Markets

NWTN Inc. will hold its Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on August 12, 2025, both in person in Dubai and virtually. Shareholders as of July 16, 2025, can vote on key proposals, including a name change to “Robo.ai Inc.” and a board reshuffle featuring the removal of several directors and the nomination of a new independent director. Investors will also vote on adopting a Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. NWTN urges shareholders to review all SEC filings before voting.

At WAIC 2025, PPIO unveiled its Agentic AI Infra platform, the first of its kind in China, designed to accelerate AI Agent development. The platform features both General and Enterprise editions, including China’s first Agent Sandbox for secure execution and model services optimized for Agent construction. PPIO’s system offers advantages like long-term memory, controllable processes, and multi-modal collaboration. By providing comprehensive support and reducing costs, PPIO aims to drive the large-scale deployment of intelligent agents across various industries.

Xiaomi founder Lei Jun’s fitness regime, marked by 73 gym sessions this year, became a trending topic on Weibo amidst severe weather conditions in Northern China. Torrential rains have battered regions including Beijing and Hebei, raising concerns about flooding and landslides. Meteorologists attribute the extreme precipitation to a strong subtropical high, leading to unstable atmospheric conditions and record rainfall. Authorities are urging vigilance due to the elevated risk of flash floods and landslides.

A recent Chinese autonomous driving assist system test by Dongchedi, involving 36 vehicles, has sparked controversy and conspiracy theories. The test revealed limitations, even in Tesla’s systems, and polarized reactions. Some criticize the methodology, while others allege bias, suggesting a foreign-backed plot to undermine Chinese automakers and delay Level 3 standards. Skeptics dismiss these claims, viewing the test as highlighting real-world limitations. More balanced views see the controversy as a necessary step towards accurately representing autonomous driving capabilities and avoiding public misinformation.

VeriSign announced that Berkshire Hathaway is selling 4.3 million shares of its common stock at $285.00 per share in a secondary offering underwritten by J.P. Morgan Securities. The sale aims to reduce Berkshire Hathaway’s ownership below 10%, avoiding regulatory oversight. Berkshire Hathaway has agreed to a 365-day lock-up period on its remaining shares. Underwriters have an option to purchase an additional 515,032 shares. Proceeds will go to the selling stockholders, not VeriSign.

Beijing will launch a national childcare subsidy in 2025, offering ¥3,600 annually per child until age three. Trip.com CEO James Liang argues subsidies boost demand and stimulate the economy, calling children the best investment amid overcapacity. However, critics note the subsidy covers only a small fraction of childcare costs. The article proposes tiered support: cash subsidies (¥1,000-¥3,000 monthly based on the number of children), tax/social security reductions, and housing subsidies, costing 2-5% of GDP, deemed necessary to restore birth rates.

Online influencer Wangzai Xiaoqiao faces backlash after her planned masked concert stirred controversy. Accusations of plagiarism, with similarity scores reportedly reaching 97%, surfaced following an apology. Subsequently, her Weibo account was silenced and new follows on Douyin (TikTok) were restricted. The “Seeker” concert, already postponed citing the artist’s health, was criticized for its concept and ticket prices. Xiaoqiao’s Douyin follower count has also significantly decreased, highlighting the impact of authenticity concerns and pricing issues on online popularity.

Sierra Madre Gold and Silver (SMDRF) granted 2,750,000 stock options at $0.73 per share to employees, directors, management, and consultants. The options have a five-year exercise window. Vesting for most options occurs in three stages: one-third immediately, one-third after six months, and the final third after twelve months. 40,000 options are allocated to Adelaide Capital, vesting quarterly over a year. The grant awaits TSX Venture Exchange approval.

Tuvalu, a low-lying Pacific island nation threatened by rising sea levels, faces a dire climate crisis. 8,750 citizens applied for a climate migrant visa lottery to relocate to Australia, where only 280 will be selected for permanent residency under the Falepili Union Treaty. NASA data shows significant sea-level rise, potentially submerging most of Tuvalu’s land by 2050. In response, Tuvalu is creating a “digital twin” in the metaverse and exploring digital passports to maintain its statehood despite potential physical disappearance.

Ranger Energy Services (RNGR) announced the development of the industry’s first Hybrid Double Electric Workover Rig, “ECHO,” converting existing Taylor rig designs for cost-effective electrification. Expected in Q3 2025, these rigs offer improved efficiency, safety, and potential for zero emissions when plugged into well site power. ECHO rigs feature regenerative braking, modular design, and real-time diagnostics with AI support. Both initial rigs are contracted with major U.S. operators, showcasing strong market demand for electrified solutions.