export controls

Anthropic's paper outlines two scenarios for US-China AI leadership by 2028. In one, the US maintains its compute advantage through tightened export controls, leading to democratic AI norms. The other sees China overtaking the US if policymakers fail to act, resulting in authoritarian AI dominance.

India has moved silver imports to a "restricted" category, requiring government approval, to prevent traders from exploiting a duty gap created by a recent 15% import tax hike. This move aims to curb arbitrage opportunities through the India-UAE free trade agreement, protect foreign exchange reserves, and control precious metal inflows, while exempting export-oriented industries.

India has banned sugar exports until September 30 to control domestic prices amid fears of lower production. This move is expected to impact global supplies and boost international rates. While some shipments already in transit will be allowed, traders face challenges fulfilling existing contracts. The decision follows concerns over weakening cane yields and potential monsoon disruptions.

US prosecutors suspect Bangkok-based OBON Corp.—a company central to Thailand's national AI strategy—of acting as the middleman in a $2.5 billion scheme to smuggle Nvidia-equipped Supermicro servers into China, with Alibaba among the alleged end customers. Bloomberg identified OBON as the unnamed "Company-1" in a March federal indictment that charged Supermicro co-founder Wally Liaw with violating US export control law. OBON and Alibaba have not been charged.

China's exports surged 14.1% in April, significantly exceeding expectations and bolstering the nation's economy despite global uncertainties. This strong performance precedes a crucial meeting between US and Chinese leaders, where trade tensions and other disputes are expected to be discussed. Analysts anticipate continued export-driven growth for China this year.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined Donald Trump's Beijing summit at the last minute, boarding Air Force One in Alaska, but China still won't approve H200 AI chip purchases. Trump said Beijing "chose not to" because it wants homegrown silicon. With DeepSeek now running on Huawei chips and 10 cleared Chinese firms yet to place orders, Nvidia's China stalemate looks set to drag on.

China's economic recovery is facing headwinds as factories slow and consumer spending falters, with April data revealing a significant slowdown. Weak domestic demand, coupled with a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical conflicts and rising energy costs, is squeezing growth. While exports remain strong, they are insufficient to offset internal weaknesses, prompting concerns about the need for further policy support.

An oil spill near Iran's Kharg Island, the country's primary oil export hub, has raised concerns amid a US naval blockade. Satellite images show a significant oil slick, potentially amounting to 3,000 barrels lost. This incident occurs as Iran faces a storage crisis due to the blockade, with capacity nearing its limit.

A concerning zero-star safety rating has been awarded to the India-made Toyota Starlet in recent crash tests. While child occupant protection fared better with three stars, adult safety proved alarming, especially in side impact scenarios. Toyota has since updated the model with more airbags, with fresh tests pending.

Xi dealt with Trump as his equal, pitting Beijing’s grand strategic concerns against Washington’s transactionalism. Yes, both sides outwardly agreed on some issues. But Beijing is playing a long game

MLC Ambadas Danve Among 86 Detained

India celebrates the return of stolen idols, but a deal with the Smithsonian to lend back the Thiruthuraipoondi Nataraja raises questions. The article argues that a consecrated deity is not state property and cannot be legally lent by the government. This arrangement risks undermining the principle of true restitution for devotees.