India and Italy Advance Cooperation After High-Level Talks

India had a busy week marked by political activity, nationwide protests, environmental concerns, economic signals, and important diplomatic movements. From labour groups raising their voices to cities dealing with air-quality emergencies, the week reflected how fast the country’s priorities are shifting. At the same time, India continued to strengthen international partnerships and push forward with new infrastructure plans. Each development carried its own weight, offering a fuller picture of where the nation stands today and where it is heading.

India climbs to “major power” status in Asia

• According to the 2025 Asia Power Index, India has now earned the classification of a “major power,” ranking third overall after the United States and China. The ranking reflects improvements in India’s economic strength and resource base, investment prospects, and military capability. While defence-network metrics still lag, the overall assessment suggests growing global influence and increasing appeal for foreign investment. For those following geopolitics or business, this signals India’s rising clout and its shifting position in Asia’s power dynamics.

Markets show signs of recovery after a slow year

• After a challenging 2025 marked by underperformance across multiple asset classes, several major global investment banks, including Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs Group, are forecasting a rebound for Indian markets in the coming months.

• With stabilizing earnings and supportive policies expected to take effect, sentiment seems to be shifting positively. For investors and entrepreneurs, this could mean renewed capital flow, improved valuations, and a better environment for growth.

Public transport disruption in Nagpur: strike hits students, commuters

• On November 24, a sudden strike by employees of Aapli Bus in Nagpur disrupted daily life across the city. Drivers, conductors, and support staff protesting unpaid salaries, allowances, and delays under the 2024 Wage Act halted services without prior warning.

• With over 100 buses off the roads, many commuters, especially students from outer suburbs, had to resort to expensive auto rides or find alternate transport. Though services resumed by afternoon, the strike exposed vulnerabilities in urban transit systems and the precarious state of workers’ welfare.

Youth empowerment spotlight: National Jamboree 2025 begins in Lucknow

• The 19th edition of the National Jamboree of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, hosted in Lucknow from November 23 to 29, 2025, kicked off this week, returning to the city after 61 years. Under the theme “Sashakt Yuva Viksit Bharat” (Empowered Youth, Developed India), the jamboree brought together young participants from across India and abroad. The schedule includes cultural exchanges, community service, and outdoor activities, reinforcing values of leadership, national unity, and civic responsibility among the next generation.

Geopolitics in focus: Russia’s president to visit India soon

• In a major diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4–5, 2025. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation across trade, technology, defense, and broader international collaboration. The timing is significant, given global tensions and changing dynamics in energy and trade. Observers expect new agreements to be signed, which could impact India’s foreign relations, energy security, and strategic positioning.

Major nationwide protests over new labour laws

• After the government rolled out sweeping new labour codes, several of the country’s biggest trade unions launched widespread protests. Unions argue that the changes which consolidate older labour laws into four codes, threaten traditional job security, weaken collective bargaining and make layoffs easier. Many workers say the reforms favor big businesses at the expense of everyday employees.

Power-sector workers strike over privatisation and electricity bill proposals

• Separately, thousands of employees and engineers in the power sector staged protests across multiple states, objecting to the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 and ongoing privatisation efforts. Demonstrators warned that tariff hikes and reduced accountability could disproportionately hurt low-income households and farmers.

Severe air-pollution crisis sparks protests and public outrage in Delhi

• Air quality in the national capital plunged to dangerous levels last week, prompting public protests near India Gate. The city’s Air Quality Index reportedly crossed 400, putting large parts of Delhi in a “hazardous” zone. In response, local residents, many wearing masks, demanded urgent government intervention.

Government’s climate-adaptation financing under scrutiny amid global summit

• Ahead of the global climate talks at COP30, the Indian government emphasized adaptation as a priority for vulnerable communities. But domestically, budget allocations for its main climate-adaptation fund have reportedly dropped to zero in recent years. Critics warn that while India speaks loudly on climate commitments abroad, actual support for resilience and adaptation at home remains weak.

New mining push: Limestone blocks up for auction in Jammu

• As part of efforts to boost resource-based industries, the government initiated an auction to allocate seven limestone mining blocks in the northern territory of Jammu. The auction, launched under the amended mining regulation framework, is viewed as a push to accelerate mining activity and attract investment to the region.

Diplomatic advances: Bilateral cooperation moves after recent global summit

• During his return from the G20 Summit, Narendra Modi held crucial talks with his Italian counterpart on strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, defence and counter-terrorism financing. The discussions concluded with an agreement on a joint initiative aimed at reinforcing cooperation in these areas, signalling India’s growing international engagement.

Last week’s events showed a mix of progress, pressure, and public action. India’s global influence continues to grow, but domestic concerns around workers’ rights, pollution, and public services remain loud and clear. The mix of policy decisions, civic movements, and diplomatic activity highlights a country managing immediate challenges while pursuing long-term ambitions. As these stories evolve, they will shape India’s economic direction, social stability, and position in world affairs.

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