Author: EchoAsiaNews

In a significant policy shift driven by economic pressures, authorities in Pakistan have moved to reduce the academic workweek for schools across multiple provinces as part of fuel conservation measures linked to the ongoing 2026 Iran–US–Israel conflict. The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), operating under the Ministry of Federal Education, has mandated a four-day workweek (Monday to Thursday) for all private schools in the Islamabad Capital Territory, effective immediately. The decision is part of broader austerity efforts aimed at reducing energy consumption amid rising global oil prices. In Punjab, both public and private educational institutions will also follow a…

NASA has launched its Artemis II mission, sending four astronauts on a crewed flight around the Moon in a major step toward returning humans to the lunar surface later this decade. The mission lifted off on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carrying the Orion crew capsule. The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Artemis II marks the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme and the first time in more than five decades that astronauts will travel…

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Northern Molucca Sea off Indonesia’s Ternate island on Thursday, prompting tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, initially reported at magnitude 7.8 before being revised downward, occurred at a depth of around 35 kilometres, with its epicentre located approximately 120 kilometres from Ternate in North Maluku province. Authorities reported no immediate casualties, though aftershocks measuring up to magnitude 5 were recorded. Indonesia issued tsunami warnings for coastal areas in North Maluku and North Sulawesi provinces, while regional authorities urged residents in cities such…

China has urged Pakistan to urgently clear approximately $220 million in outstanding payments owed to United Energy Pakistan (UEP), warning that continued delays could undermine investor confidence and disrupt operations, according to The News, citing official sources. Officials in the Petroleum Division said Pakistan’s ambassador in Beijing conveyed the matter through an urgent communication, noting that the dues relate to gas supplied by UEP to the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). The company currently supplies around 260–270 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd). Reports suggest that liquidity constraints have already forced UEP to reduce its workforce in recent weeks. The…

The United Arab Emirates has rejected recent media reports regarding the status of Iranian nationals residing in the country, describing the claims as inaccurate and unfounded, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. The ministry emphasized that the Iranian community, which has been present in the UAE for decades, continues to be a valued segment of society and contributes to the country’s multicultural fabric. It noted that the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, reflecting its long-standing policy of coexistence and openness. Authorities stated that the country’s legal and institutional frameworks are…

Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it will pass on international oil price increases to consumers while introducing targeted subsidy mechanisms to protect vulnerable segments of society, according to official sources cited in The News. Authorities informed the IMF that amid heightened global volatility—driven in part by geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region—the government plans to adjust domestic fuel prices in line with international trends. At the same time, it is working on expanding social protection measures, particularly through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Under proposed reforms, the monthly stipend for BISP beneficiaries is expected to…

US President Donald Trump made critical and mocking remarks about French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO allies during a private lunch on Wednesday, according to a video briefly posted by the White House before access was restricted. Trump reportedly criticised NATO members for not providing support in the ongoing war involving Iran, stating that the United States did not require assistance but had requested it from allies. He singled out France, suggesting in a sarcastic tone that Macron declined to provide immediate military support, and further mocked the French leader’s response. During the remarks, Trump also referenced a viral video…

Spanish police have launched an investigation into alleged Islamophobic and xenophobic chants during the Spain–Egypt international football match held in Barcelona, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a pre-World Cup friendly at RCDE Stadium, where sections of supporters reportedly engaged in offensive chanting and jeered Egypt’s national anthem. Catalonia’s regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, stated on social media that they are examining the matter, while government officials condemned the behaviour, calling it embarrassing for society. Stadium authorities had repeatedly issued public announcements urging fans to refrain from making discriminatory remarks, with messages also displayed on screens during…

The Pakistan Stock Exchange came under pressure on Thursday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index declined sharply amid rising global geopolitical tensions and a spike in crude oil prices. The index traded between 152,052.19 and 150,022.43, compared to the previous close of 155,511.56, reflecting a decline of up to 3.53% during intraday trading. Investor sentiment weakened following remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who warned of intensified action against Iran, raising fears of further escalation in the Middle East. The developments contributed to a global risk-off environment, pushing oil prices higher by 4–7%, with Brent crude crossing $105 and WTI…

Security forces killed eight militants during an intelligence-based operation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in North Waziristan, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday. The military said the movement of a group identified as “Fitna al-Khawarij” was detected on April 1. Troops engaged the group in what ISPR described as a “precise and skillful” operation, resulting in the deaths of all eight suspected militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. In its statement, ISPR reiterated concerns over cross-border militancy, stating that the situation reflects gaps in border management on the Afghan side. It…