INDIA CHINA Connect

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.

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.

Archaeologists uncovered a 1,500-year-old T-shaped stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island, built with imported stone blocks showcasing advanced engineering. Excavations revealed artefacts, dyeing vat, anchors, beads, and 3,000 amphorae sherds. Coins of Kalachuri ruler Krishnaraja date it to the sixth century CE, highlighting Elephanta’s global maritime trade significance beyond its renowned Siva caves.

Xu Feihong emphasized that India and China’s growth stems from their own people, not external generosity, countering recent U.S. remarks. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s rise as self-determined. Xu urged win-win cooperation, cautioned against “China threat” narratives, and called for youth engagement. He highlighted stronger India-China coordination within the Global South as vital for shared progress.

72.8% of high-net-worth women now invest in domestic equities, a sharp rise from 2024. Over half lead family investment decisions, while 28.4% identify as informed “Level 2” investors. 53% can withstand a 20% portfolio decline. Transparency on fees and risks is vital for 75.1%. AI tools are welcomed, though human financial advice remains indispensable.

Between 2010 and 2020, Buddhists were the only major religious group to see a global decline. Pew Research Center data shows their numbers fell from about 343 million to 324 million—a 5% drop. This unusual trend contrasts with overall global growth, as other major religions expanded while the world’s population rose by 12% during the decade.

Women make up 17.5% of IndiGo and 16% of Air India pilots — triple the global average. IndiGo employs over 1,000 women pilots, with women forming 45% of its workforce across operations, finance, digital, and leadership. Air India reports rising female roles in airport operations and security. Both airlines reaffirm commitment to diversity and expanding women’s aviation careers.

India clinched the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs. Posting a record 255/5, the highest-ever final total, Sanju Samson starred while Bumrah and Axar excelled with the ball. India became the first team to win three titles and defend the trophy. Celebrations erupted nationwide, with ICC awarding $2.34m and BCCI announcing ₹1.31bn bonus.

China’s 2026–2030 Five-Year Plan aims to expand Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) globally, prioritizing developing nations. It promotes TCM innovation, integration with Western medicine, and support for Belt and Road countries through healthcare capacity-building and technology transfer. Public health goals include infectious disease control, disaster response, and blood safety. AI-driven employment policies target inclusive growth and workforce modernization, strengthening

On February 28, 2026, a Gandhi statue was unveiled at Hong Kong's India Club. The ceremony, led by Indian Ambassador to China, Shri Pradeep Kumar Rawat, celebrated Gandhi's principles of Satyagraha and Ahimsa. This event marked a significant cultural milestone for the Indian diaspora, aligning with the India Club's mission of fostering multicultural unity since 1949.

The Indian women’s cricket team earned a historic first-ever nomination for the 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award after their maiden World Cup victory. They set a record ODI chase of 339 against Australia in the semi-final. Competing with elite teams like England Women’s football and PSG, the BCCI honored them with Rs 51 crore prize money.

Women borrowers surged at 14.2% CAGR (2020–2025), reaching 8.9 crore. Their loan portfolios grew faster than men’s (23.4% vs 16.7% YoY) with lower delinquency (2.8% vs 3.3%). Women dominate secured loans—43.5% gold, 36.7% education—and account for 50.4% of business loan volumes. New-to-credit women rose from 33% to 41% between 2023–2025, highlighting expanding financial inclusion.

The Hindu population rose from 1.07 billion in 2010 to 1.2 billion in 2020, maintaining about 15% of the global share and growing roughly in line with the 12% world population increase. It remains the most geographically concentrated major religion, with 95% in India and 99% in Asia-Pacific. Growth stems mainly from natural increase and India’s youthful demographic.

Mahashivaratri 2026 was celebrated at the 9th-century Prambanan Temple, restoring it as a vibrant center of worship. The lighting of 1,008 lamps and devotional chants symbolized unity and awakening. Sacred processions and Abhisekam rituals highlighted purification and harmony. Tradition blended with technology through performances and video mapping, reinforcing interfaith harmony and strengthening India–Indonesia cultural ties.

Urban Indian households are adopting AI-powered cooking systems to manage time pressures and inconsistent domestic help. Priced between ₹25,000 and over ₹1.5 lakh, these devices signal early premiumisation. Brands promote automated, home-style meals with minimal oversight. While adoption is growing, the appliances mainly supplement traditional kitchens. Chefs remain skeptical, arguing machines cannot recreate the emotion, memory, and cultural identity embedded in cooking.

May the new year bring you happiness, good health, prosperity, and peace. May your home be filled with laughter, your heart with contentment, and your path with success. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Research confirms millet-based agriculture as the dietary foundation in Lüliang during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Isotope analysis reveals notable population movement and cultural interaction in this frontier region. Despite diverse burial customs, communities shared common food practices. The findings highlight Lüliang’s integrative role in early Chinese civilization formation and demonstrate how scientific techniques can precisely trace ancient diet and migration patterns.

Indian cuisine became an unexpected highlight at Davos alongside WEF meetings. Akshaya Patra Foundation’s khichdi drew long queues of global delegates, offering warmth in freezing Swiss weather. Samosas and pakoras were also popular. Social media buzz around the food reflected India’s growing cultural visibility and expanding economic influence on the global stage.

The UK’s first national Hindu NHS Network has been launched to support Hindu staff and improve culturally sensitive patient care. It addresses gaps in faith representation and understanding, promotes Hindu chaplaincy, prayer spaces, end‑of‑life care, and appropriate vegetarian food, and seeks to empower staff through visibility, leadership opportunities, career development, and fair workplace practices across the NHS.

Antonio Costa attended the India–EU trade deal signing in New Delhi, combining diplomacy with personal heritage. At the 16th India–EU Summit, he highlighted his OCI status, earning appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Costa’s Goan roots, traced through his father Orlando Costa, add a personal and cultural dimension to strengthening India–EU relations.