Daily Strategic Briefing

Defense Secretary Hegseth halted Ukraine weapons shipment without notice

Summary: Defense secretary's unilateral decision caught president off guard, prompting Trump to quickly reverse course and resume shipments., Description: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unilaterally halted a weapons shipment to Ukraine without informing the White House or other senior national security officials, catching President Trump off guard and prompting him to reverse the decision after expressing private frustration that the move wasn't properly coordinated with his administration.

Wisconsin Supreme Court clears way for conversion therapy ban

Summary: The 4-3 ruling found a Republican legislative committee overstepped its authority by blocking the measure, joining 23 other states., Description: The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled 4-3 that the state can proceed with implementing a ban on conversion therapy, striking down a Republican-controlled legislative committee's attempts to block the measure by determining the committee had overstepped its constitutional authority, effectively clearing the way for Wisconsin to join 23 other states in banning the scientifically discredited...

Democratic senators push VISIBLE Act to ban masks, require IDs for ICE agents

Summary: The VISIBLE Act would require federal immigration officers to display clear identification and prohibit face coverings during public enforcement operations., Description: Democratic Senators Alex Padilla of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey have introduced the VISIBLE Act, legislation that would require federal immigration officers to display clearly visible identification and prohibit them from wearing masks during public enforcement operations, amid growing concerns about masked ICE agents conducting arrests without identifying themselves.

Court strikes down FTC's 'click-to-cancel' rule

Summary: Appeals court cited procedural failures in the regulation that would have made canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up., Description: A federal appeals court struck down the Federal Trade Commission's "click-to-cancel" rule on Tuesday, just six days before it was scheduled to take effect, dealing a blow to consumer advocates who hoped the regulation would make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled that the FTC failed to follow required procedures when creating the...

Rubio impersonated using AI in attempt to access U.S. officials

Summary: The State Department launched an investigation after someone used artificial intelligence to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio via Signal app., Description: According to The Washington Post, an impostor has been using artificial intelligence to mimic Secretary of State Marco Rubio's voice and writing style to contact high-level officials, including three foreign ministers, a U.S. governor, and a member of Congress, in what appears to be a sophisticated attempt to gain access to sensitive information.

LangChain is about to become a unicorn, sources say

Summary:

AI infrastructure startup LangChain is raising a new round at about $1 billion valuation led by IVP.

GenAI as a shopping assistant set to explode during Prime Day sales

Summary:

Amazon’s annual sale is predicted to drive $23.8 billion in online spending across U.S. e-commerce retailers, as other businesses run their own competing sales alongside the popular shopping event.

Mistral is reportedly in talks to raise $1B 

Summary:

French AI startup Mistral is in talks to raise up to $1 billion in equity from investors including Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund, reports Bloomberg.

In a blow to Google Cloud, Replit partners with Microsoft

Summary:

Replit is one of the breakout stars of the vibe-coding world. This partnership is a good deal for both companies.

Wayve CEO Alex Kendall brings the future of autonomous AI to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Summary:

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 hits Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27–29, bringing together more than 10,000 startup and VC leaders for a deep dive into the future of technology. One of the most compelling conversations on one of the AI Stages will feature a panel of innovators redefining what intelligent systems can do. Among […]

InPrime Finserv raises $6M in Series A1 round led by Pravega Ventures

InPrime Finserv is a Bengaluru-based non-banking financial company (NBFC) focused on India’s emerging middle class. It has served more than 7,500 households to date, disbursing nearly Rs 100 crore in loans.

Jumbotail turns unicorn after raising $120M in Series D round; completes acquisition of Solv

With fresh capital and a broader portfolio, the Bengaluru-based firm aims to scale its commerce and credit stack for India’s small retailers.

Khetika raises $18M in Series B funding, eyes 10X revenue jump over three years

Clean-label brand Khetika is relying on its $18M round to expand manufacturing capacity, product portfolio, and enter new markets while targeting Rs 2,000 crore revenue in 3 years.

Aukera raises $15M led by Peak XV to expand retail presence

Bengaluru-based Aukera aims to scale its lab-grown diamond retail network as consumer interest in sustainable fine jewellery rises.

Sai Parenterals raises Rs 50 Cr in equity to expand global footprint

The company said the capital will be used to fuel its global expansion strategy, including acquisitions in regulated markets, enhancement of its manufacturing footprint, and diversification of its product portfolio.

GAIL's Pipeline Tariff May Jump 20%, Boosting Revenue

GAIL's pipeline tariff may rise by 20% with PNGRB approval. The new rate could be around ₹70/mmBtu, boosting revenue potential. Source: ScoutQuest

Bharat Road Network Gets ₹383.8 Cr via Vivad Se Vishwas II

Bharat Road Network's subsidiary OSEPL received Rs. 383.8 Cr under Vivad Se Vishwas II scheme. Settlement resolves all disputes with NHAI; proceeds to address OSEPL's liabilities and obligations. Source: BSE

Angel One, CDSL Shares Gain on SEBI Clarification

Angel One shares rise after SEBI clarification on options linkage. CDSL shares also gain following SEBI's announcement. Source: ScoutQuest

Godrej Properties Slips as Nomura Flags FY26 Pre-Sales Risk

Godrej Properties shares fall after Nomura warns of FY26 pre-sales target shortfall. Source: ScoutQuest

Private Banks May Grow 12%; NBFCs to Outperform

Private banks may grow at 11-12%, while PSBs may grow slower. IndusInd Bank's recovery is expected to be lengthy; NBFCs may excel. Source: ScoutQuest

US 10-Year Yield Holds Advance And Tariff Developments

Country: United States, Description: The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note held above 4.4% on Wednesday after rising for five straight sessions, as investors evaluated the latest tariff measures unveiled by President Donald Trump. The president confirmed that the newly imposed duties targeting 14 countries would proceed as scheduled on August 1, with no revisions or delays. He also announced a 50% tariff on copper imports and indicated that more sector-specific tariffs could follow. In a more aggressive move, the president threatened to impose tariffs of up to 200% on pharmaceutical imports, though he noted that these would be delayed by 12 to 18 months to give the industry time to adjust. Market participants are now turning their attention to the upcoming release of the Federal Open Market Committee minutes for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next steps in monetary policy.

China 10-Year Yield Drops After Inflation Data

Country: China, Description: China’s 10-year government bond yield dropped to around 1.64% on Wednesday, following the release of mixed inflation figures. Annual consumer prices in June 2025 rose by 0.1%, breaking a three-month streak of 0.1% declines and surpassing market expectations of no growth. Despite this slight rebound in consumer inflation, the increase was modest, weighed down by ongoing challenges in the property market and renewed tariffs by US President Donald Trump. On the other hand, producer prices continued to slide, with a 3.6% year-on-year drop—worse than the forecasted 3.2% decline and deeper than May’s 3.3% decrease. This marked the 33rd consecutive month of producer deflation and the steepest contraction since July 2023. The sustained fall in producer prices underscores mounting economic strains as China grapples with sluggish domestic demand and growing uncertainty amid escalating global trade tensions.

Offshore Yuan Falls Amid Inflation Data

Country: China, Description: The offshore yuan fell to around 7.18 per dollar on Wednesday, as investors reacted to the latest inflation data from China. Annual consumer prices rose 0.1% in June 2025, ending a three-month streak of 0.1% declines and beating market expectations of flat growth. Although consumer inflation modestly rebounded, the increase was minimal amid property sector stress and renewed tariffs from US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, annual producer prices dropped 3.6%—worse than the anticipated 3.2% decline and steeper than May’s 3.3% fall. This marked the 33rd consecutive month of producer deflation and the sharpest drop since July 2023. The persistent decline in producer prices highlights mounting economic pressures as China struggles with weak domestic demand and uncertainty stemming from escalating global trade tensions. Externally, the yuan also came under pressure from a strengthening greenback amid intensified trade concerns following recent moves by the Trump administration.

Hong Kong Stocks Slip Amid Tariff Risks

Country: Hong Kong, Description: Hong Kong shares fell 197 points, or 0.8%, to 23,953 around midday Wednesday, reversing gains from the previous session amid a modest drop in U.S. futures after U.S. President Trump escalated his global trade war by threatening a 50% tariff on copper and signaling upcoming levies on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. In China, consumer prices rose slightly in June after four months of decline, indicating that deflationary pressures remained elevated. Meanwhile, producer prices saw their steepest drop in nearly two years amid intense competition among Chinese businesses, persistently weak domestic demand, and mounting tariff risks. Still, losses were limited by optimism that new company listings in Hong Kong will pick up in the second half of the year. Losses were almost broad-based, led by declines in property, tech, and consumer sectors. Notable laggards included Henderson Land Development (-8.8%), Sun Hung Kai Properties (-3.1%), Tencent Holdings (-1.6%), and SMIC (-1.5%).

Japanese Yen Weakens as Tariff Tensions Deepen

Country: Japan, Description: The Japanese yen slipped past 147 per dollar on Wednesday, marking its third consecutive session of losses as trade negotiations between the US and Japan showed signs of strain, particularly over Japan’s rice market protections. The decline followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Japanese goods, set to take effect on August 1. Trump emphasized that there would be no revisions or delays to the newly imposed tariffs, which target 14 countries in total. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the latest measures “truly regrettable,” but affirmed Japan’s commitment to continue talks with Washington in search of a mutually beneficial resolution. Meanwhile, Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda noted the central bank is closely watching for potential second-round effects on core inflation, particularly from rising food prices including rice.