Author: EchoAsiaNews

Former National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Tariq Malik has been listed among the world’s 25 leading figures in digital identity by US-based identity and access management firm Okta, through its venture arm Okta Ventures. The recognition places Malik in a curated group of global developers, policymakers, and technology executives acknowledged for their work in advancing secure digital identity systems. According to Okta Ventures, the list highlights individuals contributing to “software innovation, standards development, and strategic implementation” aimed at strengthening trust in digital transactions. To mark the recognition, Malik was also featured on the Nasdaq digital billboard in New…

Tesla is facing growing regulatory skepticism in the European Union over its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, according to internal correspondence and official records, even as the company pushes for broader approval of its automated driving technology across the bloc. The concerns come as EU regulators evaluate whether Tesla’s “FSD (Supervised)” system meets strict safety and legal standards required for deployment beyond limited national approvals. The system, which performs steering, braking, and lane changes under driver supervision, has already received provisional clearance from Dutch authorities but still requires EU-wide endorsement. According to documents and emails reviewed by regulators, officials in several…

Diageo has received short-term relief in a consolidating global spirits industry after merger negotiations between Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman collapsed, removing the immediate prospect of a stronger rival emerging in the premium alcohol market. The failed talks, which would have combined two major competitors into a significantly larger group, ended on April 28 without agreement. The proposed deal had raised concerns among industry analysts about intensified competition, particularly in whiskey and global distribution networks. The development provides early breathing room for newly appointed Diageo chief executive Dave Lewis, who took charge of Diageo in January amid investor pressure over years…

Pakistan’s external account position has come under renewed pressure after official data showed a sharp widening of the merchandise trade deficit during the first ten months of the current fiscal year, underscoring persistent structural imbalances in the economy. According to figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the trade deficit expanded by 20% to approximately $32 billion in July–April FY2026, driven primarily by rising imports and a continued decline in export earnings. Imports increased nearly 7% year-on-year to $57.2 billion, while exports fell more than 6% to $25.2 billion, widening the already significant gap between the two. Economists warn…

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that indirect talks with the United States are showing “measurable progress,” crediting Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement for helping sustain communication channels, even as military and maritime tensions escalate sharply in the Gulf. His remarks come amid a renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, where competing security operations and naval deployments have disrupted one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Araghchi warned the United States against further escalation, saying additional military steps risked dragging regional actors into a broader conflict. He described Washington’s latest maritime initiative as counterproductive,…

NATO allies on Monday sought to project calm after the United States announced a significant reduction of its military presence in Europe, while privately acknowledging growing uncertainty over Washington’s long-term security commitment to the continent. US President Donald Trump confirmed plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, a move that comes amid heightened tensions with Berlin over the Iran conflict and broader disagreements within the alliance. The decision has renewed concerns about transatlantic cohesion at a time when Europe is already grappling with Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. European leaders, meeting in Yerevan for the European Political Community (EPC)…

Asia is facing renewed climate and economic pressure as meteorological agencies warn that a potentially strong El Niño event could develop between May and July, raising concerns over energy shortages, agricultural disruption, and wider economic strain across the region. The United Nations’ weather and climate agency and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have reported early signs of El Niño formation in the Pacific Ocean, with some assessments suggesting the possibility of a particularly strong event. While comparisons are being drawn with the 1997–98 episode, one of the most severe on record, scientists emphasize that forecasts remain uncertain and the system…

Global financial markets tumbled on Monday as oil prices surged nearly 6% following a sharp escalation in tensions involving Iran, which reportedly struck several ships in the Strait of Hormuz and caused a fire at an oil facility in the United Arab Emirates. Brent crude rose $6.27 (5.8%) to $114.44 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained $4.48 (4.4%) to $106.42, marking one of the strongest single-day increases in recent weeks. The spike followed a weekend statement by US President Donald Trump, who pledged that the US Navy would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, escalating already heightened geopolitical…

A shooting involving US Secret Service personnel near the National Mall prompted a brief lockdown of the White House on Monday afternoon after an armed confrontation left multiple people injured, according to law enforcement officials. US Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said the incident took place shortly after a motorcade carrying US Vice President JD Vance had passed through the area. He stated that the vice president was not believed to be an intended target and cautioned against speculation regarding any connection to recent threats involving former president Donald Trump. “I’m not going to guess on that,” Quinn said.…

At least one Palestinian was killed and several others injured in an Israeli drone strike in northern Gaza on Tuesday, according to Palestinian media reports. The strike targeted a group of people in the Al-Ayoun area of Gaza City, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported, citing medical sources. Several of the wounded were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment, officials said. The incident was also reported by regional media outlets, including Al Jazeera, which said the attack was carried out by an Israeli drone. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding the strike. The latest casualties come…