Robotics & Trade Tensions: China urged the US to scrap Section 232 drone tariffs and also pushed back on US claims about drone transshipment, warning the levies disrupt global supply chains. Humanoid Push in Consumer Tech: China’s Unitree is tied to US-funded quadruped movement breakthroughs, while the wider humanoid robot race is shifting from demos to practical factory and household use as firms target Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. India Retail & Logistics: Amazon India started running on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, using a rail service to move parcels across Delhi–Ahmedabad–Surat ahead of the festive season. India Sugar Shock: Balrampur Chini shares hit a record after the government tightened sugar stock limits for bulk dealers, aiming to cool prices ahead of festivities. Energy for Everyday Power: A UC Berkeley study says renewables plus battery storage can beat new coal on cost in India, using SECI’s 1,000MW auction as a benchmark. Halal Market Linkages: JETRO Kuala Lumpur will run a Malaysia halal buyer matching programme for Japanese firms, using an online pavilion and AI-enabled sales support. China Finance Watch: China kept benchmark lending rates unchanged for a 15th month, signaling a fiscal-first approach while banks face margin pressure. Diabetes Deal: Mankind Pharma licensed two insulin analogues from China’s Chenan Bio for commercialization in India. Retail Appointments: N Brown named Zoe Matthews to lead growth strategy, as it looks to evolve its fashion and home retail proposition.