Daily Insights November 29, 2025

Daily Insights November 29, 2025

1. Q2 GDP Growth Accelerates to 8.2% — Highest in Six Quarters

Category: Economics | GS Paper: 3 | Relevance: Economic Growth, Macroeconomic Policy

Key Points:

• India’s real GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 FY 2025-26 (Jul-Sep), exceeding forecasts and beating Q1’s 7.8% growth

• Nominal GDP expanded 8.7%, reaching ₹85.25 lakh crore

• Secondary Sector (manufacturing, construction) drove growth: Manufacturing expanded 9.1%, Construction 7.2%

• Tertiary Sector (services) remained strongest with 9.2% growth, led by financial, real estate and professional services at 10.2%

• Private consumption grew 7.9% vs 6.4% in Q2 FY24, signaling strong urban and rural demand

• Agriculture lagged at 3.5% due to uneven monsoon; utilities grew 4.4%

• India reaffirmed as world’s fastest-growing major economy despite US tariffs

UPSC Insight: Demonstrates resilience of India’s economy amid global headwinds; highlights the importance of secondary and tertiary sector diversification for sustained growth.

2. Ministry of Statistics Reschedules October IIP Release Due to GDP Data Clash

Category: Economics | GS Paper: 3 | Relevance: Economic Data Management, Industrial Production

Key Points:

• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) postponed the All-India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) release for October 2025 from November 28 to December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM

• Postponement aimed to avoid coinciding with Q2 GDP release

• September’s IIP recorded 4% growth, with Manufacturing at 4.8% YoY

• August’s IIP was 3.5%, showing acceleration in industrial momentum

• Rescheduling prevents market volatility from dual major releases

UPSC Insight: Reflects governance efficiency and administrative coordination in macroeconomic data dissemination; important for understanding India’s industrial health trajectory.

3. ISI Bill 2025: Strengthening India’s Premier Statistical Institute

Category: Governance | GS Paper: 2 | Relevance: Constitutional Bodies, Institutional Reforms

Key Points:

• Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation released Draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill 2025 for public consultation (extended to November 3, 2025)

• Founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis; declared Institution of National Importance in 1959

• Currently serves ~1,200 students across centers offering programs in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Cryptology, Quality Management, and Operations Research

• Mashelkar Committee (2020) recommended major reforms to make ISI globally competitive and relevant as it approaches its centenary in 2031

• Bill proposes leaner, more empowered Board of Governance with enhanced autonomy in decision-making and accountability

• Aims to strengthen governance structure aligning with other Institutions of National Importance (INIs) like IITs and AIIMS

UPSC Insight: Part of India’s broader strategy to position premier institutions as knowledge hubs for data-driven policymaking; aligned with National Education Policy 2020 and Digital India vision.

4. CJI Surya Kant Signals Reconsideration of Collegium System — NJAC Revival Possible

Category: Polity | GS Paper: 2 | Relevance: Judicial Appointments, Constitutional Governance

Key Points:

• Recently sworn 53rd Chief Justice Surya Kant (Nov 24, 2025) signaled the Supreme Court will “consider” a petition to revive the NJAC and replace the collegium system

• Advocate Mathews Nedumpara filed the plea, citing collegium as a “hotbed of nepotism and favoritism” overriding Parliament’s democratic will

• Supreme Court struck down NJAC (99th Constitutional Amendment) in 2015 (4:1 majority), deeming it “unconstitutional and void”

• NJAC was designed with 6-member composition: CJI, 2 senior SC judges, Union Law Minister, and 2 eminent persons

• Collegium system (judges appointing judges) criticized for opacity, lack of accountability, and underrepresentation of women and marginalized communities

• CJI Kant acknowledged that the Court will “see” the plea on Constitution Day proceedings

UPSC Insight: Landmark signal for potential constitutional reform; raises fundamental questions about judicial independence vs transparency; directly relevant to governance and separation of powers discourse.

5. DRC-Rwanda Peace Framework: Significant Step Toward Central African Stability

Category: International Relations | GS Paper: 2 | Relevance: Regional Conflict Resolution, UN Diplomacy

Key Points:

• Washington Accord signed June 27, 2025 between DRC and Rwanda following US-Qatar mediation; overseen by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

• M23 Framework Agreement signed November 15, 2025 in Doha; commitment to end conflict through 8-key pillars

• Peace agreement pledges: Rwandan troop withdrawal from eastern DRC, ending support for FDLR militia, and territorial integrity restoration

• Joint Security Coordination Mechanism formed within 30 days; joint military operations against FDLR initiated October 1

• Regional Economic Integration Framework signed November 7

• Challenges persist: FDLR refused to disarm (Nov 11); ceasefire violations reported; DRC insists synchronous withdrawal while Rwanda demands FDLR neutralization first

• Ratification ceremony postponed to December 4 following Joint Oversight Committee meeting in Washington

UPSC Insight: Demonstrates evolving international mediation mechanisms; reflects new geopolitical balance with US-Qatar joint efforts; relevant for understanding Central African security architecture and humanitarian crisis mitigation.

6. Antarctic Ozone Hole Continues Recovery — Fifth Smallest Since 1992

Category: Environment | GS Paper: 3 | Relevance: Environmental Recovery, International Environmental Agreements

Key Points:

• 2025 Antarctic ozone hole was fifth-smallest since 1992 monitoring began; averaged 18.71 million km² during peak depletion

• Peak extent on September 9: 22.86 million km² — approximately 30% smaller than record-largest hole in 2006

• Ozone layer breakup occurred nearly 3 weeks earlier than historical average, reflecting atmospheric shifts

• Lowest ozone concentration: 147 Dobson Units (October 6) vs record low of 92 Dobson Units (2006)

• Success attributed to Montreal Protocol (1987) and amendments phasing out CFCs and ozone-depleting chemicals

• Ozone-depleting substance concentrations dropped ~one-third since peaking around 2000

• Full recovery projected by late 2060s if current trends continue; weakened polar vortex in 2025 contributed to smaller hole

• Continuous monitoring via NASA’s Aura satellite and NOAA weather balloons

UPSC Insight: Demonstrates effectiveness of international environmental treaties; exemplifies global cooperation in tackling environmental crises; relevant for understanding ozone layer protection, UV radiation risks, and Montreal Protocol’s role in environmental governance.

7. Altermagnetism: A New Magnetic Phase Revolutionizing Information Technology

Category: Science & Technology | GS Paper: 3 | Relevance: Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology, Scientific Innovation

Key Points:

• Altermagnetism is a newly discovered third class of magnetic phase combining properties of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism

• Unlike ferromagnets (net magnetization but lose info near external fields) and antiferromagnets (no net magnetization), altermagnets have no net magnetization yet generate spin currents

• Potential applications: Information storage with 1000x faster read-write speeds than ferromagnets; zero information loss risk from external magnetic fields

• Discovery highlighted as one of 2024’s most important scientific breakthroughs; featured in The Economist and Stephen Colbert’s Late Show

• Found “hiding in plain sight” for 90+ years; initially mistaken for antiferromagnetic materials

• More altermagnetic materials identified than ferromagnetic materials, surprising the scientific community

• Published research appears in leading journals; AI-accelerated discovery identified 50 new altermagnetic materials

UPSC Insight: Demonstrates cutting-edge material science innovation; relevant for understanding next-generation data storage, spintronic devices, and technological breakthroughs that could reshape computing and telecommunications.

8. Operation Sagar Bandhu: India’s Humanitarian Response to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka

Category: Foreign Policy | GS Paper: 2 | Relevance: Neighbourhood First Policy, Humanitarian Assistance, Regional Cooperation

Key Points:

• India launched “Operation Sagar Bandhu” (November 28, 2025) following Cyclone Ditwah devastation in Sri Lanka

• Cyclone Ditwah claimed 80+ lives (DMC reported 61 deaths, 25 missing); ~44,000 people affected; 600+ homes damaged

• First relief consignment: C-130J aircraft delivered ~12 tonnes of humanitarian aid from IAF, landing in Colombo at 1:30 AM (Nov 28)

• Contents: Tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food, dry rations (4.5 tons), fresh rations (2 tons), staple foods, bakery products

• Naval deployment: INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) and INS Udaigiri (frontline warship) delivered additional supplies

• Prime Minister Modi conveyed condolences via X; emphasized India’s commitment under Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR

• Sri Lanka faced warnings of “unprecedented disaster” with Kelani and Attanagalu rivers at dangerous levels

UPSC Insight: Exemplifies India’s proactive disaster response under Neighbourhood First policy; demonstrates India’s capacity for rapid HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief); reinforces India’s role as a responsible regional stakeholder.

9. WHO Releases First Global Infertility Guideline — Calls for Affordable, Accessible Fertility Care

Category: Health & Social | GS Paper: 2 | Relevance: Global Health Governance, Reproductive Rights, Health Equity

Source: WHO

Key Points:

• World Health Organization issued first-ever global guideline on infertility prevention, diagnosis, and treatment (November 28, 2025)

• Infertility affects 1 in 6 people of reproductive age globally; major equity issue with millions facing financial hardship

• 40 recommendations covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment; promoting cost-effective options at every stage

• Economic burden: In many countries, single IVF cycle costs 2x average annual household income; tests largely funded out-of-pocket

• WHO Director-General Dr Tedros: “Infertility is one of the most overlooked public health challenges; millions forced to choose between having children and financial security”

• Key interventions: Integrate fertility services into national health strategies; address STIs and tobacco use as leading risk factors; promote lifestyle changes (diet, exercise)

• Clinical pathways: Progressive treatment from basic fertility promotion to IUI to IVF based on diagnosis and preferences

• Emphasized gender equality and reproductive rights as foundational to successful implementation

UPSC Insight: Significant global health governance development; highlights equity dimensions of healthcare; relevant for understanding reproductive health policies, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and India’s role in advancing global health standards.

10. “The ‘Impartiality’ of a Nominated Governor” — Federalism Under Scrutiny

Category: Polity/Governance | GS Paper: 2 | Relevance: Separation of Powers, Federalism, Constitutional Interpretation

Source: The Hindu Editorial Analysis 

Key Points:

• Supreme Court recently delivered advisory opinion on Article 200 and 201 (Governor’s discretion on Bills) — a pivotal federalism case

• Central issue: Recent SC ruling expanded gubernatorial discretion while removing enforceable timelines for bill assent

• Concerns raised: Governor’s appointment as nominated authority (not elected) raises impartiality questions when exercising discretion on democratically-passed Bills

• Constitutional tension: Unelected Governor vs elected State legislature; discretion as exception, not rule

• Sarkaria Commission (1988) and Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended transparent appointments with CM consultation to ensure neutrality

• Tamil Nadu case (2025) previously imposed 3-month timelines; new ruling backs away from fixed deadlines

• Implications: Federal friction intensifies when Governors can indefinitely withhold bills; threatens state autonomy and legislative efficiency

UPSC Insight: Critical for understanding cooperative federalism, separation of powers, and constitutional interpretation; highlights tension between executive discretion and representative democracy; directly relevant for Mains essays on federalism.

11. India’s Disaster Response: A Slippery Slope for Federalism

Category: Governance/Disaster Management | GS Paper: 2 | Relevance: Federalism, Disaster Management, Centre-State Relations

Source: The Hindu Editorial Analysis 

Key Points:

• Recent disaster responses (Cyclone Ditwah, monsoon-related incidents) reveal Centre-State coordination challenges

• Structural issues: Disaster management remains over-centralized; insufficient functional autonomy at district and local levels

• Fund disbursement delays: NDRF and SDRF allocations face complexity and bureaucratic hurdles, slowing recovery

• Centralization risks: When Union exercises excessive control in disasters, it can undermine State accountability and local decision-making capacity

• NDRF professionalization: While NDRF has evolved as world-class responder, integration with local governance remains weak

• Federalism concern: Disaster operations can become platform for Union to override state administration, setting precedent for normalized centralization

• Example: Village and Ward-level contingency plans must be state-driven; current system imposes top-down templates

• Recovery equity: Over-centralized funds mean marginalized communities in less-connected areas receive delayed assistance

UPSC Insight: Illustrates how emergency situations can stress federal architecture; relevant for understanding disaster management reforms post-2005 tsunami; demonstrates need for cooperative federalism in crisis response; connects to Disaster Management Act amendments.

12. Draft Seeds Bill 2025: Modernizing India’s Seed Regulatory Framework

Category: Agriculture & Law | GS Paper: 3 | Relevance: Agricultural Policy, Farmer Rights, Food Security

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/seed-bill-draft-market-curb-sale-centre-10363038/

Key Points:

• Union Agriculture Ministry released Draft Seeds Bill 2025 (November 2025) inviting public comments until December 11, 2025

• Bill aims to replace archaic Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds (Control) Order 1983; replaces two failed bills (2004, 2019)

• Mandatory registration of all seed varieties ensuring quality entry to market; centralized accreditation system proposed

• Central and State Seed Committees established: Central Committee (27 members) and State Committees (15 members)

• Quality standards: Minimum germination levels, genetic/physical purity, trait authentication, seed health norms

• Major offences/penalties: Sale of spurious/unregistered seeds — ₹30 lakh fine + imprisonment up to 3 years; search-and-seizure powers for inspectors

• Farmer protections: Bill reiterates rights to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds (except under brand names) — aligns with Seeds Act 1966 traditions

• Transparency & traceability: Enhanced accountability in seed supply chains; vests price control with Central Government

• Concerns: Critics argue reduced authority for ICAR and state agricultural universities; foreign organizations empowered for seed trials

UPSC Insight: Critical for understanding agricultural modernization; reflects balance between innovation, quality assurance, and farmer rights; relevant for agricultural policy, food security, and institutional reforms in India’s agri-sector.

PIB

The Hindu

Daily Insights