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.

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.

NITI Aayog has proposed a roadmap to internationalise India’s higher education by allowing foreign universities to operate within Indian campuses, easing visa and regulatory norms, and boosting academic mobility. The plan addresses rising outbound student numbers, seeks to attract learners, funds research through a $10 billion Bharat Vidya Kosh, and introduces scholarships to position India as an education hub globally.

NRI deposits rose to $168.1 billion in October 2025, up from $162.6 billion a year earlier, driven by a 7.9% rise in dollar deposits to $34.39 billion. Rupee deposits remained stable at $100 billion, indicating a shift toward foreign currency holdings as NRIs sought higher returns and hedged against currency volatility amid global rate differentials.

Indian doctors are increasingly leaving the UK as rising taxes, high living costs, tighter immigration rules and limited job security outweigh the NHS’s traditional appeal. Visa numbers have dropped sharply, while better pay and clearer career paths abroad attract talent. Policy pressures, workforce competition and reduced entry routes are further shrinking opportunities for overseas healthcare professionals.

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.