Critical Minerals Push: G7 leaders agreed in Evian to coordinate stockpiling, recycling and an IEA-backed platform to cut reliance on China-linked rare earths and permanent magnets to below 60% by 2030 (aiming toward 50%). Trade Tensions: The EU-China trade fight is heating up as Brussels moves toward protective measures amid a widening EU deficit, raising fears of a broader trade war. India-UK Deal Timing: India and the UK confirmed CETA will start July 15, 2026, with a digital trade chapter including blockchain cooperation and cross-border data flows. Japan Competition Watch: Japan’s fair trade watchdog raided six major ice cream makers over suspected price-fixing/cartel behavior. Circular Economy in Retail: ChopValue, KOKUYO and Takenaka launched joint work to turn discarded disposable chopsticks into durable furniture and building interior materials. Consumer Tech & Cyber: Nintendo faced a cyberattack with ransom demands; customers were not believed affected. Payments Disruption: Citizens Bank customers reported intermittent online/mobile banking issues tied to scheduled maintenance. Food & Farming Inputs: India is seeing rising interest in biofertilizers as fertilizer supply fears grow ahead of monsoon planting. EV Retail Expansion: Tesla opened a fifth India experience centre in Hyderabad and started Telangana deliveries/after-sales. Healthcare Weight-Loss: Novo Nordisk plans to file for China approval of an oral Wegovy pill within weeks or months. Convenience Food Buzz: FamilyMart launched a “Gyoza Dog” in Japan, drawing comparisons to DisneySea’s version. Pakistan Affordability Move: Pakistan cut sales tax on menstrual products and contraceptives to zero, aiming to lower prices. Auto Industry Shake-up (China): China froze vehicle production qualifications for eight automakers, citing weak core technology and ending their ability to manufacture vehicles. BMW MINI Demand (India): BMW expects MINI to become its fastest-growing market in India, targeting a dealer network expansion and sales doubling.