treasury secretary

In a determined effort to get to the bottom of suspected illicit fund withdrawals from the Bokaro treasury, Excise Secretary Amitabh Kaushal leads a specialized task force. This investigation, prompted by state authorities, involves a thorough analysis of extensive financial and administrative records related to police and treasury activities.

US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, on Wednesday, praised Japan's economic resilience and highlighted the importance of economic security during meetings with senior Japanese leaders on Tuesday as part of his Asia visit. The visit came ahead of US President Donald Trump's upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing from May 13-15.

Move to Aid Indian Refiners; OMCs Still Losing `750Cr A Day

Earlier today petroleum ministry joint secretary Sujata Sharma said that India will continue importing Russian crude based on commercial practicality and its energy security requirements, regardless of whether US sanctions waivers are in place.

The US and UK have imposed separate sanctions targeting individuals, companies, and networks involved in Iran's oil sales, financial transactions, and alleged hostile activities. These measures aim to disrupt Iran's oil exports to China and cut off funding for the IRGC, while the UK focuses on shadow banking and destabilizing operations linked to criminal networks.

Britain is recalibrating its approach to Russian oil imports by introducing restrictions on refined products at a measured pace. This strategy, driven by escalating energy market volatility linked to conflicts in the Middle East and climbing fuel prices, seeks to mitigate the risk of abrupt supply shortages.

China signals willingness to accept existing US tariff levels while seeking to extend the current trade truce. Beijing hopes Washington will honor previous understandings, aiming to stabilize economic ties. Discussions are expected to focus on extending the one-year agreement and reducing unilateral tariffs.

This week, US President Donald Trump will embark on a pivotal journey to China, where his host expects 'more stability' in terms of trade disputes and the turbulence in the Middle East. A day before his visit, key economic advisers and trade negotiators will meet in Seoul to finalise critically important negotiations.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

As President Trump arrives in Beijing, anticipation runs low for any breakthroughs regarding China's influence over Iran and the vital Strait of Hormuz. His agenda includes discussions on trade and the pressing issue of fentanyl, yet underlying tensions over their differing views on geopolitical conflicts threaten to overshadow these talks.

A Chinese think tank quietly asked Anthropic for access to Mythos, its powerful new AI model that can find software vulnerabilities on its own. Anthropic refused, and the White House National Security Council reacted with alarm. With Mythos rattling banks, hospitals and the Pentagon, the request has landed days before Trump meets Xi in Beijing, where AI safety is now on the agenda.

Newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay initiated a shift in political civility by visiting DMK president M K Stalin and other opposition leaders at their homes. This gesture of political courtesy, a first since 1967, aimed to foster cooperation across party lines after a campaign focused on change.

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.

As US President Trump returns from China, pressure mounts over Iran. Top aides are reportedly preparing options for renewed military action against Tehran if diplomacy falters, including intensified bombing and potential Special Operations deployments. Iran, meanwhile, signals readiness for conflict, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern for global oil prices.

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.

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