Amid escalating US tariffs, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has urged India to view the trade war as an opportunity for radical reform. Reacting to President Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, Mahindra emphasized using the "law of unintended consequences" to India's advantage. He called for bold steps like a single-window clearance system for investments, tourism-focused forex strategies, and enhanced support for MSMEs. Mahindra's remarks come as India faces its highest-ever US tariff rates. He urged swift action to transform global uncertainty into long-term growth and attract global capital. (PC: NDTV)

Meta has offered a staggering $250 million compensation package to 24-year-old AI researcher Matt Deitke, doubling its initial $125 million bid after he declined. CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally intervened to secure Deitke, whose work on multimodal AI systems and autonomous agents has earned global acclaim, including an Outstanding Paper Award at NeurIPS 2022. Deitke co-founded Vercept, a startup backed by Eric Schmidt, focused on AI agents that act independently online. Meta’s aggressive recruitment reflects a fierce talent war among tech giants vying to build superintelligent systems. With offers rivaling elite sports contracts and access to massive computing resources, AI researchers have become Silicon Valley’s most sought-after stars in a race reshaping the future. (PC: Startup Pedia & India Today)

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the majority of new iPhones sold in the US during Q2 were manufactured in India, marking a major shift in Apple’s global supply chain. India has overtaken China as the primary production hub for US-bound iPhones, while Vietnam now leads manufacturing for MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches. Despite former President Donald Trump’s criticism and a newly imposed 25% tariff on Indian imports, Apple remains committed to its India strategy. Cook highlighted record revenue growth in India, driven by strong iPhone sales, and announced plans to expand Apple’s retail footprint in the country. Apple incurred $800 million in tariff-related costs last quarter, with projections rising to $1.1 billion. (PC: Reuters)

Global crude oil prices are projected to surge to $80–82 per barrel amid escalating tensions between the U.S., Russia, and India. President Donald Trump has issued a 12-day ultimatum to Russia to end its Ukraine offensive or face 100% secondary tariffs on nations trading with Moscow. Analysts warn this could disrupt global oil flows, especially with Russia exporting 5 million barrels per day. Brent crude has already climbed from $72.07 to $76, with forecasts reaching $100–$120 if Russian oil is squeezed out. While India may avoid supply shortages due to diversified imports, retail fuel prices could spike. OPEC+ output delays and tight spare capacity may worsen short-term volatility. (PC: NDTV & Geology)

India has discovered rare earth elements (REEs) in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, marking a strategic breakthrough amid China’s tightening export controls. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy revealed that Coal India Ltd is conducting R&D to extract REEs from coal waste and overburden strata, with promising concentrations of 250–400 ppm. These minerals are vital for clean energy, electronics, defense, and EVs including sectors currently reliant on Chinese imports. India is collaborating with premier institutes to develop indigenous extraction technologies. Experts warn that continued Chinese restrictions could impact manufacturing and banking sectors. The discovery could help India build a self-reliant REE supply chain and reduce geopolitical vulnerability. (PC: Times Now & The Economic Times)

India issued a calm yet firm response to U.S. criticism over its continued purchase of Russian oil, following President Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff and an unspecified penalty. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s energy decisions are guided by market availability and global circumstances. Despite mounting pressure, India reiterated that securing energy needs is an overriding priority and cautioned against “double standards.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India’s Russian oil imports a “point of irritation,” but acknowledged India’s vast energy demands. India remains committed to sourcing oil at the best prices, asserting its strategic autonomy and refusing to be bullied into altering long-standing foreign policy.

TVS Motor Company posted a stellar Q1 FY26, with consolidated profit rising 32‑35% to ₹610–642 crore, driven by strong scooter and motorcycle sales across domestic and export markets . Revenue grew ~20%, with scooter sales up 19% and EV units increasing 35% . However, the company warned that China’s export restrictions on rare earth magnets—crucial for EV motors—pose a serious supply‑chain risk. TVS is exploring magnet‑free alternatives and sourcing from other countries to maintain production continuity, even as competitors like Bajaj Auto brace for potential EV output halts by August. (PC: Mint)

Over 1 lakh jobs in India’s gem and jewellery industry are at risk following the US’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian jewellery exports starting August 1, 2025. The United States is a key market, accounting for nearly 30% of India’s jewellery exports, worth around $9.9 billion. Industry experts warn that the new tariffs will significantly reduce demand from US buyers, increase costs by 15%, and lead to mass order cancellations. Handmade and small-scale jewellery units are expected to be worst hit, with fears of factory shutdowns and large-scale unemployment looming. (PC: ANI)

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order on July 31, imposing “reciprocal tariffs” ranging from 10% to 41% on nearly 70 countries—effective August 7, 2025 . India is hit with a 25% tariff, along with unspecified additional penalties tied to its defense and energy ties with Russia . In contrast, Pakistan’s tariff rate was sharply reduced to 19%, down from a previously proposed 29% . The announcement rattled markets, triggering declines in Asian equities and a dip in the rupee, while opposition parties in India criticized the Modi government for diplomatic mismanagement. Analysts warn the tariffs could fuel inflation and disrupt global trade, as Delhi now reevaluates its strategic autonomy amid rising economic and geopolitical friction with Washington. (PC: Reuters)

Following former U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a sudden 25% tariff on Indian imports—citing concerns over India’s continued defense and energy ties with Russia—the Indian government has decided not to pursue the F-35 stealth fighter jet deal with the U.S. The government is now evaluating steps to address the tariff blow, including increasing imports of American natural gas, gold, and tech equipment to balance the trade equation. Rather than relying on high-end U.S. arms, India is doubling down on joint defense development and domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” strategy. (PC: Reuters)