India Weekly News Roundup: Economic Growth, Policy Reforms, and National Developments

Last week in India was packed with developments that underline the nation’s pace of change. From new infrastructure projects and economic assessments to environmental reforms and demographic insights, every event highlighted a different side of India’s evolving story. The week reflected the country’s continuing growth momentum, its sustainability efforts, and its push for technological and policy innovation. Here’s a closer look at the most significant happenings that defined the week across sectors.

Major infrastructure development in Chhattisgarh

• On the occasion of the 25th Foundation Day of Chhattisgarh, the Prime Minister announced development projects totalling ₹14,260 crore and inaugurated the state’s new Legislative Assembly building. A statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also unveiled. As part of the event, the PM visited children treated for congenital heart disease under a public-health programme. This move underscores renewed development focus for the state.

Sharp drop in inflation

• According to a poll of economists, India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for October 2025 is projected to drop to about 0.48%, the lowest in more than a decade. The fall is driven by sharply lower food prices (vegetables, onions, potatoes, and broilers) and favorable base effects. Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) is estimated at ~4.3%.

• Separately, a report showed that the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian “thali” fell by up to 17 % year-on-year in October, and that of a non-vegetarian “thali” by around 12%, largely because of the drop in vegetable and pulses prices.

Manufacturing growth picks up while exports slow

• Data published show that in October 2025, the manufacturing sector’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 59.2 from 57.7 in September, signalling strong expansion driven by domestic demand, new clients and technology investments. At the same time, export growth weakened to a ten-month low. Employment expanded for the 20th straight month, though cost pressures remain from elevated freight and labor charges.

Fatal train collision near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

• On 4 November, a local passenger MEMU train collided with a stationary freight train near the Bilaspur–Katni section in Chhattisgarh. The crash resulted in at least 11 deaths and around 20 injuries. An initial probe indicates the accident occurred because the passenger train passed a red (danger) signal. An FIR has been filed against unidentified persons, and investigations are underway.

Uttar Pradesh plans a large investment event.

• The government of Uttar Pradesh has announced preparations for the “Ground Breaking Ceremony 5.0” (GBC 5.0) in the last week of November, targeting investment commitments of ₹5 lakh crore. The event is expected to be attended by some 4,000–5,000 people, including industry leaders and possibly the Prime Minister. A six-member organizing committee has been formed, and tenders have been floated for event management.

Bio-fuel push at global summit: India highlights ethanol-blending success

• India announced that it reached its target of blending 20 % ethanol in gasoline five years ahead of schedule and joined a global push (the “Belem 4×” initiative) at the COP30 climate summit to quadruple sustainable fuels worldwide by 2035. It reported that this has cut about 74 billion kg of carbon emissions and saved around US $12 billion in oil import costs. At the same time, vehicle users (especially with older engines) have raised concerns about reduced mileage and engine issues, and farmers are watching closely as increased crop use for ethanol could affect grain prices and food production.

Pollution dispute: Punjab government asks for closure of Zira distillery

• The Zira-based distillery and its associated ethanol project, run by Malbros International Pvt Ltd, has been deemed to have caused “significant environmental pollution” by the state government of Punjab in an affidavit submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The affidavit states that air, water, soil and public‐health norms were repeatedly violated and the distillery should be permanently shut, including a prohibition on the ethanol plant on the same premises. The matter is set for a hearing on 24 November 2025.

Centre rejects Haryana’s nominee list for key environmental appraisal bodies

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has rejected the list of nominees submitted by the state government of Haryana for the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). The reasons cited include non-compliance with eligibility norms under the EIA Notification, 2006 (such as age limits and required qualifications), and conflicts of interest; for instance, a nominee linked to real estate projects. The delay in proper appointments is said to be hindering environment-clearance work in ecologically sensitive zones in the state.

New deep-sea fishing reforms launched

• The central government rolled out a fresh regulatory framework for deep-sea fishing within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—roughly 2.02 million sq km—aimed at modernizing the sector and empowering smaller fishing operators. The reforms simplify licensing and operational norms for deep-sea vessels, emphasize the role of cooperatives and self-help groups, and aim to reduce reliance on large commercial intermediaries. They were introduced to align with the 2025–26 budget commitment, with the hope of boosting employment in coastal communities, increasing fish exports and ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources.

Report: India’s senior-citizen population to nearly double by 2050

• A recent government-data-based report shows that the share of elderly (60+) in India, which stood around 8.6 % in 2011, is projected to rise to about 19.5 % by 2050 meaning roughly 319 million older persons. If the definition is extended to all adults aged 45 and up, this group could make up around 40 % of India’s population by mid-century. Only about one in five seniors currently has health insurance, and around 70 % are financially dependent on family or a modest pension. The “silver economy” (goods & services consumed by older persons) already runs into tens of thousands of crores.

World Bank says India must push financial reforms to hit US$ 30 trillion target

• In its latest Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) report, the World Bank noted that India’s financial infrastructure (including its digital public infrastructure) has become more resilient and inclusive. Still, to achieve the ambitious goal of becoming a US $30 trillion economy by 2047, India must accelerate reforms in capital mobilization, deepen private-sector participation and streamline the financial sector further.

DBS Group Research report: India at a “pivotal juncture” for next two decades

• According to a new report titled “India 2025-40 Outlook: Pivotal Juncture,” India’s growth path up to 2040 will depend heavily on institutional reforms, human-capital development, and investment expansion. The projection is for average real GDP growth of about 6.7% annually from 2025 to 2040, outperforming China’s projected 3% over the same period.

Finance Minister urges confidence in India’s economy amid external scrutiny

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the public on 4 November, asking Indians to remain confident about India’s economic prospects and to resist being influenced by negative external commentary. She pointed to India’s decade of growth and stressed the importance of India-centric research, reforms and self-reliant mindsets.

Real-estate and housing market to grow 5-10% annually amid urbanisation

• Recent sector analysis indicates that India’s housing market is expected to see annual price increases of 5-10% in the near term, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation and policy support. The residential real estate sector is projected to become a US $10 trillion market by 2047.

The week’s news shows India balancing growth with sustainability, reform with inclusion, and ambition with long-term planning. As the country prepares for a new economic and social phase—through modern policies, digital integration, and demographic transitions—it continues to assert itself as a global leader in innovation and development. These stories together reveal not just short-term progress but the larger direction in which India is steadily moving.

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