देश-विदेश

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    Gulf shipping slumps as Houthi claims of Saudi tan…

    ByJustpaste.in

    NEW DELHI: Commercial shipping through two of the world’s most strategic maritime routes declined sharply on Wednesday after Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed it had launched missile attacks on Saudi oil tankers, raising fresh concerns over security in the Gulf. Shipping data showed that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait fell significantly compared with the previous day. According to maritime analytics firm Kpler, only two vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday—a Panama-flagged coal carrier entering the waterway and a Marshall Islands-flagged commodity vessel departing. The previous day, eight vessels had transited the route. Before the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran and Tehran’s subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway typically handled between 130 and 140 ships daily, making it one of the busiest energy transit routes in the world. Traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait also dropped sharply. Kpler data showed that only one Bahamas-flagged dry bulk carrier crossed the chokepoint on Wednesday, compared with 20 vessels the day before. The Houthis announced that they had fired missiles at a Saudi oil tanker near the Red Sea port of Yanbu and targeted another Saudi tanker in the Gulf of Aden. Saudi authorities had not confirmed either attack at the time of reporting. The Iran-aligned group has maintained what it describes as a naval blockade against Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea since last month, saying the move is a response to an alleged Saudi siege on Yemen. Riyadh has rejected those allegations. The latest claims have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial navigation in the region, where maritime trade remains vulnerable to escalating geopolitical tensions.

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    Shakib’s home attacked after Hasina media event

    ByJustpaste.in

    Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan’s ancestral home was attacked by a group of people after he participated in the first public media event of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her removal from power in 2024. According to police, the attack took place in Magura, around 170 kilometres southwest of Dhaka. Protesters reportedly smashed windows of the house and threw bricks along with two petrol bombs. The attack triggered a fire on the upper floor of the residence. Authorities said the property was vacant at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported. Police have launched an investigation into the attack. The incident occurred hours after Shakib joined a virtual discussion organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi. During the event, Sheikh Hasina addressed the media for the first time since leaving office and declared that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December despite the legal cases against her. Hasina said she was prepared to face imprisonment or even death if she returned, insisting that she wanted to stand with the people of Bangladesh. She also called for the ban on her Awami League party to be lifted so it could resume political activities. Shakib, who was elected to parliament on an Awami League ticket in January 2024, has remained outside Bangladesh since the student-led uprising that forced Hasina from power. He is currently facing several investigations, including allegations related to murder, financial misconduct, fraud and money laundering, all of which remain under legal process. The Bangladesh government strongly criticised Hasina’s media appearance from India, describing it as harmful to the country’s sovereignty. Officials warned that allowing such activities could negatively affect relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after leaving Bangladesh during the political unrest. The Bangladeshi government has requested her extradition, while Indian authorities have said the request is being reviewed under legal procedures. Last year, Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia over charges linked to the deadly crackdown on the 2024 student protests. The former prime minister has rejected the charges, calling them politically motivated.

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    Vance pledges military, diplomatic pressure on Iran

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States will use military, economic and diplomatic measures to bring the conflict with Iran to an end, Vice President JD Vance has said, stressing that Washington remains committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In a television interview, Vance said negotiations with Iran remain difficult due to internal divisions within the country’s leadership. He claimed that while some factions in Iran want to end the conflict through diplomacy, others continue to support confrontation, making negotiations more complicated. Despite the challenges, Vance expressed confidence that a settlement could eventually be reached, although he acknowledged the process would take time. He said the US hopes regional stability will improve and global oil prices will ease once tensions decline. The vice president reiterated that the United States would continue using every available tool, including military strength, economic sanctions and diplomatic engagement, to achieve what he described as a lasting resolution. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said he still prefers diplomacy over military action. Speaking at a public event, Trump said he would rather reach an agreement with Iran than resort to war, but warned that military action remains an option if negotiations fail. Trump also dismissed reports suggesting the United States is facing shortages of key military ammunition. He insisted that the country has substantial stockpiles of weapons and said defence manufacturers are rapidly expanding production to meet future requirements. The president further warned that individuals responsible for leaking classified information about US military capabilities would face legal action, saying authorities were actively pursuing those involved. The developments come as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil exports. At the same time, eight leading international shipping organisations have urged the United Nations to oppose any proposal to impose mandatory transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In a joint letter addressed to the UN and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the organisations warned that introducing tolls would undermine the internationally recognised principle of free navigation and could increase shipping costs, fuel prices and inflation worldwide. The maritime groups also cautioned that allowing such charges could create a dangerous precedent for other international waterways and disrupt global trade. The appeal follows recent discussions between Iran and Oman on future arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the two countries have reached preliminary understandings on several issues related to maritime traffic, although they clarified that the agreement does not mean the waterway will be fully reopened under a new system. Separately, reports in US media claimed President Trump had questioned senior defence officials over alleged shortages of military munitions during a recent Cabinet meeting. According to the reports, concerns over weapon supplies had influenced military planning regarding Iran.

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    Spanish royals captivate with Mediterranean charm

    ByJustpaste.in

    Spain’s royal family has officially begun its annual summer holiday with a traditional public appearance in the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, where members of the royal household showcased relaxed yet elegant fashion that reflected the country’s coastal culture. Every August, Spain’s monarchs spend part of their summer in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands. The visit begins with an official reception at the historic Marivent Palace, where the royal family meets local government officials, community leaders and representatives from across the islands before starting their private vacation. This year’s gathering brought together King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, their daughters Crown Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, as well as the King’s mother, Queen Sofía. The appearance highlighted the close relationship between Spain’s monarchy and the Balearic Islands while offering the public a glimpse of the family’s more casual summer style. Unlike the formal attire usually seen during official state events, the royal family opted for lightweight outfits suitable for the warm Mediterranean weather. Queen Letizia, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most stylish royals, wore a flowing white dress by Spanish designer Sybilla. The elegant outfit featured soft pleats and subtle striped details, giving it a simple yet sophisticated look. She paired the dress with gold high-heeled sandals, while King Felipe chose a light blue shirt and neutral trousers, keeping his appearance relaxed. Their elder daughter, Crown Princess Leonor, selected a sleeveless orange two-piece outfit by Spanish fashion label Thinking Mu. The colourful ensemble featured artistic shades of blue, yellow and orange, inspired by Mediterranean sunsets. She completed her look with gold bracelets and naturally styled hair. Meanwhile, Infanta Sofía wore a long pastel-coloured maxi dress decorated with soft pink, cream and lavender tones, creating a fresh summer appearance. The youngest royal’s outfit complemented the vibrant floral caftan worn by Queen Sofía, whose multicoloured dress reflected the cheerful atmosphere of the Mediterranean season. The annual reception is considered one of the final public engagements for the Spanish royal family before they begin their private summer holiday. The event has become a long-standing tradition and attracts significant public and media attention each year, with many observers focusing not only on the royal family’s activities but also on their fashion choices. For many Pakistanis unfamiliar with Spain’s monarchy, the country’s royal family plays a largely ceremonial constitutional role similar to several other European monarchies. While the elected government manages day-to-day political affairs, the King serves as the country’s head of state and represents Spain during official ceremonies, national events and international engagements.

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    Rome talks continue despite fresh Israel-Lebanon c…

    ByJustpaste.in

    JERUSALEM: Fresh violence erupted along the Israel-Lebanon border on Wednesday after two Israeli soldiers were killed during a military operation in southern Lebanon, prompting retaliatory Israeli airstrikes even as diplomatic talks aimed at reducing tensions continued in Rome. The latest escalation comes despite a US-brokered security arrangement reached in June, which was intended to ease hostilities between Israel and Lebanon following months of cross-border clashes. According to Israeli authorities, the two soldiers were killed and four others wounded when an explosion ripped through a building they had entered during a security sweep inside southern Lebanon. Israeli Army Radio, citing a security source, reported that investigators were still trying to determine whether the explosive device had been planted before or after the ceasefire agreement. Soon after the incident, the Israeli military described the explosion as a “blatant ceasefire violation” and launched a series of retaliatory strikes targeting areas in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials said one civilian was killed and at least 12 others were injured after Israeli strikes hit the town of Tibnin, around 25 kilometres from Mansouri. Before the attack, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for residents in the area—the first such online warning directed at Lebanon in more than a month. However, Israel’s tone appeared to soften a day later. In a statement mourning the soldiers, Defence Minister Israel Katz did not directly accuse Hezbollah or refer to a ceasefire violation, signalling that Israeli authorities may be seeking to avoid a wider military escalation. Israel continues to maintain a buffer zone inside southern Lebanon, saying its forces are operating there to eliminate threats posed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and to enhance border security. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain underway in Rome, where Israeli and Lebanese officials are participating in talks that began on Tuesday and are scheduled to continue through Thursday. The negotiations are focused on strengthening the June security arrangement and preventing further violence along the volatile frontier. The renewed bloodshed underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and highlights the challenges facing mediators seeking lasting stability in the region. While both sides have expressed interest in preventing a broader conflict, sporadic violence continues to threaten the progress made through recent diplomatic initiatives. With negotiations still in progress and tensions remaining high, regional observers fear that any further incidents along the border could quickly undermine the fragile peace and derail ongoing efforts to maintain security between the neighbouring countries.

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    Google’s $15bn India data centre faces green bac…

    ByJustpaste.in

    VISAKHAPATNAM: Google’s ambitious $15 billion data centre investment in India is facing mounting resistance from environmental groups, residents and legal activists, turning what was expected to be a landmark technology project into one of the country’s most closely watched development disputes. The massive project, being developed in partnership with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s group, is under construction in Tarluvada near the coastal city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Touted as Google’s largest-ever investment in India, the facility is expected to strengthen the company’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure while generating an estimated 188,000 jobs. However, critics argue that the economic benefits could come at a significant environmental cost. Water concerns spark protests In recent weeks, environmental activists have intensified protests against the project, warning that the data centre could worsen water shortages in a city already struggling to meet daily demand. Demonstrators, including schoolchildren, have marched through Visakhapatnam carrying banners reading “We Cannot Drink DATA”, while others painted handcuffs over Google’s logo to symbolise what they describe as the environmental consequences of unchecked technological expansion. At a public awareness gathering attended by local campaigners, members of the environmental organisation Green Visakha outlined plans for neighbourhood campaigns and beach demonstrations aimed at increasing public awareness. Raja Rama Mohan Roy, founder of Green Visakha, argued that development should never come at the expense of local communities. “Development should not be at the cost of the livelihood of the people,” Roy said, pointing to government figures showing that Visakhapatnam currently receives around 410 million litres of water daily, despite requiring approximately 480 million litres. Water rationing has become a regular feature of life for the city’s 2.5 million residents, raising concerns about future demand. Legal battle gains momentum Opposition to the project has now reached the courts. India’s Andhra Pradesh High Court this week directed the state government to respond to allegations raised by environmental group Jal Biradari (Water Community), which claims the project could place additional pressure on regional water resources. The court is scheduled to hear the public interest litigation again on August 24. Meanwhile, three additional petitions have been filed before India’s National Green Tribunal by the Human Rights Forum. The petitioners argue that authorities approved the project without conducting sufficient environmental assessments regarding water usage and ecological impacts. Environmental groups are questioning the government’s reported commitment to provide guaranteed water supplies for the project over the next two decades while many residents continue experiencing periodic shortages. Wildlife under threat? Another major concern centres on the project’s location. According to campaigners, the construction site lies only about 860 metres from the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected forest known for its biodiversity and home to species including leopards, pangolins, spotted deer and numerous bird species. Activists fear continuous construction, heavy machinery and increased industrial activity could disturb wildlife through noise, habitat disruption and increased human presence. The Andhra Pradesh government, however, insists the development complies with all legal requirements and maintains that the sanctuary is located at a safe distance under existing regulations. Google also said it intends to minimise environmental impacts by installing sound-dampening technologies designed to reduce noise pollution around the facility. Government and Google defend project Despite growing criticism, Andhra Pradesh authorities continue to describe the project as transformational for the state’s economy. Officials rejected accusations that environmental clearances were rushed or that local drinking water resources would be diverted for industrial use. In a statement, the state government acknowledged citizens’ right to protest but said many claims circulating about the project were “incorrect and misleading.” It added that authorities remain willing to examine legitimate concerns and provide clarification where necessary. Google has similarly defended the project, stating that construction will comply fully with Indian environmental regulations. The company said it plans to use advanced air-cooling technology, significantly reducing dependence on water compared with conventional cooling systems used by many data centres. Google also stressed that sustainability remains a key part of its global operations and that the Visakhapatnam facility would be designed to protect local water resources while supporting India’s rapidly expanding digital economy. Global debate over data centres The controversy reflects a broader international debate over the environmental footprint of modern data centres. As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services continues to surge, technology companies worldwide are investing billions in new infrastructure. Yet these facilities often require enormous amounts of electricity and cooling, placing additional pressure on local water and power supplies. Similar concerns have emerged across the United States and Europe, where communities have challenged large-scale data centre developments over resource consumption, environmental sustainability and their impact on nearby residents. For Google, the Andhra Pradesh project represents a major strategic investment in one of its fastest-growing markets. But with legal challenges pending and public protests gathering momentum, the future of the project may depend not only on engineering and investment, but also on the company’s ability to convince local communities that technological progress can coexist with environmental protection.

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    Israeli lawyer calls Silwan demolitions ‘ethnic …

    ByJustpaste.in

    JERUSALEM: A new British media report has renewed international attention on the disputed East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan, where the demolition of Palestinian homes and land disputes continue to fuel tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian residents. According to the report, a prominent Israeli lawyer described Israel’s policy of removing Palestinians from their ancestral homes in Silwan as comparable to “ethnic cleansing,” adding to the growing debate over housing rights and displacement in the occupied territory. The report states that the continued threat of home demolitions has left many Palestinian families living in constant uncertainty, affecting their daily lives, financial stability and emotional well-being. Residents say they fear losing homes that have been in their families for generations. Palestinians living in Silwan argue that Israeli authorities frequently classify their properties as unauthorised constructions, leading to demolition orders that they consider unfair and discriminatory. Many residents say obtaining building permits is extremely difficult, leaving families vulnerable to eviction and the destruction of their homes. The issue of demolitions in East Jerusalem has remained one of the most contentious aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments. Rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern that such actions contribute to the displacement of Palestinian communities and alter the demographic balance of the area. The latest report also comes amid continued regional tensions, with accusations of ceasefire violations and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict. Israeli authorities have consistently maintained that demolitions are carried out in accordance with municipal planning and building regulations, arguing that structures built without the required permits are subject to legal enforcement regardless of the owners’ identity. Silwan, located just south of Jerusalem’s Old City, remains one of the most sensitive areas in the decades-long conflict, with competing historical, religious and political claims. As international scrutiny grows, the situation in Silwan continues to highlight the broader challenges surrounding housing rights, land ownership and the future of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem.

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    Trump says US has ample weapons, ammunition stockpiles

    ByJustpaste.in

    US President Donald Trump has said the United States possesses extensive stockpiles of weapons and ammunition, dismissing concerns about shortages during recent military operations. In a statement, Trump said the country is continuing to manufacture weapons on a large scale while also procuring additional supplies as needed. He added that defense companies are building a record number of plants and factories to strengthen America’s military production capacity. Trump also warned that those responsible for leaking what he described as “treasonous statements” would be identified and face lengthy prison sentences. His remarks came after reports in the US media claimed that he had questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over alleged shortages in US weapons stockpiles during the conflict with Iran. According to the reports, the issue had limited Washington’s military options against Tehran. The reports stated that Trump raised the matter during a Cabinet meeting held at Camp David in Maryland last week, where he reportedly sought an explanation from Hegseth about the significant decline in ammunition reserves. However, US officials have denied the media reports, rejecting claims that the country faced a critical shortage of weapons or that military options against Iran were constrained because of depleted stockpiles.

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    Taiwan president joins wartime evacuation drill

    ByJustpaste.in

    Taiwan has intensified its annual military exercises by rehearsing the wartime evacuation of President Lai Ching-te, testing how the government would continue operating if the island came under attack. During the overnight exercise, President Lai, wearing body armour and a helmet, was transported in an armoured personnel carrier to a secure command centre. Senior government officials also participated in the drill, which focused on maintaining leadership, coordinating emergency responses and ensuring the continuity of government during a national crisis. The evacuation formed part of Taiwan’s 10-day Han Kuang military exercises, the country’s largest annual defence drill. The exercises are designed to strengthen military readiness amid growing tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly vowed to bring the self-governed island under its control, by force if necessary. The wartime evacuation plan has its roots in the Cold War era and was created to protect Taiwan’s leadership in the event of an invasion. Taiwanese authorities have long expressed concern that China could attempt a “decapitation strike” targeting the president and other senior officials during a conflict. As part of this year’s drills, President Lai also observed coast guard vessels being equipped with missile launchers, highlighting efforts to improve Taiwan’s coastal defence capabilities. Military units have deployed advanced air defence systems and other equipment across key locations as they practise responding to realistic combat scenarios. The exercises also include training for counter-blockade operations, coastal defence, protection of strategic infrastructure and broader civilian support during wartime. Next week, authorities will test emergency communication systems by deliberately reducing mobile internet speeds to evaluate how people would communicate if networks became disrupted during a crisis. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported continued Chinese military activity near the island, saying multiple Chinese aircraft and naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan during the exercises. Beijing has not officially commented on the ongoing drills but continues to increase military pressure on the island while rejecting President Lai’s calls for dialogue.

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    Federal agents arrest armed suspect near Donald Trump’s California golf course

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal and local law enforcement officers in California have arrested a 38-year-old man who was observed taking photographs and monitoring security preparations at President Donald Trump’s golf course in Rancho Palos Verdes, two days before the president was scheduled to attend a political fundraising dinner at the venue. The suspect, identified as Jeanine John Taele of Downey, California, was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and federal agents. Authorities revealed that Taele had initially been spotted on the grounds of Trump National Golf Club on Friday, wearing an earpiece while filming federal personnel carrying out security assessments. Upon returning to the property on Sunday, Taele allegedly approached federal agents, falsely claimed to work for the US Department of State on a security detail, and admitted to possessing a loaded weapon inside his vehicle. Upon searching the suspect, law enforcement officers recovered a 16-round magazine loaded with hollow-point ammunition from his clothing. A subsequent search of his pickup truck parked on the property yielded a loaded 9mm pistol, additional hollow-point rounds, binoculars, and a fake badge reading “security protection agent”. Officers also determined that Taele was actively wanted in connection with an unrelated robbery investigation conducted by the El Segundo Police Department. Following the arrest, agents from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau executed a search warrant at Taele’s residence in Downey. Investigators seized an illegally modified short-barrelled AR-style rifle, a .45-calibre handgun, body armour, high-capacity magazines, extensive ammunition supplies, and notebooks containing what officials described as “concerning statements”. Taele, a decorated US Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2008 and 2016, faces both state and federal charges. State prosecutors in Los Angeles County have charged him with second-degree robbery, possession of a short-barrelled rifle, manufacturing or receiving a large-capacity magazine, and carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He pleaded not guilty to state charges on Tuesday and remains held on $250,000 bail. Federal prosecutors have separately charged Taele with possession of an unregistered short-barrelled rifle, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. While the Secret Service and the FBI continue to investigate Taele’s motives, officials from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that there is currently no evidence of a direct, ongoing threat to the local community. President Trump proceeded with his planned visit to California, landing at the golf course via helicopter to host the Republican fundraising event.