Author: EchoAsiaNews

The Bank of England has warned that the ongoing Iran conflict is significantly heightening risks to global financial stability, citing a “substantial negative supply shock” driven by disruptions in energy markets. According to the central bank, the war has disrupted oil and gas flows—particularly through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz—leading to sharp increases in energy prices and borrowing costs. In the United Kingdom, natural gas prices have surged by more than 70%, while petrol prices have risen by around 10%, adding pressure on households and businesses. The Bank also flagged rising vulnerabilities across financial markets, including stress in government…

After more than five decades, the United States is preparing to send astronauts back toward the Moon, marking a major milestone in modern space exploration. The NASA mission, known as Artemis 2, is scheduled for launch from Florida as early as April 1 at 6:24 pm (3:24 am PKT on Thursday). The mission will carry four astronauts — Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Jeremy Hansen — on a roughly 10-day journey around the Moon. While the crew will not land, the mission mirrors the historic Apollo 8 flight, which first carried humans into lunar orbit…

The chief executive of Dassault Aviation said the French aerospace firm is giving itself two to three weeks to reach an agreement on the future of the Franco-German next-generation fighter jet project, amid growing tensions between France, Germany and Spain over control and leadership of the programme. Speaking at the War & Peace security conference in Paris on Wednesday, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier said the company will pursue talks with partners in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative, a multibillion-euro effort to develop a new European fighter aircraft and related systems. “We are giving ourselves two-to-three…

Registrations of new Tesla electric vehicles in Norway climbed sharply in March, rising 178% year-on-year to 6,150 vehicles, according to official data released Wednesday. The surge, reported by Norway’s vehicle registration compiler OFV, marks a significant rebound in Tesla’s presence in one of Europe’s most electric-vehicle friendly markets. The increase follows earlier fluctuations in the Norwegian market this year, which saw slower sales in January before a recovery in subsequent months. Industry analysts say the strong March figures reflect renewed demand for battery-electric cars in Norway, where EVs make up the vast majority of new vehicle registrations and government incentives…

A majority of Americans believe the United States should quickly end its involvement in the ongoing Iran conflict, even if it means not fully achieving the Trump administration’s stated objectives, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey found that 66% of respondents support ending U.S. participation in the war promptly, while 27% favor continuing military involvement until all objectives are met. Around 6% did not respond to the question. The poll was conducted between Friday and Sunday with a sample size of 1,021 adults. Among Republican respondents, views were more divided, with 40% supporting a quick end to the conflict…

Widespread protests have emerged internationally following Israel’s passage of a controversial law that makes the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks. Demonstrators in multiple countries have condemned the legislation, arguing that it raises serious human rights concerns and could further escalate tensions in an already volatile region. The move has triggered strong reactions from activists and civil society groups who view the law as discriminatory and disproportionate. The United Nations has also criticized the decision, describing the legislation as “deeply discriminatory,” and warning that it could undermine principles of fairness and equality under international law.…

American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been abducted in Baghdad by individuals linked to an Iran-aligned militia, according to Iraqi officials and U.S. sources. Kittleson, who was working in Iraq for the independent media outlet Al-Monitor, was reportedly kidnapped on the evening of March 31, 2026, in central Baghdad. Local reports suggest she was taken near a hotel area in the city center. Iraqi police and security forces have launched an investigation and confirmed efforts are underway to locate the missing journalist. Authorities have also detained one suspect following a car chase, with Iraqi Interior Ministry officials stating that the…

The British monarch, King Charles III, is facing renewed political scrutiny in Scotland after the Scottish Greens signaled plans to challenge long-standing tax privileges enjoyed by the monarchy. The proposal comes as the King prepares for a state visit to the United States in late April, with the Scottish Greens indicating they will bring forward a motion aimed at removing tax exemptions currently associated with Crown transactions in Scotland. The party’s co-leader Ross Greer has led the campaign, arguing that exemptions such as those related to Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT)—Scotland’s equivalent of stamp duty, should be abolished. Under…

Global financial markets advanced on Tuesday as equities climbed and crude oil prices moved toward a record monthly surge, driven by escalating tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. Brent crude futures rose sharply, approaching their strongest monthly performance on record, after Iran reportedly targeted a fully loaded oil tanker near Dubai. The attack followed warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. Despite heightened geopolitical risks, markets received a boost after reports suggested Trump had indicated willingness to end the military campaign, even…

Italy have missed out on qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, extending their absence to a third straight tournament after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in a playoff final on Tuesday. The match in Zenica ended 1–1 after extra time before Bosnia secured a 4–1 win in the penalty shootout, booking their place at the expanded 48-team finals to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Italy had taken the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean, but their task became more difficult after Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card late in…