Durability-centric concrete design gains focus as a new certification programme supports quality assurance and code implementation readiness.
Durability-centric concrete design and quality assurance were discussed at a national workshop organised by the National Council for Cement and Building Materials on the draft revisions proposed in IS 456:2025. The workshop brought together industry, academia, research institutions and the Bureau of Indian Standards to examine durability design, performance-based specifications, quality assurance practices and implementation readiness for the proposed code changes. A six-month online certification programme on Advanced Concrete Technology was also launched to support capacity building and professional training.

Aquaculture export compliance drives India's inclusion in the EU revised draft list for continued seafood market access.
India has been included in the European Union's revised draft list for continued export of aquaculture products to the EU market from September 2026, following compliance measures under the EU framework governing antimicrobial use in food-producing animals. The inclusion reflects recognition of India's regulatory compliance, residue monitoring and food safety systems, and of sustained efforts to strengthen responsible aquaculture practices, testing, surveillance, traceability and quality assurance.

Taiwan tensions and trade talks shape China-US agenda as leaders discuss energy security and Iran concerns.
China and the United States discussed a broad bilateral agenda covering Taiwan, trade, energy security and the Iran conflict. Xi Jinping warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to clashes and conflicts, while both sides also discussed expanding economic cooperation, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The talks further touched on fentanyl precursors, agricultural purchases, tariffs, technology, rare earth supply chains and US arms sales to Taiwan.

Money laundering probe over online gaming platform leads to freezing of deposits and seizure of assets
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in a money-laundering case against an online gaming platform and its associated entities, based on multiple police FIRs alleging cheating and fraud. The operation led to the freezing of bank deposits, bonds and fixed deposits, and the seizure of gold jewellery and cash. The case concerns real-money online games, and three founders were also arrested following the searches.

Money laundering jurisdiction dispute over Haryana land deal summons and scheduled offences under the PMLA
Enforcement Directorate opposed a petition challenging a trial court summons in a money laundering case arising from a Haryana land deal, while the petitioner argued that the agency lacked jurisdiction because the predicate offences were not scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at the relevant time. The trial court had earlier taken cognisance of the charge sheet and directed the accused to appear, referring to sufficient material to proceed further under the Act.

Market sentiment improves on rupee-weakness measures, as telecom and banking buying lifts equities higher.
Indian equities extended gains for a second consecutive session, with the Sensex rising sharply in volatile trade and the Nifty also closing higher. The recovery was led by value buying in telecom, banking and pharma shares, while IT stocks remained weak. Market sentiment was supported by expectations of possible government measures to address rupee weakness, including consideration of bond tax relief for foreign investors and a possible tightening of the Liberalized Remittance Scheme to curb capital outflows.

Rupee weakness deepens as strong dollar, crude oil prices and inflation concerns pressure currency trade.
Rupee weakness was driven by a strong US dollar, elevated crude oil prices and inflation concerns, with the currency falling to a record provisional low against the US dollar in volatile interbank trade. Market participants expected a negative bias in the near term because rising inflation in the United States reduced rate-cut expectations, while geopolitical tensions, foreign fund outflows and disruptions to crude petroleum imports added pressure on the currency.

Strategic stability in China-US ties hinges on Taiwan caution, with trade and wider cooperation also under discussion.
China and the United States reached a political understanding described as a new vision for constructive bilateral ties centred on strategic stability, cooperation, manageable competition and peaceful handling of differences. The Taiwan question was identified as the most sensitive issue in China-US relations, with cross-Strait peace and stability described as central to stable bilateral ties and support for Taiwan independence said to be incompatible with that objective. Trade and broader cooperation were also discussed, including economic, health, agriculture, tourism and law enforcement engagement.

Trade frictions and energy security dominate US-China talks amid tariff disputes, export controls and rare earth supply chain concerns.
US and Chinese leaders held high-level talks on trade frictions, tariffs, export controls, advanced technology, rare earth supply chains, Taiwan and wider geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. The meeting was aimed at stabilising relations through direct dialogue and addressing economic and security differences, while both sides emphasised partnership, mutual prosperity and the need to avoid escalation. Plans for a trade board and continued negotiations on tariffs were also noted.

AI-powered customer experience drives recognition for a digital banking partnership in Malaysia's fast-growing financial services market.
Partnership between Ant Digital Technologies and Ryt Bank received recognition in Malaysia for an AI-powered customer experience and engagement initiative in digital banking. The collaboration was noted for deploying enterprise-grade AI to deliver personalised, scalable and real-time financial services across digital channels, with an emphasis on conversational customer interactions, improved service responsiveness and enhanced customer engagement. The report also notes Ryt Bank's status as a licensed Malaysian digital bank and its use of AI-enabled banking functions such as transfers, bill payments, card usage, PayLater services and an AI assistant.

Creator economy formalisation is accelerating as GST registration, AI adoption, and disclosure compliance reshape influencer marketing.
India's creator economy is described as moving into a formalised industry shaped by standardised processes, infrastructure-led growth, and regulatory governance. GST registration is presented as a baseline for institutional brand partnerships, while regional expansion, brand accountability, AI adoption, and compliance requirements are identified as the main forces reshaping influencer marketing. ASCI disclosures, SEBI scrutiny, and DPDP compliance are framed as structural filters for durable participation in the sector.

Sugar export prohibition tightened to protect domestic supply, with limited exceptions for quota-linked and approved shipments.
Sugar exports are placed under a prohibited regime with immediate effect until 30 September 2026, by amendment of the export policy from restricted to prohibited. The measure is stated to support domestic availability and contain prices, following earlier licence-based control of exports. The prohibition does not apply to exports to the European Union and the United States under the CXL and Tariff Rate Quota arrangements, or to shipments under the advance authorisation scheme, government-to-government exports, and consignments already in the physical export pipeline.

Semi high-speed rail connectivity gets a boost as the Ahmedabad-Dholera project aims to improve mobility and logistics efficiency.
Cabinet approval has been granted for the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)-Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line project in Gujarat, covering Ahmedabad district and adding about 134 km to the Indian Railways network. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 20,667 crore, is planned for completion by 2030-31 and is described as Indian Railways' first semi high-speed project using indigenously developed technology. It is intended to improve direct connectivity, reduce travel time and enhance mobility, service reliability and logistics efficiency.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement talks advance as India and Chile deepen trade, investment and business cooperation.
Bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between India and Chile was advanced through high-level ministerial and official engagements focused on deepening trade, investment and institutional ties. The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to expand bilateral business engagement and to work towards the early conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a framework for unlocking the relationship's economic potential. The talks also covered trade facilitation, market access, investment promotion and stronger economic institutional engagement.

Logistics excellence recognition drives innovation, multimodality and sustainability across supply chains under a structured national awards framework.
Recognition was conferred on logistics organisations across core logistics, MSMEs, startups, institutions and special categories for operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, multimodality and technology adoption in supply chain and logistics services. The LEAPS 2025 initiative was described as a flagship national platform aligned with PM GatiShakti and the National Logistics Policy to acknowledge leadership in logistics performance and best practices. The evaluation process for LEAPS 2025 was stated to have been conducted through a structured and transparent mechanism involving online applications, expert committee scrutiny and award committee review.

VAT on industrial piped natural gas draws MSME demand for rate cut and GST inclusion to ease costs
Micro, small and medium enterprises in Madhya Pradesh sought a reduction in the VAT on piped natural gas used for industrial purposes, saying high fuel prices and the absence of GST input tax credit are raising production costs and hurting competitiveness. They urged either a lower VAT rate or inclusion of PNG within the GST ambit. Industry and business groups also demanded simplification of the GST return filing process.

Fuel price pass-through concerns grow as West Asia crisis disrupts oil supplies and pressures India's import-dependent economy.
Energy price pressures from the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption are affecting India's import-dependent economy. The Reserve Bank Governor noted that sustained disruption may require the government to pass on higher fuel costs to retail prices, even though petrol and diesel prices have so far not been raised.

Rupee weakness against the dollar deepens as crude prices, geopolitical tensions and strong demand pressure the currency
Rupee weakness against the US dollar reflected pressure from elevated crude oil prices, West Asia geopolitical tensions and a strong dollar, with the currency touching a record low before closing near its all-time closing low. Traders noted that possible RBI intervention and reduced gold import demand following higher import tariffs could moderate further depreciation, but the near-term direction remained linked primarily to crude prices and geopolitical developments. Gold and silver import duties were raised to curb overseas purchases and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Export policy expansion through free trade agreements aims to boost market access and wider FTA utilisation.
India's export policy focus is on scaling goods and services exports through a higher annual target, supported by record export levels and continued market diversification. A central instrument of this strategy is the use of free trade agreements and related preferential trade arrangements, alongside efforts to improve FTA utilisation by increasing awareness among industry participants, especially small and micro units, so that the benefits of these agreements are more widely accessed across the export ecosystem.

Money laundering summons challenge arises in a land deal case after cognisance on the ED charge sheet.
Robert Vadra moved the Delhi High Court against a trial court order issuing summons to him in a money laundering case linked to a land transaction in Gurugram's Shikohpur area. The trial court had taken cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's charge sheet and directed Vadra and other accused persons to appear, noting prima facie material to proceed further under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.