In the latest explosive chapter of his long-running war with federal regulators, billionaire Elon Musk has moved to dismiss a high-stakes lawsuit from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, painting the agency’s action not as a legitimate enforcement effort, but as a politically motivated attack on one of its most prominent critics.

The legal battle centers on Musk’s blockbuster acquisition of Twitter in 2022.

The SEC alleges that by waiting 11 days past a critical legal deadline to disclose his initial 5 percent stake, Musk was able to secretly amass more than 500 million dollars of additional Twitter stock at “artificially low prices,” profiting at the expense of unsuspecting investors.

An innocent mistake or a calculated ploy?

In a motion filed in a Washington, DC federal court on Thursday, Musk’s lawyers paint a picture not of a calculated market manipulator, but of an investor who made an innocent and immediately-corrected filing error.

They argue that Musk stopped purchasing additional shares and filed his disclosure just one business day after his wealth manager consulted counsel about the potential requirements.

They went further, accusing the agency of a politically motivated attack, stating the action “reveals an agency targeting an individual for his protected criticism of government overreach.”

The motion emphasizes the lack of malicious intent, a key pillar of their defense.

The lawyers for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO wrote:

The SEC does not allege that Mr. Musk acted intentionally, deliberately, willfully, or even recklessly… Rather, the SEC alleges that Mr. Musk late-filed a single beneficial ownership form three years ago, and fully corrected any alleged error immediately upon its discovery. There is no ongoing violation.

The long shadow of a bitter feud

This confrontation is not happening in a vacuum; it is the culmination of years of animosity between the mercurial billionaire and the powerful regulator.

The feud famously ignited in 2018 after the SEC sued Musk over his Twitter posts about possibly taking Tesla private and having “funding secured,” a battle that has continued to simmer ever since.

The timing of this latest lawsuit has only added fuel to the fire.

The SEC sued Musk on January 14, just six days before Republican President Donald Trump took office and appointed Musk as a special adviser, a role in which he is tasked with slashing the very federal workforce and spending that the SEC represents.

The SEC, which did not respond to a request for comment, is seeking to force Musk to pay a civil fine and give up the profits it alleges were a direct result of the delayed filing.

Now, with the battle lines drawn and a formal motion to dismiss on the table, the stage is set for the next major legal showdown in one of Silicon Valley’s most enduring rivalries.

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A decades-old pillar of global e-commerce has crumbled, as the US tariff exemption for small-value packages officially ended on Friday.

The move to eliminate the $800 “de minimis” loophole is a seismic shift in trade policy, one that promises to raise costs, upend supply chains, and fundamentally reshape the business models of online giants and small businesses alike.

As of 12:01 a.m. EDT, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began collecting normal duty rates on all global parcel imports, regardless of their value.

The sweeping change broadens a targeted cancellation of the exemption for packages from China and Hong Kong that was implemented in May, a move the Trump administration has framed as a critical front in the war on fentanyl.

A loophole closed, a lifeline cut

For the White House, the policy shift is a matter of national security and economic fairness.

“President Trump’s ending of the deadly de minimis loophole will save thousands of American lives by restricting the flow of narcotics and other dangerous prohibited items, and add up to $10 billion a year in tariff revenues to our Treasury,” White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told reporters.

This is not a temporary measure. A senior administration official was blunt, stating that any push to restore the exemptions for even trusted trading partners was “dead on arrival.”

“This is a permanent change,” the official said, ending an era that began in 1938 with a modest $5 exemption for gifts and was expanded to $800 in 2015 to foster e-commerce growth.

The Shein and Temu effect

That 2015 expansion, however, inadvertently created a superhighway for direct-to-consumer behemoths.

After President Donald Trump’s first-term tariffs hit bulk Chinese goods, fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu masterfully exploited the de minimis rule, shipping billions of individual packages directly to American consumers, each one slipping under the tariff radar.

The scale of this explosion is staggering.

CBP data shows the number of packages claiming the exemption skyrocketed nearly tenfold, from 139 million in fiscal 2015 to a mind-boggling 1.36 billion in fiscal 2024—a rate of nearly 4 million packages entering the country tariff-free every single day.

A ‘historic win’ and the price of change

For American manufacturers who have struggled to compete, the closure of this loophole is a monumental victory.

The National Coalition of Textile Organizations hailed the move as a “historic win,” arguing it finally closes a channel that allowed foreign firms to avoid tariffs and undercut American jobs, sometimes with goods made with forced labor.

“The administration’s executive action closes this channel and delivers long overdue relief to the US textile industry and its workers,” the group said.

But this relief will come at a cost for online shoppers. Retail analysts say the end of the exemption will inevitably raise prices for a vast range of goods, as duties are now passed on to the consumer.

It will, however, level the playing field, putting e-commerce firms on a par with traditional retailers like Walmart that have always paid tariffs on their bulk container imports.

The financial impact is already being felt. Since the exemption was first eliminated for China and Hong Kong on May 2, the CBP has already collected more than $492 million in additional duties.

Now, with the policy extended to the entire world, that number is set to climb dramatically, ushering in a new and more costly reality for the digital age.

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China’s rapid rise in offshore wind is reshaping the global energy landscape.

Anchored off the coast of southern China, the OceanX turbine, with its double-headed design, is capable of harnessing more power than any other floating wind turbine currently in operation.

This breakthrough highlights how Chinese companies are scaling faster than their European, US, and Japanese rivals, many of whom are struggling with rising costs, policy setbacks, and weakening government support.

China is now on track to install nearly three-quarters of all new offshore turbines worldwide this year, further consolidating its dominance in clean energy.

China takes the lead with OceanX turbine

The OceanX turbine, tethered to the seabed by three bright-yellow mooring points and supported by a network of steel cables, is the centrepiece of China’s offshore wind ambitions.

Built by Ming Yang Smart Energy Group, the turbine represents the shift towards larger and more powerful designs.

Offshore installations have become a priority for China’s energy security strategy, as they tap into stronger and more reliable sea winds.

According to Bloomberg, China will account for the majority of new offshore wind installations, surpassing the combined capacity of all other countries.

The nation’s strategy includes support through financing, supply chain integration, and advanced technology improvements, creating a competitive advantage over Europe and the US.

Struggles for Western wind developers

The situation contrasts sharply with markets elsewhere.

In the US, President Donald Trump halted approvals for new offshore wind projects on his first day in office, even blocking a nearly completed project led by Danish company Orsted A/S.

The move rattled investor confidence and contributed to a drop in Orsted’s share price.

European companies, once leaders in the sector, are now facing dwindling government support, rising interest rates, and costly supply chain pressures.

A recent offshore wind auction in Germany ended without a single bid, while Mitsubishi Corp. withdrew from three projects in Japan due to escalating costs since winning the tenders in 2021.

Cost advantage reshapes competition

China’s ability to scale rapidly has also driven down costs. The median cost of offshore wind in China is now less than half that of the UK, which is the world’s second-largest market.

Companies like Goldwind Science & Technology Co. and Ming Yang Smart Energy are benefiting from economies of scale, while Western competitors such as Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA, and General Electric Co. struggle to match the pace.

At Ming Yang’s facility in Yangjiang, west of Hong Kong, workers assemble turbine blades over 100 metres long.

About 15% of the plant’s production is already destined for overseas markets, with exports expected to double by year-end.

Guangdong province alone plans to build 17 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2025, more than any single country apart from China has installed to date.

Global challenges and limited adoption abroad

Despite their scale and low costs, Chinese-made turbines face hurdles in foreign markets.

Their size often exceeds the capacities of Western ports and construction sites, and concerns over national security and fair competition have limited adoption.

While southern Italy’s Taranto project uses Chinese turbines, attempts to expand into Germany were abandoned after government scrutiny and warnings from the European wind industry.

Ming Yang has indicated plans to expand locally in Europe, including establishing teams for long-term service and maintenance.

Convincing governments and developers of the reliability and sustainability of Chinese products over a 25–30 year lifecycle remains a challenge.

For now, most Chinese production continues to serve domestic demand, securing clean power for coastal cities while positioning the nation as the largest force in global offshore wind.

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Fast fashion retailer Forever 21 is preparing another comeback in China, marking its fourth attempt since first entering the market in 2008, with the company also looking for a partner to help re-establish the brand in North America months after it filed for bankruptcy in the country.

Despite a history of failed expansions and financial collapses, the brand is once again betting on China’s young consumer base, this time with a new partner, Chengdi, partly owned by e-commerce platform Vipshop Holdings, Reuters reported.

At a press event in Shanghai on Thursday, Chengdi said the focus would be on localising operations and tailoring the brand to a new generation of Chinese shoppers.

Plans include launching a physical retail presence in 2026, alongside digital campaigns designed to reintroduce the brand.

In recent months, Forever 21’s bright yellow branding has been spotted in major Chinese cities, from music festival pop-ups to advertisements across Shanghai’s metro system.

North America relaunch also on the horizon

Forever 21’s owner, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), said in a press release that its near-term focus would remain on China and the United States.

The company is currently looking for a partner to help re-establish the brand in North America, with announcements expected soon.

The fresh push comes just months after Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy in the US for the second time in six years, announcing plans to wind down domestic operations amid mounting pressure from online competition and declining mall traffic.

The filing marked its second collapse since 2019, underscoring the difficulties the company has faced in adapting to a rapidly shifting retail landscape.

Struggles with bankruptcy and competition with Shein and Temu

Forever 21’s struggles reflect the broader challenges in fast fashion, where global rivals like Shein and Temu have grown rapidly by offering cheaper, trend-focused clothing online.

The brand, founded in Los Angeles in 1984 by South Korean immigrants, expanded aggressively through the 2000s, reaching 800 stores worldwide by 2016.

However, analysts say it was slow to embrace e-commerce and became too reliant on sprawling stores in declining shopping malls.

Retail analyst Neil Saunders described the company as “a retailer living on borrowed time,” noting that its oversized store format and failure to pivot quickly to online platforms left it vulnerable.

The brand itself acknowledged in bankruptcy filings that it faced a disadvantage against Shein and other rivals who benefited from the US “de minimis” exemption, which allows low-value goods from overseas to enter the country without customs duties.

Incidentally, the de minimis exemption has been officially struck down by the Trump-led government and the change in rules come into effect on Friday.

Authentic Brands’ acquisition of Forever 21

Authentic Brands acquired Forever 21 out of bankruptcy in 2020, but CEO Jamie Salter later described the purchase as “probably the biggest mistake I made.”

When asked about those remarks this week, a company spokesperson insisted Salter still believed in the value of Forever 21 and supported its inclusion in ABG’s portfolio.

The latest China push is seen as a test case for whether Forever 21 can reinvent itself with localised operations and a sharper focus on youth culture.

Analysts say the brand will need to move away from its past mistakes of heavy reliance on malls and delayed e-commerce strategies.

Global presence continues despite US setbacks

While its US presence has diminished, Forever 21 continues to operate in Asia through franchise agreements.

In the Philippines, it is managed in partnership with SM Retail, which first brought the brand to the country in 2010.

Stores remain open in several large malls, including SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA, with management stressing that local operations are unaffected by US restructuring.

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A tense and divided morning is unfolding across European markets, as a resilient month-long rally runs headlong into its final and most formidable obstacle: a transatlantic deluge of inflation data.

After a turbulent week dominated by political drama and corporate intrigue, investors are now bracing for a day of reckoning that could either validate the recent gains or shatter the fragile calm.

Futures data from IG paints a picture of a market on a knife’s edge, with London’s FTSE 100 pointing to a slightly higher open while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 are tracking declines.

This indecision is a direct reflection of the high-stakes economic prints due today from France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

A tale of two central banks

The true focal point, however, lies across the Atlantic. Investors will be laser-focused on the release of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the US Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation.

The report comes just one week after Fed Chair Jerome Powell delivered a speech that was widely seen as dovish, a pivot that sent traders scrambling to price in a September interest rate cut.

According to CME’s FedWatch tool, those odds now stand at a commanding 85 percent. Today’s PCE data will be the ultimate test of that conviction.

A resilient rally on shaky ground

This day of economic testing follows a chaotic week for European equities.

The markets have been swayed by a potent mix of French political instability, unsettling questions over the Fed’s independence in the US, and the mixed verdict from chip giant Nvidia’s bellwether earnings report.

Despite this recent turbulence, the broader regional Stoxx 600 index is, remarkably, still on track for a gain of nearly 1.4% in August.

If it holds, this would mark its first back-to-back positive month since the start of the year, a testament to the underlying resilience of the market.

A toast to trade relief

Adding a positive note to the complex picture are the tangible benefits now emerging from the recent EU-US trade deal.

The French spirits maker Remy Cointreau announced it now expects the impact on its operating profit from US tariffs to be 20 million euros, a significant downward revision from its previous estimate of 35 million euros.

The relief comes as the baseline duties were set at a more manageable 15 percent.

In a sign of further progress, the EU formally proposed on Thursday to remove its tariffs on US industrial goods, a key White House condition for lowering its own punishing rates on European automobiles.

But even as these trade tensions ease, the market’s fate now rests in the hands of the inflation data, a final, crucial hurdle in a long and volatile month.

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China is reshaping global soybean trade flows by turning to Argentina and Uruguay for record shipments, as the trade conflict with the US continues to disrupt agricultural commerce.

Chinese importers are set to secure up to 10 million metric tons of soybeans from the two South American producers in the 2025/26 marketing year ending next August, a sharp increase from past years.

The purchases reflect Beijing’s broader strategy to diversify supply sources, enhance food security, and reduce reliance on US farm products, which have long been a focal point of tariff battles between the world’s two largest economies.

China’s soybean demand shifts to South America

Data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows that between September 2024 and July 2025, the country imported 5 million tons of soybeans from Argentina and Uruguay.

For the 2025/26 marketing year, importers have already booked 2.43 million tons from the two countries for shipment between September and May.

This includes 1.575 million tons scheduled for September loading, 660,000 tons for October, and 66,000 tons each for November, December, and May 2026.

The volume marks a significant rise from previous years and builds on China’s already large purchases from Brazil, which has been its primary supplier in recent years.

Combined, the three South American nations are expanding their market share at the expense of US farmers, who are witnessing shrinking access to China’s soybean market.

US exports hit as trade war continues

Soybeans have been at the centre of the trade war between Washington and Beijing since the first wave of tariffs was imposed during former US President Donald Trump’s term.

The US has traditionally relied on fourth-quarter sales, when freshly harvested supplies enter the market, but this year China has not booked any US soybean purchases for that period.

The decline is reflected in customs data: in 2016, the US supplied 20% of China’s agricultural imports, but by 2024 its share had dropped to 12%. By contrast, Brazil’s share rose from 14% in 2016 to 22% in 2024.

The absence of US shipments is giving South American exporters a competitive edge at a crucial moment for global trade dynamics.

Argentina and Uruguay benefit from bumper harvests

Argentina’s improved soybean output has made it a reliable supplier. The US Department of Agriculture reported a 2024/25 harvest of 50.9 million tons, up from 48.2 million tons in 2023/24 and well above the 25 million tons in 2022/23, when a severe drought hit yields.

Uruguay has also increased production, with 2024/25 output reaching 4.2 million tons compared to 3.3 million tons in the previous year.

These bumper harvests are enabling both countries to capitalise on China’s demand, offering an alternative supply chain that reduces the risks associated with tariff-driven disruptions between the US and China.

Global trade implications of China’s soybean pivot

China’s decision to boost imports from Argentina and Uruguay represents more than just a shift in trade partners; it signals a long-term reconfiguration of global agricultural flows.

With China being the world’s largest soybean importer, its purchasing strategies significantly impact global pricing and supply chains.

By securing record volumes from South America, Beijing is reinforcing its food security strategy and lessening its dependence on US agriculture.

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India’s refiners are turning to US crude imports at a faster pace as geopolitical pressure intensifies over their reliance on Russian oil.

The shift comes after a recent drop in US crude prices, making the grade more attractive compared to Middle East benchmarks.

At the same time, Washington has renewed its warnings against New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow, further pushing the country’s refiners to diversify their sourcing strategies.

US crude discounts drive buying activity

This week, major Indian refiners including Reliance Industries Ltd., Indian Oil Corp., and Bharat Petroleum Corp. bought larger volumes of US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude than usual, according to trading sources.

The purchases were motivated by weaker pricing of WTI relative to Middle Eastern oil grades, which made imports from the US a more cost-effective option.

Traders noted that the current discounts are offering refiners an opportunity to balance procurement costs while maintaining supply security. The companies involved did not provide direct comment on the transactions.

Washington’s pressure over Russian imports

The move comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure from Washington. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro recently renewed calls for India to halt Russian oil imports, accusing New Delhi of indirectly funding Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine.

His comments followed the Trump administration’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, a policy shift that has further strained trade ties between the two countries.

The US has been using both diplomatic and trade measures to encourage India to scale back purchases of Russian crude, highlighting the geopolitical dimension of its energy strategy.

New Delhi’s stance on oil trade

India has consistently defended its right to secure affordable energy, emphasising that Russian oil has been a critical factor in keeping fuel prices stable domestically.

While purchases of Russian barrels have eased under US pressure, India has not stopped them entirely, insisting that Washington’s measures are “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”

At the same time, refiners’ increased intake of US crude shows that procurement patterns are shifting, particularly when pricing advantages make alternatives commercially viable.

This reflects India’s balancing act between maintaining energy security and managing diplomatic frictions with global powers.

Refiners adapt procurement strategies

For Indian refiners, the change is not only about geopolitics but also about economics. The fall in WTI prices relative to Middle Eastern benchmarks has allowed them to secure supplies at more favourable terms.

This flexibility enables India’s processors to adjust sourcing depending on both global price movements and diplomatic constraints.

The current purchases highlight the increasing importance of US crude in India’s import mix, a development shaped by both international market conditions and political considerations.

The trend could continue as long as price gaps remain wide and Washington keeps up its scrutiny of Russian oil flows into Asia.

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Northam Platinum CEO Paul Dunne stated on Friday that despite a recent rally, platinum prices remain too low to support new production, even though the increase has provided some relief to South African miners.

Northam Platinum, a prominent South African mining company, announced a significant downturn in its annual profitability on Friday, according to a Reuters report. 

The company reported a 14.4% decrease in annual profit for the financial year that concluded on June 30. This decline occurred despite Northam achieving record sales volumes, indicating that external pressures largely outweighed the benefits of increased production.

The primary driver behind this profit reduction was a substantial surge in mining costs. 

While the specific components of these increased costs were not detailed in the initial report, they typically encompass rising energy prices, labor expenses, equipment maintenance, and operational inefficiencies. 

These escalating expenditures evidently eroded the gains from higher sales.

Northam’s headline earnings per share (HEPS), a key profitability metric in South Africa, stood at 3.81 rand ($0.2169) for the year ended June 30. 

This figure represents a notable drop from the 4.45 rand HEPS reported in the previous financial year, further underscoring the impact of the challenging operating environment on the company’s bottom line. 

The decline in HEPS signals reduced returns for shareholders and reflects the broader financial pressures faced by the company.

Market dynamics and price impact

Since early 2023, platinum miners have experienced reduced earnings. This decline is primarily attributable to low metal prices, a consequence of diminished demand from the automotive sector and a pessimistic outlook driven by the increasing electrification of transportation.

Autocatalysts, which help reduce harmful emissions from fossil fuel-powered vehicles, are the primary application for platinum group metals.

South African miners responded by halting projects and cutting loss-making production, which impacted over 70% of the world’s platinum supply.

Platinum prices recently surged, increasing 36% in the second quarter of 2025, driven by a rise in Chinese imports and a decrease in South African supply.

“Recent price appreciation is offering some relief to the PGM sector,” Dunne said in a statement.

However, it is still not yet at levels that will support sustainable mining across the industry and certainly not the much-needed development of new operations.

Outlook and supply conditions

Dunne indicated that tight supply conditions for PGMs are expected to continue in the medium term. He also noted new demand for ruthenium, a minor PGM, driven by applications such as data storage.

Northam’s results statement indicated that a number of South African platinum mines were inadequately capitalized and had limited remaining operational lifespans, leading to a reduction in primary PGM (Platinum Group Metals) supply.

Northam reported that South Africa, which had 81 PGM shafts operating in 2008, now has only 53, and this figure is projected to decline further.

Impala Platinum CEO Nico Muller issued a warning on Thursday against “flooding the market with new ounces.” 

He emphasized that despite a slower-than-projected adoption rate for electric vehicles, the sector continues to face a significant threat.

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Billionaire Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), on Friday confirmed that Reliance Jio will debut on Indian stock exchanges in the first half of 2026.

Speaking at the conglomerate’s 48th annual general meeting, attended virtually by more than 4.4 million shareholders, Ambani said that preparations for the much-anticipated IPO are already underway.

“Jio is making all arrangements to file for its IPO. We are aiming to list Jio by the first half of 2026, subject to all necessary approvals,” Ambani said.

“I assure you that this will demonstrate that Jio is capable of creating the same quantum of value as our global counterparts. I am sure that it will be a very attractive opportunity for all investors,” he added.

The announcement ended years of speculation about Jio’s market debut, first hinted at by Ambani back in 2019 when he said both Jio and Reliance Retail would list within five years.

Jio’s valued at $115 B

Reliance Jio has rapidly expanded its business since its 2016 launch, transforming India’s telecom sector with low-cost data and aggressive pricing.

In FY25, the company posted revenues of Rs 1,28,218 crore ($15 billion), up 17% year-on-year, while EBITDA rose to Rs 64,170 crore ($7.5 billion).

Ambani highlighted these figures as proof of Jio’s “enormous value already created” and suggested even greater value creation lies ahead.

Reliance Industries owns a 66.5% stake in Jio Platforms Ltd, which controls Reliance Jio Infocomm.

Investment bank BofA Global Research recently valued Jio at $115 billion, close to rival Bharti Airtel’s $124 billion India business, according to LSEG data.

Airtel, with a market capitalisation of $128.7 billion, trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 31.92.

Stake sale could raise around $6 B, largest in Indian history

While Indian IPO rules mandate that companies must float at least 25% of their equity, Reliance is reportedly exploring a smaller public offering.

Bloomberg reported recently that RIL has approached the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to allow a reduced float, citing limited market depth to absorb a massive deal.

Discussions have centred on a possible 5% stake sale, which could raise around $6 billion at current valuations.

Such a listing would surpass Hyundai Motors India’s $3.3 billion IPO in 2024, making it the largest in Indian history.

It would also exceed this year’s biggest global listing, the $5.3 billion Hong Kong debut of Contemporary Amperex Technology.

India’s regulator appears to be moving in that direction.

On August 21, SEBI proposed easing norms for mega listings, allowing companies valued above 1 trillion rupees to sell as little as 2.75% in an IPO, and those valued above 5 trillion rupees to offer just 2.5%.

Investor exits and market appetite

The IPO will also provide an exit route for Jio’s global investors.

In 2020, Meta Platforms and Alphabet’s Google invested over $20 billion in Reliance’s digital arm, valuing Jio Platforms at $58 billion at the time.

Analysts believe the listing will crystallise gains for these investors, while also offering retail and institutional buyers a stake in India’s biggest digital services provider.

However, questions remain over whether India’s domestic markets can fully absorb an IPO of such scale.

Hyundai Motors India’s public float, despite being oversubscribed more than twice, saw weak retail participation, with most demand coming from institutional investors.

Ambani outlines Jio’s five-point vision

Beyond the IPO, Ambani laid out an ambitious roadmap for Jio’s growth. He pledged that the company would:

Connect every Indian through mobile and home broadband.

Equip households with digital services including Jio Smart Home, JioTV+, and Jio OS.

Digitise businesses of all sizes with scalable platforms.

Drive India’s AI revolution under the banner “AI Everywhere for Everyone.”

Expand operations globally, exporting Jio’s homegrown technology abroad.

“I am extremely confident that the path ahead for Jio is even brighter than its journey so far,” Ambani told shareholders.

Market reaction mixed

Despite the long-awaited announcement, Reliance Industries’ shares fell by nearly 1.5% on Friday.

Analysts said investors may have been hoping for an earlier timeline or greater clarity on the IPO structure.

Still, with Jio poised to stage India’s largest-ever listing, attention now turns to SEBI’s decision on whether to ease public float rules and how global investors respond to the offering.

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Eli Lilly has partnered with a leading Chinese tech company, JD Health to fast-track its presence in China’s rapidly expanding obesity drug market, boosting the company’s global growth in the weight-loss sector.

Eli Lilly’s move into the obesity drug market is reshaping the global pharma landscape.

After the success of drugs like Zepbound (tirzepatide) and a growing appetite for new weight-loss treatments, the company is rapidly expanding overseas.

China, with its rising obesity rates and population of over 1.4 billion, is a huge opportunity.

The new partnership with a major local tech company shows Lilly is serious about tailoring distribution, using digital health platforms, and reaching as many patients as possible.

Strengthening market access via Chinese tech

The deal gives Eli Lilly a way to tap into the vast reach of a Chinese tech giant JD Health, making it easier for patients to access treatments for obesity, diabetes, and related conditions.

JD Health’s digital network is a major force in online healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution in China.

Lilly’s partnership means its drugs will show up on a single digital platform, making it easier for millions of people in China to get and use them. It could also help fix old problems with uneven healthcare and spotty insurance coverage.

On top of that, the platform will let Lilly see how patients are doing, keep them on track with their treatment, and get a better sense of the local market.

Experts say this is Lilly’s way of keeping up with the competition. Companies like Novo Nordisk and some Chinese biotech startups are rushing to bring new weight-loss drugs to patients.

Working with a big digital health platform gives Lilly a faster way to reach people and adapt as rules and demand change.

Industry impact

This is a massive shake-up in the battle for weight-loss drug dominance. China’s obesity medication market is expected to hit over $7 billion by 2030, while the broader diabetes and weight-loss drug market worldwide could reach $150 billion.

But here’s the thing- Chinese regulators aren’t making it easy. They’re tightening the screws with more oversight, requiring companies to prove their drugs work in real-world settings after approval, and constantly tweaking which medications get covered by insurance.

This means drug companies can’t just launch a product and hope for the best anymore. They need to stay connected with patients and keep collecting data to prove their treatments actually work.

Eli Lilly seems to get this. They’re not just trying to get their new drugs approved as they’re also betting big on technology to help patients manage their treatment and partnering with local companies to get ahead of competitors like Novo Nordisk and others.

They’re combining their pharmaceutical expertise with digital tools to navigate China’s complex healthcare system.

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