Author: EchoAsiaNews

LOS ANGELES: Meghan Markle has promoted Cookie Queens, the latest documentary executive produced by her and Prince Harry through Archewell Productions, ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on August 7. The Duchess of Sussex shared the film’s official poster on Instagram on Friday, writing: “Big dreams start small. #CookieQueens is only in theaters August 7.” Directed by filmmaker Alysa Nahmias, the documentary follows four Girl Scouts competing to become top cookie sellers during the annual Girl Scout Cookie season in the United States. Beyond the competition, the film explores themes including leadership, resilience, ambition and personal growth. Cookie Queens premiered…

WASHINGTON: Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to mishandling classified information, admitting to improperly sharing sensitive government material while working on his memoir. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Appearing before U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang, the 77-year-old expressed remorse, telling the court, “I’m sorry for it.” Under a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Bolton agreed to a sentencing range that could result in no prison time or up to five years’ imprisonment, with the final decision left to the judge. Sentencing has been scheduled for October.…

MANAMA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Washington would not accept a nuclear agreement with Iran that compromises the security of its Gulf allies, as negotiations between the two countries continue following a preliminary deal to end the recent conflict. Speaking at a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in Bahrain, Rubio said the United States sought a diplomatic agreement with Tehran but would not support any arrangement that undermines the security, stability or prosperity of its regional partners. “While we want a deal, we don’t want a deal at any price,” Rubio said, adding that Gulf…

CARACAS: Rescue teams continued searching for survivors on Friday after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 235 people, trapping hundreds under collapsed buildings and leaving tens of thousands of families affected. According to the US Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening, followed less than a minute later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor—the country’s most powerful earthquake since 1900. Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said medical centres had received 235 bodies by late Thursday, while authorities warned the death toll could rise as search operations continued. Jorge Rodriguez, head…

ISLAMABAD: Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Friday announced a digital transformation initiative that includes a passport mobile application, home delivery service and QR code-based payment system to modernise passport services and improve public convenience. Speaking to a media outlet, Randhawa said the upcoming passport mobile app will allow citizens to apply for and renew passports online, track the status of their applications and access key passport services through their mobile phones. He said the department is also introducing a home delivery service to enable applicants to receive their passports at their doorstep, reducing the need…

NEW YORK: Ecuador produced one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA World Cup by defeating Germany 2-1 on Thursday to qualify for the last 32, while the Netherlands, Japan, Ivory Coast and Australia also booked their places in the knockout stage following the final round of Group D, E and F matches. Sweden and Paraguay remained in contention for qualification as two of the best third-placed teams, while Curacao, Tunisia and Turkiye were eliminated from the tournament despite Turkiye’s victory over the United States. Ecuador secured a historic place in the knockout rounds after coming from behind to beat…

ISLAMABAD: Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th day of Muharram-ul-Haram, is being observed across Pakistan today with mourning processions, religious gatherings and enhanced security measures to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. Processions are being held in cities and towns nationwide, while religious scholars are delivering sermons highlighting the life, teachings and sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), emphasizing the lessons of Karbala for the Muslim Ummah. Alam, Taazia and Zuljanah processions are also taking place to pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala. Authorities have deployed comprehensive security arrangements across the country…

By EchoAsiaNews Desk The United Nations’ maritime agency has temporarily paused its evacuation initiative for ships stranded around the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo vessel was struck near Oman, raising fresh concerns over the safety of one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. The International Maritime Organization had launched the evacuation effort on June 23 to help hundreds of stranded vessels and thousands of seafarers leave the tense waterway through designated routes. According to Reuters, around 57 ships carrying nearly 1,100 seafarers had already used the evacuation corridors before the latest incident forced a reassessment of security guarantees.…

By EchoAsiaNews Desk Venezuela is facing one of its worst natural disasters in decades after two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck the country’s northern region, collapsing buildings, damaging hospitals and leaving families searching desperately through rubble for missing loved ones. Officials say at least 235 people have died and more than 4,300 have been injured, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue teams continue to reach damaged neighborhoods and coastal communities. The earthquakes, measured at magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart west of Caracas, according to seismic data cited by international agencies. The hardest-hit areas…

JERUSALEM: A proposed Israeli law that would transfer control of archaeological and heritage sites in the occupied West Bank to Israeli civilian authorities has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinians, Israeli rights organizations, and academic institutions, which warn the measure could accelerate settlement expansion and amount to de facto annexation of occupied territory. The “Heritage Authority in Judea and Samaria” bill passed its first parliamentary reading in May and is awaiting two additional votes before becoming law. It remains unclear whether the legislation will advance before Israel’s parliament is dissolved ahead of elections expected by October 27. If enacted, the bill…