Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu taken off on stretcher after scary fall at Olympics

    Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu taken off on stretcher after scary fall at Olympics

    In a harrowing incident during the women’s halfpipe qualifying rounds at the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, veteran Chinese snowboarder Liu Jiayu sustained a head injury following a dramatic crash on Wednesday. Medical assessments confirmed that while the 33-year-old athlete suffered impact to her head, she sustained no significant spinal injuries according to sources familiar with her condition who spoke to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity.

    The accident occurred during Liu’s second qualifying run as she attempted to complete a complex 900-degree spin maneuver. The toe edge of her snowboard caught unexpectedly in the snow surface, propelling her forward and causing her to impact the bottom of the halfpipe face-first with violent force. The impact created a disturbing visual as her legs and board whipped over her back in what snowboarding terminology describes as a ‘Scorpion’ crash.

    Competition was immediately suspended for approximately ten minutes while emergency medical personnel provided on-site treatment. The two-time Olympic silver medalist was subsequently transported from the venue via stretcher. Sources indicated that Liu maintained consciousness throughout the incident, a positive sign following the traumatic impact.

    This safety incident marks the second concerning injury within days at the Winter Games, following Australian snowboardcross competitor Cam Bolton’s hospitalization with two stable neck fractures just 48 hours prior. The consecutive incidents have raised discussions about athlete safety protocols in extreme winter sports. China’s Olympic committee has yet to issue an official statement regarding Liu’s condition or prognosis, maintaining their typical discretion regarding athlete medical information.

  • Pakistan: Punjab CM Maryam appoints Ali Dar as adviser on AI and Special Initiatives

    Pakistan: Punjab CM Maryam appoints Ali Dar as adviser on AI and Special Initiatives

    In a significant move toward technological governance reform, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has appointed Ali Mustafa Dar as her official adviser on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives. The appointment, effective immediately, positions Dar to lead the development of forward-looking projects aimed at transforming provincial governance through emerging technologies.

    The notification, issued under constitutional authority Article 130(11), confirms Dar will serve on a pro bono basis with a mandate focusing on three core areas: improving governance efficiency, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing public service delivery through AI-enabled solutions. The role carries the full status and powers of a provincial cabinet minister, including participation in Punjab Assembly sessions.

    Dar brings substantial international expertise to the position, having studied Software Engineering at University College London and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. Prior to his return to Pakistan three years ago, he founded and led HDS Group of Companies, a prominent UAE-based real estate development conglomerate now managed by his younger brother.

    Beyond his professional credentials, Dar maintains significant political connections as the son of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and son-in-law of PML-N president Nawaz Sharif. Since the party’s 2024 election victory, he has reportedly facilitated numerous high-level international engagements, convincing global business leaders from technology and real estate sectors to invest in Pakistan.

    Notably, Dar has also emerged as a prominent advocate for autism awareness in Pakistan, drawing from personal experience as father to an 18-year-old son with autism. His advocacy work has focused on supporting children with autism and raising public awareness about neurodiversity.

    The appointment signals the provincial government’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into public administration while leveraging diaspora expertise for national development.

  • Prototypes of Long March 10 rocket and Mengzhou spaceship conduct flight test

    Prototypes of Long March 10 rocket and Mengzhou spaceship conduct flight test

    China’s ambitious space program achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight testing of prototype models for its next-generation launch vehicle and crew spacecraft. The Long March 10 rocket and Mengzhou spacecraft prototypes underwent comprehensive testing that marks a crucial step forward in China’s manned lunar exploration ambitions.

    The flight test, conducted on February 11, 2026, represents a strategic advancement in China’s aerospace capabilities as the nation positions itself as a major spacefaring power. The Long March 10 rocket is specifically designed to support China’s lunar exploration objectives, featuring enhanced payload capacity and reliability compared to previous iterations in the Long March series.

    Simultaneously, the Mengzhou spacecraft prototype demonstrates China’s progress in developing advanced crew transportation systems capable of supporting extended missions beyond low Earth orbit. The spacecraft incorporates technological innovations for deep space travel, including improved life support systems, radiation protection, and reentry capabilities necessary for lunar return missions.

    This successful test provides critical data for engineers and scientists to validate design concepts, performance parameters, and operational procedures. The results will inform further refinements before the systems proceed to full-scale production and operational deployment.

    The development aligns with China’s broader space strategy that includes establishing a permanent lunar research station and potentially sending Chinese astronauts to the lunar surface within the coming decade. These advancements contribute to the growing international interest in lunar exploration and position China as a key participant in the new era of space exploration.

  • ‘Absolute’ robbery: Indian Supreme Court slams banks over Rs520-billion digital fraud

    ‘Absolute’ robbery: Indian Supreme Court slams banks over Rs520-billion digital fraud

    India’s Supreme Court has delivered a scathing indictment of the nation’s banking sector, condemning systemic failures and alleged collusion in a massive ₹520 billion (approximately $6.3 billion) digital fraud scheme targeting citizens. The landmark ruling came during proceedings initiated by the court itself (suo motu) regarding sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scams that have victimized thousands nationwide.

    Justice Surya Kant, presiding over the case, declared the unprecedented financial hemorrhage between April 2021 and November 2025 constituted ‘absolute robbery,’ noting evidence that bank officials appeared ‘completely hand in glove with the accused.’ The court characterized financial institutions as becoming ‘a liability’ despite their fiduciary responsibility as trustees of public funds.

    The sophisticated fraud operation involved criminals impersonating senior police and security officials to falsely inform victims—predominantly elderly citizens—of their implication in fictitious drug smuggling cases. Through psychological manipulation and fabricated legal threats, perpetrators gained remote access to bank accounts, systematically draining life savings under the guise of ‘digital arrests.’

    The judicial intervention followed a petition from an elderly couple defrauded of ₹15 million after scammers impersonated judicial authorities. In response, the court has mandated urgent reforms: directing the Central Bureau of Investigation to lead investigations, ordering the Home Ministry to formally implement the Reserve Bank of India’s January 2026 Standard Operating Procedure within two weeks, and establishing nationwide protocols for temporary debit freezes during suspected fraud incidents.

    The ruling emphasizes enhanced inter-agency coordination and represents one of India’s most significant judicial responses to cyber-enabled financial crime, highlighting institutional accountability in protecting vulnerable citizens from technologically sophisticated predation.

  • Xinjiang through my eyes: Horse racing in Zhaosu

    Xinjiang through my eyes: Horse racing in Zhaosu

    In China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, a profound transformation is underway in the ancient tradition of horse racing. Bayinbieleke, a dedicated horse trainer from Zhaosu, embodies this shift as he prepares for the prestigious Heavenly Horse International Tourism Festival. Despite challenging weather conditions including heavy rainfall, his team’s meticulous preparation ensured the festival’s opening ceremonies proceeded flawlessly.

    The trainer’s vision extends far beyond local recognition. While deeply proud of regional equestrian traditions, Bayinbieleke now aspires to cultivate riders and horses capable of competing on international platforms. “My aspiration is to develop superior equine athletes that will gain recognition throughout China and across the global stage,” he stated, highlighting the evolving ambitions within Xinjiang’s equestrian community.

    This development represents the broader cultural and economic evolution occurring in Xinjiang, where traditional practices are being reimagined with contemporary global relevance. The region’s rich horsemanship heritage, once primarily a local spectacle, is now positioning itself within the international equestrian circuit, potentially creating new economic opportunities and cultural exchanges through the universal language of sport.

  • Middle East CEOs feel the heat as boards demand faster results and deeper transformation

    Middle East CEOs feel the heat as boards demand faster results and deeper transformation

    Corporate leadership across the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented pressure as boardrooms worldwide compress executive timelines and demand faster, more demonstrable results. According to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global CEO Turnover Index Annual Report 2025, CEO departures reached 234 globally last year—marking a 16% year-on-year increase and standing 21% above the eight-year average.

    The data reveals a significant contraction in executive tenure, with the average term of departing CEOs declining to 7.1 years in 2025 from 8.3 years in 2021. This trend reflects a fundamental recalibration of performance expectations, with directors becoming “far more explicit about what results must be delivered—and when.” The report emphasizes that the CEO role has become “materially more complex and harder than it has ever been.”

    Middle Eastern companies, particularly those navigating rapid economic diversification, digital transformation, and evolving regulatory landscapes, find themselves directly impacted by these global currents. Boards are making definitive decisions earlier in leadership lifecycles, with departures within 30-36 months surging 79% year-over-year. This shift reflects the inheritance challenges facing new CEOs, who often take helm of underperforming organizations or those facing activist investor pressure.

    Nicolas Manset, Head of the Middle East at Russell Reynolds Associates, notes: “Middle East CEOs are operating under the same global forces driving record CEO turnover worldwide, from geopolitical shocks and investor scrutiny to accelerated transformation. The Gulf continues to strengthen its position as a globally competitive business hub, attracting international capital, multinational headquarters and world-class executive talent.”

    The report identifies intensified investor scrutiny as a key pressure point. Rusty O’Kelley, who co-leads RRA’s Board & CEO Advisory Partners in the Americas, warns that “the margin for error has narrowed significantly” for today’s corporate leaders. Activist campaigns have directly contributed to accelerated CEO exits, with Barclays data showing a record 32 CEOs resigning within a year of activist involvement in 2025.

    Succession patterns reveal that first-time CEOs accounted for 86% of global appointments in 2025—a consistent trend since 2018. This pattern, reflected in Middle Eastern companies’ investment in homegrown leadership, presents both opportunity and risk. Laura Sanderson, RRA’s UK leader, observes: “Historically, the first couple of years of a CEO’s tenure were about clarifying the mandate… That grace period has been severely compressed. Today, CEOs are expected to demonstrate momentum almost immediately.”

    The technology sector provides a notable case study: after record churn in 2024, tech CEO exits halved in 2025 as boards paused leadership changes amid intense operational demands. This suggests that stability can be strategic, though boards continue to expect cost discipline and near-term validation.

    Persistent diversity challenges remain, with women comprising just 9% of incoming CEOs globally in 2025—down from 11% in 2024. The report highlights insufficient female representation in key feeder roles such as CFO, COO, and divisional P&L leadership positions.

    For Gulf corporations, the leadership playbook is evolving from episodic transitions to continuous succession planning. Boards must now define 24-36-month outcomes with precision and treat CEO development as an ongoing governance responsibility. As the report concludes, in a market that prizes rapid transformation, adequate support structures can determine the difference between sustained momentum and costly missteps.

  • Xinjiang through my eyes: The prairie doctor

    Xinjiang through my eyes: The prairie doctor

    In the vast grasslands of Xinjiang, 70-year-old Maolixialifu Hapa embodies a lifetime commitment to community healthcare. Since graduating in 1976, the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner has deliberately chosen rural service over research institute opportunities, bringing both medical expertise and genuine human connection to remote villages.

    For nearly five decades, Dr. Maolixialifu has served as both physician and trusted friend to countless villagers, integrating traditional Chinese medical knowledge with modern healthcare practices. His approach represents a unique blend of cultural preservation and community service that has become increasingly rare in modernizing China.

    The elderly doctor’s recent declaration—”If my health allows, I will help them and treat them all my life”—captures the essence of his dedication. This philosophy extends beyond mere medical treatment to encompass holistic care that addresses both physical ailments and emotional well-being.

    Dr. Maolixialifu’s story emerges as part of a broader series exploring Xinjiang’s cultural landscape, highlighting how traditional practices continue to thrive alongside modernization efforts. His work demonstrates how grassroots healthcare initiatives can successfully bridge cultural traditions with contemporary medical needs in China’s western regions.

  • New study paves way to eco-friendly refrigeration

    New study paves way to eco-friendly refrigeration

    A groundbreaking study led by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has revolutionized refrigeration technology by developing a novel cooling method that simultaneously achieves zero emissions, high cooling capacity, and exceptional heat transfer efficiency. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, this research addresses critical environmental and energy challenges posed by conventional cooling systems.

    The research team, under the leadership of Professor Li Bing from the Institute of Metal Research, discovered an innovative approach that integrates solid cooling effects with liquid flow dynamics. Their investigation focused on ammonium thiocyanate, a non-toxic industrial salt that demonstrates remarkable thermal properties when dissolved in water. The team observed that the salt’s dissolution absorbs substantial heat, while applying pressure reverses the process, causing precipitation and heat release. This reversible cycle creates a continuous cooling mechanism ideal for refrigeration applications.

    Unlike traditional vapor-compression systems that account for approximately 20% of China’s electricity consumption and 7.8% of carbon emissions, this new technology eliminates the need for environmentally harmful fluorocarbon refrigerants. Professor Li explained that their method transcends conventional limitations by combining refrigerant and heat-transfer medium into a single fluid, effectively solving what scientists previously termed the ‘impossible triangle’ of caloric materials.

    Laboratory results demonstrated exceptional performance, with temperature drops of nearly 30°C achieved within 20 seconds at room temperature and cooling spans reaching 54°C at elevated temperatures. The prototype system showed a cooling capacity of 67 joules per gram with efficiency approaching 77%, while in-situ spectroscopic experiments confirmed the process’s stability, reversibility, and instantaneous response to pressure changes.

    The technology’s superior high-temperature performance positions it as an ideal solution for thermal management in next-generation artificial intelligence computing centers, where heat dissipation presents significant challenges. While the research shows tremendous promise for industrial and domestic refrigeration applications, the team acknowledges that further engineering breakthroughs are needed to optimize rapid and reversible pressure-tuned phase transitions for commercial implementation.

  • Sports fans score big as drone soccer blends tech with teamwork

    Sports fans score big as drone soccer blends tech with teamwork

    Chengdu has become the epicenter of an innovative sporting revolution as drone soccer captivates thousands of participants, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional athletic competition. The recently concluded Ablefly National Drone Soccer Championship Finals, organized through a partnership between the Chengdu municipal government and the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, demonstrated the massive appeal of this emerging sport with 1,116 teams competing over three intense days.

    The competition features a unique 5v5 format where players maneuver specially designed drones encased in 20-centimeter protective spheres through aerial goal hoops. This requires exceptional hand-eye coordination, strategic teamwork, and technical proficiency, creating a spectator experience that combines the familiarity of soccer with the excitement of drone technology.

    International participants like Ousama Mahamad Senoussi Ahmad, a student from Chad studying at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, have embraced the sport for its tactical similarities to traditional soccer enhanced by the thrill of drone operation. Young competitors such as 14-year-old Li Yuanchen from Chongqing appreciate the personal development opportunities, noting how the sport challenges teamwork abilities and coordination skills.

    Educational institutions have become breeding grounds for drone soccer talent, with teachers like Zhao Yuanhang from Jitian Primary School reporting overwhelming student interest. The seamless integration of technology and entertainment has made after-school training sessions highly popular among tech-savvy youth.

    City officials recognize the broader implications of this technological sports fusion. Wang Yi, Director of Chengdu’s Sports Bureau, emphasizes how merging emerging industries like drone technology with sports brings advanced technology into public consciousness while creating substantial industrial development opportunities. As a significant hub for China’s drone industry, Chengdu has ambitious plans to establish itself as the national leader in drone soccer and expand into additional drone sports disciplines including drone basketball and fencing.

    The development strategy, as explained by Wen Ge of Qingyang District Aviation Association, prioritizes competition-driven participation rather than waiting for organic growth. This approach includes implementing school-based interest courses, collaborating with industry partners to enhance technological aspects, and creating accessible venues across communities and commercial centers to ensure sustainable growth and continuous participant engagement.

  • Authorities zoom in on film piracy

    Authorities zoom in on film piracy

    Chinese authorities have initiated a comprehensive nationwide campaign targeting film piracy in anticipation of increased viewership during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday period. The multi-agency operation brings together the National Copyright Administration, China Film Administration, Ministry of Public Security, and Ministry of Culture and Tourism in a coordinated effort to combat copyright infringement across the film industry.

    The enforcement strategy employs a dual approach combining physical inspections of entertainment venues with sophisticated digital monitoring of online platforms. Primary targets include clandestine cinema recordings, unauthorized distribution channels, and the illicit trade of pirated intellectual property merchandise. Particular attention is being directed toward preventing the exploitation of minors who might be recruited for illegal recording activities.

    Beyond enforcement measures, the campaign incorporates significant educational components aimed at elevating public consciousness regarding intellectual property rights. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of industry integration and technological upgrades within the film sector to create sustainable copyright protection mechanisms.

    Recent enforcement data demonstrates the scale of the challenge: during last year’s comparable initiative, authorities disabled over 762,600 pirated movie web links and imposed restrictions on 1,667 online accounts. The current crackdown has already produced significant judicial outcomes, with twelve prominent cases highlighted as deterrent examples.

    In Zhejiang province, a criminal syndicate operating piracy websites received prison sentences ranging from three to seven years alongside substantial financial penalties. Separately, a Shanghai individual received a two-year-eight-month suspended sentence and a 1.2 million yuan fine for unauthorized distribution of more than 5.2 million copyrighted episodes. Lesser administrative punishments have been applied in cases involving the online sale of edited films through e-commerce platforms.

    This intensified anti-piracy effort reflects China’s continuing commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection frameworks and maintaining orderly market conditions within the rapidly expanding creative industries.