REGIONAL STABILITY
Steel demand outruns capacity as prices stage comeback from monsoon slump: Kotak
Domestic steel demand is projected to remain strong, exceeding capacity additions through FY2029. Robust consumption trends are supported by healthy industrial and infrastructure activity across India. Long steel prices have recovered significantly and are expected to rise further with favorable seasonality. Flat steel prices are currently at a discount to import parity, with regional prices potentially increasing.
Forging strategic bridges: Check PM Modi's agenda for 4-day Central Asia visit, from Tashkent talks to SCO Summit in Bishkek
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic. He will hold talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. Modi will then attend the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek. India aims to boost security and connectivity cooperation across the region. The visit seeks to deepen civilizational ties and regional stability.
Looking to advance India's vision for region free from terror: PM Modi ahead of SCO Summit, State Visit to Uzbekistan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on Saturday. He will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek. Modi will also undertake a State Visit to Tashkent for discussions. He aims to advance India's vision for security and connectivity. The visit seeks to strengthen partnerships and deepen civilisational ties.
India's firm stance holds as Pakistan pleads internationally over Indus Waters Treaty suspension
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has appealed to the international community over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning of consequences for regional peace and security. Speaking at a US-based seminar, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s water vulnerabilities and climate pressures, while India maintains the treaty will remain suspended until cross-border terrorism ends.
In 2016, NYSDEC and partners removed Shapp Pond Dam after 50 years of blocking migratory fish. 4 years later, restored habitat showed significant gains in stream health and wildlife
The removal of the Shapp Pond Dam in Dutchess County, New York, helped restore aquatic connectivity and improve stream habitat along the East Branch of Wappinger Creek. The 12-foot-high dam had blocked migratory fish, altered natural flow and sediment patterns, and created conditions favorable to non-native and invasive species.
Army chief's Iran visit focused on de-escalation, negotiated settlement: Pakistan
Pakistan's Foreign Office stated Army chief Asim Munir's Iran visit aimed at regional de-escalation. He met Iranian leaders to discuss preventing conflict escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Islamabad refuted claims that Munir visited Iran as an envoy for the United States. Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
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Rock-ice avalanches: The silent Himalayan killer behind Nepal's deadly flood
Recent floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district highlight rock-ice avalanches. These events, which can trigger destructive downstream floods, are becoming more frequent. Scientists are investigating a recent rock-ice avalanche as the cause of the August 26 flood. Similar incidents, like the 2021 Chamoli disaster, have caused significant loss of life. Climate change is increasing the risk of these dangerous Himalayan hazards.
PM Modi to visit Uzbekistan from August 29-30, attend SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan from August 31
Prime Minister Modi will visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit. He will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend the important summit. This visit occurs as India and China work to improve bilateral relations. Discussions will focus on regional cooperation, security, and economic development.
Disaster in Nepal once again intensifies debate regarding risks posed by climate change
Himalayan glaciers are receding due to rising temperatures, leaving unstable debris behind. Shifting precipitation patterns cause rainfall in areas previously receiving snow. Intense rainfall saturates loose debris, triggering landslides and debris flows. Blocked water flow by snow or debris creates temporary dams which then break. These combined factors intensify disaster severity in the geologically active Himalayas.
Six Months of Conflict: How the Iran war has reshaped global markets
As global financial markets navigate the aftermath of recent conflicts, the mixed responses are evident. Energy prices have surged sharply, reflecting immediate fallout, while artificial intelligence investments have buoyed global equities amid geopolitical turbulence. However, the traditional appeal of safe-haven assets like Treasuries and gold appears diminished, as Gulf economies and agricultural supply chains grapple with significant disruptions and possible inflationary pressures.
Cement prices likely to stay range-bound through September as post-monsoon demand recovery key: Report
Cement prices are expected to stay stable through September as demand remains weak. Companies are focusing on maintaining current price levels amid uneven market conditions. A strong post-monsoon demand recovery is crucial for future price increases. Rainfall patterns have impacted construction activity across various Indian regions. Demand is anticipated to improve year-on-year, aided by a favorable base.
Onion supply comfortable to meet domestic demand in coming months: Govt
Government assures ample onion supply for upcoming months. Robust production and buffer stocks support domestic demand. Targeted market interventions aim to stabilize seasonal price pressures. Onion exports remain strong to several key destinations. Prices of other essential vegetables and pulses are also stable.
India, Seychelles agree to deepen cooperation in fisheries and blue economy
India and Seychelles agreed to deepen cooperation in fisheries and the blue economy. They will focus on sustainable marine resource management and scientific research. Both nations aim to foster economic growth and rural employment opportunities. They will explore joint development in aquaculture and tuna fisheries optimisation. This collaboration seeks to enhance food security and maritime prosperity.
Adani Energy wins Rs 4,700 crore Maharashtra transmission project; shares rise
Adani Energy Solutions secured a significant transmission project in Maharashtra. This project will cost approximately Rs 4,700 crore and is for renewable energy evacuation. It will also support pumped storage projects totaling 4,500 MW. The transmission network will expand by 562 circuit kilometers and 9,000 MVA. AESL's transmission order book now stands at Rs 85,000 crore.
‘Muslim countries should unite’: Iranian President Pezeshkian seeks regional alliance, US exit
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Muslim nations to strengthen regional security and stability. He emphasized expanding cultural, commercial, and political ties among Islamic states. Iraqi officials praised Iran's role in combating terrorism and sought economic cooperation. Both nations discussed enhancing bilateral relations and security cooperation. Iraq reiterated its commitment to national interest and avoiding regional conflicts.
L&T wins ₹5,000-10,000 cr 'major' order to build 3 battery storage projects in Middle East
Larsen & Toubro said its renewables business has won a major order in the Middle East to develop three battery energy storage system projects with a combined capacity of 6 GWh.
L&T wins ₹5,000-10,000 crore 'major' order to build 3 battery storage projects in Middle East
With the recent acquisition of a major contract for three battery energy storage ventures, Larsen & Toubro is poised for expansion. This initiative will provide a total of six gigawatt-hours in storage capacity. The projects also involve the construction of crucial grid connectivity infrastructure that ensures each system provides four-hour battery storage, thereby enhancing grid stability and facilitating greater integration of renewable energy solutions in the area.
Pakistan's Munir spoke to Trump ahead of Tehran visit, sources say
Pakistan's army chief spoke with Donald Trump last week before visiting Tehran. This call occurred as the United States threatened major economic sanctions against Iran. The Pakistani military confirmed the visit was for promoting regional peace and stability. Discussions also focused on Houthi attacks and a new defense agreement. Munir aimed to mitigate the existing trust deficit between the US and Iran.
India, Gulf bloc discuss next steps on free trade agreement
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council reviewed free trade agreement negotiations in Riyadh. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and regional developments. Both sides affirmed the importance of continued coordination for stability. The GCC is India's largest trading partner bloc by far. Bilateral trade reached USD 178.56 billion in 2024-25.
ET WLF 2026: India has what the world longs for - stable leadership, says Satyan Gajwani, Chairman, Times Internet
Welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the World Leaders Forum, Gajwani drew an analogy with Homer's Odyssey, saying the ancient tale of a protagonist navigating one crisis after another was "something of a parable for our times today." "When we look around the world, at least if we believe the headlines, we're lurching from one crisis to the next," Gajwani said, pointing to two ongoing wars, an energy crisis, disruption of shipping routes, trade battles, nuclear threats and an AI surge sucking in unprecedented amounts of capital.
Israel conducts fresh strike in Syria after US criticism
Israel conducted a strike in Syria, drawing criticism from US envoy Tom Barrack. Barrack slammed the attack as an unnecessary escalation, which Israel refuted. Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Turkey of seeking military presence at the air base. Syria reported an Israeli drone strike wounding a man near the Golan Heights. Israel vowed to maintain troops in a southern security zone.
Amit Shah likely to hold meetings on hill issues, border security in Siliguri on Saturday
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold key meetings in Siliguri on Saturday. He will review border security arrangements and discuss the Siliguri Corridor's strategic importance. Shah is also expected to meet Darjeeling leaders regarding long-pending political issues. The discussions will focus on a permanent political solution for the region. These engagements follow his previous day's review of security infrastructure.
India can help create conditions for Iran-US agreement: Iranian Consul General on ending West Asia conflict
Iran's Consul General in Mumbai believes India can help foster conditions for an Iran-United States agreement. He described India as a peace-loving country capable of contributing to mediation efforts. Several countries already act as intermediaries between Iran and the United States. An agreement could bring peace, stability, and harmony to the entire region. India consistently advocates dialogue and diplomacy for resolving international conflicts.
In implicit message to Beijing, India and Japan oppose unilateral actions impeding freedom of navigation
India and Japan on Thursday signed a maritime security pact and agreed to deepen defence cooperation to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. Defence ministers Rajnath Singh and Shinjiro Koizumi opposed unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion, while backing joint naval shipbuilding, intelligence-sharing and technology cooperation.
Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel sent 'clear message' to Turkey over Syria airstrikes
Israel warned Turkey against establishing a military foothold in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated Israel would not tolerate a Turkish military presence moving south. These remarks followed Israeli airstrikes on an airport in Syria's Idlib province. Turkey rejected Israel's claims and accused Netanyahu of destabilizing policies. International bodies expressed concern over the strikes and Syria's sovereignty.
Israel and Syria agreed to maintain "status quo" on security matters: Netanyahu
Israel warned Syria about Turkish troop deployment near Aleppo, which Syria ignored. Israeli airstrikes targeted Abu al-Duhur Airbase, causing regional concern and condemnation. The United States urged restraint and dialogue over further military escalation. Syria accused Israel of violating its sovereignty following the airbase strikes. Jordan, Qatar, and Turkey also called for an end to Israeli aggression.
Iraq to probe drone attack on Kurdistan PM's office
Iraq will investigate a drone attack on the Kurdistan prime minister's office. Iran denied involvement and called the incident a ploy to harm relations. Kurdistan authorities blamed Tehran for the drone strikes on government buildings. The region has faced over a thousand attacks since the Middle East war began. This incident represents a dangerous escalation threatening regional stability.
Donald Trump welcomes Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence agreement, terms it as 'big, bold' step
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a joint defense agreement. US President Donald Trump called this pact a significant first step. The agreement was signed by leaders of the three nations on August 7. India is now assessing the implications of this new regional pact. New Delhi will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.
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