Maersk Reports Increasing Demand From India as Hopes of U.S.-India Trade Deal Grow

The European Union has launched a $3.5 billion package aimed at enhancing the supply of raw materials within the bloc. This initiative includes the establishment of a center to monitor mineral supplies and promote joint investments among member states.

Oil prices have risen as market traders express concerns over the low likelihood of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine in the near future. This sentiment reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding the conflict, which continues to impact global oil supply dynamics.

The Indian government has reversed its order mandating the pre-installation of a state-run cyber safety app on smartphones, a decision that faced significant backlash from cyber experts. This move follows a previous directive aimed at enhancing digital safety across the nation by requiring smartphone manufacturers to include the app on new devices.

The European Union has reached an agreement to ban all imports of Russian gas by the fall of 2027, with specific deadlines for liquefied natural gas and short-term supply contracts set for earlier phase-out. This decision reflects the EU's commitment to reducing reliance on Russian energy sources amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Ukraine has intensified its military operations against Russia by targeting Moscow's shadow fleet in international waters, specifically striking two Russian oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea. This action is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to disrupt Russia's oil supply chains amidst ongoing military tensions.

China's services sector activity growth has slowed, with the RatingDog general services purchasing managers index dropping to 52.1, the lowest level in five months, as reported on Wednesday.

FIFA has decided against implementing dynamic pricing for all tickets to the 2026 World Cup, responding to concerns regarding the affordability of attending the tournament in North America. This decision reflects the organization's sensitivity to fan feedback and the economic implications of ticket pricing strategies.

The Indian government has mandated that smartphone manufacturers, including major companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiomi, preload the state-owned Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on all new devices within 90 days. This decision has sparked significant political backlash, with opposition MPs and activists expressing concerns over potential surveillance implications.