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India, China committed to fair resolution of border issue PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the SCO summit, stressing that border disputes should not define overall ties. Both sides agreed on peace and tranquillity along the border and a fair, mutually acceptable solution. They discussed balanced trade, reducing deficits, and the potential of India–China cooperation to stabilize global trade. Modi also called for joint efforts against terrorism, noting both countries are victims of it. The meeting signals cautious optimism, with a focus on dialogue, people-to-people contact, and constructive engagement over confrontation.

Pharma industry hopes for relief from GST reforms The pharmaceutical industry has long struggled with high GST rates and an inverted duty structure, raising costs and reducing affordability of medicines. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Chairman Satish Reddy has expressed optimism that the upcoming GST reforms will address these critical issues. A rationalised tax framework can make essential drugs more affordable, boost domestic manufacturing, and enhance India’s global competitiveness. At a time of global uncertainty, such reforms will not only strengthen healthcare access for citizens but also reinforce India’s role as a reliable partner in global supply chains.

SC asks govt. to form guidelines to regulate conduct on social media The Supreme Court has raised an important point about social media and free speech. While freedom of expression is vital in a democracy, it should not be misused to insult or hurt people. Jokes targeting disabled persons, women, children, or senior citizens may seem funny to some, but they deeply affect dignity and equality. The Court observed that when speech is commercialised by influencers, it carries even greater responsibility. Guidelines are needed to ensure humour and opinions do not cross into cruelty. At the same time, free speech should not be unnecessarily restricted.

NITI Aayog report recommends model policy for homestays Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Path ways", released in New Delhi on Friday, aims at ad vancing a framework that States can adopt to harmo-nise regulations and esta-blish an inclusive homes tay ecosystem in the country as The planning body be lieves that alternative ac-commodation such homestays is an opportuni ty with immense economic potential that can help in promoting sustainable growth of India's tourism sector. The report offers a "strategic road map" to un-lock the potential of hom-estays and Bed and Break fast (BnB) providers in India's tourism landscape NITI Aayog said in a statement that the report draws insights from aggre-gators, hosts, and policy-makers and highlights the role of homestays in offer ing travellers "culturally immersive experiences" while fostering local entre preneurship and employ-ment generation. "It em-phasises the need for light-touch, transparent regul...

Russia welcomes Wang Yi's visit and the positive turn in India-China ties Russia’s warm welcome to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India marks a significant turn in regional diplomacy. Moscow’s remarks highlight the growing importance of India-China cooperation, particularly under the frameworks of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Russia, facing Western sanctions, has positioned itself as a reliable partner, supplying more than 40% of India’s crude oil through special trade mechanisms designed to bypass restrictions. At the same time, Moscow is strengthening defence ties with New Delhi, pledging collaboration in jet engine development and the ambitious Sudarshan Chakra missile defence system. By rejecting “illegal” unilateral sanctions and advocating for collective resistance, Russia is calling for solidarity among Global South nations. This stance not only underscores its long-standing partnership with India but also signals a shift to...

Gujarat’s diamond industry, already hit by job losses and weak orders, now faces a 50% U.S. import duty hike. The U.S., its largest buyer with over 30% share in exports, remains critical as nearly 90% of India’s diamonds are processed in Gujarat. Over one lakh workers have lost jobs, forcing the State to announce relief schemes. Industry leaders, however, urge calm, noting America has no alternative to India’s craftsmanship. They believe festive demand will revive trade, even if margins shrink. For lakhs of artisans, especially women, resilience remains the only option in this glittering yet troubled sector.

India’s overall trade deficit fell 3.7% to $31.3 billion in April–July 2025, as exports grew faster than imports despite global uncertainty. Total exports, including goods and services, rose 5.2% to $277 billion, while imports increased 4.2% to $308.9 billion. Merchandise exports grew 3.1% to $149.2 billion, but higher merchandise imports widened the goods deficit to $94.8 billion. Falling petroleum prices masked stronger growth in non-petroleum exports. Services remained the bright spot, with exports surging 7.9% to $128.4 billion and imports staying flat. This surplus helped offset merchandise trade pressures, underlining India’s resilience in an unpredictable global market.