INDIA CHINA Connect

A NITI Aayog report warns that India’s higher education system is deepening brain drain, with nearly 25 Indian students going abroad for every foreign student coming in. Rising outbound mobility, high financial outflows, and weak talent retention threaten innovation and development, prompting calls for “internationalisation at home” to strengthen domestic research, attract global talent, and retain skilled youth.

Japan’s largest banks are increasingly targeting India’s fast-growing financial sector to offset limited growth at home. Led by MUFG’s proposed Rs 40,000 crore investment in Shriram Finance, Japanese lenders are expanding through stakes in banks and NBFCs. Strong credit demand, rising incomes and global investor interest make India a strategic long-term growth market.

India and New Zealand have concluded a landmark free trade agreement after nine months of talks, offering zero-duty access for all Indian exports and easing tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports. The pact expands services access, enables skilled worker mobility, commits $20 billion in New Zealand investment, and aims to double bilateral trade within five years.

US lawmakers warn of worsening instability in Bangladesh after mob violence, political killings and attacks on minorities, including the lynching of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das. Regional fallout has followed. Meanwhile, rights groups urge global action on escalating abuses against Hindus in Pakistan, calling on the EU to condition trade benefits on accountability, enforcement, and protections for vulnerable minority communities.

India’s strong GDP growth alongside a weakening rupee reflects a structural shift rather than a contradiction.

India is projected to enter a powerful 17‑year growth phase, with GDP potentially reaching $16 trillion by 2042.

SITA is in talks with Indian airlines and airports to introduce AI‑based baggage biometrics that identify bags without relying on tags.

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

India is now approving Chinese business visas within four weeks, reversing delays imposed after the 2020 border clash.

India has approved ₹11,718 crore for the fully digital 2027 Census, conducted in two phases from 2026–27 with 3 million workers.