India Becomes Fourth Largest Economy, Khaleda Zia Passes Away

India has officially surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, achieving a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately USD 4.18 trillion, according to a government statement released on Tuesday. This milestone positions India to potentially overtake Germany, aiming to be the third-largest economy globally by the year 2030.

The Indian government has highlighted that the country's GDP growth rate reached 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26, an increase from 7.8 per cent in the preceding quarter. This growth is attributed to strong domestic demand amid global trade uncertainties. The Press Information Bureau reported that robust private consumption has played a significant role in this economic expansion.

"With GDP valued at USD 4.18 trillion, India has surpassed Japan to become the fourth-largest economy and is poised to displace Germany from the third position in the next 2.5 to 3 years," the statement noted. The United States maintains its lead as the world’s largest economy, followed by China.

In addition to these figures, the Reserve Bank of India has adjusted its GDP growth projection for the current fiscal year from 6.8 per cent to 7.3 per cent. Various international organisations have also provided optimistic forecasts for India’s economic growth. The World Bank anticipates a growth rate of 6.5 per cent in 2026, while Moody's projects that India will remain the fastest-growing economy among the G20 nations.

In related news, Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by her personal doctor on Tuesday. Zia served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in two non-consecutive terms and was a significant figure in the country's political landscape.

In other incidents, the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh has raised concerns amid ongoing violence against religious minorities in the country. Bajendra Biswas, aged 40, was shot dead by a colleague in Mymensingh, marking yet another tragic event in a series of attacks against the Hindu community.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has urged the Congress party's leadership to make timely decisions regarding party leadership ahead of the budget preparation scheduled for February. He believes that clarity on leadership is essential for effective governance.

In Tamil Nadu, President Droupadi Murmu has returned the Tamil Nadu University of Madras Amendment Bill, which would have empowered the state government to appoint its vice-chancellor, signalling a setback for the state government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its efforts in connecting India's youth with their cultural roots. He described the organisation's initiatives as impressive during a recent event.

In Bihar, the appointment of senior minister Ashok Choudhary as an assistant professor has been stalled due to discrepancies in his educational credentials, according to local education officials.

A shocking case in Uttar Pradesh has come to light, where a retired railway employee perished, and his daughter suffered severe malnutrition after being held captive in a room for three years by their servants without proper nourishment.

In the sports arena, Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced that senior all-rounder Ellyse Perry will miss the upcoming Women's Premier League season due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals have signed Alana King as a replacement.

Lastly, authorities in Bengaluru have filed charges against two individuals for culpable homicide following a recent cylinder explosion that resulted in injuries. The investigation is ongoing as the authorities aim to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.