Women Entrepreneurs Boost Local Economy and Culture Through Sustainable Homestay Ventures
Women entrepreneurs in Arunachal Pradesh are increasingly establishing homestays that serve as sources of economic empowerment and cultural preservation. These ventures provide sustainable income alternatives to government jobs, promoting local traditions and tourism. Homestays offer immersive cultural experiences, including traditional cuisine and participation in festivals, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The state government supports this growth through policies offering incentives and partnerships with major booking platforms to enhance visibility. Community-based models emphasize sustainability and mindful tourism to protect local lifestyles. This development encourages youth to remain in their villages, fostering cultural pride and economic self-reliance while promoting responsible tourism aligned with environmental and cultural values.

India's Economy to Grow Over 6.5% with Inflation Near 2%, RBI Eyes Rate Cuts and Trade Balance
A member of the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee stated that the Indian economy is expected to grow over 6.5% in the current and next fiscal years, driven primarily by domestic consumption and investment. Inflation is currently around 2%, within the RBI's target range, though further rate cuts will depend on broader macroeconomic trends. Regarding the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States, India is cautious about opening sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, seeking to protect domestic interests while gaining access to US markets for labor-intensive goods. India also aims to remove additional US tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos and reserves the right to impose retaliatory duties under WTO rules. Foreign direct investment inflows have increased despite net outflows due to repatriation, with a positive outlook for continued growth in FDI attracted by India's robust economic performance.

Neighboring Countries Agree to Ceasefire Talks Amid Ongoing Border Clashes and Humanitarian Concerns
Two neighboring countries agreed to pursue ceasefire negotiations following mediation by a third-party leader, after several days of deadly border clashes resulting in numerous casualties and mass displacement. Despite the agreement to negotiate, hostilities continued with both sides accusing each other of initiating attacks and violating humanitarian principles. Diplomatic efforts included coordination between foreign ministers and involvement of international actors urging peaceful resolution. The conflict has led to the closure of border crossings and evacuation of civilians, with reports of artillery and rocket attacks on civilian areas and culturally significant sites. Human rights organizations condemned the use of banned weapons and called for protection of civilians. The longstanding territorial dispute has escalated recently, exacerbating regional tensions and prompting calls for mediation by a regional organization and the United Nations Security Council.

Indian Subsidiary Plans Rs 80 Crore IPO to Fund Robotic Manufacturing Unit and Boost Production Capacity
An Indian subsidiary of a Swiss automated parking solutions company plans to raise Rs 80 crore through an initial public offering to fund the establishment of a robotic manufacturing unit in West Bengal. The fresh equity issue will dilute existing promoter holdings by approximately 6.25%, increasing public shareholding to about 25-26%. The funds will be allocated equally between setting up the manufacturing facility and debt reduction plus working capital enhancement. The new plant aims to support production for over 10,000 automated car parks annually and create more than 100 jobs. The company's equity is currently evenly split among two Indian promoters, the Swiss parent company, and private equity funds. The IPO is intended to enhance self-reliance in robot manufacturing and unlock company value, with regulatory filings expected shortly. The company has an order book of Rs 1,000 crore and has begun exporting to the US and Dubai.

Neighboring countries start ceasefire talks after former U.S. president's intervention amid border clashes and tariff talks
Two neighboring countries agreed to initiate ceasefire talks following intervention by a former U.S. president, despite ongoing border clashes. Concurrently, the former president held discussions with a senior European official amid an impending tariff deadline. Additional reports address political developments and conflicts in various regions, including South Asia, Eastern Europe, and West Asia.

Foreign Luxury Brand Faces Design Infringement Claims on GI-Protected Traditional Footwear Craft
A traditional footwear craft protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been subject to alleged infringement by a foreign luxury brand accused of design appropriation. The relevant state governments secured the GI status under international trade agreements to reserve production rights for designated artisan districts, defining strict manufacturing criteria. To combat counterfeiting and reinforce authenticity, the state-run development corporation introduced QR-coded certification linking each product to its artisan and compliance details. The corporation also provides training, market access, and economic support to artisans, aiming to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen the craft's market position domestically and internationally. The foreign brand acknowledged inspiration from the traditional design but clarified their product remains in the design phase and is not yet commercialized. This initiative underscores efforts to protect indigenous intellectual property rights and support artisan communities through legal and technological measures.

US President delays 30% EU tariff deadline amid trade talks and links agreements to regional peace efforts
The U.S. President met with a senior European official in Scotland to negotiate trade tariffs ahead of a looming deadline to impose a 30% tariff on the European Union. Despite previous indications of a potential deal, the tariff deadline has been postponed, and the likelihood of an agreement remains uncertain. The discussions occurred privately, with the U.S. seeking to reduce the proposed tariff rate. Concurrently, the President engaged in diplomatic efforts to address conflicts between two Southeast Asian nations, linking trade agreements to regional peace. Additionally, the President planned meetings with the British Prime Minister to finalize a trade framework. The EU warned of retaliatory tariffs on numerous American goods if the U.S. enforces the threatened tariffs, which could increase costs on various European products in the U.S. market.

State urges central govt to release Rs 2,100 crore under Samagra Shiksha without PM SHRI agreement
The state government requested the central government to release over Rs 2,100 crore in pending funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for 2024-25 and the first installment of 2025-26 without requiring the state to sign the PM SHRI agreement. The state reaffirmed its commitment to a two-language education policy, opposing the three-language formula of the National Education Policy 2020. Additional demands included approval for metro rail projects in two cities on a 50:50 funding basis, expansion of suburban rail services, and a permanent resolution to the recurring arrests of state fishermen by a neighboring country, including the release of detained fishermen and boats. The memorandum containing these requests was submitted to the Prime Minister during his visit to the state.

Village Festival Marks 1,000 Years of Historic King's Maritime Expedition and Temple Construction Celebration
A village in Tamil Nadu is hosting a festival to mark the 1,000th anniversary of a historic king's maritime expedition and the start of construction of a notable temple. The event, presided over by the Prime Minister, includes religious recitations, a musical concert, and cultural exhibitions curated by the Archaeological Survey of India. Local authorities have implemented security measures for the celebrations, which are attended by various government officials. The festival highlights the region's architectural and cultural heritage through guided tours and special exhibitions.

State-Owned Corp to Pilot Mobile Crop Processing Units Extending Shelf Life by 12-18 Months
A state-owned agricultural corporation plans to introduce mobile processing units to assist farmers in managing surplus crop production by extending shelf life by 12-18 months. The units will process various crops through washing, peeling, drying, chopping, slicing, and liquefaction, allowing farmers to avoid losses caused by market oversupply and perishable goods. Two machines will be deployed on a pilot basis in two districts, each capable of processing 150-200 tonnes daily and customizable to regional crops. The initiative aims to reduce transportation costs and enable farmers to sell processed products at better prices. A startup will supply the units, each costing approximately Rs 1.5 crore. Following the pilot, the corporation intends to propose wider procurement to district administrations to support local farmers.

Deadly Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Cause Displacement and Draw International Calls for Ceasefire
Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in deadly border clashes resulting in over 30 deaths and mass displacement. Both governments accuse each other of initiating hostilities, with artillery and small arms fire reported near border villages. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated, including ambassador recalls and border closures. International actors, including the UN Security Council and ASEAN, have urged ceasefire and peaceful negotiations, with mediation efforts underway. The use of cluster munitions by Thai forces, though not party to the relevant convention, has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations due to civilian harm. Both sides claim adherence to international law while accusing the other of aggression and using civilians as shields. The conflict exacerbates regional instability, prompting calls for restraint and a negotiated resolution to prevent further humanitarian and legal violations.

Political party demands probe into fraud under National Organic Production Program certification rules
A political party has called for a court-supervised investigation by the central investigative agency into an alleged large-scale fraud involving the sale of conventional cotton as organic cotton in a central Indian state. The fraud reportedly involves manipulation of certification processes under a national organic production program, with many farmers falsely listed as organic producers without their knowledge. This has led to significant financial gains for certain traders through the sale of non-organic cotton at premium prices, alongside substantial tax evasion. The scandal has damaged the country's reputation in the global organic market, resulting in the revocation of certifications by international bodies. The party demands the establishment of a special investigation team led by the central agency and overseen by a high court judge, along with transparent certification inspections and compensation for affected farmers.

Village Panchayats Oppose Same-Village Marriages, Threaten Boycott and Demand Government Ban
Two village panchayats in Punjab's Faridkot district have passed a resolution opposing marriages between individuals from the same village, citing concerns over potential violent disputes and disruption of social harmony. The resolution threatens a boycott of the couple and their families by the entire gram panchayat and residents if such marriages occur. The panchayats have requested the state government to impose a ban on same-village marriages and to prioritize discussion of this issue in the Punjab Assembly. Additionally, the resolution mandates that no person can reside in the village without valid identification such as an Aadhaar card or voter card. Similar opposition to same-village marriages was recently reported from a nagar panchayat in Bathinda district.

Deadly Border Clashes Between Thailand and Cambodia Cause Displacement and Diplomatic Tensions
Thailand and Cambodia engaged in deadly border clashes resulting in at least 33 deaths and over 168,000 displaced persons. Both countries accused each other of initiating attacks involving artillery and small arms fire near disputed border villages. Diplomatic relations deteriorated with ambassador recalls and border closures. International actors, including ASEAN, the UN Security Council, and a third-party nation's leader, urged ceasefire negotiations, with some progress indicated but no confirmed agreements. Human Rights Watch condemned the use of cluster munitions and called for adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilians, noting school and hospital closures due to the conflict. Both sides deny targeting civilians, accusing the other of using human shields or expanding offensives. The ongoing dispute centers on a long-standing territorial disagreement, with recent escalations threatening regional stability and prompting calls for peaceful resolution through diplomatic mediation.

Former US President's Scotland Golf Visit Sparks Protests Over Trade, Environment, and Security Measures
The visit of a former US president to Scotland involved playing golf at family-owned courses while facing protests across multiple cities. Demonstrators criticized the visit, accusing local leaders of pandering to the US and opposing recent trade agreements. The protests included environmental activists and groups opposing foreign conflicts, forming a coalition against the visitor. Security measures kept protesters at a distance during golf rounds. Public funds were allocated to support a golf championship at one of the president's courses, highlighting economic interests tied to golf tourism. Political figures expressed solidarity with the protests, condemning the visitor's policies and presence. The visit also included planned trade discussions with UK and EU officials. The event underscored tensions between economic promotion and public dissent regarding the former president's political and personal legacy.

Leaders Sign Multiple Agreements to Boost Trade, Tourism, and Digital Payments Between Neighboring Countries
The leaders of two neighboring countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through recent high-level talks, resulting in the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding and agreements across various sectors. Negotiations commenced for a free trade agreement aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. A network-to-network agreement was also established to facilitate digital payment interoperability, expected to benefit tourists and residents of both nations. The partnership emphasizes mutual development, particularly in tourism, and aims to boost people-to-people exchanges. Previous diplomatic tensions caused by derogatory remarks on social media were addressed through renewed dialogue, leading to improved relations. The cooperation reflects a long-standing historical relationship and a shared vision for prosperous future collaboration.

Tech Leaders and Chief Minister Discuss AI-Driven Digitization for Education, Healthcare, Tourism, and Startups Collaboration
Senior executives from a major technology company met with the Chief Minister of a northern Indian region to discuss collaboration on digitization efforts using artificial intelligence. The company representatives expressed interest in supporting initiatives across education, healthcare, tourism, startups, and skill development by deploying scalable AI solutions. They emphasized that AI integration in education and health sectors could significantly benefit the local population. Additionally, the executives highlighted the importance of providing AI platform access to the regional startup community to foster indigenous technological innovation and offer opportunities for local talent to develop AI-based applications.