Iron ore and steel prices soared to four-month highs after China began constructing the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The $170 billion project, launched by Premier Li Qiang, is expected to boost demand for steel, cement, and glass. India raised concerns over potential downstream impacts, while Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu warned of a “ticking water bomb.” NGOs fear irreversible ecological damage. The dam aims to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours annually and support China’s carbon neutrality goals. China’s Iron and Steel Association is also working to curb industry overcapacity and hyper-competition, further influencing market dynamics. (PC: NDTV & Telegraph India)

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigned following a viral “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert with Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot. Captured on the jumbotron during “The Jumbotron Song,” the pair embraced before awkwardly ducking away, prompting Coldplay’s Chris Martin to quip, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” The clip sparked social media frenzy, leading to Byron’s resignation, accepted by the board. Pete DeJoy was named interim CEO. The company reaffirmed its commitment to conduct and accountability, launching an internal investigation. Byron’s LinkedIn was deleted, and Cabot’s marital status remains unclear. The scandal, dubbed “ColdplayGate,” has ignited memes and revived past allegations of toxic leadership.

A viral “kiss cam” moment at Coldplay’s Boston concert featuring Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot sparked a wave of witty brand campaigns. As Chris Martin joked about the duo “having an affair,” Byron ducked and Cabot hid her face, igniting meme culture. IKEA, Frido, Tesla, GlobeAir, and Ryanair capitalized on the moment with humorous ads, from cuddle pillows to spontaneous getaways. Despite speculation, Astronomer confirmed neither executive was dismissed, though a formal investigation is underway. The incident, dubbed “ColdplayGate,” became a marketing goldmine, blending corporate opportunism with internet frenzy. (PC: The Times of India & NDTV)

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to impose a 10% tariff on imports from BRICS nations, warning the group would "end very quickly" if it formed meaningfully. He accused BRICS of promoting "anti-American policies" and pledged to preserve the dollar’s global reserve status, rejecting any central bank digital currency in the U.S. The BRICS bloc, which expanded to include Iran and Indonesia, has denied being anti-American and is advancing BRICS Pay for local currency transactions. Brazil dropped plans for a common currency. Trump also announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports starting August and launched a probe into its trade practices. (PC: The Tribune & X)

Tesla officially launched its first showroom in India today at Maker Maxity Mall, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, marking its entry into the Indian market. Tesla’s Model Y starts at ₹60 lakh, with the long-range variant priced at ₹67.8 lakh. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis attended the opening and invited Tesla to consider the state for future R&D and manufacturing. India’s steep import duties make Tesla’s prices higher than in other countries. Despite this, Tesla aims to attract wealthy urban buyers. India’s EV market is growing, with a target of 30% EV sales by 2030, up from 4% now. (PC: HT)

Tesla officially entered the Indian market today with the launch of its first showroom at Maker Maxity Mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. The Elon Musk-led EV giant unveiled the Model Y, priced at Rs 59.89 lakh (rear-wheel drive) and Rs 61 lakh on-road. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Tesla, calling it a symbol of innovation and sustainability. While Tesla currently has no plans for manufacturing in India, the showroom marks its first physical presence. The move follows India’s new EV policy easing import duties. Tesla aims to test India’s fast-growing automobile market through showroom-based sales.

Tesla India’s newly launched X handle posted a simple but striking “Coming Soon” teaser on July 11, signaling imminent entry into the Indian market . The post aligns with plans to officially open its first “Tesla Experience Centre” in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex on July 15, 2025, confirming reports of the showroom’s date. Ahead of the launch, Tesla imported approximately $1 million worth of vehicles and merchandise—including several Model Y units—from the U.S. and China . Deliveries are expected to begin by late August. Despite high import duties (~70%), local manufacturing hasn’t been ruled out long-term, though no immediate plans exist.  

  Tesla is officially entering the Indian market with its first experience centre in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex, launching on July 15, 2025 . The EV maker has already imported approximately $1 million worth of vehicles and gear, including at least five Model Y SUVs from its Shanghai factory, each declared at ₹2.77 lakh ($31,988) and incurring import duties of over ₹2.1 lakh (70% tariff) . Deliveries to customers are expected to begin by late August. Tesla plans a second showroom in Delhi and has ramped up hiring across India—but currently has no plans to manufacture locally. (PC: HT Photo)

In April, the Trump administration paused reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, aiming for up to 90 trade deals but achieved only three (UK, China, Vietnam), with roughly two dozen warning letters issued. India‑US trade negotiations, initially targeted by the July 9 deadline, have now shifted toward August 1, offering India more time to finalize an interim agreement. However, the August deadline remains uncertain, reflecting the fluid, improvisational nature of Trump’s tariff policy. The scope of potential tariffs has broadened now including copper and pharmaceuticals. While slapdash deal‑making may unsettle global markets and supply chains, the extension is a relief for Indian exporters amid ongoing bilateral trade discussions. (PC: History.com)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a steep 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods, effective August 1, 2025, justifying it by referencing Brazil’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt,” and alleging censorship of U.S. tech platforms like X and Rumble . He simultaneously launched a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s digital trade practices, signaling possible further levies . Brazil’s President Lula promptly condemned the move as “tutelage,” threatening retaliation under reciprocity laws . The real fell over 2%, highlighting market fears of a brewing trade war . This escalation marks a politically charged expansion of Trump’s global tariff campaign, which also targets copper, pharmaceuticals and other nations. (PC: AP)