Reading Time : 2 minutes The Pentagon just awarded $200 million contracts to OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI. The goal is to integrate advanced AI into defense and government operations. This move underscores the US military’s determination to stay ahead in the AI race, particularly against China. The initiative also introduces Musk’s “Grok for Government” AI tools.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Manus AI is relocating its headquarters from China to Singapore, closing its entire team in Wuhan and Beijing. The shift responds to rising US-China tensions and aims to secure vital Nvidia chips. New offices in the US and Japan reflect Manus’s global ambitions, while its presence in China vanishes, including wiped social media accounts and blocked website access.
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.
Reading Time : 2 minutesOil prices fell sharply after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel reduced supply fears. Combined with weak U.S. consumer sentiment and rising oil output elsewhere, Brent and WTI both dropped around 6%, erasing the recent risk-driven gains.
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.
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.
Reading Time : 3 minutesA rare earth shortage, driven by China’s export curbs, threatens to disrupt car production, tech, and healthcare. With only months of U.S. stockpiles left, industries face delays and price hikes. Trade talks offer hope, but long-term fixes lag. This crisis exposes the fragility of global supply chains and overreliance on one nation.
Reading Time : 2 minutes DeepSeek’s latest update to its R1 reasoning model boosts performance while keeping a low profile. Despite lacking a flashy release, the R1‑0528 version impresses in benchmarks and reflects China’s growing AI strength.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Asia’s ETF market is exploding with innovation, driven by rising demand for diversification, active strategies, and leveraged exposure. With nearly $1 trillion in assets, the region is fast becoming a global ETF leader.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Trump’s new 25% tariffs on pharmaceuticals aim to boost U.S. manufacturing. The move could reshape global drug supply chains and spark retaliation. Major exporters like Ireland, China, and Germany may face steep losses. Consumers in the U.S. could see rising prices.
Reading Time : 2 minutesPresident Trump’s doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% has drawn sharp criticism from the EU, risking trade talks and raising costs globally. While aiming to boost U.S. steel production, the move complicates relations with allies like the UK and threatens retaliatory actions. Negotiations remain tense as both sides seek a way forward.
Reading Time : 2 minutes China’s chip industry is pushing ahead fast despite U.S. sanctions. Hygon is set to unveil a powerful processor, while merging with Sugon to boost local tech capabilities. This marks a clear step toward reducing foreign tech reliance and securing a strong place in the global semiconductor arena.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to Aa1 due to rising debt and interest burdens. It’s a historic shift with global impact, sparking market jitters and political pushback.
Reading Time : 2 minutesSaudi Arabia partners with NVIDIA to create a global AI hub, advancing AI factories, digital twins, and smart city solutions, supporting Vision 2030 goals.
Reading Time : 2 minutes India is set to be the fastest-growing major economy in 2025 with 6.6% growth, driven by consumption, exports, and strong monsoons.
