ASEAN Digital Economy: Negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) are now concluded, with signing expected in November and a target of a single, rules-based digital market for data flows, payments, cybersecurity, e-commerce and digital identity. Retail Expansion (India): Baazar Style Retail opened three new stores in Uttar Pradesh, lifting its count to 276 and doubling down on value fashion in emerging markets. Consumer Tech & Legal (China): A Beijing court held the first hearing in a Tesla “Full Self-Driving” fraud case, with 10 owners seeking refunds and triple damages over marketing promises. Fashion Performance (India): Zara’s India business (Inditex/Trent JV) posted its weakest results since the pandemic, with FY26 profit down 32% to Rs 204 crore as competition intensifies. Food & Safety (India): Authorities seized methanol-laced illicit liquor in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, after a toxic liquor network linked to deaths rose to 19. Energy & Inflation Watch (India): India’s finance ministry flagged that Strait of Hormuz disruption duration is the key driver for external and retail inflation risks, with fuel-price pass-through likely. Agrifood Trade (China-Africa): China will allow eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting July 20, using unified phytosanitary rules. Green Tech (India): India’s energy investment outlook highlights solar and refining as major drivers, with renewables and nuclear gaining share in power investment.