Quick notes: Pedestrian hell | CATL batteries...

• What is Asif William Rahman doing in CIA? CIA insider leaked classified documents that described Israel's preparations for attack against Iran.



• India should not be pushed into joining trade blocs: It must assess existing FTAs, and should build a larger team of expert negotiators



• Why it is so difficult to walk in Indian cities: The main problem is that too much focus is given to solving the problem of car congestion on roads. "To improve the flow of traffic, authorities often narrow down footpaths or eliminate them entirely. It might seem counter-intuitive, but allowing the congestion to persist and focussing on improving infrastructure for pedestrians will help solve the traffic problem in the long run". Cities can also implement their own Non-Motorised Transport Policy (NMTP) to create better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.



• Trump unpredictable, Modi dependable? On trade, it’s just the opposite.




• China's CATL open to building US battery plant if Trump allows: In an August interview Trump was open to Chinese firms building cars in the US



• CATL electric bus batteries set for 1M miles, megawatt charging: New-gen LFP bus batteries last 15 years, CATL claims—20% longer. CATL claims a 22% boost in energy density by volume, and 175 Wh/kg by weight



• Apple worked with China's BYD to develop EV batteries: Apple was seeking LFP batteries from both BYD and fellow Chinese firm CATL, with possible U.S. manufacturing.



• Huawei trying to poach TSMC employees with 3X salary: Desperate times call for desperate measures



• Anywhere but India: Chip makers expand in Vietnam — companies move to Southeast Asia as US-China tensions simmer



• Stranglehold on market, breach of Antitrust Laws: Zomato and Swiggy coerced restaurants into entering exclusive agreements that would deny them space to shift elsewhere if they wanted to join competing platforms to strengthen their stranglehold on market. Such “exclusivity” could become a barrier for smaller players to enter and expand.



• ED raids e-commerce sellers linked to Amazon, Flipkart: The livelihoods of small shopkeepers are at stake due to anti-competitive practices, particularly from quick-commerce companies.



• 2+ bacche ideal: AP govt tables bills to amend panchayat, municipal acts amid population decline. Individuals with more than two children will be eligible to contest local body elections hereafter as per the bills proposed.



• Mattias Eklundh: Stacking Multiple Rhythms With Konnakol:




• Booze alternatives take off: "Want to be able to socialize and look cool, feel part of the group, but not necessarily have to consume alcohol." Alcoholic beverage penetration among Gen Z consumers over 21 was the lowest among all generations.