Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • UAE to donate $1.2 billion to support Gaza through Board of Peace

    UAE to donate $1.2 billion to support Gaza through Board of Peace

    The United Arab Emirates has announced a substantial $1.2 billion humanitarian contribution to support Gaza reconstruction efforts through the newly established Board of Peace. The commitment was formally declared by the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister during the coalition’s inaugural meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

    This significant financial pledge forms part of a broader regional support initiative, with neighboring Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait each committing $1 billion toward Gaza’s recovery. The collective regional assistance now totals approximately $4.2 billion in pledged reconstruction funding.

    Concurrent with these announcements, US President Donald Trump revealed that $7 billion has been allocated to a dedicated Gaza reconstruction fund, contingent upon Hamas disarming. President Trump further committed an additional $10 billion American contribution to the Board of Peace initiative, significantly amplifying international support for the region’s rebuilding efforts.

    The Board of Peace represents a multinational coordination mechanism designed to oversee and implement humanitarian and reconstruction projects in Gaza. The UAE’s leadership in this initiative demonstrates its growing role in regional stability and humanitarian assistance, while the substantial financial commitments from multiple nations indicate a concerted international effort to address the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza.

  • ‘Board of Peace’ members commit $7bn to Gaza relief, US pledges further $10bn

    ‘Board of Peace’ members commit $7bn to Gaza relief, US pledges further $10bn

    WASHINGTON, DC – In a significant development for Middle Eastern diplomacy, nine member nations of former President Donald Trump’s newly established “Board of Peace” have collectively pledged $7 billion toward humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. President Trump announced the commitments during the board’s inaugural meeting held at the Donald J Trump Institute for Peace on Thursday.

    The contributing nations include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait. While a detailed breakdown of individual contributions was not immediately disclosed, Trump indicated that “many more are contributing to the numbers.” The United States is separately investing an additional $10 billion, though this allocation is understood to support the board’s overall operations rather than being exclusively designated for Gaza.

    Beyond member contributions, the international community is mobilizing substantial support. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will raise $2 billion, while FIFA, the global football governing body, has committed $75 million for sports-related projects in the enclave. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a recipient of the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize from Trump last year, attended the meeting and sits on the board. Furthermore, Japan has committed to hosting an aid fundraiser with participation expected from regional nations including South Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore, with potential involvement from China and Russia.

    World Bank President Ajay Banga, serving on the board’s executive committee, outlined the institution’s role as a “limited trustee.” The Bank will manage and disperse the pledged funds for reconstruction and development projects in Gaza, leveraging its AAA rating to attract private investment and de-risk the funding process.

    However, the initiative faces significant challenges. The security situation remains precarious. U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, appointed to oversee the accompanying International Stabilization Force (ISF), revealed that Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania will contribute troops to the force, which will be trained by Egypt and Jordan. The ISF’s mandate includes protecting civilians, training local forces, and assisting in the disarmament of factions—a point that has caused hesitation among some potential contributors. Indonesia will assume deputy command of the ISF, and deployment will begin in the Rafah sector, though no precise timeline was provided. The Trump administration confirmed no U.S. troops would be deployed on the ground.

    On the ground governance falls to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Palestinian technocrat Ali Shaath. He described operating in “extremely difficult conditions” with large areas “destroyed” and humanitarian needs “acute.” Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, appointed to oversee Gaza’s demilitarization, announced the creation of the Office of the High Representative for Gaza to guide the NCAG. A key priority is establishing security through a new 5,000-strong professional civilian police force, for which recruitment is already underway with 2,000 applicants so far. These officers will be trained in Egypt as part of a broader 20-point plan to consolidate all weapons under a single civilian authority.

    Despite the focus on Gaza, the board’s official charter notably makes no mention of either “Gaza” or “Palestinian,” reflecting the Trump administration’s break from the long-standing U.S. policy goal of a two-state solution. The board has also faced international skepticism. Spain and most European nations have refused to join, with some EU representatives attending only as “observers.” The Vatican declined its invitation, and Canada’s was rescinded. At a recent security conference, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas criticized the board for its omissions. Trump, however, positioned the board as a supplement to the UN, stating it would be “looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly,” while pledging to work closely with the international body.

  • North Korea opens major party congress with Kim emphasizing economy

    North Korea opens major party congress with Kim emphasizing economy

    SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has commenced its most significant political gathering, the Workers’ Party Congress, where Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un is anticipated to outline his strategic vision for the nation’s next five-year development cycle. The event, which began Thursday in Pyongyang, marks a pivotal moment for cementing the Kim dynasty’s authoritarian governance while addressing critical domestic and international challenges.

    In his opening address, Kim emphasized economic achievements and national resilience since the previous congress in 2021, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic’s peak. He proclaimed substantial progress in economic development and regional positioning, characterizing these advances as an ‘irreversible’ enhancement of North Korea’s global standing. ‘This created favorable conditions and circumstances for giving a greater spur to our socialist construction,’ Kim stated, acknowledging the ‘heavy and urgent historic tasks’ of boosting economic construction and improving living standards.

    Notably absent from initial state media coverage were direct references to Kim’s nuclear weapons program or ongoing standoffs with the United States and South Korea. However, geopolitical analysts anticipate the congress will address these issues as Kim continues to leverage global tensions to advance his strategic objectives.

    Recent geopolitical maneuvers have seen North Korea deepen alliances with Russia and China. Kim has capitalized on Russia’s war in Ukraine to accelerate his nuclear and missile capabilities while providing substantial military support to Moscow—potentially in exchange for economic assistance and technological transfers. Simultaneously, he has strengthened ties with China, North Korea’s traditional ally and economic lifeline, through diplomatic visits and summits.

    While North Korea’s information blockade obscures accurate economic assessment, external experts suggest a gradual recovery fueled by post-pandemic trade resumption with China and weapons exports to Russia. The congress follows weeks of military demonstrations and inspections of industrial and housing projects, showcasing alleged achievements under Kim’s leadership.

    Approximately 5,000 delegates, including 224 central leadership members, are participating in the event expected to span several days. Experts predict Kim will outline ambitious economic targets and plans to expand his nuclear-armed military, which already possesses systems targeting U.S. allies in Asia and long-range missile capabilities potentially reaching the U.S. mainland.

    South Korea’s intelligence agency is monitoring potential signals regarding Kim’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae (approximately 13), being positioned as a potential successor—a move that would formalize the regime’s fourth-generation dynastic succession.

    Diplomatic relations remain frozen since the 2019 collapse of talks between Kim and former U.S. President Donald Trump. North Korea has consistently rejected dialogue offers, demanding the U.S. abandon its denuclearization requirements as a precondition for negotiations. Relations with South Korea have similarly deteriorated, with Kim abandoning peaceful reunification rhetoric in favor of a hostile ‘two-state’ doctrine for the Korean Peninsula—a stance potentially to be institutionalized in the Workers’ Party constitution during this congress.

  • How do you modernise mango farming?

    How do you modernise mango farming?

    As the world’s leading mango producer, India faces unprecedented challenges in sustaining its 23-million-ton annual harvest—approximately one-fifth of the nation’s total fruit output. The delicate cultivation process, dependent on precise climatic conditions, tree physiology, and agricultural techniques, has become increasingly precarious due to climate volatility.

    Fourth-generation mango cultivator Upendra Singh from Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, embodies the sector’s struggles. Having worked on family orchards since age 12, the 62-year-old farmer observes: ‘Seasons no longer follow patterns. Flowering, fruiting, and harvesting shift annually due to climate change.’ Despite rising input costs for pesticides, labor, and irrigation, yields continue declining across India’s 700 regional varieties—from northern Dasheri to Maharashtra’s Alphonso and Bihar’s Langra.

    Dr. Hari Shankar Singh of the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR) confirms these observations: ‘Erratic weather patterns have become the norm. Last year, premature flowering followed by strong winds damaged fruit development. This year, prolonged cold delayed flowering entirely.’

    Scientific interventions offer hope through two parallel approaches:

    Genetic research accelerated dramatically after ICAR scientists sequenced the Alphonso mango genome in 2016. ‘Genome mapping identifies genes governing fruit color, aroma, sweetness, and climate resilience,’ explains Dr. Singh. This breakthrough potentially reduces traditional breeding timelines from 10-20 years, though challenges remain due to mango trees’ heterozygous nature and 5-10 year maturation period.

    On-ground innovations include:
    – Protective ‘bagging’ techniques creating micro-environments around developing fruits
    – ‘Girdling’ methods involving controlled branch cuts to redirect tree energy
    – Canopy management and scientific pruning for size control
    – Orchard rejuvenation through strategic tree height reduction

    Progressive farmers like Neeti Goel (1,100 trees across 27 acres) employ soil and leaf analysis for precise micronutrient application. Exporters like Berrydale Foods’ Saravanan Achari experiment with greenhouse cultivation to meet international phytosanitary standards. ‘Climate change is the single biggest export risk,’ notes Achari, citing Japan and Israel’s protected cultivation models as precedents.

    While genetic science addresses long-term resilience, immediate adaptations through controlled environments and precision agriculture may determine whether India’s $2.1 billion mango industry can sustain its global dominance amid escalating climate challenges.

  • Strict warning against public eating during Ramadan in Kuwait

    Strict warning against public eating during Ramadan in Kuwait

    Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has delivered an unequivocal warning regarding public conduct during the upcoming Ramadan season, emphasizing zero tolerance for violations of established regulations. The authorities have specifically prohibited public consumption of food and beverages during daylight fasting hours, with stringent penalties awaiting those who disregard the mandate.

    According to the official directive, individuals caught eating in public spaces during fasting hours will face substantial fines, potential imprisonment for a maximum period of one month, or both penalties concurrently. The enforcement measures extend beyond direct violators to encompass those who facilitate, encourage, or coerce others into public eating, subjecting them to identical legal consequences.

    Commercial establishments found permitting or enabling public eating violations will confront severe operational sanctions, including mandatory temporary closure for durations extending up to two months. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government’s determination to maintain decorum throughout the holy month.

    Major General Abdulwahab Ahmed Al-Wuhaib has confirmed that all security, traffic management, and public awareness divisions within the Ministry of Interior have completed comprehensive preparations for Ramadan. The coordinated strategy focuses on enhancing public safety measures, ensuring efficient traffic circulation, and promoting positive social behavior throughout the Islamic holy month.

    Security preparations include significantly intensified patrol presence around mosques, commercial markets, shopping centers, and other high-density gathering areas. Traffic authorities will reinforce patrol operations along both primary and secondary roadways, with particular emphasis on peak traffic periods preceding iftar and following Taraweeh prayers.

    Specialized field units have been deployed to identify and address negative social activities including unauthorized begging and illicit street vending operations. Legal proceedings will be initiated against offenders to preserve public order and maintain Kuwait’s civilized urban appearance during Ramadan observances.

  • 30-year Ramadan tradition: Residents in this UAE village share suhoor each night

    30-year Ramadan tradition: Residents in this UAE village share suhoor each night

    In the tranquil village of Remah, nestled within Al Ain’s cultural landscape, a remarkable Ramadan tradition has flourished for over three decades, transforming nighttime suhoor into a powerful demonstration of community solidarity. Each night during the holy month, a different household opens its doors to host the entire village for the pre-dawn meal, creating a rotating celebration that has become the cornerstone of Ramadan’s social fabric.

    The practice, initiated in the 1990s by the village elders, continues today as a living testament to Emirati cultural values. As night deepens following iftar, families, elders, and children converge upon the designated host’s majlis, where conversations stretch into the early morning hours and laughter echoes through the communal space. The gathering represents far more than shared sustenance—it embodies the essence of village life where openness, neighborly bonds, and collective responsibility remain paramount.

    Khamis Alkhaili, a native resident, emphasizes the tradition’s intergenerational significance: “Our parents established this custom, and we are committed to preserving it for our children. This is how we demonstrate what community truly means in our village.”

    The ritual follows a carefully coordinated system where families prepare throughout the year for their hosting responsibilities. Women collaborate in meal preparation while men engage in storytelling and fellowship. Children witness firsthand the operationalization of unity, learning cultural values through participation rather than instruction.

    Beyond the communal gathering, the tradition extends into charitable action. Following each suhoor, women meticulously package untouched surplus food into distribution boxes destined for farm workers and low-income families in surrounding areas. This daily act of charity has become an integral component of the ritual, with recipients anticipating the nightly deliveries throughout Ramadan.

    Maryam Alkhaili explains the careful process: “We ensure all distributed food maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and preparation. The recipients have come to depend on this daily nourishment during the holy month.”

    For volunteers like Abeer, who participates annually in food distribution, the experience encapsulates Ramadan’s spiritual essence. “When you witness the gratitude in recipients’ eyes,” she reflects, “you understand how simple gestures forge profound connections. We cease to be separate families—we become one extended community.”

    The Remah village tradition stands as a compelling example of how cultural practices can simultaneously preserve heritage while addressing contemporary needs through structured generosity and social cohesion.

  • The Chinese AI app sending Hollywood into a panic

    The Chinese AI app sending Hollywood into a panic

    Chinese tech conglomerate ByteDance has unleashed a technological earthquake across global entertainment industries with its groundbreaking AI video generator Seedance 2.0. This revolutionary platform demonstrates unprecedented capability to transform simple text prompts into cinema-quality videos complete with synchronized audio effects and dialogue, achieving results that industry professionals describe as indistinguishable from conventional production pipelines.

    The system’s extraordinary proficiency became evident through viral demonstrations featuring copyrighted characters including Spider-Man and Deadpool, immediately triggering legal challenges from entertainment titans Disney and Paramount. These studios have issued cease-and-desist letters alleging blatant copyright infringement, while Japanese authorities have launched investigations into ByteDance following the circulation of AI-generated videos utilizing popular anime characters.

    Beyond the immediate copyright controversies, Seedance 2.0 represents a quantum leap in generative AI technology. Unlike previous Western models including OpenAI’s Sora, ByteDance’s innovation seamlessly integrates text, visual, and audio generation within a unified system. The model’s exceptional performance is being measured through its remarkably realistic rendering of the viral “Will Smith eating spaghetti” benchmark, producing clips that resemble big-budget film productions.

    AI ethics researcher Margaret Mitchell emphasizes that while the technological achievement is impressive, the development highlights critical unanswered questions regarding content authentication, intellectual property rights, and public trust in AI-generated media. The situation echoes previous legal confrontations including The New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI, underscoring persistent industry tensions surrounding unauthorized training data usage.

    Despite these challenges, Seedance 2.0 offers transformative potential for smaller production companies. Singapore-based Tiny Island Productions director David Kwok notes the technology enables creation of sophisticated action sequences and visual effects previously unattainable within typical micro-drama budgets, potentially revolutionizing content creation across Asia’s booming short-form video market.

    The breakthrough also signals China’s accelerating advancement in artificial intelligence. University of Melbourne computing professor Shaanan Cohney observes that ByteDance’s achievement demonstrates Chinese AI models now compete at technology’s cutting edge, raising questions about what additional capabilities Chinese tech firms may unveil following substantial government investment in AI and robotics infrastructure.

  • Indonesian leader signs trade deal with Trump while in Washington for the Board of Peace

    Indonesian leader signs trade deal with Trump while in Washington for the Board of Peace

    In a significant diplomatic convergence in Washington, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Donald Trump solidified a comprehensive trade agreement while attending the inaugural session of the Trump-led Board of Peace. The pact, characterized by the White House as a “great deal,” represents a major advancement in bilateral economic relations.

    The arrangement establishes a reciprocal tariff structure wherein Southeast Asia’s largest economy will eliminate duties on most American products, while the United States will implement a fixed 19% tariff on Indonesian imports—mirroring rates applied to Cambodia and Malaysia. This framework, initially conceptualized last summer, achieved formalization during the Washington summit.

    Complementing the government-level agreement, Indonesian and American corporations finalized eleven commercial deals valued at $38.4 billion. These encompass substantial purchases of U.S. agricultural commodities including soybeans, corn, cotton, and wheat, alongside cooperative ventures in critical mineral extraction, petroleum field rehabilitation, and semiconductor manufacturing joint ventures.

    Concurrently, President Prabowo, leading the world’s most populous Muslim nation, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to international stabilization efforts in Gaza by pledging 8,000 troops—or “more if necessary”—to a prospective peacekeeping force. This commitment constitutes a foundational element of Trump’s postwar reconstruction strategy for the region.

    The trade negotiations incorporated strategic dimensions regarding critical minerals, with Washington seeking Indonesia’s commitment to relax export restrictions on these vital resources. This initiative aims to fortify U.S. manufacturing supply chains against disruptions and counter China’s dominant position in supplying minerals essential for defense systems and consumer electronics.

    President Prabowo positioned Indonesia as a potential “bridge” and “honest broker” between competing global powers, alluding to the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry. The Board of Peace meeting also featured participation from Cambodia and Vietnam, with the latter engaged in ongoing trade discussions following U.S. imposition of 20% tariffs on Vietnamese exports.

  • Balanchine in the spotlight as Meydan’s Carnival night shapes road to the Dubai World Cup

    Balanchine in the spotlight as Meydan’s Carnival night shapes road to the Dubai World Cup

    The Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse delivered a pivotal evening of thoroughbred competition, serving as a crucial preparatory event just six weeks ahead of the prestigious Dubai World Cup. The February meeting featured three Pattern races that offered both qualifying pathways and a platform for elite horses to establish their credentials.

    Central to the evening’s narrative was the Group 2 Balanchine Stakes, a 1,800-meter turf contest for fillies and mares that has defined the Carnival’s mid-season since its 2004 inception. Named in honor of Godolphin’s legendary 1994 Oaks and Irish Derby champion, the race showcased a compelling showdown between the stable’s powerhouse operations. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor, seeking his first Balanchine victory since 2018, entered Cape Verdi winner Dubai Beach and third-place finisher Dubai Treasure, both expected to benefit from the extended distance.

    Their primary challenger emerged from within Godolphin’s own ranks, with Charlie Appleby presenting the lightly raced Blue Nazare. The UK debut winner had acclimatized effectively to Dubai conditions according to connections, presenting an intriguing unknown quantity against race-fit rivals. Appleby entered the event having dominated the previous six runnings of the prestigious contest.

    Beyond the feature race, the meeting carried substantial international implications. The UAE Oaks provided qualifying points toward the Kentucky Oaks, establishing a clear pathway for three-year-old fillies to global competition. Meanwhile, the Nad Al Sheba Trophy over 2,810 meters has historically launched top stayers toward Dubai Gold Cup success, with last year’s winner Dubai Future exemplifying this progression.

    The Road to the Kentucky Derby (formerly Al Bastakiya) carried enhanced significance as an official qualifying event for Churchill Downs, offering 20 points to the winner. Trainer Bhupat Seemar fielded a formidable five-runner team headed by Salloom, who rebounded from a December debut withdrawal to secure a convincing 1,600-meter victory three weeks prior. European challengers Knight Of Glory, trained by David Menuisier, added international flavor to the competitive field of thirteen three-year-olds seeking Kentucky Derby qualification.

  • Russian tennis star Andreeva embraces Emirati culture

    Russian tennis star Andreeva embraces Emirati culture

    Russian tennis sensation Mirra Andreeva, currently competing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, has captivated audiences both on and off the court by fully embracing traditional Emirati culture. The teenage phenom, who made history last year as the youngest WTA 1000 champion, took time between matches to experience authentic local attire and jewelry, creating a powerful cultural exchange moment.

    During a specially curated session with Dubai-based fashion brand The Alley Line, Andreeva explored the intricate craftsmanship behind traditional Emirati garments. She was fitted with a custom abaya and traditional Arab jewelry, marking her first personal experience with the iconic clothing she had previously only observed on local women.

    ‘For me, it’s always super special to try new cultures and learn about them,’ Andreeva expressed with visible enthusiasm. ‘I’m so happy to be experiencing these beautiful outfits and jewelry. It feels surreal and incredibly special.’

    The young athlete showed particular interest in the handmade nature of the garments, expressing astonishment at the meticulous craftsmanship involved. ‘I learned that these dresses are typically handmade, which is incredible considering the time and care invested. The beauty of the final product left me somewhat in shock,’ she remarked.

    Andreeva’s cultural immersion highlights how major international sporting events in Dubai serve as bridges between diverse cultures, offering athletes meaningful connections beyond their athletic pursuits. The WTA 1000 tournament, running from February 15-21 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, features 16 of the world’s top 20 players, making it a perfect platform for such cross-cultural exchanges.

    The event continues to demonstrate how sports can transcend competition, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between international athletes and their host destinations.