businesses

China is considering permitting ByteDance and Alibaba to purchase new Nvidia chips, according to a report by The Information picked up by Reuters. The potential decision would mark a shift in Beijing's stance on US semiconductor access, with implications for Chinese tech firms' AI ambitions and for Nvidia's business in the Chinese market.

European governments are rolling out tax breaks and subsidies in an effort to cushion consumers from record-high fuel prices. Measures under discussion or already introduced include cuts to fuel taxes and direct support for households and businesses. The moves reflect growing political pressure as energy costs strain household budgets across the continent, with governments competing to shield their economies from the price surge.

Indian applicants for US visitor visas are facing long interview waits, with Hyderabad at around 12 months, Mumbai 11.5 months, New Delhi 10 months, Chennai 7.5 months and Kolkata 6.5 months. The figures are drawing attention as families planning travel for tourism, business or family visits face delays stretching close to a year before they can secure an interview appointment.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock says the days of low interest rates are gone, signalling that Australians should not expect a return to the cheap borrowing costs of the past decade. The comments have drawn wide attention, with households and businesses weighing what persistently higher rates mean for mortgages, savings and the broader economy.

The United States and China have reached a major trade framework that reportedly cuts the US trade deficit with China in half. The announcement marks a significant step in easing tensions between the world's two largest economies. The exact terms of the agreement and how the deficit reduction will be achieved have not yet been detailed, and reactions from businesses and lawmakers are still coming in.

Bill Gates has publicly criticised Donald Trump's refusal to back safeguards on artificial intelligence, arguing the US should support stronger oversight of the technology. Gates framed the resistance as a mistake at a time when governments worldwide are moving to regulate AI. The remarks add a prominent business voice to the debate over how far Washington should go on AI rules.

The familiar Brexit labels on British goods are set to vanish. Their removal marks another practical step away from the EU departure, and people are weighing what the change means for shoppers, businesses and Britain's ongoing relationship with Europe. Reactions are split between those welcoming the end of a visible Brexit reminder and those questioning what replaces it.

The United Nations has expanded its database of companies operating in Israeli West Bank settlements to 138 firms. The list, maintained by the UN Human Rights Council, flags businesses the UN says are involved in activities supporting settlement expansion, which it considers illegal under international law. Israel rejects the blacklist, and its publication has drawn criticism from Israeli officials and mixed reactions from companies and governments.

A move by federal authorities to reschedule marijuana is expected to significantly affect medical marijuana businesses, particularly their taxes and day-to-day operations. Rescheduling from Schedule I could allow cannabis companies to deduct normal business expenses under federal tax law, ending restrictions imposed by IRS Code 280E and easing banking and operational hurdles for operators.

Corporate America is increasingly adopting cheaper 'open' AI models as an alternative to costly proprietary systems from major AI providers. The shift, reported by the Financial Times, suggests companies are looking to cut technology costs while still deploying artificial intelligence across their operations. Open models let firms run AI on their own infrastructure, reducing dependence on expensive vendors.

SpaceX launched a classified US Space Force payload from California, then landed the Falcon 9 booster at sea as part of the mission. The mission's payload and purpose remain undisclosed, consistent with national security launches. US local news outlets widely reported the launch, which adds to SpaceX's busy cadence of government and commercial flights from the West Coast launch site.

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, citing alleged violations of Palestinian human rights. The updated list identifies businesses across sectors including construction, finance and technology. The move is expected to draw criticism from Israel and the United States, which have previously condemned the database, while human rights groups have welcomed it as a step toward corporate accountability.

The All-In Podcast discusses a turbulent week in AI: Anthropic's long-expected IPO may be at risk, Meta has launched its Muse model to strong interest, falling token prices are squeezing AI companies' margins, open-source models are winning market share, and alignment efforts are described as failing. Commentators frame these as signs that the AI industry's economics and safety promises are both under strain.

The Business Secretary has warned that a renewed campaign to rejoin the European Union risks creating uncertainty for businesses. The intervention comes as debate over the UK's relationship with Brussels resurfaces, with the minister arguing that reopening the question of EU membership would leave companies facing unclear long-term conditions for trade, investment and regulation.

France has announced a new 500 million dollar aid package to support businesses struggling under sharply rising energy prices. The measure comes as companies across Europe face mounting costs that threaten closures and job losses. Officials hope the package will ease pressure on small firms and energy-intensive industries this winter.

Meta has introduced Muse, an AI agent that, according to CNBC, targets one of the most profitable weak spots in the economy. The move signals Meta's push to move its artificial intelligence beyond social feeds and into commercial territory, potentially disrupting incumbent players in that market. Details on the specific sector and how the agent works remain limited, but analysts are watching the announcement closely for signs of Meta's broader AI monetisation strategy.

Elon Musk claims SpaceX could achieve AI matching GPT-6 within three months and take 'pole position' in artificial intelligence within six, under a SpaceXAI effort planning a massive expansion of GPU computing capacity. The comments signal Musk's intent to fold advanced AI development into SpaceX alongside its launch business, intensifying competition with OpenAI, Google and other leading AI labs.

Cricket fans are focused on an India versus England fixture, with searches and engagement spiking in India. The interest comes amid a busy international calendar that also includes Sri Lanka's tour of England, where commentary coverage of the third ODI is under way. Fans are following team selections, match conditions and results across the fixtures as the series builds.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the debate over whether Britain should return to the EU is creating uncertainty for companies. Politico Europe reported his remarks, which come amid ongoing discussion within Labour and across UK politics about the country's future relationship with Brussels. Businesses, Reynolds argued, need clarity and stability rather than a reopening of the Brexit question.

OpenAI is reportedly paying a broad network of social media influencers to promote ChatGPT and shape the perception that the company is 'good for the world'. According to Business Insider, the strategy spans sponsored posts, ads and creator partnerships on platforms like Instagram. Critics view the campaign as an effort to manage public opinion as the company faces growing scrutiny over its societal impact.

A sticker business owner endorsed by Donald Trump is running for Congress, and reporting has surfaced an unusual backstory behind the candidate. The profile has drawn attention for how an unconventional entrepreneur with the former president's backing could win a seat, fuelling debate about the kind of candidates Trump-endorsed primaries are producing.

Soaring diesel prices are hitting communities loyal to Donald Trump particularly hard, creating tension within his political base. Rising fuel costs raise operating expenses for truckers, farmers and small businesses that form a core part of the MAGA coalition, prompting frustration and debate over who bears responsibility and whether the movement's economic promises are being met.

The Financial Times reports that SpaceX is shifting its strategic focus away from its core space launch business, in a piece headlined 'SpaceX pivots away from space' with the subheading 'Starbase, we have a problem'. The framing suggests trouble at the company's Texas Starbase site and questions about where Elon Musk's firm is heading next.

Top executives from artificial intelligence companies have been called to testify before an Australian Senate inquiry examining the technology's risks and regulation. The summons by federal parliamentarians signals growing political scrutiny of AI in Australia, with senators seeking answers from industry leaders about safety, accountability and potential harms as adoption accelerates across business and government.