Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • ‘We pray for peace’: Indian filmmaker from troubled state who won a Bafta

    ‘We pray for peace’: Indian filmmaker from troubled state who won a Bafta

    Indian cinema has achieved a landmark victory as Lakshmipriya Devi’s debut feature ‘Boong’ secured the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), marking the first Indian production to win in this prestigious category. The Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama triumphed over major international contenders including Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ and the French sci-fi production ‘Arco’.

    The film’s BAFTA success has generated significant attention toward both the artistic achievement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur, Devi’s home state in northeastern India. Since May 2023, ethnic conflicts between the Meitei majority and Kuki-Zo communities have resulted in over 260 fatalities and displaced tens of thousands of residents, creating a backdrop of tension that contrasts sharply with the film’s message of hope.

    ‘Boong’ follows the journey of a mischievous young boy, Brojendro ‘Boong’ Singh (portrayed by 12-year-old Gugun Kipgen), who embarks on a quest to find his missing father despite rumors of his death. With assistance from his best friend Raju, the child protagonist navigates complex social landscapes while addressing weighty themes including ethnic tensions, migration patterns, and regional militarization.

    During her acceptance speech delivered alongside Paddington Bear, Devi utilized the global platform to advocate for peace and reconciliation in her troubled homeland. ‘We pray that all internally displaced children, including the child actors in our film, regain their joy, innocence, and dreams,’ she stated before emphasizing humanity’s ‘super power of forgiveness’ as an antidote to conflict.

    The production represents a significant collaboration between regional storytelling and mainstream Indian cinema. Excel Entertainment, the Mumbai-based production company co-founded by Bollywood icon Farhan Akhtar, provided crucial support that enabled the film’s successful festival circuit journey through Toronto, Warsaw, and Melbourne.

    Despite limited theatrical distribution in India—a common challenge for independent regional cinema—the film has received widespread critical acclaim. The Hollywood Reporter praised its ability to convey regional history without exoticization, noting how it ‘forces us to remember that characters are humans before they’re Manipuri, Hindu, or Indian.’

    Political leadership across India has celebrated the achievement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it ‘a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur.’ The official social media account of the Manipur government described the film as ‘a tribute to a homeland that remains resilient despite hardship,’ directly referencing Devi’s powerful plea for peace and forgiveness.

  • Ugandan president’s son compares Sudan’s RSF to Hitler following meeting with his father

    Ugandan president’s son compares Sudan’s RSF to Hitler following meeting with his father

    In a remarkable diplomatic breach, Muhoozi Kainerugaba—son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and commander of the nation’s armed forces—launched a scathing social media attack against Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The outburst came just days after Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, met with President Museveni at his Entebbe residence.

    Kainerugaba took to X (formerly Twitter) during Sunday night hours, labeling Hemedti ‘a criminal’ with ‘the blood of thousands of black people on his hands.’ His posts drew explicit parallels between RSF fighters and Nazi war criminals, stating: ‘RSF feels like heroes for killing innocent black people. Very good. I bet Hitler felt like a hero too for gassing Jews in Auschwitz.’

    The general, widely anticipated to succeed his father as Uganda’s leader, declared that the ‘RSF will have to fight the whole of Black Africa before they win in Sudan,’ adding emphatically that ‘that will NEVER happen.’

    In an abrupt thematic shift, Kainerugaba revealed supernatural instructions to erect a statue honoring Yoni Netanyahu—the Israeli commando leader killed during the 1976 Entebbe raid. He claimed: ‘For the last 4 years, My God Jesus Christ has appeared to me in dreams and visions. He told me to build a statue to Yoni Netanyahu in Entebbe.’

    This religious revelation underscores Uganda’s complex relationship with Israel. Despite President Museveni historically referring to Israel as ‘Palestine’ during memorial events, both he and his son maintain strong ties with Israeli leadership. In 2020, Museveni facilitated a landmark meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, initiating normalization talks between the nations.

    The controversy deepens with connections to Israeli businessman Barak Orland, described as an arms dealer and long-time Uganda resident. Orland’s company, Bar Aviation, has been implicated in supplying RSF forces via flights from Ugandan airports. Another Orland venture, security firm Yamasec, employs former Israeli military and intelligence personnel.

    Kainerugaba’s inflammatory tweets align with his history of provocative social media behavior, including past threats to invade Kenya and violent rhetoric against political opponents during Uganda’s elections.

    The RSF-Sudanese Armed Forces conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has created the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. The RSF controls much of western Sudan, including Darfur, where they face genocide allegations against non-Arab communities. While Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar support the official Sudanese military, the RSF enjoys patronage from the United Arab Emirates—a nation increasingly reliant on Ugandan cooperation following its withdrawal from Somali bases.

  • UAE issues alert for fog as visibility drops on Monday, Tuesday morning

    UAE issues alert for fog as visibility drops on Monday, Tuesday morning

    The United Arab Emirates’ National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has activated a yellow alert for dense fog formation across multiple emirates, with hazardous conditions expected to persist from Monday evening through Tuesday morning. The meteorological warning specifically targets reduced visibility periods between 10:00 PM Monday and 10:00 AM Tuesday, affecting transportation networks nationwide.

    Meteorological projections indicate extensive fog coverage along the western coastal regions, stretching from Abu Dhabi in the southern sector through Dubai and Sharjah, reaching northern territories including Ras Al Khaimah. The NCM advisory also notes potential fog development in selected interior zones, with possible escalation to red alert status if visibility deteriorates beyond current forecasts.

    Transportation authorities have issued urgent safety directives to motorists navigating the persistently foggy conditions that have complicated commutes throughout the past week. Abu Dhabi Police emphasized critical safety protocols including reduced speed limits of 80 km/h during low visibility episodes, increased following distances between vehicles, and strict avoidance of mobile device usage while driving.

    Optimal vehicle lighting procedures have been specifically addressed, with authorities recommending against high-beam usage due to light reflection effects that can further impair visibility. The comprehensive safety guidelines aim to minimize accident risks during weather conditions that significantly compromise road safety.

    The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric developments closely, with real-time updates available through official communication channels. Residents are advised to remain informed about evolving weather patterns and adhere strictly to all official safety recommendations during this period of meteorological uncertainty.

  • US orders non-essential staff at Beirut embassy to leave

    US orders non-essential staff at Beirut embassy to leave

    In a significant security development, the United States Department of State has mandated the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. The directive was confirmed by a senior official on Monday, February 23, 2026, signaling heightened concerns over the stability of the region.

    The evacuation order comes amidst a complex geopolitical backdrop. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio currently maintains plans for an official visit to Israel, a State Department spokesperson indicated this itinerary remains fluid and subject to alteration based on evolving security assessments. This cautious approach reflects the administration’s prioritization of diplomatic security.

    This decision aligns with a pattern of heightened security protocols across U.S. diplomatic missions in the Middle East. Recent advisories, including an ‘increased caution’ alert for personnel in Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s announcement of implementing its own precautionary measures, suggest a coordinated response to broader regional instability. The move is often interpreted by analysts as a precautionary measure against potential retaliatory actions or escalating violence that could threaten American interests abroad.

    The State Department’s decision underscores the volatile climate in the region, potentially linked to recent military engagements and political friction between neighboring states, though the official statement did not cite a specific immediate threat. The safety of U.S. government employees and their families remains the paramount concern, guiding such proactive security determinations.

  • Scared of tech? UAE students fear false accusations of AI help in university assignments

    Scared of tech? UAE students fear false accusations of AI help in university assignments

    A pervasive climate of apprehension has emerged across UAE universities as students confront an unexpected academic stressor: the looming threat of false accusations of AI-assisted cheating. According to a comprehensive YouGov survey encompassing 10,330 respondents globally, including 527 UAE students, 81% report significant stress about being erroneously flagged by AI detection systems when submitting critical assessments.

    The research, spanning multiple countries including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, reveals that this anxiety transcends theoretical concern. At institutions like BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, faculty members acknowledge visible student distress. Professor A. Somasundaram, Associate Dean of Academic Undergraduate Studies, notes: “Many genuinely worry about being wrongly flagged despite independent work completion. The opacity surrounding AI detection methodologies generates particular anxiety for high-stakes evaluations.”

    Dr. Zeenath Reza Khan, Computer Science Associate Professor at University of Wollongong in Dubai and Founding President of the Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE, emphasizes the complex technological landscape exacerbating this issue. “We’ve moved beyond simple chatbot copying,” she explains. “Agentic AI now integrates seamlessly into browsers and productivity platforms, offering real-time suggestions, drafting, and restructuring. The demarcation between human cognition and machine augmentation has become fundamentally blurred.”

    The psychological ramifications extend beyond emotional distress to tangible academic consequences. Dr. Najla Al Futaisi, Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Canadian University Dubai, warns that anticipation of false misconduct accusations can redirect student focus from intellectual development to defensive writing strategies. This anxiety may paradoxically drive students toward actual AI misuse in attempts to circumvent detection systems, ultimately eroding critical thinking capabilities and original problem-solving skills.

    Economists highlight broader implications for the UAE’s knowledge-driven economy. Dr. Ashraf Mahate, Chief Economist for Trade and Export Market Development at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, characterizes the survey as a imperative for systemic action: “This data provides a clear roadmap for governing bodies, university executives, and technology partners to address integrity anxiety and mentorship gaps through refined policies and human-centered approaches.”

    Educational institutions increasingly emphasize empathetic review processes over automated judgments, prioritizing academic dialogue to mitigate unnecessary stress. The emerging consensus suggests that the central question has evolved from mere detection of AI usage to preserving human agency within increasingly AI-augmented learning environments.

  • Bank of England’s Taylor says high US tariffs appear to be here to stay

    Bank of England’s Taylor says high US tariffs appear to be here to stay

    Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Alan Taylor has declared that elevated U.S. import tariffs represent a permanent structural shift in global trade with consequences that will unfold over ‘many years.’ Speaking at a Deutsche Bank event on Monday, Taylor responded to recent developments including President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 15% global import levy following Supreme Court rulings that voided most of his previous tariff increases.

    Taylor emphasized the profound nature of this trade policy transformation, stating, ‘The fundamental thing to realize is those tariffs are here to stay at some kind of number that is an order of magnitude bigger than it was two years ago.’ He cautioned that the full impact of this ‘meaningful change’ would require extensive time to fully materialize within the global economic system.

    The policymaker, who was among four MPC members advocating for an interest rate reduction to 3.5% this month, identified emerging patterns in trade diversion. He noted preliminary evidence suggesting China is redirecting exports toward East Asian markets and the European Union, potentially creating deflationary pressures across global markets. However, Taylor acknowledged the difficulty in precisely quantifying the ultimate significance of these shifting trade patterns.

    Regarding domestic monetary policy, Taylor maintained that the Bank of England likely has ‘two or three more quarter-point rate cuts’ before requiring a pause, assuming no additional economic shocks emerge. He expressed particular concern about the evolving risk balance in the BoE’s forecasts, which he believes is shifting toward lower inflation expectations and greater economic damage from rising unemployment.

    While noting he wouldn’t be alarmed by January’s isolated services price growth data alone, Taylor indicated he would grow concerned if underlying inflation pressures consistently exceeded expectations ‘over and over again.’ His advocacy for recent rate cuts stemmed partly from concerns that inflation might persistently undershoot the Bank’s 2% target in the coming period.

  • Baftas 2026: BBC faces backlash for airing n-word, cutting ‘free Palestine’ from speech

    Baftas 2026: BBC faces backlash for airing n-word, cutting ‘free Palestine’ from speech

    The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has ignited a firestorm of criticism following its handling of the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) broadcast, facing accusations of racial insensitivity and political censorship.

    The controversy stems from two distinct editorial decisions during the ceremony. First, the broadcast included an unedited racial slur shouted by an audience member with Tourette syndrome—a neurological condition causing involuntary vocalizations—during a presentation by actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo. Although host Alan Cumming addressed the incident live with an apology to those offended, this clarification was omitted from the televised version.

    Simultaneously, the corporation deliberately edited out a portion of award winner Akinola Davies Jr’s acceptance speech. The British-Nigerian filmmaker’s truncated remarks included a message of solidarity with migrants and those experiencing persecution, specifically concluding with the phrase ‘free Palestine.’

    The BBC’s dual approach—airing potentially harmful language while censoring political speech—prompted immediate backlash across social media platforms. Many commentators expressed particular bewilderment at the editorial choice to leave the racial slur unedited while cutting the pro-Palestinian message, given that the awards ceremony was broadcast on a two-hour delay specifically to allow for content review.

    In response to mounting pressure, the BBC issued an apology specifically for broadcasting the racial slur, attributing it to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and confirming its removal from the BBC iPlayer version. However, the corporation remained silent regarding its decision to censor Davies Jr’s speech, directing inquiries instead to its statement about the racial incident.

    This selective editing has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and media critics alike. Amnesty UK described the censorship as ‘shameful,’ while media analysts suggested the decisions revealed institutional priorities influenced more by political pressures than journalistic integrity. The incident has sparked broader conversations about media responsibility, racial justice, and the silencing of Palestinian solidarity in mainstream broadcasting.

  • Israeli minister says army to occupy all Gaza if Hamas does not disarm

    Israeli minister says army to occupy all Gaza if Hamas does not disarm

    Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key member of the nation’s security cabinet, declared on Monday that Hamas faces an imminent deadline to surrender its weapons or risk comprehensive military occupation of Gaza by Israeli forces. In a televised interview with public broadcaster Kan, the far-right minister revealed that Palestinian militants would shortly receive a formal ultimatum demanding complete demilitarization.

    Smotrich asserted that should Hamas refuse compliance, the Israel Defense Forces would possess both international legitimacy and American support to execute a full-scale occupation. The minister confirmed military strategists are already developing operational plans for this contingency, with multiple alternatives under active consideration.

    This development occurs within the fragile framework of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that recently concluded two years of sustained conflict. During the initial phase, Israeli troops withdrew to positions behind the designated Yellow Line while maintaining control over more than half of Gaza’s territory. The subsequent phase, initiated last month, envisions progressive Israeli military withdrawal coupled with Hamas disarmament—a provision the militant organization has vigorously opposed.

    The American peace proposal, championed by President Donald Trump, additionally calls for establishing a 20,000-strong International Stabilization Force (ISF). While several nations have pledged troop contributions, Smotrich expressed skepticism regarding the rapid deployment of international forces. He suggested coordinated arrangements with American officials would ensure foreign troops quickly withdraw to facilitate Israeli military operations if necessary.

  • How Iranians coped in the lead-up to war

    How Iranians coped in the lead-up to war

    In the heart of Tehran’s winter, amidst a nationwide internet blackout that severed digital connections for millions, an intimate gathering organized through the Hamneshin app (‘companion’ in Persian) revealed profound shifts in Iranian social dynamics. This encounter unfolded against a backdrop of simmering tensions—from December 2025 unrest and violent crackdowns to threatened airstrikes over Tehran’s nuclear program and lingering trauma from a recent 12-day war with Israel.

    The Hamneshin platform, resembling Western supper clubs in structure, has evolved into something far more significant in contemporary Iran. Participants register through the app, pay fees, and join age-grouped gatherings ranging from dinners to bowling nights. Yet these meetings transcend leisure, representing a collective response to deepening structural isolation driven by economic strain, migration, rising divorce rates, and shrinking spaces for mixed-gender interaction.

    At an upscale Tehran café, socioeconomic disparities manifested visibly—from luxury cars waiting outside to carefully styled outfits contrasting with rapidly fluctuating market prices. The participants, predominantly educated professionals including engineers, managers, and entrepreneurs, revealed complex layers of loneliness despite outward success. Javad, a confident entrepreneur, and Roya, a language teacher battling depression, both sought companionship unavailable in their daily lives.

    A poignant silence fell when recent violence was mentioned—not indicating indifference but collective exhaustion. The gathering consciously created temporary distance from external turmoil. For Vahid, who left energy sector stability for cryptocurrency trading, and Aida, a divorced mother watching friendships thin as people ‘disappear into work or leave the country,’ these connections offered rare emotional respite.

    While not all gatherings forge lasting bonds—many WhatsApp groups go inactive—some participants developed offline friendships that provided stability during internet blackouts. The platform represents broader social initiatives across Iran, including pottery workshops and discussion circles, that create structured environments for connection despite requiring disposable income that excludes many.

    These digital-facilitated gatherings cannot solve structural pressures but provide symbolic resistance against fading friendships, shrinking social circles, and growing public hesitation. As one 43-year-old attendee noted: ‘It sounds simple, but you leave feeling lighter. You remember that you can still connect.’ In a society navigating multiple crises, such temporary interruptions of isolation carry profound significance.

  • Saudi Grand Mosque expansion improves pilgrims’ experience, access for millions

    Saudi Grand Mosque expansion improves pilgrims’ experience, access for millions

    Saudi Arabia has unveiled the completion of its Third Expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, marking a historic milestone in enhancing worship conditions for millions of pilgrims. This monumental project, spanning approximately 1.214 million square meters, represents one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the sacred site’s history, specifically designed to accommodate massive congregations during peak seasons including Ramadan, Hajj, and Umrah.

    The expansion strategically addresses previous challenges of overcrowding and congestion through sophisticated spatial planning and state-of-the-art facilities. The enhanced infrastructure now features advanced climate control systems with 90,000 tons of cooling capacity, ensuring comfortable temperatures year-round. Worship comfort is further elevated through the installation of over 25,000 premium carpets, 17,000 Zamzam water dispensers, and 11,436 modern restrooms and ablution facilities.

    Movement throughout the expanded complex has been revolutionized with 428 escalators, 28 elevators, and 80 strategically positioned entry points, facilitating seamless access across ground, first, second, mezzanine, and rooftop levels. Audio clarity during prayers is ensured through 1,300 high-fidelity speakers, while 458 drinking fountains provide continuous hydration for worshippers.

    The operational framework incorporates round-the-clock field teams maintaining full facility readiness through integrated technical, engineering, and human resources. This comprehensive service system prioritizes both physical safety and spiritual tranquility, allowing pilgrims to perform rituals with greater devotion and peace of mind.

    Beyond physical infrastructure, the project embodies Saudi Arabia’s deeper commitment to preserving the sanctity of Islamic worship while embracing modern engineering solutions. Ongoing upgrades in maintenance protocols, cleanliness standards, and guidance services continue to reflect leadership’s dedication to serving pilgrims at Islam’s holiest site.