Author: EchoAsiaNews

Apple Inc. is marking its 50th anniversary while confronting a major challenge from the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which is reshaping the global technology industry. Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the company grew from a garage startup into one of the world’s most valuable firms, with a market value exceeding $3.6 trillion. Apple transformed consumer technology through products such as the Macintosh computer, iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, significantly influencing how people communicate, work, and access entertainment. Since its launch in 2007, the iPhone has sold more than 3.1 billion units…

English singer Zayn Malik has marked the 10th anniversary of his debut solo album Mind of Mine with a personal video message to fans, celebrating the milestone and expressing gratitude for their support. In a short clip shared on his social media earlier this week, Malik thanked his followers for their continued support since the album’s release in March 2016, calling the milestone “very special” and expressing appreciation for the love he has received over the past decade. Clad in a black leather jacket, the singer said, “It’s been exactly 10 years since the release of Mind of Mine, so…

A key United States congressional committee has formally called for a full public hearing on the ongoing war with Iran, citing growing concern among lawmakers about the lack of transparency from the Trump administration and the Department of Defense regarding the conflict’s conduct and objectives. In a statement, members of the panel said they are “deeply troubled by the lack of transparency” surrounding the war, which began on February 28 with joint US–Israeli strikes against Iranian targets. Lawmakers argued that classified briefings alone are insufficient and stressed the need for open testimony and accountability on Capitol Hill. The push for…

A heated televised debate between Pakistani Senator Mushahid Hussain and a former Israeli security adviser highlighted deep disagreements over the ongoing Iran–Israel war’s strategic trajectory and broader regional intentions. The exchange took place on an international news network, focusing on competing views of the conflict’s causes, outcomes and the concept of a reshaped Middle East. During the discussion, Mushahid asserted that Iran has demonstrated resilience and strategic strength, particularly through its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, and claimed the US‑Israeli strategy has failed. He described the current war as part of a wider agenda he labelled a “Greater Israel”…

Mass demonstrations are expected across the United States on March 28, 2026, as the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement prepares for what organizers say could be one of the largest single-day protest actions in American history. The demonstrations are aimed at expressing widespread public opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. Organizers report that more than 3,000 events are planned in all 50 states, with millions of participants expected to fill streets, parks and public squares from coast to coast. Major rallies are scheduled in cities such as St. Paul, Minnesota and Washington, D.C., with additional large gatherings…

Pakistan and China have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and wider region, with both sides stressing the importance of diplomatic engagement and de-escalation of ongoing conflicts. According to official statements, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held discussions on the evolving regional situation, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. Both leaders emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving disputes and restoring peace. The two countries described their relationship as a strategic cooperative partnership based on mutual trust…

Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) following a single-vehicle rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island, local authorities said. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods was driving his Land Rover on a two-lane road when he clipped the back of a trailer while attempting to overtake, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side. Woods, 50, was uninjured and was able to crawl out of the vehicle at the scene. Investigators said Woods showed signs of impairment. A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, leading officers to suspect that medication…

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has set aside an 80-year-old land mutation that was based on a “fictitious will,” ruling that such wills in favour of legal heirs are invalid under Islamic law. The dispute involved land in Rahim Yar Khan district once owned by the late Din Muhammad, who died without children. Petitioners claimed that in 1945, a predecessor of one of the respondents used a fraudulent will to transfer the property into his own name. In its judgement, the court held that Islamic inheritance principles take precedence over man-made laws when it comes to succession. The judge cited…

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement that paves the way for the release of $1.2 billion in funding under the country’s ongoing loan programme. According to the IMF, the agreement, now subject to final approval by the IMF’s executive board, would provide Pakistan with $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility and $210 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, bringing total disbursements under the current programme to $4.5 billion. The IMF emphasised that the release of funds is contingent on continued implementation of agreed economic policies, including maintaining a tight and data-driven monetary…

The national average price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has surged sharply across Pakistan, putting additional pressure on households and transport sectors already coping with broader economic strains. According to the latest Sensitive Price Index data, the price of an 11.67kg LPG cylinder has risen to between Rs3,900 and Rs5,135, up significantly from previous levels of Rs3,150–3,968. This increase reflects tightening supply conditions and rising global LPG costs. The price surge has already translated into higher fares for LPG-run private transport, particularly affecting rickshaws, buses, and minibuses that serve low- and middle-income commuters. Market analysts and industry representatives point to…