Author: EchoAsiaNews

Germany: Online food delivery company Delivery Hero raised its 2026 financial forecasts on Thursday, citing stronger demand, accelerating growth and better-than-expected profitability during the first half of the year. The German company now expects its gross merchandise value (GMV), the total value of goods sold through its marketplace, to increase by 9% to 11% in 2026, up from its previous forecast of 8% to 10%. The upgraded outlook comes after Delivery Hero reported stronger-than-expected first-half earnings. Its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 3.9% to €427 million, exceeding the €396 million average estimate from analysts polled…

North Korea: Pyongyang has condemned the United States’ approval of a potential $125 million sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea, warning that it would respond strongly and immediately to what it described as hostile actions. The North Korean Foreign Ministry said the US arms sale represented a new threat to its security environment, according to state media KCNA on Thursday. Pyongyang also criticised Washington’s broader efforts to strengthen South Korea’s military capabilities and expand security cooperation with its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. The warning comes as US President Donald Trump has renewed efforts…

Pakistan: A Rangers personnel was martyred and another wounded after armed men opened fire on law enforcement personnel during a road clearance operation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred along the Sarsawa-Tararkhel route, where Rangers personnel were deployed to remove blockades and restore transportation routes, according to an AJK police spokesperson. Rangers personnel Shahnawaz was killed after suffering a bullet wound to the chest. He belonged to Khairpur, Sindh. Lance Naik Bilal was also wounded after being shot in the shoulder. Police said clearance teams remain deployed across affected areas to remove obstructions…

Qatar: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will visit Tehran on Thursday as Doha seeks to revive diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran and help ease regional tensions after months of conflict. Qatar, a US ally and neighbouring Gulf state, has acted as a back-channel mediator between Washington and Tehran and played a role in securing a ceasefire in June. The latest visit comes as fighting has largely paused but negotiations remain stalled, with the two sides still divided over sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and the terms of a broader diplomatic settlement.…

Islamabad: Pakistan received messages of condolence and solidarity from several countries following a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad that killed at least 14 newborn babies, as authorities launched an investigation into the incident. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye, China, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Nigeria, Syria and Afghanistan expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and support for Pakistan following the tragedy. The Saudi Foreign Ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the Pakistani government and people. Iran and Syria also conveyed condolences, while Türkiye’s embassy said it was…

The United States: Meta Platforms has agreed to pay up to $18 billion over the next decade and impose new restrictions on teenage use of Facebook and Instagram under settlements with nearly all US states over allegations that the company designed its platforms to addict children. The agreements, announced Wednesday, bring an end to a federal trial in which states accused Meta of harming children through its social media products and misleading the public about their safety. The settlement could also influence thousands of other lawsuits against social media companies over alleged harms to young users. Under the agreement, Meta…

United States: Nicole Kidman has expressed support for aspiring singer Adela after learning that the 22-year-old artist has released a song titled after the Oscar-winning actress. The 59-year-old actress was signing autographs when a fan asked whether she knew Adela. Kidman responded enthusiastically, saying she was familiar with the singer and planned to attend her upcoming concert in Nashville. “Yes! I hope the song’s nice. I absolutely know who she is, and she’s coming to Nashville and I’m going to see her,” Kidman said. The actress’s comments quickly drew attention online, with fans praising her support for the emerging artist…

Nepal: Nepal rescuers searched on Thursday for hundreds of people missing after a massive landslide triggered catastrophic flooding along the Himalayan border with China, killing at least 162 people and sweeping away homes, roads, vehicles and infrastructure. The disaster struck near the Nepal-China border after a wall of mud, rock and water surged through the region, affecting towns and valleys in Nepal as well as China’s Tibet region. Nepali police warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams resumed operations and recovered more bodies. More than 400 foreigners were among 579 tourists reported missing, according to Nepal tourism…

United States: The United States has set June 5, 2028, as the start date for the trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the man accused of masterminding the September 11, 2001, attacks, and three co-defendants, marking the latest development in a case that has been stalled by nearly two decades of legal disputes at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Schrama issued an 11-page scheduling order setting the trial date. The proceedings will take place before a military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with a panel of service members serving as the jury. The defendants are…

Gigi Hadid has spoken publicly about her relationship with actor Bradley Cooper, offering rare comments about their life together and the qualities she values in their relationship. Hadid, who has been linked to Cooper since 2023, discussed their relationship in an interview with Vogue France, saying mutual support and honesty have been important aspects of their partnership. What Did Gigi Hadid Say About Bradley Cooper? Hadid said she and Cooper support each other despite not always fully understanding the details of each other’s professional work. She also described honesty as a defining feature of their relationship, saying they are able…