Author: EchoAsiaNews

QUETTA: Five more militants were killed during fresh security operations in Balochistan, taking the number of militants killed in Operation Shaban to 76, security sources said on Monday. What is the overall militant death toll since July 5? According to security sources, 114 militants have been killed since July 5 in Operation Shaban and other intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across Balochistan. Officials said the operations will continue until militant networks are dismantled. Where was the latest operation conducted? The latest operation was carried out in the Saran Tangai area, where security forces recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including…

Turkey: Turkey has officially informed Canada that it will participate as a founding member of the newly established Defence Security and Resilience Bank, according to a Turkish official. What is the Defence Security and Resilience Bank? The bank is a multilateral defence financing initiative that aims to raise up to £100 billion (approximately $134 billion) in affordable financing to strengthen the defence capabilities of allied nations. The institution will be headquartered in Canada. Which countries have pledged support? According to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the founding members include Turkey, Albania, Belgium, Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg, Romania, Ukraine, and Canada. The…

Italy: Italy’s prolonged heatwaves are reducing milk production and quality, posing a growing threat to the production of Parmigiano Reggiano, one of the country’s most valuable and iconic cheeses. Producers say extreme temperatures are placing increasing pressure on the centuries-old industry. What impact is extreme heat having on dairy farms? With temperatures exceeding 40°C, dairy cows are eating less, resting more, and producing up to 10% less milk, according to the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. Farmers have been forced to keep barns open around the clock and install cooling systems, including fans and water-misting equipment, to protect livestock. Why are production…

European Union: European Union member states have not yet reached agreement on the proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. However, foreign ministers are expected to consider adding 250 individuals and entities to the bloc’s sanctions list. What new measures are under discussion? Kallas said the proposed 250 new listings would represent the largest single expansion of the EU’s Russia sanctions list to date. She added that negotiations on the broader sanctions package are continuing, with several key issues still unresolved. Which issues remain unresolved? Among the outstanding proposals are a ban…

Europe: A severe heatwave continues to grip Europe, with soaring temperatures and prolonged dry conditions increasing the risk of wildfires and prompting emergency responses across several countries. How is Spain responding to the wildfire threat? In Spain, firefighters are battling a major wildfire in the southern region of Almería, where hundreds of emergency personnel, supported by helicopters and firefighting aircraft, have been deployed to contain the blaze. Authorities have evacuated residents from affected areas as a precaution to prevent casualties. What measures has France taken? France has issued high-level heat alerts across multiple regions as temperatures continue to rise. Health…

China: Severe flooding has hit China’s Hebei and Liaoning provinces, submerging roads, sweeping away vehicles, and stranding thousands of residents after Typhoon Bavi brought torrential rain and powerful winds to northern and northeastern parts of the country. Which areas have been worst affected? The worst flooding has been reported in Kuancheng County in Hebei Province, where water levels exceeded two metres on several roads. In Liaoning Province, authorities issued a red alert for flash floods as rising waters inundated urban areas, including the provincial capital Shenyang. How many people have been affected? Chinese state media reported that around 1,800 villagers…

India: Indian jewellery retailer BlueStone has announced plans to more than double its store network from 340 to 705 outlets by fiscal year 2030. The company also aims to increase its annual revenue from ₹23.42 billion in FY2026 to ₹120 billion and expand its retail workforce from about 2,100 to 4,000 employees. Why is BlueStone focusing on high-street locations? Chief Executive Officer Gaurav Singh Kushwaha said the company is already present in nearly 90% of India’s premium malls, leaving limited room for further expansion. As a result, around 75% of future stores will be opened on high streets due to…

Norway: Norwegian defence and technology company Kongsberg Gruppen reported a 53% year-on-year increase in second-quarter order intake, with new contracts rising to 17.07 billion Norwegian crowns ($1.75 billion) from 11.19 billion crowns in the same period last year. What drove the increase in orders? The strong growth was primarily driven by multiple defence contracts, led by demand for the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). The company also reported increasing interest in its capabilities related to undersea security and space technologies. Why is demand for Kongsberg’s products increasing? Kongsberg said demand has risen sharply as European governments expand defence budgets, replenish weapons…

New Zealand: Renowned New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his role in the Jurassic Park film franchise, has died suddenly at the age of 78, his family confirmed on Monday. What did his family say? In a statement posted on Neill’s Instagram account, his family said his death was sudden and unexpected, adding that they were grateful he had remained cancer-free following successful treatment. What was Sam Neill’s health condition before his death? Neill revealed in April that he was in remission after undergoing treatment for stage-three blood cancer, announcing that he had become cancer-free following months of…

Argentina: Argentina will face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta, marking the first-ever meeting between Lionel Messi and England in his international career. Despite playing against every other World Cup-winning nation, Messi has never previously faced England. Why has Messi never played against England? The closest Messi came to facing England was during a friendly in 2005, but he missed the match after being sent off on his international debut against Hungary. Argentina lost that encounter 3-2, making Wednesday’s semi-final the first meeting between Messi and the Three Lions. What did Messi say ahead…