Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi’s Indonesia-Australia-New Zealand tour doubles down on India’s Act East and maritime links, with talks spanning defense drills, maritime security, digital ties, critical minerals, energy and space cooperation. India Trade & Industry: India’s FY25-26 trade hit USD 1,843.7bn as the deficit narrowed to USD 117.6bn, while HSBC’s July manufacturing PMI eased to 53.5—slower growth, softer domestic demand, but exports stayed in expansion. Fuel Export Policy: India raised windfall taxes on petrol, diesel and jet fuel exports to protect domestic supply amid Middle East-driven volatility. Logistics & Trade Flows: A tariff-free first Scottish salmon shipment landed in Bengaluru under the new UK-India FTA, while green chilli imports resumed via Bangladesh’s Hili Land Port, quickly easing local prices. Shipping Risk: Red Sea security concerns are pushing some Saudi and Russian tankers to detour around Africa, adding weeks to Asia-bound voyages. Pacific Resources: A company launched a new expedition to map the Clarion-Clipperton Zone for deep-sea mining, reviving permitting and rules debates. Maritime Security: US Pacific Fleet Commander Steve Koehler will visit Dhaka to expand maritime security, disaster response and training cooperation. Extreme Heat: A World Bank report warns South Asia’s rising heat is already damaging jobs and city productivity.