INDIA CHINA Connect

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.

Fujii Kaze’s global rise stems from introspective, emotionally rich music rather than spectacle. Blending genres, his work explores peace, compassion, and meaning. India plays a profound spiritual role in shaping his philosophy and art. Prema reflects inner growth and acceptance, while his India debut symbolizes connection, stillness, and shared spiritual energy between cultures.

China’s winter tourism is booming, with inbound bookings nearly doubling year on year. About 70% of foreign visitors come from Southeast Asia, attracted by snow experiences. Visa-free entry and expanded air routes are improving access. Ice and snow tourism is entering sustained growth, underpinning a trillion-yuan winter economy and strengthening regional tourism links.

The initiative revives India’s 2,000-year-old stitched-shipbuilding tradition, retracing historic India–West Asia trade routes without engine power. Inspired by Ajanta cave art and built through Navy–Culture Ministry collaboration, it showcases indigenous craftsmanship and maritime symbolism. The project strengthens India–Oman cultural ties and promotes heritage-led, eco-friendly maritime cooperation.

PM Modi described the Somnath Temple as a symbol of India’s enduring faith, resilience and civilisational continuity. He recalled ancestral sacrifices to protect it, saying repeated destruction failed to erase its spiritual identity. Modi alleged history was whitewashed by downplaying ideological attacks. Somnath Swabhiman Parv commemorates 1,000 years of devotion, resilience and national pride.

The first gallery of Delhi’s Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum will open by year-end in the North Block. Envisioned as the world’s largest museum, it will house 80,000–100,000 artefacts across repurposed North and South Blocks. Spanning 155,000 sqm, nearly 30 thematic galleries will trace 5,000 years of Indian civilisation, attracting an estimated 10 million visitors annually.

Hindus across the world are entering a defining moment—more visible, respected, and confident than ever before. As we stand on the threshold of a civilisational renaissance, the World Hindu Congress 2026 invites you to be part of shaping our collective future. Held in Mumbai, Bharat, from 18–20 December 2026, WHC 2026 is inspired by the powerful theme “समानं व्रतं सह चित्तम्” (Shared Commitment: Collective Resolve).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted overseas Indians on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, calling the diaspora “Rashtradoots” and a strong bridge between India and the world. He praised their global contributions, cultural promotion, and continued connection to India. The day marks Mahatma Gandhi’s 1915 return and recognises the role of over 30 million Indians abroad.

Shenzhen jewellery malls have introduced smart restroom doors that turn transparent when smoke is detected, discouraging smoking in non-smoking areas. Installed in men’s toilets, the system aims to enforce strict indoor smoking bans. While praised online for effectiveness and innovation, legal experts caution about privacy risks if the technology malfunctions.

A French visitor’s post about experiencing the Golden Temple’s langar went viral, highlighting the kitchen’s openness, equality, and volunteer-driven scale.

Women in the U.S. are embracing Shakti-inspired dance to heal body-image wounds, reconnect with femininity, and access embodied spirituality.

Deepavali has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognising its cultural significance and enduring traditions.

Joe Rogan’s astonishment at Maharashtra’s eighth‑century Kailasa Temple has renewed global interest in the massive monolithic structure.

The new NCERT Class 7 history textbook offers a detailed account of medieval invasions, expanding coverage of Mahmud of Ghazni, Bakhtiyar Khilji, and Muhammad bin Qasim.

Kristen Fischer, an American mother in India, says the country offers her daughters a warmer, more community‑focused and culturally rich childhood than the US.

India Prime Minister Modi’s letter marks Constitution Day by honouring the Constitution’s makers and its role in empowering citizens.