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Shoppers walk along a street illuminated with decorative lights ahead of New Year celebrations in Bengaluru, India, last month. Photo: AFP

India overtakes Japan in economic size – while prosperity trails far behind

Becoming the No 4 economy is a source of pride. Now, the race is on to turn statistical success into 8 million new jobs a year.

10 Jan 2026 - 8:52AM

India-Bangladesh talks over Ganges waters may turn murky over politics, UN pact

9 Jan 2026 - 5:30PMvideocam

‘Buyers are indefinitely gone’: Indian exporters lay bare pain from tariffs

7 Jan 2026 - 10:18AMvideocam

India’s home-grown stealth fighter dream: can Rolls-Royce make it a reality?

The British aircraft engine maker is promising full technology transfer and local IP rights for India’s fifth-generation AMCA programme.

7 Jan 2026 - 8:11AM

Visitors stand next to a prototype of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, India’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, at an air show in Bengaluru, India, in February 2025. Photo: Reuters

India’s Tata Steel, JSW accused of price-fixing in collusion probe

India, the world’s No 2 crude steel producer, faces crackdown as probe finds price collusion; top firms brace for fines, financial scrutiny.

6 Jan 2026 - 6:12PM

Asian economies to face volatile oil prices over Venezuela, US plans for Caracas

After the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, oil and gas prices are set to continue fluctuating this year due to geopolitical issues, analysts say.

5 Jan 2026 - 6:36PM

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Trump threatens India with tariff hikes to abandon Russian oil for trade deal

With Trump ally, Senator Lindsey Graham proposing 500 per cent tariffs, New Delhi faces ‘hard choice’ between Russian oil and vital US trade access.

5 Jan 2026 - 6:10PM

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One on January 4. Photo: AFP

Nepal’s ex-PM questioned over protest crackdown which led to overthrow

Nepal’s former prime minister KP Sharma Oli had said he would not submit to questioning, accusing the investigation of lacking a ‘constitutional basis’.

4 Jan 2026 - 11:12PM

‘It’s paying off’: India spreads its trade bets to beat Trump’s 50% tariff

With exports hitting a record US$825 billion and a spate of new trade pacts, India is finding success diversifying away from the US.

4 Jan 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

India’s military upgrade to counter regional threats gathers pace

While US$30 billion of defence packages for weapon buys and others have been approved, the pace of roll-out is worrying, analysts say.

3 Jan 2026 - 2:51PM

A Pinaka multiple launch rocket system on display during India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, on January 26 last year. Photo: EPA-EFE

Netflix-Warner deal sparks concern in India’s entertainment sector

Films in Indian cinemas could be screened for a shorter period before they move to Netflix’s streaming platform, an association warns.

2 Jan 2026 - 8:58PM

A Netflix sign atop a building in Los Angeles, with the Hollywood sign in the distance. Photo: AP

‘Show your kinky side’: Sri Lanka probes syllabus error linking to gay site

Education chief quits as police probe ‘Bad Boys Club’ link in 400,000 English text books – since recalled. Officials suspect sabotage, AI errors.

2 Jan 2026 - 5:05PM

Air India pilot taken off duty over intoxication allegations in Canada

Canada’s transport regulator called the incident a ‘serious matter’ and demanded answers from the airline amid safety concerns.

2 Jan 2026 - 3:47PMvideocam

China’s Ukraine war role, EU vs Shein and Temu: 7 global relations reads

From a ‘blindsided’ Dutch minister to Brussels’ China de-risking, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in December 2025.

1 Jan 2026 - 11:00PM

Ukrainian recruits attend military training in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine. Photo: Press service of the 65th Mechanized Brigade via EPA

Japan may lose GDP race to India amid weak yen, tourism woes, China row

Japan’s economy is likely to fall behind India’s this year, which analysts say would diminish Tokyo’s global influence.

1 Jan 2026 - 3:18PMvideocam

Tourists pose in front of Mount Fuji in Yamanakako, Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture. Photo: AFP

‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election

The death of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia may have boosted voter support for her son Tarique Rahman, who is contesting in the election.

31 Dec 2025 - 6:53PM

In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air

The winter smog has widened the affordability gap among residents, with many lower-income families lacking the means to buy an air purifier.

31 Dec 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

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India overtakes Japan as world’s fourth largest economy, eyes top 3 in 2026

Government data shows India’s GDP at US$4.18 trillion, with projections it will surpass Germany by 2026 despite global trade challenges.

30 Dec 2025 - 7:27PMvideocam

People buy vegetables at a market in the old quarters of New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Extreme weather

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.

30 Dec 2025 - 5:09PM

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia dies after prolonged illness

Despite her ill health, 80-year-old Zia, a dominant figure in Dhaka’s turbulent power struggles, had vowed to run in next year’s election.

30 Dec 2025 - 6:08PMvideocam

Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?

Rahman could help consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate, analysts say.

29 Dec 2025 - 6:50PMvideocam

Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Bangladesh Nationalist Party‘s acting chairman, addresses supporters during a rally after his arrival in Dhaka on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Ex-rapper to run for Nepal PM after youth-led protests

Two popular leaders form an alliance ahead of Nepal’s March 5 elections.

29 Dec 2025 - 1:36PM

Rapper turned-Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, known as Balen. Photo: Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.

29 Dec 2025 - 12:25PMvideocam

Indian rice could become costlier for US amid Trump’s tariff threat

Experts warn of wider repercussions, including efforts by importers to divert shipments and renewed strain in US-India trade talks.

26 Dec 2025 - 8:06PM

As India’s US$70 million obesity drug market bulges, so does price war

Pharmaceutical giants like Lilly and Nordisk are battling for dominance in India’s weight-loss market with price cuts and early launches.

26 Dec 2025 - 2:58PMvideocam

A hoarding of Eli Lilly on a building in Gurugram, India. Photo: Reuters

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