Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Dubai: Archer denies Joby Aviation’s claims after lawsuit over trade secrets

    Dubai: Archer denies Joby Aviation’s claims after lawsuit over trade secrets

    In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Archer Aviation has vehemently denied allegations from competitor Joby Aviation regarding the alleged theft of trade secrets. The dispute emerged after Joby filed a lawsuit in Santa Cruz, California, accusing Archer of hiring a former Joby employee, George Kivork, who allegedly brought confidential business strategies, partnership terms, and aircraft specifications to Archer. Joby is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court injunction to prevent Archer from misusing its proprietary information.

    Eric Lentell, Archer’s Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that Archer has no deal with the developer in question and that Kivork did not provide any confidential Joby information. Lentell, who is currently attending the Dubai Airshow 2025, accused Joby of resorting to litigation as a tactic to undermine fair competition. However, he declined to comment on whether Archer plans to file a counter-lawsuit.

    Both companies are competing to bring their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly referred to as flying taxis, to market by next year. The legal battle underscores the intense rivalry in the burgeoning advanced aviation sector, where innovation and intellectual property are critical assets.

    Joby Aviation has refrained from commenting beyond the details outlined in its legal complaint. Meanwhile, Archer remains steadfast in its mission to pioneer the future of advanced aviation in America, undeterred by the ongoing legal challenges.

  • Magnitude-5.7 earthquake strikes Bangladesh; tremors felt in India

    Magnitude-5.7 earthquake strikes Bangladesh; tremors felt in India

    A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 struck Bangladesh on Friday, November 21, 2025, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), had its epicenter near Narsingdi, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the capital city of Dhaka. The tremors were also felt in several eastern states of neighboring India, though no immediate damage was reported. Witnesses in Dhaka described scenes of panic as residents fled their homes amid shaking buildings and the collapse of some makeshift structures. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s details, emphasizing its proximity to densely populated areas. Authorities in both countries are monitoring the situation closely, though no casualties or significant infrastructural damage have been reported so far. The event has reignited discussions about earthquake preparedness in the region, which is prone to seismic activity due to its geographical location.

  • Philippine police will arrest 18 suspects in a major corruption scandal, president says

    Philippine police will arrest 18 suspects in a major corruption scandal, president says

    Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared that 18 individuals implicated in a widespread corruption scandal involving flood control projects will face arrest. The scandal, which has triggered massive public protests and forced several congressional leaders to resign, centers on substandard and fraudulent infrastructure projects in a nation frequently battered by deadly typhoons and flooding. Marcos emphasized that these arrests mark only the beginning of a broader crackdown on corruption. The Sandiganbayan, a specialized anti-corruption court, issued arrest warrants for former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who has fled the country, and 17 others, including government engineers and executives from Sunwest Corp., a construction firm. The irregularities pertain to a 289 million peso ($4.8 million) flood control project in Oriental Mindoro province. Government prosecutors have recommended denying bail due to the severity of the case. Marcos vowed in a video message that all suspects would face the law without special treatment. The scandal has implicated at least 37 powerful figures, including senators, members of Congress, and construction executives, with many expected to be jailed by Christmas. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that at least five former and current senators are under investigation for allegedly receiving kickbacks. Among those implicated are lawmakers both allied with and opposed to Marcos, including his cousin, Rep. Martin Romualdez, who stepped down as House Speaker. The investigation also extends to Sen. Bong Go, a key ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has denied wrongdoing. The scandal has further strained relations between Marcos and the Duterte family, with Vice President Sara Duterte calling for Marcos’s accountability. Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has raised concerns about corruption, with over 9,855 flood control projects worth 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) now under scrutiny. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto estimated that up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) may have been lost to corruption since 2023.

  • UAE: Sudanese pharmacist blends heritage, innovation with skincare brand

    UAE: Sudanese pharmacist blends heritage, innovation with skincare brand

    Latifa Elnour, a Sudanese pharmacist and the founder of Ashri Skin, is revolutionizing the skincare industry by combining ancestral wisdom, scientific rigor, and Korean innovation. Her journey began in the UK, where she moved at 15 and later earned a Master’s in Pharmacy from the University of Manchester. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical science, Elnour’s passion for skincare led her to create a brand that simplifies self-care in an increasingly complex world. Ashri Skin, launched a year ago, offers a streamlined, three-step routine featuring toner, ampoule, and moisturizer, designed to cater to diverse skin types and needs. Manufactured in Korea, a global leader in cosmetics technology, the products incorporate scientifically proven ingredients while paying homage to Elnour’s Sudanese heritage. The brand name, ‘Ashri,’ meaning ‘beauty’ in Nubian, reflects this cultural connection. Elnour emphasizes the importance of self-care in Sudanese culture, viewing Ashri Skin as a celebration of identity and a meaningful contribution to daily life. Recently, she participated in the KT+150 networking event and is set to join the KT+150 Summit, where she will connect with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators. For Elnour, Ashri Skin is more than a beauty brand—it’s a fusion of heritage, science, and simplicity, proving that culture and care can lead the way forward.

  • WHO declares end of Indonesia’s poliovirus outbreak following yearslong vaccination campaign

    WHO declares end of Indonesia’s poliovirus outbreak following yearslong vaccination campaign

    Indonesia has successfully overcome its recent polio outbreak, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. This milestone follows nearly three years of rigorous efforts to combat the resurgence of the highly contagious disease, which had been officially eradicated in the country in 2014. The outbreak emerged in 2022 in Aceh province, driven by low immunization rates and poor environmental conditions. At the time, only 50.9% of infants in Aceh received polio vaccinations, a figure significantly lower than the national average. Misinformation about vaccine compatibility with religious beliefs further hindered immunization efforts, compounded by the government’s focus on COVID-19 vaccinations. Over the next two years, cases spread to multiple provinces, including Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Maluku, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and South Papua. In response, nearly 60 million additional doses of polio vaccine were administered to children. The last confirmed case was reported in South Papua in June 2024, and no poliovirus has been detected since. WHO’s declaration marks a critical step toward global polio eradication. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin attributed the success to the dedication of health workers and community commitment, while WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Director Saia Ma’u Piukala emphasized the need for continued vigilance. Sadikin pledged to maintain Indonesia’s polio-free status through strengthened immunization programs, enhanced surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration. UNICEF Indonesia Representative Maniza Zaman highlighted the importance of sustained momentum to ensure all children receive necessary immunizations.

  • Man wanted in Abu Dhabi double murder arrested in India

    Man wanted in Abu Dhabi double murder arrested in India

    In a significant breakthrough, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Shameem KK, a fugitive wanted in connection with a 2020 double murder case in Abu Dhabi. The suspect was detained in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, after evading authorities since 2022. The case involves the deaths of Haris Thathamma Parambil, a business consultant, and Dency Antony, who were found deceased in a flat in the UAE capital on March 5, 2020. Initially, the deaths were staged to appear as suicides. Investigations later revealed that Shaibin Ashraf, an associate of Haris, orchestrated the murders out of jealousy and business rivalry. Ashraf allegedly deployed accomplices to the Gulf, funded their expenses, and plotted the killings to seize Haris’s income and savings. A charge sheet was filed in India on October 10, 2024, against Ashraf and seven others, including Shameem KK. The Kerala High Court had earlier directed the CBI to take over parts of the investigation from local police, and a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued to track the absconding suspect. The CBI has confirmed that further legal proceedings are now underway following the arrest.

  • Indian fighter jet pilot killed in crash at Dubai airshow

    Indian fighter jet pilot killed in crash at Dubai airshow

    A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Airshow 2025 when an Indian fighter jet, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s Tejas, crashed during a display, resulting in the death of the pilot. The crash occurred at approximately 14:10 local time (10:10 GMT) on the final day of the event, which had drawn over 148,000 attendees and exhibitors from 1,500 companies. The Indian Air Force (IAF) expressed deep regret over the loss of life and extended their support to the bereaved family. A court of inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident. Dubai’s Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence reported that emergency services responded swiftly to manage the situation on-site. The Dubai Airshow, which began on Monday, concluded on a somber note with this unfortunate event.

  • Co-hosting Games enriches ‘one country, two systems’

    Co-hosting Games enriches ‘one country, two systems’

    The 15th National Games concluded on November 21, marking a historic milestone in Chinese sports history. For the first time, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao jointly hosted this prestigious multi-sport event, showcasing an innovative application of the ‘one country, two systems’ policy. The collaboration spanned infrastructure development, rule harmonization, and the creation of shared mechanisms, fostering a unified sense of belonging among the three regions. This groundbreaking initiative not only highlighted the enduring vitality of the policy but also demonstrated its practical benefits in fostering regional cooperation and unity. The event’s success underscores the potential for further integration and mutual development under this framework, setting a precedent for future collaborations.

  • Fukushima owner edges towards restarting first reactor since meltdown

    Fukushima owner edges towards restarting first reactor since meltdown

    Japan is on the verge of restarting one of the reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The Niigata prefecture, where the plant is located, has signaled its consent for the restart, pending final approval from Japan’s nuclear regulator. This marks a significant step in Tepco’s efforts to rebuild its business after the catastrophic meltdown at Fukushima, which led to widespread radiation leaks, forced evacuations, and substantial financial liabilities. The restart plan focuses on the plant’s No. 6 and No. 7 reactors. However, public opinion in Niigata remains divided, with 50% supporting the restart and 47% opposing it, while nearly 70% express concerns about Tepco’s management of the facility. Since the Fukushima disaster, 14 nuclear reactors in Japan have resumed operations, reflecting the country’s broader strategy to increase reliance on atomic energy to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The final decision will be discussed at the prefectural government assembly in December.

  • China’s top court highlights domestic violence cases to raise awareness

    China’s top court highlights domestic violence cases to raise awareness

    In a decisive move to combat domestic violence, China’s Supreme People’s Court has publicized eight significant cases, underscoring a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy toward such offenses. This initiative, announced on Friday, aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, reinforcing the court’s stance that domestic violence transcends mere family disputes. The court emphasized that psychological harm, including continuous humiliation and character degradation, is a critical component of domestic violence. The Supreme People’s Court articulated that domestic violence is an illegal act infringing on personal rights, whether it occurs within or outside the home, and should not evade legal consequences. The court also highlighted the importance of expert testimony in understanding the psychology and behavior of both defendants and victims, particularly in cases involving minors. Furthermore, Chinese courts have been urged to strengthen mechanisms against violence, decisively combat all forms of violence against women, and ensure public perception of fairness and justice in every judicial proceeding.