Global Scans · Transhumanism · Weekly Summary

• [New] A law firm remarked that liberalizing opportunities for founders to obtain H-1B status would increase the number of companies established by graduates of U.S. universities. Federal Register
• [New] With the political changes and the potential return of Donald Trump to power, the tech industry anticipates possibly stricter regulations on H-1B visas, reflecting broader immigration reform concerns. Expat.com
• [New] Immigration Restrictions: Stricter immigration laws and tighter H-1B visa policies could impact Indian professionals, especially in the tech sector. PMF IAS
• Nvidia's H 100s were the chip of choice for tech companies looking to train AI models, but now that tech companies are focusing more on inference, some have questioned whether Nvidia's expensive chips will still stay on top. TechCrunch
• Intel's new Arrow Lake chips will be available on laptops starting Q1, with the 200 HX making their debut on gaming laptops before 200 H and 200 U chips. Republic World
• Employers will still benefit from portability in the form of the ability to employ workers earlier since portability petitions are for workers who are already in the United States in H-2 status and will not need to wait for petition approval and visa issuance. Federal Register
• A trade association stated that in part due to increased industrial job opportunities in Mexico, Texas farmers have begun to rely more heavily on H-2A workers to fill labour gaps. Federal Register
• If more entrepreneurs are able to obtain H-1B status to develop their business enterprise, the United States could benefit from the creation of jobs, new industries, and new opportunities. Federal Register
• Personal accident and health (PA & H) insurance is forecast to contribute 10% of general insurance premiums in 2024. Insurance Business
• The Mireo Plus H hydrogen train has been authorised for passenger operation and will debut on the Heidekrautbahn line in Berlin-Brandenburg. Railway-News
• Strong winds are a concern, with gusts exceeding 64-80 km/h (40-50 mph) forecast along coastal areas from New York City to northern Maine. The Watchers
• Intel will be returning to the Meteor Lake, Raptor Lake, and Alder Lake architectures with the Core Ultra 200 U, Core 200 U, and Core 200 H processors. Laptop Mag
• There is a fear that the H4 - EAD program, which allows spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the U.S., could be curtailed. The American Bazaar
• Once fully operational, the RRTS will reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut to just one hour, with trains running at speeds of up to 160 km/h and serving an estimated 800,000 passengers. FinancialExpress
• The ICE 3 train will offer 444 seats, including 111 in first class, and will reach speeds of up to 320 km/h on the French high-speed rail network. Aviation24.be
• Further streamlining the H-2A category for agricultural visas, expanding the H-2B visa category for seasonal nonagricultural jobs and creating a work visa for year-round jobs for Mexicans could be the price the Mexican government requests to act as America's gatekeeper. Forbes
• The incoming Trump administration has signaled that it will crack down on H-1B visas, which could make it harder for universities, research institutions, and tech firms in the U.S. to find enough highly educated workers. Immigration news
• Growth is anticipated to resume in 2025, fuelled by changing demographics and a stronger focus on health and wellness, particularly through personal accident and health (PA & H) insurance and whole life policies. Insurance Business
• Areas expected to be hit hardest include northern Vancouver Island and the north and central coasts, but gusts of up to 100 km/h are also forecast for heavily populated centers including Victoria and the Sunshine Coast. vancouversun
• Environment Canada is warning that a bomb cyclone is expected to bring powerful winds to most of Vancouver Island and the B.C. coast, with hurricane-force gusts of 120 km/h predicted for some areas this week. vancouversun
• Gusts between 50-60 km/h are forecast in Metro Vancouver, and up to 80 km/h for Delta, as well as in the exposed areas along the shoreline in the south and west. Yahoo News
• Winds gusting up to 100 km/h can be expected in parts of Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, coastal areas of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, the north and south Gulf Islands, and the Central Coast. CBC

Last updated: 27 January 2025