Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • New clashes erupt in Iran as protests enter second week, say rights groups

    New clashes erupt in Iran as protests enter second week, say rights groups

    Iran has entered its second consecutive week of widespread civil demonstrations, with fresh clashes erupting between security forces and protesters across multiple provinces. The unrest, initially triggered by economic grievances and rising living costs, has evolved into broader anti-government sentiment challenging the clerical establishment.

    According to documentation from international human rights organizations, at least twelve fatalities have been confirmed since protests commenced on December 28th. The initial shopkeepers’ strike in Tehran’s historic bazaar district has expanded into a nationwide movement spanning 23 of Iran’s 31 provinces, affecting approximately 40 urban centers.

    The Norway-based Hengaw Human Rights Organization reported particularly violent confrontations in western regions with significant Kurdish and Lor minority populations. In Malekshahi county of Ilam province, Revolutionary Guards allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in four confirmed fatalities and approximately thirty injuries. Verified footage shows security forces employing aggressive dispersal tactics against protesters who blocked roads with overturned containers.

    This represents the most significant challenge to Iran’s leadership since the 2022-2023 Mahsa Amini protests, though current demonstrations haven’t yet reached comparable scale. The unrest compounds existing pressures on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s administration, following recent military confrontations with Israel that damaged nuclear infrastructure and eliminated key security figures.

    International response has intensified considerably. United Nations Special Rapporteur Mai Sato cautioned against repeating the violent suppression witnessed during previous protests. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump declared readiness to respond if protestor fatalities continue, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with Iranian demonstrators. Iranian officials have condemned foreign statements as interference while simultaneously acknowledging legitimate economic concerns alongside warnings against destabilization.

    With over 580 documented arrests and continued security force deployments in major urban centers, the situation remains highly volatile as both protesters and authorities appear increasingly entrenched in their positions.

  • Wall St Week Ahead: Jobs data could jolt stocks from holiday calm as 2026 kicks off

    Wall St Week Ahead: Jobs data could jolt stocks from holiday calm as 2026 kicks off

    Financial markets are poised for heightened activity as the first full trading week of 2026 approaches, with investors closely monitoring employment data that could break the current market stagnation. The January 9 jobs report emerges as a critical indicator that may determine near-term Federal Reserve policy decisions and market trajectory.

    The S&P 500 concluded 2025 with impressive 16% gains despite December losses, marking its third consecutive year of double-digit percentage growth. Current market conditions reflect a period of consolidation, with the index trading near record highs but essentially flat since late October. This stagnation has created what analysts describe as a ‘waiting game’ for directional signals.

    Labor market concerns have already influenced monetary policy, prompting the Federal Reserve to implement rate cuts during each of its final three 2025 meetings. With the benchmark rate currently at 3.5%-3.75%, futures markets indicate minimal expectation for a January reduction but nearly 50% probability of a quarter-point cut in March.

    December employment figures project a gain of 55,000 positions according to Reuters polling, following November’s 64,000 increase. The unemployment rate remains elevated at 4.6%, representing a multi-year high that continues to shape Fed deliberations balancing employment objectives against persistent inflation exceeding the 2% target.

    Beyond employment data, investors face multiple catalysts including upcoming inflation metrics, manufacturing and services sector reports, and the imminent fourth-quarter earnings season. Major financial institutions including JPMorgan are scheduled to report during the week of January 13, providing crucial insight into corporate performance expectations.

    Market strategists note that current valuations demand either robust earnings growth or sustained investor confidence in economic conditions. S&P 500 companies are projected to have achieved 13% earnings growth in 2025 with forecasts suggesting 15.5% expansion for 2026, according to LSEG IBES data.

  • Indian director Bharathiraja, hospitalised after breathlessness, is stable

    Indian director Bharathiraja, hospitalised after breathlessness, is stable

    Renowned Indian film director Bharathiraja, an iconic figure in Tamil cinema, remains in stable condition after being hospitalized for respiratory issues. The 81-year-old auteur was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Chennai on December 27th after experiencing breathlessness.

    Medical authorities at the healthcare facility released an official bulletin on January 4th confirming that the veteran filmmaker is receiving appropriate medical care in the intensive care unit. According to the statement, his clinical condition is stable with vital parameters within normal limits under appropriate medical support. The medical team continues close monitoring while reporting satisfactory response to ongoing treatment.

    The hospitalization comes during a difficult period for the acclaimed director, who lost his son Manoj Bharathiraja—also an actor-filmmaker—to cardiac arrest in March last year. Family sources indicate Bharathiraja had been struggling with his health since this personal tragedy. After his son’s passing, the director relocated to Malaysia to stay with his daughter but found little improvement in his condition despite the change of environment.

    Bharathiraja’s contributions to Indian cinema have earned him the revered title ‘Iyakkunar Imayam’ (mountain among directors). He revolutionized Tamil filmmaking by abandoning studio sets in favor of authentic outdoor locations—a radical departure from industry norms at the time. His filmography is distinguished by realistic portrayals of rural life and social divisions, notably in works like ‘Vedham Pudhithu’ (1987), which offered critical commentary on societal issues.

    Throughout his four-decade career beginning in the early 1980s, Bharathiraja directed numerous critically acclaimed films including ’16 Vayathinile’ (remade as ‘Solva Saavan’ in Hindi), ‘Kizhakke Pogum Rayil’, ‘Muthal Mariyathai’, and ‘Karuththamma’. His 1977 film ’16 Vayathinile’ is particularly celebrated for uniting three legendary stars: Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and Sridevi.

    Beyond his directorial achievements, Bharathiraja demonstrated exceptional talent-spotting abilities, launching the careers of actors Revathi (‘Mann Vasanai’), Karthik, Radha, Napoleon, and several others. His mentorship also extended to emerging directors including K Bhagyaraj, Manivannan, and R Parthiban who assisted him before establishing their own successful careers.

  • Dubai outshines as GCC markets trail global rally in a divided year

    Dubai outshines as GCC markets trail global rally in a divided year

    The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) equity markets concluded 2025 with markedly divergent performances, revealing a growing chasm between regional exchanges and their global counterparts. Dubai’s financial marketplace emerged as a regional luminary, showcasing remarkable resilience while other Gulf markets struggled to keep pace with worldwide rallies.

    Dubai’s benchmark index soared 17.2% to close at 6,047.1 points, securing its position as the third-best performing market within the GCC region. This achievement marked the index’s fifth consecutive annual advance, demonstrating a maturing yet persistently robust upward trajectory. Sectoral performance revealed significant variations, with materials leading the charge at 29.9% growth, closely followed by communication services (29.5%) and industrials (28.1%). However, consumer discretionary sectors experienced substantial pressure, declining 24% and revealing underlying market fragmentation.

    The Dubai Financial Market witnessed exceptional growth in market capitalization, climbing 14.7% year-on-year to reach Dh1.029 trillion. This expansion was fueled by vigorous initial public offering activity, particularly the Alec Holding IPO which attracted Dh29.8 billion in orders—representing a 21-times oversubscription—and raised Dh1.4 billion. Trading metrics showed pronounced acceleration, with volumes increasing 19.8% to 60.4 billion shares and traded value surging 55.3% to Dh161.8 billion. Emaar Properties dominated market turnover with Dh46.4 billion in traded shares, followed by Emaar Development and Emirates NBD.

    Dubai’s equity market strength mirrored its formidable economic fundamentals. The emirate’s real estate sector recorded unprecedented performance, with transaction volumes rising 17.1% to 212.8 thousand deals and total sales values skyrocketing 27.3% to Dh667.6 billion. Apartment sales demonstrated particular vigor, with volumes up 19.3% and values increasing 25.4%. The International Monetary Fund projected Dubai’s GDP growth at 3.4% for 2025, acknowledging the emirate’s economic diversification and resilience amidst global uncertainties. Official data revealed GDP expansion of 4.4% during the first half of the year, propelled by construction sector growth of 8.5%.

    Conversely, Abu Dhabi delivered a more tempered recovery. The ADX General Index advanced 6.1% to close at 9,992.72 points, rebounding from two consecutive years of decline. Market capitalization grew 3.7% to Dh3.03 trillion, supported by selective sectoral gains. Real estate led sectoral advances with a 15.4% increase, followed by telecommunications and financials. However, substantial declines in consumer staples, healthcare, and consumer discretionary stocks, coupled with a utilities sector retreat, constrained broader market progress.

    Trading activity on the Abu Dhabi exchange remained vigorous, with volumes surging 35.3% to 85.8 billion shares and traded value rising 31.0% to Dh316.0 billion. International Holding Company, ADNOC Gas, and Aldar Properties emerged as the most actively traded stocks by value. Abu Dhabi’s property market demonstrated exceptional performance, with transaction values leaping 36% to Dh165.5 billion and volumes increasing 50%, reinforcing the emirate’s emergence as a transparent, well-regulated property destination. The IMF anticipates Abu Dhabi’s real GDP will expand by 6% in 2025, supporting a strengthened medium-term outlook.

    Regionally, GCC markets substantially trailed global indices, with the MSCI GCC Index gaining merely 1.6% throughout 2025. Geopolitical tensions, crude oil weakness, and declines in heavyweight Saudi stocks exerted downward pressure. Brent crude prices fell 18.5% during the year, adversely affecting energy-concentrated markets. Saudi Arabia’s TASI declined 12.8%, representing the only GCC market to post an annual loss. Oman and Kuwait outperformed with gains of 28.2% and 21.0% respectively, positioning Dubai firmly among regional leaders.

    Globally, equity markets celebrated a third consecutive year of double-digit gains, propelled by artificial intelligence stock rallies and accommodative monetary policies. Major benchmarks in the United States, Europe, and Asia advanced approximately 17%, while emerging markets surged over 30%, dramatically outperforming GCC indices. Against this backdrop, Dubai’s robust performance highlighted its increasing alignment with global growth narratives, even as the broader Gulf region contended with structural challenges and geopolitical headwinds.

  • DPRK slams US ‘hegemony-seeking act’ against Venezuela

    DPRK slams US ‘hegemony-seeking act’ against Venezuela

    PYONGYANG – In a strongly worded statement released Sunday, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has issued a scathing condemnation of United States policies toward Venezuela, characterizing American actions as flagrant violations of international law and sovereignty principles.

    The official declaration, disseminated through state-controlled Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), featured a ministry spokesperson accusing Washington of committing “hegemony-seeking acts” that represent “the most serious form of sovereignty encroachment.” The statement further alleged these actions constitute wanton disregard for both the United Nations Charter and established international legal frameworks.

    According to the North Korean assessment, current regional instability directly results from what it termed “US high-handed actions” that have exacerbated an already fragile geopolitical situation in Latin America. The characterization framed recent American maneuvers concerning Venezuela as demonstrating what Pyongyang views as the “rogue and brutal nature” of United States foreign policy.

    The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s diplomatic corps urged the international community to recognize the escalating situation’s severity and collectively voice opposition to what it described as America’s “habituated violation” of other nations’ sovereignty. This positioning aligns with North Korea’s historical pattern of criticizing US foreign policy while simultaneously facing extensive international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program.

    The statement emerges amid ongoing political and economic turbulence in Venezuela, where international perspectives remain sharply divided regarding legitimate leadership and appropriate foreign involvement. North Korea’s vocal support for Venezuela’s sovereignty reflects broader geopolitical alignments that frequently see anti-US nations forming diplomatic alliances based on mutual opposition to American influence.

  • New Year holiday sees 595 million cross-regional trips

    New Year holiday sees 595 million cross-regional trips

    China witnessed an extraordinary surge in domestic travel during the three-day New Year holiday period from January 1-3, 2026, with official data revealing approximately 595 million cross-regional journeys nationwide. This remarkable figure represents a substantial 19.62 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025 and a 5.74 percent rise over the 2024 New Year holiday travel volume.

    The transportation sector experienced particularly robust growth across all modes of travel. Railway networks emerged as the standout performer, handling 48.09 million passenger trips throughout the holiday period. With daily rail passenger volume averaging 16.03 million, this segment demonstrated an impressive 52.66 percent year-on-year growth compared to 2025, indicating a pronounced resurgence in long-distance travel demand among Chinese citizens.

    Road transport maintained its position as the dominant travel mode, accounting for the overwhelming majority of journeys at 539 million trips. This translated to approximately 1.8 million daily road trips, marking a 15.7 percent increase from the previous year. Within this category, private passenger vehicles facilitated 442 million trips, while commercial road passenger services handled 98 million journeys.

    Complementing the land transportation figures, waterway transport recorded 2.25 million passenger trips, and civil aviation carriers transported 5.88 million passengers during the three-day holiday period. These statistics collectively paint a picture of a nation increasingly mobile and confident in travel following periods of restriction, with the diversified transportation infrastructure effectively accommodating the pent-up demand for holiday movement and family reunions.

  • Iran protests: Death toll rises to 16 amid ongoing crackdown

    Iran protests: Death toll rises to 16 amid ongoing crackdown

    Iranian security forces have reportedly killed at least four protesters during demonstrations in Malekshahi county, Ilam province, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). The organization documented 30 additional injuries resulting from clashes between security forces and demonstrators on Saturday.

    The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances including soaring inflation and the collapsing rial currency, have rapidly evolved into widespread political dissent across at least 30 Iranian cities. This represents the most significant wave of civil unrest since 2022, though demonstrations have yet to reach the capital, Tehran.

    Conflicting casualty figures have emerged from various human rights monitors. Kurdish rights group Hengaw estimates at least 17 fatalities since protests commenced last week, while activist network HRANA reports 16 deaths and 582 arrests nationwide.

    The economic foundation of the unrest traces to the Iranian rial’s catastrophic devaluation, with the currency trading at approximately 1.45 million to the US dollar by December’s end—a stark contrast to the 55,000-rial exchange rate in 2018 before the reimposition of US sanctions. Analysts attribute the economic collapse to comprehensive US sanctions on Iran’s energy exports, international banking restrictions, and domestic corruption.

    International tensions escalated when US President Donald Trump declared Friday that Washington would “come to the rescue” if Iran continued using lethal force against protesters, stating America was “locked and loaded and ready to go.”

    Iranian officials responded aggressively to both domestic unrest and international threats. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, accused the US and Israel of instigating protests and warned of regional destabilization should America intervene. Pro-government media have similarly characterized protesters as foreign pawns, raising concerns about potential justification for intensified crackdowns.

  • Driving a noisy vehicle? Abu Dhabi Police warn of Dh2,000 fine, 12 traffic points

    Driving a noisy vehicle? Abu Dhabi Police warn of Dh2,000 fine, 12 traffic points

    Abu Dhabi authorities have implemented stringent measures against excessively noisy vehicles, imposing substantial fines and penalties to preserve public tranquility and road safety. The police department has specifically targeted disruptive behaviors including loud engine modifications, reckless driving practices, and unauthorized vehicle alterations that frequently disturb residential communities and sandy recreational areas.

    According to official statements, these noise violations create significant distress among vulnerable populations including children, elderly residents, and individuals with medical conditions. The enforcement actions fall under Article 20 of the Traffic and Circulation Law, which mandates a 2,000 Dirham fine and 12 traffic points for operating noise-polluting vehicles. Additionally, unauthorized mechanical modifications carry separate penalties of 1,000 Dirham fines, 12 traffic points, and potential vehicle impoundment for 30 days.

    Under Law No. 5 of 2020, impounded vehicles require a 10,000 Dirham release fee, with unclaimed vehicles facing public auction after three months. Authorities have established multiple channels for violation reporting, including a dedicated 999 hotline for citizens to report disruptive vehicles. The police emphasized that winter recreational activities should not compromise community welfare, urging motorcyclists and drivers to adhere to safety regulations and respect public spaces.

    The digital infrastructure supports these enforcement measures through the Tamm.AbuDhabi platform, where residents can manage impoundment cases electronically using UAE Pass credentials or alternative verification methods. The system streamlines the violation resolution process while maintaining transparency in enforcement procedures.

  • UAE aviation sector stands as key pillar of national economy with growing global presence

    UAE aviation sector stands as key pillar of national economy with growing global presence

    The United Arab Emirates’ aviation industry has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic framework, demonstrating remarkable growth and international influence throughout 2025. Recent developments confirm the sector’s strategic importance, contributing approximately 18% to the country’s gross domestic product through both direct and indirect channels while supporting critical industries including tourism, commerce, and logistics networks.

    In a series of groundbreaking initiatives, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) launched the unified national platform for unmanned aerial vehicles in January 2025. This innovative digital ecosystem streamlines drone operations through comprehensive registration protocols, regulatory clarity, and enhanced safety measures, simultaneously improving operational efficiency and investment opportunities.

    The aviation landscape witnessed further transformation in April with GCAA’s design approval for the nation’s premier hybrid Heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. This pioneering infrastructure represents a significant advancement in the visionary Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project, marking substantial progress toward integrated, sustainable air transportation throughout the emirate.

    Environmental stewardship emerged as a priority with the GCAA submitting the UAE’s third State Action Plan for reducing aviation emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This comprehensive strategy, developed through collaborative efforts across the aviation sector, incorporates 42 operational and technological projects alongside 13 initiatives focused on sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon alternatives.

    The UAE’s global aviation standing reached new heights with its seventh consecutive term on the ICAO Council. The international community also reaffirmed its confidence in UAE leadership by re-electing Hamad Salem Al Muhairi as Chairperson of the ICAO Aviation Security Panel for a third term. Simultaneously, Engineer Maryam AlBalooshi achieved historic recognition as the first Middle Eastern representative elected to chair ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection.

    The nation solidified its position as a global aviation dialogue hub by hosting prestigious international events including the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium and the inaugural Global Sustainable Aviation Market in Abu Dhabi. The latter initiative gained extraordinary recognition when ICAO formally adopted it as an annual event within its official calendar—a rare honor for a state-initiated concept.

    Operational excellence continued as UAE airports reported unprecedented passenger traffic, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah international facilities collectively processing approximately 108.59 million passengers within the first three quarters of 2025.

  • iOS 26.2 update: New iPhone lock screen customisation features explained

    iOS 26.2 update: New iPhone lock screen customisation features explained

    Apple continues to refine its mobile operating system with the latest iOS 26.2 update, introducing sophisticated customization enhancements specifically targeting the Lock Screen interface. This incremental update builds upon the Liquid Glass design language introduced in iOS 26, offering users unprecedented control over visual aesthetics without fundamentally altering the operating system’s core functionality.

    The most significant improvement arrives in the form of an expanded opacity slider for the Lock Screen clock. Previously, users could apply a translucent, frosted-glass effect to their clock display, but customization options remained relatively constrained. iOS 26.2 dramatically enhances this capability by providing a broader spectrum of transparency adjustments, enabling either near-invisible minimalism or bold, high-contrast readability depending on user preference.

    This enhanced customization works seamlessly across all available clock fonts, allowing consistent transparency adjustments regardless of typographic choice. The functionality enables perfect harmony between clock displays and background wallpapers, whether users prefer intricate photographic backgrounds or clean gradient designs.

    Accessing these new features requires a simple process: users must long-press their Lock Screen, select ‘Customize,’ choose the clock element, ensure the Glass style (rather than Solid) is activated, and then manipulate the enhanced opacity slider to achieve their desired visual effect.

    Despite these advancements, one notable limitation persists from previous versions. The ability to resize the Lock Screen clock remains exclusively available with the default system font. Users who opt for alternative typfaces can adjust transparency but cannot modify clock dimensions, maintaining a consistency in Apple’s design approach while leaving room for future enhancements.

    The iOS 26.2 update represents Apple’s continued commitment to incremental refinement rather than revolutionary change, focusing on quality-of-life improvements that enhance the user experience through subtle but meaningful interface adjustments.