India's Nifty 50 index saw shares tumble as much as 7 percent this Tuesday as the country's election results are counted. These show a tighter race than expected, even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still on course to win a third term. Also in this edition, Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein is reportedly considering listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Japanese carmakers Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki and Yamaha have admitted to cutting corners or providing false data in safety tests needed to get vehicle models certified. The disclosures come as a result of internal investigations ordered by Japan's transport ministry in the wake of massive test rigging at Daihatsu, a Toyota subsidiary. Plus, Chinese online fast-fashion giant Shein is poised to go public on the London Stock Exchange, with a potential valuation of nearly €60 billion. 

On top of security, immigration and the green transition, Mexico's President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum is facing a host of economic challenges. In this year's budget, Mexico's public deficit stands at 5.9 percent, the largest in decades. Plus, as she seeks to cut spending, Sheinbaum will have to decide what to do with Pemex, the world's most indebted oil company, which has become a drag on public finances. We take a closer look.

A centuries-old British institution is set to be sold to a foreign firm. Royal Mail's parent company has accepted a £3.6 billion takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP group. Privatised about a decade ago, the postal service that dates back to Tudor times has struggled in the era of emails. Meanwhile, the world's biggest mining firm BHP has walked away from a $49 billion plan to take over British rival Anglo American, after the latter rejected a request to extend talks. 

As South Africans vote in the country's general election this Wednesday, we focus on the state of the economy after three decades under the rule of the African National Congress. In this edition, we see how the country's crumbling energy infrastructure has hampered economic activity and explore the reasons behind South Africa's high unemployment rate. Also, we look at the different types of economic policies that could emerge depending on the results of the election.

When South Africa's ANC, founded by Nelson Mandela, swept to power in 1994, it promised "a better life for all". But today, South Africa is worse off than it was 30 years ago and the ruling party could lose its parliamentary majority in Wednesday's election, with voters frustrated with soaring unemployment – currently above 30 percent – and stark inequality. FRANCE 24 spoke with Dr. Azar Jammine, chief economist at the think tank Econometrix, about the state of the South African economy. 

French President Emmanuel Macron made calls to "buy European" during a speech in Dresden while on a three day visit to Germany. Macron advocated for a European preference in key sectors like defence and space, following in the footsteps of Washington and Beijing. Also in this edition, FRANCE 24's China correspondent Yena Lee goes to Yiwu, the Chinese manufacturing hub benefitting from the Paris 2024 Olympics.

As Emmanuel Macron continues his state visit to Germany, the first by a French president in 24 years, we take a look at how the two countries manage their public finances and at issues they don't see eye-to-eye on. Plus, the world's most famous Shiba Inu has died at the age of 18. Kabosu went from a rescued dog to an internet sensation, and became the face of meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin, with blessings from Elon Musk. 

The annual tech fair VivaTech has kicked off in Paris, drawing thousands of startups and hundreds of tech bosses. Artificial intelligence is taking centre stage, with companies touting how the technology can be applied to many practical fields such as medicine, and help address global challenges like climate change. Plus, the US government has announced that some new tariffs on a range of Chinese goods, including a 100 percent import duty on electric cars, will take effect on August 1. 

It’s often referred to as the biggest startup event in Europe. VivaTech opens its doors this Wednesday in Paris with 150,000 people in attendance, as well as 10,000 startups. The event takes place as signs are emerging that the French tech sector might be recovering from a period of cost-cutting and high interest rates. We discuss this and the race to develop AI skills with the co-founder of VivaTech, Pierre Louette.