Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Watch: Massive avalanche engulfs Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg tourist resort

    Watch: Massive avalanche engulfs Jammu and Kashmir’s Sonamarg tourist resort

    A dramatic avalanche event unfolded in the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night, with security cameras capturing the terrifying moment when a massive wall of snow descended upon the popular Sonamarg tourist resort. The incident occurred at approximately 10:12 PM local time, as subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall created dangerous conditions throughout the valley.

    Surveillance footage circulated by Indian media outlets shows the powerful avalanche maneuvering through mountainous terrain before engulfing several structures in the resort area. Remarkably, despite the substantial force of the snowslide, local authorities confirmed no casualties resulted from the event, attributing the fortunate outcome to timely warnings and evacuation procedures.

    The avalanche formed part of a broader weather crisis affecting the region, where western disturbances have triggered the heaviest snowfall witnessed in a quarter-century. The extreme conditions have paralyzed transportation networks, stranding thousands of vehicles along the Jammu-Srinagar highway since Monday and prompting significant flight cancellations at Srinagar Airport.

    Meteorological officials from India’s weather department reported continuing snowfall and rainfall across multiple Jammu regions, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph. The Pir Panjal range, particularly the Kotranka-Budhal belt, has experienced exceptional accumulation, unexpectedly transforming the area into a tourist attraction despite the hazardous conditions.

    Administrative response efforts are underway, with Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma confirming that restoration teams are working to reinstate essential services including electricity, road access, and emergency provisions. ‘Continuous work on road traffic management is underway from early morning,’ Sharma stated, emphasizing the priority of ensuring uninterrupted rations, water, medical care, and emergency services for affected communities.

  • Trump says ‘massive armada’ will strike Iran with ‘speed and violence’ unless deal made

    Trump says ‘massive armada’ will strike Iran with ‘speed and violence’ unless deal made

    Former US President Donald Trump has issued a direct military threat against Iran through his Truth Social platform, declaring that a substantial naval fleet is currently en route to the region. Trump emphasized the armada’s readiness to execute operations with maximum force unless Tehran agrees to negotiate a nuclear non-proliferation agreement.

    Drawing parallels to previous military operations in Venezuela that ultimately resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Trump characterized the current deployment as significantly larger and more capable. He explicitly warned that the military force stands prepared to fulfill its mission with unprecedented speed and violence if diplomatic efforts fail.

    The former president referenced previous airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, known as ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ as precedent for potential military action. Trump asserted that any future offensive would substantially exceed previous operations in scale and destruction.

    This escalation occurs amid reports that the Trump administration is considering precision strikes targeting high-ranking Iranian officials allegedly connected to recent protester fatalities. While Israel media outlets suggest Britain, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates might provide logistical support for potential operations, the UAE foreign ministry has explicitly denied permitting use of its territory or airspace for military actions against Iran.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by rejecting negotiations under current threat conditions, stating that productive diplomacy cannot coexist with military ultimatums. Despite acknowledging communication channels with Washington, Araghchi clarified that Tehran has not actively sought negotiations and maintains its position that the United States must cease threats and excessive demands before meaningful dialogue can occur.

  • US troops to conduct multi-day exercise in Middle East; what does it mean for Iran?

    US troops to conduct multi-day exercise in Middle East; what does it mean for Iran?

    The United States Air Force has initiated a comprehensive, multi-day military exercise across the Central Command (CENTCOM) operational zone, signaling a significant demonstration of aerial combat readiness. Announced on January 26th, the drills are strategically designed to showcase the rapid deployment, dispersion, and sustained operational capacity of American combat airpower in volatile regions.

    Concurrently, Qatar has commenced the ‘Arabian Gulf Security 4’ drill, a joint tactical operation integrating security forces from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, including the United Arab Emirates, with specialized units from the United States. This parallel exercise underscores a coordinated approach to regional security preparedness.

    Lieutenant General Derek France, commander of AFCENT and the Combined Forces Air Component for CENTCOM, emphasized the critical nature of the maneuvers. He stated the operations are fundamental to upholding commitments to maintaining combat-ready personnel and ensuring the disciplined execution necessary to project airpower precisely where and when it is required. The exercises will serve to validate protocols for the swift mobilization of personnel and aircraft, alongside testing integrated, multi-national command and control systems across extensive operational theaters.

    These military developments unfold against a backdrop of escalating diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran. The tensions have been fueled by widespread protests within Iran over recent weeks. US President Donald Trump has publicly assured Iranian citizens of impending ‘help,’ subsequently asserting that American pressure compelled Iran to halt 800 scheduled executions—a claim that adds a layer of psychological dimension to the standoff.

    Iran has remained steadfast in its refusal to engage in negotiations with the United States, condemning what it perceives as threats against the Islamic Republic. President Trump has deliberately kept all options, including potential military action in response to Tehran’s suppression of protesters, on the table. Security analysts speculate that any US intervention could range from targeted strikes on military infrastructure to precision operations aimed at the leadership under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    In response, top Iranian officials are reportedly conducting diplomatic outreach to key Arab states to garner support, with several nations publicly denying they would permit their airspace to be used for offensive actions against Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has advocated for diplomatic solutions, asserting that military threats are ineffective. He clarified in televised remarks that Iran has not sought negotiations and has had no recent contact with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, insisting that productive talks require the cessation of threats and ‘excessive demands.’

  • Chongqing sets GDP growth target of over 5% for 2026

    Chongqing sets GDP growth target of over 5% for 2026

    The southwestern Chinese metropolis of Chongqing has officially established its economic development objectives for 2026, targeting a gross domestic product (GDP) expansion exceeding 5 percent. This announcement emerged from the inaugural session of the municipal people’s congress convened on January 28, 2026.

    Mayor Hu Henghua, presenting the municipal government’s annual work report to legislative delegates, revealed that Chongqing’s economic output reached 3.37 trillion yuan (approximately $485.22 billion) in the previous fiscal year, achieving a robust growth rate of 5.3 percent. This performance demonstrates the city’s resilient economic fundamentals despite global economic uncertainties.

    As a critical industrial hub in China’s strategic development blueprint, Chongqing’s growth target reflects the municipality’s commitment to sustainable economic development while maintaining stability in regional economic contributions. The projected growth rate aligns with national economic planning objectives while accounting for local industrial capabilities and market conditions.

    The announced target emerges amid China’s ongoing economic transformation toward high-quality development, with major manufacturing centers like Chongqing playing pivotal roles in balancing growth stability with technological advancement. The city’s strategic positioning within the Yangtze River Economic Belt further amplifies its significance in regional economic integration efforts.

    Economic analysts will monitor Chongqing’s performance throughout 2026 as an indicator of regional economic health and the effectiveness of municipal development policies implemented across China’s southwestern industrial corridor.

  • Cyprus–UAE Engagement: From Momentum to Investment

    Cyprus–UAE Engagement: From Momentum to Investment

    The strategic partnership between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates has evolved into a structured economic framework designed to transform diplomatic alignment into tangible investment outcomes. This relationship, built on mutual trust and shared vision for progress, is now demonstrating measurable results in trade and investment sectors.

    The recent high-level visit by the UAE President to Cyprus, accompanied by senior officials and business leaders, underscored the depth of bilateral ties and reinforced Cyprus’s position as a stable European partner in a region valuing predictability. This engagement culminated in the December 2025 establishment of the Cyprus-UAE Joint Business and Investment Council through a signed Memorandum of Understanding, creating a permanent platform for opportunity identification and stakeholder coordination.

    Cyprus continues to emerge as a compelling EU investment destination, offering UAE and GCC partners direct access to the European Single Market. The nation’s robust legal framework, strategic geographical positioning, and highly skilled English-speaking professional ecosystem provide exceptional advantages for market entry and regulatory certainty. Cyprus maintains strong economic fundamentals, ranking among the EU’s fastest-growing economies with near full employment, reduced public debt below 60% of GDP, and consistent ‘A’ credit ratings from major international agencies.

    Bilateral cooperation focuses on investment-ready sectors including shipping, energy, technology, and automation. Cyprus’s technology sector has experienced remarkable growth, hosting over 800 technology-driven companies across ICT, fintech, gaming, and technology-enabled services. The ICT sector contributes approximately 14% to GDP directly and indirectly, with Cyprus ranking third in the EU for sector growth. Foreign technology investment surged by over 200% in 2024, while the number of ICT professionals doubled within three years.

    Cyprus is enhancing its innovation infrastructure through regulatory mechanisms including the Capital Markets Commission sandbox, the Central Bank’s Innovation Hub, and an upcoming AI Sandbox. These initiatives position Cyprus as a testing and scaling ground for new solutions targeting the 450-million-consumer EU market.

    Beyond economic factors, Cyprus offers quality living conditions and a supportive environment for international professionals, supported by 12 universities, 9 research institutes, and 7 centers of excellence. Invest Cyprus facilitates investor transition from interest to execution, with the Joint Business Council serving as a practical channel for sustained engagement and accelerated cooperation across priority sectors.

    Both nations demonstrate that ambition transcends physical size, with the partnership now focused on delivering concrete results through targeted sector partnerships and investment flows, positioning Cyprus as the reliable EU gateway for regional and global growth.

  • Former senior political adviser sentenced to 12 years for bribery

    Former senior political adviser sentenced to 12 years for bribery

    In a significant demonstration of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Zhang Xiaolian, a former high-ranking political adviser, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for bribery offenses. The Shijiazhuang Intermediate People’s Court in Hebei province delivered the verdict on Wednesday, additionally imposing a substantial fine of 2 million yuan ($287,920) and ordering the confiscation of all illicit gains to be transferred to the State treasury.

    The judicial investigation revealed that between 2007 and 2023, Zhang systematically exploited his influential positions, including his tenure as mayor of Harbin—the provincial capital of Heilongjiang—and later as deputy head of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). During this sixteen-year period, he provided improper assistance to various individuals and organizations in matters ranging from legal case interventions to business operations and administrative management, accepting bribes totaling over 30.68 million yuan in exchange.

    The court characterized the amount involved as ‘extremely large,’ which typically warrants severe punishment under Chinese law. However, the sentencing reflected some leniency due to Zhang’s cooperation with authorities, including his voluntary confession, disclosure of previously unknown bribery incidents, and active restitution of illegal proceeds.

    Zhang’s professional trajectory, which ultimately culminated in his downfall, began with his Communist Party membership in 1985. Following his initial career at Beijing Forestry University, he ascended through various governmental roles, including leadership of Beijing’s Fangshan district in 2002. His transfer to Heilongjiang province in 2005 marked a significant step in his political career, leading to his appointment as Harbin mayor in 2007. His election to the CPPCC National Committee in 2018 represented the peak of his political influence before his investigation commenced in October 2024 for serious violations of Party discipline and national laws. His subsequent expulsion from the Party in April 2025 preceded formal indictment and trial proceedings.

  • Foshan Station marks a milestone as it moves toward construction

    Foshan Station marks a milestone as it moves toward construction

    Foshan Station has reached a pivotal construction milestone with the completion of its primary structural framework, marking significant progress for the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang high-speed railway project. China Railway Guangzhou Group confirmed the successful installation of steel structures on the northern building roof this Tuesday, representing a crucial engineering achievement for this major transportation hub.

    The station forms an integral component of the new high-speed corridor connecting Guangzhou, Guangdong’s provincial capital, with the coastal city of Zhanjiang in the province’s eastern region. Upon operational commencement, the facility is projected to accommodate approximately 4.6 million passengers annually during its initial service phase, substantially enhancing regional connectivity and transportation capacity.

    This infrastructure development aligns with China’s ongoing expansion of high-speed rail networks, particularly within the economically vibrant Guangdong province. The strategic positioning of Foshan Station will facilitate more efficient transportation links between urban centers and coastal areas, potentially stimulating economic development along the railway corridor.

    The structural completion demonstrates advanced engineering capabilities in large-scale transportation infrastructure, with the roof steel structure installation representing one of the most technically challenging aspects of station construction. Further development phases will focus on interior systems, platform configuration, and integration with regional transportation networks.

  • Historic UAE presidential visit marks new chapter in Cyprus–UAE relations

    Historic UAE presidential visit marks new chapter in Cyprus–UAE relations

    A landmark diplomatic event unfolded on December 14, 2025, as United Arab Emirates President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted the first-ever state visit by a UAE head of state to Cyprus. Hosted by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, this historic engagement signaled a transformative phase in bilateral relations between the Mediterranean nation and the Gulf powerhouse.

    The visit culminated in a comprehensive joint declaration that formally elevated the Cyprus-UAE relationship to an implemented strategic partnership. This framework establishes concrete mechanisms for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors including energy security, defense coordination, technological innovation, trade facilitation, and humanitarian initiatives.

    Central to the new partnership is the development of a detailed Joint Action Plan, to be administered by both nations’ foreign ministries, designed to identify and execute specific collaborative projects. The agreement emphasizes economic diversification through renewable energy development, digital infrastructure modernization, and cross-border investment opportunities.

    Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, particularly supporting United Nations efforts toward a bizonal, bicommunal resolution of the Cyprus issue. The timing proved strategically significant with Cyprus preparing to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, positioning the nation as a bridge for enhanced EU-UAE dialogue.

    George Partasides, Commercial Counsellor of the Cyprus Trade Centre in the GCC Region, characterized the visit as a pivotal moment that transforms political alignment into practical cooperation. He emphasized the visit’s role in establishing sustainable economic partnerships that would generate long-term value for both nations, particularly in energy, trade, and digitalization sectors.

    The UAE reinforced its view of Cyprus as a strategic gateway to European markets, while Cyprus affirmed its position as a stable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean. This visit built upon previous diplomatic foundations established in 2022, marking a decisive shift from theoretical alignment to actionable implementation.

  • UAE offers condolences to Greece over victims of deadly biscuit factory fire

    UAE offers condolences to Greece over victims of deadly biscuit factory fire

    The United Arab Emirates has formally expressed its profound condolences to the Hellenic Republic following a catastrophic industrial fire that resulted in multiple fatalities at a food processing facility northwest of Athens. Through an official statement released by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE government conveyed its solidarity with the Greek nation and extended heartfelt sympathies to both the grieving families and the broader community affected by this tragedy.

    The incident, which represents Greece’s most severe industrial accident in recent years, occurred in the early hours of Monday at the Violanta biscuit manufacturing plant located near Trikala, approximately 245 kilometers from the capital. Security footage from adjacent properties captured the moment of a devastating explosion that subsequently engulfed a substantial section of the factory in flames.

    Greek emergency services confirmed the recovery of five female victims from the wreckage, with four bodies located shortly after the blaze and the fifth discovered the following morning once persistent fire pockets were sufficiently contained. Industrial safety investigators have launched a comprehensive probe to determine the precise cause of the explosion and subsequent fire.

    The human dimension of this tragedy has deeply affected the local communities surrounding Trikala, which supply much of the factory’s workforce. In a poignant detail that has emerged from witness accounts, colleagues and family members revealed that the deceased women had specifically opted for nocturnal shift patterns to maximize daytime availability for their children, highlighting the profound personal sacrifices behind this industrial catastrophe.

  • Takaful Emarat appoints Deloitte to support long-term growth

    Takaful Emarat appoints Deloitte to support long-term growth

    DUBAI – Takaful Emarat, the United Arab Emirates’ pioneering Shariah-compliant life and health insurance provider, has entered a significant strategic partnership with global consulting firm Deloitte to develop a comprehensive five-year growth blueprint. This collaboration responds to the surging market demand for digitally accessible Islamic insurance products throughout the UAE.

    The partnership emerges as the Takaful sector undergoes substantial transformation, fueled by evolving consumer expectations, regulatory developments, and intensifying market competition. Takaful Emarat’s initiative aims to fortify its operational foundations while simultaneously enhancing policyholder experiences in an increasingly dynamic insurance environment.

    The joint endeavor will concentrate on establishing strategic priorities across multiple critical domains: expansion and distribution networks, digital transformation initiatives, customer journey optimization, corporate governance frameworks, and long-term financial sustainability. The resulting roadmap is designed to bolster operational resilience, drive efficiency improvements, and generate sustained value for both policyholders and shareholders.

    Adnan Saba El Aish, Chief Executive Officer of Takaful Emarat, characterized the partnership as “a pivotal advancement in reinforcing our long-term strategic vision. Collaborating with Deloitte enhances our execution capabilities, enables superior customer experiences, and positions us to effectively address the evolving requirements of the UAE’s Takaful marketplace.”

    Board Member Hisham Hammoud emphasized the organization’s commitment to “building a resilient, well-governed enterprise positioned for sustainable growth while maintaining strict adherence to Shariah principles and stakeholder expectations.”

    Deloitte representatives highlighted the growing consumer demand for Shariah-compliant life and health protection products coupled with expectations for seamless digital insurance experiences. Serkan Teker, Partner for Engineering, AI & Data at Deloitte Middle East, noted the engagement will strengthen Takaful Emarat’s operational model and technological infrastructure to facilitate efficient scaling and integrated service delivery.

    Ahmed Shah, Partner for Strategy and Transactions at Deloitte Middle East, observed that the UAE’s Takaful sector is entering a critical phase where strategic discipline and execution excellence are paramount. The collaboration will focus on developing the capabilities, governance structures, and commercial acumen necessary to effectively compete in the expanding market for trusted Islamic insurance solutions.