Flex-fuel push in India: India launched E85 (85% ethanol) in New Delhi, alongside a Maruti Suzuki flex-fuel passenger vehicle, aiming to cut crude imports and boost rural ethanol demand. Retail & consumer tech: AI shopping assistants are moving from novelty to conversion, with reports that 41% of Indian consumers already use AI tools for product discovery and buying decisions. FMCG demand shift: Indian FMCG giants are leaning harder on beverages—coffee, RTD drinks, protein products and low-sugar juices—as they outpace broader categories amid uneven rural demand. Auto market signal from China: China’s retail car sales fell 22% in May as fuel cars dropped sharply, while NEV penetration hit a record 62.9%, and exports surged on AI-linked tech and autos. Cross-border logistics: ECS Group is expanding its Asia air cargo network with road feeder services and tech-led shipment visibility across 14 countries. China e-commerce export squeeze: Iran-war-linked jet fuel costs and weaker Western demand are pressuring low-cost Chinese online exporters. Aviation product tease: IndiGo hinted an “under development” business offering on its A350 fleet, with more A321neos set to carry its IndiGoStretch product. China military-linked firms: The Pentagon added Alibaba, BYD and Baidu to its list, affecting U.S. defense contracting eligibility. Market finance: India’s government started an OFS to sell up to 3% of NLC India at a floor price of ₹303/share. Beauty & wellness growth: Forecasts point to strong expansion in probiotic skin care and dietary supplements, with Asia-Pacific expected to grow fastest.