Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Father-Son win gross title as Murray and James emerge overall winners in JGE Pairs

    Father-Son win gross title as Murray and James emerge overall winners in JGE Pairs

    The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, still resonating with the prestige of hosting the 2025 DP World Tour Championship just a fortnight prior, became the stage for an intensely competitive November Pairs Tournament. A field of 108 golfers, comprising members and their guests, engaged in a fierce battle under the Pairs Scramble Stableford format, with distinct tee placements adding a strategic layer to the challenge.

    The competition reached a dramatic climax with the top twelve pairs separated by a mere two strokes, necessitating a tense back-nine countback to determine the victors. Ultimately, the duo of Stuart Murray and Adam James clinched the overall championship title with an impressive net score of 63, finishing nine under par.

    In a heartwarming display of familial synergy, the Gross Division was conquered by the father-son pair of Neil and Ryder Eatson. They secured their victory on a countback after carding a seven under-par gross score of 65. The Net Division witnessed its own tight contest, with James Finnigan and David Marshall claiming the runner-up position over Nicholas Whiteford and Christopher Incledon, also via countback, after both teams finished with a net 64.

    The event concluded with a celebratory gathering at the Tap and Grill, where participants enjoyed a buffet lunch and a prize ceremony. Cameron McWhinnie, Assistant Golf Services Manager, highlighted the exceptional condition of the championship course and expressed delight at seeing members compete on the same grounds that recently captivated a global audience.

  • Eid Al Etihad 2025: UAE President highlights preserving Arabic language, national identity

    Eid Al Etihad 2025: UAE President highlights preserving Arabic language, national identity

    In a landmark address commemorating the UAE’s 54th National Day, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan articulated a compelling vision balancing technological advancement with cultural preservation. Speaking during the Eid Al Etihad celebrations, the leader emphasized that safeguarding national identity, values, and the Arabic language constitutes a fundamental national priority requiring collective societal effort.

    The President underscored the critical role of educational and cultural institutions in fostering moral development among youth. “While we want our youth to be fully engaged in the global march of scientific progress,” he stated, “we also want them to remain firmly grounded in their values, ethics, and national identity. A nation without identity has neither present nor future.”

    Sheikh Mohamed positioned citizens as both the foundation and ultimate beneficiaries of development, highlighting enhanced public participation as essential to national progress. The address marked December 2nd as a historic milestone representing unity and intergenerational inspiration across the Emirates.

    The leadership announced significant policy directions, with 2025 designated as the Year of the Community and 2026 as the Year of the Family. The President characterized family strengthening and fertility rate enhancement as national security priorities, describing families as “the first school of life and cornerstone of social development.”

    Educational advancement received particular emphasis, with the UAE committed to refining human capital development through global-standard education systems, scientific research, and lifelong learning initiatives. The President encouraged youth to responsibly leverage artificial intelligence and modern technologies while maintaining focus on nationally aligned academic disciplines.

    Environmental sustainability emerged as another key pillar, with reaffirmed commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 through international cooperation and renewable energy investment. The address concluded with reaffirmations of the UAE’s global peacebuilding efforts and inclusive vision welcoming all contributors to national development within frameworks of tolerance and rule of law.

  • India’s Supreme Court upholds rights of poorest – but language reveals ‘bias’, study says

    India’s Supreme Court upholds rights of poorest – but language reveals ‘bias’, study says

    A groundbreaking study conducted in partnership with India’s Supreme Court has revealed a profound paradox within the nation’s highest judicial body. While the court has consistently upheld the rights of Dalits (historically marginalized communities comprising approximately 160 million citizens), its language frequently reinforces the very caste hierarchies it seeks to eliminate.

    The University of Melbourne-funded research, spanning 75 years of constitution bench rulings from 1950 to 2025, demonstrates how progressive legal outcomes often coexisted with regressive language. These landmark decisions, which set legal precedents and influence lower courts, contained terminology that researchers characterize as “demeaning or insensitive” toward oppressed communities.

    Analysis revealed multiple problematic linguistic patterns: some judgments compared caste oppression to disability, implying inherent inferiority; others described affirmative action as “crutches” that shouldn’t be depended upon too long; several rulings compared Dalits to “ordinary horses” while characterizing upper castes as “first class race horses.” Particularly troubling were descriptions of caste origins as “benign” division of labor, which researchers note “supported a bitterly unfair status quo that confines oppressed castes to reviled and poorly paid work.”

    Professor Farrah Ahmed of Melbourne Law School, a co-author of the study, emphasized that judges appeared genuinely unaware of their language’s implications. “I don’t think, in any of these cases, that there was an intention to insult or demean Dalit people,” she noted, while acknowledging that such language likely influenced judicial reasoning.

    The Supreme Court has recently taken steps toward addressing linguistic bias, including last year’s directive to revise prison manuals to eliminate caste-based discrimination and its 2023 publication of a ‘Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes.’ However, the study argues that meaningful change requires greater diversity within the judiciary itself.

    With only eight Dalit judges having served on the Supreme Court throughout its history, including recently retired Chief Justice BR Gavai (the second Dalit to lead the court), the institution lacks the diverse perspectives necessary to fully address caste bias. The researchers point to Justice KG Balakrishnan’s writing—which describes caste as “unbreakable bondage”—as evidence of how lived experience shapes judicial understanding.

    This internal reckoning suggests that the struggle for caste equality extends beyond laws and judgments into the fundamental language through which justice is articulated and understood.

  • Netanyahu corruption trials: What are the charges and will he be pardoned?

    Netanyahu corruption trials: What are the charges and will he be pardoned?

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally petitioned President Isaac Herzog for a comprehensive pardon that would terminate all ongoing corruption proceedings against him. This extraordinary legal maneuver comes as Netanyahu faces the most severe criminal charges ever brought against a sitting Israeli leader, with potential implications for both his political future and the nation’s judicial integrity.

    The Prime Minister confronts three distinct cases—designated as Case 1000, Case 2000, and Case 4000—each containing allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. These cases, initially filed in 2019, represent the culmination of multiple corruption investigations that have shadowed Netanyahu’s lengthy political career. The most serious charge of bribery carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years, while even a single conviction would likely result in his permanent exclusion from public office.

    Case 1000, frequently termed the “gifts affair,” alleges that Netanyahu received luxury items valued at approximately $200,000 from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. Prosecutors contend these gifts were exchanged for political favors, including tax legislation beneficial to Milchan and intervention regarding his U.S. visa status. Both donors have acknowledged providing gifts but deny any illicit arrangements.

    Case 2000 involves allegations of a quid pro quo arrangement with Arnon Mozes, publisher of Yedioth Ahronoth, where Netanyahu supposedly promised to limit circulation of a competing newspaper in exchange for favorable coverage. Recordings presented as evidence capture discussions about mutual benefits, though Netanyahu maintains these conversations were insignificant.

    Case 4000 represents the most severe allegations, accusing Netanyahu of granting regulatory favors to telecommunications giant Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage on the Walla news platform. This case involves bribery charges requiring heightened evidentiary standards but carries the most substantial potential penalties.

    The timing of Netanyahu’s pardon request intersects critically with Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and approaching elections scheduled for October 2026. Critics have accused the Prime Minister of prolonging conflict to divert attention from his legal troubles, while supporters characterize the prosecutions as politically motivated “witch hunts.”

    The judicial process has experienced numerous delays, complicated by security concerns, Netanyahu’s surgical procedures, and allegations of improper evidence collection. Most notably, prosecutors documented 1,778 instances during interrogation where the Prime Minister claimed inability to recall relevant information.

    President Herzog’s office has acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the pardon request, stating it will be evaluated with appropriate seriousness. The decision carries profound implications for Israel’s rule of law, particularly given that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert previously served prison time for corruption offenses.

    Political reactions have been sharply divided. Opposition leader Yair Lapid insists any pardon must require admission of guilt and retirement from public life, while Netanyahu’s coalition allies maintain the proceedings constitute judicial persecution. Recent polling indicates approximately 38% of Israelis support clemency, reflecting the deeply polarized nature of the issue.

  • ‘Scapegoating’: Thousands of Afghans thrust into uncertainty after DC shooting

    ‘Scapegoating’: Thousands of Afghans thrust into uncertainty after DC shooting

    The case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national currently detained for shooting two National Guard members, has revealed complex layers of U.S. military involvement and subsequent immigration challenges. Lakanwal served as a critical CIA asset in Afghanistan’s Zero Unit, specifically within the elite Kandahar Strike Force (Unit 03), undergoing thorough intelligence vetting during America’s twenty-year conflict.

    Despite his approved asylum status through Operation Allies Welcome in April 2024, Lakanwal struggled significantly with resettlement challenges. Documentation indicates severe culture shock, isolation from family networks, and difficulties adapting from his previously well-compensated, high-ranking position to starting anew in the United States. In January 2024, resettlement agencies attempted behavioral health interventions which he reportedly declined.

    The incident has triggered immediate political repercussions. President Donald Trump utilized the tragedy to reinforce stricter immigration policies, declaring from Mar-a-Lago that immigrants unwelcoming to American values would face exclusion. His administration has moved to reinterview thousands of Afghan refugees admitted under Biden’s presidency while eliminating key resettlement infrastructures including Operation Enduring Welcome and the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts.

    These policy shifts have created substantial legal uncertainties for approximately 70,000 Afghans already in the U.S. and another 180,000 awaiting Special Immigrant Visas. The termination of Temporary Protected Status has left over 11,000 individuals in legal limbo, while USCIS backlogs intensify due to enhanced re-screening requirements encompassing social media scrutiny.

    Advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers condemn the administration’s response as political weaponization of tragedy. Senators Mark Kelly and Chris Van Hollen emphasize that blanket targeting of Afghan communities contradicts evidence-based security approaches, noting that recent vetting occurred under the current administration. Legal organizations like Project ANAR are mobilizing against what they term ‘collective punishment,’ warning of decreased community engagement and increased fear among immigrant populations.

    The situation underscores broader questions about America’s responsibility toward wartime allies who risked their lives supporting democratic ideals. As former Afghan diplomat Omar Samad notes, the nation must reconcile its longest war’s legacy with its humanitarian obligations to those who partnered with U.S. forces.

  • Syria launches first official print newspaper since fall of Assad

    Syria launches first official print newspaper since fall of Assad

    In a significant development for Syria’s media landscape, the nation witnessed the launch of its first official print newspaper since the fall of long-time ruler Bashar Al Assad. The inaugural issue of ‘Al Thawra Al Souriya’—meaning ‘the Syrian Revolution’ in Arabic—was published on Monday, December 1, 2025, marking the return of print media after a five-year hiatus.

    The resurrection of print publications follows their suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the previous government cited escalating printing costs and distribution difficulties as primary reasons for ceasing operations. This new publication replaces ‘Al Thawra,’ the state newspaper that operated during the Assad regime.

    At the official launch ceremony, Information Minister Hamza Mustafa articulated his vision for the publication, stating it should serve as ‘a mirror to people’s pain, their daily lives and their hopes in a space of free discussion.’ This statement signals a potential shift from the previously tightly controlled media environment.

    Under Assad’s rule, media freedoms were severely constrained with robust security oversight of content and frequent harassment of journalists. State media predominantly echoed government narratives, while the few privately-owned outlets permitted to operate maintained strict alignment with official positions under heavy supervision.

    The new Syrian authorities have assumed control and relaunched pre-existing media institutions, including the state-run SANA news agency. Private publications have been granted permission to operate under the current administration, suggesting a possible liberalization of media policies in the post-Assad era.

  • 604 killed in floods, landslides in Indonesia

    604 killed in floods, landslides in Indonesia

    Indonesia faces a mounting humanitarian crisis as catastrophic flooding and landslides across Sumatra Island have resulted in 604 confirmed fatalities with 464 individuals still unaccounted for, according to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Monday.

    The devastating natural disasters have triggered massive displacement, forcing approximately 570,000 residents from their homes across three severely impacted provinces: North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. Rescue operations are proceeding at maximum capacity despite significant logistical challenges caused by damaged infrastructure and compromised communication networks that have rendered numerous affected zones unreachable by conventional ground transportation.

    Aerial reconnaissance from the Palembayan region of Agam regency in West Sumatra province reveals the extensive devastation wrought by sudden torrential downpours that triggered deadly flash floods. Relief efforts are currently heavily dependent on air support for delivering essential supplies to isolated communities.

    Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the government’s full-scale mobilization of rescue and relief initiatives while simultaneously highlighting the critical need for enhanced climate change adaptation strategies. The president called for more substantial involvement from local governments in both environmental conservation measures and preparedness planning for increasingly frequent extreme weather phenomena.

  • Dh500 fine: Police warn of punishment for illegal driving in parade, gathering

    Dh500 fine: Police warn of punishment for illegal driving in parade, gathering

    In preparation for the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations, law enforcement agencies across the Emirates have issued stringent warnings against unauthorized vehicular participation in parades and public gatherings. Sharjah Police specifically emphasized that driving in organized processions without obtaining proper permits constitutes a serious traffic violation.

    The regulatory framework establishes clear consequences for non-compliance: offenders face a financial penalty of Dh500, accumulation of four black points on their driving license, and potential vehicle impoundment for a duration of 15 days. These measures aim to maintain public order during the Eid Al Etihad festivities, which traditionally bring together diverse nationalities through colorful performances and community events.

    Transport authorities throughout the UAE have implemented coordinated road closure protocols for parade routes, with detailed communications provided to the public regarding alternative routes and timing. Dubai Police previously released comprehensive guidelines for National Day observances, which include prohibitions against displaying foreign flags and recommendations for early airport travel during the celebration period.

    The enforcement initiative reflects broader efforts to balance celebratory traditions with public safety considerations, ensuring that the patriotic gatherings remain secure and organized for all participants and spectators.

  • Sudanese children abducted for recruitment by RSF and allies in South Kordofan raid

    Sudanese children abducted for recruitment by RSF and allies in South Kordofan raid

    In a disturbing escalation of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, paramilitary forces and rebel factions have been implicated in the systematic abduction of 21 children from South Kordofan state with the apparent intention of coercing them into military service. According to multiple eyewitness accounts and verification from the Sudan Doctors Network, the incident occurred on November 24th when joint forces from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Abdelaziz al-Hilu’s faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) overran the al-Zallataya gold mining region.

    The operation resulted in the capture of approximately 150 individuals, predominantly young males, with the targeted children all being between 14 and 15 years of age. Witness testimony reveals the abductions were conducted through aggressive house-to-house raids and workplace detentions, despite the area experiencing no active hostilities at the time. A local activist described how victims were subsequently held in confined recruitment facilities with no means of escape.

    This development is particularly alarming as it follows the RSF’s recent announcement of a unilateral three-month humanitarian ceasefire. Medical authorities confirmed at least four casualties during the raid, which targeted an area previously under Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) control before most troops were redeployed.

    The incident reflects the rapidly deteriorating security situation in strategically vital South Kordofan state, where fighting has intensified significantly in recent days. The region has witnessed reciprocal allegations of civilian targeting, including rebel claims of a SAF drone strike that allegedly killed 45 civilians, mostly children.

    This abduction campaign appears consistent with previously documented patterns of child recruitment by Sudanese paramilitaries. United Nations reports from October 2023 already indicated the RSF was systematically recruiting vulnerable children, particularly those from impoverished or unaccompanied backgrounds. Humanitarian organizations have documented the catastrophic impact of the conflict on children, with Save the Children reporting approximately one child displaced every ten seconds since hostilities began in April 2023.

    The alliance between the RSF and SPLM-N factions has evolved from tacit cooperation to formal integration, with al-Hilu now participating in the RSF’s parallel governance structure. This partnership has significantly altered the dynamics of Sudan’s complex conflict, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 13 million people.

  • Shooting of National Guard members prompts flurry of US immigration restrictions

    Shooting of National Guard members prompts flurry of US immigration restrictions

    In response to last week’s shooting incident involving two National Guard members in Washington D.C., allegedly perpetrated by an Afghan national, the Trump administration has unveiled a series of stringent immigration measures. These policies significantly tighten entry requirements and residency conditions for certain foreign nationals, particularly those from countries designated as ‘of concern.’

    The administration’s multi-pronged approach includes suspending all asylum decisions indefinitely, implementing comprehensive reexaminations of green card applications from high-risk nations, and halting visa processing for Afghan nationals—including those who previously assisted U.S. military operations. The measures extend to reviewing nearly 200,000 refugees admitted during the Biden administration, despite their already having undergone extensive vetting procedures.

    Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced via social media that asylum processing would pause until enhanced screening protocols could ensure maximum security vetting. Concurrently, the State Department under Secretary Marco Rubio has temporarily suspended all visa issuances for travelers using Afghan passports.

    Administration officials defend these actions as necessary safeguards against potential security threats. However, refugee advocacy groups and immigration experts have condemned the measures as effectively constituting collective punishment. Critics argue that reexamining previously approved cases represents an inefficient allocation of government resources and undermines America’s traditional role as a haven for those fleeing persecution.

    The new policies particularly impact the Special Immigrant Visa program, which previously provided refuge for Afghans facing retaliation due to their cooperation with U.S. forces. With approximately 180,000 Afghan applicants currently in the SIV pipeline, these suspensions create significant uncertainty for vulnerable populations seeking legal immigration pathways.