Economy: India Records Robust Q2 GDP Growth
India's economy registered an impressive 8.2% growth in the July-September quarter of the current fiscal year (FY26), marking its fastest expansion in six quarters and solidifying its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attributed this robust growth to various government reforms and a strong push in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing output saw a significant rise of 9.1%, while the construction sector grew by 7.2%, and agriculture recorded a 3.5% increase. Following this strong performance, Crisil has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY26 upwards to 7% from an earlier 6.5%. However, concerns remain regarding the potential impact of US tariffs on future economic growth.
Science & Technology: Indigenous Aerospace and Satellite Milestones
In a boost to indigenous technology, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the Hansa-3 (NG) production standard aircraft in Bengaluru, highlighting India's transformative journey in the aerospace and aviation ecosystem driven by local technologies and strong industry partnerships. Additionally, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) earth observation satellite, a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA, entered its final science operations phase. The 20th Uttarakhand State Science & Technology Conference (USSTC 2025) commenced in Dehradun, focusing on knowledge-based development, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, particularly for the Himalayan region. India also released a revised Earthquake Design Code (2025), updating its seismic zonation map and categorizing the entire Himalayan arc into the highest-risk Zone VI.
International Relations: Diplomatic Engagements and Humanitarian Aid
India, Singapore, and Thailand successfully concluded the 5th Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) from November 24-29, 2025, reinforcing their long-standing defense cooperation and commitment to secure maritime pathways in the Indo-Pacific. At the UN Security Council, India reiterated its priorities on maritime security and counterterrorism, underscoring its proactive policies and significant efforts in combating piracy. Demonstrating regional support, India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to cyclone-stricken Sri Lanka. Relations with Canada also showed signs of improvement, with both nations actively working on various fronts including trade and nuclear issues to stabilize their relationship. Furthermore, discussions are ongoing between India and Bangladesh to resolve "grey areas" in their Bay of Bengal maritime boundaries. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December.
Social Welfare & Governance: Policy Updates and Public Initiatives
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, a flagship initiative aimed at child development, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. New Labour Codes have been introduced, aiming to enhance the textile industry's competitiveness while ensuring better worker welfare, including stronger wage protection and social security. In Odisha, over 7 lakh elderly and disabled individuals are awaiting pension under various government welfare schemes. The Jharkhand government successfully conducted "Aapki Yojana, Aapki Sarkar, Aapke Dwar" camps, bringing public services and schemes directly to citizens. The Karnataka government is moving towards formalizing the domestic worker sector with a new draft bill mandating written contracts and registration. In a significant public movement, over 50,000 citizens appealed to the Supreme Court to reconsider its order regarding the removal of community dogs from institutional areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 60th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police in Raipur, focusing on future security frameworks. Government pensioners are reminded that November 30, 2025, is the deadline for submitting their annual life certificates (Jeevan Pramaan Patra). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated urgent software or hardware modifications for certain Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft due to concerns over potential data corruption from intense solar radiation. Cyclone Ditwah is expected to impact north Tamil Nadu, while Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency due to its destructive effects.
Awards & Appointments: Recognition for Leadership
Jay Shah, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), was honored with the prestigious "Indian of the Year 2025" award in the Outstanding Achievement category, recognizing his transformative leadership in cricket administration. Sipan Garg has assumed additional charge as the CMD of THDC India Ltd. The FAP National Awards 2025 celebrated achievements in education and sports, felicitating 782 schools, teachers, principals, and students.
Sports (Non-Cricket): Hockey Teams Excel
The Indian men's hockey team secured a dominant 14-3 victory against Canada, advancing to the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where they are set to face Belgium. Additionally, India registered its second consecutive win at the Men's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025. In collegiate sports, cyclist Meenakshi Rohilla clinched four gold medals at the KIUG 2025, contributing to Guru Nanak Dev University's top position in the medals tally.