Author: EchoAsiaNews

Washington: The United States carried out fresh military strikes targeting Iranian drone operations near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite an existing ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and renewed diplomatic efforts to restore commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. A US official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said American forces shot down four Iranian attack drones and struck a ground control station in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas that was preparing to launch another drone. The official described the operation as “measured, purely defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire” that took effect earlier…

Los Angeles: Reality television star Kim Kardashian and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton have intensified speculation surrounding their relationship after the pair were spotted spending time with Kardashian’s children and family during a dinner outing in Los Angeles. According to photos published by DailyMail, the 45-year-old Skims founder and the 41-year-old British racing driver appeared relaxed and affectionate as they dined alongside Kardashian’s family members and Hamilton’s mother, Carmen Larbalestier, at celebrity hotspot Nobu. Hamilton was seen interacting closely with Kardashian’s eldest son Saint, while Kardashian held hands with daughter Chicago and son Psalm during the outing. Kardashian’s eldest daughter…

Singapore: Oil prices climbed on Thursday while most Asian stock markets traded lower after fresh US military strikes on Iran renewed fears over the stability of a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. The rebound in oil prices reversed much of Wednesday’s sharp decline, which had been driven by hopes of an imminent agreement to end the war and restore shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. An American official told AFP that US forces had shot down four Iranian drones and carried out strikes on a control centre in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.…

New Delhi: India has sought initial proposals from three shortlisted domestic bidders for the local manufacturing of a fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft, according to a report by news agency ANI citing defence officials. The shortlisted contenders include Tata Advanced Systems and two joint ventures involving Larsen and Toubro, Bharat Electronics, and Bharat Forge, all of them Indian companies. India approved the ambitious stealth fighter jet programme last year and invited expressions of interest from defence firms weeks after a major military confrontation with nuclear-armed neighbour Pakistan. The programme is considered critical for strengthening the Indian Air Force, whose operational fleet…

Islamabad: Pakistan’s top military leadership on Thursday conveyed warm greetings to the nation on the 28th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer, reaffirming the armed forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguard the country against all threats and challenges. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, congratulated the nation on the occasion. The military leadership said Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates the historic achievement of May 28, 1998, when…

NEW DELHI: Indian authorities have imposed fresh restrictions ahead of Eid ul Adha, including bans on the slaughter of cows, calves and camels in several regions, prompting renewed debate over religious freedom and restrictions on Muslim religious practices. According to Indian media reports, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to strictly enforce measures related to Eid observances during a high-level law and order meeting held via video conference. The Uttar Pradesh government ordered that animal sacrifice be permitted only at pre-designated sites and instructed authorities not to allow any “new traditions” during the festival. Adityanath also directed that…

KARACHI: The Sui Southern Gas Company on Tuesday announced a special gas supply schedule for domestic and commercial consumers during the three days of Eid ul Adha. According to the company, gas supply on the eve of Eid ul Adha, May 26, will remain available until midnight. SSGC said uninterrupted gas supply on the first and second days of Eid, May 27 and May 28, will begin at 7:30am and continue until 12am. However, on the third day of Eid, May 29, gas supply will remain available only until 10pm. The company added that the regular gas supply schedule will…

NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in New York on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to participate in a high-level United Nations Security Council debate focused on international peace, security and multilateralism. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar will attend the UNSC Open Debate titled “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System.” The session is being convened under China’s rotating presidency of the Security Council for May 2026 and will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The…

WASHINGTON: United States forces launched strikes on missile sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran on Monday, according to US Central Command, escalating regional tensions and putting a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran at risk. US Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins said in a statement that the attacks were carried out in “self-defence” to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. The US military said the strikes targeted missile launch sites and vessels allegedly attempting to place naval mines near strategic waterways in southern Iran. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported several explosions near the port city of…

LAS VEGAS: Pop superstar Taylor Swift went home empty-handed at the 2026 American Music Awards despite entering the ceremony as the most-nominated artist with eight nods. The singer, who did not attend Monday night’s fan-voted awards show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, failed to extend her record 40 AMA wins. Swift had been nominated in several top categories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for The Life of a Showgirl and Song of the Year for The Fate of Ophelia. Artist of the Year was won by BTS, while Song of the Year…