THE HOT STORY

Russia taps India for workers

Russia is facing a significant labour shortage exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Traditional sources of labour from Central Asia have dwindled, prompting Moscow to turn to India for assistance. In 2022, nearly 72,000 work permits were issued to Indian nationals, an increase from 5,000 in 2021. President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime ‌Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal in December to make it easier for Indians to work in Russia. Denis Manturov, Russia's first ‌deputy prime minister, said at the time that Russia could accept an “unlimited number” of Indian workers.

Arab News

WORKFORCE

Hong Kong's auditors warned over IPO workloads

Hong Kong's Accounting and Financial Reporting Council has warned auditors handling initial public offerings to evaluate their resources and expertise. The regulator has expressed concern that increased listing activity could compromise audit quality. In an open letter, officials noted that some auditors serving public interest entities are managing exceptionally high workloads alongside existing responsibilities, warning that the situation raises questions about their ability to maintain professional standards.

Bloomberg Tax

TECHNOLOGY

GE trains robots for repairs

GE Aerospace is upgrading its Singapore repair hub with automation, digital tools, and AI to address overloaded engine repair queues and scarce parts. Veteran technician Suresh Sinnaiyan is teaching a robot to replicate the delicate manual “blending” of compressor blades, a task requiring “eye, feel and coordination.” GE says the broader effort could total up to $300m and raise repair volume by 33% without expanding floor space. Chief executive Larry Culp said, “It’s not about sprinting at quarter’s end . . . It is making every hour and every day count.”

Reuters

LEGAL

Court rules in favour of harassed employee

After a lengthy legal battle spanning over two decades, the Madras High Court has ruled that a female employee of the Railway Employees' Cooperative Society in Chennai experienced sexual harassment at work. Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy stated: "Disciplinary proceedings initiated against the employee are victimisation." The employee had faced harassment since 1998 and had pursued multiple complaints against her harasser.

The Times of India

ECONOMY

Vietnam's e-commerce sales surge 26% as shoppers grow more price-conscious

Vietnam’s e-commerce market continued its rapid expansion in 2025, with gross merchandise value across Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Tiki rising 26% year-on-year to VND458tn ($17.6bn), significantly outpacing overall retail growth of 9.2%. However, beneath the strong headline growth, consumers became increasingly price-sensitive. In the fourth quarter, sales volumes fell 8% compared with a year earlier, while average selling prices jumped 33%, largely due to higher platform fees passed on by sellers. As a result, shoppers, particularly younger consumers, grew more cautious, prioritising essential goods over discretionary spending.

Tuoi Tre News

INTERNATIONAL

Ford boosts bonuses to 130% amid quality gains

Ford Motor chief executive Jim Farley announced a companywide bonus of 130% during a recent town hall, attributing the increase to improved vehicle quality metrics. The bonuses apply to Ford's global salaried workforce of about 75,000 employees and are based on annual performance metrics. Farley described the bonuses as an investment in workers. Despite recent challenges, including recalls and missed earnings expectations, Ford's stock has risen 47% over the past year.

Detroit Local News

Amazon logistical centres in Italy are inspected

The Italian Data Protection Authority and the National Labour Inspectorate have launched a joint oversight initiative targeting Amazon logistical centres. "The activity," a statement explains, "arises from technical investigations initiated in response to press reports that highlighted potential critical issues in the acquisition and processing of workers' personal data and the use of video surveillance systems in the absence of the guarantees required by the Workers' Statute. The intervention concerns the main logistics hubs, specifically the Passo Corese and Castel San Giovanni centres."

ANSA.it

Saudi Arabia appoints new investment minister

Saudi Arabia has appointed Fahad Al-Saif as its new investment minister. He replaces Khalid Al-Falih, who served in the role since 2020 and will remain in the cabinet as Minister of State. Bloomberg says the change - which was announced as part of a broader reshuffle that affected dozens of roles - comes at a critical time for the kingdom as it reviews its policies and spending priorities amid broader fiscal pressures.

Financial Times

Saudi Gazette

Bloomberg

Congo mandates local ownership in mining

The Democratic Republic of Congo will enforce a rule requiring mining companies to ensure that 5% of their share capital is owned by local employees. Mines Minister Louis Watum said that firms must comply by July 31, 2026. The directive could impact major players in the copper and cobalt sectors. Congo is a leading producer of these minerals. The order references the 2018 mining code, which has seen inconsistent enforcement in the past. Companies including Glencore and CMOC have yet to comment on the new requirements.

Mining

OTHER

Chinese New Year sparks retailer frenzy

As the Chinese New Year approaches, retailers are preparing for a significant consumption surge during the nine-day holiday. JD's 7Fresh supermarket chain has opened two flagship stores in Beijing and Shanghai, attracting over 35,000 customers on the first day alone. The Beijing store, spanning 4,000 sq m, focuses on fresh produce with offerings like "24-Hour Vegetables" and "24-Hour Eggs". Wumart Group is also promoting sales with its "Crazy 4:30" flash sales. A representative from Wumart said: "Ensuring the steady supply of essential goods . . . is our top priority."

China Daily

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