Maritime Security & Trade: Iran is reportedly tightening influence around the Bab el-Mandeb by deepening ties with Yemen’s Houthis and contacts with Horn of Africa militants, raising fears of disruption to Red Sea shipping. Energy Policy: India’s MEA says it is “closely following” a US bill proposing 100% tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil, stressing India buys from multiple suppliers for energy security. Macro & Risks: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra flags West Asia conflict and a weak monsoon as key risks, while noting India’s fundamentals remain strong. Forex Update: India’s forex reserves rose $964 million to $675.16 bn (week ended July 10), led by higher foreign currency assets. Semiconductor Push: Cabinet clears Semicon 2.0 with ₹1.27 lakh crore to expand India’s chip ecosystem beyond fabs into design, packaging, talent and next-gen research. Space & Industry: Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, India’s first private orbital-class rocket, as the space economy scales with 400+ startups. Retail Finance: Banks seek RBI clarity on collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh for small businesses where accounts aren’t fully covered under CGTMSE. Markets/Capital: MakeMyTrip confidentially files DRHP with SEBI for an India IPO worth up to $1 bn. Local Governance (Mumbai): BMC will run free breast cancer screening camps across all wards on July 22; meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde rejects BMC’s clean chit in the Chembur tree-collapse case and orders a fresh probe.