India Insurance Update: LIC profit jumped 22.8% YoY to INR134.9bn in Q1 ended June 30, driven by premium growth and a 61% surge in net value of new business, with non-par momentum lifting VNB margin to 22.9%. ESG Reality Check: New research argues ESG fund outperformance was driven more by inflows and price boosts than by fundamentals, challenging “past returns” as a guide for what comes next. Global Growth Mood: A Nexia survey finds mid-market firms are shifting to “measured growth,” with 61% targeting 5–20% revenue growth and teams/capability leading the plan. Corporate Tech Hiring: Despite a 2.3% drop in overall job postings, AI, big data and cybersecurity hiring stayed resilient, led by GenAI demand in the US and India. Prediction Markets Oversight: Kalshi is partnering with Nasdaq to upgrade surveillance and strengthen trade integrity as regulators scrutinize prediction-market activity. Energy & Geopolitics: Oil jumped on Hormuz-linked Iran uncertainty, while experts warn delays in Nigeria’s market-based gas pricing could stall non-associated gas development. Asia Banking: JPMorgan plans to keep Asia Pacific corporate hiring at a similar pace in 2027 after APAC corporate bank revenue grew well above 20% this year.