trade liberalization

India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are currently negotiating a limited, temporary trade arrangement for specific goods as part of broader free trade agreement talks. Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov described the discussions as complex, with India's requests being ambitious.

China's exports surged 19.4% in May, exceeding forecasts, driven by robust demand for semiconductors and electric vehicles. Shipments to the US saw a significant rebound, growing over 35%. This strong trade performance is expected to support China's economic growth targets for the year.

India's strategic foothold in the Middle East strengthens with the Adani Group's acquisition of Israel's Port of Haifa. This vital hub is poised to become a cornerstone of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, promising faster trade routes. Despite regional tensions, operations remain secure, underscoring its importance for India's economic and connectivity ambitions.

An unlikely alliance has emerged over the demand to give the cow special national status, with some Muslim leaders backing a long-standing Sangh proposal. But will symbolism bring peace where laws and assurances have failed?

Once a footnote in West Bengal politics, Ritabrata Banerjee has dramatically risen to become the Leader of Opposition after a sensational political shift. His journey from a CPI(M) expulsion to leading a rebellion within the TMC, now challenging the ruling party, has left the state's political landscape reeling.

A new report highlights China's key maritime vulnerability lies at the Strait of Hormuz, not the Malacca Strait. This shifts strategic competition in the Indian Ocean to a new arena involving India, France, and the US. China's energy imports through this region expose it to potential exploitation by rival powers.

US and Canada are locked in a heated dispute over new streaming regulations. American officials accuse Canada of imposing discriminatory financial burdens on US platforms like Netflix, demanding a tripling of contributions to local programming. Canada defends the move as domestic law, essential for reflecting Canadian culture on screen, potentially impacting upcoming trade talks.

The party has bought itself time after recent electoral gains. Yet the road to 2029 will test whether Congress can reinvent itself — or remain a diminished player in national politics.

Taiwan, a flashpoint in US-China rivalry, is increasingly central to global tensions. President Xi Jinping's "Thucydides Trap" warning highlights the risk of conflict as China rises. The island's strategic importance in semiconductors and trade, coupled with historical crises, underscores the escalating danger of miscalculation.

As Colombia grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis, conflict-induced displacement surged in 2025, impacting over 322,000 individuals. Armed factions, in the wake of FARC's disarmament, have intensified their violent confrontations, reaching levels not seen in a decade. Norte de Santander bears the brunt, with countless families fleeing from the turmoil.

Trump’s philosophy is often mistaken for the absence of philosophy, but absence can become a system if practised with sufficient confidence. Every problem becomes a deal, every deal becomes a performance, every performance requires a winner, and the winner, ideally before anyone checks the paperwork, is Donald Trump.

Presidents Xi and Trump are set for a crucial summit, aiming for stability despite deep-seated issues like tech rivalry and Taiwan. While a trade deal might emerge, it won't end the underlying friction. China's focus on domestic chip production and its stance on Taiwan, deemed the 'biggest risk,' will also be key discussion points. The US may also expect China's mediation in ending the Iranian mess.

Billionaire investors Bill Ackman and Sir Christopher Hohn are at odds over Microsoft's future, specifically concerning AI's impact. While Hohn sees AI as a threat to Microsoft's core products, Ackman views the company as central to the AI revolution and has initiated a significant investment, believing its current valuation is attractive for long-term growth.