Global Dispatch

On-the-ground insights from our staff, including original analysis and behind-the-scenes looks at their reporting.

Different denominations of Indian currency notes arranged together, featuring portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and various security features.

Global Dispatch 15 May 2026

India’s VCs are beating American investors at home

A decade after U.S. venture capital firms fueled India’s startup boom, local investors are now dominating deals.

By Itika Sharma Punit

A drone displayed on a table beside a mannequin wearing virtual reality goggles, with a promotional screen in the background.

Global Dispatch 8 May 2026

Some Taiwanese drone math ahead of the Xi-Trump visit

Recalling my visit to Thunder Tiger, a Taiwanese company building “non-China” drones for the U.S. military.

A decorative globe designed to resemble a vinyl record, set on a golden stand, against a light gradient background.

Global Dispatch 1 May 2026

How the vinyl revival fills the gaps streaming left behind

As global sales climb, the reasons people buy records diverge sharply across cultures.

By Indranil Ghosh

A group of protesters holding signs, with a prominent blue banner reading "STOP THE AI RACE" in the foreground.

Global Dispatch 24 April 2026

AI optimism surges in Asia, unlike in the U.S.

New research shows Americans are far less excited about AI — and far less trusting of regulators — than their counterparts across Asia.

By Rina Chandran

A pile of old, discarded televisions surrounded by garbage near a brick wall.

Global Dispatch 17 April 2026

AI is about to make the global e-waste crisis much worse

As demand for AI hardware surges, much of the resulting waste will end up in non-Western countries.

By Ananya Bhattacharya

Global Dispatch 10 April 2026

Chinese entrepreneurs should go global before they go viral

The Meta-Manus deal holds lessons for U.S. investors and Chinese founders alike.

A collage of four brain illustrations, each with a different colored background: blue and pink.

Global Dispatch 3 April 2026

Will we regret the overuse of AI?

Much of the AI conversation has focused on what it can do. Now it’s time to ask what it might quietly take away.

By Itika Sharma Punit

A faceless figure in a suit stands with arms crossed, surrounded by symbols of technology and communication.

Global Dispatch 27 March 2026

In China, AI is forcing a rethink on jobs, education, and creativity

We’ve moved beyond a simple job market shift.

A metallic object, possibly a torpedo or weapon, displayed on a pedestal with a blurred cityscape in the background.

Global Dispatch 20 March 2026

The stark divide in the UAE and India war info systems

My experience of the tech platforms, media content, and official messaging of the war in two cities.

By Indranil Ghosh

Global Dispatch 13 March 2026

Robotaxis are coming to your city. Are you ready to ride?

Autonomous vehicle makers have long argued that their technology is far safer than drivers who may be drunk, sleepy, or plain mad.

By Rina Chandran

A man in a suit speaking at the AI Impact Summit, with blue tinted visuals and a grid background.

Global Dispatch 6 March 2026

The AI black box grows darker

Leaders in the field are openly suggesting that AI safety should take a backseat.

By Ananya Bhattacharya

A vintage steam train emerges from a smoky, desolate cityscape with a mysterious warning sign nearby.

Global Dispatch 27 February 2026

AI video finally works. But it’s dividing creators

AI can now generate lifelike images for film. Can it generate originality?