INDIA CHINA Connect

India is set to remain a global growth leader with a projected 6.6% GDP rise in 2025–26, driven by strong domestic demand, manufacturing recovery, and service-sector expansion, according to the IMF.

This Diwali, credit card spending surged, with 42% of users spending over ₹50,000, driven by cashback, rewards, and offers.

Starbucks is finalizing plans to sell a controlling stake in its $5 billion China business while retaining a meaningful minority share, possibly up to 49%.

The RBI's Payments Systems Report highlights UPI as India's leading retail payment system, accounting for 84.8% of transactions.

Beijing’s 15th five-year plan outlines strategies to boost the private sector, modernize financial systems, and enhance China’s global financial role.

India’s exports to China increased by 22% in the first half of FY26, reaching $8.41 billion, driven by products like telephone set components, shrimp, and aluminium.

Global markets have shown mixed reactions to U.S. trade tariffs, with gold, Bitcoin, and the S&P 500 rising, while Indian equities lagged, gaining just 6%. FIIs have withdrawn heavily, impacting India.

China's billionaire population has soared to a record 1,434 individuals, reflecting a 31% increase, fueled by stock market rallies and growth in sectors like technology, EVs, and biotech.

Meituan, China’s delivery super-app, launched its international brand, Keeta, in Brazil on October 30, marking its first venture into the Americas.

India is leading globally in employee volunteering, with 31% participation, surpassing the 22% global average, as per Goodera's VQ Report 2025.

Indian students are increasingly reconsidering overseas education due to rising costs, stricter visa rules, and the rupee's depreciation.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, hailed India as a global democratic model and anticipated future partnerships post-democratic transition in Venezuela.

The Indian government plans a ₹13,000 crore initiative to boost domestic toy manufacturing, reduce import reliance, and create jobs.

The Indian government aims to raise the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (F-LFPR) to 35% by 2030, up from 26.2% in 2025.

India’s export landscape is shifting from oil to electronics, driven by a 42% surge in electronics exports during the first half of FY26, reaching $22.2 billion.

Airbus Chairman René Obermann praised India’s engineering excellence, entrepreneurial ambition, and strategic importance to the aerospace industry.

Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat, is the world’s largest private residence and home to the royal Gaekwad family of Baroda.