Author: EchoAsiaNews

Pakistan: Two US-sanctioned tankers carrying nearly one million barrels of Iranian crude have changed their destination signals to Karachi after Washington intensified enforcement of its naval blockade on Iranian oil shipments, according to Bloomberg ship-tracking data. The vessels, Rani and Amil, updated their destination signals on Tuesday while already outside the Persian Gulf. Analysts say the move is unlikely to indicate an oil delivery to Pakistan, which has not imported Iranian crude for more than a decade due to US sanctions. Why Have Iranian Oil Tankers Signalled Karachi as Their Next Destination? Maritime analysts believe the tankers are likely heading…

BERLIN: The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers and the European Union’s foreign policy chief on Wednesday called for an immediate halt to attacks in Sudan’s city of El-Obeid, urging all warring parties to cease hostilities, protect civilians and allow unhindered humanitarian access. In a joint statement, the G7 specifically urged the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied armed groups to end actions that could lead to further atrocities or endanger civilians in El-Obeid. What Did the G7 Call for in Sudan? The G7 and the European Union called on all parties to the conflict, including the Sudanese Armed Forces,…

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah: A 48-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a Muslim man multiple times inside a shopping mall in Utah, with investigators saying the suspect admitted targeting the victim because of his religion. The victim, a kiosk employee at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, remains in critical condition after sustaining multiple stab wounds, according to police. What Happened During the Attack? According to court records, the suspect approached the victim, asked about his name and religion, and then allegedly launched the attack. Police said the victim suffered multiple stab wounds and was bleeding heavily…

MOSCOW: Russian authorities said on Tuesday that air defence systems intercepted most of the 340 Ukrainian drones launched towards the Moscow region over the past 24 hours, as aerial attacks between Russia and Ukraine continued to intensify. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the majority of the drones were destroyed before reaching the capital, with more than 50 intercepted on their approach to the city. What Did Russia Say About the Drone Attack on Moscow? In a statement on Telegram, Mayor Sobyanin said Russian air defence units successfully neutralised most of the incoming drones on the outer approaches to Moscow. “Most…

NEW DELHI: India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has entered the final phase of its investigation into the deadly Air India Boeing 787 crash, completing a transcript of the cockpit voice recorder and conducting a psychological review as part of the probe, according to a court filing. The investigation relates to the June 2025 crash near Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives shortly after takeoff. What Progress Has Been Made in the Air India Crash Investigation? According to the AAIB, investigators have prepared the cockpit voice recorder transcript and carried out a psychological autopsy as part of the inquiry. The filing…

LONDON: Gold prices declined on Wednesday after surging more than 2% in the previous session, as rising oil prices renewed concerns over inflation and the outlook for US interest rates, reducing demand for the non-yielding precious metal. Spot gold fell 0.6% to $4,028.43 per ounce by 0443 GMT, while US gold futures for August delivery dropped 0.8% to $4,035.50 per ounce. The decline followed a sharp rally on Tuesday, when gold climbed to as high as $4,100.49 per ounce after US inflation data showed consumer prices slowed more than expected in June. Why Did Gold Prices Decline? Market sentiment shifted…

WELLINGTON: New Zealand has confirmed its first case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza after a migratory brown skua found on a beach near Wellington tested positive for the virus, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced on Wednesday. The detection marks New Zealand’s first confirmed case of the deadly H5N1 strain, which has spread widely among wild birds and mammals across the globe since 2021. How Was New Zealand’s First H5N1 Case Detected? The infected bird was identified as a brown skua, a migratory seabird discovered on a beach near the capital, Wellington. According to Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, authorities…

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed that all overseas remittances be processed through digital channels as part of the government’s efforts to accelerate Pakistan’s transition towards a cashless economy and improve financial transparency. Chairing a high-level review meeting on digital payments, the prime minister also instructed authorities to expand the adoption of digital payment systems, strengthen public awareness campaigns and encourage banks to play a more active role in promoting cashless transactions. How Is Pakistan Advancing Towards a Cashless Economy? During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the economic team for achieving significant progress in digital financial inclusion…

KARACHI: Pakistan and Indonesia on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties by promoting investment, trade and private-sector collaboration during the Indonesia-Pakistan Investment and Business Forum held in Karachi. The forum, organised by Indonesia’s Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi with the support of the Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre (IIPC) Abu Dhabi, brought together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, chambers of commerce and academics from both countries to explore new avenues for economic cooperation. How Do Pakistan and Indonesia Plan to Strengthen Economic Ties? Addressing the forum, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Lt Gen (retd)…

CAIRO/DUBAI/WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reimposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and warned that the United States could target Iran’s energy infrastructure, power plants and bridges unless Tehran returns to negotiations, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The US military also launched a fresh wave of strikes, saying the operations were aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, meanwhile, said it had again closed the strategic waterway following renewed hostilities, raising concerns over global energy supplies and regional stability. Why Has the US Intensified Pressure…