Indian activist held over shocking protest comments

Global sales of electric vehicles rose sharply during the second quarter of 2026 as soaring fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East encouraged more consumers to switch away from petrol and diesel powered cars, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency. The agency said electric vehicle sales increased by 35 percent between April and June compared with the first three months of the year. Record sales were reported across 50 countries despite a slowdown in the overall global automobile market. According to the IEA, the renewed interest in electric vehicles was largely driven by the sharp rise in oil prices following the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The report said the resulting energy crisis reminded governments and consumers of the economic risks associated with dependence on imported oil. Oil prices climbed dramatically during the year after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes, in response to military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States. Crude prices rose from around 60 dollars per barrel at the beginning of the year to nearly 120 dollars, increasing fuel costs around the world and putting additional pressure on households and businesses. The IEA said the situation has brought energy security back to the centre of government policy discussions. Since road transport accounts for nearly half of global oil consumption, the agency noted that expanding the use of electric vehicles can reduce reliance on imported fuel while protecting consumers from sudden increases in fuel prices. The report said electric vehicles are now being viewed as an important tool for improving national energy security, particularly in countries that rely heavily on imported oil. By reducing dependence on global oil markets, governments hope to make their economies more resilient during periods of international instability. Several countries in Southeast Asia that were particularly affected by rising fuel costs responded by introducing temporary tax incentives to encourage people to buy electric vehicles. Similar government support measures have also been expanded in parts of Latin America and Europe as officials seek to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport. Based on the strong performance in the second quarter and continued policy support in many regions, the IEA expects global electric vehicle sales to increase by around 10 percent over the full year. If that forecast is achieved, electric cars are expected to account for approximately 29 percent of all new vehicle sales worldwide in 2026. The agency also predicted that the overall global car market will shrink this year, meaning electric vehicles are continuing to gain market share even as total vehicle demand weakens. The report noted that the year began on a slower pace for the electric vehicle industry. Sales dropped during the first quarter, mainly because of weaker demand in China and the United States, the world’s two largest EV markets. In the United States, the removal of government subsidies reduced consumer demand, while China’s slowing economy and reductions in financial incentives also affected purchases. Because China represents the largest electric vehicle market in the world, weaker sales there had a significant impact on global figures despite healthy growth in many other regions. Europe recorded the strongest performance during the first half of the year. According to the IEA, electric vehicle sales across the continent rose by more than 30 percent as supportive government policies, expanding charging infrastructure, and higher fuel prices encouraged more drivers to choose electric cars over conventional vehicles. The agency believes these trends could continue if governments maintain incentives and energy prices remain elevated.

LONDON: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has concluded a high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom, highlighted by a landmark address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London—the first by any serving Pakistan Navy chief. Addressing one of the world’s leading strategic think tanks, Admiral Ashraf outlined Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean, stressing the importance of regional maritime stability, freedom of navigation and enhanced international cooperation to tackle emerging maritime security challenges. The address marked a significant milestone in Pakistan Navy’s engagement with the global strategic community and underscored its expanding role in international maritime security discourse. During his visit, organised in coordination with the Pakistan High Commission in London, Admiral Ashraf held a series of high-level meetings with senior officials of the Royal Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO Allied Maritime Command, and the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS). Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral naval cooperation, professional exchanges and regional security. The Naval Chief also met representatives of the Lloyd’s Market Association and the Joint War Committee, where discussions centred on maritime insurance, security risks in the Indian Ocean and the protection of global shipping routes. As part of his engagements, Admiral Ashraf attended the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford, Europe’s largest military air show, where he interacted with senior military leaders from allied nations and representatives of the British defence industry. He also visited the Pakistan High Commission in London and met High Commission officials to discuss ways of expanding Pakistan-UK cooperation in defence, maritime affairs and strategic engagement. He later recorded his remarks in the High Commission’s guest book. Defence observers say the visit reflects the growing momentum in Pakistan-UK defence relations and demonstrates Islamabad’s commitment to expanding strategic dialogue with international partners. The historic IISS address, in particular, is being viewed as a significant diplomatic and strategic achievement, placing the Pakistan Navy more prominently within global maritime security discussions.