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Poland and Baltic states shield critical infrastructure against potential Russian false-flag drone attacks

ByJustpaste.in

Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have tightened security around vital energy and national infrastructure, acting on intelligence warnings that Moscow may stage false-flag attacks using Ukrainian-made drones to provoke a political crisis within NATO.

Lithuania deployed troops alongside riot police to protect its floating liquefied natural gas terminal at Klaipėda, an oil products terminal, a key power link with Poland, and the Kruonis hydro plant.

Latvia reinforced security around the Daugava River dam near Riga and the Incukalns underground gas storage facility.

In Poland, state-owned energy developers launched an investigation alongside security services after forged documents surfaced targeting the construction site of the country’s first nuclear power plant, a move traced to sources east of Poland. Military personnel also stepped up security around power grid interconnectors running to Ukraine.

Baltic intelligence assessments indicate Russian military and domestic security agencies may execute a staged attack inside Russia or across the border using captured or forged Ukrainian drones. Regional officials warn that Moscow’s primary objective is to trigger political paralysis in Brussels by forcing NATO members into a divisive debate over how to respond.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports, calling warnings of Russian sabotage scare stories used to justify NATO militarisation.

The surge in defensive measures follows a series of unexplained drone incidents across Europe, including an explosive-laden drone recently discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. With Russian forces facing continued pressure in Ukraine, intelligence analysts suggest Moscow may be attempting to destabilise European infrastructure to test the alliance’s political resolve.

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    Saudi airstrikes on Hodeidah trigger Houthi warning, raising regional tensions

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saudi Arabia’s airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled Yemeni city of Hodeidah have triggered a strong response from the group, with the Houthis warning that the attacks could have serious consequences and further escalate tensions in the region. According to Arab media reports, Houthi officials said Saudi-led forces targeted telecommunications facilities in Hodeidah as well as Kamaran Island. A woman was reportedly injured in the strike on Kamaran Island. Witnesses also reported hearing explosions near Hodeidah port. However, the Saudi-led military coalition denied targeting the port itself. The coalition said its operations were aimed at Houthi military positions in Hodeidah. Hodeidah port is a major commercial and humanitarian gateway for northern Yemen. The port plays an important role in bringing essential goods and humanitarian supplies into areas controlled by the Houthis. The latest strikes followed growing tensions in the Red Sea. Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki had described recent Houthi activities in the area as irresponsible and provocative. He warned that the coalition would take further military action if Houthi attacks continued. The Houthis recently claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The group said the vessels had violated a naval blockade it had announced against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis declared the blockade on July 20. They described it as a response to an attack on Sanaa International Airport a week earlier. The internationally recognised Yemeni government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, claimed responsibility for the airport attack. It said the strike was carried out after an Iranian aircraft allegedly arrived at the airport without authorisation. Following the latest escalation, concerns are growing over the impact on commercial shipping and global trade. Two Chinese oil tankers carrying Saudi crude reportedly crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait safely despite the heightened tensions. The Red Sea is a crucial international shipping route. It handles a significant share of global container trade and connects major markets between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Any prolonged disruption to shipping in the Red Sea could increase transportation costs and put further pressure on global supply chains. The situation is particularly sensitive because the Strait of Hormuz is also facing serious disruption amid the wider regional conflict. Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said the group’s naval blockade does not amount to a complete closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. He said the measure is specifically focused on maritime activity linked to Saudi Arabia. According to the Houthi position, the blockade is intended as a response to what the group describes as the continued blockade of Yemen. The latest exchange of airstrikes, threats and attacks on shipping has increased fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.

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    S&P upgrades Pakistan’s rating to ‘B’ o…

    ByJustpaste.in

    S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Pakistan’s long-term sovereign credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, citing improvements in economic stability, foreign exchange reserves and reform progress. The global rating agency maintained a stable outlook for Pakistan, indicating expectations that the country’s economic recovery will continue if current policies and reforms remain in place. S&P said the rating upgrade reflects stronger institutional capacity and Pakistan’s progress in implementing reforms under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) programme. The agency highlighted that the $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) has played an important role in improving economic management, supporting fiscal reforms and rebuilding external financial buffers. According to S&P, Pakistan has achieved most of the IMF programme targets so far, which has helped maintain the flow of financial assistance and improve investor confidence. The rating agency also pointed to a major improvement in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. It said reserves increased to around $25.3 billion, including gold holdings, by the end of last month. This is a significant rise compared with the low level of around $6.7 billion recorded in December 2022. S&P said the improved reserve position provides greater capacity to manage external payments and cover upcoming foreign debt obligations. The agency added that continued support from international partners, multilateral institutions and access to global financing markets would help Pakistan strengthen its external position. S&P projected further improvement in Pakistan’s fiscal performance, saying the government deficit could decline to around 4% of GDP by fiscal year 2027. This compares with nearly 8% during the economic difficulties faced in 2022 and 2023. The agency also noted that economic reforms, fiscal discipline and improved financial management could help Pakistan achieve sustainable growth in the coming years. However, S&P warned that a slowdown in reforms, increased fiscal pressures or worsening external conditions could create risks for the country’s future rating. The agency said Pakistan could receive another rating improvement if it continues reducing fiscal deficits, increasing revenues, lowering financing costs and strengthening external economic indicators.

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    PM orders expansion of strategic oil reserves

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    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to expand Pakistan’s strategic petroleum reserves while approving key amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security, attracting investment and modernising the refining sector. Chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE), the prime minister was briefed on the progress of refinery upgradation projects, ongoing energy sector reforms and the implementation of the revised refining policy. He described the modernisation of Pakistan’s oil refineries as a national priority, saying it would improve energy security, reduce reliance on imported fuels and support the production of cleaner, environmentally friendly petroleum products. The approved amendments focus on upgrading existing refineries to increase production capacity while enabling the manufacture of Euro-V standard petrol and diesel. The changes are also intended to reduce the production of furnace oil and other lower-quality petroleum products, helping Pakistan meet international environmental commitments and curb air pollution. To encourage foreign investment, Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed officials to organise investment roadshows in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries to promote opportunities in Pakistan’s refining sector. He stressed that the revised policy must be implemented without delay and warned that negligence in executing the reforms would not be tolerated. The premier also directed relevant ministries and institutions to maintain close coordination with stakeholders to accelerate the reform process. In addition, he called for improvements in the performance of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to promote greater transparency, competition and investor confidence in the energy market. Pakistan has been seeking to strengthen its fuel security after recent regional tensions exposed the country’s vulnerability to supply disruptions. The absence of strategic petroleum reserves became a major concern during the conflict that affected oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting renewed urgency for energy sector reforms. The refining policy has faced repeated delays since its formulation. Although finalised in 2023 and approved the following year after years of consultations, implementation stalled when incentives were withdrawn in the federal budget, causing refinery upgrade agreements to be put on hold. Discussions resumed after the government addressed financial concerns raised by refinery operators and pledged measures to revive nearly $6 billion in planned investments. Industry stakeholders have continued to seek policy stability and tax-related assurances, arguing that unresolved issues, including sales tax on imported equipment and refinery inputs, have created financial challenges that threaten the viability of modernisation projects. The government has indicated that further measures will be introduced to facilitate investment and ensure the successful implementation of the refinery upgrade programme.

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    PM Shehbaz orders scientific system to assess tax …

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    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to develop a scientific and comprehensive method to assess tax potential in different sectors of the economy. The new system is aimed at improving tax collection. It will also help identify sectors with untapped revenue potential. The government wants to strengthen tax administration and reduce tax evasion. The prime minister issued the directives during a meeting on FBR reforms in Islamabad on Wednesday. He directed the FBR to work with the power sector to identify businesses and individuals involved in the informal economy. Authorities will also identify those suspected of avoiding taxes. Shehbaz instructed officials to take legal action against people and businesses found involved in tax evasion. The prime minister said improvements in the FBR’s monitoring system were already producing results. He pointed out that sugar production data had matched FBR records for the first time in Pakistan’s history. He described the development as an important sign of improved monitoring and tracking. Shehbaz praised FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and his team for their efforts. He also appreciated taxpayers and businesses that were following tax laws. The prime minister said the government had provided maximum possible support to export-oriented and domestic industries. He said the government would continue facilitating businesses while ensuring compliance with tax regulations. He directed the FBR chairman and senior officials to spend the first week of every month in Karachi. They will meet business representatives and address their concerns. Shehbaz also ordered the expansion of digital production monitoring. He directed officials to make tracking systems operational in the textile, beverages, steel, poultry, edible oil and ghee, and tyre sectors by December. He also stressed that appointments and transfers within the FBR must be made strictly on merit. The prime minister praised the new system for evaluating officers. He said merit and transparency must remain central to FBR reforms. He directed authorities to prepare a list of high-performing officers. The best-performing officials will be considered for awards on Independence Day. Shehbaz also ordered an immediate third-party audit of customs bonded warehouses. The audit will examine the warehouses and identify possible irregularities. Officials will then be required to take corrective measures where necessary. The meeting was informed about progress on production tracking systems and human resource reforms. Officials said tracking systems were already fully operational in the sugar, cement, tobacco, tiles and fertiliser sectors. Work in five additional sectors was also nearing completion. These sectors have an estimated tax potential of more than Rs700 billion. Officials said tracking systems were also being developed for nine other production sectors. These sectors are estimated to have an additional tax potential of around Rs560 billion. The prime minister directed authorities to complete indirect tax tracking across the production sector by the end of the year. The meeting also reviewed reforms in the FBR’s workforce. Newly recruited officers are receiving specialised training. Existing officers are also undergoing training. The programmes have been designed around merit and performance. Officials said the training modules were aligned with international standards and Pakistan’s tax requirements. A new performance evaluation system has also been introduced. Under the system, high-performing officers can receive recognition. Officials who fail to meet performance standards can face penalties. The government has also appointed 957 third-party auditors. The move is intended to improve transparency and strengthen tax-related processes. Recruitment of 280 goods evaluators is also under way. The evaluators will work under the customs faceless assessment system. The meeting also discussed measures to reduce unnecessary tax disputes. A Case Scrutiny Committee is being established for this purpose. The committee will determine whether tax cases should proceed based on their merits. Officials also provided an update on Alternative Dispute Resolution Committees. By June 2026, 152 out of 377 applications had been resolved within 90 days. The process resulted in the recovery of Rs54 billion in tax revenue. Digital reforms also reviewed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately reviewed progress on the national digital vision. He ordered immediate measures to make the newly established Sky47 AI national central data centre available to federal government institutions. The prime minister said the initiative would help modernise government services. He said citizens would eventually be able to use a single digital identity to access multiple public services. These services could include government document verification, banking, healthcare and transfers. The prime minister said a central national data centre would bring information from federal institutions together. He said this would reduce the need for separate data centres. It could also help save public resources. Shehbaz said the national digital vision was important for building a more integrated society. He highlighted three key areas of the programme. These include the digital economy, digital citizen services and digital government services. He directed authorities to initially focus on health, agriculture, utilities, housing and small and medium-sized enterprises. The aim is to ensure that citizens begin receiving improved digital services as quickly as possible. Officials said digital implementation was already under way in agriculture, food, health, energy, housing and SMEs. Work has also started in 14 additional priority sectors. The housing component will introduce a central identification number for public and private properties. The SME component will create an integrated system of unique legal identities for businesses. The government believes these measures can improve transparency and economic activity. Shehbaz also ordered an early meeting of the National Digital Commission. The meeting will include key stakeholders. Provincial governments will also be consulted. The commission was established under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025. It is chaired by the prime minister and includes the chief ministers of all provinces. The prime minister said consultation with federal and provincial institutions was essential for effective implementation. He also stressed the importance of international standards and global best practices.

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    Selena Gomez, Becky G and Benny Blanco unite for new Latin-Pop single ‘Te Olvido (La La)’

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    Selena Gomez has officially announced the release of her new Latin-pop single, “Te Olvido (La La),” a collaboration with singer Becky G and producer Benny Blanco. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation sparked by Blanco, who shared a series of cryptic teaser videos on TikTok that hinted at a major music release. Fans began connecting the clues as the producer posted short clips featuring snippets of music and behind-the-scenes moments. The mystery was finally solved when Benny confirmed the collaboration through his social media accounts, revealing that the song would be released on July 31. Becky G also joined the promotional campaign by sharing teasers and celebrating the announcement with fans online. The single marks the first official collaboration between Gomez and Becky G, bringing together two internationally recognized artists with Mexican heritage for a vibrant Latin-pop release. The project also continues Gomez’s return to recording music in Spanish, following the success of her previous Spanish-language work. “Te Olvido (La La)” will also appear on Benny Blanco’s upcoming album, Hermoso, which is scheduled for release on Aug. 14. The album is expected to feature a variety of collaborations with Latin artists and celebrates the genre’s growing influence on the global music scene. Excitement quickly spread across social media after the announcement, with fans praising the unexpected pairing and applauding Blanco’s creative teaser campaign. Many described the collaboration as one of the most anticipated Latin-pop releases of the summer, expressing enthusiasm for the trio’s first song together. With its catchy title, international lineup and carefully planned rollout, “Te Olvido (La La)” is expected to attract listeners from both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences. As anticipation continues to build around Hermoso, the new single offers fans an early look at the musical direction of Blanco’s upcoming project while highlighting the enduring popularity of Latin-pop collaborations around the world. Music industry analysts expect the release to perform strongly on streaming platforms as fans embrace the trio’s long-awaited collaboration. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbYtXWDh5sG/?igsh=eDZ0bG9yNGphemZv

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    Monsoon rains continue across Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

      Monsoon rains continue to affect different parts of Pakistan, bringing relief from the intense summer heat but also causing deadly accidents, flooding, and damage to infrastructure. At least six people, including children, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the country, while rescue teams remain on high alert as heavy downpours continue. In Gujranwala, a tragic incident occurred when a child drowned in rainwater that had accumulated in an underpass. The flooding turned the underpass into a dangerous pool, highlighting the risks posed by poor drainage systems during the monsoon season. In another heartbreaking incident in Bahawalnagar, a child drowned while bathing in a canal. Rescue officials have launched a search operation to recover the child’s body, which was still ongoing at the time of reporting. The monsoon showers have significantly reduced temperatures across Punjab, providing welcome relief from the scorching heat. However, the heavy rainfall has also created serious urban flooding in several cities. Torrential rain in Gujranwala and Gujrat submerged low-lying areas, leaving roads inundated and disrupting traffic flow. Water entered several homes, causing inconvenience and property damage to residents. Authorities are working to drain the accumulated rainwater and restore normal conditions. In Sialkot, Toba Tek Singh, and Jhang, rainfall brought cooler weather and pleasant conditions after days of extreme heat. Meanwhile, in Mandi Bahauddin, heavy rain caused roofs and walls of several buildings to collapse, leaving multiple people injured. Emergency services responded promptly, providing medical assistance to the injured and assessing the damage. In Shakargarh, rising water levels in the Ravi River left 42 farmers stranded. Rescue teams successfully carried out an operation to evacuate all of them safely, preventing what could have become a major tragedy. Rescue authorities continue to monitor river levels closely as rainfall persists in nearby regions. Heavy rainfall also wreaked havoc near Dadocha Dam on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. A seasonal stream overflowed and entered nearby residential areas, flooding the villages of Barwala and Khanpur. Residents faced significant challenges as floodwaters inundated homes, streets, and agricultural land, forcing many families to move to safer locations. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flash floods in the Siran Valley of Mansehra swept away a bridge, cutting off road access to 12 villages. Local authorities are assessing the situation and exploring temporary arrangements to restore connectivity. Elsewhere in the province, including Abbottabad, Nowshera, Swabi, Mingora, and Bajaur, intermittent light and heavy rainfall continued, bringing cooler temperatures but raising concerns about possible flooding and landslides. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rainfall triggered surging water levels in streams and rivers in Samahni, Bagh, and the Neelum Valley. A landslide at the Dwariyan area blocked the main highway, disrupting transportation and delaying travel between affected regions. Officials have begun efforts to clear the road and restore traffic. Meanwhile, rainfall also reached Khuzdar in Balochistan and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan, where cool winds and lower temperatures created pleasant weather conditions. However, authorities have urged citizens across the country to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas, and follow official weather advisories as the monsoon spell continues.

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