INDIA CHINA Connect

The U.S.’s restrictive H-1B visa policies, including a proposed $100,000 fee, threaten its innovation pipeline by deterring skilled Indian professionals, who account for 71% of such visas. While America risks labor shortages and slower growth, India stands to gain. With its thriving Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and supportive policies, India can attract top talent, spark innovation, and expand beyond metropolitan hubs. America’s loss may fuel India’s rise as a global know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Navratri message, introduced the Next Generation GST reforms, reducing tax slabs to 5% and 18%, benefiting essentials like food and medicines. These reforms, along with income tax cuts, aim to save citizens ₹2.5 lakh crore, boosting affordability and aspirations. Emphasizing "Aatmanirbhar Bharat," he urged support for Indian-made products, promoting local manufacturing and MSME growth. Modi reiterated India’s goal of “Viksit Bharat” by 204

India’s wealth creation is booming, with Maharashtra leading with 1,78,600 millionaire households, a 194% rise since 2021. The Mercedes-Benz Hurun India Wealth Report 2025 highlights how high tax-to-GSDP ratios in states like Maharashtra (19%) and Delhi (18%) correlate with wealth concentration. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat follow as tech and industrial hubs. Emerging regions like Telangana and Haryana showcase rapid growth, while Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru remain wea

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump reconnected after months of strained relations, marking a potential diplomatic reset. The September 16 call, coinciding with Modi’s 75th birthday, followed trade tensions over tariffs and India’s Russian oil imports. The leaders expressed mutual goodwill, aligning with resumed trade talks in New Delhi. Modi’s acceptance of Trump’s call signals readiness to re-engage while maintaining strategic autonomy, foste

China’s new K visa, effective October 1, 2025, aims to attract young global science and tech talent by simplifying entry and offering diverse opportunities. Targeting STEM graduates and researchers, the visa supports China’s innovation goals by fostering collaboration, boosting regional hubs, and enhancing global perception. Offering flexibility and convenience, it appeals to early-career professionals. Success hinges on clear criteria, streamlined processes, and integration

Nabard’s September 2025 survey highlights cautious optimism among rural households, with 72.8% expecting income growth, slightly down from July's 74.7%. While income stagnation rose to 44.5%, fewer reported losses. Consumption remains resilient, but severe floods and GST changes influenced spending trends. Borrowing shifted toward formal sources, and infrastructure improvements and government welfare schemes continue to support rural incomes. The survey underscores the import

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted GST reforms' transformative impact, infusing ₹2 trillion into the economy and reducing tax burdens on citizens. Key changes include shifting 99% of items from the 12% slab to 5%, benefiting the middle class. GST revenues rose to ₹22.08 trillion, with taxpayers increasing from 6.5 million to 15.1 million. Sitharaman emphasized these reforms significantly boost affordability, economic inclusivity, and India’s growth trajecto

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, emphasized reducing India’s reliance on foreign products under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. He announced projects worth ₹34,200 crore, focusing on maritime development and infrastructure. Criticizing past governments for undervaluing India’s potential, he urged citizens to embrace self-reliance for global stability and prosperity. Modi also highlighted welfare activities under Sev

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max in cosmic orange has seen unprecedented demand, selling out within three days in the US and India. The shortage has forced delays in deliveries, with pre-orders extending beyond October 7. Apple’s production in India is ramping up, despite challenges from China’s restrictions, and aims to meet growing global demand. With increasing sales and market share in India, Apple’s expansion plans face both opportunities and logistical hurdles.

Interest in studying abroad has shifted significantly, with US enquiries falling 46% and Canada down 75% due to geopolitical tensions and restrictive policies. IDP Education, a global leader in international education services, highlights steady demand for the UK and Australia's expanding intake. Meanwhile, Canada’s reduced post-study work options and economic challenges deter students. IDP is enhancing its technology to streamline guidance, ensuring students can still achiev

China has promised to protect its companies in the US while working to stabilize trade relations with Washington. At a New York meeting, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao urged Chinese firms to adopt diversified strategies amid rising protectionism. Highlighting progress from recent trade talks, Wang emphasized mutual cooperation and warned against harmful price competition. The pledge follows high-level US-China engagement, with the upcoming APEC summit set to shape future trade

India is projected to become APAC’s second-largest consumer of electricity for data centres by 2030, with demand rising fivefold to 57 TWh. Driven by AI adoption and massive investments, the industry is embracing renewable energy, requiring an additional 15-30 GW. Companies like AWS and Sify target 100% renewable energy by 2030. State incentives and untapped solar and wind potential position India to balance data centre growth with sustainability and energy efficiency.

India has witnessed a remarkable rise in millionaire households, doubling from 4.58 lakh in 2021 to 8.71 lakh in 2025, with one added every 30 minutes. Maharashtra leads with 1,78,600 households, followed by Delhi and Bengaluru. Key drivers include robust equity markets, surging gold prices, and luxury consumption. Despite this growth, wealth remains concentrated, with ultra-rich status elusive. India is poised to become the fastest-growing wealth hub globally.

Adani Enterprises will develop a 12.9 km ropeway between Sonprayag and Kedarnath, reducing the 8-9 hour trek to just 36 minutes. With a ₹4,081 crore investment under India’s ‘Parvatmala’ program, the project will transport 1,800 passengers per hour, boosting tourism and Uttarakhand's economy. Construction will take six years, with Adani operating it for 29 years, blending modern infrastructure with spiritual significance while creating significant employment opportunities.

India’s strong domestic growth and minimal export reliance make it a global economic bright spot, JPMorgan’s Sjoerd Leenart said. Despite challenges like US tariffs and H-1B visa fees impacting trade and jobs, India’s skilled workforce continues to attract investment, with global firms expanding operations. JPMorgan highlighted India’s booming IPO market and its strategic importance, projecting resilience and long-term promise amid global uncertainties.

Indian academics excelled in the 2025 Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist Rankings, with 6,239 faculty members in the single-year list and 3,372 in the career-long category. IITs led with 755 researchers, followed by NITs (330) and IISc (117). Diverse institutions like AIIMS, ICAR, and private universities also featured prominently. Spanning 174 subfields, the rankings highlight India's growing research impact across disciplines, cementing its place in global academic excellen

Foreign investors hold 17% of Indian equities but their influence has declined due to reduced global allocations to emerging markets (EMs). India now captures around 20% of EM inflows but still faces outflows despite its outperformance. Asset managers dominate foreign ownership, with $200 billion in India-dedicated investments. As India's market weight rises, attracting capital will depend on governance, ease of business, and local factors, offering long-term growth potential

In a move that underscores China’s ambition to reduce reliance on imported technology, Tencent Holdings, the Shenzhen-based technology giant, has doubled down on its adoption of domestically produced artificial intelligence (AI) chips. Known for operating the world’s largest video gaming empire and China’s leading social media platform, WeChat, Tencent is the latest mainland company to align with the nation's drive for technological self-reliance amidst escalating geopolitica