Author: EchoAsiaNews

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday announced the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon, confirming that Eid ul Adha will be observed on May 27, according to official announcements reported by state media. As per the declaration, the Day of Arafat will fall on May 26, while Eid ul Adha—one of the most significant religious festivals in the Islamic calendar—will be celebrated on May 27 in these countries. The announcement marks the beginning of the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which millions of Muslims from across the world travel to…

Sylhet: Bangladesh strengthened their position in the second Test against Pakistan, reaching 203-4 at lunch on day three and extending their overall lead to 249 runs at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday. Resuming the day at 110-3 in 26.4 overs, Bangladesh lost only one wicket in the morning session but continued to build a commanding position, reaching 203-4 in 53 overs. Pakistan made an early breakthrough when pacer Khurram Shahzad trapped captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw for 15 off 46 deliveries, claiming his third wicket of the innings. Following the dismissal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das stabilised the…

Washington: US President Donald Trump has placed military options against Iran back on the table as diplomatic negotiations with Tehran stall and political divisions intensify in Washington over the costs and direction of US policy, according to American media reports. The shift in posture comes as talks over Iran’s demand for reciprocal recognition remain unresolved, while the White House simultaneously escalates diplomatic pressure and public warnings, signalling a potential breakdown in negotiations. Citing Axios, reports said Trump recently hardened his rhetoric after expressing frustration with Tehran’s response to a US peace proposal, which he reportedly described as “totally unacceptable.” In…

A Reuters-based analysis cited by Geo News indicates that the ongoing US–Israeli confrontation with Iran has inflicted at least $25 billion in losses on global companies, with the financial impact continuing to escalate as energy markets and supply chains remain under strain. The disruption is primarily linked to heightened instability in the Middle East, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments pass. Market uncertainty and intermittent disruptions have pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel, intensifying inflationary pressures worldwide. According to corporate disclosures reviewed across the United…

Lower South Waziristan (Wana): At least three people, including prominent Ahmadzai Wazir tribal elder Malik Tariq Wazir, were killed and four others injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the busy Rustam Bazaar area of Wana on Monday morning, officials said. According to District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Tahir Shah Wazir, the blast occurred near Gulshan Plaza as a vehicle carrying Malik Tariq was passing through the market. The explosion struck at peak hours, killing three individuals on the spot and injuring four others. Police officials stated that unidentified militants had reportedly planted explosive material near Gulshan Plaza…

United States: Four crew members safely ejected after two US Navy fighter jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, officials said. The collision involved two E/A-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based at Whidbey Island, Washington, according to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet. The incident occurred around 12:10pm local time, approximately two miles from the base, while the aircraft were performing as part of the two-day air show. “All four crew members ejected safely,” Umayam…

JACOBABAD: More than 100 houses were set on fire in Sindh’s Jacobabad district following violence linked to a dispute over a free-will marriage between two individuals belonging to different communities, police and local officials said. According to police and local reports, Sidra of the Channa community married Muhammad Hassan Buriro of the Buriro community by choice. The couple said in a video statement that they solemnised their marriage in a Hyderabad court on May 4. Following the marriage, tensions escalated between members of the two communities, eventually leading to an armed attack on a village belonging to the Buriro community.…

RAWALPINi: Pakistan’s military on Sunday issued a strong response to remarks by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, warning that any attempt to target Pakistan could trigger consequences extending beyond South Asia and would not remain strategically or politically manageable for India. In a statement released from Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) rejected General Dwivedi’s reported remarks made in India, in which he said that “Pakistan should decide if it desired to be part of geography and history.” The ISPR said Pakistan was a globally recognised sovereign state, a declared nuclear power, and an established part of South Asia’s…

California: Meghan Markle has shared a rare family moment from a recent trip to Switzerland, offering the public a glimpse into her private life with Prince Harry and their children. The Duchess of Sussex posted a short video on social media showing scenes from the family’s vacation in the Swiss Alps, where the couple appeared alongside their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The footage, which quickly gained widespread attention online, featured the family spending time outdoors in snowy surroundings, enjoying skiing activities and scenic mountain views. Meghan captioned the post with a message reflecting on family time and gratitude,…

Mumbai: Indian cricket veteran Virat Kohli has said he has “nothing left to prove” in international cricket and will only consider playing the 2027 ICC One-Day International World Cup if he believes he can still contribute meaningfully to the team. The 37-year-old batting star made the remarks during a podcast released by his Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he addressed speculation surrounding the final phase of his international career. Kohli, who retired from Twenty20 Internationals after helping India win the 2024 T20 World Cup and ended his Test career last year after 123 matches, is now active…