Author: EchoAsiaNews

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has publicly pledged to continue fighting Israel, rejecting Lebanese government efforts to disarm the group. Speaking to supporters, Qassem framed the confrontation as a defensive response to Israeli attacks, insisting that Hezbollah’s armed resistance remains legitimate. He emphasized that the group will persist “to the furthest limits” against what it calls Israeli aggression, signaling a firm refusal to scale back its military activities. Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes across southern Lebanon, targeting what they describe as Hezbollah command centers and military infrastructure. These operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with dozens reported killed and…

The federal government is considering a suite of COVID‑era style remote work and online learning measures as part of a national energy‑conservation strategy, officials said. The proposals would reduce physical attendance in offices and educational institutions to help lower energy and fuel consumption nationwide, sources told media. Under the plan being discussed by a high‑level cabinet committee, schools and universities may shift to online classes beginning March 2026, while corporate and IT sectors could adopt hybrid or fully remote work schedules. Government offices would be directed to keep only essential staff physically present, with others working remotely. The deliberations follow…

New Zealand booked their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final after a commanding nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the semi-final on Wednesday. South Africa, unbeaten in seven matches leading up to the clash, posted 169/8, only to see their total chased down with eight balls to spare. The standout performance came from Finn Allen, who smashed the fastest century in Men’s T20 World Cup history, reaching 100 off just 33 balls. Allen was ably supported by Tim Seifert, who contributed 58 runs, ensuring New Zealand’s smooth and dominant chase. Coach Shukri Conrad described South Africa’s defeat as a “bloody walloping”…

Millions of Nepalis went to the polls Thursday in a crucial general election, the first since widespread youth-led protests toppled the government last year. Voters are seeking change on issues including corruption, job creation, and governance. Polling opened at 7 a.m. local time across more than 23,000 stations and will continue until 5 p.m., with security reinforced by over 300,000 personnel, including army troops. The protests that led to early elections claimed at least 77 lives and forced the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Nearly 19 million registered voters are electing 275 parliament members, with 165 chosen…

Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 Index surged 3,826.85 points, or 2.46%, to an intraday high of 159,604.06 on Thursday, as institutional investors returned amid easing fuel-supply concerns and rising global oil prices. The market was supported by Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitate crude shipments to Pakistan via the Red Sea port of Yanbu, following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens a major portion of global energy flows. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed that Saudi authorities assured priority oil shipments for Pakistan, with one vessel already scheduled for dispatch. Global crude prices climbed sharply amid regional tensions.…

Mojtaba Khamenei, born on September 8, 1969, in Mashhad, Iran, is a respected Shia cleric and the second son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Raised in a dedicated revolutionary family, his early life was deeply influenced by his father’s unwavering commitment to the Islamic Revolution and resistance against oppression. Mojtaba pursued advanced religious studies in the prestigious seminaries of Qom, learning under prominent scholars and developing a strong foundation in Islamic jurisprudence and theology. He also served courageously on the front lines during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), joining the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at a young…

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors unanimously approved a safeguards agreement with Pakistan for Unit 5 of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday, reflecting continued international confidence in Islamabad’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and compliance with non‑proliferation obligations. Under the deal, IAEA safeguards will be applied to Chashma Unit‑5, a 1,200‑megawatt pressurised water reactor currently under construction and expected to become operational by 2030, the ministry said. Once completed, the unit is projected to contribute a significant new source of low‑carbon electricity to Pakistan’s national grid, bolstering energy security…

Global air cargo operations have been severely disrupted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, leaving shipments from fresh produce to critical airplane parts stranded and pushing up freight costs, Reuters reported Thursday. The U.S. and Israeli air campaign against Iran has led to widespread grounding of both passenger and freighter flights across key hubs including Doha and Dubai, resulting in a 22 percent reduction in global air cargo capacity between February 28 and March 3 compared with the period before the Chinese New Year, according to aviation and logistics data firm Aevean. The disruption has stalled time‑sensitive shipments such as temperature‑controlled…

Germany’s Merck KGaA said on Thursday it expects adjusted operating profit for 2026 to fall by up to 4 percent on a currency‑adjusted basis, Reuters reported. The company’s outlook reflects caution in the face of macroeconomic uncertainty and negative currency effects, though it did not provide detailed segmental guidance in its brief statement. On a constant currency basis, the forecasted decline suggests earnings will be weaker compared with prior expectations. Merck KGaA’s projection followed a year in which it met its earnings targets but signalled a more restrained performance for the coming year, with revenue and profit visibility tempered by headwinds in…

China announced Thursday a five-year initiative to build a “childbirth‑friendly society” aimed at reversing the country’s falling birth rates and addressing the challenges of an ageing population. The plan focuses on improving social services and incentives for families to marry and have children. Authorities said the initiative will expand support in employment, education, healthcare, income, and housing, aiming to reduce barriers to marriage and childbearing. The government pledged to improve population services, strengthen social security, and encourage positive societal attitudes toward family growth. As part of the plan, pregnant women will face no out-of-pocket medical costs in 2026, with maternity…