Tag: US

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Beyond

ONGC gets US nod for Venezuela operations

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has received a licence from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that allows its overseas arm, ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), to resume full operations in Venezuela.

The approval removes a major sanctions-related hurdle that had restricted ONGC’s activities in the South American country for years. The company can now look at increasing oil production, making fresh investments, negotiating new agreements and potentially taking over the operatorship of some projects currently managed by Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA.

The development is important for ONGC’s overseas strategy as the company looks to increase production from its international assets and diversify its sources of crude oil. The OFAC licence also creates a path for the company to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends that have remained stuck because of restrictions on financial transactions involving Venezuela.

ONGC Finance Director Anupam Agarwal said the US approval gives the company greater freedom to operate its Venezuelan projects. Earlier, ONGC had deliberately limited activities because of the risks associated with US sanctions. With the licence now in place, the company can examine ways to increase production and improve returns from its investments.

ONGC Videsh has interests in two major Venezuelan oil projects. It holds a 40% stake in the San Cristobal project and an 11% interest in the Carabobo project. The assets are located in the oil-rich Orinoco region and form an important part of ONGC’s overseas portfolio.

Production from these projects is currently estimated at around 12,000 to 15,000 barrels per day. ONGC is targeting an increase to about 30,000 barrels per day within a year, although achieving that goal will depend on operational decisions, investment and discussions with Venezuelan authorities and partners.

One of the biggest opportunities is the possibility of gaining operatorship. At present, Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA plays a key role in operating the projects. ONGC wants to explore whether greater operational control can help improve production and efficiency.

Taking operatorship would give ONGC greater control over field development, production planning and investment decisions. However, the move would require negotiations with Venezuelan authorities and other stakeholders, meaning the licence does not automatically transfer operational control to the Indian company.

The other major issue is money owed to ONGC. Its Venezuelan investments have generated dividends that could not be repatriated because of sanctions and restrictions on financial transactions. The outstanding amount is estimated at around $600 million, while other reports put the figure at more than $500 million.

Data cited by Sahi showed that the outstanding dividend receivable of an ONGC Videsh subsidiary from Venezuelan associate PIVSA stood at ₹4,818.47 crore as of December 31, 2025, up from ₹4,758.44 crore three months earlier. The new US licence could allow ONGC to begin discussions aimed at recovering these funds.

For ONGC, recovering the money would provide a significant financial boost. However, the process may not be immediate. The company will need to work with its Venezuelan partners and navigate local procedures before the pending dividends can be converted into cash and transferred out of the country.

The US decision also reflects a broader change in the operating environment for Venezuela’s oil industry. US sanctions have historically restricted international companies from freely conducting business with Venezuelan entities. Recent policy changes have gradually opened the door for selected international energy companies to return or expand their presence in the country.

That shift is creating opportunities for international oil companies while also increasing competition for Venezuela’s energy assets. ONGC will therefore need to balance the potential returns from its Venezuelan investments against geopolitical and operational risks.

The company’s latest move comes as it works to strengthen production across its domestic and international portfolio. ONGC has been investing heavily in exploration and production while also seeking partnerships to improve output from mature fields.

Its overseas arm, OVL, remains an important part of this strategy. The company has interests in projects across several countries, including Russia, Mozambique and Venezuela. ONGC has previously indicated that international assets can provide additional production and help diversify its energy portfolio.

The Venezuela opportunity is particularly significant because of the country’s vast crude reserves. Increased production from ONGC’s existing assets could strengthen its international oil output at a time when India remains heavily dependent on imports to meet domestic energy requirements.

For India, the development could also support the broader objective of energy security. Having stakes in overseas oilfields gives Indian companies access to additional sources of crude and reduces dependence on any single geographical region.

At the same time, Venezuela remains a challenging market. Political developments, regulatory changes, infrastructure constraints and the condition of oilfields could affect ONGC’s plans. The company will also need to invest in production and infrastructure if it wants to achieve its target of doubling output.

Investors are likely to closely track three developments: the recovery of the pending dividends, progress towards operatorship and the pace at which oil production increases. A successful execution of these plans could improve the financial contribution from ONGC Videsh’s Venezuelan assets.

The OFAC licence therefore marks more than a regulatory clearance for ONGC. It gives the Indian oil major an opportunity to revive assets that had remained constrained by sanctions, recover money that had been locked up and seek greater control over production.

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Corporate

US weighs China tech ban as AI supply chains tighten

The United States is moving to tighten restrictions on Chinese technology used in two strategically important areas, artificial intelligence infrastructure and renewable energy, as the Trump administration seeks to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

The latest move involves a possible US ban on new Chinese-made optical transceivers, components that are critical to the high-speed networks connecting servers inside data centres. At the same time, an existing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restriction on new foreign-made power inverters is pushing companies to expand manufacturing capacity in the US.

The developments underline a broader shift in US technology and energy policy, where supply-chain security is increasingly being treated as a national security issue.

The FCC is reportedly preparing a proposal that would add new-model optical transceivers manufactured in China to equipment covered by restrictions under the Secure Networks Act. The precise definition of a Chinese manufacturer and what qualifies as a “new model” has not yet been disclosed.

Optical transceivers may not be as familiar to consumers as AI chips or servers, but they are essential to modern data centres. They convert electrical signals into optical signals and allow huge volumes of data to move rapidly through fibre-optic networks.

That makes them particularly important as companies race to build AI data centres. Advanced AI systems require enormous computing power, but the chips themselves are only part of the equation. The processors also need fast, reliable connections to communicate with one another and share data.

China has a major position in this supply chain. According to TrendForce data cited by Tom’s Hardware, Chinese optical-module manufacturers account for about 56% of global manufacturing capacity for the technology in 2026. The proposed restrictions are therefore aimed not only at cybersecurity concerns but also at reducing US dependence on Chinese suppliers.

US officials have argued that Chinese-made equipment used in critical infrastructure could create cybersecurity and national-security vulnerabilities. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said restrictions are intended to encourage companies to bring production to the US before potentially risky foreign technologies become deeply embedded in American infrastructure.

The FCC has already taken similar action involving other technologies. Since December, the agency has restricted new models of foreign drones, routers, robots and power inverters, with waivers available to some non-Chinese suppliers. In July, the FCC also barred new Chinese humanoid and quadruped robots and connected power inverters from gaining US approval.

The inverter restrictions are already beginning to reshape the US solar industry.

Power inverters are a critical part of solar and battery systems because they convert electricity and enable renewable-energy installations and storage systems to connect with the electricity grid. The US has traditionally relied heavily on imported inverter equipment.

Wood Mackenzie estimates that more than 200 GWac of photovoltaic inverters have been supplied to commercial, industrial and utility-scale projects in the US over the past decade. More than 90% were imported, including more than 70 GW from Chinese-headquartered manufacturers, most of which were supplied from factories in Southeast Asia. Chinese vendors accounted for nearly half of the US inverter market in 2024 and 2025.

The new restrictions could have significant consequences for solar developers because US-made equipment is currently more expensive. Wood Mackenzie expects average inverter prices to increase in 2027 as procurement shifts away from cheaper foreign products towards domestic manufacturing.

However, the US is also rapidly expanding its ability to make the equipment at home. Manufacturers have announced plans for more than 100 GWac of US photovoltaic and power-conversion-system inverter manufacturing capacity by the end of 2027. If those projects are completed, domestic production could meet the new demand created by the FCC restrictions.

The immediate challenge is cost. Domestic manufacturing involves higher labour, component and production expenses, meaning solar project developers could face higher upfront costs. Wood Mackenzie expects prices to moderate over time as more factories come online and competition increases.

The shift could nevertheless provide companies with greater supply-chain certainty. Developers would become less exposed to sudden import restrictions, geopolitical tensions or changes in US-China trade policy.

The same calculation is now emerging in the AI sector. US hyperscalers are investing heavily in data centres and increasingly depend on optical interconnects to move data between large numbers of AI processors. A sudden restriction on Chinese optical transceivers could therefore increase procurement costs and put pressure on availability while alternative suppliers expand production.

Industry analysts have warned that restrictions could also have unintended consequences for American technology companies. Cutting off a major supplier base could increase costs for data-centre operators and potentially affect the efficiency and pace of AI infrastructure expansion.

There are also questions about how quickly alternative supply chains can develop. While the US is building domestic capacity in areas such as solar inverters, optical networking has a different manufacturing ecosystem and China currently holds a substantial share of global capacity.

The policy also faces concerns over transparency. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has supported the national-security rationale behind the restrictions but criticised what she described as a chaotic rollout of major technology-policy changes. She has called for greater transparency to ensure that the rules do not appear to favour particular companies or technologies.

For the US, the broader objective is becoming clear: reduce dependence on China in technologies considered essential to the future economy. AI data centres, fibre-optic networks, solar installations and battery systems are increasingly being viewed not merely as commercial infrastructure but as strategic assets.

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Beyond

Kevin Warsh faces rate-policy divide

Kevin Warsh is facing an early and unusually difficult test as chairman of the US Federal Reserve, after a sharp split emerged within the central bank over interest rates and the best way to control inflation.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75% at its July 28-29 meeting. But the decision was far from unanimous. Three officials voted for a 25-basis-point rate increase, leaving the final vote at 9-3. It was the first time since 1993 that three Fed policymakers dissented in favour of a rate hike.

The disagreement puts Warsh, who took over as Fed chair earlier this year, in a challenging position. His immediate task is not simply to decide where interest rates should go, but also to keep policymakers working together while maintaining confidence in the US central bank.

Warsh has repeatedly stressed the importance of price stability and has adopted a more data-driven approach to monetary policy. After the latest meeting, he indicated that the Fed would remain focused on bringing inflation back towards its 2% target. The central bank has kept rates unchanged throughout 2026 so far, as policymakers weigh persistent inflation against the health of the labour market and wider economic risks.

The three dissenters wanted rates to rise immediately, reflecting concern that inflation remains too high. The majority, however, preferred to wait for more evidence before tightening monetary policy.

That difference matters because the US economy is presenting the Fed with competing signals. Economic activity remains relatively solid, while productivity and capital investment have been strong. At the same time, inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. The central bank has also been monitoring the impact of energy prices, geopolitical tensions and other supply-side pressures.

For households and businesses, the Fed’s decision has wider implications. Higher interest rates can make borrowing more expensive for consumers and companies, while keeping rates higher for longer can weigh on investment and spending. A premature rate cut, on the other hand, could risk allowing inflation to remain stubbornly high.

Financial markets are therefore watching Warsh’s every signal. Investors are trying to determine whether the July decision represents a temporary pause or the beginning of a longer period of tight monetary policy.

The bond market has already reflected some of that uncertainty. Treasury yields have moved higher this year, while investors have been reassessing expectations for the path of US interest rates. The Fed’s own July monetary policy report noted that market expectations had shifted towards higher rates, with investors at the time pricing the federal funds rate at around 4% by the end of 2026.

Warsh’s communication style is also attracting attention. Rather than offering strong forward guidance about future rate moves, he has indicated that the Fed should allow incoming economic data and financial conditions to shape decisions. That approach gives policymakers more flexibility, but it can also leave investors with fewer clear signals about what comes next.

The challenge is particularly important because the Federal Reserve’s credibility depends not only on its decisions but also on its ability to present a coherent policy message. A visibly divided FOMC can make markets more uncertain and complicate the transmission of monetary policy.

The disagreement does not necessarily mean the Fed is in crisis. Policymakers have always held different views about inflation, employment and interest rates. But the size and direction of the July split make it an important moment for Warsh’s leadership.

The chairman will also have to balance competing pressures from outside the Fed. President Donald Trump has previously pushed for lower interest rates, while Warsh has sought to emphasise the central bank’s responsibility for price stability. Maintaining the Fed’s policy independence will therefore remain an important part of his job.

The July meeting also showed how difficult the current economic environment has become. Policymakers must assess inflation without ignoring employment, economic growth, financial markets and geopolitical developments. The Middle East conflict, in particular, has added uncertainty around energy prices and inflation.

The Fed’s internal split could also shape expectations for the dollar, US Treasury yields and global markets. Any signal that policymakers are leaning towards higher rates could strengthen the dollar and push borrowing costs higher worldwide, while a shift towards rate cuts could have the opposite effect. For investors, the focus will now remain on upcoming inflation and jobs data, as well as how Warsh manages differing views within the FOMC.

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Beyond

US bans new Chinese humanoid robots

The United States has tightened its technology restrictions on China by blocking new imports of Chinese-made humanoid and four-legged robots, citing national security and cybersecurity risks. The move comes at a sensitive time for US-China relations, just weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet US President Donald Trump in September.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the restrictions on July 28, adding foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to its list of equipment considered a national security risk. The decision means new models of humanoid robots, quadruped robots and certain connected power inverters will face a major barrier to entering the US market.

The policy is particularly significant because China has built a commanding position in the global humanoid robot market. Chinese manufacturers are estimated to account for about 85% of the worldwide humanoid robotics market. The country has also rapidly increased production, lowered costs and expanded exports as companies race to commercialise robots that can work in factories, warehouses and other environments.

The FCC says the decision is not simply about trade competition. It argues that advanced robots can create cybersecurity and supply-chain risks because they combine cameras, sensors, wireless connectivity and sophisticated software. If compromised, such devices could potentially collect data, disrupt operations or become a pathway into connected networks.

The agency has also raised concerns about dependence on foreign manufacturing for technologies that could become important to US industry and national infrastructure. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the commission wanted to help secure America’s critical supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities linked to offshore production.

For ordinary consumers, the impact will not be immediate across every robot already sold in the United States. The restrictions are aimed mainly at new or previously unauthorised models. Robots that have already received the necessary US approvals are not simply being removed from the market because of the new decision.

That distinction matters for Chinese robotics companies that already have products in the US. Unitree Technology, one of China’s best-known robot makers, is among the companies most exposed to the policy. Its humanoid and quadruped robots have become popular because they are considerably cheaper than many competing platforms developed in the US.

Unitree is now facing the issue at an important moment. The company is preparing for a planned Shanghai STAR Market initial public offering, and it has warned investors that growing US restrictions could affect its overseas expansion. More than 40% of its revenue has come from international markets in the periods disclosed in its IPO filing, while the US has accounted for as much as 19.54% of sales.

The broader numbers show why the US decision could have an impact beyond one company. Around 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped worldwide in 2025, according to Omdia data cited by the Associated Press. Chinese companies Unitree and AGIBOT each shipped more than 5,000 units, while leading US companies such as Tesla and Figure AI shipped only a few hundred or fewer.

This gap has become an important part of the US-China technology race. Washington is increasingly concerned that Chinese companies could establish the same kind of cost and manufacturing advantage in robotics that they have built in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries and solar equipment.

For the United States, humanoid robots are no longer viewed simply as futuristic machines. They are increasingly linked to artificial intelligence, manufacturing and industrial automation. The idea is that robots powered by increasingly capable AI systems could eventually take on repetitive or physically demanding jobs, helping factories address labour shortages and increase productivity.

That is also why the restrictions are closely connected to America’s broader AI strategy. The Trump administration wants more strategic manufacturing and technology production to take place inside the United States. Officials have argued that allowing foreign companies to dominate key parts of the robotics supply chain could create vulnerabilities as the technology becomes more important.

China has strongly rejected the US action. Beijing has accused Washington of using national security as a justification for protectionism and targeting Chinese businesses. The Chinese government has warned that it will take necessary measures if US actions materially harm Chinese interests.

The timing makes the dispute even more politically sensitive. The robot restrictions were announced ahead of a planned September meeting between Trump and Xi. Technology, trade and supply-chain security are already major points of tension between the two countries, and the new robotics restrictions could add another issue to the agenda.

For China, the immediate US market may be important, but its enormous domestic market gives its robot makers room to continue scaling. Analysts cited by the Associated Press believe restricting access to the US is unlikely by itself to slow China’s overall humanoid robotics development significantly because Chinese manufacturers have a large home market and growing opportunities elsewhere.

The US-China technology rivalry is therefore moving into a new area. After years of disputes over semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and drones, humanoid robots are becoming another strategic battleground.

 

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Technology

Tech giants push for open-weight AI

Some of the world’s biggest technology companies, including Nvidia, Microsoft and Meta, have joined forces to defend open-weight AI models, arguing that making powerful artificial intelligence models more accessible is essential for innovation, economic growth and maintaining the United States’ leadership in AI.

The companies, along with more than 150 technology firms, startups, research organisations and investors, have signed a joint letter urging the US government to support open-weight AI development rather than impose restrictions that could slow innovation. The appeal comes as policymakers debate tighter controls on advanced AI systems amid growing competition from China and increasing concerns over national security.

The coalition argues that open-weight AI models are becoming a crucial part of the global AI ecosystem because they allow developers, researchers and businesses to build advanced AI applications without starting from scratch. Unlike fully closed AI systems, open-weight models make their trained parameters, or “weights”, available to users, enabling them to fine-tune models for specific industries and use cases while still allowing developers to set licensing conditions.

The companies said this approach has accelerated AI innovation by lowering barriers for startups, universities and enterprises that cannot afford to build large AI models independently. They believe restricting access to open-weight models could weaken the broader AI ecosystem and reduce opportunities for smaller innovators.

The industry’s push comes at a time when the AI race is intensifying globally. Chinese AI companies have rapidly improved their capabilities by releasing powerful open-weight models, prompting concerns that limiting access to similar technologies in the United States could give overseas competitors a significant advantage.

In the letter addressed to US policymakers, the coalition warned that restrictions on open-weight AI could have unintended economic consequences. According to the signatories, hundreds of American companies currently rely on these models to develop AI-powered products and services. Limiting their availability, they argued, would hurt innovation, reduce competitiveness and place thousands of jobs at risk.

The companies also stressed that open-weight AI has become an important driver of entrepreneurship. Startups use these models to build applications across healthcare, education, financial services, software development, manufacturing and scientific research without having to invest billions of dollars in creating foundational AI models from the ground up.

Nvidia, one of the world’s leading AI chipmakers, said open-weight AI has played a key role in expanding the AI ecosystem by enabling developers to innovate more quickly. The company believes that broader access to AI technology encourages experimentation, improves software development and accelerates adoption across industries.

Microsoft echoed similar views, describing open-weight AI as an important element of responsible AI development. The company said making model weights available promotes transparency, collaboration and broader participation while allowing organisations to customise AI systems to meet local business, regulatory and cultural requirements.

According to Microsoft’s definition, open-weight AI models provide access to trained model parameters while giving developers flexibility to inspect, fine-tune and deploy the models. However, they are not the same as fully open-source software, as licensing terms and access conditions may still apply depending on the developer.

Meta, which has released several versions of its Llama AI models under an open-weight approach, has repeatedly argued that accessible AI benefits developers, researchers and businesses worldwide. The company says open-weight models encourage healthy competition and help prevent AI innovation from being controlled by only a handful of large corporations.

Supporters also argue that open-weight AI strengthens cybersecurity because researchers can independently test models, identify vulnerabilities and improve safety measures. They believe greater transparency enables faster identification of potential risks compared with closed systems, where only the original developers have full access.

The debate has intensified following rapid advances in Chinese AI, particularly after the emergence of competitive large language models that have challenged the dominance of American technology companies. Industry leaders fear that imposing stricter rules on domestic AI developers while competitors continue expanding overseas could slow US technological progress.

At the same time, governments remain concerned about the misuse of advanced AI models for cyberattacks, misinformation and other harmful activities. Policymakers are therefore trying to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting national security.

The coalition acknowledged these concerns but argued that responsible governance can coexist with open-weight AI development. Instead of broad restrictions, the companies have called for targeted safeguards, responsible licensing practices and continued collaboration between governments, researchers and industry.

The letter reflects growing consensus across the technology sector that AI leadership will increasingly depend not only on powerful computing infrastructure and advanced chips but also on ensuring developers have access to high-quality AI models that can be adapted for real-world applications.

With governments worldwide preparing new AI regulations, the industry’s message is clear: maintaining access to open-weight AI models, while introducing appropriate safeguards, will be essential to keeping innovation alive and ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared across the broader economy rather than concentrated among a few technology giants.

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Beyond

US invests $5 bn in AI healthcare research

The United States has announced a $5 billion investment to accelerate research using artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, construction and other critical sectors, marking one of the country’s biggest public commitments to AI-driven scientific innovation. The funding aims to help researchers solve complex real-world problems faster while strengthening America’s leadership in advanced technologies.

The investment will support a nationwide research initiative that brings together government agencies, universities, national laboratories and private companies. By combining expertise from multiple sectors, the programme seeks to use AI to improve public health, modernise infrastructure and speed up scientific discoveries that could benefit millions of people.

US officials said artificial intelligence has reached a stage where it can significantly improve the pace and quality of research. Instead of replacing scientists, AI will act as a powerful assistant, helping researchers analyse massive datasets, identify patterns and generate insights that would otherwise take years to uncover.

A major focus of the programme will be healthcare research, where AI is expected to assist in discovering new medicines, improving disease diagnosis and supporting personalised treatment. Researchers believe AI can reduce the time needed to analyse medical data, identify promising drug candidates and understand complex diseases more efficiently.

For patients, this could eventually translate into earlier diagnoses, better treatment options and faster development of life-saving therapies. AI is already being used in areas such as medical imaging, cancer detection and clinical research, and the new funding is expected to accelerate these efforts.

The initiative will also support construction research, an area where AI is increasingly being used to improve project planning, building design and workplace safety. Researchers hope advanced AI tools can help engineers create stronger, more energy-efficient buildings while reducing construction costs and project delays.

Artificial intelligence can also assist in predicting maintenance needs for roads, bridges and public infrastructure, helping governments address problems before they become costly repairs. Officials believe this could improve infrastructure resilience while making public spending more efficient.

Beyond healthcare and construction, the investment will strengthen scientific research across multiple disciplines, including climate science, advanced manufacturing, materials research and engineering. AI-powered computing systems will help scientists process enormous volumes of information, allowing them to conduct more complex simulations and experiments.

The programme will rely heavily on advanced computing infrastructure, including high-performance computing systems capable of handling large-scale AI models. These powerful computing resources will be made available to researchers working on projects with significant public benefit.

Officials said the initiative is designed to ensure that researchers from universities, federal laboratories and smaller institutions can access cutting-edge AI tools, not just large technology companies. Expanding access to AI infrastructure is expected to encourage innovation across the broader scientific community.

The announcement comes as countries around the world race to strengthen their artificial intelligence capabilities. Governments are increasing investments in AI research to improve economic competitiveness, support technological leadership and address national challenges through innovation.

The United States has also emphasised the importance of developing AI responsibly. Alongside improving research capabilities, the programme will encourage transparency, security and ethical use of artificial intelligence in scientific applications. Officials said ensuring public trust remains essential as AI becomes more deeply integrated into research and decision-making.

Experts believe the investment could create new opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry and government. By bringing together AI developers, scientists, engineers and healthcare professionals, the programme aims to accelerate discoveries that can move more quickly from research laboratories into practical use.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem by supporting high-skilled jobs, encouraging technology development and attracting future investment in AI-powered research.

Industry observers say the $5 billion commitment highlights how artificial intelligence is becoming a central tool for solving some of society’s biggest challenges. From improving healthcare outcomes to building smarter infrastructure, AI is increasingly seen as a technology capable of transforming multiple sectors.

The funding is expected to be rolled out over the coming years through research grants and collaborative projects involving universities, national laboratories and industry partners. As governments worldwide increase spending on artificial intelligence, the latest US initiative signals a long-term push to harness AI for faster scientific discoveries, stronger infrastructure and improved public health.

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Uncategorized

US proposes ban on Chinese military drones

The United States has moved to restrict imports of foreign-made military-grade drones, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposing new rules citing national security concerns.

The move is expected to impact Chinese drone manufacturers, which dominate a large share of the global commercial drone market. The proposal targets advanced drones, including those with military applications, surveillance capabilities and specialised technology.

Existing drones will not be affected, and certain exemptions will remain in place. The FCC has invited public comments before finalising the rules, as Washington continues efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen domestic drone production.

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Beyond

US removes sanctions on four Indian companies

The United States has removed sanctions on four Indian companies that were previously accused of helping Russia evade Western trade restrictions. The decision, announced by the US Treasury Department, marks a significant development in economic ties between Washington and New Delhi.

The four firms, Aashiyaan Shipping & Logistics Pvt Ltd, Alchemical Solutions Pvt Ltd, Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd and RRG Engineering Technologies Pvt Ltd, have been taken off the US sanctions list. Their names have also been removed from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) database, meaning they are no longer subject to the restrictions imposed earlier.

The companies had been sanctioned in 2024 for allegedly supplying goods and services that were believed to support Russia’s defence and industrial sectors following the Ukraine conflict. At the time, the sanctions restricted their access to the US financial system and limited business dealings with American entities.

The US Treasury has not provided a detailed explanation for the decision to delist the companies. However, removal from the sanctions list generally follows a review process in which authorities determine that the basis for the restrictions no longer applies or that legal requirements for delisting have been met.

The move is being viewed as a positive signal for India-US commercial relations, especially as both countries continue to deepen cooperation in trade, technology and strategic sectors. Business experts say the decision could help restore confidence among companies engaged in international trade.

India has consistently maintained that its trade with Russia complies with international obligations and has defended its independent foreign policy, particularly in areas such as energy imports and commercial engagement.

The announcement comes at a time when India and the United States are expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, clean energy and advanced technology. Officials from both countries have repeatedly emphasised the importance of strengthening economic partnerships despite differences over some geopolitical issues.

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Beyond

Trump sets quantum cybersecurity deadlines

The United States has launched a major effort to strengthen its digital defences against future cyber threats posed by quantum computing, with President Donald Trump signing a new executive order that sets firm deadlines for the adoption of post-quantum cryptography across federal systems.

The move comes amid growing concerns that powerful quantum computers could eventually crack many of today’s widely used encryption methods, potentially exposing sensitive government, business and personal data. Cybersecurity experts have long warned about a future scenario known as “harvest now, decrypt later,” where attackers collect encrypted information today in the hope of breaking it once quantum technology becomes powerful enough.

Under the new directive, federal agencies will be required to accelerate their transition to post-quantum cryptography, a new generation of encryption designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers. The order establishes clear timelines for protecting critical government systems and high-value digital assets over the coming years.

The White House said the initiative is aimed at safeguarding national security, critical infrastructure and the broader digital economy. Officials warned that adversaries are investing heavily in advanced computing technologies, making it essential for the US to prepare before quantum threats become a reality.

Alongside the cybersecurity measures, the administration also unveiled a broader quantum technology strategy focused on accelerating research and development. The plan includes efforts to advance next-generation quantum computers, strengthen domestic innovation and maintain US leadership in a field increasingly viewed as strategically important.

The executive order reflects a growing recognition that quantum computing represents both an opportunity and a security challenge. While the technology promises breakthroughs in science, medicine and artificial intelligence, it could also undermine traditional cybersecurity protections if preparations are delayed.

By setting clear deadlines and accelerating the shift to quantum-resistant security, Washington hopes to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure that critical data remains protected in the decades ahead.

Also Read: China leads supercomputer rankings after 9 years

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1 Minute-Read

Vedanta, Hindalco, NALCO shares tumble after aluminium slide

Shares of major aluminium producers fell sharply on Wednesday after global aluminium prices declined following reports of a US-Iran peace agreement. Vedanta, Hindalco and NALCO dropped up to 5–6% as investors reacted to expectations of improved metal supplies and lower geopolitical risks.

The proposed deal is expected to reduce tensions in the Middle East and could eventually ease concerns over energy and raw material disruptions, factors that had supported aluminium prices in recent months. Analysts said weaker aluminium prices may impact profitability for producers, prompting selling pressure in metal stocks despite broader market strength.