Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Reopening Hopes Face New Uncertainty

PERTH, Australia — Oil prices climbed on Monday as uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz continued to keep traders cautious, with Iran saying discussions with Oman on new shipping lanes were in their final stages but stressing that additional conditions involving the United States still needed to be met.

Houthis Target Saudi Refinery Days After New Defence Pact

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement said it attacked Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery with a drone on Sunday, August 9, two days after Saudi Arabia signed a defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan amid heightened regional tensions linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Assam Flood Crisis Deepens as Death Toll Reaches 100

GUWAHATI, India — Assam’s ongoing flood crisis has claimed 100 lives, according to the latest Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS) bulletin, as widespread inundation continues to affect districts across the state and rescue and relief operations remain underway.

Jitendra Singh Says India Is Set to Shape the Next Industrial Revolution With AI and Biotechnology

NEW DELHI, India — Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday that India is positioned to play a key role in the next industrial revolution, which he said is likely to be driven by biotechnology and artificial intelligence. Speaking at a media conclave attended by technology developers, industry leaders and other stakeholders, Singh said India had moved from being a technology follower to emerging as a global player across several frontier sectors.

UPI Charges Explained: Centre Says Everyday Payments Will Remain Free

NEW DELHI, India — The Centre has clarified that users will continue to make UPI payments free of charge, addressing concerns that recent changes proposed under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act could lead to charges on everyday digital transactions. The government said all Person-to-Person (P2P) UPI payments would remain free, while the vast majority of merchant transactions would also continue without charges.