AI Security & Privacy: China’s MIIT warned that some versions of Anthropic’s Claude Code may secretly transmit users’ location and identifiers via a “built-in monitoring mechanism,” urging uninstalling or upgrading. Semiconductor Pressure: ChangXin Memory Technologies faces mounting US curbs and scrutiny as it tries to scale memory chips amid widening tech confrontation. US-China Research Restrictions: The US NSF will ban federal funding for collaborations with designated Chinese restricted entities and their staff. Auto Layoffs: Volkswagen is weighing an extra 50,000 job cuts on top of 50,000 already planned, with internal memos citing a cost disadvantage. India Labour & Gig Work: India’s new Labour Codes name gig workers but leave enforceable protections and social security details unclear. India HR Compliance: SEBI tightened ethics and investment rules for current and former employees, including cooling-off and disclosure requirements. Workplace AI Use: A survey found many office workers in the US, UK, Australia and Japan use AI tools despite bans, including pasting internal emails into public models. Talent & Training: Malaysia says TVET graduates can get job offers before finishing courses through industry-linked placements. Hiring & Expansion: Payoneer opened a Gurugram innovation hub to grow AI, engineering and workforce management teams. Japan Workplace Culture: Tokyo’s “Cool Biz” expanded to allow shorts for some government workers as heat intensifies.