Rest of World

A Chinese battery company promised to bring 2,350 jobs and $2.3 billion in investment to a struggling Michigan town. The factory promised to bring an estimated 2,350 jobs and $2.3 billion investment. The Gotion Inc. factory highlights the challenges Chinese companies face in the U.S., particularly during a climate of deep political polarization, nationalism, and growing suspicion towards China. A grassroots “No Go” movement, fueled by fears of communism and environmental concerns, successfully stalled the project in Michigan, leading to the ouster of local officials who supported the factory. The Gotion case shows the disconnect between national economic goals and local concerns, especially in communities wary of globalization and foreign investment. Read Viola Zhou's new feature: How a Chinese battery factory sparked a political meltdown in a small Michigan town https://bit.ly/3FiF0Sp

The Gulf states are in the midst of a massive economic shift, with countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia prioritizing tech innovation as part of their national vision and post-oil diversification strategies. At a time when these countries are spending billions of dollars in ambitious technology projects, Careem finds itself in a comfortable spot. Since 2012, the Dubai-based company has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s tech scene. A testament to their work and impact is what’s widely referred to in the region as the “Careem mafia” — an impressive network of over 600 former employees who have either launched their own startups or joined other ventures as co-founders. In this in-depth interview, Careem co-founder and CEO Mudassir Sheikha talks to Rest of World Editor-in-Chief Anup Kaphle about why he feels “lucky” to be doing tech during this time of huge change, and details his ambitious plans for the next phase of the company. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eYPJM_yz

How do you make EVs work in a country where electricity is unstable and charging infrastructure is scarce? One startup's unconventional bet on battery-powered motorcycles has been a success. Read the latest from dámiláre dòsùnmú, on the speedy rise of Dodai in Ethiopia: https://lnkd.in/ePkPRZzW

In 2024, five U.S. tech giants — Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple — were among the top 10 employers of H-1B visa recipients. U.S. tech giants have become increasingly dependent on H-1B visas as they “have grown exponentially over these past few years, and they’ve added many more verticals … so they need more IT people for that,” Poorvi Chothani, Esq. founder of Mumbai-based global immigration law firm LawQuest - Attorneys, Advocates & Solicitors, told?Rest of World. What are you hearing where you work? Fears of labor shortages amid a potential H-1B shakeup? In today's new report, Ananya Bhattacharya breaks down which companies could be hit the hardest under a Trump H-1B crackdown: https://lnkd.in/e6KYHY5f

When you watch Dubai’s drone shows, you see magic. What you don’t see: The workers in the desert, making sure the magic doesn’t crash https://lnkd.in/e8E9DZj6

Weekend #longreads: How should AI be regulated? Go inside the global debate, then share your thoughts below ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/eZR42Myw

??? Mexico is betting big on electric vehicles with the Olínia Project, aiming to build a complete EV supply chain But can it compete with global giants like China and the U.S.? Share your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/et9A_kd3

Dunzo, once a leader in India’s quick-commerce space, has shut down. What does this mean for the future of rapid delivery services in India? Is this the beginning of the end of the quick-commerce boom, or just a bump in the road? https://lnkd.in/exFPXVkb Share your thoughts below ??

Dubai’s drone shows are a triumph of technology. But technology doesn’t work itself. Meet the workers who pull overtime shifts turning algorithms into awe https://lnkd.in/gG4b_S4b

???Webinar Alert: Technology, Democracy, and Power—Journalism’s Role in a Time of Crisis?? We are looking forward to hosting this special webinar discussion on?Tuesday, March 25 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM EDT?that will explore how tech journalists are grappling with the current political moment in the United States and beyond.? This special session will feature discussion with journalists from a range of outlets, including: ??Vittoria Elliott,?WIRED ??Mike Masnick,?Techdirt ??Natalia Antelava,?Coda Media, Inc ??Rina Chandran,?Rest of World ??Anupriya Datta,?Euractiv ??Anisha D., investigative reporter Click the link below to register for the event! We hope to see you there! https://lu.ma/5ns6ta6m