Trump Nears TikTok Deal with China Amid Trade Tensions

Reading Time : 2 minutesPresident Trump claims a deal to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations to American ownership is near, with talks possibly starting soon. Despite China’s vague response, the deal aligns with U.S. laws limiting ByteDance’s stake. Tensions from recent tariffs and extended deadlines highlight the ongoing U.S.-China trade disputes affecting TikTok’s future.

China’s Brandy Tariffs Intensify EU Trade Spat

Reading Time : 2 minutesChina’s new anti-dumping duties up to 34.9% on EU brandy are escalating trade tensions. These tariffs, effective Saturday, severely impact French cognac exports, already down 70%. While some brands secured exemptions, others face maximum rates. This move is seen as retaliation for EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, intensifying a broader trade dispute. The EU is challenging China’s actions at the WTO.

AI Is Quietly Transforming Chip Design Workflows Globally

Reading Time : 2 minutesThe world of chip design is evolving, blending tradition with AI innovation. Proprietary tools still dominate, but open-source options and adaptive intelligence are reshaping the industry. A silent revolution is underway, and it’s happening at every stage of the workflow.

xAI Secures $10B: Reshaping AI’s Future

Reading Time : 2 minutesElon Musk’s xAI secured a massive $10 billion funding round, significantly boosting its competitive stance in the AI sector. This capital, split between debt and equity, will fuel the expansion of its AI infrastructure, including the Grok platform and a colossal Memphis supercomputer with 1 million Nvidia GPUs. This highlights the escalating “AI arms race” and xAI’s aggressive push to lead the next generation of artificial intelligence.

European Investors Pour Billions into AI-Focused Funds

Reading Time : 2 minutesEuropean AI-focused funds raised a record $4.2 billion in Q1 2025, pushing total assets near $40 billion. Asset managers are betting big on tech-driven growth, with firms like BlackRock expanding into AI strategies and private markets. This signals a strong, continent-wide shift in financial priorities toward AI’s economic potential.

India’s Economy Shows Resilience Amid Global Challenges

Reading Time : 2 minutesIndia’s economy finished fiscal 2025 strong with 7.4% growth in the last quarter, led by construction and government spending. Annual growth slowed to 6.5%, reflecting global challenges and uneven consumption. The Reserve Bank of India forecasts steady growth for 2026, though risks remain. Despite uncertainties, India is poised to remain a top global growth leader.

Texas Instruments Commits $60 Billion to U.S. Chipmaking

Reading Time : 2 minutesTexas Instruments is launching a $60 billion U.S. chipmaking expansion, creating seven fabs across Texas and Utah. This historic investment will boost domestic manufacturing, generate tens of thousands of jobs, and reinforce supply chains critical to tech, automotive, and defense sectors.

India Tightens Gold Import Rules to Curb Smuggling

Reading Time : 2 minutesIndia has tightened restrictions on gold imports to combat smuggling, limiting alloys with over 1% gold and colloidal precious metals. Building on earlier measures targeting UAE shipments, the new rules aim to close loopholes while allowing essential imports for industry. This balanced approach strengthens regulatory oversight and supports legitimate trade, safeguarding the economy and fair market practices.

Masayoshi Son’s $1 Trillion AI Hub Vision in Arizona

Reading Time : 2 minutesMasayoshi Son aims to build a $1 trillion AI manufacturing hub in Arizona, partnering with TSMC and the U.S. government. This bold plan seeks to boost high-tech production and create thousands of jobs, reinforcing America’s position in the global AI race. While ambitious, the project faces challenges around funding and execution.

US-China Trade War Sparks Shipping Industry Chaos

Reading Time : 3 minutesThe US-China trade war is disrupting global shipping, with soaring container rates and port congestion as Chinese exporters rush to beat new U.S. tariffs. Equipment shortages and China’s retaliatory export controls threaten supply chains, while higher costs loom for consumers. The industry faces a turbulent future as geopolitical tensions reshape trade.

Taiwan Tightens Tech Controls on Huawei and SMIC

Reading Time : 2 minutesTaiwan has added Huawei and SMIC to its export control list, tightening restrictions on the transfer of high-tech semiconductor equipment and know-how. The move aims to block Chinese access to sensitive technologies and aligns with U.S. policies. It’s part of Taiwan’s broader effort to protect national security and secure its leadership in chip production.

Amazon and Walmart Eye Stablecoin Payment Shift

Reading Time : 2 minutesAmazon and Walmart are exploring the launch of stablecoins to cut transaction fees and gain more control over payments. Legislative changes could enable this shift, but the plans are still early. If implemented, it could reshape the way people pay both in-store and online, with ripple effects across banking and fintech.

Nintendo Switch 2 Breaks Records Amid Tariff Challenges

Reading Time : 2 minutes Nintendo’s Switch 2 has shattered sales records with 3.5 million units sold in four days. The Mario Kart World bundle boosted demand despite early tariff fears that delayed pre-orders. Thanks to a tariff pause and strong launch titles, Nintendo overcame challenges to deliver a highly successful console debut, setting the stage for continued growth in 2025.