Japan, an island nation in East Asia, is located in the Pacific Ocean. It lies to the east of China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The country comprises an archipelago of 6,852 islands, with the four largest being Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, which together make up about ninety-seven percent of Japan's land area.
Japan's population is over 126 million, making it the world's eleventh most populous country. Tokyo, the capital, is a bustling metropolis and one of the world's most populous cities. Japanese society is linguistically and culturally homogeneous, with small populations of foreign workers. The national language is Japanese, and the currency is the Japanese yen.
Historically, Japan has been inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic period (30,000 BC), though first written mention of the nation dates back to the 1st century AD. Influences from other regions, particularly China and Korea, have been integral in Japanese culture's development. From the 12th century until 1868, Japan was ruled by successive feudal military shoguns. The country underwent rapid industrialization and militarization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to its emergence as a world power and the establishment of an empire.
Japan is a constitutional monarchy with an emperor and an elected parliament, known as the National Diet. Its economy is the third-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the fourth-largest by purchasing power parity. It is a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, the OECD, and the G7.
Known for its rich cultural heritage, Japan has made significant contributions to the arts, technology, and science. Traditional arts include tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and flower arranging, while its popular culture is known worldwide through anime, manga, and video games. Japan is renowned for its historical and extensive cinema, rich cuisine, and major contributions to science and technology.
India secured its second gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after the duo of Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet triumphed in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team shooting event in Japan. The pair demonstrated composure and focused shooting throughout the final round to finish at the top of the podium. This victory marks India's second gold medal at the ongoing Games, following an earlier gold medal triumph in cricket, adding to the nation's rising medal tally across sporting events.
This news broadcast covers key national and international developments, beginning with the widening POCSO investigation involving granite industrialist R. Veeramani in Chennai. Following the recovery of pen drive evidence regarding the alleged sexual assault of minors in Teynampet, the Special POCSO Court rejected a closure report and directed a reinvestigation, leading to the arrest of Veeramani, Shanthi, and Mahendra Simon. The development triggered political debates between TVK and DMK representatives alongside demands for a CBI probe into earlier police handling of the case. In Karnataka, tensions escalated in the Assembly over the rendition of Vande Mataram, leading to confrontations between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered a fresh Special Investigation Team probe into the 2012 Dharmasthala Soujanya case. Internationally, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed restrictions on burqas, niqabs, and classroom quotas for foreign students, while India's medal tally reached six at the Asian Games in Japan.
Elavenil Valarivan credited India's Japan-style preparation after the rifle shooter helped the country secure two silver medals on the opening day of the shooting competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Sunday.
The US Congress has fast-tracked a bill granting the president authority to impose 100% tariffs on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia, including India, China, Turkey, and Japan. Originally proposed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, the revised legislation moved through the Senate and the House Freedom Caucus ahead of the midterm elections. Analysts note the move provides diplomatic leverage ahead of the Chinese president's visit to Washington, DC, to negotiate trade, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor issues. The measure also signals congressional intent to address ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Discussion highlighted concerns regarding the economic impact on India amid ongoing bilateral trade negotiations and global energy vulnerabilities. The legislation permits presidential waivers, with experts emphasizing the objective of restricting revenues funding Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
The Indian Air Force is set to conduct major combat air exercises near the Pakistan border in the Rajasthan sector in September. The drills include the India-Japan Veer Guardian exercise and the multinational Exercise Tarang Shakti. Japan will participate with fighter aircraft and 110 personnel in Jodhpur, while multiple global air forces, including the United States with expected F-35 aircraft, will join Tarang Shakti. These exercises will take place across Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Phalodi sectors ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The Indian Air Force is preparing to conduct major air combat exercises near the Pakistan border in September. The scheduled drills include the India-Japan Veer Guardian Exercise and Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. The designated exercise zones cover western Rajasthan sectors including Jaisalmer, Barmer, Phalodi, and Jodhpur, alongside an airspace block near Nal in Bikaner. These strategic locations place the upcoming exercises close to the Pakistan frontier.
India's gross domestic product registered a 7.8 percent growth rate in the first quarter, exceeding Reserve Bank of India projections and triggering political debate over economic calculation methodology. Former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg raised questions regarding base revisions that reduced previous year nominal GDP figures from 86 lakh crore rupees to 80 lakh crore rupees, contending that earlier estimates reflect lower real growth while pointing to labor market concerns. Opposition leaders cited inflation and unemployment figures, alleging data inconsistency. Defending the official figures, economists and government spokespersons, including Sanjeev Sanyal and Gaurav Vallabh, stated that updated base series integrate comprehensive GST filings, corporate financial disclosures, and expanded sectoral surveys. They highlighted indicators such as gross fixed capital formation, automobile sales, and public capital expenditure to support the reported economic trajectory.
India recorded a 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India forecast and retaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy. However, the headline growth figures faced scrutiny over base year revisions and calculation methodology, triggering a political debate between the government and the opposition. The Ministry of Finance clarified that estimates were reviewed using the 2022-23 series. Meanwhile, the Japan Credit Rating Agency upgraded India's sovereign rating from BBB+ to A-, citing sustained economic growth, financial sector stability, improving expenditure quality, effective economic policies, robust consumption, and fiscal consolidation.
Japan Credit Rating Agency has upgraded India's sovereign rating from BBB+ to A-, marking an upgrade after nineteen years since 2007. The upgrade applies to both foreign currency and local currency long-term issuer ratings. The agency highlighted strong economic growth, robust private consumption, public investment, fiscal consolidation, and improvements in the financial foundation. India's fiscal deficit fell to 4.4% in FY26, while the banking sector's gross non-performing loan ratio declined to 1.8%. The agency also noted that government debt remains a challenge. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the country on achieving 7.8% GDP growth despite global supply chain disruptions and ongoing conflicts worldwide. He emphasized self-reliance, the Vocal for Local initiative, and Wed in India, urging citizens to sustain economic progress toward a developed nation.
On the Business Today Show with Sakshi Batra, stock markets turned volatile as the Nifty slipped below the 24,100 mark to end 116 points lower at 24,090, while the Sensex dropped 250 points to trade near 77,200. Broad-market weakness persisted despite strong NVIDIA results, while Hyundai announced plans to launch or refresh over 100 models by 2030 to compete with Toyota and Chinese rivals. Market guest Abhishek Basumallik noted that the Indian stock market is taking a breather following the earnings season and highlighted structural strength in private banks due to historic low NPAs. Reporting on health concerns, Neetu Chandra Sharma detailed a sudden shortage of swine flu medication oseltamivir in Delhi NCR due to low past inventories after a spike in H1N1 cases. Additionally, JSW MG Motor India Director Parth Jindal discussed the launch of the Hector Tomahawk plug-in hybrid, dubbed internally as the 'diesel killer'. Finally, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal spoke exclusively to India Today on strengthening India-Japan ties, citing a 7 lakh crore rupee investment commitment.
In an interview, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal discussed his visit to Japan accompanied by a 200-member Indian business delegation. Goyal highlighted Japan's enthusiasm to partner with India, calling India a reliable 'trusted partner' backed by a strong youth workforce and high-quality manufacturing capabilities. He noted that Japan's planned investment of seven lakh crore rupees between 2025 and 2035 could be fulfilled in just five years, with one lakh crore already arriving within ten months. Goyal highlighted Japan's demand for three lakh skilled Indian professionals, including engineers, doctors, caregivers, and technicians. He emphasized how Japanese technology, innovation standards, and high-tech collaboration will benefit Indian startups, boost bilateral exports, and create job opportunities.
India has initiated a global diplomatic and economic outreach across multiple countries. High-level special representative boundary talks took place in Beijing, emphasizing that border peace and tranquility are essential for bilateral relationships. Discussions in Moscow focused on strengthening economic, energy, technology, nuclear cooperation, and fertilizer supply, along with planned bilateral meetings at upcoming summits. Meanwhile, a major trade delegation visited Tokyo to expand foreign investments, focus on high-tech sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, and advance economic goals. Further diplomatic and financial engagements are also underway with North American and European counterparts to deepen trade agreements and global economic partnerships.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hosted a group of Japanese students in Lucknow as part of an India-Japan student exchange program. The interaction gained attention online as the students gathered around the Chief Minister, clicking pictures and selfies with him. Videos of the meeting went viral on social media. The exchange program brought together the Japanese students and their counterparts from Lucknow. The Chief Minister described the youngsters as the future ambassadors of India-Japan ties.
Firozabad's glass industry has expanded beyond traditional glass bangles to export products to over a hundred countries, including Germany, Japan, Europe, and America.
In this episode of Statecraft, host Geeta Mohan examines major geopolitical developments shaping national security, energy strategy, and global power.
India Today Statecraft covers political developments, global conflicts, and natural disasters. In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the first phase of polling experienced violence, including the death of a political worker, ballot box destruction, and clashes at polling stations.
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has issued notices to messaging platforms Telegram and Signal, seeking clarification on their username features to prevent impersonation and identity misuse.
On the second day of the official visit to India, the Japanese Prime Minister engaged in cultural diplomacy by exploring Indian heritage. A video captured the Japanese Prime Minister attempting to play the santoor in the presence of Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi.
This edition of India First focusses on the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir against the crackdown by the Pakistani army and Islamabad's diplomatic offensive to project itself as the inheritor of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi embraced India's rich cultural heritage by trying her hand at the santoor during a cultural luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
