National Developments & Economy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India's strong economic position, describing the nation as a global model for high growth and low inflation. He highlighted an impressive 8% GDP growth rate during the second quarter of the current financial year, attributing it to the country's rising progress and a fundamental shift towards innovation.
In a significant move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points. This decision, made despite robust Q2 growth, was influenced by low inflation rates, signaling a "Goldilocks" moment for the Indian economy.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while inaugurating development projects worth over ā¹1,500 crore in Ahmedabad, expressed confidence in the NDA's prospects for upcoming elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The nation also observed Mahaparinirvan Diwas, commemorating the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, with leaders paying homage to his legacy.
Tragically, a nightclub fire in Arpora, Goa, claimed the lives of 25 individuals, including four tourists and 14 staff members. The blaze was reportedly caused by a gas cylinder explosion. An inquiry has been launched, and several officials have been suspended for their alleged role in allowing the unlicensed facility to operate.
Science & Technology
The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 in Panchkula saw Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh declare that India is now leading global trends in tech-driven growth, moving from a traditional to an innovation-driven economy. He emphasized India's defining role in areas like biotechnology, nuclear innovation, regenerative sciences, and next-generation space technologies, and spoke about a new national R&D fund. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also urged scientists at the IISF to translate their innovations from laboratories to benefit society directly.
In a step towards modernizing addressing systems, the Department of Posts has published a draft amendment to introduce DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address), a digital and standardized framework designed to enhance interoperability and user-centricity in India's expanding digital ecosystem.
Defence & Infrastructure
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated 125 newly completed projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to the nation from Leh. These strategically significant projects, costing ā¹5,000 crore, span across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and seven states, significantly bolstering India's border infrastructure and national security. He also highlighted a substantial increase in domestic defence production, which has grown from approximately ā¹46,000 crore in 2014 to ā¹1.51 lakh crore, with exports nearing ā¹24,000 crore.
International Relations
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly asserted India's "freedom of choice" and "strategic autonomy" in its foreign policy, stating that no country can dictate India's relationships with other nations. This statement comes amidst the recent 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit (December 4-5), where Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India to strengthen cooperation in defence, energy, and trade, targeting a bilateral trade of $100 billion by 2030. India also announced a free 30-day e-tourist visa for Russian nationals.
Meanwhile, Allison Hooker, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, is on a visit to India from December 7-11 to advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership, deepen economic ties, and foster collaboration in emerging technologies.
India and Japan are also strengthening their strategic and economic ties, with discussions focusing on semiconductors, critical minerals, green energy, and cooperation through the Quad. Additionally, the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise 'Harimau Shakti 2025' commenced in Rajasthan. A senior Indian official, Munu Mahawar, is visiting Nepal to review India-funded projects and election preparations, though he will not be meeting political leaders due to the changed political situation in Nepal.
Sports
In a major announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Ahmedabad will host the 2036 Olympic Games. This follows the city's upcoming hosting of the 2029 World Police and Fire Games and the 2030 Commonwealth Games.