Ground report from India's #MahaKumbhMela2025 -- no event globally can compare to this 45-day Hindu religious festival that ends on Feb. 26 with the number of total participants expected to cross 450 million. asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Bi…

India's ongoing census is 6 years late -- the 1st delay in the periodic census' 145-year history -- but also novel: the census has gone paperless, with census takers required to record data on dedicated apps on their personal phones asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/bi…

It's been nearly 50 years since India's last legislative redistricting. Because of differing population growth rates, some states are now relatively overrepresented in lawmaking... asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/bi…

In most of India, enumerators will return next Feb to ask about gender, age, literacy, religion, caste, education, spoken languages, etc. In snowy northern areas, these interviews are to take place in September. Read more here: asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/bi…

Is India really home to 1.4 billion people? It's time to count s.nikkei.com/4ekfGcK

From the Himalayan valleys of Kashmir to the tropical Nicobar Islands near Indonesia, an army of 3.1 million Indian schoolteachers is fanning out to tally up what is supposed to be the world's largest population, reports @Kimsubh asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/bi…

Modi's border state wins could reshape ties with Bangladesh, Nepal s.nikkei.com/3QrUCsI

The India-Oman CEPA transforms a historic relationship into a future-ready economic partnership. With greater market access, stronger supply chains, enhanced mobility for professionals, and new opportunities for businesses, the agreement will deepen economic integration and regional connectivity. Read my views: thehindubusinessline.com/opi… #IndiaOmanCEPA

The entry into force of the India–Oman CEPA marks a new phase in the economic partnership between the two countries. By improving market access, facilitating trade and investment, and strengthening collaboration across sectors, the agreement creates a framework for deeper and more resilient economic engagement. As implementation begins, the focus turns to translating the opportunities offered by the CEPA into tangible gains for businesses, professionals, exporters, MSMEs and consumers, while further strengthening bilateral economic ties for the long term. #IndiaOmanCEPA #IndiaOman @PIB_India @DoC_GoI

Modi and Min Aung Hlaing agree to foster mineral, rare earth ties s.nikkei.com/4dXAtCw

I'm just in love with Hibiscus flowers blooming in my terrace garden.

Suman Kalyanpur made a mark in 1960s when Bollywood female playback singing was dominated by legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle. One of the many beautiful songs she gave her voice to and which I continue to hum is 'parbaton ke pedhon par shaam ka basera hai'. RIP

A top Indian defense official: BrahMos deal with Vietnam "has already been signed, probably not publicly announced." Before he made these remarks, @NikkeiAsia wrote about the deal: asia.nikkei.com/business/aer… via @NikkeiAsia

Min Aung Hlaing’s India visit set to benefit both sides s.nikkei.com/4wY9zTE

Quad ministers unveil energy, critical minerals, Fiji port plans s.nikkei.com/4vaBPB4

With Beijing's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, Vietnam appears to be on course to purchase from India the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, which New Delhi has jointly developed with Russia. s.nikkei.com/4dvBrHg

Quad ministers hold strategic talks amid Mideast turmoil s.nikkei.com/3PKBkhY

Vibrant hues of Bougainvillia in my terrace garden

Vietnam close to signing BrahMos cruise missile deal with India After Manila and Jakarta, Hanoi seen as next client in South China Sea vicinity s.nikkei.com/4dAiseR

Good morning, America. This was our most read story while you were sleeping. Vietnam close to signing BrahMos cruise missile deal with India s.nikkei.com/4wIaOGz

Vietnam close to signing BrahMos cruise missile deal with India s.nikkei.com/4dpIotn