India-UK Trade (Cars): India will allow up to 3.78 lakh UK conventional-engine passenger cars under CETA from July 15, with duties falling to 10% and phased quotas that also open access to UK EV and hybrid/hydrogen segments. Retail & Consumer Travel (Air India): Air India pilots a lower “Basic” domestic fare with baggage but no complimentary meals, pushing an unbundled, pay-for-what-you-need model. AI in Retail/Services: Lowe’s is rolling out an AI assistant for store associates that doubled online conversion rates, while Barclays Global Services India uses AI for faster decisions and real-time fraud detection. EU Trade Defences (China): EU leaders back stronger trade defence tools to counter a surge of Chinese exports, while still calling for “constructive dialogue.” China Consumer & Retail: China’s May exports jumped 19% on AI-chip and EV demand; regulators also expanded commercial-property REITs, with shopping-mall assets drawing fresh investor filings. Japan Cost of Living: Japan’s core consumer prices rose 1.4% in May as fuel subsidies capped energy-driven inflation. Food & Retail Safety (China): Walmart-owned Sam’s Club faces food safety scrutiny in China, ordered to tighten supply-chain controls. Energy Transition (Asia): A report says Asia leads renewable growth but insurance risk is rising due to supply-chain strain and climate volatility. Consumer Culture (Japan): A “chilled shampoo” summer trend spreads across Yamagata barbershops, blending menthol cooling with local “cold culture.” Legal/Consumer (US vape): A consumer has dropped out of a proposed US vape price-fixing class action, while the broader case continues.