INDIA CHINA Connect

India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a nominal GDP of about $4.18 trillion, overtaking Japan after surpassing the UK in 2022. Driven by strong domestic demand, favourable demographics, low inflation and robust growth, India is now targeting Germany. Sustained reforms, investment and macroeconomic stability could lift it to third place within a few years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 2025 marked a turning point in India’s reform journey, strengthening growth and advancing the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Calling it the “Reform Express,” he highlighted youth-led growth, simplified governance, tax and labour reforms, ease of doing business, energy, trade, and education reforms, signalling a shift toward trust-based governance and inviting global partnerships.

India is poised to become a major global growth engine, driven by IT leadership, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and strong demographics, an EY report says. High-value services, expanding credit, manufacturing competitiveness, and infrastructure upgrades could fuel growth, boost consumption, and integrate India deeper into global value chains, provided policy reforms sustain long-term momentum.

Chinese scientists have set a new maglev record by accelerating a tonne-scale vehicle to 700 km/h in under two seconds on a 400‑metre test track. The breakthrough demonstrates major advances in electromagnetic propulsion, power control and superconducting systems, strengthening China’s position in ultra‑high‑speed transport and supporting future hyperloop and aerospace applications.

President Xi Jinping said China’s anti-corruption campaign remains complex and long-term, urging stricter Party self-governance and zero tolerance for graft. Speaking to discipline watchdogs, he called for curbing collusion between officials and business, strengthening oversight, enforcing discipline, and sustaining reforms to ensure officials neither dare nor desire to be corrupt.

India crossed one billion broadband subscribers in November, marking a major digital milestone. Broadband users grew over sixfold from 131 million in 2015 to 1.003 billion in 2025. Total internet subscribers reached 1.018 billion, driven mainly by wireless connections. Broadband continues rising, narrowband declining, while wireless ARPU and year-on-year wireline growth improved. Quarterly growth remained steady nationwide during recent quarters.

NCERT’s revised Class 7 Social Science textbook reintroduces early medieval India, spotlighting forgotten rulers, empires and institutions from the 7th to 13th centuries. It links political history, culture and economy with modern systems, showing continuity in governance, trade, agriculture and society. Teachers note improved coherence, clearer narratives and stronger connections between India’s past and present for students nationwide today clearly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first nature-themed airport terminal in Guwahati, built at a cost of ₹4,000 crore. The new Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport terminal can handle over 13 million passengers annually, making it the largest in Northeast India and a key hub boosting connectivity, tourism, trade, and regional development.

Pranita Venkatesh, a Fijian American of Indian origin, has been sworn in as San Carlos’ youngest mayor following a unanimous council vote. Elected to the City Council in 2022, the former child psychologist brings experience in economic development, community service, and business, with priorities spanning public safety, childcare, housing, and economic stability.

India’s mall sector is bucking the global retail downturn as Western malls struggle with closures and vacancies. Anarock says strong consumer demand, a young population, low retail supply, and limited e-commerce penetration are driving growth. With near-full occupancy and lifestyle-led formats, Indian malls could attract $3.5 billion in investment over three years.