INDIA CHINA Connect

India’s defense exports crossed $4B in FY 2025–26, rising over 60% year-on-year. Public and private sectors jointly drive growth, with PSUs contributing ~55%. Equipment reaches 100+ countries, including the US, France, Israel, and Germany. Armenia and the Philippines lead in indigenous purchases. Aligned with “Make in India,” exports expand India’s global footprint while reducing import dependence.

India’s remittances, now $138B annually, exceed FDI and nearly doubled in a decade. Advanced economies drive a rising share, boosting resilience. Funds cover almost half the trade deficit and support households, especially in Kerala. Transfers are expected to remain stable or grow. The diaspora also fuels startups, philanthropy, and global healthcare leadership, strengthening India’s economic position.

A film crossed Rs 1,700 crore globally within days, redefining box office benchmarks and challenging Bollywood’s star-driven legacy with story-first success. Strong writing and geopolitical depth resonated widely, sparking debates on nationalism and narrative ownership. It asserts India’s right to tell stories authentically, signaling an audience shift toward substance over pedigree and reshaping Hindi cinema’s greenlighting future.

India’s census documents a population over 1.4 billion, one of the largest data exercises globally. It guides policy on housing, energy, food, and urban infrastructure, supporting equitable governance and welfare distribution. Digital tools and multilingual platforms broaden inclusion. Possible caste data reintroduction may shape debates. Findings provide critical planning benchmarks through 2027 and beyond.

“Gangtie Jiliang,” a 500-tonne vertical shaft drilling machine by CRCC, is the first to bore full-face shafts beyond 1,000 metres in hard rock. Operating in Liaoning, it enables access to deep mineral reserves like antimony, gold, tungsten, and lithium. Advanced muck removal and reinforcement enhance safety, supporting China’s long-term resource and infrastructure strategies.

On April 6, 2026, India achieved first criticality in its fast breeder reactor, a milestone in the second stage of its Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. The reactor produces more fuel than it consumes, enabling efficient plutonium use and a closed fuel cycle. This unlocks thorium reserves, bolstering energy independence, security, and low-carbon sustainability goals.

New research suggests the Indus Valley Civilisation may date back 8,000–9,000 years, predating Mesopotamia and Egypt. Radiocarbon evidence from Bhirrana reveals early organised settlements with advanced urban planning, including grid streets and drainage. Spanning vast regions and supporting millions, its decline was gradual, driven by climate adaptation and crop shifts, reshaping timelines of ancient civilisations.

China’s chipmakers achieved record revenues, powered by AI demand, EV growth, and global memory shortages. U.S. export restrictions accelerated Beijing’s drive for semiconductor self-reliance. SMIC, Hua Hong, and Moore Threads posted strong gains, while CXMT surged on HBM demand. Despite momentum, China still lags global leaders in advanced chipmaking and EUV lithography access.

At 11, Bodhana Sivanandan became England’s highest-rated female chess player (FIDE 2366), surpassing Lan Yao. She entered the world’s top 100 women, ranked 72nd, after starting chess during the COVID-19 lockdown. A Woman International Master, she defeated ex-world champion Mariya Muzychuk. Praised by Rishi Sunak and the English Chess Federation, she inspires young players nationwide.

India became the world’s third-largest renewable energy market in 2025, adding 45 GW to reach 250.5 GW capacity. Solar led with 37 GW, alongside wind and hydro growth. Asia’s solar capacity more than doubled since 2022. Renewables made up 85.6% of global additions, strengthening India’s energy security, resilience, and long-term economic stability.