Top stories
U.S. Slashes Citizenship Renunciation Fee by 80%, Reverts to 2010 Levels
The U.S. State Department slashes the renunciation fee from $2,350 to $450, effective immediately, marking an 80% reduction. This move follows a long legal campaign by expatriate advocacy groups and reverts the fee to its 2010 level, addressing constitutional concerns.
apnews.com + 5
Lib Dems Call for Independent UK Nuclear Deterrent, Citing Sovereignty and Long-term Security
Britain's Liberal Democrats propose a fully independent Trident nuclear system, shifting from U.S. reliance to a two-step, UK-focused strategy by the 2040s. This move aims to bolster national sovereignty and economic investment, amidst ongoing internal party debates and geopolitical tensions.
bbc.co.uk + 7
IIT Bombay Alumnus Joins Elon Musk's xAI to Lead Superintelligence Development Amid Global AI Race
Devendra Singh Chaplot, a noted AI robotics expert from IIT Bombay, joins Elon Musk's xAI and SpaceX to propel superintelligence development. This move underscores India's growing influence and talent in the global AI race, as xAI aims to strengthen its capabilities amidst competitive pressures and ethical considerations.
economictimes.indiatimes.com + 28
US Withdraws AI Chip Export Rule, Boosting Nvidia; Policy Shift May Accelerate India's Tech Ambitions
The US Commerce Department has withdrawn a proposed rule on AI chip exports, a move seen as a retreat from Biden-era policies under the Trump administration. This decision could favor companies like Nvidia, while also impacting global semiconductor strategies, particularly in India.
reuters.com + 23
Slay the Spire 2 continues to thrive in Early Access, selling over 3 million copies and drawing 570,000 concurrent players in its first week. Upcoming updates promise expanded content, player-driven feedback adjustments, and Twitch integration for interactive streaming.
kotaku.com + 10
The Trump administration is finalizing a deal to transfer TikTok's U.S. operations to a consortium led by U.S. investors, involving a $10 billion fee benefiting the U.S. Treasury. The new TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will be majority-owned by American entities, ensuring stringent U.S. data and security protections, with Oracle and other investors backing the venture.
dailymail.co.uk + 4
You're All Caught Up
You've seen all top stories, below are some other stories.
The Druzhba pipeline remains out of service, with Hungary and Slovakia threatening to block EU aid to Ukraine unless it reopens, impacting EU sanctions and loans. Zelensky criticizes Hungary's stance and welcomes France's SAMP/T air defense aid, amid strained U.S. relations and ongoing Western support discussions.
bbc.com + 7
A JetBlue flight from Boston to Vero Beach was diverted due to a bomb threat, with authorities later determining the threat was non-credible. Passengers were eventually allowed to disembark after a thorough inspection involving multiple agencies, including the FBI and local law enforcement.
yahoo.com + 6
Conservative MPs in Quebec are divided over nominating Don Cherry for the Order of Canada due to his controversial remarks about francophones. The petition, led by Andrew Lawton, underscores regional tensions and political risks, with no definitive stance yet from Pierre Poilievre.
cbc.ca + 15
Japan is considering purchasing Ukrainian attack drones to enhance its defense capabilities, citing Ukraine's successful use against Russia. This decision could strengthen Japan-Ukraine ties amid regional security concerns and Japan's evolving arms export policies.
english.kyodonews.net + 5
ChatGPT now integrates directly with apps like Spotify, Expedia, and DoorDash, enabling users to manage tasks via voice or text commands across various domains. This expansion, currently available in the U.S. and Canada, aims to position ChatGPT as a central hub for digital activities, with new partners like OpenTable and PayPal expected in 2026.
techcrunch.com + 6