India-UK Trade: The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and a Social Security pact officially took effect, with India getting duty-free access for nearly 99% of exports and tariff cuts expected to boost sectors from textiles to services. EU-India Diplomacy: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met EU leaders in Brussels to push trade, technology cooperation and maritime supply-chain resilience. China Growth Watch: China’s Q2 GDP slowed to 4.3% as weak consumption and a property slump offset export strength, adding pressure for stimulus. Middle East Trade Risk: U.S.-Iran strikes around the Strait of Hormuz escalated, with Trump warning about targeting civilian infrastructure—raising fears for global energy flows. AI Governance: Australia moves to create a dedicated Office of AI to coordinate regulation, investment and security policy across government. Regional Integration: Cambodia’s National Assembly approved new appointments and four ASEAN-related mutual recognition bills to deepen regional economic integration. Digital Trade Corridors: Dubai’s DMCC signed an MoU with Botswana’s exchange group to build a sister-hub commodity corridor. Local Policy Clash: In California’s Imperial Valley, a data-center funding dispute pits a mayor against a regional economic development corporation. Money-Laundering Policy: Sri Lanka’s cabinet approved a 2026-2030 national plan to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing. EV Import Rules: Malaysia’s MITI said it won’t reverse new CBU EV import regulations, citing a balanced approach with local industry goals. Agriculture Stress: A Philippine farmers’ group warned rice output may drop sharply in Q4 2026, blaming policy-driven price pressure, high fertilizer costs and El Niño.