Current Affairs - November 29, 2025 Current Affairs

India’s economy recorded a robust GDP growth of 8.2% in the second quarter of FY26, driven primarily by strong performance in the manufacturing, construction, and services sectors. Manufacturing grew by 9.1%, construction by 7.2%, and services by 9.2%, reflecting broad-based recovery. The increase in Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) by 7.9% also contributed to the overall growth, signaling improving consumer demand. This marks a significant rise from 5.6% in Q2 FY25, indicating accelerated economic activity. The real GDP in Q2 FY26 stood at ₹48.63 lakh crore, demonstrating the economy’s resilience and strength across sectors.

India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The operation involved the deployment of Indian naval ships, including INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, to deliver essential relief materials to affected areas in Colombo. Cyclone Ditwah led to heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding, creating an urgent need for support. Operation Sagar Bandhu exemplifies India’s commitment to regional disaster relief and cooperation, showcasing how timely aid and coordination can help neighboring countries recover from natural calamities.

The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in Goa, a state renowned for hosting this prestigious event. IFFI is one of the most significant film festivals in India, attracting filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. Goa has consistently been chosen as the venue due to its international appeal, infrastructure, and popularity as a cultural hub. This edition concluded with the Vietnamese film Skin of Youth winning the Golden Peacock award, highlighting the global nature of the festival and Goa’s continued importance in promoting international cinema.

International Jaguar Day is observed annually on November 29 to raise awareness about the conservation of jaguars and their habitats. Jaguars, the largest wild cats in the Americas, play a crucial role as apex predators and umbrella species, helping maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. The day highlights threats such as deforestation, poaching, and habitat fragmentation, and promotes global conservation efforts, including wildlife corridors, legal protection, and community engagement. Observing this day encourages environmental education, sustainable practices, and international collaboration to ensure the survival of jaguars and the ecosystems they support.

Temasek Holdings, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, appointed Piyush Gupta, former CEO of DBS Bank, as its non-executive Chairman for India, effective December 1, 2025. In this role, Gupta will guide India-focused investment strategies, support portfolio companies, and strengthen engagement with government and business stakeholders. Gupta’s extensive experience, including leading DBS Bank through a digital transformation and regional expansion across Asia-Pacific, positions him to provide strategic insight and deepen Temasek’s presence in India. His appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to long-term growth in key sectors such as financial services, technology, healthcare, and clean energy.

India delivered 73 tonnes of essential medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements to Afghanistan to support its struggling healthcare system. This shipment, sent to Kabul, represents one of the largest recent humanitarian efforts by India in the region. Beyond immediate medical relief, India’s aid reflects its longstanding commitment to Afghanistan’s development, including infrastructure, education, energy, and healthcare initiatives. Such humanitarian assistance strengthens regional diplomacy, builds trust, and underscores India’s role as a reliable partner providing non-interventionist support to meet urgent public health needs.

Moody’s projects India to achieve a 7% GDP growth rate in 2025, making it the fastest-growing economy among emerging markets and the Asia-Pacific region. This growth is fueled by strong domestic demand, including sustained private consumption, robust investment activity, government infrastructure initiatives, and expanding manufacturing and services sectors. Despite global uncertainties and currency fluctuations, India’s economic fundamentals remain resilient, supported by corporate financial discipline and access to international capital markets. The 7% growth rate highlights India’s strategic edge and consistent performance compared to regional peers, positioning it as a leader in emerging market growth.

India signed a ₹7,900 crore agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to support its MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet. The deal includes spare parts, technical assistance, maintenance training, and the establishment of repair facilities in India. It strengthens India’s maritime defence capabilities and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting local MSME participation in defence logistics. The MH-60R helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin, are advanced multi-role platforms for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and naval operations. This agreement reflects the deepening strategic and defence partnership between India and the United States.

Deepti Sharma made history at the WPL 2026 auction by becoming the costliest player, securing a record price of ₹3.2 crore. The UP Warriorz utilized the Right-to-Match (RTM) option to retain her, matching the opening bid from Delhi Capitals. Deepti Sharma, an accomplished all-rounder, achieved the distinction of becoming the second-highest paid player in WPL history, just behind Smriti Mandhana’s ₹3.4 crore deal from 2023. This milestone highlights the growing recognition and value of women cricketers in India, reflecting the increasing competitiveness and investment in the Women’s Premier League.

The Army has laid out a three-phase roadmap to develop a future-ready force by 2047. The first phase, HOP 2032, focuses on transformation under the Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2033). The second phase, STEP 2037, involves consolidating the progress made in the initial phase. The final phase, JUMP 2047, envisions the Army as an integrated and technologically advanced force capable of addressing future security challenges. This long-term plan underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces, leveraging advanced technology, and ensuring operational readiness for emerging threats.