Digest for 14 October, 2025
US-China Trade War Escalates as China Vows to 'Fight to the End'
China's Commerce Ministry has declared it will "fight to the end" after the U.S. announced plans to impose an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese goods. The U.S. move is a response to Beijing's new export controls on rare earths. The escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies has rattled global markets. China defended its export controls as a legitimate measure to protect national security, while stating that its door for negotiations remains open despite its readiness for conflict.
Hamas Releases All Living Israeli Hostages in Ceasefire Deal
Hamas has released all remaining living Israeli hostages after two years in captivity, a major development in the Gaza conflict. The release is part of the first phase of a U.S.-mediated peace plan and ceasefire agreement, which also includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed no living hostages remain in captivity, though the bodies of 28 deceased hostages are yet to be returned. In exchange, Israel is set to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
WHO Flags Three Contaminated Indian Cough Syrups After Child Deaths
The World Health Organization has issued a global health advisory for three contaminated cough syrups made in India: Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma. The warning follows the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh linked to the syrups, which were found to contain dangerous levels of the toxic chemical diethylene glycol. In response, Tamil Nadu authorities have revoked the manufacturing license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals and arrested its owner.
India's Retail Inflation Drops to 99-Month Low of 1.54%
India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), fell to a 99-month low of 1.54% in September 2025, according to official data. This significant drop, last seen in June 2017, was primarily driven by falling food and fuel prices. The figure is well below the Reserve Bank of India's lower tolerance band of 2%, increasing expectations of a potential interest rate cut by the Monetary Policy Committee in its next meeting to stimulate economic growth.
Google to Invest $10 Billion in Andhra Pradesh Data Centre and AI Hub
Google announced a $10 billion investment to establish a major data centre and artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This marks the company's largest such investment in India. The project includes a 1-gigawatt data centre campus that will integrate AI infrastructure, large-scale energy sources, and an expanded fibre-optic network. The move reflects the escalating competition among global tech giants to build infrastructure to meet the surging demand for AI services in the South Asian market.