Asian Horizon Network

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz slowed further on August 3, while vessel movements across the Bab el-Mandeb Strait dropped to their lowest level since June 1, reflecting renewed concerns over maritime security, according to a report by S&P Global. The report, based on data from S&P Global MINT and S&P Global Commodities at Sea, said the number of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz fell to 15 on August 3, down from a revised total of 19 recorded the previous day.

It also highlighted a new security incident in the region. According to the report, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center received information on the evening of August 3 that an unidentified projectile struck a cargo ship around 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. S&P Global further noted that five vessels conducted "dark transits" through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning they traveled without broadcasting visible tracking signals. Of the vessels crossing the strait, eight were identified as having links to Iran, while the remainder were considered compliant with monitoring requirements.

At the U.S. naval blockade line, analysts recorded 39 vessel movements on August 3, including 18 inbound and 21 outbound crossings. Among them, the Handysize tanker REEF was the only vessel classified as non-compliant after altering course toward the Omani port of Shinas. Shipping activity through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait declined sharply. The report said only 21 vessels passed through the strategic waterway on August 3, a steep drop from 36 crossings the previous day and the lowest daily traffic level observed during the current reporting period since June 1.

Of those transits, nine vessels were traveling northbound while 12 headed south toward the Gulf of Aden. Three ships were also found to be moving without visible tracking signals. The report added that only three vessels operating in the area were assessed as Saudi-linked. These included ships carrying or expected to load Saudi-origin cargo, Saudi-flagged vessels, or ships connected to Saudi Arabia through ownership, operations, or recent port calls.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A fresh wave of unrest has gripped Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where protests that began over rising prices, expensive electricity and shortages of essential commodities have spiralled into a wider movement against the region's administration. The demonstrations have reportedly turned violent in several areas after security forces moved to disperse crowds, leading to casualties, injuries and arrests. The protests, initially driven by demands for affordable electricity, subsidised wheat flour and relief from inflation, have now evolved into a broader expression of public anger over governance, political representation and the region's worsening economic conditions.

Residents in several towns, including Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot, have taken to the streets in recent weeks, claiming that despite PoK being home to major hydropower projects, local communities continue to face high electricity bills and frequent power shortages. Protesters have also voiced concerns over the rising cost of living, unemployment and what they describe as inadequate government response to their grievances.

As demonstrations intensified, security personnel reportedly launched operations to restore order. Local media reports and rights activists have alleged that live ammunition, tear gas and mass detentions were used during the crackdown. Several people are reported to have lost their lives, while dozens sustained injuries. Authorities, however, have defended their actions, saying measures were necessary to maintain law and order.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), one of the leading groups behind the movement, has accused the administration of suppressing peaceful protests instead of engaging in dialogue. The organisation has called for lower electricity tariffs, affordable food supplies, greater transparency in governance and reforms aimed at strengthening local representation.

The developments have also drawn international attention. Human rights organisations have urged an impartial investigation into allegations of excessive use of force against demonstrators and have called on authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest. India has also reacted to the developments, with the Ministry of External Affairs criticising Pakistan's handling of the protests. New Delhi has alleged that legitimate public grievances are being met with repression instead of meaningful engagement. Pakistan has rejected the criticism, maintaining that its actions are aimed at preserving public order and ensuring security.

Political analysts say the unrest reflects deeper structural issues rather than a temporary economic dispute. While soaring prices and electricity costs triggered the protests, the movement has increasingly highlighted concerns over governance, accountability and the lack of political empowerment among residents. Observers believe that unless authorities address the underlying economic and administrative challenges through dialogue and policy reforms, public dissatisfaction could continue to grow. For many people on the streets, the protests are no longer just about the price of bread or electricity—they have become a wider call for accountability, dignity and better governance. With tensions still high across parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether the crisis moves towards reconciliation or further confrontation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

The role of broadcasting has undergone a dramatic transformation over the decades, with media experts increasingly pointing to a shift from public service to commercial priorities. As television, radio and digital platforms continue to evolve, discussions around the original purpose of broadcasting have gained renewed relevance. When public broadcasting systems were first established, their primary mission was to serve citizens rather than generate profits. Governments across several countries treated the airwaves as a public resource, expecting broadcasters to provide accurate news, educational content, cultural programming and information that could benefit society as a whole.

The guiding principle was straightforward: inform, educate and entertain. News bulletins, educational lessons, agricultural advisories, health campaigns and cultural programmes formed the backbone of broadcasting schedules, particularly on public networks. In India, public broadcasters played a significant role in connecting millions of people, especially those living in rural and remote regions. Radio became an important source of trusted information, while television later expanded access to education, national events and developmental programmes. Public broadcasting also helped preserve regional languages, folk traditions and local cultures by giving them a national platform.

The media landscape has changed significantly over the past three decades. The rise of private television channels, digital streaming services and social media has intensified competition for viewers and advertisers. Ratings, online engagement and advertising revenue have increasingly influenced editorial and programming decisions.

As a result, critics argue that public-interest programming has gradually been overshadowed by content designed to maximise audience attention. Fast-paced debates, celebrity-driven stories and sensational headlines now occupy a much larger share of broadcasting than educational or civic-focused programmes.

Media analysts say this shift has raised important questions about journalism's broader responsibility in society. While commercial competition has encouraged innovation and expanded consumer choice, experts believe certain public service functions remain essential and cannot be left entirely to market forces.

These responsibilities become especially visible during emergencies. Whether dealing with natural disasters, public health crises or national security situations, audiences continue to rely on trusted broadcasters for verified information and official updates. Public broadcasters are also expected to provide balanced reporting, fact-based journalism and content that reaches communities often overlooked by commercial media.

The rapid growth of digital platforms has further complicated the information ecosystem. Artificial intelligence, social media algorithms and online content creators have transformed how people consume news, but they have also contributed to the spread of misinformation and declining public trust in media.

Experts believe the future of broadcasting lies in combining traditional public service values with modern technology. Investments in digital journalism, fact-checking, regional reporting and educational programming are increasingly seen as crucial to maintaining credibility in a rapidly changing media environment.

As debates over the future of journalism continue, many observers argue that the founding principles of broadcasting remain as relevant today as ever. In an age of information overload, the commitment to serving the public interest through accurate, accessible and responsible journalism may prove to be one of broadcasting's most enduring responsibilities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday provided interim protection to PhysicsWallah founder Alakh Pandey in a personality rights lawsuit, ordering the removal of online material that appears to be obscene, defamatory, or using his identity for commercial purposes without permission. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani also instructed digital platforms including Google, X, and Telegram to share the Basic Subscriber Information (BSI) linked to the accounts and URLs flagged by Pandey. The information will help in identifying those allegedly responsible and allow further legal action.

The court issued notices in the matter after reviewing a detailed classification of the disputed online content submitted by Pandey’s legal team. It clarified that a more detailed explanation regarding the scope of the interim protection and why it was limited to certain categories of content would be issued separately.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate J. Sai Deepak, representing Pandey, presented a chart listing the allegedly infringing links and the parties against whom action was requested. While showing the disputed material before the court, he argued that the nature of the content itself demonstrated the misuse. Deepak also highlighted alleged cases of impersonation, including a Telegram channel operating under the name “Alakh Sir Lectures”, where Pandey’s name and image were allegedly used without approval. He further claimed that fake profiles had been created in Pandey’s name on platforms such as LinkedIn and X.

After considering the submissions, the court directed that content falling under categories such as obscene material, defamatory posts, and unauthorised commercial exploitation of Pandey’s identity should be removed from the platforms. The court additionally ordered Google, X, and Telegram to provide subscriber details connected to the identified accounts and URLs so that legal proceedings could be pursued against those allegedly operating them.

Pandey, who serves as the founder and CEO of edtech company PhysicsWallah, filed the lawsuit seeking protection of his personality rights. The plea alleges that his name, photograph, voice, teaching methods, expressions, and overall public identity have been used without consent across various online platforms.

The lawsuit claims that fake social media accounts, Telegram channels, edited videos, GIFs, stickers, and other digital content have misused his identity for financial benefit. It also alleges that some of the material is offensive and defamatory, potentially misleading students and harming his reputation. Pandey’s petition argues that such unauthorised use violates his personality rights, right to publicity, and amounts to passing off, causing damage to the reputation and goodwill he has built through years of educational work.

The case comes at a time when courts are increasingly dealing with challenges involving digital impersonation, artificial intelligence-generated content, and misuse of public figures’ identities online. The Delhi High Court’s interim order aims to prevent further misuse while the broader legal dispute continues, with the matter scheduled for further hearing in November.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Two years after taking office as Australia's Governor-General and representative of King Charles, Sam Mostyn has expressed concern over what she describes as a widespread lack of understanding among adults about the foundations of the country's democracy, particularly its Constitution. In an interview with Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy at Admiralty House in Sydney, Mostyn said improving civic education has become one of her key priorities. She argued that strengthening public knowledge of Australia's democratic institutions is essential to tackling what she called a "growing catastrophe" that threatens informed civic participation and the health of the nation's democracy.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In this edition of Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro spotlights W Optics, a Singapore-based vision care specialist and optical retail chain. W Optics CEO Jonathan Wong shares the company's journey, explaining how his father, Francis Wong, founded the business and eventually entrusted him with leading its next phase of growth. Joining the discussion is senior optometrist and manager Oh Shwu Ji, who offers insights into common eye health concerns while highlighting the latest trends in eyewear design and prescription glasses.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Rescue teams in Japan have continued their search operations overnight as they race to find survivors following a powerful earthquake that struck Kyushu Island. Several people remain unaccounted for after the 7.1-magnitude quake caused buildings to collapse, with many feared trapped beneath the debris of a shopping centre. CNA Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida joins Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman to provide the latest updates on the rescue efforts and situation on the ground.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Andy Burnham is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as his first international guest, underscoring the UK's continued commitment to Ukraine. As Burnham unveils his agenda to address long-standing issues such as social care, Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot examine whether his proposals can deliver meaningful change.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.