H-1B Visas Explained: Skilled Worker Requirements and Upcoming Changes

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed raising the H-1B visa application fee to a permanent $103,265, following a legal battle over President Donald Trump’s initial efforts to overhaul the skilled foreign worker program. According to Reuters reporting, the visa program allows technology companies and other industries to employ foreign professionals for a few years, … Read more

Unitree’s Post-Listing Slump Sparks China Robot Bubble Fears

Unitree shares slumped 45% from their debut peak in late August, dropping by $30 billion after soaring to an early $66 billion valuation on the Shanghai STAR Market, according to Reuters. The steep post-listing selloff for China’s best-known humanoid robot maker has triggered widespread regulatory and investor anxiety over retail losses, retail trading frenzies, and … Read more

Trump Approval Holds at Record Low Amid Falling Iran War Support: Reuters Poll

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Monday, U.S. public approval of the military action against Iran dropped to 31%, matching President Donald Trump’s popularity at a record low of 33% for the second straight survey. Iran War Approval Plummets Among Republicans Public backing for the military campaign has eroded steadily since the conflict … Read more

Federal Bank Becomes Latest India Lender to Tap Dollar Debt via GIFT City

Federal Bank plans to raise $500 million through a five-year dollar bond sale, according to bankers who requested anonymity because they lack authorization to speak with the media. The capital-raising effort follows a board approval on Friday for foreign-currency-denominated bonds issued through the International Financial Services Centre Banking Unit located in GIFT City. Federal Bank … Read more

Putin Seeks 300,000 New Troops, Says Zelenskiy

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Russia is planning to draft an additional 300,000 troops for its war effort following Russian parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18 to 20. The mobilization drive aims to eventually reach 500,000 troops through a peripheral mobilisation targeting Russia’s far-flung regions. Troop Mobilization and Donbas Frontlines Speaking to reporters, Zelenskiy … Read more

ADNOC Vessel Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company vessel attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated security concerns for global energy shipments, according to Emirati state news agency WAM and regional reporting. An ADNOC vessel came under attack while transiting the vital waterway, resulting in no reported injuries and the situation being brought under control, the company … Read more

Apple Trains AI Model for China with Alibaba Support, Sources Say

Apple has trained a large language model specifically for the China market with support from Alibaba Group, according to three people familiar with the matter who spoke with Reuters. The development marks a departure from the iPhone maker’s prior strategy of relying entirely on third-party models to power artificial intelligence features in the country, where … Read more

Prabowo Faces High-Stakes Budget Test Amid Declining Support

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to present his 2027 budget proposals this Friday, a move viewed as a critical test of his administration’s economic credibility. The president faces significant investor skepticism and declining public support amid concerns over government overspending, the independence of the central bank, and the future of state-led commodity export policies. … Read more

US Unable to Verify Iranian Threats Against Trump, Sources Say

The United States received multiple unverified warnings from Israel over the past year alleging that Iran planned to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to a current U.S. official and two former officials. The intelligence tips, which included threats involving snipers, knives at public events, and shoulder-launched missiles targeting Air Force One, prompted the U.S. Secret … Read more

US Considers Indefinite Iran Naval Blockade Amid Oil Shortfall

The United States military can maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely by rotating ships in and out of the region, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Speaking during a trip to Panama on Thursday, August 13, Hegseth said the enforcement mechanism has inflicted severe economic damage on Tehran as regional tensions rise, global oil … Read more