technology sector

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The updated list, published by the UN human rights office, names businesses across sectors including construction and technology. Rights groups welcomed the move while it is expected to draw sharp criticism from Israel and its allies.

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The updated list, maintained by the UN Human Rights Council, names businesses across sectors including construction, technology and finance. It is likely to draw criticism from Israel and its allies while being welcomed by human rights advocates.

China has introduced new travel restrictions affecting technology workers, and the rules are causing concern among major tech companies and skilled professionals. Observers say the measures could complicate international business travel and make it harder for firms to retain or attract top engineering and AI talent, adding fresh uncertainty to an already tense environment for China's technology sector.

Former Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Fedorov has announced a new project called the Army of Robots. Details of the initiative were not immediately available, but it points to continued efforts to expand the use of robotic and unmanned systems in Ukraine's defence sector. The announcement has drawn attention amid Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia and its push to scale up battlefield technology.

Executives from leading artificial intelligence companies have been summoned to testify before a US Senate investigation examining the AI industry. The probe is expected to scrutinise how AI firms develop and deploy their technology, along with associated security risks. The summons signals growing congressional willingness to put the sector's most powerful figures under public questioning.

Japan's Defense Ministry has announced a program to support startups developing unmanned aerial vehicles. The initiative aims to bring innovative private-sector technology into Japan's defense capability, reflecting a broader push to strengthen the country's defense industry base through cooperation with emerging companies rather than traditional contractors.

Ukraine's former defense minister Fedorov has announced a new initiative called the 'Army of Robots', his latest project since leaving office. The move signals his continued push into robotics and unmanned systems, areas that have become central to modern warfare and to Ukraine's defense technology sector. The announcement is drawing attention to how the initiative will be funded and staffed.

New data from South Korea shows that nearly four out of ten reported leaks of industrial technology involve semiconductor-related know-how. The figures underline growing concern in Seoul over the theft of critical chip technology, a sector central to the country's economy and to intensifying global competition over semiconductor supply chains.

Chinese companies are pushing exoskeleton robots beyond industrial and medical use into the consumer mainstream, according to Nikkei Asia. The wearable robotic devices, which assist movement and reduce physical strain, are being marketed to everyday buyers as prices fall and designs improve, positioning China as a leading player in the emerging consumer robotics sector.

ISRO is opening its facilities and programmes to India's private space sector, according to Dr M G Suresh Kumar speaking in a widely discussed Malayalam interview. The discussion covers how private companies can now take part in satellite launches, space technology development and related ISRO initiatives, a shift seen as a major step in India's evolving space policy.

A U.S. appeals court has upheld the government's designation of AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a ruling with major implications for the defense sector and the Pentagon's ability to work with leading artificial intelligence firms. The decision resolves a legal challenge to the classification, which can restrict or complicate federal contracts involving the company's technology.

Walmart is investing in employee training programmes while introducing artificial intelligence-powered shopping tools for customers. The retailer is pairing workforce upskilling with new AI features aimed at personalising and streamlining the shopping experience, positioning itself as a technology-forward company in the competitive retail sector.

Startups are injecting new technology and agility into the defense industrial base, a sector long dominated by large legacy contractors. The report highlights how smaller, innovative firms are developing advanced capabilities that could modernize military supply chains and strengthen national security production. The topic reflects growing interest in diversifying defense manufacturing with venture-backed companies.

Costa Rica is courting Indian companies to establish global service delivery, technology, and artificial intelligence centers in the country. The effort targets India's fast-growing IT and outsourcing sector, positioning Costa Rica as a nearshore hub for the Americas. Officials see investment from India as a way to diversify the economy and create high-skilled jobs, though details on specific companies or deals remain limited.

A weekly roundup of energy and climate deal activity for the week of September 21 has been published, summarising investments, acquisitions and funding announcements across the clean energy and climate technology sectors. Such rundowns are closely followed by investors, founders and policy watchers tracking where capital is flowing in the energy transition.

India's government is highlighting efforts to strengthen the country's space sovereignty, according to official communication from the Press Information Bureau. The push reflects India's broader strategy of building self-reliant space capabilities, from indigenous satellite and launch technology to a growing private space sector following reforms that opened the domain to private players.

The Netherlands is joining a broader European movement to migrate public administration computers from Windows to Linux, part of a push among EU countries to reduce dependence on major American technology companies. Commenters note the trend of governments leaving the big tech platforms one after another, framing it as a question of digital sovereignty and control over public IT infrastructure.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged increased investment in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. She positioned the sectors as key to India's economic and technological ambitions, aligning with the government's push to attract chip fabrication projects and build AI capacity. The remarks come as countries compete for investment in these strategic industries.

HGGC is a private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California, that invests in middle-market companies, with a particular focus on technology and services businesses. The firm pursues buyouts and growth investments in mid-sized companies across these sectors, positioning itself as an active investor in the middle-market technology and services space.

Deutsche Bank has raised its price target for German space and technology group OHB to €300, with analysts pointing to defense-driven growth as the reason for the more optimistic outlook. The upgrade reflects growing investor interest in European defense and security-related space capabilities, a sector that has attracted rising attention as governments increase military and security spending.

WSM For Information Technology has announced its intention to launch a public sukuk offering, raising funds through Islamic bonds. The move signals the company's push to tap Shariah-compliant capital markets to support its technology business. Investors in the region are watching for details on the offering size, tenor and pricing.