Economy & Development
India's economy demonstrated strong performance, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by an impressive 8.2% in the second quarter (July-September) of FY26. This marks the highest growth in six quarters, attributed to a recovery in manufacturing, increased consumption, and government expenditure. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently graded India's national accounts with a 'C', citing concerns regarding methodology and data quality. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the growing dominance of politics over economics in the current era, advocating for diversification of supply sources and strengthening India's "Make in India" initiative to bolster national needs and industrial growth. Further boosting India's economic landscape, Tesla inaugurated its largest all-in-one center in Gurugram, signaling a significant entry into the Indian electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, Paradip Port achieved a notable milestone, recording 100 million metric tonnes in cargo throughput for the ninth consecutive year, underscoring its crucial role in India's maritime trade.
International Relations & Diplomacy
The global political scene remains active with ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts. In Ukraine, a widespread Russian attack resulted in six fatalities and dozens of injuries, as Kyiv's envoys traveled to the United States for peace talks. Concurrently, Ukraine claimed to have successfully targeted two Russian "shadow fleet" tankers in the Black Sea using marine drones. The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was observed, drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A United Nations report alleged that Israel maintains a 'de facto state policy' of torture against Palestinian detainees, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. In a humanitarian gesture, India launched "Operation Sagar Bandhu" to provide aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka, deploying naval vessels with essential relief materials. In the United States, President Donald Trump escalated his anti-migrant stance by freezing asylum decisions following an incident in Washington. On the health front, the World Health Assembly is set to hold a special session to discuss a potential convention on pandemic preparedness and response. Regionally, Seychelles joined the Colombo Security Conclave, aiming to enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, while Bangladesh became the first South Asian nation to accede to the UN Water Convention. Looking ahead, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
Science, Technology & Environment
Significant advancements and concerns emerged in science and technology. The UK-led European Space Agency (ESA) 'Scout' climate mission, HydroGNSS, successfully launched on November 28 aboard a SpaceX rocket. This mission aims to monitor the Earth's water cycle. Additionally, the NISAR earth observation satellite entered its final science phase. On Mars, NASA's Perseverance rover detected audio evidence of electric discharges in the planet's atmosphere, providing insights into Martian atmospheric complexity. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) also approved seven Indian names for geological features on Mars. In public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to ensure fertility care is safer and more affordable. Environmental concerns were highlighted by a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report indicating heavy metal contamination in Delhi's groundwater. India also introduced a Revised Earthquake Design Code for 2025, establishing new seismic zones to bolster earthquake resilience, particularly in the Himalayan region. In biodiversity, Indian populations of the bamboo shrimp were rediscovered in Karnataka and Odisha after 72 years.
Social & Legal Developments
Italy has taken a significant step in addressing gender-based violence by legally recognizing 'femicide' and mandating life imprisonment as punishment. In Hong Kong, a devastating fire in a high-rise apartment complex resulted in at least 128 fatalities, with many more still unaccounted for. A large demonstration involving approximately 100,000 participants is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy.
Sports (Non-Cricket)
In hockey, the Indian men's team secured a dominant 14-3 victory over Canada in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, advancing to the final against Belgium. Furthermore, India registered a commanding 17-0 win against Oman in the Men's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, marking their second consecutive victory. In freeskiing, Australian athlete Daisy Thomas sustained a significant knee injury (ACL rupture) during the World Cup Big Air Final in China.
Defense
The Indian Navy received the indigenous advanced stealth frigate 'Taragiri', the fourth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), delivered by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL). This delivery marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in warship design and construction.