeting Israel. The Israeli security Cabinet has rescheduled its meeting to Sunday, indicating ongoing strategic assessments.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Wednesday that “diplomacy remains the president’s first option,” while simultaneously warning Iran would be “wise to make a deal with President Trump.” The administration maintains that all decisions will prioritize American national security interests.

    Military officials confirm enhanced defensive capabilities now deployed throughout the region, including Patriot missile defense systems and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries capable of intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles. This defensive reinforcement aims to protect U.S. forces and allies from potential retaliation following any strikes.

    The contemplated operation would represent at least the seventh U.S. military engagement in another country within the past year, and the second targeting Iran following last June’s 12-day conflict that struck nuclear and military sites. Administration officials remain divided regarding the feasibility of achieving diplomatic resolution with Tehran.

  • Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes southern Iran on first day of Ramadan

    Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes southern Iran on first day of Ramadan

    A significant seismic event registering 5.5 magnitude struck southern Iran on Thursday, coinciding with the commencement of Ramadan observances across the Islamic world. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a leading authority in geological monitoring, reported the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).

    The tremor’s epicenter was located in Iran’s seismically active southern region, an area historically prone to geological disturbances due to its position along major tectonic plate boundaries. While immediate details regarding potential damage or casualties remained limited, the combination of the quake’s moderate strength and shallow depth typically suggests potentially noticeable ground shaking across affected areas.

    This seismic activity follows recent similar events in the region, including a magnitude 5.1 earthquake that previously struck southern Iran at identical depth parameters. The recurrence of such geological events highlights the persistent seismic vulnerability of the Iranian plateau, which experiences frequent tectonic movements due to the convergence of the Arabian and Eurasian plates.

    The timing of this natural phenomenon, occurring on the first day of Ramadan—a period marked by fasting, prayer, and heightened religious observance—adds a layer of significance to the event for affected communities. Regional authorities have yet to issue comprehensive statements regarding infrastructure assessment or emergency response measures following the tremor.