News Headlines 2 December 2025
India Sees 18% Jump in FDI Inflows in April–September 2025
India recorded a strong revival in foreign direct investment during April–September 2025, with total FDI rising over 18% year-on-year to $35.18 billion. Investments in the June–September quarter alone grew by more than 21% to $16.54 billion. The services sector attracted the highest equity inflows, while funding from the US more than doubled, reflecting stronger investor confidence. Maharashtra remained the top investment destination, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat. The surge in investment came alongside solid economic performance, with India’s GDP growing at 8.2% in Q2, supported by robust growth in manufacturing, financial services, construction, and other key sectors.
Govt Directs Mobile Makers to Pre-Install Sanchar Saathi App on All New Phones
The central government has ordered all mobile phone manufacturers and importers to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi application is pre-installed on every new handset made or imported for use in India. The move aims to protect citizens from non-genuine devices, help report suspected misuse of telecom services, and strengthen cyber-fraud prevention. The guidelines issued on November 28 require that the app must be clearly visible and accessible to users during first-time setup, and its features must not be disabled. Companies have 90 days to complete implementation and 120 days to submit compliance reports. Existing devices already in the sales pipeline should receive the app through software updates.
Sanchar Saathi, developed by the Department of Telecommunications, allows users to verify handset authenticity through IMEI, report fraud communications, track lost or stolen phones, check active mobile connections under their name, and view trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions.
Govt Clarifies: No Plan to Merge DA with Basic Pay for Central Employees
The government has clarified in Parliament that it is not considering the merger of dearness allowance (DA) with the basic pay of central government employees. Amid rising inflation and growing speculation around the 8th Central Pay Commission, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that no such proposal is under examination. Employee unions have been demanding that 50% of DA be merged with basic pay, saying that current revisions do not match the steep retail inflation. The Minister’s remarks also come as the Centre ruled out any interim relief under the upcoming pay commission.
The government further dismissed a viral message claiming that pensioners would lose DA benefits due to provisions in the Finance Act 2025. It clarified that the news was fake, explaining that the recent amendment under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 applies only to absorbed PSU employees dismissed for misconduct, and has no impact on regular pensioners or their DA hikes.
Govt Generates 1.54 Crore Digital Life Certificates, Super Senior Pensioners Benefit Most
The Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare has generated 1.54 crore Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) under the latest DLC Campaign 4.0, making it easier for pensioners—especially super seniors—to submit their life certificates without physical visits. The month-long drive, conducted from November 1 to 30, saw over 91 lakh submissions done through Aadhaar-based face authentication, marking a massive 230-fold jump compared to the previous campaign. More than 11 lakh certificates were submitted by pensioners aged 80 and above, showing strong participation from the senior-most category.
Over 31 Crore Unorganised and 5 Lakh Gig Workers Registered on e-Shram Portal
More than 31.38 crore unorganised workers and over 5.09 lakh gig and platform workers have been registered on the e-Shram portal till November, the government informed Parliament on Monday. Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said that 14 Central government schemes have already been linked with the portal to help workers access social security, health benefits and welfare programmes. Launched in August 2021, e-Shram provides unorganised workers with a UAN-based digital identity seeded with Aadhaar on a self-declaration basis.
India’s GDP Jumps 8.2% in Q2 Despite US Tariffs, Report Says Economic Pressure Tactics Have Faded
India’s economy recorded strong growth of 8.2% in the July–September quarter, the fastest expansion in six quarters, even as steep US tariffs disrupted exports to America. According to a report by India Narrative, the rise proved that external economic pressure has lost its influence over India. Despite a drop in shipments to the US, overall merchandise and services exports still grew by about 5–6% during the quarter, thanks to policy support and greater export diversification.
Nepal Likely to Miss Growth Target for FY 2025–26 Amid Weather Disruptions and Instability
Nepal’s Central Bank has said the country is unlikely to meet its 6% economic growth target this fiscal year due to a delayed monsoon, floods, and landslides that hit agriculture and other sectors. This is the first official signal from the government that growth will fall short, even as the World Bank has already cut Nepal’s projection sharply to 2.1% citing political unrest, damaged infrastructure, and a slump in services like tourism. While foreign tourist arrivals have begun to recover, Nepal Rastra Bank noted that inflation may be lower than expected due to falling fuel prices and easing inflation in India, a key source of imports.
India’s GST Collections Touch ₹1.70 Lakh Crore in November, Driven by Reforms and Strong Demand
India’s gross GST collections rose to ₹1,70,276 crore in November, up 0.7% year-on-year, supported by policy reforms and lower tax rates. Net GST revenue also inched up 1.3% to ₹1.52 lakh crore, while import-related IGST surged over 10% to nearly ₹46,000 crore. During April–November, total net GST revenue grew 7.3% to ₹12.79 lakh crore. Despite rate cuts, collections have stayed strong, with October revenue crossing ₹1.96 lakh crore and marking the 10th straight month above the ₹1.8 lakh crore level. The rise in revenue comes alongside India’s strong economic momentum, as GDP expanded 8.2% in the July–September quarter after 7.8% growth in the previous quarter, reinforcing its position as the fastest-growing major economy.
Odisha Emerges as a Rising Clean Energy Hub with Strong Port Network and Renewable Potential
Odisha is fast becoming one of India’s most promising clean energy destinations, supported by rich solar, wind and hydro resources, a strong port ecosystem and clear policy direction. A joint EY–Assocham report said the state is well placed to support India’s 2030 clean energy goals and long-term net-zero vision, with major opportunities in green hydrogen, ammonia exports and renewable power storage. Global firms are already exploring projects along Odisha’s eastern coast, backed by ports at Paradeep, Dhamra and Gopalpur and 34 GW of pumped-storage potential. The study noted that Odisha’s power demand could peak beyond 10,500 MW by FY 2033–34 due to industrial expansion, requiring over 26,000 MW of fresh capacity in the next decade.
Household Savings Rise to ₹54.6 Lakh Crore in FY24, Govt Says Fundamentals Remain Strong
India’s household savings grew from ₹50.1 lakh crore in FY23 to ₹54.61 lakh crore in FY24, according to government data shared in Parliament. However, as a share of GDP, savings eased slightly from 18.6% to 18.1%. The government said policy measures such as ease of doing business, skilling initiatives, job creation, and infrastructure development are helping raise incomes and financial security. Recent tax exemptions for incomes up to ₹12 lakh and GST rate cuts are also expected to boost consumption, savings and investment.
APY Enrolment Crosses 8.34 Crore; Nearly Half of Subscribers Are Women
Gross enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana has reached over 8.34 crore as of October 31, Parliament was informed. Launched in 2015 to build a universal social security network, APY is open to citizens aged 18 to 40 with a bank or post office savings account, and provides pension benefits from age 60 onward. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that nearly 48% of all enrolments are women, with Bihar recording an even higher female share at 57%.
Mahindra Auto Sales Jump 19% in November, SUV Segment Leads Strong Growth
Mahindra & Mahindra reported a 19% year-on-year rise in overall auto sales for November, reaching 92,670 units, including exports. The SUV segment continued to drive performance, with domestic SUV sales touching 56,336 units—up 22% from last year—while total SUV volumes, including exports, reached 57,598. Commercial vehicle sales also rose 17% to 24,843 units.
Pakistan’s Debt to China Rises to $30 Billion as CPEC Faces Delays, Security Risks and Project Scaling
An article in Kyrgyzstan’s 24.kg reports that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has pushed Pakistan’s external debt to China to around $30 billion, raising concerns over high interest loans, currency risks and mounting repayment pressure. Of the 90 planned CPEC projects, only 38 have been completed so far, while key assets like Gwadar Port and its airport operate at limited capacity. Security issues in Balochistan, social pushback, weak coordination and stalled Special Economic Zones have slowed progress, while environmental risks add further complications.
DoT Orders WhatsApp and Other Messaging Apps to Enforce 6-Hour Logouts and SIM Binding
The Department of Telecommunications has directed messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and others to log users out every six hours and ensure their services remain tied to the SIM used during registration. Within 90 days, users will only be able to access these apps if the original SIM is present in the device, a move the government says is meant to curb cyber fraud where criminals have used messaging apps remotely without SIM cards.
HSBC Expects RBI to Cut Repo Rate by 25 bps on December 5 as Inflation Stays Subdued
HSBC Global Research has forecast that the Reserve Bank of India will cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points at the MPC meeting on December 5, bringing it down to 5.25%, citing inflation staying well below target. The report noted that India’s strong growth so far has benefited from government spending and GST rate cuts that boosted retail demand, though recent PMI data suggests this momentum may be peaking. HSBC warned that growth could soften by early 2026 as fiscal spending slows and exports weaken, even as Q2 GDP growth came in stronger than expected at 8.2%. The report also highlighted surprising strength in lower-income states and resilience despite US tariff pressures.
UPI Transactions Jump 32% in November, Touch ₹26.3 Lakh Crore as Digital Payments Surge
UPI continues to dominate India’s digital payments ecosystem, recording a 32% year-on-year jump in transaction volume to 20.47 billion in November, while the total transaction value rose 22% to ₹26.32 lakh crore, according to NPCI data. Average daily UPI transactions reached ₹87,721 crore last month, with daily volumes climbing to 682 million from 668 million in October. IMPS transactions also grew, touching ₹6.15 lakh crore in value during November, up 10% year-on-year. Data shows UPI’s first-half performance in 2025 remained strong, with transactions surging 35% to over 106 billion and values reaching ₹143 lakh crore.
India’s Industrial Growth Slows Sharply to 0.4% in October Amid Festival Disruptions
India’s Index of Industrial Production grew just 0.4% in October 2025, down from 4% in September, as multiple festivals reduced working days and dampened factory output. Official data showed the IIP at 150.9 for the month, with mixed sectoral trends: mining shrank 1.8%, manufacturing rose 1.8%, and electricity output fell 6.9% due to lower power demand from prolonged rain and milder temperatures. Nine of 23 manufacturing categories posted year-on-year gains, led by basic metals, petroleum products, and motor vehicle production. The uneven performance reflects ongoing volatility across sectors, with analysts watching future industrial data closely for signs of a stronger rebound.
-
-
-
-
-
-
