News Headlines 4 December 2025: Read Today’s Banking, Finance, Economy, Business News

News Headlines 4 December 2025

EU’s Trade Benefits to Pakistan Under Scrutiny Over Human Rights Violations

Pakistan has gained major economic advantages from the EU’s GSP+ scheme, especially through a sharp rise in textile exports. However, despite ratifying 27 global conventions, the country continues to face serious allegations of human rights abuses, labour violations, religious persecution, suppression of civil liberties, and poor governance. With growing concerns from the EU, UNHCR, and other agencies, questions are being raised on whether Pakistan still meets the required standards to continue receiving GSP+ trade privileges.

India’s Internet Subscribers Rise to Over 1,017 Million in Q2 FY26

India’s total internet subscribers grew from 1002.85 million in Q1 FY26 to 1017.81 million in Q2 FY26, marking a 1.49% quarterly rise, according to TRAI. Broadband users increased to 995.63 million, while narrowband users declined. Wireless connections continue to dominate with 973.39 million users, compared to 44.42 million on wired networks. Wireline subscribers fell slightly, though YoY growth remained strong. Wireless ARPU also rose to ₹190.99, reflecting improved earnings for telecom operators. Overall, India’s digital base continues to expand rapidly, driven by broadband growth and rising wireless revenue.

Railways Introduces OTP Verification for Tatkal Tickets at Counters

The Railway Ministry has started implementing OTP-based verification for Tatkal ticket bookings at reservation counters to curb misuse and ensure tickets go to genuine travellers. Launched on a pilot basis on November 17 and now covering 52 trains, the system requires passengers to verify an OTP sent to their mobile number before a ticket is issued. The mechanism will soon be extended nationwide. This step follows earlier reforms, including Aadhaar-based OTP checks for online Tatkal bookings and restricted access to reservation windows for authenticated users. Officials say the measures strengthen transparency, prevent tout activity, and increase fair access for passengers during high-demand Tatkal hours.

Nepal to Discuss Aviation Fuel Supply Through Cross-Border Pipeline with India

Nepal and India will hold talks on December 8 in New Delhi to explore supplying aviation turbine fuel (ATF) through the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline. Nepal, which already transports diesel, petrol, and kerosene via the pipeline, plans to begin ATF supply once the ongoing extension to Lothar is completed and a new ATF depot is built there. Officials say the same infrastructure can safely transport all petroleum products. The move aligns with broader bilateral efforts to expand energy cooperation, including new petroleum terminals and LNG imports from India, marking growing regional energy integration.

India Poised for Massive Corporate Capex Wave, Banks Seen as Major Beneficiaries

A new report suggests India is entering a major corporate investment cycle, with potential corporate borrowings of ₹200 lakh crore over the next five years. After a decade of balance-sheet cleanup, companies are profitable, healthier, and ready to invest. Banks could benefit the most, with nearly ₹100 lakh crore in lending opportunities, implying strong double-digit credit growth. Supported by rising demand, upcoming policy easing, and a large government infrastructure push, analysts say India is positioned for a long-term capex boom and is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.

RSP Mandatory on All Pan Masala Packs from February 2026

The government has made it compulsory for all pan masala packs, regardless of size, to display the retail sale price and all declarations under the Legal Metrology Rules from February 1, 2026. Small packs below 10 grams, which were earlier exempt, must now also carry full price details. The change strengthens GST enforcement, improves tax assessment, and ensures transparency for buyers by preventing hidden or misleading pricing. With pan masala already taxed at 28% GST plus compensation cess, the move aligns with efforts to maintain high tax rates on sin goods and enhance consumer protection.

India Accelerates Clean Energy Expansion with Strong Grid Infrastructure Push

India is rapidly advancing towards its target of 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030, having already reached 235.7 GW of non-fossil energy by mid-2025. Now the world’s third-largest solar power producer, the country is strengthening its grid network to support rising clean energy generation. The Green Energy Corridor project, spread across eight renewable-rich states, has added key transmission lines and substations to carry up to 20 GW of green power. With smarter grid technologies, storage systems, and two-way electricity flow, India is building a modern energy backbone to sustain its long-term clean power transition.

Digital NBFCs Drive Surge in Personal Loans as Formal Credit Access Widens

Digital NBFCs are now at the core of India’s personal loan market, sanctioning 6.4 crore loans worth ₹97,381 crore in H1 FY26—80% of total loan volume. Rising ticket sizes, improved repayment performance, and stronger underwriting signal a maturing digital lending ecosystem. With nearly 6 crore active loan accounts and ₹1.28 lakh crore in outstanding portfolios, the sector is expanding formal credit access, especially among youth, women, and borrowers beyond tier-II cities. Industry leaders say digital lending is aligned with national financial inclusion goals, supported by sound risk management and consumer protection.

Govt Withdraws Mandatory Pre-Install Rule for Sanchar Saathi App

The Centre has rolled back its plan to make the Sanchar Saathi cyber-safety app compulsory on all smartphones, saying rising voluntary downloads make the mandate unnecessary. Over 1.4 crore users have already installed the app, reporting nearly 2,000 fraud cases daily, with registrations surging sharply in recent days. The government clarified that Sanchar Saathi has no surveillance features, is optional, and solely helps citizens combat cyber fraud and telecom crimes. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reaffirmed in Parliament that the app cannot snoop on users and remains inactive unless they willingly register.

India Fast-Tracks 5G Rollout, Expands Rural Broadband Under BharatNet

India’s 5G deployment continues to accelerate, with over 5.08 lakh 5G base stations installed nationwide as of October 31, the government told Parliament. Alongside rapid network expansion, rural connectivity is also improving under BharatNet, with 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats service-ready and more than 13.66 lakh FTTH connections provided. Through initiatives funded under Digital Bharat Nidhi, including 4G saturation, LWE-area coverage, and enhanced mobile services in remote borders, the government aims to narrow the digital divide and ensure universal access to high-speed connectivity.

India Sees Strong Digital Infrastructure Growth with Massive Fibre Expansion and Rural Connectivity Push

India’s digital backbone has strengthened significantly, with optical fibre coverage growing from 17.5 lakh km in 2018 to 42.36 lakh km in 2025, and telecom towers rising from 17.3 lakh to 31.4 lakh. Nearly all villages — over 6.34 lakh — are now covered by mobile networks, most with 4G services. Broadband subscriptions have doubled, PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots have expanded, and data usage per subscriber has tripled even as tariffs fell. Supported by Digital Bharat Nidhi initiatives and major policy reforms, the government says these efforts are boosting connectivity, improving rural access, and accelerating telecom sector growth nationwide.

India and UAE Push for Easier Travel, Stronger Legal Cooperation in Growing Partnership

India and the UAE are working to simplify travel and strengthen legal collaboration, focusing on easier visas, faster extradition processes and improved mutual legal assistance. At the recent Joint Committee meeting in Abu Dhabi, both sides agreed to expand visa-on-arrival options, improve information sharing and step up cooperation against financial crime. With over $100 billion in bilateral trade and 4.2 million Indians living in the UAE, smoother mobility and tighter legal alignment are seen as essential to support business, safeguard citizens and curb cross-border criminal activity.

OECD Projects India to Stay Fastest-Growing Major Economy at 6.7% in FY26

India is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing large economy with GDP expanding 6.7% in 2025–26, supported by higher private spending, strong government investment in infrastructure and easing borrowing costs, the OECD said. While US tariffs may weigh on exports, rising incomes, low inflation and declining consumption taxes will boost demand. The report also sees room for further monetary easing and highlights the need for sustained public investment and PPPs to ease infrastructure gaps. With global growth slowing and major economies cooling, India’s momentum stands out as it maintains a strong multi-year growth outlook.

Rupee Falls Despite Strong GDP Growth as Weak Earnings, FPI Outflows and Trade Concerns Weigh on Currency

The Indian rupee has weakened even after the economy posted robust 8.2% GDP growth in Q2, slipping nearly 0.3% and reaching an all-time low of 90.18 against the US dollar. Analysts say muted corporate earnings, heavy foreign portfolio outflows, delays in trade deals, a record trade deficit and limited AI-driven investment opportunities have dampened sentiment. With concerns over current account pressures and uncertainty around Russian crude supplies, the rupee remains under stress, though some global brokerages believe it may now be undervalued and could recover if conditions improve.

DoT Mandates SIM Binding for Messaging Apps to Boost Cybersecurity and Curb Fraud

The Department of Telecommunications has ordered mandatory SIM binding for messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat, requiring users to keep their original SIM in the device to access these platforms. Coming into effect within 90 days, the rules aim to improve traceability, prevent anonymous misuse and reduce digital fraud. Apps must log users out every six hours if accessed without the linked SIM, while telecom operators say the move strengthens national security and safeguards citizens. Seen as a major step in tightening cybersecurity, the directive enforces a verified identity link between users, devices and apps amid rising scams, spyware threats and digital impersonation.

India’s Industrial Growth Slows to 0.4% in October Amid Festive Disruptions

India’s industrial output grew just 0.4% in October 2025, down sharply from 4% in September, as festive holidays reduced working days. Mining activity fell 1.8%, electricity output dropped 6.9% due to lower power demand, while manufacturing rose modestly by 1.8%. Despite weak overall growth, key segments such as basic metals, petroleum products and automobiles showed positive momentum. The uneven performance reflects sectoral challenges, with analysts watching future data for signs of recovery.