Author: EchoAsiaNews

Spain: Spain and France will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on Tuesday in Arlington, with the spotlight firmly on Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. The clash pits Spain’s teenage sensation against France’s World Cup-winning captain in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches. Can Lamine Yamal follow Mbappé’s World Cup legacy? At 18, Lamine Yamal is aiming to emulate Kylian Mbappé, who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France as a teenager. Yamal announced himself on the international stage by scoring a stunning goal against France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, helping Spain reach the…

Thailand: At least 27 people were killed and 63 others injured after a massive fire tore through the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late Sunday night. The blaze broke out at approximately 11:57 pm local time, making it one of Thailand’s deadliest fire incidents in recent years. How did the tragedy unfold? According to survivor accounts, smoke rapidly filled the venue after a fire erupted near the front stage, followed by a powerful explosion. Many patrons attempted to escape toward the rear of the pub but became trapped because the building reportedly had no emergency…

Middle East: The United States and Iran exchanged heavy missile and drone attacks on Sunday, with Iran targeting US military facilities across Gulf states while Washington launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian military targets. The escalation marks one of the most intense phases of the conflict since the war began earlier this year. How has Iran responded? Iran claimed it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of destabilising the region and warning that maritime transit would remain suspended until security conditions improve. Tehran also launched missile and drone attacks targeting US-linked facilities in…

Pakistan: The National Accountability Bureau (Amendment) Act, 2026 has transferred the final appellate jurisdiction in NAB cases from the Supreme Court of Pakistan to the newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The amendment inserts a new Section 32A, allowing convicted individuals or the NAB prosecutor to file a second appeal before the FCC within 30 days of a High Court decision. How will the amendment affect NAB cases? Under the revised law, any appeal against a High Court judgment in a NAB reference will now be heard by the Federal Constitutional Court instead of the Supreme Court. The amendment marks…

Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced plans to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after just one year in office, saying the move is aimed at implementing an “updated political strategy.” The proposed change, which requires parliamentary approval, will automatically trigger the resignation of the entire government under Ukrainian law. Zelenskiy also confirmed that changes would be made in the country’s law enforcement leadership. What role could Yulia Svyrydenko assume next? Zelenskiy thanked Svyrydenko for her service and revealed that he had offered her the opportunity to lead a new area of Ukraine’s relations with a key international partner. Although…

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that he plans to replace Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko after only one year in office, triggering the resignation of the government. Zelenskiy did not announce a successor or provide details about Svyrydenko’s future role, but said changes would also be made among the country’s law enforcement leadership. The president said the reshuffle was intended to support the implementation of an “updated political strategy”, without providing further details. Why is Zelenskiy changing the government? Zelenskiy said he was grateful for Svyrydenko’s work as prime minister and had offered her the opportunity to lead…

BEIJING: Typhoon Bavi battered eastern China on Sunday after making landfall in Zhejiang province, prompting the evacuation of nearly two million people and disrupting transport as authorities warned of days of heavy rainfall across several regions. The storm, the strongest to strike mainland China this year, made its first landfall late on Saturday in the coastal city of Yuhuan before striking Yueqing, also in Zhejiang province. Although it weakened to a tropical storm after moving inland, forecasters warned it could continue to trigger flooding, landslides and urban inundation. What impact has Typhoon Bavi had? Chinese authorities evacuated nearly two million…

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Sunday that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace, as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East. The two foreign ministers spoke by telephone to discuss the evolving regional security situation, the Foreign Office said in a statement. What did Dar tell his Iranian counterpart? According to the Foreign Office, Dar urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for peaceful conflict resolution and reiterated Islamabad’s…

DOHA: Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who transformed the Gulf state into a major diplomatic, energy and media power during his 18-year reign, died on Sunday at the age of 74, the country’s Amiri Diwan announced. In a statement, the Amiri Diwan confirmed the death of the former ruler and paid tribute to his contributions to Qatar, praying for mercy upon his soul. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, before voluntarily handing power to his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani? Sheikh Hamad is…

KARACHI: The Sindh government will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final on big screens at multiple venues across the province as part of efforts to promote sports and youth engagement. The initiative, announced by the Sindh Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, will allow football fans to watch the tournament’s closing matches at designated public venues in Karachi and several other cities. Where will the matches be screened? Sindh Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Mahar said the semi-finals, scheduled for 15 and 16 July, will be screened at the Youth Development Centre…