News Headlines 28 November 2025
All-India House Price Index Up 2.2% in Q2, But Shows 0.6% Drop from Previous Quarter
The RBI reported that housing prices in 18 major cities rose 2.2% in Q2 of 2025-26 compared to last year, with Nagpur, Ghaziabad and Chandigarh leading the increase. However, the growth is much lower than last year’s 7% for the same quarter. On a quarterly basis, the index fell 0.6%, mainly due to declines in Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow and Hyderabad, bringing the HPI down from 113.4 to 112.7.
This quarter’s HPI uses a new 2022-23 base year and now covers 18 cities after adding eight new ones. In Q1, the HPI had grown 3.6%, lower than the 7.6% growth seen a year earlier.
DST Supports Himachal Firm to Build India-Made EV Chargers
The Department of Science and Technology has funded Electrowaves Electronics to commercialise indigenously developed EV chargers, reducing dependence on imports. The company has created advanced AC and DC fast chargers (30–240 kW) and key components like power modules and communication controllers. The support will help scale production of India-made charging systems, strengthen clean-tech supply chains, and boost the country’s EV ecosystem and net-zero goals.
India–US Trade Review Highlights Rising Exports and Progress on Bilateral Agreement
India’s exports to the US have increased, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal told a Parliamentary panel reviewing India–US trade amid rising US tariffs. The committee sought clarifications on rupee depreciation, tariff impact on farmers, and support for affected industries. Agrawal asked for 10 days to submit detailed replies. The next meeting is on December 16, with other ministries and major industry bodies joining the discussion. He also said India and the US are close to finalising the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement, as both nations signal positive progress in trade talks.
Healthcare Sector Seeks Higher Funding and Stronger Infrastructure in Union Budget 2026-27
Healthcare organisations have urged the government to significantly increase funding in the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27 to strengthen India’s health system. AHPI said current public health spending—still below 2.2% of GDP—is insufficient to meet rising healthcare needs, especially in rural and underserved areas. Industry leaders called for better infrastructure, more medical specialists, lower cancer care costs, and stronger public health programmes. They also urged support for innovation, medical education, and policies to boost India’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem.
Govt Returns Rs 1,887 Crore in Unclaimed Assets Under ‘Your Money, Your Right’ Campaign
The government has refunded over Rs 1,887 crore in unclaimed financial assets—such as insurance claims, bank deposits, dividends, and mutual fund income—to rightful owners through the ‘Your Money, Your Right’ campaign, DFS Secretary M. Nagaraju said. In Delhi alone, over Rs 3,210 crore in unclaimed assets is still pending, highlighting the need for greater awareness. The nationwide campaign has held camps in 272 districts, with more underway. Officials urged citizens to check their accounts and visit camps to reclaim funds, as the government aims to cover all districts by December.
IT-BPM and GCC Expansion Drive Record Office Leasing Demand in India
India’s commercial office sector is seeing strong leasing demand, led by the IT-BPM sector and rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), according to ICRA. This surge is expected to boost rental inflows and net operating income by 14–15% in FY26 and 9–10% in FY27. Office occupancy in the top six cities is projected to rise to 87–88%, while GCCs are expected to lease 50–55 million sq ft between April 2025 and March 2027, making up about 40% of new demand. With strong talent availability, cost advantages, and steady BFSI demand, India continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for capability centres.
BSE Warns Investors Against Unauthorised Entity ‘EZInvest’ Offering Fake Trading Advice
The Bombay Stock Exchange has cautioned investors about EZInvest, an unauthorised entity giving trading tips and collecting money without SEBI or BSE registration. The exchange clarified that the firm is not a registered member and urged investors to always verify credentials before acting on advice. BSE also warned against subscribing to schemes promising guaranteed returns and reminded investors to beware of fake social media accounts using photos of BSE officials to mislead people with false investment advice.
Govt Approves Tex-RAMPS Scheme to Boost Research and Innovation in Textile Sector
The government has approved Tex-RAMPS, a new textiles-focused scheme worth Rs 305 crore, running from FY2025-26 to FY2030-31. Fully funded by the Ministry of Textiles, the scheme aims to strengthen research, innovation, data systems and competitiveness in the textile industry. Tex-RAMPS will support advanced research in smart and sustainable textiles, build a real-time Integrated Textiles Statistical System, improve state-level planning and promote start-ups, incubators and industry–academia collaborations. The initiative is expected to enhance innovation, data-driven policymaking and India’s global competitiveness in textiles.
Bangladesh Faces Stagnant Economy and Highest Inflation in South Asia, Says Report
Bangladesh’s economy has stalled due to a severe investment downturn, rising poverty and a shrinking job market, with inflation now over 8% — the highest in South Asia, according to Prothom Alo. In comparison, inflation is far lower in India (0.25%), Sri Lanka (2.1%), Nepal (1.47%) and Pakistan (6.2%). The report highlights falling real incomes, reduced trust in banks, rising living costs and poor job creation. Government borrowing from banks has surged to 27.22%, while private sector credit growth has dropped to 6.29%, showing rising fiscal pressure and deepening public uncertainty.
India’s REIT Market Set for Rs 10.8 Lakh Crore Expansion by 2029
India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is projected to grow by Rs 10.8 lakh crore in asset value by 2029, with the office segment contributing over 65%, according to a JLL report. The sector has already crossed Rs 1 trillion in market capitalization in FY 2025, rising from Rs 26,400 crore in 2020 to Rs 1.6 trillion by September 2025. REITs have expanded from one entity in 2019 to five listed REITs managing 174 million sq ft, with office occupancy at 91%. Institutional investment is rising, and SEBI is evaluating whether REITs and InvITs should be included in major market indices, signalling strong future growth.
India’s Logistics Costs Only 7.97% of GDP, Far Lower Than Earlier Estimates
Official data from DPIIT and NCAER shows India’s logistics costs are 7.97% of GDP, much lower than the widely cited 13–14%. The government credited major initiatives—like PM GatiShakti, SMILE, LEAPS 2025, dedicated freight corridors, and inland waterways—for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Key gains include faster freight movement on the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, record cargo movement on waterways, real-time tracking through ULIP and LDB 2.0, and better infrastructure via industrial plug-and-play parks. Reforms such as GST and the e-Way Bill continue to ease interstate transport, strengthening India’s multimodal logistics ecosystem.
