treasury secretary

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced the US will not renew a waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil currently at sea. He also stated that another waiver for Iranian oil is "totally off the table." This decision comes after a recent extension of the waiver for Russian oil, which was intended to stabilize global energy markets.

The US Treasury has seized $344 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to Iran, aiming to disrupt Tehran's funding capabilities. This action, targeting digital assets alongside traditional evasion methods, comes amid heightened tensions and energy supply concerns in the Middle East.

A political clash has ignited online between US treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Senator Bernie Sanders regarding the inclusion of Chinese scientists in a crucial AI safety forum. Sanders advocates for international cooperation to address AI's existential threat, while Bessent criticizes the move, asserting American AI leadership and warning against foreign influence on US regulation.

The United States has stepped up efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports, a major source of revenue for Tehran. Late last month, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Hengli, targeting one of the most prominent and well-connected companies in China’s large crude-processing sector.

US President Donald Trump shared a modified map renaming the Strait of Hormuz as the "Strait of Trump," following claims that a naval blockade against Iran could last for months. This development occurs as Iran rejects US claims about economic damage and criticizes the blockade strategy, with its parliament speaker calling the advice "junk."

After a five-year hiatus, CPM and Congress are set to re-enter the assembly, securing seats in Murshidabad. CPM won Domkal, while Congress clinched Farakka and Raninagar. This marks a significant shift, with Trinamool's dominance in the district considerably reduced. Despite individual losses, Congress sees this as a hopeful start.

The US has tightened its grip on Iran's oil revenue by sanctioning a major Chinese refinery and numerous shipping entities involved in transporting Iranian crude. This move targets a "shadow network" and escalates pressure amid regional tensions. China has criticized the sanctions, urging an end to their political use and warning of harm to legitimate trade.

The Uttarakhand Board of School Education has opened the scrutiny process for Class 10 and 12 exams 2026 after declaring results on April 25. Students can apply online for rechecking or answer sheet copies within 30 days. The board has fixed fees at ₹100 and ₹400 per subject, with payment to be made via e-challan.

The White House is reportedly considering easing restrictions on AI firm Anthropic, a shift from its previous 'supply chain risk' label. This comes after President Trump's positive remarks and a meeting with Anthropic's CEO.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are expected to continue seeing volatility in the near-term, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

The Iran conflict has entered a Cold War-like phase with financial sanctions and naval interdictions, leading to a tense stalemate. Higher energy prices are expected to persist, while the risk of escalation remains. President Trump is reportedly weighing new strikes against intensifying sanctions, aiming to force Iran into nuclear program negotiations.

In a striking decision, Buxar's District Education Officer has faced a hefty fine of Rs 50,000 due to a blatant pattern of ignoring court directives and neglecting responsibilities. The appellate authority pointed to the officer's repeated failure to address multiple warnings, labeling such behavior as not only arbitrary but also a significant barrier to the pursuit of justice.

Anthropic's powerful AI model, Claude Mythos, capable of finding software vulnerabilities, has prompted a global financial sector scramble. Banks, regulators, and central bankers are urgently assessing risks and accelerating cybersecurity investments. Project Glasswing offers controlled access for defensive security work, highlighting the evolving threat landscape.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Nvidia's H200 AI chips have not yet been sold to China, attributing the delay to Beijing's efforts to boost its domestic industry. Despite earlier Trump administration approval, China's central government is reportedly blocking purchases to encourage investment in homegrown alternatives, such as those from Huawei.

Despite a positive meeting, China is strategically expanding economic leverage against the US. New regulations target companies shifting supply chains and restrict foreign tech in state data centers. Beijing is building pressure tools, moving beyond trade, as both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape and competition for critical resources.

The White House denied formally requesting a ceasefire extension with Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements. While cautiously optimistic about a deal, the US has made its "red lines" clear. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army chief visited Tehran with a potential new framework for talks, following previous negotiations that stalled over key issues like Iran's nuclear program.

The UAE has requested a US financial safety net amid concerns that an Iran war could severely damage its economy and investor confidence. Talks included a currency-swap line proposal, as the UAE fears needing to use other currencies for transactions if dollar shortages arise.

The US government is preparing to grant federal agencies access to Anthropic's powerful AI model, Mythos, despite concerns about its potential misuse for cybersecurity threats. Officials are establishing safeguards to allow agencies like the Department of Defense and Treasury to leverage the tool for identifying software vulnerabilities, while also acknowledging the dual-edged nature of such advanced AI.

Trump is attempting to rebuild his tariff regime using alternative legal avenues after the court ruled that his earlier reliance on emergency powers to impose duties was unconstitutional.

The US Treasury Department has issued a new license extending a waiver for global buyers to purchase Russian oil shipments already at sea until May 16. This decision reverses earlier statements and aims to manage energy market volatility, despite criticism from lawmakers who argue it supports economies engaged in conflicts.

President Trump has signaled a potential shift in the US government's stance towards Anthropic, suggesting its AI models could still be utilized despite earlier national security concerns. Following discussions at the White House and a meeting with senior officials, the company's new Mythos model is reportedly easing tensions, potentially paving the way for renewed government engagement.

The US has extended a sanctions waiver on Russian oil purchases, offering temporary relief for countries importing crude. This move allows for continued procurement of Russian oil, particularly beneficial for India which relies heavily on imports and has increased its intake amid Middle East supply pressures. The waiver provides a crucial window for India to secure energy needs.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met with White House officials to discuss AI safety and cybersecurity, signaling a thaw in recent tensions. The meeting focused on potential collaboration and responsible AI development, despite past government concerns labeling the company a national security risk. This engagement suggests a move towards renewed ties between Anthropic and the US government.

Barclays CEO CS Venkatakrishnan issued a stark warning about Anthropic's Mythos AI, deeming it a serious threat to the global banking system. He anticipates increasingly powerful AI models will emerge with distressing frequency, necessitating rapid adaptation and robust safeguards from financial institutions worldwide.