Overview

• The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with President Xi Jinping on August 31 in Tianjin during the SCO Summit.
• Reports suggest a potential E10 Shinkansen train agreement for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor, which has not been confirmed.
• Reliance signaled a Jio IPO in the first half of 2026 and unveiled a new AI subsidiary at its annual meeting.
• The Finance Ministry extended the cotton import duty exemption to December 31, and the Centre cleared 14 lawyers for elevation to the Bombay High Court, taking its strength to 83 judges.
• Argentina now allows entry for Indian passport holders with valid U.S. tourist visas without a separate Argentine visa, while reports say the U.S. has tightened scrutiny for student visas.