American nonprofit global policy think tank
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as the United States reimposes a blockade on Iran and Iran asserts control over the waterway. Experts say escalating actions threaten global oil shipping, with discussions of large-scale military deployments and potential ground forces to secure the strait. Cross-border tensions are fueling price volatility and drawing international attention.
China’s Cyberspace Administration has approved Apple’s AI services for use in the country, following a deal to integrate Alibaba’s Qwen AI into Apple’s operating systems. Apple’s China sales have risen, and Baidu is reportedly collaborating on Apple Intelligence features for Chinese users. The approval sets the stage for broader AI integration in China.
India is expanding data centers as part of its AI push, with Visakhapatnam becoming a focal point for a Google-backed megaproject. Critics warn energy and water use may outpace long-term job creation, while officials hope the investment spurs regional manufacturing and foreign investment.
OpenAI has said its unreleased model Astra may have reached a "Critical" capability for autonomous cyberattacks and has paused internal activities that do not meet heightened safeguards. The company has implemented isolated testing, universal monitoring for risky actions, and is working with government agencies and safety organisations to evaluate Astra's abilities.
The White House has announced that most favored nation pricing will align U.S. drug prices with the lowest prices abroad, with several manufacturers set to participate. Officials say the move will lower costs for Americans and expand constraints on pricing practices.