Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • UAE Lottery announces major changes: Weekly draws, new Dh30 million grand prize

    UAE Lottery announces major changes: Weekly draws, new Dh30 million grand prize

    The UAE Lottery has unveiled a comprehensive transformation of its Lucky Day game format coinciding with its first anniversary celebrations. The dramatic overhaul, announced during a live broadcast on Saturday evening, transitions the lottery draws from a bi-weekly to weekly schedule while introducing a substantial Dh30 million top prize.

    This landmark announcement preceded the final Dh100 million jackpot draw under the existing format, marking the conclusion of an era that has distributed Dh147 million to over 100,000 winners throughout its 26-draw history. The lottery’s inaugural year produced five millionaire winners who each claimed Dh1 million prizes.

    Key modifications to the Lucky Day game include a significantly enhanced prize structure featuring a revised grand prize of Dh30 million and an elevated second prize that has jumped from Dh1 million to Dh5 million. The new weekly draws will occur every Saturday, substantially increasing winning opportunities for participants.

    An innovative ‘Lucky Chance’ segment will be incorporated into each weekly event, awarding three fortunate players Dh100,000 each. The inaugural weekly draw under this revitalized format is scheduled for December 6, establishing a new chapter in the UAE’s gaming landscape.

    The transition to weekly events reflects the lottery’s commitment to maintaining engagement and excitement among participants while expanding the prize distribution framework. This strategic recalibration aims to sustain the momentum generated during the game’s successful first year of operation.

  • Forgotten photos reveal women who powered India’s freedom struggle

    Forgotten photos reveal women who powered India’s freedom struggle

    A remarkable photographic collection has emerged as transformative evidence documenting the previously underrecognized leadership of women in India’s historic civil disobedience movement of 1930-31. The Alkazi Foundation’s acquisition of the Nursey album—a previously obscure photographic record discovered at a London auction two decades ago—has fundamentally reshaped historical understanding of this critical anti-colonial struggle.

    The collection captures unprecedented visual testimony of women commanding political activities during Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience campaign, often relegating male participants to supportive roles. These images document female volunteers manufacturing contraband salt, leading boycott processions through Bombay’s markets, confronting British police forces, and orchestrating mass demonstrations. Particularly striking are images of Congress leader Lilavati Munshi directing male volunteers at government salt pans and standing defiantly before boycotted British establishments.

    Historical significance extends beyond recognized figures like Munshi to thousands of anonymous women who joined the movement. The photographs reveal mothers bringing young daughters to protests, intergenerational transmission of political consciousness, and remarkable inversions of traditional gender dynamics. Middle-class men—many previously unfamiliar with domestic spaces—are shown conducting impromptu salt production classes, while women dominated public demonstrations carrying spindles symbolizing Gandhi’s homespun khadi movement.

    Scholars from Duke University note the collection’s unique value in capturing spontaneous action rather than staged imagery. The photographs reveal violent confrontations, monsoon-soaked marches, and wounded volunteers being loaded into ambulances—scenes absent from conventional historical accounts. This visual record demonstrates how women seized nationalist activities through direct action: challenging police authority, drumming support for boycotts, addressing crowds, and courting arrest.

    The rediscovery has prompted major scholarly reappraisal. As historian Sumathi Ramaswamy notes, while history associates civil disobedience with Gandhi, these images demonstrate how Bombay’s citizens fundamentally shaped the movement that subsequently amplified Gandhi’s global fame. The photographs now circulate publicly through the publication ‘Photographing Civil Disobedience’ and museum exhibitions titled ‘Disobedient Subjects’ at Mumbai’s CSMVS Museum and Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies, offering belated recognition to women whose resolve remains palpable nearly a century later.

  • Airbus A320 recall: Gulf Air fixes glitch; Air India, IndiGo expected to complete soon

    Airbus A320 recall: Gulf Air fixes glitch; Air India, IndiGo expected to complete soon

    A major software recall affecting over 6,000 Airbus A320 family aircraft—representing more than half of the global fleet—prompted swift action from airlines worldwide on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The European planemaker’s directive mandated immediate software and hardware realignment, potentially disrupting travel across multiple regions.

    Indian carriers demonstrated significant progress in addressing the technical glitch. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that 270 of India’s 338 affected aircraft had already received the necessary software fix. Air India confirmed completion on over 40% of its impacted fleet with minimal schedule disruptions, while low-cost carrier IndiGo successfully updated 160 of its 200 affected aircraft.

    Middle Eastern airlines similarly responded with efficiency. Gulf Air issued a statement confirming normal operations following immediate implementation of the mandatory update. Saudi Arabia’s Flynas completed upgrades without operational impact, and UAE authorities confirmed ongoing safety inspections for national carriers Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, which collectively operate 106 A320 aircraft.

    Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury apologized to airlines and passengers for the unexpected recall that particularly affects Asian short-haul aviation markets. The A320 family recently surpassed Boeing’s 737 as the industry’s most-delivered model, making this recall particularly significant for global aviation.

    Despite the massive scale of the recall, most airlines maintained normal operations with minimal cancellations. AirAsia targeted 48-hour completion for its fixes, while American Airlines reported 209 of its 480 jets required attention—below initial estimates—with most expected to be addressed by Saturday.

  • UAE National Day 2025: Indian musician AR Rahman composes special song for Eid Al Etihad

    UAE National Day 2025: Indian musician AR Rahman composes special song for Eid Al Etihad

    Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman has crafted a special musical tribute titled ‘Jamal Al Etihad’ (Beauty of the Union) in honor of the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. The exclusive English-language composition represents a departure from the Indian maestro’s typical cinematic work, conceived as what Rahman describes as “a therapy of smile” for the nation.

    The project originated in 2023 when Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, approached Rahman with the vision of creating a musical gift for the UAE. Despite beginning work two years ago, global circumstances prompted the team to delay the release until this year’s celebrations.

    In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Rahman revealed his creative process involved developing multiple concepts before finalizing the current version. “It’s a simple, joyful tribute to the UAE and the values that bring the country together,” the composer explained. “The idea was to bring together the people who make this country what it is — workers, entrepreneurs, royalty, expats. Everyone is working towards something big for the UAE.”

    Describing the track as a “UAE-born creation,” Rahman emphasized its universal appeal. “It’s a vibe. Something you can enjoy in the car, in the desert, anywhere you feel like. It’s about being together, working together for greatness, and giving joy to each other.”

    The composition marks a rare English-language project for Rahman, who noted that creating music for a nation differs fundamentally from film scoring. “This is for hope,” he stated, capturing what he identifies as the UAE’s essential emotional quality: “If the UAE were a melody, it would be happiness.”

    The official unveiling occurred on November 29th at 9:30 PM at the Layali Al Wathba Theatre during the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi. The event, presented by Burjeel Holdings, featured free admission for all festival ticket holders, with doors opening at 7:00 PM. The musical presentation culminated in a three-minute fireworks display at 10:00 PM, creating one of the evening’s highlight moments.

    As the UAE approaches its 54th National Day, ‘Jamal Al Etihad’ serves as a musical embodiment of unity, generosity, and the joyful spirit characterizing the nation’s identity.

  • Dubai’s Global Village extends operating hours for UAE National Day

    Dubai’s Global Village extends operating hours for UAE National Day

    Dubai’s premier cultural entertainment destination, Global Village, has unveiled special operational adjustments in honor of the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. The expansive theme park will extend its operating hours throughout the festive period from November 27th to December 3rd, adopting the unifying theme ‘United’ to commemorate the nation’s historic milestone.

    The extended schedule features enhanced visitor accessibility with operations running from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM from November 27th through December 1st. Subsequently, on December 2nd and 3rd, the park will maintain extended hours from 4:00 PM until midnight, providing ample opportunity for residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the celebrations.

    Beyond extended access, Global Village has curated an elaborate program of cultural festivities and technological spectacles. The celebration lineup includes sophisticated drone displays scheduled for 9:00 PM on December 1st and 2nd, complemented by pyrotechnic presentations from December 1st through 3rd. The entertainment roster features a special performance by renowned Khaleeji artist Khaled Mohammed on the main stage on December 1st.

    This strategic extension forms part of Dubai’s broader cultural initiatives to honor Emirati heritage and national identity. The extended operational framework allows visitors to experience the park’s diverse cultural pavilions, traditional performances, and culinary offerings during the celebratory period, enhancing the overall National Day experience for both domestic and international guests.

  • Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    Airbus software upgrades for Philippine carriers to be completed by November 30

    MANILA – Philippine aviation authorities have confirmed that mandatory software upgrades for Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft will be fully completed by noon on Sunday, November 30, following global safety recommendations that caused significant flight disruptions across the archipelago.

    The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) announced that carriers have been working around the clock to implement the critical updates after receiving an urgent advisory from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The precautionary measure, while essential for passenger safety, resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays throughout Saturday.

    Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez explained that the Department of Transportation prioritized safety above operational convenience. “We deemed it imperative to implement these precautionary measures to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and crew,” Lopez stated. “We sincerely apologize for the travel inconveniences caused by the necessary flight cancellations.”

    The emergency directive reached Philippine authorities at 1:00 AM local time on Saturday (9:00 PM Friday UAE time), affecting 75 aircraft operated by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Each aircraft required approximately two hours to complete the software installation process.

    ACAP Executive Director Josen Perez de Tagle assured the public that airline operators have implemented comprehensive passenger notification systems to minimize disruption impacts. “Airlines are exerting maximum effort to notify all affected passengers and mitigate the consequences of this mandatory system upgrade,” de Tagle commented.

    In response to the travel disruptions, carriers have offered affected passengers multiple compensation options including full refunds, flexible rebooking arrangements, and electronic travel vouchers. Stranded passengers at various airports received complimentary meals, beverages, and essential medications during the operational pause.

    The software update initiative represents a localized response to a global aviation directive affecting approximately 6,000 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft worldwide, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern aviation safety protocols.

  • Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisia arrests prominent opposition leader to enforce jail sentence

    Tunisian authorities have escalated their suppression of political dissent with the arrest of prominent human rights activist Chaima Issa, who now faces a 20-year prison sentence. The detention occurred Saturday afternoon during a protest in the capital, according to legal representatives.

    This development follows Friday’s appellate court decision that confirmed lengthy prison terms for dozens of government critics, in a case that has drawn international condemnation. The 37 defendants, primarily opposition figures arrested in spring 2023, faced charges of “conspiracy against state security” and alleged membership in terrorist organizations.

    The judicial proceedings have been criticized by human rights organizations as fundamentally flawed. The initial trial in April concluded after merely three hearings without permitting closing arguments, resulting in sentences reaching 66 years imprisonment. While appellate judges reduced some penalties, they simultaneously increased others.

    Businessman Kamel Ltaief received the most severe sentence at 45 years, reduced from his original 66-year term. Opposition politician Khayam Turki’s sentence was adjusted to 35 years from 48. Notably, several prominent figures including Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Ghazi Chaouachi, Ridha Belhaj and Issam Chebbi saw their sentences increased from 18 to 20 years. Ben Mbarek has undertaken a month-long hunger strike protesting what he terms “arbitrary and unjust” detention.

    The court acquitted two defendants: Noureddine Boutar, director of private radio station Mosaique FM, and lawyer Lazhar Akremi. Feminist activist Bochra Belhaj Hmida and French intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy, both tried in absentia, had their 33-year sentences upheld.

    United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has denounced the proceedings, citing numerous legal violations and expressing serious concerns about political motivations behind the prosecutions.

  • Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Etihad Airways says A320 operations returned to normal

    Abu Dhabi’s national carrier Etihad Airways has successfully restored its Airbus A320 fleet to full operational capacity following the completion of a mandatory software upgrade. The airline confirmed on Saturday that all scheduled operations have returned to normal after implementing the required Airbus technical update across its entire A320 aircraft family.

    The technical deployment was executed during one of the busiest travel periods at Zayed International Airport, coinciding with the extended Eid Al Etihad holiday weekend. Despite the challenging timing, the airline’s engineering and operational teams completed the software installation with remarkable efficiency, minimizing disruptions to passenger travel schedules.

    In an official statement released November 29, 2025, Etihad management praised the exceptional performance of their technical personnel and ground operations staff. “Thanks to the extraordinary dedication of our operational and technical teams, the update was completed rapidly with minimal service impact,” the statement read.

    The airline extended gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding during the brief implementation period. Company officials emphasized that safety protocols remain the carrier’s utmost priority, noting that the swift resolution demonstrates Etihad’s commitment to maintaining the highest aviation standards while ensuring passenger convenience.

    This successful technical deployment reinforces Etihad Airways’ reputation for operational excellence and technical proficiency in aircraft maintenance and software management. The seamless implementation during peak travel season highlights the airline’s robust contingency planning and crisis management capabilities within the competitive aviation industry.

  • Hong Kong high-rise fire: 13 Filipino workers still missing, Philippine Consulate says

    Hong Kong high-rise fire: 13 Filipino workers still missing, Philippine Consulate says

    HONG KONG — A devastating high-rise fire that engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has left thirteen Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) unaccounted for, according to the latest update from the Philippine Consulate. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, continues to prompt intensive search and verification efforts by authorities.

    Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Romulo Victor Israel Jr., in a recent radio interview, disclosed that official records indicated 83 Filipinos registered as residents at the affected estate. While seventy individuals have been successfully located and confirmed safe, the whereabouts of thirteen remain unknown. Many of those accounted for had either returned to the Philippines or relocated prior to the tragic incident.

    A particular focus of concern is one missing Filipina who is suspected to have been inside the building during the fire. Authorities are actively investigating the possibility that she may be among the fatalities, with verification processes ongoing. Her family members and employer are assisting in the identification process of the yet-unrecognized victims.

    The Hong Kong government has provided temporary shelter for those displaced by the fire. Consul General Israel indicated that plans are also underway to support rehoming efforts and assist affected workers in seeking new employment opportunities, should their current employers be unable to retain them. In a positive development, one Filipina previously reported to be in intensive care is now confirmed to be in a stable condition.

  • BRIDGE Summit 2025 to host Jeff Zucker, Emily Maitlis, Jane Ferguson, Chuck Todd and other media leaders on trust and the future of storytelling

    BRIDGE Summit 2025 to host Jeff Zucker, Emily Maitlis, Jane Ferguson, Chuck Todd and other media leaders on trust and the future of storytelling

    Abu Dhabi prepares to host the inaugural BRIDGE Summit 2025 from December 8-10 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, assembling over 430 prominent media figures to confront the industry’s most pressing challenges. The landmark event will feature industry titans including Jeff Zucker (RedBird IMI), broadcasters Emily Maitlis and Jane Ferguson, and political commentator Chuck Todd addressing critical themes of trust reconstruction, narrative influence, and information governance amid rapid technological disruption.

    The summit’s comprehensive program will examine multiple dimensions of media transformation. Zucker will lead ‘The Comfort Crisis in Media’, analyzing how consolidation and emerging business models are reshaping editorial leadership. Maitlis will explore narrative framing in ‘Stories with an Agenda’, addressing misinformation concerns and trust restoration mechanisms.

    Ferguson and Todd will jointly present ‘Building a New Backbone for Journalism’, discussing political reporting’s evolution amid algorithmic influence and audience fragmentation. Concurrent sessions will investigate viral storytelling’s impact on economic behavior and political outcomes, with political economist Dr. Vuk Vuković demonstrating how narratives function as forces of change.

    The program will also highlight regional perspectives, with Faisal Al Agel and Munera Al Shiraifi detailing how authentic, value-driven content is reshaping Arab media consumption. Digital communication evolution will be examined through ‘Memes as a Media Business’, exploring how internet culture influences identity formation and brand behavior.

    Global entertainment adaptation strategies will be addressed by Warner Bros. Discovery’s Grigory Lavrov, while Moira Forbes and Stephanie Mehta will analyze longform journalism’s renaissance across digital platforms. The summit will further confront governance challenges with ‘Blueprints for Governing Digital Speech’, examining the balance between safety protocols and free expression.

    Conflict reporting transformation will be highlighted by journalist Plestia Alaqad, discussing how encrypted messaging and citizen journalism are revolutionizing high-risk environment coverage. Future workforce preparation will be addressed through LinkedIn’s Najat Abdelhadi’s session on automation’s impact on media roles by 2035.

    Organized under the BRIDGE Alliance mandate, this non-profit initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to global media cooperation and innovation ecosystem development. The event expects to draw over 60,000 participants alongside 300 exhibitors, establishing itself as the world’s largest debut media convergence forum.