Economy: India Records Robust 8.2% GDP Growth in Q2 FY26
India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) registered an impressive growth of 8.2% in the July-September quarter of the current financial year 2025-26. This figure surpasses the 5.6% growth rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year, as per official data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The accelerated growth was primarily fueled by heightened consumer demand, a strong manufacturing sector, and robust performance in financial services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded these figures as "very encouraging," attributing them to his government's "pro-growth policies and reforms."
However, experts anticipate a potential slowdown in the coming quarters due to the lingering impact of US tariffs and constraints on government capital expenditure. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently revised its forecast for India's next financial year, lowering it from 6.4% to 6.2%, citing the expected prolonged effect of US tariffs.
In another economic development, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India ranks as the second-largest exporter of tea globally. The government has introduced a ā¹1,000 crore support package and initiatives like the 'Chai Sahyog' app to benefit tea workers.
Politics & Governance: Parliament Session Preparations and Key Initiatives
The Indian government is gearing up for the Winter Session of Parliament, with an all-party meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 1st, ahead of the session's commencement on Monday, December 2nd. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has called for cooperation from all political parties to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 77-foot tall statue of Lord Ram in Goa as part of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt's 550th-year celebrations. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Government has declared a paid public holiday on December 2nd to facilitate voting in municipal council and nagar panchayat elections.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that a stable India is crucial for a stable global economy and highlighted the government's focus on strengthening national capacity through defense reforms and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiatives. President Droupadi Murmu underscored the government's commitment to fostering a more inclusive, peaceful, healthy, and value-based society, citing global promotion of yoga and value-based education as key initiatives.
In legislative news, the Assam Assembly passed a bill to ban polygamy, which includes penalties of up to 10 years in jail. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated the law aims to protect women's rights and is not targeted at any specific religion.
Science & Technology: Major Boost for Semiconductors and Space Exploration
The Union Government announced a significant investment of ā¹4,500 crore over the next three years to modernize and expand the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Ravneet Singh Bittu confirmed that the SCL will remain a government-run R&D powerhouse, crucial for India's semiconductor ambitions. This investment aims to overhaul production lines and increase fabrication capacity significantly.
In a move towards inclusive education, SMART Technologies launched India-made interactive panels based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. These panels are designed to support neurodiverse learners and students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved names of researchers and places from Kerala for seven geographic features on Mars. This includes a crater named after pioneering geologist M.S. Krishnan.
Furthermore, a new study has shed light on the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization, suggesting that prolonged droughts over centuries, leading to the desiccation of rivers and soils, were the primary cause, rather than a single catastrophic event.
India is also moving forward with plans to open its civil nuclear power sector to private firms. This involves proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and an allocation of ā¹20,000 crore for R&D in Small Modular Reactors and advanced nuclear technologies under the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat.
International Relations: Diplomatic Engagements and Humanitarian Aid
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India from December 4-5, 2025, for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. During this state visit, President Putin and Prime Minister Modi will review bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues.
India finalized a ā¹7,995-crore deal with the United States for a five-year sustainment support package for the Indian Navy's fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. This agreement comes amidst ongoing strained ties between the two nations following the imposition of US tariffs on Indian goods.
Prime Minister Modi extended heartfelt condolences to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah and dispatched urgent relief materials and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support under "Operation Sagar Bandhu." India reaffirmed its commitment to stand with Sri Lanka, guided by its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'Vision MAHASAGAR'.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed his planned December visit to India, citing security concerns after a recent terror attack in Delhi.
Appointments & Awards: Recognitions and Job Distributions
CNN-News18 hosted the 15th 'Indian of the Year' Awards on November 28th, honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation's journey across various fields.
In key appointments, Sunil Kumar Chugh was named the Executive Director of Canara Bank for a three-year term. Praveen Kumar (IPS) was given additional charge as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), and Rekha Lohani (IPS) was appointed as Inspector General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren distributed 8,792 job letters, including 8,291 to assistant teachers, marking the first anniversary of his government.
Social Welfare: Addressing Urban Pollution and Worker Compensation
The Karnataka Safai Karmachari Commission Chairperson, P. Raghu, directed officials to ensure that families of deceased sanitation workers receive the mandated ā¹10 lakh compensation. The Bombay High Court instructed authorities to identify and address violations contributing to deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, dismissing the state's claim that volcanic ash from Ethiopia was a primary cause.
Sports (Non-Cricket): India Shines in Hockey and Badminton
India commenced its Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant 7-0 victory over Chile. In badminton, Indian shuttlers Tanvi Sharma, Unnati Hooda, and Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the semi-finals of the Syed Modi International 2025.