CIOs Weigh the Risks and Rewards of Going AI-First

Companies worldwide are exploring how to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. Most are taking incremental steps, using AI to enhance existing systems and processes. A smaller group, however, is pursuing an ‘AI-first’ model, rebuilding their businesses around AI from the ground up. This approach carries greater risk but also the possibility of reshaping markets …

India and US Leaders Express Confidence in Progress of Trade Talks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the United States and India as close partners with natural synergies, expressing optimism that upcoming trade negotiations could unlock vast potential between the two countries. In a message shared on social media early this week, he indicated that efforts were being made to conclude discussions at the earliest opportunity …

US Tariff Hike Puts Indian Exports at Risk Amid Dispute Over Russian Oil Imports

The United States has imposed a sharp increase in duties on Indian goods, raising tariffs to 50 percent on several imports. The measure, announced by the Trump administration, is aimed at pressuring New Delhi over its continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. The new tariffs, which took effect on Wednesday, are expected to impact India’s …

CIOs Step Into the AI Era as Business Expectations Shift

The role of the Chief Information Officer is changing faster than ever, with artificial intelligence pushing the position well beyond its traditional focus on technology management. At the NZ CIO Summit in Auckland, Jonathan Rickard, Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft CX at Fusion5, explained that CIOs are now expected to guide digital transformation across the …

Trump’s $175bn Golden Dome: The Ambitious Multi-Layered Missile Shield

The Trump administration has unveiled plans for its Golden Dome missile defence initiative, a $175 billion program designed to create a four-tiered protective shield over the United States. According to a government presentation obtained by Reuters, the project is expected to reach operational readiness by 2028, a deadline described as highly ambitious given the system’s …

Despite War, Russia Remains Major Trade Partner for US, Europe, and India

Three years after the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western nations continue to maintain significant levels of trade with Moscow. Billions of euros and dollars in energy and commodity imports, ranging from liquefied natural gas to uranium, still flow into the US and European Union, while India has rapidly expanded its purchases of …

India–US Tariffs Explained (And Why It Matters)

Trade between India and the United States is huge, and it touches many things we use every day, from T-shirts and phones to medicines and almonds. When tariffs (import taxes) go up, costs often rise across these supply chains. We’ll break down what’s going on, who’s affected, and what comes next; all based on the …

Apple Boosts US Manufacturing with $100 Billion Investment Amid Tariff Tensions

Apple has announced plans to invest an additional $100 billion in US manufacturing over the next four years, marking a significant expansion of its domestic operations. The declaration was made during an event at the White House on August 6, 2025, where CEO Tim Cook joined President Donald Trump. The move is part of a …

US and China Seek to Prolong Trade Truce as Tensions Simmer Amid Fragile Progress

The United States and China are preparing for a new round of trade talks in Stockholm, with the goal of prolonging a temporary pause on further tariff increases. The talks, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, come ahead of an August 12 deadline when the current ceasefire in …

IBM’s CIO Navigates AI Adoption with Purposeful Strategy and Measured Optimism

Matt Lyteson, Chief Information Officer at IBM, has embraced a thoughtful approach to artificial intelligence, balancing enthusiasm for its potential with a careful assessment of its challenges. His AI strategy is shaped not by hype but by a clear-eyed focus on sustainable transformation. While he acknowledges that AI is far from a fleeting trend, Lyteson …