Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • December’s momentum is building as Big Ticket begins the countdown to Dh30 million

    December’s momentum is building as Big Ticket begins the countdown to Dh30 million

    As winter settles across the UAE, Big Ticket’s annual prize extravaganza gains momentum with multiple high-value draws throughout December, culminating in a historic Dh30 million grand prize drawing scheduled for January 3, 2026—the largest cash reward in the organization’s 2025 calendar.

    The December campaign features weekly electronic draws with five winners each week claiming Dh100,000 prizes. This structure provides multiple winning opportunities for participants who enter early, allowing them to benefit from several prize draws before the main January event.

    Adding to the excitement, Big Ticket has launched The Big Win Contest, automatically entering customers who purchase two or more cash tickets in a single transaction between December 1-24. Four selected participants will receive invitations to attend the live January draw with guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000. Finalists will be announced on January 1 via Big Ticket’s official website.

    The Dream Car Series further enhances the prize portfolio, with a brand-new BMW 430i awarded during the January 3 draw and a BMW X5 scheduled for distribution on February 3, providing additional incentives for participants seeking luxury vehicles.

    With cooler weather encouraging social gatherings and year-end planning, December has emerged as a particularly active period for Big Ticket enthusiasts. The combination of weekly prizes, luxury vehicles, and the record-breaking jackpot creates sustained excitement throughout the holiday season.

    Tickets remain available through Big Ticket’s online portal at www.bigticket.ae and at physical counters in Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport, ensuring accessible participation for residents and visitors alike.

  • Xi presents orders to promote two military officers to rank of general

    Xi presents orders to promote two military officers to rank of general

    In a formal ceremony held in Beijing on Monday, President Xi Jinping, serving as Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), conferred promotion orders elevating two senior military officers to the esteemed rank of general—the highest active-duty rank within China’s military structure. The promoted officers are Yang Zhibin, Commander of the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and Han Shengyan, Commander of the PLA Central Theater Command. The event underscores the continuous strategic command developments within the world’s largest active military. Vice-Chairman of the CMC, Zhang Youxia, announced the promotion orders, which were formally signed by President Xi. Another CMC Vice-Chairman, Zhang Shengmin, presided over the ceremonial proceedings. President Xi extended his personal congratulations to the newly promoted generals, highlighting the significance of their new roles in safeguarding national security and military modernization efforts. The promotion of theater commanders is viewed as a routine yet critical procedure in maintaining leadership continuity and operational readiness within the PLA’s expansive command apparatus.

  • Critically endangered ‘camel bird’ returns to Saudi Arabia after almost 100 years

    Critically endangered ‘camel bird’ returns to Saudi Arabia after almost 100 years

    In a landmark conservation achievement, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has successfully reintroduced the critically endangered red-necked ostrich to Saudi Arabia’s deserts after nearly a century of absence. This ambitious initiative represents a biological replacement for the extinct Arabian ostrich, which vanished from the region in the early 20th century due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction.

    The red-necked ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus), known historically as the ‘camel bird’ and genetically identified as the closest living relative to the Arabian subspecies, has been carefully selected for its remarkable adaptability to arid environments. With fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide—primarily scattered across Africa’s Sahel region—this reintroduction marks a critical intervention for the species’ survival.

    This project forms part of a comprehensive ecosystem restoration strategy that has already reintroduced 12 of 23 historically occurring species, including the Arabian oryx, Persian onager, and various gazelle species. The 24,500 square kilometer reserve, spanning from the Harrat lava fields to the Red Sea, represents one of the Middle East’s most biodiverse protected areas, encompassing 15 distinct ecosystems while hosting over 50% of Saudi Arabia’s documented species.

    The reintroduction program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which commit to protecting 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine territories by 2030. The royal reserve system, established by royal decree and overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, represents a significant national investment in environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

    Ostriches serve as essential ecosystem engineers, contributing to seed dispersal, insect population control, and maintaining healthy rangeland habitats. Their return promises to restore ecological functions lost with the extinction of the Arabian ostrich, while reviving cultural connections to a species celebrated in ancient Arabic poetry and depicted in sandstone petroglyphs throughout the region.

  • Bollywood counts costs as star fees squeeze profits

    Bollywood counts costs as star fees squeeze profits

    The Indian film industry faces an unprecedented financial crisis as extravagant demands from top-tier Bollywood celebrities escalate production costs beyond sustainable levels. Industry veterans report that excessive star entourages, luxury accommodations, and exorbitant personal fees are fundamentally undermining production economics.

    According to producer Ramesh Taurani of the successful Race franchise, the core issue isn’t production quality but rather the disproportionate allocation of resources to star compensation. Leading actors now command fees reaching $22 million per film while arriving on set with entourages of 10-15 personal staff—all billed to production budgets. These demands include multiple private trailers costing up to $18,000 each, first-class travel arrangements, five-star accommodations, and reduced working hours.

    Veteran producer Mukesh Bhatt describes these requirements as ‘obnoxious,’ noting that ‘expansive support teams, premium travel and luxury accommodations often inflate budgets without proportionate creative impact.’ The problem has intensified post-pandemic, when streaming platforms initially offered inflated acquisition prices that temporarily masked the industry’s structural issues.

    Trade analyst Raj Bansal observes that what began as single shared vanity trailers has evolved into competitive status-seeking among stars. The 2024 science fiction film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ exemplified this crisis, with its $42 million budget—heavily weighted toward star compensation—resulting in financial disaster despite featuring A-list actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.

    Actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan publicly criticized this culture in a September interview, questioning stars’ self-respect when demanding such arrangements. However, some exceptions exist: Kartik Aaryan waived his fee for the underperforming ‘Shehzada,’ while industry veterans like Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar personally cover their entourage costs.

    Producers increasingly advocate for partnership-style compensation models where financial risk and reward are shared collectively. As veteran producer Viveck Vaswani notes, ‘If you think your star is stronger than your script, you are wrong.’ The industry now faces a critical choice: prioritize storytelling economics or continue succumbing to unsustainable star-driven financial models.

  • Israel demolishes residential building in east Jerusalem

    Israel demolishes residential building in east Jerusalem

    Israeli authorities executed a significant demolition operation in East Jerusalem’s Silwan neighborhood on Monday, leveling a four-story residential structure that housed approximately 100 Palestinian residents. The pre-dawn operation, described by human rights organizations as the largest single demolition in the area this year, resulted in the displacement of numerous families, including women, children, and elderly residents.

    According to eyewitness accounts, Israeli security forces entered the building while occupants were sleeping, allowing them only minimal time to gather essential documents and clothing before bulldozers commenced demolition. The scene unfolded with personal belongings scattered across adjacent streets as three heavy machinery units systematically dismantled the structure under heavy police cordon.

    The Jerusalem Municipality justified the action citing a 2014 court order that designated the land for recreational and sports purposes rather than residential use. Officials maintained the demolition addressed illegal construction in accordance with urban planning regulations.

    However, Palestinian activists and human rights groups presented a contrasting narrative. The Jerusalem Governorate, affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, characterized the demolition as part of a systematic policy to forcibly displace Palestinian residents and alter the demographic composition of the city. Israeli organizations Ir Amim and Bimkom revealed that the demolition proceeded without prior notice, despite a scheduled meeting to discuss potential legalization measures for the structure.

    The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Jerusalem’s status, particularly in neighborhoods like Silwan where hundreds of Israeli settlers live among approximately 50,000 Palestinians. Palestinians face severe restrictions in obtaining construction permits through Israel’s planning system, creating a housing crisis that has persisted since Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem following the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. This latest demolition brings the total to approximately 100 East Jerusalem families displaced through such operations in 2025 alone.

  • PNC Championship: Where golf’s greatest names share the stage with Family

    PNC Championship: Where golf’s greatest names share the stage with Family

    The PNC Championship has solidified its position as one of golf’s most anticipated seasonal events, masterfully blending competitive excellence with profound family connections. This unique tournament, originally established in 1995 as the PNC Father-Son Challenge, has progressively evolved to embrace contemporary family structures while maintaining its core celebration of sporting legacy across generations.

    Held annually at Orlando’s Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Florida, the championship provides a refreshing departure from conventional tournament intensity. The 2025 edition featured twenty elite teams, each comprising a major champion or Players Championship winner partnered with a family member, creating a distinctive atmosphere of both competition and camaraderie.

    The 2025 tournament witnessed a historic performance from Matt Kuchar and his son Cameron, who secured their inaugural PNC title with unprecedented dominance. Their remarkable rounds of 57 and 54 culminated in a record-shattering 33-under-par finish, eclipsing the previous tournament benchmark by five strokes and securing victory by a commanding seven-shot margin.

    The scramble format, where both players drive before selecting the optimal ball position, fosters aggressive strategy and creative shot-making while prioritizing shared enjoyment. Davis Love III with son Dru and John Daly alongside John Daly II tied for second at 26-under, while Nelly Korda partnering with her tennis champion father Petr and Steve Stricker with daughter Izzi shared fourth position at 25-under.

    Beyond the $200,000 championship prize from the $1.085 million purse, Kuchar’s victory carried profound emotional significance following the recent passing of his father, Peter. An emotionally overwhelmed Kuchar shared with Golf Channel: ‘Dad is missed. I know pops is giving big fist pumps up in the sky. This has been a family favorite event since we started—it brings people together and creates special memories.’

    The championship field read like a hall of fame induction, featuring golfing luminaries including Annika Sörenstam, Fred Couples, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, and the legendary Lee Trevino as the event’s eldest competitor. More than mere competition, the PNC Championship stands as golf’s ultimate demonstration of how elite sport can harmoniously coexist with familial bonds, inclusivity, and personal significance.

  • B1 Properties brokers landmark Dh88 million Palm Jumeirah plot sale

    B1 Properties brokers landmark Dh88 million Palm Jumeirah plot sale

    Dubai’s luxury property sector has witnessed a landmark transaction as B1 Properties brokered the sale of a premium signature plot on Palm Jumeirah for Dh88 million (approximately $24 million). The 13,579-square-foot plot achieved the highest price per square foot recorded on the artificial archipelago in 2025, signaling robust investor confidence in Dubai’s high-end real estate market.

    The transaction, representing both buyer and seller, was remarkably completed within just one week from initial engagement to final transfer. This expedited process demonstrates both the market’s dynamism and B1 Properties’ operational efficiency in handling premium real estate deals.

    Market analysis indicates surging demand for Palm Jumeirah plots throughout 2025, driven by discerning investors and homeowners seeking rare opportunities to develop custom luxury villas tailored to their personal vision and lifestyle preferences. This transaction exemplifies the intense competition for premium development land in one of Dubai’s most exclusive residential destinations.

    Babak Jafari, CEO and Founder of B1 Properties, commented on the market dynamics: ‘The appetite for premium plots on Palm Jumeirah remains insatiable. Clients who act decisively to secure these rare parcels are well positioned to benefit from long-term exclusivity and strong capital appreciation.’

    The sale reinforces B1 Properties’ position as a leading authority in Dubai’s luxury real estate sector, with the company noting that several clients are already progressing with construction on newly acquired plots. This indicates a market characterized by immediate action and strategic investment timing rather than speculative holding.

    As 2025 concludes, this transaction sets new benchmarks across Dubai’s most coveted luxury locations, highlighting the continued attractiveness of signature properties for high-net-worth individuals seeking both lifestyle investments and capital growth opportunities in the emirate’s premium real estate market.

  • Israel announces establishment of 11 new settlements in the West Bank

    Israel announces establishment of 11 new settlements in the West Bank

    The Israeli government has authorized the establishment of 11 new settlements within the occupied West Bank, a contentious decision announced amidst ongoing efforts to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. This move, coupled with the legalization of eight previously unauthorized outposts, represents a significant expansion of Israeli presence in territories recognized as occupied under international law.

    The security cabinet approved these settlements on December 12th following proposals from far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz. This development brings the total number of settlements approved during Smotrich’s tenure since November 2022 to 69. The minister celebrated the decision as “a record like no other,” proclaiming on social media that “the people of Israel are returning to their land, building it and strengthening their hold on it.”

    Among the newly legalized areas are Kadim and Ganim, two of four West Bank settlements dismantled in 2005 during Israel’s Gaza disengagement. This authorization occurs despite clear international legal standards that deem all settlement construction in occupied territories illegal.

    Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in around 150 government-authorized settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories seized during the 1967 Middle East war. An additional 200 unauthorized outposts complete the settlement landscape, with the International Court of Justice ruling in 2024 that both types of settlements violate international law.

    Palestinian authorities have condemned the move vehemently. Muayyad Shaban, head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission and a Palestinian Authority minister, characterized the decision as “a war of extermination against Palestinian geography.” He urged international intervention to halt what he described as “a dangerous escalation” that reveals “the true intentions of the occupation government to entrench the system of annexation, apartheid and the complete Judaisation of Palestinian land.”

    International criticism has emerged as well. British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer condemned the settlements as “illegal under international law” and warned they risk undermining both the US-designed 20-Point Plan to end the Gaza war and prospects for a two-state solution.

    The announcement comes against a backdrop of escalating violence in the West Bank. Since the beginning of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank. According to the Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission, November alone witnessed approximately 2,144 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian civilians and property, with 1,523 perpetrated by soldiers and 621 by settlers.

  • ‘The Wire’, ‘It: Chapter Two’ actor James Ransone dies at 46

    ‘The Wire’, ‘It: Chapter Two’ actor James Ransone dies at 46

    The entertainment industry mourns the tragic loss of actor James Ransone, who passed away at age 46 on December 19th. According to official reports from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner obtained by TMZ, the accomplished performer died by suicide through hanging. Law enforcement officials confirmed they responded to a residential call where they completed a death investigation, finding no evidence of foul play.

    Ransone established his acting credentials through memorable performances across television and film. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Baltimore dock worker Ziggy Sobotka during the second season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series ‘The Wire.’ His character’s dramatic arc culminated in a violent crime followed by confession and imprisonment across 12 compelling episodes.

    Born in 1979, Ransone’s career began with the 2002 teen drama ‘Ken Park’ before his breakthrough role in ‘The Wire’ the following year. He further demonstrated his versatility through his portrayal of Marine Cpl. Josh Ray Person in the HBO mini-series ‘Generation Kill’ alongside Alexander Skarsgård.

    In 2019, Ransone joined the ensemble cast of ‘It: Chapter Two’ as the adult version of anxiety-ridden character Eddie Kaspbrak. His filmography included notable projects such as ‘The Black Phone’ franchise, ‘V/H/S/85,’ ‘Small Engine Repair,’ ‘What We Found,’ and Sean Baker’s groundbreaking 2015 film ‘Tangerine.’ His television credits encompassed appearances in ‘Seal Team,’ ‘Poker Face,’ ’50 States of Fright,’ and ‘The First.’

    Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children. The circumstances of his passing have sparked conversations about mental health awareness within the entertainment community.

  • Best practices in youth cultural exchange released at Chongqing conference

    Best practices in youth cultural exchange released at Chongqing conference

    Chongqing hosted the pivotal 2025 Annual Educational Conference of International People-to-People Exchange for Youth from December 20-21, where educational leaders unveiled a comprehensive guide to successful youth cultural exchange programs. The gathering served as a platform for sharing innovative approaches to international youth engagement.

    The newly released compilation documents exemplary practices and developmental frameworks from 160 organizations throughout China. This systematic review of successful exchange models was prepared by the Research Center of International People-to-People Exchange, the event’s organizing body.

    The conference brought together educators, policymakers, and cultural exchange specialists to discuss evolving strategies in global youth connectivity. The best practices compilation aims to standardize and enhance future exchange programs between Chinese youth and their international counterparts.

    Chongqing’s selection as host city underscores its growing importance as an educational and cultural hub in western China. The event facilitated professional networking and knowledge sharing among institutions dedicated to cross-cultural understanding.

    The released materials provide practical frameworks for educational institutions seeking to establish or improve their international exchange initiatives. This effort represents China’s continued commitment to fostering global citizenship and intercultural dialogue among younger generations.