gulf shipping slumps
| | |

Gulf shipping slumps as Houthi claims of Saudi tan…

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.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Pakistan rejects Indian claims, calls allegations …

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected allegations by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah linking Islamabad to the arrest of alleged terror suspects in India, describing the accusations as part of a politically motivated campaign against Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the allegations were baseless and appeared aimed at shifting attention away from India’s own internal security challenges. He accused New Delhi of using anti-Pakistan rhetoric for domestic political purposes. The remarks followed claims by Shah that Indian security agencies had detained more than 200 suspected militants allegedly connected to Pakistan during a nationwide crackdown across 14 states on August 12. Shah said the suspects were linked to what he described as the Shahzad Bhatti Network and alleged that the arrests had prevented planned attacks. Rejecting the claims, Andrabi said Pakistan had repeatedly faced accusations that he described as part of an ongoing campaign to portray Islamabad as responsible for security problems inside India. The spokesperson also levelled counter-allegations against New Delhi, accusing India of suppressing minorities and dissent at home while allegedly supporting terrorism and destabilising activities abroad. He maintained that such accusations could not divert international attention from what Pakistan considers India’s involvement in terrorism and subversive activities. Andrabi referred to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was convicted by a Pakistani military court and remains in Pakistani custody, as evidence of Islamabad’s longstanding allegations of Indian involvement in activities against Pakistan. Pakistan called on the international community to reject what it termed unfounded allegations and to hold India accountable for what Islamabad describes as state-sponsored terrorism and destabilising activities in the region. Moreover, Pakistan has strongly rejected what it described as India’s attempt to reshape the history of the 2025 military confrontation through a recently produced documentary on “Operation Sindoor,” calling the production a highly dramatized and factually distorted portrayal of events. In a statement, Pakistan said the documentary relied on selectively edited interviews, emotional narration and cinematic reconstructions to present a version of the conflict designed primarily for domestic political consumption. It argued that the production failed to provide an objective account of the military engagements and instead sought to portray a disputed outcome as an unequivocal Indian victory. Pakistan also questioned the documentary’s chronology surrounding the Pahalgam incident of April 22, 2025. It said India had subsequently claimed that the alleged perpetrators of the incident were identified and eliminated on July 28, nearly three months after Operation Sindoor. Islamabad argued that this timeline raised questions about India’s assertion that the May 7 operation was specifically intended to punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. The statement further rejected India’s claim of “100 percent mission success,” maintaining that Pakistani forces had effectively responded to the Indian offensive during what Pakistan refers to as Marka-e-Haq. Islamabad claimed that eight Indian military aircraft were shot down during the confrontation and said Pakistan later launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting military installations with precision-guided rockets and missiles, precision air-launched munitions, loitering munitions and artillery. Pakistan said the documentary itself contained admissions that undermined its portrayal of decisive Indian dominance. According to Islamabad, references by Indian military officials to Pakistani missile and drone activity, prolonged engagements along the Line of Control and the activation of Indian air-defence systems demonstrated that the confrontation involved significant military exchanges on both sides. The Pakistani statement also challenged New Delhi’s account of how hostilities ended. It noted that the documentary acknowledged communication between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations and an agreed cessation of military activity. Islamabad said this account was inconsistent with portraying the conclusion of the conflict as an unconditional Indian military victory, particularly given the role of international diplomatic engagement in facilitating the ceasefire. Pakistan further accused the documentary of presenting contradictory explanations for India’s approach to escalation. While the production reportedly emphasised surprise attacks, precision strikes and escalation dominance, it simultaneously portrayed India as deliberately restricting the scope of the conflict and offering Pakistan an opportunity to withdraw. Islamabad described the documentary as an attempt to create a politically convenient narrative rather than an impartial military assessment. It maintained that cinematic reconstructions and official claims could not alter the chronology of events, the military engagements or the losses suffered during the confrontation. Pakistan said it had no need to construct an alternative narrative around Marka-e-Haq, arguing that battlefield developments, diplomatic interactions and subsequent statements by Indian officials provided sufficient material for assessing the conflict. Reaffirming its stated commitment to regional peace and stability, Pakistan said its armed forces remained prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It warned that any future military escalation would receive a strong response, while asserting that no subsequent narrative or media production could change the actual course of events on the battlefield.

  • | |

    Julie Andrews confirms exit from Princess Diaries 3

    Julie Andrews has confirmed that she will not return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries 3, ending hopes that the beloved royal figure would share the screen with Anne Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis. Andrews, 90, explained in a recent interview that she considers herself largely retired from on-screen acting. Instead, the Oscar-winning star now focuses on writing books, podcasts and voice work. She said the creative team had approached her repeatedly during the past year about appearing in the sequel, but she ultimately decided against it. The decision marks a change for a franchise built around Andrews’ portrayal of Clarisse, Mia’s grandmother and Genovia’s former queen. Andrews appeared alongside Hathaway in both The Princess Diaries, released in 2001, and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement in 2004. Andrews indicated that the third film can continue without her. Her comments reflect the passage of more than two decades since the original movies and her decision to focus on other creative work. The news comes as anticipation for the long-awaited return to Genovia continues to build among audiences who grew up with the films. Hathaway remains attached to the third installment, which is being directed by Adele Lim. The project remains in development, with filmmakers shaping a story that moves Mia into a new stage of life. Lim has said the team wants to honor the affection audiences have for the original films while giving the sequel its own direction. Andrews’ absence has already prompted an emotional response from fans. For many viewers, her performance as Clarisse was central to the charm of the series, making the prospect of returning to Genovia without her bittersweet. Others have supported Andrews’ decision to step away from on-screen acting. Although Clarisse will not return in Andrews’ performance, her legacy remains deeply woven into The Princess Diaries. As the third film moves forward, Hathaway and the creative team face the challenge of bringing audiences back to Genovia while honoring the actress who helped make the kingdom unforgettable. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/why-julie-andrews-wont-return-princess-diaries-3-1236670387/

  • |

    Pakistan wins historic double gold at Ju-Jitsu Worlds

    Pakistan achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 World Ju-Jitsu Championship by winning two gold medals and one bronze medal, marking one of the country’s finest performances in the international competition. The championship, being held at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, has attracted more than 1,500 athletes from across the world. Competitors are taking part in Under-16, Under-18, Under-21, adult and Masters categories, with the event continuing until August 9. Pakistan’s biggest success came through former Asian champions Abu Huraira and Muhammad Ammar, who secured gold medals in both the Masters Duo and Duo Show events. Their victories created history as it was Pakistan’s first-ever participation in the Masters category at the World Ju-Jitsu Championship. The pair produced outstanding performances throughout the competition, demonstrating exceptional coordination, technical excellence and consistency to finish at the top of both events. Pakistan added another medal to its tally when young athletes Muhammad Yousaf and Muhammad Umar captured the bronze medal in the Under-21 Duo category. The duo impressed judges with their teamwork, precision and discipline during the competition. Yousaf and Umar are also scheduled to compete in the Under-21 Duo Show event, where they will look to add another medal for Pakistan before the championship concludes. Pakistan Ju-Jitsu Federation Chairman Khalil Ahmed Khan congratulated the athletes on their remarkable achievements and described the victories as a proud moment for the country. He said the success would inspire young athletes to pursue excellence in the sport. Secretary General Tariq Ali also praised the national team, saying the results reflected years of dedication, hard work and continuous improvement by Pakistan’s ju-jitsu athletes on the international stage. The federation congratulated Abu Huraira, Muhammad Ammar, Muhammad Yousaf and Muhammad Umar for their outstanding performances and expressed confidence that the national team would continue to achieve success in the remaining events of the championship.

  • | |

    India denies role in Sheikh Hasina’s planned vir…

    NEW DELHI: India has firmly denied any government involvement in a virtual address that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to deliver to mark two years since the political uprising that forced her from office. The clarification came after reports suggested that the online event, scheduled to be held in New Delhi, had official backing. India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected those claims, insisting the government has no connection with the programme. Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the event was being organised by a private media organisation and not by the Indian government. “The Government of India has no role in organising this event,” Jaiswal said. He added that New Delhi neither endorses nor supports the views that may be expressed during the programme. The statement comes amid heightened political sensitivity surrounding Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in self-imposed exile in India since her government was toppled following student-led protests in 2024. According to media reports, the 78-year-old former premier is expected to make her first public appearance since leaving Bangladesh, addressing supporters and viewers via video link from New Delhi. The event is being hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is also expected to participate alongside other speakers. Meanwhile, authorities in Dhaka have reportedly instructed local media outlets not to broadcast or provide live coverage of Hasina’s virtual speech. The move reflects the continuing political tensions surrounding the former prime minister and her Awami League. Sheikh Hasina remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in Bangladesh’s recent political history. After losing power, she was convicted in 2025 on charges of crimes against humanity linked to a crackdown on anti-government protesters. A court sentenced her to death, a verdict she has rejected as politically motivated and legally invalid. Her planned address is expected to draw significant attention across South Asia, with supporters viewing it as a symbolic return to the political spotlight, while critics see it as another chapter in Bangladesh’s ongoing political divide. India’s latest statement appears aimed at distancing itself from any perception of official involvement, as New Delhi seeks to avoid diplomatic friction with Dhaka while continuing to host the former Bangladeshi leader. With regional attention focused on the event, Sheikh Hasina’s speech is likely to reignite debate over Bangladesh’s political future and her possible role in it.

  • | |

    Dylan Sprouse finally reveals how he met wife Barb…

    Dylan Sprouse has opened up about the story behind his first meeting with his wife, model Barbara Palvin, revealing how their relationship began years before they eventually got married. The 34-year-old actor discussed his relationship with Palvin during the Tuesday, August 4 episode of Amanda Hirsch’s Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. Sprouse looked back on their first encounter in 2017 and shared details about how the pair initially crossed paths. Sprouse and Palvin have now been married for three years, but their romance did not begin with an immediate relationship. Instead, their first meeting happened through a professional connection that eventually developed into something much more personal. How Dylan and Barbara first met During the podcast appearance, Sprouse explained that he first met Palvin after being introduced to her through mutual connections. At the time, the two were beginning to get to know each other, although neither could have known that the meeting would eventually lead to marriage. Sprouse recalled being interested in Palvin from the beginning, but their relationship developed gradually. The actor has previously described their early connection as something that grew naturally rather than happening overnight. Palvin, meanwhile, has also spoken about their early relationship and the way they stayed connected after meeting. Their romance eventually became public in 2018, when the pair began appearing together at events and sharing glimpses of their relationship with fans. From dating to marriage After several years together, Sprouse and Palvin took their relationship to the next level. The couple became engaged in 2023 and married later that year in an intimate ceremony in Hungary. The wedding was especially meaningful for Palvin because it took place in her home country. The couple celebrated with family and close friends, keeping many details of the ceremony private. Since getting married, Sprouse and Palvin have continued to support each other’s careers while maintaining a relatively low-key personal life. Although both have major careers in entertainment and fashion, they often choose to keep their relationship away from the constant attention of Hollywood. Looking back at their beginning For Sprouse, revisiting their first meeting offers a glimpse into how an unexpected introduction can eventually become a lasting relationship. What began with a meeting in 2017 ultimately grew into a romance, an engagement and a marriage. Now, nearly a decade after they first crossed paths, Sprouse and Palvin have built a life together while continuing to pursue their individual careers. The actor’s recent comments also give fans a rare look at the early days of a relationship that has remained one of Hollywood’s more enduring celebrity romances.

  • | |

    Rajkummar Rao’s courtroom drama ‘Prahaar’ faces postponement

    Actor Rajkummar Rao’s upcoming courtroom drama Prahaar has reportedly been postponed from its scheduled theatrical release on August 7, 2026, as the makers seek a clearer box office window amid a heavily crowded theatrical calendar. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the Maddock Films banner and directed by Avinash Arun, the film draws inspiration from the life and high-profile legal trials of renowned special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. In addition to Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, the feature stars Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher in pivotal roles. According to industry reports, the decision to push back the film’s arrival came after detailed discussions between the producers and key distribution stakeholders. The August release corridor features several major domestic and international titles competing for screen share, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day releasing in late July, followed shortly by Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 in mid-August. An industry source close to the project revealed that the makers felt releasing Prahaar in such a competitive window would restrict its box office growth, especially for a narrative-driven courtroom drama that relies on strong word-of-mouth: “Prahaar was scheduled to arrive in cinemas on August 7. However, the makers have now decided to postpone its release. After discussions with the stakeholders, they felt that it would not be advisable to release the film during that period. Had it arrived on the scheduled date, it would have released a week after Spider-Man: Brand New Day and a week before Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. Meanwhile, Prahaar is a special film that requires a healthy window, as it has the potential to draw audiences in large numbers.” Speculation surrounding a potential delay had already been circulating within trade circles due to the complete absence of active promotional campaigns with just two weeks remaining before the planned launch date. Producer Dinesh Vijan is widely known for executing extensive promotional tours well in advance, making the lack of marketing events a clear signal to theater owners and analysts that a date change was imminent. Prahaar marks the second Maddock Films project to undergo a schedule adjustment this season, following similar date shifts for Shraddha Kapoor’s upcoming project Eetha. While Maddock Films has yet to officially announce a revised launch date, trade analysts expect the studio to secure an uninterrupted release window in the coming months to maximize the film’s theatrical potential across domestic and international markets.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *