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State media reports that Oman has responded to the stranded vessel near Dhofar.
Omani state media reported on Thursday that a team of'response workers' will be sent to the Caroline Bezengi oil tanker, which is currently stranded off the Hallaniyat Islands, in the southern governorate Dhofar. This will help limit any foreseeable 'environmental impact. Shipping data revealed that the sanctioned vessel was loaded with Russian crude oil prior to its voyage. The oil'spill' from the 274 meter (900 foot) vessel has spread, causing concern for damage to coastal areas and marine life. Two maritime security sources reported that the Caroline Bezengi crew first reported problems on June 8, off the southern Yemeni Port of Mukalla. Initial assessments indicated that an explosion?occurred? aboard. According to LSEG, the ship's owner is Rentoor Shipmanagement Ltd. Its manager is Villar Shipmanagement Ltd. These firms, which appear to be located in China, could not be immediately reached.
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Lyft's second-quarter revenue exceeds expectations, indicating a steady demand for the service.
Lyft exceeded Wall Street expectations for the second-quarter revenue on Thursday, and forecasts current-quarter gross?bookings that are slightly above expectations. This is due to demand for more expensive rides, international expansion, and partnerships driving growth. The shares of the ride hailing firm grew by about 6% during extended trading. LSEG data shows that revenue jumped 16 percent to $1.84 Billion in the three-month period ended June 30 compared to analysts' estimates of $1.81 Billion. "We are really seeing strength in all of our businesses." "We're really seeing strength in all areas of our business: our U.S. business, our European businesses, and our bikes and scooters," said CFO Erin Brewer. During the second quarter of 2010, the FIFA World Cup, which was held in the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico, boosted demand, particularly for airport transfers and in the?host cities. The company expects gross bookings for the third quarter to range from $5.5 billion up to $5.67 billion, compared to Wall Street's expectations of $5.57 billion. Lyft is expanding its European operation through FreeNow by Lyft, and has been focusing on a number of higher-value services such as premium rides, chauffeurs, and airport trips. Lyft, which acquired the European ride-hailing application FreeNow a year ago, said that the business was performing better "organically" as it integrated the platform into its global platform. Gross bookings (which measure the total value on the platform) rose by?23% in the second quarter to $5.50 billion, a new record. The adjusted core profit increased by?37%, to $177.2 millions. This was higher than the $171.9 million estimate. The importance of partnerships in acquiring and engaging riders has increased. Lyft reported that in the second quarter of 2016, about 30% of North American rides were linked to partners, including DoorDash, United Airlines, and others. Brewer stated that lower insurance costs, aided by California reforms, and growth in markets where?insurance expenses are lower, allowed them to spend more on rider incentives and loyalty programs to drive growth. Lyft said that it also repurchased around $100 million in stock during the third quarter, and is expecting to buy back stocks at a similar level for 2026.
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Lyft's second-quarter revenue exceeds expectations, indicating a steady demand for the service.
Lyft beat Wall Street expectations for the'second-quarter revenue' on Thursday and forecast gross bookings for the current quarter a little above expectations. This is due to demand for more expensive rides, international expansion, and partnerships driving growth. LSEG data shows that revenue jumped 16 percent to $1.84 Billion in the three-month period ended June 30 compared to analysts' estimates of $1.81 Billion. "We are seeing real strength in all areas of our business. "We're seeing growth in all areas of our business: U.S. rideshare business, bikes and scooters, European business," Erin Brewer, CFO, said. The FIFA World Cup in the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico has boosted demand, particularly for airport transfers and in host cities, during the second quarter. The company expects gross bookings for the third quarter to range from $5.5 billion up to $5.67billion, as opposed Wall Street's expectations of $5.57billion. Lyft has sought to increase its growth and profitability by steering customers towards higher-value services such as premium rides, airport transfers, chauffeurs, and expanding its European operations via FreeNow by Lyft. Lyft, which acquired the European ride-hailing application FreeNow a year ago, said that the business was performing better organically as it?integrated the platform into its global platform. Gross bookings (which measure the value of all transactions on the platform) rose by 23% in the second quarter to $5.50 billion, a new record. The adjusted core profit increased by 37%, to $177.2 millions, surpassing the $171.9-million estimate. The partnerships have become a more important source for acquiring and engaging riders. Lyft reported that in the second quarter of 2016, about 30% of North American rides were associated with a partner. Brewer stated that lower insurance costs, thanks to California reforms, and growth in markets where insurance costs are lower, allowed it to spend on more 'rider incentives' and loyalty programs, to drive growth. Lyft said that it also repurchased around $100 million in stock during the third quarter, and is expecting to buy back stocks at a similar level for 2026.
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EasyJet's flight from airline disruptor, to US-led Apollo takeover
Apollo Global announced on Thursday that it had agreed to purchase European 'budget airline easyJet' in a deal valued at approximately PS5.7 billion ($7.7billion). Castlelake, the other potential buyer, abandoned its pursuit. Here's a look back at the 31-year history of the airline: Stelios Haj-Ioannou founded easyJet, launching flights from London Luton Airport in Scotland to Glasgow and Edinburgh. The low-cost airline challenges established carriers. EasyJet is listed in London with a valuation of PS777 million. 2009-2010 EasyJet is considering reducing fleet growth in the wake of a?global recession. Stelios steps down as founder of EasyJet to lead shareholder revolt against fleet expansion, but fails to remove management. COVID-19 results in 4,500 job losses and a shrinkage of the fleet. Rejects takeover bid from rival Wizz Airlines and raises $1.7 Billion from existing shareholders FEBRUARY 28TH, 2026 Iran conflict starts, affecting airlines worldwide. EasyJet warns of "higher fares and fuel shortages". MAY 29, 2026 Castlelake, a Minneapolis aviation investor, has revealed that it is evaluating an offer for easyJet. EasyJet describes Castlelake's timing as "highly opportunistic". JUNE 22, 2026 Castlelake makes a public offer of PS6.25 per share and claims that the structure will satisfy EU ownership regulations. The bid follows two private proposals of PS5.60 per share and PS6.00. EasyJet rejects all three, calling the most recent one "cheap". JULY 5, 2020 EasyJet announces a?deal in principle' at PS6.90 per share, after a fourth offer of PS6.50 was rejected. The airline is valued at PS5.5 billion on a fully-diluted basis. JULY 10, 2020 Apollo enters the fray. EasyJet has agreed in principle to Apollo Global Management's higher PS5.7 billion bid, withdrawing its support for Castlelake and sending shares up as much as 15%. JULY 22, 2020 EasyJet shares tumble after ? Reports that the European Union could tighten airline ownership laws, potentially complicating takeover bids for?airline. AUGUST 6, 2020 After Castlelake withdraws, Apollo agrees to a $7.7 billion "takeover" that is supported by Stelios and the HajiIoannou Family.
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What is known about the German drone attack and the airport that it targeted?
German authorities opened a counterterrorism probe after a drone containing explosives, which was found at the Leipzig/Halle Airport cargo and military logistic hub in what interior minister called a "hybrid attack", was discovered. The drone was discovered by airport workers in a restricted zone late Tuesday night, causing flight cancellations and the closure of certain parts of the airport. On Wednesday, German Interior Minister Alexander "Dobrindt" said that the incident had opened up a whole new level of risk. Here are some details on the drone incident that occurred at Leipzig/Halle Airport this week. From a World War Two Destrotion Centre to a Logistics Center The airport was opened in 1927 in Schkeuditz between Leipzig and Halle. The airport was largely destroyed during World War Two by Allied bombing and rebuilt under the Eastern Bloc German Democratic Republic. After the German reunification of 1990, it became a cargo hub and logistical center, including for NATO. It is classified as critical infrastructure by the government, which means it requires increased government protection and attention. A HUB for DHL, LUFTHANSA and AMAZON With an annual freight volume of around 1.4 millions metric tons, the airport is Germany's second largest cargo hub after Frankfurt. DHL, the German logistics company, relocated its hub to Leipzig/Halle, Germany in 2008. Today, DHL employs?7,000 people who move 2,500 tons per day of freight and 23,600 flights each year. The airport's facilities, which include two runways of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) and large warehouses, attracted major logistics and transport companies, such as Lufthansa and Amazon. MILITARY ROLE: SUPPORTING NATO'S EASTERN FLANK Leipzig/Halle, in addition to its commercial activities, is a key logistics hub for both the German military and its NATO partners. The main base of the Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS), which helps deliver equipment to reinforce the eastern flank of the defence pact, is located here. SALIS has established a company named Antonov Logistics SALIS that flies non-military and military goods for NATO and European Union nations in crisis situations. Antonov Logistics SALIS, based in Leipzig/Halle, is the only organisation that maintains the Antonov An-124-100 - one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world - since Russia's invasion. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DRONE ACCIDENT? Media reports indicate that this week's drone incident was a close call with a group Ukrainian An-124s. German media reported that on Thursday, one of these planes carried a payload containing ammunition. However, a senior member of the interior committee of the parliament later confirmed that none of the planes contained weapons or ammunition. The investigation has been taken over by anti-extremism prosecutors and counterterrorism officers, but the government has not revealed who may have been responsible for the Leipzig/Halle incident. German officials have in the past blamed Russia for hybrid attacks, which they call incidents of aggression that do not amount to war. A German newspaper quoted?Roderich Kiesewetter as saying: "I assume that this was a hybrid attack, an attempt at terror, orchestrated by Russia." The Russian embassy in Berlin has not responded to a request for a comment regarding the drone incident. What is at stake? Germany and Russia are increasingly at odds over the conflict in Ukraine and accusations of Moscow's interference in other parts of Europe. European security agencies are investigating a number of incendiary devices that were found in parcels in 2024. This has raised concerns over sabotage against air cargo operators. Some of the devices have been found in a DHL facility in Leipzig. German airports are also on high alert following a series unauthorised drone flights at military installations, energy terminals as well as seaports, logistics companies and other sites. Police have suggested that the flights could have been organized by Russian agents. Russia has denied involvement in 2024 incidents or overflights. (Written by Joe Bavier, edited by Ludwig Burger, Barbara Lewis and Barbara Lewis).
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Since the Iran war began, US imports most Middle East crude oil
Ship-tracking data revealed that U.S. imports of Middle Eastern oil are expected to reach 600,000 barrels a day in August. This is the highest level since the Iran War began. A 'brief opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the rerouting of?Saudi crude through the Suez Canal, pushed barrels towards American ports. A dozen ships carrying Middle Eastern crude headed for U.S. port after a memorandum signed between the U.S.A. and Iran on June allowed vessels to leave the maritime chokepoint. Cargoes that travel through the Suez Canal from the Red Sea port in Saudi Arabia, Yanbu, to the United States are also boosting imports. Saudi Arabia has rerouted its crude production to Yanbu through its east-west pipe to avoid Iranian attacks against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi terrorists launched a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia last month, and the threat of attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end the Red Sea forced many oil tankers to travel north and leave the shipping channel via the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal has increased exports to the United States because the trip to U.S. port is shorter than to Asia. The northern route is still an option for vessels to reach Asia. However, the journey would be nearly four weeks longer and cost more. Matt Smith, Kpler analyst, said that sending Saudi crude via tankers to the U.S. instead of Asia could be a better option due to fleet logistics and shorter time spent on the water. The Liberian-flagged Aqualoyalty tanker, chartered by U.S. refining company PBF Energy, discharged crude oil in New Jersey at Paulsboro on Thursday. The Aframax can hold about 750,000 barrels. The Marshall Islands flagged supertanker Front Gaula, which was loaded with Saudi Arabian crude oil at Yanbu earlier in the month and headed for the United States once it had passed the Suez Canal, has now completed its journey. The VLCC can only cross the canal partially-loaded, so the vessel takes a part of the oil on Egypt's SUMED pipe and then reloads it on the Mediterranean side. The U.S. imported no Middle Eastern crude barrels last month. Imports peaked in February of this year at 708,000 barrels per day. As of the end July, the U.S. hadn't received crude oil from Saudi Arabia in five consecutive weeks or imported any oil from Iraq six weeks in a slew. Weekly data from the Energy Information Administration revealed this. DZONES OF EMPTY VEHICLES SAIL TO THE US At the same time, the redirection to the U.S. of some Saudi barrels has caused a shortage of oil for Asian refiners who have turned to American oil. A ship tracking analysis and fixture data showed that at least two dozen VLCCs with empty cargo were indicating the U.S. for?picking up oil. In April, a similar large convoy sailed towards the U.S. as traders and refiners in Asia and Europe were scrambling for alternative barrels following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Due to the disruption of Middle?Eastern oil supply, U.S. crude has become the preferred alternative by global buyers. This is why empty supertankers are being sent to American ports in order to load crude. Rohit Rathod is an analyst at Vortexa. He said that the number of empty vessels headed to the U.S. may be as high 40. (Reporting from Arathy S. Somasekhar, Houston; Additional reporting and editing by Georgina M. McCartney and Sanjeev MIglani.)
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In Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Russia terrorizes civilians with'safari-style' attacks
Two Russian bombs that hit Kateryna Lahuta’s seafood business last month in Ukraine’s southeast city of Zaporizhzhia shattered the last semblances of security for this 41-year old entrepreneur. Moscow has been hammering Zaporizhzhia with drones and missiles since the early weeks of its 2022 invasion. This is a major manufacturing city that houses around 700,000 people. A new wave of attacks on Ukrainian cities has made the lives of residents even more dangerous. This is part and parcel of Russia's air war on Ukraine, which has been escalating as it makes slow progress in the frontlines. "Even a half year ago, it was still frightening, of course. And there were strikes. Lahuta said, "But it wasn't this way." "Now, it's a safari." Ukrainians use the term "safari" to describe drones that 'hunt down' vehicles or civilians in the streets. This reality was brought into stark relief by a video released this week, which showed a drone chasing and injuring a vegetable vendor in the southern Ukrainian town of Kherson. Reporters visiting Lahuta’s business were forced to take cover when they heard the buzzing noise of a First-person-View (FPV) Drone -- small, agile helicopters drones that are loaded with explosives. They can be controlled by video and have turned Ukraine's front line into a "kill-zone". Attacks aimed at scathing the public Russia denies that it has targeted civilians during the war which began with its full-scale invasion in Ukraine in 2022. Standing in the charred remains of the processing plant that supplied her store, Lahuta said Russian attack had driven customers away and made planning for the future near impossible. The need for soldiers also meant that labour was in short supply. Every day is a battle. Officials claim that Russia wants to create panic and damage infrastructure by increasing the frequency of strikes in the city. It is not only using FPVs, but also larger and more destructive glide bombs. Zaporizhzhia, the capital of Zaporizhzhia, is one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claims as its own despite only controlling three quarters. The Russian military failed to advance in a narrow corridor, south of Kiev's city. In recent months, the Ukrainian military had put up a stiff resistance. Governor Ivan Fedorov said that Russian FPV drones were 'attacking groups civilians, vehicles, and public transport in particular, especially the south of the city. He said this during an interview conducted in a bomb shelter-style underground school. Air-launched glidebombs, like those that hit Lahuta's company, cannot be intercepted unless more advanced air defences are developed. The Russian Defence Ministry didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. According to the United Nations more than 16,000 civilians were killed during the nearly four and a half years of fighting. The overwhelming majority of these victims are Ukrainians. KILLER DRONES TARGET ZAPORIZHZHIA BUSES Cafes and commuters in central Zaporizhzhia give a feeling of normality, despite the frequent air raid alerts. Even on Friday evenings the city is subdued. Many office and residential building in the vicinity of the engine-building giant Motor Sich bear the scars from repeated bombardment. In southern Kosmos, drone netting is being installed on roads to protect them from FPV drones which have been hitting vehicle roofs and windshields in the past few weeks. Two private bus drivers who drive a route serving Kosmos say that an increase in attacks has frightened both drivers and passengers. One of the drivers who refused to reveal his name said that drone nets "won't protect you from big ones". Fedorov stated that less than 5% enemy FPV drones are able to get past Ukrainian air defences. On the worst days - which are usually several times per month - that could still be up to 10 drones injuring or damaging people. Volodymyr Sukachov, director of the city transit authority, has revealed that they have begun testing new shatterproof glasses and giving drone monitors to bus drivers. He said that 12 city buses or tramcars were damaged this year by FPVs and blasts of larger munitions. However, there are no plans to reduce service. Ania 'Syvova', a 34 year old seamstress whose husband is in the military, witnessed an FPV drone slam a bus as she returned home last month to the southern part of the city. She said, "Maybe I've got a good angel," with a smile. Residents learn to live with danger Syvova said that she and her 6-year-old child had learned to adapt to daily dangers. She said, "It's awful but we are used to it." "We don't have a new one for?now." Ihor Terekhov, the mayor of Kharkiv (northeast Ukraine), said that Russia uses similar tactics to attack other frontline cities like Kharkiv. FPV drones have "become one of the main weapons of terror" in Kharkiv. He claimed that 45 strikes were registered in the last month. Fedorov stated that Russia also has been?attacking Zaporizhzhia between four and six times each day with glide-bombs?, which he described flying unpredictable. He told Ukrainian TV that on Sunday, eight bombs were dropped by Russia in an hour-and-a-half, killing one and wounding 31. Residents have described recent attacks as taking place between noon and early evening. Tetiana (38), a government employee from Russia, told reporters outside her destroyed apartment building that Russian forces had "gone crazy" and bombed the neighbourhood six times in a single week last month. She was torn about whether she wanted to stay or go, as people depended on her to keep the services running. She said "I'm already completely empty" as she glanced at the charred car shells littering her courtyard. "No emotions." "No emotions."
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Republican US Senators propose repeal of California emission rules
Four Republican U.S. Senators proposed Thursday repealing landmark California vehicle emissions regulations in an effort to prevent the State from imposing more stringent?tailpipe requirements that the federal government. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ?in ?June sent the Republican-controlled Congress state vehicle emissions rules for potential repeal, saying the waivers granted under the Clean Air Act for California environmental regulations approved under prior Democratic administrations should have been sent to lawmakers under the Congressional Review Act. California filed a federal lawsuit to stop the action, claiming it was 'illegal' to send the waivers under the Congressional Review Act to the Senate. The CRA allows for repeal by a simple majority rather than 60 votes required in most cases. Cynthia Lummis and Eric Schmitt of the California Air Resources Board, along with Pete?Ricketts, Jon Husted, said that the waivers allow the California Air Resources Board to "impose its regulatory agenda well beyond California's boundaries." The Trump administration has mounted a multifaceted effort to prevent California from requiring cleaner vehicles and more electric vehicles. The EPA 'has also enacted regulations making it easier for automakers sell more gasoline powered cars and trucks while making it expensive to purchase EVs. California was granted authority to set its own emission standards, including for lawn and garden equipment and power washing machines. These rules have prompted companies to develop cleaner electric models in order to reduce emissions. California received approval from the EPA in 2022, under the then-President Joe Biden. The state's vehicle rules called Advanced Clean Cars I (ACC?I) remain in place and are targeted for waiver. California's rules force automakers to sell an increasing number of electric cars and adhere to stricter limits on tailpipe emission than federal regulations. California says that the federal fuel economy rules will be rolled back by Donald Trump's administration, but he plans to do so under Republican President Donald Trump. After Toyota, General Motors, and other automakers requested relief from California's emission regulations, Congress last year revoked the authority of?California for it to ban traditional gasoline-powered cars after?2035. Congress passed a law in 2025 that will stop automakers from being penalized for failing to meet vehicle tailpipe standards. This legislation will save them hundreds of millions of dollar. (Reporting and editing by Nick Zieminski, Matthew Lewis, and David Shepardson)
Taiwan troops practice sealing off a key bridge at a strategic chokepoint during wargames
Taiwanese soldiers on Thursday practiced protecting a bridge at an important chokepoint which could allow Chinese forces to 'a shortcut to the capital Taipei. As annual war games entered their second day, testing the island’s.ability to repel an assault.
The Han Kuang exercise was launched by Taiwan on Wednesday. The drills, which last 10 days, are aimed at assessing Taiwan's readiness to fight a possible attack by China. China regards Taiwan as its territory and has promised to take it back, if necessary, with force.
Danjiang Bridge opened in New Taipei, the capital's neighboring city, earlier this year. It?crosses an entrance to the Tamsui River that leads to Taipei, though it is situated there.
During the late-night exercise, soldiers erected barbed-wire defences, sandbag positions and barriers on the world's largest single-mast cable-stayed bridge.
As soldiers unrolled barbed wire coils, unloaded sandbags, and established defensive positions on the bridge, military vehicles and flatbed truck drove up.
While troops worked on the span, cyclists and pedestrians continued passing through the 'unblocked' part of the bridge.
Chieh Chung said that protecting the bridge in a time of war would be critical.
He said that if an invading force managed to keep open the Danjiang Bridge, they could move troops and supplies quickly across the river and enter?the outer perimeter' of Taipei, from the beachheads on Taiwan's northern coastline, which are most suitable for large-scale amphibious land landings.
He said that if the Danjiang Bridge remained open, the main forces of the Chinese Communist Party could easily cross it and reach the northern side of the Tamsui River before moving into Taipei.
If the communist army seizes the Danjiang Bridge and keeps it open during wartime, they will be able move a large number of troops from their landing base at the southern bank to the northern side of the Tamsui River.
Chieh stated that while the exercise did not simulate the full closure of the bridge, the military was able to collect data on the speed at which engineers could place obstacles and the resources required to seal it in wartime.
Taiwan's government rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty. (Reporting and writing by Yimou Hamacher, Ben Blanchard, Shri Navaratnam. Editing by Shri Navaratnam.)
(source: Reuters)