INDIA CHINA Connect

India’s defense exports crossed $4B in FY 2025–26, rising over 60% year-on-year. Public and private sectors jointly drive growth, with PSUs contributing ~55%. Equipment reaches 100+ countries, including the US, France, Israel, and Germany. Armenia and the Philippines lead in indigenous purchases. Aligned with “Make in India,” exports expand India’s global footprint while reducing import dependence.

India’s remittances, now $138B annually, exceed FDI and nearly doubled in a decade. Advanced economies drive a rising share, boosting resilience. Funds cover almost half the trade deficit and support households, especially in Kerala. Transfers are expected to remain stable or grow. The diaspora also fuels startups, philanthropy, and global healthcare leadership, strengthening India’s economic position.

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.

India’s census documents a population over 1.4 billion, one of the largest data exercises globally. It guides policy on housing, energy, food, and urban infrastructure, supporting equitable governance and welfare distribution. Digital tools and multilingual platforms broaden inclusion. Possible caste data reintroduction may shape debates. Findings provide critical planning benchmarks through 2027 and beyond.

“Gangtie Jiliang,” a 500-tonne vertical shaft drilling machine by CRCC, is the first to bore full-face shafts beyond 1,000 metres in hard rock. Operating in Liaoning, it enables access to deep mineral reserves like antimony, gold, tungsten, and lithium. Advanced muck removal and reinforcement enhance safety, supporting China’s long-term resource and infrastructure strategies.

On April 6, 2026, India achieved first criticality in its fast breeder reactor, a milestone in the second stage of its Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme. The reactor produces more fuel than it consumes, enabling efficient plutonium use and a closed fuel cycle. This unlocks thorium reserves, bolstering energy independence, security, and low-carbon sustainability goals.

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.

At 11, Bodhana Sivanandan became England’s highest-rated female chess player (FIDE 2366), surpassing Lan Yao. She entered the world’s top 100 women, ranked 72nd, after starting chess during the COVID-19 lockdown. A Woman International Master, she defeated ex-world champion Mariya Muzychuk. Praised by Rishi Sunak and the English Chess Federation, she inspires young players nationwide.

India became the world’s third-largest renewable energy market in 2025, adding 45 GW to reach 250.5 GW capacity. Solar led with 37 GW, alongside wind and hydro growth. Asia’s solar capacity more than doubled since 2022. Renewables made up 85.6% of global additions, strengthening India’s energy security, resilience, and long-term economic stability.

India’s bioeconomy expanded from $10B in 2014 to $195B in 2026, projected near $300B by 2033. A global $300B patent cliff and rising $2.2B R&D costs create opportunity. Faster recruitment and lower costs enable 3–4x more development per dollar. Strong policy push and 2,500+ startups drive growth, with rising global validation.

EV sales in India crossed 2.45 million units in FY26, up 25% year-on-year. Two-wheelers led with 1.4 million units, while three-wheelers rose 19% to 830,000. Passenger EVs surged 84% to nearly 200,000, and commercial EVs jumped 121% with fleet electrification. Tata, JSW MG, and Mahindra dominated car sales. Expanding charging networks and new launches strengthened long-term growth momentum.

Airtel has surpassed 650 million users, becoming the world’s second-largest telecom operator. Its India base includes 368M mobile, 13M broadband, and 15M DTH users, while its Africa arm serves 179M customers, including 52M mobile money users. Data subscribers grow at 9.7% CAGR. In February 2026, Airtel added 4.86M users, raising market share to 37.59%.

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.

Chinese battery makers plan over 600GWh of new energy storage system capacity in early 2026, potentially reaching 900GWh annually, with 70% for storage. Investments of 180 billion yuan (US$26.3B) show strong confidence. Controlling over 80% of the global ESS market, China drives expansion amid surging demand, AI growth, and decarbonization goals accelerating worldwide storage infrastructure.