Author: EchoAsiaNews

Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it will pass on international oil price increases to consumers while introducing targeted subsidy mechanisms to protect vulnerable segments of society, according to official sources cited in The News. Authorities informed the IMF that amid heightened global volatility—driven in part by geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region—the government plans to adjust domestic fuel prices in line with international trends. At the same time, it is working on expanding social protection measures, particularly through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Under proposed reforms, the monthly stipend for BISP beneficiaries is expected to…

US President Donald Trump made critical and mocking remarks about French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO allies during a private lunch on Wednesday, according to a video briefly posted by the White House before access was restricted. Trump reportedly criticised NATO members for not providing support in the ongoing war involving Iran, stating that the United States did not require assistance but had requested it from allies. He singled out France, suggesting in a sarcastic tone that Macron declined to provide immediate military support, and further mocked the French leader’s response. During the remarks, Trump also referenced a viral video…

Spanish police have launched an investigation into alleged Islamophobic and xenophobic chants during the Spain–Egypt international football match held in Barcelona, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a pre-World Cup friendly at RCDE Stadium, where sections of supporters reportedly engaged in offensive chanting and jeered Egypt’s national anthem. Catalonia’s regional police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, stated on social media that they are examining the matter, while government officials condemned the behaviour, calling it embarrassing for society. Stadium authorities had repeatedly issued public announcements urging fans to refrain from making discriminatory remarks, with messages also displayed on screens during…

The Pakistan Stock Exchange came under pressure on Thursday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index declined sharply amid rising global geopolitical tensions and a spike in crude oil prices. The index traded between 152,052.19 and 150,022.43, compared to the previous close of 155,511.56, reflecting a decline of up to 3.53% during intraday trading. Investor sentiment weakened following remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who warned of intensified action against Iran, raising fears of further escalation in the Middle East. The developments contributed to a global risk-off environment, pushing oil prices higher by 4–7%, with Brent crude crossing $105 and WTI…

Security forces killed eight militants during an intelligence-based operation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in North Waziristan, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday. The military said the movement of a group identified as “Fitna al-Khawarij” was detected on April 1. Troops engaged the group in what ISPR described as a “precise and skillful” operation, resulting in the deaths of all eight suspected militants. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. In its statement, ISPR reiterated concerns over cross-border militancy, stating that the situation reflects gaps in border management on the Afghan side. It…

The Bank of England has warned that the ongoing Iran conflict is significantly heightening risks to global financial stability, citing a “substantial negative supply shock” driven by disruptions in energy markets. According to the central bank, the war has disrupted oil and gas flows—particularly through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz—leading to sharp increases in energy prices and borrowing costs. In the United Kingdom, natural gas prices have surged by more than 70%, while petrol prices have risen by around 10%, adding pressure on households and businesses. The Bank also flagged rising vulnerabilities across financial markets, including stress in government…

After more than five decades, the United States is preparing to send astronauts back toward the Moon, marking a major milestone in modern space exploration. The NASA mission, known as Artemis 2, is scheduled for launch from Florida as early as April 1 at 6:24 pm (3:24 am PKT on Thursday). The mission will carry four astronauts — Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Jeremy Hansen — on a roughly 10-day journey around the Moon. While the crew will not land, the mission mirrors the historic Apollo 8 flight, which first carried humans into lunar orbit…

The chief executive of Dassault Aviation said the French aerospace firm is giving itself two to three weeks to reach an agreement on the future of the Franco-German next-generation fighter jet project, amid growing tensions between France, Germany and Spain over control and leadership of the programme. Speaking at the War & Peace security conference in Paris on Wednesday, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Éric Trappier said the company will pursue talks with partners in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative, a multibillion-euro effort to develop a new European fighter aircraft and related systems. “We are giving ourselves two-to-three…

Registrations of new Tesla electric vehicles in Norway climbed sharply in March, rising 178% year-on-year to 6,150 vehicles, according to official data released Wednesday. The surge, reported by Norway’s vehicle registration compiler OFV, marks a significant rebound in Tesla’s presence in one of Europe’s most electric-vehicle friendly markets. The increase follows earlier fluctuations in the Norwegian market this year, which saw slower sales in January before a recovery in subsequent months. Industry analysts say the strong March figures reflect renewed demand for battery-electric cars in Norway, where EVs make up the vast majority of new vehicle registrations and government incentives…

A majority of Americans believe the United States should quickly end its involvement in the ongoing Iran conflict, even if it means not fully achieving the Trump administration’s stated objectives, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey found that 66% of respondents support ending U.S. participation in the war promptly, while 27% favor continuing military involvement until all objectives are met. Around 6% did not respond to the question. The poll was conducted between Friday and Sunday with a sample size of 1,021 adults. Among Republican respondents, views were more divided, with 40% supporting a quick end to the conflict…