The International Cricket Council (ICC) may not group India and Pakistan together in its upcoming tournament due to their strained relations. The decision will be made at the ICC's annual conference in Singapore from July 17-20, where ICC Chairman Jay Shah is expected to attend. This would be his first conference since taking office last December. The tension between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been evident, with a recent dispute over India's refusal to send their team to Pakistan for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy earlier this year.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1314278-pakistan-india-likely-to-be-put-in-separate-groups-at-t20-world-cup-2026-reportsThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global growth outlook downward, citing mounting trade policy risks and a broad-based slowdown in demand. The downgrade affects major economies including the US, Eurozone, Japan, and Thailand, with the IMF projecting weaker GDP growth in ASEAN due to escalating global trade tensions. Despite recent efforts by the US and China to ease trade tensions, persistent tariff risks and deteriorating consumer and business sentiment are dragging on global economic momentum. The IMF now projects US GDP growth of 1.8% in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026, sharply lower than earlier estimates.
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/economics/214511-global-economic-slowdown-deepens-despite-easing-us-china-trade-tensionsThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has held discussions with Syria's new economic team, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, to support rebuilding efforts after 14 years of civil war. The IMF is preparing to provide advice and technical assistance to help Syria rebuild its economy, which was last comprehensively reviewed in 2009. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that a fresh civil war could be imminent, citing recent attacks on minority groups, but the IMF remains committed to supporting Syria's economic rehabilitation.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/imf-holds-useful-economic-talks-with-new-syrian-govt-209504India is likely to oppose World Bank funding to Pakistan next month due to allegations that Islamabad misused past funds for weapons procurement rather than development purposes. The move comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) imposed strict conditions on Pakistan, with India having previously lobbied against Pakistan's use of IMF funds for terrorism-related expenses. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has spoken to the IMF chief and other ministers, while Indian Embassy officials have presented their case to powerful nations like the US.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/india-to-oppose-world-bank-funding-to-pakistan-1880846India needs to significantly ramp up investments in military hardware, space technology, drones, air defence systems, aircraft carriers, smart grids and power infrastructure due to shifting global dynamics and geopolitical uncertainties. A report by PL Capital suggests that this is necessary to stay competitive as global powers expand their presence in Southeast Asia. The "Make in India" initiative has been reinforced by the transformative application of advanced technologies showcased in "Operation Sindoor".
https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/india-needs-to-further-ramp-up-investments-in-military-hardware-space-tech-report-1/The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserts that India is positioning itself as a global leader through economic strength, military capabilities, and international engagement. BJP spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal highlights India's "unprecedented economic progress" under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, with a low inflation rate of 3.2% and a fiscal deficit under control. The country's foreign exchange reserves are nearing $700 billion, making it a top destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). India's defence capabilities have been strengthened through recent military operations and indigenous production, including the successful "Operation Sindoor". The government has also bolstered its global image through initiatives such as the G20 Summit in New Delhi and Prime Minister Modi's outreach during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-advancing-towards-global-leadership-on-three-pillars-bjp/article69611204.eceChina may not gamble on strengthening ties with Pakistan over its terror agenda due to concerns about the country's human rights record and support for militant groups. Bangladesh has cancelled a contract with an Indian firm, which could hurt Dhaka economically. India's counter-terror playbook, including Operation Sindoor, is being highlighted through a special report by Firstpost. The operation in Pahalgam last month was a significant moment in India's efforts to expose Pakistan's terror tactics.
https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/aishwarya-rai-bachchans-cannes-2025-appearance-tribute-to-operation-sindoor-or-just-a-pr-exercise-13891028.htmlIndia plans to allow US and other foreign firms to bid for government contracts worth over $50 billion, primarily issued by federal agencies, as part of a broader effort to strike a limited trade agreement with Washington by early July. This policy shift is expected to open up the country's public procurement market, which is valued at around $700-750 billion annually. The move excludes state and local tenders from foreign access for now, but follows a similar concession made to the United Kingdom earlier this month under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
https://indiatoday.in/business/story/india-plans-to-let-us-other-foreign-firms-bid-for-government-contracts-report-2729355-2025-05-23India and Pakistan have extended their airspace bans due to ongoing tensions over Kashmir, following the deadly April 22 attack on Indian tourists in the region. The conflict led to a four-day military standoff between the two countries.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/aviation/india-pakistan-extend-airspace-bans-amid-ongoing-tensions-over-kashmir?utm_source=most-popular-world