Tech
Iran eyes role as a digital hub in Persian Gulf region
Iran is aiming to carve out a role as a key data transit corridor linking Asia, Europe, and the Persian Gulf
Belarusian firm providing Russia with military-quality microchips
A Belarusian state-owned enterprise has been supplying Russia with microchips crucial for missile production, using Western-manufactured equipment, components and raw materials in violation of international sanctions.
Is India set to take on China's DeepSeek?
India to host open-source AI model as artificial intelligence sector heats up.
Uzbekistan to acquire ANKA combat drones from Turkey
News comes as US defence contractor CEO urges Elon Musk to help battle Turkish dominance on world UAV market by ending sluggish bureaucracy.
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Musk urged to knock Turkish drones out of global market
US defence contractor also calls on DOGE supremo to take aim at Israeli, Chinese UAVs by boldly removing sluggish bureaucracy.
Czech National Bank could become the first European central bank to add Bitcoin to its reserves
Governor Ales Michl says Bitcoin could account for up to 5% of the overall CNB reserves of €140bn.
Owner of North Macedonia’s Gley streaming platform to launch IPO
Svod Master plans first IPO of a domestic digital services company in North Macedonia.
Russia blocks a record 417,000 websites in 2024 as the Kremlin tightens its control over RuNet
Russia blocked a record 417,000 websites in 2024, according to the independent monitoring group Roskomsvoboda, as the Kremlin tightens its grip over RuNet.
Sweden’s Aonic invests $10mn in Turkish game developer Mega Fortuna
Amid current monetary easing cycle, interest among investors in Turkey's game studios is on the rise again.
Iran ends mobile phone registration restrictions in policy shift
Iran has lifted all restrictions on registering imported mobile phones, marking a significant change in the country's anti-smuggling policies, a senior official announced on January 28
US President Trump says Microsoft in new talks to acquire TikTok
President Donald Trump said on January 28 that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok
Pakistan urges World Bank to fund smart meter project
Pakistan’s Power Minister Awais Leghari has sought financial backing from the World Bank to install smart meters at distribution-level transformers.
Albania's PM signals possible shift on TikTok ban
Year-long ban followed a violent incident in Tirana, where a 14-year-old student was killed and another injured in a fight linked to an online dispute.
Sanctions have created opportunities for Chinese tech companies in Russia
Chinese IT companies are rapidly expanding their footprint in Russia, capitalising on new opportunities created by the ongoing war and extreme Western sanctions that have banned tech exports to Russia.
China’s satellite internet provider Spacesail sets up in Kazakhstan
"Mega-constellation" company emerging as potential rival to Elon Musk's Starlink.
Iranian jailed businessman Babak Zanjani resurfaces in video promoting cryptocurrency
Babak Zanjani, an infamous Iranian billionaire, has triggered the country’s media again with a new bitcoin-backed “bank,” local media reported this week.
Iran's Hezardastan sells Android app store Café Bazaar to local Tapsell
Iran's Hezardastan Group has completed the sale of Café Bazaar, its app marketplace platform, to digital advertising company Tapsell.
Serbian President Vucic wants to introduce flying cars by 2027
Announcement met with derision, with media outlets dismissing the plan as “science fiction”.
Abu Dhabi plans AI transformation across government services by 2027
Abu Dhabi has unveiled a comprehensive digital strategy aimed at becoming the world's first fully AI-native government across all digital services by 2027.
Bulgaria’s consumer protection body seeks to revoke local telcos' licences
CPC will ask to remove three main telecoms operators' licences over “systematic violations” and multiple consumer complaints.