Despite over a decade of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, India remains heavily reliant on Chinese imports, especially for upstream components like electronics, solar cells, and electric batteries. A report by the Hinrich Foundation reveals that while India has made progress in assembling products, its dependence on Chinese raw materials and technology persists. In FY 2024–25, India’s trade deficit with China hit a record $99.2 billion, with imports rising to $113.5 billion and exports falling to just $14.3 billion. Prime Minister Modi’s push for manufacturing self-reliance faces structural challenges, as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme struggles to offset China’s dominance. The gap between policy ambition and economic reality continues to widen. (PC: Foreign Policy & NDTV)

Moody’s has warned that US President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50% could derail India’s manufacturing ambitions and slow GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points from the projected 6.3% for FY2025–26. The tariff hike, imposed over India’s continued import of Russian oil, places Indian exports at a steep disadvantage compared to other Asia-Pacific nations. Moody’s cautioned that the widened tariff gap may reverse recent investment gains, especially in high-value sectors like electronics. While India’s strong domestic demand and forex reserves may cushion the blow, foreign investors have already pulled $900 million from Indian equities in August. The Reserve Bank of India has maintained a neutral stance amid rising trade uncertainty. (PC: NBC & Al Jazeera)

Major US retailers Amazon, Walmart, Target have halted orders from Indian suppliers following President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Exporters received formal notices urging them to pause apparel and textile shipments, as buyers refuse to absorb the increased costs. The tariff hike, linked to India’s continued import of Russian oil, is expected to raise export costs by 30–35%, potentially causing a 40–50% drop in US-bound orders and a $4–5 billion revenue loss. Key exporters like Welspun Living, Indo Count, Trident, and Gokaldas Exports, which rely heavily on US sales, are severely impacted. India remains firm, vowing not to compromise on national interests despite mounting trade pressure. (PC: The Times Of India & NDTV)

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)