Pakistan unveils new oil import framework to attract global suppliers

Yemen’s Houthi movement is attempting to replicate Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by disrupting maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, Yemeni Foreign Minister-designate Afrah al-Zouba warned on Monday. Speaking to reporters at the Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh, al-Zouba stated that an insufficient international response has emboldened the group to pursue control over critical Red Sea shipping corridors. The Red Sea has emerged as a major flashpoint following escalations linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran. The Houthis have intensified operations against Saudi Arabia by launching drone and missile strikes and announcing a blockade on Saudi-bound shipping. In response, Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi military positions and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting commercial maritime routes. The surge in hostilities threatens to unravel the fragile truce established in 2022, raising concerns among diplomats and officials over a potential return to full-scale war in Yemen. Al-Zouba confirmed that while military skirmishes persist along frontline positions stretching from the Red Sea to the Saudi border, neither side has launched a major ground offensive. She emphasised that the internationally recognised government is prepared for further escalation, asserting that the conflict must ultimately be resolved either diplomatically or by force.

Following the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief Abhijit Dipke addressed a protest rally at Jantar Mantar and thanked those who had referred to young people as “cockroaches.” Speaking at the demonstration, Dipke directly addressed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, saying that if the chief justice had not used the term, he would not have returned to India and the protest movement would never have begun. According to Indian media reports, the youth-led campaign began after a Supreme Court hearing on May 15. During a case concerning the designation of senior advocates, Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly compared some young people to cockroaches, saying they struggled to find employment and opportunities in their professions. The chief justice later clarified that his remarks were directed at people holding fake law degrees and were not intended to describe unemployed youth generally. However, the statement quickly spread across social media and triggered widespread criticism. The following day, Abhijit Dipke, a student based in Boston and a former communications strategist for the Aam Aadmi Party, announced the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party in a satirical social media post. Dipke presented the group as a platform for young people who considered themselves “cockroaches” — including unemployed youth, active social media users and those critical of the existing system. The campaign gained momentum as public anger increased over allegations surrounding a National Eligibility Test (NET) paper leak. Dipke returned to India in early June and began leading protests at Jantar Mantar. The protesters’ main demand was the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations. The movement later received wider attention when social activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28. He ended the hunger strike after 26 days following written assurances from the government. The assurances included a commitment that peaceful protesters would not face criminal cases. The government also agreed to consider examination reforms and accountability measures in Parliament. It further agreed to consider a proposal for compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the reported paper leak. Despite the end of Wangchuk’s hunger strike, the Cockroach Janta Party continued demanding Pradhan’s resignation. The protests continued even after demonstrators were reportedly subjected to a baton charge on July 20. Growing pressure eventually led to Pradhan stepping down. In his resignation, Pradhan said he was leaving his position with the future of students in mind. He also said the decision was necessary to prevent anti-national elements from taking advantage of the situation at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere across the country.

The US Senate has taken the first major step toward approving a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Russia by targeting its energy sector and financial network. The legislation advanced with strong support on Tuesday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington to urge American lawmakers to strengthen measures against Moscow and continue backing Ukraine. Senators voted 86 to 12 to begin formal debate on the bill, allowing it to clear its first procedural stage. Although the proposal still requires further discussion and a final vote before becoming law, the overwhelming support highlighted broad agreement in the Senate on increasing economic pressure against Russia as the war in Ukraine continues. The proposed legislation would expand sanctions on Russian government officials, wealthy business figures, financial institutions and the network of ships often referred to as the shadow fleet. These vessels have been used to transport Russian oil while avoiding existing international restrictions. Lawmakers believe cutting off these channels would reduce Russia’s ability to earn revenue from energy exports. Another major feature of the bill would give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from countries that continue buying large amounts of Russian oil and natural gas. Nations such as China and India could be affected if the measure is implemented. Supporters argue that reducing demand for Russian energy is one of the most effective ways to weaken Moscow’s financial resources and limit its ability to fund military operations in Ukraine. The Senate vote came only hours after Zelensky met President Trump at the White House during his visit to the United States. The Ukrainian leader also attended the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington. Graham had been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in Congress and spent more than a year helping build bipartisan backing for the sanctions proposal before his death earlier this month. After meeting with lawmakers, Zelensky urged senators to maintain strong support for Ukraine and approve tougher sanctions against Russia as fighting on the battlefield continues and diplomatic efforts led by the United States remain at a standstill. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly argued that increasing economic pressure on Moscow is necessary to reduce Russia’s ability to continue the conflict. The legislation has been named in honor of Senator Graham, whose work played a key role in shaping the proposal. Shortly before his death, he reached an agreement with the White House on a revised version of the bill. In a joint statement, six Republican and Democratic senators said moving the legislation forward was the best way to recognize Graham’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against Russia. The updated measure also includes provisions requested by President Trump to extend existing sanctions authority related to Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. Lawmakers said the changes broaden the scope of the legislation while maintaining its primary focus on increasing pressure on Russia. Despite receiving strong bipartisan backing, the proposal has faced some criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Some have expressed concern that allowing the president to impose high tariffs gives the White House too much authority. Others warned that such tariffs could increase costs for American consumers and create economic difficulties for European allies that maintain trade relationships with countries affected by the measure. Even if the Senate approves the bill, it will not become law immediately. The House of Representatives has already begun its summer recess and is not expected to return to Washington until September. As a result, final congressional action on the legislation is likely to be delayed for several weeks before lawmakers can decide whether to send it to the president for approval.