IJR News — today's news from every sideAnt International secures $1.2B for global payments expansionBusiness — Jul 21, 2026Ant International raised about $1.2 billion in a Series A, with participation from Ant Group and Alibaba as it pursues global expansion in merchant payments, account management and other financial services, while integrating AI across its infrastructure. The Singapore-based unit, spun out in 2024, operates four units—Alipay+, Antom, WorldFirst and Bettr—across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, serving roughly 150 million merchants and 2 billion user accounts and was valued at about $10 billion prior to the funding.
Priya Raman Whatever people believe about him, thousands turning out shows how deep the divide over that war still runs in the region. 
IJRItaly Scrambles Warships Toward Red Sea As Houthis Close In On Global Shipping ChokepointFrancis Kapper · 6 min · 13h
On X · @CUTIE_STREET_Idol Group CUTIE STREET Packs Hillside Stage at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026The official @CUTIE_STREET_ account announced the kawaii idol group’s set at the major rock festival in Chiba, drawing attention due to an unexpectedly huge crowd at the Hillside Stage, signaling rising popularity comparable to last year’s FRUITS ZIPPER turnout.632 likes · 20m
