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Scottish school to accept Bitcoin for tuition payments

Lomond School in Scotland will become the first UK educational institution to accept Bitcoin for tuition, beginning in the autumn term of 2025. The school aims to prepare students for a changing financial world by integrating Bitcoin into operations and education.

The initiative is part of a broader push to teach ‘sound money principles’ based on the Austrian School of Economics. Bitcoin payments will be converted to fiat for now, though Lomond may hold BTC reserves in the future. Other cryptocurrencies will not be accepted at this time.

Globally, educational institutions are increasingly adopting Bitcoin. The University of Wyoming recently launched a Bitcoin Research Institute, and the University of Austin has allocated a portion of its endowment to BTC.

In the US, 41 Bitcoin reserve bills are active across 26 states, with Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Missouri leading efforts to establish state-level Bitcoin reserves.

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AI transforms global healthcare with major growth ahead

The healthcare sector is poised for significant growth as AI continues to revolutionise the industry. A new report from Avant Technologies predicts an influx of AI-powered solutions in healthcare, with key technology giants leading the charge.

Avant Technologies and Ainnova, in their joint venture, plan to showcase their AI-powered Vision AI platform at the 2025 Mexico Healthcare Innovation Summit.

The platform, aimed at early disease detection, is nearing approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is already in clinical trials in Southeast Asia and South America.

Apple and Amazon are also entering the AI healthcare space, with Apple launching an AI-powered health coach to guide users on diet and exercise, while Amazon is expanding its AI solutions with a healthcare chatbot.

Meanwhile, GE Healthcare has seen success with its AI-driven cardiac imaging, which has garnered FDA approval. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports AI integration in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care and early diagnosis, though it has urged regulators to be cautious of potential risks.

AI in healthcare is expected to grow exponentially, reaching a market valuation of $613 billion by 2034. The sector’s rapid expansion is driven by increasing adoption rates, particularly for early disease detection, administrative efficiency, and personalised medicine.

Despite data privacy concerns, the adoption of AI tools in fields like dermatology, oncology, and cardiovascular health is expected to surge. North America is predicted to lead the market, followed by Europe and South Asia, as more healthcare institutions embrace AI technologies.

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Bitcoin surges following US tariff exemptions for tech products

In a move to ease tensions in the tech industry, the US government has announced updates to its tariff guidelines. The updates offer exemptions for certain products, such as laptops, smartphones, and semiconductor machines.

These exclusions provide temporary relief to tech giants like Apple, which faced substantial challenges due to the threat of steep tariffs on their products. Apple, which manufactures the majority of its products in China, particularly iPhones, could have seen prices rise by up to 85% if tariffs were enforced.

China’s Ministry of Commerce acknowledged the exemptions as a small step but reiterated criticism of US tariffs, claiming they disrupt the global economy. The US has shown no intention of backing down, leaving future moves uncertain.

The latest tariff exemptions boosted cryptocurrency markets, with Bitcoin hitting $86,000. While offering short-term relief, long-term impacts on trade and tech remain unclear.

Companies like Apple still rely on China, while critics highlight Trump’s shift from ‘no exemptions’ to multiple exceptions.

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Lenovo unveils compact edge AI server

Lenovo has introduced the ThinkEdge SE100, a compact AI inferencing server aimed at bringing edge AI within reach for businesses of all sizes.

Rather than relying on large data centres for processing, this server is designed to operate on-site in space-constrained environments, allowing data to be processed locally instead of being sent to the cloud.

The SE100 supports hybrid cloud deployments and is part of Lenovo’s new ThinkSystem V4 family. While the V4 systems are built for AI training, the SE100 is intended for inferencing, which is less demanding and doesn’t require power-hungry GPUs.

Lenovo says the unit is 85% smaller than a typical 1U server and draws under 140W, even with GPU configurations.

Engineered to be both energy-efficient and quiet, the SE100 uses Neptune liquid cooling instead of traditional fans, making it suitable for public spaces. Its design also helps extend system health and lifespan by reducing air flow needs and lowering operating temperatures.

Lenovo’s vice president of infrastructure products, Scott Tease, stated the SE100 is a cost-effective solution that simplifies AI deployment at the edge.

Its flexible design adapts to diverse business needs, offering low-latency, high-performance inferencing without the complexity or expense of full-scale AI infrastructure.

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Trump’s tech tariffs spare smartphones, computers and other electronics

President Donald Trump’s administration has granted exemptions from steep tariffs on smartphones, laptops, and other electronics, providing relief to tech giants like Apple and Dell.

Announced on 5 April 2025 by US Customs and Border Protection, the exemptions cover 20 product categories, including semiconductors, and exclude these goods from Trump’s 10% baseline tariffs on non-Chinese imports, easing costs for items like iPhones made in India.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives hailed the move as ‘the most bullish news’ for the tech sector, coinciding with efforts by companies like Apple, which has shipped 1.5 million iPhones from India to sidestep tariffs.

However, the exemptions don’t fully shield tech from Trump’s trade war. His 125% reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports remain, alongside earlier 20% duties tied to the fentanyl crisis, and a new national security probe into semiconductors looms.

Trump, speaking on 9 April, teased more details while claiming the US is reaping tariff revenue, but the decision hints at his awareness of inflation risks, with iPhone prices potentially hitting $2,300 under full tariffs.

The partial reprieve reflects Trump’s balancing act between trade promises and economic stability, especially after his campaign focused on lowering prices amid inflation concerns.

The backdrop is a volatile global market, with China retaliating by matching Trump’s 125% tariffs, sending US stocks on a rollercoaster and pushing gold to record highs.

Trump’s cosy ties with tech CEOs like Apple’s Tim Cook, who have embraced him since his 20 January inauguration, contrast with his tariff-driven agenda, which has sparked recession fears and Republican criticism ahead of next year’s midterms.

The exemptions offer tech a breather, but the broader US-China trade conflict threatens supply chains and global stability.

This tariff carve-out underscores Trump’s high-stakes gamble: reshaping trade to favour American interests while risking economic fallout at home.

With smartphones and laptops leading US imports from China at $41.7 billion and $33.1 billion in 2024, the exemptions may temper consumer price hikes, but the looming semiconductor probe and escalating tensions signal more turbulence ahead.

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Hackers leak data from Indian software firm in major breach

A major cybersecurity breach has reportedly compromised a software company based in India, with hackers claiming responsibility for stealing nearly 1.6 million rows of sensitive data on 19 December 2024.

A hacker identified as @303 is said to have accessed and exposed customer information and internal credentials, with the dataset later appearing on a dark web forum via a user known as ‘frog’.

The leaked data includes email addresses linked to major Indian insurance providers, contact numbers, and possible administrative access credentials.

Analysts found that the sample files feature information tied to employees of companies such as HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz, and ICICI Lombard, suggesting widespread exposure across the sector.

Despite the firm’s stated dedication to safeguarding data, the incident raises doubts about its cybersecurity protocols.

The breach also comes as India’s insurance regulator, IRDAI, has begun enforcing stricter cyber measures. In March 2025, it instructed insurers to appoint forensic auditors in advance and perform full IT audits instead of waiting for threats to surface.

A breach like this follows a string of high-profile incidents, including the Star Health Insurance leak affecting 31 million customers.

With cyberattacks in India up by 261% in early 2024 and the average cost of a breach now ₹19.5 crore, experts warn that insurance firms must adopt stronger protections instead of relying on outdated defences.

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Swiss franc and gold outperform Bitcoin amid market turmoil

The Swiss franc and gold are currently leading the pack as safe-haven assets amid ongoing stock and bond market turmoil.

The Swiss franc has soared, outperforming many currencies, including the US dollar, which has dropped to 2018 lows.

The surge is mainly attributed to Switzerland’s long-standing neutrality and banking secrecy laws. These factors have made the country a financial safe haven for many years.

Gold has also seen impressive gains, reaching a record high of $3,240. The precious metal has risen by 125% since the pandemic lows and by 24% this year alone. In comparison, Bitcoin has failed to keep pace. Its price dropped from an ATH of $109,300 to $83,000, reflecting broader market concerns.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has also benefited from its substantial investments in top American companies and US Treasury bonds.

Despite rising recession fears and US-China trade tensions, gold and the Swiss franc are outperforming Bitcoin, US bonds, and stocks.

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Meta faces landmark antitrust trial

An antitrust trial against Meta commenced in Washington, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) arguing that the company’s acquisitions of Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014 were designed to crush competition instead of fostering innovation.

Although the FTC initially approved these deals, it now claims they effectively handed Meta a monopoly. Should the FTC succeed, Meta may be forced to sell off both platforms, a move that would reshape the tech landscape.

Meta has countered by asserting that users have benefited from Instagram’s development under its ownership, instead of being harmed by diminished competition. Legal experts believe the company will focus on consumer outcomes rather than corporate intent.

Nevertheless, statements made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, such as his remark that it’s ‘better to buy than to compete,’ may prove pivotal. Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg are both expected to testify during the trial, which could span several weeks in the US.

Political tensions loom over the case, which was first launched under Donald Trump’s presidency. Reports suggest Zuckerberg has privately lobbied Trump to drop the lawsuit, while Meta has criticised the FTC’s reversal years after approving the acquisitions.

The recent dismissal of two Democratic commissioners from the FTC by Trump has raised concerns over political interference, especially as the commission now holds a Republican majority.

While the FTC seeks to challenge Meta’s dominance, experts caution that proving harm in this case will be far more difficult than in the ongoing antitrust battle against Google.

Unlike the search engine market, which is clearly monopolised, the social media space remains highly competitive, with platforms like TikTok, YouTube and X offering strong alternatives.

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Sweden considers Bitcoin for national reserves

Sweden may soon follow the lead of other nations by considering Bitcoin for its national reserves.

In a formal letter, Member of Parliament Rickard Nordin urged the Finance Minister to diversify Sweden’s foreign exchange reserves with Bitcoin.

He cited Bitcoin’s growing role as a hedge against inflation and highlighted its political significance in supporting freedom under authoritarian regimes.

Nordin’s call aligns with a broader international debate. Countries like El Salvador and Bhutan already hold Bitcoin in their treasuries. Some, like the US, plan to build reserves using Bitcoin confiscated in criminal cases, rather than purchasing it directly.

Despite growing political interest, Sweden’s regulatory stance remains cautious. Authorities have cracked down on crypto tax evasion, with 18 of 21 Bitcoin miners found to have submitted false tax returns. These false submissions resulted in nearly $90 million in taxes being evaded.

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China and Russia turn to Bitcoin for energy transactions

China and Russia have reportedly started using Bitcoin for settling certain energy transactions. It is a development that signals a shift away from the US dollar in global trade.

The move comes amid growing trade tensions and increasing interest in decentralised digital assets. According to Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck, Bitcoin’s role in trade is evolving beyond speculation.

The report highlights a growing trend of using digital assets in practical commerce, particularly in energy markets. Bitcoin’s neutral and decentralised nature makes it an appealing option for countries facing financial restrictions.

The shift may reinforce Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against monetary instability as international players are seeking alternative settlement methods.

Bolivia also plans to use cryptocurrency for power imports, while EDF is exploring Bitcoin mining to monetise surplus electricity.

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