INDIA CHINA Connect

The US has blocked imports of new Chinese humanoid robots due to security concerns. Despite China representing 54% of global industrial robot installations in 2024 and shipping 90% of humanoid robots in 2025, the market is projected to reach $15 billion by 2030. This decision highlights ongoing tensions around technology and security.

A Slovak scholar dedicated five years to translating the Upanishads, following Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta. This translation, alongside PM Modi’s recognition in Bratislava, has bolstered diplomatic relations. The increasing Indian diaspora and the rising popularity of Yoga and Ayurveda further enhance bilateral ties between Slovakia and India, fostering cultural and scholarly exchange.

A 15-metre-wide tunnelling machine completed an 11.3 km underwater stretch to support trains traveling at 350 km/h. The project cost exceeds $74.7 million, contributing to a broader $5.58 billion rail line. This corridor will connect over 25% of manufacturing clusters and 40% of key laboratories, boosting economic and industrial growth.

CXMT shares skyrocketed over 500% during their debut on the Shanghai stock exchange, temporarily reaching a market value of $539 billion. The company raised $8.6 billion, marking Asia's largest IPO this year. As of Q4 2025, CXMT holds a 7.67% share of the global DRAM market.

The upcoming offline UPI feature will enable tap-and-pay transactions without requiring internet access on phones or PoS devices. Each transaction is likely limited to approximately $21 (₹2,000). In FY26, UPI processed 241.62 billion transactions worth $33.05 trillion. This feature aims to enhance transaction convenience in metropolitan areas, flights, and regions with low connectivity.

The report highlights that 3,040 individuals hold ₹104 lakh crore, representing nearly 30% of India's GDP. The top 10 wealthiest control 19% of total listed wealth. Meanwhile, 285 entrepreneurs under 40 hold 14% of the fortunes, and women now constitute 24% of wealth creators, illustrating significant diversity in wealth distribution.

Gen-AI could automate 9–17% of non-agricultural work tasks, with only 8–12% of jobs facing substitution risk. Up to 48% of jobs may be enhanced by AI, potentially boosting annual productivity growth by 0.4–0.8 percentage points. However, India's data center capacity, at just 1% of the global total, presents a significant bottleneck.

A new hybrid rice variety achieves over 99% cloning efficiency across generations, removing the need for farmers to repurchase seeds annually. This innovation could reduce seed prices to $0.02–$0.05 per 0.5 kg, compared to current prices of $0.21–$1.05. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly increase global grain output and enhance food security worldwide.

In June, engineering exports surged 21% year-on-year to $11.48 billion. Between April and June, shipments increased by 18.09% to $34.14 billion, accounting for 28.4% of total merchandise exports. Notable growth was seen in China with a 74% increase, the US reaching $1.95 billion, and Oman quadrupling to $259 million.

In AY 2025–26, 576 people reported incomes over $105 million, a fourfold increase from 142 in AY 2021–22. The unemployment rate fell to 3.1% in 2025, down from 3.6% in 2022. The government attributes this to progressive taxation and social spending, aimed at reducing inequality.