Daily current affairs:November 29, 2025

Long Description : The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation released official GDP data showing India's economy exceeded expectations with an 8.2% year-on-year growth rate in the second quarter. This represents an acceleration from the previous quarter's 7.8% growth. The strong performance was underpinned by robust private consumer expenditure, which rose 7.9% despite global trade uncertainties and U.S. tariffs. Manufacturing output surged 9.1% year-on-year, the fastest pace in six quarters. The services sector grew at near double-digit rates, demonstrating resilience across the economy. Economists had predicted a slowdown to 7.3%, but factors including GST tax reductions on essential goods (effective end-September) and inventory build-up ahead of the festive season supported growth momentum.

Long Description : The Ministry of External Affairs announced that Russian President Putin will pay an official state visit to India following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the two-day visit, Putin will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi and meet separately with President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a banquet in his honour. The summit agenda covers defence cooperation (including discussions on the S-400 system), energy partnerships, bilateral trade (with a target of $100 billion by 2030), technology and space collaboration, and regional issues, including Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, BRICS, and UN reform. Before the visit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow, and India opened two new consulates in Russia to strengthen diplomatic engagement.

Long Description : The India Meteorological Department issued orange and red alerts as Cyclone Ditwah intensified over coastal Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal. The cyclone is tracking north-northwest towards the Indian coast, expected to approach the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning on November 30. Authorities forecast extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in isolated areas, particularly in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. Gale-force winds of 70–80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, are predicted from the morning of November 29 through November 30. A storm surge of 0.2 to 0.5 meters above astronomical tide poses risks to low-lying regions. The cyclone is expected to cause damage to thatched houses, power infrastructure, and standing crops, including banana, papaya, and paddy. In Sri Lanka, the storm has already claimed over 80 lives with significant flooding and infrastructure damage.

Long Description : The Ministry of Defence formalized Letters of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. Government on November 28 for a comprehensive sustainment support package covering the Indian Navy's MH-60R multi-role helicopter fleet. The agreement, finalized under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, includes provisions for spares, support equipment, training, technical assistance, component repair and replenishment, and crucially, the establishment of intermediate-level repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities within India. This aligns with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by reducing long-term dependence on U.S.-based support and creating opportunities for Indian MSMEs. The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, inducted into service in March 2024 with anti-submarine warfare capabilities, serve from ships and multiple dispersed bases. The improved in-country maintenance capacity is expected to enhance operational readiness and reduce aircraft downtime.

Long Description : The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying released Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2025 on National Milk Day (November 26), revealing India's robust dairy sector performance. Total milk production reached 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25, up from 239.30 MT in 2023-24, representing 3.58% annual growth. Per capita milk availability improved significantly from 319 gm/day in 2014-15 to 485 gm/day in 2024-25. The top five milk-producing states are Uttar Pradesh (15.66%), Rajasthan (14.82%), Madhya Pradesh (9.12%), Gujarat (7.78%), and Maharashtra (6.71%), collectively contributing 54.09% of national output. Additionally, India ranked second globally in egg production (149.11 billion eggs, +4.44% growth) and fourth in meat production (10.50 MT, +2.46% growth), underscoring the sector's comprehensive expansion.

Long Description : At the International Convention on Independence of Judiciary at OP Jindal Global University on November 29, newly sworn-in CJI Surya Kant delivered a landmark address on the Kesavananda Bharati judgment. The historic 1973 verdict established the "basic structure doctrine," preventing Parliament from amending the Constitution's fundamental features, including democracy, secularism, federalism, and rule of law. CJI Kant characterized the case as "constitutional archaeology," where judges unearthed foundational principles embedded in the Constitution's design. He emphasized that the doctrine allows the Constitution to "grow without losing its centre" and remains "the conscience that keeps our democracy from drifting into absolutism." The judgment, delivered when the Republic was merely 23 years old, demonstrated India's constitutional maturity and confirmed the judiciary's authority to review constitutional amendments. The address was part of celebrations marking the case's profound legacy in judicial independence.

Long Description : The Australia-based Lowy Institute released the Asia Power Index-2025, elevating India from middle power status (38.1 points in 2024) to major power status (40 points in 2025). India ranks third globally, improving its position relative to Japan (38.8 points). The advancement reflects India's robust economic growth and enhanced military capabilities, particularly strengthened by expert assessments influenced by Operation Sindoor (launched May 2025), which demonstrated India's combat experience. India ranks third in economic capability (up one position, surpassing Japan) and third in future resources. Inward investment metrics improved, with India now ninth in economic relationships due to rising FDI flows. However, defence networks remain India's weakest area at 11th place, declining two positions after being surpassed by the Philippines and Thailand. Despite advancements, India's diplomatic ties and defence network improvements haven't proportionally increased overall influence, creating a significant negative "Power Gap score."

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a towering 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Rama crafted by celebrated sculptor Ram Sutar at the historic Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in Canacona, South Goa. The inauguration marked the institution's 550th anniversary celebrations. PM Modi also opened the newly developed Ramayana Theme Park, released a special postal stamp, and unveiled a commemorative coin. In his address, Modi highlighted India's cultural renaissance, citing the Ram Mandir restoration in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham renovation, and Mahakal Mahalok expansion in Ujjain. He praised the Math's 550-year legacy of surviving upheavals while maintaining cultural continuity. The event underscored the government's initiative to revive and celebrate India's spiritual and cultural heritage. Goa's Governor, Chief Minister, and Union ministers attended the ceremony.

Long Description : The Ministry of External Affairs announced India's delivery of 73 tonnes of humanitarian medical aid to Afghanistan on November 28, continuing New Delhi's steadfast support for the Afghan people. The consignment includes life-saving medicines for various health conditions, vaccines for disease prevention and immunization campaigns, and nutritional and medical supplements to address malnutrition gaps. This constitutes one of the largest recent medical aid shipments from India to Afghanistan. The assistance reflects India's broader humanitarian role in Afghanistan's development, spanning infrastructure, education, energy, and healthcare initiatives since 2021. Earlier in November, India delivered food items to earthquake-affected communities after a 6.3 magnitude quake struck northern provinces (Balkh, Samangan, Baghlan). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent meetings with Afghan officials emphasized strengthening bilateral trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties while supporting Afghanistan's territorial integrity and independence.

Long Description : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Delhi's minimum temperature at 8 degrees Celsius on November 26, the lowest November reading since 2022, representing a 3.3-degree deviation below the seasonal normal. Ayanagar recorded the lowest at 7.9 degrees Celsius, while Ridge logged 8.8 degrees and Palam logged 9.4 degrees Celsius. The sharp decline was attributed to clear skies, dry northwesterly winds, and the influence of a western disturbance over south Afghanistan. Daily temperatures had fallen by 1 degree from the previous day at the Safdarjung base station. Maximum temperatures remained in the 22–25 degrees Celsius range across Delhi, with Safdarjung reporting 25.5 degrees Celsius, approximately 1.2 degrees below normal. The IMD forecasted shallow to moderate fog for subsequent mornings with minima remaining 8–10 degrees Celsius, with slight improvement expected from November 30 onwards. No rainfall was predicted for the following seven days, with wind speeds varying between calm and 10–15 kmph.

Long Description : Morgan Stanley, along with other major financial institutions, forecasted a 25 basis point (0.25%) repo rate cut by the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at its December 2025 meeting, scheduled for December 3-5, with the decision announcement on December 5. The rate reduction to 5.25% is primarily driven by continued downside surprises in headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, which fell to an unprecedented 0.25% in October 2025. This would mark the culmination of a nearly year-long easing cycle that began in February 2025. While growth remains robust, with Q2 GDP exceeding forecasts, economists expect the policy response to remain prudent with the RBI adopting a "wait and watch" approach post-December to assess the combined impacts of rate, liquidity, and regulatory policy easing. The central bank is expected to turn data-dependent and monitor evolving domestic growth and inflation trends before taking further action.

Long Description : The Staff Selection Commission released the official exam schedule for Delhi Police Constable recruitment 2025, conducting the computer-based test (CBT) in multiple shifts from December 18, 2025, to January 6, 2026. The recruitment is for 7,565 constable-executive positions for both male and female candidates. Following applications from September 22 to October 31, 2025, the SSC received a total of 27,25,888 applications for the vacancies, indicating intense competition. The selection process comprises CBT followed by Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Measurement Test (MT), with subsequent document verification and medical examination. City intimation slips will be released 10 days before exams, while admit cards will be available several days prior. Candidates must carry a valid identification alongside the admit card. The exam salary for selected candidates ranges from ₹21,700 to ₹69,100, making it an attractive government job opportunity.

Long Description : The Mahagathbandhan held its first alliance meeting since the Bihar Assembly elections on November 29, unanimously electing RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the opposition coalition's leader and Leader of Opposition in the state legislature. Yadav's election came despite the alliance's significant electoral setback, with the NDA-led government securing 202 seats (including the BJP's 89). The Mahagathbandhan's seat tally plummeted to 35 from the previous 110 seats, with RJD managing 25 of the 35 opposition seats and Congress winning only 6 of 61 contested seats. This represents Yadav's second term as LoP. Congress leaders at the meeting raised concerns regarding the electoral process, questioning the fairness of elections and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, particularly noting similar issues in West Bengal. The opposition coalition pledged to continue raising people's issues within the assembly and confront the ruling coalition if it reneges on electoral promises.

Long Description : After receiving an Honorary Doctorate from IIM-Calcutta on November 29, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered remarks on contemporary geopolitical dynamics. He emphasized that politics now "trumps" economics globally, with the U.S. engaging nations bilaterally rather than through multilateral regimes, while China continues playing by its own rules. Jaishankar highlighted how tariff volatility, asset seizures, and blockchain technologies have become geopolitical realities. In response, India is pursuing policies to advance comprehensive national power, reduce vulnerabilities, and promote influence. He underscored "Make in India" as a major policy response reflecting the government's different mindset since 2014 toward promoting industrial growth. India is forging new trade arrangements and connectivity initiatives guided by a people-centric vision and strategic-economic considerations. Jaishankar noted that as India ascends the global economic hierarchy, the case for strengthening trade and connectivity partnerships strengthens proportionally.

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park near Hyderabad airport on November 26. The facility, representing a ₹1,300 crore investment by French aerospace major Safran, is India's first global-level deep-maintenance, repair, and overhaul center for aircraft engines. Spread across 45,000 square meters, it can service approximately 300 CFM LEAP engines annually by 2035 and is expected to employ over 1,000 technicians and engineers. The LEAP engine powers Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with over 500 aircraft currently equipped globally. PM Modi highlighted that 85% of India's MRO work was previously conducted abroad, resulting in higher costs and extended aircraft downtime. The facility aims to establish India as a major MRO hub, reducing foreign exchange outflows and supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Safran simultaneously laid foundation stones for the military M88 engine MRO facility (₹400 crore investment) supporting the Indian Air Force and Navy.