Author: EchoAsiaNews

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump departed for the NATO summit on Monday, where he is expected to press alliance members to rapidly implement their commitment to increase defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade. The summit marks the first major assessment of NATO members’ progress since last year’s agreement, with the Trump administration insisting allies move “with urgency” to meet the new spending target. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said President Trump expects all member states to immediately begin implementing the pledge. Why Is Defence Spending the Summit’s Central Focus? Trump has repeatedly…

Manila: The Philippine Senate on Monday formally opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, launching a politically significant case that could determine her future in public office and reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election. What Charges Does Sara Duterte Face? The trial, expected to last 92 days, began with Duterte absent from the proceedings and represented by her legal team. She faces impeachment charges including alleged unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, and publicly threatening to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated. Duterte has denied all allegations. How Tight Is Security Around the…

Beijing: China on Monday test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific Ocean, with the missile landing in designated waters, according to state news agency Xinhua. The launch was carried out at 12:01 p.m. local time by a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) strategic nuclear submarine operating in the South Pacific. Beijing described the launch as a routine annual military training exercise, stating that it was not aimed at any specific country or target and was conducted in accordance with its scheduled defence training programme. How Have Regional Countries Responded? The missile test prompted swift reactions…

Tehran, Iran: Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Monday as the funeral procession of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, moved through the capital amid tight security and nationwide mourning ceremonies. The procession marked the start of a week-long series of state-organized funeral events following Khamenei’s death in February during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, according to Iranian authorities. Crowds carrying Iranian flags and portraits of the late leader lined major streets as senior officials, military commanders, and religious figures joined the procession. State media reported that the funeral ceremonies are expected to conclude with Khamenei’s burial later this week. Authorities have…

Colorado, United States: A rapidly spreading wildfire in southern Colorado has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and destroyed more than 160 structures as firefighters battle extreme fire conditions driven by strong winds, prolonged drought, and dry vegetation. The Aspen Acres Fire, burning southwest of Denver across Pueblo and Custer counties, has expanded to approximately 115 square miles (297 sq km) and remains 0% contained, making it one of nearly 40 large uncontained wildfires currently burning across the western United States. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Colorado City and the nearby communities of Beulah, Rye, and San…

TEHRAN: An Indian journalist from India Today has described the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as a powerful reflection of the country’s “culture of resistance,” saying the public mourning extends beyond politics and draws deeply from Shia religious tradition. Reporting from Tehran, the journalist said many Iranians view Khamenei’s assassination not merely as the death of a political leader but as part of a centuries-old tradition of sacrifice and martyrdom central to Shia Islam. How Was the Funeral Characterized? According to the journalist, the funeral ceremonies combined religious symbolism with national unity, attracting large…

LONDON: Demand for air conditioning is rising across the United Kingdom as increasingly frequent and intense summer heatwaves prompt more households to install cooling systems, despite concerns over energy consumption and environmental impacts. Industry figures and climate experts say Britain is witnessing a gradual shift in attitudes toward air conditioning, traditionally viewed as unnecessary in the country’s temperate climate, as record-breaking temperatures make homes increasingly difficult to live and work in. Why Is Demand for Air Conditioning Increasing? The surge follows England’s warmest June on record, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking June temperatures. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency…

TEHRAN: Three sons of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare public appearance on the second day of state funeral ceremonies in Tehran, while his successor, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent amid heightened security concerns. State television broadcast images of Mostafa, Meysam and Masoud Khamenei praying behind the coffins of their father and several family members at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, where thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects. Why Was Mojtaba Khamenei Absent? Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed Iran’s top leadership following his father’s death, did not attend the public mourning ceremonies. Iranian…

OMDURMAN: One of Sudan’s largest maternity hospitals has resumed operations after being forced to close during the country’s civil war, marking a significant step in efforts to restore healthcare services amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. The Omdurman Maternity Hospital, locally known as Al-Dayat (Midwives), has reopened its maternity wards, allowing women to once again access institutional childbirth services after months of disruption caused by fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). How Has the Hospital’s Reopening Improved Maternal Care? Health officials said the reopening has contributed to a gradual decline in maternal and infant complications,…

MOSCOW: Ukrainian drone attacks targeted key Russian energy and military infrastructure on Monday, damaging the Baltic Sea ports of Ust-Luga and Vysotsk, while causing a temporary power blackout in Sevastopol, the Crimean headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, Russian authorities said. Officials said air defence systems intercepted dozens of drones, but several strikes reached strategic facilities, highlighting Ukraine’s continued campaign against Russia’s energy export network and military assets. Which Strategic Facilities Were Targeted? Authorities in Russia’s Leningrad region said drones damaged the ports of Ust-Luga and Vysotsk. Ust-Luga is one of Russia’s largest oil export terminals and a critical hub…