India Growth & Consumer Mood: The ADB lifted its FY27 India growth forecast to 7% on stronger Q1 activity, while warning West Asia risks and energy disruptions could still weigh on sentiment and prices. Retail & Spending: A holiday-season “paradox” story says shoppers feel anxious but keep spending, with deals and still-low unemployment helping sales hold up. Trade Pressure on MSMEs: CRISIL flags US tariff hikes to 50% as a margin squeeze for India’s MSMEs, hitting textiles, gems and jewellery, and seafood hardest. Banking Disruption Watch: India’s proposed Sept 28-30 bank strike is prompting contingency guidance, with public sector banks and regional rural banks set to operate normally on Sept 27. Tech, AI & Data Centres: Alibaba plans overseas data-centre expansion (Turkey, Finland, Netherlands) plus more footprint in Malaysia, Germany, UAE, France and Hong Kong, as AI rivalry with the US stays front and centre. Consumer Tech & Regulation: India is investigating LG and Samsung over alleged tariff evasion on OLED TV display parts, a reminder that premium electronics face tighter scrutiny. Cross-border Deals: India–New Zealand’s free trade pact is set to take effect Oct 20, aiming to boost exports and investment. ASEAN Mobility: Malaysia and China signed transport MoUs covering land, rail, maritime, air and logistics, with AI and green, low-carbon infrastructure in scope.