INDIA CHINA Connect

Apple’s challenges in India, marked by Foxconn recalling engineers, highlight hurdles in India's manufacturing growth under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Launched in 2014, it aims to boost industrial output and reduce imports. Comparisons with China’s ‘Made in China 2025’ reveal lessons for India, as China leads in green tech, AI, and high-speed rail but faces criticism for protectionism. While India excels in services, it must address supply chain gaps and innovate to riva

A Pew Research Center study spanning 23 countries revealed sharp contrasts in democratic satisfaction. India leads with 74% approval, reflecting optimism in its governance and economy. In contrast, high-income nations like Japan (24% satisfaction) and Greece (81% dissatisfaction) report widespread discontent. A global median of 58% expressed dissatisfaction, a rise since 2017, driven by frustrations with political elites and governance. While elections improved satisfaction i

India ranks fourth globally in income equality, with a Gini Index of 25.5, surpassing major economies like China and the US. This achievement reflects dedicated policies focused on poverty reduction, financial inclusion, and welfare programs. Between 2011 and 2023, 171 million Indians escaped extreme poverty, with the poverty rate dropping from 16.2% to 2.3%. Key initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, and food security schemes have driven this progress, p

Foxconn has launched a contingency plan to ensure iPhone 17 production in India after China recalled its engineers. Experts from Taiwan and the US will replace them, though this raises costs significantly. China’s export restrictions on key machinery highlight geopolitical tensions. Foxconn’s India operations, including a Tamil Nadu facility with 40,000 employees, are expanding amid challenges. With $2.2 billion in new investments and diversification efforts, Foxconn aims to

Chinese scientists have restored damaged mouse ears by activating a dormant genetic switch, a breakthrough published in Science. The process hinged on retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative essential for tissue repair. Led by Wang Wei and Deng Ziqing, the team used advanced imaging technology to track regeneration mechanisms. While this discovery offers hope for broader applications like spinal cord repair, challenges remain in translating findings to humans due to organ compl

The UAE’s Golden Visa offers Indians lifetime residency for AED 1,00,000 (INR 23.3 lakh) under a new nomination-based system. The process includes strict background checks, such as anti-money laundering, criminal records, and social media activity, to ensure alignment with UAE values. Applicants must demonstrate contributions to sectors like culture, science, or business. Benefits include no need for local sponsors, full family sponsorship, and business opportunities. This in

Asia’s travel industry is transforming through digital platforms, mobile-first booking, and social media influence. Countries like India and China are leading the shift, with smartphones dominating travel planning and OTAs like MakeMyTrip and Trip.com offering seamless services. Social media inspires travel choices, blending authentic content with booking options. To succeed, travel brands must localize strategies, adopt mobile-first platforms, and collaborate with influencer

Lychees, native to southern China and northern Vietnam, have enchanted people for centuries with their juicy, floral-flavored flesh. Historical records trace their cultivation to 200 BC, and a 2022 study suggests they originated in Yunnan tens of thousands of years ago. The fruit’s allure reached royal heights during the Tang dynasty, while European explorers marveled at its taste in the 16th century. With cultural symbolism tied to prosperity and intelligence, the lychee rem

India is witnessing debates over extended work hours, with Genpact’s proposed 10-hour workday sparking criticism. Comparisons are being drawn to China’s infamous "996" culture, where employees work 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. While this model fueled China’s economic growth, it led to health crises and worker dissatisfaction. In India, industry leaders and policy changes suggest a shift toward longer hours, raising concerns over mental health and work-life balance. Efforts

China dominates the rare earth market with 69% of global production, influencing supply chains and prompting nations like Japan and India to reduce dependence. India, reliant on imports, is focusing on domestic production and international collaborations despite challenges like limited deposits, lack of heavy rare earths, and high costs. Initiatives like the ₹1,000 crore PLI scheme aim to boost magnet production, but economic viability remains a hurdle. Strategic efforts and

China’s higher education is witnessing a transformation with the establishment of tycoon-funded universities like Fuyao University of Science and Technology (FYUST) and Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT). These institutions, funded by entrepreneurs Cao Dewang and Yu Renrong, focus on research in fields like AI and semiconductors, addressing talent shortages in critical industries. Offering competitive admissions, global faculty, and financial aid, they aim to support China

A recent study by ITPO China and Dongbi Data highlights the dominance of Chinese-origin scientists in artificial intelligence (AI). Among the top 100 global AI researchers, 65 are of Chinese descent, with many excelling at prestigious institutions and tech companies worldwide. Notable contributors include Zhang Xiangyu and Kaiming He, pioneers in computer vision and deep learning. While the U.S. leads in AI talent and academic impact, China is rapidly closing the gap, with it

An Indian student, Saloni Choudhary, captivated the internet with a video tour of her Shenzhen, China, university dorm, showcasing modern amenities and “C-drama vibes.” Describing her dorm as cozy and perfect for student life, she highlighted features like ID card access, face recognition, and shared facilities such as free washing machines. Studying on a fully funded scholarship, Saloni’s video drew praise for the cleanliness, privacy, and advanced infrastructure, inspiring

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India for the 24th round of Special Representatives talks, aiming to address the boundary dispute and normalize strained ties post-Galwan clashes. This follows high-level SCO engagements involving Indian officials. Efforts focus on resuming cultural exchanges, river water data cooperation, and direct flights. India remains concerned about China’s support for Pakistan and its role in regional instability. While challenges persist, re

China and India held high-level talks in Qingdao to address their complex border dispute. Chinese officials acknowledged the issue’s intricacy but expressed readiness for dialogue on delimitation and peace. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed a roadmap for de-escalation and trust-building. Both sides emphasized mechanisms like the Special Representatives (SRs) framework to resolve tensions. Singh also highlighted regional security concerns, including counter-terro