Daily Strategic Briefing

Google Indonesia tangled up in $600 million Chromebook corruption probe

PLUS: China’s massive lithium find; Cisco’s new Asia boss; Japan and EU plan satcomms collab; and more Asia In Brief  Indonesia’s government is investigating possible corruption during a $600 million program that saw around a quarter of a million Chromebooks installed in schools.…

Nvidia warns its GPUs – even Blackwells – need protection against Rowhammer attacks

PLUS: Bluetooth mess leaves cars exposed; Bitcoin ATMs attacked; Deepfakers imitate US secretary of state Marco Rubio; and more Infosec In Brief  Nvidia last week advised customers to ensure they employ mitigations against Rowhammer attacks, after researchers found one of its workstation-grade GPUs is susceptible to the exploit.…

You have a fake North Korean IT worker problem - here's how to stop it

Thick resumes with thin LinkedIn connections are one sign. Refusing an in-person interview is another By now, the North Korean fake IT worker problem is so ubiquitous that if you think you don't have any phony resumes or imposters in your interview queue, you're asleep at the wheel.…

The price of software freedom is eternal politics

Many don't realize or forget, but the FOSS world has ideological wings, too Comment  The new fork of the X.org X11 server is conservative… and we don't mean just technologically conservative.…

If MCP is the USB-C of AI agents, A2A is their Ethernet

Tell me, Mr. Smith ... what good is an agent if it's unable to speak? We have protocols and standards for just about everything. It's generally helpful when we can all agree on how technologies should talk to one another. So, it was only a matter of time before the first protocols governing agentic AI started cropping up.…

Meta acquires voice startup Play AI

Summary:

Meta has acquired Play AI, a startup that uses AI to generate human-sounding voices.

Study warns of ‘significant risks’ in using AI therapy chatbots

Summary:

Therapy chatbots powered by large language models may stigmatize users with mental health conditions and otherwise respond inappropriately or even dangerously, according to researchers at Stanford University.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX might invest $2 billion in Musk’s xAI

Summary:

One Elon Musk business might be making a big investment in another.

The countdown’s almost over: 2 days until TechCrunch All Stage 2025 kicks off in Boston

Summary:

TechCrunch All Stage 2025 is almost here — In 2 days, the doors swing open at Boston’s SoWa Power Station. If you’re a founder or investor, this is your last shot to lock in the lowest ticket prices before they vanish at the door. This isn’t your average startup conference. TC All Stage is where […]

A United Nations research institute created an AI refugee avatar

Summary:

A research institute connected to the United Nations has created two AI-powered avatars designed to teach people about refugee issues. 404 Media wrote about an experiment conducted by a class at the United Nations University Center for Policy Research that resulted in the creation of two AI agents or avatars — Amina, a fictional woman […]

Jumbotail turns unicorn after raising $120M in Series D round; completes acquisition of Solv

With fresh capital and a broader portfolio, the Bengaluru-based firm aims to scale its commerce and credit stack for India’s small retailers.

Partners Group to acquire majority stake in Infinity Fincorp for Rs 1,950 Cr

The deal includes a primary capital infusion of Rs 600 crore and a secondary purchase from existing shareholders, including Indium IV (Mauritius) Holdings Limited, a fund advised by True North Managers LLP.. Existing investor Jungle Ventures also participated in the round. The transaction

Zango raises $4.8M in funding led by Nexus Venture Partners

Zango, the Bengaluru AI compliance startup, will use the funds to grow its team and expand its product suite for AI-native Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC).

Sai Parenterals raises Rs 50 Cr in equity to expand global footprint

The company said the capital will be used to fuel its global expansion strategy, including acquisitions in regulated markets, enhancement of its manufacturing footprint, and diversification of its product portfolio.

Stride Ventures achieves first close for its Abu Dhabi Global Market Fund V

The fund is focused on providing capital to the startups in the Gulf Cooperation Council region with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia.

NCC Up 2% on Winning MMRDA Contract

NCC shares gain nearly 2% after securing a major order from MMRDA. Source: ScoutQuest

HCLTech, Tata Tech Q1 Results Today

HCLTech Q1 earnings updates are expected today. Tata Technologies and Ola Electric Mobility also report results today. Source: ScoutQuest

HCLTech Slips 1% Ahead of Q1 Results

HCLTech shares dropped ~1% ahead of Q1 earnings announcement. Source: ScoutQuest

Anthem Biosciences Secures ₹1,016 Cr from Anchors; IPO at ₹570/Share

Anthem Biosciences raised Rs 1,016 crore via anchor book ahead of IPO; shares priced at Rs 570 each. VIP Industries sells 32% stake to Multiples Consortium; triggers SEBI open offer, Dilip Piramal remains shareholder. Source: Moneycontrol

Travel Food Services IPO Debuts on NSE & BSE

Travel Food Services IPO listed live on BSE and NSE. Source: ScoutQuest

China Stocks Mixed Despite Strong Trade Data

Country: China, Description: The Shanghai Composite rose 0.4% to above 3,525 while the Shenzhen Component fell 0.2% to 10,670 on Monday, with mainland stocks showing mixed performance as investors weighed robust trade figures against renewed geopolitical tensions. China's June export growth exceeded expectations, driven by companies accelerating shipments ahead of a temporary tariff reprieve set to expire in August. Meanwhile, imports rebounded for the first time this year, though they fell short of forecasts, highlighting continued weakness in domestic demand. Market sentiment was also influenced by rising global trade frictions after US President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. Industrial and commodity-related shares outperformed, while technology and financial stocks declined under pressure.

China 10Y Yield Up for 3rd Session

Country: China, Description: China’s 10-year government bond yield inched higher around 1.67% on Monday, marking a third straight session of gains, as strong trade data lifted sentiment. The trade surplus widened to USD 114.77 billion in June 2025, exceeding forecasts as exports rose 5.8% year-on-year, driven by front-loaded shipments ahead of August tariff deadlines. Imports also grew 1.1%, below estimates but posting the first annual increase this year, suggesting a modest recovery in domestic demand. Meanwhile, global trade tensions remained in focus after the US confirmed a 30% tariff on EU and Mexican imports, effective August 1. While the move raised concerns, officials from both regions signaled willingness to negotiate, and the EU began talks with other affected partners. Separately, news that China and ASEAN plan to submit their upgraded free trade agreement for approval in October added support. Investors now turn to China’s Q2 GDP data due Tuesday, with growth expected to slow to 5.2% from 5.4% in Q1.

Japan 10-Year Yield Rises on Fiscal Concerns Ahead of Election

Country: Japan, Description: Japan’s 10-year government bond yield rose above 1.55% on Monday, hitting a seven-week high amid growing fiscal concerns ahead of the Upper House election scheduled for July 20. Markets are increasingly speculating that policymakers may pursue expanded fiscal spending to support the economy, with discussions ongoing over a possible consumption tax cut. On the economic front, Japan’s core machinery orders declined 0.6% month-over-month to ¥913.5 billion in May. While still negative, the reading marked an improvement from April’s sharp 9.1% fall and came in better than market expectations of a 1.5% drop. Investors also kept a close eye on global trade developments after US President Donald Trump announced a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. In response, the EU is reportedly ramping up talks with other affected countries—including Canada and Japan—with coordinated measures under consideration.

US 10-Year Yield Holds Advance

Country: United States, Description: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note held its recent advance to around 4.41% on Monday as investors digested fresh trade developments and awaited key economic data. Market sentiment was shaped by President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect on August 1. Reports indicated that the EU is stepping up discussions with other countries hit by the tariffs—including Canada and Japan—potentially exploring coordinated responses. Meanwhile, investors remained cautious ahead of a key US inflation report due this week, which could provide insight into the broader economic impact of the new tariffs and influence the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. Adding to the uncertainty, economic adviser Kevin Hassett remarked that President Trump “can fire” Fed Chair Jerome Powell “if there’s cause,” stirring fresh speculation around the central bank’s independence.

Offshore Yuan Firms on Strong Trade Data

Country: China, Description: The offshore yuan traded around 7.17 per dollar on Monday, holding a three-session winning streak from last week, supported by better-than-expected trade data. China’s trade surplus widened to USD 114.77 billion in June 2025, beating forecasts as exports rose 5.8% year-on-year, driven by front-loaded shipments ahead of August tariff deadlines. Imports also grew 1.1%, below expectations but marking the first annual increase this year, suggesting a modest recovery in domestic demand. Meanwhile, global trade tensions remained in focus after the US confirmed a 30% tariff on EU and Mexican imports, effective August 1. In response, EU and Mexican officials expressed willingness to negotiate, and the EU began talks with other affected partners. The yuan also found medium-term support from news that China and ASEAN will submit their upgraded free trade agreement for approval in October. Investors now await China’s Q2 GDP data due Tuesday, with growth expected to slow to 5.2% from 5.4% in Q1.

China's exports surge 5.8% as trade truce boosts shipments

Summary: June exports reached $325.2 billion, surpassing forecasts as Beijing and Washington implement a 90-day tariff reduction agreement., Description: China's exports accelerated in June, rising 5.8 percent year-on-year to reach $325.2 billion, according to customs data released Monday. The growth surpassed market forecasts of around 5 percent and marked an uptick from May's 4.8 percent expansion. Meanwhile, imports rebounded 1.1 percent after contracting 3.4 percent the previous month, marking their first growth this year. The trade recovery...

King Charles to welcome Trump at Windsor during parliament recess

Summary: Trump becomes the first elected leader in modern times to receive two UK state visits, scheduled for September at Windsor Castle., Description: Donald Trump will make an unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom from September 17-19, 2025, where he will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The timing of the visit coincides with the UK Parliament's recess for party conference season, effectively preventing Trump from addressing the House of Commons as French President Emmanuel Macron did during...

Lexington, KY church shooting kills two and injures several

Summary: Suspect fled to Richmond Road Baptist Church after shooting trooper, killing two women before officers fatally shot him., Description: According to reports from ABC News, a deadly shooting at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky left two women dead and multiple people injured, including a state trooper, after a suspect fled to the church following a traffic stop on July 13, 2025.

Singapore economy beats forecasts with 4.3% growth

Summary: Manufacturing surge and companies rushing shipments ahead of potential U.S. tariffs helped the city-state avoid a technical recession., Description: Singapore's economy grew by 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2025, beating forecasts and avoiding a technical recession as manufacturing output surged and companies rushed shipments ahead of potential U.S. tariff changes. The growth exceeded economists' expectations of 3.5 percent and marked an acceleration from the 4.1 percent expansion recorded in the first quarter, according to advance...

Trump’s second UK visit set, but no Parliament address planned

Summary: The president will be hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle from September 17-19, marking the first time a U.S. president has received two state visits., Description: Donald Trump will make an unprecedented second state visit to the UK from September 17-19, 2025, but will not have the opportunity to address Parliament as the House of Commons will be in recess for party conferences, a timing decision that contrasts with French President Emmanuel Macron's recent parliamentary address.