Google and Apple warned H-1B visa holders against international travel due to embassy delays stretching up to 12 months. Immigration law firms BAL (Google) and Fragomen (Apple) issued memos cautioning employees that traveling abroad risks extended stays outside the US due to visa stamping appointment backlogs. The State Department confirmed embassies now prioritize thorough vetting over speed, implementing expanded social media screening for H-1B workers and dependents. Many Indian nationals had December appointments cancelled or postponed. Immigration attorney Jason Finkelman advised employees to "stay put" unless travel is essential. Both companies are monitoring the situation closely as disruptions could continue into 2025, urging staff to avoid non-essential international travel. (PC: India Today)

President Trump's $100,000 fee for new H-1B workers hired from outside the US will significantly impact IT outsourcing firms, particularly Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Cognizant Technology Solutions. Bloomberg analysis reveals nearly 90% of these companies' new H-1B hires between May 2020-2024 were approved at US consulates and would face this fee. Infosys alone would have paid over $1 billion for 10,400+ workers (93% of new hires). Tata would owe fees for 6,500 workers (82%), while Cognizant faces charges for 5,600+ employees (89%). Industry experts predict the fee will drive jobs overseas, particularly to India, and could reduce lottery entries by 30-50% next year, despite legal challenges pending. (PC: Daily Excelsior)

Warner Bros Discovery's board is expected to reject Paramount's $108.4 billion takeover bid and recommend shareholders vote against the offer, potentially announcing the decision Wednesday. The company appears poised to recommit to Netflix's $72 billion cash-and-stock bid for Warner Bros' non-cable assets. Paramount CEO David Ellison countered with a $30-per-share all-cash offer for the entire company, financed by $41 billion in equity from the Ellison family and RedBird Capital, plus $54 billion in debt commitments. The winner will secure Warner Bros' extensive film and television library, including classics like Casablanca and contemporary hits like Harry Potter and Friends, along with HBO and HBO Max streaming service, a significant advantage in streaming wars. (PC: Pinterest) 

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore ($17.5 billion) investment marking it's largest in Asia, during his meeting with PM Narendra Modi Wednesday evening, focused on developing India's AI infrastructure and capabilities. This follows Microsoft's earlier $3 billion commitment for Bengaluru's cloud and AI infrastructure, including upskilling and data centers. Modi responded: "When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India!" Microsoft's statement emphasized India's emergence as a "frontier AI nation" and catalyst for inclusive growth. The investment underscores India's value for global tech giants, joining Google's $15 billion five-year plan for its Visakhapatnam AI hub and Amazon's billions in data centers, positioning India as a crucial AI development market.

Paramount Skydance launched a hostile $108.4 billion all-cash bid for Warner Bros Discovery, disrupting Netflix's tentative $72 billion equity agreement secured Friday after weeks of bidding battles with Paramount and Comcast. Paramount's $82.7 billion offer including debt with a $5.8 billion break-up fee payable by Netflix,  proposes $30 per share versus Netflix's $28 per share for assets. The deal faces intense antitrust scrutiny. Paramount accused Warner Bros of abandoning fair bidding, allegedly predetermining Netflix as winner. President Trump indicated the Netflix-Warner Bros combination raises market share concerns, telling reporters he'd have input. Bloomberg reported Trump met Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos mid-November, suggesting Warner Bros sell to the highest bidder. (PC: YouTube, Variety & Spyglass)

US President Donald Trump expressed concerns about Netflix's $83 billion Warner Bros. acquisition Sunday, citing the streaming giant's substantial market share as potentially problematic. Trump confirmed he'll participate in the regulatory decision while praising Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the White House, for doing "one of the greatest jobs in movie history." The deal would give Netflix HBO Max, Warner Bros. studios' extensive catalog including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, DC superheroes, and classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane. Television channels Discovery and CNN would be spun off pre-sale. Netflix beat Comcast and Paramount Skydance after Warner Bros. Discovery invited offers in October.

Norway’s $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund—one of Microsoft’s biggest shareholders—voted against Satya Nadella’s reappointment as chair of the board and rejected his $96.5 million pay package at Microsoft’s Dec 5 AGM. The moves reflect the fund’s long-standing governance stance: it opposes the concentration of power when one person is both CEO and board chair, and criticizes what it considers excessive executive compensation. However, despite its opposition, Nadella’s compensation and leadership were still approved by the broader shareholder base. (PC: X)

Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has joined AI startup Perplexity as an investor and brand ambassador. He also unveiled a custom AI assistant called “Ronaldo Hub,” where fans can ask questions, browse his personal archive, and relive his greatest goals. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas welcomed Ronaldo, saying their partnership will make Perplexity “the best AI for asking questions.” With over 650 million social media followers, Ronaldo brings huge global reach to the AI firm. (PC: ETtech)

India’s government is reviewing a telecom industry proposal to mandate permanent satellite-based location tracking on smartphones, sparking fierce privacy concerns. Apple, Google, and Samsung strongly oppose the plan, warning it would turn devices into “dedicated surveillance tools.” The Cellular Operators Association of India suggested activating A-GPS technology to provide precise user locations, but critics argue this would be unprecedented globally and a regulatory overreach. The debate follows the Modi government’s recent withdrawal of an order requiring preloaded cyber safety apps after backlash. Privacy advocates stress risks to sensitive groups like military officials and journalists, while experts warn of higher surveillance power and reduced user transparency. (PC: ZDNET)

Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s film and streaming businesses, including HBO Max, for $72bn in cash and stock, creating a new entertainment giant. The deal, unanimously approved by both boards, positions Netflix ahead of rivals Comcast and Paramount. CEO Ted Sarandos said combining Warner Bros’ franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones with Netflix originals such as Stranger Things will “define the next century of storytelling.” Warner Bros films will still release in cinemas, while its TV studio can produce for third parties. Analysts warn of regulatory hurdles, possible reduced output, and higher consumer prices, though Netflix expects $2–3bn in savings from overlaps. (PC: Variety)