Oil Crosses $107 a Barrel Amid Middle East Shipping Disruptions

US deploys up to 200 troops to aid Saudi Arabia against Houthi advances

The United States has sent up to 200 troops to support Saudi Arabia in its fight against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. The deployment comes as Houthis intensify operations along Yemen's Red Sea coast, seizing the port city of Mocha on Thursday. The group has also pushed toward strategic islands, including Hanish, further extending its territorial reach. Yemeni government military sources warn that these gains have strengthened Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint at the southern entrance to the Red Sea and one of the world's most vital shipping lanes.

Indian-origin couple donates $20M to fund AI college at Univ. of North Texas

Anuradha and Vikas Sinha, a couple of Indian origin, have donated $20 million to the University of North Texas. The contribution will be used to establish a dedicated college focused on artificial intelligence and analytics, named after the donors. Beyond building the institution, the funds will also support student scholarships and faculty professorships. The initiative aims to nurture the next generation of researchers and professionals in the technology sector.

‘Shared aspiration for global well-being': PM Modi's message ahead of Brics summit

Hong Kong to prosecute three over banned Tiananmen vigils

Hong Kong authorities are moving to punish three individuals who organised vigils commemorating the Tiananmen Square massacre. The prosecutions reflect a broader crackdown on civil society that intensified following the 2019 protest movement. Since then, authorities have restricted political participation, shut down civil society groups, and prosecuted activists and journalists. The alliance that historically organised the Tiananmen gatherings has itself been dissolved. In February, former pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the city's national security law.