Trade talks between India and the US are gaining momentum, potentially leading to a significant agreement. President Trump hinted at a "very big" deal to open up India, focusing on sectors like energy, agriculture, and defense.

Asia stocks surge: Markets hit 3-year high; oil prices edge up despite weekly drop
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/asia-stocks-surge-markets-hit-3-year-high-oil-prices-edge-up-despite-weekly-drop/articleshow/122102955.cms

Asian stocks soared to multi-year highs, mirroring Wall Street's optimism, fueled by easing geopolitical tensions and anticipated interest rate cuts. Japan's Nikkei 225 surpassed 40,000 for the first time in five months. A weaker US dollar boosted Asian currencies and asset demand.

Digital safety: DoT proposes stricter cybersecurity rules
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/cybersecurity/digital-safety-dot-proposes-stricter-cybersecurity-rules-central-mobile-number-validation-platform-to-combat-fraud/articleshow/122106834.cms

India's telecom sector is set for a cybersecurity overhaul with the DoT's proposed rules, introducing a centralized 'Mobile Number Validation' platform. This platform aims to curb online fraud by enabling authorized entities to verify mobile numbers for a fee. The government can also suspend numbers without notice and collect transaction histories, raising data privacy concerns among experts.

US-China trade deal: After Donald Trump, China says details of deal ‘confirmed’; adds America to 'cancel series of restrictive measures’
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/us-china-trade-deal-after-donald-trump-china-says-details-of-deal-confirmed-adds-america-to-cancel-series-of-restrictive-measures/articleshow/122106892.cms

The US and China have finalized a trade deal, with the US agreeing to cancel restrictive measures, according to China. This follows earlier discussions and a negotiation framework established in London. China is expediting rare earth export approvals, a crucial element in high-tech manufacturing, while both economies have faced negative impacts from trade tensions, including declining manufacturing profits and economic slowdown.

Crude oil price to slump? Prices set for biggest weekly drop since March 2023; supply risk premium from Israel-Iran conflict fades
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/crude-oil-price-to-slump-prices-set-for-biggest-weekly-drop-since-march-2023-supply-risk-premium-from-israel-iran-conflict-fades/articleshow/122107033.cms

Oil prices are set for their largest weekly decline since March 2023 as concerns about supply disruptions from the Iran-Israel conflict have diminished. Despite a slight intraday increase, both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks are poised for a roughly 12% weekly drop. Analysts cite an oversupplied market and revised price forecasts, while U.S.

India-US trade talks: GTRI warns against one-sided deal
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-us-trade-talks-gtri-warns-against-one-sided-deal-says-farmers-digital-space-must-be-protected/articleshow/122108069.cms

As trade talks with the US intensify ahead of a crucial deadline, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) urges India to prioritize a balanced agreement. GTRI emphasizes protecting agriculture, digital infrastructure, and regulatory sovereignty. India must avoid a politically driven deal that undermines long-term policy autonomy and food security, ensuring reciprocity and transparency.

After suspending Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, India now eyes changing Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/infrastructure/after-suspending-indus-waters-treaty-with-pakistan-india-now-eyes-changing-ganges-water-sharing-treaty-with-bangladesh/articleshow/122106450.cms

India is considering revising the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh, set to expire in 2026. New Delhi seeks a new treaty reflecting its current irrigation, port maintenance, and power generation needs.