UK Grants Google Strategic Market Status in Online Search Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has designated Google as holding “strategic market status” (SMS) in online search, marking the first major use of the UK’s new powers to regulate Big Tech dominance. The move allows the regulator to introduce “proportionate and targeted” interventions to promote competition but does not immediately impose any new rules. CMA Moves to Rein in Market Concentration The CMA said the designation enables it to compel the US tech giant to modify how it operates in the UK market if required. Will Hayter, the CMA’s Executive…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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Asian Stocks Boom as AI Momentum Fuels Market Optimism Asian stock markets boom as investors poured money into AI-related sectors, pushing global equities higher. Gold stayed above $4,000 an ounce, while the dollar held firm after its strong recent gains. AI-Focused Rally Boosts Global Equities A renewed surge in AI enthusiasm sent the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to fresh record highs, as investors continued to buy on dips. Analysts at JPMorgan said in a note that the “AI theme remains intact,” with billions flowing into the technology sector daily. They added that estimates for tech earnings growth have climbed to…
Bitcoin Surges to All-Time High Bitcoin reached a new record high on Monday, October 6, as the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market value continued to attract strong investor interest. The digital asset climbed above $125,000 for the first time on Sunday before extending its rally into Monday’s session. Institutional Support Drives Momentum The surge has been driven by increasing participation from institutional investors and more supportive policies under US President Donald Trump. These factors have strengthened confidence in the cryptocurrency market, with investors viewing bitcoin as both a growth opportunity and a potential hedge against economic uncertainty. Bitcoin’s closer integration…
Asia Sees $100 Billion Investment Boost as Global Funds Diversify Asia, excluding China, has drawn around $100 billion in capital inflows over the past nine months as global investors shift away from a heavy reliance on the US, according to Kevin Sneader, president of Goldman Sachs Asia-Pacific ex-Japan. Investors Diversify Beyond the US Speaking at the Milken Institute Asia Summit 2025 in Singapore, Sneader stressed that the trend reflects diversification rather than an exit from US markets. He noted Japan has emerged as a major beneficiary, while China’s recent equity rally has been largely fuelled by domestic investors and interest…
Samsung and SK Hynix Partner with OpenAI on Chip Supply and Data Centres Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have signed agreements to supply memory chips for OpenAI’s data centres. The move strengthens South Korea’s role in the global artificial intelligence race, as both chipmakers join forces with the ChatGPT creator to meet rising demand from the Stargate project. OpenAI to Build Data Centres in South Korea OpenAI also plans to work with the two South Korean companies to construct two data centres. These facilities, described as a “Korean-style Stargate,” will build on Seoul’s ambitions to become a leading AI hub…
Mass Federal Workforce Exodus Leaves Agencies Struggling More than 150,000 federal employees are leaving the US government payroll this week after accepting buyouts, marking the largest single-year departure of civil servants in nearly eight decades. Unions and governance experts warn that this loss represents not only a sharp reduction in staff but also a major blow to institutional knowledge. Wave of Resignations Begins The official resignations began on Tuesday for employees enrolled in a deferred exit scheme, which kept them on the payroll through September. The buyouts are central to former President Donald Trump’s plan to reduce the federal workforce,…
UN Reimposes Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Programme The United Nations has reinstated sanctions on Iran, including an arms embargo, after European powers accused Tehran of breaching the 2015 nuclear agreement. The move, led by Britain, France and Germany, comes despite Iran’s warnings of a strong response. Tehran continues to deny it is seeking nuclear weapons. European Powers Push for Sanctions Britain, France and Germany triggered the sanctions return at the UN Security Council. The 2015 deal had aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms, but Western powers argue Tehran has violated its commitments. Russia, however, has rejected the…
MeitY Launches Preparatory Phase of Special Campaign 5.0 The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the preparatory phase of Special Campaign 5.0, running from 16 to 30 September 2025. The campaign focuses on institutionalising Swachhata (cleanliness), reducing pendency in government offices, and streamlining processes for better efficiency. This initiative is part of the broader Special Campaign 2025, which aims to improve workplace environments, enhance citizen interaction, and ensure effective implementation of cleanliness measures across all ministries and departments. Strengthening Record Management As part of the preparatory activities, MeitY carried out detailed inspections of record rooms. The inspections…
Retail Investors Turn to ChatGPT for Stock Picks Despite High Risks As ChatGPT approaches its third anniversary, retail investors are increasingly turning to the tool to pick stocks. Surveys suggest at least one in 10 investors now use a chatbot for financial decisions, helping fuel a rapid rise in the robo-advisory market. Yet even supporters caution that artificial intelligence cannot replace traditional advisors just yet. Growing Popularity of AI in Investing Artificial intelligence has given individual investors access to stock analysis once reserved for large banks and institutional players. With AI tools, users can select stocks, track performance and receive…
Aviation Leaders Tackle Security, Emissions and Staffing at Montreal Summit A major global aviation summit began this week in Montreal, drawing leaders from across the industry. The event comes as the sector grapples with growing flight numbers, labour shortages, cyber threats and environmental concerns. Despite the pressing need for action, the summit’s environmental focus drew criticism from the US. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to prioritise aviation safety and security instead. Technology has helped improve efficiency in aviation. However, vulnerabilities remain. On Monday, major European airports suffered disruptions after hackers targeted automated…
