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US restricts access to Anthropic’s advanced AI models

The US government has ordered AI company Anthropic to restrict access to some of its most advanced artificial intelligence models for foreign nationals, citing national security and export control concerns.

The move affects Anthropic’s newly launched Claude Fable 5 and Mythos models, which are among the company’s most powerful AI systems. Under the directive, access to the models has been suspended or limited for users outside the United States while the company works to comply with the new requirements.

US officials reportedly believe that highly capable AI systems could have strategic and security implications if they are widely available without restrictions. The measures are part of a broader effort by Washington to regulate advanced technologies that could potentially be used for military, intelligence or cyber-related purposes.

Anthropic confirmed that access to the affected models had been restricted following government instructions. The company said it is working closely with authorities to ensure compliance while assessing the impact on customers and developers who rely on its AI tools.

The decision has triggered debate within the technology industry. Critics argue that limiting access based on nationality could slow global research collaboration and create barriers for legitimate users. Supporters, however, say advanced AI technologies require stronger safeguards as their capabilities continue to grow.

The issue gained further attention after Anthropic published details about the security testing and safety evaluations conducted on its latest models. The company said the assessments were intended to identify risks and ensure the systems could be deployed responsibly.

Industry experts view the development as a sign that governments are taking a more active role in regulating cutting-edge AI technologies. The restrictions could also influence how other AI companies develop and distribute advanced models in the future.

The move comes amid increasing global competition in artificial intelligence, with governments seeking to balance innovation with security concerns. Analysts say the decision could set an important precedent for future controls on powerful AI systems.

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Beyond

US overtakes Gulf as India’s top gas supplier

The United States has emerged as India’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), overtaking traditional Gulf exporters as disruptions in West Asia reshape global energy trade.

The change comes after conflict involving Iran affected shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for energy supplies from the Gulf. India depends heavily on the route for its LNG and LPG imports, prompting buyers to seek alternative sources as supply uncertainty increased.

According to industry data, US shipments of LNG and LPG to India rose sharply in May. American LNG exports accounted for more than 40 per cent of India’s monthly LNG requirements, while LPG supplies from the US exceeded the combined volumes received from major Gulf suppliers.

Energy analysts say the shift reflects both immediate supply concerns and a broader effort by India to diversify its energy sources. For years, Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait dominated India’s gas imports. However, recent geopolitical tensions have highlighted the risks of relying heavily on a single region.

The growing energy partnership between India and the US had already been gaining momentum before the latest disruptions. Indian state-owned refiners signed long-term LPG supply agreements with US producers, helping strengthen trade ties between the two countries.

Experts note that importing gas from the US is generally more expensive than sourcing it from the Gulf because of longer shipping distances. Despite the higher costs, securing reliable supplies has become a priority amid ongoing uncertainty in West Asia.

The development is expected to deepen energy cooperation between New Delhi and Washington while improving India’s energy security. However, analysts believe Gulf countries will remain important suppliers once regional shipping conditions stabilize.

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US labels BYD, Alibaba, Baidu as Chinese military firms

The United States has added several major Chinese companies, including BYD, Alibaba Group and Baidu, to its list of firms allegedly linked to China’s military, marking a fresh escalation in the ongoing strategic and technology rivalry between the world’s two largest economies.

The designation was made by the US Department of Defense, which maintains a list of companies it believes have connections to the Chinese military. Inclusion on the list does not automatically trigger sanctions or immediate restrictions, but it can discourage US investment and increase regulatory scrutiny of the affected companies.

US officials said the move reflects concerns about the relationship between China’s military establishment and large private-sector companies operating in strategically important industries such as artificial intelligence, advanced technology, data services, electric vehicles and communications.

The latest additions include some of China’s most prominent corporations. BYD is one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, while Alibaba and Baidu are major players in e-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital services.

The companies have denied any military links and rejected the Pentagon’s characterisation. They argued that they are commercial enterprises operating independently and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Some firms indicated they would review legal options and engage with US authorities regarding the designation.

China strongly criticised the decision, accusing Washington of politicising trade and technology issues and attempting to suppress Chinese companies under the guise of national security concerns. Beijing said such actions undermine fair competition and disrupt global business operations.

The development comes amid continuing tensions between the United States and China over technology leadership, trade policies, semiconductor restrictions and national security concerns. In recent years, Washington has imposed a range of measures targeting Chinese technology firms, while Beijing has responded with its own regulatory and economic actions.

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Beyond

US sanctions Iran’s largest Crypto exchange Nobitex

The United States has imposed sanctions on Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, accusing it of helping the Iranian government and affiliated groups evade international sanctions through digital asset transactions.

The US Treasury Department said Nobitex played a key role in facilitating financial activities linked to Iran’s military and security institutions, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to US officials, the platform was allegedly used to move funds and provide access to the global financial system despite restrictions imposed on Tehran.

Along with Nobitex, sanctions were also imposed on several associated entities and individuals accused of supporting the exchange’s operations. The measures freeze any US-based assets linked to the sanctioned parties and prohibit American individuals and companies from conducting business with them.

US authorities claim that Nobitex has become a major gateway for cryptocurrency transactions in Iran and has processed billions of dollars in digital asset trades. Officials argue that such platforms can be used to bypass traditional banking restrictions and help sanctioned organisations move money across borders.

Iran has not immediately responded to the latest sanctions. However, Tehran has repeatedly criticised US sanctions policies, arguing that they unfairly target the country’s economy and financial system.

The action is part of Washington’s broader effort to curb what it describes as Iran’s use of alternative financial networks to support activities that threaten regional stability. US officials have increasingly focused on cryptocurrency platforms, warning that digital assets can be exploited for sanctions evasion, money laundering and illicit financing.

The sanctions come amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran over regional security issues, nuclear concerns and economic restrictions. Analysts say the move could further complicate Iran’s access to international financial markets and increase scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions connected to the country.

For the global crypto industry, the development highlights growing regulatory attention on digital asset exchanges and their compliance obligations. It also underscores how cryptocurrencies have become an important arena in geopolitical and economic disputes, particularly in countries facing international sanctions.

The latest measures signal that the US intends to maintain pressure on financial networks it believes help sanctioned entities operate outside the traditional banking system.

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US invests $2 bn in nine Quantum Computing firms

The United States government has announced a $2 billion funding package to support the development of quantum computing, distributing the money among nine companies working in the sector.

The strategic decision aims to accelerate research and strengthen US leadership in advanced computing technologies. Quantum computing uses principles of quantum mechanics to process complex problems far faster than traditional systems and is expected to have major applications in areas like cybersecurity, defence, healthcare, and materials science.

Officials said the investment will support research, infrastructure, and scaling of experimental systems while addressing technical challenges such as stability and error correction in early-stage quantum technology.

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Beyond

US clears India defence support deal

The United States has approved possible support service agreements for India’s Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, further strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. The proposed deals, valued at more than $428 million, are aimed at improving operational readiness and ensuring that key military equipment continues to function efficiently.

Unlike conventional defence deals involving the purchase of new weapons or systems, the latest proposal focuses on maintaining and supporting equipment already being used by the Indian armed forces. The package includes engineering support, repair services, spare parts, logistics assistance, training programmes and technical support.

Apache helicopters are among India’s important combat assets and are used for a range of military operations, including surveillance and battlefield support. Similarly, M777A2 ultra-light howitzers play a key role in strengthening India’s artillery capabilities, especially in mountainous and difficult terrains due to their mobility and lighter design.

Defence experts say that modern military systems require continuous maintenance and technical support to remain effective. Regular servicing and timely availability of spare components help ensure that such systems are always ready when required. Long-term support agreements also reduce operational disruptions and improve efficiency.

The move reflects the strengthening defence relationship between India and the United States. Over the past few years, the two countries have expanded cooperation across several areas, including security, technology and military partnerships.

US officials have also described India as an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The growing partnership is seen as part of broader efforts to enhance regional security and stability.

The latest approval is expected to further deepen military cooperation between the two nations. Defence analysts believe such agreements are important because they focus not only on acquiring equipment but also on ensuring long-term capability and preparedness.

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US closes Adani fraud case, SEC settles for $18 mn

The Adani Group received a major relief after US authorities closed a long-running legal matter involving chairman Gautam Adani. The US Department of Justice has permanently ended its criminal fraud case, while the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reached a civil settlement worth $18 million.

The case had remained in focus for some time and had raised questions around the group’s global operations and business outlook. With the matter now largely resolved, the development is being viewed as an important step for the conglomerate.

The Adani Group had consistently denied allegations linked to the case and maintained that it followed all required legal and regulatory standards. The closure of the criminal proceedings now removes a major uncertainty that had surrounded the company.

The news also had an immediate impact on investor sentiment. Several Adani Group stocks saw gains after the announcement, as investors reacted positively to the development. Market participants viewed the resolution as a sign of greater stability for the group going forward.

Legal clarity often plays a significant role in restoring market confidence, especially for large companies with international business interests. Removing a major legal concern can make it easier for businesses to focus on growth plans, future investments and fundraising activities.

The Adani Group has businesses across infrastructure, ports, energy, logistics and other sectors, making it one of India’s largest business conglomerates. Analysts believe that with the legal issue no longer creating uncertainty, the company may now shift attention towards expansion and operational growth.

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US set to drop fraud case against Gautam Adani

US authorities are moving to end long-running fraud proceedings against billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, in what could mark a major legal breakthrough for the Adani Group.

According to reports, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) is preparing to drop criminal fraud charges linked to allegations of a large bribery scheme tied to solar power contracts in India. At the same time, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is moving toward settling a parallel civil case filed in November 2024.

The SEC settlement is expected to involve a monetary penalty, though without admission of wrongdoing. The exact terms are yet to be finalised and remain subject to court approval.

The case had alleged that Adani and associates were involved in a scheme involving over $250 million in alleged bribes to secure energy contracts, while misleading investors during fundraising in US markets. The Adani Group has consistently denied all allegations.

If the cases are formally closed, it would remove a major legal overhang for one of India’s largest conglomerates, which operates across sectors including ports, energy, infrastructure, and logistics. It would also improve the group’s ability to access international capital markets and pursue expansion plans.

Reports suggest the DoJ may announce withdrawal of charges soon, while the SEC settlement could be concluded with a fine. The developments come after months of legal proceedings, negotiations, and filings in US courts.

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Beyond

US pumps 53 mn barrels from oil reserves

The United States has released about 53 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic petroleum reserves in a move coordinated with International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries to support global energy stability.

The decision comes as fuel prices remain under pressure due to global supply uncertainty and geopolitical tensions affecting oil trade routes. The additional supply is intended to help prevent sharp spikes in petrol and diesel prices.

Officials said the release is part of an emergency response mechanism under the IEA framework, which allows member nations to tap into strategic stockpiles during supply disruptions or market stress. The US plays a key role in such coordinated interventions due to its large reserve capacity.

The oil is being released from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), the world’s largest emergency crude stockpile. It is designed to be used only in extraordinary situations when global supply is tight or disrupted.

Authorities said the immediate goal is to increase availability in the market and provide short-term relief to consumers facing higher fuel costs. Energy markets have remained volatile in recent weeks amid concerns over supply stability.

While such releases can help cool prices temporarily, they do not resolve underlying global supply-demand imbalances. Oil prices are expected to continue reacting to geopolitical developments and production decisions by major exporting nations.

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Beyond

Oil surges after Trump rejects Iran terms

Global crude oil prices jumped sharply on Monday after US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal, deepening concerns over a prolonged conflict in West Asia and possible disruptions to global oil supplies.

Brent crude crossed the $105-per-barrel mark, while US crude prices moved closer to $100 as traders reacted to rising geopolitical uncertainty. Market fears intensified over the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which a major portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

Iran’s response to the US-backed peace proposal included demands for sanctions relief, compensation for damages caused during the conflict, and broader guarantees regarding regional security. Trump reportedly rejected the terms, calling them unacceptable and indicating that negotiations remained far from a breakthrough.

The developments have reduced hopes of an immediate ceasefire and triggered fresh worries about stability in the Gulf region. Reports of continued drone attacks and military activity across parts of West Asia further added to market anxiety.

Energy markets responded quickly to the uncertainty. Analysts said fears of reduced oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz could tighten global supplies and push fuel prices even higher in the coming weeks. Countries heavily dependent on oil imports, including India, are expected to feel the pressure more sharply if prices continue rising.

The surge in crude prices has also renewed inflation concerns globally. Higher fuel costs could increase transportation and manufacturing expenses, potentially affecting consumer prices and slowing economic growth.

Financial markets across the world remained cautious following the developments. Investors moved towards safer assets such as gold and the US dollar, while equity markets witnessed volatility amid concerns over rising energy costs.

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